第19章

(1914)

EACH nation as it draws the sword And flings its standard to the air Petitions piously the Lord--Vexing the void abyss with prayer.

O irony too deep for mirth!

O posturing apes that rant, and dare This antic attitude! O Earth, With your wild jest of wicked prayer!

I dare not laugh . . . a rising swell Of laughter breaks in shrieks somewhere--No doubt they relish it in Hell, This cosmic jest of Earth at prayer!