Page:Divine Comedy (Longfellow 1867) v2.djvu/23

Rh Now that she dwells beyond the evil river,

She can no longer move me, by that law

Which, when I issued forth from there, was made.

But if a Lady of Heaven do move and rule thee,

As thou dost say, no flattery is needful;

Let it suffice thee that for her thou ask me.

Go, then, and see thou gird this one about

With a smooth rush, and that thou wash his face,

So that thou cleanse away all stain therefrom,

For 't were not fitting that the eye o'ercast

By any mist should go before the first

Angel, who is of those of Paradise.

This little island round about its base

Below there, yonder, where the billow beats it,

Doth rushes bear upon its washy ooze;

No other plant that putteth forth the leaf,

Or that doth indurate, can there have life,

Because it yieldeth not unto the shocks.

Thereafter be not this way your return;

The sun, which now is rising, will direct you

To take the mount by easier ascent."

With this he vanished; and I raised me up

Without a word, and wholly drew myself

Unto my Guide, and turned mine eyes to him.