Chapter XL

But in mine eyes strange virtues grew;
And now the Heaven of Heavens, to view
Rose glorious as the light!
Oh it were idle to strive to tell,
But I can remember, remember well,
How wonderful seem’d the sight.
I was not there; but saw afar
How happy the heavenly spirits are,
Like him of old, with a gulf between
My longing soul and the glorious scene.
Oh, never shall pass that dread ravine
A soul defiled by sin!
But there was I, and I could see
How desolate all without must be,
How rapturous all within.