I found it sure enough, and was about to return, when I saw a figure that seemed to emerge from the crater itself.

The air was so pestiferous that I could not have conceived a human creature could breathe it and live.

I was so astounded that I stood as still as a stone, till the figure came over the hot ashes and stood before me face to face.

Sancta Maria, what a head!" "What, hideous ?" "No, so beautiful, but so terrible.

It had nothing human in its aspect." "And what said the salamander ?" "Nothing! It did not even seem to perceive me, though I was as near as I am to you; but its eyes seemed prying into the air.