Now was I where was heard the reverberation 222 Of water falling into the next round, Like to that humming which the beehives make, When shadows three together started forth, 223 Running, from out a company that passed Beneath the rain of the sharp martyrdom. Towards us came they, and each one cried out: “Stop, thou; for by thy garb to us thou seemest To be someone of our depraved city.” Ah me! what wounds I saw upon their limbs, Recent and ancient by the flames burnt in! It pains me still but to remember it. Unto their cries my Teacher paused attentive; He turned his face towards me, and “Now wait,” He said; “to these we should be courteous. And if it were not for the fire that darts The nature of this region, I should say That haste were more becoming thee than them.” As soon as we stood still, they recommenced The old refrain, and when they overtook us, Formed of themselves a wheel, all three of them. As champions stripped and oiled are wont to do,