Tara

32 Justice

1	A Philosopher standing upon a shoreline, observed the recent wreckage of a vessel.
2	As he stood and counted the bodies and observed the crabs and carrion,
3	He reflected thus: Oh providence! What heavy hand of justice that for the sake of one night and one voyage,
4	You would condemn so many innocent souls to the Otherworld.
5	At that moment, he felt a sting on his leg from an Ant defending his nest.
6	For below his feet he had been standing on an Ant nest causing them great consternation.
7	The Philosopher immediately set about not only killing the Ant that offended him,
8	But stomping fiercely upon the nest until all the Ants were dead.
9	When he had finished and did survey his handiwork, a fierce pain gripped his leg as a viper struck.
10	The Viper said to him: Your fierce steps awoke me only to see your vengeance upon these lowly Ants.
11	Thus, by your actions I had no choice.
12	The Philosopher gripping his leg and the mortal wound did reply thus: I forgive you Viper.
13	For but a moment I insulted heaven and judged as if a terrible god.
14	And in judging heaven unfairly, I did condemn myself to be judged.