Page:The Works of Lord Byron (ed. Coleridge, Prothero) - Volume 1.djvu/266

226 7.

Shall each pretend to reach the skies,

Yet doom his brother to expire,

Whose soul a different hope supplies,

Or doctrines less severe inspire?

8.

Shall these, by creeds they can't expound,

Prepare a fancied bliss or woe?

Shall reptiles, groveling on the ground,

Their great Creator's purpose know?

9.

Shall those, who live for self alone,

Whose years float on in daily crime—

Shall they, by Faith, for guilt atone,

And live beyond the bounds of Time?

10.

Father! no prophet's laws I seek,—

Thy laws in Nature's works appear;—

I own myself corrupt and weak,

Yet will I pray for thou wilt hear!