Chapter XLVIII

This Poem disclaims any attempt at settling religious difficulties. The verses are of "sorrow born," the result of private grief; and if misunderstood, and open to the charge of attempting to solve such grave questions of doubt as affect some minds, they would deserve the scorn of men.

Sorrow does not undertake severe argument; but if a "slender shade of doubt" flits before it, it would make this doubt a "vassal unto love," and yield to Love's supreme authority.

Love ought to be our ruler and guide, and these lays of sadness are merely

"Short swallow-flights of song, that dip
Their wings in tears, and skim away."