XLIV. The bone that has no marrow

THE bone that has no marrow;
        What ultimate for that?
It is not fit for table,
        For beggar, or for cat.

A bone has obligations,
        A being has the same;
A marrowless assembly
        Is culpabler than shame.

But how shall finished creatures
        A function fresh obtain? --
Old Nicodemus' phantom
        Confronting us again!