Page:Divine Comedy (Longfellow 1867) v1.djvu/66

46 "Phlegyas, Phlegyas, thou criest out in vain

For this once," said my Lord; "thou shalt not have us

Longer than in the passing of the slough."

As he who listens to some great deceit

That has been done to him, and then resents it,

Such became Phlegyas, in his gathered wrath.

My Guide descended down into the boat,

And then he made me enter after him,

And only when I entered seemed it laden.

Soon as the Guide and I were in the boat,

The antique prow goes on its way, dividing

More of the water than 't is wont with others.

While we were running through the dead canal,

Uprose in front of me one full of mire,

And said, "Who 'rt thou that comest ere the hour?"

And I to him: "Although I come, I stay not;

But who art thou that hast become so squalid?"

"Thou seest that I am one who weeps," he answered.

And I to him: "With weeping and with wailing,

Thou spirit maledict, do thou remain;

For thee I know, though thou art all defiled."

Then stretched he both his hands unto the boat;

Whereat my wary Master thrust him back,

Saying, "Away there with the other dogs!"