Page:Divine Comedy (Longfellow 1867) v1.djvu/155

But I will beat my wings above the pitch; 115
The height be left, and be the bank a shield,
To see if thou alone dost countervail us."
O thou who readest, thou shalt hear new sport!
Each to the other side his eyes averted;
He first, who most reluctant was to do it. 120
The Navarrese selected well his time;
Planted his feet on land, and in a moment
Leaped, and released himself from their design.
Whereat each one was suddenly stung with shame,
But he most who was cause of the defeat; 125
Therefore he moved, and cried: "Thou art o'ertaken."
But little it availed, for wings could not
Outstrip the fear; the other one went under,
And, flying, upward he his breast directed.
Not otherwise the duck upon a sudden 130
Dives under, when the falcon is approaching,
And upward he returneth cross and weary.
Infuriate at the mockery, Calcabrina
Flying behind him followed close, desirous
The other should escape, to have a quarrel. 135
And when the barrator had disappeared,
He turned his talons upon his companion,
And grappled with him right above the moat.