So that these stairs will now seem short to me. But tell me, and forgive me as a friend, If too great confidence let loose the rein, And as a friend now hold discourse with me; How was it possible within thy breast For avarice to find place, ’mid so much wisdom As thou wast filled with by thy diligence?” These words excited Statius at first Somewhat to laughter; afterward he answered: “Each word of thine is love’s dear sign to me. Verily oftentimes do things appear Which give fallacious matter to our doubts, Instead of the true causes which are hidden! Thy question shows me thy belief to be That I was niggard in the other life, It may be from the circle where I was; Therefore know thou, that avarice was removed Too far from me; and this extravagance Thousands of lunar periods have punished. And were it not that I my thoughts uplifted, When I the passage heard where thou exclaimest, As if indignant, unto human nature, ‘To what impellest thou not, O cursed hunger 960