'I lie awake, staring out at the bleakness of Megadon. City and sky become one, merging
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into a single plane, a vast sea of unbroken grey. The Twin Moons, just two pale orbs as
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they trace their way across the steely sky. I used to think I had a pretty good life here,
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just plugging into my machine for the day, then watching Templevision or reading a Temple
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Paper in the evening.
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'My friend Jon always said it was nicer here than under the atmospheric domes of the Outer
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Planets. We have had peace since 2062, when the surviving planets were banded together under
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the Red Star of the Solar Federation. The less fortunate gave us a few new moons.
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I believed what I was told. I thought it was a good life, I thought I was happy. Then I found
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something that changed it all...'
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[I. Overture]
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And the meek shall inherit the earth...
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[II. Temples of Syrinx]...'The massive grey walls of the Temples rise from the heart of every Federation city. I
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have always been awed by them, to think that every single facet of every life is regulated
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and directed from within! Our books, our music, our work and play are all looked after by
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the benevolent wisdom of the priests...'
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We've taken care of everything
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The words you hear, the songs you sing
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The pictures that give pleasure to your eyes
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It's one for all and all for one
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We work together, common sons
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Never need to wonder how or why
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We are the Priests of the Temples of Syrinx
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Our great computers fill the hallowed halls
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We are the Priests, of the Temples of Syrinx
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All the gifts of life are held within our walls
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Look around at this world we've made
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Equality our stock in trade
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Come and join the Brotherhood of Man
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Oh, what a nice, contented world
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Let the banners be unfurled
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Hold the Red Star proudly high in hand
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We are the Priests of the Temples of Syrinx
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Our great computers fill the hallowed halls
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We are the Priests, of the Temples of Syrinx
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All the gifts of life are held within our walls
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[III. Discovery]
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'...Behind my beloved waterfall, in the little room that was hidden beneath the cave, I
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found it. I brushed away the dust of the years, and picked it up, holding it reverently in
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my hands. I had no idea what it might be, but it was beautiful...'
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'...I learned to lay my fingers across the wires, and to turn the keys to make them sound
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differently. As I struck the wires with my other hand, I produced my first harmonious sounds
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and soon my own music! How different it could be from the music of the Temples! I can't wait
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to tell the priests about it!...'
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What can this strange device be?
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When I touch it, it gives forth a sound
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It's got wires that vibrate and give music
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What can this thing be that I found?
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See how it sings like a sad heart
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And joyously screams out its pain
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Sounds that build high like a mountain
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Or notes that fall gently like rain
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I can't wait to share this new wonder
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The people will all see its light
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Let them all make their own music
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The Priests praise my name on this night
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[IV. Presentation]
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'...In the sudden silence as I finished playing, I looked up to a circle of grim,
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expressionless faces. Father Brown rose to his feet, and his somnolent voice echoed
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throughout the silent Temple Hall...'
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'...Instead of the grateful joy that I expected, they were words of quiet rejection!
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Instead of praise, sullen dismissal. I watched in shock and horror as Father Brown ground
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my precious instrument to splinters beneath his feet...'
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I know it's most unusual
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To come before you so
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But I've found an ancient miracle
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I thought that you should know
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Listen to my music
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And hear what it can do
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There's something here as strong as life
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I know that it will reach you
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Yes, we know, it's nothing new
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It's just a waste of time
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We have no need for ancient ways
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The world is doing fine
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Another toy will help destroy
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The elder race of man
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Forget about your silly whim
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It doesn't fit the plan
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I can't believe you're saying
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These things just can't be true
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Our world could use this beauty
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Just think what we might do
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