The while below there fixedly I gazed, My Leader, crying out: “Beware, beware!” Drew me unto himself from where I stood. Then I turned round, as one who is impatient To see what it behoves him to escape, And whom a sudden terror doth unman, Who, while he looks, delays not his departure; And I beheld behind us a black devil, Running along upon the crag, approach. Ah, how ferocious was he in his aspect! And how he seemed to me in action ruthless, With open wings and light upon his feet! His shoulders, which sharp-pointed were and high, A sinner did encumber with both haunches, And he held clutched the sinews of the feet. From off our bridge, he said: “O Malebranche, 304 Behold one of the elders of Saint Zita; 305 Plunge him beneath, for I return for others Unto that town, which is well furnished with them. All there are barrators, except Bonturo; 306 No into Yes for money there is changed.”