[BNP/E3, 78A – 32-33]

Documents of Mental Decadence.

Be it so!

Be it so; we are sundered for ever­ -

     I and life's happy and sane.

My nature and theirs did us sever;

     Nought can unite us again.

Again? We were never unparted,

     Differently destined and born­ -

They born to be light– and stout‑hearted,

     I to be painèd and worn.

Be it so; we for ever are sundered!

     What would the normal with me?

My own inner reason hath wondered

     Trembling at its misery.

I give me all over to terror

     All unto madness and woe;

I yield up my thoughts unto error.

     'Twas to be so; be it so!

[33^r]

Be it so – 2.

Of my thoughts I no longer am master,

     Ceasing is now all control.

My mind doth decay: take your pasture

     Ravings, ye worms of the soul!

Alexander Search

April 20^th. 1908.