I asked. He answered: ‘Rightly hast thou deemed

They go untangling anger’s knot severe.’

‘Now who art thou discoursing at thy will

Of us? Who cleavest with thy shape our smoke

As time by calends thou wert measuring still?’

So said a voice, whereat my Master spoke:

‘Ask him if any mounteth hence, up there.’

And I: ‘O being, who dost make thee pure

Unto thy Maker to return as fair

As thou wert born! draw near me, and full sure