The Problem

   Shall we conceal the Case, or tell it -

      We who believe the evidence?

   Here and there the watch-towers knell it

      With a sullen significance,

Heard of the few who hearken intently and carry an eagerly upstrained

sense.

   Hearts that are happiest hold not by it;

      Better we let, then, the old view reign;

   Since there is peace in it, why decry it?

      Since there is comfort, why disdain?

Note not the pigment the while that the painting determines

humanity's joy and pain!