Book of the Satyr
or
A Grammar of Madness and Lust
Nothing is true, everything is permitted.
It’s all true, especially the contradictions.
…Everything is still permitted…
IAM that I AM
I AM that I WILL BE
DEDICATION TO THE GODS WHO INSPIRE
O Goddesses of Olympus, Musai
O Apollon, father of the lyre
This work I do in your name
This work I do for your glory
Shine your inspiration upon me
That my efforts might honor you better
O Hermes, the silver-quick and clever
O Mercury, messenger and guide
This work I do by your discretion
This work I do by your tools
Stand beside me always
That my words might be bright and clear
O Dionysus, cause and surcease of madness
O Zagreus, embodiment of ecstasy
This work I do as your servant
This work I do as your messenger
Be within me as I write
That I might be without myself and range more widely
Hai Musai!
Io Memnosune, Titan Muse and memory incarnate!
Io Caliope, mistress of the epic!
Io Clio, keeper of history!
Io Erato, voice of lust!
Io Euterpe, mistress of song!
Io Terpischore, inspiration of dance!
Io Melpomene, bringer of tears!
Io Thalia, who causes laughter!
Io Polymnia, source of all hymns!
Io Urania, who keeps the secrets of the stars!
Io Apollon!
Io Phoibos, lord of the sun!
You who slew the serpent Pytho
and who inspire the prophesies of Delos!
Bright son of Metis and mighty Zeus!
You in whose name I issue prophesy!
Bringer and healer of plague!
Io Hermes!
Io Dolios, divine trickster who, new-born, fooled Apollo and Zeus alike!
Slayer of watchful Argos
Great messenger of the gods!
You Of the Gateway,
Guide of both the living and the dead!
Io Ram-bearer! Io Champion!
Io Dionysos!
Io Bacchos! Yourself, your Mask, and your worshiper: one!
Bringer of madness and ecstasy!
Lord of the vine and instructor in fermentation!
Twice-born, Twice-died, Thrice-lived!
You of the Mysteries!
In whose name I pour all libations!