Today's Stichomancy for John Dillinger

The excerpt represents the core issue or deciding factor on which you must meditate, and is drawn from Dreams & Dust by Don Marquis:

hopes and bold, For empire dwells with the stabbing blade, as it did in the days of old!

THE BUTCHERS AT PRAYER

(1914)

EACH nation as it draws the sword And flings its standard to the air Petitions piously the Lord-- Vexing the void abyss with prayer.

O irony too deep for mirth! O posturing apes that rant, and dare