In the depths of their shared destitution
And the hardship of their northward exodus
Our ancestors found new wisdom
As more refugees joined the three survivors on this island
And children started to be born
They turned their minds to the preservation of that wisdom
That their progeny might survive and know the truths of the world
Attend the Psalms of the Sentinel
The seeds of avarice germinate, in time, within every generation
Every man and every nation
Such execrable growths must be taken up by the roots
What shall we do with the snake in the garden?
Cut off its head!
A ship lost in violent seas has but two hopes
Strong hands on the helm, and sharp eyes on the compass
What aid do the heavens provide when death walks among us?
Two feet to flee upon!
The path from cradle to grave is tortuous
A wise traveler will keep their companions close
For what is crueler than wandering?
To wander alone!
Attend the Psalms of the Gravedigger
At the first and the last, and on all the dark days in between
All humanity prays the same prayer to the same immortal
From this prayer comes every other
What is the first prayer?
Spare me, oh death
Many thousands have gone
Only a small remnant survives
Ever shall the part grieve the loss of the whole
Where are the lost ones?
Gone, and no returning, but we remember them
Where can one know love without grief?
On a distant shore
Attend the Psalms of the Teacher
Every life has an ending
Every human being will have a final day
How shall we endeavor to meet ours?
Knowing that we have done what is right
Trouble not with worldly possessions
For all that is made must one day be unmade
Who can hold the things of this earth forever?
Death, and death alone
Remember the ultimate destiny of all things that walk
What is the course of civilization's march?
From dark, to light, to dark again