Page:Divine Comedy (Longfellow 1867) v1.djvu/97

Rh Inflamed against me all the other minds,

And they, inflamed, did so inflame Augustus,

That my glad honors turned to dismal mournings.

My spirit, in disdainful exultation,

Thinking by dying to escape disdain,

Made me unjust against myself, the just.

I, by the roots unwonted of this wood,

Do swear to you that never broke I faith

Unto my lord, who was so worthy of honor;

And to the world if one of you return,

Let him my memory comfort, which is lying

Still prostrate from the blow that envy dealt it."

Waited awhile, and then: "Since he is silent,"

The Poet said to me, "lose not the time,

But speak, and question him, if more may please thee."

Whence I to him: "Do thou again inquire

Concerning what thou think'st will satisfy me;

For I can not, such pity is in my heart."

Therefore he recommenced: "So may the man

Do for thee freely what thy speech implores,

Spirit incarcerate, again be pleased

To tell us in what way the soul is bound

Within these knots; and tell us, if thou canst,

If any from such members e'er is freed."