A sequel to that incident ’tween man and wife Is looked for by the mind of him who’s watched their life. The incident of man and wife recounted here Of each man’s soul and flesh the parable is, clear. 375 The wife the flesh is; man’s the soul; he’s wisdom, too; They’re emblems also of all good and evil, true. The two, of need, existing in this earthly home, By day and night at war are;--always quarrelsome. The wife requires her various household garniture, Her bed and board, her comfort, and her furniture. The flesh, like woman, to be gratified still seeks; Submissive sometimes; oft would play ambitious freaks. The soul has no idea, itself, of such instinct; But seeks to muse upon its love for God, distinct. 380 Existence is the secret of their constant war; The form in which ’tis waged thou’rt now about to hear. Had psychic indication proved sufficient sign, Material creation ’d been a useless coin. Is love for God thy thought, aim, wish, design, intent? To forms of worship, fasting, thou wilt yield assent. The gifts and little presents interchanged by friends, Are not their love’s pure essence. Signs they are, not ends. Mere outward witnesses, that simply testify Th’ affection’s feelings. These the heart, ’tis, sanctify. 385 For all men know that kindnesses bestowed by hand Are proofs of sympathy. Mind can this comprehend. A witness may speak falsely; also, may speak truth; Is sometimes drunk, with wine; sometimes, is urged by ruth. When wine is drunk, intoxications supervene; Its vapours rise into the head, erst so serene. Behold yon hypocrite! He fasts; he worships, prays; That he a man of God may seem. He’s not. Mere ways! Results of outward actions are of outward kind,— The signs of what is inward, working on the mind. 390 Grant unto us, O Lord, discernment to perceive What sign is true, which meant fond mortals to deceive! Suppose not that the senses with discernment plod; Discernment is the inner, gracious gift of God! Effect not being visible, we look to cause. We know that kindred moves to friendship, by fixed laws. But him, who judges by the light of God’s own truth, Effect and cause no longer hold a slave, forsooth. When love for God is lighted in the human heart, It fiercely burns; it suffers not effect’s dull smart. 395 No sign of love does it require to seek for, there; For love is love’s own sign, giv’n from the highest sphere. Details there are, far more, to make this theme complete. If wished for, each can find them. They’re not obsolete. Sense must be gathered from material, outward form; Some sense is patent; some is hard to find, difform. The indication’s feeble;--tree and water see;— How different, apparently, their natures be!