the over logical fell for the witch

whose arguments converted him to stone

thieves rapidly absorbed the over-rich;

the over-popular went mad alone,

and kisses brutalised the over-male.

as agents their effectiveness soon ceased

yet, in proportion as they seemed to fail,

their instrumental value was increased

to those still able to obey their wish.

by standing stones the blind can feel their way,

wild dogs compel the cowardly to fight,

beggars assist the slow to travel light,

and even madmen manage to convey

unwelcome truths in lonely gibberish.

Auden, “The Useful”

Skiriama paslaptingam gerbėjui nupirkusiam Audeno knygą Kalėdoms.