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| DEEP in an ancient forest a huge stone idol stood, | |
| Where thronged the dusky worshipers in gratitude for good; | |
| With humble hearts in rudest strains they praised their god benign: | |
| Serene in measureless repose the idol gave no sign. | |
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| In times of sorest trial their chieftain oft would pray | 5 |
| That there might fall upon his path some guiding heavenly ray: | |
| “Out of thy wisdom manifold let but one word be mine!” | |
| Serene in measureless repose the idol gave no sign. | |
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| When dire disaster smote the tribe or famine’s toll was paid, | |
| The trembling people bowed to earth and sought the idol’s aid, | 10 |
| Or, frenzied, cursed its stony smile and changeless brow malign: | |
| Serene in measureless repose the idol gave no sign. | |
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| Grave priests declared, “Yon sits the god who heeds no man’s behest. | |
| Ye cannot see, ye must not know, yet all is for the best; vain are tears, in vain is praise, yet worship the divine!” | |
| Serene in measureless repose the idol gave no sign. | 15 |
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| Behold a wretch despairing fled before the painted foe: | |
| With sobbing breath the victim fell—he could no further go. | |
| Ah!—Would that dark libation were but of crimson wine! | |
| Serene in measureless repose the idol gave no sign. | |
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| Pass seasons, years, long centuries. The people die away. | 20 |
| Amid a dwindling forest rots a crumbling image gray, | |
| Now but a formless bulk of rock draped in a living vine. | |
| Serene in measureless repose the idol gives no sign. | |
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