There smote upon my forehead with his wings, Then a safe passage promised unto me. As on the right hand, to ascend the mount Where seated is the church that lordeth it O’er the well-guided, above Rubaconte, 756 The bold abruptness of the ascent is broken By stairways that were made there in the age When still were safe the ledger and the stave, 757 E’en thus attempered is the bank which falls Sheer downward from the second circle there; But on this side and that the high rock grazes. As we were turning thitherward our persons, “ Beati pauperes spiritu ,” voices 758 Sang in such wise that speech could tell it not. Ah me! how different are these entrances From the Infernal! for with anthems here One enters, and below with wild laments. We now were mounting up the sacred stairs, And it appeared to me by far more easy