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The Return of "Thus Spoke the Platypus"

In those days, Utnapishtim went forth into the world and sought to make disciples; and to pass on to men the wisdom of the time before the flood. But the people refused to listen, and caught up in their own cares they said: "Who made Utnapishtim, the old gray-beard, lord over us? What use can his wisdom be? His sermons are too long! Lo, the flower passes from bud to fruit! Lo, the butterfly is in the meadow! These things call to us. We will pick the fruit while it is ripe. We will chase the butterfly in the meadow."

Then Utnapishtim was angry. He looked down at the Unnim which was in his right hand; the world-destroying power. He looked down at the Annim in his left hand; the soul destroying power. But neither of these things could proclaim wisdom. So Untapishtim was silent, and the heart within him was angry.

Then came Og, King of Bashan, and laughed at him, saying, "Old gray-beard, why do you think that the people will listen to you out of respect for your gray hairs?" And the people said: "We will follow Og, king of Bashan." And they left, until Utnapishtim was alone.

For forty days, and forty nights, Utnapishtim stood alone, and the heart within him was grieved. Then Utnapishtim cried out, and uttered from his wisdom the first great truth: "Oh that Wisdom would become a man, and teach me how to teach!"

Thus spoke Utnapishtim

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