Chapters 19
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1 01 - Inferno: Canto I-Canto V 43:10
Translated by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
Inferno, Canto One.
Midway, upon the journey of our life, I found myself within a forest dark, for the straightforward pathway had been lost. Ah me! How hard a thing it is to say, What was this forest, savage, rough, and stern, which in the very thought renews the fear. So bitter is it, death is little more. But of the good to treat which there I found, speak will I of the other things I saw there.
I cannot well repeat how there I entered. So full was I of slumber at the moment in which I had abandoned the true way. But after I had reached a mountain's foot, at that point where the valley terminated, which had with consternation pierced my heart, upward I looked, and I beheld its shoulders, Vested already with that planet's rays, which leadeth others right by every road. Then was the fear a little quieted, that in my heart's lake had endured throughout the night which I had passed so piteously. And even as he who, with distressful breath, forth issued from the sea upon the shore, turns to the water perilous and gazes, so did my soul, That still was fleeing onward, turn itself back to re-behold the pass, which never yet a living person left.
After my weary body I had rested. The way resumed I on the desert slope, so that the firm foot ever was the lower. And lo, almost where the ascent began, a panther, light and swift exceedingly, which with a spotted skin was covered o'er, And never moved she from before my face, Nay, rather did impede so much my way, That many times I to return had turned. The time was the beginning of the morning, And up the sun was mounting with those stars, That with him were, what time the love divine, At first in motion set those beauteous things. So were to me occasion of good hope, The variegated skin of that wild beast, the hour of time, and the delicious season, but not so much that did not give me fear, a lion's aspect which appeared to me.
He seemed as if against me he were coming, with head uplifted, and with ravenous hunger, so that it seemed the heir was afraid of him. And a she-wolf, that with all hungerings seemed to be laden in her meagerness, And many folk has caused to live forlorn. She brought upon me so much heaviness, with the affright that from her aspect came, that I the hope relinquished of the height. And as he is who willingly acquires, and the time comes that causes him to lose, who weeps in all his thoughts, and is despondent, e'en such made me that beast withouten peace, Which, coming on against me by degrees, thrust me back thither where the sun is silent. While I was rushing downward to the lowland, before mine eyes did one present himself, who seemed from long-continued silence hoarse.
When I beheld him in the desert vast, have pity on me unto him I cried, whiche'er thou art, or shade, or real man. He answered me, Not man, man once I was, and both my parents were of Lombardy, and Mantuans by country both of them. Sub Julio was I born, though it was late, and lived at Rome under the good Augustus, during the time of false and lying gods. A poet was I, and I sang that just, son of Anchises, who came forth from Troy, After that Ilyon the superb was burned. But thou! Why'st go thou back to such annoyance? Why climbst thou not the mount delectable, which is the source and cause of every joy? Now, art thou that Vigilis, and that fountain which spreads abroad so wide a river of speech?
I made response to him with bashful forehead.
Oh! Of the other poets, honor and light, avail me the long study and great love that have impelled me to explore thy volume. Thou art my master, and my author thou. Thou art alone the one from whom I took, the beautiful style that has done honor to me. Behold the beast, for which I have turned back. Do thou protect me from her, famous sage? For she doth make my veins and pulses tremble. "'Thee it behooves to take another road,' responded he, when he beheld me weeping. "'If from this savage place thou wouldst escape, because this beast, at which thou criest out, suffers not any one to pass her way, but so doth harass him that she destroys him, and has a nature so malign and ruthless, That never doth she glut her greedy will, and after food is hungrier than before, Many the animals with whom she weds, and more they shall be still, until the greyhound comes, who shall make her perish in her pain.
He shall not feed on either earth or pelf, but upon wisdom, and on love and virtue, Twixt feltro and feltro shall his nation be. Of that low Italy shall he be the saviour, on whose account the maid Camilla died. Euryalus, Turnus, Nisus of their wounds. Through every city shall he hunt her down, till he shall have driven her back to hell, there from whence envy first did let her loose. Therefore I think, and judge it for thy best, thou follow me, and I will be thy guide. And lead thee hence through the eternal place. Where thou shalt hear the desperate lamentations, shall see the ancient spirits disconsolate, who cry out each one for the second death. And thou shalt see those who contented are within the fire, because they hope to come, whene'er it may be, to the blessed people.
To whom, then, if thou wishest to ascend, a soul shall be for that, The nigh more worthy. With her at my departure I will leave thee. Because that emperor, who reigns above, in that I was rebellious to his law, wills that through me none come into his city.
He governs everywhere, and there he reigns. There is his city, and his lofty throne. O happy he whom thereto he elects! And I to him? Poet, I thee entreat, by that same God, whom thou didst never know, that I may escape this woe and worse. Thou wouldst conduct me there, where thou hast said, that I may see the portal of St. Peter, and those thou makest so disconsolate. Then he moved on, and I behind him followed.
Inferno. Canto Two.
Day was departing, and the embrowned air released the animals that are on earth from their fatigues, and I, the only one, made myself ready to sustain the war, both of the way and likewise of the woe, which memory that errs not shall retrace. O Muses, O High Genius, now assist me, O Memory, That didst write down what I saw, Here thy nobility shall be manifest. And I began. Poet, who guidest me, Regard my manhood, if it be sufficient, Ere to the arduous pass thou dost confide me. Thou sayest, that of Silvius the parent, while yet corruptible, Unto the world immortal went, and was there bodily. But if the adversary of all evil was courteous, thinking of the high effect that issue would from him, and who, and what, to men of intellect unmeet it seems not.
For he was of great Rome, and of her empire, in the imperial heaven as father chosen. The which and what, wishing to speak the truth, were stablished as the holy place wherein sits the successor of the greatest Peter. Upon this journey, whence thou givest him vaunt, things did he hear, which the occasion were, both of his victory and the papal mantle. Thither went afterwards the chosen vessel, to bring back comfort thence unto that faith, which of salvation's way is the beginning. But I—why thither come, or who concedes it? I not Aeneas am, I am not Paul, Nor I nor others think me worthy of it. Therefore, if I resign myself to come, I fear the coming may be ill-advised. Thou art wise, and knowest better than I speak.
And as he is, who unwills what he willed, and by new thoughts doth his intention change, so that from his design he quite withdraws, such I became, on that dark hillside. Because, in thinking, I consumed the emprise, which was so very prompt in the beginning. If I have well thy language understood, replied that shade of the magnanimous, thy soul attainted is with cowardice, which many times a man encumbers so, it turns him back from honoured enterprise, as false sight doth a beast when he is shy. That thou mayest free thee from this apprehension, I'll tell thee why I came, and what I heard at the first moment when I grieved for thee. Among those was I who are in suspense, and a fair, saintly lady called to me, in such wise I besought her to command me.
Her eyes were shining brighter than the star, and she began to say, gentle and low, with voice angelical, in her own language, O Spirit! Courteous of Mantua, of whom the fame still in the world endures, and shall endure, long-lasting as the world. A friend of mine, and not the friend of fortune, upon the desert slope is so impeded upon his way that he has turned through terror, and may, I fear, already be so lost that I too late have risen to his succour from that which I have heard of him in heaven. Bestir thee now, and with thy speech ornate, and with what needful is for his release, assist him so, that I may be consoled. Beatrice am I, who do bid thee go. I come from there, where I would fain return.
Love moved me, which compelleth me to speak. When I shall be in presence of my Lord, full often will I praise thee unto him. Then paused she, and thereafter I began. O Lady of Virtue, Thou alone through whom the human race exceedeth all, contained within the heaven that has the lesser circles, so grateful unto me is thy commandment, to obey if t'were already done were late. No farther need'st thou op'd to me thy wish. But the cause tell me why thou dost not shun the here descending down into this centre from the vast place thou burnest to return to. Since thou wouldst fain so inwardly discern, briefly will I relate, she answered me, why I am not afraid to enter here. Of those things only should one be afraid, which have the power of doing others harm.
Of the rest, no. Because they are not fearful. God in his mercy such created me, that misery of yours attains me not, nor any flame assails me of this burning. A gentle lady is in heaven, who grieves at this impediment to which I send thee, so that stern judgment there above is broken. In her entreaty she besought Lucia, and said, Thy faithful one now stands in need of thee, and unto thee I recommend him. Lucia, foe of all that cruel is, hastened away, and came unto the place where I was sitting with the ancient Rachel. Beatrice, said she, the true praise of God. Why succourest thou not him, who loved thee so? For thee he issued from the vulgar herd. Dost thou not hear the pity of his plaint?
Dost thou not see the death that combats him, Beside that flood where ocean has no vaunt? Never were persons in the world so swift to work their weal and to escape their woe, As I, after such words as these were uttered, Came hither downward from my blessed seat, Confiding in thy dignified discourse, which honors thee, And those who've listened to it. After she thus had spoken unto me, weeping her shining eyes she turned away, whereby she made me swifter in my coming. And unto thee I came, as she desired. I have delivered thee from that wild beast, which barred the beautiful mountain's short ascent. What is it, then? Why, why dost thou delay? Why is such baseness bedded in thy heart? Daring, and hardihood, why hast thou not?
Seeing that three such ladies, Benedite, are caring for thee in the court of heaven, and so much good my speech doth promise thee, even as the flowerets, by nocturnal chill, bowed down and closed, when the sun whitens them, uplift themselves all open on their stems. Such I became with my exhausted strength. And such good courage to my heart there coursed, that I began, like an intrepid person. O, she compassionate who succored me, and courteous thou who hast obeyed so soon the words of truth which she addressed to thee. Thou hast my heart so with desire disposed to the adventure with these words of thine, that to my first intent I have returned. Now go. For one sole will is in us both, Thou leader, and thou lord, and master thou.
Thus said I to him, and when he had moved, I entered on the deep and savage way.
Inferno, canto three.
Through me the way is to the city dolent. Through me the way is To eternal Dole. Through me the way among the people lost. Justice incited my sublime Creator, created me divine omnipotence, the highest wisdom, and the primal love. Before me there were no created things, only a turn, and I eternal last. All hope abandon, ye who enter in. These words, in sombre color, I beheld written upon the summit of a gate, whence I, their sense is, Master, hard to me, and he to me, as one experienced. Here all suspicion needs must be abandoned, all cowardice must needs be here extinct. We to the place have come, where I have told thee, Thou shalt behold the people Dolores, Who have forgone the good of intellect.
And after he had laid his hand on mine, with joyful mien, whence I was comforted, he led me in among the secret things.
There, sighs, complaints, and ululations loud resounded through the air without a star, whence I, at the beginning, wept thereat. Languages diverse, horrible dialects, accents of anger, words of agony, and voices high and hoarse with sound of hands, made up a tumult that goes whirling on, for ever in that air, for ever black, even as the sand doth when the whirlwind breathes. And I, who had my head with horror bound, said, Master, What is this which now I hear? What folk is this which seems by pain so vanquished? And he to me. This miserable mode maintained the melancholy souls of those who lived withouten infamy or praise. Commingled are they with that caitive choir of angels who have not rebellious been, nor faithful were to God, but were for self.
The heavens expelled them, Not to be less fair, nor them the nethermore abyss receives, for glory none the damned world would have from them.
And I, O master, what so grievous is to these, that maketh them lament so sore? He answered, I will tell thee very briefly. These have no longer any hope of death, and this blind life of theirs is so debased, They envious are of every other fate. No fame of them the world permits to be. Misery cord and justice both disdain them. Let us not speak of them, but look and pass. And I, who looked again, beheld a banner, which, whirling round, ran on so rapidly, that of all pause it seemed to me indignant. And after it there came so long a train of people, that I ne'er would have believed that ever death so many had undone. When some among them I had recognized, I looked, and I beheld the shade of him who made through cowardice the great refusal.
Forthwith I comprehended, and was certain, that this the sect was, of the cate of wretches, hateful to God, And to his enemies. These miscreants, who never were alive, were naked, and were stung exceedingly by gadflies and by hornets that were there. These did their faces irrigate with blood, which, with their tears commingled, at their feet, by the disgusting worms, was gathered up. And when to gazing farther I betook me, people I saw, On a great river's bank. Whence said I, Master, now vouchsafe to me, that I may know who these are, and what lore makes them appear so ready to pass over, as I discern athwart the dusky light. And he to me. These things shall all be known to thee as soon as we our footsteps stay upon the dismal shore of Acheron.
Then. With mine eyes ashamed and downward cast, Fearing my words might irksome be to him, From speech refrained I till we reached the river. And lo, towards us coming in a boat, An old man, hoary with the hair of eld, Crying, Woe unto ye, ye souls depraved! Hope nevermore to look upon the heavens! I come to lead you to the other shore, To the eternal shades in heat and frost. And thou, that yonder standest, living soul, withdraw thee from these people who are dead. But when he saw that I did not withdraw, he said, By other ways, by other ports, thou to the shore shalt come, not here for passage. A lighter vessel needs must carry thee. And unto him the guide. Vex thee not, Charon. It is so willed where there is power to do, that which is willed, and farther question not.
Thereat were quieted the fleecy cheeks, of him the ferryman of the livid fen, who round his eyes had wheels of flame. But all those souls who weary were, and naked, their color changed, and gnashed their teeth together, As soon as they had heard those cruel words. God they blasphemed, and their progenitors, the human race, the place, the time, the seed of their engendering and of their birth. Thereafter, all together they drew back, bitterly weeping to the accursed shore, which waiteth every man who fears not God. Charon, the demon, with the eyes of gleed, beckoning to them, Collects them all together, beats with his oar whoever lags behind. As in the autumn-time the leaves fall off, first one, and then another, till the branch unto the earth surrenders all its spoils.
In similar wise the evil seed of Adam throw themselves from that margin, one by one, at signals, as a bird unto its lure. So they depart. Across the dusky wave, and ere upon the other side they land, again on this side a new troop assembles. My son, the courteous master said to me, all those who perish in the wrath of God here meet together out of every land. And ready are they to pass o'er the river, because celestial justice spurs them on, so that their fear is turned into desire. This way, Then never passes a good soul. And hence, if Charon doth complain of thee, well mayest thou know now what his speech imports. This being finished, all the dusk's champagne trembled so violently, that of that terror the recollection bathes me still with sweat.
The land of tears gave forth a blast of wind, and fulminated a vermilion light, Which overmastered me in every sense, and, as a man whom sleep hath seized, I fell.
Inferno. Canto. For broke the deep lethargy within my head, a heavy thunder, so that I upstarted like to a person who by force is wakened. And round about I moved my rested eyes, uprisen erect, and steadfastly I gazed to recognize the place wherein I was. True is it that upon the verge I found me of the abysmal valley dolorous that gathers thunder of infinite ululations. Obscure, profound it was, and nebulous, So that by fixing on its depths my sight, nothing whatever I discerned therein. Let us descend now into the blind world, began the poet, pallid utterly. I will be first, and thou shalt second be. And I, who of his color was aware, said, How shall I come, if thou art afraid, who art wont to be a comfort to my fears?
And he to me. The anguish of the people who are below here in my face depicts that pity for which terror thou hast taken. Let us go on, for the long way impels us. Thus he went in, and thus he made me enter the foremost circle that surrounds the abyss. There, as it seemed to me from listening, were lamentations none, but only sighs, That tremble made the everlasting air. And this arose from sorrow without torment, which the crowds had, that many were, and great, of infants, and of women, and of men. To me the master good. Thou dost not ask what spirits these, which thou beholdest are? Now will I have thee know, ere thou go farther, that they sinned not, And if they merit had, tis not enough, because they had not baptism, which is the portal of the faith thou holdest.
And if they were before Christianity, in the right manner they adored not God, and among such as these am I myself. For such defects, and not for other guilt, lost are we, and are only so far punished that without hope we live on in desire. Great grief seized on my heart when this I heard, because some people of much worthiness I knew, who in that limbo were suspended. "'Tell me, my master, tell me, thou my lord,' began I, with desire of being certain of that faith which overcometh every error. Came any one by his own merit hence, or by another's, who was blessed thereafter? And he—' who understood my covert speech, replied, I was a novice in this state, when I saw hither come a mighty one, with sign of victory in coronate.
Hence he drew forth the shade of the first parent, and that of his son Abel, and of Noah, of Moses the lawgiver, and the obedient Abraham patriarch, and David king, Israel with his father and his children, and Rachel, for whose sake he did so much, and others many, and he made them blessed, and thou must know that earlier than these never were any human spirits saved. We ceased not to advance, because he spake, but still were passing onward through the forest—the forest, say I, of thick-crowded ghosts. Not very far, as yet our way had gone, this side the summit, when I saw a fire that overcame a hemisphere of darkness. We were a little distant from it still, but not so far that I in part discerned not that honorable people held that place.
O thou, who honourest every art and science, who may these be, which such great honor have, That from the fashion of the rest it parts them. And he to me. The honorable name that sounds of them above there in thy life wins grace in heaven that so advances them. In the meantime a voice was heard by me. All honor be to the preeminent poet. His shade returns again that was departed. After the voice had ceased, and quiet was. Four mighty shades I saw approaching us. Semblance had they, nor sorrowful, nor glad. To say to me, began my gracious master, Him with that falchion in his hand, behold, who comes before the three, even as their lord, that one is Homer, poet-sovereign. He who comes next is Horace, the satirist, the third is Ovid, And the last is Lucan.
Because to each of these with me applies the name that solitary voice proclaimed, they do me honor, and in that do well. Thus I beheld assemble the fair school of that Lord of the Song Pre-Eminent, who o'er the others like an eagle soars. When they together had discoursed somewhat, they turned to me with signs of salutation, and on beholding this My master smiled, and more of honor still, much more they did me, in that they made me one of their own band, so that the sixth was I, mid so much wit. Thus we went on, as far as to the light, things saying, "'Tis becoming to keep silent, as was the saying of them where I was." We came unto a noble castle's foot, Seven times encompassed with lofty walls, defended round by a fair rivulet.
This we passed over, even as firm ground. Through portal seven I entered with these sages. We came into a meadow of fresh verdure. People were there with solemn eyes, and slow, of great authority in their countenance. They spake but seldom. and with gentle voices. Thus we withdrew ourselves, upon one side, into an opening luminous and lofty, so that they, all of them, were visible. There opposite, upon the green enamel, were pointed out to me the mighty spirits, whom, to have seen, I feel myself exalted. I saw Electra, with companions many, Amongst whom I knew both Hector and Aeneas, Caesar in armor with Gerfalcon eyes. I saw Camilla and Penthesilia on the other side, and saw the King Latinus, who with Lavenia his daughter sat.
I saw that Brutus, who drove Tarquin forth, Lucretia, Julia, Marcia, and Cornelia, and saw alone, apart, the Saladin. When I had lifted up my brows a little, the master I beheld, of those who know, sit with his philosophic family. All gaze upon him, and all do him honor. There I beheld both Socrates and Plato, who nearer him before the others stand. Democritus, who puts the world on chance, Diogenes, Anaxagoras, and Thales, Zeno, Empidocles, and Heraclitus. Of qualities I saw the good collector, Hight-Dyscorides, and Orpheus saw I, Tully, and Livy, and Moral Seneca, Euclid, Geometrician, and Ptolemy, Galen, Hippocrates, and Avicenna, Averroes, who the great comment made. I cannot all of them portray in full, because so drives me onward the long theme, That many times the word comes short of fact.
The sixfold company, in two divides, Another way my sapient guide conducts me, Forth from the quiet to the air that trembles, And to a place I come where nothing shines.
Inferno, canto V.
Thus I descended, out of the first circle, down to the second, that less space begirds, and so much greater dole that goads to wailing. There standeth Minos horribly, and snarls, examines the transgressions at the entrance, judges, and sends accordingly as he girds him. I say, that when the spirit, evil-born, cometh before him, Wholly it confesses, and this discriminator of transgressions seeth what place in hell is meet for it, girds himself with his tail as many times as grades he wishes it should be thrust down. Always before him many of them stand. They go by turns, each one unto the judgment. They speak, and hear, and then are downward hurled. O thou, that to this dolorous hostelry comest, said Minos to me, when he saw me, leaving the practice of so great an office.
Look how thou enterest, and in whom thou trustest. Let not the portal's amplitude deceive thee. And unto him my guide. Why criest thou to? Do not impede his journey fate ordained. It is so willed there, where there is power to do, that which is willed, And ask no further question, and now begin the dulcum notes to grow audible unto me. Now I am come there, where much lamentation strikes upon me. I came into a place mute of all light, which bellows, as the sea does in a tempest, if by opposing winds tis combated, the infernal hurricane that never rests, Hurtles the spirits onwards in its rapine, Whirling them round, and smiting it molests them. When they arrive before the precipice, there are the shrieks, the plaints, and the laments.
There they blaspheme the poissons divine. I understand that unto such a torment the carnal malefactors were condemned, who reason subjugate to appetite. And as the wings of starlings bear them on, in the cold season, in large band and full, so doth that blast the spirits maledict. It hither, thither, downward, upward, drives them. No hope doth comfort them for evermore, not of repose, but even of lesser pain. And as the cranes go, chanting forth their lays, making in air a long line of themselves, so saw I coming, Uttering lamentations, shadows borne onward by the aforesaid stress. Whereupon said I, Master, who are those people whom the black air so castigates? The first of those, of whom intelligence thou fain wouldst have, then said he unto me, the empress was of many languages.
To sensual vices she was so abandoned, That lustful she made licit in her law to remove the blame to which she had been led. She is Semiramis, of whom we read that she succeeded Ninus, and was his spouse. She held the land which now the Sultan rules. The next is she who killed herself for love, and broke faith with the ashes of Suchaeus. Then Cleopatra the voluptuous. Helen I saw. For whom so many ruthless seasons revolved, and saw the great Achilles, who at the last hour combated with love. Paris I saw, Tristan, and more than a thousand shades did he name and point out with his finger whom love had separated from our life. After that I had listened to my teacher, naming the dames of Elde and Cavaliers, pity prevailed, and I was nigh bewildered.
And I began. O poet, willingly speak would I to those two who go together, and seem upon the wind to be so light. And he to me, Thou'lt mark, when they shall be nearer to us, and then do thou implore them by love which leadeth them, and they will come. Soon as the wind in our direction sways them, my voice uplift I. O ye weary souls! Come speak to us, if no one interdicts it. As turtle-doves, called onward by desire, with open and steady wings to the sweet nest, fly through the air by their volition borne. So came they, from the band where Dido is, approaching us athwart the air malign. So strong was the affectionate appeal. O living creature, gracious and benignant, who visiting goest through the purple air, Us who have stained the world incarnadine.
If were the king of the universe our friend, we would pray unto him to give thee peace, since thou hast pity on our woe perverse. Of what it pleases thee to hear and speak, that will we hear, and we will speak to you, while silent is the wind, as it is now. Sitteth the city wherein I was born upon the sea-shore where the poe descends, To rest in peace with all his retinue. Love, that on gentle heart doth swiftly seize, seized this man for the person beautiful that was taken from me, and still the mode offends me. Love, that exempts no one beloved from loving, seized me with pleasure of this man so strongly, that, as thou seest, it doth not yet desert me. Love has conducted us unto one death. Cana waiteth him who quenched our life.
These words were borne along from them to us. As soon as I had heard, though souls tormented, I bowed my face, and so long held it down, until the poet said to me, What thinkest? When I made answer, I began. Alas, how many pleasant thoughts! How much desire conducted these unto the dolorous pass. Then unto them I turned me, and I spake, and I began. Thine agonies, Francesca, sad and compassionate to weeping make me. But tell me, at the time of those sweet sighs, by what, and in what manner love conceded, that you should know your dubious desires? And she to me. There is no greater sorrow than to be mindful of the happy time in misery, and that thy teacher knows. But if to recognize the earliest root of love in us thou hast so great desire, I will do even as he who weeps and speaks.
One day we reading were for our delight of Lancelot, how love did him enthrall. Alone we were, and without any fear. Full many a time our eyes together drew that reading, and drove the color from our faces. But one point only was it that o'ercame us, when, as we read, of the much-longed-for smile, being by such a noble lover kissed, this one, who ne'er from me shall be divided, kissed me upon the mouth all palpitating. Gagliotto was the book, and he who wrote it. That day no farther did we read therein. And all the while one spirit uttered this, the other did weep, so that, for pity, I swooned away, as if I had been dying, and fell, even as a dead body falls.
End of Inferno Canto One to Five
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2 02 - Inferno: Canto VI-Canto X 36:40
Translated by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Inferno, canto six to ten.
Inferno, canto six.
At the return of consciousness that closed before the pity of those two relations, which utterly with sadness had confused me, new torments I behold, and new tormented around me, whichsoever way I move and whichsoever way I turn and gaze. In the third circle am I of the rain, Eternal, maledict, and cold and heavy, Its law and quality are never new. Huge hail, and water sombre-hued, and snow, Athwart the tenebrous air, pour down amain. Noisome the earth is, that receiveth this. Cerebrus, monster, cruel and uncouth, with his three gullets like a dog, is barking over the people that are there submerged. Red eyes he has, and unctuous beard, and black, and belly large, and armed with claws his hands.
He rends the spirits, flays, and quarters them. Howl! The rain maketh them like unto dogs. One side they make a shelter for the other. Oft turn themselves the wretched reprobates. When Cereborus perceived us, the great worm, his mouths he opened and displayed his tusks, not a limb had he that was motionless. And my conductor, with his spans extended, took of the earth, and with his fists well filled he threw it into those rapacious gullets, such as that dog is, who by barking He craves, and quiet grows soon as his food he gnaws, for to devour it he but thinks and struggles. The like became those muzzles, filth-begrimed of Cerebrus, the demon, who so thunders over the souls that they would fain be deaf.
We passed across the shadows, which subdues the heavy rainstorm, and we placed our feet upon their vanity, that person seems. They all were lying prone upon the earth, excepting one who sat upright as soon as he beheld us passing on before him. "'O thou that art conducted through this hell,' he said to me, "'recall me, if thou canst. Thyself wast made before I was unmade.' And I to him, "'The anguish which thou hast perhaps doth draw thee out of my remembrance, so that it seems not I have ever seen thee.' But tell me who thou art that in so doleful a place art put, and in such punishment if some are greater, none is so displeasing. And he to me, thy city, which is full of envy, so that now the sack runs over, held me within it in the life serene.
You citizens were wont to call me Chiaco, for the pernicious sin of gluttony. I, as thou seest, am battered by this rain. And I, sad soul, am not the only one, for all these suffer the like penalty for the like sin. And word no more spake he. I answered him, Chiaco, thy wretchedness weighs on me, so that it to weep invites me. But tell me, if thou knowest, to what shall come the citizens of the divided city, if any there be just? In the occasion, tell me why so much discord has assailed it. And he, to me, they, after long contention, will come to bloodshed, and the rustic party will drive the other out with much offense. Then, afterwards, behoves it this one fall within three suns, and rise again the other, by force of him who now is on the coast.
High will it hold its forehead a long while, keeping the other under heavy burdens, howe'er it weeps thereat and is indignant. The just are two, and are not understood there. Envy and arrogance and avarice are the three sparks that have all hearts enkindled. Here ended he his tearful utterance, and I to him, I wish thee still to teach me, and make a gift to me of further speech. Firanata and Teggio, once so worthy, Jacopo, Rustucucci, Arrigo, and Mosca, and others who on good deeds set their thoughts. Say where they are, and cause that I may know them, for great desire constraineth me to learn, if heaven doth sweeten them, or hell in venom. And he... They are among the blacker souls. A different sin downweighs them to the bottom.
If thou so far descendest, thou canst see them. But when thou art again in the sweet world, I pray thee, to the mind of others, bring me. No more I tell thee, and no more I answer. Then his straightforward eyes he turned askance, eyed me a little, and then bowed his head. He fell therewith prone like the other, blind. And the guide said to me, He wakes no more. This side, the sound of the angelic trumpet, when shall approach the hostile potentate, each one shall find again his dismal tomb, shall re-assume his flesh in his own figure, shall hear what through eternity re-echoes. So we passed onward, o'er the filthy mixture, of shadows and of rain with footsteps slow, touching a little on the future life.
Wherefore I said, Master, these torments here, will they increase after the mighty sentence, or lesser be, or will they be as burning? And he, to me, return unto thy science, which wills, that as the thing more perfect is, the more it feels of pleasure and of pain. Albeit that this people maledict to true perfection never can attain, Hereafter more than now they look to be. Round in a circle by that road we went, speaking much more, which I do not repeat. We came unto the point where the descent is. There we found Plutus, the great enemy.
Inferno. Canto VII.
Pape Satan, Pape Satan, Alepe. Thus Plutus with his clucking voice began, and that benignant sage who all things knew, said to encourage me, Let not thy fear harm thee, for any power that he may have shall not prevent thy going down this crag. Then he turned round unto that bloated lip, and said, Be silent, thou accursed wolf. Consume within thyself with thine own rage. Not causeless is his journey to the abyss. Thus it is willed on high where Michael wrought vengeance upon the proud adultery. Even as the sails inflated by the wind, involved together fall when snaps the mast, so fell the cruel monster to the earth. Thus we descended into the fourth chasm, gaining still farther on the dolesome shore, which all the woe of the universe insaks.
Justice of God, ah, who heaps up so many new toils and sufferings as I beheld, and why doth our transgression waste us so? As doth the billow there upon Charybdis that breaks itself on that which it encounters, so here the folk must dance their roundelay. Here saw I people, more than elsewhere, many, on one side and the other, with great howls, Rolling weights forward by main force of chest. They clashed together, and then at that point each one turned backward, rolling retrograde, crying, Why keepest? and why squanderest thou? Thus they returned along the lurid circle, on either hand unto the opposite point, shouting their shameful meter evermore. Then each, when he arrived there, wheeled about, threw his half-circle to another joust, and I, who had my heart pierced, as it were, exclaimed, My master, now declare to me what people these are, and if all were clerks, these shaven crowns upon the left of us.
And he to me, all of them were a squint in intellect in the first life, so much that there with measure they no spending made. Clearly enough their voices bark it forth, Whene'er they reach the two points of the circle, where sunders them the opposite defect? Clerks those were, who no hairy covering have on the head, and popes and cardinals, in whom doth avarice practice its excess. And I, my master, among such as these, I ought forsooth to recognize some few who were infected with these maladies. And he, to me, Vain, thought thou entertainest, the undiscerning life which made them sordid, now makes them unto all discernment dim. Forever shall they come to these two buddings, these from the sepulchre shall rise again with the fist closed, and these with tresses shorn.
Ill-giving and ill-keeping the fair world have taken from them, and placed them in this scuffle, whate'er it be. No words adorn I for it. Now, canst thou, son, behold the transient farce of goods that are committed unto fortune, for which the human race each other buffet. For all the gold that is beneath the moons, or ever has been, of these weary souls could never make a single one repose. Master, I said to him, Now tell me also, what is this fortune which thou speakest of, that has the world's goods so within its clutches? And he to me, O creatures imbecile, what ignorance is this which doth beset you? Now will I have thee learn my judgment of her. He whose omniscience everything transcends the heavens created, and gave who should guide them, that every part to every part may shine.
Distributing the light in equal measure, he, in like manner to the mundane splendors, ordained a general ministress and guide, that she might change at times the empty treasures from race to race, from one blood to another, beyond resistance of all human wisdom. Therefore one people triumphs, and another languishes, in pursuance of her judgment, Which hidden is, as in the grass, a serpent. Your knowledge has no counterstand against her. She makes provision, judges, and pursues her governance, as theirs the other gods. Her permutations have not any truce. Necessity makes her precipitate. So often cometh who his turn obtains. And this is she who is so crucified, even by those who ought to give her praise.
Giving her blame amiss, and bad repute. But she is blissful, and she hears it not, among the other primal creatures gladsome. She turns her sphere, and blissful she rejoices. Let us descend now unto greater woe. Already sinks each star that was ascending when I set out, and loitering is forbidden. We crossed the circle to the other bank, near to a fount that boils, and pours itself along a gully that runs out of it. The water was more sombre far than purse, and we, in company with the dusky waves, made entrance downward, by a path uncouth. A marsh it makes, which has the name of Styx. This tristful brooklet when it has descended down to the foot of the malign gray shores. And I, who stood intent upon beholding, saw people, mud-besprent, in that lagoon, all of them naked and with angry look.
They smote each other not alone with hands, but with the head and with the breast and feet, tearing each other piecemeal with their teeth. Said the good master, Son, thou now beholdest the souls of those whom anger overcame, and likewise I would have thee know for certain, beneath the water people are who sigh, and make this water bubble at the surface, as the eye tells thee whereso'er it turns. Fixed in the mire, they say, we sullen were in the sweet air which by the sun is gladdened, bearing within ourselves the sluggish reek. Now we are sullen in this sable mire. This hymn do they keep gurgling in their throats, for with unbroken words they cannot say it. Thus we went, circling round the filthy fen, a great arc twixt the dry bank and the swamp, with eyes turned unto those who gorged the mire.
Unto the foot of a tower we came at last.
Inferno, canto eight.
I say, continuing, that long before we to the foot of that high tower had come, our eyes went upward to the summit of it. By reason of two flamelets we saw placed there, and from afar another answer them, so far that hardly could the eye attain it. And to the sea of all discernment turned, I said, What saith this, and what respondeth, that other fire? And who are they that made it? And he to me, across the turbid waves, what is expected thou canst now discern? If reek of the morass, conceal it not. Cord never shot an arrow from itself, that sped away athwart the air so swift as I beheld a very little boat come o'er the water towards us at that moment, under the guidance of a single pilot, who shouted, "'Now art thou arrived, fell soul?' Phlegias, Phlegias, thou criest out in vain.
For this once," said my lord, "'Thou shalt not have us longer than in the passing of the slough.'" As he who listens to some great deceit, that has been done to him, and then resents it, such became Phlegias in his gathered wrath. My guide descended down into the boat, and then he made me enter after him, and only when I entered seemed it laden. Soon as the guide and I were in the boat, the antique prow goes on its way, dividing more of the water than tis wont with others. While we were running through the dead canal, uprose in front of me one full of mire, and said, "'Who art thou that comest here the hour?' And I to him, "'Although I come, I stay not. But who art thou that hast become so squalid?' "'Thou seest that I am one who weeps,' he answered.
And I to him, "'With weeping and with wailing, thou spirit maledict, do thou remain, For thee I know, though thou art all defiled. Then stretched he both his hands unto the boat, whereat my weary master thrust him back, saying, Away there with the other dogs. Thereafter with his arms he clasped my neck. He kissed my face, and said, Disdainful soul, blessed be she who bore thee in her bosom. That was an arrogant person in the world. Goodness is none that decks his memory. So likewise here his shade is furious. How many are esteemed great kings up there, who here shall be like unto swine in mire, leaving behind them horrible dispraises? And I, my master, much should I be pleased if I could see him soused into this broth before we issue forth out of the lake.
And he to me— Ere unto thee the shore reveal itself, thou shalt be satisfied. Such a desire, tis meet, thou shouldst enjoy. A little after that I saw such havoc made of him by the people of the mire, that still I praise and thank my God for it. They all were shouting, At Filippo, Argenti! And that exasperate spirit Florentine turned round upon himself with his own teeth. We left him there, and more of him I tell not, but on mine ears there smote a lamentation whenceforward I intent unbar mine eyes. And the good master said, Even now, my son, the city draweth near, whose name is Dis, with the grave citizens, with the great throng. And I— Its mosques already, master, clearly within there in the valley I discern vermilion, as if issuing from the fire they were.
And he, to me, the fire eternal that kindles them within makes them look red, as thou beholdest in this nether hell. Then we arrived within the motes profound, that circumvallate, that disconsolate city. The walls appeared to me to be of iron. Not without making first a circuit wide we came unto a place where loud the pilot cried out to us, "'Debark! Here is the entrance!' More than a thousand at the gates I saw, out of the heavens, rain down, who angrily were saying, "'Who is this that without death goes through the kingdom of the people dead?' And my sagacious master made a sign of wishing secretly to speak with them. A little then they quelled their great disdain, and said, Come thou alone, and he begone who has so boldly entered these dominions.
Let him return alone by his mad road. Try, if he can, for thou shalt here remain who hast escorted him through such dark regions. Think, reader, if I was discomforted at utterance of the accursed words, for never to return here I believed. O my dear guide, who more than seven times hast rendered me security, and drawn me from imminent peril that before me stood, do not desert me, said I. Thus undone, and if the going farther be denied us, let us retrace our steps together swiftly. And that Lord who had led me thitherward said unto me, Fear not, because our passage none can take from us. It by such is given. But here await me, and thy weary spirit comfort and nourish with a better hope, for in this nether world I will not leave thee.
So onward goes, and there abandons me, my father sweet, and I remain in doubt, for no and yes within my head contend. I could not hear what he proposed to them, but with them there he did not linger long, ere each within in rivalry ran back. They closed the portals, those, our adversaries, on my lord's breast, who had remained without, and turned to me with footsteps far between. His eyes cast down, his forehead shorn had he of all its boldness, and he said with sighs, Who has denied to me the dolesome houses? And unto me, Thou, because I am angry, fear not, for I will conquer in the trial. Whatever for defense within be planned. This arrogance of theirs is nothing new, for once they used it at less secret gate, which finds itself without a fastening still.
Or it didst thou behold the dead inscription, and now this side of it descends the steep, passing across the circles without escort, one by whose means the city shall be opened. Inferno. Canto IX. That hue which cowardice brought out on me beholding my conductor backward turn, sooner repressed within him his new color. He stopped attentive like a man who listens, because the eye could not conduct him far through the black air and through the heavy fog. Still it behoveth us to win the fight, began he, else such offered us herself Oh, how I long that some one here arrive. Well, I perceived, as soon as the beginning he covered up with what came afterward, that they were words quite different from the first.
But none the less his saying gave me fear, because I carried out the broken phrase, perhaps to a worse meaning than he had. Into this bottom of the doleful conch doth any air descend from the first grade, Which, for its pain, has only hope cut off? This question put I, and he answered me. Seldom it comes to pass that one of us maketh the journey upon which I go. True it is, once before I here below was conjured by that pitiless Erechtho, who summoned back the shades unto their bodies. Naked of me, short while the flesh had been, Before within that wall she made me enter, to bring a spirit from the circle of Judas. That is the lowest region, and the darkest, and farthest from the heaven which circles all.
Well know I the way. Therefore be reassured. This fen, which a prodigious stench exhales, encompasses about the city dolent, where now we cannot enter without anger. And more he said, but not in mind I have it. Because mine eye had altogether drawn me towards the high tower with the red-flaming summit, where in a moment saw I swift uprisen the three infernal furies, stained with blood, who had the limbs of women in their mien, and with the greenest hydras were begirt, small serpents and serestus were their tresses, wherewith their horrid temples were entwined. And he, who well the handmaids of the Queen of everlasting lamentation knew, said unto me, Behold, the fierce Aranese. This is Megera on the left-hand side, she who is weeping on the right, Alecto.
Tissiphone is between. And then was silent. Each one her breast was rending with her nails, that beat them with their palms, and cried so loud that I, for dread, pressed close unto the poet. "'Medusa, come, so we to the stone will change him,' all shouted, looking down. "'In evil hour avenged we not on Theseus his assault. Turn thyself round, and keep thine eyes closed shut, for if the Gorgon appear, and thou shouldst see it, no more returning upward would there be.' Thus said the master, and he turned me round himself, and trusted not unto my hands so far as not to blind me with his own. O ye who have undistempered intellects, observe the doctrine that conceals itself beneath the veil of the mysterious verse.
And now there came across the turbid waves the clangour of a sound with terror fraught, because of which both of the margins trembled. Not otherwise it was than of a wind, impetuous on account of adverse heats, that smites the forest and, without restraint, the branches rends, beats down, and bears away. Right onward, laden with dust, it goes, superb, and puts to flight the wild beasts and the shepherds. Mine eyes he loosed and said, Direct the nerve of vision now along that ancient foam. There yonder where that smoke is most intense. Even as the frogs before the hostile serpent across the water scatter all abroad, until each one is huddled in the earth. More than a thousand ruined souls I saw, thus fleeing from before one who on foot was passing o'er the sticks with souls unwet.
Far off his face he fanned that unctuous air, waving his left hand oft in front of him, And only with that anguish seemed he weary. Well, I perceived, one sent from heaven, was he, and to the master turned, and he made sign that I should quiet stand and bow before him. Ah, how disdainful he appeared to me! He reached the gate, and with a little nod he opened it, for there was no resistance. Oh, banished out of heaven, people despised! Thus he began upon the horrid threshold. Whence is this arrogance within you couched? Wherefore recalcitrate against that will from which the end can never be cut off, and which has many times increased your pain? What helpeth it to butt against your fates? Your cerebrus, if you remember well, for that still bears his chin and gullet peeled.
Then he returned along the miry road, and spake no word to us, but had the look of one whom other care constrains and goads, than that of him who in his presence is. And we, our feet directed towards a city, after those holy words, all confident. Within we entered without any contest, and I, whose inclination had to see what the condition such a fortress holds, soon as I was within, Cast round mine eye, and see on every hand an ample plain, full of distress and torment terrible. Even as at Arles, where stagnant grows the Rhone, even as at Pola, near to the Quarnaro, that shuts in Italy and bathes its borders, the sepulchres made all the place uneven. So likewise did they there on every side, saying that there the manor was more bitter.
For flames between the sepulchres were scattered, by which they so intensely heated were, that iron more so asks not any art. All of their coverings uplifted were, and from them issued forth such dire laments, soothed seemed they of the wretched and tormented. And I, my master, What are all those people who, having sepulter within those tombs, make themselves audible by doleful sighs? And he to me. Here are the heresiarchs, with their disciples of all sects, and much more than thou thinkest, laden are the tombs. Here, like together with its like, is buried, and more and less the monuments are heated. And when he to the right had turned, we passed between the torments and high parapets.
Inferno, Canto X.
Now onward goes along a narrow path between the torments and the city wall, my master, and I follow at his back. O power supreme that through these impious circles turnest me, I began, As pleases thee, speak to me, and my longing satisfy. The people who are lying in these tombs, might they be seen? Already are uplifted, the covers all, and no one keepeth guard. And he to me, they all will be closed up when, from Jehoshaphat, they shall return here with the bodies they have left above. Their cemetery have upon this side with Epicurus all his followers, who with the body mortal make the soul. But in the question thou dost put to me, within here shalt thou soon be satisfied, and likewise in the wish thou keepest silent.
And I, good leader, I but keep concealed from thee my heart, that I may speak the less, nor only now hast thou thereto disposed me. O Tuscan, thou who through the city of fire goest alive, thou speaking modestly, be pleased to stay thy footsteps in this place. Thy mode of speaking makest thee manifest, a native of that noble fatherland, to which perhaps I, too, molestful was. Upon a sudden issued forth this sound, from out of one of the tombs wherefore I pressed, fearing a little nearer to my leader. And unto me he said, Turn thee, what dost thou? Behold there, Farinata, who has risen from the waist upwards, wholly shalt thou see him. I had already fixed mine eyes on his, and he uprose, erect with breast and front, even as if hell he had in great despite.
And with courageous hands and prompt, my leader thrust me between the sepulchres towards him, exclaiming, Let thy words explicit be. As soon as I was at the foot of the tomb, somewhat he eyed me, and, as if disdainful, then asked of me, Who were thine ancestors? I, who desirous of obeying was, concealed it not, but all revealed to him, whereat he raised his brows a little upward. Then he said, Fiercely adverse have they been to me and to my fathers in my party, so that, too, several times I scattered them. If they were banished, they returned on all sides, I answered him, the first time and the second, but yours have not acquired that art aright. Then there uprose upon the sight, uncovered, down to the chin, a shadow at his side.
I think that he had risen on his knees. Round me he gazed, as if solicitude he had to see if some one else were with me. But after his suspicion was all spent, weeping, he said to me, If through this blind prison thou goest by loftiness of genius, where is my son, and why is he not with thee? And I to him, I come not of myself. He who is waiting yonder leads me here, whom in disdain perhaps your Guido had. His language and the mode of punishment already unto me had read his name. On that account my answer was so full. Up, starting suddenly, he cried out, How saidst thou? He had. Is he not still alive? Does not the sweet light strike upon his eyes? When he became aware of some delay, which I before my answer made, Supine he fell again, and forth appeared no more.
But the other, magnanimous, at whose desire I had remained, did not his aspect change, neither his neck he moved nor bent his side. And if, continuing his first discourse, they have that art, he said, not learned aright, that more tormenteth me than doth this bed. But fifty times shall not rekindled be the countenance of the lady who reigns here, ere thou shalt know how heavy is that art. And as thou wouldst to this sweet world return, say why that people is so pitiless against my race in each one of its laws. Whence I to him, the slaughter and great carnage which have with crimson stained the Arbia, cause such orisons in our temple to be made. After his head he with a sigh had shaken. There I was not alone, he said, nor surely without a cause had with the others moved.
But there I was alone, where every one consented to the laying waste of Florence, he who defended her with open face. Ah, so hereafter may your seed repose, I him entreated. Solve for me that knot which has tangled my conceptions here. It seems that you can see, if I hear rightly, beforehand whatsoever time brings with it, and in the present have another mode. We see, like those who have imperfect sight, the things, he said, that distant are from us, so much still shines on us th sovereign ruler. When they draw near, or are, is wholly vain our intellect. And if none brings it to us, not anything know we of your human state. Hence thou canst understand that holy dead will be our knowledge from the moment when the portal of the future shall be closed.
Then I, as if compunctuous for my fault, said, Now then you will tell that fallen one that still his son is with the living joined. And if just now in answering I was dumb, tell him I did it because I was thinking already of the error you have solved me. And now my master was recalling me, wherefore, more eagerly I prayed the spirit that he would tell me who was with him there. He said, With more than a thousand here I lie. Within here is the second Frederick, and the Cardinal, and of the rest I speak not. Thereon he hid himself, and I towards the ancient poet turned my steps, reflecting upon that saying which seemed hostile to me. He moved along, and afterward, thus going, he said to me, Why art thou so bewildered?
And I in his inquiry satisfied him. Let memory preserve what thou hast heard against thyself, that sage commanded me, and now attend here. And he raised his finger. When thou shalt be before the radiance, sweet of her whose beauteous eyes all things behold, From her thou'lt know the journey of thy life. Unto the left hand then he turned his feet. We left the wall and went towards the middle, along a path that strikes into a valley, which, even up there, unpleasant, made its stench. in St. Louis, MO on October 1, 2006.
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3 03 - Inferno: Canto XI-Canto XV 47:04
Translated by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Canto Eleven through Canto Fifteen Inferno. Canto XI. Upon the margin of a lofty bank, which great rocks broken in a circle made, we came upon a still more cruel throng. And there, by reason of the horrible excess of stench the deep abyss throws out, we drew ourselves aside behind the cover of a great tomb, whereupon I saw a writing, Which said, Pope Anastasius I hold, whom out of the right way Photinus drew.
Slow it behoveth our descent to be, so that the sense be first a little used to the sad blast, and then we shall not heed it. The master thus. And unto him I said, Some compensation find. that the time passed not idly, and he, Thou seest, I think of that. My son, upon the inside of these rocks, began he then to say, are three small circles, from grade to grade, like those which thou art leaving. They are all full of spirits maledict, but that hereafter sight alone suffice thee, Hear how and wherefore they are in constraint. Of every malice that wins hate in heaven, injury is the end, and all such end, either by force or fraud, afflicteth others. But because fraud is man's peculiar vice, more it displeases God, and so stand Lois the fraudulent, and greater dole assails them.
All the first circle of the violent is. But since force may be used against three persons, in three rounds tis divided and constructed. To God, to ourselves, and to our neighbor can we use force. I say, on them and on their things, as thou shalt hear with reason manifest. A death by violence And painful wounds are to our neighbor given, and in his substance ruin and arson and injurious levies. Whence homicides, and he who smites unjustly, marauders and freebooters, the first round tormenteth all in companies diverse. Man may lay violent hands upon himself and his own goods, And therefore in the second round must perforce, without avail, repent whoever of your world deprives himself, who games, and dissipates his property, and weepeth there, where he should jocund be.
Violence can be done the deity, in heart denying and blaspheming him, and by disdaining nature and her bounty. And for this reason doth the smallest round, Seal with its signet Sodom and Cahors, and who, disdaining God, speaks from the heart. Fraud. Wherewithal is every conscience stung, a man may practice upon him who trusts, and him who doth no confidence imburse. This latter mode, it would appear, dissevers only the bond of love which nature makes. Wherefore, within the second circle, nestle hypocrisy, flattery, and who deals in magic, falsification, theft, and simony, panders, and beraters, and the like filth. By the other mode, forgotten is that love which nature makes, and what is after added, from which there is a special faith engendered, Hence, in the smallest circle, where the point is of the universe, upon which dice is seated, whoever betrays forever is consumed.
And I, my master, clear enough, proceeds thy reasoning, and full well distinguishes this cavern and the people who possess it. But tell me, those within the fat lagoon Whom the wind drives, and whom the rain doth beat, and who encounter with such bitter tongues, wherefore are they inside of the red city not punished, if God has given them in his wrath, and, if he has not, wherefore in such fashion? And unto me he said, Why wanders so thine intellect from that which it is wont, or sooth thy mind? Where is it elsewhere looking? Hast thou no recollection of those words, with which thine ethics thoroughly discusses, the dispositions three, that heaven abides not? Incontinence, and malice, and insane bestiality.
And how incontinence, less God offendeth, and less blame attracts? If thou regardest this conclusion well, and to thy mind recallest who they are that up outside are undergoing penance, clearly wilt thou perceive why from these felons they separated are, and why less wroth justice divine doth smite them with its hammer. O son that healest all distempered vision, Thou dost content me so, when thou resolvest, that doubting pleases me no less than knowing. Once more a little backward turned thee, said I, there, where thou sayest that usury offends goodness divine, and disengage the knot. Philosophy, he said, to him who heeds it, Noteth not only in one place alone, after which manner nature takes her course from intellect divine and from its art, and if thy physics carefully thou notest, after not many pages shalt thou find that this your art as far as possible follows, as the disciple doth the master, so that your art is, as it were, God's grandchild.
From these two, if thou bringest to thy mind Genesis at the beginning, it behooves mankind to gain their life and to advance, and since the usurer takes another way, nature herself, and in her follower disdains he, for elsewhere he puts his hope. But follow now, as I would fain go on, For quivering are the fishes on the horizon, and the wane wholly over Charis lies, and far beyond there we descend the crag.
Inferno, canto XII. The place where to descend the bank we came was Alpine, and from what was there, moreover, of such a kind that every eye would shun it, such as that ruin, is which in the flank smote, on this side of Trent, the adage, either by earthquake or by failing stay. For from the mountain's top, from which it moved, unto the plain, the cliff is shattered so, some path twould give to him who was above. Even such was the descent of that ravine, and on the border of the broken chasm the infamy of Crete was stretched along. Who was conceived in the fictitious cow, and when he us beheld, he bit himself, even as one whom anger wracks within. My sage towards him shouted, Peradventure, thou think'st that here may be the Duke of Athens, who in the world above brought death to thee.
Get thee gone. Beast, for this one cometh not, instructed by thy sister, but he comes in order to behold your punishments. As is that bull who breaks loose at the moment in which he has received the mortal blow, who cannot walk, but staggers here and there. The Minotaur beheld, I do the like. And he, the wary, cried, Run to the passage while he wroth, Tis well thou shouldst descend. Thus down we took our way o'er that discharge of stones, which oftentimes did move themselves beneath my feet, from the unwanted burden. Thoughtful I went, and he said, Thou art thinking, perhaps, upon this ruin, which is guarded by that brute anger which just now I quenched. Now will I have thee know, the other time I here descended to the nether hell, this precipice had not yet fallen down.
But truly, if I well discern, a little before his coming, who the mighty spoil bore off from Dece in the supernal circle, upon all sides the deep and loathsome valley trembled so that I thought the universe was thrilled with love, By which there are, who think, the world ofttimes converted into chaos, and at that moment this primeval crag, both here and elsewhere, made such overthrow. But fix thine eyes below, for draweth near the river of blood, within which boiling is whoever by violence doth injure others. O! Blind cupidity, O wrath insane, that spurs us onward so in our short life, and in the eternal, then, so badly steeps us. I saw an ample moat, bent like a bough, as one which all the plain encompasses, conformable to what my guide had said.
And between this and the embankment's foot, centaurs in file were running, armed with arrows, as in the world they used the chase to follow. Beholding us descend, each one stood still, and from the squadron three detached themselves, with bows and arrows in advance selected. And from afar one cried, Unto what torment come ye, who down the hillside are descending? Tell us from here. If not, I draw the bow. My master said, Our answer will we make to Chiron. Near you there? In evil hour, that will of thine was evermore so hasty. Then touched he me, and said, This one is Nessus. who perished for the lovely Dijonera, and for himself, himself did vengeance take. And in the midst, who at his breast is gazing, is the great Chiron, who brought up Achilles.
That other, Pholus is, who was so wrathful. Thousands and thousands go about the moat, shooting with shafts whatever soul emerges out of the blood, More than his crime allots. Near we approached unto those monsters' fleet. Chirin an arrow took, and with the notch backward upon his jaws he put his beard. After he had uncovered his great mouth, he said to his companions, Are you aware that he behind moveth whatever he touches? Thus are not wont to do the feat of dead men. And my good guide, who now was at his breast, where the two natures are together joined, replied, Indeed, he lives, and thus alone me it behooves to show him the dark valley. Necessity, and not delight, impels us. Some one withdrew from singing Hallelujah, Who unto me committed this new office.
No thief is he, nor I, a thievish spirit. But by that virtue through which I am moving, my steps along this savage thoroughfare, give us some one of thine, to be with us, and who may show us where to pass the ford, and who may carry this one on his back. For tis no spirit that can walk the air. Upon his right breast, Chiron wheeled about, and said to Nessus, Turn, and do thou guide them, and warn aside if other band may meet you. We, with our faithful escort, onward moved along the brink of the vermilion boiling, wherein the boiled were uttering loud laments. People I saw within up to the eyebrows, and the great centaur said, Tyrants are these, who dealt in bloodshed and in pillaging. Here they lament their pitiless mischiefs.
Here is Alexander, and fierce Dionysus, who upon Sicily brought dolorous years. That forehead there, which has the hair so black, is Azulin, And the other who is blond, Obiso is of Esti, who, in truth, up in the world was by his stepson slain. Then turned I to the poet, and he said, Now, he be first to thee, and second I. A little farther on the centaur stopped above a folk, who, far down as the throat seemed from that boiling stream to issue forth, A shade he showed us on one side alone, saying, He cleft asunder in God's bosom, the heart that still upon the Thames is honored. Then people saw I who from out of the river lifted their heads and also all the chest, and many among these I recognized.
Thus evermore and more grew shallower that blood, So that the feet alone it covered, and there across the moat our passage was. Even as thou here upon this side beholdest the boiling stream, that eye diminishes, Descindar said, I wish thee to believe that on this other side more and more declines its bed, until it reunites itself, where it behoveth tyranny to groan. Justice divine upon this side is goading that Attila, who was a scourge on earth, and Pyrrhus, and Sextus, and for ever milks the tears, which with the boiling it unseals in Rignor da Cornetto and Rignor Pazo, who made upon the highways so much war. Then back he turned. And passed again the ford.
Inferno. Canto. Thirteen. Not yet had Nessus reached the other side when we had put ourselves within a wood that was not marked by any path whatever. Not foliage green, but of a dusky color. Not branches smooth, but gnarled and intertangled. Not apple-trees were there, but thorns with poison. Such tangled thickets have not, nor so dense, those savage wild beasts that in hatred hold, twixt Senina and Cornetto, the tilled places. There do the hideous harpies make their nests, who chase the Trojans from the Strophides, With sad announcement of impending doom. Broad wings have they, and necks and faces human, and feet with claws. And their great bellies fledged. They make laments upon the wondrous trees.
And the good master? E'er thou enter farther, know that thou art within the second round. Thus he began to say, And shalt be, till thou comest out upon the horrible sand. Therefore look well around, and thou shalt see things that will credence give unto my speech. I heard on all sides lamentations uttered, and person none beheld I who might make them, whence utterly bewildered, I stood still. I think he thought that I perhaps might think so many voices issued through those trunks from people who concealed themselves from us. Therefore the master said, If thou break off some little spray from any of those trees, the thoughts thou hast will wholly be made vain. Then stretched I forth my hand a little forward, and plucked a branchlet off from a great thorn, and the trunk cried, Why dost thou mangle me?
After it had become embrowned with blood, it recommenced its cry. Why dost thou rend me? Hast thou no spirit of pity whatsoever? Men once we were, and now are changed to trees. Indeed, Thy hand should be more pitiful, even if the souls of serpents we had been. As out of a green brand that is on fire at one of the ends, and from the other drips and hisses with the wind that is escaping, so from that splinter issued forth together both words and blood, whereat I let the tip fall, and stood like a man who is afraid. Had he been able sooner to believe, my sage made answer, O thou wounded soul, what only in my verses he has seen! Not upon thee had he stretched forth his hand, whereas the thing incredible has caused me to put him to an act which grieveth me.
But tell him who thou wast. So that, by way of some amends, thy fame he may refresh up in the world, to which he can return. And the trunk said, So thy sweet words allure me. I cannot silent be, and you be vexed not, that I, a little to the discourse, am tempted. I am the one who both keys had in keeping of Frederick's heart, and turned them to and fro, so softly in unlocking and inlocking, that from his secrets most men I withheld. Fidelity I bore, the glorious office so great, I lost thereby my sleep and pulses. The courtesan who never from the dwelling of Caesar turned aside her strumpet eyes, Death Universal, and the vice of courts, inflamed against me all the other minds, and they, inflamed, did so inflame Augustus, that my glad honours turned to dismal mornings.
My spirit, in disdainful exultation, Thinking by dying to escape disdain, made me unjust against myself the just. I, by the roots unwanted of this wood, do swear to you that never broke I faith unto my lord, who was so worthy of honour, and, to the world, if one of you return, let him my memory comfort. Which is lying still prostrate from the blow that envy dealt it.
Waited a while, and then— Since he is silent, the poet said to me, Lose not the time, but speak and question him, if more may please thee. Whence I to him? Do thou again inquire concerning what thou think'st will satisfy me, for I cannot. Such pity is in my heart. Therefore he recommenced. So may the man do for thee freely what thy speech implores. Spirit incarnate, again be pleased, to tell us in what way the soul is bound within these knots, And tell us, if thou canst, if any from such members ever is freed. Then blew the trunk amain, and afterward the wind was into such a voice converted. With brevity shall be replied to you, when the exasperated soul abandons the body whence it rent itself away, Minos consigns it to the seventh abyss.
It falls into the forest, and no part is chosen for it, but where fortune hurls it, there, like a grain of spelt, it germinates. It springs a sapling, and a forest tree. The harpies, feeding then upon its leaves, do pain create, and for the pain An outlet. Like others, for our spoils shall we return, but not that any one may them revest, for tis not just to have what one casts off.
Here we shall drag them, and along the dismal forest our bodies shall suspended be, each to the thorn of his molested shade.
We were attentive still unto the trunk, thinking that more it yet might wish to tell us, when, by a tumult, we were overtaken, in the same way as he is who perceives the boar and chase approaching to his stand, who hears the crashing of the beasts and branches, and, too, behold, upon our left-hand side, naked and scratched, fleeing so furiously, that, of the forest, every fan they broke. He who was in advance, "'Now, help! Death, help!' and the other one, who seemed to lag too much, was shouting, "'Lano, were not so alert those legs of thine adjoustings of the topo!' And then, perchance because his breath was failing, he grouped himself together with a bush. Behind them was the forest full of black she-mastiffs, ravenous, and swift of foot as greyhounds, who are issuing from the chain.
On him who had crouched down they set their teeth, and him they lacerated piece by piece. Thereafter bore away those aching members. Thereat, my escort, took me by the hand, and led me to the bush, that all in vain was weeping from its bloody lacerations. "'O Jacopo,' it said, "'a St. Andrea! What helped it thee of me to make a screen? What blame have I in thy nefarious life?' When near him had the master stayed his steps, he said, Who wast thou, that through wounds so many art blowing out with blood thy dolorous speech? And he to us. O souls that hither come to look upon the shameful massacre that has so rent away from me my leaves, gather them up beneath the dismal bush, I of that city was which to the Baptist changed its first patron.
Wherefore, he for this forever with his art will make me sad. And were it not that on the pass of Arno some glimpses of him are remaining still, those citizens who afterwards rebuilt it upon the ashes left by Attila, In vain had caused their labor to be done. Of my own house I made myself a gibbet.
Inferno, canto 14. Because the charity of my native place constrained me, gathered I the scattered leaves, and gave them back to him who now was horse. Then came we to the confine, where, disparted the second round, is from the third, and where a horrible form of justice is beheld. Clearly, to manifest these novel things, I say that we arrived upon a plain, which from its bed rejecteth every plant. The dolorous forest is a garland to it, All round bout, as the sad mote to that. There, close upon the edge, we stayed our feet. The soil was of an arid and thick sand, not of another fashion, made than that which by the feet of Cato once was pressed. Vengeance of God! O how much oughtest thou by each one to be dreaded!
Who doth read that which was manifest unto mine eyes? Of naked souls beheld I many herds, who all were weeping very miserably, and over them seemed set a law diverse. Supine upon the ground some folk were lying, and some were sitting all drawn up together. And others went about continually. Those who were going round were far the more, and those were less who lay down to their torment, but had their tongues more loosed to lamentation. O'er all the sand-waste, with a gradual fall, were raining down dilated flakes of fire, as of the snow on Alp without a wind. As Alexander in those torrid parts of India beheld upon his host, flames fall unbroken till they reached the ground.
Whence he provided with his phalanxes to trample down the soil, because the vapor better extinguished was while it was single. Thus was descending the eternal heat, whereby the sand was set on fire. Like tender beneath the steel, for doubling of the dole. Without repose for ever was the dance of miserable hands, now there, now here, shaking away from off them the fresh gleads. Master, began I, thou who overcometst all things except the demons dire that issued against us at the entrance of the gate, Who is that mighty one who seems to heed not the fire, and lieth lowering and disdainful, so that the rain seems not to ripen him? And he himself, who had become aware that I was questioning my guide about him, cried, Such as I was living am I dead.
If Jove should weary out his smith, From whom he seized in anger the sharp thunderbolt, wherewith upon the last day I was smitten, and, if he wearied out by turns the others, in Monjibelo at the swarthy forge, vociferating, Help! good Vulcan, help! Even as he did there at the fight of Phlegra, and shot his bolts at me with all his might, He would not have thereby a joyous vengeance. Then did my leader speak with such great force that I had never heard him speak so loud. O Copaneus, in that is not extinguished thine arrogance. Thou punished art the more. Not any torment, saving thine own rage, Would be unto thy fury pain complete. Then he turned round to me with bitter lip, saying, One of the seven kings was he who Thebes besieged, and held, and seems to hold God in disdain, and little seems to prize him.
But, as I said to him, his own despites are for his breast the fittest ornaments. Now follow me, and mind thou do not place as yet thy feet upon the burning sand, but always keep them close unto the wood. Speaking no word, we came to where there gushes forth from the wood a little rivulet, whose redness makes my hair still stand on end. As from the bullock-came springs the brooklet, the sinful women Later share among them, so downward through the sand it went its way. The bottom of it, and both sloping banks, were made of stone, and the margins at the side. Whence I perceived that there the passage was. In all the rest which I have shown to thee, since we have entered in within the gate, whose threshold unto no one is denied, Nothing has been discovered by thine eyes so notable as is the present river, which all the little flames above it quenches.
These words were of my leader. Whence I prayed him that he would give me largesse of the food for which he had given me largesse of desire. In the midst there sits a wasted land, said he there afterward. Whose name is Crete, under whose king the world of old was chased. There is a mountain there, that once was glad with waters and with leaves, which was called Ida. Now tis deserted, as a thing worn out. Rhea once chose it for the faithful cradle of her own son, and to conceal him better Whenever he cried, she there had clamors made. A grand old man stands in the mount erect, who holds his shoulders turned towards Damietta, and looks at Rome as if it were his mirror. His head is fashioned of refined gold, and of pure silver are the arms and breast, Then he is brass as far down as the fork.
From that point downward all is chosen iron, save that the right foot is of kiln-baked clay, and more he stands on that than on the other. Each part, except the gold, is by a fissure, a sunder cleft, that dripping is with tears, which gathered together perforate that cavern. From rock to rock they fall into this valley. Acheron, Styx, and Phlegathan they form. Then, downward, go along this narrow sluice unto that point where is no more descending. They form Cacatus. What that pool may be thou shalt behold. So here it is not narrated. And I to him, If so the present runnel doth take its rise in this way from our world, why, only on this verge appears it to us. And he to me, Thou knowest the place is round, and, notwithstanding, thou hast journeyed far, still, to the left descending to the bottom, Thou hast not yet through all the circle turned.
Therefore, if something new appear to us, it should not bring amazement to thy face. And I again, Master, where shall be found Lethe and Phlegathon? For of one thou art silent, and sayest the other of this reign is made. "'In all questions, truly thou dost please me,' replied he, "'but the boiling of the red water might well salve one of them thou makest. Thou shalt see Lethe.' But outside this moat, there, where the souls repair to lave themselves, when sin, repented of, has been removed. Then said he—' It is time now to abandon the wood. Take heed that thou come after me. Away the margins make that are not burning, and over them all vapors are extinguished.
Inferno. Canto XV. Now bears us onward one of the hard margins, and so the brooklets Mists overshadows it. From fire it saves the water and the dykes. Even as the Flemings, twixt Cadzen and Bruges, fearing the flood that towards them hurls itself, their bulwarks build to put the sea to flight, and as the Pajuans along the Brenta, to guard their villas and their villages, or ever Chiarantana feel the heat, In such similitude had those been made, albeit not so lofty, nor so thick. Whoever he might be, the master made them. Now were we from the forest so remote, I could not have discovered where it was, even if backward I had turned myself, when we a company of souls encountered, who came beside the dyke, And every one gazed at us, as at evening we are wont to eye each other under a new moon, and so towards us sharpened they their brows, as an old tailor at the needle's eye.
Thus scrutinized by such a family, by some one I was recognized, who seized my garment's hem and cried out, What a marvel! And I, when he stretched forth his arm to me, on his baked aspect fastened so mine eyes, that the scorched countenance prevented not his recognition by my intellect. And, bowing down my face unto his own, I made reply, Are you here, Ser Brunetto? And he, May it not displease thee, O my son, in a brief space, with thee, Brunetto Latini, backward, return, and let the trail go on. I said to him, With all my power I ask it, and if you wish me to sit down with you, I will, if he please, for I go with him.
O son, he said, Whoever of this herd a moment stops, lies then a hundred years, nor fans himself when smiteth him the fire. Therefore, go on. I at thy skirts will come, and afterward will I rejoin my band, which goes lamenting its eternal doom. I did not dare go down from the road level to walk with him, but my head bowed, I held as one who goeth reverently. And he began, What fortune, or what fate, before the last day leadeth thee down here? And who is this that showeth thee the way? Up there, above us, in the life serene, I answered him, I lost me in a valley, or ever yet my age had been completed. But yestermorn I turned my back upon it. This one appeared to me, returning thither, and homeward leadeth me along this road.
And he to me, If thou thy star do follow, Thou canst not fail thee of a glorious port, if well I judged in the life beautiful. And if I had not died so prematurely, seeing heaven thus benignant unto thee, I would have given thee comfort in the work. But that ungrateful and malignant people, which of old time from Fisole descended, And smacks still of the mountain and the granite, Will make itself for thy good deeds thy foe, And it is right, for among crabbed sorbs It ill befits the sweet fig to bear fruit. Old rumor in the world proclaims them blind, A people avaricious, envious, and proud, Take heed that of their customs thou do cleanse thee. Thy fortune, so much honor, doth reserve thee, one party, and the other shall be hungry, for thee.
But far from goat shall be the grass. Their litter let the beasts of Fessoli make of themselves, nor let them touch the plant. If any still upon their dunghill rise, in which may yet revive the consecrated seed of those Romans, who remained there when the nest of such great malice it became.
If my entreaty wholly were fulfilled, replied I to him, not yet would you be in banishment from human nature placed. For in my mind is fixed. And touches now my heart, the dear and good paternal image of you, when, in the world from hour to hour, you taught me how a man becomes eternal, and how much I am grateful, while I live, behoves that in my language be discerned. What you narrate of my career, I write, and keep it To be glossed with other text, by a lady who can do it, if I reach her. This much will I have manifest to you, provided that my conscience do not chide me, for whatsoever fortune I am ready. Such hand-sell is not new unto mine ears. Therefore let fortune turn her wheel around, as it may please her, And the churl his mattock.
My master, thereupon, on his right cheek, did backward turn himself, and looked at me, then said, He listeneth well, who noteth it. Nor, speaking less on that account, I go with Sir Brunetto, and I ask who are his most known and most eminent companions, and he to me? To know of some is well, of others it were laudable to be silent, for short would be the time for so much speech. Know them in some, that all of them were clerks, and men of letters, great and of great fame, and the world tainted with the selfsame sin. Pritian goes yonder with that wretched crowd, and Francis of Accorso. And thou hadst seen there, had thou hadst a hankering for such scurf, that one, who, by the servant of the servants, was transferred from Arno to Baciglione, where he has left his sin-excited nerves.
More would I say, but Coming and discoursing can be no longer, for that I behold new smoke uprising yonder from the sand. A people comes with whom I may not be. Commended unto thee be my tesoro, in which I still live, and no more I ask. Then he turned round, and seemed to be like Those who at Verona run for the green mantle across the plain, and seem to be among them the one who wins, and not the one who loses.
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4 04 - Inferno: Canto XVI-Canto XX 30:36
Translated by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Inferno. Canto. Sixteen to twenty.
Inferno, canto.
Now was I where was heard the reverberation of water falling into the next round, like to that humming which the beehives make, when shadows three together started forth, running from out a company that passed, beneath the rain of the sharp martyrdom. Towards us came they, and each one cried out, Stop thou, for by thy garb to us thou seemest to be some one of our depraved city. Ah, me, what wounds I saw upon their limbs, recent and ancient by the flames burnt in, It pains me still but to remember it. Unto their cries my teacher paused attentive. He turned his face towards me, and, Now wait, he said. To these we should be courteous. And if it were not for the fire that darts the nature of this region, I should say, that haste were more becoming to thee than them.
As soon as we stood still, they recommenced the old refrain, and when they overtook us, formed of themselves a wheel, all three of them. As champions stripped and oiled are wont to do, watching for their advantage and their hold, before they come to blows and thrusts between them. Thus, wheeling round, did every one his visage direct to me, so that in opposite wise his neck and feet continual journey made. And if the misery of this soft place bring and disdain ourselves and our entreaties, began one, and our aspect black and blistered, let the renown of us thy mind incline to tell us who thou art, Who thus securely thy living feet dost move along through hell. He in whose footprints thou dost see me treading, naked and skinless though he now may go, was of a greater rank than thou dost think.
He was the grandson of the good Guadrada. His name was Guido Guerra, and in life much did he with his wisdom and his sword. The other, who close by me treads the sand, Tegallo Aldobrandi is, whose fame above there in the world should welcome be. And I, who with them on the cross and placed, Jacopo Rustucucci was, and truly my savage wife more than aught else doth harm me. Could I have been protected from the fire? Below I should have thrown myself among them and think that the teacher would have suffered it? But as I should have burned and baked myself, my terror overmastered my good will, which made me greedy of embracing them. And I began sorrow, and not disdain did your condition fix within me so, that tardily it wholly is stripped off.
As soon as this my lord said unto me, words on account of which I thought within me, that people such as you are were approaching. I of your city am, and evermore your labors and your honorable names I with affection have retraced and heard. I leave the Gaul, and go for the sweet fruits promised to me by the voracious leader, but to the center first I needs must plunge. So may the soul for a long while conduct those limbs of thine. Did he make answer then? And so may thy renown shine after thee. Valor and courtesy, say, if they dwell within our city as they used to do, or if they wholly have gone out of it. For Guglielmo Borsier, who is in torment with us of late, and goes there with his comrades, doth greatly mortify us with his words.
The new inhabitants and the sudden gains, pride and extravagance, have in thee engendered, Florence, so that thou weep'st thereat already. In this wise, I exclaimed with face uplifted, and the three, taking that for my reply, looked at each other as one looks at truth. If other times so little it doth cost thee, replied they all, to satisfy another, happy art thou, thus speaking at thy will. Therefore if thou escape from these dark places, and come to rebehold the beauteous stars, when it shall pleasure thee to say, I was, see that thou speak of us unto the people. Then they broke up the wheel, and in their flight it seemed as if their agile legs were wings. Not an amen could possibly be said, so rapidly as they had disappeared, wherefore the master deemed best to depart.
I followed him, and little had we gone before the sound of water was so near us that speaking we should hardly have been heard. Even as that stream which holdeth its own course, the first from Mont de Vesso towards the east, upon the left-hand slope of the Apennine, which is above called Aquacata, Ere it down descendeth into its low bed, and at Forli is vacant of that name. Reverberates there above San Benedetto, from Alps, by falling at a single leap, where for a thousand there were room enough. Thus downward from a bank precipitate we found resounding that dark-tinted water, so that it soon the ear would have offended. I had a cord around me girt, and therewithal I Willoume had designed to take the panther with the painted skin.
After I this had all from me unloosed, As my conductor had commanded me, I reached it to him, gathered up, and coiled. Whereat he turned himself to the right side, and at a little distance from the verge he cast it down into that deep abyss. It must needs be some novelty respond, I said within myself, to the new signal. The master with his eye is following so. Ah, me! How very cautious men should be with those who not alone behold the act, but with their wisdom look into the thoughts. He said to me, Soon there will upward come what I await, and what thy thought is dreaming must soon reveal itself unto thy sight. Ay, to that truth which has the face of falsehood, a man should close his lips as far as may be, because without his fault it causes shame.
But here I cannot, and, reader, by the notes of this my comedy to thee I swear, so may they not be void of lasting favour, athwart that dense and darksome atmosphere, I saw a figure swimming upward come, marvelous unto every steadfast heart. Even as he returns who goeth down, sometimes to clear an anchor, which has grappled reef, or aught else that in the sea is hidden, who upward stretches and draws in his feet. End of Canto XVI. Inferno, Canto XVII. Behold the monster with the pointed tail, who cleaves the hills and breaketh walls and weapons. Behold him who infecteth all the world. Thus unto me my guide began to say, and beckoned him that he should come to shore near to the confine of the trodden marble.
And that uncleanly image of deceit came up and thrust ashore its head and bust, but on the border did not drag its tail. The face was as the face of a just man, its semblance outwardly was so benign, and of a serpent all the trunk beside. Two paws it had, hairy unto the armpits, The back and breast and both the sides it had depicted or with nooses and with shields. With colors more, groundwork or broidery, never in cloth did Tartars make, nor Turks, nor were such tissues by Arachne laid. As sometimes wherries lie upon the shore, that parter in the water part on land, and as among the guzzling Germans there, the beaver plants himself to wage his war, so that vile monster lay upon the border, which is of stone, and shutteth in the sand.
His tail was wholly quivering in the void, contorting upwards the envenomed fork that in the guise of Scorpion armed its point. The guide said, "'Now perforce must turn aside our way a little, even to that beast malevolent that yonder coucheth him.' We therefore on the right side descended, and made ten steps upon the outer verge, completely to avoid the sand and flame. And after we are come to him, I see a little farther off upon the sand, a people.' Sitting near the hollow place. Then said to me the master, So that full experience of this round thou bear away, now go and see what their condition is. There, let thy conversation be concise. Till thou returnest, I will speak with him, that he concede to us his stalwart shoulders.
Thus farther still upon the outermost head of that seventh circle all alone I went, where sat the melancholy folk. Out of their eyes was gushing forth their woe, This way, that way, they helped them with their hands, now from the flames, and now from the hot soil. Not otherwise in summer do the dogs, now with the foot, now with the muzzle, when by fleas or flies or gadflies they are bitten. When I had turned mine eyes upon the faces of some, on whom the dolorous fire is falling, not one of them I knew, but I perceived that from the neck of each there hung a pouch, which certain color had, and certain blazon, and thereupon it seems their eyes are feeding. And as I gazing round me come among them, upon a yellow pouch I azure saw that had the face and posture of a lion.
Proceeding then the current of my sight, another of them saw I, red as blood, display a goose more white than butter is. And one, who with an azure sow and gravid emblazoned had his little pouch of white, said unto me, What dost thou in this mote? Now get thee gone, and since thou art still alive, know that a neighbor of mine, Vitaliano, Will have a seat here on my left-hand side. A Padoan am I with these Florentines. Full many a time they thunder in mine ears, exclaiming, Come, the sovereign cavalier! He who shall bring the satchel with three goats. Then twisted he his mouth, and forth he thrust his tongue like to an ox that licks its nose. And fearing lest my longer staymate vex him who had warned me not to tarry long, backward I turned me from those weary souls.
I found my guide, who had already mounted upon the back of that wild animal. And said to me, Now be both strong and bold. Now we descend by stairways such as these. Mount thou in front, for I will be midway, so that the tale may have no power to harm thee. Such as he is who has so near the egg of Quartan that his nails are blue already, and trembles all but looking at the shade, even such became I at those proffered words. But shame in me his menaces produced, which maketh servant strong before good master. I seated me upon those monstrous shoulders. I wished to say, and yet the voice came not as I believed. Take heed that thou embrace me. But he, who other times had rescued me in other peril, soon as I had mounted, within his arms encircled and sustained me, and said, Now, Gerion, bestir thyself.
The circle's large, and the descent be little. Think of the novel burden which thou hast. Even as the little vessel shoves from shore, backward, still backward, so he thence withdrew. And when he wholly felt himself afloat, there, where his breast had been, he turned his tail, and that extended like an eel he moved, and with his paws drew to himself the air. A greater fear I do not think there was, what time abandoned fate on the rains, whereby the heavens, as still appears, were scorched. Nor when the wretched Icarus, his flanks felt stripped of feathers by the melting wax, his father crying, An ill way thou takest! Then was my own, when I perceived myself on all sides in the air, and saw extinguish the sight of everything but of the monster.
Onward he goeth, swimming slowly, slowly, wheels and descends, but I perceive it only by wind upon my face and from below. I heard already on the right the whirlpool, making a horrible crashing under us, whence I thrust out my head with eyes cast downward. Then was I still more fearful of the abyss, Because I fires beheld and heard laments, whereat I trembling all the closer cling. I saw then, for before I had not seen it, the turning and descending by great horrors that were approaching upon divers sides. As falcon, who has long been on the wing, who, without seeing either lor nor bird, maketh the falconer say, Ah me thou stoopest, descendeth weary, whence he started swiftly, through a hundred circles, and alights far from his master, sullen and disdainful.
Even thus did Gerion place us on the bottom, close to the bases of the rough-hewn rock, and being disencumbered of our persons, he sped away as arrow from the string. Inferno, Canto 18. There is a place in Hill called Malabulge, holy of stone and of an iron color, as is the circle that around it turns. Right in the middle of the field malign there yawns a well exceeding wide and deep, of which its place the structure will recount. Round, then, is that enclosure which remains between the well and the foot of the high, hard bank, and has distinct in valleys ten its bottom. As wherefore the protection of the walls, many and many moats surround the castles, the part in which they are a figure forms.
Just such an image those presented there, and as about such strongholds from their gates unto the outer bank are little bridges. So from the precipices base did crags project, which intersected dykes and moats, Unto the well that truncates and collects them. Within this place, downshaked from the back of Geryon, we found us, and the poet held to the left, and I moved on behind. Upon my right hand I beheld new anguish, new torments, and new welders of the lash, wherewith the foremost bulge was replete. Down at the bottom were the sinners naked, this side the middle came, they facing us, beyond it with us, but with greater steps. Even as the Romans, for the mighty host, the year of Jubilee upon the bridge, have chosen a mode to pass the people over.
For all upon one side, towards the castle, their faces have and go unto St. Peter's. On the other side they go towards the mountain. This side and that, along the livid stone, beheld I horned demons with great scourges, who cruelly were beating them behind. Ah, me! How they did make them lift their legs at the first blows, and sooth not any one the second waited for, nor for the third. While I was going on, mine eyes by one encountered were, and straight I said, Already with sight of this one I am not unfed. Therefore I stayed my feet to make him out, and with me the sweet guide came to a stand, and to my going somewhat back assented. And he, the scourged one, thought to hide himself, lowering his face, but little it availed him.
For, said I, thou that castest down thine eyes, if false are not the features which thou bearest, thou art Venedico Cacianimico, but what doth bring thee to such pungent sauces? And he to me, unwillingly I tell it, but forces me thine utterance distinct, which makes me recollect the ancient world. I was the one who the fair Gisola induced to grant the wishes of the Marquis, however this shameless story may be told. Not the sole Bolognese am I who weeps here. Nay, rather is this place so full of them, that not so many tongues to-day are taught, Twixt Reno and Sivana to say Sipa. And if thereof thou wishest pledge or proof, bring to thy mind our avaricious heart. While speaking in this manner, with his scourge, a demon smote him, and said, Get thee gone, Pander, for there are no women here for coin.
I joined myself again unto mine escort. There afterward, with footsteps few, we came to where a crag projected from the bank. This very easily did we ascend, and turning to the right along its ridge from those eternal circles we departed. When we were there, where it was hollowed out, beneath to give passage to the scourged, the guide said, Wait, and see that on thee strike the vision of those others evil-born, of whom thou hast not yet beheld the faces, because together with us they have gone. From the old bridge we looked upon the train, which towards us came upon the other border, and which the scourges in like manner smite. And the good master, without my inquiring, said to me, See that tall one who is coming, and for his pain seems not to shed a tear?
Still, what a royal aspect he retains! That Jason is, who by his heart and cunning the Colchians of the ram made destitute. He by the Isle of Lemnos passed along after the daring women pitiless had unto death devoted all their males. There, with his tokens and with ornate words, did he deceive Hypsipyle, the maiden who first, herself, had all the rest deceived. There did he leave her pregnant and forlorn. Such sin unto such punishment condemns him, and also for Medea is vengeance done. With him go those who in such wise deceive, and this sufficient be of the first valley to know, and those that in its jaws its hold. We were already where the narrow path crosses athwart the second dike, and forms that of a buttress for another arch.
Thence we heard people, who are making moan in the next bolja, snorting with their muzzles, and with their palms beating upon themselves. The margins were encrusted with a mold, by exhalation from below, that sticks there, and with the eyes and nostrils wages war. The bottom is so deep, no place suffices to give us sight of it, without ascending the arches back where most the crag impends. Thither we came, and thence down in the moat I saw a people smothered in a filth that out of human privies seemed to flow, and whilst below there with mine eye I searched, I saw one with his head so foul with ordeur. It was not clear if he were clerk or layman. He screamed to me, Wherefore art thou so eager to look at me more than the other foul ones?
And I to him, Because, if I remember, I have already seen thee with dry hair. And thou art Alessio Interminier of Luca, therefore I eye thee more than all the others. And he, thereon, belaboring his pumpkin. The flatteries have submerged me here below, wherewith my tongue was never surfeited. Then said to me the guide, See that thou thrust thy visage somewhere farther in advance, that with thine eyes thou well the face attained of that uncleanly and dishevelled drab, who there doth scratch herself with filthy nails, and crouches now, and now on foot is standing. That's the harlot, is it, who replied unto her paramour when he said, Have I great gratitude from thee? Nay, marvellous! And herewith let our sight be satisfied.
End of Canto 18 Inferno Canto 19 O Simon Magus, O forlorn disciples, ye who the things of God, which ought to be the brides of holiness, rapaciously, for silver and for gold do prostitute, now it behooves for you the trumpet sound, because in this third bulge ye abide. We had already on the following tomb ascended to that portion of the crag, which o'er the middle of the moat hangs plumb. Wisdom supreme, O how great art thou showest in heaven, in earth, and in the evil world! And with what justice doth thy power distribute? I saw upon the sides and on the bottom the livid stone with perforations filled, all of one size, and every one was round. To me, less ample seemed they not, nor greater than those that in my beautiful St.
John are fashioned for the place of the baptizers. And one of which, not many years ago, I broke for some one who was drowning in it. Be this a seal all men to undeceive. Out of the mouth of each one there protruded the feet of a transgressor, and the legs up to the calf. The rest within remained. In all of them the soles were both on fire, wherefore the joints so violently quivered they would have snapped asunder with some bands. Even as the flame of unctuous things is wont to move upon the outer surface only, so likewise was it there from heel to point. Master, who is that one who writhes himself? More than his other comrades quivering? I said, and whom a redder flame is sucking. And he to me, if thou wilt have me bear thee down there along that bank which lowest lies, from him thou'lt know his errors and himself.
And I, what pleases thee to me is pleasing. Thou art my lord, and knowest that I depart not from thy desire, and knowest what is not spoken. Straightway upon the fourth dyke we arrived. We turned, and on the left-hand side descended down into the bottom, full of holes and narrow. And the good master, yet from off his haunch, deposed me not, till to the hole he brought me of him who so lamented with his shanks. "'Whoe'er thou art that standest upside down, O doleful soul, implanted like a stake?' to say began I. "'If thou canst, speak out.' I stood even as the friar who is confessing the false assassin who, when he is fixed, recalls him so that death may be delayed. And he cried out, "'Dost thou stand there already?' Dost thou stand there already, bona facie?
By many years the record lied to me. Art thou so early satiate with that wealth, for which thou didst not fear to take by fraud, the beautiful lady, and then work her woe? Such I became, as people are who stand, not comprehending what has answered them, as if be-mocked, and know not how to answer. Then said Virgilius, Say to him straightway, I am not he. I am not he thou thinkest. And I replied as was imposed on me. Whereat the spirit writhed with both his feet, then sighing with a voice of lamentation, said to me, Then what wantest thou of me? If who I am thy carest so much to know, that thou on that account hast crossed the bank, know that I vested was with the great mantle. And truly was I son of the she-bear, so eager to advance the cubs, that wealth above and here myself I pocketed.
Beneath my head the others are dragged down, Who have preceded me in simony, flattened along the fissure of the rock. Below there I shall likewise fall. Whenever that one shall come who I believed thou wast, what time the sudden question I proposed. But longer I my feet already toast, and here have been in this way upside down, than he will planted stay with reddened feet. For after him shall come a fowler deed, from towards the west a pastor without law, such as befits to cover him and me. New Jason will he be. Of whom we read in Maccabees, and as his king was pliant, so he who governs France shall be to this one. I do not know if I were here too bold, that him I answered only in this metre.
I pray thee, tell me now how great a treasure our Lord demanded of St. Peter first, before he put the keys into his keeping. Truly, he nothing asked but follow me. Nor Peter nor the rest asked of Matthias, silver or gold, when he by lot was chosen unto the place the guilty soul had lost. Therefore stay here, for thou art justly punished, and keep safeguard o'er the ill-gotten money which caused thee to be valiant against Charles. And were it not that still forbids it me the reverence for the key superlative thou hadst in keeping in the gladsome life, I would make use of words more grievous still, because your avarice afflicts the world, trampling the good and lifting the depraved. The evangelist you pastors had in mind, when she who sitteth upon many waters to fornicate with kings by him was seen, the same who with the seven heads was born, and power and strength from the ten horns received, so long as virtue to her spouse was pleasing.
Ye have made yourselves a god of gold and silver, and from the idolater how differ ye, save that he won, and ye a hundred worship. Ah, Constantine, of how much ill was mother, not thy conversion? But that marriage dower which the first wealthy father took from thee. And while I sang to him such notes as these, either that anger or that conscience stung him. He struggled violently with both his feet. I think in sooth that it my leader pleased, with such contented lip he listened ever, unto the sound of true words expressed. Therefore, with both his arms he took me up, and when he had me all upon his breast, remounted by the way where he descended, nor did he tire to have me clasped to him. But bore me to the summit of the arch, which from the fourth dyke to the fifth is passage.
There, tenderly, he laid his burden down, tenderly on the crag uneven and steep. That would have been hard passage for the goats. Thence was unveiled to me another valley. End of Canto.
Inferno, Canto XX. A venu pane behoves me to make verses and give material to the twentieth canto of the first song, which is of the submerged. I was already thoroughly disposed to peer down into the uncovered depth which bathed itself with tears of agony, and people saw I through the circular valley, silent and weeping, coming at the pace which in this world the litanies assume. As lower down my sight descended on them, wondrously each one seemed to be distorted from chin to the beginning of the chest. For towards the reins the countenance was turned, and backward it behoved them to advance, as to look forward had been taken from them. Perchance, indeed, by violence of palsy, some one has been thus wholly turned awry, but I ne'er saw it, nor believed it can be.
As God may let thee, reader, gather fruit from this thy reading, think now for thyself, how I could ever keep my face unmoistened. When our own image near me I beheld, distorted so the weeping of the eyes, along the fissure bathed the hinder parts. Truly I wept, leaning upon a peak of the hard crag, So that my escort said to me, Art thou, too, of the other fools? Here pity lives when it is wholly dead. Who is a greater reprobate than he who feels compassion at the doom divine? Lift up, lift up thy head, and see for whom opened the earth before the Theban's eyes. Wherefore they all cried, Whither rushest thou? Amphiaros? Why dost leave the war? And downward ceased he not to fall amain, as far as Minos, who lays a hold on all.
See, he is made a bosom of his shoulders, because he wished to see too far before him. Behind he looks, and backward goes his way. Behold Tiresias, who his semblance changed, when from a male a female he became, his members being all of them transformed. And afterwards was forced to strike once more the two entangled serpents with his rod, Ere he could have again his manly plumes. That Arons is, who backs the other's belly, who in the hills of Luni, where there grubs the Cararese who houses underneath. Among the marbles white a cavern had for his abode, whence to behold the stars, and see, the view was not cut off from him. And she there, who was covering up her breasts, which thou beholdest not with loosened tresses, and on that side has all the hairy skin, was Manto, who made quest through many lands, afterwards tarried there where I was born.
Whereof I would thou list to me a little. After her father had from life departed, and the city of Bacchus had become enslaved, she a long season wandered through the world. Above and beauteous Italy lies a lake, at the Alps foot that shuts in Germany, over Tyrol, and has the name Benico. By a thousand springs, I think, and more is bathed. Twixt Garda and Valcomonica, Panino, with water that grows stagnant in that lake. Midway a place is where the Trentine pastor, and he of Brescia, and the Veronese might give his blessing if he passed that way. Siddeth Peschiera, fortress fair and strong, to front the Brescians and the Bergamasks, where round about the bank descendeth lowest. There of necessity must fall whatever in bosom of Benego cannot stay, and grows a river down through verdant pastures.
Soon as the water doth begin to run, no more Benico is it called, but Mincio, forres governo, where it falls in Po. Not far it runs before it finds a plain, in which it spreads itself and makes it marshy, and oft is want in summer to be sickly. Passing that way, the virgin pitiless land in the middle of the fen descried, untilled and naked of inhabitants. There, to escape all human intercourse, she with her servants stayed, her arts to practice, and lived. and left her empty body there. The men thereafter who were scattered round collected in that place, which was made strong by the lagoon it had on every side. They built their city over those dead bones, and after her who first the place selected, Mantua named it without other omen.
Its people once within more crowded were, ere the stupidity of Casalori from Pinamonte had received a seat. Therefore I caution thee, if, ere thou hearest originate my city otherwise, No falsehood may the verity defraud. And I, my master, thy discourses are to me so certain, and so take my faith, that unto me the rest would be spent coals. But tell me of the people who are passing, if any one noteworthy thou beholdest, for only unto that my mind reverts. Then said he to me, he who from the cheek thrusts out his beard upon his swarthy shoulders was, at the time when Greece was void of males, So that there scarce remained one in the cradle, an augur, and with chalcons gave the moment in alias, when to sever the first cable.
Eryphilus his name was, and so sings my lofty tragedy in some part or other, that knowest thou well who knowest the whole of it. The next, who is so slender in the flanks, was Michael Scott, who of a verity magical illusions knew the game. Behold Guido Bonatti, behold us Dente, Who now unto his leather and his thread would fain have stuck, but he too late repents. Behold the wretched ones who left the needle, the spool, and rock, and made them fortune-tellers. They wrought their magic spells with herb and image. But come now, for already holds the confines of both the hemispheres, and under Seville touches the ocean wave, cane, and the thorns. And yesternight the moon was round already. Thou shouldst remember well it did not harm thee, from time to time within the forest deep.
Thus spake he to me, and we walked the while.
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5 05 - Inferno: Canto XXI-Canto XXIV 35:24
Translated by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Conti 21 through 25. Canto 21. From bridge to bridge thus, speaking other things of which my comedy cares not to sing, we came along and held the summit, when we halted to behold another fissure of Malabolja. And other vain laments, and I beheld it marvellously dark. As in the arsenal of the Venetians boils in the winter with the tenacious pitch to smear their unsound vessels over again, for sail they cannot. And instead thereof one makes his vessel new, and one re-cocks the ribs of that which many a voyage has made, one hammers at the prow, one at the stern, this one makes oar, and that one cordage twists, another mends the mainsail and the mizzen. Thus, not by fire, but by the art divine, was boiling down below there a dense pitch, which upon every side the bank belonged.
I saw it, but I did not see within it aught but the bubbles that the boiling raised, and all swell up and resubside compressed. The while below there fixedly I gazed, my leader, crying out, Beware, beware, drew me unto himself from where I stood. Then I turned round, as one who is impatient, to see what it behoves him to escape, and whom a sudden terror doth a man, who, while he looks, delays not his departure. And I beheld behind us a black devil, running long upon the crag, approach. Ah, how ferocious was he in his aspect, and how he seemed to me an action ruthless, with open wings and light upon his feet! His shoulders, which sharp-pointed were, and high, the sinner did encumber with both haunches, and he held clutched the sinews of the feet.
From off our bridge he said, O Malebranche, behold one of the elders of St. Zita. Plunge him beneath, for I return for others unto that town, which is well furnished with them. All these are barriters, except Bonturo, and now unto Yes for money there is changed. He hurled him down and over the hard crag turned round, and never was a mastiff loosened in so much hurry to pursue a thief. The others sank and rose again face downward, but the demons under cover of the bridge cried, Here the Santo Volto has no place. Here swims one otherwise than in the Sergio. Therefore, if for our gaffs thou wishest not, do not uplift thyself above the pitch. They seized him then with more than a hundred rakes. They said, It here behoves thee to dance covered, that, if thou canst, thou secretly mayst pilfer.
Not otherwise the cooks their scullions make immerse into the middle of the cauldron the meat with hooks, so that it may not float. Said the good master to me, That it be not apparent thou art here, crouch thyself down behind a jag, that thou mayest have some screen. And for no outrage that is done to me be thou afraid, because these things I know, for once before was I in such a scuffle. Then he passed on beyond the bridge's head, and as upon the sixth bank he arrived, need was for him to have a steadfast front. With the same fury, and the same uproar, his dogs leap out upon a mendicant, who on a sudden begs where he stops. They issued from beneath the little bridge, and turned against him all their grappling-irons.
But he cried out, Be none of you malignant! Before those hooks of yours lay hold of me, let one of you step forward, who may hear me, and then take counsel as to grappling me. They all cried out, Let Malakota go, whereat once started, and the rest stood still. And he came to him, saying, What avails it? Thinkest thou, Malakota, to behold me advanced into this place, my master said, safe hitherto from all your skill of fence, without the will divine and fate auspicious? Let me go on, for it in heaven is willed that I another show this savage road. Then was his arrogance so humbled in him, that he let fall his grapnel at his feet, and to the others said, Now strike him not. And unto me, my guide, O thou who sittest among the splinters of the bridge crouched down, securely now return to me again.
Wherefore I started, and came swiftly to him, and all the devils forward thrust themselves, so that I feared they would not keep their compact. And thus beheld I, whence afraid, the soldiers who issued under safeguard from Caprona, seeing themselves among so many foes. Close stood I pressed myself with all my person beside my leader, and turned not mine eyes from off their countenance, which was not good. They lowered their rakes, and, "'Wilt thou have me hit him?' they said to one another, "'On the rump?' and answered, "'Yes, see that thou nick him with it.' But the same demon who was holding parley with my conductor turned him very quickly and said, "'Be quiet, be quiet, scarmillione,' then said to us, "'You can no farther go forward upon this crag, because is lying all shattered at the bottom of this sixth arch.' And if it still doth please you to go onward, pursue your way along upon this rock, near as another crag that yields a path.
Yesterday, five hours later than this hour, one thousand and two hundred and sixty-six years were complete that here the way was broken. I send in that direction some of mine to see if any one doth err himself. Go ye with them, for they will not be vicious. Step forward, Ali Kinoan Calcabrina, began he to cry out, and thou, Cagnazzo and Barbericcia, do thou guide the ten. Come forward Libicoco and Draghi Gnazzo, and Tusk Ciriato and Graffiacane, and Farfarello and Mad Rubicante. Search ye all round about the boiling pitch. Let these be safe as far as the next crag, that all unbroken passes o'er the dens. O me, what is it, master, that I see? Pray let us go, I said, without an escort, if thou knowest how, since for myself I ask none.
If thou art as observant as thy wont is, dost thou not see that they do gnash their teeth, and with their brows are threatening woe to us? And he to me, I will not have thee fear. Let them gnash on according to their fancy, because they do it for those boiling wretches. Along the left-hand dyke they wheeled about, but first had each one thrust his tongue between his teeth towards their leader for a signal, and he made a trumpet of his rump. Canto XXII. I have erewhile seen horsemen moving camp, begin the storming, and their muster make, and sometimes starting off for their escape. Vanquiers have I seen upon your land, O Aratines and foragers, go forth, tournament stricken, and the joustings run, sometimes with trumpets, and sometimes with bells, with kettledrums and signals of the castles, and with our own, and with outlandish things.
But never yet with bagpipes so uncouth did I see horsemen move, nor infantry, nor ship by any sign of land or star. We went upon our way with the ten demons, ah, savage company, but in the church with saints, and in the tavern with the cluttons. Ever upon the pitch was my intent, to see the whole condition of that bulge, and of the people who therein were burned. Even as the dolphins, when they make a sign to mariners by arching of the back, that they should counsel take to save their vessel, thus sometimes to alleviate his pain, one of the sinners would display his back, and in less time conceal it, than it lightens.
As on the brink of water in a ditch. The frogs stand only with their muzzles out, so that they hide their feet in other bulk. So upon every side the sinners stood, but ever as Barbariccia near them came, thus underneath the boiling they withdrew. I saw, and still my heart doth shudder at it, one waiting thus, even as it comes to pass, one frog remains, and down another dives. And Graffia Khan, who most confronted him, grappled him by his tresses smeared with pitch, and drew him up so that he seemed an otter. I knew before the names of all of them, so had I noted them when they were chosen, and when they called each other listened how. O Rubicante, see that thou do lay thy claws upon him, so that thou mayst flay him, cried all together the accursed ones.
And I— Why, master, see to it, if thou canst, that thou mayest know who is this luckless wight, thus come into his adversary's hands. Near to the sight of him my leader drew, asked of him whence he was, and he replied, I in the kingdom of Navarre was born. My mother placed me servant to a lord, for she had borne me to a ribald knave, destroyer of himself and of his things. Then I domestic was of good King And I set me there to practice baratry, for which I pay the reckoning in this heat. And Chiragato, from whose mouth projected on either side a tusk, as in a bore, caused him to feel how one of them could rip. Among malicious cats the mouse had come, but Barbericcia clasped him in his arms, and said, Stand ye aside, while I unfork him.
And to my master he turned round his head. Ask him again, he said, if more thou wish to know from him before someone destroy him. The guide, Now tell then of the other culprits. Knowest thou any one who is a latian under the pitch? And he, I separated lately from one who is a neighbor to it. Would that I still were covered up with him, for I should fear not either claw nor hook. And Libikoko, we have borne too much, and with his grapnel seized him by the arm, so that by rending he tore off a tendon. Ike Dragignazo wished to pounce upon him. down at the legs, whence their decurion turned round and round about with evil look. When they again somewhat were pacified of him, who still was looking at his wound, demanded my conductor without stay, who was that one from whom a luckless parting thou sayest thou hast made to come ashore?
And he replied, It was Friar Gomita. Evgalura, vessel of all fraud, who had the enemies of his lord in hand, and dealt so with them each exult thereat, Money he took, and let them smoothly off, as he says, and in other offices a barriader was he, not mean but sovereign. Four gatherers with him, one Dom Miquel Zanque of Logodoro, and of Sardinia to gossip, never do their tongues feel tired. Oh, me, see that one, how he grinds his teeth. Still farther would I speak, but am afraid lest he to scratch my itch be making ready. And the grand provost turned to Farfarello, rolled his eyes about as if to strike, said, Stand aside there, thou malicious bird. If you desire either to see or hear, the terror-stricken recommends thereon, Tuscans or Lombards, I will make them come.
But let the Malebranche cease a little, so that these may not their revenges fear, and I, down sitting in this very place, for one that I am will make seven come, when I shall whistle, as our custom is, to do whenever one of us comes out. Cugniazzo, at these words, his muzzle lifted, shaking his head, and said, Just hear the trick which he has thought of, down to throw himself. Whence he, who stares in great abundance had, responded, I by far too cunning am, when I procure for mine a greater sadness. Alekhine, held not in, but running counter unto the rest, said to him, If thou dive, I will not follow thee upon the gallop, but I will beat my wings above the pitch, the height be left, Be the bank a shield, to see if thou alone dost countervail us.
O thou who readest, thou shalt hear new sport. Each to the other side his eyes averted, he first, who most reluctant was to do it. The Navarrese selected well his time, planted his feet on land, and in a moment leaped and released himself from their design, whereat each one was suddenly stung with shame, but he most, who was cause of the defeat. Therefore he moved and cried, Thou art overtaken. But little it availed, for wings could not outstrip the fear. The other one went under, and flying upward, he his breast directed. Not otherwise the duck upon us sudden dives under, when the falcon is approaching, and upward he returneth, cross and weary. Infuriated at the mockery, Calcabrina, flying behind him, followed close.
To Cyrus, the other should escape, to have a quarrel. And when the barraiter had disappeared, he turned his talons upon his companion, and grappled with him right above the moat. But soothed the other claw was a dought-eat spar-hawk to clapper-claw him well, and both of them fell in the middle of the boiling pond. A sudden intercessor was the heat, but ne'er the less of rising there was naught. To such degree they had their wings be-lined. Lamenting with the others, Barabaricha made four of them fly to the other side with all their gaffs, and very speedily this side and that they to their posts descended. They stretched their hooks toward the pitch ensnared, who were already baked within the crust.
And in this manner busied did we leave them. Inferno, Canto XXIII. Silent, alone, and without company, We went, the one in front, the other after, As go the minor friars along their way. Upon the fable of Aesop was directed my thought By reason of the present quarrel, Where he has spoken of the frog and mouse. For Moe and Isa are not more alike than this one is to that, if well we couple end and beginning with a steadfast mind. And even as one thought from another springs, so afterwards from that was born another, which the first fear within me double made. Thus did I ponder. These, on our account, are laughed to scorn. With injury and scoff so great that much I think it must annoy them. If anger be engrafted on ill-will, they will come after us more merciless than dog upon the leveret which he seizes.
I felt my hair stand all on end already with terror, and stood backwardly intent when I said, Master, if thou hidest not thyself and me forthwith, of Malebranche I am in dread. We have them now behind us, so I imagine them, I already feel them. And he, if I were made of leaded glass, thine outward image should I not attract, sooner to me than I imprint the inner. Just now thy thoughts came in among my own, with similar attitude and similar face, so that of both one counsel soul I made, If preadventure the right bank so slope, that we to the next Bolgia can descend, we shall escape from the imagined chase. Not yet he finished rendering such opinion, when I beheld them come with outstretched wings, not far remote, with will to seize upon us.
My leader on a sudden seized me up, even as a mother who by noises wakened Close beside her sees the enkindled flames, who takes her son and flies, and does not stop, having more care of him than of herself, so that she clothes her only with a shift. And downward from the top of the hard bank supine he gave him to the pendant rock that one side of the other bulge of walls. Nera ran so swiftly water through a sluice to turn the wheel of any land-built mill When nearest to the paddles it approaches, as did my master down along that border, bearing me with him on his breast away as his own son, and not as a companion. Hardly the bed of the ravine below his feet had reached, ere they had reached the hill right over us.
But he was not afraid. For the high providence which had ordained to place the ministers of the fifth mode, the power of thence departing took from all. The painted people there below we found, who went about with footsteps very slow, weeping, and in their semblance tired and vanquished. They had on mantles with the hoods low down before their eyes, and fashioned of the cut that in cologne they for the monks were made. Without they gilded are so that it dazzles, but inwardly all leaden and so heavy that Frederick used to put them on of straw. Oh, everlastingly fatiguing mantle! Again we turned us, still to the left hand, along with them, On their sad plaint, but owing to the weight, that weary foe came on so tardily, that we were new in company at each motion of the haunch.
Whence I unto my leader, see thou find some one who may by deed or name be known, and thus in going move thine eye about. And one who understood the Tuscan speech cried to us from behind, Stay ye at your feet, ye who so run athwart the dusky air. Perhaps thou wilt have for me what thou demandest, whereat the leader turned him and said, Wait, and then according to his pace proceed. I stopped, and two beheld I show great haste of spirit in their faces to be with me, but the burden in the narrow way delayed them. When they came up, long with an eye askance, they scanned me without uttering a word. Then to each other turned and said together, He by the action of his throat seems living, and if dead they are, by what privilege go they uncovered by the heavy stole?
Then said to me, Tuscan, who to the college of miserable hypocrites are come, do not disdain to tell us who thou art. And I to them, born was I, and grew up, in the great town on the fair river of Arno, and with the body am, I have always had. But who are ye, in whom there trickles down along your cheeks such grief as I behold, and what pain is upon you that so sparkles? And one replied to me, These orange cloaks are made of lead so heavy that the weights cause in this way their balances to creak. Frati Godenti were we, and Bolognese. I, Catalano, and I, Ludringo, named, and together taken by thy city, as the wont is to take one man alone for maintenance of its peace, and we were such that still it is apparent round Carradingo.
O, Friars, began I, your iniquitous But said no more, for to mine eyes there rushed one crucified with three stakes on the ground. When me he saw, he writhed himself all over, blowing into his beard with suspirations. And the Friar Catalan, who noticed this, said to me, This transfixed one whom thou seest, counsel the Pharisees that it was meet to put one man to torture for the people. Crosswise and naked is he on the path as thou perceivest, and he needs must feel whoever passes. First, how much he weighs, and in like mode his father-in-law is punished within this moat, and the others of the council, which for the Jews was a malignant seed. And thereupon I saw Virgilius marvel over him, who was extended on the cross so vilely in eternal banishment.
Then he directed to the Friar his voice. Be not displeased, if granted thee, to tell us if to the right hand any past slope down by which we too may issue forth from here, without constraining some of the black angels to come and extricate us from this deep. Then he made answer. Nearer than thou hopest, there is a rock that forth from the great circle proceeds, and crosses all the cruel valleys. Save that at this, tis broken, and does not bridge it, you will be able to mount up the ruin that sidelong slopes, and at the bottom rises. The leader stood awhile with head bowed down, then said, Though business badly be recounted, who grapples with his hook at the sinner's yonder. And the friar, Many of the devil's vices once heard I at Bologna, and among them that he's a liar and the father of lie.
Thereat my leader with great strides went on, somewhat disturbed with anger in his looks, whence from the heavy-laden I departed after the prints of his beloved feet.
Inferno, canto twenty-four, in that part of the youthful year wherein the sun his locks beneath Aquarius tempers, and now the nights draw near to half the day. Wet time the hoar-frost copies on the ground, the outward semblance of her sister white, but little last the temper of her pen. The husbandman, whose forge faileth him, rises, and looks, and seeth the champagne all gleaming white, whereat he beats his flank, returns and doors, and up and down laments, like a poor wretch, who knows not what to do. Then he returns, and hope revives again. Seeing the world has changed its countenance in little time, he takes his shepherd's crook, and forth the little lambs to pasture drives. Thus did the master fill me with alarm when I beheld his forehead so disturbed, and to the ailment came as soon as the plaster.
For as we came unto the ruined bridge, the leader turned to me with that sweet look which at the mountain's foot I first beheld. His arms he opened after some advisement within himself elected, looking first well at the ruin, and laid hold of me. And even as he who acts and meditates, for I it seems that he provides beforehand, so upward lifting me towards the summit of a huge rock, he scanned another crag, saying, To that one grapple afterwards, but try first if it is such that will hold thee. This was no way for one clothed with a cloak, for hardly we, he light and I pushed upward, were able to ascend from jag to jag, and had it not been that upon that precinct shorter was the ascent than on the other, he I know not, But I had been dead beat.
But because Malabolja towards the mouth of the profoundest well is all inclining, the structure of each valley doth import that one bank rises and the other sinks. Still we arrived at length upon the point wherefrom the last stone breaks itself asunder. The breath was from my lungs so milked away, when I was up, that I could go no farther. Nay, I sat down upon my first arrival. Now it behoves thee, thus, to put off sloth, my master said, for sitting upon down or under quilt, one cometh not to fame, without in which whoso his life consumes such vestige leaveth of himself on earth, as smoke in air, or in the water foam. And therefore raise thee up, overcome the anguish with spirit that overcometh every battle, if with its heavy body it sink not.
A longer stairway it behoves thee mount, tis not enough from these to have departed. Let it avail thee, if thou understand me. Then I uprose, showing myself provided better with breath than I did feel myself, and said, Go on, for I am strong and bold. Upward we took our way along the crag, which jagged was, and narrow, and difficult, and more precipitous far than that before. Speaking I went, not to appear exhausted, whereat a voice from the next moat came forth, not well adapted to articulate words. I know not what it said, though are the back I would Now was of the arch that passes there, but he seemed moved to anger who was speaking. I was bent downward, but my living eyes could not attain the bottom for the dark, wherefore I, Master, see that thou arrive at the next round, and let us descend the wall, for as from hence I hear and understand not, so I look down, and nothing I distinguish.
Other response, he said, I make thee not, except the doing, for the modest asking ought to be followed by the deed in silence. We from the bridge descended at its head, where it connects itself with the eighth bank, and then was manifest to me the Bolja. And I beheld therein a terrible throng of serpents, and of such a monstrous kind that the resemblance still congeals my blood. Let Libya boast no longer with her sand, for if Chilidri, Jekuli, and Ferre she breeds with Chincri, and with Amphis Baina, neither so many plagues nor so malignant airshobne with with all Ethiopia, nor with whatever on the Red Sea is. Among this cruel and most dismal throng, people were running naked and affrighted, without the hope of whole or heliotrope.
They had their hands with serpents bound behind them. These riveted upon their reins the tail and head, and were in front of them entwined. And lo, at one who was upon our side, there darted forth a serpent which transfixed him, there where the neck is knotted to the shoulders. Nor, O, so quickly, e'er nor I was written, as he took fire and burned, and ashes wholly behoved it that in falling he became. And when he on the ground was thus destroyed, the ashes drew together, and of themselves, into himself, they instantly returned. Even thus by the great sages, tis confessed, the phoenix dies, and then is born again, when it approaches its five-hundredth year. On herb or grain it feeds not in its life, but only on tiers of incense and omomum, and nard and myrrh are its last winding sheet.
And as he is who falls, and knows not how, by force of demons who to earth down drag him, or other opulation that binds man, when he rises and around him looks, wholly bewildered by the mighty anguish which he has suffered, and in looking sighs, such was that sinner after he had risen. Justice of God, O how severe it is that blows like these, and vengeance poureth down. The guide thereafter asked him who he was. Whence, he replied, I reigned from Tuscany a short time since into this cruel gorge. A bestial life, and not a human, pleased me. Even as the mule I was, I'm Banni Fucci, beast, and Pistoia was my worthy den. And I, and to the guide, tell him to stir not, and ask what crime has thrust him here below.
For once a man of blood and wrath I saw him. And the sinner who had heard, dissembled not, but unto me directed mind and face, and with a melancholy shame was painted. Then said, It pains me more that thou hast caught me amid this misery where thou seest me, than when I from the other life was taken. What thou demandest I cannot deny. So low am I put down, because I robbed the sacristy of the fair ornaments, and falsely once twas laid upon another. But thou, thou mayest not such a sight enjoy, if thou shalt e'er be out of the dark places, thine ears to my announcement open here. Pistoia first of nary groweth meagre, then Florence doth renew her men and manners. Mars draws a vapour up from Val di Magra, which is, with turbid clouds enveloped round, and with impetuous and bitter tempest, Vercampo Pigen, shall be the battle, when it shall suddenly rend the mist asunder, so that each Bianco shall thereby be smitten.
And this I've said that it may give thee pain.
Inferno, canto twenty five. At the conclusion of his words, the thief lifted his hands aloft with both the figs, crying, Take that, God, for at thee I aim them. From that time forth the serpents were my friends, for one entwined itself about his neck as if it said, I will not thou speak more.
And round his arms another, and rebound him, clinching itself together so in front that with them he could not emotion make. Pistoia, ah Pistoia, why resolve not to burn thyself to ashes, and so perish, since in ill-doing thou thy seed excellest?
Through all the sombre circles of this hell, spirit, I saw naught against God so proud, not he who fell at the eaves down from the walls. He fled away and spake no further word, and I beheld the centaur full of rage, come crying out, Where is, where is the scoffer? I do not think Maremma has so many serpents as he had all along his back. As far as where our countenance begins, upon the shoulders and behind the nape. With wings wide open was a dragon lying, and he sets fire to all that he encounters. My master said, That one is Caucasus, who beneath the rock upon Mount Aventine created oftentimes a lake of blood.
He goes not on the same road with his brothers by reason of the fraudulent theft he made, of the great herd which he had near to him. Whereat his tortuous actions ceased beneath the mace of Hercules, who preadventure gave him a hundred, and he felt not ten, while he was speaking thus, he had pressed by in spirits, thee had underneath us come. Of which nor I was aware, nor my leader. Until what time they shouted, Who are you? On which account our story made a halt? And then we were intent on them alone. I did not know them, but it came to pass, as it is wont to happen by some chance, that one to name the other was compelled, exclaiming, Where can Kianfa? Have remained. Whence I, so that the leader might attend, Upward from chin to nose my finger laid.
If thou art, readers, slow, Now to believe what I shall say, It will no marvel be, For I who saw it hardly can admit it. As I was holding, raised on them my brows. Behold, a serpent with six feet darts forth in front of one, And fastens wholly on him. With middle feet it bound him round the paunch, and with the forward ones his arms it seized, then thrust its teeth through one cheek and the other. The hindermost it stretched upon his thighs and put its tail, threw in between the two, and up behind along the reins outspread it.
Ivy was never fastened by its barbs unto a tree so as this horrible reptile upon the other's limbs entwined his own.
Then they stuck close as if of heated wax. They had been made and intermixed their color. Nor one nor the other seemed now what he was.
Even as proceedeth on before the flame upward along the paper a brown color, which is not black as yet, and the white dies, the other two looked on, and each of them cried out, O me, Angelo, how thou changest! Behold, thou now art neither two nor one. Already the two heads had become one. When there appeared to us two figures mingled, Into one face wherein the two were lost. Of the four lists were fashioned the two arms, the thighs and legs, the belly and the chest, members became that never yet were seen. Every original aspect there was cancelled too, and yet none did the perverted image appear, and such departed with slow pace. Even as a lizard under the great scourge of days, canicular, Exchanging hedge, lighting appeareth, if the road it cross.
Thus did appear, coming towards the bellies of the two others, a small fiery serpent, livid and black, as is a peppercorn. And in that part whereat is first received our ailment, it one of them transfixed, then downward fell, in front of him extended, The one transfixed looked at it, but said not. Nay, rather with feet motionless he yawned, just as if sleep or fever had assailed him. He at the serpent gazed, and it at him. One through the wound, the other through the mouth, smoked violently, and the smoke commingled. Henceforth be silent, Lucan, where he mentions wretched Sibelius and Asidius, and wait to hear what now shall be shot forth. Be silent, Ovid, of Cadmus, and Arethusa. For if him to a snake, her to a fountain, converts he fabling, that I grudge him not.
Because two natures never front to front has he transmuted, so that both the forms to interchange their matter ready were. Together they responded in such wise that to a fork the serpent cleft his tail, and eke the wounded do his feet together. The legs together with the thighs themselves adhered so that in little time the juncture no sign whatever made that was apparent. He with the cloven tail assumed the figure, the other one was losing, and his skin became elastic and the others hard. I saw the arms draw inward at the armpits, and both feet of the reptile that were short lengthen as much as those contracted were. Thereafter the hind feet, together twisted, became the member that a man conceals, and of his own the wretch had two created, while both of them the exhalation veils with a new color, and engenders hair on one of them, and depilates the other.
The one uprose, and down the other fell, through turning, not away, their impious lamps, underneath which each one his muzzle changed. He who was standing drew it towards the temples, and from excess of matter which came thither issued the ears from out the hollow cheeks. What did not backward run, and was retained of that excess, made to the face a nose, and the lips thickened far as was befitting? He who lay prostrate thrust his muzzle forward, and backward draws the ears into his head in the same manner as the snail its horns. And so the tongue, which was entire and apt for speech before, is cleft, and the biforked in the other closes up, and the smoke ceases. The soul, which to a reptile had been changed, Along the valley hissing takes to flight, and after him the other speaking sputters.
Then did he turn upon him his new shoulders, and said to the other, I'll have Buoso run, crawling as I have done along this road. In this way I beheld the seventh ballast. Shift and re-shift, and here be my excuse the novelty, if aught my pen transgress.
And notwithstanding that mine eyes might be somewhat bewildered and my mind dismayed, they could not flee away so secretly. But that I plainly saw Puccio Scencato, and he it was whose soul of three companions which came in the beginning was not changed. The other was he whom thou, Gaville, weepest.
End of Inferno.
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6 06 - Inferno: Canto XXVI-Canto XXX 36:44
Translated by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Inferno, Canto XXXVII.
Canto XXVI.
Rejoice, O Florence, since thou art so great, that over sea and land thou beatest thy wings, and throughout hell thy name is spread abroad. Among the thieves, five citizens of thine, like these I found, whence shame comes unto me, and thou thereby to no great honor risest. But if when morn is near our dreams are true, feel shalt thou in a little time from now what prato if none other craves for thee. And if it now were, it were not too soon. Would that it were, seeing it needs must be, for twill aggrieve me more the more I age. We went our way, and up along the stairs the borns had made us to descend before. Remounted my conductor and drew me, and following the solitary path among the rocks and ridges of the crag, the foot without the hand sped not at all.
Then sorrowed I, and sorrow now again, when I direct my mind to what I saw, and more my genius curb than I am wont, that it may run not unless virtue guide it. So that if some good star or better thing have given me good, I may myself not grudge it. As many is the Hind, who on the hill rests at the time when he who lights the world his countenance keeps least concealed from us, while as the fly gives place unto the gnat. Seeth the glow-worms down along the valley, perchance there where he ploughs and makes his vintage. With flames as manifold resplendent all was the eighth Bolgia, As I grew aware, as soon as I was where the depth appeared. And such as he, who with the bears avenged him, beheld Elijah's chariot at departing, what time the steeds to heaven erect uprose, for with his eye he could not follow it, so as to see aught else than flame along, even as a little cloud ascending upward.
Thus each along the gorge of the entrenchment was moving. For not one reveals the theft, and every flame a sinner steals away. I stood upon the bridge uprisen to see, so that, if I had seized not on a rock, down had I fallen without being pushed. And the leader, who beheld me so attent, exclaimed, Within the fires the spirits are, each swathes himself with that wherewith he burns. My master, I replied, by hearing thee I am more sure But I surmised already it might be so, and already wished to ask thee, Who is within that fire which comes so cleft at top? It seems uprising from the pyre where was Etiocles with his brother placed. He answered me, Within there are tormented Ulysses and Diomed, and thus together they unto vengeance run as unto wrath.
And there within their flame do they lament the ambush of the horse, which made the door whence issued forth the Roman's gentle seed. Therein is wept the craft, for which being dead, Didamia still deplores Achilles, and pain for the palladium there is born. If they within those sparks possess the power to speak, I said, The master, much I pray and repray that the prayer be worth a thousand, if thou make no denial of awaiting until the horned flame shall hither come. Thou seest that with desire I lean towards it. And he to me, Worthy is thy entreaty of much applause, and therefore I accept it, but take heed that thy tongue restrain itself. Leave me to speak, because I have conceived that which thou wishest, for they might disdain perchance, since they were Greeks, discourse of thine.
When now the flame had come unto that point, where to my leader it seemed time and place, after this fashion did I hear him speak. O ye who are twofold within one fire! If I deserved view while I was living, If I deserved of you or much or little, when in the world I wrote the lofty verses, do not move on, but one of you declare whither, being lost, he went away to die. Then of the antique flame the greater horn, murmuring, began to wave itself about even as a flame doth which the wind fatigues. Thereafterward, the summit to and fro, moving as if it were the tongue that spake, It uttered forth a voice, and said, When I from Circe had departed, who concealed me more than a year there, near unto Gaeta, or ever yet Aeneas named it so, nor fondness for my son, nor reverence for my old father, nor the due affection which joyous should have made Penelope, could overcome within me the desire I had to be experienced of the world and of the vice and virtue of mankind.
But I put forth on the high open sea with one sole ship, and that small company by which I never had deserted been. Both of the shores I saw as far as Spain, far as Morocco, and the Isle of Sardis, and the others which that sea bathes round about. I and my company were old and slow, when at that narrow passage we arrived, where Hercules his landmarks set as signals, that man no further onward should adventure. On the right hand behind me I left Seville, and on the other already I had left Siuta. O brothers, who amid a hundred thousand perils, I said, have come unto the west, to this so inconsiderable vigil which is remaining of your senses, still be ye unwilling to deny the knowledge following the sun of the unpeopled world.
Consider ye the seed from which ye sprang. Ye were not made to live like unto brutes, but for pursuit of virtue and of knowledge. So eager did I render my companions with this brief exhortation for the voyage, that then I hardly could have held them back. And having turned our stern unto the morning, we of the oars made wings for our mad flight, evermore gaining on the larboard side. Already all the stars of the other pole the night beheld, and ours so very low it did not rise above the ocean floor. Five times rekindled, and as many quenched had been the splendor underneath the moon since we had entered into the deep pass, when there appeared to us a mountain, dim from distance, and it beheld to me so a high as I had never any one beheld.
Joyful were we. And soon it turned to weeping. For out of the new land a whirlwind rose, and smote upon the forepart of the ship. Three times it made her whirl with all the waters, at the fourth time it made the stern uplift, and the prow downward go as pleased another, until the sea above us closed again.
Canto XXVII.
Already was the flame erect and quiet to speak no more. and now departed from us with the permission of the gentle poet, when yet another which behind it came caused us to turn our eyes upon its top by a confused sound that issued from it. As the Sicilian bull that bellowed first with the lament of him, and that was right, who with his file had modulated it, bellowed so with the voice of the afflicted that notwithstanding it was made of brass, Still it appeared with agony transfixed, thus by not having any way or issue at first from out the fire. To its own language converted were the melancholy words.
But afterwards, when they had gathered way up through the point, giving it that vibration the tongue had given them in their passage out, we heard it said, O thou, at whom I aim my voice! And who but now wast speaking Lombard, saying— Now go thy way, no more I urge thee. Because I come perchance a little late to stay and speak with me, let it not irk thee. Thou seest it irks not me, and I am burning. If thou but lately into this blind world hast fallen down from that sweet Lycian land, wherefrom I bring the whole of my transgression, say if the Romanuals have peace or war. For I was from the mountains there between Urbino and the yoke where Tiber bursts. I still was downward bent and listening when my conductor touched me on the side, saying, Speak thou, this one Alacian is.
And I, who had beforehand my reply in readiness, forthwith began to speak, O soul, that down below there art concealed. Romagna thine is not and never has been without war in the bosom of its tyrants. But open war, aye none have left there now. Ravenna stands as it long years have stood. The eagle of Polenta there is brooding, so that she covers Servia with her vans. The city which once made thou long resistance, and of the French a sanguinary heap, beneath the green paws finds itself again. Verruccio's ancient mastiff, and the new, which made such bad disposal of Montaigne, Where they are, want to make wimbles of their teeth. The cities of Limon and Santerno governs the lion's cell of the white hair, who changes sides twixt summertime and winter, and that of which the Savio bays the flank, even as it lies between the plain and mountain, lives between tyranny and a free state.
Now I entreat thee, tell us who thou art. Be not more stubborn than the rest have been, so that thy name hold front there in the world. After the fire a little more had roared in its own fashion, the sharp point it moved this way and that, and then gave forth such breath. If I believed that my reply were made to one who the world would e'er return, this flame without more flickering would stand still. But inasmuch as never from this depth did any one return, if I hear true, without the fear of infamy, I answer, I was a man of arms, then Cordillere, Believing thus begirt to make amends. And truly my belief had been fulfilled but for the high priest, who may ill betide who put me back into my former sins.
And how and wherefore I will have thee here. While I was still the form of bone and pulp my mother gave to me, the deeds I did were not those of a lion, but of a fox. The machinations and the covert ways I knew them all, and practiced so their craft, that to the ends of the earth the sound went forth. When now unto that portion of mine age I saw myself arrived, when each one ought to lower the sails and coil away the ropes, that which before had pleased then displeased me, and, penitent and confessing, I surrendered. Ah, woe is me! And it would have bestead me. The leader of the modern Pharisees, having a war near unto Laertan, and not with Saracens, nor with the Jews, For each one of his enemies was Christian, and none of them had been to conquer Acre.
Nor merchandising in the Sultan's land, nor the high office, nor the sacred orders, in him regarded, nor in me that cord which used to make those girt with it more meagre. But even as Constantin sought out Sylvester to cure his leprosy within Soracte, so this one sought me out as an adept, to cure him of the fever of his pride. Counsel he asked of me, and I was silent, because his words appeared inebriate. And then he said, Be not thy heart afraid. Henceforth I thee absolve, and thou instruct me how to raise Palestrina to the ground.
Heaven have I power to lock and to unlock, as thou dost know. Therefore the keys are two, the which my predecessor held not dear. Then urged me on his weighty arguments there. For my silence was the worst advice. And said I, Father, since thou washest me of that sin into which I now must fall, the promise long with the fulfillment short will make thee triumph in the lofty seat.
Francis came afterward, when I was dead, for me. But one of the black caribin said to him, Take him not. Do me no wrong. He must come down among my servitors, because he gave the fraudulent advice from which time forth I have been at his hair. For who repents not cannot be absolved, nor can one both repent and will at once, because of the contradiction which consents not. O miserable me! How I did shudder when he seized on me, saying, Peradventure thou didst not think that I was a logician! He bore me into Minos, who entwined eight times his tale about his stubborn back, and after he had bitten it in great rage, said, Of the thievish fire a culprit this. Wherefore, here, where thou seest, I am lost, and vested thus in going I bemoan me.
When it had thus completed its recital, the flame departed, uttering lamentations, writhing and flapping its sharp-pointed horn. Onward we passed, both I and my conductor, up o'er the crag above another arch, which the moat covers, where is paid the fee by those who, sowing discord, win their burden.
Canto XXVIII.
Whoever could, e'en with untrammelled words, tell of the blood and of the wounds in full which now I saw by many times narrating? Each tongue would for a certainty fall short by reason of our speech and memory that have small room to comprehend so much. If were again assembled all the people which formerly upon the fateful land of Publia were lamenting for their blood shed by the Romans and the lingering war that of the rings made such illustrious spoils as Livy has recorded, who errs not, With those who felt the agony of blows by making counterstand to Robert Guiscard, and all the rest whose bones are gathered still at Saperano, where a renegade was each Apulian, and at Tagliacozo, where without arms the old Alardo conquered, and one his limb transpierced, and one lopped off, would show it would be nothing to compare with the disgusting mode of the Ninth Bolgia.
A cask by losing centerpiece or cant was never shattered so, as I saw one rent from the chin to where one breaketh wind. Between his legs was hanging down his entrails, his heart was visible, and the dismal sack that maketh excrement of what is eaten.
While I was all absorbed in seeing him, he looked at me and opened with his hands his bosom, saying, See how now I rend me, how mutilated see is Mahomet. In front of me doth Ali weeping go, cleft in the face from forelock unto chin, and all the others whom thou here beholdest, disseminators of scandal and of schism while living were, and therefore are cleft thus. A devil is behind here, who doth cleave us thus cruelly unto the falchion's edge. Putting again each one of us this ream when we have gone around the doleful road, by reason that our wounds are closed again ere any one in front of him repass. But who art thou that musest on the crag, perchance to postpone going to the pain that is adjudged upon thine accusations?
Nor death hath reached him yet, nor guilt doth bring him, my master made reply, to be tormented. But to procure him full experience, me, who am dead, behoves it to conduct him down here through hell from circle unto circle, and this is true as that I speak to thee. More than a hundred were there when they heard him, who in the moat stood still to look at me, through wonderment oblivious of their torture. Now say to Fra D'olcino, then, to arm him, Thou who perhaps wilt shortly see the sun, if soon he wish not here to follow me, so with provisions, that no stress of snow may give the victory to the Noverece, which otherwise to gain would not be easy. After one foot to go away he lifted, this word did Mahomet say unto me.
Then to depart upon the ground he stretched it. Another one who had his throat pierced through, and nose cut off close underneath the brows, had no longer but a single ear, staying to look in wonder with the others before the others did his guillet open, which outwardly was read in every part, and said, O thou whom guilt doth not condemn, and whom I once saw up in Latian land, unless too great similitude deceive me, call to remembrance, Pierre de Medicina, If, ere thou see again the lovely plain that from Vercelli slopes to Marcabo, and make it known to the best two of Fano, to Messer Guido and Angiolello, likewise, that if foreseeing here be not in vain, cast over from their vessel shall they be, and drown near unto the Cattolica, by the betrayal of a tyrant fell.
Between the Isles of Cyprus and Majorca Neptune ne'er yet beheld so great a crime neither of pirates nor Argolic people. That traitor who sees only with one eye and holds the land, which some one here with me would fain be fasting from the vision of, will make them come unto a parley with him. Then will do so that to Phocara's wind they shall not stand in need of vow or prayer. And I to him, Show to me and declare, if thou wouldst have me bear up news of thee, who is this person of the bitter vision? Then did he lay his hand upon the jaw of one of his companions, and his mouth opened, crying, This is he, and he speaks not, this one being banished, every doubt submerged in Caesar by affirming the fore-armed, always with detriment, allowed delay.
O, how bewildered unto me appeared, with tongue asunder in his windpipe slit, Curio, who in speaking was so bold. And one, who both his hands dissevered had, the stumps uplifting through the murky air, so that the blood made horrible his face, cried out, Thou shalt remember Mosca also, who said, Alas, a thing done has an end, which was an ill seed for the Tuscan people. And death unto thy race, thereto I added, whence he, accumulating woe on woe, departed like a person sad and crazed. But I remained to look upon the crowd, and saw a thing which I should be afraid without some further proof even to recount. If it were not the good conscience reassures me, that good companion which emboldens man beneath the hauberk of its feeling pure.
I truly saw, and still I seem to see it, A trunk without a head walk in like manner as the others of the mournful herd, and by the hair it held, the head dissevered, hung from the hand in fashion of a lantern, and that upon us gazed and said, O me! It of itself made to itself a lamp. And they were two in one, and one in two. How that can be, he knows who ordains it. When it was come close to the bridge's foot, it lifted high its arm with all the head to bring more closely unto us its words, which were, "'Behold now the sore penalty! Thou who dost breathing go to the dead beholding! Behold, if any be as great as this!' And so that thou may carry news of me, know that Bertram de Bourne am I, the same who gave to the young king the evil comfort.
I made the father and the son rebellious. Akatophel not more with Absalom and David did with his accursed goading. Because I parted persons so united, parted do I now bear my brain. Alas! From its beginning, which is in this trunk, thus is observed in me the counterpoise.
Canto XXXI.
The many people and the diverse wounds these eyes of mine had so inebriated that they were wishful to stand still and weep. But, said Virgilus, What dost thou still gaze at? Why is thy sight still riveted down there among the mournful mutilated shades? Thou hast not done so at the other bulge. Consider, if to count them thou believest. That two-and-twenty miles the valley winds, and now the moon is underneath our feet. Henceforth the time allotted us is brief, and more is to be seen than what thou seest. If thou hadst, I made answer thereupon, attended to the cause for which I looked, perhaps a longer stay thou wouldst have pardoned. Meanwhile my guide departed, and behind him I went, already making my reply, and super adding, In that cavern where I held mine eyes, with such attention fixed, I think a spirit of my blood laments the sin which down below there cost so much.
Then said the master, Be no longer broken thy thought from this time forward upon him. Attend elsewhere, and let there him remain. For I saw below the little bridge pointing at thee. And threatening with his finger, fiercely, and heard him call Jerry de Bello. So wholly at that time wast thou impeded by him who formerly held Altaforte. Thou didst not look that way. So he departed.
O my conductor, his own violent death, which is not yet avenged for him, I said, by any who his share in the shame made him disdainful. Whence he went away, as I imagined, without speaking to me, and thereby made me pity him the more. Thus did we speak as far as the first place upon the crag, which the next valley shows down to the bottom, if there were more light. When we were now right over the last cloister of Malibolge, so that its lay brothers could manifest themselves unto our sight, diverse lamentings pierced me through and through, which with compassion had their arrows barbed. Where at mine ears I covered with my hands. What pain would be if from the hospitals of Valdiciana, twixt July and September, and of Maremma and Sardinia, all the diseases in one mote were gathered.
Such was it here, and such a stench came from it as from putrescent limbs is wont to issue. We had descended on the furthest bank from the long crag, upon the left hand still. And then more vivid was my power of sight down towards the bottom, where the ministress of the High Lord, Justice Infallible, punishes forgers, which she here records. I do not think a sadder sight to see was in Agena, the whole people sick. When was the air so full of pestilence, the animals down to the little worm all fell, and afterwards the ancient people, according as the poets have affirmed, were from the seat of ants restored again. Then was it to behold through that dark valley the spirits languishing in diverse heaps.
This on the belly, that upon the back one of the other lay, and others crawling shifted themselves among the dismal road. We step by step went onward without speech, gazing upon and listening to the sick who had not strength enough to lift their bodies. I saw two sitting leaned against each other, as leans in heating platter against platter, from head to foot be spotted o'er with scabs. And never saw I plied a currycomb by stable-boy for whom his master waits, or him who keeps awake unwillingly, as every one was plying fast the bite of nails upon himself, for the great rage of itching which no other sucker had. And the nails downward with them dragged the scab, in fashion as a knife, the scales of bream, or any other fish that has them largest.
O thou, that with thy fingers dost dismay thee, began my leader unto one of them, and makest of them pincers now and then. Tell me if any latian is with those who are herein. So may thy nails suffice thee to all eternity unto this work. Latians are we, whom thou so wasted seest, both of us here, one weeping made reply. But who art thou that questionest about us? And said the guide, One am I who descends down with this living man from cliff to cliff, and I intend to show hell unto him. Then broken was their mutual support, and trembling each one turned himself to me, with others who had heard him by rebound. Holy to me did the good's master gather, saying, Say unto them whate'er thou wishest. And I began, since he would have it so.
So may your memory not steal away in the first world from out the minds of men, but so may it survive neath many suns. Say to me who ye are, and of what people. Let not your foul and loathsome punishment make you afraid to show yourselves to me.
I of Arezzo was, one made reply, and Albert of Siena had me burned. But what I died for does not bring me here. "'Tis true," I said to him, speaking in jest, "'that I could rise by flight into the air, and he who had conceit but little wit would have me show to him the art, and only because no Daedalus I made him made me be burned by one whom held him as his son.' But unto the last Bolgia of the ten for alchemy which in the world I practised. Minos, who cannot err, has me condemned.
And to the poet said I, Now was ever so vain a people as the Sienese, not for a certainty the French by far. Whereat the other leper who had heard me replied unto my speech, taking out Stricka, who knew the art of moderate expenses, and Niccolo, Who the luxurious use of cloves discovered earliest of all within that garden where such seed takes root, and taking out the band among whom squandered Caccia de Asian, his vineyards and vast woods, and where his with the Abagliado preferred. But that thou know who thus doth second thee against the Sienese, make sharp thine eye towards me, so that my face well answer thee. And thou shalt see I am Cappuccio's shade, whose medals falsified by alchemy. Thou must remember, if I well describe thee, how I a skilful ape of nature was.
Canto XXX.
T'was at the time when Juno was enraged for Semmela against the Theban blood, as she already more than once had shown So reft of reason Athamas became, that seeing his own wife with children twain walking encumbered upon either hand, he cried, Spread out the nets, that I may take the lioness and her whelps upon the passage, and then extended his unpitying claws, seizing the first who had the name Laarchus, and whirled him round and dashed him on a rock, and she, with the other burthen, drowned herself. And at the time when fortune downward hurled the Trojan's arrogance, but all things dared, so that the king was with his kingdom crushed, Hecubus sad, disconsolate, and captive, when lifeless she beheld Palaxena, and of her Palaidorus on the shore of ocean was the dolorous one aware.
Out of her senses, like a dog, she barked. So much the anguish had her mind distorted. But not of Thebes the Furies nor the Trojan were ever seen in any one so cruel and goading beasts, and much more human members, as I beheld two shadows pale and naked, who, biting in the manner, ran along that a boar does. When from the sty turned loose, one to Capoccio came, and by the nape seized with his teeth his neck, so that in dragging it made his belly grate the solid bottom. And the Aretin, who trembled, had remained, said to me, That Mad Sprite is Gianni Shichi, and raving goes thus harrying other people. Oh, said I to him, so may not the other set teeth on thee. Let it not weary thee to tell us who it is, ere it dart hence.
And he to me, that is the ancient ghost of the nefarious Murrah, Who became beyond all rightful love her father's lover. She came to sin with him after this manner by counterfeiting of another's form, as he who goeth yonder undertook that he might gain the lady of the herd to counterfeit in himself busso donati, making a will and giving it due form. And after the two maniacs had passed on whom I held mine eye, I turned it back to look upon the other evil-born, I saw one made in fashion of a lute, if he had only had the groin cut off just at the point at which a man is forked.
The heavy dropsy, that so disproportions the limbs with humors, which it ill concocts, that the face corresponds not to the belly, compelled him so to hold his lips apart as does the hectic, who because of thirst, one towards the chin, the other upward turns. O ye who without any torment are, and why I know not in the world of woe, he said to us, behold and be attentive unto the misery of master Adam. I had while living much of what I wished, and now, alas, a drop of water crave.
The rivulets that from the verdant hills of Cassentin descend downed into Arno, making their channels to be cold and moist, ever before me stand, and not in vain. For far more doth their image dry me up than the disease which strips my face of flesh. The rigid justice that chastises me draweth occasion from the place in which I sinned, to put the more my sighs in flight. There's Romana, where I counterfeited the currency imprinted with the Baptist, for which I left my body burned above. But if I here could see the twistful soul of Guido, or Alessandro, or their brother, for Brande's fount, I would not give the sight.
One is within already, if the raving shades that are going round about speak truth. But what avails it me whose limbs are tied? If I were only still so light that in a hundred years I could advance one inch, I had already started on the way. Seeking him out among this squalid folk, although the circuit be eleven miles, and be not less than half a mile across. For them am I in such a family. They did induce me into coining florins, which had three carats of impurity. And I to him. Who are the two poor wretches that smote like unto a wet hand in winter, lying there close upon thy right hand confines? I found them here, replied he, when I reined into this chasm, and since they have not turned, nor do I think they will for evermore.
One the false woman is, who accused Joseph, the other false Sinon, Greek of Troy, from acute fever they send forth such reek. And one of them, who felt himself annoyed at being peradventure named so darkly, smote with the fist upon his hardened paunch. It gave a sound, as if it were a drum, And Master Adam smote him in the face, with arm that did not seem to be less hard, saying to him, Although be taken from me all motion for my limbs that heavy are, I have an arm unfettered for such need. Whereat he answer made, When thou didst go unto the fire, thou hadst it not so ready, but hadst it so and more when thou wast coining. The Dropsicle Thou sayest true in that. But thou wast not so true a witness there, where thou wast questioned of the truth at Troy.
If I spake false, thou falsifiest the coin, said Sinon. And for one fault I am here, and thou for more than any other demon.
Remember, perjurer, about the horse, he made reply, who had the swollen belly, and wooful be it thee, the whole world knows it. Ruleful to thee the thirst wherewith cracks thy tongue, the Greek said, and the putrid water that hedges so thy paunch before thine eyes. Then the false coiner. So is gaping wide thy mouth for speaking evil as tis wont, because if I have thirst and humor stuff me, thou hast the burning and the head that aches, and to lick up the mirror of Narcissus thou wouldst not want words many to invite thee.
In listening to them I was wholly fixed, when said the master to me, Now just look, for little wants it that I quarrel with thee. When I heard him in anger speak to me, I turned me round towards him with such shame that still it eddies through my memory. And as he is, who dreams of his own harm, who dreaming wishes it may be a dream, so that he craves what is, as if it were not, such I became, not having power to speak, For to excuse myself I wished, and still excused myself, and did not think I did it. Lest shame doth wash away a greater fault, the master said, than this of thine has been, therefore thyself disburton of all sadness. And make account that I am I beside thee, if ere it come to pass that fortune bring thee where there are people in a like dispute.
For a base wish it is, to wish to hear it.
End of Inferno. Canto XXXXX.
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7 07 - Inferno: Canto XXXI-Canto XXXIV 36:18
Translated by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Inferno. Canto 31. Inferno. Canto 31. One and selfsame tongue first wounded me, so that it tinged the one cheek in the other, and then held out to me the medicine. Thus do I hear that once Archilles' spear, His and his father's, used to be the cause first of a sad and then a gracious boon. We turned our backs upon the wretched valley, upon the bank that girds it round about, going across it without any speech. There it was less than night and less than day, so that my sight went little in advance, but I could hear the blare of a loud horn. So loud it would have made each thunder faint, Which, counter to it following its way, mine eyes directed wholly to one place.
After the delorious discomfiture, when Charlemagne the holy Empreise lost, so terribly Orlando sounded not. Short while my head turned thitherward I held, when many lofter towers I seemed to see, where it I, master say, what town is this? And he to me, because thou peerest forth, Arthwart the darkness at too great a distance, It happens that thou errest in thy fancy. Well shalt thou see, if thou arrivest there, How much the sense deceives itself by distance, Therefore a little faster spur thee on. Then tenderly took me by the hand, and said, Before we farther have advanced, That the reality may seem to thee, less strange, know that these are not towers, but giants, and they are in the well, around the bank, from navel downward, one in all of them.
As, when the fog is vanishing away, little by little doth the sight refigure, where'er the mist that corrods the air conceals, so piercing through the dense and darksome air, More and more near approaching toward the verge, my error fled, and fear came over me, because, as on its circular parapets, Montenegrione crowns itself with towers, even thus the margin which surround the well, with one half of their bodies turreted, the horrible giants whom Jove menaces, even now from out the heavens when he thunders, And I of one already saw the face, shoulders and breasts, and great part of the belly, and down along his sides both of his arms. Certainly nature, when she left the making of animals like these by taking such executors from Mars, and if of elephants and whales she doth not repent her, whosoever looketh subtlety, more just and more discreet will hold her for it.
For where the argument of intellect is added unto evil, will, and power, no rampart can the people make against it. His face appeared to me as long and large as is at Rome, the pine-cone of St. Peter's, and in proportion were the other bones, so that the margin, which an apron was, down from the middle, showed so much of him above it that to reach up to his hair, Three Frieslanders in vain had vaulted them, for I beheld thirty great palms of him down from the place where man his mantle buckles. Raphael, may Amorek, is a barry, Elmai, began to clamor the ferocious mouth to which were not befitting sweeter psalms. And on to him, my guide, soul idiotic, keep to thy horn and vent thyself with that.
When wrath or other passion touches thee. Search round thy neck, and thou'lt will find the belt which keeps it fastened. O bewildered soul, and see it, where it bars thy mighty breast. Then said to me, He doth himself accuse, this one is Nimrod, by whose evil thought one language in the world is still not used. Here, Let us leave him and not speak in vain, for even such to him is every language as his to others, which to none is known. Therefore a longer journey did we make. Turned to the left in a crossbow shot, off we found another far more fierce and large. Inbinding him, who might the master be, I cannot say, but he had pinioned close behind the right arm and in front the other. With chains that held him so begirt about from the neck down, that on the part uncovered it wound itself as far as the fifth gyre.
This proud one wished to make experiment on his own power against the supreme Jove, my leader said. Whence he has such a guerdon? Enfilades is his name. He showed great prowess. What time the giants terrified the gods. The arms he wielded. Nevermore he moves. And I, to him, if possible, I should wish that of the measureless briaress these eyes of mine might have experience. Whence he replied, Thou shalt behold Antaeus, close by here, who can speak and is unbound, who at the bottom of all crime shall place us. Much farther yon is he whom thou wouldst see, and he is bound and fashioned like to this one. Save that he seems in aspect more ferocious. There never was an earthquake of such might that it could shake a tower so violently as Enfilates suddenly shook himself.
Then was I more afraid of death than ever, for nothing more was needful than the fear, if I had not beheld the manacles. Then we proceeded farther in advance, and to Antinies came, Who full five ells without the head, forth issued from the cavern. O thou, who in the valley fortunate, which Scipio the hair of glory made when Hannibal turned back with all his hosts, once broughtst a thousand lions for thy prey, and who hast thou been at the mighty war among thy brothers, some it seems still think, the sons of earth the victory would have gained. Place us below. Nor be disdainful of it, there where the colt doth lock Cochytus up. Make us not go to Titius nor Typhius. This one can give of that where here is longed for.
Therefore stoop down, and do not curl thy lip. Still in the world can he restore thy fame, because he lives and still expects long life, if to itself grace call him not untimely. So said the master, and in haste the other, his hands extended and took up my guide, hands whose great pressure Hercules once felt. Virgilius, when he had felt himself embraced, said on to me, Draw nigh, that I may take thee, then of himself and me one bundle made. As seemed the Carisenda, To behold beneath the leaning side where goes a cloud above it so that opposite it hangs. Such did Antaeus seem to me, who stood, watching to see him stoop, and that it was I could have wished to go some other way. But lightly in the abyss, which swallows up Judas with Lucifer, he put us down, nor thus bode downward may he there delay.
But, As a mass does in a ship, up-rose.
Inferno. Canto 32. If I had rhymes both rough and strideless, as were appropriate to the dismal hole down upon which thrust all the other rocks, I would press out the juice of my conception more fully. But because I have them not, Not without fear I bring myself to speak, for tis no enterprise to take in jest to sketch the bottom of all the universe, nor for a tongue that cries Mama and Babbo. But may these ladies help this verse of mine, who helped Amphion in enclosing Thebes, that from the fact the word be not diverse. O rabble ill-begotten above all, Who are in the place to speak of which is hard, to where better ye had here been sheep or goats. When we were down within the darksome well beneath the giant's feet, but low or far, and I was scanning still the lofty wall, I heard it said to me, Look how thou steppest.
Take heed, thou do not trample with thy feet the heads of the tired, miserable brothers. Whereat I turned me round, and saw before me in underfoot a lake, that from the frost the semblance had of glass and not of water, so thick a veil ne'er made upon its current in winter-time Danube in Austria, nor there beneath the frigid sky the dawn, as was here, so that if Tabernick had fallen upon it, or And the edge would not have given a creak, as to croak the frog doth place himself with muzzle out of water, when it is dreaming of gleaning oftentimes the peasant girl. Live it as far down as where the shame appears, where the disconsolate shades within the ice, setting their teeth onto the note of storks.
Each one his countenance held downward bent from mouth the cold. From eyes the doleful heart, among them witness of itself procures. When round about me, somewhat I had looked, I downward turned me, and saw two so close the hair upon their heads together mingled. Ye who so strain your breasts together, tell me, I said, who are you? And they bent their necks, and when to me their faces they had lifted, their eyes, which first were only missed within, gushed o'er the eyelids, and the frost congealed the tears between, and locked them up again. Clamp never bound together wood with wood so strongly, where at they, like two he-goats, butted together, so much wrath o'ercame them. And one, who had by reason of the cold lost both his ears, still with his visage downward, said, Why dost thou so mirror thyself in us?
If thou desire to know who these two are, the valley whence Visinio descends, belong to them, and to their father, Albert. They from one body came, and all Cania thou shalt search through, and shall not find a shade more worthy to be fixed in gelatin. Not he and whom were broken breast and shadow at one and the same blow by Arthur's hand. Phocachia not, not he who me encumbers, so with his head I see no farther forward, and bore the name of Sassel Mascheroni. Well knowest thou who he was, if thou art Tuscan, and that thou put me not to further speech know that I, Camision de Pazzi, was and wait Carlinio to exonerate me. Then I beheld a thousand faces, made purple with cold, whence o'er me came a shudder, and evermore will come at frozen ponds, and while we were advancing towards the middle, Where everything of weight unites together, and I was shivering in the eternal shade.
Whether twill or destiny or chance, I know not, but in walking among the heads, I struck my foot hard in the face of one. Weeping, he growled, Why dost thou trample me, unless thou comest to increase the vengeance of Montipertie? Why dost thou molest me? And I, my master, Now wait here for me, that I through him may issue from a doubt. Then thou mayest hurry me, as thou shalt wish. The leader stopped, and to that one I said, who was blaspheming venomately still, Who art thou that thus reprehendest others? Now who art thou that goest through Entenoria smiting, replied he? Other people's cheeks, so that if thou wert living, twere too much. Living I am, and dear to thee it may be, was my response, if thou demandest fame, that mid the other notes thy name I place.
And he to me, for the reverse I long. Take thyself hence, and give me no more trouble, for ill thou knowest a flatter in this hollow. Then by the scalp behind I seized upon him and said, It must needs be thou named thyself, or not a hair remain upon thee here. Whence he to me? Though thou strip off my hair, I will not tell thee who I am, nor show thee, if on my head a thousand times thou fall. I had his hair and hand already twisted, and more than one shock of it had pulled out. He, barking, with his eyes held firmly down. When cried another, What doth ail thee, Boca? Is not enough to clatter with thy jaws, but thou art? But thou must bark. What devil touches thee? Now, said I, I care not to have thee speak, accursed traitor, for unto thy shame I will report of the voracious news.
Be gone, replied he. And tell what thou wilt, but be not silent if thou issue hence of him who had just now his tongue so prompt. He weepeth here the silver of the French I saw. Thus canst thou praise it, hymn of Dura, there where the sinners stand out in the cold. If thou shouldst question me who else was there, thou hast beside thee hymn of Beccaria, of whom the gore at Florence slid asunder. Gianni del Solendia, I think, may be yonder with Gnelian and Tebelido, who opted for Xenia when the people slept. Already we had gone away from him when I beheld two frozen in one hole, so that one head a hood was to the other, and even as bread through hunger is devoured, the uppermost on the other set his teeth, there where the brain is to the nape united.
Not in another fashion Tydeus gnawed, the temples of Menelipidus, in disdain, that that one did the skull and the other things. O thou who showest by such bestial sign thy hatred against him whom thou art eating, tell me the wherefore, said I, with this compact, that if thou rightfully of him complain in knowing who ye are and his transgression, I, in the world above, repay thee for it. If that wherewith, I speak be not dried up.
Inferno, Canto XXXIII. His mouth uplifted from his grim repast, that sinner wiping it upon the hair of the same head that he behind had wasted. Then he began. Thou wilt that I renew the desperate grief which wrings my heart already, to think of only ere I speak it. But if my words be seed that may bear fruit of infamy to the traitor whom I gnaw, speaking and weeping shalt thou see together. I know not who thou art, nor by what mode thou hast come down here, but a Florentine thou seemest to me truly, When I hear thee, thou hast to know I was Count Eugolino, and this one was Ruggieri, the archbishop. Now I will tell thee why I am such a neighbor. That by the effect of his malicious thoughts, trusting in him, I was made prisoner, and after put to death I need not say.
But ne'er the less what thou canst not have heard, that is to say, How cruel was my death! Here shalt thou, and shalt know if he has wronged me. A narrow perforation in the mew which bears because of me the title of famine, and which others still must be locked up, had shown me through its opening many moons already, when I dreamed the evil dream which of the future rent for me the veil. This one appeared to me as lord and master, Hunting the wolf and whelps upon the mountain for which the pisans cannot lucca see. With sleuth-hounds gaunt and eager and well trained, Guliandi, with Sistamandi and Lallafrianchi had sent me out before him to the front. After brief course seemed unto me forespent the father and the sons, and with sharp tushes it seemed to me I saw their flanks ripped open.
When I before the morrow was awake, moaning amid their sleep, I heard my sons, who with me were, and asking after bread. Cruel, indeed, art thou, if yet thou grieve not, thinking of what my heart foreboded me. And weepest thou not, what art thou wont to weep at? They were awake now, and the hour drew nigh at which our food used to be brought to us. And through his dream was each one apprehensive. And I heard locking up the under-door of the horrible tower, whereat without a word I gazed into the faces of my sons. I wept not, I within so turned a stone. They wept, and darling little Anselm mine said, Thou dost gaze so, father. What doth ail thee? Still not a tear I shed nor answer made all of that day, nor yet the night thereafter, until another sun rose on the world.
As now a little glimmer made its way into the delorious prison, and I saw upon four faces my very own aspect. Both of my hands in agony I bit, and, thinking that I did it from desire of eating, on a sudden, They uprose, and said they, Father, much less pain t'will give us if thou do eat of us. Thyself did clothe us with this poor flesh, and do thou strip it off. I calm me then, not to make them more sad. That day we all were silent, and the next. Ah, abdurate earth, wherefore didst thou not open? When we had come unto the fourth day, Gado threw himself down, outstretched before my feet, saying, My father, why dost thou not help me? And there he died, and as thou seest me, I saw the three fall, one by one, between the fifth day and the sixth, whence I betook me, already blind, agroping over each, and three days called them after they were dead.
Then hunger did what sorrow could not do.
When he had said this, with his eyes distorted, the wretched skull resumed he with his teeth, which, as a dog's upon the bone, were strong. Ah, Pisa, thou uproarium of the people, of the fair land there where the sea doth sound, since slow to punish thee thy neighbors are. Let the Capabria and the Gorgona move, and make a hedge across the mouth of Arno, that every person in thee it may drown. For if Count Ogulino had the fame of having in thy castles thee betrayed, thou shalt not on such cross have put his sons, guiltless of any crime thou modern Thebes. There, youth, Medulo Gossione and Regatta, and the other two my song doth name above. We pass still farther onward, where the ice and nether people ruggedly enswaths, not downward turned, but all of them reversed.
Weeping itself there does not let them weep, and grief that finds a barrier in the eyes turns itself inward to increase the anguish. Because the earliest tears a cluster form, and in the manner of a crystal visor fill all the cup beneath the eyebrow full. And notwithstanding that, as in a callous, because of cold all sensibility its station had abandoned in my face, still it appeared to me I felt some wind, whence I, my master, who sets this in motion? Is not below here every vapor quenched? Whence he to me, full soon shalt thou beware, than I shall answer, make to thee of this, seeing the cause which raineth down the blast. And one of the wretches of the foul crust cried out to us, O soul so merciless that the last port is given on to you.
Lift from mine eyes the rigid veils, that I may vent the sorrow which impregnates my heart a little, ere the weeping recongeal. Whence I to him, if thou wouldst have me help thee, say who thou wast, and if I free thee not, may I go to the bottom of the ice. Then he replied, I am Friar Elbegerio. He I am of the fruit of the bad garden, who here a-date am getting for my fig. Oh, said I to him, now art thou too dead, and he to me, how may my body fare up in the world, no knowledge I possess. Such an advantage has this for Thalmia, that sometimes the soul descendeth here sooner than a tropos in motion sets it. And, that thou mayest more willingly remove from off my countenance these glassy tears, know that as soon as my soul betrays, as I have done, his body by a demon is taken from him, who thereafter rules it until his time has wholly been revolved.
Itself downrushes into such a cistern, and still perchance above appears the body of yonder shade, That winters here behind me. This thou shouldst know if thou hast just come down. It is Sir Branca de Aurea, and many years have passed away since he is thus locked up. I think, said I to him, thou dost deceive me, for Branca de Aurea is not dead as yet, and eats and drinks and sleeps and puts on clothes. In mode above, said he, of Malebranche, There were as boiling the tenacious pitch, and yet has Michael Zansay not arrived. When this one left a devil in his steed, in his own body, and one near of kin, who made together with him the betrayal, but hitherward stretched out thy hand forthwith, Open my eyes, and open them I did not, and to be rude to him was courtesy.
Ah, Genesee! Ye man, it variants with every virtue, full of every vice. Wherefore are ye not scattered from the world? For with the vilest spirit of Romagna I found of you one such who for his deeds and soul, already in cocaidus baths, and still above in body, seems alive.
Inferno. Panto XXXIV.
Vixilla regis prodient inferni, toward us. Therefore look in front of thee, my master said, if thou discernest him. As when there breathes a heavy fog, or when our hemisphere is darkening into night, appears far off a mill that wind is turning, methought that such a building then I saw. And, for the wind, I drew myself behind my guide, because there was no other shelter. Now was I, and with fear and verse I put it, there where the shades were wholly covered up, and glimmered through like on to straws and glass. Some prone or lying, others stand erect. This with the head, and that one with the soles, another bow-like, face to feet inverts. When in advance so far we had proceeded, that it my master pleased to show me the creature who once had the beauteous semblance, he from before me moved, and made me stop, saying, Behold this, and behold the place where thou with fortitude must arm thyself.
How frozen I became, and powerless then! Ask it not, reader, for I write it not. Because all language would be insufficient. I did not die, and I alive remain not. Think for thyself now, hast thou aught of wit, what I became, being of both deprived. The emperor of the kingdom, Dolores, from his mid-breast forth issued from the ice, and better with a giant I compare than do the giants with those arms of his. Consider now how great must be that whole, which unto such a part conforms itself. Were he as fair once as he is now foul, and lifted up his brow against his maker, which may proceed from him all tribulation. Oh, what a marvel it appeared to me when I beheld three faces on his head, the one in front, and that vermilion was, Two were the others that rejoined with this, above the middle part of either shoulder, and they were joined together at the crest.
And the right hand one seemed twixt white and yellow. The left was such to look upon as those who come from where the Nile falls valleyward. Underneath each came forth two mighty wings, such as it be fitting were so great a bird. Sails of the sea I never saw so large. No feathers had they, but as of a bat their fashion was, and he was waving them, so that three winds proceeded forth therefrom.
Thereby Cocytus wholly was congealed. With six eyes did he weep, and down three chins trickled the tear-drops and the bloody drivel. At every mouth he with his teeth was crunching a sinner in the manner of a brake, so that he three of them tormented thus. To him in front the biting was as naught unto the clawing, for sometimes the spine, utterly stripped of all the skin, remained. That soul up there, which has the greatest pain, the master said, Is Judas Iscariot. With head inside he plies his legs without. Of the two others, who head downward are, the one who hangs from the black jowl is Brutus. See how he writhes himself and speaks no word. And the other, who so stalwart seems, is Cassius. But night is reascending, and tis time that we depart.
For we have seen the whole. As seemed him good, I clasped him round the neck, and he the vantage seized of time and place, and when the wings were opened wide apart, he laid fast hold upon the shaggy sides, from fell to fell descended downward, then between the thick hair and the frozen crust. When we were come to where the thigh revolves exactly on the thickness of the haunch, the guide, with labor and with hard-drawn breath, turned round his head where he had had his legs, and grappled to the hair, as one who mounts, so that to hell I thought we were returning. Keep fast thy hold, for by such stairs as these, the master said, Panting as one fatigued, must we perforce depart from so much evil.
Then through the opening of a rock he issued, and down upon the margin seated me. Then towards me he outstretched his wary step. I lifted up mine eyes, and thought to see Lucifer in the same way I had left him, and I beheld him upward hold his legs. And if I then became disquieted, let stolid people think who do not see what the point is beyond which I had passed. Rise up, the master said, upon thy feet. The way is long, and difficult the road, and now the sun to Middle Tirce returns. It was not any palace corridor there where we were, but dungeon natural, With floor uneven and unease of light. Ere from the abyss I tear myself away, my master, said I when I had arisen, to draw me from an error.
Speak a little. Where is the ice, and how is this one fixed thus upside down? And how in such short time, from eve to morn, has the sun made his transit? And he to me, Thou still imaginest thou art beyond the center, Where I grasped the hair of the fell-worm who minds the world. That side thou wast, so long as I descended, Which round I turned me thou didst pass the point To which things heavy draw from every side, And now beneath the hemisphere art come, Opposite which overhangs the vast dry land, And neath whose cope was put to death.
The man who without sin was born and lived, thou hast thy feet upon the little spear which makes the other face of the judicia. Here it is morn, but it is evening there, and he who with his hair a stairway made us still fixed remaineth as he was before. Upon this side he fell down out of heaven, And all the land that Willem here emerged, for fear of him, made of the sea of Vale, and came to our hemisphere, and peradventure to flee from him, what on this side appears at the place vacant here and back recoiled. A place there is below, from Beelzebub, as far receding as the tomb abstends, which not by sight is known, but by sound. Of a small rivulet that there descendeth, through chasm within the stone which is gnawed with course that winds about and slightly falls, the guide and I into that hidden road now entered, to return to the bright world, and without care of having any rest.
We mounted up. He first, and I the second, till I beheld through a round aperture some of the beauteous things that heaven doth bear. Thence we came forth to re-behold the stars.
End of Inferno Canto 31 to 34 End of the Divine Comedy Inferno by Dante Alighieri and translated by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
Recorded by Marlow Diane April 6th to 7, 2006, Piscuit West, Prince Edward Island.
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8 08 - Purgatorio: Canto I-Canto V 42:33
Purgatorio. Canto I.
To run o'er better waters hoists its sail the little vessel of my genius now, That leaves behind itself a sea so cruel. And of that second kingdom will I sing, wherein the human spirit doth purge itself, and to ascend to heaven becometh worthy. But let dead poesy here rise again. O holy muses, since that I am yours, and here Calliope somewhat ascend, my song accompanying with that sound of which the miserable magpies felt the blow so great that they despaired of pardon. Sweet color of the oriental sapphire that was upgathered in the cloudless aspect of the pure air as far as the first circle, unto mine eyes did recommence delight soon as I issued forth from the dead air, which had with sadness filled mine eyes and breast.
The beauteous planet that to love insights was making all the orient to laugh, veiling the fishes that were in her escort. To the right hand I turned, and fixed my mind upon the other pole, and saw four stars, ne'er seen before save by the primal people, rejoicing in their flamelets seemed the heaven. Oh, thou septentrional and widowed sight, because thou art deprived of seeing these. When from regarding them I had withdrawn, turning a little to the other pole, There, where the wane had disappeared already, I saw beside me an old man alone, worthy of so much reverence in his look, that more owes not to father any son. A long beard, and with white hair intermingled he wore, in semblance like unto the tresses, of which a double list fell on his breast.
The rays of the four consecrated stars did so adorn his countenance with light, that him I saw as were the sun before him. Who are you? Ye who, counter the blind river, have fled away from the eternal prison. Moving those venerable plumes, he said, Who guided you? Or who has been your lamp in issuing forth out of the night profound that ever black makes the infernal valley? The laws of the abyss, are they thus broken? Or is there changed in heaven some counsel new, that, being damned, ye come unto my crags? Then did my leader lay his grasp upon me. And with his words, and with his hands and signs, reverent he made in me my knees and brow. Then answered him, I came not of myself, a lady from heaven descended, at whose prayers I aided this one with my company.
But since it is thy will, more be unfolded of our condition, how it truly is, mine cannot be that this should be denied thee. This one, has never his last evening seen, but by his folly was so near to it that very little time was there to turn. As I have said, I unto him was sent to rescue him, and otherway was none than this to which I have myself betaken. I've shown him all the people of perdition, and now those spirits I intend to show who purge themselves beneath thy guardianship. How I have brought him would be long to tell thee. Virtue descendeth from on high that aids me to lead him to behold thee and to hear thee. Now may it please thee to vouchsafe his coming. He seeketh liberty which is so dear as knoweth he who life for her refuses.
Thou know'st it, since, for her, to thee not bitter was death in Utica, where thou didst leave the vesture that will shine so the great day. By us the eternal edicts are not broken, since this one lives, and Minos binds not me. But of that circle aye, where are the chaste eyes of thy Marsha, who in looks still praise thee, O holy breast, to hold her as thine own? For her love, then, incline thyself to us. Permit us through thy sevenfold realm to go. I will take back this grace from thee to her, if to be mentioned there below thou deignest. Marcia, so pleasing was unto mine eyes while I was on the other side, then said he, that every grace she wished of me I granted. Now that she dwells beyond the evil river, she can no longer move me by that law which, when I issued forth from there, was made.
But if a lady of heaven do move and rule thee, as thou dost say, no flattery is needful. Let it suffice thee that for her thou ask me. Go, then, and see thou gird this one about with a smooth rush, and that thou wash his face, so that thou cleanse away all stain therefrom. For, twere not fitting that the eye o'ercast by any mist should go before the first angel who is of those of Paradise. This little island round About its base, below there, yonder, where the billow beats it, doth rushes bear upon its washy ooze. No other plant that putteth forth the leaf, or that doth endure it, can there have life, because it yieldeth not unto the shocks. Thereafter, be not this way your return. The sun. which now is rising, will direct you to take the mount by easier ascent.
With this he vanished, and I raised me up without a word, and wholly drew myself unto my guide, and turned mine eyes to him. And he began, Son, follow thou my steps. Let us turn back, for on this side declines the plain unto its lower boundaries. The dawn was vanquishing the matin hour which fled before it, so that from afar I recognized the trembling of the sea. Along the solitary plain we went as one who unto the lost road returns, and till he finds it seems to go in vain. As soon as we were come to where the dew fights with the sun, and, being in a part where shadow falls, little evaporates. Both of his hands upon the grass, outspread in gentle manner, did my master place. Whence I, who of his action was aware, extended unto him my tearful cheeks.
There did he make in me, uncovered wholly, that hue which hell had covered up in me. Then came we down upon the desert shore, Which never yet saw navigate its waters any that afterward had known return. There he begirt me as the other pleased. Oh, marvelous! For even as he culled the humble plant, such it sprang up again suddenly there where he uprooted it.
Canto II. Already had the sun the horizon reached, whose circle of meridian covers o'er Jerusalem with its most lofty point, and night that opposite to him revolves was issuing forth from Ganges with the scales that fall from out her hand when she exceedeth, so that the white and the vermilion cheeks of beautiful Aurora, where I was, by too great age, were changing into orange. We still were on the border of the sea, like people who are thinking of their road, who go in heart and with the body stay. And lo, as when upon the approach of morning, through the gross vapors Mars grows fiery red, down in the west upon the ocean floor, appeared to me— May I again behold it! A light along the sea so swiftly coming, its motion by no flight of wing is equaled, from which, when I a little had withdrawn mine eyes, that I might question my conductor, again I saw it brighter grown and larger.
Then on each side of it appeared to me I knew not what, of white, and underneath it, little by little, there came forth another. My master, yet, had uttered not a word, while the first whiteness into wings unfolded. But when he clearly recognized the pilot, he cried, Make haste, make haste to bow the knee. Behold, the angel of God, fold thou thy hands. Henceforward shalt thou see such officers. See how he scorneth human arguments, so that nor o'er he wants nor other sail than his own wings between so distant shores. See how he holds them pointed up to heaven, fanning the air with the eternal pinions that do not molt themselves like mortal hair. Then, as still nearer and more near us came the Bird Divine, more radiant he appeared, so that nearby the eye could not endure him, but down I cast it.
And he came to shore with a small vessel, very swift and light, so that the water swallowed not thereof. Upon the stern stood the celestial Pilate, Beatitude seemed written in his face, and more than a hundred spirits sat within. In exitu Israel de Egypto, they chanted all together in one voice, with whatso in that psalm is after written. Then made he sign of holy rood upon them, whereat all cast themselves upon the shore. And he departed swiftly as he came. The throng which still remained there, unfamiliar seemed with the place, all round about them gazing, as one who in new matters makes a say. On every side was darting forth the day. The sun, who had with his resplendent shafts from the mid-heaven chased forth the Capricorn, when the new people lifted up their faces towards us, saying to us, If ye know, show us the way to go unto the mountain.
And answer made, Virgilius, Ye believe, perchance, that we have knowledge of this place. But we are strangers, even as yourselves. Just now we came, a little while before you, another way, which was so rough and steep that mounting will henceforth seem sport to us. The souls who had, from seeing me draw breath, become aware that I was still alive, pallid in their astonishment became. And, as to Messenger who bears the olive, the people throng to listen to the news, and no one shows himself afraid of crowding. So, at the sight of me, stood motionless those fortunate spirits, all of them, as if oblivious to go and make them fair. One from among them saw I coming forward as to embrace me with such great affection that it incited me to do the like.
Oh, empty shadows save in aspect only. Three times behind it did I clasp my hands, as oft returned with them to my own breast. I think with wonder I depicted me, whereat the shadow smiled and backward drew, and I, pursuing it, pressed farther forward. Gently. It said that I should stay, my steps. Then knew I who it was, and I entreated that it would stop a while to speak with me. It made reply to me, Even as I loved thee in mortal body, so I love thee free. Therefore I stop. But wherefore goest thou? My own Casella! To return once more there where I am, I make this journey," said I. But how from thee has so much time been taken? And he to me, No outrage has been done me, if he who takes both when and whom he pleases has many times denied to me this passage, for of a righteous will his own is made.
He, sooth to say, for three months past, has taken whoever wished to enter with all peace. Whence I, who now had turned unto that shore where salt the waters of the Tiber grow, benignantly by him have been received. Unto that outlet now his wing is pointed, because for evermore assemble there those who towards Acheron do not descend. And I, If some new law take not from thee memory or practice of the song of love, which used to quiet in me all my longings, thee may it please to comfort therewithal somewhat this soul of mine, that with its body hitherward coming is so much distressed. Love, that within my mind discourses with me, forthwith began he so melodiously, the melody within me still is sounding.
My master, and myself, and all that people which with him were, appeared as satisfied as if naught else might touch the mind of any. We all of us were moveless and attentive unto his notes. And lo! the grave old man exclaiming, What is this, ye laggard spirits? What negligence, what standing still is this? Run to the mountain to strip off the slough that lets not God be manifest to you.
Even as when, collecting grain or tares, the doves, together at their pasture met, quiet, nor showing their accustomed pride. If aught appear, of which they are afraid, upon a sudden leave their food alone, because they are assailed by greater care. So that fresh company did I behold the song relinquish, and go towards the hill, as one who goes and knows not whitherward. Nor was our own departure less in haste.
Canto three. Inasmuch as the instantaneous flight had scattered them asunder o'er the plain, turned to the mountain, whither reason spurs us, I pressed me close unto my faithful comrade. And how without him had I kept my course? Who would have led me up along the mountain? He seemed to me within himself remorseful. O noble conscience, and without a stain, how sharp a sting is trivial fault to thee. After his feet had laid aside the haste which mars the dignity of every act, my mind, that hitherto had been restrained, let loose its faculties, as if delighted, and I my sight directed to the hill that highest towards the heaven uplifts itself. The sun, that in our rear was flaming red, was broken in front of me into the figure which had in me the stoppage of its rays.
Unto one side I turned me, with the fear of being left alone, when I beheld only in front of me the ground obscured. "'Why dost thou still mistrust?' my comforter began to say to me, turned wholly round. "'Dost thou not think me with thee, and that I guide thee?' "'Tis evening there already, where is buried the body within which I cast a shadow. "'Tis from Brundusium taen, and Naples has it. Now, if in front of me no shadow fall, Marvel not at it more than at the heavens, because one ray impedeth not another to suffer torments, both of cold and heat, bodies like this that power provides, which wills that how it works be not unveiled to us. Insane is he who hopeth that our reason can traverse the illimitable way which the one substance in three persons follows.
Mortals, remain contented at the quia. For if ye had been able to see all, no need there were for Mary to give birth. And ye have seen desiring without fruit those whose desire would have been quieted, which evermore is given them for a grief. I speak of Aristotle, and of Plato, and many others. And here bowed his head. And more he said not, and remained disturbed. We came, meanwhile, unto the mountain's foot. There, so precipitate, we found the rock, that nimble legs would there have been in vain. Twixt Larici and Turbia, the most desert, the most secluded pathway, is a stair easy and open, if compared with that. "'Who knoweth now upon which hand the hill slopes down?' my master said, his footsteps staying, "'so that who goeth without wings may mount.' And while he held his eyes upon the ground, examining the nature of the path, and I was looking up around the rock, on the left hand appeared to me a throng of souls that moved their feet in our direction, And did not seem to move, they came so slowly.
Lift up thine eyes, I to the master said. Behold on this side who will give us counsel, if thou of thine own self can have it not. Then he looked at me, and with frank expression replied, Let us go there, for they come slowly, and thou be steadfast in thy hope, sweet son. Still was that people as far off from us after a thousand steps of ours, I say, as a good thrower with his hand would reach, when they all crowded unto the hard masses of the high bank, and motionless stood, and close, as he stands still to look who goes in doubt. O happy dead! O spirits elect already! Virgilius made beginning. By that peace which I believe is waiting for you all, tell us upon what side the mountain slopes, so that the going up be possible, for to lose time irks him most who most knows.
As sheep come issuing forth from out the fold, By ones, and twos, and threes, and the others stand timidly, holding down their eyes and nostrils, and what the foremost does the others do, huddling themselves against her, if she stop, simple and quiet, and the wherefore know not. So, moving to approach us thereupon, I saw the leader of that fortunate flock, modest in face, and dignified in gait. As soon as those in the advance saw broken the light upon the ground at my right side, so that from me the shadow reached the rock, they stopped, and backward drew themselves somewhat, and all the others who came after them, not knowing why nor wherefore, did the same. Without your asking, I confess to you this is a human body.
Which you see, whereby the sunshine on the ground is cleft. Marvel ye not thereat, but be persuaded that not without a power which comes from heaven doth he endeavor to surmount this wall. The master thus, and said those worthy people, Return ye then, and enter in before us, making a signal with the back of the hand, and one of them began, Who'er thou art, thus going, turn thine eyes. Consider well, if e'er thou saw me in the other world. I turned me towards him, and looked at him closely. Blonde was he, beautiful, and of noble aspect, but one of his eyebrows had a blow divided. When with humility I had disclaimed, e'er having seen him, now behold, he said, And showed me high upon his breast a wound.
Then said he with a smile, I am Manfredi, the grandson of the Empress Costanza. Therefore, when thou returnest, I beseech thee, go to my daughter beautiful, the mother of Sicily's honor and of Aragon's, and the truth-teller, if aught else be told. After I had my body lacerated by these two mortal stabs, I gave myself weeping to him who willingly doth pardon. Horrible my iniquities had been, but infinite goodness hath such ample arms that it receives whatever turns to it. Had but Cosenza's pastor, who in chase of me was sent by Clement at that time, in God read understandingly this page, the bones of my dead body still would be at the bridgehead near unto Benevento, under the safeguard of the heavy cairn.
Now the rain bathes, and moveth them the wind, beyond the realm, almost beside the verda, where he transported them with tapers quenched. By Malison of theirs is not so lost eternal love that it cannot return so long as hope has anything of green. True is it, who in contumacy dies of holy church, though penitent at last, must wait upon the outside this bank thirty times told, the time that he has been in his presumption, unless such decree, shorter, by means of righteous prayers, become. See now if thou hast power to make me happy, by making known unto my good Costanza how thou hast seen me, And this man beside, for those on earth can much advance us here.
Canto Four. Whenever by delight, or else by pain, that seizes any faculty of ours, Wholly to that the soul collects itself. It seemeth that no other power it heeds. And this, against that error is, which thinks one soul above another, kindles in us. And hence, whenever aught is heard or seen which keeps the soul intently bent upon it, time passes on, and we perceive it not. Because one faculty is that which listens, and other that which the soul keeps entire. This is as if in bonds, and that is free. Of this I had experience positive in hearing and in gazing at that spirit, for fifty full degrees uprisen was the sun, and I had not perceived it. When we came to wear those soles with one accord, cried out to us, Here is what you ask.
A greater opening oft-times hedges up with but a little forkful of his thorns the villager, what time the grape himbrowns, than was the passageway through which ascended only my leader and myself behind him, after that company departed from us. One climbs St. Leo. And descends in Nolli, and mounts the summit of Bismontova with feet alone. But here one needs must fly. With the swift pinions and the plumes, I say, of great desire, conducted after him who gave me hope, and made a light for me. We mounted upward through the rifted rock, and on each side the border pressed upon us, and feet and hands the ground beneath required. When we were come upon the upper rim of the high bank, out on the open slope, My master, said I, what way shall we take?
And he to me, No step of thine descend, Still up the mount behind me win thy way, till some sage escort shall appear to us. The summit was so high it vanquished sight, and the hillside precipitous far more than line from middle quadrant to the center. Spent with fatigue was I when I began. Oh, my sweet father! Turn thee, and behold how I remain alone, unless thou stay. "'Oh, son,' he said, "'up yonder drag thyself,' pointing me to a terrace somewhat higher, which on that side encircles all the hill. These words of his so spurred me on that I strained every nerve behind him scrambling up until the circle was beneath my feet. Thereon, ourselves we seated both of us turned to the east, from which we had ascended, for all men are delighted to look back.
To the low shores mine eyes I first directed, then to the sun uplifted them. and wondered that on the left hand we were smitten by it. The poet well perceived that I was wholly bewildered at the chariot of the light, where twixt us and the aquilon it entered. Whereon he said to me, If Castor and Pollux were in the company of yonder mirror, that up and down conducteth with its light, thou wouldst behold the zodiac's jagged wheel revolving still more near unto the bears, unless it swerved aside from its old track. How that may be, wouldst thou have power to think collected in thyself? Imagine Zion, together with this mount on earth to stand, so that they both one sole horizon have, and hemispheres diverse.
Whereby the road which Phaeton, alas, knew not to drive, thou'lt see how, of necessity, must pass this on one side, when that upon the other. If thine intelligence right clearly heed. Truly, my master, said I, never yet saw I so clearly as I now discern, there, where my wit appeared incompetent, that the mid-circle of supernal motion, which in some art is the equator called, and I remains between the sun and winter for reason which thou sayest, Departeth hence towards the Septentrion, what time the Hebrews beheld it towards the region of the heat. But, if it pleaseth thee, I fain would learn how far we have to go, for the hill rises higher than eyes of mine have power to rise. And he to me. This mount is such.
That ever at the beginning down below tis tiresome, and aye the more one climbs, the less it hurts. Therefore, when it shall seem so pleasant to thee that going up shall be to thee as easy as going down the current in a boat, then at this pathway's ending thou wilt be. There to repose thy panting breath expect. No more, I answer, and this I know for true. And as he finished uttering these words, a voice close by us sounded. Peradventure thou wilt have need of sitting down ere that. At sound thereof, each one of us turned round, and saw upon the left hand a great rock, which neither I nor he before had noticed. Thither we drew. And there were persons there who in the shadow stood behind the rock, as one through indolence is wont to stand.
And one of them, who seemed to me fatigued, was sitting down, and both his knees embraced, holding his face low down between them, bowed. "'Oh, my sweet lord,' I said, "'do turn thine eye on him who shows himself more negligent than even Sloth herself his sister were.' Then he turned round to us, and he gave heed, just lifting up his eyes above his thigh, and said, "'Now go thou up, for thou art valiant.' Then knew I who he was, and the distress, that still a little did my breathing quicken, my going to him hindered not, and after I came to him, he hardly raised his head, saying, Hast thou seen clearly how the sun o'er thy left shoulder drives his chariot? His sluggish attitude and his curt words a little unto laughter moved my lips.
Then I began. Bilacqua, I grieve not for thee henceforth, but tell me, wherefore seated in this place art thou? Waitest thou an escort, or has thy usual habit seized upon thee? And he, O, brother, what's the use of climbing? Since to my torment would not let me go the angel of God who sitteth at the gate, First, heaven must needs so long revolve me round outside thereof, as in my life it did, since the good sighs I, to the end, postponed. Unless, ere that some prayer may bring me aid, which rises from a heart that lives in grace, what profit others that in heaven are heard not? Meanwhile, the poet was before me mounting, and saying, Come now, see the sun has touched meridian, and from the shore the knight covers already with her foot morocco.
Canto V. I had already from those shades departed, and followed in the footsteps of my guide, when from behind, pointing his finger at me, One shouted, See, it seems as if shone not the sunshine on the left of him below, and like one living seems he to conduct him. Mine eyes I turned, at utterance of these words, and saw them watching with astonishment but me, but me, and the light which was broken. Why doth thy mind so occupy itself? The master said, that thou thy paste dost slacken. What matters it to thee what here is whispered? Come after me, and let the people talk. Stand like a steadfast tower that never wags its top for all the blowing of the winds. For evermore the man in whom is springing thought upon thought removes from him the mark, because the force of one, the other, weakens.
What could I say in answer but, I come. I said it somewhat, with that color tinged which makes a man of pardon sometimes worthy. Meanwhile, along the mountain-side across, came people in advance of us a little, singing the miserere verse by verse. When they became aware I gave no place for passage of the sunshine through my body, they changed their song into a long hoarse, and two of them, in form of messengers, ran forth to meet us, and demanded of us, Of your condition make us cognizant. And said my master, Ye can go your way, and carry back again to those who sent you, that this one's body is of very flesh. If they stood still because they saw his shadow, as I suppose, enough is answered them.
Him let them honor. It may profit them. Vapors enkindled saw I ne'er so swiftly at early nightfall cleave the air serene, nor, at the set of sun, the clouds of August. But upward they returned in briefer time, and, on arriving, with the others wheeled towards us like troops that run without a rein. This folk that presses unto us is great, and cometh to implore thee. said the poet. So still go onward, and in going listen. O soul that goest to beatitude, with the same members wherewith thou wast born, shouting, they came. A little stay thy steps. Look, if thou e'er hast any of us seen, so that o'er yonder thou bear news of him. Ah! why dost thou go on? Ah! why not stay? Long since we all were slain by violence, and sinners even to the latest hour, then did a light from heaven admonish us, so that, both penitent and pardoning, forth from life we issued, reconciled to God, who with desire to see Him stirs our hearts.
And I, although I gaze into your faces, No one I recognize, but, if may please you, aught I have power to do, ye well-born spirits, speak ye, and I will do it, by that peace which, following the feet of such a guide, from world to world makes itself sought by me. And one began, Each one has confidence in thy good offices without an oath, unless the I cannot cut off the I will. Whence I, who speak alone before the others, pray thee, if ever thou dost see the land that twixt Romagna lies and that of Charles, thou be so courteous to me of thy prayers in Fano, that they pray for me devoutly, that I may purge away my grave offences. From thence was I. But the deep wounds, through which issued the blood wherein I had my seat, were dealt me in bosom of the Antenori, there where I thought to be the most secure.
"'Twas he of Esta had it done, who held me in hatred far beyond what justice willed." But if towards the Myra I had fled, when I was overtaken at Oriako, I still should be o'er yonder where men breathe. I ran to the lagoon, and reeds and mire did so entangle me I fell, and saw there a lake made from my veins upon the ground. Then said another, Ah! Be that desire fulfilled that draws thee to the lofty mountain, as thou with pious pity aidest mine. I was of Montefeltro, and am Buonconte. Giovanna, nor none other, cares for me. Hence, among these, I go with downcast front. And I to him? What violence, or what chance, led thee astray so far from Campaldino, that never has thy sepulture been known?
Oh, he replied, at Cosentino's foot a river crosses, named Archeano, born among the hermitage in Oppenine. There, where the name thereof becometh void, did I arrive, pierced through and through the throat, fleeing on foot, and bloodying the plain. There my sight lost I, and my utterance ceased in the name of Mary, and thereat I fell, and tenantless my flesh remained. Truth will I speak, repeat it to the living. God's angel took me up, and he of hell shouted, O thou from heaven, why dost thou rob me? Thou bearest away the eternal part of him for one poor little tear that takes him from me, but with the rest I'll deal in other fashion. Well knowest thou how in the air is gathered that humid vapor which to water turns.
Soon As it rises where the cold doth grasp it. He joined that evil will, which eye seeks evil, to intellect, and moved the mist and wind by means of power which his own nature gave. Thereafter, when the day was spent, the valley from Prato Magno to the great yoke covered with fog, and made the heaven above intent, so that the pregnant air to water changed. Down fell the rain, and to the gullies came whate'er of it earth tolerated not. And as it mingled with the mighty torrents towards the royal river, with such speed it headlong rushed that nothing held it back. My frozen body, near unto its outlet, the robust Archion found, and into Arno thrust it, and loosened from my breast the cross I made of me, when agony o'ercame me.
It rolled me on the banks and on the bottom, then with its booty covered and begirt me.
Ah! when thou hast returned unto the world, and wrested thee from thy long journeying—after the second followed the third spirit—do thou remember me, who am the Pia? Sienna made me, unmade me, Marema. He knoweth it, who had encircled first espousing me, my finger with his gem.
End of Purgatorio. Canto One to Five.
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9 09 - Purgatorio: Canto VI-Canto XI 37:19
Translated by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Purgatorio. Canto Sixth through Eleven. Canto six whene'er is broken up the game of Sarah, he who has lost remains behind despondent, the throes repeating, and in sadness learns. The people with the other all depart. One goes in front, and one behind doth pluck him, and at his side one brings himself to mind. He pauses not, and this and that one hears. They crowd no more to whom his hand he stretches, and from the throng he thus defends himself. Even such was I in that dense multitude, turning to them this way and that my face, and promising I freed myself therefrom. There was the Aretin, who from the arms untamed of Ginditaco had his death, and he who fleeing from pursuit was drowned.
There was, imploring with his hands outstretched, Frederick Novello, and that one of Pisa who made the good Marsuko seem so strong. I saw Count Orso, and the soul divided by hatred and by envy from its body, as it declared, and not for crime committed, Pierre de Brosse, I say, and here provide, while still on earth, the Lady of Brabant, so that for this she be of no worse flock. As soon as I was free from all those shades, who only prayed that some one else may pray, so as to hasten their becoming holy, began I, It appears that thou deniest, O light of mine, expressly in some text, that Orison can bend decree of heaven, and ne'er the less these people pray for this. Might then their expectation bootless be, or is to me thy saying not quite clear?
And he to me, my writing is explicit, and not fallacious is the hope of these. If with sane intellect, tis well regarded, for top of judgment doth not veil itself, because the fire of love fulfills at once what he must satisfy who here installs him. And there, where I affirmed that proposition, defect was not amended by a prayer, because the prayer from God was separate. Verily, in so deep a questioning do not decide, unless she tell it thee who light twits truth and intellect shall be, I know not if thou understand, I speak of Beatrice, her shalt thou see above, smiling and happy on this mountain's top. And I, good leader, let us make more haste, for I no longer tire as before, and see, even now the hill a shadow casts.
We will go forward with this day, he answered, as far as now is possible for us, but otherwise the fact is than thou thinkest. Ere thou art up there, thou shalt see return him who now hides himself behind the hill, so that thou dost not interrupt his rays. But yonder there, behold, a soul that, stationed all, all alone, is looking hitherward. It will point out to us the quickest way. We came up unto it, O Lombard soul, how lofty and disdainful thou didst bear thee, and grand and slow in moving of thine eyes! Nothing whatever did it say to us, but let us go our way, eyeing us only after the manner of a cochant lion. Still near to it Virgilius drew, entreating that it would point us out the best ascent, and it replied not unto his demand, but of our native land and of our life it questioned us.
And then the sweet guide began. Mantua. And the shade, all itself recluse, rode toward him from the place where first it was, saying, O Mantuan, I am Sordello of thine own land. And one embraced the other. Ah, servile Italy, grief's hostelry, a ship without a pilot in a great tempest, no lady thou of provinces, but brothel. That noble soul was so impatient, only at the sound of his own native land, to make its citizen glad welcome there. And now within thee are not without war thy living ones, and one doth gnaw the other of those whom one wall and one foss shut in. Search, wretched one, all about thy shores, thy seaboard, and then look within thy bosom, if any part of thee enjoyeth peace. What boots it that for thee Justinian the bridle mend, if empty be the saddle?
Without in this the shame would be the less. Ah, people, thou that oughtest to be devout, and to let Caesar sit upon the saddle, if well thou hearest what God teacheth thee, behold how fell this wild beast has become, being no longer by the spur corrected, since thou hast laid thy hand upon the bridle. O German Albert, who abandonest her that has grown recalcitrant and savage, and oughtest to bestride her saddle-bow, may a just judgment from the stars down fall upon thy blood, and be it new and open, that thy successor may have fear thereof, because thy father and thyself have suffered, by greed of those transalpine lands distrained, the garden of the empire to be waste. Come, and behold Montecci and Cappelletti, Manaldi and Filippucci, careless man, though sad already, and these doubt-depressed.
Come, cruel one, come, and behold the oppression of thy nobility, and cure their wounds, and thou shalt see how safe is Santofiore. Come, and behold thy Rome, that is lamenting, widowed, alone, and day and night exclaims, My Caesar, why hast thou forsaken me? Come, and behold how loving are the people! And if for us no pity moveth thee, come, and be made ashamed of thy renown. And if it lawful be, O jove supreme, who upon earth for us was crucified, are thy just eyes averted otherwhere? Or preparation is it that, in the abyss of thine own counsel, for some good thou makest from our perception utterly cut off? For all the towns of Italy are full of tyrants, and becometh a Marcellus each peasant churl who plays the partisan.
My Florence, well mayest thou contented be with this digression, which concerns thee not, thanks to thy people who such forethought take. Many at heart have justice, but shoot slowly, that unadvised they come not to the bow, but on their very lips thy people have it. Many refuse to bear the common burden, but thy solicitous people answereth without being asked, and crieth, I submit. Now be thou joyful, for thou hast good reason, Thou affluent, Thou in peace, Thou full of wisdom, If I speak true, The invent conceals it not. Athens and Lacedaemon, they who made the ancient laws, and were so civilized, made towards living well, with a little sign compared to thee, who makest such fine-spun provisions, that to the middle of November reachest not what thou in October spinnest.
How oft, within the time of thy remembrance, laws, money, offices, and usages hast thou remodeled, and renewed thy members! And if thou mind thee well, and see the light, thou shalt behold thyself like a sick woman, who cannot find repose upon her down, but by her tossing wardeth off her pain.
Canto VII. After the gracious and glad salutations had three or four times been reiterated, Sordello backward drew, and said— Who are you? O'eriver to this mountain were directed, the souls deserving to ascend to God, my bones were buried by Octavian. I am Virgilius, and for no crime else did I lose heaven than for not having faith. In this wise then my leader made reply. As one who suddenly before him sees something whereat he marvels, who believes and yet does not, saying, It is, it is not. So he appeared, and then bowed down his brow, and with humility returned towards him, and where inferiors embrace, embraced him. O glory of the Latins thou, said he, through whom our language showed what it could do, O pride eternal of the place I came from, what merit, or what grace, to me reveals thee?
If I to hear thy words be worthy, tell me, if thou dost come from hell, and from what cloister? Through all the circles of the doleful realm, responded he, have I come hitherward. Heaven's power impelled me, and with that I come. I, by not doing, not by doing, lost sight of that high sun which thou desirest, and which, too late by me, was recognized. A place there is below, not sad with torments, but darkness only, where the lamentations have not the sound of wailing, but are sighs. There dwell I with the little innocence snatched by the teeth of death, or ever they were from our human sinfulness exempt. There dwell I among those who the three saintly virtues did not put on, and without vice the others knew and followed all of them.
But if thou know and can, some indication give us by which we may the sooner come where purgatory has its right beginning. He answered, No fixed place has been assigned us. Tis lawful for me to go up and round, so far as I can go, as guide I join thee. But see already how the day declines, and to go up by night we are not able. Therefore, tis well to think of some fair sojourn. Souls there are on the right hand here withdrawn. If thou permit me, I will lead thee to him, and thou shalt know them not without delight. How is this, was the answer? Should one wish to mount by night, would he prevented be by others, or, mayhap, would not have the power? And on the ground the good Sordello drew his finger, saying, See, this line alone thou couldst not pass after the sun is gone.
Not that aught else would hindrance give, however, to going up save the nocturnal darkness. This, with the want of power, the will perplexes. We might indeed therewith return below, and wandering, walk the hillside round about, while the horizon holds the day imprisoned. Thereon, my lord, as if in wonder, said, "'Do thou conduct us thither, where thou sayest that we can take delight in tarrying?' Little had we withdrawn us from that place, when I perceived the mount was hollowed out in fashion as the valleys here are hollowed. Thitherward said that shade will we repair, whereof itself the hillside makes a lap, and there for the new day will we await. Twixt hill and plain there was a winding path which led us to the margin of that dell where dies the border more than half away.
Gold and fine silver, and scarlet and pearl-white, the Indian wood resplendent and serene, fresh emerald the moment it is broken. By herbage and by flowers within that hollow planted, each one in color would be vanquished, as by its greater vanquished is the less. Nor in that place had nature painted only, but of the sweetness of a thousand odors made there a mingled fragrance, and unknown. Salve Regina, On the greens and flowers there seated, singing, spirits I beheld, which were not visible outside the valley. Before the scanty sun now seeks his nest, began the Manchuan, who had led us thither, among them do not wish me to conduct you. Better from off this ledge the acts and faces of all of them will you discriminate than in the plain below received among them.
Who sits highest, and the semblance bears of having what he should have done neglected, and to the other's song moves not his lips, Rudolf the emperor was, who had the power to heal the wounds that Italy have slain, so that through others slowly she revives. The other, who in look doth comfort him, govern the region where the water springs, while Moldo bears the Elbe, and the Elbe the sea. His name was Otokar, and in swaddling-clothes far better he than bearded Wenceslas his son, who feeds in luxury and ease. And the small-nosed, who close in council seems with him that has an aspect so benign, dyed fleeing and disflowering the lily. Look there, how he is beating at his breast. Behold the other one, who for his cheek sighing has made of his own palm a bed.
Father and father-in-law of France's pest are they, and know his vicious life and lewd, and hence precedes the grief that doth so pierce them. He who appears so stalwart, and chimes in singing, with that one of the manly nose, the chord of every valour wore begirt. And if as king had after him remained the stripling, who in rear of him is sitting, well had the valour passed from vase to vase, which cannot of the other heirs be said. Frederick and Giacomo Possess the realms, but none the better heritage possesses. Not oftentimes upriseth through the branches the probity of man, and this he wills who gives it, so that we may ask of him. Eke to the large-nosed reach, my words, no less than to the other peer, who with him sings, whence Provence and Apulia grieve already, the plant is as inferior to its seed, as more than Beatrice and Margaret Costanza boasteth of her husband still.
Behold the monarch of the simple life! Harry of England, sitting there alone. He in his branches has a better issue. He who the lowest on the ground among them sits looking upward is the Marquis William, for whose sake Alessandria and her war make Montferrat and Canavessi weep.
Canto VIII. "'Twas now the hour that turneth back desire in those that sail the sea, and melts the heart, the day they've said to their sweet friends farewell.
And the new pilgrim penetrates with love if he doth hear from far away a bell that seemeth to deplore the dying day, when I began to make of no avail my hearing, and to watch one of the souls uprisen that begged attention with its hand. It joined, and lifted upward both its palms, fixing its eyes upon the orient, as if it said to God, Nought else I care for. Te luce sante so devoutly issued forth from its mouth, and with such dulcet notes, it made me issue forth from my own mind. And then the others, sweetly and devoutly, accompanied it through all the hymn entire, having their eyes upon the supernal wheels. Here, reader, fix thine eyes well upon the truth, for now indeed so subtle is the veil, surely to penetrate within is easy.
I saw that army of the gentle-born, thereafterward, in silence upward gaze, as if in expectation, pale and humble. And from on high come forth and down descend, I saw two angels with two flaming swords, truncated and deprived of their points. Green as the little leaflets just now born their garments were, which by their verdant pinions beaten and blown abroad, they trailed behind. One just above us came to take his station, and one descended to the opposite bank, so that the people were contained between them. Clearly in them discerned I the blond head, but in their faces was the eye bewildered, as faculty confounded by excess. From Mary's bosom both of them have come, Sordello said, as guardians of the valley against the serpent, that we'll come anon.
Whereupon I, who knew not by what road, turned around and closely drew myself, utterly frozen, to the faithful shoulders. And once again, Sordello, now descend we mid the grand shades, and we will speak to them. Right pleasant will it be for them to see you. Only three steps I think that I descended, and was below, and saw one who was looking only at me, as if he fain would know me. Already now the air was growing dark, but not so that between his eyes and mine it did not show what it before locked up. Toward me he moved, and I towards him did move. Noble Judge Nino, how it me delighted when I beheld thee not among the damned. No greeting fair was left unsaid between us. Then asked he, How long is it since thou camest over the far waters to the mountain's foot?
Oh! said I to him, Through the dismal places I came this morn, and am in the first life, albeit the other, going thus, I gain. And on the instant my reply was heard, he and Sordello both shrank back from me, like people who are suddenly bewildered. One to Virgilius, and the other turned to one who sat there, crying, Up, Corrado! Come, and behold what God in grace has willed. Then turning to me, By that especial grace thou owest unto him, who so conceals his own first wherefore, that it has no ford, when thou shalt be beyond the waters wide, tell my Giovanna that she pray for me, where answer to the innocent is made. I do not think her mother loves me more, since she has laid aside her wimple white, which she, unhappy, needs must wish again.
Through her full easily is comprehended how long in woman lasts the fire of love, if eye or touch do not relight it often. So fair a hatchment will not make for her the viper marshalling the milanesa field, as would have made Galura's cock. In this wise spoke he, with the stamp impressed upon his aspect of that righteous zeal which measurably burneth in the heart. My greedy eyes still wandered up to heaven, still to that point where slowest are the stars, even as a wheel the nearest to its axle. And my conductor, Son, what dost thou gaze up up there? And I said to him, All those three torches with which this hither pole is on fire. And he said to me, The four resplendent stars thou sawest this morning are down yonder low, and these have mounted up to where those were.
As he was speaking, to himself Sordello drew him, and said, Lo, there our adversary, and pointed with his finger to look thither. Upon the side on which the little valley no barrier hath, a serpent was, perchance the same which gave to Eve the bitter food. Twixt grass and flowers came on the evil streak, turning at times its head about, and licking its back like a beast that smooths itself. I did not see, and therefore cannot say, how the celestial falcons began to move, but well I saw that they were both in motion. Hearing the air cleft by their verdant wings, the serpent fled, and round the angels wheeled, up to their stations flying back alike. The shade that to the judge had near approached when he had called, throughout the whole assault, had not a moment loosed its gaze upon me.
So may the light that leadeth thee on high find in thine own free will as much of wax as needful is up to the highest azure, began it. If some true intelligence of Valdemagra or its neighbor thou knowest, tell it me, who once was great there. Currado Malaspina was I called. I'm not the elder, but from him I descended. To mine I bore the love which here refineth. O said I unto him, Through your domains I never passed. But where is there a dwelling throughout all Europe where they are not known? That fame which doeth honor to your house, proclaims its seigniors, and proclaims its land, so that he knows of them who never was there. And as I hope for heaven, I swear to you, your honored family in naught abates the glory of the purse and of the sword.
It is so privileged by use in nature, that though a guilty head misguide the world, sole it goes right, and scorns the evil way.
And he, Now go, for the sun shall not lie seven times upon the pillow which the ram, with all his four feet, covers and bestrides, before that such a courteous opinion shall in the metal of thy head be nailed with greater nails than of another's speech, unless the course of justice standeth still.
Canto IX. The concubine of old Tithonus now gleamed white upon the eastern balcony, forth from the arms of her sweet paramour, with gems her forehead all relucent was, set in the shape of that cold animal which with its tail doth smite amain the nations. And of the steps with which she mounts, the knight had taken two in that place where we were, and now the third was bending down its wings, when I, who had something of Adam in me, vanquished by sleep, Upon the grass reclined, there were all five of us already sat. Just at the hour when her sad lay begins, the little swallow, near unto the morning, perchance in memory of her former woes, and when the mind of man a wanderer more from flesh, unless by thought imprisoned, almost prophetic in its visions is, in dreams it seemed to me I saw suspended an eagle in the sky, with plumes of gold, with wings wide open, and intent to stoop, And this, it seemed to me, was where had been by Ganymede his kith and kin abandoned when to the high consistory he was wrapt.
I thought within myself, perchance he strikes from habit only here, and from elsewhere disdains to bear up any in his feet. Then wheeling somewhat more, it seemed to me, terrible as the lightning he descended, and snatched me upward even to the fire. Therein it seemed that he and I were burning, and that the imagined fire did scorch me so, that of necessity my sleep was broken. Not otherwise Achilles started up, around him turning his awakened eyes, and knowing not the place in which he was, what time from Chiron stealthily his mother carried him sleeping in her arms to Syros, wherefrom the Greeks withdrew him afterwards, that I upstarted, when from off my face sleep fled away, and pallid I became, as doth the man who freezes with affright.
Only my comforter was at my side, and the sun was now more than two hours high, and turned toward the seashore was my face. Be not intimidated, said my lord. Be reassured, for all is well with us. Do not restrain, but put forth all thy strength. Thou hast at length arrived at purgatory. See there the cliff that closes it around. See there the entrance, where it seems disjoined. While I am at dawn, which doth precede the day, when inwardly thy spirit was asleep upon the flowers that decked the land below, there came a lady, and said, I am Lucia. Let me take this one up. Who is asleep, so will I make his journey easier for him. So Dello and the other noble shapes remained. She took thee, and as day grew bright, upward she came, and I upon her footsteps.
She laid thee here, and first her beauteous eyes that open entrance pointed out to me, that she and sleep together went away. In guise of one whose doubts are reassured, and who to confidence his fear doth change, after the truth had been discovered to him, so did I change, and when without disquiet my leader saw me, up along the cliff he moved, and I behind him, toward the height. Reader, thou seest well how I exalt my theme, and therefore, if with greater art I fortify it, marvel not thereat. Nearer approached we, and were in such a place that there, where first appeared to me a rift like to a crevice that disparts a wall, I saw a portal, and three stairs beneath, diverse in color, to go up to it, and a gatekeeper, who yet spake no word.
And as I opened more and more mine eyes, I saw him seated on the highest stair, such in the face that I endured it not. And in his hand he held a naked sword, which so reflected back the sunbeams toward us, that oft in vain I lifted up my eyes. "'Tell it from where you are. What is it you wish?' began he to exclaim. "'Where is the escort? Take heed your coming hither, harm you not.' "'A lady of heaven, with these things conversant,' my master answered him, but even now said to us, "'Thither go, there is the portal.' And may she speed your footsteps in all good, again began the courteous janitor. Come forward then unto these stairs of ours. Thither did we approach, and the first stair was marble white, so polished and so smooth I mirrored myself therein as I appear.
The second, tinct of deeper hue than purse, was a calcined and uneven stone, cracked all asunder lengthwise and across. The third, that uppermost rests massively, porphyry seemed to me, as flaming red as blood that from a vein is spiriting forth. Both of his feet were holding upon this angel of God, upon the threshold seated, which seemed to me a stone of diamond. Along the three stairs upward with good will did my conductor draw me, saying, Ask humbly that he the fastening man do. Devoutly at the holy feet I cast me, for mercy's sake besought that he would open, but first upon my breast Three times I smote. Seven peas upon my forehead he described with the sword's point, and said, Take heed that thou wash these wounds, when thou shalt be within.
Ashes or earth that dry as excavated, of that same color were his attire, and from beneath it he drew two keys. One was of gold, and the other was of silver. First with the white, and after with the yellow, plied he the door, so that I was content. Whenever faileth either of these keys, so that it turn not rightly in the lock, he said to us, this entrance doth not open. More precious one is, but the other needs more art and intellect ere it unlock, for it is that which doth the knot unloose. From Peter I have them, and he bade me err rather in opening than in keeping shut, if people but fall down before my feet. Then pushed the portals of the sacred door, exclaiming, Enter, but I give you warning that forth returns whoever looks behind.
And when upon their hinges were turned round the swivels of that consecrated gate, which are of metal, massive and sonorous, roared not so loud, nor so discordant seemed Tarpea, when was taken from it the good Metellus, wherefore meagre it remained. At the first thunder-peal I turned attentive, and Te Deum laudamus seemed to hear in voices mingled with sweet melody. Exactly such an image rendered me, that which I heard, as we are wont to catch, when people singing with the organ stand, for now we hear, And now hear not the words.
Canto X.
When we had crossed the thresholds of the door which the perverted love of souls disuses, because it makes the crooked way seem straight, re-echoing, I heard it closed again. And if I had turned back mine eyes upon it, what for my failing had been fit excuse? We mounted upward through a rifted rock, which undulated to this side and that, even as a wave receding and advancing. Here it behooves us to use a little art, began my leader, to adapt ourselves, now here, now there, to the receding side. And this our footsteps so infrequent made, that sooner had the moon's decreasing disk regained its bed to sink again to rest, than we were forth from out that needle's eye. But when we, free and in the open were, there where the mountain backward piles itself, I wearied out.
And both of us, uncertain about our way, we stopped upon a plain more desolate than roads across the desert. From where its margin borders on the void, to foot of the high bank that ever rises, a human body three times told would measure. And far as eye of mine could wing its flight, now on the left and on the right flank now, the same this cornice did appear to me. Thereon, our feet had not been moved as yet, when I perceived the embankment round about, which all right of ascent had interdicted, to be of marble white, and so adorned with sculptures, that not only Polycletus, but nature's self had there been put to shame. The angel, who came down to earth with tidings of peace that had been wept for many a year, and opened heaven from its long interdite, in front of us appeared so truthfully there sculptured in a gracious attitude, he did not seem an image that is silent.
One would have sworn that he was saying, Ave, for she was there, in effigy portrayed, who turned the key to op the exalted love, and in her mien this language had impressed, Ecea ancila dei, as distinctly as any figure stamps itself in wax. Keep not thy mind upon one place alone, the gentle master said, who had me standing upon that side where people have their hearts, whereat I moved mine eyes, and I beheld, in rear of Mary, And upon that side where he was standing who conducted me, another story on the rock imposed, wherefore I passed for Gilius, and drew near, so that before mine eyes it might be set. There, sculptured in the selfsame marble, were the cart and oxen, drawing the holy ark, wherefore one dreads an office not appointed.
People appeared in front, and all of them in seven choirs divided, of two senses, made one say no, the other, yes, they sing. Likewise, unto the smoke of the frankincense wherein there was imaged forth, the eye and nose were in the yes and no discordant maid. Proceeded there the vessel Benedite, dancing with girded loins, the humble psalmist, and more or less than king was he in this. Opposite, represented at the window of a great palace, Michal looked upon him, even as a woman scornful and afflicted. I moved my feet from where I had been standing, to examine near at hand another story, which after Michal glimmered white before me. There the high glory of the Roman prince was chronicled, whose great beneficence moved Gregory to his great victory.
"'Tis of the Emperor Trajan, I am speaking, and a poor widow at his bridle stood, in attitude of weeping and of grief. Around about him seemed it thronged and full of cavaliers, and the eagles in the gold above them visibly in the wind were moving." The wretched woman in the midst of these seemed to be saying, Give me vengeance, Lord, for my dead son, for whom my heart is breaking, and he to answer her, Now wait until I shall return, and she, my Lord, like one in whom grief is impatient, shouldst thou not return? And he, who shall be where I am, will give it thee. And she, good deed of others, what boots it thee if thou neglect thine own? Whence he, now comfort thee, for it behooves me that I discharge my duty ere I move, justice still wills, and pity doth retain me.
He who on no new thing has ever looked was the creator of this visible language novel to us, for here it is not found. While I delighted in contemplating the images of such humility, and dear to look on for their master's sake, "'Behold, upon this side—but rare they make their steps,' the poet murmured, "'many people—these will direct us to the lofty stair.' Mine eyes, that in beholding were intent to see new things, of which they curious are, in turning round towards him, were not slow. But still, I wish not, reader, thou shouldst swerve from thy good purposes, because thou hearest how God ordaineth that the debt be paid. Attend not to the fashion of the torment. Think what follows. Think that, at the worst, it cannot reach beyond the mighty sentence.
Master, began I. That which I behold moving toward us seems to me not persons, and what I know not, so in sight I waver. And he to me, the grievous quality of this their torment bows them so to earth that mine own eyes at first contended with it. But look there fixedly, and disentangle by sight what cometh underneath those stones. Already canst thou see how each is stricken. O you proud Christians, wretched, weary ones, who in the vision of the mind and firm confidence have in your backsliding steps, do you not comprehend that we are worms? Born to bring forth the angelic butterfly that flieth unto judgment without screen. Why floats aloft your spirit high in air? Like are ye unto insects undeveloped, even as the worm in whom formation fails.
As to sustain a ceiling or a roof, in place of corbel, oftentimes a figure is seen to join its knees unto its breast, which makes of the unreal real anguish arise in him who sees it, fashioned thus, beheld I those, when I had taken good head. True is it, they were more or less bent down, according as they more or less were laden, and he who had most patience in his looks, weeping, did seem to say, I can no more.
Canto XI. Our Father, Thou who dwellest in the heavens, not circumscribed, but from the greater love Thou bearest to the first effects on high, praised be Thy name and Thine omnipotence by every creature, as befitting is to render thanks to Thy sweet effluence. Come unto us the peace of thy dominion, for unto it we cannot of ourselves, if it come not with all our intellect. Even as thine own angels of their will make sacrifice to thee, Hosanna singing, so may all men make sacrifice of theirs. Give unto us this day our daily manna, without in which in this rough wilderness backward goes he who toils most to advance. And even as we the trespass we have suffered pardon in one another, pardon thou benignly, and regard not our desert.
Our virtue, which is easily overcome, put not to proof with the old adversary, but thou from him who spurs it so deliver. This last petition verily, dear Lord, not for ourselves is made, who need it not, but for their sake who have remained behind us. Thus, for themselves and us, good furtherance, those shades imploring, went beneath a weight like unto that of which we sometimes dream, unequally in anguish round and round, and weary all, upon that foremost cornice, purging away the smoke-stains of the world. If their good words are always said for us, what may not here be said and done for them, by those who have a good root to their will? Well may we help them wash away the marks that hence they carried, so that, clean and light, they may ascend unto the starry wheels.
Ah, so may pity and justice you disburden soon, that ye may have power to move the wing that shall uplift you after your desire. Show us on which hand toward the stars the way is shortest, and if more than one the passes, point us out that which least abruptly falls. For he who cometh with me, through the burden of Adam's flesh wherewith he is invested, against his will is cherry of his climbing. The words of theirs which they returned to those that he whom I was following had spoken, it was not manifest from whom they came. But it was said, "'To the right hand come with us along the bank, and ye shall find a pass possible for living person to ascend.' And were I not impeded by the stone which this proud neck of mine doth subjugate, whence I am forced to hold my visage down, him who still lives and does not name himself would I regard, to see if I may know him, and make him piteous unto this burden.
A latin was I, and, born of a great Tuscan, Guglielmo Aldobrancheschi was my father. I know not if his name were ever with you. The ancient blood and deeds of gallantry of my progenitors so arrogant made me, that, thinking not upon the common mother, all men I held in scorn to such extent I died therefor, as know the Sienese, and every child in Campagnatico. I am Umberto, and not to me alone hath pride done harm, but all my kith and kin has with it dragged into adversity, and here must I this burden bear for it, till God be satisfied, since I did not among the living, here among the dead. Listening, I downward bent my countenance, and one of them—not this one who was speaking—twisted himself beneath the weight that cramps him, and looked at me, and knew me, and called out, keeping his eyes laboriously fixed on me, who all bowed down was going with them.
Oh! asked I him, art thou not, Odoressi, a gobbio's honor, and the honor of that art which is in Paris called Illuminating? Brother, said he, more laughing are the leaves touched by the brush of Franco Bolognese. All his the honor now, and mine in part. In sooth I had not been so courteous while I was living, for the great desire of excellence on which my heart was bent. Here of such pride is paid the forfeiture, and yet I should not be here, were it not that, having power to sin, I turned to God. O thou vain glory of the human powers! How little green upon thy summit lingers, if it be not followed by an age of grossness. In painting, Cimabue thought it was he that should hold the field. Now Giotto has the cry, so that the other's fame is growing dim.
So has one Guido from the other taken the glory of our tongue, and he, perchance, is born, who from the nest shall chase them both. Nought is this mundane rumor but a breath of wind, that comes now this way, and now that, and changes name because it changes side. What fame shalt thou have more, if old peel off from thee thy flesh, than if thou hadst been dead before thou left the Papua and the Dindi, ere pass a thousand years, which is a shorter space to thee a turn than the twinkling of an eye unto the circle that in heaven weel slowest? With him, who takes so little of the road in front of me, all Tuscany resounded, and now he scarce is lisped of in Siena, where he was lord, what time was overthrown the Florentine delirium, that superb was at that day as nowt his prostitute.
Your reputation is the color of grass which comes and goes, and that discolors it by which it issues green from out the earth. And I—Thy true speech fills my heart with good humility, and great tumor thou assuagest. But who is he of whom thou now spakest? That, he replied, is Provencion Savani, and he is here because he had presumed to bring Siena all into his hands. He has gone thus, and goeth without rest ever since he died. Such money renders back in payment he who on earth is too daring. And I—I If every spirit who awaits the verge of life before that he repent remains below there, and ascends not thither, unless good Orison shall him bestead, until as much time as he lived be passed, how was the coming granted him in larges?
When he in greatest splendour lived, said he, freely upon the campo of Siena, all shame being laid aside, he placed himself, and there, to draw his friend from the duress which in the prison-house of Charles he suffered, he brought himself to tremble in each vein. I say no more, and know that I speak darkly, yet little time shall pass before thy neighbors will so demean themselves that thou canst gloss it. This action has released him from those confines. End of Purgatorio. Canto Sixth through Eleven.
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10 10 - Purgatorio: Canto XII-Canto XVI 33:15
Translated by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
Purgatorio. Canto. Twelve. Abreast like oxen going in a yoke, I with that heavy-laden soul went on, as long as the sweet pedagogue permitted. But when he said leave him, and onward pass, for here tis good that with the sail and oars, as much as may be, each push on his bark, upright, as walking wills it, I redressed my person, notwithstanding that my thoughts remained with me downcast and abashed. I had moved on and followed willingly the footsteps of my master, and we both already showed how light of foot we were. When unto me he said, Cast down thine eyes. "'T'wer well for thee, to alleviate the way, to look upon the bed beneath thy feet. As, that some memory may exist of them, above the buried dead their tombs on earth bear sculptured on them what they were before.
Whence often there we weep for them afresh, from pricking of remembrance, which alone to the compassionate doth set its spur. So saw I there, but of a better semblance, in point of artifice, with figures covered, whate'er his pathway from the mount projects. I saw that One who was created noble, more than all other creatures down from heaven, flaming with lightnings fall upon one side. I saw Briarius, smitten by the dart, Celestial, lying on the other side, heavy upon the earth by mortal frost. I saw Thimbraeus, Pallas saw, and Mars, still clad in armor round about their father, Gaze at the scattered members of the giants. I saw, at foot of his great labor, Nimrod, as if bewildered, looking at the people who had been proud with him in Senaer.
O Niobe, with what afflicted eyes thee I beheld upon the pathway traced, between thy seven and seven children slain! O Saul, how fallen upon thy proper sword didst thou appear there lifeless in Gilboa, that felt thereafter neither rain nor dew! O mad Arachne, so I thee beheld, e'en then half-spider, sad upon the shreds of fabric wrought an evil hour for thee. O Rehoboam, no more seems to threaten thine image there, but full of consternation a chariot bears it off when none pursues. Displayed more'er the adamantine pavement, how unto his own mother made Alcmion costly appear the luckless ornament. Displayed how his own sons did throw themselves upon Sennacherib within the temple, and how, he being dead, they left him there.
Displayed the ruin and the cruel carnage that Tamyris wrought, when she to Cyrus said, Blood didst thou thirst for, and with blood I glut thee. Displayed how routed fled the Assyrians, after that Alaphernes had been slain, and likewise the remainder of that slaughter. I saw there Troy in ashes and in caverns. O Ilion, thee, how abject and debased, displayed the image that is there discerned. Whoe'er of pencil master was, or style, that could portray the shades and traits which there would cause each subtle genius to admire? Dead seemed the dead, the living seemed alive, better than I saw not who saw the truth. After that I trod upon while bowed I went. Now wax ye proud, and on with looks uplifted, ye sons of Eve, and bow not down your faces, so that ye may behold your evil ways.
More of the mount by us was now encompassed, and far more spent the circuit of the sun than had the mind preoccupied imagined. When he, who ever watchful in advance was going on, began, Lift up thy head, tis no more time to go thus meditating. Lo, there an angel who is making haste to come toward us. Lo, returning is from service of the day the sixth handmaiden. With reverence thine acts and looks adorn, so that he may delight to speed us upward, think that this day will never dawn again. I was familiar with his admonition ever to lose no time, so on this theme he could not unto me speak covertly. Towards us came the being beautiful, vested in white, and in his countenance such as appears the tremulous morning star.
His arms he opened, and opened then his wings. Come, said he. Near at hand here are the steps. And easy from henceforth is the ascent. At this announcement few are they who come. O human creatures, born to soar aloft, why fall ye thus before a little wind? He led us on to where the rock was cleft, there smote upon my forehead with his wings, then a safe passage promised unto me. As on the right hand, to ascend the mount, where seated is the church that lordeth it over the well-guided above Rubicanti, The bold abruptness of the ascent is broken by stairways that were made there in the age when still were safe the ledger and the stave. E'en thus attempered is the bank which falls sheer downward from the second circle there, but on this side and that the high rock grays.
As we were turning thitherward our persons, Beati, Poppera, Spiritu, voices sang in such wise that speech could tell it not. Ah, me, how different are these entrances from the infernal! For with anthems here one enters, and below with wild laments. We now were hunting up the sacred stairs, and it appeared to me by far more easy than on the plain it had appeared before. Whence I, my master, say what heavy thing has been uplifted from me, so that hardly aught of fatigue is felt by me in walking? He answered, When the peas which have remained still on thy face almost obliterate shall wholly, as the first one is, be erased, Thy feet will be so vanquished by good will, that not alone they shall not feel fatigue, but urging up will be to them delight.
Then did I, even as they do who are going, with something on the head to them unknown, unless the signs of others make them doubt. Wherefore the hand to ascertain is helpful, and seeks, and finds, and doth fulfill the office which cannot be accomplished by the sight. And with the fingers of the right hand spread, I found but six the letters that had carved upon my temples he who bore the keys, upon beholding which my leader smiled.
Purgatorio, canto 13. We were upon the summit of the stairs, where for the second time is cut away the mountain, which ascending shriveth all. There in like manner doth a cornice bind the hill all round, as does the first, save that its arc more suddenly is curved. Shade is there none, nor sculpture that appears. So seems the bank, and so the road seems smooth, with but the livid color of the stone. If to inquire we wait for people here, the poet said, I fear that peradventure too much delay will our election have. Then, steadfast on the sun, his eyes he fixed, made his right side the center of his motion, and turned the left part of himself about. O thou sweet light, with trust in whom I enter upon this novel journey, do thou lead us, said he, as one within here should be led.
Thou warmest the world, thou shinest over it, if other reason prompt not otherwise, thy rays should evermore our leaders be. As much as here is counted for a mile, so much already there had we advanced, in little time by dint of ready will. And towards us there were heard to fly, albeit they were not visible, spirits uttering unto love's table courteous invitations. The first voice that passed onward in its flight, Venum non habent, said in accents loud, and went reiterating it behind us. And ere it wholly grew inaudible, because of distance, passed another, crying, I am Orestes, and it also stayed not. Oh, said I, Father, these, what voices are they? And even as I asked, behold the third, saying, Love those from whom ye have had evil.
And the good master said, This circle scourges the sin of envy, and on that account are drawn from love the lashes of the scourge. The bridle of another sound shall be, I think that thou will hear it as I judge, before thou comest to the pass of pardon. But fix thine eyes athwart the air right steadfast, and people thou wilt see before us sitting. And each one close against the cliff is seated. Then wider at first mine eyes I opened. I looked before me, and saw shades with mantles, not from the color of the stone diverse. And when we were a little farther onward, I heard a cry of, Mary, pray for us, a cry of Michael, Peter, and all saints. I do not think there walketh still on earth a man so hard that he would not be pierced with pity at what afterward I saw.
For when I had approached so near to them, that manifest to me their acts became, drained was I at the eyes by heavy grief. Covered with sackcloth vile they seemed to me, and one sustained the other with his shoulder, and all of them were by the banks sustained. Thus do the blind, in want of livelihood, stand at the doors of churches asking alms, and one upon another leans his head, so that in others pity soon may rise, not only at the accent of their words, but at their aspect, Which no less implores. And as unto the blind the sun comes not, so to the shades of whom I just now spake, heaven's light will not be bounteous of itself. For all their lids an iron wire transpierces, and sews them up, as to a spar-hawk wild is done, because it will not quiet stay.
To me it seemed in passing to do outrage, seeing the others without being seen, wherefore I turned me to my council sage. Well knew he what the mute one wished to say, and therefore waited not for my demand, but said speak, and be brief, and to the point. I had Virgilius upon that side of the embankment from which one may fall, since by no border tis engarlanded. Upon the other side of me I had the shades devout, who through the horrible seam pressed out the tears so that they bathed their cheeks. To them I turned me, and, O people certain, began I, of beholding the high light which your desire has solely in its care. So may grace speedily dissolve the scum upon your consciences, that limpidly through them descend the river of the mind.
Tell me, for dear, twill be to me, and gracious, if any soul among you here is Latian, and twill perchance be good for him, I learn it. O brother mine, each one is citizen of one true city, but thy meaning is, who may have lived in Italy a pilgrim? By way of answer this I seemed to hear, a little farther on than where I stood, whereat I made myself still nearer heard. Among the rest I saw a shade that waited in aspect, and should any one ask how, its chin it lifted upward like a blind man. Spirit, I said, who stoopest to ascend? If thou art he who did reply to me, make thyself known to me by place or name. Sienese was I, it replied. And with the others here to reclense my guilty life, weeping to him to lend himself to us.
Sapient I was not, although Aesapia was called, and I was at another's harm, more happy far than at my own good fortune. And that thou mayest not think that I deceive thee, here, if I was as foolish as I tell thee, the ark already of my years descending. My fellow-citizens, bare unto Kalle, were joined in battle with their adversaries, and I was praying God for what he willed. Routed were they, and turned into the bitter passes of flight, and I, the chaste beholding, a joy received unequalled by all others. So that I lifted upward my bold face, crying to God, Henceforth I fear thee not, as did the blackbird at the little sunshine. Peace I desired with God at the extreme of my existence, and as yet would not my debt have been by penitence discharged, had it not been that in remembrance held me.
P. Petteniano, in his holy prayers, who out of charity was grieved for me. But who art thou, that into our condition's questioning goest, and hast thine eyes unbound, as I believe, and breathing dost discourse? Mine eyes, I said, will yet be here ta'en from me, but for short space, for small is the offence committed by their being turned with envy. Far greater is the fear wherein suspended my soul is of the torment underneath, for even now the load down their ways on me. And she to me, Who led thee then among us up here, if to return below thou thinkest? And I, he who is with me, and speaks not. And living am I, therefore ask of me, Spirit-elect, if thou wouldst have me move o'er yonder, yet my mortal feet for thee.
Oh, this is such a novel thing to hear, she answered. That great sign it is, God loves thee. Therefore with prayer of thine sometimes assist me. And I implore, by what thou most desirest, if e'er thou treadest the soil of Tuscany, well with my kindred reinstate my fame. Then wilt thou see among that people vain, who hope in Talamone, and will lose there more hope than in discovering the Diana. But there still more the admirals will lose. End of Canto XIII Purgatorio Canto XIV Who is this one that goes about our mountain? Or ever death has given power of flight, and opens his eyes and shuts them at his will. I know not who, but know he's not alone. Ask him thyself, for thou art nearer to him, and gently, so that he may speak, accost him.
Thus did two spirits, leaning towards each other, discourse about me there on the right hand, then held supine their faces to address me. And said the one, O soul that fastens still within the body, towards heaven art going, for charity console us, and declare, Whence comest? And who art thou? For thou makest us as much to marvel at this grace of thine as must a thing that never yet has been. And I, through midst of Tuscany there wanders, a streamlet that is born in Falterona, and not a hundred miles of course suffice it. From thereupon do I this body bring, to tell you who I am were a speech in vain, because my name as yet makes no great noise. And if well thy meaning I can penetrate with intellect of mine, then answered me, He who first spake, thou speakest of the Arno.
And said the other to him, Why concealed this one the appellation of that river, even as a man doth of things horrible? And thus the shade that questioned was of this himself acquitted. I know not, but truly, tis fit the name of such a valley parish. For from its fountain-head, where is so pregnant the alpine mountain whence is cleft Peloro, that in few places it that mark surpasses, to where it yields itself in restoration, Of what the heaven doth of the sea dry up, whence have the rivers that which goes with them, virtue is like an enemy avoided by all, as is a serpent, through misfortune of place, or through bad habit that impels them. On which account have so transformed their nature, the dwellers in that miserable valley, it seems that Circe has had them in her pasture.
Mid ugly swine of acorns, worthier than other food for human use created, it first directeth its impoverished way. Curs findeth it thereafter, coming downward, more snarling than their poisson's demands, and turns from them disdainfully its muzzle. It goes on falling, and the more it grows, the more it finds the dogs becoming wolves, this maledict and misadventurous ditch. Descended then through many a hollow gulf, it finds the foxes so replete with fraud they fear no cunning that may master them. Nor will I cease because another hears me, And well t'will be for him, if still he mind him, of what a truthful spirit to me unravels. Thy grandson, I behold, who doth become a hunter of those wolves upon the bank of the wild stream, and terrifies them all.
He sells their flesh, it being yet alive, thereafter slaughters them like ancient beeves, many of life, himself of praise, deprives. Blood-stained he issues from the dismal forest. He leaves it such, a thousand years from now, in its primeval state, tis not re-wooded. As at the announcement of impending ills, the face of him who listens is disturbed from whate'er side the peril sees upon him. So I beheld that other soul, which stood, turned round to listen, grow disturbed and sad, when it had gathered to itself the word. The speech of one, and aspect of the other, had me desirest made to know their name, and question mixed with prayers I made thereof, whereat the spirit which first spake to me began again, Thou wishest I should bring me to do for thee what thou'lt not do for me.
But since God willeth that in thee shine forth such grace of his, I'll not be chary with thee, know then that I, Guido del Duca, am. My blood was so with envy set on fire, that if I had beheld a man make merry, thou wouldst have seen me sprinkled o'er with pallor. From my own sowing such the straw I reap. O human race, why dost thou set thy heart where interdictive partnership must be? This is Rainier, this is the boast and honor of the house of Calbole, where no one since has made himself the heir of his desert. And not alone his blood is made devoid. Twixt Po and Mount, and Sea-shore and the Reno, of good required for truth and for diversion. For all within these boundaries is full of venomous roots, so that too tardily by cultivation now would they diminish.
Where is Guidlizio, and Arrigo Monardi, Pierre Travesaro, and Guido di Carpina? Oh, Romagnoli and the bastards turned! When in Bologna will a fabbro rise, when in Faenza Bernadine di Fosco, the noble scion of ignoble seed? Be not astonished, Tuscan, if I weep, when I remember with Guido da Prada, Ugolindiazzo, who was living with us, Frederick Tignoso and his company, the House of Traversara, and the Anastagi, and one race and the other is extinct. The dames and cavaliers, the toils and ease that filled our souls with love and courtesy, there with the hearts have so malicious groan. O Bretignolo, why dost thou not flee? Seeing that all thy family is gone, and many people not to be corrupted, Pagna Cavall does well in not begetting, and ill does Crasacaro Anconio worse, in talking trouble to beget such counts.
Will do well the Pagani, when their devil shall have departed, but not therefore pure will testimony of them e'er remain. O Ugolin de Fantoli, secure thy name is, since no longer is awaited one who, degenerating, can obscure it. But go now, Tuscan, for it now delights me to weep far better than it does to speak, so much has our discourse my mind distressed. We were aware that those beloved souls heard us depart. Therefore, by keeping silent, they made us of our pathway confident. When we became alone by going onward, thunder, when it doth cleave the air, appeared, a voice that counter to us came, exclaiming, Shall slay me whosoever findeth me. and fled as the reverberation dies, if suddenly the cloud asunder bursts.
As soon as hearing had a truce from this, behold another with so great a crash that it resembled thunderings following fast. I am Aglarus, who became a stone, and then, to press myself close to the poet, I backward, and not forward, took a step. Already on all sides the air was quiet, and said he to me, that was the hard curb that ought to hold a man within its bounds. But you take in the bait, so that the hook of the old adversary draws you to him, and hence availeth little curb or call. The heavens are calling you, and wheel around you, displaying to you their eternal beauties, and still your eye is looking on the ground. Whence he, who all discerns, chastises you. End of Canto XIV. Purgatorio.
Canto XV. As much as twixt the close of the third hour and dawn of day appeareth of that sphere, which I in fashion of a child is playing, so much it now appeared towards the night, was of his course remaining to the sun. There it was evening, and twas midnight here. And the rays smote the middle of our faces, because by us the mount was so encircled that straight towards the west we were now going. When I perceived my forehead overpowered beneath the splendor far more than at first, and stupor were to me the things unknown, whereat towards the summit of my brow I raised my hands and made myself the visor which the excessive glare diminishes. As when from off the water, or a mirror, the sunbeam leaps unto the opposite side, ascending upward in the selfsame measure, that it descends and deviates as far from falling of a stone in line direct as demonstrate experiment and art.
So it appeared to me that by a light refracted there before me I was smitten, of which account my sight was swift to flee. "'What is that, Father Sweet, from which I cannot so fully screen my sight that it avail me?' said I, and seems toward us to be moving. "'Marvel thou not, if dazzle thee as yet the family of heaven,' he answered me. "'An angel, tis, who comes to invite us upward.' Soon will it be that to behold these things shall not be grievous, but delightful to thee, as much as nature fashioned thee to feel. When we had reached the angel, Benedite, with joyful voice he said, Here, enter into stairway far less steep than are the others. We mounting were already thence departed, and Beati misericordis was behind us sung, Rejoice, thou that o'ercomest.
My master and myself, we two alone, were going upward. And I thought, in going, some profit to acquire from words of his. And I to him directed me, thus asking, What did the spirit of Romagna mean, mentioning interdict and partnership? Whence he, to me, of his own greatest failing he knows the harm, and therefore wonder not, if he reprove us, that we less may rue it. Because are thither pointed your desires, where by companionship each share is lessened, envy doth ply the bellows to your sighs. But if the love of the supernal sphere should upwardly direct your aspiration, there would not be that fear within your breast. For there, as much the more as one says our, so much the more of good each one possesses, and more of charity in that cloister burns.
I am more hungering to be satisfied, said I, than if I had before been silent, and more of doubt within my mind I gather. How can it be that, boon distributed, the more possessors can more wealthy make therein than if by few it be possessed? And he, to me, because thou fixest still thy mind entirely upon earthly things, thou pluckest darkness from the very light. That goodness, infinite and ineffable, which is above there, runneth into love, as to a lucid body comes the sunbeam. So much it gives itself as it finds ardor, so that as far as charity extends... O'er it increases the eternal valor. And the more people thitherward aspire, more are there to love well, and more they love there, and as a mirror one reflects the other.
And if my reasoning appease thee not, thou shalt see Beatrice, and she will fully take from thee this and every other longing. Endeavor, then, that soon may be extinct, as are the two already, the five wounds that close themselves again by being painful. Even as I wished to say, Thou dost appease me, I saw that I had reached another circle, so that my eager eyes made me keep silence. There it appeared to me that in a vision, ecstatic, on a sudden I was rapt, and in a temple many persons saw, and at the door a woman, with the sweet behavior of a mother, saying, Son, why in this manner hast thou dealt with us? Lo, sorrowing, thy father and myself were seeking for thee, and as here she seized, that which appeared at first had disappeared.
And I beheld another with those waters, adown her cheeks, with grief distills whenever from great disdain of others it is borne, and saying, If of that city thou art lord, for whose name was such strife among the gods, and whence doth every science scintillate, Avenge thyself on those audacious arms that clasped our daughter, O Pisestratus, and the Lord seemed to me benign and mild. To answer her with aspect temperate, What shall we do to those who wish us ill, if he who loves us be by us condemned? And then saw I people hot in fire of wrath, with stones, a young man slaying clamorously, still crying to each other, Kill him! Kill him! And him I saw bow down, because of death that weighed already on him.
to the earth, but of his eyes made ever gates to heaven. Imploring the high lords so in great strife that he would pardon those his persecutors with such an aspect as unlocks compassion. Soon as my soul had outwardly returned to things external to it which are true, did I my not false errors recognize. My leader, who could see me bear myself like to a man that rouses him from sleep, exclaimed, What ails thee that thou canst not stand? But hast been coming more than half a league, veiling thine eyes, and with thy legs entangled, in guise of one whom wine or sleep subdues. O my sweet father, if thou listen to me, I'll tell thee, said I, what appeared to me when thus from me my legs were taken away.
And he, if thou shouldst have a hundred masks upon thy face, from me would not be shut thy cogitations, howsoever small. What thou hast seen was what thou mayest not fail to open thy heart into the waters of peace, from which the eternal fountain are diffused. I did not ask what ails thee, as he does who only looketh with the eyes that see not when of the soul bereft the body lies, but asked it to give vigor to thy feet. Thus must we needs urge on the sluggards, slow, to use their wakefulness when it returns. We passed along, athwart the twilight, peering forward as far as ever I could stretch, against the sunbeams serotine and lucent, and, lo, by slow degrees a smoke approached in our direction, sombre as the night.
Nor was there a place to hide one's self therefrom. This of our eyes and the pure air bereft us. End of Canto XV Purgatorio Canto XVI Darkness of hell, and of a night deprived of every planet under a poor sky, as much as may be tenebrous with cloud, ne'er made unto my sight so thick a veil as did that smoke which there enveloped us, nor to the feeling of so rough a texture. For not an eye it suffered to stay open, whereat mine escort, faithful and sagacious, drew near to me, and offered me his shoulder. Even as a blind man goes behind his guide, lest he should wander, Or should strike against aught that may harm or peradventure kill him. So went I through the bitter and foul air, listening unto my leader, who said only, Look that from me thou not be separated.
Voices I heard, and every one appeared to supplicate for peace in Misericord, the Lamb of God, who takes away our sins. Still Agnus Dea their exordium was. One word there was in all, and meter one, so that all harmony appeared among them. Master, said I, are spirits those I hear? And he to me, thou apprendest truly, and they the knot of anger go unloosing. Now who art thou that cleavest through our smoke, and art discoursing of us, even as though thou didst by calends still divide the time? After this manner by a voice was spoken, whereon my master said, Do thou reply, and ask if on this side the way go upward. And I, O creature that dost cleanse thyself to return beautiful to him who made thee, Thou shalt hear marvels if thou follow me.
"'Thee will I follow as far as is allowed me,' he answered, "'and if smoke prevent our seeing, hearing shall keep us joined instead thereof.' Thereon began I, with that swathing band which death unwindeth am I going upward, and hither came I through the infernal anguish. And if God in His grace has me enfolded, so that He wills that I behold His court, by method holy out of modern usage, Conceal not from me who ere death thou wast, but tell it me, and tell me if I go right for the pass, and be thy words our escort. Lombard was I, and I was Marco called. The world I knew, and loved that excellence at which has each one now unbent his bow. For mounting upward thou art going right. Thus he made answer, and subjoined, I pray thee to pray for me when thou shalt be above.
And I to him, my faith I pledge to thee, to do what thou dost ask me. But am bursting inly with doubt, unless I rid me of it. First it was simple, and is now made double by thy opinion, which makes certain to me, here and elsewhere, that which I couple with it. The world, forsooth, is utterly deserted by every virtue, as thou tellest me, and with iniquity is big and covered. But I beseech thee, point me out the cause, that I may see it, and to others show it. For one in the heavens and here below one puts it. A sigh profound that grief forced into eye. He first sent forth, and then began he, Brother, the world is blind, and sooth thou comest from it. Ye who are living every cause refer still upward to the heavens, as if all things they of necessity moved with themselves.
If this were so, in you would be destroyed free will, nor any justice would there be in having joy for good or grief for evil. The heavens your movements do initiate. I say not all, but granting that I say it, light has been given you for good and evil, and free volition, which, if some fatigue in the first battles with the heavens it suffers, afterwards conquers all, if well tis nurtured. To greater force, and to a better nature, though free ye subject are, and that creates the mind in you the heavens have not in charge. Hence, if the present world doth go astray, and you the cause is, be it sought in you. And I therein will now be thy true spy. Forth from the hand of him who fondles it, before it is like to a little girl, weeping and laughing in her childish sport, issues the simple soul that nothing knows, save that, proceeding from a joyous maker, gladly it turns to that which gives it pleasure.
Of trivial good at first it tastes the savour, is cheated by it, and runs after it, if guide or rain turn not aside its love. Hence it behoved laws for a reign to place, behoved a king to have, who at the least of the true city should discern the tower. The laws exist, but who sets hand to them? No one, because the shepherd who proceeds can ruminate, but cleaveth not the hoof. Wherefore the people that perceives its guides strike only at the good for which it hankers, feeds upon that, and farther seeketh not. Clearly canst thou perceive that evil guidance the cause is that has made the world depraved, and not that nature is corrupt in you. Rome, that reformed the world, accustomed was two sons to have, which one rode, and the other of God and of the world, made manifest.
One has the other quenched, and to the crossier the sword is joined, and ill beseemeth it that by the main force one with the other go. Because being joined, one feareth not the other. If thou believe not, Think upon the grain, for by its seed each herb is recognized. In the land laved by Poe and a DJ, valor and courtesy used to be found, before that Frederick had its controversy. Now insecurity can pass that way, whoever will abstain, through sense of shame, from speaking with the good or drawing near them. True, three old men are left, in whom upbraids the ancient age the new, and late they deem it that God restore them to the better life. Corrado da Palazzo. and good Gerardo, and Guido da Castel, who better named is, in fashion of the French, the simple Lombard.
Say thou henceforward that the Church of Rome, confounding in itself two governments, falls in the mire, and soils itself in burden. O Marco mine, I said, thou reasonest well, and now discern I why the sons of Levi have been excluded from the heritage. But what Gerardo is it, who as a sample of a lost race thou sayest has remained in reprobation of the barbarous age? Either thy speech deceives me, or it tempts me, he answered me, for speaking Tuscan to me, it seems of good Gerardo naught thou knowest. By other's surname do I know him not, unless I take it from his daughter Gaia. May God be with you, for come I no farther. Behold the dawn that through the smoke rays out, already the whitening, and I must depart.
Yonder the angel is, ere he appear. Thus did he speak, and would no farther hear me.
End of Purgatorio.
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11 11 - Purgatorio: Canto XVII-Canto XXI 35:31
Translated by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
Canto. Two, canto twenty-one.
Canto 17. Remember, reader, if ever in the Alps a mist overtook thee, through which thou couldst see, not otherwise than through its membrane mole, how, when the vapors, humid and condensed, begin to dissipate themselves, the sphere of the sun feebly enters in among them, and thy imagination will be swift in coming to perceive, How I re-saw the sun at first that was already setting. Thus to the faithful footsteps of my master, mating mine own, I issued from that cloud to raise already dead on the low shores. O thou imagination, that dost steal us so from without sometimes, that man perceives not, although around may sound a thousand trumpets. Who moveth thee, if sense impel thee not? Moves thee a light which in the heaven takes form by self or by a will that downward guides it, of her impiety who changed her form into the bird that most delights in singing, and my imagining appeared the trace, and hereupon my mind was so withdrawn within itself that from without there came nothing that then might be received by it.
Then reigned within my lofty fantasy. One crucified, disdainful, and ferocious in countenance, and even thus was dying. Around him were the great Ahasuerus, Esther his wife, and the just Mordechai, who was in word and action so entire. And even as this image burst asunder of its own self in fashion of a bubble, in which the water it was made of fells, there rose up in my vision a young maiden, bitterly weeping, and she said— O queen, why hast thou wished in anger to be naught? Thou slain thyself, Lavinia, not to lose. Now hast thou lost me. I am she who mourns, mother, at thine, ere at another's ruin. As sleep is broken, when upon a sudden new light strikes in upon the eyelids closed, and broken quivers, ere it dieth wholly, so this imagining of mine fell down, As soon as the effulgence smote my face, greater by far than what is in our wont.
I turned me round to see where I might be, when said a voice, Here is the passage up, which from all other purposes removed me, and made my wish so full of eagerness to look and see, who was it that was speaking? It never rests till meeting face to face. But as before the sun, which quells the sight, and in its own excess its figure veils, Even so my power was insufficient here. This is a spirit divine who in the way of going up directs us without asking, and who with his own light himself conceals. He does with us as man doth with himself, for he who sees the need and waits the asking blindly leads already towards denial. Accord we now our feet to such inviting. Let us make haste to mount ere it grow dark, for then we could not till the day return.
Thus my conductor said, and I and he together turned our footsteps to a stairway, and I, as soon as the first step I reached near me, perceived a motion as of wings, and fanning in the face, and saying, Be it te pacifici, who are without ill anger. Already over us were so uplifted the latest sunbeams which the night pursues, that upon many sides the stars appeared. O manhood mine, why dost thou vanish so? I said within myself, for— I perceived the vigor of my legs was put in truce. We at the point were where no more ascends, the stairway upward, and were motionless, even as a ship which at the shore arrives. And I gave heed a little, if I might hear, aught whatsoever in the circle knew, then to my master turned me round and said, Say, my sweet father, what delinquency is purged here in the circle where we are?
Although our feet may pause, pause not thy speech. And he to me. The love of good remiss in what it should have done is here restored, here plied again the ill-belated ore. But still more openly to understand, turn unto me thy mind, and thou shalt gather some profitable fruit from our delay. Neither creator nor creature ever, son, he began, was destitute of love, natural or spiritual, and thou knowest it. The natural was ever without error. But err the other may by evil object, or by too much, or by too little vigor. While in the first it well directed is, and in the second moderates itself, it cannot be the cause of sinful pleasure. But when to ill it turns, and with more care or lesser than it ought, runs after good, gainst the Creator works his own creation.
Hence thou mayest comprehend that love must be the seed within yourselves of every virtue, and every act that merits punishment. Now, inasmuch as never from the welfare of its own subject can love turn its sight, from their own hatred all things are secure, and since we cannot think of any being standing alone, nor from the first divided, of hating him, is all desire cut off. Hence, if, discriminating, I judge well, the evil that one loves is of one's neighbor, and this is born in three modes in your clay. There are, Who, by abasement of their neighbor, hope to excel, and therefore only long that from his greatness he may be cast down. There are, who power, grace, honor, and renown, fear they may lose because another rises.
Thence are so sad that the reverse they love, and there are those whom injury seems to chafe, so that it makes them greedy for revenge, and such must needs shape out another's harm. This threefold love is wept for down below. Now of the other will I have thee here, that runneth after good with measure faulty. Each one confusively a good conceives, wherein the mind may rest and longeth for it. Therefore to overtake it each one strives.
If languid love to look on this attract you, or in attaining unto it this cornice, after just penitence torments you for it. There is other good that does not make man happy. Tis not felicity, tis not the good essence of every good the fruit and root. The love that yields itself too much to this above us is lamented in three circles. But how tripartite it may be described! I say not that thou seek it for thyself. End of Canto XVIII.
An end had put unto his reasoning the lofty teacher, and a tent was looking into my face if I appeared content, and I, whom a new thirst still goaded on, without was mute, and said within, Perchance the too much questioning I make annoys him. But that true father who had comprehended the timid wish that opened not itself by speaking gave me hardihood to speak. Whence I— My sight is, Master, vivified, so in thy light, that clearly I discern whatever thy speech importeth or describes. Therefore I thee entreat, sweet Father dear, to teach me love to which thou dost refer, every good action and its contrary. Direct, he said, towards me the keen eyes of intellect, and clear will be to thee the error of the blind who would be leaders.
The soul, who is created apt to love, is mobile unto everything that pleases. Soon as by pleasure she is waked to action, your apprehension from some real thing an image draws, and in yourselves displays it, so that it makes the soul turn unto it. And if, when turned towards it, she incline, love is that inclination, it is nature, which is by pleasure bound in you anew. Then, even as the fire doth upward move, by its own form which to ascend is born, Where longest in its matter it endures. So come the captive soul into desire, which is a motion spiritual, and never rests, until she doth enjoy the thing beloved. Now may apparent be to thee how hidden the truth is from those people who aver all love in itself a laudable thing.
Because its matter may perchance appear, aye, to be good, but yet not each impression is good, albeit good may be the wax. Thy words, and my sequacious intellect, I answered him, have love revealed to me, but that has made me more impregn'd with doubt. For if love from without be offer'd us, and with another foot the soul go not, if right or wrong she go, tis not her merit. And he to me, what reason seeth here myself can tell thee? Beyond that await for Beatrice, since tis a work of faith. Every substantial form that segregate from matter is, and with it is united, specific power has in itself collected. Which without act is not perceptible, nor shows itself except by its effect, as life does in a plant by the green leaves.
But still whence cometh the intelligence of the first notions man is ignorant, and the affection for the first allurements, which are in you as instinct in the bee to make its honey, And this first desire, merit of praise or blame, containeth not. Now, that to this all others may be gathered, innate within you is the power that counsels, and it should keep you the threshold of assent. This is the principle, from which is taken occasion of desert in you, according as good and guilty loves it takes and winnows. Those who, in reasoning, to the bottom went, were of this innate liberty aware, therefore bequeathed They ethics to the world. Supposing, then, that from necessity springs every love that is within you kindled, within yourselves the power is to restrain it.
The noble virtue Beatrice understands, by the free will, and therefore see that thou bare't in mind, if she should speak of it. The moon, belated almost unto midnight, now made the stars appear to us more rare, formed like a bucket, that is all ablaze. And counter to the heavens ran through those paths which the sun sets aflame, where he of Rome sees it twixt sardis and corsicans go down. And that patrician shade, for whom is named Pietola more than any Manchuan town, had laid aside the burden of my lading. Whence I, who reason manifest and plain in answer to my questions had received, stood like a man in drowsy reverie, But taken from me was this drowsiness suddenly by a people, that behind our backs already had come round to us, and as of old ismonus and Asippus beside them saw at night the rush and throng, if but the Thebans were in need of Bacchus.
So they along that circle curved their step, from what I saw of those approaching us, who by good will and righteous love are ridden. Full soon they were upon us, because running moved onward all that mighty multitude, and two in the advance cried out, lamenting. Mary in haste unto the mountain ran, and Caesar, that he might subdue Lerda, thrust at Merseys, and then ran into Spain. Quick, quick, so that the time may not be lost by little love. Forthwith the others cried, for ardour and well-doing freshens grace. O folk, and whom an eager fervour now supplies perhaps delay and negligence, put by you in well-doing through lukewarmness, this one who lives, and truly I lie not, would fain go up if but the sun relight us.
So tell us where the passage nearest is. These were the words of him who was my guide, and some one of those spirits said, Come on behind us, and the opening shalt thou find. So full of longing are we to move onward that we cannot. Therefore pardon us if thou for churlishness our justice take. I was San Zeno's abbot at Verona, under the empire of good Barbarossa, of whom still sorrowing Milan holds discourse. And he has one foot in the grave already, who shall ere long lament that monastery, and sorry be of having there had power. Because his son, in his whole body sick, and worse in mind, and who was evil-born, He put into the place of its true pastor. If more, he said, or silent was, I knew not.
He had already passed so far behind us, but this I heard, and to retain it pleased me. And he, who has in every need my succour, said, Turn thee hitherward. See two of them come fastening upon slothfulness their teeth. In rear of all they shouted, Sooner were the people dead to whom the sea was opened, than their inheritors the Jordan saw. And those who the fatigue did not endure unto the issue within Caeces's son, themselves to life without inglory offered. Then, when from us so separated were those shades, that they no longer could be seen, within me a new thought did entrance find. Whence others many and diverse were born, and so I lapsed from one into another, that in a reverie mine eyes I closed, and meditation into dream transmuted.
Canto XIII. It was the hour when the diurnal heat no more can warm the coldness of the moon, Vanquished by earth or pro-adventure Saturn, When geomancers their fortuna major see in the Orient before the dawn, Rise by a path that long remains not dim. There came to me in dreams a stammering woman, Squint in her eyes and in her feet distorted, with hands dissevered and of sallow hue. I looked at her, and as the sun restores the frigid members, which the night benumbs, even thus my gaze did render voluble, her tongue and made her all erect thereafter, in little while, and a lost countenance, as love desires it so, in her did color. When in this wise she had her speech unloosed, she began to sing so, that with difficulty could I have turned my thoughts away from her.
I am, she sang, I am the siren sweet, who mariners amid the main unmanned, so full am I of pleasantness to hear. I drew Ulysses from his wandering way unto my song, and he who dwells with me seldom departs, so wholly I content him. Her mouth was not yet closed again before appeared a lady saintly and alert, close at my sign, to put her to confusion. Virgilius, oh, Virgilius, who is this? Sternly she said, and he was drawing near, with eyes still fixed upon that modest one. She seized the other, and in front laid open, rending her garments, and her belly showed me. This waked me with a stench that issued from it. I turned mine eyes, and good Virgilius said, At least thrice have I called thee, rise and come.
Find we the opening by which thou mayest enter. I rose, and full already of high day were all the circles of the sacred mountain. And with the new sun at our back we went. Following behind him, I my forehead bore unto one who has it laden with thought, who makes himself the half-arch of a bridge. When I heard say, Come, hear the passages. Spoke in a manner gentle and benign, such as we hear not in this mortal region. With open wings, which of a swan appeared, upward he turned us, who thus spake to us, between the two walls of the solid granite. He moved his pinions afterward, and fanned us, affirming those he lugent to be blessed, for they shall have their souls with comfort filled. What aileth thee that I to earth thou gazest?
To me my guide began to say, we both somewhat beyond the angel having mounted. And I, with such misgiving makes me go, a vision new which bends me to itself, so that I cannot from the thought withdraw me. Didst thou behold, he said, that old enchantress whose soul above us henceforth is lamented? Didst thou behold how man is freed from her? Suffice at thee, and smite earth with thy heels, thine eyes lift upward to the lure that whirls the eternal king with revolutions vast. Even as the hawk that first his feet surveys, then turns him to the coal and stretches forward, the desire of food that draws him thither, such I became, and such as far as cleaves the rock to give away to him who mounts, went on to where the circling doth begin.
On the fifth circle I had come forth. People I saw upon it, who were weeping, stretched prone upon the ground, all downward turned. Had he said Pavimento, anima mea, I heard them say with sighing so profound that hardly could the words be understood. O ye elect of God, whose sufferings, justice and hope both render less severe, direct ye us toward the high ascents. If ye are come secure from this prostration, and wish to find the way most speedily, let your right hands be evermore outside. Thus did the poet ask, and thus was answered, by them somewhat in front of us, whence I, in what is spoken, divined the rest concealed, and unto my lord's eyes mine eyes I turned, whence he assented with a cheerful sign, to what the sight of my desire implored.
When of myself I could dispose at will, above that creature did I draw myself, whose words before had caused me to take note, saying, O spirit in whom weeping ripens, that without which to God we cannot turn, suspend a while for me thy greater care. Who wast thou, and why are your backs turned upwards? Tell me, and if thou wouldst, that I procure thee any thing there whence living I departed. And he to me, Wherefore are backs the heaven turned to itself? No shalt thou but beforehand seest quod ego fuis successor Petrae. Between Siestri and Chiaveri descends a river beautiful, and of its name the title of my blood its summit makes. A month and little more, say'd I how, weighs the great cloak on him from Eyre who keeps it, for all the other burden seemed a feather.
Tardy, ah, woe is me, was my conversion, but when the Roman shepherd I was made, then I discovered life to be a lie. I saw that there the heart was not at rest, nor farther in that life could one ascend, whereby the love of this was kindled in me. Until that time a wretched soul, and parted from God was I, and wholly avaricious. Now, as thou seest, I here am punished for it. What avarice does is here made manifest, in the purgation of these souls converted, And no more bitter pain than the mountain has, even as our eye did not uplift itself, aloft being fastened upon earthly things. So justice here has merged it in earth. As avarice had extinguished our affection for every good whereby was action lost, so justice here doth hold us in restraint.
Bound and imprisoned by the feet and hands, and so long as it pleases the just Lord, shall we remain immovable and prostrate. I on my knees had fallen and wished to speak, but even as I began, and he was where, only by listening of my reverence. "'What cause,' he says, "'has downward bent thee thus,' and I to him, "'for your own dignity standing my conscience stung me with remorse? Straighten thy legs, and upward raise thee, brother.' He answered, "'Ere not, fellow-servant, am I, with thee and with the others to one power.' If ever that holy, evangelical sound which saith, Nek Nubint, Thou hast heard, Well canst thou see why in this wise I speak. Now go, no longer will I have thee linger, because thy stay doth incommode my weeping, with which I ripen that which thou hast said.
On earth I have a grandchild named Algeia, good in herself, unless indeed our house, malevolent may make her by example. And she alone remains to me on earth. End of Canto 19 20. Ill strives the will against a better will. Therefore, to pleasure him against my pleasure, I drew the sponge not saturate from water. Onward I moved, and onward moved my leader through vacant places, skirting still the rock, as on a wall close to the battlements. For they that through their eyes pour drop by drop the melody which all the world pervades, On the other side, too, near the verge approach. Accursed mayst thou be, thou old she-wolf, more than all the other beasts hast prey, because of hunger infinitely hollow.
O heaven, in whose gyrations some appear to think conditions here below are changed! When will he come through whom she shall depart? Onward we went with footsteps slow and scarce, and eye attentive to the shades I heard. Piteously weeping and bemoaning them, and I, by purred venture, heard, Sweet Mary uttered in front of us amid the weeping, even as a woman does who is in childbirth, and in continuance, How poor thou wast is manifested by that hostelry where thou didst lay thy sacred burden down. There afterward I heard, O good fabricus, virtue with poverty didst thou prefer to the possession of great wealth with vice. So pleasurable were these words to me that I drew farther onward to have knowledge, touching that spirit whence they seemed to come.
He furthermore was speaking of the lardis which Nicholas unto the maidens gave, in order to conduct their youth to honour. O soul, thou dost so excellently speak! Tell me, who wast thou? said I. And why only thou dost renew these praises well deserved? Not without recompense shall be thy word if I return to finish the short journey of that life which is flying to its end. And he, I tell thee, not for any comfort I may expect from earth, but that so much grace shines in thee, or ever thou art dead. I was the root of that malignant plant which overshadows all the Christian world, so that Good fruit is seldom gathered from it, but if Duane, Ghent, and Lille-en-Bruggs had power, soon vengeance would be taken on it.
And this I pray of him who judges all. Hugh Capet was I called upon the earth. From me were born the Louies and Philips, by whom in later days has France been governed. I was the son of a Parisian butcher, what time the ancient kings had perished all, excepting one contrite in cloth of grey. I found me grasping in my hands the reign of the realm's government, and so great power of new requests, and so with friends abounding, that to the widowed diadem promoted the head of mine own offspring was, from whom the consecrated bones of these began. So long as the great dowry of province out of my blood took not the sense of shame, twas little worth, but still it did no harm. Then it began with falsehood and with force.
Its rapine, and thereafter, for amends, took Ponthieu, Normandy, and Gascony. Charles came to Italy, and for amends, a victim made of Conradin, and then trust Thomas back to heaven, for amends. A time I see, not very distant now, which draweth forth another Charles from France, the better to make known both him and his, Unarmed he goes, and only with the land, so that Judas jousted with, and that he thrusts, so that he makes the paunch of Florence burst. He thence not land, but sin and infamy shall gain, so much more grievous to himself as the more light such damage he accounts. The other, now gone forth, take in his ship, see I his daughter sell, and chaffer for her, as corsairs do with other female slaves.
What more, O avarice, canst thou do to us, since thou my blood so to thyself hast drawn? It careth not for its own proper flesh, that less may seem the future, ill and past. I see the flower de luce Alagna enter, and Christ in his own vicar captive made. I see him yet another time derided. I see renewed the vinegar and gall, and between living thieves I see him slain. I see the modern Pilates so relentless. This does not sate him, but without decretal he to the temple bears his sordid sails. When, O my Lord, shall I be joyful made by looking on the vengeance which, concealed, make sweet thine anger in thy secrecy? What I was saying of that only bride of the Holy Ghost, and which occasioned thee to turn towards me for some commentary, so long has been ordained to all our prayers as the day lasts, When the night comes on, contrary sound we take instead thereof.
At that time we repeat Pygmalion, of whom a traitor, thief, and parricide made his insatiable desire of gold, and the misery of avaricious Midas that followed his inordinate demand, at which for evermore one needs but laugh, and foolish Achan each one then records in how he stole the spoils, so that the wrath of Joshua still appears to sting him here. Then we accused Sapphira with her husband. We laud the hoof-beats Heliodorus had, and the whole mount in infamy and circles. Polymnester, who murdered Polydorus, here finally is cried, O Crassus, tell us, for thou dost know, what is the taste of gold? Sometimes we speak, one loud, another low. Sometimes it's a desire of speech that spurs us to greater now, and now to lesser pace.
But in the good that here by days talked of, Ere while alone I was not, yet nearby no other person lifted up his voice. From him already we departed were, and made endeavor to overcome the road, as much as was permitted to our power. When I perceived, like something that is falling, the mountain tremble, whence a chill seethes on me, as seizes him who to his death is going. Cersei so violently shook not Delos, before Letona made her nest therein, to give birth to the two eyes of the heaven. Then upon all sides there began a cry, such that the master drew himself towards me, saying, Fear not, while I am guiding thee. Gloria and Excelsis Deo, all were saying, from what near I comprehended, where it was possible to hear the cry.
We paused, immovable and in suspense, even as the shepherds who first heard that song, until the trembling ceased, and it was finished. Then we resumed again on our holy path, Watching the shades that lay upon the ground, already turned to their accustomed plaint. No ignorance ever with so great a strife had rendered me importunate to know, if erreth not in this my memory, as meditating then I seemed to have, nor out of haste to question did I dare, nor of myself I there could aught perceive. So I went onward, timorous and thoughtful. End of Canto XX Canto XXI. The natural thirst that never is satisfied excepting with the water for whose grace the woman of Samaria besought, put me in travail, and haste goaded me along the encumbered path behind my leader, and I was pitying that righteous vengeance, and lo, in the same manner as Luke writeth that Christ appeared to upon the way, From this sepulchral cave already risen, a shade appeared to us, and came behind us, downgazing on the prostrate multitude.
Nor were we aware of it until it spake, saying, My brothers, may God give you peace. We turned us suddenly, and Virgilius rendered to him the countersign thereto conforming. Thereon began he. In the blessed council, thee may the court veracious place in peace, that me doth banish in eternal exile. How, said he, and the while we went with speed, if ye are shades whom God deans not on high, who up his stairs so far has guided you? And, said my teacher, if thou note the marks which this one bears, and which the angel traces, well shalt thou see he with the good must rein. But because she who spinneth day and night for him had not yet drawn the distaff off, with cloth o'laze for each one and compacts, His soul, which is thy sister and my own, in coming upwards, could not come alone, by reason that it sees not in our fashion.
Whence I was drawn from out the ample throat of hell to be his guide, and I shall guide him, as far on as my school has power to lead. But tell us, if thou knowest why such a shudder. Erstwhile the mountain gave, and why together all seem to cry as far as its moist feet. In asking, he so hit the very eye of my desire, that merely with the hope my thirst became the less unsatisfied. "'Nought is there,' he began, "'that without order may the religion of the mountain feel. Nor aught that may be foreign to its custom. Freeze it here from every permutation, from what from itself heaven in itself receiveth, can be of this the cause, and not beside.' Because that neither rain nor hail nor snow nor dew nor hoar-frost any higher falls than the short little stairway of three steps, dense clouds do not appear, nor rarefied, nor coruscation, nor the daughter of Thaemus, that often upon earth her region shifts.
No arid vapour any farther rises than to the top of the three steps I spake of, whereon the vicar of Peter has his feet. Lower down, perchance, it trembles less or more, but for the wind that in the earth is hidden I know not how. Up here it never trembled. It trembles here whenever any soul feels itself pure, so that it soars or moves to mount aloft, and such a cry attends it. Of purity the will alone gives proof, which, being wholly free to change its convent, takes by surprise the soul and helps it fly. First it wills well, but the desire permits not. which divine justice with the selfsame will. There was the sin upon the torment sets, and I, who have been lying in this pain five hundred years and more, would just now felt a free volition for a better seat.
Therefore thou hurtst the earthquake and the pious spirits along the mountain, rendering praise unto the Lord, that soon he sped them upwards. So said he to him, and since we enjoy as much in drinking as the thirst is great, I could not say how much it did me good. And the wise leader. Now I see the net that snares you here, and how ye are set free. Why, the earth quakes, and wherefore ye rejoice. Now who thou wast be pleased that I may know, and why so many centuries thou hast here been lying, let me gather from thy words. In days when the good Titus, with the aid of the supremest king, avenged the wounds whence issued forth the blood by Judas Sold, under the name that most endures and honours was I on earth, that spirit made reply.
Greatly renowned, but not with faith as yet, my vocal spirit was so sweet that Rome, me, Ethelusian, drew unto herself, where I deserved to deck my brows with myrtle. Zacchaeus, the people named me still on earth, I sang of Thebes, and then of great Achilles, but on the way fell with my second burden. The seeds unto my ardour were the sparks of that celestial flame which heeded me, whereby more than a thousand have been fired. Of the Aeneid speak I, which to me a mother was, and was my nurse in song. Without this weight I not a drachma's weight. And to have lived upon the earth that time Virgilius lived, I would accept one son more than I must e'er issuing from my ban. These words towards me made Virgilius turn with looks that in their silence said, Be silent!
But yet the power that wills cannot do all things. For tears and laughter are such pursuance unto the passion from which each springs forth, in the most truthful least the will they follow. I only smiled as one who gives the wink, whereat the shade was silent, and it gazed into mine eyes where most expression dwells, and, As thou mayst consummate a labor so great, it said, Why did thy face just now display to me the lightening of a smile? Now am I caught on this side and on that. One keeps me silent, one to speak conjures me, wherefore I sigh. And I am understood. Speak, said my master, and be not afraid of speaking, but speak out, and say to him what he demands with such solicitude. Whence I, thou peradventure marvellous, O antique spirit, at the smile I gave.
But I will have more wonder seize upon thee. This one, who guides on high these eyes of mine, is that Virgilius, from whom thou didst learn to sing aloud of men and of the gods. If other cause thou my smile impudetst, abandon it as false, and trust it was, those words which thou hast spoken concerning him. Already he was stooping to embrace my teacher's feet, but he said to him, Brother, do not, for shade thou art, and shade beholdest. And he uprising, Now canst thou the sum of love which warms me to thee comprehend, when this our vanity I disremember, treating a shadow a substantial thing.
End of Canto XXI
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12 12 - Purgatorio: Canto XXII-Canto XXVII 47:07
Translated by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Purgatorio. Cantos 22 to 27. Canto XXII. Already was the angel left behind us, the angel who to the sixth round had turned us, having erased one mark from off my face. And those who have in justice their desire had said to us, Beate, in their voices, with sitio, and without more ended it. And I, more light than through the other passes, went onward so, that without any labor I followed upward the swift-footed spirits. When thus Virgilius began, the love kindled by virtue, aye, another kindles, provided outwardly its flame appear. Hence from the hour that Juvenal descended among us into the infernal limbo, who made apparent to me thy affection, My kindliness towards thee was as great as ever bound one to an unseen person, so that these stares will now seem short to me.
But tell me, and forgive me as a friend, if too great confidence let loose the rein, and as a friend now hold discourse with me. How was it possible within thy breast for avarice to find place, mid so much wisdom as thou wast filled with by thy diligence? These words excited Stasius at first, somewhat to laughter. Afterward he answered, Each word of thine is love's dear sign to me. Verily oftentimes do things appear which give fallacious matter to our doubts, instead of the true causes which are hidden. Thy question shows me thy belief to be that I was niggard in the other life. It may be from the circle where I was. Therefore know thou that avarice was removed too far from me, and this extravagance thousands of lunar periods have punished.
And were it not that I my thoughts uplifted, when I the passage heard where thou exclaimest, as if indignant unto human nature, to what impellest thou not, O cursed hunger of gold, the appetite of mortal men? Revolving I should fear the dismal joustings. Then I perceived the hands which spread too wide their wings in spending, and repented me as well of that as of my other sins. How many with shorn hair shall rise again because of ignorance, which from this sin cuts off repentance living and in death! And know that the transgression which rebuts by direct opposition any sin, together with it here its verdure dries. Therefore, if I have been among that folk which mourns its avarice, to purify me, for its opposite has this befallen me.
Now, when thou sangest the relentless weapons of the twofold affliction of Jocasta, the singer of the songs Bucolic said, From that which Cleo there with three preludes, it does not seem that yet had made thee faithful, that faith without which no good works suffice. If this be so, what candles or what suns scattered thy darkness, so that thou didst trim thy sails behind the fisherman thereafter? And he to him, Thou first directedest me towards Parnassus in its grots to drink, and first concerning God didst me enlighten. Thou didst as me who walketh in the night, who bears his light behind, which helps him not. But wary makes the persons after him, when thou didst say, The age renews itself, justice returns, and man's primeval time, And a new progeny descends from heaven.
Through thee I poet was, through thee a Christian, But that thou better see what I design, to colour it will I extend my hand. Already was the world in every part pregnant with the true creed disseminated by messengers of the eternal kingdom, and thy assertion, spoken of above, with the new preachers, was in unison, whence I to visit them the custom took. Then they became so holy in my sight, that when Domitian persecuted them, not without tears of mine were their laments. And all the while that I on earth remained, them I befriended, and their upright customs made me disparage all the other sects. And ere I led the Greeks on to the rivers of Thebes, in poetry I was baptized, for out of fear was covertly a Christian, for a long time professing paganism, and this lukewarmness caused me the fourth circle to circuit round more than four centuries.
Thou, therefore, who hast raised the covering that hid from me whatever good I speak of, while in ascending we have time to spare, tell me, in what place is our friend Terentius, Caecilius, Plautus, Varro, if thou knowest? Tell me if they are damned, and in what alley? These, Perseus and myself, and others many, replied my leader, with that Grecian are whom more than all the rest the muses suckled in the first circle of the prison blind. Oft-times we of the mountain hold discourse which has our nurses ever with itself. Euripides is with us, Antiphon, Simonides, Agatho, and many other Greeks who of old their brows with laurel decked. There some of thine own people may be seen. Antigone, Deiphyle, and Argia, and there Ismone, mournful as of old.
There she is seen who pointed out Langia. There is Tiresias' daughter, and there Thetis, and there Daedamia with her sisters. Silent already were the poets both. Attend once more in looking round about, from the ascent and from the walls released. And four handmaidens of the day already were left behind, and at the pole the fifth was pointing upward still its burning horn. What time my guide? I think that towards the edge our dexter shoulders it behoves us turn, circling the mount as we are wont to do. Thus in that region custom was our ensign, and we resumed our way with less suspicion for the assenting of that worthy soul. They in advance went on, and I alone behind them, and I listened to their speech, which gave me lessons in the art of song.
But soon their sweet discourses interrupted a tree which midway in the road we found, with apples sweet and grateful to the smell. And even as a fir-tree tapers upward from bough to bough, so downwardly did that, I think in order that no one might climb it. On that side where our pathway was enclosed fell from the lofty rock a limpid water, and spread itself abroad upon the leaves. The poet's twain unto the tree drew near, and from among the foliage a voice cried, Of this food ye shall have scarcity. Then said, More thoughtful Mary was of making the marriage feast complete and honorable than of her mouth which now for you responds. And for their drink the ancient Roman women with water were content, and Daniel disparaged food, and understanding one.
The primal age was beautiful as gold, acorns it made with hunger savorous, and nectar every rivulet with thirst. Honey and locusts were the aliments that fed the Baptist in the wilderness, whence he is glorious and so magnified as by the Evangel is revealed to you.
Canto XXIII. The while among the verdant leaves mine eyes I riveted, as he is wont to do who wastes his life pursuing little birds. My more than father said unto me, Son, come now, because the time that is ordained us more usefully should be apportioned out. I turned my face, and no less soon my steps unto the sages, who were speaking so they made the going of no cost to me, and, lo, were heard a song and a lament, Labia mea Domine. In fashion such that delight and dolence it brought forth. "'Oh, my sweet father, what is this I hear?' began I, and he answered, "'Shades that go, perhaps, the not unloosing of their debt.' In the same way that thoughtful pilgrims do, who, unknown people on the road o'ertaking, turn themselves round to them, and do not stop, even thus, behind us, with a swift emotion, coming and passing onward, gazed upon us a crowd of spirits, silent and devout.
Each in his eyes was dark and cavernous, pallid in face, and so emaciate that from the bones the skin did shape itself. I do not think that so to merest rind could Erisichthon have been withered up by famine when most fear he had of it. Thinking within myself, I said, behold, this is the folk who lost Jerusalem when Mary made a prey of her own son. Their sockets were like rings without the gems. Whoever in the face of men reads Omo might well in these have recognized the M. Who would believe the odor of an apple, begetting longing, could consume them so, and that of water, without knowing how? I still was wondering what so famished them, for the occasion not yet manifest of their emaciation and sad squalor.
And lo, from out the hollow of his head, his eyes a-shade turned on me, and looked keenly, then cried aloud, "'What grace to me is this?' Never should I have known him from his look, but in his voice was evident to me that which his aspect had suppressed within it. This spark within me wholly re-enkindled my recognition of his altered face, and I recalled the features of Phaurese. Oh, do not look at this dry leprosy he entreated me, which doth my colour discolour, nor at default of flesh that I may have, but tell me truth of thee. And who are those two souls that yonder make for thee an escort? Do not delay in speaking unto me. That face of thine, which dared I once bewept, gives me for weeping now no lesser grief, I answered him, beholding it so changed.
But tell me, for God's sake, what thus denudes you? Make me not speak while I am marvelling, for ill speaks he who's full of other longings. And he to me, From the eternal counsel falls power into the water, and the tree behind us left, whereby I grow so thin. All of this people who lamenting sing, for following beyond measure appetite in hunger and thirst, are here re-sanctified. Desire to eat and drink enkindles in us the scent that issues from the apple-tree, and from the spray that sprinkles o'er the verdure. And not a single time alone this ground encompassing is refreshed our pain. I say our pain, and ought to say our solace. For the same wish doth lead us to the tree which led the Christ rejoicing to say Eli, when with his veins he liberated us.
And I to him, For Aise, from that day when for a bitter life thou changedst worlds, up to this time five years have not rolled around. If sooner were the power exhausted in thee of sinning more than thee the hour surprised of that good sorrow which to God reweds us, how hast thou come up hitherward already? I thought to find thee down there underneath, where time for time doth restitution make. And he to me, thus speedily has led me to drink of the sweet wormwood of these torments, my Nella, with her overflowing tears. She, with her prayers devout and with her sighs, has drawn me from the coast where one awaits, and from the other circles set me free. So much more dear and pleasing is to God, my little widow, whom so much I loved, as in good works she is the more alone.
For the Barbagia of Sardinia by far more modest in its women is than the Barbagia I have left her in. O brother sweet, what wiltest thou have me say? A future time is in my sight already, to which this hour will not be very old, when from the pulpit shall be interdicted to the unblushing womankind of Florence to go about displaying breast and paps. What savages were e'er, what saracens, who stood in need to make them covered go, of spiritual or other discipline? But if the shameless women were assured of what swift heaven prepares for them, already wide open would they have their mouths to howl. For if my foresight here deceive me not, they shall be sad ere he has bearded cheeks, who now is hushed to sleep with lullaby.
O brother, now no longer hide thee from me. See that not only I, but all these people are gazing there, where thou dost veil the sun. Whence I told him, If thou bring back to mind what thou with me hast been, and I with thee, the present memory will be grievous still. Out of that life he turned me back who goes in front of me, two days agone when round the sister of him yonder showed herself. And to the sun I pointed, Through the deep night of the truly dead has this one led me, with his true flesh that follows after him. Thence his encouragements have led me up, ascending and still circling round the mounts that you doth straighten, whom the world made crooked. He says that he will bear me company, till I shall be where Beatrice will be.
There it behoves me to remain without him. This is Virgilius who thus says to me, and him I pointed at. The other is that shade for whom just now shook every slope your realm that from itself discharges him.
Canto XXIV.
Nor speech the going, nor the going that slackened, but talking we went bravely on, even as a vessel urged by a good wind. And shadows that appeared things doubly dead, from out the sepulchres of their eyes betrayed wonder at me, aware that I was living. And I, continuing my colloquy, said, Peradventure he goes up more slowly than he would do for other people's sake. But tell me, if thou knowest, where is Picarda? Tell me if any one of note I see among this folk that gazes at me so. My sister, who, twixt beautiful and good, I know not which was more, triumphs rejoicing already in her crown on high Olympus. So said he first, and then, "'Tis not forbidden to name each other here. So milked away is our resemblance by our dieting.
This,' pointing his finger, "'is buona guionta, buona guionta of Lucca, And that face beyond him there, more piqued than the others, has held the holy church within his arms. From Tours was he, and purges by his fasting Bolsena's eels and the Vernachia wine. He named me many others one by one, and all contented seemed at being named, so that for this I saw not one dark look. I saw for hunger bite the empty air Ubaldin Dalapeela, and Boniface, who with his crook had pastured many people. I saw Messer Marchese, who had leisure once at Forley for drinking with less dryness, and he was one who ne'er felt satisfied. But as he does who scans, and then doth prize one more than others, did I him of Lucca, who seemed to take most cognizance of me.
He murmured, and I know not what Gentucca from that place heard I. Where he felt the wound of justice that doth macerate them so. O soul, I said, that seemest so desirous to speak with me, do so that I may hear thee, and with thy speech appease thyself and me. A maid is born, and wears not yet the veil, began he, who to thee shall pleasant make my city, howsoever men may blame it. Thou shalt go on thy way with this prevision. If by my murmuring thou hast been deceived, true things hereafter I will declare to thee. But say of him I here behold, who forth evoked the new invented rhymes, beginning, Ladies that have intelligence of love, and I to him, one am I who, whenever love doth inspire me, note, and in that measure which he within me dictates singing go.
O, brother, now I see, said he, the knot which me, the notary, and Gitone, held short of the sweet new style that now I hear. I do perceive full clearly how your pens go closely following after him who dictates, which with our own forsooth came not to pass, and he who sets him forth to go beyond no difference sees from one style to another. And as if satisfied, he held his peace. Even as the birds that winter towards the Nile sometimes into a phalanx formed themselves, then fly in greater haste and go in file. In such wise all the people who were there, turning their faces, hurried on their steps, both by their leanness and their wishes light. And as a man, who, weary is with trotting, lets his companions onward go, and walks, until he vents the panting of his chest, so did Forese let the holy flock pass by, and came with me behind it, saying, When will it be that I again shall see thee?
How long, I answered, I may live, I know not, yet my return will not so speedy be, but I shall sooner in desire arrive. Because the place where I was set to live from day to day of good is more depleted, and until dismal ruin seems ordained. Now go, he said, for him most guilty of it at a beast's tail, behold, I dragged along towards the valley where is no repentance. Faster at every step the beast is going, increasing evermore until it smites him and leaves the body vilely mutilated. Not long those wheels shall turn, and he uplifted his eyes to heaven, e'er shall be clear to thee that which my speech no father can declare. Now stay behind, because the time so precious is in this kingdom that I lose too much by coming onward thus abreast with thee.
As sometimes issues forth upon a gallop a cavalier from out a troop that ride, and seeks the honor of the first encounter, so he with greater strides departed from us, and on the road remained I with those two who were such mighty marshals of the world. And when before us he had gone so far, mine eyes became to him such pursuivance as was my understanding to his words. Appeared to me with laden and living boughs another apple-tree, and not far distant, from having but just then turned thitherward. People I saw beneath it lift their hands, and cry I know not what towards the leaves, like little children, eager and deluded, who pray, and he they pray to doth not answer, but to make very keen their appetite, holds their desire aloft, and hides it not.
Then they departed as if undeceived, and now we came unto the mighty tree, which prayers and tears so manifold refuses. Pass farther onward without drawing near, the tree of which Eve ate is higher up, and out of that one has this tree been raised. Thus said I, know not who among the branches, whereat Virgilius, Stasius, and myself went crowding forward on the side that rises. Be mindful, said he, of the accursed ones formed of the cloud-rack, who inebriate combated Theseus with their double breasts, and of the Jews who showed them soft in drinking, whence Gideon would not have them for companions when he towards Midian the hills descended. Thus, closely pressed to one of the two boarders, on we passed, hearing sins of gluttony, followed forsooth by miserable gains.
Then, set at large upon the lonely road, a thousand steps and more we onward went, in contemplation, each without a word. "'What go ye, thinking thus, ye three alone?' said suddenly a voice, whereat I started, as terrified and timid beasts I won't. I raised my head to see who this might be, and never in a furnace was there seen metals or glass so lucent and so red as one I saw who said, If it may please you to mount aloft, here it behoves you turn. This way goes he who goeth after peace. His aspect had bereft me of my sight, so that I turned me back unto my teachers like one who goeth as his hearing guides him. And as, the harbinger of early dawn, the air of May doth move and breathe out of fragrance, impregnate all with herbage and with flowers, so did I feel a breeze strike in the midst my front, and felt the moving of the plumes that breathed around an odor of ambrosia, and heard it said, Blessed are they whom grace so much illumines, that the love of taste excites not in their breasts too great desire.
Hungering at all times so far as is just.
Now was it the ascent no hindrance brooked, Because the sun had his meridian circle to Taurus left, and night to Scorpio. Wherefore, as doth a man who tarries not but goes his way, whate'er to him appear, if of necessity the sting transfix him, in this wise did we enter through the gap, taking the stairway, one before the other, which by its narrowness divides the climbers. And as the little stalk that lifts its wing with a desire to fly, and does not venture to leave the nest, and lets it downward droop, Even such was I, with the desire of asking kindled and quenched, Unto the motion coming he who doth address himself to speak. Not for our pace, though rapid it might be, my father sweet forbore, but said, Let fly the bow of speech thou to the barb hast drawn.
With confidence I opened then my mouth, and I began, How can one meagre grow there where the need of nutriment applies not? If thou wouldst call to mind how Meliga was wasted by the wasting of a brand, this would not, said he, be to thee so sour. And wouldst thou think how at each tremulous motion trembles within a mirror your own image? That which seems hard would mellow seem to thee. And that thou mayst content thee in thy wish, lo, Stacius here, and him I call and pray he now will be the healer of thy wounds. If I unfold to him the eternal vengeance, responded Statius, where thou present art, be my excuse that I can not deny thee. But he began, Son, if these words of mine thy mind doth contemplate and doth receive, they'll be thy light unto the how thou sayest.
The perfect blood, which never is drunk up into the thirsty veins, and which remaineth like food that from the table thou removest, takes in the heart for all the human members virtue informative, as being that which, to be changed to them, goes through the veins, again digest, descends it where tis better silent to be than say, and then drops thence upon another's blood in natural vase. There one together with the other mingles, one to be passive meant, the other active by reason of the perfect place it springs from, and being conjoined begins to operate, coagulating first, then vivifying what for its matter it had made consistent, the active virtue being made a soul as of a plant, in so far different this on the way is that arrived already.
Then works so much that now it moves and feels like a sea-fungus, and then undertakes to organize the powers whose seed it is. Now, son, dilates and now distends itself the virtue from the generator's heart, where nature is intent on all the members. But how from animal it man becomes thou dost not see as yet. This is a point which made a wiser man than thou once err so far, that in his doctrines separate he made the soul from possible intellect, and he no organ saw by this assumed. Open thy breast unto the truth that's coming, and know that, just as soon as in the foetus the articulation of the brain is perfect, The primal motor turns to it well pleased, and so great art of nature, and inspires a spirit new with virtue all replete, which what it finds there active doth attract into its substance, and becomes one soul, which lives and feels, and of itself revolves.
And that thou, lest may wonder at my word, behold the sun's heat which becometh wine, joined to the juice that from the vine distills. Whenever Lachesis has no more thread, it separates from the flesh, and virtually bears with itself the human and divine. The other faculties are voiceless all, the memory, the intelligence, and the will in action far more vigorous than before. Without a pause it falleth of itself in marvellous way on one shore or the other, there of its roads it first is cognizant. Soon as the place there circumscribeth it, the virtue informative rays round about as, and as much as in the living members. And even as the air, when full of rain by alien rays that are therein reflected, with diverse colors, shows itself adorned, so there the neighboring air doth shape itself into that form which doth impress upon it virtually the soul that has stood still.
And then in manner of the little flame, which followeth the fire where'er it shifts, after the spirit followeth its new form, Since afterwards it takes from this its semblance, it is called shade, and thence it organises thereafter every sense, even to the sight. Thence it is that we speak, and thence we laugh. Thence it is that we form the tears and sighs that on the mountain thou mayhap hast heard. According as impresses our desires and other affections, so the shade is shaped. And this is cause of what thou wanderest at. And now, unto the last of all the circles had we arrived, and to the right hand turned, and were attentive to another care. There the embankment shoots forth flames of fire, and upward doth the cornice breathe a blast that drives them back and from itself sequesters.
Hence we must needs go on the open side, and one by one, And I did fear the fire on this side, and on that the falling down. My leader said, Along this place one ought to keep upon the eyes a tightened rein, seeing that one so easily might err. Summe Deus clementiae, in the bosom of the great burning chanted then I heard, which made me no less eager to turn round, and spirit saw I walking through the flame, Wherefore I looked, to my own steps and theirs, apportioning my sight from time to time. After the close which to that hymn is made, aloud they shouted, Virum non cognosco, then recommence the hymn with voices low. This also ended, cried they, to the wood Diana ran, and drove forth Hallease therefrom, who had Venus felt the poison.
Then to their song returned they, then the wives they shouted, and the husbands who were chaste, as virtue and the marriage vow imposes. And I believe that them this mode suffices, for all the time the fire is burning them, with such care is it needful, and such food, that the last wound of all should be closed up.
Canto XXVI.
While on the brink, thus one before the other, we went upon our way, oft the good master said, Take thou heed, suffice it that I warn thee. On the right shoulder smote me now the sun, that, raying out, already the whole west changed from its azure aspect into white. And with my shadow did I make the flame appear more red. And even to such a sign shades saw I many, as they went give heed. This was the cause that gave them a beginning to speak of me, and to themselves began they to say, That seemed not a factitious body. Then towards me, as far as they could come, came certain of them, always with regard not to step forth where they would not be burned. O thou who goest, not from being slower, but reverent perhaps, behind the others, answer me, who in thirst and fire and burning.
Nor to me only is thine answer needful, for all these have greater thirst for it than for cold water, ethiop or indian. Tell us how is it that thou makest thyself a wall unto the sun, as if thou hadst not entered as yet into the net of death? Thus one of them addressed me, and I straight should have revealed myself were I not bent on other novelty that then appeared. For through the middle of the burning road there came a people face to face with these, which held me in suspense with gazing at them. There see I hastening upon either side each of the shades, and kissing one another without a pause, content with brief salute. Thus, in the middle of their brown battalions, muzzle to muzzle, one ant meets another, perchance to spy their journey or their fortune.
No sooner is the friendly greeting ended, or ever the first footstep passes onward, each one endeavours to outcry the other. The new-come people, Sodom and Gomorrah, the rest, into the cow Pasiphae enters, so that the bull unto her lust may run. Then as the cranes that to Rifean mountains might fly in part, and part towards the sands, these of the frost, those of the sun avoidant, one folk is going, and the other coming, and weeping they return to their first songs, and to the cry that most befitteth them. And close to me approached, even as before, the very same who had entreated me, attempt to listen in their countenance. I, who their inclination twice had seen, began, O souls secure in the possession, whene'er it may be of a state of peace, neither unripe nor ripened have remained my members upon earth, but here are with me with their own blood and their articulations.
I go up here to be no longer blind. A lady is above, who wins this grace, whereby the mortal through your world I bring. But as your greatest longing satisfied may soon become, so that the heaven may house you which full of love is, and most amply spreads, tell me, that I again in books may write it. Who are you, and what is that multitude which goes upon its way behind your backs? Not otherwise with wonder is bewildered the mountaineer, and, staring round his dumb, When rough and rustic to the town he goes, than every shade became in its appearance. But when they of their stupor were disburdened, which in high hearts is quickly quieted, blessed be thou who of our borderlands. He recommenced who first had questioned us, experienced freightest for a better life.
The folk that comes not with us have offended in that which once Caesar, triumphing, heard himself called in contumely, Queen. Therefore they separate, exclaiming, Sodom, themselves reproving, even as thou hast heard, and add unto their burning by their shame. Our own transgression was hermaphrodite, but because we observed not human law, Following like unto beasts our appetite, in our opprobrium by us is read, when we part company, the name of her who bestialized herself in bestial wood. Now knowest thou our acts, and what our crime was. Wouldst thou perchance by name know who we are? There is not time to tell, nor could I do it. Thy wish to know me shall in sooth be granted. I am Guido Ginicelli.
And now purge me, having repented ere the hour extreme. The same that in the sadness of Lycurgus two sons became, their mother re-beholding, such I became, but rise not to such height. The moment I heard name himself the father of me and of my betters, who had never practised the sweet and gracious rhymes of love, And without speech and hearing, thoughtfully for a long time I went, beholding him, nor for the fire did I approach him nearer. When I was fed with looking, utterly myself I offered ready for his service, with affirmation that compels belief. And he told me, Thou leavest footprints such in me from what I hear, and so distinct, lethe cannot efface them, nor make dim. But if thy words just now the truth have sworn, tell me what is the cause why thou displayest in word and look, that dear thou holdest me.
And I to him, Those dulcet lays of yours which, long as shall endure our modern fashion, shall make for ever dear thy very ink. O brother," said he, he whom I point out, and here he pointed at a spirit in front, was of the mother tongue a better smith. Verses of love and proses of romance he mastered all, and let the idiots talk who think the lemmer sin surpasses him. To clear more than truth they turn their faces, and in this way establish their opinion, ere art or reason has by them been heard. Thus many ancients, with Gittone did, from cry to cry still giving him applause, until the truth has conquered with most persons. Now, if thou hast such ample privilege, tis granted thee to go unto the cloister wherein is Christ the abbot of the college.
To him repeat for me a paternoster, so far as needful to us of this world, where power of sinning is no longer ours. Then, to give place perchance to one behind, whom he had near, he vanished in the fire as fish in water going to the bottom. I moved a little towards him pointed out. and said that to his name my own desire an honorable place was making ready. He, of his own free will, began to say, Tanma belis vostre cortes de man, que je non pues que ni vuole a vos cobrir. Je suis Arnaud, que plora veille Chantin, qu'en si rosveille la passada fallor, et veille josen la journe qu'esper d'Anan. Ara vous pregpere aquella valore, Then hid him in the fire that purifies them.
So please is me your courteous demand. I cannot, and I will not hide me from you. I am Arnaud who weep and singing go. Contrite I see the folly of the past, and joyous see the hoped-for day before me. Therefore do I implore you, by that power which guides you to the summit of the stairs, be mindful to assuage my suffering.
Canto XXVII. And when he vibrates forth his earliest rays, in regions where his Maker shed his blood, the Ebro falling under lofty Libra, and waters in the Ganges burnt with noon, so stood the sun, Hence was the day departing when the glad angel of God appeared to us. Outside the flame he stood upon the verge, and chanted forth, Beati Mundo Corde, in voice by far more living than our own, then, No one farther goes, souls sanctified, if first the fire bite not, within it enter, and be not deaf unto the song beyond. When we were closed behind him, thus he said, Wherefore e'en such became I, when I heard him, as he who is put into the grave. Upon my clasped hands I straightened me, scanning the fire, and vividly recalling the human bodies I had once seen burned.
Towards me turned themselves my good conductors, and unto me Virgilius said, My son, here may indeed be torment, but not death. Remember thee, remember, and if I on Gerion have safely guided thee, what shall I do, now I am nearer God? Believe for certain, shouldst thou stand a full millennium in the bosom of this flame, it could not make thee bald a single hair. And if perchance thou think that I deceive thee, draw near to it, and put it to the proof that thine own hands upon thy garments hem. Now lay aside, now lay aside all fear. Turn hitherward, and onward come securely, and I still motionless and gainst my conscience. Seeing me stand still motionless and stubborn, somewhat disturbed, he said, "'Now look thou, son, twixt Beatrice and thee there is this wall.' As at the name of Thisbe oped his lids the dying Pyramus, and gazed upon her, what time the mulberry became a vermilion, Even thus, my obduracy being softened, I turned to my wise guide, hearing the name that in my memory evermore is welling.
Whereat he wagged his head and said, How now? Shall we stay on this side? Then smiled as one does at a child who's vanquished by an apple. Then into the fire in front of me he entered, beseeching Stasius to come after me, who a long way before divided us. When I was in it, Into molten glass I would have cast me to refresh myself, so without measure was the burning there. And my sweet father, to encourage me, discoursing still of Beatrice, went on, saying, Her eyes I seem to see already. A voice, that on the other side was singing, directed us, and we, a tent alone on that, came forth where the ascent began. Venite, benedicti patris mei. Sounded with a splendour, which was there, such it overcame me, and I could not look.
The sun departs, it added, and night cometh. Tarry ye not, for onward urge your steps, so long as yet the west becomes not dark. Straightforward through the rock the path ascended, in such a way that I cut off the rays before me of the sun that now was low, and of few stairs we yet had made a say. Ere by the vanished shadow the sun setting behind us we perceived, I and my sages. And ere in all its parts immeasurable the horizon of one aspect had become, and night her boundless dispensation held, each of us of a stair had made his bed, because the nature of the mount took from us the power of climbing more than the delight. Even as in ruminating passive grow the goats, who have been swift and venturesome upon the mountain-tops ere they were fed, hushed in the shadow while the sun is hot, watched by the herdsman, who upon his staff is leaning, and in leaning tendeth them.
And as the shepherd, lodged out of doors, passeth the night beside his quiet flock, watching that no wild beast may scatter it, such at that hour were we, all three of us, I, like the goat, and like the herdsman, they, begirt on this side and on that by rocks. Little could there be seen of things without, but through that little I beheld the stars more luminous and larger than their wont. Thus ruminating and beholding these, sleep seized upon me, sleep that oftentimes before a deed is done has tidings of it. It was the hour, I think, when from the east first on the mountain Cytheria beamed, who with the fire of love seems always burning. Youthful and beautiful in dreams, methought I saw a lady walking in a meadow, gathering flowers, and singing, she was saying, Know whosoever may my name demand that I am Lea, And go moving round my beauteous hands to make myself a garland.
To please me at the mirror, here I deck me, but never does my sister Rachel leave her looking-glass, and sitteth all day long. To see her beauteous eyes, as eager is she as I am to adorn me with my hands. Her seeing, and me doing satisfies. And now before the Anteleucan splendors that unto pilgrims the more grateful rise, as home returning, less remote they lodge, the darkness fled away on every side, and slumber with it, whereupon I rose, seeing already the great masters risen. That apple sweet, which through so many branches the care of mortals goeth in pursuit of, to-day shall put in peace thy hungerings. Speaking to me, Virgilius of such words as these made use, and never were there guerdons that could in pleasantness compare with these.
Such longing upon longing came upon me, to be above, that at each step thereafter for flight I felt in me the pinions growing. When underneath us was the stairway all run o'er, and we were on the highest step, Virgilius fastened upon me his eyes, and said, The temporal fire and the eternal sun thou hast seen, and to a place art come where of myself no farther I discern. By intellect and art I here have brought thee. Take thine own pleasure for thy guide henceforth. Beyond the steep ways and the narrow art thou. Behold the sun that shines upon thy forehead. Behold the grass, the flowlets, and the shrubs which of itself alone this land produces. Until rejoicing come the beauteous eyes, which weeping cause me to come unto thee, thou canst sit down, and thou canst walk among them.
Expect no more or word or sign from me. Free and upright and sound is thy free will. And error were it not to do its bidding. Thee or thyself I therefore crown and mitre.
End of Canto XXVII of Purgatorio.
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13 13 - Purgatorio: Canto XXVIII-Canto XXXIII 43:32
That's L-I-B-R-I-V-O-X dot O-R-G.
The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri. Purgatorio. Canto XXVIII.
Purgatorio, canto XXVIII. Eager already to search in and round the heavenly forest, dense and living green, which tempered to the eyes the newborn day, withouten more delay I left the bank, taking the level country slowly, slowly over the soil that everywhere breathes fragrance. A softly breathing air that no mutation had in itself upon the forehead smote me no heavier blow than of a gentle wind. Whereat the branches, lightly tremulous, did all of them bow downward toward that side where its first shadow casts the holy mountain. Yet not from their upright direction swayed, so that the little birds upon their tops should leave the practice of each art of theirs. But with full ravishment the hours of prime, singing, received they in the midst of leaves that ever bore a burden to their rhymes.
Such as from branch to branch goes gathering on through the pine forest on the shores of Chiasi when Aeolus unlooses the Sirocco. Already my slow steps had carried me into the ancient woods so far that I could not perceive where I had entered it. And lo, my further course a stream cut off, which toward the left hand with its little waves bent down the grass on which its margin sprang. All waters that on earth most limpid are would seem to have within themselves some mixture compared with that which nothing doth conceal, although it moves on with a brown-brown current under the shade perpetual that never ray of the sun lets in, nor of the moon. With feet I stayed, and with mine eyes I passed beyond the rivulet, to look upon the great variety of the fresh may.
And there appeared to me, even as appears suddenly something that doth turn aside through very wonder every other thought, a lady, all alone, who went along singing and culling floweret after floweret, with which her pathway was all painted over. Ah, beauteous lady, who in rays of love dost warm thyself, if I may trust to looks which the heart's witnesses are wont to be, may the desire come unto thee to draw near to this river's bank, I said to her. So much that I might hear what thou art singing. Thou makest me remember where and what Prosipina that moment was when lost her mother her, and she herself the spring. As turns herself, with feet together pressed, and to the ground a lady who is dancing, and hardly puts one foot before the other, on the vermilion and the yellow flowerets, she turns towards me, not an otherwise than maiden who her modest eyes casts down.
And my entreaties made to be content so near approaching that the dulcet sound came unto me together with its meaning as soon as she was where the grasses are. Bathed by the waters of the beauteous river to lift her eyes, she granted me the boon. I do not think there shone so great a light under the lids of Venus when transfixed by her own son beyond his usual custom. Aract upon the other bank, she smiled, bearing full many colors in her hands, which that high land produces without seed. Apart three paces did the river make us, but Hellespont, where Xerxes passed across, a curb still to all human arrogance, more hatred from Leander did not suffer for rolling between Cestus and Abydos than that from me, because it oped not then.
"'Ye are new-comers, and because I smile,' began she, Peradventure in this place elect to human nature for its nest. Some apprehension keeps you marvelling, but the psalm, Delictace, giveth light which has the power to uncloud your intellect. And thou who foremost art, and didst entreat me, speak, if thou wouldst hear more, for I came ready to all thy questionings as far as needful. The water, said I. and the forest sound, are combating within me my new faith in something which I heard opposed to this. Whence she, I will relate how from its cause proceedeth that which maketh thee to wonder, and purge away the cloud that smites upon thee. The good supreme, soul in itself delighting, created man good, and this goodly place gave him as Hansel of eternal peace.
By his default, short while he sojourned here. By his default to weeping and to toil he changed his innocent laughter and sweet play. That the disturbance which below is made by exultations of the land and water, which far as may be follow after heat, might not upon mankind wage any war. This mount ascended towards the heavens so high, and is exempt from there where it is locked. Now, since the universal atmosphere turns in a circuit with the primal motion, unless the circle is broken on some side, upon this height that all is disengaged in living ether, doth this motion strike and make the forest sound, for it is dense. And so much power the stricken plant possesses, that with its virtue it impregns the air, and this revolving scatters it around.
And yonder earth, according as tis worthy in self or in its clime, conceives and bears of diverse qualities the diverse trees. It should not seem a marvel then on earth, this being heard, whenever any plant without seed manifest there taketh root. And thou must know, this holy tableland in which thou art is full of every seed, and fruit has in it never gathered there. The water which thou seest springs not from vein restored by vapor that the cold condenses, like to a stream that gains or loses breath, but issues from a fountain, safe and certain, which, by the will of God, as much regains as it discharges, open on two sides. Upon this side with virtue it descends, which takes away all memory of sin, on that every good deed done restores it.
Here lethe, as upon the other side, Unui, it is called, and worketh not, if first, on either side, it be not tasted. This every other savour doth transcend, and notwithstanding slaked so far may be thy thirst, that I reveal to thee no more. I'll give thee a corollary, still in grace, nor think my speech will be to thee less dear if it spread out beyond my promise to thee. Those who in ancient times have feigned in song the age of gold and its felicity dreamed of this place perhaps upon Parnassus. Here was the human race in innocence. Here evermore was spring, and every fruit. This is the nectar of which each one speaks. And then backward did I turn me wholly round unto my poets, and saw that with a smile they had been listening to these closing words.
Then— To the beautiful lady turned mine eyes.
Singing like unto an enamored lady, she, with the ending of her words, continued, Beati quorum tecta sunt peccata. And even as nymphs that wandered all alone among the sylvan shadows, sedulous, one to avoid and one to see the sun, she then against the stream moved onward, going along the bank, and I abreast of her, her little steps with little steps attending. Between her steps and mine were not a hundred, when equally the margins gave a turn in such a way that to the east I faced. Nor even thus our way continued far before the lady wholly turned herself unto me, saying, Brother, look and listen. And lo, a sudden lustre ran across on every side athwart the spacious forest, such that it made me doubt if it were lightning.
But since the lightning ceases as it comes, and that continuing brightened more and more, within my thought I said, What thing is this? And a delicious melody there ran along the luminous air whence holy zeal made me rebuke the hardihood of Eve. For there, where earth and heaven obedient were, the woman only, and but just created, could not endure to stay neath any veil, underneath which, had she devoutly stayed, I sooner should have tasted those delights ineffable, and for a longer time. While mid such many-fold first-fruits I walked of the eternal pleasure all enwrapped, and still solicitous of more delights, in front of us, like an enkindled fire, became the air beneath the verdant boughs, and the sweet sound as singing now was heard.
O virgin sacrosanct, if ever hunger, vigils, or cold for you I have endured, the occasion spurs me their reward to claim. Now Helicon must needs pour forth for me, and with her choir Urania must assist me to put in verse things difficult to think. A little further on, seven trees of gold, in semblance the long space still intervening between ourselves and them, did counterfeit. But when I had approached so near to them, the common object, which the sense deceives, lost not by distance any of its marks. The faculty that lends discourse to reason did apprehend that they were—candlesticks, and in the voices of the song, Hosanna. Above them flamed the harness beautiful, far brighter than the moon in the serene of midnight at the middle of her month.
I turned me round with admiration filled to the good Virgilius, and he answered me with visage no less full of wonderment. Then back I turned my face to those high things, which moved themselves towards us so sedately they had been distanced by new-wedded brides. The lady chid me. Why dost thou burn only so with affection for the living lights, and dost not look at what comes after them? Then saw I people as behind their leaders, coming behind them, garmented in white, and such a whiteness never was on earth. The water on my left flank was resplendent, and back to me reflected my left side, even as a mirror, if I looked therein. When upon my margin had such post that nothing but the stream divided us, better to see I gave my steps repose.
And I beheld the flamelets onward go, leaving behind themselves the air depicted, and they of trailing pennons had the semblance, so that it overhead remained distinct With sevenfold lists, all of them of the colors whence the sun's bow is made, and Delia's girdle. These standards to the rearward longer were than was my sight, and, as it seemed to me, ten paces were the outermost apart. Under so fair a heaven as I describe, the four-and-twenty elders, two by two, came in coronet with flower de luce. They, all of them, were singing, Blessed thou among the daughters of Adam art, and blessed for evermore shall be thy loveliness. After the flowers and other tender grasses, in front of me upon the other margin, were disencumbered of that race elect, even as in heaven star followeth after star, there came close after them four animals, in coronet each one with verdant leaf.
Plumed with six wings was every one of them, the plumage full of eyes. The eyes of Argus, if they were living, would be such as these. Reader, to trace their forms, no more I waste my rhymes, for other spendings press me so, that I, in this, cannot be prodigal. But read Ezekiel, who depicteth them, as he beheld them from the region cold, coming with cloud, with whirlwind, and with fire. And such as thou shalt find them in his pages, such were they here. Saving that in their plumage John is with me, and differeth from him. The interval between these four contained a chariot triumphal on two wheels, which by a griffin's neck came drawn along. And upward he extended both his wings between the middle list and three and three, so that he injured none by cleaving it.
So high they rose that they were lost to sight, His limbs were gold so far as he was bird, and white the others with vermilion mingled. Not only Rome with no such splendid car ere gladdened Africanus or Augustus, but poor to it that of the sun would be. That of the sun, which, swerving, was burnt up at the importunate orison of earth when Jove was so mysteriously just. Three maidens at the right wheel in a circle came onward dancing, One so very red that in the fire she hardly had been noted. The second was as if her flesh and bones had all been fashioned out of emerald. The third appeared as snow, but newly fallen. And now they seemed conducted by the white, now by the red, and from the song of her the others took their step, or slow or swift.
Upon the left hand four made Holliday, vested in purple, following the measure of one of them with three eyes in her head. In rear of all the group here treated of two old men I beheld, unlike in habit, but like in gait, each dignified and grave. One showed himself as one of the disciples of that supreme Hippocrates, whom nature made for the animal she holds most dear. Contrary care the other manifested, with swords so shining and so sharp it caused terror to me on this side of the river. Thereafter four I saw of humble aspect, And behind all, an aged man alone, walking in sleep, with countenance acute. And like the foremost company, these seven were habited. Yet of the flower de Lucci no garland round about the head they wore, but that of rose, and other flowers vermilion.
At little distance would the sight have sworn that all were in a flame above their brows. And when the car was opposite to me, thunder was heard. And all that folk, August, seemed to have further progress interdicted there, with the vanward ensigns standing still.
End of Purgatorio Canto XXX. When the Septentrion of the Highest Heaven, which never either setting new or rising, nor veil of other cloud than that of sin, and which made every one therein aware of his own duty, as the lower makes whoever turns the helm to come to port, Motionless halted, the voracious people that came at first between it and the griffin turned themselves to the car as to their peace. And one of them, as if by heaven commissioned singing, Veni, Sponsa dell'Ibano shouted three times, and all the others after. Even as the blessed at the final summons shall rise up quickened, each one from his cavern, uplifting light the reinvested flesh, So upon that celestial chariot a hundred rose, ad vocem tante senis, ministers and messengers of life eternal.
They all were saying, Benedictus qui venis, and scattering flowers above and round about, Manibus odate lilia plenis. Ere now have I beheld, as day began, the eastern hemisphere all tinged with rose, and the other heaven with fair serene adorned. And the sun's face, uprising, overshadowed, so that by tempering influence of vapours for a long interval the eye sustained it. Thus, in the bosom of a cloud of flowers, which from those hands angelical ascended, and downward fell again inside and out, over her snow-white veil with olive sinked, appeared a lady, under a green mantle, vested in colour of the living flame, And my own spirit, that already now so long a time had been, that in her presence, trembling with awe, it had not stood abashed, without more knowledge having by mine eyes, through occult virtue that from her proceeded of ancient love and mighty influence felt.
As soon as on my vision smote the power sublime that had already pierced me through, ere from my boyhood I had yet come forth, To the left hand I turned, with that reliance with which the little child runs to his mother when he has fear or when he is afflicted, to say unto Virgilius, Not a drachm of blood remains in me that does not tremble. I know the traces of the ancient flame. But us, Virgilius of himself deprived, had left Virgilius, sweetest of all fathers, Virgilius, to whom I for safety gave me. Nor whatsoever lost the ancient mother availed my cheeks now purified from dew, that weeping they should not again be darkened. Dante, because Virgilius has departed, do not weep yet. Do not weep yet a while, for by another sword thou needst must weep.
E'en as an admiral who on poop and prow comes to behold the people that are working in other ships, and cheers them to well-doing, Upon the left-hand border of the car, when at the sound I turned of my own name, which of necessity is here recorded, I saw the lady, who erewhile appeared veiled underneath the angelic festival, direct her eyes to me across the river. Although the veil that from her head descended, encircled with the foliage of Minerva, did not permit her to appear distinctly, in attitude still royally majestic, continued she, like unto one who speaks, and keeps his warmest utterance in reserve. Look at me well. In sooth I'm Beatrice. How didst thou deign to come unto the mountain?
Didst thou not know that man is happy here? Mine eyes fell downward into the clear fountain, but, seeing myself therein, I sought the grass, so great a shame did weigh my forehead down. As to the sun, the mother seemed superb, so she appeared to me, for somewhat bitter tasted the savour of severe compassion. Silent became she, and the angel sang suddenly, «Inte domini speravi!» but beyond pedis meos did not pass. Even as the snow among the living rafters upon the back of Italy congealed, blown on and drifted by Sclavonian winds, and then, dissolving, trickles through itself, whene'er the land that loses shadow breathes, so that it seems a fire that melts a taper, e'en thus was I without a tear or sigh before the song of those who sing forever after the music of the eternal spheres.
But when I heard in their sweet melodies compassion for me, more than had they said, O wherefore, lady, dost thou thus upbraid him? The ice, that was about my heart congealed, to air and water changed, and in my anguish through mouth and eyes came gushing from my breast. She, on the right-hand border of the car, still firmly standing, to those holy beings thus her discourse directed afterwards. Ye keep your watch in the eternal day, so that nor night nor sleep can steal from you one step the ages make upon their path. Therefore my answer is with greater care that he may hear me who is weeping yonder, so that the sin and dole be of one measure. Not only by the work of those great wheels that destine every seed unto some end, according as the stars are in conjunction.
But by the largesse of celestial graces, which have such lofty vapors for their reign that near to them our sight approaches not. Such had this man become in his new life, potentially, that every righteous habit would have made admirable proof in him. But so much more malignant and more savage becomes the land untilled and with bad seed, the more good earthly vigor it possesses. Some time did I sustain him with my look. Revealing unto him my youthful eyes, I led him with me turned in the right way. As soon as ever of my second age I was upon the threshold and changed life, himself from me he took and gave to others. When from the flesh to spirit I ascended, and beauty and virtue were in me increased, I was to him less dear and less delightful.
And into ways untrue he turned his steps, pursuing the false images of good that never any promises fulfill. Nor prayer for inspiration me availed, by means of which in dreams and otherwise I called him back, so little did he heed them. So low he fell that all appliances for his salvation were already short save showing him the people of perdition. For this I visited the gates of death, And unto him who so far up has led him, my intercessions were with weeping born. God's lofty fiat would be violated if lethe should be passed, and if such viands should tasted be withouten any scot of penitence that gushes forth in tears.
End of Canto XXX. Purgatorio. Canto XXXI. O thou who art beyond the sacred river, Turning to me the point of her discourse, that edgewise even had seemed to me so keen, she recommenced, continuing without pause. "'Say, if this be true, to such a charge thy own confessions need must be conjoined.' My faculties were in so great confusion that the voice moved, but sooner was extinct than by its organs it was set at large. A while she waited, and then she said, "'What thinkest?' Answer me, for the mournful memories in thee not yet are by the waters injured. Confusion and dismay together mingled forced such a yes from out my mouth that sight was needful to the understanding of it. Even as a cross-bow breaks, when tis discharged, too tensely drawn, the bowstring and the bow, And with less force the arrow hits the mark, so I gave way beneath that heavy burden, outpouring in a torrent tears and sighs, and the voice flagged upon its passage forth.
Whence she to me? In those desires of mine which led thee to the loving of that good, beyond which there is nothing to aspire to, What trenches lying traverse, or what chains didst thou discover that of passing onward thou shouldst have thus despoiled thee of the hope? And what allurements, or what vantages upon the forehead of the others showed that thou shouldst turn thy footsteps unto them? After the heaving of a bitter sigh, hardly had I the voice to make response, and with fatigue my lips did fashion it. Weeping, I said. The things that present were, with their false pleasure, turned aside my steps, soon as your countenance concealed itself. And she, Shouldst thou be silent, or deny what thou confessest, not less manifest would be thy fault by such a judge tis known.
But when from one's own cheeks comes bursting forth the accusal of the sin, in our tribunal against the edge the wheel doth turn itself. But still, That thou mayst feel a greater shame for thy transgression, and another time, hearing the sirens, thou mayst be more strong. Cast down the seed of weeping, and attend. So shalt thou hear how, in an opposite way, my buried flesh should have directed thee. Never to thee presented art or nature pleasure so great as the fair limbs wherein I was enclosed, which scattered are in earth. If the highest pleasure thus did fail thee by reason of my death, what mortal thing should then have drawn thee into its desire? Thou oughtest verily at the first shaft of things fallacious have risen up to follow me, who was no longer such.
Thou oughtest not to have stooped thy pinions downward to wait for further blows, or, little girl, or other vanity, of such brief use. The callow birdlet waits for two or three, but to the eyes of those already fledged in vain the net is spread or shaft is shot. Even as children, silent in their shame, stand listening with their eyes upon the ground, and conscious of their fault, and penitent, so was I standing. And she said, If thou in hearing sufferest pain, lift up thy beard, and thou shalt feel a greater pain in seeing. With less resistance is a robust home uprooted, either by a native wind, or else by that from regions of Iribus, than I upraised at her command my chin. And when she, by the beard, the face demanded, well, I perceived the venom of her meaning.
And, as my countenance was lifted up, mine eye perceived those creatures beautiful had rested from the strewing of the flowers. Still but little reassured, mine eye saw Beatrice turned round towards the monster that is one person only in two natures. Beneath her veil, beyond the margined green, she seemed to me far more her ancient self to excel than others here when she was here. So pricked me then the thorn of penitence that of all other things the one which turned me most to its love became the most my foe. Such self-conviction stung me at the heart. Overpowered I fell, and what I then became she knoweth who had furnished me the cause. Then, when the heart restored my outward sense, the lady I had found alone, above me, I saw.
And she was saying, Hold me, hold me. Up to my throat she in the stream had drawn me, and dragging me behind her she was moving upon the water lightly as a shuttle. When I was near unto the blessed shore, Aspergis me, I heard so sweetly sung, Remember it I cannot, much less write it. The beautiful lady opened wide her arms, embraced my head, and plunged me underneath, where I was forced to swallow of the water. Then forth she drew me, and all dripping brought into the dance of the four beautiful, and each one with her arm did cover me. We here are nymphs, and in the heaven are stars, ere Beatrice descended to the world, we as her handmaidens were appointed her. We'll lead thee to her eyes, but for the pleasant light that within them is shall sharpen thine and three beyond who more profoundly look.
Thus singing they began, and afterwards, unto the griffin's breast, they led me with them, where Beatrice was standing, turned towards us. See that thou dost not spare thine eyes, they said, before the emeralds have we stationed thee, whence love aforetime drew for thee his weapons. A thousand longings hotter than the flame fastened my eyes upon those eyes relucent that still upon the griffin steadfast stayed, as in the glass the sun, not otherwise within them was the twofold monster shining, now with one, now with the other nature. Think, reader, If within myself I marvelled when I beheld the thing itself stand still, and in its image it transformed itself. While with amazement filled and jubilant my soul was tasting of the food that, while it satisfies us, makes us hunger for it.
Themselves revealing of the highest rank and bearing did the other three advance, singing to their angelic saraband, Turn, Beatrice, O turn thy holy eyes! Such was their song. Unto thy faithful one who has to see thee taken so many steps. In grace, do us the grace that thou unveil thy face to him, so that he may discern the second beauty which thou dost conceal. O splendor of the living light eternal, who underneath the shadow of Parnassus has grown so pale, or drunk so at its cistern, he would not seem to have his mind encumbered, striving to paint thee as thou didst appear where the harmonious heaven o'ershadowed thee, when in the open air thou didst unveil.
End of Canto XXXI Purgatorio Canto XXXII So steadfast and attentive were mine eyes in satisfying their decennial thirst, that all my other senses were extinct. And upon this side, and on that, they had walls of indifference. So the holy smile drew them unto itself with the old net, when forcibly my sight was turned away towards my left hand by those goddesses, because I heard from them a, too intently. And that condition of the sight which is in eyes but lately smitten by the sun bereft me of my vision some short while, but to the less when sight reshaped itself. I say to the less in reference to the greater splendor from which I perforce had withdrawn. I saw upon its right wing wheeled about the glorious host returning with the sun and with the sevenfold flames upon their faces.
As, underneath its shield, to save itself, a squadron turns, and with its banner wheels before the hole thereof can change its front, that soldiery of the celestial kingdom which marched in the advance had wholly passed us before the chariot had turned its pole. Then, to the wheels, the maidens turned themselves, and the griffin moved his burden, Benedite, but so that not a feather of him fluttered. The Lady Fair who drew me through the ford followed with Statius and myself the wheel which made its orbit with the lesser arc. So passing through the lofty forest, vacant by fault of her who the serpent trusted, angelic music made our steps keep time. Perchance as great a space had in three flights an arrow loosed from the string or passed as we had moved when Beatrice descended.
I heard them murmur altogether, Adam! Then circled they about a tree, despoiled of blooms and other leafage on each bough. Its tresses, which so much the more dilate as higher they ascend, had been by Indians among their forests marvelled at for height. Blessed art thou, O griffin, who dost not pluck with thy beak these branches sweet to taste, since appetite by this was turned to evil. After this fashion, round the tree robust, the others shouted, and the twofold creature, Thus is preserved the seed of all the just. And turning to the pole which he had dragged, he drew it close beneath the widowed bough, and what was of it, unto it left bound. In the same manner as our trees, when downward falls the great light, with that together mingled which after the celestial lasca shines, begin to swell, and then renew themselves, each one with its own color, ere the sun harnesses steeds beneath another star.
Less than of rose, and more than violet a hue disclosing, was renewed the tree that had erewhile its boughs so desolate. I never heard, nor here below is sung, the hymn which afterward the people sang, nor did I bear the melody throughout. Had I the power to paint how fell asleep those eyes compassionless of syrinx hearing, Those eyes, to which more watching cost so dear, even as a painter who from model paints I would portray how I was lulled asleep. He may, who well can picture drowsyhood. Therefore I pass to what time I awoke, and say, A splendor rent from me the veil of slumber, and a calling, Rise! What dost thou? As to behold the apple-tree in blossom, which makes the angels greedy for its fruit, and keeps perpetual bridles in the heaven, Peter, and John, and James conducted were, and overcome, recovered at the word by which still greater slumbers have been broken, and saw their school diminished by the loss, not only of Elias, but of Moses, and the apparel of their master changed.
So I revived. And saw that piteous one above me standing, who had been conductress aforetime of my steps beside the river. And all in doubt I said, Where's Beatrice? And she—behold her seated underneath the leafage new upon the root of it. Behold the company that circles her. The rest behind the griffin are ascending with more melodious song, and more profound. And if her speech were more diffuse I know not, because already in my sight was she who from the hearing of aught else had shut me. Alone she sat upon the very earth, left there as guardian of the chariot, which I had seen the by-form monster fasten. And circling her, a cloister made themselves the seven nymphs, with those lights in their hands which are secure from Akelon to Oster.
Short while shalt thou be here a forester, and thou shalt be with me for evermore a citizen of that Rome where Christ is Roman. Therefore, for that world's good which liveth ill, fix on the car thine eyes, and what thou seest, having returned to earth, take heed thou right. Thus Beatrice, and I, who at the feet of her commandments all devoted was, my mind and eyes directed where she willed. Never descended with so swift a motion fire from a heavy cloud, when it is raining from out the region which is most remote, as I beheld the bird of jove descended down through the tree, rending away the bark, as well as blossoms and foliage new. And he with all his might the chariot smote, whereat it reeled like a vessel in a tempest, tossed by the waves, now starboard, now larboard.
Thereafter saw I leap into the body of the triumphal vehicle a fox that seemed unfed with any wholesome food. But for his hideous sins upbraiding him, my lady put him to as swift a flight as such a fleshless skeleton could bear. Then, by the way that it before had come, into the chariot's chest I saw the eagle descend and leave it feathered with his plumes. And such as issues from a heart that mourns, a voice from heaven there issued, and it said, My little bark, how badly art thou frightened? Methought then that the earth did yawn between both wheels, and I saw rise from it a dragon, who through the chariot upward fixed his tail, and as a wasp that draweth back its sting, drawing unto himself his tail malign, drew out the floor, and went his way rejoicing.
That which remained behind, even as with grass a fertile region, with the feathers, offered perhaps with pure intention and benign, reclothed itself, and with them were reclothed the pole, and both the wheels so speedily a sigh doth longer keep the lips apart. Transfigured thus, the holy edifice thrust forward heads upon the parts of it, three on the pole, and one at either corner. The first were horned like oxen. But the four had but a single horn upon the forehead, a monster such had never yet been seen. Firm as a rock upon a mountain high, seated upon it, there appeared to me a shameless whore, with eyes swift glancing round, and, as if not to have her taken from him, upright beside her, I beheld a giant, and ever anon they kissed each other.
But— Because she her wanton, roving eye turned upon me, her angry paramour did scourge her from her head unto her feet. Then, full of jealousy and fierce with wrath, he loosed the monster, and across the forest dragged it so far he made of that alone a shield unto the whore and the strange beast.
End of Canto XXXII Purgatorio Canto XXXIII Deius venerunt gentes, alternating, now three, now four, melodious psalmody the maidens in the mists of tears began, and Beatrice, compassionate and sighing, listened to them with such a countenance that scarce more changed was Mary at the cross. But, when the other virgins place had given for her to speak, uprisen to her feet, with colour as of fire, she made response, Modicum et non videbitis me, et iterum. My sister's predilect modicum et vos videbitis me. Then, all the seven in front of her she placed, and after her, by beckoning only, moved me and the lady and the sage who stayed. So she moved onward. And I do not think that her tenth step was placed upon the ground when, with her eyes upon mine eyes, she smote, and with a tranquil aspect.
Come more quickly to me, she said. That, if I speak with thee, to listen to me, thou mayst be well placed. As soon as I was with her as I should be, she said to me, Why, brother, dost thou not venture to question now, in coming with me? And unto those who are too reverential, speaking in presence of superiors, who drag no living utterance to their teeth, it me befell that without perfect sound began I, My necessity, madonna, you know, and that which thereunto is good. And she to me, "'Of fear and bashfulness henceforward I will have thee strip thyself, so that thou speak no more as one who dreams. Know that the vessel which the serpent broke was, and is not, but let him who is guilty think that God's vengeance does not fear a sop.
Without an heir shall not forever be the eagle that left his plumes upon the car whence it became a monster, then a prey. For verily I see, and hence narrate it, the stars already near to bring the time from every hindrance safe, and every bar within which a five hundred ten and five, one sent from God, shall slay the thievish woman and that same giant who is sinning with her. And peradventure my dark utterance, like Themis and the Sphinx, may less persuade thee, since, in their mode, it clouds the intellect, but soon the facts shall be the neides, who shall this difficult enigma solve, without destruction of the flocks and harvests. Note thou, and even as by me are uttered these words, so teach them unto those who live that life which is a running unto death.
And bear in mind, whene'er thou writest them, not to conceal what thou hast seen the plant that twice already has been pillaged here. Whoever pillages or shatters it, with blasphemy of deed offendeth God, who made it holy for his use alone. For biting that, in pain and in desire, five thousand years and more the firstborn soul craved him who punished in himself the bite. Thy genius slumbers if it deem it not for special reasons so preeminent in height and so inverted in its summit, and, if thy vain imaginings had not been water of Elsa round about thy mind, and Pyramus to the mulberry their pleasure, thou by so many circumstances only the justice of the interdict of God morally in the tree wouldst recognize.
But since I see thee in thine intellect converted into stone and stained with sin, so that the light of my discourse doth daze thee, I will too, if not written, at least painted, thou bear it back within thee, for the reason that, synced with palm, the pilgrim's staff is born. And I, as by a signet is the wax which does not change the figure stamped upon it, my brain is now imprinted by yourself. But wherefore, so beyond my power of sight soars your desirable discourse, that I, the more I strive, so much the more I lose it. That thou mayest recognize, she said, the school which thou hast followed, and mayest see how far its doctrine follows after my discourse, and mayest behold your path from the divine, distant as far as separated is earth from the heaven that highest hastens on.
Whence her I answered. I do not remember that ever I estranged myself from you, nor have I conscience of it that reproves me. And if thou art not able to remember, smiling, she answered, recollect thee now that thou this very day hast drunk of Lethe, and if from smoke a fire may be inferred, such an oblivion clearly demonstrates some error in thy will elsewhere intent. Truly, from this time forward shall my words be naked, so far as it is befitting to lay them open unto thy rude gaze. And more coruscant with slower steps the sun was holding the meridian circle, which, with the point of view, shifts here and there when halted, as he cometh to a halt who goes before a squadron as its escort, if something new he find upon his way.
The ladies' seven at a dark shadow's edge, such as, beneath green leaves and branches black, the Elp upon its frigid border wears. In front of them the Tigris and Euphrates methought I saw a fourth issue from one fountain, and slowly part, like friends from one another. O light! O glory of the human race! What stream is this, which here unfolds itself from out one source, and from itself withdraws? For such a prayer, twas said unto me, Pray, Matilda, that she tell thee. And here answered, as one does who doth free himself from blame, the beautiful lady. This and other things were told to him by me, and sure I am, the water of Lethe has not hid them from him. And Beatrice, perhaps a greater care which oftentimes our memory takes away has made the vision of his mind obscure.
But you know we behold that yonder rises. Lead him to it, and, as thou art accustomed, Revive again the half-dead virtue in him. Like gentle soul that maketh no excuse, but makes its own will of another's will, as soon as by a sign it is disclosed. Even so, when she had taken hold of me, the beautiful lady moved, and Untastatius said, in her womanly manner, Come with him.
If, reader, I possessed a longer space for writing it, I yet would sing in part of the sweet draught that ne'er would satiate me. But— Inasmuch as full are all the leaves made ready for this second canticle, the curb of art no farther lets me go. From that most holy water I returned regenerate in the manner of new trees that are renewed with the new foliage, pure and disposed to mount unto the stars.
End of Purgatorio Canto XXVIII to 32 End of the Divine Comedy Purgatorio by Dante Alighieri and translated by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
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14 14 - Paradiso: Canto I-Canto V 41:08
Translated by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
Paradiso, canto one to five.
Paradiso, canto one.
The glory of him who moveth everything doth penetrate the universe and shine in one part more and in another less. Within that heaven which most his light receives was I, And things beheld which to repeat, nor knows, nor can, who from above descends. Because in drawing near to its desire, our intellect engulfs itself so far that after it the memory cannot go.
Truly, whatever of the holy realm I had the power to treasure in my mind shall now become the subject of my song.
O good Apollo, for this last emprise, make of me such a vessel of thy power, as giving the beloved laurel asks. One summit of Parnassus hitherto has been enough for me, but now with both I needs must enter the arena left. Enter into my bosom, thou, and breathe as at the time when Marsyas thou didst draw out of the scabbard of those limbs of his. O Power Divine, lent'st thou thyself to me, so that the shadow of the blessed realm, stamped in my brain, I can make manifest. Thou'llt see me come unto thy darling tree, and crown myself thereafter with those leaves of which the theme and vow shall make me worthy. So seldom, father, do we gather them for triumph, or of Caesar, or of poet. The fault and shame of human inclinations.
That the Penaean foliage should bring forth joy to the joyous Delphic deity, when any one it makes to thirst for it.
A little spark is followed by great flame. Perchance with better voices after me shall prior be made that Syrah may respond. To mortal men, by passages diverse, up rises the world's lamp. But by that one which circles four, uniteth with three crosses. With better course and with a better star, conjoined at issues, and the mundane wax tempers and stamps more after its own fashion.
Almost that passage had made morning there and evening here, and there was wholly white that hemisphere and black the other part, when Beatrice, towards the left-hand side, I saw turn round, And gazing at the sun, never did Eagle fasten so upon it. And even as a second ray is wont to issue from the first and re-ascend, like to a pilgrim who would fain return, thus of her action, through the eyes infused in my imagination, mine I made, and sunward fixed mine eyes beyond our wont.
There much is lawful. Which is here unlawful unto our powers, by virtue of the place made for the human species as its own.
Not long I bore it, nor so little while, but I beheld it sparkle round about, like iron that comes molten from the fire, and suddenly it seemed that day to day was added, as if he who has the power had with another sun the heaven adorned. With eyes upon the everlasting wheels, stood Beatrice, all intent, and I, on her, fixing my vision from above removed. Such at her aspect inwardly became as glaucous, tasting of the herb that made a peer of the other gods beneath the sea.
To represent, transhumanize in words, impossible were. The example, then, suffice him for whom grace the experience reserves.
If I was merely what of me thou newly createdst, Love, who governest the heaven, thou knowest who didst lift me with thy light. When now the wheel, which thou dost make eternal, desiring thee, made me attentive to it, by harmony thou dost modulate and measure, then seemed to me so much of heaven enkindled by the sun's flame, that neither rain nor river e'er made a lake so widely spread abroad.
The newness of the sound and the great light kindled in me a longing for their cause, never before with such acuteness felt, whence she, who saw me as I saw myself, to quiet in me my perturbed mind, opened her mouth, ere I did mind to ask, and she began, Thou makest thyself so dull with false imagining, that thou seest not What thou wouldst see if thou hadst shaken it off. Thou art not upon earth, as thou believest, but lightning, fleeing its appropriate sight, ne'er ran as thou, who thitherward returnest.
If of my former doubt I was divested by these brief little words more smiled than spoken, I, in a new one, was the more ensnared, and said, Already did I rest content from great amazement. But am now amazed in what way I transcend these bodies' light. Whereupon she, after a pitying sigh, her eyes directed towards me with that look a mother casts on a delirious child, and she began, All things, whate'er they be, have order among themselves, and this is form, That makes the universe resemble God.
Here do the higher creatures see the footprints of the eternal power, which is the end whereto is made the law already mentioned.
In the order that I speak of are inclined all natures, by their destinies diverse, more or less near unto their origin. Hence they move onward unto ports diverse, O'er the great sea of being, and each one with instinct given it which bears it on.
This bears away the fire towards the moon. This is in mortal hearts the mote of power that binds together and unites the earth. Nor only the created things that are without intelligence this bow shoots forth, but those that have both intellect and love.
The providence that regulates all this makes with its light the heaven forever quiet, wherein that turns which has the greatest haste. And thither now, as to a sight decreed, bears us away the virtue of that cord which aims its arrows at a joyous mark. True is it that as oftentimes the form accords not with the intention of the art, Because in answering is matter deaf, so likewise from this course doth deviate sometimes the creature who the power possesses, though thus impelled, to swerve some other way, in the same wise as one may see the fire fall from a cloud, if the first impetus earthward is wrested by some false delight.
Thou shouldst not wonder more, if well I judge, at thine ascent. Then add a rivulet from some high mount descending to the lowland.
Marvel it would be in thee, if, deprived of hindrance, thou wert seated down below, as if on earth the living fire were quiet. Thereat she heavenward turned again her face.
Paradiso Canto II O ye who in some pretty little boat, eager to listen, have been following behind my ship, that singing sails along, turn back to look again upon your shores. Do not put out to sea, lest peradventure in losing me. You might yourselves be lost.
The sea I sail has never yet been past. Minerva breathes, and palates me Apollo, and Muses nine point out to me the bears.
Ye other few who have the neck uplifted, betimes to the bread of angels, upon which one liveth here, and grows not sated by it. Well may you launch upon the deep salt sea your vessel, keeping still my wake before you upon the water that grows smooth again.
Those glorious ones, who unto Coltros past, were not so wonderstruck as you shall be, when Jason they beheld a ploughman-maid.
The con created in perpetual thirst for the realm deiform did bear us on, as swift almost as ye the heavens behold.
Upwards gazed Beatrice, and I at her. And in such space, perchance as strikes a bolt and flies, and from the notch unlocks itself. Arrived I saw me, where a wondrous thing drew to itself my sight. And therefore she, for whom no care of mine could be concealed, towards me turning, blithe as beautiful, said unto me, Fix gratefully thy mind on God. Who unto the first star has brought us.
It seemed to me a cloud encompassed us, luminous, dense, consolidated and bright, as adamant on which the sun is striking.
Into itself did the eternal pearl receive us, even as water doth receive a ray of light, remaining still unbroken.
If I was body, And we here conceive not how one dimension tolerates another, which needs must be if body enter body. More the desire should be enkindled in us, that essence to behold wherein is seen how God and our own nature were united.
There will be seen what we receive by faith, not demonstrated, but self-evident, in guise of the first truth that man believes.
I made reply. Madonna, as devoutly as most I can do, I give thanks to him who has removed me from the mortal world.
But tell me what the dusky spots may be upon this body which, below on earth, make people tell that fabulous tale of Cain.
Somewhat she smiled, and then— If the opinion of mortals be erroneous, she said, where'er the key of sense doth not unlock, certes, the shafts of wonder should not pierce thee now, forasmuch as, following the senses, thou seest that the reason has short wings.
But tell me what thou think'st of it thyself.
And I, What seems to us up here diverse is caused, I think, by bodies rare and dense.
And she. Right truly shall thou see immersed in error thy belief, if well thou hearest the argument that I shall make against it.
Lights many, the eighth sphere displays to you, which in their quality and quantity may noted be of aspects different. If this were caused by rare and dense alone, one only virtue would there be in all, or more or less diffused, or equally.
Virtues diverse must be perforce the fruits of formal principles, and these, save one, of course would by thy reasoning be destroyed. Besides. If rarity were of this dimness, because, thou askest, either through and through this planet thus attenuate were of matter, or else, as in a body is apportioned, the fat and lean, so in like manner this would in its volume interchange the leaves.
Were it the former? In the sun's eclipse it would be manifest by the shining through of light, as through aught tenuous interfused. This is not so. Hence we must scan the other. And if it chance the other I demolish, then falsified will thy opinion be.
But if this rarity go not through and through, there needs must be a limit, beyond which its contrary prevents the further passing, and thence the foreign radiance is reflected, even as a color cometh back from glass the which behind itself concealeth lead.
Now thou wilt say the sunbeam shows itself more dimly there than in the other parts, by being there reflected farther back. From this reply experiment will free thee, if e'er thou try it, which is wont to be the fountain to the rivers of your arts.
Three mirrors shalt thou take, and two remove alike from thee, the other more remote between the former two shall meet thine eyes. Turn toward these. Cause that behind thy back be placed a light, illumining the three mirrors, and coming back to thee by all reflected.
Though in its quantity be not so ample the image most remote, there shalt thou see how it perforce is equally resplendent.
Now, as beneath the touches of warm rays, naked the subject of the snow remains, both of its former color and its cold, Thee, thus remaining in thy intellect, will I inform with such a living light that it shall tremble in its aspect to thee.
Within the heaven of the divine repose revolves a body, in whose virtue lies the being of whatever it contains.
The following heaven, that has so many eyes, divides this being by essences diverse, distinguished from it, and by it contained. The other spheres, by various differences, all the distinctions which they have within them, dispose unto their ends and their effects. Thus do these organs of the world proceed, as thou perceivest now from grade to grade, since from above they take and act beneath.
Observe me well, how through this place I come unto the truth that thou wishest, that hereafter thou mayest alone Know how to keep the fort, the power and motion of the holy spheres, as from the artisan the hammer's craft, forth from the blessed motors, must proceed.
The heaven, which lights so manifold make fair, from the intelligence profound which turns it, the image takes, and makes of it a seal. And even as the soul within your dust Through members different and accommodated to faculties diverse, expands itself. So likewise this intelligence diffuses its virtue multiplied among the stars, itself revolving on its unity.
Virtue diverse doth a diverse alloyage make with the precious body that it quickens, in which, as life in you, it is combined. From the glad nature whence it is derived, the mingled virtue through the body shines, even as gladness through the living pupil. From this proceeds whatever from light to light appeareth different, not from dense and rare. This is the formal principle that produces, according to its goodness, dark and bright.
Paradiso. Canto III.
That sun, which erst with love my bosom warmed, of beauty with truth, had unto me discovered, by proving and reproving, the sweet aspect. And, that I might confess myself convinced and confident so far as was befitting, I lifted more erect my head to speak.
But there appeared a vision. which withdrew me so close to it in order to be seen that my confession I remembered not.
Such as through polished and transparent glass, or waters crystalline and undisturbed, but not so deep as that their bed be lost, come back again the outlines of our faces so feeble that a pearl on forehead white comes not less speedily unto our eyes.
Such saw I, Many faces, prompt to speak, so that I ran in error opposite to that which kindled love twixt man and fountain.
As soon as I became aware of them, esteeming them as mirrored semblances, to see of whom they were, mine eyes I turned, and nothing saw, and once more turned them forward, direct into the light of my sweet guide, who, smiling, kindled in her holy eyes.
Marvel thou not, she said to me, because I smile at this thy puerile conceit, since on the truth it trusts not yet its foot, but turns thee as tis wont on emptiness. True substances are these which thou beholdest, here relegate for breaking of some vow. Therefore speak with them, listen, and believe, for the true light, which giveth peace to them, permits them not to And I, unto the shade that seemed most wishful to speak, directed me, and I began, as one whom too great eagerness bewilders. O well-created spirit, who in the rays of life eternal dost this sweetness taste, which, being untasted, ne'er is comprehended, grateful t'will be to me, if thou content me both with thy name and with thy destiny.
Whereat she promptly and with laughing eyes.
Our charity doth never shut the doors against a just desire, except as one who wills that all her court be like herself.
I was a virgin sister in the world, and if thy mind doth contemplate me well, the being more fair will not conceal me from thee. But thou shalt recognize I am Picarda. Who stationed here among these other blessed, myself am blessed in the slow sphere.
All our affections that alone inflamed are in the pleasure of the Holy Ghost rejoice at being of His order formed. And this allotment which appears so low, therefore is given us because our vows have been neglected and in some part void.
Whence I to her.
In your miraculous aspects there shines I know not what of the Divine, which doth transform you from our first conceptions. Therefore I was not swift in my remembrance. But what thou tellest me now aids me so, that the refiguring is easier to me. But tell me, ye who in this place are happy, are you desirous of a higher place, to see more, or to make yourselves more friends?
First, with those other shades, she smiled a little. Thereafter answered me so full of gladness she seemed to burn in the first fire of love.
Brother. Our will is quieted by virtue of charity, that which makes us wish alone for what we have, nor gives us thirst for more. If to be more exalted we aspired, Discordant would our aspirations be unto the will of him who here secludes us, which thou shalt see finds no place in these circles, if being in charity is needful here, and if thou lookest well into its nature. Nay, tis essential to this blessed existence to keep itself within the will divine, whereby our very wishes are made one, so that as we are station above station throughout this realm, To all the realm tis pleasing, as to the king, who makes his will our will, and his will is our peace. This is the sea to which is moving onward whatsoever it doth create, and all that nature makes.
Then it was clear to me how everywhere in heaven is paradise, although the grace of good supreme there reigned not in one measure.
But as it comes to pass, if one food sates, and for another still remains the longing, we ask for this, and that decline with thanks.
E'en thus did I, with gesture and with word, to learn from her what was the web wherein she did not ply the shuttle to the end.
A perfect life, and merit high in heaven, a lady o'er us, said she, by whose rule down in your world they vest and veil themselves. That until death they may both watch and sleep beside that spouse, who every vow accepts, which charity conformeth to his pleasure.
To follow her in girlhood from the world I fled, and in her habit shut myself, and pledged me to the pathway of her sect.
Then, men accustomed unto evil more than unto good, from the sweet cloister tore me. God knows what afterward my life became.
This other splendor, which to thee reveals itself on my right side, and is enkindled with all the illumination of our sphere. What of myself, I say, applies to her? Anon she was, and likewise from her head was ta'en the shadow of the sacred wimple. But when she, too, was to the world returned against her wishes, and against good usage, of the heart's veil she never was divested.
Of great Costanza this is the effulgence, who from the second will of Suabia brought forth the third and latest puissance.
Thus unto me she spake, and then began Ave Maria singing, and in singing vanished. As through deep water something heavy.
My sight that followed her as long a time as it was possible, when it had lost her, turned round unto the mark of more desire, and wholly unto Beatrice reverted. But she such lightnings flashed into mine eyes, that at the first my sight endured it not, and this, in questioning, more backward made me.
Paradiso.
Between two viands, equally removed and tempting, a free man would die of hunger, ere either he could bring unto his teeth. So would a lamb between the ravenings of two fierce wolves stand fearing both alike, and so would stand a dog between two does.
Hence, if I held my peace, myself I blame not. impelled in equal measure by my doubts, since it must be so, nor do I commend. I held my peace, but my desire was painted upon my face, and questioning with that more fervent far than by articulate speech.
Beatrice did as Daniel had done, relieving Nebuchadnezzar from the wrath which rendered him unjustly merciless, and said, Well, see I, How attracteth thee one and the other wish, so that thy care binds itself, so that forth it does not breathe. Thou arguest, if good will be permanent, the violence of others. For what reason doth it decrease the measure of my merit?
Again for doubting furnish the occasion souls seeming to return unto the stars, according to the sentiment of Plato. These are the questions which upon thy wish are thrusting equally, and therefore first will I treat that which hath the most of Gaul. He of the seraphim, most absorbed in God, Moses and Samuel, and whichever John thou mayest select, I say, and even Mary, have not in any other heaven their seats, than have those spirits that just appeared to thee, nor have existence more or fewer years. But all make beautiful the primal circle. And have sweet life in different degrees by feeling more or less the eternal breath. They showed themselves here, not because allotted this fear has been to them, but to give sign of the celestial which is least exalted.
To speak thus is adapted to your mind, since only through the sense it apprehendeth what then it worthy makes of intellect. On this account, the scripture condescends unto your faculties. And feet and hands to God attributes, and means something else. And Holy Church under an aspect human, Gabriel and Michael represent to you, and him who made Tobias whole again. That which Timaeus argues of the soul doth not resemble that which here is seen, because it seems that as he speaks he thinks. He says the soul unto its star returns, believing it to have been severed thence whenever nature gave it as a form. Perhaps his doctrine is of other guise than the word's sound, and possibly may be with meaning that is not to be derided.
If he doth mean that to these wheels return the honor of their influence and the blame, perhaps his bow doth hit upon some truth. This principle ill understood once warped the whole world nearly till it went astray invoking Jove and Mercury and Mars.
The other doubt which doth disquiet thee less venom has. For its malevolence could never lead the other where from me. That as unjust our justice should appear in eyes of mortals is an argument of faith, and not of sin heretical.
But still, that your perception may be able to thoroughly penetrate this verity as thou desirest, I will satisfy thee. If it be violence when he who suffers cooperates not with him who uses force, These souls were not on that account excused. For will is never quenched unless it will, but operates as nature doth in fire if violence a thousand times distort it. Hence, if it yieldeth more or less, it seconds the force, and these have done so, having power of turning back unto the holy place. If their will had been perfect, like to that which Lawrence fast upon his gridiron held, And Muteus made severe to his own hand, it would have urged them back along the road whence they were dragged, as soon as they were free.
But such a solid will is all too rare. And by these words, if thou hast gathered them as thou shouldst do, the argument is refuted that would have still annoyed thee many times. But now another passage runs across before thine eyes, and such that by thyself Thou couldst not thread it, ere thou wouldst be weary. I have for certain put into thy mind that soul beatified could never lie, for it is near the primal truth, and that thou, from Picarda, mightst have heard, Costanza kept affection for the veil, so that she seemeth here to contradict me. Many times, brother, has it come to pass, that to escape from peril, with reluctance that has been done it was not right to do, Ean is Alcmion, who being by his father thereto entreated, his own mother slew.
Not to lose pity, pitiless became. At this point I desire thee to remember that force with will commingles, and a cause that the offences cannot be excused. Will absolute consenteth not to evil, but in so far consenteth as it fears, if it refrain, to fall into more harm. Hence, when Picarda uses this expression, she meaneth the will absolute, and I the other, so that both of us speak truth.
Such was the flowing of the holy river that issued from the fount whence springs all truth. This put to rest my wishes one and all. O love of the first lover! O divine, said I forthwith, Whose speech inundates me and warms me so, it more and more revives me. My own affection is not so profound as to suffice in rendering grace for grace. Let him who sees and can thereto respond.
Well, I perceive that never sated is our intellect unless the truth elume it, beyond which nothing true expands itself.
It rests therein as wild beast in his lair, when it attains it. And it can attain it. If not, then each desire which frustrate be, therefore springs up in fashion of a shoot, doubt at the foot of truth. And this is nature, which to the top, from height to height, impels us. This doth invite me, this assurance give me with reverence, lady, to inquire of you another truth which is obscure to me. I wish to know. If man can satisfy you for broken vows with other good deeds, so that in your balance they will not be light.
Beatrice gazed upon me with her eyes full of the sparks of love, and so divine that, overcome my power, I turned my back and almost lost myself with eyes downcast.
If in the heat of love I flame upon thee, beyond the measure that on earth is seen, so that the valor of thine eyes I vanquish, marvel thou not thereat. For this proceeds from perfect sight, which as it apprehends to the good apprehended moves its feet.
Well, I perceive, how is already shining into thine intellect the eternal light, that only seen and kindles always love. And if some other thing your love seduce, tis nothing but a vestige of the same, ill-understood, which there is shining through.
Thou fain wouldst know, if with another service her broken vow can such return be made as to secure the soul from further claim.
This canto thus did Beatrice begin, and, as a man who breaks not off his speech, continued thus her holy argument.
The greatest gift that in his largesse God creating made, and unto his own goodness nearest conformed, and that which he doth prize most highly, is the freedom of the will, wherewith the creatures of intelligence, both all and only, were and are endowed. Now wilt thou see, if thence thou reasonest, the high worth of a vow. If it he made, so that when thou consentest, God consents. For closing between God and man the compact, a sacrifice is of this treasure made, such as I say, and made by its own act.
What can be rendered, then, as compensation?
Thinkest thou to make good use of what thou'st offered? With gains ill-gotten thou wouldst do good deed. Now art thou certain of the greater point. But because Holy Church in this dispenses, which seems against the truth which I have shown thee, behooves thee still to sit awhile at table, because the solid food which thou hast taken requireth further aid for thy digestion. Open thy mind to that which I reveal, and fix it there within, for tis not knowledge, the having heard without retaining it. In the essence of this sacrifice, Two things convened together. And the one is that of which it is made, the other is the agreement. This last forevermore is cancelled not, unless complied with, and concerning this with such precision has above been spoken.
Therefore it was enjoined upon the Hebrews to offer still, though sometimes what was offered might be commuted as thou oughtst to know. The other, which is known to thee as matter, May well indeed be such that one errs not if it for other matter be exchanged. But let none shift the burden on his shoulder at his arbitrament, without the turning both of the white and of the yellow key. And every permutation deem as foolish if in the substitute the thing relinquished, as the four is in six, be not contained. Therefore, whatever thing, has so great weight in value that it drags down every balance, cannot be satisfied with other spending.
Let mortals never take a vow in jest. Be faithful and not blind in doing that, as Jephthah was in his first offering. Whom more beseemed to say, I have done wrong, than to do worse by keeping, and as foolish thou, the great leader of the Greeks, wilt find. Whence wept Iphigenia her fair face, and made for her both wise and simple weep, or heard such kind of worship spoken of.
Christians, be ye more serious in your movements. Be ye not like a feather at each wind, and think not every water washes you. Ye of the Old and the New Testament, and the pastor of the church, who guideth you, let this suffice you unto your salvation.
If evil appetite cry aught else to you, be ye as men, and not as silly sheep, so that the Jew among you may not mock you.
Be ye not as a lamb that doth abandon its mother's milk, and frolicsome and simple, combats at its own pleasure with itself.
Thus, Beatrice, to me, even as I write it, then all desirable turned herself again to that part where the world is most alive. Her silence and her change of countenance, silence imposed upon my eager mind, that had already in advance new questions, and as an arrow that upon the mark strikes ere the bowstring quiet hath become, so did we speed into the second realm.
My lady there, so joyful I beheld, as into the brightness of that heaven she entered, more luminous thereat the planet grew. And if the star itself was changed and smiled, what became I, who by my nature am exceeding mutable in every guise? As in a fish-pond which is pure and tranquil, the fishes draw to that which from without comes in such fashion that their food they deem it. So I beheld more than a thousand splendors, drawing towards us, and in each was heard, Lo, this is she who shall increase our love.
And as each one was coming unto us, full of beatitude the shade was seen, by the effulgence clear that issued from it. Think, reader, if what here is just beginning, no farther should proceed, how thou wouldst have an agonizing need of knowing more! And of thyself thou wilt see how I, from these, was in desire of hearing their conditions, as they unto mine eyes were manifest.
O thou wellborn, unto whom grace concedes to see the thrones of the eternal triumph, or ever yet the warfare be abandoned, with light that through the whole of heaven is spread, kindled are we. And hence, if thou desirest to know of us, at thine own pleasure sate thee. Thus by some one among those holy spirits was spoken. And by Beatrice, speak, speak securely. And believe them even as gods.
Will I perceive how thou dost nest thyself in thine own light, and draw'st it from thine eyes, because they corussate when thou dost smile, but know not who thou art, nor why thou hast, spirit august, thy station in the sphere that veils itself to men in alien rays?
This said I in direction of the light which first had spoken to me, whence it became by far more loosened than it was before.
Even as the sun that doth conceal himself by too much light, when heat has worn away the tempering influence of the vapors dense, by greater rapture thus concealed itself in its own radiance, the figure saintly. And thus close, close and folded, answered me, in fashion. As the following canto sings.
End of Paradiso. Cantos one to five.
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15 15 - Paradiso: Canto VI-Canto XI 38:33
Translated by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Paradiso. Canto. Canto. After that, Constantine the eagle turned against the course of heaven, which it had followed behind the ancient who Lavinia took. Two hundred years and more the bird of God into the extreme of Europe held itself, near to the mountains whence it issued first. And under shadow of the sacred plumes it governed there the world from hand to hand, and changing thus upon mine own alighted. Caesar I was, and am Justinian. Who, by the will of primal love, I feel, took from the laws the useless and redundant. And, ere unto the work I was attend, one nature to exist in Christ, not more, believed, and with such faith was I contented. But, blessed Agapetus, he who was the supreme pastor to the faith sincere, pointed me out the way by words of his.
Him I believed, and what was his assertion I now see clearly, even as thou seest, each contradiction to be false and true. As soon as with the church I moved my feet, God in his grace it pleased with this high task to inspire me, and I gave me wholly to it. And to my Belisarius I commended the arms to which was Heaven's right hand so joined. It was a signal that I should repose. Now here to the first question terminates my answer, but the character thereof constrains me to continue with a sequel. In order that thou see with how great reason men move against the sacred sacrosanct, Both who appropriate and who oppose it. Behold how great a power has made it worthy of reverence, beginning from the hour when Pallas died to give it sovereignty.
Thou knowest it made in Alba its abode, three hundred years and upward, till at last the three to three fought for it yet again. Thou knowest what it achieved from Sabine wrong, down to Lucretia's sorrow in seven kings, or coming round about the neighboring nations. Thou knowest what it achieved, borne by the Romans illustrious against Brannus, against Pyrrhus, against the other princes and confederates, Torchidus thence, and Quinctius, who from locks unkempt was named Deci and Fabi, received the fame I willingly embalm. It struck to earth the pride of the Arabians, who following Hannibal had passed across the Alpine ridges Po from which thou glidest. Beneath it triumphed while they yet were young, Pompeii and Scipio, and to the hill, beneath which thou wast born it bitter seemed.
Then near unto the time when heaven had willed to bring the whole world to its mood serene, did Caesar by the will of Rome assume it. What it achieved from Var unto the Rhine, Iseri beheld, and Saeone beheld the Seine, and every valley whence the Rhine is filled. What it achieved when it had left Ravenna, and left the Rubicon, was such a flight that neither tongue nor pen could follow it. Round toward Spain it wheeled its legions, then toward Durazo, and Pharsalia smote, that to the Caled Nile was felt the pain. Antandros and the Simios, whence it started, it saw again, and there where Hector lies, and ill for Ptolemy, then roused itself. From thence it came like lightning upon Juba, then wheeled itself again into your west, Where the Pompeian clarion it heard.
From what it wrought with the next standard-bearer, Brutus and Cassius howled in hell together, and Modena and Perugia dolent were. Still doth the mournful Cleopatra weep, because thereof who, fleeing from before it, took from the adder sudden and black death. With him it ran even to the Red Sea shore. With him it placed the world in so great peace that unto Janus was his temple closed. But what the standard that has made me speak, achieved before and after should achieve, throughout the mortal realm that lies beneath it, becometh an appearance mean and dim, if in the hand of the third Caesar seen with eye unclouded and affection pure, because the living justice that inspires me granted it, in the hand of him I speak of, the glory of doing vengeance for its wrath.
Now here attend to what I answer thee. Later it ran with Titus to do vengeance, upon the vengeance of the ancient sin. And when the tooth of Lombardy had bitten the holy church, then underneath its wings did Charlemagne victorious succour her. Now hast thou power to judge of such as those whom I accuse above, and of their crimes, which are the cause of all your miseries. To the public standard, one the yellow lilies opposes, the other claims it for a party, so that it is hard to see which sins the most. Let, let the ghibellines ply their handicraft beneath some other standard, for this ever ill follows he who it and justice parts. And let not this new Charles e'er strike it down, he and his gulfs, but let him fear the talons that from a nobler lion stripped the fell.
Already oftentimes the sons have wept the father's crime, and let him not believe that God will change his scutcheon for the lilies. This little planet doth adorn itself with the good spirits that have active been, That fame and honor might come after them, and whensoever the desires mount thither, thus deviating must perforce the rays of the true love less vividly mount upward. But in commensuration of our wages, with our desert is portion of our joy, because we see them neither less nor greater. Herein doth living justice sweeten so affection in us that for evermore it cannot warp to any iniquity. Voices diverse make up sweet melodies. So in this life of ours the seats diverse render sweet harmony among these spheres, and in the compass of this present pearl shineth the sheen of Romeo, of whom the grand and beauteous work was ill rewarded.
But the Provencals who against him wrought, they have not laugh, and therefore ill goes he who makes his hurt of the good deeds of others. Four daughters, and each one of them a queen, had Raymond Barringer, and this for him did Romeo, a poor man and a pilgrim. And then the malicious words incited him to summon to a reckoning this just man, who rendered to him seven and five for ten. And he departed poor and stricken in years, and if the world could know the heart he had in begging bit by bit his livelihood, though much it laud him, it would laud him more. End of Canto Six Paradiso Canto Seven O San Sanctus Du Saboth Super lustrans claritate to a felices ignis hora malahoth. In this wise to his melody returning, this substance upon which a double light doubles itself was seen by me to sing.
And to their dance this and the others moved, and in the manner of swift hurrying sparks veiled themselves from me with a sudden distance. Doubting was I, and saying, Tell her, tell her, within me, Tell her, saying, Tell my lady, who slakes my thirst with her sweet effluences. And yet that reverence which doth lord it over the whole of me, only by B and I C E, bowed me again like unto one who drowses. Short while did Beatrice adore me thus, and she began lighting me with a smile, such as would make one happy in the fire. According to infallible advisement, after what manner a just vengeance justly could be avenged has put thee upon thinking. But I will speedily thy mind unloose. And do thou listen, for these words of mine of a great doctrine will a present make thee.
By not enduring on the power that wills, curb for his good, that man who ne'er was born, damning himself, damned all his progeny. Whereby the human species down below lay sick for many centuries in great error, till to descend it pleased the word of God, to where the nature from which its own maker estranged itself, he joined to him person by the sole act of his eternal love. Now unto what is said direct thy sight. This nature, when united to its maker, such as created was sincere and good, but by itself alone was banished forth from paradise, because it turned aside, out of the way of truth and of its life. Therefore the penalty the cross held out, if measured by the nature thus assumed, none ever yet with so great justice stung, and none was ever of so great injustice, considering who the person was that suffered, within whom such a nature was contracted.
From one act, therefore, issued things diverse. To God and to the Jews one death was pleasing. Earth trembled at it, and the heaven was opened. It should no longer now seem difficult to thee, when it is said that a just vengeance by a just court was afterward avenged. But now do I behold thy mind entangled, from thought to thought within a knot, from which with great desire it waits to free itself. Thou sayest, Well, discern I what I hear. But it is hidden from me why God willed for our redemption only this one mode. Buried remaineth, brother, this decree unto the eyes of every one whose nature is in the flame of love not yet adult. Verily, insomuch as at this mark one gazes long and little is discerned, wherefore this mode was worthiest, I will say, goodness divine, from which itself doth spurn all envy, burning in itself so sparkles that the eternal beauties it unfolds.
Whate'er from this immediately distills has afterwards no end. For ne'er removed is its impression when it sets its seal. Whate'er from this immediately rains down is wholly free, because it is not subject unto the influences of novel things. The more conformed thereto, the more it pleases, for the blessed ardor that irradiates all things, in that most like itself is most vivacious. With all of these things has advantaged been the human creature, and if one be wanting from his nobility, he needs must fall. Tis sin alone which doth disfranchise him, and render him unlike the good supreme, so that he little with its light is blanched, and to his dignity no more returns, unless he fill up where transgression empties with righteous pains for criminal delights.
Your nature, when it sinned so utterly in its own seed out of these dignities, even as out of paradise, was driven, nor could itself recover if thou noticed with nicest subtlety by any way, except by passing one of these two fords. Either that God through clemency alone had pardon granted, or that man himself had satisfaction for his folly made. Fix now thine eye deep into the abyss of the eternal counsel, to my speech, as far as may be fastened steadfastly. Man, in his limitations, had not power to satisfy, not having power to sink in his humility, obeying then. Far is he disobeying thought to rise, and for this reason man has been from power of satisfying by himself excluded. Therefore it God behoved in his own ways man to restore unto his perfect life, I say, in one or else in both of them.
But since the action of the doer is so much more grateful, as it more presents the goodness of the heart from which it issues, goodness divine, that doth imprint the world, has been contented to proceed by each, and all its ways lift you up again. Nor twixt the first day and the final night such high and such magnificent proceeding by one or by the other was or shall be, For God more bounteous was himself to give, to make man able to uplift himself, than if he only of himself had pardoned. And all the other modes were insufficient, for justice were it not the Son of God himself had humbled to become incarnate. Now, to fill fully each desire of thine, return I to elucidate one place, in order that thou there mayest see as I do.
Thou sayest, I see the air, I see the fire, The water and the earth and all their mixtures come to corruption and short while endure, and these things notwithstanding were created. Therefore, if that which I have said were true, they should have been secure against corruption. The angels, brother, and the land sincere in which thou art created may be called just as they are in their entire existence. But all the elements which thou hast named, and all those things which out of them are made, by a created virtue are informed. Created was the matter which they have. Created was the informing influence within these stars that round about them go. The soul of every brute, and of the plants, by its potential temperament, attracts the ray and motion of the holy lights.
But your own life immediately inspires supreme beneficence, and enamors it so with herself it evermore desires her. And thou from this mayest argue furthermore your resurrection. If thou think again how human flesh was fashioned at that time, when the first parents, both of them, were made.
The world used in its peril to believe that the fair Cypria delirious love rayed out in the third epicycle turning. Wherefore, not only unto her paid honor of sacrifices and of votive cry, the ancient nations in the ancient error, But both Dione honored they and Cupid, that as her mother, and this one as her son, and said that he had sat in Dido's lap. And they took from her, whence I beginning take, took the denomination of the star that woos the sun, now following, now in front. I was not aware of our ascending to it, but of our being in it gave full faith, my lady, whom I saw more beauteous grow. And as within a flame a spark is seen, and as within a voice a voice discerned, When one is steadfast and one comes and goes, within that light beheld I other lamps move in a circle, speeding more and less, methinks in measure of their inward vision.
From a cold cloud descended never winds, or visible or not, so rapidly, they would not laggard and impeded seem. To any one who had those lights divine seen come towards us, leaving the gyration begun at first in the high seraphim, and behind those that most in front appeared sounded Osana, So that never since to hear again was I without desire. Then unto us more nearly one approached, and it alone began, We all are ready unto thy pleasure, that thou joy in us. We turn around with the celestial princes, one gyre and one gyration and one thirst, in whom thou in the world of old didst say, Ye who intelligent the third heaven are moving, and are so full of love to pleasure thee a little quiet will not be less sweet.
After these eyes of mine themselves had offered unto my lady reverently, and she, content and certain of herself, had made them, back to the light they turned which so great promise made of itself, and, say, Who art thou? was my voice imprinted with a great affection. Oh, how, and how much I beheld it grow with the new joy that superadded was unto its joys as soon as I had spoken! Thus changed, it said to me, the world possessed me short time below, and if it had been more— Much evil will be which would not have been. My gladness keepeth me concealed from thee, which rayeth round about me, and doth hide me, like as a creature swathed in its own silk. Much didst thou love me, and thou hadst good reason, for had I been below, I should have shown thee somewhat beyond the foliage of my love.
That left-hand margin which doth bathe itself in rhone, when it is mingled with the sorg, me for its lord awaited in due time. And that horn of Ausonio, which is towned with Bari, with Gaeta and Catona, whence Tronto and Verde in the sea disgorge, already flashed upon my brow the crown of that dominion which the Danube waters after the German borders it abandons, and beautiful Trenacria, that is murky, twixt Pertino and Peloro, on the gulf which greatest scathe from Joris doth receive. Not through Typhius, but through nascent sulphur, would have awaited her own monarch still. Threw me from Charles' descendant and from Rudolf.
If evil lordship that exasperates ever the subject populations had not moved Palermo to the outcry of death, death! And if my brother could but this foresee, the greedy poverty of Catalonia, straight would he flee that it might not molest him. For verily, tis needful to provide, through him or other, so that on his bark already freighted no more freight be placed. His nature which from liberal covetous descended, such a soldiery would need as should not care for hoarding in a chest. Because I do believe the lofty joy thy speech infuses into me, my lord, where every good thing doth begin and end. Thou seest as I see it, the more grateful is it to me, and this too hold I dear, that gazing upon God thou dost discern it.
Glad hast thou made me, so make clear to me. Since speaking thou hast stirred me up to doubt, how from sweet seed can bitter issue forth. This eye to him, and he to me, if I can show to thee a truth, to what thou askest, thy face thou hold as thou dost hold thy back. The good which all the realm thou art ascending, turns and contents, maketh its providence to be a power unto these bodies vast. And not alone the natures are foreseen, within the mind that in itself is perfect, But they, together with their preservation, for whatsoever thing this bow shoots forth, falls foreordained unto an end foreseen, even as a shaft directed to its mark.
If that were not, the heaven which thou dost walk, would in such manner its effects produce, that they no longer would be arts but ruins. This cannot be if the intelligences that keep these stars in motion are not maimed, and maim the first that has not made them perfect. Wilt thou this truth have clearer made it to thee? And I, not so, for tis impossible, that nature tire, I see, in what is needful. Whence he again, Now say, Would it be worse for men on earth were they not citizens? Yes, I replied, and here I ask no reason. And can they be so if below they live not diversely unto offices diverse? No, if your master writeth well for you. So came he with deductions to this point. Then he concluded, Therefore it behooves the roots of your effects to be diverse.
Hence one is Sullenborn, another Cerses, another Melchizedek, and another he who, flying through the air, his son did lose. Revolving nature which a signet is to mortal wax doth practice well her art, but not one end distinguish from another. Thence happens it that Esau differeth in seed from Jacob, and Quirinius comes from sire so vile that he is given to Mars. A generated nature its own way would always make like its progenitors, if Providence Divine were not triumphant. Now that which was behind thee is before thee, but that thou know that I with thee am pleased, with a corollary will I mantle thee. Evermore, nature, if it fortune find discordant to it, like each other's seed out of its region, maketh evil thrift.
And if the world below would fix its mind on the foundation which is laid by nature, pursuing that, "'T'would have the people good." "'But you unto religion wrench aside, him who was born to gird him with the sword, and make a king of him who is for sermons. Therefore your footsteps wander from the road." End of Canto Eight. Paradiso Canto Nine. Beautiful Clements, after that thy Charles had me enlightened, he narrated to me the treacheries his siege should undergo. But said, Be still, and let the years roll round. So I can only say that lamentation legitimate shall follow on your wrongs. And of that holy light the life already had to the sun which fills it turned again, as to that good for which each thing sufficeth.
Ah, souls deceived, and creatures impious, who from such good do turn away your hearts, directing upon vanity your foreheads. And now, behold, another of those splendors approached me, and its will to pleasure me it signified by brightening outwardly. The eyes of Beatrice that fastened were upon me as before of dear assent to my desire assurance gave to me. Ah, bring swift compensation to my wish, thou blessed spirit, I said, and give me proof that what I think in thee I can reflect. Whereat the light that still was new to me, out of its depths whence it before was singing, as one delighted to do good continued, within that region of the land depraved of Italy that lies between Rialto and fountain-heads of Brenta and of Piava, Rises a hill and mounts not very high, wherefrom descended formerly a torch that made upon that region great assault.
Out of one root were born both I and it, Kunitsa was I called, and here I shine, because the splendor of this star o'ercame me. But gladly to myself the cause I pardon of my allotment, and it does not grieve me, which would perhaps seem strong unto your vulgar. Of this so luculent and precious jewel which of our heaven is nearest unto me, Great fame remained, and ere it die away, this hundredth year shall yet quintupled be. See if man ought to make him excellent, so that another life the first may leave. And thus thinks not the present multitude, shut in by Adige and Talimento, nor yet for being scourged as penitent. But soon t'will be that Padilla and the marsh will change the water that Vicenza bathes, because the folk are stubborn against duty.
And where the Sile and Cagnano join, one lordeth it, And goes with lofty head, for catching whom e'en now the net is making. Feltro, moreover of her impious pastor, shall weep the crime which shall so monstrous be, that for the like none ever entered Malta. Ample exceedingly would be the vat, that of the ferrarese could hold the blood, and weary who should weigh it ounce by ounce, of which this courteous priest shall make a gift, to show himself a partisan, and such gifts will to the living of the land conform. Above us there are mirrors, thrones you call them, from which shines out on us God Judicant, so that this utterance seems good to us. Here it was silent, and it had the semblance of being turned elsewhither by the wheel on which it had entered as it was before.
The other joy, already known to me, became a thing transplanted in my sight, as a fine ruby smitten by the sun. Through joy effulgence is acquired above. As here a smile, but down below the shade outwardly darkens, as the mind is sad. "'God seeth all things, and in him, blessed Spirit, thy sight is,' said I, "'so that never will of his can possibly from thee be hidden.' Thy voice, then, that forever makes the heavens glad, with the singing of those holy fires which of their six wings make themselves a cowl. Wherefore does it not satisfy my longings? Indeed, I would not wait thy questioning if I in thee were as thou art in me. The greatest of the valleys where the water expands itself, forthwith its words began, that sea excepted which the earth in garlands.
Between discordant shores against the sun extends so far that it meridian makes where it was wont before to make the horizon. I was a dweller on that valley shore, twixt Ebro and Magra, that with a journey short doth from the Tuscan part the Genoese. With the same sunset and the same sunrise nearly sit Bugia and the city whence I was. That with its blood once made the harbor hot. Folco that people called me, unto whom my name was known, and now with me this heaven imprints itself, as I did once with it. For more the daughter of Belus never burned, offending both Sicius and Creusa, than I, so long as it became my locks, nor yet that Rodofian, who deluded was by Demophon, nor yet Alcides, when Ioli he in his heart had locked.
Yet here is no repenting, but we smile, not at the fault, which comes not back to mind, but at the power which ordered and foresaw. Here we behold the art that doth adorn with such affection and the good discover whereby the world above turns that below. But that thou wholly satisfied mayst bear thy wishes hence, which in this sphere are born, still farther to proceed behoveth me. Thou fain wouldst know who is within this light, that here beside me thus is scintillating, Even as a sunbeam in the limpid water. Then know thou, that within there is at rest Rahab. And being to our order joined, with her in its supremest grade tis sealed. Into this heaven where ends the shadowy cone, cast by your world before all other souls, first of Christ's triumph was she taken up.
Full meat it was to leave her in some heaven, even as a palm of the high victory, which he acquired with one palm and the other. Because she favored the first glorious deed of Joshua upon the Holy Land, that little stirs the memory of the Pope. Thy city, which an offshoot is of him, who first upon his maker turned his back, and whose ambition is so sorely wept, brings forth and scatters the accursed flower, which both the sheep and lambs hath led astray, since it has turned the shepherd to a wolf. For this the Evangel and the mighty doctors are derelict, and only the Decretals so studied that it shows upon their margins. On this are Pope and Cardinal's intent. Their meditations reach not Nazareth, there where his Pinyon's Gabriel unfolded, but Vatican, and the other parts elect of Rome, which have a cemetery been unto the soldiery that followed Peter, shall soon be free from this adultery.
The end of Canto Nine. Paradiso, canto X. Looking into his son with all the love which each of them eternally breathes forth, the primal and unutterable power, Whate'er before the mind or eye revolves with so much order made, there can be none who this beholds without enjoying him. Lift up then, reader, to the lofty wheels, with me thy vision straight unto that part, where the one motion on the other strikes, and there begin to contemplate with joy that master's art, who in himself so loves it that never doth his eye depart therefrom. Behold how from that point goes branching off the oblique circle, which conveys the planets to satisfy the world that calls upon them. And if their pathway were not thus inflected, much virtue in the heavens would be in vain, and almost every power below here dead.
If from the straight line distant more or less were the departure, much would wanting be above and underneath of mundane order. Remain now, reader, still upon thy bench, in thought pursuing that which is foretasted, if thou wouldst jocund be instead of weary. I've set before thee, henceforth feed thyself, for to itself diverteth all my care. That theme whereof I had been made the scribe, the greatest of the ministers of nature, who with the power of heaven the world imprints and measures with his light the time for us, with that part which above is called to mind, conjoined along the spirals was revolving, where each time earlier he presents himself. And I was with him, but of the ascending I was not conscious, saving as a man of a first thought is conscious ere it come.
And Beatrice, she who is seen to pass from good to better, and so suddenly, That not by time her action is expressed. How lucent in herself must she have been! And what is in the sun wherein I entered, apparent not by color but by light? I, though I call on genius, art, and practice, cannot so tell it could be imagined. Believe one can, and let him long to see it. And if our fantasies too lowly are for altitudes so great, it is no marvel, since o'er the sun was never I could go. Such in this place was the fourth family of the High Father, who forever sates it, showing how he breathes forth and how begets. And Beatrice began, Give thanks, give thanks unto the Son of angels, who to this sensible one has raised thee by his grace.
Never was heart of mortal so disposed to worship, nor to give itself to God with all its gratitude was it so ready, as at those words did I myself become, and all my love was so absorbed in him, That in oblivion Beatrice was eclipsed. Nor this displeased her, but she smiled at it, so that the splendor of her laughing eyes my single mind on many things divided. Lights many, saw I, vivid and triumphant, make us a center and themselves a circle, more sweet in voice than luminous in aspect. Thus girt about the daughter of Latona we sometimes see, when pregnant is the heir so that it holds the thread which makes her zone, within the court of heaven. Whence I return, are many jewels found, so fair and precious they cannot be transported from the realm.
And of them was the singing of those lights, who takes not wings that he may fly up thither, the tidings thence may from the dumb await. As soon as singing thus those burning suns had round about us whirled themselves three times, like unto stars neighboring the steadfast poles, ladies, they seemed, not from the dance released, but who stopped short, in silence, listening till they have gathered the new melody. And within one I heard beginning, when the radiance of grace by which is kindled true love, and which thereafter grows by loving, within thee multiplied is so resplendent that it conducts thee upward by that stair, where without reascending none descends. Who should deny the wine out of his vial, until thy thirst and liberty were not except as water which descends not seaward?
Fain wouldst thou know with what plants is enfloured, this garland that encircles with delight, the lady fair who makes thee strong for heaven. Of the lambs was I of the holy flock, which Dominic conducteth by a road, where well one fattens if he strayeth not. He who was nearest me on the right, my brother and master was, and he, Albertus, is of Cologne, I, Thomas of Aquinium. If thou of all the others wouldst be certain, follow behind my speaking with thy sight, upward along the blessed garland turning. That next effulgence issues from the smile of Gratian, who assisted both the courts, In such wise that it pleased in paradise. The other, which nearby adorns our choir, that Peter was, who, even as the poor widow, offered his treasure into holy church.
The fifth light, that among us is the fairest, breathes forth from such a love that all the world below is greedy to learn tidings of it. Within it is the lofty mind, where knowledge so deep was put, that if the true be true, to see so much there never rose a second. Thou seest next the lustre of that taper, which in the flesh below looked most within the angelic nature and its ministry. Within that other little light is smiling, the advocate of the Christian centuries, out of whose rhetoric Augustine was furnished. Now if thou trainest thy mind's eye along with light to light pursuant of my praise, with thirst already of the eighth thou waitest. By seeing every good therein exalts the sainted soul, which the fallacious world makes manifest to him who listeneth well.
The body whence twas hunted forth is lying down in Cialdaro, and from martyrdom and banishment it came unto this peace. See farther onward flame the burning breath of Isidore, of Beda, and of Richard, who is in contemplation more than man. This whence to me returneth thy regard, the light is of a spirit unto whom in his grave meditations death seemed slow. It is the light eternal of Sigir. Who, reading lectures in the street of straw, did syllogize invidious verities. Then as a horlog that called us, what time the bride of God is rising up, with matins to her spouse, that he may love her? Where in one part the other draws and urges, Ting, ting, resounding with so sweet a note, that swells with love the spirit well disposed.
Thus I beheld the glorious wheel move round, and render voice to voice in modulation, and sweetness that cannot be comprehended. Excepting there where joy is made eternal.
O thou insensate care of mortal men! How inclusive are the syllogisms that make thee beat thy wings in downward flight! One after laws, and one to aphorisms was going, and one following the priesthood, and one to reign by force or sophistry, and one in theft, and one in state affairs, one in the pleasures of the flesh involved, wearied himself, One gave himself to ease. When I, from all these things emancipate with Beatrice above there in the heavens, with such exceeding glory was received. When each one had returned unto that point, within the circle where it was before, it stood as in a candlestick a candle. And from within the effulgence which it first had spoken unto me, I heard begin, smiling while it more luminous became.
Even as I am kindled in its ray, so looking into the eternal light, The occasion of thy thoughts I apprehend. Thou doubtest, and wouldst have me to recift in language so extended and so open my speech that to thy sense it may be plain. Where just before I said, Where well one fattens, and where I said, There never rose a second, and here tis needful we distinguish well, the providence which governeth the world with counsel, wherein all created vision is vanquished ere it reach unto the bottom, so that towards her own beloved might go the bride of him, Who, uttering a loud cry, espoused her with his consecrated blood, self-confident, and unto him more faithful. Two princes did ordain in her behoof, which on this side and that might be her guide.
The one was all seraphical and ardor, the other by his wisdom upon earth a splendor was of light cherubical. One will I speak of, for both is spoken. In praising one, whichever may be taken, because unto one end their labors were. Between Tupino and the stream that falls, Down from the hill elect of the blessed Ubald, a fertile slope of lofty mountain hangs, from which Perugia feels the cold and heat, through Porto Sole, and behind it weep Gualdo and Nocera their grievous yoke. From out that slope, there where it breaketh most its steepness, rose upon the world a sun, as this one does sometimes from out of the Ganges. Therefore let him who speaketh of that place say not a Chese, for he will say little, but orient, if he properly would speak.
He was not yet far distant from his rising, before he had begun to make the earth some comfort from his mighty virtue feel. For he in youth his father's wrath incurred, for certain dame to whom, as unto death, the gate of pleasure no one doth unlock, and was before his spiritual court, et coram patre, unto her united. Then day by day more fervently he loved her. She, reft of her first husband, scorned, obscure, one thousand and one hundred years and more, waited without suitor till he came. Nought it availed to hear that with Amiklas found her unmoved at sounding of his voice, he who struck terror into all the world. Nought it availed being constant and undaunted, so that when Mary still remained below, she mounted up with Christ upon the cross.
But that too darkly I may not proceed, Francis, in poverty, for these two lovers take thou henceforward in my speech diffuse. Their concord and their joyous semblances The love, the wonder, and the sweet regard they made to be the cause of holy thoughts. So much so that the venerable Bernard first bared his feet, and after so great peace ran, and in running thought himself too slow. O wealth unknown! O veritable good! Giles bears his feet, and bears his feet Sylvester. Behind the bridegroom, so doth please the bride. Then goes his way that father and that master, he and his lady in that family, which now was girding on the humble cord. Nor cowardice of heart weighed down his brow at being son of Peter Bernardone, nor for appearing marvellously scorned.
But regally his hard determination to innocent he opened, and from him received the primal seal upon his order. After the people mendicant increased, behind this man whose admirable life, better and glory of the heavens were sung, incoronated with a second crown, was through Honorius by the eternal Spirit the holy purpose of this Archimandrite. And when he had, through thirst of martyrdom, in the proud presence of the sultan preached, Christ and the others who came after him, and finding for conversion too unripe the folk, and not to tarry there in vain, returned a fruit of the Italic grass. On the rude rock twixt Tiber and the Arno, from Christ did he receive the final seal, which during two whole years his members bore, when he, who chose unto him so much good, was pleased to draw him up to the reward that he had merited by being lowly.
Unto his friars as to the rightful heirs, his most dear lady did he recommend, and bade that they should love her faithfully. And from her bosom the illustrious soul wished to depart, returning to its realm, and for its body wished no other beer. Think now what man was he, who was a fit companion over the high seas, to keep the bark of Peter to its proper bearings? And this man was our patriarch, hence whoever doth follow him as he commands can see that he is laden with good merchandise. But for new pasturage his flock has grown so greedy that it is impossible they be not scattered over fields diverse, and in proportion as his sheep remote and vagabond go farther off from him, more void of milk return they to the fold.
Verily some there are that fear a hurt, and keep close to the shepherd, but so few that little cloth doth furnish forth their hoods. Now if my utterance be not indistinct, if thine own hearing hath attentive been, If thou recall to mind what I have said, in part contented shall thy wishes be, for thou shalt see the plant that's chipped away, and the rebuke that lieth in the words, where well one fattens, if he strayeth not. End of the Paradiso.
This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information, or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. The Divine Comedy by Dante Alieri. Translated by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Paradiso. Canto Six to Canto Eleven.
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16 16 - Paradiso: Canto XII-Canto XVI 32:15
Translated by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Paradiso. Canto XII to Canto XVI.
Canto XII.
Soon as the blessed flame had taken up, the final word to give it utterance began the holy millstone to revolve, and in its gyre had not turned wholly round before another in a ring enclosed it, and motion joined to motion, song to song. Song that as greatly doth transcend our muses, our sirens in those dulcet clarions, as primal splendor that which is reflected, And as are spanned athwart a tender cloud, two rainbows parallel and like in color, when Juno to her handmaid gives command, the one without born of the one within, like to the speaking of that vagrant one whom love consumed as doth the sun the vapors. And make the people here through covenant God set with Noah presageful of the world that shall no more be covered with a flood.
In such wise of those sempiternal roses the garlands twain encompassed us about, and thus the outer to the inner answer it. After the dance and other grand rejoicings, both of the singing and the flaming forth, effulgence with effulgence, blithe and tender, together at once with one accord had stopped, even as the eyes that as volition moves them must needs together shut and lift themselves. Out of the heart of one of the new lights there came a voice that, needle to the star, made me appear in turning thitherward. And it began— The love that makes me fair draws me to speak about the other leader, by whom so well is spoken here of mine. Tis right, where one is, to bring in the other, that as they were united in their warfare, together likewise may their glory shine.
The soldiery of Christ, which it had cost so dear to arm again behind the standard, moved slow and doubtful and in numbers few. When the emperor who reigneth evermore provided for the host that was in peril, through grace alone and not that it was worthy. And as was said, he to his bride brought succor, with champions twain at whose deed, at whose word, the straggling people were together drawn. Within that region where the sweet west wind rises to open the new leaves, wherewith Europe is seen to clothe herself afresh, Not far off from the beating of the waves behind which in his long career the sun sometimes conceals himself from every man, is situate the fortunate Kalahora, under protection of the mighty shield in which the lion subject is and sovereign.
Therein was born the amorous paramour of Christian faith, the athlete consecrate, kind to his own and cruel to his foes, and when it was created was his mind replete with such a living energy that in his mother her it made prophetic. As soon as the espousals were complete between him and the faith at Holy Font, where they with mutual safety dowered each other, the woman who for him had given a cent saw in a dream the admirable fruit that issue would from him and from his heirs, and that he might be construed as he was, a spirit from this place went forth to name him, with his possessive, whose he wholly was. Dominic was he called, and him I speak of, even as of the husbandman whom Christ elected to his garden to assist him.
Envoy and servant, sooth he seemed, of Christ, for the first love made manifest in him was the first counsel that was given by Christ. Silent and wakeful many a time was he, discovered by his nurse upon the ground, as if he would have said, For this I came. O thou his father, Felix, verily, O thou his mother, verily, Joanna, if this interpreted means as is said. Not for the world which people toil for now, in following Ostiense and Taddeo, but through his longing after the true manner. He in short time became so great a teacher that he began to go about the vineyard, which fadeth soon, if faithless be the dresser, and of the sea that once was more benignant unto the righteous poor, not through itself but him who sits there and degenerates, not to dispense or two or three for six, not any fortune of first vacancy, Non decimas quae sunt pauperum dei.
He asked for, but against the errant world, permission to do battle for the seed, of which these four-and-twenty plants surround thee. Then with the doctrine and the will together, with office apostolical he moved like torrent, which some lofty vein outpresses, and in among the shoots heretical his impetus with greater fury smote, wherever the resistance was the greatest. Of him were made, thereafter, divers runnels, whereby the garden Catholic is watered, so that more living its plantations stand. Of such the one wheel of the bygo was, in which the Holy Church itself defended, and in the field its civic battle won. Truly full manifest should be to thee the excellence of the other, unto whom Thomas so courteous was before my coming."
But still the orbit which the highest part of its circumference made is derelict, so that the mold is where was once the crust. His family, that had straightforward moved with feet upon his footprints, are turned round so that they set the point upon the heel. And soon aware they will be of the harvest of this bad husbandry, when shall the tares complain the granary is taken from them. Yet say I, he who searcheth leaf by leaf, our volume through, would still some page discover where he could read, I am as I am wont. "'Twill not be from Casale nor Acquasparta, from whence come such unto the written word that one avoids it and the other narrows. Bonaventura of Bagnoregio's life am I, who always in great offices postponed consideration sinister.
Here are Illuminato and Agostino, Who of the first barefooted beggars were, that with the cord the friends of God became. Hugh of St. Victor is among them here, and Peter Mangiador, and Peter of Spain, who down below in Vol. XII is shining. Nathan the seer, and Metropolitan Chrysostom, and Anselmus, and Donatus, who deigned to lay his hand to the first art. Here is Rabanus, and beside me here shines the Calabrian abbot Joachim, he with the spirit of prophecy endowed. To celebrate so great a paladin have moved me the impassioned courtesy and the discreet discourses of Friar Thomas, and with me they have moved this company.
Let him imagine who would well conceive what now I saw, and let him while I speak retain the image as a steadfast rock, the fifteen stars that in their diverse regions the sky enliven with a light so great that it transcends all clusters of the air. Let him the wane imagine unto which our vault of heaven sufficeth night and day, so that in turning of its pole it fails not. Let him the mouth imagine of the horn, that in the point beginneth of the axis round about which the primal wheel revolves, to have fashioned of themselves two signs in heaven, like unto that which Minas' daughter made, the moment when she felt the frost of death, and one to have its rays within the other, and both to whirl themselves in such a manner that one should forward go, the other backward.
And he will have some shadowing forth of that true constellation and the double dance that circled round the point at which I was. Because it is as much beyond our want, as swifter than the motion of the Chiana, moveth the heaven that all the rest outspeeds. There sang neither Bacchus nor Apollo, but in the divine nature persons three, and in one person the divine and human. The singing and the dance fulfilled their measure, and unto us those holy lights gave need, growing in happiness from care to care. Then broke the silence of those saints' concordant, the light in which the admirable life of God's own mendicant was told to me, and said, Now that one straw is trodden on, now that its seed is garnered up already, sweet love invites me to thresh out the other.
Into that bosom thou believest whence was drawn the rib to form the beauteous cheek, whose taste to all the world is costing dear. And into that which by the lance transfixed before and since such satisfaction made that it weighs down the balance of all sin. What air of light it has to human nature been lawful to possess was all infused by the same power that both of them created. And hence at what I said above dost wonder, when I narrated that no second had the good which in the fifth light is enclosed. Now open thine eyes to what I answer thee, and thou shalt see thy creed and my discourse fit in the truth as centre in a circle. That which can die, and that which dieth not, are nothing but the splendour of the idea which by his love our Lord brings into being.
Because that living light which from its fount effulgent flows so that it disunites not from him, nor from the love in them enshrined, Though its own goodness reunites its rays in nine subsistences as in a mirror, itself eternally remaining one. Thence it descends to the last potencies, downward from act to act, becoming such that only brief contingencies it makes. And these contingencies I hold to be things generated, which the heaven produces by its own motion, with seed and without. Neither the wax nor that which tempers it remains immutable, and hence beneath the ideal signet more and less shines through. Therefore it happens that the selfsame tree after its kind bears worse and better fruit, and ye are born with characters diverse.
If in perfection tempered were the wax, and were the heaven in its supremest virtue, the brilliance of the seal would all appear. But nature gives it evermore deficient, in the like manner working as the artist who has the skill of art and hand that trembles. If then the fervent love, the vision clear, of primal virtue do dispose and seal, perfection absolute is there acquired. Thus was of old the earth created worthy of all and every animal perfection, and thus the virgin was impregnate made. So that thine own opinion I commend, that human nature never yet has been, nor will be, what it was in those two persons. Now if no farther forth I should proceed, then in what way was he without a peer, would be the first beginning of thy words.
But that may well appear what now appears not. Think who he was, and what occasion moved him to make request, when it was told him, Ask. I've not so spoken that thou canst not see clearly he was a king who asked for wisdom, that he might be sufficiently a king. "'Twas not to know the number in which are the motors here above, or if necesse with a contingent ere necesse make, non si estare primo motomese, or if in semicircle can be made triangle so that it have no right angle. Whence if thou noticed this and what I said, a regal prudence is that peerless seeing in which the shaft of my intention strikes. And if on rose thou turnest thy clear eyes, thou'lt see that it has reference alone to kings who are many, and the good are rare.
With this distinction take thou what I said, and thus it can consist with thy belief of the first father and of our delight. And led shall this be always to thy feet, to make thee like a weary man move slowly, both to the yes and no thou seest not. For very low among the fools is he who affirms without distinction Or denies as well in one as in the other case, because it happens that full often bends current opinion in the false direction, and then the feelings bind the intellect. Far more than uselessly he leaves the shore, since he returneth not the same he went, who fishes for the truth and has no skill. And in the world proofs manifest thereof. Parmenides, Melissus, Brissus are, and many who went on and knew not whither.
Thus did Sibelius, Arius, and those fools who have been even as swords unto the scriptures in rendering distorted their straight faces. Nor yet shall people be too confident in judging, even as he is who doth count the corn in field, or ever it be ripe. For I have seen all winter long the thorn first show itself intractable and fierce, and after bear the rose upon its top. And I have seen a ship, direct and swift, run o'er the sea throughout its course entire to perish at the harbor's mouth at last. Let not Dame Bertha nor Sir Martin think, seeing one steal another offering make, to see them in the arbitrament divine. For one may rise and fall, the other may.
Canto 14.
From center unto rim, from rim to center, in a round vase the water moves itself, as from without tis struck or from within. Into my mind upon a sudden dropped what I am saying at the moment when silent became the glorious life of Thomas, because of the resemblance that was born of his discourse and that of Beatrice, whom after him it pleased thus to begin. This man has need, and does not tell you so, nor with the voice, nor even in his thought, of going to the root of one truth more. Declare unto him if the light wherewith blossoms your substance shall remain with you eternally the same that it is now. And if it do remain, say in what manner, after ye are again made visible, it can be that it injure not your sight.
As by a greater gladness urged and drawn, they who are dancing in a ring sometimes uplift their voices and their motions quicken, so at that orison, devout and prompt, the holy circles a new joy displayed in their revolving and their wondrous song. Whoso lamenteth him that here we die that we may live above has never there seen the refreshment of the eternal reign. The one and two and three who ever liveth, and reigneth ever in three and two and one, not circumscribed, and all things circumscribing. Three several times was chanted by each one among those spirits, with such melody that for all merit it were just reward. And in the lustre most divine of all, the lesser ring, I heard a modest voice, such as perhaps the angel's was to Mary, answer.
As long as the festivity of paradise shall be, so long our love shall radiate round about us such a vesture. Its brightness is proportioned to the ardor, the ardor to the vision, and the vision equals what grace it has above its worth. When glorious and sanctified our flesh is reassumed, then shall our persons be more pleasing by their being all complete. For will increase whate'er bestows on us of light gratuitous the good supreme, light which enables us to look on him. Therefore the vision must perforce increase, increase the ardor which from that is kindled, increase the radiance which from this proceeds. But even as a coal that sends forth flame, and by its vivid whiteness overpowers it, so that its own appearance it maintains, thus the effulgence that surrounds us now shall be o'erpowered in aspect by the flesh, which still to-day the earth doth cover up.
Nor can so great a splendor weary us, for strong will be the organs of the body to everything which hath the power to please us. So sudden and alert appeared to me both one and the other choir to say Amen, that well they showed desire for their dead bodies, nor soul for them perhaps, but for the mothers, the fathers, and the rest who had been dear, or ever they became eternal flames. And lo, all round about, of equal brightness, arose a lustre over what was there, like a horizon that is clearing up. And as it rise of early eve begins along the welkin new appearances, so that the sight seems real and unreal, it seemed to me that new subsistences began there to be seen, and make a circle outside the other two circumferences.
Oh, very sparkling of the Holy Spirit! How sudden and incandescent it became unto mine eyes that vanquished bore it not! But Beatrice, so beautiful and smiling, appeared to me, that with the other sights that followed not my memory I must leave her. Then, to uplift themselves, mine eyes resumed the power, and I beheld myself translated to higher salvation with my lady only. Well was I aware that I was more uplifted by the enkindled smiling of the star that seemed to me more ruddy than its wont. With all my heart, and in that dialect which is the same in all, such holocaust to God I made as the new grace beseemed. And not yet from my bosom was exhausted the ardor of sacrifice, before I knew this offering was accepted and auspicious.
For with so great a lustre and so red, splendors appeared to me in twofold rays. I said, O Helios, who doth so adorn them. Even as distinct with less and greater lights glimmers between the two poles of the world, the galaxy that maketh wise men doubt, Thus constellated in the depths of Mars, those rays describe the venerable sign that quadrants joining in a circle make. Here doth my memory overcome my genius, for on that cross as leaven gleamed forth Christ, so that I cannot find in sample worthy. But he who takes his cross and follows Christ again will pardon me what I omit, seeing in that aurora lighten Christ. From horn to horn, and twixt the top and base, lights were in motion, brightly scintillating as they together met and passed each other.
Thus level and aslant and swift and slow, we here behold, renewing still to sight, the particles of bodies long and short. Across the sunbeam move, wherewith is listed sometimes the shade, which for their own defense people with cunning and with art contrive. And as a lute and harp, a cordon strung with many strings, a dulcet tinkling make to him by whom the notes are not distinguished, so from the lights that there to me appeared, up gathered through the cross a melody, which wrapped me, not distinguishing the hymn. Well was I where it was of lofty laud, because there came to me, Arise and conquer, as unto him who hears and comprehends not. So much enamoured I became therewith that until then there was not anything that e'er had fettered me with such sweet bonds.
Perhaps my word appears somewhat too bold, postponing the delight of those fair eyes into which gazing my desire has rest. But who bethinks him that the living seals of every beauty grow in power ascending, and that I there had not turned round to those, can me excuse if I myself accuse to excuse myself, and see that I speak truly, For here the holy joy is not disclosed, because ascending it becomes more pure.
Canto XV.
A will benign in which reveals itself ever the love that righteously inspires, as in the iniquitous cupidity, silence imposed upon that dulcet lyre, and quieted the consecrated chords that heaven's right hand doth tighten and relax. How unto just entreaty shall be deaf those substances, which, to give me desire of praying them with one accord, grew silent. "'Tis well that without end he should lament, who for the love of thing that doth not last eternally despoils him of that love. As through the pure and tranquil evening air there shoots from time to time a sudden fire, moving the eyes that steadfast were before. And seems to be a star that changeth place, except that in the part where it is kindled nothing is missed, and this endureth little.
So from the horn that to the right extends unto that cross's foot there ran a star, out of the constellation shining there. Nor was the gem dissevered from its ribbon, but down the radiant fillet ran along, so that fire seemed it behind alabaster. Thus piteous did Anchises' shade reach forward, if any faith our greatest muse deserve, when in Elysium he his son perceived. O sanguis meus, O superinfusa gratia dei, sicud tibi, qui bis unquam coeli genua reclusa. Thus that effulgence whence I gave it heed, then round unto my lady turned my sight, and on this side and that was stupefied. For in her eyes was burning such a smile that with mine own methought I touched the bottom both of my grace and of my paradise.
Then, pleasant to the hearing and the sight, the spirit joined to its beginning things I understood not, so profound it spake. Nor did it hide itself from me by choice, but by necessity, for its conception above the mark of mortal set itself. And when the bow of burning sympathy was so far slackened, That its speech descended towards the mark of our intelligence. The first thing that was understood by me was, "'Benedite be thou, O Trine and One, who hast unto my seed so courteous been.' And it continued, "'Hunger long and grateful, drawn from the reading of the mighty volume wherein is never changed the white nor dark, thou hast appeased my son within this light, in which I speak to thee, by grace of her who to this lofty flight with plumage clothed thee.' Thou thinkest that to me thy thought doth pass from him who is the first, as from the unit, if that be known, ray out the five and six.
And therefore, who I am thou askest not, and why I seem more joyous unto thee than any other of this gladsome crowd. Thou thinkest the truth, because the small and great of this existence look into the mirror wherein before thou thinkest thy thought thou showest. But that the sacred love in which I watch with sight perpetual, and which makes me thirst with sweet desire, may better be fulfilled. Now let thy voice secure and frank and glad proclaim the wishes, the desire proclaimed, to which my answer is decreed already. To Beatrice I turned me, and she heard before I spake, and smiled to me a sign that made the wings of my desire increase. Then in this wise began I. Love and knowledge, when on you dawned the first equality, of the same weight for each of you became.
For in the sun which lighted you and burned with heat and radiance, they so equal are that all similitudes are insufficient. But among mortals will and argument, for reason that to you is manifest, diversely feathered in their opinions are. Whence I, who mortal am, feel in myself this inequality, so give not thanks save in my heart for this paternal welcome. Truly do I entreat thee, living Topaz, set in this precious jewel as a gem, that thou wilt satisfy me with thy name.
O leaf of mine, and whom I pleasure took, e'en while awaiting I was thine own root! Such a beginning he in answer made me. Then said to me, That one from whom is named thy race, and who a hundred years and more has circled round the mount on the first cornice, a son of mine and thy great-grandsire was, Well it behoves thee that the long fatigue thou shouldst for him make shorter with thy works. Florence, within the ancient boundary, from which she taketh still her tierce and nones, abode in quiet, temperate, and chaste. No golden chain she had, nor coronal, nor lady shot with sandal-shoon, nor girdle that caught the eye more than the person did. Not yet the daughter at her birth struck fear into the father, for the time and dower, Did not o'errun this side or that the measure.
No houses had she void of families, nor yet had thither come Sardanapalus, to show what in a chamber can be done. Not yet surpassed had Montemalo been by your uselitojo, which surpassed shall in its downfall be as in its rise. Belencion Berti saw I go begirt with leather and with bone, and from the mirror his dame depart without a painted face. And him of Nerliso, and him of Vecchio, contented with their simple suits of buff, and with the spindle and the flax their dames. O fortunate women! And each one was certain of her own burial-place, and none as yet for sake of France was in her bed deserted. One o'er the cradle kept her studious watch, and in her lullaby the language used that first delights the fathers and the mothers.
Another, drawing tresses from her distaff, told o'er among her family the tales of Trojans and of Fessole in Rome. As great a marvel then would have been held a Lapposaltarello, a Ciengela, a Cincinnati, or Cornelia now. To such a quiet, such a beautiful life of the citizen, to such a safe community, and to so sweet an inn, did Mary give me, with loud cries invoked, And in your ancient baptistry at once, Christian and Cassiagüida I became. Moronto was my brother, and Eliseo, from Val di Pado, came to me my wife, and from that place thy surname was derived. I followed afterward the Emperor Conrad, and he begirt me of his chivalry, so much I pleased him with my noble deeds. I followed in his train against that law's iniquity, whose people doth usurp your just possession through your pastor's fault.
Thereby that execrable race was I released from bonds of the fallacious world, the love of which defileth many souls, and came from martyrdom unto this place. Canto 16. O thou, our poor nobility of blood, if thou dost make the people glory in thee, down here where our affection languishes, a marvellous thing it ne'er will be to me, for there where appetite is not perverted, I say in heaven, of thee I made a boast. Truly thou art a cloak that quickly shortens, so that unless we peace thee day by day, time goeth round about thee with his shears. With you, which Rome was first to tolerate, wherein her family less perseveres, yet once again my words beginning made, whence Beatrice, who stood somewhat apart, smiling, appeared like unto her who coughed at the first failing writ of Guinevere.
And I began— You are my ancestor. You give to me all hardihood to speak. You lift me so that I am more than I. So many rivulets with gladness fill my mind, that of itself it makes a joy, because it can endure this and not burst. Then tell me, my beloved root ancestral, who were your ancestors, and what the years that in your boyhood chronicled themselves? Tell me about the sheepfold of St. John, how large it was, and who the people were within it worthy of the highest seats. As at the blowing of the winds a coal quickens to flame, so I beheld that light become resplendent at my blandishments. And as unto mine eyes it grew more fair, with voice more sweet and tender, but not in this modern dialect, it said to me— From uttering of the ave till the birth in which my mother, who is now a saint, of me was lightened who had been her burdened.
Unto the lion had this fire returned, five hundred fifty times and thirty more, to re-inflame itself beneath his paw. My ancestors and I our birthplace had, where first is found the last ward of the city, by him who runneth in your annual game. Suffice it of my elders to hear this, but who they were and whence they thither came, silence is more considerate than speech. All those who at that time were there between Mars and the Baptist, fit for bearing arms, were a fifth part of those who now are living. But the community that now is mixed with Campi and Sertaldo and Ficchine, pure in the lowest artisan, was seen. Oh, how much better twere to have as neighbors the folk of whom I speak, and at Galluzzo, and at Trespiano have your boundary, then have them in the town, and bear the stench of a Guglione's churl, and him of Signia, who has sharp eyes for trickery already.
Had not the folk, which most of all the world degenerates, been a stepdame unto Caesar, but as a mother to her son benignant? Some who turned Florentines, and trade in discount, would have gone back again to Simifonte, there where their grandsires went about as beggars. At Montemurlo still would be the counts, the Cerci and the parish of Acone, perhaps in Val-de-Grieve, the Buen del Monte. Ever the intermingling of the people has been the source of malady in cities, as in the body food it surfeits on. And a blind bull more headlong plunges down than a blind lamb, and very often cuts better and more a single sword than five. If Luni thou regard, and Urbisaglia, how they have passed away, and how are passing Chiusi, and Senegaglia after them.
To hear how races waste themselves away will seem to thee no novel thing nor hard, seeing that even cities have an end. All things of yours have their mortality, even as yourselves, but it is hidden in some, that a long while endure and lives are short. And as the turning of the lunar heaven covers and bears the shores without a pause, in the like manner fortune does with Florence. Therefore should not appear a marvellous thing what I shall say of the great Florentines, of whom the fame is hidden in the past. I saw the Uchi, saw the Cattalini, Filippi, Gressi, Ormani, and Alberici, even in their fall illustrious citizens, and saw as mighty as they ancient were with him of Lassanella, him of Arca, and Soldanier, and Ardingi, and Bostici.
Near to the gate it is at present laden with a new felony of so much weight that soon it shall be jetsam from the bark. The ravignani were from whom descended the county Guido, and whoe'er the name of the great Bellincione since hath taken. He of La Presa knew the art of ruling already, and already Galleggio had hilt and pommel gilded in his house. Mighty already was the column Verr, Jiuochi, Fiffant, and Baruchi, and Gali, and they who for the bushel blush. The stock from which were the Kalfuchi born was great already, and already chosen to curule chairs the Siti and Ariguchi. Oh, how beheld I those who are undone by their own pride, and how the balls of gold Florence inflowered in all their mighty deeds!
So likewise did the ancestors of those who evermore, when vacant is your church, fatten by staying in consistory. The insolent race that, like a dragon, follows whoever flees, and unto him that shows his teeth or purse is gentle as a lamb, already rising was but from low people, so that it pleased not Ubertin Donato that his wife's father should make him their kin. Already had Caponsacco to the market from Fessol descended, and already Giuda and Infangatto were good burkers. I'll tell a thing incredible but true. One entered the small circuit by a gate, which from the della Pera took its name. Each one that bears the beautiful escutcheon of the great baron whose renown and name the festival of Thomas keepeth fresh, knighthood and privilege from him received, though with the populace unites himself, to-day the man who binds it with a border.
Already were Gualtarati and Importuni, and still more quiet would the borgo be if with new neighbors it remained unfed. The house from which is borne your lamentation, through just disdain that death among you brought and put an end unto your joyous life, was honored in itself and its companions. O Buon del Monte, how in evil hour thou fledst the bridle at another's promptings! Many would be rejoicing who are sad if God had thee surrendered to the Imah the first time that thou camest to the city. But it behove the mutilated stone which guards the bridge, that Florence should provide a victim in her latest hour of peace. With all these families, and others with them, Florence beheld I in so great repose, that no occasion had she whence to weep.
With all these families beheld so just and glorious her people, that the lily, never upon the spear, was place reversed, nor by division was vermilion made.
End of the Divine Comedy, Paradiso, Cantos, Twelve to Sixteen by Dante Alighieri, and translated by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
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17 17 - Paradiso: Canto XVII-Canto XVIII 39:50
17 to 21. Paradiso.
Canto 17. As came to Clymene, to be made certain of that which he had erred against himself, he who makes fathers cherries still to children. Even such was I, and such was I perceived by Beatrice and by the Holy Light, that first on my account had changed its place. Therefore, my lady, said to me, Send forth the flame of thy desire, so that at issue imprinted well with the internal stamp. Not that our knowledge may be greater made by speech of thine, but to accustom thee to tell thy thirst, that we may give thee drink. O my beloved tree that so doth lift thee, that even as minds terrestrial perceive, no triangle containeth too obtuse. So thou beholdest the contingent things, ere in themselves they are.
Fixing thine eyes upon the point in which all times are present. While I was with Virgilus conjoined upon the mountain that the souls doth heal, and when descending into the dead world, was spoken to me of my future life some grievous words. Although I feel myself in sooth for square against the blows of jaunts, on this account my wish would be content to hear what fortune is approaching me. Because foreseeing an arrow comes more slowly. Thus did I say unto that selfsame light, that unto me had spoken before, and even as Beatrice willed, was my own will confessed. Not in vague phrase, in which the foolish folk ensnared themselves of old, ere yet was slain the Lamb of God, who taketh sins away.
But with clear words and unambiguous language responded that paternal love, Hidden, revealed by its own proper smile. Contingency, that outside of the volume of your materiality extends not, is all depicted in the eternal aspect. Necessity, however, thence it takes not, except as from the eye in which it is mirrored, a ship that with the current down descends. From thence, e'en as there cometh to the ear, sweet harmony from an organ, Comes in sight to me the time that is preparing for thee. As forth from Athens went Hippolytus, by reason of his stepped aim false and cruel, so thou from Florence must perforce depart. Already this is willed, and this is sought for, and soon it shall be done by him who thinks it, for every day the Christ is bought and sold.
The blame shall follow the offended party in outcry as is usual, but the vengeance shall witness to the truth that doth dispense it. Thou shalt abandon everything beloved most tenderly, and this the arrow is which first the bow of banishment shoots forth. Thou shalt have proof how savoureth of salt the bread of others, and how hard a road the going down and up another's stairs. And that which most shall weigh upon thy shoulders will be the bad and foolish company with which into this valley thou shalt fall. For all in great, all mad and impious, will they become against thee. But soon after they, and not thou, shall have the forehead scarlet. Of their bestiality their own proceedings shall furnish proof.
So twill be well for thee a party to have made thee by thyself. Thine earliest refuge and thine earliest inn shall be the mighty Lombard's courtesy, who on the ladder bears the holy bird. Who such benign regard shall I have for thee, that, twixt you twain in doing and in asking, that shall be first, which is with others last. With him shalt thou see one who at his birth has by this star of strength been so impressed, that notable shall his achievements be. Not yet the people are aware of him through his young age, since only nine years, yet around about him have these wheels revolved. But ere the gascon cheat the noble Henry, some sparkles of his virtue shall appear in caring not for silver nor for toil.
So recognized shall his magnificence become hereafter, that his enemies will not have power to keep mute tongues about it. On him rely, and on his benefits. By him shall many people be transformed, changing condition rich and mendicant, and written in thy mind, Thou hence shall bear of him, but shalt not say it. And things said he incredible to those who shall be present. Then added, Son, these are the commentaries on which was said to thee. Behold the snares that are concealed behind few revolutions. Yet should I not thy neighbors thou shouldst envy, because thy life into the future reaches beyond the punishment of their perfidies. When by silence showed that sainted soul that it had finished putting in the woof into that web which I had given it warped, began I, even as he who yearneth after, being in doubt, some counsel from a person who seeth and uprightly wills and loves.
Well, see I, Father mine, how spurreth on the dime towards me such a blow to deal me, as heaviest is to him who most gives way. Therefore, with foresight, it is well I arm me, that, if the dearest place be taken from me, I may not lose the others by my songs. Down through the world of infinite bitterness, and o'er the mountains from which beauchous summit, The eyes of my own lady lifted me, and afterward, through heaven from light to light, I have learned that which, if I tell again, will be a saviour of strong herbs to many, and if I am a timid friend to truth, I fear lest I may lose my life with those who will hereafter call this time the olden, the light in which was smiling my own treasure, which there I had discovered, Flashed at first as in the sunshine doth a golden mirror.
Then made reply. A conscience, overcast or with its own or with another's shame, will taste forsooth the tautness of thy word. But ne'er the less, all falsehood laid aside, make manifest thy vision utterly, and let them scratch wherever is the itch. For if thine utterance shall offensive be at the first taste, a vital nutriment, "'Twill leave thereafter when it is digested. This cry of thine shall do as doth the wind, which smiteth most the most exalted summits, and that is no slight argument of honour. Therefore are shown to thee within these wheels, upon the mountain and in the dolorous valley, only the souls that unto fame are known, because the spirit of the hearer rests not, nor doth confirm its faith by an example."
which has the root of it unknown and hidden, or other reason that is not apparent.
Now was alone rejoicing in its word, that soul beatified, and I was tasting my own the bitter tempering with the sweet, and the lady who to God was leading me said, Change thy thought. Consider that I am near unto him who every wrong disburdened. Under the loving accents of my comfort I turned me round. And then what love I saw within those holy eyes I hear relinquish. Not only that my language I distrust, but that my mind cannot return so far above itself unless another guide it. Thus much upon that point can I repeat. That her again beholding my affection from every other longing was released. While the eternal pleasure, which direct rayed upon Beatrice, from her fair face contented me with its reflected aspect, conquering me with the radiance of a smile, she said to me, Turn thee about and listen.
Not in my eyes alone is paradise. Even as sometimes here do we behold the affection in the look. If it be such that all the soul is rapt away by it. So by the flaming of the Elphilgens wholly to which I turned, I recognized therein the wish of speaking to me somewhat farther. And it began. In this fifth resting place upon the tree that liveth by its summit, and ah, bears fruit and never loses leaf, are blessed spirits that below ere yet they came to heaven. were of such renown that every muse therewith would affluent be. Therefore look thou upon the cross's horns. He whom I now shall name will there enact what doth within a cloud its own swift fire. I saw a thwart the cross, a splendor drawn by naming Joshua, even as he did it.
Nor noted I the word before the deed, and at the name of the great Maccabee I saw another move itself revolving, and gladness was the whip unto that top. Likewise, for Charlemagne and for Orlando, two of them I regard attentive followed, as followeth the eye its falcon flying. William there afterward, and Renaud, and the Duke Godfrey did attract my sight upon the cross, and Robert Guiscard then moved and mingled with the other lights. The soul that had addressed me showed how great an artist was among the heavenly singers. To my right side I turned myself around, my duty to behold in Beatrice, either by words or gestures signified. And so translucent I beheld her eyes so full of pleasure, that her countenance surpassed its other and its latest want.
And as, by feeling greater delectation, a man in doing good from day to day becomes aware his virtue is increasing. So I became aware that my gyration with heaven together had increased its awk, that miracle beholding more adorned. And such as is the change in little laps of time in a pale woman, When her face is from the load of bashfulness, unladen, such was it in mine eyes, when I had turned, caused by the whiteness of the temperate star, the sixth which to itself had gathered me. Within that jovial torch did I behold the sparkling of the love, which was therein delineate our language to mine eyes. And even as birds uprisen from the shore, as in congratulation o'er their food, Make squadrons of themselves, now round, now long.
So from within those lights the holy creatures sang flying to and fro, and in their figures made of themselves now D, now I, now L. First singing they came, to their own music moved, then one becoming of these characters. A little while they rested and were silent. O divine Pegacy! Thou who genius doth, glorious make and render it long-lived, and this through thee the cities and the kingdoms. Allume me with thyself, that I may bring their figures out as I have them conceived. Apparent by thy power in these brief verses. Themselves, then, they displayed in five times seven vowels and consonants, and I observed the parts as they seemed spoken unto me. Diligat justium. These were first verb and noun of all that was depicted.
Qui jududicus, derong, were the last. Thereafter, in the M of the fifth word, remained they so arranged that Jupiter seemed to be silver there with gold inlaid. And other lights I saw descend where was the summit of the M, and pause there singing the good, I think. That draws themselves to itself. Then, as in striking upon burning logs, upward there fly innumerable stocks, whence fools are wont to look for auguries. More than a thousand lights seem thence to rise, and to ascend some more, and others less, even as the sun that lights them had allotted And each one being quiet in its place, the head and neck beheld eye of an eagle, delineated by that inlaid fire. He who there paints has none to be his guide, but himself guides, and is from him remembered that virtue which is form unto the nest.
The other beatitude, that contented, seemed at first to bloom a lily on the M, by a slight motion followed out the imprint. O gentle star, what in how many gems did demonstrate to me, that all our justice effect is of that heaven which thou engemnest. Wherefore I pray the mind, in which begin thy motion, and thy virtue, to regard whence comes the smoke that vitiates thy rays, so that a second time is now beworth, with buying and with selling in the temple, whose walls were built with signs and martyrdoms, O soldiery of heaven whom I contemplate, implore for those who are upon the earth, all gone astray after the bad example. Once twas the custom to make war with swords, but now it is made by taking here and there the bread the pitying father shuts from none.
Yet thou, who writest but to counsel, think that Peter and that Paul, who for this vineyard which thou art spoiling died, are still alive. Well, canst thou say, So steadfast my desire is unto him who will to live alone, and for a dance was led to martyrdom, that I know not the fisherman, nor Paul. Paradiso, Canto, 19, appeared before me with its wings outspread, the beautiful image that in sweet fruition made jubilant the interwoven souls. Appeared a little ruby each, wherein ray of the sun was burning so enkindled that each into mine eyes refracted it. And what it now behooves me to retrace, nor voice as e'er reported, nor inkwritten, nor was by fantasy e'er comprehended. For speak I saw, and likewise heard, the beak, and uttered with its voice both I and my, when in conception, It was we and our, and it began, Being just and merciful, am I exalted here unto that glory, which cannot be exceeded by desire.
And upon earth I left my memory, such that the evil-minded people there commend it, but continue not the story. So doth a single eat from many embers make itself felt, even as from many loves issued a single sound from out that image. Whence I thereafter, O perpetual flowers of the eternal joy, that only one make me perceive your odors manifold. Exhaling, break within me the great fast, which a long season has in hunger held me, not finding for it any food on earth. Well do I know that if in heaven its mirror justice divine another realm doth make, Yours apprehends it not through any veil. You know how I attentively address me to listen, and you know what is the doubt that is in me so very old a fast.
Even as a falcon, issuing from his hood, doth move his head and with his wings applaud him, showing desire and making himself fine, saw I become that standard which of lords was interwoven of the grace divine with such songs as he knows who there rejoices. Then it began. He who a compass turned on the world's outer verge, and who within it devised so much occult and manifest, could not the impress of his power so make on all the universe, as that his word should not remain in infinite excess. And this makes certain that the first proud being, Who was the paragon of every creature, by not awaiting light, fell immature, and hence appears it that each minor nature is scant receptacle unto that good which has no end and by itself is measured.
In consequence, our vision, which perforce must be some ray of that intelligence with which all things whatever are replete, cannot in its own nature Be so potent that it shall not its origin discern far beyond that which is apparent to it. Therefore into the justice, semperternal, the bower vision that your world receives as eye into the ocean penetrates, which, though it see the bottom near the shore, upon the deep perceives it not, and yet tis there, but it is hidden by the depth. There is no light, but comes from the serene that never is o'ercast. Nay, it is darkness, or shadow of the flesh, or else its poison. Amply to thee is open now the cavern, which has concealed from thee the living justice, of which thou madst such frequent questioning.
For saidest thou, born a man is on the shore of Indus, and is none who there can speak of Christ, nor who can read. No who can write? And all his inclinations and his actions are good, so far as human reason sees, without a sin in life or in discourse. He dieth unbaptized and without faith. Where is this justice that condemneth him? Where is his fault, if he do not believe? Now who art thou that on the bench would sit in judgment at a thousand miles away? With the short vision of a single span, Truly to him who with me subtilizes, If so the scripture were not over you, For doubting there were a marvellous occasion. O animals, terene, O stolid minds, The primal will, That in itself is good, Ne'er from itself the good supreme has moved.
So much is just as in accordant with it, No good created draws it to itself. But it, by raying forth, occasions that, even as above her nest goes circling round the stork, when she has fed her little ones, and he who has been fed looks up at her. So lifted I my brows, and even such became the blessed image, which its wings were moving, by so many counsels urged. Circling around it sang, and said, As are my notes to thee, Who dost not comprehend them? Such is the eternal judgment to you mortals. Those lucent splendors of the Holy Spirit grew quiet then, but still within the standard that made the Romans reverend to the world. It recommenced. Unto this kingdom never ascended one who had not faith in Christ.
Before or since he to the tree was nailed. But look thou, many crying, Ah, Christ, Christ! Who at the judgment shall be far less near to him than some shall be who knew not Christ. Such Christians shall the Ethiop condemn when the two companies shall be divided, the one for ever rich, the other poor. What to your kings may not the Persians say when they that volume opened shall behold, in which are written down all their dispraises? There shall be seen among the deeds of Albert. That which ere long shall set the pen in motion, for which the realm of Prague shall be deserted. There shall be seen the woe that on the Seine he brings by falsifying of the coin, who by the blow of a wild boar shall die.
There shall be seen the pride that causes thirst, which makes the Scot and Englishmen so mad that they within their boundaries cannot rest. Be seen the luxury and effeminate life of M of Spain and the Bohemian, who valour never knew and never wished. Be seen the cripple of Jerusalem, his goodness represented by an eye, while the reverse an M shall represent. Be seen the avarice and bold junery of Ihmugard's The Island of the Fire, wherein Chises finished his long life. And to declare how pitiful he is, shall be his record in contracted letters, which shall make note of much in little space, and shall appear to each one the foul deeds of uncle and of brother, who a nation so famous have dishonored, and two crowns.
And he of Portugal, and he of Norway, shall there be known, and he of Rosca, too, who saw in evil hour the coin of Venice. O Appie, young Gray, if she let herself be wronged no farther. And Navarre, la Appie, if with the hills that gird her she be armed, and each one may believe that now, as Hansel thereof, do Nicosia and Famagusta lament and rage because of their own beast, who from the other's flank departeth not.
When he who all the world illuminates out of our hemisphere so far descends that on all sides the daylight is consumed, the heaven that erst by him alone was kindled doth suddenly reveal itself again by many lights wherein in one resplendent. And came into my mind this act of heaven when the ensign of the world and of its leaders had silent in the blessed peak become. Because those living luminaries all, so far more luminous, did songs begin lapsing and falling from my memory. O gentle love, that with a smile dost cloak thee! How ardent in those sparks didst thou appear, that had the breath alone of holy thoughts! After the precious and pellicid crystals with which bejemmed the sixth light, I beheld silence.
Imposed on the angelic bells, I seemed to hear the murmuring of a river that clear descendeth down from rock to rock, showing the affluence of its mountain-top, and as the sound upon the sithern's neck, taken its form and as upon the vent of rustic pipe the wind that enters it, even thus, relieved from the delay of waiting, that murmuring of the eagle mounted up along its neck. as if it had been hollow. There it became a voice, and issued thence from out its beak. In such a form of words, as art waited for wherein I wrote them. The pardon me which sees, and bears the sun in mortal eagles, it began to me, now fixedly must needs be looked upon. For of the fires of which I make my figure, those whence the eye doth sparkle in my head, Of all their orders, the supremest are.
He who is shining in the midst as pupil was once the singer of the Holy Spirit who bore the ark from city unto city. Now knoweth he the merit of his song, in so far as effect of his own counsel, by the reward which is commensurate. Of five that make a circle for my brow, He that approacheth nearest to my beak, did the poor widow for her son console. Now knoweth he how dearly it doth cost, not following Christ, by the experience of this sweet life and of its opposite. He who comes next in the circumference of which I speak, upon its highest ark, did death postpone by penitence sincere. Now knoweth he that the eternal judgment suffers no change. Albeit worthy prayer maketh below to-morrow of to-day.
The next who follows, with the laws and me, under the good intent that bore bad fruit, became a Greek by ceding to the pastor. Now knoweth he how all the ill-deduced from his good action is not harmful to him, although the world thereby may be destroyed, and he, whom in the downward arch, though seest, Guglielmole was, whom the old same line deplores, that weepeth Charles and Frederick yet alive. Now knoweth he how heaven enamoured is with a just king, and in the outward show of his effulgence he reveals it still. Who would believe, down in the errant world, that ere the Trojan Rufus in this round could be the fifth one of the holy lights? Now knoweth he enough of what the world has not the power to see of grace divine, although his sight may not discern the bottom, like as a lark that in the air expatiates, first singing, and then silent with content of the last sweetness that doth satisfy her.
Such seemed to me the image of the imprint of the eternal pleasure, by whose will doth everything become the thing it is. And notwithstanding to my doubt, I was as glass is to the color that invests it, to wait the time in silence it endured not. But forth from my mouth, what things are these, extorted from the force of its own weight? Whereas I saw great joy of coruscation.
Thereafterward, with eyes still more enkindled, the blessed standard made to me reply to keep me not in wonderment. Suspended. I see that thou believest in these things, because I say them. But thou seest not how, so that, although believed in, they are hidden. Thou doest as he doth, who a thing by name well apprehendeth, but its quiddity cannot perceive unless another show it. Regnum colorum. Suffereth violence, from fervent love and from that living hope that overcometh. The divine volition. Not in the guise that man overcometh man, but conquers it, because it will be conquered, and conquered conquers by veniety. The first life of the eyebrow, and the fifth cause thee astonishment, because with them thou seest the region of the angels painted.
They pass not from their bodies, as thou thinkest, Gentiles, but Christians in the steadfast faith of feet. That were to suffer, and had suffered. For one from hell, where no one e'er turns back unto good will, returned upon his bones. And that of living hope was the reward. Of living hope that placed its efficacy in prayers to God, made to resuscitate him, so that twere possible to move his will. The glorious soul concerning which I speak, returning to the flesh, where brief its day, Believed in him who had the power to aid it, and in believing, kindled to such fire of genuine love, that at the second death worthy it was to come unto this joy. The other one, through grace, that from so deep a fountain wells, that never hath the eye of any creature reached its primal wave, said all his love below, on righteousness.
Wherefore from grace to grace did God unclose his eye to our redemption yet to be. Whence he believed therein, and suffered not from that day forth the stench of paganism, and he reproved therefore the folk perverse. Those maidens three, whom at the right-hand wheel thou didst behold, were unto him for baptism more than a thousand years before baptizing. O thou predestination, how remote thy root is from the aspect of all those who the first cause did not behold in Tyre. And you, O mortals, hold yourselves restrained in judging. For ourselves who look on God, we do not know as yet all the elect. And sweet to us is such deprivation, because our good in this good is made perfect, that whatsoever God wills.
We also will. After this manner, by that shape divine, to make clear in me my shortsightedness was given to me a pleasant medicine. And as a good singer, a good lutenist accompanies with vibrations of the chords, whereby more pleasantness the song acquires. So while it spake, do I remember me that I beheld both of those blessed lights, even as the winking of the eyes concords. Moving on to the words, their little flames. Paradiso, Kanto, Twenty-One. Already on my lady's face mine eyes again were fastened, and with these my mind, and from all other purpose was withdrawn, and she smiled not. But if I were to smile, she unto me began. Thou wouldst become like Semley, where she was turned to ashes.
Because my beauty that along the stairs of the eternal palace more enkindles as though hast seen the farther we ascend. If it were tempered not, is so resplendent that all thy mortal power in its effulgence would seem a leaflet like the thunder crushes. We are uplifted to the seventh splendor that underneath the burning lion's breast Now radiates downward, mingled with his power. Fix in direction of thine eyes the mind, and make of them a mirror for the figure that in this mirror shall appear to thee. He who could know what were the pasturage my sight had in that blessed countenance, when I transferred me to another gare, would recognize how grateful was to me. Obedience unto my celestial escort, by counterposing one side with the other, within the crystal which, around the world revolving, bears the name of its dear leader, under whom every wickedness lay dead.
Colored like gold on which the sunshine gleams, a stairway I beheld to such a height uplifted that mine eyes pursued it not. Likewise beheld I down the steps descending so many splendours, that I thought each light that in the heaven of years was there diffused, and as accordant with their natural custom, the rooks together at the break of day bestir themselves to warm their feathers cold. Then some of them fly off without return. Others come back to where they started from, and others, wheeling round, still keep it home. Such fashion, it appeared to me, was there within the sparkling that together came, as soon as on a certain step it struck, and that which nearest unto us remained, became so clear that in my thought I said, Will I perceive the love thou showest me?
But she, from whom I wait the how and when of speech and silence, standeth still. Whence I against desire do well if I ask not. She thereupon, who saw my silentness, in the sight of him who seeth every thing, said unto me, Let loose thy warm desire, and I began. No merit of my own renders me worthy of response from thee, and for her sake who granteth me the asking. Thou blessed life, that doth remain concealed in thy beatitude. Make known to me the cause which draweth thee so near my side, and tell me why is silent in this weal the dulcet symphony of paradise, that through the rest below sound so devotely. Thou hast thy hearing mortal as thy sight. If answer made to me, they sing not here for the same cause that Petrus has not smiled.
Thus far adown the holy stairway steps have I descended, but to give thee welcome with words and with the light that mantles me. Nor did more love cause me to be more ready, for love is much and more up there as burning as doth the flaming manifest to thee. But the high charity that makes us servants prompts to the counsel which controls the world allotteth here, even as thou doth observe. I see full well, said I, O sacred lamp, how love unfettered in this court sufficeth to follow the eternal providence. But this is what seems odd for me to see. Wherefore, predestinate, wast thou alone unto this office from among thy consorts? No sooner had I come to the last word than of its middle made a light of centre, whirling itself about like a swift millstone.
When answer made the love that was therein on me directed is the light divine, piercing through this in which I am embosomed, of which the virtue, with my sight conjoined, lifts me above myself so far I see the supreme essence from which this is drawn. Hence comes the joyfulness with which I flame, for to my sight, as far as it is clear, the clearness of the flame I equal make. But that soul in the heaven which is most pure, that seraph, which his eye on God most fixes, could this demand of thy not satisfy, because so deeply sinks in the abyss of the eternal statute what thou asketh. From all created sight it is cut off. And to the mortal world, when thou returnest, this carry back, that it may not presume longer toward such a goal to move its feet.
The mind that shineth here on earth doth smoke. From this observe, how can it do below that which it cannot through the heaven assume it? Such limit did its words prescribe to me. The question I relinquished, and restricted myself to ask it humbly who it was. Between two shores of Italy rise cliffs, but not far distant from thy native place. So high the thunders far below them sound. And form a ridge that Catria has called, neath which is consecrate a hermitage, wont to be dedicate to worship only. Thus unto me the third speech recommenced. And then continuing it said, There unto God's service I become so steadfast, that feeding only on the juice of olives, lightly I passed away the heats and frosts, contingent in my thoughts contemplative.
That cloister used render to these Evans abundantly, and now is empty grown, so that perforce, it seemed, must be revealed. I in that place was Peter Damiano, and Peter the sinner was I in the house of Our Lady on the Adriatic shore. Little of mortal life remained to me when I was called and dragged forth to the Hat, which shifteth evermore from bad to worse. Came Cephas, and the mighty vessel came of the Holy Spirit, meagre and barefooted, taking the food of any hostelry. Now some one to support them on each side. The modern jeepards need, and some to lead them. So heavy are they, and to hold their trains. They cover up their palfreys with their cloaks, so that two beasts go underneath one skin.
O patience that doth tolerate so much. At this voice saw I many little flames from step to step descending and revolving, and every revolution made them fairer. Round about this one came they and stood still, and a cry uttered of so loud a sound it here could find no parallel, nor I distinguished it. The thunders overcame me. End of Faraday's old canto.
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18 18 - Paradiso: Canto XXII-Canto XXVII 42:17
Translated by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Parediso. Canto XXII-XVII. Paradiso, Canto XXII. Oppressed with stupor, I unto my guide turned like a little child who always runs for refuge there where he confideth most. And she, even as a mother who straightway gives comfort to her pale and breathless boy with voice whose want it is to reassure him, said to me, Knowest thou not thou art in heaven? And knowest thou not that heaven is wholly all, and what is done here cometh from good zeal? After what wise the singing would have changed thee, and I, by smiling, thou canst now imagine, since that the cry has startled thee so much, in which, if thou hadst understood its prayers, already would be known to thee the vengeance which thou shalt look upon before thou diest.
The sword above here smiteth not in haste, nor tardily, howe'er it seem to him who, fearing or desiring, waits for it. But turn thee round towards the others now, for very illustrious spirits shalt thou see if thou thy sight directest as I say. As it seemed good to her mine eyes I turned, and saw a hundred spherules that together with mutual rays each other more embellished. I stood as one who in himself represses the point of his desire, and ventures not to question, he so feareth the too much. And now the largest and most luculent among those pearls came forward, that it might make my desire concerning it content. Within it then I heard, If thou couldst see, even as myself, the charity that burns among us, thy conceits would be expressed.
But, that by waiting thou mayst not come late to the high end, I will make answer even unto the thought of which thou art so chary. That mountain on whose slope Cassino stands was frequented of old upon its summit by a deluded folk and ill-disposed. And I am he who first upthither bore the name of him who brought us upon the earth, the truth that so much sublimateth us. And such abundant grace upon me shone that all the neighboring towns I drew away from the impious worship that seduced the world. These other fires, each one of them, were men contemplative, enkindling by that heat which maketh holy flowers and fruits spring up. Here is Macarius, here is Ramuldus, here are my brethren, who within the cloisters their footsteps stayed and kept a steadfast heart.
And I to him, the affection which thou showest speaking with me, and the good countenance which I behold and note in all your ardors, In me have so my confidence dilated as the sun doth the rose, when it becomes as far unfolded as it hath the power. Therefore I pray, and thou assure me, Father, if I may so much grace receive, that I may thee behold with countenance unveiled. He thereupon, Brother, thy high desire in the remotest fear shall be fulfilled, where are fulfilled all others, and my own. There perfect is, and ripened and complete, every desire. Within that one alone is every part where it has always been, for it is not in space, nor turns on poles, and unto it our stairway reaches up, whence, whence thus from out thy sight it steals away.
Up to that height the patriarch Jacob saw it, extending its supernal part, what time so thronged with angels it appeared to him. But to ascend it now no one uplifts his feet from off the earth, and now my rule below remaineth for mere waste of paper. The walls that used of old to be an abbey are changed to dens of robbers, and the cowls are sacks filled full of miserable flour. But heavy usury is not taken up so much against God's pleasure as that fruit which maketh so insane the heart of monks. For whatsoever hath the church in keeping is for the folk that ask it in God's name, not for one's kindred, or for something worse. The flesh of mortals is so very soft that good beginnings down below suffice not from springing of the oak to bearing acorns.
Peter began with neither gold nor silver, and I with orison in abstinence, and Francis with humility his convent. If thou lookest at each one's beginning, and then regardest whither he has run, Thou shalt behold the white changed into brown. In Verity the Jordan backward turned, and the sea fleeing when God willed were more a wonder to behold than succor here. Thus unto me he said, and then withdrew to his own band, and the band closed together, then, like a whirlwind, all was upward wrapped. The gentle lady urged me on behind them up o'er that stairway by a single sign, so did her virtue overcome my nature. Nor here below, where one goes up and down by natural law, was motion ere so swift that it could be compared unto my wing.
Reader, as I may unto that devout triumph return, on whose account I often for my transgressions weep and beat my breast, thou hadst not thrust thy finger in the fire and drawn it out again before I saw the sign that follows Taurus, and was in it. O glorious stars, O light impregnated with mighty virtue, from which I acknowledge all my genius, whatsoever it may be. With you was born, and hid himself with you, he who is father of all mortal life, when first I tasted of the Tuscan air. And then, when grace was freely given to me to enter the high wheel which turns around you, your region was allotted unto me. To you, devoutly, at this hour my soul is sighing, that it virtue may acquire for the stern pass that draws it to itself.
Thou art so near unto the last salvation, thus Beatrice began, thou oughtest now to have thine eyes unclouded and acute. And therefore, ere thou enter farther in, look down once more, and see how vast a world thou hast already put beneath thy feet. So that thy heart, as jocund as it may, present itself to the triumphant throng that comes rejoicing through this rounded ether. I with my sight returned through one and all the sevenfold spheres, and I beheld this globe such that I smiled at its ignoble semblance, and that opinion I approve as best which doth account it least, and he who thinks of something else may truly be called just. I saw the daughter of Latona shining without that shadow which to me was cause that once I had believed her rare and dense.
The aspect of thy son, Hyperion, here I sustained, and saw how moved themselves around and near him Maya and Dion. Thence there appeared the temperateness of Jove, twixt son and father, and to me was clear the change that of their whereabout they make. And all the seven made manifest to me how great they are, and eke how swift they are, and how they are in distant habitations. The threshing-floor that maketh us so proud, to me revolving with the eternal twins, was all apparent made from hill to harbor. Then, to the beauteous eyes mine eyes I turned.
End of Canto XXII.
Canto XXIII.
Even as a bird, mid the beloved leaves, quiet upon the nest of her sweet brood throughout the night, that hideth all things from us, who, that she may behold their longed-for looks, and find the food wherewith to nourish them, in which, to her, grave labors grateful are, anticipates the time on open spray, and with an ardent longing waits the sun, gazing intent as soon as breaks the dawn. Even thus my lady standing was, erect and vigilant, Turned round towards the zone underneath which the sun displays less haste, so that, beholding her, distraught and wistful, such I became as he is who, desiring for something, yearns, and hoping is appeased. But brief the space from one when to the other of my awaiting, say I, and the seeing, the welkin grow resplendent more and more.
And Beatrice exclaimed, "'Behold the hosts of Christ's triumphal march, and all the fruit harvested by the rolling of these spheres! It seemed to me her face was all a flame, and eyes she had so full of ecstasy that I must needs pass on without describing.' As when in nights serene of the full moon smiles trivia among the nymphs eternal who paint the firmament through all its gulfs, saw I, above the myriads of lamps, A sun, that one and all of them enkindled, e'en as our own doth the supernal sights, and through the living light transparent shone the lucent substance so intensely clear into my sight that I sustained it not. O Beatrice, thou gentle guide and dear, to me, she said, what overmasters thee a virtue is from which naught shields itself.
There are the wisdom and the omnipotence that oped the thoroughfares twixt heaven and earth, for which there erst had been so long a yearning. As fire from out a cloud unlocks itself, dilating so it finds not room therein, and down against its nature falls to earth, so did my mind among those elements become larger, issue from itself, and that which it became cannot remember. Open thine eyes and look at what I am. Thou hast beheld such things that, strong enough, hast thou become to tolerate my smile. I was as one who still retains the feeling of a forgotten vision, and endeavors in vain to bring it back into his mind when I this invitation heard. Deserving of so much gratitude, it never fades out of the book that chronicles the past.
If at this moment sounded all the tongues that Polyhymnia and her sisters made, most lubricant with their delicious milk, to aid me, to a thousandth of the truth it would not reach, singing the holy smile and how the holy aspect it illumined. And therefore, representing Paradise, the sacred poem must perforce leap over, even as a man who finds his way cut off, But whoso thinketh of the ponderous theme, and of the mortal shoulder laden with it, should blame it not, if under this it tremble. It is no passage for a little boat, this which goes cleaving the audacious prow, nor for a pilot who would spare himself. Why doth my face so much enamor thee, that to the garden fair thou turnest not, which under the rays of Christ is blossoming?
There is the rose in which the word divine became incarnate. There the lilies are, by whose perfume the good way was discovered. Thus Beatrice. And I, who to her counsels was wholly read, once again betook me unto the battle of the feeble brows. As in the sunshine, that unsullied streams through fractured cloud, ere now a meadow of flowers mine eyes with shadow covered o'er have seen, so troops of splendors manifold I saw, illumined from above with burning rays, beholding not the source of the effulgence. O power benignant that dost so imprint them, thou didst exalt thyself to give more scope there to mine eyes that were not strong enough. The name of that fair flower I ere invoke, morning and evening, utterly enthralled my soul to gaze upon the greater fire.
And when, in both mine eyes depicted were the glory and greatness of the living star, which there excelleth, as it here excelled, athwart the heavens, a little torch descended, formed in a circle like a coronal, and cinctured it, and whirled itself about it. Whatever melody most sweet soundeth on earth, and to itself most draws the soul, would seem a cloud that, Rent asunder, thunders. Compared unto the sounding of that lyre, wherewith was crowned the sapphire beautiful, which gives the clearest heaven its sapphire hue. I am angelic, love, that circle round the joy sublime which breathes from out the womb that was the hostelry of our desire, and I shall circle, Lady of Heaven, while thou followest thy Son, and makest diviner the sphere supreme, because thou enterest there.
Thus did the circulated melody seal itself up, and all the other lights were making to resound the name of Mary. The regal mantle of the volumes, all of that world which most fervid is, and living with breath of God, and with his works and ways, extended over us its inner border, so very distant, that the semblance of it there, where I was not yet, appeared to me. Therefore mine eyes did not possess the power of following the incarnated flame which mounted upward near to its own seed. As a little child that toward its mother stretches its arms when it the milk has taken, through impulse kindled into outward flame, each of those gleams of whiteness upward reached so with its summit that the deep affection they had for Mary was revealed to me.
Thereafter they remained there in my sight, Regina Coeli singing with such sweetness that ne'er from me has the delight departed. Oh, what exuberance is garnered up within those richest coffers which had been good husbandmen for sowing here below! There they enjoy and live upon the treasure which was acquired while weeping in the exile of Babylon wherein the gold was left. There triumpheth beneath the exalted Son of God and Mary, in his victory, both with the ancient council and the new, he who doth keep the keys of such a glory.
End of Canto XXXIII.
Parediso, Canto XXIV. O Company, elect to the great supper of the Lamb benedict, who feedeth you so that for ever full is your desire. If, by the grace of God, this man foretaste something of that which falleth from your table, or ever death prescribe to him the time, direct your mind to his immense desire, and him somewhat be due. Ye drinking are for ever at the font whence comes his thought. Thus Beatrice. And Those souls, beatified, transform themselves to spheres on steadfast poles, flaming intensely in the guise of comets. And as the wheels in works of horologies revolve so that the first to the beholder motionless seems, and the last one to fly, so in like manner did those carols, dancing in different measure of their affluence, give me the gauge as they were swift or slow.
From that one which I noted of most beauty beheld I issue forth a fire so happy that none it left there of a greater brightness, and around Beatrice three several times it whirled itself with so divine a song my fantasy repeats it not to me. Therefore the pen skips, and I write it not, since our imagination for such folds, much more our speech, is of a tint too glaring. O holy sister mine, who is implorest with such devotion, by thine ardent love thou dost unbind me from that beautiful sphere. Thereafter, having stopped, the blessed fire unto my lady did direct its breath, which spake in fashion as I here have said, And she— O light eterna of the great man to whom our Lord delivered up the keys, he carried down of this miraculous joy.
This one examine on points light and grave, as good beseemeth thee, about the faith by means of which thou on the sea didst walk. If he love well, and hope well, and believe, from thee tis hid not, for thou hast thy sight there where depicted everything is seen. But since this kingdom has made citizens by means of the true faith, to glorify it, tis well he have the chance to speak thereof. As baccalaureate arms himself, and speaks not until the master doth propose the question, to argue it, and not to terminate it, so did I arm myself with every reason, while she was speaking, that I might be ready for such a questioner and such profession. Say, thou good Christian, manifest thyself. What is the faith?
Whereat I raised my brow unto that light wherefrom was this breathed forth. Then turned I round to Beatrice, and she prompt signals made to me that I should pour the water forth from my internal fountain. May grace that suffers me to make confession, began I, to the great Centurion might cause conceptions all to be explicit. And I continued. As the truthful pen, father, of thy dear brother wrote of it, who put with thee Rome into the good way, faith is the substance of the things we hope for, and evidence of those that are not seen, and this appears to me quiddity. Then, heard I, very rightly thou perceivest, if well thou understandest why he placed it with substances, and then with evidences.
And I, thereafterward, The things profound, that here vouchsafe me their apparition, unto all eyes below are so concealed, that they exist there only in belief, upon which is founded the high hope, and hence it takes the nature of a substance. And it behoveth us from this belief to reason without having other sight, and hence it has the nature of evidence. Then heard I. If whatever is acquired below by doctrine were thus understood, no sophist's subtlety would there find place. Thus was breathed forth from that enkindled love. Then added, Very well has been gone over already of this coin, the alloy and weight, but tell me if thou hast it in thy purse. And I, yes, both so shining and so round that in its stamp there is no peradventure.
Thereafter issued from the light profound that there resplendent was, This precious jewel, upon the which is every virtue founded, whence hast thou it? And I, the large outpouring of Holy Spirit which has been diffused upon the ancient parchments and the new, a syllogism is, which proved it to me with such acuteness that, compared therewith, all demonstration seems to me obtuse. And then I heard, The ancient and the new postulates that to thee are so conclusive, why dost thou take them for the word divine? And I, the proofs which show the truth to me are the works subsequent, whereunto nature ne'er heeded iron yet, nor anvil beat. "'Twas answered me, Say, who assureth thee that those works ever were, the thing itself that must be proved, naught else to thee affirms it."
Were the world to Christianity converted, I said, withouten miracles this one is such, the rest are not its hundredth part. Because that pour and fasting thou didst enter into the field to sow there, the good plant which was a vine has become a thorn. This being finished, the high holy court resounded through the spheres, One God we praise, in melody that there above is chanted. And then that baron, who from branch to branch examining had thus conducted me till the extremest leaves we were approaching, again began. The grace that dallying plays with thine intellect, thy mouth has opened, up to this point, as it should opened be, so that I do approve what forth emerged. But now thou must express what thou believest, and whence to thy belief it was presented.
O holy Father, Spirit, who beholdest what thou believest, so that thou o'ercamest towards the sepulchre more youthful feet, began I, Thou dost wish me in this place the form to manifest of my prompt belief, and likewise thou the cause thereof demandest. And I respond, In one God I believe, Sole and Itane, who moveth all the heavens with love and with desire, himself unmoved. And of such faith not only have I proofs physical and metaphysical, but gives them likewise the truth that from this place rains down through Moses, through the Prophets and the Psalms, through the Evangel, and through you, who wrote after the fiery Spirit sanctified you. In persons three etane believe, and these one essence I believe, so one and trying, they bear conjunction both with sunt and est.
With the profound condition and divine which now I touch upon doth stamp my mind ofttimes the doctrine evangelical. This the beginning is. This is the spark which afterwards dilates to vivid flame, and, like a star in heaven, is sparkling in me. Even as a lord who hears what pleaseth him his servant straight embraces, congratulating for the good news as soon as he is silent, So, giving me its benediction, singing, three times encircled me when I was silent, the apostolic light, at whose command I spoken had, in speaking I so pleased him.
End of Canto XXIV.
Canto XXV. Ife'er it happened that the poems sacred, to which both heaven and earth have set their hand, so that it many a year hath made me lean, or come the cruelty that bars me out from the fair sheepfold, where a lamb I slumbered, an enemy to the wolves that wore upon it, with other voice forthwith, with other fleece poet will I return, and at my fount baptismal will I take the laurel crown, because— Into the face that maketh known all souls to God there entered I, and then, Peter, for her sake, thus my brow encircled. Thereafterward towards us moved a light out of that band whence issued the firstfruits which of his vicars Christ behind him left. And then my lady, full of ecstasy, said unto me, Look, look, behold the barren from whom below Galatia is frequented.
In the same way as, when a dove alights near his companion, both of them pour forth, circling about and murmuring their affection, so one beheld I by the other, Grand Prince, glorified, to be with welcome greeted, lauding the food that there above is eaten. But, when their gratulations were complete, silently, Coram, each one stood still, so incandescent it o'ercame my sight. Smiling thereafterward, said Beatrice, illustrious life by whom the benefactions of our basilica have been described. Make hope resound within this altitude, thou knowest as oft thou dost personify it as Jesus to the three gave greater clearness. Lift up thy head, and make thyself assured, for what comes hither from the mortal world must needs be ripened in our radiance.
This comfort came to me from the second fire, wherefore mine eyes I lifted to the hills, which bent them down before with too great weight. Since through his grace our emperor wills that thou shouldst find thee face to face, before thy death, in the most secret chamber, with his counts, so that, the truth beholden of this court, hope, which below there rightfully enamours, thereby thou strengthen in thyself and others. Say what it is, and how is flowering with it thy mind, and say from whence it came to thee. Thus did the second light again continue. And the compassionate, who piloted the plumage of my wings in such high flight, did in reply anticipate me thus. No child whatever the church militant of greater hope possesses, as is written in that sun which irradiates all our band.
Therefore it is conceded him from Egypt to come into Jerusalem to see, or ever yet his warfare be completed. The two remaining points, that not for knowledge have been demanded, but that he report how much this virtue unto thee is pleasing, to him I leave, for hard he will not find them, nor of self-praise, and let him answer them, and may the grace of God in this assist him. As a disciple, who his teacher follows, ready and willing, where he is expert, that his proficiency may be displayed. Hope, said I, is the certain expectation of future glory, which is the effect of grace divine and merit precedent. For many stars this light comes unto me, but he instilled it first into my heart, who was chief singer unto the chief captain.
Sperentin te, in the high Theoday, he saith, those who know thy name, and who knoweth not, if he my faith possess. Thou didst instill me then with his instilling in the epistle, so that I am full, and upon others reign again your reign. While I was speaking, in the living bosom of that combustion quivered an effulgence, sudden and frequent in the guise of lightning. Then breathed, the love wherewith I am inflamed towards the virtue still which followed me unto the palm and issue of the field, wills that I breathe to thee that thou delight in her, and grateful to me is thy telling whatever things hope promises to thee. And I, the ancient scriptures and the new the mark establish, and this shows it to me of all the souls whom God hath made his friends.
Isaiah saith that each one garmented in his own land shall be with twofold garments, and his own land is this delightful life. Thy brother, too, far more explicitly, there where he treateth the robes of white, this revelation manifests to us. And first, and near the ending of these words, Sperrant in te, from over us was heard, to which responsive answered all the carols. Thereafterward, a light among them brightened, so that, if cancer one such crystal had, winter would have a month of one sole day. And as uprises, goes, and enters the dance, a winsome maiden, only to do honor to the new bride, and not from any failing, even thus did I behold the brightened splendor approach the two, who, in a wheel revolved, as was beseeming to their ardent love.
Into the song and music there it entered, and fixed on them my lady kept her look, even as a bride silent and motionless. This is the one who lay upon the breast of him our pelican, and this is he to the great office from the cross elected, my lady thus. But, therefore, none the more did move her sight from its attentive gaze before or afterward these words of hers. Even as a man who gazes, and endeavours to see the eclipsing of the sun a little, and who by seeing sightless doth become, so I became before that latest fire. While it was said, Why dost thou daze thyself to see a thing which here hath no existence? Earth in the earth my body is, and shall be with all the others there, until our number with the eternal proposition tallies.
With the two garments in the blessed cloister are the two lights alone that have ascended. Shalt thou take back into your world? And at this utterance the flaming circle grew quiet, with the dulcet intermingling of sound that by the trinal breath was made. As to escape from danger or fatigue, the oars that erst were in the water beaten are all suspended at a whistle's sound. Ah, how much in my mind was I disturbed when I turned round to look on Beatrice, that her I could not see, although I was close at her side and in the happy world.
End of Canto XXV. While I was doubting for my vision, quenched out of the flame refulgent that had quenched it, issued a breathing that attentive made me, saying, While thou recoverest the sense of seeing which in me thou hast consumed, begin then, and declare to what thy soul is aimed, and count it for a certainty. Sight is in thee bewildered, and not dead, because the lady, who through this divine region conducteth thee, has in her look the power the hand of Ananias had. I said, As pleaseth her, or soon or late, let the cure come to eyes that portals were when she with fire I ever burn with entered. The good that gives consent to this court, the Alpha and Omega is, of all the writing that love reads me, low or loud.
The selfsame voice that taken had from me the terror of the sudden dazzlement to speak still farther put it in my thought, and said, In verity, with finer sieve behoveth thee to sift, thee it behoveth to say who aimed thy bow at such a target. And I— By philosophic arguments, and by authority that hence descends, such love must needs imprint itself in me. For good, so far as good, when comprehended doth straight enkindle love, and so much greater as more of goodness in itself it holds, then, to that essence, who is in such advantage that every good which out of it is found is nothing but a ray of its own light, more than elsewhither must the mind be moved of every one, in loving, who discerns the truth in which this evidence is founded.
Such truth he, to my intellect, reveals, who demonstrates to me the primal love of all the sempiternal substances. The voice reveals it of the truthful author, who says to Moses, speaking of himself, I will make all my goodness pass before thee. Thou to revealest to me, beginning the loud evangel that proclaims the secret of heaven to earth above all other edict. And I heard say, By human intellect, and by authority concordant with it, of all thy loves, reserve for God the highest. But say again, If other chords thou feelest, draw thee towards him that thou mayst proclaim with how many teeth this love is biting thee. The holy purpose of the eagle of Christ not latent was, nay, rather, I perceived whither he fain would my profession lead.
Therefore I recommenced. All of those bites which have the power to turn the heart to God unto my charity have been concurrent. The Being of the world, and my own Being, the Death which He endured that I may live, and that which all the faithful hope, as I do, with the forementioned vivid consciousness have drawn me from the sea of love perverse, and of the right have placed me on the shore. The leaves wherewith embowered is all the garden of the eternal gardener, do I love as much as he has granted them of good. As soon as I had ceased, a song most sweet throughout the heaven resounded, and my lady said with the others, Holy, Holy, Holy! And as at some keen light one wakes from sleep by reason of the visual spirit that runs unto the splendour passed from coat to coat, and he who wakes abhorreth what he sees, so all unconscious is his sudden waking until the judgment cometh to his aid.
So from before mine eyes did Beatrice chase every mote with radiance of her own that cast its light a thousand miles and more. Whence better after than before I saw, and in a kind of wonderment I asked about the fourth light that I saw with us. And said my lady, There within those rays gazes upon its maker the first soul that ever the first virtue did create. Even as the bough that downward bends its top at transit of the wind, and then is lifted by its own virtue which inclines it upward, Likewise did I, and while that she was speaking, being amazed, and then I was made bold by a desire to speak wherewith I burned. And I began, O Apple, that mature alone hast been produced! O ancient father, to whom each wife is daughter and daughter-in-law!
Devoutly as I can, I supplicate thee, that thou wouldst speak to me. Thou seest my wish, and I, to hear thee quickly, speak it not. Sometimes an animal, when covered, struggles so that his impulse needs must be apparent by reason of the wrappage following it, and in like manner the primeval soul made clear to me athwart its covering how jubilant it was to give me pleasure, then breathed, without thy uttering it to me, thine inclination better I discern than thou whatever thing is surest to thee, for I behold it in the truthful mirror. That of himself all things Parhelion makes, and none makes him Parhelion of itself. Thou fain wouldst hear how long ago God placed me within the lofty garden, where this lady, unto so long a stairway thee disposed.
And how long to mine eyes it was a pleasure, and of the great disdain the proper cause, and the language that I used and that I made. Now, son of mine, the tasting of the trees not in itself was cause of so great exile, but solely the o'er-stepping of the bounds. There, whence thy lady moved Virgilius, four thousand, and three hundred and two circuits made by the sun, this counsel I desired. And him I saw return to all the lights of his highway nine hundred times and thirty, whilst I upon the earth was tarrying. The language that I spake was quite extinct before that in the work interminable the people under Nimrod were employed. For never more result of reasoning, because of human pleasure that doth change obedient to the heavens, was durable.
A natural action is it that man speaks. But whether thus or thus doth nature leave to your own art as seemeth best to you. Ere I descended to the infernal anguish, El was on earth the name of the chief good, from whom comes all the joy that wraps me round. Eli he then was called, and that is proper, because the use of men is like a leaf on bough which goeth, and another cometh. Upon the mount that highest o'er the wave rises was I, in life, or pure or sinful, from the first hour to that which is the second, as the sun changes quadrant to the sixth.
End of Canto XXVI Canto XXVII Glory be to the Father, to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. All Paradise began, so that the melody inebriate made me. What I beheld seemed unto me a smile of the universe, for my inebriation found entrance through the hearing and the sight. O joy, O gladness inexpressible, O perfect life of love and peacefulness, O riches without hankering secure. Before mine eyes were standing, the four torches enkindled, and the one that first had come began to make itself more luminous, and even such in semblance it became as Jupiter would become if he and Mars were birds, and they should interchange their feathers. That providence which here distributeth season and service in the blessed choir had silence upon every side imposed, when I heard say, If I my color change, marvel not at it, for while I am speaking thou shalt behold all these their color change.
He who usurps upon the earth my place, my place, my place which vacant has become before the presence of the Son of God, Has of my cemetery made a sewer of blood and stench, whereby the perverse one who fell from here below there is appeased. With the same color which, through sun adverse, painteth the clouds at evening or at morn, beheld I then the whole of heaven suffused. And as a modest woman, who abides sure of herself, and at another's failing from listening only, timorous becomes, even thus did Beatrice change countenance, And I believe in heaven was such eclipse when suffered the supreme omnipotence. Thereafterward proceedeth forth his words with voice so much transmuted from itself, the very countenance was not more changed.
The spouse of Christ has never nurtured Ben on blood of mine, of Linus and of Cletus, to be made use of in aqueous of gold. But— In aqueous of this delightful life, Sixtus and Pius, Urban and Calixtus, after much lamentation, shed their blood. Our purpose was not that on the right hand of our successors should in part be seated the Christian folk, in part upon the other, nor that the keys which were to me confided should e'er become an escutcheon on a banner that should wage war on those who are baptized. Nor I be made the figure of a seal, to privileges venal and mendacious, whereat I often reddened and flash with fire. In garb of shepherds the rapacious wolves are seen from here above o'er all the pastures.
O wrath of God, why dost thou slumber still? To drink our blood the Caercines and Gascones are making ready. O thou good beginning, unto how vile an end must thou needs fall. But the high providence, that with Scipio at Rome the glory of the world defended, will speedily bring aid, as I conceive. And thou, my son, who by thy mortal weight shalt down return again, open thy mouth. What I conceal not, do not thou conceal. As with its frozen vapors downward falls inflakes our atmosphere what time the horn of the celestial goat doth touch the sun, Upward, in such array saw I the ether become, and flaked with the triumphant vapours which there together with us had remained. My sight was following up their semblances, and followed till the medium, by excess the passing farther onward, took from it.
Whereat the lady, who beheld me freed from gazing upward, said to me, Cast down thy sight, and see how far thou art turned round. Since the first time that I had downward looked, I saw that I had moved through the whole arc which the first climate makes from midst to end, so that I saw the mad track of Ulysses past Gades, and this side well-nigh the shore whereon became Europa a sweet burden. And of this threshing-floor the sight to me were more unveiled, but the sun was proceeding under my feet, a sign, and more removed. My mind, enamored, which is dallying at all times with my lady, to bring back to her mine eyes was more than ever ardent. And if or art or nature has made bait to catch the eyes and so possess the mind in human flesh or in its portraiture, all joined together would appear as naught to the divine delight which shone upon me when, to her smiling face, I turned me round.
The virtue that her look endowed me with from the fair nest of Leda tore me forth, and up into the swiftest heaven impelled me. Its parts exceeding, full of life and lofty, are all so uniform I cannot say which Beatrice selected for my place. But she, who was aware of my desire, began, the while she smiled so joyously that God seemed in her countenance to rejoice, The nature of that motion which keeps quiet the centre, and all the rest about it moves, from hence begins as from its starting point. And in this heaven there is no other where than in the mind divine, wherein is kindled the love that turns it, and the power it rains. Within a circle, light and love embrace it, even as this doth the others, and that precinct he who encircles it alone controls.
Its motion is not by another meted, but all the others measured are by this, as ten is by the half and by the fifth. And in what manner time in such a pot may have its roots, and in the rest its leaves, now unto thee can manifest be made. O covetousness, that mortals dost engulf beneath thee so, that no one hath the power of drawing back his eyes from out thy waves. Full fairly blossoms in mankind the will, but the uninterrupted rain converts into abortive wildings the true plums. Fidelity and innocence are found only in children. Afterwards they both take flight, or ere the cheeks with down are covered. One, while he prattles still, observes the fasts, who, when his tongue is loosed, forthwith devours whatever food under whatever moon.
Another, while he prattles, loves and listens unto his mother, who, when speech is perfect, forthwith desires to see her in her grave. Even thus is swarthy made the skin so white in its first aspect of the daughter fair of him who brings the morn and leaves the night. Thou, that it may not be a marvel to thee, think that on earth there is no one who governs whence goes astray the human family. Ere January be unwintered wholly by the centesimal on earth neglected, shall these supernal circles roar so loud, the tempest that has been so long awaited shall whirl the poops about where are the prows, so that the fleet shall run its course direct, and the true fruit shall follow on the flower.
End of Canto XXXIV.
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19 19 - Paradiso: Canto XXVIII-Canto XXXIII 44:09
Paradiso, Cantos, Twenty-eight, through 33.
Canto XXVIII.
After the truth against the present life of miserable mortals was unfolded by her who doth imperadise my mind, as in a looking-glass a taper's flame he sees who from behind is lighted by it, before he has it in his sight or thought, and turns him round to see if so the glass tell him the truth, and sees that it accords therewith as doth a music with its meter. In similar wise, my memory recollecteth that I did, looking into those fair eyes of which love made the springs to ensnare me. And as I turned me round, and mine were touched by that which is apparent in that volume, whenever on its gyre we gaze intent, a point beheld I, that was raying out light so acute, the sight which it enkindles must close perforce before such great acuteness.
And whatsoever star seems smallest here would seem to be a moon, if placed beside it, as one star with another star is placed. Perhaps at such a distance as appears a halo cincturing the light that paints it, when densest is the vapor that sustains it, thus distant round the point, a circle of fire so swiftly whirled that it would have surpassed whatever motion soonest girds the world, And this was by another circumsinct, that by a third, the third then by a fourth, by a fifth the fourth, and then by a sixth the fifth, the seventh followed thereupon in width so ample now that Juno's messenger entire would be too narrow to contain it. Even so the eighth and ninth, and every one more slowly moved, according as it was in number distant further from the first.
And that one had its flame most crystalline, from which less distant was the stainless spark, I think because more with its truth imbued. My lady, who in my anxiety beheld me much perplexed, said, From that point dependent is the heaven and nature all. Behold that circle most conjoined to it, and know thou that its motion is so swift through burning love whereby it is spurred on. And I to her. If the world were arranged in the order which I see in yonder wheels, what set before me would have satisfied me. But in the world of sense we can perceive that evermore the circles are diviner as they are from the centre more remote. Wherefore, if my desire is to be ended in this miraculous and angelic temple that has for confines only love and light, To hear behooves me still how the example and the exemplar go not in one fashion, since for myself in vain I contemplate it.
If thine own fingers unto such a knot be insufficient, it is no great wonder, so hard hath it become for want of trying. My lady thus, then said she, Do thou take what I shall tell thee, if thou wouldst be sated, and exercise on that thy subtlety. The circles corporal are wide and narrow according to the more or less of virtue which is distributed through all their parts. The greater goodness works, the greater wheel, the greater wheel the greater body holds, if perfect equally are all its parts. Therefore this One which sweeps along with it the universe sublime doth correspond unto the circle which most loves and knows. On which account, if thou unto the virtue apply thy measure, not to the appearance of substances that unto thee seem round, thou wilt behold a marvellous agreement, of more to greater, and of less to smaller, in every heaven with its intelligence.
Even as remaineth splendid and serene the hemisphere of air, Where Boreas is blowing from that cheek where he is mildest, because it is purified and resolved the wrack that erst disturbed it, till the welkin laughs with all the beauties of its pageantry. Thus did I likewise. After that my lady had me provided with her clear response. And like a star in heaven the truth was seen. And soon as to a stop her words had come, Not otherwise does iron scintillate when molten, Than those circles scintillated. Their coruscation All the sparks repeated, And they so many were, Their number makes more millions Than the doubling of the chess. I heard them sing Hosanna, Choir by choir, To the fixed point which holds them at the Ubi, And ever will, where they have ever been.
And she, who saw the dubious meditations within my mind, the primal circles said, have shown thee seraphim and cherubim. Thus rapidly they follow their own bonds, to be as like the point as most they can, and can as far as they are high in vision. Those other loves that round about them go, thrones of the countenance divine, are called, because they terminate the primal triad. And thou shouldst know that they have all delight as much as their own vision penetrates the truth, in which all intellect finds rest. From this it may be seen how blessedness is founded in the faculty which sees, and not in that which loves, and follows next. And of this seeing merit is the measure, which is brought forth by grace, and by goodwill.
Thus on from grade to grade doth it proceed. The Second Triad. Which is germinating in such wise in this sempiternal spring that no nocturnal Ares despoils, perpetually Hosanna warbles forth with threefold melody that sounds in three orders of joy, with which it is enshrined. The three divine are in this hierarchy. First, the dominions, and the virtues next, and the third order is that of the powers. Then, in the dances twain penultimate, the principalities and archangel's wheel, the last is wholly of angelic sports, these orders upward all of them are gazing, and downward so prevail, that unto God they all attracted are, and all attract. And Dionysius, with so great desire to contemplate these orders, set himself.
He named them, and distinguished them as I do. But Gregory afterwards dissented from him, wherefore, as soon as he unclosed his eyes within this heaven, he at himself did smile. And if so much of secret truth a mortal proffered on earth, I would not have thee marvel, for he who saw it here revealed it to him with much more of the truth about these circles.
Canto XXXI At what time the children of Latona, surmounted by the ram and by the scales, together make a zone of the horizon, as long as from the time the zenith holds them in equipoise, till from that the girdle both, changing their hemisphere, disturb the balance? So long, her face depicted with a smile, did Beatrice keep silence, while she gazed fixedly at the point which had overcome me.
Then she began. I say, and I ask not what thou dost wish to hear, for I have seen it where centres every Huen and every Ubi not to acquire some good unto himself, which is impossible, but that his splendor in its resplendency may say subsisto, in his eternity outside of time, outside all other limits, as it pleased him, into new loves the eternal love unfolded. Nor, as if torpid, did he lie before, for neither after nor before preceded the going forth of God upon these waters. Matter and form, unmingled and conjoined, came into being that had no defect, even as three arrows from a three-stringed bow. And as in glass, in amber, or in crystal, a sunbeam flashes so, that from its coming to its full being is no interval, So from its lord did the triform effect ray forth into its being altogether, without discrimination of beginning.
Order was co-created and constructed in substances, and summit of the world were those wherein the pure act was produced. Pure potentiality held the lowest part, midway bound potentiality with act such bond that it shall never be unbound. Jerome has written unto you of angels, Created a long lapse of centuries, or ever yet the other world was made. But written is this truth in many places by writers of the Holy Ghost, and thou shalt see it if thou lookest well thereat. And even reason seeth it somewhat, for it would not concede that for so long could be the motors without their perfection. Now dost thou know both where and when these loves created were, and how, so that, extinct in thy desire already are three fires.
Nor could one reach in counting unto twenty so swiftly, as a portion of these angels disturbed the subject of your elements. The rest remained, and they began this art which thou discernest with so great delight that never from their circling do they cease. The occasion of the fall was the accursed presumption of that one whom thou hast seen by all the burden of the world constrained. Those whom thou here beholdest, modest were, to recognize themselves as of that goodness which made them apt for so much understanding, on which account their vision was exalted, by the enlightening grace, and their own merit, so that they have a full and steadfast will. I would not have thee doubt, but certain be, "'Tis meritorious to receive this grace, according as the affection opens to it.
Now round about in this consistory much mayest thou contemplate, if these my words be gathered up, without all further aid. But since upon the earth, throughout your schools, they teach that such is the angelic nature, that it doth hear, and recollect, and will, more will I say. That thou mayest see unmixed the truth that is confounded there below, equivocating in such like prelections. These substances, since in God's countenance they jocund were, turned not away their sight from that wherefrom not anything is hidden. Hence they have not their vision intercepted by object new, and hence they do not need to recollect through interrupted thought. So that below, not sleeping, People dream, believing they speak truth, and not believing, and in the last is greater sin and shame.
Below you do not journey by one path philosophizing. So transporteth you love of appearance and the thought thereof. And even this above here is endured with less disdain than when is set aside the holy writ, or when it is distorted. They think not there how much of blood it costs to sow it in the world, and how he pleases who in humility keeps close to it. Each striveth for appearance, and doth make his own inventions, and these treated are by preachers, and the evangel holds its peace. One saith that the moon did backward turn in the passion of Christ, and interpose herself so that the sunlight reached not down below, and lies, For of its own accord the light hid itself, whence to Spaniards and to Indians, as to the Jews, did such eclipse respond.
Florence has not so many loppy and bindy as fables, such are these, that every year are shouted from the pulpit back and forth in such wise that the lambs, who do not know, come back from pasture fed upon the wind, and not to see the harm doth not excuse them. Christ did not to his first disciples say, Go forth, and to the world preach idle tales, but unto them a true foundation gave, and this so loudly sounded from their lips, that in the warfare to enkindle faith they made of the Evangel shields and lances. Now men go forth with jests and drolleries to preach, and if but well the people laugh, the hood puffs out, and nothing more is asked. But in the cowl there nestles such a bird that, if the common people were to see it, they would perceive what pardons they confine in.
For which so great on earth has grown the folly, that, without proof of any testimony, to each indulgence they would flock together. By this St. Anthony his pig doth fatten, and many others, who are worse than pigs, paying in money without mark of coinage. But since we have digressed abundantly, turn back thine eyes forthwith to the right path, so that the way be shortened with the time. This nature doth so multiply itself in numbers, that there never yet was speech nor mortal fancy that can go so far. And if thou noticed that which is revealed by Daniel, thou wilt see that in his thousands number determinate is kept concealed. The primal light that all irradiates it by modes as many is received therein as are the splendors wherewith it is mated.
Hence, inasmuch as on the act conceptive the affection followeth, of love the sweetness therein diversely fervid is, or tepid. The height behold now, and the amplitude of the eternal power, since it hath made itself so many mirrors, where it is broken, one in itself remaining as before.
Canto XXX, perchance, six thousand miles remote from us is glowing the sixth hour, and now this world inclines its shadow almost to a level. When the mid-heaven begins to make itself so deep to us, that here and there a star ceases to shine so far down as this depth, and as advances bright exceedingly the handmaid of the sun, the heaven is closed, light after light, to the most beautiful. Not otherwise the triumph, which forever plays round about the point that vanquished me, seeming enclosed by what itself encloses. Little by little from my vision faded, whereat to turn mine eyes on Beatrice, my seeing nothing and my love constrained me. If what has hitherto been said of her were all concluded in a single praise, scant would it be to serve the present turn.
Not only does the beauty I beheld transcend ourselves, but truly I believe its maker only may enjoy it all. Vanquished do I confess me by this passage, more than by problem of his theme was ever overcome the comic or the tragic poet. For as the sun, the sight that trembles most, even so the memory of that sweet smile my mind depriveth of its very self. From the first day that I beheld her face in this life, to the moment of this look, the sequence of my song has never been severed. But now, perforce, this sequence must desist from following her beauty with my verse, as every artist at his uttermost. Such as I leave her to a greater fame than any of my trumpet, which is bringing its arduous matter to a final close.
With voice and gesture of a perfect leader, she recommenced. We from the greatest body have issued to the heaven that is pure light, light intellectual, replete with love, love of true good, replete with ecstasy, ecstasy that transcendeth every sweetness. Here shalt thou see the one host and the other of paradise, and one in the same aspects which at the final judgment thou shalt see. Even as a sudden lightning that disperses the visual spirits, so that it deprives the eye of impress from the strongest objects, thus round about me flashed a living light, and left me swathed around with such a veil of its effulgence that I nothing saw. Ever the love which quieteth this heaven welcomes into itself with such salute to make the candle ready for its flame.
No sooner had within me these brief words and entrance found than I perceived myself to be uplifted over my own power, and I, with vision new, rekindled me, such that no light whatever is so pure but that mine eyes were fortified against it. And light I saw, in fashion of a river, fulvid with its effulgence, twixt two banks depicted with an admirable spring. Out of this river issued living sparks, And on all sides sank down into the flowers, like unto rubies that are set in gold. And then, as if inebriate with the odors, they plunged again into the wondrous torrent, and as one entered issued forth another. The high desire that now inflames and moves thee to heave intelligence of what thou seest pleaseth me all the more the more it swells.
But of this water it behooves thee drink, before so great a thirst in thee be slaked. Thus said to me the sunshine of mine eyes, and added, The river and the topazes, going in and out, and the laughing of the herbage, are of their truth-foreshadowing prefaces. Not that these things are difficult in themselves, but the deficiency is on thy side, for yet thou hast not vision so exalted. There is no babe that leaps so suddenly with face towards the milk, if he awake much later than his usual custom is, as I did, that I might make better mirrors still of mine eyes, down-stooping to the wave which flows, that we therein be better made. And even as the penthouse of mine eyelids drank of it, it forthwith appeared to me out of its length to be transformed to round.
Then, As a folk who have been under masks seem other than before, if they divest the semblance not their own they disappeared in. Thus into greater pomp were changed for me the flowerets and the sparks, so that I saw both of the courts of heaven made manifest. O splendor of God! By means of which I saw the lofty triumph of the realm voracious. Give me the power to say it how I saw. There is a light above. which visible, makes the Creator unto every creature, who only in beholding Him has peace. And it expands itself in circular form to such extent that its circumference would be too large a girdle for the sun. The semblance of it all is made of rays reflected from the top of primal motion, which takes therefrom vitality and power.
And, as a hill in water at its base mirrors itself, as if to see its beauty when affluent most in verdure and in flowers, so, ranged aloft all round about the light, mirrored, I saw in more ranks than a thousand all who above there have from us returned.
And if the lowest row collect within it so great a light, how vast the amplitude is of this rose in its extremest leaves! My vision, In the vastness and the height lost not itself, but comprehended all the quantity and quality of that gladness. There, near and far, nor add nor take away, for there, where God immediately doth govern, the natural law in naught is relevant. Into the yellow of the rose eternal that spreads and multiplies and breathes an odor of praise unto the ever vernal sun, as one who silent is, And fain would speak. Me Beatrice drew on, and said, Behold, of the white stoles how vast the convent is! Behold, how vast the circuit of our city! Behold our seats so filled to overflowing, That here henceforward are few people wanting!
On that great throne, whereon thine eyes are fixed For the crown's sake already placed upon it, Before thou suppest at this wedding-feast, Shall sit the soul, That is to be Augustus on earth, of noble Henry, who shall come to redress Italy ere she be ready. Blind covetousness, that casts its spell upon you, has made you like unto that little child who dies of hunger and drives off the nurse. And in the sacred forum then shall be a prefect such that, openly or covert, on the same road he will not walk with him. But long of God he will not be endured in holy office. He shall be thrust down, where Simon Magus is for his deserts, and make him of Alanya lower go.
Canto XXXI In fashion, then, as of a snow-white rose, displayed itself to me the saintly host, whom Christ, in his own blood, had made his bride. But the other host, that flying, sees and sings the glory of him who doth enamor it, and the goodness that created it so noble, even as a swarm of bees that sinks in flowers one moment, and the next returns again to where its labor is to sweetness turned, sank into the great flower, that is adorned with leaves so many, and thence reascended to where its love abideth evermore. Their faces had they all of living flame, and wings of gold, and all the rest so white no snow unto that limit doth attain. From bench to bench, into the flower descending, they carried something of the peace and ardor which by the fanning of their flanks they won.
Nor did the interposing twixt the flower, and what was over it of such plenitude of flying shapes, impede the sight and splendor, because the light divine so penetrates the universe, according to its merit, that naught can be an obstacle against it. This realm, secure and full of gladsomeness, crowded with ancient people and with modern, unto one mark had all its look and love. O trinal light, that in a single star sparkling upon their sight so satisfies them, look down upon our tempest here below. If the barbarians, coming from some region that every day by helices is covered, revolving with her son whom she delights in, beholding Rome and all her noble works, were wonderstrucked, what time the Lateran above all mortal things was eminent?
Who to the divine had from the human, from time unto eternity, had come from Florence to a people just and sane, with what amazement must I have been filled? Truly, between this and the joy, it was my pleasure not to hear, and to be mute. And as a pilgrim, who delighteth him in gazing round the temple of his vow, And hope some day to retell how it was. So through the living light my way pursuing directed I mine eyes o'er all the ranks, now up, now down, and now all round about. Faces I saw of charity persuasive, embellished by his light and their own smile, and attitudes adorned with every grace. The general form of paradise already my glance had comprehended as a whole. In no part hitherto remaining fixed.
And round I turned me with rekindled wish, my lady to interrogate, of things concerning which my mind was in suspense. One thing I meant. Another answered me. I thought I should see Beatrice, and saw an old man, habited like the glorious people. O'erflowing was he in his eyes and cheeks, with joy benign, in an attitude of pity as to a tender father is becoming. and, She, where is she? Instantly I said. Whence he? To put an end to thy desire, me, Beatrice, hath sent from mine own place. And if thou lookest up to the third round of the first rank, again shalt thou behold her upon the throne her merits have assigned her. Without reply I lifted up mine eyes, and saw her, as she made herself a crown, reflecting from herself the eternal rays.
Not from that region which the highest thunders is any mortal eye so far removed, in whatsoever sea it deepest sinks, as there from Beatrice my sight. But this was nothing unto me, because her image descended not to me by medium blurred. O lady, thou, in whom my hope is strong, and who for my salvation didst endure in hell to leave the imprint of thy feet, of whatsoever things I have beheld, as coming from thy power, And from thy goodness I recognize the virtue and the grace. Thou from a slave hast brought me unto freedom, by all those ways, by all the expedients whereby thou hadst the power of doing it. Preserve towards me thy magnificence, so that this soul of mine, which thou hast healed, pleasing to thee, be loosened from the body.
Thus I implored. And she, so far away, smiled as it seemed. and looked once more at me, then unto the eternal fountain turned. And said the old man wholly, That thou mayest accomplish perfectly thy journeying, whereunto prayer and holy love hast sent me, fly with thine eyes all round about this garden, for seeing it will discipline thy sight further to mount along the ray divine. And she, the Queen of heaven, for whom I burn wholly with love, will grant us every grace, Because that I, her faithful Bernard, am.
As he who peradventure from Croatia cometh to gaze at our Veronica, who through its ancient fame is never sated, but says in thought, the while it is displayed, My Lord, Christ Jesus, God of very God, now was your semblance made like unto this. Even such was I. While gazing at the living charity of the man who in this world through contemplation tasted of that peace. Thou Son of Grace, this jocund life, began he, will not be known to thee by keeping ever thine eyes below here on the lowest place. But mark the circles to the most remote, until thou shalt behold enthroned the Queen, to whom this realm is subject and devoted. I lifted up mine eyes. And as at morn the oriental part of the horizon surpasses that wherein the sun goes down, thus, as if going with mine eyes from vale to mount, I saw a part in the remoteness surpass in splendor all the other front.
And even as there, where we await the pole that Phaeton drove badly, blazes more the light, and is on either side diminished, so likewise that Pacific oriflame gleamed brightest in the center. And each side in equal measure did the flame abate. And at that centre, with their wings expanded, more than a thousand jubilant angels saw I, each differing in effulgence and in kind. I saw there, at their sports and at their songs, a beauty smiling, which the gladness was within the eyes of all the other saints. And if I had in speaking as much wealth as in imagining, I should not dare to attempt the smallest part of its delight. Bernard, as soon as he beheld mine eyes, fixed and intent upon its fervid fervor, his own with such affection turned to her, that it made mine more ardent to behold.
Canto XXXII Absorbed in his delight, That contemplator assumed the willing office of a teacher, and gave beginning to these holy words. The wound that Mary closed up and anointed, she at her feet who is so beautiful, she is the one who opened it and pierced it. Within that order which the third seats make is seated Rachel, lower than the other, with Beatrice, in manner as thou seest. Sarah, Rebecca, Judith, and her who was ancestress of the singer, who for dole of the misdeed said, Misere mei, canst thou behold from seat to seat descending down in gradation, as with each one's name I, through the rows, go down from leaf to leaf. And downward from the seventh row, even as above the same, succeed the Hebrew women, dividing all the tresses of the flower, Because, according to the view which faith in Christ had taken, these are the partition by which the sacred stairways are divided.
Upon this side, where perfect is the flower with each one of its petals, seated are those who believed in Christ who was to come. Upon the other side, where intersected with vacant spaces are the semicircles, are those who looked to Christ already come. And as upon this side, The glorious seat of the Lady of Heaven, and the other seats below it, such a great division make. So opposite doth that of the great John, who ever holy desert and martyrdom endured, and afterwards two years in Hell. And under him thus to divide were chosen Francis, and Benedict, and Augustine, and down to us the rest from round to round. Behold now the high providence divine, for one and the other aspect of the faith in equal measure shall this garden fill.
And know that downward from that rank which cleaves midway the sequence of the two divisions, not by their proper merit are they seated, but by another's under fixed conditions. For these are spirits one and all assoiled before they any true election had. Well canst thou recognize it in their faces, and also in their voices puerile, if thou regard them well, and hearken unto them. Now doubtest thou, and doubting, thou art silent. But I will loosen for thee the strong bond in which thy subtle fancies hold thee fast. Within the amplitude of this domain no casual point can possibly find place, no more than sadness can, or thirst, or hunger. For by eternal law has been established whatever thou beholdest, so that closely the ring is fitted to the finger here.
And therefore are these people festinate unto true life, not sine causa here, more and less excellent among themselves, the King, by means of whom this realm reposes in so great love, and in so great delight, that no will ventureth to ask for more. In his own joyous aspect, every mind creating, At his pleasure, dowers with grace diversely, and let here the effect suffice. And this is clearly and expressly noted for you in holy scripture, in those twins who in their mother had their anger roused, according to the color of the hair. Therefore, with such a grace the light supreme consenteth that they worthily be crowned. Without then any merit of their deeds, stationed are they in different gradations, differing only in their first acuteness.
Tis true that in the early centuries with innocence to work out their salvation sufficient was the faith of parents only. After the earlier ages were completed, behooved it that the males by circumcision unto their innocent wings should virtue add. But after that the time of grace had come. Without the baptism absolute of Christ, such innocence below there was retained. Look now into the face that unto Christ hath most resemblance. For its brightness only is able to prepare thee to see Christ.
On her did I behold so great a gladness rain down, borne onward in the holy mines created through that altitude to fly, that whatsoever I had seen before did not suspend me in such admiration, nor show me such similitude of God. And the same love that first descended there, Ave Maria Grazia Plena singing, in front of her his wings expanded wide. Unto the canticle divine responded from every part the court beatified, so that each sight became serener for it. O Holy Father, who for me endures to be below here, Leaving the sweet place in which thou sittest by eternal lot, who is the angel that with so much joy into the eyes is looking of our queen, enamored so that he seems made of fire? Thus I again recourse had to the teaching of that one who delighted him in Mary, as doth the star of morning in the sun.
And he to me. Such gallantry and grace as there can be in angel and in soul, all is in him. And thus we fain would have it, because he is the one who bore the palm down unto Mary, when the Son of God to take our burden on himself decreed. But now come onward with thine eyes, as I speaking shall go, and note the great patricians of this most just and merciful of empires. Those two that sit above there most in rapture, as being very near unto Augusta, are, as it were, the two roots of this rose. He who upon the left is near her placed, the father is, by whose audacious taste the human species so much bitter tastes. Upon the right thou seest that ancient father of holy church, into whose keeping Christ the keys committed of this lovely flower.
And he who all the evil days beheld before his death, of her the beauteous bride, who with the spear and with the nails was one, beside him sits, And by the other rests that leader, under whom, on manna, lived the people ingrate, fickle, and stiff-necked. Opposite Peter seest thou Anna seated, so well content to look upon her daughter, her eyes move not while she sings Hosanna. And opposite the eldest household father, Lucia, sits, she who thy lady moved when to rush downward thou didst bend thy brows. But since the moments of thy vision fly, here will we make a full stop. As a good tailor who makes the gown according to his cloth, and unto the first love will turn our eyes, that looking upon him, thou penetrate as far as possible through his effulgence.
Truly, lest peradventure thou recede, moving thy wings, believing to advance, by prayer behooves it that grace be obtained, grace from that one who has the power to aid thee, and thou shalt follow me with thy affection, that from my words thy heart not turn aside. And he began this holy orison.
Canto XXXIII Thou, virgin mother, daughter of thy son, humble and high beyond all other creatures, the limit fixed of the eternal counsel. Thou art the one who such nobility to human nature gave that its creator did not disdain to make himself its creature. Within thy womb rekindled was the love, by heat of which, in the eternal peace, after such wise this flower has germinated. Here unto us thou art a noonday torch of charity, and below, there, among mortals, thou art the living fountain-head of hope. Lady, thou art so great, and so prevailing, that he who wishes grace, nor runs to thee, his aspirations without wings could fly. Not only thy benignity gives succor to him who asketh it, but oftentimes forerunneth of its own accord the asking.
In thee compassion is, in thee is pity, in thee magnificence, in thee unites whatever of goodness is in any creature. Now doth this man, who from the lowest depth of the universe as far as here has seen one after one the spiritual lives, Supplicate thee through grace for so much power, that with his eyes he may uplift himself, higher towards the uttermost salvation. And I, who never burned for my own seeing more than I do for his, all of my prayers proffer to thee, and pray they come not short, that thou wouldst scatter from him every cloud of his mortality, so with thy prayers, that the chief pleasure be to him displayed. Still further do I pray thee, Queen, who canst, whatever thou wilt, that sound thou mayest preserve after so great a vision his affections.
Let thy protection conquer human movements. See, Beatrice, and all the blessed ones, my prayers to second-clasp their hands to thee. The eyes, beloved and revered of God, fastened upon the speaker, showed to us how grateful unto her are prayers devout. Then, unto the eternal light, they turned. On which it is not credible could be by any creature bent an eye so clear. And I, who to the end of all desires was now approaching, even as I ought the ardor of desire within me ended, Bernard was beckoning unto me, and smiling, that I should upward look. But I already was of my own accord such as he wished, because my sight, becoming purified, was entering more and more into the ray of the high light which of itself is true.
From that time forward, what I saw was greater than our discourse, that to such vision yields, and yields the memory unto such excess. Even as he is who seeth in a dream, and after dreaming the imprinted passion remains, and to his mind the rest returns not, even such am I. For almost utterly ceases my vision, and distilleth yet within my heart the sweetness born of it. Even thus the snow is in the sun unsealed. Even thus upon the wind in the light leaves were the soothsayings of the sibyl lost. O light supreme, that dost so far uplift thee from the conceits of mortals, to my mind, of what thou didst appear, relend a little, and make my tongue of so great puissance, that but a single sparkle of thy glory it may bequeath unto the future people.
For by returning to my memory somewhat, And by a little sounding in these verses, more of thy victory shall be conceived. I think the keenness of the living ray which I endured would have bewildered me if mine eyes had been averted from it. And I remember that I was more bold on this account to bear, so that I joined my aspect with the glory infinite. O grace abundant! By which I presumed to fix my sight upon the light eternal, so that the seeing I consumed therein, I saw that in its depth, far down, is lying, bound up with love together in one volume, what through the universe in leaves is scattered. Substance and accident and their operations all interfuse together in such wise that what I speak of is one simple light.
The universal fashion of this knot methinks I saw, since more abundantly in saying this I feel that I rejoice. One moment is more lethargy to me than five-and-twenty centuries to the emprise that startled Neptune with the shade of Argo. My mind, in this wise, wholly in suspense, steadfast, immovable, attentive-gazed, and evermore with gazing grew enkindled. In presence of that light one such becomes that to withdraw therefrom for other prospect it is impossible he ever consent, because the good, which object is of will, is gathered all in this, and out of it that is defective which is perfect there. Shorter henceforth will my language fall of what I yet remember than an infant's, who still his tongue doth moisten at the breast.
Not because more than one unmingled semblance was in the living light on which I looked, for it is always what it was before, but through the sight that fortified itself in me by looking, one appearance only to me was ever changing as I changed.
Within the deep and luminous subsistence of the high light appeared to me three circles, of threefold color and of one dimension, And by the second seemed the first reflected, as iris is by iris, and the third seemed fire that equally from both is breathed. Oh, how all speech is feeble, and falls short of my conceit! And this, to what I saw, is such, tis not enough to call it little, O light eternal, sole in thyself that dwellest, sole knowest thyself, and known unto thyself, and knowing, lovest and smilest on thyself. That circulation, which being thus conceived, appeared in thee as a reflected light, when somewhat contemplated by mine eyes, within itself, of its own very color, seemed to me painted with our effigy, wherefore my sight was all absorbed therein.
As the geometrician, who endeavors to square the circle, and discovers not by taking thought the principle he wants, even such was I at that new apparition. I wished to see how the image to the circle conformed itself, and how it there finds place, but my own wings were not enough for this. Had it not been that then my mind there smote a flash of lightning, wherein came its wish? Here vigor failed the lofty fantasy. But now was turning my desire and will, even as a will that equally is moved, the love which moves the sun and other stars.
End of the Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri. Translated by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.