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‘ ‘ ² Åü¿Â 
 
‘ ‘ ² Åü¿Â 
 
This is th’ abyss !  Implacable disease 
Springs from the black defilement of that kiss, 
That foul embrace that moulds these agonies. 
This is th’ abyss !   
 
A serpent was my whore ;  her hellish hiss, 
Her slaver venoms soul and strength ;  life flees 
Repugnant from the corpse-caress.  Ah, this 
 
Rots blood and body ;  see, the liquor’s lees 
I drained, whose pangs are fierce with Syphilis. 
Christ God, damn soul, but quench the pain of these ! 
This is th’ abyss ! 
 
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This is th’ abyss.  Behold wherein I lurk 
The lazar-house my mind, wherein do work 
The horrid charnel-priests, whose loathly song 
Sickens my soul, and quells the spirit strong. 
Hell-fire within my heart ! and poisoned blood 
Through every vein and artery pours a flood