Lead me, O lead me whither thou hast said

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The gateway of Saint Peter may be view'd,

And those sad souls thou speak'st of be survey'd." He then moved on, and I his steps pursued.

INFERNO.

CANTO II.

ARGUMENT.

AFTER an invocation to the Muse, Dante expresses the diffidence he feels in attempting a journey which had been undertaken by such men only as Æneas and St. Paul. Virgil relieves his fears, relating how he had been sent to his assistance by Beatrice. He takes courage, and follows his guide and master towards the gate of Hell.

INFERNO.

CANTO II.

THE day was closing, and the dusky air

On all the creatures of the earth bestow'd

Rest from their labours :-I alone prepare
To struggle against pity, and to dare

A conflict with the horrors of the road,
Which an unerring memory shall declare.
O Muse, O lofty Genius, grant your aid :--
O Memory-faithful record of the past—
Be here thy true nobility display'd.
"Poet," I then began, " my honour'd guide,
O trust me not in an attempt so vast,
Until my strength and virtue have been tried.

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