Chapter XLI

I am the Bird of Paradise;
And still my Nest is in the Skies.
I am the Spirit Falcon, flown
From Heav'n's Tent, where it open lies.
But in my eager Chase of Prey,
I fell to where new Sense Worlds rise.
I am the Hero of Mount Kaf,[29]
Who braves the Death the Weakling flies.
I look on high, until he call
Me home from this far Enterprise.
I look up steadfast, searching keen,
Until my Gaze the Throne descries.
There all secure my Nest bides near
The Tree of Life, where Nothing dies.

[29] Simurg. Also the name of the Phoenix (Von Hammer), but according to Steingass, the Griffin.

The First and Last