The Wild Knight and Other Poems/The Fish

Dark the sea was: but I saw him, One great head with goggle eyes, Like a diabolic cherub Flying in those fallen skies.

I have heard the hoarse deniers, I have known the wordy wars; I have seen a man, by shouting, Seek to orphan all the stars.

I have seen a fool half-fashioned Borrow from the heavens a tongue, So to curse them more at leisure - - And I trod him not as dung.

For I saw that finny goblin Hidden in the abyss untrod; And I knew there can be laughter On the secret face of God.

Blow the trumpets, crown the sages, Bring the age by reason fed! (He that sitteth in the heavens, 'He shall laugh' - the prophet said.)