IX
We are still young enough to take delight
In wickedness for wickedness' sole sake.
Eve did not fall because she knew aright
The fruit an apple, but the snake a snake.
Nor shall we sink among the foolish throng
That seek an end, but rise among the few
Who do the strong thing because they are strong
And care not why they do, so that they do.
Therefore we wear our dread iniquity
Even as an aureole, therefore we attain
Measureless heights of nameless ecstasy,
Measureless depths of unimagined pain
Mingled in one initiating kiss
That those dissolve in the athanor of this.
In wickedness for wickedness' sole sake.
Eve did not fall because she knew aright
The fruit an apple, but the snake a snake.
Nor shall we sink among the foolish throng
That seek an end, but rise among the few
Who do the strong thing because they are strong
And care not why they do, so that they do.
Therefore we wear our dread iniquity
Even as an aureole, therefore we attain
Measureless heights of nameless ecstasy,
Measureless depths of unimagined pain
Mingled in one initiating kiss
That those dissolve in the athanor of this.
— 11 —
