The Dark Forest (Canto I)

Midway upon my own journey
I found myself in a dark forest
For the straightforward pathway had been lost
I could not understand where I was!

Dante lost himself into the dark forest and is looking for a way out
More and more becomes a dark path
I cannot get out of it
and the darkness falling down on me
will not let me chance, I have to stop!

Not finding his path he falls asleep; sunrays then wake him up
… and I wake up in the sun

I began to climb the mountain
but three beasts obstructing my path
hungry lion, she-wolf and a panther light
they have forced me down from the hill

Dante tries to walk up the hill he face three beasts which make him fall down
Suddenly appeared a dark shape
ghost or man ? I could not know
was my master, a great poet
who has lived in Rome, so here's Virgilio !

Dante meets his guide, Virgilio, who calms him down
….and here he's there, in front of me

and I said to him "Have you pity on me"
and he to me, calmly reassuring he said

"Rise up
and follow me to hell, where you could meet
ancient spirits, you'll see
hopefuls in flames
And then
if you want to ascend
a worthy soul will take and guide you on"

Virgilio reassures Dante with him being his guide through this long and perilous trip