William Johnson Fox (1786–1864)

“MAKE us a god,” said man;

Power first the voice obeyed;

And soon a monstrous form

Its worshippers dismayed;

Uncouth and huge, by nations rude adored,

With savage rites and sacrifice abhorred.

“Make us a god,” said man;

Art next the voice obeyed;

Lovely, serene, and grand,

Uprose the Athenian maid;

The perfect statue, Greece with wreathèd brows,

Adores in festal rites and lyric vows.

“Make us a god,” said man:

Religion followed Art,

And answered, “Look within;

God is in thine own heart—

His noblest image there, and holiest shrine,

Silent revere—and be thyself divine.”