That is Semiramis, who, as you read, Ruled after Ninus, and had been his bride; She swayed the land in which the Soldans lead. And with her comes the loving suicide, Who broke her faith unto Sicheus' urn; I saw there Helen, who had power to turn Of ghosts a thousand more he showed and told, I heard my doctor name, almost my brain Was 'wildered, ruth upon me took such hold. And I began, "Poet, with yonder twain I crave to speak, who move in company, And seem so light upon the hurricane." More nigh, and thou shalt pray them by the love Which them controls, and they will come to thee." D As soon as toward us on the blast they move, I lift my voice, "O spirits harassed, 80 Thus from the troop, which Dido holds, they fare, 85 Approaching us across the air malign, So strong the loving call had reacht 'em there. 66 "O thou quick spirit, gracious and benign, That, seeking us, the tawny air dost pierce, Even us, who did the ground encarnadine ; Had we the Monarch of the universe 90 Our friend, his peace for thee should be our quest, As thou hast pity on our pain perverse. Whatever thou to speak and hear may list, We will give ear to, and will speak to thee, 95 So long as yet the blast remaineth whist. Love, whom the gentle heart is quick to know, Seized him by that fair person, which, it grieves So kindled me to work his will again, Awaiteth him, by whom in life we bled.” 100 What dear desire, what many thoughts and sooth Have led them both unto this bourne of woe?" I turned to them and spoke myself, "In truth, So pierce me, I can weep for woe and ruth; 105 110 115 120 And she replied, "There is no pain indeed The first root of our love, thy mind incite, Of Lancelot, how love had him compelled; One only passage our endurance quelled; Was kissed by such a great and loving one, 125 130 135 The book, the author, Pandar's trade was plying; That evening we could read no further on." As in that guise one spirit was replying, The other wept so sore, my senses fled Through pity, as if I had been a-dying; I dropt upon the ground as drop the dead. 140 CANTO VI. As mind returned, that had to cover fled Accursed, everlasting, heavy, chill, That never changes quality nor strain. Go gushing down athwart the darksome air; The land they fall upon dire stenches fill. Howls like a hound, out of his threefold jaws, Over the nation kept in water there. 10 15 |