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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE LIMITATIONS OF KNOWLEDGE by EMPEDOCLES

First Line: FOR KNOWLEDGE MUST MAKE SHIFT BY NARROW WAYS
Last Line: YOU'LL LEARN WHAT SPRINGS FROM MORTAL WITS, -- NOT MORE.
Subject(s): KNOWLEDGE;

FOR Knowledge must make shift by narrow ways
To enter, here or there; and pains abound
Whose sudden visitation blunts our thought.
Each man, with eye particular beholding
Some corner of his momentary world,
Soon, like a wisp of smoke, flits up and away.
His chance experience fashions all his faith;
And, driven upon that random round, each boasts
The Universe laid bare! How hardly, then,
Shall eye or ear perceive or the grasp of mind
Reach out to wisdom! Therefore, here secluded,
You'll learn what springs from mortal wits, -- not more.



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