異教徒

解説

付記

「ヘブライ人は異教徒だ！」とハウイソンは言う。 彼はキリスト教哲学者。 私は卑俗な不可知論者―― 詩の中で宗教を語る罪に耽る者。 彼とヘブライは折り合えぬ。 だが天は私をこのように造った。 私の信条はただ一つ―― 「私と信仰を異にする者は、 “○○主義者”“○○派”あるいは“○○人”だ」 私は必ず彼／彼女に噛みつく。 ハウイソンは「寛容」を説く。 だが鼻先で“焼肉”の匂いを嗅ぎ分けるように、 彼もまた“個人的な地獄”を運営している。 ―― ビッセル・ギップ

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Original

A benighted creature who has the folly to worship something that he can see and feel. According to Professor Howison, of the California State University, Hebrews are heathens.

Additional notes

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