665 In this wise spake he, with the stamp impressed Upon his aspect of that righteous zeal Which measurably burneth in the heart. My greedy eyes still wandered up to heaven, Still to that point where slowest are the stars, Even as a wheel the nearest to its axle. And my Conductor: “Son, what dost thou gaze at Up there?” And I to him: “At those three torches 666 With which this hither pole is all on fire.” And he to me: “The four resplendent stars Thou sawest this morning are down yonder low, And these have mounted up to where those were.” As he was speaking, to himself Sordello Drew him, and said, “Lo there our Adversary!” And pointed with his finger to look thither. Upon the side on which the little valley No barrier hath, a serpent was; perchance The same which gave to Eve the bitter food. ’Twixt grass and flowers came on the evil streak, 667 Turning at times its head about, and licking Its back like to a beast that smoothes itself.