From heaven, the miscreants to chase to dire hell-pit.” Behold the damned and blessed, thus, in one scene conjoined; 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, Foul, black as ink, and fetid, shocks the senses all. These dash together; now this, now that, uppermost; Their waves a turmoil make, as though by tempest tost. That show of fierce collision’s made by matter’s form; In truth, the spirits ’tis that compacts make, or storm. 335 When gentle waves, in friendship’s reign, roll gracefully, Contention quits each breast, all goes on merrily. With rough war’s hideous billows, (mark the altered scene!) All love is straight renounced; dire hate’s to supervene. Affection coaxes rancour to subside, appeased; Because its origin’s in reason fixed, soon pleased; While raging anger stirs up thoughts of bitter strife. For how can man be tranquil, when the stake’s his life? Our outward eye discerns not pure from tainted hearts; Futurity’s small lattice oped, the curtain parts. 340 The eye of true sagacity distinct can see; This other eye, ’tis, fails;--is ne’er from error free. How many seeming pleasures, fair, as sugar sweet, Have poison lurking in them, death to all they meet! Men of discernment know them surely by mere smell; And others find them out, though late, when tasted, fell. That taste’s enough; ejected are they; swallowed, not; Although the fiend may urge, with: “Eat, while hot!” Again some others find in throat they firmly stick; And others yet are vexed with intestinal prick. 345 Still others by sharp purgings find they’ve done amiss; Indulgence of the palate’s changed to pangs their bliss. Again there are some suffer after months or years; And others pay the penalty within the tomb, with tears. E’en should there chance a respite, granted in the grave, At resurrection’s trump, disclosure naught will save.