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diff --git a/old/files/relative.htm b/old/files/relative.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..42ae64c --- /dev/null +++ b/old/files/relative.htm @@ -0,0 +1,4210 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="iso-8859-1"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> + <head> + <title> + Dante's Purgatory + </title> + <style type="text/css"> + <!-- + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + .indent5 { margin-left: 5%;} + .indent10 { margin-left: 10%;} + .indent15 { margin-left: 15%;} + .indent20 { margin-left: 20%;} + .indent30 { margin-left: 30%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 100%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + .side { float: left; font-size: 75%; width: 25%; padding-left: 0.8em; + border-left: dashed thin; text-align: left; + text-indent: 0; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; + font-weight: bold; color: black; background: #eeeeee; border: solid 1px;} + p.pfirst, p.noindent {text-indent: 0} + span.dropcap { float: left; margin: 0 0.1em 0 0; line-height: 1 } + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + --> +</style> + </head> + <body> + <h1> + THE VISION OF PURGATORY + </h1> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +Project Gutenberg's The Vision of Purgatory, Complete, by Dante Alighieri + +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.net + + +Title: The Vision of Purgatory, Complete + +Author: Dante Alighieri + +Release Date: August 5, 2004 [EBook #8795] +Last Updated: October 12, 2012 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE VISION OF PURGATORY, COMPLETE *** + + + + +Produced by David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + <div class="mynote"> + <i><a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/files/8795/old/orig8795-h/main.htm"> + LINK TO THE ORIGINAL HTML FILE: This Ebook Has Been Reformatted For Better + Appearance In Mobile Viewers Such As Kindles And Others. The Original + Format, Which The Editor Believes Has A More Attractive Appearance For + Laptops And Other Computers, May Be Viewed By Clicking On This Box.</a></i> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </p> + <h1> + PURGATORY + </h1> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + THE VISION + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + OF + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + HELL, PURGATORY, AND PARADISE + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + BY + </h3> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + DANTE ALIGHIERI + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h1> + ILLUSTRATED BY GUSTAVE DORE + </h1> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + TRANSLATED BY + </h3> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + THE REV. H. F. CARY, M.A. + </h3> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LIST OF CANTOS + </h2> + <p> + <a href="#link1">Canto 1</a> <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2">Canto 2</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link3">Canto 3</a><br /><br /> + <a href="#link4">Canto 4</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link5">Canto 5</a><br /><br /> + <a href="#link6">Canto 6</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link7">Canto 7</a><br /><br /> + <a href="#link8">Canto 8</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link9">Canto 9</a><br /><br /> + <a href="#link10">Canto 10</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link11">Canto 11</a><br /><br /> + <a href="#link12">Canto 12</a> <br /><br /> <a + href="#link13">Canto 13</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link14">Canto 14</a><br /><br /> + <a href="#link15">Canto 15</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link16">Canto 16</a><br /><br /> + <a href="#link17">Canto 17</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link18">Canto 18</a><br /><br /> + <a href="#link19">Canto 19</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link20">Canto 20</a><br /><br /> + <a href="#link21">Canto 21</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link22">Canto 22</a><br /><br /> + <a href="#link23">Canto 23</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link24">Canto 24</a><br /><br /> + <a href="#link25">Canto 25</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link26">Canto 26</a><br /><br /> + <a href="#link27">Canto 27</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link28">Canto 28</a><br /><br /> + <a href="#link29">Canto 29</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link30">Canto 30</a><br /><br /> + <a href="#link31">Canto 31</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link32">Canto 32</a><br /><br /> + <a href="#link33">Canto 33</a><br /><br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + <br /><br /> <a name="link1" id="link1"></a> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + CANTO I + </h2> + <p> + <br /> O'er better waves to speed her rapid course<br /> The light bark of + my genius lifts the sail,<br /> Well pleas'd to leave so cruel sea behind;<br /> + And of that second region will I sing,<br /> In which the human spirit from + sinful blot<br /> Is purg'd, and for ascent to Heaven prepares.<br /> <br />Here, + O ye hallow'd Nine! for in your train<br /> I follow, here the deadened + strain revive;<br /> Nor let Calliope refuse to sound<br /> A somewhat + higher song, of that loud tone,<br /> Which when the wretched birds of + chattering note<br /> Had heard, they of forgiveness lost all hope.<br /> + <br />Sweet hue of eastern sapphire, that was spread<br /> O'er the serene + aspect of the pure air,<br /> High up as the first circle, to mine eyes<br /> + Unwonted joy renew'd, soon as I 'scap'd<br /> Forth from the atmosphere of + deadly gloom,<br /> That had mine eyes and bosom fill'd with grief.<br /> + The radiant planet, that to love invites,<br /> Made all the orient laugh, + and veil'd beneath<br /> The Pisces' light, that in his escort came.<br /> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <a href="images/01-19.jpg">ENLARGE TO FULL SIZE</a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img alt="01-19th.jpg (38K)" src="images/01-19th.jpg" width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br />To the right hand I turn'd, and fix'd my mind<br /> + On the' other pole attentive, where I saw<br /> Four stars ne'er seen + before save by the ken<br /> Of our first parents. Heaven of their + rays<br /> Seem'd joyous. O thou northern site, bereft<br /> Indeed, + and widow'd, since of these depriv'd!<br /> <br />As from this view I had + desisted, straight<br /> Turning a little tow'rds the other pole,<br /> + There from whence now the wain had disappear'd,<br /> I saw an old man + standing by my side<br /> Alone, so worthy of rev'rence in his look,<br /> + That ne'er from son to father more was ow'd.<br /> Low down his beard and + mix'd with hoary white<br /> Descended, like his locks, which parting fell<br /> + Upon his breast in double fold. The beams<br /> Of those four + luminaries on his face<br /> So brightly shone, and with such radiance + clear<br /> Deck'd it, that I beheld him as the sun.<br /> <br />"Say who are + ye, that stemming the blind stream,<br /> Forth from th' eternal + prison-house have fled?"<br /> He spoke and moved those venerable plumes.<br /> + "Who hath conducted, or with lantern sure<br /> Lights you emerging from + the depth of night,<br /> That makes the infernal valley ever black?<br /> + Are the firm statutes of the dread abyss<br /> Broken, or in high heaven + new laws ordain'd,<br /> That thus, condemn'd, ye to my caves approach?"<br /> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <a href="images/01-49.jpg">ENLARGE TO FULL SIZE</a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img alt="01-49th.jpg (35K)" src="images/01-49th.jpg" width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br />My guide, then laying hold on me, by words<br /> + And intimations given with hand and head,<br /> Made my bent knees and eye + submissive pay<br /> Due reverence; then thus to him replied.<br /> <br />"Not + of myself I come; a Dame from heaven<br /> Descending, had besought me in + my charge<br /> To bring. But since thy will implies, that more<br /> + Our true condition I unfold at large,<br /> Mine is not to deny thee thy + request.<br /> This mortal ne'er hath seen the farthest gloom.<br /> But + erring by his folly had approach'd<br /> So near, that little space was + left to turn.<br /> Then, as before I told, I was dispatch'd<br /> To work + his rescue, and no way remain'd<br /> Save this which I have ta'en. I + have display'd<br /> Before him all the regions of the bad;<br /> And + purpose now those spirits to display,<br /> That under thy command are + purg'd from sin.<br /> How I have brought him would be long to say.<br /> + From high descends the virtue, by whose aid<br /> I to thy sight and + hearing him have led.<br /> Now may our coming please thee. In the + search<br /> Of liberty he journeys: that how dear<br /> They know, who for + her sake have life refus'd.<br /> Thou knowest, to whom death for her was + sweet<br /> In Utica, where thou didst leave those weeds,<br /> That in the + last great day will shine so bright.<br /> For us the' eternal edicts are + unmov'd:<br /> He breathes, and I am free of Minos' power,<br /> Abiding in + that circle where the eyes<br /> Of thy chaste Marcia beam, who still in + look<br /> Prays thee, O hallow'd spirit! to own her shine.<br /> Then by + her love we' implore thee, let us pass<br /> Through thy sev'n regions; for + which best thanks<br /> I for thy favour will to her return,<br /> If + mention there below thou not disdain."<br /> <br />"Marcia so pleasing in my + sight was found,"<br /> He then to him rejoin'd, "while I was there,<br /> + That all she ask'd me I was fain to grant.<br /> Now that beyond the' + accursed stream she dwells,<br /> She may no longer move me, by that law,<br /> + Which was ordain'd me, when I issued thence.<br /> Not so, if Dame from + heaven, as thou sayst,<br /> Moves and directs thee; then no flattery + needs.<br /> Enough for me that in her name thou ask.<br /> Go therefore + now: and with a slender reed<br /> See that thou duly gird him, and his + face<br /> Lave, till all sordid stain thou wipe from thence.<br /> For not + with eye, by any cloud obscur'd,<br /> Would it be seemly before him to + come,<br /> Who stands the foremost minister in heaven.<br /> This islet all + around, there far beneath,<br /> Where the wave beats it, on the oozy bed<br /> + Produces store of reeds. No other plant,<br /> Cover'd with leaves, or + harden'd in its stalk,<br /> There lives, not bending to the water's sway.<br /> + After, this way return not; but the sun<br /> Will show you, that now + rises, where to take<br /> The mountain in its easiest ascent."<br /> <br />He + disappear'd; and I myself uprais'd<br /> Speechless, and to my guide + retiring close,<br /> Toward him turn'd mine eyes. He thus began;<br /> + "My son! observant thou my steps pursue.<br /> We must retreat to rearward, + for that way<br /> The champain to its low extreme declines."<br /> <br />The + dawn had chas'd the matin hour of prime,<br /> Which deaf before it, so + that from afar<br /> I spy'd the trembling of the ocean stream.<br /> <br />We + travers'd the deserted plain, as one<br /> Who, wander'd from his track, + thinks every step<br /> Trodden in vain till he regain the path.<br /> <br />When + we had come, where yet the tender dew<br /> Strove with the sun, and in a + place, where fresh<br /> The wind breath'd o'er it, while it slowly dried;<br /> + Both hands extended on the watery grass<br /> My master plac'd, in graceful + act and kind.<br /> Whence I of his intent before appriz'd,<br /> Stretch'd + out to him my cheeks suffus'd with tears.<br /> There to my visage he anew + restor'd<br /> That hue, which the dun shades of hell conceal'd.<br /> <br />Then + on the solitary shore arriv'd,<br /> That never sailing on its waters saw<br /> + Man, that could after measure back his course,<br /> He girt me in such + manner as had pleas'd<br /> Him who instructed, and O, strange to tell!<br /> + As he selected every humble plant,<br /> Wherever one was pluck'd, another + there<br /> Resembling, straightway in its place arose. <br /><br /> <a + name="link2" id="link2"></a> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + CANTO II + </h2> + <p> + <br /> Now had the sun to that horizon reach'd,<br /> That covers, with the + most exalted point<br /> Of its meridian circle, Salem's walls,<br /> And + night, that opposite to him her orb<br /> Sounds, from the stream of Ganges + issued forth,<br /> Holding the scales, that from her hands are dropp'd<br /> + When she reigns highest: so that where I was,<br /> Aurora's white and + vermeil-tinctur'd cheek<br /> To orange turn'd as she in age increas'd.<br /> + <br />Meanwhile we linger'd by the water's brink,<br /> Like men, who, + musing on their road, in thought<br /> Journey, while motionless the body + rests.<br /> When lo! as near upon the hour of dawn,<br /> Through the thick + vapours Mars with fiery beam<br /> Glares down in west, over the ocean + floor;<br /> So seem'd, what once again I hope to view,<br /> A light so + swiftly coming through the sea,<br /> No winged course might equal its + career.<br /> From which when for a space I had withdrawn<br /> Thine eyes, + to make inquiry of my guide,<br /> Again I look'd and saw it grown in size<br /> + And brightness: thou on either side appear'd<br /> Something, but what I + knew not of bright hue,<br /> And by degrees from underneath it came<br /> + Another. My preceptor silent yet<br /> Stood, while the brightness, + that we first discern'd,<br /> Open'd the form of wings: then when he knew<br /> + The pilot, cried aloud, "Down, down; bend low<br /> Thy knees; behold God's + angel: fold thy hands:<br /> Now shalt thou see true Ministers indeed."<br /> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <a href="images/02-27.jpg">ENLARGE TO FULL SIZE</a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img alt="02-27th.jpg (33K)" src="images/02-27th.jpg" width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> Lo how all human means he sets at naught!<br /> So + that nor oar he needs, nor other sail<br /> Except his wings, between such + distant shores.<br /> Lo how straight up to heaven he holds them rear'd,<br /> + Winnowing the air with those eternal plumes,<br /> That not like mortal + hairs fall off or change!"<br /> <br />As more and more toward us came, more + bright<br /> Appear'd the bird of God, nor could the eye<br /> Endure his + splendor near: I mine bent down.<br /> He drove ashore in a small bark so + swift<br /> And light, that in its course no wave it drank.<br /> The + heav'nly steersman at the prow was seen,<br /> Visibly written blessed in + his looks.<br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> <a href="images/02-42.jpg">ENLARGE TO + FULL SIZE</a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img alt="02-42th.jpg (31K)" src="images/02-42th.jpg" width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> Within a hundred spirits and more there sat.<br /> "In + Exitu Israel de Aegypto;"<br /> All with one voice together sang, with what<br /> + In the remainder of that hymn is writ.<br /> Then soon as with the sign of + holy cross<br /> He bless'd them, they at once leap'd out on land,<br /> The + swiftly as he came return'd. The crew,<br /> There left, appear'd astounded + with the place,<br /> Gazing around as one who sees new sights.<br /> <br />From + every side the sun darted his beams,<br /> And with his arrowy radiance + from mid heav'n<br /> Had chas'd the Capricorn, when that strange tribe<br /> + Lifting their eyes towards us: "If ye know,<br /> Declare what path will + Lead us to the mount."<br /> <br />Them Virgil answer'd. "Ye suppose + perchance<br /> Us well acquainted with this place: but here,<br /> We, as + yourselves, are strangers. Not long erst<br /> We came, before you + but a little space,<br /> By other road so rough and hard, that now<br /> + The' ascent will seem to us as play." The spirits,<br /> Who from my + breathing had perceiv'd I liv'd,<br /> Grew pale with wonder. As the + multitude<br /> Flock round a herald, sent with olive branch,<br /> To hear + what news he brings, and in their haste<br /> Tread one another down, e'en + so at sight<br /> Of me those happy spirits were fix'd, each one<br /> + Forgetful of its errand, to depart,<br /> Where cleans'd from sin, it might + be made all fair.<br /> <br />Then one I saw darting before the rest<br /> + With such fond ardour to embrace me, I<br /> To do the like was mov'd. + O shadows vain<br /> Except in outward semblance! thrice my hands<br /> + I clasp'd behind it, they as oft return'd<br /> Empty into my breast again. + Surprise<br /> I needs must think was painted in my looks,<br /> For + that the shadow smil'd and backward drew.<br /> To follow it I hasten'd, + but with voice<br /> Of sweetness it enjoin'd me to desist.<br /> Then who + it was I knew, and pray'd of it,<br /> To talk with me, it would a little + pause.<br /> It answered: "Thee as in my mortal frame<br /> I lov'd, so + loos'd forth it I love thee still,<br /> And therefore pause; but why + walkest thou here?"<br /> <br />"Not without purpose once more to return,<br /> + Thou find'st me, my Casella, where I am<br /> Journeying this way;" I said, + "but how of thee<br /> Hath so much time been lost?" He answer'd + straight:<br /> "No outrage hath been done to me, if he<br /> Who when and + whom he chooses takes, me oft<br /> This passage hath denied, since of just + will<br /> His will he makes. These three months past indeed,<br /> + He, whose chose to enter, with free leave<br /> Hath taken; whence I + wand'ring by the shore<br /> Where Tyber's wave grows salt, of him gain'd + kind<br /> Admittance, at that river's mouth, tow'rd which<br /> His wings + are pointed, for there always throng<br /> All such as not to Archeron + descend."<br /> <br />Then I: "If new laws have not quite destroy'd<br /> + Memory and use of that sweet song of love,<br /> That while all my cares + had power to 'swage;<br /> Please thee with it a little to console<br /> My + spirit, that incumber'd with its frame,<br /> Travelling so far, of pain is + overcome."<br /> <br />"Love that discourses in my thoughts." He then<br /> + Began in such soft accents, that within<br /> The sweetness thrills me yet. + My gentle guide<br /> And all who came with him, so well were + pleas'd,<br /> That seem'd naught else might in their thoughts have room.<br /> + <br />Fast fix'd in mute attention to his notes<br /> We stood, when lo! + that old man venerable<br /> Exclaiming, "How is this, ye tardy spirits?<br /> + What negligence detains you loit'ring here?<br /> Run to the mountain to + cast off those scales,<br /> That from your eyes the sight of God conceal."<br /> + <br />As a wild flock of pigeons, to their food<br /> Collected, blade or + tares, without their pride<br /> Accustom'd, and in still and quiet sort,<br /> + If aught alarm them, suddenly desert<br /> Their meal, assail'd by more + important care;<br /> So I that new-come troop beheld, the song<br /> + Deserting, hasten to the mountain's side,<br /> As one who goes yet where + he tends knows not.<br /> <br />Nor with less hurried step did we depart. + <br /><br /> <a name="link3" id="link3"></a> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + CANTO III + </h2> + <p> + <br /> Them sudden flight had scatter'd over the plain,<br /> Turn'd tow'rds + the mountain, whither reason's voice<br /> Drives us; I to my faithful + company<br /> Adhering, left it not. For how of him<br /> Depriv'd, + might I have sped, or who beside<br /> Would o'er the mountainous tract + have led my steps<br /> He with the bitter pang of self-remorse<br /> Seem'd + smitten. O clear conscience and upright<br /> How doth a little fling + wound thee sore!<br /> <br />Soon as his feet desisted (slack'ning pace),<br /> + From haste, that mars all decency of act,<br /> My mind, that in itself + before was wrapt,<br /> Its thoughts expanded, as with joy restor'd:<br /> + And full against the steep ascent I set<br /> My face, where highest to + heav'n its top o'erflows.<br /> <br />The sun, that flar'd behind, with + ruddy beam<br /> Before my form was broken; for in me<br /> His rays + resistance met. I turn'd aside<br /> With fear of being left, when I + beheld<br /> Only before myself the ground obscur'd.<br /> When thus my + solace, turning him around,<br /> Bespake me kindly: "Why distrustest thou?<br /> + Believ'st not I am with thee, thy sure guide?<br /> It now is evening + there, where buried lies<br /> The body, in which I cast a shade, remov'd<br /> + To Naples from Brundusium's wall. Nor thou<br /> Marvel, if before me + no shadow fall,<br /> More than that in the sky element<br /> One ray + obstructs not other. To endure<br /> Torments of heat and cold + extreme, like frames<br /> That virtue hath dispos'd, which how it works<br /> + Wills not to us should be reveal'd. Insane<br /> Who hopes, our + reason may that space explore,<br /> Which holds three persons in one + substance knit.<br /> Seek not the wherefore, race of human kind;<br /> + Could ye have seen the whole, no need had been<br /> For Mary to bring + forth. Moreover ye<br /> Have seen such men desiring fruitlessly;<br /> + To whose desires repose would have been giv'n,<br /> That now but serve + them for eternal grief.<br /> I speak of Plato, and the Stagyrite,<br /> And + others many more." And then he bent<br /> Downwards his forehead, and + in troubled mood<br /> Broke off his speech. Meanwhile we had arriv'd<br /> + Far as the mountain's foot, and there the rock<br /> Found of so steep + ascent, that nimblest steps<br /> To climb it had been vain. The most + remote<br /> Most wild untrodden path, in all the tract<br /> 'Twixt Lerice + and Turbia were to this<br /> A ladder easy' and open of access.<br /> <br />"Who + knows on which hand now the steep declines?"<br /> My master said and + paus'd, "so that he may<br /> Ascend, who journeys without aid of wine?"<br /> + And while with looks directed to the ground<br /> The meaning of the + pathway he explor'd,<br /> And I gaz'd upward round the stony height,<br /> + Of spirits, that toward us mov'd their steps,<br /> Yet moving seem'd not, + they so slow approach'd.<br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> <a + href="images/03-50.jpg">ENLARGE TO FULL SIZE</a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img alt="03-50th.jpg (35K)" src="images/03-50th.jpg" width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br />I thus my guide address'd: "Upraise thine eyes,<br /> + Lo that way some, of whom thou may'st obtain<br /> Counsel, if of thyself + thou find'st it not!"<br /> <br />Straightway he look'd, and with free + speech replied:<br /> "Let us tend thither: they but softly come.<br /> And + thou be firm in hope, my son belov'd."<br /> <br />Now was that people + distant far in space<br /> A thousand paces behind ours, as much<br /> As at + a throw the nervous arm could fling,<br /> When all drew backward on the + messy crags<br /> Of the steep bank, and firmly stood unmov'd<br /> As one + who walks in doubt might stand to look.<br /> <br />"O spirits perfect! O + already chosen!"<br /> Virgil to them began, "by that blest peace,<br /> + Which, as I deem, is for you all prepar'd,<br /> Instruct us where the + mountain low declines,<br /> So that attempt to mount it be not vain.<br /> + For who knows most, him loss of time most grieves."<br /> <br />As sheep, + that step from forth their fold, by one,<br /> Or pairs, or three at once; + meanwhile the rest<br /> Stand fearfully, bending the eye and nose<br /> To + ground, and what the foremost does, that do<br /> The others, gath'ring + round her, if she stops,<br /> Simple and quiet, nor the cause discern;<br /> + So saw I moving to advance the first,<br /> Who of that fortunate crew were + at the head,<br /> Of modest mien and graceful in their gait.<br /> When + they before me had beheld the light<br /> From my right side fall broken on + the ground,<br /> So that the shadow reach'd the cave, they stopp'd<br /> + And somewhat back retir'd: the same did all,<br /> Who follow'd, though + unweeting of the cause.<br /> <br />"Unask'd of you, yet freely I confess,<br /> + This is a human body which ye see.<br /> That the sun's light is broken on + the ground,<br /> Marvel not: but believe, that not without<br /> Virtue + deriv'd from Heaven, we to climb<br /> Over this wall aspire." So + them bespake<br /> My master; and that virtuous tribe rejoin'd;<br /> "Turn, + and before you there the entrance lies,"<br /> Making a signal to us with + bent hands.<br /> <br />Then of them one began. "Whoe'er thou art,<br /> + Who journey'st thus this way, thy visage turn,<br /> Think if me elsewhere + thou hast ever seen."<br /> <br />I tow'rds him turn'd, and with fix'd eye + beheld.<br /> Comely, and fair, and gentle of aspect,<br /> He seem'd, but + on one brow a gash was mark'd.<br /> <br />When humbly I disclaim'd to have + beheld<br /> Him ever: "Now behold!" he said, and show'd<br /> High on + his breast a wound: then smiling spake.<br /> <br />"I am Manfredi, grandson + to the Queen<br /> Costanza: whence I pray thee, when return'd,<br /> To my + fair daughter go, the parent glad<br /> Of Aragonia and Sicilia's pride;<br /> + And of the truth inform her, if of me<br /> Aught else be told. When + by two mortal blows<br /> My frame was shatter'd, I betook myself<br /> + Weeping to him, who of free will forgives.<br /> My sins were horrible; but + so wide arms<br /> Hath goodness infinite, that it receives<br /> All who + turn to it. Had this text divine<br /> Been of Cosenza's shepherd + better scann'd,<br /> Who then by Clement on my hunt was set,<br /> Yet at + the bridge's head my bones had lain,<br /> Near Benevento, by the heavy + mole<br /> Protected; but the rain now drenches them,<br /> And the wind + drives, out of the kingdom's bounds,<br /> Far as the stream of Verde, + where, with lights<br /> Extinguish'd, he remov'd them from their bed.<br /> + Yet by their curse we are not so destroy'd,<br /> But that the eternal love + may turn, while hope<br /> Retains her verdant blossoms. True it is,<br /> + That such one as in contumacy dies<br /> Against the holy church, though he + repent,<br /> Must wander thirty-fold for all the time<br /> In his + presumption past; if such decree<br /> Be not by prayers of good men + shorter made<br /> Look therefore if thou canst advance my bliss;<br /> + Revealing to my good Costanza, how<br /> Thou hast beheld me, and beside + the terms<br /> Laid on me of that interdict; for here<br /> By means of + those below much profit comes." <br /><br /> <a name="link4" id="link4"></a> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + CANTO IV + </h2> + <p> + <br /> When by sensations of delight or pain,<br /> That any of our + faculties hath seiz'd,<br /> Entire the soul collects herself, it seems<br /> + She is intent upon that power alone,<br /> And thus the error is disprov'd + which holds<br /> The soul not singly lighted in the breast.<br /> And + therefore when as aught is heard or seen,<br /> That firmly keeps the soul + toward it turn'd,<br /> Time passes, and a man perceives it not.<br /> For + that, whereby he hearken, is one power,<br /> Another that, which the whole + spirit hash;<br /> This is as it were bound, while that is free.<br /> <br />This + found I true by proof, hearing that spirit<br /> And wond'ring; for full + fifty steps aloft<br /> The sun had measur'd unobserv'd of me,<br /> When we + arriv'd where all with one accord<br /> The spirits shouted, "Here is what + ye ask."<br /> <br />A larger aperture ofttimes is stopp'd<br /> With forked + stake of thorn by villager,<br /> When the ripe grape imbrowns, than was + the path,<br /> By which my guide, and I behind him close,<br /> Ascended + solitary, when that troop<br /> Departing left us. On Sanleo's road<br /> + Who journeys, or to Noli low descends,<br /> Or mounts Bismantua's height, + must use his feet;<br /> But here a man had need to fly, I mean<br /> With + the swift wing and plumes of high desire,<br /> Conducted by his aid, who + gave me hope,<br /> And with light furnish'd to direct my way.<br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> + <a href="images/04-31.jpg">ENLARGE TO FULL SIZE</a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img alt="04-31th.jpg (44K)" src="images/04-31th.jpg" width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br />We through the broken rock ascended, close<br /> + Pent on each side, while underneath the ground<br /> Ask'd help of hands + and feet. When we arriv'd<br /> Near on the highest ridge of the + steep bank,<br /> Where the plain level open'd I exclaim'd,<br /> "O master! + say which way can we proceed?"<br /> <br />He answer'd, "Let no step of + thine recede.<br /> Behind me gain the mountain, till to us<br /> Some + practis'd guide appear." That eminence<br /> Was lofty that no eye + might reach its point,<br /> And the side proudly rising, more than line<br /> + From the mid quadrant to the centre drawn.<br /> I wearied thus began: + "Parent belov'd!<br /> Turn, and behold how I remain alone,<br /> If thou + stay not."—"My son!" He straight reply'd,<br /> "Thus far put + forth thy strength;" and to a track<br /> Pointed, that, on this side + projecting, round<br /> Circles the hill. His words so spurr'd me on,<br /> + That I behind him clamb'ring, forc'd myself,<br /> Till my feet press'd the + circuit plain beneath.<br /> There both together seated, turn'd we round<br /> + To eastward, whence was our ascent: and oft<br /> Many beside have with + delight look'd back.<br /> <br />First on the nether shores I turn'd my + eyes,<br /> Then rais'd them to the sun, and wond'ring mark'd<br /> That + from the left it smote us. Soon perceiv'd<br /> That Poet sage now at + the car of light<br /> Amaz'd I stood, where 'twixt us and the north<br /> + Its course it enter'd. Whence he thus to me:<br /> "Were Leda's + offspring now in company<br /> Of that broad mirror, that high up and low<br /> + Imparts his light beneath, thou might'st behold<br /> The ruddy zodiac + nearer to the bears<br /> Wheel, if its ancient course it not forsook.<br /> + How that may be if thou would'st think; within<br /> Pond'ring, imagine + Sion with this mount<br /> Plac'd on the earth, so that to both be one<br /> + Horizon, and two hemispheres apart,<br /> Where lies the path that Phaeton + ill knew<br /> To guide his erring chariot: thou wilt see<br /> How of + necessity by this on one<br /> He passes, while by that on the' other side,<br /> + If with clear view shine intellect attend."<br /> <br />"Of truth, kind + teacher!" I exclaim'd, "so clear<br /> Aught saw I never, as I now + discern<br /> Where seem'd my ken to fail, that the mid orb<br /> Of the + supernal motion (which in terms<br /> Of art is called the Equator, and + remains<br /> Ever between the sun and winter) for the cause<br /> Thou hast + assign'd, from hence toward the north<br /> Departs, when those who in the + Hebrew land<br /> Inhabit, see it tow'rds the warmer part.<br /> But if it + please thee, I would gladly know,<br /> How far we have to journey: for the + hill<br /> Mounts higher, than this sight of mine can mount."<br /> <br />He + thus to me: "Such is this steep ascent,<br /> That it is ever difficult at + first,<br /> But, more a man proceeds, less evil grows.<br /> When pleasant + it shall seem to thee, so much<br /> That upward going shall be easy to + thee.<br /> As in a vessel to go down the tide,<br /> Then of this path thou + wilt have reach'd the end.<br /> There hope to rest thee from thy toil. + No more<br /> I answer, and thus far for certain know."<br /> As he + his words had spoken, near to us<br /> A voice there sounded: "Yet ye first + perchance<br /> May to repose you by constraint be led."<br /> At sound + thereof each turn'd, and on the left<br /> A huge stone we beheld, of which + nor I<br /> Nor he before was ware. Thither we drew,<br /> find there + were some, who in the shady place<br /> Behind the rock were standing, as a + man<br /> Thru' idleness might stand. Among them one,<br /> Who seem'd + to me much wearied, sat him down,<br /> And with his arms did fold his + knees about,<br /> Holding his face between them downward bent.<br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> + <a href="images/04-100.jpg">ENLARGE TO FULL SIZE</a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img alt="04-100th.jpg (63K)" src="images/04-100th.jpg" width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br />"Sweet Sir!" I cry'd, "behold that man, + who shows<br /> Himself more idle, than if laziness<br /> Were sister to + him." Straight he turn'd to us,<br /> And, o'er the thigh lifting his + face, observ'd,<br /> Then in these accents spake: "Up then, proceed<br /> + Thou valiant one." Straight who it was I knew;<br /> Nor could the + pain I felt (for want of breath<br /> Still somewhat urg'd me) hinder my + approach.<br /> And when I came to him, he scarce his head<br /> Uplifted, + saying "Well hast thou discern'd,<br /> How from the left the sun his + chariot leads."<br /> <br />His lazy acts and broken words my lips<br /> To + laughter somewhat mov'd; when I began:<br /> "Belacqua, now for thee I + grieve no more.<br /> But tell, why thou art seated upright there?<br /> + Waitest thou escort to conduct thee hence?<br /> Or blame I only shine + accustom'd ways?"<br /> Then he: "My brother, of what use to mount,<br /> + When to my suffering would not let me pass<br /> The bird of God, who at + the portal sits?<br /> Behooves so long that heav'n first bear me round<br /> + Without its limits, as in life it bore,<br /> Because I to the end + repentant Sighs<br /> Delay'd, if prayer do not aid me first,<br /> That + riseth up from heart which lives in grace.<br /> What other kind avails, + not heard in heaven?"'<br /> <br />Before me now the Poet up the mount<br /> + Ascending, cried: "Haste thee, for see the sun<br /> Has touch'd the point + meridian, and the night<br /> Now covers with her foot Marocco's shore." + <br /> <br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br /> <a name="link5" + id="link5"></a> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + CANTO V + </h2> + <p> + <br /> Now had I left those spirits, and pursued<br /> The steps of my + Conductor, when beheld<br /> Pointing the finger at me one exclaim'd:<br /> + "See how it seems as if the light not shone<br /> From the left hand of him + beneath, and he,<br /> As living, seems to be led on." Mine eyes<br /> + I at that sound reverting, saw them gaze<br /> Through wonder first at me, + and then at me<br /> And the light broken underneath, by turns.<br /> "Why + are thy thoughts thus riveted?" my guide<br /> Exclaim'd, "that thou + hast slack'd thy pace? or how<br /> Imports it thee, what thing is + whisper'd here?<br /> Come after me, and to their babblings leave<br /> The + crowd. Be as a tower, that, firmly set,<br /> Shakes not its top for any + blast that blows!<br /> He, in whose bosom thought on thought shoots out,<br /> + Still of his aim is wide, in that the one<br /> Sicklies and wastes to + nought the other's strength."<br /> What + other could I answer save "I come?"<br /> I said it, somewhat with that + colour ting'd<br /> Which ofttimes pardon meriteth for man.<br /> Meanwhile + traverse along the hill there came,<br /> A little way before us, some who + sang<br /> The "Miserere" in responsive Strains.<br /> When they perceiv'd + that through my body I<br /> Gave way not for the rays to pass, their song<br /> + Straight to a long and hoarse exclaim they chang'd;<br /> And two of them, + in guise of messengers,<br /> Ran on to meet us, and inquiring ask'd:<br /> + "Of your condition we would gladly learn."<br /> To + them my guide. "Ye may return, and bear<br /> Tidings to them who + sent you, that his frame<br /> Is real flesh. If, as I deem, to view<br /> + His shade they paus'd, enough is answer'd them.<br /> Him let them honour, + they may prize him well."<br /> Ne'er saw I + fiery vapours with such speed<br /> Cut through the serene air at fall of + night,<br /> Nor August's clouds athwart the setting sun,<br /> That upward + these did not in shorter space<br /> Return; and, there arriving, with the + rest<br /> Wheel back on us, as with loose rein a troop.<br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> + <a href="images/05-42.jpg">ENLARGE TO FULL SIZE</a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img alt="05-42th.jpg (38K)" src="images/05-42th.jpg" width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> "Many," exclaim'd the + bard, "are these, who throng<br /> Around us: to petition thee they come.<br /> + Go therefore on, and listen as thou go'st."<br /> "O + spirit! who go'st on to blessedness<br /> With the same limbs, that clad + thee at thy birth."<br /> Shouting they came, "a little rest thy step.<br /> + Look if thou any one amongst our tribe<br /> Hast e'er beheld, that tidings + of him there<br /> Thou mayst report. Ah, wherefore go'st thou on?<br /> + Ah wherefore tarriest thou not? We all<br /> By violence died, and to + our latest hour<br /> Were sinners, but then warn'd by light from heav'n,<br /> + So that, repenting and forgiving, we<br /> Did issue out of life at peace + with God,<br /> Who with desire to see him fills our heart."<br /> Then + I: "The visages of all I scan<br /> Yet none of ye remember. But if + aught,<br /> That I can do, may please you, gentle spirits!<br /> Speak; and + I will perform it, by that peace,<br /> Which on the steps of guide so + excellent<br /> Following from world to world intent I seek."<br /> In + answer he began: "None here distrusts<br /> Thy kindness, though not + promis'd with an oath;<br /> So as the will fail not for want of power.<br /> + Whence I, who sole before the others speak,<br /> Entreat thee, if thou + ever see that land,<br /> Which lies between Romagna and the realm<br /> Of + Charles, that of thy courtesy thou pray<br /> Those who inhabit Fano, that + for me<br /> Their adorations duly be put up,<br /> By which I may purge off + my grievous sins.<br /> From thence I came. But the deep passages,<br /> + Whence issued out the blood wherein I dwelt,<br /> Upon my bosom in + Antenor's land<br /> Were made, where to be more secure I thought.<br /> The + author of the deed was Este's prince,<br /> Who, more than right could + warrant, with his wrath<br /> Pursued me. Had I towards Mira fled,<br /> + When overta'en at Oriaco, still<br /> Might I have breath'd. But to the + marsh I sped,<br /> And in the mire and rushes tangled there<br /> Fell, and + beheld my life-blood float the plain."<br /> Then + said another: "Ah! so may the wish,<br /> That takes thee o'er the + mountain, be fulfill'd,<br /> As thou shalt graciously give aid to mine.<br /> + Of Montefeltro I; Buonconte I:<br /> Giovanna nor none else have care for + me,<br /> Sorrowing with these I therefore go." I thus:<br /> "From + Campaldino's field what force or chance<br /> Drew thee, that ne'er thy + sepulture was known?"<br /> "Oh!" answer'd + he, "at Casentino's foot<br /> A stream there courseth, nam'd Archiano, + sprung<br /> In Apennine above the Hermit's seat.<br /> E'en where its name + is cancel'd, there came I,<br /> Pierc'd in the heart, fleeing away on + foot,<br /> And bloodying the plain. Here sight and speech<br /> + Fail'd me, and finishing with Mary's name<br /> I fell, and tenantless my + flesh remain'd.<br /> I will report the truth; which thou again<br /> Tell + to the living. Me God's angel took,<br /> Whilst he of hell + exclaim'd: "O thou from heav'n!<br /> Say wherefore hast thou robb'd me? + Thou of him<br /> Th' eternal portion bear'st with thee away<br /> For + one poor tear that he deprives me of.<br /> But of the other, other rule I + make."<br /> "Thou knowest how in the + atmosphere collects<br /> That vapour dank, returning into water,<br /> Soon + as it mounts where cold condenses it.<br /> That evil will, which in his + intellect<br /> Still follows evil, came, and rais'd the wind<br /> And + smoky mist, by virtue of the power<br /> Given by his nature. Thence + the valley, soon<br /> As day was spent, he cover'd o'er with cloud<br /> + From Pratomagno to the mountain range,<br /> And stretch'd the sky above, + so that the air<br /> Impregnate chang'd to water. Fell the rain,<br /> + And to the fosses came all that the land<br /> Contain'd not; and, as + mightiest streams are wont,<br /> To the great river with such headlong + sweep<br /> Rush'd, that nought stay'd its course. My stiffen'd frame<br /> + Laid at his mouth the fell Archiano found,<br /> And dash'd it into Arno, + from my breast<br /> Loos'ning the cross, that of myself I made<br /> When + overcome with pain. He hurl'd me on,<br /> Along the banks and bottom + of his course;<br /> Then in his muddy spoils encircling wrapt."<br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> + <a href="images/05-123.jpg">ENLARGE TO FULL SIZE</a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img alt="05-123th.jpg (44K)" src="images/05-123th.jpg" width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> "Ah! when thou to the + world shalt be return'd,<br /> And rested after thy long road," so spake<br /> + Next the third spirit; "then remember me.<br /> I once was Pia. Sienna + gave me life,<br /> Maremma took it from me. That he knows,<br /> Who + me with jewell'd ring had first espous'd." <br /><br /><br /><br /> <a + href="images/05-130.jpg">ENLARGE TO FULL SIZE</a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img alt="05-130th.jpg (44K)" src="images/05-130th.jpg" width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <a name="link6" id="link6"></a> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + CANTO VI + </h2> + <p> + <br /> When from their game of dice men separate,<br /> He, who hath lost, + remains in sadness fix'd,<br /> Revolving in his mind, what luckless throws<br /> + He cast: but meanwhile all the company<br /> Go with the other; one before + him runs,<br /> And one behind his mantle twitches, one<br /> Fast by his + side bids him remember him.<br /> He stops not; and each one, to whom his + hand<br /> Is stretch'd, well knows he bids him stand aside;<br /> And thus + he from the press defends himself.<br /> E'en such was I in that + close-crowding throng;<br /> And turning so my face around to all,<br /> And + promising, I 'scap'd from it with pains.<br /> Here + of Arezzo him I saw, who fell<br /> By Ghino's cruel arm; and him beside,<br /> + Who in his chase was swallow'd by the stream.<br /> Here Frederic Novello, + with his hand<br /> Stretch'd forth, entreated; and of Pisa he,<br /> Who + put the good Marzuco to such proof<br /> Of constancy. Count Orso I + beheld;<br /> And from its frame a soul dismiss'd for spite<br /> And envy, + as it said, but for no crime:<br /> I speak of Peter de la Brosse; and + here,<br /> While she yet lives, that Lady of Brabant<br /> Let her beware; + lest for so false a deed<br /> She herd with worse than these. When I was + freed<br /> From all those spirits, who pray'd for others' prayers<br /> To + hasten on their state of blessedness;<br /> Straight I began: "O thou, my + luminary!<br /> It seems expressly in thy text denied,<br /> That heaven's + supreme decree can never bend<br /> To supplication; yet with this design<br /> + Do these entreat. Can then their hope be vain,<br /> Or is thy saying + not to me reveal'd?"<br /> He thus to me: + "Both what I write is plain,<br /> And these deceiv'd not in their hope, if + well<br /> Thy mind consider, that the sacred height<br /> Of judgment doth + not stoop, because love's flame<br /> In a short moment all fulfils, which + he<br /> Who sojourns here, in right should satisfy.<br /> Besides, when I + this point concluded thus,<br /> By praying no defect could be supplied;<br /> + Because the pray'r had none access to God.<br /> Yet in this deep suspicion + rest thou not<br /> Contented unless she assure thee so,<br /> Who betwixt + truth and mind infuses light.<br /> I know not if thou take me right; I + mean<br /> Beatrice. Her thou shalt behold above,<br /> Upon this + mountain's crown, fair seat of joy."<br /> Then + I: "Sir! let us mend our speed; for now<br /> I tire not as before; and lo! + the hill<br /> Stretches its shadow far." He answer'd thus:<br /> "Our + progress with this day shall be as much<br /> As we may now dispatch; but + otherwise<br /> Than thou supposest is the truth. For there<br /> Thou + canst not be, ere thou once more behold<br /> Him back returning, who + behind the steep<br /> Is now so hidden, that as erst his beam<br /> Thou + dost not break. But lo! a spirit there<br /> Stands solitary, and + toward us looks:<br /> It will instruct us in the speediest way."<br /> + We soon approach'd it. O thou Lombard + spirit!<br /> How didst thou stand, in high abstracted mood,<br /> Scarce + moving with slow dignity thine eyes!<br /> It spoke not aught, but let us + onward pass,<br /> Eyeing us as a lion on his watch.<br /> But Virgil with + entreaty mild advanc'd,<br /> Requesting it to show the best ascent.<br /> + It answer to his question none return'd,<br /> But of our country and our + kind of life<br /> Demanded. When my courteous guide began,<br /> + "Mantua," the solitary shadow quick<br /> Rose towards us from the place in + which it stood,<br /> And cry'd, "Mantuan! I am thy countryman<br /> + Sordello." Each the other then embrac'd.<br /> Ah + slavish Italy! thou inn of grief,<br /> Vessel without a pilot in loud + storm,<br /> Lady no longer of fair provinces,<br /> But brothel-house + impure! this gentle spirit,<br /> Ev'n from the Pleasant sound of his dear + land<br /> Was prompt to greet a fellow citizen<br /> With such glad cheer; + while now thy living ones<br /> In thee abide not without war; and one<br /> + Malicious gnaws another, ay of those<br /> Whom the same wall and the same + moat contains,<br /> Seek, wretched one! around thy sea-coasts wide;<br /> + Then homeward to thy bosom turn, and mark<br /> If any part of the sweet + peace enjoy.<br /> What boots it, that thy reins Justinian's hand<br /> + Befitted, if thy saddle be unpress'd?<br /> Nought doth he now but + aggravate thy shame.<br /> Ah people! thou obedient still shouldst live,<br /> + And in the saddle let thy Caesar sit,<br /> If well thou marked'st that + which God commands.<br /> Look how that beast + to felness hath relaps'd<br /> From having lost correction of the spur,<br /> + Since to the bridle thou hast set thine hand,<br /> O German Albert! who + abandon'st her,<br /> That is grown savage and unmanageable,<br /> When thou + should'st clasp her flanks with forked heels.<br /> Just judgment from the + stars fall on thy blood!<br /> And be it strange and manifest to all!<br /> + Such as may strike thy successor with dread!<br /> For that thy sire and + thou have suffer'd thus,<br /> Through greediness of yonder realms + detain'd,<br /> The garden of the empire to run waste.<br /> Come see the + Capulets and Montagues,<br /> The Philippeschi and Monaldi! man<br /> Who + car'st for nought! those sunk in grief, and these<br /> With dire suspicion + rack'd. Come, cruel one!<br /> Come and behold the' oppression of the + nobles,<br /> And mark their injuries: and thou mayst see.<br /> What safety + Santafiore can supply.<br /> Come and behold thy Rome, who calls on thee,<br /> + Desolate widow! day and night with moans:<br /> "My Caesar, why dost thou + desert my side?"<br /> Come and behold what love among thy people:<br /> And + if no pity touches thee for us,<br /> Come and blush for thine own report. + For me,<br /> If it be lawful, O Almighty Power,<br /> Who wast in + earth for our sakes crucified!<br /> Are thy just eyes turn'd elsewhere? + or is this<br /> A preparation in the wond'rous depth<br /> Of thy + sage counsel made, for some good end,<br /> Entirely from our reach of + thought cut off?<br /> So are the' Italian cities all o'erthrong'd<br /> + With tyrants, and a great Marcellus made<br /> Of every petty factious + villager.<br /> My Florence! thou mayst well + remain unmov'd<br /> At this digression, which affects not thee:<br /> + Thanks to thy people, who so wisely speed.<br /> Many have justice in their + heart, that long<br /> Waiteth for counsel to direct the bow,<br /> Or ere + it dart unto its aim: but shine<br /> Have it on their lip's edge. Many + refuse<br /> To bear the common burdens: readier thine<br /> Answer + uneall'd, and cry, "Behold I stoop!"<br /> Make + thyself glad, for thou hast reason now,<br /> Thou wealthy! thou at peace! + thou wisdom-fraught!<br /> Facts best witness if I speak the truth.<br /> + Athens and Lacedaemon, who of old<br /> Enacted laws, for civil arts + renown'd,<br /> Made little progress in improving life<br /> Tow'rds thee, + who usest such nice subtlety,<br /> That to the middle of November scarce<br /> + Reaches the thread thou in October weav'st.<br /> How many times, within + thy memory,<br /> Customs, and laws, and coins, and offices<br /> Have been + by thee renew'd, and people chang'd!<br /> If + thou remember'st well and can'st see clear,<br /> Thou wilt perceive + thyself like a sick wretch,<br /> Who finds no rest upon her down, but oft<br /> + Shifting her side, short respite seeks from pain. <br /><br /> <a + name="link7" id="link7"></a> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + CANTO VII + </h2> + <p> + <br /> After their courteous greetings joyfully<br /> Sev'n times exchang'd, + Sordello backward drew<br /> Exclaiming, "Who are ye?" "Before this + mount<br /> By spirits worthy of ascent to God<br /> Was sought, my bones + had by Octavius' care<br /> Been buried. I am Virgil, for no sin<br /> + Depriv'd of heav'n, except for lack of faith."<br /> So + answer'd him in few my gentle guide.<br /> As + one, who aught before him suddenly<br /> Beholding, whence his wonder + riseth, cries<br /> "It is yet is not," wav'ring in belief;<br /> Such he + appear'd; then downward bent his eyes,<br /> And drawing near with + reverential step,<br /> Caught him, where of mean estate might clasp<br /> + His lord. "Glory of Latium!" he exclaim'd,<br /> "In whom our tongue + its utmost power display'd!<br /> Boast of my honor'd birth-place! what + desert<br /> Of mine, what favour rather undeserv'd,<br /> Shows thee to me? + If I to hear that voice<br /> Am worthy, say if from below thou + com'st<br /> And from what cloister's pale?"—"Through every orb<br /> + Of that sad region," he reply'd, "thus far<br /> Am I arriv'd, by heav'nly + influence led<br /> And with such aid I come. There is a place<br /> + There underneath, not made by torments sad,<br /> But by dun shades alone; + where mourning's voice<br /> Sounds not of anguish sharp, but breathes in + sighs."<br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> <a href="images/07-21.jpg">ENLARGE TO + FULL SIZE</a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img alt="07-21th.jpg (40K)" src="images/07-21th.jpg" width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> There I with little innocents abide,<br /> Who by + death's fangs were bitten, ere exempt<br /> From human taint. There I + with those abide,<br /> Who the three holy virtues put not on,<br /> But + understood the rest, and without blame<br /> Follow'd them all. But + if thou know'st and canst,<br /> Direct us, how we soonest may arrive,<br /> + Where Purgatory its true beginning takes."<br /> He + answer'd thus: "We have no certain place<br /> Assign'd us: upwards I may + go or round,<br /> Far as I can, I join thee for thy guide.<br /> But thou + beholdest now how day declines:<br /> And upwards to proceed by night, our + power<br /> Excels: therefore it may be well to choose<br /> A place of + pleasant sojourn. To the right<br /> Some spirits sit apart retir'd. + If thou<br /> Consentest, I to these will lead thy steps:<br /> And + thou wilt know them, not without delight."<br /> "How + chances this?" was answer'd; "who so wish'd<br /> To ascend by night, + would he be thence debarr'd<br /> By other, or through his own weakness + fail?"<br /> The good Sordello then, along + the ground<br /> Trailing his finger, spoke: "Only this line<br /> Thou + shalt not overpass, soon as the sun<br /> Hath disappear'd; not that aught + else impedes<br /> Thy going upwards, save the shades of night.<br /> These + with the wont of power perplex the will.<br /> With them thou haply mightst + return beneath,<br /> Or to and fro around the mountain's side<br /> Wander, + while day is in the horizon shut."<br /> My + master straight, as wond'ring at his speech,<br /> Exclaim'd: "Then lead us + quickly, where thou sayst,<br /> That, while we stay, we may enjoy + delight."<br /> A little space we were + remov'd from thence,<br /> When I perceiv'd the mountain hollow'd out.<br /> + Ev'n as large valleys hollow'd out on earth,<br /> "That + way," the' escorting spirit cried, "we go,<br /> Where in a bosom the high + bank recedes:<br /> And thou await renewal of the day."<br /> Betwixt + the steep and plain a crooked path<br /> Led us traverse into the ridge's + side,<br /> Where more than half the sloping edge expires.<br /> Refulgent + gold, and silver thrice refin'd,<br /> And scarlet grain and ceruse, Indian + wood<br /> Of lucid dye serene, fresh emeralds<br /> But newly broken, by + the herbs and flowers<br /> Plac'd in that fair recess, in color all<br /> + Had been surpass'd, as great surpasses less.<br /> Nor nature only there + lavish'd her hues,<br /> But of the sweetness of a thousand smells<br /> A + rare and undistinguish'd fragrance made.<br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> <a + href="images/07-82.jpg">ENLARGE TO FULL SIZE</a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img alt="07-82th.jpg (43K)" src="images/07-82th.jpg" width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> "Salve Regina," on the + grass and flowers<br /> Here chanting I beheld those spirits sit<br /> Who + not beyond the valley could be seen.<br /> "Before + the west'ring sun sink to his bed,"<br /> Began the Mantuan, who our steps + had turn'd,<br /> "'Mid those desires not + that I lead ye on.<br /> For from this eminence ye shall discern<br /> + Better the acts and visages of all,<br /> Than in the nether vale among + them mix'd.<br /> He, who sits high above the rest, and seems<br /> To have + neglected that he should have done,<br /> And to the others' song moves not + his lip,<br /> The Emperor Rodolph call, who might have heal'd<br /> The + wounds whereof fair Italy hath died,<br /> So that by others she revives + but slowly,<br /> He, who with kindly visage comforts him,<br /> Sway'd in + that country, where the water springs,<br /> That Moldaw's river to the + Elbe, and Elbe<br /> Rolls to the ocean: Ottocar his name:<br /> Who in his + swaddling clothes was of more worth<br /> Than Winceslaus his son, a + bearded man,<br /> Pamper'd with rank luxuriousness and ease.<br /> And that + one with the nose depress, who close<br /> In counsel seems with him of + gentle look,<br /> Flying expir'd, with'ring the lily's flower.<br /> Look + there how he doth knock against his breast!<br /> The other ye behold, who + for his cheek<br /> Makes of one hand a couch, with frequent sighs.<br /> + They are the father and the father-in-law<br /> Of Gallia's bane: his + vicious life they know<br /> And foul; thence comes the grief that rends + them thus.<br /> "He, so robust of limb, who + measure keeps<br /> In song, with him of feature prominent,<br /> With ev'ry + virtue bore his girdle brac'd.<br /> And if that stripling who behinds him + sits,<br /> King after him had liv'd, his virtue then<br /> From vessel to + like vessel had been pour'd;<br /> Which may not of the other heirs be + said.<br /> By James and Frederick his realms are held;<br /> Neither the + better heritage obtains.<br /> Rarely into the branches of the tree<br /> + Doth human worth mount up; and so ordains<br /> He who bestows it, that as + his free gift<br /> It may be call'd. To Charles my words apply<br /> + No less than to his brother in the song;<br /> Which Pouille and Provence + now with grief confess.<br /> So much that plant degenerates from its seed,<br /> + As more than Beatrice and Margaret<br /> Costanza still boasts of her + valorous spouse.<br /> "Behold the king of + simple life and plain,<br /> Harry of England, sitting there alone:<br /> He + through his branches better issue spreads.<br /> "That + one, who on the ground beneath the rest<br /> Sits lowest, yet his gaze + directs aloft,<br /> Us William, that brave Marquis, for whose cause<br /> + The deed of Alexandria and his war<br /> Makes Conferrat and Canavese + weep." <br /><br /> <a name="link8" id="link8"></a> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + CANTO VIII + </h2> + <p> + <br /> Now was the hour that wakens fond desire<br /> In men at sea, and + melts their thoughtful heart,<br /> Who in the morn have bid sweet friends + farewell,<br /> And pilgrim newly on his road with love<br /> Thrills, if he + hear the vesper bell from far,<br /> That seems to mourn for the expiring + day:<br /> When I, no longer taking heed to hear<br /> Began, with wonder, + from those spirits to mark<br /> One risen from its seat, which with its + hand<br /> Audience implor'd. Both palms it join'd and rais'd,<br /> Fixing + its steadfast gaze towards the east,<br /> As telling God, "I care for + naught beside."<br /> "Te Lucis Ante," so + devoutly then<br /> Came from its lip, and in so soft a strain,<br /> That + all my sense in ravishment was lost.<br /> And the rest after, softly and + devout,<br /> Follow'd through all the hymn, with upward gaze<br /> Directed + to the bright supernal wheels.<br /> Here, + reader! for the truth makes thine eyes keen:<br /> For of so subtle texture + is this veil,<br /> That thou with ease mayst pass it through unmark'd.<br /> + I saw that gentle band silently next<br /> + Look up, as if in expectation held,<br /> Pale and in lowly guise; and from + on high<br /> I saw forth issuing descend beneath<br /> Two angels with two + flame-illumin'd swords,<br /> Broken and mutilated at their points.<br /> + Green as the tender leaves but newly born,<br /> Their vesture was, the + which by wings as green<br /> Beaten, they drew behind them, fann'd in air.<br /> + A little over us one took his stand,<br /> The other lighted on the' + Opposing hill,<br /> So that the troop were in the midst contain'd.<br /> + Well I descried the whiteness on their + heads;<br /> But in their visages the dazzled eye<br /> Was lost, as faculty + that by too much<br /> Is overpower'd. "From Mary's bosom both<br /> + Are come," exclaim'd Sordello, "as a guard<br /> Over the vale, ganst him, + who hither tends,<br /> The serpent." Whence, not knowing by which + path<br /> He came, I turn'd me round, and closely press'd,<br /> All + frozen, to my leader's trusted side.<br /> Sordello + paus'd not: "To the valley now<br /> (For it is time) let us descend; and + hold<br /> Converse with those great shadows: haply much<br /> Their sight + may please ye." Only three steps down<br /> Methinks I measur'd, ere + I was beneath,<br /> And noted one who look'd as with desire<br /> To know + me. Time was now that air arrow dim;<br /> Yet not so dim, that + 'twixt his eyes and mine<br /> It clear'd not up what was conceal'd before.<br /> + Mutually tow'rds each other we advanc'd.<br /> Nino, thou courteous judge! + what joy I felt,<br /> When I perceiv'd thou wert not with the bad!<br /> + No salutation kind on either part<br /> Was + left unsaid. He then inquir'd: "How long<br /> Since thou arrived'st + at the mountain's foot,<br /> Over the distant waves?"—"O!" answer'd + I,<br /> "Through the sad seats of woe this morn I came,<br /> And still in + my first life, thus journeying on,<br /> The other strive to gain." Soon + as they heard<br /> My words, he and Sordello backward drew,<br /> As + suddenly amaz'd. To Virgil one,<br /> The other to a spirit turn'd, + who near<br /> Was seated, crying: "Conrad! up with speed:<br /> Come, see + what of his grace high God hath will'd."<br /> Then turning round to me: + "By that rare mark<br /> Of honour which thou ow'st to him, who hides<br /> + So deeply his first cause, it hath no ford,<br /> When thou shalt be beyond + the vast of waves.<br /> Tell my Giovanna, that for me she call<br /> There, + where reply to innocence is made.<br /> Her mother, I believe, loves me no + more;<br /> Since she has chang'd the white and wimpled folds,<br /> Which + she is doom'd once more with grief to wish.<br /> By her it easily may be + perceiv'd,<br /> How long in women lasts the flame of love,<br /> If sight + and touch do not relume it oft.<br /> For her so fair a burial will not + make<br /> The viper which calls Milan to the field,<br /> As had been made + by shrill Gallura's bird."<br /> He spoke, + and in his visage took the stamp<br /> Of that right seal, which with due + temperature<br /> Glows in the bosom. My insatiate eyes<br /> + Meanwhile to heav'n had travel'd, even there<br /> Where the bright stars + are slowest, as a wheel<br /> Nearest the axle; when my guide inquir'd:<br /> + "What there aloft, my son, has caught thy gaze?"<br /> I + answer'd: "The three torches, with which here<br /> The pole is all on + fire." He then to me:<br /> "The four resplendent stars, thou saw'st + this morn<br /> Are there beneath, and these ris'n in their stead."<br /> + While yet he spoke. Sordello to + himself<br /> Drew him, and cry'd: "Lo there our enemy!"<br /> And with his + hand pointed that way to look.<br /> Along + the side, where barrier none arose<br /> Around the little vale, a serpent + lay,<br /> Such haply as gave Eve the bitter food.<br /> Between the grass + and flowers, the evil snake<br /> Came on, reverting oft his lifted head;<br /> + And, as a beast that smoothes its polish'd coat,<br /> Licking his hack. + I saw not, nor can tell,<br /> How those celestial falcons from their + seat<br /> Mov'd, but in motion each one well descried,<br /> Hearing the + air cut by their verdant plumes.<br /> The serpent fled; and to their + stations back<br /> The angels up return'd with equal flight.<br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> + <a href="images/frontispiece.jpg">ENLARGE TO FULL SIZE</a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img alt="front2.jpg (41K)" src="images/front2.jpg" width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> The Spirit (who to + Nino, when he call'd,<br /> Had come), from viewing me with fixed ken,<br /> + Through all that conflict, loosen'd not his sight.<br /> "So + may the lamp, which leads thee up on high,<br /> Find, in thy destin'd lot, + of wax so much,<br /> As may suffice thee to the enamel's height."<br /> It + thus began: "If any certain news<br /> Of Valdimagra and the neighbour part<br /> + Thou know'st, tell me, who once was mighty there<br /> They call'd me + Conrad Malaspina, not<br /> That old one, but from him I sprang. The + love<br /> I bore my people is now here refin'd."<br /> "In + your dominions," I answer'd, "ne'er was I.<br /> But through all Europe + where do those men dwell,<br /> To whom their glory is not manifest?<br /> + The fame, that honours your illustrious house,<br /> Proclaims the nobles + and proclaims the land;<br /> So that he knows it who was never there.<br /> + I swear to you, so may my upward route<br /> Prosper! your honour'd nation + not impairs<br /> The value of her coffer and her sword.<br /> Nature and + use give her such privilege,<br /> That while the world is twisted from his + course<br /> By a bad head, she only walks aright,<br /> And has the evil + way in scorn." He then:<br /> "Now pass thee on: sev'n times the + tired sun<br /> Revisits not the couch, which with four feet<br /> The + forked Aries covers, ere that kind<br /> Opinion shall be nail'd into thy + brain<br /> With stronger nails than other's speech can drive,<br /> If the + sure course of judgment be not stay'd." <br /><br /> <a name="link9" + id="link9"></a> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + CANTO IX + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> <a href="images/09-1.jpg">ENLARGE TO FULL SIZE</a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img alt="09-1th.jpg (28K)" src="images/09-1th.jpg" width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> Now the fair consort of Tithonus old,<br /> Arisen + from her mate's beloved arms,<br /> Look'd palely o'er the eastern cliff: + her brow,<br /> Lucent with jewels, glitter'd, set in sign<br /> Of that + chill animal, who with his train<br /> Smites fearful nations: and where + then we were,<br /> Two steps of her ascent the night had past,<br /> And + now the third was closing up its wing,<br /> When I, who had so much of + Adam with me,<br /> Sank down upon the grass, o'ercome with sleep,<br /> + There where all five were seated. In that hour,<br /> When near the + dawn the swallow her sad lay,<br /> Rememb'ring haply ancient grief, + renews,<br /> And with our minds more wand'rers from the flesh,<br /> And + less by thought restrain'd are, as 't were, full<br /> Of holy divination + in their dreams,<br /> Then in a vision did I seem to view<br /> A + golden-feather'd eagle in the sky,<br /> With open wings, and hov'ring for + descent,<br /> And I was in that place, methought, from whence<br /> Young + Ganymede, from his associates 'reft,<br /> Was snatch'd aloft to the high + consistory.<br /> "Perhaps," thought I within me, "here alone<br /> He + strikes his quarry, and elsewhere disdains<br /> To pounce upon the prey." + Therewith, it seem'd,<br /> A little wheeling in his airy tour<br /> + Terrible as the lightning rush'd he down,<br /> And snatch'd me upward even + to the fire.<br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> <a href="images/09-29.jpg">ENLARGE + TO FULL SIZE</a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img alt="09-29th.jpg (42K)" src="images/09-29th.jpg" width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> There both, I thought, the eagle and myself<br /> Did + burn; and so intense th' imagin'd flames,<br /> That needs my sleep was + broken off. As erst<br /> Achilles shook himself, and round him + roll'd<br /> His waken'd eyeballs wond'ring where he was,<br /> Whenas his + mother had from Chiron fled<br /> To Scyros, with him sleeping in her arms;<br /> + E'en thus I shook me, soon as from my face<br /> The slumber parted, + turning deadly pale,<br /> Like one ice-struck with dread. Solo at my + side<br /> My comfort stood: and the bright sun was now<br /> More than two + hours aloft: and to the sea<br /> My looks were turn'd. "Fear not," + my master cried,<br /> "Assur'd we are at happy point. Thy strength<br /> + Shrink not, but rise dilated. Thou art come<br /> To Purgatory now. + Lo! there the cliff<br /> That circling bounds it! Lo! the + entrance there,<br /> Where it doth seem disparted! Ere the dawn<br /> + Usher'd the daylight, when thy wearied soul<br /> Slept in thee, o'er the + flowery vale beneath<br /> A lady came, and thus bespake me: I<br /> Am + Lucia. Suffer me to take this man,<br /> Who slumbers. Easier + so his way shall speed."<br /> Sordello and the other gentle shapes<br /> + Tarrying, she bare thee up: and, as day shone,<br /> This summit reach'd: + and I pursued her steps.<br /> Here did she place thee. First her + lovely eyes<br /> That open entrance show'd me; then at once<br /> She + vanish'd with thy sleep." Like one, whose doubts<br /> Are chas'd by + certainty, and terror turn'd<br /> To comfort on discovery of the truth,<br /> + Such was the change in me: and as my guide<br /> Beheld me fearless, up + along the cliff<br /> He mov'd, and I behind him, towards the height.<br /> + Reader! thou markest how my theme doth rise,<br /> + Nor wonder therefore, if more artfully<br /> I prop the structure! Nearer + now we drew,<br /> Arriv'd' whence in that part, where first a breach<br /> + As of a wall appear'd, I could descry<br /> A portal, and three steps + beneath, that led<br /> For inlet there, of different colour each,<br /> And + one who watch'd, but spake not yet a word.<br /> As more and more mine eye + did stretch its view,<br /> I mark'd him seated on the highest step,<br /> + In visage such, as past my power to bear.<br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> <a + href="images/09-74.jpg">ENLARGE TO FULL SIZE</a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img alt="09-74th.jpg (41K)" src="images/09-74th.jpg" width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> Grasp'd in his hand a naked sword, glanc'd back<br /> + The rays so toward me, that I oft in vain<br /> My sight directed. "Speak + from whence ye stand:"<br /> He cried: "What would ye? Where is your + escort?<br /> Take heed your coming upward harm ye not."<br /> "A + heavenly dame, not skilless of these things,"<br /> Replied the' + instructor, "told us, even now,<br /> 'Pass that way: here the gate is."—"And + may she<br /> Befriending prosper your ascent," resum'd<br /> The courteous + keeper of the gate: "Come then<br /> Before our steps." We + straightway thither came.<br /> The lowest + stair was marble white so smooth<br /> And polish'd, that therein my + mirror'd form<br /> Distinct I saw. The next of hue more dark<br /> + Than sablest grain, a rough and singed block,<br /> Crack'd lengthwise and + across. The third, that lay<br /> Massy above, seem'd porphyry, that + flam'd<br /> Red as the life-blood spouting from a vein.<br /> On this God's + angel either foot sustain'd,<br /> Upon the threshold seated, which + appear'd<br /> A rock of diamond. Up the trinal steps<br /> My leader + cheerily drew me. "Ask," said he,<br /> "With + humble heart, that he unbar the bolt."<br /> Piously + at his holy feet devolv'd<br /> I cast me, praying him for pity's sake<br /> + That he would open to me: but first fell<br /> Thrice on my bosom + prostrate. Seven times<br /> The letter, that denotes the inward + stain,<br /> He on my forehead with the blunted point<br /> Of his drawn + sword inscrib'd. And "Look," he cried,<br /> "When enter'd, that thou + wash these scars away."<br /> Ashes, or earth + ta'en dry out of the ground,<br /> Were of one colour with the robe he + wore.<br /> From underneath that vestment forth he drew<br /> Two keys of + metal twain: the one was gold,<br /> Its fellow silver. With the + pallid first,<br /> And next the burnish'd, he so ply'd the gate,<br /> As + to content me well. "Whenever one<br /> Faileth of these, that in the + keyhole straight<br /> It turn not, to this alley then expect<br /> Access + in vain." Such were the words he spake.<br /> "One is more precious: + but the other needs<br /> Skill and sagacity, large share of each,<br /> Ere + its good task to disengage the knot<br /> Be worthily perform'd. From + Peter these<br /> I hold, of him instructed, that I err<br /> Rather in + opening than in keeping fast;<br /> So but the suppliant at my feet + implore."<br /> Then of that hallow'd gate he + thrust the door,<br /> Exclaiming, "Enter, but this warning hear:<br /> He + forth again departs who looks behind."<br /> As + in the hinges of that sacred ward<br /> The swivels turn'd, sonorous metal + strong,<br /> Harsh was the grating; nor so surlily<br /> Roar'd the + Tarpeian, when by force bereft<br /> Of good Metellus, thenceforth from his + loss<br /> To leanness doom'd. Attentively I turn'd,<br /> List'ning + the thunder, that first issued forth;<br /> And "We praise thee, O God," + methought I heard<br /> In accents blended with sweet melody.<br /> The + strains came o'er mine ear, e'en as the sound<br /> Of choral voices, that + in solemn chant<br /> With organ mingle, and, now high and clear,<br /> Come + swelling, now float indistinct away. <br /><br /> <a name="link10" + id="link10"></a> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + CANTO X + </h2> + <p> + <br /> When we had passed the threshold of the gate<br /> (Which the soul's + ill affection doth disuse,<br /> Making the crooked seem the straighter + path),<br /> I heard its closing sound. Had mine eyes turn'd,<br /> + For that offence what plea might have avail'd?<br /> We + mounted up the riven rock, that wound<br /> On either side alternate, as + the wave<br /> Flies and advances. "Here some little art<br /> + Behooves us," said my leader, "that our steps<br /> Observe the varying + flexure of the path."<br /> Thus we so slowly + sped, that with cleft orb<br /> The moon once more o'erhangs her wat'ry + couch,<br /> Ere we that strait have threaded. But when free<br /> We + came and open, where the mount above<br /> One solid mass retires, I spent, + with toil,<br /> And both, uncertain of the way, we stood,<br /> Upon a + plain more lonesome, than the roads<br /> That traverse desert wilds. + From whence the brink<br /> Borders upon vacuity, to foot<br /> Of the + steep bank, that rises still, the space<br /> Had measur'd thrice the + stature of a man:<br /> And, distant as mine eye could wing its flight,<br /> + To leftward now and now to right dispatch'd,<br /> That cornice equal in + extent appear'd.<br /> Not yet our feet had + on that summit mov'd,<br /> When I discover'd that the bank around,<br /> + Whose proud uprising all ascent denied,<br /> Was marble white, and so + exactly wrought<br /> With quaintest sculpture, that not there alone<br /> + Had Polycletus, but e'en nature's self<br /> Been sham'd. The angel + who came down to earth<br /> With tidings of the peace so many years<br /> + Wept for in vain, that op'd the heavenly gates<br /> From their long + interdict before us seem'd,<br /> In a sweet act, so sculptur'd to the + life,<br /> He look'd no silent image. One had sworn<br /> He had said, + "Hail!" for she was imag'd there,<br /> By whom the key did open to God's + love,<br /> And in her act as sensibly impress<br /> That word, "Behold the + handmaid of the Lord,"<br /> As figure seal'd on wax. "Fix not thy + mind<br /> On one place only," said the guide belov'd,<br /> Who had me near + him on that part where lies<br /> The heart of man. My sight + forthwith I turn'd<br /> And mark'd, behind the virgin mother's form,<br /> + Upon that side, where he, that mov'd me, stood,<br /> Another story graven + on the rock.<br /> I passed athwart the bard, + and drew me near,<br /> That it might stand more aptly for my view.<br /> + There in the self-same marble were engrav'd<br /> The cart and kine, + drawing the sacred ark,<br /> That from unbidden office awes mankind.<br /> + Before it came much people; and the whole<br /> Parted in seven quires. + One sense cried, "Nay,"<br /> Another, "Yes, they sing." Like + doubt arose<br /> Betwixt the eye and smell, from the curl'd fume<br /> Of + incense breathing up the well-wrought toil.<br /> Preceding the blest + vessel, onward came<br /> With light dance leaping, girt in humble guise,<br /> + Sweet Israel's harper: in that hap he seem'd<br /> Less and yet more than + kingly. Opposite,<br /> At a great palace, from the lattice forth<br /> + Look'd Michol, like a lady full of scorn<br /> And sorrow. To behold + the tablet next,<br /> Which at the hack of Michol whitely shone,<br /> I + mov'd me. There was storied on the rock<br /> The' exalted glory of + the Roman prince,<br /> Whose mighty worth mov'd Gregory to earn<br /> His + mighty conquest, Trajan th' Emperor.<br /> A widow at his bridle stood, + attir'd<br /> In tears and mourning. Round about them troop'd<br /> + Full throng of knights, and overhead in gold<br /> The eagles floated, + struggling with the wind.<br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> <a + href="images/10-74.jpg">ENLARGE TO FULL SIZE</a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img alt="10-74th.jpg (40K)" src="images/10-74th.jpg" width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> The wretch appear'd amid all these to say:<br /> + "Grant vengeance, sire! for, woe beshrew this heart<br /> My son is + murder'd." He replying seem'd;<br /> "Wait + now till I return." And she, as one<br /> Made hasty by her grief; "O sire, + if thou<br /> Dost not return?"—"Where I am, who then is,<br /> May + right thee."—"What to thee is other's good,<br /> If thou neglect thy + own?"—"Now comfort thee,"<br /> At length he answers. "It + beseemeth well<br /> My duty be perform'd, ere I move hence:<br /> So + justice wills; and pity bids me stay."<br /> He, + whose ken nothing new surveys, produc'd<br /> That visible speaking, new to + us and strange<br /> The like not found on earth. Fondly I gaz'd<br /> + Upon those patterns of meek humbleness,<br /> Shapes yet more precious for + their artist's sake,<br /> When "Lo," the poet whisper'd, "where this way<br /> + (But slack their pace), a multitude advance.<br /> These to the lofty steps + shall guide us on."<br /> Mine eyes, though + bent on view of novel sights<br /> Their lov'd allurement, were not slow to + turn.<br /> Reader! I would not that amaz'd + thou miss<br /> Of thy good purpose, hearing how just God<br /> Decrees our + debts be cancel'd. Ponder not<br /> The form of suff'ring. Think + on what succeeds,<br /> Think that at worst beyond the mighty doom<br /> It + cannot pass. "Instructor," I began,<br /> "What I see hither tending, + bears no trace<br /> Of human semblance, nor of aught beside<br /> That my + foil'd sight can guess." He answering thus:<br /> "So courb'd to + earth, beneath their heavy teems<br /> Of torment stoop they, that mine eye + at first<br /> Struggled as thine. But look intently thither,<br /> An + disentangle with thy lab'ring view,<br /> What underneath those stones + approacheth: now,<br /> E'en now, mayst thou discern the pangs of each."<br /> + Christians and proud! O poor and wretched + ones!<br /> That feeble in the mind's eye, lean your trust<br /> Upon + unstaid perverseness! Know ye not<br /> That we are worms, yet made at last + to form<br /> The winged insect, imp'd with angel plumes<br /> That to + heaven's justice unobstructed soars?<br /> Why buoy ye up aloft your + unfleg'd souls?<br /> Abortive then and shapeless ye remain,<br /> Like the + untimely embryon of a worm!<br /> As, to + support incumbent floor or roof,<br /> For corbel is a figure sometimes + seen,<br /> That crumples up its knees unto its breast,<br /> With the + feign'd posture stirring ruth unfeign'd<br /> In the beholder's fancy; so I + saw<br /> These fashion'd, when I noted well their guise.<br /> Each, + as his back was laden, came indeed<br /> Or more or less contract; but it + appear'd<br /> As he, who show'd most patience in his look,<br /> Wailing + exclaim'd: "I can endure no more." <br /> <br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + <br /><br /> <a name="link11" id="link11"></a> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + CANTO XI + </h2> + <p> + <br /> "O thou Almighty Father, who dost make<br /> The heavens thy + dwelling, not in bounds confin'd,<br /> But that with love intenser there + thou view'st<br /> Thy primal effluence, hallow'd be thy name:<br /> Join + each created being to extol<br /> Thy might, for worthy humblest thanks and + praise<br /> Is thy blest Spirit. May thy kingdom's peace<br /> Come + unto us; for we, unless it come,<br /> With all our striving thither tend + in vain.<br /> As of their will the angels unto thee<br /> Tender meet + sacrifice, circling thy throne<br /> With loud hosannas, so of theirs be + done<br /> By saintly men on earth. Grant us this day<br /> Our daily + manna, without which he roams<br /> Through this rough desert retrograde, + who most<br /> Toils to advance his steps. As we to each<br /> Pardon + the evil done us, pardon thou<br /> Benign, and of our merit take no count.<br /> + 'Gainst the old adversary prove thou not<br /> Our virtue easily subdu'd; + but free<br /> From his incitements and defeat his wiles.<br /> This last + petition, dearest Lord! is made<br /> Not for ourselves, since that were + needless now,<br /> But for their sakes who after us remain."<br /> <br />Thus + for themselves and us good speed imploring,<br /> Those spirits went + beneath a weight like that<br /> We sometimes feel in dreams, all, sore + beset,<br /> But with unequal anguish, wearied all,<br /> Round the first + circuit, purging as they go,<br /> The world's gross darkness off: In our + behalf<br /> If there vows still be offer'd, what can here<br /> For them be + vow'd and done by such, whose wills<br /> Have root of goodness in them? + Well beseems<br /> That we should help them wash away the stains<br /> + They carried hence, that so made pure and light,<br /> They may spring + upward to the starry spheres.<br /> <br />"Ah! so may mercy-temper'd + justice rid<br /> Your burdens speedily, that ye have power<br /> To stretch + your wing, which e'en to your desire<br /> Shall lift you, as ye show us on + which hand<br /> Toward the ladder leads the shortest way.<br /> And if + there be more passages than one,<br /> Instruct us of that easiest to + ascend;<br /> For this man who comes with me, and bears yet<br /> The charge + of fleshly raiment Adam left him,<br /> Despite his better will but slowly + mounts."<br /> From whom the answer came unto these words,<br /> Which my + guide spake, appear'd not; but 'twas said.<br /> <br />"Along the bank to + rightward come with us,<br /> And ye shall find a pass that mocks not toil<br /> + Of living man to climb: and were it not<br /> That I am hinder'd by the + rock, wherewith<br /> This arrogant neck is tam'd, whence needs I stoop<br /> + My visage to the ground, him, who yet lives,<br /> Whose name thou speak'st + not him I fain would view.<br /> To mark if e'er I knew him? and to + crave<br /> His pity for the fardel that I bear.<br /> I was of Latiun, + of a Tuscan horn<br /> A mighty one: Aldobranlesco's name<br /> My + sire's, I know not if ye e'er have heard.<br /> My old blood and + forefathers' gallant deeds<br /> Made me so haughty, that I clean forgot<br /> + The common mother, and to such excess,<br /> Wax'd in my scorn of all men, + that I fell,<br /> Fell therefore; by what fate Sienna's sons,<br /> Each + child in Campagnatico, can tell.<br /> I am Omberto; not me only pride<br /> + Hath injur'd, but my kindred all involv'd<br /> In mischief with her. + Here my lot ordains<br /> Under this weight to groan, till I appease<br /> + God's angry justice, since I did it not<br /> Amongst the living, here + amongst the dead."<br /> <br />List'ning I bent my visage down: and one<br /> + (Not he who spake) twisted beneath the weight<br /> That urg'd him, saw me, + knew me straight, and call'd,<br /> Holding his eyes With difficulty fix'd<br /> + Intent upon me, stooping as I went<br /> Companion of their way. "O!" + I exclaim'd,<br /> <br />"Art thou not Oderigi, art not thou<br /> + Agobbio's glory, glory of that art<br /> Which they of Paris call the + limmer's skill?"<br /> <br />"Brother!" said he, "with tints that gayer + smile,<br /> Bolognian Franco's pencil lines the leaves.<br /> His all the + honour now; mine borrow'd light.<br /> In truth I had not been thus + courteous to him,<br /> The whilst I liv'd, through eagerness of zeal<br /> + For that pre-eminence my heart was bent on.<br /> Here of such pride the + forfeiture is paid.<br /> Nor were I even here; if, able still<br /> To sin, + I had not turn'd me unto God.<br /> O powers of man! how vain your + glory, nipp'd<br /> E'en in its height of verdure, if an age<br /> Less + bright succeed not! Cimabue thought<br /> To lord it over painting's + field; and now<br /> The cry is Giotto's, and his name eclips'd.<br /> Thus + hath one Guido from the other snatch'd<br /> The letter'd prize: and he + perhaps is born,<br /> Who shall drive either from their nest. The + noise<br /> Of worldly fame is but a blast of wind,<br /> That blows from + divers points, and shifts its name<br /> Shifting the point it blows from. + Shalt thou more<br /> Live in the mouths of mankind, if thy flesh<br /> + Part shrivel'd from thee, than if thou hadst died,<br /> Before the coral + and the pap were left,<br /> Or ere some thousand years have passed? and + that<br /> Is, to eternity compar'd, a space,<br /> Briefer than is the + twinkling of an eye<br /> To the heaven's slowest orb. He there who + treads<br /> So leisurely before me, far and wide<br /> Through Tuscany + resounded once; and now<br /> Is in Sienna scarce with whispers nam'd:<br /> + There was he sov'reign, when destruction caught<br /> The madd'ning rage of + Florence, in that day<br /> Proud as she now is loathsome. Your + renown<br /> Is as the herb, whose hue doth come and go,<br /> And his might + withers it, by whom it sprang<br /> Crude from the lap of earth." I + thus to him:<br /> "True are thy sayings: to my heart they breathe<br /> The + kindly spirit of meekness, and allay<br /> What tumours rankle there. + But who is he<br /> Of whom thou spak'st but now?"--"This," he + replied,<br /> "Is Provenzano. He is here, because<br /> He reach'd, + with grasp presumptuous, at the sway<br /> Of all Sienna. Thus he + still hath gone,<br /> Thus goeth never-resting, since he died.<br /> Such + is th' acquittance render'd back of him,<br /> Who, beyond measure, dar'd + on earth." I then:<br /> "If soul that to the verge of life delays<br /> + Repentance, linger in that lower space,<br /> Nor hither mount, unless good + prayers befriend,<br /> How chanc'd admittance was vouchsaf'd to him?"<br /> + <br />"When at his glory's topmost height," said he,<br /> "Respect of + dignity all cast aside,<br /> Freely He fix'd him on Sienna's plain,<br /> A + suitor to redeem his suff'ring friend,<br /> Who languish'd in the + prison-house of Charles,<br /> Nor for his sake refus'd through every vein<br /> + To tremble. More I will not say; and dark,<br /> I know, my words + are, but thy neighbours soon<br /> Shall help thee to a comment on the + text.<br /> This is the work, that from these limits freed him." <br /><br /> + <a name="link12" id="link12"></a> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + CANTO XII + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> <a href="images/12-1.jpg">ENLARGE TO FULL SIZE</a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img alt="12-1th.jpg (60K)" src="images/12-1th.jpg" width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> With equal pace as oxen in the yoke,<br /> I with that + laden spirit journey'd on<br /> Long as the mild instructor suffer'd me;<br /> + But when he bade me quit him, and proceed<br /> (For "here," said he, + "behooves with sail and oars<br /> Each man, as best he may, push on his + bark"),<br /> Upright, as one dispos'd for speed, I rais'd<br /> My body, + still in thought submissive bow'd.<br /> <br />I now my leader's track not + loth pursued;<br /> And each had shown how light we far'd along<br /> When + thus he warn'd me: "Bend thine eyesight down:<br /> For thou to ease the + way shall find it good<br /> To ruminate the bed beneath thy feet."<br /> + <br />As in memorial of the buried, drawn<br /> Upon earth-level tombs, the + sculptur'd form<br /> Of what was once, appears (at sight whereof<br /> + Tears often stream forth by remembrance wak'd,<br /> Whose sacred stings + the piteous only feel),<br /> So saw I there, but with more curious skill<br /> + Of portraiture o'erwrought, whate'er of space<br /> From forth the mountain + stretches. On one part<br /> Him I beheld, above all creatures erst<br /> + Created noblest, light'ning fall from heaven:<br /> On th' other side with + bolt celestial pierc'd<br /> Briareus: cumb'ring earth he lay through dint<br /> + Of mortal ice-stroke. The Thymbraean god<br /> With Mars, I saw, and + Pallas, round their sire,<br /> Arm'd still, and gazing on the giant's + limbs<br /> Strewn o'er th' ethereal field. Nimrod I saw:<br /> At + foot of the stupendous work he stood,<br /> As if bewilder'd, looking on + the crowd<br /> Leagued in his proud attempt on Sennaar's plain.<br /> <br />O + Niobe! in what a trance of woe<br /> Thee I beheld, upon that highway + drawn,<br /> Sev'n sons on either side thee slain! O Saul!<br /> How + ghastly didst thou look! on thine own sword<br /> Expiring in Gilboa, + from that hour<br /> Ne'er visited with rain from heav'n or dew!<br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> + <a href="images/12-39.jpg">ENLARGE TO FULL SIZE</a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img alt="12-39th.jpg (40K)" src="images/12-39th.jpg" width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br />O fond Arachne! thee I also saw<br /> Half + spider now in anguish crawling up<br /> Th' unfinish'd web thou weaved'st + to thy bane!<br /> <br />O Rehoboam! here thy shape doth seem<br /> + Louring no more defiance! but fear-smote<br /> With none to chase him in + his chariot whirl'd.<br /> <br />Was shown beside upon the solid floor<br /> + How dear Alcmaeon forc'd his mother rate<br /> That ornament in evil hour + receiv'd:<br /> How in the temple on Sennacherib fell<br /> His sons, and + how a corpse they left him there.<br /> Was shown the scath and cruel + mangling made<br /> By Tomyris on Cyrus, when she cried:<br /> "Blood thou + didst thirst for, take thy fill of blood!"<br /> Was shown how routed in + the battle fled<br /> Th' Assyrians, Holofernes slain, and e'en<br /> The + relics of the carnage. Troy I mark'd<br /> In ashes and in caverns. + Oh! how fall'n,<br /> How abject, Ilion, was thy semblance + there!<br /> <br />What master of the pencil or the style<br /> Had trac'd + the shades and lines, that might have made<br /> The subtlest workman + wonder? Dead the dead,<br /> The living seem'd alive; with clearer + view<br /> His eye beheld not who beheld the truth,<br /> Than mine what I + did tread on, while I went<br /> Low bending. Now swell out; and with + stiff necks<br /> Pass on, ye sons of Eve! veil not your looks,<br /> + Lest they descry the evil of your path!<br /> <br />I noted not (so busied + was my thought)<br /> How much we now had circled of the mount,<br /> And of + his course yet more the sun had spent,<br /> When he, who with still + wakeful caution went,<br /> Admonish'd: "Raise thou up thy head: for know<br /> + Time is not now for slow suspense. Behold<br /> That way an angel + hasting towards us! Lo<br /> Where duly the sixth handmaid doth + return<br /> From service on the day. Wear thou in look<br /> And + gesture seemly grace of reverent awe,<br /> That gladly he may forward us + aloft.<br /> Consider that this day ne'er dawns again."<br /> <br />Time's + loss he had so often warn'd me 'gainst,<br /> I could not miss the scope at + which he aim'd.<br /> <br />The goodly shape approach'd us, snowy white<br /> + In vesture, and with visage casting streams<br /> Of tremulous lustre like + the matin star.<br /> His arms he open'd, then his wings; and spake:<br /> + "Onward: the steps, behold! are near; and now<br /> Th' ascent is + without difficulty gain'd."<br /> <br />A scanty few are they, who when they + hear<br /> Such tidings, hasten. O ye race of men<br /> Though born to + soar, why suffer ye a wind<br /> So slight to baffle ye? He led us on<br /> + Where the rock parted; here against my front<br /> Did beat his wings, then + promis'd I should fare<br /> In safety on my way. As to ascend<br /> + That steep, upon whose brow the chapel stands<br /> (O'er Rubaconte, + looking lordly down<br /> On the well-guided city,) up the right<br /> Th' + impetuous rise is broken by the steps<br /> Carv'd in that old and simple + age, when still<br /> The registry and label rested safe;<br /> Thus is th' + acclivity reliev'd, which here<br /> Precipitous from the other circuit + falls:<br /> But on each hand the tall cliff presses close.<br /> <br />As + ent'ring there we turn'd, voices, in strain<br /> Ineffable, sang: "Blessed + are the poor<br /> In spirit." Ah how far unlike to these<br /> The + straits of hell; here songs to usher us,<br /> There shrieks of woe! We + climb the holy stairs:<br /> And lighter to myself by far I seem'd<br /> + Than on the plain before, whence thus I spake:<br /> "Say, master, of what + heavy thing have I<br /> Been lighten'd, that scarce aught the sense of + toil<br /> Affects me journeying?" He in few replied:<br /> "When + sin's broad characters, that yet remain<br /> Upon thy temples, though well + nigh effac'd,<br /> Shall be, as one is, all clean razed out,<br /> Then + shall thy feet by heartiness of will<br /> Be so o'ercome, they not alone + shall feel<br /> No sense of labour, but delight much more<br /> Shall wait + them urg'd along their upward way."<br /> <br />Then like to one, upon whose + head is plac'd<br /> Somewhat he deems not of but from the becks<br /> Of + others as they pass him by; his hand<br /> Lends therefore help to' assure + him, searches, finds,<br /> And well performs such office as the eye<br /> + Wants power to execute: so stretching forth<br /> The fingers of my right + hand, did I find<br /> Six only of the letters, which his sword<br /> Who + bare the keys had trac'd upon my brow.<br /> The leader, as he mark'd mine + action, smil'd. <br /><br /> <a name="link13" id="link13"></a> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + CANTO XIII + </h2> + <p> + <br /> We reach'd the summit of the scale, and stood<br /> Upon the second + buttress of that mount<br /> Which healeth him who climbs. A cornice + there,<br /> Like to the former, girdles round the hill;<br /> Save that its + arch with sweep less ample bends.<br /> <br />Shadow nor image there is + seen; all smooth<br /> The rampart and the path, reflecting nought<br /> But + the rock's sullen hue. "If here we wait<br /> For some to question," + said the bard, "I fear<br /> Our choice may haply meet too long delay."<br /> + <br />Then fixedly upon the sun his eyes<br /> He fastn'd, made his right + the central point<br /> From whence to move, and turn'd the left aside.<br /> + "O pleasant light, my confidence and hope,<br /> Conduct us thou," he + cried, "on this new way,<br /> Where now I venture, leading to the bourn<br /> + We seek. The universal world to thee<br /> Owes warmth and lustre. + If no other cause<br /> Forbid, thy beams should ever be our guide."<br /> + <br />Far, as is measur'd for a mile on earth,<br /> In brief space had we + journey'd; such prompt will<br /> Impell'd; and towards us flying, now were + heard<br /> Spirits invisible, who courteously<br /> Unto love's table bade + the welcome guest.<br /> The voice, that first? flew by, call'd forth + aloud,<br /> "They have no wine;" so on behind us past,<br /> Those sounds + reiterating, nor yet lost<br /> In the faint distance, when another came<br /> + Crying, "I am Orestes," and alike<br /> Wing'd its fleet way. "Oh + father!" I exclaim'd,<br /> "What tongues are these?" and as I + question'd, lo!<br /> A third exclaiming, "Love ye those have wrong'd you."<br /> + <br />"This circuit," said my teacher, "knots the scourge<br /> For envy, + and the cords are therefore drawn<br /> By charity's correcting hand. + The curb<br /> Is of a harsher sound, as thou shalt hear<br /> (If I + deem rightly), ere thou reach the pass,<br /> Where pardon sets them free. + But fix thine eyes<br /> Intently through the air, and thou shalt see<br /> + A multitude before thee seated, each<br /> Along the shelving grot." Then + more than erst<br /> I op'd my eyes, before me view'd, and saw<br /> Shadows + with garments dark as was the rock;<br /> And when we pass'd a little + forth, I heard<br /> A crying, "Blessed Mary! pray for us,<br /> Michael and + Peter! all ye saintly host!"<br /> <br />I do not think there walks on + earth this day<br /> Man so remorseless, that he hath not yearn'd<br /> With + pity at the sight that next I saw.<br /> Mine eyes a load of sorrow teemed, + when now<br /> I stood so near them, that their semblances<br /> Came + clearly to my view. Of sackcloth vile<br /> Their cov'ring seem'd; + and on his shoulder one<br /> Did stay another, leaning, and all lean'd<br /> + Against the cliff. E'en thus the blind and poor,<br /> Near the + confessionals, to crave an alms,<br /> Stand, each his head upon his + fellow's sunk,<br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> <a href="images/13-55.jpg">ENLARGE + TO FULL SIZE</a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img alt="13-55th.jpg (47K)" src="images/13-55th.jpg" width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> So most to stir compassion, not by sound<br /> Of + words alone, but that, which moves not less,<br /> The sight of mis'ry. + And as never beam<br /> Of noonday visiteth the eyeless man,<br /> + E'en so was heav'n a niggard unto these<br /> Of his fair light; for, + through the orbs of all,<br /> A thread of wire, impiercing, knits them up,<br /> + As for the taming of a haggard hawk.<br /> <br />It were a wrong, methought, + to pass and look<br /> On others, yet myself the while unseen.<br /> To my + sage counsel therefore did I turn.<br /> He knew the meaning of the mute + appeal,<br /> Nor waited for my questioning, but said:<br /> "Speak; and be + brief, be subtle in thy words."<br /> <br />On that part of the cornice, + whence no rim<br /> Engarlands its steep fall, did Virgil come;<br /> On + the' other side me were the spirits, their cheeks<br /> Bathing devout with + penitential tears,<br /> That through the dread impalement forc'd a way.<br /> + <br />I turn'd me to them, and "O shades!" said I,<br /> <br />"Assur'd that + to your eyes unveil'd shall shine<br /> The lofty light, sole object of + your wish,<br /> So may heaven's grace clear whatsoe'er of foam<br /> Floats + turbid on the conscience, that thenceforth<br /> The stream of mind roll + limpid from its source,<br /> As ye declare (for so shall ye impart<br /> A + boon I dearly prize) if any soul<br /> Of Latium dwell among ye; and + perchance<br /> That soul may profit, if I learn so much."<br /> <br />"My + brother, we are each one citizens<br /> Of one true city. Any thou + wouldst say,<br /> Who lived a stranger in Italia's land."<br /> <br />So + heard I answering, as appeal'd, a voice<br /> That onward came some space + from whence I stood.<br /> <br />A spirit I noted, in whose look was mark'd<br /> + Expectance. Ask ye how? The chin was rais'd<br /> As in one + reft of sight. "Spirit," said I,<br /> "Who for thy rise are tutoring + (if thou be<br /> That which didst answer to me,) or by place<br /> Or name, + disclose thyself, that I may know thee."<br /> <br />"I was," it answer'd, + "of Sienna: here<br /> I cleanse away with these the evil life,<br /> + Soliciting with tears that He, who is,<br /> Vouchsafe him to us. Though + Sapia nam'd<br /> In sapience I excell'd not, gladder far<br /> Of others' + hurt, than of the good befell me.<br /> That thou mayst own I now deceive + thee not,<br /> Hear, if my folly were not as I speak it.<br /> When now my + years slop'd waning down the arch,<br /> It so bechanc'd, my fellow + citizens<br /> Near Colle met their enemies in the field,<br /> And I pray'd + God to grant what He had will'd.<br /> There were they vanquish'd, and + betook themselves<br /> Unto the bitter passages of flight.<br /> I mark'd + the hunt, and waxing out of bounds<br /> In gladness, lifted up my + shameless brow,<br /> And like the merlin cheated by a gleam,<br /> Cried, + "It is over. Heav'n! I fear thee not."<br /> Upon my verge of life I + wish'd for peace<br /> With God; nor repentance had supplied<br /> What I + did lack of duty, were it not<br /> The hermit Piero, touch'd with charity,<br /> + In his devout orisons thought on me.<br /> "But who art thou that + question'st of our state,<br /> Who go'st to my belief, with lids unclos'd,<br /> + And breathest in thy talk?"--"Mine eyes," said I,<br /> "May yet be here + ta'en from me; but not long;<br /> For they have not offended grievously<br /> + With envious glances. But the woe beneath<br /> Urges my soul with + more exceeding dread.<br /> That nether load already weighs me down."<br /> + <br />She thus: "Who then amongst us here aloft<br /> Hath brought thee, if + thou weenest to return?"<br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> <a + href="images/13-129.jpg">ENLARGE TO FULL SIZE</a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img alt="13-129th.jpg (49K)" src="images/13-129th.jpg" width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br />"He," answer'd I, "who standeth mute beside me.<br /> + I live: of me ask therefore, chosen spirit,<br /> If thou desire I yonder + yet should move<br /> For thee my mortal feet."--"Oh!" she replied,<br /> + "This is so strange a thing, it is great sign<br /> That God doth love + thee. Therefore with thy prayer<br /> Sometime assist me: and by that + I crave,<br /> Which most thou covetest, that if thy feet<br /> E'er tread + on Tuscan soil, thou save my fame<br /> Amongst my kindred. Them + shalt thou behold<br /> With that vain multitude, who set their hope<br /> + On Telamone's haven, there to fail<br /> Confounded, more shall when the + fancied stream<br /> They sought of Dian call'd: but they who lead<br /> + Their navies, more than ruin'd hopes shall mourn." <br /><br /> <a + name="link14" id="link14"></a> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + CANTO XIV + </h2> + <p> + <br /> "Say who is he around our mountain winds,<br /> Or ever death has + prun'd his wing for flight,<br /> That opes his eyes and covers them at + will?"<br /> <br />"I know not who he is, but know thus much<br /> He comes + not singly. Do thou ask of him,<br /> For thou art nearer to him, and + take heed<br /> Accost him gently, so that he may speak."<br /> <br />Thus on + the right two Spirits bending each<br /> Toward the other, talk'd of me, + then both<br /> Addressing me, their faces backward lean'd,<br /> And thus + the one began: "O soul, who yet<br /> Pent in the body, tendest towards the + sky!<br /> For charity, we pray thee' comfort us,<br /> Recounting whence + thou com'st, and who thou art:<br /> For thou dost make us at the favour + shown thee<br /> Marvel, as at a thing that ne'er hath been."<br /> <br />"There + stretches through the midst of Tuscany,"<br /> I straight began: "a + brooklet, whose well-head<br /> Springs up in Falterona, with his race<br /> + Not satisfied, when he some hundred miles<br /> Hath measur'd. From + his banks bring, I this frame.<br /> To tell you who I am were words + misspent:<br /> For yet my name scarce sounds on rumour's lip."<br /> <br />"If + well I do incorp'rate with my thought<br /> The meaning of thy speech," + said he, who first<br /> Addrest me, "thou dost speak of Arno's wave."<br /> + <br />To whom the other: "Why hath he conceal'd<br /> The title of that + river, as a man<br /> Doth of some horrible thing?" The spirit, who<br /> + Thereof was question'd, did acquit him thus:<br /> "I know not: but 'tis + fitting well the name<br /> Should perish of that vale; for from the source<br /> + Where teems so plenteously the Alpine steep<br /> Maim'd of Pelorus, (that + doth scarcely pass<br /> Beyond that limit,) even to the point<br /> + Whereunto ocean is restor'd, what heaven<br /> Drains from th' exhaustless + store for all earth's streams,<br /> Throughout the space is virtue worried + down,<br /> As 'twere a snake, by all, for mortal foe,<br /> Or through + disastrous influence on the place,<br /> Or else distortion of misguided + wills,<br /> That custom goads to evil: whence in those,<br /> The dwellers + in that miserable vale,<br /> Nature is so transform'd, it seems as they<br /> + Had shar'd of Circe's feeding. 'Midst brute swine,<br /> Worthier of + acorns than of other food<br /> Created for man's use, he shapeth first<br /> + His obscure way; then, sloping onward, finds<br /> Curs, snarlers more in + spite than power, from whom<br /> He turns with scorn aside: still + journeying down,<br /> By how much more the curst and luckless foss<br /> + Swells out to largeness, e'en so much it finds<br /> Dogs turning into + wolves. Descending still<br /> Through yet more hollow eddies, next + he meets<br /> A race of foxes, so replete with craft,<br /> They do not + fear that skill can master it.<br /> Nor will I cease because my words are + heard<br /> By other ears than thine. It shall be well<br /> For this + man, if he keep in memory<br /> What from no erring Spirit I reveal.<br /> + Lo! I behold thy grandson, that becomes<br /> A hunter of those + wolves, upon the shore<br /> Of the fierce stream, and cows them all with + dread:<br /> Their flesh yet living sets he up to sale,<br /> Then like an + aged beast to slaughter dooms.<br /> Many of life he reaves, himself of + worth<br /> And goodly estimation. Smear'd with gore<br /> Mark how he + issues from the rueful wood,<br /> Leaving such havoc, that in thousand + years<br /> It spreads not to prime lustihood again."<br /> <br />As one, who + tidings hears of woe to come,<br /> Changes his looks perturb'd, from + whate'er part<br /> The peril grasp him, so beheld I change<br /> That + spirit, who had turn'd to listen, struck<br /> With sadness, soon as he had + caught the word.<br /> <br />His visage and the other's speech did raise<br /> + Desire in me to know the names of both,<br /> whereof with meek entreaty I + inquir'd.<br /> <br />The shade, who late addrest me, thus resum'd:<br /> + "Thy wish imports that I vouchsafe to do<br /> For thy sake what thou wilt + not do for mine.<br /> But since God's will is that so largely shine<br /> + His grace in thee, I will be liberal too.<br /> Guido of Duca know then + that I am.<br /> Envy so parch'd my blood, that had I seen<br /> A fellow + man made joyous, thou hadst mark'd<br /> A livid paleness overspread my + cheek.<br /> Such harvest reap I of the seed I sow'd.<br /> O man, why place + thy heart where there doth need<br /> Exclusion of participants in good?<br /> + This is Rinieri's spirit, this the boast<br /> And honour of the house of + Calboli,<br /> Where of his worth no heritage remains.<br /> Nor his the + only blood, that hath been stript<br /> ('twixt Po, the mount, the Reno, + and the shore,)<br /> Of all that truth or fancy asks for bliss;<br /> But + in those limits such a growth has sprung<br /> Of rank and venom'd roots, + as long would mock<br /> Slow culture's toil. Where is good Lizio? + where<br /> Manardi, Traversalo, and Carpigna?<br /> O bastard slips + of old Romagna's line!<br /> When in Bologna the low artisan,<br /> And in + Faenza yon Bernardin sprouts,<br /> A gentle cyon from ignoble stem.<br /> + Wonder not, Tuscan, if thou see me weep,<br /> When I recall to mind those + once lov'd names,<br /> Guido of Prata, and of Azzo him<br /> That dwelt + with you; Tignoso and his troop,<br /> With Traversaro's house and + Anastagio's,<br /> (Each race disherited) and beside these,<br /> The ladies + and the knights, the toils and ease,<br /> That witch'd us into love and + courtesy;<br /> Where now such malice reigns in recreant hearts.<br /> O + Brettinoro! wherefore tarriest still,<br /> Since forth of thee thy + family hath gone,<br /> And many, hating evil, join'd their steps?<br /> + Well doeth he, that bids his lineage cease,<br /> Bagnacavallo; Castracaro + ill,<br /> And Conio worse, who care to propagate<br /> A race of Counties + from such blood as theirs.<br /> Well shall ye also do, Pagani, then<br /> + When from amongst you tries your demon child.<br /> Not so, howe'er, that + henceforth there remain<br /> True proof of what ye were. O Hugolin!<br /> + Thou sprung of Fantolini's line! thy name<br /> Is safe, since none + is look'd for after thee<br /> To cloud its lustre, warping from thy stock.<br /> + But, Tuscan, go thy ways; for now I take<br /> Far more delight in weeping + than in words.<br /> Such pity for your sakes hath wrung my heart."<br /> + <br />We knew those gentle spirits at parting heard<br /> Our steps. Their + silence therefore of our way<br /> Assur'd us. Soon as we had quitted + them,<br /> Advancing onward, lo! a voice that seem'd<br /> Like + vollied light'ning, when it rives the air,<br /> Met us, and shouted, + "Whosoever finds<br /> Will slay me," then fled from us, as the bolt<br /> + Lanc'd sudden from a downward-rushing cloud.<br /> When it had giv'n short + truce unto our hearing,<br /> Behold the other with a crash as loud<br /> As + the quick-following thunder: "Mark in me<br /> Aglauros turn'd to rock." + I at the sound<br /> Retreating drew more closely to my guide.<br /> + <br />Now in mute stillness rested all the air:<br /> And thus he spake: + "There was the galling bit.<br /> But your old enemy so baits his hook,<br /> + He drags you eager to him. Hence nor curb<br /> Avails you, nor + reclaiming call. Heav'n calls<br /> And round about you wheeling + courts your gaze<br /> With everlasting beauties. Yet your eye<br /> + Turns with fond doting still upon the earth.<br /> Therefore He smites you + who discerneth all." <br /><br /> <a name="link15" id="link15"></a> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + CANTO XV + </h2> + <p> + <br /> As much as 'twixt the third hour's close and dawn,<br /> Appeareth of + heav'n's sphere, that ever whirls<br /> As restless as an infant in his + play,<br /> So much appear'd remaining to the sun<br /> Of his slope journey + towards the western goal.<br /> <br />Evening was there, and here the noon + of night;<br /> and full upon our forehead smote the beams.<br /> For round + the mountain, circling, so our path<br /> Had led us, that toward the + sun-set now<br /> Direct we journey'd: when I felt a weight<br /> Of more + exceeding splendour, than before,<br /> Press on my front. The cause + unknown, amaze<br /> Possess'd me, and both hands against my brow<br /> + Lifting, I interpos'd them, as a screen,<br /> That of its gorgeous + superflux of light<br /> Clipp'd the diminish'd orb. As when the ray,<br /> + Striking On water or the surface clear<br /> Of mirror, leaps unto the + opposite part,<br /> Ascending at a glance, e'en as it fell,<br /> (And so + much differs from the stone, that falls)<br /> Through equal space, as + practice skill hath shown;<br /> Thus with refracted light before me seemed<br /> + The ground there smitten; whence in sudden haste<br /> My sight recoil'd. + "What is this, sire belov'd!<br /> 'Gainst which I strive to shield + the sight in vain?"<br /> Cried I, "and which towards us moving seems?"<br /> + <br />"Marvel not, if the family of heav'n,"<br /> He answer'd, "yet with + dazzling radiance dim<br /> Thy sense it is a messenger who comes,<br /> + Inviting man's ascent. Such sights ere long,<br /> Not grievous, + shall impart to thee delight,<br /> As thy perception is by nature wrought<br /> + Up to their pitch." The blessed angel, soon<br /> As we had reach'd + him, hail'd us with glad voice:<br /> "Here enter on a ladder far less + steep<br /> Than ye have yet encounter'd." We forthwith<br /> + Ascending, heard behind us chanted sweet,<br /> "Blessed the merciful," and + "happy thou!<br /> That conquer'st." Lonely each, my guide and I<br /> + Pursued our upward way; and as we went,<br /> Some profit from his words I + hop'd to win,<br /> And thus of him inquiring, fram'd my speech:<br /> <br />"What + meant Romagna's spirit, when he spake<br /> Of bliss exclusive with no + partner shar'd?"<br /> <br />He straight replied: "No wonder, since he + knows,<br /> What sorrow waits on his own worst defect,<br /> If he chide + others, that they less may mourn.<br /> Because ye point your wishes at a + mark,<br /> Where, by communion of possessors, part<br /> Is lessen'd, envy + bloweth up the sighs of men.<br /> No fear of that might touch ye, if the + love<br /> Of higher sphere exalted your desire.<br /> For there, by how + much more they call it ours,<br /> So much propriety of each in good<br /> + Increases more, and heighten'd charity<br /> Wraps that fair cloister in a + brighter flame."<br /> <br />"Now lack I satisfaction more," said I,<br /> + "Than if thou hadst been silent at the first,<br /> And doubt more gathers + on my lab'ring thought.<br /> How can it chance, that good distributed,<br /> + The many, that possess it, makes more rich,<br /> Than if 't were shar'd by + few?" He answering thus:<br /> "Thy mind, reverting still to things + of earth,<br /> Strikes darkness from true light. The highest good<br /> + Unlimited, ineffable, doth so speed<br /> To love, as beam to lucid body + darts,<br /> Giving as much of ardour as it finds.<br /> The sempiternal + effluence streams abroad<br /> Spreading, wherever charity extends.<br /> So + that the more aspirants to that bliss<br /> Are multiplied, more good is + there to love,<br /> And more is lov'd; as mirrors, that reflect,<br /> Each + unto other, propagated light.<br /> If these my words avail not to allay<br /> + Thy thirsting, Beatrice thou shalt see,<br /> Who of this want, and of all + else thou hast,<br /> Shall rid thee to the full. Provide but thou<br /> + That from thy temples may be soon eras'd,<br /> E'en as the two already, + those five scars,<br /> That when they pain thee worst, then kindliest + heal,"<br /> <br />"Thou," I had said, "content'st me," when I saw<br /> The + other round was gain'd, and wond'ring eyes<br /> Did keep me mute. There + suddenly I seem'd<br /> By an ecstatic vision wrapt away;<br /> And in a + temple saw, methought, a crowd<br /> Of many persons; and at th' entrance + stood<br /> A dame, whose sweet demeanour did express<br /> A mother's love, + who said, "Child! why hast thou<br /> Dealt with us thus? Behold + thy sire and I<br /> Sorrowing have sought thee;" and so held her peace,<br /> + And straight the vision fled. A female next<br /> Appear'd before me, + down whose visage cours'd<br /> Those waters, that grief forces out from + one<br /> By deep resentment stung, who seem'd to say:<br /> "If thou, + Pisistratus, be lord indeed<br /> Over this city, nam'd with such debate<br /> + Of adverse gods, and whence each science sparkles,<br /> Avenge thee of + those arms, whose bold embrace<br /> Hath clasp'd our daughter; "and to + fuel, meseem'd,<br /> Benign and meek, with visage undisturb'd,<br /> Her + sovran spake: "How shall we those requite,<br /> Who wish us evil, if we + thus condemn<br /> The man that loves us?" After that I saw<br /> A + multitude, in fury burning, slay<br /> With stones a stripling youth, and + shout amain<br /> "Destroy, destroy!" and him I saw, who bow'd<br /> Heavy + with death unto the ground, yet made<br /> His eyes, unfolded upward, gates + to heav'n,<br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> <a href="images/15-103.jpg">ENLARGE + TO FULL SIZE</a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img alt="15-103th.jpg (38K)" src="images/15-103th.jpg" width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> Praying forgiveness of th' Almighty Sire,<br /> Amidst + that cruel conflict, on his foes,<br /> With looks, that With compassion to + their aim.<br /> <br />Soon as my spirit, from her airy flight<br /> + Returning, sought again the things, whose truth<br /> Depends not on her + shaping, I observ'd<br /> How she had rov'd to no unreal scenes<br /> <br />Meanwhile + the leader, who might see I mov'd,<br /> As one, who struggles to shake off + his sleep,<br /> Exclaim'd: "What ails thee, that thou canst not hold<br /> + Thy footing firm, but more than half a league<br /> Hast travel'd with + clos'd eyes and tott'ring gait,<br /> Like to a man by wine or sleep + o'ercharg'd?"<br /> <br />"Beloved father! so thou deign," said I,<br /> + "To listen, I will tell thee what appear'd<br /> Before me, when so fail'd + my sinking steps."<br /> <br />He thus: "Not if thy Countenance were mask'd<br /> + With hundred vizards, could a thought of thine<br /> How small soe'er, + elude me. What thou saw'st<br /> Was shown, that freely thou mightst + ope thy heart<br /> To the waters of peace, that flow diffus'd<br /> From + their eternal fountain. I not ask'd,<br /> What ails thee? for + such cause as he doth, who<br /> Looks only with that eye which sees no + more,<br /> When spiritless the body lies; but ask'd,<br /> To give fresh + vigour to thy foot. Such goads<br /> The slow and loit'ring need; + that they be found<br /> Not wanting, when their hour of watch returns."<br /> + <br />So on we journey'd through the evening sky<br /> Gazing intent, far + onward, as our eyes<br /> With level view could stretch against the bright<br /> + Vespertine ray: and lo! by slow degrees<br /> Gath'ring, a fog made + tow'rds us, dark as night.<br /> There was no room for 'scaping; and that + mist<br /> Bereft us, both of sight and the pure air. <br /><br /> <a + name="link16" id="link16"></a> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + CANTO XVI + </h2> + <p> + <br /> Hell's dunnest gloom, or night unlustrous, dark,<br /> Of every + planes 'reft, and pall'd in clouds,<br /> Did never spread before the sight + a veil<br /> In thickness like that fog, nor to the sense<br /> So palpable + and gross. Ent'ring its shade,<br /> Mine eye endured not with + unclosed lids;<br /> Which marking, near me drew the faithful guide,<br /> + Offering me his shoulder for a stay.<br /> <br />As the blind man behind his + leader walks,<br /> Lest he should err, or stumble unawares<br /> On what + might harm him, or perhaps destroy,<br /> I journey'd through that bitter + air and foul,<br /> Still list'ning to my escort's warning voice,<br /> + "Look that from me thou part not." Straight I heard<br /> Voices, and + each one seem'd to pray for peace,<br /> And for compassion, to the Lamb of + God<br /> That taketh sins away. Their prelude still<br /> Was "Agnus + Dei," and through all the choir,<br /> One voice, one measure ran, that + perfect seem'd<br /> The concord of their song. "Are these I hear<br /> + Spirits, O master?" I exclaim'd; and he:<br /> "Thou aim'st aright: + these loose the bonds of wrath."<br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> <a + href="images/16-23.jpg">ENLARGE TO FULL SIZE</a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img alt="16-23th.jpg (42K)" src="images/16-23th.jpg" width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br />"Now who art thou, that through our smoke dost + cleave?<br /> And speak'st of us, as thou thyself e'en yet<br /> Dividest + time by calends?" So one voice<br /> Bespake me; whence my master + said: "Reply;<br /> And ask, if upward hence the passage lead."<br /> <br />"O + being! who dost make thee pure, to stand<br /> Beautiful once more in + thy Maker's sight!<br /> Along with me: and thou shalt hear and wonder."<br /> + Thus I, whereto the spirit answering spake:<br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> <a + href="images/16-32.jpg">ENLARGE TO FULL SIZE</a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img alt="16-32th.jpg (37K)" src="images/16-32th.jpg" width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> "Long as 't is lawful for me, shall my steps<br /> + Follow on thine; and since the cloudy smoke<br /> Forbids the seeing, + hearing in its stead<br /> Shall keep us join'd." I then forthwith + began<br /> "Yet in my mortal swathing, I ascend<br /> To higher regions, + and am hither come<br /> Through the fearful agony of hell.<br /> And, if so + largely God hath doled his grace,<br /> That, clean beside all modern + precedent,<br /> He wills me to behold his kingly state,<br /> From me + conceal not who thou wast, ere death<br /> Had loos'd thee; but instruct + me: and instruct<br /> If rightly to the pass I tend; thy words<br /> The + way directing as a safe escort."<br /> <br />"I was of Lombardy, and Marco + call'd:<br /> Not inexperienc'd of the world, that worth<br /> I still + affected, from which all have turn'd<br /> The nerveless bow aside. Thy + course tends right<br /> Unto the summit:" and, replying thus,<br /> He + added, "I beseech thee pray for me,<br /> When thou shalt come aloft." + And I to him:<br /> "Accept my faith for pledge I will perform<br /> + What thou requirest. Yet one doubt remains,<br /> That wrings me + sorely, if I solve it not,<br /> Singly before it urg'd me, doubled now<br /> + By thine opinion, when I couple that<br /> With one elsewhere declar'd, + each strength'ning other.<br /> The world indeed is even so forlorn<br /> Of + all good as thou speak'st it and so swarms<br /> With every evil. Yet, + beseech thee, point<br /> The cause out to me, that myself may see,<br /> + And unto others show it: for in heaven<br /> One places it, and one on + earth below."<br /> <br />Then heaving forth a deep and audible sigh,<br /> + "Brother!" he thus began, "the world is blind;<br /> And thou in truth + com'st from it. Ye, who live,<br /> Do so each cause refer to heav'n + above,<br /> E'en as its motion of necessity<br /> Drew with it all that + moves. If this were so,<br /> Free choice in you were none; nor + justice would<br /> There should be joy for virtue, woe for ill.<br /> Your + movements have their primal bent from heaven;<br /> Not all; yet said I + all; what then ensues?<br /> Light have ye still to follow evil or good,<br /> + And of the will free power, which, if it stand<br /> Firm and unwearied in + Heav'n's first assay,<br /> Conquers at last, so it be cherish'd well,<br /> + Triumphant over all. To mightier force,<br /> To better nature + subject, ye abide<br /> Free, not constrain'd by that, which forms in you<br /> + The reasoning mind uninfluenc'd of the stars.<br /> If then the present + race of mankind err,<br /> Seek in yourselves the cause, and find it there.<br /> + Herein thou shalt confess me no false spy.<br /> <br />"Forth from his + plastic hand, who charm'd beholds<br /> Her image ere she yet exist, the + soul<br /> Comes like a babe, that wantons sportively<br /> Weeping and + laughing in its wayward moods,<br /> As artless and as ignorant of aught,<br /> + Save that her Maker being one who dwells<br /> With gladness ever, + willingly she turns<br /> To whate'er yields her joy. Of some slight + good<br /> The flavour soon she tastes; and, snar'd by that,<br /> With + fondness she pursues it, if no guide<br /> Recall, no rein direct her + wand'ring course.<br /> Hence it behov'd, the law should be a curb;<br /> A + sovereign hence behov'd, whose piercing view<br /> Might mark at least the + fortress and main tower<br /> Of the true city. Laws indeed there + are:<br /> But who is he observes them? None; not he,<br /> Who goes + before, the shepherd of the flock,<br /> Who chews the cud but doth not + cleave the hoof.<br /> Therefore the multitude, who see their guide<br /> + Strike at the very good they covet most,<br /> Feed there and look no + further. Thus the cause<br /> Is not corrupted nature in yourselves,<br /> + But ill-conducting, that hath turn'd the world<br /> To evil. Rome, + that turn'd it unto good,<br /> Was wont to boast two suns, whose several + beams<br /> Cast light on either way, the world's and God's.<br /> One since + hath quench'd the other; and the sword<br /> Is grafted on the crook; and + so conjoin'd<br /> Each must perforce decline to worse, unaw'd<br /> By fear + of other. If thou doubt me, mark<br /> The blade: each herb is judg'd + of by its seed.<br /> That land, through which Adice and the Po<br /> Their + waters roll, was once the residence<br /> Of courtesy and velour, ere the + day,<br /> That frown'd on Frederick; now secure may pass<br /> Those + limits, whosoe'er hath left, for shame,<br /> To talk with good men, or + come near their haunts.<br /> Three aged ones are still found there, in + whom<br /> The old time chides the new: these deem it long<br /> Ere God + restore them to a better world:<br /> The good Gherardo, of Palazzo he<br /> + Conrad, and Guido of Castello, nam'd<br /> In Gallic phrase more fitly the + plain Lombard.<br /> On this at last conclude. The church of Rome,<br /> + Mixing two governments that ill assort,<br /> Hath miss'd her footing, + fall'n into the mire,<br /> And there herself and burden much defil'd."<br /> + <br />"O Marco!" I replied, shine arguments<br /> Convince me: and the cause + I now discern<br /> Why of the heritage no portion came<br /> To Levi's + offspring. But resolve me this<br /> Who that Gherardo is, that as + thou sayst<br /> Is left a sample of the perish'd race,<br /> And for rebuke + to this untoward age?"<br /> <br />"Either thy words," said he, "deceive; or + else<br /> Are meant to try me; that thou, speaking Tuscan,<br /> Appear'st + not to have heard of good Gherado;<br /> The sole addition that, by which I + know him;<br /> Unless I borrow'd from his daughter Gaia<br /> Another name + to grace him. God be with you.<br /> I bear you company no more. + Behold<br /> The dawn with white ray glimm'ring through the mist.<br /> + I must away--the angel comes--ere he<br /> Appear." He said, and + would not hear me more. <br /><br /> <a name="link17" id="link17"></a> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + CANTO XVII + </h2> + <p> + <br /> Call to remembrance, reader, if thou e'er<br /> Hast, on a mountain + top, been ta'en by cloud,<br /> Through which thou saw'st no better, than + the mole<br /> Doth through opacous membrane; then, whene'er<br /> The + wat'ry vapours dense began to melt<br /> Into thin air, how faintly the + sun's sphere<br /> Seem'd wading through them; so thy nimble thought<br /> + May image, how at first I re-beheld<br /> The sun, that bedward now his + couch o'erhung.<br /> <br />Thus with my leader's feet still equaling pace<br /> + From forth that cloud I came, when now expir'd<br /> The parting beams from + off the nether shores.<br /> <br />O quick and forgetive power! that + sometimes dost<br /> So rob us of ourselves, we take no mark<br /> Though + round about us thousand trumpets clang!<br /> What moves thee, if the + senses stir not? Light<br /> Kindled in heav'n, spontaneous, + self-inform'd,<br /> Or likelier gliding down with swift illapse<br /> By + will divine. Portray'd before me came<br /> The traces of her dire + impiety,<br /> Whose form was chang'd into the bird, that most<br /> + Delights itself in song: and here my mind<br /> Was inwardly so wrapt, it + gave no place<br /> To aught that ask'd admittance from without.<br /> <br />Next + shower'd into my fantasy a shape<br /> As of one crucified, whose visage + spake<br /> Fell rancour, malice deep, wherein he died;<br /> And round him + Ahasuerus the great king,<br /> Esther his bride, and Mordecai the just,<br /> + Blameless in word and deed. As of itself<br /> That unsubstantial + coinage of the brain<br /> Burst, like a bubble, Which the water fails<br /> + That fed it; in my vision straight uprose<br /> A damsel weeping loud, and + cried, "O queen!<br /> O mother! wherefore has intemperate ire<br /> + Driv'n thee to loath thy being? Not to lose<br /> Lavinia, desp'rate + thou hast slain thyself.<br /> Now hast thou lost me. I am she, whose + tears<br /> Mourn, ere I fall, a mother's timeless end."<br /> <br />E'en as + a sleep breaks off, if suddenly<br /> New radiance strike upon the closed + lids,<br /> The broken slumber quivering ere it dies;<br /> Thus from before + me sunk that imagery<br /> Vanishing, soon as on my face there struck<br /> + The light, outshining far our earthly beam.<br /> As round I turn'd me to + survey what place<br /> I had arriv'd at, "Here ye mount," exclaim'd<br /> A + voice, that other purpose left me none,<br /> Save will so eager to behold + who spake,<br /> I could not choose but gaze. As 'fore the sun,<br /> + That weighs our vision down, and veils his form<br /> In light + transcendent, thus my virtue fail'd<br /> Unequal. "This is Spirit + from above,<br /> Who marshals us our upward way, unsought;<br /> And in his + own light shrouds him. As a man<br /> Doth for himself, so now is done for + us.<br /> For whoso waits imploring, yet sees need<br /> Of his prompt + aidance, sets himself prepar'd<br /> For blunt denial, ere the suit be + made.<br /> Refuse we not to lend a ready foot<br /> At such inviting: haste + we to ascend,<br /> Before it darken: for we may not then,<br /> Till morn + again return." So spake my guide;<br /> And to one ladder both + address'd our steps;<br /> And the first stair approaching, I perceiv'd<br /> + Near me as 'twere the waving of a wing,<br /> That fann'd my face and + whisper'd: "Blessed they<br /> The peacemakers: they know not evil wrath."<br /> + <br />Now to such height above our heads were rais'd<br /> The last beams, + follow'd close by hooded night,<br /> That many a star on all sides through + the gloom<br /> Shone out. "Why partest from me, O my strength?"<br /> + So with myself I commun'd; for I felt<br /> My o'ertoil'd sinews slacken. + We had reach'd<br /> The summit, and were fix'd like to a bark<br /> + Arriv'd at land. And waiting a short space,<br /> If aught should + meet mine ear in that new round,<br /> Then to my guide I turn'd, and said: + "Lov'd sire!<br /> Declare what guilt is on this circle purg'd.<br /> If our + feet rest, no need thy speech should pause."<br /> <br />He thus to me: "The + love of good, whate'er<br /> Wanted of just proportion, here fulfils.<br /> + Here plies afresh the oar, that loiter'd ill.<br /> But that thou mayst yet + clearlier understand,<br /> Give ear unto my words, and thou shalt cull<br /> + Some fruit may please thee well, from this delay.<br /> <br />"Creator, nor + created being, ne'er,<br /> My son," he thus began, "was without love,<br /> + Or natural, or the free spirit's growth.<br /> Thou hast not that to learn. + The natural still<br /> Is without error; but the other swerves,<br /> + If on ill object bent, or through excess<br /> Of vigour, or defect. While + e'er it seeks<br /> The primal blessings, or with measure due<br /> Th' + inferior, no delight, that flows from it,<br /> Partakes of ill. But + let it warp to evil,<br /> Or with more ardour than behooves, or less.<br /> + Pursue the good, the thing created then<br /> Works 'gainst its Maker. + Hence thou must infer<br /> That love is germin of each virtue in ye,<br /> + And of each act no less, that merits pain.<br /> Now since it may not be, + but love intend<br /> The welfare mainly of the thing it loves,<br /> All + from self-hatred are secure; and since<br /> No being can be thought t' + exist apart<br /> And independent of the first, a bar<br /> Of equal force + restrains from hating that.<br /> <br />"Grant the distinction just; and it + remains<br /> The' evil must be another's, which is lov'd.<br /> Three ways + such love is gender'd in your clay.<br /> There is who hopes (his + neighbour's worth deprest,)<br /> Preeminence himself, and coverts hence<br /> + For his own greatness that another fall.<br /> There is who so much fears + the loss of power,<br /> Fame, favour, glory (should his fellow mount<br /> + Above him), and so sickens at the thought,<br /> He loves their opposite: + and there is he,<br /> Whom wrong or insult seems to gall and shame<br /> + That he doth thirst for vengeance, and such needs<br /> Must doat on + other's evil. Here beneath<br /> This threefold love is mourn'd. + Of th' other sort<br /> Be now instructed, that which follows good<br /> + But with disorder'd and irregular course.<br /> <br />"All indistinctly + apprehend a bliss<br /> On which the soul may rest, the hearts of all<br /> + Yearn after it, and to that wished bourn<br /> All therefore strive to + tend. If ye behold<br /> Or seek it with a love remiss and lax,<br /> + This cornice after just repenting lays<br /> Its penal torment on ye. + Other good<br /> There is, where man finds not his happiness:<br /> It + is not true fruition, not that blest<br /> Essence, of every good the + branch and root.<br /> The love too lavishly bestow'd on this,<br /> Along + three circles over us, is mourn'd.<br /> Account of that division + tripartite<br /> Expect not, fitter for thine own research." <br /><br /> + <a name="link18" id="link18"></a> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + CANTO XVIII + </h2> + <p> + <br /> The teacher ended, and his high discourse<br /> Concluding, earnest + in my looks inquir'd<br /> If I appear'd content; and I, whom still<br /> + Unsated thirst to hear him urg'd, was mute,<br /> Mute outwardly, yet + inwardly I said:<br /> "Perchance my too much questioning offends."<br /> + But he, true father, mark'd the secret wish<br /> By diffidence restrain'd, + and speaking, gave<br /> Me boldness thus to speak: "Master, my Sight<br /> + Gathers so lively virtue from thy beams,<br /> That all, thy words convey, + distinct is seen.<br /> Wherefore I pray thee, father, whom this heart<br /> + Holds dearest! thou wouldst deign by proof t' unfold<br /> That love, + from which as from their source thou bring'st<br /> All good deeds and + their opposite." He then:<br /> "To what I now disclose be thy clear + ken<br /> Directed, and thou plainly shalt behold<br /> How much those blind + have err'd, who make themselves<br /> The guides of men. The soul, + created apt<br /> To love, moves versatile which way soe'er<br /> Aught + pleasing prompts her, soon as she is wak'd<br /> By pleasure into act. + Of substance true<br /> Your apprehension forms its counterfeit,<br /> + And in you the ideal shape presenting<br /> Attracts the soul's regard. + If she, thus drawn,<br /> incline toward it, love is that inclining,<br /> + And a new nature knit by pleasure in ye.<br /> Then as the fire points up, + and mounting seeks<br /> His birth-place and his lasting seat, e'en thus<br /> + Enters the captive soul into desire,<br /> Which is a spiritual motion, + that ne'er rests<br /> Before enjoyment of the thing it loves.<br /> Enough + to show thee, how the truth from those<br /> Is hidden, who aver all love a + thing<br /> Praise-worthy in itself: although perhaps<br /> Its substance + seem still good. Yet if the wax<br /> Be good, it follows not th' + impression must."<br /> "What love is," I return'd, "thy words, O guide!<br /> + And my own docile mind, reveal. Yet thence<br /> New doubts have + sprung. For from without if love<br /> Be offer'd to us, and the + spirit knows<br /> No other footing, tend she right or wrong,<br /> Is no + desert of hers." He answering thus:<br /> "What reason here discovers + I have power<br /> To show thee: that which lies beyond, expect<br /> From + Beatrice, faith not reason's task.<br /> Spirit, substantial form, with + matter join'd<br /> Not in confusion mix'd, hath in itself<br /> Specific + virtue of that union born,<br /> Which is not felt except it work, nor + prov'd<br /> But through effect, as vegetable life<br /> By the green leaf. + From whence his intellect<br /> Deduced its primal notices of things,<br /> + Man therefore knows not, or his appetites<br /> Their first affections; + such in you, as zeal<br /> In bees to gather honey; at the first,<br /> + Volition, meriting nor blame nor praise.<br /> But o'er each lower faculty + supreme,<br /> That as she list are summon'd to her bar,<br /> Ye have that + virtue in you, whose just voice<br /> Uttereth counsel, and whose word + should keep<br /> The threshold of assent. Here is the source,<br /> + Whence cause of merit in you is deriv'd,<br /> E'en as the affections good + or ill she takes,<br /> Or severs, winnow'd as the chaff. Those men<br /> + Who reas'ning went to depth profoundest, mark'd<br /> That innate freedom, + and were thence induc'd<br /> To leave their moral teaching to the world.<br /> + Grant then, that from necessity arise<br /> All love that glows within you; + to dismiss<br /> Or harbour it, the pow'r is in yourselves.<br /> Remember, + Beatrice, in her style,<br /> Denominates free choice by eminence<br /> The + noble virtue, if in talk with thee<br /> She touch upon that theme." The + moon, well nigh<br /> To midnight hour belated, made the stars<br /> Appear + to wink and fade; and her broad disk<br /> Seem'd like a crag on fire, as + up the vault<br /> That course she journey'd, which the sun then warms,<br /> + When they of Rome behold him at his set.<br /> Betwixt Sardinia and the + Corsic isle.<br /> And now the weight, that hung upon my thought,<br /> Was + lighten'd by the aid of that clear spirit,<br /> Who raiseth Andes above + Mantua's name.<br /> I therefore, when my questions had obtain'd<br /> + Solution plain and ample, stood as one<br /> Musing in dreary slumber; but + not long<br /> Slumber'd; for suddenly a multitude,<br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> + <a href="images/18-87.jpg">ENLARGE TO FULL SIZE</a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img alt="18-87th.jpg (39K)" src="images/18-87th.jpg" width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> The steep already turning, from behind,<br /> Rush'd + on. With fury and like random rout,<br /> As echoing on their shores + at midnight heard<br /> Ismenus and Asopus, for his Thebes<br /> If Bacchus' + help were needed; so came these<br /> Tumultuous, curving each his rapid + step,<br /> By eagerness impell'd of holy love.<br /> <br />Soon they + o'ertook us; with such swiftness mov'd<br /> The mighty crowd. Two + spirits at their head<br /> Cried weeping; "Blessed Mary sought with haste<br /> + The hilly region. Caesar to subdue<br /> Ilerda, darted in Marseilles + his sting,<br /> And flew to Spain."--"Oh tarry not: away;"<br /> The others + shouted; "let not time be lost<br /> Through slackness of affection. Hearty + zeal<br /> To serve reanimates celestial grace."<br /> <br />"O ye, in whom + intenser fervency<br /> Haply supplies, where lukewarm erst ye fail'd,<br /> + Slow or neglectful, to absolve your part<br /> Of good and virtuous, this + man, who yet lives,<br /> (Credit my tale, though strange) desires t' + ascend,<br /> So morning rise to light us. Therefore say<br /> Which + hand leads nearest to the rifted rock?"<br /> <br />So spake my guide, to + whom a shade return'd:<br /> "Come after us, and thou shalt find the cleft.<br /> + We may not linger: such resistless will<br /> Speeds our unwearied course. + Vouchsafe us then<br /> Thy pardon, if our duty seem to thee<br /> + Discourteous rudeness. In Verona I<br /> Was abbot of San Zeno, when + the hand<br /> Of Barbarossa grasp'd Imperial sway,<br /> That name, ne'er + utter'd without tears in Milan.<br /> And there is he, hath one foot in his + grave,<br /> Who for that monastery ere long shall weep,<br /> Ruing his + power misus'd: for that his son,<br /> Of body ill compact, and worse in + mind,<br /> And born in evil, he hath set in place<br /> Of its true + pastor." Whether more he spake,<br /> Or here was mute, I know not: + he had sped<br /> E'en now so far beyond us. Yet thus much<br /> I + heard, and in rememb'rance treasur'd it.<br /> <br />He then, who never + fail'd me at my need,<br /> Cried, "Hither turn. Lo! two with + sharp remorse<br /> Chiding their sin!" In rear of all the troop<br /> + These shouted: "First they died, to whom the sea<br /> Open'd, or ever + Jordan saw his heirs:<br /> And they, who with Aeneas to the end<br /> + Endur'd not suffering, for their portion chose<br /> Life without glory." + Soon as they had fled<br /> Past reach of sight, new thought within + me rose<br /> By others follow'd fast, and each unlike<br /> Its fellow: + till led on from thought to thought,<br /> And pleasur'd with the fleeting + train, mine eye<br /> Was clos'd, and meditation chang'd to dream. <br /> + <br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br /> <a name="link19" + id="link19"></a> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + CANTO XIX + </h2> + <p> + <br /> It was the hour, when of diurnal heat<br /> No reliques chafe the + cold beams of the moon,<br /> O'erpower'd by earth, or planetary sway<br /> + Of Saturn; and the geomancer sees<br /> His Greater Fortune up the east + ascend,<br /> Where gray dawn checkers first the shadowy cone;<br /> When + 'fore me in my dream a woman's shape<br /> There came, with lips that + stammer'd, eyes aslant,<br /> Distorted feet, hands maim'd, and colour + pale.<br /> <br />I look'd upon her; and as sunshine cheers<br /> Limbs + numb'd by nightly cold, e'en thus my look<br /> Unloos'd her tongue, next + in brief space her form<br /> Decrepit rais'd erect, and faded face<br /> + With love's own hue illum'd. Recov'ring speech<br /> She forthwith warbling + such a strain began,<br /> That I, how loth soe'er, could scarce have held<br /> + Attention from the song. "I," thus she sang,<br /> "I am the Siren, + she, whom mariners<br /> On the wide sea are wilder'd when they hear:<br /> + Such fulness of delight the list'ner feels.<br /> I from his course Ulysses + by my lay<br /> Enchanted drew. Whoe'er frequents me once<br /> Parts + seldom; so I charm him, and his heart<br /> Contented knows no void." + Or ere her mouth<br /> Was clos'd, to shame her at her side appear'd<br /> + A dame of semblance holy. With stern voice<br /> She utter'd; "Say, O + Virgil, who is this?"<br /> Which hearing, he approach'd, with eyes still + bent<br /> Toward that goodly presence: th' other seiz'd her,<br /> And, her + robes tearing, open'd her before,<br /> And show'd the belly to me, whence + a smell,<br /> Exhaling loathsome, wak'd me. Round I turn'd<br /> Mine + eyes, and thus the teacher: "At the least<br /> Three times my voice hath + call'd thee. Rise, begone.<br /> Let us the opening find where thou + mayst pass."<br /> <br />I straightway rose. Now day, pour'd down from + high,<br /> Fill'd all the circuits of the sacred mount;<br /> And, as we + journey'd, on our shoulder smote<br /> The early ray. I follow'd, + stooping low<br /> My forehead, as a man, o'ercharg'd with thought,<br /> + Who bends him to the likeness of an arch,<br /> That midway spans the + flood; when thus I heard,<br /> "Come, enter here," in tone so soft and + mild,<br /> As never met the ear on mortal strand.<br /> <br />With swan-like + wings dispread and pointing up,<br /> Who thus had spoken marshal'd us + along,<br /> Where each side of the solid masonry<br /> The sloping, walls + retir'd; then mov'd his plumes,<br /> And fanning us, affirm'd that those, + who mourn,<br /> Are blessed, for that comfort shall be theirs.<br /> <br />"What + aileth thee, that still thou look'st to earth?"<br /> Began my leader; + while th' angelic shape<br /> A little over us his station took.<br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> + <a href="images/19-51.jpg">ENLARGE TO FULL SIZE</a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img alt="19-51th.jpg (38K)" src="images/19-51th.jpg" width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br />"New vision," I replied, "hath rais'd in me<br /> + Surmizings strange and anxious doubts, whereon<br /> My soul intent allows + no other thought<br /> Or room or entrance."—"Hast thou seen," said + he,<br /> "That old enchantress, her, whose wiles alone<br /> The spirits + o'er us weep for? Hast thou seen<br /> How man may free him of her + bonds? Enough.<br /> Let thy heels spurn the earth, and thy rais'd + ken<br /> Fix on the lure, which heav'n's eternal King<br /> Whirls in the + rolling spheres." As on his feet<br /> The falcon first looks down, + then to the sky<br /> Turns, and forth stretches eager for the food,<br /> + That woos him thither; so the call I heard,<br /> So onward, far as the + dividing rock<br /> Gave way, I journey'd, till the plain was reach'd.<br /> + <br />On the fifth circle when I stood at large,<br /> A race appear'd + before me, on the ground<br /> All downward lying prone and weeping sore.<br /> + "My soul hath cleaved to the dust," I heard<br /> With sighs so deep, they + well nigh choak'd the words.<br /> "O ye elect of God, whose penal woes<br /> + Both hope and justice mitigate, direct<br /> Tow'rds the steep rising our + uncertain way."<br /> <br />"If ye approach secure from this our doom,<br /> + Prostration—and would urge your course with speed,<br /> See that ye + still to rightward keep the brink."<br /> <br />So them the bard besought; + and such the words,<br /> Beyond us some short space, in answer came.<br /> + <br />I noted what remain'd yet hidden from them:<br /> Thence to my liege's + eyes mine eyes I bent,<br /> And he, forthwith interpreting their suit,<br /> + Beckon'd his glad assent. Free then to act,<br /> As pleas'd me, I drew + near, and took my stand<br /> O`er that shade, whose words I late had + mark'd.<br /> And, "Spirit!" I said, "in whom repentant tears<br /> + Mature that blessed hour, when thou with God<br /> Shalt find acceptance, + for a while suspend<br /> For me that mightier care. Say who thou + wast,<br /> Why thus ye grovel on your bellies prone,<br /> And if in aught + ye wish my service there,<br /> Whence living I am come." He + answering spake<br /> "The cause why Heav'n our back toward his cope<br /> + Reverses, shalt thou know: but me know first<br /> The successor of Peter, + and the name<br /> And title of my lineage from that stream,<br /> That' + twixt Chiaveri and Siestri draws<br /> His limpid waters through the lowly + glen.<br /> A month and little more by proof I learnt,<br /> With what a + weight that robe of sov'reignty<br /> Upon his shoulder rests, who from the + mire<br /> Would guard it: that each other fardel seems<br /> But feathers + in the balance. Late, alas!<br /> Was my conversion: but when I + became<br /> Rome's pastor, I discern'd at once the dream<br /> And cozenage + of life, saw that the heart<br /> Rested not there, and yet no prouder + height<br /> Lur'd on the climber: wherefore, of that life<br /> No more + enamour'd, in my bosom love<br /> Of purer being kindled. For till + then<br /> I was a soul in misery, alienate<br /> From God, and covetous of + all earthly things;<br /> Now, as thou seest, here punish'd for my doting.<br /> + Such cleansing from the taint of avarice<br /> Do spirits converted need. + This mount inflicts<br /> No direr penalty. E'en as our eyes<br /> + Fasten'd below, nor e'er to loftier clime<br /> Were lifted, thus hath + justice level'd us<br /> Here on the earth. As avarice quench'd our + love<br /> Of good, without which is no working, thus<br /> Here justice + holds us prison'd, hand and foot<br /> Chain'd down and bound, while + heaven's just Lord shall please.<br /> So long to tarry motionless + outstretch'd."<br /> <br />My knees I stoop'd, and would have spoke; but he,<br /> + Ere my beginning, by his ear perceiv'd<br /> I did him reverence; and "What + cause," said he,<br /> "Hath bow'd thee thus!"—"Compunction," I + rejoin'd.<br /> "And inward awe of your high dignity."<br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> + <a href="images/19-131.jpg">ENLARGE TO FULL SIZE</a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img alt="19-131th.jpg (44K)" src="images/19-131th.jpg" width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br />"Up," he exclaim'd, "brother! upon thy feet<br /> + Arise: err not: thy fellow servant I,<br /> (Thine and all others') of one + Sovran Power.<br /> If thou hast ever mark'd those holy sounds<br /> Of + gospel truth, 'nor shall be given ill marriage,'<br /> Thou mayst discern + the reasons of my speech.<br /> Go thy ways now; and linger here no more.<br /> + Thy tarrying is a let unto the tears,<br /> With which I hasten that + whereof thou spak'st.<br /> I have on earth a kinswoman; her name<br /> + Alagia, worthy in herself, so ill<br /> Example of our house corrupt her + not:<br /> And she is all remaineth of me there." <br /><br /> <a + name="link20" id="link20"></a> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + CANTO XX + </h2> + <p> + <br /> Ill strives the will, 'gainst will more wise that strives<br /> His + pleasure therefore to mine own preferr'd,<br /> I drew the sponge yet + thirsty from the wave.<br /> <br />Onward I mov'd: he also onward mov'd,<br /> + Who led me, coasting still, wherever place<br /> Along the rock was vacant, + as a man<br /> Walks near the battlements on narrow wall.<br /> For those on + th' other part, who drop by drop<br /> Wring out their all-infecting + malady,<br /> Too closely press the verge. Accurst be thou!<br /> + Inveterate wolf! whose gorge ingluts more prey,<br /> Than every beast + beside, yet is not fill'd!<br /> So bottomless thy maw!—Ye spheres of + heaven!<br /> To whom there are, as seems, who attribute<br /> All change in + mortal state, when is the day<br /> Of his appearing, for whom fate + reserves<br /> To chase her hence? —With wary steps and slow<br /> + We pass'd; and I attentive to the shades,<br /> Whom piteously I heard + lament and wail;<br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> <a href="images/20-17.jpg">ENLARGE + TO FULL SIZE</a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img alt="20-17th.jpg (38K)" src="images/20-17th.jpg" width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> And, 'midst the wailing, one before us heard<br /> Cry + out "O blessed Virgin!" as a dame<br /> In the sharp pangs of + childbed; and "How poor<br /> Thou wast," it added, "witness that low roof<br /> + Where thou didst lay thy sacred burden down.<br /> O good Fabricius! thou + didst virtue choose<br /> With poverty, before great wealth with vice."<br /> + <br />The words so pleas'd me, that desire to know<br /> The spirit, from + whose lip they seem'd to come,<br /> Did draw me onward. Yet it spake + the gift<br /> Of Nicholas, which on the maidens he<br /> Bounteous + bestow'd, to save their youthful prime<br /> Unblemish'd. "Spirit! + who dost speak of deeds<br /> So worthy, tell me who thou was," I said,<br /> + "And why thou dost with single voice renew<br /> Memorial of such praise. + That boon vouchsaf'd<br /> Haply shall meet reward; if I return<br /> To + finish the Short pilgrimage of life,<br /> Still speeding to its close on + restless wing."<br /> <br />"I," answer'd he, "will tell thee, not for hell,<br /> + Which thence I look for; but that in thyself<br /> Grace so exceeding + shines, before thy time<br /> Of mortal dissolution. I was root<br /> + Of that ill plant, whose shade such poison sheds<br /> O'er all the + Christian land, that seldom thence<br /> Good fruit is gather'd. Vengeance + soon should come,<br /> Had Ghent and Douay, Lille and Bruges power;<br /> + And vengeance I of heav'n's great Judge implore.<br /> Hugh Capet was I + high: from me descend<br /> The Philips and the Louis, of whom France<br /> + Newly is govern'd; born of one, who ply'd<br /> The slaughterer's trade at + Paris. When the race<br /> Of ancient kings had vanish'd (all save + one<br /> Wrapt up in sable weeds) within my gripe<br /> I found the reins + of empire, and such powers<br /> Of new acquirement, with full store of + friends,<br /> That soon the widow'd circlet of the crown<br /> Was girt + upon the temples of my son,<br /> He, from whose bones th' anointed race + begins.<br /> Till the great dower of Provence had remov'd<br /> The stains, + that yet obscur'd our lowly blood,<br /> Its sway indeed was narrow, but + howe'er<br /> It wrought no evil: there, with force and lies,<br /> Began + its rapine; after, for amends,<br /> Poitou it seiz'd, Navarre and Gascony.<br /> + To Italy came Charles, and for amends<br /> Young Conradine an innocent + victim slew,<br /> And sent th' angelic teacher back to heav'n,<br /> Still + for amends. I see the time at hand,<br /> That forth from France + invites another Charles<br /> To make himself and kindred better known.<br /> + Unarm'd he issues, saving with that lance,<br /> Which the arch-traitor + tilted with; and that<br /> He carries with so home a thrust, as rives<br /> + The bowels of poor Florence. No increase<br /> Of territory hence, + but sin and shame<br /> Shall be his guerdon, and so much the more<br /> As + he more lightly deems of such foul wrong.<br /> I see the other, who a + prisoner late<br /> Had steps on shore, exposing to the mart<br /> His + daughter, whom he bargains for, as do<br /> The Corsairs for their slaves. + O avarice!<br /> What canst thou more, who hast subdued our blood<br /> + So wholly to thyself, they feel no care<br /> Of their own flesh? To + hide with direr guilt<br /> Past ill and future, lo! the + flower-de-luce<br /> Enters Alagna! in his Vicar Christ<br /> Himself a + captive, and his mockery<br /> Acted again! Lo! lo his holy lip<br /> The + vinegar and gall once more applied!<br /> And he 'twixt living robbers + doom'd to bleed!<br /> Lo! the new Pilate, of whose cruelty<br /> Such + violence cannot fill the measure up,<br /> With no degree to sanction, + pushes on<br /> Into the temple his yet eager sails!<br /> <br />"O sovran + Master! when shall I rejoice<br /> To see the vengeance, which thy wrath + well-pleas'd<br /> In secret silence broods?—While daylight lasts,<br /> + So long what thou didst hear of her, sole spouse<br /> Of the Great Spirit, + and on which thou turn'dst<br /> To me for comment, is the general theme<br /> + Of all our prayers: but when it darkens, then<br /> A different strain we + utter, then record<br /> Pygmalion, whom his gluttonous thirst of gold<br /> + Made traitor, robber, parricide: the woes<br /> Of Midas, which his greedy + wish ensued,<br /> Mark'd for derision to all future times:<br /> And the + fond Achan, how he stole the prey,<br /> That yet he seems by Joshua's ire + pursued.<br /> Sapphira with her husband next, we blame;<br /> And praise + the forefeet, that with furious ramp<br /> Spurn'd Heliodorus. All + the mountain round<br /> Rings with the infamy of Thracia's king,<br /> Who + slew his Phrygian charge: and last a shout<br /> Ascends: "Declare, O + Crassus! for thou know'st,<br /> The flavour of thy gold." The voice + of each<br /> Now high now low, as each his impulse prompts,<br /> Is led + through many a pitch, acute or grave.<br /> Therefore, not singly, I + erewhile rehears'd<br /> That blessedness we tell of in the day:<br /> But + near me none beside his accent rais'd."<br /> <br />From him we now had + parted, and essay'd<br /> With utmost efforts to surmount the way,<br /> + When I did feel, as nodding to its fall,<br /> The mountain tremble; whence + an icy chill<br /> Seiz'd on me, as on one to death convey'd.<br /> So shook + not Delos, when Latona there<br /> Couch'd to bring forth the twin-born + eyes of heaven.<br /> <br />Forthwith from every side a shout arose<br /> So + vehement, that suddenly my guide<br /> Drew near, and cried: "Doubt not, + while I conduct thee."<br /> "Glory!" all shouted (such the sounds mine ear<br /> + Gather'd from those, who near me swell'd the sounds)<br /> "Glory in the + highest be to God." We stood<br /> Immovably suspended, like to + those,<br /> The shepherds, who first heard in Bethlehem's field<br /> That + song: till ceas'd the trembling, and the song<br /> Was ended: then our + hallow'd path resum'd,<br /> Eying the prostrate shadows, who renew'd<br /> + Their custom'd mourning. Never in my breast<br /> Did ignorance so + struggle with desire<br /> Of knowledge, if my memory do not err,<br /> As + in that moment; nor through haste dar'd I<br /> To question, nor myself + could aught discern,<br /> So on I far'd in thoughtfulness and dread. <br /><br /> + <a name="link21" id="link21"></a> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + CANTO XXI + </h2> + <p> + <br /> The natural thirst, ne'er quench'd but from the well,<br /> Whereof + the woman of Samaria crav'd,<br /> Excited: haste along the cumber'd path,<br /> + After my guide, impell'd; and pity mov'd<br /> My bosom for the 'vengeful + deed, though just.<br /> When lo! even as Luke relates, that Christ<br /> + Appear'd unto the two upon their way,<br /> New-risen from his vaulted + grave; to us<br /> A shade appear'd, and after us approach'd,<br /> + Contemplating the crowd beneath its feet.<br /> We were not ware of it; so + first it spake,<br /> Saying, "God give you peace, my brethren!" then<br /> + Sudden we turn'd: and Virgil such salute,<br /> As fitted that kind + greeting, gave, and cried:<br /> "Peace in the blessed council be thy lot<br /> + Awarded by that righteous court, which me<br /> To everlasting banishment + exiles!"<br /> <br />"How!" he exclaim'd, nor from his speed meanwhile<br /> + Desisting, "If that ye be spirits, whom God<br /> Vouchsafes not room + above, who up the height<br /> Has been thus far your guide?" To whom + the bard:<br /> "If thou observe the tokens, which this man<br /> Trac'd by + the finger of the angel bears,<br /> 'Tis plain that in the kingdom of the + just<br /> He needs must share. But sithence she, whose wheel<br /> + Spins day and night, for him not yet had drawn<br /> That yarn, which, on + the fatal distaff pil'd,<br /> Clotho apportions to each wight that + breathes,<br /> His soul, that sister is to mine and thine,<br /> Not of + herself could mount, for not like ours<br /> Her ken: whence I, from forth + the ample gulf<br /> Of hell was ta'en, to lead him, and will lead<br /> Far + as my lore avails. But, if thou know,<br /> Instruct us for what + cause, the mount erewhile<br /> Thus shook and trembled: wherefore all at + once<br /> Seem'd shouting, even from his wave-wash'd foot."<br /> <br />That + questioning so tallied with my wish,<br /> The thirst did feel abatement of + its edge<br /> E'en from expectance. He forthwith replied,<br /> "In + its devotion nought irregular<br /> This mount can witness, or by punctual + rule<br /> Unsanction'd; here from every change exempt.<br /> Other than + that, which heaven in itself<br /> Doth of itself receive, no influence<br /> + Can reach us. Tempest none, shower, hail or snow,<br /> Hoar frost or + dewy moistness, higher falls<br /> Than that brief scale of threefold + steps: thick clouds<br /> Nor scudding rack are ever seen: swift glance<br /> + Ne'er lightens, nor Thaumantian Iris gleams,<br /> That yonder often shift + on each side heav'n.<br /> Vapour adust doth never mount above<br /> The + highest of the trinal stairs, whereon<br /> Peter's vicegerent stands. + Lower perchance,<br /> With various motion rock'd, trembles the soil:<br /> + But here, through wind in earth's deep hollow pent,<br /> I know not how, + yet never trembled: then<br /> Trembles, when any spirit feels itself<br /> + So purified, that it may rise, or move<br /> For rising, and such loud + acclaim ensues.<br /> Purification by the will alone<br /> Is prov'd, that + free to change society<br /> Seizes the soul rejoicing in her will.<br /> + Desire of bliss is present from the first;<br /> But strong propension + hinders, to that wish<br /> By the just ordinance of heav'n oppos'd;<br /> + Propension now as eager to fulfil<br /> Th' allotted torment, as erewhile + to sin.<br /> And I who in this punishment had lain<br /> Five hundred years + and more, but now have felt<br /> Free wish for happier clime. Therefore + thou felt'st<br /> The mountain tremble, and the spirits devout<br /> + Heard'st, over all his limits, utter praise<br /> To that liege Lord, whom + I entreat their joy<br /> To hasten." Thus he spake: and since the + draught<br /> Is grateful ever as the thirst is keen,<br /> No words may + speak my fullness of content.<br /> <br />"Now," said the instructor sage, + "I see the net<br /> That takes ye here, and how the toils are loos'd,<br /> + Why rocks the mountain and why ye rejoice.<br /> Vouchsafe, that from thy + lips I next may learn,<br /> Who on the earth thou wast, and wherefore here<br /> + So many an age wert prostrate."—"In that time,<br /> When the good + Titus, with Heav'n's King to help,<br /> Aveng'd those piteous gashes, + whence the blood<br /> By Judas sold did issue, with the name<br /> Most + lasting and most honour'd there was I<br /> Abundantly renown'd," the shade + reply'd,<br /> "Not yet with faith endued. So passing sweet<br /> My + vocal Spirit, from Tolosa, Rome<br /> To herself drew me, where I merited<br /> + A myrtle garland to inwreathe my brow.<br /> Statius they name me still. + Of Thebes I sang,<br /> And next of great Achilles: but i' th' way<br /> + Fell with the second burthen. Of my flame<br /> Those sparkles were + the seeds, which I deriv'd<br /> From the bright fountain of celestial fire<br /> + That feeds unnumber'd lamps, the song I mean<br /> Which sounds Aeneas' + wand'rings: that the breast<br /> I hung at, that the nurse, from whom my + veins<br /> Drank inspiration: whose authority<br /> Was ever sacred with + me. To have liv'd<br /> Coeval with the Mantuan, I would bide<br /> + The revolution of another sun<br /> Beyond my stated years in banishment."<br /> + <br />The Mantuan, when he heard him, turn'd to me,<br /> And holding + silence: by his countenance<br /> Enjoin'd me silence but the power which + wills,<br /> Bears not supreme control: laughter and tears<br /> Follow so + closely on the passion prompts them,<br /> They wait not for the motions of + the will<br /> In natures most sincere. I did but smile,<br /> As one + who winks; and thereupon the shade<br /> Broke off, and peer'd into mine + eyes, where best<br /> Our looks interpret. "So to good event<br /> Mayst + thou conduct such great emprize," he cried,<br /> "Say, why across thy + visage beam'd, but now,<br /> The lightning of a smile!" On either + part<br /> Now am I straiten'd; one conjures me speak,<br /> Th' other to + silence binds me: whence a sigh<br /> I utter, and the sigh is heard. + "Speak on;"<br /> The teacher cried; "and do not fear to speak,<br /> + But tell him what so earnestly he asks."<br /> Whereon I thus: "Perchance, + O ancient spirit!<br /> Thou marvel'st at my smiling. There is room<br /> + For yet more wonder. He who guides my ken<br /> On high, he is that + Mantuan, led by whom<br /> Thou didst presume of men and gods to sing.<br /> + If other cause thou deem'dst for which I smil'd,<br /> Leave it as not the + true one; and believe<br /> Those words, thou spak'st of him, indeed the + cause."<br /> <br />Now down he bent t' embrace my teacher's feet;<br /> But + he forbade him: "Brother! do it not:<br /> Thou art a shadow, and behold'st + a shade."<br /> He rising answer'd thus: "Now hast thou prov'd<br /> The + force and ardour of the love I bear thee,<br /> When I forget we are but + things of air,<br /> And as a substance treat an empty shade." <br /><br /> + <a name="link22" id="link22"></a> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + CANTO XXII + </h2> + <p> + <br /> Now we had left the angel, who had turn'd<br /> To the sixth circle + our ascending step,<br /> One gash from off my forehead raz'd: while they,<br /> + Whose wishes tend to justice, shouted forth:<br /> "Blessed!" and + ended with, "I thirst:" and I,<br /> More nimble than along the other + straits,<br /> So journey'd, that, without the sense of toil,<br /> I + follow'd upward the swift-footed shades;<br /> When Virgil thus began: "Let + its pure flame<br /> From virtue flow, and love can never fail<br /> To warm + another's bosom' so the light<br /> Shine manifestly forth. Hence + from that hour,<br /> When 'mongst us in the purlieus of the deep,<br /> + Came down the spirit of Aquinum's hard,<br /> Who told of thine affection, + my good will<br /> Hath been for thee of quality as strong<br /> As ever + link'd itself to one not seen.<br /> Therefore these stairs will now seem + short to me.<br /> But tell me: and if too secure I loose<br /> The rein + with a friend's license, as a friend<br /> Forgive me, and speak now as + with a friend:<br /> How chanc'd it covetous desire could find<br /> Place + in that bosom, 'midst such ample store<br /> Of wisdom, as thy zeal had + treasur'd there?"<br /> <br />First somewhat mov'd to laughter by his words,<br /> + Statius replied: "Each syllable of thine<br /> Is a dear pledge of love. + Things oft appear<br /> That minister false matters to our doubts,<br /> + When their true causes are remov'd from sight.<br /> Thy question doth + assure me, thou believ'st<br /> I was on earth a covetous man, perhaps<br /> + Because thou found'st me in that circle plac'd.<br /> Know then I was too + wide of avarice:<br /> And e'en for that excess, thousands of moons<br /> + Have wax'd and wan'd upon my sufferings.<br /> And were it not that I with + heedful care<br /> Noted where thou exclaim'st as if in ire<br /> With human + nature, 'Why, thou cursed thirst<br /> Of gold! dost not with juster + measure guide<br /> The appetite of mortals?' I had met<br /> The + fierce encounter of the voluble rock.<br /> Then was I ware that with too + ample wing<br /> The hands may haste to lavishment, and turn'd,<br /> As + from my other evil, so from this<br /> In penitence. How many from + their grave<br /> Shall with shorn locks arise, who living, aye<br /> And at + life's last extreme, of this offence,<br /> Through ignorance, did not + repent. And know,<br /> The fault which lies direct from any sin<br /> + In level opposition, here With that<br /> Wastes its green rankness on one + common heap.<br /> Therefore if I have been with those, who wail<br /> Their + avarice, to cleanse me, through reverse<br /> Of their transgression, such + hath been my lot."<br /> <br />To whom the sovran of the pastoral song:<br /> + "While thou didst sing that cruel warfare wag'd<br /> By the twin sorrow of + Jocasta's womb,<br /> From thy discourse with Clio there, it seems<br /> As + faith had not been shine: without the which<br /> Good deeds suffice not. + And if so, what sun<br /> Rose on thee, or what candle pierc'd the + dark<br /> That thou didst after see to hoist the sail,<br /> And follow, + where the fisherman had led?"<br /> <br />He answering thus: "By thee + conducted first,<br /> I enter'd the Parnassian grots, and quaff'd<br /> Of + the clear spring; illumin'd first by thee<br /> Open'd mine eyes to God. + Thou didst, as one,<br /> Who, journeying through the darkness, hears + a light<br /> Behind, that profits not himself, but makes<br /> His + followers wise, when thou exclaimedst, 'Lo!<br /> A renovated world! Justice + return'd!<br /> Times of primeval innocence restor'd!<br /> And a new race + descended from above!'<br /> Poet and Christian both to thee I owed.<br /> + That thou mayst mark more clearly what I trace,<br /> My hand shall stretch + forth to inform the lines<br /> With livelier colouring. Soon o'er + all the world,<br /> By messengers from heav'n, the true belief<br /> Teem'd + now prolific, and that word of thine<br /> Accordant, to the new + instructors chim'd.<br /> Induc'd by which agreement, I was wont<br /> + Resort to them; and soon their sanctity<br /> So won upon me, that, + Domitian's rage<br /> Pursuing them, I mix'd my tears with theirs,<br /> + And, while on earth I stay'd, still succour'd them;<br /> And their most + righteous customs made me scorn<br /> All sects besides. Before I led + the Greeks<br /> In tuneful fiction, to the streams of Thebes,<br /> I was + baptiz'd; but secretly, through fear,<br /> Remain'd a Christian, and + conform'd long time<br /> To Pagan rites. Five centuries and more,<br /> + T for that lukewarmness was fain to pace<br /> Round the fourth circle. + Thou then, who hast rais'd<br /> The covering, which did hide such + blessing from me,<br /> Whilst much of this ascent is yet to climb,<br /> + Say, if thou know, where our old Terence bides,<br /> Caecilius, Plautus, + Varro: if condemn'd<br /> They dwell, and in what province of the deep."<br /> + "These," said my guide, "with Persius and myself,<br /> And others many + more, are with that Greek,<br /> Of mortals, the most cherish'd by the + Nine,<br /> In the first ward of darkness. There ofttimes<br /> We of + that mount hold converse, on whose top<br /> For aye our nurses live. + We have the bard<br /> Of Pella, and the Teian, Agatho,<br /> + Simonides, and many a Grecian else<br /> Ingarlanded with laurel. Of + thy train<br /> Antigone is there, Deiphile,<br /> Argia, and as sorrowful + as erst<br /> Ismene, and who show'd Langia's wave:<br /> Deidamia with her + sisters there,<br /> And blind Tiresias' daughter, and the bride<br /> + Sea-born of Peleus." Either poet now<br /> Was silent, and no longer + by th' ascent<br /> Or the steep walls obstructed, round them cast<br /> + Inquiring eyes. Four handmaids of the day<br /> Had finish'd now + their office, and the fifth<br /> Was at the chariot-beam, directing still<br /> + Its balmy point aloof, when thus my guide:<br /> "Methinks, it well + behooves us to the brink<br /> Bend the right shoulder' circuiting the + mount,<br /> As we have ever us'd." So custom there<br /> Was usher to + the road, the which we chose<br /> Less doubtful, as that worthy shade + complied.<br /> <br />They on before me went; I sole pursued,<br /> List'ning + their speech, that to my thoughts convey'd<br /> Mysterious lessons of + sweet poesy.<br /> But soon they ceas'd; for midway of the road<br /> A tree + we found, with goodly fruitage hung,<br /> And pleasant to the smell: and + as a fir<br /> Upward from bough to bough less ample spreads,<br /> So + downward this less ample spread, that none.<br /> Methinks, aloft may + climb. Upon the side,<br /> That clos'd our path, a liquid crystal + fell<br /> From the steep rock, and through the sprays above<br /> Stream'd + showering. With associate step the bards<br /> Drew near the plant; + and from amidst the leaves<br /> A voice was heard: "Ye shall be chary of + me;"<br /> And after added: "Mary took more thought<br /> For joy and honour + of the nuptial feast,<br /> Than for herself who answers now for you.<br /> + The women of old Rome were satisfied<br /> With water for their beverage. + Daniel fed<br /> On pulse, and wisdom gain'd. The primal age<br /> + Was beautiful as gold; and hunger then<br /> Made acorns tasteful, thirst + each rivulet<br /> Run nectar. Honey and locusts were the food,<br /> + Whereon the Baptist in the wilderness<br /> Fed, and that eminence of glory + reach'd<br /> And greatness, which the' Evangelist records." <br /><br /> + <a name="link23" id="link23"></a> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + CANTO XXIII + </h2> + <p> + <br /> On the green leaf mine eyes were fix'd, like his<br /> Who throws + away his days in idle chase<br /> Of the diminutive, when thus I heard<br /> + The more than father warn me: "Son! our time<br /> Asks thriftier using. + Linger not: away."<br /> <br />Thereat my face and steps at once I + turn'd<br /> Toward the sages, by whose converse cheer'd<br /> I journey'd + on, and felt no toil: and lo!<br /> A sound of weeping and a song: "My + lips,<br /> O Lord!" and these so mingled, it gave birth<br /> To pleasure + and to pain. "O Sire, belov'd!<br /> Say what is this I hear?" Thus + I inquir'd.<br /> <br />"Spirits," said he, "who as they go, perchance,<br /> + Their debt of duty pay." As on their road<br /> The thoughtful + pilgrims, overtaking some<br /> Not known unto them, turn to them, and + look,<br /> But stay not; thus, approaching from behind<br /> With speedier + motion, eyed us, as they pass'd,<br /> A crowd of spirits, silent and + devout.<br /> The eyes of each were dark and hollow: pale<br /> Their + visage, and so lean withal, the bones<br /> Stood staring thro' the skin. + I do not think<br /> Thus dry and meagre Erisicthon show'd,<br /> When + pinc'ed by sharp-set famine to the quick.<br /> <br />"Lo!" to myself I + mus'd, "the race, who lost<br /> Jerusalem, when Mary with dire beak<br /> + Prey'd on her child." The sockets seem'd as rings,<br /> From which + the gems were drops. Who reads the name<br /> Of man upon his + forehead, there the M<br /> Had trac'd most plainly. Who would deem, + that scent<br /> Of water and an apple, could have prov'd<br /> Powerful to + generate such pining want,<br /> Not knowing how it wrought? While + now I stood<br /> Wond'ring what thus could waste them (for the cause<br /> + Of their gaunt hollowness and scaly rind<br /> Appear'd not) lo! a spirit + turn'd his eyes<br /> In their deep-sunken cell, and fasten'd then<br /> On + me, then cried with vehemence aloud:<br /> "What grace is this vouchsaf'd + me?" By his looks<br /> I ne'er had recogniz'd him: but the voice<br /> + Brought to my knowledge what his cheer conceal'd.<br /> Remembrance of his + alter'd lineaments<br /> Was kindled from that spark; and I agniz'd<br /> + The visage of Forese. "Ah! respect<br /> This wan and leprous + wither'd skin," thus he<br /> Suppliant implor'd, "this macerated flesh.<br /> + Speak to me truly of thyself. And who<br /> Are those twain spirits, + that escort thee there?<br /> Be it not said thou Scorn'st to talk with + me."<br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> <a href="images/23-47.jpg">ENLARGE TO FULL + SIZE</a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img alt="23-47th.jpg (46K)" src="images/23-47th.jpg" width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br />"That face of thine," I answer'd him, "which + dead<br /> I once bewail'd, disposes me not less<br /> For weeping, when I + see It thus transform'd.<br /> Say then, by Heav'n, what blasts ye thus? + The whilst<br /> I wonder, ask not Speech from me: unapt<br /> Is he + to speak, whom other will employs."<br /> <br />He thus: "The water and tee + plant we pass'd,<br /> Virtue possesses, by th' eternal will<br /> Infus'd, + the which so pines me. Every spirit,<br /> Whose song bewails his + gluttony indulg'd<br /> Too grossly, here in hunger and in thirst<br /> Is + purified. The odour, which the fruit,<br /> And spray, that showers + upon the verdure, breathe,<br /> Inflames us with desire to feed and drink.<br /> + Nor once alone encompassing our route<br /> We come to add fresh fuel to + the pain:<br /> Pain, said I? solace rather: for that will<br /> To + the tree leads us, by which Christ was led<br /> To call Elias, joyful when + he paid<br /> Our ransom from his vein." I answering thus:<br /> + "Forese! from that day, in which the world<br /> For better life thou + changedst, not five years<br /> Have circled. If the power of sinning + more<br /> Were first concluded in thee, ere thou knew'st<br /> That kindly + grief, which re-espouses us<br /> To God, how hither art thou come so soon?<br /> + I thought to find thee lower, there, where time<br /> Is recompense for + time." He straight replied:<br /> "To drink up the sweet wormwood of + affliction<br /> I have been brought thus early by the tears<br /> Stream'd + down my Nella's cheeks. Her prayers devout,<br /> Her sighs have + drawn me from the coast, where oft<br /> Expectance lingers, and have set + me free<br /> From th' other circles. In the sight of God<br /> So + much the dearer is my widow priz'd,<br /> She whom I lov'd so fondly, as + she ranks<br /> More singly eminent for virtuous deeds.<br /> The tract most + barb'rous of Sardinia's isle,<br /> Hath dames more chaste and modester by + far<br /> Than that wherein I left her. O sweet brother!<br /> What + wouldst thou have me say? A time to come<br /> Stands full within my + view, to which this hour<br /> Shall not be counted of an ancient date,<br /> + When from the pulpit shall be loudly warn'd<br /> Th' unblushing dames of + Florence, lest they bare<br /> Unkerchief'd bosoms to the common gaze.<br /> + What savage women hath the world e'er seen,<br /> What Saracens, for whom + there needed scourge<br /> Of spiritual or other discipline,<br /> To force + them walk with cov'ring on their limbs!<br /> But did they see, the + shameless ones, that Heav'n<br /> Wafts on swift wing toward them, while I + speak,<br /> Their mouths were op'd for howling: they shall taste<br /> Of + Borrow (unless foresight cheat me here)<br /> Or ere the cheek of him be + cloth'd with down<br /> Who is now rock'd with lullaby asleep.<br /> Ah! + now, my brother, hide thyself no more,<br /> Thou seest how not I alone but + all<br /> Gaze, where thou veil'st the intercepted sun."<br /> <br />Whence I + replied: "If thou recall to mind<br /> What we were once together, even yet<br /> + Remembrance of those days may grieve thee sore.<br /> That I forsook that + life, was due to him<br /> Who there precedes me, some few evenings past,<br /> + When she was round, who shines with sister lamp<br /> To his, that glisters + yonder," and I show'd<br /> The sun. "Tis he, who through profoundest + night<br /> Of he true dead has brought me, with this flesh<br /> As true, + that follows. From that gloom the aid<br /> Of his sure comfort drew + me on to climb,<br /> And climbing wind along this mountain-steep,<br /> + Which rectifies in you whate'er the world<br /> Made crooked and deprav'd I + have his word,<br /> That he will bear me company as far<br /> As till I + come where Beatrice dwells:<br /> But there must leave me. Virgil is + that spirit,<br /> Who thus hath promis'd," and I pointed to him;<br /> + "The other is that shade, for whom so late<br /> Your realm, as he arose, + exulting shook<br /> Through every pendent cliff and rocky bound." <br /><br /> + <a name="link24" id="link24"></a> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + CANTO XXIV + </h2> + <p> + <br /> Our journey was not slacken'd by our talk,<br /> Nor yet our talk by + journeying. Still we spake,<br /> And urg'd our travel stoutly, like + a ship<br /> When the wind sits astern. The shadowy forms,<br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> + <a href="images/24-4.jpg">ENLARGE TO FULL SIZE</a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img alt="24-4th.jpg (38K)" src="images/24-4th.jpg" width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> That seem'd things dead and dead again, drew in<br /> + At their deep-delved orbs rare wonder of me,<br /> Perceiving I had life; + and I my words<br /> Continued, and thus spake; "He journeys up<br /> + Perhaps more tardily then else he would,<br /> For others' sake. But + tell me, if thou know'st,<br /> Where is Piccarda? Tell me, if I see<br /> + Any of mark, among this multitude,<br /> Who eye me thus."—"My sister + (she for whom,<br /> 'Twixt beautiful and good I cannot say<br /> Which name + was fitter ) wears e'en now her crown,<br /> And triumphs in Olympus." + Saying this,<br /> He added: "Since spare diet hath so worn<br /> Our + semblance out, 't is lawful here to name<br /> Each one. This," and + his finger then he rais'd,<br /> "Is Buonaggiuna,—Buonaggiuna, he<br /> + Of Lucca: and that face beyond him, pierc'd<br /> Unto a leaner fineness + than the rest,<br /> Had keeping of the church: he was of Tours,<br /> And + purges by wan abstinence away<br /> Bolsena's eels and cups of muscadel."<br /> + <br />He show'd me many others, one by one,<br /> And all, as they were + nam'd, seem'd well content;<br /> For no dark gesture I discern'd in any.<br /> + I saw through hunger Ubaldino grind<br /> His teeth on emptiness; and + Boniface,<br /> That wav'd the crozier o'er a num'rous flock.<br /> I saw + the Marquis, who tad time erewhile<br /> To swill at Forli with less + drought, yet so<br /> Was one ne'er sated. I howe'er, like him,<br /> + That gazing 'midst a crowd, singles out one,<br /> So singled him of Lucca; + for methought<br /> Was none amongst them took such note of me.<br /> + Somewhat I heard him whisper of Gentucca:<br /> The sound was indistinct, + and murmur'd there,<br /> Where justice, that so strips them, fix'd her + sting.<br /> <br />"Spirit!" said I, "it seems as thou wouldst fain<br /> + Speak with me. Let me hear thee. Mutual wish<br /> To converse + prompts, which let us both indulge."<br /> <br />He, answ'ring, straight + began: "Woman is born,<br /> Whose brow no wimple shades yet, that shall + make<br /> My city please thee, blame it as they may.<br /> Go then with + this forewarning. If aught false<br /> My whisper too implied, th' + event shall tell<br /> But say, if of a truth I see the man<br /> Of + that new lay th' inventor, which begins<br /> With 'Ladies, ye that con the + lore of love'."<br /> <br />To whom I thus: "Count of me but as one<br /> Who + am the scribe of love; that, when he breathes,<br /> Take up my pen, and, + as he dictates, write."<br /> <br />"Brother!" said he, "the hind'rance + which once held<br /> The notary with Guittone and myself,<br /> Short of + that new and sweeter style I hear,<br /> Is now disclos'd. I see how + ye your plumes<br /> Stretch, as th' inditer guides them; which, no + question,<br /> Ours did not. He that seeks a grace beyond,<br /> Sees + not the distance parts one style from other."<br /> And, as contented, here + he held his peace.<br /> <br />Like as the bird, that winter near the Nile,<br /> + In squared regiment direct their course,<br /> Then stretch themselves in + file for speedier flight;<br /> Thus all the tribe of spirits, as they + turn'd<br /> Their visage, faster deaf, nimble alike<br /> Through leanness + and desire. And as a man,<br /> Tir'd With the motion of a trotting + steed,<br /> Slacks pace, and stays behind his company,<br /> Till his + o'erbreathed lungs keep temperate time;<br /> E'en so Forese let that holy + crew<br /> Proceed, behind them lingering at my side,<br /> And saying: + "When shall I again behold thee?"<br /> <br />"How long my life may last," + said I, "I know not;<br /> This know, how soon soever I return,<br /> My + wishes will before me have arriv'd.<br /> Sithence the place, where I am + set to live,<br /> Is, day by day, more scoop'd of all its good,<br /> And + dismal ruin seems to threaten it."<br /> <br />"Go now," he cried: "lo! he, + whose guilt is most,<br /> Passes before my vision, dragg'd at heels<br /> + Of an infuriate beast. Toward the vale,<br /> Where guilt hath no + redemption, on it speeds,<br /> Each step increasing swiftness on the last;<br /> + Until a blow it strikes, that leaveth him<br /> A corse most vilely + shatter'd. No long space<br /> Those wheels have yet to roll" (therewith + his eyes<br /> Look'd up to heav'n) "ere thou shalt plainly see<br /> That + which my words may not more plainly tell.<br /> I quit thee: time is + precious here: I lose<br /> Too much, thus measuring my pace with shine."<br /> + <br />As from a troop of well-rank'd chivalry<br /> One knight, more + enterprising than the rest,<br /> Pricks forth at gallop, eager to display<br /> + His prowess in the first encounter prov'd<br /> So parted he from us with + lengthen'd strides,<br /> And left me on the way with those twain spirits,<br /> + Who were such mighty marshals of the world.<br /> <br />When he beyond us + had so fled mine eyes<br /> No nearer reach'd him, than my thought his + words,<br /> The branches of another fruit, thick hung,<br /> And blooming + fresh, appear'd. E'en as our steps<br /> Turn'd thither, not far off + it rose to view.<br /> Beneath it were a multitude, that rais'd<br /> Their + hands, and shouted forth I know not What<br /> Unto the boughs; like greedy + and fond brats,<br /> That beg, and answer none obtain from him,<br /> Of + whom they beg; but more to draw them on,<br /> He at arm's length the + object of their wish<br /> Above them holds aloft, and hides it not.<br /> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <a href="images/24-112.jpg">ENLARGE TO FULL SIZE</a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img alt="24-112th.jpg (43K)" src="images/24-112th.jpg" width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br />At length, as undeceiv'd they went their way:<br /> + And we approach the tree, who vows and tears<br /> Sue to in vain, the + mighty tree. "Pass on,<br /> And come not near. Stands higher + up the wood,<br /> Whereof Eve tasted, and from it was ta'en<br /> 'this + plant." Such sounds from midst the thickets came.<br /> Whence I, with + either bard, close to the side<br /> That rose, pass'd forth beyond. "Remember," + next<br /> We heard, "those noblest creatures of the clouds,<br /> How they + their twofold bosoms overgorg'd<br /> Oppos'd in fight to Theseus: call to + mind<br /> The Hebrews, how effeminate they stoop'd<br /> To ease their + thirst; whence Gideon's ranks were thinn'd,<br /> As he to Midian march'd + adown the hills."<br /> <br />Thus near one border coasting, still we heard<br /> + The sins of gluttony, with woe erewhile<br /> Reguerdon'd. Then along + the lonely path,<br /> Once more at large, full thousand paces on<br /> We + travel'd, each contemplative and mute.<br /> <br />"Why pensive journey thus + ye three alone?"<br /> Thus suddenly a voice exclaim'd: whereat<br /> I + shook, as doth a scar'd and paltry beast;<br /> Then rais'd my head to look + from whence it came.<br /> <br />Was ne'er, in furnace, glass, or metal seen<br /> + So bright and glowing red, as was the shape<br /> I now beheld. "If + ye desire to mount,"<br /> He cried, "here must ye turn. This way he + goes,<br /> Who goes in quest of peace." His countenance<br /> Had + dazzled me; and to my guides I fac'd<br /> Backward, like one who walks, as + sound directs.<br /> <br />As when, to harbinger the dawn, springs up<br /> + On freshen'd wing the air of May, and breathes<br /> Of fragrance, all + impregn'd with herb and flowers,<br /> E'en such a wind I felt upon my + front<br /> Blow gently, and the moving of a wing<br /> Perceiv'd, that + moving shed ambrosial smell;<br /> And then a voice: "Blessed are they, + whom grace<br /> Doth so illume, that appetite in them<br /> Exhaleth no + inordinate desire,<br /> Still hung'ring as the rule of temperance wills." + <br /><br /> <a name="link25" id="link25"></a> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + CANTO XXV + </h2> + <p> + <br /> It was an hour, when he who climbs, had need<br /> To walk + uncrippled: for the sun had now<br /> To Taurus the meridian circle left,<br /> + And to the Scorpion left the night. As one<br /> That makes no pause, + but presses on his road,<br /> Whate'er betide him, if some urgent need<br /> + Impel: so enter'd we upon our way,<br /> One before other; for, but singly, + none<br /> That steep and narrow scale admits to climb.<br /> <br />E'en as + the young stork lifteth up his wing<br /> Through wish to fly, yet ventures + not to quit<br /> The nest, and drops it; so in me desire<br /> Of + questioning my guide arose, and fell,<br /> Arriving even to the act, that + marks<br /> A man prepar'd for speech. Him all our haste<br /> + Restrain'd not, but thus spake the sire belov'd:<br /> "Fear not to speed + the shaft, that on thy lip<br /> Stands trembling for its flight." Encourag'd + thus<br /> I straight began: "How there can leanness come,<br /> Where is no + want of nourishment to feed?"<br /> <br />"If thou," he answer'd, "hadst + remember'd thee,<br /> How Meleager with the wasting brand<br /> Wasted + alike, by equal fires consum'd,<br /> This would not trouble thee: and + hadst thou thought,<br /> How in the mirror your reflected form<br /> With + mimic motion vibrates, what now seems<br /> Hard, had appear'd no harder + than the pulp<br /> Of summer fruit mature. But that thy will<br /> In + certainty may find its full repose,<br /> Lo Statius here! on him I call, + and pray<br /> That he would now be healer of thy wound."<br /> <br />"If in + thy presence I unfold to him<br /> The secrets of heaven's vengeance, let + me plead<br /> Thine own injunction, to exculpate me."<br /> So Statius + answer'd, and forthwith began:<br /> "Attend my words, O son, and in thy + mind<br /> Receive them: so shall they be light to clear<br /> The doubt + thou offer'st. Blood, concocted well,<br /> Which by the thirsty veins is + ne'er imbib'd,<br /> And rests as food superfluous, to be ta'en<br /> From + the replenish'd table, in the heart<br /> Derives effectual virtue, that + informs<br /> The several human limbs, as being that,<br /> Which passes + through the veins itself to make them.<br /> Yet more concocted it + descends, where shame<br /> Forbids to mention: and from thence distils<br /> + In natural vessel on another's blood.<br /> Then each unite together, one + dispos'd<br /> T' endure, to act the other, through meet frame<br /> Of its + recipient mould: that being reach'd,<br /> It 'gins to work, coagulating + first;<br /> Then vivifies what its own substance caus'd<br /> To bear. + With animation now indued,<br /> The active virtue (differing from a + plant<br /> No further, than that this is on the way<br /> And at its limit + that) continues yet<br /> To operate, that now it moves, and feels,<br /> As + sea sponge clinging to the rock: and there<br /> Assumes th' organic powers + its seed convey'd.<br /> 'This is the period, son! at which the virtue,<br /> + That from the generating heart proceeds,<br /> Is pliant and expansive; for + each limb<br /> Is in the heart by forgeful nature plann'd.<br /> How babe + of animal becomes, remains<br /> For thy consid'ring. At this point, + more wise,<br /> Than thou hast err'd, making the soul disjoin'd<br /> From + passive intellect, because he saw<br /> No organ for the latter's use + assign'd.<br /> <br />"Open thy bosom to the truth that comes.<br /> Know + soon as in the embryo, to the brain,<br /> Articulation is complete, then + turns<br /> The primal Mover with a smile of joy<br /> On such great work of + nature, and imbreathes<br /> New spirit replete with virtue, that what here<br /> + Active it finds, to its own substance draws,<br /> And forms an individual + soul, that lives,<br /> And feels, and bends reflective on itself.<br /> And + that thou less mayst marvel at the word,<br /> Mark the sun's heat, how + that to wine doth change,<br /> Mix'd with the moisture filter'd through + the vine.<br /> <br />"When Lachesis hath spun the thread, the soul<br /> + Takes with her both the human and divine,<br /> Memory, intelligence, and + will, in act<br /> Far keener than before, the other powers<br /> Inactive + all and mute. No pause allow'd,<br /> In wond'rous sort self-moving, + to one strand<br /> Of those, where the departed roam, she falls,<br /> Here + learns her destin'd path. Soon as the place<br /> Receives her, round + the plastic virtue beams,<br /> Distinct as in the living limbs before:<br /> + And as the air, when saturate with showers,<br /> The casual beam + refracting, decks itself<br /> With many a hue; so here the ambient air<br /> + Weareth that form, which influence of the soul<br /> Imprints on it; and + like the flame, that where<br /> The fire moves, thither follows, so + henceforth<br /> The new form on the spirit follows still:<br /> Hence hath + it semblance, and is shadow call'd,<br /> With each sense even to the sight + endued:<br /> Hence speech is ours, hence laughter, tears, and sighs<br /> + Which thou mayst oft have witness'd on the mount<br /> Th' obedient shadow + fails not to present<br /> Whatever varying passion moves within us.<br /> + And this the cause of what thou marvel'st at."<br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> + <a href="images/25-107.jpg">ENLARGE TO FULL SIZE</a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img alt="25-107th.jpg (38K)" src="images/25-107th.jpg" width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br />Now the last flexure of our way we reach'd,<br /> + And to the right hand turning, other care<br /> Awaits us. Here the + rocky precipice<br /> Hurls forth redundant flames, and from the rim<br /> A + blast upblown, with forcible rebuff<br /> Driveth them back, sequester'd + from its bound.<br /> <br />Behoov'd us, one by one, along the side,<br /> + That border'd on the void, to pass; and I<br /> Fear'd on one hand the + fire, on th' other fear'd<br /> Headlong to fall: when thus th' instructor + warn'd:<br /> "Strict rein must in this place direct the eyes.<br /> A + little swerving and the way is lost."<br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> <a + href="images/25-117.jpg">ENLARGE TO FULL SIZE</a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img alt="25-117th.jpg (38K)" src="images/25-117th.jpg" width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br />Then from the bosom of the burning mass,<br /> "O + God of mercy!" heard I sung; and felt<br /> No less desire to turn. And + when I saw<br /> Spirits along the flame proceeding, I<br /> Between their + footsteps and mine own was fain<br /> To share by turns my view. At + the hymn's close<br /> They shouted loud, "I do not know a man;"<br /> Then + in low voice again took up the strain,<br /> Which once more ended, "To the + wood," they cried,<br /> "Ran Dian, and drave forth Callisto, stung<br /> + With Cytherea's poison:" then return'd<br /> Unto their song; then marry a + pair extoll'd,<br /> Who liv'd in virtue chastely, and the bands<br /> Of + wedded love. Nor from that task, I ween,<br /> Surcease they; + whilesoe'er the scorching fire<br /> Enclasps them. Of such skill + appliance needs<br /> To medicine the wound, that healeth last. <br /><br /><br /><br /> + <a href="images/25-119.jpg">ENLARGE TO FULL SIZE</a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img alt="25-119th.jpg (33K)" src="images/25-119th.jpg" width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> <a + name="link26" id="link26"></a> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + CANTO XXVI + </h2> + <p> + <br /> While singly thus along the rim we walk'd,<br /> Oft the good master + warn'd me: "Look thou well.<br /> Avail it that I caution thee." The + sun<br /> Now all the western clime irradiate chang'd<br /> From azure tinct + to white; and, as I pass'd,<br /> My passing shadow made the umber'd flame<br /> + Burn ruddier. At so strange a sight I mark'd<br /> That many a spirit + marvel'd on his way.<br /> <br />This bred occasion first to speak of me,<br /> + "He seems," said they, "no insubstantial frame:"<br /> Then to obtain what + certainty they might,<br /> Stretch'd towards me, careful not to overpass<br /> + The burning pale. "O thou, who followest<br /> The others, haply not + more slow than they,<br /> But mov'd by rev'rence, answer me, who burn<br /> + In thirst and fire: nor I alone, but these<br /> All for thine answer do + more thirst, than doth<br /> Indian or Aethiop for the cooling stream.<br /> + Tell us, how is it that thou mak'st thyself<br /> A wall against the sun, + as thou not yet<br /> Into th' inextricable toils of death<br /> Hadst + enter'd?" Thus spake one, and I had straight<br /> Declar'd me, if + attention had not turn'd<br /> To new appearance. Meeting these, + there came,<br /> Midway the burning path, a crowd, on whom<br /> Earnestly + gazing, from each part I view<br /> The shadows all press forward, + sev'rally<br /> Each snatch a hasty kiss, and then away.<br /> E'en so the + emmets, 'mid their dusky troops,<br /> Peer closely one at other, to spy + out<br /> Their mutual road perchance, and how they thrive.<br /> <br />That + friendly greeting parted, ere dispatch<br /> Of the first onward step, from + either tribe<br /> Loud clamour rises: those, who newly come,<br /> Shout + "Sodom and Gomorrah!" these, "The cow<br /> Pasiphae enter'd, that + the beast she woo'd<br /> Might rush unto her luxury." Then as + cranes,<br /> That part towards the Riphaean mountains fly,<br /> Part + towards the Lybic sands, these to avoid<br /> The ice, and those the sun; + so hasteth off<br /> One crowd, advances th' other; and resume<br /> Their + first song weeping, and their several shout.<br /> <br />Again drew near my + side the very same,<br /> Who had erewhile besought me, and their looks<br /> + Mark'd eagerness to listen. I, who twice<br /> Their will had noted, + spake: "O spirits secure,<br /> Whene'er the time may be, of peaceful end!<br /> + My limbs, nor crude, nor in mature old age,<br /> Have I left yonder: here + they bear me, fed<br /> With blood, and sinew-strung. That I no more<br /> + May live in blindness, hence I tend aloft.<br /> There is a dame on high, + who wind for us<br /> This grace, by which my mortal through your realm<br /> + I bear. But may your utmost wish soon meet<br /> Such full fruition, + that the orb of heaven,<br /> Fullest of love, and of most ample space,<br /> + Receive you, as ye tell (upon my page<br /> Henceforth to stand recorded) + who ye are,<br /> And what this multitude, that at your backs<br /> Have + past behind us." As one, mountain-bred,<br /> Rugged and clownish, if + some city's walls<br /> He chance to enter, round him stares agape,<br /> + Confounded and struck dumb; e'en such appear'd<br /> Each spirit. But + when rid of that amaze,<br /> (Not long the inmate of a noble heart)<br /> + He, who before had question'd, thus resum'd:<br /> "O blessed, who, for + death preparing, tak'st<br /> Experience of our limits, in thy bark!<br /> + Their crime, who not with us proceed, was that,<br /> For which, as he did + triumph, Caesar heard<br /> The snout of 'queen,' to taunt him. Hence + their cry<br /> Of 'Sodom,' as they parted, to rebuke<br /> Themselves, and + aid the burning by their shame.<br /> Our sinning was Hermaphrodite: but + we,<br /> Because the law of human kind we broke,<br /> Following like + beasts our vile concupiscence,<br /> Hence parting from them, to our own + disgrace<br /> Record the name of her, by whom the beast<br /> In bestial + tire was acted. Now our deeds<br /> Thou know'st, and how we sinn'd. + If thou by name<br /> Wouldst haply know us, time permits not now<br /> + To tell so much, nor can I. Of myself<br /> Learn what thou wishest. + Guinicelli I,<br /> Who having truly sorrow'd ere my last,<br /> + Already cleanse me." With such pious joy,<br /> As the two sons upon + their mother gaz'd<br /> From sad Lycurgus rescu'd, such my joy<br /> (Save + that I more represt it) when I heard<br /> From his own lips the name of + him pronounc'd,<br /> Who was a father to me, and to those<br /> My betters, + who have ever us'd the sweet<br /> And pleasant rhymes of love. So + nought I heard<br /> Nor spake, but long time thoughtfully I went,<br /> + Gazing on him; and, only for the fire,<br /> Approach'd not nearer. When + my eyes were fed<br /> By looking on him, with such solemn pledge,<br /> As + forces credence, I devoted me<br /> Unto his service wholly. In reply<br /> + He thus bespake me: "What from thee I hear<br /> Is grav'd so deeply on my + mind, the waves<br /> Of Lethe shall not wash it off, nor make<br /> A whit + less lively. But as now thy oath<br /> Has seal'd the truth, declare + what cause impels<br /> That love, which both thy looks and speech bewray."<br /> + <br />"Those dulcet lays," I answer'd, "which, as long<br /> As of our + tongue the beauty does not fade,<br /> Shall make us love the very ink that + trac'd them."<br /> <br />"Brother!" he cried, and pointed at a shade<br /> + Before him, "there is one, whose mother speech<br /> Doth owe to him a + fairer ornament.<br /> He in love ditties and the tales of prose<br /> + Without a rival stands, and lets the fools<br /> Talk on, who think the + songster of Limoges<br /> O'ertops him. Rumour and the popular voice<br /> + They look to more than truth, and so confirm<br /> Opinion, ere by art or + reason taught.<br /> Thus many of the elder time cried up<br /> Guittone, + giving him the prize, till truth<br /> By strength of numbers vanquish'd. + If thou own<br /> So ample privilege, as to have gain'd<br /> Free + entrance to the cloister, whereof Christ<br /> Is Abbot of the college, say + to him<br /> One paternoster for me, far as needs<br /> For dwellers in this + world, where power to sin<br /> No longer tempts us." Haply to make + way<br /> For one, that follow'd next, when that was said,<br /> He vanish'd + through the fire, as through the wave<br /> A fish, that glances diving to + the deep.<br /> <br />I, to the spirit he had shown me, drew<br /> A little + onward, and besought his name,<br /> For which my heart, I said, kept + gracious room.<br /> He frankly thus began: "Thy courtesy<br /> So wins on + me, I have nor power nor will<br /> To hide me. I am Arnault; and + with songs,<br /> Sorely lamenting for my folly past,<br /> Thorough this + ford of fire I wade, and see<br /> The day, I hope for, smiling in my view.<br /> + I pray ye by the worth that guides ye up<br /> Unto the summit of the + scale, in time<br /> Remember ye my suff'rings." With such words<br /> + He disappear'd in the refining flame. <br /><br /> <a name="link27" + id="link27"></a> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + CANTO XXVII + </h2> + <p> + <br /> Now was the sun so station'd, as when first<br /> His early radiance + quivers on the heights,<br /> Where stream'd his Maker's blood, while Libra + hangs<br /> Above Hesperian Ebro, and new fires<br /> Meridian flash on + Ganges' yellow tide.<br /> <br />So day was sinking, when the' angel of God<br /> + Appear'd before us. Joy was in his mien.<br /> Forth of the flame he + stood upon the brink,<br /> And with a voice, whose lively clearness far<br /> + Surpass'd our human, "Blessed are the pure<br /> In heart," he Sang: then + near him as we came,<br /> "Go ye not further, holy spirits!" he + cried,<br /> "Ere the fire pierce you: enter in; and list<br /> Attentive to + the song ye hear from thence."<br /> <br />I, when I heard his saying, was + as one<br /> Laid in the grave. My hands together clasp'd,<br /> And + upward stretching, on the fire I look'd,<br /> And busy fancy conjur'd up + the forms<br /> Erewhile beheld alive consum'd in flames.<br /> <br />Th' + escorting spirits turn'd with gentle looks<br /> Toward me, and the Mantuan + spake: "My son,<br /> Here torment thou mayst feel, but canst not death.<br /> + Remember thee, remember thee, if I<br /> Safe e'en on Geryon brought thee: + now I come<br /> More near to God, wilt thou not trust me now?<br /> Of this + be sure: though in its womb that flame<br /> A thousand years contain'd + thee, from thy head<br /> No hair should perish. If thou doubt my + truth,<br /> Approach, and with thy hands thy vesture's hem<br /> Stretch + forth, and for thyself confirm belief.<br /> Lay now all fear, O lay all + fear aside.<br /> Turn hither, and come onward undismay'd."<br /> I still, + though conscience urg'd' no step advanc'd.<br /> <br />When still he saw me + fix'd and obstinate,<br /> Somewhat disturb'd he cried: "Mark now, my son,<br /> + From Beatrice thou art by this wall<br /> Divided." As at Thisbe's + name the eye<br /> Of Pyramus was open'd (when life ebb'd<br /> Fast from + his veins), and took one parting glance,<br /> While vermeil dyed the + mulberry; thus I turn'd<br /> To my sage guide, relenting, when I heard<br /> + The name, that springs forever in my breast.<br /> <br />He shook his + forehead; and, "How long," he said,<br /> "Linger we now?" then + smil'd, as one would smile<br /> Upon a child, that eyes the fruit and + yields.<br /> Into the fire before me then he walk'd;<br /> And Statius, who + erewhile no little space<br /> Had parted us, he pray'd to come behind.<br /> + <br />I would have cast me into molten glass<br /> To cool me, when I + enter'd; so intense<br /> Rag'd the conflagrant mass. The sire + belov'd,<br /> To comfort me, as he proceeded, still<br /> Of Beatrice + talk'd. "Her eyes," saith he,<br /> "E'en now I seem to view." From + the other side<br /> A voice, that sang, did guide us, and the voice<br /> + Following, with heedful ear, we issued forth,<br /> There where the path + led upward. "Come," we heard,<br /> "Come, blessed of my Father." + Such the sounds,<br /> That hail'd us from within a light, which + shone<br /> So radiant, I could not endure the view.<br /> "The sun," it + added, "hastes: and evening comes.<br /> Delay not: ere the western sky is + hung<br /> With blackness, strive ye for the pass." Our way<br /> + Upright within the rock arose, and fac'd<br /> Such part of heav'n, that + from before my steps<br /> The beams were shrouded of the sinking sun.<br /> + <br />Nor many stairs were overpass, when now<br /> By fading of the shadow + we perceiv'd<br /> The sun behind us couch'd: and ere one face<br /> Of + darkness o'er its measureless expanse<br /> Involv'd th' horizon, and the + night her lot<br /> Held individual, each of us had made<br /> A stair his + pallet: not that will, but power,<br /> Had fail'd us, by the nature of + that mount<br /> Forbidden further travel. As the goats,<br /> That + late have skipp'd and wanton'd rapidly<br /> Upon the craggy cliffs, ere + they had ta'en<br /> Their supper on the herb, now silent lie<br /> And + ruminate beneath the umbrage brown,<br /> While noonday rages; and the + goatherd leans<br /> Upon his staff, and leaning watches them:<br /> And as + the swain, that lodges out all night<br /> In quiet by his flock, lest + beast of prey<br /> Disperse them; even so all three abode,<br /> I as a + goat and as the shepherds they,<br /> Close pent on either side by shelving + rock.<br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> <a href="images/27-97.jpg">ENLARGE TO FULL + SIZE</a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img alt="27-97th.jpg (40K)" src="images/27-97th.jpg" width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br />A little glimpse of sky was seen above;<br /> Yet + by that little I beheld the stars<br /> In magnitude and rustle shining + forth<br /> With more than wonted glory. As I lay,<br /> Gazing on + them, and in that fit of musing,<br /> Sleep overcame me, sleep, that + bringeth oft<br /> Tidings of future hap. About the hour,<br /> As I + believe, when Venus from the east<br /> First lighten'd on the mountain, + she whose orb<br /> Seems always glowing with the fire of love,<br /> A lady + young and beautiful, I dream'd,<br /> Was passing o'er a lea; and, as she + came,<br /> Methought I saw her ever and anon<br /> Bending to cull the + flowers; and thus she sang:<br /> "Know ye, whoever of my name would ask,<br /> + That I am Leah: for my brow to weave<br /> A garland, these fair hands + unwearied ply.<br /> To please me at the crystal mirror, here<br /> I deck + me. But my sister Rachel, she<br /> Before her glass abides the + livelong day,<br /> Her radiant eyes beholding, charm'd no less,<br /> Than + I with this delightful task. Her joy<br /> In contemplation, as in + labour mine."<br /> <br />And now as glimm'ring dawn appear'd, that breaks<br /> + More welcome to the pilgrim still, as he<br /> Sojourns less distant on his + homeward way,<br /> Darkness from all sides fled, and with it fled<br /> My + slumber; whence I rose and saw my guide<br /> Already risen. "That + delicious fruit,<br /> Which through so many a branch the zealous care<br /> + Of mortals roams in quest of, shall this day<br /> Appease thy hunger." + Such the words I heard<br /> From Virgil's lip; and never greeting + heard<br /> So pleasant as the sounds. Within me straight<br /> Desire + so grew upon desire to mount,<br /> Thenceforward at each step I felt the + wings<br /> Increasing for my flight. When we had run<br /> O'er all + the ladder to its topmost round,<br /> As there we stood, on me the Mantuan + fix'd<br /> His eyes, and thus he spake: "Both fires, my son,<br /> The + temporal and eternal, thou hast seen,<br /> And art arriv'd, where of + itself my ken<br /> No further reaches. I with skill and art<br /> + Thus far have drawn thee. Now thy pleasure take<br /> For guide. + Thou hast o'ercome the steeper way,<br /> O'ercome the straighter. + Lo! the sun, that darts<br /> His beam upon thy forehead! lo! the + herb,<br /> The arboreta and flowers, which of itself<br /> This land pours + forth profuse! Till those bright eyes<br /> With gladness come, which, + weeping, made me haste<br /> To succour thee, thou mayst or seat thee down,<br /> + Or wander where thou wilt. Expect no more<br /> Sanction of warning + voice or sign from me,<br /> Free of thy own arbitrement to choose,<br /> + Discreet, judicious. To distrust thy sense<br /> Were henceforth + error. I invest thee then<br /> With crown and mitre, sovereign o'er + thyself." <br /><br /> <a name="link28" id="link28"></a> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + CANTO XXVIII + </h2> + <p> + <br /> Through that celestial forest, whose thick shade<br /> With lively + greenness the new-springing day<br /> Attemper'd, eager now to roam, and + search<br /> Its limits round, forthwith I left the bank,<br /> Along the + champain leisurely my way<br /> Pursuing, o'er the ground, that on all + sides<br /> Delicious odour breath'd. A pleasant air,<br /> That + intermitted never, never veer'd,<br /> Smote on my temples, gently, as a + wind<br /> Of softest influence: at which the sprays,<br /> Obedient all, + lean'd trembling to that part<br /> Where first the holy mountain casts his + shade,<br /> Yet were not so disorder'd, but that still<br /> Upon their top + the feather'd quiristers<br /> Applied their wonted art, and with full joy<br /> + Welcom'd those hours of prime, and warbled shrill<br /> Amid the leaves, + that to their jocund lays<br /> inept tenor; even as from branch to branch,<br /> + Along the piney forests on the shore<br /> Of Chiassi, rolls the gath'ring + melody,<br /> When Eolus hath from his cavern loos'd<br /> The dripping + south. Already had my steps,<br /> Though slow, so far into that + ancient wood<br /> Transported me, I could not ken the place<br /> Where I + had enter'd, when behold! my path<br /> Was bounded by a rill, which to the + left<br /> With little rippling waters bent the grass,<br /> That issued + from its brink. On earth no wave<br /> How clean soe'er, that would + not seem to have<br /> Some mixture in itself, compar'd with this,<br /> + Transpicuous, clear; yet darkly on it roll'd,<br /> Darkly beneath + perpetual gloom, which ne'er<br /> Admits or sun or moon light there to + shine.<br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> <a href="images/28-22.jpg">ENLARGE TO + FULL SIZE</a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img alt="28-22th.jpg (30K)" src="images/28-22th.jpg" width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br />My feet advanc'd not; but my wond'ring eyes<br /> + Pass'd onward, o'er the streamlet, to survey<br /> The tender May-bloom, + flush'd through many a hue,<br /> In prodigal variety: and there,<br /> As + object, rising suddenly to view,<br /> That from our bosom every thought + beside<br /> With the rare marvel chases, I beheld<br /> A lady all alone, + who, singing, went,<br /> And culling flower from flower, wherewith her way<br /> + Was all o'er painted. "Lady beautiful!<br /> Thou, who (if looks, + that use to speak the heart,<br /> Are worthy of our trust), with love's + own beam<br /> Dost warm thee," thus to her my speech I fram'd:<br /> "Ah! + please thee hither towards the streamlet bend<br /> Thy steps so near, that + I may list thy song.<br /> Beholding thee and this fair place, methinks,<br /> + I call to mind where wander'd and how look'd<br /> Proserpine, in that + season, when her child<br /> The mother lost, and she the bloomy spring."<br /> + <br />As when a lady, turning in the dance,<br /> Doth foot it featly, and + advances scarce<br /> One step before the other to the ground;<br /> Over + the yellow and vermilion flowers<br /> Thus turn'd she at my suit, most + maiden-like,<br /> Valing her sober eyes, and came so near,<br /> That I + distinctly caught the dulcet sound.<br /> Arriving where the limped waters + now<br /> Lav'd the green sward, her eyes she deign'd to raise,<br /> That + shot such splendour on me, as I ween<br /> Ne'er glanced from Cytherea's, + when her son<br /> Had sped his keenest weapon to her heart.<br /> Upon the + opposite bank she stood and smil'd<br /> through her graceful fingers + shifted still<br /> The intermingling dyes, which without seed<br /> That + lofty land unbosoms. By the stream<br /> Three paces only were we + sunder'd: yet<br /> The Hellespont, where Xerxes pass'd it o'er,<br /> (A + curb for ever to the pride of man)<br /> Was by Leander not more hateful + held<br /> For floating, with inhospitable wave<br /> 'Twixt Sestus and + Abydos, than by me<br /> That flood, because it gave no passage thence.<br /> + <br />"Strangers ye come, and haply in this place,<br /> That cradled human + nature in its birth,<br /> Wond'ring, ye not without suspicion view<br /> My + smiles: but that sweet strain of psalmody,<br /> 'Thou, Lord! hast made me + glad,' will give ye light,<br /> Which may uncloud your minds. And + thou, who stand'st<br /> The foremost, and didst make thy suit to me,<br /> + Say if aught else thou wish to hear: for I<br /> Came prompt to answer + every doubt of thine."<br /> <br />She spake; and I replied: "I know not how<br /> + To reconcile this wave and rustling sound<br /> Of forest leaves, with what + I late have heard<br /> Of opposite report." She answering thus:<br /> + "I will unfold the cause, whence that proceeds,<br /> Which makes thee + wonder; and so purge the cloud<br /> That hath enwraps thee. The + First Good, whose joy<br /> Is only in himself, created man<br /> For + happiness, and gave this goodly place,<br /> His pledge and earnest of + eternal peace.<br /> Favour'd thus highly, through his own defect<br /> He + fell, and here made short sojourn; he fell,<br /> And, for the bitterness + of sorrow, chang'd<br /> Laughter unblam'd and ever-new delight.<br /> That + vapours none, exhal'd from earth beneath,<br /> Or from the waters (which, + wherever heat<br /> Attracts them, follow), might ascend thus far<br /> To + vex man's peaceful state, this mountain rose<br /> So high toward the + heav'n, nor fears the rage<br /> Of elements contending, from that part<br /> + Exempted, where the gate his limit bars.<br /> Because the circumambient + air throughout<br /> With its first impulse circles still, unless<br /> + Aught interpose to cheek or thwart its course;<br /> Upon the summit, which + on every side<br /> To visitation of th' impassive air<br /> Is open, doth + that motion strike, and makes<br /> Beneath its sway th' umbrageous wood + resound:<br /> And in the shaken plant such power resides,<br /> That it + impregnates with its efficacy<br /> The voyaging breeze, upon whose subtle + plume<br /> That wafted flies abroad; and th' other land<br /> Receiving (as + 't is worthy in itself,<br /> Or in the clime, that warms it), doth + conceive,<br /> And from its womb produces many a tree<br /> Of various + virtue. This when thou hast heard,<br /> The marvel ceases, if in + yonder earth<br /> Some plant without apparent seed be found<br /> To fix + its fibrous stem. And further learn,<br /> That with prolific foison + of all seeds,<br /> This holy plain is fill'd, and in itself<br /> Bears + fruit that ne'er was pluck'd on other soil.<br /> The water, thou + behold'st, springs not from vein,<br /> As stream, that intermittently + repairs<br /> And spends his pulse of life, but issues forth<br /> From + fountain, solid, undecaying, sure;<br /> And by the will omnific, full + supply<br /> Feeds whatsoe'er On either side it pours;<br /> On this + devolv'd with power to take away<br /> Remembrance of offence, on that to + bring<br /> Remembrance back of every good deed done.<br /> From whence its + name of Lethe on this part;<br /> On th' other Eunoe: both of which must + first<br /> Be tasted ere it work; the last exceeding<br /> All flavours + else. Albeit thy thirst may now<br /> Be well contented, if I here + break off,<br /> No more revealing: yet a corollary<br /> I freely give + beside: nor deem my words<br /> Less grateful to thee, if they somewhat + pass<br /> The stretch of promise. They, whose verse of yore<br /> The + golden age recorded and its bliss,<br /> On the Parnassian mountain, of + this place<br /> Perhaps had dream'd. Here was man guiltless, here<br /> + Perpetual spring and every fruit, and this<br /> The far-fam'd nectar." + Turning to the bards,<br /> When she had ceas'd, I noted in their + looks<br /> A smile at her conclusion; then my face<br /> Again directed to + the lovely dame. <br /><br /> <a name="link29" id="link29"></a> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + CANTO XXIX + </h2> + <p> + <br /> Singing, as if enamour'd, she resum'd<br /> And clos'd the song, with + "Blessed they whose sins<br /> Are cover'd." Like the wood-nymphs + then, that tripp'd<br /> Singly across the sylvan shadows, one<br /> Eager + to view and one to 'scape the sun,<br /> So mov'd she on, against the + current, up<br /> The verdant rivage. I, her mincing step<br /> + Observing, with as tardy step pursued.<br /> <br />Between us not an hundred + paces trod,<br /> The bank, on each side bending equally,<br /> Gave me to + face the orient. Nor our way<br /> Far onward brought us, when to me + at once<br /> She turn'd, and cried: "My brother! look and hearken."<br /> + And lo! a sudden lustre ran across<br /> Through the great forest on all + parts, so bright<br /> I doubted whether lightning were abroad;<br /> But + that expiring ever in the spleen,<br /> That doth unfold it, and this + during still<br /> And waxing still in splendor, made me question<br /> What + it might be: and a sweet melody<br /> Ran through the luminous air. Then + did I chide<br /> With warrantable zeal the hardihood<br /> Of our first + parent, for that there were earth<br /> Stood in obedience to the heav'ns, + she only,<br /> Woman, the creature of an hour, endur'd not<br /> Restraint + of any veil: which had she borne<br /> Devoutly, joys, ineffable as these,<br /> + Had from the first, and long time since, been mine.<br /> <br />While + through that wilderness of primy sweets<br /> That never fade, suspense I + walk'd, and yet<br /> Expectant of beatitude more high,<br /> Before us, + like a blazing fire, the air<br /> Under the green boughs glow'd; and, for + a song,<br /> Distinct the sound of melody was heard.<br /> <br />O ye thrice + holy virgins! for your sakes<br /> If e'er I suffer'd hunger, cold and + watching,<br /> Occasion calls on me to crave your bounty.<br /> Now through + my breast let Helicon his stream<br /> Pour copious; and Urania with her + choir<br /> Arise to aid me: while the verse unfolds<br /> Things that do + almost mock the grasp of thought.<br /> <br />Onward a space, what seem'd + seven trees of gold,<br /> The intervening distance to mine eye<br /> + Falsely presented; but when I was come<br /> So near them, that no + lineament was lost<br /> Of those, with which a doubtful object, seen<br /> + Remotely, plays on the misdeeming sense,<br /> Then did the faculty, that + ministers<br /> Discourse to reason, these for tapers of gold<br /> + Distinguish, and it th' singing trace the sound<br /> "Hosanna." Above, + their beauteous garniture<br /> Flam'd with more ample lustre, than the + moon<br /> Through cloudless sky at midnight in her full.<br /> <br />I + turn'd me full of wonder to my guide;<br /> And he did answer with a + countenance<br /> Charg'd with no less amazement: whence my view<br /> + Reverted to those lofty things, which came<br /> So slowly moving towards + us, that the bride<br /> Would have outstript them on her bridal day.<br /> + <br />The lady called aloud: "Why thus yet burns<br /> Affection in thee for + these living, lights,<br /> And dost not look on that which follows them?"<br /> + <br />I straightway mark'd a tribe behind them walk,<br /> As if attendant + on their leaders, cloth'd<br /> With raiment of such whiteness, as on earth<br /> + Was never. On my left, the wat'ry gleam<br /> Borrow'd, and gave me + back, when there I look'd.<br /> As in a mirror, my left side portray'd.<br /> + <br />When I had chosen on the river's edge<br /> Such station, that the + distance of the stream<br /> Alone did separate me; there I stay'd<br /> My + steps for clearer prospect, and beheld<br /> The flames go onward, leaving, + as they went,<br /> The air behind them painted as with trail<br /> Of + liveliest pencils! so distinct were mark'd<br /> All those sev'n listed + colours, whence the sun<br /> Maketh his bow, and Cynthia her zone.<br /> + These streaming gonfalons did flow beyond<br /> My vision; and ten paces, + as I guess,<br /> Parted the outermost. Beneath a sky<br /> So + beautiful, came foul and-twenty elders,<br /> By two and two, with + flower-de-luces crown'd.<br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> <a + href="images/29-80.jpg">ENLARGE TO FULL SIZE</a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img alt="29-80th.jpg (36K)" src="images/29-80th.jpg" width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> All sang one song: "Blessed be thou among<br /> The + daughters of Adam! and thy loveliness<br /> Blessed for ever!" After + that the flowers,<br /> And the fresh herblets, on the opposite brink,<br /> + Were free from that elected race; as light<br /> In heav'n doth second + light, came after them<br /> Four animals, each crown'd with verdurous + leaf.<br /> With six wings each was plum'd, the plumage full<br /> Of eyes, + and th' eyes of Argus would be such,<br /> Were they endued with life. + Reader, more rhymes<br /> Will not waste in shadowing forth their + form:<br /> For other need no straitens, that in this<br /> I may not give + my bounty room. But read<br /> Ezekiel; for he paints them, from the + north<br /> How he beheld them come by Chebar's flood,<br /> In whirlwind, + cloud and fire; and even such<br /> As thou shalt find them character'd by + him,<br /> Here were they; save as to the pennons; there,<br /> From him + departing, John accords with me.<br /> <br />The space, surrounded by the + four, enclos'd<br /> A car triumphal: on two wheels it came<br /> Drawn at a + Gryphon's neck; and he above<br /> Stretch'd either wing uplifted, 'tween + the midst<br /> And the three listed hues, on each side three;<br /> So that + the wings did cleave or injure none;<br /> And out of sight they rose. + The members, far<br /> As he was bird, were golden; white the rest<br /> + With vermeil intervein'd. So beautiful<br /> A car in Rome ne'er + grac'd Augustus pomp,<br /> Or Africanus': e'en the sun's itself<br /> Were + poor to this, that chariot of the sun<br /> Erroneous, which in blazing + ruin fell<br /> At Tellus' pray'r devout, by the just doom<br /> Mysterious + of all-seeing Jove. Three nymphs<br /> at the right wheel, came + circling in smooth dance;<br /> The one so ruddy, that her form had scarce<br /> + Been known within a furnace of clear flame:<br /> The next did look, as if + the flesh and bones<br /> Were emerald: snow new-fallen seem'd the third.<br /> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <a href="images/29-118.jpg">ENLARGE TO FULL SIZE</a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img alt="29-118th.jpg (39K)" src="images/29-118th.jpg" width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> Now seem'd the white to lead, the ruddy now;<br /> And + from her song who led, the others took<br /> Their treasure, swift or slow. + At th' other wheel,<br /> A band quaternion, each in purple clad,<br /> + Advanc'd with festal step, as of them one<br /> The rest conducted, one, + upon whose front<br /> Three eyes were seen. In rear of all this + group,<br /> Two old men I beheld, dissimilar<br /> In raiment, but in port + and gesture like,<br /> Solid and mainly grave; of whom the one<br /> Did + show himself some favour'd counsellor<br /> Of the great Coan, him, whom + nature made<br /> To serve the costliest creature of her tribe.<br /> His + fellow mark'd an opposite intent,<br /> Bearing a sword, whose glitterance + and keen edge,<br /> E'en as I view'd it with the flood between,<br /> + Appall'd me. Next four others I beheld,<br /> Of humble seeming: and, + behind them all,<br /> One single old man, sleeping, as he came,<br /> With + a shrewd visage. And these seven, each<br /> Like the first troop + were habited, but wore<br /> No braid of lilies on their temples wreath'd.<br /> + Rather with roses and each vermeil flower,<br /> A sight, but little + distant, might have sworn,<br /> That they were all on fire above their + brow.<br /> <br />Whenas the car was o'er against me, straight.<br /> Was + heard a thund'ring, at whose voice it seem'd<br /> The chosen multitude + were stay'd; for there,<br /> With the first ensigns, made they solemn + halt. <br /><br /> <a name="link30" id="link30"></a> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + CANTO XXX + </h2> + <p> + <br /> Soon as the polar light, which never knows<br /> Setting nor rising, + nor the shadowy veil<br /> Of other cloud than sin, fair ornament<br /> Of + the first heav'n, to duty each one there<br /> Safely convoying, as that + lower doth<br /> The steersman to his port, stood firmly fix'd;<br /> + Forthwith the saintly tribe, who in the van<br /> Between the Gryphon and + its radiance came,<br /> Did turn them to the car, as to their rest:<br /> + And one, as if commission'd from above,<br /> In holy chant thrice shorted + forth aloud:<br /> "Come, spouse, from Libanus!" and all the rest<br /> Took + up the song—At the last audit so<br /> The blest shall rise, from + forth his cavern each<br /> Uplifting lightly his new-vested flesh,<br /> + As, on the sacred litter, at the voice<br /> Authoritative of that elder, + sprang<br /> A hundred ministers and messengers<br /> Of life eternal. + "Blessed thou! who com'st!"<br /> And, "O," they cried, "from full + hands scatter ye<br /> Unwith'ring lilies;" and, so saying, cast<br /> + Flowers over head and round them on all sides.<br /> <br />I have beheld, + ere now, at break of day,<br /> The eastern clime all roseate, and the sky<br /> + Oppos'd, one deep and beautiful serene,<br /> And the sun's face so shaded, + and with mists<br /> Attemper'd at lids rising, that the eye<br /> Long + while endur'd the sight: thus in a cloud<br /> Of flowers, that from those + hands angelic rose,<br /> And down, within and outside of the car,<br /> + Fell showering, in white veil with olive wreath'd,<br /> A virgin in my + view appear'd, beneath<br /> Green mantle, rob'd in hue of living flame:<br /> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <a href="images/30-32.jpg">ENLARGE TO FULL SIZE</a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img alt="30-32th.jpg (34K)" src="images/30-32th.jpg" width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> And o'er my Spirit, that in former days<br /> Within + her presence had abode so long,<br /> No shudd'ring terror crept. Mine + eyes no more<br /> Had knowledge of her; yet there mov'd from her<br /> A + hidden virtue, at whose touch awak'd,<br /> The power of ancient love was + strong within me.<br /> <br />No sooner on my vision streaming, smote<br /> + The heav'nly influence, which years past, and e'en<br /> In childhood, + thrill'd me, than towards Virgil I<br /> Turn'd me to leftward, panting, + like a babe,<br /> That flees for refuge to his mother's breast,<br /> If + aught have terrified or work'd him woe:<br /> And would have cried: "There + is no dram of blood,<br /> That doth not quiver in me. The old flame<br /> + Throws out clear tokens of reviving fire:"<br /> But Virgil had bereav'd us + of himself,<br /> Virgil, my best-lov'd father; Virgil, he<br /> To whom I + gave me up for safety: nor,<br /> All, our prime mother lost, avail'd to + save<br /> My undew'd cheeks from blur of soiling tears.<br /> <br />"Dante, + weep not, that Virgil leaves thee: nay,<br /> Weep thou not yet: behooves + thee feel the edge<br /> Of other sword, and thou shalt weep for that."<br /> + <br />As to the prow or stern, some admiral<br /> Paces the deck, + inspiriting his crew,<br /> When 'mid the sail-yards all hands ply aloof;<br /> + Thus on the left side of the car I saw,<br /> (Turning me at the sound of + mine own name,<br /> Which here I am compell'd to register)<br /> The virgin + station'd, who before appeared<br /> Veil'd in that festive shower + angelical.<br /> <br />Towards me, across the stream, she bent her eyes;<br /> + Though from her brow the veil descending, bound<br /> With foliage of + Minerva, suffer'd not<br /> That I beheld her clearly; then with act<br /> + Full royal, still insulting o'er her thrall,<br /> Added, as one, who + speaking keepeth back<br /> The bitterest saying, to conclude the speech:<br /> + "Observe me well. I am, in sooth, I am<br /> Beatrice. What! + and hast thou deign'd at last<br /> Approach the mountain? knewest + not, O man!<br /> Thy happiness is whole?" Down fell mine eyes<br /> + On the clear fount, but there, myself espying,<br /> Recoil'd, and sought + the greensward: such a weight<br /> Of shame was on my forehead. With + a mien<br /> Of that stern majesty, which doth surround<br /> mother's + presence to her awe-struck child,<br /> She look'd; a flavour of such + bitterness<br /> Was mingled in her pity. There her words<br /> Brake + off, and suddenly the angels sang:<br /> "In thee, O gracious Lord, my hope + hath been:"<br /> But went no farther than, "Thou Lord, hast set<br /> My + feet in ample room." As snow, that lies<br /> Amidst the living + rafters on the back<br /> Of Italy congeal'd when drifted high<br /> And + closely pil'd by rough Sclavonian blasts,<br /> Breathe but the land + whereon no shadow falls,<br /> And straightway melting it distils away,<br /> + Like a fire-wasted taper: thus was I,<br /> Without a sigh or tear, or ever + these<br /> Did sing, that with the chiming of heav'n's sphere,<br /> Still + in their warbling chime: but when the strain<br /> Of dulcet symphony, + express'd for me<br /> Their soft compassion, more than could the words<br /> + "Virgin, why so consum'st him?" then the ice,<br /> Congeal'd about + my bosom, turn'd itself<br /> To spirit and water, and with anguish forth<br /> + Gush'd through the lips and eyelids from the heart.<br /> <br />Upon the + chariot's right edge still she stood,<br /> Immovable, and thus address'd + her words<br /> To those bright semblances with pity touch'd:<br /> "Ye in + th' eternal day your vigils keep,<br /> So that nor night nor slumber, with + close stealth,<br /> Conveys from you a single step in all<br /> The goings + on of life: thence with more heed<br /> I shape mine answer, for his ear + intended,<br /> Who there stands weeping, that the sorrow now<br /> May + equal the transgression. Not alone<br /> Through operation of the + mighty orbs,<br /> That mark each seed to some predestin'd aim,<br /> As + with aspect or fortunate or ill<br /> The constellations meet, but through + benign<br /> Largess of heav'nly graces, which rain down<br /> From such a + height, as mocks our vision, this man<br /> Was in the freshness of his + being, such,<br /> So gifted virtually, that in him<br /> All better habits + wond'rously had thriv'd.<br /> The more of kindly strength is in the soil,<br /> + So much doth evil seed and lack of culture<br /> Mar it the more, and make + it run to wildness.<br /> These looks sometime upheld him; for I show'd<br /> + My youthful eyes, and led him by their light<br /> In upright walking. + Soon as I had reach'd<br /> The threshold of my second age, and + chang'd<br /> My mortal for immortal, then he left me,<br /> And gave + himself to others. When from flesh<br /> To spirit I had risen, and + increase<br /> Of beauty and of virtue circled me,<br /> I was less dear to + him, and valued less.<br /> His steps were turn'd into deceitful ways,<br /> + Following false images of good, that make<br /> No promise perfect. Nor + avail'd me aught<br /> To sue for inspirations, with the which,<br /> I, + both in dreams of night, and otherwise,<br /> Did call him back; of them so + little reck'd him,<br /> Such depth he fell, that all device was short<br /> + Of his preserving, save that he should view<br /> The children of + perdition. To this end<br /> I visited the purlieus of the dead:<br /> + And one, who hath conducted him thus high,<br /> Receiv'd my supplications + urg'd with weeping.<br /> It were a breaking of God's high decree,<br /> If + Lethe should be past, and such food tasted<br /> Without the cost of some + repentant tear." <br /><br /> <a name="link31" id="link31"></a> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + CANTO XXXI + </h2> + <p> + <br /> "O Thou!" her words she thus without delay<br /> Resuming, + turn'd their point on me, to whom<br /> They but with lateral edge seem'd + harsh before,<br /> "Say thou, who stand'st beyond the holy stream,<br /> If + this be true. A charge so grievous needs<br /> Thine own avowal." + On my faculty<br /> Such strange amazement hung, the voice expir'd<br /> + Imperfect, ere its organs gave it birth.<br /> <br />A little space + refraining, then she spake:<br /> "What dost thou muse on? Answer me. + The wave<br /> On thy remembrances of evil yet<br /> Hath done no + injury." A mingled sense<br /> Of fear and of confusion, from my lips<br /> + Did such a "Yea" produce, as needed help<br /> Of vision to interpret. + As when breaks<br /> In act to be discharg'd, a cross-bow bent<br /> + Beyond its pitch, both nerve and bow o'erstretch'd,<br /> The flagging + weapon feebly hits the mark;<br /> Thus, tears and sighs forth gushing, did + I burst<br /> Beneath the heavy load, and thus my voice<br /> Was slacken'd + on its way. She straight began:<br /> "When my desire invited thee to + love<br /> The good, which sets a bound to our aspirings,<br /> What bar of + thwarting foss or linked chain<br /> Did meet thee, that thou so should'st + quit the hope<br /> Of further progress, or what bait of ease<br /> Or + promise of allurement led thee on<br /> Elsewhere, that thou elsewhere + should'st rather wait?"<br /> <br />A bitter sigh I drew, then scarce found + voice<br /> To answer, hardly to these sounds my lips<br /> Gave utterance, + wailing: "Thy fair looks withdrawn,<br /> Things present, with deceitful + pleasures, turn'd<br /> My steps aside." She answering spake: "Hadst + thou<br /> Been silent, or denied what thou avow'st,<br /> Thou hadst not + hid thy sin the more: such eye<br /> Observes it. But whene'er the + sinner's cheek<br /> Breaks forth into the precious-streaming tears<br /> Of + self-accusing, in our court the wheel<br /> Of justice doth run counter to + the edge.<br /> Howe'er that thou may'st profit by thy shame<br /> For + errors past, and that henceforth more strength<br /> May arm thee, when + thou hear'st the Siren-voice,<br /> Lay thou aside the motive to this + grief,<br /> And lend attentive ear, while I unfold<br /> How opposite a way + my buried flesh<br /> Should have impell'd thee. Never didst thou spy<br /> + In art or nature aught so passing sweet,<br /> As were the limbs, that in + their beauteous frame<br /> Enclos'd me, and are scatter'd now in dust.<br /> + If sweetest thing thus fail'd thee with my death,<br /> What, afterward, of + mortal should thy wish<br /> Have tempted? When thou first hadst felt + the dart<br /> Of perishable things, in my departing<br /> For better + realms, thy wing thou should'st have prun'd<br /> To follow me, and never + stoop'd again<br /> To 'bide a second blow for a slight girl,<br /> Or other + gaud as transient and as vain.<br /> The new and inexperienc'd bird awaits,<br /> + Twice it may be, or thrice, the fowler's aim;<br /> But in the sight of + one, whose plumes are full,<br /> In vain the net is spread, the arrow + wing'd."<br /> <br />I stood, as children silent and asham'd<br /> Stand, + list'ning, with their eyes upon the earth,<br /> Acknowledging their fault + and self-condemn'd.<br /> And she resum'd: "If, but to hear thus pains + thee,<br /> Raise thou thy beard, and lo! what sight shall do!"<br /> <br />With + less reluctance yields a sturdy holm,<br /> Rent from its fibers by a + blast, that blows<br /> From off the pole, or from Iarbas' land,<br /> Than + I at her behest my visage rais'd:<br /> And thus the face denoting by the + beard,<br /> I mark'd the secret sting her words convey'd.<br /> <br />No + sooner lifted I mine aspect up,<br /> Than downward sunk that vision I + beheld<br /> Of goodly creatures vanish; and mine eyes<br /> Yet unassur'd + and wavering, bent their light<br /> On Beatrice. Towards the animal,<br /> + Who joins two natures in one form, she turn'd,<br /> And, even under shadow + of her veil,<br /> And parted by the verdant rill, that flow'd<br /> + Between, in loveliness appear'd as much<br /> Her former self surpassing, + as on earth<br /> All others she surpass'd. Remorseful goads<br /> + Shot sudden through me. Each thing else, the more<br /> Its love had + late beguil'd me, now the more<br /> I Was loathsome. On my heart so + keenly smote<br /> The bitter consciousness, that on the ground<br /> + O'erpower'd I fell: and what my state was then,<br /> She knows who was the + cause. When now my strength<br /> Flow'd back, returning outward from + the heart,<br /> The lady, whom alone I first had seen,<br /> I found above + me. "Loose me not," she cried:<br /> "Loose not thy hold;" and lo! + had dragg'd me high<br /> As to my neck into the stream, while she,<br /> + Still as she drew me after, swept along,<br /> Swift as a shuttle, bounding + o'er the wave.<br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> <a href="images/31-100.jpg">ENLARGE + TO FULL SIZE</a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img alt="31-100th.jpg (39K)" src="images/31-100th.jpg" width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br />The blessed shore approaching then was heard<br /> + So sweetly, "Tu asperges me," that I<br /> May not remember, much less tell + the sound.<br /> The beauteous dame, her arms expanding, clasp'd<br /> My + temples, and immerg'd me, where 't was fit<br /> The wave should drench me: + and thence raising up,<br /> Within the fourfold dance of lovely nymphs<br /> + Presented me so lav'd, and with their arm<br /> They each did cover me. + "Here are we nymphs,<br /> And in the heav'n are stars. Or ever + earth<br /> Was visited of Beatrice, we<br /> Appointed for her handmaids, + tended on her.<br /> We to her eyes will lead thee; but the light<br /> Of + gladness that is in them, well to scan,<br /> Those yonder three, of deeper + ken than ours,<br /> Thy sight shall quicken." Thus began their song;<br /> + And then they led me to the Gryphon's breast,<br /> While, turn'd toward + us, Beatrice stood.<br /> "Spare not thy vision. We have stationed + thee<br /> Before the emeralds, whence love erewhile<br /> Hath drawn his + weapons on thee." As they spake,<br /> A thousand fervent wishes + riveted<br /> Mine eyes upon her beaming eyes, that stood<br /> Still fix'd + toward the Gryphon motionless.<br /> As the sun strikes a mirror, even thus<br /> + Within those orbs the twofold being, shone,<br /> For ever varying, in one + figure now<br /> Reflected, now in other. Reader! muse<br /> How + wond'rous in my sight it seem'd to mark<br /> A thing, albeit steadfast in + itself,<br /> Yet in its imag'd semblance mutable.<br /> <br />Full of amaze, + and joyous, while my soul<br /> Fed on the viand, whereof still desire<br /> + Grows with satiety, the other three<br /> With gesture, that declar'd a + loftier line,<br /> Advanc'd: to their own carol on they came<br /> Dancing + in festive ring angelical.<br /> <br />"Turn, Beatrice!" was their song: "O + turn<br /> Thy saintly sight on this thy faithful one,<br /> Who to behold + thee many a wearisome pace<br /> Hath measur'd. Gracious at our + pray'r vouchsafe<br /> Unveil to him thy cheeks: that he may mark<br /> Thy + second beauty, now conceal'd." O splendour!<br /> O sacred light + eternal! who is he<br /> So pale with musing in Pierian shades,<br /> Or + with that fount so lavishly imbued,<br /> Whose spirit should not fail him + in th' essay<br /> To represent thee such as thou didst seem,<br /> When + under cope of the still-chiming heaven<br /> Thou gav'st to open air thy + charms reveal'd. <br /><br /> <a name="link32" id="link32"></a> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + CANTO XXXII + </h2> + <p> + <br /> Mine eyes with such an eager coveting,<br /> Were bent to rid them of + their ten years' thirst,<br /> No other sense was waking: and e'en they<br /> + Were fenc'd on either side from heed of aught;<br /> So tangled in its + custom'd toils that smile<br /> Of saintly brightness drew me to itself,<br /> + When forcibly toward the left my sight<br /> The sacred virgins turn'd; for + from their lips<br /> I heard the warning sounds: "Too fix'd a gaze!"<br /> + <br />Awhile my vision labor'd; as when late<br /> Upon the' o'erstrained + eyes the sun hath smote:<br /> But soon to lesser object, as the view<br /> + Was now recover'd (lesser in respect<br /> To that excess of sensible, + whence late<br /> I had perforce been sunder'd) on their right<br /> I + mark'd that glorious army wheel, and turn,<br /> Against the sun and + sev'nfold lights, their front.<br /> As when, their bucklers for protection + rais'd,<br /> A well-rang'd troop, with portly banners curl'd,<br /> Wheel + circling, ere the whole can change their ground:<br /> E'en thus the goodly + regiment of heav'n<br /> Proceeding, all did pass us, ere the car<br /> Had + slop'd his beam. Attendant at the wheels<br /> The damsels turn'd; + and on the Gryphon mov'd<br /> The sacred burden, with a pace so smooth,<br /> + No feather on him trembled. The fair dame<br /> Who through the wave + had drawn me, companied<br /> By Statius and myself, pursued the wheel,<br /> + Whose orbit, rolling, mark'd a lesser arch.<br /> <br />Through the high + wood, now void (the more her blame,<br /> Who by the serpent was beguil'd) + I past<br /> With step in cadence to the harmony<br /> Angelic. Onward + had we mov'd, as far<br /> Perchance as arrow at three several flights<br /> + Full wing'd had sped, when from her station down<br /> Descended Beatrice. + With one voice<br /> All murmur'd "Adam," circling next a plant<br /> + Despoil'd of flowers and leaf on every bough.<br /> Its tresses, spreading + more as more they rose,<br /> Were such, as 'midst their forest wilds for + height<br /> The Indians might have gaz'd at. "Blessed thou!<br /> + Gryphon, whose beak hath never pluck'd that tree<br /> Pleasant to taste: + for hence the appetite<br /> Was warp'd to evil." Round the stately + trunk<br /> Thus shouted forth the rest, to whom return'd<br /> The animal + twice-gender'd: "Yea: for so<br /> The generation of the just are sav'd."<br /> + And turning to the chariot-pole, to foot<br /> He drew it of the widow'd + branch, and bound<br /> There left unto the stock whereon it grew.<br /> + <br />As when large floods of radiance from above<br /> Stream, with that + radiance mingled, which ascends<br /> Next after setting of the scaly sign,<br /> + Our plants then burgeon, and each wears anew<br /> His wonted colours, ere + the sun have yok'd<br /> Beneath another star his flamy steeds;<br /> Thus + putting forth a hue, more faint than rose,<br /> And deeper than the + violet, was renew'd<br /> The plant, erewhile in all its branches bare.<br /> + <br />Unearthly was the hymn, which then arose.<br /> I understood it not, + nor to the end<br /> Endur'd the harmony. Had I the skill<br /> To + pencil forth, how clos'd th' unpitying eyes<br /> Slumb'ring, when Syrinx + warbled, (eyes that paid<br /> So dearly for their watching,) then like + painter,<br /> That with a model paints, I might design<br /> The manner of + my falling into sleep.<br /> But feign who will the slumber cunningly;<br /> + I pass it by to when I wak'd, and tell<br /> How suddenly a flash of + splendour rent<br /> The curtain of my sleep, and one cries out:<br /> + "Arise, what dost thou?" As the chosen three,<br /> On Tabor's mount, + admitted to behold<br /> The blossoming of that fair tree, whose fruit<br /> + Is coveted of angels, and doth make<br /> Perpetual feast in heaven, to + themselves<br /> Returning at the word, whence deeper sleeps<br /> Were + broken, that they their tribe diminish'd saw,<br /> Both Moses and Elias + gone, and chang'd<br /> The stole their master wore: thus to myself<br /> + Returning, over me beheld I stand<br /> The piteous one, who cross the + stream had brought<br /> My steps. "And where," all doubting, I + exclaim'd,<br /> "Is Beatrice?"—"See her," she replied,<br /> "Beneath + the fresh leaf seated on its root.<br /> Behold th' associate choir that + circles her.<br /> The others, with a melody more sweet<br /> And more + profound, journeying to higher realms,<br /> Upon the Gryphon tend." If + there her words<br /> Were clos'd, I know not; but mine eyes had now<br /> + Ta'en view of her, by whom all other thoughts<br /> Were barr'd admittance. + On the very ground<br /> Alone she sat, as she had there been left<br /> + A guard upon the wain, which I beheld<br /> Bound to the twyform beast. + The seven nymphs<br /> Did make themselves a cloister round about + her,<br /> And in their hands upheld those lights secure<br /> From blast + septentrion and the gusty south.<br /> <br />"A little while thou shalt be + forester here:<br /> And citizen shalt be forever with me,<br /> Of that + true Rome, wherein Christ dwells a Roman<br /> To profit the misguided + world, keep now<br /> Thine eyes upon the car; and what thou seest,<br /> + Take heed thou write, returning to that place."<br /> <br />Thus Beatrice: + at whose feet inclin'd<br /> Devout, at her behest, my thought and eyes,<br /> + I, as she bade, directed. Never fire,<br /> With so swift motion, + forth a stormy cloud<br /> Leap'd downward from the welkin's farthest + bound,<br /> As I beheld the bird of Jove descending<br /> Pounce on the + tree, and, as he rush'd, the rind,<br /> Disparting crush beneath him, buds + much more<br /> And leaflets. On the car with all his might<br /> He + struck, whence, staggering like a ship, it reel'd,<br /> At random driv'n, + to starboard now, o'ercome,<br /> And now to larboard, by the vaulting + waves.<br /> <br />Next springing up into the chariot's womb<br /> A fox I + saw, with hunger seeming pin'd<br /> Of all good food. But, for his + ugly sins<br /> The saintly maid rebuking him, away<br /> Scamp'ring he + turn'd, fast as his hide-bound corpse<br /> Would bear him. Next, + from whence before he came,<br /> I saw the eagle dart into the hull<br /> + O' th' car, and leave it with his feathers lin'd;<br /> And then a voice, + like that which issues forth<br /> From heart with sorrow riv'd, did issue + forth<br /> From heav'n, and, "O poor bark of mine!" it cried,<br /> "How + badly art thou freighted!" Then, it seem'd,<br /> That the earth + open'd between either wheel,<br /> And I beheld a dragon issue thence,<br /> + That through the chariot fix'd his forked train;<br /> And like a wasp that + draggeth back the sting,<br /> So drawing forth his baleful train, he + dragg'd<br /> Part of the bottom forth, and went his way<br /> Exulting. + What remain'd, as lively turf<br /> With green herb, so did clothe + itself with plumes,<br /> Which haply had with purpose chaste and kind<br /> + Been offer'd; and therewith were cloth'd the wheels,<br /> Both one and + other, and the beam, so quickly<br /> A sigh were not breath'd sooner. + Thus transform'd,<br /> The holy structure, through its several + parts,<br /> Did put forth heads, three on the beam, and one<br /> On every + side; the first like oxen horn'd,<br /> But with a single horn upon their + front<br /> The four. Like monster sight hath never seen.<br /> O'er + it methought there sat, secure as rock<br /> On mountain's lofty top, a + shameless whore,<br /> Whose ken rov'd loosely round her. At her + side,<br /> As 't were that none might bear her off, I saw<br /> A giant + stand; and ever, and anon<br /> They mingled kisses. But, her lustful + eyes<br /> Chancing on me to wander, that fell minion<br /> Scourg'd her + from head to foot all o'er; then full<br /> Of jealousy, and fierce with + rage, unloos'd<br /> The monster, and dragg'd on, so far across<br /> The + forest, that from me its shades alone<br /> Shielded the harlot and the + new-form'd brute. <br /><br /><br /><br /> <a href="images/32-148.jpg">ENLARGE + TO FULL SIZE</a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img alt="32-148th.jpg (47K)" src="images/32-148th.jpg" width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <a name="link33" id="link33"></a> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + CANTO XXXIII + </h2> + <p> + <br /> "The heathen, Lord! are come!" responsive thus,<br /> The trinal now, + and now the virgin band<br /> Quaternion, their sweet psalmody began,<br /> + Weeping; and Beatrice listen'd, sad<br /> And sighing, to the song', in + such a mood,<br /> That Mary, as she stood beside the cross,<br /> Was + scarce more chang'd. But when they gave her place<br /> To speak, + then, risen upright on her feet,<br /> She, with a colour glowing bright as + fire,<br /> Did answer: "Yet a little while, and ye<br /> Shall see me not; + and, my beloved sisters,<br /> Again a little while, and ye shall see me."<br /> + <br />Before her then she marshall'd all the seven,<br /> And, beck'ning + only motion'd me, the dame,<br /> And that remaining sage, to follow her.<br /> + <br />So on she pass'd; and had not set, I ween,<br /> Her tenth step to the + ground, when with mine eyes<br /> Her eyes encounter'd; and, with visage + mild,<br /> "So mend thy pace," she cried, "that if my words<br /> Address + thee, thou mayst still be aptly plac'd<br /> To hear them." Soon as + duly to her side<br /> I now had hasten'd: "Brother!" she began,<br /> "Why + mak'st thou no attempt at questioning,<br /> As thus we walk together?" + Like to those<br /> Who, speaking with too reverent an awe<br /> + Before their betters, draw not forth the voice<br /> Alive unto their lips, + befell me shell<br /> That I in sounds imperfect thus began:<br /> "Lady! + what I have need of, that thou know'st,<br /> And what will suit my need." + She answering thus:<br /> "Of fearfulness and shame, I will, that + thou<br /> Henceforth do rid thee: that thou speak no more,<br /> As one who + dreams. Thus far be taught of me:<br /> The vessel, which thou saw'st + the serpent break,<br /> Was and is not: let him, who hath the blame,<br /> + Hope not to scare God's vengeance with a sop.<br /> Without an heir for + ever shall not be<br /> That eagle, he, who left the chariot plum'd,<br /> + Which monster made it first and next a prey.<br /> Plainly I view, and + therefore speak, the stars<br /> E'en now approaching, whose conjunction, + free<br /> From all impediment and bar, brings on<br /> A season, in the + which, one sent from God,<br /> (Five hundred, five, and ten, do mark him + out)<br /> That foul one, and th' accomplice of her guilt,<br /> The giant, + both shall slay. And if perchance<br /> My saying, dark as Themis or + as Sphinx,<br /> Fail to persuade thee, (since like them it foils<br /> The + intellect with blindness) yet ere long<br /> Events shall be the Naiads, + that will solve<br /> This knotty riddle, and no damage light<br /> On flock + or field. Take heed; and as these words<br /> By me are utter'd, + teach them even so<br /> To those who live that life, which is a race<br /> + To death: and when thou writ'st them, keep in mind<br /> Not to conceal how + thou hast seen the plant,<br /> That twice hath now been spoil'd. This + whoso robs,<br /> This whoso plucks, with blasphemy of deed<br /> Sins + against God, who for his use alone<br /> Creating hallow'd it. For + taste of this,<br /> In pain and in desire, five thousand years<br /> And + upward, the first soul did yearn for him,<br /> Who punish'd in himself the + fatal gust.<br /> <br />"Thy reason slumbers, if it deem this height<br /> + And summit thus inverted of the plant,<br /> Without due cause: and were + not vainer thoughts,<br /> As Elsa's numbing waters, to thy soul,<br /> And + their fond pleasures had not dyed it dark<br /> As Pyramus the mulberry, + thou hadst seen,<br /> In such momentous circumstance alone,<br /> God's + equal justice morally implied<br /> In the forbidden tree. But since + I mark thee<br /> In understanding harden'd into stone,<br /> And, to that + hardness, spotted too and stain'd,<br /> So that thine eye is dazzled at my + word,<br /> I will, that, if not written, yet at least<br /> Painted thou + take it in thee, for the cause,<br /> That one brings home his staff + inwreath'd with palm.<br /> <br />I thus: "As wax by seal, that changeth not<br /> + Its impress, now is stamp'd my brain by thee.<br /> But wherefore soars thy + wish'd-for speech so high<br /> Beyond my sight, that loses it the more,<br /> + The more it strains to reach it?"—"To the end<br /> That thou mayst + know," she answer'd straight, "the school,<br /> That thou hast follow'd; + and how far behind,<br /> When following my discourse, its learning halts:<br /> + And mayst behold your art, from the divine<br /> As distant, as the + disagreement is<br /> 'Twixt earth and heaven's most high and rapturous + orb."<br /> <br />"I not remember," I replied, "that e'er<br /> I was + estrang'd from thee, nor for such fault<br /> Doth conscience chide me." + Smiling she return'd:<br /> "If thou canst, not remember, call to + mind<br /> How lately thou hast drunk of Lethe's wave;<br /> And, sure as + smoke doth indicate a flame,<br /> In that forgetfulness itself conclude<br /> + Blame from thy alienated will incurr'd.<br /> From henceforth verily my + words shall be<br /> As naked as will suit them to appear<br /> In thy + unpractis'd view." More sparkling now,<br /> And with retarded course + the sun possess'd<br /> The circle of mid-day, that varies still<br /> As + th' aspect varies of each several clime,<br /> When, as one, sent in vaward + of a troop<br /> For escort, pauses, if perchance he spy<br /> Vestige of + somewhat strange and rare: so paus'd<br /> The sev'nfold band, arriving at + the verge<br /> Of a dun umbrage hoar, such as is seen,<br /> Beneath green + leaves and gloomy branches, oft<br /> To overbrow a bleak and alpine cliff.<br /> + And, where they stood, before them, as it seem'd,<br /> Tigris and + Euphrates both beheld,<br /> Forth from one fountain issue; and, like + friends,<br /> Linger at parting. "O enlight'ning beam!<br /> O glory of our + kind! beseech thee say<br /> What water this, which from one source deriv'd<br /> + Itself removes to distance from itself?"<br /> <br />To such entreaty answer + thus was made:<br /> "Entreat Matilda, that she teach thee this."<br /> + <br />And here, as one, who clears himself of blame<br /> Imputed, the fair + dame return'd: "Of me<br /> He this and more hath learnt; and I am safe<br /> + That Lethe's water hath not hid it from him."<br /> <br />And Beatrice: + "Some more pressing care<br /> That oft the memory 'reeves, perchance hath + made<br /> His mind's eye dark. But lo! where Eunoe cows!<br /> Lead + thither; and, as thou art wont, revive<br /> His fainting virtue." As + a courteous spirit,<br /> That proffers no excuses, but as soon<br /> As he + hath token of another's will,<br /> Makes it his own; when she had ta'en + me, thus<br /> The lovely maiden mov'd her on, and call'd<br /> To Statius + with an air most lady-like:<br /> "Come thou with him." Were further + space allow'd,<br /> Then, Reader, might I sing, though but in part,<br /> + That beverage, with whose sweetness I had ne'er<br /> Been sated. But, + since all the leaves are full,<br /> Appointed for this second strain, mine + art<br /> With warning bridle checks me. I return'd<br /> From the + most holy wave, regenerate,<br /> If 'en as new plants renew'd with foliage + new,<br /> Pure and made apt for mounting to the stars. <br /><br /><br /><br /> + <a href="images/33-134.jpg">ENLARGE TO FULL SIZE</a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img alt="33-134th.jpg (36K)" src="images/33-134th.jpg" width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Vision of Purgatory, Complete +by Dante Alighieri + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE VISION OF PURGATORY, COMPLETE *** + +***** This file should be named 8795-h.htm or 8795-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.net/8/7/9/8795/ + +Produced by David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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