Last night, as one who hears a tragic jest, 
I woke from dreams, half-laughing, half in tears; 
Methought that I had journeyed in the spheres 
And stood upon the Planet of the Blest 
And found thereon a folk who prayed with zest 
Exceeding, and through all their painful years 
Like strong souls struggled on 'mid hopes and fears; 
"Where dwell the gods," they said, "we shall find rest." 
The gods? What gods, I thought, are those who so 
Inspire their worshippers with faith that flowers 
Immortal? and who make them keep aglow 
The flames forever on their altar-towers? 
"Where dwell these gods of yours?" I asked--and lo! 
They pointed upwards to this earth of ours!