To hold this wreckage of humanity.

The first Circle to which were drawing near

Æneas and his Guide, might force a tear

From hearts of iron; for the entire air

Was but a storm of infantile despair;

One scream—plaints of robbery of the share

In sweet life to which each is born an heir.

Only, clasped to their mother’s breasts, of all

Promised at birth, they have—a funeral!

In the next Circle, less by one degree