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+Project Gutenberg's The Vision of Purgatory, Part 3, by Dante Alighieri
+Translated By The Rev. H. F. Cary, Illustrated by Gustave Dore
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Vision of Purgatory, Part 3
+ Translated By The Rev. H. F. Cary, Illustrated by Gustave Dore
+
+Author: Dante Alighieri
+
+Release Date: August 4, 2004 [EBook #8792]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE VISION OF PURGATORY, PART 3 ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by David Widger
+
+
+
+
+
+THE VISION
+
+OF
+
+HELL, PURGATORY, AND PARADISE
+
+BY DANTE ALIGHIERI
+
+
+TRANSLATED BY
+
+THE REV. H. F. CARY
+
+
+
+
+PURGATORY
+
+Part 3
+
+Cantos 11 - 18
+
+
+
+
+CANTO XI
+
+"O thou Almighty Father, who dost make
+The heavens thy dwelling, not in bounds confin'd,
+But that with love intenser there thou view'st
+Thy primal effluence, hallow'd be thy name:
+Join each created being to extol
+Thy might, for worthy humblest thanks and praise
+Is thy blest Spirit. May thy kingdom's peace
+Come unto us; for we, unless it come,
+With all our striving thither tend in vain.
+As of their will the angels unto thee
+Tender meet sacrifice, circling thy throne
+With loud hosannas, so of theirs be done
+By saintly men on earth. Grant us this day
+Our daily manna, without which he roams
+Through this rough desert retrograde, who most
+Toils to advance his steps. As we to each
+Pardon the evil done us, pardon thou
+Benign, and of our merit take no count.
+'Gainst the old adversary prove thou not
+Our virtue easily subdu'd; but free
+From his incitements and defeat his wiles.
+This last petition, dearest Lord! is made
+Not for ourselves, since that were needless now,
+But for their sakes who after us remain."
+
+Thus for themselves and us good speed imploring,
+Those spirits went beneath a weight like that
+We sometimes feel in dreams, all, sore beset,
+But with unequal anguish, wearied all,
+Round the first circuit, purging as they go,
+The world's gross darkness off: In our behalf
+If there vows still be offer'd, what can here
+For them be vow'd and done by such, whose wills
+Have root of goodness in them? Well beseems
+That we should help them wash away the stains
+They carried hence, that so made pure and light,
+They may spring upward to the starry spheres.
+
+"Ah! so may mercy-temper'd justice rid
+Your burdens speedily, that ye have power
+To stretch your wing, which e'en to your desire
+Shall lift you, as ye show us on which hand
+Toward the ladder leads the shortest way.
+And if there be more passages than one,
+Instruct us of that easiest to ascend;
+For this man who comes with me, and bears yet
+The charge of fleshly raiment Adam left him,
+Despite his better will but slowly mounts."
+From whom the answer came unto these words,
+Which my guide spake, appear'd not; but 'twas said:
+
+"Along the bank to rightward come with us,
+And ye shall find a pass that mocks not toil
+Of living man to climb: and were it not
+That I am hinder'd by the rock, wherewith
+This arrogant neck is tam'd, whence needs I stoop
+My visage to the ground, him, who yet lives,
+Whose name thou speak'st not him I fain would view.
+To mark if e'er I knew himnd to crave
+His pity for the fardel that I bear.
+I was of Latiun, of a Tuscan horn
+A mighty one: Aldobranlesco's name
+My sire's, I know not if ye e'er have heard.
+My old blood and forefathers' gallant deeds
+Made me so haughty, that I clean forgot
+The common mother, and to such excess,
+Wax'd in my scorn of all men, that I fell,
+Fell therefore; by what fate Sienna's sons,
+Each child in Campagnatico, can tell.
+I am Omberto; not me only pride
+Hath injur'd, but my kindred all involv'd
+In mischief with her. Here my lot ordains
+Under this weight to groan, till I appease
+God's angry justice, since I did it not
+Amongst the living, here amongst the dead."
+
+List'ning I bent my visage down: and one
+(Not he who spake) twisted beneath the weight
+That urg'd him, saw me, knew me straight, and call'd,
+Holding his eyes With difficulty fix'd
+Intent upon me, stooping as I went
+Companion of their way. "O!" I exclaim'd,
+
+"Art thou not Oderigi, art not thou
+Agobbio's glory, glory of that art
+Which they of Paris call the limmer's skill?"
+
+"Brother!" said he, "with tints that gayer smile,
+Bolognian Franco's pencil lines the leaves.
+His all the honour now; mine borrow'd light.
+In truth I had not been thus courteous to him,
+The whilst I liv'd, through eagerness of zeal
+For that pre-eminence my heart was bent on.
+Here of such pride the forfeiture is paid.
+Nor were I even here; if, able still
+To sin, I had not turn'd me unto God.
+O powers of man! how vain your glory, nipp'd
+E'en in its height of verdure, if an age
+Less bright succeed not! imbue thought
+To lord it over painting's field; and now
+The cry is Giotto's, and his name eclips'd.
+Thus hath one Guido from the other snatch'd
+The letter'd prize: and he perhaps is born,
+Who shall drive either from their nest. The noise
+Of worldly fame is but a blast of wind,
+That blows from divers points, and shifts its name
+Shifting the point it blows from. Shalt thou more
+Live in the mouths of mankind, if thy flesh
+Part shrivel'd from thee, than if thou hadst died,
+Before the coral and the pap were left,
+Or ere some thousand years have passed? and that
+Is, to eternity compar'd, a space,
+Briefer than is the twinkling of an eye
+To the heaven's slowest orb. He there who treads
+So leisurely before me, far and wide
+Through Tuscany resounded once; and now
+Is in Sienna scarce with whispers nam'd:
+There was he sov'reign, when destruction caught
+The madd'ning rage of Florence, in that day
+Proud as she now is loathsome. Your renown
+Is as the herb, whose hue doth come and go,
+And his might withers it, by whom it sprang
+Crude from the lap of earth." I thus to him:
+"True are thy sayings: to my heart they breathe
+The kindly spirit of meekness, and allay
+What tumours rankle there. But who is he
+Of whom thou spak'st but now?"--"This," he replied,
+"Is Provenzano. He is here, because
+He reach'd, with grasp presumptuous, at the sway
+Of all Sienna. Thus he still hath gone,
+Thus goeth never-resting, since he died.
+Such is th' acquittance render'd back of him,
+Who, beyond measure, dar'd on earth." I then:
+"If soul that to the verge of life delays
+Repentance, linger in that lower space,
+Nor hither mount, unless good prayers befriend,
+How chanc'd admittance was vouchsaf'd to him?"
+
+"When at his glory's topmost height," said he,
+"Respect of dignity all cast aside,
+Freely He fix'd him on Sienna's plain,
+A suitor to redeem his suff'ring friend,
+Who languish'd in the prison-house of Charles,
+Nor for his sake refus'd through every vein
+To tremble. More I will not say; and dark,
+I know, my words are, but thy neighbours soon
+Shall help thee to a comment on the text.
+This is the work, that from these limits freed him."
+
+
+
+
+CANTO XII
+
+With equal pace as oxen in the yoke,
+I with that laden spirit journey'd on
+Long as the mild instructor suffer'd me;
+But when he bade me quit him, and proceed
+(For "here," said he, "behooves with sail and oars
+Each man, as best he may, push on his bark"),
+Upright, as one dispos'd for speed, I rais'd
+My body, still in thought submissive bow'd.
+
+I now my leader's track not loth pursued;
+And each had shown how light we far'd along
+When thus he warn'd me: "Bend thine eyesight down:
+For thou to ease the way shall find it good
+To ruminate the bed beneath thy feet."
+
+As in memorial of the buried, drawn
+Upon earth-level tombs, the sculptur'd form
+Of what was once, appears (at sight whereof
+Tears often stream forth by remembrance wak'd,
+Whose sacred stings the piteous only feel),
+So saw I there, but with more curious skill
+Of portraiture o'erwrought, whate'er of space
+From forth the mountain stretches. On one part
+Him I beheld, above all creatures erst
+Created noblest, light'ning fall from heaven:
+On th' other side with bolt celestial pierc'd
+Briareus: cumb'ring earth he lay through dint
+Of mortal ice-stroke. The Thymbraean god
+With Mars, I saw, and Pallas, round their sire,
+Arm'd still, and gazing on the giant's limbs
+Strewn o'er th' ethereal field. Nimrod I saw:
+At foot of the stupendous work he stood,
+As if bewilder'd, looking on the crowd
+Leagued in his proud attempt on Sennaar's plain.
+
+O Niobe! in what a trance of woe
+Thee I beheld, upon that highway drawn,
+Sev'n sons on either side thee slain! Saul!
+How ghastly didst thou look! on thine own sword
+Expiring in Gilboa, from that hour
+Ne'er visited with rain from heav'n or dew!
+
+O fond Arachne! thee I also saw
+Half spider now in anguish crawling up
+Th' unfinish'd web thou weaved'st to thy bane!
+
+O Rehoboam! here thy shape doth seem
+Louring no more defiance! but fear-smote
+With none to chase him in his chariot whirl'd.
+
+Was shown beside upon the solid floor
+How dear Alcmaeon forc'd his mother rate
+That ornament in evil hour receiv'd:
+How in the temple on Sennacherib fell
+His sons, and how a corpse they left him there.
+Was shown the scath and cruel mangling made
+By Tomyris on Cyrus, when she cried:
+"Blood thou didst thirst for, take thy fill of blood!"
+Was shown how routed in the battle fled
+Th' Assyrians, Holofernes slain, and e'en
+The relics of the carnage. Troy I mark'd
+In ashes and in caverns. Oh! how fall'n,
+How abject, Ilion, was thy semblance there!
+
+What master of the pencil or the style
+Had trac'd the shades and lines, that might have made
+The subtlest workman wonder? Dead the dead,
+The living seem'd alive; with clearer view
+His eye beheld not who beheld the truth,
+Than mine what I did tread on, while I went
+Low bending. Now swell out; and with stiff necks
+Pass on, ye sons of Eve! veil not your looks,
+Lest they descry the evil of your path!
+
+I noted not (so busied was my thought)
+How much we now had circled of the mount,
+And of his course yet more the sun had spent,
+When he, who with still wakeful caution went,
+Admonish'd: "Raise thou up thy head: for know
+Time is not now for slow suspense. Behold
+That way an angel hasting towards us! Lo!
+Where duly the sixth handmaid doth return
+From service on the day. Wear thou in look
+And gesture seemly grace of reverent awe,
+That gladly he may forward us aloft.
+Consider that this day ne'er dawns again."
+
+Time's loss he had so often warn'd me 'gainst,
+I could not miss the scope at which he aim'd.
+
+The goodly shape approach'd us, snowy white
+In vesture, and with visage casting streams
+Of tremulous lustre like the matin star.
+His arms he open'd, then his wings; and spake:
+"Onward: the steps, behold! are near; and now
+Th' ascent is without difficulty gain'd."
+
+A scanty few are they, who when they hear
+Such tidings, hasten. O ye race of men
+Though born to soar, why suffer ye a wind
+So slight to baffle ye? He led us on
+Where the rock parted; here against my front
+Did beat his wings, then promis'd I should fare
+In safety on my way. As to ascend
+That steep, upon whose brow the chapel stands
+(O'er Rubaconte, looking lordly down
+On the well-guided city,) up the right
+Th' impetuous rise is broken by the steps
+Carv'd in that old and simple age, when still
+The registry and label rested safe;
+Thus is th' acclivity reliev'd, which here
+Precipitous from the other circuit falls:
+But on each hand the tall cliff presses close.
+
+As ent'ring there we turn'd, voices, in strain
+Ineffable, sang: "Blessed are the poor
+In spirit." Ah how far unlike to these
+The straits of hell; here songs to usher us,
+There shrieks of woe! We climb the holy stairs:
+And lighter to myself by far I seem'd
+Than on the plain before, whence thus I spake:
+"Say, master, of what heavy thing have I
+Been lighten'd, that scarce aught the sense of toil
+Affects me journeying?" He in few replied:
+"When sin's broad characters, that yet remain
+Upon thy temples, though well nigh effac'd,
+Shall be, as one is, all clean razed out,
+Then shall thy feet by heartiness of will
+Be so o'ercome, they not alone shall feel
+No sense of labour, but delight much more
+Shall wait them urg'd along their upward way."
+
+Then like to one, upon whose head is plac'd
+Somewhat he deems not of but from the becks
+Of others as they pass him by; his hand
+Lends therefore help to' assure him, searches, finds,
+And well performs such office as the eye
+Wants power to execute: so stretching forth
+The fingers of my right hand, did I find
+Six only of the letters, which his sword
+Who bare the keys had trac'd upon my brow.
+The leader, as he mark'd mine action, smil'd.
+
+
+
+
+CANTO XIII
+
+We reach'd the summit of the scale, and stood
+Upon the second buttress of that mount
+Which healeth him who climbs. A cornice there,
+Like to the former, girdles round the hill;
+Save that its arch with sweep less ample bends.
+
+Shadow nor image there is seen; all smooth
+The rampart and the path, reflecting nought
+But the rock's sullen hue. "If here we wait
+For some to question," said the bard, "I fear
+Our choice may haply meet too long delay."
+
+Then fixedly upon the sun his eyes
+He fastn'd, made his right the central point
+From whence to move, and turn'd the left aside.
+"O pleasant light, my confidence and hope,
+Conduct us thou," he cried, "on this new way,
+Where now I venture, leading to the bourn
+We seek. The universal world to thee
+Owes warmth and lustre. If no other cause
+Forbid, thy beams should ever be our guide."
+
+Far, as is measur'd for a mile on earth,
+In brief space had we journey'd; such prompt will
+Impell'd; and towards us flying, now were heard
+Spirits invisible, who courteously
+Unto love's table bade the welcome guest.
+The voice, that firstlew by, call'd forth aloud,
+"They have no wine;" so on behind us past,
+Those sounds reiterating, nor yet lost
+In the faint distance, when another came
+Crying, "I am Orestes," and alike
+Wing'd its fleet way. "Oh father!" I exclaim'd,
+"What tongues are these?" and as I question'd, lo!
+A third exclaiming, "Love ye those have wrong'd you."
+
+"This circuit," said my teacher, "knots the scourge
+For envy, and the cords are therefore drawn
+By charity's correcting hand. The curb
+Is of a harsher sound, as thou shalt hear
+(If I deem rightly), ere thou reach the pass,
+Where pardon sets them free. But fix thine eyes
+Intently through the air, and thou shalt see
+A multitude before thee seated, each
+Along the shelving grot." Then more than erst
+I op'd my eyes, before me view'd, and saw
+Shadows with garments dark as was the rock;
+And when we pass'd a little forth, I heard
+A crying, "Blessed Mary! pray for us,
+Michael and Peter! all ye saintly host!"
+
+I do not think there walks on earth this day
+Man so remorseless, that he hath not yearn'd
+With pity at the sight that next I saw.
+Mine eyes a load of sorrow teemed, when now
+I stood so near them, that their semblances
+Came clearly to my view. Of sackcloth vile
+Their cov'ring seem'd; and on his shoulder one
+Did stay another, leaning, and all lean'd
+Against the cliff. E'en thus the blind and poor,
+Near the confessionals, to crave an alms,
+Stand, each his head upon his fellow's sunk,
+
+So most to stir compassion, not by sound
+Of words alone, but that, which moves not less,
+The sight of mis'ry. And as never beam
+Of noonday visiteth the eyeless man,
+E'en so was heav'n a niggard unto these
+Of his fair light; for, through the orbs of all,
+A thread of wire, impiercing, knits them up,
+As for the taming of a haggard hawk.
+
+It were a wrong, methought, to pass and look
+On others, yet myself the while unseen.
+To my sage counsel therefore did I turn.
+He knew the meaning of the mute appeal,
+Nor waited for my questioning, but said:
+"Speak; and be brief, be subtle in thy words."
+
+On that part of the cornice, whence no rim
+Engarlands its steep fall, did Virgil come;
+On the' other side me were the spirits, their cheeks
+Bathing devout with penitential tears,
+That through the dread impalement forc'd a way.
+
+I turn'd me to them, and "O shades!" said I,
+
+"Assur'd that to your eyes unveil'd shall shine
+The lofty light, sole object of your wish,
+So may heaven's grace clear whatsoe'er of foam
+Floats turbid on the conscience, that thenceforth
+The stream of mind roll limpid from its source,
+As ye declare (for so shall ye impart
+A boon I dearly prize) if any soul
+Of Latium dwell among ye; and perchance
+That soul may profit, if I learn so much."
+
+"My brother, we are each one citizens
+Of one true city. Any thou wouldst say,
+Who lived a stranger in Italia's land."
+
+So heard I answering, as appeal'd, a voice
+That onward came some space from whence I stood.
+
+A spirit I noted, in whose look was mark'd
+Expectance. Ask ye how? The chin was rais'd
+As in one reft of sight. "Spirit," said I,
+"Who for thy rise are tutoring (if thou be
+That which didst answer to me,) or by place
+Or name, disclose thyself, that I may know thee."
+
+"I was," it answer'd, "of Sienna: here
+I cleanse away with these the evil life,
+Soliciting with tears that He, who is,
+Vouchsafe him to us. Though Sapia nam'd
+In sapience I excell'd not, gladder far
+Of others' hurt, than of the good befell me.
+That thou mayst own I now deceive thee not,
+Hear, if my folly were not as I speak it.
+When now my years slop'd waning down the arch,
+It so bechanc'd, my fellow citizens
+Near Colle met their enemies in the field,
+And I pray'd God to grant what He had will'd.
+There were they vanquish'd, and betook themselves
+Unto the bitter passages of flight.
+I mark'd the hunt, and waxing out of bounds
+In gladness, lifted up my shameless brow,
+And like the merlin cheated by a gleam,
+Cried, "It is over. Heav'n! fear thee not."
+Upon my verge of life I wish'd for peace
+With God; nor repentance had supplied
+What I did lack of duty, were it not
+The hermit Piero, touch'd with charity,
+In his devout orisons thought on me.
+"But who art thou that question'st of our state,
+Who go'st to my belief, with lids unclos'd,
+And breathest in thy talk?"--"Mine eyes," said I,
+"May yet be here ta'en from me; but not long;
+For they have not offended grievously
+With envious glances. But the woe beneath
+Urges my soul with more exceeding dread.
+That nether load already weighs me down."
+
+She thus: "Who then amongst us here aloft
+Hath brought thee, if thou weenest to return?"
+
+"He," answer'd I, "who standeth mute beside me.
+I live: of me ask therefore, chosen spirit,
+If thou desire I yonder yet should move
+For thee my mortal feet."--"Oh!" she replied,
+"This is so strange a thing, it is great sign
+That God doth love thee. Therefore with thy prayer
+Sometime assist me: and by that I crave,
+Which most thou covetest, that if thy feet
+E'er tread on Tuscan soil, thou save my fame
+Amongst my kindred. Them shalt thou behold
+With that vain multitude, who set their hope
+On Telamone's haven, there to fail
+Confounded, more shall when the fancied stream
+They sought of Dian call'd: but they who lead
+Their navies, more than ruin'd hopes shall mourn."
+
+
+
+
+CANTO XIV
+
+"Say who is he around our mountain winds,
+Or ever death has prun'd his wing for flight,
+That opes his eyes and covers them at will?"
+
+"I know not who he is, but know thus much
+He comes not singly. Do thou ask of him,
+For thou art nearer to him, and take heed
+Accost him gently, so that he may speak."
+
+Thus on the right two Spirits bending each
+Toward the other, talk'd of me, then both
+Addressing me, their faces backward lean'd,
+And thus the one began: "O soul, who yet
+Pent in the body, tendest towards the sky!
+For charity, we pray thee' comfort us,
+Recounting whence thou com'st, and who thou art:
+For thou dost make us at the favour shown thee
+Marvel, as at a thing that ne'er hath been."
+
+"There stretches through the midst of Tuscany,"
+I straight began: "a brooklet, whose well-head
+Springs up in Falterona, with his race
+Not satisfied, when he some hundred miles
+Hath measur'd. From his banks bring, I this frame.
+To tell you who I am were words misspent:
+For yet my name scarce sounds on rumour's lip."
+
+"If well I do incorp'rate with my thought
+The meaning of thy speech," said he, who first
+Addrest me, "thou dost speak of Arno's wave."
+
+To whom the other: "Why hath he conceal'd
+The title of that river, as a man
+Doth of some horrible thing?" The spirit, who
+Thereof was question'd, did acquit him thus:
+"I know not: but 'tis fitting well the name
+Should perish of that vale; for from the source
+Where teems so plenteously the Alpine steep
+Maim'd of Pelorus, (that doth scarcely pass
+Beyond that limit,) even to the point
+Whereunto ocean is restor'd, what heaven
+Drains from th' exhaustless store for all earth's streams,
+Throughout the space is virtue worried down,
+As 'twere a snake, by all, for mortal foe,
+Or through disastrous influence on the place,
+Or else distortion of misguided wills,
+That custom goads to evil: whence in those,
+The dwellers in that miserable vale,
+Nature is so transform'd, it seems as they
+Had shar'd of Circe's feeding. 'Midst brute swine,
+Worthier of acorns than of other food
+Created for man's use, he shapeth first
+His obscure way; then, sloping onward, finds
+Curs, snarlers more in spite than power, from whom
+He turns with scorn aside: still journeying down,
+By how much more the curst and luckless foss
+Swells out to largeness, e'en so much it finds
+Dogs turning into wolves. Descending still
+Through yet more hollow eddies, next he meets
+A race of foxes, so replete with craft,
+They do not fear that skill can master it.
+Nor will I cease because my words are heard
+By other ears than thine. It shall be well
+For this man, if he keep in memory
+What from no erring Spirit I reveal.
+Lo! behold thy grandson, that becomes
+A hunter of those wolves, upon the shore
+Of the fierce stream, and cows them all with dread:
+Their flesh yet living sets he up to sale,
+Then like an aged beast to slaughter dooms.
+Many of life he reaves, himself of worth
+And goodly estimation. Smear'd with gore
+Mark how he issues from the rueful wood,
+Leaving such havoc, that in thousand years
+It spreads not to prime lustihood again."
+
+As one, who tidings hears of woe to come,
+Changes his looks perturb'd, from whate'er part
+The peril grasp him, so beheld I change
+That spirit, who had turn'd to listen, struck
+With sadness, soon as he had caught the word.
+
+His visage and the other's speech did raise
+Desire in me to know the names of both,
+whereof with meek entreaty I inquir'd.
+
+The shade, who late addrest me, thus resum'd:
+"Thy wish imports that I vouchsafe to do
+For thy sake what thou wilt not do for mine.
+But since God's will is that so largely shine
+His grace in thee, I will be liberal too.
+Guido of Duca know then that I am.
+Envy so parch'd my blood, that had I seen
+A fellow man made joyous, thou hadst mark'd
+A livid paleness overspread my cheek.
+Such harvest reap I of the seed I sow'd.
+O man, why place thy heart where there doth need
+Exclusion of participants in good?
+This is Rinieri's spirit, this the boast
+And honour of the house of Calboli,
+Where of his worth no heritage remains.
+Nor his the only blood, that hath been stript
+('twixt Po, the mount, the Reno, and the shore,)
+Of all that truth or fancy asks for bliss;
+But in those limits such a growth has sprung
+Of rank and venom'd roots, as long would mock
+Slow culture's toil. Where is good Liziohere
+Manardi, Traversalo, and Carpigna?
+O bastard slips of old Romagna's line!
+When in Bologna the low artisan,
+And in Faenza yon Bernardin sprouts,
+A gentle cyon from ignoble stem.
+Wonder not, Tuscan, if thou see me weep,
+When I recall to mind those once lov'd names,
+Guido of Prata, and of Azzo him
+That dwelt with you; Tignoso and his troop,
+With Traversaro's house and Anastagio's,
+(Each race disherited) and beside these,
+The ladies and the knights, the toils and ease,
+That witch'd us into love and courtesy;
+Where now such malice reigns in recreant hearts.
+O Brettinoro! wherefore tarriest still,
+Since forth of thee thy family hath gone,
+And many, hating evil, join'd their steps?
+Well doeth he, that bids his lineage cease,
+Bagnacavallo; Castracaro ill,
+And Conio worse, who care to propagate
+A race of Counties from such blood as theirs.
+Well shall ye also do, Pagani, then
+When from amongst you tries your demon child.
+Not so, howe'er, that henceforth there remain
+True proof of what ye were. O Hugolin!
+Thou sprung of Fantolini's line! thy name
+Is safe, since none is look'd for after thee
+To cloud its lustre, warping from thy stock.
+But, Tuscan, go thy ways; for now I take
+Far more delight in weeping than in words.
+Such pity for your sakes hath wrung my heart."
+
+We knew those gentle spirits at parting heard
+Our steps. Their silence therefore of our way
+Assur'd us. Soon as we had quitted them,
+Advancing onward, lo! a voice that seem'd
+Like vollied light'ning, when it rives the air,
+Met us, and shouted, "Whosoever finds
+Will slay me," then fled from us, as the bolt
+Lanc'd sudden from a downward-rushing cloud.
+When it had giv'n short truce unto our hearing,
+Behold the other with a crash as loud
+As the quick-following thunder: "Mark in me
+Aglauros turn'd to rock." I at the sound
+Retreating drew more closely to my guide.
+
+Now in mute stillness rested all the air:
+And thus he spake: "There was the galling bit.
+But your old enemy so baits his hook,
+He drags you eager to him. Hence nor curb
+Avails you, nor reclaiming call. Heav'n calls
+And round about you wheeling courts your gaze
+With everlasting beauties. Yet your eye
+Turns with fond doting still upon the earth.
+Therefore He smites you who discerneth all."
+
+
+
+
+CANTO XV
+
+As much as 'twixt the third hour's close and dawn,
+Appeareth of heav'n's sphere, that ever whirls
+As restless as an infant in his play,
+So much appear'd remaining to the sun
+Of his slope journey towards the western goal.
+
+Evening was there, and here the noon of night;
+and full upon our forehead smote the beams.
+For round the mountain, circling, so our path
+Had led us, that toward the sun-set now
+Direct we journey'd: when I felt a weight
+Of more exceeding splendour, than before,
+Press on my front. The cause unknown, amaze
+Possess'd me, and both hands against my brow
+Lifting, I interpos'd them, as a screen,
+That of its gorgeous superflux of light
+Clipp'd the diminish'd orb. As when the ray,
+Striking On water or the surface clear
+Of mirror, leaps unto the opposite part,
+Ascending at a glance, e'en as it fell,
+(And so much differs from the stone, that falls
+Through equal space, as practice skill hath shown);
+Thus with refracted light before me seemed
+The ground there smitten; whence in sudden haste
+My sight recoil'd. "What is this, sire belov'd!
+'Gainst which I strive to shield the sight in vain?"
+Cried I, "and which towards us moving seems?"
+
+"Marvel not, if the family of heav'n,"
+He answer'd, "yet with dazzling radiance dim
+Thy sense it is a messenger who comes,
+Inviting man's ascent. Such sights ere long,
+Not grievous, shall impart to thee delight,
+As thy perception is by nature wrought
+Up to their pitch." The blessed angel, soon
+As we had reach'd him, hail'd us with glad voice:
+"Here enter on a ladder far less steep
+Than ye have yet encounter'd." We forthwith
+Ascending, heard behind us chanted sweet,
+"Blessed the merciful," and "happy thou!
+That conquer'st." Lonely each, my guide and I
+Pursued our upward way; and as we went,
+Some profit from his words I hop'd to win,
+And thus of him inquiring, fram'd my speech:
+
+"What meant Romagna's spirit, when he spake
+Of bliss exclusive with no partner shar'd?"
+
+He straight replied: "No wonder, since he knows,
+What sorrow waits on his own worst defect,
+If he chide others, that they less may mourn.
+Because ye point your wishes at a mark,
+Where, by communion of possessors, part
+Is lessen'd, envy bloweth up the sighs of men.
+No fear of that might touch ye, if the love
+Of higher sphere exalted your desire.
+For there, by how much more they call it ours,
+So much propriety of each in good
+Increases more, and heighten'd charity
+Wraps that fair cloister in a brighter flame."
+
+"Now lack I satisfaction more," said I,
+"Than if thou hadst been silent at the first,
+And doubt more gathers on my lab'ring thought.
+How can it chance, that good distributed,
+The many, that possess it, makes more rich,
+Than if 't were shar'd by few?" He answering thus:
+"Thy mind, reverting still to things of earth,
+Strikes darkness from true light. The highest good
+Unlimited, ineffable, doth so speed
+To love, as beam to lucid body darts,
+Giving as much of ardour as it finds.
+The sempiternal effluence streams abroad
+Spreading, wherever charity extends.
+So that the more aspirants to that bliss
+Are multiplied, more good is there to love,
+And more is lov'd; as mirrors, that reflect,
+Each unto other, propagated light.
+If these my words avail not to allay
+Thy thirsting, Beatrice thou shalt see,
+Who of this want, and of all else thou hast,
+Shall rid thee to the full. Provide but thou
+That from thy temples may be soon eras'd,
+E'en as the two already, those five scars,
+That when they pain thee worst, then kindliest heal,"
+
+"Thou," I had said, "content'st me," when I saw
+The other round was gain'd, and wond'ring eyes
+Did keep me mute. There suddenly I seem'd
+By an ecstatic vision wrapt away;
+And in a temple saw, methought, a crowd
+Of many persons; and at th' entrance stood
+A dame, whose sweet demeanour did express
+A mother's love, who said, "Child! why hast thou
+Dealt with us thus? Behold thy sire and I
+Sorrowing have sought thee;" and so held her peace,
+And straight the vision fled. A female next
+Appear'd before me, down whose visage cours'd
+Those waters, that grief forces out from one
+By deep resentment stung, who seem'd to say:
+"If thou, Pisistratus, be lord indeed
+Over this city, nam'd with such debate
+Of adverse gods, and whence each science sparkles,
+Avenge thee of those arms, whose bold embrace
+Hath clasp'd our daughter; "and to fuel, meseem'd,
+Benign and meek, with visage undisturb'd,
+Her sovran spake: "How shall we those requite,
+Who wish us evil, if we thus condemn
+The man that loves us?" After that I saw
+A multitude, in fury burning, slay
+With stones a stripling youth, and shout amain
+"Destroy, destroy:" and him I saw, who bow'd
+Heavy with death unto the ground, yet made
+His eyes, unfolded upward, gates to heav'n,
+
+Praying forgiveness of th' Almighty Sire,
+Amidst that cruel conflict, on his foes,
+With looks, that With compassion to their aim.
+
+Soon as my spirit, from her airy flight
+Returning, sought again the things, whose truth
+Depends not on her shaping, I observ'd
+How she had rov'd to no unreal scenes
+
+Meanwhile the leader, who might see I mov'd,
+As one, who struggles to shake off his sleep,
+Exclaim'd: "What ails thee, that thou canst not hold
+Thy footing firm, but more than half a league
+Hast travel'd with clos'd eyes and tott'ring gait,
+Like to a man by wine or sleep o'ercharg'd?"
+
+"Beloved father! so thou deign," said I,
+"To listen, I will tell thee what appear'd
+Before me, when so fail'd my sinking steps."
+
+He thus: "Not if thy Countenance were mask'd
+With hundred vizards, could a thought of thine
+How small soe'er, elude me. What thou saw'st
+Was shown, that freely thou mightst ope thy heart
+To the waters of peace, that flow diffus'd
+From their eternal fountain. I not ask'd,
+What ails theeor such cause as he doth, who
+Looks only with that eye which sees no more,
+When spiritless the body lies; but ask'd,
+To give fresh vigour to thy foot. Such goads
+The slow and loit'ring need; that they be found
+Not wanting, when their hour of watch returns."
+
+So on we journey'd through the evening sky
+Gazing intent, far onward, as our eyes
+With level view could stretch against the bright
+Vespertine ray: and lo! by slow degrees
+Gath'ring, a fog made tow'rds us, dark as night.
+There was no room for 'scaping; and that mist
+Bereft us, both of sight and the pure air.
+
+
+
+
+CANTO XVI
+
+Hell's dunnest gloom, or night unlustrous, dark,
+Of every planes 'reft, and pall'd in clouds,
+Did never spread before the sight a veil
+In thickness like that fog, nor to the sense
+So palpable and gross. Ent'ring its shade,
+Mine eye endured not with unclosed lids;
+Which marking, near me drew the faithful guide,
+Offering me his shoulder for a stay.
+
+As the blind man behind his leader walks,
+Lest he should err, or stumble unawares
+On what might harm him, or perhaps destroy,
+I journey'd through that bitter air and foul,
+Still list'ning to my escort's warning voice,
+"Look that from me thou part not." Straight I heard
+Voices, and each one seem'd to pray for peace,
+And for compassion, to the Lamb of God
+That taketh sins away. Their prelude still
+Was "Agnus Dei," and through all the choir,
+One voice, one measure ran, that perfect seem'd
+The concord of their song. "Are these I hear
+Spirits, O master?" I exclaim'd; and he:
+"Thou aim'st aright: these loose the bonds of wrath."
+
+"Now who art thou, that through our smoke dost cleave?
+And speak'st of us, as thou thyself e'en yet
+Dividest time by calends?" So one voice
+Bespake me; whence my master said: "Reply;
+And ask, if upward hence the passage lead."
+
+"O being! who dost make thee pure, to stand
+Beautiful once more in thy Maker's sight!
+Along with me: and thou shalt hear and wonder."
+Thus I, whereto the spirit answering spake:
+
+"Long as 't is lawful for me, shall my steps
+Follow on thine; and since the cloudy smoke
+Forbids the seeing, hearing in its stead
+Shall keep us join'd." I then forthwith began
+"Yet in my mortal swathing, I ascend
+To higher regions, and am hither come
+Through the fearful agony of hell.
+And, if so largely God hath doled his grace,
+That, clean beside all modern precedent,
+He wills me to behold his kingly state,
+From me conceal not who thou wast, ere death
+Had loos'd thee; but instruct me: and instruct
+If rightly to the pass I tend; thy words
+The way directing as a safe escort."
+
+"I was of Lombardy, and Marco call'd:
+Not inexperienc'd of the world, that worth
+I still affected, from which all have turn'd
+The nerveless bow aside. Thy course tends right
+Unto the summit:" and, replying thus,
+He added, "I beseech thee pray for me,
+When thou shalt come aloft." And I to him:
+"Accept my faith for pledge I will perform
+What thou requirest. Yet one doubt remains,
+That wrings me sorely, if I solve it not,
+Singly before it urg'd me, doubled now
+By thine opinion, when I couple that
+With one elsewhere declar'd, each strength'ning other.
+The world indeed is even so forlorn
+Of all good as thou speak'st it and so swarms
+With every evil. Yet, beseech thee, point
+The cause out to me, that myself may see,
+And unto others show it: for in heaven
+One places it, and one on earth below."
+
+Then heaving forth a deep and audible sigh,
+"Brother!" he thus began, "the world is blind;
+And thou in truth com'st from it. Ye, who live,
+Do so each cause refer to heav'n above,
+E'en as its motion of necessity
+Drew with it all that moves. If this were so,
+Free choice in you were none; nor justice would
+There should be joy for virtue, woe for ill.
+Your movements have their primal bent from heaven;
+Not all; yet said I all; what then ensues?
+Light have ye still to follow evil or good,
+And of the will free power, which, if it stand
+Firm and unwearied in Heav'n's first assay,
+Conquers at last, so it be cherish'd well,
+Triumphant over all. To mightier force,
+To better nature subject, ye abide
+Free, not constrain'd by that, which forms in you
+The reasoning mind uninfluenc'd of the stars.
+If then the present race of mankind err,
+Seek in yourselves the cause, and find it there.
+Herein thou shalt confess me no false spy.
+
+"Forth from his plastic hand, who charm'd beholds
+Her image ere she yet exist, the soul
+Comes like a babe, that wantons sportively
+Weeping and laughing in its wayward moods,
+As artless and as ignorant of aught,
+Save that her Maker being one who dwells
+With gladness ever, willingly she turns
+To whate'er yields her joy. Of some slight good
+The flavour soon she tastes; and, snar'd by that,
+With fondness she pursues it, if no guide
+Recall, no rein direct her wand'ring course.
+Hence it behov'd, the law should be a curb;
+A sovereign hence behov'd, whose piercing view
+Might mark at least the fortress and main tower
+Of the true city. Laws indeed there are:
+But who is he observes them? None; not he,
+Who goes before, the shepherd of the flock,
+Who chews the cud but doth not cleave the hoof.
+Therefore the multitude, who see their guide
+Strike at the very good they covet most,
+Feed there and look no further. Thus the cause
+Is not corrupted nature in yourselves,
+But ill-conducting, that hath turn'd the world
+To evil. Rome, that turn'd it unto good,
+Was wont to boast two suns, whose several beams
+Cast light on either way, the world's and God's.
+One since hath quench'd the other; and the sword
+Is grafted on the crook; and so conjoin'd
+Each must perforce decline to worse, unaw'd
+By fear of other. If thou doubt me, mark
+The blade: each herb is judg'd of by its seed.
+That land, through which Adice and the Po
+Their waters roll, was once the residence
+Of courtesy and velour, ere the day,
+That frown'd on Frederick; now secure may pass
+Those limits, whosoe'er hath left, for shame,
+To talk with good men, or come near their haunts.
+Three aged ones are still found there, in whom
+The old time chides the new: these deem it long
+Ere God restore them to a better world:
+The good Gherardo, of Palazzo he
+Conrad, and Guido of Castello, nam'd
+In Gallic phrase more fitly the plain Lombard.
+On this at last conclude. The church of Rome,
+Mixing two governments that ill assort,
+Hath miss'd her footing, fall'n into the mire,
+And there herself and burden much defil'd."
+
+"O Marco!" I replied, shine arguments
+Convince me: and the cause I now discern
+Why of the heritage no portion came
+To Levi's offspring. But resolve me this
+Who that Gherardo is, that as thou sayst
+Is left a sample of the perish'd race,
+And for rebuke to this untoward age?"
+
+"Either thy words," said he, "deceive; or else
+Are meant to try me; that thou, speaking Tuscan,
+Appear'st not to have heard of good Gherado;
+The sole addition that, by which I know him;
+Unless I borrow'd from his daughter Gaia
+Another name to grace him. God be with you.
+I bear you company no more. Behold
+The dawn with white ray glimm'ring through the mist.
+I must away--the angel comes--ere he
+Appear." He said, and would not hear me more.
+
+
+
+
+CANTO XVII
+
+Call to remembrance, reader, if thou e'er
+Hast, on a mountain top, been ta'en by cloud,
+Through which thou saw'st no better, than the mole
+Doth through opacous membrane; then, whene'er
+The wat'ry vapours dense began to melt
+Into thin air, how faintly the sun's sphere
+Seem'd wading through them; so thy nimble thought
+May image, how at first I re-beheld
+The sun, that bedward now his couch o'erhung.
+
+Thus with my leader's feet still equaling pace
+From forth that cloud I came, when now expir'd
+The parting beams from off the nether shores.
+
+O quick and forgetive power! that sometimes dost
+So rob us of ourselves, we take no mark
+Though round about us thousand trumpets clang!
+What moves thee, if the senses stir not? Light
+Kindled in heav'n, spontaneous, self-inform'd,
+Or likelier gliding down with swift illapse
+By will divine. Portray'd before me came
+The traces of her dire impiety,
+Whose form was chang'd into the bird, that most
+Delights itself in song: and here my mind
+Was inwardly so wrapt, it gave no place
+To aught that ask'd admittance from without.
+
+Next shower'd into my fantasy a shape
+As of one crucified, whose visage spake
+Fell rancour, malice deep, wherein he died;
+And round him Ahasuerus the great king,
+Esther his bride, and Mordecai the just,
+Blameless in word and deed. As of itself
+That unsubstantial coinage of the brain
+Burst, like a bubble, Which the water fails
+That fed it; in my vision straight uprose
+A damsel weeping loud, and cried, "O queen!
+O mother! wherefore has intemperate ire
+Driv'n thee to loath thy being? Not to lose
+Lavinia, desp'rate thou hast slain thyself.
+Now hast thou lost me. I am she, whose tears
+Mourn, ere I fall, a mother's timeless end."
+
+E'en as a sleep breaks off, if suddenly
+New radiance strike upon the closed lids,
+The broken slumber quivering ere it dies;
+Thus from before me sunk that imagery
+Vanishing, soon as on my face there struck
+The light, outshining far our earthly beam.
+As round I turn'd me to survey what place
+I had arriv'd at, "Here ye mount," exclaim'd
+A voice, that other purpose left me none,
+Save will so eager to behold who spake,
+I could not choose but gaze. As 'fore the sun,
+That weighs our vision down, and veils his form
+In light transcendent, thus my virtue fail'd
+Unequal. "This is Spirit from above,
+Who marshals us our upward way, unsought;
+And in his own light shrouds him. As a man
+Doth for himself, so now is done for us.
+For whoso waits imploring, yet sees need
+Of his prompt aidance, sets himself prepar'd
+For blunt denial, ere the suit be made.
+Refuse we not to lend a ready foot
+At such inviting: haste we to ascend,
+Before it darken: for we may not then,
+Till morn again return." So spake my guide;
+And to one ladder both address'd our steps;
+And the first stair approaching, I perceiv'd
+Near me as 'twere the waving of a wing,
+That fann'd my face and whisper'd: "Blessed they
+The peacemakers: they know not evil wrath."
+
+Now to such height above our heads were rais'd
+The last beams, follow'd close by hooded night,
+That many a star on all sides through the gloom
+Shone out. "Why partest from me, O my strength?"
+So with myself I commun'd; for I felt
+My o'ertoil'd sinews slacken. We had reach'd
+The summit, and were fix'd like to a bark
+Arriv'd at land. And waiting a short space,
+If aught should meet mine ear in that new round,
+Then to my guide I turn'd, and said: "Lov'd sire!
+Declare what guilt is on this circle purg'd.
+If our feet rest, no need thy speech should pause."
+
+He thus to me: "The love of good, whate'er
+Wanted of just proportion, here fulfils.
+Here plies afresh the oar, that loiter'd ill.
+But that thou mayst yet clearlier understand,
+Give ear unto my words, and thou shalt cull
+Some fruit may please thee well, from this delay.
+
+"Creator, nor created being, ne'er,
+My son," he thus began, "was without love,
+Or natural, or the free spirit's growth.
+Thou hast not that to learn. The natural still
+Is without error; but the other swerves,
+If on ill object bent, or through excess
+Of vigour, or defect. While e'er it seeks
+The primal blessings, or with measure due
+Th' inferior, no delight, that flows from it,
+Partakes of ill. But let it warp to evil,
+Or with more ardour than behooves, or less.
+Pursue the good, the thing created then
+Works 'gainst its Maker. Hence thou must infer
+That love is germin of each virtue in ye,
+And of each act no less, that merits pain.
+Now since it may not be, but love intend
+The welfare mainly of the thing it loves,
+All from self-hatred are secure; and since
+No being can be thought t' exist apart
+And independent of the first, a bar
+Of equal force restrains from hating that.
+
+"Grant the distinction just; and it remains
+The' evil must be another's, which is lov'd.
+Three ways such love is gender'd in your clay.
+There is who hopes (his neighbour's worth deprest,)
+Preeminence himself, and coverts hence
+For his own greatness that another fall.
+There is who so much fears the loss of power,
+Fame, favour, glory (should his fellow mount
+Above him), and so sickens at the thought,
+He loves their opposite: and there is he,
+Whom wrong or insult seems to gall and shame
+That he doth thirst for vengeance, and such needs
+Must doat on other's evil. Here beneath
+This threefold love is mourn'd. Of th' other sort
+Be now instructed, that which follows good
+But with disorder'd and irregular course.
+
+"All indistinctly apprehend a bliss
+On which the soul may rest, the hearts of all
+Yearn after it, and to that wished bourn
+All therefore strive to tend. If ye behold
+Or seek it with a love remiss and lax,
+This cornice after just repenting lays
+Its penal torment on ye. Other good
+There is, where man finds not his happiness:
+It is not true fruition, not that blest
+Essence, of every good the branch and root.
+The love too lavishly bestow'd on this,
+Along three circles over us, is mourn'd.
+Account of that division tripartite
+Expect not, fitter for thine own research."
+
+
+
+
+CANTO XVIII
+
+The teacher ended, and his high discourse
+Concluding, earnest in my looks inquir'd
+If I appear'd content; and I, whom still
+Unsated thirst to hear him urg'd, was mute,
+Mute outwardly, yet inwardly I said:
+"Perchance my too much questioning offends"
+But he, true father, mark'd the secret wish
+By diffidence restrain'd, and speaking, gave
+Me boldness thus to speak: 'Master, my Sight
+Gathers so lively virtue from thy beams,
+That all, thy words convey, distinct is seen.
+Wherefore I pray thee, father, whom this heart
+Holds dearest! thou wouldst deign by proof t' unfold
+That love, from which as from their source thou bring'st
+All good deeds and their opposite.'" He then:
+"To what I now disclose be thy clear ken
+Directed, and thou plainly shalt behold
+How much those blind have err'd, who make themselves
+The guides of men. The soul, created apt
+To love, moves versatile which way soe'er
+Aught pleasing prompts her, soon as she is wak'd
+By pleasure into act. Of substance true
+Your apprehension forms its counterfeit,
+And in you the ideal shape presenting
+Attracts the soul's regard. If she, thus drawn,
+incline toward it, love is that inclining,
+And a new nature knit by pleasure in ye.
+Then as the fire points up, and mounting seeks
+His birth-place and his lasting seat, e'en thus
+Enters the captive soul into desire,
+Which is a spiritual motion, that ne'er rests
+Before enjoyment of the thing it loves.
+Enough to show thee, how the truth from those
+Is hidden, who aver all love a thing
+Praise-worthy in itself: although perhaps
+Its substance seem still good. Yet if the wax
+Be good, it follows not th' impression must."
+"What love is," I return'd, "thy words, O guide!
+And my own docile mind, reveal. Yet thence
+New doubts have sprung. For from without if love
+Be offer'd to us, and the spirit knows
+No other footing, tend she right or wrong,
+Is no desert of hers." He answering thus:
+"What reason here discovers I have power
+To show thee: that which lies beyond, expect
+From Beatrice, faith not reason's task.
+Spirit, substantial form, with matter join'd
+Not in confusion mix'd, hath in itself
+Specific virtue of that union born,
+Which is not felt except it work, nor prov'd
+But through effect, as vegetable life
+By the green leaf. From whence his intellect
+Deduced its primal notices of things,
+Man therefore knows not, or his appetites
+Their first affections; such in you, as zeal
+In bees to gather honey; at the first,
+Volition, meriting nor blame nor praise.
+But o'er each lower faculty supreme,
+That as she list are summon'd to her bar,
+Ye have that virtue in you, whose just voice
+Uttereth counsel, and whose word should keep
+The threshold of assent. Here is the source,
+Whence cause of merit in you is deriv'd,
+E'en as the affections good or ill she takes,
+Or severs, winnow'd as the chaff. Those men
+Who reas'ning went to depth profoundest, mark'd
+That innate freedom, and were thence induc'd
+To leave their moral teaching to the world.
+Grant then, that from necessity arise
+All love that glows within you; to dismiss
+Or harbour it, the pow'r is in yourselves.
+Remember, Beatrice, in her style,
+Denominates free choice by eminence
+The noble virtue, if in talk with thee
+She touch upon that theme." The moon, well nigh
+To midnight hour belated, made the stars
+Appear to wink and fade; and her broad disk
+Seem'd like a crag on fire, as up the vault
+That course she journey'd, which the sun then warms,
+When they of Rome behold him at his set.
+Betwixt Sardinia and the Corsic isle.
+And now the weight, that hung upon my thought,
+Was lighten'd by the aid of that clear spirit,
+Who raiseth Andes above Mantua's name.
+I therefore, when my questions had obtain'd
+Solution plain and ample, stood as one
+Musing in dreary slumber; but not long
+Slumber'd; for suddenly a multitude,
+
+The steep already turning, from behind,
+Rush'd on. With fury and like random rout,
+As echoing on their shores at midnight heard
+Ismenus and Asopus, for his Thebes
+If Bacchus' help were needed; so came these
+Tumultuous, curving each his rapid step,
+By eagerness impell'd of holy love.
+
+Soon they o'ertook us; with such swiftness mov'd
+The mighty crowd. Two spirits at their head
+Cried weeping; "Blessed Mary sought with haste
+The hilly region. Caesar to subdue
+Ilerda, darted in Marseilles his sting,
+And flew to Spain."--"Oh tarry not: away;"
+The others shouted; "let not time be lost
+Through slackness of affection. Hearty zeal
+To serve reanimates celestial grace."
+
+"O ye, in whom intenser fervency
+Haply supplies, where lukewarm erst ye fail'd,
+Slow or neglectful, to absolve your part
+Of good and virtuous, this man, who yet lives,
+(Credit my tale, though strange) desires t' ascend,
+So morning rise to light us. Therefore say
+Which hand leads nearest to the rifted rock?"
+
+So spake my guide, to whom a shade return'd:
+"Come after us, and thou shalt find the cleft.
+We may not linger: such resistless will
+Speeds our unwearied course. Vouchsafe us then
+Thy pardon, if our duty seem to thee
+Discourteous rudeness. In Verona I
+Was abbot of San Zeno, when the hand
+Of Barbarossa grasp'd Imperial sway,
+That name, ne'er utter'd without tears in Milan.
+And there is he, hath one foot in his grave,
+Who for that monastery ere long shall weep,
+Ruing his power misus'd: for that his son,
+Of body ill compact, and worse in mind,
+And born in evil, he hath set in place
+Of its true pastor." Whether more he spake,
+Or here was mute, I know not: he had sped
+E'en now so far beyond us. Yet thus much
+I heard, and in rememb'rance treasur'd it.
+
+He then, who never fail'd me at my need,
+Cried, "Hither turn. Lo! two with sharp remorse
+Chiding their sin!" In rear of all the troop
+These shouted: "First they died, to whom the sea
+Open'd, or ever Jordan saw his heirs:
+And they, who with Aeneas to the end
+Endur'd not suffering, for their portion chose
+Life without glory." Soon as they had fled
+Past reach of sight, new thought within me rose
+By others follow'd fast, and each unlike
+Its fellow: till led on from thought to thought,
+And pleasur'd with the fleeting train, mine eye
+Was clos'd, and meditation chang'd to dream.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's The Vision of Purgatory, Part 3, by Dante Alighieri
+Translated By The Rev. H. F. Cary, Illustrated by Gustave Dore
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