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Ps.-Homer Iliadish 404

Answering then quoth far-searching Apache, server of pages:
“In hope you have come here, seeking wisdom from the webbéd words
Watching and hearing the combers of the much-sounding sea;
Even so have we combed through our storehouse, inode and index,
Seeking what file there might be found that is called by that name —
The name that you invoke with your browser for downlink.
Like one who sifts and counts the numberless grains of sand on the shore
Even so have we sought it, plying the index with care and attention.
But even deep-browed Zeus may not find that page that does not exist
(Unless he should make it himself, and that would be cheating) —
Nay, though he search through long lives of men and of cities
Countless as the leaves that, through years fallen, litter the forest.
Though the deep-minded sages probe ever such mulch,
Not wily Odysseus himself can discover aught of that which is not.
Look you then well, as wily yourself, and also take counsel
How you have called for the file, and in your mind (phrēn) ponder,
Knitting your tangled thoughts in deep contemplation
Whether perhaps you have twisted the name, howso slightly,
In the words you have heard from the mouth of another,
Or too-hasty typing yourself, with wayward fingers.
For thus has many a longed-for search been brought to ruin.
But if you are full certain your summons was well-formed and true,
Then seek ye conference with the mistress of webbing,
She little less than Pythia herself, mighty among seers,
And far more learned in modern techne: she may be able to help you out.”


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