Definition of Heathen

  'The Hebrews are heathens!' says Howison.  He's
      A Christian philosopher.  I'm
  A scurril agnostical chap, if you please,
      Addicted too much to the crime
      Of religious discussion in my rhyme.

  Though Hebrew and Howison cannot agree
      On a modus vivendi -- not they! --
  Yet Heaven has had the designing of me,
      And I haven't been reared in a way
      To joy in the thick of the fray.

  For this of my creed is the soul and the gist,
      And the truth of it I aver:
  Who differs from me in his faith is an 'ist,
      And 'ite, an 'ie, or an 'er --
      And I'm down upon him or her!

  Let Howison urge with perfunctory chin
      Toleration -- that's all very well,
  But a roast is 'nuts' to his nostril thin,
      And he's running -- I know by the smell --
      A secret and personal Hell!

Bissell Gip