I knew you and your fathers before you, a broken reed to lean upon!
In my old age and bitter need there is little comfort in you!
My curse upon you, watchers that sleep! My curse upon you, sleepers, dreamers of dreams!
The Fifth Watcher: A curse upon you yourself, old man! Be accursed, crowned carrion, lapdog, clown!
Is it not you who have brought us to this pass?
Curse you, and curse all men who have power in their hands,
Who have power in their hands, O God, and do not know how to use it!
Why do you come to break our sleep and keep our eyes from slumber?
You curse me, do you, old phantom? And I throw back your curse in your teeth!
A curse on your royal race, temporal King, on the office that you hold, on the system that permits your impotent sway!