 | The collected works of Ambrose Bierce |  |
THE GENESIS OF CRIME
God said, “Let there be Crime,” and the commandBrought Satan, leading Stoneman by the hand.
“Why, that's Stupidity, not Crime,” said God—
“Bring what I ordered.” Satan with a nod
Replied, “This is one element—when I
The other—Opportunity—supply
In just equivalent, the two'll affine
And in a chemical embrace combine
And Crime result; for Crime can only be
Stupiditate of Opportunity.”
So leaving Stoneman (not as yet endowed
With soul) in special session on a cloud,
Nick to his sooty laboratory went,
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“Here's Opportunity,” he said, and put
Pen, ink and paper down at Stoneman's foot.
He seized them—Heaven was filled with fires and thunders,
And Crime was added to Creation's wonders!
| The collected works of Ambrose Bierce | |