The Star in the West

166 THE STAR IN THE WEST Here's why Creation jumps at prayer . You Christians quote me in a breath This , that , the other atheist's death ; How they sought God ! Of course ! Impair By just a touch of fever , chill, My health - where flies my vivid will ? My carcass with quinine is crammed ; I wish South India were damned ; I wish I had my mother's nursing , Find precious little use in cursing , And slide to leaning on another , God , or the doctor , or my mother . But , dare you quote my fevered word For better than my health averred ? The brainish fancies of a man Hovering on delirium's brink : Shall these be classed his utmost span ? All that he can or ought to think ? No ! the strong man and self -reliant Is the true spiritual giant . I blame no weaklings , but decline To take their maunderings for mine .? We will now end the poet's utter contempt for this worn-out old creed with the following : Vex My soul no more with mistranslations From Genesis to Revelations , But leave me with the Flaming Star Jeheshua (see thou Zohar !) And thus our formidable Pigeon Lamb -and -old -Gentleman religion Fizzles in smoke , and I am found Attacking nothing 2 1 Sword of Song, Ascension Day, vol . ii , pp . 160, 161. ? Ibid . vol . ii, p. 162.