An Addendum on Man

An optimistic gentleman opined
That man's the proper study of mankind.
And, noting that the ways of Godhead ran
Not always by convenience of Man,
He did his best to justify for him
The divagations of the holy whim;
Which led him ultimately to declare
That anything which is, is right - so there.

Three centuries have nearly gone their way,
With famines, wars and sundry other play.
The optimistic gents, and ladies too
(Their Maker's very image, it is true),
Still grin upon the victims in their plight
And see what is, and say that it is right.
The study made, behold the human race:
Itself its own jest, riddle, and disgrace.

Alexander Pip