My bones Octavian gathered to the tomb.
Virgil I am, and for none other sin
But want of faith was I from heaven shut out.”
Like one who suddenly before him sees
Something that wakes his wonder, whence, in doubt,
He says, It is not; then believing, ’Tis!
Sordello stood, then back to him without
Lifting his eyelids, turned and clasped his knees.
“O glory of the Latin race!” he cried,
“Through whom to such a height our language rose,
Oh! of my birthplace everlasting pride,
What merit or grace on me thy sight bestows?
Tell me, unless to hear thee is denied,
Com’st thou from hell, or where hast thou repose?”
VIRGIL.
He to this answered: “Grace from heaven moved me,
And leads me still: the circles every one
Of sorrow’s kingdom have I trod to thee.
My sight is barred from that supernal Sun,