[EN] A song inspired from a philosophical text from Sir Thomas Browne, a 17th century English author versed in the esoteric. He describes the cyclicality of existence, just like the serpent Ouroboros biting on his own tail; all that which sleeps shall eventually wake, and the frontier between these two states is a mere illusion.

 

[FR] Inspiré de l’ouvrage du même nom de Sir Thomas Browne, un ésotériste du 17ème siècle, qui décrit le caractère cyclique de l’existence à l’image du serpent Ouroboros qui se mord la queue : tout ce qui s’endort finira par se réveiller et la frontière entre deux états n’est qu’illusoire.

 

All things began in order

So shall they end, so shall they begin again

According to the Ordainer of Order

And mystical Mathematicks of the City of Heaven.

 

That the first day should make the last,

(that) the Tail of the Snake (should) return into its Mouth

Is indeed a remarkable Coincidence,

 

Life in but a shadow of death, Sun is but a dark simulacrum

Aspis spires, Serpent's order, Ouroboros

 

But the Quincunx of Heaven runs low, and 'tis time to close the five ports of knowledge;

 

We are unwilling to spin out our awaking thoughts

Into the phantasms of sleep,

Which often continueth præcogitations;

Making Cables of Cobwebbes and Wildernesses of handsome Groves.

 

There is little encouragement

To dream of Paradise itself.

Nor will the sweetest delight of Gardens

Afford much comfort in sleep;

Wherein the dulnesse of that sense

Shakes hands with delectable odours;

And though in the Bed of Cleopatra,

Can hardly with any delight

Raise up the ghost of a Rose.

 

But who can be drowsie at that hour

Which freed us from everlasting sleep?

Or have slumbering thoughts at that time,

When sleep itself must end,

As some conjecture all shall awake again?

 

                                                                                  (adapted from sir Thomas Browne)