Psychology of the Unconscious / A Study of the Transformations and Symbolisms of the Libido. A Contribution to the History of the Evolution of Thought

by C. G. Jung

And, as a symbol of eternal life,

On the impassable walls,

Grows the ancient ivy.[^[798]]

And carried by columns of living cedars and laurels

Are the solemn, divinely built palaces.”

The symbol is apocalyptic, the maternal city in the land of eternal youth, surrounded by the verdure and flowers of imperishable spring.[^[799]] The poet identifies himself here with John, who lived on Patmos, who was once associated with “the sun of the Highest,” and saw him face to face:

“There at the Mystery of the Vine they met,

There at the hour of the Holy Feast they gathered,

And—feeling the approach of Death in his great, quiet soul,

The Lord, pouring out his last love, spoke,