Search Well And Be Wise, Nor Believe

For There Below Ground Sits The Dark God, Strong To Call Men To Judgment; He Sees All, And Writes It In His Memory.

For By The Will Of The Gods Fate Hath Held Sway Since Ancient Days.

Misfortune Wandering The Same Track Lights Now Upon One And Now Upon Another.

Of All The Gods Only Death Does Not Desire Gifts.

Of All The Gods, Death Only Craves Not Gifts: Nor Sacrifice, Nor Yet Drink-offering Poured Avails; No Altars Hath He, Nor Is Soothed By Hymns Of Praise. From Him Alone Of All The Powers Of Heaven Persuasion Holds Aloof.