In the name of everything, and not

Of the appearances that the dream of custom brings,

But of everything as it actually is, and in the name of truth and reason,

I place this crown on my head.

(He puts the crown on his head.

To-day for the first time the king of men uplifts a head encircled with gold!

Yes, and thereat eternity may take a voice and lament. She shall not shake my royal heart.

For what can chaos itself and the night of creation avail

Against the man whose soul in the uttermost depths of shadow, in the crowning horror of silence, stands firm

And fears neither pain nor death?