The vision of hell. Dante Alighieri

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       She then: "Since thou so deeply wouldst inquire,

       I will instruct thee briefly, why no dread

       Hinders my entrance here. Those things alone

       Are to be fear'd, whence evil may proceed,

       None else, for none are terrible beside.

       I am so fram'd by God, thanks to his grace!

       That any suff'rance of your misery

       Touches me not, nor flame of that fierce fire

       Assails me. In high heaven a blessed dame

       Besides, who mourns with such effectual grief

       That hindrance, which I send thee to remove,

       That God's stern judgment to her will inclines."

       To Lucia calling, her she thus bespake:

       "Now doth thy faithful servant need thy aid

       And I commend him to thee." At her word

       Sped Lucia, of all cruelty the foe,

       And coming to the place, where I abode

       Seated with Rachel, her of ancient days,

       She thus address'd me: "Thou true praise of God!

       Beatrice! why is not thy succour lent

       To him, who so much lov'd thee, as to leave

       For thy sake all the multitude admires?

       Dost thou not hear how pitiful his wail,

       Nor mark the death, which in the torrent flood,

       Swoln mightier than a sea, him struggling holds?"

       Ne'er among men did any with such speed

       Haste to their profit, flee from their annoy,

       As when these words were spoken, I came here,

       Down from my blessed seat, trusting the force

       Of thy pure eloquence, which thee, and all

       Who well have mark'd it, into honour brings."