its true beginning takes." Sordello rejoins that, while he will gladly
serve as guide, the day is already so far gone that they had better
spend the night in a neighboring dell. He then leads Virgil and Dante
to a hollow, where, resting upon fragrant flowers, they prepare to
spend the night, with a company of spirits who chant "Salve Regina."
Among these the new-comers recognize with surprise sundry renowned
monarchs, whose doings are briefly described.

_Canto VIII._ Meantime the hour of rest has come, the hour described
by the poet as--

Now was the hour that wakens fond desire
In men at sea, and melts their thoughtful heart
Who in the morn have bid sweet friends farewell,
And pilgrim newly on his road with love
Thrills, if he hear the vesper bell from far
That seems to mourn for the expiring day.

Dante and Virgil then witness the evening devotions of these spirits,
which conclude with a hymn so soft, so devout, that their senses are
lost in ravishment. When it has ended, the spirits all gaze
expectantly upward, and soon behold two green-clad angels, with
flaming swords, who alight on eminences at either end of the glade.
These heavenly warriors are sent by Mary to mount guard during the
hours of darkness so as to prevent the serpent from gliding unseen
into their miniature Eden. Still led by Sordello, the poets withdraw
to a leafy recess, where Dante discovers a friend whom he had cause to
believe detained in hell. This spirit explains he is not indeed
languishing there simply because of the prayers of his daughter
Giovanna, who has not forgotten him although his wife has married