Angel came, knowing my dreadful state "Horrible! For yourself dungeon Burning hot to all eternity You prepare, going in such career" I muttered in a sudden and ridiculous anger which had no grounds "Perhaps you will be willing to shew me my eternal lot And we will contemplate together upon it And see whether your lot or mine is most desirable" He took me down the winding cave... Nether sky... "Is that providence?" "Don't presume, as we here remain I'll watch thy lot when the darkness melts" Distance shining, vast crawling spiders Sprung from corrupting Most terrific shapes "These are the devils Powers of the air" Then I asked companion "What's eternal lot?" "Look between the black and white Rolling into deep" Scaly foldy monstrous serpent, drifting tempest
Globes of clouds, ridge of purple, crimson foam Into streaks divided forehead, red gills, mouthmire Towards us advancing quickly just above the fire I remained alone and then Heard loud harp "One who never sanctifies Breeds reptiles of mind" I arose and sought the guide Caught him in my arms Flung with him directly Right into the sun Open'd bible had a welcome pit We descended, seven houses of brick One we entered Picking up the flesh Chained monkeys of annoying stench So the angel said "Thy phantasy Has imposed upon me and thou Oughtest to be ashamed" I answered "We impose on one Another and it is but lost time To converse with you Whose works are only an*lytics "