The Third Version

In the third version
Of his death, he lives.
This is the fantastic tale

Preferred by those who read him,
Who love tales of him,
Who want him to have been good,
Who want wisdom redeeming

And undiluted
By sordid consequences
For its foolishness,
The foolishness inherent,

Necessary to wisdom.
It was wisdom that killed him
And saved him in their version.