Assay the words that you have written,
Examine those which now are stricken,
and ask if these you label "old"
Are truthfully distasteful, cold.
I think not.
Are those you would proclaim most clear
More apt to catch the faithfuls ear
And tune his body to the role
Of kinship with a contrite soul?
I think not.
Has "thee" and "thou" produced a fear
That God will state he cannot hear,
When pious people say his praise
In humble lucid ancient ways?
I think not.