The Wrathful — Canto VIII

Canto 8 of Inferno by Dante Alighieri

I say, continuing, that long before We to the foot of that high tower had come, Our eyes went upward to the summit of it, By reason of two flamelets we saw placed there, And from afar another gave it answer, So far, that hardly could the eye attain it.

And I unto the sea of all good counsel Turned me, and said: "What sayeth this, and what Respondeth that other fire? and who are they who made it?" And he to me: "Upon the turbid waves Already canst thou what is expected see, If the marsh vapours hide it not from thee."

Cord never shot an arrow from itself That sped away athwart the air so swift, As I beheld a very little boat Come o'er the water tow'rds us at that moment, Under the guidance of a single pilot, Who cried aloud: "Now art thou arrived, fell soul?"