And I desired not to be like the sluggard. So I observed the diligent. I watched them drink from the lake of death, and take sip upon sip of what would be their demise. I watched in aversion as they feasted without thought. For they, the diligent who have overcome inertia, have manifested, of their own action, avarice, and have forgone contemplation. And soon death would gain wings and be delivered by their own brethren. I watched carefully and became lulled into thought: that it would be better to lie still than to be swallowed up by Cygnus. Maybe, then, melancholia has its merit, for those that are obstinate of action are to avoid much misery? I concluded my thoughts and observation in that moment. And in a few days they would go the way of all flesh.