54 CANTO VIII. Io dico seguitando. ARGUMENT. The Poets had noticed two beacon lights at the top of the tower. These denoted the arrival of two souls. There was also a third light on the other side of the lake. This announced the approach of the Ferryman. A boat arrives in charge of Phlegyas, who in his life-time had burnt the temple of Apollo, and whose function it now was to convey the souls of heretics into the fiery City of Dis. On the passage Dante encounters, and converses with, Philippo Argenti, a Florentine, who had been noted for his brutal and ferocious temper. Passing within the moats which surround the territory of Dis, they find the gate thronged with devils, who resist their entrance. Excluded by the devils, they await the advent of aid from above. My theme pursuing, I relate that some Time ere we gain'd the lofty turret's base Our eyes roved upward towards the summit, where We saw two little streams of light extend, To which a third made answer from afar— So far that it was scarce discernible. 5 Then turning to that other sea, wherein All wisdom lay, I said; 'What meaneth this? Waters already may'st thou note what comes Ne'er leapt the winged arrow from the string Under the guidance of a single pilot, Who cried aloud, 'Ho art thou come—damn'd spirit!' To whom the Master spake; 'Phlegyas! Phlegyas! In vain thou criest thus—this time: thou wilt And then he made me enter after him, Nor, till I was within it, seem'd it fraught. Scarce had the Guide and I made entrance, when The ancient craft went ploughing thro' the water ΙΟ 15 20 25 30 While thus we sped across the stagnant pool, But who art thou made thus deform?' and he; I know thee yet, all grimed as thou art.' 35 Then towards the bark he stretch'd out both his hands; 40 Whereat the Master caught and thrust him back, Saying, Away there with the other hounds!' And then around my neck his arms he flung, And kiss'd my cheek, and said; 'Disdainful soul! He was full fraught with pride in the fair world, With naught of grace to deck his memory; Then I; 'Master, it would rejoice my soul 45 50 Responded thus; 'Or ere the other shore Comes within prospect, thou shalt have thy wish. 'Tis meet thou should'st have joy of this desire.' After a while I saw so fierce a rush Made at him by his fellows in the mire, That still I bless and praise my God. They all Cried with one voice; At Philip Argentine !' 1 The fierce Florentine spirit in his wrath Turn'd round, and with his talons rent his flesh. Here left we him that I no more can tell : But to mine ears loud cries of anguish borne Made me bend forward opening wide mine eyes. When the good Master thus; 'Here, O my son, 55 60 65 With its dread citizens, a numerous throng.' And I; 'O Master, in the valley there 70 Vermilion-hued, as tho' with circling fire Clearly I can discern its minarets Impaled.' And he replied; The eternal flame, That glows within, imparts this ruddy hue, As thou beholdest in this nether hell.' 75 1 So called from having his horse shod with silver. We pass'd within the deep wide moats, with which Unto a place where with loud voice the pilot Whereat the experienced Master made a sign On his fool's road let him return alone, If so he can: but thou shalt here remain— Thou who hast borne him thro' this land of gloom.' Think, reader, how my courage falter'd then, Hearing the sound of those accursed words: 80 85 90 95 |