Up from Earth's Centre through the Seventh Gate
I rose, and on the Throne of Saturn sate,
And many Knots unravel'd by the Road;
But not the Knot of Human Death and Fate.
There was a Door to which I found no Key:
There was a Veil past which I could not see
Some little Talk awhile of Me and Thee
There seem'd—and then no more of Thee and Me.
Then to the rolling Heav'n itself I cried,
Asking, «What Lamp had Destiny to guide
Her little Children stumbling in the Dark?»
And—«A blind Understanding!» Heav'n replied.
Then to this earthen Bowl did I adjourn
My Lip the secret Well of Life to learn:
And Lip to Lip it murmur'd—«While you live
Drink!—for once dead you never shall return.»
I think the Vessel, that with fugitive
Articulation answer'd, once did live,
And merry-make; and the cold Lip I kiss'd
How many Kisses might it take—and give!