XXXI

Up from Earth’s Centre through the Seventh Gate

I rose, and on the Throne of Saturn sate,

And many Knots unravel’d by the Road;

But not the Knot of Human Death and Fate.

XXXII

There was a Door to which I found no Key:

There was a Veil past which I could not see:

Some little Talk awhile of ME and THEE

There seemed — and then no more of THEE and ME.

XXXIII

Then to the rolling Heav’n itself I cried,

Asking, “What Lamp had Destiny to guide

“Her little Children stumbling in the Dark?”

And — “A blind Understanding!” Heav’n replied.

XXXIV

Then to this earthen Bowl did I adjourn

My Lip the secret Well of Life to learn:

And Lip to Lip it murmur’d — “While you live

“Drink! — for once dead you never shall return.”