When Heaven’s harmony you see
How can you doubt control divine,
Law, order and design?’
‘Nay, Sire,’ said I, ‘I do not doubt
The spheres in cosmic pattern spin;
But what I try to puzzle out
Is that–if Law and Order win
Where does mere man come in?
‘If to the millionth of a hair
Cause and Effect are welded true,
Then there’s no leeway anywhere,
And all we do we have to do,
And sun and atom too.’
O Stars, sing in your harmony!
O Constellations raptly shine!
Flout me because I am not free,
Mock me because no choice is mine!
O Beauty, it so hurts to see!
–O damnable Design!