readiness。
They passed up the steep hill； he eager as a pilgrim arriving
at the shrine。 As they came near the precincts； with castle on
one side and cathedral on the other； his veins seemed to break
into fiery blossom； he was transported。
They had passed through the gate； and the great west front
was before them； with all its breadth and ornament。
〃It is a false front；〃 he said； looking at the golden stone
and the twin towers； and loving them just the same。 In a little
ecstasy he found himself in the porch； on the brink of the
unrevealed。 He looked up to the lovely unfolding of the stone。
He was to pass within to the perfect womb。
Then he pushed open the door； and the great； pillared gloom
was before him； in which his soul shuddered and rose from her
nest。 His soul leapt； soared up into the great church。 His body
stood still； absorbed by the height。 His soul leapt up into the
gloom； into possession； it reeled； it swooned with a great
escape； it quivered in the womb； in the hush and the gloom of
fecundity； like seed of procreation in ecstasy。
She too was overe with wonder and awe。 She followed him in
his progress。 Here； the twilight was the very essence of life；
the coloured darkness was the embryo of all light； and the day。
Here； the very first dawn was breaking； the very last sunset
sinking； and the immemorial da