The Fish

Dark the sea was: but I saw him,One great head with goggle eyes,Like a diabolic cherubFlying in those fallen skies.

I have heard the hoarse deniers,I have known the wordy wars;I have seen a man, by shouting,Seek to orphan all the stars.

I have seen a fool half-fashionedBorrow from the heavens a tongue,So to curse them more at leisure -- And I trod him not as dung.

For I saw that finny goblinHidden in the abyss untrod;And I knew there can be laughterOn the secret face of God.

Blow the trumpets, crown the sages,Bring the age by reason fed!(He that sitteth in the heavens,'He shall laugh' - the prophet said.)