The first Eternal Mind was law to all,
And did the Universe to being call:
Next, of the First-born forth was chaos spread
And thirdly, soul on task of labour sped:
But it in vesture thin, and slight array,
O'ercome with toil, to death becomes a prey.
At one time regnant it beholds the light;
Then soon laments, cast down in piteous plight.
'Tis hazard all: now joy, now grief, befalls;
And now it dies, and now fresh life recalls.
In never-ending labyrinth of woes
It, wretched, hither now, now hither goes.
Then Jesus spake: On earth, O Father, see
How things have strayed in dire perplexity
Far from Thy Breath: how floods of evil roll,
And in base matter overwhelm the soul!
Escape it seeks from bitter woe all round,
But knows not where a passage may be found.
O Father, Me upon this errand send:
Bearing Thy seals, I will the depths descend;
Throughout whole ages I will make my way,
All mysteries of darkness turn to day;
And godlike forms I thenceforth will display:
Forth Knowledge I will call to quell all strife,
And upward show the holy paths of life.