“We have,” he answered, “no set place assigned; Around and upward I am free to stray; My guidance far as I may go I lend: But see how fast already fails the day! And in the night none ever can ascend: Best, then, we think of some good resting-place. Some souls there be, removed here to the right, Whom, if thou wilt, I’ll show thee face to face, And thou shalt know them not without delight.” “How, then,” said Virgil—“should a soul aspire To climb by night, would other check be found? Or his own weakness hinder his desire?” And good Sordello drew along the ground His finger, saying: “Look! not even this line May’st thou pass over when the sun hath gone: Not that aught else, though, would thy power confine, Save want of light, from journeying upwards on: Darkness makes impotent thy will. By night One may go back again, and grope below, And, while the horizon shuts the day from sight, Wander about the hillside to and fro.” My Master then, as ‘twere in wonder, spake: “Then lead us thitherward where thou hast said, That we in lingering shall such pleasure take.” Nor had we forward far advanced our tread, When I perceived that on the mountain-side A valley opened, just like valleys here. “We will go forward,” said our shadowy guide, “Where on the slope yon hollow doth appear; There let us wait the dawning of the day.” ‘Twixt steep and level went a winding path Which led us where the vale-side dies away Till less than half its height the margin hath. Gold and fine silver, ceruse, cochineal, India’s rich wood, heaven’s lucid blue serene,[15] Or glow that emeralds freshly broke reveal, Had all been vanquished by the varied sheen Of this bright valley set with shrubs and flowers, As less by greater. Nor had Nature there Only in painting spent herself, but showers Of odors manifold made sweet the air With one strange mingling of confused perfume. And there new spirits chanting I descried— “Salve Regina!”—seated on the bloom And verdure sheltered by the dingle side. SORDELLO.