Of a companion sitting there, and cried, “Up, Conrad! see what God hath of his grace Bestowed,” then turning unto me replied: NINO VISCONTI. “By that especial reverence, I beseech, Which thou ow’st him whose primal way is hid So that none sound it, if soe’er thou reach The shore beyond the vasty waters, bid My child Giovanna for my peace implore There where the cry of innocents heaven heeds. Her mother I am sure loves me no more Since she put off her widow’s paly weeds, But in her misery fain would wear this day. From her full readily may one be taught How soon love’s flame in woman dies away If sight or touch full oft relume it not. The chanticleer upon Gallura’s shield Had graced her sepulchre with fairer show Than will that viper, which to battle-field Marshals the men of Milan.” With such glow He uttered this as in his face revealed The heart’s just passion smouldering yet below. Still that sole part of heaven I fondly eyed Where the stars move, even as a wheel doth move More slowly next the axle. Said my Guide: “Son, what dost thou so gaze at there above?” “Up there! at yon three torches,” I replied, “Whose splendor makes this pole here all ablaze.” And he to me: “The four clear stars that rose This morn before thee have abased their rays, And these have mounted in the place of those.” While thus he spake, Sordello to his side Drew Virgil, and exclaimed: “Behold our Foe!” And pointed to the thing which he descried. And where that small vale’s barrier sinks most low A serpent suddenly was seen to glide, Such as gave Eve, perchance, the fruit of woe. Through flowers and herbage came that evil streak, To lick its back oft turning round its head, As with his tongue a beast his fur doth sleek. I was not looking, so must leave unsaid When first they fluttered, but full well I saw Both heavenly falcons had their plumage spread. Soon as the serpent felt the withering flaw Of those green wings, it vanished, and they sped Up to their posts again with even flight. The shade who had approached the judge when he Accosted him, had never moved his sight Through this encounter, looking fixed on me. CONRAD MALASPINA.