Between them is “a great gulf fixed by none o’erclimbed.”[306]

Those “sons of fire” and “light” together seemed immixed;

But barrier impassable ’tween them was fixed.

The mine’s rich golden ore in soil imbedded lies;

But really separated, far as eagle flies.330

Like pearls and jet beads in one row of necklace ranged;

A motley company, like inn’s chance guests, oft changed.

Or like an estuary, half soft, sweet to drink,

Most palatable water, clear, bright as moon’s twink;

The other half salsuginous, wormwood and gall,