TheDivineComedy

DanteAlighieri Translatedby HenryWadsworthLongfellow

 CONTENTS Inferno I.TheDarkForest.TheHillofDifficulty.ThePanther, theLion,andtheWolf.Virgil. II.TheDescent.DantesProtestandVirgilsAppeal. TheIntercessionoftheThreeLadiesBenedight. III.TheGateofHell.TheInefficientorIndifferent. PopeCelestineV.TheShoresofAcheron.Charon. TheEarthquakeandtheSwoon. IV.TheFirstCircle,Limbo:VirtuousPagansandtheUnbaptized. TheFourPoets,Homer,Horace,Ovid,andLucan.TheNoble CastleofPhilosophy. V.TheSecondCircle:TheWanton.Minos.TheInfernalHurricane. FrancescadaRimini. VI.TheThirdCircle:TheGluttonous.Cerberus.TheEternalRain. Ciacco.Florence. VII.TheFourthCircle:TheAvariciousandtheProdigal. Plutus.FortuneandherWheel.TheFifthCircle: TheIrascibleandtheSullen.Styx. VIII.Phlegyas.PhilippoArgenti.TheGateoftheCityofDis. IX.TheFuriesandMedusa.TheAngel.TheCityofDis. TheSixthCircle:Heresiarchs. X.FarinataandCavalcantedeCavalcanti.Discourseonthe KnowledgeoftheDamned. XI.TheBrokenRocks.PopeAnastasius.GeneralDescriptionof theInfernoanditsDivisions. XII.TheMinotaur.TheSeventhCircle:TheViolent. TheRiverPhlegethon.TheViolentagainsttheirNeighbours. TheCentaurs.Tyrants. XIII.TheWoodofThorns.TheHarpies.TheViolent againstthemselves.Suicides.PierdellaVigna. LanoandJacopodaSantAndrea. XIV. The Sand Waste and the Rain of Fire. The Violent against God. Capaneus.TheStatueofTime,andtheFourInfernalRivers. XV.TheViolentagainstNature.BrunettoLatini. XVI.Guidoguerra,Aldobrandi,andRusticucci.Cataractof theRiverofBlood. XVII.Geryon.TheViolentagainstArt.Usurers.Descentinto theAbyssofMalebolge. XVIII.TheEighthCircle,Malebolge:TheFraudulentand

 theMalicious.TheFirstBolgia:SeducersandPanders. VenedicoCaccianimico.Jason.TheSecondBolgia: Flatterers.AllessioInterminelli.Thais. XIX.TheThirdBolgia:Simoniacs.PopeNicholasIII. DantesReproofofcorruptPrelates. XX.TheFourthBolgia:Soothsayers.Amphiaraus,Tiresias,Aruns, Manto,Eryphylus,MichaelScott,GuidoBonatti,andAsdente. VirgilreproachesDantesPity.MantuasFoundation. XXI.TheFifthBolgia:Peculators.TheElderofSantaZita. MalacodaandotherDevils. XXII.Ciampolo,FriarGomita,andMichaelZanche. TheMalabranchequarrel. XXIII.EscapefromtheMalabranche.TheSixthBolgia:Hypocrites. CatalanoandLoderingo.Caiaphas. XXIV.TheSeventhBolgia:Thieves.VanniFucci.Serpents. XXV.VanniFuccisPunishment.AgnelloBrunelleschi, BuosodegliAbati,PuccioSciancato,CianfadeDonati, andGuercioCavalcanti. XXVI.TheEighthBolgia:EvilCounsellors.UlyssesandDiomed. UlyssesLastVoyage. XXVII. Guido da Montefeltro. His deception by Pope Boniface VIII. XXVIII.TheNinthBolgia:Schismatics.MahometandAli. PierdaMedicina,Curio,Mosca,andBertranddeBorn. XXIX.GeridelBello.TheTenthBolgia:Alchemists. GriffolinodArezzoandCapocchino. XXX.OtherFalsifiersorForgers.GianniSchicchi,Myrrha, AdamofBrescia,PotipharsWife,andSinonofTroy. XXXI.TheGiants,Nimrod,Ephialtes,andAntaeus. DescenttoCocytus. XXXII.TheNinthCircle:Traitors.TheFrozenLakeofCocytus. FirstDivision,Caina:TraitorstotheirKindred. CamiciondePazzi.SecondDivision,Antenora: TraitorstotheirCountry.Dantequestions BoccadegliAbati.BuosodaDuera. XXXIII.CountUgolinoandtheArchbishopRuggieri.TheDeath ofCountUgolinosSons.ThirdDivisionoftheNinthCircle, Ptolomaea:TraitorstotheirFriends.FriarAlberigo, BrancodOria. XXXIV.FourthDivisionoftheNinthCircle,theJudecca: TraitorstotheirLordsandBenefactors.Lucifer, JudasIscariot,Brutus,andCassius.TheChasmofLethe. TheAscent.

 Purgatorio I.TheShoresofPurgatory.TheFourStars.CatoofUtica. TheRush. II.TheCelestialPilot.Casella.TheDeparture. III.DiscourseontheLimitsofReason.TheFootoftheMountain. ThosewhodiedinContumacyofHolyChurch.Manfredi. IV.FartherAscent.NatureoftheMountain.TheNegligent, whopostponedRepentancetillthelastHour.Belacqua. V.ThosewhodiedbyViolence,butrepentant. BuoncontediMonfeltro.LaPia. VI.DantesInquiryonPrayersfortheDead.Sordello.Italy. VII.TheValleyofFlowers.NegligentPrinces. VIII.TheGuardianAngelsandtheSerpent.NinodiGallura. TheThreeStars.CurradoMalaspina. IX.DantesDreamoftheEagle.TheGateofPurgatoryand theAngel.SevenPs.TheKeys. X.TheNeedlesEye.TheFirstCircle:TheProud. TheSculpturesontheWall. XI.TheHumblePrayer.OmbertodiSantafiore. OderisidAgobbio.ProvenzanSalvani. XII.TheSculpturesonthePavement.AscenttotheSecondCircle. XIII.TheSecondCircle:TheEnvious.SapiaofSiena. XIV.GuidodelDucaandRenierdaCalboli.Citiesof theArnoValley.DenunciationofStubbornness. XV.TheThirdCircle:TheIrascible.DantesVisions.TheSmoke. XVI.MarcoLombardo.LamentovertheStateoftheWorld. XVII.DantesDreamofAnger.TheFourthCircle:TheSlothful. VirgilsDiscourseofLove. XVIII.VirgilfurtherdiscoursesofLoveandFreeWill. TheAbbotofSanZeno. XIX.DantesDreamoftheSiren.TheFifthCircle: TheAvariciousandProdigal.PopeAdrianV. XX.HughCapet.CorruptionoftheFrenchCrown. ProphecyoftheAbductionofPopeBonifaceVIIIand theSacrilegeofPhiliptheFair.TheEarthquake. XXI.ThePoetStatius.PraiseofVirgil. XXII.StatiusDenunciationofAvarice.TheSixthCircle: TheGluttonous.TheMysticTree. XXIII.Forese.ReproofofimmodestFlorentineWomen. XXIV.BuonagiuntadaLucca.PopeMartinIV,andothers. InquiryintotheStateofPoetry. XXV.DiscourseofStatiusonGeneration.TheSeventhCircle:

 TheWanton. XXVI.Sodomites.GuidoGuinicelliandArnaldoDaniello. XXVII.TheWallofFireandtheAngelofGod.DantesSleep upontheStairway,andhisDreamofLeahandRachel. ArrivalattheTerrestrialParadise. XXVIII.TheRiverLethe.Matilda.TheNatureof theTerrestrialParadise. XXIX.TheTriumphoftheChurch. XXX.VirgilsDeparture.Beatrice.DantesShame. XXXI.ReproachesofBeatriceandConfessionofDante. ThePassageofLethe.TheSevenVirtues.TheGriffon. XXXII.TheTreeofKnowledge.AllegoryoftheChariot. XXXIII.LamentovertheStateoftheChurch.FinalReproaches ofBeatrice.TheRiverEunoe.

 Paradiso I.TheAscenttotheFirstHeaven.TheSphereofFire. II.TheFirstHeaven,theMoon:Spiritswho,havingtaken SacredVows,wereforcedtoviolatethem.TheLunarSpots. III.PiccardaDonatiandtheEmpressConstance. IV.QuestioningsoftheSoulandofBrokenVows. V.DiscourseofBeatriceonVowsandCompensations. AscenttotheSecondHeaven,Mercury:Spiritswhofor theLoveofFameachievedgreatDeeds. VI.Justinian.TheRomanEagle.TheEmpire.Romeo. VII.BeatricesDiscourseoftheCrucifixion,theIncarnation, theImmortalityoftheSoul,andtheResurrectionoftheBody. VIII.AscenttotheThirdHeaven,Venus:Lovers.CharlesMartel. DiscourseondiverseNatures. IX.CunizzadaRomano,FolcoofMarseilles,andRahab. NeglectoftheHolyLand. X.TheFourthHeaven,theSun:TheologiansandFathersof theChurch.TheFirstCircle.St.ThomasofAquinas. XI.St.ThomasrecountstheLifeofSt.Francis.Lamentover theStateoftheDominicanOrder. XII.St.BuonaventurarecountstheLifeofSt.Dominic.Lament overtheStateoftheFranciscanOrder.TheSecondCircle. XIII.OftheWisdomofSolomon.St.Thomasreproaches DantesJudgement. XIV.TheThirdCircle.DiscourseontheResurrectionoftheFlesh. TheFifthHeaven,Mars:MartyrsandCrusaderswhodiedfighting forthetrueFaith.TheCelestialCross. XV.Cacciaguida.FlorenceintheOldenTime. XVI.DantesNobleAncestry.CacciaguidasDiscourseof theGreatFlorentines. XVII.CacciaguidasProphecyofDantesBanishment. XVIII.TheSixthHeaven,Jupiter:RighteousKingsandRulers. TheCelestialEagle.DantesInvectivesagainst ecclesiasticalAvarice. XIX.TheEaglediscoursesofSalvation,Faith,andVirtue. CondemnationofthevileKingsofA.D.1300. XX.TheEaglepraisestheRighteousKingsofold. BenevolenceoftheDivineWill. XXI.TheSeventhHeaven,Saturn:TheContemplative. TheCelestialStairway.St.PeterDamiano.HisInvectives againsttheLuxuryofthePrelates. XXII.St.Benedict.HisLamentationovertheCorruptionofMonks.

 TheEighthHeaven,theFixedStars. XXIII.TheTriumphofChrist.TheVirginMary.TheApostles. Gabriel. XXIV.TheRadiantWheel.St.PeterexaminesDanteonFaith. XXV.TheLaurelCrown.St.JamesexaminesDanteonHope. DantesBlindness. XXVI.St.JohnexaminesDanteonCharity.DantesSight.Adam. XXVII.St.PetersreproofofbadPopes.TheAscentto theNinthHeaven,thePrimumMobile. XXVIII.GodandtheAngelicHierarchies. XXIX.BeatricesDiscourseoftheCreationoftheAngels, andoftheFallofLucifer.HerReproofofFoolishand AvariciousPreachers. XXX.TheTenthHeaven,orEmpyrean.TheRiverofLight. TheTwoCourtsofHeaven.TheWhiteRoseofParadise. ThegreatThrone. XXXI.TheGloryofParadise.DepartureofBeatrice.St.Bernard. XXXII.St.BernardpointsouttheSaintsintheWhiteRose. XXXIII.PrayertotheVirgin.TheThreefoldCircleoftheTrinity. MysteryoftheDivineandHumanNature.

TheDivineComedy

TheDivineComedy INFERNO Inferno:CantoI Midwayuponthejourneyofourlife Ifoundmyselfwithinaforestdark, Forthestraightforwardpathwayhadbeenlost. Ahme!howhardathingitistosay Whatwasthisforestsavage,rough,andstern, Whichintheverythoughtrenewsthefear. Sobitterisit,deathislittlemore; Butofthegoodtotreat,whichthereIfound, SpeakwillIoftheotherthingsIsawthere. IcannotwellrepeathowthereIentered, SofullwasIofslumberatthemoment InwhichIhadabandonedthetrueway. ButafterIhadreachedamountainsfoot, Atthatpointwherethevalleyterminated, Whichhadwithconsternationpiercedmyheart, UpwardIlooked,andIbehelditsshoulders, Vestedalreadywiththatplanetsrays Whichleadethothersrightbyeveryroad. Thenwasthefearalittlequieted Thatinmyheartslakehadenduredthroughout Thenight,whichIhadpassedsopiteously. Andevenashe,who,withdistressfulbreath, Forthissuedfromtheseaupontheshore, Turnstothewaterperilousandgazes; Sodidmysoul,thatstillwasfleeingonward, Turnitselfbacktorebeholdthepass Whichneveryetalivingpersonleft.

TheDivineComedy AftermywearybodyIhadrested, ThewayresumedIonthedesertslope, Sothatthefirmfooteverwasthelower. Andlo!almostwheretheascentbegan, Apantherlightandswiftexceedingly, Whichwithaspottedskinwascoveredoer! Andnevermovedshefrombeforemyface, Nay,ratherdidimpedesomuchmyway, ThatmanytimesItoreturnhadturned. Thetimewasthebeginningofthemorning, Andupthesunwasmountingwiththosestars Thatwithhimwere,whattimetheLoveDivine Atfirstinmotionsetthosebeauteousthings; Soweretomeoccasionofgoodhope, Thevariegatedskinofthatwildbeast, Thehouroftime,andthedeliciousseason; Butnotsomuch,thatdidnotgivemefear Alionsaspectwhichappearedtome. Heseemedasifagainstmehewerecoming Withheaduplifted,andwithravenoushunger, Sothatitseemedtheairwasafraidofhim; Andashewolf,thatwithallhungerings Seemedtobeladeninhermeagreness, Andmanyfolkhascausedtoliveforlorn! Shebroughtuponmesomuchheaviness, Withtheaffrightthatfromheraspectcame, ThatIthehoperelinquishedoftheheight. Andasheiswhowillinglyacquires, Andthetimecomesthatcauseshimtolose, Whoweepsinallhisthoughtsandisdespondent, Eensuchmademethatbeastwithoutenpeace, Which,comingonagainstmebydegrees Thrustmebackthitherwherethesunissilent.

TheDivineComedy WhileIwasrushingdownwardtothelowland, Beforemineeyesdidonepresenthimself, Whoseemedfromlongcontinuedsilencehoarse. WhenIbeheldhiminthedesertvast, Havepityonme,untohimIcried, Whicheerthouart,orshadeorrealman! Heansweredme:Notman;manonceIwas, AndbothmyparentswereofLombardy, AndMantuansbycountrybothofthem. SubJuliowasIborn,thoughitwaslate, AndlivedatRomeunderthegoodAugustus, Duringthetimeoffalseandlyinggods. ApoetwasI,andIsangthatjust SonofAnchises,whocameforthfromTroy, AfterthatIlionthesuperbwasburned. Butthou,whygoestthoubacktosuchannoyance? WhyclimbstthounottheMountDelectable, Whichisthesourceandcauseofeveryjoy? Now,artthouthatVirgiliusandthatfountain Whichspreadsabroadsowideariverofspeech? Imaderesponsetohimwithbashfulforehead. O,oftheotherpoetshonourandlight, Availmethelongstudyandgreatlove Thathaveimpelledmetoexplorethyvolume! Thouartmymaster,andmyauthorthou, ThouartalonetheonefromwhomItook Thebeautifulstylethathasdonehonourtome. Beholdthebeast,forwhichIhaveturnedback; Dothouprotectmefromher,famousSage, Forshedothmakemyveinsandpulsestremble.

TheDivineComedy Theeitbehovestotakeanotherroad, Respondedhe,whenhebeheldmeweeping, Iffromthissavageplacethouwouldstescape; Becausethisbeast,atwhichthoucriestout, Suffersnotanyonetopassherway, Butsodothharasshim,thatshedestroyshim; Andhasanaturesomalignandruthless, Thatneverdothshegluthergreedywill, Andafterfoodishungrierthanbefore. Manytheanimalswithwhomsheweds, Andmoretheyshallbestill,untiltheGreyhound Comes,whoshallmakeherperishinherpain. Heshallnotfeedoneitherearthorpelf, Butuponwisdom,andonloveandvirtue; TwixtFeltroandFeltroshallhisnationbe; OfthatlowItalyshallhebethesaviour, OnwhoseaccountthemaidCamilladied, Euryalus,Turnus,Nisus,oftheirwounds; Througheverycityshallhehuntherdown, UntilheshallhavedrivenherbacktoHell, Therefromwhenceenvyfirstdidletherloose. ThereforeIthinkandjudgeitforthybest Thoufollowme,andIwillbethyguide, Andleadtheehencethroughtheeternalplace, Wherethoushalthearthedesperatelamentations, Shaltseetheancientspiritsdisconsolate, Whocryouteachonefortheseconddeath; Andthoushaltseethosewhocontentedare Withinthefire,becausetheyhopetocome, Wheneeritmaybe,totheblessedpeople; Towhom,then,ifthouwishesttoascend, AsoulshallbeforthatthanImoreworthy; WithheratmydepartureIwillleavethee;

TheDivineComedy BecausethatEmperor,whoreignsabove, InthatIwasrebellioustohislaw, Willsthatthroughmenonecomeintohiscity. Hegovernseverywhere,andtherehereigns; Thereishiscityandhisloftythrone; Ohappyhewhomtheretoheelects! AndItohim:Poet,Itheeentreat, BythatsameGodwhomthoudidstneverknow, SothatImayescapethiswoeandworse, Thouwouldstconductmetherewherethouhastsaid, ThatImayseetheportalofSaintPeter, Andthosethoumakestsodisconsolate. Thenhemovedon,andIbehindhimfollowed.

TheDivineComedy Inferno:CantoII Daywasdeparting,andtheembrownedair Releasedtheanimalsthatareonearth Fromtheirfatigues;andItheonlyone Mademyselfreadytosustainthewar, Bothofthewayandlikewiseofthewoe, Whichmemorythaterrsnotshallretrace. OMuses,Ohighgenius,nowassistme! Omemory,thatdidstwritedownwhatIsaw, Herethynobilityshallbemanifest! AndIbegan:Poet,whoguidestme, Regardmymanhood,ifitbesufficient, Eretothearduouspassthoudostconfideme. Thousayest,thatofSilviustheparent, Whileyetcorruptible,untotheworld Immortalwent,andwastherebodily. Butiftheadversaryofallevil Wascourteous,thinkingofthehigheffect Thatissuewouldfromhim,andwho,andwhat, Tomenofintellectunmeetitseemsnot; ForhewasofgreatRome,andofherempire Intheempyrealheavenasfatherchosen; Thewhichandwhat,wishingtospeakthetruth, Werestablishedastheholyplace,wherein SitsthesuccessorofthegreatestPeter. Uponthisjourney,whencethougivesthimvaunt, Thingsdidhehear,whichtheoccasionwere Bothofhisvictoryandthepapalmantle. ThitherwentafterwardstheChosenVessel, TobringbackcomfortthenceuntothatFaith, Whichofsalvationswayisthebeginning.

TheDivineComedy ButI,whythithercome,orwhoconcedesit? InotAeneasam,IamnotPaul, NorI,norothers,thinkmeworthyofit. Therefore,ifIresignmyselftocome, Ifearthecomingmaybeilladvised; Thourtwise,andknowestbetterthanIspeak. Andasheis,whounwillswhathewilled, Andbynewthoughtsdothhisintentionchange, Sothatfromhisdesignhequitewithdraws, SuchIbecame,uponthatdarkhillside, Because,inthinking,Iconsumedtheemprise, Whichwassoverypromptinthebeginning. IfIhavewellthylanguageunderstood, RepliedthatshadeoftheMagnanimous, Thysoulattaintediswithcowardice, Whichmanytimesamanencumbersso, Itturnshimbackfromhonouredenterprise, Asfalsesightdothabeast,whenheisshy. Thatthoumaystfreetheefromthisapprehension, IlltelltheewhyIcame,andwhatIheard AtthefirstmomentwhenIgrievedforthee. AmongthosewasIwhoareinsuspense, Andafair,saintlyLadycalledtome Insuchwise,Ibesoughthertocommandme. HereyeswhereshiningbrighterthantheStar; Andshebegantosay,gentleandlow, Withvoiceangelical,inherownlanguage: OspiritcourteousofMantua, Ofwhomthefamestillintheworldendures, Andshallendure,longlastingastheworld; Afriendofmine,andnotthefriendoffortune, Uponthedesertslopeissoimpeded Uponhisway,thathehasturnedthroughterror,

TheDivineComedy Andmay,Ifear,alreadybesolost, ThatItoolatehaverisentohissuccour, FromthatwhichIhaveheardofhiminHeaven. Bestirtheenow,andwiththyspeechornate, Andwithwhatneedfulisforhisrelease, Assisthimso,thatImaybeconsoled. BeatriceamI,whodobidtheego; Icomefromthere,whereIwouldfainreturn; Lovemovedme,whichcompellethmetospeak. WhenIshallbeinpresenceofmyLord, FulloftenwillIpraisetheeuntohim. Thenpausedshe,andthereafterIbegan: OLadyofvirtue,thoualonethroughwhom Thehumanraceexceedethallcontained Withintheheaventhathasthelessercircles, Sogratefuluntomeisthycommandment, Toobey,iftwerealreadydone,werelate; Nofartherneedstthouopetomethywish. Butthecausetellmewhythoudostnotshun Theheredescendingdownintothiscentre, Fromthevastplacethouburnesttoreturnto. Sincethouwouldstfainsoinwardlydiscern, BrieflywillIrelate,sheansweredme, WhyIamnotafraidtoenterhere. Ofthosethingsonlyshouldonebeafraid Whichhavethepowerofdoingothersharm; Oftherest,no;becausetheyarenotfearful. Godinhismercysuchcreatedme Thatmiseryofyoursattainsmenot, Noranyflameassailsmeofthisburning.

TheDivineComedy AgentleLadyisinHeaven,whogrieves Atthisimpediment,towhichIsendthee, Sothatsternjudgmentthereaboveisbroken. InherentreatyshebesoughtLucia, Andsaid,Thyfaithfulonenowstandsinneed Ofthee,anduntotheeIrecommendhim. Lucia,foeofallthatcruelis, Hastenedaway,andcameuntotheplace WhereIwassittingwiththeancientRachel. Beatricesaidshe,thetruepraiseofGod, Whysuccourestthounothim,wholovedtheeso, Fortheeheissuedfromthevulgarherd? Dostthounothearthepityofhisplaint? Dostthounotseethedeaththatcombatshim Besidethatflood,whereoceanhasnovaunt? Neverwerepersonsintheworldsoswift Toworktheirwealandtoescapetheirwoe, AsI,aftersuchwordsasthesewereuttered, Camehitherdownwardfrommyblessedseat, Confidinginthydignifieddiscourse, Whichhonoursthee,andthosewhovelistenedtoit. Aftershethushadspokenuntome, Weeping,hershiningeyessheturnedaway; Wherebyshemademeswifterinmycoming; AnduntotheeIcame,asshedesired; Ihavedeliveredtheefromthatwildbeast, Whichbarredthebeautifulmountainsshortascent. Whatisit,then?Why,whydostthoudelay? Whyissuchbasenessbeddedinthyheart? Daringandhardihoodwhyhastthounot, SeeingthatthreesuchLadiesbenedight ArecaringfortheeinthecourtofHeaven, Andsomuchgoodmyspeechdothpromisethee?

10

TheDivineComedy Evenastheflowerets,bynocturnalchill, Boweddownandclosed,whenthesunwhitensthem, Upliftthemselvesallopenontheirstems; SuchIbecamewithmyexhaustedstrength, Andsuchgoodcouragetomyhearttherecoursed, ThatIbegan,likeanintrepidperson: Oshecompassionate,whosuccouredme, Andcourteousthou,whohastobeyedsosoon Thewordsoftruthwhichsheaddressedtothee! Thouhastmyheartsowithdesiredisposed Totheadventure,withthesewordsofthine, ThattomyfirstintentIhavereturned. Nowgo,foronesolewillisinusboth, ThouLeader,andthouLord,andMasterthou. ThussaidItohim;andwhenhehadmoved, Ienteredonthedeepandsavageway.

11

TheDivineComedy Inferno:CantoIII Throughmethewayistothecitydolent; Throughmethewayistoeternaldole; Throughmethewayamongthepeoplelost. JusticeincitedmysublimeCreator; CreatedmedivineOmnipotence, ThehighestWisdomandtheprimalLove. Beforemetherewerenocreatedthings, Onlyeterne,andIeternallast. Allhopeabandon,yewhoenterin! ThesewordsinsombrecolourIbeheld Writtenuponthesummitofagate; WhenceI:Theirsenseis,Master,hardtome! Andhetome,asoneexperienced: Hereallsuspicionneedsmustbeabandoned, Allcowardicemustneedsbehereextinct. Wetotheplacehavecome,whereIhavetoldthee Thoushaltbeholdthepeopledolorous Whohaveforegonethegoodofintellect. Andafterhehadlaidhishandonmine Withjoyfulmien,whenceIwascomforted, Heledmeinamongthesecretthings. Theresighs,complaints,andululationsloud Resoundedthroughtheairwithoutastar, WhenceI,atthebeginning,weptthereat. Languagesdiverse,horribledialects, Accentsofanger,wordsofagony, Andvoiceshighandhoarse,withsoundofhands, Madeupatumultthatgoeswhirlingon Foreverinthatairforeverblack, Evenasthesanddoth,whenthewhirlwindbreathes.

12

TheDivineComedy AndI,whohadmyheadwithhorrorbound, Said:Master,whatisthiswhichnowIhear? Whatfolkisthis,whichseemsbypainsovanquished? Andhetome:Thismiserablemode Maintainthemelancholysoulsofthose Wholivedwithouteninfamyorpraise. Commingledaretheywiththatcaitiffchoir OfAngels,whohavenotrebelliousbeen, NorfaithfulweretoGod,butwereforself. Theheavensexpelledthem,nottobelessfair; Northemthenethermoreabyssreceives, Forglorynonethedamnedwouldhavefromthem. AndI:OMaster,whatsogrievousis Tothese,thatmakeththemlamentsosore? Heanswered:Iwilltelltheeverybriefly. Thesehavenolongeranyhopeofdeath; Andthisblindlifeoftheirsissodebased, Theyenviousareofeveryotherfate. Nofameofthemtheworldpermitstobe; MisericordandJusticebothdisdainthem. Letusnotspeakofthem,butlook,andpass. AndI,wholookedagain,beheldabanner, Which,whirlinground,ranonsorapidly, Thatofallpauseitseemedtomeindignant; Andafterittherecamesolongatrain Ofpeople,thatIneerwouldhavebelieved ThateverDeathsomanyhadundone. WhensomeamongthemIhadrecognised, Ilooked,andIbeheldtheshadeofhim Whomadethroughcowardicethegreatrefusal. ForthwithIcomprehended,andwascertain, Thatthisthesectwasofthecaitiffwretches HatefultoGodandtohisenemies.

13

TheDivineComedy Thesemiscreants,whoneverwerealive, Werenaked,andwerestungexceedingly Bygadfliesandbyhornetsthatwerethere. Thesedidtheirfacesirrigatewithblood, Which,withtheirtearscommingled,attheirfeet Bythedisgustingwormswasgatheredup. AndwhentogazingfartherIbetookme. PeopleIsawonagreatriversbank; WhencesaidI:Master,nowvouchsafetome, ThatImayknowwhotheseare,andwhatlaw Makesthemappearsoreadytopassover, AsIdiscernathwarttheduskylight. Andhetome:Thesethingsshallallbeknown Tothee,assoonasweourfootstepsstay UponthedismalshoreofAcheron. Thenwithmineeyesashamedanddownwardcast, Fearingmywordsmightirksomebetohim, FromspeechrefrainedItillwereachedtheriver. Andlo!towardsuscominginaboat Anoldman,hoarywiththehairofeld, Crying:Woeuntoyou,yesoulsdepraved! Hopenevermoretolookupontheheavens; Icometoleadyoutotheothershore, Totheeternalshadesinheatandfrost. Andthou,thatyonderstandest,livingsoul, Withdrawtheefromthesepeople,whoaredead! ButwhenhesawthatIdidnotwithdraw, Hesaid:Byotherways,byotherports Thoutotheshoreshaltcome,nothere,forpassage; Alightervesselneedsmustcarrythee.

14

TheDivineComedy AnduntohimtheGuide:Vextheenot,Charon; Itissowilledtherewhereispowertodo Thatwhichiswilled;andfartherquestionnot. Thereatwerequietedthefleecycheeks Ofhimtheferrymanofthelividfen, Whoroundabouthiseyeshadwheelsofflame. Butallthosesoulswhowearywereandnaked Theircolourchangedandgnashedtheirteethtogether, Assoonastheyhadheardthosecruelwords. Godtheyblasphemedandtheirprogenitors, Thehumanrace,theplace,thetime,theseed Oftheirengenderingandoftheirbirth! Thereafteralltogethertheydrewback, Bitterlyweeping,totheaccursedshore, WhichwaitetheverymanwhofearsnotGod. Charonthedemon,withtheeyesofglede, Beckoningtothem,collectsthemalltogether, Beatswithhisoarwhoeverlagsbehind. Asintheautumntimetheleavesfalloff, Firstoneandthenanother,tillthebranch Untotheearthsurrendersallitsspoils; InsimilarwisetheevilseedofAdam Throwthemselvesfromthatmarginonebyone, Atsignals,asabirduntoitslure. Sotheydepartacrosstheduskywave, Andereupontheothersidetheyland, Againonthissideanewtroopassembles. Myson,thecourteousMastersaidtome, AllthosewhoperishinthewrathofGod Heremeettogetheroutofeveryland; Andreadyaretheytopassoertheriver, BecausecelestialJusticespursthemon, Sothattheirfearisturnedintodesire.

15

TheDivineComedy Thiswaythereneverpassesagoodsoul; AndhenceifCharondothcomplainofthee, Wellmaystthouknownowwhathisspeechimports. Thisbeingfinished,alltheduskchampaign Trembledsoviolently,thatofthatterror Therecollectionbathesmestillwithsweat. Thelandoftearsgaveforthablastofwind, Andfulminatedavermilionlight, Whichovermasteredinmeeverysense, AndasamanwhomsleephathseizedIfell.

16

TheDivineComedy Inferno:CantoIV Brokethedeeplethargywithinmyhead Aheavythunder,sothatIupstarted, Liketoapersonwhobyforceiswakened; AndroundaboutImovedmyrestedeyes, Uprisenerect,andsteadfastlyIgazed, TorecognisetheplacewhereinIwas. Trueisit,thatuponthevergeIfoundme Oftheabysmalvalleydolorous, Thatgathersthunderofinfiniteululations. Obscure,profounditwas,andnebulous, Sothatbyfixingonitsdepthsmysight NothingwhateverIdiscernedtherein. Letusdescendnowintotheblindworld, BeganthePoet,pallidutterly; Iwillbefirst,andthoushaltsecondbe. AndI,whoofhiscolourwasaware, Said:HowshallIcome,ifthouartafraid, Whortwonttobeacomforttomyfears? Andhetome:Theanguishofthepeople Whoarebelowhereinmyfacedepicts Thatpitywhichforterrorthouhasttaken. Letusgoon,forthelongwayimpelsus. Thushewentin,andthushemademeenter Theforemostcirclethatsurroundstheabyss. There,asitseemedtomefromlistening, Werelamentationsnone,butonlysighs, Thattremblemadetheeverlastingair. Andthisarosefromsorrowwithouttorment, Whichthecrowdshad,thatmanywereandgreat, Ofinfantsandofwomenandofmen.

17

TheDivineComedy TometheMastergood:Thoudostnotask Whatspiritsthese,whichthoubeholdest,are? NowwillIhavetheeknow,erethougofarther, Thattheysinnednot;andiftheymerithad, Tisnotenough,becausetheyhadnotbaptism WhichistheportaloftheFaiththouholdest; AndiftheywerebeforeChristianity, IntherightmannertheyadorednotGod; AndamongsuchastheseamImyself. Forsuchdefects,andnotforotherguilt, Lostareweandareonlysofarpunished, Thatwithouthopeweliveonindesire. GreatgriefseizedonmyheartwhenthisIheard, Becausesomepeopleofmuchworthiness Iknew,whointhatLimboweresuspended. Tellme,myMaster,tellme,thoumyLord, BeganI,withdesireofbeingcertain OfthatFaithwhichoercometheveryerror, Cameanyonebyhisownmerithence, Orbyanothers,whowasblessedthereafter? Andhe,whounderstoodmycovertspeech, Replied:Iwasanoviceinthisstate, WhenIsawhithercomeaMightyOne, Withsignofvictoryincoronate. HencehedrewforththeshadeoftheFirstParent, AndthatofhissonAbel,andofNoah, OfMosesthelawgiver,andtheobedient Abraham,patriarch,andDavid,king, Israelwithhisfatherandhischildren, AndRachel,forwhosesakehedidsomuch, Andothersmany,andhemadethemblessed; Andthoumustknow,thatearlierthanthese Neverwereanyhumanspiritssaved.

18

TheDivineComedy Weceasednottoadvancebecausehespake, Butstillwerepassingonwardthroughtheforest, Theforest,sayI,ofthickcrowdedghosts. Notveryfarasyetourwayhadgone Thissidethesummit,whenIsawafire Thatovercameahemisphereofdarkness. Wewerealittledistantfromitstill, ButnotsofarthatIinpartdiscernednot Thathonourablepeopleheldthatplace. Othouwhohonouresteveryartandscience, Whomaythesebe,whichsuchgreathonourhave, Thatfromthefashionoftherestitpartsthem? Andhetome:Thehonourablename, Thatsoundsofthemabovethereinthylife, WinsgraceinHeaven,thatsoadvancesthem. Inthemeantimeavoicewasheardbyme: AllhonourbetothepreeminentPoet; Hisshadereturnsagain,thatwasdeparted. Afterthevoicehadceasedandquietwas, FourmightyshadesIsawapproachingus; Semblancehadtheynorsorrowfulnorglad. TosaytomebeganmygraciousMaster: Himwiththatfalchioninhishandbehold, Whocomesbeforethethree,evenastheirlord. ThatoneisHomer,Poetsovereign; HewhocomesnextisHorace,thesatirist; ThethirdisOvid,andthelastisLucan. Becausetoeachofthesewithmeapplies Thenamethatsolitaryvoiceproclaimed, Theydomehonour,andinthatdowell.

19

TheDivineComedy ThusIbeheldassemblethefairschool Ofthatlordofthesongpreeminent, Whooertheotherslikeaneaglesoars. Whentheytogetherhaddiscoursedsomewhat, Theyturnedtomewithsignsofsalutation, Andonbeholdingthis,myMastersmiled; Andmoreofhonourstill,muchmore,theydidme, Inthattheymademeoneoftheirownband; SothatthesixthwasI,midsomuchwit. Thuswewentonasfarastothelight, Thingssayingtisbecomingtokeepsilent, AswasthesayingofthemwhereIwas. Wecameuntoanoblecastlesfoot, Seventimesencompassedwithloftywalls, Defendedroundbyafairrivulet; Thiswepassedoverevenasfirmground; ThroughportalssevenIenteredwiththeseSages; Wecameintoameadowoffreshverdure. Peopleweretherewithsolemneyesandslow, Ofgreatauthorityintheircountenance; Theyspakebutseldom,andwithgentlevoices. Thuswewithdrewourselvesupononeside Intoanopeningluminousandlofty, Sothattheyallofthemwerevisible. Thereopposite,uponthegreenenamel, Werepointedouttomethemightyspirits, WhomtohaveseenIfeelmyselfexalted. IsawElectrawithcompanionsmany, MongstwhomIknewbothHectorandAeneas, Caesarinarmourwithgerfalconeyes; IsawCamillaandPenthesilea Ontheotherside,andsawtheKingLatinus, WhowithLaviniahisdaughtersat;

20

TheDivineComedy IsawthatBrutuswhodroveTarquinforth, Lucretia,Julia,Marcia,andCornelia, Andsawalone,apart,theSaladin. WhenIhadliftedupmybrowsalittle, TheMasterIbeheldofthosewhoknow, Sitwithhisphilosophicfamily. Allgazeuponhim,andalldohimhonour. ThereIbeheldbothSocratesandPlato, Whonearerhimbeforetheothersstand; Democritus,whoputstheworldonchance, Diogenes,Anaxagoras,andThales, Zeno,Empedocles,andHeraclitus; OfqualitiesIsawthegoodcollector, HightDioscorides;andOrpheussawI, TullyandLivy,andmoralSeneca, Euclid,geometrician,andPtolemy, Galen,Hippocrates,andAvicenna, Averroes,whothegreatCommentmade. Icannotallofthempourtrayinfull, Becausesodrivesmeonwardthelongtheme, Thatmanytimesthewordcomesshortoffact. Thesixfoldcompanyintwodivides; AnotherwaymysapientGuideconductsme Forthfromthequiettotheairthattrembles; AndtoaplaceIcomewherenothingshines.

21

TheDivineComedy Inferno:CantoV ThusIdescendedoutofthefirstcircle Downtothesecond,thatlessspacebegirds, Andsomuchgreaterdole,thatgoadstowailing. TherestandethMinoshorribly,andsnarls; Examinesthetransgressionsattheentrance; Judges,andsendsaccordingashegirdshim. Isay,thatwhenthespiritevilborn Comethbeforehim,whollyitconfesses; Andthisdiscriminatoroftransgressions SeethwhatplaceinHellismeetforit; Girdshimselfwithhistailasmanytimes Asgradeshewishesitshouldbethrustdown. Alwaysbeforehimmanyofthemstand; Theygobyturnseachoneuntothejudgment; Theyspeak,andhear,andthenaredownwardhurled. Othou,thattothisdoloroushostelry Comest,saidMinostome,whenhesawme, Leavingthepracticeofsogreatanoffice, Lookhowthouenterest,andinwhomthoutrustest; Letnottheportalsamplitudedeceivethee. AnduntohimmyGuide:Whycriestthoutoo? Donotimpedehisjourneyfateordained; Itissowilledtherewhereispowertodo Thatwhichiswilled;andasknofurtherquestion. Andnowbeginthedolesomenotestogrow Audibleuntome;nowamIcome Therewheremuchlamentationstrikesuponme. Icameintoaplacemuteofalllight, Whichbellowsastheseadoesinatempest, Ifbyopposingwindstiscombated.

22

TheDivineComedy Theinfernalhurricanethatneverrests Hurtlesthespiritsonwardinitsrapine; Whirlingthemround,andsmiting,itmoleststhem. Whentheyarrivebeforetheprecipice, Therearetheshrieks,theplaints,andthelaments, Theretheyblasphemethepuissancedivine. Iunderstoodthatuntosuchatorment Thecarnalmalefactorswerecondemned, Whoreasonsubjugatetoappetite. Andasthewingsofstarlingsbearthemon Inthecoldseasoninlargebandandfull, Sodoththatblastthespiritsmaledict; Ithither,thither,downward,upward,drivesthem; Nohopedothcomfortthemforevermore, Notofrepose,butevenoflesserpain. Andasthecranesgochantingforththeirlays, Makinginairalonglineofthemselves, SosawIcoming,utteringlamentations, Shadowsborneonwardbytheaforesaidstress. WhereuponsaidI:Master,whoarethose People,whomtheblackairsocastigates? Thefirstofthose,ofwhomintelligence Thoufainwouldsthave,thensaidheuntome, Theempresswasofmanylanguages. Tosensualvicesshewassoabandoned, Thatlustfulshemadelicitinherlaw, Toremovetheblametowhichshehadbeenled. SheisSemiramis,ofwhomweread ThatshesucceededNinus,andwashisspouse; SheheldthelandwhichnowtheSultanrules. Thenextisshewhokilledherselfforlove, AndbrokefaithwiththeashesofSichaeus; ThenCleopatrathevoluptuous.

23

TheDivineComedy HelenIsaw,forwhomsomanyruthless Seasonsrevolved;andsawthegreatAchilles, WhoatthelasthourcombatedwithLove. ParisIsaw,Tristan;andmorethanathousand Shadesdidhenameandpointoutwithhisfinger, WhomLovehadseparatedfromourlife. AfterthatIhadlistenedtomyTeacher, Namingthedamesofeldandcavaliers, Pityprevailed,andIwasnighbewildered. AndIbegan:OPoet,willingly SpeakwouldItothosetwo,whogotogether, Andseemuponthewindtobesolight. And,hetome:Thoultmark,whentheyshallbe Nearertous;andthendothouimplorethem Bylovewhichleadeththem,andtheywillcome. Soonasthewindinourdirectionswaysthem, MyvoiceupliftI:Oyewearysouls! Comespeaktous,ifnooneinterdictsit. Asturtledoves,calledonwardbydesire, Withopenandsteadywingstothesweetnest Flythroughtheairbytheirvolitionborne, SocametheyfromthebandwhereDidois, Approachingusathwarttheairmalign, Sostrongwastheaffectionateappeal. Olivingcreaturegraciousandbenignant, Whovisitinggoestthroughthepurpleair Us,whohavestainedtheworldincarnadine, IfweretheKingoftheUniverseourfriend, Wewouldprayuntohimtogivetheepeace, Sincethouhastpityonourwoeperverse.

24

TheDivineComedy Ofwhatitpleasestheetohearandspeak, Thatwillwehear,andwewillspeaktoyou, Whilesilentisthewind,asitisnow. Sitteththecity,whereinIwasborn, UpontheseashorewherethePodescends Torestinpeacewithallhisretinue. Love,thatongentleheartdothswiftlyseize, Seizedthismanforthepersonbeautiful Thatwastaenfromme,andstillthemodeoffendsme. Love,thatexemptsnoonebelovedfromloving, Seizedmewithpleasureofthismansostrongly, That,asthouseest,itdothnotyetdesertme; Lovehasconductedusuntoonedeath; Cainawaitethhimwhoquenchedourlife! Thesewordswerebornealongfromthemtous. AssoonasIhadheardthosesoulstormented, Ibowedmyface,andsolonghelditdown UntilthePoetsaidtome:Whatthinkest? WhenImadeanswer,Ibegan:Alas! Howmanypleasantthoughts,howmuchdesire, Conductedtheseuntothedolorouspass! ThenuntothemIturnedme,andIspake, AndIbegan:Thineagonies,Francesca, Sadandcompassionatetoweepingmakeme. Buttellme,atthetimeofthosesweetsighs, BywhatandinwhatmannerLoveconceded, Thatyoushouldknowyourdubiousdesires? Andshetome:Thereisnogreatersorrow Thantobemindfulofthehappytime Inmisery,andthatthyTeacherknows. But,iftorecognisetheearliestroot Ofloveinusthouhastsogreatdesire, Iwilldoevenashewhoweepsandspeaks.

25

TheDivineComedy Onedaywereadingwereforourdelight OfLauncelot,howLovedidhimenthral. Alonewewereandwithoutanyfear. Fullmanyatimeoureyestogetherdrew Thatreading,anddrovethecolourfromourfaces; Butonepointonlywasitthatoercameus. Whenaswereadofthemuchlongedforsmile Beingbysuchanobleloverkissed, Thisone,whoneerfrommeshallbedivided, Kissedmeuponthemouthallpalpitating. Galeottowasthebookandhewhowroteit. Thatdaynofartherdidwereadtherein. Andallthewhileonespiritutteredthis, Theotheronedidweepso,that,forpity, IswoonedawayasifIhadbeendying, Andfell,evenasadeadbodyfalls.

26

TheDivineComedy Inferno:CantoVI Atthereturnofconsciousness,thatclosed Beforethepityofthosetworelations, Whichutterlywithsadnesshadconfusedme, NewtormentsIbehold,andnewtormented Aroundme,whichsoeverwayImove, AndwhichsoeverwayIturn,andgaze. InthethirdcircleamIoftherain Eternal,maledict,andcold,andheavy; Itslawandqualityarenevernew. Hugehail,andwatersombrehued,andsnow, Athwartthetenebrousairpourdownamain; Noisometheearthis,thatreceiveththis. Cerberus,monstercruelanduncouth, Withhisthreegulletslikeadogisbarking Overthepeoplethataretheresubmerged. Redeyeshehas,andunctuousbeardandblack, Andbellylarge,andarmedwithclawshishands; Herendsthespirits,flays,andquartersthem. Howltherainmakeththemlikeuntodogs; Onesidetheymakeashelterfortheother; Oftturnthemselvesthewretchedreprobates. WhenCerberusperceivedus,thegreatworm! Hismouthsheopened,anddisplayedhistusks; Notalimbhadhethatwasmotionless. AndmyConductor,withhisspansextended, Tookoftheearth,andwithhisfistswellfilled, Hethrewitintothoserapaciousgullets. Suchasthatdogis,whobybarkingcraves, Andquietgrowssoonashisfoodhegnaws, Fortodevourithebutthinksandstruggles,

27

TheDivineComedy Thelikebecamethosemuzzlesfilthbegrimed OfCerberusthedemon,whosothunders Overthesoulsthattheywouldfainbedeaf. Wepassedacrosstheshadows,whichsubdues Theheavyrainstorm,andweplacedourfeet Upontheirvanitythatpersonseems. Theyallwerelyingproneupontheearth, Exceptingone,whosatuprightassoon Ashebehelduspassingonbeforehim. OthouthatartconductedthroughthisHell, Hesaidtome,recallme,ifthoucanst; ThyselfwastmadebeforeIwasunmade. AndItohim:Theanguishwhichthouhast Perhapsdothdrawtheeoutofmyremembrance, SothatitseemsnotIhaveeverseenthee. Buttellmewhothouart,thatinsodoleful Aplaceartput,andinsuchpunishment, Ifsomearegreater,noneissodispleasing. Andhetome:Thycity,whichisfull Ofenvysothatnowthesackrunsover, Heldmewithinitinthelifeserene. YoucitizenswerewonttocallmeCiacco; Forthepernicioussinofgluttony I,asthouseest,ambatteredbythisrain. AndI,sadsoul,amnottheonlyone, Forallthesesufferthelikepenalty Forthelikesin;andwordnomorespakehe. Iansweredhim:Ciacco,thywretchedness Weighsonmesothatittoweepinvitesme; Buttellme,ifthouknowest,towhatshallcome Thecitizensofthedividedcity; Ifanytherebejust;andtheoccasion Tellmewhysomuchdiscordhasassailedit.

28

TheDivineComedy Andhetome:They,afterlongcontention, Willcometobloodshed;andtherusticparty Willdrivetheotheroutwithmuchoffence. Thenafterwardsbehovesitthisonefall Withinthreesuns,andriseagaintheother Byforceofhimwhonowisonthecoast. Highwillitholditsforeheadalongwhile, Keepingtheotherunderheavyburdens, Howeeritweepsthereatandisindignant. Thejustaretwo,andarenotunderstoodthere; EnvyandArroganceandAvarice Arethethreesparksthathaveallheartsenkindled. Hereendedhehistearfulutterance; AndItohim:Iwishtheestilltoteachme, Andmakeagifttomeoffurtherspeech. FarinataandTegghiaio,oncesoworthy, JacopoRusticucci,Arrigo,andMosca, Andotherswhoongooddeedssettheirthoughts, Saywheretheyare,andcausethatImayknowthem; Forgreatdesireconstrainethmetolearn IfHeavendothsweetenthem,orHellenvenom. Andhe:Theyareamongtheblackersouls; Adifferentsindownweighsthemtothebottom; Ifthousofardescendest,thoucanstseethem. Butwhenthouartagaininthesweetworld, Ipraytheetothemindofothersbringme; NomoreItelltheeandnomoreIanswer. Thenhisstraightforwardeyesheturnedaskance, Eyedmealittle,andthenbowedhishead; Hefelltherewithproneliketheotherblind.

29

TheDivineComedy AndtheGuidesaidtome:Hewakesnomore Thissidethesoundoftheangelictrumpet; WhenshallapproachthehostilePotentate, Eachoneshallfindagainhisdismaltomb, Shallreassumehisfleshandhisownfigure, Shallhearwhatthrougheternityreechoes. Sowepassedonwardoerthefilthymixture Ofshadowsandofrainwithfootstepsslow, Touchingalittleonthefuturelife. WhereforeIsaid:Master,thesetormentshere, Willtheyincreaseafterthemightysentence, Orlesserbe,orwilltheybeasburning? Andhetome:Returnuntothyscience, Whichwills,thatasthethingmoreperfectis, Themoreitfeelsofpleasureandofpain. Albeitthatthispeoplemaledict Totrueperfectionnevercanattain, Hereaftermorethannowtheylooktobe. Roundinacirclebythatroadwewent, Speakingmuchmore,whichIdonotrepeat; Wecameuntothepointwherethedescentis; TherewefoundPlutusthegreatenemy.

30

TheDivineComedy Inferno:CantoVII PapeSatan,PapeSatan,Aleppe! ThusPlutuswithhiscluckingvoicebegan; AndthatbenignantSage,whoallthingsknew, Said,toencourageme:Letnotthyfear Harmthee;foranypowerthathemayhave Shallnotpreventthygoingdownthiscrag. Thenheturnedrounduntothatbloatedlip, Andsaid:Besilent,thouaccursedwolf; Consumewithinthyselfwiththineownrage. Notcauselessisthisjourneytotheabyss; Thusisitwilledonhigh,whereMichaelwrought Vengeanceupontheproudadultery. Evenasthesailsinflatedbythewind Involvedtogetherfallwhensnapsthemast, Sofellthecruelmonstertotheearth. Thuswedescendedintothefourthchasm, Gainingstillfartheronthedolesomeshore Whichallthewoeoftheuniverseinsacks. JusticeofGod,ah!whoheapsupsomany NewtoilsandsufferingsasIbeheld? Andwhydothourtransgressionwasteusso? AsdoththebillowthereuponCharybdis, Thatbreaksitselfonthatwhichitencounters, Soherethefolkmustdancetheirroundelay. HeresawIpeople,morethanelsewhere,many, Ononesideandtheother,withgreathowls, Rollingweightsforwardbymainforceofchest. Theyclashedtogether,andthenatthatpoint Eachoneturnedbackward,rollingretrograde, Crying,Whykeepest?and,Whysquanderestthou?

31

TheDivineComedy Thustheyreturnedalongtheluridcircle Oneitherhanduntotheoppositepoint, Shoutingtheirshamefulmetreevermore. Theneach,whenhearrivedthere,wheeledabout Throughhishalfcircletoanotherjoust; AndI,whohadmyheartpiercedasitwere, Exclaimed:MyMaster,nowdeclaretome Whatpeopletheseare,andifallwereclerks, Theseshavencrownsupontheleftofus. Andhetome:Allofthemwereasquint Inintellectinthefirstlife,somuch Thattherewithmeasuretheynospendingmade. Clearlyenoughtheirvoicesbarkitforth, Wheneertheyreachthetwopointsofthecircle, Wheresundersthemtheoppositedefect. Clerksthosewerewhonohairycovering Haveonthehead,andPopesandCardinals, InwhomdothAvaricepractiseitsexcess. AndI:MyMaster,amongsuchasthese Ioughtforsoothtorecognisesomefew, Whowereinfectedwiththesemaladies. Andhetome:Vainthoughtthouentertainest; Theundiscerninglifewhichmadethemsordid Nowmakesthemuntoalldiscernmentdim. Forevershalltheycometothesetwobuttings; Thesefromthesepulchreshallriseagain Withthefistclosed,andthesewithtressesshorn. Illgivingandillkeepingthefairworld Havetaenfromthem,andplacedtheminthisscuffle; Whateeritbe,nowordsadornIforit. Nowcanstthou,Son,beholdthetransientfarce OfgoodsthatarecommitteduntoFortune, Forwhichthehumanraceeachotherbuffet;

32

TheDivineComedy Forallthegoldthatisbeneaththemoon, Oreverhasbeen,ofthesewearysouls Couldnevermakeasingleonerepose. Master,Isaidtohim,nowtellmealso WhatisthisFortunewhichthouspeakestof, Thathastheworldsgoodssowithinitsclutches? Andhetome:Ocreaturesimbecile, Whatignoranceisthiswhichdothbesetyou? NowwillIhavetheelearnmyjudgmentofher. Hewhoseomniscienceeverythingtranscends Theheavenscreated,andgavewhoshouldguidethem, Thateveryparttoeverypartmayshine, Distributingthelightinequalmeasure; Heinlikemannertothemundanesplendours Ordainedageneralministressandguide, Thatshemightchangeattimestheemptytreasures Fromracetorace,fromonebloodtoanother, Beyondresistanceofallhumanwisdom. Thereforeonepeopletriumphs,andanother Languishes,inpursuanceofherjudgment, Whichhiddenis,asinthegrassaserpent. Yourknowledgehasnocounterstandagainsther; Shemakesprovision,judges,andpursues Hergovernance,astheirstheothergods. Herpermutationshavenotanytruce; Necessitymakesherprecipitate, Sooftencomethwhohisturnobtains. Andthisisshewhoissocrucified Evenbythosewhooughttogiveherpraise, Givingherblameamiss,andbadrepute.

33

TheDivineComedy Butsheisblissful,andshehearsitnot; Amongtheotherprimalcreaturesgladsome Sheturnshersphere,andblissfulsherejoices. Letusdescendnowuntogreaterwoe; Alreadysinkseachstarthatwasascending WhenIsetout,andloiteringisforbidden. Wecrossedthecircletotheotherbank, Neartoafountthatboils,andpoursitself Alongagullythatrunsoutofit. Thewaterwasmoresombrefarthanperse; Andwe,incompanywiththeduskywaves, Madeentrancedownwardbyapathuncouth. Amarshitmakes,whichhasthenameofStyx, Thistristfulbrooklet,whenithasdescended Downtothefootofthemaligngrayshores. AndI,whostoodintentuponbeholding, Sawpeoplemudbesprentinthatlagoon, Allofthemnakedandwithangrylook. Theysmoteeachothernotalonewithhands, Butwiththeheadandwiththebreastandfeet, Tearingeachotherpiecemealwiththeirteeth. SaidthegoodMaster:Son,thounowbeholdest Thesoulsofthosewhomangerovercame; AndlikewiseIwouldhavetheeknowforcertain Beneaththewaterpeoplearewhosigh Andmakethiswaterbubbleatthesurface, Astheeyetellstheewheresoeeritturns. Fixedinthemiretheysay,Wesullenwere Inthesweetair,whichbythesunisgladdened, Bearingwithinourselvesthesluggishreek; Nowwearesulleninthissablemire. Thishymndotheykeepgurglingintheirthroats, Forwithunbrokenwordstheycannotsayit.

34

TheDivineComedy Thuswewentcirclingroundthefilthyfen Agreatarctwixtthedrybankandtheswamp, Witheyesturneduntothosewhogorgethemire; Untothefootofatowerwecameatlast.

35

TheDivineComedy Inferno:CantoVIII Isay,continuing,thatlongbefore Wetothefootofthathightowerhadcome, Oureyeswentupwardtothesummitofit, Byreasonoftwoflameletswesawplacedthere, Andfromafaranotheranswerthem, Sofar,thathardlycouldtheeyeattainit. And,totheseaofalldiscernmentturned, Isaid:Whatsayeththis,andwhatrespondeth Thatotherfire?andwhoaretheythatmadeit? Andhetome:Acrosstheturbidwaves Whatisexpectedthoucanstnowdiscern, Ifreekofthemorassconcealitnot. Cordnevershotanarrowfromitself Thatspedawayathwarttheairsoswift, AsIbeheldaverylittleboat Comeoerthewatertowrdsusatthatmoment, Undertheguidanceofasinglepilot, Whoshouted,Nowartthouarrived,fellsoul? Phlegyas,Phlegyas,thoucriestoutinvain Forthisonce,saidmyLord;thoushaltnothaveus Longerthaninthepassingoftheslough. Ashewholistenstosomegreatdeceit Thathasbeendonetohim,andthenresentsit, SuchbecamePhlegyas,inhisgatheredwrath. MyGuidedescendeddownintotheboat, Andthenhemademeenterafterhim, AndonlywhenIenteredseemeditladen. SoonastheGuideandIwereintheboat, Theantiqueprowgoesonitsway,dividing Moreofthewaterthantiswontwithothers.

36

TheDivineComedy Whilewewererunningthroughthedeadcanal, Uproseinfrontofmeonefullofmire, Andsaid,Whortthouthatcomesterethehour? AndItohim:AlthoughIcome,Istaynot; Butwhoartthouthathastbecomesosqualid? ThouseestthatIamonewhoweeps,heanswered. AndItohim:Withweepingandwithwailing, Thouspiritmaledict,dothouremain; FortheeIknow,thoughthouartalldefiled. Thenstretchedhebothhishandsuntotheboat; WhereatmywaryMasterthrusthimback, Saying,Awaytherewiththeotherdogs! Thereafterwithhisarmsheclaspedmyneck; Hekissedmyface,andsaid:Disdainfulsoul, Blessedbeshewhoboretheeinherbosom. Thatwasanarrogantpersonintheworld; Goodnessisnone,thatdeckshismemory; Solikewiseherehisshadeisfurious. Howmanyareesteemedgreatkingsupthere, Whohereshallbelikeuntoswineinmire, Leavingbehindthemhorribledispraises! AndI:MyMaster,muchshouldIbepleased, IfIcouldseehimsousedintothisbroth, Beforeweissueforthoutofthelake. Andhetome:Ereuntotheetheshore Revealitself,thoushaltbesatisfied; Suchadesiretismeetthoushouldstenjoy. Alittleafterthat,Isawsuchhavoc Madeofhimbythepeopleofthemire, ThatstillIpraiseandthankmyGodforit. Theyallwereshouting,AtPhilippoArgenti! AndthatexasperatespiritFlorentine Turnedrounduponhimselfwithhisownteeth.

37

TheDivineComedy Welefthimthere,andmoreofhimItellnot; Butonmineearstheresmotealamentation, WhenceforwardIintentunbarmineeyes. AndthegoodMastersaid:Evennow,mySon, ThecitydrawethnearwhosenameisDis, Withthegravecitizens,withthegreatthrong. AndI:Itsmosquesalready,Master,clearly WithinthereinthevalleyIdiscern Vermilion,asifissuingfromthefire Theywere.Andhetome:Thefireeternal Thatkindlesthemwithinmakesthemlookred, AsthoubeholdestinthisnetherHell. Thenwearrivedwithinthemoatsprofound, Thatcircumvallatethatdisconsolatecity; Thewallsappearedtometobeofiron. Notwithoutmakingfirstacircuitwide, Wecameuntoaplacewhereloudthepilot Criedouttous,Debark,hereistheentrance. MorethanathousandatthegatesIsaw OutoftheHeavensraineddown,whoangrily Weresaying,Whoisthisthatwithoutdeath Goesthroughthekingdomofthepeopledead? AndmysagaciousMastermadeasign Ofwishingsecretlytospeakwiththem. Alittlethentheyquelledtheirgreatdisdain, Andsaid:Comethoualone,andhebegone Whohassoboldlyenteredthesedominions. Lethimreturnalonebyhismadroad; Try,ifhecan;forthoushalthereremain, Whohastescortedhimthroughsuchdarkregions.

38

TheDivineComedy Think,Reader,ifIwasdiscomforted Atutteranceoftheaccursedwords; FornevertoreturnhereIbelieved. OmydearGuide,whomorethanseventimes Hastrenderedmesecurity,anddrawnme Fromimminentperilthatbeforemestood, Donotdesertme,saidI,thusundone; Andifthegoingfartherbedeniedus, Letusretraceourstepstogetherswiftly. AndthatLord,whohadledmethitherward, Saiduntome:Fearnot;becauseourpassage Nonecantakefromus,itbySuchisgiven. Buthereawaitme,andthywearyspirit Comfortandnourishwithabetterhope; ForinthisnetherworldIwillnotleavethee. Soonwardgoesandthereabandonsme MyFathersweet,andIremainindoubt, ForNoandYeswithinmyheadcontend. Icouldnothearwhatheproposedtothem; Butwiththemtherehedidnotlingerlong, Ereeachwithininrivalryranback. Theyclosedtheportals,thoseouradversaries, OnmyLordsbreast,whohadremainedwithout Andturnedtomewithfootstepsfarbetween. Hiseyescastdown,hisforeheadshornhadhe Ofallitsboldness,andhesaid,withsighs, Whohasdeniedtomethedolesomehouses? Anduntome:Thou,becauseIamangry, Fearnot,forIwillconquerinthetrial, Whateverfordefencewithinbeplanned. Thisarroganceoftheirsisnothingnew; Foroncetheyuseditatlesssecretgate, Whichfindsitselfwithoutafasteningstill.

39

TheDivineComedy Oeritdidstthoubeholdthedeadinscription; Andnowthissideofitdescendsthesteep, Passingacrossthecircleswithoutescort, Onebywhosemeansthecityshallbeopened.

40

TheDivineComedy Inferno:CantoIX Thathuewhichcowardicebroughtoutonme, BeholdingmyConductorbackwardturn, Soonerrepressedwithinhimhisnewcolour. Hestoppedattentive,likeamanwholistens, Becausetheeyecouldnotconducthimfar Throughtheblackair,andthroughtheheavyfog. Stillitbehovethustowinthefight, Beganhe;Else...Suchofferedusherself... OhowIlongthatsomeoneherearrive! WellIperceived,assoonasthebeginning Hecoveredupwithwhatcameafterward, Thattheywerewordsquitedifferentfromthefirst; Butnonethelesshissayinggavemefear, BecauseIcarriedoutthebrokenphrase, Perhapstoaworsemeaningthanhehad. Intothisbottomofthedolefulconch Dothanyeerdescendfromthefirstgrade, Whichforitspainhasonlyhopecutoff? ThisquestionputI;andheansweredme: Seldomitcomestopassthatoneofus MakeththejourneyuponwhichIgo. Trueisit,oncebeforeIherebelow WasconjuredbythatpitilessErictho, Whosummonedbacktheshadesuntotheirbodies. Nakedofmeshortwhilethefleshhadbeen, Beforewithinthatwallshemademeenter, TobringaspiritfromthecircleofJudas; Thatisthelowestregionandthedarkest, Andfarthestfromtheheavenwhichcirclesall. WellknowItheway;thereforebereassured.

41

TheDivineComedy Thisfen,whichaprodigiousstenchexhales, Encompassesaboutthecitydolent, Wherenowwecannotenterwithoutanger. Andmorehesaid,butnotinmindIhaveit; Becausemineeyehadaltogetherdrawnme Towrdsthehightowerwiththeredflamingsummit, WhereinamomentsawIswiftuprisen ThethreeinfernalFuriesstainedwithblood, Whohadthelimbsofwomenandtheirmien, Andwiththegreenesthydraswerebegirt; Smallserpentsandcerastesweretheirtresses, Wherewiththeirhorridtempleswereentwined. AndhewhowellthehandmaidsoftheQueen Ofeverlastinglamentationknew, Saiduntome:BeholdthefierceErinnys. ThisisMegaera,onthelefthandside; Shewhoisweepingontheright,Alecto; Tisiphoneisbetween;andthenwassilent. Eachoneherbreastwasrendingwithhernails; Theybeatthemwiththeirpalms,andcriedsoloud, ThatIfordreadpressedcloseuntothePoet. Medusacome,sowetostonewillchangehim! Allshoutedlookingdown;inevilhour AvengedwenotonTheseushisassault! Turnthyselfround,andkeepthineeyescloseshut, ForiftheGorgonappear,andthoushouldstseeit, Nomorereturningupwardwouldtherebe. ThussaidtheMaster;andheturnedmeround Himself,andtrustednotuntomyhands Sofarasnottoblindmewithhisown. Oyewhohaveundistemperedintellects, Observethedoctrinethatconcealsitself Beneaththeveilofthemysteriousverses!

42

TheDivineComedy Andnowtherecameacrosstheturbidwaves Theclangourofasoundwithterrorfraught, Becauseofwhichbothofthemarginstrembled; Nototherwiseitwasthanofawind Impetuousonaccountofadverseheats, Thatsmitestheforest,and,withoutrestraint, Thebranchesrends,beatsdown,andbearsaway; Rightonward,ladenwithdust,itgoessuperb, Andputstoflightthewildbeastsandtheshepherds. Mineeyesheloosed,andsaid:Directthenerve Ofvisionnowalongthatancientfoam, Thereyonderwherethatsmokeismostintense. Evenasthefrogsbeforethehostileserpent Acrossthewaterscatterallabroad, Untileachoneishuddledintheearth. MorethanathousandruinedsoulsIsaw, Thusfleeingfrombeforeonewhoonfoot WaspassingoertheStyxwithsolesunwet. Fromoffhisfacehefannedthatunctuousair, Wavinghislefthandoftinfrontofhim, Andonlywiththatanguishseemedheweary. WellIperceivedonesentfromHeavenwashe, AndtotheMasterturned;andhemadesign ThatIshouldquietstand,andbowbeforehim. Ah!howdisdainfulheappearedtome! Hereachedthegate,andwithalittlerod Heopenedit,fortherewasnoresistance. ObanishedoutofHeaven,peopledespised! Thushebeganuponthehorridthreshold; Whenceisthisarrogancewithinyoucouched?

43

TheDivineComedy Whereforerecalcitrateagainstthatwill, Fromwhichtheendcanneverbecutoff, Andwhichhasmanytimesincreasedyourpain? Whathelpethittobuttagainstthefates? YourCerberus,ifyourememberwell, Forthatstillbearshischinandgulletpeeled. Thenhereturnedalongthemiryroad, Andspakenowordtous,buthadthelook Ofonewhomothercareconstrainsandgoads Thanthatofhimwhoinhispresenceis; Andweourfeetdirectedtowrdsthecity, Afterthoseholywordsallconfident. Withinweenteredwithoutanycontest; AndI,whoinclinationhadtosee Whattheconditionsuchafortressholds, SoonasIwaswithin,castroundmineeye, Andseeoneveryhandanampleplain, Fullofdistressandtormentterrible. EvenasatArles,wherestagnantgrowstheRhone, EvenasatPolaneartotheQuarnaro, ThatshutsinItalyandbathesitsborders, Thesepulchresmakealltheplaceuneven; Solikewisedidtheythereoneveryside, Savingthattherethemannerwasmorebitter; Forflamesbetweenthesepulchreswerescattered, Bywhichtheysointenselyheatedwere, Thatironmoresoasksnotanyart. Alloftheircoveringsupliftedwere, Andfromthemissuedforthsuchdirelaments, Soothseemedtheyofthewretchedandtormented. AndI:MyMaster,whatareallthosepeople Who,havingsepulturewithinthosetombs, Makethemselvesaudiblebydolefulsighs?

44

TheDivineComedy Andhetome:HerearetheHeresiarchs, Withtheirdisciplesofallsects,andmuch Morethanthouthinkestladenarethetombs. Hereliketogetherwithitslikeisburied; Andmoreandlessthemonumentsareheated. Andwhenhetotherighthadturned,wepassed Betweenthetormentsandhighparapets.

45

TheDivineComedy Inferno:CantoX Nowonwardgoes,alonganarrowpath Betweenthetormentsandthecitywall, MyMaster,andIfollowathisback. Opowersupreme,thatthroughtheseimpiouscircles Turnestme,Ibegan,aspleasesthee, Speaktome,andmylongingssatisfy; Thepeoplewhoarelyinginthesetombs, Mighttheybeseen?alreadyareuplifted Thecoversall,andnoonekeepethguard. Andhetome:Theyallwillbeclosedup WhenfromJehoshaphattheyshallreturn Herewiththebodiestheyhaveleftabove. Theircemeteryhaveuponthisside WithEpicurusallhisfollowers, Whowiththebodymortalmakethesoul; Butinthequestionthoudostputtome, Withinhereshaltthousoonbesatisfied, Andlikewiseinthewishthoukeepestsilent. AndI:GoodLeader,Ibutkeepconcealed Fromtheemyheart,thatImayspeaktheless, Noronlynowhastthoutheretodisposedme. OTuscan,thouwhothroughthecityoffire Goestalive,thusspeakingmodestly, Bepleasedtostaythyfootstepsinthisplace. Thymodeofspeakingmakestheemanifest Anativeofthatnoblefatherland, TowhichperhapsItoomolestfulwas. Uponasuddenissuedforththissound Fromoutoneofthetombs;whereforeIpressed, Fearing,alittlenearertomyLeader.

46

TheDivineComedy Anduntomehesaid:Turnthee;whatdostthou? BeholdthereFarinatawhohasrisen; Fromthewaistupwardswhollyshaltthouseehim. Ihadalreadyfixedmineeyesonhis, Andheuproseerectwithbreastandfront EenasifHellhehadingreatdespite. AndwithcourageoushandsandpromptmyLeader Thrustmebetweenthesepulchrestowardshim, Exclaiming,Letthywordsexplicitbe. AssoonasIwasatthefootofhistomb Somewhatheeyedme,and,asifdisdainful, Thenaskedofme,Whowerethineancestors? I,whodesirousofobeyingwas, Concealeditnot,butallrevealedtohim; Whereatheraisedhisbrowsalittleupward. Thensaidhe:Fiercelyadversehavetheybeen Tome,andtomyfathers,andmyparty; SothattwoseveraltimesIscatteredthem. Iftheywerebanished,theyreturnedonallsides, Iansweredhim,thefirsttimeandthesecond; Butyourshavenotacquiredthatartaright. Thenthereuproseuponthesight,uncovered Downtothechin,ashadowathisside; Ithinkthathehadrisenonhisknees. Roundmehegazed,asifsolicitude Hehadtoseeifsomeoneelsewerewithme, Butafterhissuspicionwasallspent, Weeping,hesaidtome:Ifthroughthisblind Prisonthougoestbyloftinessofgenius, Whereismyson?andwhyishenotwiththee? AndItohim:Icomenotofmyself; Hewhoiswaitingyonderleadsmehere, WhomindisdainperhapsyourGuidohad.

47

TheDivineComedy Hislanguageandthemodeofpunishment Alreadyuntomehadreadhisname; Onthataccountmyanswerwassofull. Upstartingsuddenly,hecriedout:How Saidstthou,hehad?Ishenotstillalive? Doesnotthesweetlightstrikeuponhiseyes? Whenhebecameawareofsomedelay, WhichIbeforemyanswermade,supine Hefellagain,andforthappearednomore. Buttheother,magnanimous,atwhosedesire Ihadremained,didnothisaspectchange, Neitherhisneckhemoved,norbenthisside. Andif,continuinghisfirstdiscourse, Theyhavethatart,hesaid,notlearnedaright, Thatmoretormentethme,thandoththisbed. Butfiftytimesshallnotrekindledbe ThecountenanceoftheLadywhoreignshere, Erethoushaltknowhowheavyisthatart; Andasthouwouldsttothesweetworldreturn, Saywhythatpeopleissopitiless Againstmyraceineachoneofitslaws? WhenceItohim:Theslaughterandgreatcarnage WhichhavewithcrimsonstainedtheArbia,cause Suchorisonsinourtempletobemade. Afterhisheadhewithasighhadshaken, ThereIwasnotalone,hesaid,norsurely Withoutacausehadwiththeothersmoved. ButthereIwasalone,whereeveryone ConsentedtothelayingwasteofFlorence, Hewhodefendedherwithopenface.

48

TheDivineComedy Ah!sohereaftermayyourseedrepose, Ihimentreated,solveformethatknot, Whichhasentangledmyconceptionshere. Itseemsthatyoucansee,ifIhearrightly, Beforehandwhatsoeertimebringswithit, Andinthepresenthaveanothermode. Wesee,likethosewhohaveimperfectsight, Thethings,hesaid,thatdistantarefromus; SomuchstillshinesonustheSovereignRuler. Whentheydrawnear,orare,iswhollyvain Ourintellect,andifnonebringsittous, Notanythingknowweofyourhumanstate. Hencethoucanstunderstand,thatwhollydead Willbeourknowledgefromthemomentwhen Theportalofthefutureshallbeclosed. ThenI,asifcompunctiousformyfault, Said:Now,then,youwilltellthatfallenone, Thatstillhissoniswiththelivingjoined. Andifjustnow,inanswering,Iwasdumb, TellhimIdiditbecauseIwasthinking Alreadyoftheerroryouhavesolvedme. AndnowmyMasterwasrecallingme, WhereforemoreeagerlyIprayedthespirit Thathewouldtellmewhowaswithhimthere. Hesaid:WithmorethanathousandhereIlie; WithinhereisthesecondFrederick, AndtheCardinal,andoftherestIspeaknot. Thereonhehidhimself;andItowards Theancientpoetturnedmysteps,reflecting Uponthatsaying,whichseemedhostiletome. Hemovedalong;andafterwardthusgoing, Hesaidtome,Whyartthousobewildered? AndIinhisinquirysatisfiedhim.

49

TheDivineComedy Letmemorypreservewhatthouhastheard Againstthyself,thatSagecommandedme, Andnowattendhere;andheraisedhisfinger. Whenthoushaltbebeforetheradiancesweet Ofherwhosebeauteouseyesallthingsbehold, Fromherthoultknowthejourneyofthylife. Untothelefthandthenheturnedhisfeet; Weleftthewall,andwenttowardsthemiddle, Alongapaththatstrikesintoavalley, Whichevenupthereunpleasantmadeitsstench.

50

TheDivineComedy Inferno:CantoXI Uponthemarginofaloftybank Whichgreatrocksbrokeninacirclemade, Wecameuponastillmorecruelthrong; Andthere,byreasonofthehorrible Excessofstenchthedeepabyssthrowsout, Wedrewourselvesasidebehindthecover Ofagreattomb,whereonIsawawriting, Whichsaid:PopeAnastasiusIhold, WhomoutoftherightwayPhotinusdrew. Slowitbehovethourdescenttobe, Sothatthesensebefirstalittleused Tothesadblast,andthenweshallnotheedit. TheMasterthus;anduntohimIsaid, Somecompensationfind,thatthetimepassnot Idly;andhe:ThouseestIthinkofthat. Myson,upontheinsideoftheserocks, Beganhethentosay,arethreesmallcircles, Fromgradetograde,likethosewhichthouartleaving. Theyallarefullofspiritsmaledict; Butthathereaftersightalonesufficethee, Hearhowandwhereforetheyareinconstraint. OfeverymalicethatwinshateinHeaven, Injuryistheend;andallsuchend Eitherbyforceorfraudafflictethothers. Butbecausefraudismanspeculiarvice, MoreitdispleasesGod;andsostandlowest Thefraudulent,andgreaterdoleassailsthem. AllthefirstcircleoftheViolentis; Butsinceforcemaybeusedagainstthreepersons, Inthreeroundstisdividedandconstructed.

51

TheDivineComedy ToGod,toourselves,andtoourneighbourcanwe Useforce;Isayonthemandontheirthings, Asthoushalthearwithreasonmanifest. Adeathbyviolence,andpainfulwounds, Aretoourneighbourgiven;andinhissubstance Ruin,andarson,andinjuriouslevies; Whencehomicides,andhewhosmitesunjustly, Marauders,andfreebooters,thefirstround Tormentethallincompaniesdiverse. Manmaylayviolenthandsuponhimself Andhisowngoods;andthereforeinthesecond Roundmustperforcewithoutavailrepent Whoeverofyourworlddepriveshimself, Whogames,anddissipateshisproperty, Andweepeththere,whereheshouldjocundbe. ViolencecanbedonetheDeity, InheartdenyingandblasphemingHim, AndbydisdainingNatureandherbounty. Andforthisreasondoththesmallestround SealwithitssignetSodomandCahors, Andwho,disdainingGod,speaksfromtheheart. Fraud,wherewithaliseveryconsciencestung, Amanmaypractiseuponhimwhotrusts, Andhimwhodothnoconfidenceimburse. Thislattermode,itwouldappear,dissevers OnlythebondoflovewhichNaturemakes; Whereforewithinthesecondcirclenestle Hypocrisy,flattery,andwhodealsinmagic, Falsification,theft,andsimony, Panders,andbarrators,andthelikefilth. Bytheothermode,forgottenisthatlove WhichNaturemakes,andwhatisafteradded, Fromwhichthereisaspecialfaithengendered.

52

TheDivineComedy Henceinthesmallestcircle,wherethepointis OftheUniverse,uponwhichDisisseated, Whoeerbetraysforeverisconsumed. AndI:MyMaster,clearenoughproceeds Thyreasoning,andfullwelldistinguishes Thiscavernandthepeoplewhopossessit. Buttellme,thosewithinthefatlagoon, Whomthewinddrives,andwhomtheraindothbeat, Andwhoencounterwithsuchbittertongues, Whereforearetheyinsideoftheredcity Notpunished,ifGodhastheminhiswrath, Andifhehasnot,whereforeinsuchfashion? Anduntomehesaid:Whywandersso Thineintellectfromthatwhichitiswont? Or,sooth,thymindwhereisitelsewherelooking? Hastthounorecollectionofthosewords WithwhichthineEthicsthoroughlydiscusses Thedispositionsthree,thatHeavenabidesnot, Incontinence,andMalice,andinsane Bestiality?andhowIncontinence LessGodoffendeth,andlessblameattracts? Ifthouregardestthisconclusionwell, Andtothymindrecallestwhotheyare Thatupoutsideareundergoingpenance, Clearlywiltthouperceivewhyfromthesefelons Theyseparatedare,andwhylesswroth Justicedivinedothsmitethemwithitshammer. OSun,thathealestalldistemperedvision, Thoudostcontentmeso,whenthouresolvest, Thatdoubtingpleasesmenolessthanknowing!

53

TheDivineComedy Oncemorealittlebackwardturnthee,saidI, Therewherethousayestthatusuryoffends Goodnessdivine,anddisengagetheknot. Philosophy,hesaid,tohimwhoheedsit, Noteth,notonlyinoneplacealone, AfterwhatmannerNaturetakeshercourse FromIntellectDivine,andfromitsart; AndifthyPhysicscarefullythounotest, Afternotmanypagesshaltthoufind, Thatthisyourartasfaraspossible Follows,asthediscipledoththemaster; Sothatyourartis,asitwere,Godsgrandchild. Fromthesetwo,ifthoubringesttothymind Genesisatthebeginning,itbehoves Mankindtogaintheirlifeandtoadvance; Andsincetheusurertakesanotherway, Natureherselfandinherfollower Disdainshe,forelsewhereheputshishope. Butfollow,now,asIwouldfaingoon, ForquiveringaretheFishesonthehorizon, AndtheWainwhollyoverCauruslies, Andfarbeyondtherewedescendthecrag.

54

TheDivineComedy Inferno:CantoXII Theplacewheretodescendthebankwecame Wasalpine,andfromwhatwasthere,moreover, Ofsuchakindthateveryeyewouldshunit. Suchasthatruiniswhichintheflank Smote,onthissideofTrent,theAdige, Eitherbyearthquakeorbyfailingstay, Forfromthemountainstop,fromwhichitmoved, Untotheplainthecliffisshatteredso, Somepathtwouldgivetohimwhowasabove; Evensuchwasthedescentofthatravine, Andontheborderofthebrokenchasm TheinfamyofCretewasstretchedalong, Whowasconceivedinthefictitiouscow; Andwhenheusbeheld,hebithimself, Evenasonewhomangerrackswithin. MySagetowardshimshouted:Peradventure ThouthinkstthatheremaybetheDukeofAthens, Whointheworldabovebroughtdeathtothee? Gettheegone,beast,forthisonecomethnot Instructedbythysister,buthecomes Inordertobeholdyourpunishments. Asisthatbullwhobreakslooseatthemoment Inwhichhehasreceivedthemortalblow, Whocannotwalk,butstaggershereandthere, TheMinotaurbeheldIdothelike; Andhe,thewary,cried:Runtothepassage; Whilehewroth,tiswellthoushouldstdescend. Thusdownwetookourwayoerthatdischarge Ofstones,whichoftentimesdidmovethemselves Beneathmyfeet,fromtheunwontedburden.

55

TheDivineComedy ThoughtfulIwent;andhesaid:Thouartthinking Perhapsuponthisruin,whichisguarded BythatbruteangerwhichjustnowIquenched. NowwillIhavetheeknow,theothertime IheredescendedtothenetherHell, Thisprecipicehadnotyetfallendown. Buttruly,ifIwelldiscern,alittle BeforeHiscomingwhothemightyspoil BoreofffromDis,inthesupernalcircle, Uponallsidesthedeepandloathsomevalley Trembledso,thatIthoughttheUniverse Wasthrilledwithlove,bywhichtherearewhothink Theworldofttimesconvertedintochaos; Andatthatmomentthisprimevalcrag Bothhereandelsewheremadesuchoverthrow. Butfixthineeyesbelow;fordrawethnear Theriverofblood,withinwhichboilingis Whoeerbyviolencedothinjureothers. Oblindcupidity,Owrathinsane, Thatspursusonwardsoinourshortlife, Andintheeternalthensobadlysteepsus! Isawanamplemoatbentlikeabow, Asonewhichalltheplainencompasses, ConformabletowhatmyGuidehadsaid. Andbetweenthisandtheembankmentsfoot Centaursinfilewererunning,armedwitharrows, Asintheworldtheyusedthechasetofollow. Beholdingusdescend,eachonestoodstill, Andfromthesquadronthreedetachedthemselves, Withbowsandarrowsinadvanceselected; Andfromafaronecried:Untowhattorment Comeye,whodownthehillsidearedescending? Tellusfromthere;ifnot,Idrawthebow.

56

TheDivineComedy MyMastersaid:Ouranswerwillwemake ToChiron,nearyouthere;inevilhour, Thatwillofthinewasevermoresohasty. Thentouchedheme,andsaid:ThisoneisNessus, WhoperishedforthelovelyDejanira, Andforhimself,himselfdidvengeancetake. Andheinthemidst,whoathisbreastisgazing, IsthegreatChiron,whobroughtupAchilles; ThatotherPholusis,whowassowrathful. Thousandsandthousandsgoaboutthemoat Shootingwithshaftswhateversoulemerges Outoftheblood,morethanhiscrimeallots. Nearweapproacheduntothosemonstersfleet; Chironanarrowtook,andwiththenotch Backwarduponhisjawsheputhisbeard. Afterhehaduncoveredhisgreatmouth, Hesaidtohiscompanions:Areyouware Thathebehindmovethwhateerhetouches? Thusarenotwonttodothefeetofdeadmen. AndmygoodGuide,whonowwasathisbreast, Wherethetwonaturesaretogetherjoined, Replied:Indeedhelives,andthusalone Meitbehovestoshowhimthedarkvalley; Necessity,andnotdelight,impelsus. SomeonewithdrewfromsingingHalleluja, Whountomecommittedthisnewoffice; Nothiefishe,norIathievishspirit. ButbythatvirtuethroughwhichIammoving Mystepsalongthissavagethoroughfare, Giveussomeoneofthine,tobewithus,

57

TheDivineComedy Andwhomayshowuswheretopasstheford, Andwhomaycarrythisoneonhisback; Fortisnospiritthatcanwalktheair. UponhisrightbreastChironwheeledabout, AndsaidtoNessus:Turnanddothouguidethem, Andwarnaside,ifotherbandmaymeetyou. Wewithourfaithfulescortonwardmoved Alongthebrinkofthevermilionboiling, Whereintheboiledwereutteringloudlaments. PeopleIsawwithinuptotheeyebrows, AndthegreatCentaursaid:Tyrantsarethese, Whodealtinbloodshedandinpillaging. Heretheylamenttheirpitilessmischiefs;here IsAlexander,andfierceDionysius WhouponSicilybroughtdolorousyears. Thatforeheadtherewhichhasthehairsoblack IsAzzolin;andtheotherwhoisblond, ObizzoisofEsti,who,intruth, Upintheworldwasbyhisstepsonslain. ThenturnedItothePoet;andhesaid, Nowhebefirsttothee,andsecondI. AlittlefartherontheCentaurstopped Aboveafolk,whofardownasthethroat Seemedfromthatboilingstreamtoissueforth. Ashadeheshowedusononesidealone, Saying:HecleftasunderinGodsbosom TheheartthatstillupontheThamesishonoured. ThenpeoplesawI,whofromouttheriver Liftedtheirheadsandalsoallthechest; AndmanyamongtheseIrecognised. Thusevermoreandmoregrewshallower Thatblood,sothatthefeetaloneitcovered; Andthereacrossthemoatourpassagewas.

58

TheDivineComedy Evenasthouhereuponthissidebeholdest Theboilingstream,thatayediminishes, TheCentaursaid,Iwishtheetobelieve Thatonthisothermoreandmoredeclines Itsbed,untilitreunitesitself Whereitbehovethtyrannytogroan. Justicedivine,uponthisside,isgoading ThatAttila,whowasascourgeonearth, AndPyrrhus,andSextus;andforevermilks Thetearswhichwiththeboilingitunseals InRinierdaCornetoandRinierPazzo, Whomadeuponthehighwayssomuchwar. Thenbackheturned,andpassedagaintheford.

59

TheDivineComedy Inferno:CantoXIII NotyethadNessusreachedtheotherside, Whenwehadputourselveswithinawood, Thatwasnotmarkedbyanypathwhatever. Notfoliagegreen,butofaduskycolour, Notbranchessmooth,butgnarledandintertangled, Notappletreeswerethere,butthornswithpoison. Suchtangledthicketshavenot,norsodense, Thosesavagewildbeasts,thatinhatredhold TwixtCecinaandCornetothetilledplaces. TheredothehideousHarpiesmaketheirnests, WhochasedtheTrojansfromtheStrophades, Withsadannouncementofimpendingdoom; Broadwingshavethey,andnecksandfaceshuman, Andfeetwithclaws,andtheirgreatbelliesfledged; Theymakelamentsuponthewondroustrees. AndthegoodMaster:Erethouenterfarther, Knowthatthouartwithinthesecondround, Thushebegantosay,andshaltbe,till Thoucomestoutuponthehorriblesand; Thereforelookwellaround,andthoushaltsee Thingsthatwillcredencegiveuntomyspeech. Iheardonallsideslamentationsuttered, AndpersonnonebeheldIwhomightmakethem, Whence,utterlybewildered,Istoodstill. IthinkhethoughtthatIperhapsmightthink Somanyvoicesissuedthroughthosetrunks Frompeoplewhoconcealedthemselvesfromus; ThereforetheMastersaid:Ifthoubreakoff Somelittlesprayfromanyofthesetrees, Thethoughtsthouhastwillwhollybemadevain.

60

TheDivineComedy ThenstretchedIforthmyhandalittleforward, Andpluckedabranchletofffromagreatthorn; Andthetrunkcried,Whydostthoumangleme? Afterithadbecomeembrownedwithblood, Itrecommenceditscry:Whydostthourendme? Hastthounospiritofpitywhatsoever? Menoncewewere,andnowarechangedtotrees; Indeed,thyhandshouldbemorepitiful, Evenifthesoulsofserpentswehadbeen. Asoutofagreenbrand,thatisonfire Atoneoftheends,andfromtheotherdrips Andhisseswiththewindthatisescaping; Sofromthatsplinterissuedforthtogether Bothwordsandblood;whereatIletthetip Fall,andstoodlikeamanwhoisafraid. Hadhebeenablesoonertobelieve, MySagemadeanswer,Othouwoundedsoul, Whatonlyinmyverseshehasseen, Notupontheehadhestretchedforthhishand; Whereasthethingincrediblehascausedme Toputhimtoanactwhichgrievethme. Buttellhimwhothouwast,sothatbyway Ofsomeamendsthyfamehemayrefresh Upintheworld,towhichhecanreturn. Andthetrunksaid:Sothysweetwordsallureme, Icannotsilentbe;andyoubevexednot, ThatIalittletodiscourseamtempted. Iamtheonewhobothkeyshadinkeeping OfFredericksheart,andturnedthemtoandfro Sosoftlyinunlockingandinlocking, ThatfromhissecretsmostmenIwithheld; FidelityIborethegloriousoffice Sogreat,Ilosttherebymysleepandpulses.

61

TheDivineComedy Thecourtesanwhoneverfromthedwelling OfCaesarturnedasideherstrumpeteyes, Deathuniversalandtheviceofcourts, Inflamedagainstmealltheotherminds, Andthey,inflamed,didsoinflameAugustus, Thatmygladhonoursturnedtodismalmournings. Myspirit,indisdainfulexultation, Thinkingbydyingtoescapedisdain, Mademeunjustagainstmyself,thejust. I,bytherootsunwontedofthiswood, DosweartoyouthatneverbrokeIfaith Untomylord,whowassoworthyofhonour; Andtotheworldifoneofyoureturn, Lethimmymemorycomfort,whichislying Stillprostratefromtheblowthatenvydealtit. Waitedawhile,andthen:Sinceheissilent, ThePoetsaidtome,losenotthetime, Butspeak,andquestionhim,ifmoremaypleasethee. WhenceItohim:Dothouagaininquire Concerningwhatthouthinkstwillsatisfyme; ForIcannot,suchpityisinmyheart. Thereforeherecommenced:Somaytheman Dofortheefreelywhatthyspeechimplores, Spiritincarcerate,againbepleased Totellusinwhatwaythesoulisbound Withintheseknots;andtellus,ifthoucanst, Ifanyfromsuchmemberseerisfreed. Thenblewthetrunkamain,andafterward Thewindwasintosuchavoiceconverted: Withbrevityshallberepliedtoyou.

62

TheDivineComedy Whentheexasperatedsoulabandons Thebodywhenceitrentitselfaway, Minosconsignsittotheseventhabyss. Itfallsintotheforest,andnopart Ischosenforit;butwhereFortunehurlsit, Therelikeagrainofspeltitgerminates. Itspringsasapling,andaforesttree; TheHarpies,feedingthenuponitsleaves, Dopaincreate,andforthepainanoutlet. Likeothersforourspoilsshallwereturn; Butnotthatanyonemaythemrevest, Fortisnotjusttohavewhatonecastsoff. Hereweshalldragthem,andalongthedismal Forestourbodiesshallsuspendedbe, Eachtothethornofhismolestedshade. Wewereattentivestilluntothetrunk, Thinkingthatmoreityetmightwishtotellus, Whenbyatumultwewereovertaken, Inthesamewayasheiswhoperceives Theboarandchaseapproachingtohisstand, Whohearsthecrashingofthebeastsandbranches; Andtwobehold!uponourlefthandside, Nakedandscratched,fleeingsofuriously, Thatoftheforest,everyfantheybroke. Hewhowasinadvance:Nowhelp,Death,help! Andtheotherone,whoseemedtolagtoomuch, Wasshouting:Lano,werenotsoalert ThoselegsofthineatjoustingsoftheToppo! Andthen,perchancebecausehisbreathwasfailing, Hegroupedhimselftogetherwithabush. Behindthemwastheforestfullofblack Shemastiffs,ravenous,andswiftoffoot Asgreyhounds,whoareissuingfromthechain.

63

TheDivineComedy Onhimwhohadcroucheddowntheysettheirteeth, Andhimtheylaceratedpiecebypiece, Thereafterboreawaythoseachingmembers. ThereatmyEscorttookmebythehand, Andledmetothebush,thatallinvain Wasweepingfromitsbloodylacerations. OJacopo,itsaid,ofSantAndrea, Whathelpedittheeofmetomakeascreen? WhatblamehaveIinthynefariouslife? WhennearhimhadtheMasterstayedhissteps, Hesaid:Whowastthou,thatthroughwoundssomany Artblowingoutwithbloodthydolorousspeech? Andhetous:Osouls,thathithercome Tolookupontheshamefulmassacre Thathassorentawayfrommemyleaves, Gatherthemupbeneaththedismalbush; IofthatcitywaswhichtotheBaptist Changeditsfirstpatron,whereforeheforthis Foreverwithhisartwillmakeitsad. AndwereitnotthatonthepassofArno Someglimpsesofhimareremainingstill, Thosecitizens,whoafterwardsrebuiltit UpontheashesleftbyAttila, Invainhadcausedtheirlabourtobedone. OfmyownhouseImademyselfagibbet.

64

TheDivineComedy Inferno:CantoXIV Becausethecharityofmynativeplace Constrainedme,gatheredIthescatteredleaves, Andgavethembacktohim,whonowwashoarse. Thencamewetotheconfine,wheredisparted Thesecondroundisfromthethird,andwhere AhorribleformofJusticeisbeheld. Clearlytomanifestthesenovelthings, Isaythatwearriveduponaplain, Whichfromitsbedrejectetheveryplant; Thedolorousforestisagarlandtoit Allroundabout,asthesadmoattothat; Therecloseupontheedgewestayedourfeet. Thesoilwasofanaridandthicksand, Notofanotherfashionmadethanthat WhichbythefeetofCatooncewaspressed. VengeanceofGod,Ohowmuchoughtestthou Byeachonetobedreaded,whodothread Thatwhichwasmanifestuntomineeyes! OfnakedsoulsbeheldImanyherds, Whoallwereweepingverymiserably, Andoverthemseemedsetalawdiverse. Supineuponthegroundsomefolkwerelying; Andsomeweresittingalldrawnuptogether, Andotherswentaboutcontinually. Thosewhoweregoingroundwerefarthemore, Andthosewerelesswholaydowntotheirtorment, Buthadtheirtonguesmoreloosedtolamentation. Oerallthesandwaste,withagradualfall, Wererainingdowndilatedflakesoffire, AsofthesnowonAlpwithoutawind.

65

TheDivineComedy AsAlexander,inthosetorridparts OfIndia,behelduponhishost Flamesfallunbrokentilltheyreachedtheground. Whenceheprovidedwithhisphalanxes Totrampledownthesoil,becausethevapour Betterextinguishedwaswhileitwassingle; Thuswasdescendingtheeternalheat, Wherebythesandwassetonfire,liketinder Beneaththesteel,fordoublingofthedole. Withoutreposeforeverwasthedance Ofmiserablehands,nowthere,nowhere, Shakingawayfromoffthemthefreshgleeds. Master,beganI,thouwhoovercomest Allthingsexceptthedemonsdire,thatissued Againstusattheentranceofthegate, Whoisthatmightyonewhoseemstoheednot Thefire,andliethloweringanddisdainful, Sothattherainseemsnottoripenhim? Andhehimself,whohadbecomeaware ThatIwasquestioningmyGuideabouthim, Cried:SuchasIwasliving,amI,dead. IfJoveshouldwearyouthissmith,fromwhom Heseizedinangerthesharpthunderbolt, WherewithuponthelastdayIwassmitten, Andifheweariedoutbyturnstheothers InMongibelloattheswarthyforge, Vociferating,Help,goodVulcan,help! EvenashedidthereatthefightofPhlegra, Andshothisboltsatmewithallhismight, Hewouldnothavetherebyajoyousvengeance. ThendidmyLeaderspeakwithsuchgreatforce, ThatIhadneverheardhimspeaksoloud: OCapaneus,inthatisnotextinguished

66

TheDivineComedy Thinearrogance,thoupunishedartthemore; Notanytorment,savingthineownrage, Wouldbeuntothyfurypaincomplete. Thenheturnedroundtomewithbetterlip, Saying:OneoftheSevenKingswashe WhoThebesbesieged,andheld,andseemstohold Godindisdain,andlittleseemstoprizehim; But,asIsaidtohim,hisowndespites Areforhisbreastthefittestornaments. Nowfollowme,andmindthoudonotplace Asyetthyfeetupontheburningsand, Butalwayskeepthemcloseuntothewood. Speakingnoword,wecametowheretheregushes Forthfromthewoodalittlerivulet, Whoserednessmakesmyhairstillstandonend. AsfromtheBulicamespringsthebrooklet, Thesinfulwomenlatershareamongthem, Sodownwardthroughthesanditwentitsway. Thebottomofit,andbothslopingbanks, Weremadeofstone,andthemarginsattheside; WhenceIperceivedthattherethepassagewas. InalltherestwhichIhaveshowntothee Sincewehaveenteredinwithinthegate Whosethresholduntonooneisdenied, Nothinghasbeendiscoveredbythineeyes Sonotableasisthepresentriver, Whichallthelittleflamesaboveitquenches. ThesewordswereofmyLeader;whenceIprayedhim Thathewouldgivemelargessofthefood, Forwhichhehadgivenmelargessofdesire.

67

TheDivineComedy Inthemidseatheresitsawastedland, Saidhethereafterward,whosenameisCrete, Underwhosekingtheworldofoldwaschaste. Thereisamountainthere,thatoncewasglad Withwatersandwithleaves,whichwascalledIda; Nowtisdeserted,asathingwornout. Rheaoncechoseitforthefaithfulcradle Ofherownson;andtoconcealhimbetter, Wheneerhecried,shetherehadclamoursmade. Agrandoldmanstandsinthemounterect, WhoholdshisshouldersturnedtowrdsDamietta, AndlooksatRomeasifitwerehismirror. Hisheadisfashionedofrefinedgold, Andofpuresilverarethearmsandbreast; Thenheisbrassasfardownasthefork. Fromthatpointdownwardallischoseniron, Savethattherightfootisofkilnbakedclay, Andmorehestandsonthatthanontheother. Eachpart,exceptthegold,isbyafissure Asundercleft,thatdrippingiswithtears, Whichgatheredtogetherperforatethatcavern. Fromrocktorocktheyfallintothisvalley; Acheron,Styx,andPhlegethontheyform; Thendownwardgoalongthisnarrowsluice Untothatpointwhereisnomoredescending. TheyformCocytus;whatthatpoolmaybe Thoushaltbehold,soheretisnotnarrated. AndItohim:Ifsothepresentrunnel Dothtakeitsriseinthiswayfromourworld, Whyonlyonthisvergeappearsittous? Andhetome:Thouknowesttheplaceisround, Andnotwithstandingthouhastjourneyedfar, Stilltotheleftdescendingtothebottom,

68

TheDivineComedy Thouhastnotyetthroughallthecircleturned. Thereforeifsomethingnewappeartous, Itshouldnotbringamazementtothyface. AndIagain:Master,whereshallbefound LetheandPhlegethon,forofonethourtsilent, Andsayesttheotherofthisrainismade? Inallthyquestionstrulythoudostpleaseme, Repliedhe;buttheboilingofthered Watermightwellsolveoneofthemthoumakest. ThoushaltseeLethe,butoutsidethismoat, Therewherethesoulsrepairtolavethemselves, Whensinrepentedofhasbeenremoved. Thensaidhe:Itistimenowtoabandon Thewood;takeheedthatthoucomeafterme; Awaythemarginsmakethatarenotburning, Andoverthemallvapoursareextinguished.

69

TheDivineComedy Inferno:CantoXV Nowbearsusonwardoneofthehardmargins, Andsothebrookletsmistoershadowsit, Fromfireitsavesthewaterandthedikes. EvenastheFlemings,twixtCadsandandBruges, Fearingthefloodthattowrdsthemhurlsitself, Theirbulwarksbuildtoputtheseatoflight; AndasthePaduansalongtheBrenta, Toguardtheirvillasandtheirvillages, OreverChiarentanafeeltheheat; Insuchsimilitudehadthosebeenmade, Albeitnotsoloftynorsothick, Whoeverhemightbe,themastermadethem. Nowwerewefromtheforestsoremote, Icouldnothavediscoveredwhereitwas, EvenifbackwardIhadturnedmyself, Whenweacompanyofsoulsencountered, Whocamebesidethedike,andeveryone Gazedatus,asateveningwearewont Toeyeeachotherunderanewmoon, Andsotowardsussharpenedtheytheirbrows Asanoldtailorattheneedleseye. Thusscrutinisedbysuchafamily, BysomeoneIwasrecognised,whoseized Mygarmentshem,andcriedout,Whatamarvel! AndI,whenhestretchedforthhisarmtome, Onhisbakedaspectfastenedsomineeyes, Thatthescorchedcountenancepreventednot Hisrecognitionbymyintellect; Andbowingdownmyfaceuntohisown, Imadereply,Areyouhere,SerBrunetto?

70

TheDivineComedy Andhe:Maytnotdispleasethee,Omyson, IfabriefspacewiththeeBrunettoLatini Backwardreturnandletthetrailgoon. Isaidtohim:WithallmypowerIaskit; Andifyouwishmetositdownwithyou, Iwill,ifheplease,forIgowithhim. Oson,hesaid,whoeverofthisherd Amomentstops,liesthenahundredyears, Norfanshimselfwhensmitethhimthefire. Thereforegoon;Iatthyskirtswillcome, AndafterwardwillIrejoinmyband, Whichgoeslamentingitseternaldoom. Ididnotdaretogodownfromtheroad Leveltowalkwithhim;butmyheadbowed Iheldasonewhogoethreverently. Andhebegan:Whatfortuneorwhatfate Beforethelastdayleadeththeedownhere? Andwhoisthisthatshoweththeetheway? Upthereaboveusinthelifeserene, Iansweredhim,Ilostmeinavalley, Oreveryetmyagehadbeencompleted. ButyestermornIturnedmybackuponit; Thisoneappearedtome,returningthither, Andhomewardleadethmealongthisroad. Andhetome:Ifthouthystardofollow, Thoucanstnotfailtheeofagloriousport, IfwellIjudgedinthelifebeautiful. AndifIhadnotdiedsoprematurely, SeeingHeaventhusbenignantuntothee, Iwouldhavegiventheecomfortinthework. Butthatungratefulandmalignantpeople, WhichofoldtimefromFesoledescended, Andsmacksstillofthemountainandthegranite,

71

TheDivineComedy Willmakeitself,forthygooddeeds,thyfoe; Anditisright;foramongcrabbedsorbs Itillbefitsthesweetfigtobearfruit. Oldrumourintheworldproclaimsthemblind; Apeopleavaricious,envious,proud; Takeheedthatoftheircustomsthoudocleansethee. Thyfortunesomuchhonourdothreservethee, Onepartyandtheothershallbehungry Forthee;butfarfromgoatshallbethegrass. TheirlitterletthebeastsofFesole Makeofthemselves,norletthemtouchtheplant, Ifanystillupontheirdunghillrise, Inwhichmayyetrevivetheconsecrated SeedofthoseRomans,whoremainedtherewhen Thenestofsuchgreatmaliceitbecame. Ifmyentreatywhollywerefulfilled, RepliedItohim,notyetwouldyoube Inbanishmentfromhumannatureplaced; Forinmymindisfixed,andtouchesnow Myheartthedearandgoodpaternalimage Ofyou,whenintheworldfromhourtohour Youtaughtmehowamanbecomeseternal; AndhowmuchIamgrateful,whileIlive Behovesthatinmylanguagebediscerned. WhatyounarrateofmycareerIwrite, Andkeepittobeglossedwithothertext ByaLadywhocandoit,ifIreachher. ThismuchwillIhavemanifesttoyou; Providedthatmyconsciencedonotchideme, ForwhatsoeverFortuneIamready.

72

TheDivineComedy Suchhandselisnotnewuntomineears; ThereforeletFortuneturnherwheelaround Asitmaypleaseher,andthechurlhismattock. MyMasterthereupononhisrightcheek Didbackwardturnhimself,andlookedatme; Thensaid:Helistenethwellwhonotethit. Norspeakinglessonthataccount,Igo WithSerBrunetto,andIaskwhoare Hismostknownandmosteminentcompanions. Andhetome:Toknowofsomeiswell; Ofothersitwerelaudabletobesilent, Forshortwouldbethetimeforsomuchspeech. Knowtheminsum,thatallofthemwereclerks, Andmenoflettersgreatandofgreatfame, Intheworldtaintedwiththeselfsamesin. Prisciangoesyonderwiththatwretchedcrowd, AndFrancisofAccorso;andthouhadstseenthere Ifthouhadsthadahankeringforsuchscurf, Thatone,whobytheServantoftheServants FromArnowastransferredtoBacchiglione, Wherehehaslefthissinexcitednerves. MorewouldIsay,butcominganddiscoursing Canbenolonger;forthatIbehold Newsmokeuprisingyonderfromthesand. ApeoplecomeswithwhomImaynotbe; CommendeduntotheebemyTesoro, InwhichIstilllive,andnomoreIask. Thenheturnedround,andseemedtobeofthose WhoatVeronarunfortheGreenMantle Acrosstheplain;andseemedtobeamongthem Theonewhowins,andnottheonewholoses.

73

TheDivineComedy Inferno:CantoXVI NowwasIwherewasheardthereverberation Ofwaterfallingintothenextround, Liketothathummingwhichthebeehivesmake, Whenshadowsthreetogetherstartedforth, Running,fromoutacompanythatpassed Beneaththerainofthesharpmartyrdom. Towardsuscamethey,andeachonecriedout: Stop,thou;forbythygarbtousthouseemest Tobesomeoneofourdepravedcity. Ahme!whatwoundsIsawupontheirlimbs, Recentandancientbytheflamesburntin! Itpainsmestillbuttorememberit. UntotheircriesmyTeacherpausedattentive; Heturnedhisfacetowardsme,andNowwait, Hesaid;totheseweshouldbecourteous. Andifitwerenotforthefirethatdarts Thenatureofthisregion,Ishouldsay Thathasteweremorebecomingtheethanthem. Assoonaswestoodstill,theyrecommenced Theoldrefrain,andwhentheyovertookus, Formedofthemselvesawheel,allthreeofthem. Aschampionsstrippedandoiledarewonttodo, Watchingfortheiradvantageandtheirhold, Beforetheycometoblowsandthrustsbetweenthem, Thus,wheelinground,dideveryonehisvisage Directtome,sothatinoppositewise Hisneckandfeetcontinualjourneymade. And,Ifthemiseryofthissoftplace Bringindisdainourselvesandourentreaties, Beganone,andouraspectblackandblistered,

74

TheDivineComedy Lettherenownofusthymindincline Totelluswhothouart,whothussecurely ThylivingfeetdostmovealongthroughHell. Heinwhosefootprintsthoudostseemetreading, Nakedandskinlessthoughhenowmaygo, Wasofagreaterrankthanthoudostthink; HewasthegrandsonofthegoodGualdrada; HisnamewasGuidoguerra,andinlife Muchdidhewithhiswisdomandhissword. Theother,whoclosebymetreadsthesand, TegghiaioAldobrandiis,whosefame Abovethereintheworldshouldwelcomebe. AndI,whowiththemonthecrossamplaced, JacopoRusticucciwas;andtruly Mysavagewife,morethanaughtelse,dothharmme. CouldIhavebeenprotectedfromthefire, BelowIshouldhavethrownmyselfamongthem, AndthinktheTeacherwouldhavesufferedit; ButasIshouldhaveburnedandbakedmyself, Myterrorovermasteredmygoodwill, Whichmademegreedyofembracingthem. ThenIbegan:Sorrowandnotdisdain Didyourconditionfixwithinmeso, Thattardilyitwhollyisstrippedoff, AssoonasthismyLordsaiduntome Words,onaccountofwhichIthoughtwithinme Thatpeoplesuchasyouarewereapproaching. Iofyourcityam;andevermore Yourlaboursandyourhonourablenames Iwithaffectionhaveretracedandheard. Ileavethegall,andgoforthesweetfruits PromisedtomebytheveraciousLeader; ButtothecentrefirstIneedsmustplunge.

75

TheDivineComedy Somaythesoulforalongwhileconduct Thoselimbsofthine,didhemakeanswerthen, Andsomaythyrenownshineafterthee, Valourandcourtesy,sayiftheydwell Withinourcity,astheyusedtodo, Oriftheywhollyhavegoneoutofit; ForGuglielmoBorsier,whoisintorment Withusoflate,andgoestherewithhiscomrades, Dothgreatlymortifyuswithhiswords. Thenewinhabitantsandthesuddengains, Prideandextravagancehaveintheeengendered, Florence,sothatthouweepstthereatalready! InthiswiseIexclaimedwithfaceuplifted; Andthethree,takingthatformyreply, Lookedateachother,asonelooksattruth. Ifothertimessolittleitdothcostthee, Repliedtheyall,tosatisfyanother, Happyartthou,thusspeakingatthywill! Therefore,ifthouescapefromthesedarkplaces, Andcometorebeholdthebeauteousstars, Whenitshallpleasuretheetosay,Iwas, Seethatthouspeakofusuntothepeople. Thentheybrokeupthewheel,andintheirflight Itseemedasiftheiragilelegswerewings. NotanAmencouldpossiblybesaid Sorapidlyastheyhaddisappeared; WhereforetheMasterdeemedbesttodepart. Ifollowedhim,andlittlehadwegone, Beforethesoundofwaterwassonearus, Thatspeakingweshouldhardlyhavebeenheard.

76

TheDivineComedy Evenasthatstreamwhichholdethitsowncourse ThefirstfromMonteVesotowrdstheEast, UponthelefthandslopeofApennine, WhichisabovecalledAcquacheta,ere Itdowndescendethintoitslowbed, AndatForliisvacantofthatname, ReverberatesthereaboveSanBenedetto FromAlps,byfallingatasingleleap, Whereforathousandtherewereroomenough; Thusdownwardfromabankprecipitate, Wefoundresoundingthatdarktintedwater, Sothatitsoontheearwouldhaveoffended. Ihadacordaroundaboutmegirt, AndtherewithalIwhilomhaddesigned Totakethepantherwiththepaintedskin. AfterIthishadallfrommeunloosed, AsmyConductorhadcommandedme, Ireachedittohim,gatheredupandcoiled, Whereatheturnedhimselftotherightside, Andatalittledistancefromtheverge, Hecastitdownintothatdeepabyss. Itmustneedsbesomenoveltyrespond, Isaidwithinmyself,tothenewsignal TheMasterwithhiseyeisfollowingso. Ahme!howverycautiousmenshouldbe Withthosewhonotalonebeholdtheact, Butwiththeirwisdomlookintothethoughts! Hesaidtome:Soontherewillupwardcome WhatIawait;andwhatthythoughtisdreaming Mustsoonrevealitselfuntothysight. Ayetothattruthwhichhasthefaceoffalsehood, Amanshouldclosehislipsasfarasmaybe, Becausewithouthisfaultitcausesshame;

77

TheDivineComedy ButhereIcannot;and,Reader,bythenotes OfthismyComedytotheeIswear, Somaytheynotbevoidoflastingfavour, Athwartthatdenseanddarksomeatmosphere Isawafigureswimmingupwardcome, Marvellousuntoeverysteadfastheart, Evenashereturnswhogoethdown Sometimestoclearananchor,whichhasgrappled Reef,oraughtelsethatintheseaishidden, Whoupwardstretches,anddrawsinhisfeet.

78

TheDivineComedy Inferno:CantoXVII Beholdthemonsterwiththepointedtail, Whocleavesthehills,andbreakethwallsandweapons, Beholdhimwhoinfectethalltheworld. ThusuntomemyGuidebegantosay, Andbeckonedhimthatheshouldcometoshore, Neartotheconfineofthetroddenmarble; Andthatuncleanlyimageofdeceit Cameupandthrustashoreitsheadandbust, Butontheborderdidnotdragitstail. Thefacewasasthefaceofajustman, Itssemblanceoutwardlywassobenign, Andofaserpentallthetrunkbeside. Twopawsithad,hairyuntothearmpits; Theback,andbreast,andboththesidesithad Depictedoerwithnoosesandwithshields. Withcoloursmore,groundworkorbroidery NeverinclothdidTartarsmakenorTurks, NorweresuchtissuesbyArachnelaid. Assometimeswherrieslieupontheshore, Thatpartareinthewater,partonland; AndasamongtheguzzlingGermansthere, Thebeaverplantshimselftowagehiswar; Sothatvilemonsterlayupontheborder, Whichisofstone,andshuttethinthesand. Histailwaswhollyquiveringinthevoid, Contortingupwardstheenvenomedfork, Thatintheguiseofscorpionarmeditspoint. TheGuidesaid:Nowperforcemustturnaside Ourwayalittle,eventothatbeast Malevolent,thatyondercouchethhim.

79

TheDivineComedy Wethereforeontherightsidedescended, Andmadetenstepsupontheouterverge, Completelytoavoidthesandandflame; Andafterwearecometohim,Isee Alittlefartheroffuponthesand Apeoplesittingnearthehollowplace. ThensaidtometheMaster:Sothatfull Experienceofthisroundthoubearaway, Nowgoandseewhattheirconditionis. Thereletthyconversationbeconcise; TillthoureturnestIwillspeakwithhim, Thatheconcedetoushisstalwartshoulders. Thusfartherstillupontheoutermost Headofthatseventhcircleallalone Iwent,wheresatthemelancholyfolk. Outoftheireyeswasgushingforththeirwoe; Thisway,thatway,theyhelpedthemwiththeirhands Nowfromtheflamesandnowfromthehotsoil. Nototherwiseinsummerdothedogs, Nowwiththefoot,nowwiththemuzzle,when Byfleas,orflies,orgadflies,theyarebitten. WhenIhadturnedmineeyesuponthefaces Ofsome,onwhomthedolorousfireisfalling, NotoneofthemIknew;butIperceived Thatfromtheneckofeachtherehungapouch, Whichcertaincolourhad,andcertainblazon; Andthereuponitseemstheireyesarefeeding. AndasIgazingroundmecomeamongthem, UponayellowpouchIazuresaw Thathadthefaceandpostureofalion. Proceedingthenthecurrentofmysight, AnotherofthemsawI,redasblood, Displayagoosemorewhitethanbutteris.

80

TheDivineComedy Andone,whowithanazuresowandgravid Emblazonedhadhislittlepouchofwhite, Saiduntome:Whatdostthouinthismoat? Nowgettheegone;andsincethourtstillalive, Knowthataneighbourofmine,Vitaliano, Willhavehisseathereonmylefthandside. APaduanamIwiththeseFlorentines; Fullmanyatimetheythunderinmineears, Exclaiming,Comethesovereigncavalier, Hewhoshallbringthesatchelwiththreegoats; Thentwistedhehismouth,andforthhethrust Histongue,liketoanoxthatlicksitsnose. Andfearinglestmylongerstaymightvex Himwhohadwarnedmenottotarrylong, BackwardIturnedmefromthosewearysouls. IfoundmyGuide,whohadalreadymounted Uponthebackofthatwildanimal, Andsaidtome:Nowbebothstrongandbold. Nowwedescendbystairwayssuchasthese; Mountthouinfront,forIwillbemidway, Sothatthetailmayhavenopowertoharmthee. Suchasheiswhohassoneartheague Ofquartanthathisnailsarebluealready, Andtremblesall,butlookingattheshade; EvensuchbecameIatthoseprofferedwords; Butshameinmehismenacesproduced, Whichmakethservantstrongbeforegoodmaster. Iseatedmeuponthosemonstrousshoulders; Iwishedtosay,andyetthevoicecamenot AsIbelieved,Takeheedthatthouembraceme.

81

TheDivineComedy Buthe,whoothertimeshadrescuedme Inotherperil,soonasIhadmounted, Withinhisarmsencircledandsustainedme, Andsaid:Now,Geryon,bestirthyself; Thecircleslarge,andthedescentbelittle; Thinkofthenovelburdenwhichthouhast. Evenasthelittlevesselshovesfromshore, Backward,stillbackward,sohethencewithdrew; Andwhenhewhollyfelthimselfafloat, Therewherehisbreasthadbeenheturnedhistail, Andthatextendedlikeaneelhemoved, Andwithhispawsdrewtohimselftheair. AgreaterfearIdonotthinktherewas WhattimeabandonedPhaetonthereins, Wherebytheheavens,asstillappears,werescorched; NorwhenthewretchedIcarushisflanks Feltstrippedoffeathersbythemeltingwax, Hisfathercrying,Anillwaythoutakest! Thanwasmyown,whenIperceivedmyself Onallsidesintheair,andsawextinguished Thesightofeverythingbutofthemonster. Onwardhegoeth,swimmingslowly,slowly; Wheelsanddescends,butIperceiveitonly Bywinduponmyfaceandfrombelow. Iheardalreadyontherightthewhirlpool Makingahorriblecrashingunderus; WhenceIthrustoutmyheadwitheyescastdownward. ThenwasIstillmorefearfuloftheabyss; BecauseIfiresbeheld,andheardlaments, WhereatI,trembling,alltheclosercling. Isawthen,forbeforeIhadnotseenit, Theturninganddescending,bygreathorrors Thatwereapproachingupondiverssides.

82

TheDivineComedy Asfalconwhohaslongbeenonthewing, Who,withoutseeingeitherlureorbird, Makeththefalconersay,Ahme,thoustoopest, Descendethweary,whencehestartedswiftly, Thoroughahundredcircles,andalights Farfromhismaster,sullenanddisdainful; EventhusdidGeryonplaceusonthebottom, Closetothebasesoftheroughhewnrock, Andbeingdisencumberedofourpersons, Hespedawayasarrowfromthestring.

83

TheDivineComedy Inferno:CantoXVIII ThereisaplaceinHellcalledMalebolge, Whollyofstoneandofanironcolour, Asisthecirclethatarounditturns. Rightinthemiddleofthefieldmalign Thereyawnsawellexceedingwideanddeep, Ofwhichitsplacethestructurewillrecount. Round,then,isthatenclosurewhichremains Betweenthewellandfootofthehigh,hardbank, Andhasdistinctinvalleystenitsbottom. Aswherefortheprotectionofthewalls Manyandmanymoatssurroundthecastles, Thepartinwhichtheyareafigureforms, Justsuchanimagethosepresentedthere; Andasaboutsuchstrongholdsfromtheirgates Untotheouterbankarelittlebridges, Sofromtheprecipicesbasedidcrags Project,whichintersecteddikesandmoats, Untothewellthattruncatesandcollectsthem. Withinthisplace,downshakenfromtheback OfGeryon,wefoundus;andthePoet Heldtotheleft,andImovedonbehind. UponmyrighthandIbeheldnewanguish, Newtorments,andnewwieldersofthelash, WherewiththeforemostBolgiawasreplete. Downatthebottomwerethesinnersnaked; Thissidethemiddlecametheyfacingus, Beyondit,withus,butwithgreatersteps; EvenastheRomans,forthemightyhost, TheyearofJubilee,uponthebridge, Havechosenamodetopassthepeopleover;

84

TheDivineComedy ForallupononesidetowardstheCastle Theirfaceshave,andgountoSt.Peters; OntheothersidetheygotowardstheMountain. Thissideandthat,alongthelividstone BeheldIhorneddemonswithgreatscourges, Whocruellywerebeatingthembehind. Ahme!howtheydidmakethemlifttheirlegs Atthefirstblows!andsoothnotanyone Thesecondwaitedfor,norforthethird. WhileIwasgoingon,mineeyesbyone Encounteredwere;andstraightIsaid:Already WithsightofthisoneIamnotunfed. ThereforeIstayedmyfeettomakehimout, AndwithmethesweetGuidecametoastand, Andtomygoingsomewhatbackassented; Andhe,thescourgedone,thoughttohidehimself, Loweringhisface,butlittleitavailedhim; ForsaidI:Thouthatcastestdownthineeyes, Iffalsearenotthefeatureswhichthoubearest, ThouartVenedicoCaccianimico; Butwhatdothbringtheetosuchpungentsauces? Andhetome:UnwillinglyItellit; Butforcesmethineutterancedistinct, Whichmakesmerecollecttheancientworld. IwastheonewhothefairGhisola InducedtograntthewishesoftheMarquis, Howeertheshamelessstorymaybetold. NotthesoleBologneseamIwhoweepshere; Nay,ratheristhisplacesofullofthem, Thatnotsomanytonguestodayaretaught TwixtRenoandSavenatosaysipa; Andifthereofthouwishestpledgeorproof, Bringtothymindouravariciousheart.

85

TheDivineComedy Whilespeakinginthismanner,withhisscourge Ademonsmotehim,andsaid:Gettheegone Pander,therearenowomenhereforcoin. IjoinedmyselfagainuntomineEscort; Thereafterwardwithfootstepsfewwecame Towhereacragprojectedfromthebank. Thisveryeasilydidweascend, Andturningtotherightalongitsridge, Fromthoseeternalcircleswedeparted. Whenwewerethere,whereitishollowedout Beneath,togiveapassagetothescourged, TheGuidesaid:Wait,andseethatontheestrike Thevisionofthoseothersevilborn, Ofwhomthouhastnotyetbeheldthefaces, Becausetogetherwithustheyhavegone. Fromtheoldbridgewelookeduponthetrain Whichtowrdsuscameupontheotherborder, Andwhichthescourgesinlikemannersmite. AndthegoodMaster,withoutmyinquiring, Saidtome:Seethattallonewhoiscoming, Andforhispainseemsnottoshedatear; Stillwhataroyalaspectheretains! ThatJasonis,whobyhisheartandcunning TheColchiansoftheRammadedestitute. HebytheisleofLemnospassedalong Afterthedaringwomenpitiless Haduntodeathdevotedalltheirmales. Therewithhistokensandwithornatewords DidhedeceiveHypsipyle,themaiden Whofirst,herself,hadalltherestdeceived.

86

TheDivineComedy Theredidheleaveherpregnantandforlorn; Suchsinuntosuchpunishmentcondemnshim, AndalsoforMedeaisvengeancedone. Withhimgothosewhoinsuchwisedeceive; Andthissufficientbeofthefirstvalley Toknow,andthosethatinitsjawsitholds. Wewerealreadywherethenarrowpath Crossesathwarttheseconddike,andforms Ofthatabuttressforanotherarch. Thenceweheardpeople,whoaremakingmoan InthenextBolgia,snortingwiththeirmuzzles, Andwiththeirpalmsbeatinguponthemselves Themarginswereincrustedwithamould Byexhalationfrombelow,thatsticksthere, Andwiththeeyesandnostrilswageswar. Thebottomissodeep,noplacesuffices Togiveussightofit,withoutascending Thearchsback,wheremostthecragimpends. Thitherwecame,andthencedowninthemoat Isawapeoplesmotheredinafilth Thatoutofhumanpriviesseemedtoflow; AndwhilstbelowtherewithmineeyeIsearch, Isawonewithhisheadsofoulwithordure, Itwasnotclearifhewereclerkorlayman. Hescreamedtome:Whereforeartthousoeager Tolookatmemorethantheotherfoulones? AndItohim:Because,ifIremember, Ihavealreadyseentheewithdryhair, AndthourtAlessioIntermineiofLucca; ThereforeIeyetheemorethanalltheothers. Andhethereon,belabouringhispumpkin: Theflatterieshavesubmergedmeherebelow, Wherewithmytonguewasneversurfeited.

87

TheDivineComedy ThensaidtometheGuide:Seethatthouthrust Thyvisagesomewhatfartherinadvance, Thatwiththineeyesthouwellthefaceattain Ofthatuncleanlyanddishevelleddrab, Whotheredothscratchherselfwithfilthynails, Andcrouchesnow,andnowonfootisstanding. Thaistheharlotisit,whoreplied Untoherparamour,whenhesaid,HaveI Greatgratitudefromthee?Nay,marvellous; Andherewithletoursightbesatisfied.

88

TheDivineComedy Inferno:CantoXIX OSimonMagus,Oforlorndisciples, YewhothethingsofGod,whichoughttobe Thebridesofholiness,rapaciously Forsilverandforgolddoprostitute, Nowitbehovesforyouthetrumpetsound, BecauseinthisthirdBolgiayeabide. Wehadalreadyonthefollowingtomb Ascendedtothatportionofthecrag Whichoerthemiddleofthemoathangsplumb. Wisdomsupreme,Ohowgreatartthoushowest Inheaven,inearth,andintheevilworld, Andwithwhatjusticedoththypowerdistribute! Isawuponthesidesandonthebottom Thelividstonewithperforationsfilled, Allofonesize,andeveryonewasround. Tomelessampleseemedtheynot,norgreater ThanthosethatinmybeautifulSaintJohn Arefashionedfortheplaceofthebaptisers, Andoneofwhich,notmanyyearsago, Ibrokeforsomeone,whowasdrowninginit; Bethisasealallmentoundeceive. Outofthemouthofeachonethereprotruded Thefeetofatransgressor,andthelegs Uptothecalf,therestwithinremained. Inallofthemthesoleswerebothonfire; Whereforethejointssoviolentlyquivered, Theywouldhavesnappedasunderwithesandbands. Evenastheflameofunctuousthingsiswont Tomoveupontheoutersurfaceonly, Solikewisewasittherefromheeltopoint.

89

TheDivineComedy Master,whoisthatonewhowritheshimself, Morethanhisothercomradesquivering, Isaid,andwhomaredderflameissucking? Andhetome:Ifthouwilthavemebearthee Downtherealongthatbankwhichlowestlies, Fromhimthoultknowhiserrorsandhimself. AndI:Whatpleasesthee,tomeispleasing; ThouartmyLord,andknowestthatIdepartnot Fromthydesire,andknowestwhatisnotspoken. Straightwayuponthefourthdikewearrived; Weturned,andonthelefthandsidedescended Downtothebottomfullofholesandnarrow. AndthegoodMasteryetfromoffhishaunch Deposedmenot,tilltotheholehebroughtme Ofhimwhosolamentedwithhisshanks. Whoeerthouart,thatstandestupsidedown, Odolefulsoul,implantedlikeastake, TosaybeganI,ifthoucanst,speakout. Istoodevenasthefriarwhoisconfessing Thefalseassassin,who,whenheisfixed, Recallshim,sothatdeathmaybedelayed. Andhecriedout:Dostthoustandtherealready, Dostthoustandtherealready,Boniface? Bymanyyearstherecordliedtome. Artthousoearlysatiatewiththatwealth, Forwhichthoudidstnotfeartotakebyfraud ThebeautifulLady,andthenworkherwoe? SuchIbecame,aspeoplearewhostand, Notcomprehendingwhatisansweredthem, Asifbemocked,andknownothowtoanswer. ThensaidVirgilius:Saytohimstraightway, Iamnothe,Iamnothethouthinkest. AndIrepliedaswasimposedonme.

90

TheDivineComedy Whereatthespiritwrithedwithbothhisfeet, Then,sighing,withavoiceoflamentation Saidtome:Thenwhatwantestthouofme? IfwhoIamthoucarestsomuchtoknow, Thatthouonthataccounthastcrossedthebank, KnowthatIvestedwaswiththegreatmantle; AndtrulywasIsonoftheShebear, Soeagertoadvancethecubs,thatwealth Above,andheremyself,Ipocketed. Beneathmyheadtheothersaredraggeddown Whohaveprecededmeinsimony, Flattenedalongthefissureoftherock. BelowthereIshalllikewisefall,whenever ThatoneshallcomewhoIbelievedthouwast, WhattimethesuddenquestionIproposed. ButlongerImyfeetalreadytoast, Andherehavebeeninthiswayupsidedown, Thanhewillplantedstaywithreddenedfeet; Forafterhimshallcomeoffoulerdeed FromtowrdsthewestaPastorwithoutlaw, Suchasbefitstocoverhimandme. NewJasonwillhebe,ofwhomweread InMaccabees;andashiskingwaspliant, SohewhogovernsFranceshallbetothisone. IdonotknowifIwereheretoobold, ThathimIansweredonlyinthismetre: Ipraytheetellmenowhowgreatatreasure OurLorddemandedofSaintPeterfirst, Beforeheputthekeysintohiskeeping? TrulyhenothingaskedbutFollowme.

91

TheDivineComedy NorPeternortherestaskedofMatthias Silverorgold,whenhebylotwaschosen Untotheplacetheguiltysoulhadlost. Thereforestayhere,forthouartjustlypunished, Andkeepsafeguardoertheillgottenmoney, WhichcausedtheetobevaliantagainstCharles. Andwereitnotthatstillforbidsitme Thereverenceforthekeyssuperlative Thouhadstinkeepinginthegladsomelife, Iwouldmakeuseofwordsmoregrievousstill; Becauseyouravariceafflictstheworld, Tramplingthegoodandliftingthedepraved. TheEvangelistyouPastorshadinmind, Whenshewhosittethuponmanywaters Tofornicatewithkingsbyhimwasseen; Thesamewhowiththesevenheadswasborn, Andpowerandstrengthfromthetenhornsreceived, Solongasvirtuetoherspousewaspleasing. Yehavemadeyourselvesagodofgoldandsilver; Andfromtheidolaterhowdifferye, Savethatheone,andyeahundredworship? Ah,Constantine!ofhowmuchillwasmother, Notthyconversion,butthatmarriagedower WhichthefirstwealthyFathertookfromthee! AndwhileIsangtohimsuchnotesasthese, Eitherthatangerorthatconsciencestunghim, Hestruggledviolentlywithbothhisfeet. IthinkinsooththatitmyLeaderpleased, Withsuchcontentedliphelistenedever Untothesoundofthetruewordsexpressed. Thereforewithbothhisarmshetookmeup, Andwhenhehadmealluponhisbreast, Remountedbythewaywherehedescended.

92

TheDivineComedy Nordidhetiretohavemeclaspedtohim; Butboremetothesummitofthearch Whichfromthefourthdiketothefifthispassage. Theretenderlyhelaidhisburdendown, Tenderlyonthecragunevenandsteep, Thatwouldhavebeenhardpassageforthegoats: Thencewasunveiledtomeanothervalley.

93

TheDivineComedy Inferno:CantoXX Ofanewpainbehovesmetomakeverses Andgivematerialtothetwentiethcanto Ofthefirstsong,whichisofthesubmerged. Iwasalreadythoroughlydisposed Topeerdownintotheuncovereddepth, Whichbatheditselfwithtearsofagony; AndpeoplesawIthroughthecircularvalley, Silentandweeping,comingatthepace WhichinthisworldtheLitaniesassume. Aslowerdownmysightdescendedonthem, Wondrouslyeachoneseemedtobedistorted Fromchintothebeginningofthechest; Fortowrdsthereinsthecountenancewasturned, Andbackwarditbehovedthemtoadvance, Astolookforwardhadbeentakenfromthem. Perchanceindeedbyviolenceofpalsy Someonehasbeenthuswhollyturnedawry; ButIneersawit,norbelieveitcanbe. AsGodmayletthee,Reader,gatherfruit Fromthisthyreading,thinknowforthyself HowIcouldeverkeepmyfaceunmoistened, WhenourownimagenearmeIbeheld Distortedso,theweepingoftheeyes Alongthefissurebathedthehinderparts. TrulyIwept,leaninguponapeak Ofthehardcrag,sothatmyEscortsaid Tome:Artthou,too,oftheotherfools? Herepityliveswhenitiswhollydead; Whoisagreaterreprobatethanhe Whofeelscompassionatthedoomdivine?

94

TheDivineComedy Liftup,liftupthyhead,andseeforwhom OpenedtheearthbeforetheThebanseyes; Whereforetheyallcried:Whitherrushestthou, Amphiaraus?Whydostleavethewar? Anddownwardceasedhenottofallamain AsfarasMinos,wholaysholdonall. See,hehasmadeabosomofhisshoulders! Becausehewishedtoseetoofarbeforehim Behindhelooks,andbackwardgoeshisway: BeholdTiresias,whohissemblancechanged, Whenfromamaleafemalehebecame, Hismembersbeingallofthemtransformed; Andafterwardswasforcedtostrikeoncemore Thetwoentangledserpentswithhisrod, Erehecouldhaveagainhismanlyplumes. ThatArunsis,whobackstheothersbelly, WhointhehillsofLuni,therewheregrubs TheCarraresewhohousesunderneath, Amongthemarbleswhiteacavernhad Forhisabode;whencetobeholdthestars Andsea,theviewwasnotcutofffromhim. Andshethere,whoiscoveringupherbreasts, Whichthoubeholdestnot,withloosenedtresses, Andonthatsidehasallthehairyskin, WasManto,whomadequestthroughmanylands, AfterwardstarriedtherewhereIwasborn; WhereofIwouldthoulisttomealittle. Afterherfatherhadfromlifedeparted, AndthecityofBacchushadbecomeenslaved, Shealongseasonwanderedthroughtheworld. AboveinbeauteousItalyliesalake AttheAlpsfootthatshutsinGermany OverTyrol,andhasthenameBenaco.

95

TheDivineComedy Byathousandsprings,Ithink,andmore,isbathed, TwixtGardaandValCamonica,Pennino, Withwaterthatgrowsstagnantinthatlake. MidwayaplaceiswheretheTrentinePastor, AndheofBrescia,andtheVeronese Mightgivehisblessing,ifhepassedthatway. SittethPeschiera,fortressfairandstrong, TofronttheBresciansandtheBergamasks, Whereroundaboutthebankdescendethlowest. Thereofnecessitymustfallwhatever InbosomofBenacocannotstay, Andgrowsariverdownthroughverdantpastures. Soonasthewaterdothbegintorun, NomoreBenacoisitcalled,butMincio, FarasGoverno,whereitfallsinPo. Notfaritrunsbeforeitfindsaplain Inwhichitspreadsitself,andmakesitmarshy, Andofttiswontinsummertobesickly. Passingthatwaythevirginpitiless Landinthemiddleofthefendescried, Untilledandnakedofinhabitants; Theretoescapeallhumanintercourse, Shewithherservantsstayed,herartstopractise Andlived,andleftheremptybodythere. Themen,thereafter,whowerescatteredround, Collectedinthatplace,whichwasmadestrong Bythelagoonithadoneveryside; Theybuilttheircityoverthosedeadbones, And,afterherwhofirsttheplaceselected, Mantuanamedit,withoutotheromen.

96

TheDivineComedy Itspeopleoncewithinmorecrowdedwere, ErethestupidityofCasalodi FromPinamontehadreceiveddeceit. ThereforeIcautionthee,ifeerthouhearest Originatemycityotherwise, Nofalsehoodmaytheveritydefraud. AndI:MyMaster,thydiscoursesare Tomesocertain,andsotakemyfaith, Thatuntometherestwouldbespentcoals. Buttellmeofthepeoplewhoarepassing, Ifanyonenoteworthythoubeholdest, Foronlyuntothatmymindreverts. Thensaidhetome:Hewhofromthecheek Thrustsouthisbearduponhisswarthyshoulders Was,atthetimewhenGreecewasvoidofmales, Sothattherescarceremainedoneinthecradle, Anaugur,andwithCalchasgavethemoment, InAulis,whentoseverthefirstcable. Eryphylushisnamewas,andsosings MyloftyTragedyinsomepartorother; Thatknowestthouwell,whoknowestthewholeofit. Thenext,whoissoslenderintheflanks, WasMichaelScott,whoofaverity Ofmagicalillusionsknewthegame. BeholdGuidoBonatti,beholdAsdente, Whonowuntohisleatherandhisthread Wouldfainhavestuck,buthetoolaterepents. Beholdthewretchedones,wholefttheneedle, Thespoolandrock,andmadethemfortunetellers; Theywroughttheirmagicspellswithherbandimage. Butcomenow,foralreadyholdstheconfines Ofboththehemispheres,andunderSeville Touchestheoceanwave,Cainandthethorns,

97

TheDivineComedy Andyesternightthemoonwasroundalready; Thoushouldstrememberwellitdidnotharmthee Fromtimetotimewithintheforestdeep. Thusspakehetome,andwewalkedthewhile.

98

TheDivineComedy Inferno:CantoXXI Frombridgetobridgethus,speakingotherthings OfwhichmyComedycaresnottosing, Wecamealong,andheldthesummit,when Wehaltedtobeholdanotherfissure OfMalebolgeandothervainlaments; AndIbehelditmarvellouslydark. AsintheArsenaloftheVenetians Boilsinthewinterthetenaciouspitch Tosmeartheirunsoundvesselsoeragain, Forsailtheycannot;andinsteadthereof Onemakeshisvesselnew,andonerecaulks Theribsofthatwhichmanyavoyagehasmade; Onehammersattheprow,oneatthestern, Thisonemakesoars,andthatonecordagetwists, Anothermendsthemainsailandthemizzen; Thus,notbyfire,butbytheartdivine, Wasboilingdownbelowthereadensepitch Whichuponeverysidethebankbelimed. Isawit,butIdidnotseewithinit Aughtbutthebubblesthattheboilingraised, Andallswellupandresubsidecompressed. ThewhilebelowtherefixedlyIgazed, MyLeader,cryingout:Beware,beware! DrewmeuntohimselffromwhereIstood. ThenIturnedround,asonewhoisimpatient Toseewhatitbehoveshimtoescape, Andwhomasuddenterrordothunman, Who,whilehelooks,delaysnothisdeparture; AndIbeheldbehindusablackdevil, Runningalonguponthecrag,approach.

99

TheDivineComedy Ah,howferociouswasheinhisaspect! Andhowheseemedtomeinactionruthless, Withopenwingsandlightuponhisfeet! Hisshoulders,whichsharppointedwereandhigh, Asinnerdidencumberwithbothhaunches, Andheheldclutchedthesinewsofthefeet. Fromoffourbridge,hesaid:OMalebranche, BeholdoneoftheeldersofSaintZita; Plungehimbeneath,forIreturnforothers Untothattown,whichiswellfurnishedwiththem. Alltherearebarrators,exceptBonturo; NointoYesformoneythereischanged. Hehurledhimdown,andoverthehardcrag Turnedround,andneverwasamastiffloosened Insomuchhurrytopursueathief. Theothersank,androseagainfacedownward; Butthedemons,undercoverofthebridge, Cried:HeretheSantoVoltohasnoplace! HereswimsoneotherwisethanintheSerchio; Therefore,ifforourgaffsthouwishestnot, Donotupliftthyselfabovethepitch. Theyseizedhimthenwithmorethanahundredrakes; Theysaid:Itherebehovestheetodancecovered, That,ifthoucanst,thousecretlymayestpilfer. Nototherwisethecookstheirscullionsmake Immerseintothemiddleofthecaldron Themeatwithhooks,sothatitmaynotfloat. SaidthegoodMastertome:Thatitbenot Apparentthouarthere,crouchthyselfdown Behindajag,thatthoumayesthavesomescreen; Andfornooutragethatisdonetome Bethouafraid,becausethesethingsIknow, ForoncebeforewasIinsuchascuffle.

100

TheDivineComedy Thenhepassedonbeyondthebridgeshead, Andasuponthesixthbankhearrived, Needwasforhimtohaveasteadfastfront. Withthesamefury,andthesameuproar, Asdogsleapoutuponamendicant, Whoonasuddenbegs,whereerhestops, Theyissuedfrombeneaththelittlebridge, Andturnedagainsthimalltheirgrapplingirons; Buthecriedout:Benoneofyoumalignant! Beforethosehooksofyourslayholdofme, Letoneofyoustepforward,whomayhearme, Andthentakecounselastograpplingme. Theyallcriedout:LetMalacodago; Whereatonestarted,andthereststoodstill, Andhecametohim,saying:Whatavailsit? Thinkestthou,Malacoda,tobeholdme Advancedintothisplace,myMastersaid, Safehithertofromallyourskilloffence, Withoutthewilldivine,andfateauspicious? Letmegoon,foritinHeaveniswilled ThatIanothershowthissavageroad. Thenwashisarrogancesohumbledinhim, Thatheletfallhisgrapnelathisfeet, Andtotheotherssaid:Nowstrikehimnot. AnduntomemyGuide:Othou,whosittest Amongthesplintersofthebridgecroucheddown, Securelynowreturntomeagain. WhereforeIstartedandcameswiftlytohim; Andallthedevilsforwardthrustthemselves, SothatIfearedtheywouldnotkeeptheircompact.

101

TheDivineComedy AndthusbeheldIonceafraidthesoldiers WhoissuedundersafeguardfromCaprona, Seeingthemselvesamongsomanyfoes. ClosedidIpressmyselfwithallmyperson BesidemyLeader,andturnednotmineeyes Fromofftheircountenance,whichwasnotgood. Theyloweredtheirrakes,andWiltthouhavemehithim, Theysaidtooneanother,ontherump? Andanswered:Yes;seethatthounickhimwithit. Butthesamedemonwhowasholdingparley WithmyConductorturnedhimveryquickly, Andsaid:Bequiet,bequiet,Scarmiglione; Thensaidtous:Youcannofarthergo Forwarduponthiscrag,becauseislying Allshattered,atthebottom,thesixtharch. Andifitstilldothpleaseyoutogoonward, Pursueyourwayalonguponthisrock; Nearisanothercragthatyieldsapath. Yesterday,fivehourslaterthanthishour, Onethousandandtwohundredsixtysix Yearswerecomplete,thatherethewaywasbroken. Isendinthatdirectionsomeofmine Toseeifanyonedothairhimself; Goyewiththem;fortheywillnotbevicious. Stepforward,AlichinoandCalcabrina, Beganhetocryout,andthou,Cagnazzo; AndBarbariccia,dothouguidetheten. Comeforward,LibicoccoandDraghignazzo, AndtuskedCiriattoandGraffiacane, AndFarfarelloandmadRubicante; Searchyeallroundabouttheboilingpitch; Letthesebesafeasfarasthenextcrag, Thatallunbrokenpassesoerthedens.

102

TheDivineComedy Ome!whatisit,Master,thatIsee? Prayletusgo,Isaid,withoutanescort, Ifthouknowesthow,sinceformyselfIasknone. Ifthouartasobservantasthywontis, Dostthounotseethattheydognashtheirteeth, Andwiththeirbrowsarethreateningwoetous? Andhetome:Iwillnothavetheefear; Letthemgnashon,accordingtotheirfancy, Becausetheydoitforthoseboilingwretches. Alongthelefthanddiketheywheeledabout; Butfirsthadeachonethrusthistonguebetween Histeethtowardstheirleaderforasignal; Andhehadmadeatrumpetofhisrump.

103

TheDivineComedy Inferno:CantoXXII Ihaveerewhileseenhorsemenmovingcamp, Beginthestorming,andtheirmustermake, Andsometimesstartingofffortheirescape; VauntcouriershaveIseenuponyourland, OAretines,andforagersgoforth, Tournamentsstricken,andthejoustingsrun, Sometimeswithtrumpetsandsometimeswithbells, Withkettledrums,andsignalsofthecastles, Andwithourown,andwithoutlandishthings, Butneveryetwithbagpipesouncouth DidIseehorsemenmove,norinfantry, Norshipbyanysignoflandorstar. Wewentuponourwaywiththetendemons; Ah,savagecompany!butinthechurch Withsaints,andinthetavernwiththegluttons! Everuponthepitchwasmyintent, ToseethewholeconditionofthatBolgia, Andofthepeoplewhothereinwereburned. Evenasthedolphins,whentheymakeasign Tomarinersbyarchingoftheback, Thattheyshouldcounseltaketosavetheirvessel, Thussometimes,toalleviatehispain, Oneofthesinnerswoulddisplayhisback, Andinlesstimeconcealitthanitlightens. Asonthebrinkofwaterinaditch Thefrogsstandonlywiththeirmuzzlesout, Sothattheyhidetheirfeetandotherbulk, Souponeverysidethesinnersstood; ButeverasBarbariccianearthemcame, Thusunderneaththeboilingtheywithdrew.

104

TheDivineComedy Isaw,andstillmyheartdothshudderatit, Onewaitingthus,evenasitcomestopass Onefrogremains,anddownanotherdives; AndGraffiacan,whomostconfrontedhim, Grappledhimbyhistressessmearedwithpitch, Anddrewhimup,sothatheseemedanotter. Iknew,before,thenamesofallofthem, SohadInotedthemwhentheywerechosen, Andwhentheycalledeachother,listenedhow. ORubicante,seethatthoudolay Thyclawsuponhim,sothatthoumaystflayhim, Criedalltogethertheaccursedones. AndI:MyMaster,seetoit,ifthoucanst, Thatthoumaystknowwhoisthelucklesswight, Thuscomeintohisadversarieshands. NeartothesideofhimmyLeaderdrew, Askedofhimwhencehewas;andhereplied: IinthekingdomofNavarrewasborn; Mymotherplacedmeservanttoalord, Forshehadbornemetoaribaldknave, Destroyerofhimselfandofhisthings. ThenIdomesticwasofgoodKingThibault; Isetmetheretopractisebarratry, ForwhichIpaythereckoninginthisheat. AndCiriatto,fromwhosemouthprojected, Oneitherside,atusk,asinaboar, Causedhimtofeelhowoneofthemcouldrip. Amongmaliciouscatsthemousehadcome; ButBarbaricciaclaspedhiminhisarms, Andsaid:Standyeaside,whileIenforkhim. AndtomyMasterheturnedroundhishead; Askhimagain,hesaid,ifmorethouwish Toknowfromhim,beforesomeonedestroyhim.

105

TheDivineComedy TheGuide:Nowtellthenoftheotherculprits; KnowestthouanyonewhoisaLatian, Underthepitch?Andhe:Iseparated Latelyfromonewhowasaneighbourtoit; WouldthatIstillwerecoveredupwithhim, ForIshouldfearnoteitherclawnorhook! AndLibicocco:Wehavebornetoomuch; Andwithhisgrapnelseizedhimbythearm, Sothat,byrending,hetoreoffatendon. EkeDraghignazzowishedtopounceuponhim Downatthelegs;whencetheirDecurion Turnedroundandroundaboutwithevillook. Whentheyagainsomewhatwerepacified, Ofhim,whostillwaslookingathiswound, DemandedmyConductorwithoutstay: Whowasthatone,fromwhomalucklessparting Thousayestthouhastmade,tocomeashore? Andhereplied:ItwastheFriarGomita, HeofGallura,vesselofallfraud, WhohadtheenemiesofhisLordinhand, Anddealtsowiththemeachexultsthereat; Moneyhetook,andletthemsmoothlyoff, Ashesays;andinotheroffices Abarratorwashe,notmeanbutsovereign. ForegatherswithhimoneDonMichaelZanche OfLogodoro;andofSardinia Togossipneverdotheirtonguesfeeltired. Ome!seethatone,howhegrindshisteeth; StillfartherwouldIspeak,butamafraid Lesthetoscratchmyitchbemakingready.

106

TheDivineComedy AndthegrandProvost,turnedtoFarfarello, Whorolledhiseyesaboutasiftostrike, Said:Standasidethere,thoumaliciousbird. Ifyoudesireeithertoseeorhear, Theterrorstrickenrecommencedthereon, TuscansorLombards,Iwillmakethemcome. ButlettheMalebrancheceasealittle, Sothatthesemaynottheirrevengesfear, AndI,downsittinginthisveryplace, ForonethatIamwillmakesevencome, WhenIshallwhistle,asourcustomis Todowheneveroneofuscomesout. Cagnazzoatthesewordshismuzzlelifted, Shakinghishead,andsaid:Justhearthetrick Whichhehasthoughtof,downtothrowhimself! Whencehe,whosnaresingreatabundancehad, Responded:Ibyfartoocunningam, WhenIprocureformineagreatersadness. Alichinheldnotin,butrunningcounter Untotherest,saidtohim:Ifthoudive, Iwillnotfollowtheeuponthegallop, ButIwillbeatmywingsabovethepitch; Theheightbeleft,andbethebankashield Toseeifthoualonedostcountervailus. Othouwhoreadest,thoushalthearnewsport! Eachtotheothersidehiseyesaverted; Hefirst,whomostreluctantwastodoit. TheNavarreseselectedwellhistime; Plantedhisfeetonland,andinamoment Leaped,andreleasedhimselffromtheirdesign. Whereateachonewassuddenlystungwithshame, Buthemostwhowascauseofthedefeat; Thereforehemoved,andcried:Thouartoertakern.

107

TheDivineComedy Butlittleitavailed,forwingscouldnot Outstripthefear;theotheronewentunder, And,flying,upwardhehisbreastdirected; Nototherwisetheduckuponasudden Divesunder,whenthefalconisapproaching, Andupwardhereturnethcrossandweary. Infuriateatthemockery,Calcabrina Flyingbehindhimfollowedclose,desirous Theothershouldescape,tohaveaquarrel. Andwhenthebarratorhaddisappeared, Heturnedhistalonsuponhiscompanion, Andgrappledwithhimrightabovethemoat. Butsooththeotherwasadoughtysparhawk Toclapperclawhimwell;andbothofthem Fellinthemiddleoftheboilingpond. Asuddenintercessorwastheheat; Butneerthelessofrisingtherewasnaught, Tosuchdegreetheyhadtheirwingsbelimed. Lamentingwiththeothers,Barbariccia Madefourofthemflytotheotherside Withalltheirgaffs,andveryspeedily Thissideandthattheytotheirpostsdescended; Theystretchedtheirhookstowardsthepitchensnared, Whowerealreadybakedwithinthecrust, Andinthismannerbusieddidweleavethem.

108

TheDivineComedy Inferno:CantoXXIII Silent,alone,andwithoutcompany Wewent,theoneinfront,theotherafter, AsgotheMinorFriarsalongtheirway. UponthefableofAesopwasdirected Mythought,byreasonofthepresentquarrel, Wherehehasspokenofthefrogandmouse; Formoandissaarenotmorealike Thanthisoneistothat,ifwellwecouple Endandbeginningwithasteadfastmind. Andevenasonethoughtfromanothersprings, Soafterwardfromthatwasbornanother, Whichthefirstfearwithinmedoublemade. ThusdidIponder:Theseonouraccount Arelaughedtoscorn,withinjuryandscoff Sogreat,thatmuchIthinkitmustannoythem. Ifangerbeengraftedonillwill, Theywillcomeafterusmoremerciless Thandogupontheleveretwhichheseizes, Ifeltmyhairstandallonendalready Withterror,andstoodbackwardlyintent, WhensaidI:Master,ifthouhidestnot Thyselfandmeforthwith,ofMalebranche Iamindread;wehavethemnowbehindus; Isoimaginethem,Ialreadyfeelthem. Andhe:IfIweremadeofleadedglass, ThineoutwardimageIshouldnotattract SoonertomethanIimprinttheinner. Justnowthythoughtscameinamongmyown, Withsimilarattitudeandsimilarface, SothatofbothonecounselsoleImade.

109

TheDivineComedy Ifperadventuretherightbanksoslope ThatwetothenextBolgiacandescend, Weshallescapefromtheimaginedchase. Notyethefinishedrenderingsuchopinion, WhenIbeheldthemcomewithoutstretchedwings, Notfarremote,withwilltoseizeuponus. MyLeaderonasuddenseizedmeup, Evenasamotherwhobynoiseiswakened, Andclosebesideherseestheenkindledflames, Whotakesherson,andflies,anddoesnotstop, Havingmorecareofhimthanofherself, Sothatsheclothesheronlywithashift; Anddownwardfromthetopofthehardbank Supinehegavehimtothependentrock, ThatonesideoftheotherBolgiawalls. Neerransoswiftlywaterthroughasluice Toturnthewheelofanylandbuiltmill, Whennearesttothepaddlesitapproaches, AsdidmyMasterdownalongthatborder, Bearingmewithhimonhisbreastaway, Ashisownson,andnotasacompanion. Hardlythebedoftheravinebelow Hisfeethadreached,eretheyhadreachedthehill Rightoverus;buthewasnotafraid; ForthehighProvidence,whichhadordained Toplacethemministersofthefifthmoat, Thepowerofthencedepartingtookfromall. Apaintedpeopletherebelowwefound, Whowentaboutwithfootstepsveryslow, Weepingandintheirsemblancetiredandvanquished. Theyhadonmantleswiththehoodslowdown Beforetheireyes,andfashionedofthecut ThatinColognetheyforthemonksaremade.

110

TheDivineComedy Without,theygildedaresothatitdazzles; Butinwardlyallleadenandsoheavy ThatFrederickusedtoputthemonofstraw. Oeverlastinglyfatiguingmantle! Againweturnedus,stilltothelefthand Alongwiththem,intentontheirsadplaint; Butowingtotheweight,thatwearyfolk Cameonsotardily,thatwewerenew Incompanyateachmotionofthehaunch. WhenceIuntomyLeader:Seethoufind Someonewhomaybydeedornamebeknown, Andthusingoingmovethineeyeabout. Andone,whounderstoodtheTuscanspeech, Criedtousfrombehind:Stayyeyourfeet, Ye,whosorunathwarttheduskyair! Perhapsthoulthavefrommewhatthoudemandest. WhereattheLeaderturnedhim,andsaid:Wait, Andthenaccordingtohispaceproceed. Istopped,andtwobeheldIshowgreathaste Ofspirit,intheirfaces,tobewithme; Buttheburdenandthenarrowwaydelayedthem. Whentheycameup,longwithaneyeaskance Theyscannedmewithoututteringaword. Thentoeachotherturned,andsaidtogether: Hebytheactionofhisthroatseemsliving; Andiftheydeadare,bywhatprivilege Gotheyuncoveredbytheheavystole? Thensaidtome:Tuscan,whotothecollege Ofmiserablehypocritesartcome, Donotdisdaintotelluswhothouart.

111

TheDivineComedy AndItothem:BornwasI,andgrewup InthegreattownonthefairriverofArno, AndwiththebodyamIvealwayshad. Butwhoareye,inwhomtheretricklesdown AlongyourcheekssuchgriefasIbehold? Andwhatpainisuponyou,thatsosparkles? Andonerepliedtome:Theseorangecloaks Aremadeofleadsoheavy,thattheweights Causeinthiswaytheirbalancestocreak. FratiGaudentiwerewe,andBolognese; ICatalano,andheLoderingo Named,andtogethertakenbythycity, Asthewontistotakeonemanalone, Formaintenanceofitspeace;andweweresuch ThatstillitisapparentroundGardingo. OFriars,beganI,youriniquitous... Butsaidnomore;fortomineeyesthererushed Onecrucifiedwiththreestakesontheground. Whenmehesaw,hewrithedhimselfallover, Blowingintohisbeardwithsuspirations; AndtheFriarCatalan,whonoticedthis, Saidtome:Thistransfixedone,whomthouseest, CounselledthePhariseesthatitwasmeet Toputonemantotortureforthepeople. Crosswiseandnakedisheonthepath, Asthouperceivest;andheneedsmustfeel, Whoeverpasses,firsthowmuchheweighs; Andinlikemodehisfatherinlawispunished Withinthismoat,andtheothersofthecouncil, WhichfortheJewswasamalignantseed. AndthereuponIsawVirgiliusmarvel Oerhimwhowasextendedonthecross Sovilelyineternalbanishment.

112

TheDivineComedy ThenhedirectedtotheFriarthisvoice: Benotdispleased,ifgrantedthee,totellus Iftotherighthandanypassslopedown Bywhichwetwomayissueforthfromhere, Withoutconstrainingsomeoftheblackangels Tocomeandextricateusfromthisdeep. Thenhemadeanswer:Nearerthanthouhopest Thereisarock,thatforthfromthegreatcircle Proceeds,andcrossesallthecruelvalleys, Savethatatthistisbroken,anddoesnotbridgeit; Youwillbeabletomountuptheruin, Thatsidelongslopesandatthebottomrises. TheLeaderstoodawhilewithheadboweddown; Thensaid:Thebusinessbadlyherecounted Whograppleswithhishookthesinnersyonder. AndtheFriar:ManyoftheDevilsvices OnceheardIatBologna,andamongthem, Thathesaliarandthefatheroflies. ThereatmyLeaderwithgreatstrideswenton, Somewhatdisturbedwithangerinhislooks; WhencefromtheheavyladenIdeparted Aftertheprintsofhisbelovedfeet.

113

TheDivineComedy Inferno:CantoXXIV Inthatpartoftheyouthfulyearwherein TheSunhislocksbeneathAquariustempers, Andnowthenightsdrawneartohalftheday, Whattimethehoarfrostcopiesontheground Theoutwardsemblanceofhersisterwhite, Butlittlelaststhetemperofherpen, Thehusbandman,whoseforagefailethhim, Rises,andlooks,andseeththechampaign Allgleamingwhite,whereathebeatshisflank, Returnsindoors,andupanddownlaments, Likeapoorwretch,whoknowsnotwhattodo; Thenhereturnsandhoperevivesagain, Seeingtheworldhaschangeditscountenance Inlittletime,andtakeshisshepherdscrook, Andforththelittlelambstopasturedrives. ThusdidtheMasterfillmewithalarm, WhenIbeheldhisforeheadsodisturbed, Andtotheailmentcameassoontheplaster. Foraswecameuntotheruinedbridge, TheLeaderturnedtomewiththatsweetlook WhichatthemountainsfootIfirstbeheld. Hisarmsheopened,aftersomeadvisement Withinhimselfelected,lookingfirst Wellattheruin,andlaidholdofme. Andevenashewhoactsandmeditates, Forayeitseemsthatheprovidesbeforehand, Soupwardliftingmetowardsthesummit Ofahugerock,hescannedanothercrag, Saying:Tothatonegrappleafterwards, Buttryfirstiftissuchthatitwillholdthee.

114

TheDivineComedy Thiswasnowayforoneclothedwithacloak; Forhardlywe,helight,andIpushedupward, Wereabletoascendfromjagtojag. Andhaditnotbeen,thatuponthatprecinct Shorterwastheascentthanontheother, HeIknownot,butIhadbeendeadbeat. ButbecauseMalebolgetowrdsthemouth Oftheprofoundestwellisallinclining, Thestructureofeachvalleydothimport Thatonebankrisesandtheothersinks. Stillwearrivedatlengthuponthepoint Wherefromthelaststonebreaksitselfasunder. Thebreathwasfrommylungssomilkedaway, WhenIwasup,thatIcouldgonofarther, Nay,Isatdownuponmyfirstarrival. Nowitbehovestheethustoputoffsloth, MyMastersaid;forsittingupondown, Orunderquilt,onecomethnottofame, Withoutenwhichwhosohislifeconsumes Suchvestigeleavethofhimselfonearth, Assmokeinairorinthewaterfoam. Andthereforeraisetheeup,oercometheanguish Withspiritthatoercometheverybattle, Ifwithitsheavybodyitsinknot. Alongerstairwayitbehovestheemount; Tisnotenoughfromthesetohavedeparted; Letitavailthee,ifthouunderstandme. ThenIuprose,showingmyselfprovided BetterwithbreaththanIdidfeelmyself, Andsaid:Goon,forIamstrongandbold. Upwardwetookourwayalongthecrag, Whichjaggedwas,andnarrow,anddifficult, Andmoreprecipitousfarthanthatbefore.

115

TheDivineComedy SpeakingIwent,nottoappearexhausted; Whereatavoicefromthenextmoatcameforth, Notwelladaptedtoarticulatewords. Iknownotwhatitsaid,thoughoertheback Inowwasofthearchthatpassesthere; Butheseemedmovedtoangerwhowasspeaking. Iwasbentdownward,butmylivingeyes Couldnotattainthebottom,forthedark; WhereforeI:Master,seethatthouarrive Atthenextround,andletusdescendthewall; ForasfromhenceIhearandunderstandnot, SoIlookdownandnothingIdistinguish. Otherresponse,hesaid,Imaketheenot, Exceptthedoing;forthemodestasking Oughttobefollowedbythedeedinsilence. Wefromthebridgedescendedatitshead, Whereitconnectsitselfwiththeeighthbank, AndthenwasmanifesttometheBolgia; AndIbeheldthereinaterriblethrong Ofserpents,andofsuchamonstrouskind, Thattheremembrancestillcongealsmyblood LetLibyaboastnolongerwithhersand; ForifChelydri,Jaculi,andPhareae Shebreeds,withCenchriandwithAmphisbaena, Neithersomanyplaguesnorsomalignant EershowedshewithallEthiopia, NorwithwhateverontheRedSeais! Amongthiscruelandmostdismalthrong Peoplewererunningnakedandaffrighted. Withoutthehopeofholeorheliotrope.

116

TheDivineComedy Theyhadtheirhandswithserpentsboundbehindthem; Theserivetedupontheirreinsthetail Andhead,andwereinfrontofthementwined. Andlo!atonewhowasuponourside Theredartedforthaserpent,whichtransfixedhim Therewheretheneckisknottedtotheshoulders. NorOsoquicklyeer,norIwaswritten, Ashetookfire,andburned;andasheswholly Behoveditthatinfallinghebecame. Andwhenheonthegroundwasthusdestroyed, Theashesdrewtogether,andofthemselves Intohimselftheyinstantlyreturned. Eventhusbythegreatsagestisconfessed Thephoenixdies,andthenisbornagain, Whenitapproachesitsfivehundredthyear; Onherborgrainitfeedsnotinitslife, Butonlyontearsofincenseandamomum, Andnardandmyrrhareitslastwindingsheet. Andasheiswhofalls,andknowsnothow, Byforceofdemonswhotoearthdowndraghim, Orotheroppilationthatbindsman, Whenhearisesandaroundhimlooks, Whollybewilderedbythemightyanguish Whichhehassuffered,andinlookingsighs; Suchwasthatsinnerafterhehadrisen. JusticeofGod!Ohowsevereitis, Thatblowsliketheseinvengeancepourethdown! TheGuidethereafteraskedhimwhohewas; Whencehereplied:IrainedfromTuscany Ashorttimesinceintothiscruelgorge. Abestiallife,andnotahuman,pleasedme, EvenasthemuleIwas;ImVanniFucci, Beast,andPistoiawasmyworthyden.

117

TheDivineComedy AndIuntotheGuide:Tellhimtostirnot, Andaskwhatcrimehasthrusthimherebelow, ForonceamanofbloodandwrathIsawhim. Andthesinner,whohadheard,dissemblednot, Butuntomedirectedmindandface, Andwithamelancholyshamewaspainted. Thensaid:Itpainsmemorethatthouhastcaughtme Amidthismiserywherethouseestme, ThanwhenIfromtheotherlifewastaken. WhatthoudemandestIcannotdeny; SolowamIputdownbecauseIrobbed Thesacristyofthefairornaments, Andfalselyoncetwaslaiduponanother; Butthatthoumaystnotsuchasightenjoy, Ifthoushalteerbeoutofthedarkplaces, Thineearstomyannouncementopeandhear: PistoiafirstofNerigrowethmeagre; ThenFlorencedothrenewhermenandmanners; MarsdrawsavapourupfromValdiMagra, Whichiswithturbidcloudsenvelopedround, Andwithimpetuousandbittertempest OverCampoPicenshallbethebattle; Whenitshallsuddenlyrendthemistasunder, SothateachBiancoshalltherebybesmitten. AndthisIvesaidthatitmaygivetheepain.

118

TheDivineComedy Inferno:CantoXXV Attheconclusionofhiswords,thethief Liftedhishandsaloftwithboththefigs, Crying:Takethat,God,forattheeIaimthem. Fromthattimeforththeserpentsweremyfriends; Foroneentwineditselfabouthisneck Asifitsaid:Iwillnotthouspeakmore; Androundhisarmsanother,andreboundhim, Clinchingitselftogethersoinfront, Thatwiththemhecouldnotamotionmake. Pistoia,ah,Pistoia!whyresolvenot Toburnthyselftoashesandsoperish, Sinceinilldoingthouthyseedexcellest? ThroughallthesombrecirclesofthisHell, SpiritIsawnotagainstGodsoproud, NothewhofellatThebesdownfromthewalls! Hefledaway,andspakenofurtherword; AndIbeheldaCentaurfullofrage Comecryingout:Whereis,whereisthescoffer? IdonotthinkMaremmahassomany Serpentsashehadallalonghisback, Asfaraswhereourcountenancebegins. Upontheshoulders,justbehindthenape, Withwingswideopenwasadragonlying, Andhesetsfiretoallthatheencounters. MyMastersaid:ThatoneisCacus,who BeneaththerockuponMountAventine Createdoftentimesalakeofblood. Hegoesnotonthesameroadwithhisbrothers, Byreasonofthefraudulentthefthemade Ofthegreatherd,whichhehadneartohim;

119

TheDivineComedy Whereathistortuousactionsceasedbeneath ThemaceofHercules,whoperadventure Gavehimahundred,andhefeltnotten. Whilehewasspeakingthus,hehadpassedby, Andspiritsthreehadunderneathuscome, OfwhichnorIawarewas,normyLeader, Untilwhattimetheyshouted:Whoareyou? Onwhichaccountourstorymadeahalt, Andthenwewereintentonthemalone. Ididnotknowthem;butitcametopass, Asitiswonttohappenbysomechance, Thatonetonametheotherwascompelled, Exclaiming:WherecanCianfahaveremained? WhenceI,sothattheLeadermightattend, Upwardfromchintonosemyfingerlaid. Ifthouart,Reader,slownowtobelieve WhatIshallsay,itwillnomarvelbe, ForIwhosawithardlycanadmitit. AsIwasholdingraisedonthemmybrows, Behold!aserpentwithsixfeetdartsforth Infrontofone,andfastenswhollyonhim. Withmiddlefeetitboundhimroundthepaunch, Andwiththeforwardoneshisarmsitseized; Thenthrustitsteeththroughonecheekandtheother; Thehindermostitstretcheduponhisthighs, Andputitstailthroughinbetweenthetwo, Andupbehindalongthereinsoutspreadit. Ivywasneverfastenedbyitsbarbs Untoatreeso,asthishorriblereptile Upontheotherslimbsentwineditsown. Thentheystuckclose,asifofheatedwax Theyhadbeenmade,andintermixedtheircolour; Noronenorotherseemednowwhathewas;

120

TheDivineComedy Eenasproceedethonbeforetheflame Upwardalongthepaperabrowncolour, Whichisnotblackasyet,andthewhitedies. Theothertwolookedon,andeachofthem Criedout:Ome,Agnello,howthouchangest! Behold,thounowartneithertwonorone. Alreadythetwoheadshadonebecome, Whenthereappearedtoustwofiguresmingled Intooneface,whereinthetwowerelost. Ofthefourlistswerefashionedthetwoarms, Thethighsandlegs,thebellyandthechest Membersbecamethatneveryetwereseen. Everyoriginalaspecttherewascancelled; Twoandyetnonedidthepervertedimage Appear,andsuchdepartedwithslowpace. Evenasalizard,underthegreatscourge Ofdayscanicular,exchanginghedge, Lightningappearethiftheroaditcross; Thusdidappear,comingtowardsthebellies Ofthetwoothers,asmallfieryserpent, Lividandblackasisapeppercorn. Andinthatpartwhereatisfirstreceived Ouraliment,itoneofthemtransfixed; Thendownwardfellinfrontofhimextended. Theonetransfixedlookedatit,butsaidnaught; Nay,ratherwithfeetmotionlessheyawned, Justasifsleeporfeverhadassailedhim. Heattheserpentgazed,anditathim; Onethroughthewound,theotherthroughthemouth Smokedviolently,andthesmokecommingled.

121

TheDivineComedy HenceforthbesilentLucan,wherehementions WretchedSabellusandNassidius, Andwaittohearwhatnowshallbeshotforth. BesilentOvid,ofCadmusandArethusa; Forifhimtoasnake,hertofountain, Convertshefabling,thatIgrudgehimnot; Becausetwonaturesneverfronttofront Hashetransmuted,sothatboththeforms Tointerchangetheirmatterreadywere. Togethertheyrespondedinsuchwise, Thattoaforktheserpentclefthistail, Andekethewoundeddrewhisfeettogether. Thelegstogetherwiththethighsthemselves Adheredso,thatinlittletimethejuncture Nosignwhatevermadethatwasapparent. Hewiththecloventailassumedthefigure Theotheronewaslosing,andhisskin Becameelastic,andtheothershard. Isawthearmsdrawinwardatthearmpits, Andbothfeetofthereptile,thatwereshort, Lengthenasmuchasthosecontractedwere. Thereafterthehindfeet,togethertwisted, Becamethememberthatamanconceals, Andofhisownthewretchhadtwocreated. Whilebothofthemtheexhalationveils Withanewcolour,andengendershair Ononeofthemanddepilatestheother, Theoneuproseanddowntheotherfell, Thoughturningnotawaytheirimpiouslamps, Underneathwhicheachonehismuzzlechanged. Hewhowasstandingdrewittowrdsthetemples, Andfromexcessofmatter,whichcamethither, Issuedtheearsfromoutthehollowcheeks;

122

TheDivineComedy Whatdidnotbackwardrunandwasretained Ofthatexcessmadetothefaceanose, Andthelipsthickenedfaraswasbefitting. Hewholayprostratethrustshismuzzleforward, Andbackwarddrawstheearsintohishead, Inthesamemannerasthesnailitshorns; Andsothetongue,whichwasentireandapt Forspeechbefore,iscleft,andthebiforked Intheotherclosesup,andthesmokeceases. Thesoul,whichtoareptilehadbeenchanged, Alongthevalleyhissingtakestoflight, Andafterhimtheotherspeakingsputters. Thendidheturnuponhimhisnewshoulders, Andsaidtotheother:IllhaveBuosorun, CrawlingasIhavedone,alongthisroad. InthiswayIbeheldtheseventhballast Shiftandreshift,andherebemyexcuse Thenovelty,ifaughtmypentransgress. Andnotwithstandingthatmineeyesmightbe Somewhatbewildered,andmyminddismayed, Theycouldnotfleeawaysosecretly ButthatIplainlysawPuccioSciancato; Andheitwaswhosoleofthreecompanions, Whichcameinthebeginning,wasnotchanged; Theotherwashewhomthou,Gaville,weepest.

123

TheDivineComedy Inferno:CantoXXVI Rejoice,OFlorence,sincethouartsogreat, Thatoverseaandlandthoubeatestthywings, AndthroughoutHellthynameisspreadabroad! Amongthethievesfivecitizensofthine LiketheseIfound,whenceshamecomesuntome, Andthoutherebytonogreathonourrisest. Butifwhenmornisnearourdreamsaretrue, Feelshaltthouinalittletimefromnow WhatPrato,ifnoneother,cravesforthee. Andifitnowwere,itwerenottoosoon; Wouldthatitwere,seeingitneedsmustbe, FortwillaggrievememorethemoreIage. Wewentourway,andupalongthestairs Thebournshadmadeustodescendbefore, RemountedmyConductoranddrewme. Andfollowingthesolitarypath Amongtherocksandridgesofthecrag, Thefootwithoutthehandspednotatall. ThensorrowedI,andsorrownowagain, WhenIdirectmymindtowhatIsaw, AndmoremygeniuscurbthanIamwont, Thatitmayrunnotunlessvirtueguideit; Sothatifsomegoodstar,orbetterthing, Havegivenmegood,Imaymyselfnotgrudgeit. Asmanyasthehind(whoonthehill Restsatthetimewhenhewholightstheworld Hiscountenancekeepsleastconcealedfromus, Whileastheflygivesplaceuntothegnat) Seeththeglowwormsdownalongthevalley, Perchancetherewhereheploughsandmakeshisvintage;

124

TheDivineComedy Withflamesasmanifoldresplendentall WastheeighthBolgia,asIgrewaware AssoonasIwaswherethedepthappeared. Andsuchashewhowiththebearsavengedhim BeheldElijahschariotatdeparting, Whattimethesteedstoheavenerectuprose, Forwithhiseyehecouldnotfollowit Soastoseeaughtelsethanflamealone, Evenasalittlecloudascendingupward, Thuseachalongthegorgeoftheintrenchment Wasmoving;fornotonerevealsthetheft, Andeveryflameasinnerstealsaway. Istooduponthebridgeuprisentosee, Sothat,ifIhadseizednotonarock, DownhadIfallenwithoutbeingpushed. AndtheLeader,whobeheldmesoattent, Exclaimed:Withinthefiresthespiritsare; Eachswatheshimselfwiththatwherewithheburns. MyMaster,Ireplied,byhearingthee Iammoresure;butIsurmisedalready Itmightbeso,andalreadywishedtoaskthee Whoiswithinthatfire,whichcomessocleft Attop,itseemsuprisingfromthepyre WherewasEteocleswithhisbrotherplaced. Heansweredme:Withintherearetormented UlyssesandDiomed,andthustogether Theyuntovengeancerunasuntowrath. Andtherewithintheirflamedotheylament Theambushofthehorse,whichmadethedoor WhenceissuedforththeRomansgentleseed; Thereinisweptthecraft,forwhichbeingdead DeidamiastilldeploresAchilles, AndpainforthePalladiumthereisborne.

125

TheDivineComedy Iftheywithinthosesparkspossessthepower Tospeak,Isaid,thee,Master,muchIpray, Andrepray,thattheprayerbeworthathousand, Thatthoumakenodenialofawaiting Untilthehornedflameshallhithercome; ThouseestthatwithdesireIleantowardsit. Andhetome:Worthyisthyentreaty Ofmuchapplause,andthereforeIacceptit; Buttakeheedthatthytonguerestrainitself. Leavemetospeak,becauseIhaveconceived Thatwhichthouwishest;fortheymightdisdain Perchance,sincetheywereGreeks,discourseofthine. Whennowtheflamehadcomeuntothatpoint, WheretomyLeaderitseemedtimeandplace, AfterthisfashiondidIhearhimspeak: Oye,whoaretwofoldwithinonefire, IfIdeservedofyou,whileIwasliving, IfIdeservedofyouormuchorlittle WhenintheworldIwrotetheloftyverses, Donotmoveon,butoneofyoudeclare Whither,beinglost,hewentawaytodie. Thenoftheantiqueflamethegreaterhorn, Murmuring,begantowaveitselfabout Evenasaflamedothwhichthewindfatigues. Thereafterward,thesummittoandfro Movingasifitwerethetonguethatspake, Itutteredforthavoice,andsaid:WhenI FromCircehaddeparted,whoconcealedme MorethanayeartherenearuntoGaeta, OreveryetAeneasnameditso,

126

TheDivineComedy Norfondnessformyson,norreverence Formyoldfather,northedueaffection WhichjoyousshouldhavemadePenelope, Couldovercomewithinmethedesire Ihadtobeexperiencedoftheworld, Andoftheviceandvirtueofmankind; ButIputforthonthehighopensea Withonesoleship,andthatsmallcompany BywhichIneverhaddesertedbeen. BothoftheshoresIsawasfarasSpain, FarasMorocco,andtheisleofSardes, Andtheotherswhichthatseabathesroundabout. Iandmycompanywereoldandslow Whenatthatnarrowpassagewearrived WhereHerculeshislandmarkssetassignals, Thatmannofartheronwardshouldadventure. OntherighthandbehindmeleftISeville, AndontheotheralreadyhadleftCeuta. Obrothers,whoamidahundredthousand Perils,Isaid,havecomeuntotheWest, Tothissoinconsiderablevigil Whichisremainingofyoursensesstill Beyeunwillingtodenytheknowledge, Followingthesun,oftheunpeopledworld. Consideryetheseedfromwhichyesprang; Yewerenotmadetolivelikeuntobrutes, Butforpursuitofvirtueandofknowledge. SoeagerdidIrendermycompanions, Withthisbriefexhortation,forthevoyage, ThatthenIhardlycouldhaveheldthemback. Andhavingturnedoursternuntothemorning, Weoftheoarsmadewingsforourmadflight, Evermoregainingonthelarboardside.

127

TheDivineComedy Alreadyallthestarsoftheotherpole Thenightbeheld,andourssoverylow Itdidnotriseabovetheoceanfloor. Fivetimesrekindledandasmanyquenched Hadbeenthesplendourunderneaththemoon, Sincewehadenteredintothedeeppass, Whenthereappearedtousamountain,dim Fromdistance,anditseemedtomesohigh AsIhadneveranyonebeheld. Joyfulwerewe,andsoonitturnedtoweeping; Foroutofthenewlandawhirlwindrose, Andsmoteupontheforepartoftheship. Threetimesitmadeherwhirlwithallthewaters, Atthefourthtimeitmadethesternuplift, Andtheprowdownwardgo,aspleasedAnother, Untiltheseaaboveusclosedagain.

128

TheDivineComedy Inferno:CantoXXVII Alreadywastheflameerectandquiet, Tospeaknomore,andnowdepartedfromus WiththepermissionofthegentlePoet; Whenyetanother,whichbehinditcame, Causedustoturnoureyesuponitstop Byaconfusedsoundthatissuedfromit. AstheSicilianbull(thatbellowedfirst Withthelamentofhim,andthatwasright, Whowithhisfilehadmodulatedit) Bellowedsowiththevoiceoftheafflicted, That,notwithstandingitwasmadeofbrass, Stillitappearedwithagonytransfixed; Thus,bynothavinganywayorissue Atfirstfromoutthefire,toitsownlanguage Convertedwerethemelancholywords. Butafterwards,whentheyhadgatheredway Upthroughthepoint,givingitthatvibration Thetonguehadgiventhemintheirpassageout, Wehearditsaid:Othou,atwhomIaim Myvoice,andwhobutnowwastspeakingLombard, Saying,Nowgothyway,nomoreIurgethee, BecauseIcomeperchancealittlelate, Tostayandspeakwithmeletitnotirkthee; Thouseestitirksnotme,andIamburning. Ifthoubutlatelyintothisblindworld HastfallendownfromthatsweetLatianland, WherefromIbringthewholeofmytransgression, Say,iftheRomagnuolshavepeaceorwar, ForIwasfromthemountainstherebetween UrbinoandtheyokewhenceTiberbursts.

129

TheDivineComedy Istillwasdownwardbentandlistening, WhenmyConductortouchedmeontheside, Saying:Speakthou:thisoneaLatianis. AndI,whohadbeforehandmyreply Inreadiness,forthwithbegantospeak: Osoul,thatdownbelowthereartconcealed, Romagnathineisnotandneverhasbeen Withoutwarinthebosomofitstyrants; ButopenwarInonehavelefttherenow. Ravennastandsasitlongyearshasstood; TheEagleofPolentathereisbrooding, SothatshecoversCerviawithhervans. Thecitywhichoncemadethelongresistance, AndoftheFrenchasanguinaryheap, BeneaththeGreenPawsfindsitselfagain; VerrucchiosancientMastiffandthenew, WhomadesuchbaddisposalofMontagna, Wheretheyarewontmakewimblesoftheirteeth. ThecitiesofLamoneandSanterno GovernstheLioncelofthewhitelair, Whochangessidestwixtsummertimeandwinter; AndthatofwhichtheSaviobathestheflank, Evenasitliesbetweentheplainandmountain, Livesbetweentyrannyandafreestate. NowIentreattheetelluswhothouart; Benotmorestubbornthantheresthavebeen, Somaythynameholdfrontthereintheworld. Afterthefirealittlemorehadroared Initsownfashion,thesharppointitmoved Thiswayandthat,andthengaveforthsuchbreath: IfIbelievedthatmyreplyweremade Toonewhototheworldwouldeerreturn, Thisflamewithoutmoreflickeringwouldstandstill;

130

TheDivineComedy Butinasmuchasneverfromthisdepth Didanyonereturn,ifIheartrue, WithoutthefearofinfamyIanswer, Iwasamanofarms,thenCordelier, Believingthusbegirttomakeamends; Andtrulymybeliefhadbeenfulfilled ButfortheHighPriest,whommayillbetide, Whoputmebackintomyformersins; AndhowandwhereforeIwillhavetheehear. WhileIwasstilltheformofboneandpulp Mymothergavetome,thedeedsIdid Werenotthoseofalion,butafox. Themachinationsandthecovertways Iknewthemall,andpractisedsotheircraft, Thattotheendsofearththesoundwentforth. Whennowuntothatportionofmineage Isawmyselfarrived,wheneachoneought Tolowerthesails,andcoilawaytheropes, Thatwhichbeforehadpleasedmethendispleasedme; AndpenitentandconfessingIsurrendered, Ahwoeisme!anditwouldhavebesteadme; TheLeaderofthemodernPharisees HavingawarnearuntoLateran, AndnotwithSaracensnorwiththeJews, ForeachoneofhisenemieswasChristian, AndnoneofthemhadbeentoconquerAcre, NormerchandisingintheSultansland, Northehighoffice,northesacredorders, Inhimregarded,norinmethatcord Whichusedtomakethosegirtwithitmoremeagre;

131

TheDivineComedy ButevenasConstantinesoughtoutSylvester Tocurehisleprosy,withinSoracte, Sothisonesoughtmeoutasanadept Tocurehimofthefeverofhispride. Counselheaskedofme,andIwassilent, Becausehiswordsappearedinebriate. Andthenhesaid:Benotthyheartafraid; HenceforthItheeabsolve;andthouinstructme HowtorazePalestrinatotheground. HeavenhaveIpowertolockandtounlock, Asthoudostknow;thereforethekeysaretwo, Thewhichmypredecessorheldnotdear. Thenurgedmeonhisweightyarguments There,wheremysilencewastheworstadvice; AndsaidI:Father,sincethouwashestme OfthatsinintowhichInowmustfall, Thepromiselongwiththefulfilmentshort Willmaketheetriumphinthyloftyseat. Franciscameafterward,whenIwasdead, Forme;butoneoftheblackCherubim Saidtohim:Takehimnot;domenowrong; Hemustcomedownamongmyservitors, Becausehegavethefraudulentadvice FromwhichtimeforthIhavebeenathishair; Forwhorepentsnotcannotbeabsolved, Norcanonebothrepentandwillatonce, Becauseofthecontradictionwhichconsentsnot. Omiserableme!howIdidshudder Whenheseizedonme,saying:Peradventure ThoudidstnotthinkthatIwasalogician! HeboremeuntoMinos,whoentwined Eighttimeshistailabouthisstubbornback, Andafterhehadbittenitingreatrage,

132

TheDivineComedy Said:Ofthethievishfireaculpritthis; Wherefore,herewherethouseest,amIlost, AndvestedthusingoingIbemoanme. Whenithadthuscompleteditsrecital, Theflamedepartedutteringlamentations, Writhingandflappingitssharppointedhorn. Onwardwepassed,bothIandmyConductor, Upoerthecragaboveanotherarch, Whichthemoatcovers,whereispaidthefee Bythosewho,sowingdiscord,wintheirburden.

133

TheDivineComedy Inferno:CantoXXVIII Whoevercould,eenwithuntrammelledwords, Tellofthebloodandofthewoundsinfull WhichnowIsaw,bymanytimesnarrating? Eachtonguewouldforacertaintyfallshort Byreasonofourspeechandmemory, Thathavesmallroomtocomprehendsomuch. Ifwereagainassembledallthepeople Whichformerlyuponthefatefulland OfPugliawerelamentingfortheirblood ShedbytheRomansandthelingeringwar Thatoftheringsmadesuchillustriousspoils, AsLivyhasrecorded,whoerrsnot, Withthosewhofelttheagonyofblows BymakingcounterstandtoRobertGuiscard, Andalltherest,whosebonesaregatheredstill AtCeperano,wherearenegade WaseachApulian,andatTagliacozzo, WherewithoutarmstheoldAlardoconquered, Andonehislimbtranspierced,andoneloppedoff, Shouldshow,itwouldbenothingtocompare WiththedisgustingmodeoftheninthBolgia. Acaskbylosingcentrepieceorcant Wasnevershatteredso,asIsawone Rentfromthechintowhereonebreakethwind. Betweenhislegswerehangingdownhisentrails; Hisheartwasvisible,andthedismalsack Thatmakethexcrementofwhatiseaten. WhileIwasallabsorbedinseeinghim, Helookedatme,andopenedwithhishands Hisbosom,saying:SeenowhowIrendme;

134

TheDivineComedy Howmutilated,see,isMahomet; InfrontofmedothAliweepinggo, Cleftinthefacefromforelockuntochin; Andalltheotherswhomthouherebeholdest, Disseminatorsofscandalandofschism Whilelivingwere,andthereforearecleftthus. Adevilisbehindhere,whodothcleaveus Thuscruelly,untothefalchionsedge Puttingagaineachoneofallthisream, Whenwehavegonearoundthedolefulroad; Byreasonthatourwoundsareclosedagain Ereanyoneinfrontofhimrepass. Butwhoartthou,thatmusestonthecrag, Perchancetopostponegoingtothepain Thatisadjudgeduponthineaccusations? Nordeathhathreachedhimyet,norguiltdothbringhim, MyMastermadereply,tobetormented; Buttoprocurehimfullexperience, Me,whoamdead,behovesittoconducthim DownherethroughHell,fromcircleuntocircle; AndthisistrueasthatIspeaktothee. Morethanahundredweretherewhentheyheardhim, Whointhemoatstoodstilltolookatme, Throughwondermentobliviousoftheirtorture. NowsaytoFraDolcino,then,toarmhim, Thou,whoperhapswiltshortlyseethesun, Ifsoonhewishnotheretofollowme, Sowithprovisions,thatnostressofsnow MaygivethevictorytotheNovarese, Whichotherwisetogainwouldnotbeeasy. Afteronefoottogoawayhelifted, ThisworddidMahometsayuntome, Thentodepartuponthegroundhestretchedit.

135

TheDivineComedy Anotherone,whohadhisthroatpiercedthrough, Andnosecutoffcloseunderneaththebrows, Andhadnolongerbutasingleear, Stayingtolookinwonderwiththeothers, Beforetheothersdidhisgulletopen, Whichoutwardlywasredineverypart, Andsaid:Othou,whomguiltdothnotcondemn, AndwhomIoncesawupinLatianland, Unlesstoogreatsimilitudedeceiveme, CalltoremembrancePierdaMedicina, Ifeerthouseeagainthelovelyplain ThatfromVercellislopestoMarcabo, AndmakeitknowntothebesttwoofFano, ToMesserGuidoandAngiolellolikewise, Thatifforeseeingherebenotinvain, Castoverfromtheirvesselshalltheybe, AnddrownednearuntotheCattolica, Bythebetrayalofatyrantfell. BetweentheislesofCyprusandMajorca Neptuneneeryetbeheldsogreatacrime, NeitherofpiratesnorArgolicpeople. Thattraitor,whoseesonlywithoneeye, Andholdstheland,whichsomeoneherewithme Wouldfainbefastingfromthevisionof, Willmakethemcomeuntoaparleywithhim; Thenwilldoso,thattoFocaraswind Theywillnotstandinneedofvoworprayer. AndItohim:Showtomeanddeclare, Ifthouwouldsthavemebearupnewsofthee, Whoisthispersonofthebittervision.

136

TheDivineComedy Thendidhelayhishanduponthejaw Ofoneofhiscompanions,andhismouth Oped,crying:Thisishe,andhespeaksnot. Thisone,beingbanished,everydoubtsubmerged InCaesarbyaffirmingtheforearmed Alwayswithdetrimentalloweddelay. Ohowbewildereduntomeappeared, Withtongueasunderinhiswindpipeslit, Curio,whoinspeakingwassobold! Andone,whobothhishandsdisseveredhad, Thestumpsupliftingthroughthemurkyair, Sothatthebloodmadehorriblehisface, Criedout:ThoushaltrememberMoscaalso, Whosaid,alas!Athingdonehasanend! WhichwasanillseedfortheTuscanpeople. Anddeathuntothyrace,theretoIadded; Whencehe,accumulatingwoeonwoe, Departed,likeapersonsadandcrazed. ButIremainedtolookuponthecrowd; AndsawathingwhichIshouldbeafraid, Withoutsomefurtherproof,eventorecount, Ifitwerenotthatconsciencereassuresme, Thatgoodcompanionwhichemboldensman Beneaththehauberkofitsfeelingpure. Itrulysaw,andstillIseemtoseeit, Atrunkwithoutaheadwalkinlikemanner Aswalkedtheothersofthemournfulherd. Andbythehairitheldtheheaddissevered, Hungfromthehandinfashionofalantern, Andthatuponusgazedandsaid:Ome! Itofitselfmadetoitselfalamp, Andtheyweretwoinone,andoneintwo; Howthatcanbe,Heknowswhosoordainsit.

137

TheDivineComedy Whenitwascomeclosetothebridgesfoot, Itliftedhighitsarmwithallthehead, Tobringmorecloselyuntousitswords, Whichwere:Beholdnowthesorepenalty, Thou,whodostbreathinggothedeadbeholding; Beholdifanybeasgreatasthis. Andsothatthoumaycarrynewsofme, KnowthatBertramdeBornamI,thesame WhogavetotheYoungKingtheevilcomfort. Imadethefatherandthesonrebellious; AchitophelnotmorewithAbsalom AndDaviddidwithhisaccursedgoadings. BecauseIpartedpersonssounited, ParteddoInowbearmybrain,alas! Fromitsbeginning,whichisinthistrunk. Thusisobservedinmethecounterpoise.

138

TheDivineComedy Inferno:CantoXXIX Themanypeopleandthediverswounds Theseeyesofminehadsoinebriated, Thattheywerewishfultostandstillandweep; ButsaidVirgilius:Whatdostthoustillgazeat? Whyisthysightstillriveteddownthere Amongthemournful,mutilatedshades? ThouhastnotdonesoattheotherBolge; Consider,iftocountthemthoubelievest, Thattwoandtwentymilesthevalleywinds, Andnowthemoonisunderneathourfeet; Henceforththetimeallottedusisbrief, Andmoreistobeseenthanwhatthouseest. Ifthouhadst,Imadeanswerthereupon, AttendedtothecauseforwhichIlooked, Perhapsalongerstaythouwouldsthavepardoned. MeanwhilemyGuidedeparted,andbehindhim Iwent,alreadymakingmyreply, Andsuperadding:Inthatcavernwhere Iheldmineeyeswithsuchattentionfixed, Ithinkaspiritofmybloodlaments Thesinwhichdownbelowtherecostssomuch. ThensaidtheMaster:Benolongerbroken Thythoughtfromthistimeforwarduponhim; Attendelsewhere,andtherelethimremain; ForhimIsawbelowthelittlebridge, Pointingatthee,andthreateningwithhisfinger Fiercely,andheardhimcalledGeridelBello. Sowhollyatthattimewastthouimpeded ByhimwhoformerlyheldAltaforte, Thoudidstnotlookthatway;sohedeparted.

139

TheDivineComedy OmyConductor,hisownviolentdeath, Whichisnotyetavengedforhim,Isaid, Byanywhoissharerintheshame, Madehimdisdainful;whencehewentaway, AsIimagine,withoutspeakingtome, Andtherebymademepityhimthemore. Thusdidwespeakasfarasthefirstplace Uponthecrag,whichthenextvalleyshows Downtothebottom,ifthereweremorelight. Whenwewerenowrightoverthelastcloister OfMalebolge,sothatitslaybrothers Couldmanifestthemselvesuntooursight, Diverslamentingspiercedmethroughandthrough, Whichwithcompassionhadtheirarrowsbarbed, WhereatmineearsIcoveredwithmyhands. Whatpainwouldbe,iffromthehospitals OfValdichiana,twixtJulyandSeptember, AndofMaremmaandSardinia Allthediseasesinonemoatweregathered, Suchwasithere,andsuchastenchcamefromit Asfromputrescentlimbsiswonttoissue. Wehaddescendedonthefurthestbank Fromthelongcrag,uponthelefthandstill, Andthenmorevividwasmypowerofsight Downtowrdsthebottom,wheretheministress OfthehighLord,Justiceinfallible, Punishesforgers,whichshehererecords. Idonotthinkasaddersighttosee WasinAeginathewholepeoplesick, (Whenwastheairsofullofpestilence, Theanimals,downtothelittleworm, Allfell,andafterwardstheancientpeople, Accordingasthepoetshaveaffirmed,

140

TheDivineComedy Werefromtheseedofantsrestoredagain,) Thanwasittobeholdthroughthatdarkvalley Thespiritslanguishingindiversheaps. Thisonthebelly,thatupontheback Oneoftheotherlay,andotherscrawling Shiftedthemselvesalongthedismalroad. Westepbystepwentonwardwithoutspeech, Gazinguponandlisteningtothesick Whohadnotstrengthenoughtolifttheirbodies. Isawtwosittingleanedagainsteachother, Asleansinheatingplatteragainstplatter, Fromheadtofootbespottedoerwithscabs; AndneversawIpliedacurrycomb Bystableboyforwhomhismasterwaits, Orhimwhokeepsawakeunwillingly, Aseveryonewasplyingfastthebite Ofnailsuponhimself,forthegreatrage Ofitchingwhichnoothersuccourhad. Andthenailsdownwardwiththemdraggedthescab, Infashionasaknifethescalesofbream, Oranyotherfishthathasthemlargest. Othou,thatwiththyfingersdostdismailthee, BeganmyLeaderuntooneofthem, Andmakestofthempincersnowandthen, TellmeifanyLatianiswiththose Whoareherein;somaythynailssufficethee Toalleternityuntothiswork. Latiansarewe,whomthousowastedseest, Bothofushere,oneweepingmadereply; Butwhoartthou,thatquestionestaboutus?

141

TheDivineComedy AndsaidtheGuide:OneamIwhodescends Downwiththislivingmanfromclifftocliff, AndIintendtoshowHelluntohim. Thenbrokenwastheirmutualsupport, Andtremblingeachoneturnedhimselftome, Withotherswhohadheardhimbyrebound. WhollytomedidthegoodMastergather, Saying:Sayuntothemwhateerthouwishest. AndIbegan,sincehewouldhaveitso: Somayyourmemorynotstealaway Inthefirstworldfromoutthemindsofmen, Butsomayitsurviveneathmanysuns, Saytomewhoyeare,andofwhatpeople; Letnotyourfoulandloathsomepunishment Makeyouafraidtoshowyourselvestome. IofArezzowas,onemadereply, AndAlbertofSienahadmeburned; ButwhatIdiedfordoesnotbringmehere. TistrueIsaidtohim,speakinginjest, ThatIcouldrisebyflightintotheair, Andhewhohadconceit,butlittlewit, Wouldhavemeshowtohimtheart;andonly BecausenoDaedalusImadehim,mademe Beburnedbyonewhoheldhimashisson. ButuntothelastBolgiaoftheten, Foralchemy,whichintheworldIpractised, Minos,whocannoterr,hasmecondemned. AndtothePoetsaidI:Nowwasever SovainapeopleastheSienese? NotforacertaintytheFrenchbyfar. Whereattheotherleper,whohadheardme, Replieduntomyspeech:TakingoutStricca, Whoknewtheartofmoderateexpenses,

142

TheDivineComedy AndNiccolo,whotheluxurioususe Ofclovesdiscoveredearliestofall Withinthatgardenwheresuchseedtakesroot; Andtakingouttheband,amongwhomsquandered CacciadAscianhisvineyardsandvastwoods, AndwherehiswittheAbbagliatoproffered! But,thatthouknowwhothusdothsecondthee AgainsttheSienese,makesharpthineeye Towrdsme,sothatmyfacewellanswerthee, AndthoushaltseeIamCapocchiosshade, Whometalsfalsifiedbyalchemy; Thoumustremember,ifIwelldescrythee, HowIaskilfulapeofnaturewas.

143

TheDivineComedy Inferno:CantoXXX TwasatthetimewhenJunowasenraged, ForSemele,againsttheThebanblood, Asshealreadymorethanoncehadshown, SoreftofreasonAthamasbecame, That,seeinghisownwifewithchildrentwain Walkingencumbereduponeitherhand, Hecried:Spreadoutthenets,thatImaytake Thelionessandherwhelpsuponthepassage; Andthenextendedhisunpityingclaws, Seizingthefirst,whohadthenameLearchus, Andwhirledhimround,anddashedhimonarock; Andshe,withtheotherburthen,drownedherself; Andatthetimewhenfortunedownwardhurled TheTrojansarrogance,thatallthingsdared, Sothatthekingwaswithhiskingdomcrushed, Hecubasad,disconsolate,andcaptive, WhenlifelessshebeheldPolyxena, AndofherPolydorusontheshore Ofoceanwasthedolorousoneaware, Outofhersenseslikeadogshebarked, Somuchtheanguishhadherminddistorted; ButnotofThebesthefuriesnortheTrojan Wereeverseeninanyonesocruel Ingoadingbeasts,andmuchmorehumanmembers, AsIbeheldtwoshadowspaleandnaked, Who,biting,inthemannerranalong Thataboardoes,whenfromthestyturnedloose. OnetoCapocchiocame,andbythenape Seizedwithitsteethhisneck,sothatindragging Itmadehisbellygratethesolidbottom.

144

TheDivineComedy AndtheAretine,whotremblinghadremained, Saidtome:ThatmadspriteisGianniSchicchi, Andravinggoesthusharryingotherpeople. O,saidItohim,somaynottheother Setteethonthee,letitnotwearythee Totelluswhoitis,ereitdarthence. Andhetome:Thatistheancientghost OfthenefariousMyrrha,whobecame Beyondallrightfulloveherfatherslover. Shecametosinwithhimafterthismanner, Bycounterfeitingofanothersform; Ashewhogoethyonderundertook, Thathemightgaintheladyoftheherd, TocounterfeitinhimselfBuosoDonati, Makingawillandgivingitdueform. Andafterthetwomaniacshadpassed OnwhomIheldmineeye,Iturneditback Tolookupontheotherevilborn. Isawonemadeinfashionofalute, Ifhehadonlyhadthegroincutoff Justatthepointatwhichamanisforked. Theheavydropsy,thatsodisproportions Thelimbswithhumours,whichitillconcocts, Thatthefacecorrespondsnottothebelly, Compelledhimsotoholdhislipsapart Asdoesthehectic,whobecauseofthirst Onetowrdsthechin,theotherupwardturns. Oye,whowithoutanytormentare, AndwhyIknownot,intheworldofwoe, Hesaidtous,behold,andbeattentive UntothemiseryofMasterAdam; IhadwhilelivingmuchofwhatIwished, Andnow,alas!adropofwatercrave.

145

TheDivineComedy Therivulets,thatfromtheverdanthills OfCassentindescenddownintoArno, Makingtheirchannelstobecoldandmoist, Everbeforemestand,andnotinvain; Forfarmoredoththeirimagedrymeup Thanthediseasewhichstripsmyfaceofflesh. Therigidjusticethatchastisesme Drawethoccasionfromtheplaceinwhich Isinned,toputthemoremysighsinflight. ThereisRomena,whereIcounterfeited ThecurrencyimprintedwiththeBaptist, ForwhichIleftmybodyburnedabove. ButifIherecouldseethetristfulsoul OfGuido,orAlessandro,ortheirbrother, ForBrandasfountIwouldnotgivethesight. Oneiswithinalready,iftheraving Shadesthataregoingroundaboutspeaktruth; Butwhatavailsitme,whoselimbsaretied? IfIwereonlystillsolight,thatin AhundredyearsIcouldadvanceoneinch, Ihadalreadystartedontheway, Seekinghimoutamongthissqualidfolk, Althoughthecircuitbeelevenmiles, Andbenotlessthanhalfamileacross. ForthemamIinsuchafamily; Theydidinducemeintocoiningflorins, Whichhadthreecaratsofimpurity. AndItohim:Whoarethetwopoorwretches Thatsmokelikeuntoawethandinwinter, Lyingtherecloseuponthyrighthandconfines?

146

TheDivineComedy Ifoundthemhere,repliedhe,whenIrained Intothischasm,andsincetheyhavenotturned, NordoIthinktheywillforevermore. OnethefalsewomaniswhoaccusedJoseph, TheotherthefalseSinon,GreekofTroy; Fromacutefevertheysendforthsuchreek. Andoneofthem,whofelthimselfannoyed Atbeing,peradventure,namedsodarkly, Smotewiththefistuponhishardenedpaunch. Itgaveasound,asifitwereadrum; AndMasterAdamsmotehimintheface, Witharmthatdidnotseemtobelesshard, Sayingtohim:Althoughbetakenfromme Allmotion,formylimbsthatheavyare, Ihaveanarmunfetteredforsuchneed. Whereatheanswermade:Whenthoudidstgo Untothefire,thouhadstitnotsoready: Buthadstitsoandmorewhenthouwastcoining. Thedropsical:Thousayesttrueinthat; Butthouwastnotsotrueawitnessthere, WherethouwastquestionedofthetruthatTroy. IfIspakefalse,thoufalsifiedstthecoin, SaidSinon;andforonefaultIamhere, Andthouformorethananyotherdemon. Remember,perjurer,aboutthehorse, Hemadereplywhohadtheswollenbelly, Andruefulbeittheethewholeworldknowsit. Ruefultotheethethirstbewherewithcracks Thytongue,theGreeksaid,andtheputridwater Thathedgessothypaunchbeforethineeyes. Thenthefalsecoiner:Soisgapingwide Thymouthforspeakingevil,astiswont; BecauseifIhavethirst,andhumourstuffme

147

TheDivineComedy Thouhasttheburningandtheheadthataches, AndtolickupthemirrorofNarcissus Thouwouldstnotwantwordsmanytoinvitethee. InlisteningtothemwasIwhollyfixed, WhensaidtheMastertome:Nowjustlook, ForlittlewantsitthatIquarrelwiththee. WhenhimIheardinangerspeaktome, Iturnedmeroundtowardshimwithsuchshame Thatstilliteddiesthroughmymemory. Andasheiswhodreamsofhisownharm, Whodreamingwishesitmaybeadream, Sothathecraveswhatis,asifitwerenot; SuchIbecame,nothavingpowertospeak, FortoexcusemyselfIwished,andstill Excusedmyself,anddidnotthinkIdidit. Lessshamedothwashawayagreaterfault, TheMastersaid,thanthisofthinehasbeen; Thereforethyselfdisburdenofallsadness, AndmakeaccountthatIamayebesidethee, Ifeeritcometopassthatfortunebringthee Wheretherearepeopleinalikedispute; Forabasewishitistowishtohearit.

148

TheDivineComedy Inferno:CantoXXXI Oneandtheselfsametonguefirstwoundedme, Sothatittingedtheonecheekandtheother, Andthenheldouttomethemedicine; ThusdoIhearthatonceAchillesspear, Hisandhisfathers,usedtobethecause Firstofasadandthenagraciousboon. Weturnedourbacksuponthewretchedvalley, Uponthebankthatgirdsitroundabout, Goingacrossitwithoutanyspeech. Thereitwaslessthannight,andlessthanday, Sothatmysightwentlittleinadvance; ButIcouldheartheblareofaloudhorn, Solouditwouldhavemadeeachthunderfaint, Which,countertoitfollowingitsway, Mineeyesdirectedwhollytooneplace. Afterthedolorousdiscomfiture WhenCharlemagnetheholyempriselost, SoterriblyOrlandosoundednot. ShortwhilemyheadturnedthitherwardIheld WhenmanyloftytowersIseemedtosee, WhereatI:Master,say,whattownisthis? Andhetome:Becausethoupeerestforth Athwartthedarknessattoogreatadistance, Ithappensthatthouerrestinthyfancy. Wellshaltthousee,ifthouarrivestthere, Howmuchthesensedeceivesitselfbydistance; Thereforealittlefasterspurtheeon. Thentenderlyhetookmebythehand, Andsaid:Beforewefartherhaveadvanced, Thattherealitymayseemtothee

149

TheDivineComedy Lessstrange,knowthatthesearenottowers,butgiants, Andtheyareinthewell,aroundthebank, Fromnaveldownward,oneandallofthem. As,whenthefogisvanishingaway, Littlebylittledoththesightrefigure Whateerthemistthatcrowdstheairconceals, So,piercingthroughthedenseanddarksomeair, Moreandmorenearapproachingtowrdtheverge, Myerrorfled,andfearcameoverme; Becauseasonitscircularparapets Montereggionecrownsitselfwithtowers, Eenthusthemarginwhichsurroundsthewell Withonehalfoftheirbodiesturreted Thehorriblegiants,whomJovemenaces Eennowfromouttheheavenswhenhethunders. AndIofonealreadysawtheface, Shoulders,andbreast,andgreatpartofthebelly, Anddownalonghissidesbothofthearms. CertainlyNature,whensheleftthemaking Ofanimalslikethese,didwellindeed, BytakingsuchexecutorsfromMars; Andifofelephantsandwhalesshedothnot Repenther,whosoeverlookethsubtly Morejustandmorediscreetwillholdherforit; Forwheretheargumentofintellect Isaddeduntoevilwillandpower, Norampartcanthepeoplemakeagainstit. Hisfaceappearedtomeaslongandlarge AsisatRomethepineconeofSaintPeters, Andinproportionweretheotherbones; Sothatthemargin,whichanapronwas Downfromthemiddle,showedsomuchofhim Aboveit,thattoreachuptohishair

150

TheDivineComedy ThreeFrieslandersinvainhadvauntedthem; ForIbeheldthirtygreatpalmsofhim Downfromtheplacewheremanhismantlebuckles. Raphaelmaiamechizabialmi, Begantoclamourtheferociousmouth, Towhichwerenotbefittingsweeterpsalms. AnduntohimmyGuide:Soulidiotic, Keeptothyhorn,andventthyselfwiththat, Whenwrathorotherpassiontouchesthee. Searchroundthyneck,andthouwiltfindthebelt Whichkeepsitfastened,Obewilderedsoul, Andseeit,whereitbarsthymightybreast. Thensaidtome:Hedothhimselfaccuse; ThisoneisNimrod,bywhoseevilthought Onelanguageintheworldisnotstillused. Hereletusleavehimandnotspeakinvain; Forevensuchtohimiseverylanguage Ashistoothers,whichtononeisknown. Thereforealongerjourneydidwemake, Turnedtotheleft,andacrossbowshotoft Wefoundanotherfarmorefierceandlarge. Inbindinghim,whomightthemasterbe Icannotsay;buthehadpinionedclose Behindtherightarm,andinfronttheother, Withchains,thatheldhimsobegirtabout Fromtheneckdown,thatonthepartuncovered Itwounditselfasfarasthefifthgyre. Thisproudonewishedtomakeexperiment OfhisownpoweragainsttheSupremeJove, MyLeadersaid,whencehehassuchaguerdon.

151

TheDivineComedy Ephialtesishisname;heshowedgreatprowess. Whattimethegiantsterrifiedthegods; Thearmshewieldednevermorehemoves. AndItohim:Ifpossible,Ishouldwish ThatofthemeasurelessBriareus Theseeyesofminemighthaveexperience. Whencehereplied:ThoushaltbeholdAntaeus Closebyhere,whocanspeakandisunbound, Whoatthebottomofallcrimeshallplaceus. Muchfartheryonishewhomthouwouldstsee, Andheisbound,andfashionedliketothisone, Savethatheseemsinaspectmoreferocious. Thereneverwasanearthquakeofsuchmight Thatitcouldshakeatowersoviolently, AsEphialtessuddenlyshookhimself. ThenwasImoreafraidofdeaththanever, Fornothingmorewasneedfulthanthefear, IfIhadnotbeheldthemanacles. Thenweproceededfartherinadvance, AndtoAntaeuscame,who,fullfiveells Withoutthehead,forthissuedfromthecavern. Othou,whointhevalleyfortunate, WhichScipiotheheirofglorymade, WhenHannibalturnedbackwithallhishosts, Oncebroughtstathousandlionsforthyprey, Andwho,hadstthoubeenatthemightywar Amongthybrothers,someitseemsstillthink ThesonsofEarththevictorywouldhavegained: Placeusbelow,norbedisdainfulofit, TherewherethecolddothlockCocytusup. MakeusnotgotoTityusnorTyphoeus; Thisonecangiveofthatwhichhereislongedfor; Thereforestoopdown,anddonotcurlthylip.

152

TheDivineComedy Stillintheworldcanherestorethyfame; Becausehelives,andstillexpectslonglife, IftoitselfGracecallhimnotuntimely. SosaidtheMaster;andinhastetheother HishandsextendedandtookupmyGuide, HandswhosegreatpressureHerculesoncefelt. Virgilius,whenhefelthimselfembraced, Saiduntome:Drawnigh,thatImaytakethee; Thenofhimselfandmeonebundlemade. AsseemstheCarisenda,tobehold Beneaththeleaningside,whengoesacloud Aboveitsothatoppositeithangs; SuchdidAntaeusseemtome,whostood Watchingtoseehimstoop,andthenitwas Icouldhavewishedtogosomeotherway. Butlightlyintheabyss,whichswallowsup JudaswithLucifer,heputusdown; Northusboweddownwardmadehetheredelay, But,asamastdoesinaship,uprose.

153

TheDivineComedy Inferno:CantoXXXII IfIhadrhymesbothroughandstridulous, Aswereappropriatetothedismalhole Downuponwhichthrustalltheotherrocks, Iwouldpressoutthejuiceofmyconception Morefully;butbecauseIhavethemnot, NotwithoutfearIbringmyselftospeak; Fortisnoenterprisetotakeinjest, Tosketchthebottomofalltheuniverse, NorforatonguethatcriesMammaandBabbo. ButmaythoseLadieshelpthisverseofmine, WhohelpedAmphioninenclosingThebes, Thatfromthefactthewordbenotdiverse. Orabbleillbegottenaboveall, Whoreintheplacetospeakofwhichishard, Twerebetteryehadherebeensheeporgoats! Whenweweredownwithinthedarksomewell, Beneaththegiantsfeet,butlowerfar, AndIwasscanningstilltheloftywall, Ihearditsaidtome:Lookhowthousteppest! Takeheedthoudonottramplewiththyfeet Theheadsofthetired,miserablebrothers! WhereatIturnedmeround,andsawbeforeme Andunderfootalake,thatfromthefrost Thesemblancehadofglass,andnotofwater. Sothickaveilneermadeuponitscurrent InwintertimeDanubeinAustria, NortherebeneaththefrigidskytheDon, Astherewashere;sothatifTambernich Hadfallenuponit,orPietrapana, Eenattheedgetwouldnothavegivenacreak.

154

TheDivineComedy Andastocroakthefrogdothplacehimself Withmuzzleoutofwater,whenisdreaming Ofgleaningoftentimesthepeasantgirl, Livid,asfardownaswhereshameappears, Werethedisconsolateshadeswithintheice, Settingtheirteethuntothenoteofstorks. Eachonehiscountenancehelddownwardbent; Frommouththecold,fromeyesthedolefulheart Amongthemwitnessofitselfprocures. WhenroundaboutmesomewhatIhadlooked, Idownwardturnedme,andsawtwosoclose, Thehairupontheirheadstogethermingled. Yewhosostrainyourbreaststogether,tellme, Isaid,whoareyou;andtheybenttheirnecks, Andwhentometheirfacestheyhadlifted, Theireyes,whichfirstwereonlymoistwithin, Gushedoertheeyelids,andthefrostcongealed Thetearsbetween,andlockedthemupagain. Clampneverboundtogetherwoodwithwood Sostrongly;whereatthey,liketwohegoats, Buttedtogether,somuchwrathoercamethem. Andone,whohadbyreasonofthecold Lostbothhisears,stillwithhisvisagedownward, Said:Whydostthousomirrorthyselfinus? Ifthoudesiretoknowwhothesetwoare, ThevalleywhenceBisenziodescends BelongedtothemandtotheirfatherAlbert. Theyfromonebodycame,andallCaina Thoushaltsearchthrough,andshaltnotfindashade Moreworthytobefixedingelatine; Notheinwhomwerebrokenbreastandshadow AtoneandthesameblowbyArthurshand; Focaccianot;nothewhomeencumbers

155

TheDivineComedy SowithhisheadIseenofartherforward, AndborethenameofSassolMascheroni; Wellknowestthouwhohewas,ifthouartTuscan. Andthatthouputmenottofurtherspeech, KnowthatICamiciondePazziwas, AndwaitCarlinotoexonerateme. ThenIbeheldathousandfaces,made Purplewithcold;whenceoermecomesashudder, Andevermorewillcome,atfrozenponds. Andwhilewewereadvancingtowrdsthemiddle, Whereeverythingofweightunitestogether, AndIwasshiveringintheeternalshade, Whethertwerewill,ordestiny,orchance, Iknownot;butinwalkingmongtheheads Istruckmyfoothardinthefaceofone. Weepinghegrowled:Whydostthoutrampleme? Unlessthoucomesttoincreasethevengeance ofMontaperti,whydostthoumolestme? AndI:MyMaster,nowwaithereforme, ThatIthroughhimmayissuefromadoubt; Thenthoumaysthurryme,asthoushaltwish. TheLeaderstopped;andtothatoneIsaid Whowasblasphemingvehementlystill: Whoartthou,thatthusreprehendestothers? Nowwhoartthou,thatgoestthroughAntenora Smiting,repliedhe,otherpeoplescheeks, Sothat,ifthouwertliving,tweretoomuch? LivingIam,anddeartotheeitmaybe, Wasmyresponse,ifthoudemandestfame, ThatmidtheothernotesthynameIplace.

156

TheDivineComedy Andhetome:ForthereverseIlong; Takethyselfhence,andgivemenomoretrouble; Forillthouknowesttoflatterinthishollow. ThenbythescalpbehindIseizeduponhim, Andsaid:Itmustneedsbethounamethyself, Ornotahairremainupontheehere. Whencehetome:Thoughthoustripoffmyhair, IwillnottelltheewhoIam,norshowthee, Ifonmyheadathousandtimesthoufall. Ihadhishairinhandalreadytwisted, Andmorethanoneshockofithadpulledout, Hebarking,withhiseyesheldfirmlydown, Whencriedanother:Whatdothailthee,Bocca? Istnotenoughtoclatterwiththyjaws, Butthoumustbark?whatdeviltouchesthee? Now,saidI,Icarenottohavetheespeak, Accursedtraitor;foruntothyshame Iwillreportoftheeveraciousnews. Begone,repliedhe,andtellwhatthouwilt, Butbenotsilent,ifthouissuehence, Ofhimwhohadjustnowhistonguesoprompt; HeweepethherethesilveroftheFrench; Isaw,thuscanstthouphraseit,himofDuera Therewherethesinnersstandoutinthecold. Ifthoushouldstquestionedbewhoelsewasthere, ThouhastbesidetheehimofBeccaria, OfwhomthegorgetFlorenceslitasunder; GiannidelSoldanier,Ithink,maybe YonderwithGanellon,andTebaldello WhoopedFaenzawhenthepeopleslep. Alreadywehadgoneawayfromhim, WhenIbeheldtwofrozeninonehole, Sothatoneheadahoodwastotheother;

157

TheDivineComedy Andevenasbreadthroughhungerisdevoured, Theuppermostontheothersethisteeth, Therewherethebrainistothenapeunited. NotinanotherfashionTydeusgnawed ThetemplesofMenalippusindisdain, Thanthatonedidtheskullandtheotherthings. Othou,whoshowestbysuchbestialsign Thyhatredagainsthimwhomthouarteating, Tellmethewherefore,saidI,withthiscompact, Thatifthourightfullyofhimcomplain, Inknowingwhoyeare,andhistransgression, Iintheworldaboverepaytheeforit, IfthatwherewithIspeakbenotdriedup.

158

TheDivineComedy Inferno:CantoXXXIII Hismouthupliftedfromhisgrimrepast, Thatsinner,wipingituponthehair Ofthesameheadthathebehindhadwasted. Thenhebegan:ThouwiltthatIrenew Thedesperategrief,whichwringsmyheartalready Tothinkofonly,ereIspeakofit; Butifmywordsbeseedthatmaybearfruit OfinfamytothetraitorwhomIgnaw, Speakingandweepingshaltthouseetogether. Iknownotwhothouart,norbywhatmode Thouhastcomedownhere;butaFlorentine Thouseemesttometruly,whenIhearthee. ThouhasttoknowIwasCountUgolino, AndthisonewasRuggieritheArchbishop; NowIwilltelltheewhyIamsuchaneighbour. That,byeffectofhismaliciousthoughts, TrustinginhimIwasmadeprisoner, Andafterputtodeath,Ineednotsay; Butneerthelesswhatthoucanstnothaveheard, Thatistosay,howcruelwasmydeath, Hearshaltthou,andshaltknowifhehaswrongedme. Anarrowperforationinthemew, WhichbearsbecauseofmethetitleofFamine, Andinwhichothersstillmustbelockedup, Hadshownmethroughitsopeningmanymoons Already,whenIdreamedtheevildream Whichofthefuturerentformetheveil. Thisoneappearedtomeaslordandmaster, Huntingthewolfandwhelpsuponthemountain ForwhichthePisanscannotLuccasee.

159

TheDivineComedy Withsleuthhoundsgaunt,andeager,andwelltrained, GualandiwithSismondiandLanfianchi Hehadsentoutbeforehimtothefront. Afterbriefcourseseemeduntomeforespent Thefatherandthesons,andwithsharptushes ItseemedtomeIsawtheirflanksrippedopen. WhenIbeforethemorrowwasawake, MoaningamidtheirsleepIheardmysons Whowithmewere,andaskingafterbread. Cruelindeedartthou,ifyetthougrievenot, Thinkingofwhatmyheartforebodedme, Andweepstthounot,whatartthouwonttoweepat? Theywereawakenow,andthehourdrewnigh Atwhichourfoodusedtobebroughttous, Andthroughhisdreamwaseachoneapprehensive; AndIheardlockinguptheunderdoor Ofthehorribletower;whereatwithoutaword Igazedintothefacesofmysons. Iweptnot,Iwithinsoturnedtostone; Theywept;anddarlinglittleAnselmmine Said:Thoudostgazeso,father,whatdothailthee? StillnotatearIshed,noranswermade Allofthatday,noryetthenightthereafter, Untilanothersunroseontheworld. Asnowalittleglimmermadeitsway Intothedolorousprison,andIsaw Uponfourfacesmyownveryaspect, BothofmyhandsinagonyIbit; And,thinkingthatIdiditfromdesire Ofeating,onasuddentheyuprose, Andsaidthey:Father,muchlesspaintwillgiveus Ifthoudoeatofus;thyselfdidstclotheus Withthispoorflesh,anddothoustripitoff.

160

TheDivineComedy Icalmedmethen,nottomakethemmoresad. Thatdayweallweresilent,andthenext. Ah!obdurateearth,whereforedidstthounotopen? Whenwehadcomeuntothefourthday,Gaddo Threwhimselfdownoutstretchedbeforemyfeet, Saying,Myfather,whydostthounothelpme? Andtherehedied;and,asthouseestme, Isawthethreefall,onebyone,between Thefifthdayandthesixth;whenceIbetookme, Alreadyblind,togropingovereach, Andthreedayscalledthemaftertheyweredead; Thenhungerdidwhatsorrowcouldnotdo. Whenhehadsaidthis,withhiseyesdistorted, Thewretchedskullresumedhewithhisteeth, Which,asadogs,uponthebonewerestrong. Ah!Pisa,thouopprobriumofthepeople OfthefairlandtherewheretheSidothsound, Sinceslowtopunishtheethyneighboursare, LettheCapraiaandGorgonamove, AndmakeahedgeacrossthemouthofArno Thateverypersonintheeitmaydrown! ForifCountUgolinohadthefame Ofhavinginthycastlestheebetrayed, Thoushouldstnotonsuchcrosshaveputhissons. Guiltlessofanycrime,thoumodernThebes! TheiryouthmadeUguccioneandBrigata, Andtheothertwomysongdothnameabove! Wepassedstillfartheronward,wheretheice Anotherpeopleruggedlyenswathes, Notdownwardturned,butallofthemreversed.

161

TheDivineComedy Weepingitselftheredoesnotletthemweep, Andgriefthatfindsabarrierintheeyes Turnsitselfinwardtoincreasetheanguish; Becausetheearliesttearsaclusterform, And,inthemannerofacrystalvisor, Fillallthecupbeneaththeeyebrowfull. Andnotwithstandingthat,asinacallus, Becauseofcoldallsensibility Itsstationhadabandonedinmyface, StillitappearedtomeIfeltsomewind; WhenceI:MyMaster,whosetsthisinmotion? Isnotbelowhereeveryvapourquenched? Whencehetome:Fullsoonshaltthoubewhere Thineeyeshallanswermaketotheeofthis, Seeingthecausewhichrainethdowntheblast. Andoneofthewretchesofthefrozencrust Criedouttous:Osoulssomerciless Thatthelastpostisgivenuntoyou, Liftfrommineeyestherigidveils,thatI Mayventthesorrowwhichimpregnsmyheart Alittle,eertheweepingrecongeal. WhenceItohim:Ifthouwouldsthavemehelpthee Saywhothouwast;andifIfreetheenot, MayIgotothebottomoftheice. Thenhereplied:IamFriarAlberigo; HeamIofthefruitofthebadgarden, Whohereadateamgettingformyfig. O,saidItohim,nowartthou,too,dead? Andhetome:Howmaymybodyfare Upintheworld,noknowledgeIpossess. SuchanadvantagehasthisPtolomaea, Thatoftentimesthesouldescendethhere SoonerthanAtroposinmotionsetsit.

162

TheDivineComedy And,thatthoumayestmorewillinglyremove Fromoffmycountenancetheseglassytears, Knowthatassoonasanysoulbetrays AsIhavedone,hisbodybyademon Istakenfromhim,whothereafterrulesit, Untilhistimehaswhollybeenrevolved. Itselfdownrushesintosuchacistern; Andstillperchanceaboveappearsthebody Ofyondershade,thatwintersherebehindme. Thisthoushouldstknow,ifthouhastjustcomedown; ItisSerBrancadOria,andmanyyears Havepassedawaysincehewasthuslockedup. Ithink,saidItohim,thoudostdeceiveme; ForBrancadOriaisnotdeadasyet, Andeats,anddrinks,andsleeps,andputsonclothes. Inmoatabove,saidhe,ofMalebranche, Therewhereisboilingthetenaciouspitch, AsyethadMichelZanchenotarrived, Whenthisoneleftadevilinhisstead Inhisownbodyandonenearofkin, Whomadetogetherwithhimthebetrayal. Buthitherwardstretchoutthyhandforthwith, Openmineeyes;andopenthemIdidnot, Andtoberudetohimwascourtesy. Ah,Genoese!yemenatvariance Witheveryvirtue,fullofeveryvice Whereforeareyenotscatteredfromtheworld? ForwiththevilestspiritofRomagna Ifoundofyouonesuch,whoforhisdeeds InsoulalreadyinCocytusbathes, Andstillaboveinbodyseemsalive!

163

TheDivineComedy Inferno:CantoXXXIV VexillaRegisprodeuntInferni Towardsus;thereforelookinfrontofthee, MyMastersaid,ifthoudiscernesthim. As,whentherebreathesaheavyfog,orwhen Ourhemisphereisdarkeningintonight, Appearsfaroffamillthewindisturning, MethoughtthatsuchabuildingthenIsaw; And,forthewind,Idrewmyselfbehind MyGuide,becausetherewasnoothershelter. NowwasI,andwithfearinverseIputit, Therewheretheshadeswerewhollycoveredup, Andglimmeredthroughlikeuntostrawsinglass. Somepronearelying,othersstanderect, Thiswiththehead,andthatonewiththesoles; Another,bowlike,facetofeetinverts. Wheninadvancesofarwehadproceeded, ThatitmyMasterpleasedtoshowtome Thecreaturewhooncehadthebeauteoussemblance, Hefrombeforememovedandmademestop, Saying:BeholdDis,andbeholdtheplace Wherethouwithfortitudemustarmthyself. HowfrozenIbecameandpowerlessthen, Askitnot,Reader,forIwriteitnot, Becausealllanguagewouldbeinsufficient. Ididnotdie,andIaliveremainednot; Thinkforthyselfnow,hastthouaughtofwit, WhatIbecame,beingofbothdeprived. TheEmperorofthekingdomdolorous Fromhismidbreastforthissuedfromtheice; AndbetterwithagiantIcompare

164

TheDivineComedy Thandothegiantswiththosearmsofhis; Considernowhowgreatmustbethatwhole, Whichuntosuchapartconformsitself. Wereheasfaironce,ashenowisfoul, AndlifteduphisbrowagainsthisMaker, Wellmayproceedfromhimalltribulation. O,whatamarvelitappearedtome, WhenIbeheldthreefacesonhishead! Theoneinfront,andthatvermilionwas; Twoweretheothers,thatwerejoinedwiththis Abovethemiddlepartofeithershoulder, Andtheywerejoinedtogetheratthecrest; Andtherighthandoneseemedtwixtwhiteandyellow; Theleftwassuchtolookuponasthose WhocomefromwheretheNilefallsvalleyward. Underneatheachcameforthtwomightywings, Suchasbefittingweresogreatabird; SailsoftheseaIneversawsolarge. Nofeathershadthey,butasofabat Theirfashionwas;andhewaswavingthem, Sothatthreewindsproceededforththerefrom. TherebyCocytuswhollywascongealed. Withsixeyesdidheweep,anddownthreechins Trickledtheteardropsandthebloodydrivel. Ateverymouthhewithhisteethwascrunching Asinner,inthemannerofabrake, Sothathethreeofthemtormentedthus. Tohiminfrontthebitingwasasnaught Untotheclawing,forsometimesthespine Utterlystrippedofalltheskinremained. Thatsouluptherewhichhasthegreatestpain, TheMastersaid,isJudasIscariot; Withheadinside,heplieshislegswithout.

165

TheDivineComedy Ofthetwoothers,whoheaddownwardare, TheonewhohangsfromtheblackjowlisBrutus; Seehowhewritheshimself,andspeaksnoword. Andtheother,whosostalwartseems,isCassius. Butnightisreascending,andtistime Thatwedepart,forwehaveseenthewhole. Asseemedhimgood,Iclaspedhimroundtheneck, Andhethevantageseizedoftimeandplace, Andwhenthewingswereopenedwideapart, Helaidfastholdupontheshaggysides; Fromfelltofelldescendeddownwardthen Betweenthethickhairandthefrozencrust. Whenwewerecometowherethethighrevolves Exactlyonthethicknessofthehaunch, TheGuide,withlabourandwithharddrawnbreath, Turnedroundhisheadwherehehadhadhislegs, Andgrappledtothehair,asonewhomounts, SothattoHellIthoughtwewerereturning. Keepfastthyhold,forbysuchstairsasthese, TheMastersaid,pantingasonefatigued, Mustweperforcedepartfromsomuchevil. Thenthroughtheopeningofarockheissued, Anddownuponthemarginseatedme; Thentowrdsmeheoutstretchedhiswarystep. Iliftedupmineeyesandthoughttosee LuciferinthesamewayIhadlefthim; AndIbeheldhimupwardholdhislegs. AndifIthenbecamedisquieted, Letstolidpeoplethinkwhodonotsee WhatthepointisbeyondwhichIhadpassed.

166

TheDivineComedy Riseup,theMastersaid,uponthyfeet; Thewayislong,anddifficulttheroad, Andnowthesuntomiddletiercereturns. Itwasnotanypalacecorridor Therewherewewere,butdungeonnatural, Withfloorunevenanduneaseoflight. ErefromtheabyssItearmyselfaway, MyMaster,saidIwhenIhadarisen, Todrawmefromanerrorspeakalittle; Whereistheice?andhowisthisonefixed Thusupsidedown?andhowinsuchshorttime Fromevetomornhasthesunmadehistransit? Andhetome:Thoustillimaginest Thouartbeyondthecentre,whereIgrasped Thehairofthefellworm,whominestheworld. Thatsidethouwast,solongasIdescended; WhenroundIturnedme,thoudidstpassthepoint Towhichthingsheavydrawfromeveryside, Andnowbeneaththehemisphereartcome Oppositethatwhichoverhangsthevast Dryland,andneathwhosecopewasputtodeath TheManwhowithoutsinwasbornandlived. Thouhastthyfeetuponthelittlesphere WhichmakestheotherfaceoftheJudecca. Hereitismornwhenitiseveningthere; Andhewhowithhishairastairwaymadeus Stillfixedremainethashewasbefore. Uponthissidehefelldownoutofheaven; Andalltheland,thatwhilomhereemerged, Forfearofhimmadeoftheseaaveil, Andcametoourhemisphere;andperadventure Tofleefromhim,whatonthissideappears Lefttheplacevacanthere,andbackrecoiled.

167

TheDivineComedy Aplacethereisbelow,fromBeelzebub Asfarrecedingasthetombextends, Whichnotbysightisknown,butbythesound Ofasmallrivulet,thattheredescendeth Throughchasmwithinthestone,whichithasgnawed Withcoursethatwindsaboutandslightlyfalls. TheGuideandIintothathiddenroad Nowentered,toreturntothebrightworld; Andwithoutcareofhavinganyrest Wemountedup,hefirstandIthesecond, TillIbeheldthrougharoundaperture SomeofthebeauteousthingsthatHeavendothbear; Thencewecameforthtorebeholdthestars.

168

TheDivineComedy

169

TheDivineComedy PURGATORIO Purgatorio:CantoI Torunoerbetterwatershoistsitssail Thelittlevesselofmygeniusnow, Thatleavesbehinditselfaseasocruel; AndofthatsecondkingdomwillIsing Whereinthehumanspiritdothpurgeitself, Andtoascendtoheavenbecomethworthy. ButletdeadPoesyhereriseagain, OholyMuses,sincethatIamyours, AndhereCalliopesomewhatascend, Mysongaccompanyingwiththatsound, Ofwhichthemiserablemagpiesfelt Theblowsogreat,thattheydespairedofpardon. Sweetcolouroftheorientalsapphire, Thatwasupgatheredinthecloudlessaspect Ofthepureair,asfarasthefirstcircle, Untomineeyesdidrecommencedelight SoonasIissuedforthfromthedeadair, Whichhadwithsadnessfilledmineeyesandbreast. Thebeauteousplanet,thattoloveincites, Wasmakingalltheorienttolaugh, VeilingtheFishesthatwereinherescort. TotherighthandIturned,andfixedmymind Upontheotherpole,andsawfourstars Neerseenbeforesavebytheprimalpeople. Rejoicingintheirflameletsseemedtheheaven. Othouseptentrionalandwidowedsite, Becausethouartdeprivedofseeingthese!

170

TheDivineComedy WhenfromregardingthemIhadwithdrawn, Turningalittletotheotherpole, TherewheretheWainhaddisappearedalready, Isawbesidemeanoldmanalone, Worthyofsomuchreverenceinhislook, Thatmoreowesnottofatheranyson. Alongbeardandwithwhitehairintermingled Hewore,insemblancelikeuntothetresses, Ofwhichadoublelistfellonhisbreast. Theraysofthefourconsecratedstars Didsoadornhiscountenancewithlight, ThathimIsawaswerethesunbeforehim. Whoareyou?yewho,countertheblindriver, Havefledawayfromtheeternalprison? Movingthosevenerableplumes,hesaid: Whoguidedyou?orwhohasbeenyourlamp Inissuingforthoutofthenightprofound, Thateverblackmakestheinfernalvalley? Thelawsoftheabyss,aretheythusbroken? Oristherechangedinheavensomecouncilnew, Thatbeingdamnedyecomeuntomycrags? ThendidmyLeaderlayhisgraspuponme, Andwithhiswords,andwithhishandsandsigns, Reverenthemadeinmemykneesandbrow; Thenansweredhim:Icamenotofmyself; ALadyfromHeavendescended,atwhoseprayers Iaidedthisonewithmycompany. Butsinceitisthywillmorebeunfolded Ofourcondition,howittrulyis, Minecannotbethatthisshouldbedeniedthee. Thisonehasneverhislasteveningseen, Butbyhisfollywassoneartoit Thatverylittletimewastheretoturn.

171

TheDivineComedy AsIhavesaid,Iuntohimwassent Torescuehim,andotherwaywasnone ThanthistowhichIhavemyselfbetaken. Iveshownhimallthepeopleofperdition, AndnowthosespiritsIintendtoshow Whopurgethemselvesbeneaththyguardianship. HowIhavebroughthimwouldbelongtotellthee. Virtuedescendethfromonhighthataidsme Toleadhimtobeholdtheeandtohearthee. Nowmayitpleasetheetovouchsafehiscoming; HeseekethLiberty,whichissodear, Asknowethhewholifeforherrefuses. Thouknowstit;since,forher,totheenotbitter WasdeathinUtica,wherethoudidstleave Thevesture,thatwillshineso,thegreatday. Byustheeternaledictsarenotbroken; Sincethisonelives,andMinosbindsnotme; ButofthatcircleI,wherearethechaste EyesofthyMarcia,whoinlooksstillpraysthee, Oholybreast,toholdherasthineown; Forherlove,then,inclinethyselftous. Permitusthroughthysevenfoldrealmtogo; Iwilltakebackthisgracefromtheetoher, Iftobementionedtherebelowthoudeignest. Marciasopleasingwasuntomineeyes WhileIwasontheotherside,thensaidhe, ThateverygraceshewishedofmeIgranted; Nowthatshedwellsbeyondtheevilriver, Shecannolongermoveme,bythatlaw Which,whenIissuedforthfromthere,wasmade.

172

TheDivineComedy ButifaLadyofHeavendomoveandrulethee, Asthoudostsay,noflatteryisneedful; Letitsufficetheethatforherthouaskme. Go,then,andseethougirdthisoneabout Withasmoothrush,andthatthouwashhisface, Sothatthoucleanseawayallstaintherefrom, Fortwerenotfittingthattheeyeoercast Byanymistshouldgobeforethefirst Angel,whoisofthoseofParadise. Thislittleislandroundaboutitsbase Belowthere,yonder,wherethebillowbeatsit, Dothrushesbearuponitswashyooze; Nootherplantthatputtethforththeleaf, Orthatdothindurate,cantherehavelife, Becauseityieldethnotuntotheshocks. Thereafterbenotthiswayyourreturn; Thesun,whichnowisrising,willdirectyou Totakethemountbyeasierascent. Withthishevanished;andIraisedmeup Withoutaword,andwhollydrewmyself UntomyGuide,andturnedmineeyestohim. Andhebegan:Son,followthoumysteps; Letusturnback,foronthissidedeclines Theplainuntoitslowerboundaries. Thedawnwasvanquishingthematinhour Whichfledbeforeit,sothatfromafar Irecognisedthetremblingofthesea. Alongthesolitaryplainwewent Asonewhountothelostroadreturns, Andtillhefindsitseemstogoinvain. Assoonaswewerecometowherethedew Fightswiththesun,and,beinginapart Whereshadowfalls,littleevaporates,

173

TheDivineComedy Bothofhishandsuponthegrassoutspread IngentlemannerdidmyMasterplace; WhenceI,whoofhisactionwasaware, Extendeduntohimmytearfulcheeks; Theredidhemakeinmeuncoveredwholly ThathuewhichHellhadcoveredupinme. Thencamewedownuponthedesertshore Whichneveryetsawnavigateitswaters Anythatafterwardhadknownreturn. Therehebegirtmeastheotherpleased; Omarvellous!forevenasheculled Thehumbleplant,suchitsprangupagain Suddenlytherewhereheuprootedit.

174

TheDivineComedy Purgatorio:CantoII Alreadyhadthesunthehorizonreached Whosecircleofmeridiancoversoer Jerusalemwithitsmostloftypoint, Andnightthatoppositetohimrevolves WasissuingforthfromGangeswiththeScales Thatfallfromoutherhandwhensheexceedeth; Sothatthewhiteandthevermilioncheeks OfbeautifulAurora,whereIwas, Bytoogreatagewerechangingintoorange. Westillwereontheborderofthesea, Likepeoplewhoarethinkingoftheirroad, Whogoinheartandwiththebodystay; Andlo!aswhen,upontheapproachofmorning, ThroughthegrossvapoursMarsgrowsfieryred DownintheWestupontheoceanfloor, AppearedtomemayIagainbeholdit! Alightalongtheseasoswiftlycoming, Itsmotionbynoflightofwingisequalled; FromwhichwhenIalittlehadwithdrawn Mineeyes,thatImightquestionmyConductor, AgainIsawitbrightergrownandlarger. Thenoneachsideofitappearedtome Iknewnotwhatofwhite,andunderneathit Littlebylittletherecameforthanother. MyMasteryethadutterednotaword Whilethefirstwhitenessintowingsunfolded; Butwhenheclearlyrecognisedthepilot, Hecried:Makehaste,makehastetobowtheknee! BeholdtheAngelofGod!foldthouthyhands! Henceforwardshaltthouseesuchofficers!

175

TheDivineComedy Seehowhescornethhumanarguments, Sothatnoroarhewants,norothersail Thanhisownwings,betweensodistantshores. Seehowheholdsthempointeduptoheaven, Fanningtheairwiththeeternalpinions, Thatdonotmoultthemselveslikemortalhair! Thenasstillnearerandmorenearuscame TheBirdDivine,moreradiantheappeared, Sothatnearbytheeyecouldnotendurehim, ButdownIcastit;andhecametoshore Withasmallvessel,veryswiftandlight, Sothatthewaterswallowednaughtthereof. UponthesternstoodtheCelestialPilot; Beatitudeseemedwritteninhisface, Andmorethanahundredspiritssatwithin. InexituIsraeldeAegypto! Theychantedalltogetherinonevoice, Withwhatsointhatpsalmisafterwritten. Thenmadehesignofholyrooduponthem, Whereatallcastthemselvesupontheshore, Andhedepartedswiftlyashecame. Thethrongwhichstillremainedthereunfamiliar Seemedwiththeplace,allroundaboutthemgazing, Asonewhoinnewmattersmakesessay. Oneverysidewasdartingforththeday. Thesun,whohadwithhisresplendentshafts FromthemidheavenchasedforththeCapricorn, Whenthenewpeoplelifteduptheirfaces Towardsus,sayingtous:Ifyeknow, Showusthewaytogountothemountain. AndanswermadeVirgilius:Yebelieve Perchancethatwehaveknowledgeofthisplace, Butwearestrangersevenasyourselves.

176

TheDivineComedy Justnowwecame,alittlewhilebeforeyou, Anotherway,whichwassoroughandsteep, Thatmountingwillhenceforthseemsporttous. Thesoulswhohad,fromseeingmedrawbreath, BecomeawarethatIwasstillalive, Pallidintheirastonishmentbecame; Andastomessengerwhobearstheolive Thepeoplethrongtolistentothenews, Andnooneshowshimselfafraidofcrowding, Soatthesightofmestoodmotionless Thosefortunatespirits,allofthem,asif Oblivioustogoandmakethemfair. OnefromamongthemsawIcomingforward, Astoembraceme,withsuchgreataffection, Thatitincitedmetodothelike. Oemptyshadows,saveinaspectonly! ThreetimesbehinditdidIclaspmyhands, Asoftreturnedwiththemtomyownbreast! IthinkwithwonderIdepictedme; Whereattheshadowsmiledandbackwarddrew; AndI,pursuingit,pressedfartherforward. GentlyitsaidthatIshouldstaymysteps; ThenknewIwhoitwas,andIentreated Thatitwouldstopawhiletospeakwithme. Itmadereplytome:EvenasIlovedthee Inmortalbody,soIlovetheefree; ThereforeIstop;butwhereforegoestthou? MyownCasella!toreturnoncemore TherewhereIam,Imakethisjourney,saidI; Buthowfromtheehassomuchtimebetaken?

177

TheDivineComedy Andhetome:Nooutragehasbeendoneme, Ifhewhotakesbothwhenandwhomhepleases Hasmanytimesdeniedtomethispassage, Forofarighteouswillhisownismade. He,soothtosay,forthreemonthspasthastaken Whoeverwishedtoenterwithallpeace; WhenceI,whonowhadturneduntothatshore WheresaltthewatersoftheTibergrow, Benignantlybyhimhavebeenreceived. Untothatoutletnowhiswingispointed, Becauseforevermoreassemblethere ThosewhotowrdsAcherondonotdescend. AndI:Ifsomenewlawtakenotfromthee Memoryorpracticeofthesongoflove, Whichusedtoquietinmeallmylongings, Theemayitpleasetocomforttherewithal Somewhatthissoulofmine,thatwithitsbody Hitherwardcomingissomuchdistressed. Love,thatwithinmyminddiscourseswithme, Forthwithbeganhesomelodiously, Themelodywithinmestillissounding. MyMaster,andmyself,andallthatpeople Whichwithhimwere,appearedassatisfied Asifnaughtelsemighttouchthemindofany. Weallofusweremovelessandattentive Untohisnotes;andlo!thegraveoldman, Exclaiming:Whatisthis,yelaggardspirits? Whatnegligence,whatstandingstillisthis? Runtothemountaintostripofftheslough, ThatletsnotGodbemanifesttoyou. Evenaswhen,collectinggrainortares, Thedoves,togetherattheirpasturemet, Quiet,norshowingtheiraccustomedpride,

178

TheDivineComedy Ifaughtappearofwhichtheyareafraid, Uponasuddenleavetheirfoodalone, Becausetheyareassailedbygreatercare; SothatfreshcompanydidIbehold Thesongrelinquish,andgotowrdsthehill, Asonewhogoes,andknowsnotwhitherward; Norwasourowndeparturelessinhaste.

179

TheDivineComedy Purgatorio:CantoIII Inasmuchastheinstantaneousflight Hadscatteredthemasunderoertheplain, Turnedtothemountainwhitherreasonspursus, Ipressedmecloseuntomyfaithfulcomrade, AndhowwithouthimhadIkeptmycourse? Whowouldhaveledmeupalongthemountain? Heseemedtomewithinhimselfremorseful; Onobleconscience,andwithoutastain, Howsharpastingistrivialfaulttothee! Afterhisfeethadlaidasidethehaste Whichmarsthedignityofeveryact, Mymind,thathithertohadbeenrestrained, Letlooseitsfacultiesasifdelighted, AndImysightdirectedtothehill Thathighesttowrdstheheavenupliftsitself. Thesun,thatinourrearwasflamingred, Wasbrokeninfrontofmeintothefigure Whichhadinmethestoppageofitsrays; UntoonesideIturnedme,withthefear Ofbeingleftalone,whenIbeheld Onlyinfrontofmethegroundobscured. Whydostthoustillmistrust?myComforter Begantosaytometurnedwhollyround; Dostthounotthinkmewiththee,andthatIguidethee? Tiseveningtherealreadywhereisburied ThebodywithinwhichIcastashadow; TisfromBrundusiumtaen,andNapleshasit. Nowifinfrontofmenoshadowfall, Marvelnotatitmorethanattheheavens, Becauseonerayimpedethnotanother

180

TheDivineComedy Tosuffertorments,bothofcoldandheat, BodieslikethisthatPowerprovides,whichwills Thathowitworksbenotunveiledtous. Insaneishewhohopeththatourreason Cantraversetheillimitableway, WhichtheoneSubstanceinthreePersonsfollows! Mortals,remaincontentedattheQuia; Forifyehadbeenabletoseeall, NoneedtherewereforMarytogivebirth; Andyehaveseendesiringwithoutfruit, Thosewhosedesirewouldhavebeenquieted, Whichevermoreisgiventhemforagrief. IspeakofAristotleandofPlato, Andmanyothers;andherebowedhishead, Andmorehesaidnot,andremaineddisturbed. Wecamemeanwhileuntothemountainsfoot; Theresoprecipitatewefoundtherock, Thatnimblelegswouldtherehavebeeninvain. TwixtLericiandTurbia,themostdesert, Themostsecludedpathwayisastair Easyandopen,ifcomparedwiththat. Whoknowethnowuponwhichhandthehill Slopesdown,myMastersaid,hisfootstepsstaying, Sothatwhogoethwithoutwingsmaymount? Andwhileheheldhiseyesupontheground Examiningthenatureofthepath, AndIwaslookinguparoundtherock, Onthelefthandappearedtomeathrong Ofsouls,thatmovedtheirfeetinourdirection, Anddidnotseemtomove,theycamesoslowly. Liftupthineeyes,ItotheMastersaid; Behold,onthisside,whowillgiveuscounsel, Ifthouofthineownselfcanhaveitnot.

181

TheDivineComedy Thenhelookedatme,andwithfrankexpression Replied:Letusgothere,fortheycomeslowly, Andthoubesteadfastinthyhope,sweetson. Stillwasthatpeopleasfarofffromus, AfterathousandstepsofoursIsay, Asagoodthrowerwithhishandwouldreach, Whentheyallcrowdeduntothehardmasses Ofthehighbank,andmotionlessstoodandclose, Ashestandsstilltolookwhogoesindoubt. Ohappydead!Ospiritselectalready! Virgiliusmadebeginning,bythatpeace WhichIbelieveiswaitingforyouall, Tellusuponwhatsidethemountainslopes, Sothatthegoingupbepossible, Fortolosetimeirkshimmostwhomostknows. Assheepcomeissuingforthfromoutthefold Byonesandtwosandthrees,andtheothersstand Timidly,holdingdowntheireyesandnostrils, Andwhattheforemostdoestheothersdo, Huddlingthemselvesagainsther,ifshestop, Simpleandquietandthewhereforeknownot; Somovingtoapproachusthereupon Isawtheleaderofthatfortunateflock, Modestinfaceanddignifiedingait. Assoonasthoseintheadvancesawbroken Thelightuponthegroundatmyrightside, Sothatfrommetheshadowreachedtherock, Theystopped,andbackwarddrewthemselvessomewhat; Andalltheothers,whocameafterthem, Notknowingwhynorwherefore,didthesame.

182

TheDivineComedy Withoutyourasking,Iconfesstoyou Thisisahumanbodywhichyousee, Wherebythesunshineonthegroundiscleft. Marvelyenotthereat,butbepersuaded ThatnotwithoutapowerwhichcomesfromHeaven Dothheendeavourtosurmountthiswall. TheMasterthus;andsaidthoseworthypeople: Returnyethen,andenterinbeforeus, Makingasignalwiththebackothehand Andoneofthembegan:Whoeerthouart, Thusgoingturnthineeyes,considerwell Ifeerthousawmeintheotherworld. Iturnedmetowrdshim,andlookedathimclosely; Blondwashe,beautiful,andofnobleaspect, Butoneofhiseyebrowshadablowdivided. WhenwithhumilityIhaddisclaimed Eerhavingseenhim,Nowbehold!hesaid, Andshowedmehighuponhisbreastawound. Thensaidhewithasmile:IamManfredi, ThegrandsonoftheEmpressCostanza; Therefore,whenthoureturnest,Ibeseechthee Gotomydaughterbeautiful,themother OfSicilyshonourandofAragons, Andthetruthtellher,ifaughtelsebetold. AfterIhadmybodylacerated Bythesetwomortalstabs,Igavemyself WeepingtoHim,whowillinglydothpardon. Horriblemyiniquitieshadbeen; ButInfiniteGoodnesshathsuchamplearms, Thatitreceiveswhateverturnstoit. HadbutCosenzaspastor,whoinchase OfmewassentbyClementatthattime, InGodreadunderstandinglythispage,

183

TheDivineComedy Thebonesofmydeadbodystillwouldbe Atthebridgehead,nearuntoBenevento, Underthesafeguardoftheheavycairn. Nowtherainbathesandmoveththemthewind, Beyondtherealm,almostbesidetheVerde, Wherehetransportedthemwithtapersquenched. Bymalisonoftheirsisnotsolost EternalLove,thatitcannotreturn, Solongashopehasanythingofgreen. Trueisit,whoincontumacydies OfHolyChurch,thoughpenitentatlast, Mustwaitupontheoutsidethisbank Thirtytimestoldthetimethathehasbeen Inhispresumption,unlesssuchdecree Shorterbymeansofrighteousprayersbecome. Seenowifthouhastpowertomakemehappy, BymakingknownuntomygoodCostanza Howthouhastseenme,andthisbanbeside, Forthoseonearthcanmuchadvanceushere.

184

TheDivineComedy Purgatorio:CantoIV Wheneverbydelightorelsebypain, Thatseizesanyfacultyofours, Whollytothatthesoulcollectsitself, Itseemeththatnootherpoweritheeds; Andthisagainstthaterroriswhichthinks Onesoulaboveanotherkindlesinus. Andhence,wheneveraughtisheardorseen Whichkeepsthesoulintentlybentuponit, Timepasseson,andweperceiveitnot, Becauseonefacultyisthatwhichlistens, Andotherthatwhichthesoulkeepsentire; Thisisasifinbonds,andthatisfree. OfthisIhadexperiencepositive Inhearingandingazingatthatspirit; Forfiftyfulldegreesuprisenwas Thesun,andIhadnotperceivedit,when Wecametowherethosesoulswithoneaccord Criedoutuntous:Hereiswhatyouask. Agreateropeningofttimeshedgesup Withbutalittleforkfulofhisthorns Thevillager,whattimethegrapeimbrowns, Thanwasthepassagewaythroughwhichascended OnlymyLeaderandmyselfbehindhim, Afterthatcompanydepartedfromus. OneclimbsSanleoanddescendsinNoli, AndmountsthesummitofBismantova, Withfeetalone;buthereoneneedsmustfly; WiththeswiftpinionsandtheplumesIsay Ofgreatdesire,conductedafterhim Whogavemehope,andmadealightforme.

185

TheDivineComedy Wemountedupwardthroughtheriftedrock, Andoneachsidetheborderpresseduponus, Andfeetandhandsthegroundbeneathrequired. Whenwewerecomeupontheupperrim Ofthehighbank,outontheopenslope, MyMaster,saidI,whatwayshallwetake? Andhetome:Nostepofthinedescend; Stillupthemountbehindmewinthyway, Tillsomesageescortshallappeartous. Thesummitwassohighitvanquishedsight, Andthehillsideprecipitousfarmore Thanlinefrommiddlequadranttothecentre. SpentwithfatiguewasI,whenIbegan: OmysweetFather!turntheeandbehold HowIremainalone,unlessthoustay! Oson,hesaid,upyonderdragthyself, Pointingmetoaterracesomewhathigher, Whichonthatsideencirclesallthehill. Thesewordsofhissospurredmeon,thatI Strainedeverynerve,behindhimscramblingup, Untilthecirclewasbeneathmyfeet. Thereonourselvesweseatedbothofus TurnedtotheEast,fromwhichwehadascended, Forallmenaredelightedtolookback. TothelowshoresmineeyesIfirstdirected, Thentothesunupliftedthem,andwondered Thatonthelefthandweweresmittenbyit. ThePoetwellperceivedthatIwaswholly Bewilderedatthechariotofthelight, WheretwixtusandtheAquilonitentered. Whereonhesaidtome:IfCastorandPollux Wereinthecompanyofyondermirror, Thatupanddownconductethwithitslight,

186

TheDivineComedy Thouwouldstbeholdthezodiacsjaggedwheel RevolvingstillmorenearuntotheBears, Unlessitswervedasidefromitsoldtrack. Howthatmaybewouldstthouhavepowertothink, Collectedinthyself,imagineZion Togetherwiththismountonearthtostand, Sothattheybothonesolehorizonhave, Andhemispheresdiverse;wherebytheroad WhichPhaeton,alas!knewnottodrive, Thoultseehowofnecessitymustpass Thisononeside,whenthatupontheother, Ifthineintelligencerightclearlyheed. Truly,myMaster,saidI,neveryet SawIsoclearlyasInowdiscern, Therewheremywitappearedincompetent, Thatthemidcircleofsupernalmotion, WhichinsomeartistheEquatorcalled, AndayeremainsbetweentheSunandWinter, Forreasonwhichthousayest,departethhence TowrdstheSeptentrion,whattimetheHebrews Beheldittowrdstheregionoftheheat. But,ifitpleaseththee,Ifainwouldlearn Howfarwehavetogo;forthehillrises Higherthaneyesofminehavepowertorise. Andhetome:Thismountissuch,thatever Atthebeginningdownbelowtistiresome, Andayethemoreoneclimbs,thelessithurts. Therefore,whenitshallseemsopleasanttothee, Thatgoingupshallbetotheeaseasy Asgoingdownthecurrentinaboat,

187

TheDivineComedy Thenatthispathwaysendingthouwiltbe; Theretoreposethypantingbreathexpect; NomoreIanswer;andthisIknowfortrue. Andashefinishedutteringthesewords, Avoiceclosebyussounded:Peradventure Thouwilthaveneedofsittingdownerethat. Atsoundthereofeachoneofusturnedround, Andsawuponthelefthandagreatrock, WhichneitherInorhebeforehadnoticed. Thitherwedrew;andtherewerepersonsthere Whointheshadowstoodbehindtherock, Asonethroughindolenceiswonttostand. Andoneofthem,whoseemedtomefatigued, Wassittingdown,andbothhiskneesembraced, Holdinghisfacelowdownbetweenthembowed. OmysweetLord,Isaid,doturnthineeye Onhimwhoshowshimselfmorenegligent ThenevenSlothherselfhissisterwere. Thenheturnedroundtous,andhegaveheed, Justliftinguphiseyesabovehisthigh, Andsaid:Nowgothouup,forthouartvaliant. ThenknewIwhohewas;andthedistress, Thatstillalittledidmybreathingquicken, Mygoingtohimhinderednot;andafter Icametohimhehardlyraisedhishead, Saying:Hastthouseenclearlyhowthesun Oerthyleftshoulderdriveshischariot? Hissluggishattitudeandhiscurtwords Alittleuntolaughtermovedmylips; ThenIbegan:Belacqua,Igrievenot Fortheehenceforth;buttellme,whereforeseated Inthisplaceartthou?Waitestthouanescort? Orhasthyusualhabitseizeduponthee?

188

TheDivineComedy Andhe:Obrother,whatstheuseofclimbing? Sincetomytormentwouldnotletmego TheAngelofGod,whosittethatthegate. Firstheavenmustneedssolongrevolvemeround Outsidethereof,asinmylifeitdid, SincethegoodsighsItotheendpostponed, Unless,eerthat,someprayermaybringmeaid Whichrisesfromaheartthatlivesingrace; Whatprofitothersthatinheavenareheardnot? MeanwhilethePoetwasbeforememounting, Andsaying:Comenow;seethesunhastouched Meridian,andfromtheshorethenight CoversalreadywithherfootMorocco.

189

TheDivineComedy Purgatorio:CantoV Ihadalreadyfromthoseshadesdeparted, AndfollowedinthefootstepsofmyGuide, Whenfrombehind,pointinghisfingeratme, Oneshouted:See,itseemsasifshonenot Thesunshineontheleftofhimbelow, Andlikeonelivingseemshetoconducthim. MineeyesIturnedatutteranceofthesewords, Andsawthemwatchingwithastonishment Butme,butme,andthelightwhichwasbroken! Whydoththymindsooccupyitself, TheMastersaid,thatthouthypacedostslacken? Whatmattersittotheewhathereiswhispered? Comeafterme,andletthepeopletalk; Standlikeasteadfasttower,thatneverwags Itstopforalltheblowingofthewinds; Forevermorethemaninwhomisspringing Thoughtuponthought,removesfromhimthemark, Becausetheforceofonetheotherweakens. WhatcouldIsayinanswerbutIcome? Isaiditsomewhatwiththatcolourtinged Whichmakesamanofpardonsometimesworthy. Meanwhilealongthemountainsideacross Camepeopleinadvanceofusalittle, SingingtheMiserereversebyverse. WhentheybecameawareIgavenoplace Forpassageofthesunshinethroughmybody, Theychangedtheirsongintoalong,hoarseOh! Andtwoofthem,informofmessengers, Ranforthtomeetus,anddemandedofus, Ofyourconditionmakeuscognisant.

190

TheDivineComedy AndsaidmyMaster:Yecangoyourway Andcarrybackagaintothosewhosentyou, Thatthisonesbodyisofveryflesh. Iftheystoodstillbecausetheysawhisshadow, AsIsuppose,enoughisansweredthem; Himletthemhonour,itmayprofitthem. VapoursenkindledsawIneersoswiftly Atearlynightfallcleavetheairserene, Nor,atthesetofsun,thecloudsofAugust, Butupwardtheyreturnedinbriefertime, And,onarriving,withtheotherswheeled Towrdsus,liketroopsthatrunwithoutarein. Thisfolkthatpressesuntousisgreat, Andcomethtoimplorethee,saidthePoet; Sostillgoonward,andingoinglisten. Osoulthatgoesttobeatitude Withthesamememberswherewiththouwastborn, Shoutingtheycame,alittlestaythysteps, Look,ifthoueerhastanyofusseen, Sothatoeryonderthoubearnewsofhim; Ah,whydostthougoon?Ah,whynotstay? Longsinceweallwereslainbyviolence, Andsinnerseventothelatesthour; Thendidalightfromheavenadmonishus, Sothat,bothpenitentandpardoning,forth FromlifeweissuedreconciledtoGod, WhowithdesiretoseeHimstirsourhearts. AndI:AlthoughIgazeintoyourfaces, NooneIrecognize;butifmaypleaseyou AughtIhavepowertodo,yewellbornspirits, Speakye,andIwilldoit,bythatpeace Which,followingthefeetofsuchaGuide, Fromworldtoworldmakesitselfsoughtbyme.

191

TheDivineComedy Andonebegan:Eachonehasconfidence Inthygoodofficeswithoutanoath, UnlesstheIcannotcutofftheIwill; WhenceI,whospeakalonebeforetheothers, Praythee,ifeverthoudostseetheland ThattwixtRomagnaliesandthatofCharles, Thoubesocourteoustomeofthyprayers InFano,thattheyprayformedevoutly, ThatImaypurgeawaymygraveoffences. FromthencewasI;butthedeepwounds,throughwhich IssuedthebloodwhereinIhadmyseat, WeredealtmeinbosomoftheAntenori, TherewhereIthoughttobethemostsecure; TwasheofEstehaditdone,whoheldme Inhatredfarbeyondwhatjusticewilled. ButiftowardstheMiraIhadfled, WhenIwasovertakenatOriaco, Istillshouldbeoeryonderwheremenbreathe. Irantothelagoon,andreedsandmire DidsoentanglemeIfell,andsawthere Alakemadefrommyveinsupontheground. Thensaidanother:Ah,bethatdesire Fulfilledthatdrawstheetotheloftymountain, Asthouwithpiouspityaidestmine. IwasofMontefeltro,andamBuonconte; Giovanna,nornoneothercaresforme; HenceamongtheseIgowithdowncastfront. AndItohim:Whatviolenceorwhatchance LedtheeastraysofarfromCampaldino, Thatneverhasthysepulturebeenknown?

192

TheDivineComedy Oh,hereplied,atCasentinosfoot ArivercrossesnamedArchiano,born AbovetheHermitageinApennine. Therewherethenamethereofbecomethvoid DidIarrive,piercedthroughandthroughthethroat, Fleeingonfoot,andbloodyingtheplain; TheremysightlostI,andmyutterance CeasedinthenameofMary,andthereat Ifell,andtenantlessmyfleshremained. TruthwillIspeak,repeatittotheliving; GodsAngeltookmeup,andheofhell Shouted:Othoufromheaven,whydostthourobme? Thoubearestawaytheeternalpartofhim, Foronepoorlittletear,thattakeshimfromme; ButwiththerestIlldealinotherfashion! Wellknowestthouhowintheairisgathered Thathumidvapourwhichtowaterturns, Soonasitriseswherethecolddothgraspit. Hejoinedthatevilwill,whichayeseeksevil, Tointellect,andmovedthemistandwind Bymeansofpower,whichhisownnaturegave; Thereafter,whenthedaywasspent,thevalley FromPratomagnotothegreatyokecovered Withfog,andmadetheheavenaboveintent, Sothatthepregnantairtowaterchanged; Downfelltherain,andtothegulliescame Whateerofitearthtoleratednot; Andasitmingledwiththemightytorrents, Towardstheroyalriverwithsuchspeed Itheadlongrushed,thatnothinghelditback. Myfrozenbodynearuntoitsoutlet TherobustArchianfound,andintoArno Thrustit,andloosenedfrommybreastthecross

193

TheDivineComedy Imadeofme,whenagonyoercameme; Itrolledmeonthebanksandonthebottom, Thenwithitsbootycoveredandbegirtme. Ah,whenthouhastreturneduntotheworld, Andrestedtheefromthylongjourneying, Afterthesecondfollowedthethirdspirit, DothouremembermewhoamthePia; Sienamademe,unmademeMaremma; Heknowethit,whohadencircledfirst, Espousingme,myfingerwithhisgem.

194

TheDivineComedy Purgatorio:CantoVI WheneerisbrokenupthegameofZara, Hewhohaslostremainsbehinddespondent, Thethrowsrepeating,andinsadnesslearns; Thepeoplewiththeotheralldepart; Onegoesinfront,andonebehinddothpluckhim, Andathissideonebringshimselftomind; Hepausesnot,andthisandthatonehears; Theycrowdnomoretowhomhishandhestretches, Andfromthethronghethusdefendshimself. EvensuchwasIinthatdensemultitude, Turningtothemthiswayandthatmyface, And,promising,Ifreedmyselftherefrom. TherewastheAretine,whofromthearms UntamedofGhindiTaccohadhisdeath, Andhewhofleeingfrompursuitwasdrowned. Therewasimploringwithhishandsoutstretched FrederickNovello,andthatoneofPisa WhomadethegoodMarzuccoseemsostrong. IsawCountOrso;andthesouldivided Byhatredandbyenvyfromitsbody, Asitdeclared,andnotforcrimecommitted, PierredelaBrosseIsay;andhereprovide WhilestillonearththeLadyofBrabant, Sothatforthisshebeofnoworseflock! AssoonasIwasfreefromallthoseshades Whoonlyprayedthatsomeoneelsemaypray, Soastohastentheirbecomingholy, BeganI:Itappearsthatthoudeniest, Olightofmine,expresslyinsometext, ThatorisoncanbenddecreeofHeaven;

195

TheDivineComedy Andneerthelessthesepeopleprayforthis. Mightthentheirexpectationbootlessbe? Oristomethysayingnotquiteclear? Andhetome:Mywritingisexplicit, Andnotfallaciousisthehopeofthese, Ifwithsaneintellecttiswellregarded; Fortopofjudgmentdothnotvailitself, Becausethefireoflovefulfilsatonce Whathemustsatisfywhohereinstallshim. Andthere,whereIaffirmedthatproposition, Defectwasnotamendedbyaprayer, BecausetheprayerfromGodwasseparate. Verily,insodeepaquestioning Donotdecide,unlessshetellitthee, Wholighttwixttruthandintellectshallbe. Iknownotifthouunderstand;Ispeak OfBeatrice;hershaltthouseeabove, Smilingandhappy,onthismountainstop. AndI:GoodLeader,letusmakemorehaste, ForInolongertiremeasbefore; Andsee,eennowthehillashadowcasts. Wewillgoforwardwiththisdayheanswered, Asfarasnowispossibleforus; Butotherwisethefactisthanthouthinkest. Erethouartupthere,thoushaltseereturn Him,whonowhideshimselfbehindthehill, Sothatthoudostnotinterrupthisrays. Butyondertherebehold!asoulthatstationed All,allaloneislookinghitherward; Itwillpointouttousthequickestway. Wecameupuntoit;OLombardsoul, Howloftyanddisdainfulthoudidstbearthee, Andgrandandslowinmovingofthineeyes!

196

TheDivineComedy Nothingwhateverdiditsaytous, Butletusgoourway,eyingusonly Afterthemannerofacouchantlion; StillneartoitVirgiliusdrew,entreating Thatitwouldpointusoutthebestascent; Anditrepliednotuntohisdemand, Butofournativelandandofourlife Itquestionedus;andthesweetGuidebegan: Mantua,andtheshade,allinitselfrecluse, Rosetowrdshimfromtheplacewherefirstitwas, Saying:OMantuan,IamSordello Ofthineownland!andoneembracedtheother. Ah!servileItaly,griefshostelry! Ashipwithoutapilotingreattempest! NoLadythouofProvinces,butbrothel! Thatnoblesoulwassoimpatient,only Atthesweetsoundofhisownnativeland, Tomakeitscitizengladwelcomethere; Andnowwithintheearenotwithoutwar Thylivingones,andonedothgnawtheother Ofthosewhomonewallandonefosseshutin! Search,wretchedone,allroundabouttheshores Thyseaboard,andthenlookwithinthybosom, Ifanypartoftheeenjoyethpeace! Whatbootsit,thatfortheeJustinian Thebridlemend,ifemptybethesaddle? Withoutenthistheshamewouldbetheless. Ah!people,thouthatoughtesttobedevout, AndtoletCaesarsituponthesaddle, IfwellthouhearestwhatGodteacheththee,

197

TheDivineComedy Beholdhowfellthiswildbeasthasbecome, Beingnolongerbythespurcorrected, Sincethouhastlaidthyhanduponthebridle. OGermanAlbert!whoabandonest Herthathasgrownrecalcitrantandsavage, Andoughtesttobestridehersaddlebow, Mayajustjudgmentfromthestarsdownfall Uponthyblood,andbeitnewandopen, Thatthysuccessormayhavefearthereof; Becausethyfatherandthyselfhavesuffered, Bygreedofthosetransalpinelandsdistrained, Thegardenoftheempiretobewaste. ComeandbeholdMontecchiandCappelletti, MonaldiandFillippeschi,carelessman! Thosesadalready,andthesedoubtdepressed! Come,cruelone!comeandbeholdtheoppression Ofthynobility,andcuretheirwounds, AndthoushaltseehowsafeisSantafiore! ComeandbeholdthyRome,thatislamenting, Widowed,alone,anddayandnightexclaims, MyCaesar,whyhastthouforsakenme? Comeandbeholdhowlovingarethepeople; Andifforusnopitymoveththee, Comeandbemadeashamedofthyrenown! Andifitlawfulbe,OJoveSupreme! Whouponearthforuswastcrucified, Arethyjusteyesavertedotherwhere? Orpreparationist,that,intheabyss Ofthineowncounsel,forsomegoodthoumakest Fromourperceptionutterlycutoff? ForallthetownsofItalyarefull Oftyrants,andbecomethaMarcellus Eachpeasantchurlwhoplaysthepartisan!

198

TheDivineComedy MyFlorence!wellmaystthoucontentedbe Withthisdigression,whichconcernstheenot, Thankstothypeoplewhosuchforethoughttake! Manyathearthavejustice,butshootslowly, Thatunadvisedtheycomenottothebow, Butontheirverylipsthypeoplehaveit! Manyrefusetobearthecommonburden; Butthysolicitouspeopleanswereth Withoutbeingasked,andcrieth:Isubmit. Nowbethoujoyful,forthouhastgoodreason; Thouaffluent,thouinpeace,thoufullofwisdom! IfIspeaktrue,theeventconcealsitnot. AthensandLacedaemon,theywhomade Theancientlaws,andweresocivilized, Madetowardslivingwellalittlesign Comparedwiththee,whomakestsuchfinespun Provisions,thattomiddleofNovember ReachesnotwhatthouinOctoberspinnest. Howoft,withinthetimeofthyremembrance, Laws,money,offices,andusages Hastthouremodelled,andrenewedthymembers? Andifthoumindtheewell,andseethelight, Thoushaltbeholdthyselflikeasickwoman, Whocannotfindreposeuponherdown, Butbyhertossingwardethoffherpain.

199

TheDivineComedy Purgatorio:CantoVII Afterthegraciousandgladsalutations Hadthreeandfourtimesbeenreiterated, Sordellobackwarddrewandsaid,Whoareyou? Orevertothismountainweredirected ThesoulsdeservingtoascendtoGod, MyboneswereburiedbyOctavian. IamVirgilius;andfornocrimeelse DidIloseheaven,thanfornothavingfaith; InthiswisethenmyLeadermadereply. Asonewhosuddenlybeforehimsees Somethingwhereathemarvels,whobelieves Andyetdoesnot,saying,Itis!itisnot! Soheappeared;andthenboweddownhisbrow, Andwithhumilityreturnedtowardshim, And,whereinferiorsembrace,embracedhim. OgloryoftheLatians,thou,hesaid, Throughwhomourlanguageshowedwhatitcoulddo OprideeternaloftheplaceIcamefrom, Whatmeritorwhatgracetomerevealsthee? IfItohearthywordsbeworthy,tellme IfthoudostcomefromHell,andfromwhatcloister. Throughallthecirclesofthedolefulrealm, Respondedhe,haveIcomehitherward; Heavenspowerimpelledme,andwiththatIcome. Ibynotdoing,notbydoing,lost Thesightofthathighsunwhichthoudesirest, Andwhichtoolatebymewasrecognized. Aplacethereisbelownotsadwithtorments, Butdarknessonly,wherethelamentations Havenotthesoundofwailing,butaresighs.

200

TheDivineComedy TheredwellIwiththelittleinnocents SnatchedbytheteethofDeath,oreverthey Werefromourhumansinfulnessexempt. TheredwellIamongthosewhothethreesaintly Virtuesdidnotputon,andwithoutvice Theothersknewandfollowedallofthem. Butifthouknowandcan,someindication Giveusbywhichwemaythesoonercome WherePurgatoryhasitsrightbeginning. Heanswered:Nofixedplacehasbeenassignedus; Tislawfulformetogoupandround; SofarasIcango,asguideIjointhee. Butseealreadyhowthedaydeclines, Andtogoupbynightwearenotable; Thereforetiswelltothinkofsomefairsojourn. Soulsarethereontherighthandherewithdrawn; IfthoupermitmeIwillleadtheetothem, Andthoushaltknowthemnotwithoutdelight. Howisthis?wastheanswer;shouldonewish Tomountbynightwouldhepreventedbe Byothers?ormayhapwouldnothavepower? AndonthegroundthegoodSordellodrew Hisfinger,saying,See,thislinealone Thoucouldstnotpassafterthesunisgone; Notthataughtelsewouldhindrancegive,however, Togoingup,savethenocturnaldarkness; Thiswiththewantofpowerthewillperplexes. Wemightindeedtherewithreturnbelow, And,wandering,walkthehillsideroundabout, Whilethehorizonholdsthedayimprisoned. ThereonmyLord,asifinwonder,said: Dothouconductusthither,wherethousayest Thatwecantakedelightintarrying.

201

TheDivineComedy Littlehadwewithdrawnusfromthatplace, WhenIperceivedthemountwashollowedout Infashionasthevalleysherearehollowed. Thitherward,saidthatshade,willwerepair, Whereofitselfthehillsidemakesalap, Andthereforthenewdaywillweawait. Twixthillandplaintherewasawindingpath Whichledustothemarginofthatdell, Wherediesthebordermorethanhalfaway. Goldandfinesilver,andscarletandpearlwhite, TheIndianwoodresplendentandserene, Freshemeraldthemomentitisbroken, Byherbageandbyflowerswithinthathollow Planted,eachoneincolourwouldbevanquished, Asbyitsgreatervanquishedistheless. Norinthatplacehadnaturepaintedonly, Butofthesweetnessofathousandodours Madethereamingledfragranceandunknown. SalveRegina,onthegreenandflowers Thereseated,singing,spiritsIbeheld, Whichwerenotvisibleoutsidethevalley. Beforethescantysunnowseekshisnest, BegantheMantuanwhohadledusthither, Amongthemdonotwishmetoconductyou. Betterfromoffthisledgetheactsandfaces Ofallofthemwillyoudiscriminate, Thanintheplainbelowreceivedamongthem. Hewhositshighest,andthesemblancebears Ofhavingwhatheshouldhavedoneneglected, Andtotheotherssongmovesnothislips,

202

TheDivineComedy RudolphtheEmperorwas,whohadthepower TohealthewoundsthatItalyhaveslain, Sothatthroughothersslowlysherevives. Theother,whoinlookdothcomforthim, Governedtheregionwherethewatersprings, TheMoldaubearstheElbe,andElbethesea. HisnamewasOttocar;andinswaddlingclothes FarbetterhethanbeardedWinceslaus Hisson,whofeedsinluxuryandease. Andthesmallnosed,whocloseincouncilseems Withhimthathasanaspectsobenign, Diedfleeinganddisfloweringthelily; Lookthere,howheisbeatingathisbreast! Beholdtheotherone,whoforhischeek Sighinghasmadeofhisownpalmabed; FatherandfatherinlawofFrancesPest Arethey,andknowhisviciouslifeandlewd, Andhenceproceedsthegriefthatsodothpiercethem. Hewhoappearssostalwart,andchimesin, Singing,withthatoneofthemanlynose, Thecordofeveryvalourworebegirt; AndifasKinghadafterhimremained Thestriplingwhoinrearofhimissitting, Wellhadthevalourpassedfromvasetovase, Whichcannotoftheotherheirsbesaid. FrederickandJacomopossesstherealms, Butnonethebetterheritagepossesses. Notoftentimesupriseththroughthebranches Theprobityofman;andthisHewills Whogivesit,sothatwemayaskofHim. Eketothelargenosedreachmywords,noless Thantotheother,Pier,whowithhimsings; WhenceProvenceandApuliagrievealready

203

TheDivineComedy Theplantisasinferiortoitsseed, AsmorethanBeatriceandMargaret Costanzaboastethofherhusbandstill. Beholdthemonarchofthesimplelife, HarryofEngland,sittingtherealone; Heinhisbrancheshasabetterissue. Hewhothelowestonthegroundamongthem Sitslookingupward,istheMarquisWilliam, ForwhosesakeAlessandriaandherwar MakeMonferratandCanaveseweep.

204

TheDivineComedy Purgatorio:CantoVIII Twasnowthehourthatturnethbackdesire Inthosewhosailthesea,andmeltstheheart, Thedaytheyvesaidtotheirsweetfriendsfarewell, Andthenewpilgrimpenetrateswithlove, Ifhedothhearfromfarawayabell Thatseemethtodeplorethedyingday, WhenIbegantomakeofnoavail Myhearing,andtowatchoneofthesouls Uprisen,thatbeggedattentionwithitshand. Itjoinedandliftedupwardbothitspalms, Fixingitseyesupontheorient, AsifitsaidtoGod,NaughtelseIcarefor. Telucisantesodevoutlyissued Forthfromitsmouth,andwithsuchdulcetnotes, Itmademeissueforthfrommyownmind. Andthentheothers,sweetlyanddevoutly, Accompanieditthroughallthehymnentire, Havingtheireyesonthesupernalwheels. Here,Reader,fixthineeyeswellonthetruth, Fornowindeedsosubtileistheveil, Surelytopenetratewithiniseasy. Isawthatarmyofthegentleborn Thereafterwardinsilenceupwardgaze, Asifinexpectation,paleandhumble; Andfromonhighcomeforthanddowndescend, IsawtwoAngelswithtwoflamingswords, Truncatedanddeprivedoftheirpoints. Greenasthelittleleafletsjustnowborn Theirgarmentswere,which,bytheirverdantpinions Beatenandblownabroad,theytrailedbehind.

205

TheDivineComedy Onejustaboveuscametotakehisstation, Andonedescendedtotheoppositebank, Sothatthepeoplewerecontainedbetweenthem. ClearlyinthemdiscernedItheblondhead; Butintheirfaceswastheeyebewildered, Asfacultyconfoundedbyexcess. FromMarysbosombothofthemhavecome, Sordellosaid,asguardiansofthevalley Againsttheserpent,thatwillcomeanon. WhereuponI,whoknewnotbywhatroad, Turnedroundabout,andcloselydrewmyself, Utterlyfrozen,tothefaithfulshoulders. AndonceagainSordello:Nowdescendwe Midthegrandshades,andwewillspeaktothem; Rightpleasantwillitbeforthemtoseeyou. OnlythreestepsIthinkthatIdescended, Andwasbelow,andsawonewhowaslooking Onlyatme,asifhefainwouldknowme. Alreadynowtheairwasgrowingdark, Butnotsothatbetweenhiseyesandmine Itdidnotshowwhatitbeforelockedup. Towrdsmehemoved,andItowrdshimdidmove; NobleJudgeNino!howitmedelighted, WhenIbeheldtheenotamongthedamned! Nogreetingfairwasleftunsaidbetweenus; Thenaskedhe:Howlongisitsincethoucamest Oerthefarwaterstothemountainsfoot? Oh!saidItohim,throughthedismalplaces Icamethismorn;andaminthefirstlife, Albeittheother,goingthus,Igain. Andontheinstantmyreplywasheard, HeandSordellobothshrankbackfromme, Likepeoplewhoaresuddenlybewildered.

206

TheDivineComedy OnetoVirgilius,andtheotherturned Toonewhosatthere,crying,Up,Currado! ComeandbeholdwhatGodingracehaswilled! Then,turnedtome:Bythatespecialgrace ThouowestuntoHim,whosoconceals Hisownfirstwherefore,thatithasnoford, Whenthoushaltbebeyondthewaterswide, TellmyGiovannathatsheprayforme, Whereanswertotheinnocentismade. Idonotthinkhermotherlovesmemore, Sinceshehaslaidasideherwimplewhite, Whichshe,unhappy,needsmustwishagain. Throughherfulleasilyiscomprehended Howlonginwomanlaststhefireoflove, Ifeyeortouchdonotrelightitoften. Sofairahatchmentwillnotmakeforher TheVipermarshallingtheMilanese Afield,aswouldhavemadeGallurasCock. Inthiswisespakehe,withthestampimpressed Uponhisaspectofthatrighteouszeal Whichmeasurablyburnethintheheart. Mygreedyeyesstillwandereduptoheaven, Stilltothatpointwhereslowestarethestars, Evenasawheelthenearesttoitsaxle. AndmyConductor:Son,whatdostthougazeat Upthere?AndItohim:Atthosethreetorches Withwhichthishitherpoleisallonfire. Andhetome:Thefourresplendentstars Thousawestthismorningaredownyonderlow, Andthesehavemounteduptowherethosewere.

207

TheDivineComedy Ashewasspeaking,tohimselfSordello Drewhim,andsaid,LothereourAdversary! Andpointedwithhisfingertolookthither. Uponthesideonwhichthelittlevalley Nobarrierhath,aserpentwas;perchance ThesamewhichgavetoEvethebitterfood. Twixtgrassandflowerscameontheevilstreak, Turningattimesitsheadabout,andlicking Itsbackliketoabeastthatsmoothesitself. Ididnotsee,andthereforecannotsay Howthecelestialfalconsgantomove, ButwellIsawthattheywerebothinmotion. Hearingtheaircleftbytheirverdantwings, Theserpentfled,androundtheAngelswheeled, Uptotheirstationsflyingbackalike. TheshadethattotheJudgehadnearapproached Whenhehadcalled,throughoutthatwholeassault Hadnotamomentlooseditsgazeonme. Somaythelightthatleadeththeeonhigh Findinthineownfreewillasmuchofwax Asneedfulisuptothehighestazure, Beganit,ifsometrueintelligence OfValdimagraoritsneighbourhood Thouknowest,tellitme,whooncewasgreatthere. CurradoMalaspinawasIcalled; Imnottheelder,butfromhimdescended; TomineIborethelovewhichhererefineth. O,saidIuntohim,throughyourdomains Ineverpassed,butwhereisthereadwelling ThroughoutallEurope,wheretheyarenotknown? Thatfame,whichdoethhonourtoyourhouse, ProclaimsitsSignorsandproclaimsitsland, Sothatheknowsofthemwhoneerwasthere.

208

TheDivineComedy And,asIhopeforheaven,Isweartoyou Yourhonouredfamilyinnaughtabates Thegloryofthepurseandofthesword. Itissoprivilegedbyuseandnature, Thatthoughaguiltyheadmisguidetheworld, Soleitgoesright,andscornstheevilway. Andhe:Nowgo;forthesunshallnotlie SeventimesuponthepillowwhichtheRam Withallhisfourfeetcoversandbestrides, Beforethatsuchacourteousopinion Shallinthemiddleofthyheadbenailed Withgreaternailsthanofanothersspeech, Unlessthecourseofjusticestandethstill.

209

TheDivineComedy Purgatorio:CantoIX TheconcubineofoldTithonusnow Gleamedwhiteupontheeasternbalcony, Forthfromthearmsofhersweetparamour; Withgemsherforeheadallrelucentwas, Setintheshapeofthatcoldanimal Whichwithitstaildothsmiteamainthenations, Andofthesteps,withwhichshemounts,theNight Hadtakentwointhatplacewherewewere, Andnowthethirdwasbendingdownitswings; WhenI,whosomethinghadofAdaminme, Vanquishedbysleep,uponthegrassreclined, Therewereallfiveofusalreadysat. Justatthehourwhenhersadlaybegins Thelittleswallow,nearuntothemorning, Perchanceinmemoryofherformerwoes, Andwhenthemindofman,awanderer Morefromtheflesh,andlessbythoughtimprisoned, Almostpropheticinitsvisionsis, IndreamsitseemedtomeIsawsuspended Aneagleinthesky,withplumesofgold, Withwingswideopen,andintenttostoop, Andthis,itseemedtome,waswherehadbeen ByGanymedehiskithandkinabandoned, Whentothehighconsistoryhewasrapt. Ithoughtwithinmyself,perchancehestrikes Fromhabitonlyhere,andfromelsewhere Disdainstobearupanyinhisfeet. Thenwheelingsomewhatmore,itseemedtome, Terribleasthelightninghedescended, Andsnatchedmeupwardeventothefire.

210

TheDivineComedy ThereinitseemedthatheandIwereburning, Andtheimaginedfiredidscorchmeso, Thatofnecessitymysleepwasbroken. NototherwiseAchillesstartedup, Aroundhimturninghisawakenedeyes, Andknowingnottheplaceinwhichhewas, WhattimefromChironstealthilyhismother CarriedhimsleepinginherarmstoScyros, WherefromtheGreekswithdrewhimafterwards, ThanIupstarted,whenfromoffmyface Sleepfledaway;andpallidIbecame, Asdoththemanwhofreezeswithaffright. OnlymyComforterwasatmyside, Andnowthesunwasmorethantwohourshigh, Andturnedtowardstheseashorewasmyface. Benotintimidated,saidmyLord, Bereassured,foralliswellwithus; Donotrestrain,butputforthallthystrength. ThouhastatlengtharrivedatPurgatory; Seetherethecliffthatclosesitaround; Seetheretheentrance,whereitseemsdisjoined. Whilomatdawn,whichdothprecedetheday, Wheninwardlythyspiritwasasleep Upontheflowersthatdeckthelandbelow, TherecameaLadyandsaid:IamLucia; Letmetakethisoneup,whoisasleep; SowillImakehisjourneyeasierforhim. Sordelloandtheothernobleshapes Remained;shetookthee,and,asdaygrewbright, Upwardshecame,andIuponherfootsteps. Shelaidtheehere;andfirstherbeauteouseyes Thatopenentrancepointedouttome; Thensheandsleeptogetherwentaway.

211

TheDivineComedy Inguiseofonewhosedoubtsarereassured, Andwhotoconfidencehisfeardothchange, Afterthetruthhasbeendiscoveredtohim, SodidIchange;andwhenwithoutdisquiet MyLeadersawme,upalongthecliff Hemoved,andIbehindhim,towrdtheheight. Reader,thouseestwellhowIexalt Mytheme,andthereforeifwithgreaterart Ifortifyit,marvelnotthereat. Nearerapproachedwe,andwereinsuchplace, Thatthere,wherefirstappearedtomearift Liketoacrevicethatdispartsawall, Isawaportal,andthreestairsbeneath, Diverseincolour,togouptoit, Andagatekeeper,whoyetspakenoword. AndasIopenedmoreandmoremineeyes, Isawhimseatedonthehigheststair, SuchinthefacethatIendureditnot. Andinhishandhehadanakedsword, Whichsoreflectedbackthesunbeamstowrdsus, ThatoftinvainIliftedupmineeyes. Tellitfromwhereyouare,whatistyouwish? Beganhetoexclaim;whereistheescort? Takeheedyourcominghitherharmyounot! ALadyofHeaven,withthesethingsconversant, MyMasteransweredhim,butevennow Saidtous,Thithergo;thereistheportal. Andmayshespeedyourfootstepsinallgood, Againbeganthecourteousjanitor; Comeforwardthenuntothesestairsofours.

212

TheDivineComedy Thitherdidweapproach;andthefirststair Wasmarblewhite,sopolishedandsosmooth, ImirroredmyselfthereinasIappear. Thesecond,tinctofdeeperhuethanperse, Wasofacalcinedandunevenstone, Crackedallasunderlengthwiseandacross. Thethird,thatuppermostrestsmassively, Porphyryseemedtome,asflamingred Asbloodthatfromaveinisspirtingforth. Bothofhisfeetwasholdinguponthis TheAngelofGod,uponthethresholdseated, Whichseemedtomeastoneofdiamond. Alongthethreestairsupwardwithgoodwill DidmyConductordrawme,saying:Ask Humblythathethefasteningmayundo. DevoutlyattheholyfeetIcastme, Formercyssakebesoughtthathewouldopen, ButfirstuponmybreastthreetimesIsmote. SevenPsuponmyforeheadhedescribed Withtheswordspoint,and,Takeheedthatthouwash Thesewounds,whenthoushaltbewithin,hesaid. Ashes,orearththatdryisexcavated, Ofthesamecolourwerewithhisattire, Andfrombeneathithedrewforthtwokeys. Onewasofgold,andtheotherwasofsilver; Firstwiththewhite,andafterwiththeyellow, Pliedhethedoor,sothatIwascontent. Wheneverfailetheitherofthesekeys Sothatitturnnotrightlyinthelock, Hesaidtous,thisentrancedothnotopen. Morepreciousoneis,buttheotherneeds Moreartandintellectereitunlock, Foritisthatwhichdoththeknotunloose.

213

TheDivineComedy FromPeterIhavethem;andhebademeerr Ratherinopeningthaninkeepingshut, Ifpeoplebutfalldownbeforemyfeet. Thenpushedtheportalsofthesacreddoor, Exclaiming:Enter;butIgiveyouwarning Thatforthreturnswhoeverlooksbehind. Andwhenupontheirhingeswereturnedround Theswivelsofthatconsecratedgate, Whichareofmetal,massiveandsonorous, Roarednotsoloud,norsodiscordantseemed Tarpeia,whenwastaenfromitthegood Metellus,whereforemeagreitremained. AtthefirstthunderpealIturnedattentive, AndTeDeumlaudamusseemedtohear Invoicesmingledwithsweetmelody. Exactlysuchanimagerenderedme ThatwhichIheard,aswearewonttocatch, Whenpeoplesingingwiththeorganstand; Fornowwehear,andnowhearnot,thewords.

214

TheDivineComedy Purgatorio:CantoX Whenwehadcrossedthethresholdofthedoor Whichthepervertedloveofsoulsdisuses, Becauseitmakesthecrookedwayseemstraight, ReechoingIhearditclosedagain; AndifIhadturnedbackmineeyesuponit, Whatformyfailinghadbeenfitexcuse? Wemountedupwardthroughariftedrock, Whichundulatedtothissideandthat, Evenasawaverecedingandadvancing. Hereitbehovesususealittleart, BeganmyLeader,toadaptourselves Nowhere,nowthere,totherecedingside. Andthisourfootstepssoinfrequentmade, Thatsoonerhadthemoonsdecreasingdisk Regaineditsbedtosinkagaintorest, Thanwewereforthfromoutthatneedleseye; Butwhenwefreeandintheopenwere, Therewherethemountainbackwardpilesitself, Iweariedout,andbothofusuncertain Aboutourway,westoppeduponaplain Moredesolatethanroadsacrossthedeserts. Fromwhereitsmarginbordersonthevoid, Tofootofthehighbankthateverrises, Ahumanbodythreetimestoldwouldmeasure; Andfaraseyeofminecouldwingitsflight, Nowontheleft,andontherightflanknow, Thesamethiscornicedidappeartome. Thereonourfeethadnotbeenmovedasyet, WhenIperceivedtheembankmentroundabout, Whichallrightofascenthadinterdicted,

215

TheDivineComedy Tobeofmarblewhite,andsoadorned Withsculptures,thatnotonlyPolycletus, ButNaturesself,hadtherebeenputtoshame. TheAngel,whocamedowntoearthwithtidings Ofpeace,thathadbeenweptformanyayear, AndopenedHeavenfromitslonginterdict, Infrontofusappearedsotruthfully Theresculpturedinagraciousattitude, Hedidnotseemanimagethatissilent. Onewouldhaveswornthathewassaying,Ave; Forshewasthereineffigyportrayed Whoturnedthekeytoopetheexaltedlove, Andinhermienthislanguagehadimpressed, EcceancillaDei,asdistinctly Asanyfigurestampsitselfinwax. Keepnotthymindupononeplacealone, ThegentleMastersaid,whohadmestanding Uponthatsidewherepeoplehavetheirhearts; WhereatImovedmineeyes,andIbeheld InrearofMary,anduponthatside Wherehewasstandingwhoconductedme, Anotherstoryontherockimposed; WhereforeIpassedVirgiliusanddrewnear, Sothatbeforemineeyesitmightbeset. Theresculpturedintheselfsamemarblewere Thecartandoxen,drawingtheholyark, Whereforeonedreadsanofficenotappointed. Peopleappearedinfront,andallofthem Insevenchoirsdivided,oftwosenses MadeonesayNo,theother,Yes,theysing. Likewiseuntothesmokeofthefrankincense, Whichtherewasimagedforth,theeyesandnose Wereintheyesandnodiscordantmade.

216

TheDivineComedy Precededtherethevesselbenedight, Dancingwithgirdedloins,thehumblePsalmist, AndmoreandlessthanKingwasheinthis. Opposite,representedatthewindow Ofagreatpalace,Michallookeduponhim, Evenasawomanscornfulandafflicted. ImovedmyfeetfromwhereIhadbeenstanding, Toexaminenearathandanotherstory, WhichafterMichalglimmeredwhiteuponme. TherethehighgloryoftheRomanPrince Waschronicled,whosegreatbeneficence MovedGregorytohisgreatvictory; TisoftheEmperorTrajanIamspeaking; Andapoorwidowathisbridlestood, Inattitudeofweepingandofgrief. Aroundabouthimseemeditthrongedandfull Ofcavaliers,andtheeaglesinthegold Abovethemvisiblyinthewindweremoving. Thewretchedwomaninthemidstofthese Seemedtobesaying:Givemevengeance,Lord, Formydeadson,forwhommyheartisbreaking. Andhetoanswerher:Nowwaituntil Ishallreturn.Andshe:MyLord,likeone Inwhomgriefisimpatient,shouldstthounot Return?Andhe:WhoshallbewhereIam Willgiveitthee.Andshe:Gooddeedofothers Whatbootsitthee,ifthouneglectthineown? Whencehe:Nowcomfortthee,foritbehovesme ThatIdischargemydutyereImove; Justicesowills,andpitydothretainme.

217

TheDivineComedy Hewhoonnonewthinghaseverlooked Wasthecreatorofthisvisiblelanguage, Noveltous,forhereitisnotfound. WhileIdelightedmeincontemplating Theimagesofsuchhumility, AnddeartolookonfortheirMakerssake, Behold,uponthisside,butraretheymake Theirsteps,thePoetmurmured,manypeople; Thesewilldirectustotheloftystairs. Mineeyes,thatinbeholdingwereintent Toseenewthings,ofwhichtheycuriousare, Inturningroundtowardshimwerenotslow. ButstillIwishnot,Reader,thoushouldstswerve Fromthygoodpurposes,becausethouhearest HowGodordaineththatthedebtbepaid; Attendnottothefashionofthetorment, Thinkofwhatfollows;thinkthatattheworst Itcannotreachbeyondthemightysentence. Master,beganI,thatwhichIbehold Movingtowardsusseemstomenotpersons, AndwhatIknownot,soinsightIwaver. Andhetome:Thegrievousquality Ofthistheirtormentbowsthemsotoearth, Thatmyowneyesatfirstcontendedwithit; Butlooktherefixedly,anddisentangle Bysightwhatcomethunderneaththosestones; Alreadycanstthouseehoweachisstricken. OyeproudChristians!wretched,wearyones! Who,inthevisionofthemindinfirm Confidencehaveinyourbackslidingsteps, Doyenotcomprehendthatweareworms, Borntobringforththeangelicbutterfly Thatfliethuntojudgmentwithoutscreen?

218

TheDivineComedy Whyfloatsaloftyourspirithighinair? Likeareyeuntoinsectsundeveloped, Evenastheworminwhomformationfails! Astosustainaceilingoraroof, Inplaceofcorbel,oftentimesafigure Isseentojoinitskneesuntoitsbreast, Whichmakesoftheunrealrealanguish Ariseinhimwhoseesit,fashionedthus BeheldIthose,whenIhadtaengoodheed. Trueisit,theyweremoreorlessbentdown, Accordingastheymoreorlesswereladen; Andhewhohadmostpatienceinhislooks Weepingdidseemtosay,Icannomore!

219

TheDivineComedy Purgatorio:CantoXI OurFather,thouwhodwellestintheheavens, Notcircumscribed,butfromthegreaterlove Thoubearesttothefirsteffectsonhigh, Praisedbethynameandthineomnipotence Byeverycreature,asbefittingis Torenderthankstothysweeteffluence. Comeuntousthepeaceofthydominion, Foruntoitwecannotofourselves, Ifitcomenot,withallourintellect. EvenasthineownAngelsoftheirwill Makesacrificetothee,Hosannasinging, Somayallmenmakesacrificeoftheirs. Giveuntousthisdayourdailymanna, Withoutenwhichinthisroughwilderness Backwardgoeshewhotoilsmosttoadvance. Andevenaswethetrespasswehavesuffered Pardoninoneanother,pardonthou Benignly,andregardnotourdesert. Ourvirtue,whichiseasilyoercome, PutnottoproofwiththeoldAdversary, Butthoufromhimwhospursitso,deliver. Thislastpetitionverily,dearLord, Notforourselvesismade,whoneeditnot, Butfortheirsakewhohaveremainedbehindus. Thusforthemselvesandusgoodfurtherance Thoseshadesimploring,wentbeneathaweight Likeuntothatofwhichwesometimesdream, Unequallyinanguishroundandround Andwearyall,uponthatforemostcornice, Purgingawaythesmokestainsoftheworld.

220

TheDivineComedy Iftheregoodwordsarealwayssaidforus, Whatmaynotherebesaidanddoneforthem, Bythosewhohaveagoodroottotheirwill? Wellmaywehelpthemwashawaythemarks Thathencetheycarried,sothatcleanandlight Theymayascenduntothestarrywheels! Ah!somaypityandjusticeyoudisburden Soon,thatyemayhavepowertomovethewing, Thatshallupliftyouafteryourdesire, Showusonwhichhandtowrdthestairstheway Isshortest,andifmorethanonethepasses, Pointusoutthatwhichleastabruptlyfalls; Forhewhocomethwithme,throughtheburden OfAdamsfleshwherewithheisinvested, Againsthiswillischaryofhisclimbing. Thewordsoftheirswhichtheyreturnedtothose ThathewhomIwasfollowinghadspoken, Itwasnotmanifestfromwhomtheycame, Butitwassaid:Totherighthandcomewithus Alongthebank,andyeshallfindapass Possibleforlivingpersontoascend. AndwereInotimpededbythestone, Whichthisproudneckofminedothsubjugate, WhenceIamforcedtoholdmyvisagedown, Him,whostilllivesanddoesnotnamehimself, WouldIregard,toseeifImayknowhim Andmakehimpiteousuntothisburden. ALatianwasI,andbornofagreatTuscan; GuglielmoAldobrandeschiwasmyfather; Iknownotifhisnamewereeverwithyou. Theancientbloodanddeedsofgallantry Ofmyprogenitorssoarrogantmademe That,thinkingnotuponthecommonmother,

221

TheDivineComedy AllmenIheldinscorntosuchextent Idiedtherefor,asknowtheSienese, AndeverychildinCampagnatico. IamOmberto;andnottomealone Haspridedoneharm,butallmykithandkin Haswithitdraggedintoadversity. AndheremustIthisburdenbearforit TillGodbesatisfied,sinceIdidnot Amongtheliving,hereamongthedead. ListeningIdownwardbentmycountenance; Andoneofthem,notthisonewhowasspeaking, Twistedhimselfbeneaththeweightthatcrampshim, Andlookedatme,andknewme,andcalledout, Keepinghiseyeslaboriouslyfixed Onme,whoallboweddownwasgoingwiththem. O,askedIhim,artthounotOderisi, Agobbioshonour,andhonourofthatart WhichisinPariscalledilluminating? Brother,saidhe,morelaughingaretheleaves TouchedbythebrushofFrancoBolognese; Allhisthehonournow,andmineinpart. InsoothIhadnotbeensocourteous WhileIwasliving,forthegreatdesire Ofexcellence,onwhichmyheartwasbent. Hereofsuchprideispaidtheforfeiture; AndyetIshouldnotbehere,wereitnot That,havingpowertosin,IturnedtoGod. Othouvaingloryofthehumanpowers, Howlittlegreenuponthysummitlingers, Iftbenotfollowedbyanageofgrossness!

222

TheDivineComedy InpaintingCimabuethoughtthathe Shouldholdthefield,nowGiottohasthecry, Sothattheothersfameisgrowingdim. SohasoneGuidofromtheothertaken Thegloryofourtongue,andheperchance Isborn,whofromthenestshallchasethemboth. Naughtisthismundanerumourbutabreath Ofwind,thatcomesnowthiswayandnowthat, Andchangesname,becauseitchangesside. Whatfameshaltthouhavemore,ifoldpeeloff Fromtheethyflesh,thanifthouhadstbeendead Beforethouleftthepappoandthedindi, Erepassathousandyears?whichisashorter Spacetotheeterne,thantwinklingofaneye Untothecirclethatinheavenwheelsslowest. Withhim,whotakessolittleoftheroad Infrontofme,allTuscanyresounded; AndnowhescarceislispedofinSiena, Wherehewaslord,whattimewasoverthrown TheFlorentinedelirium,thatsuperb Wasatthatdayasnowtisprostitute. Yourreputationisthecolourofgrass Whichcomesandgoes,andthatdiscoloursit Bywhichitissuesgreenfromouttheearth. AndI:Thytruespeechfillsmyheartwithgood Humility,andgreattumourthouassuagest; Butwhoishe,ofwhomjustnowthouspakest? That,hereplied,isProvenzanSalvani, Andheisherebecausehehadpresumed TobringSienaallintohishands. Hehasgonethus,andgoethwithoutrest Eersincehedied;suchmoneyrendersback Inpaymenthewhoisonearthtoodaring.

223

TheDivineComedy AndI:Ifeveryspiritwhoawaits Thevergeoflifebeforethatherepent, Remainsbelowthereandascendsnothither, (Unlessgoodorisonshallhimbestead,) Untilasmuchtimeashelivedbepassed, Howwasthecominggrantedhiminlargess? Whenheingreatestsplendourlived,saidhe, FreelyupontheCampoofSiena, Allshamebeinglaidaside,heplacedhimself; Andtheretodrawhisfriendfromtheduress WhichintheprisonhouseofCharleshesuffered, Hebroughthimselftotrembleineachvein. Isaynomore,andknowthatIspeakdarkly; Yetlittletimeshallpassbeforethyneighbours Willsodemeanthemselvesthatthoucanstglossit. Thisactionhasreleasedhimfromthoseconfines.

224

TheDivineComedy Purgatorio:CantoXII Abreast,likeoxengoinginayoke, Iwiththatheavyladensoulwenton, Aslongasthesweetpedagoguepermitted; Butwhenhesaid,Leavehim,andonwardpass, Forheretisgoodthatwiththesailandoars, Asmuchasmaybe,eachpushonhisbarque; Upright,aswalkingwillsit,Iredressed Myperson,notwithstandingthatmythoughts Remainedwithinmedowncastandabashed. Ihadmovedon,andfollowedwillingly ThefootstepsofmyMaster,andweboth Alreadyshowedhowlightoffootwewere, Whenuntomehesaid:Castdownthineeyes; Twerewellforthee,toalleviatetheway, Tolookuponthebedbeneaththyfeet. As,thatsomememorymayexistofthem, Abovetheburieddeadtheirtombsinearth Bearsculpturedonthemwhattheywerebefore; Whenceoftenthereweweepforthemafresh, Fromprickingofremembrance,whichalone Tothecompassionatedothsetitsspur; SosawIthere,butofabettersemblance Inpointofartifice,withfigurescovered Whateeraspathwayfromthemountprojects. Isawthatonewhowascreatednoble Morethanallothercreatures,downfromheaven Flamingwithlightningsfallupononeside. IsawBriareussmittenbythedart Celestial,lyingontheotherside, Heavyupontheearthbymortalfrost.

225

TheDivineComedy IsawThymbraeus,Pallassaw,andMars, Stillcladinarmourroundabouttheirfather, Gazeatthescatteredmembersofthegiants. Isaw,atfootofhisgreatlabour,Nimrod, Asifbewildered,lookingatthepeople WhohadbeenproudwithhiminSennaar. ONiobe!withwhatafflictedeyes TheeIbehelduponthepathwaytraced, Betweenthysevenandsevenchildrenslain! OSaul!howfallenuponthypropersword DidstthouappeartherelifelessinGilboa, Thatfeltthereafterneitherrainnordew! OmadArachne!soItheebeheld Eenthenhalfspider,sadupontheshreds Offabricwroughtinevilhourforthee! ORehoboam!nomoreseemstothreaten Thineimagethere;butfullofconsternation Achariotbearsitoff,whennonepursues! Displayedmoreoertheadamantinepavement HowuntohisownmothermadeAlcmaeon Costlyappearthelucklessornament; Displayedhowhisownsonsdidthrowthemselves UponSennacheribwithinthetemple, Andhow,hebeingdead,theylefthimthere; Displayedtheruinandthecruelcarnage ThatTomyriswrought,whenshetoCyrussaid, Blooddidstthouthirstfor,andwithbloodIglutthee! DisplayedhowroutedfledtheAssyrians AfterthatHoloferneshadbeenslain, Andlikewisetheremainderofthatslaughter. IsawthereTroyinashesandincaverns; OIlion!thee,howabjectanddebased, Displayedtheimagethatistherediscerned!

226

TheDivineComedy Whoeerofpencilmasterwasorstile, Thatcouldportraytheshadesandtraitswhichthere Wouldcauseeachsubtilegeniustoadmire? Deadseemedthedead,thelivingseemedalive; BetterthanIsawnotwhosawthetruth, AllthatItroduponwhilebowedIwent. Nowwaxyeproud,andonwithlooksuplifted, YesonsofEve,andbownotdownyourfaces Sothatyemaybeholdyourevilways! Moreofthemountbyuswasnowencompassed, Andfarmorespentthecircuitofthesun, Thanhadthemindpreoccupiedimagined, Whenhe,whoeverwatchfulinadvance Wasgoingon,began:Liftupthyhead, Tisnomoretimetogothusmeditating. LothereanAngelwhoismakinghaste Tocometowardsus;lo,returningis Fromserviceofthedaythesixthhandmaiden. Withreverencethineactsandlooksadorn, Sothathemaydelighttospeedusupward; Thinkthatthisdaywillneverdawnagain. Iwasfamiliarwithhisadmonition Evertolosenotime;soonthistheme Hecouldnotuntomespeakcovertly. Towardsuscamethebeingbeautiful Vestedinwhite,andinhiscountenance Suchasappearsthetremulousmorningstar. Hisarmsheopened,andopenedthenhiswings; Come,saidhe,nearathandherearethesteps, Andeasyfromhenceforthistheascent.

227

TheDivineComedy Atthisannouncementfewaretheywhocome! Ohumancreatures,borntosoaraloft, Whyfallyethusbeforealittlewind? Heledusontowheretherockwascleft; Theresmoteuponmyforeheadwithhiswings, Thenasafepassagepromiseduntome. Asontherighthand,toascendthemount Whereseatedisthechurchthatlordethit Oerthewellguided,aboveRubaconte, Theboldabruptnessoftheascentisbroken Bystairwaysthatweremadethereintheage Whenstillweresafetheledgerandthestave, Eenthusattemperedisthebankwhichfalls Sheerdownwardfromthesecondcirclethere; Butonthis,sideandthatthehighrockgraze. Aswewereturningthitherwardourpersons, Beatipauperesspiritu,voices Sanginsuchwisethatspeechcouldtellitnot. Ahme!howdifferentaretheseentrances FromtheInfernal!forwithanthemshere Oneenters,andbelowwithwildlaments. Wenowwerehuntingupthesacredstairs, Anditappearedtomebyfarmoreeasy Thanontheplainithadappearedbefore. WhenceI:MyMaster,say,whatheavything Hasbeenupliftedfromme,sothathardly Aughtoffatigueisfeltbymeinwalking? Heanswered:WhenthePswhichhaveremained Stillonthyfacealmostobliterate Shallwholly,asthefirstis,beerased, Thyfeetwillbesovanquishedbygoodwill, Thatnotalonetheyshallnotfeelfatigue, Buturgingupwillbetothemdelight.

228

TheDivineComedy ThendidIevenastheydowhoaregoing Withsomethingontheheadtothemunknown, Unlessthesignsofothersmakethemdoubt, Whereforethehandtoascertainishelpful, Andseeksandfinds,anddothfulfilltheoffice Whichcannotbeaccomplishedbythesight; Andwiththefingersoftherighthandspread Ifoundbutsixtheletters,thathadcarved Uponmytempleshewhoborethekeys; UponbeholdingwhichmyLeadersmiled.

229

TheDivineComedy Purgatorio:CantoXIII Wewereuponthesummitofthestairs, Whereforthesecondtimeiscutaway Themountain,whichascendingshrivethall. Thereinlikemannerdothacornicebind Thehillallroundabout,asdoesthefirst, Savethatitsarcmoresuddenlyiscurved. Shadeistherenone,norsculpturethatappears; Soseemsthebank,andsotheroadseemssmooth, Withbutthelividcolourofthestone. Iftoinquirewewaitforpeoplehere, ThePoetsaid,Ifearthatperadventure Toomuchdelaywillourelectionhave. Thensteadfastonthesunhiseyeshefixed, Madehisrightsidethecentreofhismotion, Andturnedtheleftpartofhimselfabout. Othousweetlight!withtrustinwhomIenter Uponthisnoveljourney,dothouleadus, Saidhe,asonewithinhereshouldbeled. Thouwarmesttheworld,thoushinestoverit; Ifotherreasonpromptnototherwise, Thyraysshouldevermoreourleadersbe! Asmuchashereiscountedforamile, Somuchalreadytherehadweadvanced Inlittletime,bydintofreadywill; Andtowrdsustherewereheardtofly,albeit Theywerenotvisible,spiritsuttering UntoLovestablecourteousinvitations, Thefirstvoicethatpassedonwardinitsflight, Vinumnonhabent,saidinaccentsloud, Andwentreiteratingitbehindus.

230

TheDivineComedy Andereitwhollygrewinaudible Becauseofdistance,passedanother,crying, IamOrestes!anditalsostayednot. O,saidI,Father,these,whatvoicesarethey? AndevenasIasked,beholdthethird, Saying:Lovethosefromwhomyehavehadevil! AndthegoodMastersaid:Thiscirclescourges Thesinofenvy,andonthataccount Aredrawnfromlovethelashesofthescourge. Thebridleofanothersoundshallbe; Ithinkthatthouwilthearit,asIjudge, BeforethoucomesttothePassofPardon. Butfixthineeyesathwarttheairrightsteadfast, Andpeoplethouwiltseebeforeussitting, Andeachonecloseagainstthecliffisseated. ThenwiderthanatfirstmineeyesIopened; Ilookedbeforeme,andsawshadeswithmantles Notfromthecolourofthestonediverse. Andwhenwewerealittlefartheronward, Iheardacryof,Mary,prayforus! Acryof,Michael,Peter,andallSaints! Idonotthinktherewalkethstillonearth Amansohard,thathewouldnotbepierced WithpityatwhatafterwardIsaw. ForwhenIhadapproachedsoneartothem Thatmanifesttometheiractsbecame, DrainedwasIattheeyesbyheavygrief. Coveredwithsackclothviletheyseemedtome, Andonesustainedtheotherwithhisshoulder, Andallofthemwerebythebanksustained. Thusdotheblind,inwantoflivelihood, Standatthedoorsofchurchesaskingalms, Andoneuponanotherleanshishead,

231

TheDivineComedy Sothatinotherspitysoonmayrise, Notonlyattheaccentoftheirwords, Butattheiraspect,whichnolessimplores. Andasuntotheblindthesuncomesnot, Sototheshades,ofwhomjustnowIspake, Heavenslightwillnotbebounteousofitself; Foralltheirlidsanironwiretranspierces, Andsewsthemup,astoasparhawkwild Isdone,becauseitwillnotquietstay. Tomeitseemed,inpassing,todooutrage, Seeingtheotherswithoutbeingseen; WhereforeIturnedmetomycounselsage. Wellknewhewhatthemuteonewishedtosay, Andthereforewaitednotformydemand, Butsaid:Speak,andbebrief,andtothepoint. IhadVirgiliusuponthatside Oftheembankmentfromwhichonemayfall, Sincebynobordertisengarlanded; UpontheothersideofmeIhad Theshadesdevout,whothroughthehorribleseam Pressedoutthetearssothattheybathedtheircheeks. TothemIturnedme,and,Opeople,certain, BeganI,ofbeholdingthehighlight, Whichyourdesirehassolelyinitscare, Somaygracespeedilydissolvethescum Uponyourconsciences,thatlimpidly Throughthemdescendtheriverofthemind, Tellme,fordeartwillbetomeandgracious, IfanysoulamongyouhereisLatian, AndtwillperchancebegoodforhimIlearnit.

232

TheDivineComedy Obrothermine,eachoneiscitizen Ofonetruecity;butthymeaningis, WhomayhavelivedinItalyapilgrim. BywayofanswerthisIseemedtohear AlittlefartheronthanwhereIstood, WhereatImademyselfstillnearerheard. AmongtherestIsawashadethatwaited Inaspect,andshouldanyoneaskhow, Itschinitliftedupwardlikeablindman. Spirit,Isaid,whostoopesttoascend, Ifthouarthewhodidreplytome, Makethyselfknowntomebyplaceorname. SienesewasI,itreplied,andwith Theothershererecleansemyguiltylife, WeepingtoHimtolendhimselftous. SapientIwasnot,althoughISapia Wascalled,andIwasatanothersharm Morehappyfarthanatmyowngoodfortune. AndthatthoumaystnotthinkthatIdeceivethee, HearifIwasasfoolishasItellthee. Thearcalreadyofmyyearsdescending, MyfellowcitizensnearuntoColle Werejoinedinbattlewiththeiradversaries, AndIwasprayingGodforwhathewilled. Routedwerethey,andturnedintothebitter Passesofflight;andI,thechasebeholding, Ajoyreceivedunequalledbyallothers; SothatIliftedupwardmyboldface CryingtoGod,HenceforthIfeartheenot, Asdidtheblackbirdatthelittlesunshine. PeaceIdesiredwithGodattheextreme Ofmyexistence,andasyetwouldnot Mydebthavebeenbypenitencedischarged,

233

TheDivineComedy Haditnotbeenthatinremembranceheldme PierPettignanoinhisholyprayers, Whooutofcharitywasgrievedforme. Butwhoartthou,thatintoourconditions Questioninggoest,andhastthineeyesunbound AsIbelieve,andbreathingdostdiscourse? Mineeyes,Isaid,willyetbeheretaenfromme, Butforshortspace;forsmallistheoffence Committedbytheirbeingturnedwithenvy. Fargreateristhefear,whereinsuspended Mysoulis,ofthetormentunderneath, Forevennowtheloaddownthereweighsonme. Andshetome:Wholedthee,then,amongus Uphere,iftoreturnbelowthouthinkest? AndI:Hewhoiswithme,andspeaksnot; AndlivingamI;thereforeaskofme, Spiritelect,ifthouwouldsthavememove Oeryonderyetmymortalfeetforthee. O,thisissuchanovelthingtohear, Sheanswered,thatgreatsignitisGodlovesthee; Thereforewithprayerofthinesometimesassistme. AndIimplore,bywhatthoumostdesirest, IfeerthoutreadestthesoilofTuscany, Wellwithmykindredreinstatemyfame. Themwiltthouseeamongthatpeoplevain WhohopeinTalamone,andwilllosethere MorehopethanindiscoveringtheDiana; Buttherestillmoretheadmiralswilllose.

234

TheDivineComedy Purgatorio:CantoXIV Whoisthisonethatgoesaboutourmountain, OreverDeathhasgivenhimpowerofflight, Andopeshiseyesandshutsthemathiswill? Iknownotwho,butknowhesnotalone; Askhimthyself,forthouartnearertohim, Andgently,sothathemayspeak,accosthim. Thusdidtwospirits,leaningtowrdseachother, Discourseaboutmethereontherighthand; Thenheldsupinetheirfacestoaddressme. Andsaidtheone:Osoul,that,fastenedstill Withinthebody,towrdstheheavenartgoing, Forcharityconsoleus,anddeclare Whencecomestandwhoartthou;forthoumakstus Asmuchtomarvelatthisgraceofthine Asmustathingthatneveryethasbeen. AndI:ThroughmidstofTuscanytherewanders AstreamletthatisborninFalterona, Andnotahundredmilesofcoursesufficeit; FromthereupondoIthisbodybring. TotellyouwhoIamwerespeechinvain, Becausemynameasyetmakesnogreatnoise. IfwellthymeaningIcanpenetrate Withintellectofmine,thenansweredme Hewhofirstspake,thouspeakestoftheArno. Andsaidtheothertohim:Whyconcealed Thisonetheappellationofthatriver, Evenasamandothofthingshorrible? Andthustheshadethatquestionedwasofthis Himselfacquitted:Iknownot;buttruly Tisfitthenameofsuchavalleyperish;

235

TheDivineComedy Forfromitsfountainhead(whereissopregnant TheAlpinemountainwhenceiscleftPeloro Thatinfewplacesitthatmarksurpasses) Towhereityieldsitselfinrestoration Ofwhattheheavendothoftheseadryup, Whencehavetheriversthatwhichgoeswiththem, Virtueislikeanenemyavoided Byall,asisaserpent,throughmisfortune Ofplace,orthroughbadhabitthatimpelsthem; Onwhichaccounthavesotransformedtheirnature Thedwellersinthatmiserablevalley, ItseemsthatCircehadtheminherpasture. Miduglyswine,ofacornsworthier Thanotherfoodforhumanusecreated, Itfirstdirectethitsimpoverishedway. Cursfindethitthereafter,comingdownward, Moresnarlingthantheirpuissancedemands, Andturnsfromthemdisdainfullyitsmuzzle. Itgoesonfalling,andthemoreitgrows, Themoreitfindsthedogsbecomingwolves, Thismaledictandmisadventurousditch. Descendedthenthroughmanyahollowgulf, Itfindsthefoxessorepletewithfraud, Theyfearnocunningthatmaymasterthem. NorwillIceasebecauseanotherhearsme; Andwelltwillbeforhim,ifstillhemindhim Ofwhatatruthfulspirittomeunravels. ThygrandsonIbehold,whodothbecome Ahunterofthosewolvesuponthebank Ofthewildstream,andterrifiesthemall. Hesellstheirflesh,itbeingyetalive; Thereafterslaughtersthemlikeancientbeeves; Manyoflife,himselfofpraise,deprives.

236

TheDivineComedy Bloodstainedheissuesfromthedismalforest; Heleavesitsuch,athousandyearsfromnow Initsprimevalstatetisnotrewooded. Asattheannouncementofimpendingills Thefaceofhimwholistensisdisturbed, Fromwhateersidetheperilseizeuponhim; SoIbeheldthatothersoul,whichstood Turnedroundtolisten,growdisturbedandsad, Whenithadgatheredtoitselftheword. Thespeechofoneandaspectoftheother Hadmedesirousmadetoknowtheirnames, AndquestionmixedwithprayersImadethereof, Whereatthespiritwhichfirstspaketome Beganagain:ThouwishestIshouldbringme Todofortheewhatthoultnotdoforme; ButsinceGodwilleththatintheeshineforth Suchgraceofhis,Illnotbecharywiththee; Know,then,thatIGuidodelDucaam. Mybloodwassowithenvysetonfire, ThatifIhadbeheldamanmakemerry, Thouwouldsthaveseenmesprinkledoerwithpallor. FrommyownsowingsuchthestrawIreap! Ohumanrace!whydostthousetthyheart Whereinterdictofpartnershipmustbe? ThisisRenier;thisistheboastandhonour OfthehouseofCalboli,wherenoonesince Hasmadehimselftheheirofhisdesert. Andnotalonehisbloodismadedevoid, TwixtPoandmount,andseashoreandtheReno, Ofgoodrequiredfortruthandfordiversion;

237

TheDivineComedy Forallwithintheseboundariesisfull Ofvenomousroots,sothattootardily Bycultivationnowwouldtheydiminish. WhereisgoodLizio,andArrigoManardi, PierTraversaro,andGuidodiCarpigna, ORomagnuoliintobastardsturned? WheninBolognawillaFabbrorise? WheninFaenzaaBernardindiFosco, Thenoblescionofignobleseed? Benotastonished,Tuscan,ifIweep, WhenIremember,withGuidodaPrata, UgolindAzzo,whowaslivingwithus, FrederickTignosoandhiscompany, ThehouseofTraversara,andthAnastagi, Andoneraceandtheotherisextinct; Thedamesandcavaliers,thetoilsandease Thatfilledoursoulswithloveandcourtesy, Therewheretheheartshavesomaliciousgrown! OBrettinoro!whydostthounotflee, Seeingthatallthyfamilyisgone, Andmanypeople,nottobecorrupted? Bagnacavaldoeswellinnotbegetting AndilldoesCastrocaro,andConioworse, IntakingtroubletobegetsuchCounts. WilldowellthePagani,whentheirDevil Shallhavedeparted;butnotthereforepure Willtestimonyofthemeerremain. OUgolindeFantoli,secure Thynameis,sincenolongerisawaited Onewho,degenerating,canobscureit! Butgonow,Tuscan,foritnowdelightsme Toweepfarbetterthanitdoestospeak, Somuchhasourdiscoursemyminddistressed.

238

TheDivineComedy Wewereawarethatthosebelovedsouls Heardusdepart;therefore,bykeepingsilent, Theymadeusofourpathwayconfident. Whenwebecamealonebygoingonward, Thunder,whenitdothcleavetheair,appeared Avoice,thatcountertouscame,exclaiming: Shallslaymewhosoeverfindethme! Andfledasthereverberationdies Ifsuddenlythecloudasunderbursts. Assoonashearinghadatrucefromthis, Beholdanother,withsogreatacrash, Thatitresembledthunderingsfollowingfast: IamAglaurus,whobecameastone! Andthen,topressmyselfclosetothePoet, Ibackward,andnotforward,tookastep. Alreadyonallsidestheairwasquiet; Andsaidhetome:Thatwasthehardcurb Thatoughttoholdamanwithinhisbounds; Butyoutakeinthebaitsothatthehook OftheoldAdversarydrawsyoutohim, Andhenceavailethlittlecurborcall. Theheavensarecallingyou,andwheelaroundyou, Displayingtoyoutheireternalbeauties, Andstillyoureyeislookingontheground; WhenceHe,whoalldiscerns,chastisesyou.

239

TheDivineComedy Purgatorio:CantoXV Asmuchastwixtthecloseofthethirdhour Anddawnofdayappearethofthatsphere Whichayeinfashionofachildisplaying, Somuchitnowappeared,towardsthenight, Wasofhiscourseremainingtothesun; Thereitwasevening,andtwasmidnighthere; Andtherayssmotethemiddleofourfaces, Becausebyusthemountwassoencircled, Thatstraighttowardsthewestwenowweregoing WhenIperceivedmyforeheadoverpowered Beneaththesplendourfarmorethanatfirst, Andstuporweretomethethingsunknown, Whereattowardsthesummitofmybrow Iraisedmyhands,andmademyselfthevisor Whichtheexcessiveglarediminishes. Aswhenfromoffthewater,oramirror, Thesunbeamleapsuntotheoppositeside, Ascendingupwardintheselfsamemeasure Thatitdescends,anddeviatesasfar Fromfallingofastoneinlinedirect, (Asdemonstrateexperimentandart,) Soitappearedtomethatbyalight RefractedtherebeforemeIwassmitten; Onwhichaccountmysightwasswifttoflee. Whatisthat,Fathersweet,fromwhichIcannot Sofullyscreenmysightthatitavailme, SaidI,andseemstowardsustobemoving? Marvelthounot,ifdazzletheeasyet Thefamilyofheaven,heansweredme; Anangeltis,whocomestoinviteusupward.

240

TheDivineComedy Soonwillitbe,thattobeholdthesethings Shallnotbegrievous,butdelightfultothee Asmuchasnaturefashionedtheetofeel. WhenwehadreachedtheAngelbenedight, Withjoyfulvoicehesaid:Hereenterin Tostairwayfarlesssteepthanaretheothers. Wemountingwere,alreadythencedeparted, AndBeatimisericordeswas Behindussung,Rejoice,thouthatoercomest! MyMasterandmyself,wetwoalone Weregoingupward,andIthought,ingoing, Someprofittoacquirefromwordsofhis; AndItohimdirectedme,thusasking: WhatdidthespiritofRomagnamean, Mentioninginterdictandpartnership? Whencehetome:Ofhisowngreatestfailing Heknowstheharm;andthereforewondernot Ifhereproveus,thatwelessmayrueit. Becausearethitherpointedyourdesires Wherebycompanionshipeachshareislessened, Envydothplythebellowstoyoursighs. Butiftheloveofthesupernalsphere Shouldupwardlydirectyouraspiration, Therewouldnotbethatfearwithinyourbreast; Forthere,asmuchthemoreasonesaysOur, Somuchthemoreofgoodeachonepossesses, Andmoreofcharityinthatcloisterburns. Iammorehungeringtobesatisfied, Isaid,thanifIhadbeforebeensilent, AndmoreofdoubtwithinmymindIgather. Howcanitbe,thatboondistributed Themorepossessorscanmorewealthymake Therein,thanifbyfewitbepossessed?

241

TheDivineComedy Andhetome:Becausethoufixeststill Thymindentirelyuponearthlythings, Thoupluckestdarknessfromtheverylight. Thatgoodnessinfiniteandineffable Whichisabovethere,runnethuntolove, Astoalucidbodycomesthesunbeam. Somuchitgivesitselfasitfindsardour, Sothatasfarascharityextends, Oeritincreasestheeternalvalour. Andthemorepeoplethitherwardaspire, Morearetheretolovewell,andmoretheylovethere, And,asamirror,onereflectstheother. Andifmyreasoningappeasetheenot, ThoushaltseeBeatrice;andshewillfully Takefromtheethisandeveryotherlonging. Endeavour,then,thatsoonmaybeextinct, Asarethetwoalready,thefivewounds Thatclosethemselvesagainbybeingpainful. EvenasIwishedtosay,Thoudostappeaseme, IsawthatIhadreachedanothercircle, Sothatmyeagereyesmademekeepsilence. Thereitappearedtomethatinavision EcstaticonasuddenIwasrapt, Andinatemplemanypersonssaw; Andatthedoorawoman,withthesweet Behaviourofamother,saying:Son, Whyinthismannerhastthoudealtwithus? Lo,sorrowing,thyfatherandmyself Wereseekingforthee;andasheresheceased, Thatwhichappearedatfirsthaddisappeared.

242

TheDivineComedy ThenIbeheldanotherwiththosewaters Adownhercheekswhichgriefdistilswhenever Fromgreatdisdainofothersitisborn, Andsaying:Ifofthatcitythouartlord, Forwhosenamewassuchstrifeamongthegods, Andwhencedotheverysciencescintillate, Avengethyselfonthoseaudaciousarms Thatclaspedourdaughter,OPisistratus; Andthelordseemedtomebenignandmild Toanswerherwithaspecttemperate: Whatshallwedotothosewhowishusill, Ifhewholovesusbebyuscondemned? ThensawIpeoplehotinfireofwrath, Withstonesayoungmanslaying,clamorously Stillcryingtoeachother,Killhim!killhim! AndhimIsawbowdown,becauseofdeath Thatweighedalreadyonhim,totheearth, Butofhiseyesmadeevergatestoheaven, ImploringthehighLord,insogreatstrife, Thathewouldpardonthosehispersecutors, Withsuchanaspectasunlockscompassion. Soonasmysoulhadoutwardlyreturned Tothingsexternaltoitwhicharetrue, DidImynotfalseerrorsrecognize. MyLeader,whocouldseemebearmyself Liketoamanthatrouseshimfromsleep, Exclaimed:Whatailsthee,thatthoucanstnotstand? Buthastbeencomingmorethanhalfaleague Veilingthineeyes,andwiththylegsentangled, Inguiseofonewhomwineorsleepsubdues? OmysweetFather,ifthoulistentome, Illtellthee,saidI,whatappearedtome, Whenthusfrommemylegsweretaenaway.

243

TheDivineComedy Andhe:Ifthoushouldsthaveahundredmasks Uponthyface,frommewouldnotbeshut Thycogitations,howsoeversmall. Whatthouhastseenwasthatthoumaystnotfail Toopethyheartuntothewatersofpeace, Whichfromtheeternalfountainarediffused. Ididnotask,Whatailsthee?ashedoes Whoonlylookethwiththeeyesthatseenot Whenofthesoulbereftthebodylies, Butaskedittogivevigourtothyfeet; Thusmustweneedsurgeonthesluggards,slow Tousetheirwakefulnesswhenitreturns. Wepassedalong,athwartthetwilightpeering Forwardasfarasevereyecouldstretch Againstthesunbeamsserotineandlucent; Andlo!byslowdegreesasmokeapproached Inourdirection,sombreasthenight, Norwasthereplacetohideonesselftherefrom. Thisofoureyesandthepureairbereftus.

244

TheDivineComedy Purgatorio:CantoXVI Darknessofhell,andofanightdeprived Ofeveryplanetunderapoorsky, Asmuchasmaybetenebrouswithcloud, Neermadeuntomysightsothickaveil, Asdidthatsmokewhichthereenvelopedus, Nortothefeelingofsoroughatexture; Fornotaneyeitsufferedtostayopen; Whereatmineescort,faithfulandsagacious, Drewneartomeandofferedmehisshoulder. Eenasablindmangoesbehindhisguide, Lestheshouldwander,orshouldstrikeagainst Aughtthatmayharmorperadventurekillhim, SowentIthroughthebitterandfoulair, ListeninguntomyLeader,whosaidonly, Lookthatfrommethoubenotseparated. VoicesIheard,andeveryoneappeared Tosupplicateforpeaceandmisericord TheLambofGodwhotakesawayoursins. StillAgnusDeitheirexordiumwas; Onewordtherewasinall,andmetreone, Sothatallharmonyappearedamongthem. Master,Isaid,arespiritsthoseIhear? Andhetome:Thouapprehendesttruly, Andtheytheknotofangergounloosing. Nowwhoartthou,thatcleavestthroughoursmoke Andartdiscoursingofusevenasthough Thoudidstbycalendsstilldividethetime? Afterthismannerbyavoicewasspoken; WhereonmyMastersaid:Dothoureply, Andaskifonthissidethewaygoupward.

245

TheDivineComedy AndI:Ocreaturethatdostcleansethyself ToreturnbeautifultoHimwhomadethee, Thoushalthearmarvelsifthoufollowme. TheewillIfollowfarasisallowedme, Heanswered;andifsmokepreventourseeing, Hearingshallkeepusjoinedinsteadthereof. ThereonbeganI:Withthatswathingband WhichdeathunwindethamIgoingupward, AndhithercameIthroughtheinfernalanguish. AndifGodinhisgracehasmeinfolded, SothathewillsthatIbeholdhiscourt Bymethodwhollyoutofmodernusage, Concealnotfrommewhoeredeaththouwast, Buttellitme,andtellmeifIgo Rightforthepass,andbethywordsourescort. LombardwasI,andIwasMarcocalled; TheworldIknew,andlovedthatexcellence, Atwhichhaseachonenowunbenthisbow. Formountingupward,thouartgoingright. Thushemadeanswer,andsubjoined:Ipraythee Toprayformewhenthoushaltbeabove. AndItohim:MyfaithIpledgetothee Todowhatthoudostaskme;butambursting Inlywithdoubt,unlessIridmeofit. Firstitwassimple,andisnowmadedouble Bythyopinion,whichmakescertaintome, Hereandelsewhere,thatwhichIcouplewithit. Theworldforsoothisutterlydeserted Byeveryvirtue,asthoutellestme, Andwithiniquityisbigandcovered; ButIbeseechtheepointmeoutthecause, ThatImayseeit,andtoothersshowit; Foroneintheheavens,andherebelowoneputsit.

246

TheDivineComedy Asighprofound,thatgriefforcedintoAi! Hefirstsentforth,andthenbeganhe:Brother, Theworldisblind,andsooththoucomestfromit! Yewhoarelivingeverycauserefer Stillupwardtotheheavens,asifallthings Theyofnecessitymovedwiththemselves. Ifthiswereso,inyouwouldbedestroyed Freewill,noranyjusticewouldtherebe Inhavingjoyforgood,orgriefforevil. Theheavensyourmovementsdoinitiate, Isaynotall;butgrantingthatIsayit, Lighthasbeengivenyouforgoodandevil, Andfreevolition;which,ifsomefatigue Inthefirstbattleswiththeheavensitsuffers, Afterwardsconquersall,ifwelltisnurtured. Togreaterforceandtoabetternature, Thoughfree,yesubjectare,andthatcreates Themindinyoutheheavenshavenotincharge. Hence,ifthepresentworlddothgoastray, Inyouthecauseis,beitsoughtinyou; AndIthereinwillnowbethytruespy. ForthfromthehandofHim,whofondlesit Beforeitis,liketoalittlegirl Weepingandlaughinginherchildishsport, Issuesthesimplesoul,thatnothingknows, Savethat,proceedingfromajoyousMaker, Gladlyitturnstothatwhichgivesitpleasure. Oftrivialgoodatfirstittastesthesavour; Ischeatedbyit,andrunsafterit, Ifguideorreinturnnotasideitslove.

247

TheDivineComedy Henceitbehovedlawsforareintoplace, Behovedakingtohave,whoattheleast Ofthetruecityshoulddiscernthetower. Thelawsexist,butwhosetshandtothem? Noone;becausetheshepherdwhoprecedes Canruminate,butcleavethnotthehoof; Whereforethepeoplethatperceivesitsguide Strikeonlyatthegoodforwhichithankers, Feedsuponthat,andfartherseekethnot. Clearlycanstthouperceivethatevilguidance Thecauseisthathasmadetheworlddepraved, Andnotthatnatureiscorruptinyou. Rome,thatreformedtheworld,accustomedwas Twosunstohave,whichoneroadandtheother, OfGodandoftheworld,mademanifest. Onehastheotherquenched,andtothecrosier Theswordisjoined,andillbeseemethit Thatbymainforceonewiththeothergo, Because,beingjoined,onefearethnottheother; Ifthoubelievenot,thinkuponthegrain, Forbyitsseedeachherbisrecognized. InthelandlavedbyPoandAdige, Valourandcourtesyusedtobefound, BeforethatFrederickhadhiscontroversy; Nowinsecuritycanpassthatway Whoeverwillabstain,throughsenseofshame, Fromspeakingwiththegood,ordrawingnearthem. True,threeoldmenareleft,inwhomupbraids Theancientagethenew,andlatetheydeemit ThatGodrestorethemtothebetterlife: CurradodaPalazzo,andgoodGherardo, AndGuidodaCastel,whobetternamedis, InfashionoftheFrench,thesimpleLombard:

248

TheDivineComedy SaythouhenceforwardthattheChurchofRome, Confoundinginitselftwogovernments, Fallsinthemire,andsoilsitselfandburden. OMarcomine,Isaid,thoureasonestwell; AndnowdiscernIwhythesonsofLevi Havebeenexcludedfromtheheritage. ButwhatGherardoisit,who,assample Ofalostrace,thousayesthasremained Inreprobationofthebarbarousage? Eitherthyspeechdeceivesme,orittemptsme, Heansweredme;forspeakingTuscantome, ItseemsofgoodGherardonaughtthouknowest. ByothersurnamedoIknowhimnot, UnlessItakeitfromhisdaughterGaia. MayGodbewithyou,forIcomenofarther. Beholdthedawn,thatthroughthesmokeraysout, Alreadywhitening;andImustdepart YondertheAngelisereheappear. Thusdidhespeak,andwouldnofartherhearme.

249

TheDivineComedy Purgatorio:CantoXVII Remember,Reader,ifeerintheAlps Amistoertookthee,throughwhichthoucouldstsee Nototherwisethanthroughitsmembranemole, How,whenthevapourshumidandcondensed Begintodissipatethemselves,thesphere Ofthesunfeeblyentersinamongthem, Andthyimaginationwillbeswift IncomingtoperceivehowIresaw Thesunatfirst,thatwasalreadysetting. Thus,tothefaithfulfootstepsofmyMaster Matingmineown,Iissuedfromthatcloud Toraysalreadydeadonthelowshores. Othou,Imagination,thatdoststealus Sofromwithoutsometimes,thatmanperceivesnot, Althougharoundmaysoundathousandtrumpets, Whomoveththee,ifsenseimpeltheenot? Movestheealight,whichintheheaventakesform, Byself,orbyawillthatdownwardguidesit. Ofherimpiety,whochangedherform Intothebirdthatmostdelightsinsinging, Inmyimaginingappearedthetrace; Andhereuponmymindwassowithdrawn Withinitself,thatfromwithouttherecame Nothingthatthenmightbereceivedbyit. Thenreignedwithinmyloftyfantasy Onecrucified,disdainfulandferocious Incountenance,andeventhuswasdying. AroundhimwerethegreatAhasuerus, Estherhiswife,andthejustMordecai, Whowasinwordandactionsoentire.

250

TheDivineComedy Andevenasthisimageburstasunder Ofitsownself,infashionofabubble Inwhichthewateritwasmadeoffails, Thereroseupinmyvisionayoungmaiden Bitterlyweeping,andshesaid:Oqueen, Whyhastthouwishedinangertobenaught? Thoustslainthyself,Lavinianottolose; Nowhastthoulostme;Iamshewhomourns, Mother,atthineereatanothersruin. Assleepisbroken,whenuponasudden Newlightstrikesinupontheeyelidsclosed, Andbrokenquiversereitdiethwholly, Sothisimaginingofminefelldown Assoonastheeffulgencesmotemyface, Greaterbyfarthanwhatisinourwont. IturnedmeroundtoseewhereImightbe, Whensaidavoice,Hereisthepassageup; Whichfromallotherpurposesremovedme, Andmademywishsofullofeagerness Tolookandseewhowasitthatwasspeaking, Itneverreststillmeetingfacetoface; Butasbeforethesun,whichquellsthesight, Andinitsownexcessitsfigureveils, Evensomypowerwasinsufficienthere. Thisisaspiritdivine,whointheway Ofgoingupdirectsuswithoutasking, Andwhowithhisownlighthimselfconceals. Hedoeswithusasmandothwithhimself; Forhewhoseestheneed,andwaitstheasking, Malignlyleansalreadytowrdsdenial. Accordwenowourfeettosuchinviting, Letusmakehastetomountereitgrowdark; Forthenwecouldnottillthedayreturn.

251

TheDivineComedy ThusmyConductorsaid;andIandhe Togetherturnedourfootstepstoastairway; AndI,assoonasthefirststepIreached, Nearmeperceivedamotionasofwings, Andfanningintheface,andsaying,Beati Pacifici,whoarewithoutillanger. Alreadyoverusweresouplifted Thelatestsunbeams,whichthenightpursues, Thatuponmanysidesthestarsappeared. Omanhoodmine,whydostthouvanishso? Isaidwithinmyself;forIperceived Thevigourofmylegswasputintruce. Weatthepointwerewherenomoreascends Thestairwayupward,andweremotionless, Evenasaship,whichattheshorearrives; AndIgaveheedalittle,ifImighthear Aughtwhatsoeverinthecirclenew; ThentomyMasterturnedmeroundandsaid: Say,mysweetFather,whatdelinquency Ispurgedhereinthecirclewhereweare? Althoughourfeetmaypause,pausenotthyspeech. Andhetome:Theloveofgood,remiss Inwhatitshouldhavedone,ishererestored; Herepliedagaintheillbelatedoar; Butstillmoreopenlytounderstand, Turnuntomethymind,andthoushaltgather Someprofitablefruitfromourdelay. NeitherCreatornoracreatureever, Son,hebegan,wasdestituteoflove Naturalorspiritual;andthouknowestit.

252

TheDivineComedy Thenaturalwaseverwithouterror; Buterrtheothermaybyevilobject, Orbytoomuch,orbytoolittlevigour. Whileinthefirstitwelldirectedis, Andinthesecondmoderatesitself, Itcannotbethecauseofsinfulpleasure; Butwhentoillitturns,and,withmorecare Orlesserthanitought,runsaftergood, GainsttheCreatorworkshisowncreation. Hencethoumaystcomprehendthatlovemustbe Theseedwithinyourselvesofeveryvirtue, Andeveryactthatmeritspunishment. Nowinasmuchasneverfromthewelfare Ofitsownsubjectcanloveturnitssight, Fromtheirownhatredallthingsaresecure; Andsincewecannotthinkofanybeing Standingalone,norfromtheFirstdivided, OfhatingHimisalldesirecutoff. Henceif,discriminating,Ijudgewell, Theevilthatonelovesisofonesneighbour, Andthisisborninthreemodesinyourclay. Thereare,who,byabasementoftheirneighbour, Hopetoexcel,andthereforeonlylong Thatfromhisgreatnesshemaybecastdown; Thereare,whopower,grace,honour,andrenown Feartheymaylosebecauseanotherrises, Thencearesosadthatthereversetheylove; Andtherearethosewhominjuryseemstochafe, Sothatitmakesthemgreedyforrevenge, Andsuchmustneedsshapeoutanothersharm. Thisthreefoldloveisweptfordownbelow; NowoftheotherwillIhavetheehear, Thatrunnethaftergoodwithmeasurefaulty.

253

TheDivineComedy Eachoneconfusedlyagoodconceives Whereinthemindmayrest,andlongethforit; Thereforetoovertakeiteachonestrives. Iflanguidlovetolookonthisattractyou, Orinattaininguntoit,thiscornice, Afterjustpenitence,tormentsyouforit. Theresothergoodthatdoesnotmakemanhappy; Tisnotfelicity,tisnotthegood Essence,ofeverygoodthefruitandroot. Thelovethatyieldsitselftoomuchtothis Aboveusislamentedinthreecircles; Buthowtripartiteitmaybedescribed, Isaynot,thatthouseekitforthyself.

254

TheDivineComedy Purgatorio:CantoXVIII Anendhadputuntohisreasoning TheloftyTeacher,andattentwaslooking Intomyface,ifIappearedcontent; AndI,whomanewthirststillgoadedon, Withoutwasmute,andsaidwithin:Perchance ThetoomuchquestioningImakeannoyshim. ButthattrueFather,whohadcomprehended Thetimidwish,thatopenednotitself, Byspeakinggavemehardihoodtospeak. WhenceI:Mysightis,Master,vivified Sointhylight,thatclearlyIdiscern Whateerthyspeechimportethordescribes. ThereforeItheeentreat,sweetFatherdear, Toteachmelove,towhichthoudostrefer Everygoodactionanditscontrary. Direct,hesaid,towardsmethekeeneyes Ofintellect,andclearwillbetothee Theerroroftheblind,whowouldbeleaders. Thesoul,whichiscreatedapttolove, Ismobileuntoeverythingthatpleases, Soonasbypleasuresheiswakedtoaction. Yourapprehensionfromsomerealthing Animagedraws,andinyourselvesdisplaysit Sothatitmakesthesoulturnuntoit. Andif,whenturned,towardsitsheincline, Loveisthatinclination;itisnature, Whichisbypleasureboundinyouanew Thenevenasthefiredothupwardmove Byitsownform,whichtoascendisborn, Wherelongestinitsmatteritendures,

255

TheDivineComedy Socomesthecaptivesoulintodesire, Whichisamotionspiritual,andneerrests Untilshedothenjoythethingbeloved. Nowmayapparentbetotheehowhidden Thetruthisfromthosepeople,whoaver Allloveisinitselfalaudablething; Becauseitsmattermayperchanceappear Ayetobegood;butyetnoteachimpression Isgood,albeitgoodmaybethewax. Thywords,andmysequaciousintellect, Iansweredhim,haveloverevealedtome; Butthathasmadememoreimpregnedwithdoubt; Foriflovefromwithoutbeofferedus, Andwithanotherfootthesoulgonot, Ifrightorwrongshego,tisnothermerit. Andhetome:Whatreasonseethhere, Myselfcantellthee;beyondthatawait ForBeatrice,sincetisaworkoffaith. Everysubstantialform,thatsegregate Frommatteris,andwithitisunited, Specificpowerhasinitselfcollected, Whichwithoutactisnotperceptible, Norshowsitselfexceptbyitseffect, Aslifedoesinaplantbythegreenleaves. Butstill,whencecomeththeintelligence Ofthefirstnotions,manisignorant, Andtheaffectionforthefirstallurements, Whichareinyouasinstinctinthebee Tomakeitshoney;andthisfirstdesire Meritofpraiseorblamecontainethnot. Now,thattothisallothersmaybegathered, Innatewithinyouisthepowerthatcounsels, Anditshouldkeepthethresholdofassent.

256

TheDivineComedy Thisistheprinciple,fromwhichistaken Occasionofdesertinyou,according Asgoodandguiltylovesittakesandwinnows. Thosewho,inreasoning,tothebottomwent, Wereofthisinnatelibertyaware, ThereforebequeathedtheyEthicstotheworld. Supposing,then,thatfromnecessity Springseverylovethatiswithinyoukindled, Withinyourselvesthepoweristorestrainit. ThenoblevirtueBeatriceunderstands Bythefreewill;andthereforeseethatthou Bearitinmind,ifsheshouldspeakofit. Themoon,belatedalmostuntomidnight, Nowmadethestarsappeartousmorerare, Formedlikeabucket,thatisallablaze, Andcountertotheheavensranthroughthosepaths Whichthesunsetsaflame,whenheofRome SeesittwixtSardesandCorsicansgodown; Andthatpatricianshade,forwhomisnamed PietolamorethananyMantuantown, Hadlaidasidetheburdenofmylading; WhenceI,whoreasonmanifestandplain Inanswertomyquestionshadreceived, Stoodlikeamanindrowsyreverie. Buttakenfrommewasthisdrowsiness Suddenlybyapeople,thatbehind Ourbacksalreadyhadcomeroundtous. Andas,ofold,IsmenusandAsopus Besidethemsawatnighttherushandthrong, IfbuttheThebanswereinneedofBacchus,

257

TheDivineComedy Sotheyalongthatcirclecurvetheirstep, FromwhatIsawofthoseapproachingus, Whobygoodwillandrighteousloveareridden. Fullsoontheywereuponus,becauserunning Movedonwardallthatmightymultitude, Andtwointheadvancecriedout,lamenting, Maryinhasteuntothemountainran, AndCaesar,thathemightsubdueIlerda, ThrustatMarseilles,andthenranintoSpain. Quick!quick!sothatthetimemaynotbelost Bylittlelove!forthwiththeotherscried, Forardourinwelldoingfreshensgrace! Ofolk,inwhomaneagerfervournow Suppliesperhapsdelayandnegligence, Putbyyouinwelldoing,throughlukewarmness, Thisonewholives,andtrulyIlienot, Wouldfaingoup,ifbutthesunrelightus; Sotelluswherethepassagenearestis. ThesewerethewordsofhimwhowasmyGuide; Andsomeoneofthosespiritssaid:Comeon Behindus,andtheopeningshaltthoufind; Sofulloflongingarewetomoveonward, Thatstaywecannot;thereforepardonus, Ifthouforchurlishnessourjusticetake. IwasSanZenosAbbotatVerona, UndertheempireofgoodBarbarossa, OfwhomstillsorrowingMilanholdsdiscourse; Andhehasonefootinthegravealready, Whoshallerelonglamentthatmonastery, Andsorrybeofhavingtherehadpower, Becausehisson,inhiswholebodysick, Andworseinmind,andwhowasevilborn, Heputintotheplaceofitstruepastor.

258

TheDivineComedy Ifmorehesaid,orsilentwas,Iknownot, Hehadalreadypassedsofarbeyondus; ButthisIheard,andtoretainitpleasedme. Andhewhowasineveryneedmysuccour Said:Turntheehitherward;seetwoofthem Comefasteninguponslothfulnesstheirteeth. Inrearofalltheyshouted:Soonerwere Thepeopledeadtowhomtheseawasopened, ThantheirinheritorstheJordansaw; Andthosewhothefatiguedidnotendure Untotheissue,withAnchisesson, Themselvestolifewithoutengloryoffered. Thenwhenfromussoseparatedwere Thoseshades,thattheynolongercouldbeseen, Withinmeanewthoughtdidentrancefind, Whenceothersmanyanddiversewereborn; AndsoIlapsedfromoneintoanother, ThatinareveriemineeyesIclosed, Andmeditationintodreamtransmuted.

259

TheDivineComedy Purgatorio:CantoXIX Itwasthehourwhenthediurnalheat Nomorecanwarmthecoldnessofthemoon, Vanquishedbyearth,orperadventureSaturn, WhengeomancerstheirFortunaMajor Seeintheorientbeforethedawn Risebyapaththatlongremainsnotdim, Therecametomeindreamsastammeringwoman, Squintinhereyes,andinherfeetdistorted, Withhandsdisseveredandofsallowhue. Ilookedather;andasthesunrestores Thefrigidmemberswhichthenightbenumbs, Eventhusmygazedidrendervoluble Hertongue,andmadeherallerectthereafter Inlittlewhile,andthelostcountenance Aslovedesiresitsoinherdidcolour. Wheninthiswiseshehadherspeechunloosed, Shegantosingso,thatwithdifficulty CouldIhaveturnedmythoughtsawayfromher. Iam,shesang,IamtheSirensweet Whomarinersamidthemainunman, SofullamIofpleasantnesstohear. IdrewUlyssesfromhiswanderingway Untomysong,andhewhodwellswithme SeldomdepartssowhollyIcontenthim. Hermouthwasnotyetclosedagain,before AppearedaLadysaintlyandalert Closeatmysidetoputhertoconfusion. Virgilius,OVirgilius!whoisthis? Sternlyshesaid;andhewasdrawingnear Witheyesstillfixeduponthatmodestone.

260

TheDivineComedy Sheseizedtheotherandinfrontlaidopen, Rendinghergarments,andherbellyshowedme; Thiswakedmewiththestenchthatissuedfromit. Iturnedmineeyes,andgoodVirgiliussaid: AtleastthricehaveIcalledthee;riseandcome; Findwetheopeningbywhichthoumaystenter. Irose;andfullalreadyofhighday WereallthecirclesoftheSacredMountain, Andwiththenewsunatourbackwewent. Followingbehindhim,Imyforeheadbore Likeuntoonewhohasitladenwiththought, Whomakeshimselfthehalfarchofabridge, WhenIheardsay,Come,herethepassageis, Spokeninamannergentleandbenign, Suchaswehearnotinthismortalregion. Withopenwings,whichofaswanappeared, Upwardheturneduswhothusspaketous, Betweenthetwowallsofthesolidgranite. Hemovedhispinionsafterwardsandfannedus, Affirmingthosequilugenttobeblessed, Fortheyshallhavetheirsoulswithcomfortfilled. Whataileththee,thatayetoearththougazest? TomemyGuidebegantosay,weboth SomewhatbeyondtheAngelhavingmounted. AndI:Withsuchmisgivingmakesmego Avisionnew,whichbendsmetoitself, SothatIcannotfromthethoughtwithdrawme. Didstthoubehold,hesaid,thatoldenchantress, Whosoleaboveushenceforthislamented? Didstthoubeholdhowmanisfreedfromher? Sufficeitthee,andsmiteearthwiththyheels, Thineeyesliftupwardtothelure,thatwhirls TheEternalKingwithrevolutionsvast.

261

TheDivineComedy Evenasthehawk,thatfirsthisfeetsurveys, Thenturnshimtothecallandstretchesforward, Throughthedesireoffoodthatdrawshimthither, SuchIbecame,andsuch,asfarascleaves Therocktogiveawaytohimwhomounts, Wentontowherethecirclingdothbegin. OnthefifthcirclewhenIhadcomeforth, PeopleIsawuponitwhowereweeping, Stretchedproneupontheground,alldownwardturned. Adhaesitpavimentoanimamea, Iheardthemsaywithsighingssoprofound, Thathardlycouldthewordsbeunderstood. OyeelectofGod,whosesufferings JusticeandHopebothrenderlesssevere, Directyeustowardsthehighascents. Ifyearecomesecurefromthisprostration, Andwishtofindthewaymostspeedily, Letyourrighthandsbeevermoreoutside. ThusdidthePoetask,andthuswasanswered Bythemsomewhatinfrontofus;whenceI Inwhatwasspokendivinedtherestconcealed, AnduntomyLordseyesmineeyesIturned; Whenceheassentedwithacheerfulsign Towhatthesightofmydesireimplored. WhenofmyselfIcoulddisposeatwill, AbovethatcreaturedidIdrawmyself, Whosewordsbeforehadcausedmetotakenote, Saying:OSpirit,inwhomweepingripens ThatwithoutwhichtoGodwecannotturn, Suspendawhileformethygreatercare.

262

TheDivineComedy Whowastthou,andwhyareyourbacksturnedupwards, Tellme,andifthouwouldstthatIprocurethee AnythingtherewhencelivingIdeparted. Andhetome:Whereforeourbackstheheaven Turnstoitself,knowshaltthou;butbeforehand SciasquodegofuisuccessorPetri. BetweenSiestriandChiaveridescends Ariverbeautiful,andofitsname Thetitleofmyblooditssummitmakes. AmonthandlittlemoreessayedIhow Weighsthegreatcloakonhimfrommirewhokeepsit, Foralltheotherburdensseemafeather. Tardy,ahwoeisme!wasmyconversion; ButwhentheRomanShepherdIwasmade, ThenIdiscoveredlifetobealie. Isawthattheretheheartwasnotatrest, Norfartherinthatlifecouldoneascend; Wherebytheloveofthiswaskindledinme. Untilthattimeawretchedsoulandparted FromGodwasI,andwhollyavaricious; Now,asthouseest,Ihereampunishedforit. Whatavaricedoesisheremademanifest Inthepurgationofthesesoulsconverted, AndnomorebitterpaintheMountainhas. Evenasoureyedidnotupliftitself Aloft,beingfasteneduponearthlythings, Sojusticeherehasmergeditintheearth. Asavaricehadextinguishedouraffection Foreverygood,wherebywasactionlost, Sojusticeheredothholdusinrestraint, Boundandimprisonedbythefeetandhands; AndsolongasitpleasesthejustLord Shallweremainimmovableandprostrate.

263

TheDivineComedy Ionmykneeshadfallen,andwishedtospeak; ButevenasIbegan,andhewasware, Onlybylistening,ofmyreverence, Whatcause,hesaid,hasdownwardbenttheethus? AndItohim:Foryourowndignity, Standing,myconsciencestungmewithremorse. Straightenthylegs,andupwardraisethee,brother, Heanswered:Errnot,fellowservantamI Withtheeandwiththeotherstoonepower. Ifeerthatholy,evangelicsound, Whichsayethnequenubent,thouhastheard, WellcanstthouseewhyinthiswiseIspeak. Nowgo;nolongerwillIhavetheelinger, Becausethystaydothincommodemyweeping, WithwhichIripenthatwhichthouhastsaid. OnearthIhaveagrandchildnamedAlagia, Goodinherself,unlessindeedourhouse Malevolentmaymakeherbyexample, Andshealoneremainstomeonearth.

264

TheDivineComedy Purgatorio:CantoXX Illstrivesthewillagainstabetterwill; Therefore,topleasurehim,againstmypleasure Idrewthespongenotsaturatefromthewater. OnwardImoved,andonwardmovedmyLeader, Throughvacantplaces,skirtingstilltherock, Asonawallclosetothebattlements; Fortheythatthroughtheireyespourdropbydrop Themaladywhichalltheworldpervades, Ontheothersidetoonearthevergeapproach. Accursedmaystthoube,thouoldshewolf, Thatmorethanalltheotherbeastshastprey, Becauseofhungerinfinitelyhollow! Oheaven,inwhosegyrationssomeappear Tothinkconditionsherebelowarechanged, Whenwillhecomethroughwhomsheshalldepart? Onwardwewentwithfootstepsslowandscarce, AndIattentivetotheshadesIheard Piteouslyweepingandbemoaningthem; AndIbyperadventureheardSweetMary! Utteredinfrontofusamidtheweeping Evenasawomandoeswhoisinchildbirth; Andincontinuance:Howpoorthouwast Ismanifestedbythathostelry Wherethoudidstlaythysacredburdendown. ThereafterwardIheard:OgoodFabricius, Virtuewithpovertydidstthouprefer Tothepossessionofgreatwealthwithvice. Sopleasurablewerethesewordstome ThatIdrewfartheronwardtohaveknowledge Touchingthatspiritwhencetheyseemedtocome.

265

TheDivineComedy Hefurthermorewasspeakingofthelargess WhichNicholasuntothemaidensgave, Inordertoconducttheiryouthtohonour. Osoulthatdostsoexcellentlyspeak, Tellmewhowastthou,saidI,andwhyonly Thoudostrenewthesepraiseswelldeserved? Notwithoutrecompenseshallbethyword, IfIreturntofinishtheshortjourney Ofthatlifewhichisflyingtoitsend. Andhe:Illtellthee,notforanycomfort Imayexpectfromearth,butthatsomuch Graceshinesintheeoreverthouartdead. Iwastherootofthatmalignantplant WhichovershadowsalltheChristianworld, Sothatgoodfruitisseldomgatheredfromit; ButifDouayandGhent,andLilleandBruges HadPower,soonvengeancewouldbetakenonit; AndthisIprayofHimwhojudgesall. HughCapetwasIcalledupontheearth; FrommewereborntheLouisesandPhilips, BywhominlaterdayshasFrancebeengoverned. IwasthesonofaParisianbutcher, Whattimetheancientkingshadperishedall, Exceptingone,contriteinclothofgray. Ifoundmegraspinginmyhandstherein Oftherealmsgovernment,andsogreatpower Ofnewacquest,andsowithfriendsabounding, Thattothewidoweddiadempromoted Theheadofmineownoffspringwas,fromwhom Theconsecratedbonesofthesebegan. SolongasthegreatdowryofProvence Outofmybloodtooknotthesenseofshame, Twaslittleworth,butstillitdidnoharm.

266

TheDivineComedy Thenitbeganwithfalsehoodandwithforce Itsrapine;andthereafter,foramends, TookPonthieu,Normandy,andGascony. CharlescametoItaly,andforamends AvictimmadeofConradin,andthen ThrustThomasbacktoheaven,foramends. AtimeIsee,notverydistantnow, WhichdrawethforthanotherCharlesfromFrance, Thebettertomakeknownbothhimandhis. Unarmedhegoes,andonlywiththelance ThatJudasjoustedwith;andthathethrusts SothathemakesthepaunchofFlorenceburst. Hethencenotland,butsinandinfamy, Shallgain,somuchmoregrievoustohimself Asthemorelightsuchdamageheaccounts. Theother,nowgoneforth,taeninhisship, SeeIhisdaughtersell,andchafferforher Ascorsairsdowithotherfemaleslaves. Whatmore,OAvarice,canstthoudotous, Sincethoumybloodsotothyselfhastdrawn, Itcarethnotforitsownproperflesh? Thatlessmayseemthefutureillandpast, IseetheflowerdeluceAlagnaenter, AndChristinhisownVicarcaptivemade. Iseehimyetanothertimederided; Iseerenewedthevinegarandgall, AndbetweenlivingthievesIseehimslain. IseethemodernPilatesorelentless, Thisdoesnotsatehim,butwithoutdecretal Hetothetemplebearshissordidsails!

267

TheDivineComedy When,OmyLord!shallIbejoyfulmade Bylookingonthevengeancewhich,concealed, Makessweetthineangerinthysecrecy? WhatIwassayingofthatonlybride OftheHolyGhost,andwhichoccasionedthee Toturntowardsmeforsomecommentary, Solonghasbeenordainedtoallourprayers Asthedaylasts;butwhenthenightcomeson, Contrarysoundwetakeinsteadthereof. AtthattimewerepeatPygmalion, Ofwhomatraitor,thief,andparricide Madehisinsatiabledesireofgold; AndthemiseryofavariciousMidas, Thatfollowedhisinordinatedemand, Atwhichforevermoreoneneedsbutlaugh. ThefoolishAchaneachonethenrecords, Andhowhestolethespoils;sothatthewrath OfJoshuastillappearstostinghimhere. ThenweaccuseSapphirawithherhusband, WelaudthehoofbeatsHeliodorushad, Andthewholemountininfamyencircles PolymnestorwhomurderedPolydorus. Herefinallyiscried:OCrassus,tellus, Forthoudostknow,whatisthetasteofgold? Sometimeswespeak,oneloud,anotherlow, Accordingtodesireofspeech,thatspursus Togreaternowandnowtolesserpace. Butinthegoodthatherebydayistalkedof, ErewhilealoneIwasnot;yetnearby Nootherpersonlifteduphisvoice. Fromhimalreadywedepartedwere, Andmadeendeavourtooercometheroad Asmuchaswaspermittedtoourpower,

268

TheDivineComedy WhenIperceived,likesomethingthatisfalling, Themountaintremble,whenceachillseizedonme, Asseizeshimwhotohisdeathisgoing. CertessoviolentlyshooknotDelos, BeforeLatonamadehernesttherein Togivebirthtothetwoeyesoftheheaven. Thenuponallsidestherebeganacry, SuchthattheMasterdrewhimselftowardsme, Saying,Fearnot,whileIamguidingthee. GloriainexcelsisDeo,all Weresaying,fromwhatnearIcomprehended, Whereitwaspossibletohearthecry. Wepausedimmovableandinsuspense, Evenastheshepherdswhofirstheardthatsong, Untilthetremblingceased,anditwasfinished. Thenweresumedagainourholypath, Watchingtheshadesthatlayupontheground, Alreadyturnedtotheiraccustomedplaint. Noignoranceeverwithsogreatastrife Hadrenderedmeimportunatetoknow, Iferrethnotinthismymemory, AsmeditatingthenIseemedtohave; NoroutofhastetoquestiondidIdare, NorofmyselfItherecouldaughtperceive; SoIwentonwardtimorousandthoughtful.

269

TheDivineComedy Purgatorio:CantoXXI Thenaturalthirst,thatneerissatisfied Exceptingwiththewaterforwhosegrace ThewomanofSamariabesought, Putmeintravail,andhastegoadedme AlongtheencumberedpathbehindmyLeader AndIwaspityingthatrighteousvengeance; Andlo!inthesamemannerasLukewriteth ThatChristappearedtotwoupontheway Fromthesepulchralcavealreadyrisen, Ashadeappearedtous,andcamebehindus, Downgazingontheprostratemultitude, Norwerewewareofit,untilitspake, Saying,Mybrothers,mayGodgiveyoupeace! Weturnedussuddenly,andVirgiliusrendered Tohimthecountersigntheretoconforming. Thereonbeganhe:Intheblessedcouncil, Theemaythecourtveraciousplaceinpeace, Thatmedothbanishineternalexile! How,saidhe,andthewhilewewentwithspeed, IfyeareshadeswhomGoddeignsnotonhigh, Whouphisstairssofarhasguidedyou? AndsaidmyTeacher:Ifthounotethemarks Whichthisonebears,andwhichtheAngeltraces Wellshaltthouseehewiththegoodmustreign. Butbecauseshewhospinnethdayandnight Forhimhadnotyetdrawnthedistaffoff, WhichClotholaysforeachoneandcompacts, Hissoul,whichisthysisterandmyown, Incomingupwardscouldnotcomealone, Byreasonthatitseesnotinourfashion.

270

TheDivineComedy WhenceIwasdrawnfromouttheamplethroat OfHelltobehisguide,andIshallguidehim Asfaronasmyschoolhaspowertolead. Buttellus,ifthouknowest,whysuchashudder Erewhilethemountaingave,andwhytogether Allseemedtocry,asfarasitsmoistfeet? Inaskinghesohittheveryeye Ofmydesire,thatmerelywiththehope Mythirstbecamethelessunsatisfied. Naughtisthere,hebegan,thatwithoutorder Maythereligionofthemountainfeel, Noraughtthatmaybeforeigntoitscustom. Freeisitherefromeverypermutation; Whatfromitselfheaveninitselfreceiveth Canbeofthisthecause,andnaughtbeside; Becausethatneitherrain,norhail,norsnow, Nordew,norhoarfrostanyhigherfalls Thantheshort,littlestairwayofthreesteps. Densecloudsdonotappear,norrarefied, Norcoruscation,northedaughterofThaumas, Thatoftenuponearthherregionshifts; Noaridvapouranyfartherrises ThantothetopofthethreestepsIspakeof, WhereontheVicarofPeterhashisfeet. Lowerdownperchanceittrembleslessormore, But,forthewindthatintheearthishidden Iknownothow,uphereitnevertrembled. Ittrembleshere,wheneveranysoul Feelsitselfpure,sothatitsoars,ormoves Tomountaloft,andsuchacryattendsit. Ofpuritythewillalonegivesproof, Which,beingwhollyfreetochangeitsconvent, Takesbysurprisethesoul,andhelpsitfly.

271

TheDivineComedy Firstitwillswell;butthedesirepermitsnot, Whichdivinejusticewiththeselfsamewill Therewastosin,uponthetormentsets. AndI,whohavebeenlyinginthispain Fivehundredyearsandmore,butjustnowfelt Afreevolitionforabetterseat. Thereforethouheardsttheearthquake,andthepious Spiritsalongthemountainrenderingpraise UntotheLord,thatsoonhespeedthemupwards. Sosaidhetohim;andsinceweenjoy Asmuchindrinkingasthethirstisgreat, Icouldnotsayhowmuchitdidmegood. AndthewiseLeader:NowIseethenet Thatsnaresyouhere,andhowyearesetfree, Whytheearthquakes,andwhereforeyerejoice. NowwhothouwastbepleasedthatImayknow; Andwhysomanycenturiesthouhasthere Beenlying,letmegatherfromthywords. IndayswhenthegoodTitus,withtheaid OfthesupremestKing,avengedthewounds WhenceissuedforththebloodbyJudassold, Underthenamethatmostenduresandhonours, WasIonearth,thatspiritmadereply, Greatlyrenowned,butnotwithfaithasyet. Myvocalspiritwassosweet,thatRome Me,aThoulousian,drewuntoherself, WhereIdeservedtodeckmybrowswithmyrtle. Statiusthepeoplenamemestillonearth; IsangofThebes,andthenofgreatAchilles; Butonthewayfellwithmysecondburden.

272

TheDivineComedy Theseedsuntomyardourwerethesparks Ofthatcelestialflamewhichheatedme, Wherebymorethanathousandhavebeenfired; OftheAeneidspeakI,whichtome Amotherwas,andwasmynurseinsong; WithoutthisweighedInotadrachmasweight. Andtohavelivedupontheearthwhattime Virgiliuslived,Iwouldacceptonesun MorethanImustereissuingfrommyban. ThesewordstowardsmemadeVirgiliusturn Withlooksthatintheirsilencesaid,Besilent! Butyetthepowerthatwillscannotdoallthings; Fortearsandlaughteraresuchpursuivants Untothepassionfromwhicheachspringsforth, Inthemosttruthfulleastthewilltheyfollow. Ionlysmiled,asonewhogivesthewink; Whereattheshadewassilent,anditgazed Intomineeyes,wheremostexpressiondwells; And,Asthouwellmaystconsummatealabour Sogreat,itsaid,whydidthyfacejustnow Displaytomethelightningofasmile? NowamIcaughtonthissideandonthat; Onekeepsmesilent,onetospeakconjuresme, WhereforeIsigh,andIamunderstood. Speak,saidmyMaster,andbenotafraid Ofspeaking,butspeakout,andsaytohim Whathedemandswithsuchsolicitude. WhenceI:Thouperadventuremarvellest, Oantiquespirit,atthesmileIgave; ButIwillhavemorewonderseizeuponthee. Thisone,whoguidesonhightheseeyesofmine, IsthatVirgilius,fromwhomthoudidstlearn TosingaloudofmenandoftheGods.

273

TheDivineComedy Ifothercausethoutomysmileimputedst, Abandonitasfalse,andtrustitwas Thosewordswhichthouhastspokenconcerninghim. Alreadyhewasstoopingtoembrace MyTeachersfeet;buthesaidtohim:Brother, Donot;forshadethouart,andshadebeholdest. Andheuprising:Nowcanstthouthesum Oflovewhichwarmsmetotheecomprehend, WhenthisourvanityIdisremember, Treatingashadowassubstantialthing.

274

TheDivineComedy Purgatorio:CantoXXII AlreadywastheAngelleftbehindus, TheAngelwhotothesixthroundhadturnedus, Havingerasedonemarkfromoffmyface; Andthosewhohaveinjusticetheirdesire Hadsaidtous,Beati,intheirvoices, Withsitio,andwithoutmoreendedit. AndI,morelightthanthroughtheotherpasses, Wentonwardso,thatwithoutanylabour Ifollowedupwardtheswiftfootedspirits; WhenthusVirgiliusbegan:Thelove Kindledbyvirtueayeanotherkindles, Providedoutwardlyitsflameappear. HencefromthehourthatJuvenaldescended AmongusintotheinfernalLimbo, Whomadeapparenttomethyaffection, Mykindlinesstowardstheewasasgreat Aseverboundonetoanunseenperson, Sothatthesestairswillnowseemshorttome. Buttellme,andforgivemeasafriend, Iftoogreatconfidenceletloosetherein, Andasafriendnowholddiscoursewithme; Howwasitpossiblewithinthybreast Foravaricetofindplace,midsomuchwisdom Asthouwastfilledwithbythydiligence? ThesewordsexcitedStatiusatfirst Somewhattolaughter;afterwardheanswered: Eachwordofthineislovesdearsigntome. Verilyoftentimesdothingsappear Whichgivefallaciousmattertoourdoubts, Insteadofthetruecauseswhicharehidden!

275

TheDivineComedy Thyquestionshowsmethybelieftobe ThatIwasniggardintheotherlife, ItmaybefromthecirclewhereIwas; Thereforeknowthou,thatavaricewasremoved Toofarfromme;andthisextravagance Thousandsoflunarperiodshavepunished. AndwereitnotthatImythoughtsuplifted, WhenIthepassageheardwherethouexclaimest, Asifindignant,untohumannature, Towhatimpellestthounot,Ocursedhunger Ofgold,theappetiteofmortalmen? RevolvingIshouldfeelthedismaljoustings. ThenIperceivedthehandscouldspreadtoowide Theirwingsinspending,andrepentedme Aswellofthatasofmyothersins; Howmanywithshornhairshallriseagain Becauseofignorance,whichfromthissin Cutsoffrepentancelivingandindeath! Andknowthatthetransgressionwhichrebuts Bydirectoppositionanysin Togetherwithithereitsverduredries. ThereforeifIhavebeenamongthatfolk Whichmournsitsavarice,topurifyme, Foritsoppositehasthisbefallenme. Nowwhenthousangesttherelentlessweapons OfthetwofoldafflictionofJocasta, ThesingeroftheSongsBucolicsaid, FromthatwhichCliotherewiththeepreludes, Itdoesnotseemthatyethadmadetheefaithful Thatfaithwithoutwhichnogoodworkssuffice. Ifthisbeso,whatcandlesorwhatsun Scatteredthydarknesssothatthoudidsttrim ThysailsbehindtheFishermanthereafter?

276

TheDivineComedy Andhetohim:Thoufirstdirectedstme TowardsParnassus,initsgrotstodrink, AndfirstconcerningGoddidstmeenlighten. Thoudidstashewhowalkethinthenight, Whobearshislightbehind,whichhelpshimnot, Butwarymakesthepersonsafterhim, Whenthoudidstsay:Theagerenewsitself, Justicereturns,andmansprimevaltime, Andanewprogenydescendsfromheaven. ThroughtheeIPoetwas,throughtheeaChristian; ButthatthoubetterseewhatIdesign, TocolouritwillIextendmyhand. Alreadywastheworldineverypart Pregnantwiththetruecreed,disseminated Bymessengersoftheeternalkingdom; Andthyassertion,spokenofabove, Withthenewpreacherswasinunison; WhenceItovisitthemthecustomtook. Thentheybecamesoholyinmysight, That,whenDomitianpersecutedthem, Notwithouttearsofmineweretheirlaments; AndallthewhilethatIonearthremained, ThemIbefriended,andtheiruprightcustoms Mademedisparagealltheothersects. AndereIledtheGreeksuntotherivers OfThebes,inpoetry,Iwasbaptized, ButoutoffearwascovertlyaChristian, Foralongtimeprofessingpaganism; Andthislukewarmnesscausedmethefourthcircle Tocircuitroundmorethanfourcenturies.

277

TheDivineComedy Thou,therefore,whohastraisedthecovering ThathidfrommewhatevergoodIspeakof, Whileinascendingwehavetimetospare, Tellme,inwhatplaceisourfriendTerentius, Caecilius,Plautus,Varro,ifthouknowest; Tellmeiftheyaredamned,andinwhatalley. These,Persiusandmyself,andothersmany, RepliedmyLeader,withthatGrecianare WhommorethanalltheresttheMusessuckled, Inthefirstcircleoftheprisonblind; Ofttimesweofthemountainholddiscourse Whichhasournurseseverwithitself. Euripidesiswithus,Antiphon, Simonides,Agatho,andmanyother Greekswhoofoldtheirbrowswithlaureldecked. Theresomeofthineownpeoplemaybeseen, Antigone,DeiphileandArgia, AndthereIsmenemournfulasofold. TheresheisseenwhopointedoutLangia; ThereisTiresiasdaughter,andthereThetis, AndthereDeidamiawithhersisters. Silentalreadywerethepoetsboth, Attentoncemoreinlookingroundabout, Fromtheascentandfromthewallsreleased; Andfourhandmaidensofthedayalready Wereleftbehind,andatthepolethefifth Waspointingupwardstillitsburninghorn, WhattimemyGuide:Ithinkthattowrdstheedge Ourdextershouldersitbehovesusturn, Circlingthemountaswearewonttodo. Thusinthatregioncustomwasourensign; Andweresumedourwaywithlesssuspicion Fortheassentingofthatworthysoul

278

TheDivineComedy Theyinadvancewenton,andIalone Behindthem,andIlistenedtotheirspeech, Whichgavemelessonsintheartofsong. Butsoontheirsweetdiscoursesinterrupted Atreewhichmidwayintheroadwefound, Withapplessweetandgratefultothesmell. Andevenasafirtreetapersupward Fromboughtobough,sodownwardlydidthat; Ithinkinorderthatnoonemightclimbit. Onthatsidewhereourpathwaywasenclosed Fellfromtheloftyrockalimpidwater, Andspreaditselfabroadupontheleaves. ThePoetstwainuntothetreedrewnear, Andfromamongthefoliageavoice Cried:Ofthisfoodyeshallhavescarcity. Thensaid:MorethoughtfulMarywasofmaking Themarriagefeastcompleteandhonourable, Thanofhermouthwhichnowforyouresponds; AndfortheirdrinktheancientRomanwomen Withwaterwerecontent;andDaniel Disparagedfood,andunderstandingwon. Theprimalagewasbeautifulasgold; Acornsitmadewithhungersavorous, Andnectareveryrivuletwiththirst. Honeyandlocustswerethealiments ThatfedtheBaptistinthewilderness; Whenceheisglorious,andsomagnified AsbytheEvangelisrevealedtoyou.

279

TheDivineComedy Purgatorio:CantoXXIII Thewhileamongtheverdantleavesmineeyes Iriveted,asheiswonttodo Whowasteshislifepursuinglittlebirds, MymorethanFathersaiduntome:Son, Comenow;becausethetimethatisordainedus Moreusefullyshouldbeapportionedout. Iturnedmyfaceandnolesssoonmysteps UntotheSages,whowerespeakingso Theymadethegoingofnocosttome; Andlo!wereheardasongandalament, Labiamea,Domine,infashion Suchthatdelightanddolenceitbroughtforth. OmysweetFather,whatisthisIhear? BeganI;andheanswered:Shadesthatgo Perhapstheknotunloosingoftheirdebt. Inthesamewaythatthoughtfulpilgrimsdo, Who,unknownpeopleontheroadoertaking, Turnthemselvesroundtothem,anddonotstop, Eventhus,behinduswithaswiftermotion Comingandpassingonward,gazeduponus Acrowdofspiritssilentanddevout. Eachinhiseyeswasdarkandcavernous, Pallidinface,andsoemaciate Thatfromthebonestheskindidshapeitself. Idonotthinkthatsotomerestrind CouldErisichthonhavebeenwitheredup Byfamine,whenmostfearhehadofit. ThinkingwithinmyselfIsaid:Behold, ThisisthefolkwholostJerusalem, WhenMarymadeapreyofherownson.

280

TheDivineComedy Theirsocketswerelikeringswithoutthegems; Whoeverinthefaceofmenreadsomo Mightwellinthesehaverecognisedthem. Whowouldbelievetheodourofanapple, Begettinglonging,couldconsumethemso, Andthatofwater,withoutknowinghow? Istillwaswonderingwhatsofamishedthem, Fortheoccasionnotyetmanifest Oftheiremaciationandsadsqualor; Andlo!fromoutthehollowofhishead Hiseyesashadeturnedonme,andlookedkeenly; Thencriedaloud:Whatgracetomeisthis? NevershouldIhaveknownhimbyhislook; Butinhisvoicewasevidenttome Thatwhichhisaspecthadsuppressedwithinit. Thissparkwithinmewhollyreenkindled Myrecognitionofhisalteredface, AndIrecalledthefeaturesofForese. Ah,donotlookatthisdryleprosy, Entreatedhe,whichdothmyskindiscolour, NoratdefaultoffleshthatImayhave; Buttellmetruthofthee,andwhoarethose Twosouls,thatyondermakefortheeanescort; Donotdelayinspeakinguntome. Thatfaceofthine,whichdeadIoncebewept, Givesmeforweepingnownolessergrief, Iansweredhim,beholdingitsochanged! Buttellme,forGodssake,whatthusdenudesyou? MakemenotspeakwhileIammarvelling, Forillspeakshewhosfullofotherlongings. Andhetome:Fromtheeternalcouncil Fallspowerintothewaterandthetree Behindusleft,wherebyIgrowsothin.

281

TheDivineComedy Allofthispeoplewholamentingsing, Forfollowingbeyondmeasureappetite Inhungerandthirstarehereresanctified. Desiretoeatanddrinkenkindlesinus Thescentthatissuesfromtheappletree, Andfromthespraythatsprinklesoertheverdure; Andnotasingletimealone,thisground Encompassing,isrefreshedourpain, Isayourpain,andoughttosayoursolace, Forthesamewishdothleadustothetree WhichledtheChristrejoicingtosayEli, Whenwithhisveinsheliberatedus. AndItohim:Forese,fromthatday Whenforabetterlifethouchangedstworlds, Uptothistimefiveyearshavenotrolledround. Ifsoonerwerethepowerexhaustedinthee Ofsinningmore,thantheethehoursurprised OfthatgoodsorrowwhichtoGodrewedsus, Howhastthoucomeuphitherwardalready? Ithoughttofindtheedownthereunderneath, Wheretimefortimedothrestitutionmake. Andhetome:Thusspeedilyhasledme Todrinkofthesweetwormwoodofthesetorments, MyNellawithheroverflowingtears; Shewithherprayersdevoutandwithhersighs Hasdrawnmefromthecoastwhereonewhereoneawaits, Andfromtheothercirclessetmefree. SomuchmoredearandpleasingistoGod Mylittlewidow,whomsomuchIloved, Asingoodworkssheisthemorealone;

282

TheDivineComedy FortheBarbagiaofSardinia Byfarmoremodestinitswomenis ThantheBarbagiaIhaveleftherin. Obrothersweet,whatwiltthouhavemesay? Afuturetimeisinmysightalready, Towhichthishourwillnotbeveryold, Whenfromthepulpitshallbeinterdicted TotheunblushingwomankindofFlorence Togoaboutdisplayingbreastandpaps. Whatsavageswereeer,whatSaracens, Whostoodinneed,tomakethemcoveredgo, Ofspiritualorotherdiscipline? Butiftheshamelesswomenwereassured OfwhatswiftHeavenpreparesforthem,already Wideopenwouldtheyhavetheirmouthstohowl; Forifmyforesightheredeceivemenot, Theyshallbesaderehehasbeardedcheeks Whonowishushedtosleepwithlullaby. Obrother,nownolongerhidetheefromme; SeethatnotonlyI,butallthesepeople Aregazingthere,wherethoudostveilthesun. WhenceItohim:Ifthoubringbacktomind WhatthouwithmehastbeenandIwiththee, Thepresentmemorywillbegrievousstill. Outofthatlifeheturnedmebackwhogoes Infrontofme,twodaysagonewhenround Thesisterofhimyondershowedherself, AndtothesunIpointed.Throughthedeep Nightofthetrulydeadhasthisoneledme, Withthistrueflesh,thatfollowsafterhim. Thencehisencouragementshaveledmeup, Ascendingandstillcirclingroundthemount Thatyoudothstraighten,whomtheworldmadecrooked.

283

TheDivineComedy Hesaysthathewillbearmecompany, TillIshallbewhereBeatricewillbe; Thereitbehovesmetoremainwithouthim. ThisisVirgilius,whothussaystome, AndhimIpointedat;theotheris Thatshadeforwhomjustnowshookeveryslope Yourrealm,thatfromitselfdischargeshim.

284

TheDivineComedy Purgatorio:CantoXXIV Norspeechthegoing,northegoingthat Slackened;buttalkingwewentbravelyon, Evenasavesselurgedbyagoodwind. Andshadows,thatappearedthingsdoublydead, Fromoutthesepulchresoftheireyesbetrayed Wonderatme,awarethatIwasliving. AndI,continuingmycolloquy, Said:Peradventurehegoesupmoreslowly Thanhewoulddo,forotherpeoplessake. Buttellme,ifthouknowest,whereisPiccarda; TellmeifanyoneofnoteIsee Amongthisfolkthatgazesatmeso. Mysister,who,twixtbeautifulandgood, Iknownotwhichwasmore,triumphsrejoicing AlreadyinhercrownonhighOlympus. Sosaidhefirst,andthen:Tisnotforbidden Tonameeachotherhere,somilkedaway Isourresemblancebyourdieting. This,pointingwithhisfinger,isBuonagiunta, Buonagiunta,ofLucca;andthatface Beyondhimthere,morepeakedthantheothers, HasheldtheholyChurchwithinhisarms; FromTourswashe,andpurgesbyhisfasting BolsenaseelsandtheVernacciawine. Henamedmemanyothersonebyone; Andallcontentedseemedatbeingnamed, SothatforthisIsawnotonedarklook. Isawforhungerbitetheemptyair UbaldindallaPila,andBoniface, Whowithhiscrookhadpasturedmanypeople.

285

TheDivineComedy IsawMesserMarchese,whohadleisure OnceatForlifordrinkingwithlessdryness, Andhewasonewhoneerfeltsatisfied. Butashedoeswhoscans,andthendothprize Onemorethanothers,didIhimofLucca, Whoseemedtotakemostcognizanceofme. Hemurmured,andIknownotwhatGentucca FromthatplaceheardI,wherehefeltthewound Ofjustice,thatdothmaceratethemso. Osoul,Isaid,thatseemestsodesirous Tospeakwithme,dosothatImayhearthee, Andwiththyspeechappeasethyselfandme. Amaidisborn,andwearsnotyettheveil, Beganhe,whototheeshallpleasantmake Mycity,howsoevermenmayblameit. Thoushaltgoonthywaywiththisprevision; Ifbymymurmuringthouhastbeendeceived, Truethingshereafterwilldeclareittothee. ButsayifhimIherebehold,whoforth Evokedthenewinventedrhymes,beginning, Ladies,thathaveintelligenceoflove? AndItohim:OneamI,who,whenever Lovedothinspireme,note,andinthatmeasure Whichhewithinmedictates,singinggo. Obrother,nowIsee,hesaid,theknot Whichme,theNotary,andGuittoneheld ShortofthesweetnewstylethatnowIhear. Idoperceivefullclearlyhowyourpens Gocloselyfollowingafterhimwhodictates, Whichwithourownforsoothcamenottopass; Andhewhosetshimselftogobeyond, Nodifferenceseesfromonestyletoanother; Andasifsatisfied,heheldhispeace.

286

TheDivineComedy Evenasthebirds,thatwintertowrdstheNile, Sometimesintoaphalanxformthemselves, Thenflyingreaterhaste,andgoinfile; Insuchwiseallthepeoplewhowerethere, Turningtheirfaces,hurriedontheirsteps, Bothbytheirleannessandtheirwisheslight. Andasaman,whowearyiswithtrotting, Letshiscompanionsonwardgo,andwalks, Untilheventsthepantingofhischest; SodidForeselettheholyflock Passby,andcamewithmebehindit,saying, WhenwillitbethatIagainshallseethee? Howlong,Ianswered,Imaylive,Iknownot; Yetmyreturnwillnotsospeedybe, ButIshallsoonerindesirearrive; BecausetheplacewhereIwassettolive Fromdaytodayofgoodismoredepleted, Anduntodismalruinseemsordained. Nowgo,hesaid,forhimmostguiltyofit AtabeaststailbeholdIdraggedalong Towardsthevalleywhereisnorepentance. Fasterateverystepthebeastisgoing, Increasingevermoreuntilitsmiteshim, Andleavesthebodyvilelymutilated. Notlongthosewheelsshallturn,andheuplifted Hiseyestoheaven,ereshallbecleartothee Thatwhichmyspeechnofarthercandeclare. Nowstaybehind;becausethetimesoprecious Isinthiskingdom,thatIlosetoomuch Bycomingonwardthusabreastwiththee.

287

TheDivineComedy Assometimesissuesforthuponagallop Acavalierfromoutatroopthatride, Andseeksthehonourofthefirstencounter, Sohewithgreaterstridesdepartedfromus; AndontheroadremainedIwiththosetwo, Whoweresuchmightymarshalsoftheworld. Andwhenbeforeushehadgonesofar Mineeyesbecametohimsuchpursuivants Aswasmyunderstandingtohiswords, Appearedtomewithladenandlivingboughs Anotherappletree,andnotfardistant, Fromhavingbutjustthenturnedthitherward. PeopleIsawbeneathitlifttheirhands, AndcryIknownotwhattowardstheleaves, Likelittlechildreneageranddeluded, Whopray,andhetheypraytodothnotanswer, But,tomakeverykeentheirappetite, Holdstheirdesirealoft,andhidesitnot. Thentheydepartedasifundeceived; Andnowwecameuntothemightytree Whichprayersandtearssomanifoldrefuses. Passfartheronwardwithoutdrawingnear; ThetreeofwhichEveateishigherup, Andoutofthatonehasthistreebeenraised. ThussaidIknownotwhoamongthebranches; WhereatVirgilius,Statius,andmyself Wentcrowdingforwardonthesidethatrises. Bemindful,saidhe,oftheaccursedones Formedofthecloudrack,whoinebriate CombatedTheseuswiththeirdoublebreasts; AndoftheJewswhoshowedthemsoftindrinking, WhenceGideonwouldnothavethemforcompanions WhenhetowrdsMidianthehillsdescended.

288

TheDivineComedy Thus,closelypressedtooneofthetwoborders, Onpassedwe,hearingsinsofgluttony, Followedforsoothbymiserablegains; Thensetatlargeuponthelonelyroad, Athousandstepsandmoreweonwardwent, Incontemplation,eachwithoutaword. Whatgoyethinkingthus,yethreealone? Saidsuddenlyavoice,whereatIstarted Asterrifiedandtimidbeastsarewont. Iraisedmyheadtoseewhothismightbe, Andneverinafurnacewasthereseen Metalsorglasssolucentandsored AsoneIsawwhosaid:Ifitmaypleaseyou Tomountaloft,hereitbehovesyouturn; Thiswaygoeshewhogoethafterpeace. Hisaspecthadbereftmeofmysight, SothatIturnedmebackuntomyTeachers, Likeonewhogoethashishearingguideshim. Andas,theharbingerofearlydawn, TheairofMaydothmoveandbreatheoutfragrance, Impregnateallwithherbageandwithflowers, SodidIfeelabreezestrikeinthemidst Myfront,andfeltthemovingoftheplumes Thatbreathedaroundanodourofambrosia; Andhearditsaid:Blessedaretheywhomgrace Somuchillumines,thattheloveoftaste Excitesnotintheirbreaststoogreatdesire, Hungeringatalltimessofarasisjust.

289

TheDivineComedy Purgatorio:CantoXXV Nowwasittheascentnohindrancebrooked, Becausethesunhadhismeridiancircle ToTaurusleft,andnighttoScorpio; Whereforeasdothamanwhotarriesnot, Butgoeshisway,whateertohimappear, Ifofnecessitythestingtransfixhim, Inthiswisedidweenterthroughthegap, Takingthestairway,onebeforetheother, Whichbyitsnarrownessdividestheclimbers. Andasthelittlestorkthatliftsitswing Withadesiretofly,anddoesnotventure Toleavethenest,andletsitdownwarddroop, EvensuchwasI,withthedesireofasking Kindledandquenched,untothemotioncoming Hemakeswhodothaddresshimselftospeak. Notforourpace,thoughrapiditmightbe, Myfathersweetforbore,butsaid:Letfly Thebowofspeechthoutothebarbhastdrawn. WithconfidenceIopenedthenmymouth, AndIbegan:Howcanonemeagregrow Therewheretheneedofnutrimentappliesnot? IfthouwouldstcalltomindhowMeleager Waswastedbythewastingofabrand, Thiswouldnot,saidhe,betotheesosour; Andwouldstthouthinkhowateachtremulousmotion Trembleswithinamirroryourownimage; Thatwhichseemshardwouldmellowseemtothee. Butthatthoumaystcontenttheeinthywish LoStatiushere;andhimIcallandpray Henowwillbethehealerofthywounds.

290

TheDivineComedy IfIunfoldtohimtheeternalvengeance, RespondedStatius,wherethoupresentart, BemyexcusethatIcannaughtdenythee. Thenhebegan:Son,ifthesewordsofmine Thyminddothcontemplateanddothreceive, TheyllbethylightuntotheHowthousayest. Theperfectblood,whichneverisdrunkup Intothethirstyveins,andwhichremaineth Likefoodthatfromthetablethouremovest, Takesintheheartforallthehumanmembers Virtueinformative,asbeingthat Whichtobechangedtothemgoesthroughtheveins Againdigest,descendsitwheretisbetter Silenttobethansay;andthendropsthence Uponanothersbloodinnaturalvase. Thereonetogetherwiththeothermingles, Onetobepassivemeant,theotheractive Byreasonoftheperfectplaceitspringsfrom; Andbeingconjoined,beginstooperate, Coagulatingfirst,thenvivifying Whatforitsmatterithadmadeconsistent. Theactivevirtue,beingmadeasoul Asofaplant,(insofardifferent, Thisonthewayis,thatarrivedalready,) Thenworkssomuch,thatnowitmovesandfeels Likeaseafungus,andthenundertakes Toorganizethepowerswhoseseeditis. Now,Son,dilatesandnowdistendsitself Thevirtuefromthegeneratorsheart, Wherenatureisintentonallthemembers. Buthowfromanimalitmanbecomes Thoudostnotseeasyet;thisisapoint Whichmadeawisermanthanthouonceerr

291

TheDivineComedy Sofar,thatinhisdoctrineseparate Hemadethesoulfrompossibleintellect, Forhenoorgansawbythisassumed. Openthybreastuntothetruththatscoming, Andknowthat,justassoonasinthefoetus Thearticulationofthebrainisperfect, TheprimalMotorturnstoitwellpleased Atsogreatartofnature,andinspires Aspiritnewwithvirtueallreplete, Whichwhatitfindsthereactivedothattract Intoitssubstance,andbecomesonesoul, Whichlives,andfeels,andonitselfrevolves. Andthatthoulessmaywonderatmyword, Beholdthesunsheat,whichbecomethwine, Joinedtothejuicethatfromthevinedistils. WheneverLachesishasnomorethread, Itseparatesfromtheflesh,andvirtually Bearswithitselfthehumananddivine; Theotherfacultiesarevoicelessall; Thememory,theintelligence,andthewill Inactionfarmorevigorousthanbefore. Withoutapauseitfallethofitself Inmarvellouswayononeshoreortheother; Thereofitsroadsitfirstiscognizant. Soonastheplacetherecircumscribethit, Thevirtueinformativeraysroundabout, As,andasmuchas,inthelivingmembers. Andevenastheair,whenfullofrain, Byalienraysthatarethereinreflected, Withdiverscoloursshowsitselfadorned,

292

TheDivineComedy Sotheretheneighbouringairdothshapeitself Intothatformwhichdothimpressuponit Virtuallythesoulthathasstoodstill. Andtheninmannerofthelittleflame, Whichfolloweththefirewhereeritshifts, Afterthespiritfollowethitsnewform. Sinceafterwardsittakesfromthisitssemblance, Itiscalledshade;andthenceitorganizes Thereaftereverysense,eventothesight. Thenceisitthatwespeak,andthencewelaugh; Thenceisitthatweformthetearsandsighs, Thatonthemountainthoumayhaphastheard. Accordingasimpressusourdesires Andotheraffections,sotheshadeisshaped, Andthisiscauseofwhatthouwonderestat. Andnowuntothelastofallthecircles Hadwearrived,andtotherighthandturned, Andwereattentivetoanothercare. Theretheembankmentshootsforthflamesoffire, Andupwarddoththecornicebreatheablast Thatdrivesthemback,andfromitselfsequesters. Hencewemustneedsgoontheopenside, Andonebyone;andIdidfearthefire Onthisside,andonthatthefallingdown. MyLeadersaid:Alongthisplaceoneought Tokeepupontheeyesatightenedrein, Seeingthatonesoeasilymighterr. SummaeDeusclementiae,inthebosom OfthegreatburningchantedthenIheard, Whichmademenolesseagertoturnround; AndspiritssawIwalkingthroughtheflame; WhereforeIlooked,tomyownstepsandtheirs Apportioningmysightfromtimetotime.

293

TheDivineComedy Aftertheclosewhichtothathymnismade, Aloudtheyshouted,Virumnoncognosco; Thenrecommencedthehymnwithvoiceslow. Thisalsoended,criedthey:Tothewood Dianaran,anddroveforthHelice Therefrom,whohadofVenusfeltthepoison. Thentotheirsongreturnedthey;thenthewives Theyshouted,andthehusbandswhowerechaste. Asvirtueandthemarriagevowimposes. AndIbelievethatthemthismodesuffices, Forallthetimethefireisburningthem; Withsuchcareisitneedful,andsuchfood, Thatthelastwoundofallshouldbeclosedup.

294

TheDivineComedy Purgatorio:CantoXXVI Whileonthebrinkthusonebeforetheother Wewentuponourway,oftthegoodMaster Said:Takethouheed!sufficeitthatIwarnthee. Ontherightshouldersmotemenowthesun, That,rayingout,alreadythewholewest Changedfromitsazureaspectintowhite. AndwithmyshadowdidImaketheflame Appearmorered;andeventosuchasign ShadessawImany,astheywent,giveheed. Thiswasthecausethatgavethemabeginning Tospeakofme;andtothemselvesbeganthey Tosay:Thatseemsnotafactitiousbody! Thentowardsme,asfarastheycouldcome, Camecertainofthem,alwayswithregard Nottostepforthwheretheywouldnotbeburned. Othouwhogoest,notfrombeingslower Butreverentperhaps,behindtheothers, Answerme,whointhirstandfireamburning. Nortomeonlyisthineanswerneedful; Forallofthesehavegreaterthirstforit ThanforcoldwaterEthioporIndian. Tellushowisitthatthoumakestthyself Awalluntothesun,asifthouhadstnot Enteredasyetintothenetofdeath. Thusoneofthemaddressedme,andIstraight Shouldhaverevealedmyself,wereInotbent Onothernoveltythatthenappeared. Forthroughthemiddleoftheburningroad Therecameapeoplefacetofacewiththese, Whichheldmeinsuspensewithgazingatthem.

295

TheDivineComedy ThereseeIhasteninguponeitherside Eachoftheshades,andkissingoneanother Withoutapause,contentwithbriefsalute. Thusinthemiddleoftheirbrownbattalions Muzzletomuzzleoneantmeetsanother Perchancetospytheirjourneyortheirfortune. Nosooneristhefriendlygreetingended, Oreverthefirstfootsteppassesonward, Eachoneendeavourstooutcrytheother; Thenewcomepeople:SodomandGomorrah! Therest:IntothecowPasiphaeenters, Sothatthebulluntoherlustmayrun! Thenasthecranes,thattoRiphaeanmountains Mightflyinpart,andparttowardsthesands, Theseofthefrost,thoseofthesunavoidant, Onefolkisgoing,andtheothercoming, Andweepingtheyreturntotheirfirstsongs, Andtothecrythatmostbefitteththem; Andclosetomeapproached,evenasbefore, Theverysamewhohadentreatedme, Attenttolistenintheircountenance. I,whotheirinclinationtwicehadseen, Began:Osoulssecureinthepossession, Wheneeritmaybe,ofastateofpeace, Neitherunripenorripenedhaveremained Mymembersuponearth,butherearewithme Withtheirownbloodandtheirarticulations. Igoupheretobenolongerblind; ALadyisabove,whowinsthisgrace, WherebythemortalthroughyourworldIbring. Butasyourgreatestlongingsatisfied Maysoonbecome,sothattheHeavenmayhouseyou Whichfullofloveis,andmostamplyspreads,

296

TheDivineComedy Tellme,thatIagaininbooksmaywriteit, Whoareyou,andwhatisthatmultitude Whichgoesuponitswaybehindyourbacks? Nototherwisewithwonderisbewildered Themountaineer,andstaringroundisdumb, Whenroughandrustictothetownhegoes, Thaneveryshadebecameinitsappearance; Butwhentheyoftheirstuporweredisburdened, Whichinhighheartsisquicklyquieted, Blessedbethou,whoofourborderlands, Herecommencedwhofirsthadquestionedus, Experiencefreightestforabetterlife. Thefolkthatcomesnotwithushaveoffended InthatforwhichonceCaesar,triumphing, Heardhimselfcalledincontumely,Queen. Thereforetheyseparate,exclaiming,Sodom! Themselvesreproving,evenasthouhastheard, Andadduntotheirburningbytheirshame. Ourowntransgressionwashermaphrodite; Butbecauseweobservednothumanlaw, Followinglikeuntobeastsourappetite, Inouropprobriumbyusisread, Whenwepartcompany,thenameofher Whobestializedherselfinbestialwood. Nowknowestthououracts,andwhatourcrimewas; Wouldstthouperchancebynameknowwhoweare, Thereisnottimetotell,norcouldIdoit. Thywishtoknowmeshallinsoothbegranted; ImGuidoGuinicelli,andnowpurgeme, Havingrepentederethehourextreme.

297

TheDivineComedy ThesamethatinthesadnessofLycurgus Twosonsbecame,theirmotherrebeholding, SuchIbecame,butrisenottosuchheight, ThemomentIheardnamehimselfthefather Ofmeandofmybetters,whohadever Practisedthesweetandgraciousrhymesoflove; Andwithoutspeechandhearingthoughtfully ForalongtimeIwent,beholdinghim, NorforthefiredidIapproachhimnearer. WhenIwasfedwithlooking,utterly MyselfIofferedreadyforhisservice, Withaffirmationthatcompelsbelief. Andhetome:Thouleavestfootprintssuch Inme,fromwhatIhear,andsodistinct, Lethecannoteffacethem,normakedim. Butifthywordsjustnowthetruthhavesworn, Tellmewhatisthecausewhythoudisplayest Inwordandlookthatdearthouholdestme? AndItohim:Thosedulcetlaysofyours Which,longasshallendureourmodernfashion, Shallmakeforeverdeartheirveryink! Obrother,saidhe,hewhomIpointout, Andherehepointedataspiritinfront, Wasofthemothertongueabettersmith. Versesofloveandprosesofromance, Hemasteredall;andlettheidiotstalk, WhothinktheLemosinsurpasseshim. Toclamourmorethantruththeyturntheirfaces, Andinthiswayestablishtheiropinion, Ereartorreasonhasbythembeenheard. ThusmanyancientswithGuittonedid, Fromcrytocrystillgivinghimapplause, Untilthetruthhasconqueredwithmostpersons.

298

TheDivineComedy Now,ifthouhastsuchampleprivilege Tisgrantedtheetogountothecloister WhereinisChristtheabbotofthecollege, TohimrepeatformeaPaternoster, Sofarasneedfultousofthisworld, Wherepowerofsinningisnolongerours. Then,togiveplaceperchancetoonebehind, Whomhehadnear,hevanishedinthefire Asfishinwatergoingtothebottom. Imovedalittletowrdshimpointedout, Andsaidthattohisnamemyowndesire Anhonourableplacewasmakingready. Heofhisownfreewillbegantosay: Tanmabellisvostrecortesdeman, Quejeunompuescnivueillavoscobrire; JeusuiArnaut,queplorevaichantan; Consirosveilapassadafolor, Eveijauzenlojornquesperdenan. Aravusprecperaquellavalor, Quevuscondusalsomdelascalina, Sovengavusatemprarmadolor.* Thenhidhiminthefirethatpurifiesthem. *Sopleasesmeyourcourteousdemand, IcannotandIwillnothidemefromyou. IamArnaut,whoweepandsinginggo; ContriteIseethefollyofthepast, Andjoyousseethehopedfordaybeforeme. ThereforedoIimploreyou,bythatpower Whichguidesyoutothesummitofthestairs, Bemindfultoassuagemysuffering!

299

TheDivineComedy Purgatorio:CantoXXVII Aswhenhevibratesforthhisearliestrays, InregionswherehisMakershedhisblood, (TheEbrofallingunderloftyLibra, AndwatersintheGangesburntwithnoon,) SostoodtheSun;hencewasthedaydeparting, WhenthegladAngelofGodappearedtous. Outsidetheflamehestoodupontheverge, Andchantedforth,Beatimundocorde, Invoicebyfarmorelivingthanourown. Then:Noonefarthergoes,soulssanctified, Iffirstthefirebitenot;withinitenter, Andbenotdeafuntothesongbeyond. Whenwewereclosebesidehimthushesaid; WhereforeeensuchbecameI,whenIheardhim, Asheiswhoisputintothegrave. UponmyclaspedhandsIstraightenedme, Scanningthefire,andvividlyrecalling ThehumanbodiesIhadonceseenburned. TowardsmeturnedthemselvesmygoodConductors, AnduntomeVirgiliussaid:Myson, Heremayindeedbetorment,butnotdeath. Rememberthee,remember!andifI OnGeryonhavesafelyguidedthee, WhatshallIdonowIamnearerGod? Believeforcertain,shouldstthoustandafull Millenniuminthebosomofthisflame, Itcouldnotmaketheebaldasinglehair. AndifperchancethouthinkthatIdeceivethee, Drawneartoit,andputittotheproof Withthineownhandsuponthygarmentshem.

300

TheDivineComedy Nowlayaside,nowlayasideallfear, Turnhitherward,andonwardcomesecurely; AndIstillmotionless,andgainstmyconscience! Seeingmestandstillmotionlessandstubborn, Somewhatdisturbedhesaid:Nowlookthou,Son, TwixtBeatriceandtheethereisthiswall. AsatthenameofThisbeopedhislids ThedyingPyramus,andgazeduponher, Whattimethemulberrybecamevermilion, Eventhus,myobduracybeingsoftened, IturnedtomywiseGuide,hearingthename Thatinmymemoryevermoreiswelling. Whereathewaggedhishead,andsaid:Hownow? Shallwestayonthisside?thensmiledasone Doesatachildwhosvanquishedbyanapple. Thenintothefireinfrontofmeheentered, BeseechingStatiustocomeafterme, Whoalongwaybeforedividedus. WhenIwasinit,intomoltenglass Iwouldhavecastmetorefreshmyself, Sowithoutmeasurewastheburningthere! AndmysweetFather,toencourageme, DiscoursingstillofBeatricewenton, Saying:HereyesIseemtoseealready! Avoice,thatontheothersidewassinging, Directedus,andwe,attentalone Onthat,cameforthwheretheascentbegan. Venite,benedictiPatrismei, Soundedwithinasplendour,whichwasthere Suchitoercameme,andIcouldnotlook. Thesundeparts,itadded,andnightcometh; Tarryyenot,butonwardurgeyoursteps, Solongasyetthewestbecomesnotdark.

301

TheDivineComedy Straightforwardthroughtherockthepathascended InsuchawaythatIcutofftherays Beforemeofthesun,thatnowwaslow. Andoffewstairsweyethadmadeassay, Erebythevanishedshadowthesunssetting Behindusweperceived,IandmySages. Andereinallitspartsimmeasurable Thehorizonofoneaspecthadbecome, AndNightherboundlessdispensationheld, Eachofusofastairhadmadehisbed; Becausethenatureofthemounttookfromus Thepowerofclimbing,morethanthedelight. Evenasinruminatingpassivegrow Thegoats,whohavebeenswiftandventuresome Uponthemountaintopseretheywerefed, Hushedintheshadow,whilethesunishot, Watchedbytheherdsman,whouponhisstaff Isleaning,andinleaningtendeththem; Andastheshepherd,lodgingoutofdoors, Passesthenightbesidehisquietflock, Watchingthatnowildbeastmayscatterit, Suchatthathourwerewe,allthreeofus, Ilikethegoat,andliketheherdsmenthey, Begirtonthissideandonthatbyrocks. Littlecouldtherebeseenofthingswithout; ButthroughthatlittleIbeheldthestars Moreluminousandlargerthantheirwont. Thusruminating,andbeholdingthese, Sleepseizeduponme,sleep,thatoftentimes Beforeadeedisdonehastidingsofit.

302

TheDivineComedy Itwasthehour,Ithink,whenfromtheEast FirstonthemountainCithereabeamed, Whowiththefireofloveseemsalwaysburning; Youthfulandbeautifulindreamsmethought Isawaladywalkinginameadow, Gatheringflowers;andsingingshewassaying: Knowwhosoevermaymynamedemand ThatIamLeah,andgomovinground Mybeauteoushandstomakemyselfagarland. Topleasemeatthemirror,hereIdeckme, ButneverdoesmysisterRachelleave Herlookingglass,andsittethalldaylong. Toseeherbeauteouseyesaseagerisshe, AsIamtoadornmewithmyhands; Her,seeing,andme,doingsatisfies. Andnowbeforetheantelucansplendours Thatuntopilgrimsthemoregratefulrise, As,homereturning,lessremotetheylodge, Thedarknessfledawayoneveryside, Andslumberwithit;whereuponIrose, SeeingalreadythegreatMastersrisen. Thatapplesweet,whichthroughsomanybranches Thecareofmortalsgoethinpursuitof, Todayshallputinpeacethyhungerings. Speakingtome,Virgiliusofsuchwords Asthesemadeuse;andneverwerethereguerdons Thatcouldinpleasantnesscomparewiththese. Suchlonginguponlongingcameuponme Tobeabove,thatateachstepthereafter ForflightIfeltinmethepinionsgrowing. Whenunderneathuswasthestairwayall Runoer,andwewereonthehigheststep, Virgiliusfasteneduponmehiseyes,

303

TheDivineComedy Andsaid:Thetemporalfireandtheeternal, Son,thouhastseen,andtoaplaceartcome WhereofmyselfnofartherIdiscern. ByintellectandartIherehavebroughtthee; Takethineownpleasureforthyguidehenceforth; Beyondthesteepwaysandthenarrowartthou. Beholdthesun,thatshinesuponthyforehead; Beholdthegrass,theflowerets,andtheshrubs Whichofitselfalonethislandproduces. Untilrejoicingcomethebeauteouseyes Whichweepingcausedmetocomeuntothee, Thoucanstsitdown,andthoucanstwalkamongthem. Expectnomoreorwordorsignfromme; Freeanduprightandsoundisthyfreewill, Anderrorwereitnottodoitsbidding; TheeoerthyselfIthereforecrownandmitre!

304

TheDivineComedy Purgatorio:CantoXXVIII Eageralreadytosearchinandround Theheavenlyforest,denseandlivinggreen, Whichtemperedtotheeyesthenewbornday, WithoutenmoredelayIleftthebank, Takingthelevelcountryslowly,slowly Overthesoilthateverywherebreathesfragrance. Asoftlybreathingair,thatnomutation Hadinitself,upontheforeheadsmoteme Noheavierblowthanofagentlewind, Whereatthebranches,lightlytremulous, Didallofthembowdownwardtowardthatside WhereitsfirstshadowcaststheHolyMountain; Yetnotfromtheiruprightdirectionswayed, Sothatthelittlebirdsupontheirtops Shouldleavethepracticeofeachartoftheirs; Butwithfullravishmentthehoursofprime, Singing,receivedtheyinthemidstofleaves, Thateverboreaburdentotheirrhymes, Suchasfrombranchtobranchgoesgatheringon ThroughthepineforestontheshoreofChiassi, WhenEolusunloosestheSirocco. Alreadymyslowstepshadcarriedme Intotheancientwoodsofar,thatI CouldnotperceivewhereIhadenteredit. Andlo!myfurthercourseastreamcutoff, Whichtowrdthelefthandwithitslittlewaves Bentdownthegrassthatonitsmarginsprang. Allwatersthatonearthmostlimpidare Wouldseemtohavewithinthemselvessomemixture Comparedwiththatwhichnothingdothconceal,

305

TheDivineComedy Althoughitmovesonwithabrown,browncurrent Undertheshadeperpetual,thatnever Rayofthesunletsin,norofthemoon. WithfeetIstayed,andwithmineeyesIpassed Beyondtherivulet,tolookupon Thegreatvarietyofthefreshmay. Andthereappearedtome(evenasappears Suddenlysomethingthatdothturnaside Throughverywondereveryotherthought) Aladyallalone,whowentalong Singingandcullingfloweretafterfloweret, Withwhichherpathwaywasallpaintedover. Ah,beauteouslady,whoinraysoflove Dostwarmthyself,ifImaytrusttolooks, Whichtheheartswitnessesarewonttobe, Maythedesirecomeuntotheetodraw Neartothisriversbank,Isaidtoher, SomuchthatImighthearwhatthouartsinging. Thoumakestmerememberwhereandwhat Proserpinathatmomentwaswhenlost Hermotherher,andsheherselftheSpring. Asturnsherself,withfeettogetherpressed Andtotheground,aladywhoisdancing, Andhardlyputsonefootbeforetheother, Onthevermilionandtheyellowflowerets Sheturnedtowardsme,notinotherwise Thanmaidenwhohermodesteyescastsdown; Andmyentreatiesmadetobecontent, Sonearapproaching,thatthedulcetsound Cameuntometogetherwithitsmeaning Assoonasshewaswherethegrassesare. Bathedbythewatersofthebeauteousriver, Tolifthereyesshegrantedmetheboon.

306

TheDivineComedy Idonotthinkthereshonesogreatalight UnderthelidsofVenus,whentransfixed Byherownson,beyondhisusualcustom! Erectupontheotherbankshesmiled, Bearingfullmanycoloursinherhands, Whichthathighlandproduceswithoutseed. Apartthreepacesdidtherivermakeus; ButHellespont,whereXerxespassedacross, (Acurbstilltoallhumanarrogance,) MorehatredfromLeanderdidnotsuffer ForrollingbetweenSestosandAbydos, Thanthatfromme,becauseitopednotthen. Yearenewcomers;andbecauseIsmile, Beganshe,peradventure,inthisplace Electtohumannatureforitsnest, Someapprehensionkeepsyoumarvelling; ButthepsalmDelectastigivethlight Whichhasthepowertouncloudyourintellect. Andthouwhoforemostart,anddidstentreatme, Speak,ifthouwouldsthearmore;forIcameready Toallthyquestionings,asfarasneedful. Thewater,saidI,andtheforestssound, Arecombatingwithinmemynewfaith InsomethingwhichIheardopposedtothis. Whenceshe:Iwillrelatehowfromitscause Proceedeththatwhichmakeththeetowonder, Andpurgeawaythecloudthatsmitesuponthee. TheGoodSupreme,soleinitselfdelighting, Createdmangood,andthisgoodlyplace Gavehimashanselofeternalpeace.

307

TheDivineComedy Byhisdefaultshortwhilehesojournedhere; Byhisdefaulttoweepingandtotoil Hechangedhisinnocentlaughterandsweetplay. Thatthedisturbancewhichbelowismade Byexhalationsofthelandandwater, (Whichfarasmaybefollowafterheat,) Mightnotuponmankindwageanywar, Thismountascendedtowrdstheheavensohigh, Andisexempt,fromtherewhereitislocked. Nowsincetheuniversalatmosphere Turnsinacircuitwiththeprimalmotion Unlessthecircleisbrokenonsomeside, Uponthisheight,thatallisdisengaged Inlivingether,doththismotionstrike Andmaketheforestsound,foritisdense; Andsomuchpowerthestrickenplantpossesses Thatwithitsvirtueitimpregnstheair, Andthis,revolving,scattersitaround; Andyonderearth,accordingastisworthy Inselforinitsclime,conceivesandbears Ofdiversqualitiesthediverstrees; Itshouldnotseemamarvelthenonearth, Thisbeingheard,wheneveranyplant Withoutseedmanifesttheretakethroot. Andthoumustknow,thisholytableland Inwhichthouartisfullofeveryseed, Andfruithasinitnevergatheredthere. Thewaterwhichthouseestspringsnotfromvein Restoredbyvapourthatthecoldcondenses, Liketoastreamthatgainsorlosesbreath; Butissuesfromafountainsafeandcertain, WhichbythewillofGodasmuchregains Asitdischarges,openontwosides.

308

TheDivineComedy Uponthissidewithvirtueitdescends, Whichtakesawayallmemoryofsin; Onthat,ofeverygooddeeddonerestoresit. HereLethe,asupontheotherside Eunoe,itiscalled;andworkethnot Iffirstoneithersideitbenottasted. Thiseveryothersavourdothtranscend; Andnotwithstandingslakedsofarmaybe Thythirst,thatIrevealtotheenomore, Illgivetheeacorollarystillingrace, Northinkmyspeechwillbetotheelessdear Ifitspreadoutbeyondmypromisetothee. Thosewhoinancienttimeshavefeignedinsong TheAgeofGoldanditsfelicity, DreamedofthisplaceperhapsuponParnassus. Herewasthehumanraceininnocence; HereevermorewasSpring,andeveryfruit; Thisisthenectarofwhicheachonespeaks. ThenbackwarddidIturnmewhollyround UntomyPoets,andsawthatwithasmile Theyhadbeenlisteningtotheseclosingwords; Thentothebeautifulladyturnedmineeyes.

309

TheDivineComedy Purgatorio:CantoXXIX Singinglikeuntoanenamouredlady She,withtheendingofherwords,continued: Beatiquorumtectasuntpeccata. AndevenasNymphs,thatwanderedallalone Amongthesylvanshadows,sedulous Onetoavoidandonetoseethesun, Shethenagainstthestreammovedonward,going Alongthebank,andIabreastofher, Herlittlestepswithlittlestepsattending. Betweenherstepsandminewerenotahundred, Whenequallythemarginsgaveaturn, Insuchaway,thattotheEastIfaced. Noreventhusourwaycontinuedfar Beforetheladywhollyturnedherself Untome,saying,Brother,lookandlisten! Andlo!asuddenlustreranacross Oneverysideathwartthespaciousforest, Suchthatitmademedoubtifitwerelightning. Butsincethelightningceasesasitcomes, Andthatcontinuingbrightenedmoreandmore, WithinmythoughtIsaid,Whatthingisthis? Andadeliciousmelodythereran Alongtheluminousair,whenceholyzeal MademerebukethehardihoodofEve; Fortherewhereearthandheavenobedientwere, Thewomanonly,andbutjustcreated, Couldnotenduretostayneathanyveil; Underneathwhichhadshedevoutlystayed, Isoonershouldhavetastedthosedelights Ineffable,andforalongertime.

310

TheDivineComedy WhilemidsuchmanifoldfirstfruitsIwalked Oftheeternalpleasureallenrapt, Andstillsolicitousofmoredelights, Infrontofuslikeanenkindledfire Becametheairbeneaththeverdantboughs, Andthesweetsoundassingingnowwasheard. OVirginssacrosanct!ifeverhunger, Vigils,orcoldforyouIhaveendured, Theoccasionspursmetheirrewardtoclaim! NowHeliconmustneedspourforthforme, AndwithherchoirUraniamustassistme, Toputinversethingsdifficulttothink. Alittlefartheron,seventreesofgold Insemblancethelongspacestillintervening Betweenourselvesandthemdidcounterfeit; ButwhenIhadapproachedsoneartothem Thecommonobject,whichthesensedeceives, Lostnotbydistanceanyofitsmarks, Thefacultythatlendsdiscoursetoreason Didapprehendthattheywerecandlesticks, AndinthevoicesofthesongHosanna! Abovethemflamedtheharnessbeautiful, Farbrighterthanthemoonintheserene Ofmidnight,atthemiddleofhermonth. Iturnedmeround,withadmirationfilled, TogoodVirgilius,andheansweredme Withvisagenolessfullofwonderment. ThenbackIturnedmyfacetothosehighthings, Whichmovedthemselvestowardsussosedately, Theyhadbeendistancedbynewweddedbrides. Theladychidme:Whydostthouburnonly Sowithaffectionforthelivinglights, Anddostnotlookatwhatcomesafterthem?

311

TheDivineComedy ThensawIpeople,asbehindtheirleaders, Comingbehindthem,garmentedinwhite, Andsuchawhitenessneverwasonearth. Thewateronmyleftflankwasresplendent, Andbacktomereflectedmyleftside, Eenasamirror,ifIlookedtherein. WhenIuponmymarginhadsuchpost Thatnothingbutthestreamdividedus, BettertoseeIgavemystepsrepose; AndIbeheldtheflameletsonwardgo, Leavingbehindthemselvestheairdepicted, Andtheyoftrailingpennonshadthesemblance, Sothatitoverheadremaineddistinct Withsevenfoldlists,allofthemofthecolours Whencethesunsbowismade,andDeliasgirdle. Thesestandardstotherearwardlongerwere Thanwasmysight;and,asitseemedtome, Tenpacesweretheoutermostapart. UndersofairaheavenasIdescribe ThefourandtwentyElders,twobytwo, Cameonincoronatewithflowerdeluce. Theyallofthemweresinging:Blessedthou AmongthedaughtersofAdamart,andblessed Forevermoreshallbethyloveliness. Aftertheflowersandothertendergrasses Infrontofmeupontheothermargin Weredisencumberedofthatraceelect, Evenasinheavenstarfollowethafterstar, Therecamecloseafterthemfouranimals, Incoronateeachonewithverdantleaf.

312

TheDivineComedy Plumedwithsixwingswaseveryoneofthem, Theplumagefullofeyes;theeyesofArgus Iftheywerelivingwouldbesuchasthese. Reader!totracetheirformsnomoreIwaste Myrhymes;forotherspendingspressmeso, ThatIinthiscannotbeprodigal. ButreadEzekiel,whodepicteththem Ashebeheldthemfromtheregioncold Comingwithcloud,withwhirlwind,andwithfire; Andsuchasthoushaltfindtheminhispages, Suchweretheyhere;savingthatintheirplumage Johniswithme,anddifferethfromhim. Theintervalbetweenthesefourcontained Achariottriumphalontwowheels, WhichbyaGriffinsneckcamedrawnalong; Andupwardheextendedbothhiswings Betweenthemiddlelistandthreeandthree, Sothatheinjurednonebycleavingit. Sohightheyrosethattheywerelosttosight; Hislimbsweregold,sofarashewasbird, Andwhitetheotherswithvermilionmingled. NotonlyRomewithnosuchsplendidcar EergladdenedAfricanus,orAugustus, ButpoortoitthatoftheSunwouldbe, ThatoftheSun,whichswervingwasburntup AttheimportunateorisonofEarth, WhenJovewassomysteriouslyjust. Threemaidensattherightwheelinacircle Cameonwarddancing;onesoveryred Thatinthefireshehardlyhadbeennoted. Thesecondwasasifherfleshandbones Hadallbeenfashionedoutofemerald; Thethirdappearedassnowbutnewlyfallen.

313

TheDivineComedy Andnowtheyseemedconductedbythewhite, Nowbythered,andfromthesongofher Theotherstooktheirstep,orsloworswift. Uponthelefthandfourmadeholiday Vestedinpurple,followingthemeasure Ofoneofthemwiththreeeyesmherhead. Inrearofallthegroupheretreatedof TwooldmenIbeheld,unlikeinhabit, Butlikeingait,eachdignifiedandgrave. Oneshowedhimselfasoneofthedisciples OfthatsupremeHippocrates,whomnature Madefortheanimalssheholdsmostdear; Contrarycaretheothermanifested, Withswordsoshiningandsosharp,itcaused Terrortomeonthissideoftheriver. ThereafterfourIsawofhumbleaspect, Andbehindallanagedmanalone Walkinginsleepwithcountenanceacute. Andliketheforemostcompanytheseseven Werehabited;yetoftheflowerdeluce Nogarlandroundabouttheheadtheywore, Butoftherose,andotherflowersvermilion; Atlittledistancewouldthesighthavesworn Thatallwereinaflameabovetheirbrows. Andwhenthecarwasoppositetome Thunderwasheard;andallthatfolkaugust Seemedtohavefurtherprogressinterdicted, Therewiththevanwardensignsstandingstill.

314

TheDivineComedy Purgatorio:CantoXXX WhentheSeptentrionofthehighestheaven (Whichnevereithersettingkneworrising, Norveilofothercloudthanthatofsin, Andwhichmadeeveryonethereinaware Ofhisownduty,asthelowermakes Whoeverturnsthehelmtocometoport) Motionlesshalted,theveraciouspeople, ThatcameatfirstbetweenitandtheGriffin, Turnedthemselvestothecar,astotheirpeace. Andoneofthem,asifbyHeavencommissioned, Singing,Veni,sponsa,deLibano Shoutedthreetimes,andalltheothersafter. EvenastheBlessedatthefinalsummons Shallriseupquickenedeachonefromhiscavern, Upliftinglightthereinvestedflesh, Souponthatcelestialchariot Ahundredroseadvocemtantisenis, Ministersandmessengersoflifeeternal. Theyallweresaying,Benedictusquivenis, And,scatteringflowersaboveandroundabout, Manibusodateliliaplenis. ErenowhaveIbeheld,asdaybegan, Theeasternhemispherealltingedwithrose, Andtheotherheavenwithfairsereneadorned; Andthesunsface,uprising,overshadowed Sothatbytemperinginfluenceofvapours Foralongintervaltheeyesustainedit; Thusinthebosomofacloudofflowers Whichfromthosehandsangelicalascended, Anddownwardfellagaininsideandout,

315

TheDivineComedy Overhersnowwhiteveilwitholivecinct Appearedaladyunderagreenmantle, Vestedincolourofthelivingflame. Andmyownspirit,thatalreadynow Solongatimehadbeen,thatinherpresence Tremblingwithaweithadnotstoodabashed, Withoutmoreknowledgehavingbymineeyes, Throughoccultvirtuethatfromherproceeded Ofancientlovethemightyinfluencefelt. Assoonasonmyvisionsmotethepower Sublime,thathadalreadypiercedmethrough ErefrommyboyhoodIhadyetcomeforth, TothelefthandIturnedwiththatreliance Withwhichthelittlechildrunstohismother, Whenhehasfear,orwhenheisafflicted, TosayuntoVirgilius:Notadrachm Ofbloodremainsinme,thatdoesnottremble; Iknowthetracesoftheancientflame. ButusVirgiliusofhimselfdeprived Hadleft,Virgilius,sweetestofallfathers, Virgilius,towhomIforsafetygaveme: Norwhatsoeverlosttheancientmother Availedmycheeksnowpurifiedfromdew, Thatweepingtheyshouldnotagainbedarkened. Dante,becauseVirgiliushasdeparted Donotweepyet,donotweepyetawhile; Forbyanotherswordthouneedstmustweep. Eenasanadmiral,whoonpoopandprow Comestobeholdthepeoplethatareworking Inotherships,andcheersthemtowelldoing, Uponthelefthandborderofthecar, WhenatthesoundIturnedofmyownname, Whichofnecessityishererecorded,

316

TheDivineComedy IsawtheLady,whoerewhileappeared Veiledunderneaththeangelicfestival, Directhereyestomeacrosstheriver. Althoughtheveil,thatfromherheaddescended, EncircledwiththefoliageofMinerva, Didnotpermithertoappeardistinctly, Inattitudestillroyallymajestic Continuedshe,likeuntoonewhospeaks, Andkeepshiswarmestutteranceinreserve: Lookatmewell;insoothImBeatrice! HowdidstthoudeigntocomeuntotheMountain? Didstthounotknowthatmanishappyhere? Mineeyesfelldownwardintotheclearfountain, But,seeingmyselftherein,Isoughtthegrass, Sogreatashamedidweighmyforeheaddown. Astothesonthemotherseemssuperb, Sosheappearedtome;forsomewhatbitter Tasteththesavourofseverecompassion. Silentbecameshe,andtheAngelssang Suddenly,Inte,Domine,speravi: Butbeyondpedesmeosdidnotpass. Evenasthesnowamongthelivingrafters UponthebackofItalycongeals, BlownonanddriftedbySclavonianwinds, Andthen,dissolving,tricklesthroughitself Wheneerthelandthatlosesshadowbreathes, Sothatitseemsafirethatmeltsataper; EenthuswasIwithoutatearorsigh, Beforethesongofthosewhosingforever Afterthemusicoftheeternalspheres.

317

TheDivineComedy ButwhenIheardintheirsweetmelodies Compassionforme,morethanhadtheysaid, Owherefore,lady,dostthouthusupbraidhim? Theice,thatwasaboutmyheartcongealed, Toairandwaterchanged,andinmyanguish Throughmouthandeyescamegushingfrommybreast. She,ontherighthandborderofthecar Stillfirmlystanding,tothoseholybeings Thusherdiscoursedirectedafterwards: Yekeepyourwatchintheeternalday, Sothatnornightnorsleepcanstealfromyou Onesteptheagesmakeupontheirpath; Thereforemyansweriswithgreatercare, Thathemayhearmewhoisweepingyonder, Sothatthesinanddolebeofonemeasure. Notonlybytheworkofthosegreatwheels, Thatdestineeveryseeduntosomeend, Accordingasthestarsareinconjunction, Butbythelargessofcelestialgraces, Whichhavesuchloftyvapoursfortheirrain Thatneartothemoursightapproachesnot, Suchhadthismanbecomeinhisnewlife Potentially,thateveryrighteoushabit Wouldhavemadeadmirableproofinhim; Butsomuchmoremalignantandmoresavage Becomesthelanduntilledandwithbadseed, Themoregoodearthlyvigouritpossesses. SometimedidIsustainhimwithmylook; Revealinguntohimmyyouthfuleyes, Iledhimwithmeturnedintherightway. Assoonaseverofmysecondage Iwasuponthethresholdandchangedlife, Himselffrommehetookandgavetoothers.

318

TheDivineComedy WhenfromthefleshtospiritIascended, Andbeautyandvirtuewereinmeincreased, Iwastohimlessdearandlessdelightful; Andintowaysuntrueheturnedhissteps, Pursuingthefalseimagesofgood, Thatneveranypromisesfulfil; Norprayerforinspirationmeavailed, Bymeansofwhichindreamsandotherwise Icalledhimback,solittledidheheedthem. Solowhefell,thatallappliances Forhissalvationwerealreadyshort, Saveshowinghimthepeopleofperdition. ForthisIvisitedthegatesofdeath, Anduntohim,whosofaruphasledhim, Myintercessionswerewithweepingborne. Godsloftyfiatwouldbeviolated, IfLetheshouldbepassed,andifsuchviands Shouldtastedbe,withoutenanyscot Ofpenitence,thatgushesforthintears.

319

TheDivineComedy Purgatorio:CantoXXXI Othouwhoartbeyondthesacredriver, Turningtomethepointofherdiscourse, Thatedgewiseevenhadseemedtomesokeen, Sherecommenced,continuingwithoutpause, Say,sayifthisbetrue;tosuchacharge, Thyownconfessionneedsmustbeconjoined. Myfacultieswereinsogreatconfusion, Thatthevoicemoved,butsoonerwasextinct Thanbyitsorgansitwassetatlarge. Awhileshewaited;thenshesaid:Whatthinkest? Answerme;forthemournfulmemories Intheenotyetarebythewatersinjured. Confusionanddismaytogethermingled ForcedsuchaYes!fromoutmymouth,thatsight Wasneedfultotheunderstandingofit. Evenasacrossbowbreaks,whentisdischarged Tootenselydrawnthebowstringandthebow, Andwithlessforcethearrowhitsthemark, SoIgavewaybeneaththatheavyburden, Outpouringinatorrenttearsandsighs, Andthevoiceflaggeduponitspassageforth. Whenceshetome:Inthosedesiresofmine Whichledtheetothelovingofthatgood, Beyondwhichthereisnothingtoaspireto, Whattrencheslyingtraverseorwhatchains Didstthoudiscover,thatofpassingonward Thoushouldsthavethusdespoiledtheeofthehope? Andwhatallurementsorwhatvantages Upontheforeheadoftheothersshowed, Thatthoushouldstturnthyfootstepsuntothem?

320

TheDivineComedy Aftertheheavingofabittersigh, HardlyhadIthevoicetomakeresponse, Andwithfatiguemylipsdidfashionit. WeepingIsaid:Thethingsthatpresentwere Withtheirfalsepleasureturnedasidemysteps, Soonasyourcountenanceconcealeditself. Andshe:Shouldstthoubesilent,ordeny Whatthouconfessest,notlessmanifest Wouldbethyfault,bysuchaJudgetisknown. Butwhenfromonesowncheekscomesburstingforth Theaccusalofthesin,inourtribunal Againsttheedgethewheeldothturnitself. Butstill,thatthoumaystfeelagreatershame Forthytransgression,andanothertime HearingtheSirensthoumaystbemorestrong, Castdowntheseedofweepingandattend; Soshaltthouhear,howinanoppositeway Myburiedfleshshouldhavedirectedthee. Nevertotheepresentedartornature Pleasuresogreatasthefairlimbswherein Iwasenclosed,whichscatteredareinearth. Andifthehighestpleasurethusdidfailthee Byreasonofmydeath,whatmortalthing Shouldthenhavedrawntheeintoitsdesire? Thououghtestverilyatthefirstshaft Ofthingsfallacioustohaverisenup Tofollowme,whowasnolongersuch. Thououghtestnottohavestoopedthypinionsdownward Towaitforfurtherblows,orlittlegirl, Orothervanityofsuchbriefuse. Thecallowbirdletwaitsfortwoorthree, Buttotheeyesofthosealreadyfledged, Invainthenetisspreadorshaftisshot.

321

TheDivineComedy Evenaschildrensilentintheirshame Standlisteningwiththeireyesupontheground, Andconsciousoftheirfault,andpenitent; SowasIstanding;andshesaid:Ifthou Inhearingsufferestpain,liftupthybeard Andthoushaltfeelagreaterpaininseeing. Withlessresistanceisarobustholm Uprooted,eitherbyanativewind OrelsebythatfromregionsofIarbas, ThanIupraisedathercommandmychin; Andwhenshebythebeardthefacedemanded, WellIperceivedthevenomofhermeaning. Andasmycountenancewasliftedup, Mineeyeperceivedthosecreaturesbeautiful Hadrestedfromthestrewingoftheflowers; And,stillbutlittlereassured,mineeyes SawBeatriceturnedroundtowardsthemonster, Thatisonepersononlyintwonatures. Beneathherveil,beyondthemargentgreen, Sheseemedtomefarmoreherancientself Toexcel,thanothershere,whenshewashere. Soprickedmethenthethornofpenitence, Thatofallotherthingstheonewhichturnedme Mosttoitslovebecamethemostmyfoe. Suchselfconvictionstungmeattheheart OerpoweredIfell,andwhatIthenbecame Sheknowethwhohadfurnishedmethecause. Then,whentheheartrestoredmyoutwardsense, TheladyIhadfoundalone,aboveme Isaw,andshewassaying,Holdme,holdme.

322

TheDivineComedy Uptomythroatsheinthestreamhaddrawnme, And,draggingmebehindher,shewasmoving Uponthewaterlightlyasashuttle. WhenIwasnearuntotheblessedshore, Aspergesme,Iheardsosweetlysung, RememberitIcannot,muchlesswriteit. Thebeautifulladyopenedwideherarms, Embracedmyhead,andplungedmeunderneath, WhereIwasforcedtoswallowofthewater. Thenforthshedrewme,andalldrippingbrought Intothedanceofthefourbeautiful, Andeachonewithherarmdidcoverme. WehereareNymphs,andintheHeavenarestars; EreBeatricedescendedtotheworld, Weasherhandmaidswereappointedher. Wellleadtheetohereyes;butforthepleasant Lightthatwithinthemis,shallsharpenthine Thethreebeyond,whomoreprofoundlylook. Thussingingtheybegan;andafterwards UntotheGriffinsbreasttheyledmewiththem, WhereBeatricewasstanding,turnedtowardsus. Seethatthoudostnotsparethineeyes,theysaid; Beforetheemeraldshavewestationedthee, WhenceLoveaforetimedrewfortheehisweapons. Athousandlongings,hotterthantheflame, Fastenedmineeyesuponthoseeyesrelucent, ThatstillupontheGriffinsteadfaststayed. Asinaglassthesun,nototherwise Withinthemwasthetwofoldmonstershining, Nowwiththeone,nowwiththeothernature. Think,Reader,ifwithinmyselfImarvelled, WhenIbeheldthethingitselfstandstill, Andinitsimageittransformeditself.

323

TheDivineComedy Whilewithamazementfilledandjubilant, Mysoulwastastingofthefood,thatwhile Itsatisfiesusmakesushungerforit, Themselvesrevealingofthehighestrank Inbearing,didtheotherthreeadvance, Singingtotheirangelicsaraband. Turn,Beatrice,Oturnthyholyeyes, Suchwastheirsong,untothyfaithfulone, Whohastoseetheetaensomanysteps. Ingracedousthegracethatthouunveil Thyfacetohim,sothathemaydiscern Thesecondbeautywhichthoudostconceal. Osplendourofthelivinglighteternal! WhounderneaththeshadowofParnassus Hasgrownsopale,ordrunksoatitscistern, Hewouldnotseemtohavehismindencumbered Strivingtopainttheeasthoudidstappear, Wheretheharmoniousheavenoershadowedthee, Whenintheopenairthoudidstunveil?

324

TheDivineComedy Purgatorio:CantoXXXII Sosteadfastandattentiveweremineeyes Insatisfyingtheirdecennialthirst, Thatallmyothersenseswereextinct, Anduponthissideandonthattheyhad Wallsofindifference,sotheholysmile Drewthemuntoitselfwiththeoldnet Whenforciblymysightwasturnedaway Towardsmylefthandbythosegoddesses, BecauseIheardfromthemaToointently! Andthatconditionofthesightwhichis Ineyesbutlatelysmittenbythesun Bereftmeofmyvisionsomeshortwhile; Buttothelesswhensightreshapeditself, Isaythelessinreferencetothegreater SplendourfromwhichperforceIhadwithdrawn, Isawuponitsrightwingwheeledabout Theglorioushostreturningwiththesun Andwiththesevenfoldflamesupontheirfaces. Asunderneathitsshields,tosaveitself, Asquadronturns,andwithitsbannerwheels, Beforethewholethereofcanchangeitsfront, Thatsoldieryofthecelestialkingdom Whichmarchedintheadvancehadwhollypassedus Beforethechariothadturneditspole. Thentothewheelsthemaidensturnedthemselves, AndtheGriffinmovedhisburdenbenedight, Butsothatnotafeatherofhimfluttered. Theladyfairwhodrewmethroughtheford FollowedwithStatiusandmyselfthewheel Whichmadeitsorbitwiththelesserarc.

325

TheDivineComedy Sopassingthroughtheloftyforest,vacant Byfaultofherwhointheserpenttrusted, Angelicmusicmadeourstepskeeptime. Perchanceasgreataspacehadinthreeflights Anarrowloosenedfromthestringoerpassed, AswehadmovedwhenBeatricedescended. Iheardthemmurmuraltogether,Adam! Thencircledtheyaboutatreedespoiled Ofbloomsandotherleafageoneachbough. Itstresses,whichsomuchthemoredilate Ashighertheyascend,hadbeenbyIndians Amongtheirforestsmarvelledatforheight. Blessedartthou,OGriffin,whodostnot Pluckwiththybeakthesebranchessweettotaste, Sinceappetitebythiswasturnedtoevil. Afterthisfashionroundthetreerobust Theothersshouted;andthetwofoldcreature: Thusispreservedtheseedofallthejust. Andturningtothepolewhichhehaddragged, Hedrewitclosebeneaththewidowedbough, Andwhatwasofituntoitleftbound. Inthesamemannerasourtrees(whendownward Fallsthegreatlight,withthattogethermingled WhichafterthecelestialLascashines) Begintoswell,andthenrenewthemselves, Eachonewithitsowncolour,eretheSun Harnesshissteedsbeneathanotherstar: Lessthanofroseandmorethanviolet Ahuedisclosing,wasrenewedthetree Thathaderewhileitsboughssodesolate. Ineverheard,norherebelowissung, Thehymnwhichafterwardthatpeoplesang, NordidIbearthemelodythroughout.

326

TheDivineComedy HadIthepowertopainthowfellasleep Thoseeyescompassionless,ofSyrinxhearing, Thoseeyestowhichmorewatchingcostsodear, Evenasapainterwhofrommodelpaints IwouldportrayhowIwaslulledasleep; Hemay,whowellcanpicturedrowsihood. ThereforeIpasstowhattimeIawoke, Andsayasplendourrentfrommetheveil Ofslumber,andacalling:Rise,whatdostthou? Astobeholdtheappletreeinblossom WhichmakestheAngelsgreedyforitsfruit, AndkeepsperpetualbridalsintheHeaven, PeterandJohnandJamesconductedwere, And,overcome,recoveredattheword Bywhichstillgreaterslumbershavebeenbroken, Andsawtheirschooldiminishedbytheloss NotonlyofElias,butofMoses, AndtheappareloftheirMasterchanged; SoIrevived,andsawthatpiteousone Abovemestanding,whohadbeenconductress Aforetimeofmystepsbesidetheriver, AndallindoubtIsaid,WheresBeatrice? Andshe:Beholdherseatedunderneath Theleafagenew,upontherootofit. Beholdthecompanythatcirclesher; TherestbehindtheGriffinareascending Withmoremelodioussong,andmoreprofound. AndifherspeechweremorediffuseIknownot, Becausealreadyinmysightwasshe Whofromthehearingofaughtelsehadshutme.

327

TheDivineComedy Aloneshesatupontheveryearth, Leftthereasguardianofthechariot WhichIhadseenthebiformmonsterfasten. Encirclingher,acloistermadethemselves ThesevenNymphs,withthoselightsintheirhands WhicharesecurefromAquilonandAuster. Shortwhileshaltthoubehereaforester, Andthoushaltbewithmeforevermore AcitizenofthatRomewhereChristisRoman. Therefore,forthatworldsgoodwhichlivethill, Fixonthecarthineeyes,andwhatthouseest, Havingreturnedtoearth,takeheedthouwrite. ThusBeatrice;andI,whoatthefeet Ofhercommandmentsalldevotedwas, Mymindandeyesdirectedwhereshewilled. Neverdescendedwithsoswiftamotion Firefromaheavycloud,whenitisraining Fromouttheregionwhichismostremote, AsIbeheldthebirdofJovedescend Downthroughthetree,rendingawaythebark, Aswellasblossomsandthefoliagenew, Andhewithallhismightthechariotsmote, Whereatitreeled,likevesselinatempest Tossedbythewaves,nowstarboardandnowlarboard. ThereaftersawIleapintothebody OfthetriumphalvehicleaFox, Thatseemedunfedwithanywholesomefood. Butforhishideoussinsupbraidinghim, MyLadyputhimtoasswiftaflight Assuchafleshlessskeletoncouldbear. Thenbythewaythatitbeforehadcome, IntothechariotschestIsawtheEagle Descend,andleaveitfeatheredwithhisplumes.

328

TheDivineComedy Andsuchasissuesfromaheartthatmourns, AvoicefromHeaventhereissued,anditsaid: Mylittlebark,howbadlyartthoufreighted! Methought,then,thattheearthdidyawnbetween Bothwheels,andIsawrisefromitaDragon, Whothroughthechariotupwardfixedhistail, Andasawaspthatdrawethbackitssting, Drawinguntohimselfhistailmalign, Drewoutthefloor,andwenthiswayrejoicing. Thatwhichremainedbehind,evenaswithgrass Afertileregion,withthefeathers,offered Perhapswithpureintentionandbenign, Reclotheditself,andwiththemwerereclothed Thepoleandboththewheelssospeedily, Asighdothlongerkeepthelipsapart. Transfiguredthustheholyedifice Thrustforwardheadsuponthepartsofit, Threeonthepoleandoneateithercorner. Thefirstwerehornedlikeoxen;butthefour Hadbutasinglehornupontheforehead; Amonstersuchhadneveryetbeenseen! Firmasarockuponamountainhigh, Seateduponit,thereappearedtome Ashamelesswhore,witheyesswiftglancinground, And,asifnottohavehertakenfromhim, UprightbesideherIbeheldagiant; Andeverandanontheykissedeachother. Butbecausesheherwanton,rovingeye Turneduponme,herangryparamour Didscourgeherfromherheaduntoherfeet.

329

TheDivineComedy Thenfullofjealousy,andfiercewithwrath, Heloosedthemonster,andacrosstheforest Draggeditsofar,hemadeofthatalone Ashielduntothewhoreandthestrangebeast.

330

TheDivineComedy Purgatorio:CantoXXXIII Deusveneruntgentes,alternating Nowthree,nowfour,melodiouspsalmody Themaidensinthemidstoftearsbegan; AndBeatrice,compassionateandsighing, Listenedtothemwithsuchacountenance, ThatscarcemorechangedwasMaryatthecross. Butwhentheothervirginsplacehadgiven Forhertospeak,uprisentoherfeet Withcolourasoffire,shemaderesponse: Modicum,etnonvidebitisme; Etiterum,mysisterspredilect, Modicum,etvosvidebitisme. Thenalltheseveninfrontofhersheplaced; Andafterher,bybeckoningonly,moved Meandtheladyandthesagewhostayed. Soshemovedonward;andIdonotthink Thathertenthstepwasplacedupontheground, Whenwithhereyesuponmineeyesshesmote, Andwithatranquilaspect,Comemorequickly, Tomeshesaid,that,ifIspeakwiththee, Tolistentomethoumaystbewellplaced. AssoonasIwaswithherasIshouldbe, Shesaidtome:Why,brother,dostthounot Venturetoquestionnow,incomingwithme? Asuntothosewhoaretooreverential, Speakinginpresenceofsuperiors, Whodragnolivingutterancetotheirteeth, Itmebefell,thatwithoutperfectsound BeganI:Mynecessity,Madonna, Youknow,andthatwhichthereuntoisgood.

331

TheDivineComedy Andshetome:Offearandbashfulness HenceforwardIwillhavetheestripthyself, Sothatthouspeaknomoreasonewhodreams. Knowthatthevesselwhichtheserpentbroke Was,andisnot;butlethimwhoisguilty ThinkthatGodsvengeancedoesnotfearasop. Withoutanheirshallnotforeverbe TheEaglethatlefthisplumesuponthecar, Whenceitbecameamonster,thenaprey; ForverilyIsee,andhencenarrateit, Thestarsalreadyneartobringthetime, Fromeveryhindrancesafe,andeverybar, WithinwhichaFivehundred,Ten,andFive, OnesentfromGod,shallslaythethievishwoman Andthatsamegiantwhoissinningwithher. Andperadventuremydarkutterance, LikeThemisandtheSphinx,maylesspersuadethee, Since,intheirmode,itcloudstheintellect; ButsoonthefactsshallbetheNaiades Whoshallthisdifficultenigmasolve, Withoutdestructionoftheflocksandharvests. Notethou;andevenasbymeareuttered Thesewords,soteachthemuntothosewholive Thatlifewhichisarunninguntodeath; Andbearinmind,wheneerthouwritestthem, Nottoconcealwhatthouhastseentheplant, Thattwicealreadyhasbeenpillagedhere. Whoeverpillagesorshattersit, WithblasphemyofdeedoffendethGod, Whomadeitholyforhisusealone. Forbitingthat,inpainandindesire Fivethousandyearsandmorethefirstbornsoul CravedHim,whopunishedinhimselfthebite.

332

TheDivineComedy Thygeniusslumbers,ifitdeemitnot Forspecialreasonsopreeminent Inheight,andsoinvertedinitssummit. Andifthyvainimaginingshadnotbeen WaterofElsaroundaboutthymind, AndPyramustothemulberry,theirpleasure, Thoubysomanycircumstancesonly ThejusticeoftheinterdictofGod Morallyinthetreewouldstrecognize. ButsinceIseetheeinthineintellect Convertedintostoneandstainedwithsin, Sothatthelightofmydiscoursedothdazethee, Iwilltoo,ifnotwritten,atleastpainted, Thoubearitbackwithinthee,forthereason Thatcinctwithpalmthepilgrimsstaffisborne. AndI:Asbyasignetisthewax Whichdoesnotchangethefigurestampeduponit, Mybrainisnowimprintedbyyourself. Butwhereforesobeyondmypowerofsight Soarsyourdesirablediscourse,thataye ThemoreIstrive,somuchthemoreIloseit? Thatthoumaystrecognize,shesaid,theschool Whichthouhastfollowed,andmaystseehowfar Itsdoctrinefollowsaftermydiscourse, Andmaystbeholdyourpathfromthedivine Distantasfarasseparatedis Fromearththeheaventhathighesthastenson. WhenceherIanswered:Idonotremember ThateverIestrangedmyselffromyou, NorhaveIconscienceofitthatreprovesme.

333

TheDivineComedy Andifthouartnotabletoremember, Smilingsheanswered,recollecttheenow ThatthouthisverydayhastdrunkofLethe; Andiffromsmokeafiremaybeinferred, Suchanoblivionclearlydemonstrates Someerrorinthywillelsewhereintent. Trulyfromthistimeforwardshallmywords Benaked,sofarasitisbefitting Tolaythemopenuntothyrudegaze. Andmorecoruscantandwithslowersteps Thesunwasholdingthemeridiancircle, Which,withthepointofview,shiftshereandthere Whenhalted(ashecomethtoahalt, Whogoesbeforeasquadronasitsescort, Ifsomethingnewhefinduponhisway) Theladiessevenatadarkshadowsedge, Suchas,beneathgreenleavesandbranchesblack, TheAlpuponitsfrigidborderwears. InfrontofthemtheTigrisandEuphrates MethoughtIsawforthissuefromonefountain, Andslowlypart,likefriends,fromoneanother. Olight,Ogloryofthehumanrace! Whatstreamisthiswhichhereunfoldsitself Fromoutonesource,andfromitselfwithdraws? Forsuchaprayer,twassaiduntome,Pray Matildathatshetellthee;andhereanswered, Asonedoeswhodothfreehimselffromblame, Thebeautifullady:Thisandotherthings Weretoldtohimbyme;andsureIam ThewaterofLethehasnothidthemfromhim. AndBeatrice:Perhapsagreatercare, Whichoftentimesourmemorytakesaway, Hasmadethevisionofhismindobscure.

334

TheDivineComedy ButEunoebehold,thatyonderrises; Leadhimtoit,and,asthouartaccustomed, Reviveagainthehalfdeadvirtueinhim. Likegentlesoul,thatmakethnoexcuse, Butmakesitsownwillofanotherswill Assoonasbyasignitisdisclosed, Evenso,whenshehadtakenholdofme, Thebeautifulladymoved,anduntoStatius Said,inherwomanlymanner,Comewithhim. If,Reader,Ipossessedalongerspace Forwritingit,Iyetwouldsinginpart Ofthesweetdraughtthatneerwouldsatiateme; Butinasmuchasfullarealltheleaves Madereadyforthissecondcanticle, Thecurbofartnofartherletsmego. FromthemostholywaterIreturned Regenerate,inthemannerofnewtrees Thatarerenewedwithanewfoliage, Pureanddisposedtomountuntothestars.

335

TheDivineComedy PARADISO Paradiso:CantoI ThegloryofHimwhomovetheverything Dothpenetratetheuniverse,andshine Inonepartmoreandinanotherless. Withinthatheavenwhichmosthislightreceives WasI,andthingsbeheldwhichtorepeat Norknows,norcan,whofromabovedescends; Becauseindrawingneartoitsdesire Ourintellectingulphsitselfsofar, Thatafteritthememorycannotgo. Trulywhateveroftheholyrealm Ihadthepowertotreasureinmymind Shallnowbecomethesubjectofmysong. OgoodApollo,forthislastemprise Makeofmesuchavesselofthypower Asgivingthebelovedlaurelasks! OnesummitofParnassushitherto Hasbeenenoughforme,butnowwithboth Ineedsmustenterthearenaleft. Enterintomybosom,thou,andbreathe AsatthetimewhenMarsyasthoudidstdraw Outofthescabbardofthoselimbsofhis. Opowerdivine,lendstthouthyselftome Sothattheshadowoftheblessedrealm StampedinmybrainIcanmakemanifest, Thoultseemecomeuntothydarlingtree, Andcrownmyselfthereafterwiththoseleaves Ofwhichthethemeandthoushallmakemeworthy.

336

TheDivineComedy Soseldom,Father,dowegatherthem FortriumphorofCaesarorofPoet, (Thefaultandshameofhumaninclinations,) ThatthePeneianfoliageshouldbringforth JoytothejoyousDelphicdeity, Whenanyoneitmakestothirstforit. Alittlesparkisfollowedbygreatflame; Perchancewithbettervoicesafterme ShallprayerbemadethatCyrrhamayrespond! Tomortalmenbypassagesdiverse Uprisestheworldslamp;butbythatone Whichcirclesfourunitethwiththreecrosses, Withbettercourseandwithabetterstar Conjoineditissues,andthemundanewax Tempersandstampsmoreafteritsownfashion. Almostthatpassagehadmademorningthere Andeveninghere,andtherewaswhollywhite Thathemisphere,andblacktheotherpart, WhenBeatricetowardsthelefthandside Isawturnedround,andgazingatthesun; Neverdideaglefastensouponit! Andevenasasecondrayiswont Toissuefromthefirstandreascend, Liketoapilgrimwhowouldfainreturn, Thusofheraction,throughtheeyesinfused Inmyimagination,mineImade, Andsunwardfixedmineeyesbeyondourwont. Theremuchislawfulwhichishereunlawful Untoourpowers,byvirtueoftheplace Madeforthehumanspeciesasitsown. NotlongIboreit,norsolittlewhile ButIbehelditsparkleroundabout Likeironthatcomesmoltenfromthefire;

337

TheDivineComedy Andsuddenlyitseemedthatdaytoday Wasadded,asifHewhohasthepower Hadwithanothersuntheheavenadorned. Witheyesupontheeverlastingwheels StoodBeatriceallintent,andI,onher Fixingmyvisionfromaboveremoved, Suchatheraspectinwardlybecame AsGlaucus,tastingoftheherbthatmadehim Peeroftheothergodsbeneaththesea. Torepresenttranshumaniseinwords Impossiblewere;theexample,then,suffice HimforwhomGracetheexperiencereserves. IfIwasmerelywhatofmethounewly Createdst,Lovewhogovernesttheheaven, Thouknowest,whodidstliftmewiththylight! Whennowthewheel,whichthoudostmakeeternal Desiringthee,mademeattentivetoit Byharmonythoudostmodulateandmeasure, Thenseemedtomesomuchofheavenenkindled Bythesunsflame,thatneitherrainnorriver Eermadealakesowidelyspreadabroad. Thenewnessofthesoundandthegreatlight Kindledinmealongingfortheircause, Neverbeforewithsuchacutenessfelt; Whenceshe,whosawmeasIsawmyself, Toquietinmemyperturbedmind, Openedhermouth,ereIdidminetoask, Andshebegan:Thoumakestthyselfsodull Withfalseimagining,thatthouseestnot Whatthouwouldstseeifthouhadstshakenitoff.

338

TheDivineComedy Thouartnotuponearth,asthoubelievest; Butlightning,fleeingitsappropriatesite, Neerranasthou,whothitherwardreturnest. IfofmyformerdoubtIwasdivested Bythesebrieflittlewordsmoresmiledthanspoken, Iinanewonewasthemoreensnared; Andsaid:AlreadydidIrestcontent Fromgreatamazement;butamnowamazed InwhatwayItranscendthesebodieslight. Whereuponshe,afterapityingsigh, Hereyesdirectedtowrdsmewiththatlook Amothercastsonadeliriouschild; Andshebegan:Allthingswhateertheybe Haveorderamongthemselves,andthisisform, ThatmakestheuniverseresembleGod. Heredothehighercreaturesseethefootprints OftheEternalPower,whichistheend Wheretoismadethelawalreadymentioned. IntheorderthatIspeakofareinclined Allnatures,bytheirdestiniesdiverse, Moreorlessnearuntotheirorigin; Hencetheymoveonwarduntoportsdiverse Oerthegreatseaofbeing;andeachone Withinstinctgivenitwhichbearsiton. Thisbearsawaythefiretowardsthemoon; Thisisinmortalheartsthemotivepower Thisbindstogetherandunitestheearth. Noronlythecreatedthingsthatare Withoutintelligencethisbowshootsforth, Butthosethathavebothintellectandlove. TheProvidencethatregulatesallthis Makeswithitslighttheheavenforeverquiet, Whereinthatturnswhichhasthegreatesthaste.

339

TheDivineComedy Andthithernow,astoasitedecreed, Bearsusawaythevirtueofthatcord Whichaimsitsarrowsatajoyousmark. Trueisit,thatasoftentimestheform Accordsnotwiththeintentionoftheart, Becauseinansweringismatterdeaf, Solikewisefromthiscoursedothdeviate Sometimesthecreature,whothepowerpossesses, Thoughthusimpelled,toswervesomeotherway, (Inthesamewiseasonemayseethefire Fallfromacloud,)ifthefirstimpetus Earthwardiswrestedbysomefalsedelight. Thoushouldstnotwondermore,ifwellIjudge, Atthineascent,thanatarivulet Fromsomehighmountdescendingtothelowland. Marvelitwouldbeinthee,ifdeprived Ofhindrance,thouwertseateddownbelow, Asifonearththelivingfirewerequiet. Thereatsheheavenwardturnedagainherface.

340

TheDivineComedy Paradiso:CantoII OYe,whoinsomeprettylittleboat, Eagertolisten,havebeenfollowing Behindmyship,thatsingingsailsalong, Turnbacktolookagainuponyourshores; Donotputouttosea,lestperadventure, Inlosingme,youmightyourselvesbelost. TheseaIsailhasneveryetbeenpassed; Minervabreathes,andpilotsmeApollo, AndMusesninepointouttometheBears. Yeotherfewwhohavetheneckuplifted BetimestothbreadofAngelsuponwhich Onelivethhereandgrowsnotsatedbyit, Wellmayyoulaunchuponthedeepsaltsea Yourvessel,keepingstillmywakebeforeyou Uponthewaterthatgrowssmoothagain. ThosegloriousoneswhountoColchospassed Werenotsowonderstruckasyoushallbe, WhenJasontheybeheldaploughmanmade! Theconcreatedandperpetualthirst Fortherealmdeiformdidbearuson, Asswiftalmostasyetheheavensbehold. UpwardgazedBeatrice,andIather; Andinsuchspaceperchanceasstrikesabolt Andflies,andfromthenotchunlocksitself, ArrivedIsawmewhereawondrousthing Drewtoitselfmysight;andthereforeshe Fromwhomnocareofminecouldbeconcealed, Towardsmeturning,blitheasbeautiful, Saiduntome:Fixgratefullythymind OnGod,whountothefirststarhasbroughtus.

341

TheDivineComedy Itseemedtomeacloudencompassedus, Luminous,dense,consolidateandbright Asadamantonwhichthesunisstriking. Intoitselfdidtheeternalpearl Receiveus,evenaswaterdothreceive Arayoflight,remainingstillunbroken. IfIwasbody,(andwehereconceivenot Howonedimensiontoleratesanother, Whichneedsmustbeifbodyenterbody,) Morethedesireshouldbeenkindledinus Thatessencetobehold,whereinisseen HowGodandourownnaturewereunited. Therewillbeseenwhatwereceivebyfaith, Notdemonstrated,butselfevident Inguiseofthefirsttruththatmanbelieves. Imadereply:Madonna,asdevoutly AsmostIcandoIgivethankstoHim Whohasremovedmefromthemortalworld. Buttellmewhattheduskyspotsmaybe Uponthisbody,whichbelowonearth MakepeopletellthatfabuloustaleofCain? Somewhatshesmiled;andthen,Iftheopinion Ofmortalsbeerroneous,shesaid, Whereerthekeyofsensedothnotunlock, Certes,theshaftsofwondershouldnotpiercethee Now,forasmuchas,followingthesenses, Thouseestthatthereasonhasshortwings. Buttellmewhatthouthinkstofitthyself. AndI:Whatseemstousupherediverse, Iscaused,Ithink,bybodiesrareanddense. Andshe:Righttrulyshaltthouseeimmersed Inerrorthybelief,ifwellthouhearest TheargumentthatIshallmakeagainstit.

342

TheDivineComedy Lightsmanytheeighthspheredisplaystoyou Whichintheirqualityandquantity Maynotedbeofaspectsdifferent. Ifthiswerecausedbyrareanddensealone, Oneonlyvirtuewouldtherebeinall Ormoreorlessdiffused,orequally. Virtuesdiversemustbeperforcethefruits Offormalprinciples;andthese,saveone, Ofcoursewouldbythyreasoningbedestroyed. Besides,ifraritywereofthisdimness Thecausethouaskest,eitherthroughandthrough Thisplanetthusattenuatewereofmatter, Orelse,asinabodyisapportioned Thefatandlean,soinlikemannerthis Wouldinitsvolumeinterchangetheleaves. Wereittheformer,inthesunseclipse Itwouldbemanifestbytheshiningthrough Oflight,asthroughaughttenuousinterfused. Thisisnotso;hencewemustscantheother, AndifitchancetheotherIdemolish, Thenfalsifiedwillthyopinionbe. Butifthisraritygonotthroughandthrough, Thereneedsmustbealimit,beyondwhich Itscontrarypreventsthefurtherpassing, Andthencetheforeignradianceisreflected, Evenasacolourcomethbackfromglass, Thewhichbehinditselfconcealethlead. Nowthouwiltsaythesunbeamshowsitself Moredimlytherethanintheotherparts, Bybeingtherereflectedfartherback.

343

TheDivineComedy Fromthisreplyexperimentwillfreethee Ifeerthoutryit,whichiswonttobe Thefountaintotheriversofyourarts. Threemirrorsshaltthoutake,andtworemove Alikefromthee,theothermoreremote Betweentheformertwoshallmeetthineeyes. Turnedtowardsthese,causethatbehindthyback Beplacedalight,illumingthethreemirrors Andcomingbacktotheebyallreflected. Thoughinitsquantitybenotsoample Theimagemostremote,thereshaltthousee Howitperforceisequallyresplendent. Now,asbeneaththetouchesofwarmrays Nakedthesubjectofthesnowremains Bothofitsformercolouranditscold, Theethusremaininginthyintellect, WillIinformwithsuchalivinglight, Thatitshalltrembleinitsaspecttothee. Withintheheavenofthedivinerepose Revolvesabody,inwhosevirtuelies Thebeingofwhateveritcontains. Thefollowingheaven,thathassomanyeyes, Dividesthisbeingbyessencesdiverse, Distinguishedfromit,andbyitcontained. Theotherspheres,byvariousdifferences, Allthedistinctionswhichtheyhavewithinthem Disposeuntotheirendsandtheireffects. Thusdotheseorgansoftheworldproceed, Asthouperceivestnow,fromgradetograde; Sincefromabovetheytake,andactbeneath. Observemewell,howthroughthisplaceIcome Untothetruththouwishest,thathereafter Thoumaystaloneknowhowtokeeptheford

344

TheDivineComedy Thepowerandmotionoftheholyspheres, Asfromtheartisanthehammerscraft, Forthfromtheblessedmotorsmustproceed. Theheaven,whichlightssomanifoldmakefair, FromtheIntelligenceprofound,whichturnsit, Theimagetakes,andmakesofitaseal. Andevenasthesoulwithinyourdust Throughmembersdifferentandaccommodated Tofacultiesdiverseexpandsitself, SolikewisethisIntelligencediffuses Itsvirtuemultipliedamongthestars. Itselfrevolvingonitsunity. Virtuediversedothadiversealloyage Makewiththepreciousbodythatitquickens, Inwhich,aslifeinyou,itiscombined. Fromthegladnaturewhenceitisderived, Themingledvirtuethroughthebodyshines, Evenasgladnessthroughthelivingpupil. Fromthisproceedswhateerfromlighttolight Appearethdifferent,notfromdenseandrare: Thisistheformalprinciplethatproduces, Accordingtoitsgoodness,darkandbright.

345

TheDivineComedy Paradiso:CantoIII ThatSun,whicherstwithlovemybosomwarmed, Ofbeauteoustruthhaduntomediscovered, Byprovingandreproving,thesweetaspect. And,thatImightconfessmyselfconvinced Andconfident,sofaraswasbefitting, Iliftedmoreerectmyheadtospeak. Butthereappearedavision,whichwithdrewme Soclosetoit,inordertobeseen, ThatmyconfessionIrememberednot. Suchasthroughpolishedandtransparentglass, Orwaterscrystallineandundisturbed, Butnotsodeepasthattheirbedbelost, Comebackagaintheoutlinesofourfaces Sofeeble,thatapearlonforeheadwhite Comesnotlessspeedilyuntooureyes; SuchsawImanyfacesprompttospeak, SothatIraninerroropposite Tothatwhichkindledlovetwixtmanandfountain. AssoonasIbecameawareofthem, Esteemingthemasmirroredsemblances, Toseeofwhomtheywere,mineeyesIturned, Andnothingsaw,andoncemoreturnedthemforward DirectintothelightofmysweetGuide, Whosmilingkindledinherholyeyes. Marvelthounot,shesaidtome,because Ismileatthisthypuerileconceit, Sinceonthetruthittrustsnotyetitsfoot, Butturnsthee,astiswont,onemptiness. Truesubstancesarethesewhichthoubeholdest, Hererelegateforbreakingofsomevow.

346

TheDivineComedy Thereforespeakwiththem,listenandbelieve; Forthetruelight,whichgivethpeacetothem, Permitsthemnottoturnfromittheirfeet. AndIuntotheshadethatseemedmostwishful Tospeakdirectedme,andIbegan, Asonewhomtoogreateagernessbewilders: Owellcreatedspirit,whointherays Oflifeeternaldostthesweetnesstaste Whichbeinguntastedneeriscomprehended, Gratefultwillbetome,ifthoucontentme Bothwiththynameandwithyourdestiny. Whereatshepromptlyandwithlaughingeyes: Ourcharitydothnevershutthedoors Againstajustdesire,exceptasone Whowillsthatallhercourtbelikeherself. Iwasavirginsisterintheworld; Andifthyminddothcontemplatemewell, Thebeingmorefairwillnotconcealmefromthee, ButthoushaltrecogniseIamPiccarda, Who,stationedhereamongtheseotherblessed, Myselfamblessedintheslowestsphere. Allouraffections,thataloneinflamed AreinthepleasureoftheHolyGhost, Rejoiceatbeingofhisorderformed; Andthisallotment,whichappearssolow, Thereforeisgivenus,becauseourvows Havebeenneglectedandinsomepartvoid. WhenceItoher:Inyourmiraculousaspects ThereshinesIknownotwhatofthedivine, Whichdothtransformyoufromourfirstconceptions. ThereforeIwasnotswiftinmyremembrance; Butwhatthoutellestmenowaidsmeso, Thattherefiguringiseasiertome.

347

TheDivineComedy Buttellme,yewhointhisplacearehappy, Areyoudesirousofahigherplace, Toseemoreortomakeyourselvesmorefriends? Firstwiththoseothershadesshesmiledalittle; Thereafteransweredmesofullofgladness, Sheseemedtoburninthefirstfireoflove: Brother,ourwillisquietedbyvirtue Ofcharity,thatmakesuswishalone Forwhatwehave,norgivesusthirstformore. Iftobemoreexaltedweaspired, Discordantwouldouraspirationsbe UntothewillofHimwhoheresecludesus; Whichthoushaltseefindsnoplaceinthesecircles, Ifbeingincharityisneedfulhere, Andifthoulookestwellintoitsnature; Nay,tisessentialtothisblestexistence Tokeepitselfwithinthewilldivine, Wherebyourverywishesaremadeone; Sothat,aswearestationabovestation Throughoutthisrealm,toalltherealmtispleasing, AstotheKing,whomakeshiswillourwill. Andhiswillisourpeace;thisisthesea Towhichismovingonwardwhatsoever Itdothcreate,andallthatnaturemakes. Thenitwascleartomehoweverywhere InheavenisParadise,althoughthegrace Ofgoodsupremethererainnotinonemeasure. Butasitcomestopass,ifonefoodsates, Andforanotherstillremainsthelonging, Weaskforthis,andthatdeclinewiththanks,

348

TheDivineComedy EenthusdidI;withgestureandwithword, Tolearnfromherwhatwasthewebwherein Shedidnotplytheshuttletotheend. Aperfectlifeandmerithighinheaven Aladyoerus,saidshe,bywhoserule Downinyourworldtheyvestandveilthemselves, Thatuntildeaththeymaybothwatchandsleep BesidethatSpousewhoeveryvowaccepts Whichcharityconformethtohispleasure. Tofollowher,ingirlhoodfromtheworld Ifled,andinherhabitshutmyself, Andpledgedmetothepathwayofhersect. Thenmenaccustomeduntoevilmore Thanuntogood,fromthesweetcloistertoreme; Godknowswhatafterwardmylifebecame. Thisothersplendour,whichtotheereveals Itselfonmyrightside,andisenkindled Withalltheilluminationofoursphere, WhatofmyselfIsayappliestoher; Anunwasshe,andlikewisefromherhead Wastaentheshadowofthesacredwimple. Butwhenshetoowastotheworldreturned Againstherwishesandagainstgoodusage, Oftheheartsveilsheneverwasdivested. OfgreatCostanzathisistheeffulgence, WhofromthesecondwindofSuabia Broughtforththethirdandlatestpuissance. Thusuntomeshespake,andthenbegan AveMariasinging,andinsinging Vanished,asthroughdeepwatersomethingheavy. Mysight,thatfollowedheraslongatime Asitwaspossible,whenithadlosther Turnedrounduntothemarkofmoredesire,

349

TheDivineComedy AndwhollyuntoBeatricereverted; Butshesuchlightningsflashedintomineeyes, Thatatthefirstmysightendureditnot; Andthisinquestioningmorebackwardmademe.

350

TheDivineComedy Paradiso:CantoIV Betweentwoviands,equallyremoved Andtempting,afreemanwoulddieofhunger Ereeitherhecouldbringuntohisteeth. Sowouldalambbetweentheravenings Oftwofiercewolvesstandfearingbothalike; Andsowouldstandadogbetweentwodoes. Hence,ifIheldmypeace,myselfIblamenot, Impelledinequalmeasurebymydoubts, Sinceitmustbeso,nordoIcommend. Iheldmypeace;butmydesirewaspainted Uponmyface,andquestioningwiththat Moreferventfarthanbyarticulatespeech. BeatricedidasDanielhaddone RelievingNebuchadnezzarfromthewrath Whichrenderedhimunjustlymerciless, Andsaid:WellseeIhowattracteththee Oneandtheotherwish,sothatthycare Bindsitselfsothatforthitdoesnotbreathe. Thouarguest,ifgoodwillbepermanent, Theviolenceofothers,forwhatreason Dothitdecreasethemeasureofmymerit? Againfordoubtingfurnishtheeoccasion Soulsseemingtoreturnuntothestars, AccordingtothesentimentofPlato. Thesearethequestionswhichuponthywish Arethrustingequally;andthereforefirst WillItreatthatwhichhaththemostofgall. HeoftheSeraphimmostabsorbedinGod, Moses,andSamuel,andwhicheverJohn Thoumaystselect,Isay,andevenMary,

351

TheDivineComedy Havenotinanyotherheaventheirseats, Thanhavethosespiritsthatjustappearedtothee, Norofexistencemoreorfeweryears; Butallmakebeautifultheprimalcircle, Andhavesweetlifeindifferentdegrees, Byfeelingmoreorlesstheeternalbreath. Theyshowedthemselveshere,notbecauseallotted Thisspherehasbeentothem,buttogivesign Ofthecelestialwhichisleastexalted. Tospeakthusisadaptedtoyourmind, Sinceonlythroughthesenseitapprehendeth Whatthenitworthymakesofintellect. OnthisaccounttheScripturecondescends Untoyourfaculties,andfeetandhands ToGodattributes,andmeanssomethingelse; AndHolyChurchunderanaspecthuman GabrielandMichaelrepresenttoyou, AndhimwhomadeTobiaswholeagain. ThatwhichTimaeusarguesofthesoul Dothnotresemblethatwhichhereisseen, Becauseitseemsthatashespeakshethinks. Hesaysthesouluntoitsstarreturns, Believingittohavebeenseveredthence Whenevernaturegaveitasaform. Perhapshisdoctrineisofotherguise Thanthewordssound,andpossiblymaybe Withmeaningthatisnottobederided. Ifhedothmeanthattothesewheelsreturn Thehonouroftheirinfluenceandtheblame, Perhapshisbowdothhituponsometruth. Thisprincipleillunderstoodoncewarped Thewholeworldnearly,tillitwentastray InvokingJoveandMercuryandMars.

352

TheDivineComedy Theotherdoubtwhichdothdisquietthee Lessvenomhas,foritsmalevolence Couldneverleadtheeotherwherefromme. Thatasunjustourjusticeshouldappear Ineyesofmortals,isanargument Offaith,andnotofsinheretical. Butstill,thatyourperceptionmaybeable Tothoroughlypenetratethisverity, Asthoudesirest,Iwillsatisfythee. Ifitbeviolencewhenhewhosuffers Cooperatesnotwithhimwhousesforce, Thesesoulswerenotonthataccountexcused; Forwillisneverquenchedunlessitwill, Butoperatesasnaturedothinfire Ifviolenceathousandtimesdistortit. Hence,ifityieldethmoreorless,itseconds Theforce;andthesehavedoneso,havingpower Ofturningbackuntotheholyplace. Iftheirwillhadbeenperfect,liketothat WhichLawrencefastuponhisgridironheld, AndMutiusmadeseveretohisownhand, Itwouldhaveurgedthembackalongtheroad Whencetheyweredragged,assoonastheywerefree; Butsuchasolidwillisalltoorare. Andbythesewords,ifthouhastgatheredthem Asthoushouldstdo,theargumentisrefuted Thatwouldhavestillannoyedtheemanytimes. Butnowanotherpassagerunsacross Beforethineeyes,andsuchthatbythyself Thoucouldstnotthreaditerethouwouldstbeweary.

353

TheDivineComedy Ihaveforcertainputintothymind Thatsoulbeatifiedcouldneverlie, ForitisneartheprimalTruth, AndthenthoufromPiccardamightsthaveheard Costanzakeptaffectionfortheveil, Sothatsheseemethheretocontradictme. Manytimes,brother,hasitcometopass, That,toescapefromperil,withreluctance Thathasbeendoneitwasnotrighttodo, EenasAlcmaeon(who,beingbyhisfather Theretoentreated,hisownmotherslew) Nottolosepitypitilessbecame. AtthispointIdesiretheetoremember Thatforcewithwillcommingles,andtheycause Thattheoffencescannotbeexcused. Willabsoluteconsentethnottoevil; Butinsofarconsentethasitfears, Ifitrefrain,tofallintomoreharm. HencewhenPiccardausesthisexpression, Shemeaneththewillabsolute,andI Theother,sothatbothofusspeaktruth. Suchwastheflowingoftheholyriver Thatissuedfromthefountwhencespringsalltruth; Thisputtorestmywishesoneandall. Oloveofthefirstlover,Odivine, SaidIforthwith,whosespeechinundatesme Andwarmsmeso,itmoreandmorerevivesme, Myownaffectionisnotsoprofound Astosufficeinrenderinggraceforgrace; LetHim,whoseesandcan,theretorespond. WellIperceivethatneversatedis OurintellectunlesstheTruthillumeit, Beyondwhichnothingtrueexpandsitself.

354

TheDivineComedy Itreststherein,aswildbeastinhislair, Whenitattainsit;anditcanattainit; Ifnot,theneachdesirewouldfrustratebe. Thereforespringsup,infashionofashoot, Doubtatthefootoftruth;andthisisnature, Whichtothetopfromheighttoheightimpelsus. Thisdothinviteme,thisassurancegiveme Withreverence,Lady,toinquireofyou Anothertruth,whichisobscuretome. Iwishtoknowifmancansatisfyyou Forbrokenvowswithothergooddeeds,so Thatinyourbalancetheywillnotbelight. Beatricegazeduponmewithhereyes Fullofthesparksoflove,andsodivine, That,overcomemypower,Iturnedmyback Andalmostlostmyselfwitheyesdowncast.

355

TheDivineComedy Paradiso:CantoV IfintheheatofloveIflameuponthee Beyondthemeasurethatonearthisseen, SothatthevalourofthineeyesIvanquish, Marvelthounotthereat;forthisproceeds Fromperfectsight,whichasitapprehends Tothegoodapprehendedmovesitsfeet. WellIperceivehowisalreadyshining Intothineintellecttheeternallight, Thatonlyseenenkindlesalwayslove; Andifsomeotherthingyourloveseduce, Tisnothingbutavestigeofthesame, Illunderstood,whichthereisshiningthrough. Thoufainwouldstknowifwithanotherservice Forbrokenvowcansuchreturnbemade Astosecurethesoulfromfurtherclaim. ThisCantothusdidBeatricebegin; And,asamanwhobreaksnotoffhisspeech, Continuedthusherholyargument: ThegreatestgiftthatinhislargessGod Creatingmade,anduntohisowngoodness Nearestconformed,andthatwhichhedothprize Mosthighly,isthefreedomofthewill, Wherewiththecreaturesofintelligence Bothallandonlywereandareendowed. Nowwiltthousee,ifthencethoureasonest, Thehighworthofavow,ifithemade SothatwhenthouconsentestGodconsents: For,closingbetweenGodandmanthecompact, Asacrificeisofthistreasuremade, SuchasIsay,andmadebyitsownact.

356

TheDivineComedy Whatcanberenderedthenascompensation? Thinkstthoutomakegooduseofwhatthoustoffered, Withgainsillgottenthouwouldstdogooddeed. Nowartthoucertainofthegreaterpoint; ButbecauseHolyChurchinthisdispenses, WhichseemsagainstthetruthwhichIhaveshownthee, Behovestheestilltositawhileattable, Becausethesolidfoodwhichthouhasttaken Requirethfurtheraidforthydigestion. OpenthymindtothatwhichIreveal, Andfixittherewithin;fortisnotknowledge, Thehavingheardwithoutretainingit. Intheessenceofthissacrificetwothings Convenetogether;andtheoneisthat Ofwhichtismade,theotheristheagreement. Thislastforevermoreiscancellednot Unlesscompliedwith,andconcerningthis Withsuchprecisionhasabovebeenspoken. ThereforeitwasenjoinedupontheHebrews Toofferstill,thoughsometimeswhatwasoffered Mightbecommuted,asthououghtsttoknow. Theother,whichisknowntotheeasmatter, Maywellindeedbesuchthatoneerrsnot Ifitforothermatterbeexchanged. Butletnoneshifttheburdenonhisshoulder Athisarbitrament,withouttheturning Bothofthewhiteandoftheyellowkey; Andeverypermutationdeemasfoolish, Ifinthesubstitutethethingrelinquished, Asthefourisinsix,benotcontained. Thereforewhateverthinghassogreatweight Invaluethatitdragsdowneverybalance, Cannotbesatisfiedwithotherspending.

357

TheDivineComedy Letmortalsnevertakeavowinjest; Befaithfulandnotblindindoingthat, AsJephthahwasinhisfirstoffering, Whommorebeseemedtosay,Ihavedonewrong, Thantodoworsebykeeping;andasfoolish ThouthegreatleaderoftheGreekswiltfind, WhenceweptIphigeniaherfairface, Andmadeforherbothwiseandsimpleweep, Whoheardsuchkindofworshipspokenof. Christians,beyemoreseriousinyourmovements; Beyenotlikeafeatherateachwind, Andthinknoteverywaterwashesyou. YehavetheOldandtheNewTestament, AndthePastoroftheChurchwhoguidethyou Letthissufficeyouuntoyoursalvation. Ifevilappetitecryaughtelsetoyou, Beyeasmen,andnotassillysheep, SothattheJewamongyoumaynotmockyou. Beyenotasthelambthatdothabandon Itsmothersmilk,andfrolicsomeandsimple Combatsatitsownpleasurewithitself. ThusBeatricetomeevenasIwriteit; Thenalldesirefulturnedherselfagain Tothatpartwheretheworldismostalive. Hersilenceandherchangeofcountenance Silenceimposeduponmyeagermind, Thathadalreadyinadvancenewquestions; Andasanarrowthatuponthemark Strikeserethebowstringquiethathbecome, Sodidwespeedintothesecondrealm.

358

TheDivineComedy MyLadytheresojoyfulIbeheld, Asintothebrightnessofthatheavensheentered, Moreluminousthereattheplanetgrew; Andifthestaritselfwaschangedandsmiled, WhatbecameI,whobymynatuream Exceedingmutableineveryguise! As,inafishpondwhichispureandtranquil, Thefishesdrawtothatwhichfromwithout Comesinsuchfashionthattheirfoodtheydeemit; SoIbeheldmorethanathousandsplendours Drawingtowardsus,andineachwasheard: Lo,thisisshewhoshallincreaseourlove. Andaseachonewascominguntous, Fullofbeatitudetheshadewasseen, Bytheeffulgenceclearthatissuedfromit. Think,Reader,ifwhathereisjustbeginning Nofarthershouldproceed,howthouwouldsthave Anagonizingneedofknowingmore; AndofthyselfthoultseehowIfromthese Wasindesireofhearingtheirconditions, Astheyuntomineeyesweremanifest. Othouwellborn,untowhomGraceconcedes Toseethethronesoftheeternaltriumph, Oreveryetthewarfarebeabandoned Withlightthatthroughthewholeofheavenisspread Kindledarewe,andhenceifthoudesirest Toknowofus,atthineownpleasuresatethee. Thusbysomeoneamongthoseholyspirits Wasspoken,andbyBeatrice:Speak,speak Securely,andbelievethemevenasGods. WellIperceivehowthoudostnestthyself Inthineownlight,anddrawestitfromthineeyes, Becausetheycoruscatewhenthoudostsmile,

359

TheDivineComedy Butknownotwhothouart,norwhythouhast, Spiritaugust,thystationinthesphere Thatveilsitselftomeninalienrays. ThissaidIindirectionofthelight Whichfirsthadspokentome;whenceitbecame Byfarmorelucentthanitwasbefore. Evenasthesun,thatdothconcealhimself Bytoomuchlight,whenheathaswornaway Thetemperinginfluenceofthevapoursdense, Bygreaterrapturethusconcealeditself Initsownradiancethefiguresaintly, Andthusclose,closeenfoldedansweredme InfashionasthefollowingCantosings.

360

TheDivineComedy Paradiso:CantoVI AfterthatConstantinetheeagleturned Againstthecourseofheaven,whichithadfollowed BehindtheancientwhoLaviniatook, TwohundredyearsandmorethebirdofGod IntheextremeofEuropehelditself, Neartothemountainswhenceitissuedfirst; Andundershadowofthesacredplumes Itgovernedtheretheworldfromhandtohand, And,changingthus,uponmineownalighted. CaesarIwas,andamJustinian, Who,bythewillofprimalLoveIfeel, Tookfromthelawstheuselessandredundant; AndereuntotheworkIwasattent, OnenaturetoexistinChrist,notmore, Believed,andwithsuchfaithwasIcontented. ButblessedAgapetus,hewhowas Thesupremepastor,tothefaithsincere Pointedmeoutthewaybywordsofhis. HimIbelieved,andwhatwashisassertion Inowseeclearly,evenasthouseest Eachcontradictiontobefalseandtrue. AssoonaswiththeChurchImovedmyfeet, Godinhisgraceitpleasedwiththishightask Toinspireme,andIgavemewhollytoit, AndtomyBelisariusIcommended Thearms,towhichwasheavensrighthandsojoined ItwasasignalthatIshouldrepose. Nowheretothefirstquestionterminates Myanswer;butthecharacterthereof Constrainsmetocontinuewithasequel,

361

TheDivineComedy Inorderthatthouseewithhowgreatreason Menmoveagainstthestandardsacrosanct, Bothwhoappropriateandwhoopposeit. Beholdhowgreatapowerhasmadeitworthy Ofreverence,beginningfromthehour WhenPallasdiedtogiveitsovereignty. ThouknowestitmadeinAlbaitsabode Threehundredyearsandupward,tillatlast Thethreetothreefoughtforityetagain. ThouknowestwhatitachievedfromSabinewrong DowntoLucretiassorrow,insevenkings Oercomingroundabouttheneighboringnations; Thouknowestwhatitachieved,bornebytheRomans IllustriousagainstBrennus,againstPyrrhus, Againsttheotherprincesandconfederates. TorquatusthenceandQuinctius,whofromlocks Unkemptwasnamed,DeciiandFabii, ReceivedthefameIwillinglyembalm; ItstrucktoearththeprideoftheArabians, Who,followingHannibal,hadpassedacross TheAlpineridges,Po,fromwhichthouglidest; Beneathittriumphedwhiletheyyetwereyoung PompeyandScipio,andtothehill Beneathwhichthouwastbornitbitterseemed; Then,nearuntothetimewhenheavenhadwilled Tobringthewholeworldtoitsmoodserene, DidCaesarbythewillofRomeassumeit. WhatitachievedfromVaruntotheRhine, IserebeheldandSaone,beheldtheSeine, AndeveryvalleywhencetheRhoneisfilled; WhatitachievedwhenithadleftRavenna, AndleapedtheRubicon,wassuchaflight Thatneithertonguenorpencouldfollowit.

362

TheDivineComedy RoundtowardsSpainitwheeleditslegions;then TowardsDurazzo,andPharsaliasmote ThattothecalidNilewasfeltthepain. AntandrosandtheSimois,whenceitstarted, Itsawagain,andtherewhereHectorlies, AndillforPtolemythenrouseditself. FromthenceitcamelikelightninguponJuba; ThenwheeleditselfagainintoyourWest, WherethePompeianclarionitheard. Fromwhatitwroughtwiththenextstandardbearer BrutusandCassiushowlinHelltogether, AndModenaandPerugiadolentwere; StilldoththemournfulCleopatraweep Becausethereof,who,fleeingfrombeforeit, Tookfromtheaddersuddenandblackdeath. WithhimitraneventotheRedSeashore; Withhimitplacedtheworldinsogreatpeace, ThatuntoJanuswashistempleclosed. Butwhatthestandardthathasmademespeak Achievedbefore,andaftershouldachieve Throughoutthemortalrealmthatliesbeneathit, Becomethinappearancemeananddim, IfinthehandofthethirdCaesarseen Witheyeuncloudedandaffectionpure, BecausethelivingJusticethatinspiresme Grantedit,inthehandofhimIspeakof, Thegloryofdoingvengeanceforitswrath. NowhereattendtowhatIanswerthee; LateritranwithTitustodovengeance Uponthevengeanceoftheancientsin.

363

TheDivineComedy AndwhenthetoothofLombardyhadbitten TheHolyChurch,thenunderneathitswings DidCharlemagnevictorioussuccorher. Nowhastthoupowertojudgeofsuchasthose WhomIaccusedabove,andoftheircrimes, Whicharethecauseofallyourmiseries. Tothepublicstandardonetheyellowlilies Opposes,theotherclaimsitforaparty, Sothattishardtoseewhichsinsthemost. Let,lettheGhibellinesplytheirhandicraft Beneathsomeotherstandard;forthisever Illfollowshewhoitandjusticeparts. AndletnotthisnewCharleseerstrikeitdown, HeandhisGuelfs,butlethimfearthetalons Thatfromanoblerlionstrippedthefell. Alreadyoftentimesthesonshavewept Thefatherscrime;andlethimnotbelieve ThatGodwillchangeHisscutcheonforthelilies. Thislittleplanetdothadornitself Withthegoodspiritsthathaveactivebeen, Thatfameandhonourmightcomeafterthem; Andwhensoeverthedesiresmountthither, Thusdeviating,mustperforcetherays Ofthetruelovelessvividlymountupward. Butincommensurationofourwages Withourdesertisportionofourjoy, Becauseweseethemneitherlessnorgreater. HereindothlivingJusticesweetenso Affectioninus,thatforevermore Itcannotwarptoanyiniquity. Voicesdiversemakeupsweetmelodies; Sointhislifeofourstheseatsdiverse Rendersweetharmonyamongthesespheres;

364

TheDivineComedy Andinthecompassofthispresentpearl ShineththesheenofRomeo,ofwhom Thegrandandbeauteousworkwasillrewarded. ButtheProvencalswhoagainsthimwrought, Theyhavenotlaughed,andthereforeillgoeshe Whomakeshishurtofthegooddeedsofothers. Fourdaughters,andeachoneofthemaqueen, HadRaymondBerenger,andthisforhim DidRomeo,apoormanandapilgrim; Andthenmaliciouswordsincitedhim Tosummontoareckoningthisjustman, Whorenderedtohimsevenandfiveforten. Thenhedepartedpoorandstrickeninyears, Andiftheworldcouldknowthehearthehad, Inbeggingbitbybithislivelihood, Thoughmuchitlaudhim,itwouldlaudhimmore.

365

TheDivineComedy Paradiso:CantoVII OsannasanctusDeusSabaoth, Superillustransclaritatetua Felicesigneshorummalahoth! Inthiswise,tohismelodyreturning, Thissubstance,uponwhichadoublelight Doublesitself,wasseenbymetosing, Andtotheirdancethisandtheothersmoved, Andinthemannerofswifthurryingsparks Veiledthemselvesfrommewithasuddendistance. DoubtingwasI,andsaying,Tellher,tellher, Withinme,tellher,saying,tellmyLady, Whoslakesmythirstwithhersweeteffluences; Andyetthatreverencewhichdothlorditover ThewholeofmeonlybyBandICE, Bowedmeagainlikeuntoonewhodrowses. ShortwhiledidBeatriceenduremethus; Andshebegan,lightingmewithasmile Suchaswouldmakeonehappyinthefire: Accordingtoinfallibleadvisement, Afterwhatmannerajustvengeancejustly Couldbeavengedhasputtheeuponthinking, ButIwillspeedilythymindunloose; Anddothoulisten,forthesewordsofmine Ofagreatdoctrinewillapresentmakethee. Bynotenduringonthepowerthatwills Curbforhisgood,thatmanwhoneerwasborn, Damninghimselfdamnedallhisprogeny; Wherebythehumanspeciesdownbelow Laysickformanycenturiesingreaterror, TilltodescenditpleasedtheWordofGod

366

TheDivineComedy Towherethenature,whichfromitsownMaker Estrangeditself,hejoinedtohiminperson Bythesoleactofhiseternallove. Nowuntowhatissaiddirectthysight; ThisnaturewhenunitedtoitsMaker, Suchascreated,wassincereandgood; Butbyitselfalonewasbanishedforth FromParadise,becauseitturnedaside Outofthewayoftruthandofitslife. Thereforethepenaltythecrossheldout, Ifmeasuredbythenaturethusassumed, Noneeveryetwithsogreatjusticestung, Andnonewaseverofsogreatinjustice, ConsideringwhothePersonwasthatsuffered, Withinwhomsuchanaturewascontracted. Fromoneactthereforeissuedthingsdiverse; ToGodandtotheJewsonedeathwaspleasing; EarthtrembledatitandtheHeavenwasopened. Itshouldnolongernowseemdifficult Tothee,whenitissaidthatajustvengeance Byajustcourtwasafterwardavenged. ButnowdoIbeholdthymindentangled Fromthoughttothoughtwithinaknot,fromwhich Withgreatdesireitwaitstofreeitself. Thousayest,WelldiscernIwhatIhear; ButitishiddenfrommewhyGodwilled Forourredemptiononlythisonemode. Buriedremaineth,brother,thisdecree Untotheeyesofeveryonewhosenature Isintheflameoflovenotyetadult. Verily,inasmuchasatthismark Onegazeslongandlittleisdiscerned, WhereforethismodewasworthiestwillIsay.

367

TheDivineComedy GoodnessDivine,whichfromitselfdothspurn Allenvy,burninginitselfsosparkles Thattheeternalbeautiesitunfolds. Whateerfromthisimmediatelydistils Hasafterwardsnoend,forneerremoved Isitsimpressionwhenitsetsitsseal. Whateerfromthisimmediatelyrainsdown Iswhollyfree,becauseitisnotsubject Untotheinfluencesofnovelthings. Themoreconformedthereto,themoreitpleases; Fortheblestardourthatirradiatesallthings Inthatmostlikeitselfismostvivacious. Withallofthesethingshasadvantagedbeen Thehumancreature;andifonebewanting, Fromhisnobilityheneedsmustfall. Tissinalonewhichdothdisfranchisehim, AndrenderhimunliketheGoodSupreme, Sothathelittlewithitslightisblanched, Andtohisdignitynomorereturns, Unlesshefillupwheretransgressionempties Withrighteouspainsforcriminaldelights. Yournaturewhenitsinnedsoutterly Initsownseed,outofthesedignities EvenasoutofParadisewasdriven, Norcoulditselfrecover,ifthounotest Withnicestsubtilty,byanyway, Exceptbypassingoneofthesetwofords: EitherthatGodthroughclemencyalone Hadpardongranted,orthatmanhimself Hadsatisfactionforhisfollymade.

368

TheDivineComedy Fixnowthineeyedeepintotheabyss Oftheeternalcounsel,tomyspeech Asfarasmaybefastenedsteadfastly! Maninhislimitationshadnotpower Tosatisfy,nothavingpowertosink Inhishumilityobeyingthen, Farashedisobeyingthoughttorise; Andforthisreasonmanhasbeenfrompower Ofsatisfyingbyhimselfexcluded. ThereforeitGodbehovedinhisownways Mantorestoreuntohisperfectlife, Isayinone,orelseinbothofthem. Butsincetheactionofthedoeris Somuchmoregrateful,asitmorepresents Thegoodnessoftheheartfromwhichitissues, GoodnessDivine,thatdothimprinttheworld, Hasbeencontentedtoproceedbyeach Andallitswaystoliftyouupagain; Nortwixtthefirstdayandthefinalnight Suchhighandsuchmagnificentproceeding Byoneorbytheotherwasorshallbe; ForGodmorebounteouswashimselftogive Tomakemanabletouplifthimself, Thanifheonlyofhimselfhadpardoned; Andalltheothermodeswereinsufficient Forjustice,wereitnottheSonofGod Himselfhadhumbledtobecomeincarnate. Now,tofillfullyeachdesireofthine, ReturnItoelucidateoneplace, InorderthatthoutheremaystseeasIdo. Thousayst:Iseetheair,Iseethefire, Thewater,andtheearth,andalltheirmixtures Cometocorruption,andshortwhileendure;

369

TheDivineComedy Andthesethingsnotwithstandingwerecreated; ThereforeifthatwhichIhavesaidweretrue, Theyshouldhavebeensecureagainstcorruption. TheAngels,brother,andthelandsincere Inwhichthouart,createdmaybecalled Justastheyareintheirentireexistence; Butalltheelementswhichthouhastnamed, Andallthosethingswhichoutofthemaremade, Byacreatedvirtueareinformed. Createdwasthematterwhichtheyhave; Createdwastheinforminginfluence Withinthesestarsthatroundaboutthemgo. Thesoulofeverybruteandoftheplants Byitspotentialtemperamentattracts Therayandmotionoftheholylights; Butyourownlifeimmediatelyinspires SupremeBeneficence,andenamoursit Sowithherself,itevermoredesiresher. Andthoufromthismaystarguefurthermore Yourresurrection,ifthouthinkagain Howhumanfleshwasfashionedatthattime Whenthefirstparentsbothofthemweremade.

370

TheDivineComedy Paradiso:CantoVIII Theworldusedinitsperiltobelieve ThatthefairCypriadeliriouslove Rayedout,inthethirdepicycleturning; Whereforenotonlyuntoherpaidhonour Ofsacrificesandofvotivecry Theancientnationsintheancienterror, ButbothDionehonouredtheyandCupid, Thatashermother,thisoneasherson, AndsaidthathehadsatinDidoslap; Andtheyfromher,whenceIbeginningtake, Tookthedenominationofthestar Thatwoosthesun,nowfollowing,nowinfront. Iwasnotwareofourascendingtoit; Butofourbeinginitgavefullfaith MyLadywhomIsawmorebeauteousgrow. Andaswithinaflameasparkisseen, Andaswithinavoiceavoicediscerned, Whenoneissteadfast,andonecomesandgoes, WithinthatlightbeheldIotherlamps Moveinacircle,speedingmoreandless, Methinksinmeasureoftheirinwardvision. Fromacoldclouddescendedneverwinds, Orvisibleornot,sorapidly Theywouldnotlaggardandimpededseem Toanyonewhohadthoselightsdivine Seencometowardsus,leavingthegyration BegunatfirstinthehighSeraphim. Andbehindthosethatmostinfrontappeared SoundedOsanna!sothatneversince TohearagainwasIwithoutdesire.

371

TheDivineComedy Thenuntousmorenearlyoneapproached, Anditalonebegan:Weallareready Untothypleasure,thatthoujoyinus. WeturnaroundwiththecelestialPrinces, Onegyreandonegyrationandonethirst, Towhomthouintheworldofolddidstsay, Yewho,intelligent,thethirdheavenaremoving; Andaresofulloflove,topleasurethee Alittlequietwillnotbelesssweet. Aftertheseeyesofminethemselveshadoffered UntomyLadyreverently,andshe Contentandcertainofherselfhadmadethem, Backtothelighttheyturned,whichsogreatpromise Madeofitself,andSay,whoartthou?was Myvoice,imprintedwithagreataffection. OhowandhowmuchIbehelditgrow Withthenewjoythatsuperaddedwas Untoitsjoys,assoonasIhadspoken! Thuschanged,itsaidtome:Theworldpossessedme Shorttimebelow;and,ifithadbeenmore, Muchevilwillbewhichwouldnothavebeen. Mygladnesskeepethmeconcealedfromthee, Whichrayethroundaboutme,anddothhideme Likeasacreatureswathedinitsownsilk. Muchdidstthouloveme,andthouhadstgoodreason; ForhadIbeenbelow,Ishouldhaveshownthee Somewhatbeyondthefoliageofmylove. Thatlefthandmargin,whichdothbatheitself InRhone,whenitismingledwiththeSorgue, Meforitslordawaitedinduetime, AndthathornofAusonia,whichistowned WithBari,withGaetaandCatona, WhenceTrontoandVerdeintheseadisgorge.

372

TheDivineComedy Alreadyflasheduponmybrowthecrown OfthatdominionwhichtheDanubewaters AftertheGermanbordersitabandons; AndbeautifulTrinacria,thatismurky TwixtPachinoandPeloro,(onthegulf WhichgreatestscathfromEurusdothreceive,) NotthroughTyphoeus,butthroughnascentsulphur, Wouldhaveawaitedherownmonarchsstill, ThroughmefromCharlesdescendedandfromRudolph, Ifevillordship,thatexasperatesever Thesubjectpopulations,hadnotmoved PalermototheoutcryofDeath!death! Andifmybrothercouldbutthisforesee, ThegreedypovertyofCatalonia Straightwouldheflee,thatitmightnotmolesthim; Forverilytisneedfultoprovide, Throughhimorother,sothatonhisbark Alreadyfreightednomorefreightbeplaced. Hisnature,whichfromliberalcovetous Descended,suchasoldierywouldneed Asshouldnotcareforhoardinginachest. BecauseIdobelievetheloftyjoy Thyspeechinfusesintome,myLord, Whereeverygoodthingdothbeginandend ThouseestasIseeit,themoregrateful Isittome;andthistooholdIdear, ThatgazinguponGodthoudostdiscernit. Gladhastthoumademe;somakecleartome, Sincespeakingthouhaststirredmeuptodoubt, Howfromsweetseedcanbitterissueforth.

373

TheDivineComedy ThisItohim;andhetome:IfI Canshowtotheeatruth,towhatthouaskest Thyfacethoultholdasthoudostholdthyback. TheGoodwhichalltherealmthouartascending Turnsandcontents,makethitsprovidence Tobeapowerwithinthesebodiesvast; Andnotalonethenaturesareforeseen Withinthemindthatinitselfisperfect, Buttheytogetherwiththeirpreservation. Forwhatsoeverthingthisbowshootsforth Fallsforeordaineduntoanendforeseen, Evenasashaftdirectedtoitsmark. Ifthatwerenot,theheavenwhichthoudostwalk Wouldinsuchmanneritseffectsproduce, Thattheynolongerwouldbearts,butruins. Thiscannotbe,iftheIntelligences Thatkeepthesestarsinmotionarenotmaimed, AndmaimedtheFirstthathasnotmadethemperfect. Wiltthouthistruthhaveclearermadetothee? AndI:Notso;fortisimpossible Thatnaturetire,Isee,inwhatisneedful. Whenceheagain:Nowsay,woulditbeworse Formenonearthweretheynotcitizens? Yes,Ireplied;andhereIasknoreason. Andcantheybeso,ifbelowtheylivenot Diverselyuntoofficesdiverse? No,ifyourmasterwritethwellforyou. Socamehewithdeductionstothispoint; Thenheconcluded:Thereforeitbehoves Therootsofyoureffectstobediverse. HenceoneisSolonborn,anotherXerxes, AnotherMelchisedec,andanotherhe Who,flyingthroughtheair,hissondidlose.

374

TheDivineComedy RevolvingNature,whichasignetis Tomortalwax,dothpractisewellherart, Butnotoneinndistinguishfromanother; ThencehappensitthatEsaudiffereth InseedfromJacob;andQuirinuscomes FromsiresovilethatheisgiventoMars. Ageneratednatureitsownway Wouldalwaysmakelikeitsprogenitors, IfProvidencedivinewerenottriumphant. Nowthatwhichwasbehindtheeisbeforethee; ButthatthouknowthatIwiththeeampleased, WithacorollarywillImantlethee. Evermorenature,ifitfortunefind Discordanttoit,likeeachotherseed Outofitsregion,makethevilthrift; Andiftheworldbelowwouldfixitsmind Onthefoundationwhichislaidbynature, Pursuingthat,twouldhavethepeoplegood. Butyouuntoreligionwrenchaside Himwhowasborntogirdhimwiththesword, Andmakeakingofhimwhoisforsermons; Thereforeyourfootstepswanderfromtheroad.

375

TheDivineComedy Paradiso:CantoIX BeautifulClemence,afterthatthyCharles Hadmeenlightened,henarratedtome Thetreacherieshisseedshouldundergo; Butsaid:Bestillandlettheyearsrollround; SoIcanonlysay,thatlamentation Legitimateshallfollowonyourwrongs. Andofthatholylightthelifealready HadtotheSunwhichfillsitturnedagain, Astothatgoodwhichforeachthingsufficeth. Ah,soulsdeceived,andcreaturesimpious, Whofromsuchgooddoturnawayyourhearts, Directinguponvanityyourforeheads! Andnow,behold,anotherofthosesplendours Approachedme,anditswilltopleasureme Itsignifiedbybrighteningoutwardly. TheeyesofBeatrice,thatfastenedwere Uponme,asbefore,ofdearassent Tomydesireassurancegavetome. Ah,bringswiftcompensationtomywish, Thoublessedspirit,Isaid,andgivemeproof ThatwhatIthinkintheeIcanreflect! Whereatthelight,thatstillwasnewtome, Outofitsdepths,whenceitbeforewassinging, Asonedelightedtodogood,continued: Withinthatregionofthelanddepraved OfItaly,thatliesbetweenRialto AndfountainheadsofBrentaandofPiava, Risesahill,andmountsnotveryhigh, Wherefromdescendedformerlyatorch Thatmadeuponthatregiongreatassault.

376

TheDivineComedy OutofonerootwerebornbothIandit; CunizzawasIcalled,andhereIshine Becausethesplendourofthisstaroercameme. ButgladlytomyselfthecauseIpardon Ofmyallotment,anditdoesnotgrieveme; Whichwouldperhapsseemstronguntoyourvulgar. Ofthissoluculentandpreciousjewel, Whichofourheavenisnearestuntome, Greatfameremained;andereitdieaway Thishundredthyearshallyetquintupledbe. Seeifmanoughttomakehimexcellent, Sothatanotherlifethefirstmayleave! Andthusthinksnotthepresentmultitude ShutinbyAdigeandTagliamento, Noryetforbeingscourgedispenitent. ButsoontwillbethatPaduainthemarsh WillchangethewaterthatVicenzabathes, Becausethefolkarestubbornagainstduty; AndwheretheSileandCagnanojoin Onelordethit,andgoeswithloftyhead, Forcatchingwhomeennowthenetismaking. Feltromoreoverofherimpiouspastor Shallweepthecrime,whichshallsomonstrousbe ThatforthelikenoneeverenteredMalta. Ampleexceedinglywouldbethevat ThatoftheFerraresecouldholdtheblood, Andwearywhoshouldweighitouncebyounce, Ofwhichthiscourteouspriestshallmakeagift Toshowhimselfapartisan;andsuchgifts Willtothelivingofthelandconform. Aboveustherearemirrors,Thronesyoucallthem, FromwhichshinesoutonusGodJudicant, Sothatthisutteranceseemsgoodtous.

377

TheDivineComedy Hereitwassilent,andithadthesemblance Ofbeingturnedelsewhither,bythewheel Onwhichitenteredasitwasbefore. Theotherjoy,alreadyknowntome, Becameathingtransplendentinmysight, Asafinerubysmittenbythesun. Throughjoyeffulgenceisacquiredabove, Ashereasmile;butdownbelow,theshade Outwardlydarkens,asthemindissad. Godseethallthings,andinHim,blestspirit, Thysightis,saidI,sothatneverwill Ofhiscanpossiblyfromtheebehidden; Thyvoice,then,thatforevermakestheheavens Glad,withthesingingofthoseholyfires Whichoftheirsixwingsmakethemselvesacowl, Whereforedoesitnotsatisfymylongings? Indeed,Iwouldnotwaitthyquestioning IfIintheewereasthouartinme. Thegreatestofthevalleyswherethewater Expandsitself,forthwithitswordsbegan, Thatseaexceptedwhichtheearthengarlands, Betweendiscordantshoresagainstthesun Extendssofar,thatitmeridianmakes Whereitwaswontbeforetomakethehorizon. Iwasadwelleronthatvalleysshore TwixtEbroandMagrathatwithjourneyshort DothfromtheTuscanparttheGenoese. Withthesamesunsetandsamesunrisenearly SitBuggiaandthecitywhenceIwas, Thatwithitsbloodoncemadetheharbourhot.

378

TheDivineComedy Folcothatpeoplecalledmeuntowhom Mynamewasknown;andnowwithmethisheaven Imprintsitself,asIdidoncewithit; FormorethedaughterofBelusneverburned, OffendingbothSichaeusandCreusa, ThanI,solongasitbecamemylocks, NoryetthatRodophean,whodeluded wasbyDemophoon,noryetAlcides, WhenIoleheinhishearthadlocked. Yethereisnorepenting,butwesmile, Notatthefault,whichcomesnotbacktomind, Butatthepowerwhichorderedandforesaw. Herewebeholdtheartthatdothadorn Withsuchaffection,andthegooddiscover Wherebytheworldaboveturnsthatbelow. Butthatthouwhollysatisfiedmaystbear Thywisheshencewhichinthissphereareborn, Stillfarthertoproceedbehovethme. Thoufainwouldstknowwhoiswithinthislight Thatherebesidemethusisscintillating, Evenasasunbeaminthelimpidwater. Thenknowthou,thatwithinthereisatrest Rahab,andbeingtoourorderjoined, Withherinitssupremestgradetissealed. Intothisheaven,whereendstheshadowycone Castbyyourworld,beforeallothersouls FirstofChriststriumphwasshetakenup. Fullmeetitwastoleaveherinsomeheaven, Evenasapalmofthehighvictory Whichheacquiredwithonepalmandtheother, Becauseshefavouredthefirstgloriousdeed OfJoshuaupontheHolyLand, ThatlittlestirsthememoryofthePope.

379

TheDivineComedy Thycity,whichanoffshootisofhim WhofirstuponhisMakerturnedhisback, Andwhoseambitionissosorelywept, Bringsforthandscatterstheaccursedflower Whichboththesheepandlambshathledastray Sinceithasturnedtheshepherdtoawolf. ForthistheEvangelandthemightyDoctors Arederelict,andonlytheDecretals Sostudiedthatitshowsupontheirmargins. OnthisarePopeandCardinalsintent; TheirmeditationsreachnotNazareth, TherewherehispinionsGabrielunfolded; ButVaticanandtheotherpartselect OfRome,whichhaveacemeterybeen UntothesoldierythatfollowedPeter Shallsoonbefreefromthisadultery.

380

TheDivineComedy Paradiso:CantoX LookingintohisSonwithalltheLove Whicheachofthemeternallybreathesforth, ThePrimalandunutterablePower Whateerbeforethemindoreyerevolves Withsomuchordermade,therecanbenone WhothisbeholdswithoutenjoyingHim. Liftupthen,Reader,totheloftywheels Withmethyvisionstraightuntothatpart Wheretheonemotionontheotherstrikes, Andtherebegintocontemplatewithjoy ThatMastersart,whoinhimselfsolovesit Thatneverdothhiseyedeparttherefrom. Beholdhowfromthatpointgoesbranchingoff Theobliquecircle,whichconveystheplanets, Tosatisfytheworldthatcallsuponthem; Andiftheirpathwaywerenotthusinflected, Muchvirtueintheheavenswouldbeinvain, Andalmosteverypowerbelowheredead. Iffromthestraightlinedistantmoreorless Werethedeparture,muchwouldwantingbe Aboveandunderneathofmundaneorder. Remainnow,Reader,stilluponthybench, Inthoughtpursuingthatwhichisforetasted, Ifthouwouldstjocundbeinsteadofweary. Ivesetbeforethee;henceforthfeedthyself, Fortoitselfdivertethallmycare ThatthemewhereofIhavebeenmadethescribe. Thegreatestoftheministersofnature, Whowiththepowerofheaventheworldimprints Andmeasureswithhislightthetimeforus,

381

TheDivineComedy Withthatpartwhichaboveiscalledtomind Conjoined,alongthespiralswasrevolving, Whereeachtimeearlierhepresentshimself; AndIwaswithhim;butoftheascending Iwasnotconscious,savingasaman Ofafirstthoughtisconsciousereitcome; AndBeatrice,shewhoisseentopass Fromgoodtobetter,andsosuddenly Thatnotbytimeheractionisexpressed, Howlucentinherselfmustshehavebeen! Andwhatwasinthesun,whereinIentered, Apparentnotbycolourbutbylight, I,thoughIcallongenius,art,andpractice, Cannotsotellthatitcouldbeimagined; Believeonecan,andlethimlongtoseeit. Andifourfantasiestoolowlyare Foraltitudesogreat,itisnomarvel, Sinceoerthesunwasnevereyecouldgo. Suchinthisplacewasthefourthfamily OfthehighFather,whoforeversatesit, Showinghowhebreathesforthandhowbegets. AndBeatricebegan:Givethanks,givethanks UntotheSunofAngels,whotothis Sensibleonehasraisedtheebyhisgrace! Neverwasheartofmortalsodisposed Toworship,nortogiveitselftoGod Withallitsgratitudewasitsoready, AsatthosewordsdidImyselfbecome; AndallmylovewassoabsorbedinHim, ThatinoblivionBeatricewaseclipsed. Northisdispleasedher;butshesmiledatit Sothatthesplendourofherlaughingeyes Mysinglemindonmanythingsdivided.

382

TheDivineComedy LightsmanysawI,vividandtriumphant, Makeusacentreandthemselvesacircle, Moresweetinvoicethanluminousinaspect. ThusgirtaboutthedaughterofLatona Wesometimessee,whenpregnantistheair, Sothatitholdsthethreadwhichmakesherzone. WithinthecourtofHeaven,whenceIreturn, Aremanyjewelsfound,sofairandprecious Theycannotbetransportedfromtherealm; Andofthemwasthesingingofthoselights. Whotakesnotwingsthathemayflyupthither, Thetidingsthencemayfromthedumbawait! Assoonassingingthusthoseburningsuns Hadroundaboutuswhirledthemselvesthreetimes, Likeuntostarsneighbouringthesteadfastpoles, Ladiestheyseemed,notfromthedancereleased, Butwhostopshort,insilencelistening Tilltheyhavegatheredthenewmelody. AndwithinoneIheardbeginning:When Theradianceofgrace,bywhichiskindled Truelove,andwhichthereaftergrowsbyloving, Withintheemultipliedissoresplendent Thatitconductstheeupwardbythatstair, Wherewithoutreascendingnonedescends, Whoshoulddenythewineoutofhisvial Untothythirst,inlibertywerenot Exceptaswaterwhichdescendsnotseaward. Fainwouldstthouknowwithwhatplantsisenflowered Thisgarlandthatencircleswithdelight TheLadyfairwhomakestheestrongforheaven.

383

TheDivineComedy OfthelambswasIoftheholyflock WhichDominicconductethbyaroad Wherewellonefattensifhestrayethnot. Hewhoisnearesttomeontheright Mybrotherandmasterwas;andheAlbertus IsofCologne,IThomasofAquinum. Ifthouofalltheotherswouldstbecertain, Followbehindmyspeakingwiththysight Upwardalongtheblessedgarlandturning. Thatnexteffulgenceissuesfromthesmile OfGratian,whoassistedboththecourts InsuchwisethatitpleasedinParadise. Theotherwhichnearbyadornsourchoir ThatPeterwaswho,eenasthepoorwidow, OfferedhistreasureuntoHolyChurch. Thefifthlight,thatamongusisthefairest, Breathesforthfromsuchalove,thatalltheworld Belowisgreedytolearntidingsofit. Withinitistheloftymind,whereknowledge Sodeepwasput,that,ifthetruebetrue, Toseesomuchthereneverroseasecond. Thouseestnextthelustreofthattaper, Whichinthefleshbelowlookedmostwithin Theangelicnatureanditsministry. Withinthatotherlittlelightissmiling TheadvocateoftheChristiancenturies, OutofwhoserhetoricAugustinewasfurnished. Nowifthoutrainestthymindseyealong Fromlighttolightpursuantofmypraise, Withthirstalreadyoftheeighththouwaitest. Byseeingeverygoodthereinexults Thesaintedsoul,whichthefallaciousworld Makesmanifesttohimwholistenethwell;

384

TheDivineComedy Thebodywhencetwashuntedforthislying DowninCieldauro,andfrommartyrdom Andbanishmentitcameuntothispeace. Seefartheronwardflametheburningbreath OfIsidore,ofBeda,andofRichard Whowasincontemplationmorethanman. This,whencetomereturneththyregard, Thelightisofaspirituntowhom Inhisgravemeditationsdeathseemedslow. ItisthelighteternalofSigier, Who,readinglecturesintheStreetofStraw, Didsyllogizeinvidiousverities. Then,asahorologethatcallethus WhattimetheBrideofGodisrisingup WithmatinstoherSpousethathemayloveher, Whereinoneparttheotherdrawsandurges, Ting!ting!resoundingwithsosweetanote, Thatswellswithlovethespiritwelldisposed, ThusIbeheldthegloriouswheelmoveround, Andrendervoicetovoice,inmodulation Andsweetnessthatcannotbecomprehended, Exceptingtherewherejoyismadeeternal.

385

TheDivineComedy Paradiso:CantoXI OThouinsensatecareofmortalmen, Howinconclusivearethesyllogisms Thatmaketheebeatthywingsindownwardflight! Oneafterlawsandonetoaphorisms Wasgoing,andonefollowingthepriesthood, Andonetoreignbyforceorsophistry, Andoneintheft,andoneinstateaffairs, Oneinthepleasuresofthefleshinvolved Weariedhimself,onegavehimselftoease; WhenI,fromallthesethingsemancipate, WithBeatriceabovethereintheHeavens Withsuchexceedingglorywasreceived! Wheneachonehadreturneduntothatpoint Withinthecirclewhereitwasbefore, Itstoodasinacandlestickacandle; Andfromwithintheeffulgencewhichatfirst Hadspokenuntome,Iheardbegin Smilingwhileitmoreluminousbecame: EvenasIamkindledinitsray, So,lookingintotheEternalLight, TheoccasionofthythoughtsIapprehend. Thoudoubtest,andwouldsthavemetoresift Inlanguagesoextendedandsoopen Myspeech,thattothysenseitmaybeplain, WherejustbeforeIsaid,wherewellonefattens, AndwhereIsaid,thereneverroseasecond; Andheretisneedfulwedistinguishwell. TheProvidence,whichgoverneththeworld Withcounsel,whereinallcreatedvision Isvanquishedereitreachuntothebottom,

386

TheDivineComedy (SothattowardsherownBelovedmightgo ThebrideofHimwho,utteringaloudcry, Espousedherwithhisconsecratedblood, SelfconfidentanduntoHimmorefaithful,) TwoPrincesdidordaininherbehoof, Whichonthissideandthatmightbeherguide. Theonewasallseraphicalinardour; Theotherbyhiswisdomuponearth Asplendourwasoflightcherubical. OnewillIspeakof,forofbothisspoken Inpraisingone,whichevermaybetaken, Becauseuntooneendtheirlabourswere. BetweenTupinoandthestreamthatfalls DownfromthehillelectofblessedUbald, Afertileslopeofloftymountainhangs, FromwhichPerugiafeelsthecoldandheat ThroughPortaSole,andbehinditweep GualdoandNoceratheirgrievousyoke. Fromoutthatslope,therewhereitbreakethmost Itssteepness,roseupontheworldasun AsthisonedoessometimesfromouttheGanges; Thereforelethimwhospeakethofthatplace, SaynotAscesi,forhewouldsaylittle, ButOrient,ifheproperlywouldspeak. Hewasnotyetfardistantfromhisrising Beforehehadbeguntomaketheearth Somecomfortfromhismightyvirtuefeel. Forheinyouthhisfatherswrathincurred ForcertainDame,towhom,asuntodeath, Thegateofpleasurenoonedothunlock; Andwasbeforehisspiritualcourt Etcorampatreuntoherunited; Thendaybydaymoreferventlyhelovedher.

387

TheDivineComedy She,reftofherfirsthusband,scorned,obscure, Onethousandandonehundredyearsandmore, Waitedwithoutasuitortillhecame. Naughtitavailedtohear,thatwithAmyclas Foundherunmovedatsoundingofhisvoice Hewhostruckterrorintoalltheworld; Naughtitavailedbeingconstantandundaunted, Sothat,whenMarystillremainedbelow, ShemountedupwithChristuponthecross. ButthattoodarklyImaynotproceed, FrancisandPovertyforthesetwolovers Takethouhenceforwardinmyspeechdiffuse. Theirconcordandtheirjoyoussemblances, Thelove,thewonder,andthesweetregard, Theymadetobethecauseofholythoughts; SomuchsothatthevenerableBernard Firstbaredhisfeet,andaftersogreatpeace Ran,and,inrunning,thoughthimselftooslow. Owealthunknown!Overitablegood! Gilesbareshisfeet,andbareshisfeetSylvester Behindthebridegroom,sodothpleasethebride! Thengoeshiswaythatfatherandthatmaster, HeandhisLadyandthatfamily Whichnowwasgirdingonthehumblecord; Norcowardiceofheartweigheddownhisbrow AtbeingsonofPeterBernardone, Norforappearingmarvellouslyscorned; Butregallyhisharddetermination ToInnocentheopened,andfromhim ReceivedtheprimalsealuponhisOrder.

388

TheDivineComedy Afterthepeoplemendicantincreased Behindthisman,whoseadmirablelife Betteringloryoftheheavensweresung, Incoronatedwithasecondcrown WasthroughHonoriusbytheEternalSpirit TheholypurposeofthisArchimandrite. Andwhenhehad,throughthirstofmartyrdom, IntheproudpresenceoftheSultanpreached Christandtheotherswhocameafterhim, And,findingforconversiontoounripe Thefolk,andnottotarrythereinvain, ReturnedtofruitoftheItalicgrass, OntheruderocktwixtTiberandtheArno FromChristdidhereceivethefinalseal, Whichduringtwowholeyearshismembersbore. WhenHe,whochosehimuntosomuchgood, Waspleasedtodrawhimuptothereward Thathehadmeritedbybeinglowly, Untohisfriars,astotherightfulheirs, HismostdearLadydidherecommend, Andbadethattheyshouldloveherfaithfully; Andfromherbosomtheillustrioussoul Wishedtodepart,returningtoitsrealm, Andforitsbodywishednootherbier. Thinknowwhatmanwashe,whowasafit Companionoverthehighseastokeep ThebarkofPetertoitsproperbearings. AndthismanwasourPatriarch;hencewhoever Dothfollowhimashecommandscansee Thatheisladenwithgoodmerchandise. Butfornewpasturagehisflockhasgrown Sogreedy,thatitisimpossible Theybenotscatteredoverfieldsdiverse;

389

TheDivineComedy Andinproportionashissheepremote Andvagabondgofartherofffromhim, Morevoidofmilkreturntheytothefold. Verilysometherearethatfearahurt, Andkeepclosetotheshepherd;butsofew, Thatlittleclothdothfurnishforththeirhoods. Nowifmyutterancebenotindistinct, Ifthineownhearinghathattentivebeen, IfthourecalltomindwhatIhavesaid, Inpartcontentedshallthywishesbe; Forthoushaltseetheplantthatschippedaway, Andtherebukethatliethinthewords, Wherewellonefattens,ifhestrayethnot.

390

TheDivineComedy Paradiso:CantoXII Soonastheblessedflamehadtakenup Thefinalwordtogiveitutterance, Begantheholymillstonetorevolve, Andinitsgyrehadnotturnedwhollyround, Beforeanotherinaringenclosedit, Andmotionjoinedtomotion,songtosong; SongthatasgreatlydothtranscendourMuses, OurSirens,inthosedulcetclarions, Asprimalsplendourthatwhichisreflected. Andasarespannedathwartatendercloud Tworainbowsparallelandlikeincolour, WhenJunotoherhandmaidgivescommand, (Theonewithoutbornoftheonewithin, Liketothespeakingofthatvagrantone Whomloveconsumedasdoththesunthevapours,) Andmakethepeoplehere,throughcovenant GodsetwithNoah,presagefuloftheworld Thatshallnomorebecoveredwithaflood, Insuchwiseofthosesempiternalroses Thegarlandstwainencompassedusabout, Andthustheoutertotheinneranswered. Afterthedance,andothergrandrejoicings, Bothofthesinging,andtheflamingforth Effulgencewitheffulgenceblitheandtender, Together,atonce,withoneaccordhadstopped, (Evenastheeyes,that,asvolitionmovesthem, Mustneedstogethershutandliftthemselves,) Outoftheheartofoneofthenewlights Therecameavoice,thatneedletothestar Mademeappearinturningthitherward.

391

TheDivineComedy Anditbegan:Thelovethatmakesmefair Drawsmetospeakabouttheotherleader, Bywhomsowellisspokenhereofmine. Tisright,whereoneis,tobringintheother, That,astheywereunitedintheirwarfare, Togetherlikewisemaytheirgloryshine. ThesoldieryofChrist,whichithadcost Sodeartoarmagain,behindthestandard Movedslowanddoubtfulandinnumbersfew, WhentheEmperorwhoreignethevermore Providedforthehostthatwasinperil, Throughgracealoneandnotthatitwasworthy; And,aswassaid,hetohisBridebroughtsuccour Withchampionstwain,atwhosedeed,atwhoseword Thestragglingpeopleweretogetherdrawn. Withinthatregionwherethesweetwestwind Risestoopenthenewleaves,wherewith Europeisseentoclotheherselfafresh, Notfarofffromthebeatingofthewaves, Behindwhichinhislongcareerthesun Sometimesconcealshimselffromeveryman, IssituatethefortunateCalahorra, Underprotectionofthemightyshield InwhichtheLionsubjectisandsovereign. Thereinwasborntheamorousparamour OfChristianFaith,theathleteconsecrate, Kindtohisownandcrueltohisfoes; Andwhenitwascreatedwashismind Repletewithsuchalivingenergy, Thatinhismotherheritmadeprophetic. Assoonastheespousalswerecomplete BetweenhimandtheFaithatholyfont, Wheretheywithmutualsafetydoweredeachother,

392

TheDivineComedy Thewoman,whoforhimhadgivenassent, Sawinadreamtheadmirablefruit Thatissuewouldfromhimandfromhisheirs; Andthathemightbeconstruedashewas, Aspiritfromthisplacewentforthtonamehim WithHispossessivewhosehewhollywas. Dominicwashecalled;andhimIspeakof EvenasofthehusbandmanwhomChrist Electedtohisgardentoassisthim. EnvoyandservantsoothheseemedofChrist, Forthefirstlovemademanifestinhim WasthefirstcounselthatwasgivenbyChrist. Silentandwakefulmanyatimewashe Discoveredbyhisnurseupontheground, Asifhewouldhavesaid,ForthisIcame. Othouhisfather,Felixverily! Othouhismother,verilyJoanna, Ifthis,interpreted,meansasissaid! Notfortheworldwhichpeopletoilfornow InfollowingOstienseandTaddeo, Butthroughhislongingafterthetruemanna, Heinshorttimebecamesogreatateacher, Thathebegantogoaboutthevineyard, Whichfadethsoon,iffaithlessbethedresser; AndoftheSee,(thatoncewasmorebenignant Untotherighteouspoor,notthroughitself, Buthimwhositsthereanddegenerates,) Nottodispenseortwoorthreeforsix, Notanyfortuneoffirstvacancy, NondecimasquaesuntpauperumDei,

393

TheDivineComedy Heaskedfor,butagainsttheerrantworld Permissiontodobattlefortheseed, Ofwhichthesefourandtwentyplantssurroundthee. Thenwiththedoctrineandthewilltogether, Withofficeapostolicalhemoved, Liketorrentwhichsomeloftyveinoutpresses; Andinamongtheshootsheretical Hisimpetuswithgreaterfurysmote, Wherevertheresistancewasthegreatest. Ofhimweremadethereafterdiversrunnels, Wherebythegardencatholiciswatered, Sothatmorelivingitsplantationsstand. IfsuchtheonewheeloftheBigawas, InwhichtheHolyChurchitselfdefended Andinthefielditscivicbattlewon, Trulyfullmanifestshouldbetothee Theexcellenceoftheother,untowhom Thomassocourteouswasbeforemycoming. Butstilltheorbit,whichthehighestpart Ofitscircumferencemade,isderelict, Sothatthemouldiswherewasoncethecrust. Hisfamily,thathadstraightforwardmoved Withfeetuponhisfootprints,areturnedround Sothattheysetthepointupontheheel. Andsoonawaretheywillbeoftheharvest Ofthisbadhusbandry,whenshallthetares Complainthegranaryistakenfromthem. YetsayI,hewhosearchethleafbyleaf Ourvolumethrough,wouldstillsomepagediscover Wherehecouldread,IamasIamwont. TwillnotbefromCasalnorAcquasparta, Fromwhencecomesuchuntothewrittenword Thatoneavoidsit,andtheothernarrows.

394

TheDivineComedy BonaventuraofBagnoregioslife AmI,whoalwaysingreatoffices Postponedconsiderationssinister. HereareIlluminatoandAgostino, Whoofthefirstbarefootedbeggarswere ThatwiththecordthefriendsofGodbecame. HughofSaintVictorisamongthemhere, AndPeterMangiador,andPeterofSpain, Whodownbelowinvolumestwelveisshining; Nathantheseer,andmetropolitan Chrysostom,andAnselmus,andDonatus Whodeignedtolayhishandtothefirstart; HereisRabanus,andbesidemehere ShinestheCalabrianAbbotJoachim, Hewiththespiritofprophecyendowed. Tocelebratesogreatapaladin Havemovedmetheimpassionedcourtesy AndthediscreetdiscoursesofFriarThomas, Andwithmetheyhavemovedthiscompany.

395

TheDivineComedy Paradiso:CantoXIII Lethimimagine,whowouldwellconceive WhatnowIsaw,andlethimwhileIspeak Retaintheimageasasteadfastrock, Thefifteenstars,thatintheirdiversregions Theskyenlivenwithalightsogreat Thatittranscendsallclustersoftheair; LethimtheWainimagineuntowhich Ourvaultofheavensufficethnightandday, Sothatinturningofitspoleitfailsnot; Lethimthemouthimagineofthehorn Thatinthepointbeginnethoftheaxis Roundaboutwhichtheprimalwheelrevolves, Tohavefashionedofthemselvestwosignsinheaven, LikeuntothatwhichMinosdaughtermade, Themomentwhenshefeltthefrostofdeath; Andonetohaveitsrayswithintheother, Andbothtowhirlthemselvesinsuchamanner Thatoneshouldforwardgo,theotherbackward; Andhewillhavesomeshadowingforthofthat Trueconstellationandthedoubledance ThatcircledroundthepointatwhichIwas; Becauseitisasmuchbeyondourwont, AsswifterthanthemotionoftheChiana Moveththeheaventhatalltherestoutspeeds. TheresangtheyneitherBacchus,norApollo, ButinthedivinenaturePersonsthree, Andinonepersonthedivineandhuman. Thesingingandthedancefulfilledtheirmeasure, Anduntousthoseholylightsgaveneed, Growinginhappinessfromcaretocare.

396

TheDivineComedy Thenbrokethesilenceofthosesaintsconcordant Thelightinwhichtheadmirablelife OfGodsownmendicantwastoldtome, Andsaid:Nowthatonestrawistroddenout Nowthatitsseedisgarneredupalready, Sweetloveinvitesmetothreshouttheother. Intothatbosom,thoubelievest,whence Wasdrawntheribtoformthebeauteouscheek Whosetastetoalltheworldiscostingdear, Andintothatwhich,bythelancetransfixed, Beforeandsince,suchsatisfactionmade Thatitweighsdownthebalanceofallsin, Whateeroflightithastohumannature Beenlawfultopossesswasallinfused Bythesamepowerthatbothofthemcreated; AndhenceatwhatIsaidabovedostwonder, WhenInarratedthatnosecondhad Thegoodwhichinthefifthlightisenclosed. NowopethineeyestowhatIanswerthee, Andthoushaltseethycreedandmydiscourse Fitinthetruthascentreinacircle. Thatwhichcandie,andthatwhichdiethnot, Arenothingbutthesplendouroftheidea WhichbyhisloveourLordbringsintobeing; BecausethatlivingLight,whichfromitsfount Effulgentflows,sothatitdisunitesnot FromHimnorfromtheLoveinthemintrined, Throughitsowngoodnessreunitesitsrays Inninesubsistences,asinamirror, ItselfeternallyremainingOne. Thenceitdescendstothelastpotencies, Downwardfromacttoactbecomingsuch Thatonlybriefcontingenciesitmakes;

397

TheDivineComedy AndthesecontingenciesIholdtobe Thingsgenerated,whichtheheavenproduces Byitsownmotion,withseedandwithout. Neithertheirwax,northatwhichtempersit, Remainsimmutable,andhencebeneath Theidealsignetmoreandlessshinesthrough; Thereforeithappens,thattheselfsametree Afteritskindbearsworseandbetterfruit, Andyearebornwithcharactersdiverse. Ifinperfectiontemperedwerethewax, Andweretheheaveninitssupremestvirtue, Thebrillianceofthesealwouldallappear; Butnaturegivesitevermoredeficient, Inthelikemannerworkingastheartist, Whohastheskillofartandhandthattrembles. IfthentheferventLove,theVisionclear, OfprimalVirtuedodisposeandseal, Perfectionabsoluteisthereacquired. Thuswasofoldtheearthcreatedworthy Ofallandeveryanimalperfection; AndthustheVirginwasimpregnatemade; SothatthineownopinionIcommend, Thathumannatureneveryethasbeen, Norwillbe,whatitwasinthosetwopersons. NowifnofartherforthIshouldproceed, Theninwhatwaywashewithoutapeer? Wouldbethefirstbeginningofthywords. But,thatmaywellappearwhatnowappearsnot, Thinkwhohewas,andwhatoccasionmovedhim Tomakerequest,whenitwastoldhim,Ask.

398

TheDivineComedy Ivenotsospokenthatthoucanstnotsee Clearlyhewasakingwhoaskedforwisdom, Thathemightbesufficientlyaking; Twasnottoknowthenumberinwhichare Themotorshereabove,orifnecesse Withacontingenteernecessemake, Nonsiestdareprimummotumesse, Orifinsemicirclecanbemade Trianglesothatithavenorightangle. Whence,ifthounotestthisandwhatIsaid, Aregalprudenceisthatpeerlessseeing Inwhichtheshaftofmyintentionstrikes. Andifonrosethouturnestthycleareyes, Thoultseethatithasreferencealone Tokingswhoremany,andthegoodarerare. WiththisdistinctiontakethouwhatIsaid, Andthusitcanconsistwiththybelief OfthefirstfatherandofourDelight. Andleadshallthisbealwaystothyfeet, Tomakethee,likeawearyman,moveslowly BothtotheYesandNothouseestnot; Forverylowamongthefoolsishe Whoaffirmswithoutdistinction,ordenies, Aswellinoneasintheothercase; Becauseithappensthatfulloftenbends Currentopinioninthefalsedirection, Andthenthefeelingsbindtheintellect. Farmorethanuselesslyheleavestheshore, (Sincehereturnethnotthesamehewent,) Whofishesforthetruth,andhasnoskill; Andintheworldproofsmanifestthereof Parmenides,Melissus,Brissusare, Andmanywhowentonandknewnotwhither;

399

TheDivineComedy ThusdidSabellius,Arius,andthosefools WhohavebeenevenasswordsuntotheScriptures Inrenderingdistortedtheirstraightfaces. Noryetshallpeoplebetooconfident Injudging,evenasheiswhodothcount Thecorninfieldoreveritberipe. ForIhaveseenallwinterlongthethorn Firstshowitselfintractableandfierce, Andafterbeartheroseuponitstop; AndIhaveseenashipdirectandswift Runoertheseathroughoutitscourseentire, Toperishattheharboursmouthatlast. LetnotDameBerthanorSerMartinthink, Seeingonesteal,anotherofferingmake, Toseetheminthearbitramentdivine; Foronemayrise,andfalltheothermay.

400

TheDivineComedy Paradiso:CantoXIV Fromcentreuntorim,fromrimtocentre, Inaroundvasethewatermovesitself, Asfromwithouttisstruckorfromwithin. Intomyminduponasuddendropped WhatIamsaying,atthemomentwhen SilentbecamethegloriouslifeofThomas, Becauseoftheresemblancethatwasborn OfhisdiscourseandthatofBeatrice, Whom,afterhim,itpleasedthustobegin: Thismanhasneed(anddoesnottellyouso, Norwiththevoice,noreveninhisthought) Ofgoingtotherootofonetruthmore. Declareuntohimifthelightwherewith Blossomsyoursubstanceshallremainwithyou Eternallythesamethatitisnow; Andifitdoremain,sayinwhatmanner, Afteryeareagainmadevisible, Itcanbethatitinjurenotyoursight. Asbyagreatergladnessurgedanddrawn Theywhoaredancinginaringsometimes Uplifttheirvoicesandtheirmotionsquicken; So,atthatorisondevoutandprompt, Theholycirclesanewjoydisplayed Intheirrevolvingandtheirwondroussong. Whosolamentethhimthatherewedie Thatwemayliveabove,hasneverthere Seentherefreshmentoftheeternalrain. TheOneandTwoandThreewhoeverliveth, AndreignetheverinThreeandTwoandOne, Notcircumscribedandallthingscircumscribing,

401

TheDivineComedy Threeseveraltimeswaschantedbyeachone Amongthosespirits,withsuchmelody Thatforallmerititwerejustreward; And,inthelustremostdivineofall Thelesserring,Iheardamodestvoice, SuchasperhapstheAngelswastoMary, Answer:Aslongasthefestivity OfParadiseshallbe,solongourlove Shallradiateroundaboutussuchavesture. Itsbrightnessisproportionedtotheardour, Theardourtothevision;andthevision Equalswhatgraceithasaboveitsworth. When,gloriousandsanctified,ourflesh Isreassumed,thenshallourpersonsbe Morepleasingbytheirbeingallcomplete; Forwillincreasewhateerbestowsonus OflightgratuitoustheGoodSupreme, LightwhichenablesustolookonHim; Thereforethevisionmustperforceincrease, Increasetheardourwhichfromthatiskindled, Increasetheradiancewhichfromthisproceeds. Butevenasacoalthatsendsforthflame, Andbyitsvividwhitenessoverpowersit Sothatitsownappearanceitmaintains, Thustheeffulgencethatsurroundsusnow Shallbeoerpoweredinaspectbytheflesh, Whichstilltodaytheearthdothcoverup; Norcansogreatasplendourwearyus, Forstrongwillbetheorgansofthebody Toeverythingwhichhaththepowertopleaseus. Sosuddenandalertappearedtome BothoneandtheotherchoirtosayAmen, Thatwelltheyshoweddesirefortheirdeadbodies;

402

TheDivineComedy Norsoleforthemperhaps,butforthemothers, Thefathers,andtherestwhohadbeendear Orevertheybecameeternalflames. Andlo!allroundaboutofequalbrightness Arosealustreoverwhatwasthere, Likeanhorizonthatisclearingup. Andasatriseofearlyevebegin Alongthewelkinnewappearances, Sothatthesightseemsrealandunreal, Itseemedtomethatnewsubsistences Begantheretobeseen,andmakeacircle Outsidetheothertwocircumferences. OverysparklingoftheHolySpirit, Howsuddenandincandescentitbecame Untomineeyes,thatvanquishedboreitnot! ButBeatricesobeautifulandsmiling Appearedtome,thatwiththeothersights ThatfollowednotmymemoryImustleaveher. Thentoupliftthemselvesmineeyesresumed Thepower,andIbeheldmyselftranslated TohighersalvationwithmyLadyonly. WellwasIwarethatIwasmoreuplifted Bytheenkindledsmilingofthestar, Thatseemedtomemoreruddythanitswont. Withallmyheart,andinthatdialect Whichisthesameinall,suchholocaust ToGodImadeasthenewgracebeseemed; Andnotyetfrommybosomwasexhausted Theardourofsacrifice,beforeIknew Thisofferingwasacceptedandauspicious;

403

TheDivineComedy Forwithsogreatalustreandsored Splendoursappearedtomeintwofoldrays, Isaid:OHelioswhodostsoadornthem! Evenasdistinctwithlessandgreaterlights Glimmersbetweenthetwopolesoftheworld TheGalaxythatmakethwisemendoubt, ThusconstellatedinthedepthsofMars, Thoseraysdescribedthevenerablesign Thatquadrantsjoininginacirclemake. Heredothmymemoryovercomemygenius; ForonthatcrossaslevingleamedforthChrist, SothatIcannotfindensampleworthy; ButhewhotakeshiscrossandfollowsChrist AgainwillpardonmewhatIomit, SeeinginthatauroralightenChrist. Fromhorntohorn,andtwixtthetopandbase, Lightswereinmotion,brightlyscintillating Astheytogethermetandpassedeachother; Thuslevelandaslantandswiftandslow Weherebehold,renewingstillthesight, Theparticlesofbodieslongandshort, Acrossthesunbeammove,wherewithislisted Sometimestheshade,whichfortheirowndefence Peoplewithcunningandwithartcontrive. Andasaluteandharp,accordantstrung Withmanystrings,adulcettinklingmake Tohimbywhomthenotesarenotdistinguished, Sofromthelightsthattheretomeappeared Upgatheredthroughthecrossamelody, Whichraptme,notdistinguishingthehymn. WellwasIwareitwasofloftylaud, Becausetherecametome,Ariseandconquer! Asuntohimwhohearsandcomprehendsnot.

404

TheDivineComedy SomuchenamouredIbecametherewith, Thatuntilthentherewasnotanything Thateerhadfetteredmewithsuchsweetbonds. Perhapsmywordappearssomewhattoobold, Postponingthedelightofthosefaireyes, Intowhichgazingmydesirehasrest; Butwhobethinkshimthatthelivingseals Ofeverybeautygrowinpowerascending, AndthatItherehadnotturnedroundtothose, Canmeexcuse,ifImyselfaccuse Toexcusemyself,andseethatIspeaktruly: Forheretheholyjoyisnotdisclosed, Becauseascendingitbecomesmorepure.

405

TheDivineComedy Paradiso:CantoXV Awillbenign,inwhichrevealsitself Everthelovethatrighteouslyinspires, Asintheiniquitous,cupidity, Silenceimposeduponthatdulcetlyre, Andquietedtheconsecratedchords, ThatHeavensrighthanddothtightenandrelax. Howuntojustentreatiesshallbedeaf Thosesubstances,which,togivemedesire Ofprayingthem,withoneaccordgrewsilent? Tiswellthatwithoutendheshouldlament, Whofortheloveofthingthatdothnotlast Eternallydespoilshimofthatlove! Asthroughthepureandtranquileveningair Thereshootsfromtimetotimeasuddenfire, Movingtheeyesthatsteadfastwerebefore, Andseemstobeastarthatchangethplace, Exceptthatinthepartwhereitiskindled Nothingismissed,andthisendurethlittle; Sofromthehornthattotherightextends Untothatcrosssfootthereranastar Outoftheconstellationshiningthere; Norwasthegemdisseveredfromitsribbon, Butdowntheradiantfilletranalong, Sothatfireseemeditbehindalabaster. ThuspiteousdidAnchisesshadereachforward, IfanyfaithourgreatestMusedeserve, WheninElysiumhehissonperceived. Osanguismeus,Osuperinfusa GratiaDei,sicuttibi,cui BisunquamCoelijanuareclusa?

406

TheDivineComedy Thusthateffulgence;whenceIgaveitheed; ThenrounduntomyLadyturnedmysight, Andonthissideandthatwasstupefied; Forinhereyeswasburningsuchasmile ThatwithmineownmethoughtItouchedthebottom BothofmygraceandofmyParadise! Then,pleasanttothehearingandthesight, Thespiritjoinedtoitsbeginningthings Iunderstoodnot,soprofounditspake; Nordidithideitselffrommebychoice, Butbynecessity;foritsconception Abovethemarkofmortalssetitself. Andwhenthebowofburningsympathy Wassofarslackened,thatitsspeechdescended Towardsthemarkofourintelligence, Thefirstthingthatwasunderstoodbyme WasBenedightbeThou,OTrineandOne, Whohastuntomyseedsocourteousbeen! Anditcontinued:Hungerlongandgrateful, Drawnfromthereadingofthemightyvolume Whereinisneverchangedthewhitenordark, Thouhastappeased,myson,withinthislight InwhichIspeaktothee,bygraceofher Whotothisloftyflightwithplumageclothedthee. Thouthinkestthattomethythoughtdothpass FromHimwhoisthefirst,asfromtheunit, Ifthatbeknown,rayoutthefiveandsix; AndthereforewhoIamthouaskestnot, AndwhyIseemmorejoyousuntothee Thananyotherofthisgladsomecrowd. Thouthinkstthetruth;becausethesmallandgreat Ofthisexistencelookintothemirror Wherein,beforethouthinkst,thythoughtthoushowest.

407

TheDivineComedy Butthatthesacredlove,inwhichIwatch Withsightperpetual,andwhichmakesmethirst Withsweetdesire,maybetterbefulfilled, Nowletthyvoicesecureandfrankandglad Proclaimthewishes,thedesireproclaim, Towhichmyanswerisdecreedalready. ToBeatriceIturnedme,andsheheard BeforeIspake,andsmiledtomeasign, Thatmadethewingsofmydesireincrease; TheninthiswisebeganI:Loveandknowledge, WhenonyoudawnedthefirstEquality, Ofthesameweightforeachofyoubecame; ForintheSun,whichlightedyouandburned Withheatandradiance,theysoequalare, Thatallsimilitudesareinsufficient. Butamongmortalswillandargument, Forreasonthattoyouismanifest, Diverselyfeatheredintheirpinionsare. WhenceI,whomortalam,feelinmyself Thisinequality;sogivenotthanks, Saveinmyheart,forthispaternalwelcome. TrulydoIentreatthee,livingtopaz! Setinthispreciousjewelasagem, Thatthouwiltsatisfymewiththyname. Oleafofmine,inwhomIpleasuretook Eenwhileawaiting,Iwasthineownroot! Suchabeginningheinanswermademe. Thensaidtome:Thatonefromwhomisnamed Thyrace,andwhoahundredyearsandmore Hascircledroundthemountonthefirstcornice,

408

TheDivineComedy Asonofmineandthygreatgrandsirewas; Wellitbehovestheethatthelongfatigue Thoushouldstforhimmakeshorterwiththyworks. Florence,withintheancientboundary Fromwhichshetakethstillhertierceandnones, Abodeinquiet,temperateandchaste. Nogoldenchainshehad,norcoronal, Norladiesshodwithsandalshoon,norgirdle Thatcaughttheeyemorethanthepersondid. Notyetthedaughteratherbirthstruckfear Intothefather,forthetimeanddower Didnotoerrunthissideorthatthemeasure. Nohouseshadshevoidoffamilies, NotyethadthithercomeSardanapalus Toshowwhatinachambercanbedone; NotyetsurpassedhadMontemalobeen ByyourUccellatojo,whichsurpassed Shallinitsdownfallbeasinitsrise. BellincionBertisawIgobegirt Withleatherandwithbone,andfromthemirror Hisdamedepartwithoutapaintedface; AndhimofNerlisaw,andhimofVecchio, Contentedwiththeirsimplesuitsofbuff Andwiththespindleandtheflaxtheirdames. Ofortunatewomen!andeachonewascertain Ofherownburialplace,andnoneasyet ForsakeofFrancewasinherbeddeserted. Oneoerthecradlekeptherstudiouswatch, Andinherlullabythelanguageused Thatfirstdelightsthefathersandthemothers; Another,drawingtressesfromherdistaff, Toldoeramongherfamilythetales OfTrojansandofFesoleandRome.

409

TheDivineComedy Asgreatamarvelthenwouldhavebeenheld ALapoSalterello,aCianghella, AsCincinnatusorCornelianow. Tosuchaquiet,suchabeautiful Lifeofthecitizen,tosuchasafe Community,andtososweetaninn, DidMarygiveme,withloudcriesinvoked, AndinyourancientBaptisteryatonce ChristianandCacciaguidaIbecame. Morontowasmybrother,andEliseo; FromValdiPadocametomemywife, Andfromthatplacethysurnamewasderived. IfollowedafterwardtheEmperorConrad, Andhebegirtmeofhischivalry, SomuchIpleasedhimwithmynobledeeds. Ifollowedinhistrainagainstthatlaws Iniquity,whosepeopledothusurp Yourjustpossession,throughyourPastorsfault. TherebythatexecrableracewasI Releasedfrombondsofthefallaciousworld, Theloveofwhichdefilethmanysouls, Andcamefrommartyrdomuntothispeace.

410

TheDivineComedy Paradiso:CantoXVI Othouourpoornobilityofblood, Ifthoudostmakethepeoplegloryinthee Downherewhereouraffectionlanguishes, Amarvellousthingitneerwillbetome; Fortherewhereappetiteisnotperverted, IsayinHeaven,oftheeImadeaboast! Trulythouartacloakthatquicklyshortens, Sothatunlesswepiecetheedaybyday Timegoethroundabouttheewithhisshears! WithYou,whichRomewasfirsttotolerate, (Whereinherfamilylessperseveres,) Yetonceagainmywordsbeginningmade; WhenceBeatrice,whostoodsomewhatapart, Smiling,appearedlikeuntoherwhocoughed AtthefirstfailingwritofGuenever. AndIbegan:Youaremyancestor, Yougivetomeallhardihoodtospeak, YouliftmesothatIammorethanI. Somanyrivuletswithgladnessfill Mymind,thatofitselfitmakesajoy Becauseitcanendurethisandnotburst. Thentellme,mybelovedrootancestral, Whowereyourancestors,andwhattheyears Thatinyourboyhoodchronicledthemselves? TellmeaboutthesheepfoldofSaintJohn, Howlargeitwas,andwhothepeoplewere Withinitworthyofthehighestseats. Asattheblowingofthewindsacoal Quickenstoflame,soIbeheldthatlight Becomeresplendentatmyblandishments.

411

TheDivineComedy Andasuntomineeyesitgrewmorefair, Withvoicemoresweetandtender,butnotin Thismoderndialect,itsaidtome: FromutteringoftheAve,tillthebirth Inwhichmymother,whoisnowasaint, Ofmewaslightenedwhohadbeenherburden, UntoitsLionhadthisfirereturned Fivehundredfiftytimesandthirtymore, Toreinflameitselfbeneathhispaw. MyancestorsandIourbirthplacehad Wherefirstisfoundthelastwardofthecity Byhimwhorunnethinyourannualgame. Sufficeitofmyelderstohearthis; Butwhotheywere,andwhencetheythithercame, Silenceismoreconsideratethanspeech. Allthosewhoatthattimeweretherebetween MarsandtheBaptist,fitforbearingarms, Wereafifthpartofthosewhonowareliving; Butthecommunity,thatnowismixed WithCampiandCertaldoandFigghine, Pureinthelowestartisanwasseen. Ohowmuchbettertweretohaveasneighbours ThefolkofwhomIspeak,andatGalluzzo AndatTrespianohaveyourboundary, Thanhavetheminthetown,andbearthestench OfAguglioneschurl,andhimofSigna Whohassharpeyesfortrickeryalready. Hadnotthefolk,whichmostofalltheworld Degenerates,beenastepdameuntoCaesar, Butasamothertohersonbenignant, SomewhoturnFlorentines,andtradeanddiscount, WouldhavegonebackagaintoSimifonte Therewheretheirgrandsireswentaboutasbeggars.

412

TheDivineComedy AtMontemurlostillwouldbetheCounts, TheCerchiintheparishofAcone, PerhapsinValdigrievetheBuondelmonti. Evertheinterminglingofthepeople Hasbeenthesourceofmaladyincities, Asinthebodyfooditsurfeitson; Andablindbullmoreheadlongplungesdown Thanablindlamb;andveryoftencuts Betterandmoreasingleswordthanfive. IfLunithouregard,andUrbisaglia, Howtheyhavepassedaway,andhowarepassing ChiusiandSinigagliaafterthem, Tohearhowraceswastethemselvesaway, Willseemtotheenonovelthingnorhard, Seeingthatevencitieshaveanend. Allthingsofyourshavetheirmortality, Evenasyourselves;butitishiddeninsome Thatalongwhileendure,andlivesareshort; Andastheturningofthelunarheaven Coversandbarestheshoreswithoutapause, InthelikemannerfortunedoeswithFlorence. Thereforeshouldnotappearamarvellousthing WhatIshallsayofthegreatFlorentines OfwhomthefameishiddeninthePast. IsawtheUghi,sawtheCatellini, Filippi,Greci,Ormanni,andAlberichi, Evenintheirfallillustriouscitizens; Andsaw,asmightyastheyancientwere, WithhimofLaSannellahimofArca, AndSoldanier,Ardinghi,andBostichi.

413

TheDivineComedy Neartothegatethatisatpresentladen Withanewfelonyofsomuchweight Thatsoonitshallbejetsamfromthebark, TheRavignaniwere,fromwhomdescended TheCountyGuido,andwhoeerthename OfthegreatBellincionesincehathtaken. HeofLaPressaknewtheartofruling Already,andalreadyGaligajo Hadhiltandpommelgildedinhishouse. MightyalreadywastheColumnVair, Sacchetti,Giuochi,Fifant,andBarucci, AndGalli,andtheywhoforthebushelblush. ThestockfromwhichweretheCalfucciborn Wasgreatalready,andalreadychosen TocurulechairstheSiziiandArrigucci. OhowbeheldIthosewhoareundone Bytheirownpride!andhowtheBallsofGold Florenceenfloweredinalltheirmightydeeds! Solikewisedidtheancestorsofthose Whoevermore,whenvacantisyourchurch, Fattenbystayinginconsistory. Theinsolentrace,thatlikeadragonfollows Whoeverflees,anduntohimthatshows Histeethorpurseisgentleasalamb, Alreadyrisingwas,butfromlowpeople; SothatitpleasednotUbertinDonato Thathiswifesfathershouldmakehimtheirkin. AlreadyhadCaponsaccototheMarket FromFesoledescended,andalready GiudaandInfangatoweregoodburghers. Illtellathingincredible,buttrue; Oneenteredthesmallcircuitbyagate WhichfromtheDellaPeratookitsname!

414

TheDivineComedy Eachonethatbearsthebeautifulescutcheon Ofthegreatbaronwhoserenownandname ThefestivalofThomaskeepethfresh, Knighthoodandprivilegefromhimreceived; Thoughwiththepopulaceuniteshimself Todaythemanwhobindsitwithaborder. AlreadywereGualterottiandImportuni; AndstillmorequietwouldtheBorgobe Ifwithnewneighboursitremainedunfed. Thehousefromwhichisbornyourlamentation, Throughjustdisdainthatdeathamongyoubrought Andputanenduntoyourjoyouslife, Washonouredinitselfanditscompanions. OBuondelmonte,howinevilhour Thoufledstthebridalatanotherspromptings! Manywouldberejoicingwhoaresad, IfGodhadtheesurrenderedtotheEma Thefirsttimethatthoucamesttothecity. Butitbehovedthemutilatedstone Whichguardsthebridge,thatFlorenceshouldprovide Avictiminherlatesthourofpeace. Withallthesefamilies,andotherswiththem, FlorencebeheldIinsogreatrepose, Thatnooccasionhadshewhencetoweep; Withallthesefamiliesbeheldsojust Andgloriousherpeople,thatthelily Neveruponthespearwasplacedreversed, Norbydivisionwasvermilionmade.

415

TheDivineComedy Paradiso:CantoXVII AscametoClymene,tobemadecertain Ofthatwhichhehadheardagainsthimself, Hewhomakesfatherscharystilltochildren, EvensuchwasI,andsuchwasIperceived ByBeatriceandbytheholylight Thatfirstonmyaccounthadchangeditsplace. ThereforemyLadysaidtome:Sendforth Theflameofthydesire,sothatitissue Imprintedwellwiththeinternalstamp; Notthatourknowledgemaybegreatermade Byspeechofthine,buttoaccustomthee Totellthythirst,thatwemaygivetheedrink. Omybelovedtree,(thatsodostliftthee, Thatevenasmindsterrestrialperceive Notrianglecontainethtwoobtuse, Sothoubeholdestthecontingentthings Ereinthemselvestheyare,fixingthineeyes Uponthepointinwhichalltimesarepresent,) WhileIwaswithVirgiliusconjoined Uponthemountainthatthesoulsdothheal, Andwhendescendingintothedeadworld, Werespokentomeofmyfuturelife Somegrievouswords;althoughIfeelmyself Insoothfoursquareagainsttheblowsofchance. Onthisaccountmywishwouldbecontent Tohearwhatfortuneisapproachingme, Becauseforeseenanarrowcomesmoreslowly. ThusdidIsayuntothatselfsamelight Thatuntomehadspokenbefore;andeven AsBeatricewilledwasmyownwillconfessed.

416

TheDivineComedy Notinvaguephrase,inwhichthefoolishfolk Ensnaredthemselvesofold,ereyetwasslain TheLambofGodwhotakethsinsaway, Butwithclearwordsandunambiguous Languagerespondedthatpaternallove, Hidandrevealedbyitsownpropersmile: Contingency,thatoutsideofthevolume Ofyourmaterialityextendsnot, Isalldepictedintheeternalaspect. Necessityhoweverthenceittakesnot, Exceptasfromtheeye,inwhichtismirrored, Ashipthatwiththecurrentdowndescends. Fromthence,eenastherecomethtotheear Sweetharmonyfromanorgan,comesinsight Tomethetimethatispreparingforthee. AsforthfromAthenswentHippolytus, Byreasonofhisstepdamefalseandcruel, SothoufromFlorencemustperforcedepart. Alreadythisiswilled,andthisissoughtfor; Andsoonitshallbedonebyhimwhothinksit, WhereeverydaytheChristisboughtandsold. Theblameshallfollowtheoffendedparty Inoutcryasisusual;butthevengeance Shallwitnesstothetruththatdothdispenseit. Thoushaltabandoneverythingbeloved Mosttenderly,andthisthearrowis Whichfirstthebowofbanishmentshootsforth. Thoushalthaveproofhowsavourethofsalt Thebreadofothers,andhowhardaroad Thegoingdownandupanothersstairs. Andthatwhichmostshallweighuponthyshoulders Willbethebadandfoolishcompany Withwhichintothisvalleythoushaltfall;

417

TheDivineComedy Forallingrate,allmadandimpious Willtheybecomeagainstthee;butsoonafter They,andnotthou,shallhavetheforeheadscarlet. Oftheirbestialitytheirownproceedings Shallfurnishproof;sotwillbewellforthee Apartytohavemadetheebythyself. Thineearliestrefugeandthineearliestinn ShallbethemightyLombardscourtesy, WhoontheLadderbearstheholybird, Whosuchbenignregardshallhaveforthee Thattwixtyoutwain,indoingandinasking, Thatshallbefirstwhichiswithotherslast. Withhimshaltthouseeonewhoathisbirth Hasbythisstarofstrengthbeensoimpressed, Thatnotableshallhisachievementsbe. Notyetthepeopleareawareofhim Throughhisyoungage,sinceonlynineyearsyet Aroundabouthimhavethesewheelsrevolved. ButeretheGasconcheatthenobleHenry, Somesparklesofhisvirtueshallappear Incaringnotforsilvernorfortoil. Sorecognizedshallhismagnificence Becomehereafter,thathisenemies Willnothavepowertokeepmutetonguesaboutit. Onhimrely,andonhisbenefits; Byhimshallmanypeoplebetransformed, Changingconditionrichandmendicant; Andwritteninthymindthouhenceshaltbear Ofhim,butshaltnotsayitandthingssaidhe Incredibletothosewhoshallbepresent.

418

TheDivineComedy Thenadded:Son,thesearethecommentaries Onwhatwassaidtothee;beholdthesnares Thatareconcealedbehindfewrevolutions; YetwouldInotthyneighboursthoushouldstenvy, Becausethylifeintothefuturereaches Beyondthepunishmentoftheirperfidies. Whenbyitssilenceshowedthatsaintedsoul Thatithadfinishedputtinginthewoof IntothatwebwhichIhadgivenitwarped, BeganI,evenashewhoyearnethafter, Beingindoubt,somecounselfromaperson Whoseeth,anduprightlywills,andloves: WellseeI,fathermine,howspurrethon Thetimetowardsmesuchablowtodealme Asheaviestistohimwhomostgivesway. ThereforewithforesightitiswellIarmme, That,ifthedearestplacebetakenfromme, Imaynotlosetheothersbymysongs. Downthroughtheworldofinfinitebitterness, Andoerthemountain,fromwhosebeauteoussummit TheeyesofmyownLadyliftedme, Andafterwardthroughheavenfromlighttolight, Ihavelearnedthatwhich,ifItellagain, Willbeasavourofstrongherbstomany. AndifIamatimidfriendtotruth, IfearlestImaylosemylifewiththose Whowillhereaftercallthistimetheolden. Thelightinwhichwassmilingmyowntreasure WhichthereIhaddiscovered,flashedatfirst Asinthesunshinedothagoldenmirror; Thenmadereply:Aconscienceovercast Orwithitsownorwithanothersshame, Willtasteforsooththetartnessofthyword;

419

TheDivineComedy Butneertheless,allfalsehoodlaidaside, Makemanifestthyvisionutterly, Andletthemscratchwhereveristheitch; Forifthineutteranceshalloffensivebe Atthefirsttaste,avitalnutriment Twillleavethereafter,whenitisdigested. Thiscryofthineshalldoasdoththewind, Whichsmitethmostthemostexaltedsummits, Andthatisnoslightargumentofhonour. Thereforeareshowntotheewithinthesewheels, Uponthemountandinthedolorousvalley, Onlythesoulsthatuntofameareknown; Becausethespiritofthehearerrestsnot, Nordothconfirmitsfaithbyanexample Whichhastherootofitunknownandhidden, Orotherreasonthatisnotapparent.

420

TheDivineComedy Paradiso:CantoXVIII Nowwasalonerejoicinginitsword Thatsoulbeatified,andIwastasting Myown,thebittertemperingwiththesweet, AndtheLadywhotoGodwasleadingme Said:Changethythought;considerthatIam NearuntoHimwhoeverywrongdisburdens. Untothelovingaccentsofmycomfort Iturnedmeround,andthenwhatloveIsaw WithinthoseholyeyesIhererelinquish; NotonlythatmylanguageIdistrust, Butthatmymindcannotreturnsofar Aboveitself,unlessanotherguideit. ThusmuchuponthatpointcanIrepeat, That,heragainbeholding,myaffection Fromeveryotherlongingwasreleased. Whiletheeternalpleasure,whichdirect RayeduponBeatrice,fromherfairface Contentedmewithitsreflectedaspect, Conqueringmewiththeradianceofasmile, Shesaidtome,Turntheeaboutandlisten; NotinmineeyesaloneisParadise. Evenassometimesheredowebehold Theaffectioninthelook,ifitbesuch Thatallthesouliswraptawaybyit, So,bytheflamingoftheeffulgenceholy TowhichIturned,Irecognizedtherein Thewishofspeakingtomesomewhatfarther. Anditbegan:Inthisfifthrestingplace Uponthetreethatlivethbyitssummit, Andayebearsfruit,andneverlosesleaf,

421

TheDivineComedy Areblessedspiritsthatbelow,ereyet TheycametoHeaven,wereofsuchgreatrenown ThateveryMusetherewithwouldaffluentbe. Thereforelookthouuponthecrossshorns; HewhomInowshallnamewillthereenact Whatdothwithinaclouditsownswiftfire. IsawathwarttheCrossasplendourdrawn BynamingJoshua,(evenashedidit,) NornotedIthewordbeforethedeed; AndatthenameofthegreatMaccabee Isawanothermoveitselfrevolving, Andgladnesswasthewhipuntothattop. LikewiseforCharlemagneandforOrlando, Twoofthemmyregardattentivefollowed Asfolloweththeeyeitsfalconflying. Williamthereafterward,andRenouard, AndtheDukeGodfrey,didattractmysight AlonguponthatCross,andRobertGuiscard. Then,movedandmingledwiththeotherlights, Thesoulthathadaddressedmeshowedhowgreat Anartisttwasamongtheheavenlysingers. TomyrightsideIturnedmyselfaround, MydutytobeholdinBeatrice Eitherbywordsorgesturesignified; AndsotranslucentIbeheldhereyes, Sofullofpleasure,thathercountenance Surpasseditsotheranditslatestwont. Andas,byfeelinggreaterdelectation, Amanindoinggoodfromdaytoday Becomesawarehisvirtueisincreasing, SoIbecameawarethatmygyration Withheaventogetherhadincreaseditsarc, Thatmiraclebeholdingmoreadorned.

422

TheDivineComedy Andsuchasisthechange,inlittlelapse Oftime,inapalewoman,whenherface Isfromtheloadofbashfulnessunladen, Suchwasitinmineeyes,whenIhadturned, Causedbythewhitenessofthetemperatestar, Thesixth,whichtoitselfhadgatheredme. WithinthatJovialtorchdidIbehold Thesparklingofthelovewhichwastherein Delineateourlanguagetomineeyes. Andevenasbirdsuprisenfromtheshore, Asincongratulationoertheirfood, Makesquadronsofthemselves,nowround,nowlong, Sofromwithinthoselightstheholycreatures Sangflyingtoandfro,andintheirfigures MadeofthemselvesnowD,nowI,nowL. Firstsingingtheytotheirownmusicmoved; Thenonebecomingofthesecharacters, Alittlewhiletheyrestedandweresilent. OdivinePegasea,thouwhogenius Dostgloriousmake,andrenderitlonglived, Andthisthroughtheethecitiesandthekingdoms, Illumemewiththyself,thatImaybring TheirfiguresoutasIhavethemconceived! Apparentbethypowerinthesebriefverses! Themselvesthentheydisplayedinfivetimesseven Vowelsandconsonants;andIobserved Thepartsastheyseemedspokenuntome. Diligitejustitiam,thesewere Firstverbandnounofallthatwasdepicted; Quijudicatisterramwerethelast.

423

TheDivineComedy ThereafterintheMofthefifthword Remainedtheysoarranged,thatJupiter Seemedtobesilvertherewithgoldinlaid. AndotherlightsIsawdescendwherewas ThesummitoftheM,andpausetheresinging Thegood,Ithink,thatdrawsthemtoitself. Then,asinstrikinguponburninglogs Upwardthereflyinnumerablesparks, Whencefoolsarewonttolookforauguries, Morethanathousandlightsseemedthencetorise, Andtoascend,somemore,andothersless, EvenastheSunthatlightsthemhadallotted; And,eachonebeingquietinitsplace, TheheadandneckbeheldIofaneagle Delineatedbythatinlaidfire. Hewhotherepaintshasnonetobehisguide; ButHimselfguides;andisfromHimremembered Thatvirtuewhichisformuntothenest. Theotherbeatitude,thatcontentedseemed AtfirsttobloomalilyontheM, Byaslightmotionfollowedouttheimprint. Ogentlestar!whatandhowmanygems Diddemonstratetome,thatallourjustice Effectisofthatheavenwhichthouingemmest! WhereforeIpraytheMind,inwhichbegin Thymotionandthyvirtue,toregard Whencecomesthesmokethatvitiatesthyrays; Sothatasecondtimeitnowbewroth Withbuyingandwithsellinginthetemple Whosewallswerebuiltwithsignsandmartyrdoms! Osoldieryofheaven,whomIcontemplate, Imploreforthosewhoareupontheearth Allgoneastrayafterthebadexample!

424

TheDivineComedy Oncetwasthecustomtomakewarwithswords; Butnowtismadebytakinghereandthere ThebreadthepityingFathershutsfromnone. Yetthou,whowritestbuttocancel,think ThatPeterandthatPaul,whoforthisvineyard Whichthouartspoilingdied,arestillalive! Wellcanstthousay:Sosteadfastmydesire Isuntohimwhowilledtolivealone, Andforadancewasledtomartyrdom, ThatIknownottheFishermannorPaul.

425

TheDivineComedy Paradiso:CantoXIX Appearedbeforemewithitswingsoutspread Thebeautifulimagethatinsweetfruition Madejubilanttheinterwovensouls; Appearedalittlerubyeach,wherein Rayofthesunwasburningsoenkindled Thateachintomineeyesrefractedit. Andwhatitnowbehovesmetoretrace Norvoicehaseerreported,norinkwritten, Norwasbyfantasyeercomprehended; ForspeakIsaw,andlikewiseheard,thebeak, AndutterwithitsvoicebothIandMy, WheninconceptionitwasWeandOur. Anditbegan:Beingjustandmerciful AmIexaltedhereuntothatglory Whichcannotbeexceededbydesire; AnduponearthIleftmymemory Such,thattheevilmindedpeoplethere Commendit,butcontinuenotthestory. Sodothasingleheatfrommanyembers Makeitselffelt,evenasfrommanyloves Issuedasinglesoundfromoutthatimage. WhenceIthereafter:Operpetualflowers Oftheeternaljoy,thatonlyone Makemeperceiveyourodoursmanifold, Exhaling,breakwithinmethegreatfast Whichalongseasonhasinhungerheldme, Notfindingforitanyfoodonearth. WelldoIknow,thatifinheavenitsmirror JusticeDivineanotherrealmdothmake, Yoursapprehendsitnotthroughanyveil.

426

TheDivineComedy YouknowhowIattentivelyaddressme Tolisten;andyouknowwhatisthedoubt Thatisinmesoveryoldafast. Evenasafalcon,issuingfromhishood, Dothmovehishead,andwithhiswingsapplaudhim, Showingdesire,andmakinghimselffine, SawIbecomethatstandard,whichoflauds Wasinterwovenofthegracedivine, Withsuchsongsasheknowswhothererejoices. Thenitbegan:Hewhoacompassturned Ontheworldsouterverge,andwhowithinit Devisedsomuchoccultandmanifest, Couldnottheimpressofhispowersomake Onalltheuniverse,asthathisWord Shouldnotremainininfiniteexcess. Andthismakescertainthatthefirstproudbeing, Whowastheparagonofeverycreature, Bynotawaitinglightfellimmature. Andhenceappearsit,thateachminornature Isscantreceptacleuntothatgood Whichhasnoend,andbyitselfismeasured. Inconsequenceourvision,whichperforce Mustbesomerayofthatintelligence Withwhichallthingswhateverarereplete, Cannotinitsownnaturebesopotent, Thatitshallnotitsorigindiscern Farbeyondthatwhichisapparenttoit. Thereforeintothejusticesempiternal Thepowerofvisionthatyourworldreceives, Aseyeintotheocean,penetrates; Which,thoughitseethebottomneartheshore, Uponthedeepperceivesitnot,andyet Tisthere,butitishiddenbythedepth.

427

TheDivineComedy Thereisnolightbutcomesfromtheserene Thatneverisoercast,nay,itisdarkness Orshadowoftheflesh,orelseitspoison. Amplytotheeisopenednowthecavern Whichhasconcealedfromtheethelivingjustice Ofwhichthoumadstsuchfrequentquestioning. Forsaidstthou:Bornamanisontheshore OfIndus,andisnonewhotherecanspeak OfChrist,norwhocanread,norwhocanwrite; Andallhisinclinationsandhisactions Aregood,sofarashumanreasonsees, Withoutasininlifeorindiscourse: Hediethunbaptisedandwithoutfaith; Whereisthisjusticethatcondemnethhim? Whereishisfault,ifhedonotbelieve? Nowwhoartthou,thatonthebenchwouldstsit Injudgmentatathousandmilesaway, Withtheshortvisionofasinglespan? Trulytohimwhowithmesubtilizes, IfsotheScripturewerenotoveryou, Fordoubtingthereweremarvellousoccasion. Oanimalsterrene,Ostolidminds, Theprimalwill,thatinitselfisgood, Neerfromitself,theGoodSupreme,hasmoved. Somuchisjustasisaccordantwithit; Nogoodcreateddrawsittoitself, Butit,byrayingforth,occasionsthat. Evenasabovehernestgoescirclinground Thestorkwhenshehasfedherlittleones, Andhewhohasbeenfedlooksupather,

428

TheDivineComedy SoliftedImybrows,andevensuch Becametheblessedimage,whichitswings Wasmoving,bysomanycounselsurged. Circlingarounditsang,andsaid:Asare Mynotestothee,whodostnotcomprehendthem, Suchistheeternaljudgmenttoyoumortals. ThoselucentsplendoursoftheHolySpirit Grewquietthen,butstillwithinthestandard ThatmadetheRomansreverendtotheworld. Itrecommenced:Untothiskingdomnever AscendedonewhohadnotfaithinChrist, Beforeorsincehetothetreewasnailed. Butlookthou,manycryingare,Christ,Christ! Whoatthejudgmentshallbefarlessnear TohimthansomeshallbewhoknewnotChrist. SuchChristiansshalltheEthiopcondemn, Whenthetwocompaniesshallbedivided, Theoneforeverrich,theotherpoor. WhattoyourkingsmaynotthePersianssay, Whentheythatvolumeopenedshallbehold Inwhicharewrittendownalltheirdispraises? Thereshallbeseen,amongthedeedsofAlbert, Thatwhicherelongshallsetthepeninmotion, ForwhichtherealmofPragueshallbedeserted. ThereshallbeseenthewoethatontheSeine Hebringsbyfalsifyingofthecoin, Whobytheblowofawildboarshalldie. Thereshallbeseenthepridethatcausesthirst, WhichmakestheScotandEnglishmansomad Thattheywithintheirboundariescannotrest; Beseentheluxuryandeffeminatelife OfhimofSpain,andtheBohemian, Whovalourneverknewandneverwished;

429

TheDivineComedy BeseentheCrippleofJerusalem, HisgoodnessrepresentedbyanI, WhilethereverseanMshallrepresent; Beseentheavariceandpoltroonery OfhimwhoguardstheIslandoftheFire, WhereinAnchisesfinishedhislonglife; Andtodeclarehowpitifulheis Shallbehisrecordincontractedletters Whichshallmakenoteofmuchinlittlespace. Andshallappeartoeachonethefouldeeds Ofuncleandofbrotherwhoanation Sofamoushavedishonoured,andtwocrowns. AndheofPortugalandheofNorway Shalltherebeknown,andheofRasciatoo, WhosawinevilhourthecoinofVenice. OhappyHungary,ifsheletherself Bewrongednofarther!andNavarrethehappy, Ifwiththehillsthatgirdhershebearmed! Andeachonemaybelievethatnow,ashansel Thereof,doNicosiaandFamagosta Lamentandragebecauseoftheirownbeast, Whofromtheothersflankdepartethnot.

430

TheDivineComedy Paradiso:CantoXX Whenhewhoalltheworldilluminates Outofourhemispheresofardescends Thatonallsidesthedaylightisconsumed, Theheaven,thaterstbyhimalonewaskindled, Dothsuddenlyrevealitselfagain Bymanylights,whereinisoneresplendent. Andcameintomymindthisactofheaven, Whentheensignoftheworldandofitsleaders Hadsilentintheblessedbeakbecome; Becausethoselivingluminariesall, Byfarmoreluminous,didsongsbegin Lapsingandfallingfrommymemory. OgentleLove,thatwithasmiledostcloakthee, Howardentinthosesparksdidstthouappear, Thathadthebreathaloneofholythoughts! Afterthepreciousandpellucidcrystals, WithwhichbegemmedthesixthlightIbeheld, Silenceimposedontheangelicbells, Iseemedtohearthemurmuringofariver Thatcleardescendethdownfromrocktorock, Showingtheaffluenceofitsmountaintop. Andasthesounduponthecithernsneck Takethitsform,andasuponthevent Ofrusticpipethewindthatentersit, Eventhus,relievedfromthedelayofwaiting, Thatmurmuringoftheeaglemountedup Alongitsneck,asifithadbeenhollow. Thereitbecameavoice,andissuedthence Fromoutitsbeak,insuchaformofwords AstheheartwaitedforwhereinIwrotethem.

431

TheDivineComedy Thepartinmewhichseesandbearsthesun Inmortaleagles,itbegantome, Nowfixedlymustneedsbelookedupon; ForofthefiresofwhichImakemyfigure, Thosewhencetheeyedothsparkleinmyhead Ofalltheirordersthesupremestare. Hewhoisshininginthemidstaspupil WasoncethesingeroftheHolySpirit, Whoborethearkfromcityuntocity; Nowknowethhethemeritofhissong, Insofaraseffectofhisowncounsel, Bytherewardwhichiscommensurate. Offive,thatmakeacircleformybrow, Hethatapproachethnearesttomybeak Didthepoorwidowforhersonconsole; Nowknowethhehowdearlyitdothcost NotfollowingChrist,bytheexperience Ofthissweetlifeandofitsopposite. Hewhocomesnextinthecircumference OfwhichIspeak,uponitshighestarc, Diddeathpostponebypenitencesincere; Nowknowethhethattheeternaljudgment Suffersnochange,albeitworthyprayer Makethbelowtomorrowoftoday. Thenextwhofollows,withthelawsandme, Underthegoodintentthatborebadfruit BecameaGreekbycedingtothepastor; Nowknowethhehowalltheilldeduced Fromhisgoodactionisnotharmfultohim, Althoughtheworldtherebymaybedestroyed. Andhe,whominthedownwardarcthouseest, Guglielmowas,whomthesamelanddeplores ThatweepethCharlesandFrederickyetalive;

432

TheDivineComedy Nowknowethhehowheavenenamouredis Withajustking;andintheoutwardshow Ofhiseffulgenceherevealsitstill. Whowouldbelieve,downintheerrantworld, ThateertheTrojanRipheusinthisround Couldbethefifthoneoftheholylights? Nowknowethheenoughofwhattheworld Hasnotthepowertoseeofgracedivine, Althoughhissightmaynotdiscernthebottom. Likeasalarkthatintheairexpatiates, Firstsingingandthensilentwithcontent Ofthelastsweetnessthatdothsatisfyher, Suchseemedtometheimageoftheimprint Oftheeternalpleasure,bywhosewill Dotheverythingbecomethethingitis. AndnotwithstandingtomydoubtIwas Asglassistothecolourthatinvestsit, Towaitthetimeinsilenceitendurednot, Butforthfromoutmymouth,Whatthingsarethese? Extortedwiththeforceofitsownweight; WhereatIsawgreatjoyofcoruscation. Thereafterwardwitheyestillmoreenkindled Theblessedstandardmadetomereply, Tokeepmenotinwondermentsuspended: Iseethatthoubelievestinthesethings BecauseIsaythem,butthouseestnothow; Sothat,althoughbelievedin,theyarehidden. Thoudoestashedothwhoathingbyname Wellapprehendeth,butitsquiddity Cannotperceive,unlessanothershowit.

433

TheDivineComedy Regnumcoelorumsufferethviolence Fromferventlove,andfromthatlivinghope ThatovercomeththeDivinevolition; Notintheguisethatmanoercomethman, Butconquersitbecauseitwillbeconquered, Andconqueredconquersbybenignity. Thefirstlifeoftheeyebrowandthefifth Causetheeastonishment,becausewiththem Thouseesttheregionoftheangelspainted. Theypassednotfromtheirbodies,asthouthinkest, Gentiles,butChristiansinthesteadfastfaith Offeetthatweretosufferandhadsuffered. ForonefromHell,wherenooneeerturnsback Untogoodwill,returneduntohisbones, Andthatoflivinghopewasthereward, Oflivinghope,thatplaceditsefficacy InprayerstoGodmadetoresuscitatehim, Sothattwerepossibletomovehiswill. TheglorioussoulconcerningwhichIspeak, Returningtotheflesh,wherebriefitsstay, BelievedinHimwhohadthepowertoaidit; And,inbelieving,kindledtosuchfire Ofgenuinelove,thatattheseconddeath Worthyitwastocomeuntothisjoy. Theotherone,throughgrace,thatfromsodeep Afountainwellsthatneverhaththeeye Ofanycreaturereacheditsprimalwave, Setallhislovebelowonrighteousness; WhereforefromgracetogracedidGodunclose Hiseyetoourredemptionyettobe, Whencehebelievedtherein,andsufferednot Fromthatdayforththestenchofpaganism, Andhereprovedthereforthefolkperverse.

434

TheDivineComedy ThoseMaidensthree,whomattherighthandwheel Thoudidstbehold,wereuntohimforbaptism Morethanathousandyearsbeforebaptizing. Othoupredestination,howremote Thyrootisfromtheaspectofallthose WhotheFirstCausedonotbeholdentire! Andyou,Omortals!holdyourselvesrestrained Injudging;forourselves,wholookonGod, Wedonotknowasyetalltheelect; Andsweettousissuchadeprivation, Becauseourgoodinthisgoodismadeperfect, ThatwhatsoeerGodwills,wealsowill. Afterthismannerbythatshapedivine, Tomakeclearinmemyshortsightedness, Wasgiventomeapleasantmedicine; Andasgoodsingeragoodlutanist Accompanieswithvibrationsofthechords, Wherebymorepleasantnessthesongacquires, So,whileitspake,doIrememberme ThatIbeheldbothofthoseblessedlights, Evenasthewinkingoftheeyesconcords, Movinguntothewordstheirlittleflames.

435

TheDivineComedy Paradiso:CantoXXI AlreadyonmyLadysfacemineeyes Againwerefastened,andwiththesemymind, Andfromallotherpurposewaswithdrawn; Andshesmilednot;butIfIweretosmile, Sheuntomebegan,thouwouldstbecome LikeSemele,whenshewasturnedtoashes. Becausemybeauty,thatalongthestairs Oftheeternalpalacemoreenkindles, Asthouhastseen,thefartherweascend, Ifitweretemperednot,issoresplendent Thatallthymortalpowerinitseffulgence Wouldseemaleafletthatthethundercrushes. Weareupliftedtotheseventhsplendour, ThatunderneaththeburningLionsbreast Nowradiatesdownwardmingledwithhispower. Fixindirectionofthineeyesthemind, Andmakeofthemamirrorforthefigure Thatinthismirrorshallappeartothee. Hewhocouldknowwhatwasthepasturage Mysighthadinthatblessedcountenance, WhenItransferredmetoanothercare, Wouldrecognizehowgratefulwastome Obedienceuntomycelestialescort, Bycounterpoisingonesidewiththeother. Withinthecrystalwhich,aroundtheworld Revolving,bearsthenameofitsdearleader, Underwhomeverywickednesslaydead, Colouredlikegold,onwhichthesunshinegleams, AstairwayIbeheldtosuchaheight Uplifted,thatmineeyepursueditnot.

436

TheDivineComedy LikewisebeheldIdownthestepsdescending Somanysplendours,thatIthoughteachlight Thatintheheavenappearswastherediffused. Andasaccordantwiththeirnaturalcustom Therookstogetheratthebreakofday Bestirthemselvestowarmtheirfeatherscold; Thensomeofthemflyoffwithoutreturn, Otherscomebacktowheretheystartedfrom, Andothers,wheelinground,stillkeepathome; Suchfashionitappearedtomewasthere Withinthesparklingthattogethercame, Assoonasonacertainstepitstruck, Andthatwhichnearestuntousremained Becamesoclear,thatinmythoughtIsaid, WellIperceivethelovethoushowestme; Butshe,fromwhomIwaitthehowandwhen Ofspeechandsilence,standethstill;whenceI AgainstdesiredowellifIasknot. Shethereupon,whosawmysilentness InthesightofHimwhoseetheverything, Saiduntome,Letloosethywarmdesire. AndIbegan:Nomeritofmyown Rendersmeworthyofresponsefromthee; Butforhersakewhograntethmetheasking, Thoublessedlifethatdostremainconcealed Inthybeatitude,makeknowntome Thecausewhichdraweththeesonearmyside; Andtellmewhyissilentinthiswheel ThedulcetsymphonyofParadise, Thatthroughtherestbelowsoundssodevoutly. Thouhastthyhearingmortalasthysight, Itanswermadetome;theysingnothere, ForthesamecausethatBeatricehasnotsmiled.

437

TheDivineComedy Thusfaradowntheholystairwayssteps HaveIdescendedbuttogivetheewelcome Withwords,andwiththelightthatmantlesme; Nordidmorelovecausemetobemoreready, Forloveasmuchandmoreupthereisburning, Asdoththeflamingmanifesttothee. Butthehighcharity,thatmakesusservants Prompttothecounselwhichcontrolstheworld, Allottethhere,evenasthoudostobserve. Iseefullwell,saidI,Osacredlamp! Howloveunfetteredinthiscourtsufficeth TofollowtheeternalProvidence; Butthisiswhatseemshardformetosee, Whereforepredestinatewastthoualone Untothisofficefromamongthyconsorts. NosoonerhadIcometothelastword, Thanofitsmiddlemadethelightacentre, Whirlingitselfaboutlikeaswiftmillstone. Whenanswermadethelovethatwastherein: Onmedirectedisalightdivine, PiercingthroughthisinwhichIamembosomed, Ofwhichthevirtuewithmysightconjoined Liftsmeabovemyselfsofar,Isee Thesupremeessencefromwhichthisisdrawn. HencecomesthejoyfulnesswithwhichIflame, Fortomysight,asfarasitisclear, TheclearnessoftheflameIequalmake. Butthatsoulintheheavenwhichismostpure, ThatseraphwhichhiseyeonGodmostfixes, Couldthisdemandofthinenotsatisfy;

438

TheDivineComedy Becausesodeeplysinksintheabyss Oftheeternalstatutewhatthouaskest, Fromallcreatedsightitiscutoff. Andtothemortalworld,whenthoureturnest, Thiscarryback,thatitmaynotpresume Longertowrdsuchagoaltomoveitsfeet. Themind,thatshinethhere,onearthdothsmoke; Fromthisobservehowcanitdobelow Thatwhichitcannotthoughtheheavenassumeit? Suchlimitdiditswordsprescribetome, ThequestionIrelinquished,andrestricted Myselftoaskithumblywhoitwas. BetweentwoshoresofItalyrisecliffs, Andnotfardistantfromthynativeplace, Sohigh,thethundersfarbelowthemsound, AndformaridgethatCatriaiscalled, Neathwhichisconsecrateahermitage Wonttobededicatetoworshiponly. Thusuntomethethirdspeechrecommenced, Andthen,continuing,itsaid:Therein UntoGodsserviceIbecamesosteadfast, Thatfeedingonlyonthejuiceofolives LightlyIpassedawaytheheatsandfrosts, Contentedinmythoughtscontemplative. Thatcloisterusedtorendertotheseheavens Abundantly,andnowisemptygrown, Sothatperforceitsoonmustberevealed. IinthatplacewasPeterDamiano; AndPetertheSinnerwasIinthehouse OfOurLadyontheAdriaticshore. Littleofmortalliferemainedtome, WhenIwascalledanddraggedforthtothehat Whichshiftethevermorefrombadtoworse.

439

TheDivineComedy CameCephas,andthemightyVesselcame OftheHolySpirit,meagreandbarefooted, Takingthefoodofanyhostelry. Nowsomeonetosupportthemoneachside Themodernshepherdsneed,andsometoleadthem, Soheavyarethey,andtoholdtheirtrains. Theycoveruptheirpalfreyswiththeircloaks, Sothattwobeastsgounderneathoneskin; OPatience,thatdosttoleratesomuch! AtthisvoicesawImanylittleflames Fromsteptostepdescendingandrevolving, Andeveryrevolutionmadethemfairer. Roundaboutthisonecametheyandstoodstill, Andacryutteredofsoloudasound, Itherecouldfindnoparallel,norI Distinguishedit,thethundersooercameme.

440

TheDivineComedy Paradiso:CantoXXII Oppressedwithstupor,Iuntomyguide Turnedlikealittlechildwhoalwaysruns Forrefugetherewhereheconfidethmost; Andshe,evenasamotherwhostraightway Givescomforttoherpaleandbreathlessboy Withvoicewhosewontitistoreassurehim, Saidtome:Knowestthounotthouartinheaven, Andknowestthounotthatheavenisholyall Andwhatisdoneherecomethfromgoodzeal? Afterwhatwisethesingingwouldhavechangedthee AndIbysmiling,thoucanstnowimagine, Sincethatthecryhasstartledtheesomuch, Inwhichifthouhadstunderstooditsprayers Alreadywouldbeknowntotheethevengeance Whichthoushaltlookuponbeforethoudiest. Theswordaboveheresmitethnotinhaste Nortardily,howeeritseemtohim Whofearingordesiringwaitsforit. Butturntheeroundtowardstheothersnow, Forveryillustriousspiritsshaltthousee, IfthouthysightdirectestasIsay. AsitseemedgoodtohermineeyesIturned, Andsawahundredspherulesthattogether Withmutualrayseachothermoreembellished. Istoodasonewhoinhimselfrepresses Thepointofhisdesire,andventuresnot Toquestion,hesofeareththetoomuch. Andnowthelargestandmostluculent Amongthosepearlscameforward,thatitmight Makemydesireconcerningitcontent.

441

TheDivineComedy WithinitthenIheard:Ifthoucouldstsee Evenasmyselfthecharitythatburns Amongus,thyconceitswouldbeexpressed; But,thatbywaitingthoumaystnotcomelate Tothehighend,Iwillmakeanswereven Untothethoughtofwhichthouartsochary. ThatmountainonwhoseslopeCassinostands Wasfrequentedofolduponitssummit Byadeludedfolkandilldisposed; AndIamhewhofirstupthitherbore ThenameofHimwhobroughtupontheearth Thetruththatsomuchsublimatethus. Andsuchabundantgraceuponmeshone ThatalltheneighbouringtownsIdrewaway Fromtheimpiousworshipthatseducedtheworld. Theseotherfires,eachoneofthem,weremen Contemplative,enkindledbythatheat Whichmakethholyflowersandfruitsspringup. HereisMacarius,hereisRomualdus, Herearemybrethren,whowithinthecloisters Theirfootstepsstayedandkeptasteadfastheart. AndItohim:Theaffectionwhichthoushowest Speakingwithme,andthegoodcountenance WhichIbeholdandnoteinallyourardours, Inmehavesomyconfidencedilated Asthesundoththerose,whenitbecomes Asfarunfoldedasithaththepower. ThereforeIpray,andthouassureme,father, IfImaysomuchgracereceive,thatI Maytheebeholdwithcountenanceunveiled. Hethereupon:Brother,thyhighdesire Intheremotestsphereshallbefulfilled, Wherearefulfilledallothersandmyown.

442

TheDivineComedy Thereperfectis,andripened,andcomplete, Everydesire;withinthatonealone Iseverypartwhereithasalwaysbeen; Foritisnotinspace,norturnsonpoles, Anduntoitourstairwayreachesup, Whencethusfromoutthysightitstealsaway. UptothatheightthePatriarchJacobsawit Extendingitssupernalpart,whattime Sothrongedwithangelsitappearedtohim. Buttoascenditnownooneuplifts Hisfeetfromofftheearth,andnowmyRule Belowremainethformerewasteofpaper. ThewallsthatusedofoldtobeanAbbey Arechangedtodensofrobbers,andthecowls Aresacksfilledfullofmiserableflour. Butheavyusuryisnottakenup SomuchagainstGodspleasureasthatfruit Whichmakethsoinsanetheheartofmonks; ForwhatsoeverhaththeChurchinkeeping IsforthefolkthataskitinGodsname, Notforoneskindredorforsomethingworse. Thefleshofmortalsissoverysoft, Thatgoodbeginningsdownbelowsufficenot Fromspringingoftheoaktobearingacorns. Peterbeganwithneithergoldnorsilver, AndIwithorisonandabstinence, AndFranciswithhumilityhisconvent. Andifthoulookestateachonesbeginning, Andthenregardestwhitherhehasrun, Thoushaltbeholdthewhitechangedintobrown.

443

TheDivineComedy InveritytheJordanbackwardturned, Andtheseasfleeing,whenGodwilledweremore Awondertobehold,thansuccourhere. Thusuntomehesaid;andthenwithdrew Tohisownband,andthebandclosedtogether; Thenlikeawhirlwindallwasupwardrapt. ThegentleLadyurgedmeonbehindthem Upoerthatstairwaybyasinglesign, Sodidhervirtueovercomemynature; Norherebelow,whereonegoesupanddown Bynaturallaw,wasmotioneersoswift Thatitcouldbecompareduntomywing. Reader,asImayuntothatdevout Triumphreturn,onwhoseaccountIoften Formytransgressionsweepandbeatmybreast, Thouhadstnotthrustthyfingerinthefire Anddrawnitoutagain,beforeIsaw ThesignthatfollowsTaurus,andwasinit. Ogloriousstars,Olightimpregnated Withmightyvirtue,fromwhichIacknowledge Allofmygenius,whatsoeeritbe, Withyouwasborn,andhidhimselfwithyou, Hewhoisfatherofallmortallife, WhenfirstItastedoftheTuscanair; Andthenwhengracewasfreelygiventome Toenterthehighwheelwhichturnsyouround, Yourregionwasallotteduntome. Toyoudevoutlyatthishourmysoul Issighing,thatitvirtuemayacquire Forthesternpassthatdrawsittoitself. Thouartsonearuntothelastsalvation, ThusBeatricebegan,thououghtestnow Tohavethineevesuncloudedandacute;

444

TheDivineComedy Andtherefore,erethouenterfartherin, Lookdownoncemore,andseehowvastaworld Thouhastalreadyputbeneaththyfeet; Sothatthyheart,asjocundasitmay, Presentitselftothetriumphantthrong Thatcomesrejoicingthroughthisroundedether. Iwithmysightreturnedthroughoneandall Thesevenfoldspheres,andIbeheldthisglobe SuchthatIsmiledatitsignoblesemblance; AndthatopinionIapproveasbest Whichdothaccountitleast;andhewhothinks Ofsomethingelsemaytrulybecalledjust. IsawthedaughterofLatonashining Withoutthatshadow,whichtomewascause ThatonceIhadbelievedherrareanddense. Theaspectofthyson,Hyperion, HereIsustained,andsawhowmovethemselves AroundandnearhimMaiaandDione. ThencethereappearedthetemperatenessofJove Twixtsonandfather,andtomewasclear Thechangethatoftheirwhereabouttheymake; Andallthesevenmademanifesttome Howgreattheyare,andekehowswifttheyare, Andhowtheyareindistanthabitations. Thethreshingfloorthatmakethussoproud, TomerevolvingwiththeeternalTwins, Wasallapparentmadefromhilltoharbour! ThentothebeauteouseyesmineeyesIturned.

445

TheDivineComedy Paradiso:CantoXXIII Evenasabird,midthebelovedleaves, Quietuponthenestofhersweetbrood Throughoutthenight,thathidethallthingsfromus, Who,thatshemaybeholdtheirlongedforlooks Andfindthefoodwherewithtonourishthem, Inwhich,toher,gravelaboursgratefulare, Anticipatesthetimeonopenspray Andwithanardentlongingwaitsthesun, Gazingintentassoonasbreaksthedawn: EventhusmyLadystandingwas,erect Andvigilant,turnedroundtowardsthezone Underneathwhichthesundisplayslesshaste; Sothatbeholdingherdistraughtandwistful, SuchIbecameasheiswhodesiring Forsomethingyearns,andhopingisappeased. ButbriefthespacefromoneWhentotheother; Ofmyawaiting,sayI,andtheseeing Thewelkingrowresplendentmoreandmore. AndBeatriceexclaimed:Beholdthehosts OfChriststriumphalmarch,andallthefruit Harvestedbytherollingofthesespheres! Itseemedtomeherfacewasallaflame; Andeyesshehadsofullofecstasy ThatImustneedspassonwithoutdescribing. Aswheninnightssereneofthefullmoon SmilesTriviaamongthenymphseternal Whopaintthefirmamentthroughallitsgulfs, SawI,abovethemyriadsoflamps, ASunthatoneandallofthemenkindled, Eenasourowndoththesupernalsights,

446

TheDivineComedy Andthroughthelivinglighttransparentshone Thelucentsubstancesointenselyclear Intomysight,thatIsustaineditnot. OBeatrice,thougentleguideanddear! Tomeshesaid:Whatovermastersthee Avirtueisfromwhichnaughtshieldsitself. Therearethewisdomandtheomnipotence Thatopedthethoroughfarestwixtheavenandearth, Forwhichthereersthadbeensolongayearning. Asfirefromoutacloudunlocksitself, Dilatingsoitfindsnotroomtherein, Anddown,againstitsnature,fallstoearth, Sodidmymind,amongthosealiments Becominglarger,issuefromitself, Andthatwhichitbecamecannotremember. Openthineeyes,andlookatwhatIam: Thouhastbeheldsuchthings,thatstrongenough Hastthoubecometotoleratemysmile. Iwasasonewhostillretainsthefeeling Ofaforgottenvision,andendeavours Invaintobringitbackintohismind, WhenIthisinvitationheard,deserving Ofsomuchgratitude,itneverfades Outofthebookthatchroniclesthepast. Ifatthismomentsoundedallthetongues ThatPolyhymniaandhersistersmade Mostlubricalwiththeirdeliciousmilk, Toaidme,toathousandthofthetruth Itwouldnotreach,singingtheholysmile Andhowtheholyaspectitillumed. Andtherefore,representingParadise, Thesacredpoemmustperforceleapover, Evenasamanwhofindshiswaycutoff;

447

TheDivineComedy Butwhosothinkethoftheponderoustheme, Andofthemortalshoulderladenwithit, Shouldblameitnot,ifunderthisittremble. Itisnopassageforalittleboat Thiswhichgoescleavingtheaudaciousprow, Norforapilotwhowouldsparehimself. Whydothmyfacesomuchenamourthee, Thattothegardenfairthouturnestnot, WhichundertheraysofChristisblossoming? ThereistheRoseinwhichtheWordDivine Becameincarnate;theretheliliesare Bywhoseperfumethegoodwaywasdiscovered. ThusBeatrice;andI,whotohercounsels Waswhollyready,onceagainbetookme Untothebattleofthefeeblebrows. Asinthesunshine,thatunsulliedstreams Throughfracturedcloud,erenowameadowofflowers Mineeyeswithshadowcoveredoerhaveseen, SotroopsofsplendoursmanifoldIsaw Illuminedfromabovewithburningrays, Beholdingnotthesourceoftheeffulgence. Opowerbenignantthatdostsoimprintthem! Thoudidstexaltthyselftogivemorescope Theretomineeyes,thatwerenotstrongenough. ThenameofthatfairflowerIeerinvoke Morningandeveningutterlyenthralled Mysoultogazeuponthegreaterfire. Andwheninbothmineeyesdepictedwere Thegloryandgreatnessofthelivingstar Whichthereexcelleth,asithereexcelled,

448

TheDivineComedy Athwarttheheavensalittletorchdescended Formedinacirclelikeacoronal, Andcincturedit,andwhirleditselfaboutit. Whatevermelodymostsweetlysoundeth Onearth,andtoitselfmostdrawsthesoul, Wouldseemacloudthat,rentasunder,thunders, Compareduntothesoundingofthatlyre Wherewithwascrownedthesapphirebeautiful, Whichgivestheclearestheavenitssapphirehue. IamAngelicLove,thatcircleround Thejoysublimewhichbreathesfromoutthewomb ThatwasthehostelryofourDesire; AndIshallcircle,LadyofHeaven,while ThoufollowestthySon,andmakstdiviner Thespheresupreme,becausethouenterestthere. Thusdidthecirculatedmelody Sealitselfup;andalltheotherlights WeremakingtoresoundthenameofMary. Theregalmantleofthevolumesall Ofthatworld,whichmostfervidisandliving WithbreathofGodandwithhisworksandways, Extendedoverusitsinnerborder, Soverydistant,thatthesemblanceofit TherewhereIwasnotyetappearedtome. Thereforemineeyesdidnotpossessthepower Offollowingtheincoronatedflame, Whichmountedupwardneartoitsownseed. Andasalittlechild,thattowardsitsmother Stretchesitsarms,whenitthemilkhastaken, Throughimpulsekindledintooutwardflame, Eachofthosegleamsofwhitenessupwardreached Sowithitssummit,thatthedeepaffection TheyhadforMarywasrevealedtome.

449

TheDivineComedy Thereaftertheyremainedthereinmysight, Reginacoelisingingwithsuchsweetness, Thatneerfrommehasthedelightdeparted. O,whatexuberanceisgarneredup Withinthoserichestcoffers,whichhadbeen Goodhusbandmenforsowingherebelow! Theretheyenjoyandliveuponthetreasure Whichwasacquiredwhileweepingintheexile OfBabylon,whereinthegoldwasleft. Theretriumpheth,beneaththeexaltedSon OfGodandMary,inhisvictory, Bothwiththeancientcouncilandthenew, Hewhodothkeepthekeysofsuchaglory.

450

TheDivineComedy Paradiso:CantoXXIV Ocompanyelecttothegreatsupper OftheLambbenedight,whofeedethyou Sothatforeverfullisyourdesire, IfbythegraceofGodthismanforetaste Somethingofthatwhichfallethfromyourtable, Oreverdeathprescribetohimthetime, Directyourmindtohisimmensedesire, Andhimsomewhatbedew;yedrinkingare Foreveratthefountwhencecomeshisthought. ThusBeatrice;andthosesoulsbeatified Transformedthemselvestospheresonsteadfastpoles, Flamingintenselyintheguiseofcomets. Andasthewheelsinworksofhorologes Revolvesothatthefirsttothebeholder Motionlessseems,andthelastonetofly, Soinlikemannerdidthosecarols,dancing Indifferentmeasure,oftheiraffluence Givemethegauge,astheywereswiftorslow. FromthatonewhichInotedofmostbeauty BeheldIissueforthafiresohappy Thatnoneitleftthereofagreaterbrightness; AndaroundBeatricethreeseveraltimes Itwhirleditselfwithsodivineasong, Myfantasyrepeatsitnottome; Thereforethepenskips,andIwriteitnot, Sinceourimaginationforsuchfolds, Muchmoreourspeech,isofatinttooglaring. Oholysistermine,whousimplorest Withsuchdevotion,bythineardentlove Thoudostunbindmefromthatbeautifulsphere!

451

TheDivineComedy Thereafter,havingstopped,theblessedfire UntomyLadydiddirectitsbreath, WhichspakeinfashionasIherehavesaid. Andshe:Olighteterneofthegreatman TowhomourLorddeliveredupthekeys Hecarrieddownofthismiraculousjoy, Thisoneexamineonpointslightandgrave, Asgoodbeseemeththee,abouttheFaith Bymeansofwhichthouontheseadidstwalk. Ifhelovewell,andhopewell,andbelieve, Fromtheetishidnot;forthouhastthysight Therewheredepictedeverythingisseen. Butsincethiskingdomhasmadecitizens BymeansofthetrueFaith,toglorifyit Tiswellhehavethechancetospeakthereof. Asbaccalaureatearmshimself,andspeaksnot Untilthemasterdothproposethequestion, Toargueit,andnottoterminateit, SodidIarmmyselfwitheveryreason, Whileshewasspeaking,thatImightbeready Forsuchaquestionerandsuchprofession. Say,thougoodChristian;manifestthyself; WhatistheFaith?WhereatIraisedmybrow Untothatlightwherefromwasthisbreathedforth. ThenturnedIroundtoBeatrice,andshe PromptsignalsmadetomethatIshouldpour Thewaterforthfrommyinternalfountain. Maygrace,thatsuffersmetomakeconfession, BeganI,tothegreatcenturion, Causemyconceptionsalltobeexplicit! AndIcontinued:Asthetruthfulpen, Father,ofthydearbrotherwroteofit, WhoputwiththeeRomeintothegoodway,

452

TheDivineComedy Faithisthesubstanceofthethingswehopefor, Andevidenceofthosethatarenotseen; Andthisappearstomeitsquiddity. ThenheardI:Veryrightlythouperceivest, Ifwellthouunderstandestwhyheplacedit Withsubstancesandthenwithevidences. AndIthereafterward:Thethingsprofound, Thatherevouchsafetometheirapparition, Untoalleyesbelowaresoconcealed, Thattheyexistthereonlyinbelief, Uponthewhichisfoundedthehighhope, Andhenceittakesthenatureofasubstance. Anditbehovethusfromthisbelief Toreasonwithouthavingothersight, Andhenceithasthenatureofevidence. ThenheardI:Ifwhateverisacquired Belowbydoctrinewerethusunderstood, Nosophistssubtletywouldtherefindplace. Thuswasbreathedforthfromthatenkindledlove; Thenadded:Verywellhasbeengoneover Alreadyofthiscointhealloyandweight; Buttellmeifthouhastitinthypurse? AndI:Yes,bothsoshiningandsoround Thatinitsstampthereisnoperadventure. Thereafterissuedfromthelightprofound Thatthereresplendentwas:Thispreciousjewel, Uponthewhichiseveryvirtuefounded, Whencehadstthouit?AndI:Thelargeoutpouring OfHolySpirit,whichhasbeendiffused Upontheancientparchmentsandthenew,

453

TheDivineComedy Asyllogismis,whichprovedittome Withsuchacuteness,that,comparedtherewith, Alldemonstrationseemstomeobtuse. AndthenIheard:Theancientandthenew Postulates,thattotheearesoconclusive, Whydostthoutakethemfortheworddivine? AndI:Theproofs,whichshowthetruthtome, Aretheworkssubsequent,whereuntoNature Neerheatedironyet,noranvilbeat. Twasansweredme:Say,whoassureththee Thatthoseworkseverwere?thethingitself Thatmustbeproved,noughtelsetotheeaffirmsit. WeretheworldtoChristianityconverted, Isaid,withoutenmiracles,thisone Issuch,therestarenotitshundredthpart; Becausethatpoorandfastingthoudidstenter Intothefieldtosowtherethegoodplant, Whichwasavineandhasbecomeathorn! Thisbeingfinished,thehigh,holyCourt Resoundedthroughthespheres,OneGodwepraise! Inmelodythatthereaboveischanted. AndthenthatBaron,whofrombranchtobranch, Examining,hadthusconductedme, Tilltheextremestleaveswewereapproaching, Againbegan:TheGracethatdallying Playswiththineintellectthymouthhasopened, Uptothispoint,asitshouldopenedbe, SothatIdoapprovewhatforthemerged; Butnowthoumustexpresswhatthoubelievest, Andwhencetothybeliefitwaspresented. Oholyfather,spiritwhobeholdest Whatthoubelievedstsothatthouoercamest, Towardsthesepulchre,moreyouthfulfeet,

454

TheDivineComedy BeganI,thoudostwishmeinthisplace Theformtomanifestofmypromptbelief, Andlikewisethouthecausethereofdemandest. AndIrespond:InoneGodIbelieve, Soleandeterne,whomovethalltheheavens Withloveandwithdesire,himselfunmoved; AndofsuchfaithnotonlyhaveIproofs Physicalandmetaphysical,butgivesthem Likewisethetruththatfromthisplacerainsdown ThroughMoses,throughtheProphetsandthePsalms, ThroughtheEvangel,andthroughyou,whowrote AfterthefierySpiritsanctifiedyou; InPersonsthreeeternebelieve,andthese OneessenceIbelieve,sooneandtrine Theybearconjunctionbothwithsuntandest. Withtheprofoundconditionanddivine WhichnowItouchupon,dothstampmymind Ofttimesthedoctrineevangelical. Thisthebeginningis,thisisthespark Whichafterwardsdilatestovividflame, And,likeastarinheaven,issparklinginme. Evenasalordwhohearswhatpleasethhim Hisservantstraightembraces,gratulating Forthegoodnewsassoonasheissilent; So,givingmeitsbenediction,singing, Threetimesencircledme,whenIwassilent, Theapostoliclight,atwhosecommand Ispokenhad,inspeakingIsopleasedhim.

455

TheDivineComedy Paradiso:CantoXXV IfeerithappenthatthePoemSacred, Towhichbothheavenandearthhavesettheirhand, Sothatitmanyayearhathmademelean, Oercomethecrueltythatbarsmeout Fromthefairsheepfold,wherealambIslumbered, Anenemytothewolvesthatwaruponit, Withothervoiceforthwith,withotherfleece PoetwillIreturn,andatmyfont BaptismalwillItakethelaurelcrown; BecauseintotheFaiththatmakethknown AllsoulstoGodthereenteredI,andthen Peterforhersakethusmybrowencircled. Thereafterwardtowardsusmovedalight Outofthatbandwhenceissuedthefirstfruits WhichofhisvicarsChristbehindhimleft, AndthenmyLady,fullofecstasy, Saiduntome:Look,look!beholdtheBaron ForwhombelowGaliciaisfrequented. Inthesamewayas,whenadovealights Nearhiscompanion,bothofthempourforth, Circlingaboutandmurmuring,theiraffection, SoonebeheldIbytheothergrand Princeglorifiedtobewithwelcomegreeted, Laudingthefoodthatthereaboveiseaten. Butwhentheirgratulationswerecomplete, Silentlycorammeeachonestoodstill, Soincandescentitoercamemysight. Smilingthereafterwards,saidBeatrice: Illustriouslife,bywhomthebenefactions OfourBasilicahavebeendescribed,

456

TheDivineComedy MakeHoperesoundwithinthisaltitude; Thouknowestasoftthoudostpersonifyit AsJesustothethreegavegreaterclearness. Liftupthyhead,andmakethyselfassured; Forwhatcomeshitherfromthemortalworld Mustneedsberipenedinourradiance. Thiscomfortcametomefromthesecondfire; WhereforemineeyesIliftedtothehills, Whichbentthemdownbeforewithtoogreatweight. Since,throughhisgrace,ourEmperorwillsthatthou Shouldstfindtheefacetoface,beforethydeath, Inthemostsecretchamber,withhisCounts, Sothat,thetruthbeholdenofthiscourt, Hope,whichbelowthererightfullyenamours, Therebythoustrengtheninthyselfandothers, Saywhatitis,andhowisfloweringwithit Thymind,andsayfromwhenceitcametothee. Thusdidthesecondlightagaincontinue. AndtheCompassionate,whopiloted Theplumageofmywingsinsuchhighflight, Didinreplyanticipatemethus: NochildwhatevertheChurchMilitant Ofgreaterhopepossesses,asiswritten InthatSunwhichirradiatesallourband; ThereforeitisconcededhimfromEgypt TocomeintoJerusalemtosee, Oreveryethiswarfarebecompleted. Thetworemainingpoints,thatnotforknowledge Havebeendemanded,butthathereport Howmuchthisvirtueuntotheeispleasing, TohimIleave;forhardhewillnotfindthem, Norofselfpraise;andlethimanswerthem; AndmaythegraceofGodinthisassisthim!

457

TheDivineComedy Asadisciple,whohisteacherfollows, Readyandwilling,whereheisexpert, Thathisproficiencymaybedisplayed, Hope,saidI,isthecertainexpectation Offutureglory,whichistheeffect Ofgracedivineandmeritprecedent. Frommanystarsthislightcomesuntome; Butheinstilleditfirstintomyheart Whowaschiefsingeruntothechiefcaptain. Sperentinte,inthehighTheody Hesayeth,thosewhoknowthyname;andwho Knowethitnot,ifhemyfaithpossess? Thoudidstinstilme,then,withhisinstilling IntheEpistle,sothatIamfull, Anduponothersrainagainyourrain. WhileIwasspeaking,inthelivingbosom Ofthatcombustionquiveredaneffulgence, Suddenandfrequent,intheguiseoflightning; Thenbreathed:ThelovewherewithIaminflamed Towardsthevirtuestillwhichfollowedme Untothepalmandissueofthefield, WillsthatIbreathetotheethatthoudelight Inher;andgratefultomeisthytelling WhateverthingsHopepromisestothee. AndI:TheancientScripturesandthenew Themarkestablish,andthisshowsitme, OfallthesoulswhomGodhathmadehisfriends. Isaiahsaith,thateachonegarmented Inhisownlandshallbewithtwofoldgarments, Andhisownlandisthisdelightfullife.

458

TheDivineComedy Thybrother,too,farmoreexplicitly, Therewherehetreatethoftherobesofwhite, Thisrevelationmanifeststous. Andfirst,andneartheendingofthesewords, Sperentintefromoveruswasheard, Towhichresponsiveansweredallthecarols. Thereafterwardalightamongthembrightened, Sothat,ifCanceronesuchcrystalhad, Winterwouldhaveamonthofonesoleday. Andasuprises,goes,andentersthedance Awinsomemaiden,onlytodohonour Tothenewbride,andnotfromanyfailing, EventhusdidIbeholdthebrightenedsplendour Approachthetwo,whoinawheelrevolved Aswasbeseemingtotheirardentlove. Intothesongandmusicthereitentered; AndfixedonthemmyLadykeptherlook, Evenasabridesilentandmotionless. Thisistheonewholayuponthebreast OfhimourPelican;andthisishe Tothegreatofficefromthecrosselected. MyLadythus;butthereforenonethemore Didmovehersightfromitsattentivegaze Beforeorafterwardthesewordsofhers. Evenasamanwhogazes,andendeavours Toseetheeclipsingofthesunalittle, Andwho,byseeing,sightlessdothbecome, SoIbecamebeforethatlatestfire, Whileitwassaid,Whydostthoudazethyself Toseeathingwhichherehathnoexistence? Earthintheearthmybodyis,andshallbe Withalltheothersthere,untilournumber Withtheeternalpropositiontallies.

459

TheDivineComedy Withthetwogarmentsintheblessedcloister Arethetwolightsalonethathaveascended: Andthisshaltthoutakebackintoyourworld. Andatthisutterancetheflamingcircle Grewquiet,withthedulcetintermingling Ofsoundthatbythetrinalbreathwasmade, Astoescapefromdangerorfatigue Theoarsthaterstwereinthewaterbeaten Areallsuspendedatawhistlessound. Ah,howmuchinmymindwasIdisturbed, WhenIturnedroundtolookonBeatrice, ThatherIcouldnotsee,althoughIwas CloseathersideandintheHappyWorld!

460

TheDivineComedy Paradiso:CantoXXVI WhileIwasdoubtingformyvisionquenched, Outoftheflamerefulgentthathadquenchedit Issuedabreathing,thatattentivemademe, Saying:Whilethourecoverestthesense Ofseeingwhichinmethouhastconsumed, Tiswellthatspeakingthoushouldstcompensateit. Beginthen,anddeclaretowhatthysoul Isaimed,andcountitforacertainty, Sightisintheebewilderedandnotdead; BecausetheLady,whothroughthisdivine Regionconducteththee,hasinherlook ThepowerthehandofAnaniashad. Isaid:Aspleasethher,orsoonorlate Letthecurecometoeyesthatportalswere WhenshewithfireIeverburnwithentered. TheGood,thatgivescontentmenttothisCourt, TheAlphaandOmegaisofall Thewritingthatlovereadsmeloworloud. Theselfsamevoice,thattakenhadfromme Theterrorofthesuddendazzlement, Tospeakstillfartherputitinmythought; Andsaid:Inveritywithfinersieve Behoveththeetosift;theeitbehoveth Tosaywhoaimedthybowatsuchatarget. AndI:Byphilosophicarguments, Andbyauthoritythathencedescends, Suchlovemustneedsimprintitselfinme; ForGood,sofarasgood,whencomprehended Dothstraightenkindlelove,andsomuchgreater Asmoreofgoodnessinitselfitholds;

461

TheDivineComedy ThentothatEssence(whoseissuchadvantage Thateverygoodwhichoutofitisfound Isnothingbutarayofitsownlight) Morethanelsewhithermustthemindbemoved Ofeveryone,inloving,whodiscerns Thetruthinwhichthisevidenceisfounded. Suchtruthhetomyintellectreveals Whodemonstratestometheprimallove Ofallthesempiternalsubstances. ThevoicerevealsitofthetruthfulAuthor, WhosaystoMoses,speakingofHimself, Iwillmakeallmygoodnesspassbeforethee. Thoutoorevealestittome,beginning TheloudEvangel,thatproclaimsthesecret Ofheaventoearthaboveallotheredict. AndIheardsay:Byhumanintellect Andbyauthorityconcordantwithit, OfallthylovesreserveforGodthehighest. Butsayagainifothercordsthoufeelest, DrawtheetowardsHim,thatthoumaystproclaim Withhowmanyteeththisloveisbitingthee. TheholypurposeoftheEagleofChrist Notlatentwas,nay,ratherIperceived Whitherhefainwouldmyprofessionlead. ThereforeIrecommenced:Allofthosebites WhichhavethepowertoturnthehearttoGod Untomycharityhavebeenconcurrent. Thebeingoftheworld,andmyownbeing, ThedeathwhichHeenduredthatImaylive, Andthatwhichallthefaithfulhope,asIdo, Withtheforementionedvividconsciousness Havedrawnmefromtheseaofloveperverse, Andoftherighthaveplacedmeontheshore.

462

TheDivineComedy Theleaves,wherewithemboweredisallthegarden OftheEternalGardener,doIlove Asmuchashehasgrantedthemofgood. AssoonasIhadceased,asongmostsweet Throughouttheheavenresounded,andmyLady Saidwiththeothers,Holy,holy,holy! Andasatsomekeenlightonewakesfromsleep Byreasonofthevisualspiritthatruns Untothesplendourpassedfromcoattocoat, Andhewhowakesabhorrethwhathesees, Soallunconsciousishissuddenwaking, Untilthejudgmentcomethtohisaid, SofrombeforemineeyesdidBeatrice Chaseeverymotewithradianceofherown, Thatcastitslightathousandmilesandmore. WhencebetterafterthanbeforeIsaw, AndinakindofwondermentIasked AboutafourthlightthatIsawwithus. AndsaidmyLady:Therewithinthoserays GazesuponitsMakerthefirstsoul Thateverthefirstvirtuedidcreate. Evenastheboughthatdownwardbendsitstop Attransitofthewind,andthenislifted Byitsownvirtue,whichinclinesitupward, LikewisedidI,thewhilethatshewasspeaking, Beingamazed,andthenIwasmadebold ByadesiretospeakwherewithIburned. AndIbegan:Oapple,thatmature Alonehastbeenproduced,Oancientfather, Towhomeachwifeisdaughteranddaughterinlaw,

463

TheDivineComedy DevoutlyasIcanIsupplicatethee Thatthouwouldstspeaktome;thouseestmywish; AndI,toheartheequickly,speakitnot. Sometimesananimal,whencovered,struggles Sothathisimpulseneedsmustbeapparent, Byreasonofthewrappagefollowingit; Andinlikemannertheprimevalsoul Madecleartomeathwartitscovering Howjubilantitwastogivemepleasure. Thenbreathed:Withoutthyutteringittome, ThineinclinationbetterIdiscern Thanthouwhateverthingissuresttothee; ForIbeholditinthetruthfulmirror, ThatofHimselfallthingsparhelionmakes, AndnonemakesHimparhelionofitself. ThoufainwouldsthearhowlongagoGodplacedme Withintheloftygarden,wherethisLady Untosolongastairwaytheedisposed. Andhowlongtomineeyesitwasapleasure, Andofthegreatdisdainthepropercause, AndthelanguagethatIusedandthatImade. Now,sonofmine,thetastingofthetree Notinitselfwascauseofsogreatexile, Butsolelytheoersteppingofthebounds. There,whencethyLadymovedVirgilius, Fourthousandandthreehundredandtwocircuits Madebythesun,thisCouncilIdesired; AndhimIsawreturntoallthelights Ofhishighwayninehundredtimesandthirty, WhilstIupontheearthwastarrying. ThelanguagethatIspakewasquiteextinct Beforethatintheworkinterminable ThepeopleunderNimrodwereemployed;

464

TheDivineComedy Fornevermoreresultofreasoning (Becauseofhumanpleasurethatdothchange, Obedienttotheheavens)wasdurable. Anaturalactionisitthatmanspeaks; Butwhetherthusorthus,dothnatureleave Toyourownart,asseemethbesttoyou. EreIdescendedtotheinfernalanguish, ElwasonearththenameoftheChiefGood, Fromwhomcomesallthejoythatwrapsmeround Elihethenwascalled,andthatisproper, Becausetheuseofmenislikealeaf Onbough,whichgoethandanothercometh. Uponthemountthathighestoerthewave RiseswasI,inlifeorpureorsinful, Fromthefirsthourtothatwhichisthesecond, Asthesunchangesquadrant,tothesixth.

465

TheDivineComedy Paradiso:CantoXXVII GlorybetotheFather,totheSon, AndHolyGhost!allParadisebegan, Sothatthemelodyinebriatemademe. WhatIbeheldseemeduntomeasmile Oftheuniverse;formyinebriation Foundentrancethroughthehearingandthesight. Ojoy!Ogladnessinexpressible! Operfectlifeofloveandpeacefulness! Oricheswithouthankeringsecure! Beforemineeyeswerestandingthefourtorches Enkindled,andtheonethatfirsthadcome Begantomakeitselfmoreluminous; Andevensuchinsemblanceitbecame AsJupiterwouldbecome,ifheandMars Werebirds,andtheyshouldinterchangetheirfeathers. ThatProvidence,whichheredistributeth Seasonandservice,intheblessedchoir Hadsilenceuponeverysideimposed. WhenIheardsay:IfImycolourchange, Marvelnotatit;forwhileIamspeaking Thoushaltbeholdallthesetheircolourchange. Hewhousurpsupontheearthmyplace, Myplace,myplace,whichvacanthasbecome BeforethepresenceoftheSonofGod, Hasofmycemeterymadeasewer Ofbloodandstench,wherebythePerverseOne, Whofellfromhere,belowthereisappeased! Withthesamecolourwhich,throughsunadverse, Painteththecloudsateveningoratmorn, BeheldIthenthewholeofheavensuffused.

466

TheDivineComedy Andasamodestwoman,whoabides Sureofherself,andatanothersfailing, Fromlisteningonly,timorousbecomes, EventhusdidBeatricechangecountenance; AndIbelieveinheavenwassucheclipse, WhensufferedthesupremeOmnipotence; Thereafterwardproceededforthhiswords Withvoicesomuchtransmutedfromitself, Theverycountenancewasnotmorechanged. ThespouseofChristhasnevernurturedbeen Onbloodofmine,ofLinusandofCletus, Tobemadeuseofinacquestofgold; Butinacquestofthisdelightfullife SixtusandPius,UrbanandCalixtus, Aftermuchlamentation,shedtheirblood. Ourpurposewasnot,thatontherighthand Ofoursuccessorsshouldinpartbeseated TheChristianfolk,inpartupontheother; Northatthekeyswhichweretomeconfided Shouldeerbecometheescutcheononabanner, Thatshouldwagewaronthosewhoarebaptized; NorIbemadethefigureofaseal Toprivilegesvenalandmendacious, WhereatIoftenreddenandflashwithfire. Ingarbofshepherdstherapaciouswolves Areseenfromhereaboveoerallthepastures! OwrathofGod,whydostthouslumberstill? TodrinkourbloodtheCaorsinesandGascons Aremakingready.Othougoodbeginning, Untohowvileanendmustthouneedsfall! ButthehighProvidence,thatwithScipio AtRomethegloryoftheworlddefended, Willspeedilybringaid,asIconceive;

467

TheDivineComedy Andthou,myson,whobythymortalweight Shaltdownreturnagain,openthymouth; WhatIconcealnot,donotthouconceal. Aswithitsfrozenvapoursdownwardfalls Inflakesouratmosphere,whattimethehorn OfthecelestialGoatdothtouchthesun, UpwardinsucharraysawItheether Become,andflakedwiththetriumphantvapours, Whichtheretogetherwithushadremained. Mysightwasfollowinguptheirsemblances, Andfollowedtillthemedium,byexcess, Thepassingfartheronwardtookfromit; WhereattheLady,whobeheldmefreed Fromgazingupward,saidtome:Castdown Thysight,andseehowfarthouartturnedround. SincethefirsttimethatIhaddownwardlooked, IsawthatIhadmovedthroughthewholearc Whichthefirstclimatemakesfrommidsttoend; SothatIsawthemadtrackofUlysses PastGades,andthisside,wellnightheshore WhereonbecameEuropaasweetburden. Andofthisthreshingfloorthesitetome Weremoreunveiled,butthesunwasproceeding Undermyfeet,asignandmoreremoved. Mymindenamoured,whichisdallying AtalltimeswithmyLady,tobringback Tohermineeyeswasmorethaneverardent. AndiforArtorNaturehasmadebait Tocatchtheeyesandsopossessthemind, Inhumanfleshorinitsportraiture,

468

TheDivineComedy Alljoinedtogetherwouldappearasnought Tothedivinedelightwhichshoneuponme WhentohersmilingfaceIturnedmeround. Thevirtuethatherlookendowedmewith FromthefairnestofLedatoremeforth, Andupintotheswiftestheavenimpelledme. Itspartsexceedingfulloflifeandlofty Areallsouniform,Icannotsay WhichBeatriceselectedformyplace. Butshe,whowasawareofmydesire, Began,thewhileshesmiledsojoyously ThatGodseemedinhercountenancetorejoice: Thenatureofthatmotion,whichkeepsquiet Thecentreandalltherestaboutitmoves, Fromhencebeginsasfromitsstartingpoint. AndinthisheaventhereisnootherWhere ThanintheMindDivine,whereiniskindled Thelovethatturnsit,andthepoweritrains. Withinacirclelightandloveembraceit, Evenasthisdoththeothers,andthatprecinct Hewhoencirclesitalonecontrols. Itsmotionisnotbyanothermeted, Butalltheothersmeasuredarebythis, Astenisbythehalfandbythefifth. Andinwhatmannertimeinsuchapot Mayhaveitsroots,andintherestitsleaves, Nowuntotheecanmanifestbemade. OCovetousness,thatmortalsdostingulf Beneaththeeso,thatnoonehaththepower Ofdrawingbackhiseyesfromoutthywaves! Fullfairlyblossomsinmankindthewill; Buttheuninterruptedrainconverts Intoabortivewildingsthetrueplums.

469

TheDivineComedy Fidelityandinnocencearefound Onlyinchildren;afterwardstheyboth Takeflightoreerthecheekswithdownarecovered. One,whileheprattlesstill,observesthefasts, Who,whenhistongueisloosed,forthwithdevours Whateverfoodunderwhatevermoon; Another,whileheprattles,lovesandlistens Untohismother,whowhenspeechisperfect Forthwithdesirestoseeherinhergrave. Eventhusisswarthymadetheskinsowhite Initsfirstaspectofthedaughterfair Ofhimwhobringsthemorn,andleavesthenight. Thou,thatitmaynotbeamarveltothee, Thinkthatonearththereisnoonewhogoverns; Whencegoesastraythehumanfamily. EreJanuarybeunwinteredwholly Bythecentesimalonearthneglected, Shallthesesupernalcirclesroarsoloud Thetempestthathasbeensolongawaited Shallwhirlthepoopsaboutwherearetheprows; Sothatthefleetshallrunitscoursedirect, Andthetruefruitshallfollowontheflower.

470

TheDivineComedy Paradiso:CantoXXVIII Afterthetruthagainstthepresentlife Ofmiserablemortalswasunfolded Byherwhodothimparadisemymind, Asinalookingglassatapersflame Heseeswhofrombehindislightedbyit, Beforehehasitinhissightorthought, Andturnshimroundtoseeifsotheglass Tellhimthetruth,andseesthatitaccords Therewithasdothamusicwithitsmetre, Insimilarwisemymemoryrecollecteth ThatIdid,lookingintothosefaireyes, OfwhichLovemadethespringestoensnareme. AndasIturnedmeround,andmineweretouched Bythatwhichisapparentinthatvolume, Wheneveronitsgyrewegazeintent, ApointbeheldI,thatwasrayingout Lightsoacute,thesightwhichitenkindles Mustcloseperforcebeforesuchgreatacuteness. Andwhatsoeverstarseemssmallesthere Wouldseemtobeamoon,ifplacedbesideit. Asonestarwithanotherstarisplaced. Perhapsatsuchadistanceasappears Ahalocincturingthelightthatpaintsit, Whendensestisthevapourthatsustainsit, Thusdistantroundthepointacircleoffire Soswiftlywhirled,thatitwouldhavesurpassed Whatevermotionsoonestgirdstheworld; Andthiswasbyanothercircumcinct, Thatbyathird,thethirdthenbyafourth, Byafifththefourth,andthenbyasixththefifth;

471

TheDivineComedy Theseventhfollowedthereuponinwidth Soamplenow,thatJunosmessenger Entirewouldbetoonarrowtocontainit. Evensotheeighthandninth;andeveryone Moreslowlymoved,accordingasitwas Innumberdistantfartherfromthefirst. Andthatonehaditsflamemostcrystalline Fromwhichlessdistantwasthestainlessspark, Ithinkbecausemorewithitstruthimbued. MyLady,whoinmyanxiety Beheldmemuchperplexed,said:Fromthatpoint Dependentistheheavenandnatureall. Beholdthatcirclemostconjoinedtoit, Andknowthou,thatitsmotionissoswift Throughburninglovewherebyitisspurredon. AndItoher:Iftheworldwerearranged IntheorderwhichIseeinyonderwheels, Whatssetbeforemewouldhavesatisfiedme; Butintheworldofsensewecanperceive Thatevermorethecirclesarediviner Astheyarefromthecentremoreremote Whereforeifmydesireistobeended Inthismiraculousandangelictemple, Thathasforconfinesonlyloveandlight, Tohearbehovesmestillhowtheexample Andtheexemplargonotinonefashion, SinceformyselfinvainIcontemplateit. Ifthineownfingersuntosuchaknot Beinsufficient,itisnogreatwonder, Sohardhathitbecomeforwantoftrying. MyLadythus;thensaidshe:Dothoutake WhatIshalltellthee,ifthouwouldstbesated, Andexerciseonthatthysubtlety.

472

TheDivineComedy Thecirclescorporalarewideandnarrow Accordingtothemoreorlessofvirtue Whichisdistributedthroughalltheirparts. Thegreatergoodnessworksthegreaterweal, Thegreaterwealthegreaterbodyholds, Ifperfectequallyareallitsparts. Thereforethisonewhichsweepsalongwithit Theuniversesublime,dothcorrespond Untothecirclewhichmostlovesandknows. Onwhichaccount,ifthouuntothevirtue Applythymeasure,nottotheappearance Ofsubstancesthatuntotheeseemround, Thouwiltbeholdamarvellousagreement, Ofmoretogreater,andoflesstosmaller, Ineveryheaven,withitsIntelligence. Evenasremainethsplendidandserene Thehemisphereofair,whenBoreas Isblowingfromthatcheekwhereheismildest, Becauseispurifiedandresolvedtherack Thaterstdisturbedit,tillthewelkinlaughs Withallthebeautiesofitspageantry; ThusdidIlikewise,afterthatmyLady Hadmeprovidedwithherclearresponse, Andlikeastarinheaventhetruthwasseen. Andsoonastoastopherwordshadcome, Nototherwisedoesironscintillate Whenmolten,thanthosecirclesscintillated. Theircoruscationallthesparksrepeated, Andtheysomanywere,theirnumbermakes Moremillionsthanthedoublingofthechess.

473

TheDivineComedy Iheardthemsinghosannachoirbychoir TothefixedpointwhichholdsthemattheUbi, Andeverwill,wheretheyhaveeverbeen. Andshe,whosawthedubiousmeditations Withinmymind,Theprimalcircles,said, HaveshowntheeSeraphimandCherubim. Thusrapidlytheyfollowtheirownbonds, Tobeaslikethepointasmosttheycan, Andcanasfarastheyarehighinvision. ThoseotherLoves,thatroundaboutthemgo, Thronesofthecountenancedivinearecalled, BecausetheyterminatetheprimalTriad. Andthoushouldstknowthattheyallhavedelight Asmuchastheirownvisionpenetrates TheTruth,inwhichallintellectfindsrest. Fromthisitmaybeseenhowblessedness Isfoundedinthefacultywhichsees, Andnotinthatwhichloves,andfollowsnext; Andofthisseeingmeritisthemeasure, Whichisbroughtforthbygrace,andbygoodwill; Thusonfromgradetogradedothitproceed. ThesecondTriad,whichisgerminating Insuchwiseinthissempiternalspring, ThatnonocturnalAriesdespoils, Perpetuallyhosannawarblesforth Withthreefoldmelody,thatsoundsinthree Ordersofjoy,withwhichitisintrined. ThethreeDivineareinthishierarchy, FirsttheDominions,andtheVirtuesnext; AndthethirdorderisthatofthePowers. Theninthedancestwainpenultimate ThePrincipalitiesandArchangelswheel; Thelastiswhollyofangelicsports.

474

TheDivineComedy Theseordersupwardallofthemaregazing, Anddownwardsoprevail,thatuntoGod Theyallattractedareandallattract. AndDionysiuswithsogreatdesire TocontemplatetheseOrderssethimself, HenamedthemanddistinguishedthemasIdo. ButGregoryafterwardsdissentedfromhim; Wherefore,assoonasheunclosedhiseyes Withinthisheaven,heathimselfdidsmile. Andifsomuchofsecrettruthamortal Profferedonearth,Iwouldnothavetheemarvel, Forhewhosawithererevealedittohim, Withmuchmoreofthetruthaboutthesecircles.

475

TheDivineComedy Paradiso:CantoXXIX AtwhattimeboththechildrenofLatona, SurmountedbytheRamandbytheScales, Togethermakeazoneofthehorizon, Aslongasfromthetimethezenithholdsthem Inequipoise,tillfromthatgirdleboth Changingtheirhemispheredisturbthebalance, Solong,herfacedepictedwithasmile, DidBeatricekeepsilencewhileshegazed Fixedlyatthepointwhichhadoercomeme. Thenshebegan:Isay,andIasknot Whatthoudostwishtohear,forIhaveseenit WherecentreseveryWhenandeveryUbi. Nottoacquiresomegooduntohimself, Whichisimpossible,butthathissplendour Initsresplendencymaysay,Subsisto, Inhiseternityoutsideoftime, Outsideallotherlimits,asitpleasedhim, IntonewLovestheEternalLoveunfolded. Norasiftorpiddidheliebefore; Forneitherafternorbeforeproceeded ThegoingforthofGoduponthesewaters. MatterandFormunmingledandconjoined Cameintobeingthathadnodefect, Eenasthreearrowsfromathreestringedbow. Andasinglass,inamber,orincrystal Asunbeamflashesso,thatfromitscoming Toitsfullbeingisnointerval, SofromitsLorddidthetriformeffect Rayforthintoitsbeingalltogether, Withoutdiscriminationofbeginning.

476

TheDivineComedy Orderwasconcreatedandconstructed Insubstances,andsummitoftheworld Werethosewhereinthepureactwasproduced. Purepotentialityheldthelowestpart; Midwayboundpotentialitywithact Suchbondthatitshallneverbeunbound. Jeromehaswrittenuntoyouofangels Createdalonglapseofcenturies Oreveryettheotherworldwasmade; Butwrittenisthistruthinmanyplaces BywritersoftheHolyGhost,andthou Shaltseeit,ifthoulookestwellthereat. Andevenreasonseethitsomewhat, Foritwouldnotconcedethatforsolong Couldbethemotorswithouttheirperfection. NowdostthouknowbothwhereandwhentheseLoves Createdwere,andhow;sothatextinct Inthydesirealreadyarethreefires. Norcouldonereach,incounting,untotwenty Soswiftly,asaportionoftheseangels Disturbedthesubjectofyourelements. Therestremained,andtheybeganthisart Whichthoudiscernest,withsogreatdelight Thatneverfromtheircirclingdotheycease. Theoccasionofthefallwastheaccursed PresumptionofthatOne,whomthouhastseen Byalltheburdenoftheworldconstrained. Thosewhomthouherebeholdestmodestwere Torecognisethemselvesasofthatgoodness Whichmadethemaptforsomuchunderstanding; Onwhichaccounttheirvisionwasexalted Bytheenlighteninggraceandtheirownmerit, Sothattheyhaveafullandsteadfastwill.

477

TheDivineComedy Iwouldnothavetheedoubt,butcertainbe, Tismeritorioustoreceivethisgrace, Accordingastheaffectionopenstoit. Nowroundaboutinthisconsistory Muchmaystthoucontemplate,ifthesemywords Begatheredup,withoutallfurtheraid. Butsinceupontheearth,throughoutyourschools, Theyteachthatsuchistheangelicnature Thatitdothhear,andrecollect,andwill, MorewillIsay,thatthoumaystseeunmixed Thetruththatisconfoundedtherebelow, Equivocatinginsuchlikeprelections. Thesesubstances,sinceinGodscountenance Theyjocundwere,turnednotawaytheirsight Fromthatwherefromnotanythingishidden; Hencetheyhavenottheirvisionintercepted Byobjectnew,andhencetheydonotneed Torecollect,throughinterruptedthought. Sothatbelow,notsleeping,peopledream, Believingtheyspeaktruth,andnotbelieving; Andinthelastisgreatersinandshame. Belowyoudonotjourneybyonepath Philosophising;sotransportethyou Loveofappearanceandthethoughtthereof. Andeventhisabovehereisendured Withlessdisdain,thanwhenissetaside TheHolyWrit,orwhenitisdistorted. Theythinknottherehowmuchofblooditcosts Tosowitintheworld,andhowhepleases Whoinhumilitykeepsclosetoit.

478

TheDivineComedy Eachstrivethforappearance,anddothmake Hisowninventions;andthesetreatedare Bypreachers,andtheEvangelholdsitspeace. Onesayeththatthemoondidbackwardturn, InthePassionofChrist,andinterposeherself Sothatthesunlightreachednotdownbelow; Andlies;forofitsownaccordthelight Hiditself;whencetoSpaniardsandtoIndians, AstotheJews,didsucheclipserespond. FlorencehasnotsomanyLapiandBindi Asfablessuchasthese,thateveryyear Areshoutedfromthepulpitbackandforth, Insuchwisethatthelambs,whodonotknow, Comebackfrompasturefeduponthewind, Andnottoseetheharmdothnotexcusethem. Christdidnottohisfirstdisciplessay, Goforth,andtotheworldpreachidletales, Butuntothematruefoundationgave; Andthissoloudlysoundedfromtheirlips, That,inthewarfaretoenkindleFaith, TheymadeoftheEvangelshieldsandlances. Nowmengoforthwithjestsanddrolleries Topreach,andifbutwellthepeoplelaugh, Thehoodpuffsout,andnothingmoreisasked. Butinthecowltherenestlessuchabird, That,ifthecommonpeopleweretoseeit, Theywouldperceivewhatpardonstheyconfidein, Forwhichsogreatonearthhasgrownthefolly, That,withoutproofofanytestimony, Toeachindulgencetheywouldflocktogether. BythisSaintAnthonyhispigdothfatten, Andmanyothers,whoareworsethanpigs, Payinginmoneywithoutmarkofcoinage.

479

TheDivineComedy Butsincewehavedigressedabundantly, Turnbackthineeyesforthwithtotherightpath, Sothatthewaybeshortenedwiththetime. Thisnaturedothsomultiplyitself Innumbers,thatthereneveryetwasspeech Normortalfancythatcangosofar. Andifthounotestthatwhichisrevealed ByDaniel,thouwiltseethatinhisthousands Numberdeterminateiskeptconcealed. Theprimallight,thatallirradiatesit, Bymodesasmanyisreceivedtherein, Asarethesplendourswherewithitismated. Hence,inasmuchasontheactconceptive Theaffectionfolloweth,oflovethesweetness Thereindiverselyfervidisortepid. Theheightbeholdnowandtheamplitude Oftheeternalpower,sinceithathmade Itselfsomanymirrors,wheretisbroken, Oneinitselfremainingasbefore.

480

TheDivineComedy Paradiso:CantoXXX Perchancesixthousandmilesremotefromus Isglowingthesixthhour,andnowthisworld Inclinesitsshadowalmosttoalevel, Whenthemidheavenbeginstomakeitself Sodeeptous,thathereandthereastar Ceasestoshinesofardownasthisdepth, Andasadvancesbrightexceedingly Thehandmaidofthesun,theheavenisclosed Lightafterlighttothemostbeautiful; NototherwisetheTriumph,whichforever Playsroundaboutthepointthatvanquishedme, Seemingenclosedbywhatitselfencloses, Littlebylittlefrommyvisionfaded; WhereattoturnmineeyesonBeatrice Myseeingnothingandmyloveconstrainedme. Ifwhathashithertobeensaidofher Wereallconcludedinasinglepraise, Scantwoulditbetoservethepresentturn. NotonlydoesthebeautyIbeheld Transcendourselves,buttrulyIbelieve ItsMakeronlymayenjoyitall. VanquisheddoIconfessmebythispassage Morethanbyproblemofhisthemewasever Oercomethecomicorthetragicpoet; Forasthesunthesightthattremblesmost, Evensothememoryofthatsweetsmile Myminddeprivethofitsveryself. FromthefirstdaythatIbeheldherface Inthislife,tothemomentofthislook, Thesequenceofmysonghasneerbeensevered;

481

TheDivineComedy Butnowperforcethissequencemustdesist Fromfollowingherbeautywithmyverse, Aseveryartistathisuttermost. SuchasIleavehertoagreaterfame Thananyofmytrumpet,whichisbringing Itsarduousmattertoafinalclose, Withvoiceandgestureofaperfectleader Sherecommenced:Wefromthegreatestbody Haveissuedtotheheaventhatispurelight; Lightintellectualrepletewithlove, Loveoftruegoodrepletewithecstasy, Ecstasythattranscendetheverysweetness. Hereshaltthouseetheonehostandtheother OfParadise,andoneinthesameaspects Whichatthefinaljudgmentthoushaltsee. Evenasasuddenlightningthatdisperses Thevisualspirits,sothatitdeprives Theeyeofimpressfromthestrongestobjects, Thusroundaboutmeflashedalivinglight, Andleftmeswathedaroundwithsuchaveil Ofitseffulgence,thatInothingsaw. EvertheLovewhichquieteththisheaven Welcomesintoitselfwithsuchsalute, Tomakethecandlereadyforitsflame. Nosoonerhadwithinmethesebriefwords Anentrancefound,thanIperceivedmyself Tobeupliftedovermyownpower, AndIwithvisionnewrekindledme, Suchthatnolightwhateverissopure Butthatmineeyeswerefortifiedagainstit. AndlightIsawinfashionofariver Fulvidwithitseffulgence,twixttwobanks DepictedwithanadmirableSpring.

482

TheDivineComedy Outofthisriverissuedlivingsparks, Andonallsidessankdownintotheflowers, Likeuntorubiesthataresetingold; Andthen,asifinebriatewiththeodours, Theyplungedagainintothewondroustorrent, Andasoneenteredissuedforthanother. Thehighdesire,thatnowinflamesandmovesthee Tohaveintelligenceofwhatthouseest, Pleasethmeallthemore,themoreitswells. Butofthiswateritbehovestheedrink Beforesogreatathirstintheebeslaked. Thussaidtomethesunshineofmineeyes; Andadded:Theriverandthetopazes Goinginandout,andthelaughingoftheherbage, Areoftheirtruthforeshadowingprefaces; Notthatthesethingsaredifficultinthemselves, Butthedeficiencyisonthyside, Foryetthouhastnotvisionsoexalted. Thereisnobabethatleapssosuddenly Withfacetowardsthemilk,ifheawake Muchlaterthanhisusualcustomis, AsIdid,thatImightmakebettermirrors Stillofmineeyes,downstoopingtothewave Whichflowsthatwethereinbebettermade. Andevenasthepenthouseofmineeyelids Drankofit,itforthwithappearedtome Outofitslengthtobetransformedtoround. Thenasafolkwhohavebeenundermasks Seemotherthanbefore,iftheydivest Thesemblancenottheirowntheydisappearedin,

483

TheDivineComedy Thusintogreaterpompwerechangedforme Thefloweretsandthesparks,sothatIsaw BothoftheCourtsofHeavenmademanifest. OsplendourofGod!bymeansofwhichIsaw Theloftytriumphoftherealmveracious, GivemethepowertosayhowitIsaw! Thereisalightabove,whichvisible MakestheCreatoruntoeverycreature, WhoonlyinbeholdingHimhaspeace, Anditexpandsitselfincircularform Tosuchextent,thatitscircumference Wouldbetoolargeagirdleforthesun. Thesemblanceofitisallmadeofrays ReflectedfromthetopofPrimalMotion, Whichtakestherefromvitalityandpower. Andasahillinwateratitsbase Mirrorsitself,asiftoseeitsbeauty Whenaffluentmostinverdureandinflowers, So,rangedaloftallroundaboutthelight, MirroredIsawinmoreranksthanathousand Allwhoabovetherehavefromusreturned. Andifthelowestrowcollectwithinit Sogreatalight,howvasttheamplitude IsofthisRoseinitsextremestleaves! Myvisioninthevastnessandtheheight Lostnotitself,butcomprehendedall Thequantityandqualityofthatgladness. Therenearandfarnoraddnortakeaway; FortherewhereGodimmediatelydothgovern, Thenaturallawinnaughtisrelevant. IntotheyellowoftheRoseEternal Thatspreads,andmultiplies,andbreathesanodour OfpraiseuntotheeververnalSun,

484

TheDivineComedy Asonewhosilentisandfainwouldspeak, MeBeatricedrewon,andsaid:Behold Ofthewhitestoleshowvasttheconventis! Beholdhowvastthecircuitofourcity! Beholdourseatssofilledtooverflowing, Thatherehenceforwardarefewpeoplewanting! Onthatgreatthronewhereonthineeyesarefixed Forthecrownssakealreadyplaceduponit, Beforethousuppestatthisweddingfeast Shallsitthesoul(thatistobeAugustus Onearth)ofnobleHenry,whoshallcome ToredressItalyereshebeready. Blindcovetousness,thatcastsitsspelluponyou, Hasmadeyoulikeuntothelittlechild, Whodiesofhungeranddrivesoffthenurse. Andinthesacredforumthenshallbe APrefectsuch,thatopenlyorcovert Onthesameroadhewillnotwalkwithhim. ButlongofGodhewillnotbeendured Inholyoffice;heshallbethrustdown WhereSimonMagusisforhisdeserts, AndmakehimofAlagnalowergo!

485

TheDivineComedy Paradiso:CantoXXXI Infashionthenasofasnowwhiterose Displayeditselftomethesaintlyhost, WhomChristinhisownbloodhadmadehisbride, Buttheotherhost,thatflyingseesandsings ThegloryofHimwhodothenamourit, Andthegoodnessthatcreateditsonoble, Evenasaswarmofbees,thatsinksinflowers Onemoment,andthenextreturnsagain Towhereitslabouristosweetnessturned, Sankintothegreatflower,thatisadorned Withleavessomany,andthencereascended Towhereitsloveabidethevermore. Theirfaceshadtheyalloflivingflame, Andwingsofgold,andalltherestsowhite Nosnowuntothatlimitdothattain. Frombenchtobench,intotheflowerdescending, Theycarriedsomethingofthepeaceandardour Whichbythefanningoftheirflankstheywon. Nordidtheinterposingtwixttheflower Andwhatwasoeritofsuchplenitude Offlyingshapesimpedethesightandsplendour; Becausethelightdivinesopenetrates Theuniverse,accordingtoitsmerit, Thatnaughtcanbeanobstacleagainstit. Thisrealmsecureandfullofgladsomeness, Crowdedwithancientpeopleandwithmodern, Untoonemarkhadallitslookandlove. OTrinalLight,thatinasinglestar Sparklingupontheirsightsosatisfiesthem, Lookdownuponourtempestherebelow!

486

TheDivineComedy Ifthebarbarians,comingfromsomeregion ThateverydaybyHeliceiscovered, Revolvingwithhersonwhomshedelightsin, BeholdingRomeandallhernobleworks, Werewonderstruck,whattimetheLateran Aboveallmortalthingswaseminent, Iwhotothedivinehadfromthehuman, Fromtimeuntoeternity,hadcome, FromFlorencetoapeoplejustandsane, WithwhatamazementmustIhavebeenfilled! Trulybetweenthisandthejoy,itwas Mypleasurenottohear,andtobemute. Andasapilgrimwhodelightethhim Ingazingroundthetempleofhisvow, Andhopessomedaytoretellhowitwas, Sothroughthelivinglightmywaypursuing DirectedImineeyesoeralltheranks, Nowup,nowdown,andnowallroundabout. FacesIsawofcharitypersuasive, EmbellishedbyHislightandtheirownsmile, Andattitudesadornedwitheverygrace. ThegeneralformofParadisealready Myglancehadcomprehendedasawhole, Innoparthithertoremainingfixed, AndroundIturnedmewithrekindledwish MyLadytointerrogateofthings Concerningwhichmymindwasinsuspense. OnethingImeant,anotheransweredme; IthoughtIshouldseeBeatrice,andsaw AnOldManhabitedlikethegloriouspeople. Oerflowingwasheinhiseyesandcheeks Withjoybenign,inattitudeofpity Astoatenderfatherisbecoming.

487

TheDivineComedy AndShe,whereisshe?instantlyIsaid; Whencehe:Toputanendtothydesire, MeBeatricehathsentfrommineownplace. Andifthoulookestuptothethirdround Ofthefirstrank,againshaltthoubeholdher Uponthethronehermeritshaveassignedher. WithoutreplyIliftedupmineeyes, Andsawher,asshemadeherselfacrown Reflectingfromherselftheeternalrays. Notfromthatregionwhichthehighestthunders Isanymortaleyesofarremoved, Inwhatsoeverseaitdeepestsinks, AstherefromBeatricemysight;butthis Wasnothinguntome;becauseherimage Descendednottomebymediumblurred. OLady,thouinwhommyhopeisstrong, Andwhoformysalvationdidstendure InHelltoleavetheimprintofthyfeet, OfwhatsoeverthingsIhavebeheld, Ascomingfromthypowerandfromthygoodness Irecognisethevirtueandthegrace. Thoufromaslavehastbroughtmeuntofreedom, Byallthoseways,byalltheexpedients, Wherebythouhadstthepowerofdoingit. Preservetowardsmethymagnificence, Sothatthissoulofmine,whichthouhasthealed, Pleasingtotheebeloosenedfromthebody. ThusIimplored;andshe,sofaraway, Smiled,asitseemed,andlookedoncemoreatme; Thenuntotheeternalfountainturned.

488

TheDivineComedy AndsaidtheOldManholy:Thatthoumayst Accomplishperfectlythyjourneying, Whereuntoprayerandholylovehavesentme, Flywiththineeyesallroundaboutthisgarden; Forseeingitwilldisciplinethysight Farthertomountalongtheraydivine. Andshe,theQueenofHeaven,forwhomIburn Whollywithlove,willgrantuseverygrace, BecausethatIherfaithfulBernardam. AshewhoperadventurefromCroatia ComethtogazeatourVeronica, Whothroughitsancientfameisneversated, Butsaysinthought,thewhileitisdisplayed, MyLord,ChristJesus,GodofveryGod, Nowwasyoursemblancemadelikeuntothis? EvensuchwasIwhilegazingattheliving Charityoftheman,whointhisworld Bycontemplationtastedofthatpeace. Thousonofgrace,thisjocundlife,beganhe, Willnotbeknowntotheebykeepingever Thineeyesbelowhereonthelowestplace; Butmarkthecirclestothemostremote, UntilthoushaltbeholdenthronedtheQueen Towhomthisrealmissubjectanddevoted. Iliftedupmineeyes,andasatmorn Theorientalpartofthehorizon Surpassesthatwhereinthesungoesdown, Thus,asifgoingwithmineeyesfromvale Tomount,Isawapartintheremoteness Surpassinsplendouralltheotherfront. Andevenastherewhereweawaitthepole ThatPhaetondrovebadly,blazesmore Thelight,andisoneithersidediminished,

489

TheDivineComedy Solikewisethatpacificoriflamme Gleamedbrightestinthecentre,andeachside Inequalmeasuredidtheflameabate. Andatthatcentre,withtheirwingsexpanded, MorethanathousandjubilantAngelssawI, Eachdifferingineffulgenceandinkind. Isawthereattheirsportsandattheirsongs Abeautysmiling,whichthegladnesswas Withintheeyesofalltheothersaints; AndifIhadinspeakingasmuchwealth Asinimagining,Ishouldnotdare Toattemptthesmallestpartofitsdelight. Bernard,assoonashebeheldmineeyes Fixedandintentuponitsfervidfervour, Hisownwithsuchaffectionturnedtoher Thatitmademinemoreardenttobehold.

490

TheDivineComedy Paradiso:CantoXXXII Absorbedinhisdelight,thatcontemplator Assumedthewillingofficeofateacher, Andgavebeginningtotheseholywords: ThewoundthatMaryclosedupandanointed, Sheatherfeetwhoissobeautiful, Sheistheonewhoopeneditandpiercedit. Withinthatorderwhichthethirdseatsmake IsseatedRachel,lowerthantheother, WithBeatrice,inmannerasthouseest. Sarah,Rebecca,Judith,andherwhowas AncestressoftheSinger,whofordole Ofthemisdeedsaid,Misereremei, Canstthoubeholdfromseattoseatdescending Downingradation,aswitheachonesname IthroughtheRosegodownfromleaftoleaf. Anddownwardfromtheseventhrow,evenas Abovethesame,succeedtheHebrewwomen, Dividingallthetressesoftheflower; Because,accordingtotheviewwhichFaith InChristhadtaken,thesearethepartition Bywhichthesacredstairwaysaredivided. Uponthisside,whereperfectistheflower Witheachoneofitspetals,seatedare ThosewhobelievedinChristwhowastocome. Upontheotherside,whereintersected Withvacantspacesarethesemicircles, ArethosewholookedtoChristalreadycome. Andas,uponthisside,thegloriousseat OftheLadyofHeaven,andtheotherseats Belowit,suchagreatdivisionmake,

491

TheDivineComedy SooppositedoththatofthegreatJohn, Who,everholy,desertandmartyrdom Endured,andafterwardstwoyearsinHell. Andunderhimthustodividewerechosen Francis,andBenedict,andAugustine, Anddowntoustherestfromroundtoround. Beholdnowthehighprovidencedivine; ForoneandotheraspectoftheFaith Inequalmeasureshallthisgardenfill. Andknowthatdownwardfromthatrankwhichcleaves Midwaythesequenceofthetwodivisions, Notbytheirpropermeritaretheyseated; Butbyanothersunderfixedconditions; Forthesearespiritsoneandallassoiled Beforetheyanytrueelectionhad. Wellcanstthourecogniseitintheirfaces, Andalsointheirvoicespuerile, Ifthouregardthemwellandhearkentothem. Nowdoubtestthou,anddoubtingthouartsilent; ButIwillloosenfortheethestrongbond Inwhichthysubtilefanciesholdtheefast. Withintheamplitudeofthisdomain Nocasualpointcanpossiblyfindplace, Nomorethansadnesscan,orthirst,orhunger; Forbyeternallawhasbeenestablished Whateverthoubeholdest,sothatclosely Theringisfittedtothefingerhere. Andthereforearethesepeople,festinate Untotruelife,notsinecausahere Moreandlessexcellentamongthemselves. TheKing,bymeansofwhomthisrealmreposes Insogreatloveandinsogreatdelight Thatnowillventurethtoaskformore,

492

TheDivineComedy Inhisownjoyousaspecteverymind Creating,athispleasuredowerswithgrace Diversely;andletheretheeffectsuffice. Andthisisclearlyandexpresslynoted ForyouinHolyScripture,inthosetwins Whointheirmotherhadtheirangerroused. Accordingtothecolourofthehair, Therefore,withsuchagracethelightsupreme Consenteththattheyworthilybecrowned. Without,then,anymeritoftheirdeeds, Stationedaretheyindifferentgradations, Differingonlyintheirfirstacuteness. Tistruethatintheearlycenturies, Withinnocence,toworkouttheirsalvation Sufficientwasthefaithofparentsonly. Aftertheearlierageswerecompleted, Behoveditthatthemalesbycircumcision Untotheirinnocentwingsshouldvirtueadd; Butafterthatthetimeofgracehadcome WithoutthebaptismabsoluteofChrist, Suchinnocencebelowtherewasretained. LooknowintothefacethatuntoChrist Hathmostresemblance;foritsbrightnessonly IsabletopreparetheetoseeChrist. OnherdidIbeholdsogreatagladness Raindown,borneonwardintheholyminds Createdthroughthataltitudetofly, ThatwhatsoeverIhadseenbefore Didnotsuspendmeinsuchadmiration, NorshowmesuchsimilitudeofGod.

493

TheDivineComedy AndthesameLovethatfirstdescendedthere, AveMaria,gratiaplena,singing, Infrontofherhiswingsexpandedwide. Untothecanticledivineresponded Fromeverypartthecourtbeatified, Sothateachsightbecameserenerforit. Oholyfather,whoformeendurest Tobebelowhere,leavingthesweetplace Inwhichthousittestbyeternallot, WhoistheAngelthatwithsomuchjoy IntotheeyesislookingofourQueen, Enamouredsothatheseemsmadeoffire? ThusIagainrecoursehadtotheteaching OfthatonewhodelightedhiminMary Asdoththestarofmorninginthesun. Andhetome:Suchgallantryandgrace AstherecanbeinAngelandinsoul, Allisinhim;andthuswefainwouldhaveit; Becauseheistheonewhoborethepalm DownuntoMary,whentheSonofGod Totakeourburdenonhimselfdecreed. Butnowcomeonwardwiththineeyes,asI Speakingshallgo,andnotethegreatpatricians Ofthismostjustandmercifulofempires. Thosetwothatsitabovetheremostenrapture AsbeingverynearuntoAugusta, AreasitwerethetworootsofthisRose. Hewhoupontheleftisnearherplaced Thefatheris,bywhoseaudacioustaste Thehumanspeciessomuchbittertastes. Upontherightthouseestthatancientfather OfHolyChurch,intowhosekeepingChrist Thekeyscommittedofthislovelyflower.

494

TheDivineComedy Andhewhoalltheevildaysbeheld, Beforehisdeath,ofherthebeauteousbride Whowiththespearandwiththenailswaswon, Besidehimsits,andbytheotherrests Thatleaderunderwhomonmannalived Thepeopleingrate,fickle,andstiffnecked. OppositePeterseestthouAnnaseated, Sowellcontenttolookuponherdaughter, HereyesshemovesnotwhileshesingsHosanna. Andoppositetheeldesthouseholdfather Luciasits,shewhothyLadymoved Whentorushdownwardthoudidstbendthybrows. Butsincethemomentsofthyvisionfly, Herewillwemakefullstop,asagoodtailor Whomakesthegownaccordingtohiscloth, AnduntothefirstLovewillturnoureyes, ThatlookinguponHimthoupenetrate Asfaraspossiblethroughhiseffulgence. Truly,lestperadventurethourecede, Movingthywingsbelievingtoadvance, Byprayerbehovesitthatgracebeobtained; Gracefromthatonewhohasthepowertoaidthee; Andthoushaltfollowmewiththyaffection Thatfrommywordsthyheartturnnotaside. Andhebeganthisholyorison.

495

TheDivineComedy Paradiso:CantoXXXIII ThouVirginMother,daughterofthySon, Humbleandhighbeyondallothercreature, Thelimitfixedoftheeternalcounsel, Thouarttheonewhosuchnobility Tohumannaturegave,thatitsCreator Didnotdisdaintomakehimselfitscreature. Withinthywombrekindledwasthelove, Byheatofwhichintheeternalpeace Aftersuchwisethisflowerhasgerminated. Hereuntousthouartanoondaytorch Ofcharity,andbelowthereamongmortals Thouartthelivingfountainheadofhope. Lady,thouartsogreat,andsoprevailing, Thathewhowishesgrace,norrunstothee, Hisaspirationswithoutwingswouldfly. Notonlythybenignitygivessuccour Tohimwhoaskethit,butoftentimes Forerunnethofitsownaccordtheasking. Intheecompassionis,intheeispity, Intheemagnificence;intheeunites Whateerofgoodnessisinanycreature. Nowdoththisman,whofromthelowestdepth Oftheuniverseasfarasherehasseen Oneafteronethespirituallives, Supplicatetheethroughgraceforsomuchpower Thatwithhiseyeshemayuplifthimself Highertowardstheuttermostsalvation. AndI,whoneverburnedformyownseeing MorethanIdoforhis,allofmyprayers Proffertothee,andpraytheycomenotshort,

496

TheDivineComedy Thatthouwouldstscatterfromhimeverycloud Ofhismortalitysowiththyprayers, ThattheChiefPleasurebetohimdisplayed. StillfartherdoIpraythee,Queen,whocanst Whateerthouwilt,thatsoundthoumaystpreserve Aftersogreatavisionhisaffections. Letthyprotectionconquerhumanmovements; SeeBeatriceandalltheblessedones Myprayerstosecondclasptheirhandstothee! TheeyesbelovedandreveredofGod, Fasteneduponthespeaker,showedtous Howgratefuluntoherareprayersdevout; ThenuntotheEternalLighttheyturned, Onwhichitisnotcrediblecouldbe Byanycreaturebentaneyesoclear. AndI,whototheendofalldesires Wasnowapproaching,evenasIought Theardourofdesirewithinmeended. Bernardwasbeckoninguntome,andsmiling, ThatIshouldupwardlook;butIalready Wasofmyownaccordsuchashewished; Becausemysight,becomingpurified, Wasenteringmoreandmoreintotheray OftheHighLightwhichofitselfistrue. FromthattimeforwardwhatIsawwasgreater Thanourdiscourse,thattosuchvisionyields, Andyieldsthememoryuntosuchexcess. Evenasheiswhoseethinadream, Andafterdreamingtheimprintedpassion Remains,andtohismindtherestreturnsnot, EvensuchamI,foralmostutterly Ceasesmyvision,anddistillethyet Withinmyheartthesweetnessbornofit;

497

TheDivineComedy Eventhusthesnowisinthesununsealed, Eventhusuponthewindinthelightleaves WerethesoothsayingsoftheSibyllost. OLightSupreme,thatdostsofarupliftthee Fromtheconceitsofmortals,tomymind Ofwhatthoudidstappearrelendalittle, Andmakemytongueofsogreatpuissance, Thatbutasinglesparkleofthyglory Itmaybequeathuntothefuturepeople; Forbyreturningtomymemorysomewhat, Andbyalittlesoundingintheseverses, Moreofthyvictoryshallbeconceived! Ithinkthekeennessofthelivingray WhichIenduredwouldhavebewilderedme, Ifbutmineeyeshadbeenavertedfromit; AndIrememberthatIwasmorebold Onthisaccounttobear,sothatIjoined MyaspectwiththeGloryInfinite. Ograceabundant,bywhichIpresumed TofixmysightupontheLightEternal, SothattheseeingIconsumedtherein! Isawthatinitsdepthfardownislying Boundupwithlovetogetherinonevolume, Whatthroughtheuniverseinleavesisscattered; Substance,andaccident,andtheiroperations, Allinterfusedtogetherinsuchwise ThatwhatIspeakofisonesimplelight. Theuniversalfashionofthisknot MethinksIsaw,sincemoreabundantly InsayingthisIfeelthatIrejoice.

498

TheDivineComedy Onemomentismorelethargytome, Thanfiveandtwentycenturiestotheemprise ThatstartledNeptunewiththeshadeofArgo! Mymindinthiswisewhollyinsuspense, Steadfast,immovable,attentivegazed, Andevermorewithgazinggrewenkindled. Inpresenceofthatlightonesuchbecomes, Thattowithdrawtherefromforotherprospect Itisimpossibleheeerconsent; Becausethegood,whichobjectisofwill, Isgatheredallinthis,andoutofit Thatisdefectivewhichisperfectthere. Shorterhenceforwardwillmylanguagefall OfwhatIyetremember,thananinfants Whostillhistonguedothmoistenatthebreast. Notbecausemorethanoneunmingledsemblance WasinthelivinglightonwhichIlooked, Foritisalwayswhatitwasbefore; Butthroughthesight,thatfortifieditself Inmebylooking,oneappearanceonly TomewaseverchangingasIchanged. Withinthedeepandluminoussubsistence OftheHighLightappearedtomethreecircles, Ofthreefoldcolourandofonedimension, Andbythesecondseemedthefirstreflected AsIrisisbyIris,andthethird Seemedfirethatequallyfrombothisbreathed. Ohowallspeechisfeebleandfallsshort Ofmyconceit,andthistowhatIsaw Issuch,tisnotenoughtocallitlittle! OLightEterne,soleinthyselfthatdwellest, Soleknowestthyself,and,knownuntothyself Andknowing,lovestandsmilestonthyself!

499

TheDivineComedy Thatcirculation,whichbeingthusconceived Appearedintheeasareflectedlight, Whensomewhatcontemplatedbymineeyes, Withinitself,ofitsownverycolour Seemedtomepaintedwithoureffigy, Whereforemysightwasallabsorbedtherein. Asthegeometrician,whoendeavours Tosquarethecircle,anddiscoversnot, Bytakingthought,theprinciplehewants, EvensuchwasIatthatnewapparition; Iwishedtoseehowtheimagetothecircle Conformeditself,andhowittherefindsplace; Butmyownwingswerenotenoughforthis, Haditnotbeenthatthenmymindtheresmote Aflashoflightning,whereincameitswish. Herevigourfailedtheloftyfantasy: Butnowwasturningmydesireandwill, Evenasawheelthatequallyismoved, TheLovewhichmovesthesunandtheotherstars.

500

TheDivineComedy

501

TheDivineComedy APPENDIX SIXSONNETSONDANTESDIVINECOMEDY BYHENRYWADSWORTHLONGFELLOW(18071882) I OfthaveIseenatsomecathedraldoor Alaborer,pausinginthedustandheat, Laydownhisburden,andwithreverentfeet Enter,andcrosshimself,andonthefloor Kneeltorepeathispaternosteroer; Faroffthenoisesoftheworldretreat; Theloudvociferationsofthestreet Becomeanundistinguishableroar. So,asIenterherefromdaytoday, Andleavemyburdenatthisminstergate, Kneelinginprayer,andnotashamedtopray, Thetumultofthetimedisconsolate Toinarticulatemurmursdiesaway, Whiletheeternalageswatchandwait. II Howstrangethesculpturesthatadornthesetowers! Thiscrowdofstatues,inwhosefoldedsleeves Birdsbuildtheirnests;whilecanopiedwithleaves Parvisandportalbloomliketrellisedbowers, Andthevastminsterseemsacrossofflowers! Butfiendsanddragonsonthegargoyledeaves WatchthedeadChristbetweenthelivingthieves, And,underneath,thetraitorJudaslowers! Ah!fromwhatagoniesofheartandbrain, Whatexultationstramplingondespair, Whattenderness,whattears,whathateofwrong, Whatpassionateoutcryofasoulinpain, Uprosethispoemoftheearthandair, Thismediaevalmiracleofsong!

502

TheDivineComedy III Ienter,andIseetheeinthegloom Ofthelongaisles,Opoetsaturnine! Andstrivetomakemystepskeeppacewiththine. Theairisfilledwithsomeunknownperfume; Thecongregationofthedeadmakeroom Fortheetopass;thevotivetapersshine; LikerooksthathauntRavennasgrovesofpine, Thehoveringechoesflyfromtombtotomb. FromtheconfessionalsIheararise Rehearsalsofforgottentragedies, Andlamentationsfromthecryptsbelow Andthenavoicecelestialthatbegins Withthepatheticwords,Althoughyoursins Asscarletbe,andendswithasthesnow. IV Withsnowwhiteveil,andgarmentsasofflame, Shestandsbeforethee,whosolongago Filledthyyoungheartwithpassionandthewoe Fromwhichthysonginallitssplendorscame; Andwhilewithsternrebukeshespeaksthyname, Theiceaboutthyheartmeltsasthesnow Onmountainheights,andinswiftoverflow Comesgushingfromthylipsinsobsofshame. Thoumakestfullconfession;andagleam Asofthedawnonsomedarkforestcast, Seemsonthyliftedforeheadtoincrease; LetheandEunoetheremembereddream Andtheforgottensorrowbringatlast Thatperfectpardonwhichisperfectpeace.

503

TheDivineComedy V ILiftmineeyes,andallthewindowsblaze Withformsofsaintsandholymenwhodied, Heremartyredandhereafterglorified; AndthegreatRoseuponitsleavesdisplays ChristsTriumph,andtheangelicroundelays, Withsplendoruponsplendormultiplied; AndBeatriceagainatDantesside Nomorerebukes,butsmilesherwordsofpraise. Andthentheorgansounds,andunseenchoirs SingtheoldLatinhymnsofpeaceandlove AndbenedictionsoftheHolyGhost; Andthemelodiousbellsamongthespires Oerallthehousetopsandthroughheavenabove ProclaimtheelevationoftheHost! VI Ostarofmorningandofliberty! Obringerofthelight,whosesplendorshines AbovethedarknessoftheApennines, Forerunnerofthedaythatistobe! Thevoicesofthecityandthesea, Thevoicesofthemountainsandthepines, Repeatthysong,tillthefamiliarlines ArefootpathsforthethoughtofItaly! Thyfameisblownabroadfromalltheheights, Throughallthenations;andasoundisheard, Asofamightywind,andmendevout, StrangersofRome,andthenewproselytes, Intheirownlanguagehearthywondrousword, Andmanyareamazedandmanydoubt.

504

TheDivineComedy POSTSCRIPT IchhabeuntermeinenPapiereneinBlattgefunden, woichdieBaukunsteineerstarrteMusiknenne. (JohannWolfgangGoethe,1829March23) IfoundDanteinabar.ThePoethadindeedlosttheTrueWayto befoundreducedtopartychatterinaCapitolHillbasement,butI hadfoundhimatlast.ImusthavebeendrinkingintheDark TavernofError,forIdidnotevenrealizeIhadbegunthedolorous pathfollowedbymanysincethePoetsjourneyofA.D.1300. ActuallynoonespokeawordaboutDanteorhisDivineComedy, ratherIheardasecondhandGoethecallarchitecturefrozen music.SoonItookmysecondstepthroughthegatetoapeople lost;thistimeonamorerespectableoccasionalectureatthe CatholicUniversityofAmerica.Clio,themuseofhistory,must havebeenaidingProf.Schumacherthatevening,becauseit sustainedmyfullthreehourattention,evenafterIhadjust presentedanallnightproject.ThereIheardofamostastonishing ItaliantranslationoflaDivinaCommediadiDanteAlighieri.An Italianarchitect,GiuseppiTerragni,hadtranslatedtheComedy intotheDanteum,aprojectedstoneandglassmonumenttoPoet andPoemneartheBasilicaofMaxentiusinRome. DonotlookfortheDanteumintheEternalCity.IntrueDantean form, politics stood in the way of its construction in 1938. Ironicallythisliteratureinspiredbuildingcanitselfmosteasilybe found in book form. Reading this book I remembered Goethes quote about frozen music. Did Terragni try to freeze Dantes medievalmiracleofsong?Certainlyacoldpoemseemsartistically repulsive. Unflattering comparisonsto thelakeof Cocytus spring tomindtoo.WhileIcannotreadItalian,IcanreadsomeGerman. AfterlocatingtheoriginalquotationIdiscoveredthatfrozenisa problematic(thoughcommon)translationofGoethesoriginal erstarrte.Theverberstarrenmoreproperlymeanstosolidifyor tostiffen.Thissuggestsachemicalreactioninwhichtheartdoes notnecessarilychillinthetransformation.Norcansimplethawing yield the original work. Like a chemical reaction it requires an artistic catalyst, a muse. Indeed the Danteum is not a physical translation of the Poem. Terragni thought it inappropriate to translate the Comedy literally into a nonliterary work. The

505

TheDivineComedy Danteum would not be a stage set, rather Terragni generated his designfromtheComedysstructure,notitsfinishes. The poem is divided into three canticles of thirtythree cantos each,plusoneextrainthefirst,theInferno,makingatotalofone hundred cantos. Each canto is composed of threeline tercets, the first and third lines rhyme, the second line rhymes with the beginning of the next tercet, establishing a kind of overlap, reflectedintheoverlappingmotifoftheDanteumdesign.Dantes realms are further subdivided: the Inferno is composed of nine levels, the vestibule makes a tenth. Purgatory has seven terraces, plus two ledges in an antepurgatory; adding these to the Earthly Paradise yields ten zones. Paradise is composed of nine heavens; Empyrean makes the tenth. In the Inferno, sinners are organized by three vicesIncontinence, Violence, and Fraudand further subdivided by the seven deadly sins. In Purgatory, penance is ordered on the basis of three types of natural love. Paradise is organized on the basisofthreetypesof Divine Love,and further subdivided according to the three theological and four cardinal virtues. (Thomas Schumacher, The Danteum, Princeton ArchitecturalPress,1993) By translating the structure, Terragni could then layer the literal andthespiritualmeaningsofthePoemwithoutallowingeitherto dominate. These layers of meaning are native to the Divine Comedy as they are native to much medieval literature, although modern readers and tourists may not be so familiar with them. They are literal, allegorical, moral, and anagogical. I offer you St. ThomasofAquinasdefinitionoftheselastthreeastheyrelateto SacredScripture: . . .this spiritual sense has a threefold division. . .so far as the thingsoftheOldLawsignifythethingsoftheNewLaw,thereis theallegoricalsense;sofarasthethingsdoneinChrist,orsofaras thethingswhichsignifyChrist,aretypesofwhatweoughttodo, thereisthemoralsense.Butsofarastheysignifywhatrelatesto eternalglory,thereistheanagogicalsense.(SummaTheologicaI, 1,10) Within the Danteum the Poets meanings lurk in solid form. An example:theDanteumdesigndoeshavespacesliterallyassociated with the Comedythe Dark Wood of Error, Inferno, Purgatorio, and the Paradisobut these spaces also relate among themselves

506

TheDivineComedy spiritually.Danteoftenhighlightsavirtuebyfirstcondemningits corruption. Within Dantes system Justice is the greatest of the cardinalvirtues;itscorruption,Fraud,isthemostcontemptibleof vices.BecauseDantesawthepapacyasthemostpreciousofsacred institutions,corruptpopesfigureprominentlyamongthedamned in the Poets Inferno. In the Danteum the materiality of the worldly Dark Wood directly opposes the transcendence of the Paradiso. In the realm of error every thought is lost and secular, while in heaven every souls intent is directed toward God. The shadowy Inferno of the Danteum mirrors the Purgatorios illuminated ascent to heaven. Purgatory embodies hope and growth where hell chases its own dark inertia. Such is the cosmographysharedbyTerragniandDante. InthispostscriptIintendneithertofullyexaminethemeaningnor the plan of the Danteum, but rather to evince the power that art has acted as a catalyst to other artists. The Danteum, a modern designinspiredbyamedievalpoem,isbutoneexample.Dantes poem is filled with characters epitomizing the full range of vices andvirtuesofhumanpersonalities.Dantescharacterscomefrom his present and literatures past; they are mythological, biblical, classical,ancient,andmedieval.They,ratherthanCalliopeandher sisters,wereDantesmuses. La Divina Commedia seems a natural candidate to complete Project Gutenbergs first milleditio and to begin its second thousand etexts. Although distinctly medieval, its continuum of influencespanstheRenaissanceandmodernity.Terragnisawhis placewithintheComedyassurelyasDantesawhisown.Wetoo fit within Dantes understanding of the human condition; we differlessfromourpastthanwemightliketobelieve.T.S.Eliot understood this when he wrote Dante and Shakespeare divide themodernworldbetweenthem,thereisnothird.SonowDante joinsShakespeare(etext#100)intheProjectGutenbergcollection. Two works that influenced Dante are also part of the collection: The Bible (#10) and Virgils Aeneid (#227). Other major influencesSt. Thomas of Aquinas Summa Theologica, The MetamorphosesofOvid,andAristotlesNicomacheanEthicsare availableinelectronicformatotherInternetsites.Ifonesearches enoughhemayevenfindacomputerrenderingoftheDanteumon theInternet.BypresentingthiselectronictexttoProjectGutenberg it is my hope that in will not rest in a computer unknown and unread;itismyhopethatartistswillseethemselvesintheDivine

507

TheDivineComedy Comedyandbeinspired,justasDanteranthepathsleftbyVirgil andSt.Thomasthatledhimtothestars.

508