W. C. Scully - The Sphinx lyrics

To all men Nature speaketh in this wise:-- "Read in my book, or straightway shall ye die; Its leaves are open to the readers' eyes; Its living lore was thought and written by The God whose truths to you are mysteries, And in whose hollow hand alike we lie. Read in my book and in your reading live; I ask ye many questions day by day: To those that answer rightly, I will give A guerdon rich and full. If one shall say, "Alas, I know not!" I may not reprieve; If one shall answer wrongly, I must slay; I know not mercy, and may not forgive; And none can my strong mandate disobey."