To foot of the high bank that ever rises, A human body three times told would measure; And far as eye of mine could wing its flight, Now on the left, and on the right flank now, The same this cornice did appear to me. Thereon our feet had not been moved as yet, When I perceived the embankment round about, Which all right of ascent had interdicted, 702 To be of marble white, and so adorned With sculptures, that not only Polycletus, 703 But Nature’s self, had there been put to shame. 704 The Angel, who came down to earth with tidings Of peace, that had been wept for many a year, And opened Heaven from its long interdict, In front of us appeared so truthfully There sculptured in a gracious attitude, He did not seem an image that is silent. One would have sworn that he was saying, “Ave”; 705 For she was there in effigy portrayed Who turned the key to ope the exalted love,