II. Verses for the Four Odes on the Afterfeast of Orusen

Four verses.

In the darkness Under Starlight

Waters from the deep abysses

Filled the lands, and fragrant flowers

Sprange to life and heard the music

Of the heavens which the Starlight

Shone upon the crystal waters.

On the shining crystal waters

Fell the pure and unmarred Starlight,

Light before the War in Heaven

Sent the Southern Star-host falling,

Falling to the misty isles

Where the ships of mankind founder.

Light unmarred by ancient conflict

Taught the strange and ancient peoples—

Stone-kings, and the Salamanders,

And the fathers of the giants—

Taught them how to speak and number

All the Eons Under Starlight.

So the shining of the Starlight

And the foot of Nankeinela,

Mankind’s Maker, First, Unfounded,

Waters brought, and life abundant;

Language too, and days in order,

Springing up from deep abysses.