That thou this very day hast drunk of Lethe; And if from smoke a fire may be inferred, Such an oblivion clearly demonstrates Some error in thy will elsewhere intent. Truly from this time forward shall my words Be naked, so far as it is befitting To lay them open unto thy rude gaze.” And more coruscant and with slower steps The sun was holding the meridian circle, 1191 Which, with the point of view, shifts here and there, When halted (as he cometh to a halt, Who goes before a squadron as its escort, If something new he find upon his way) The maidens seven at a dark shadow’s edge, Such as, beneath green leaves and branches black, The Alp upon its frigid border wears. In front of them the Tigris and Euphrates 1192 Methought I saw forth issue from one fountain, And slowly part, like friends, from one another. “O light, O glory of the human race! What stream is this which here unfolds itself From out one source, and from itself withdraws?”