Chapter IX

Oh to be idle loving idleness! But I am idle all in hate of me; Ever in action’s dream, in the false stress Of purposed action never set to be. Like a fierce beast self-penned in a bait-lair, My will to act binds with excess my action, Not-acting coils the thought with raged despair, And acting rage doth paint despair distraction. Like someone sinking in a treacherous sand, Each gesture to deliver sinks the more; The struggle avails not, and to raise no hand, Though but more slowly useless, we’ve no power. Hence live I the dead life each day doth bring, Repurposed for next day’s repurposing.