The serpent dips his head beneath the sea br His mother, source of all his energy br Eternal, thence to draw the strength he needs br On earth to do indomitable dees br Once more; and they, who saw but understood br Naught of his nature of beatitude br Were awed: they murmured with abated breath; br Alas the Master; so he sinks in death. br But whoso knows the mystery of man br Sees life and death as curves of one same plan.