34
Also I was in the spirit vision and beheld a parricidal pomp of atheists, coupled by two and by two in the supernal ecstasy of the stars. They did laugh and rejoice exceedingly, being clad in purple robes and drunken with purple wine, and their whole soul was one purple flower-flame of holiness.
35
They beheld not God; they beheld not the Image of God; therefore were they arisen to the Palace of the Splendour Ineffable. A sharp sword smote out before them, and the worm Hope writhed in its death-agony under their feet.
36
Even as their rapture shore asunder the visible Hope, so also the Fear Invisible fled away and was no more.
37
O ye that are beyond Aormuzdi and Ahrimanes! blessèd are ye unto the ages.
38
They shaped Doubt as a sickle, and reaped the flowers of Faith for their garlands.
39
They shaped Ecstasy as a spear, and pierced the ancient dragon that sat upon the stagnant water.
40
Then the fresh springs were unloosed, that the folk athirst might be at ease.
