The summit’s gained—it seems the verge of Hell—
A gulf impassable! Live thunder near
Leaps forth from guns whose momentary knell
Rings for the brave who fall where late they stood so well.
XXIX.
Still swarms the fiery brink. Who now will dare
Leap the dire chasm—who like Empedocles
Will plunge into the Ætna flaming there,
And be esteemed a God? Who to appease