[T]hen all collapsed, and the great shroud of the sea rolled on as it rolled five thousand years ago. - Herman Melville

At the height of their madness
The night winds pause,
Recollecting themselves;
But no lull in these wars.

Not one man in five cycles, who is wise, will expect appreciative recognition from his fellows, or any one of them. Appreciation! Recognition! Is love appreciated? Why, ever since Adam, who has got to the meaning of this great allegory — the world? Then we pigmies must be content to have our paper allegories but ill comprehended.

An uncommon prudence is habtual with the subtler depravity, for it has everything to hide.