Snub-nosed, bone-fingered, deft with engraving tools,

I have alone been given

The powers of Joshua, who stayed the sun

In its traverse of heaven.

Here in this Gotham of unnumbered fools

I have sought out and arrested everyone.

Under my watchful eye all human creatures

Convert to a still life,

As with unique precision I apply

White lead and palette knife.

A model student of remodelled features,

The final barber, the last beautician, I.

You lordlings, what is Man, his blood and vitals,

When all is said and done?

A poor forked animal, a nest of flies.

Tell us, what is this one

Once shorn of all his dignities and titles,

Divested of his testicles and eyes?