[53]

22

{Kappa-Epsilon-Phi-Alpha-Lambda-Eta Kappa-Beta}

THE DESPOT

The waiters of the best eating-houses mock the whole world; they estimate every client at his proper value.

This I know certainly, because they always treat me with profound respect. Thus they have flattered me into praising them thus publicly.

Yet it is true; and they have this insight because they serve, and because they can have no personal interest in the affairs of those whom they serve. An absolute monarch would be absolutely wise and good.

But no man is strong enough to have no interest. Therefore the best king would be Pure Chance. It is Pure Chance that rules the Universe; therefore, and only therefore, life is good.

[54]

COMMENTARY ({Kappa-Beta})

Comment would only mar the supreme simplicity of this chapter.

[55]

23

{Kappa-Epsilon-Phi-Alpha-Lambda-Eta Kappa-Gamma}

SKIDOO

What man is at ease in his Inn?

Get out.

Wide is the world and cold.

Get out.

Thou hast become an in-itiate.

Get out.

But thou canst not get out by the way thou camest in. The Way out is THE WAY.

Get out.

For OUT is Love and Wisdom and Power.(12)

Get OUT.

If thou hast T already, first get UT.(13)

Then get O.

And so at last get OUT.

[56]

COMMENTARY ({Kappa-Gamma})

Both "23" and "Skidoo" are American words meaning "Get out". This chapter describes the Great Work under the figure of a man ridding himself of all his accidents.

He first leaves the life of comfort; then the world at large; and, lastly, even the initiates.

In the fourth section is shown that there is no return for one that has started on this path.

The word OUT is then analysed, and treated as a noun.

Besides the explanation in the note, O is the Yoni; T, the Lingam; and U, the Hierophant; the 5th card of the Tarot, the Pentagram. It is thus practically identical with IAO.

The rest of the chapter is clear, for the note.

NOTES

(12) O = {character?}, "The Devil of the Sabbath". U = 8, the Hierophant or Redeemer.