Page:Divine Comedy (Longfellow 1867) v1.djvu/210

190 Such I became, not having power to speak,

For to excuse myself I wished, and still

Excused myself, and did not think I did it.

"Less shame doth wash away a greater fault,"

The Master said, "than this of thine has been;

Therefore thyself disburden of all sadness,

And make account that I am aye beside thee,

If e'er it come to pass that fortune bring thee

Where there are people in a like dispute;

For a base wish it is to wish to hear it."