As, where I was, to hold it was well done. At length we reached a noble castle's[236] side Which lofty sevenfold walls encompassed round, And it was moated by a sparkling tide. This we traversed as if it were dry ground; I through seven gates did with those sages go; 110 Then in a verdant mead people we found Whose glances were deliberate and slow. Authority was stamped on every face; Seldom they spake, in tuneful voices low. We drew apart to a high open space Upon one side which, luminously serene, Did of them all a perfect view embrace. Thence, opposite, on the enamel green Were shown me mighty spirits; with delight I still am stirred them only to have seen. 120 With many more, Electra was in sight; 'Mong them I Hector and Æneas spied, Cæsar in arms,[237] his eyes, like falcon's, bright. And, opposite, Camilla I descried; Penthesilea too; the Latian King Sat with his child Lavinia by his side. Brutus[238] I saw, who Tarquin forth did fling; Cornelia, Marcia,[239] Julia, and Lucrece. Saladin[240] sat alone. Considering What lay beyond with somewhat lifted eyes, 130 The Master[241] I beheld of those that know, 'Mong such as in philosophy were wise. All gazed on him as if toward him to show Becoming honour; Plato in advance With Socrates: the others stood below. Democritus[242] who set the world on chance; Thales, Diogenes, Empedocles, Zeno, and Anaxagoras met my glance; Heraclitus, and Dioscorides, Wise judge of nature. Tully, Orpheus, were 140 With ethic Seneca and Linus.[243] These, And Ptolemy,[244] too, and Euclid, geometer, Galen, Hippocrates, and Avicen,[245] Averroes,[246] the same who did prepare The Comment, saw I; nor can tell again The names of all I saw; the subject wide So urgent is, time often fails me. Then Into two bands the six of us divide; Me by another way my Leader wise Doth from the calm to air which trembles, guide. 150 I reach a part[247] which all benighted lies. FOOTNOTES: