Serpents as he had all along his back, As far as where our countenance begins. Upon the shoulders, just behind the nape, With wings wide open was a dragon lying, And he sets fire to all that he encounters. My Master said: “That one is Cacus, who 361 Beneath the rock upon Mount Aventine Created oftentimes a lake of blood. He goes not on the same road with his brothers, 362 By reason of the fraudulent theft he made Of the great herd, which he had near to him; Whereat his tortuous actions ceased beneath The mace of Hercules, who peradventure Gave him a hundred, and he felt not ten.” While he was speaking thus, he had passed by, And spirits three had underneath us come, 363 Of which nor I aware was, nor my Leader, Until what time they shouted: “Who are you?” On which account our story made a halt, 364 And then we were intent on them alone.