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CANTO III. girgummt. In the Moon are seen the souls of those who have broken religious Vows. Piccarda Donati relates her own History, and that of the Empress Constance. That Sun, which first had warm'd my heart with love, Thus of fair truth disclosed the sweet aspect, While she did prove and eke again reprove; And, to confess that now my intellect, From error freed, with certitude was fraught, 5 To speak once more I raised my head erect. But lo ! mine eyes a wondrous vision sought, Which so intently kept my mind, that here Of my confession I remember'd nought. For even as in transparent glass and clear, 10 Or, it may be, in waters pure and still, So shallow that their bed doth yet appear, VOL. III. C Our features seem the shadowy depths to fill, So faintly that a pearl on forehead white More plainly to our eyes is visible ; Thus many faces dimly met my sight, Intent to speak ; and error, contrary To that which love 'twixt man and fount did light, Now drew me to itself. Then suddenly, Because of these as mirror'd forms I deem'd, 20 I turn'd, their semblance better to descry, And nought I saw; and turn'd again, where gleam'd The lovely radiance of my gentle guide, Which, smiling, from her holy glances beam'd. " Marvel not though I smile," she then replied, 25 " At this thy childish fantasy and low, Because not yet 011 truth thy feet abide, But wand'ring round, as is their wont, they go. True substances are those thou dost perceive, Allotted to this place by broken vow : 30 But speak with them, and hear, and then believe ; For the true light which aye doth them inspire Doth let them ne'er of truth the footsteps leave." Then I unto the Shade who did respire Most eagerly for speechbegan to say. 35 Like one be...
