Dante The Inferno Author:Dante Alighieri Purchase of this book includes free trial access to www.million-books.com where you can read more than a million books for free. This is an OCR edition with typos. Excerpt from book: CANTO II. ARGUMENT. Virgil relieves the fears of Dante, relating how he had been sent to his assistance by Beatrice. He accompanies him to the gate of Hell... more ». The day was closing, and the dusky air 1 On all the creatures of the earth bestow'd Rest from their labours:—I alone prepare To struggle against pity, and to dare A conflict -with the horrors of the road, Which an unerring memory shall declare. O Muse, 0 lofty Genius, grant your aid :— 7 O Memory—faithful record of the past— Be here $hy true nobility display'd. " Poet," I then began, " my honour'd guide, O trust me not in an attempt so vast, Until my strength and virtue hare been tried. Thy verse relates how Sylvius" parent gain'd 13 Immortal realms, while yet corruptible, And still in honds of human flesh detain'd. If then the great Antagonist of ill Regarded him with favour—whoso well The mighty destinies he should fulfil Considers, will that special favour rate, 19 As not undue to one ordain'd to he Father of Rome, and her imperial state;— There, where the holy place, if truth he told, Was instituted hy divine decree As the high seat Saint Peter's heir should hold. In that descent, made famous in thy rhyme, 25 He heard the announcement of his victory, And of the Papal See in coming time. Next went ' the chosen vessel,' to convey Comfort to those, who on that faith rely Which to salvation opens first the way. But I—why go I there ? who sanction gives ? 31 jEneas am not I, nor righteous Paul : That I am worthy, surely none believes. If then I venture on this enterprise, Great is my dread in the attempt to fall : More need I not to say, for thou art wise." And like to one who swerves from his intent, 37 Changing his purpose as fresh thoughts s...« less