As I was walking, by and by
A little spider caught my eye
within the gouge of wagon's rut:
the walls were steep and spider stuck.

Knowing well of wheels and hooves,
I knelt to help the spider move
(I'm fond of spiders--well, mostly.
So long as they don't crawl on me.)

The trench was deep and rather narrow,
Worn from a fleet of carts and barrows
Another's trundling up the path:
I thrust my hand in, acting fast.

It knows it is afraid, and runs
My fingers take pursuit at once
As crushing wheels still well advance,
with my aid, it stands a chance.

Strong enough to move the earth
Pave a gap for wider berth,
But for all that I can force by hand,
I couldn't make it understand.

I meant no harm, I swear this so!
But as it skittered to and fro
Its panicked run, my clumsy touch--
In furtive aid, its legs were crushed.

In dogged mercy, I decide:
I must commit insecticide.
I strike in merciful turmoil
to snuff it from its mortal coil.

As cart and wagon trundled past
I finished walking, for at last
I'd reached my Temple, for to pray
upon my impotence today.

How helpless I was in my power!
Will Gods feel likewise come my hour?
With luck, I hope, They'll be as kind.
They cannot help but be Divine.

Penned by my hand on Closday, the 7th of Celes, in the year 19 AC.