To the Old Pagan Religion

OR

Olympian Gods! how can I let ye goAnd pin my faith to this new Christian creed?Can I resign the deities I knowFor him who on a cross for man did bleed?

How in my weakness can my hopes dependOn one lone God, though mighty be his pow'r?Why can Jove's host no more assistance lend,To soothe my pains, and cheer my troubled hour?

Are there no Dryads on these wooded mountsO'er which I oft in desolation roam?Are there no Naiads in these crystal founts?Nor Nereids upon the Ocean foam?

Fast spreads the new; the older faith declines.The name of Christ resounds upon the air.But my wrack'd soul in solitude repinesAnd gives the Gods their last-receivèd pray'r.