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Litany to Satan

(From Baudelaire)

O grandest of the Angels, and most wise,
O fallen God, fate-driven from the skies,
Satan, at last take pity on our pain.


O first of exiles who endurest wrong,
Yet growest, in thy hatred, still more strong,
Satan, at last take pity on our pain!


O subterranean King, omniscient,
Healer of man’s immortal discontent,
Satan, at last take pity on our pain.


To lepers and to outcasts thou dost show
That Passion is the Paradise below.
Satan, at last take pity on our pain.


Thou by thy mistress Death hast given to man
Hope, the imperishable courtesan.
Satan, at last take pity on our pain.

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