A Parable, 1

There was a certain man who thought to raise
A temple reaching well-nigh to the skies;
And well, indeed, his plans he did devise.
And solidly and firmly wrought the base,
And worked with a brave heart for many days.
And when the walls to a great height did rise.
Fair things he put therein, and with proud eyes
Watched men in wonder on the structure gaze.

"Surely the gods," he said, " my labors bless."
And higher still, and higher did he build;
The temple with pure images he filled, —
When, lo! it reeled; and, crushed beneath the press
Of tottering walls and towers, he buried fell!
Yet, do I think he planned, and builded well.