[7] The Attic month of Puanepsion had its commencement in the latter days of October; its name is derived from πύανα, the legumes which were offered in sacrifice to Apollo at that season.
[8] The thirteenth of Elaphebolion was the tenth of April.
DANTE AND BEATRICE
Dante. When you saw me profoundly pierced with love, and reddening and trembling, did it become you, did it become you, you whom I have always called the most gentle Bice, to join in the heartless laughter of those girls around you? Answer me. Reply unhesitatingly. Requires it so long a space for dissimulation and duplicity? Pardon! pardon! pardon! My senses have left me; my heart being gone, they follow.
Beatrice. Childish man! pursuing the impossible.
Dante. And was it this you laughed at? We cannot touch the hem of God’s garment; yet we fall at His feet and weep.
Beatrice. But weep not, gentle Dante! fall not before the weakest of His creatures, willing to comfort, unable to relieve you. Consider a little. Is laughter at all times the signal or the precursor of derision? I smiled, let me avow it, from the pride I felt in your preference of me; and if I laughed, it was to conceal my sentiments. Did you never cover sweet fruit with worthless leaves? Come, do not drop again so soon so faint a smile. I will not have you grave, nor very serious. I pity you; I must not love you: if I might, I would.
Dante. Yet how much love is due to me, O Bice, who have loved you, as you well remember, even from your tenth year. But it is reported, and your words confirm it, that you are going to be married.
Beatrice. If so, and if I could have laughed at that, and if my laughter could have estranged you from me, would you blame me?