HUMANITY

Last night an infidel wine-vendor said to me
"Attend to the wise counsel I give and hold fast
To it. The custom of the drinkers of the past
Was to go from the tavern drunk quite merrily,
But in their senses still. I do not ask that you
Should not say your heart’s say; but say it with all due
Respect and only drink what you can carry well.
As for God’s role, O it is grand; but let me tell
You, dust that we are, striving is our quality:
I would not barter it for God’s finality."