The Maker of the stars and worlds + 

Sat underneath the market cross, + 

And the old men were walking, walking, + 

And little boys played pitch and toss. + 

“The props,” said He, “of stars and worlds + 

Are prayers of patient men and good.” + 

The boys, the women, and old men, + 

Listening, upon their shadows stood. + 

A grey professor passing cried, + 

“How few the mind’s intemperance rule! + 

What shallow thoughts about deep things! + 

The world grows old and plays the fool.” + 

The mayor came, leaning his deaf ear⁠— + 

There was some talking of the poor⁠— + 

And to himself cried, “Communist!” + 

And hurried to the guard-house door. + 

The bishop came with open book, + 

Whispering along the sunny path; + 

There was some talking of man’s god, + 

His god of stupor and of wrath. + 

The bishop murmured, “Atheist! + 

How sinfully the wicked scoff!” + 

And sent the old men on their way, + 

And drove the boys and women off. + 

The place was empty now of people. + 

A cock came by upon his toes; + 

An old horse looked across a fence, + 

And rubbed along the rail his nose. + 

The Maker of the stars and worlds + 

To His own house did him betake, + 

And on that city dropped a tear, + 

And now that city is a lake. + 