Aleister Crowley

Household Gods Aleister Crowley

THE SCENE is at the hearth of CRASSUS, where is a little bronze altar dedicated to the Lares and Penates. A pale flame rises from the burning sandal-wood, on which CRASSUS throws benzoin and musk. He is standing in deep dejection. CRASSUS. Smoke without fire! No thrill of tongues licks up The offerings in the cup. Dead falls desire. Black smoke thou art, O altar-flame, that dost dismember, Devour the hearth, to leave no ember To warm this heart.