Canto XXXII

was turned to evil.” After this fashion round the tree robust The others shouted; and the twofold creature: “Thus is preserved the seed of all the just.” And turning to the pole which he had dragged, He drew it close beneath the widowed bough, And what was of it unto it left bound. In the same manner as our trees (when downward Falls the great light, with that together mingled Which after the celestial Lasca shines) Begin to swell, and then renew themselves, Each one with its own color, ere the Sun Harness his steeds beneath another star: Less than of rose and more than violet A hue disclosing, was renewed the tree That had erewhile its boughs so desolate. I never heard, nor here below is sung, The hymn which afterward that people sang, Nor did I bear the melody throughout. Had I the power to paint how fell asleep Those eyes compassionless, of Syrinx hearing, Those eyes to which more watching cost so dear, Even as a painter who from model paints I would portray how I was lulled asleep; He may, who well can picture drowsihood. Therefore I pass to what time I awoke, And say a splendor rent from me the veil Of slumber, and a calling: “Rise, what dost thou?” As to behold the apple-tree in blossom Which makes the Angels greedy for its fruit, And keeps perpetual bridals in the Heaven, Peter and John and James conducted were, And, overcome, recovered at the word By which still greater slumbers have been broken, And saw their school diminished by the loss Not only of Elias, but of Moses, And the apparel of their Master changed; So I revived, and saw that piteous one Above me standing, who had been conductress Aforetime of my steps beside the river, And all in doubt I said, “Where’s Beatrice?” And she: “Behold her seated underneath The leafage new, upon the root of it. Behold the company that circles her; The rest behind the Griffin are ascending With more melodious song, and more profound.” And if her speech were more diffuse I know not, Because already in my sight was she Who from the hearing of aught else had shut me. Alone she sat upon the very earth, Left there as guardian of the chariot Which I had seen the biform monster fasten. Encircling her, a cloister made themselves The seven