Theme by uncounted thousands written,

In Sanscrit, Greek, Teutonic, Latin;

Theme that bewildered all their senses,

Theme on which vapory thought condenses;

Stupendous, contradictory, thrilling,

A most mysterious part fulfilling;

An endless night that has no morning,

Though millions tear-dimmed wait its dawning;

A theme divine, in doubt distressing,

A curse to some, to more a blessing;

Where life began—and where it ceases?

The more we think the light decreases.

Conflicting doubts half smother reason,

Which complicates with age and season,

Until, with aching brain confessing,

The greatest sage returns to guessing.

Happy that simple-hearted creature

Who in the Bible finds a teacher.