He bless'd them, they at once leap'd out on land: He, swiftly as he came, return'd. [1] In Exitu Israel de Egypto--When Israel came out of Egypt.--Ps cxiv. II. The Meeting with Sordello.--From the Purgatorio. In the second circle of the mountain of Purgatory, Virgil and Dante encounter the spirit of Sordello,[1] detained among those who delayed repentance until death. [1] Sordello. A Provencal soldier and poet, whose life is wrapt in romantic mystery. See Browning's poem "Sardello". "But lo! a spirit there Stands solitary' and toward us looks: It will instruct us in the speediest way." We soon approach'd it. When my courteous guide began, "Mantua," the shadow, in itself absorb'd, Rose towards us from the place in which it stood, And cried, "Mantuan! I am thy countryman, Sordello." Each the other then embraced. . . . . . . . . . After their courteous greetings joyfully Seven times exchanged, Sordello backward drew Exclaiming, "Who are ye?"--"Before this mount By spirits worthy of ascent to God Was sought, my bones had by Octavius care Been buried. I am Virgil; for no sin Deprived of heaven, except for lack of faith." So answer'd him in few my gentle guide. . . . . . . . . . . . "Glory of Latium!" he exclaim'd, "In whom our tongue its utmost power display'd; Boast of my honour'd birth-place I what desert Of mine, what favour, rather, undeserved, Shows thee to me? If I to hear that voice Am worthy, say if from below thou comest, And from what cloister's pale."--"Through every orb Of that sad region," he replied, "thus far Am I arrived, by heavenly influence led: And with such aid I come. Not for my doing, But for not doing, have I lost the sight Of that high Sun, whom thou desirest, and who By me too late was known. There is a place[1] There underneath, not made by torments sad, But by dun shades alone; where mourning's voice Sounds not of anguish sharp, but breathes in sighs. There I with little innocents abide, Who by death's fangs were bitten, ere exempt From human taint. There I with those abide, Who the three holy virtues put not on, But understood the rest, and without blame Follow'd them all. But if thou know'st and canst, Direct us how we soonest may arrive, Where Purgatory its true beginning takes." He answer'd thus: "We have no certain place Assign'd us: upwards I may go, or round. Far as I can, I join thee for thy guide. But thou beholdest now how day declines; And upwards to proceed by night, our power Excels: therefore it may be well to choose A place of pleasant sojourn. To the right Some spirits sit apart retired. If thou Consentest, I to these will lead thy steps: And thou wilt know them, not without delight." [1] A place there underneath. Limbo. See first selection from the Divine Comedy. III. The Angel of the Gate.--From the Purgatorio.