Aleister Crowley

“ HOUSEHOLD GODS THE SCENE is at the hearth of CRASSUS, where is a little bronze altar dedicated to the Lares and Penates. A pale flame rises from the burning sandal-wood, on which CRASSUS throws benzoin and musk. He is standing in deep dejection.
CRASSUS.
Smoke without fire!
No thrill of tongues licks up
The offerings in the cup.
Dead falls desire. ”

“ Must be gone through again.
It is sure your chastity's unstained by crime;
You do the wrong thing just at the right time!
CRASSUS.
Why do you taunt me? All the wood is spring's,
And love is hovering o'er us with his wings. ”

“ CRASSUS.
O marvel! O miraculous!
ADELA.
What is it? Why, my lover's life, in me
Once concentrated, now diffused, illumes
The endless reaches of eternity
With infinite brilliance, with intense perfumes. ”

“ Let life exclaim
Against these things of spirit,
Mankind that disinherit
Of love's pure flame!
[He bends before the altar and begins to weep.]
Ye household gods!
By these male tears I swear
That ye shall grant this prayer.
All things at odds
Shall be put straight -
Harmonized, reconciled
By some appointed child
Of some far Fate!
[A curtain has been drawn aside during this invocation, and
ALICIA advances. She smiles subtly upon him; and, giving a
strange gesture, makes one or two noiseless steps of dancing.] ”