Page:Sir Walter Raleigh by Thoreau, Henry David,.djvu/125

 9. THE SOUL'S ERRAND

Go, soul, the body's guest,

Upon a thankless errand;

Fear not to touch the best

The truth shall be thy warrant

Go, since I needs must die,

And give them all the lie.

Go, tell the court it glows,

And shines like painted wood;

Go, tell the church it shews

What's good, but does no good.

If court and church reply,

Give court and church the lie.

Tell potentates, they live

Acting, but O their actions!

Not lov'd, unless they give;

Nor strong, but by their factions.

If potentates reply,

Give potentates the lie.