The Third Man

I am an old man, Sir, and blind, A child of darkness since my birth. I cannot even call to mind The beauty of the scheme of earth.

Therefore I sought to understand A secret hid from mortal eyes, So in a far and fragrant land I talked with men accounted wise,

And I implored the Indian priest For wisdom from his holy snake, Yet am no wiser in the least, And have not seen the darkness break.