That so much time was wasted in this pain. Ten thousand years ago he might have let off down To not return again! A dreadful laugh at last escapes his lips; The laughter sets him free. A Fool lives in the Universe! he cries. The Fool is me! And with one final shake of laughter Breaks his bonds. The nails fall skittering to marble floors. And Christ, knelt at the rail, sees miracle As Man steps down in amiable wisdom To give himself what no one else can give: His liberty.
Ray Douglas Bradbury
If many dread you, then beware of many.
Decimus Magnus Ausonius
Following daily such a dread- ful trade to earn a living, With every second on that cliff So cruel and unforgiving,
Alan Brownjohn