4 Soon as my Leader and I were in the boat, the antique prow goes its way, 30 cutting more of the water than it is wont with others. While we were running through the dead channel, one full of mud set himself before me, 33 and said: “Who art thou that comest before thine hour?” And I to him: “If I come, I do not stay; but who art thou that art become so foul?” 36 He answered: “Thou seest that I am one who laments.” And I to him, “With lamenting and with sorrow, accursed spirit, do thou remain, 39 for I know thee, though thou be all filthy.” Then he stretched to the boat both his hands, whereat the wary Master thrust him back, 42 saying: “Away there, with the other dogs!” Then he clasped my neck with his arms, kissed my face, and said: “Indignant soul, 45 blessed be she who bore thee! That was an arrogant person in the world; no goodness is there that adorns his memory; 48 so is his shade furious here. How many now up there are held great kings who shall lie here like swine in mire, 51 leaving of themselves horrible dispraises!” And I: “Master, I should much like to see him soused in this broth 54 before we depart from the lake.”
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