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Kindling the air, fierce birds with feathers of fire, Through the white portals of Paradise flamed like desire. Virgin vistas reared, lit with quivering red, And beyond seas were the trackless wanderers fled.

But on the pillars of marble, on the threshold were thrown Crimson shadows incredible, sunk in the stone. And, under the arch, in eternity's radiance hidden, Angels exulted in fruits that are secret and sweet and forbidden.