The epicycles and eccentrics of

The Ptolemaic system we ignore,

Counting their study nothing but a bore

(Unless we share the antiquary’s love).

The gods who fought and mated high above

On old Olympus, we do not adore;

Nor do we think that we must learn their lore

As in the days men sacrificed to Jove.

Copernicus’s theory of the sun

Is fervently believed by all of us;

Yet few of us believe that God is one.

For though theology’s Copernicus

Gave proof at Sinai, we refuse to yield:

We like our laws discovered, not revealed.