Page:Divine Comedy (Longfellow 1867) v1.djvu/155

Rh But I will beat my wings above the pitch;

The height be left, and be the bank a shield,

To see if thou alone dost countervail us."

O thou who readest, thou shalt hear new sport!

Each to the other side his eyes averted;

He first, who most reluctant was to do it.

The Navarrese selected well his time;

Planted his feet on land, and in a moment

Leaped, and released himself from their design.

Whereat each one was suddenly stung with shame,

But he most who was cause of the defeat;

Therefore he moved, and cried: "Thou art o'ertaken."

But little it availed, for wings could not

Outstrip the fear; the other one went under,

And, flying, upward he his breast directed.

Not otherwise the duck upon a sudden

Dives under, when the falcon is approaching,

And upward he returneth cross and weary.

Infuriate at the mockery, Calcabrina

Flying behind him followed close, desirous

The other should escape, to have a quarrel.

And when the barrator had disappeared,

He turned his talons upon his companion,

And grappled with him right above the moat.