And as I breathed, my breath grew frosty white.
I shivered, and had barely strength to ask
The meaning of this change. The sage replied,
"Well mayst thou chatter, for at last we near
The ruling head of all this drear abode, -
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A sprite so cold in earth above, that I
Have found the glacier warmer than his mien."
"But must we pass him ?" I rejoined, afraid
"Yea, but fear not, for I 'll protect thee now,
And passing him we enter Paradise."
I set my teeth, and screwed my courage up,
But could not drive the numbness from my heart.
At sight of that Great Icicle I swooned,
And all I ever knew when I awoke
Was that I stood beside the gate of Heaven,
And in my hand I saw a signed degree.
REY.