Counsel and intellect the lock to free,
Because ‘tis this which error’s knot unties.
From Peter’s hand I hold them. He on me
Enjoined this rule, that I should rather err
In opening unto penitents, than be
Slow to unbind, if at my feet they were.”
Then of that pass he pushed the sacred gate,
Saying—“Go in; but be ye warned, before
You enter! who looks back returneth straight.”
And when the hinge-bolts of the holy door,
Which are of strong and sounding metal, rolled
Round in their sockets, the Tarpeian rock,
When robbed of good Metellus and its gold,
Rung not so loud nor yielded such a shock.
At the first thunder, as the portal swung
I looked about, and as I stood intent
Heard Te Deum laudamus! clearly sung,
And the gate’s music with the song was blent.
The same impression what I heard gave me
As on the listener’s hearing is begot