Versos English Ambrose Bierce Genesis

English poem

Genesis

by (1842–1914)

Listen in the reader

God said, "Let there be Crime," and the command Brought Satan, leading Stoneman by the hand. "Why, that's Stupidity, not Crime," said God-- "Bring what I ordered." Satan with a nod Replied, "This is one element--when I The other--Opportunity--supply In just equivalent, the two'll affine And in a chemical embrace combine And Crime result--for Crime can only be Stupiditate of Opportunity." So leaving Stoneman (not as yet endowed With soul) in special session on a cloud, Nick to his sooty laboratory went, Returning soon with t'other element. "Here's Opportunity," he said, and put Pen, ink, and paper down at Stoneman's foot. He seized them--Heaven was filled with fires and thunders, And Crime was added to Creation's wonders!