8 With wonder, I believe, I painted me; whereat the shade smiled and drew back, 84 and I, following it, pressed forward. Gently it said, that I should pause; then I knew who it was, and I prayed it 87 that it would stay to speak with me a little. It replied to me: “Even as I loved thee in the mortal body, so loosed from it I love thee; 90 therefore I stay; but wherefore art thou going?” “My Casella, in order to return another time to this place where I am, do I make this journey,” 93 said I, “but from thee how has so much time been taken?” And he to me: “No wrong has been done me if he who takes both when and whom it pleases him 96 has many times denied to me this passage; for of a just will his own is made. For three months, indeed, he has taken 99 whoso has wished to enter with all peace. Wherefore I, who had now turned to the seashore where the water of Tiber becomes salt, 102 was benignantly received by him. To that outlet has he now directed his wing, because always those assemble there 105 who towards Acheron do not descend.” And I: “If a new law take not from thee memory or practice of the song of love 108 which was wont to quiet all my longings,
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