FRAGMENTS OF A LOST GNOSTIC POEM OF THE TWELFTH CENTURY

by: Herman Melville (1819-1891)

OUND a family, build a state,

The pledged event is still the same:

Matter in end will never abate

His ancient brutal claim.

 

Indolence is heaven's ally here,

And energy the child of hell:

The Good Man pouring from his pitcher clear

But brims the poisoned well.

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