The man, the context

Non-existent there was not, existent there was not then. There was not the atmospheric space, nor the vault beyond. What stirred, where, and in whose control? Was there water, a deep abyss? Nor death nor immortality (mortals nor immortals) was there then; there was no distinction of night or day. That One (tad ekam) breathed without breath by inner power; than it verily there was nothing else further. [. . . ] Who truly knows? Who shall here proclaim it—whence they were produced, whence this creation? The gods (arose) on this side (later), by the creation of this (empiric world, to which the gods belong); then who knows whence it came into being? [. . . ] 2