Whence I, unknowing which way to expect
This object, turned me, almost froze with fear,
And to those trusty shoulders closely clung.
Again Sordello: “Go we down and see
These mighty shades, and let them hear our tongue:
Thy presence will to them right gracious be.”
Only three steps I think brought me below
Where one I noticed solely eyeing me
As if who I might be he fain would know.
‘Twas dusk, yet not so but the dusky air,
Between his eyes and mine, within the dell,
Showed what before it did not quite declare.
Towards me he moved, and I towards him as well:
Gentle Judge Nino, when I saw thee there
What joy was mine to find thee not in hell!
We left unsaid no form of fair salute:
Then he inquired: “How long since thou didst come
O’er the far waters to the mountain’s foot?”
“O but this morn,” said I, “the realms of gloom
I passed: in the first life I am, but fain