THE EQUINOX
pomp of atheists, coupled by two and by two in the supernal
ecstasy of the stars. They did laugh and rejoice exceed-
ingly, being clad in purple robes and drunken with purple
wine, and their whole soul was one purple flower-flame of
holiness.
35. They beheld not God; they beheld not the Image of
God; therefore were they arisen to the Palace of the Splen-
dour Ineffable. A sharp sword smote out before them, and
the worm Hope writhed in its death-agony under their feet.
36. Even as their rapture shore asunder the visible Hope,
so also the Fear Invisible fled away and was no more.
37. O ye that are beyond Aormuzdi and Ahrimanes!
blesséd are ye unto the ages.
38. They shaped Doubt as a sickle, and reaped the flowers
of Faith for their garlands.
39. They shaped Ecstasy as a spear, and pierced the an-
cient dragon that sat upon the stagnant water.
40. Then the fresh springs were unloosed, that the folk
athirst might be at ease.
41. And again I was caught up into the presence of my
Lord Adonai, and the knowledge and Conversation of the
Holy One, the Angel that Guardeth me.
42. O Holy Exalted One, O Self beyond self, O Self-
Luminous Image of the Unimaginable Naught, O my dar-
ling, my beautiful, come Thou forth and follow me.
43. Adonai, divine Adonai, let Adonai initiate refulgent
dalliance! Thus I concealed the name of Her name that
inspireth my rapture, the scent of whose body bewildereth
the soul, the light of whose soul abaseth this body unto the
beasts.
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