THE HOLY PLACE. 
91 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CERBERUS. 
 
 
 STOOD within Death’s gate, 
 And blew the horn of Hell : 
Mad laughters echoing against Fate, 
 Harsh groans less terrible, 
Howled from beneath the vault ;  in night the avenging 
thunders swell. 
 
The guardian stood aloof, 
 A monster multiform. 
His armour was of triple proof, 
 His voice out-shrilled the storm. 
Behind him all the Furies whirl and all the Harpies 
swarm. 
 
The first face spake and said : 
 “ Welcome, O King, art thou ! 
Await thy throne a thousand dead ; 
 A crown awaits thy brow, 
A seven-sting scorpion ;  for thy rod thou hast a bauble 
now.” 
 
The next face spake and said : 
 “ Welcome, O Priest, to me ! 
 
  I