When him a melancholy voice addressed;
"Ah! without harming other, downward wend.
Me but too sore the sable fumes molest, Which hither form the hellish fires ascend."
Thereat the duke, amazed, his steps represt, And to the spirit cried: "So may Heaven send A respite from the vapours that exhale, As thou shalt deign to tell thy mournful tale!