I saw it, but I did not see within it
Aught but the bubbles that the boiling raised, 20
And all swell up and resubside compressed.
The while below there fixedly I gazed,
My Leader, crying out: "Beware, beware!"
Drew me unto himself from where I stood.
Then I turned round, as one who is impatient 25
To see what it behoves him to escape,
And whom a sudden terror doth unman.
Who, while he looks, delays not his departure;
And I beheld behind us a black devil.
Running along upon the crag, approach. 30
Ah, how ferocious was he in his aspect!
And how he seemed to me in action ruthless,
With open wings and light upon his feet!
His shoulders, which sharp-pointed were and high,
A sinner did encumber with both haunches, 35
And he held clutched the sinews of the feet.
From off our bridge, he said: "O Malebranche,
Behold one of the elders of Saint Zita;
Plunge him beneath, for I return for others
Unto that town, which is well furnished with them. 40
All there are barrators, except Bonturo;
No into Yes for money there is changed."
Page:Divine Comedy (Longfellow 1867) v1.djvu/145
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Inferno XXI.
125
