Thou shalt see well, if thou approach the place,

How much the eye by distance is beguiled :

Now then, a little onward prick thy pace." a*

Tenderly then he took my hand, and, " Here,"
Continued he, " ere further we have gone,
Know, that the fact less startling may appear,
Giants, not towers, are those thou gazest on.
There in the central well are all immersed,
Each from his navel down, about the bank."
As when a fog breaks, ere it be dispersed,
Little by little from the dark and dank ra

The sight shapes out those objects hid before ;
Th„ piercing that groa, air, and getting near
And nearer still to the surrounding shore,
Mine error fled, but instant grew my fear.
As Montereggion stands with turrets crowned
About its circuit, thus these giants grim,
Towering with half their persons, rose around
And overtopped the pit's encircling rim. 40



CANTO XXXI. 193

These are the fiends at whom Jove still doth launch
Threats when he thunders. I already traced
The face of one, great portion of his paunch,
Shoulders and breast, and arms adown his waist.
Sure Nature, when her hand forebore the skill
To make such monsters, had a wise intent,
Taking from Mars those ministers of ill ;
And if she do not of her whales repent «

And elephants, who closely thinks, will find
That she herein a just discretion shows :
For were ill will and strength gifted with mind,
Vainly would men such argument oppose.
