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-The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Divine Comedy, by Dante Alighieri
-
-This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and
-most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions
-whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms
-of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at
-www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you
-will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before
-using this eBook.
-
-Title: The Divine Comedy
-       The Vision of Hell, Purgatory and Paradise
-
-Author: Dante Alighieri
-
-Translator: Rev. H. F. Cary
-
-Illustrator: Gustave Doré
-
-Release Date: September, 2005 [eBook #8800]
-[Most recently updated: January 14, 2023]
-
-Language: English
-
-Produced by: David Widger
-
-*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE DIVINE COMEDY ***
+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 8800 ***
 
 
 
@@ -4193,7 +4167,7 @@ And over us the booming billow clos’d.”
 
 
 
-CANTO XVII
+CANTO XXVII
 
 
 Now upward rose the flame, and still’d its light
@@ -15641,353 +15615,4 @@ In even motion, by the Love impell’d,
 That moves the sun in heav’n and all the stars.
 
 
-
-
-*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE DIVINE COMEDY ***
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+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 8800 ***
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-<link rel="coverpage" href="images/cover.jpg" />
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+       margin-right: 10%;
        text-align: justify; }
 
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-
-<div style='text-align:center; font-size:1.2em; font-weight:bold'>The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Divine Comedy, by Dante Alighieri</div>
-<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>
-This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and
-most other parts of the world 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 <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you
-are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the
-country where you are located before using this eBook.
-</div>
-<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: The Divine Comedy<br />
-  The Vision of Hell, Purgatory and Paradise</div>
-<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: Dante Alighieri</div>
-<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Translator: Rev. H. F. Cary</div>
-<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Illustrator: Gustave Doré</div>
-<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: September, 2005 [eBook #8800]<br />
-[Most recently updated: January 15, 2023]</div>
-<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Language: English</div>
-<div style='display:block; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Produced by: David Widger</div>
-<div style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE DIVINE COMEDY ***</div>
-
+<div style='text-align:center'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 8800 ***</div>
 <h1>THE DIVINE COMEDY</h1>
 
-<h3>THE VISION<br/>
-of<br/>
-HELL, PURGATORY, AND PARADISE</h3>
+<div class="h3">THE VISION<br>
+of<br>
+HELL, PURGATORY, AND PARADISE</div>
 
 <h2 class="no-break">BY DANTE ALIGHIERI</h2>
 
-<h3>TRANSLATED BY<br/>
-THE REV. H. F. CARY, M.A.</h3>
+<div class="h3">TRANSLATED BY<br>
+THE REV. H. F. CARY, M.A.</div>
 
-<h3>Illustrated by M. Gustave Doré</h3>
+<div class="h3">Illustrated by M. Gustave Doré</div>
 
-<hr />
+<hr >
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
-<img alt="" width="441" height="600" src="images/cover.jpg" />
+<img alt="" src="images/cover.jpg" style="width: 441px; height: 600px">
 </div>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/titlepage.jpg"></a>
-<img alt="" width="388" height="567" src="images/titlepage.jpg" />
+<img alt="" src="images/titlepage.jpg" style="width: 388px; height: 567px">
 </div>
 
-<hr />
+<hr >
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
 <h2>LIST OF CANTOS</h2>
 
-<table summary="" style="">
+<table>
 
 <tr>
 <td> <a href="#cantoI.0"><b>HELL</b></a></td>
@@ -242,7 +236,7 @@ THE REV. H. F. CARY, M.A.</h3>
 </tr>
 
 <tr>
-<td> <a href="#cantoI.34">Canto 34</a><br /><br /></td>
+<td> <a href="#cantoI.34">Canto 34</a><br ><br ></td>
 </tr>
 
 <tr>
@@ -378,7 +372,7 @@ THE REV. H. F. CARY, M.A.</h3>
 </tr>
 
 <tr>
-<td> <a href="#cantoII.33">Canto 33</a><br /><br /></td>
+<td> <a href="#cantoII.33">Canto 33</a><br ><br ></td>
 </tr>
 
 <tr>
@@ -523,7 +517,7 @@ THE REV. H. F. CARY, M.A.</h3>
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoI.0"></a>HELL<br/><br/>
+<h2><a id="cantoI.0"></a>HELL<br><br>
 OR THE INFERNO
 </h2>
 
@@ -531,351 +525,351 @@ OR THE INFERNO
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoI.1"></a>CANTO I</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoI.1"></a>CANTO I</h2>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/01-002.jpg">
-<img alt="" width="397" height="600" src="images/01-002.jpg" /></a>
+<img alt="" src="images/01-002.jpg" style="width: 397px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-In the midway of this our mortal life,<br/>
-I found me in a gloomy wood, astray<br/>
-Gone from the path direct: and e’en to tell<br/>
-It were no easy task, how savage wild<br/>
-That forest, how robust and rough its growth,<br/>
-Which to remember only, my dismay<br/>
-Renews, in bitterness not far from death.<br/>
-Yet to discourse of what there good befell,<br/>
-All else will I relate discover’d there.<br/>
-How first I enter’d it I scarce can say,<br/>
-Such sleepy dullness in that instant weigh’d<br/>
-My senses down, when the true path I left,<br/>
-But when a mountain’s foot I reach’d, where clos’d<br/>
-The valley, that had pierc’d my heart with dread,<br/>
-I look’d aloft, and saw his shoulders broad<br/>
-Already vested with that planet’s beam,<br/>
-Who leads all wanderers safe through every way.<br/>
-<br/>
-Then was a little respite to the fear,<br/>
-That in my heart’s recesses deep had lain,<br/>
-All of that night, so pitifully pass’d:<br/>
-And as a man, with difficult short breath,<br/>
-Forespent with toiling, ’scap’d from sea to shore,<br/>
-Turns to the perilous wide waste, and stands<br/>
-At gaze; e’en so my spirit, that yet fail’d<br/>
-Struggling with terror, turn’d to view the straits,<br/>
-That none hath pass’d and liv’d. My weary frame<br/>
-After short pause recomforted, again<br/>
+In the midway of this our mortal life,<br>
+I found me in a gloomy wood, astray<br>
+Gone from the path direct: and e’en to tell<br>
+It were no easy task, how savage wild<br>
+That forest, how robust and rough its growth,<br>
+Which to remember only, my dismay<br>
+Renews, in bitterness not far from death.<br>
+Yet to discourse of what there good befell,<br>
+All else will I relate discover’d there.<br>
+How first I enter’d it I scarce can say,<br>
+Such sleepy dullness in that instant weigh’d<br>
+My senses down, when the true path I left,<br>
+But when a mountain’s foot I reach’d, where clos’d<br>
+The valley, that had pierc’d my heart with dread,<br>
+I look’d aloft, and saw his shoulders broad<br>
+Already vested with that planet’s beam,<br>
+Who leads all wanderers safe through every way.<br>
+<br>
+Then was a little respite to the fear,<br>
+That in my heart’s recesses deep had lain,<br>
+All of that night, so pitifully pass’d:<br>
+And as a man, with difficult short breath,<br>
+Forespent with toiling, ’scap’d from sea to shore,<br>
+Turns to the perilous wide waste, and stands<br>
+At gaze; e’en so my spirit, that yet fail’d<br>
+Struggling with terror, turn’d to view the straits,<br>
+That none hath pass’d and liv’d. My weary frame<br>
+After short pause recomforted, again<br>
 I journey’d on over that lonely steep,
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/01-005.jpg">
-<img alt="" width="600" height="508" src="images/01-005.jpg" /></a>
+<img alt="" src="images/01-005.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 508px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-The hinder foot still firmer. Scarce the ascent<br/>
-Began, when, lo! a panther, nimble, light,<br/>
-And cover’d with a speckled skin, appear’d,<br/>
-Nor, when it saw me, vanish’d, rather strove<br/>
-To check my onward going; that ofttimes<br/>
-With purpose to retrace my steps I turn’d.<br/>
-<br/>
-The hour was morning’s prime, and on his way<br/>
-Aloft the sun ascended with those stars,<br/>
-That with him rose, when Love divine first mov’d<br/>
-Those its fair works: so that with joyous hope<br/>
-All things conspir’d to fill me, the gay skin<br/>
-Of that swift animal, the matin dawn<br/>
-And the sweet season. Soon that joy was chas’d,<br/>
-And by new dread succeeded, when in view<br/>
+The hinder foot still firmer. Scarce the ascent<br>
+Began, when, lo! a panther, nimble, light,<br>
+And cover’d with a speckled skin, appear’d,<br>
+Nor, when it saw me, vanish’d, rather strove<br>
+To check my onward going; that ofttimes<br>
+With purpose to retrace my steps I turn’d.<br>
+<br>
+The hour was morning’s prime, and on his way<br>
+Aloft the sun ascended with those stars,<br>
+That with him rose, when Love divine first mov’d<br>
+Those its fair works: so that with joyous hope<br>
+All things conspir’d to fill me, the gay skin<br>
+Of that swift animal, the matin dawn<br>
+And the sweet season. Soon that joy was chas’d,<br>
+And by new dread succeeded, when in view<br>
 A lion came, ’gainst me, as it appear’d,
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/01-007.jpg">
-<img alt="" width="389" height="600" src="images/01-007.jpg" /></a>
+<img alt="" src="images/01-007.jpg" style="width: 389px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-With his head held aloft and hunger-mad,<br/>
-That e’en the air was fear-struck. A she-wolf<br/>
-Was at his heels, who in her leanness seem’d<br/>
-Full of all wants, and many a land hath made<br/>
-Disconsolate ere now. She with such fear<br/>
-O’erwhelmed me, at the sight of her appall’d,<br/>
-That of the height all hope I lost. As one,<br/>
-Who with his gain elated, sees the time<br/>
-When all unwares is gone, he inwardly<br/>
-Mourns with heart-griping anguish; such was I,<br/>
-Haunted by that fell beast, never at peace,<br/>
-Who coming o’er against me, by degrees<br/>
-Impell’d me where the sun in silence rests.<br/>
-<br/>
-While to the lower space with backward step<br/>
-I fell, my ken discern’d the form one of one,<br/>
-Whose voice seem’d faint through long disuse of speech.<br/>
-When him in that great desert I espied,<br/>
-“Have mercy on me!” cried I out aloud,<br/>
-“Spirit! or living man! what e’er thou be!”<br/>
-<br/>
-He answer’d: “Now not man, man once I was,<br/>
-And born of Lombard parents, Mantuana both<br/>
-By country, when the power of Julius yet<br/>
-Was scarcely firm. At Rome my life was past<br/>
-Beneath the mild Augustus, in the time<br/>
-Of fabled deities and false. A bard<br/>
-Was I, and made Anchises’ upright son<br/>
-The subject of my song, who came from Troy,<br/>
-When the flames prey’d on Ilium’s haughty towers.<br/>
-But thou, say wherefore to such perils past<br/>
-Return’st thou? wherefore not this pleasant mount<br/>
-Ascendest, cause and source of all delight?”<br/>
-“And art thou then that Virgil, that well-spring,<br/>
-From which such copious floods of eloquence<br/>
-Have issued?” I with front abash’d replied.<br/>
-“Glory and light of all the tuneful train!<br/>
-May it avail me that I long with zeal<br/>
-Have sought thy volume, and with love immense<br/>
-Have conn’d it o’er. My master thou and guide!<br/>
-Thou he from whom alone I have deriv’d<br/>
-That style, which for its beauty into fame<br/>
-Exalts me. See the beast, from whom I fled.<br/>
+With his head held aloft and hunger-mad,<br>
+That e’en the air was fear-struck. A she-wolf<br>
+Was at his heels, who in her leanness seem’d<br>
+Full of all wants, and many a land hath made<br>
+Disconsolate ere now. She with such fear<br>
+O’erwhelmed me, at the sight of her appall’d,<br>
+That of the height all hope I lost. As one,<br>
+Who with his gain elated, sees the time<br>
+When all unwares is gone, he inwardly<br>
+Mourns with heart-griping anguish; such was I,<br>
+Haunted by that fell beast, never at peace,<br>
+Who coming o’er against me, by degrees<br>
+Impell’d me where the sun in silence rests.<br>
+<br>
+While to the lower space with backward step<br>
+I fell, my ken discern’d the form one of one,<br>
+Whose voice seem’d faint through long disuse of speech.<br>
+When him in that great desert I espied,<br>
+“Have mercy on me!” cried I out aloud,<br>
+“Spirit! or living man! what e’er thou be!”<br>
+<br>
+He answer’d: “Now not man, man once I was,<br>
+And born of Lombard parents, Mantuana both<br>
+By country, when the power of Julius yet<br>
+Was scarcely firm. At Rome my life was past<br>
+Beneath the mild Augustus, in the time<br>
+Of fabled deities and false. A bard<br>
+Was I, and made Anchises’ upright son<br>
+The subject of my song, who came from Troy,<br>
+When the flames prey’d on Ilium’s haughty towers.<br>
+But thou, say wherefore to such perils past<br>
+Return’st thou? wherefore not this pleasant mount<br>
+Ascendest, cause and source of all delight?”<br>
+“And art thou then that Virgil, that well-spring,<br>
+From which such copious floods of eloquence<br>
+Have issued?” I with front abash’d replied.<br>
+“Glory and light of all the tuneful train!<br>
+May it avail me that I long with zeal<br>
+Have sought thy volume, and with love immense<br>
+Have conn’d it o’er. My master thou and guide!<br>
+Thou he from whom alone I have deriv’d<br>
+That style, which for its beauty into fame<br>
+Exalts me. See the beast, from whom I fled.<br>
 O save me from her, thou illustrious sage!
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/01-011.jpg">
-<img alt="" width="396" height="600" src="images/01-011.jpg" /></a>
+<img alt="" src="images/01-011.jpg" style="width: 396px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-“For every vein and pulse throughout my frame<br/>
-She hath made tremble.” He, soon as he saw<br/>
-That I was weeping, answer’d, “Thou must needs<br/>
-Another way pursue, if thou wouldst ’scape<br/>
-From out that savage wilderness. This beast,<br/>
-At whom thou criest, her way will suffer none<br/>
-To pass, and no less hindrance makes than death:<br/>
-So bad and so accursed in her kind,<br/>
-That never sated is her ravenous will,<br/>
-Still after food more craving than before.<br/>
-To many an animal in wedlock vile<br/>
-She fastens, and shall yet to many more,<br/>
-Until that greyhound come, who shall destroy<br/>
-Her with sharp pain. He will not life support<br/>
-By earth nor its base metals, but by love,<br/>
-Wisdom, and virtue, and his land shall be<br/>
-The land ’twixt either Feltro. In his might<br/>
-Shall safety to Italia’s plains arise,<br/>
-For whose fair realm, Camilla, virgin pure,<br/>
-Nisus, Euryalus, and Turnus fell.<br/>
-He with incessant chase through every town<br/>
-Shall worry, until he to hell at length<br/>
-Restore her, thence by envy first let loose.<br/>
-I for thy profit pond’ring now devise,<br/>
-That thou mayst follow me, and I thy guide<br/>
-Will lead thee hence through an eternal space,<br/>
-Where thou shalt hear despairing shrieks, and see<br/>
-Spirits of old tormented, who invoke<br/>
-A second death; and those next view, who dwell<br/>
-Content in fire, for that they hope to come,<br/>
-Whene’er the time may be, among the blest,<br/>
-Into whose regions if thou then desire<br/>
-T’ ascend, a spirit worthier than I<br/>
-Must lead thee, in whose charge, when I depart,<br/>
-Thou shalt be left: for that Almighty King,<br/>
-Who reigns above, a rebel to his law,<br/>
-Adjudges me, and therefore hath decreed,<br/>
-That to his city none through me should come.<br/>
-He in all parts hath sway; there rules, there holds<br/>
-His citadel and throne. O happy those,<br/>
-Whom there he chooses!” I to him in few:<br/>
-“Bard! by that God, whom thou didst not adore,<br/>
-I do beseech thee (that this ill and worse<br/>
-I may escape) to lead me, where thou saidst,<br/>
-That I Saint Peter’s gate may view, and those<br/>
-Who as thou tell’st, are in such dismal plight.”<br/>
-<br/>
+“For every vein and pulse throughout my frame<br>
+She hath made tremble.” He, soon as he saw<br>
+That I was weeping, answer’d, “Thou must needs<br>
+Another way pursue, if thou wouldst ’scape<br>
+From out that savage wilderness. This beast,<br>
+At whom thou criest, her way will suffer none<br>
+To pass, and no less hindrance makes than death:<br>
+So bad and so accursed in her kind,<br>
+That never sated is her ravenous will,<br>
+Still after food more craving than before.<br>
+To many an animal in wedlock vile<br>
+She fastens, and shall yet to many more,<br>
+Until that greyhound come, who shall destroy<br>
+Her with sharp pain. He will not life support<br>
+By earth nor its base metals, but by love,<br>
+Wisdom, and virtue, and his land shall be<br>
+The land ’twixt either Feltro. In his might<br>
+Shall safety to Italia’s plains arise,<br>
+For whose fair realm, Camilla, virgin pure,<br>
+Nisus, Euryalus, and Turnus fell.<br>
+He with incessant chase through every town<br>
+Shall worry, until he to hell at length<br>
+Restore her, thence by envy first let loose.<br>
+I for thy profit pond’ring now devise,<br>
+That thou mayst follow me, and I thy guide<br>
+Will lead thee hence through an eternal space,<br>
+Where thou shalt hear despairing shrieks, and see<br>
+Spirits of old tormented, who invoke<br>
+A second death; and those next view, who dwell<br>
+Content in fire, for that they hope to come,<br>
+Whene’er the time may be, among the blest,<br>
+Into whose regions if thou then desire<br>
+T’ ascend, a spirit worthier than I<br>
+Must lead thee, in whose charge, when I depart,<br>
+Thou shalt be left: for that Almighty King,<br>
+Who reigns above, a rebel to his law,<br>
+Adjudges me, and therefore hath decreed,<br>
+That to his city none through me should come.<br>
+He in all parts hath sway; there rules, there holds<br>
+His citadel and throne. O happy those,<br>
+Whom there he chooses!” I to him in few:<br>
+“Bard! by that God, whom thou didst not adore,<br>
+I do beseech thee (that this ill and worse<br>
+I may escape) to lead me, where thou saidst,<br>
+That I Saint Peter’s gate may view, and those<br>
+Who as thou tell’st, are in such dismal plight.”<br>
+<br>
 Onward he mov’d, I close his steps pursu’d.
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/01-015.jpg">
-<img alt="" width="401" height="600" src="images/01-015.jpg" /></a>
+<img alt="" src="images/01-015.jpg" style="width: 401px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 </div><!--end chapter-->
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoI.2"></a>CANTO II</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoI.2"></a>CANTO II</h2>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/02-017.jpg">
-<img alt="" width="397" height="600" src="images/02-017.jpg" /></a>
+<img alt="" src="images/02-017.jpg" style="width: 397px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-Now was the day departing, and the air,<br/>
-Imbrown’d with shadows, from their toils releas’d<br/>
-All animals on earth; and I alone<br/>
-Prepar’d myself the conflict to sustain,<br/>
-Both of sad pity, and that perilous road,<br/>
-Which my unerring memory shall retrace.<br/>
-<br/>
-O Muses! O high genius! now vouchsafe<br/>
-Your aid! O mind! that all I saw hast kept<br/>
-Safe in a written record, here thy worth<br/>
-And eminent endowments come to proof.<br/>
-<br/>
-I thus began: “Bard! thou who art my guide,<br/>
-Consider well, if virtue be in me<br/>
-Sufficient, ere to this high enterprise<br/>
-Thou trust me. Thou hast told that Silvius’ sire,<br/>
-Yet cloth’d in corruptible flesh, among<br/>
-Th’ immortal tribes had entrance, and was there<br/>
-Sensible present. Yet if heaven’s great Lord,<br/>
-Almighty foe to ill, such favour shew’d,<br/>
-In contemplation of the high effect,<br/>
-Both what and who from him should issue forth,<br/>
-It seems in reason’s judgment well deserv’d:<br/>
-Sith he of Rome, and of Rome’s empire wide,<br/>
-In heaven’s empyreal height was chosen sire:<br/>
-Both which, if truth be spoken, were ordain’d<br/>
-And ’stablish’d for the holy place, where sits<br/>
-Who to great Peter’s sacred chair succeeds.<br/>
-He from this journey, in thy song renown’d,<br/>
-Learn’d things, that to his victory gave rise<br/>
-And to the papal robe. In after-times<br/>
-The chosen vessel also travel’d there,<br/>
-To bring us back assurance in that faith,<br/>
-Which is the entrance to salvation’s way.<br/>
-But I, why should I there presume? or who<br/>
-Permits it? not Aeneas I nor Paul.<br/>
-Myself I deem not worthy, and none else<br/>
-Will deem me. I, if on this voyage then<br/>
-I venture, fear it will in folly end.<br/>
-Thou, who art wise, better my meaning know’st,<br/>
-Than I can speak.” As one, who unresolves<br/>
-What he hath late resolv’d, and with new thoughts<br/>
-Changes his purpose, from his first intent<br/>
-Remov’d; e’en such was I on that dun coast,<br/>
-Wasting in thought my enterprise, at first<br/>
-So eagerly embrac’d. “If right thy words<br/>
-I scan,” replied that shade magnanimous,<br/>
-“Thy soul is by vile fear assail’d, which oft<br/>
-So overcasts a man, that he recoils<br/>
-From noblest resolution, like a beast<br/>
-At some false semblance in the twilight gloom.<br/>
-That from this terror thou mayst free thyself,<br/>
-I will instruct thee why I came, and what<br/>
-I heard in that same instant, when for thee<br/>
-Grief touch’d me first. I was among the tribe,<br/>
-Who rest suspended, when a dame, so blest<br/>
-And lovely, I besought her to command,<br/>
-Call’d me; her eyes were brighter than the star<br/>
-Of day; and she with gentle voice and soft<br/>
-Angelically tun’d her speech address’d:<br/>
-“O courteous shade of Mantua! thou whose fame<br/>
-Yet lives, and shall live long as nature lasts!<br/>
-A friend, not of my fortune but myself,<br/>
-On the wide desert in his road has met<br/>
-Hindrance so great, that he through fear has turn’d.<br/>
-Now much I dread lest he past help have stray’d,<br/>
-And I be ris’n too late for his relief,<br/>
-From what in heaven of him I heard. Speed now,<br/>
-And by thy eloquent persuasive tongue,<br/>
-And by all means for his deliverance meet,<br/>
-Assist him. So to me will comfort spring.<br/>
-I who now bid thee on this errand forth<br/>
+Now was the day departing, and the air,<br>
+Imbrown’d with shadows, from their toils releas’d<br>
+All animals on earth; and I alone<br>
+Prepar’d myself the conflict to sustain,<br>
+Both of sad pity, and that perilous road,<br>
+Which my unerring memory shall retrace.<br>
+<br>
+O Muses! O high genius! now vouchsafe<br>
+Your aid! O mind! that all I saw hast kept<br>
+Safe in a written record, here thy worth<br>
+And eminent endowments come to proof.<br>
+<br>
+I thus began: “Bard! thou who art my guide,<br>
+Consider well, if virtue be in me<br>
+Sufficient, ere to this high enterprise<br>
+Thou trust me. Thou hast told that Silvius’ sire,<br>
+Yet cloth’d in corruptible flesh, among<br>
+Th’ immortal tribes had entrance, and was there<br>
+Sensible present. Yet if heaven’s great Lord,<br>
+Almighty foe to ill, such favour shew’d,<br>
+In contemplation of the high effect,<br>
+Both what and who from him should issue forth,<br>
+It seems in reason’s judgment well deserv’d:<br>
+Sith he of Rome, and of Rome’s empire wide,<br>
+In heaven’s empyreal height was chosen sire:<br>
+Both which, if truth be spoken, were ordain’d<br>
+And ’stablish’d for the holy place, where sits<br>
+Who to great Peter’s sacred chair succeeds.<br>
+He from this journey, in thy song renown’d,<br>
+Learn’d things, that to his victory gave rise<br>
+And to the papal robe. In after-times<br>
+The chosen vessel also travel’d there,<br>
+To bring us back assurance in that faith,<br>
+Which is the entrance to salvation’s way.<br>
+But I, why should I there presume? or who<br>
+Permits it? not Aeneas I nor Paul.<br>
+Myself I deem not worthy, and none else<br>
+Will deem me. I, if on this voyage then<br>
+I venture, fear it will in folly end.<br>
+Thou, who art wise, better my meaning know’st,<br>
+Than I can speak.” As one, who unresolves<br>
+What he hath late resolv’d, and with new thoughts<br>
+Changes his purpose, from his first intent<br>
+Remov’d; e’en such was I on that dun coast,<br>
+Wasting in thought my enterprise, at first<br>
+So eagerly embrac’d. “If right thy words<br>
+I scan,” replied that shade magnanimous,<br>
+“Thy soul is by vile fear assail’d, which oft<br>
+So overcasts a man, that he recoils<br>
+From noblest resolution, like a beast<br>
+At some false semblance in the twilight gloom.<br>
+That from this terror thou mayst free thyself,<br>
+I will instruct thee why I came, and what<br>
+I heard in that same instant, when for thee<br>
+Grief touch’d me first. I was among the tribe,<br>
+Who rest suspended, when a dame, so blest<br>
+And lovely, I besought her to command,<br>
+Call’d me; her eyes were brighter than the star<br>
+Of day; and she with gentle voice and soft<br>
+Angelically tun’d her speech address’d:<br>
+“O courteous shade of Mantua! thou whose fame<br>
+Yet lives, and shall live long as nature lasts!<br>
+A friend, not of my fortune but myself,<br>
+On the wide desert in his road has met<br>
+Hindrance so great, that he through fear has turn’d.<br>
+Now much I dread lest he past help have stray’d,<br>
+And I be ris’n too late for his relief,<br>
+From what in heaven of him I heard. Speed now,<br>
+And by thy eloquent persuasive tongue,<br>
+And by all means for his deliverance meet,<br>
+Assist him. So to me will comfort spring.<br>
+I who now bid thee on this errand forth<br>
 Am Beatrice; from a place I come.
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/02-021.jpg">
-<img alt="" width="394" height="600" src="images/02-021.jpg" /></a>
+<img alt="" src="images/02-021.jpg" style="width: 394px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-(Note: Beatrice. I use this word, as it is<br/>
-pronounced in the Italian, as consisting of four<br/>
-syllables, of which the third is a long one.) Revisited with joy. Love brought me thence,<br/>
-Who prompts my speech. When in my Master’s sight<br/>
-I stand, thy praise to him I oft will tell.”<br/>
-<br/>
-She then was silent, and I thus began:<br/>
-“O Lady! by whose influence alone,<br/>
-Mankind excels whatever is contain’d<br/>
-Within that heaven which hath the smallest orb,<br/>
-So thy command delights me, that to obey,<br/>
-If it were done already, would seem late.<br/>
-No need hast thou farther to speak thy will;<br/>
-Yet tell the reason, why thou art not loth<br/>
-To leave that ample space, where to return<br/>
-Thou burnest, for this centre here beneath.”<br/>
-<br/>
-She then: “Since thou so deeply wouldst inquire,<br/>
-I will instruct thee briefly, why no dread<br/>
-Hinders my entrance here. Those things alone<br/>
-Are to be fear’d, whence evil may proceed,<br/>
-None else, for none are terrible beside.<br/>
-I am so fram’d by God, thanks to his grace!<br/>
-That any suff’rance of your misery<br/>
-Touches me not, nor flame of that fierce fire<br/>
-Assails me. In high heaven a blessed dame<br/>
-Besides, who mourns with such effectual grief<br/>
-That hindrance, which I send thee to remove,<br/>
-That God’s stern judgment to her will inclines.”<br/>
-To Lucia calling, her she thus bespake:<br/>
-“Now doth thy faithful servant need thy aid<br/>
-And I commend him to thee.” At her word<br/>
-Sped Lucia, of all cruelty the foe,<br/>
-And coming to the place, where I abode<br/>
-Seated with Rachel, her of ancient days,<br/>
-She thus address’d me: “Thou true praise of God!<br/>
-Beatrice! why is not thy succour lent<br/>
-To him, who so much lov’d thee, as to leave<br/>
-For thy sake all the multitude admires?<br/>
-Dost thou not hear how pitiful his wail,<br/>
-Nor mark the death, which in the torrent flood,<br/>
-Swoln mightier than a sea, him struggling holds?”<br/>
-Ne’er among men did any with such speed<br/>
-Haste to their profit, flee from their annoy,<br/>
-As when these words were spoken, I came here,<br/>
-Down from my blessed seat, trusting the force<br/>
-Of thy pure eloquence, which thee, and all<br/>
-Who well have mark’d it, into honour brings.”<br/>
-<br/>
-“When she had ended, her bright beaming eyes<br/>
-Tearful she turn’d aside; whereat I felt<br/>
-Redoubled zeal to serve thee. As she will’d,<br/>
-Thus am I come: I sav’d thee from the beast,<br/>
-Who thy near way across the goodly mount<br/>
-Prevented. What is this comes o’er thee then?<br/>
-Why, why dost thou hang back? why in thy breast<br/>
-Harbour vile fear? why hast not courage there<br/>
-And noble daring? Since three maids so blest<br/>
-Thy safety plan, e’en in the court of heaven;<br/>
-And so much certain good my words forebode.”<br/>
-<br/>
-As florets, by the frosty air of night<br/>
-Bent down and clos’d, when day has blanch’d their leaves,<br/>
-Rise all unfolded on their spiry stems;<br/>
-So was my fainting vigour new restor’d,<br/>
-And to my heart such kindly courage ran,<br/>
-That I as one undaunted soon replied:<br/>
-“O full of pity she, who undertook<br/>
-My succour! and thou kind who didst perform<br/>
-So soon her true behest! With such desire<br/>
-Thou hast dispos’d me to renew my voyage,<br/>
-That my first purpose fully is resum’d.<br/>
-Lead on: one only will is in us both.<br/>
-Thou art my guide, my master thou, and lord.”<br/>
-<br/>
-So spake I; and when he had onward mov’d,<br/>
+(Note: Beatrice. I use this word, as it is<br>
+pronounced in the Italian, as consisting of four<br>
+syllables, of which the third is a long one.) Revisited with joy. Love brought me thence,<br>
+Who prompts my speech. When in my Master’s sight<br>
+I stand, thy praise to him I oft will tell.”<br>
+<br>
+She then was silent, and I thus began:<br>
+“O Lady! by whose influence alone,<br>
+Mankind excels whatever is contain’d<br>
+Within that heaven which hath the smallest orb,<br>
+So thy command delights me, that to obey,<br>
+If it were done already, would seem late.<br>
+No need hast thou farther to speak thy will;<br>
+Yet tell the reason, why thou art not loth<br>
+To leave that ample space, where to return<br>
+Thou burnest, for this centre here beneath.”<br>
+<br>
+She then: “Since thou so deeply wouldst inquire,<br>
+I will instruct thee briefly, why no dread<br>
+Hinders my entrance here. Those things alone<br>
+Are to be fear’d, whence evil may proceed,<br>
+None else, for none are terrible beside.<br>
+I am so fram’d by God, thanks to his grace!<br>
+That any suff’rance of your misery<br>
+Touches me not, nor flame of that fierce fire<br>
+Assails me. In high heaven a blessed dame<br>
+Besides, who mourns with such effectual grief<br>
+That hindrance, which I send thee to remove,<br>
+That God’s stern judgment to her will inclines.”<br>
+To Lucia calling, her she thus bespake:<br>
+“Now doth thy faithful servant need thy aid<br>
+And I commend him to thee.” At her word<br>
+Sped Lucia, of all cruelty the foe,<br>
+And coming to the place, where I abode<br>
+Seated with Rachel, her of ancient days,<br>
+She thus address’d me: “Thou true praise of God!<br>
+Beatrice! why is not thy succour lent<br>
+To him, who so much lov’d thee, as to leave<br>
+For thy sake all the multitude admires?<br>
+Dost thou not hear how pitiful his wail,<br>
+Nor mark the death, which in the torrent flood,<br>
+Swoln mightier than a sea, him struggling holds?”<br>
+Ne’er among men did any with such speed<br>
+Haste to their profit, flee from their annoy,<br>
+As when these words were spoken, I came here,<br>
+Down from my blessed seat, trusting the force<br>
+Of thy pure eloquence, which thee, and all<br>
+Who well have mark’d it, into honour brings.”<br>
+<br>
+“When she had ended, her bright beaming eyes<br>
+Tearful she turn’d aside; whereat I felt<br>
+Redoubled zeal to serve thee. As she will’d,<br>
+Thus am I come: I sav’d thee from the beast,<br>
+Who thy near way across the goodly mount<br>
+Prevented. What is this comes o’er thee then?<br>
+Why, why dost thou hang back? why in thy breast<br>
+Harbour vile fear? why hast not courage there<br>
+And noble daring? Since three maids so blest<br>
+Thy safety plan, e’en in the court of heaven;<br>
+And so much certain good my words forebode.”<br>
+<br>
+As florets, by the frosty air of night<br>
+Bent down and clos’d, when day has blanch’d their leaves,<br>
+Rise all unfolded on their spiry stems;<br>
+So was my fainting vigour new restor’d,<br>
+And to my heart such kindly courage ran,<br>
+That I as one undaunted soon replied:<br>
+“O full of pity she, who undertook<br>
+My succour! and thou kind who didst perform<br>
+So soon her true behest! With such desire<br>
+Thou hast dispos’d me to renew my voyage,<br>
+That my first purpose fully is resum’d.<br>
+Lead on: one only will is in us both.<br>
+Thou art my guide, my master thou, and lord.”<br>
+<br>
+So spake I; and when he had onward mov’d,<br>
 I enter’d on the deep and woody way.
 </p>
 
@@ -883,171 +877,171 @@ I enter’d on the deep and woody way.
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoI.3"></a>CANTO III</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoI.3"></a>CANTO III</h2>
 
 <p>
-“Through me you pass into the city of woe:<br/>
-Through me you pass into eternal pain:<br/>
-Through me among the people lost for aye.<br/>
-Justice the founder of my fabric mov’d:<br/>
-To rear me was the task of power divine,<br/>
-Supremest wisdom, and primeval love.<br/>
-Before me things create were none, save things<br/>
+“Through me you pass into the city of woe:<br>
+Through me you pass into eternal pain:<br>
+Through me among the people lost for aye.<br>
+Justice the founder of my fabric mov’d:<br>
+To rear me was the task of power divine,<br>
+Supremest wisdom, and primeval love.<br>
+Before me things create were none, save things<br>
 Eternal, and eternal I endure.
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/03-027.jpg">
-<img alt="" width="600" height="469" src="images/03-027.jpg" /></a>
+<img alt="" src="images/03-027.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 469px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-“All hope abandon ye who enter here.”<br/>
-<br/>
-Such characters in colour dim I mark’d<br/>
-Over a portal’s lofty arch inscrib’d:<br/>
-Whereat I thus: “Master, these words import<br/>
-Hard meaning.” He as one prepar’d replied:<br/>
-“Here thou must all distrust behind thee leave;<br/>
-Here be vile fear extinguish’d. We are come<br/>
-Where I have told thee we shall see the souls<br/>
-To misery doom’d, who intellectual good<br/>
-Have lost.” And when his hand he had stretch’d forth<br/>
-To mine, with pleasant looks, whence I was cheer’d,<br/>
-Into that secret place he led me on.<br/>
-<br/>
-Here sighs with lamentations and loud moans<br/>
-Resounded through the air pierc’d by no star,<br/>
-That e’en I wept at entering. Various tongues,<br/>
-Horrible languages, outcries of woe,<br/>
-Accents of anger, voices deep and hoarse,<br/>
-With hands together smote that swell’d the sounds,<br/>
-Made up a tumult, that for ever whirls<br/>
-Round through that air with solid darkness stain’d,<br/>
-Like to the sand that in the whirlwind flies.<br/>
-<br/>
-I then, with error yet encompass’d, cried:<br/>
-“O master! What is this I hear? What race<br/>
-Are these, who seem so overcome with woe?”<br/>
-<br/>
-He thus to me: “This miserable fate<br/>
-Suffer the wretched souls of those, who liv’d<br/>
-Without or praise or blame, with that ill band<br/>
-Of angels mix’d, who nor rebellious prov’d<br/>
-Nor yet were true to God, but for themselves<br/>
-Were only. From his bounds Heaven drove them forth,<br/>
-Not to impair his lustre, nor the depth<br/>
-Of Hell receives them, lest th’ accursed tribe<br/>
-Should glory thence with exultation vain.”<br/>
-<br/>
-I then: “Master! what doth aggrieve them thus,<br/>
-That they lament so loud?” He straight replied:<br/>
-“That will I tell thee briefly. These of death<br/>
-No hope may entertain: and their blind life<br/>
-So meanly passes, that all other lots<br/>
-They envy. Fame of them the world hath none,<br/>
-Nor suffers; mercy and justice scorn them both.<br/>
-Speak not of them, but look, and pass them by.”<br/>
-<br/>
-And I, who straightway look’d, beheld a flag,<br/>
-Which whirling ran around so rapidly,<br/>
-That it no pause obtain’d: and following came<br/>
-Such a long train of spirits, I should ne’er<br/>
-Have thought, that death so many had despoil’d.<br/>
-<br/>
-When some of these I recogniz’d, I saw<br/>
-And knew the shade of him, who to base fear<br/>
-Yielding, abjur’d his high estate. Forthwith<br/>
-I understood for certain this the tribe<br/>
-Of those ill spirits both to God displeasing<br/>
-And to his foes. These wretches, who ne’er lived,<br/>
-Went on in nakedness, and sorely stung<br/>
-By wasps and hornets, which bedew’d their cheeks<br/>
-With blood, that mix’d with tears dropp’d to their feet,<br/>
-And by disgustful worms was gather’d there.<br/>
-<br/>
-Then looking farther onwards I beheld<br/>
-A throng upon the shore of a great stream:<br/>
-Whereat I thus: “Sir! grant me now to know<br/>
-Whom here we view, and whence impell’d they seem<br/>
-So eager to pass o’er, as I discern<br/>
-Through the blear light?” He thus to me in few:<br/>
-“This shalt thou know, soon as our steps arrive<br/>
-Beside the woeful tide of Acheron.”<br/>
-<br/>
-Then with eyes downward cast and fill’d with shame,<br/>
-Fearing my words offensive to his ear,<br/>
-Till we had reach’d the river, I from speech<br/>
-Abstain’d. And lo! toward us in a bark<br/>
+“All hope abandon ye who enter here.”<br>
+<br>
+Such characters in colour dim I mark’d<br>
+Over a portal’s lofty arch inscrib’d:<br>
+Whereat I thus: “Master, these words import<br>
+Hard meaning.” He as one prepar’d replied:<br>
+“Here thou must all distrust behind thee leave;<br>
+Here be vile fear extinguish’d. We are come<br>
+Where I have told thee we shall see the souls<br>
+To misery doom’d, who intellectual good<br>
+Have lost.” And when his hand he had stretch’d forth<br>
+To mine, with pleasant looks, whence I was cheer’d,<br>
+Into that secret place he led me on.<br>
+<br>
+Here sighs with lamentations and loud moans<br>
+Resounded through the air pierc’d by no star,<br>
+That e’en I wept at entering. Various tongues,<br>
+Horrible languages, outcries of woe,<br>
+Accents of anger, voices deep and hoarse,<br>
+With hands together smote that swell’d the sounds,<br>
+Made up a tumult, that for ever whirls<br>
+Round through that air with solid darkness stain’d,<br>
+Like to the sand that in the whirlwind flies.<br>
+<br>
+I then, with error yet encompass’d, cried:<br>
+“O master! What is this I hear? What race<br>
+Are these, who seem so overcome with woe?”<br>
+<br>
+He thus to me: “This miserable fate<br>
+Suffer the wretched souls of those, who liv’d<br>
+Without or praise or blame, with that ill band<br>
+Of angels mix’d, who nor rebellious prov’d<br>
+Nor yet were true to God, but for themselves<br>
+Were only. From his bounds Heaven drove them forth,<br>
+Not to impair his lustre, nor the depth<br>
+Of Hell receives them, lest th’ accursed tribe<br>
+Should glory thence with exultation vain.”<br>
+<br>
+I then: “Master! what doth aggrieve them thus,<br>
+That they lament so loud?” He straight replied:<br>
+“That will I tell thee briefly. These of death<br>
+No hope may entertain: and their blind life<br>
+So meanly passes, that all other lots<br>
+They envy. Fame of them the world hath none,<br>
+Nor suffers; mercy and justice scorn them both.<br>
+Speak not of them, but look, and pass them by.”<br>
+<br>
+And I, who straightway look’d, beheld a flag,<br>
+Which whirling ran around so rapidly,<br>
+That it no pause obtain’d: and following came<br>
+Such a long train of spirits, I should ne’er<br>
+Have thought, that death so many had despoil’d.<br>
+<br>
+When some of these I recogniz’d, I saw<br>
+And knew the shade of him, who to base fear<br>
+Yielding, abjur’d his high estate. Forthwith<br>
+I understood for certain this the tribe<br>
+Of those ill spirits both to God displeasing<br>
+And to his foes. These wretches, who ne’er lived,<br>
+Went on in nakedness, and sorely stung<br>
+By wasps and hornets, which bedew’d their cheeks<br>
+With blood, that mix’d with tears dropp’d to their feet,<br>
+And by disgustful worms was gather’d there.<br>
+<br>
+Then looking farther onwards I beheld<br>
+A throng upon the shore of a great stream:<br>
+Whereat I thus: “Sir! grant me now to know<br>
+Whom here we view, and whence impell’d they seem<br>
+So eager to pass o’er, as I discern<br>
+Through the blear light?” He thus to me in few:<br>
+“This shalt thou know, soon as our steps arrive<br>
+Beside the woeful tide of Acheron.”<br>
+<br>
+Then with eyes downward cast and fill’d with shame,<br>
+Fearing my words offensive to his ear,<br>
+Till we had reach’d the river, I from speech<br>
+Abstain’d. And lo! toward us in a bark<br>
 Comes on an old man hoary white with eld,
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/03-031.jpg">
-<img alt="" width="384" height="600" src="images/03-031.jpg" /></a>
+<img alt="" src="images/03-031.jpg" style="width: 384px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-Crying, “Woe to you wicked spirits! hope not<br/>
-Ever to see the sky again. I come<br/>
-To take you to the other shore across,<br/>
-Into eternal darkness, there to dwell<br/>
-In fierce heat and in ice. And thou, who there<br/>
-Standest, live spirit! get thee hence, and leave<br/>
-These who are dead.” But soon as he beheld<br/>
-I left them not, “By other way,” said he,<br/>
-“By other haven shalt thou come to shore,<br/>
-Not by this passage; thee a nimbler boat<br/>
-Must carry.” Then to him thus spake my guide:<br/>
-“Charon! thyself torment not: so ’t is will’d,<br/>
-Where will and power are one: ask thou no more.”<br/>
-<br/>
-Straightway in silence fell the shaggy cheeks<br/>
-Of him the boatman o’er the livid lake,<br/>
-Around whose eyes glar’d wheeling flames. Meanwhile<br/>
-Those spirits, faint and naked, color chang’d,<br/>
-And gnash’d their teeth, soon as the cruel words<br/>
-They heard. God and their parents they blasphem’d,<br/>
-The human kind, the place, the time, and seed<br/>
-That did engender them and give them birth.<br/>
-<br/>
-Then all together sorely wailing drew<br/>
-To the curs’d strand, that every man must pass<br/>
-Who fears not God. Charon, demoniac form,<br/>
-With eyes of burning coal, collects them all,<br/>
-Beck’ning, and each, that lingers, with his oar<br/>
-Strikes. As fall off the light autumnal leaves,<br/>
-One still another following, till the bough<br/>
+Crying, “Woe to you wicked spirits! hope not<br>
+Ever to see the sky again. I come<br>
+To take you to the other shore across,<br>
+Into eternal darkness, there to dwell<br>
+In fierce heat and in ice. And thou, who there<br>
+Standest, live spirit! get thee hence, and leave<br>
+These who are dead.” But soon as he beheld<br>
+I left them not, “By other way,” said he,<br>
+“By other haven shalt thou come to shore,<br>
+Not by this passage; thee a nimbler boat<br>
+Must carry.” Then to him thus spake my guide:<br>
+“Charon! thyself torment not: so ’t is will’d,<br>
+Where will and power are one: ask thou no more.”<br>
+<br>
+Straightway in silence fell the shaggy cheeks<br>
+Of him the boatman o’er the livid lake,<br>
+Around whose eyes glar’d wheeling flames. Meanwhile<br>
+Those spirits, faint and naked, color chang’d,<br>
+And gnash’d their teeth, soon as the cruel words<br>
+They heard. God and their parents they blasphem’d,<br>
+The human kind, the place, the time, and seed<br>
+That did engender them and give them birth.<br>
+<br>
+Then all together sorely wailing drew<br>
+To the curs’d strand, that every man must pass<br>
+Who fears not God. Charon, demoniac form,<br>
+With eyes of burning coal, collects them all,<br>
+Beck’ning, and each, that lingers, with his oar<br>
+Strikes. As fall off the light autumnal leaves,<br>
+One still another following, till the bough<br>
 Strews all its honours on the earth beneath;
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/03-035.jpg">
-<img alt="" width="600" height="485" src="images/03-035.jpg" /></a>
+<img alt="" src="images/03-035.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 485px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-E’en in like manner Adam’s evil brood<br/>
-Cast themselves one by one down from the shore,<br/>
-Each at a beck, as falcon at his call.<br/>
-<br/>
-Thus go they over through the umber’d wave,<br/>
-And ever they on the opposing bank<br/>
-Be landed, on this side another throng<br/>
-Still gathers. “Son,” thus spake the courteous guide,<br/>
-“Those, who die subject to the wrath of God,<br/>
-All here together come from every clime,<br/>
-And to o’erpass the river are not loth:<br/>
-For so heaven’s justice goads them on, that fear<br/>
-Is turn’d into desire. Hence ne’er hath past<br/>
-Good spirit. If of thee Charon complain,<br/>
-Now mayst thou know the import of his words.”<br/>
-<br/>
-This said, the gloomy region trembling shook<br/>
-So terribly, that yet with clammy dews<br/>
-Fear chills my brow. The sad earth gave a blast,<br/>
-That, lightening, shot forth a vermilion flame,<br/>
-Which all my senses conquer’d quite, and I<br/>
+E’en in like manner Adam’s evil brood<br>
+Cast themselves one by one down from the shore,<br>
+Each at a beck, as falcon at his call.<br>
+<br>
+Thus go they over through the umber’d wave,<br>
+And ever they on the opposing bank<br>
+Be landed, on this side another throng<br>
+Still gathers. “Son,” thus spake the courteous guide,<br>
+“Those, who die subject to the wrath of God,<br>
+All here together come from every clime,<br>
+And to o’erpass the river are not loth:<br>
+For so heaven’s justice goads them on, that fear<br>
+Is turn’d into desire. Hence ne’er hath past<br>
+Good spirit. If of thee Charon complain,<br>
+Now mayst thou know the import of his words.”<br>
+<br>
+This said, the gloomy region trembling shook<br>
+So terribly, that yet with clammy dews<br>
+Fear chills my brow. The sad earth gave a blast,<br>
+That, lightening, shot forth a vermilion flame,<br>
+Which all my senses conquer’d quite, and I<br>
 Down dropp’d, as one with sudden slumber seiz’d.
 </p>
 
@@ -1055,185 +1049,185 @@ Down dropp’d, as one with sudden slumber seiz’d.
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoI.4"></a>CANTO IV</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoI.4"></a>CANTO IV</h2>
 
 <p>
-Broke the deep slumber in my brain a crash<br/>
-Of heavy thunder, that I shook myself,<br/>
-As one by main force rous’d. Risen upright,<br/>
-My rested eyes I mov’d around, and search’d<br/>
-With fixed ken to know what place it was,<br/>
-Wherein I stood. For certain on the brink<br/>
-I found me of the lamentable vale,<br/>
-The dread abyss, that joins a thund’rous sound<br/>
-Of plaints innumerable. Dark and deep,<br/>
-And thick with clouds o’erspread, mine eye in vain<br/>
-Explor’d its bottom, nor could aught discern.<br/>
-<br/>
-“Now let us to the blind world there beneath<br/>
-Descend;” the bard began all pale of look:<br/>
-“I go the first, and thou shalt follow next.”<br/>
-<br/>
-Then I his alter’d hue perceiving, thus:<br/>
-“How may I speed, if thou yieldest to dread,<br/>
-Who still art wont to comfort me in doubt?”<br/>
-<br/>
-He then: “The anguish of that race below<br/>
-With pity stains my cheek, which thou for fear<br/>
-Mistakest. Let us on. Our length of way<br/>
-Urges to haste.” Onward, this said, he mov’d;<br/>
-And ent’ring led me with him on the bounds<br/>
-Of the first circle, that surrounds th’ abyss.<br/>
-Here, as mine ear could note, no plaint was heard<br/>
-Except of sighs, that made th’ eternal air<br/>
-Tremble, not caus’d by tortures, but from grief<br/>
-Felt by those multitudes, many and vast,<br/>
-Of men, women, and infants. Then to me<br/>
-The gentle guide: “Inquir’st thou not what spirits<br/>
-Are these, which thou beholdest? Ere thou pass<br/>
-Farther, I would thou know, that these of sin<br/>
-Were blameless; and if aught they merited,<br/>
-It profits not, since baptism was not theirs,<br/>
-The portal to thy faith. If they before<br/>
-The Gospel liv’d, they serv’d not God aright;<br/>
-And among such am I. For these defects,<br/>
+Broke the deep slumber in my brain a crash<br>
+Of heavy thunder, that I shook myself,<br>
+As one by main force rous’d. Risen upright,<br>
+My rested eyes I mov’d around, and search’d<br>
+With fixed ken to know what place it was,<br>
+Wherein I stood. For certain on the brink<br>
+I found me of the lamentable vale,<br>
+The dread abyss, that joins a thund’rous sound<br>
+Of plaints innumerable. Dark and deep,<br>
+And thick with clouds o’erspread, mine eye in vain<br>
+Explor’d its bottom, nor could aught discern.<br>
+<br>
+“Now let us to the blind world there beneath<br>
+Descend;” the bard began all pale of look:<br>
+“I go the first, and thou shalt follow next.”<br>
+<br>
+Then I his alter’d hue perceiving, thus:<br>
+“How may I speed, if thou yieldest to dread,<br>
+Who still art wont to comfort me in doubt?”<br>
+<br>
+He then: “The anguish of that race below<br>
+With pity stains my cheek, which thou for fear<br>
+Mistakest. Let us on. Our length of way<br>
+Urges to haste.” Onward, this said, he mov’d;<br>
+And ent’ring led me with him on the bounds<br>
+Of the first circle, that surrounds th’ abyss.<br>
+Here, as mine ear could note, no plaint was heard<br>
+Except of sighs, that made th’ eternal air<br>
+Tremble, not caus’d by tortures, but from grief<br>
+Felt by those multitudes, many and vast,<br>
+Of men, women, and infants. Then to me<br>
+The gentle guide: “Inquir’st thou not what spirits<br>
+Are these, which thou beholdest? Ere thou pass<br>
+Farther, I would thou know, that these of sin<br>
+Were blameless; and if aught they merited,<br>
+It profits not, since baptism was not theirs,<br>
+The portal to thy faith. If they before<br>
+The Gospel liv’d, they serv’d not God aright;<br>
+And among such am I. For these defects,<br>
 And for no other evil, we are lost;
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/04-039.jpg">
-<img alt="" width="600" height="477" src="images/04-039.jpg" /></a>
+<img alt="" src="images/04-039.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 477px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-“Only so far afflicted, that we live<br/>
-Desiring without hope.” So grief assail’d<br/>
-My heart at hearing this, for well I knew<br/>
-Suspended in that Limbo many a soul<br/>
-Of mighty worth. “O tell me, sire rever’d!<br/>
-Tell me, my master!” I began through wish<br/>
-Of full assurance in that holy faith,<br/>
-Which vanquishes all error; “say, did e’er<br/>
-Any, or through his own or other’s merit,<br/>
-Come forth from thence, whom afterward was blest?”<br/>
-<br/>
-Piercing the secret purport of my speech,<br/>
-He answer’d: “I was new to that estate,<br/>
-When I beheld a puissant one arrive<br/>
-Amongst us, with victorious trophy crown’d.<br/>
-He forth the shade of our first parent drew,<br/>
-Abel his child, and Noah righteous man,<br/>
-Of Moses lawgiver for faith approv’d,<br/>
-Of patriarch Abraham, and David king,<br/>
-Israel with his sire and with his sons,<br/>
-Nor without Rachel whom so hard he won,<br/>
-And others many more, whom he to bliss<br/>
-Exalted. Before these, be thou assur’d,<br/>
-No spirit of human kind was ever sav’d.”<br/>
-<br/>
-We, while he spake, ceas’d not our onward road,<br/>
-Still passing through the wood; for so I name<br/>
-Those spirits thick beset. We were not far<br/>
-On this side from the summit, when I kenn’d<br/>
-A flame, that o’er the darken’d hemisphere<br/>
-Prevailing shin’d. Yet we a little space<br/>
-Were distant, not so far but I in part<br/>
-Discover’d, that a tribe in honour high<br/>
-That place possess’d. “O thou, who every art<br/>
-And science valu’st! who are these, that boast<br/>
-Such honour, separate from all the rest?”<br/>
-<br/>
-He answer’d: “The renown of their great names<br/>
-That echoes through your world above, acquires<br/>
-Favour in heaven, which holds them thus advanc’d.”<br/>
-Meantime a voice I heard: “Honour the bard<br/>
-Sublime! his shade returns that left us late!”<br/>
-No sooner ceas’d the sound, than I beheld<br/>
-Four mighty spirits toward us bend their steps,<br/>
-Of semblance neither sorrowful nor glad.<br/>
-<br/>
-When thus my master kind began: “Mark him,<br/>
-Who in his right hand bears that falchion keen,<br/>
-The other three preceding, as their lord.<br/>
-This is that Homer, of all bards supreme:<br/>
-Flaccus the next in satire’s vein excelling;<br/>
-The third is Naso; Lucan is the last.<br/>
-Because they all that appellation own,<br/>
-With which the voice singly accosted me,<br/>
+“Only so far afflicted, that we live<br>
+Desiring without hope.” So grief assail’d<br>
+My heart at hearing this, for well I knew<br>
+Suspended in that Limbo many a soul<br>
+Of mighty worth. “O tell me, sire rever’d!<br>
+Tell me, my master!” I began through wish<br>
+Of full assurance in that holy faith,<br>
+Which vanquishes all error; “say, did e’er<br>
+Any, or through his own or other’s merit,<br>
+Come forth from thence, whom afterward was blest?”<br>
+<br>
+Piercing the secret purport of my speech,<br>
+He answer’d: “I was new to that estate,<br>
+When I beheld a puissant one arrive<br>
+Amongst us, with victorious trophy crown’d.<br>
+He forth the shade of our first parent drew,<br>
+Abel his child, and Noah righteous man,<br>
+Of Moses lawgiver for faith approv’d,<br>
+Of patriarch Abraham, and David king,<br>
+Israel with his sire and with his sons,<br>
+Nor without Rachel whom so hard he won,<br>
+And others many more, whom he to bliss<br>
+Exalted. Before these, be thou assur’d,<br>
+No spirit of human kind was ever sav’d.”<br>
+<br>
+We, while he spake, ceas’d not our onward road,<br>
+Still passing through the wood; for so I name<br>
+Those spirits thick beset. We were not far<br>
+On this side from the summit, when I kenn’d<br>
+A flame, that o’er the darken’d hemisphere<br>
+Prevailing shin’d. Yet we a little space<br>
+Were distant, not so far but I in part<br>
+Discover’d, that a tribe in honour high<br>
+That place possess’d. “O thou, who every art<br>
+And science valu’st! who are these, that boast<br>
+Such honour, separate from all the rest?”<br>
+<br>
+He answer’d: “The renown of their great names<br>
+That echoes through your world above, acquires<br>
+Favour in heaven, which holds them thus advanc’d.”<br>
+Meantime a voice I heard: “Honour the bard<br>
+Sublime! his shade returns that left us late!”<br>
+No sooner ceas’d the sound, than I beheld<br>
+Four mighty spirits toward us bend their steps,<br>
+Of semblance neither sorrowful nor glad.<br>
+<br>
+When thus my master kind began: “Mark him,<br>
+Who in his right hand bears that falchion keen,<br>
+The other three preceding, as their lord.<br>
+This is that Homer, of all bards supreme:<br>
+Flaccus the next in satire’s vein excelling;<br>
+The third is Naso; Lucan is the last.<br>
+Because they all that appellation own,<br>
+With which the voice singly accosted me,<br>
 Honouring they greet me thus, and well they judge.”
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/04-043.jpg">
-<img alt="" width="394" height="600" src="images/04-043.jpg" /></a>
+<img alt="" src="images/04-043.jpg" style="width: 394px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-So I beheld united the bright school<br/>
-Of him the monarch of sublimest song,<br/>
-That o’er the others like an eagle soars.<br/>
-When they together short discourse had held,<br/>
-They turn’d to me, with salutation kind<br/>
-Beck’ning me; at the which my master smil’d:<br/>
-Nor was this all; but greater honour still<br/>
-They gave me, for they made me of their tribe;<br/>
-And I was sixth amid so learn’d a band.<br/>
-<br/>
-Far as the luminous beacon on we pass’d<br/>
-Speaking of matters, then befitting well<br/>
-To speak, now fitter left untold. At foot<br/>
-Of a magnificent castle we arriv’d,<br/>
-Seven times with lofty walls begirt, and round<br/>
-Defended by a pleasant stream. O’er this<br/>
-As o’er dry land we pass’d. Next through seven gates<br/>
-I with those sages enter’d, and we came<br/>
-Into a mead with lively verdure fresh.<br/>
-<br/>
-There dwelt a race, who slow their eyes around<br/>
-Majestically mov’d, and in their port<br/>
-Bore eminent authority; they spake<br/>
-Seldom, but all their words were tuneful sweet.<br/>
-<br/>
-We to one side retir’d, into a place<br/>
-Open and bright and lofty, whence each one<br/>
-Stood manifest to view. Incontinent<br/>
-There on the green enamel of the plain<br/>
-Were shown me the great spirits, by whose sight<br/>
-I am exalted in my own esteem.<br/>
-<br/>
-Electra there I saw accompanied<br/>
-By many, among whom Hector I knew,<br/>
-Anchises’ pious son, and with hawk’s eye<br/>
-Caesar all arm’d, and by Camilla there<br/>
-Penthesilea. On the other side<br/>
-Old King Latinus, seated by his child<br/>
-Lavinia, and that Brutus I beheld,<br/>
-Who Tarquin chas’d, Lucretia, Cato’s wife<br/>
-Marcia, with Julia and Cornelia there;<br/>
-And sole apart retir’d, the Soldan fierce.<br/>
-<br/>
-Then when a little more I rais’d my brow,<br/>
-I spied the master of the sapient throng,<br/>
-Seated amid the philosophic train.<br/>
-Him all admire, all pay him rev’rence due.<br/>
-There Socrates and Plato both I mark’d,<br/>
-Nearest to him in rank; Democritus,<br/>
-Who sets the world at chance, Diogenes,<br/>
-With Heraclitus, and Empedocles,<br/>
-And Anaxagoras, and Thales sage,<br/>
-Zeno, and Dioscorides well read<br/>
-In nature’s secret lore. Orpheus I mark’d<br/>
-And Linus, Tully and moral Seneca,<br/>
-Euclid and Ptolemy, Hippocrates,<br/>
-Galenus, Avicen, and him who made<br/>
-That commentary vast, Averroes.<br/>
-<br/>
-Of all to speak at full were vain attempt;<br/>
-For my wide theme so urges, that ofttimes<br/>
-My words fall short of what bechanc’d. In two<br/>
-The six associates part. Another way<br/>
-My sage guide leads me, from that air serene,<br/>
-Into a climate ever vex’d with storms:<br/>
+So I beheld united the bright school<br>
+Of him the monarch of sublimest song,<br>
+That o’er the others like an eagle soars.<br>
+When they together short discourse had held,<br>
+They turn’d to me, with salutation kind<br>
+Beck’ning me; at the which my master smil’d:<br>
+Nor was this all; but greater honour still<br>
+They gave me, for they made me of their tribe;<br>
+And I was sixth amid so learn’d a band.<br>
+<br>
+Far as the luminous beacon on we pass’d<br>
+Speaking of matters, then befitting well<br>
+To speak, now fitter left untold. At foot<br>
+Of a magnificent castle we arriv’d,<br>
+Seven times with lofty walls begirt, and round<br>
+Defended by a pleasant stream. O’er this<br>
+As o’er dry land we pass’d. Next through seven gates<br>
+I with those sages enter’d, and we came<br>
+Into a mead with lively verdure fresh.<br>
+<br>
+There dwelt a race, who slow their eyes around<br>
+Majestically mov’d, and in their port<br>
+Bore eminent authority; they spake<br>
+Seldom, but all their words were tuneful sweet.<br>
+<br>
+We to one side retir’d, into a place<br>
+Open and bright and lofty, whence each one<br>
+Stood manifest to view. Incontinent<br>
+There on the green enamel of the plain<br>
+Were shown me the great spirits, by whose sight<br>
+I am exalted in my own esteem.<br>
+<br>
+Electra there I saw accompanied<br>
+By many, among whom Hector I knew,<br>
+Anchises’ pious son, and with hawk’s eye<br>
+Caesar all arm’d, and by Camilla there<br>
+Penthesilea. On the other side<br>
+Old King Latinus, seated by his child<br>
+Lavinia, and that Brutus I beheld,<br>
+Who Tarquin chas’d, Lucretia, Cato’s wife<br>
+Marcia, with Julia and Cornelia there;<br>
+And sole apart retir’d, the Soldan fierce.<br>
+<br>
+Then when a little more I rais’d my brow,<br>
+I spied the master of the sapient throng,<br>
+Seated amid the philosophic train.<br>
+Him all admire, all pay him rev’rence due.<br>
+There Socrates and Plato both I mark’d,<br>
+Nearest to him in rank; Democritus,<br>
+Who sets the world at chance, Diogenes,<br>
+With Heraclitus, and Empedocles,<br>
+And Anaxagoras, and Thales sage,<br>
+Zeno, and Dioscorides well read<br>
+In nature’s secret lore. Orpheus I mark’d<br>
+And Linus, Tully and moral Seneca,<br>
+Euclid and Ptolemy, Hippocrates,<br>
+Galenus, Avicen, and him who made<br>
+That commentary vast, Averroes.<br>
+<br>
+Of all to speak at full were vain attempt;<br>
+For my wide theme so urges, that ofttimes<br>
+My words fall short of what bechanc’d. In two<br>
+The six associates part. Another way<br>
+My sage guide leads me, from that air serene,<br>
+Into a climate ever vex’d with storms:<br>
 And to a part I come where no light shines.
 </p>
 
@@ -1241,346 +1235,346 @@ And to a part I come where no light shines.
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoI.5"></a>CANTO V</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoI.5"></a>CANTO V</h2>
 
 <p>
-From the first circle I descended thus<br/>
-Down to the second, which, a lesser space<br/>
-Embracing, so much more of grief contains<br/>
-Provoking bitter moans. There, Minos stands<br/>
-Grinning with ghastly feature: he, of all<br/>
+From the first circle I descended thus<br>
+Down to the second, which, a lesser space<br>
+Embracing, so much more of grief contains<br>
+Provoking bitter moans. There, Minos stands<br>
+Grinning with ghastly feature: he, of all<br>
 Who enter, strict examining the crimes,
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/05-047.jpg">
-<img alt="" width="600" height="476" src="images/05-047.jpg" /></a>
+<img alt="" src="images/05-047.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 476px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-Gives sentence, and dismisses them beneath,<br/>
-According as he foldeth him around:<br/>
-For when before him comes th’ ill fated soul,<br/>
-It all confesses; and that judge severe<br/>
-Of sins, considering what place in hell<br/>
-Suits the transgression, with his tail so oft<br/>
-Himself encircles, as degrees beneath<br/>
-He dooms it to descend. Before him stand<br/>
-Always a num’rous throng; and in his turn<br/>
-Each one to judgment passing, speaks, and hears<br/>
-His fate, thence downward to his dwelling hurl’d.<br/>
-<br/>
-“O thou! who to this residence of woe<br/>
-Approachest?” when he saw me coming, cried<br/>
-Minos, relinquishing his dread employ,<br/>
-“Look how thou enter here; beware in whom<br/>
-Thou place thy trust; let not the entrance broad<br/>
-Deceive thee to thy harm.” To him my guide:<br/>
-“Wherefore exclaimest? Hinder not his way<br/>
-By destiny appointed; so ’tis will’d<br/>
-Where will and power are one. Ask thou no more.”<br/>
-<br/>
-Now ’gin the rueful wailings to be heard.<br/>
-Now am I come where many a plaining voice<br/>
-Smites on mine ear. Into a place I came<br/>
-Where light was silent all. Bellowing there groan’d<br/>
-A noise as of a sea in tempest torn<br/>
-By warring winds. The stormy blast of hell<br/>
-With restless fury drives the spirits on<br/>
+Gives sentence, and dismisses them beneath,<br>
+According as he foldeth him around:<br>
+For when before him comes th’ ill fated soul,<br>
+It all confesses; and that judge severe<br>
+Of sins, considering what place in hell<br>
+Suits the transgression, with his tail so oft<br>
+Himself encircles, as degrees beneath<br>
+He dooms it to descend. Before him stand<br>
+Always a num’rous throng; and in his turn<br>
+Each one to judgment passing, speaks, and hears<br>
+His fate, thence downward to his dwelling hurl’d.<br>
+<br>
+“O thou! who to this residence of woe<br>
+Approachest?” when he saw me coming, cried<br>
+Minos, relinquishing his dread employ,<br>
+“Look how thou enter here; beware in whom<br>
+Thou place thy trust; let not the entrance broad<br>
+Deceive thee to thy harm.” To him my guide:<br>
+“Wherefore exclaimest? Hinder not his way<br>
+By destiny appointed; so ’tis will’d<br>
+Where will and power are one. Ask thou no more.”<br>
+<br>
+Now ’gin the rueful wailings to be heard.<br>
+Now am I come where many a plaining voice<br>
+Smites on mine ear. Into a place I came<br>
+Where light was silent all. Bellowing there groan’d<br>
+A noise as of a sea in tempest torn<br>
+By warring winds. The stormy blast of hell<br>
+With restless fury drives the spirits on<br>
 Whirl’d round and dash’d amain with sore annoy.
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/05-051.jpg">
-<img alt="" width="398" height="600" src="images/05-051.jpg" /></a>
+<img alt="" src="images/05-051.jpg" style="width: 398px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-When they arrive before the ruinous sweep,<br/>
-There shrieks are heard, there lamentations, moans,<br/>
-And blasphemies ’gainst the good Power in heaven.<br/>
-<br/>
-I understood that to this torment sad<br/>
-The carnal sinners are condemn’d, in whom<br/>
-Reason by lust is sway’d. As in large troops<br/>
-And multitudinous, when winter reigns,<br/>
-The starlings on their wings are borne abroad;<br/>
-So bears the tyrannous gust those evil souls.<br/>
-On this side and on that, above, below,<br/>
-It drives them: hope of rest to solace them<br/>
-Is none, nor e’en of milder pang. As cranes,<br/>
-Chanting their dol’rous notes, traverse the sky,<br/>
-Stretch’d out in long array: so I beheld<br/>
-Spirits, who came loud wailing, hurried on<br/>
-By their dire doom. Then I: “Instructor! who<br/>
-Are these, by the black air so scourg’d?”&mdash;“The first<br/>
-’Mong those, of whom thou question’st,” he replied,<br/>
-“O’er many tongues was empress. She in vice<br/>
-Of luxury was so shameless, that she made<br/>
-Liking be lawful by promulg’d decree,<br/>
-To clear the blame she had herself incurr’d.<br/>
-This is Semiramis, of whom ’tis writ,<br/>
-That she succeeded Ninus her espous’d;<br/>
-And held the land, which now the Soldan rules.<br/>
-The next in amorous fury slew herself,<br/>
-And to Sicheus’ ashes broke her faith:<br/>
-Then follows Cleopatra, lustful queen.”<br/>
-<br/>
-There mark’d I Helen, for whose sake so long<br/>
-The time was fraught with evil; there the great<br/>
-Achilles, who with love fought to the end.<br/>
-Paris I saw, and Tristan; and beside<br/>
-A thousand more he show’d me, and by name<br/>
-Pointed them out, whom love bereav’d of life.<br/>
-<br/>
-When I had heard my sage instructor name<br/>
-Those dames and knights of antique days, o’erpower’d<br/>
-By pity, well-nigh in amaze my mind<br/>
-Was lost; and I began: “Bard! willingly<br/>
-I would address those two together coming,<br/>
-Which seem so light before the wind.” He thus:<br/>
+When they arrive before the ruinous sweep,<br>
+There shrieks are heard, there lamentations, moans,<br>
+And blasphemies ’gainst the good Power in heaven.<br>
+<br>
+I understood that to this torment sad<br>
+The carnal sinners are condemn’d, in whom<br>
+Reason by lust is sway’d. As in large troops<br>
+And multitudinous, when winter reigns,<br>
+The starlings on their wings are borne abroad;<br>
+So bears the tyrannous gust those evil souls.<br>
+On this side and on that, above, below,<br>
+It drives them: hope of rest to solace them<br>
+Is none, nor e’en of milder pang. As cranes,<br>
+Chanting their dol’rous notes, traverse the sky,<br>
+Stretch’d out in long array: so I beheld<br>
+Spirits, who came loud wailing, hurried on<br>
+By their dire doom. Then I: “Instructor! who<br>
+Are these, by the black air so scourg’d?”&mdash;“The first<br>
+’Mong those, of whom thou question’st,” he replied,<br>
+“O’er many tongues was empress. She in vice<br>
+Of luxury was so shameless, that she made<br>
+Liking be lawful by promulg’d decree,<br>
+To clear the blame she had herself incurr’d.<br>
+This is Semiramis, of whom ’tis writ,<br>
+That she succeeded Ninus her espous’d;<br>
+And held the land, which now the Soldan rules.<br>
+The next in amorous fury slew herself,<br>
+And to Sicheus’ ashes broke her faith:<br>
+Then follows Cleopatra, lustful queen.”<br>
+<br>
+There mark’d I Helen, for whose sake so long<br>
+The time was fraught with evil; there the great<br>
+Achilles, who with love fought to the end.<br>
+Paris I saw, and Tristan; and beside<br>
+A thousand more he show’d me, and by name<br>
+Pointed them out, whom love bereav’d of life.<br>
+<br>
+When I had heard my sage instructor name<br>
+Those dames and knights of antique days, o’erpower’d<br>
+By pity, well-nigh in amaze my mind<br>
+Was lost; and I began: “Bard! willingly<br>
+I would address those two together coming,<br>
+Which seem so light before the wind.” He thus:<br>
 “Note thou, when nearer they to us approach.
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/05-053.jpg">
-<img alt="" width="390" height="600" src="images/05-053.jpg" /></a>
+<img alt="" src="images/05-053.jpg" style="width: 390px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-“Then by that love which carries them along,<br/>
-Entreat; and they will come.” Soon as the wind<br/>
-Sway’d them toward us, I thus fram’d my speech:<br/>
-“O wearied spirits! come, and hold discourse<br/>
-With us, if by none else restrain’d.” As doves<br/>
-By fond desire invited, on wide wings<br/>
-And firm, to their sweet nest returning home,<br/>
-Cleave the air, wafted by their will along;<br/>
-Thus issu’d from that troop, where Dido ranks,<br/>
-They through the ill air speeding; with such force<br/>
-My cry prevail’d by strong affection urg’d.<br/>
-<br/>
-“O gracious creature and benign! who go’st<br/>
-Visiting, through this element obscure,<br/>
-Us, who the world with bloody stain imbru’d;<br/>
-If for a friend the King of all we own’d,<br/>
-Our pray’r to him should for thy peace arise,<br/>
-Since thou hast pity on our evil plight.<br/>
-Of whatsoe’er to hear or to discourse<br/>
-It pleases thee, that will we hear, of that<br/>
-Freely with thee discourse, while e’er the wind,<br/>
-As now, is mute. The land, that gave me birth,<br/>
-Is situate on the coast, where Po descends<br/>
-To rest in ocean with his sequent streams.<br/>
-<br/>
-“Love, that in gentle heart is quickly learnt,<br/>
-Entangled him by that fair form, from me<br/>
-Ta’en in such cruel sort, as grieves me still:<br/>
-Love, that denial takes from none belov’d,<br/>
-Caught me with pleasing him so passing well,<br/>
+“Then by that love which carries them along,<br>
+Entreat; and they will come.” Soon as the wind<br>
+Sway’d them toward us, I thus fram’d my speech:<br>
+“O wearied spirits! come, and hold discourse<br>
+With us, if by none else restrain’d.” As doves<br>
+By fond desire invited, on wide wings<br>
+And firm, to their sweet nest returning home,<br>
+Cleave the air, wafted by their will along;<br>
+Thus issu’d from that troop, where Dido ranks,<br>
+They through the ill air speeding; with such force<br>
+My cry prevail’d by strong affection urg’d.<br>
+<br>
+“O gracious creature and benign! who go’st<br>
+Visiting, through this element obscure,<br>
+Us, who the world with bloody stain imbru’d;<br>
+If for a friend the King of all we own’d,<br>
+Our pray’r to him should for thy peace arise,<br>
+Since thou hast pity on our evil plight.<br>
+Of whatsoe’er to hear or to discourse<br>
+It pleases thee, that will we hear, of that<br>
+Freely with thee discourse, while e’er the wind,<br>
+As now, is mute. The land, that gave me birth,<br>
+Is situate on the coast, where Po descends<br>
+To rest in ocean with his sequent streams.<br>
+<br>
+“Love, that in gentle heart is quickly learnt,<br>
+Entangled him by that fair form, from me<br>
+Ta’en in such cruel sort, as grieves me still:<br>
+Love, that denial takes from none belov’d,<br>
+Caught me with pleasing him so passing well,<br>
 That, as thou see’st, he yet deserts me not.
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/05-057.jpg">
-<img alt="" width="600" height="491" src="images/05-057.jpg" /></a>
+<img alt="" src="images/05-057.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 491px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-“Love brought us to one death: Caina waits<br/>
-The soul, who spilt our life.” Such were their words;<br/>
-At hearing which downward I bent my looks,<br/>
-And held them there so long, that the bard cried:<br/>
-“What art thou pond’ring?” I in answer thus:<br/>
-“Alas! by what sweet thoughts, what fond desire<br/>
-Must they at length to that ill pass have reach’d!”<br/>
-<br/>
-Then turning, I to them my speech address’d.<br/>
-And thus began: “Francesca! your sad fate<br/>
-Even to tears my grief and pity moves.<br/>
-But tell me; in the time of your sweet sighs,<br/>
-By what, and how love granted, that ye knew<br/>
-Your yet uncertain wishes?” She replied:<br/>
-“No greater grief than to remember days<br/>
-Of joy, when mis’ry is at hand! That kens<br/>
-Thy learn’d instructor. Yet so eagerly<br/>
-If thou art bent to know the primal root,<br/>
-From whence our love gat being, I will do,<br/>
-As one, who weeps and tells his tale. One day<br/>
-For our delight we read of Lancelot,<br/>
-How him love thrall’d. Alone we were, and no<br/>
-Suspicion near us. Ofttimes by that reading<br/>
-Our eyes were drawn together, and the hue<br/>
-Fled from our alter’d cheek. But at one point<br/>
-Alone we fell. When of that smile we read,<br/>
-The wished smile, rapturously kiss’d<br/>
-By one so deep in love, then he, who ne’er<br/>
-From me shall separate, at once my lips<br/>
-All trembling kiss’d. The book and writer both<br/>
-Were love’s purveyors. In its leaves that day<br/>
-We read no more.” While thus one spirit spake,<br/>
-The other wail’d so sorely, that heartstruck<br/>
-I through compassion fainting, seem’d not far<br/>
+“Love brought us to one death: Caina waits<br>
+The soul, who spilt our life.” Such were their words;<br>
+At hearing which downward I bent my looks,<br>
+And held them there so long, that the bard cried:<br>
+“What art thou pond’ring?” I in answer thus:<br>
+“Alas! by what sweet thoughts, what fond desire<br>
+Must they at length to that ill pass have reach’d!”<br>
+<br>
+Then turning, I to them my speech address’d.<br>
+And thus began: “Francesca! your sad fate<br>
+Even to tears my grief and pity moves.<br>
+But tell me; in the time of your sweet sighs,<br>
+By what, and how love granted, that ye knew<br>
+Your yet uncertain wishes?” She replied:<br>
+“No greater grief than to remember days<br>
+Of joy, when mis’ry is at hand! That kens<br>
+Thy learn’d instructor. Yet so eagerly<br>
+If thou art bent to know the primal root,<br>
+From whence our love gat being, I will do,<br>
+As one, who weeps and tells his tale. One day<br>
+For our delight we read of Lancelot,<br>
+How him love thrall’d. Alone we were, and no<br>
+Suspicion near us. Ofttimes by that reading<br>
+Our eyes were drawn together, and the hue<br>
+Fled from our alter’d cheek. But at one point<br>
+Alone we fell. When of that smile we read,<br>
+The wished smile, rapturously kiss’d<br>
+By one so deep in love, then he, who ne’er<br>
+From me shall separate, at once my lips<br>
+All trembling kiss’d. The book and writer both<br>
+Were love’s purveyors. In its leaves that day<br>
+We read no more.” While thus one spirit spake,<br>
+The other wail’d so sorely, that heartstruck<br>
+I through compassion fainting, seem’d not far<br>
 From death, and like a corpse fell to the ground.
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/05-061.jpg">
-<img alt="" width="396" height="600" src="images/05-061.jpg" /></a>
+<img alt="" src="images/05-061.jpg" style="width: 396px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/05-063.jpg">
-<img alt="" width="393" height="600" src="images/05-063.jpg" /></a>
+<img alt="" src="images/05-063.jpg" style="width: 393px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 </div><!--end chapter-->
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoI.6"></a>CANTO VI</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoI.6"></a>CANTO VI</h2>
 
 <p>
-My sense reviving, that erewhile had droop’d<br/>
-With pity for the kindred shades, whence grief<br/>
-O’ercame me wholly, straight around I see<br/>
-New torments, new tormented souls, which way<br/>
-Soe’er I move, or turn, or bend my sight.<br/>
-In the third circle I arrive, of show’rs<br/>
-Ceaseless, accursed, heavy, and cold, unchang’d<br/>
-For ever, both in kind and in degree.<br/>
-Large hail, discolour’d water, sleety flaw<br/>
-Through the dun midnight air stream’d down amain:<br/>
-Stank all the land whereon that tempest fell.<br/>
-<br/>
-Cerberus, cruel monster, fierce and strange,<br/>
-Through his wide threefold throat barks as a dog<br/>
-Over the multitude immers’d beneath.<br/>
-His eyes glare crimson, black his unctuous beard,<br/>
-His belly large, and claw’d the hands, with which<br/>
-He tears the spirits, flays them, and their limbs<br/>
-Piecemeal disparts. Howling there spread, as curs,<br/>
-Under the rainy deluge, with one side<br/>
-The other screening, oft they roll them round,<br/>
-A wretched, godless crew. When that great worm<br/>
-Descried us, savage Cerberus, he op’d<br/>
-His jaws, and the fangs show’d us; not a limb<br/>
-Of him but trembled. Then my guide, his palms<br/>
-Expanding on the ground, thence filled with earth<br/>
+My sense reviving, that erewhile had droop’d<br>
+With pity for the kindred shades, whence grief<br>
+O’ercame me wholly, straight around I see<br>
+New torments, new tormented souls, which way<br>
+Soe’er I move, or turn, or bend my sight.<br>
+In the third circle I arrive, of show’rs<br>
+Ceaseless, accursed, heavy, and cold, unchang’d<br>
+For ever, both in kind and in degree.<br>
+Large hail, discolour’d water, sleety flaw<br>
+Through the dun midnight air stream’d down amain:<br>
+Stank all the land whereon that tempest fell.<br>
+<br>
+Cerberus, cruel monster, fierce and strange,<br>
+Through his wide threefold throat barks as a dog<br>
+Over the multitude immers’d beneath.<br>
+His eyes glare crimson, black his unctuous beard,<br>
+His belly large, and claw’d the hands, with which<br>
+He tears the spirits, flays them, and their limbs<br>
+Piecemeal disparts. Howling there spread, as curs,<br>
+Under the rainy deluge, with one side<br>
+The other screening, oft they roll them round,<br>
+A wretched, godless crew. When that great worm<br>
+Descried us, savage Cerberus, he op’d<br>
+His jaws, and the fangs show’d us; not a limb<br>
+Of him but trembled. Then my guide, his palms<br>
+Expanding on the ground, thence filled with earth<br>
 Rais’d them, and cast it in his ravenous maw.
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/06-067.jpg">
-<img alt="" width="600" height="486" src="images/06-067.jpg" /></a>
+<img alt="" src="images/06-067.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 486px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-E’en as a dog, that yelling bays for food<br/>
-His keeper, when the morsel comes, lets fall<br/>
-His fury, bent alone with eager haste<br/>
-To swallow it; so dropp’d the loathsome cheeks<br/>
-Of demon Cerberus, who thund’ring stuns<br/>
-The spirits, that they for deafness wish in vain.<br/>
-<br/>
-We, o’er the shades thrown prostrate by the brunt<br/>
-Of the heavy tempest passing, set our feet<br/>
-Upon their emptiness, that substance seem’d.<br/>
-<br/>
-They all along the earth extended lay<br/>
-Save one, that sudden rais’d himself to sit,<br/>
-Soon as that way he saw us pass. “O thou!”<br/>
-He cried, “who through the infernal shades art led,<br/>
-Own, if again thou know’st me. Thou wast fram’d<br/>
-Or ere my frame was broken.” I replied:<br/>
-“The anguish thou endur’st perchance so takes<br/>
-Thy form from my remembrance, that it seems<br/>
-As if I saw thee never. But inform<br/>
-Me who thou art, that in a place so sad<br/>
-Art set, and in such torment, that although<br/>
-Other be greater, more disgustful none<br/>
+E’en as a dog, that yelling bays for food<br>
+His keeper, when the morsel comes, lets fall<br>
+His fury, bent alone with eager haste<br>
+To swallow it; so dropp’d the loathsome cheeks<br>
+Of demon Cerberus, who thund’ring stuns<br>
+The spirits, that they for deafness wish in vain.<br>
+<br>
+We, o’er the shades thrown prostrate by the brunt<br>
+Of the heavy tempest passing, set our feet<br>
+Upon their emptiness, that substance seem’d.<br>
+<br>
+They all along the earth extended lay<br>
+Save one, that sudden rais’d himself to sit,<br>
+Soon as that way he saw us pass. “O thou!”<br>
+He cried, “who through the infernal shades art led,<br>
+Own, if again thou know’st me. Thou wast fram’d<br>
+Or ere my frame was broken.” I replied:<br>
+“The anguish thou endur’st perchance so takes<br>
+Thy form from my remembrance, that it seems<br>
+As if I saw thee never. But inform<br>
+Me who thou art, that in a place so sad<br>
+Art set, and in such torment, that although<br>
+Other be greater, more disgustful none<br>
 Can be imagin’d.” He in answer thus:
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/06-069.jpg">
-<img alt="" width="600" height="504" src="images/06-069.jpg" /></a>
+<img alt="" src="images/06-069.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 504px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-“Thy city heap’d with envy to the brim,<br/>
-Ay that the measure overflows its bounds,<br/>
-Held me in brighter days. Ye citizens<br/>
-Were wont to name me Ciacco. For the sin<br/>
-Of glutt’ny, damned vice, beneath this rain,<br/>
-E’en as thou see’st, I with fatigue am worn;<br/>
-Nor I sole spirit in this woe: all these<br/>
-Have by like crime incurr’d like punishment.”<br/>
-<br/>
-No more he said, and I my speech resum’d:<br/>
-“Ciacco! thy dire affliction grieves me much,<br/>
-Even to tears. But tell me, if thou know’st,<br/>
-What shall at length befall the citizens<br/>
-Of the divided city; whether any just one<br/>
-Inhabit there: and tell me of the cause,<br/>
-Whence jarring discord hath assail’d it thus?”<br/>
-<br/>
-He then: “After long striving they will come<br/>
-To blood; and the wild party from the woods<br/>
-Will chase the other with much injury forth.<br/>
-Then it behoves, that this must fall, within<br/>
-Three solar circles; and the other rise<br/>
-By borrow’d force of one, who under shore<br/>
-Now rests. It shall a long space hold aloof<br/>
-Its forehead, keeping under heavy weight<br/>
-The other oppress’d, indignant at the load,<br/>
-And grieving sore. The just are two in number,<br/>
-But they neglected. Av’rice, envy, pride,<br/>
-Three fatal sparks, have set the hearts of all<br/>
-On fire.” Here ceas’d the lamentable sound;<br/>
-And I continu’d thus: “Still would I learn<br/>
-More from thee, farther parley still entreat.<br/>
-Of Farinata and Tegghiaio say,<br/>
-They who so well deserv’d, of Giacopo,<br/>
-Arrigo, Mosca, and the rest, who bent<br/>
-Their minds on working good. Oh! tell me where<br/>
-They bide, and to their knowledge let me come.<br/>
-For I am press’d with keen desire to hear,<br/>
-If heaven’s sweet cup or poisonous drug of hell<br/>
-Be to their lip assign’d.” He answer’d straight:<br/>
-“These are yet blacker spirits. Various crimes<br/>
-Have sunk them deeper in the dark abyss.<br/>
-If thou so far descendest, thou mayst see them.<br/>
-But to the pleasant world when thou return’st,<br/>
-Of me make mention, I entreat thee, there.<br/>
-No more I tell thee, answer thee no more.”<br/>
-<br/>
-This said, his fixed eyes he turn’d askance,<br/>
-A little ey’d me, then bent down his head,<br/>
-And ’midst his blind companions with it fell.<br/>
-<br/>
-When thus my guide: “No more his bed he leaves,<br/>
-Ere the last angel-trumpet blow. The Power<br/>
-Adverse to these shall then in glory come,<br/>
-Each one forthwith to his sad tomb repair,<br/>
-Resume his fleshly vesture and his form,<br/>
-And hear the eternal doom re-echoing rend<br/>
-The vault.” So pass’d we through that mixture foul<br/>
-Of spirits and rain, with tardy steps; meanwhile<br/>
-Touching, though slightly, on the life to come.<br/>
-For thus I question’d: “Shall these tortures, Sir!<br/>
-When the great sentence passes, be increas’d,<br/>
-Or mitigated, or as now severe?”<br/>
-<br/>
-He then: “Consult thy knowledge; that decides<br/>
-That as each thing to more perfection grows,<br/>
-It feels more sensibly both good and pain.<br/>
-Though ne’er to true perfection may arrive<br/>
-This race accurs’d, yet nearer then than now<br/>
-They shall approach it.” Compassing that path<br/>
-Circuitous we journeyed, and discourse<br/>
-Much more than I relate between us pass’d:<br/>
-Till at the point, where the steps led below,<br/>
+“Thy city heap’d with envy to the brim,<br>
+Ay that the measure overflows its bounds,<br>
+Held me in brighter days. Ye citizens<br>
+Were wont to name me Ciacco. For the sin<br>
+Of glutt’ny, damned vice, beneath this rain,<br>
+E’en as thou see’st, I with fatigue am worn;<br>
+Nor I sole spirit in this woe: all these<br>
+Have by like crime incurr’d like punishment.”<br>
+<br>
+No more he said, and I my speech resum’d:<br>
+“Ciacco! thy dire affliction grieves me much,<br>
+Even to tears. But tell me, if thou know’st,<br>
+What shall at length befall the citizens<br>
+Of the divided city; whether any just one<br>
+Inhabit there: and tell me of the cause,<br>
+Whence jarring discord hath assail’d it thus?”<br>
+<br>
+He then: “After long striving they will come<br>
+To blood; and the wild party from the woods<br>
+Will chase the other with much injury forth.<br>
+Then it behoves, that this must fall, within<br>
+Three solar circles; and the other rise<br>
+By borrow’d force of one, who under shore<br>
+Now rests. It shall a long space hold aloof<br>
+Its forehead, keeping under heavy weight<br>
+The other oppress’d, indignant at the load,<br>
+And grieving sore. The just are two in number,<br>
+But they neglected. Av’rice, envy, pride,<br>
+Three fatal sparks, have set the hearts of all<br>
+On fire.” Here ceas’d the lamentable sound;<br>
+And I continu’d thus: “Still would I learn<br>
+More from thee, farther parley still entreat.<br>
+Of Farinata and Tegghiaio say,<br>
+They who so well deserv’d, of Giacopo,<br>
+Arrigo, Mosca, and the rest, who bent<br>
+Their minds on working good. Oh! tell me where<br>
+They bide, and to their knowledge let me come.<br>
+For I am press’d with keen desire to hear,<br>
+If heaven’s sweet cup or poisonous drug of hell<br>
+Be to their lip assign’d.” He answer’d straight:<br>
+“These are yet blacker spirits. Various crimes<br>
+Have sunk them deeper in the dark abyss.<br>
+If thou so far descendest, thou mayst see them.<br>
+But to the pleasant world when thou return’st,<br>
+Of me make mention, I entreat thee, there.<br>
+No more I tell thee, answer thee no more.”<br>
+<br>
+This said, his fixed eyes he turn’d askance,<br>
+A little ey’d me, then bent down his head,<br>
+And ’midst his blind companions with it fell.<br>
+<br>
+When thus my guide: “No more his bed he leaves,<br>
+Ere the last angel-trumpet blow. The Power<br>
+Adverse to these shall then in glory come,<br>
+Each one forthwith to his sad tomb repair,<br>
+Resume his fleshly vesture and his form,<br>
+And hear the eternal doom re-echoing rend<br>
+The vault.” So pass’d we through that mixture foul<br>
+Of spirits and rain, with tardy steps; meanwhile<br>
+Touching, though slightly, on the life to come.<br>
+For thus I question’d: “Shall these tortures, Sir!<br>
+When the great sentence passes, be increas’d,<br>
+Or mitigated, or as now severe?”<br>
+<br>
+He then: “Consult thy knowledge; that decides<br>
+That as each thing to more perfection grows,<br>
+It feels more sensibly both good and pain.<br>
+Though ne’er to true perfection may arrive<br>
+This race accurs’d, yet nearer then than now<br>
+They shall approach it.” Compassing that path<br>
+Circuitous we journeyed, and discourse<br>
+Much more than I relate between us pass’d:<br>
+Till at the point, where the steps led below,<br>
 Arriv’d, there Plutus, the great foe, we found.
 </p>
 
@@ -1588,172 +1582,172 @@ Arriv’d, there Plutus, the great foe, we found.
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoI.7"></a>CANTO VII</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoI.7"></a>CANTO VII</h2>
 
 <p>
-“Ah me! O Satan! Satan!” loud exclaim’d<br/>
-Plutus, in accent hoarse of wild alarm:<br/>
-And the kind sage, whom no event surpris’d,<br/>
-To comfort me thus spake: “Let not thy fear<br/>
-Harm thee, for power in him, be sure, is none<br/>
-To hinder down this rock thy safe descent.”<br/>
+“Ah me! O Satan! Satan!” loud exclaim’d<br>
+Plutus, in accent hoarse of wild alarm:<br>
+And the kind sage, whom no event surpris’d,<br>
+To comfort me thus spake: “Let not thy fear<br>
+Harm thee, for power in him, be sure, is none<br>
+To hinder down this rock thy safe descent.”<br>
 Then to that sworn lip turning, “Peace!” he cried,
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/07-075.jpg">
-<img alt="" width="600" height="476" src="images/07-075.jpg" /></a>
+<img alt="" src="images/07-075.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 476px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-“Curs’d wolf! thy fury inward on thyself<br/>
-Prey, and consume thee! Through the dark profound<br/>
-Not without cause he passes. So ’t is will’d<br/>
-On high, there where the great Archangel pour’d<br/>
-Heav’n’s vengeance on the first adulterer proud.”<br/>
-<br/>
-As sails full spread and bellying with the wind<br/>
-Drop suddenly collaps’d, if the mast split;<br/>
-So to the ground down dropp’d the cruel fiend.<br/>
-<br/>
-Thus we, descending to the fourth steep ledge,<br/>
-Gain’d on the dismal shore, that all the woe<br/>
-Hems in of all the universe. Ah me!<br/>
-Almighty Justice! in what store thou heap’st<br/>
-New pains, new troubles, as I here beheld!<br/>
-Wherefore doth fault of ours bring us to this?<br/>
-<br/>
-E’en as a billow, on Charybdis rising,<br/>
-Against encounter’d billow dashing breaks;<br/>
-Such is the dance this wretched race must lead,<br/>
-Whom more than elsewhere numerous here I found,<br/>
-From one side and the other, with loud voice,<br/>
-Both roll’d on weights by main forge of their breasts,<br/>
-Then smote together, and each one forthwith<br/>
-Roll’d them back voluble, turning again,<br/>
-Exclaiming these, “Why holdest thou so fast?”<br/>
-Those answering, “And why castest thou away?”<br/>
-So still repeating their despiteful song,<br/>
-They to the opposite point on either hand<br/>
-Travers’d the horrid circle: then arriv’d,<br/>
-Both turn’d them round, and through the middle space<br/>
-Conflicting met again. At sight whereof<br/>
-I, stung with grief, thus spake: “O say, my guide!<br/>
-What race is this? Were these, whose heads are shorn,<br/>
-On our left hand, all sep’rate to the church?”<br/>
-<br/>
-He straight replied: “In their first life these all<br/>
-In mind were so distorted, that they made,<br/>
-According to due measure, of their wealth,<br/>
-No use. This clearly from their words collect,<br/>
-Which they howl forth, at each extremity<br/>
-Arriving of the circle, where their crime<br/>
-Contrary in kind disparts them. To the church<br/>
-Were separate those, that with no hairy cowls<br/>
-Are crown’d, both Popes and Cardinals, o’er whom<br/>
-Av’rice dominion absolute maintains.”<br/>
-<br/>
-I then: “Mid such as these some needs must be,<br/>
-Whom I shall recognize, that with the blot<br/>
-Of these foul sins were stain’d.” He answering thus:<br/>
-“Vain thought conceiv’st thou. That ignoble life,<br/>
-Which made them vile before, now makes them dark,<br/>
-And to all knowledge indiscernible.<br/>
-Forever they shall meet in this rude shock:<br/>
-These from the tomb with clenched grasp shall rise,<br/>
-Those with close-shaven locks. That ill they gave,<br/>
-And ill they kept, hath of the beauteous world<br/>
-Depriv’d, and set them at this strife, which needs<br/>
-No labour’d phrase of mine to set it off.<br/>
-Now may’st thou see, my son! how brief, how vain,<br/>
-The goods committed into fortune’s hands,<br/>
-For which the human race keep such a coil!<br/>
-Not all the gold, that is beneath the moon,<br/>
-Or ever hath been, of these toil-worn souls<br/>
+“Curs’d wolf! thy fury inward on thyself<br>
+Prey, and consume thee! Through the dark profound<br>
+Not without cause he passes. So ’t is will’d<br>
+On high, there where the great Archangel pour’d<br>
+Heav’n’s vengeance on the first adulterer proud.”<br>
+<br>
+As sails full spread and bellying with the wind<br>
+Drop suddenly collaps’d, if the mast split;<br>
+So to the ground down dropp’d the cruel fiend.<br>
+<br>
+Thus we, descending to the fourth steep ledge,<br>
+Gain’d on the dismal shore, that all the woe<br>
+Hems in of all the universe. Ah me!<br>
+Almighty Justice! in what store thou heap’st<br>
+New pains, new troubles, as I here beheld!<br>
+Wherefore doth fault of ours bring us to this?<br>
+<br>
+E’en as a billow, on Charybdis rising,<br>
+Against encounter’d billow dashing breaks;<br>
+Such is the dance this wretched race must lead,<br>
+Whom more than elsewhere numerous here I found,<br>
+From one side and the other, with loud voice,<br>
+Both roll’d on weights by main forge of their breasts,<br>
+Then smote together, and each one forthwith<br>
+Roll’d them back voluble, turning again,<br>
+Exclaiming these, “Why holdest thou so fast?”<br>
+Those answering, “And why castest thou away?”<br>
+So still repeating their despiteful song,<br>
+They to the opposite point on either hand<br>
+Travers’d the horrid circle: then arriv’d,<br>
+Both turn’d them round, and through the middle space<br>
+Conflicting met again. At sight whereof<br>
+I, stung with grief, thus spake: “O say, my guide!<br>
+What race is this? Were these, whose heads are shorn,<br>
+On our left hand, all sep’rate to the church?”<br>
+<br>
+He straight replied: “In their first life these all<br>
+In mind were so distorted, that they made,<br>
+According to due measure, of their wealth,<br>
+No use. This clearly from their words collect,<br>
+Which they howl forth, at each extremity<br>
+Arriving of the circle, where their crime<br>
+Contrary in kind disparts them. To the church<br>
+Were separate those, that with no hairy cowls<br>
+Are crown’d, both Popes and Cardinals, o’er whom<br>
+Av’rice dominion absolute maintains.”<br>
+<br>
+I then: “Mid such as these some needs must be,<br>
+Whom I shall recognize, that with the blot<br>
+Of these foul sins were stain’d.” He answering thus:<br>
+“Vain thought conceiv’st thou. That ignoble life,<br>
+Which made them vile before, now makes them dark,<br>
+And to all knowledge indiscernible.<br>
+Forever they shall meet in this rude shock:<br>
+These from the tomb with clenched grasp shall rise,<br>
+Those with close-shaven locks. That ill they gave,<br>
+And ill they kept, hath of the beauteous world<br>
+Depriv’d, and set them at this strife, which needs<br>
+No labour’d phrase of mine to set it off.<br>
+Now may’st thou see, my son! how brief, how vain,<br>
+The goods committed into fortune’s hands,<br>
+For which the human race keep such a coil!<br>
+Not all the gold, that is beneath the moon,<br>
+Or ever hath been, of these toil-worn souls<br>
 Might purchase rest for one.” I thus rejoin’d:
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/07-079.jpg">
-<img alt="" width="600" height="501" src="images/07-079.jpg" /></a>
+<img alt="" src="images/07-079.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 501px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-“My guide! of thee this also would I learn;<br/>
-This fortune, that thou speak’st of, what it is,<br/>
-Whose talons grasp the blessings of the world?”<br/>
-<br/>
-He thus: “O beings blind! what ignorance<br/>
-Besets you? Now my judgment hear and mark.<br/>
-He, whose transcendent wisdom passes all,<br/>
-The heavens creating, gave them ruling powers<br/>
-To guide them, so that each part shines to each,<br/>
-Their light in equal distribution pour’d.<br/>
-By similar appointment he ordain’d<br/>
-Over the world’s bright images to rule<br/>
-Superintendence of a guiding hand<br/>
-And general minister, which at due time<br/>
-May change the empty vantages of life<br/>
-From race to race, from one to other’s blood,<br/>
-Beyond prevention of man’s wisest care:<br/>
-Wherefore one nation rises into sway,<br/>
-Another languishes, e’en as her will<br/>
-Decrees, from us conceal’d, as in the grass<br/>
-The serpent train. Against her nought avails<br/>
-Your utmost wisdom. She with foresight plans,<br/>
-Judges, and carries on her reign, as theirs<br/>
-The other powers divine. Her changes know<br/>
-None intermission: by necessity<br/>
-She is made swift, so frequent come who claim<br/>
-Succession in her favours. This is she,<br/>
-So execrated e’en by those, whose debt<br/>
-To her is rather praise; they wrongfully<br/>
-With blame requite her, and with evil word;<br/>
-But she is blessed, and for that recks not:<br/>
-Amidst the other primal beings glad<br/>
-Rolls on her sphere, and in her bliss exults.<br/>
-Now on our way pass we, to heavier woe<br/>
-Descending: for each star is falling now,<br/>
-That mounted at our entrance, and forbids<br/>
-Too long our tarrying.” We the circle cross’d<br/>
-To the next steep, arriving at a well,<br/>
-That boiling pours itself down to a foss<br/>
-Sluic’d from its source. Far murkier was the wave<br/>
-Than sablest grain: and we in company<br/>
-Of the inky waters, journeying by their side,<br/>
-Enter’d, though by a different track, beneath.<br/>
-Into a lake, the Stygian nam’d, expands<br/>
-The dismal stream, when it hath reach’d the foot<br/>
-Of the grey wither’d cliffs. Intent I stood<br/>
-To gaze, and in the marish sunk descried<br/>
-A miry tribe, all naked, and with looks<br/>
-Betok’ning rage. They with their hands alone<br/>
-Struck not, but with the head, the breast, the feet,<br/>
+“My guide! of thee this also would I learn;<br>
+This fortune, that thou speak’st of, what it is,<br>
+Whose talons grasp the blessings of the world?”<br>
+<br>
+He thus: “O beings blind! what ignorance<br>
+Besets you? Now my judgment hear and mark.<br>
+He, whose transcendent wisdom passes all,<br>
+The heavens creating, gave them ruling powers<br>
+To guide them, so that each part shines to each,<br>
+Their light in equal distribution pour’d.<br>
+By similar appointment he ordain’d<br>
+Over the world’s bright images to rule<br>
+Superintendence of a guiding hand<br>
+And general minister, which at due time<br>
+May change the empty vantages of life<br>
+From race to race, from one to other’s blood,<br>
+Beyond prevention of man’s wisest care:<br>
+Wherefore one nation rises into sway,<br>
+Another languishes, e’en as her will<br>
+Decrees, from us conceal’d, as in the grass<br>
+The serpent train. Against her nought avails<br>
+Your utmost wisdom. She with foresight plans,<br>
+Judges, and carries on her reign, as theirs<br>
+The other powers divine. Her changes know<br>
+None intermission: by necessity<br>
+She is made swift, so frequent come who claim<br>
+Succession in her favours. This is she,<br>
+So execrated e’en by those, whose debt<br>
+To her is rather praise; they wrongfully<br>
+With blame requite her, and with evil word;<br>
+But she is blessed, and for that recks not:<br>
+Amidst the other primal beings glad<br>
+Rolls on her sphere, and in her bliss exults.<br>
+Now on our way pass we, to heavier woe<br>
+Descending: for each star is falling now,<br>
+That mounted at our entrance, and forbids<br>
+Too long our tarrying.” We the circle cross’d<br>
+To the next steep, arriving at a well,<br>
+That boiling pours itself down to a foss<br>
+Sluic’d from its source. Far murkier was the wave<br>
+Than sablest grain: and we in company<br>
+Of the inky waters, journeying by their side,<br>
+Enter’d, though by a different track, beneath.<br>
+Into a lake, the Stygian nam’d, expands<br>
+The dismal stream, when it hath reach’d the foot<br>
+Of the grey wither’d cliffs. Intent I stood<br>
+To gaze, and in the marish sunk descried<br>
+A miry tribe, all naked, and with looks<br>
+Betok’ning rage. They with their hands alone<br>
+Struck not, but with the head, the breast, the feet,<br>
 Cutting each other piecemeal with their fangs.
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/07-083.jpg">
-<img alt="" width="600" height="494" src="images/07-083.jpg" /></a>
+<img alt="" src="images/07-083.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 494px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-The good instructor spake; “Now seest thou, son!<br/>
-The souls of those, whom anger overcame.<br/>
-This too for certain know, that underneath<br/>
-The water dwells a multitude, whose sighs<br/>
-Into these bubbles make the surface heave,<br/>
-As thine eye tells thee wheresoe’er it turn.<br/>
-Fix’d in the slime they say: ‘Sad once were we<br/>
-In the sweet air made gladsome by the sun,<br/>
-Carrying a foul and lazy mist within:<br/>
-Now in these murky settlings are we sad.’<br/>
-Such dolorous strain they gurgle in their throats.<br/>
-But word distinct can utter none.” Our route<br/>
-Thus compass’d we, a segment widely stretch’d<br/>
-Between the dry embankment, and the core<br/>
-Of the loath’d pool, turning meanwhile our eyes<br/>
-Downward on those who gulp’d its muddy lees;<br/>
+The good instructor spake; “Now seest thou, son!<br>
+The souls of those, whom anger overcame.<br>
+This too for certain know, that underneath<br>
+The water dwells a multitude, whose sighs<br>
+Into these bubbles make the surface heave,<br>
+As thine eye tells thee wheresoe’er it turn.<br>
+Fix’d in the slime they say: ‘Sad once were we<br>
+In the sweet air made gladsome by the sun,<br>
+Carrying a foul and lazy mist within:<br>
+Now in these murky settlings are we sad.’<br>
+Such dolorous strain they gurgle in their throats.<br>
+But word distinct can utter none.” Our route<br>
+Thus compass’d we, a segment widely stretch’d<br>
+Between the dry embankment, and the core<br>
+Of the loath’d pool, turning meanwhile our eyes<br>
+Downward on those who gulp’d its muddy lees;<br>
 Nor stopp’d, till to a tower’s low base we came.
 </p>
 
@@ -1761,173 +1755,173 @@ Nor stopp’d, till to a tower’s low base we came.
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoI.8"></a>CANTO VIII</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoI.8"></a>CANTO VIII</h2>
 
 <p>
-My theme pursuing, I relate that ere<br/>
-We reach’d the lofty turret’s base, our eyes<br/>
-Its height ascended, where two cressets hung<br/>
-We mark’d, and from afar another light<br/>
-Return the signal, so remote, that scarce<br/>
-The eye could catch its beam. I turning round<br/>
-To the deep source of knowledge, thus inquir’d:<br/>
-“Say what this means? and what that other light<br/>
-In answer set? what agency doth this?”<br/>
-<br/>
-“There on the filthy waters,” he replied,<br/>
-“E’en now what next awaits us mayst thou see,<br/>
-If the marsh-gender’d fog conceal it not.”<br/>
-<br/>
-Never was arrow from the cord dismiss’d,<br/>
-That ran its way so nimbly through the air,<br/>
-As a small bark, that through the waves I spied<br/>
-Toward us coming, under the sole sway<br/>
-Of one that ferried it, who cried aloud:<br/>
-“Art thou arriv’d, fell spirit?”&mdash;“Phlegyas, Phlegyas,<br/>
-This time thou criest in vain,” my lord replied;<br/>
-“No longer shalt thou have us, but while o’er<br/>
-The slimy pool we pass.” As one who hears<br/>
-Of some great wrong he hath sustain’d, whereat<br/>
-Inly he pines; so Phlegyas inly pin’d<br/>
-In his fierce ire. My guide descending stepp’d<br/>
-Into the skiff, and bade me enter next<br/>
-Close at his side; nor till my entrance seem’d<br/>
-The vessel freighted. Soon as both embark’d,<br/>
-Cutting the waves, goes on the ancient prow,<br/>
+My theme pursuing, I relate that ere<br>
+We reach’d the lofty turret’s base, our eyes<br>
+Its height ascended, where two cressets hung<br>
+We mark’d, and from afar another light<br>
+Return the signal, so remote, that scarce<br>
+The eye could catch its beam. I turning round<br>
+To the deep source of knowledge, thus inquir’d:<br>
+“Say what this means? and what that other light<br>
+In answer set? what agency doth this?”<br>
+<br>
+“There on the filthy waters,” he replied,<br>
+“E’en now what next awaits us mayst thou see,<br>
+If the marsh-gender’d fog conceal it not.”<br>
+<br>
+Never was arrow from the cord dismiss’d,<br>
+That ran its way so nimbly through the air,<br>
+As a small bark, that through the waves I spied<br>
+Toward us coming, under the sole sway<br>
+Of one that ferried it, who cried aloud:<br>
+“Art thou arriv’d, fell spirit?”&mdash;“Phlegyas, Phlegyas,<br>
+This time thou criest in vain,” my lord replied;<br>
+“No longer shalt thou have us, but while o’er<br>
+The slimy pool we pass.” As one who hears<br>
+Of some great wrong he hath sustain’d, whereat<br>
+Inly he pines; so Phlegyas inly pin’d<br>
+In his fierce ire. My guide descending stepp’d<br>
+Into the skiff, and bade me enter next<br>
+Close at his side; nor till my entrance seem’d<br>
+The vessel freighted. Soon as both embark’d,<br>
+Cutting the waves, goes on the ancient prow,<br>
 More deeply than with others it is wont.
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/08-087.jpg">
-<img alt="" width="600" height="500" src="images/08-087.jpg" /></a>
+<img alt="" src="images/08-087.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 500px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-While we our course o’er the dead channel held.<br/>
-One drench’d in mire before me came, and said;<br/>
-“Who art thou, that thou comest ere thine hour?”<br/>
-<br/>
-I answer’d: “Though I come, I tarry not;<br/>
-But who art thou, that art become so foul?”<br/>
-<br/>
-“One, as thou seest, who mourn:” he straight replied.<br/>
-<br/>
-To which I thus: “In mourning and in woe,<br/>
-Curs’d spirit! tarry thou. I know thee well,<br/>
-E’en thus in filth disguis’d.” Then stretch’d he forth<br/>
-Hands to the bark; whereof my teacher sage<br/>
+While we our course o’er the dead channel held.<br>
+One drench’d in mire before me came, and said;<br>
+“Who art thou, that thou comest ere thine hour?”<br>
+<br>
+I answer’d: “Though I come, I tarry not;<br>
+But who art thou, that art become so foul?”<br>
+<br>
+“One, as thou seest, who mourn:” he straight replied.<br>
+<br>
+To which I thus: “In mourning and in woe,<br>
+Curs’d spirit! tarry thou. I know thee well,<br>
+E’en thus in filth disguis’d.” Then stretch’d he forth<br>
+Hands to the bark; whereof my teacher sage<br>
 Aware, thrusting him back: “Away! down there,
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/08-089.jpg">
-<img alt="" width="388" height="600" src="images/08-089.jpg" /></a>
+<img alt="" src="images/08-089.jpg" style="width: 388px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-“To the other dogs!” then, with his arms my neck<br/>
-Encircling, kiss’d my cheek, and spake: “O soul<br/>
-Justly disdainful! blest was she in whom<br/>
-Thou was conceiv’d! He in the world was one<br/>
-For arrogance noted; to his memory<br/>
-No virtue lends its lustre; even so<br/>
-Here is his shadow furious. There above<br/>
-How many now hold themselves mighty kings<br/>
-Who here like swine shall wallow in the mire,<br/>
-Leaving behind them horrible dispraise!”<br/>
-<br/>
-I then: “Master! him fain would I behold<br/>
-Whelm’d in these dregs, before we quit the lake.”<br/>
-<br/>
-He thus: “Or ever to thy view the shore<br/>
-Be offer’d, satisfied shall be that wish,<br/>
-Which well deserves completion.” Scarce his words<br/>
-Were ended, when I saw the miry tribes<br/>
-Set on him with such violence, that yet<br/>
-For that render I thanks to God and praise<br/>
-“To Filippo Argenti:” cried they all:<br/>
-And on himself the moody Florentine<br/>
-Turn’d his avenging fangs. Him here we left,<br/>
-Nor speak I of him more. But on mine ear<br/>
-Sudden a sound of lamentation smote,<br/>
-Whereat mine eye unbarr’d I sent abroad.<br/>
-<br/>
-And thus the good instructor: “Now, my son!<br/>
-Draws near the city, that of Dis is nam’d,<br/>
-With its grave denizens, a mighty throng.”<br/>
-<br/>
-I thus: “The minarets already, Sir!<br/>
-There certes in the valley I descry,<br/>
-Gleaming vermilion, as if they from fire<br/>
-Had issu’d.” He replied: “Eternal fire,<br/>
-That inward burns, shows them with ruddy flame<br/>
-Illum’d; as in this nether hell thou seest.”<br/>
-<br/>
-We came within the fosses deep, that moat<br/>
-This region comfortless. The walls appear’d<br/>
-As they were fram’d of iron. We had made<br/>
-Wide circuit, ere a place we reach’d, where loud<br/>
-The mariner cried vehement: “Go forth!<br/>
-The entrance is here!” Upon the gates I spied<br/>
-More than a thousand, who of old from heaven<br/>
-Were hurl’d. With ireful gestures, “Who is this,”<br/>
-They cried, “that without death first felt, goes through<br/>
-The regions of the dead?” My sapient guide<br/>
-Made sign that he for secret parley wish’d;<br/>
-Whereat their angry scorn abating, thus<br/>
-They spake: “Come thou alone; and let him go<br/>
-Who hath so hardily enter’d this realm.<br/>
-Alone return he by his witless way;<br/>
-If well he know it, let him prove. For thee,<br/>
-Here shalt thou tarry, who through clime so dark<br/>
-Hast been his escort.” Now bethink thee, reader!<br/>
-What cheer was mine at sound of those curs’d words.<br/>
-I did believe I never should return.<br/>
-<br/>
-“O my lov’d guide! who more than seven times<br/>
-Security hast render’d me, and drawn<br/>
-From peril deep, whereto I stood expos’d,<br/>
-Desert me not,” I cried, “in this extreme.<br/>
-And if our onward going be denied,<br/>
-Together trace we back our steps with speed.”<br/>
-<br/>
-My liege, who thither had conducted me,<br/>
-Replied: “Fear not: for of our passage none<br/>
-Hath power to disappoint us, by such high<br/>
-Authority permitted. But do thou<br/>
-Expect me here; meanwhile thy wearied spirit<br/>
-Comfort, and feed with kindly hope, assur’d<br/>
-I will not leave thee in this lower world.”<br/>
-<br/>
-This said, departs the sire benevolent,<br/>
-And quits me. Hesitating I remain<br/>
+“To the other dogs!” then, with his arms my neck<br>
+Encircling, kiss’d my cheek, and spake: “O soul<br>
+Justly disdainful! blest was she in whom<br>
+Thou was conceiv’d! He in the world was one<br>
+For arrogance noted; to his memory<br>
+No virtue lends its lustre; even so<br>
+Here is his shadow furious. There above<br>
+How many now hold themselves mighty kings<br>
+Who here like swine shall wallow in the mire,<br>
+Leaving behind them horrible dispraise!”<br>
+<br>
+I then: “Master! him fain would I behold<br>
+Whelm’d in these dregs, before we quit the lake.”<br>
+<br>
+He thus: “Or ever to thy view the shore<br>
+Be offer’d, satisfied shall be that wish,<br>
+Which well deserves completion.” Scarce his words<br>
+Were ended, when I saw the miry tribes<br>
+Set on him with such violence, that yet<br>
+For that render I thanks to God and praise<br>
+“To Filippo Argenti:” cried they all:<br>
+And on himself the moody Florentine<br>
+Turn’d his avenging fangs. Him here we left,<br>
+Nor speak I of him more. But on mine ear<br>
+Sudden a sound of lamentation smote,<br>
+Whereat mine eye unbarr’d I sent abroad.<br>
+<br>
+And thus the good instructor: “Now, my son!<br>
+Draws near the city, that of Dis is nam’d,<br>
+With its grave denizens, a mighty throng.”<br>
+<br>
+I thus: “The minarets already, Sir!<br>
+There certes in the valley I descry,<br>
+Gleaming vermilion, as if they from fire<br>
+Had issu’d.” He replied: “Eternal fire,<br>
+That inward burns, shows them with ruddy flame<br>
+Illum’d; as in this nether hell thou seest.”<br>
+<br>
+We came within the fosses deep, that moat<br>
+This region comfortless. The walls appear’d<br>
+As they were fram’d of iron. We had made<br>
+Wide circuit, ere a place we reach’d, where loud<br>
+The mariner cried vehement: “Go forth!<br>
+The entrance is here!” Upon the gates I spied<br>
+More than a thousand, who of old from heaven<br>
+Were hurl’d. With ireful gestures, “Who is this,”<br>
+They cried, “that without death first felt, goes through<br>
+The regions of the dead?” My sapient guide<br>
+Made sign that he for secret parley wish’d;<br>
+Whereat their angry scorn abating, thus<br>
+They spake: “Come thou alone; and let him go<br>
+Who hath so hardily enter’d this realm.<br>
+Alone return he by his witless way;<br>
+If well he know it, let him prove. For thee,<br>
+Here shalt thou tarry, who through clime so dark<br>
+Hast been his escort.” Now bethink thee, reader!<br>
+What cheer was mine at sound of those curs’d words.<br>
+I did believe I never should return.<br>
+<br>
+“O my lov’d guide! who more than seven times<br>
+Security hast render’d me, and drawn<br>
+From peril deep, whereto I stood expos’d,<br>
+Desert me not,” I cried, “in this extreme.<br>
+And if our onward going be denied,<br>
+Together trace we back our steps with speed.”<br>
+<br>
+My liege, who thither had conducted me,<br>
+Replied: “Fear not: for of our passage none<br>
+Hath power to disappoint us, by such high<br>
+Authority permitted. But do thou<br>
+Expect me here; meanwhile thy wearied spirit<br>
+Comfort, and feed with kindly hope, assur’d<br>
+I will not leave thee in this lower world.”<br>
+<br>
+This said, departs the sire benevolent,<br>
+And quits me. Hesitating I remain<br>
 At war ’twixt will and will not in my thoughts.
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/08-093.jpg">
-<img alt="" width="600" height="492" src="images/08-093.jpg" /></a>
+<img alt="" src="images/08-093.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 492px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-I could not hear what terms he offer’d them,<br/>
-But they conferr’d not long, for all at once<br/>
-To trial fled within. Clos’d were the gates<br/>
-By those our adversaries on the breast<br/>
-Of my liege lord: excluded he return’d<br/>
-To me with tardy steps. Upon the ground<br/>
-His eyes were bent, and from his brow eras’d<br/>
-All confidence, while thus with sighs he spake:<br/>
-“Who hath denied me these abodes of woe?”<br/>
-Then thus to me: “That I am anger’d, think<br/>
-No ground of terror: in this trial I<br/>
-Shall vanquish, use what arts they may within<br/>
-For hindrance. This their insolence, not new,<br/>
-Erewhile at gate less secret they display’d,<br/>
-Which still is without bolt; upon its arch<br/>
-Thou saw’st the deadly scroll: and even now<br/>
-On this side of its entrance, down the steep,<br/>
-Passing the circles, unescorted, comes<br/>
+I could not hear what terms he offer’d them,<br>
+But they conferr’d not long, for all at once<br>
+To trial fled within. Clos’d were the gates<br>
+By those our adversaries on the breast<br>
+Of my liege lord: excluded he return’d<br>
+To me with tardy steps. Upon the ground<br>
+His eyes were bent, and from his brow eras’d<br>
+All confidence, while thus with sighs he spake:<br>
+“Who hath denied me these abodes of woe?”<br>
+Then thus to me: “That I am anger’d, think<br>
+No ground of terror: in this trial I<br>
+Shall vanquish, use what arts they may within<br>
+For hindrance. This their insolence, not new,<br>
+Erewhile at gate less secret they display’d,<br>
+Which still is without bolt; upon its arch<br>
+Thou saw’st the deadly scroll: and even now<br>
+On this side of its entrance, down the steep,<br>
+Passing the circles, unescorted, comes<br>
 One whose strong might can open us this land.”
 </p>
 
@@ -1935,172 +1929,172 @@ One whose strong might can open us this land.”
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoI.9"></a>CANTO IX</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoI.9"></a>CANTO IX</h2>
 
 <p>
-The hue, which coward dread on my pale cheeks<br/>
-Imprinted, when I saw my guide turn back,<br/>
-Chas’d that from his which newly they had worn,<br/>
-And inwardly restrain’d it. He, as one<br/>
-Who listens, stood attentive: for his eye<br/>
-Not far could lead him through the sable air,<br/>
-And the thick-gath’ring cloud. “It yet behooves<br/>
-We win this fight”&mdash;thus he began&mdash;“if not&mdash;<br/>
-Such aid to us is offer’d.&mdash;Oh, how long<br/>
-Me seems it, ere the promis’d help arrive!”<br/>
-<br/>
-I noted, how the sequel of his words<br/>
-Clok’d their beginning; for the last he spake<br/>
-Agreed not with the first. But not the less<br/>
-My fear was at his saying; sith I drew<br/>
-To import worse perchance, than that he held,<br/>
-His mutilated speech. “Doth ever any<br/>
-Into this rueful concave’s extreme depth<br/>
-Descend, out of the first degree, whose pain<br/>
-Is deprivation merely of sweet hope?”<br/>
-<br/>
-Thus I inquiring. “Rarely,” he replied,<br/>
-“It chances, that among us any makes<br/>
-This journey, which I wend. Erewhile ’tis true<br/>
-Once came I here beneath, conjur’d by fell<br/>
-Erictho, sorceress, who compell’d the shades<br/>
-Back to their bodies. No long space my flesh<br/>
-Was naked of me, when within these walls<br/>
-She made me enter, to draw forth a spirit<br/>
-From out of Judas’ circle. Lowest place<br/>
-Is that of all, obscurest, and remov’d<br/>
-Farthest from heav’n’s all-circling orb. The road<br/>
-Full well I know: thou therefore rest secure.<br/>
-That lake, the noisome stench exhaling, round<br/>
-The city’ of grief encompasses, which now<br/>
-We may not enter without rage.” Yet more<br/>
-He added: but I hold it not in mind,<br/>
-For that mine eye toward the lofty tower<br/>
-Had drawn me wholly, to its burning top.<br/>
-Where in an instant I beheld uprisen<br/>
-At once three hellish furies stain’d with blood:<br/>
-In limb and motion feminine they seem’d;<br/>
-Around them greenest hydras twisting roll’d<br/>
-Their volumes; adders and cerastes crept<br/>
-Instead of hair, and their fierce temples bound.<br/>
-<br/>
-He knowing well the miserable hags<br/>
+The hue, which coward dread on my pale cheeks<br>
+Imprinted, when I saw my guide turn back,<br>
+Chas’d that from his which newly they had worn,<br>
+And inwardly restrain’d it. He, as one<br>
+Who listens, stood attentive: for his eye<br>
+Not far could lead him through the sable air,<br>
+And the thick-gath’ring cloud. “It yet behooves<br>
+We win this fight”&mdash;thus he began&mdash;“if not&mdash;<br>
+Such aid to us is offer’d.&mdash;Oh, how long<br>
+Me seems it, ere the promis’d help arrive!”<br>
+<br>
+I noted, how the sequel of his words<br>
+Clok’d their beginning; for the last he spake<br>
+Agreed not with the first. But not the less<br>
+My fear was at his saying; sith I drew<br>
+To import worse perchance, than that he held,<br>
+His mutilated speech. “Doth ever any<br>
+Into this rueful concave’s extreme depth<br>
+Descend, out of the first degree, whose pain<br>
+Is deprivation merely of sweet hope?”<br>
+<br>
+Thus I inquiring. “Rarely,” he replied,<br>
+“It chances, that among us any makes<br>
+This journey, which I wend. Erewhile ’tis true<br>
+Once came I here beneath, conjur’d by fell<br>
+Erictho, sorceress, who compell’d the shades<br>
+Back to their bodies. No long space my flesh<br>
+Was naked of me, when within these walls<br>
+She made me enter, to draw forth a spirit<br>
+From out of Judas’ circle. Lowest place<br>
+Is that of all, obscurest, and remov’d<br>
+Farthest from heav’n’s all-circling orb. The road<br>
+Full well I know: thou therefore rest secure.<br>
+That lake, the noisome stench exhaling, round<br>
+The city’ of grief encompasses, which now<br>
+We may not enter without rage.” Yet more<br>
+He added: but I hold it not in mind,<br>
+For that mine eye toward the lofty tower<br>
+Had drawn me wholly, to its burning top.<br>
+Where in an instant I beheld uprisen<br>
+At once three hellish furies stain’d with blood:<br>
+In limb and motion feminine they seem’d;<br>
+Around them greenest hydras twisting roll’d<br>
+Their volumes; adders and cerastes crept<br>
+Instead of hair, and their fierce temples bound.<br>
+<br>
+He knowing well the miserable hags<br>
 Who tend the queen of endless woe, thus spake:
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/09-097.jpg">
-<img alt="" width="394" height="600" src="images/09-097.jpg" /></a>
+<img alt="" src="images/09-097.jpg" style="width: 394px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-“Mark thou each dire Erinnys. To the left<br/>
-This is Megaera; on the right hand she,<br/>
-Who wails, Alecto; and Tisiphone<br/>
-I’ th’ midst.” This said, in silence he remain’d<br/>
-Their breast they each one clawing tore; themselves<br/>
-Smote with their palms, and such shrill clamour rais’d,<br/>
-That to the bard I clung, suspicion-bound.<br/>
-“Hasten Medusa: so to adamant<br/>
-Him shall we change;” all looking down exclaim’d.<br/>
-“E’en when by Theseus’ might assail’d, we took<br/>
-No ill revenge.” “Turn thyself round, and keep<br/>
-Thy count’nance hid; for if the Gorgon dire<br/>
-Be shown, and thou shouldst view it, thy return<br/>
-Upwards would be for ever lost.” This said,<br/>
-Himself my gentle master turn’d me round,<br/>
-Nor trusted he my hands, but with his own<br/>
-He also hid me. Ye of intellect<br/>
-Sound and entire, mark well the lore conceal’d<br/>
-Under close texture of the mystic strain!<br/>
-<br/>
-And now there came o’er the perturbed waves<br/>
-Loud-crashing, terrible, a sound that made<br/>
-Either shore tremble, as if of a wind<br/>
-Impetuous, from conflicting vapours sprung,<br/>
-That ’gainst some forest driving all its might,<br/>
-Plucks off the branches, beats them down and hurls<br/>
-Afar; then onward passing proudly sweeps<br/>
-Its whirlwind rage, while beasts and shepherds fly.<br/>
-<br/>
-Mine eyes he loos’d, and spake: “And now direct<br/>
-Thy visual nerve along that ancient foam,<br/>
-There, thickest where the smoke ascends.” As frogs<br/>
-Before their foe the serpent, through the wave<br/>
-Ply swiftly all, till at the ground each one<br/>
-Lies on a heap; more than a thousand spirits<br/>
-Destroy’d, so saw I fleeing before one<br/>
-Who pass’d with unwet feet the Stygian sound.<br/>
-He, from his face removing the gross air,<br/>
-Oft his left hand forth stretch’d, and seem’d alone<br/>
-By that annoyance wearied. I perceiv’d<br/>
-That he was sent from heav’n, and to my guide<br/>
-Turn’d me, who signal made that I should stand<br/>
-Quiet, and bend to him. Ah me! how full<br/>
-Of noble anger seem’d he! To the gate<br/>
-He came, and with his wand touch’d it, whereat<br/>
+“Mark thou each dire Erinnys. To the left<br>
+This is Megaera; on the right hand she,<br>
+Who wails, Alecto; and Tisiphone<br>
+I’ th’ midst.” This said, in silence he remain’d<br>
+Their breast they each one clawing tore; themselves<br>
+Smote with their palms, and such shrill clamour rais’d,<br>
+That to the bard I clung, suspicion-bound.<br>
+“Hasten Medusa: so to adamant<br>
+Him shall we change;” all looking down exclaim’d.<br>
+“E’en when by Theseus’ might assail’d, we took<br>
+No ill revenge.” “Turn thyself round, and keep<br>
+Thy count’nance hid; for if the Gorgon dire<br>
+Be shown, and thou shouldst view it, thy return<br>
+Upwards would be for ever lost.” This said,<br>
+Himself my gentle master turn’d me round,<br>
+Nor trusted he my hands, but with his own<br>
+He also hid me. Ye of intellect<br>
+Sound and entire, mark well the lore conceal’d<br>
+Under close texture of the mystic strain!<br>
+<br>
+And now there came o’er the perturbed waves<br>
+Loud-crashing, terrible, a sound that made<br>
+Either shore tremble, as if of a wind<br>
+Impetuous, from conflicting vapours sprung,<br>
+That ’gainst some forest driving all its might,<br>
+Plucks off the branches, beats them down and hurls<br>
+Afar; then onward passing proudly sweeps<br>
+Its whirlwind rage, while beasts and shepherds fly.<br>
+<br>
+Mine eyes he loos’d, and spake: “And now direct<br>
+Thy visual nerve along that ancient foam,<br>
+There, thickest where the smoke ascends.” As frogs<br>
+Before their foe the serpent, through the wave<br>
+Ply swiftly all, till at the ground each one<br>
+Lies on a heap; more than a thousand spirits<br>
+Destroy’d, so saw I fleeing before one<br>
+Who pass’d with unwet feet the Stygian sound.<br>
+He, from his face removing the gross air,<br>
+Oft his left hand forth stretch’d, and seem’d alone<br>
+By that annoyance wearied. I perceiv’d<br>
+That he was sent from heav’n, and to my guide<br>
+Turn’d me, who signal made that I should stand<br>
+Quiet, and bend to him. Ah me! how full<br>
+Of noble anger seem’d he! To the gate<br>
+He came, and with his wand touch’d it, whereat<br>
 Open without impediment it flew.
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/09-101.jpg">
-<img alt="" width="600" height="500" src="images/09-101.jpg" /></a>
+<img alt="" src="images/09-101.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 500px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-“Outcasts of heav’n! O abject race and scorn’d!”<br/>
-Began he on the horrid grunsel standing,<br/>
-“Whence doth this wild excess of insolence<br/>
-Lodge in you? wherefore kick you ’gainst that will<br/>
-Ne’er frustrate of its end, and which so oft<br/>
-Hath laid on you enforcement of your pangs?<br/>
-What profits at the fays to but the horn?<br/>
-Your Cerberus, if ye remember, hence<br/>
-Bears still, peel’d of their hair, his throat and maw.”<br/>
-<br/>
-This said, he turn’d back o’er the filthy way,<br/>
-And syllable to us spake none, but wore<br/>
-The semblance of a man by other care<br/>
-Beset, and keenly press’d, than thought of him<br/>
-Who in his presence stands. Then we our steps<br/>
-Toward that territory mov’d, secure<br/>
-After the hallow’d words. We unoppos’d<br/>
-There enter’d; and my mind eager to learn<br/>
-What state a fortress like to that might hold,<br/>
-I soon as enter’d throw mine eye around,<br/>
-And see on every part wide-stretching space<br/>
-Replete with bitter pain and torment ill.<br/>
-<br/>
-As where Rhone stagnates on the plains of Arles,<br/>
-Or as at Pola, near Quarnaro’s gulf,<br/>
-That closes Italy and laves her bounds,<br/>
-The place is all thick spread with sepulchres;<br/>
-So was it here, save what in horror here<br/>
-Excell’d: for ’midst the graves were scattered flames,<br/>
-Wherewith intensely all throughout they burn’d,<br/>
-That iron for no craft there hotter needs.<br/>
-<br/>
-Their lids all hung suspended, and beneath<br/>
-From them forth issu’d lamentable moans,<br/>
-Such as the sad and tortur’d well might raise.<br/>
-<br/>
-I thus: “Master! say who are these, interr’d<br/>
-Within these vaults, of whom distinct we hear<br/>
+“Outcasts of heav’n! O abject race and scorn’d!”<br>
+Began he on the horrid grunsel standing,<br>
+“Whence doth this wild excess of insolence<br>
+Lodge in you? wherefore kick you ’gainst that will<br>
+Ne’er frustrate of its end, and which so oft<br>
+Hath laid on you enforcement of your pangs?<br>
+What profits at the fays to but the horn?<br>
+Your Cerberus, if ye remember, hence<br>
+Bears still, peel’d of their hair, his throat and maw.”<br>
+<br>
+This said, he turn’d back o’er the filthy way,<br>
+And syllable to us spake none, but wore<br>
+The semblance of a man by other care<br>
+Beset, and keenly press’d, than thought of him<br>
+Who in his presence stands. Then we our steps<br>
+Toward that territory mov’d, secure<br>
+After the hallow’d words. We unoppos’d<br>
+There enter’d; and my mind eager to learn<br>
+What state a fortress like to that might hold,<br>
+I soon as enter’d throw mine eye around,<br>
+And see on every part wide-stretching space<br>
+Replete with bitter pain and torment ill.<br>
+<br>
+As where Rhone stagnates on the plains of Arles,<br>
+Or as at Pola, near Quarnaro’s gulf,<br>
+That closes Italy and laves her bounds,<br>
+The place is all thick spread with sepulchres;<br>
+So was it here, save what in horror here<br>
+Excell’d: for ’midst the graves were scattered flames,<br>
+Wherewith intensely all throughout they burn’d,<br>
+That iron for no craft there hotter needs.<br>
+<br>
+Their lids all hung suspended, and beneath<br>
+From them forth issu’d lamentable moans,<br>
+Such as the sad and tortur’d well might raise.<br>
+<br>
+I thus: “Master! say who are these, interr’d<br>
+Within these vaults, of whom distinct we hear<br>
 The dolorous sighs?” He answer thus return’d:
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/09-105.jpg">
-<img alt="" width="392" height="600" src="images/09-105.jpg" /></a>
+<img alt="" src="images/09-105.jpg" style="width: 392px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-“The arch-heretics are here, accompanied<br/>
-By every sect their followers; and much more,<br/>
-Than thou believest, tombs are freighted: like<br/>
-With like is buried; and the monuments<br/>
-Are different in degrees of heat.” This said,<br/>
-He to the right hand turning, on we pass’d<br/>
+“The arch-heretics are here, accompanied<br>
+By every sect their followers; and much more,<br>
+Than thou believest, tombs are freighted: like<br>
+With like is buried; and the monuments<br>
+Are different in degrees of heat.” This said,<br>
+He to the right hand turning, on we pass’d<br>
 Betwixt the afflicted and the ramparts high.
 </p>
 
@@ -2108,167 +2102,167 @@ Betwixt the afflicted and the ramparts high.
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoI.10"></a>CANTO X</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoI.10"></a>CANTO X</h2>
 
 <p>
-Now by a secret pathway we proceed,<br/>
-Between the walls, that hem the region round,<br/>
-And the tormented souls: my master first,<br/>
-I close behind his steps. “Virtue supreme!”<br/>
-I thus began; “who through these ample orbs<br/>
-In circuit lead’st me, even as thou will’st,<br/>
-Speak thou, and satisfy my wish. May those,<br/>
-Who lie within these sepulchres, be seen?<br/>
-Already all the lids are rais’d, and none<br/>
-O’er them keeps watch.” He thus in answer spake<br/>
-“They shall be closed all, what-time they here<br/>
-From Josaphat return’d shall come, and bring<br/>
-Their bodies, which above they now have left.<br/>
-The cemetery on this part obtain<br/>
-With Epicurus all his followers,<br/>
-Who with the body make the spirit die.<br/>
-Here therefore satisfaction shall be soon<br/>
-Both to the question ask’d, and to the wish,<br/>
-Which thou conceal’st in silence.” I replied:<br/>
-“I keep not, guide belov’d! from thee my heart<br/>
-Secreted, but to shun vain length of words,<br/>
-A lesson erewhile taught me by thyself.”<br/>
-<br/>
-“O Tuscan! thou who through the city of fire<br/>
-Alive art passing, so discreet of speech!<br/>
-Here please thee stay awhile. Thy utterance<br/>
-Declares the place of thy nativity<br/>
-To be that noble land, with which perchance<br/>
-I too severely dealt.” Sudden that sound<br/>
-Forth issu’d from a vault, whereat in fear<br/>
-I somewhat closer to my leader’s side<br/>
-Approaching, he thus spake: “What dost thou? Turn.<br/>
-Lo, Farinata, there! who hath himself<br/>
-Uplifted: from his girdle upwards all<br/>
-Expos’d behold him.” On his face was mine<br/>
-Already fix’d; his breast and forehead there<br/>
-Erecting, seem’d as in high scorn he held<br/>
-E’en hell. Between the sepulchres to him<br/>
-My guide thrust me with fearless hands and prompt,<br/>
+Now by a secret pathway we proceed,<br>
+Between the walls, that hem the region round,<br>
+And the tormented souls: my master first,<br>
+I close behind his steps. “Virtue supreme!”<br>
+I thus began; “who through these ample orbs<br>
+In circuit lead’st me, even as thou will’st,<br>
+Speak thou, and satisfy my wish. May those,<br>
+Who lie within these sepulchres, be seen?<br>
+Already all the lids are rais’d, and none<br>
+O’er them keeps watch.” He thus in answer spake<br>
+“They shall be closed all, what-time they here<br>
+From Josaphat return’d shall come, and bring<br>
+Their bodies, which above they now have left.<br>
+The cemetery on this part obtain<br>
+With Epicurus all his followers,<br>
+Who with the body make the spirit die.<br>
+Here therefore satisfaction shall be soon<br>
+Both to the question ask’d, and to the wish,<br>
+Which thou conceal’st in silence.” I replied:<br>
+“I keep not, guide belov’d! from thee my heart<br>
+Secreted, but to shun vain length of words,<br>
+A lesson erewhile taught me by thyself.”<br>
+<br>
+“O Tuscan! thou who through the city of fire<br>
+Alive art passing, so discreet of speech!<br>
+Here please thee stay awhile. Thy utterance<br>
+Declares the place of thy nativity<br>
+To be that noble land, with which perchance<br>
+I too severely dealt.” Sudden that sound<br>
+Forth issu’d from a vault, whereat in fear<br>
+I somewhat closer to my leader’s side<br>
+Approaching, he thus spake: “What dost thou? Turn.<br>
+Lo, Farinata, there! who hath himself<br>
+Uplifted: from his girdle upwards all<br>
+Expos’d behold him.” On his face was mine<br>
+Already fix’d; his breast and forehead there<br>
+Erecting, seem’d as in high scorn he held<br>
+E’en hell. Between the sepulchres to him<br>
+My guide thrust me with fearless hands and prompt,<br>
 This warning added: “See thy words be clear!”
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/10-109.jpg">
-<img alt="" width="375" height="600" src="images/10-109.jpg" /></a>
+<img alt="" src="images/10-109.jpg" style="width: 375px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-He, soon as there I stood at the tomb’s foot,<br/>
-Ey’d me a space, then in disdainful mood<br/>
-Address’d me: “Say, what ancestors were thine?”<br/>
-<br/>
-I, willing to obey him, straight reveal’d<br/>
-The whole, nor kept back aught: whence he, his brow<br/>
-Somewhat uplifting, cried: “Fiercely were they<br/>
-Adverse to me, my party, and the blood<br/>
-From whence I sprang: twice therefore I abroad<br/>
-Scatter’d them.” “Though driv’n out, yet they each time<br/>
-From all parts,” answer’d I, “return’d; an art<br/>
-Which yours have shown, they are not skill’d to learn.”<br/>
-<br/>
-Then, peering forth from the unclosed jaw,<br/>
-Rose from his side a shade, high as the chin,<br/>
-Leaning, methought, upon its knees uprais’d.<br/>
-It look’d around, as eager to explore<br/>
-If there were other with me; but perceiving<br/>
-That fond imagination quench’d, with tears<br/>
-Thus spake: “If thou through this blind prison go’st.<br/>
-Led by thy lofty genius and profound,<br/>
-Where is my son? and wherefore not with thee?”<br/>
-<br/>
-I straight replied: “Not of myself I come,<br/>
-By him, who there expects me, through this clime<br/>
-Conducted, whom perchance Guido thy son<br/>
-Had in contempt.” Already had his words<br/>
-And mode of punishment read me his name,<br/>
-Whence I so fully answer’d. He at once<br/>
-Exclaim’d, up starting, “How! said’st thou he HAD?<br/>
-No longer lives he? Strikes not on his eye<br/>
-The blessed daylight?” Then of some delay<br/>
-I made ere my reply aware, down fell<br/>
-Supine, not after forth appear’d he more.<br/>
-<br/>
-Meanwhile the other, great of soul, near whom<br/>
-I yet was station’d, chang’d not count’nance stern,<br/>
-Nor mov’d the neck, nor bent his ribbed side.<br/>
-“And if,” continuing the first discourse,<br/>
-“They in this art,” he cried, “small skill have shown,<br/>
-That doth torment me more e’en than this bed.<br/>
-But not yet fifty times shall be relum’d<br/>
-Her aspect, who reigns here Queen of this realm,<br/>
-Ere thou shalt know the full weight of that art.<br/>
-So to the pleasant world mayst thou return,<br/>
-As thou shalt tell me, why in all their laws,<br/>
-Against my kin this people is so fell?”<br/>
-<br/>
-“The slaughter and great havoc,” I replied,<br/>
-“That colour’d Arbia’s flood with crimson stain&mdash;<br/>
-To these impute, that in our hallow’d dome<br/>
-Such orisons ascend.” Sighing he shook<br/>
-The head, then thus resum’d: “In that affray<br/>
-I stood not singly, nor without just cause<br/>
-Assuredly should with the rest have stirr’d;<br/>
-But singly there I stood, when by consent<br/>
-Of all, Florence had to the ground been raz’d,<br/>
-The one who openly forbad the deed.”<br/>
-<br/>
-“So may thy lineage find at last repose,”<br/>
-I thus adjur’d him, “as thou solve this knot,<br/>
-Which now involves my mind. If right I hear,<br/>
-Ye seem to view beforehand, that which time<br/>
-Leads with him, of the present uninform’d.”<br/>
-<br/>
-“We view, as one who hath an evil sight,”<br/>
-He answer’d, “plainly, objects far remote:<br/>
-So much of his large spendour yet imparts<br/>
-The Almighty Ruler; but when they approach<br/>
-Or actually exist, our intellect<br/>
-Then wholly fails, nor of your human state<br/>
-Except what others bring us know we aught.<br/>
-Hence therefore mayst thou understand, that all<br/>
-Our knowledge in that instant shall expire,<br/>
-When on futurity the portals close.”<br/>
-<br/>
-Then conscious of my fault, and by remorse<br/>
-Smitten, I added thus: “Now shalt thou say<br/>
-To him there fallen, that his offspring still<br/>
-Is to the living join’d; and bid him know,<br/>
-That if from answer silent I abstain’d,<br/>
-’Twas that my thought was occupied intent<br/>
-Upon that error, which thy help hath solv’d.”<br/>
-<br/>
-But now my master summoning me back<br/>
-I heard, and with more eager haste besought<br/>
-The spirit to inform me, who with him<br/>
-Partook his lot. He answer thus return’d:<br/>
-<br/>
-“More than a thousand with me here are laid<br/>
-Within is Frederick, second of that name,<br/>
-And the Lord Cardinal, and of the rest<br/>
-I speak not.” He, this said, from sight withdrew.<br/>
-But I my steps towards the ancient bard<br/>
-Reverting, ruminated on the words<br/>
-Betokening me such ill. Onward he mov’d,<br/>
-And thus in going question’d: “Whence the amaze<br/>
-That holds thy senses wrapt?” I satisfied<br/>
-The inquiry, and the sage enjoin’d me straight:<br/>
-“Let thy safe memory store what thou hast heard<br/>
-To thee importing harm; and note thou this,”<br/>
-With his rais’d finger bidding me take heed,<br/>
-<br/>
-“When thou shalt stand before her gracious beam,<br/>
-Whose bright eye all surveys, she of thy life<br/>
-The future tenour will to thee unfold.”<br/>
-<br/>
-Forthwith he to the left hand turn’d his feet:<br/>
-We left the wall, and tow’rds the middle space<br/>
-Went by a path, that to a valley strikes;<br/>
+He, soon as there I stood at the tomb’s foot,<br>
+Ey’d me a space, then in disdainful mood<br>
+Address’d me: “Say, what ancestors were thine?”<br>
+<br>
+I, willing to obey him, straight reveal’d<br>
+The whole, nor kept back aught: whence he, his brow<br>
+Somewhat uplifting, cried: “Fiercely were they<br>
+Adverse to me, my party, and the blood<br>
+From whence I sprang: twice therefore I abroad<br>
+Scatter’d them.” “Though driv’n out, yet they each time<br>
+From all parts,” answer’d I, “return’d; an art<br>
+Which yours have shown, they are not skill’d to learn.”<br>
+<br>
+Then, peering forth from the unclosed jaw,<br>
+Rose from his side a shade, high as the chin,<br>
+Leaning, methought, upon its knees uprais’d.<br>
+It look’d around, as eager to explore<br>
+If there were other with me; but perceiving<br>
+That fond imagination quench’d, with tears<br>
+Thus spake: “If thou through this blind prison go’st.<br>
+Led by thy lofty genius and profound,<br>
+Where is my son? and wherefore not with thee?”<br>
+<br>
+I straight replied: “Not of myself I come,<br>
+By him, who there expects me, through this clime<br>
+Conducted, whom perchance Guido thy son<br>
+Had in contempt.” Already had his words<br>
+And mode of punishment read me his name,<br>
+Whence I so fully answer’d. He at once<br>
+Exclaim’d, up starting, “How! said’st thou he HAD?<br>
+No longer lives he? Strikes not on his eye<br>
+The blessed daylight?” Then of some delay<br>
+I made ere my reply aware, down fell<br>
+Supine, not after forth appear’d he more.<br>
+<br>
+Meanwhile the other, great of soul, near whom<br>
+I yet was station’d, chang’d not count’nance stern,<br>
+Nor mov’d the neck, nor bent his ribbed side.<br>
+“And if,” continuing the first discourse,<br>
+“They in this art,” he cried, “small skill have shown,<br>
+That doth torment me more e’en than this bed.<br>
+But not yet fifty times shall be relum’d<br>
+Her aspect, who reigns here Queen of this realm,<br>
+Ere thou shalt know the full weight of that art.<br>
+So to the pleasant world mayst thou return,<br>
+As thou shalt tell me, why in all their laws,<br>
+Against my kin this people is so fell?”<br>
+<br>
+“The slaughter and great havoc,” I replied,<br>
+“That colour’d Arbia’s flood with crimson stain&mdash;<br>
+To these impute, that in our hallow’d dome<br>
+Such orisons ascend.” Sighing he shook<br>
+The head, then thus resum’d: “In that affray<br>
+I stood not singly, nor without just cause<br>
+Assuredly should with the rest have stirr’d;<br>
+But singly there I stood, when by consent<br>
+Of all, Florence had to the ground been raz’d,<br>
+The one who openly forbad the deed.”<br>
+<br>
+“So may thy lineage find at last repose,”<br>
+I thus adjur’d him, “as thou solve this knot,<br>
+Which now involves my mind. If right I hear,<br>
+Ye seem to view beforehand, that which time<br>
+Leads with him, of the present uninform’d.”<br>
+<br>
+“We view, as one who hath an evil sight,”<br>
+He answer’d, “plainly, objects far remote:<br>
+So much of his large spendour yet imparts<br>
+The Almighty Ruler; but when they approach<br>
+Or actually exist, our intellect<br>
+Then wholly fails, nor of your human state<br>
+Except what others bring us know we aught.<br>
+Hence therefore mayst thou understand, that all<br>
+Our knowledge in that instant shall expire,<br>
+When on futurity the portals close.”<br>
+<br>
+Then conscious of my fault, and by remorse<br>
+Smitten, I added thus: “Now shalt thou say<br>
+To him there fallen, that his offspring still<br>
+Is to the living join’d; and bid him know,<br>
+That if from answer silent I abstain’d,<br>
+’Twas that my thought was occupied intent<br>
+Upon that error, which thy help hath solv’d.”<br>
+<br>
+But now my master summoning me back<br>
+I heard, and with more eager haste besought<br>
+The spirit to inform me, who with him<br>
+Partook his lot. He answer thus return’d:<br>
+<br>
+“More than a thousand with me here are laid<br>
+Within is Frederick, second of that name,<br>
+And the Lord Cardinal, and of the rest<br>
+I speak not.” He, this said, from sight withdrew.<br>
+But I my steps towards the ancient bard<br>
+Reverting, ruminated on the words<br>
+Betokening me such ill. Onward he mov’d,<br>
+And thus in going question’d: “Whence the amaze<br>
+That holds thy senses wrapt?” I satisfied<br>
+The inquiry, and the sage enjoin’d me straight:<br>
+“Let thy safe memory store what thou hast heard<br>
+To thee importing harm; and note thou this,”<br>
+With his rais’d finger bidding me take heed,<br>
+<br>
+“When thou shalt stand before her gracious beam,<br>
+Whose bright eye all surveys, she of thy life<br>
+The future tenour will to thee unfold.”<br>
+<br>
+Forthwith he to the left hand turn’d his feet:<br>
+We left the wall, and tow’rds the middle space<br>
+Went by a path, that to a valley strikes;<br>
 Which e’en thus high exhal’d its noisome steam.
 </p>
 
@@ -2276,141 +2270,141 @@ Which e’en thus high exhal’d its noisome steam.
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoI.11"></a>CANTO XI</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoI.11"></a>CANTO XI</h2>
 
 <p>
-Upon the utmost verge of a high bank,<br/>
-By craggy rocks environ’d round, we came,<br/>
-Where woes beneath more cruel yet were stow’d:<br/>
-And here to shun the horrible excess<br/>
-Of fetid exhalation, upward cast<br/>
-From the profound abyss, behind the lid<br/>
+Upon the utmost verge of a high bank,<br>
+By craggy rocks environ’d round, we came,<br>
+Where woes beneath more cruel yet were stow’d:<br>
+And here to shun the horrible excess<br>
+Of fetid exhalation, upward cast<br>
+From the profound abyss, behind the lid<br>
 Of a great monument we stood retir’d,
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/11-115.jpg">
-<img alt="" width="395" height="600" src="images/11-115.jpg" /></a>
+<img alt="" src="images/11-115.jpg" style="width: 395px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-Whereon this scroll I mark’d: “I have in charge<br/>
-Pope Anastasius, whom Photinus drew<br/>
-From the right path.&mdash;Ere our descent behooves<br/>
-We make delay, that somewhat first the sense,<br/>
-To the dire breath accustom’d, afterward<br/>
-Regard it not.” My master thus; to whom<br/>
-Answering I spake: “Some compensation find<br/>
-That the time past not wholly lost.” He then:<br/>
-“Lo! how my thoughts e’en to thy wishes tend!<br/>
-My son! within these rocks,” he thus began,<br/>
-“Are three close circles in gradation plac’d,<br/>
-As these which now thou leav’st. Each one is full<br/>
-Of spirits accurs’d; but that the sight alone<br/>
-Hereafter may suffice thee, listen how<br/>
-And for what cause in durance they abide.<br/>
-<br/>
-“Of all malicious act abhorr’d in heaven,<br/>
-The end is injury; and all such end<br/>
-Either by force or fraud works other’s woe<br/>
-But fraud, because of man peculiar evil,<br/>
-To God is more displeasing; and beneath<br/>
-The fraudulent are therefore doom’d to’ endure<br/>
-Severer pang. The violent occupy<br/>
-All the first circle; and because to force<br/>
-Three persons are obnoxious, in three rounds<br/>
-Each within other sep’rate is it fram’d.<br/>
-To God, his neighbour, and himself, by man<br/>
-Force may be offer’d; to himself I say<br/>
-And his possessions, as thou soon shalt hear<br/>
-At full. Death, violent death, and painful wounds<br/>
-Upon his neighbour he inflicts; and wastes<br/>
-By devastation, pillage, and the flames,<br/>
-His substance. Slayers, and each one that smites<br/>
-In malice, plund’rers, and all robbers, hence<br/>
-The torment undergo of the first round<br/>
-In different herds. Man can do violence<br/>
-To himself and his own blessings: and for this<br/>
-He in the second round must aye deplore<br/>
-With unavailing penitence his crime,<br/>
-Whoe’er deprives himself of life and light,<br/>
-In reckless lavishment his talent wastes,<br/>
-And sorrows there where he should dwell in joy.<br/>
-To God may force be offer’d, in the heart<br/>
-Denying and blaspheming his high power,<br/>
-And nature with her kindly law contemning.<br/>
-And thence the inmost round marks with its seal<br/>
-Sodom and Cahors, and all such as speak<br/>
-Contemptuously of the Godhead in their hearts.<br/>
-<br/>
-“Fraud, that in every conscience leaves a sting,<br/>
-May be by man employ’d on one, whose trust<br/>
-He wins, or on another who withholds<br/>
-Strict confidence. Seems as the latter way<br/>
-Broke but the bond of love which Nature makes.<br/>
-Whence in the second circle have their nest<br/>
-Dissimulation, witchcraft, flatteries,<br/>
-Theft, falsehood, simony, all who seduce<br/>
-To lust, or set their honesty at pawn,<br/>
-With such vile scum as these. The other way<br/>
-Forgets both Nature’s general love, and that<br/>
-Which thereto added afterwards gives birth<br/>
-To special faith. Whence in the lesser circle,<br/>
-Point of the universe, dread seat of Dis,<br/>
-The traitor is eternally consum’d.”<br/>
-<br/>
-I thus: “Instructor, clearly thy discourse<br/>
-Proceeds, distinguishing the hideous chasm<br/>
-And its inhabitants with skill exact.<br/>
-But tell me this: they of the dull, fat pool,<br/>
-Whom the rain beats, or whom the tempest drives,<br/>
-Or who with tongues so fierce conflicting meet,<br/>
-Wherefore within the city fire-illum’d<br/>
-Are not these punish’d, if God’s wrath be on them?<br/>
-And if it be not, wherefore in such guise<br/>
-Are they condemned?” He answer thus return’d:<br/>
-“Wherefore in dotage wanders thus thy mind,<br/>
-Not so accustom’d? or what other thoughts<br/>
-Possess it? Dwell not in thy memory<br/>
-The words, wherein thy ethic page describes<br/>
-Three dispositions adverse to Heav’n’s will,<br/>
-Incont’nence, malice, and mad brutishness,<br/>
-And how incontinence the least offends<br/>
-God, and least guilt incurs? If well thou note<br/>
-This judgment, and remember who they are,<br/>
-Without these walls to vain repentance doom’d,<br/>
-Thou shalt discern why they apart are plac’d<br/>
-From these fell spirits, and less wreakful pours<br/>
-Justice divine on them its vengeance down.”<br/>
-<br/>
-“O Sun! who healest all imperfect sight,<br/>
-Thou so content’st me, when thou solv’st my doubt,<br/>
-That ignorance not less than knowledge charms.<br/>
-Yet somewhat turn thee back,” I in these words<br/>
-Continu’d, “where thou saidst, that usury<br/>
-Offends celestial Goodness; and this knot<br/>
-Perplex’d unravel.” He thus made reply:<br/>
-“Philosophy, to an attentive ear,<br/>
-Clearly points out, not in one part alone,<br/>
-How imitative nature takes her course<br/>
-From the celestial mind and from its art:<br/>
-And where her laws the Stagyrite unfolds,<br/>
-Not many leaves scann’d o’er, observing well<br/>
-Thou shalt discover, that your art on her<br/>
-Obsequious follows, as the learner treads<br/>
-In his instructor’s step, so that your art<br/>
-Deserves the name of second in descent<br/>
-From God. These two, if thou recall to mind<br/>
-Creation’s holy book, from the beginning<br/>
-Were the right source of life and excellence<br/>
-To human kind. But in another path<br/>
-The usurer walks; and Nature in herself<br/>
-And in her follower thus he sets at nought,<br/>
-Placing elsewhere his hope. But follow now<br/>
-My steps on forward journey bent; for now<br/>
-The Pisces play with undulating glance<br/>
-Along the horizon, and the Wain lies all<br/>
-O’er the north-west; and onward there a space<br/>
+Whereon this scroll I mark’d: “I have in charge<br>
+Pope Anastasius, whom Photinus drew<br>
+From the right path.&mdash;Ere our descent behooves<br>
+We make delay, that somewhat first the sense,<br>
+To the dire breath accustom’d, afterward<br>
+Regard it not.” My master thus; to whom<br>
+Answering I spake: “Some compensation find<br>
+That the time past not wholly lost.” He then:<br>
+“Lo! how my thoughts e’en to thy wishes tend!<br>
+My son! within these rocks,” he thus began,<br>
+“Are three close circles in gradation plac’d,<br>
+As these which now thou leav’st. Each one is full<br>
+Of spirits accurs’d; but that the sight alone<br>
+Hereafter may suffice thee, listen how<br>
+And for what cause in durance they abide.<br>
+<br>
+“Of all malicious act abhorr’d in heaven,<br>
+The end is injury; and all such end<br>
+Either by force or fraud works other’s woe<br>
+But fraud, because of man peculiar evil,<br>
+To God is more displeasing; and beneath<br>
+The fraudulent are therefore doom’d to’ endure<br>
+Severer pang. The violent occupy<br>
+All the first circle; and because to force<br>
+Three persons are obnoxious, in three rounds<br>
+Each within other sep’rate is it fram’d.<br>
+To God, his neighbour, and himself, by man<br>
+Force may be offer’d; to himself I say<br>
+And his possessions, as thou soon shalt hear<br>
+At full. Death, violent death, and painful wounds<br>
+Upon his neighbour he inflicts; and wastes<br>
+By devastation, pillage, and the flames,<br>
+His substance. Slayers, and each one that smites<br>
+In malice, plund’rers, and all robbers, hence<br>
+The torment undergo of the first round<br>
+In different herds. Man can do violence<br>
+To himself and his own blessings: and for this<br>
+He in the second round must aye deplore<br>
+With unavailing penitence his crime,<br>
+Whoe’er deprives himself of life and light,<br>
+In reckless lavishment his talent wastes,<br>
+And sorrows there where he should dwell in joy.<br>
+To God may force be offer’d, in the heart<br>
+Denying and blaspheming his high power,<br>
+And nature with her kindly law contemning.<br>
+And thence the inmost round marks with its seal<br>
+Sodom and Cahors, and all such as speak<br>
+Contemptuously of the Godhead in their hearts.<br>
+<br>
+“Fraud, that in every conscience leaves a sting,<br>
+May be by man employ’d on one, whose trust<br>
+He wins, or on another who withholds<br>
+Strict confidence. Seems as the latter way<br>
+Broke but the bond of love which Nature makes.<br>
+Whence in the second circle have their nest<br>
+Dissimulation, witchcraft, flatteries,<br>
+Theft, falsehood, simony, all who seduce<br>
+To lust, or set their honesty at pawn,<br>
+With such vile scum as these. The other way<br>
+Forgets both Nature’s general love, and that<br>
+Which thereto added afterwards gives birth<br>
+To special faith. Whence in the lesser circle,<br>
+Point of the universe, dread seat of Dis,<br>
+The traitor is eternally consum’d.”<br>
+<br>
+I thus: “Instructor, clearly thy discourse<br>
+Proceeds, distinguishing the hideous chasm<br>
+And its inhabitants with skill exact.<br>
+But tell me this: they of the dull, fat pool,<br>
+Whom the rain beats, or whom the tempest drives,<br>
+Or who with tongues so fierce conflicting meet,<br>
+Wherefore within the city fire-illum’d<br>
+Are not these punish’d, if God’s wrath be on them?<br>
+And if it be not, wherefore in such guise<br>
+Are they condemned?” He answer thus return’d:<br>
+“Wherefore in dotage wanders thus thy mind,<br>
+Not so accustom’d? or what other thoughts<br>
+Possess it? Dwell not in thy memory<br>
+The words, wherein thy ethic page describes<br>
+Three dispositions adverse to Heav’n’s will,<br>
+Incont’nence, malice, and mad brutishness,<br>
+And how incontinence the least offends<br>
+God, and least guilt incurs? If well thou note<br>
+This judgment, and remember who they are,<br>
+Without these walls to vain repentance doom’d,<br>
+Thou shalt discern why they apart are plac’d<br>
+From these fell spirits, and less wreakful pours<br>
+Justice divine on them its vengeance down.”<br>
+<br>
+“O Sun! who healest all imperfect sight,<br>
+Thou so content’st me, when thou solv’st my doubt,<br>
+That ignorance not less than knowledge charms.<br>
+Yet somewhat turn thee back,” I in these words<br>
+Continu’d, “where thou saidst, that usury<br>
+Offends celestial Goodness; and this knot<br>
+Perplex’d unravel.” He thus made reply:<br>
+“Philosophy, to an attentive ear,<br>
+Clearly points out, not in one part alone,<br>
+How imitative nature takes her course<br>
+From the celestial mind and from its art:<br>
+And where her laws the Stagyrite unfolds,<br>
+Not many leaves scann’d o’er, observing well<br>
+Thou shalt discover, that your art on her<br>
+Obsequious follows, as the learner treads<br>
+In his instructor’s step, so that your art<br>
+Deserves the name of second in descent<br>
+From God. These two, if thou recall to mind<br>
+Creation’s holy book, from the beginning<br>
+Were the right source of life and excellence<br>
+To human kind. But in another path<br>
+The usurer walks; and Nature in herself<br>
+And in her follower thus he sets at nought,<br>
+Placing elsewhere his hope. But follow now<br>
+My steps on forward journey bent; for now<br>
+The Pisces play with undulating glance<br>
+Along the horizon, and the Wain lies all<br>
+O’er the north-west; and onward there a space<br>
 Is our steep passage down the rocky height.”
 </p>
 
@@ -2418,181 +2412,181 @@ Is our steep passage down the rocky height.”
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoI.12"></a>CANTO XII</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoI.12"></a>CANTO XII</h2>
 
 <p>
-The place where to descend the precipice<br/>
-We came, was rough as Alp, and on its verge<br/>
-Such object lay, as every eye would shun.<br/>
-<br/>
-As is that ruin, which Adice’s stream<br/>
-On this side Trento struck, should’ring the wave,<br/>
-Or loos’d by earthquake or for lack of prop;<br/>
-For from the mountain’s summit, whence it mov’d<br/>
-To the low level, so the headlong rock<br/>
-Is shiver’d, that some passage it might give<br/>
-To him who from above would pass; e’en such<br/>
-Into the chasm was that descent: and there<br/>
-At point of the disparted ridge lay stretch’d<br/>
-The infamy of Crete, detested brood<br/>
-Of the feign’d heifer: and at sight of us<br/>
+The place where to descend the precipice<br>
+We came, was rough as Alp, and on its verge<br>
+Such object lay, as every eye would shun.<br>
+<br>
+As is that ruin, which Adice’s stream<br>
+On this side Trento struck, should’ring the wave,<br>
+Or loos’d by earthquake or for lack of prop;<br>
+For from the mountain’s summit, whence it mov’d<br>
+To the low level, so the headlong rock<br>
+Is shiver’d, that some passage it might give<br>
+To him who from above would pass; e’en such<br>
+Into the chasm was that descent: and there<br>
+At point of the disparted ridge lay stretch’d<br>
+The infamy of Crete, detested brood<br>
+Of the feign’d heifer: and at sight of us<br>
 It gnaw’d itself, as one with rage distract.
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/12-123.jpg">
-<img alt="" width="383" height="600" src="images/12-123.jpg" /></a>
+<img alt="" src="images/12-123.jpg" style="width: 383px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-To him my guide exclaim’d: “Perchance thou deem’st<br/>
-The King of Athens here, who, in the world<br/>
-Above, thy death contriv’d. Monster! avaunt!<br/>
-He comes not tutor’d by thy sister’s art,<br/>
-But to behold your torments is he come.”<br/>
-<br/>
-Like to a bull, that with impetuous spring<br/>
-Darts, at the moment when the fatal blow<br/>
-Hath struck him, but unable to proceed<br/>
-Plunges on either side; so saw I plunge<br/>
-The Minotaur; whereat the sage exclaim’d:<br/>
-“Run to the passage! while he storms, ’t is well<br/>
-That thou descend.” Thus down our road we took<br/>
-Through those dilapidated crags, that oft<br/>
-Mov’d underneath my feet, to weight like theirs<br/>
-Unus’d. I pond’ring went, and thus he spake:<br/>
-<br/>
-“Perhaps thy thoughts are of this ruin’d steep,<br/>
-Guarded by the brute violence, which I<br/>
-Have vanquish’d now. Know then, that when I erst<br/>
-Hither descended to the nether hell,<br/>
-This rock was not yet fallen. But past doubt<br/>
-(If well I mark) not long ere He arrived,<br/>
-Who carried off from Dis the mighty spoil<br/>
-Of the highest circle, then through all its bounds<br/>
-Such trembling seiz’d the deep concave and foul,<br/>
-I thought the universe was thrill’d with love,<br/>
-Whereby, there are who deem, the world hath oft<br/>
-Been into chaos turn’d: and in that point,<br/>
-Here, and elsewhere, that old rock toppled down.<br/>
-But fix thine eyes beneath: the river of blood<br/>
-Approaches, in the which all those are steep’d,<br/>
-Who have by violence injur’d.” O blind lust!<br/>
-O foolish wrath! who so dost goad us on<br/>
-In the brief life, and in the eternal then<br/>
-Thus miserably o’erwhelm us. I beheld<br/>
-An ample foss, that in a bow was bent,<br/>
-As circling all the plain; for so my guide<br/>
-Had told. Between it and the rampart’s base<br/>
-On trail ran Centaurs, with keen arrows arm’d,<br/>
+To him my guide exclaim’d: “Perchance thou deem’st<br>
+The King of Athens here, who, in the world<br>
+Above, thy death contriv’d. Monster! avaunt!<br>
+He comes not tutor’d by thy sister’s art,<br>
+But to behold your torments is he come.”<br>
+<br>
+Like to a bull, that with impetuous spring<br>
+Darts, at the moment when the fatal blow<br>
+Hath struck him, but unable to proceed<br>
+Plunges on either side; so saw I plunge<br>
+The Minotaur; whereat the sage exclaim’d:<br>
+“Run to the passage! while he storms, ’t is well<br>
+That thou descend.” Thus down our road we took<br>
+Through those dilapidated crags, that oft<br>
+Mov’d underneath my feet, to weight like theirs<br>
+Unus’d. I pond’ring went, and thus he spake:<br>
+<br>
+“Perhaps thy thoughts are of this ruin’d steep,<br>
+Guarded by the brute violence, which I<br>
+Have vanquish’d now. Know then, that when I erst<br>
+Hither descended to the nether hell,<br>
+This rock was not yet fallen. But past doubt<br>
+(If well I mark) not long ere He arrived,<br>
+Who carried off from Dis the mighty spoil<br>
+Of the highest circle, then through all its bounds<br>
+Such trembling seiz’d the deep concave and foul,<br>
+I thought the universe was thrill’d with love,<br>
+Whereby, there are who deem, the world hath oft<br>
+Been into chaos turn’d: and in that point,<br>
+Here, and elsewhere, that old rock toppled down.<br>
+But fix thine eyes beneath: the river of blood<br>
+Approaches, in the which all those are steep’d,<br>
+Who have by violence injur’d.” O blind lust!<br>
+O foolish wrath! who so dost goad us on<br>
+In the brief life, and in the eternal then<br>
+Thus miserably o’erwhelm us. I beheld<br>
+An ample foss, that in a bow was bent,<br>
+As circling all the plain; for so my guide<br>
+Had told. Between it and the rampart’s base<br>
+On trail ran Centaurs, with keen arrows arm’d,<br>
 As to the chase they on the earth were wont.
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/12-127.jpg">
-<img alt="" width="600" height="492" src="images/12-127.jpg" /></a>
+<img alt="" src="images/12-127.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 492px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-At seeing us descend they each one stood;<br/>
-And issuing from the troop, three sped with bows<br/>
-And missile weapons chosen first; of whom<br/>
-One cried from far: “Say to what pain ye come<br/>
-Condemn’d, who down this steep have journied? Speak<br/>
-From whence ye stand, or else the bow I draw.”<br/>
-<br/>
-To whom my guide: “Our answer shall be made<br/>
-To Chiron, there, when nearer him we come.<br/>
-Ill was thy mind, thus ever quick and rash.”<br/>
-<br/>
-Then me he touch’d, and spake: “Nessus is this,<br/>
-Who for the fair Deianira died,<br/>
-And wrought himself revenge for his own fate.<br/>
-He in the midst, that on his breast looks down,<br/>
-Is the great Chiron who Achilles nurs’d;<br/>
-That other Pholus, prone to wrath.” Around<br/>
-The foss these go by thousands, aiming shafts<br/>
-At whatsoever spirit dares emerge<br/>
+At seeing us descend they each one stood;<br>
+And issuing from the troop, three sped with bows<br>
+And missile weapons chosen first; of whom<br>
+One cried from far: “Say to what pain ye come<br>
+Condemn’d, who down this steep have journied? Speak<br>
+From whence ye stand, or else the bow I draw.”<br>
+<br>
+To whom my guide: “Our answer shall be made<br>
+To Chiron, there, when nearer him we come.<br>
+Ill was thy mind, thus ever quick and rash.”<br>
+<br>
+Then me he touch’d, and spake: “Nessus is this,<br>
+Who for the fair Deianira died,<br>
+And wrought himself revenge for his own fate.<br>
+He in the midst, that on his breast looks down,<br>
+Is the great Chiron who Achilles nurs’d;<br>
+That other Pholus, prone to wrath.” Around<br>
+The foss these go by thousands, aiming shafts<br>
+At whatsoever spirit dares emerge<br>
 From out the blood, more than his guilt allows.
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/12-129.jpg">
-<img alt="" width="600" height="490" src="images/12-129.jpg" /></a>
+<img alt="" src="images/12-129.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 490px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-We to those beasts, that rapid strode along,<br/>
-Drew near, when Chiron took an arrow forth,<br/>
-And with the notch push’d back his shaggy beard<br/>
-To the cheek-bone, then his great mouth to view<br/>
-Exposing, to his fellows thus exclaim’d:<br/>
-“Are ye aware, that he who comes behind<br/>
-Moves what he touches? The feet of the dead<br/>
-Are not so wont.” My trusty guide, who now<br/>
-Stood near his breast, where the two natures join,<br/>
-Thus made reply: “He is indeed alive,<br/>
-And solitary so must needs by me<br/>
-Be shown the gloomy vale, thereto induc’d<br/>
-By strict necessity, not by delight.<br/>
-She left her joyful harpings in the sky,<br/>
-Who this new office to my care consign’d.<br/>
-He is no robber, no dark spirit I.<br/>
-But by that virtue, which empowers my step<br/>
-To treat so wild a path, grant us, I pray,<br/>
-One of thy band, whom we may trust secure,<br/>
-Who to the ford may lead us, and convey<br/>
-Across, him mounted on his back; for he<br/>
-Is not a spirit that may walk the air.”<br/>
-<br/>
-Then on his right breast turning, Chiron thus<br/>
-To Nessus spake: “Return, and be their guide.<br/>
-And if ye chance to cross another troop,<br/>
-Command them keep aloof.” Onward we mov’d,<br/>
-The faithful escort by our side, along<br/>
-The border of the crimson-seething flood,<br/>
-Whence from those steep’d within loud shrieks arose.<br/>
-<br/>
-Some there I mark’d, as high as to their brow<br/>
-Immers’d, of whom the mighty Centaur thus:<br/>
-“These are the souls of tyrants, who were given<br/>
-To blood and rapine. Here they wail aloud<br/>
-Their merciless wrongs. Here Alexander dwells,<br/>
-And Dionysius fell, who many a year<br/>
-Of woe wrought for fair Sicily. That brow<br/>
-Whereon the hair so jetty clust’ring hangs,<br/>
-Is Azzolino; that with flaxen locks<br/>
-Obizzo’ of Este, in the world destroy’d<br/>
-By his foul step-son.” To the bard rever’d<br/>
-I turned me round, and thus he spake; “Let him<br/>
-Be to thee now first leader, me but next<br/>
-To him in rank.” Then farther on a space<br/>
-The Centaur paus’d, near some, who at the throat<br/>
-Were extant from the wave; and showing us<br/>
-A spirit by itself apart retir’d,<br/>
-Exclaim’d: “He in God’s bosom smote the heart,<br/>
-Which yet is honour’d on the bank of Thames.”<br/>
-<br/>
-A race I next espied, who held the head,<br/>
-And even all the bust above the stream.<br/>
-’Midst these I many a face remember’d well.<br/>
-Thus shallow more and more the blood became,<br/>
-So that at last it but imbru’d the feet;<br/>
-And there our passage lay athwart the foss.<br/>
-<br/>
-“As ever on this side the boiling wave<br/>
-Thou seest diminishing,” the Centaur said,<br/>
-“So on the other, be thou well assur’d,<br/>
-It lower still and lower sinks its bed,<br/>
-Till in that part it reuniting join,<br/>
-Where ’t is the lot of tyranny to mourn.<br/>
-There Heav’n’s stern justice lays chastising hand<br/>
-On Attila, who was the scourge of earth,<br/>
-On Sextus, and on Pyrrhus, and extracts<br/>
-Tears ever by the seething flood unlock’d<br/>
-From the Rinieri, of Corneto this,<br/>
-Pazzo the other nam’d, who fill’d the ways<br/>
-With violence and war.” This said, he turn’d,<br/>
+We to those beasts, that rapid strode along,<br>
+Drew near, when Chiron took an arrow forth,<br>
+And with the notch push’d back his shaggy beard<br>
+To the cheek-bone, then his great mouth to view<br>
+Exposing, to his fellows thus exclaim’d:<br>
+“Are ye aware, that he who comes behind<br>
+Moves what he touches? The feet of the dead<br>
+Are not so wont.” My trusty guide, who now<br>
+Stood near his breast, where the two natures join,<br>
+Thus made reply: “He is indeed alive,<br>
+And solitary so must needs by me<br>
+Be shown the gloomy vale, thereto induc’d<br>
+By strict necessity, not by delight.<br>
+She left her joyful harpings in the sky,<br>
+Who this new office to my care consign’d.<br>
+He is no robber, no dark spirit I.<br>
+But by that virtue, which empowers my step<br>
+To treat so wild a path, grant us, I pray,<br>
+One of thy band, whom we may trust secure,<br>
+Who to the ford may lead us, and convey<br>
+Across, him mounted on his back; for he<br>
+Is not a spirit that may walk the air.”<br>
+<br>
+Then on his right breast turning, Chiron thus<br>
+To Nessus spake: “Return, and be their guide.<br>
+And if ye chance to cross another troop,<br>
+Command them keep aloof.” Onward we mov’d,<br>
+The faithful escort by our side, along<br>
+The border of the crimson-seething flood,<br>
+Whence from those steep’d within loud shrieks arose.<br>
+<br>
+Some there I mark’d, as high as to their brow<br>
+Immers’d, of whom the mighty Centaur thus:<br>
+“These are the souls of tyrants, who were given<br>
+To blood and rapine. Here they wail aloud<br>
+Their merciless wrongs. Here Alexander dwells,<br>
+And Dionysius fell, who many a year<br>
+Of woe wrought for fair Sicily. That brow<br>
+Whereon the hair so jetty clust’ring hangs,<br>
+Is Azzolino; that with flaxen locks<br>
+Obizzo’ of Este, in the world destroy’d<br>
+By his foul step-son.” To the bard rever’d<br>
+I turned me round, and thus he spake; “Let him<br>
+Be to thee now first leader, me but next<br>
+To him in rank.” Then farther on a space<br>
+The Centaur paus’d, near some, who at the throat<br>
+Were extant from the wave; and showing us<br>
+A spirit by itself apart retir’d,<br>
+Exclaim’d: “He in God’s bosom smote the heart,<br>
+Which yet is honour’d on the bank of Thames.”<br>
+<br>
+A race I next espied, who held the head,<br>
+And even all the bust above the stream.<br>
+’Midst these I many a face remember’d well.<br>
+Thus shallow more and more the blood became,<br>
+So that at last it but imbru’d the feet;<br>
+And there our passage lay athwart the foss.<br>
+<br>
+“As ever on this side the boiling wave<br>
+Thou seest diminishing,” the Centaur said,<br>
+“So on the other, be thou well assur’d,<br>
+It lower still and lower sinks its bed,<br>
+Till in that part it reuniting join,<br>
+Where ’t is the lot of tyranny to mourn.<br>
+There Heav’n’s stern justice lays chastising hand<br>
+On Attila, who was the scourge of earth,<br>
+On Sextus, and on Pyrrhus, and extracts<br>
+Tears ever by the seething flood unlock’d<br>
+From the Rinieri, of Corneto this,<br>
+Pazzo the other nam’d, who fill’d the ways<br>
+With violence and war.” This said, he turn’d,<br>
 And quitting us, alone repass’d the ford.
 </p>
 
@@ -2600,195 +2594,195 @@ And quitting us, alone repass’d the ford.
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoI.13"></a>CANTO XIII</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoI.13"></a>CANTO XIII</h2>
 
 <p>
-Ere Nessus yet had reach’d the other bank,<br/>
-We enter’d on a forest, where no track<br/>
-Of steps had worn a way. Not verdant there<br/>
-The foliage, but of dusky hue; not light<br/>
-The boughs and tapering, but with knares deform’d<br/>
-And matted thick: fruits there were none, but thorns<br/>
-Instead, with venom fill’d. Less sharp than these,<br/>
-Less intricate the brakes, wherein abide<br/>
-Those animals, that hate the cultur’d fields,<br/>
+Ere Nessus yet had reach’d the other bank,<br>
+We enter’d on a forest, where no track<br>
+Of steps had worn a way. Not verdant there<br>
+The foliage, but of dusky hue; not light<br>
+The boughs and tapering, but with knares deform’d<br>
+And matted thick: fruits there were none, but thorns<br>
+Instead, with venom fill’d. Less sharp than these,<br>
+Less intricate the brakes, wherein abide<br>
+Those animals, that hate the cultur’d fields,<br>
 Betwixt Corneto and Cecina’s stream.
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/13-135.jpg">
-<img alt="" width="398" height="600" src="images/13-135.jpg" /></a>
+<img alt="" src="images/13-135.jpg" style="width: 398px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-Here the brute Harpies make their nest, the same<br/>
-Who from the Strophades the Trojan band<br/>
-Drove with dire boding of their future woe.<br/>
-Broad are their pennons, of the human form<br/>
-Their neck and count’nance, arm’d with talons keen<br/>
-The feet, and the huge belly fledge with wings<br/>
-These sit and wail on the drear mystic wood.<br/>
-<br/>
-The kind instructor in these words began:<br/>
-“Ere farther thou proceed, know thou art now<br/>
-I’ th’ second round, and shalt be, till thou come<br/>
-Upon the horrid sand: look therefore well<br/>
-Around thee, and such things thou shalt behold,<br/>
-As would my speech discredit.” On all sides<br/>
-I heard sad plainings breathe, and none could see<br/>
-From whom they might have issu’d. In amaze<br/>
-Fast bound I stood. He, as it seem’d, believ’d,<br/>
-That I had thought so many voices came<br/>
-From some amid those thickets close conceal’d,<br/>
-And thus his speech resum’d: “If thou lop off<br/>
-A single twig from one of those ill plants,<br/>
-The thought thou hast conceiv’d shall vanish quite.”<br/>
-<br/>
-Thereat a little stretching forth my hand,<br/>
-From a great wilding gather’d I a branch,<br/>
+Here the brute Harpies make their nest, the same<br>
+Who from the Strophades the Trojan band<br>
+Drove with dire boding of their future woe.<br>
+Broad are their pennons, of the human form<br>
+Their neck and count’nance, arm’d with talons keen<br>
+The feet, and the huge belly fledge with wings<br>
+These sit and wail on the drear mystic wood.<br>
+<br>
+The kind instructor in these words began:<br>
+“Ere farther thou proceed, know thou art now<br>
+I’ th’ second round, and shalt be, till thou come<br>
+Upon the horrid sand: look therefore well<br>
+Around thee, and such things thou shalt behold,<br>
+As would my speech discredit.” On all sides<br>
+I heard sad plainings breathe, and none could see<br>
+From whom they might have issu’d. In amaze<br>
+Fast bound I stood. He, as it seem’d, believ’d,<br>
+That I had thought so many voices came<br>
+From some amid those thickets close conceal’d,<br>
+And thus his speech resum’d: “If thou lop off<br>
+A single twig from one of those ill plants,<br>
+The thought thou hast conceiv’d shall vanish quite.”<br>
+<br>
+Thereat a little stretching forth my hand,<br>
+From a great wilding gather’d I a branch,<br>
 And straight the trunk exclaim’d: “Why pluck’st thou me?”
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/13-137.jpg">
-<img alt="" width="600" height="489" src="images/13-137.jpg" /></a>
+<img alt="" src="images/13-137.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 489px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-Then as the dark blood trickled down its side,<br/>
-These words it added: “Wherefore tear’st me thus?<br/>
-Is there no touch of mercy in thy breast?<br/>
-Men once were we, that now are rooted here.<br/>
-Thy hand might well have spar’d us, had we been<br/>
-The souls of serpents.” As a brand yet green,<br/>
-That burning at one end from the other sends<br/>
-A groaning sound, and hisses with the wind<br/>
-That forces out its way, so burst at once,<br/>
-Forth from the broken splinter words and blood.<br/>
-<br/>
-I, letting fall the bough, remain’d as one<br/>
-Assail’d by terror, and the sage replied:<br/>
-“If he, O injur’d spirit! could have believ’d<br/>
-What he hath seen but in my verse describ’d,<br/>
-He never against thee had stretch’d his hand.<br/>
-But I, because the thing surpass’d belief,<br/>
-Prompted him to this deed, which even now<br/>
-Myself I rue. But tell me, who thou wast;<br/>
-That, for this wrong to do thee some amends,<br/>
-In the upper world (for thither to return<br/>
-Is granted him) thy fame he may revive.”<br/>
-<br/>
-“That pleasant word of thine,” the trunk replied<br/>
-“Hath so inveigled me, that I from speech<br/>
-Cannot refrain, wherein if I indulge<br/>
-A little longer, in the snare detain’d,<br/>
-Count it not grievous. I it was, who held<br/>
-Both keys to Frederick’s heart, and turn’d the wards,<br/>
-Opening and shutting, with a skill so sweet,<br/>
-That besides me, into his inmost breast<br/>
-Scarce any other could admittance find.<br/>
-The faith I bore to my high charge was such,<br/>
-It cost me the life-blood that warm’d my veins.<br/>
-The harlot, who ne’er turn’d her gloating eyes<br/>
-From Caesar’s household, common vice and pest<br/>
-Of courts, ’gainst me inflam’d the minds of all;<br/>
-And to Augustus they so spread the flame,<br/>
-That my glad honours chang’d to bitter woes.<br/>
-My soul, disdainful and disgusted, sought<br/>
-Refuge in death from scorn, and I became,<br/>
-Just as I was, unjust toward myself.<br/>
-By the new roots, which fix this stem, I swear,<br/>
-That never faith I broke to my liege lord,<br/>
-Who merited such honour; and of you,<br/>
-If any to the world indeed return,<br/>
-Clear he from wrong my memory, that lies<br/>
-Yet prostrate under envy’s cruel blow.”<br/>
-<br/>
-First somewhat pausing, till the mournful words<br/>
-Were ended, then to me the bard began:<br/>
-“Lose not the time; but speak and of him ask,<br/>
-If more thou wish to learn.” Whence I replied:<br/>
-“Question thou him again of whatsoe’er<br/>
-Will, as thou think’st, content me; for no power<br/>
-Have I to ask, such pity’ is at my heart.”<br/>
-<br/>
-He thus resum’d; “So may he do for thee<br/>
-Freely what thou entreatest, as thou yet<br/>
-Be pleas’d, imprison’d Spirit! to declare,<br/>
-How in these gnarled joints the soul is tied;<br/>
-And whether any ever from such frame<br/>
-Be loosen’d, if thou canst, that also tell.”<br/>
-<br/>
-Thereat the trunk breath’d hard, and the wind soon<br/>
-Chang’d into sounds articulate like these;<br/>
-<br/>
-Briefly ye shall be answer’d. “When departs<br/>
-The fierce soul from the body, by itself<br/>
-Thence torn asunder, to the seventh gulf<br/>
-By Minos doom’d, into the wood it falls,<br/>
-No place assign’d, but wheresoever chance<br/>
-Hurls it, there sprouting, as a grain of spelt,<br/>
-It rises to a sapling, growing thence<br/>
-A savage plant. The Harpies, on its leaves<br/>
-Then feeding, cause both pain and for the pain<br/>
-A vent to grief. We, as the rest, shall come<br/>
-For our own spoils, yet not so that with them<br/>
-We may again be clad; for what a man<br/>
-Takes from himself it is not just he have.<br/>
-Here we perforce shall drag them; and throughout<br/>
-The dismal glade our bodies shall be hung,<br/>
-Each on the wild thorn of his wretched shade.”<br/>
-<br/>
-Attentive yet to listen to the trunk<br/>
-We stood, expecting farther speech, when us<br/>
-A noise surpris’d, as when a man perceives<br/>
-The wild boar and the hunt approach his place<br/>
-Of station’d watch, who of the beasts and boughs<br/>
-Loud rustling round him hears. And lo! there came<br/>
-Two naked, torn with briers, in headlong flight,<br/>
-That they before them broke each fan o’ th’ wood.<br/>
+Then as the dark blood trickled down its side,<br>
+These words it added: “Wherefore tear’st me thus?<br>
+Is there no touch of mercy in thy breast?<br>
+Men once were we, that now are rooted here.<br>
+Thy hand might well have spar’d us, had we been<br>
+The souls of serpents.” As a brand yet green,<br>
+That burning at one end from the other sends<br>
+A groaning sound, and hisses with the wind<br>
+That forces out its way, so burst at once,<br>
+Forth from the broken splinter words and blood.<br>
+<br>
+I, letting fall the bough, remain’d as one<br>
+Assail’d by terror, and the sage replied:<br>
+“If he, O injur’d spirit! could have believ’d<br>
+What he hath seen but in my verse describ’d,<br>
+He never against thee had stretch’d his hand.<br>
+But I, because the thing surpass’d belief,<br>
+Prompted him to this deed, which even now<br>
+Myself I rue. But tell me, who thou wast;<br>
+That, for this wrong to do thee some amends,<br>
+In the upper world (for thither to return<br>
+Is granted him) thy fame he may revive.”<br>
+<br>
+“That pleasant word of thine,” the trunk replied<br>
+“Hath so inveigled me, that I from speech<br>
+Cannot refrain, wherein if I indulge<br>
+A little longer, in the snare detain’d,<br>
+Count it not grievous. I it was, who held<br>
+Both keys to Frederick’s heart, and turn’d the wards,<br>
+Opening and shutting, with a skill so sweet,<br>
+That besides me, into his inmost breast<br>
+Scarce any other could admittance find.<br>
+The faith I bore to my high charge was such,<br>
+It cost me the life-blood that warm’d my veins.<br>
+The harlot, who ne’er turn’d her gloating eyes<br>
+From Caesar’s household, common vice and pest<br>
+Of courts, ’gainst me inflam’d the minds of all;<br>
+And to Augustus they so spread the flame,<br>
+That my glad honours chang’d to bitter woes.<br>
+My soul, disdainful and disgusted, sought<br>
+Refuge in death from scorn, and I became,<br>
+Just as I was, unjust toward myself.<br>
+By the new roots, which fix this stem, I swear,<br>
+That never faith I broke to my liege lord,<br>
+Who merited such honour; and of you,<br>
+If any to the world indeed return,<br>
+Clear he from wrong my memory, that lies<br>
+Yet prostrate under envy’s cruel blow.”<br>
+<br>
+First somewhat pausing, till the mournful words<br>
+Were ended, then to me the bard began:<br>
+“Lose not the time; but speak and of him ask,<br>
+If more thou wish to learn.” Whence I replied:<br>
+“Question thou him again of whatsoe’er<br>
+Will, as thou think’st, content me; for no power<br>
+Have I to ask, such pity’ is at my heart.”<br>
+<br>
+He thus resum’d; “So may he do for thee<br>
+Freely what thou entreatest, as thou yet<br>
+Be pleas’d, imprison’d Spirit! to declare,<br>
+How in these gnarled joints the soul is tied;<br>
+And whether any ever from such frame<br>
+Be loosen’d, if thou canst, that also tell.”<br>
+<br>
+Thereat the trunk breath’d hard, and the wind soon<br>
+Chang’d into sounds articulate like these;<br>
+<br>
+Briefly ye shall be answer’d. “When departs<br>
+The fierce soul from the body, by itself<br>
+Thence torn asunder, to the seventh gulf<br>
+By Minos doom’d, into the wood it falls,<br>
+No place assign’d, but wheresoever chance<br>
+Hurls it, there sprouting, as a grain of spelt,<br>
+It rises to a sapling, growing thence<br>
+A savage plant. The Harpies, on its leaves<br>
+Then feeding, cause both pain and for the pain<br>
+A vent to grief. We, as the rest, shall come<br>
+For our own spoils, yet not so that with them<br>
+We may again be clad; for what a man<br>
+Takes from himself it is not just he have.<br>
+Here we perforce shall drag them; and throughout<br>
+The dismal glade our bodies shall be hung,<br>
+Each on the wild thorn of his wretched shade.”<br>
+<br>
+Attentive yet to listen to the trunk<br>
+We stood, expecting farther speech, when us<br>
+A noise surpris’d, as when a man perceives<br>
+The wild boar and the hunt approach his place<br>
+Of station’d watch, who of the beasts and boughs<br>
+Loud rustling round him hears. And lo! there came<br>
+Two naked, torn with briers, in headlong flight,<br>
+That they before them broke each fan o’ th’ wood.<br>
 “Haste now,” the foremost cried, “now haste thee death!”
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/13-143.jpg">
-<img alt="" width="600" height="478" src="images/13-143.jpg" /></a>
+<img alt="" src="images/13-143.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 478px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-The other, as seem’d, impatient of delay<br/>
-Exclaiming, “Lano! not so bent for speed<br/>
-Thy sinews, in the lists of Toppo’s field.”<br/>
-And then, for that perchance no longer breath<br/>
-Suffic’d him, of himself and of a bush<br/>
-One group he made. Behind them was the wood<br/>
-Full of black female mastiffs, gaunt and fleet,<br/>
-As greyhounds that have newly slipp’d the leash.<br/>
-On him, who squatted down, they stuck their fangs,<br/>
-And having rent him piecemeal bore away<br/>
-The tortur’d limbs. My guide then seiz’d my hand,<br/>
-And led me to the thicket, which in vain<br/>
-Mourn’d through its bleeding wounds: “O Giacomo<br/>
-Of Sant’ Andrea! what avails it thee,”<br/>
-It cried, “that of me thou hast made thy screen?<br/>
-For thy ill life what blame on me recoils?”<br/>
-<br/>
-When o’er it he had paus’d, my master spake:<br/>
-“Say who wast thou, that at so many points<br/>
-Breath’st out with blood thy lamentable speech?”<br/>
-<br/>
-He answer’d: “Oh, ye spirits: arriv’d in time<br/>
-To spy the shameful havoc, that from me<br/>
-My leaves hath sever’d thus, gather them up,<br/>
-And at the foot of their sad parent-tree<br/>
-Carefully lay them. In that city’ I dwelt,<br/>
-Who for the Baptist her first patron chang’d,<br/>
-Whence he for this shall cease not with his art<br/>
-To work her woe: and if there still remain’d not<br/>
-On Arno’s passage some faint glimpse of him,<br/>
-Those citizens, who rear’d once more her walls<br/>
-Upon the ashes left by Attila,<br/>
-Had labour’d without profit of their toil.<br/>
+The other, as seem’d, impatient of delay<br>
+Exclaiming, “Lano! not so bent for speed<br>
+Thy sinews, in the lists of Toppo’s field.”<br>
+And then, for that perchance no longer breath<br>
+Suffic’d him, of himself and of a bush<br>
+One group he made. Behind them was the wood<br>
+Full of black female mastiffs, gaunt and fleet,<br>
+As greyhounds that have newly slipp’d the leash.<br>
+On him, who squatted down, they stuck their fangs,<br>
+And having rent him piecemeal bore away<br>
+The tortur’d limbs. My guide then seiz’d my hand,<br>
+And led me to the thicket, which in vain<br>
+Mourn’d through its bleeding wounds: “O Giacomo<br>
+Of Sant’ Andrea! what avails it thee,”<br>
+It cried, “that of me thou hast made thy screen?<br>
+For thy ill life what blame on me recoils?”<br>
+<br>
+When o’er it he had paus’d, my master spake:<br>
+“Say who wast thou, that at so many points<br>
+Breath’st out with blood thy lamentable speech?”<br>
+<br>
+He answer’d: “Oh, ye spirits: arriv’d in time<br>
+To spy the shameful havoc, that from me<br>
+My leaves hath sever’d thus, gather them up,<br>
+And at the foot of their sad parent-tree<br>
+Carefully lay them. In that city’ I dwelt,<br>
+Who for the Baptist her first patron chang’d,<br>
+Whence he for this shall cease not with his art<br>
+To work her woe: and if there still remain’d not<br>
+On Arno’s passage some faint glimpse of him,<br>
+Those citizens, who rear’d once more her walls<br>
+Upon the ashes left by Attila,<br>
+Had labour’d without profit of their toil.<br>
 I slung the fatal noose from my own roof.”
 </p>
 
@@ -2796,165 +2790,165 @@ I slung the fatal noose from my own roof.”
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoI.14"></a>CANTO XIV</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoI.14"></a>CANTO XIV</h2>
 
 <p>
-Soon as the charity of native land<br/>
-Wrought in my bosom, I the scatter’d leaves<br/>
-Collected, and to him restor’d, who now<br/>
-Was hoarse with utt’rance. To the limit thence<br/>
-We came, which from the third the second round<br/>
-Divides, and where of justice is display’d<br/>
-Contrivance horrible. Things then first seen<br/>
-Clearlier to manifest, I tell how next<br/>
-A plain we reach’d, that from its sterile bed<br/>
-Each plant repell’d. The mournful wood waves round<br/>
-Its garland on all sides, as round the wood<br/>
-Spreads the sad foss. There, on the very edge,<br/>
-Our steps we stay’d. It was an area wide<br/>
-Of arid sand and thick, resembling most<br/>
-The soil that erst by Cato’s foot was trod.<br/>
-<br/>
-Vengeance of Heav’n! Oh! how shouldst thou be fear’d<br/>
-By all, who read what here my eyes beheld!<br/>
-<br/>
-Of naked spirits many a flock I saw,<br/>
-All weeping piteously, to different laws<br/>
-Subjected: for on the earth some lay supine,<br/>
-Some crouching close were seated, others pac’d<br/>
-Incessantly around; the latter tribe,<br/>
-More numerous, those fewer who beneath<br/>
-The torment lay, but louder in their grief.<br/>
-<br/>
-O’er all the sand fell slowly wafting down<br/>
-Dilated flakes of fire, as flakes of snow<br/>
-On Alpine summit, when the wind is hush’d.<br/>
-As in the torrid Indian clime, the son<br/>
-Of Ammon saw upon his warrior band<br/>
-Descending, solid flames, that to the ground<br/>
-Came down: whence he bethought him with his troop<br/>
-To trample on the soil; for easier thus<br/>
-The vapour was extinguish’d, while alone;<br/>
-So fell the eternal fiery flood, wherewith<br/>
-The marble glow’d underneath, as under stove<br/>
+Soon as the charity of native land<br>
+Wrought in my bosom, I the scatter’d leaves<br>
+Collected, and to him restor’d, who now<br>
+Was hoarse with utt’rance. To the limit thence<br>
+We came, which from the third the second round<br>
+Divides, and where of justice is display’d<br>
+Contrivance horrible. Things then first seen<br>
+Clearlier to manifest, I tell how next<br>
+A plain we reach’d, that from its sterile bed<br>
+Each plant repell’d. The mournful wood waves round<br>
+Its garland on all sides, as round the wood<br>
+Spreads the sad foss. There, on the very edge,<br>
+Our steps we stay’d. It was an area wide<br>
+Of arid sand and thick, resembling most<br>
+The soil that erst by Cato’s foot was trod.<br>
+<br>
+Vengeance of Heav’n! Oh! how shouldst thou be fear’d<br>
+By all, who read what here my eyes beheld!<br>
+<br>
+Of naked spirits many a flock I saw,<br>
+All weeping piteously, to different laws<br>
+Subjected: for on the earth some lay supine,<br>
+Some crouching close were seated, others pac’d<br>
+Incessantly around; the latter tribe,<br>
+More numerous, those fewer who beneath<br>
+The torment lay, but louder in their grief.<br>
+<br>
+O’er all the sand fell slowly wafting down<br>
+Dilated flakes of fire, as flakes of snow<br>
+On Alpine summit, when the wind is hush’d.<br>
+As in the torrid Indian clime, the son<br>
+Of Ammon saw upon his warrior band<br>
+Descending, solid flames, that to the ground<br>
+Came down: whence he bethought him with his troop<br>
+To trample on the soil; for easier thus<br>
+The vapour was extinguish’d, while alone;<br>
+So fell the eternal fiery flood, wherewith<br>
+The marble glow’d underneath, as under stove<br>
 The viands, doubly to augment the pain.
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/14-147.jpg">
-<img alt="" width="600" height="500" src="images/14-147.jpg" /></a>
+<img alt="" src="images/14-147.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 500px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-Unceasing was the play of wretched hands,<br/>
-Now this, now that way glancing, to shake off<br/>
-The heat, still falling fresh. I thus began:<br/>
-“Instructor! thou who all things overcom’st,<br/>
-Except the hardy demons, that rush’d forth<br/>
-To stop our entrance at the gate, say who<br/>
-Is yon huge spirit, that, as seems, heeds not<br/>
-The burning, but lies writhen in proud scorn,<br/>
-As by the sultry tempest immatur’d?”<br/>
-<br/>
-Straight he himself, who was aware I ask’d<br/>
-My guide of him, exclaim’d: “Such as I was<br/>
-When living, dead such now I am. If Jove<br/>
-Weary his workman out, from whom in ire<br/>
-He snatch’d the lightnings, that at my last day<br/>
-Transfix’d me, if the rest be weary out<br/>
-At their black smithy labouring by turns<br/>
-In Mongibello, while he cries aloud;<br/>
-“Help, help, good Mulciber!” as erst he cried<br/>
-In the Phlegraean warfare, and the bolts<br/>
-Launch he full aim’d at me with all his might,<br/>
-He never should enjoy a sweet revenge.”<br/>
-<br/>
-Then thus my guide, in accent higher rais’d<br/>
-Than I before had heard him: “Capaneus!<br/>
-Thou art more punish’d, in that this thy pride<br/>
-Lives yet unquench’d: no torrent, save thy rage,<br/>
-Were to thy fury pain proportion’d full.”<br/>
-<br/>
-Next turning round to me with milder lip<br/>
-He spake: “This of the seven kings was one,<br/>
-Who girt the Theban walls with siege, and held,<br/>
-As still he seems to hold, God in disdain,<br/>
-And sets his high omnipotence at nought.<br/>
-But, as I told him, his despiteful mood<br/>
-Is ornament well suits the breast that wears it.<br/>
-Follow me now; and look thou set not yet<br/>
-Thy foot in the hot sand, but to the wood<br/>
-Keep ever close.” Silently on we pass’d<br/>
-To where there gushes from the forest’s bound<br/>
-A little brook, whose crimson’d wave yet lifts<br/>
-My hair with horror. As the rill, that runs<br/>
-From Bulicame, to be portion’d out<br/>
-Among the sinful women; so ran this<br/>
-Down through the sand, its bottom and each bank<br/>
-Stone-built, and either margin at its side,<br/>
-Whereon I straight perceiv’d our passage lay.<br/>
-<br/>
-“Of all that I have shown thee, since that gate<br/>
-We enter’d first, whose threshold is to none<br/>
-Denied, nought else so worthy of regard,<br/>
-As is this river, has thine eye discern’d,<br/>
-O’er which the flaming volley all is quench’d.”<br/>
-<br/>
-So spake my guide; and I him thence besought,<br/>
-That having giv’n me appetite to know,<br/>
-The food he too would give, that hunger crav’d.<br/>
-<br/>
-“In midst of ocean,” forthwith he began,<br/>
-“A desolate country lies, which Crete is nam’d,<br/>
-Under whose monarch in old times the world<br/>
-Liv’d pure and chaste. A mountain rises there,<br/>
-Call’d Ida, joyous once with leaves and streams,<br/>
-Deserted now like a forbidden thing.<br/>
-It was the spot which Rhea, Saturn’s spouse,<br/>
-Chose for the secret cradle of her son;<br/>
-And better to conceal him, drown’d in shouts<br/>
-His infant cries. Within the mount, upright<br/>
-An ancient form there stands and huge, that turns<br/>
-His shoulders towards Damiata, and at Rome<br/>
-As in his mirror looks. Of finest gold<br/>
-His head is shap’d, pure silver are the breast<br/>
-And arms; thence to the middle is of brass.<br/>
-And downward all beneath well-temper’d steel,<br/>
-Save the right foot of potter’s clay, on which<br/>
-Than on the other more erect he stands,<br/>
-Each part except the gold, is rent throughout;<br/>
-And from the fissure tears distil, which join’d<br/>
-Penetrate to that cave. They in their course<br/>
-Thus far precipitated down the rock<br/>
-Form Acheron, and Styx, and Phlegethon;<br/>
-Then by this straiten’d channel passing hence<br/>
-Beneath, e’en to the lowest depth of all,<br/>
-Form there Cocytus, of whose lake (thyself<br/>
-Shall see it) I here give thee no account.”<br/>
-<br/>
-Then I to him: “If from our world this sluice<br/>
-Be thus deriv’d; wherefore to us but now<br/>
-Appears it at this edge?” He straight replied:<br/>
-“The place, thou know’st, is round; and though great part<br/>
-Thou have already pass’d, still to the left<br/>
-Descending to the nethermost, not yet<br/>
-Hast thou the circuit made of the whole orb.<br/>
-Wherefore if aught of new to us appear,<br/>
-It needs not bring up wonder in thy looks.”<br/>
-<br/>
-Then I again inquir’d: “Where flow the streams<br/>
-Of Phlegethon and Lethe? for of one<br/>
-Thou tell’st not, and the other of that shower,<br/>
-Thou say’st, is form’d.” He answer thus return’d:<br/>
-“Doubtless thy questions all well pleas’d I hear.<br/>
-Yet the red seething wave might have resolv’d<br/>
-One thou proposest. Lethe thou shalt see,<br/>
-But not within this hollow, in the place,<br/>
-Whither to lave themselves the spirits go,<br/>
-Whose blame hath been by penitence remov’d.”<br/>
-He added: “Time is now we quit the wood.<br/>
-Look thou my steps pursue: the margins give<br/>
-Safe passage, unimpeded by the flames;<br/>
+Unceasing was the play of wretched hands,<br>
+Now this, now that way glancing, to shake off<br>
+The heat, still falling fresh. I thus began:<br>
+“Instructor! thou who all things overcom’st,<br>
+Except the hardy demons, that rush’d forth<br>
+To stop our entrance at the gate, say who<br>
+Is yon huge spirit, that, as seems, heeds not<br>
+The burning, but lies writhen in proud scorn,<br>
+As by the sultry tempest immatur’d?”<br>
+<br>
+Straight he himself, who was aware I ask’d<br>
+My guide of him, exclaim’d: “Such as I was<br>
+When living, dead such now I am. If Jove<br>
+Weary his workman out, from whom in ire<br>
+He snatch’d the lightnings, that at my last day<br>
+Transfix’d me, if the rest be weary out<br>
+At their black smithy labouring by turns<br>
+In Mongibello, while he cries aloud;<br>
+“Help, help, good Mulciber!” as erst he cried<br>
+In the Phlegraean warfare, and the bolts<br>
+Launch he full aim’d at me with all his might,<br>
+He never should enjoy a sweet revenge.”<br>
+<br>
+Then thus my guide, in accent higher rais’d<br>
+Than I before had heard him: “Capaneus!<br>
+Thou art more punish’d, in that this thy pride<br>
+Lives yet unquench’d: no torrent, save thy rage,<br>
+Were to thy fury pain proportion’d full.”<br>
+<br>
+Next turning round to me with milder lip<br>
+He spake: “This of the seven kings was one,<br>
+Who girt the Theban walls with siege, and held,<br>
+As still he seems to hold, God in disdain,<br>
+And sets his high omnipotence at nought.<br>
+But, as I told him, his despiteful mood<br>
+Is ornament well suits the breast that wears it.<br>
+Follow me now; and look thou set not yet<br>
+Thy foot in the hot sand, but to the wood<br>
+Keep ever close.” Silently on we pass’d<br>
+To where there gushes from the forest’s bound<br>
+A little brook, whose crimson’d wave yet lifts<br>
+My hair with horror. As the rill, that runs<br>
+From Bulicame, to be portion’d out<br>
+Among the sinful women; so ran this<br>
+Down through the sand, its bottom and each bank<br>
+Stone-built, and either margin at its side,<br>
+Whereon I straight perceiv’d our passage lay.<br>
+<br>
+“Of all that I have shown thee, since that gate<br>
+We enter’d first, whose threshold is to none<br>
+Denied, nought else so worthy of regard,<br>
+As is this river, has thine eye discern’d,<br>
+O’er which the flaming volley all is quench’d.”<br>
+<br>
+So spake my guide; and I him thence besought,<br>
+That having giv’n me appetite to know,<br>
+The food he too would give, that hunger crav’d.<br>
+<br>
+“In midst of ocean,” forthwith he began,<br>
+“A desolate country lies, which Crete is nam’d,<br>
+Under whose monarch in old times the world<br>
+Liv’d pure and chaste. A mountain rises there,<br>
+Call’d Ida, joyous once with leaves and streams,<br>
+Deserted now like a forbidden thing.<br>
+It was the spot which Rhea, Saturn’s spouse,<br>
+Chose for the secret cradle of her son;<br>
+And better to conceal him, drown’d in shouts<br>
+His infant cries. Within the mount, upright<br>
+An ancient form there stands and huge, that turns<br>
+His shoulders towards Damiata, and at Rome<br>
+As in his mirror looks. Of finest gold<br>
+His head is shap’d, pure silver are the breast<br>
+And arms; thence to the middle is of brass.<br>
+And downward all beneath well-temper’d steel,<br>
+Save the right foot of potter’s clay, on which<br>
+Than on the other more erect he stands,<br>
+Each part except the gold, is rent throughout;<br>
+And from the fissure tears distil, which join’d<br>
+Penetrate to that cave. They in their course<br>
+Thus far precipitated down the rock<br>
+Form Acheron, and Styx, and Phlegethon;<br>
+Then by this straiten’d channel passing hence<br>
+Beneath, e’en to the lowest depth of all,<br>
+Form there Cocytus, of whose lake (thyself<br>
+Shall see it) I here give thee no account.”<br>
+<br>
+Then I to him: “If from our world this sluice<br>
+Be thus deriv’d; wherefore to us but now<br>
+Appears it at this edge?” He straight replied:<br>
+“The place, thou know’st, is round; and though great part<br>
+Thou have already pass’d, still to the left<br>
+Descending to the nethermost, not yet<br>
+Hast thou the circuit made of the whole orb.<br>
+Wherefore if aught of new to us appear,<br>
+It needs not bring up wonder in thy looks.”<br>
+<br>
+Then I again inquir’d: “Where flow the streams<br>
+Of Phlegethon and Lethe? for of one<br>
+Thou tell’st not, and the other of that shower,<br>
+Thou say’st, is form’d.” He answer thus return’d:<br>
+“Doubtless thy questions all well pleas’d I hear.<br>
+Yet the red seething wave might have resolv’d<br>
+One thou proposest. Lethe thou shalt see,<br>
+But not within this hollow, in the place,<br>
+Whither to lave themselves the spirits go,<br>
+Whose blame hath been by penitence remov’d.”<br>
+He added: “Time is now we quit the wood.<br>
+Look thou my steps pursue: the margins give<br>
+Safe passage, unimpeded by the flames;<br>
 For over them all vapour is extinct.”
 </p>
 
@@ -2962,156 +2956,156 @@ For over them all vapour is extinct.”
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoI.15"></a>CANTO XV</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoI.15"></a>CANTO XV</h2>
 
 <p>
-One of the solid margins bears us now<br/>
-Envelop’d in the mist, that from the stream<br/>
-Arising, hovers o’er, and saves from fire<br/>
-Both piers and water. As the Flemings rear<br/>
-Their mound, ’twixt Ghent and Bruges, to chase back<br/>
-The ocean, fearing his tumultuous tide<br/>
-That drives toward them, or the Paduans theirs<br/>
-Along the Brenta, to defend their towns<br/>
-And castles, ere the genial warmth be felt<br/>
-On Chiarentana’s top; such were the mounds,<br/>
-So fram’d, though not in height or bulk to these<br/>
-Made equal, by the master, whosoe’er<br/>
-He was, that rais’d them here. We from the wood<br/>
-Were not so far remov’d, that turning round<br/>
-I might not have discern’d it, when we met<br/>
-A troop of spirits, who came beside the pier.<br/>
-<br/>
-They each one ey’d us, as at eventide<br/>
-One eyes another under a new moon,<br/>
-And toward us sharpen’d their sight as keen,<br/>
-As an old tailor at his needle’s eye.<br/>
-<br/>
-Thus narrowly explor’d by all the tribe,<br/>
-I was agniz’d of one, who by the skirt<br/>
-Caught me, and cried, “What wonder have we here!”<br/>
-<br/>
-And I, when he to me outstretch’d his arm,<br/>
-Intently fix’d my ken on his parch’d looks,<br/>
-That although smirch’d with fire, they hinder’d not<br/>
-But I remember’d him; and towards his face<br/>
+One of the solid margins bears us now<br>
+Envelop’d in the mist, that from the stream<br>
+Arising, hovers o’er, and saves from fire<br>
+Both piers and water. As the Flemings rear<br>
+Their mound, ’twixt Ghent and Bruges, to chase back<br>
+The ocean, fearing his tumultuous tide<br>
+That drives toward them, or the Paduans theirs<br>
+Along the Brenta, to defend their towns<br>
+And castles, ere the genial warmth be felt<br>
+On Chiarentana’s top; such were the mounds,<br>
+So fram’d, though not in height or bulk to these<br>
+Made equal, by the master, whosoe’er<br>
+He was, that rais’d them here. We from the wood<br>
+Were not so far remov’d, that turning round<br>
+I might not have discern’d it, when we met<br>
+A troop of spirits, who came beside the pier.<br>
+<br>
+They each one ey’d us, as at eventide<br>
+One eyes another under a new moon,<br>
+And toward us sharpen’d their sight as keen,<br>
+As an old tailor at his needle’s eye.<br>
+<br>
+Thus narrowly explor’d by all the tribe,<br>
+I was agniz’d of one, who by the skirt<br>
+Caught me, and cried, “What wonder have we here!”<br>
+<br>
+And I, when he to me outstretch’d his arm,<br>
+Intently fix’d my ken on his parch’d looks,<br>
+That although smirch’d with fire, they hinder’d not<br>
+But I remember’d him; and towards his face<br>
 My hand inclining, answer’d: “Sir! Brunetto!
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/15-155.jpg">
-<img alt="" width="600" height="492" src="images/15-155.jpg" /></a>
+<img alt="" src="images/15-155.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 492px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-“And art thou here?” He thus to me: “My son!<br/>
-Oh let it not displease thee, if Brunetto<br/>
-Latini but a little space with thee<br/>
-Turn back, and leave his fellows to proceed.”<br/>
-<br/>
-I thus to him replied: “Much as I can,<br/>
-I thereto pray thee; and if thou be willing,<br/>
-That I here seat me with thee, I consent;<br/>
-His leave, with whom I journey, first obtain’d.”<br/>
-<br/>
-“O son!” said he, “whoever of this throng<br/>
-One instant stops, lies then a hundred years,<br/>
-No fan to ventilate him, when the fire<br/>
-Smites sorest. Pass thou therefore on. I close<br/>
-Will at thy garments walk, and then rejoin<br/>
-My troop, who go mourning their endless doom.”<br/>
-<br/>
-I dar’d not from the path descend to tread<br/>
-On equal ground with him, but held my head<br/>
-Bent down, as one who walks in reverent guise.<br/>
-<br/>
-“What chance or destiny,” thus he began,<br/>
-“Ere the last day conducts thee here below?<br/>
-And who is this, that shows to thee the way?”<br/>
-<br/>
-“There up aloft,” I answer’d, “in the life<br/>
-Serene, I wander’d in a valley lost,<br/>
-Before mine age had to its fullness reach’d.<br/>
-But yester-morn I left it: then once more<br/>
-Into that vale returning, him I met;<br/>
-And by this path homeward he leads me back.”<br/>
-<br/>
-“If thou,” he answer’d, “follow but thy star,<br/>
-Thou canst not miss at last a glorious haven:<br/>
-Unless in fairer days my judgment err’d.<br/>
-And if my fate so early had not chanc’d,<br/>
-Seeing the heav’ns thus bounteous to thee, I<br/>
-Had gladly giv’n thee comfort in thy work.<br/>
-But that ungrateful and malignant race,<br/>
-Who in old times came down from Fesole,<br/>
-Ay and still smack of their rough mountain-flint,<br/>
-Will for thy good deeds shew thee enmity.<br/>
-Nor wonder; for amongst ill-savour’d crabs<br/>
-It suits not the sweet fig-tree lay her fruit.<br/>
-Old fame reports them in the world for blind,<br/>
-Covetous, envious, proud. Look to it well:<br/>
-Take heed thou cleanse thee of their ways. For thee<br/>
-Thy fortune hath such honour in reserve,<br/>
-That thou by either party shalt be crav’d<br/>
-With hunger keen: but be the fresh herb far<br/>
-From the goat’s tooth. The herd of Fesole<br/>
-May of themselves make litter, not touch the plant,<br/>
-If any such yet spring on their rank bed,<br/>
-In which the holy seed revives, transmitted<br/>
-From those true Romans, who still there remain’d,<br/>
-When it was made the nest of so much ill.”<br/>
-<br/>
-“Were all my wish fulfill’d,” I straight replied,<br/>
-“Thou from the confines of man’s nature yet<br/>
-Hadst not been driven forth; for in my mind<br/>
-Is fix’d, and now strikes full upon my heart<br/>
-The dear, benign, paternal image, such<br/>
-As thine was, when so lately thou didst teach me<br/>
-The way for man to win eternity;<br/>
-And how I priz’d the lesson, it behooves,<br/>
-That, long as life endures, my tongue should speak,<br/>
-What of my fate thou tell’st, that write I down:<br/>
-And with another text to comment on<br/>
-For her I keep it, the celestial dame,<br/>
-Who will know all, if I to her arrive.<br/>
-This only would I have thee clearly note:<br/>
-That so my conscience have no plea against me;<br/>
-Do fortune as she list, I stand prepar’d.<br/>
-Not new or strange such earnest to mine ear.<br/>
-Speed fortune then her wheel, as likes her best,<br/>
-The clown his mattock; all things have their course.”<br/>
-<br/>
-Thereat my sapient guide upon his right<br/>
-Turn’d himself back, then look’d at me and spake:<br/>
-“He listens to good purpose who takes note.”<br/>
-<br/>
-I not the less still on my way proceed,<br/>
-Discoursing with Brunetto, and inquire<br/>
-Who are most known and chief among his tribe.<br/>
-<br/>
-“To know of some is well;” thus he replied,<br/>
-“But of the rest silence may best beseem.<br/>
-Time would not serve us for report so long.<br/>
-In brief I tell thee, that all these were clerks,<br/>
-Men of great learning and no less renown,<br/>
-By one same sin polluted in the world.<br/>
-With them is Priscian, and Accorso’s son<br/>
-Francesco herds among that wretched throng:<br/>
-And, if the wish of so impure a blotch<br/>
-Possess’d thee, him thou also might’st have seen,<br/>
-Who by the servants’ servant was transferr’d<br/>
-From Arno’s seat to Bacchiglione, where<br/>
-His ill-strain’d nerves he left. I more would add,<br/>
-But must from farther speech and onward way<br/>
-Alike desist, for yonder I behold<br/>
-A mist new-risen on the sandy plain.<br/>
-A company, with whom I may not sort,<br/>
-Approaches. I commend my TREASURE to thee,<br/>
-Wherein I yet survive; my sole request.”<br/>
-<br/>
-This said he turn’d, and seem’d as one of those,<br/>
-Who o’er Verona’s champain try their speed<br/>
-For the green mantle, and of them he seem’d,<br/>
+“And art thou here?” He thus to me: “My son!<br>
+Oh let it not displease thee, if Brunetto<br>
+Latini but a little space with thee<br>
+Turn back, and leave his fellows to proceed.”<br>
+<br>
+I thus to him replied: “Much as I can,<br>
+I thereto pray thee; and if thou be willing,<br>
+That I here seat me with thee, I consent;<br>
+His leave, with whom I journey, first obtain’d.”<br>
+<br>
+“O son!” said he, “whoever of this throng<br>
+One instant stops, lies then a hundred years,<br>
+No fan to ventilate him, when the fire<br>
+Smites sorest. Pass thou therefore on. I close<br>
+Will at thy garments walk, and then rejoin<br>
+My troop, who go mourning their endless doom.”<br>
+<br>
+I dar’d not from the path descend to tread<br>
+On equal ground with him, but held my head<br>
+Bent down, as one who walks in reverent guise.<br>
+<br>
+“What chance or destiny,” thus he began,<br>
+“Ere the last day conducts thee here below?<br>
+And who is this, that shows to thee the way?”<br>
+<br>
+“There up aloft,” I answer’d, “in the life<br>
+Serene, I wander’d in a valley lost,<br>
+Before mine age had to its fullness reach’d.<br>
+But yester-morn I left it: then once more<br>
+Into that vale returning, him I met;<br>
+And by this path homeward he leads me back.”<br>
+<br>
+“If thou,” he answer’d, “follow but thy star,<br>
+Thou canst not miss at last a glorious haven:<br>
+Unless in fairer days my judgment err’d.<br>
+And if my fate so early had not chanc’d,<br>
+Seeing the heav’ns thus bounteous to thee, I<br>
+Had gladly giv’n thee comfort in thy work.<br>
+But that ungrateful and malignant race,<br>
+Who in old times came down from Fesole,<br>
+Ay and still smack of their rough mountain-flint,<br>
+Will for thy good deeds shew thee enmity.<br>
+Nor wonder; for amongst ill-savour’d crabs<br>
+It suits not the sweet fig-tree lay her fruit.<br>
+Old fame reports them in the world for blind,<br>
+Covetous, envious, proud. Look to it well:<br>
+Take heed thou cleanse thee of their ways. For thee<br>
+Thy fortune hath such honour in reserve,<br>
+That thou by either party shalt be crav’d<br>
+With hunger keen: but be the fresh herb far<br>
+From the goat’s tooth. The herd of Fesole<br>
+May of themselves make litter, not touch the plant,<br>
+If any such yet spring on their rank bed,<br>
+In which the holy seed revives, transmitted<br>
+From those true Romans, who still there remain’d,<br>
+When it was made the nest of so much ill.”<br>
+<br>
+“Were all my wish fulfill’d,” I straight replied,<br>
+“Thou from the confines of man’s nature yet<br>
+Hadst not been driven forth; for in my mind<br>
+Is fix’d, and now strikes full upon my heart<br>
+The dear, benign, paternal image, such<br>
+As thine was, when so lately thou didst teach me<br>
+The way for man to win eternity;<br>
+And how I priz’d the lesson, it behooves,<br>
+That, long as life endures, my tongue should speak,<br>
+What of my fate thou tell’st, that write I down:<br>
+And with another text to comment on<br>
+For her I keep it, the celestial dame,<br>
+Who will know all, if I to her arrive.<br>
+This only would I have thee clearly note:<br>
+That so my conscience have no plea against me;<br>
+Do fortune as she list, I stand prepar’d.<br>
+Not new or strange such earnest to mine ear.<br>
+Speed fortune then her wheel, as likes her best,<br>
+The clown his mattock; all things have their course.”<br>
+<br>
+Thereat my sapient guide upon his right<br>
+Turn’d himself back, then look’d at me and spake:<br>
+“He listens to good purpose who takes note.”<br>
+<br>
+I not the less still on my way proceed,<br>
+Discoursing with Brunetto, and inquire<br>
+Who are most known and chief among his tribe.<br>
+<br>
+“To know of some is well;” thus he replied,<br>
+“But of the rest silence may best beseem.<br>
+Time would not serve us for report so long.<br>
+In brief I tell thee, that all these were clerks,<br>
+Men of great learning and no less renown,<br>
+By one same sin polluted in the world.<br>
+With them is Priscian, and Accorso’s son<br>
+Francesco herds among that wretched throng:<br>
+And, if the wish of so impure a blotch<br>
+Possess’d thee, him thou also might’st have seen,<br>
+Who by the servants’ servant was transferr’d<br>
+From Arno’s seat to Bacchiglione, where<br>
+His ill-strain’d nerves he left. I more would add,<br>
+But must from farther speech and onward way<br>
+Alike desist, for yonder I behold<br>
+A mist new-risen on the sandy plain.<br>
+A company, with whom I may not sort,<br>
+Approaches. I commend my TREASURE to thee,<br>
+Wherein I yet survive; my sole request.”<br>
+<br>
+This said he turn’d, and seem’d as one of those,<br>
+Who o’er Verona’s champain try their speed<br>
+For the green mantle, and of them he seem’d,<br>
 Not he who loses but who gains the prize.
 </p>
 
@@ -3119,154 +3113,154 @@ Not he who loses but who gains the prize.
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoI.16"></a>CANTO XVI</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoI.16"></a>CANTO XVI</h2>
 
 <p>
-Now came I where the water’s din was heard,<br/>
-As down it fell into the other round,<br/>
-Resounding like the hum of swarming bees:<br/>
-When forth together issu’d from a troop,<br/>
-That pass’d beneath the fierce tormenting storm,<br/>
-Three spirits, running swift. They towards us came,<br/>
-And each one cried aloud, “Oh do thou stay!<br/>
-Whom by the fashion of thy garb we deem<br/>
-To be some inmate of our evil land.”<br/>
-<br/>
-Ah me! what wounds I mark’d upon their limbs,<br/>
-Recent and old, inflicted by the flames!<br/>
-E’en the remembrance of them grieves me yet.<br/>
-<br/>
-Attentive to their cry my teacher paus’d,<br/>
-And turn’d to me his visage, and then spake;<br/>
-“Wait now! our courtesy these merit well:<br/>
-And were ’t not for the nature of the place,<br/>
-Whence glide the fiery darts, I should have said,<br/>
-That haste had better suited thee than them.”<br/>
-<br/>
-They, when we stopp’d, resum’d their ancient wail,<br/>
-And soon as they had reach’d us, all the three<br/>
-Whirl’d round together in one restless wheel.<br/>
-As naked champions, smear’d with slippery oil,<br/>
-Are wont intent to watch their place of hold<br/>
-And vantage, ere in closer strife they meet;<br/>
-Thus each one, as he wheel’d, his countenance<br/>
-At me directed, so that opposite<br/>
-The neck mov’d ever to the twinkling feet.<br/>
-<br/>
-“If misery of this drear wilderness,”<br/>
-Thus one began, “added to our sad cheer<br/>
-And destitute, do call forth scorn on us<br/>
-And our entreaties, let our great renown<br/>
-Incline thee to inform us who thou art,<br/>
-That dost imprint with living feet unharm’d<br/>
-The soil of Hell. He, in whose track thou see’st<br/>
-My steps pursuing, naked though he be<br/>
-And reft of all, was of more high estate<br/>
-Than thou believest; grandchild of the chaste<br/>
-Gualdrada, him they Guidoguerra call’d,<br/>
-Who in his lifetime many a noble act<br/>
-Achiev’d, both by his wisdom and his sword.<br/>
-The other, next to me that beats the sand,<br/>
-Is Aldobrandi, name deserving well,<br/>
-In the upper world, of honour; and myself<br/>
-Who in this torment do partake with them,<br/>
-Am Rusticucci, whom, past doubt, my wife<br/>
-Of savage temper, more than aught beside<br/>
-Hath to this evil brought.” If from the fire<br/>
-I had been shelter’d, down amidst them straight<br/>
-I then had cast me, nor my guide, I deem,<br/>
-Would have restrain’d my going; but that fear<br/>
-Of the dire burning vanquish’d the desire,<br/>
-Which made me eager of their wish’d embrace.<br/>
-<br/>
-I then began: “Not scorn, but grief much more,<br/>
-Such as long time alone can cure, your doom<br/>
-Fix’d deep within me, soon as this my lord<br/>
-Spake words, whose tenour taught me to expect<br/>
-That such a race, as ye are, was at hand.<br/>
-I am a countryman of yours, who still<br/>
-Affectionate have utter’d, and have heard<br/>
-Your deeds and names renown’d. Leaving the gall<br/>
-For the sweet fruit I go, that a sure guide<br/>
-Hath promis’d to me. But behooves, that far<br/>
-As to the centre first I downward tend.”<br/>
-<br/>
-“So may long space thy spirit guide thy limbs,”<br/>
-He answer straight return’d; “and so thy fame<br/>
-Shine bright, when thou art gone; as thou shalt tell,<br/>
-If courtesy and valour, as they wont,<br/>
-Dwell in our city, or have vanish’d clean?<br/>
-For one amidst us late condemn’d to wail,<br/>
-Borsiere, yonder walking with his peers,<br/>
-Grieves us no little by the news he brings.”<br/>
-<br/>
-“An upstart multitude and sudden gains,<br/>
-Pride and excess, O Florence! have in thee<br/>
-Engender’d, so that now in tears thou mourn’st!”<br/>
-Thus cried I with my face uprais’d, and they<br/>
-All three, who for an answer took my words,<br/>
-Look’d at each other, as men look when truth<br/>
-Comes to their ear. “If thou at other times,”<br/>
-They all at once rejoin’d, “so easily<br/>
-Satisfy those, who question, happy thou,<br/>
-Gifted with words, so apt to speak thy thought!<br/>
-Wherefore if thou escape this darksome clime,<br/>
-Returning to behold the radiant stars,<br/>
-When thou with pleasure shalt retrace the past,<br/>
-See that of us thou speak among mankind.”<br/>
-<br/>
-This said, they broke the circle, and so swift<br/>
-Fled, that as pinions seem’d their nimble feet.<br/>
-<br/>
-Not in so short a time might one have said<br/>
-“Amen,” as they had vanish’d. Straight my guide<br/>
-Pursu’d his track. I follow’d; and small space<br/>
-Had we pass’d onward, when the water’s sound<br/>
-Was now so near at hand, that we had scarce<br/>
-Heard one another’s speech for the loud din.<br/>
-<br/>
-E’en as the river, that holds on its course<br/>
-Unmingled, from the mount of Vesulo,<br/>
-On the left side of Apennine, toward<br/>
-The east, which Acquacheta higher up<br/>
-They call, ere it descend into the vale,<br/>
-At Forli by that name no longer known,<br/>
-Rebellows o’er Saint Benedict, roll’d on<br/>
-From the Alpine summit down a precipice,<br/>
-Where space enough to lodge a thousand spreads;<br/>
-Thus downward from a craggy steep we found,<br/>
-That this dark wave resounded, roaring loud,<br/>
-So that the ear its clamour soon had stunn’d.<br/>
-<br/>
-I had a cord that brac’d my girdle round,<br/>
-Wherewith I erst had thought fast bound to take<br/>
-The painted leopard. This when I had all<br/>
-Unloosen’d from me (so my master bade)<br/>
-I gather’d up, and stretch’d it forth to him.<br/>
-Then to the right he turn’d, and from the brink<br/>
-Standing few paces distant, cast it down<br/>
-Into the deep abyss. “And somewhat strange,”<br/>
-Thus to myself I spake, “signal so strange<br/>
-Betokens, which my guide with earnest eye<br/>
-Thus follows.” Ah! what caution must men use<br/>
-With those who look not at the deed alone,<br/>
-But spy into the thoughts with subtle skill!<br/>
-<br/>
-“Quickly shall come,” he said, “what I expect,<br/>
-Thine eye discover quickly, that whereof<br/>
-Thy thought is dreaming.” Ever to that truth,<br/>
-Which but the semblance of a falsehood wears,<br/>
-A man, if possible, should bar his lip;<br/>
-Since, although blameless, he incurs reproach.<br/>
-But silence here were vain; and by these notes<br/>
-Which now I sing, reader! I swear to thee,<br/>
-So may they favour find to latest times!<br/>
-That through the gross and murky air I spied<br/>
-A shape come swimming up, that might have quell’d<br/>
-The stoutest heart with wonder, in such guise<br/>
-As one returns, who hath been down to loose<br/>
-An anchor grappled fast against some rock,<br/>
-Or to aught else that in the salt wave lies,<br/>
+Now came I where the water’s din was heard,<br>
+As down it fell into the other round,<br>
+Resounding like the hum of swarming bees:<br>
+When forth together issu’d from a troop,<br>
+That pass’d beneath the fierce tormenting storm,<br>
+Three spirits, running swift. They towards us came,<br>
+And each one cried aloud, “Oh do thou stay!<br>
+Whom by the fashion of thy garb we deem<br>
+To be some inmate of our evil land.”<br>
+<br>
+Ah me! what wounds I mark’d upon their limbs,<br>
+Recent and old, inflicted by the flames!<br>
+E’en the remembrance of them grieves me yet.<br>
+<br>
+Attentive to their cry my teacher paus’d,<br>
+And turn’d to me his visage, and then spake;<br>
+“Wait now! our courtesy these merit well:<br>
+And were ’t not for the nature of the place,<br>
+Whence glide the fiery darts, I should have said,<br>
+That haste had better suited thee than them.”<br>
+<br>
+They, when we stopp’d, resum’d their ancient wail,<br>
+And soon as they had reach’d us, all the three<br>
+Whirl’d round together in one restless wheel.<br>
+As naked champions, smear’d with slippery oil,<br>
+Are wont intent to watch their place of hold<br>
+And vantage, ere in closer strife they meet;<br>
+Thus each one, as he wheel’d, his countenance<br>
+At me directed, so that opposite<br>
+The neck mov’d ever to the twinkling feet.<br>
+<br>
+“If misery of this drear wilderness,”<br>
+Thus one began, “added to our sad cheer<br>
+And destitute, do call forth scorn on us<br>
+And our entreaties, let our great renown<br>
+Incline thee to inform us who thou art,<br>
+That dost imprint with living feet unharm’d<br>
+The soil of Hell. He, in whose track thou see’st<br>
+My steps pursuing, naked though he be<br>
+And reft of all, was of more high estate<br>
+Than thou believest; grandchild of the chaste<br>
+Gualdrada, him they Guidoguerra call’d,<br>
+Who in his lifetime many a noble act<br>
+Achiev’d, both by his wisdom and his sword.<br>
+The other, next to me that beats the sand,<br>
+Is Aldobrandi, name deserving well,<br>
+In the upper world, of honour; and myself<br>
+Who in this torment do partake with them,<br>
+Am Rusticucci, whom, past doubt, my wife<br>
+Of savage temper, more than aught beside<br>
+Hath to this evil brought.” If from the fire<br>
+I had been shelter’d, down amidst them straight<br>
+I then had cast me, nor my guide, I deem,<br>
+Would have restrain’d my going; but that fear<br>
+Of the dire burning vanquish’d the desire,<br>
+Which made me eager of their wish’d embrace.<br>
+<br>
+I then began: “Not scorn, but grief much more,<br>
+Such as long time alone can cure, your doom<br>
+Fix’d deep within me, soon as this my lord<br>
+Spake words, whose tenour taught me to expect<br>
+That such a race, as ye are, was at hand.<br>
+I am a countryman of yours, who still<br>
+Affectionate have utter’d, and have heard<br>
+Your deeds and names renown’d. Leaving the gall<br>
+For the sweet fruit I go, that a sure guide<br>
+Hath promis’d to me. But behooves, that far<br>
+As to the centre first I downward tend.”<br>
+<br>
+“So may long space thy spirit guide thy limbs,”<br>
+He answer straight return’d; “and so thy fame<br>
+Shine bright, when thou art gone; as thou shalt tell,<br>
+If courtesy and valour, as they wont,<br>
+Dwell in our city, or have vanish’d clean?<br>
+For one amidst us late condemn’d to wail,<br>
+Borsiere, yonder walking with his peers,<br>
+Grieves us no little by the news he brings.”<br>
+<br>
+“An upstart multitude and sudden gains,<br>
+Pride and excess, O Florence! have in thee<br>
+Engender’d, so that now in tears thou mourn’st!”<br>
+Thus cried I with my face uprais’d, and they<br>
+All three, who for an answer took my words,<br>
+Look’d at each other, as men look when truth<br>
+Comes to their ear. “If thou at other times,”<br>
+They all at once rejoin’d, “so easily<br>
+Satisfy those, who question, happy thou,<br>
+Gifted with words, so apt to speak thy thought!<br>
+Wherefore if thou escape this darksome clime,<br>
+Returning to behold the radiant stars,<br>
+When thou with pleasure shalt retrace the past,<br>
+See that of us thou speak among mankind.”<br>
+<br>
+This said, they broke the circle, and so swift<br>
+Fled, that as pinions seem’d their nimble feet.<br>
+<br>
+Not in so short a time might one have said<br>
+“Amen,” as they had vanish’d. Straight my guide<br>
+Pursu’d his track. I follow’d; and small space<br>
+Had we pass’d onward, when the water’s sound<br>
+Was now so near at hand, that we had scarce<br>
+Heard one another’s speech for the loud din.<br>
+<br>
+E’en as the river, that holds on its course<br>
+Unmingled, from the mount of Vesulo,<br>
+On the left side of Apennine, toward<br>
+The east, which Acquacheta higher up<br>
+They call, ere it descend into the vale,<br>
+At Forli by that name no longer known,<br>
+Rebellows o’er Saint Benedict, roll’d on<br>
+From the Alpine summit down a precipice,<br>
+Where space enough to lodge a thousand spreads;<br>
+Thus downward from a craggy steep we found,<br>
+That this dark wave resounded, roaring loud,<br>
+So that the ear its clamour soon had stunn’d.<br>
+<br>
+I had a cord that brac’d my girdle round,<br>
+Wherewith I erst had thought fast bound to take<br>
+The painted leopard. This when I had all<br>
+Unloosen’d from me (so my master bade)<br>
+I gather’d up, and stretch’d it forth to him.<br>
+Then to the right he turn’d, and from the brink<br>
+Standing few paces distant, cast it down<br>
+Into the deep abyss. “And somewhat strange,”<br>
+Thus to myself I spake, “signal so strange<br>
+Betokens, which my guide with earnest eye<br>
+Thus follows.” Ah! what caution must men use<br>
+With those who look not at the deed alone,<br>
+But spy into the thoughts with subtle skill!<br>
+<br>
+“Quickly shall come,” he said, “what I expect,<br>
+Thine eye discover quickly, that whereof<br>
+Thy thought is dreaming.” Ever to that truth,<br>
+Which but the semblance of a falsehood wears,<br>
+A man, if possible, should bar his lip;<br>
+Since, although blameless, he incurs reproach.<br>
+But silence here were vain; and by these notes<br>
+Which now I sing, reader! I swear to thee,<br>
+So may they favour find to latest times!<br>
+That through the gross and murky air I spied<br>
+A shape come swimming up, that might have quell’d<br>
+The stoutest heart with wonder, in such guise<br>
+As one returns, who hath been down to loose<br>
+An anchor grappled fast against some rock,<br>
+Or to aught else that in the salt wave lies,<br>
 Who upward springing close draws in his feet.
 </p>
 
@@ -3274,166 +3268,166 @@ Who upward springing close draws in his feet.
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoI.17"></a>CANTO XVII</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoI.17"></a>CANTO XVII</h2>
 
 <p>
-“Lo! the fell monster with the deadly sting!<br/>
-Who passes mountains, breaks through fenced walls<br/>
-And firm embattled spears, and with his filth<br/>
-Taints all the world!” Thus me my guide address’d,<br/>
-And beckon’d him, that he should come to shore,<br/>
+“Lo! the fell monster with the deadly sting!<br>
+Who passes mountains, breaks through fenced walls<br>
+And firm embattled spears, and with his filth<br>
+Taints all the world!” Thus me my guide address’d,<br>
+And beckon’d him, that he should come to shore,<br>
 Near to the stony causeway’s utmost edge.
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/17-167.jpg">
-<img alt="" width="403" height="600" src="images/17-167.jpg" /></a>
+<img alt="" src="images/17-167.jpg" style="width: 403px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-Forthwith that image vile of fraud appear’d,<br/>
-His head and upper part expos’d on land,<br/>
-But laid not on the shore his bestial train.<br/>
-His face the semblance of a just man’s wore,<br/>
-So kind and gracious was its outward cheer;<br/>
-The rest was serpent all: two shaggy claws<br/>
-Reach’d to the armpits, and the back and breast,<br/>
-And either side, were painted o’er with nodes<br/>
-And orbits. Colours variegated more<br/>
-Nor Turks nor Tartars e’er on cloth of state<br/>
-With interchangeable embroidery wove,<br/>
-Nor spread Arachne o’er her curious loom.<br/>
-As ofttimes a light skiff, moor’d to the shore,<br/>
-Stands part in water, part upon the land;<br/>
-Or, as where dwells the greedy German boor,<br/>
-The beaver settles watching for his prey;<br/>
-So on the rim, that fenc’d the sand with rock,<br/>
-Sat perch’d the fiend of evil. In the void<br/>
-Glancing, his tail upturn’d its venomous fork,<br/>
-With sting like scorpion’s arm’d. Then thus my guide:<br/>
-“Now need our way must turn few steps apart,<br/>
-Far as to that ill beast, who couches there.”<br/>
-<br/>
-Thereat toward the right our downward course<br/>
-We shap’d, and, better to escape the flame<br/>
-And burning marle, ten paces on the verge<br/>
-Proceeded. Soon as we to him arrive,<br/>
-A little further on mine eye beholds<br/>
-A tribe of spirits, seated on the sand<br/>
-Near the wide chasm. Forthwith my master spake:<br/>
-“That to the full thy knowledge may extend<br/>
-Of all this round contains, go now, and mark<br/>
-The mien these wear: but hold not long discourse.<br/>
-Till thou returnest, I with him meantime<br/>
-Will parley, that to us he may vouchsafe<br/>
-The aid of his strong shoulders.” Thus alone<br/>
-Yet forward on the extremity I pac’d<br/>
-Of that seventh circle, where the mournful tribe<br/>
-Were seated. At the eyes forth gush’d their pangs.<br/>
-Against the vapours and the torrid soil<br/>
-Alternately their shifting hands they plied.<br/>
-Thus use the dogs in summer still to ply<br/>
-Their jaws and feet by turns, when bitten sore<br/>
-By gnats, or flies, or gadflies swarming round.<br/>
-<br/>
-Noting the visages of some, who lay<br/>
-Beneath the pelting of that dolorous fire,<br/>
-One of them all I knew not; but perceiv’d,<br/>
-That pendent from his neck each bore a pouch<br/>
-With colours and with emblems various mark’d,<br/>
-On which it seem’d as if their eye did feed.<br/>
-<br/>
-And when amongst them looking round I came,<br/>
-A yellow purse I saw with azure wrought,<br/>
-That wore a lion’s countenance and port.<br/>
-Then still my sight pursuing its career,<br/>
-Another I beheld, than blood more red.<br/>
-A goose display of whiter wing than curd.<br/>
-And one, who bore a fat and azure swine<br/>
-Pictur’d on his white scrip, addressed me thus:<br/>
-“What dost thou in this deep? Go now and know,<br/>
-Since yet thou livest, that my neighbour here<br/>
-Vitaliano on my left shall sit.<br/>
-A Paduan with these Florentines am I.<br/>
-Ofttimes they thunder in mine ears, exclaiming<br/>
-‘O haste that noble knight! he who the pouch<br/>
-With the three beaks will bring!’” This said, he writh’d<br/>
-The mouth, and loll’d the tongue out, like an ox<br/>
-That licks his nostrils. I, lest longer stay<br/>
-He ill might brook, who bade me stay not long,<br/>
-Backward my steps from those sad spirits turn’d.<br/>
-<br/>
-My guide already seated on the haunch<br/>
-Of the fierce animal I found; and thus<br/>
-He me encourag’d. “Be thou stout; be bold.<br/>
-Down such a steep flight must we now descend!<br/>
-Mount thou before: for that no power the tail<br/>
-May have to harm thee, I will be i’ th’ midst.”<br/>
-<br/>
-As one, who hath an ague fit so near,<br/>
-His nails already are turn’d blue, and he<br/>
-Quivers all o’er, if he but eye the shade;<br/>
-Such was my cheer at hearing of his words.<br/>
-But shame soon interpos’d her threat, who makes<br/>
-The servant bold in presence of his lord.<br/>
-<br/>
-I settled me upon those shoulders huge,<br/>
-And would have said, but that the words to aid<br/>
-My purpose came not, “Look thou clasp me firm!”<br/>
-<br/>
-But he whose succour then not first I prov’d,<br/>
-Soon as I mounted, in his arms aloft,<br/>
-Embracing, held me up, and thus he spake:<br/>
-“Geryon! now move thee! be thy wheeling gyres<br/>
-Of ample circuit, easy thy descent.<br/>
-Think on th’ unusual burden thou sustain’st.”<br/>
-<br/>
-As a small vessel, back’ning out from land,<br/>
-Her station quits; so thence the monster loos’d,<br/>
-And when he felt himself at large, turn’d round<br/>
-There where the breast had been, his forked tail.<br/>
-Thus, like an eel, outstretch’d at length he steer’d,<br/>
-Gath’ring the air up with retractile claws.<br/>
-<br/>
-Not greater was the dread when Phaeton<br/>
-The reins let drop at random, whence high heaven,<br/>
-Whereof signs yet appear, was wrapt in flames;<br/>
-Nor when ill-fated Icarus perceiv’d,<br/>
-By liquefaction of the scalded wax,<br/>
-The trusted pennons loosen’d from his loins,<br/>
-His sire exclaiming loud, “Ill way thou keep’st!”<br/>
-Than was my dread, when round me on each part<br/>
-The air I view’d, and other object none<br/>
-Save the fell beast. He slowly sailing, wheels<br/>
-His downward motion, unobserv’d of me,<br/>
-But that the wind, arising to my face,<br/>
-Breathes on me from below. Now on our right<br/>
-I heard the cataract beneath us leap<br/>
-With hideous crash; whence bending down to’ explore,<br/>
+Forthwith that image vile of fraud appear’d,<br>
+His head and upper part expos’d on land,<br>
+But laid not on the shore his bestial train.<br>
+His face the semblance of a just man’s wore,<br>
+So kind and gracious was its outward cheer;<br>
+The rest was serpent all: two shaggy claws<br>
+Reach’d to the armpits, and the back and breast,<br>
+And either side, were painted o’er with nodes<br>
+And orbits. Colours variegated more<br>
+Nor Turks nor Tartars e’er on cloth of state<br>
+With interchangeable embroidery wove,<br>
+Nor spread Arachne o’er her curious loom.<br>
+As ofttimes a light skiff, moor’d to the shore,<br>
+Stands part in water, part upon the land;<br>
+Or, as where dwells the greedy German boor,<br>
+The beaver settles watching for his prey;<br>
+So on the rim, that fenc’d the sand with rock,<br>
+Sat perch’d the fiend of evil. In the void<br>
+Glancing, his tail upturn’d its venomous fork,<br>
+With sting like scorpion’s arm’d. Then thus my guide:<br>
+“Now need our way must turn few steps apart,<br>
+Far as to that ill beast, who couches there.”<br>
+<br>
+Thereat toward the right our downward course<br>
+We shap’d, and, better to escape the flame<br>
+And burning marle, ten paces on the verge<br>
+Proceeded. Soon as we to him arrive,<br>
+A little further on mine eye beholds<br>
+A tribe of spirits, seated on the sand<br>
+Near the wide chasm. Forthwith my master spake:<br>
+“That to the full thy knowledge may extend<br>
+Of all this round contains, go now, and mark<br>
+The mien these wear: but hold not long discourse.<br>
+Till thou returnest, I with him meantime<br>
+Will parley, that to us he may vouchsafe<br>
+The aid of his strong shoulders.” Thus alone<br>
+Yet forward on the extremity I pac’d<br>
+Of that seventh circle, where the mournful tribe<br>
+Were seated. At the eyes forth gush’d their pangs.<br>
+Against the vapours and the torrid soil<br>
+Alternately their shifting hands they plied.<br>
+Thus use the dogs in summer still to ply<br>
+Their jaws and feet by turns, when bitten sore<br>
+By gnats, or flies, or gadflies swarming round.<br>
+<br>
+Noting the visages of some, who lay<br>
+Beneath the pelting of that dolorous fire,<br>
+One of them all I knew not; but perceiv’d,<br>
+That pendent from his neck each bore a pouch<br>
+With colours and with emblems various mark’d,<br>
+On which it seem’d as if their eye did feed.<br>
+<br>
+And when amongst them looking round I came,<br>
+A yellow purse I saw with azure wrought,<br>
+That wore a lion’s countenance and port.<br>
+Then still my sight pursuing its career,<br>
+Another I beheld, than blood more red.<br>
+A goose display of whiter wing than curd.<br>
+And one, who bore a fat and azure swine<br>
+Pictur’d on his white scrip, addressed me thus:<br>
+“What dost thou in this deep? Go now and know,<br>
+Since yet thou livest, that my neighbour here<br>
+Vitaliano on my left shall sit.<br>
+A Paduan with these Florentines am I.<br>
+Ofttimes they thunder in mine ears, exclaiming<br>
+‘O haste that noble knight! he who the pouch<br>
+With the three beaks will bring!’” This said, he writh’d<br>
+The mouth, and loll’d the tongue out, like an ox<br>
+That licks his nostrils. I, lest longer stay<br>
+He ill might brook, who bade me stay not long,<br>
+Backward my steps from those sad spirits turn’d.<br>
+<br>
+My guide already seated on the haunch<br>
+Of the fierce animal I found; and thus<br>
+He me encourag’d. “Be thou stout; be bold.<br>
+Down such a steep flight must we now descend!<br>
+Mount thou before: for that no power the tail<br>
+May have to harm thee, I will be i’ th’ midst.”<br>
+<br>
+As one, who hath an ague fit so near,<br>
+His nails already are turn’d blue, and he<br>
+Quivers all o’er, if he but eye the shade;<br>
+Such was my cheer at hearing of his words.<br>
+But shame soon interpos’d her threat, who makes<br>
+The servant bold in presence of his lord.<br>
+<br>
+I settled me upon those shoulders huge,<br>
+And would have said, but that the words to aid<br>
+My purpose came not, “Look thou clasp me firm!”<br>
+<br>
+But he whose succour then not first I prov’d,<br>
+Soon as I mounted, in his arms aloft,<br>
+Embracing, held me up, and thus he spake:<br>
+“Geryon! now move thee! be thy wheeling gyres<br>
+Of ample circuit, easy thy descent.<br>
+Think on th’ unusual burden thou sustain’st.”<br>
+<br>
+As a small vessel, back’ning out from land,<br>
+Her station quits; so thence the monster loos’d,<br>
+And when he felt himself at large, turn’d round<br>
+There where the breast had been, his forked tail.<br>
+Thus, like an eel, outstretch’d at length he steer’d,<br>
+Gath’ring the air up with retractile claws.<br>
+<br>
+Not greater was the dread when Phaeton<br>
+The reins let drop at random, whence high heaven,<br>
+Whereof signs yet appear, was wrapt in flames;<br>
+Nor when ill-fated Icarus perceiv’d,<br>
+By liquefaction of the scalded wax,<br>
+The trusted pennons loosen’d from his loins,<br>
+His sire exclaiming loud, “Ill way thou keep’st!”<br>
+Than was my dread, when round me on each part<br>
+The air I view’d, and other object none<br>
+Save the fell beast. He slowly sailing, wheels<br>
+His downward motion, unobserv’d of me,<br>
+But that the wind, arising to my face,<br>
+Breathes on me from below. Now on our right<br>
+I heard the cataract beneath us leap<br>
+With hideous crash; whence bending down to’ explore,<br>
 New terror I conceiv’d at the steep plunge:
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/17-171.jpg">
-<img alt="" width="402" height="600" src="images/17-171.jpg" /></a>
+<img alt="" src="images/17-171.jpg" style="width: 402px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-For flames I saw, and wailings smote mine ear:<br/>
-So that all trembling close I crouch’d my limbs,<br/>
-And then distinguish’d, unperceiv’d before,<br/>
-By the dread torments that on every side<br/>
-Drew nearer, how our downward course we wound.<br/>
-<br/>
-As falcon, that hath long been on the wing,<br/>
-But lure nor bird hath seen, while in despair<br/>
-The falconer cries, “Ah me! thou stoop’st to earth!”<br/>
-Wearied descends, and swiftly down the sky<br/>
-In many an orbit wheels, then lighting sits<br/>
-At distance from his lord in angry mood;<br/>
-So Geryon lighting places us on foot<br/>
-Low down at base of the deep-furrow’d rock,<br/>
-And, of his burden there discharg’d, forthwith<br/>
+For flames I saw, and wailings smote mine ear:<br>
+So that all trembling close I crouch’d my limbs,<br>
+And then distinguish’d, unperceiv’d before,<br>
+By the dread torments that on every side<br>
+Drew nearer, how our downward course we wound.<br>
+<br>
+As falcon, that hath long been on the wing,<br>
+But lure nor bird hath seen, while in despair<br>
+The falconer cries, “Ah me! thou stoop’st to earth!”<br>
+Wearied descends, and swiftly down the sky<br>
+In many an orbit wheels, then lighting sits<br>
+At distance from his lord in angry mood;<br>
+So Geryon lighting places us on foot<br>
+Low down at base of the deep-furrow’d rock,<br>
+And, of his burden there discharg’d, forthwith<br>
 Sprang forward, like an arrow from the string.
 </p>
 
@@ -3441,175 +3435,175 @@ Sprang forward, like an arrow from the string.
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoI.18"></a>CANTO XVIII</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoI.18"></a>CANTO XVIII</h2>
 
 <p>
-There is a place within the depths of hell<br/>
-Call’d Malebolge, all of rock dark-stain’d<br/>
-With hue ferruginous, e’en as the steep<br/>
-That round it circling winds. Right in the midst<br/>
-Of that abominable region, yawns<br/>
-A spacious gulf profound, whereof the frame<br/>
-Due time shall tell. The circle, that remains,<br/>
-Throughout its round, between the gulf and base<br/>
-Of the high craggy banks, successive forms<br/>
-Ten trenches, in its hollow bottom sunk.<br/>
-<br/>
-As where to guard the walls, full many a foss<br/>
-Begirds some stately castle, sure defence<br/>
-Affording to the space within, so here<br/>
-Were model’d these; and as like fortresses<br/>
-E’en from their threshold to the brink without,<br/>
-Are flank’d with bridges; from the rock’s low base<br/>
-Thus flinty paths advanc’d, that ’cross the moles<br/>
-And dikes, struck onward far as to the gulf,<br/>
-That in one bound collected cuts them off.<br/>
-Such was the place, wherein we found ourselves<br/>
-From Geryon’s back dislodg’d. The bard to left<br/>
-Held on his way, and I behind him mov’d.<br/>
-<br/>
-On our right hand new misery I saw,<br/>
-New pains, new executioners of wrath,<br/>
-That swarming peopled the first chasm. Below<br/>
-Were naked sinners. Hitherward they came,<br/>
-Meeting our faces from the middle point,<br/>
-With us beyond but with a larger stride.<br/>
-E’en thus the Romans, when the year returns<br/>
-Of Jubilee, with better speed to rid<br/>
-The thronging multitudes, their means devise<br/>
-For such as pass the bridge; that on one side<br/>
-All front toward the castle, and approach<br/>
-Saint Peter’s fane, on th’ other towards the mount.<br/>
-<br/>
-Each divers way along the grisly rock,<br/>
-Horn’d demons I beheld, with lashes huge,<br/>
-That on their back unmercifully smote.<br/>
+There is a place within the depths of hell<br>
+Call’d Malebolge, all of rock dark-stain’d<br>
+With hue ferruginous, e’en as the steep<br>
+That round it circling winds. Right in the midst<br>
+Of that abominable region, yawns<br>
+A spacious gulf profound, whereof the frame<br>
+Due time shall tell. The circle, that remains,<br>
+Throughout its round, between the gulf and base<br>
+Of the high craggy banks, successive forms<br>
+Ten trenches, in its hollow bottom sunk.<br>
+<br>
+As where to guard the walls, full many a foss<br>
+Begirds some stately castle, sure defence<br>
+Affording to the space within, so here<br>
+Were model’d these; and as like fortresses<br>
+E’en from their threshold to the brink without,<br>
+Are flank’d with bridges; from the rock’s low base<br>
+Thus flinty paths advanc’d, that ’cross the moles<br>
+And dikes, struck onward far as to the gulf,<br>
+That in one bound collected cuts them off.<br>
+Such was the place, wherein we found ourselves<br>
+From Geryon’s back dislodg’d. The bard to left<br>
+Held on his way, and I behind him mov’d.<br>
+<br>
+On our right hand new misery I saw,<br>
+New pains, new executioners of wrath,<br>
+That swarming peopled the first chasm. Below<br>
+Were naked sinners. Hitherward they came,<br>
+Meeting our faces from the middle point,<br>
+With us beyond but with a larger stride.<br>
+E’en thus the Romans, when the year returns<br>
+Of Jubilee, with better speed to rid<br>
+The thronging multitudes, their means devise<br>
+For such as pass the bridge; that on one side<br>
+All front toward the castle, and approach<br>
+Saint Peter’s fane, on th’ other towards the mount.<br>
+<br>
+Each divers way along the grisly rock,<br>
+Horn’d demons I beheld, with lashes huge,<br>
+That on their back unmercifully smote.<br>
 Ah! how they made them bound at the first stripe!
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/18-177.jpg">
-<img alt="" width="600" height="479" src="images/18-177.jpg" /></a>
+<img alt="" src="images/18-177.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 479px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-None for the second waited nor the third.<br/>
-<br/>
-Meantime as on I pass’d, one met my sight<br/>
-Whom soon as view’d; “Of him,” cried I, “not yet<br/>
-Mine eye hath had his fill.” With fixed gaze<br/>
-I therefore scann’d him. Straight the teacher kind<br/>
-Paus’d with me, and consented I should walk<br/>
-Backward a space, and the tormented spirit,<br/>
-Who thought to hide him, bent his visage down.<br/>
-But it avail’d him nought; for I exclaim’d:<br/>
-“Thou who dost cast thy eye upon the ground,<br/>
-Unless thy features do belie thee much,<br/>
-Venedico art thou. But what brings thee<br/>
-Into this bitter seas’ning?” He replied:<br/>
-“Unwillingly I answer to thy words.<br/>
-But thy clear speech, that to my mind recalls<br/>
-The world I once inhabited, constrains me.<br/>
-Know then ’twas I who led fair Ghisola<br/>
-To do the Marquis’ will, however fame<br/>
-The shameful tale have bruited. Nor alone<br/>
-Bologna hither sendeth me to mourn<br/>
-Rather with us the place is so o’erthrong’d<br/>
-That not so many tongues this day are taught,<br/>
-Betwixt the Reno and Savena’s stream,<br/>
-To answer SIPA in their country’s phrase.<br/>
-And if of that securer proof thou need,<br/>
-Remember but our craving thirst for gold.”<br/>
-<br/>
-Him speaking thus, a demon with his thong<br/>
-Struck, and exclaim’d, “Away! corrupter! here<br/>
-Women are none for sale.” Forthwith I join’d<br/>
-My escort, and few paces thence we came<br/>
-To where a rock forth issued from the bank.<br/>
-That easily ascended, to the right<br/>
-Upon its splinter turning, we depart<br/>
-From those eternal barriers. When arriv’d,<br/>
-Where underneath the gaping arch lets pass<br/>
-The scourged souls: “Pause here,” the teacher said,<br/>
-“And let these others miserable, now<br/>
-Strike on thy ken, faces not yet beheld,<br/>
-For that together they with us have walk’d.”<br/>
-<br/>
-From the old bridge we ey’d the pack, who came<br/>
-From th’ other side towards us, like the rest,<br/>
-Excoriate from the lash. My gentle guide,<br/>
-By me unquestion’d, thus his speech resum’d:<br/>
-“Behold that lofty shade, who this way tends,<br/>
-And seems too woe-begone to drop a tear.<br/>
-How yet the regal aspect he retains!<br/>
-Jason is he, whose skill and prowess won<br/>
-The ram from Colchos. To the Lemnian isle<br/>
-His passage thither led him, when those bold<br/>
-And pitiless women had slain all their males.<br/>
-There he with tokens and fair witching words<br/>
-Hypsipyle beguil’d, a virgin young,<br/>
-Who first had all the rest herself beguil’d.<br/>
-Impregnated he left her there forlorn.<br/>
-Such is the guilt condemns him to this pain.<br/>
-Here too Medea’s inj’ries are avenged.<br/>
-All bear him company, who like deceit<br/>
-To his have practis’d. And thus much to know<br/>
-Of the first vale suffice thee, and of those<br/>
-Whom its keen torments urge.” Now had we come<br/>
-Where, crossing the next pier, the straighten’d path<br/>
-Bestrides its shoulders to another arch.<br/>
-<br/>
-Hence in the second chasm we heard the ghosts,<br/>
-Who jibber in low melancholy sounds,<br/>
-With wide-stretch’d nostrils snort, and on themselves<br/>
-Smite with their palms. Upon the banks a scurf<br/>
-From the foul steam condens’d, encrusting hung,<br/>
-That held sharp combat with the sight and smell.<br/>
-<br/>
-So hollow is the depth, that from no part,<br/>
-Save on the summit of the rocky span,<br/>
-Could I distinguish aught. Thus far we came;<br/>
-And thence I saw, within the foss below,<br/>
-A crowd immers’d in ordure, that appear’d<br/>
-Draff of the human body. There beneath<br/>
-Searching with eye inquisitive, I mark’d<br/>
-One with his head so grim’d, ’twere hard to deem,<br/>
-If he were clerk or layman. Loud he cried:<br/>
-“Why greedily thus bendest more on me,<br/>
+None for the second waited nor the third.<br>
+<br>
+Meantime as on I pass’d, one met my sight<br>
+Whom soon as view’d; “Of him,” cried I, “not yet<br>
+Mine eye hath had his fill.” With fixed gaze<br>
+I therefore scann’d him. Straight the teacher kind<br>
+Paus’d with me, and consented I should walk<br>
+Backward a space, and the tormented spirit,<br>
+Who thought to hide him, bent his visage down.<br>
+But it avail’d him nought; for I exclaim’d:<br>
+“Thou who dost cast thy eye upon the ground,<br>
+Unless thy features do belie thee much,<br>
+Venedico art thou. But what brings thee<br>
+Into this bitter seas’ning?” He replied:<br>
+“Unwillingly I answer to thy words.<br>
+But thy clear speech, that to my mind recalls<br>
+The world I once inhabited, constrains me.<br>
+Know then ’twas I who led fair Ghisola<br>
+To do the Marquis’ will, however fame<br>
+The shameful tale have bruited. Nor alone<br>
+Bologna hither sendeth me to mourn<br>
+Rather with us the place is so o’erthrong’d<br>
+That not so many tongues this day are taught,<br>
+Betwixt the Reno and Savena’s stream,<br>
+To answer SIPA in their country’s phrase.<br>
+And if of that securer proof thou need,<br>
+Remember but our craving thirst for gold.”<br>
+<br>
+Him speaking thus, a demon with his thong<br>
+Struck, and exclaim’d, “Away! corrupter! here<br>
+Women are none for sale.” Forthwith I join’d<br>
+My escort, and few paces thence we came<br>
+To where a rock forth issued from the bank.<br>
+That easily ascended, to the right<br>
+Upon its splinter turning, we depart<br>
+From those eternal barriers. When arriv’d,<br>
+Where underneath the gaping arch lets pass<br>
+The scourged souls: “Pause here,” the teacher said,<br>
+“And let these others miserable, now<br>
+Strike on thy ken, faces not yet beheld,<br>
+For that together they with us have walk’d.”<br>
+<br>
+From the old bridge we ey’d the pack, who came<br>
+From th’ other side towards us, like the rest,<br>
+Excoriate from the lash. My gentle guide,<br>
+By me unquestion’d, thus his speech resum’d:<br>
+“Behold that lofty shade, who this way tends,<br>
+And seems too woe-begone to drop a tear.<br>
+How yet the regal aspect he retains!<br>
+Jason is he, whose skill and prowess won<br>
+The ram from Colchos. To the Lemnian isle<br>
+His passage thither led him, when those bold<br>
+And pitiless women had slain all their males.<br>
+There he with tokens and fair witching words<br>
+Hypsipyle beguil’d, a virgin young,<br>
+Who first had all the rest herself beguil’d.<br>
+Impregnated he left her there forlorn.<br>
+Such is the guilt condemns him to this pain.<br>
+Here too Medea’s inj’ries are avenged.<br>
+All bear him company, who like deceit<br>
+To his have practis’d. And thus much to know<br>
+Of the first vale suffice thee, and of those<br>
+Whom its keen torments urge.” Now had we come<br>
+Where, crossing the next pier, the straighten’d path<br>
+Bestrides its shoulders to another arch.<br>
+<br>
+Hence in the second chasm we heard the ghosts,<br>
+Who jibber in low melancholy sounds,<br>
+With wide-stretch’d nostrils snort, and on themselves<br>
+Smite with their palms. Upon the banks a scurf<br>
+From the foul steam condens’d, encrusting hung,<br>
+That held sharp combat with the sight and smell.<br>
+<br>
+So hollow is the depth, that from no part,<br>
+Save on the summit of the rocky span,<br>
+Could I distinguish aught. Thus far we came;<br>
+And thence I saw, within the foss below,<br>
+A crowd immers’d in ordure, that appear’d<br>
+Draff of the human body. There beneath<br>
+Searching with eye inquisitive, I mark’d<br>
+One with his head so grim’d, ’twere hard to deem,<br>
+If he were clerk or layman. Loud he cried:<br>
+“Why greedily thus bendest more on me,<br>
 Than on these other filthy ones, thy ken?”
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/18-181.jpg">
-<img alt="" width="392" height="600" src="images/18-181.jpg" /></a>
+<img alt="" src="images/18-181.jpg" style="width: 392px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-“Because if true my mem’ry,” I replied,<br/>
-“I heretofore have seen thee with dry locks,<br/>
-And thou Alessio art of Lucca sprung.<br/>
-Therefore than all the rest I scan thee more.”<br/>
-<br/>
-Then beating on his brain these words he spake:<br/>
-“Me thus low down my flatteries have sunk,<br/>
-Wherewith I ne’er enough could glut my tongue.”<br/>
-<br/>
-My leader thus: “A little further stretch<br/>
-Thy face, that thou the visage well mayst note<br/>
-Of that besotted, sluttish courtezan,<br/>
-Who there doth rend her with defiled nails,<br/>
+“Because if true my mem’ry,” I replied,<br>
+“I heretofore have seen thee with dry locks,<br>
+And thou Alessio art of Lucca sprung.<br>
+Therefore than all the rest I scan thee more.”<br>
+<br>
+Then beating on his brain these words he spake:<br>
+“Me thus low down my flatteries have sunk,<br>
+Wherewith I ne’er enough could glut my tongue.”<br>
+<br>
+My leader thus: “A little further stretch<br>
+Thy face, that thou the visage well mayst note<br>
+Of that besotted, sluttish courtezan,<br>
+Who there doth rend her with defiled nails,<br>
 Now crouching down, now risen on her feet.
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/18-183.jpg">
-<img alt="" width="394" height="600" src="images/18-183.jpg" /></a>
+<img alt="" src="images/18-183.jpg" style="width: 394px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-“Thais is this, the harlot, whose false lip<br/>
-Answer’d her doting paramour that ask’d,<br/>
-‘Thankest me much!’&mdash;‘Say rather wondrously,’<br/>
+“Thais is this, the harlot, whose false lip<br>
+Answer’d her doting paramour that ask’d,<br>
+‘Thankest me much!’&mdash;‘Say rather wondrously,’<br>
 And seeing this here satiate be our view.”
 </p>
 
@@ -3617,164 +3611,164 @@ And seeing this here satiate be our view.”
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoI.19"></a>CANTO XIX</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoI.19"></a>CANTO XIX</h2>
 
 <p>
-Woe to thee, Simon Magus! woe to you,<br/>
-His wretched followers! who the things of God,<br/>
-Which should be wedded unto goodness, them,<br/>
-Rapacious as ye are, do prostitute<br/>
-For gold and silver in adultery!<br/>
-Now must the trumpet sound for you, since yours<br/>
-Is the third chasm. Upon the following vault<br/>
-We now had mounted, where the rock impends<br/>
-Directly o’er the centre of the foss.<br/>
-<br/>
-Wisdom Supreme! how wonderful the art,<br/>
-Which thou dost manifest in heaven, in earth,<br/>
-And in the evil world, how just a meed<br/>
-Allotting by thy virtue unto all!<br/>
-<br/>
-I saw the livid stone, throughout the sides<br/>
-And in its bottom full of apertures,<br/>
-All equal in their width, and circular each,<br/>
-Nor ample less nor larger they appear’d<br/>
-Than in Saint John’s fair dome of me belov’d<br/>
-Those fram’d to hold the pure baptismal streams,<br/>
-One of the which I brake, some few years past,<br/>
-To save a whelming infant; and be this<br/>
-A seal to undeceive whoever doubts<br/>
-The motive of my deed. From out the mouth<br/>
-Of every one, emerg’d a sinner’s feet<br/>
-And of the legs high upward as the calf<br/>
-The rest beneath was hid. On either foot<br/>
-The soles were burning, whence the flexile joints<br/>
-Glanc’d with such violent motion, as had snapt<br/>
-Asunder cords or twisted withs. As flame,<br/>
-Feeding on unctuous matter, glides along<br/>
-The surface, scarcely touching where it moves;<br/>
-So here, from heel to point, glided the flames.<br/>
-<br/>
-“Master! say who is he, than all the rest<br/>
-Glancing in fiercer agony, on whom<br/>
-A ruddier flame doth prey?” I thus inquir’d.<br/>
-<br/>
-“If thou be willing,” he replied, “that I<br/>
-Carry thee down, where least the slope bank falls,<br/>
-He of himself shall tell thee and his wrongs.”<br/>
-<br/>
-I then: “As pleases thee to me is best.<br/>
-Thou art my lord; and know’st that ne’er I quit<br/>
-Thy will: what silence hides that knowest thou.”<br/>
-Thereat on the fourth pier we came, we turn’d,<br/>
-And on our left descended to the depth,<br/>
-A narrow strait and perforated close.<br/>
-Nor from his side my leader set me down,<br/>
-Till to his orifice he brought, whose limb<br/>
-Quiv’ring express’d his pang. “Whoe’er thou art,<br/>
-Sad spirit! thus revers’d, and as a stake<br/>
-Driv’n in the soil!” I in these words began,<br/>
+Woe to thee, Simon Magus! woe to you,<br>
+His wretched followers! who the things of God,<br>
+Which should be wedded unto goodness, them,<br>
+Rapacious as ye are, do prostitute<br>
+For gold and silver in adultery!<br>
+Now must the trumpet sound for you, since yours<br>
+Is the third chasm. Upon the following vault<br>
+We now had mounted, where the rock impends<br>
+Directly o’er the centre of the foss.<br>
+<br>
+Wisdom Supreme! how wonderful the art,<br>
+Which thou dost manifest in heaven, in earth,<br>
+And in the evil world, how just a meed<br>
+Allotting by thy virtue unto all!<br>
+<br>
+I saw the livid stone, throughout the sides<br>
+And in its bottom full of apertures,<br>
+All equal in their width, and circular each,<br>
+Nor ample less nor larger they appear’d<br>
+Than in Saint John’s fair dome of me belov’d<br>
+Those fram’d to hold the pure baptismal streams,<br>
+One of the which I brake, some few years past,<br>
+To save a whelming infant; and be this<br>
+A seal to undeceive whoever doubts<br>
+The motive of my deed. From out the mouth<br>
+Of every one, emerg’d a sinner’s feet<br>
+And of the legs high upward as the calf<br>
+The rest beneath was hid. On either foot<br>
+The soles were burning, whence the flexile joints<br>
+Glanc’d with such violent motion, as had snapt<br>
+Asunder cords or twisted withs. As flame,<br>
+Feeding on unctuous matter, glides along<br>
+The surface, scarcely touching where it moves;<br>
+So here, from heel to point, glided the flames.<br>
+<br>
+“Master! say who is he, than all the rest<br>
+Glancing in fiercer agony, on whom<br>
+A ruddier flame doth prey?” I thus inquir’d.<br>
+<br>
+“If thou be willing,” he replied, “that I<br>
+Carry thee down, where least the slope bank falls,<br>
+He of himself shall tell thee and his wrongs.”<br>
+<br>
+I then: “As pleases thee to me is best.<br>
+Thou art my lord; and know’st that ne’er I quit<br>
+Thy will: what silence hides that knowest thou.”<br>
+Thereat on the fourth pier we came, we turn’d,<br>
+And on our left descended to the depth,<br>
+A narrow strait and perforated close.<br>
+Nor from his side my leader set me down,<br>
+Till to his orifice he brought, whose limb<br>
+Quiv’ring express’d his pang. “Whoe’er thou art,<br>
+Sad spirit! thus revers’d, and as a stake<br>
+Driv’n in the soil!” I in these words began,<br>
 “If thou be able, utter forth thy voice.”
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/19-187.jpg">
-<img alt="" width="387" height="600" src="images/19-187.jpg" /></a>
+<img alt="" src="images/19-187.jpg" style="width: 387px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-There stood I like the friar, that doth shrive<br/>
-A wretch for murder doom’d, who e’en when fix’d,<br/>
-Calleth him back, whence death awhile delays.<br/>
-<br/>
-He shouted: “Ha! already standest there?<br/>
-Already standest there, O Boniface!<br/>
-By many a year the writing play’d me false.<br/>
-So early dost thou surfeit with the wealth,<br/>
-For which thou fearedst not in guile to take<br/>
-The lovely lady, and then mangle her?”<br/>
-<br/>
-I felt as those who, piercing not the drift<br/>
-Of answer made them, stand as if expos’d<br/>
-In mockery, nor know what to reply,<br/>
-When Virgil thus admonish’d: “Tell him quick,<br/>
-I am not he, not he, whom thou believ’st.”<br/>
-<br/>
-And I, as was enjoin’d me, straight replied.<br/>
-<br/>
-That heard, the spirit all did wrench his feet,<br/>
-And sighing next in woeful accent spake:<br/>
-“What then of me requirest?” “If to know<br/>
-So much imports thee, who I am, that thou<br/>
-Hast therefore down the bank descended, learn<br/>
-That in the mighty mantle I was rob’d,<br/>
-And of a she-bear was indeed the son,<br/>
-So eager to advance my whelps, that there<br/>
-My having in my purse above I stow’d,<br/>
-And here myself. Under my head are dragg’d<br/>
-The rest, my predecessors in the guilt<br/>
-Of simony. Stretch’d at their length they lie<br/>
-Along an opening in the rock. ’Midst them<br/>
-I also low shall fall, soon as he comes,<br/>
-For whom I took thee, when so hastily<br/>
-I question’d. But already longer time<br/>
-Hath pass’d, since my souls kindled, and I thus<br/>
-Upturn’d have stood, than is his doom to stand<br/>
-Planted with fiery feet. For after him,<br/>
-One yet of deeds more ugly shall arrive,<br/>
-From forth the west, a shepherd without law,<br/>
-Fated to cover both his form and mine.<br/>
-He a new Jason shall be call’d, of whom<br/>
-In Maccabees we read; and favour such<br/>
-As to that priest his king indulgent show’d,<br/>
-Shall be of France’s monarch shown to him.”<br/>
-<br/>
-I know not if I here too far presum’d,<br/>
-But in this strain I answer’d: “Tell me now,<br/>
-What treasures from St. Peter at the first<br/>
-Our Lord demanded, when he put the keys<br/>
-Into his charge? Surely he ask’d no more<br/>
-But, Follow me! Nor Peter nor the rest<br/>
-Or gold or silver of Matthias took,<br/>
-When lots were cast upon the forfeit place<br/>
-Of the condemned soul. Abide thou then;<br/>
-Thy punishment of right is merited:<br/>
-And look thou well to that ill-gotten coin,<br/>
-Which against Charles thy hardihood inspir’d.<br/>
-If reverence of the keys restrain’d me not,<br/>
-Which thou in happier time didst hold, I yet<br/>
-Severer speech might use. Your avarice<br/>
-O’ercasts the world with mourning, under foot<br/>
-Treading the good, and raising bad men up.<br/>
-Of shepherds, like to you, th’ Evangelist<br/>
-Was ware, when her, who sits upon the waves,<br/>
-With kings in filthy whoredom he beheld,<br/>
-She who with seven heads tower’d at her birth,<br/>
-And from ten horns her proof of glory drew,<br/>
-Long as her spouse in virtue took delight.<br/>
-Of gold and silver ye have made your god,<br/>
-Diff’ring wherein from the idolater,<br/>
-But he that worships one, a hundred ye?<br/>
-Ah, Constantine! to how much ill gave birth,<br/>
-Not thy conversion, but that plenteous dower,<br/>
-Which the first wealthy Father gain’d from thee!”<br/>
-<br/>
-Meanwhile, as thus I sung, he, whether wrath<br/>
-Or conscience smote him, violent upsprang<br/>
-Spinning on either sole. I do believe<br/>
-My teacher well was pleas’d, with so compos’d<br/>
-A lip, he listen’d ever to the sound<br/>
-Of the true words I utter’d. In both arms<br/>
-He caught, and to his bosom lifting me<br/>
-Upward retrac’d the way of his descent.<br/>
-<br/>
-Nor weary of his weight he press’d me close,<br/>
-Till to the summit of the rock we came,<br/>
-Our passage from the fourth to the fifth pier.<br/>
-His cherish’d burden there gently he plac’d<br/>
-Upon the rugged rock and steep, a path<br/>
-Not easy for the clamb’ring goat to mount.<br/>
-<br/>
+There stood I like the friar, that doth shrive<br>
+A wretch for murder doom’d, who e’en when fix’d,<br>
+Calleth him back, whence death awhile delays.<br>
+<br>
+He shouted: “Ha! already standest there?<br>
+Already standest there, O Boniface!<br>
+By many a year the writing play’d me false.<br>
+So early dost thou surfeit with the wealth,<br>
+For which thou fearedst not in guile to take<br>
+The lovely lady, and then mangle her?”<br>
+<br>
+I felt as those who, piercing not the drift<br>
+Of answer made them, stand as if expos’d<br>
+In mockery, nor know what to reply,<br>
+When Virgil thus admonish’d: “Tell him quick,<br>
+I am not he, not he, whom thou believ’st.”<br>
+<br>
+And I, as was enjoin’d me, straight replied.<br>
+<br>
+That heard, the spirit all did wrench his feet,<br>
+And sighing next in woeful accent spake:<br>
+“What then of me requirest?” “If to know<br>
+So much imports thee, who I am, that thou<br>
+Hast therefore down the bank descended, learn<br>
+That in the mighty mantle I was rob’d,<br>
+And of a she-bear was indeed the son,<br>
+So eager to advance my whelps, that there<br>
+My having in my purse above I stow’d,<br>
+And here myself. Under my head are dragg’d<br>
+The rest, my predecessors in the guilt<br>
+Of simony. Stretch’d at their length they lie<br>
+Along an opening in the rock. ’Midst them<br>
+I also low shall fall, soon as he comes,<br>
+For whom I took thee, when so hastily<br>
+I question’d. But already longer time<br>
+Hath pass’d, since my souls kindled, and I thus<br>
+Upturn’d have stood, than is his doom to stand<br>
+Planted with fiery feet. For after him,<br>
+One yet of deeds more ugly shall arrive,<br>
+From forth the west, a shepherd without law,<br>
+Fated to cover both his form and mine.<br>
+He a new Jason shall be call’d, of whom<br>
+In Maccabees we read; and favour such<br>
+As to that priest his king indulgent show’d,<br>
+Shall be of France’s monarch shown to him.”<br>
+<br>
+I know not if I here too far presum’d,<br>
+But in this strain I answer’d: “Tell me now,<br>
+What treasures from St. Peter at the first<br>
+Our Lord demanded, when he put the keys<br>
+Into his charge? Surely he ask’d no more<br>
+But, Follow me! Nor Peter nor the rest<br>
+Or gold or silver of Matthias took,<br>
+When lots were cast upon the forfeit place<br>
+Of the condemned soul. Abide thou then;<br>
+Thy punishment of right is merited:<br>
+And look thou well to that ill-gotten coin,<br>
+Which against Charles thy hardihood inspir’d.<br>
+If reverence of the keys restrain’d me not,<br>
+Which thou in happier time didst hold, I yet<br>
+Severer speech might use. Your avarice<br>
+O’ercasts the world with mourning, under foot<br>
+Treading the good, and raising bad men up.<br>
+Of shepherds, like to you, th’ Evangelist<br>
+Was ware, when her, who sits upon the waves,<br>
+With kings in filthy whoredom he beheld,<br>
+She who with seven heads tower’d at her birth,<br>
+And from ten horns her proof of glory drew,<br>
+Long as her spouse in virtue took delight.<br>
+Of gold and silver ye have made your god,<br>
+Diff’ring wherein from the idolater,<br>
+But he that worships one, a hundred ye?<br>
+Ah, Constantine! to how much ill gave birth,<br>
+Not thy conversion, but that plenteous dower,<br>
+Which the first wealthy Father gain’d from thee!”<br>
+<br>
+Meanwhile, as thus I sung, he, whether wrath<br>
+Or conscience smote him, violent upsprang<br>
+Spinning on either sole. I do believe<br>
+My teacher well was pleas’d, with so compos’d<br>
+A lip, he listen’d ever to the sound<br>
+Of the true words I utter’d. In both arms<br>
+He caught, and to his bosom lifting me<br>
+Upward retrac’d the way of his descent.<br>
+<br>
+Nor weary of his weight he press’d me close,<br>
+Till to the summit of the rock we came,<br>
+Our passage from the fourth to the fifth pier.<br>
+His cherish’d burden there gently he plac’d<br>
+Upon the rugged rock and steep, a path<br>
+Not easy for the clamb’ring goat to mount.<br>
+<br>
 Thence to my view another vale appear’d
 </p>
 
@@ -3782,144 +3776,144 @@ Thence to my view another vale appear’d
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoI.20"></a>CANTO XX</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoI.20"></a>CANTO XX</h2>
 
 <p>
-And now the verse proceeds to torments new,<br/>
-Fit argument of this the twentieth strain<br/>
-Of the first song, whose awful theme records<br/>
-The spirits whelm’d in woe. Earnest I look’d<br/>
-Into the depth, that open’d to my view,<br/>
-Moisten’d with tears of anguish, and beheld<br/>
-A tribe, that came along the hollow vale,<br/>
-In silence weeping: such their step as walk<br/>
-Quires chanting solemn litanies on earth.<br/>
-<br/>
-As on them more direct mine eye descends,<br/>
-Each wondrously seem’d to be revers’d<br/>
-At the neck-bone, so that the countenance<br/>
-Was from the reins averted: and because<br/>
-None might before him look, they were compell’d<br/>
-To’ advance with backward gait. Thus one perhaps<br/>
-Hath been by force of palsy clean transpos’d,<br/>
-But I ne’er saw it nor believe it so.<br/>
-<br/>
-Now, reader! think within thyself, so God<br/>
-Fruit of thy reading give thee! how I long<br/>
-Could keep my visage dry, when I beheld<br/>
-Near me our form distorted in such guise,<br/>
-That on the hinder parts fall’n from the face<br/>
-The tears down-streaming roll’d. Against a rock<br/>
-I leant and wept, so that my guide exclaim’d:<br/>
-“What, and art thou too witless as the rest?<br/>
-Here pity most doth show herself alive,<br/>
-When she is dead. What guilt exceedeth his,<br/>
-Who with Heaven’s judgment in his passion strives?<br/>
-Raise up thy head, raise up, and see the man,<br/>
-Before whose eyes earth gap’d in Thebes, when all<br/>
-Cried out, ‘Amphiaraus, whither rushest?<br/>
-‘Why leavest thou the war?’ He not the less<br/>
-Fell ruining far as to Minos down,<br/>
-Whose grapple none eludes. Lo! how he makes<br/>
-The breast his shoulders, and who once too far<br/>
-Before him wish’d to see, now backward looks,<br/>
-And treads reverse his path. Tiresias note,<br/>
-Who semblance chang’d, when woman he became<br/>
-Of male, through every limb transform’d, and then<br/>
-Once more behov’d him with his rod to strike<br/>
-The two entwining serpents, ere the plumes,<br/>
-That mark’d the better sex, might shoot again.<br/>
-<br/>
-“Aruns, with more his belly facing, comes.<br/>
-On Luni’s mountains ’midst the marbles white,<br/>
-Where delves Carrara’s hind, who wons beneath,<br/>
-A cavern was his dwelling, whence the stars<br/>
-And main-sea wide in boundless view he held.<br/>
-<br/>
-“The next, whose loosen’d tresses overspread<br/>
-Her bosom, which thou seest not (for each hair<br/>
-On that side grows) was Manto, she who search’d<br/>
-Through many regions, and at length her seat<br/>
-Fix’d in my native land, whence a short space<br/>
-My words detain thy audience. When her sire<br/>
-From life departed, and in servitude<br/>
-The city dedicate to Bacchus mourn’d,<br/>
-Long time she went a wand’rer through the world.<br/>
-Aloft in Italy’s delightful land<br/>
-A lake there lies, at foot of that proud Alp,<br/>
-That o’er the Tyrol locks Germania in,<br/>
-Its name Benacus, which a thousand rills,<br/>
-Methinks, and more, water between the vale<br/>
-Camonica and Garda and the height<br/>
-Of Apennine remote. There is a spot<br/>
-At midway of that lake, where he who bears<br/>
-Of Trento’s flock the past’ral staff, with him<br/>
-Of Brescia, and the Veronese, might each<br/>
-Passing that way his benediction give.<br/>
-A garrison of goodly site and strong<br/>
-Peschiera stands, to awe with front oppos’d<br/>
-The Bergamese and Brescian, whence the shore<br/>
-More slope each way descends. There, whatsoev’er<br/>
-Benacus’ bosom holds not, tumbling o’er<br/>
-Down falls, and winds a river flood beneath<br/>
-Through the green pastures. Soon as in his course<br/>
-The steam makes head, Benacus then no more<br/>
-They call the name, but Mincius, till at last<br/>
-Reaching Governo into Po he falls.<br/>
-Not far his course hath run, when a wide flat<br/>
-It finds, which overstretchmg as a marsh<br/>
-It covers, pestilent in summer oft.<br/>
-Hence journeying, the savage maiden saw<br/>
-’Midst of the fen a territory waste<br/>
-And naked of inhabitants. To shun<br/>
-All human converse, here she with her slaves<br/>
-Plying her arts remain’d, and liv’d, and left<br/>
-Her body tenantless. Thenceforth the tribes,<br/>
-Who round were scatter’d, gath’ring to that place<br/>
-Assembled; for its strength was great, enclos’d<br/>
-On all parts by the fen. On those dead bones<br/>
-They rear’d themselves a city, for her sake,<br/>
-Calling it Mantua, who first chose the spot,<br/>
-Nor ask’d another omen for the name,<br/>
-Wherein more numerous the people dwelt,<br/>
-Ere Casalodi’s madness by deceit<br/>
-Was wrong’d of Pinamonte. If thou hear<br/>
-Henceforth another origin assign’d<br/>
-Of that my country, I forewarn thee now,<br/>
-That falsehood none beguile thee of the truth.”<br/>
-<br/>
-I answer’d: “Teacher, I conclude thy words<br/>
-So certain, that all else shall be to me<br/>
-As embers lacking life. But now of these,<br/>
-Who here proceed, instruct me, if thou see<br/>
-Any that merit more especial note.<br/>
-For thereon is my mind alone intent.”<br/>
-<br/>
-He straight replied: “That spirit, from whose cheek<br/>
-The beard sweeps o’er his shoulders brown, what time<br/>
-Graecia was emptied of her males, that scarce<br/>
-The cradles were supplied, the seer was he<br/>
-In Aulis, who with Calchas gave the sign<br/>
-When first to cut the cable. Him they nam’d<br/>
-Eurypilus: so sings my tragic strain,<br/>
-In which majestic measure well thou know’st,<br/>
-Who know’st it all. That other, round the loins<br/>
-So slender of his shape, was Michael Scot,<br/>
-Practis’d in ev’ry slight of magic wile.<br/>
-<br/>
-“Guido Bonatti see: Asdente mark,<br/>
-Who now were willing, he had tended still<br/>
-The thread and cordwain; and too late repents.<br/>
-<br/>
-“See next the wretches, who the needle left,<br/>
-The shuttle and the spindle, and became<br/>
-Diviners: baneful witcheries they wrought<br/>
-With images and herbs. But onward now:<br/>
-For now doth Cain with fork of thorns confine<br/>
-On either hemisphere, touching the wave<br/>
-Beneath the towers of Seville. Yesternight<br/>
-The moon was round. Thou mayst remember well:<br/>
-For she good service did thee in the gloom<br/>
+And now the verse proceeds to torments new,<br>
+Fit argument of this the twentieth strain<br>
+Of the first song, whose awful theme records<br>
+The spirits whelm’d in woe. Earnest I look’d<br>
+Into the depth, that open’d to my view,<br>
+Moisten’d with tears of anguish, and beheld<br>
+A tribe, that came along the hollow vale,<br>
+In silence weeping: such their step as walk<br>
+Quires chanting solemn litanies on earth.<br>
+<br>
+As on them more direct mine eye descends,<br>
+Each wondrously seem’d to be revers’d<br>
+At the neck-bone, so that the countenance<br>
+Was from the reins averted: and because<br>
+None might before him look, they were compell’d<br>
+To’ advance with backward gait. Thus one perhaps<br>
+Hath been by force of palsy clean transpos’d,<br>
+But I ne’er saw it nor believe it so.<br>
+<br>
+Now, reader! think within thyself, so God<br>
+Fruit of thy reading give thee! how I long<br>
+Could keep my visage dry, when I beheld<br>
+Near me our form distorted in such guise,<br>
+That on the hinder parts fall’n from the face<br>
+The tears down-streaming roll’d. Against a rock<br>
+I leant and wept, so that my guide exclaim’d:<br>
+“What, and art thou too witless as the rest?<br>
+Here pity most doth show herself alive,<br>
+When she is dead. What guilt exceedeth his,<br>
+Who with Heaven’s judgment in his passion strives?<br>
+Raise up thy head, raise up, and see the man,<br>
+Before whose eyes earth gap’d in Thebes, when all<br>
+Cried out, ‘Amphiaraus, whither rushest?<br>
+‘Why leavest thou the war?’ He not the less<br>
+Fell ruining far as to Minos down,<br>
+Whose grapple none eludes. Lo! how he makes<br>
+The breast his shoulders, and who once too far<br>
+Before him wish’d to see, now backward looks,<br>
+And treads reverse his path. Tiresias note,<br>
+Who semblance chang’d, when woman he became<br>
+Of male, through every limb transform’d, and then<br>
+Once more behov’d him with his rod to strike<br>
+The two entwining serpents, ere the plumes,<br>
+That mark’d the better sex, might shoot again.<br>
+<br>
+“Aruns, with more his belly facing, comes.<br>
+On Luni’s mountains ’midst the marbles white,<br>
+Where delves Carrara’s hind, who wons beneath,<br>
+A cavern was his dwelling, whence the stars<br>
+And main-sea wide in boundless view he held.<br>
+<br>
+“The next, whose loosen’d tresses overspread<br>
+Her bosom, which thou seest not (for each hair<br>
+On that side grows) was Manto, she who search’d<br>
+Through many regions, and at length her seat<br>
+Fix’d in my native land, whence a short space<br>
+My words detain thy audience. When her sire<br>
+From life departed, and in servitude<br>
+The city dedicate to Bacchus mourn’d,<br>
+Long time she went a wand’rer through the world.<br>
+Aloft in Italy’s delightful land<br>
+A lake there lies, at foot of that proud Alp,<br>
+That o’er the Tyrol locks Germania in,<br>
+Its name Benacus, which a thousand rills,<br>
+Methinks, and more, water between the vale<br>
+Camonica and Garda and the height<br>
+Of Apennine remote. There is a spot<br>
+At midway of that lake, where he who bears<br>
+Of Trento’s flock the past’ral staff, with him<br>
+Of Brescia, and the Veronese, might each<br>
+Passing that way his benediction give.<br>
+A garrison of goodly site and strong<br>
+Peschiera stands, to awe with front oppos’d<br>
+The Bergamese and Brescian, whence the shore<br>
+More slope each way descends. There, whatsoev’er<br>
+Benacus’ bosom holds not, tumbling o’er<br>
+Down falls, and winds a river flood beneath<br>
+Through the green pastures. Soon as in his course<br>
+The steam makes head, Benacus then no more<br>
+They call the name, but Mincius, till at last<br>
+Reaching Governo into Po he falls.<br>
+Not far his course hath run, when a wide flat<br>
+It finds, which overstretchmg as a marsh<br>
+It covers, pestilent in summer oft.<br>
+Hence journeying, the savage maiden saw<br>
+’Midst of the fen a territory waste<br>
+And naked of inhabitants. To shun<br>
+All human converse, here she with her slaves<br>
+Plying her arts remain’d, and liv’d, and left<br>
+Her body tenantless. Thenceforth the tribes,<br>
+Who round were scatter’d, gath’ring to that place<br>
+Assembled; for its strength was great, enclos’d<br>
+On all parts by the fen. On those dead bones<br>
+They rear’d themselves a city, for her sake,<br>
+Calling it Mantua, who first chose the spot,<br>
+Nor ask’d another omen for the name,<br>
+Wherein more numerous the people dwelt,<br>
+Ere Casalodi’s madness by deceit<br>
+Was wrong’d of Pinamonte. If thou hear<br>
+Henceforth another origin assign’d<br>
+Of that my country, I forewarn thee now,<br>
+That falsehood none beguile thee of the truth.”<br>
+<br>
+I answer’d: “Teacher, I conclude thy words<br>
+So certain, that all else shall be to me<br>
+As embers lacking life. But now of these,<br>
+Who here proceed, instruct me, if thou see<br>
+Any that merit more especial note.<br>
+For thereon is my mind alone intent.”<br>
+<br>
+He straight replied: “That spirit, from whose cheek<br>
+The beard sweeps o’er his shoulders brown, what time<br>
+Graecia was emptied of her males, that scarce<br>
+The cradles were supplied, the seer was he<br>
+In Aulis, who with Calchas gave the sign<br>
+When first to cut the cable. Him they nam’d<br>
+Eurypilus: so sings my tragic strain,<br>
+In which majestic measure well thou know’st,<br>
+Who know’st it all. That other, round the loins<br>
+So slender of his shape, was Michael Scot,<br>
+Practis’d in ev’ry slight of magic wile.<br>
+<br>
+“Guido Bonatti see: Asdente mark,<br>
+Who now were willing, he had tended still<br>
+The thread and cordwain; and too late repents.<br>
+<br>
+“See next the wretches, who the needle left,<br>
+The shuttle and the spindle, and became<br>
+Diviners: baneful witcheries they wrought<br>
+With images and herbs. But onward now:<br>
+For now doth Cain with fork of thorns confine<br>
+On either hemisphere, touching the wave<br>
+Beneath the towers of Seville. Yesternight<br>
+The moon was round. Thou mayst remember well:<br>
+For she good service did thee in the gloom<br>
 Of the deep wood.” This said, both onward mov’d.
 </p>
 
@@ -3927,174 +3921,174 @@ Of the deep wood.” This said, both onward mov’d.
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoI.21"></a>CANTO XXI</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoI.21"></a>CANTO XXI</h2>
 
 <p>
-Thus we from bridge to bridge, with other talk,<br/>
-The which my drama cares not to rehearse,<br/>
-Pass’d on; and to the summit reaching, stood<br/>
-To view another gap, within the round<br/>
-Of Malebolge, other bootless pangs.<br/>
-<br/>
-Marvelous darkness shadow’d o’er the place.<br/>
-<br/>
-In the Venetians’ arsenal as boils<br/>
-Through wintry months tenacious pitch, to smear<br/>
-Their unsound vessels; for th’ inclement time<br/>
-Sea-faring men restrains, and in that while<br/>
-His bark one builds anew, another stops<br/>
-The ribs of his, that hath made many a voyage;<br/>
-One hammers at the prow, one at the poop;<br/>
-This shapeth oars, that other cables twirls,<br/>
-The mizen one repairs and main-sail rent<br/>
-So not by force of fire but art divine<br/>
-Boil’d here a glutinous thick mass, that round<br/>
-Lim’d all the shore beneath. I that beheld,<br/>
-But therein nought distinguish’d, save the surge,<br/>
-Rais’d by the boiling, in one mighty swell<br/>
-Heave, and by turns subsiding and fall. While there<br/>
-I fix’d my ken below, “Mark! mark!” my guide<br/>
-Exclaiming, drew me towards him from the place,<br/>
-Wherein I stood. I turn’d myself as one,<br/>
-Impatient to behold that which beheld<br/>
-He needs must shun, whom sudden fear unmans,<br/>
-That he his flight delays not for the view.<br/>
-Behind me I discern’d a devil black,<br/>
-That running, up advanc’d along the rock.<br/>
-Ah! what fierce cruelty his look bespake!<br/>
-In act how bitter did he seem, with wings<br/>
-Buoyant outstretch’d and feet of nimblest tread!<br/>
-His shoulder proudly eminent and sharp<br/>
-Was with a sinner charg’d; by either haunch<br/>
-He held him, the foot’s sinew griping fast.<br/>
-<br/>
-“Ye of our bridge!” he cried, “keen-talon’d fiends!<br/>
-Lo! one of Santa Zita’s elders! Him<br/>
-Whelm ye beneath, while I return for more.<br/>
-That land hath store of such. All men are there,<br/>
-Except Bonturo, barterers: of ‘no’<br/>
-For lucre there an ‘aye’ is quickly made.”<br/>
-<br/>
-Him dashing down, o’er the rough rock he turn’d,<br/>
-Nor ever after thief a mastiff loos’d<br/>
-Sped with like eager haste. That other sank<br/>
-And forthwith writhing to the surface rose.<br/>
-But those dark demons, shrouded by the bridge,<br/>
-Cried “Here the hallow’d visage saves not: here<br/>
-Is other swimming than in Serchio’s wave.<br/>
-Wherefore if thou desire we rend thee not,<br/>
-Take heed thou mount not o’er the pitch.” This said,<br/>
-They grappled him with more than hundred hooks,<br/>
-And shouted: “Cover’d thou must sport thee here;<br/>
+Thus we from bridge to bridge, with other talk,<br>
+The which my drama cares not to rehearse,<br>
+Pass’d on; and to the summit reaching, stood<br>
+To view another gap, within the round<br>
+Of Malebolge, other bootless pangs.<br>
+<br>
+Marvelous darkness shadow’d o’er the place.<br>
+<br>
+In the Venetians’ arsenal as boils<br>
+Through wintry months tenacious pitch, to smear<br>
+Their unsound vessels; for th’ inclement time<br>
+Sea-faring men restrains, and in that while<br>
+His bark one builds anew, another stops<br>
+The ribs of his, that hath made many a voyage;<br>
+One hammers at the prow, one at the poop;<br>
+This shapeth oars, that other cables twirls,<br>
+The mizen one repairs and main-sail rent<br>
+So not by force of fire but art divine<br>
+Boil’d here a glutinous thick mass, that round<br>
+Lim’d all the shore beneath. I that beheld,<br>
+But therein nought distinguish’d, save the surge,<br>
+Rais’d by the boiling, in one mighty swell<br>
+Heave, and by turns subsiding and fall. While there<br>
+I fix’d my ken below, “Mark! mark!” my guide<br>
+Exclaiming, drew me towards him from the place,<br>
+Wherein I stood. I turn’d myself as one,<br>
+Impatient to behold that which beheld<br>
+He needs must shun, whom sudden fear unmans,<br>
+That he his flight delays not for the view.<br>
+Behind me I discern’d a devil black,<br>
+That running, up advanc’d along the rock.<br>
+Ah! what fierce cruelty his look bespake!<br>
+In act how bitter did he seem, with wings<br>
+Buoyant outstretch’d and feet of nimblest tread!<br>
+His shoulder proudly eminent and sharp<br>
+Was with a sinner charg’d; by either haunch<br>
+He held him, the foot’s sinew griping fast.<br>
+<br>
+“Ye of our bridge!” he cried, “keen-talon’d fiends!<br>
+Lo! one of Santa Zita’s elders! Him<br>
+Whelm ye beneath, while I return for more.<br>
+That land hath store of such. All men are there,<br>
+Except Bonturo, barterers: of ‘no’<br>
+For lucre there an ‘aye’ is quickly made.”<br>
+<br>
+Him dashing down, o’er the rough rock he turn’d,<br>
+Nor ever after thief a mastiff loos’d<br>
+Sped with like eager haste. That other sank<br>
+And forthwith writhing to the surface rose.<br>
+But those dark demons, shrouded by the bridge,<br>
+Cried “Here the hallow’d visage saves not: here<br>
+Is other swimming than in Serchio’s wave.<br>
+Wherefore if thou desire we rend thee not,<br>
+Take heed thou mount not o’er the pitch.” This said,<br>
+They grappled him with more than hundred hooks,<br>
+And shouted: “Cover’d thou must sport thee here;<br>
 So, if thou canst, in secret mayst thou filch.”
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/21-201.jpg">
-<img alt="" width="600" height="492" src="images/21-201.jpg" /></a>
+<img alt="" src="images/21-201.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 492px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-E’en thus the cook bestirs him, with his grooms,<br/>
-To thrust the flesh into the caldron down<br/>
-With flesh-hooks, that it float not on the top.<br/>
-<br/>
-Me then my guide bespake: “Lest they descry,<br/>
-That thou art here, behind a craggy rock<br/>
-Bend low and screen thee; and whate’er of force<br/>
-Be offer’d me, or insult, fear thou not:<br/>
-For I am well advis’d, who have been erst<br/>
-In the like fray.” Beyond the bridge’s head<br/>
-Therewith he pass’d, and reaching the sixth pier,<br/>
-Behov’d him then a forehead terror-proof.<br/>
-<br/>
-With storm and fury, as when dogs rush forth<br/>
-Upon the poor man’s back, who suddenly<br/>
-From whence he standeth makes his suit; so rush’d<br/>
-Those from beneath the arch, and against him<br/>
-Their weapons all they pointed. He aloud:<br/>
-“Be none of you outrageous: ere your time<br/>
+E’en thus the cook bestirs him, with his grooms,<br>
+To thrust the flesh into the caldron down<br>
+With flesh-hooks, that it float not on the top.<br>
+<br>
+Me then my guide bespake: “Lest they descry,<br>
+That thou art here, behind a craggy rock<br>
+Bend low and screen thee; and whate’er of force<br>
+Be offer’d me, or insult, fear thou not:<br>
+For I am well advis’d, who have been erst<br>
+In the like fray.” Beyond the bridge’s head<br>
+Therewith he pass’d, and reaching the sixth pier,<br>
+Behov’d him then a forehead terror-proof.<br>
+<br>
+With storm and fury, as when dogs rush forth<br>
+Upon the poor man’s back, who suddenly<br>
+From whence he standeth makes his suit; so rush’d<br>
+Those from beneath the arch, and against him<br>
+Their weapons all they pointed. He aloud:<br>
+“Be none of you outrageous: ere your time<br>
 Dare seize me, come forth from amongst you one,
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/21-205.jpg">
-<img alt="" width="600" height="488" src="images/21-205.jpg" /></a>
+<img alt="" src="images/21-205.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 488px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-“Who having heard my words, decide he then<br/>
-If he shall tear these limbs.” They shouted loud,<br/>
-“Go, Malacoda!” Whereat one advanc’d,<br/>
-The others standing firm, and as he came,<br/>
-“What may this turn avail him?” he exclaim’d.<br/>
-<br/>
-“Believ’st thou, Malacoda! I had come<br/>
-Thus far from all your skirmishing secure,”<br/>
-My teacher answered, “without will divine<br/>
-And destiny propitious? Pass we then<br/>
-For so Heaven’s pleasure is, that I should lead<br/>
-Another through this savage wilderness.”<br/>
-<br/>
-Forthwith so fell his pride, that he let drop<br/>
-The instrument of torture at his feet,<br/>
-And to the rest exclaim’d: “We have no power<br/>
-To strike him.” Then to me my guide: “O thou!<br/>
-Who on the bridge among the crags dost sit<br/>
-Low crouching, safely now to me return.”<br/>
-<br/>
-I rose, and towards him moved with speed: the fiends<br/>
-Meantime all forward drew: me terror seiz’d<br/>
-Lest they should break the compact they had made.<br/>
-Thus issuing from Caprona, once I saw<br/>
-Th’ infantry dreading, lest his covenant<br/>
-The foe should break; so close he hemm’d them round.<br/>
-<br/>
-I to my leader’s side adher’d, mine eyes<br/>
-With fixt and motionless observance bent<br/>
-On their unkindly visage. They their hooks<br/>
-Protruding, one the other thus bespake:<br/>
-“Wilt thou I touch him on the hip?” To whom<br/>
-Was answer’d: “Even so; nor miss thy aim.”<br/>
-<br/>
-But he, who was in conf’rence with my guide,<br/>
-Turn’d rapid round, and thus the demon spake:<br/>
-“Stay, stay thee, Scarmiglione!” Then to us<br/>
-He added: “Further footing to your step<br/>
-This rock affords not, shiver’d to the base<br/>
-Of the sixth arch. But would you still proceed,<br/>
-Up by this cavern go: not distant far,<br/>
-Another rock will yield you passage safe.<br/>
-Yesterday, later by five hours than now,<br/>
-Twelve hundred threescore years and six had fill’d<br/>
-The circuit of their course, since here the way<br/>
-Was broken. Thitherward I straight dispatch<br/>
-Certain of these my scouts, who shall espy<br/>
-If any on the surface bask. With them<br/>
-Go ye: for ye shall find them nothing fell.<br/>
-Come Alichino forth,” with that he cried,<br/>
-“And Calcabrina, and Cagnazzo thou!<br/>
-The troop of ten let Barbariccia lead.<br/>
-With Libicocco Draghinazzo haste,<br/>
-Fang’d Ciriatto, Grafflacane fierce,<br/>
-And Farfarello, and mad Rubicant.<br/>
-Search ye around the bubbling tar. For these,<br/>
-In safety lead them, where the other crag<br/>
-Uninterrupted traverses the dens.”<br/>
-<br/>
-I then: “O master! what a sight is there!<br/>
-Ah! without escort, journey we alone,<br/>
-Which, if thou know the way, I covet not.<br/>
-Unless thy prudence fail thee, dost not mark<br/>
-How they do gnarl upon us, and their scowl<br/>
-Threatens us present tortures?” He replied:<br/>
-“I charge thee fear not: let them, as they will,<br/>
-Gnarl on: ’t is but in token of their spite<br/>
-Against the souls, who mourn in torment steep’d.”<br/>
-<br/>
-To leftward o’er the pier they turn’d; but each<br/>
-Had first between his teeth prest close the tongue,<br/>
-Toward their leader for a signal looking,<br/>
+“Who having heard my words, decide he then<br>
+If he shall tear these limbs.” They shouted loud,<br>
+“Go, Malacoda!” Whereat one advanc’d,<br>
+The others standing firm, and as he came,<br>
+“What may this turn avail him?” he exclaim’d.<br>
+<br>
+“Believ’st thou, Malacoda! I had come<br>
+Thus far from all your skirmishing secure,”<br>
+My teacher answered, “without will divine<br>
+And destiny propitious? Pass we then<br>
+For so Heaven’s pleasure is, that I should lead<br>
+Another through this savage wilderness.”<br>
+<br>
+Forthwith so fell his pride, that he let drop<br>
+The instrument of torture at his feet,<br>
+And to the rest exclaim’d: “We have no power<br>
+To strike him.” Then to me my guide: “O thou!<br>
+Who on the bridge among the crags dost sit<br>
+Low crouching, safely now to me return.”<br>
+<br>
+I rose, and towards him moved with speed: the fiends<br>
+Meantime all forward drew: me terror seiz’d<br>
+Lest they should break the compact they had made.<br>
+Thus issuing from Caprona, once I saw<br>
+Th’ infantry dreading, lest his covenant<br>
+The foe should break; so close he hemm’d them round.<br>
+<br>
+I to my leader’s side adher’d, mine eyes<br>
+With fixt and motionless observance bent<br>
+On their unkindly visage. They their hooks<br>
+Protruding, one the other thus bespake:<br>
+“Wilt thou I touch him on the hip?” To whom<br>
+Was answer’d: “Even so; nor miss thy aim.”<br>
+<br>
+But he, who was in conf’rence with my guide,<br>
+Turn’d rapid round, and thus the demon spake:<br>
+“Stay, stay thee, Scarmiglione!” Then to us<br>
+He added: “Further footing to your step<br>
+This rock affords not, shiver’d to the base<br>
+Of the sixth arch. But would you still proceed,<br>
+Up by this cavern go: not distant far,<br>
+Another rock will yield you passage safe.<br>
+Yesterday, later by five hours than now,<br>
+Twelve hundred threescore years and six had fill’d<br>
+The circuit of their course, since here the way<br>
+Was broken. Thitherward I straight dispatch<br>
+Certain of these my scouts, who shall espy<br>
+If any on the surface bask. With them<br>
+Go ye: for ye shall find them nothing fell.<br>
+Come Alichino forth,” with that he cried,<br>
+“And Calcabrina, and Cagnazzo thou!<br>
+The troop of ten let Barbariccia lead.<br>
+With Libicocco Draghinazzo haste,<br>
+Fang’d Ciriatto, Grafflacane fierce,<br>
+And Farfarello, and mad Rubicant.<br>
+Search ye around the bubbling tar. For these,<br>
+In safety lead them, where the other crag<br>
+Uninterrupted traverses the dens.”<br>
+<br>
+I then: “O master! what a sight is there!<br>
+Ah! without escort, journey we alone,<br>
+Which, if thou know the way, I covet not.<br>
+Unless thy prudence fail thee, dost not mark<br>
+How they do gnarl upon us, and their scowl<br>
+Threatens us present tortures?” He replied:<br>
+“I charge thee fear not: let them, as they will,<br>
+Gnarl on: ’t is but in token of their spite<br>
+Against the souls, who mourn in torment steep’d.”<br>
+<br>
+To leftward o’er the pier they turn’d; but each<br>
+Had first between his teeth prest close the tongue,<br>
+Toward their leader for a signal looking,<br>
 Which he with sound obscene triumphant gave.
 </p>
 
@@ -4102,187 +4096,187 @@ Which he with sound obscene triumphant gave.
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoI.22"></a>CANTO XXII</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoI.22"></a>CANTO XXII</h2>
 
 <p>
-It hath been heretofore my chance to see<br/>
-Horsemen with martial order shifting camp,<br/>
-To onset sallying, or in muster rang’d,<br/>
-Or in retreat sometimes outstretch’d for flight;<br/>
-Light-armed squadrons and fleet foragers<br/>
-Scouring thy plains, Arezzo! have I seen,<br/>
-And clashing tournaments, and tilting jousts,<br/>
-Now with the sound of trumpets, now of bells,<br/>
-Tabors, or signals made from castled heights,<br/>
-And with inventions multiform, our own,<br/>
-Or introduc’d from foreign land; but ne’er<br/>
-To such a strange recorder I beheld,<br/>
-In evolution moving, horse nor foot,<br/>
-Nor ship, that tack’d by sign from land or star.<br/>
-<br/>
-With the ten demons on our way we went;<br/>
-Ah fearful company! but in the church<br/>
-With saints, with gluttons at the tavern’s mess.<br/>
-<br/>
-Still earnest on the pitch I gaz’d, to mark<br/>
-All things whate’er the chasm contain’d, and those<br/>
-Who burn’d within. As dolphins, that, in sign<br/>
-To mariners, heave high their arched backs,<br/>
-That thence forewarn’d they may advise to save<br/>
-Their threaten’d vessels; so, at intervals,<br/>
-To ease the pain his back some sinner show’d,<br/>
-Then hid more nimbly than the lightning glance.<br/>
-<br/>
-E’en as the frogs, that of a wat’ry moat<br/>
-Stand at the brink, with the jaws only out,<br/>
-Their feet and of the trunk all else concealed,<br/>
-Thus on each part the sinners stood, but soon<br/>
-As Barbariccia was at hand, so they<br/>
-Drew back under the wave. I saw, and yet<br/>
-My heart doth stagger, one, that waited thus,<br/>
-As it befalls that oft one frog remains,<br/>
-While the next springs away: and Graffiacan,<br/>
-Who of the fiends was nearest, grappling seiz’d<br/>
-His clotted locks, and dragg’d him sprawling up,<br/>
-That he appear’d to me an otter. Each<br/>
-Already by their names I knew, so well<br/>
-When they were chosen, I observ’d, and mark’d<br/>
-How one the other call’d. “O Rubicant!<br/>
-See that his hide thou with thy talons flay,”<br/>
-Shouted together all the cursed crew.<br/>
-<br/>
-Then I: “Inform thee, master! if thou may,<br/>
-What wretched soul is this, on whom their hand<br/>
-His foes have laid.” My leader to his side<br/>
-Approach’d, and whence he came inquir’d, to whom<br/>
-Was answer’d thus: “Born in Navarre’s domain<br/>
-My mother plac’d me in a lord’s retinue,<br/>
-For she had borne me to a losel vile,<br/>
-A spendthrift of his substance and himself.<br/>
-The good king Thibault after that I serv’d,<br/>
-To peculating here my thoughts were turn’d,<br/>
-Whereof I give account in this dire heat.”<br/>
-<br/>
-Straight Ciriatto, from whose mouth a tusk<br/>
-Issued on either side, as from a boar,<br/>
-Ript him with one of these. ’Twixt evil claws<br/>
-The mouse had fall’n: but Barbariccia cried,<br/>
-Seizing him with both arms: “Stand thou apart,<br/>
-While I do fix him on my prong transpierc’d.”<br/>
-Then added, turning to my guide his face,<br/>
-“Inquire of him, if more thou wish to learn,<br/>
-Ere he again be rent.” My leader thus:<br/>
-“Then tell us of the partners in thy guilt;<br/>
-Knowest thou any sprung of Latian land<br/>
-Under the tar?”&mdash;“I parted,” he replied,<br/>
-“But now from one, who sojourn’d not far thence;<br/>
-So were I under shelter now with him!<br/>
-Nor hook nor talon then should scare me more.”&mdash;.<br/>
-<br/>
-“Too long we suffer,” Libicocco cried,<br/>
-Then, darting forth a prong, seiz’d on his arm,<br/>
-And mangled bore away the sinewy part.<br/>
-Him Draghinazzo by his thighs beneath<br/>
-Would next have caught, whence angrily their chief,<br/>
-Turning on all sides round, with threat’ning brow<br/>
-Restrain’d them. When their strife a little ceas’d,<br/>
-Of him, who yet was gazing on his wound,<br/>
-My teacher thus without delay inquir’d:<br/>
-“Who was the spirit, from whom by evil hap<br/>
-Parting, as thou has told, thou cam’st to shore?”&mdash;<br/>
-<br/>
-“It was the friar Gomita,” he rejoin’d,<br/>
-“He of Gallura, vessel of all guile,<br/>
-Who had his master’s enemies in hand,<br/>
-And us’d them so that they commend him well.<br/>
-Money he took, and them at large dismiss’d.<br/>
-So he reports: and in each other charge<br/>
-Committed to his keeping, play’d the part<br/>
-Of barterer to the height: with him doth herd<br/>
-The chief of Logodoro, Michel Zanche.<br/>
-Sardinia is a theme, whereof their tongue<br/>
-Is never weary. Out! alas! behold<br/>
-That other, how he grins! More would I say,<br/>
-But tremble lest he mean to maul me sore.”<br/>
-<br/>
-Their captain then to Farfarello turning,<br/>
-Who roll’d his moony eyes in act to strike,<br/>
-Rebuk’d him thus: “Off! cursed bird! Avaunt!”&mdash;<br/>
-<br/>
-“If ye desire to see or hear,” he thus<br/>
-Quaking with dread resum’d, “or Tuscan spirits<br/>
-Or Lombard, I will cause them to appear.<br/>
-Meantime let these ill talons bate their fury,<br/>
-So that no vengeance they may fear from them,<br/>
-And I, remaining in this self-same place,<br/>
-Will for myself but one, make sev’n appear,<br/>
-When my shrill whistle shall be heard; for so<br/>
-Our custom is to call each other up.”<br/>
-<br/>
-Cagnazzo at that word deriding grinn’d,<br/>
-Then wagg’d the head and spake: “Hear his device,<br/>
-Mischievous as he is, to plunge him down.”<br/>
-<br/>
-Whereto he thus, who fail’d not in rich store<br/>
-Of nice-wove toils; “Mischief forsooth extreme,<br/>
-Meant only to procure myself more woe!”<br/>
-<br/>
-No longer Alichino then refrain’d,<br/>
-But thus, the rest gainsaying, him bespake:<br/>
-“If thou do cast thee down, I not on foot<br/>
-Will chase thee, but above the pitch will beat<br/>
-My plumes. Quit we the vantage ground, and let<br/>
-The bank be as a shield, that we may see<br/>
-If singly thou prevail against us all.”<br/>
-<br/>
-Now, reader, of new sport expect to hear!<br/>
-<br/>
-They each one turn’d his eyes to the other shore,<br/>
-He first, who was the hardest to persuade.<br/>
-The spirit of Navarre chose well his time,<br/>
-Planted his feet on land, and at one leap<br/>
-Escaping disappointed their resolve.<br/>
-<br/>
-Them quick resentment stung, but him the most,<br/>
-Who was the cause of failure; in pursuit<br/>
+It hath been heretofore my chance to see<br>
+Horsemen with martial order shifting camp,<br>
+To onset sallying, or in muster rang’d,<br>
+Or in retreat sometimes outstretch’d for flight;<br>
+Light-armed squadrons and fleet foragers<br>
+Scouring thy plains, Arezzo! have I seen,<br>
+And clashing tournaments, and tilting jousts,<br>
+Now with the sound of trumpets, now of bells,<br>
+Tabors, or signals made from castled heights,<br>
+And with inventions multiform, our own,<br>
+Or introduc’d from foreign land; but ne’er<br>
+To such a strange recorder I beheld,<br>
+In evolution moving, horse nor foot,<br>
+Nor ship, that tack’d by sign from land or star.<br>
+<br>
+With the ten demons on our way we went;<br>
+Ah fearful company! but in the church<br>
+With saints, with gluttons at the tavern’s mess.<br>
+<br>
+Still earnest on the pitch I gaz’d, to mark<br>
+All things whate’er the chasm contain’d, and those<br>
+Who burn’d within. As dolphins, that, in sign<br>
+To mariners, heave high their arched backs,<br>
+That thence forewarn’d they may advise to save<br>
+Their threaten’d vessels; so, at intervals,<br>
+To ease the pain his back some sinner show’d,<br>
+Then hid more nimbly than the lightning glance.<br>
+<br>
+E’en as the frogs, that of a wat’ry moat<br>
+Stand at the brink, with the jaws only out,<br>
+Their feet and of the trunk all else concealed,<br>
+Thus on each part the sinners stood, but soon<br>
+As Barbariccia was at hand, so they<br>
+Drew back under the wave. I saw, and yet<br>
+My heart doth stagger, one, that waited thus,<br>
+As it befalls that oft one frog remains,<br>
+While the next springs away: and Graffiacan,<br>
+Who of the fiends was nearest, grappling seiz’d<br>
+His clotted locks, and dragg’d him sprawling up,<br>
+That he appear’d to me an otter. Each<br>
+Already by their names I knew, so well<br>
+When they were chosen, I observ’d, and mark’d<br>
+How one the other call’d. “O Rubicant!<br>
+See that his hide thou with thy talons flay,”<br>
+Shouted together all the cursed crew.<br>
+<br>
+Then I: “Inform thee, master! if thou may,<br>
+What wretched soul is this, on whom their hand<br>
+His foes have laid.” My leader to his side<br>
+Approach’d, and whence he came inquir’d, to whom<br>
+Was answer’d thus: “Born in Navarre’s domain<br>
+My mother plac’d me in a lord’s retinue,<br>
+For she had borne me to a losel vile,<br>
+A spendthrift of his substance and himself.<br>
+The good king Thibault after that I serv’d,<br>
+To peculating here my thoughts were turn’d,<br>
+Whereof I give account in this dire heat.”<br>
+<br>
+Straight Ciriatto, from whose mouth a tusk<br>
+Issued on either side, as from a boar,<br>
+Ript him with one of these. ’Twixt evil claws<br>
+The mouse had fall’n: but Barbariccia cried,<br>
+Seizing him with both arms: “Stand thou apart,<br>
+While I do fix him on my prong transpierc’d.”<br>
+Then added, turning to my guide his face,<br>
+“Inquire of him, if more thou wish to learn,<br>
+Ere he again be rent.” My leader thus:<br>
+“Then tell us of the partners in thy guilt;<br>
+Knowest thou any sprung of Latian land<br>
+Under the tar?”&mdash;“I parted,” he replied,<br>
+“But now from one, who sojourn’d not far thence;<br>
+So were I under shelter now with him!<br>
+Nor hook nor talon then should scare me more.”&mdash;.<br>
+<br>
+“Too long we suffer,” Libicocco cried,<br>
+Then, darting forth a prong, seiz’d on his arm,<br>
+And mangled bore away the sinewy part.<br>
+Him Draghinazzo by his thighs beneath<br>
+Would next have caught, whence angrily their chief,<br>
+Turning on all sides round, with threat’ning brow<br>
+Restrain’d them. When their strife a little ceas’d,<br>
+Of him, who yet was gazing on his wound,<br>
+My teacher thus without delay inquir’d:<br>
+“Who was the spirit, from whom by evil hap<br>
+Parting, as thou has told, thou cam’st to shore?”&mdash;<br>
+<br>
+“It was the friar Gomita,” he rejoin’d,<br>
+“He of Gallura, vessel of all guile,<br>
+Who had his master’s enemies in hand,<br>
+And us’d them so that they commend him well.<br>
+Money he took, and them at large dismiss’d.<br>
+So he reports: and in each other charge<br>
+Committed to his keeping, play’d the part<br>
+Of barterer to the height: with him doth herd<br>
+The chief of Logodoro, Michel Zanche.<br>
+Sardinia is a theme, whereof their tongue<br>
+Is never weary. Out! alas! behold<br>
+That other, how he grins! More would I say,<br>
+But tremble lest he mean to maul me sore.”<br>
+<br>
+Their captain then to Farfarello turning,<br>
+Who roll’d his moony eyes in act to strike,<br>
+Rebuk’d him thus: “Off! cursed bird! Avaunt!”&mdash;<br>
+<br>
+“If ye desire to see or hear,” he thus<br>
+Quaking with dread resum’d, “or Tuscan spirits<br>
+Or Lombard, I will cause them to appear.<br>
+Meantime let these ill talons bate their fury,<br>
+So that no vengeance they may fear from them,<br>
+And I, remaining in this self-same place,<br>
+Will for myself but one, make sev’n appear,<br>
+When my shrill whistle shall be heard; for so<br>
+Our custom is to call each other up.”<br>
+<br>
+Cagnazzo at that word deriding grinn’d,<br>
+Then wagg’d the head and spake: “Hear his device,<br>
+Mischievous as he is, to plunge him down.”<br>
+<br>
+Whereto he thus, who fail’d not in rich store<br>
+Of nice-wove toils; “Mischief forsooth extreme,<br>
+Meant only to procure myself more woe!”<br>
+<br>
+No longer Alichino then refrain’d,<br>
+But thus, the rest gainsaying, him bespake:<br>
+“If thou do cast thee down, I not on foot<br>
+Will chase thee, but above the pitch will beat<br>
+My plumes. Quit we the vantage ground, and let<br>
+The bank be as a shield, that we may see<br>
+If singly thou prevail against us all.”<br>
+<br>
+Now, reader, of new sport expect to hear!<br>
+<br>
+They each one turn’d his eyes to the other shore,<br>
+He first, who was the hardest to persuade.<br>
+The spirit of Navarre chose well his time,<br>
+Planted his feet on land, and at one leap<br>
+Escaping disappointed their resolve.<br>
+<br>
+Them quick resentment stung, but him the most,<br>
+Who was the cause of failure; in pursuit<br>
 He therefore sped, exclaiming: “Thou art caught.”
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/22-213.jpg">
-<img alt="" width="600" height="482" src="images/22-213.jpg" /></a>
+<img alt="" src="images/22-213.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 482px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-But little it avail’d: terror outstripp’d<br/>
-His following flight: the other plung’d beneath,<br/>
-And he with upward pinion rais’d his breast:<br/>
-E’en thus the water-fowl, when she perceives<br/>
-The falcon near, dives instant down, while he<br/>
-Enrag’d and spent retires. That mockery<br/>
-In Calcabrina fury stirr’d, who flew<br/>
-After him, with desire of strife inflam’d;<br/>
-And, for the barterer had ’scap’d, so turn’d<br/>
-His talons on his comrade. O’er the dyke<br/>
-In grapple close they join’d; but the other prov’d<br/>
+But little it avail’d: terror outstripp’d<br>
+His following flight: the other plung’d beneath,<br>
+And he with upward pinion rais’d his breast:<br>
+E’en thus the water-fowl, when she perceives<br>
+The falcon near, dives instant down, while he<br>
+Enrag’d and spent retires. That mockery<br>
+In Calcabrina fury stirr’d, who flew<br>
+After him, with desire of strife inflam’d;<br>
+And, for the barterer had ’scap’d, so turn’d<br>
+His talons on his comrade. O’er the dyke<br>
+In grapple close they join’d; but the other prov’d<br>
 A goshawk able to rend well his foe;
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/22-215.jpg">
-<img alt="" width="393" height="600" src="images/22-215.jpg" /></a>
+<img alt="" src="images/22-215.jpg" style="width: 393px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-And in the boiling lake both fell. The heat<br/>
-Was umpire soon between them, but in vain<br/>
-To lift themselves they strove, so fast were glued<br/>
-Their pennons. Barbariccia, as the rest,<br/>
-That chance lamenting, four in flight dispatch’d<br/>
-From the other coast, with all their weapons arm’d.<br/>
-They, to their post on each side speedily<br/>
-Descending, stretch’d their hooks toward the fiends,<br/>
-Who flounder’d, inly burning from their scars:<br/>
+And in the boiling lake both fell. The heat<br>
+Was umpire soon between them, but in vain<br>
+To lift themselves they strove, so fast were glued<br>
+Their pennons. Barbariccia, as the rest,<br>
+That chance lamenting, four in flight dispatch’d<br>
+From the other coast, with all their weapons arm’d.<br>
+They, to their post on each side speedily<br>
+Descending, stretch’d their hooks toward the fiends,<br>
+Who flounder’d, inly burning from their scars:<br>
 And we departing left them to that broil.
 </p>
 
@@ -4290,200 +4284,200 @@ And we departing left them to that broil.
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoI.23"></a>CANTO XXIII</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoI.23"></a>CANTO XXIII</h2>
 
 <p>
-In silence and in solitude we went,<br/>
-One first, the other following his steps,<br/>
-As minor friars journeying on their road.<br/>
-<br/>
-The present fray had turn’d my thoughts to muse<br/>
-Upon old Aesop’s fable, where he told<br/>
-What fate unto the mouse and frog befell.<br/>
-For language hath not sounds more like in sense,<br/>
-Than are these chances, if the origin<br/>
-And end of each be heedfully compar’d.<br/>
-And as one thought bursts from another forth,<br/>
-So afterward from that another sprang,<br/>
-Which added doubly to my former fear.<br/>
-For thus I reason’d: “These through us have been<br/>
-So foil’d, with loss and mock’ry so complete,<br/>
-As needs must sting them sore. If anger then<br/>
-Be to their evil will conjoin’d, more fell<br/>
-They shall pursue us, than the savage hound<br/>
-Snatches the leveret, panting ’twixt his jaws.”<br/>
-<br/>
-Already I perceiv’d my hair stand all<br/>
-On end with terror, and look’d eager back.<br/>
-<br/>
-“Teacher,” I thus began, “if speedily<br/>
-Thyself and me thou hide not, much I dread<br/>
-Those evil talons. Even now behind<br/>
-They urge us: quick imagination works<br/>
-So forcibly, that I already feel them.”<br/>
-<br/>
-He answer’d: “Were I form’d of leaded glass,<br/>
-I should not sooner draw unto myself<br/>
-Thy outward image, than I now imprint<br/>
-That from within. This moment came thy thoughts<br/>
-Presented before mine, with similar act<br/>
-And count’nance similar, so that from both<br/>
-I one design have fram’d. If the right coast<br/>
-Incline so much, that we may thence descend<br/>
-Into the other chasm, we shall escape<br/>
-Secure from this imagined pursuit.”<br/>
-<br/>
-He had not spoke his purpose to the end,<br/>
-When I from far beheld them with spread wings<br/>
-Approach to take us. Suddenly my guide<br/>
-Caught me, ev’n as a mother that from sleep<br/>
-Is by the noise arous’d, and near her sees<br/>
-The climbing fires, who snatches up her babe<br/>
-And flies ne’er pausing, careful more of him<br/>
-Than of herself, that but a single vest<br/>
-Clings round her limbs. Down from the jutting beach<br/>
-Supine he cast him, to that pendent rock,<br/>
-Which closes on one part the other chasm.<br/>
-<br/>
-Never ran water with such hurrying pace<br/>
-Adown the tube to turn a landmill’s wheel,<br/>
-When nearest it approaches to the spokes,<br/>
-As then along that edge my master ran,<br/>
-Carrying me in his bosom, as a child,<br/>
-Not a companion. Scarcely had his feet<br/>
+In silence and in solitude we went,<br>
+One first, the other following his steps,<br>
+As minor friars journeying on their road.<br>
+<br>
+The present fray had turn’d my thoughts to muse<br>
+Upon old Aesop’s fable, where he told<br>
+What fate unto the mouse and frog befell.<br>
+For language hath not sounds more like in sense,<br>
+Than are these chances, if the origin<br>
+And end of each be heedfully compar’d.<br>
+And as one thought bursts from another forth,<br>
+So afterward from that another sprang,<br>
+Which added doubly to my former fear.<br>
+For thus I reason’d: “These through us have been<br>
+So foil’d, with loss and mock’ry so complete,<br>
+As needs must sting them sore. If anger then<br>
+Be to their evil will conjoin’d, more fell<br>
+They shall pursue us, than the savage hound<br>
+Snatches the leveret, panting ’twixt his jaws.”<br>
+<br>
+Already I perceiv’d my hair stand all<br>
+On end with terror, and look’d eager back.<br>
+<br>
+“Teacher,” I thus began, “if speedily<br>
+Thyself and me thou hide not, much I dread<br>
+Those evil talons. Even now behind<br>
+They urge us: quick imagination works<br>
+So forcibly, that I already feel them.”<br>
+<br>
+He answer’d: “Were I form’d of leaded glass,<br>
+I should not sooner draw unto myself<br>
+Thy outward image, than I now imprint<br>
+That from within. This moment came thy thoughts<br>
+Presented before mine, with similar act<br>
+And count’nance similar, so that from both<br>
+I one design have fram’d. If the right coast<br>
+Incline so much, that we may thence descend<br>
+Into the other chasm, we shall escape<br>
+Secure from this imagined pursuit.”<br>
+<br>
+He had not spoke his purpose to the end,<br>
+When I from far beheld them with spread wings<br>
+Approach to take us. Suddenly my guide<br>
+Caught me, ev’n as a mother that from sleep<br>
+Is by the noise arous’d, and near her sees<br>
+The climbing fires, who snatches up her babe<br>
+And flies ne’er pausing, careful more of him<br>
+Than of herself, that but a single vest<br>
+Clings round her limbs. Down from the jutting beach<br>
+Supine he cast him, to that pendent rock,<br>
+Which closes on one part the other chasm.<br>
+<br>
+Never ran water with such hurrying pace<br>
+Adown the tube to turn a landmill’s wheel,<br>
+When nearest it approaches to the spokes,<br>
+As then along that edge my master ran,<br>
+Carrying me in his bosom, as a child,<br>
+Not a companion. Scarcely had his feet<br>
 Reach’d to the lowest of the bed beneath,
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/23-219.jpg">
-<img alt="" width="392" height="600" src="images/23-219.jpg" /></a>
+<img alt="" src="images/23-219.jpg" style="width: 392px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-When over us the steep they reach’d; but fear<br/>
-In him was none; for that high Providence,<br/>
-Which plac’d them ministers of the fifth foss,<br/>
-Power of departing thence took from them all.<br/>
-<br/>
-There in the depth we saw a painted tribe,<br/>
-Who pac’d with tardy steps around, and wept,<br/>
-Faint in appearance and o’ercome with toil.<br/>
-Caps had they on, with hoods, that fell low down<br/>
-Before their eyes, in fashion like to those<br/>
-Worn by the monks in Cologne. Their outside<br/>
-Was overlaid with gold, dazzling to view,<br/>
-But leaden all within, and of such weight,<br/>
-That Frederick’s compar’d to these were straw.<br/>
-Oh, everlasting wearisome attire!<br/>
-<br/>
-We yet once more with them together turn’d<br/>
-To leftward, on their dismal moan intent.<br/>
-But by the weight oppress’d, so slowly came<br/>
-The fainting people, that our company<br/>
-Was chang’d at every movement of the step.<br/>
-<br/>
-Whence I my guide address’d: “See that thou find<br/>
-Some spirit, whose name may by his deeds be known,<br/>
-And to that end look round thee as thou go’st.”<br/>
-<br/>
-Then one, who understood the Tuscan voice,<br/>
-Cried after us aloud: “Hold in your feet,<br/>
-Ye who so swiftly speed through the dusk air.<br/>
-Perchance from me thou shalt obtain thy wish.”<br/>
-<br/>
-Whereat my leader, turning, me bespake:<br/>
-“Pause, and then onward at their pace proceed.”<br/>
-<br/>
-I staid, and saw two Spirits in whose look<br/>
-Impatient eagerness of mind was mark’d<br/>
-To overtake me; but the load they bare<br/>
-And narrow path retarded their approach.<br/>
-<br/>
-Soon as arriv’d, they with an eye askance<br/>
-Perus’d me, but spake not: then turning each<br/>
-To other thus conferring said: “This one<br/>
-Seems, by the action of his throat, alive.<br/>
-And, be they dead, what privilege allows<br/>
+When over us the steep they reach’d; but fear<br>
+In him was none; for that high Providence,<br>
+Which plac’d them ministers of the fifth foss,<br>
+Power of departing thence took from them all.<br>
+<br>
+There in the depth we saw a painted tribe,<br>
+Who pac’d with tardy steps around, and wept,<br>
+Faint in appearance and o’ercome with toil.<br>
+Caps had they on, with hoods, that fell low down<br>
+Before their eyes, in fashion like to those<br>
+Worn by the monks in Cologne. Their outside<br>
+Was overlaid with gold, dazzling to view,<br>
+But leaden all within, and of such weight,<br>
+That Frederick’s compar’d to these were straw.<br>
+Oh, everlasting wearisome attire!<br>
+<br>
+We yet once more with them together turn’d<br>
+To leftward, on their dismal moan intent.<br>
+But by the weight oppress’d, so slowly came<br>
+The fainting people, that our company<br>
+Was chang’d at every movement of the step.<br>
+<br>
+Whence I my guide address’d: “See that thou find<br>
+Some spirit, whose name may by his deeds be known,<br>
+And to that end look round thee as thou go’st.”<br>
+<br>
+Then one, who understood the Tuscan voice,<br>
+Cried after us aloud: “Hold in your feet,<br>
+Ye who so swiftly speed through the dusk air.<br>
+Perchance from me thou shalt obtain thy wish.”<br>
+<br>
+Whereat my leader, turning, me bespake:<br>
+“Pause, and then onward at their pace proceed.”<br>
+<br>
+I staid, and saw two Spirits in whose look<br>
+Impatient eagerness of mind was mark’d<br>
+To overtake me; but the load they bare<br>
+And narrow path retarded their approach.<br>
+<br>
+Soon as arriv’d, they with an eye askance<br>
+Perus’d me, but spake not: then turning each<br>
+To other thus conferring said: “This one<br>
+Seems, by the action of his throat, alive.<br>
+And, be they dead, what privilege allows<br>
 They walk unmantled by the cumbrous stole?”
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/23-223.jpg">
-<img alt="" width="600" height="505" src="images/23-223.jpg" /></a>
+<img alt="" src="images/23-223.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 505px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-Then thus to me: “Tuscan, who visitest<br/>
-The college of the mourning hypocrites,<br/>
-Disdain not to instruct us who thou art.”<br/>
-<br/>
-“By Arno’s pleasant stream,” I thus replied,<br/>
-“In the great city I was bred and grew,<br/>
-And wear the body I have ever worn.<br/>
-but who are ye, from whom such mighty grief,<br/>
-As now I witness, courseth down your cheeks?<br/>
-What torment breaks forth in this bitter woe?”<br/>
-“Our bonnets gleaming bright with orange hue,”<br/>
-One of them answer’d, “are so leaden gross,<br/>
-That with their weight they make the balances<br/>
-To crack beneath them. Joyous friars we were,<br/>
-Bologna’s natives, Catalano I,<br/>
-He Loderingo nam’d, and by thy land<br/>
-Together taken, as men used to take<br/>
-A single and indifferent arbiter,<br/>
-To reconcile their strifes. How there we sped,<br/>
-Gardingo’s vicinage can best declare.”<br/>
-<br/>
-“O friars!” I began, “your miseries&mdash;”<br/>
-But there brake off, for one had caught my eye,<br/>
-Fix’d to a cross with three stakes on the ground:<br/>
-He, when he saw me, writh’d himself, throughout<br/>
-Distorted, ruffling with deep sighs his beard.<br/>
+Then thus to me: “Tuscan, who visitest<br>
+The college of the mourning hypocrites,<br>
+Disdain not to instruct us who thou art.”<br>
+<br>
+“By Arno’s pleasant stream,” I thus replied,<br>
+“In the great city I was bred and grew,<br>
+And wear the body I have ever worn.<br>
+but who are ye, from whom such mighty grief,<br>
+As now I witness, courseth down your cheeks?<br>
+What torment breaks forth in this bitter woe?”<br>
+“Our bonnets gleaming bright with orange hue,”<br>
+One of them answer’d, “are so leaden gross,<br>
+That with their weight they make the balances<br>
+To crack beneath them. Joyous friars we were,<br>
+Bologna’s natives, Catalano I,<br>
+He Loderingo nam’d, and by thy land<br>
+Together taken, as men used to take<br>
+A single and indifferent arbiter,<br>
+To reconcile their strifes. How there we sped,<br>
+Gardingo’s vicinage can best declare.”<br>
+<br>
+“O friars!” I began, “your miseries&mdash;”<br>
+But there brake off, for one had caught my eye,<br>
+Fix’d to a cross with three stakes on the ground:<br>
+He, when he saw me, writh’d himself, throughout<br>
+Distorted, ruffling with deep sighs his beard.<br>
 And Catalano, who thereof was ’ware,
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/23-225.jpg">
-<img alt="" width="380" height="600" src="images/23-225.jpg" /></a>
+<img alt="" src="images/23-225.jpg" style="width: 380px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-Thus spake: “That pierced spirit, whom intent<br/>
-Thou view’st, was he who gave the Pharisees<br/>
-Counsel, that it were fitting for one man<br/>
-To suffer for the people. He doth lie<br/>
-Transverse; nor any passes, but him first<br/>
-Behoves make feeling trial how each weighs.<br/>
-In straits like this along the foss are plac’d<br/>
-The father of his consort, and the rest<br/>
-Partakers in that council, seed of ill<br/>
-And sorrow to the Jews.” I noted then,<br/>
-How Virgil gaz’d with wonder upon him,<br/>
-Thus abjectly extended on the cross<br/>
-In banishment eternal. To the friar<br/>
-He next his words address’d: “We pray ye tell,<br/>
-If so be lawful, whether on our right<br/>
-Lies any opening in the rock, whereby<br/>
-We both may issue hence, without constraint<br/>
-On the dark angels, that compell’d they come<br/>
-To lead us from this depth.” He thus replied:<br/>
-“Nearer than thou dost hope, there is a rock<br/>
-From the next circle moving, which o’ersteps<br/>
-Each vale of horror, save that here his cope<br/>
-Is shatter’d. By the ruin ye may mount:<br/>
-For on the side it slants, and most the height<br/>
-Rises below.” With head bent down awhile<br/>
-My leader stood, then spake: “He warn’d us ill,<br/>
-Who yonder hangs the sinners on his hook.”<br/>
-<br/>
-To whom the friar: “At Bologna erst<br/>
-I many vices of the devil heard,<br/>
-Among the rest was said, ‘He is a liar,<br/>
-And the father of lies!’” When he had spoke,<br/>
-My leader with large strides proceeded on,<br/>
-Somewhat disturb’d with anger in his look.<br/>
-<br/>
-I therefore left the spirits heavy laden,<br/>
+Thus spake: “That pierced spirit, whom intent<br>
+Thou view’st, was he who gave the Pharisees<br>
+Counsel, that it were fitting for one man<br>
+To suffer for the people. He doth lie<br>
+Transverse; nor any passes, but him first<br>
+Behoves make feeling trial how each weighs.<br>
+In straits like this along the foss are plac’d<br>
+The father of his consort, and the rest<br>
+Partakers in that council, seed of ill<br>
+And sorrow to the Jews.” I noted then,<br>
+How Virgil gaz’d with wonder upon him,<br>
+Thus abjectly extended on the cross<br>
+In banishment eternal. To the friar<br>
+He next his words address’d: “We pray ye tell,<br>
+If so be lawful, whether on our right<br>
+Lies any opening in the rock, whereby<br>
+We both may issue hence, without constraint<br>
+On the dark angels, that compell’d they come<br>
+To lead us from this depth.” He thus replied:<br>
+“Nearer than thou dost hope, there is a rock<br>
+From the next circle moving, which o’ersteps<br>
+Each vale of horror, save that here his cope<br>
+Is shatter’d. By the ruin ye may mount:<br>
+For on the side it slants, and most the height<br>
+Rises below.” With head bent down awhile<br>
+My leader stood, then spake: “He warn’d us ill,<br>
+Who yonder hangs the sinners on his hook.”<br>
+<br>
+To whom the friar: “At Bologna erst<br>
+I many vices of the devil heard,<br>
+Among the rest was said, ‘He is a liar,<br>
+And the father of lies!’” When he had spoke,<br>
+My leader with large strides proceeded on,<br>
+Somewhat disturb’d with anger in his look.<br>
+<br>
+I therefore left the spirits heavy laden,<br>
 And following, his beloved footsteps mark’d.
 </p>
 
@@ -4491,173 +4485,173 @@ And following, his beloved footsteps mark’d.
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoI.24"></a>CANTO XXIV</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoI.24"></a>CANTO XXIV</h2>
 
 <p>
-In the year’s early nonage, when the sun<br/>
-Tempers his tresses in Aquarius’ urn,<br/>
-And now towards equal day the nights recede,<br/>
-When as the rime upon the earth puts on<br/>
-Her dazzling sister’s image, but not long<br/>
-Her milder sway endures, then riseth up<br/>
-The village hind, whom fails his wintry store,<br/>
-And looking out beholds the plain around<br/>
-All whiten’d, whence impatiently he smites<br/>
-His thighs, and to his hut returning in,<br/>
-There paces to and fro, wailing his lot,<br/>
-As a discomfited and helpless man;<br/>
-Then comes he forth again, and feels new hope<br/>
-Spring in his bosom, finding e’en thus soon<br/>
-The world hath chang’d its count’nance, grasps his crook,<br/>
-And forth to pasture drives his little flock:<br/>
-So me my guide dishearten’d when I saw<br/>
-His troubled forehead, and so speedily<br/>
-That ill was cur’d; for at the fallen bridge<br/>
-Arriving, towards me with a look as sweet,<br/>
-He turn’d him back, as that I first beheld<br/>
-At the steep mountain’s foot. Regarding well<br/>
-The ruin, and some counsel first maintain’d<br/>
-With his own thought, he open’d wide his arm<br/>
-And took me up. As one, who, while he works,<br/>
-Computes his labour’s issue, that he seems<br/>
-Still to foresee the effect, so lifting me<br/>
-Up to the summit of one peak, he fix’d<br/>
-His eye upon another. “Grapple that,”<br/>
-Said he, “but first make proof, if it be such<br/>
-As will sustain thee.” For one capp’d with lead<br/>
-This were no journey. Scarcely he, though light,<br/>
-And I, though onward push’d from crag to crag,<br/>
-Could mount. And if the precinct of this coast<br/>
-Were not less ample than the last, for him<br/>
-I know not, but my strength had surely fail’d.<br/>
-But Malebolge all toward the mouth<br/>
-Inclining of the nethermost abyss,<br/>
-The site of every valley hence requires,<br/>
-That one side upward slope, the other fall.<br/>
-<br/>
-At length the point of our descent we reach’d<br/>
-From the last flag: soon as to that arriv’d,<br/>
-So was the breath exhausted from my lungs,<br/>
-I could no further, but did seat me there.<br/>
-<br/>
-“Now needs thy best of man;” so spake my guide:<br/>
-“For not on downy plumes, nor under shade<br/>
-Of canopy reposing, fame is won,<br/>
-Without which whosoe’er consumes his days<br/>
-Leaveth such vestige of himself on earth,<br/>
-As smoke in air or foam upon the wave.<br/>
-Thou therefore rise: vanish thy weariness<br/>
-By the mind’s effort, in each struggle form’d<br/>
-To vanquish, if she suffer not the weight<br/>
-Of her corporeal frame to crush her down.<br/>
-A longer ladder yet remains to scale.<br/>
-From these to have escap’d sufficeth not.<br/>
-If well thou note me, profit by my words.”<br/>
-<br/>
-I straightway rose, and show’d myself less spent<br/>
-Than I in truth did feel me. “On,” I cried,<br/>
-“For I am stout and fearless.” Up the rock<br/>
-Our way we held, more rugged than before,<br/>
-Narrower and steeper far to climb. From talk<br/>
-I ceas’d not, as we journey’d, so to seem<br/>
-Least faint; whereat a voice from the other foss<br/>
-Did issue forth, for utt’rance suited ill.<br/>
-Though on the arch that crosses there I stood,<br/>
-What were the words I knew not, but who spake<br/>
-Seem’d mov’d in anger. Down I stoop’d to look,<br/>
-But my quick eye might reach not to the depth<br/>
-For shrouding darkness; wherefore thus I spake:<br/>
-“To the next circle, Teacher, bend thy steps,<br/>
-And from the wall dismount we; for as hence<br/>
-I hear and understand not, so I see<br/>
-Beneath, and naught discern.”&mdash;“I answer not,”<br/>
-Said he, “but by the deed. To fair request<br/>
-Silent performance maketh best return.”<br/>
-<br/>
-We from the bridge’s head descended, where<br/>
-To the eighth mound it joins, and then the chasm<br/>
-Opening to view, I saw a crowd within<br/>
-Of serpents terrible, so strange of shape<br/>
-And hideous, that remembrance in my veins<br/>
-Yet shrinks the vital current. Of her sands<br/>
-Let Lybia vaunt no more: if Jaculus,<br/>
-Pareas and Chelyder be her brood,<br/>
-Cenchris and Amphisboena, plagues so dire<br/>
-Or in such numbers swarming ne’er she shew’d,<br/>
-Not with all Ethiopia, and whate’er<br/>
+In the year’s early nonage, when the sun<br>
+Tempers his tresses in Aquarius’ urn,<br>
+And now towards equal day the nights recede,<br>
+When as the rime upon the earth puts on<br>
+Her dazzling sister’s image, but not long<br>
+Her milder sway endures, then riseth up<br>
+The village hind, whom fails his wintry store,<br>
+And looking out beholds the plain around<br>
+All whiten’d, whence impatiently he smites<br>
+His thighs, and to his hut returning in,<br>
+There paces to and fro, wailing his lot,<br>
+As a discomfited and helpless man;<br>
+Then comes he forth again, and feels new hope<br>
+Spring in his bosom, finding e’en thus soon<br>
+The world hath chang’d its count’nance, grasps his crook,<br>
+And forth to pasture drives his little flock:<br>
+So me my guide dishearten’d when I saw<br>
+His troubled forehead, and so speedily<br>
+That ill was cur’d; for at the fallen bridge<br>
+Arriving, towards me with a look as sweet,<br>
+He turn’d him back, as that I first beheld<br>
+At the steep mountain’s foot. Regarding well<br>
+The ruin, and some counsel first maintain’d<br>
+With his own thought, he open’d wide his arm<br>
+And took me up. As one, who, while he works,<br>
+Computes his labour’s issue, that he seems<br>
+Still to foresee the effect, so lifting me<br>
+Up to the summit of one peak, he fix’d<br>
+His eye upon another. “Grapple that,”<br>
+Said he, “but first make proof, if it be such<br>
+As will sustain thee.” For one capp’d with lead<br>
+This were no journey. Scarcely he, though light,<br>
+And I, though onward push’d from crag to crag,<br>
+Could mount. And if the precinct of this coast<br>
+Were not less ample than the last, for him<br>
+I know not, but my strength had surely fail’d.<br>
+But Malebolge all toward the mouth<br>
+Inclining of the nethermost abyss,<br>
+The site of every valley hence requires,<br>
+That one side upward slope, the other fall.<br>
+<br>
+At length the point of our descent we reach’d<br>
+From the last flag: soon as to that arriv’d,<br>
+So was the breath exhausted from my lungs,<br>
+I could no further, but did seat me there.<br>
+<br>
+“Now needs thy best of man;” so spake my guide:<br>
+“For not on downy plumes, nor under shade<br>
+Of canopy reposing, fame is won,<br>
+Without which whosoe’er consumes his days<br>
+Leaveth such vestige of himself on earth,<br>
+As smoke in air or foam upon the wave.<br>
+Thou therefore rise: vanish thy weariness<br>
+By the mind’s effort, in each struggle form’d<br>
+To vanquish, if she suffer not the weight<br>
+Of her corporeal frame to crush her down.<br>
+A longer ladder yet remains to scale.<br>
+From these to have escap’d sufficeth not.<br>
+If well thou note me, profit by my words.”<br>
+<br>
+I straightway rose, and show’d myself less spent<br>
+Than I in truth did feel me. “On,” I cried,<br>
+“For I am stout and fearless.” Up the rock<br>
+Our way we held, more rugged than before,<br>
+Narrower and steeper far to climb. From talk<br>
+I ceas’d not, as we journey’d, so to seem<br>
+Least faint; whereat a voice from the other foss<br>
+Did issue forth, for utt’rance suited ill.<br>
+Though on the arch that crosses there I stood,<br>
+What were the words I knew not, but who spake<br>
+Seem’d mov’d in anger. Down I stoop’d to look,<br>
+But my quick eye might reach not to the depth<br>
+For shrouding darkness; wherefore thus I spake:<br>
+“To the next circle, Teacher, bend thy steps,<br>
+And from the wall dismount we; for as hence<br>
+I hear and understand not, so I see<br>
+Beneath, and naught discern.”&mdash;“I answer not,”<br>
+Said he, “but by the deed. To fair request<br>
+Silent performance maketh best return.”<br>
+<br>
+We from the bridge’s head descended, where<br>
+To the eighth mound it joins, and then the chasm<br>
+Opening to view, I saw a crowd within<br>
+Of serpents terrible, so strange of shape<br>
+And hideous, that remembrance in my veins<br>
+Yet shrinks the vital current. Of her sands<br>
+Let Lybia vaunt no more: if Jaculus,<br>
+Pareas and Chelyder be her brood,<br>
+Cenchris and Amphisboena, plagues so dire<br>
+Or in such numbers swarming ne’er she shew’d,<br>
+Not with all Ethiopia, and whate’er<br>
 Above the Erythraean sea is spawn’d.
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/24-233.jpg">
-<img alt="" width="600" height="510" src="images/24-233.jpg" /></a>
+<img alt="" src="images/24-233.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 510px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-Amid this dread exuberance of woe<br/>
-Ran naked spirits wing’d with horrid fear,<br/>
-Nor hope had they of crevice where to hide,<br/>
-Or heliotrope to charm them out of view.<br/>
-With serpents were their hands behind them bound,<br/>
-Which through their reins infix’d the tail and head<br/>
-Twisted in folds before. And lo! on one<br/>
-Near to our side, darted an adder up,<br/>
-And, where the neck is on the shoulders tied,<br/>
-Transpierc’d him. Far more quickly than e’er pen<br/>
-Wrote O or I, he kindled, burn’d, and chang’d<br/>
-To ashes, all pour’d out upon the earth.<br/>
-When there dissolv’d he lay, the dust again<br/>
-Uproll’d spontaneous, and the self-same form<br/>
-Instant resumed. So mighty sages tell,<br/>
-The Arabian Phoenix, when five hundred years<br/>
-Have well nigh circled, dies, and springs forthwith<br/>
-Renascent. Blade nor herb throughout his life<br/>
-He tastes, but tears of frankincense alone<br/>
-And odorous amomum: swaths of nard<br/>
-And myrrh his funeral shroud. As one that falls,<br/>
-He knows not how, by force demoniac dragg’d<br/>
-To earth, or through obstruction fettering up<br/>
-In chains invisible the powers of man,<br/>
-Who, risen from his trance, gazeth around,<br/>
-Bewilder’d with the monstrous agony<br/>
-He hath endur’d, and wildly staring sighs;<br/>
-So stood aghast the sinner when he rose.<br/>
-<br/>
-Oh! how severe God’s judgment, that deals out<br/>
-Such blows in stormy vengeance! Who he was<br/>
-My teacher next inquir’d, and thus in few<br/>
-He answer’d: “Vanni Fucci am I call’d,<br/>
-Not long since rained down from Tuscany<br/>
-To this dire gullet. Me the beastial life<br/>
-And not the human pleas’d, mule that I was,<br/>
-Who in Pistoia found my worthy den.”<br/>
-<br/>
-I then to Virgil: “Bid him stir not hence,<br/>
-And ask what crime did thrust him hither: once<br/>
-A man I knew him choleric and bloody.”<br/>
-<br/>
-The sinner heard and feign’d not, but towards me<br/>
-His mind directing and his face, wherein<br/>
-Was dismal shame depictur’d, thus he spake:<br/>
-“It grieves me more to have been caught by thee<br/>
-In this sad plight, which thou beholdest, than<br/>
-When I was taken from the other life.<br/>
-I have no power permitted to deny<br/>
-What thou inquirest.” I am doom’d thus low<br/>
-To dwell, for that the sacristy by me<br/>
-Was rifled of its goodly ornaments,<br/>
-And with the guilt another falsely charged.<br/>
-But that thou mayst not joy to see me thus,<br/>
-So as thou e’er shalt ’scape this darksome realm<br/>
-Open thine ears and hear what I forebode.<br/>
-Reft of the Neri first Pistoia pines,<br/>
-Then Florence changeth citizens and laws.<br/>
-From Valdimagra, drawn by wrathful Mars,<br/>
-A vapour rises, wrapt in turbid mists,<br/>
-And sharp and eager driveth on the storm<br/>
-With arrowy hurtling o’er Piceno’s field,<br/>
-Whence suddenly the cloud shall burst, and strike<br/>
-Each helpless Bianco prostrate to the ground.<br/>
+Amid this dread exuberance of woe<br>
+Ran naked spirits wing’d with horrid fear,<br>
+Nor hope had they of crevice where to hide,<br>
+Or heliotrope to charm them out of view.<br>
+With serpents were their hands behind them bound,<br>
+Which through their reins infix’d the tail and head<br>
+Twisted in folds before. And lo! on one<br>
+Near to our side, darted an adder up,<br>
+And, where the neck is on the shoulders tied,<br>
+Transpierc’d him. Far more quickly than e’er pen<br>
+Wrote O or I, he kindled, burn’d, and chang’d<br>
+To ashes, all pour’d out upon the earth.<br>
+When there dissolv’d he lay, the dust again<br>
+Uproll’d spontaneous, and the self-same form<br>
+Instant resumed. So mighty sages tell,<br>
+The Arabian Phoenix, when five hundred years<br>
+Have well nigh circled, dies, and springs forthwith<br>
+Renascent. Blade nor herb throughout his life<br>
+He tastes, but tears of frankincense alone<br>
+And odorous amomum: swaths of nard<br>
+And myrrh his funeral shroud. As one that falls,<br>
+He knows not how, by force demoniac dragg’d<br>
+To earth, or through obstruction fettering up<br>
+In chains invisible the powers of man,<br>
+Who, risen from his trance, gazeth around,<br>
+Bewilder’d with the monstrous agony<br>
+He hath endur’d, and wildly staring sighs;<br>
+So stood aghast the sinner when he rose.<br>
+<br>
+Oh! how severe God’s judgment, that deals out<br>
+Such blows in stormy vengeance! Who he was<br>
+My teacher next inquir’d, and thus in few<br>
+He answer’d: “Vanni Fucci am I call’d,<br>
+Not long since rained down from Tuscany<br>
+To this dire gullet. Me the beastial life<br>
+And not the human pleas’d, mule that I was,<br>
+Who in Pistoia found my worthy den.”<br>
+<br>
+I then to Virgil: “Bid him stir not hence,<br>
+And ask what crime did thrust him hither: once<br>
+A man I knew him choleric and bloody.”<br>
+<br>
+The sinner heard and feign’d not, but towards me<br>
+His mind directing and his face, wherein<br>
+Was dismal shame depictur’d, thus he spake:<br>
+“It grieves me more to have been caught by thee<br>
+In this sad plight, which thou beholdest, than<br>
+When I was taken from the other life.<br>
+I have no power permitted to deny<br>
+What thou inquirest.” I am doom’d thus low<br>
+To dwell, for that the sacristy by me<br>
+Was rifled of its goodly ornaments,<br>
+And with the guilt another falsely charged.<br>
+But that thou mayst not joy to see me thus,<br>
+So as thou e’er shalt ’scape this darksome realm<br>
+Open thine ears and hear what I forebode.<br>
+Reft of the Neri first Pistoia pines,<br>
+Then Florence changeth citizens and laws.<br>
+From Valdimagra, drawn by wrathful Mars,<br>
+A vapour rises, wrapt in turbid mists,<br>
+And sharp and eager driveth on the storm<br>
+With arrowy hurtling o’er Piceno’s field,<br>
+Whence suddenly the cloud shall burst, and strike<br>
+Each helpless Bianco prostrate to the ground.<br>
 This have I told, that grief may rend thy heart.”
 </p>
 
@@ -4665,161 +4659,161 @@ This have I told, that grief may rend thy heart.”
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoI.25"></a>CANTO XXV</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoI.25"></a>CANTO XXV</h2>
 
 <p>
-When he had spoke, the sinner rais’d his hands<br/>
-Pointed in mockery, and cried: “Take them, God!<br/>
-I level them at thee!” From that day forth<br/>
-The serpents were my friends; for round his neck<br/>
-One of then rolling twisted, as it said,<br/>
-“Be silent, tongue!” Another to his arms<br/>
-Upgliding, tied them, riveting itself<br/>
-So close, it took from them the power to move.<br/>
-<br/>
-Pistoia! Ah Pistoia! why dost doubt<br/>
-To turn thee into ashes, cumb’ring earth<br/>
-No longer, since in evil act so far<br/>
-Thou hast outdone thy seed? I did not mark,<br/>
-Through all the gloomy circles of the abyss,<br/>
-Spirit, that swell’d so proudly ’gainst his God,<br/>
-Not him, who headlong fell from Thebes. He fled,<br/>
-Nor utter’d more; and after him there came<br/>
-A centaur full of fury, shouting, “Where<br/>
-Where is the caitiff?” On Maremma’s marsh<br/>
-Swarm not the serpent tribe, as on his haunch<br/>
-They swarm’d, to where the human face begins.<br/>
-Behind his head upon the shoulders lay,<br/>
-With open wings, a dragon breathing fire<br/>
-On whomsoe’er he met. To me my guide:<br/>
-“Cacus is this, who underneath the rock<br/>
-Of Aventine spread oft a lake of blood.<br/>
-He, from his brethren parted, here must tread<br/>
-A different journey, for his fraudful theft<br/>
-Of the great herd, that near him stall’d; whence found<br/>
-His felon deeds their end, beneath the mace<br/>
-Of stout Alcides, that perchance laid on<br/>
-A hundred blows, and not the tenth was felt.”<br/>
-<br/>
-While yet he spake, the centaur sped away:<br/>
-And under us three spirits came, of whom<br/>
-Nor I nor he was ware, till they exclaim’d;<br/>
-“Say who are ye?” We then brake off discourse,<br/>
-Intent on these alone. I knew them not;<br/>
-But, as it chanceth oft, befell, that one<br/>
-Had need to name another. “Where,” said he,<br/>
-“Doth Cianfa lurk?” I, for a sign my guide<br/>
-Should stand attentive, plac’d against my lips<br/>
-The finger lifted. If, O reader! now<br/>
-Thou be not apt to credit what I tell,<br/>
-No marvel; for myself do scarce allow<br/>
-The witness of mine eyes. But as I looked<br/>
-Toward them, lo! a serpent with six feet<br/>
-Springs forth on one, and fastens full upon him:<br/>
-His midmost grasp’d the belly, a forefoot<br/>
-Seiz’d on each arm (while deep in either cheek<br/>
-He flesh’d his fangs); the hinder on the thighs<br/>
-Were spread, ’twixt which the tail inserted curl’d<br/>
-Upon the reins behind. Ivy ne’er clasp’d<br/>
-A dodder’d oak, as round the other’s limbs<br/>
-The hideous monster intertwin’d his own.<br/>
-Then, as they both had been of burning wax,<br/>
-Each melted into other, mingling hues,<br/>
-That which was either now was seen no more.<br/>
-Thus up the shrinking paper, ere it burns,<br/>
-A brown tint glides, not turning yet to black,<br/>
-And the clean white expires. The other two<br/>
-Look’d on exclaiming: “Ah, how dost thou change,<br/>
+When he had spoke, the sinner rais’d his hands<br>
+Pointed in mockery, and cried: “Take them, God!<br>
+I level them at thee!” From that day forth<br>
+The serpents were my friends; for round his neck<br>
+One of then rolling twisted, as it said,<br>
+“Be silent, tongue!” Another to his arms<br>
+Upgliding, tied them, riveting itself<br>
+So close, it took from them the power to move.<br>
+<br>
+Pistoia! Ah Pistoia! why dost doubt<br>
+To turn thee into ashes, cumb’ring earth<br>
+No longer, since in evil act so far<br>
+Thou hast outdone thy seed? I did not mark,<br>
+Through all the gloomy circles of the abyss,<br>
+Spirit, that swell’d so proudly ’gainst his God,<br>
+Not him, who headlong fell from Thebes. He fled,<br>
+Nor utter’d more; and after him there came<br>
+A centaur full of fury, shouting, “Where<br>
+Where is the caitiff?” On Maremma’s marsh<br>
+Swarm not the serpent tribe, as on his haunch<br>
+They swarm’d, to where the human face begins.<br>
+Behind his head upon the shoulders lay,<br>
+With open wings, a dragon breathing fire<br>
+On whomsoe’er he met. To me my guide:<br>
+“Cacus is this, who underneath the rock<br>
+Of Aventine spread oft a lake of blood.<br>
+He, from his brethren parted, here must tread<br>
+A different journey, for his fraudful theft<br>
+Of the great herd, that near him stall’d; whence found<br>
+His felon deeds their end, beneath the mace<br>
+Of stout Alcides, that perchance laid on<br>
+A hundred blows, and not the tenth was felt.”<br>
+<br>
+While yet he spake, the centaur sped away:<br>
+And under us three spirits came, of whom<br>
+Nor I nor he was ware, till they exclaim’d;<br>
+“Say who are ye?” We then brake off discourse,<br>
+Intent on these alone. I knew them not;<br>
+But, as it chanceth oft, befell, that one<br>
+Had need to name another. “Where,” said he,<br>
+“Doth Cianfa lurk?” I, for a sign my guide<br>
+Should stand attentive, plac’d against my lips<br>
+The finger lifted. If, O reader! now<br>
+Thou be not apt to credit what I tell,<br>
+No marvel; for myself do scarce allow<br>
+The witness of mine eyes. But as I looked<br>
+Toward them, lo! a serpent with six feet<br>
+Springs forth on one, and fastens full upon him:<br>
+His midmost grasp’d the belly, a forefoot<br>
+Seiz’d on each arm (while deep in either cheek<br>
+He flesh’d his fangs); the hinder on the thighs<br>
+Were spread, ’twixt which the tail inserted curl’d<br>
+Upon the reins behind. Ivy ne’er clasp’d<br>
+A dodder’d oak, as round the other’s limbs<br>
+The hideous monster intertwin’d his own.<br>
+Then, as they both had been of burning wax,<br>
+Each melted into other, mingling hues,<br>
+That which was either now was seen no more.<br>
+Thus up the shrinking paper, ere it burns,<br>
+A brown tint glides, not turning yet to black,<br>
+And the clean white expires. The other two<br>
+Look’d on exclaiming: “Ah, how dost thou change,<br>
 Agnello! See! Thou art nor double now,
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/25-239.jpg">
-<img alt="" width="394" height="600" src="images/25-239.jpg" /></a>
+<img alt="" src="images/25-239.jpg" style="width: 394px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-“Nor only one.” The two heads now became<br/>
-One, and two figures blended in one form<br/>
-Appear’d, where both were lost. Of the four lengths<br/>
-Two arms were made: the belly and the chest<br/>
-The thighs and legs into such members chang’d,<br/>
-As never eye hath seen. Of former shape<br/>
-All trace was vanish’d. Two yet neither seem’d<br/>
-That image miscreate, and so pass’d on<br/>
-With tardy steps. As underneath the scourge<br/>
-Of the fierce dog-star, that lays bare the fields,<br/>
-Shifting from brake to brake, the lizard seems<br/>
-A flash of lightning, if he thwart the road,<br/>
-So toward th’ entrails of the other two<br/>
-Approaching seem’d, an adder all on fire,<br/>
-As the dark pepper-grain, livid and swart.<br/>
-In that part, whence our life is nourish’d first,<br/>
-One he transpierc’d; then down before him fell<br/>
-Stretch’d out. The pierced spirit look’d on him<br/>
-But spake not; yea stood motionless and yawn’d,<br/>
-As if by sleep or fev’rous fit assail’d.<br/>
-He ey’d the serpent, and the serpent him.<br/>
-One from the wound, the other from the mouth<br/>
-Breath’d a thick smoke, whose vap’ry columns join’d.<br/>
-<br/>
-Lucan in mute attention now may hear,<br/>
-Nor thy disastrous fate, Sabellus! tell,<br/>
-Nor shine, Nasidius! Ovid now be mute.<br/>
-What if in warbling fiction he record<br/>
-Cadmus and Arethusa, to a snake<br/>
-Him chang’d, and her into a fountain clear,<br/>
-I envy not; for never face to face<br/>
-Two natures thus transmuted did he sing,<br/>
-Wherein both shapes were ready to assume<br/>
-The other’s substance. They in mutual guise<br/>
-So answer’d, that the serpent split his train<br/>
-Divided to a fork, and the pierc’d spirit<br/>
-Drew close his steps together, legs and thighs<br/>
-Compacted, that no sign of juncture soon<br/>
-Was visible: the tail disparted took<br/>
-The figure which the spirit lost, its skin<br/>
-Soft’ning, his indurated to a rind.<br/>
-The shoulders next I mark’d, that ent’ring join’d<br/>
-The monster’s arm-pits, whose two shorter feet<br/>
-So lengthen’d, as the other’s dwindling shrunk.<br/>
-The feet behind then twisting up became<br/>
-That part that man conceals, which in the wretch<br/>
-Was cleft in twain. While both the shadowy smoke<br/>
-With a new colour veils, and generates<br/>
-Th’ excrescent pile on one, peeling it off<br/>
-From th’ other body, lo! upon his feet<br/>
-One upright rose, and prone the other fell.<br/>
-Not yet their glaring and malignant lamps<br/>
-Were shifted, though each feature chang’d beneath.<br/>
-Of him who stood erect, the mounting face<br/>
-Retreated towards the temples, and what there<br/>
-Superfluous matter came, shot out in ears<br/>
-From the smooth cheeks, the rest, not backward dragg’d,<br/>
-Of its excess did shape the nose; and swell’d<br/>
-Into due size protuberant the lips.<br/>
-He, on the earth who lay, meanwhile extends<br/>
-His sharpen’d visage, and draws down the ears<br/>
-Into the head, as doth the slug his horns.<br/>
-His tongue continuous before and apt<br/>
-For utt’rance, severs; and the other’s fork<br/>
-Closing unites. That done the smoke was laid.<br/>
-The soul, transform’d into the brute, glides off,<br/>
-Hissing along the vale, and after him<br/>
-The other talking sputters; but soon turn’d<br/>
-His new-grown shoulders on him, and in few<br/>
-Thus to another spake: “Along this path<br/>
-Crawling, as I have done, speed Buoso now!”<br/>
-<br/>
-So saw I fluctuate in successive change<br/>
-Th’ unsteady ballast of the seventh hold:<br/>
-And here if aught my tongue have swerv’d, events<br/>
-So strange may be its warrant. O’er mine eyes<br/>
-Confusion hung, and on my thoughts amaze.<br/>
-<br/>
-Yet ’scap’d they not so covertly, but well<br/>
-I mark’d Sciancato: he alone it was<br/>
-Of the three first that came, who chang’d not: thou,<br/>
+“Nor only one.” The two heads now became<br>
+One, and two figures blended in one form<br>
+Appear’d, where both were lost. Of the four lengths<br>
+Two arms were made: the belly and the chest<br>
+The thighs and legs into such members chang’d,<br>
+As never eye hath seen. Of former shape<br>
+All trace was vanish’d. Two yet neither seem’d<br>
+That image miscreate, and so pass’d on<br>
+With tardy steps. As underneath the scourge<br>
+Of the fierce dog-star, that lays bare the fields,<br>
+Shifting from brake to brake, the lizard seems<br>
+A flash of lightning, if he thwart the road,<br>
+So toward th’ entrails of the other two<br>
+Approaching seem’d, an adder all on fire,<br>
+As the dark pepper-grain, livid and swart.<br>
+In that part, whence our life is nourish’d first,<br>
+One he transpierc’d; then down before him fell<br>
+Stretch’d out. The pierced spirit look’d on him<br>
+But spake not; yea stood motionless and yawn’d,<br>
+As if by sleep or fev’rous fit assail’d.<br>
+He ey’d the serpent, and the serpent him.<br>
+One from the wound, the other from the mouth<br>
+Breath’d a thick smoke, whose vap’ry columns join’d.<br>
+<br>
+Lucan in mute attention now may hear,<br>
+Nor thy disastrous fate, Sabellus! tell,<br>
+Nor shine, Nasidius! Ovid now be mute.<br>
+What if in warbling fiction he record<br>
+Cadmus and Arethusa, to a snake<br>
+Him chang’d, and her into a fountain clear,<br>
+I envy not; for never face to face<br>
+Two natures thus transmuted did he sing,<br>
+Wherein both shapes were ready to assume<br>
+The other’s substance. They in mutual guise<br>
+So answer’d, that the serpent split his train<br>
+Divided to a fork, and the pierc’d spirit<br>
+Drew close his steps together, legs and thighs<br>
+Compacted, that no sign of juncture soon<br>
+Was visible: the tail disparted took<br>
+The figure which the spirit lost, its skin<br>
+Soft’ning, his indurated to a rind.<br>
+The shoulders next I mark’d, that ent’ring join’d<br>
+The monster’s arm-pits, whose two shorter feet<br>
+So lengthen’d, as the other’s dwindling shrunk.<br>
+The feet behind then twisting up became<br>
+That part that man conceals, which in the wretch<br>
+Was cleft in twain. While both the shadowy smoke<br>
+With a new colour veils, and generates<br>
+Th’ excrescent pile on one, peeling it off<br>
+From th’ other body, lo! upon his feet<br>
+One upright rose, and prone the other fell.<br>
+Not yet their glaring and malignant lamps<br>
+Were shifted, though each feature chang’d beneath.<br>
+Of him who stood erect, the mounting face<br>
+Retreated towards the temples, and what there<br>
+Superfluous matter came, shot out in ears<br>
+From the smooth cheeks, the rest, not backward dragg’d,<br>
+Of its excess did shape the nose; and swell’d<br>
+Into due size protuberant the lips.<br>
+He, on the earth who lay, meanwhile extends<br>
+His sharpen’d visage, and draws down the ears<br>
+Into the head, as doth the slug his horns.<br>
+His tongue continuous before and apt<br>
+For utt’rance, severs; and the other’s fork<br>
+Closing unites. That done the smoke was laid.<br>
+The soul, transform’d into the brute, glides off,<br>
+Hissing along the vale, and after him<br>
+The other talking sputters; but soon turn’d<br>
+His new-grown shoulders on him, and in few<br>
+Thus to another spake: “Along this path<br>
+Crawling, as I have done, speed Buoso now!”<br>
+<br>
+So saw I fluctuate in successive change<br>
+Th’ unsteady ballast of the seventh hold:<br>
+And here if aught my tongue have swerv’d, events<br>
+So strange may be its warrant. O’er mine eyes<br>
+Confusion hung, and on my thoughts amaze.<br>
+<br>
+Yet ’scap’d they not so covertly, but well<br>
+I mark’d Sciancato: he alone it was<br>
+Of the three first that came, who chang’d not: thou,<br>
 The other’s fate, Gaville, still dost rue.
 </p>
 
@@ -4827,159 +4821,159 @@ The other’s fate, Gaville, still dost rue.
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoI.26"></a>CANTO XXVI</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoI.26"></a>CANTO XXVI</h2>
 
 <p>
-Florence exult! for thou so mightily<br/>
-Hast thriven, that o’er land and sea thy wings<br/>
-Thou beatest, and thy name spreads over hell!<br/>
-Among the plund’rers such the three I found<br/>
-Thy citizens, whence shame to me thy son,<br/>
-And no proud honour to thyself redounds.<br/>
-<br/>
-But if our minds, when dreaming near the dawn,<br/>
-Are of the truth presageful, thou ere long<br/>
-Shalt feel what Prato, (not to say the rest)<br/>
-Would fain might come upon thee; and that chance<br/>
-Were in good time, if it befell thee now.<br/>
-Would so it were, since it must needs befall!<br/>
-For as time wears me, I shall grieve the more.<br/>
-<br/>
-We from the depth departed; and my guide<br/>
-Remounting scal’d the flinty steps, which late<br/>
-We downward trac’d, and drew me up the steep.<br/>
-Pursuing thus our solitary way<br/>
-Among the crags and splinters of the rock,<br/>
-Sped not our feet without the help of hands.<br/>
-<br/>
-Then sorrow seiz’d me, which e’en now revives,<br/>
-As my thought turns again to what I saw,<br/>
-And, more than I am wont, I rein and curb<br/>
-The powers of nature in me, lest they run<br/>
-Where Virtue guides not; that if aught of good<br/>
-My gentle star, or something better gave me,<br/>
-I envy not myself the precious boon.<br/>
-<br/>
-As in that season, when the sun least veils<br/>
-His face that lightens all, what time the fly<br/>
-Gives way to the shrill gnat, the peasant then<br/>
-Upon some cliff reclin’d, beneath him sees<br/>
-Fire-flies innumerous spangling o’er the vale,<br/>
-Vineyard or tilth, where his day-labour lies:<br/>
-With flames so numberless throughout its space<br/>
-Shone the eighth chasm, apparent, when the depth<br/>
-Was to my view expos’d. As he, whose wrongs<br/>
-The bears aveng’d, at its departure saw<br/>
-Elijah’s chariot, when the steeds erect<br/>
-Rais’d their steep flight for heav’n; his eyes meanwhile,<br/>
-Straining pursu’d them, till the flame alone<br/>
-Upsoaring like a misty speck he kenn’d;<br/>
-E’en thus along the gulf moves every flame,<br/>
-A sinner so enfolded close in each,<br/>
-That none exhibits token of the theft.<br/>
-<br/>
-Upon the bridge I forward bent to look,<br/>
-And grasp’d a flinty mass, or else had fall’n,<br/>
-Though push’d not from the height. The guide, who mark’d<br/>
+Florence exult! for thou so mightily<br>
+Hast thriven, that o’er land and sea thy wings<br>
+Thou beatest, and thy name spreads over hell!<br>
+Among the plund’rers such the three I found<br>
+Thy citizens, whence shame to me thy son,<br>
+And no proud honour to thyself redounds.<br>
+<br>
+But if our minds, when dreaming near the dawn,<br>
+Are of the truth presageful, thou ere long<br>
+Shalt feel what Prato, (not to say the rest)<br>
+Would fain might come upon thee; and that chance<br>
+Were in good time, if it befell thee now.<br>
+Would so it were, since it must needs befall!<br>
+For as time wears me, I shall grieve the more.<br>
+<br>
+We from the depth departed; and my guide<br>
+Remounting scal’d the flinty steps, which late<br>
+We downward trac’d, and drew me up the steep.<br>
+Pursuing thus our solitary way<br>
+Among the crags and splinters of the rock,<br>
+Sped not our feet without the help of hands.<br>
+<br>
+Then sorrow seiz’d me, which e’en now revives,<br>
+As my thought turns again to what I saw,<br>
+And, more than I am wont, I rein and curb<br>
+The powers of nature in me, lest they run<br>
+Where Virtue guides not; that if aught of good<br>
+My gentle star, or something better gave me,<br>
+I envy not myself the precious boon.<br>
+<br>
+As in that season, when the sun least veils<br>
+His face that lightens all, what time the fly<br>
+Gives way to the shrill gnat, the peasant then<br>
+Upon some cliff reclin’d, beneath him sees<br>
+Fire-flies innumerous spangling o’er the vale,<br>
+Vineyard or tilth, where his day-labour lies:<br>
+With flames so numberless throughout its space<br>
+Shone the eighth chasm, apparent, when the depth<br>
+Was to my view expos’d. As he, whose wrongs<br>
+The bears aveng’d, at its departure saw<br>
+Elijah’s chariot, when the steeds erect<br>
+Rais’d their steep flight for heav’n; his eyes meanwhile,<br>
+Straining pursu’d them, till the flame alone<br>
+Upsoaring like a misty speck he kenn’d;<br>
+E’en thus along the gulf moves every flame,<br>
+A sinner so enfolded close in each,<br>
+That none exhibits token of the theft.<br>
+<br>
+Upon the bridge I forward bent to look,<br>
+And grasp’d a flinty mass, or else had fall’n,<br>
+Though push’d not from the height. The guide, who mark’d<br>
 How I did gaze attentive, thus began:
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/26-245.jpg">
-<img alt="" width="387" height="600" src="images/26-245.jpg" /></a>
+<img alt="" src="images/26-245.jpg" style="width: 387px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-“Within these ardours are the spirits, each<br/>
-Swath’d in confining fire.”&mdash;“Master, thy word,”<br/>
-I answer’d, “hath assur’d me; yet I deem’d<br/>
-Already of the truth, already wish’d<br/>
-To ask thee, who is in yon fire, that comes<br/>
-So parted at the summit, as it seem’d<br/>
-Ascending from that funeral pile, where lay<br/>
-The Theban brothers?” He replied: “Within<br/>
-Ulysses there and Diomede endure<br/>
-Their penal tortures, thus to vengeance now<br/>
-Together hasting, as erewhile to wrath.<br/>
-These in the flame with ceaseless groans deplore<br/>
-The ambush of the horse, that open’d wide<br/>
-A portal for that goodly seed to pass,<br/>
-Which sow’d imperial Rome; nor less the guile<br/>
-Lament they, whence of her Achilles ’reft<br/>
-Deidamia yet in death complains.<br/>
-And there is rued the stratagem, that Troy<br/>
-Of her Palladium spoil’d.”&mdash;“If they have power<br/>
-Of utt’rance from within these sparks,” said I,<br/>
-“O master! think my prayer a thousand fold<br/>
-In repetition urg’d, that thou vouchsafe<br/>
-To pause, till here the horned flame arrive.<br/>
-See, how toward it with desire I bend.”<br/>
-<br/>
-He thus: “Thy prayer is worthy of much praise,<br/>
-And I accept it therefore: but do thou<br/>
-Thy tongue refrain: to question them be mine,<br/>
-For I divine thy wish: and they perchance,<br/>
-For they were Greeks, might shun discourse with thee.”<br/>
-<br/>
-When there the flame had come, where time and place<br/>
-Seem’d fitting to my guide, he thus began:<br/>
-“O ye, who dwell two spirits in one fire!<br/>
-If living I of you did merit aught,<br/>
-Whate’er the measure were of that desert,<br/>
-When in the world my lofty strain I pour’d,<br/>
-Move ye not on, till one of you unfold<br/>
-In what clime death o’ertook him self-destroy’d.”<br/>
-<br/>
-Of the old flame forthwith the greater horn<br/>
-Began to roll, murmuring, as a fire<br/>
-That labours with the wind, then to and fro<br/>
-Wagging the top, as a tongue uttering sounds,<br/>
-Threw out its voice, and spake: “When I escap’d<br/>
-From Circe, who beyond a circling year<br/>
-Had held me near Caieta, by her charms,<br/>
-Ere thus Aeneas yet had nam’d the shore,<br/>
-Nor fondness for my son, nor reverence<br/>
-Of my old father, nor return of love,<br/>
-That should have crown’d Penelope with joy,<br/>
-Could overcome in me the zeal I had<br/>
-T’ explore the world, and search the ways of life,<br/>
-Man’s evil and his virtue. Forth I sail’d<br/>
-Into the deep illimitable main,<br/>
-With but one bark, and the small faithful band<br/>
-That yet cleav’d to me. As Iberia far,<br/>
-Far as Morocco either shore I saw,<br/>
-And the Sardinian and each isle beside<br/>
-Which round that ocean bathes. Tardy with age<br/>
-Were I and my companions, when we came<br/>
-To the strait pass, where Hercules ordain’d<br/>
-The bound’ries not to be o’erstepp’d by man.<br/>
-The walls of Seville to my right I left,<br/>
-On the other hand already Ceuta past.<br/>
-“O brothers!” I began, “who to the west<br/>
-Through perils without number now have reach’d,<br/>
-To this the short remaining watch, that yet<br/>
-Our senses have to wake, refuse not proof<br/>
-Of the unpeopled world, following the track<br/>
-Of Phoebus. Call to mind from whence we sprang:<br/>
-Ye were not form’d to live the life of brutes<br/>
-But virtue to pursue and knowledge high.”<br/>
-With these few words I sharpen’d for the voyage<br/>
-The mind of my associates, that I then<br/>
-Could scarcely have withheld them. To the dawn<br/>
-Our poop we turn’d, and for the witless flight<br/>
-Made our oars wings, still gaining on the left.<br/>
-Each star of the other pole night now beheld,<br/>
-And ours so low, that from the ocean-floor<br/>
-It rose not. Five times re-illum’d, as oft<br/>
-Vanish’d the light from underneath the moon<br/>
-Since the deep way we enter’d, when from far<br/>
-Appear’d a mountain dim, loftiest methought<br/>
-Of all I e’er beheld. Joy seiz’d us straight,<br/>
-But soon to mourning changed. From the new land<br/>
-A whirlwind sprung, and at her foremost side<br/>
-Did strike the vessel. Thrice it whirl’d her round<br/>
-With all the waves, the fourth time lifted up<br/>
-The poop, and sank the prow: so fate decreed:<br/>
+“Within these ardours are the spirits, each<br>
+Swath’d in confining fire.”&mdash;“Master, thy word,”<br>
+I answer’d, “hath assur’d me; yet I deem’d<br>
+Already of the truth, already wish’d<br>
+To ask thee, who is in yon fire, that comes<br>
+So parted at the summit, as it seem’d<br>
+Ascending from that funeral pile, where lay<br>
+The Theban brothers?” He replied: “Within<br>
+Ulysses there and Diomede endure<br>
+Their penal tortures, thus to vengeance now<br>
+Together hasting, as erewhile to wrath.<br>
+These in the flame with ceaseless groans deplore<br>
+The ambush of the horse, that open’d wide<br>
+A portal for that goodly seed to pass,<br>
+Which sow’d imperial Rome; nor less the guile<br>
+Lament they, whence of her Achilles ’reft<br>
+Deidamia yet in death complains.<br>
+And there is rued the stratagem, that Troy<br>
+Of her Palladium spoil’d.”&mdash;“If they have power<br>
+Of utt’rance from within these sparks,” said I,<br>
+“O master! think my prayer a thousand fold<br>
+In repetition urg’d, that thou vouchsafe<br>
+To pause, till here the horned flame arrive.<br>
+See, how toward it with desire I bend.”<br>
+<br>
+He thus: “Thy prayer is worthy of much praise,<br>
+And I accept it therefore: but do thou<br>
+Thy tongue refrain: to question them be mine,<br>
+For I divine thy wish: and they perchance,<br>
+For they were Greeks, might shun discourse with thee.”<br>
+<br>
+When there the flame had come, where time and place<br>
+Seem’d fitting to my guide, he thus began:<br>
+“O ye, who dwell two spirits in one fire!<br>
+If living I of you did merit aught,<br>
+Whate’er the measure were of that desert,<br>
+When in the world my lofty strain I pour’d,<br>
+Move ye not on, till one of you unfold<br>
+In what clime death o’ertook him self-destroy’d.”<br>
+<br>
+Of the old flame forthwith the greater horn<br>
+Began to roll, murmuring, as a fire<br>
+That labours with the wind, then to and fro<br>
+Wagging the top, as a tongue uttering sounds,<br>
+Threw out its voice, and spake: “When I escap’d<br>
+From Circe, who beyond a circling year<br>
+Had held me near Caieta, by her charms,<br>
+Ere thus Aeneas yet had nam’d the shore,<br>
+Nor fondness for my son, nor reverence<br>
+Of my old father, nor return of love,<br>
+That should have crown’d Penelope with joy,<br>
+Could overcome in me the zeal I had<br>
+T’ explore the world, and search the ways of life,<br>
+Man’s evil and his virtue. Forth I sail’d<br>
+Into the deep illimitable main,<br>
+With but one bark, and the small faithful band<br>
+That yet cleav’d to me. As Iberia far,<br>
+Far as Morocco either shore I saw,<br>
+And the Sardinian and each isle beside<br>
+Which round that ocean bathes. Tardy with age<br>
+Were I and my companions, when we came<br>
+To the strait pass, where Hercules ordain’d<br>
+The bound’ries not to be o’erstepp’d by man.<br>
+The walls of Seville to my right I left,<br>
+On the other hand already Ceuta past.<br>
+“O brothers!” I began, “who to the west<br>
+Through perils without number now have reach’d,<br>
+To this the short remaining watch, that yet<br>
+Our senses have to wake, refuse not proof<br>
+Of the unpeopled world, following the track<br>
+Of Phoebus. Call to mind from whence we sprang:<br>
+Ye were not form’d to live the life of brutes<br>
+But virtue to pursue and knowledge high.”<br>
+With these few words I sharpen’d for the voyage<br>
+The mind of my associates, that I then<br>
+Could scarcely have withheld them. To the dawn<br>
+Our poop we turn’d, and for the witless flight<br>
+Made our oars wings, still gaining on the left.<br>
+Each star of the other pole night now beheld,<br>
+And ours so low, that from the ocean-floor<br>
+It rose not. Five times re-illum’d, as oft<br>
+Vanish’d the light from underneath the moon<br>
+Since the deep way we enter’d, when from far<br>
+Appear’d a mountain dim, loftiest methought<br>
+Of all I e’er beheld. Joy seiz’d us straight,<br>
+But soon to mourning changed. From the new land<br>
+A whirlwind sprung, and at her foremost side<br>
+Did strike the vessel. Thrice it whirl’d her round<br>
+With all the waves, the fourth time lifted up<br>
+The poop, and sank the prow: so fate decreed:<br>
 And over us the booming billow clos’d.”
 </p>
 
@@ -4987,152 +4981,152 @@ And over us the booming billow clos’d.”
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoI.27"></a>CANTO XVII</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoI.27"></a>CANTO XXVII</h2>
 
 <p>
-Now upward rose the flame, and still’d its light<br/>
-To speak no more, and now pass’d on with leave<br/>
-From the mild poet gain’d, when following came<br/>
-Another, from whose top a sound confus’d,<br/>
-Forth issuing, drew our eyes that way to look.<br/>
-<br/>
-As the Sicilian bull, that rightfully<br/>
-His cries first echoed, who had shap’d its mould,<br/>
-Did so rebellow, with the voice of him<br/>
-Tormented, that the brazen monster seem’d<br/>
-Pierc’d through with pain; thus while no way they found<br/>
-Nor avenue immediate through the flame,<br/>
-Into its language turn’d the dismal words:<br/>
-But soon as they had won their passage forth,<br/>
-Up from the point, which vibrating obey’d<br/>
-Their motion at the tongue, these sounds we heard:<br/>
-“O thou! to whom I now direct my voice!<br/>
-That lately didst exclaim in Lombard phrase,<br/>
-<br/>
-‘Depart thou, I solicit thee no more,’<br/>
-Though somewhat tardy I perchance arrive<br/>
-Let it not irk thee here to pause awhile,<br/>
-And with me parley: lo! it irks not me<br/>
-And yet I burn. If but e’en now thou fall<br/>
-into this blind world, from that pleasant land<br/>
-Of Latium, whence I draw my sum of guilt,<br/>
-Tell me if those, who in Romagna dwell,<br/>
-Have peace or war. For of the mountains there<br/>
-Was I, betwixt Urbino and the height,<br/>
-Whence Tyber first unlocks his mighty flood.”<br/>
-<br/>
-Leaning I listen’d yet with heedful ear,<br/>
-When, as he touch’d my side, the leader thus:<br/>
-“Speak thou: he is a Latian.” My reply<br/>
-Was ready, and I spake without delay:<br/>
-<br/>
-“O spirit! who art hidden here below!<br/>
-Never was thy Romagna without war<br/>
-In her proud tyrants’ bosoms, nor is now:<br/>
-But open war there left I none. The state,<br/>
-Ravenna hath maintain’d this many a year,<br/>
-Is steadfast. There Polenta’s eagle broods,<br/>
-And in his broad circumference of plume<br/>
-O’ershadows Cervia. The green talons grasp<br/>
-The land, that stood erewhile the proof so long,<br/>
-And pil’d in bloody heap the host of France.<br/>
-<br/>
-“The old mastiff of Verruchio and the young,<br/>
-That tore Montagna in their wrath, still make,<br/>
-Where they are wont, an augre of their fangs.<br/>
-<br/>
-“Lamone’s city and Santerno’s range<br/>
-Under the lion of the snowy lair.<br/>
-Inconstant partisan! that changeth sides,<br/>
-Or ever summer yields to winter’s frost.<br/>
-And she, whose flank is wash’d of Savio’s wave,<br/>
-As ’twixt the level and the steep she lies,<br/>
-Lives so ’twixt tyrant power and liberty.<br/>
-<br/>
-“Now tell us, I entreat thee, who art thou?<br/>
-Be not more hard than others. In the world,<br/>
-So may thy name still rear its forehead high.”<br/>
-<br/>
-Then roar’d awhile the fire, its sharpen’d point<br/>
-On either side wav’d, and thus breath’d at last:<br/>
-“If I did think, my answer were to one,<br/>
-Who ever could return unto the world,<br/>
-This flame should rest unshaken. But since ne’er,<br/>
-If true be told me, any from this depth<br/>
-Has found his upward way, I answer thee,<br/>
-Nor fear lest infamy record the words.<br/>
-<br/>
-“A man of arms at first, I cloth’d me then<br/>
-In good Saint Francis’ girdle, hoping so<br/>
-T’ have made amends. And certainly my hope<br/>
-Had fail’d not, but that he, whom curses light on,<br/>
-The high priest again seduc’d me into sin.<br/>
-And how and wherefore listen while I tell.<br/>
-Long as this spirit mov’d the bones and pulp<br/>
-My mother gave me, less my deeds bespake<br/>
-The nature of the lion than the fox.<br/>
-All ways of winding subtlety I knew,<br/>
-And with such art conducted, that the sound<br/>
-Reach’d the world’s limit. Soon as to that part<br/>
-Of life I found me come, when each behoves<br/>
-To lower sails and gather in the lines;<br/>
-That which before had pleased me then I rued,<br/>
-And to repentance and confession turn’d;<br/>
-Wretch that I was! and well it had bested me!<br/>
-The chief of the new Pharisees meantime,<br/>
-Waging his warfare near the Lateran,<br/>
-Not with the Saracens or Jews (his foes<br/>
-All Christians were, nor against Acre one<br/>
-Had fought, nor traffic’d in the Soldan’s land),<br/>
-He his great charge nor sacred ministry<br/>
-In himself, rev’renc’d, nor in me that cord,<br/>
-Which us’d to mark with leanness whom it girded.<br/>
-As in Socrate, Constantine besought<br/>
-To cure his leprosy Sylvester’s aid,<br/>
-So me to cure the fever of his pride<br/>
-This man besought: my counsel to that end<br/>
-He ask’d: and I was silent: for his words<br/>
-Seem’d drunken: but forthwith he thus resum’d:<br/>
-“From thy heart banish fear: of all offence<br/>
-I hitherto absolve thee. In return,<br/>
-Teach me my purpose so to execute,<br/>
-That Penestrino cumber earth no more.<br/>
-Heav’n, as thou knowest, I have power to shut<br/>
-And open: and the keys are therefore twain,<br/>
-The which my predecessor meanly priz’d.”<br/>
-<br/>
-Then, yielding to the forceful arguments,<br/>
-Of silence as more perilous I deem’d,<br/>
-And answer’d: “Father! since thou washest me<br/>
-Clear of that guilt wherein I now must fall,<br/>
-Large promise with performance scant, be sure,<br/>
-Shall make thee triumph in thy lofty seat.”<br/>
-<br/>
-“When I was number’d with the dead, then came<br/>
-Saint Francis for me; but a cherub dark<br/>
-He met, who cried: “‘Wrong me not; he is mine,<br/>
-And must below to join the wretched crew,<br/>
-For the deceitful counsel which he gave.<br/>
-E’er since I watch’d him, hov’ring at his hair,<br/>
-No power can the impenitent absolve;<br/>
-Nor to repent and will at once consist,<br/>
-By contradiction absolute forbid.”<br/>
-Oh mis’ry! how I shook myself, when he<br/>
-Seiz’d me, and cried, “Thou haply thought’st me not<br/>
-A disputant in logic so exact.”<br/>
-To Minos down he bore me, and the judge<br/>
-Twin’d eight times round his callous back the tail,<br/>
-Which biting with excess of rage, he spake:<br/>
-‘This is a guilty soul, that in the fire<br/>
-Must vanish.’ Hence perdition-doom’d I rove<br/>
-A prey to rankling sorrow in this garb.”<br/>
-<br/>
-When he had thus fulfill’d his words, the flame<br/>
-In dolour parted, beating to and fro,<br/>
-And writhing its sharp horn. We onward went,<br/>
-I and my leader, up along the rock,<br/>
-Far as another arch, that overhangs<br/>
-The foss, wherein the penalty is paid<br/>
+Now upward rose the flame, and still’d its light<br>
+To speak no more, and now pass’d on with leave<br>
+From the mild poet gain’d, when following came<br>
+Another, from whose top a sound confus’d,<br>
+Forth issuing, drew our eyes that way to look.<br>
+<br>
+As the Sicilian bull, that rightfully<br>
+His cries first echoed, who had shap’d its mould,<br>
+Did so rebellow, with the voice of him<br>
+Tormented, that the brazen monster seem’d<br>
+Pierc’d through with pain; thus while no way they found<br>
+Nor avenue immediate through the flame,<br>
+Into its language turn’d the dismal words:<br>
+But soon as they had won their passage forth,<br>
+Up from the point, which vibrating obey’d<br>
+Their motion at the tongue, these sounds we heard:<br>
+“O thou! to whom I now direct my voice!<br>
+That lately didst exclaim in Lombard phrase,<br>
+<br>
+‘Depart thou, I solicit thee no more,’<br>
+Though somewhat tardy I perchance arrive<br>
+Let it not irk thee here to pause awhile,<br>
+And with me parley: lo! it irks not me<br>
+And yet I burn. If but e’en now thou fall<br>
+into this blind world, from that pleasant land<br>
+Of Latium, whence I draw my sum of guilt,<br>
+Tell me if those, who in Romagna dwell,<br>
+Have peace or war. For of the mountains there<br>
+Was I, betwixt Urbino and the height,<br>
+Whence Tyber first unlocks his mighty flood.”<br>
+<br>
+Leaning I listen’d yet with heedful ear,<br>
+When, as he touch’d my side, the leader thus:<br>
+“Speak thou: he is a Latian.” My reply<br>
+Was ready, and I spake without delay:<br>
+<br>
+“O spirit! who art hidden here below!<br>
+Never was thy Romagna without war<br>
+In her proud tyrants’ bosoms, nor is now:<br>
+But open war there left I none. The state,<br>
+Ravenna hath maintain’d this many a year,<br>
+Is steadfast. There Polenta’s eagle broods,<br>
+And in his broad circumference of plume<br>
+O’ershadows Cervia. The green talons grasp<br>
+The land, that stood erewhile the proof so long,<br>
+And pil’d in bloody heap the host of France.<br>
+<br>
+“The old mastiff of Verruchio and the young,<br>
+That tore Montagna in their wrath, still make,<br>
+Where they are wont, an augre of their fangs.<br>
+<br>
+“Lamone’s city and Santerno’s range<br>
+Under the lion of the snowy lair.<br>
+Inconstant partisan! that changeth sides,<br>
+Or ever summer yields to winter’s frost.<br>
+And she, whose flank is wash’d of Savio’s wave,<br>
+As ’twixt the level and the steep she lies,<br>
+Lives so ’twixt tyrant power and liberty.<br>
+<br>
+“Now tell us, I entreat thee, who art thou?<br>
+Be not more hard than others. In the world,<br>
+So may thy name still rear its forehead high.”<br>
+<br>
+Then roar’d awhile the fire, its sharpen’d point<br>
+On either side wav’d, and thus breath’d at last:<br>
+“If I did think, my answer were to one,<br>
+Who ever could return unto the world,<br>
+This flame should rest unshaken. But since ne’er,<br>
+If true be told me, any from this depth<br>
+Has found his upward way, I answer thee,<br>
+Nor fear lest infamy record the words.<br>
+<br>
+“A man of arms at first, I cloth’d me then<br>
+In good Saint Francis’ girdle, hoping so<br>
+T’ have made amends. And certainly my hope<br>
+Had fail’d not, but that he, whom curses light on,<br>
+The high priest again seduc’d me into sin.<br>
+And how and wherefore listen while I tell.<br>
+Long as this spirit mov’d the bones and pulp<br>
+My mother gave me, less my deeds bespake<br>
+The nature of the lion than the fox.<br>
+All ways of winding subtlety I knew,<br>
+And with such art conducted, that the sound<br>
+Reach’d the world’s limit. Soon as to that part<br>
+Of life I found me come, when each behoves<br>
+To lower sails and gather in the lines;<br>
+That which before had pleased me then I rued,<br>
+And to repentance and confession turn’d;<br>
+Wretch that I was! and well it had bested me!<br>
+The chief of the new Pharisees meantime,<br>
+Waging his warfare near the Lateran,<br>
+Not with the Saracens or Jews (his foes<br>
+All Christians were, nor against Acre one<br>
+Had fought, nor traffic’d in the Soldan’s land),<br>
+He his great charge nor sacred ministry<br>
+In himself, rev’renc’d, nor in me that cord,<br>
+Which us’d to mark with leanness whom it girded.<br>
+As in Socrate, Constantine besought<br>
+To cure his leprosy Sylvester’s aid,<br>
+So me to cure the fever of his pride<br>
+This man besought: my counsel to that end<br>
+He ask’d: and I was silent: for his words<br>
+Seem’d drunken: but forthwith he thus resum’d:<br>
+“From thy heart banish fear: of all offence<br>
+I hitherto absolve thee. In return,<br>
+Teach me my purpose so to execute,<br>
+That Penestrino cumber earth no more.<br>
+Heav’n, as thou knowest, I have power to shut<br>
+And open: and the keys are therefore twain,<br>
+The which my predecessor meanly priz’d.”<br>
+<br>
+Then, yielding to the forceful arguments,<br>
+Of silence as more perilous I deem’d,<br>
+And answer’d: “Father! since thou washest me<br>
+Clear of that guilt wherein I now must fall,<br>
+Large promise with performance scant, be sure,<br>
+Shall make thee triumph in thy lofty seat.”<br>
+<br>
+“When I was number’d with the dead, then came<br>
+Saint Francis for me; but a cherub dark<br>
+He met, who cried: “‘Wrong me not; he is mine,<br>
+And must below to join the wretched crew,<br>
+For the deceitful counsel which he gave.<br>
+E’er since I watch’d him, hov’ring at his hair,<br>
+No power can the impenitent absolve;<br>
+Nor to repent and will at once consist,<br>
+By contradiction absolute forbid.”<br>
+Oh mis’ry! how I shook myself, when he<br>
+Seiz’d me, and cried, “Thou haply thought’st me not<br>
+A disputant in logic so exact.”<br>
+To Minos down he bore me, and the judge<br>
+Twin’d eight times round his callous back the tail,<br>
+Which biting with excess of rage, he spake:<br>
+‘This is a guilty soul, that in the fire<br>
+Must vanish.’ Hence perdition-doom’d I rove<br>
+A prey to rankling sorrow in this garb.”<br>
+<br>
+When he had thus fulfill’d his words, the flame<br>
+In dolour parted, beating to and fro,<br>
+And writhing its sharp horn. We onward went,<br>
+I and my leader, up along the rock,<br>
+Far as another arch, that overhangs<br>
+The foss, wherein the penalty is paid<br>
 Of those, who load them with committed sin.
 </p>
 
@@ -5140,177 +5134,177 @@ Of those, who load them with committed sin.
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoI.28"></a>CANTO XXVIII</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoI.28"></a>CANTO XXVIII</h2>
 
 <p>
-Who, e’en in words unfetter’d, might at full<br/>
-Tell of the wounds and blood that now I saw,<br/>
-Though he repeated oft the tale? No tongue<br/>
-So vast a theme could equal, speech and thought<br/>
-Both impotent alike. If in one band<br/>
-Collected, stood the people all, who e’er<br/>
-Pour’d on Apulia’s happy soil their blood,<br/>
-Slain by the Trojans, and in that long war<br/>
-When of the rings the measur’d booty made<br/>
-A pile so high, as Rome’s historian writes<br/>
-Who errs not, with the multitude, that felt<br/>
-The grinding force of Guiscard’s Norman steel,<br/>
-And those the rest, whose bones are gather’d yet<br/>
-At Ceperano, there where treachery<br/>
-Branded th’ Apulian name, or where beyond<br/>
-Thy walls, O Tagliacozzo, without arms<br/>
-The old Alardo conquer’d; and his limbs<br/>
-One were to show transpierc’d, another his<br/>
-Clean lopt away; a spectacle like this<br/>
-Were but a thing of nought, to the hideous sight<br/>
-Of the ninth chasm. A rundlet, that hath lost<br/>
-Its middle or side stave, gapes not so wide,<br/>
-As one I mark’d, torn from the chin throughout<br/>
-Down to the hinder passage: ’twixt the legs<br/>
-Dangling his entrails hung, the midriff lay<br/>
-Open to view, and wretched ventricle,<br/>
-That turns th’ englutted aliment to dross.<br/>
-<br/>
-Whilst eagerly I fix on him my gaze,<br/>
-He ey’d me, with his hands laid his breast bare,<br/>
+Who, e’en in words unfetter’d, might at full<br>
+Tell of the wounds and blood that now I saw,<br>
+Though he repeated oft the tale? No tongue<br>
+So vast a theme could equal, speech and thought<br>
+Both impotent alike. If in one band<br>
+Collected, stood the people all, who e’er<br>
+Pour’d on Apulia’s happy soil their blood,<br>
+Slain by the Trojans, and in that long war<br>
+When of the rings the measur’d booty made<br>
+A pile so high, as Rome’s historian writes<br>
+Who errs not, with the multitude, that felt<br>
+The grinding force of Guiscard’s Norman steel,<br>
+And those the rest, whose bones are gather’d yet<br>
+At Ceperano, there where treachery<br>
+Branded th’ Apulian name, or where beyond<br>
+Thy walls, O Tagliacozzo, without arms<br>
+The old Alardo conquer’d; and his limbs<br>
+One were to show transpierc’d, another his<br>
+Clean lopt away; a spectacle like this<br>
+Were but a thing of nought, to the hideous sight<br>
+Of the ninth chasm. A rundlet, that hath lost<br>
+Its middle or side stave, gapes not so wide,<br>
+As one I mark’d, torn from the chin throughout<br>
+Down to the hinder passage: ’twixt the legs<br>
+Dangling his entrails hung, the midriff lay<br>
+Open to view, and wretched ventricle,<br>
+That turns th’ englutted aliment to dross.<br>
+<br>
+Whilst eagerly I fix on him my gaze,<br>
+He ey’d me, with his hands laid his breast bare,<br>
 And cried; “Now mark how I do rip me! lo!
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/28-259.jpg">
-<img alt="" width="388" height="600" src="images/28-259.jpg" /></a>
+<img alt="" src="images/28-259.jpg" style="width: 388px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-“How is Mohammed mangled! before me<br/>
-Walks Ali weeping, from the chin his face<br/>
-Cleft to the forelock; and the others all<br/>
-Whom here thou seest, while they liv’d, did sow<br/>
-Scandal and schism, and therefore thus are rent.<br/>
-A fiend is here behind, who with his sword<br/>
-Hacks us thus cruelly, slivering again<br/>
-Each of this ream, when we have compast round<br/>
-The dismal way, for first our gashes close<br/>
-Ere we repass before him. But say who<br/>
-Art thou, that standest musing on the rock,<br/>
-Haply so lingering to delay the pain<br/>
-Sentenc’d upon thy crimes?”&mdash;“Him death not yet,”<br/>
-My guide rejoin’d, “hath overta’en, nor sin<br/>
-Conducts to torment; but, that he may make<br/>
-Full trial of your state, I who am dead<br/>
-Must through the depths of hell, from orb to orb,<br/>
-Conduct him. Trust my words, for they are true.”<br/>
-<br/>
-More than a hundred spirits, when that they heard,<br/>
-Stood in the foss to mark me, through amazed,<br/>
-Forgetful of their pangs. “Thou, who perchance<br/>
-Shalt shortly view the sun, this warning thou<br/>
-Bear to Dolcino: bid him, if he wish not<br/>
-Here soon to follow me, that with good store<br/>
-Of food he arm him, lest impris’ning snows<br/>
-Yield him a victim to Novara’s power,<br/>
-No easy conquest else.” With foot uprais’d<br/>
-For stepping, spake Mohammed, on the ground<br/>
-Then fix’d it to depart. Another shade,<br/>
-Pierc’d in the throat, his nostrils mutilate<br/>
-E’en from beneath the eyebrows, and one ear<br/>
-Lopt off, who with the rest through wonder stood<br/>
-Gazing, before the rest advanc’d, and bar’d<br/>
-His wind-pipe, that without was all o’ersmear’d<br/>
-With crimson stain. “O thou!” said ‘he, “whom sin<br/>
-Condemns not, and whom erst (unless too near<br/>
-Resemblance do deceive me) I aloft<br/>
-Have seen on Latian ground, call thou to mind<br/>
-Piero of Medicina, if again<br/>
-Returning, thou behold’st the pleasant land<br/>
+“How is Mohammed mangled! before me<br>
+Walks Ali weeping, from the chin his face<br>
+Cleft to the forelock; and the others all<br>
+Whom here thou seest, while they liv’d, did sow<br>
+Scandal and schism, and therefore thus are rent.<br>
+A fiend is here behind, who with his sword<br>
+Hacks us thus cruelly, slivering again<br>
+Each of this ream, when we have compast round<br>
+The dismal way, for first our gashes close<br>
+Ere we repass before him. But say who<br>
+Art thou, that standest musing on the rock,<br>
+Haply so lingering to delay the pain<br>
+Sentenc’d upon thy crimes?”&mdash;“Him death not yet,”<br>
+My guide rejoin’d, “hath overta’en, nor sin<br>
+Conducts to torment; but, that he may make<br>
+Full trial of your state, I who am dead<br>
+Must through the depths of hell, from orb to orb,<br>
+Conduct him. Trust my words, for they are true.”<br>
+<br>
+More than a hundred spirits, when that they heard,<br>
+Stood in the foss to mark me, through amazed,<br>
+Forgetful of their pangs. “Thou, who perchance<br>
+Shalt shortly view the sun, this warning thou<br>
+Bear to Dolcino: bid him, if he wish not<br>
+Here soon to follow me, that with good store<br>
+Of food he arm him, lest impris’ning snows<br>
+Yield him a victim to Novara’s power,<br>
+No easy conquest else.” With foot uprais’d<br>
+For stepping, spake Mohammed, on the ground<br>
+Then fix’d it to depart. Another shade,<br>
+Pierc’d in the throat, his nostrils mutilate<br>
+E’en from beneath the eyebrows, and one ear<br>
+Lopt off, who with the rest through wonder stood<br>
+Gazing, before the rest advanc’d, and bar’d<br>
+His wind-pipe, that without was all o’ersmear’d<br>
+With crimson stain. “O thou!” said ‘he, “whom sin<br>
+Condemns not, and whom erst (unless too near<br>
+Resemblance do deceive me) I aloft<br>
+Have seen on Latian ground, call thou to mind<br>
+Piero of Medicina, if again<br>
+Returning, thou behold’st the pleasant land<br>
 That from Vercelli slopes to Mercabo;
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/28-261.jpg">
-<img alt="" width="600" height="511" src="images/28-261.jpg" /></a>
+<img alt="" src="images/28-261.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 511px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-“And there instruct the twain, whom Fano boasts<br/>
-Her worthiest sons, Guido and Angelo,<br/>
-That if ’t is giv’n us here to scan aright<br/>
-The future, they out of life’s tenement<br/>
-Shall be cast forth, and whelm’d under the waves<br/>
-Near to Cattolica, through perfidy<br/>
-Of a fell tyrant. ’Twixt the Cyprian isle<br/>
-And Balearic, ne’er hath Neptune seen<br/>
-An injury so foul, by pirates done<br/>
-Or Argive crew of old. That one-ey’d traitor<br/>
-(Whose realm there is a spirit here were fain<br/>
-His eye had still lack’d sight of) them shall bring<br/>
-To conf’rence with him, then so shape his end,<br/>
-That they shall need not ’gainst Focara’s wind<br/>
-Offer up vow nor pray’r.” I answering thus:<br/>
-<br/>
-“Declare, as thou dost wish that I above<br/>
-May carry tidings of thee, who is he,<br/>
-In whom that sight doth wake such sad remembrance?”<br/>
-<br/>
-Forthwith he laid his hand on the cheek-bone<br/>
-Of one, his fellow-spirit, and his jaws<br/>
-Expanding, cried: “Lo! this is he I wot of;<br/>
-He speaks not for himself: the outcast this<br/>
-Who overwhelm’d the doubt in Caesar’s mind,<br/>
-Affirming that delay to men prepar’d<br/>
-Was ever harmful. “Oh how terrified<br/>
-Methought was Curio, from whose throat was cut<br/>
-The tongue, which spake that hardy word. Then one<br/>
-Maim’d of each hand, uplifted in the gloom<br/>
-The bleeding stumps, that they with gory spots<br/>
-Sullied his face, and cried: ‘Remember thee<br/>
-Of Mosca, too, I who, alas! exclaim’d,<br/>
-“The deed once done there is an end,” that prov’d<br/>
-A seed of sorrow to the Tuscan race.”<br/>
-<br/>
-I added: “Ay, and death to thine own tribe.”<br/>
-<br/>
-Whence heaping woe on woe he hurried off,<br/>
-As one grief-stung to madness. But I there<br/>
-Still linger’d to behold the troop, and saw<br/>
-Things, such as I may fear without more proof<br/>
-To tell of, but that conscience makes me firm,<br/>
-The boon companion, who her strong breast-plate<br/>
-Buckles on him, that feels no guilt within<br/>
-And bids him on and fear not. Without doubt<br/>
-I saw, and yet it seems to pass before me,<br/>
-A headless trunk, that even as the rest<br/>
-Of the sad flock pac’d onward. By the hair<br/>
-It bore the sever’d member, lantern-wise<br/>
+“And there instruct the twain, whom Fano boasts<br>
+Her worthiest sons, Guido and Angelo,<br>
+That if ’t is giv’n us here to scan aright<br>
+The future, they out of life’s tenement<br>
+Shall be cast forth, and whelm’d under the waves<br>
+Near to Cattolica, through perfidy<br>
+Of a fell tyrant. ’Twixt the Cyprian isle<br>
+And Balearic, ne’er hath Neptune seen<br>
+An injury so foul, by pirates done<br>
+Or Argive crew of old. That one-ey’d traitor<br>
+(Whose realm there is a spirit here were fain<br>
+His eye had still lack’d sight of) them shall bring<br>
+To conf’rence with him, then so shape his end,<br>
+That they shall need not ’gainst Focara’s wind<br>
+Offer up vow nor pray’r.” I answering thus:<br>
+<br>
+“Declare, as thou dost wish that I above<br>
+May carry tidings of thee, who is he,<br>
+In whom that sight doth wake such sad remembrance?”<br>
+<br>
+Forthwith he laid his hand on the cheek-bone<br>
+Of one, his fellow-spirit, and his jaws<br>
+Expanding, cried: “Lo! this is he I wot of;<br>
+He speaks not for himself: the outcast this<br>
+Who overwhelm’d the doubt in Caesar’s mind,<br>
+Affirming that delay to men prepar’d<br>
+Was ever harmful. “Oh how terrified<br>
+Methought was Curio, from whose throat was cut<br>
+The tongue, which spake that hardy word. Then one<br>
+Maim’d of each hand, uplifted in the gloom<br>
+The bleeding stumps, that they with gory spots<br>
+Sullied his face, and cried: ‘Remember thee<br>
+Of Mosca, too, I who, alas! exclaim’d,<br>
+“The deed once done there is an end,” that prov’d<br>
+A seed of sorrow to the Tuscan race.”<br>
+<br>
+I added: “Ay, and death to thine own tribe.”<br>
+<br>
+Whence heaping woe on woe he hurried off,<br>
+As one grief-stung to madness. But I there<br>
+Still linger’d to behold the troop, and saw<br>
+Things, such as I may fear without more proof<br>
+To tell of, but that conscience makes me firm,<br>
+The boon companion, who her strong breast-plate<br>
+Buckles on him, that feels no guilt within<br>
+And bids him on and fear not. Without doubt<br>
+I saw, and yet it seems to pass before me,<br>
+A headless trunk, that even as the rest<br>
+Of the sad flock pac’d onward. By the hair<br>
+It bore the sever’d member, lantern-wise<br>
 Pendent in hand, which look’d at us and said,
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/28-265.jpg">
-<img alt="" width="388" height="600" src="images/28-265.jpg" /></a>
+<img alt="" src="images/28-265.jpg" style="width: 388px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-“Woe’s me!” The spirit lighted thus himself,<br/>
-And two there were in one, and one in two.<br/>
-How that may be he knows who ordereth so.<br/>
-<br/>
-When at the bridge’s foot direct he stood,<br/>
-His arm aloft he rear’d, thrusting the head<br/>
-Full in our view, that nearer we might hear<br/>
-The words, which thus it utter’d: “Now behold<br/>
-This grievous torment, thou, who breathing go’st<br/>
-To spy the dead; behold if any else<br/>
-Be terrible as this. And that on earth<br/>
-Thou mayst bear tidings of me, know that I<br/>
-Am Bertrand, he of Born, who gave King John<br/>
-The counsel mischievous. Father and son<br/>
-I set at mutual war. For Absalom<br/>
-And David more did not Ahitophel,<br/>
-Spurring them on maliciously to strife.<br/>
-For parting those so closely knit, my brain<br/>
-Parted, alas! I carry from its source,<br/>
-That in this trunk inhabits. Thus the law<br/>
+“Woe’s me!” The spirit lighted thus himself,<br>
+And two there were in one, and one in two.<br>
+How that may be he knows who ordereth so.<br>
+<br>
+When at the bridge’s foot direct he stood,<br>
+His arm aloft he rear’d, thrusting the head<br>
+Full in our view, that nearer we might hear<br>
+The words, which thus it utter’d: “Now behold<br>
+This grievous torment, thou, who breathing go’st<br>
+To spy the dead; behold if any else<br>
+Be terrible as this. And that on earth<br>
+Thou mayst bear tidings of me, know that I<br>
+Am Bertrand, he of Born, who gave King John<br>
+The counsel mischievous. Father and son<br>
+I set at mutual war. For Absalom<br>
+And David more did not Ahitophel,<br>
+Spurring them on maliciously to strife.<br>
+For parting those so closely knit, my brain<br>
+Parted, alas! I carry from its source,<br>
+That in this trunk inhabits. Thus the law<br>
 Of retribution fiercely works in me.”
 </p>
 
@@ -5318,181 +5312,181 @@ Of retribution fiercely works in me.”
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoI.29"></a>CANTO XXIX</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoI.29"></a>CANTO XXIX</h2>
 
 <p>
-So were mine eyes inebriate with view<br/>
-Of the vast multitude, whom various wounds<br/>
+So were mine eyes inebriate with view<br>
+Of the vast multitude, whom various wounds<br>
 Disfigur’d, that they long’d to stay and weep.
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/29-269.jpg">
-<img alt="" width="386" height="600" src="images/29-269.jpg" /></a>
+<img alt="" src="images/29-269.jpg" style="width: 386px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-But Virgil rous’d me: “What yet gazest on?<br/>
-Wherefore doth fasten yet thy sight below<br/>
-Among the maim’d and miserable shades?<br/>
-Thou hast not shewn in any chasm beside<br/>
-This weakness. Know, if thou wouldst number them<br/>
-That two and twenty miles the valley winds<br/>
-Its circuit, and already is the moon<br/>
-Beneath our feet: the time permitted now<br/>
-Is short, and more not seen remains to see.”<br/>
-<br/>
-“If thou,” I straight replied, “hadst weigh’d the cause<br/>
-For which I look’d, thou hadst perchance excus’d<br/>
-The tarrying still.” My leader part pursu’d<br/>
-His way, the while I follow’d, answering him,<br/>
-And adding thus: “Within that cave I deem,<br/>
-Whereon so fixedly I held my ken,<br/>
-There is a spirit dwells, one of my blood,<br/>
-Wailing the crime that costs him now so dear.”<br/>
-<br/>
-Then spake my master: “Let thy soul no more<br/>
-Afflict itself for him. Direct elsewhere<br/>
-Its thought, and leave him. At the bridge’s foot<br/>
-I mark’d how he did point with menacing look<br/>
-At thee, and heard him by the others nam’d<br/>
-Geri of Bello. Thou so wholly then<br/>
-Wert busied with his spirit, who once rul’d<br/>
-The towers of Hautefort, that thou lookedst not<br/>
-That way, ere he was gone.”&mdash;“O guide belov’d!<br/>
-His violent death yet unaveng’d,” said I,<br/>
-“By any, who are partners in his shame,<br/>
-Made him contemptuous: therefore, as I think,<br/>
-He pass’d me speechless by; and doing so<br/>
-Hath made me more compassionate his fate.”<br/>
-<br/>
-So we discours’d to where the rock first show’d<br/>
-The other valley, had more light been there,<br/>
-E’en to the lowest depth. Soon as we came<br/>
-O’er the last cloister in the dismal rounds<br/>
-Of Malebolge, and the brotherhood<br/>
-Were to our view expos’d, then many a dart<br/>
-Of sore lament assail’d me, headed all<br/>
-With points of thrilling pity, that I clos’d<br/>
-Both ears against the volley with mine hands.<br/>
-<br/>
-As were the torment, if each lazar-house<br/>
-Of Valdichiana, in the sultry time<br/>
-’Twixt July and September, with the isle<br/>
-Sardinia and Maremma’s pestilent fen,<br/>
-Had heap’d their maladies all in one foss<br/>
-Together; such was here the torment: dire<br/>
-The stench, as issuing steams from fester’d limbs.<br/>
-<br/>
-We on the utmost shore of the long rock<br/>
-Descended still to leftward. Then my sight<br/>
-Was livelier to explore the depth, wherein<br/>
-The minister of the most mighty Lord,<br/>
-All-searching Justice, dooms to punishment<br/>
+But Virgil rous’d me: “What yet gazest on?<br>
+Wherefore doth fasten yet thy sight below<br>
+Among the maim’d and miserable shades?<br>
+Thou hast not shewn in any chasm beside<br>
+This weakness. Know, if thou wouldst number them<br>
+That two and twenty miles the valley winds<br>
+Its circuit, and already is the moon<br>
+Beneath our feet: the time permitted now<br>
+Is short, and more not seen remains to see.”<br>
+<br>
+“If thou,” I straight replied, “hadst weigh’d the cause<br>
+For which I look’d, thou hadst perchance excus’d<br>
+The tarrying still.” My leader part pursu’d<br>
+His way, the while I follow’d, answering him,<br>
+And adding thus: “Within that cave I deem,<br>
+Whereon so fixedly I held my ken,<br>
+There is a spirit dwells, one of my blood,<br>
+Wailing the crime that costs him now so dear.”<br>
+<br>
+Then spake my master: “Let thy soul no more<br>
+Afflict itself for him. Direct elsewhere<br>
+Its thought, and leave him. At the bridge’s foot<br>
+I mark’d how he did point with menacing look<br>
+At thee, and heard him by the others nam’d<br>
+Geri of Bello. Thou so wholly then<br>
+Wert busied with his spirit, who once rul’d<br>
+The towers of Hautefort, that thou lookedst not<br>
+That way, ere he was gone.”&mdash;“O guide belov’d!<br>
+His violent death yet unaveng’d,” said I,<br>
+“By any, who are partners in his shame,<br>
+Made him contemptuous: therefore, as I think,<br>
+He pass’d me speechless by; and doing so<br>
+Hath made me more compassionate his fate.”<br>
+<br>
+So we discours’d to where the rock first show’d<br>
+The other valley, had more light been there,<br>
+E’en to the lowest depth. Soon as we came<br>
+O’er the last cloister in the dismal rounds<br>
+Of Malebolge, and the brotherhood<br>
+Were to our view expos’d, then many a dart<br>
+Of sore lament assail’d me, headed all<br>
+With points of thrilling pity, that I clos’d<br>
+Both ears against the volley with mine hands.<br>
+<br>
+As were the torment, if each lazar-house<br>
+Of Valdichiana, in the sultry time<br>
+’Twixt July and September, with the isle<br>
+Sardinia and Maremma’s pestilent fen,<br>
+Had heap’d their maladies all in one foss<br>
+Together; such was here the torment: dire<br>
+The stench, as issuing steams from fester’d limbs.<br>
+<br>
+We on the utmost shore of the long rock<br>
+Descended still to leftward. Then my sight<br>
+Was livelier to explore the depth, wherein<br>
+The minister of the most mighty Lord,<br>
+All-searching Justice, dooms to punishment<br>
 The forgers noted on her dread record.
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/29-273.jpg">
-<img alt="" width="379" height="600" src="images/29-273.jpg" /></a>
+<img alt="" src="images/29-273.jpg" style="width: 379px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-More rueful was it not methinks to see<br/>
-The nation in Aegina droop, what time<br/>
-Each living thing, e’en to the little worm,<br/>
-All fell, so full of malice was the air<br/>
-(And afterward, as bards of yore have told,<br/>
-The ancient people were restor’d anew<br/>
-From seed of emmets) than was here to see<br/>
-The spirits, that languish’d through the murky vale<br/>
-Up-pil’d on many a stack. Confus’d they lay,<br/>
-One o’er the belly, o’er the shoulders one<br/>
-Roll’d of another; sideling crawl’d a third<br/>
-Along the dismal pathway. Step by step<br/>
-We journey’d on, in silence looking round<br/>
-And list’ning those diseas’d, who strove in vain<br/>
-To lift their forms. Then two I mark’d, that sat<br/>
-Propp’d ’gainst each other, as two brazen pans<br/>
-Set to retain the heat. From head to foot,<br/>
-A tetter bark’d them round. Nor saw I e’er<br/>
-Groom currying so fast, for whom his lord<br/>
-Impatient waited, or himself perchance<br/>
-Tir’d with long watching, as of these each one<br/>
-Plied quickly his keen nails, through furiousness<br/>
-Of ne’er abated pruriency. The crust<br/>
-Came drawn from underneath in flakes, like scales<br/>
+More rueful was it not methinks to see<br>
+The nation in Aegina droop, what time<br>
+Each living thing, e’en to the little worm,<br>
+All fell, so full of malice was the air<br>
+(And afterward, as bards of yore have told,<br>
+The ancient people were restor’d anew<br>
+From seed of emmets) than was here to see<br>
+The spirits, that languish’d through the murky vale<br>
+Up-pil’d on many a stack. Confus’d they lay,<br>
+One o’er the belly, o’er the shoulders one<br>
+Roll’d of another; sideling crawl’d a third<br>
+Along the dismal pathway. Step by step<br>
+We journey’d on, in silence looking round<br>
+And list’ning those diseas’d, who strove in vain<br>
+To lift their forms. Then two I mark’d, that sat<br>
+Propp’d ’gainst each other, as two brazen pans<br>
+Set to retain the heat. From head to foot,<br>
+A tetter bark’d them round. Nor saw I e’er<br>
+Groom currying so fast, for whom his lord<br>
+Impatient waited, or himself perchance<br>
+Tir’d with long watching, as of these each one<br>
+Plied quickly his keen nails, through furiousness<br>
+Of ne’er abated pruriency. The crust<br>
+Came drawn from underneath in flakes, like scales<br>
 Scrap’d from the bream or fish of broader mail.
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/29-275.jpg">
-<img alt="" width="600" height="494" src="images/29-275.jpg" /></a>
+<img alt="" src="images/29-275.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 494px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-“O thou, who with thy fingers rendest off<br/>
-Thy coat of proof,” thus spake my guide to one,<br/>
-“And sometimes makest tearing pincers of them,<br/>
-Tell me if any born of Latian land<br/>
-Be among these within: so may thy nails<br/>
-Serve thee for everlasting to this toil.”<br/>
-<br/>
-“Both are of Latium,” weeping he replied,<br/>
-“Whom tortur’d thus thou seest: but who art thou<br/>
-That hast inquir’d of us?” To whom my guide:<br/>
-“One that descend with this man, who yet lives,<br/>
-From rock to rock, and show him hell’s abyss.”<br/>
-<br/>
-Then started they asunder, and each turn’d<br/>
-Trembling toward us, with the rest, whose ear<br/>
-Those words redounding struck. To me my liege<br/>
-Address’d him: “Speak to them whate’er thou list.”<br/>
-<br/>
-And I therewith began: “So may no time<br/>
-Filch your remembrance from the thoughts of men<br/>
-In th’ upper world, but after many suns<br/>
-Survive it, as ye tell me, who ye are,<br/>
-And of what race ye come. Your punishment,<br/>
-Unseemly and disgustful in its kind,<br/>
-Deter you not from opening thus much to me.”<br/>
-<br/>
-“Arezzo was my dwelling,” answer’d one,<br/>
-“And me Albero of Sienna brought<br/>
-To die by fire; but that, for which I died,<br/>
-Leads me not here. True is in sport I told him,<br/>
-That I had learn’d to wing my flight in air.<br/>
-And he admiring much, as he was void<br/>
-Of wisdom, will’d me to declare to him<br/>
-The secret of mine art: and only hence,<br/>
-Because I made him not a Daedalus,<br/>
-Prevail’d on one suppos’d his sire to burn me.<br/>
-But Minos to this chasm last of the ten,<br/>
-For that I practis’d alchemy on earth,<br/>
-Has doom’d me. Him no subterfuge eludes.”<br/>
-<br/>
-Then to the bard I spake: “Was ever race<br/>
-Light as Sienna’s? Sure not France herself<br/>
-Can show a tribe so frivolous and vain.”<br/>
-<br/>
-The other leprous spirit heard my words,<br/>
-And thus return’d: “Be Stricca from this charge<br/>
-Exempted, he who knew so temp’rately<br/>
-To lay out fortune’s gifts; and Niccolo<br/>
-Who first the spice’s costly luxury<br/>
-Discover’d in that garden, where such seed<br/>
-Roots deepest in the soil: and be that troop<br/>
-Exempted, with whom Caccia of Asciano<br/>
-Lavish’d his vineyards and wide-spreading woods,<br/>
-And his rare wisdom Abbagliato show’d<br/>
-A spectacle for all. That thou mayst know<br/>
-Who seconds thee against the Siennese<br/>
-Thus gladly, bend this way thy sharpen’d sight,<br/>
-That well my face may answer to thy ken;<br/>
-So shalt thou see I am Capocchio’s ghost,<br/>
-Who forg’d transmuted metals by the power<br/>
-Of alchemy; and if I scan thee right,<br/>
-Thus needs must well remember how I aped<br/>
+“O thou, who with thy fingers rendest off<br>
+Thy coat of proof,” thus spake my guide to one,<br>
+“And sometimes makest tearing pincers of them,<br>
+Tell me if any born of Latian land<br>
+Be among these within: so may thy nails<br>
+Serve thee for everlasting to this toil.”<br>
+<br>
+“Both are of Latium,” weeping he replied,<br>
+“Whom tortur’d thus thou seest: but who art thou<br>
+That hast inquir’d of us?” To whom my guide:<br>
+“One that descend with this man, who yet lives,<br>
+From rock to rock, and show him hell’s abyss.”<br>
+<br>
+Then started they asunder, and each turn’d<br>
+Trembling toward us, with the rest, whose ear<br>
+Those words redounding struck. To me my liege<br>
+Address’d him: “Speak to them whate’er thou list.”<br>
+<br>
+And I therewith began: “So may no time<br>
+Filch your remembrance from the thoughts of men<br>
+In th’ upper world, but after many suns<br>
+Survive it, as ye tell me, who ye are,<br>
+And of what race ye come. Your punishment,<br>
+Unseemly and disgustful in its kind,<br>
+Deter you not from opening thus much to me.”<br>
+<br>
+“Arezzo was my dwelling,” answer’d one,<br>
+“And me Albero of Sienna brought<br>
+To die by fire; but that, for which I died,<br>
+Leads me not here. True is in sport I told him,<br>
+That I had learn’d to wing my flight in air.<br>
+And he admiring much, as he was void<br>
+Of wisdom, will’d me to declare to him<br>
+The secret of mine art: and only hence,<br>
+Because I made him not a Daedalus,<br>
+Prevail’d on one suppos’d his sire to burn me.<br>
+But Minos to this chasm last of the ten,<br>
+For that I practis’d alchemy on earth,<br>
+Has doom’d me. Him no subterfuge eludes.”<br>
+<br>
+Then to the bard I spake: “Was ever race<br>
+Light as Sienna’s? Sure not France herself<br>
+Can show a tribe so frivolous and vain.”<br>
+<br>
+The other leprous spirit heard my words,<br>
+And thus return’d: “Be Stricca from this charge<br>
+Exempted, he who knew so temp’rately<br>
+To lay out fortune’s gifts; and Niccolo<br>
+Who first the spice’s costly luxury<br>
+Discover’d in that garden, where such seed<br>
+Roots deepest in the soil: and be that troop<br>
+Exempted, with whom Caccia of Asciano<br>
+Lavish’d his vineyards and wide-spreading woods,<br>
+And his rare wisdom Abbagliato show’d<br>
+A spectacle for all. That thou mayst know<br>
+Who seconds thee against the Siennese<br>
+Thus gladly, bend this way thy sharpen’d sight,<br>
+That well my face may answer to thy ken;<br>
+So shalt thou see I am Capocchio’s ghost,<br>
+Who forg’d transmuted metals by the power<br>
+Of alchemy; and if I scan thee right,<br>
+Thus needs must well remember how I aped<br>
 Creative nature by my subtle art.”
 </p>
 
@@ -5500,179 +5494,179 @@ Creative nature by my subtle art.”
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoI.30"></a>CANTO XXX</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoI.30"></a>CANTO XXX</h2>
 
 <p>
-What time resentment burn’d in Juno’s breast<br/>
-For Semele against the Theban blood,<br/>
-As more than once in dire mischance was rued,<br/>
-Such fatal frenzy seiz’d on Athamas,<br/>
-That he his spouse beholding with a babe<br/>
-Laden on either arm, “Spread out,” he cried,<br/>
-“The meshes, that I take the lioness<br/>
-And the young lions at the pass:” then forth<br/>
-Stretch’d he his merciless talons, grasping one,<br/>
-One helpless innocent, Learchus nam’d,<br/>
-Whom swinging down he dash’d upon a rock,<br/>
-And with her other burden self-destroy’d<br/>
-The hapless mother plung’d: and when the pride<br/>
-Of all-presuming Troy fell from its height,<br/>
-By fortune overwhelm’d, and the old king<br/>
-With his realm perish’d, then did Hecuba,<br/>
-A wretch forlorn and captive, when she saw<br/>
-Polyxena first slaughter’d, and her son,<br/>
-Her Polydorus, on the wild sea-beach<br/>
-Next met the mourner’s view, then reft of sense<br/>
-Did she run barking even as a dog;<br/>
-Such mighty power had grief to wrench her soul.<br/>
-Bet ne’er the Furies or of Thebes or Troy<br/>
-With such fell cruelty were seen, their goads<br/>
-Infixing in the limbs of man or beast,<br/>
-As now two pale and naked ghost I saw<br/>
-That gnarling wildly scamper’d, like the swine<br/>
-Excluded from his stye. One reach’d Capocchio,<br/>
-And in the neck-joint sticking deep his fangs,<br/>
-Dragg’d him, that o’er the solid pavement rubb’d<br/>
-His belly stretch’d out prone. The other shape,<br/>
-He of Arezzo, there left trembling, spake;<br/>
-“That sprite of air is Schicchi; in like mood<br/>
+What time resentment burn’d in Juno’s breast<br>
+For Semele against the Theban blood,<br>
+As more than once in dire mischance was rued,<br>
+Such fatal frenzy seiz’d on Athamas,<br>
+That he his spouse beholding with a babe<br>
+Laden on either arm, “Spread out,” he cried,<br>
+“The meshes, that I take the lioness<br>
+And the young lions at the pass:” then forth<br>
+Stretch’d he his merciless talons, grasping one,<br>
+One helpless innocent, Learchus nam’d,<br>
+Whom swinging down he dash’d upon a rock,<br>
+And with her other burden self-destroy’d<br>
+The hapless mother plung’d: and when the pride<br>
+Of all-presuming Troy fell from its height,<br>
+By fortune overwhelm’d, and the old king<br>
+With his realm perish’d, then did Hecuba,<br>
+A wretch forlorn and captive, when she saw<br>
+Polyxena first slaughter’d, and her son,<br>
+Her Polydorus, on the wild sea-beach<br>
+Next met the mourner’s view, then reft of sense<br>
+Did she run barking even as a dog;<br>
+Such mighty power had grief to wrench her soul.<br>
+Bet ne’er the Furies or of Thebes or Troy<br>
+With such fell cruelty were seen, their goads<br>
+Infixing in the limbs of man or beast,<br>
+As now two pale and naked ghost I saw<br>
+That gnarling wildly scamper’d, like the swine<br>
+Excluded from his stye. One reach’d Capocchio,<br>
+And in the neck-joint sticking deep his fangs,<br>
+Dragg’d him, that o’er the solid pavement rubb’d<br>
+His belly stretch’d out prone. The other shape,<br>
+He of Arezzo, there left trembling, spake;<br>
+“That sprite of air is Schicchi; in like mood<br>
 Of random mischief vents he still his spite.”
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/30-281.jpg">
-<img alt="" width="600" height="489" src="images/30-281.jpg" /></a>
+<img alt="" src="images/30-281.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 489px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-To whom I answ’ring: “Oh! as thou dost hope,<br/>
-The other may not flesh its jaws on thee,<br/>
-Be patient to inform us, who it is,<br/>
-Ere it speed hence.”&mdash;“That is the ancient soul<br/>
-Of wretched Myrrha,” he replied, “who burn’d<br/>
+To whom I answ’ring: “Oh! as thou dost hope,<br>
+The other may not flesh its jaws on thee,<br>
+Be patient to inform us, who it is,<br>
+Ere it speed hence.”&mdash;“That is the ancient soul<br>
+Of wretched Myrrha,” he replied, “who burn’d<br>
 With most unholy flame for her own sire,
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/30-283.jpg">
-<img alt="" width="394" height="600" src="images/30-283.jpg" /></a>
+<img alt="" src="images/30-283.jpg" style="width: 394px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-“And a false shape assuming, so perform’d<br/>
-The deed of sin; e’en as the other there,<br/>
-That onward passes, dar’d to counterfeit<br/>
-Donati’s features, to feign’d testament<br/>
-The seal affixing, that himself might gain,<br/>
-For his own share, the lady of the herd.”<br/>
-<br/>
-When vanish’d the two furious shades, on whom<br/>
-Mine eye was held, I turn’d it back to view<br/>
-The other cursed spirits. One I saw<br/>
-In fashion like a lute, had but the groin<br/>
-Been sever’d, where it meets the forked part.<br/>
-Swoln dropsy, disproportioning the limbs<br/>
-With ill-converted moisture, that the paunch<br/>
-Suits not the visage, open’d wide his lips<br/>
-Gasping as in the hectic man for drought,<br/>
-One towards the chin, the other upward curl’d.<br/>
-<br/>
-“O ye, who in this world of misery,<br/>
-Wherefore I know not, are exempt from pain,”<br/>
-Thus he began, “attentively regard<br/>
-Adamo’s woe. When living, full supply<br/>
-Ne’er lack’d me of what most I coveted;<br/>
-One drop of water now, alas! I crave.<br/>
-The rills, that glitter down the grassy slopes<br/>
-Of Casentino, making fresh and soft<br/>
-The banks whereby they glide to Arno’s stream,<br/>
-Stand ever in my view; and not in vain;<br/>
-For more the pictur’d semblance dries me up,<br/>
-Much more than the disease, which makes the flesh<br/>
-Desert these shrivel’d cheeks. So from the place,<br/>
-Where I transgress’d, stern justice urging me,<br/>
-Takes means to quicken more my lab’ring sighs.<br/>
-There is Romena, where I falsified<br/>
-The metal with the Baptist’s form imprest,<br/>
-For which on earth I left my body burnt.<br/>
-But if I here might see the sorrowing soul<br/>
-Of Guido, Alessandro, or their brother,<br/>
-For Branda’s limpid spring I would not change<br/>
-The welcome sight. One is e’en now within,<br/>
-If truly the mad spirits tell, that round<br/>
-Are wand’ring. But wherein besteads me that?<br/>
-My limbs are fetter’d. Were I but so light,<br/>
-That I each hundred years might move one inch,<br/>
-I had set forth already on this path,<br/>
-Seeking him out amidst the shapeless crew,<br/>
-Although eleven miles it wind, not more<br/>
-Than half of one across. They brought me down<br/>
-Among this tribe; induc’d by them I stamp’d<br/>
-The florens with three carats of alloy.”<br/>
-<br/>
-“Who are that abject pair,” I next inquir’d,<br/>
-“That closely bounding thee upon thy right<br/>
-Lie smoking, like a band in winter steep’d<br/>
-In the chill stream?”&mdash;“When to this gulf I dropt,”<br/>
-He answer’d, “here I found them; since that hour<br/>
-They have not turn’d, nor ever shall, I ween,<br/>
-Till time hath run his course. One is that dame<br/>
-The false accuser of the Hebrew youth;<br/>
-Sinon the other, that false Greek from Troy.<br/>
-Sharp fever drains the reeky moistness out,<br/>
-In such a cloud upsteam’d.” When that he heard,<br/>
-One, gall’d perchance to be so darkly nam’d,<br/>
-With clench’d hand smote him on the braced paunch,<br/>
-That like a drum resounded: but forthwith<br/>
-Adamo smote him on the face, the blow<br/>
-Returning with his arm, that seem’d as hard.<br/>
-<br/>
-“Though my o’erweighty limbs have ta’en from me<br/>
-The power to move,” said he, “I have an arm<br/>
-At liberty for such employ.” To whom<br/>
-Was answer’d: “When thou wentest to the fire,<br/>
-Thou hadst it not so ready at command,<br/>
-Then readier when it coin’d th’ impostor gold.”<br/>
-<br/>
-And thus the dropsied: “Ay, now speak’st thou true.<br/>
-But there thou gav’st not such true testimony,<br/>
-When thou wast question’d of the truth, at Troy.”<br/>
-<br/>
-“If I spake false, thou falsely stamp’dst the coin,”<br/>
-Said Sinon; “I am here but for one fault,<br/>
-And thou for more than any imp beside.”<br/>
-<br/>
-“Remember,” he replied, “O perjur’d one,<br/>
-The horse remember, that did teem with death,<br/>
-And all the world be witness to thy guilt.”<br/>
-<br/>
-“To thine,” return’d the Greek, “witness the thirst<br/>
-Whence thy tongue cracks, witness the fluid mound,<br/>
-Rear’d by thy belly up before thine eyes,<br/>
-A mass corrupt.” To whom the coiner thus:<br/>
-“Thy mouth gapes wide as ever to let pass<br/>
-Its evil saying. Me if thirst assails,<br/>
-Yet I am stuff’d with moisture. Thou art parch’d,<br/>
-Pains rack thy head, no urging would’st thou need<br/>
-To make thee lap Narcissus’ mirror up.”<br/>
-<br/>
-I was all fix’d to listen, when my guide<br/>
-Admonish’d: “Now beware: a little more,<br/>
-And I do quarrel with thee.” I perceiv’d<br/>
-How angrily he spake, and towards him turn’d<br/>
-With shame so poignant, as remember’d yet<br/>
-Confounds me. As a man that dreams of harm<br/>
-Befall’n him, dreaming wishes it a dream,<br/>
-And that which is, desires as if it were not,<br/>
-Such then was I, who wanting power to speak<br/>
-Wish’d to excuse myself, and all the while<br/>
-Excus’d me, though unweeting that I did.<br/>
-<br/>
-“More grievous fault than thine has been, less shame,”<br/>
-My master cried, “might expiate. Therefore cast<br/>
-All sorrow from thy soul; and if again<br/>
-Chance bring thee, where like conference is held,<br/>
-Think I am ever at thy side. To hear<br/>
+“And a false shape assuming, so perform’d<br>
+The deed of sin; e’en as the other there,<br>
+That onward passes, dar’d to counterfeit<br>
+Donati’s features, to feign’d testament<br>
+The seal affixing, that himself might gain,<br>
+For his own share, the lady of the herd.”<br>
+<br>
+When vanish’d the two furious shades, on whom<br>
+Mine eye was held, I turn’d it back to view<br>
+The other cursed spirits. One I saw<br>
+In fashion like a lute, had but the groin<br>
+Been sever’d, where it meets the forked part.<br>
+Swoln dropsy, disproportioning the limbs<br>
+With ill-converted moisture, that the paunch<br>
+Suits not the visage, open’d wide his lips<br>
+Gasping as in the hectic man for drought,<br>
+One towards the chin, the other upward curl’d.<br>
+<br>
+“O ye, who in this world of misery,<br>
+Wherefore I know not, are exempt from pain,”<br>
+Thus he began, “attentively regard<br>
+Adamo’s woe. When living, full supply<br>
+Ne’er lack’d me of what most I coveted;<br>
+One drop of water now, alas! I crave.<br>
+The rills, that glitter down the grassy slopes<br>
+Of Casentino, making fresh and soft<br>
+The banks whereby they glide to Arno’s stream,<br>
+Stand ever in my view; and not in vain;<br>
+For more the pictur’d semblance dries me up,<br>
+Much more than the disease, which makes the flesh<br>
+Desert these shrivel’d cheeks. So from the place,<br>
+Where I transgress’d, stern justice urging me,<br>
+Takes means to quicken more my lab’ring sighs.<br>
+There is Romena, where I falsified<br>
+The metal with the Baptist’s form imprest,<br>
+For which on earth I left my body burnt.<br>
+But if I here might see the sorrowing soul<br>
+Of Guido, Alessandro, or their brother,<br>
+For Branda’s limpid spring I would not change<br>
+The welcome sight. One is e’en now within,<br>
+If truly the mad spirits tell, that round<br>
+Are wand’ring. But wherein besteads me that?<br>
+My limbs are fetter’d. Were I but so light,<br>
+That I each hundred years might move one inch,<br>
+I had set forth already on this path,<br>
+Seeking him out amidst the shapeless crew,<br>
+Although eleven miles it wind, not more<br>
+Than half of one across. They brought me down<br>
+Among this tribe; induc’d by them I stamp’d<br>
+The florens with three carats of alloy.”<br>
+<br>
+“Who are that abject pair,” I next inquir’d,<br>
+“That closely bounding thee upon thy right<br>
+Lie smoking, like a band in winter steep’d<br>
+In the chill stream?”&mdash;“When to this gulf I dropt,”<br>
+He answer’d, “here I found them; since that hour<br>
+They have not turn’d, nor ever shall, I ween,<br>
+Till time hath run his course. One is that dame<br>
+The false accuser of the Hebrew youth;<br>
+Sinon the other, that false Greek from Troy.<br>
+Sharp fever drains the reeky moistness out,<br>
+In such a cloud upsteam’d.” When that he heard,<br>
+One, gall’d perchance to be so darkly nam’d,<br>
+With clench’d hand smote him on the braced paunch,<br>
+That like a drum resounded: but forthwith<br>
+Adamo smote him on the face, the blow<br>
+Returning with his arm, that seem’d as hard.<br>
+<br>
+“Though my o’erweighty limbs have ta’en from me<br>
+The power to move,” said he, “I have an arm<br>
+At liberty for such employ.” To whom<br>
+Was answer’d: “When thou wentest to the fire,<br>
+Thou hadst it not so ready at command,<br>
+Then readier when it coin’d th’ impostor gold.”<br>
+<br>
+And thus the dropsied: “Ay, now speak’st thou true.<br>
+But there thou gav’st not such true testimony,<br>
+When thou wast question’d of the truth, at Troy.”<br>
+<br>
+“If I spake false, thou falsely stamp’dst the coin,”<br>
+Said Sinon; “I am here but for one fault,<br>
+And thou for more than any imp beside.”<br>
+<br>
+“Remember,” he replied, “O perjur’d one,<br>
+The horse remember, that did teem with death,<br>
+And all the world be witness to thy guilt.”<br>
+<br>
+“To thine,” return’d the Greek, “witness the thirst<br>
+Whence thy tongue cracks, witness the fluid mound,<br>
+Rear’d by thy belly up before thine eyes,<br>
+A mass corrupt.” To whom the coiner thus:<br>
+“Thy mouth gapes wide as ever to let pass<br>
+Its evil saying. Me if thirst assails,<br>
+Yet I am stuff’d with moisture. Thou art parch’d,<br>
+Pains rack thy head, no urging would’st thou need<br>
+To make thee lap Narcissus’ mirror up.”<br>
+<br>
+I was all fix’d to listen, when my guide<br>
+Admonish’d: “Now beware: a little more,<br>
+And I do quarrel with thee.” I perceiv’d<br>
+How angrily he spake, and towards him turn’d<br>
+With shame so poignant, as remember’d yet<br>
+Confounds me. As a man that dreams of harm<br>
+Befall’n him, dreaming wishes it a dream,<br>
+And that which is, desires as if it were not,<br>
+Such then was I, who wanting power to speak<br>
+Wish’d to excuse myself, and all the while<br>
+Excus’d me, though unweeting that I did.<br>
+<br>
+“More grievous fault than thine has been, less shame,”<br>
+My master cried, “might expiate. Therefore cast<br>
+All sorrow from thy soul; and if again<br>
+Chance bring thee, where like conference is held,<br>
+Think I am ever at thy side. To hear<br>
 Such wrangling is a joy for vulgar minds.”
 </p>
 
@@ -5680,350 +5674,350 @@ Such wrangling is a joy for vulgar minds.”
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoI.31"></a>CANTO XXXI</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoI.31"></a>CANTO XXXI</h2>
 
 <p>
-The very tongue, whose keen reproof before<br/>
-Had wounded me, that either cheek was stain’d,<br/>
-Now minister’d my cure. So have I heard,<br/>
-Achilles and his father’s javelin caus’d<br/>
-Pain first, and then the boon of health restor’d.<br/>
-<br/>
-Turning our back upon the vale of woe,<br/>
-W cross’d th’ encircled mound in silence. There<br/>
-Was twilight dim, that far long the gloom<br/>
-Mine eye advanc’d not: but I heard a horn<br/>
-Sounded aloud. The peal it blew had made<br/>
-The thunder feeble. Following its course<br/>
-The adverse way, my strained eyes were bent<br/>
-On that one spot. So terrible a blast<br/>
-Orlando blew not, when that dismal rout<br/>
-O’erthrew the host of Charlemagne, and quench’d<br/>
-His saintly warfare. Thitherward not long<br/>
-My head was rais’d, when many lofty towers<br/>
-Methought I spied. “Master,” said I, “what land<br/>
-Is this?” He answer’d straight: “Too long a space<br/>
-Of intervening darkness has thine eye<br/>
-To traverse: thou hast therefore widely err’d<br/>
-In thy imagining. Thither arriv’d<br/>
-Thou well shalt see, how distance can delude<br/>
-The sense. A little therefore urge thee on.”<br/>
-<br/>
-Then tenderly he caught me by the hand;<br/>
-“Yet know,” said he, “ere farther we advance,<br/>
-That it less strange may seem, these are not towers,<br/>
-But giants. In the pit they stand immers’d,<br/>
-Each from his navel downward, round the bank.”<br/>
-<br/>
-As when a fog disperseth gradually,<br/>
-Our vision traces what the mist involves<br/>
-Condens’d in air; so piercing through the gross<br/>
-And gloomy atmosphere, as more and more<br/>
-We near’d toward the brink, mine error fled,<br/>
-And fear came o’er me. As with circling round<br/>
-Of turrets, Montereggion crowns his walls,<br/>
-E’en thus the shore, encompassing th’ abyss,<br/>
-Was turreted with giants, half their length<br/>
-Uprearing, horrible, whom Jove from heav’n<br/>
-Yet threatens, when his mutt’ring thunder rolls.<br/>
-<br/>
-Of one already I descried the face,<br/>
-Shoulders, and breast, and of the belly huge<br/>
-Great part, and both arms down along his ribs.<br/>
-<br/>
-All-teeming nature, when her plastic hand<br/>
-Left framing of these monsters, did display<br/>
-Past doubt her wisdom, taking from mad War<br/>
-Such slaves to do his bidding; and if she<br/>
-Repent her not of th’ elephant and whale,<br/>
-Who ponders well confesses her therein<br/>
-Wiser and more discreet; for when brute force<br/>
-And evil will are back’d with subtlety,<br/>
-Resistance none avails. His visage seem’d<br/>
-In length and bulk, as doth the pine, that tops<br/>
-Saint Peter’s Roman fane; and th’ other bones<br/>
-Of like proportion, so that from above<br/>
-The bank, which girdled him below, such height<br/>
-Arose his stature, that three Friezelanders<br/>
-Had striv’n in vain to reach but to his hair.<br/>
-Full thirty ample palms was he expos’d<br/>
-Downward from whence a man his garments loops.<br/>
-“Raphel bai ameth sabi almi,”<br/>
-So shouted his fierce lips, which sweeter hymns<br/>
+The very tongue, whose keen reproof before<br>
+Had wounded me, that either cheek was stain’d,<br>
+Now minister’d my cure. So have I heard,<br>
+Achilles and his father’s javelin caus’d<br>
+Pain first, and then the boon of health restor’d.<br>
+<br>
+Turning our back upon the vale of woe,<br>
+W cross’d th’ encircled mound in silence. There<br>
+Was twilight dim, that far long the gloom<br>
+Mine eye advanc’d not: but I heard a horn<br>
+Sounded aloud. The peal it blew had made<br>
+The thunder feeble. Following its course<br>
+The adverse way, my strained eyes were bent<br>
+On that one spot. So terrible a blast<br>
+Orlando blew not, when that dismal rout<br>
+O’erthrew the host of Charlemagne, and quench’d<br>
+His saintly warfare. Thitherward not long<br>
+My head was rais’d, when many lofty towers<br>
+Methought I spied. “Master,” said I, “what land<br>
+Is this?” He answer’d straight: “Too long a space<br>
+Of intervening darkness has thine eye<br>
+To traverse: thou hast therefore widely err’d<br>
+In thy imagining. Thither arriv’d<br>
+Thou well shalt see, how distance can delude<br>
+The sense. A little therefore urge thee on.”<br>
+<br>
+Then tenderly he caught me by the hand;<br>
+“Yet know,” said he, “ere farther we advance,<br>
+That it less strange may seem, these are not towers,<br>
+But giants. In the pit they stand immers’d,<br>
+Each from his navel downward, round the bank.”<br>
+<br>
+As when a fog disperseth gradually,<br>
+Our vision traces what the mist involves<br>
+Condens’d in air; so piercing through the gross<br>
+And gloomy atmosphere, as more and more<br>
+We near’d toward the brink, mine error fled,<br>
+And fear came o’er me. As with circling round<br>
+Of turrets, Montereggion crowns his walls,<br>
+E’en thus the shore, encompassing th’ abyss,<br>
+Was turreted with giants, half their length<br>
+Uprearing, horrible, whom Jove from heav’n<br>
+Yet threatens, when his mutt’ring thunder rolls.<br>
+<br>
+Of one already I descried the face,<br>
+Shoulders, and breast, and of the belly huge<br>
+Great part, and both arms down along his ribs.<br>
+<br>
+All-teeming nature, when her plastic hand<br>
+Left framing of these monsters, did display<br>
+Past doubt her wisdom, taking from mad War<br>
+Such slaves to do his bidding; and if she<br>
+Repent her not of th’ elephant and whale,<br>
+Who ponders well confesses her therein<br>
+Wiser and more discreet; for when brute force<br>
+And evil will are back’d with subtlety,<br>
+Resistance none avails. His visage seem’d<br>
+In length and bulk, as doth the pine, that tops<br>
+Saint Peter’s Roman fane; and th’ other bones<br>
+Of like proportion, so that from above<br>
+The bank, which girdled him below, such height<br>
+Arose his stature, that three Friezelanders<br>
+Had striv’n in vain to reach but to his hair.<br>
+Full thirty ample palms was he expos’d<br>
+Downward from whence a man his garments loops.<br>
+“Raphel bai ameth sabi almi,”<br>
+So shouted his fierce lips, which sweeter hymns<br>
 Became not; and my guide address’d him thus:
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/31-291.jpg">
-<img alt="" width="380" height="600" src="images/31-291.jpg" /></a>
+<img alt="" src="images/31-291.jpg" style="width: 380px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-“O senseless spirit! let thy horn for thee<br/>
-Interpret: therewith vent thy rage, if rage<br/>
-Or other passion wring thee. Search thy neck,<br/>
-There shalt thou find the belt that binds it on.<br/>
-Wild spirit! lo, upon thy mighty breast<br/>
-Where hangs the baldrick!” Then to me he spake:<br/>
-“He doth accuse himself. Nimrod is this,<br/>
-Through whose ill counsel in the world no more<br/>
-One tongue prevails. But pass we on, nor waste<br/>
-Our words; for so each language is to him,<br/>
-As his to others, understood by none.”<br/>
-<br/>
-Then to the leftward turning sped we forth,<br/>
-And at a sling’s throw found another shade<br/>
-Far fiercer and more huge. I cannot say<br/>
-What master hand had girt him; but he held<br/>
-Behind the right arm fetter’d, and before<br/>
-The other with a chain, that fasten’d him<br/>
-From the neck down, and five times round his form<br/>
-Apparent met the wreathed links. “This proud one<br/>
-Would of his strength against almighty Jove<br/>
-Make trial,” said my guide; “whence he is thus<br/>
+“O senseless spirit! let thy horn for thee<br>
+Interpret: therewith vent thy rage, if rage<br>
+Or other passion wring thee. Search thy neck,<br>
+There shalt thou find the belt that binds it on.<br>
+Wild spirit! lo, upon thy mighty breast<br>
+Where hangs the baldrick!” Then to me he spake:<br>
+“He doth accuse himself. Nimrod is this,<br>
+Through whose ill counsel in the world no more<br>
+One tongue prevails. But pass we on, nor waste<br>
+Our words; for so each language is to him,<br>
+As his to others, understood by none.”<br>
+<br>
+Then to the leftward turning sped we forth,<br>
+And at a sling’s throw found another shade<br>
+Far fiercer and more huge. I cannot say<br>
+What master hand had girt him; but he held<br>
+Behind the right arm fetter’d, and before<br>
+The other with a chain, that fasten’d him<br>
+From the neck down, and five times round his form<br>
+Apparent met the wreathed links. “This proud one<br>
+Would of his strength against almighty Jove<br>
+Make trial,” said my guide; “whence he is thus<br>
 Requited: Ephialtes him they call.
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/31-293.jpg">
-<img alt="" width="600" height="495" src="images/31-293.jpg" /></a>
+<img alt="" src="images/31-293.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 495px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-“Great was his prowess, when the giants brought<br/>
-Fear on the gods: those arms, which then he piled,<br/>
-Now moves he never.” Forthwith I return’d:<br/>
-“Fain would I, if ’t were possible, mine eyes<br/>
-Of Briareus immeasurable gain’d<br/>
-Experience next.” He answer’d: “Thou shalt see<br/>
-Not far from hence Antaeus, who both speaks<br/>
-And is unfetter’d, who shall place us there<br/>
-Where guilt is at its depth. Far onward stands<br/>
-Whom thou wouldst fain behold, in chains, and made<br/>
-Like to this spirit, save that in his looks<br/>
-More fell he seems.” By violent earthquake rock’d<br/>
-Ne’er shook a tow’r, so reeling to its base,<br/>
-As Ephialtes. More than ever then<br/>
-I dreaded death, nor than the terror more<br/>
-Had needed, if I had not seen the cords<br/>
-That held him fast. We, straightway journeying on,<br/>
-Came to Antaeus, who five ells complete<br/>
-Without the head, forth issued from the cave.<br/>
-<br/>
-“O thou, who in the fortunate vale, that made<br/>
-Great Scipio heir of glory, when his sword<br/>
-Drove back the troop of Hannibal in flight,<br/>
-Who thence of old didst carry for thy spoil<br/>
-An hundred lions; and if thou hadst fought<br/>
-In the high conflict on thy brethren’s side,<br/>
-Seems as men yet believ’d, that through thine arm<br/>
-The sons of earth had conquer’d, now vouchsafe<br/>
-To place us down beneath, where numbing cold<br/>
-Locks up Cocytus. Force not that we crave<br/>
-Or Tityus’ help or Typhon’s. Here is one<br/>
-Can give what in this realm ye covet. Stoop<br/>
-Therefore, nor scornfully distort thy lip.<br/>
-He in the upper world can yet bestow<br/>
-Renown on thee, for he doth live, and looks<br/>
-For life yet longer, if before the time<br/>
-Grace call him not unto herself.” Thus spake<br/>
-The teacher. He in haste forth stretch’d his hands,<br/>
-And caught my guide. Alcides whilom felt<br/>
-That grapple straighten’d score. Soon as my guide<br/>
-Had felt it, he bespake me thus: “This way<br/>
-That I may clasp thee;” then so caught me up,<br/>
-That we were both one burden. As appears<br/>
-The tower of Carisenda, from beneath<br/>
-Where it doth lean, if chance a passing cloud<br/>
-So sail across, that opposite it hangs,<br/>
-Such then Antaeus seem’d, as at mine ease<br/>
-I mark’d him stooping. I were fain at times<br/>
-T’ have pass’d another way. Yet in th’ abyss,<br/>
-That Lucifer with Judas low ingulfs,<br/>
-lightly he plac’d us; nor there leaning stay’d,<br/>
+“Great was his prowess, when the giants brought<br>
+Fear on the gods: those arms, which then he piled,<br>
+Now moves he never.” Forthwith I return’d:<br>
+“Fain would I, if ’t were possible, mine eyes<br>
+Of Briareus immeasurable gain’d<br>
+Experience next.” He answer’d: “Thou shalt see<br>
+Not far from hence Antaeus, who both speaks<br>
+And is unfetter’d, who shall place us there<br>
+Where guilt is at its depth. Far onward stands<br>
+Whom thou wouldst fain behold, in chains, and made<br>
+Like to this spirit, save that in his looks<br>
+More fell he seems.” By violent earthquake rock’d<br>
+Ne’er shook a tow’r, so reeling to its base,<br>
+As Ephialtes. More than ever then<br>
+I dreaded death, nor than the terror more<br>
+Had needed, if I had not seen the cords<br>
+That held him fast. We, straightway journeying on,<br>
+Came to Antaeus, who five ells complete<br>
+Without the head, forth issued from the cave.<br>
+<br>
+“O thou, who in the fortunate vale, that made<br>
+Great Scipio heir of glory, when his sword<br>
+Drove back the troop of Hannibal in flight,<br>
+Who thence of old didst carry for thy spoil<br>
+An hundred lions; and if thou hadst fought<br>
+In the high conflict on thy brethren’s side,<br>
+Seems as men yet believ’d, that through thine arm<br>
+The sons of earth had conquer’d, now vouchsafe<br>
+To place us down beneath, where numbing cold<br>
+Locks up Cocytus. Force not that we crave<br>
+Or Tityus’ help or Typhon’s. Here is one<br>
+Can give what in this realm ye covet. Stoop<br>
+Therefore, nor scornfully distort thy lip.<br>
+He in the upper world can yet bestow<br>
+Renown on thee, for he doth live, and looks<br>
+For life yet longer, if before the time<br>
+Grace call him not unto herself.” Thus spake<br>
+The teacher. He in haste forth stretch’d his hands,<br>
+And caught my guide. Alcides whilom felt<br>
+That grapple straighten’d score. Soon as my guide<br>
+Had felt it, he bespake me thus: “This way<br>
+That I may clasp thee;” then so caught me up,<br>
+That we were both one burden. As appears<br>
+The tower of Carisenda, from beneath<br>
+Where it doth lean, if chance a passing cloud<br>
+So sail across, that opposite it hangs,<br>
+Such then Antaeus seem’d, as at mine ease<br>
+I mark’d him stooping. I were fain at times<br>
+T’ have pass’d another way. Yet in th’ abyss,<br>
+That Lucifer with Judas low ingulfs,<br>
+lightly he plac’d us; nor there leaning stay’d,<br>
 But rose as in a bark the stately mast.
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/31-297.jpg">
-<img alt="" width="386" height="600" src="images/31-297.jpg" /></a>
+<img alt="" src="images/31-297.jpg" style="width: 386px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 </div><!--end chapter-->
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoI.32"></a>CANTO XXXII</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoI.32"></a>CANTO XXXII</h2>
 
 <p>
-Could I command rough rhimes and hoarse, to suit<br/>
-That hole of sorrow, o’er which ev’ry rock<br/>
-His firm abutment rears, then might the vein<br/>
-Of fancy rise full springing: but not mine<br/>
-Such measures, and with falt’ring awe I touch<br/>
-The mighty theme; for to describe the depth<br/>
-Of all the universe, is no emprize<br/>
-To jest with, and demands a tongue not us’d<br/>
-To infant babbling. But let them assist<br/>
-My song, the tuneful maidens, by whose aid<br/>
-Amphion wall’d in Thebes, so with the truth<br/>
-My speech shall best accord. Oh ill-starr’d folk,<br/>
-Beyond all others wretched! who abide<br/>
-In such a mansion, as scarce thought finds words<br/>
-To speak of, better had ye here on earth<br/>
-Been flocks or mountain goats. As down we stood<br/>
-In the dark pit beneath the giants’ feet,<br/>
-But lower far than they, and I did gaze<br/>
-Still on the lofty battlement, a voice<br/>
-Bespoke me thus: “Look how thou walkest. Take<br/>
-Good heed, thy soles do tread not on the heads<br/>
-Of thy poor brethren.” Thereupon I turn’d,<br/>
-And saw before and underneath my feet<br/>
-A lake, whose frozen surface liker seem’d<br/>
-To glass than water. Not so thick a veil<br/>
-In winter e’er hath Austrian Danube spread<br/>
-O’er his still course, nor Tanais far remote<br/>
-Under the chilling sky. Roll’d o’er that mass<br/>
+Could I command rough rhimes and hoarse, to suit<br>
+That hole of sorrow, o’er which ev’ry rock<br>
+His firm abutment rears, then might the vein<br>
+Of fancy rise full springing: but not mine<br>
+Such measures, and with falt’ring awe I touch<br>
+The mighty theme; for to describe the depth<br>
+Of all the universe, is no emprize<br>
+To jest with, and demands a tongue not us’d<br>
+To infant babbling. But let them assist<br>
+My song, the tuneful maidens, by whose aid<br>
+Amphion wall’d in Thebes, so with the truth<br>
+My speech shall best accord. Oh ill-starr’d folk,<br>
+Beyond all others wretched! who abide<br>
+In such a mansion, as scarce thought finds words<br>
+To speak of, better had ye here on earth<br>
+Been flocks or mountain goats. As down we stood<br>
+In the dark pit beneath the giants’ feet,<br>
+But lower far than they, and I did gaze<br>
+Still on the lofty battlement, a voice<br>
+Bespoke me thus: “Look how thou walkest. Take<br>
+Good heed, thy soles do tread not on the heads<br>
+Of thy poor brethren.” Thereupon I turn’d,<br>
+And saw before and underneath my feet<br>
+A lake, whose frozen surface liker seem’d<br>
+To glass than water. Not so thick a veil<br>
+In winter e’er hath Austrian Danube spread<br>
+O’er his still course, nor Tanais far remote<br>
+Under the chilling sky. Roll’d o’er that mass<br>
 Had Tabernich or Pietrapana fall’n,
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/32-301.jpg">
-<img alt="" width="600" height="505" src="images/32-301.jpg" /></a>
+<img alt="" src="images/32-301.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 505px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-Not e’en its rim had creak’d. As peeps the frog<br/>
-Croaking above the wave, what time in dreams<br/>
-The village gleaner oft pursues her toil,<br/>
-So, to where modest shame appears, thus low<br/>
-Blue pinch’d and shrin’d in ice the spirits stood,<br/>
-Moving their teeth in shrill note like the stork.<br/>
-His face each downward held; their mouth the cold,<br/>
-Their eyes express’d the dolour of their heart.<br/>
-<br/>
-A space I look’d around, then at my feet<br/>
-Saw two so strictly join’d, that of their head<br/>
-The very hairs were mingled. “Tell me ye,<br/>
-Whose bosoms thus together press,” said I,<br/>
-“Who are ye?” At that sound their necks they bent,<br/>
-And when their looks were lifted up to me,<br/>
-Straightway their eyes, before all moist within,<br/>
-Distill’d upon their lips, and the frost bound<br/>
-The tears betwixt those orbs and held them there.<br/>
-Plank unto plank hath never cramp clos’d up<br/>
-So stoutly. Whence like two enraged goats<br/>
-They clash’d together; them such fury seiz’d.<br/>
-<br/>
-And one, from whom the cold both ears had reft,<br/>
-Exclaim’d, still looking downward: “Why on us<br/>
-Dost speculate so long? If thou wouldst know<br/>
-Who are these two, the valley, whence his wave<br/>
-Bisenzio slopes, did for its master own<br/>
-Their sire Alberto, and next him themselves.<br/>
-They from one body issued; and throughout<br/>
-Caina thou mayst search, nor find a shade<br/>
-More worthy in congealment to be fix’d,<br/>
-Not him, whose breast and shadow Arthur’s land<br/>
-At that one blow dissever’d, not Focaccia,<br/>
-No not this spirit, whose o’erjutting head<br/>
-Obstructs my onward view: he bore the name<br/>
-Of Mascheroni: Tuscan if thou be,<br/>
-Well knowest who he was: and to cut short<br/>
-All further question, in my form behold<br/>
-What once was Camiccione. I await<br/>
-Carlino here my kinsman, whose deep guilt<br/>
-Shall wash out mine.” A thousand visages<br/>
-Then mark’d I, which the keen and eager cold<br/>
-Had shap’d into a doggish grin; whence creeps<br/>
-A shiv’ring horror o’er me, at the thought<br/>
-Of those frore shallows. While we journey’d on<br/>
-Toward the middle, at whose point unites<br/>
-All heavy substance, and I trembling went<br/>
-Through that eternal chillness, I know not<br/>
-If will it were or destiny, or chance,<br/>
-But, passing ’midst the heads, my foot did strike<br/>
-With violent blow against the face of one.<br/>
-<br/>
-“Wherefore dost bruise me?” weeping, he exclaim’d,<br/>
-“Unless thy errand be some fresh revenge<br/>
-For Montaperto, wherefore troublest me?”<br/>
-<br/>
-I thus: “Instructor, now await me here,<br/>
-That I through him may rid me of my doubt.<br/>
-Thenceforth what haste thou wilt.” The teacher paus’d,<br/>
-And to that shade I spake, who bitterly<br/>
-Still curs’d me in his wrath. “What art thou, speak,<br/>
-That railest thus on others?” He replied:<br/>
-“Now who art thou, that smiting others’ cheeks<br/>
-Through Antenora roamest, with such force<br/>
-As were past suff’rance, wert thou living still?”<br/>
-<br/>
-“And I am living, to thy joy perchance,”<br/>
-Was my reply, “if fame be dear to thee,<br/>
-That with the rest I may thy name enrol.”<br/>
-<br/>
-“The contrary of what I covet most,”<br/>
-Said he, “thou tender’st: hence; nor vex me more.<br/>
+Not e’en its rim had creak’d. As peeps the frog<br>
+Croaking above the wave, what time in dreams<br>
+The village gleaner oft pursues her toil,<br>
+So, to where modest shame appears, thus low<br>
+Blue pinch’d and shrin’d in ice the spirits stood,<br>
+Moving their teeth in shrill note like the stork.<br>
+His face each downward held; their mouth the cold,<br>
+Their eyes express’d the dolour of their heart.<br>
+<br>
+A space I look’d around, then at my feet<br>
+Saw two so strictly join’d, that of their head<br>
+The very hairs were mingled. “Tell me ye,<br>
+Whose bosoms thus together press,” said I,<br>
+“Who are ye?” At that sound their necks they bent,<br>
+And when their looks were lifted up to me,<br>
+Straightway their eyes, before all moist within,<br>
+Distill’d upon their lips, and the frost bound<br>
+The tears betwixt those orbs and held them there.<br>
+Plank unto plank hath never cramp clos’d up<br>
+So stoutly. Whence like two enraged goats<br>
+They clash’d together; them such fury seiz’d.<br>
+<br>
+And one, from whom the cold both ears had reft,<br>
+Exclaim’d, still looking downward: “Why on us<br>
+Dost speculate so long? If thou wouldst know<br>
+Who are these two, the valley, whence his wave<br>
+Bisenzio slopes, did for its master own<br>
+Their sire Alberto, and next him themselves.<br>
+They from one body issued; and throughout<br>
+Caina thou mayst search, nor find a shade<br>
+More worthy in congealment to be fix’d,<br>
+Not him, whose breast and shadow Arthur’s land<br>
+At that one blow dissever’d, not Focaccia,<br>
+No not this spirit, whose o’erjutting head<br>
+Obstructs my onward view: he bore the name<br>
+Of Mascheroni: Tuscan if thou be,<br>
+Well knowest who he was: and to cut short<br>
+All further question, in my form behold<br>
+What once was Camiccione. I await<br>
+Carlino here my kinsman, whose deep guilt<br>
+Shall wash out mine.” A thousand visages<br>
+Then mark’d I, which the keen and eager cold<br>
+Had shap’d into a doggish grin; whence creeps<br>
+A shiv’ring horror o’er me, at the thought<br>
+Of those frore shallows. While we journey’d on<br>
+Toward the middle, at whose point unites<br>
+All heavy substance, and I trembling went<br>
+Through that eternal chillness, I know not<br>
+If will it were or destiny, or chance,<br>
+But, passing ’midst the heads, my foot did strike<br>
+With violent blow against the face of one.<br>
+<br>
+“Wherefore dost bruise me?” weeping, he exclaim’d,<br>
+“Unless thy errand be some fresh revenge<br>
+For Montaperto, wherefore troublest me?”<br>
+<br>
+I thus: “Instructor, now await me here,<br>
+That I through him may rid me of my doubt.<br>
+Thenceforth what haste thou wilt.” The teacher paus’d,<br>
+And to that shade I spake, who bitterly<br>
+Still curs’d me in his wrath. “What art thou, speak,<br>
+That railest thus on others?” He replied:<br>
+“Now who art thou, that smiting others’ cheeks<br>
+Through Antenora roamest, with such force<br>
+As were past suff’rance, wert thou living still?”<br>
+<br>
+“And I am living, to thy joy perchance,”<br>
+Was my reply, “if fame be dear to thee,<br>
+That with the rest I may thy name enrol.”<br>
+<br>
+“The contrary of what I covet most,”<br>
+Said he, “thou tender’st: hence; nor vex me more.<br>
 Ill knowest thou to flatter in this vale.”
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/32-305.jpg">
-<img alt="" width="600" height="498" src="images/32-305.jpg" /></a>
+<img alt="" src="images/32-305.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 498px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-Then seizing on his hinder scalp, I cried:<br/>
-“Name thee, or not a hair shall tarry here.”<br/>
-<br/>
-“Rend all away,” he answer’d, “yet for that<br/>
-I will not tell nor show thee who I am,<br/>
-Though at my head thou pluck a thousand times.”<br/>
-<br/>
-Now I had grasp’d his tresses, and stript off<br/>
-More than one tuft, he barking, with his eyes<br/>
-Drawn in and downward, when another cried,<br/>
-“What ails thee, Bocca? Sound not loud enough<br/>
-Thy chatt’ring teeth, but thou must bark outright?<br/>
-“What devil wrings thee?”&mdash;“Now,” said I, “be dumb,<br/>
-Accursed traitor! to thy shame of thee<br/>
-True tidings will I bear.”&mdash;“Off,” he replied,<br/>
-“Tell what thou list; but as thou escape from hence<br/>
-To speak of him whose tongue hath been so glib,<br/>
-Forget not: here he wails the Frenchman’s gold.<br/>
-‘Him of Duera,’ thou canst say, ‘I mark’d,<br/>
-Where the starv’d sinners pine.’ If thou be ask’d<br/>
-What other shade was with them, at thy side<br/>
-Is Beccaria, whose red gorge distain’d<br/>
-The biting axe of Florence. Farther on,<br/>
-If I misdeem not, Soldanieri bides,<br/>
-With Ganellon, and Tribaldello, him<br/>
-Who op’d Faenza when the people slept.”<br/>
-<br/>
-We now had left him, passing on our way,<br/>
-When I beheld two spirits by the ice<br/>
-Pent in one hollow, that the head of one<br/>
-Was cowl unto the other; and as bread<br/>
-Is raven’d up through hunger, th’ uppermost<br/>
-Did so apply his fangs to th’ other’s brain,<br/>
-Where the spine joins it. Not more furiously<br/>
-On Menalippus’ temples Tydeus gnaw’d,<br/>
+Then seizing on his hinder scalp, I cried:<br>
+“Name thee, or not a hair shall tarry here.”<br>
+<br>
+“Rend all away,” he answer’d, “yet for that<br>
+I will not tell nor show thee who I am,<br>
+Though at my head thou pluck a thousand times.”<br>
+<br>
+Now I had grasp’d his tresses, and stript off<br>
+More than one tuft, he barking, with his eyes<br>
+Drawn in and downward, when another cried,<br>
+“What ails thee, Bocca? Sound not loud enough<br>
+Thy chatt’ring teeth, but thou must bark outright?<br>
+“What devil wrings thee?”&mdash;“Now,” said I, “be dumb,<br>
+Accursed traitor! to thy shame of thee<br>
+True tidings will I bear.”&mdash;“Off,” he replied,<br>
+“Tell what thou list; but as thou escape from hence<br>
+To speak of him whose tongue hath been so glib,<br>
+Forget not: here he wails the Frenchman’s gold.<br>
+‘Him of Duera,’ thou canst say, ‘I mark’d,<br>
+Where the starv’d sinners pine.’ If thou be ask’d<br>
+What other shade was with them, at thy side<br>
+Is Beccaria, whose red gorge distain’d<br>
+The biting axe of Florence. Farther on,<br>
+If I misdeem not, Soldanieri bides,<br>
+With Ganellon, and Tribaldello, him<br>
+Who op’d Faenza when the people slept.”<br>
+<br>
+We now had left him, passing on our way,<br>
+When I beheld two spirits by the ice<br>
+Pent in one hollow, that the head of one<br>
+Was cowl unto the other; and as bread<br>
+Is raven’d up through hunger, th’ uppermost<br>
+Did so apply his fangs to th’ other’s brain,<br>
+Where the spine joins it. Not more furiously<br>
+On Menalippus’ temples Tydeus gnaw’d,<br>
 Than on that skull and on its garbage he.
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/32-309.jpg">
-<img alt="" width="600" height="502" src="images/32-309.jpg" /></a>
+<img alt="" src="images/32-309.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 502px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-“O thou who show’st so beastly sign of hate<br/>
-’Gainst him thou prey’st on, let me hear,” said I<br/>
-“The cause, on such condition, that if right<br/>
-Warrant thy grievance, knowing who ye are,<br/>
-And what the colour of his sinning was,<br/>
-I may repay thee in the world above,<br/>
+“O thou who show’st so beastly sign of hate<br>
+’Gainst him thou prey’st on, let me hear,” said I<br>
+“The cause, on such condition, that if right<br>
+Warrant thy grievance, knowing who ye are,<br>
+And what the colour of his sinning was,<br>
+I may repay thee in the world above,<br>
 If that wherewith I speak be moist so long.”
 </p>
 
@@ -6031,194 +6025,194 @@ If that wherewith I speak be moist so long.”
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoI.33"></a>CANTO XXXIII</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoI.33"></a>CANTO XXXIII</h2>
 
 <p>
-His jaws uplifting from their fell repast,<br/>
-That sinner wip’d them on the hairs o’ th’ head,<br/>
-Which he behind had mangled, then began:<br/>
-“Thy will obeying, I call up afresh<br/>
-Sorrow past cure, which but to think of wrings<br/>
-My heart, or ere I tell on’t. But if words,<br/>
-That I may utter, shall prove seed to bear<br/>
-Fruit of eternal infamy to him,<br/>
-The traitor whom I gnaw at, thou at once<br/>
-Shalt see me speak and weep. Who thou mayst be<br/>
-I know not, nor how here below art come:<br/>
-But Florentine thou seemest of a truth,<br/>
-When I do hear thee. Know I was on earth<br/>
-Count Ugolino, and th’ Archbishop he<br/>
-Ruggieri. Why I neighbour him so close,<br/>
-Now list. That through effect of his ill thoughts<br/>
-In him my trust reposing, I was ta’en<br/>
-And after murder’d, need is not I tell.<br/>
-What therefore thou canst not have heard, that is,<br/>
-How cruel was the murder, shalt thou hear,<br/>
-And know if he have wrong’d me. A small grate<br/>
-Within that mew, which for my sake the name<br/>
-Of famine bears, where others yet must pine,<br/>
-Already through its opening sev’ral moons<br/>
-Had shown me, when I slept the evil sleep,<br/>
-That from the future tore the curtain off.<br/>
-This one, methought, as master of the sport,<br/>
-Rode forth to chase the gaunt wolf and his whelps<br/>
-Unto the mountain, which forbids the sight<br/>
-Of Lucca to the Pisan. With lean brachs<br/>
-Inquisitive and keen, before him rang’d<br/>
-Lanfranchi with Sismondi and Gualandi.<br/>
-After short course the father and the sons<br/>
-Seem’d tir’d and lagging, and methought I saw<br/>
-The sharp tusks gore their sides. When I awoke<br/>
-Before the dawn, amid their sleep I heard<br/>
-My sons (for they were with me) weep and ask<br/>
-For bread. Right cruel art thou, if no pang<br/>
-Thou feel at thinking what my heart foretold;<br/>
-And if not now, why use thy tears to flow?<br/>
-Now had they waken’d; and the hour drew near<br/>
-When they were wont to bring us food; the mind<br/>
-Of each misgave him through his dream, and I<br/>
-Heard, at its outlet underneath lock’d up<br/>
-The horrible tower: whence uttering not a word<br/>
-I look’d upon the visage of my sons.<br/>
-I wept not: so all stone I felt within.<br/>
-They wept: and one, my little Anslem, cried:<br/>
-‘Thou lookest so! Father what ails thee?’ Yet<br/>
-I shed no tear, nor answer’d all that day<br/>
-Nor the next night, until another sun<br/>
-Came out upon the world. When a faint beam<br/>
-Had to our doleful prison made its way,<br/>
-And in four countenances I descry’d<br/>
-The image of my own, on either hand<br/>
-Through agony I bit, and they who thought<br/>
-I did it through desire of feeding, rose<br/>
-O’ th’ sudden, and cried, ‘Father, we should grieve<br/>
-Far less, if thou wouldst eat of us: thou gav’st<br/>
+His jaws uplifting from their fell repast,<br>
+That sinner wip’d them on the hairs o’ th’ head,<br>
+Which he behind had mangled, then began:<br>
+“Thy will obeying, I call up afresh<br>
+Sorrow past cure, which but to think of wrings<br>
+My heart, or ere I tell on’t. But if words,<br>
+That I may utter, shall prove seed to bear<br>
+Fruit of eternal infamy to him,<br>
+The traitor whom I gnaw at, thou at once<br>
+Shalt see me speak and weep. Who thou mayst be<br>
+I know not, nor how here below art come:<br>
+But Florentine thou seemest of a truth,<br>
+When I do hear thee. Know I was on earth<br>
+Count Ugolino, and th’ Archbishop he<br>
+Ruggieri. Why I neighbour him so close,<br>
+Now list. That through effect of his ill thoughts<br>
+In him my trust reposing, I was ta’en<br>
+And after murder’d, need is not I tell.<br>
+What therefore thou canst not have heard, that is,<br>
+How cruel was the murder, shalt thou hear,<br>
+And know if he have wrong’d me. A small grate<br>
+Within that mew, which for my sake the name<br>
+Of famine bears, where others yet must pine,<br>
+Already through its opening sev’ral moons<br>
+Had shown me, when I slept the evil sleep,<br>
+That from the future tore the curtain off.<br>
+This one, methought, as master of the sport,<br>
+Rode forth to chase the gaunt wolf and his whelps<br>
+Unto the mountain, which forbids the sight<br>
+Of Lucca to the Pisan. With lean brachs<br>
+Inquisitive and keen, before him rang’d<br>
+Lanfranchi with Sismondi and Gualandi.<br>
+After short course the father and the sons<br>
+Seem’d tir’d and lagging, and methought I saw<br>
+The sharp tusks gore their sides. When I awoke<br>
+Before the dawn, amid their sleep I heard<br>
+My sons (for they were with me) weep and ask<br>
+For bread. Right cruel art thou, if no pang<br>
+Thou feel at thinking what my heart foretold;<br>
+And if not now, why use thy tears to flow?<br>
+Now had they waken’d; and the hour drew near<br>
+When they were wont to bring us food; the mind<br>
+Of each misgave him through his dream, and I<br>
+Heard, at its outlet underneath lock’d up<br>
+The horrible tower: whence uttering not a word<br>
+I look’d upon the visage of my sons.<br>
+I wept not: so all stone I felt within.<br>
+They wept: and one, my little Anslem, cried:<br>
+‘Thou lookest so! Father what ails thee?’ Yet<br>
+I shed no tear, nor answer’d all that day<br>
+Nor the next night, until another sun<br>
+Came out upon the world. When a faint beam<br>
+Had to our doleful prison made its way,<br>
+And in four countenances I descry’d<br>
+The image of my own, on either hand<br>
+Through agony I bit, and they who thought<br>
+I did it through desire of feeding, rose<br>
+O’ th’ sudden, and cried, ‘Father, we should grieve<br>
+Far less, if thou wouldst eat of us: thou gav’st<br>
 These weeds of miserable flesh we wear,
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/33-313.jpg">
-<img alt="" width="600" height="498" src="images/33-313.jpg" /></a>
+<img alt="" src="images/33-313.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 498px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-And do thou strip them off from us again.’<br/>
-Then, not to make them sadder, I kept down<br/>
-My spirit in stillness. That day and the next<br/>
-We all were silent. Ah, obdurate earth!<br/>
-Why open’dst not upon us? When we came<br/>
-To the fourth day, then Geddo at my feet<br/>
-Outstretch’d did fling him, crying, ‘Hast no help<br/>
-For me, my father!’ There he died, and e’en<br/>
-Plainly as thou seest me, saw I the three<br/>
+And do thou strip them off from us again.’<br>
+Then, not to make them sadder, I kept down<br>
+My spirit in stillness. That day and the next<br>
+We all were silent. Ah, obdurate earth!<br>
+Why open’dst not upon us? When we came<br>
+To the fourth day, then Geddo at my feet<br>
+Outstretch’d did fling him, crying, ‘Hast no help<br>
+For me, my father!’ There he died, and e’en<br>
+Plainly as thou seest me, saw I the three<br>
 Fall one by one ’twixt the fifth day and sixth:
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/33-315.jpg">
-<img alt="" width="600" height="493" src="images/33-315.jpg" /></a>
+<img alt="" src="images/33-315.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 493px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-Whence I betook me now grown blind to grope<br/>
-Over them all, and for three days aloud<br/>
-Call’d on them who were dead. Then fasting got<br/>
+Whence I betook me now grown blind to grope<br>
+Over them all, and for three days aloud<br>
+Call’d on them who were dead. Then fasting got<br>
 The mastery of grief.” Thus having spoke,
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/33-317.jpg">
-<img alt="" width="600" height="490" src="images/33-317.jpg" /></a>
+<img alt="" src="images/33-317.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 490px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-Once more upon the wretched skull his teeth<br/>
-He fasten’d, like a mastiff’s ’gainst the bone<br/>
-Firm and unyielding. Oh thou Pisa! shame<br/>
-Of all the people, who their dwelling make<br/>
-In that fair region, where th’ Italian voice<br/>
-Is heard, since that thy neighbours are so slack<br/>
-To punish, from their deep foundations rise<br/>
-Capraia and Gorgona, and dam up<br/>
-The mouth of Arno, that each soul in thee<br/>
-May perish in the waters! What if fame<br/>
-Reported that thy castles were betray’d<br/>
-By Ugolino, yet no right hadst thou<br/>
-To stretch his children on the rack. For them,<br/>
-Brigata, Ugaccione, and the pair<br/>
-Of gentle ones, of whom my song hath told,<br/>
-Their tender years, thou modern Thebes! did make<br/>
-Uncapable of guilt. Onward we pass’d,<br/>
-Where others skarf’d in rugged folds of ice<br/>
-Not on their feet were turn’d, but each revers’d.<br/>
-<br/>
-There very weeping suffers not to weep;<br/>
-For at their eyes grief seeking passage finds<br/>
-Impediment, and rolling inward turns<br/>
-For increase of sharp anguish: the first tears<br/>
-Hang cluster’d, and like crystal vizors show,<br/>
-Under the socket brimming all the cup.<br/>
-<br/>
-Now though the cold had from my face dislodg’d<br/>
-Each feeling, as ’t were callous, yet me seem’d<br/>
-Some breath of wind I felt. “Whence cometh this,”<br/>
-Said I, “my master? Is not here below<br/>
-All vapour quench’d?”&mdash;“‘Thou shalt be speedily,”<br/>
-He answer’d, “where thine eye shall tell thee whence<br/>
-The cause descrying of this airy shower.”<br/>
-<br/>
-Then cried out one in the chill crust who mourn’d:<br/>
-“O souls so cruel! that the farthest post<br/>
-Hath been assign’d you, from this face remove<br/>
-The harden’d veil, that I may vent the grief<br/>
-Impregnate at my heart, some little space<br/>
-Ere it congeal again!” I thus replied:<br/>
-“Say who thou wast, if thou wouldst have mine aid;<br/>
-And if I extricate thee not, far down<br/>
-As to the lowest ice may I descend!”<br/>
-<br/>
-“The friar Alberigo,” answered he,<br/>
-“Am I, who from the evil garden pluck’d<br/>
-Its fruitage, and am here repaid, the date<br/>
-More luscious for my fig.”&mdash;“Hah!” I exclaim’d,<br/>
-“Art thou too dead!”&mdash;“How in the world aloft<br/>
-It fareth with my body,” answer’d he,<br/>
-“I am right ignorant. Such privilege<br/>
-Hath Ptolomea, that ofttimes the soul<br/>
-Drops hither, ere by Atropos divorc’d.<br/>
-And that thou mayst wipe out more willingly<br/>
-The glazed tear-drops that o’erlay mine eyes,<br/>
-Know that the soul, that moment she betrays,<br/>
-As I did, yields her body to a fiend<br/>
-Who after moves and governs it at will,<br/>
-Till all its time be rounded; headlong she<br/>
-Falls to this cistern. And perchance above<br/>
-Doth yet appear the body of a ghost,<br/>
-Who here behind me winters. Him thou know’st,<br/>
-If thou but newly art arriv’d below.<br/>
-The years are many that have pass’d away,<br/>
-Since to this fastness Branca Doria came.”<br/>
-<br/>
-“Now,” answer’d I, “methinks thou mockest me,<br/>
-For Branca Doria never yet hath died,<br/>
-But doth all natural functions of a man,<br/>
-Eats, drinks, and sleeps, and putteth raiment on.”<br/>
-<br/>
-He thus: “Not yet unto that upper foss<br/>
-By th’ evil talons guarded, where the pitch<br/>
-Tenacious boils, had Michael Zanche reach’d,<br/>
-When this one left a demon in his stead<br/>
-In his own body, and of one his kin,<br/>
-Who with him treachery wrought. But now put forth<br/>
-Thy hand, and ope mine eyes.” I op’d them not.<br/>
-Ill manners were best courtesy to him.<br/>
-<br/>
-Ah Genoese! men perverse in every way,<br/>
-With every foulness stain’d, why from the earth<br/>
-Are ye not cancel’d? Such an one of yours<br/>
-I with Romagna’s darkest spirit found,<br/>
-As for his doings even now in soul<br/>
-Is in Cocytus plung’d, and yet doth seem<br/>
+Once more upon the wretched skull his teeth<br>
+He fasten’d, like a mastiff’s ’gainst the bone<br>
+Firm and unyielding. Oh thou Pisa! shame<br>
+Of all the people, who their dwelling make<br>
+In that fair region, where th’ Italian voice<br>
+Is heard, since that thy neighbours are so slack<br>
+To punish, from their deep foundations rise<br>
+Capraia and Gorgona, and dam up<br>
+The mouth of Arno, that each soul in thee<br>
+May perish in the waters! What if fame<br>
+Reported that thy castles were betray’d<br>
+By Ugolino, yet no right hadst thou<br>
+To stretch his children on the rack. For them,<br>
+Brigata, Ugaccione, and the pair<br>
+Of gentle ones, of whom my song hath told,<br>
+Their tender years, thou modern Thebes! did make<br>
+Uncapable of guilt. Onward we pass’d,<br>
+Where others skarf’d in rugged folds of ice<br>
+Not on their feet were turn’d, but each revers’d.<br>
+<br>
+There very weeping suffers not to weep;<br>
+For at their eyes grief seeking passage finds<br>
+Impediment, and rolling inward turns<br>
+For increase of sharp anguish: the first tears<br>
+Hang cluster’d, and like crystal vizors show,<br>
+Under the socket brimming all the cup.<br>
+<br>
+Now though the cold had from my face dislodg’d<br>
+Each feeling, as ’t were callous, yet me seem’d<br>
+Some breath of wind I felt. “Whence cometh this,”<br>
+Said I, “my master? Is not here below<br>
+All vapour quench’d?”&mdash;“‘Thou shalt be speedily,”<br>
+He answer’d, “where thine eye shall tell thee whence<br>
+The cause descrying of this airy shower.”<br>
+<br>
+Then cried out one in the chill crust who mourn’d:<br>
+“O souls so cruel! that the farthest post<br>
+Hath been assign’d you, from this face remove<br>
+The harden’d veil, that I may vent the grief<br>
+Impregnate at my heart, some little space<br>
+Ere it congeal again!” I thus replied:<br>
+“Say who thou wast, if thou wouldst have mine aid;<br>
+And if I extricate thee not, far down<br>
+As to the lowest ice may I descend!”<br>
+<br>
+“The friar Alberigo,” answered he,<br>
+“Am I, who from the evil garden pluck’d<br>
+Its fruitage, and am here repaid, the date<br>
+More luscious for my fig.”&mdash;“Hah!” I exclaim’d,<br>
+“Art thou too dead!”&mdash;“How in the world aloft<br>
+It fareth with my body,” answer’d he,<br>
+“I am right ignorant. Such privilege<br>
+Hath Ptolomea, that ofttimes the soul<br>
+Drops hither, ere by Atropos divorc’d.<br>
+And that thou mayst wipe out more willingly<br>
+The glazed tear-drops that o’erlay mine eyes,<br>
+Know that the soul, that moment she betrays,<br>
+As I did, yields her body to a fiend<br>
+Who after moves and governs it at will,<br>
+Till all its time be rounded; headlong she<br>
+Falls to this cistern. And perchance above<br>
+Doth yet appear the body of a ghost,<br>
+Who here behind me winters. Him thou know’st,<br>
+If thou but newly art arriv’d below.<br>
+The years are many that have pass’d away,<br>
+Since to this fastness Branca Doria came.”<br>
+<br>
+“Now,” answer’d I, “methinks thou mockest me,<br>
+For Branca Doria never yet hath died,<br>
+But doth all natural functions of a man,<br>
+Eats, drinks, and sleeps, and putteth raiment on.”<br>
+<br>
+He thus: “Not yet unto that upper foss<br>
+By th’ evil talons guarded, where the pitch<br>
+Tenacious boils, had Michael Zanche reach’d,<br>
+When this one left a demon in his stead<br>
+In his own body, and of one his kin,<br>
+Who with him treachery wrought. But now put forth<br>
+Thy hand, and ope mine eyes.” I op’d them not.<br>
+Ill manners were best courtesy to him.<br>
+<br>
+Ah Genoese! men perverse in every way,<br>
+With every foulness stain’d, why from the earth<br>
+Are ye not cancel’d? Such an one of yours<br>
+I with Romagna’s darkest spirit found,<br>
+As for his doings even now in soul<br>
+Is in Cocytus plung’d, and yet doth seem<br>
 In body still alive upon the earth.
 </p>
 
@@ -6226,344 +6220,344 @@ In body still alive upon the earth.
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoI.34"></a>CANTO XXXIV</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoI.34"></a>CANTO XXXIV</h2>
 
 <p>
-“The banners of Hell’s Monarch do come forth<br/>
-Towards us; therefore look,” so spake my guide,<br/>
-“If thou discern him.” As, when breathes a cloud<br/>
-Heavy and dense, or when the shades of night<br/>
-Fall on our hemisphere, seems view’d from far<br/>
-A windmill, which the blast stirs briskly round,<br/>
-Such was the fabric then methought I saw,<br/>
-<br/>
-To shield me from the wind, forthwith I drew<br/>
-Behind my guide: no covert else was there.<br/>
-<br/>
-Now came I (and with fear I bid my strain<br/>
-Record the marvel) where the souls were all<br/>
-Whelm’d underneath, transparent, as through glass<br/>
-Pellucid the frail stem. Some prone were laid,<br/>
-Others stood upright, this upon the soles,<br/>
-That on his head, a third with face to feet<br/>
-Arch’d like a bow. When to the point we came,<br/>
-Whereat my guide was pleas’d that I should see<br/>
-The creature eminent in beauty once,<br/>
+“The banners of Hell’s Monarch do come forth<br>
+Towards us; therefore look,” so spake my guide,<br>
+“If thou discern him.” As, when breathes a cloud<br>
+Heavy and dense, or when the shades of night<br>
+Fall on our hemisphere, seems view’d from far<br>
+A windmill, which the blast stirs briskly round,<br>
+Such was the fabric then methought I saw,<br>
+<br>
+To shield me from the wind, forthwith I drew<br>
+Behind my guide: no covert else was there.<br>
+<br>
+Now came I (and with fear I bid my strain<br>
+Record the marvel) where the souls were all<br>
+Whelm’d underneath, transparent, as through glass<br>
+Pellucid the frail stem. Some prone were laid,<br>
+Others stood upright, this upon the soles,<br>
+That on his head, a third with face to feet<br>
+Arch’d like a bow. When to the point we came,<br>
+Whereat my guide was pleas’d that I should see<br>
+The creature eminent in beauty once,<br>
 He from before me stepp’d and made me pause.
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/34-323.jpg">
-<img alt="" width="600" height="495" src="images/34-323.jpg" /></a>
+<img alt="" src="images/34-323.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 495px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-“Lo!” he exclaim’d, “lo Dis! and lo the place,<br/>
-Where thou hast need to arm thy heart with strength.”<br/>
-<br/>
-How frozen and how faint I then became,<br/>
-Ask me not, reader! for I write it not,<br/>
-Since words would fail to tell thee of my state.<br/>
-I was not dead nor living. Think thyself<br/>
-If quick conception work in thee at all,<br/>
-How I did feel. That emperor, who sways<br/>
-The realm of sorrow, at mid breast from th’ ice<br/>
-Stood forth; and I in stature am more like<br/>
-A giant, than the giants are in his arms.<br/>
-Mark now how great that whole must be, which suits<br/>
-With such a part. If he were beautiful<br/>
-As he is hideous now, and yet did dare<br/>
-To scowl upon his Maker, well from him<br/>
-May all our mis’ry flow. Oh what a sight!<br/>
-How passing strange it seem’d, when I did spy<br/>
-Upon his head three faces: one in front<br/>
-Of hue vermilion, th’ other two with this<br/>
-Midway each shoulder join’d and at the crest;<br/>
-The right ’twixt wan and yellow seem’d: the left<br/>
-To look on, such as come from whence old Nile<br/>
-Stoops to the lowlands. Under each shot forth<br/>
-Two mighty wings, enormous as became<br/>
-A bird so vast. Sails never such I saw<br/>
-Outstretch’d on the wide sea. No plumes had they,<br/>
-But were in texture like a bat, and these<br/>
-He flapp’d i’ th’ air, that from him issued still<br/>
-Three winds, wherewith Cocytus to its depth<br/>
-Was frozen. At six eyes he wept: the tears<br/>
-Adown three chins distill’d with bloody foam.<br/>
-At every mouth his teeth a sinner champ’d<br/>
-Bruis’d as with pond’rous engine, so that three<br/>
-Were in this guise tormented. But far more<br/>
-Than from that gnawing, was the foremost pang’d<br/>
-By the fierce rending, whence ofttimes the back<br/>
-Was stript of all its skin. “That upper spirit,<br/>
-Who hath worse punishment,” so spake my guide,<br/>
-“Is Judas, he that hath his head within<br/>
-And plies the feet without. Of th’ other two,<br/>
-Whose heads are under, from the murky jaw<br/>
-Who hangs, is Brutus: lo! how he doth writhe<br/>
-And speaks not! Th’ other Cassius, that appears<br/>
-So large of limb. But night now re-ascends,<br/>
-And it is time for parting. All is seen.”<br/>
-<br/>
-I clipp’d him round the neck, for so he bade;<br/>
-And noting time and place, he, when the wings<br/>
-Enough were op’d, caught fast the shaggy sides,<br/>
-And down from pile to pile descending stepp’d<br/>
-Between the thick fell and the jagged ice.<br/>
-<br/>
-Soon as he reach’d the point, whereat the thigh<br/>
-Upon the swelling of the haunches turns,<br/>
-My leader there with pain and struggling hard<br/>
-Turn’d round his head, where his feet stood before,<br/>
-And grappled at the fell, as one who mounts,<br/>
-That into hell methought we turn’d again.<br/>
-<br/>
-“Expect that by such stairs as these,” thus spake<br/>
-The teacher, panting like a man forespent,<br/>
-“We must depart from evil so extreme.”<br/>
-Then at a rocky opening issued forth,<br/>
-And plac’d me on a brink to sit, next join’d<br/>
-With wary step my side. I rais’d mine eyes,<br/>
-Believing that I Lucifer should see<br/>
-Where he was lately left, but saw him now<br/>
-With legs held upward. Let the grosser sort,<br/>
-Who see not what the point was I had pass’d,<br/>
-Bethink them if sore toil oppress’d me then.<br/>
-<br/>
-“Arise,” my master cried, “upon thy feet.<br/>
-The way is long, and much uncouth the road;<br/>
-And now within one hour and half of noon<br/>
-The sun returns.” It was no palace-hall<br/>
-Lofty and luminous wherein we stood,<br/>
-But natural dungeon where ill footing was<br/>
-And scant supply of light. “Ere from th’ abyss<br/>
-I sep’rate,” thus when risen I began,<br/>
-“My guide! vouchsafe few words to set me free<br/>
-From error’s thralldom. Where is now the ice?<br/>
-How standeth he in posture thus revers’d?<br/>
-And how from eve to morn in space so brief<br/>
-Hath the sun made his transit?” He in few<br/>
-Thus answering spake: “Thou deemest thou art still<br/>
-On th’ other side the centre, where I grasp’d<br/>
-Th’ abhorred worm, that boreth through the world.<br/>
-Thou wast on th’ other side, so long as I<br/>
-Descended; when I turn’d, thou didst o’erpass<br/>
-That point, to which from ev’ry part is dragg’d<br/>
-All heavy substance. Thou art now arriv’d<br/>
-Under the hemisphere opposed to that,<br/>
-Which the great continent doth overspread,<br/>
-And underneath whose canopy expir’d<br/>
-The Man, that was born sinless, and so liv’d.<br/>
-Thy feet are planted on the smallest sphere,<br/>
-Whose other aspect is Judecca. Morn<br/>
-Here rises, when there evening sets: and he,<br/>
-Whose shaggy pile was scal’d, yet standeth fix’d,<br/>
-As at the first. On this part he fell down<br/>
-From heav’n; and th’ earth, here prominent before,<br/>
-Through fear of him did veil her with the sea,<br/>
-And to our hemisphere retir’d. Perchance<br/>
-To shun him was the vacant space left here<br/>
-By what of firm land on this side appears,<br/>
-That sprang aloof.” There is a place beneath,<br/>
-From Belzebub as distant, as extends<br/>
-The vaulted tomb, discover’d not by sight,<br/>
-But by the sound of brooklet, that descends<br/>
-This way along the hollow of a rock,<br/>
-Which, as it winds with no precipitous course,<br/>
-The wave hath eaten. By that hidden way<br/>
-My guide and I did enter, to return<br/>
-To the fair world: and heedless of repose<br/>
-We climbed, he first, I following his steps,<br/>
-Till on our view the beautiful lights of heav’n<br/>
-Dawn’d through a circular opening in the cave:<br/>
+“Lo!” he exclaim’d, “lo Dis! and lo the place,<br>
+Where thou hast need to arm thy heart with strength.”<br>
+<br>
+How frozen and how faint I then became,<br>
+Ask me not, reader! for I write it not,<br>
+Since words would fail to tell thee of my state.<br>
+I was not dead nor living. Think thyself<br>
+If quick conception work in thee at all,<br>
+How I did feel. That emperor, who sways<br>
+The realm of sorrow, at mid breast from th’ ice<br>
+Stood forth; and I in stature am more like<br>
+A giant, than the giants are in his arms.<br>
+Mark now how great that whole must be, which suits<br>
+With such a part. If he were beautiful<br>
+As he is hideous now, and yet did dare<br>
+To scowl upon his Maker, well from him<br>
+May all our mis’ry flow. Oh what a sight!<br>
+How passing strange it seem’d, when I did spy<br>
+Upon his head three faces: one in front<br>
+Of hue vermilion, th’ other two with this<br>
+Midway each shoulder join’d and at the crest;<br>
+The right ’twixt wan and yellow seem’d: the left<br>
+To look on, such as come from whence old Nile<br>
+Stoops to the lowlands. Under each shot forth<br>
+Two mighty wings, enormous as became<br>
+A bird so vast. Sails never such I saw<br>
+Outstretch’d on the wide sea. No plumes had they,<br>
+But were in texture like a bat, and these<br>
+He flapp’d i’ th’ air, that from him issued still<br>
+Three winds, wherewith Cocytus to its depth<br>
+Was frozen. At six eyes he wept: the tears<br>
+Adown three chins distill’d with bloody foam.<br>
+At every mouth his teeth a sinner champ’d<br>
+Bruis’d as with pond’rous engine, so that three<br>
+Were in this guise tormented. But far more<br>
+Than from that gnawing, was the foremost pang’d<br>
+By the fierce rending, whence ofttimes the back<br>
+Was stript of all its skin. “That upper spirit,<br>
+Who hath worse punishment,” so spake my guide,<br>
+“Is Judas, he that hath his head within<br>
+And plies the feet without. Of th’ other two,<br>
+Whose heads are under, from the murky jaw<br>
+Who hangs, is Brutus: lo! how he doth writhe<br>
+And speaks not! Th’ other Cassius, that appears<br>
+So large of limb. But night now re-ascends,<br>
+And it is time for parting. All is seen.”<br>
+<br>
+I clipp’d him round the neck, for so he bade;<br>
+And noting time and place, he, when the wings<br>
+Enough were op’d, caught fast the shaggy sides,<br>
+And down from pile to pile descending stepp’d<br>
+Between the thick fell and the jagged ice.<br>
+<br>
+Soon as he reach’d the point, whereat the thigh<br>
+Upon the swelling of the haunches turns,<br>
+My leader there with pain and struggling hard<br>
+Turn’d round his head, where his feet stood before,<br>
+And grappled at the fell, as one who mounts,<br>
+That into hell methought we turn’d again.<br>
+<br>
+“Expect that by such stairs as these,” thus spake<br>
+The teacher, panting like a man forespent,<br>
+“We must depart from evil so extreme.”<br>
+Then at a rocky opening issued forth,<br>
+And plac’d me on a brink to sit, next join’d<br>
+With wary step my side. I rais’d mine eyes,<br>
+Believing that I Lucifer should see<br>
+Where he was lately left, but saw him now<br>
+With legs held upward. Let the grosser sort,<br>
+Who see not what the point was I had pass’d,<br>
+Bethink them if sore toil oppress’d me then.<br>
+<br>
+“Arise,” my master cried, “upon thy feet.<br>
+The way is long, and much uncouth the road;<br>
+And now within one hour and half of noon<br>
+The sun returns.” It was no palace-hall<br>
+Lofty and luminous wherein we stood,<br>
+But natural dungeon where ill footing was<br>
+And scant supply of light. “Ere from th’ abyss<br>
+I sep’rate,” thus when risen I began,<br>
+“My guide! vouchsafe few words to set me free<br>
+From error’s thralldom. Where is now the ice?<br>
+How standeth he in posture thus revers’d?<br>
+And how from eve to morn in space so brief<br>
+Hath the sun made his transit?” He in few<br>
+Thus answering spake: “Thou deemest thou art still<br>
+On th’ other side the centre, where I grasp’d<br>
+Th’ abhorred worm, that boreth through the world.<br>
+Thou wast on th’ other side, so long as I<br>
+Descended; when I turn’d, thou didst o’erpass<br>
+That point, to which from ev’ry part is dragg’d<br>
+All heavy substance. Thou art now arriv’d<br>
+Under the hemisphere opposed to that,<br>
+Which the great continent doth overspread,<br>
+And underneath whose canopy expir’d<br>
+The Man, that was born sinless, and so liv’d.<br>
+Thy feet are planted on the smallest sphere,<br>
+Whose other aspect is Judecca. Morn<br>
+Here rises, when there evening sets: and he,<br>
+Whose shaggy pile was scal’d, yet standeth fix’d,<br>
+As at the first. On this part he fell down<br>
+From heav’n; and th’ earth, here prominent before,<br>
+Through fear of him did veil her with the sea,<br>
+And to our hemisphere retir’d. Perchance<br>
+To shun him was the vacant space left here<br>
+By what of firm land on this side appears,<br>
+That sprang aloof.” There is a place beneath,<br>
+From Belzebub as distant, as extends<br>
+The vaulted tomb, discover’d not by sight,<br>
+But by the sound of brooklet, that descends<br>
+This way along the hollow of a rock,<br>
+Which, as it winds with no precipitous course,<br>
+The wave hath eaten. By that hidden way<br>
+My guide and I did enter, to return<br>
+To the fair world: and heedless of repose<br>
+We climbed, he first, I following his steps,<br>
+Till on our view the beautiful lights of heav’n<br>
+Dawn’d through a circular opening in the cave:<br>
 Thus issuing we again beheld the stars.
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/34-329.jpg">
-<img alt="" width="392" height="600" src="images/34-329.jpg" /></a>
+<img alt="" src="images/34-329.jpg" style="width: 392px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/34-331.jpg">
-<img alt="" width="392" height="600" src="images/34-331.jpg" /></a>
+<img alt="" src="images/34-331.jpg" style="width: 392px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 </div><!--end chapter-->
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoII.0"></a>PURGATORY</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoII.0"></a>PURGATORY</h2>
 
 </div><!--end chapter-->
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoII.1"></a>CANTO I</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoII.1"></a>CANTO I</h2>
 
 <p>
-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/>
+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.
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/01-19.jpg">
-<img src="images/01-19.jpg" width="544" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+<img src="images/01-19.jpg" alt="" style="width: 544px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-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/>
+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?”
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/01-49.jpg">
-<img src="images/01-49.jpg" width="541" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+<img src="images/01-49.jpg" alt="" style="width: 541px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-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/>
+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.
 </p>
 
@@ -6571,161 +6565,161 @@ Resembling, straightway in its place arose.
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoII.2"></a>CANTO II</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoII.2"></a>CANTO II</h2>
 
 <p>
-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 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.”
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/02-27.jpg">
-<img src="images/02-27.jpg" width="550" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+<img src="images/02-27.jpg" alt="" style="width: 550px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-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/>
+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.
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/02-42.jpg">
-<img src="images/02-42.jpg" width="538" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+<img src="images/02-42.jpg" alt="" style="width: 538px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-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/>
+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.
 </p>
 
@@ -6733,168 +6727,168 @@ Nor with less hurried step did we depart.
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoII.3"></a>CANTO III</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoII.3"></a>CANTO III</h2>
 
 <p>
-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/>
+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.
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/03-50.jpg">
-<img src="images/03-50.jpg" width="540" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+<img src="images/03-50.jpg" alt="" style="width: 540px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-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/>
+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.”
 </p>
 
@@ -6902,167 +6896,167 @@ By means of those below much profit comes.”
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoII.4"></a>CANTO IV</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoII.4"></a>CANTO IV</h2>
 
 <p>
-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/>
+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.
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/04-31.jpg">
-<img src="images/04-31.jpg" width="547" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+<img src="images/04-31.jpg" alt="" style="width: 547px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-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.”&mdash;“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/>
+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.”&mdash;“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.
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/04-100.jpg">
-<img src="images/04-100.jpg" width="472" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+<img src="images/04-100.jpg" alt="" style="width: 472px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-“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/>
+“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.”
 </p>
 
@@ -7070,324 +7064,324 @@ Now covers with her foot Marocco’s shore.”
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoII.5"></a>CANTO V</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoII.5"></a>CANTO V</h2>
 
 <p>
-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/>
+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.
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/05-42.jpg">
-<img src="images/05-42.jpg" width="539" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+<img src="images/05-42.jpg" alt="" style="width: 539px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-“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/>
+“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.”
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/05-123.jpg">
-<img src="images/05-123.jpg" width="473" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+<img src="images/05-123.jpg" alt="" style="width: 473px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-“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/>
+“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.”
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/05-130.jpg">
-<img src="images/05-130.jpg" width="563" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+<img src="images/05-130.jpg" alt="" style="width: 563px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 </div><!--end chapter-->
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoII.6"></a>CANTO VI</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoII.6"></a>CANTO VI</h2>
 
 <p>
-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/>
+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.
 </p>
 
@@ -7395,159 +7389,159 @@ Shifting her side, short respite seeks from pain.
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoII.7"></a>CANTO VII</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoII.7"></a>CANTO VII</h2>
 
 <p>
-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?”&mdash;“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/>
+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?”&mdash;“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.”
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/07-21.jpg">
-<img src="images/07-21.jpg" width="545" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+<img src="images/07-21.jpg" alt="" style="width: 545px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-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/>
+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.
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/07-82.jpg">
-<img src="images/07-82.jpg" width="545" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+<img src="images/07-82.jpg" alt="" style="width: 545px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-“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/>
+“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.”
 </p>
 
@@ -7555,154 +7549,154 @@ Makes Conferrat and Canavese weep.”
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoII.8"></a>CANTO VIII</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoII.8"></a>CANTO VIII</h2>
 
 <p>
-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?”&mdash;“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/>
+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?”&mdash;“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.
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/08-00.jpg">
-<img src="images/08-00.jpg" width="543" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+<img src="images/08-00.jpg" alt="" style="width: 543px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-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/>
+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.”
 </p>
 
@@ -7710,166 +7704,166 @@ If the sure course of judgment be not stay’d.”
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoII.9"></a>CANTO IX</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoII.9"></a>CANTO IX</h2>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/09-1.jpg">
-<img src="images/09-1.jpg" width="561" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+<img src="images/09-1.jpg" alt="" style="width: 561px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-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/>
+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.
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/09-29.jpg">
-<img src="images/09-29.jpg" width="551" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+<img src="images/09-29.jpg" alt="" style="width: 551px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-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/>
+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.
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/09-74.jpg">
-<img src="images/09-74.jpg" width="476" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+<img src="images/09-74.jpg" alt="" style="width: 476px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-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.”&mdash;“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/>
+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.”&mdash;“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.
 </p>
 
@@ -7877,144 +7871,144 @@ Come swelling, now float indistinct away.
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoII.10"></a>CANTO X</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoII.10"></a>CANTO X</h2>
 
 <p>
-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/>
+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.
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/10-74.jpg">
-<img src="images/10-74.jpg" width="546" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+<img src="images/10-74.jpg" alt="" style="width: 546px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-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?”&mdash;“Where I am, who then is,<br/>
-May right thee.”&mdash;“What to thee is other’s good,<br/>
-If thou neglect thy own?”&mdash;“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/>
+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?”&mdash;“Where I am, who then is,<br>
+May right thee.”&mdash;“What to thee is other’s good,<br>
+If thou neglect thy own?”&mdash;“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.”
 </p>
 
@@ -8022,156 +8016,156 @@ Wailing exclaim’d: “I can endure no more.”
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoII.11"></a>CANTO XI</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoII.11"></a>CANTO XI</h2>
 
 <p>
-“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?”&mdash;“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/>
+“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?”&mdash;“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.”
 </p>
 
@@ -8179,162 +8173,162 @@ This is the work, that from these limits freed him.”
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoII.12"></a>CANTO XII</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoII.12"></a>CANTO XII</h2>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/12-1.jpg">
-<img src="images/12-1.jpg" width="480" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+<img src="images/12-1.jpg" alt="" style="width: 480px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-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/>
+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!
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/12-39.jpg">
-<img src="images/12-39.jpg" width="561" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+<img src="images/12-39.jpg" alt="" style="width: 561px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-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/>
+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.
 </p>
 
@@ -8342,183 +8336,183 @@ The leader, as he mark’d mine action, smil’d.
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoII.13"></a>CANTO XIII</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoII.13"></a>CANTO XIII</h2>
 
 <p>
-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/>
+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,
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/13-55.jpg">
-<img src="images/13-55.jpg" width="477" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+<img src="images/13-55.jpg" alt="" style="width: 477px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-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?”&mdash;“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/>
+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?”&mdash;“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?
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/13-129.jpg">
-<img src="images/13-129.jpg" width="477" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+<img src="images/13-129.jpg" alt="" style="width: 477px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-“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.”&mdash;“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/>
+“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.”&mdash;“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.”
 </p>
 
@@ -8526,170 +8520,170 @@ Their navies, more than ruin’d hopes shall mourn.”
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoII.14"></a>CANTO XIV</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoII.14"></a>CANTO XIV</h2>
 
 <p>
-“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/>
+“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.”
 </p>
 
@@ -8697,170 +8691,170 @@ Therefore He smites you who discerneth all.”
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoII.15"></a>CANTO XV</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoII.15"></a>CANTO XV</h2>
 
 <p>
-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/>
+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,
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/15-103.jpg">
-<img src="images/15-103.jpg" width="584" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+<img src="images/15-103.jpg" alt="" style="width: 584px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-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/>
+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.
 </p>
 
@@ -8868,180 +8862,180 @@ Bereft us, both of sight and the pure air.
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoII.16"></a>CANTO XVI</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoII.16"></a>CANTO XVI</h2>
 
 <p>
-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/>
+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.”
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/16-23.jpg">
-<img src="images/16-23.jpg" width="547" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+<img src="images/16-23.jpg" alt="" style="width: 547px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-“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/>
+“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:
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/16-32.jpg">
-<img src="images/16-32.jpg" width="573" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+<img src="images/16-32.jpg" alt="" style="width: 573px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-“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&mdash;the angel comes&mdash;ere he<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&mdash;the angel comes&mdash;ere he<br>
 Appear.” He said, and would not hear me more.
 </p>
 
@@ -9049,154 +9043,154 @@ Appear.” He said, and would not hear me more.
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoII.17"></a>CANTO XVII</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoII.17"></a>CANTO XVII</h2>
 
 <p>
-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/>
+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.”
 </p>
 
@@ -9204,162 +9198,162 @@ Expect not, fitter for thine own research.”
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoII.18"></a>CANTO XVIII</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoII.18"></a>CANTO XVIII</h2>
 
 <p>
-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/>
+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,
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/18-87.jpg">
-<img src="images/18-87.jpg" width="553" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+<img src="images/18-87.jpg" alt="" style="width: 553px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-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.”&mdash;“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/>
+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.”&mdash;“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.
 </p>
 
@@ -9367,176 +9361,176 @@ Was clos’d, and meditation chang’d to dream.
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoII.19"></a>CANTO XIX</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoII.19"></a>CANTO XIX</h2>
 
 <p>
-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/>
+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.
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/19-51.jpg">
-<img src="images/19-51.jpg" width="550" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+<img src="images/19-51.jpg" alt="" style="width: 550px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-“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.”&mdash;“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&mdash;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!”&mdash;“Compunction,” I rejoin’d.<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.”&mdash;“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&mdash;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!”&mdash;“Compunction,” I rejoin’d.<br>
 “And inward awe of your high dignity.”
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/19-131.jpg">
-<img src="images/19-131.jpg" width="549" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+<img src="images/19-131.jpg" alt="" style="width: 549px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-“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/>
+“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.”
 </p>
 
@@ -9544,166 +9538,166 @@ And she is all remaineth of me there.”
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoII.20"></a>CANTO XX</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoII.20"></a>CANTO XX</h2>
 
 <p>
-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!&mdash;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? &mdash;With wary steps and slow<br/>
-We pass’d; and I attentive to the shades,<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!&mdash;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? &mdash;With wary steps and slow<br>
+We pass’d; and I attentive to the shades,<br>
 Whom piteously I heard lament and wail;
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/20-17.jpg">
-<img src="images/20-17.jpg" width="554" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+<img src="images/20-17.jpg" alt="" style="width: 554px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-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?&mdash;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/>
+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?&mdash;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.
 </p>
 
@@ -9711,150 +9705,150 @@ So on I far’d in thoughtfulness and dread.
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoII.21"></a>CANTO XXI</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoII.21"></a>CANTO XXI</h2>
 
 <p>
-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.”&mdash;“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/>
+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.”&mdash;“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.”
 </p>
 
@@ -9862,162 +9856,162 @@ And as a substance treat an empty shade.”
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoII.22"></a>CANTO XXII</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoII.22"></a>CANTO XXII</h2>
 
 <p>
-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/>
+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.”
 </p>
 
@@ -10025,150 +10019,150 @@ And greatness, which the’ Evangelist records.”
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoII.23"></a>CANTO XXIII</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoII.23"></a>CANTO XXIII</h2>
 
 <p>
-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/>
+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.”
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/23-47.jpg">
-<img src="images/23-47.jpg" width="548" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+<img src="images/23-47.jpg" alt="" style="width: 548px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-“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/>
+“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.”
 </p>
 
@@ -10176,189 +10170,189 @@ Through every pendent cliff and rocky bound.”
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoII.24"></a>CANTO XXIV</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoII.24"></a>CANTO XXIV</h2>
 
 <p>
-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/>
+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,
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/24-4.jpg">
-<img src="images/24-4.jpg" width="562" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+<img src="images/24-4.jpg" alt="" style="width: 562px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-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.”&mdash;“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,&mdash;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/>
+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.”&mdash;“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,&mdash;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.
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/24-112.jpg">
-<img src="images/24-112.jpg" width="548" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+<img src="images/24-112.jpg" alt="" style="width: 548px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-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/>
+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.”
 </p>
 
@@ -10366,324 +10360,324 @@ Still hung’ring as the rule of temperance wills.”
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoII.25"></a>CANTO XXV</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoII.25"></a>CANTO XXV</h2>
 
 <p>
-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/>
+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.”
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/25-107.jpg">
-<img src="images/25-107.jpg" width="540" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+<img src="images/25-107.jpg" alt="" style="width: 540px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-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/>
+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.”
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/25-117.jpg">
-<img src="images/25-117.jpg" width="549" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+<img src="images/25-117.jpg" alt="" style="width: 549px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-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/>
+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.
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/25-119.jpg">
-<img src="images/25-119.jpg" width="559" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+<img src="images/25-119.jpg" alt="" style="width: 559px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 </div><!--end chapter-->
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoII.26"></a>CANTO XXVI</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoII.26"></a>CANTO XXVI</h2>
 
 <p>
-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/>
+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.
 </p>
 
@@ -10691,167 +10685,167 @@ He disappear’d in the refining flame.
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoII.27"></a>CANTO XXVII</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoII.27"></a>CANTO XXVII</h2>
 
 <p>
-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/>
+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.
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/27-97.jpg">
-<img src="images/27-97.jpg" width="570" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+<img src="images/27-97.jpg" alt="" style="width: 570px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-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/>
+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.”
 </p>
 
@@ -10859,171 +10853,171 @@ With crown and mitre, sovereign o’er thyself.”
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoII.28"></a>CANTO XXVIII</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoII.28"></a>CANTO XXVIII</h2>
 
 <p>
-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/>
+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.
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/28-22.jpg">
-<img src="images/28-22.jpg" width="545" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+<img src="images/28-22.jpg" alt="" style="width: 545px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-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/>
+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.
 </p>
 
@@ -11031,184 +11025,184 @@ Again directed to the lovely dame.
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoII.29"></a>CANTO XXIX</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoII.29"></a>CANTO XXIX</h2>
 
 <p>
-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/>
+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.
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/29-80.jpg">
-<img src="images/29-80.jpg" width="553" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+<img src="images/29-80.jpg" alt="" style="width: 553px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-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/>
+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.
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/29-118.jpg">
-<img src="images/29-118.jpg" width="527" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+<img src="images/29-118.jpg" alt="" style="width: 527px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-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/>
+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.
 </p>
 
@@ -11216,169 +11210,169 @@ With the first ensigns, made they solemn halt.
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoII.30"></a>CANTO XXX</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoII.30"></a>CANTO XXX</h2>
 
 <p>
-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&mdash;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/>
+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&mdash;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:
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/30-32.jpg">
-<img src="images/30-32.jpg" width="560" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+<img src="images/30-32.jpg" alt="" style="width: 560px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-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/>
+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.”
 </p>
 
@@ -11386,169 +11380,169 @@ Without the cost of some repentant tear.”
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoII.31"></a>CANTO XXXI</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoII.31"></a>CANTO XXXI</h2>
 
 <p>
-“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/>
+“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.
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/31-100.jpg">
-<img src="images/31-100.jpg" width="541" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+<img src="images/31-100.jpg" alt="" style="width: 541px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-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/>
+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.
 </p>
 
@@ -11556,509 +11550,509 @@ Thou gav’st to open air thy charms reveal’d.
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoII.32"></a>CANTO XXXII</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoII.32"></a>CANTO XXXII</h2>
 
 <p>
-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?”&mdash;“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/>
+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?”&mdash;“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.
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/32-148.jpg">
-<img src="images/32-148.jpg" width="563" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+<img src="images/32-148.jpg" alt="" style="width: 563px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 </div><!--end chapter-->
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoII.33"></a>CANTO XXXIII</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoII.33"></a>CANTO XXXIII</h2>
 
 <p>
-“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?”&mdash;“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/>
+“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?”&mdash;“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.
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/33-134.jpg">
-<img src="images/33-134.jpg" width="546" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+<img src="images/33-134.jpg" alt="" style="width: 546px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 </div><!--end chapter-->
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/titlepageb.jpg">
-<img src="images/titlepageb.jpg" width="467" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+<img src="images/titlepageb.jpg" alt="" style="width: 467px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 </div><!--end chapter-->
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoIII.0"></a>PARADISE</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoIII.0"></a>PARADISE</h2>
 
 </div><!--end chapter-->
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoIII.1"></a>CANTO I</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoIII.1"></a>CANTO I</h2>
 
 <p>
-His glory, by whose might all things are mov’d,<br/>
-Pierces the universe, and in one part<br/>
-Sheds more resplendence, elsewhere less. In heav’n,<br/>
-That largeliest of his light partakes, was I,<br/>
-Witness of things, which to relate again<br/>
-Surpasseth power of him who comes from thence;<br/>
-For that, so near approaching its desire<br/>
-Our intellect is to such depth absorb’d,<br/>
-That memory cannot follow. Nathless all,<br/>
-That in my thoughts I of that sacred realm<br/>
-Could store, shall now be matter of my song.<br/>
-<br/>
-Benign Apollo! this last labour aid,<br/>
-And make me such a vessel of thy worth,<br/>
-As thy own laurel claims of me belov’d.<br/>
-Thus far hath one of steep Parnassus’ brows<br/>
-Suffic’d me; henceforth there is need of both<br/>
-For my remaining enterprise Do thou<br/>
-Enter into my bosom, and there breathe<br/>
-So, as when Marsyas by thy hand was dragg’d<br/>
-Forth from his limbs unsheath’d. O power divine!<br/>
-If thou to me of shine impart so much,<br/>
-That of that happy realm the shadow’d form<br/>
-Trac’d in my thoughts I may set forth to view,<br/>
-Thou shalt behold me of thy favour’d tree<br/>
-Come to the foot, and crown myself with leaves;<br/>
-For to that honour thou, and my high theme<br/>
-Will fit me. If but seldom, mighty Sire!<br/>
-To grace his triumph gathers thence a wreath<br/>
-Caesar or bard (more shame for human wills<br/>
-Deprav’d) joy to the Delphic god must spring<br/>
-From the Pierian foliage, when one breast<br/>
-Is with such thirst inspir’d. From a small spark<br/>
-Great flame hath risen: after me perchance<br/>
-Others with better voice may pray, and gain<br/>
-From the Cirrhaean city answer kind.<br/>
-<br/>
-Through diver passages, the world’s bright lamp<br/>
-Rises to mortals, but through that which joins<br/>
-Four circles with the threefold cross, in best<br/>
-Course, and in happiest constellation set<br/>
-He comes, and to the worldly wax best gives<br/>
-Its temper and impression. Morning there,<br/>
-Here eve was by almost such passage made;<br/>
-And whiteness had o’erspread that hemisphere,<br/>
-Blackness the other part; when to the left<br/>
-I saw Beatrice turn’d, and on the sun<br/>
-Gazing, as never eagle fix’d his ken.<br/>
-As from the first a second beam is wont<br/>
-To issue, and reflected upwards rise,<br/>
-E’en as a pilgrim bent on his return,<br/>
-So of her act, that through the eyesight pass’d<br/>
-Into my fancy, mine was form’d; and straight,<br/>
-Beyond our mortal wont, I fix’d mine eyes<br/>
-Upon the sun. Much is allowed us there,<br/>
-That here exceeds our pow’r; thanks to the place<br/>
-Made for the dwelling of the human kind<br/>
-<br/>
-I suffer’d it not long, and yet so long<br/>
-That I beheld it bick’ring sparks around,<br/>
-As iron that comes boiling from the fire.<br/>
-And suddenly upon the day appear’d<br/>
-A day new-ris’n, as he, who hath the power,<br/>
-Had with another sun bedeck’d the sky.<br/>
-<br/>
-Her eyes fast fix’d on the eternal wheels,<br/>
-Beatrice stood unmov’d; and I with ken<br/>
-Fix’d upon her, from upward gaze remov’d<br/>
-At her aspect, such inwardly became<br/>
-As Glaucus, when he tasted of the herb,<br/>
-That made him peer among the ocean gods;<br/>
-Words may not tell of that transhuman change:<br/>
-And therefore let the example serve, though weak,<br/>
-For those whom grace hath better proof in store<br/>
-<br/>
-If I were only what thou didst create,<br/>
-Then newly, Love! by whom the heav’n is rul’d,<br/>
-Thou know’st, who by thy light didst bear me up.<br/>
-Whenas the wheel which thou dost ever guide,<br/>
-Desired Spirit! with its harmony<br/>
-Temper’d of thee and measur’d, charm’d mine ear,<br/>
-Then seem’d to me so much of heav’n to blaze<br/>
-With the sun’s flame, that rain or flood ne’er made<br/>
-A lake so broad. The newness of the sound,<br/>
-And that great light, inflam’d me with desire,<br/>
-Keener than e’er was felt, to know their cause.<br/>
-<br/>
-Whence she who saw me, clearly as myself,<br/>
-To calm my troubled mind, before I ask’d,<br/>
-Open’d her lips, and gracious thus began:<br/>
-“With false imagination thou thyself<br/>
-Mak’st dull, so that thou seest not the thing,<br/>
-Which thou hadst seen, had that been shaken off.<br/>
-Thou art not on the earth as thou believ’st;<br/>
-For light’ning scap’d from its own proper place<br/>
-Ne’er ran, as thou hast hither now return’d.”<br/>
-<br/>
-Although divested of my first-rais’d doubt,<br/>
-By those brief words, accompanied with smiles,<br/>
-Yet in new doubt was I entangled more,<br/>
-And said: “Already satisfied, I rest<br/>
-From admiration deep, but now admire<br/>
-How I above those lighter bodies rise.”<br/>
-<br/>
-Whence, after utt’rance of a piteous sigh,<br/>
-She tow’rds me bent her eyes, with such a look,<br/>
-As on her frenzied child a mother casts;<br/>
-Then thus began: “Among themselves all things<br/>
-Have order; and from hence the form, which makes<br/>
-The universe resemble God. In this<br/>
-The higher creatures see the printed steps<br/>
-Of that eternal worth, which is the end<br/>
-Whither the line is drawn. All natures lean,<br/>
-In this their order, diversely, some more,<br/>
-Some less approaching to their primal source.<br/>
-Thus they to different havens are mov’d on<br/>
-Through the vast sea of being, and each one<br/>
-With instinct giv’n, that bears it in its course;<br/>
-This to the lunar sphere directs the fire,<br/>
-This prompts the hearts of mortal animals,<br/>
-This the brute earth together knits, and binds.<br/>
-Nor only creatures, void of intellect,<br/>
-Are aim’d at by this bow; but even those,<br/>
-That have intelligence and love, are pierc’d.<br/>
-That Providence, who so well orders all,<br/>
-With her own light makes ever calm the heaven,<br/>
-In which the substance, that hath greatest speed,<br/>
-Is turn’d: and thither now, as to our seat<br/>
-Predestin’d, we are carried by the force<br/>
-Of that strong cord, that never looses dart,<br/>
-But at fair aim and glad. Yet is it true,<br/>
-That as ofttimes but ill accords the form<br/>
-To the design of art, through sluggishness<br/>
-Of unreplying matter, so this course<br/>
-Is sometimes quitted by the creature, who<br/>
-Hath power, directed thus, to bend elsewhere;<br/>
-As from a cloud the fire is seen to fall,<br/>
-From its original impulse warp’d, to earth,<br/>
-By vicious fondness. Thou no more admire<br/>
-Thy soaring, (if I rightly deem,) than lapse<br/>
-Of torrent downwards from a mountain’s height.<br/>
-There would in thee for wonder be more cause,<br/>
-If, free of hind’rance, thou hadst fix’d thyself<br/>
-Below, like fire unmoving on the earth.”<br/>
-<br/>
+His glory, by whose might all things are mov’d,<br>
+Pierces the universe, and in one part<br>
+Sheds more resplendence, elsewhere less. In heav’n,<br>
+That largeliest of his light partakes, was I,<br>
+Witness of things, which to relate again<br>
+Surpasseth power of him who comes from thence;<br>
+For that, so near approaching its desire<br>
+Our intellect is to such depth absorb’d,<br>
+That memory cannot follow. Nathless all,<br>
+That in my thoughts I of that sacred realm<br>
+Could store, shall now be matter of my song.<br>
+<br>
+Benign Apollo! this last labour aid,<br>
+And make me such a vessel of thy worth,<br>
+As thy own laurel claims of me belov’d.<br>
+Thus far hath one of steep Parnassus’ brows<br>
+Suffic’d me; henceforth there is need of both<br>
+For my remaining enterprise Do thou<br>
+Enter into my bosom, and there breathe<br>
+So, as when Marsyas by thy hand was dragg’d<br>
+Forth from his limbs unsheath’d. O power divine!<br>
+If thou to me of shine impart so much,<br>
+That of that happy realm the shadow’d form<br>
+Trac’d in my thoughts I may set forth to view,<br>
+Thou shalt behold me of thy favour’d tree<br>
+Come to the foot, and crown myself with leaves;<br>
+For to that honour thou, and my high theme<br>
+Will fit me. If but seldom, mighty Sire!<br>
+To grace his triumph gathers thence a wreath<br>
+Caesar or bard (more shame for human wills<br>
+Deprav’d) joy to the Delphic god must spring<br>
+From the Pierian foliage, when one breast<br>
+Is with such thirst inspir’d. From a small spark<br>
+Great flame hath risen: after me perchance<br>
+Others with better voice may pray, and gain<br>
+From the Cirrhaean city answer kind.<br>
+<br>
+Through diver passages, the world’s bright lamp<br>
+Rises to mortals, but through that which joins<br>
+Four circles with the threefold cross, in best<br>
+Course, and in happiest constellation set<br>
+He comes, and to the worldly wax best gives<br>
+Its temper and impression. Morning there,<br>
+Here eve was by almost such passage made;<br>
+And whiteness had o’erspread that hemisphere,<br>
+Blackness the other part; when to the left<br>
+I saw Beatrice turn’d, and on the sun<br>
+Gazing, as never eagle fix’d his ken.<br>
+As from the first a second beam is wont<br>
+To issue, and reflected upwards rise,<br>
+E’en as a pilgrim bent on his return,<br>
+So of her act, that through the eyesight pass’d<br>
+Into my fancy, mine was form’d; and straight,<br>
+Beyond our mortal wont, I fix’d mine eyes<br>
+Upon the sun. Much is allowed us there,<br>
+That here exceeds our pow’r; thanks to the place<br>
+Made for the dwelling of the human kind<br>
+<br>
+I suffer’d it not long, and yet so long<br>
+That I beheld it bick’ring sparks around,<br>
+As iron that comes boiling from the fire.<br>
+And suddenly upon the day appear’d<br>
+A day new-ris’n, as he, who hath the power,<br>
+Had with another sun bedeck’d the sky.<br>
+<br>
+Her eyes fast fix’d on the eternal wheels,<br>
+Beatrice stood unmov’d; and I with ken<br>
+Fix’d upon her, from upward gaze remov’d<br>
+At her aspect, such inwardly became<br>
+As Glaucus, when he tasted of the herb,<br>
+That made him peer among the ocean gods;<br>
+Words may not tell of that transhuman change:<br>
+And therefore let the example serve, though weak,<br>
+For those whom grace hath better proof in store<br>
+<br>
+If I were only what thou didst create,<br>
+Then newly, Love! by whom the heav’n is rul’d,<br>
+Thou know’st, who by thy light didst bear me up.<br>
+Whenas the wheel which thou dost ever guide,<br>
+Desired Spirit! with its harmony<br>
+Temper’d of thee and measur’d, charm’d mine ear,<br>
+Then seem’d to me so much of heav’n to blaze<br>
+With the sun’s flame, that rain or flood ne’er made<br>
+A lake so broad. The newness of the sound,<br>
+And that great light, inflam’d me with desire,<br>
+Keener than e’er was felt, to know their cause.<br>
+<br>
+Whence she who saw me, clearly as myself,<br>
+To calm my troubled mind, before I ask’d,<br>
+Open’d her lips, and gracious thus began:<br>
+“With false imagination thou thyself<br>
+Mak’st dull, so that thou seest not the thing,<br>
+Which thou hadst seen, had that been shaken off.<br>
+Thou art not on the earth as thou believ’st;<br>
+For light’ning scap’d from its own proper place<br>
+Ne’er ran, as thou hast hither now return’d.”<br>
+<br>
+Although divested of my first-rais’d doubt,<br>
+By those brief words, accompanied with smiles,<br>
+Yet in new doubt was I entangled more,<br>
+And said: “Already satisfied, I rest<br>
+From admiration deep, but now admire<br>
+How I above those lighter bodies rise.”<br>
+<br>
+Whence, after utt’rance of a piteous sigh,<br>
+She tow’rds me bent her eyes, with such a look,<br>
+As on her frenzied child a mother casts;<br>
+Then thus began: “Among themselves all things<br>
+Have order; and from hence the form, which makes<br>
+The universe resemble God. In this<br>
+The higher creatures see the printed steps<br>
+Of that eternal worth, which is the end<br>
+Whither the line is drawn. All natures lean,<br>
+In this their order, diversely, some more,<br>
+Some less approaching to their primal source.<br>
+Thus they to different havens are mov’d on<br>
+Through the vast sea of being, and each one<br>
+With instinct giv’n, that bears it in its course;<br>
+This to the lunar sphere directs the fire,<br>
+This prompts the hearts of mortal animals,<br>
+This the brute earth together knits, and binds.<br>
+Nor only creatures, void of intellect,<br>
+Are aim’d at by this bow; but even those,<br>
+That have intelligence and love, are pierc’d.<br>
+That Providence, who so well orders all,<br>
+With her own light makes ever calm the heaven,<br>
+In which the substance, that hath greatest speed,<br>
+Is turn’d: and thither now, as to our seat<br>
+Predestin’d, we are carried by the force<br>
+Of that strong cord, that never looses dart,<br>
+But at fair aim and glad. Yet is it true,<br>
+That as ofttimes but ill accords the form<br>
+To the design of art, through sluggishness<br>
+Of unreplying matter, so this course<br>
+Is sometimes quitted by the creature, who<br>
+Hath power, directed thus, to bend elsewhere;<br>
+As from a cloud the fire is seen to fall,<br>
+From its original impulse warp’d, to earth,<br>
+By vicious fondness. Thou no more admire<br>
+Thy soaring, (if I rightly deem,) than lapse<br>
+Of torrent downwards from a mountain’s height.<br>
+There would in thee for wonder be more cause,<br>
+If, free of hind’rance, thou hadst fix’d thyself<br>
+Below, like fire unmoving on the earth.”<br>
+<br>
 So said, she turn’d toward the heav’n her face.
 </p>
 
@@ -12066,164 +12060,164 @@ So said, she turn’d toward the heav’n her face.
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoIII.2"></a>CANTO II</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoIII.2"></a>CANTO II</h2>
 
 <p>
-All ye, who in small bark have following sail’d,<br/>
-Eager to listen, on the advent’rous track<br/>
-Of my proud keel, that singing cuts its way,<br/>
-Backward return with speed, and your own shores<br/>
-Revisit, nor put out to open sea,<br/>
-Where losing me, perchance ye may remain<br/>
-Bewilder’d in deep maze. The way I pass<br/>
-Ne’er yet was run: Minerva breathes the gale,<br/>
-Apollo guides me, and another Nine<br/>
-To my rapt sight the arctic beams reveal.<br/>
-Ye other few, who have outstretch’d the neck.<br/>
-Timely for food of angels, on which here<br/>
-They live, yet never know satiety,<br/>
-Through the deep brine ye fearless may put out<br/>
-Your vessel, marking, well the furrow broad<br/>
-Before you in the wave, that on both sides<br/>
-Equal returns. Those, glorious, who pass’d o’er<br/>
-To Colchos, wonder’d not as ye will do,<br/>
-When they saw Jason following the plough.<br/>
-<br/>
-The increate perpetual thirst, that draws<br/>
-Toward the realm of God’s own form, bore us<br/>
-Swift almost as the heaven ye behold.<br/>
-<br/>
-Beatrice upward gaz’d, and I on her,<br/>
-And in such space as on the notch a dart<br/>
-Is plac’d, then loosen’d flies, I saw myself<br/>
-Arriv’d, where wond’rous thing engag’d my sight.<br/>
-Whence she, to whom no work of mine was hid,<br/>
-Turning to me, with aspect glad as fair,<br/>
-Bespake me: “Gratefully direct thy mind<br/>
-To God, through whom to this first star we come.”<br/>
-<br/>
-Me seem’d as if a cloud had cover’d us,<br/>
-Translucent, solid, firm, and polish’d bright,<br/>
-Like adamant, which the sun’s beam had smit<br/>
-Within itself the ever-during pearl<br/>
-Receiv’d us, as the wave a ray of light<br/>
-Receives, and rests unbroken. If I then<br/>
-Was of corporeal frame, and it transcend<br/>
-Our weaker thought, how one dimension thus<br/>
-Another could endure, which needs must be<br/>
-If body enter body, how much more<br/>
-Must the desire inflame us to behold<br/>
-That essence, which discovers by what means<br/>
-God and our nature join’d! There will be seen<br/>
-That which we hold through faith, not shown by proof,<br/>
-But in itself intelligibly plain,<br/>
-E’en as the truth that man at first believes.<br/>
-<br/>
-I answered: “Lady! I with thoughts devout,<br/>
-Such as I best can frame, give thanks to Him,<br/>
-Who hath remov’d me from the mortal world.<br/>
-But tell, I pray thee, whence the gloomy spots<br/>
-Upon this body, which below on earth<br/>
-Give rise to talk of Cain in fabling quaint?”<br/>
-<br/>
-She somewhat smil’d, then spake: “If mortals err<br/>
-In their opinion, when the key of sense<br/>
-Unlocks not, surely wonder’s weapon keen<br/>
-Ought not to pierce thee; since thou find’st, the wings<br/>
-Of reason to pursue the senses’ flight<br/>
-Are short. But what thy own thought is, declare.”<br/>
-<br/>
-Then I: “What various here above appears,<br/>
-Is caus’d, I deem, by bodies dense or rare.”<br/>
-<br/>
-She then resum’d: “Thou certainly wilt see<br/>
-In falsehood thy belief o’erwhelm’d, if well<br/>
-Thou listen to the arguments, which I<br/>
-Shall bring to face it. The eighth sphere displays<br/>
-Numberless lights, the which in kind and size<br/>
-May be remark’d of different aspects;<br/>
-If rare or dense of that were cause alone,<br/>
-One single virtue then would be in all,<br/>
-Alike distributed, or more, or less.<br/>
-Different virtues needs must be the fruits<br/>
-Of formal principles, and these, save one,<br/>
-Will by thy reasoning be destroy’d. Beside,<br/>
-If rarity were of that dusk the cause,<br/>
-Which thou inquirest, either in some part<br/>
-That planet must throughout be void, nor fed<br/>
-With its own matter; or, as bodies share<br/>
-Their fat and leanness, in like manner this<br/>
-Must in its volume change the leaves. The first,<br/>
-If it were true, had through the sun’s eclipse<br/>
-Been manifested, by transparency<br/>
-Of light, as through aught rare beside effus’d.<br/>
-But this is not. Therefore remains to see<br/>
-The other cause: and if the other fall,<br/>
-Erroneous so must prove what seem’d to thee.<br/>
-If not from side to side this rarity<br/>
-Pass through, there needs must be a limit, whence<br/>
-Its contrary no further lets it pass.<br/>
-And hence the beam, that from without proceeds,<br/>
-Must be pour’d back, as colour comes, through glass<br/>
-Reflected, which behind it lead conceals.<br/>
-Now wilt thou say, that there of murkier hue<br/>
-Than in the other part the ray is shown,<br/>
-By being thence refracted farther back.<br/>
-From this perplexity will free thee soon<br/>
-Experience, if thereof thou trial make,<br/>
-The fountain whence your arts derive their streame.<br/>
-Three mirrors shalt thou take, and two remove<br/>
-From thee alike, and more remote the third.<br/>
-Betwixt the former pair, shall meet thine eyes;<br/>
-Then turn’d toward them, cause behind thy back<br/>
-A light to stand, that on the three shall shine,<br/>
-And thus reflected come to thee from all.<br/>
-Though that beheld most distant do not stretch<br/>
-A space so ample, yet in brightness thou<br/>
-Will own it equaling the rest. But now,<br/>
-As under snow the ground, if the warm ray<br/>
-Smites it, remains dismantled of the hue<br/>
-And cold, that cover’d it before, so thee,<br/>
-Dismantled in thy mind, I will inform<br/>
-With light so lively, that the tremulous beam<br/>
-Shall quiver where it falls. Within the heaven,<br/>
-Where peace divine inhabits, circles round<br/>
-A body, in whose virtue dies the being<br/>
-Of all that it contains. The following heaven,<br/>
-That hath so many lights, this being divides,<br/>
-Through different essences, from it distinct,<br/>
-And yet contain’d within it. The other orbs<br/>
-Their separate distinctions variously<br/>
-Dispose, for their own seed and produce apt.<br/>
-Thus do these organs of the world proceed,<br/>
-As thou beholdest now, from step to step,<br/>
-Their influences from above deriving,<br/>
-And thence transmitting downwards. Mark me well,<br/>
-How through this passage to the truth I ford,<br/>
-The truth thou lov’st, that thou henceforth alone,<br/>
-May’st know to keep the shallows, safe, untold.<br/>
-<br/>
-“The virtue and motion of the sacred orbs,<br/>
-As mallet by the workman’s hand, must needs<br/>
-By blessed movers be inspir’d. This heaven,<br/>
-Made beauteous by so many luminaries,<br/>
-From the deep spirit, that moves its circling sphere,<br/>
-Its image takes an impress as a seal:<br/>
-And as the soul, that dwells within your dust,<br/>
-Through members different, yet together form’d,<br/>
-In different pow’rs resolves itself; e’en so<br/>
-The intellectual efficacy unfolds<br/>
-Its goodness multiplied throughout the stars;<br/>
-On its own unity revolving still.<br/>
-Different virtue compact different<br/>
-Makes with the precious body it enlivens,<br/>
-With which it knits, as life in you is knit.<br/>
-From its original nature full of joy,<br/>
-The virtue mingled through the body shines,<br/>
-As joy through pupil of the living eye.<br/>
-From hence proceeds, that which from light to light<br/>
-Seems different, and not from dense or rare.<br/>
-This is the formal cause, that generates<br/>
+All ye, who in small bark have following sail’d,<br>
+Eager to listen, on the advent’rous track<br>
+Of my proud keel, that singing cuts its way,<br>
+Backward return with speed, and your own shores<br>
+Revisit, nor put out to open sea,<br>
+Where losing me, perchance ye may remain<br>
+Bewilder’d in deep maze. The way I pass<br>
+Ne’er yet was run: Minerva breathes the gale,<br>
+Apollo guides me, and another Nine<br>
+To my rapt sight the arctic beams reveal.<br>
+Ye other few, who have outstretch’d the neck.<br>
+Timely for food of angels, on which here<br>
+They live, yet never know satiety,<br>
+Through the deep brine ye fearless may put out<br>
+Your vessel, marking, well the furrow broad<br>
+Before you in the wave, that on both sides<br>
+Equal returns. Those, glorious, who pass’d o’er<br>
+To Colchos, wonder’d not as ye will do,<br>
+When they saw Jason following the plough.<br>
+<br>
+The increate perpetual thirst, that draws<br>
+Toward the realm of God’s own form, bore us<br>
+Swift almost as the heaven ye behold.<br>
+<br>
+Beatrice upward gaz’d, and I on her,<br>
+And in such space as on the notch a dart<br>
+Is plac’d, then loosen’d flies, I saw myself<br>
+Arriv’d, where wond’rous thing engag’d my sight.<br>
+Whence she, to whom no work of mine was hid,<br>
+Turning to me, with aspect glad as fair,<br>
+Bespake me: “Gratefully direct thy mind<br>
+To God, through whom to this first star we come.”<br>
+<br>
+Me seem’d as if a cloud had cover’d us,<br>
+Translucent, solid, firm, and polish’d bright,<br>
+Like adamant, which the sun’s beam had smit<br>
+Within itself the ever-during pearl<br>
+Receiv’d us, as the wave a ray of light<br>
+Receives, and rests unbroken. If I then<br>
+Was of corporeal frame, and it transcend<br>
+Our weaker thought, how one dimension thus<br>
+Another could endure, which needs must be<br>
+If body enter body, how much more<br>
+Must the desire inflame us to behold<br>
+That essence, which discovers by what means<br>
+God and our nature join’d! There will be seen<br>
+That which we hold through faith, not shown by proof,<br>
+But in itself intelligibly plain,<br>
+E’en as the truth that man at first believes.<br>
+<br>
+I answered: “Lady! I with thoughts devout,<br>
+Such as I best can frame, give thanks to Him,<br>
+Who hath remov’d me from the mortal world.<br>
+But tell, I pray thee, whence the gloomy spots<br>
+Upon this body, which below on earth<br>
+Give rise to talk of Cain in fabling quaint?”<br>
+<br>
+She somewhat smil’d, then spake: “If mortals err<br>
+In their opinion, when the key of sense<br>
+Unlocks not, surely wonder’s weapon keen<br>
+Ought not to pierce thee; since thou find’st, the wings<br>
+Of reason to pursue the senses’ flight<br>
+Are short. But what thy own thought is, declare.”<br>
+<br>
+Then I: “What various here above appears,<br>
+Is caus’d, I deem, by bodies dense or rare.”<br>
+<br>
+She then resum’d: “Thou certainly wilt see<br>
+In falsehood thy belief o’erwhelm’d, if well<br>
+Thou listen to the arguments, which I<br>
+Shall bring to face it. The eighth sphere displays<br>
+Numberless lights, the which in kind and size<br>
+May be remark’d of different aspects;<br>
+If rare or dense of that were cause alone,<br>
+One single virtue then would be in all,<br>
+Alike distributed, or more, or less.<br>
+Different virtues needs must be the fruits<br>
+Of formal principles, and these, save one,<br>
+Will by thy reasoning be destroy’d. Beside,<br>
+If rarity were of that dusk the cause,<br>
+Which thou inquirest, either in some part<br>
+That planet must throughout be void, nor fed<br>
+With its own matter; or, as bodies share<br>
+Their fat and leanness, in like manner this<br>
+Must in its volume change the leaves. The first,<br>
+If it were true, had through the sun’s eclipse<br>
+Been manifested, by transparency<br>
+Of light, as through aught rare beside effus’d.<br>
+But this is not. Therefore remains to see<br>
+The other cause: and if the other fall,<br>
+Erroneous so must prove what seem’d to thee.<br>
+If not from side to side this rarity<br>
+Pass through, there needs must be a limit, whence<br>
+Its contrary no further lets it pass.<br>
+And hence the beam, that from without proceeds,<br>
+Must be pour’d back, as colour comes, through glass<br>
+Reflected, which behind it lead conceals.<br>
+Now wilt thou say, that there of murkier hue<br>
+Than in the other part the ray is shown,<br>
+By being thence refracted farther back.<br>
+From this perplexity will free thee soon<br>
+Experience, if thereof thou trial make,<br>
+The fountain whence your arts derive their streame.<br>
+Three mirrors shalt thou take, and two remove<br>
+From thee alike, and more remote the third.<br>
+Betwixt the former pair, shall meet thine eyes;<br>
+Then turn’d toward them, cause behind thy back<br>
+A light to stand, that on the three shall shine,<br>
+And thus reflected come to thee from all.<br>
+Though that beheld most distant do not stretch<br>
+A space so ample, yet in brightness thou<br>
+Will own it equaling the rest. But now,<br>
+As under snow the ground, if the warm ray<br>
+Smites it, remains dismantled of the hue<br>
+And cold, that cover’d it before, so thee,<br>
+Dismantled in thy mind, I will inform<br>
+With light so lively, that the tremulous beam<br>
+Shall quiver where it falls. Within the heaven,<br>
+Where peace divine inhabits, circles round<br>
+A body, in whose virtue dies the being<br>
+Of all that it contains. The following heaven,<br>
+That hath so many lights, this being divides,<br>
+Through different essences, from it distinct,<br>
+And yet contain’d within it. The other orbs<br>
+Their separate distinctions variously<br>
+Dispose, for their own seed and produce apt.<br>
+Thus do these organs of the world proceed,<br>
+As thou beholdest now, from step to step,<br>
+Their influences from above deriving,<br>
+And thence transmitting downwards. Mark me well,<br>
+How through this passage to the truth I ford,<br>
+The truth thou lov’st, that thou henceforth alone,<br>
+May’st know to keep the shallows, safe, untold.<br>
+<br>
+“The virtue and motion of the sacred orbs,<br>
+As mallet by the workman’s hand, must needs<br>
+By blessed movers be inspir’d. This heaven,<br>
+Made beauteous by so many luminaries,<br>
+From the deep spirit, that moves its circling sphere,<br>
+Its image takes an impress as a seal:<br>
+And as the soul, that dwells within your dust,<br>
+Through members different, yet together form’d,<br>
+In different pow’rs resolves itself; e’en so<br>
+The intellectual efficacy unfolds<br>
+Its goodness multiplied throughout the stars;<br>
+On its own unity revolving still.<br>
+Different virtue compact different<br>
+Makes with the precious body it enlivens,<br>
+With which it knits, as life in you is knit.<br>
+From its original nature full of joy,<br>
+The virtue mingled through the body shines,<br>
+As joy through pupil of the living eye.<br>
+From hence proceeds, that which from light to light<br>
+Seems different, and not from dense or rare.<br>
+This is the formal cause, that generates<br>
 Proportion’d to its power, the dusk or clear.”
 </p>
 
@@ -12231,157 +12225,157 @@ Proportion’d to its power, the dusk or clear.”
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoIII.3"></a>CANTO III</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoIII.3"></a>CANTO III</h2>
 
 <p>
-That sun, which erst with love my bosom warm’d<br/>
-Had of fair truth unveil’d the sweet aspect,<br/>
-By proof of right, and of the false reproof;<br/>
-And I, to own myself convinc’d and free<br/>
-Of doubt, as much as needed, rais’d my head<br/>
-Erect for speech. But soon a sight appear’d,<br/>
-Which, so intent to mark it, held me fix’d,<br/>
+That sun, which erst with love my bosom warm’d<br>
+Had of fair truth unveil’d the sweet aspect,<br>
+By proof of right, and of the false reproof;<br>
+And I, to own myself convinc’d and free<br>
+Of doubt, as much as needed, rais’d my head<br>
+Erect for speech. But soon a sight appear’d,<br>
+Which, so intent to mark it, held me fix’d,<br>
 That of confession I no longer thought.
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/03-14.jpg">
-<img src="images/03-14.jpg" width="555" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+<img src="images/03-14.jpg" alt="" style="width: 555px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-As through translucent and smooth glass, or wave<br/>
-Clear and unmov’d, and flowing not so deep<br/>
-As that its bed is dark, the shape returns<br/>
-So faint of our impictur’d lineaments,<br/>
-That on white forehead set a pearl as strong<br/>
-Comes to the eye: such saw I many a face,<br/>
-All stretch’d to speak, from whence I straight conceiv’d<br/>
-Delusion opposite to that, which rais’d<br/>
-Between the man and fountain, amorous flame.<br/>
-<br/>
-Sudden, as I perceiv’d them, deeming these<br/>
-Reflected semblances to see of whom<br/>
-They were, I turn’d mine eyes, and nothing saw;<br/>
-Then turn’d them back, directed on the light<br/>
-Of my sweet guide, who smiling shot forth beams<br/>
-From her celestial eyes. “Wonder not thou,”<br/>
-She cry’d, “at this my smiling, when I see<br/>
-Thy childish judgment; since not yet on truth<br/>
-It rests the foot, but, as it still is wont,<br/>
-Makes thee fall back in unsound vacancy.<br/>
-True substances are these, which thou behold’st,<br/>
-Hither through failure of their vow exil’d.<br/>
-But speak thou with them; listen, and believe,<br/>
-That the true light, which fills them with desire,<br/>
-Permits not from its beams their feet to stray.”<br/>
-<br/>
-Straight to the shadow which for converse seem’d<br/>
-Most earnest, I addressed me, and began,<br/>
-As one by over-eagerness perplex’d:<br/>
-“O spirit, born for joy! who in the rays<br/>
-Of life eternal, of that sweetness know’st<br/>
-The flavour, which, not tasted, passes far<br/>
-All apprehension, me it well would please,<br/>
-If thou wouldst tell me of thy name, and this<br/>
-Your station here.” Whence she, with kindness prompt,<br/>
-And eyes glist’ning with smiles: “Our charity,<br/>
-To any wish by justice introduc’d,<br/>
-Bars not the door, no more than she above,<br/>
-Who would have all her court be like herself.<br/>
-I was a virgin sister in the earth;<br/>
-And if thy mind observe me well, this form,<br/>
-With such addition grac’d of loveliness,<br/>
-Will not conceal me long, but thou wilt know<br/>
-Piccarda, in the tardiest sphere thus plac’d,<br/>
-Here ’mid these other blessed also blest.<br/>
-Our hearts, whose high affections burn alone<br/>
-With pleasure, from the Holy Spirit conceiv’d,<br/>
-Admitted to his order dwell in joy.<br/>
-And this condition, which appears so low,<br/>
-Is for this cause assign’d us, that our vows<br/>
-Were in some part neglected and made void.”<br/>
-<br/>
-Whence I to her replied: “Something divine<br/>
-Beams in your countenance, wond’rous fair,<br/>
-From former knowledge quite transmuting you.<br/>
-Therefore to recollect was I so slow.<br/>
-But what thou sayst hath to my memory<br/>
-Given now such aid, that to retrace your forms<br/>
-Is easier. Yet inform me, ye, who here<br/>
-Are happy, long ye for a higher place<br/>
-More to behold, and more in love to dwell?”<br/>
-<br/>
-She with those other spirits gently smil’d,<br/>
-Then answer’d with such gladness, that she seem’d<br/>
-With love’s first flame to glow: “Brother! our will<br/>
-Is in composure settled by the power<br/>
-Of charity, who makes us will alone<br/>
-What we possess, and nought beyond desire;<br/>
-If we should wish to be exalted more,<br/>
-Then must our wishes jar with the high will<br/>
-Of him, who sets us here, which in these orbs<br/>
-Thou wilt confess not possible, if here<br/>
-To be in charity must needs befall,<br/>
-And if her nature well thou contemplate.<br/>
-Rather it is inherent in this state<br/>
-Of blessedness, to keep ourselves within<br/>
-The divine will, by which our wills with his<br/>
-Are one. So that as we from step to step<br/>
-Are plac’d throughout this kingdom, pleases all,<br/>
-E’en as our King, who in us plants his will;<br/>
-And in his will is our tranquillity;<br/>
-It is the mighty ocean, whither tends<br/>
-Whatever it creates and nature makes.”<br/>
-<br/>
-Then saw I clearly how each spot in heav’n<br/>
-Is Paradise, though with like gracious dew<br/>
-The supreme virtue show’r not over all.<br/>
-<br/>
-But as it chances, if one sort of food<br/>
-Hath satiated, and of another still<br/>
-The appetite remains, that this is ask’d,<br/>
-And thanks for that return’d; e’en so did I<br/>
-In word and motion, bent from her to learn<br/>
-What web it was, through which she had not drawn<br/>
-The shuttle to its point. She thus began:<br/>
-“Exalted worth and perfectness of life<br/>
-The Lady higher up enshrine in heaven,<br/>
-By whose pure laws upon your nether earth<br/>
-The robe and veil they wear, to that intent,<br/>
-That e’en till death they may keep watch or sleep<br/>
-With their great bridegroom, who accepts each vow,<br/>
-Which to his gracious pleasure love conforms.<br/>
-from the world, to follow her, when young<br/>
-Escap’d; and, in her vesture mantling me,<br/>
-Made promise of the way her sect enjoins.<br/>
-Thereafter men, for ill than good more apt,<br/>
-Forth snatch’d me from the pleasant cloister’s pale.<br/>
-God knows how after that my life was fram’d.<br/>
-This other splendid shape, which thou beholdst<br/>
-At my right side, burning with all the light<br/>
-Of this our orb, what of myself I tell<br/>
-May to herself apply. From her, like me<br/>
-A sister, with like violence were torn<br/>
-The saintly folds, that shaded her fair brows.<br/>
-E’en when she to the world again was brought<br/>
-In spite of her own will and better wont,<br/>
-Yet not for that the bosom’s inward veil<br/>
-Did she renounce. This is the luminary<br/>
-Of mighty Constance, who from that loud blast,<br/>
-Which blew the second over Suabia’s realm,<br/>
-That power produc’d, which was the third and last.”<br/>
-<br/>
-She ceas’d from further talk, and then began<br/>
-“Ave Maria” singing, and with that song<br/>
-Vanish’d, as heavy substance through deep wave.<br/>
-<br/>
-Mine eye, that far as it was capable,<br/>
-Pursued her, when in dimness she was lost,<br/>
-Turn’d to the mark where greater want impell’d,<br/>
-And bent on Beatrice all its gaze.<br/>
-But she as light’ning beam’d upon my looks:<br/>
-So that the sight sustain’d it not at first.<br/>
+As through translucent and smooth glass, or wave<br>
+Clear and unmov’d, and flowing not so deep<br>
+As that its bed is dark, the shape returns<br>
+So faint of our impictur’d lineaments,<br>
+That on white forehead set a pearl as strong<br>
+Comes to the eye: such saw I many a face,<br>
+All stretch’d to speak, from whence I straight conceiv’d<br>
+Delusion opposite to that, which rais’d<br>
+Between the man and fountain, amorous flame.<br>
+<br>
+Sudden, as I perceiv’d them, deeming these<br>
+Reflected semblances to see of whom<br>
+They were, I turn’d mine eyes, and nothing saw;<br>
+Then turn’d them back, directed on the light<br>
+Of my sweet guide, who smiling shot forth beams<br>
+From her celestial eyes. “Wonder not thou,”<br>
+She cry’d, “at this my smiling, when I see<br>
+Thy childish judgment; since not yet on truth<br>
+It rests the foot, but, as it still is wont,<br>
+Makes thee fall back in unsound vacancy.<br>
+True substances are these, which thou behold’st,<br>
+Hither through failure of their vow exil’d.<br>
+But speak thou with them; listen, and believe,<br>
+That the true light, which fills them with desire,<br>
+Permits not from its beams their feet to stray.”<br>
+<br>
+Straight to the shadow which for converse seem’d<br>
+Most earnest, I addressed me, and began,<br>
+As one by over-eagerness perplex’d:<br>
+“O spirit, born for joy! who in the rays<br>
+Of life eternal, of that sweetness know’st<br>
+The flavour, which, not tasted, passes far<br>
+All apprehension, me it well would please,<br>
+If thou wouldst tell me of thy name, and this<br>
+Your station here.” Whence she, with kindness prompt,<br>
+And eyes glist’ning with smiles: “Our charity,<br>
+To any wish by justice introduc’d,<br>
+Bars not the door, no more than she above,<br>
+Who would have all her court be like herself.<br>
+I was a virgin sister in the earth;<br>
+And if thy mind observe me well, this form,<br>
+With such addition grac’d of loveliness,<br>
+Will not conceal me long, but thou wilt know<br>
+Piccarda, in the tardiest sphere thus plac’d,<br>
+Here ’mid these other blessed also blest.<br>
+Our hearts, whose high affections burn alone<br>
+With pleasure, from the Holy Spirit conceiv’d,<br>
+Admitted to his order dwell in joy.<br>
+And this condition, which appears so low,<br>
+Is for this cause assign’d us, that our vows<br>
+Were in some part neglected and made void.”<br>
+<br>
+Whence I to her replied: “Something divine<br>
+Beams in your countenance, wond’rous fair,<br>
+From former knowledge quite transmuting you.<br>
+Therefore to recollect was I so slow.<br>
+But what thou sayst hath to my memory<br>
+Given now such aid, that to retrace your forms<br>
+Is easier. Yet inform me, ye, who here<br>
+Are happy, long ye for a higher place<br>
+More to behold, and more in love to dwell?”<br>
+<br>
+She with those other spirits gently smil’d,<br>
+Then answer’d with such gladness, that she seem’d<br>
+With love’s first flame to glow: “Brother! our will<br>
+Is in composure settled by the power<br>
+Of charity, who makes us will alone<br>
+What we possess, and nought beyond desire;<br>
+If we should wish to be exalted more,<br>
+Then must our wishes jar with the high will<br>
+Of him, who sets us here, which in these orbs<br>
+Thou wilt confess not possible, if here<br>
+To be in charity must needs befall,<br>
+And if her nature well thou contemplate.<br>
+Rather it is inherent in this state<br>
+Of blessedness, to keep ourselves within<br>
+The divine will, by which our wills with his<br>
+Are one. So that as we from step to step<br>
+Are plac’d throughout this kingdom, pleases all,<br>
+E’en as our King, who in us plants his will;<br>
+And in his will is our tranquillity;<br>
+It is the mighty ocean, whither tends<br>
+Whatever it creates and nature makes.”<br>
+<br>
+Then saw I clearly how each spot in heav’n<br>
+Is Paradise, though with like gracious dew<br>
+The supreme virtue show’r not over all.<br>
+<br>
+But as it chances, if one sort of food<br>
+Hath satiated, and of another still<br>
+The appetite remains, that this is ask’d,<br>
+And thanks for that return’d; e’en so did I<br>
+In word and motion, bent from her to learn<br>
+What web it was, through which she had not drawn<br>
+The shuttle to its point. She thus began:<br>
+“Exalted worth and perfectness of life<br>
+The Lady higher up enshrine in heaven,<br>
+By whose pure laws upon your nether earth<br>
+The robe and veil they wear, to that intent,<br>
+That e’en till death they may keep watch or sleep<br>
+With their great bridegroom, who accepts each vow,<br>
+Which to his gracious pleasure love conforms.<br>
+from the world, to follow her, when young<br>
+Escap’d; and, in her vesture mantling me,<br>
+Made promise of the way her sect enjoins.<br>
+Thereafter men, for ill than good more apt,<br>
+Forth snatch’d me from the pleasant cloister’s pale.<br>
+God knows how after that my life was fram’d.<br>
+This other splendid shape, which thou beholdst<br>
+At my right side, burning with all the light<br>
+Of this our orb, what of myself I tell<br>
+May to herself apply. From her, like me<br>
+A sister, with like violence were torn<br>
+The saintly folds, that shaded her fair brows.<br>
+E’en when she to the world again was brought<br>
+In spite of her own will and better wont,<br>
+Yet not for that the bosom’s inward veil<br>
+Did she renounce. This is the luminary<br>
+Of mighty Constance, who from that loud blast,<br>
+Which blew the second over Suabia’s realm,<br>
+That power produc’d, which was the third and last.”<br>
+<br>
+She ceas’d from further talk, and then began<br>
+“Ave Maria” singing, and with that song<br>
+Vanish’d, as heavy substance through deep wave.<br>
+<br>
+Mine eye, that far as it was capable,<br>
+Pursued her, when in dimness she was lost,<br>
+Turn’d to the mark where greater want impell’d,<br>
+And bent on Beatrice all its gaze.<br>
+But she as light’ning beam’d upon my looks:<br>
+So that the sight sustain’d it not at first.<br>
 Whence I to question her became less prompt.
 </p>
 
@@ -12389,153 +12383,153 @@ Whence I to question her became less prompt.
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoIII.4"></a>CANTO IV</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoIII.4"></a>CANTO IV</h2>
 
 <p>
-Between two kinds of food, both equally<br/>
-Remote and tempting, first a man might die<br/>
-Of hunger, ere he one could freely choose.<br/>
-E’en so would stand a lamb between the maw<br/>
-Of two fierce wolves, in dread of both alike:<br/>
-E’en so between two deer a dog would stand,<br/>
-Wherefore, if I was silent, fault nor praise<br/>
-I to myself impute, by equal doubts<br/>
-Held in suspense, since of necessity<br/>
-It happen’d. Silent was I, yet desire<br/>
-Was painted in my looks; and thus I spake<br/>
-My wish more earnestly than language could.<br/>
-<br/>
-As Daniel, when the haughty king he freed<br/>
-From ire, that spurr’d him on to deeds unjust<br/>
-And violent; so look’d Beatrice then.<br/>
-<br/>
-“Well I discern,” she thus her words address’d,<br/>
-“How contrary desires each way constrain thee,<br/>
-So that thy anxious thought is in itself<br/>
-Bound up and stifled, nor breathes freely forth.<br/>
-Thou arguest; if the good intent remain;<br/>
-What reason that another’s violence<br/>
-Should stint the measure of my fair desert?<br/>
-<br/>
-“Cause too thou findst for doubt, in that it seems,<br/>
-That spirits to the stars, as Plato deem’d,<br/>
-Return. These are the questions which thy will<br/>
-Urge equally; and therefore I the first<br/>
-Of that will treat which hath the more of gall.<br/>
-Of seraphim he who is most ensky’d,<br/>
-Moses and Samuel, and either John,<br/>
-Choose which thou wilt, nor even Mary’s self,<br/>
-Have not in any other heav’n their seats,<br/>
-Than have those spirits which so late thou saw’st;<br/>
-Nor more or fewer years exist; but all<br/>
-Make the first circle beauteous, diversely<br/>
-Partaking of sweet life, as more or less<br/>
-Afflation of eternal bliss pervades them.<br/>
-Here were they shown thee, not that fate assigns<br/>
-This for their sphere, but for a sign to thee<br/>
-Of that celestial furthest from the height.<br/>
-Thus needs, that ye may apprehend, we speak:<br/>
-Since from things sensible alone ye learn<br/>
-That, which digested rightly after turns<br/>
-To intellectual. For no other cause<br/>
-The scripture, condescending graciously<br/>
-To your perception, hands and feet to God<br/>
-Attributes, nor so means: and holy church<br/>
-Doth represent with human countenance<br/>
-Gabriel, and Michael, and him who made<br/>
-Tobias whole. Unlike what here thou seest,<br/>
-The judgment of Timaeus, who affirms<br/>
-Each soul restor’d to its particular star,<br/>
-Believing it to have been taken thence,<br/>
-When nature gave it to inform her mold:<br/>
-Since to appearance his intention is<br/>
-E’en what his words declare: or else to shun<br/>
-Derision, haply thus he hath disguis’d<br/>
-His true opinion. If his meaning be,<br/>
-That to the influencing of these orbs revert<br/>
-The honour and the blame in human acts,<br/>
-Perchance he doth not wholly miss the truth.<br/>
-This principle, not understood aright,<br/>
-Erewhile perverted well nigh all the world;<br/>
-So that it fell to fabled names of Jove,<br/>
-And Mercury, and Mars. That other doubt,<br/>
-Which moves thee, is less harmful; for it brings<br/>
-No peril of removing thee from me.<br/>
-<br/>
-“That, to the eye of man, our justice seems<br/>
-Unjust, is argument for faith, and not<br/>
-For heretic declension. To the end<br/>
-This truth may stand more clearly in your view,<br/>
-I will content thee even to thy wish<br/>
-<br/>
-“If violence be, when that which suffers, nought<br/>
-Consents to that which forceth, not for this<br/>
-These spirits stood exculpate. For the will,<br/>
-That will not, still survives unquench’d, and doth<br/>
-As nature doth in fire, tho’ violence<br/>
-Wrest it a thousand times; for, if it yield<br/>
-Or more or less, so far it follows force.<br/>
-And thus did these, whom they had power to seek<br/>
-The hallow’d place again. In them, had will<br/>
-Been perfect, such as once upon the bars<br/>
-Held Laurence firm, or wrought in Scaevola<br/>
-To his own hand remorseless, to the path,<br/>
-Whence they were drawn, their steps had hasten’d back,<br/>
-When liberty return’d: but in too few<br/>
-Resolve so steadfast dwells. And by these words<br/>
-If duly weigh’d, that argument is void,<br/>
-Which oft might have perplex’d thee still. But now<br/>
-Another question thwarts thee, which to solve<br/>
-Might try thy patience without better aid.<br/>
-I have, no doubt, instill’d into thy mind,<br/>
-That blessed spirit may not lie; since near<br/>
-The source of primal truth it dwells for aye:<br/>
-And thou might’st after of Piccarda learn<br/>
-That Constance held affection to the veil;<br/>
-So that she seems to contradict me here.<br/>
-Not seldom, brother, it hath chanc’d for men<br/>
-To do what they had gladly left undone,<br/>
-Yet to shun peril they have done amiss:<br/>
-E’en as Alcmaeon, at his father’s suit<br/>
-Slew his own mother, so made pitiless<br/>
-Not to lose pity. On this point bethink thee,<br/>
-That force and will are blended in such wise<br/>
-As not to make the’ offence excusable.<br/>
-Absolute will agrees not to the wrong,<br/>
-That inasmuch as there is fear of woe<br/>
-From non-compliance, it agrees. Of will<br/>
-Thus absolute Piccarda spake, and I<br/>
-Of th’ other; so that both have truly said.”<br/>
-<br/>
-Such was the flow of that pure rill, that well’d<br/>
-From forth the fountain of all truth; and such<br/>
-The rest, that to my wond’ring thoughts I found.<br/>
-<br/>
-“O thou of primal love the prime delight!<br/>
-Goddess!” I straight reply’d, “whose lively words<br/>
-Still shed new heat and vigour through my soul!<br/>
-Affection fails me to requite thy grace<br/>
-With equal sum of gratitude: be his<br/>
-To recompense, who sees and can reward thee.<br/>
-Well I discern, that by that truth alone<br/>
-Enlighten’d, beyond which no truth may roam,<br/>
-Our mind can satisfy her thirst to know:<br/>
-Therein she resteth, e’en as in his lair<br/>
-The wild beast, soon as she hath reach’d that bound,<br/>
-And she hath power to reach it; else desire<br/>
-Were given to no end. And thence doth doubt<br/>
-Spring, like a shoot, around the stock of truth;<br/>
-And it is nature which from height to height<br/>
-On to the summit prompts us. This invites,<br/>
-This doth assure me, lady, rev’rently<br/>
-To ask thee of other truth, that yet<br/>
-Is dark to me. I fain would know, if man<br/>
-By other works well done may so supply<br/>
-The failure of his vows, that in your scale<br/>
-They lack not weight.” I spake; and on me straight<br/>
-Beatrice look’d with eyes that shot forth sparks<br/>
-Of love celestial in such copious stream,<br/>
-That, virtue sinking in me overpower’d,<br/>
+Between two kinds of food, both equally<br>
+Remote and tempting, first a man might die<br>
+Of hunger, ere he one could freely choose.<br>
+E’en so would stand a lamb between the maw<br>
+Of two fierce wolves, in dread of both alike:<br>
+E’en so between two deer a dog would stand,<br>
+Wherefore, if I was silent, fault nor praise<br>
+I to myself impute, by equal doubts<br>
+Held in suspense, since of necessity<br>
+It happen’d. Silent was I, yet desire<br>
+Was painted in my looks; and thus I spake<br>
+My wish more earnestly than language could.<br>
+<br>
+As Daniel, when the haughty king he freed<br>
+From ire, that spurr’d him on to deeds unjust<br>
+And violent; so look’d Beatrice then.<br>
+<br>
+“Well I discern,” she thus her words address’d,<br>
+“How contrary desires each way constrain thee,<br>
+So that thy anxious thought is in itself<br>
+Bound up and stifled, nor breathes freely forth.<br>
+Thou arguest; if the good intent remain;<br>
+What reason that another’s violence<br>
+Should stint the measure of my fair desert?<br>
+<br>
+“Cause too thou findst for doubt, in that it seems,<br>
+That spirits to the stars, as Plato deem’d,<br>
+Return. These are the questions which thy will<br>
+Urge equally; and therefore I the first<br>
+Of that will treat which hath the more of gall.<br>
+Of seraphim he who is most ensky’d,<br>
+Moses and Samuel, and either John,<br>
+Choose which thou wilt, nor even Mary’s self,<br>
+Have not in any other heav’n their seats,<br>
+Than have those spirits which so late thou saw’st;<br>
+Nor more or fewer years exist; but all<br>
+Make the first circle beauteous, diversely<br>
+Partaking of sweet life, as more or less<br>
+Afflation of eternal bliss pervades them.<br>
+Here were they shown thee, not that fate assigns<br>
+This for their sphere, but for a sign to thee<br>
+Of that celestial furthest from the height.<br>
+Thus needs, that ye may apprehend, we speak:<br>
+Since from things sensible alone ye learn<br>
+That, which digested rightly after turns<br>
+To intellectual. For no other cause<br>
+The scripture, condescending graciously<br>
+To your perception, hands and feet to God<br>
+Attributes, nor so means: and holy church<br>
+Doth represent with human countenance<br>
+Gabriel, and Michael, and him who made<br>
+Tobias whole. Unlike what here thou seest,<br>
+The judgment of Timaeus, who affirms<br>
+Each soul restor’d to its particular star,<br>
+Believing it to have been taken thence,<br>
+When nature gave it to inform her mold:<br>
+Since to appearance his intention is<br>
+E’en what his words declare: or else to shun<br>
+Derision, haply thus he hath disguis’d<br>
+His true opinion. If his meaning be,<br>
+That to the influencing of these orbs revert<br>
+The honour and the blame in human acts,<br>
+Perchance he doth not wholly miss the truth.<br>
+This principle, not understood aright,<br>
+Erewhile perverted well nigh all the world;<br>
+So that it fell to fabled names of Jove,<br>
+And Mercury, and Mars. That other doubt,<br>
+Which moves thee, is less harmful; for it brings<br>
+No peril of removing thee from me.<br>
+<br>
+“That, to the eye of man, our justice seems<br>
+Unjust, is argument for faith, and not<br>
+For heretic declension. To the end<br>
+This truth may stand more clearly in your view,<br>
+I will content thee even to thy wish<br>
+<br>
+“If violence be, when that which suffers, nought<br>
+Consents to that which forceth, not for this<br>
+These spirits stood exculpate. For the will,<br>
+That will not, still survives unquench’d, and doth<br>
+As nature doth in fire, tho’ violence<br>
+Wrest it a thousand times; for, if it yield<br>
+Or more or less, so far it follows force.<br>
+And thus did these, whom they had power to seek<br>
+The hallow’d place again. In them, had will<br>
+Been perfect, such as once upon the bars<br>
+Held Laurence firm, or wrought in Scaevola<br>
+To his own hand remorseless, to the path,<br>
+Whence they were drawn, their steps had hasten’d back,<br>
+When liberty return’d: but in too few<br>
+Resolve so steadfast dwells. And by these words<br>
+If duly weigh’d, that argument is void,<br>
+Which oft might have perplex’d thee still. But now<br>
+Another question thwarts thee, which to solve<br>
+Might try thy patience without better aid.<br>
+I have, no doubt, instill’d into thy mind,<br>
+That blessed spirit may not lie; since near<br>
+The source of primal truth it dwells for aye:<br>
+And thou might’st after of Piccarda learn<br>
+That Constance held affection to the veil;<br>
+So that she seems to contradict me here.<br>
+Not seldom, brother, it hath chanc’d for men<br>
+To do what they had gladly left undone,<br>
+Yet to shun peril they have done amiss:<br>
+E’en as Alcmaeon, at his father’s suit<br>
+Slew his own mother, so made pitiless<br>
+Not to lose pity. On this point bethink thee,<br>
+That force and will are blended in such wise<br>
+As not to make the’ offence excusable.<br>
+Absolute will agrees not to the wrong,<br>
+That inasmuch as there is fear of woe<br>
+From non-compliance, it agrees. Of will<br>
+Thus absolute Piccarda spake, and I<br>
+Of th’ other; so that both have truly said.”<br>
+<br>
+Such was the flow of that pure rill, that well’d<br>
+From forth the fountain of all truth; and such<br>
+The rest, that to my wond’ring thoughts I found.<br>
+<br>
+“O thou of primal love the prime delight!<br>
+Goddess!” I straight reply’d, “whose lively words<br>
+Still shed new heat and vigour through my soul!<br>
+Affection fails me to requite thy grace<br>
+With equal sum of gratitude: be his<br>
+To recompense, who sees and can reward thee.<br>
+Well I discern, that by that truth alone<br>
+Enlighten’d, beyond which no truth may roam,<br>
+Our mind can satisfy her thirst to know:<br>
+Therein she resteth, e’en as in his lair<br>
+The wild beast, soon as she hath reach’d that bound,<br>
+And she hath power to reach it; else desire<br>
+Were given to no end. And thence doth doubt<br>
+Spring, like a shoot, around the stock of truth;<br>
+And it is nature which from height to height<br>
+On to the summit prompts us. This invites,<br>
+This doth assure me, lady, rev’rently<br>
+To ask thee of other truth, that yet<br>
+Is dark to me. I fain would know, if man<br>
+By other works well done may so supply<br>
+The failure of his vows, that in your scale<br>
+They lack not weight.” I spake; and on me straight<br>
+Beatrice look’d with eyes that shot forth sparks<br>
+Of love celestial in such copious stream,<br>
+That, virtue sinking in me overpower’d,<br>
 I turn’d, and downward bent confus’d my sight.
 </p>
 
@@ -12543,157 +12537,157 @@ I turn’d, and downward bent confus’d my sight.
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoIII.5"></a>CANTO V</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoIII.5"></a>CANTO V</h2>
 
 <p>
-“If beyond earthly wont, the flame of love<br/>
-Illume me, so that I o’ercome thy power<br/>
-Of vision, marvel not: but learn the cause<br/>
-In that perfection of the sight, which soon<br/>
-As apprehending, hasteneth on to reach<br/>
-The good it apprehends. I well discern,<br/>
-How in thine intellect already shines<br/>
-The light eternal, which to view alone<br/>
-Ne’er fails to kindle love; and if aught else<br/>
-Your love seduces, ’t is but that it shows<br/>
-Some ill-mark’d vestige of that primal beam.<br/>
-<br/>
-“This would’st thou know, if failure of the vow<br/>
-By other service may be so supplied,<br/>
-As from self-question to assure the soul.”<br/>
-<br/>
-Thus she her words, not heedless of my wish,<br/>
-Began; and thus, as one who breaks not off<br/>
-Discourse, continued in her saintly strain.<br/>
-“Supreme of gifts, which God creating gave<br/>
-Of his free bounty, sign most evident<br/>
-Of goodness, and in his account most priz’d,<br/>
-Was liberty of will, the boon wherewith<br/>
-All intellectual creatures, and them sole<br/>
-He hath endow’d. Hence now thou mayst infer<br/>
-Of what high worth the vow, which so is fram’d<br/>
-That when man offers, God well-pleas’d accepts;<br/>
-For in the compact between God and him,<br/>
-This treasure, such as I describe it to thee,<br/>
-He makes the victim, and of his own act.<br/>
-What compensation therefore may he find?<br/>
-If that, whereof thou hast oblation made,<br/>
-By using well thou think’st to consecrate,<br/>
-Thou would’st of theft do charitable deed.<br/>
-Thus I resolve thee of the greater point.<br/>
-<br/>
-“But forasmuch as holy church, herein<br/>
-Dispensing, seems to contradict the truth<br/>
-I have discover’d to thee, yet behooves<br/>
-Thou rest a little longer at the board,<br/>
-Ere the crude aliment, which thou hast taken,<br/>
-Digested fitly to nutrition turn.<br/>
-Open thy mind to what I now unfold,<br/>
-And give it inward keeping. Knowledge comes<br/>
-Of learning well retain’d, unfruitful else.<br/>
-<br/>
-“This sacrifice in essence of two things<br/>
-Consisteth; one is that, whereof ’t is made,<br/>
-The covenant the other. For the last,<br/>
-It ne’er is cancell’d if not kept: and hence<br/>
-I spake erewhile so strictly of its force.<br/>
-For this it was enjoin’d the Israelites,<br/>
-Though leave were giv’n them, as thou know’st, to change<br/>
-The offering, still to offer. Th’ other part,<br/>
-The matter and the substance of the vow,<br/>
-May well be such, to that without offence<br/>
-It may for other substance be exchang’d.<br/>
-But at his own discretion none may shift<br/>
-The burden on his shoulders, unreleas’d<br/>
-By either key, the yellow and the white.<br/>
-Nor deem of any change, as less than vain,<br/>
-If the last bond be not within the new<br/>
-Included, as the quatre in the six.<br/>
-No satisfaction therefore can be paid<br/>
-For what so precious in the balance weighs,<br/>
-That all in counterpoise must kick the beam.<br/>
-Take then no vow at random: ta’en, with faith<br/>
-Preserve it; yet not bent, as Jephthah once,<br/>
-Blindly to execute a rash resolve,<br/>
-Whom better it had suited to exclaim,<br/>
-‘I have done ill,’ than to redeem his pledge<br/>
-By doing worse or, not unlike to him<br/>
-In folly, that great leader of the Greeks:<br/>
-Whence, on the alter, Iphigenia mourn’d<br/>
-Her virgin beauty, and hath since made mourn<br/>
-Both wise and simple, even all, who hear<br/>
-Of so fell sacrifice. Be ye more staid,<br/>
-O Christians, not, like feather, by each wind<br/>
-Removable: nor think to cleanse ourselves<br/>
-In every water. Either testament,<br/>
-The old and new, is yours: and for your guide<br/>
-The shepherd of the church let this suffice<br/>
-To save you. When by evil lust entic’d,<br/>
-Remember ye be men, not senseless beasts;<br/>
-Nor let the Jew, who dwelleth in your streets,<br/>
-Hold you in mock’ry. Be not, as the lamb,<br/>
-That, fickle wanton, leaves its mother’s milk,<br/>
-To dally with itself in idle play.”<br/>
-<br/>
-Such were the words that Beatrice spake:<br/>
-These ended, to that region, where the world<br/>
-Is liveliest, full of fond desire she turn’d.<br/>
-<br/>
-Though mainly prompt new question to propose,<br/>
-Her silence and chang’d look did keep me dumb.<br/>
-And as the arrow, ere the cord is still,<br/>
-Leapeth unto its mark; so on we sped<br/>
-Into the second realm. There I beheld<br/>
-The dame, so joyous enter, that the orb<br/>
-Grew brighter at her smiles; and, if the star<br/>
-Were mov’d to gladness, what then was my cheer,<br/>
+“If beyond earthly wont, the flame of love<br>
+Illume me, so that I o’ercome thy power<br>
+Of vision, marvel not: but learn the cause<br>
+In that perfection of the sight, which soon<br>
+As apprehending, hasteneth on to reach<br>
+The good it apprehends. I well discern,<br>
+How in thine intellect already shines<br>
+The light eternal, which to view alone<br>
+Ne’er fails to kindle love; and if aught else<br>
+Your love seduces, ’t is but that it shows<br>
+Some ill-mark’d vestige of that primal beam.<br>
+<br>
+“This would’st thou know, if failure of the vow<br>
+By other service may be so supplied,<br>
+As from self-question to assure the soul.”<br>
+<br>
+Thus she her words, not heedless of my wish,<br>
+Began; and thus, as one who breaks not off<br>
+Discourse, continued in her saintly strain.<br>
+“Supreme of gifts, which God creating gave<br>
+Of his free bounty, sign most evident<br>
+Of goodness, and in his account most priz’d,<br>
+Was liberty of will, the boon wherewith<br>
+All intellectual creatures, and them sole<br>
+He hath endow’d. Hence now thou mayst infer<br>
+Of what high worth the vow, which so is fram’d<br>
+That when man offers, God well-pleas’d accepts;<br>
+For in the compact between God and him,<br>
+This treasure, such as I describe it to thee,<br>
+He makes the victim, and of his own act.<br>
+What compensation therefore may he find?<br>
+If that, whereof thou hast oblation made,<br>
+By using well thou think’st to consecrate,<br>
+Thou would’st of theft do charitable deed.<br>
+Thus I resolve thee of the greater point.<br>
+<br>
+“But forasmuch as holy church, herein<br>
+Dispensing, seems to contradict the truth<br>
+I have discover’d to thee, yet behooves<br>
+Thou rest a little longer at the board,<br>
+Ere the crude aliment, which thou hast taken,<br>
+Digested fitly to nutrition turn.<br>
+Open thy mind to what I now unfold,<br>
+And give it inward keeping. Knowledge comes<br>
+Of learning well retain’d, unfruitful else.<br>
+<br>
+“This sacrifice in essence of two things<br>
+Consisteth; one is that, whereof ’t is made,<br>
+The covenant the other. For the last,<br>
+It ne’er is cancell’d if not kept: and hence<br>
+I spake erewhile so strictly of its force.<br>
+For this it was enjoin’d the Israelites,<br>
+Though leave were giv’n them, as thou know’st, to change<br>
+The offering, still to offer. Th’ other part,<br>
+The matter and the substance of the vow,<br>
+May well be such, to that without offence<br>
+It may for other substance be exchang’d.<br>
+But at his own discretion none may shift<br>
+The burden on his shoulders, unreleas’d<br>
+By either key, the yellow and the white.<br>
+Nor deem of any change, as less than vain,<br>
+If the last bond be not within the new<br>
+Included, as the quatre in the six.<br>
+No satisfaction therefore can be paid<br>
+For what so precious in the balance weighs,<br>
+That all in counterpoise must kick the beam.<br>
+Take then no vow at random: ta’en, with faith<br>
+Preserve it; yet not bent, as Jephthah once,<br>
+Blindly to execute a rash resolve,<br>
+Whom better it had suited to exclaim,<br>
+‘I have done ill,’ than to redeem his pledge<br>
+By doing worse or, not unlike to him<br>
+In folly, that great leader of the Greeks:<br>
+Whence, on the alter, Iphigenia mourn’d<br>
+Her virgin beauty, and hath since made mourn<br>
+Both wise and simple, even all, who hear<br>
+Of so fell sacrifice. Be ye more staid,<br>
+O Christians, not, like feather, by each wind<br>
+Removable: nor think to cleanse ourselves<br>
+In every water. Either testament,<br>
+The old and new, is yours: and for your guide<br>
+The shepherd of the church let this suffice<br>
+To save you. When by evil lust entic’d,<br>
+Remember ye be men, not senseless beasts;<br>
+Nor let the Jew, who dwelleth in your streets,<br>
+Hold you in mock’ry. Be not, as the lamb,<br>
+That, fickle wanton, leaves its mother’s milk,<br>
+To dally with itself in idle play.”<br>
+<br>
+Such were the words that Beatrice spake:<br>
+These ended, to that region, where the world<br>
+Is liveliest, full of fond desire she turn’d.<br>
+<br>
+Though mainly prompt new question to propose,<br>
+Her silence and chang’d look did keep me dumb.<br>
+And as the arrow, ere the cord is still,<br>
+Leapeth unto its mark; so on we sped<br>
+Into the second realm. There I beheld<br>
+The dame, so joyous enter, that the orb<br>
+Grew brighter at her smiles; and, if the star<br>
+Were mov’d to gladness, what then was my cheer,<br>
 Whom nature hath made apt for every change!
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/05-99.jpg">
-<img src="images/05-99.jpg" width="545" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+<img src="images/05-99.jpg" alt="" style="width: 545px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-As in a quiet and clear lake the fish,<br/>
-If aught approach them from without, do draw<br/>
-Towards it, deeming it their food; so drew<br/>
-Full more than thousand splendours towards us,<br/>
-And in each one was heard: “Lo! one arriv’d<br/>
-To multiply our loves!” and as each came<br/>
-The shadow, streaming forth effulgence new,<br/>
-Witness’d augmented joy. Here, reader! think,<br/>
-If thou didst miss the sequel of my tale,<br/>
-To know the rest how sorely thou wouldst crave;<br/>
-And thou shalt see what vehement desire<br/>
-Possess’d me, as soon as these had met my view,<br/>
-To know their state. “O born in happy hour!<br/>
-Thou to whom grace vouchsafes, or ere thy close<br/>
-Of fleshly warfare, to behold the thrones<br/>
-Of that eternal triumph, know to us<br/>
-The light communicated, which through heaven<br/>
-Expatiates without bound. Therefore, if aught<br/>
-Thou of our beams wouldst borrow for thine aid,<br/>
-Spare not; and of our radiance take thy fill.”<br/>
-<br/>
-Thus of those piteous spirits one bespake me;<br/>
-And Beatrice next: “Say on; and trust<br/>
-As unto gods!”&mdash;“How in the light supreme<br/>
-Thou harbour’st, and from thence the virtue bring’st,<br/>
-That, sparkling in thine eyes, denotes thy joy,<br/>
-l mark; but, who thou art, am still to seek;<br/>
-Or wherefore, worthy spirit! for thy lot<br/>
-This sphere assign’d, that oft from mortal ken<br/>
-Is veil’d by others’ beams.” I said, and turn’d<br/>
-Toward the lustre, that with greeting, kind<br/>
-Erewhile had hail’d me. Forthwith brighter far<br/>
-Than erst, it wax’d: and, as himself the sun<br/>
-Hides through excess of light, when his warm gaze<br/>
-Hath on the mantle of thick vapours prey’d;<br/>
-Within its proper ray the saintly shape<br/>
-Was, through increase of gladness, thus conceal’d;<br/>
-And, shrouded so in splendour answer’d me,<br/>
+As in a quiet and clear lake the fish,<br>
+If aught approach them from without, do draw<br>
+Towards it, deeming it their food; so drew<br>
+Full more than thousand splendours towards us,<br>
+And in each one was heard: “Lo! one arriv’d<br>
+To multiply our loves!” and as each came<br>
+The shadow, streaming forth effulgence new,<br>
+Witness’d augmented joy. Here, reader! think,<br>
+If thou didst miss the sequel of my tale,<br>
+To know the rest how sorely thou wouldst crave;<br>
+And thou shalt see what vehement desire<br>
+Possess’d me, as soon as these had met my view,<br>
+To know their state. “O born in happy hour!<br>
+Thou to whom grace vouchsafes, or ere thy close<br>
+Of fleshly warfare, to behold the thrones<br>
+Of that eternal triumph, know to us<br>
+The light communicated, which through heaven<br>
+Expatiates without bound. Therefore, if aught<br>
+Thou of our beams wouldst borrow for thine aid,<br>
+Spare not; and of our radiance take thy fill.”<br>
+<br>
+Thus of those piteous spirits one bespake me;<br>
+And Beatrice next: “Say on; and trust<br>
+As unto gods!”&mdash;“How in the light supreme<br>
+Thou harbour’st, and from thence the virtue bring’st,<br>
+That, sparkling in thine eyes, denotes thy joy,<br>
+l mark; but, who thou art, am still to seek;<br>
+Or wherefore, worthy spirit! for thy lot<br>
+This sphere assign’d, that oft from mortal ken<br>
+Is veil’d by others’ beams.” I said, and turn’d<br>
+Toward the lustre, that with greeting, kind<br>
+Erewhile had hail’d me. Forthwith brighter far<br>
+Than erst, it wax’d: and, as himself the sun<br>
+Hides through excess of light, when his warm gaze<br>
+Hath on the mantle of thick vapours prey’d;<br>
+Within its proper ray the saintly shape<br>
+Was, through increase of gladness, thus conceal’d;<br>
+And, shrouded so in splendour answer’d me,<br>
 E’en as the tenour of my song declares.
 </p>
 
@@ -12701,157 +12695,157 @@ E’en as the tenour of my song declares.
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoIII.6"></a>CANTO VI</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoIII.6"></a>CANTO VI</h2>
 
 <p>
-“After that Constantine the eagle turn’d<br/>
-Against the motions of the heav’n, that roll’d<br/>
-Consenting with its course, when he of yore,<br/>
-Lavinia’s spouse, was leader of the flight,<br/>
-A hundred years twice told and more, his seat<br/>
-At Europe’s extreme point, the bird of Jove<br/>
-Held, near the mountains, whence he issued first.<br/>
-There, under shadow of his sacred plumes<br/>
-Swaying the world, till through successive hands<br/>
-To mine he came devolv’d. Caesar I was,<br/>
-And am Justinian; destin’d by the will<br/>
-Of that prime love, whose influence I feel,<br/>
-From vain excess to clear th’ encumber’d laws.<br/>
-Or ere that work engag’d me, I did hold<br/>
-Christ’s nature merely human, with such faith<br/>
-Contented. But the blessed Agapete,<br/>
-Who was chief shepherd, he with warning voice<br/>
-To the true faith recall’d me. I believ’d<br/>
-His words: and what he taught, now plainly see,<br/>
-As thou in every contradiction seest<br/>
-The true and false oppos’d. Soon as my feet<br/>
-Were to the church reclaim’d, to my great task,<br/>
-By inspiration of God’s grace impell’d,<br/>
-I gave me wholly, and consign’d mine arms<br/>
-To Belisarius, with whom heaven’s right hand<br/>
-Was link’d in such conjointment, ’t was a sign<br/>
-That I should rest. To thy first question thus<br/>
-I shape mine answer, which were ended here,<br/>
-But that its tendency doth prompt perforce<br/>
-To some addition; that thou well, mayst mark<br/>
-What reason on each side they have to plead,<br/>
-By whom that holiest banner is withstood,<br/>
-Both who pretend its power and who oppose.<br/>
-“Beginning from that hour, when Pallas died<br/>
-To give it rule, behold the valorous deeds<br/>
-Have made it worthy reverence. Not unknown<br/>
-To thee, how for three hundred years and more<br/>
-It dwelt in Alba, up to those fell lists<br/>
-Where for its sake were met the rival three;<br/>
-Nor aught unknown to thee, which it achiev’d<br/>
-Down to the Sabines’ wrong to Lucrece’ woe,<br/>
-With its sev’n kings conqu’ring the nation round;<br/>
-Nor all it wrought, by Roman worthies home<br/>
-’Gainst Brennus and th’ Epirot prince, and hosts<br/>
-Of single chiefs, or states in league combin’d<br/>
-Of social warfare; hence Torquatus stern,<br/>
-And Quintius nam’d of his neglected locks,<br/>
-The Decii, and the Fabii hence acquir’d<br/>
-Their fame, which I with duteous zeal embalm.<br/>
-By it the pride of Arab hordes was quell’d,<br/>
-When they led on by Hannibal o’erpass’d<br/>
-The Alpine rocks, whence glide thy currents, Po!<br/>
-Beneath its guidance, in their prime of days<br/>
-Scipio and Pompey triumph’d; and that hill,<br/>
-Under whose summit thou didst see the light,<br/>
-Rued its stern bearing. After, near the hour,<br/>
-When heav’n was minded that o’er all the world<br/>
-His own deep calm should brood, to Caesar’s hand<br/>
-Did Rome consign it; and what then it wrought<br/>
-From Var unto the Rhine, saw Isere’s flood,<br/>
-Saw Loire and Seine, and every vale, that fills<br/>
-The torrent Rhone. What after that it wrought,<br/>
-When from Ravenna it came forth, and leap’d<br/>
-The Rubicon, was of so bold a flight,<br/>
-That tongue nor pen may follow it. Tow’rds Spain<br/>
-It wheel’d its bands, then tow’rd Dyrrachium smote,<br/>
-And on Pharsalia with so fierce a plunge,<br/>
-E’en the warm Nile was conscious to the pang;<br/>
-Its native shores Antandros, and the streams<br/>
-Of Simois revisited, and there<br/>
-Where Hector lies; then ill for Ptolemy<br/>
-His pennons shook again; lightning thence fell<br/>
-On Juba; and the next upon your west,<br/>
-At sound of the Pompeian trump, return’d.<br/>
-<br/>
-“What following and in its next bearer’s gripe<br/>
-It wrought, is now by Cassius and Brutus<br/>
-Bark’d off in hell, and by Perugia’s sons<br/>
-And Modena’s was mourn’d. Hence weepeth still<br/>
-Sad Cleopatra, who, pursued by it,<br/>
-Took from the adder black and sudden death.<br/>
-With him it ran e’en to the Red Sea coast;<br/>
-With him compos’d the world to such a peace,<br/>
-That of his temple Janus barr’d the door.<br/>
-<br/>
-“But all the mighty standard yet had wrought,<br/>
-And was appointed to perform thereafter,<br/>
-Throughout the mortal kingdom which it sway’d,<br/>
-Falls in appearance dwindled and obscur’d,<br/>
-If one with steady eye and perfect thought<br/>
-On the third Caesar look; for to his hands,<br/>
-The living Justice, in whose breath I move,<br/>
-Committed glory, e’en into his hands,<br/>
-To execute the vengeance of its wrath.<br/>
-<br/>
-“Hear now and wonder at what next I tell.<br/>
-After with Titus it was sent to wreak<br/>
-Vengeance for vengeance of the ancient sin,<br/>
-And, when the Lombard tooth, with fangs impure,<br/>
-Did gore the bosom of the holy church,<br/>
-Under its wings victorious, Charlemagne<br/>
-Sped to her rescue. Judge then for thyself<br/>
-Of those, whom I erewhile accus’d to thee,<br/>
-What they are, and how grievous their offending,<br/>
-Who are the cause of all your ills. The one<br/>
-Against the universal ensign rears<br/>
-The yellow lilies, and with partial aim<br/>
-That to himself the other arrogates:<br/>
-So that ’t is hard to see which more offends.<br/>
-Be yours, ye Ghibellines, to veil your arts<br/>
-Beneath another standard: ill is this<br/>
-Follow’d of him, who severs it and justice:<br/>
-And let not with his Guelphs the new-crown’d Charles<br/>
-Assail it, but those talons hold in dread,<br/>
-Which from a lion of more lofty port<br/>
-Have rent the easing. Many a time ere now<br/>
-The sons have for the sire’s transgression wail’d;<br/>
-Nor let him trust the fond belief, that heav’n<br/>
-Will truck its armour for his lilied shield.<br/>
-<br/>
-“This little star is furnish’d with good spirits,<br/>
-Whose mortal lives were busied to that end,<br/>
-That honour and renown might wait on them:<br/>
-And, when desires thus err in their intention,<br/>
-True love must needs ascend with slacker beam.<br/>
-But it is part of our delight, to measure<br/>
-Our wages with the merit; and admire<br/>
-The close proportion. Hence doth heav’nly justice<br/>
-Temper so evenly affection in us,<br/>
-It ne’er can warp to any wrongfulness.<br/>
-Of diverse voices is sweet music made:<br/>
-So in our life the different degrees<br/>
-Render sweet harmony among these wheels.<br/>
-<br/>
-“Within the pearl, that now encloseth us,<br/>
-Shines Romeo’s light, whose goodly deed and fair<br/>
-Met ill acceptance. But the Provencals,<br/>
-That were his foes, have little cause for mirth.<br/>
-Ill shapes that man his course, who makes his wrong<br/>
-Of other’s worth. Four daughters were there born<br/>
-To Raymond Berenger, and every one<br/>
-Became a queen; and this for him did Romeo,<br/>
-Though of mean state and from a foreign land.<br/>
-Yet envious tongues incited him to ask<br/>
-A reckoning of that just one, who return’d<br/>
-Twelve fold to him for ten. Aged and poor<br/>
-He parted thence: and if the world did know<br/>
-The heart he had, begging his life by morsels,<br/>
+“After that Constantine the eagle turn’d<br>
+Against the motions of the heav’n, that roll’d<br>
+Consenting with its course, when he of yore,<br>
+Lavinia’s spouse, was leader of the flight,<br>
+A hundred years twice told and more, his seat<br>
+At Europe’s extreme point, the bird of Jove<br>
+Held, near the mountains, whence he issued first.<br>
+There, under shadow of his sacred plumes<br>
+Swaying the world, till through successive hands<br>
+To mine he came devolv’d. Caesar I was,<br>
+And am Justinian; destin’d by the will<br>
+Of that prime love, whose influence I feel,<br>
+From vain excess to clear th’ encumber’d laws.<br>
+Or ere that work engag’d me, I did hold<br>
+Christ’s nature merely human, with such faith<br>
+Contented. But the blessed Agapete,<br>
+Who was chief shepherd, he with warning voice<br>
+To the true faith recall’d me. I believ’d<br>
+His words: and what he taught, now plainly see,<br>
+As thou in every contradiction seest<br>
+The true and false oppos’d. Soon as my feet<br>
+Were to the church reclaim’d, to my great task,<br>
+By inspiration of God’s grace impell’d,<br>
+I gave me wholly, and consign’d mine arms<br>
+To Belisarius, with whom heaven’s right hand<br>
+Was link’d in such conjointment, ’t was a sign<br>
+That I should rest. To thy first question thus<br>
+I shape mine answer, which were ended here,<br>
+But that its tendency doth prompt perforce<br>
+To some addition; that thou well, mayst mark<br>
+What reason on each side they have to plead,<br>
+By whom that holiest banner is withstood,<br>
+Both who pretend its power and who oppose.<br>
+“Beginning from that hour, when Pallas died<br>
+To give it rule, behold the valorous deeds<br>
+Have made it worthy reverence. Not unknown<br>
+To thee, how for three hundred years and more<br>
+It dwelt in Alba, up to those fell lists<br>
+Where for its sake were met the rival three;<br>
+Nor aught unknown to thee, which it achiev’d<br>
+Down to the Sabines’ wrong to Lucrece’ woe,<br>
+With its sev’n kings conqu’ring the nation round;<br>
+Nor all it wrought, by Roman worthies home<br>
+’Gainst Brennus and th’ Epirot prince, and hosts<br>
+Of single chiefs, or states in league combin’d<br>
+Of social warfare; hence Torquatus stern,<br>
+And Quintius nam’d of his neglected locks,<br>
+The Decii, and the Fabii hence acquir’d<br>
+Their fame, which I with duteous zeal embalm.<br>
+By it the pride of Arab hordes was quell’d,<br>
+When they led on by Hannibal o’erpass’d<br>
+The Alpine rocks, whence glide thy currents, Po!<br>
+Beneath its guidance, in their prime of days<br>
+Scipio and Pompey triumph’d; and that hill,<br>
+Under whose summit thou didst see the light,<br>
+Rued its stern bearing. After, near the hour,<br>
+When heav’n was minded that o’er all the world<br>
+His own deep calm should brood, to Caesar’s hand<br>
+Did Rome consign it; and what then it wrought<br>
+From Var unto the Rhine, saw Isere’s flood,<br>
+Saw Loire and Seine, and every vale, that fills<br>
+The torrent Rhone. What after that it wrought,<br>
+When from Ravenna it came forth, and leap’d<br>
+The Rubicon, was of so bold a flight,<br>
+That tongue nor pen may follow it. Tow’rds Spain<br>
+It wheel’d its bands, then tow’rd Dyrrachium smote,<br>
+And on Pharsalia with so fierce a plunge,<br>
+E’en the warm Nile was conscious to the pang;<br>
+Its native shores Antandros, and the streams<br>
+Of Simois revisited, and there<br>
+Where Hector lies; then ill for Ptolemy<br>
+His pennons shook again; lightning thence fell<br>
+On Juba; and the next upon your west,<br>
+At sound of the Pompeian trump, return’d.<br>
+<br>
+“What following and in its next bearer’s gripe<br>
+It wrought, is now by Cassius and Brutus<br>
+Bark’d off in hell, and by Perugia’s sons<br>
+And Modena’s was mourn’d. Hence weepeth still<br>
+Sad Cleopatra, who, pursued by it,<br>
+Took from the adder black and sudden death.<br>
+With him it ran e’en to the Red Sea coast;<br>
+With him compos’d the world to such a peace,<br>
+That of his temple Janus barr’d the door.<br>
+<br>
+“But all the mighty standard yet had wrought,<br>
+And was appointed to perform thereafter,<br>
+Throughout the mortal kingdom which it sway’d,<br>
+Falls in appearance dwindled and obscur’d,<br>
+If one with steady eye and perfect thought<br>
+On the third Caesar look; for to his hands,<br>
+The living Justice, in whose breath I move,<br>
+Committed glory, e’en into his hands,<br>
+To execute the vengeance of its wrath.<br>
+<br>
+“Hear now and wonder at what next I tell.<br>
+After with Titus it was sent to wreak<br>
+Vengeance for vengeance of the ancient sin,<br>
+And, when the Lombard tooth, with fangs impure,<br>
+Did gore the bosom of the holy church,<br>
+Under its wings victorious, Charlemagne<br>
+Sped to her rescue. Judge then for thyself<br>
+Of those, whom I erewhile accus’d to thee,<br>
+What they are, and how grievous their offending,<br>
+Who are the cause of all your ills. The one<br>
+Against the universal ensign rears<br>
+The yellow lilies, and with partial aim<br>
+That to himself the other arrogates:<br>
+So that ’t is hard to see which more offends.<br>
+Be yours, ye Ghibellines, to veil your arts<br>
+Beneath another standard: ill is this<br>
+Follow’d of him, who severs it and justice:<br>
+And let not with his Guelphs the new-crown’d Charles<br>
+Assail it, but those talons hold in dread,<br>
+Which from a lion of more lofty port<br>
+Have rent the easing. Many a time ere now<br>
+The sons have for the sire’s transgression wail’d;<br>
+Nor let him trust the fond belief, that heav’n<br>
+Will truck its armour for his lilied shield.<br>
+<br>
+“This little star is furnish’d with good spirits,<br>
+Whose mortal lives were busied to that end,<br>
+That honour and renown might wait on them:<br>
+And, when desires thus err in their intention,<br>
+True love must needs ascend with slacker beam.<br>
+But it is part of our delight, to measure<br>
+Our wages with the merit; and admire<br>
+The close proportion. Hence doth heav’nly justice<br>
+Temper so evenly affection in us,<br>
+It ne’er can warp to any wrongfulness.<br>
+Of diverse voices is sweet music made:<br>
+So in our life the different degrees<br>
+Render sweet harmony among these wheels.<br>
+<br>
+“Within the pearl, that now encloseth us,<br>
+Shines Romeo’s light, whose goodly deed and fair<br>
+Met ill acceptance. But the Provencals,<br>
+That were his foes, have little cause for mirth.<br>
+Ill shapes that man his course, who makes his wrong<br>
+Of other’s worth. Four daughters were there born<br>
+To Raymond Berenger, and every one<br>
+Became a queen; and this for him did Romeo,<br>
+Though of mean state and from a foreign land.<br>
+Yet envious tongues incited him to ask<br>
+A reckoning of that just one, who return’d<br>
+Twelve fold to him for ten. Aged and poor<br>
+He parted thence: and if the world did know<br>
+The heart he had, begging his life by morsels,<br>
 ’T would deem the praise, it yields him, scantly dealt.”
 </p>
 
@@ -12859,159 +12853,159 @@ The heart he had, begging his life by morsels,<br/>
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoIII.7"></a>CANTO VII</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoIII.7"></a>CANTO VII</h2>
 
 <p>
-“Hosanna Sanctus Deus Sabaoth<br/>
-Superillustrans claritate tua<br/>
-Felices ignes horum malahoth!”<br/>
-Thus chanting saw I turn that substance bright<br/>
-With fourfold lustre to its orb again,<br/>
-Revolving; and the rest unto their dance<br/>
-With it mov’d also; and like swiftest sparks,<br/>
-In sudden distance from my sight were veil’d.<br/>
-<br/>
-Me doubt possess’d, and “Speak,” it whisper’d me,<br/>
-“Speak, speak unto thy lady, that she quench<br/>
-Thy thirst with drops of sweetness.” Yet blank awe,<br/>
-Which lords it o’er me, even at the sound<br/>
-Of Beatrice’s name, did bow me down<br/>
-As one in slumber held. Not long that mood<br/>
-Beatrice suffer’d: she, with such a smile,<br/>
-As might have made one blest amid the flames,<br/>
-Beaming upon me, thus her words began:<br/>
-“Thou in thy thought art pond’ring (as I deem),<br/>
-And what I deem is truth how just revenge<br/>
-Could be with justice punish’d: from which doubt<br/>
-I soon will free thee; so thou mark my words;<br/>
-For they of weighty matter shall possess thee.<br/>
-<br/>
-“That man, who was unborn, himself condemn’d,<br/>
-And, in himself, all, who since him have liv’d,<br/>
-His offspring: whence, below, the human kind<br/>
-Lay sick in grievous error many an age;<br/>
-Until it pleas’d the Word of God to come<br/>
-Amongst them down, to his own person joining<br/>
-The nature, from its Maker far estrang’d,<br/>
-By the mere act of his eternal love.<br/>
-Contemplate here the wonder I unfold.<br/>
-The nature with its Maker thus conjoin’d,<br/>
-Created first was blameless, pure and good;<br/>
-But through itself alone was driven forth<br/>
-From Paradise, because it had eschew’d<br/>
-The way of truth and life, to evil turn’d.<br/>
-Ne’er then was penalty so just as that<br/>
-Inflicted by the cross, if thou regard<br/>
-The nature in assumption doom’d: ne’er wrong<br/>
-So great, in reference to him, who took<br/>
-Such nature on him, and endur’d the doom.<br/>
-God therefore and the Jews one sentence pleased:<br/>
-So different effects flow’d from one act,<br/>
-And heav’n was open’d, though the earth did quake.<br/>
-Count it not hard henceforth, when thou dost hear<br/>
-That a just vengeance was by righteous court<br/>
-Justly reveng’d. But yet I see thy mind<br/>
-By thought on thought arising sore perplex’d,<br/>
-And with how vehement desire it asks<br/>
-Solution of the maze. What I have heard,<br/>
-Is plain, thou sayst: but wherefore God this way<br/>
-For our redemption chose, eludes my search.<br/>
-<br/>
-“Brother! no eye of man not perfected,<br/>
-Nor fully ripen’d in the flame of love,<br/>
-May fathom this decree. It is a mark,<br/>
-In sooth, much aim’d at, and but little kenn’d:<br/>
-And I will therefore show thee why such way<br/>
-Was worthiest. The celestial love, that spume<br/>
-All envying in its bounty, in itself<br/>
-With such effulgence blazeth, as sends forth<br/>
-All beauteous things eternal. What distils<br/>
-Immediate thence, no end of being knows,<br/>
-Bearing its seal immutably impress’d.<br/>
-Whatever thence immediate falls, is free,<br/>
-Free wholly, uncontrollable by power<br/>
-Of each thing new: by such conformity<br/>
-More grateful to its author, whose bright beams,<br/>
-Though all partake their shining, yet in those<br/>
-Are liveliest, which resemble him the most.<br/>
-These tokens of pre-eminence on man<br/>
-Largely bestow’d, if any of them fail,<br/>
-He needs must forfeit his nobility,<br/>
-No longer stainless. Sin alone is that,<br/>
-Which doth disfranchise him, and make unlike<br/>
-To the chief good; for that its light in him<br/>
-Is darken’d. And to dignity thus lost<br/>
-Is no return; unless, where guilt makes void,<br/>
-He for ill pleasure pay with equal pain.<br/>
-Your nature, which entirely in its seed<br/>
-Trangress’d, from these distinctions fell, no less<br/>
-Than from its state in Paradise; nor means<br/>
-Found of recovery (search all methods out<br/>
-As strickly as thou may) save one of these,<br/>
-The only fords were left through which to wade,<br/>
-Either that God had of his courtesy<br/>
-Releas’d him merely, or else man himself<br/>
-For his own folly by himself aton’d.<br/>
-<br/>
-“Fix now thine eye, intently as thou canst,<br/>
-On th’ everlasting counsel, and explore,<br/>
-Instructed by my words, the dread abyss.<br/>
-<br/>
-“Man in himself had ever lack’d the means<br/>
-Of satisfaction, for he could not stoop<br/>
-Obeying, in humility so low,<br/>
-As high he, disobeying, thought to soar:<br/>
-And for this reason he had vainly tried<br/>
-Out of his own sufficiency to pay<br/>
-The rigid satisfaction. Then behooved<br/>
-That God should by his own ways lead him back<br/>
-Unto the life, from whence he fell, restor’d:<br/>
-By both his ways, I mean, or one alone.<br/>
-But since the deed is ever priz’d the more,<br/>
-The more the doer’s good intent appears,<br/>
-Goodness celestial, whose broad signature<br/>
-Is on the universe, of all its ways<br/>
-To raise ye up, was fain to leave out none,<br/>
-Nor aught so vast or so magnificent,<br/>
-Either for him who gave or who receiv’d<br/>
-Between the last night and the primal day,<br/>
-Was or can be. For God more bounty show’d.<br/>
-Giving himself to make man capable<br/>
-Of his return to life, than had the terms<br/>
-Been mere and unconditional release.<br/>
-And for his justice, every method else<br/>
-Were all too scant, had not the Son of God<br/>
-Humbled himself to put on mortal flesh.<br/>
-<br/>
-“Now, to fulfil each wish of thine, remains<br/>
-I somewhat further to thy view unfold.<br/>
-That thou mayst see as clearly as myself.<br/>
-<br/>
-“I see, thou sayst, the air, the fire I see,<br/>
-The earth and water, and all things of them<br/>
-Compounded, to corruption turn, and soon<br/>
-Dissolve. Yet these were also things create,<br/>
-Because, if what were told me, had been true<br/>
-They from corruption had been therefore free.<br/>
-<br/>
-“The angels, O my brother! and this clime<br/>
-Wherein thou art, impassible and pure,<br/>
-I call created, as indeed they are<br/>
-In their whole being. But the elements,<br/>
-Which thou hast nam’d, and what of them is made,<br/>
-Are by created virtue’ inform’d: create<br/>
-Their substance, and create the’ informing virtue<br/>
-In these bright stars, that round them circling move<br/>
-The soul of every brute and of each plant,<br/>
-The ray and motion of the sacred lights,<br/>
-With complex potency attract and turn.<br/>
-But this our life the’ eternal good inspires<br/>
-Immediate, and enamours of itself;<br/>
-So that our wishes rest for ever here.<br/>
-<br/>
-“And hence thou mayst by inference conclude<br/>
-Our resurrection certain, if thy mind<br/>
-Consider how the human flesh was fram’d,<br/>
+“Hosanna Sanctus Deus Sabaoth<br>
+Superillustrans claritate tua<br>
+Felices ignes horum malahoth!”<br>
+Thus chanting saw I turn that substance bright<br>
+With fourfold lustre to its orb again,<br>
+Revolving; and the rest unto their dance<br>
+With it mov’d also; and like swiftest sparks,<br>
+In sudden distance from my sight were veil’d.<br>
+<br>
+Me doubt possess’d, and “Speak,” it whisper’d me,<br>
+“Speak, speak unto thy lady, that she quench<br>
+Thy thirst with drops of sweetness.” Yet blank awe,<br>
+Which lords it o’er me, even at the sound<br>
+Of Beatrice’s name, did bow me down<br>
+As one in slumber held. Not long that mood<br>
+Beatrice suffer’d: she, with such a smile,<br>
+As might have made one blest amid the flames,<br>
+Beaming upon me, thus her words began:<br>
+“Thou in thy thought art pond’ring (as I deem),<br>
+And what I deem is truth how just revenge<br>
+Could be with justice punish’d: from which doubt<br>
+I soon will free thee; so thou mark my words;<br>
+For they of weighty matter shall possess thee.<br>
+<br>
+“That man, who was unborn, himself condemn’d,<br>
+And, in himself, all, who since him have liv’d,<br>
+His offspring: whence, below, the human kind<br>
+Lay sick in grievous error many an age;<br>
+Until it pleas’d the Word of God to come<br>
+Amongst them down, to his own person joining<br>
+The nature, from its Maker far estrang’d,<br>
+By the mere act of his eternal love.<br>
+Contemplate here the wonder I unfold.<br>
+The nature with its Maker thus conjoin’d,<br>
+Created first was blameless, pure and good;<br>
+But through itself alone was driven forth<br>
+From Paradise, because it had eschew’d<br>
+The way of truth and life, to evil turn’d.<br>
+Ne’er then was penalty so just as that<br>
+Inflicted by the cross, if thou regard<br>
+The nature in assumption doom’d: ne’er wrong<br>
+So great, in reference to him, who took<br>
+Such nature on him, and endur’d the doom.<br>
+God therefore and the Jews one sentence pleased:<br>
+So different effects flow’d from one act,<br>
+And heav’n was open’d, though the earth did quake.<br>
+Count it not hard henceforth, when thou dost hear<br>
+That a just vengeance was by righteous court<br>
+Justly reveng’d. But yet I see thy mind<br>
+By thought on thought arising sore perplex’d,<br>
+And with how vehement desire it asks<br>
+Solution of the maze. What I have heard,<br>
+Is plain, thou sayst: but wherefore God this way<br>
+For our redemption chose, eludes my search.<br>
+<br>
+“Brother! no eye of man not perfected,<br>
+Nor fully ripen’d in the flame of love,<br>
+May fathom this decree. It is a mark,<br>
+In sooth, much aim’d at, and but little kenn’d:<br>
+And I will therefore show thee why such way<br>
+Was worthiest. The celestial love, that spume<br>
+All envying in its bounty, in itself<br>
+With such effulgence blazeth, as sends forth<br>
+All beauteous things eternal. What distils<br>
+Immediate thence, no end of being knows,<br>
+Bearing its seal immutably impress’d.<br>
+Whatever thence immediate falls, is free,<br>
+Free wholly, uncontrollable by power<br>
+Of each thing new: by such conformity<br>
+More grateful to its author, whose bright beams,<br>
+Though all partake their shining, yet in those<br>
+Are liveliest, which resemble him the most.<br>
+These tokens of pre-eminence on man<br>
+Largely bestow’d, if any of them fail,<br>
+He needs must forfeit his nobility,<br>
+No longer stainless. Sin alone is that,<br>
+Which doth disfranchise him, and make unlike<br>
+To the chief good; for that its light in him<br>
+Is darken’d. And to dignity thus lost<br>
+Is no return; unless, where guilt makes void,<br>
+He for ill pleasure pay with equal pain.<br>
+Your nature, which entirely in its seed<br>
+Trangress’d, from these distinctions fell, no less<br>
+Than from its state in Paradise; nor means<br>
+Found of recovery (search all methods out<br>
+As strickly as thou may) save one of these,<br>
+The only fords were left through which to wade,<br>
+Either that God had of his courtesy<br>
+Releas’d him merely, or else man himself<br>
+For his own folly by himself aton’d.<br>
+<br>
+“Fix now thine eye, intently as thou canst,<br>
+On th’ everlasting counsel, and explore,<br>
+Instructed by my words, the dread abyss.<br>
+<br>
+“Man in himself had ever lack’d the means<br>
+Of satisfaction, for he could not stoop<br>
+Obeying, in humility so low,<br>
+As high he, disobeying, thought to soar:<br>
+And for this reason he had vainly tried<br>
+Out of his own sufficiency to pay<br>
+The rigid satisfaction. Then behooved<br>
+That God should by his own ways lead him back<br>
+Unto the life, from whence he fell, restor’d:<br>
+By both his ways, I mean, or one alone.<br>
+But since the deed is ever priz’d the more,<br>
+The more the doer’s good intent appears,<br>
+Goodness celestial, whose broad signature<br>
+Is on the universe, of all its ways<br>
+To raise ye up, was fain to leave out none,<br>
+Nor aught so vast or so magnificent,<br>
+Either for him who gave or who receiv’d<br>
+Between the last night and the primal day,<br>
+Was or can be. For God more bounty show’d.<br>
+Giving himself to make man capable<br>
+Of his return to life, than had the terms<br>
+Been mere and unconditional release.<br>
+And for his justice, every method else<br>
+Were all too scant, had not the Son of God<br>
+Humbled himself to put on mortal flesh.<br>
+<br>
+“Now, to fulfil each wish of thine, remains<br>
+I somewhat further to thy view unfold.<br>
+That thou mayst see as clearly as myself.<br>
+<br>
+“I see, thou sayst, the air, the fire I see,<br>
+The earth and water, and all things of them<br>
+Compounded, to corruption turn, and soon<br>
+Dissolve. Yet these were also things create,<br>
+Because, if what were told me, had been true<br>
+They from corruption had been therefore free.<br>
+<br>
+“The angels, O my brother! and this clime<br>
+Wherein thou art, impassible and pure,<br>
+I call created, as indeed they are<br>
+In their whole being. But the elements,<br>
+Which thou hast nam’d, and what of them is made,<br>
+Are by created virtue’ inform’d: create<br>
+Their substance, and create the’ informing virtue<br>
+In these bright stars, that round them circling move<br>
+The soul of every brute and of each plant,<br>
+The ray and motion of the sacred lights,<br>
+With complex potency attract and turn.<br>
+But this our life the’ eternal good inspires<br>
+Immediate, and enamours of itself;<br>
+So that our wishes rest for ever here.<br>
+<br>
+“And hence thou mayst by inference conclude<br>
+Our resurrection certain, if thy mind<br>
+Consider how the human flesh was fram’d,<br>
 When both our parents at the first were made.”
 </p>
 
@@ -13019,180 +13013,180 @@ When both our parents at the first were made.”
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoIII.8"></a>CANTO VIII</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoIII.8"></a>CANTO VIII</h2>
 
 <p>
-The world was in its day of peril dark<br/>
-Wont to believe the dotage of fond love<br/>
-From the fair Cyprian deity, who rolls<br/>
-In her third epicycle, shed on men<br/>
-By stream of potent radiance: therefore they<br/>
-Of elder time, in their old error blind,<br/>
-Not her alone with sacrifice ador’d<br/>
-And invocation, but like honours paid<br/>
-To Cupid and Dione, deem’d of them<br/>
-Her mother, and her son, him whom they feign’d<br/>
-To sit in Dido’s bosom: and from her,<br/>
-Whom I have sung preluding, borrow’d they<br/>
-The appellation of that star, which views,<br/>
-Now obvious and now averse, the sun.<br/>
-<br/>
-I was not ware that I was wafted up<br/>
-Into its orb; but the new loveliness<br/>
-That grac’d my lady, gave me ample proof<br/>
-That we had entered there. And as in flame<br/>
-A sparkle is distinct, or voice in voice<br/>
-Discern’d, when one its even tenour keeps,<br/>
-The other comes and goes; so in that light<br/>
-I other luminaries saw, that cours’d<br/>
-In circling motion rapid more or less,<br/>
-As their eternal phases each impels.<br/>
-<br/>
-Never was blast from vapour charged with cold,<br/>
-Whether invisible to eye or no,<br/>
-Descended with such speed, it had not seem’d<br/>
-To linger in dull tardiness, compar’d<br/>
-To those celestial lights, that tow’rds us came,<br/>
-Leaving the circuit of their joyous ring,<br/>
-Conducted by the lofty seraphim.<br/>
-And after them, who in the van appear’d,<br/>
-Such an hosanna sounded, as hath left<br/>
-Desire, ne’er since extinct in me, to hear<br/>
-Renew’d the strain. Then parting from the rest<br/>
-One near us drew, and sole began: “We all<br/>
-Are ready at thy pleasure, well dispos’d<br/>
-To do thee gentle service. We are they,<br/>
-To whom thou in the world erewhile didst Sing<br/>
-‘O ye! whose intellectual ministry<br/>
-Moves the third heaven!’ and in one orb we roll,<br/>
-One motion, one impulse, with those who rule<br/>
-Princedoms in heaven; yet are of love so full,<br/>
-That to please thee ’t will be as sweet to rest.”<br/>
-<br/>
-After mine eyes had with meek reverence<br/>
-Sought the celestial guide, and were by her<br/>
-Assur’d, they turn’d again unto the light<br/>
-Who had so largely promis’d, and with voice<br/>
-That bare the lively pressure of my zeal,<br/>
-“Tell who ye are,” I cried. Forthwith it grew<br/>
-In size and splendour, through augmented joy;<br/>
-And thus it answer’d: “A short date below<br/>
-The world possess’d me. Had the time been more,<br/>
-Much evil, that will come, had never chanc’d.<br/>
-My gladness hides thee from me, which doth shine<br/>
-Around, and shroud me, as an animal<br/>
-In its own silk unswath’d. Thou lov’dst me well,<br/>
-And had’st good cause; for had my sojourning<br/>
-Been longer on the earth, the love I bare thee<br/>
-Had put forth more than blossoms. The left bank,<br/>
+The world was in its day of peril dark<br>
+Wont to believe the dotage of fond love<br>
+From the fair Cyprian deity, who rolls<br>
+In her third epicycle, shed on men<br>
+By stream of potent radiance: therefore they<br>
+Of elder time, in their old error blind,<br>
+Not her alone with sacrifice ador’d<br>
+And invocation, but like honours paid<br>
+To Cupid and Dione, deem’d of them<br>
+Her mother, and her son, him whom they feign’d<br>
+To sit in Dido’s bosom: and from her,<br>
+Whom I have sung preluding, borrow’d they<br>
+The appellation of that star, which views,<br>
+Now obvious and now averse, the sun.<br>
+<br>
+I was not ware that I was wafted up<br>
+Into its orb; but the new loveliness<br>
+That grac’d my lady, gave me ample proof<br>
+That we had entered there. And as in flame<br>
+A sparkle is distinct, or voice in voice<br>
+Discern’d, when one its even tenour keeps,<br>
+The other comes and goes; so in that light<br>
+I other luminaries saw, that cours’d<br>
+In circling motion rapid more or less,<br>
+As their eternal phases each impels.<br>
+<br>
+Never was blast from vapour charged with cold,<br>
+Whether invisible to eye or no,<br>
+Descended with such speed, it had not seem’d<br>
+To linger in dull tardiness, compar’d<br>
+To those celestial lights, that tow’rds us came,<br>
+Leaving the circuit of their joyous ring,<br>
+Conducted by the lofty seraphim.<br>
+And after them, who in the van appear’d,<br>
+Such an hosanna sounded, as hath left<br>
+Desire, ne’er since extinct in me, to hear<br>
+Renew’d the strain. Then parting from the rest<br>
+One near us drew, and sole began: “We all<br>
+Are ready at thy pleasure, well dispos’d<br>
+To do thee gentle service. We are they,<br>
+To whom thou in the world erewhile didst Sing<br>
+‘O ye! whose intellectual ministry<br>
+Moves the third heaven!’ and in one orb we roll,<br>
+One motion, one impulse, with those who rule<br>
+Princedoms in heaven; yet are of love so full,<br>
+That to please thee ’t will be as sweet to rest.”<br>
+<br>
+After mine eyes had with meek reverence<br>
+Sought the celestial guide, and were by her<br>
+Assur’d, they turn’d again unto the light<br>
+Who had so largely promis’d, and with voice<br>
+That bare the lively pressure of my zeal,<br>
+“Tell who ye are,” I cried. Forthwith it grew<br>
+In size and splendour, through augmented joy;<br>
+And thus it answer’d: “A short date below<br>
+The world possess’d me. Had the time been more,<br>
+Much evil, that will come, had never chanc’d.<br>
+My gladness hides thee from me, which doth shine<br>
+Around, and shroud me, as an animal<br>
+In its own silk unswath’d. Thou lov’dst me well,<br>
+And had’st good cause; for had my sojourning<br>
+Been longer on the earth, the love I bare thee<br>
+Had put forth more than blossoms. The left bank,<br>
 That Rhone, when he hath mix’d with Sorga, laves.”
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/08-60.jpg">
-<img src="images/08-60.jpg" width="530" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+<img src="images/08-60.jpg" alt="" style="width: 530px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-“In me its lord expected, and that horn<br/>
-Of fair Ausonia, with its boroughs old,<br/>
-Bari, and Croton, and Gaeta pil’d,<br/>
-From where the Trento disembogues his waves,<br/>
-With Verde mingled, to the salt sea-flood.<br/>
-Already on my temples beam’d the crown,<br/>
-Which gave me sov’reignty over the land<br/>
-By Danube wash’d, whenas he strays beyond<br/>
-The limits of his German shores. The realm,<br/>
-Where, on the gulf by stormy Eurus lash’d,<br/>
-Betwixt Pelorus and Pachynian heights,<br/>
-The beautiful Trinacria lies in gloom<br/>
-(Not through Typhaeus, but the vap’ry cloud<br/>
-Bituminous upsteam’d), THAT too did look<br/>
-To have its scepter wielded by a race<br/>
-Of monarchs, sprung through me from Charles and Rodolph;<br/>
-had not ill lording which doth spirit up<br/>
-The people ever, in Palermo rais’d<br/>
-The shout of ‘death,’ re-echo’d loud and long.<br/>
-Had but my brother’s foresight kenn’d as much,<br/>
-He had been warier that the greedy want<br/>
-Of Catalonia might not work his bale.<br/>
-And truly need there is, that he forecast,<br/>
-Or other for him, lest more freight be laid<br/>
-On his already over-laden bark.<br/>
-Nature in him, from bounty fall’n to thrift,<br/>
-Would ask the guard of braver arms, than such<br/>
-As only care to have their coffers fill’d.”<br/>
-<br/>
-“My liege, it doth enhance the joy thy words<br/>
-Infuse into me, mighty as it is,<br/>
-To think my gladness manifest to thee,<br/>
-As to myself, who own it, when thou lookst<br/>
-Into the source and limit of all good,<br/>
-There, where thou markest that which thou dost speak,<br/>
-Thence priz’d of me the more. Glad thou hast made me.<br/>
-Now make intelligent, clearing the doubt<br/>
-Thy speech hath raised in me; for much I muse,<br/>
-How bitter can spring up, when sweet is sown.”<br/>
-<br/>
-I thus inquiring; he forthwith replied:<br/>
-“If I have power to show one truth, soon that<br/>
-Shall face thee, which thy questioning declares<br/>
-Behind thee now conceal’d. The Good, that guides<br/>
-And blessed makes this realm, which thou dost mount,<br/>
-Ordains its providence to be the virtue<br/>
-In these great bodies: nor th’ all perfect Mind<br/>
-Upholds their nature merely, but in them<br/>
-Their energy to save: for nought, that lies<br/>
-Within the range of that unerring bow,<br/>
-But is as level with the destin’d aim,<br/>
-As ever mark to arrow’s point oppos’d.<br/>
-Were it not thus, these heavens, thou dost visit,<br/>
-Would their effect so work, it would not be<br/>
-Art, but destruction; and this may not chance,<br/>
-If th’ intellectual powers, that move these stars,<br/>
-Fail not, or who, first faulty made them fail.<br/>
-Wilt thou this truth more clearly evidenc’d?”<br/>
-<br/>
-To whom I thus: “It is enough: no fear,<br/>
-I see, lest nature in her part should tire.”<br/>
-<br/>
-He straight rejoin’d: “Say, were it worse for man,<br/>
-If he liv’d not in fellowship on earth?”<br/>
-<br/>
-“Yea,” answer’d I; “nor here a reason needs.”<br/>
-<br/>
-“And may that be, if different estates<br/>
-Grow not of different duties in your life?<br/>
-Consult your teacher, and he tells you ‘no’.”<br/>
-<br/>
-Thus did he come, deducing to this point,<br/>
-And then concluded: “For this cause behooves,<br/>
-The roots, from whence your operations come,<br/>
-Must differ. Therefore one is Solon born;<br/>
-Another, Xerxes; and Melchisidec<br/>
-A third; and he a fourth, whose airy voyage<br/>
-Cost him his son. In her circuitous course,<br/>
-Nature, that is the seal to mortal wax,<br/>
-Doth well her art, but no distinctions owns<br/>
-’Twixt one or other household. Hence befalls<br/>
-That Esau is so wide of Jacob: hence<br/>
-Quirinus of so base a father springs,<br/>
-He dates from Mars his lineage. Were it not<br/>
-That providence celestial overrul’d,<br/>
-Nature, in generation, must the path<br/>
-Trac’d by the generator, still pursue<br/>
-Unswervingly. Thus place I in thy sight<br/>
-That, which was late behind thee. But, in sign<br/>
-Of more affection for thee, ’t is my will<br/>
-Thou wear this corollary. Nature ever<br/>
-Finding discordant fortune, like all seed<br/>
-Out of its proper climate, thrives but ill.<br/>
-And were the world below content to mark<br/>
-And work on the foundation nature lays,<br/>
-It would not lack supply of excellence.<br/>
-But ye perversely to religion strain<br/>
-Him, who was born to gird on him the sword,<br/>
-And of the fluent phrasemen make your king;<br/>
+“In me its lord expected, and that horn<br>
+Of fair Ausonia, with its boroughs old,<br>
+Bari, and Croton, and Gaeta pil’d,<br>
+From where the Trento disembogues his waves,<br>
+With Verde mingled, to the salt sea-flood.<br>
+Already on my temples beam’d the crown,<br>
+Which gave me sov’reignty over the land<br>
+By Danube wash’d, whenas he strays beyond<br>
+The limits of his German shores. The realm,<br>
+Where, on the gulf by stormy Eurus lash’d,<br>
+Betwixt Pelorus and Pachynian heights,<br>
+The beautiful Trinacria lies in gloom<br>
+(Not through Typhaeus, but the vap’ry cloud<br>
+Bituminous upsteam’d), THAT too did look<br>
+To have its scepter wielded by a race<br>
+Of monarchs, sprung through me from Charles and Rodolph;<br>
+had not ill lording which doth spirit up<br>
+The people ever, in Palermo rais’d<br>
+The shout of ‘death,’ re-echo’d loud and long.<br>
+Had but my brother’s foresight kenn’d as much,<br>
+He had been warier that the greedy want<br>
+Of Catalonia might not work his bale.<br>
+And truly need there is, that he forecast,<br>
+Or other for him, lest more freight be laid<br>
+On his already over-laden bark.<br>
+Nature in him, from bounty fall’n to thrift,<br>
+Would ask the guard of braver arms, than such<br>
+As only care to have their coffers fill’d.”<br>
+<br>
+“My liege, it doth enhance the joy thy words<br>
+Infuse into me, mighty as it is,<br>
+To think my gladness manifest to thee,<br>
+As to myself, who own it, when thou lookst<br>
+Into the source and limit of all good,<br>
+There, where thou markest that which thou dost speak,<br>
+Thence priz’d of me the more. Glad thou hast made me.<br>
+Now make intelligent, clearing the doubt<br>
+Thy speech hath raised in me; for much I muse,<br>
+How bitter can spring up, when sweet is sown.”<br>
+<br>
+I thus inquiring; he forthwith replied:<br>
+“If I have power to show one truth, soon that<br>
+Shall face thee, which thy questioning declares<br>
+Behind thee now conceal’d. The Good, that guides<br>
+And blessed makes this realm, which thou dost mount,<br>
+Ordains its providence to be the virtue<br>
+In these great bodies: nor th’ all perfect Mind<br>
+Upholds their nature merely, but in them<br>
+Their energy to save: for nought, that lies<br>
+Within the range of that unerring bow,<br>
+But is as level with the destin’d aim,<br>
+As ever mark to arrow’s point oppos’d.<br>
+Were it not thus, these heavens, thou dost visit,<br>
+Would their effect so work, it would not be<br>
+Art, but destruction; and this may not chance,<br>
+If th’ intellectual powers, that move these stars,<br>
+Fail not, or who, first faulty made them fail.<br>
+Wilt thou this truth more clearly evidenc’d?”<br>
+<br>
+To whom I thus: “It is enough: no fear,<br>
+I see, lest nature in her part should tire.”<br>
+<br>
+He straight rejoin’d: “Say, were it worse for man,<br>
+If he liv’d not in fellowship on earth?”<br>
+<br>
+“Yea,” answer’d I; “nor here a reason needs.”<br>
+<br>
+“And may that be, if different estates<br>
+Grow not of different duties in your life?<br>
+Consult your teacher, and he tells you ‘no’.”<br>
+<br>
+Thus did he come, deducing to this point,<br>
+And then concluded: “For this cause behooves,<br>
+The roots, from whence your operations come,<br>
+Must differ. Therefore one is Solon born;<br>
+Another, Xerxes; and Melchisidec<br>
+A third; and he a fourth, whose airy voyage<br>
+Cost him his son. In her circuitous course,<br>
+Nature, that is the seal to mortal wax,<br>
+Doth well her art, but no distinctions owns<br>
+’Twixt one or other household. Hence befalls<br>
+That Esau is so wide of Jacob: hence<br>
+Quirinus of so base a father springs,<br>
+He dates from Mars his lineage. Were it not<br>
+That providence celestial overrul’d,<br>
+Nature, in generation, must the path<br>
+Trac’d by the generator, still pursue<br>
+Unswervingly. Thus place I in thy sight<br>
+That, which was late behind thee. But, in sign<br>
+Of more affection for thee, ’t is my will<br>
+Thou wear this corollary. Nature ever<br>
+Finding discordant fortune, like all seed<br>
+Out of its proper climate, thrives but ill.<br>
+And were the world below content to mark<br>
+And work on the foundation nature lays,<br>
+It would not lack supply of excellence.<br>
+But ye perversely to religion strain<br>
+Him, who was born to gird on him the sword,<br>
+And of the fluent phrasemen make your king;<br>
 Therefore your steps have wander’d from the paths.”
 </p>
 
@@ -13200,150 +13194,150 @@ Therefore your steps have wander’d from the paths.”
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoIII.9"></a>CANTO IX</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoIII.9"></a>CANTO IX</h2>
 
 <p>
-After solution of my doubt, thy Charles,<br/>
-O fair Clemenza, of the treachery spake<br/>
-That must befall his seed: but, “Tell it not,”<br/>
-Said he, “and let the destin’d years come round.”<br/>
-Nor may I tell thee more, save that the meed<br/>
-Of sorrow well-deserv’d shall quit your wrongs.<br/>
-<br/>
-And now the visage of that saintly light<br/>
-Was to the sun, that fills it, turn’d again,<br/>
-As to the good, whose plenitude of bliss<br/>
-Sufficeth all. O ye misguided souls!<br/>
-Infatuate, who from such a good estrange<br/>
-Your hearts, and bend your gaze on vanity,<br/>
-Alas for you!&mdash;And lo! toward me, next,<br/>
-Another of those splendent forms approach’d,<br/>
-That, by its outward bright’ning, testified<br/>
-The will it had to pleasure me. The eyes<br/>
-Of Beatrice, resting, as before,<br/>
-Firmly upon me, manifested forth<br/>
-Approval of my wish. “And O,” I cried,<br/>
-“Blest spirit! quickly be my will perform’d;<br/>
-And prove thou to me, that my inmost thoughts<br/>
-I can reflect on thee.” Thereat the light,<br/>
-That yet was new to me, from the recess,<br/>
-Where it before was singing, thus began,<br/>
-As one who joys in kindness: “In that part<br/>
-Of the deprav’d Italian land, which lies<br/>
-Between Rialto, and the fountain-springs<br/>
-Of Brenta and of Piava, there doth rise,<br/>
-But to no lofty eminence, a hill,<br/>
-From whence erewhile a firebrand did descend,<br/>
-That sorely sheet the region. From one root<br/>
-I and it sprang; my name on earth Cunizza:<br/>
-And here I glitter, for that by its light<br/>
-This star o’ercame me. Yet I naught repine,<br/>
-Nor grudge myself the cause of this my lot,<br/>
-Which haply vulgar hearts can scarce conceive.<br/>
-<br/>
-“This jewel, that is next me in our heaven,<br/>
-Lustrous and costly, great renown hath left,<br/>
-And not to perish, ere these hundred years<br/>
-Five times absolve their round. Consider thou,<br/>
-If to excel be worthy man’s endeavour,<br/>
-When such life may attend the first. Yet they<br/>
-Care not for this, the crowd that now are girt<br/>
-By Adice and Tagliamento, still<br/>
-Impenitent, tho’ scourg’d. The hour is near,<br/>
-When for their stubbornness at Padua’s marsh<br/>
-The water shall be chang’d, that laves Vicena<br/>
-And where Cagnano meets with Sile, one<br/>
-Lords it, and bears his head aloft, for whom<br/>
-The web is now a-warping. Feltro too<br/>
-Shall sorrow for its godless shepherd’s fault,<br/>
-Of so deep stain, that never, for the like,<br/>
-Was Malta’s bar unclos’d. Too large should be<br/>
-The skillet, that would hold Ferrara’s blood,<br/>
-And wearied he, who ounce by ounce would weight it,<br/>
-The which this priest, in show of party-zeal,<br/>
-Courteous will give; nor will the gift ill suit<br/>
-The country’s custom. We descry above,<br/>
-Mirrors, ye call them thrones, from which to us<br/>
-Reflected shine the judgments of our God:<br/>
-Whence these our sayings we avouch for good.”<br/>
-<br/>
-She ended, and appear’d on other thoughts<br/>
-Intent, re-ent’ring on the wheel she late<br/>
-Had left. That other joyance meanwhile wax’d<br/>
-A thing to marvel at, in splendour glowing,<br/>
-Like choicest ruby stricken by the sun,<br/>
-For, in that upper clime, effulgence comes<br/>
-Of gladness, as here laughter: and below,<br/>
-As the mind saddens, murkier grows the shade.<br/>
-<br/>
-“God seeth all: and in him is thy sight,”<br/>
-Said I, “blest Spirit! Therefore will of his<br/>
-Cannot to thee be dark. Why then delays<br/>
-Thy voice to satisfy my wish untold,<br/>
-That voice which joins the inexpressive song,<br/>
-Pastime of heav’n, the which those ardours sing,<br/>
-That cowl them with six shadowing wings outspread?<br/>
-I would not wait thy asking, wert thou known<br/>
-To me, as thoroughly I to thee am known.”<br/>
-<br/>
-He forthwith answ’ring, thus his words began:<br/>
-“The valley’ of waters, widest next to that<br/>
-Which doth the earth engarland, shapes its course,<br/>
-Between discordant shores, against the sun<br/>
-Inward so far, it makes meridian there,<br/>
-Where was before th’ horizon. Of that vale<br/>
-Dwelt I upon the shore, ’twixt Ebro’s stream<br/>
-And Macra’s, that divides with passage brief<br/>
-Genoan bounds from Tuscan. East and west<br/>
-Are nearly one to Begga and my land,<br/>
-Whose haven erst was with its own blood warm.<br/>
-Who knew my name were wont to call me Folco:<br/>
-And I did bear impression of this heav’n,<br/>
-That now bears mine: for not with fiercer flame<br/>
-Glow’d Belus’ daughter, injuring alike<br/>
-Sichaeus and Creusa, than did I,<br/>
-Long as it suited the unripen’d down<br/>
-That fledg’d my cheek: nor she of Rhodope,<br/>
-That was beguiled of Demophoon;<br/>
-Nor Jove’s son, when the charms of Iole<br/>
-Were shrin’d within his heart. And yet there hides<br/>
-No sorrowful repentance here, but mirth,<br/>
-Not for the fault (that doth not come to mind),<br/>
-But for the virtue, whose o’erruling sway<br/>
-And providence have wrought thus quaintly. Here<br/>
-The skill is look’d into, that fashioneth<br/>
-With such effectual working, and the good<br/>
-Discern’d, accruing to this upper world<br/>
-From that below. But fully to content<br/>
-Thy wishes, all that in this sphere have birth,<br/>
-Demands my further parle. Inquire thou wouldst,<br/>
-Who of this light is denizen, that here<br/>
-Beside me sparkles, as the sun-beam doth<br/>
-On the clear wave. Know then, the soul of Rahab<br/>
-Is in that gladsome harbour, to our tribe<br/>
-United, and the foremost rank assign’d.<br/>
-He to that heav’n, at which the shadow ends<br/>
-Of your sublunar world, was taken up,<br/>
-First, in Christ’s triumph, of all souls redeem’d:<br/>
-For well behoov’d, that, in some part of heav’n,<br/>
-She should remain a trophy, to declare<br/>
-The mighty contest won with either palm;<br/>
-For that she favour’d first the high exploit<br/>
-Of Joshua on the holy land, whereof<br/>
-The Pope recks little now. Thy city, plant<br/>
-Of him, that on his Maker turn’d the back,<br/>
-And of whose envying so much woe hath sprung,<br/>
-Engenders and expands the cursed flower,<br/>
-That hath made wander both the sheep and lambs,<br/>
-Turning the shepherd to a wolf. For this,<br/>
-The gospel and great teachers laid aside,<br/>
-The decretals, as their stuft margins show,<br/>
-Are the sole study. Pope and Cardinals,<br/>
-Intent on these, ne’er journey but in thought<br/>
-To Nazareth, where Gabriel op’d his wings.<br/>
-Yet it may chance, erelong, the Vatican,<br/>
-And other most selected parts of Rome,<br/>
-That were the grave of Peter’s soldiery,<br/>
+After solution of my doubt, thy Charles,<br>
+O fair Clemenza, of the treachery spake<br>
+That must befall his seed: but, “Tell it not,”<br>
+Said he, “and let the destin’d years come round.”<br>
+Nor may I tell thee more, save that the meed<br>
+Of sorrow well-deserv’d shall quit your wrongs.<br>
+<br>
+And now the visage of that saintly light<br>
+Was to the sun, that fills it, turn’d again,<br>
+As to the good, whose plenitude of bliss<br>
+Sufficeth all. O ye misguided souls!<br>
+Infatuate, who from such a good estrange<br>
+Your hearts, and bend your gaze on vanity,<br>
+Alas for you!&mdash;And lo! toward me, next,<br>
+Another of those splendent forms approach’d,<br>
+That, by its outward bright’ning, testified<br>
+The will it had to pleasure me. The eyes<br>
+Of Beatrice, resting, as before,<br>
+Firmly upon me, manifested forth<br>
+Approval of my wish. “And O,” I cried,<br>
+“Blest spirit! quickly be my will perform’d;<br>
+And prove thou to me, that my inmost thoughts<br>
+I can reflect on thee.” Thereat the light,<br>
+That yet was new to me, from the recess,<br>
+Where it before was singing, thus began,<br>
+As one who joys in kindness: “In that part<br>
+Of the deprav’d Italian land, which lies<br>
+Between Rialto, and the fountain-springs<br>
+Of Brenta and of Piava, there doth rise,<br>
+But to no lofty eminence, a hill,<br>
+From whence erewhile a firebrand did descend,<br>
+That sorely sheet the region. From one root<br>
+I and it sprang; my name on earth Cunizza:<br>
+And here I glitter, for that by its light<br>
+This star o’ercame me. Yet I naught repine,<br>
+Nor grudge myself the cause of this my lot,<br>
+Which haply vulgar hearts can scarce conceive.<br>
+<br>
+“This jewel, that is next me in our heaven,<br>
+Lustrous and costly, great renown hath left,<br>
+And not to perish, ere these hundred years<br>
+Five times absolve their round. Consider thou,<br>
+If to excel be worthy man’s endeavour,<br>
+When such life may attend the first. Yet they<br>
+Care not for this, the crowd that now are girt<br>
+By Adice and Tagliamento, still<br>
+Impenitent, tho’ scourg’d. The hour is near,<br>
+When for their stubbornness at Padua’s marsh<br>
+The water shall be chang’d, that laves Vicena<br>
+And where Cagnano meets with Sile, one<br>
+Lords it, and bears his head aloft, for whom<br>
+The web is now a-warping. Feltro too<br>
+Shall sorrow for its godless shepherd’s fault,<br>
+Of so deep stain, that never, for the like,<br>
+Was Malta’s bar unclos’d. Too large should be<br>
+The skillet, that would hold Ferrara’s blood,<br>
+And wearied he, who ounce by ounce would weight it,<br>
+The which this priest, in show of party-zeal,<br>
+Courteous will give; nor will the gift ill suit<br>
+The country’s custom. We descry above,<br>
+Mirrors, ye call them thrones, from which to us<br>
+Reflected shine the judgments of our God:<br>
+Whence these our sayings we avouch for good.”<br>
+<br>
+She ended, and appear’d on other thoughts<br>
+Intent, re-ent’ring on the wheel she late<br>
+Had left. That other joyance meanwhile wax’d<br>
+A thing to marvel at, in splendour glowing,<br>
+Like choicest ruby stricken by the sun,<br>
+For, in that upper clime, effulgence comes<br>
+Of gladness, as here laughter: and below,<br>
+As the mind saddens, murkier grows the shade.<br>
+<br>
+“God seeth all: and in him is thy sight,”<br>
+Said I, “blest Spirit! Therefore will of his<br>
+Cannot to thee be dark. Why then delays<br>
+Thy voice to satisfy my wish untold,<br>
+That voice which joins the inexpressive song,<br>
+Pastime of heav’n, the which those ardours sing,<br>
+That cowl them with six shadowing wings outspread?<br>
+I would not wait thy asking, wert thou known<br>
+To me, as thoroughly I to thee am known.”<br>
+<br>
+He forthwith answ’ring, thus his words began:<br>
+“The valley’ of waters, widest next to that<br>
+Which doth the earth engarland, shapes its course,<br>
+Between discordant shores, against the sun<br>
+Inward so far, it makes meridian there,<br>
+Where was before th’ horizon. Of that vale<br>
+Dwelt I upon the shore, ’twixt Ebro’s stream<br>
+And Macra’s, that divides with passage brief<br>
+Genoan bounds from Tuscan. East and west<br>
+Are nearly one to Begga and my land,<br>
+Whose haven erst was with its own blood warm.<br>
+Who knew my name were wont to call me Folco:<br>
+And I did bear impression of this heav’n,<br>
+That now bears mine: for not with fiercer flame<br>
+Glow’d Belus’ daughter, injuring alike<br>
+Sichaeus and Creusa, than did I,<br>
+Long as it suited the unripen’d down<br>
+That fledg’d my cheek: nor she of Rhodope,<br>
+That was beguiled of Demophoon;<br>
+Nor Jove’s son, when the charms of Iole<br>
+Were shrin’d within his heart. And yet there hides<br>
+No sorrowful repentance here, but mirth,<br>
+Not for the fault (that doth not come to mind),<br>
+But for the virtue, whose o’erruling sway<br>
+And providence have wrought thus quaintly. Here<br>
+The skill is look’d into, that fashioneth<br>
+With such effectual working, and the good<br>
+Discern’d, accruing to this upper world<br>
+From that below. But fully to content<br>
+Thy wishes, all that in this sphere have birth,<br>
+Demands my further parle. Inquire thou wouldst,<br>
+Who of this light is denizen, that here<br>
+Beside me sparkles, as the sun-beam doth<br>
+On the clear wave. Know then, the soul of Rahab<br>
+Is in that gladsome harbour, to our tribe<br>
+United, and the foremost rank assign’d.<br>
+He to that heav’n, at which the shadow ends<br>
+Of your sublunar world, was taken up,<br>
+First, in Christ’s triumph, of all souls redeem’d:<br>
+For well behoov’d, that, in some part of heav’n,<br>
+She should remain a trophy, to declare<br>
+The mighty contest won with either palm;<br>
+For that she favour’d first the high exploit<br>
+Of Joshua on the holy land, whereof<br>
+The Pope recks little now. Thy city, plant<br>
+Of him, that on his Maker turn’d the back,<br>
+And of whose envying so much woe hath sprung,<br>
+Engenders and expands the cursed flower,<br>
+That hath made wander both the sheep and lambs,<br>
+Turning the shepherd to a wolf. For this,<br>
+The gospel and great teachers laid aside,<br>
+The decretals, as their stuft margins show,<br>
+Are the sole study. Pope and Cardinals,<br>
+Intent on these, ne’er journey but in thought<br>
+To Nazareth, where Gabriel op’d his wings.<br>
+Yet it may chance, erelong, the Vatican,<br>
+And other most selected parts of Rome,<br>
+That were the grave of Peter’s soldiery,<br>
 Shall be deliver’d from the adult’rous bond.”
 </p>
 
@@ -13351,154 +13345,154 @@ Shall be deliver’d from the adult’rous bond.”
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoIII.10"></a>CANTO X</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoIII.10"></a>CANTO X</h2>
 
 <p>
-Looking into his first-born with the love,<br/>
-Which breathes from both eternal, the first Might<br/>
-Ineffable, whence eye or mind<br/>
-Can roam, hath in such order all dispos’d,<br/>
-As none may see and fail to enjoy. Raise, then,<br/>
-O reader! to the lofty wheels, with me,<br/>
-Thy ken directed to the point, whereat<br/>
-One motion strikes on th’ other. There begin<br/>
-Thy wonder of the mighty Architect,<br/>
-Who loves his work so inwardly, his eye<br/>
-Doth ever watch it. See, how thence oblique<br/>
-Brancheth the circle, where the planets roll<br/>
-To pour their wished influence on the world;<br/>
-Whose path not bending thus, in heav’n above<br/>
-Much virtue would be lost, and here on earth,<br/>
-All power well nigh extinct: or, from direct<br/>
-Were its departure distant more or less,<br/>
-I’ th’ universal order, great defect<br/>
-Must, both in heav’n and here beneath, ensue.<br/>
-<br/>
-Now rest thee, reader! on thy bench, and muse<br/>
-Anticipative of the feast to come;<br/>
-So shall delight make thee not feel thy toil.<br/>
-Lo! I have set before thee, for thyself<br/>
-Feed now: the matter I indite, henceforth<br/>
-Demands entire my thought. Join’d with the part,<br/>
-Which late we told of, the great minister<br/>
-Of nature, that upon the world imprints<br/>
-The virtue of the heaven, and doles out<br/>
-Time for us with his beam, went circling on<br/>
-Along the spires, where each hour sooner comes;<br/>
-And I was with him, weetless of ascent,<br/>
-As one, who till arriv’d, weets not his coming.<br/>
-<br/>
-For Beatrice, she who passeth on<br/>
-So suddenly from good to better, time<br/>
-Counts not the act, oh then how great must needs<br/>
-Have been her brightness! What she was i’ th’ sun<br/>
-(Where I had enter’d), not through change of hue,<br/>
-But light transparent&mdash;did I summon up<br/>
-Genius, art, practice&mdash;I might not so speak,<br/>
-It should be e’er imagin’d: yet believ’d<br/>
-It may be, and the sight be justly crav’d.<br/>
-And if our fantasy fail of such height,<br/>
-What marvel, since no eye above the sun<br/>
-Hath ever travel’d? Such are they dwell here,<br/>
-Fourth family of the Omnipotent Sire,<br/>
-Who of his spirit and of his offspring shows;<br/>
-And holds them still enraptur’d with the view.<br/>
-And thus to me Beatrice: “Thank, oh thank,<br/>
-The Sun of angels, him, who by his grace<br/>
-To this perceptible hath lifted thee.”<br/>
-<br/>
-Never was heart in such devotion bound,<br/>
-And with complacency so absolute<br/>
-Dispos’d to render up itself to God,<br/>
-As mine was at those words: and so entire<br/>
-The love for Him, that held me, it eclips’d<br/>
-Beatrice in oblivion. Naught displeas’d<br/>
-Was she, but smil’d thereat so joyously,<br/>
-That of her laughing eyes the radiance brake<br/>
-And scatter’d my collected mind abroad.<br/>
-<br/>
-Then saw I a bright band, in liveliness<br/>
-Surpassing, who themselves did make the crown,<br/>
-And us their centre: yet more sweet in voice,<br/>
-Than in their visage beaming. Cinctur’d thus,<br/>
-Sometime Latona’s daughter we behold,<br/>
-When the impregnate air retains the thread,<br/>
-That weaves her zone. In the celestial court,<br/>
-Whence I return, are many jewels found,<br/>
-So dear and beautiful, they cannot brook<br/>
-Transporting from that realm: and of these lights<br/>
-Such was the song. Who doth not prune his wing<br/>
-To soar up thither, let him look from thence<br/>
-For tidings from the dumb. When, singing thus,<br/>
-Those burning suns that circled round us thrice,<br/>
-As nearest stars around the fixed pole,<br/>
-Then seem’d they like to ladies, from the dance<br/>
-Not ceasing, but suspense, in silent pause,<br/>
-List’ning, till they have caught the strain anew:<br/>
-Suspended so they stood: and, from within,<br/>
-Thus heard I one, who spake: “Since with its beam<br/>
-The grace, whence true love lighteth first his flame,<br/>
-That after doth increase by loving, shines<br/>
-So multiplied in thee, it leads thee up<br/>
-Along this ladder, down whose hallow’d steps<br/>
-None e’er descend, and mount them not again,<br/>
-Who from his phial should refuse thee wine<br/>
-To slake thy thirst, no less constrained were,<br/>
-Than water flowing not unto the sea.<br/>
-Thou fain wouldst hear, what plants are these, that bloom<br/>
-In the bright garland, which, admiring, girds<br/>
-This fair dame round, who strengthens thee for heav’n.<br/>
-I then was of the lambs, that Dominic<br/>
-Leads, for his saintly flock, along the way,<br/>
-Where well they thrive, not sworn with vanity.<br/>
-He, nearest on my right hand, brother was,<br/>
-And master to me: Albert of Cologne<br/>
-Is this: and of Aquinum, Thomas I.<br/>
-If thou of all the rest wouldst be assur’d,<br/>
-Let thine eye, waiting on the words I speak,<br/>
-In circuit journey round the blessed wreath.<br/>
-That next resplendence issues from the smile<br/>
-Of Gratian, who to either forum lent<br/>
-Such help, as favour wins in Paradise.<br/>
-The other, nearest, who adorns our quire,<br/>
-Was Peter, he that with the widow gave<br/>
-To holy church his treasure. The fifth light,<br/>
-Goodliest of all, is by such love inspired,<br/>
-That all your world craves tidings of its doom:<br/>
-Within, there is the lofty light, endow’d<br/>
-With sapience so profound, if truth be truth,<br/>
-That with a ken of such wide amplitude<br/>
-No second hath arisen. Next behold<br/>
-That taper’s radiance, to whose view was shown,<br/>
-Clearliest, the nature and the ministry<br/>
-Angelical, while yet in flesh it dwelt.<br/>
-In the other little light serenely smiles<br/>
-That pleader for the Christian temples, he<br/>
-Who did provide Augustin of his lore.<br/>
-Now, if thy mind’s eye pass from light to light,<br/>
-Upon my praises following, of the eighth<br/>
-Thy thirst is next. The saintly soul, that shows<br/>
-The world’s deceitfulness, to all who hear him,<br/>
-Is, with the sight of all the good, that is,<br/>
-Blest there. The limbs, whence it was driven, lie<br/>
-Down in Cieldauro, and from martyrdom<br/>
-And exile came it here. Lo! further on,<br/>
-Where flames the arduous Spirit of Isidore,<br/>
-Of Bede, and Richard, more than man, erewhile,<br/>
-In deep discernment. Lastly this, from whom<br/>
-Thy look on me reverteth, was the beam<br/>
-Of one, whose spirit, on high musings bent,<br/>
-Rebuk’d the ling’ring tardiness of death.<br/>
-It is the eternal light of Sigebert,<br/>
-Who ’scap’d not envy, when of truth he argued,<br/>
-Reading in the straw-litter’d street.” Forthwith,<br/>
-As clock, that calleth up the spouse of God<br/>
-To win her bridegroom’s love at matin’s hour,<br/>
-Each part of other fitly drawn and urg’d,<br/>
-Sends out a tinkling sound, of note so sweet,<br/>
-Affection springs in well-disposed breast;<br/>
-Thus saw I move the glorious wheel, thus heard<br/>
-Voice answ’ring voice, so musical and soft,<br/>
+Looking into his first-born with the love,<br>
+Which breathes from both eternal, the first Might<br>
+Ineffable, whence eye or mind<br>
+Can roam, hath in such order all dispos’d,<br>
+As none may see and fail to enjoy. Raise, then,<br>
+O reader! to the lofty wheels, with me,<br>
+Thy ken directed to the point, whereat<br>
+One motion strikes on th’ other. There begin<br>
+Thy wonder of the mighty Architect,<br>
+Who loves his work so inwardly, his eye<br>
+Doth ever watch it. See, how thence oblique<br>
+Brancheth the circle, where the planets roll<br>
+To pour their wished influence on the world;<br>
+Whose path not bending thus, in heav’n above<br>
+Much virtue would be lost, and here on earth,<br>
+All power well nigh extinct: or, from direct<br>
+Were its departure distant more or less,<br>
+I’ th’ universal order, great defect<br>
+Must, both in heav’n and here beneath, ensue.<br>
+<br>
+Now rest thee, reader! on thy bench, and muse<br>
+Anticipative of the feast to come;<br>
+So shall delight make thee not feel thy toil.<br>
+Lo! I have set before thee, for thyself<br>
+Feed now: the matter I indite, henceforth<br>
+Demands entire my thought. Join’d with the part,<br>
+Which late we told of, the great minister<br>
+Of nature, that upon the world imprints<br>
+The virtue of the heaven, and doles out<br>
+Time for us with his beam, went circling on<br>
+Along the spires, where each hour sooner comes;<br>
+And I was with him, weetless of ascent,<br>
+As one, who till arriv’d, weets not his coming.<br>
+<br>
+For Beatrice, she who passeth on<br>
+So suddenly from good to better, time<br>
+Counts not the act, oh then how great must needs<br>
+Have been her brightness! What she was i’ th’ sun<br>
+(Where I had enter’d), not through change of hue,<br>
+But light transparent&mdash;did I summon up<br>
+Genius, art, practice&mdash;I might not so speak,<br>
+It should be e’er imagin’d: yet believ’d<br>
+It may be, and the sight be justly crav’d.<br>
+And if our fantasy fail of such height,<br>
+What marvel, since no eye above the sun<br>
+Hath ever travel’d? Such are they dwell here,<br>
+Fourth family of the Omnipotent Sire,<br>
+Who of his spirit and of his offspring shows;<br>
+And holds them still enraptur’d with the view.<br>
+And thus to me Beatrice: “Thank, oh thank,<br>
+The Sun of angels, him, who by his grace<br>
+To this perceptible hath lifted thee.”<br>
+<br>
+Never was heart in such devotion bound,<br>
+And with complacency so absolute<br>
+Dispos’d to render up itself to God,<br>
+As mine was at those words: and so entire<br>
+The love for Him, that held me, it eclips’d<br>
+Beatrice in oblivion. Naught displeas’d<br>
+Was she, but smil’d thereat so joyously,<br>
+That of her laughing eyes the radiance brake<br>
+And scatter’d my collected mind abroad.<br>
+<br>
+Then saw I a bright band, in liveliness<br>
+Surpassing, who themselves did make the crown,<br>
+And us their centre: yet more sweet in voice,<br>
+Than in their visage beaming. Cinctur’d thus,<br>
+Sometime Latona’s daughter we behold,<br>
+When the impregnate air retains the thread,<br>
+That weaves her zone. In the celestial court,<br>
+Whence I return, are many jewels found,<br>
+So dear and beautiful, they cannot brook<br>
+Transporting from that realm: and of these lights<br>
+Such was the song. Who doth not prune his wing<br>
+To soar up thither, let him look from thence<br>
+For tidings from the dumb. When, singing thus,<br>
+Those burning suns that circled round us thrice,<br>
+As nearest stars around the fixed pole,<br>
+Then seem’d they like to ladies, from the dance<br>
+Not ceasing, but suspense, in silent pause,<br>
+List’ning, till they have caught the strain anew:<br>
+Suspended so they stood: and, from within,<br>
+Thus heard I one, who spake: “Since with its beam<br>
+The grace, whence true love lighteth first his flame,<br>
+That after doth increase by loving, shines<br>
+So multiplied in thee, it leads thee up<br>
+Along this ladder, down whose hallow’d steps<br>
+None e’er descend, and mount them not again,<br>
+Who from his phial should refuse thee wine<br>
+To slake thy thirst, no less constrained were,<br>
+Than water flowing not unto the sea.<br>
+Thou fain wouldst hear, what plants are these, that bloom<br>
+In the bright garland, which, admiring, girds<br>
+This fair dame round, who strengthens thee for heav’n.<br>
+I then was of the lambs, that Dominic<br>
+Leads, for his saintly flock, along the way,<br>
+Where well they thrive, not sworn with vanity.<br>
+He, nearest on my right hand, brother was,<br>
+And master to me: Albert of Cologne<br>
+Is this: and of Aquinum, Thomas I.<br>
+If thou of all the rest wouldst be assur’d,<br>
+Let thine eye, waiting on the words I speak,<br>
+In circuit journey round the blessed wreath.<br>
+That next resplendence issues from the smile<br>
+Of Gratian, who to either forum lent<br>
+Such help, as favour wins in Paradise.<br>
+The other, nearest, who adorns our quire,<br>
+Was Peter, he that with the widow gave<br>
+To holy church his treasure. The fifth light,<br>
+Goodliest of all, is by such love inspired,<br>
+That all your world craves tidings of its doom:<br>
+Within, there is the lofty light, endow’d<br>
+With sapience so profound, if truth be truth,<br>
+That with a ken of such wide amplitude<br>
+No second hath arisen. Next behold<br>
+That taper’s radiance, to whose view was shown,<br>
+Clearliest, the nature and the ministry<br>
+Angelical, while yet in flesh it dwelt.<br>
+In the other little light serenely smiles<br>
+That pleader for the Christian temples, he<br>
+Who did provide Augustin of his lore.<br>
+Now, if thy mind’s eye pass from light to light,<br>
+Upon my praises following, of the eighth<br>
+Thy thirst is next. The saintly soul, that shows<br>
+The world’s deceitfulness, to all who hear him,<br>
+Is, with the sight of all the good, that is,<br>
+Blest there. The limbs, whence it was driven, lie<br>
+Down in Cieldauro, and from martyrdom<br>
+And exile came it here. Lo! further on,<br>
+Where flames the arduous Spirit of Isidore,<br>
+Of Bede, and Richard, more than man, erewhile,<br>
+In deep discernment. Lastly this, from whom<br>
+Thy look on me reverteth, was the beam<br>
+Of one, whose spirit, on high musings bent,<br>
+Rebuk’d the ling’ring tardiness of death.<br>
+It is the eternal light of Sigebert,<br>
+Who ’scap’d not envy, when of truth he argued,<br>
+Reading in the straw-litter’d street.” Forthwith,<br>
+As clock, that calleth up the spouse of God<br>
+To win her bridegroom’s love at matin’s hour,<br>
+Each part of other fitly drawn and urg’d,<br>
+Sends out a tinkling sound, of note so sweet,<br>
+Affection springs in well-disposed breast;<br>
+Thus saw I move the glorious wheel, thus heard<br>
+Voice answ’ring voice, so musical and soft,<br>
 It can be known but where day endless shines.
 </p>
 
@@ -13506,143 +13500,143 @@ It can be known but where day endless shines.
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoIII.11"></a>CANTO XI</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoIII.11"></a>CANTO XI</h2>
 
 <p>
-O fond anxiety of mortal men!<br/>
-How vain and inconclusive arguments<br/>
-Are those, which make thee beat thy wings below<br/>
-For statues one, and one for aphorisms<br/>
-Was hunting; this the priesthood follow’d, that<br/>
-By force or sophistry aspir’d to rule;<br/>
-To rob another, and another sought<br/>
-By civil business wealth; one moiling lay<br/>
-Tangled in net of sensual delight,<br/>
-And one to witless indolence resign’d;<br/>
-What time from all these empty things escap’d,<br/>
-With Beatrice, I thus gloriously<br/>
-Was rais’d aloft, and made the guest of heav’n.<br/>
-<br/>
-They of the circle to that point, each one.<br/>
-Where erst it was, had turn’d; and steady glow’d,<br/>
-As candle in his socket. Then within<br/>
-The lustre, that erewhile bespake me, smiling<br/>
-With merer gladness, heard I thus begin:<br/>
-<br/>
-“E’en as his beam illumes me, so I look<br/>
-Into the eternal light, and clearly mark<br/>
-Thy thoughts, from whence they rise. Thou art in doubt,<br/>
-And wouldst, that I should bolt my words afresh<br/>
-In such plain open phrase, as may be smooth<br/>
-To thy perception, where I told thee late<br/>
-That ‘well they thrive;’ and that ‘no second such<br/>
-Hath risen,’ which no small distinction needs.<br/>
-<br/>
-“The providence, that governeth the world,<br/>
-In depth of counsel by created ken<br/>
-Unfathomable, to the end that she,<br/>
-Who with loud cries was ’spous’d in precious blood,<br/>
-Might keep her footing towards her well-belov’d,<br/>
-Safe in herself and constant unto him,<br/>
-Hath two ordain’d, who should on either hand<br/>
-In chief escort her: one seraphic all<br/>
-In fervency; for wisdom upon earth,<br/>
-The other splendour of cherubic light.<br/>
-I but of one will tell: he tells of both,<br/>
-Who one commendeth which of them so’er<br/>
-Be taken: for their deeds were to one end.<br/>
-<br/>
-“Between Tupino, and the wave, that falls<br/>
-From blest Ubaldo’s chosen hill, there hangs<br/>
-Rich slope of mountain high, whence heat and cold<br/>
-Are wafted through Perugia’s eastern gate:<br/>
-And Norcera with Gualdo, in its rear<br/>
-Mourn for their heavy yoke. Upon that side,<br/>
-Where it doth break its steepness most, arose<br/>
-A sun upon the world, as duly this<br/>
-From Ganges doth: therefore let none, who speak<br/>
-Of that place, say Ascesi; for its name<br/>
-Were lamely so deliver’d; but the East,<br/>
-To call things rightly, be it henceforth styl’d.<br/>
-He was not yet much distant from his rising,<br/>
-When his good influence ’gan to bless the earth.<br/>
-A dame to whom none openeth pleasure’s gate<br/>
-More than to death, was, ’gainst his father’s will,<br/>
-His stripling choice: and he did make her his,<br/>
-Before the Spiritual court, by nuptial bonds,<br/>
-And in his father’s sight: from day to day,<br/>
-Then lov’d her more devoutly. She, bereav’d<br/>
-Of her first husband, slighted and obscure,<br/>
-Thousand and hundred years and more, remain’d<br/>
-Without a single suitor, till he came.<br/>
-Nor aught avail’d, that, with Amyclas, she<br/>
-Was found unmov’d at rumour of his voice,<br/>
-Who shook the world: nor aught her constant boldness<br/>
-Whereby with Christ she mounted on the cross,<br/>
-When Mary stay’d beneath. But not to deal<br/>
-Thus closely with thee longer, take at large<br/>
-The rovers’ titles&mdash;Poverty and Francis.<br/>
-Their concord and glad looks, wonder and love,<br/>
-And sweet regard gave birth to holy thoughts,<br/>
-So much, that venerable Bernard first<br/>
-Did bare his feet, and, in pursuit of peace<br/>
-So heavenly, ran, yet deem’d his footing slow.<br/>
-O hidden riches! O prolific good!<br/>
-Egidius bares him next, and next Sylvester,<br/>
-And follow both the bridegroom; so the bride<br/>
-Can please them. Thenceforth goes he on his way,<br/>
-The father and the master, with his spouse,<br/>
-And with that family, whom now the cord<br/>
-Girt humbly: nor did abjectness of heart<br/>
-Weigh down his eyelids, for that he was son<br/>
-Of Pietro Bernardone, and by men<br/>
-In wond’rous sort despis’d. But royally<br/>
-His hard intention he to Innocent<br/>
-Set forth, and from him first receiv’d the seal<br/>
-On his religion. Then, when numerous flock’d<br/>
-The tribe of lowly ones, that trac’d HIS steps,<br/>
-Whose marvellous life deservedly were sung<br/>
-In heights empyreal, through Honorius’ hand<br/>
-A second crown, to deck their Guardian’s virtues,<br/>
-Was by the eternal Spirit inwreath’d: and when<br/>
-He had, through thirst of martyrdom, stood up<br/>
-In the proud Soldan’s presence, and there preach’d<br/>
-Christ and his followers; but found the race<br/>
-Unripen’d for conversion: back once more<br/>
-He hasted (not to intermit his toil),<br/>
-And reap’d Ausonian lands. On the hard rock,<br/>
-’Twixt Arno and the Tyber, he from Christ<br/>
-Took the last Signet, which his limbs two years<br/>
-Did carry. Then the season come, that he,<br/>
-Who to such good had destin’d him, was pleas’d<br/>
-T’ advance him to the meed, which he had earn’d<br/>
-By his self-humbling, to his brotherhood,<br/>
-As their just heritage, he gave in charge<br/>
-His dearest lady, and enjoin’d their love<br/>
-And faith to her: and, from her bosom, will’d<br/>
-His goodly spirit should move forth, returning<br/>
-To its appointed kingdom, nor would have<br/>
-His body laid upon another bier.<br/>
-<br/>
-“Think now of one, who were a fit colleague,<br/>
-To keep the bark of Peter in deep sea<br/>
-Helm’d to right point; and such our Patriarch was.<br/>
-Therefore who follow him, as he enjoins,<br/>
-Thou mayst be certain, take good lading in.<br/>
-But hunger of new viands tempts his flock,<br/>
-So that they needs into strange pastures wide<br/>
-Must spread them: and the more remote from him<br/>
-The stragglers wander, so much mole they come<br/>
-Home to the sheep-fold, destitute of milk.<br/>
-There are of them, in truth, who fear their harm,<br/>
-And to the shepherd cleave; but these so few,<br/>
-A little stuff may furnish out their cloaks.<br/>
-<br/>
-“Now, if my words be clear, if thou have ta’en<br/>
-Good heed, if that, which I have told, recall<br/>
-To mind, thy wish may be in part fulfill’d:<br/>
-For thou wilt see the point from whence they split,<br/>
-Nor miss of the reproof, which that implies,<br/>
+O fond anxiety of mortal men!<br>
+How vain and inconclusive arguments<br>
+Are those, which make thee beat thy wings below<br>
+For statues one, and one for aphorisms<br>
+Was hunting; this the priesthood follow’d, that<br>
+By force or sophistry aspir’d to rule;<br>
+To rob another, and another sought<br>
+By civil business wealth; one moiling lay<br>
+Tangled in net of sensual delight,<br>
+And one to witless indolence resign’d;<br>
+What time from all these empty things escap’d,<br>
+With Beatrice, I thus gloriously<br>
+Was rais’d aloft, and made the guest of heav’n.<br>
+<br>
+They of the circle to that point, each one.<br>
+Where erst it was, had turn’d; and steady glow’d,<br>
+As candle in his socket. Then within<br>
+The lustre, that erewhile bespake me, smiling<br>
+With merer gladness, heard I thus begin:<br>
+<br>
+“E’en as his beam illumes me, so I look<br>
+Into the eternal light, and clearly mark<br>
+Thy thoughts, from whence they rise. Thou art in doubt,<br>
+And wouldst, that I should bolt my words afresh<br>
+In such plain open phrase, as may be smooth<br>
+To thy perception, where I told thee late<br>
+That ‘well they thrive;’ and that ‘no second such<br>
+Hath risen,’ which no small distinction needs.<br>
+<br>
+“The providence, that governeth the world,<br>
+In depth of counsel by created ken<br>
+Unfathomable, to the end that she,<br>
+Who with loud cries was ’spous’d in precious blood,<br>
+Might keep her footing towards her well-belov’d,<br>
+Safe in herself and constant unto him,<br>
+Hath two ordain’d, who should on either hand<br>
+In chief escort her: one seraphic all<br>
+In fervency; for wisdom upon earth,<br>
+The other splendour of cherubic light.<br>
+I but of one will tell: he tells of both,<br>
+Who one commendeth which of them so’er<br>
+Be taken: for their deeds were to one end.<br>
+<br>
+“Between Tupino, and the wave, that falls<br>
+From blest Ubaldo’s chosen hill, there hangs<br>
+Rich slope of mountain high, whence heat and cold<br>
+Are wafted through Perugia’s eastern gate:<br>
+And Norcera with Gualdo, in its rear<br>
+Mourn for their heavy yoke. Upon that side,<br>
+Where it doth break its steepness most, arose<br>
+A sun upon the world, as duly this<br>
+From Ganges doth: therefore let none, who speak<br>
+Of that place, say Ascesi; for its name<br>
+Were lamely so deliver’d; but the East,<br>
+To call things rightly, be it henceforth styl’d.<br>
+He was not yet much distant from his rising,<br>
+When his good influence ’gan to bless the earth.<br>
+A dame to whom none openeth pleasure’s gate<br>
+More than to death, was, ’gainst his father’s will,<br>
+His stripling choice: and he did make her his,<br>
+Before the Spiritual court, by nuptial bonds,<br>
+And in his father’s sight: from day to day,<br>
+Then lov’d her more devoutly. She, bereav’d<br>
+Of her first husband, slighted and obscure,<br>
+Thousand and hundred years and more, remain’d<br>
+Without a single suitor, till he came.<br>
+Nor aught avail’d, that, with Amyclas, she<br>
+Was found unmov’d at rumour of his voice,<br>
+Who shook the world: nor aught her constant boldness<br>
+Whereby with Christ she mounted on the cross,<br>
+When Mary stay’d beneath. But not to deal<br>
+Thus closely with thee longer, take at large<br>
+The rovers’ titles&mdash;Poverty and Francis.<br>
+Their concord and glad looks, wonder and love,<br>
+And sweet regard gave birth to holy thoughts,<br>
+So much, that venerable Bernard first<br>
+Did bare his feet, and, in pursuit of peace<br>
+So heavenly, ran, yet deem’d his footing slow.<br>
+O hidden riches! O prolific good!<br>
+Egidius bares him next, and next Sylvester,<br>
+And follow both the bridegroom; so the bride<br>
+Can please them. Thenceforth goes he on his way,<br>
+The father and the master, with his spouse,<br>
+And with that family, whom now the cord<br>
+Girt humbly: nor did abjectness of heart<br>
+Weigh down his eyelids, for that he was son<br>
+Of Pietro Bernardone, and by men<br>
+In wond’rous sort despis’d. But royally<br>
+His hard intention he to Innocent<br>
+Set forth, and from him first receiv’d the seal<br>
+On his religion. Then, when numerous flock’d<br>
+The tribe of lowly ones, that trac’d HIS steps,<br>
+Whose marvellous life deservedly were sung<br>
+In heights empyreal, through Honorius’ hand<br>
+A second crown, to deck their Guardian’s virtues,<br>
+Was by the eternal Spirit inwreath’d: and when<br>
+He had, through thirst of martyrdom, stood up<br>
+In the proud Soldan’s presence, and there preach’d<br>
+Christ and his followers; but found the race<br>
+Unripen’d for conversion: back once more<br>
+He hasted (not to intermit his toil),<br>
+And reap’d Ausonian lands. On the hard rock,<br>
+’Twixt Arno and the Tyber, he from Christ<br>
+Took the last Signet, which his limbs two years<br>
+Did carry. Then the season come, that he,<br>
+Who to such good had destin’d him, was pleas’d<br>
+T’ advance him to the meed, which he had earn’d<br>
+By his self-humbling, to his brotherhood,<br>
+As their just heritage, he gave in charge<br>
+His dearest lady, and enjoin’d their love<br>
+And faith to her: and, from her bosom, will’d<br>
+His goodly spirit should move forth, returning<br>
+To its appointed kingdom, nor would have<br>
+His body laid upon another bier.<br>
+<br>
+“Think now of one, who were a fit colleague,<br>
+To keep the bark of Peter in deep sea<br>
+Helm’d to right point; and such our Patriarch was.<br>
+Therefore who follow him, as he enjoins,<br>
+Thou mayst be certain, take good lading in.<br>
+But hunger of new viands tempts his flock,<br>
+So that they needs into strange pastures wide<br>
+Must spread them: and the more remote from him<br>
+The stragglers wander, so much mole they come<br>
+Home to the sheep-fold, destitute of milk.<br>
+There are of them, in truth, who fear their harm,<br>
+And to the shepherd cleave; but these so few,<br>
+A little stuff may furnish out their cloaks.<br>
+<br>
+“Now, if my words be clear, if thou have ta’en<br>
+Good heed, if that, which I have told, recall<br>
+To mind, thy wish may be in part fulfill’d:<br>
+For thou wilt see the point from whence they split,<br>
+Nor miss of the reproof, which that implies,<br>
 ‘That well they thrive not sworn with vanity.’”
 </p>
 
@@ -13650,152 +13644,152 @@ Nor miss of the reproof, which that implies,<br/>
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoIII.12"></a>CANTO XII</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoIII.12"></a>CANTO XII</h2>
 
 <p>
-Soon as its final word the blessed flame<br/>
-Had rais’d for utterance, straight the holy mill<br/>
-Began to wheel, nor yet had once revolv’d,<br/>
-Or ere another, circling, compass’d it,<br/>
-Motion to motion, song to song, conjoining,<br/>
-Song, that as much our muses doth excel,<br/>
-Our Sirens with their tuneful pipes, as ray<br/>
+Soon as its final word the blessed flame<br>
+Had rais’d for utterance, straight the holy mill<br>
+Began to wheel, nor yet had once revolv’d,<br>
+Or ere another, circling, compass’d it,<br>
+Motion to motion, song to song, conjoining,<br>
+Song, that as much our muses doth excel,<br>
+Our Sirens with their tuneful pipes, as ray<br>
 Of primal splendour doth its faint reflex.
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/12-16.jpg">
-<img src="images/12-16.jpg" width="545" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+<img src="images/12-16.jpg" alt="" style="width: 545px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-As when, if Juno bid her handmaid forth,<br/>
-Two arches parallel, and trick’d alike,<br/>
-Span the thin cloud, the outer taking birth<br/>
-From that within (in manner of that voice<br/>
-Whom love did melt away, as sun the mist),<br/>
-And they who gaze, presageful call to mind<br/>
-The compact, made with Noah, of the world<br/>
-No more to be o’erflow’d; about us thus<br/>
-Of sempiternal roses, bending, wreath’d<br/>
-Those garlands twain, and to the innermost<br/>
-E’en thus th’ external answered. When the footing,<br/>
-And other great festivity, of song,<br/>
-And radiance, light with light accordant, each<br/>
-Jocund and blythe, had at their pleasure still’d<br/>
-(E’en as the eyes by quick volition mov’d,<br/>
-Are shut and rais’d together), from the heart<br/>
-Of one amongst the new lights mov’d a voice,<br/>
-That made me seem like needle to the star,<br/>
-In turning to its whereabout, and thus<br/>
-Began: “The love, that makes me beautiful,<br/>
-Prompts me to tell of th’ other guide, for whom<br/>
-Such good of mine is spoken. Where one is,<br/>
-The other worthily should also be;<br/>
-That as their warfare was alike, alike<br/>
-Should be their glory. Slow, and full of doubt,<br/>
-And with thin ranks, after its banner mov’d<br/>
-The army of Christ (which it so clearly cost<br/>
-To reappoint), when its imperial Head,<br/>
-Who reigneth ever, for the drooping host<br/>
-Did make provision, thorough grace alone,<br/>
-And not through its deserving. As thou heard’st,<br/>
-Two champions to the succour of his spouse<br/>
-He sent, who by their deeds and words might join<br/>
-Again his scatter’d people. In that clime,<br/>
-Where springs the pleasant west-wind to unfold<br/>
-The fresh leaves, with which Europe sees herself<br/>
-New-garmented; nor from those billows far,<br/>
-Beyond whose chiding, after weary course,<br/>
-The sun doth sometimes hide him, safe abides<br/>
-The happy Callaroga, under guard<br/>
-Of the great shield, wherein the lion lies<br/>
-Subjected and supreme. And there was born<br/>
-The loving million of the Christian faith,<br/>
-The hollow’d wrestler, gentle to his own,<br/>
-And to his enemies terrible. So replete<br/>
-His soul with lively virtue, that when first<br/>
-Created, even in the mother’s womb,<br/>
-It prophesied. When, at the sacred font,<br/>
-The spousals were complete ’twixt faith and him,<br/>
-Where pledge of mutual safety was exchang’d,<br/>
-The dame, who was his surety, in her sleep<br/>
-Beheld the wondrous fruit, that was from him<br/>
-And from his heirs to issue. And that such<br/>
-He might be construed, as indeed he was,<br/>
-She was inspir’d to name him of his owner,<br/>
-Whose he was wholly, and so call’d him Dominic.<br/>
-And I speak of him, as the labourer,<br/>
-Whom Christ in his own garden chose to be<br/>
-His help-mate. Messenger he seem’d, and friend<br/>
-Fast-knit to Christ; and the first love he show’d,<br/>
-Was after the first counsel that Christ gave.<br/>
-Many a time his nurse, at entering found<br/>
-That he had ris’n in silence, and was prostrate,<br/>
-As who should say, “My errand was for this.”<br/>
-O happy father! Felix rightly nam’d!<br/>
-O favour’d mother! rightly nam’d Joanna!<br/>
-If that do mean, as men interpret it.<br/>
-Not for the world’s sake, for which now they pore<br/>
-Upon Ostiense and Taddeo’s page,<br/>
-But for the real manna, soon he grew<br/>
-Mighty in learning, and did set himself<br/>
-To go about the vineyard, that soon turns<br/>
-To wan and wither’d, if not tended well:<br/>
-And from the see (whose bounty to the just<br/>
-And needy is gone by, not through its fault,<br/>
-But his who fills it basely, he besought,<br/>
-No dispensation for commuted wrong,<br/>
-Nor the first vacant fortune, nor the tenth),<br/>
-That to God’s paupers rightly appertain,<br/>
-But, ’gainst an erring and degenerate world,<br/>
-Licence to fight, in favour of that seed,<br/>
-From which the twice twelve cions gird thee round.<br/>
-Then, with sage doctrine and good will to help,<br/>
-Forth on his great apostleship he far’d,<br/>
-Like torrent bursting from a lofty vein;<br/>
-And, dashing ’gainst the stocks of heresy,<br/>
-Smote fiercest, where resistance was most stout.<br/>
-Thence many rivulets have since been turn’d,<br/>
-Over the garden Catholic to lead<br/>
-Their living waters, and have fed its plants.<br/>
-<br/>
-“If such one wheel of that two-yoked car,<br/>
-Wherein the holy church defended her,<br/>
-And rode triumphant through the civil broil.<br/>
-Thou canst not doubt its fellow’s excellence,<br/>
-Which Thomas, ere my coming, hath declar’d<br/>
-So courteously unto thee. But the track,<br/>
-Which its smooth fellies made, is now deserted:<br/>
-That mouldy mother is where late were lees.<br/>
-His family, that wont to trace his path,<br/>
-Turn backward, and invert their steps; erelong<br/>
-To rue the gathering in of their ill crop,<br/>
-When the rejected tares in vain shall ask<br/>
-Admittance to the barn. I question not<br/>
-But he, who search’d our volume, leaf by leaf,<br/>
-Might still find page with this inscription on’t,<br/>
-‘I am as I was wont.’ Yet such were not<br/>
-From Acquasparta nor Casale, whence<br/>
-Of those, who come to meddle with the text,<br/>
-One stretches and another cramps its rule.<br/>
-Bonaventura’s life in me behold,<br/>
-From Bagnororegio, one, who in discharge<br/>
-Of my great offices still laid aside<br/>
-All sinister aim. Illuminato here,<br/>
-And Agostino join me: two they were,<br/>
-Among the first of those barefooted meek ones,<br/>
-Who sought God’s friendship in the cord: with them<br/>
-Hugues of Saint Victor, Pietro Mangiadore,<br/>
-And he of Spain in his twelve volumes shining,<br/>
-Nathan the prophet, Metropolitan<br/>
-Chrysostom, and Anselmo, and, who deign’d<br/>
-To put his hand to the first art, Donatus.<br/>
-Raban is here: and at my side there shines<br/>
-Calabria’s abbot, Joachim, endow’d<br/>
-With soul prophetic. The bright courtesy<br/>
-Of friar Thomas, and his goodly lore,<br/>
-Have mov’d me to the blazon of a peer<br/>
+As when, if Juno bid her handmaid forth,<br>
+Two arches parallel, and trick’d alike,<br>
+Span the thin cloud, the outer taking birth<br>
+From that within (in manner of that voice<br>
+Whom love did melt away, as sun the mist),<br>
+And they who gaze, presageful call to mind<br>
+The compact, made with Noah, of the world<br>
+No more to be o’erflow’d; about us thus<br>
+Of sempiternal roses, bending, wreath’d<br>
+Those garlands twain, and to the innermost<br>
+E’en thus th’ external answered. When the footing,<br>
+And other great festivity, of song,<br>
+And radiance, light with light accordant, each<br>
+Jocund and blythe, had at their pleasure still’d<br>
+(E’en as the eyes by quick volition mov’d,<br>
+Are shut and rais’d together), from the heart<br>
+Of one amongst the new lights mov’d a voice,<br>
+That made me seem like needle to the star,<br>
+In turning to its whereabout, and thus<br>
+Began: “The love, that makes me beautiful,<br>
+Prompts me to tell of th’ other guide, for whom<br>
+Such good of mine is spoken. Where one is,<br>
+The other worthily should also be;<br>
+That as their warfare was alike, alike<br>
+Should be their glory. Slow, and full of doubt,<br>
+And with thin ranks, after its banner mov’d<br>
+The army of Christ (which it so clearly cost<br>
+To reappoint), when its imperial Head,<br>
+Who reigneth ever, for the drooping host<br>
+Did make provision, thorough grace alone,<br>
+And not through its deserving. As thou heard’st,<br>
+Two champions to the succour of his spouse<br>
+He sent, who by their deeds and words might join<br>
+Again his scatter’d people. In that clime,<br>
+Where springs the pleasant west-wind to unfold<br>
+The fresh leaves, with which Europe sees herself<br>
+New-garmented; nor from those billows far,<br>
+Beyond whose chiding, after weary course,<br>
+The sun doth sometimes hide him, safe abides<br>
+The happy Callaroga, under guard<br>
+Of the great shield, wherein the lion lies<br>
+Subjected and supreme. And there was born<br>
+The loving million of the Christian faith,<br>
+The hollow’d wrestler, gentle to his own,<br>
+And to his enemies terrible. So replete<br>
+His soul with lively virtue, that when first<br>
+Created, even in the mother’s womb,<br>
+It prophesied. When, at the sacred font,<br>
+The spousals were complete ’twixt faith and him,<br>
+Where pledge of mutual safety was exchang’d,<br>
+The dame, who was his surety, in her sleep<br>
+Beheld the wondrous fruit, that was from him<br>
+And from his heirs to issue. And that such<br>
+He might be construed, as indeed he was,<br>
+She was inspir’d to name him of his owner,<br>
+Whose he was wholly, and so call’d him Dominic.<br>
+And I speak of him, as the labourer,<br>
+Whom Christ in his own garden chose to be<br>
+His help-mate. Messenger he seem’d, and friend<br>
+Fast-knit to Christ; and the first love he show’d,<br>
+Was after the first counsel that Christ gave.<br>
+Many a time his nurse, at entering found<br>
+That he had ris’n in silence, and was prostrate,<br>
+As who should say, “My errand was for this.”<br>
+O happy father! Felix rightly nam’d!<br>
+O favour’d mother! rightly nam’d Joanna!<br>
+If that do mean, as men interpret it.<br>
+Not for the world’s sake, for which now they pore<br>
+Upon Ostiense and Taddeo’s page,<br>
+But for the real manna, soon he grew<br>
+Mighty in learning, and did set himself<br>
+To go about the vineyard, that soon turns<br>
+To wan and wither’d, if not tended well:<br>
+And from the see (whose bounty to the just<br>
+And needy is gone by, not through its fault,<br>
+But his who fills it basely, he besought,<br>
+No dispensation for commuted wrong,<br>
+Nor the first vacant fortune, nor the tenth),<br>
+That to God’s paupers rightly appertain,<br>
+But, ’gainst an erring and degenerate world,<br>
+Licence to fight, in favour of that seed,<br>
+From which the twice twelve cions gird thee round.<br>
+Then, with sage doctrine and good will to help,<br>
+Forth on his great apostleship he far’d,<br>
+Like torrent bursting from a lofty vein;<br>
+And, dashing ’gainst the stocks of heresy,<br>
+Smote fiercest, where resistance was most stout.<br>
+Thence many rivulets have since been turn’d,<br>
+Over the garden Catholic to lead<br>
+Their living waters, and have fed its plants.<br>
+<br>
+“If such one wheel of that two-yoked car,<br>
+Wherein the holy church defended her,<br>
+And rode triumphant through the civil broil.<br>
+Thou canst not doubt its fellow’s excellence,<br>
+Which Thomas, ere my coming, hath declar’d<br>
+So courteously unto thee. But the track,<br>
+Which its smooth fellies made, is now deserted:<br>
+That mouldy mother is where late were lees.<br>
+His family, that wont to trace his path,<br>
+Turn backward, and invert their steps; erelong<br>
+To rue the gathering in of their ill crop,<br>
+When the rejected tares in vain shall ask<br>
+Admittance to the barn. I question not<br>
+But he, who search’d our volume, leaf by leaf,<br>
+Might still find page with this inscription on’t,<br>
+‘I am as I was wont.’ Yet such were not<br>
+From Acquasparta nor Casale, whence<br>
+Of those, who come to meddle with the text,<br>
+One stretches and another cramps its rule.<br>
+Bonaventura’s life in me behold,<br>
+From Bagnororegio, one, who in discharge<br>
+Of my great offices still laid aside<br>
+All sinister aim. Illuminato here,<br>
+And Agostino join me: two they were,<br>
+Among the first of those barefooted meek ones,<br>
+Who sought God’s friendship in the cord: with them<br>
+Hugues of Saint Victor, Pietro Mangiadore,<br>
+And he of Spain in his twelve volumes shining,<br>
+Nathan the prophet, Metropolitan<br>
+Chrysostom, and Anselmo, and, who deign’d<br>
+To put his hand to the first art, Donatus.<br>
+Raban is here: and at my side there shines<br>
+Calabria’s abbot, Joachim, endow’d<br>
+With soul prophetic. The bright courtesy<br>
+Of friar Thomas, and his goodly lore,<br>
+Have mov’d me to the blazon of a peer<br>
 So worthy, and with me have mov’d this throng.”
 </p>
 
@@ -13803,152 +13797,152 @@ So worthy, and with me have mov’d this throng.”
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoIII.13"></a>CANTO XIII</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoIII.13"></a>CANTO XIII</h2>
 
 <p>
-Let him, who would conceive what now I saw,<br/>
-Imagine (and retain the image firm,<br/>
-As mountain rock, the whilst he hears me speak),<br/>
-Of stars fifteen, from midst the ethereal host<br/>
-Selected, that, with lively ray serene,<br/>
-O’ercome the massiest air: thereto imagine<br/>
-The wain, that, in the bosom of our sky,<br/>
-Spins ever on its axle night and day,<br/>
-With the bright summit of that horn which swells<br/>
-Due from the pole, round which the first wheel rolls,<br/>
-T’ have rang’d themselves in fashion of two signs<br/>
-In heav’n, such as Ariadne made,<br/>
-When death’s chill seized her; and that one of them<br/>
-Did compass in the other’s beam; and both<br/>
-In such sort whirl around, that each should tend<br/>
-With opposite motion and, conceiving thus,<br/>
-Of that true constellation, and the dance<br/>
-Twofold, that circled me, he shall attain<br/>
-As ’t were the shadow; for things there as much<br/>
-Surpass our usage, as the swiftest heav’n<br/>
-Is swifter than the Chiana. There was sung<br/>
-No Bacchus, and no Io Paean, but<br/>
-Three Persons in the Godhead, and in one<br/>
-Substance that nature and the human join’d.<br/>
-<br/>
-The song fulfill’d its measure; and to us<br/>
-Those saintly lights attended, happier made<br/>
-At each new minist’ring. Then silence brake,<br/>
-Amid th’ accordant sons of Deity,<br/>
-That luminary, in which the wondrous life<br/>
-Of the meek man of God was told to me;<br/>
-And thus it spake: “One ear o’ th’ harvest thresh’d,<br/>
-And its grain safely stor’d, sweet charity<br/>
-Invites me with the other to like toil.<br/>
-<br/>
-“Thou know’st, that in the bosom, whence the rib<br/>
-Was ta’en to fashion that fair cheek, whose taste<br/>
-All the world pays for, and in that, which pierc’d<br/>
-By the keen lance, both after and before<br/>
-Such satisfaction offer’d, as outweighs<br/>
-Each evil in the scale, whate’er of light<br/>
-To human nature is allow’d, must all<br/>
-Have by his virtue been infus’d, who form’d<br/>
-Both one and other: and thou thence admir’st<br/>
-In that I told thee, of beatitudes<br/>
-A second, there is none, to his enclos’d<br/>
-In the fifth radiance. Open now thine eyes<br/>
-To what I answer thee; and thou shalt see<br/>
-Thy deeming and my saying meet in truth,<br/>
-As centre in the round. That which dies not,<br/>
-And that which can die, are but each the beam<br/>
-Of that idea, which our Soverign Sire<br/>
-Engendereth loving; for that lively light,<br/>
-Which passeth from his brightness; not disjoin’d<br/>
-From him, nor from his love triune with them,<br/>
-Doth, through his bounty, congregate itself,<br/>
-Mirror’d, as ’t were in new existences,<br/>
-Itself unalterable and ever one.<br/>
-<br/>
-“Descending hence unto the lowest powers,<br/>
-Its energy so sinks, at last it makes<br/>
-But brief contingencies: for so I name<br/>
-Things generated, which the heav’nly orbs<br/>
-Moving, with seed or without seed, produce.<br/>
-Their wax, and that which molds it, differ much:<br/>
-And thence with lustre, more or less, it shows<br/>
-Th’ ideal stamp impress: so that one tree<br/>
-According to his kind, hath better fruit,<br/>
-And worse: and, at your birth, ye, mortal men,<br/>
-Are in your talents various. Were the wax<br/>
-Molded with nice exactness, and the heav’n<br/>
-In its disposing influence supreme,<br/>
-The lustre of the seal should be complete:<br/>
-But nature renders it imperfect ever,<br/>
-Resembling thus the artist in her work,<br/>
-Whose faultering hand is faithless to his skill.<br/>
-Howe’er, if love itself dispose, and mark<br/>
-The primal virtue, kindling with bright view,<br/>
-There all perfection is vouchsafed; and such<br/>
-The clay was made, accomplish’d with each gift,<br/>
-That life can teem with; such the burden fill’d<br/>
-The virgin’s bosom: so that I commend<br/>
-Thy judgment, that the human nature ne’er<br/>
-Was or can be, such as in them it was.<br/>
-<br/>
-“Did I advance no further than this point,<br/>
-‘How then had he no peer?’ thou might’st reply.<br/>
-But, that what now appears not, may appear<br/>
-Right plainly, ponder, who he was, and what<br/>
-(When he was bidden ‘Ask’), the motive sway’d<br/>
-To his requesting. I have spoken thus,<br/>
-That thou mayst see, he was a king, who ask’d<br/>
-For wisdom, to the end he might be king<br/>
-Sufficient: not the number to search out<br/>
-Of the celestial movers; or to know,<br/>
-If necessary with contingent e’er<br/>
-Have made necessity; or whether that<br/>
-Be granted, that first motion is; or if<br/>
-Of the mid circle can, by art, be made<br/>
-Triangle with each corner, blunt or sharp.<br/>
-<br/>
-“Whence, noting that, which I have said, and this,<br/>
-Thou kingly prudence and that ken mayst learn,<br/>
-At which the dart of my intention aims.<br/>
-And, marking clearly, that I told thee, ‘Risen,’<br/>
-Thou shalt discern it only hath respect<br/>
-To kings, of whom are many, and the good<br/>
-Are rare. With this distinction take my words;<br/>
-And they may well consist with that which thou<br/>
-Of the first human father dost believe,<br/>
-And of our well-beloved. And let this<br/>
-Henceforth be led unto thy feet, to make<br/>
-Thee slow in motion, as a weary man,<br/>
-Both to the ‘yea’ and to the ‘nay’ thou seest not.<br/>
-For he among the fools is down full low,<br/>
-Whose affirmation, or denial, is<br/>
-Without distinction, in each case alike<br/>
-Since it befalls, that in most instances<br/>
-Current opinion leads to false: and then<br/>
-Affection bends the judgment to her ply.<br/>
-<br/>
-“Much more than vainly doth he loose from shore,<br/>
-Since he returns not such as he set forth,<br/>
-Who fishes for the truth and wanteth skill.<br/>
-And open proofs of this unto the world<br/>
-Have been afforded in Parmenides,<br/>
-Melissus, Bryso, and the crowd beside,<br/>
-Who journey’d on, and knew not whither: so did<br/>
-Sabellius, Arius, and the other fools,<br/>
-Who, like to scymitars, reflected back<br/>
-The scripture-image, by distortion marr’d.<br/>
-<br/>
-“Let not the people be too swift to judge,<br/>
-As one who reckons on the blades in field,<br/>
-Or ere the crop be ripe. For I have seen<br/>
-The thorn frown rudely all the winter long<br/>
-And after bear the rose upon its top;<br/>
-And bark, that all the way across the sea<br/>
-Ran straight and speedy, perish at the last,<br/>
-E’en in the haven’s mouth seeing one steal,<br/>
-Another brine, his offering to the priest,<br/>
-Let not Dame Birtha and Sir Martin thence<br/>
-Into heav’n’s counsels deem that they can pry:<br/>
+Let him, who would conceive what now I saw,<br>
+Imagine (and retain the image firm,<br>
+As mountain rock, the whilst he hears me speak),<br>
+Of stars fifteen, from midst the ethereal host<br>
+Selected, that, with lively ray serene,<br>
+O’ercome the massiest air: thereto imagine<br>
+The wain, that, in the bosom of our sky,<br>
+Spins ever on its axle night and day,<br>
+With the bright summit of that horn which swells<br>
+Due from the pole, round which the first wheel rolls,<br>
+T’ have rang’d themselves in fashion of two signs<br>
+In heav’n, such as Ariadne made,<br>
+When death’s chill seized her; and that one of them<br>
+Did compass in the other’s beam; and both<br>
+In such sort whirl around, that each should tend<br>
+With opposite motion and, conceiving thus,<br>
+Of that true constellation, and the dance<br>
+Twofold, that circled me, he shall attain<br>
+As ’t were the shadow; for things there as much<br>
+Surpass our usage, as the swiftest heav’n<br>
+Is swifter than the Chiana. There was sung<br>
+No Bacchus, and no Io Paean, but<br>
+Three Persons in the Godhead, and in one<br>
+Substance that nature and the human join’d.<br>
+<br>
+The song fulfill’d its measure; and to us<br>
+Those saintly lights attended, happier made<br>
+At each new minist’ring. Then silence brake,<br>
+Amid th’ accordant sons of Deity,<br>
+That luminary, in which the wondrous life<br>
+Of the meek man of God was told to me;<br>
+And thus it spake: “One ear o’ th’ harvest thresh’d,<br>
+And its grain safely stor’d, sweet charity<br>
+Invites me with the other to like toil.<br>
+<br>
+“Thou know’st, that in the bosom, whence the rib<br>
+Was ta’en to fashion that fair cheek, whose taste<br>
+All the world pays for, and in that, which pierc’d<br>
+By the keen lance, both after and before<br>
+Such satisfaction offer’d, as outweighs<br>
+Each evil in the scale, whate’er of light<br>
+To human nature is allow’d, must all<br>
+Have by his virtue been infus’d, who form’d<br>
+Both one and other: and thou thence admir’st<br>
+In that I told thee, of beatitudes<br>
+A second, there is none, to his enclos’d<br>
+In the fifth radiance. Open now thine eyes<br>
+To what I answer thee; and thou shalt see<br>
+Thy deeming and my saying meet in truth,<br>
+As centre in the round. That which dies not,<br>
+And that which can die, are but each the beam<br>
+Of that idea, which our Soverign Sire<br>
+Engendereth loving; for that lively light,<br>
+Which passeth from his brightness; not disjoin’d<br>
+From him, nor from his love triune with them,<br>
+Doth, through his bounty, congregate itself,<br>
+Mirror’d, as ’t were in new existences,<br>
+Itself unalterable and ever one.<br>
+<br>
+“Descending hence unto the lowest powers,<br>
+Its energy so sinks, at last it makes<br>
+But brief contingencies: for so I name<br>
+Things generated, which the heav’nly orbs<br>
+Moving, with seed or without seed, produce.<br>
+Their wax, and that which molds it, differ much:<br>
+And thence with lustre, more or less, it shows<br>
+Th’ ideal stamp impress: so that one tree<br>
+According to his kind, hath better fruit,<br>
+And worse: and, at your birth, ye, mortal men,<br>
+Are in your talents various. Were the wax<br>
+Molded with nice exactness, and the heav’n<br>
+In its disposing influence supreme,<br>
+The lustre of the seal should be complete:<br>
+But nature renders it imperfect ever,<br>
+Resembling thus the artist in her work,<br>
+Whose faultering hand is faithless to his skill.<br>
+Howe’er, if love itself dispose, and mark<br>
+The primal virtue, kindling with bright view,<br>
+There all perfection is vouchsafed; and such<br>
+The clay was made, accomplish’d with each gift,<br>
+That life can teem with; such the burden fill’d<br>
+The virgin’s bosom: so that I commend<br>
+Thy judgment, that the human nature ne’er<br>
+Was or can be, such as in them it was.<br>
+<br>
+“Did I advance no further than this point,<br>
+‘How then had he no peer?’ thou might’st reply.<br>
+But, that what now appears not, may appear<br>
+Right plainly, ponder, who he was, and what<br>
+(When he was bidden ‘Ask’), the motive sway’d<br>
+To his requesting. I have spoken thus,<br>
+That thou mayst see, he was a king, who ask’d<br>
+For wisdom, to the end he might be king<br>
+Sufficient: not the number to search out<br>
+Of the celestial movers; or to know,<br>
+If necessary with contingent e’er<br>
+Have made necessity; or whether that<br>
+Be granted, that first motion is; or if<br>
+Of the mid circle can, by art, be made<br>
+Triangle with each corner, blunt or sharp.<br>
+<br>
+“Whence, noting that, which I have said, and this,<br>
+Thou kingly prudence and that ken mayst learn,<br>
+At which the dart of my intention aims.<br>
+And, marking clearly, that I told thee, ‘Risen,’<br>
+Thou shalt discern it only hath respect<br>
+To kings, of whom are many, and the good<br>
+Are rare. With this distinction take my words;<br>
+And they may well consist with that which thou<br>
+Of the first human father dost believe,<br>
+And of our well-beloved. And let this<br>
+Henceforth be led unto thy feet, to make<br>
+Thee slow in motion, as a weary man,<br>
+Both to the ‘yea’ and to the ‘nay’ thou seest not.<br>
+For he among the fools is down full low,<br>
+Whose affirmation, or denial, is<br>
+Without distinction, in each case alike<br>
+Since it befalls, that in most instances<br>
+Current opinion leads to false: and then<br>
+Affection bends the judgment to her ply.<br>
+<br>
+“Much more than vainly doth he loose from shore,<br>
+Since he returns not such as he set forth,<br>
+Who fishes for the truth and wanteth skill.<br>
+And open proofs of this unto the world<br>
+Have been afforded in Parmenides,<br>
+Melissus, Bryso, and the crowd beside,<br>
+Who journey’d on, and knew not whither: so did<br>
+Sabellius, Arius, and the other fools,<br>
+Who, like to scymitars, reflected back<br>
+The scripture-image, by distortion marr’d.<br>
+<br>
+“Let not the people be too swift to judge,<br>
+As one who reckons on the blades in field,<br>
+Or ere the crop be ripe. For I have seen<br>
+The thorn frown rudely all the winter long<br>
+And after bear the rose upon its top;<br>
+And bark, that all the way across the sea<br>
+Ran straight and speedy, perish at the last,<br>
+E’en in the haven’s mouth seeing one steal,<br>
+Another brine, his offering to the priest,<br>
+Let not Dame Birtha and Sir Martin thence<br>
+Into heav’n’s counsels deem that they can pry:<br>
 For one of these may rise, the other fall.”
 </p>
 
@@ -13956,162 +13950,162 @@ For one of these may rise, the other fall.”
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoIII.14"></a>CANTO XIV</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoIII.14"></a>CANTO XIV</h2>
 
 <p>
-From centre to the circle, and so back<br/>
-From circle to the centre, water moves<br/>
-In the round chalice, even as the blow<br/>
-Impels it, inwardly, or from without.<br/>
-Such was the image glanc’d into my mind,<br/>
-As the great spirit of Aquinum ceas’d;<br/>
-And Beatrice after him her words<br/>
-Resum’d alternate: “Need there is (tho’ yet<br/>
-He tells it to you not in words, nor e’en<br/>
-In thought) that he should fathom to its depth<br/>
-Another mystery. Tell him, if the light,<br/>
-Wherewith your substance blooms, shall stay with you<br/>
-Eternally, as now: and, if it doth,<br/>
-How, when ye shall regain your visible forms,<br/>
-The sight may without harm endure the change,<br/>
-That also tell.” As those, who in a ring<br/>
-Tread the light measure, in their fitful mirth<br/>
-Raise loud the voice, and spring with gladder bound;<br/>
-Thus, at the hearing of that pious suit,<br/>
-The saintly circles in their tourneying<br/>
-And wond’rous note attested new delight.<br/>
-<br/>
-Whoso laments, that we must doff this garb<br/>
-Of frail mortality, thenceforth to live<br/>
-Immortally above, he hath not seen<br/>
-The sweet refreshing, of that heav’nly shower.<br/>
-<br/>
-Him, who lives ever, and for ever reigns<br/>
-In mystic union of the Three in One,<br/>
-Unbounded, bounding all, each spirit thrice<br/>
-Sang, with such melody, as but to hear<br/>
-For highest merit were an ample meed.<br/>
-And from the lesser orb the goodliest light,<br/>
-With gentle voice and mild, such as perhaps<br/>
-The angel’s once to Mary, thus replied:<br/>
-“Long as the joy of Paradise shall last,<br/>
-Our love shall shine around that raiment, bright,<br/>
-As fervent; fervent, as in vision blest;<br/>
-And that as far in blessedness exceeding,<br/>
-As it hath grave beyond its virtue great.<br/>
-Our shape, regarmented with glorious weeds<br/>
-Of saintly flesh, must, being thus entire,<br/>
-Show yet more gracious. Therefore shall increase,<br/>
-Whate’er of light, gratuitous, imparts<br/>
-The Supreme Good; light, ministering aid,<br/>
-The better disclose his glory: whence<br/>
-The vision needs increasing, much increase<br/>
-The fervour, which it kindles; and that too<br/>
-The ray, that comes from it. But as the greed<br/>
-Which gives out flame, yet it its whiteness shines<br/>
-More lively than that, and so preserves<br/>
-Its proper semblance; thus this circling sphere<br/>
-Of splendour, shall to view less radiant seem,<br/>
-Than shall our fleshly robe, which yonder earth<br/>
-Now covers. Nor will such excess of light<br/>
-O’erpower us, in corporeal organs made<br/>
-Firm, and susceptible of all delight.”<br/>
-<br/>
-So ready and so cordial an “Amen,”<br/>
-Followed from either choir, as plainly spoke<br/>
-Desire of their dead bodies; yet perchance<br/>
-Not for themselves, but for their kindred dear,<br/>
-Mothers and sires, and those whom best they lov’d,<br/>
-Ere they were made imperishable flame.<br/>
-<br/>
-And lo! forthwith there rose up round about<br/>
-A lustre over that already there,<br/>
-Of equal clearness, like the brightening up<br/>
-Of the horizon. As at an evening hour<br/>
-Of twilight, new appearances through heav’n<br/>
-Peer with faint glimmer, doubtfully descried;<br/>
-So there new substances, methought began<br/>
-To rise in view; and round the other twain<br/>
-Enwheeling, sweep their ampler circuit wide.<br/>
-<br/>
-O gentle glitter of eternal beam!<br/>
-With what a such whiteness did it flow,<br/>
-O’erpowering vision in me! But so fair,<br/>
-So passing lovely, Beatrice show’d,<br/>
-Mind cannot follow it, nor words express<br/>
-Her infinite sweetness. Thence mine eyes regain’d<br/>
-Power to look up, and I beheld myself,<br/>
-Sole with my lady, to more lofty bliss<br/>
-Translated: for the star, with warmer smile<br/>
+From centre to the circle, and so back<br>
+From circle to the centre, water moves<br>
+In the round chalice, even as the blow<br>
+Impels it, inwardly, or from without.<br>
+Such was the image glanc’d into my mind,<br>
+As the great spirit of Aquinum ceas’d;<br>
+And Beatrice after him her words<br>
+Resum’d alternate: “Need there is (tho’ yet<br>
+He tells it to you not in words, nor e’en<br>
+In thought) that he should fathom to its depth<br>
+Another mystery. Tell him, if the light,<br>
+Wherewith your substance blooms, shall stay with you<br>
+Eternally, as now: and, if it doth,<br>
+How, when ye shall regain your visible forms,<br>
+The sight may without harm endure the change,<br>
+That also tell.” As those, who in a ring<br>
+Tread the light measure, in their fitful mirth<br>
+Raise loud the voice, and spring with gladder bound;<br>
+Thus, at the hearing of that pious suit,<br>
+The saintly circles in their tourneying<br>
+And wond’rous note attested new delight.<br>
+<br>
+Whoso laments, that we must doff this garb<br>
+Of frail mortality, thenceforth to live<br>
+Immortally above, he hath not seen<br>
+The sweet refreshing, of that heav’nly shower.<br>
+<br>
+Him, who lives ever, and for ever reigns<br>
+In mystic union of the Three in One,<br>
+Unbounded, bounding all, each spirit thrice<br>
+Sang, with such melody, as but to hear<br>
+For highest merit were an ample meed.<br>
+And from the lesser orb the goodliest light,<br>
+With gentle voice and mild, such as perhaps<br>
+The angel’s once to Mary, thus replied:<br>
+“Long as the joy of Paradise shall last,<br>
+Our love shall shine around that raiment, bright,<br>
+As fervent; fervent, as in vision blest;<br>
+And that as far in blessedness exceeding,<br>
+As it hath grave beyond its virtue great.<br>
+Our shape, regarmented with glorious weeds<br>
+Of saintly flesh, must, being thus entire,<br>
+Show yet more gracious. Therefore shall increase,<br>
+Whate’er of light, gratuitous, imparts<br>
+The Supreme Good; light, ministering aid,<br>
+The better disclose his glory: whence<br>
+The vision needs increasing, much increase<br>
+The fervour, which it kindles; and that too<br>
+The ray, that comes from it. But as the greed<br>
+Which gives out flame, yet it its whiteness shines<br>
+More lively than that, and so preserves<br>
+Its proper semblance; thus this circling sphere<br>
+Of splendour, shall to view less radiant seem,<br>
+Than shall our fleshly robe, which yonder earth<br>
+Now covers. Nor will such excess of light<br>
+O’erpower us, in corporeal organs made<br>
+Firm, and susceptible of all delight.”<br>
+<br>
+So ready and so cordial an “Amen,”<br>
+Followed from either choir, as plainly spoke<br>
+Desire of their dead bodies; yet perchance<br>
+Not for themselves, but for their kindred dear,<br>
+Mothers and sires, and those whom best they lov’d,<br>
+Ere they were made imperishable flame.<br>
+<br>
+And lo! forthwith there rose up round about<br>
+A lustre over that already there,<br>
+Of equal clearness, like the brightening up<br>
+Of the horizon. As at an evening hour<br>
+Of twilight, new appearances through heav’n<br>
+Peer with faint glimmer, doubtfully descried;<br>
+So there new substances, methought began<br>
+To rise in view; and round the other twain<br>
+Enwheeling, sweep their ampler circuit wide.<br>
+<br>
+O gentle glitter of eternal beam!<br>
+With what a such whiteness did it flow,<br>
+O’erpowering vision in me! But so fair,<br>
+So passing lovely, Beatrice show’d,<br>
+Mind cannot follow it, nor words express<br>
+Her infinite sweetness. Thence mine eyes regain’d<br>
+Power to look up, and I beheld myself,<br>
+Sole with my lady, to more lofty bliss<br>
+Translated: for the star, with warmer smile<br>
 Impurpled, well denoted our ascent.
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/14-77.jpg">
-<img src="images/14-77.jpg" width="544" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+<img src="images/14-77.jpg" alt="" style="width: 544px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-With all the heart, and with that tongue which speaks<br/>
-The same in all, an holocaust I made<br/>
-To God, befitting the new grace vouchsaf’d.<br/>
-And from my bosom had not yet upsteam’d<br/>
-The fuming of that incense, when I knew<br/>
-The rite accepted. With such mighty sheen<br/>
-And mantling crimson, in two listed rays<br/>
-The splendours shot before me, that I cried,<br/>
+With all the heart, and with that tongue which speaks<br>
+The same in all, an holocaust I made<br>
+To God, befitting the new grace vouchsaf’d.<br>
+And from my bosom had not yet upsteam’d<br>
+The fuming of that incense, when I knew<br>
+The rite accepted. With such mighty sheen<br>
+And mantling crimson, in two listed rays<br>
+The splendours shot before me, that I cried,<br>
 “God of Sabaoth! that does prank them thus!”
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/14-96.jpg">
-<img src="images/14-96.jpg" width="556" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+<img src="images/14-96.jpg" alt="" style="width: 556px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-As leads the galaxy from pole to pole,<br/>
-Distinguish’d into greater lights and less,<br/>
-Its pathway, which the wisest fail to spell;<br/>
-So thickly studded, in the depth of Mars,<br/>
-Those rays describ’d the venerable sign,<br/>
-That quadrants in the round conjoining frame.<br/>
-Here memory mocks the toil of genius. Christ<br/>
-Beam’d on that cross; and pattern fails me now.<br/>
-But whoso takes his cross, and follows Christ<br/>
-Will pardon me for that I leave untold,<br/>
-When in the flecker’d dawning he shall spy<br/>
-The glitterance of Christ. From horn to horn,<br/>
-And ’tween the summit and the base did move<br/>
-Lights, scintillating, as they met and pass’d.<br/>
-Thus oft are seen, with ever-changeful glance,<br/>
-Straight or athwart, now rapid and now slow,<br/>
-The atomies of bodies, long or short,<br/>
-To move along the sunbeam, whose slant line<br/>
-Checkers the shadow, interpos’d by art<br/>
-Against the noontide heat. And as the chime<br/>
-Of minstrel music, dulcimer, and help<br/>
-With many strings, a pleasant dining makes<br/>
-To him, who heareth not distinct the note;<br/>
-So from the lights, which there appear’d to me,<br/>
-Gather’d along the cross a melody,<br/>
-That, indistinctly heard, with ravishment<br/>
-Possess’d me. Yet I mark’d it was a hymn<br/>
-Of lofty praises; for there came to me<br/>
-“Arise and conquer,” as to one who hears<br/>
-And comprehends not. Me such ecstasy<br/>
-O’ercame, that never till that hour was thing<br/>
-That held me in so sweet imprisonment.<br/>
-<br/>
-Perhaps my saying over bold appears,<br/>
-Accounting less the pleasure of those eyes,<br/>
-Whereon to look fulfilleth all desire.<br/>
-But he, who is aware those living seals<br/>
-Of every beauty work with quicker force,<br/>
-The higher they are ris’n; and that there<br/>
-I had not turn’d me to them; he may well<br/>
-Excuse me that, whereof in my excuse<br/>
-I do accuse me, and may own my truth;<br/>
-That holy pleasure here not yet reveal’d,<br/>
+As leads the galaxy from pole to pole,<br>
+Distinguish’d into greater lights and less,<br>
+Its pathway, which the wisest fail to spell;<br>
+So thickly studded, in the depth of Mars,<br>
+Those rays describ’d the venerable sign,<br>
+That quadrants in the round conjoining frame.<br>
+Here memory mocks the toil of genius. Christ<br>
+Beam’d on that cross; and pattern fails me now.<br>
+But whoso takes his cross, and follows Christ<br>
+Will pardon me for that I leave untold,<br>
+When in the flecker’d dawning he shall spy<br>
+The glitterance of Christ. From horn to horn,<br>
+And ’tween the summit and the base did move<br>
+Lights, scintillating, as they met and pass’d.<br>
+Thus oft are seen, with ever-changeful glance,<br>
+Straight or athwart, now rapid and now slow,<br>
+The atomies of bodies, long or short,<br>
+To move along the sunbeam, whose slant line<br>
+Checkers the shadow, interpos’d by art<br>
+Against the noontide heat. And as the chime<br>
+Of minstrel music, dulcimer, and help<br>
+With many strings, a pleasant dining makes<br>
+To him, who heareth not distinct the note;<br>
+So from the lights, which there appear’d to me,<br>
+Gather’d along the cross a melody,<br>
+That, indistinctly heard, with ravishment<br>
+Possess’d me. Yet I mark’d it was a hymn<br>
+Of lofty praises; for there came to me<br>
+“Arise and conquer,” as to one who hears<br>
+And comprehends not. Me such ecstasy<br>
+O’ercame, that never till that hour was thing<br>
+That held me in so sweet imprisonment.<br>
+<br>
+Perhaps my saying over bold appears,<br>
+Accounting less the pleasure of those eyes,<br>
+Whereon to look fulfilleth all desire.<br>
+But he, who is aware those living seals<br>
+Of every beauty work with quicker force,<br>
+The higher they are ris’n; and that there<br>
+I had not turn’d me to them; he may well<br>
+Excuse me that, whereof in my excuse<br>
+I do accuse me, and may own my truth;<br>
+That holy pleasure here not yet reveal’d,<br>
 Which grows in transport as we mount aloof.
 </p>
 
@@ -14119,155 +14113,155 @@ Which grows in transport as we mount aloof.
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoIII.15"></a>CANTO XV</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoIII.15"></a>CANTO XV</h2>
 
 <p>
-True love, that ever shows itself as clear<br/>
-In kindness, as loose appetite in wrong,<br/>
-Silenced that lyre harmonious, and still’d<br/>
-The sacred chords, that are by heav’n’s right hand<br/>
-Unwound and tighten’d, flow to righteous prayers<br/>
-Should they not hearken, who, to give me will<br/>
-For praying, in accordance thus were mute?<br/>
-He hath in sooth good cause for endless grief,<br/>
-Who, for the love of thing that lasteth not,<br/>
-Despoils himself forever of that love.<br/>
-<br/>
-As oft along the still and pure serene,<br/>
-At nightfall, glides a sudden trail of fire,<br/>
-Attracting with involuntary heed<br/>
-The eye to follow it, erewhile at rest,<br/>
-And seems some star that shifted place in heav’n,<br/>
-Only that, whence it kindles, none is lost,<br/>
-And it is soon extinct; thus from the horn,<br/>
-That on the dexter of the cross extends,<br/>
-Down to its foot, one luminary ran<br/>
-From mid the cluster shone there; yet no gem<br/>
-Dropp’d from its foil; and through the beamy list<br/>
-Like flame in alabaster, glow’d its course.<br/>
-<br/>
-So forward stretch’d him (if of credence aught<br/>
-Our greater muse may claim) the pious ghost<br/>
-Of old Anchises, in the’ Elysian bower,<br/>
-When he perceiv’d his son. “O thou, my blood!<br/>
-O most exceeding grace divine! to whom,<br/>
-As now to thee, hath twice the heav’nly gate<br/>
-Been e’er unclos’d?” so spake the light; whence I<br/>
-Turn’d me toward him; then unto my dame<br/>
-My sight directed, and on either side<br/>
-Amazement waited me; for in her eyes<br/>
-Was lighted such a smile, I thought that mine<br/>
-Had div’d unto the bottom of my grace<br/>
-And of my bliss in Paradise. Forthwith<br/>
-To hearing and to sight grateful alike,<br/>
-The spirit to his proem added things<br/>
-I understood not, so profound he spake;<br/>
-Yet not of choice but through necessity<br/>
-Mysterious; for his high conception scar’d<br/>
-Beyond the mark of mortals. When the flight<br/>
-Of holy transport had so spent its rage,<br/>
-That nearer to the level of our thought<br/>
-The speech descended, the first sounds I heard<br/>
-Were, “Best he thou, Triunal Deity!<br/>
-That hast such favour in my seed vouchsaf’d!”<br/>
-Then follow’d: “No unpleasant thirst, tho’ long,<br/>
-Which took me reading in the sacred book,<br/>
-Whose leaves or white or dusky never change,<br/>
-Thou hast allay’d, my son, within this light,<br/>
-From whence my voice thou hear’st; more thanks to her.<br/>
-Who for such lofty mounting has with plumes<br/>
-Begirt thee. Thou dost deem thy thoughts to me<br/>
-From him transmitted, who is first of all,<br/>
-E’en as all numbers ray from unity;<br/>
-And therefore dost not ask me who I am,<br/>
-Or why to thee more joyous I appear,<br/>
-Than any other in this gladsome throng.<br/>
-The truth is as thou deem’st; for in this hue<br/>
-Both less and greater in that mirror look,<br/>
-In which thy thoughts, or ere thou think’st, are shown.<br/>
-But, that the love, which keeps me wakeful ever,<br/>
-Urging with sacred thirst of sweet desire,<br/>
-May be contended fully, let thy voice,<br/>
-Fearless, and frank and jocund, utter forth<br/>
-Thy will distinctly, utter forth the wish,<br/>
-Whereto my ready answer stands decreed.”<br/>
-<br/>
-I turn’d me to Beatrice; and she heard<br/>
-Ere I had spoken, smiling, an assent,<br/>
-That to my will gave wings; and I began<br/>
-“To each among your tribe, what time ye kenn’d<br/>
-The nature, in whom naught unequal dwells,<br/>
-Wisdom and love were in one measure dealt;<br/>
-For that they are so equal in the sun,<br/>
-From whence ye drew your radiance and your heat,<br/>
-As makes all likeness scant. But will and means,<br/>
-In mortals, for the cause ye well discern,<br/>
-With unlike wings are fledge. A mortal I<br/>
-Experience inequality like this,<br/>
-And therefore give no thanks, but in the heart,<br/>
-For thy paternal greeting. This howe’er<br/>
-I pray thee, living topaz! that ingemm’st<br/>
-This precious jewel, let me hear thy name.”<br/>
-<br/>
-“I am thy root, O leaf! whom to expect<br/>
-Even, hath pleas’d me:” thus the prompt reply<br/>
-Prefacing, next it added: “he, of whom<br/>
-Thy kindred appellation comes, and who,<br/>
-These hundred years and more, on its first ledge<br/>
-Hath circuited the mountain, was my son<br/>
-And thy great grandsire. Well befits, his long<br/>
-Endurance should be shorten’d by thy deeds.<br/>
-<br/>
-“Florence, within her ancient limit-mark,<br/>
-Which calls her still to matin prayers and noon,<br/>
-Was chaste and sober, and abode in peace.<br/>
-She had no armlets and no head-tires then,<br/>
-No purfled dames, no zone, that caught the eye<br/>
-More than the person did. Time was not yet,<br/>
-When at his daughter’s birth the sire grew pale.<br/>
-For fear the age and dowry should exceed<br/>
-On each side just proportion. House was none<br/>
-Void of its family; nor yet had come<br/>
-Hardanapalus, to exhibit feats<br/>
-Of chamber prowess. Montemalo yet<br/>
-O’er our suburban turret rose; as much<br/>
-To be surpass in fall, as in its rising.<br/>
-I saw Bellincione Berti walk abroad<br/>
-In leathern girdle and a clasp of bone;<br/>
-And, with no artful colouring on her cheeks,<br/>
-His lady leave the glass. The sons I saw<br/>
-Of Nerli and of Vecchio well content<br/>
-With unrob’d jerkin; and their good dames handling<br/>
-The spindle and the flax; O happy they!<br/>
-Each sure of burial in her native land,<br/>
-And none left desolate a-bed for France!<br/>
-One wak’d to tend the cradle, hushing it<br/>
-With sounds that lull’d the parent’s infancy:<br/>
-Another, with her maidens, drawing off<br/>
-The tresses from the distaff, lectur’d them<br/>
-Old tales of Troy and Fesole and Rome.<br/>
-A Salterello and Cianghella we<br/>
-Had held as strange a marvel, as ye would<br/>
-A Cincinnatus or Cornelia now.<br/>
-<br/>
-“In such compos’d and seemly fellowship,<br/>
-Such faithful and such fair equality,<br/>
-In so sweet household, Mary at my birth<br/>
-Bestow’d me, call’d on with loud cries; and there<br/>
-In your old baptistery, I was made<br/>
-Christian at once and Cacciaguida; as were<br/>
-My brethren, Eliseo and Moronto.<br/>
-<br/>
-“From Valdipado came to me my spouse,<br/>
-And hence thy surname grew. I follow’d then<br/>
-The Emperor Conrad; and his knighthood he<br/>
-Did gird on me; in such good part he took<br/>
-My valiant service. After him I went<br/>
-To testify against that evil law,<br/>
-Whose people, by the shepherd’s fault, possess<br/>
-Your right, usurping. There, by that foul crew<br/>
-Was I releas’d from the deceitful world,<br/>
-Whose base affection many a spirit soils,<br/>
+True love, that ever shows itself as clear<br>
+In kindness, as loose appetite in wrong,<br>
+Silenced that lyre harmonious, and still’d<br>
+The sacred chords, that are by heav’n’s right hand<br>
+Unwound and tighten’d, flow to righteous prayers<br>
+Should they not hearken, who, to give me will<br>
+For praying, in accordance thus were mute?<br>
+He hath in sooth good cause for endless grief,<br>
+Who, for the love of thing that lasteth not,<br>
+Despoils himself forever of that love.<br>
+<br>
+As oft along the still and pure serene,<br>
+At nightfall, glides a sudden trail of fire,<br>
+Attracting with involuntary heed<br>
+The eye to follow it, erewhile at rest,<br>
+And seems some star that shifted place in heav’n,<br>
+Only that, whence it kindles, none is lost,<br>
+And it is soon extinct; thus from the horn,<br>
+That on the dexter of the cross extends,<br>
+Down to its foot, one luminary ran<br>
+From mid the cluster shone there; yet no gem<br>
+Dropp’d from its foil; and through the beamy list<br>
+Like flame in alabaster, glow’d its course.<br>
+<br>
+So forward stretch’d him (if of credence aught<br>
+Our greater muse may claim) the pious ghost<br>
+Of old Anchises, in the’ Elysian bower,<br>
+When he perceiv’d his son. “O thou, my blood!<br>
+O most exceeding grace divine! to whom,<br>
+As now to thee, hath twice the heav’nly gate<br>
+Been e’er unclos’d?” so spake the light; whence I<br>
+Turn’d me toward him; then unto my dame<br>
+My sight directed, and on either side<br>
+Amazement waited me; for in her eyes<br>
+Was lighted such a smile, I thought that mine<br>
+Had div’d unto the bottom of my grace<br>
+And of my bliss in Paradise. Forthwith<br>
+To hearing and to sight grateful alike,<br>
+The spirit to his proem added things<br>
+I understood not, so profound he spake;<br>
+Yet not of choice but through necessity<br>
+Mysterious; for his high conception scar’d<br>
+Beyond the mark of mortals. When the flight<br>
+Of holy transport had so spent its rage,<br>
+That nearer to the level of our thought<br>
+The speech descended, the first sounds I heard<br>
+Were, “Best he thou, Triunal Deity!<br>
+That hast such favour in my seed vouchsaf’d!”<br>
+Then follow’d: “No unpleasant thirst, tho’ long,<br>
+Which took me reading in the sacred book,<br>
+Whose leaves or white or dusky never change,<br>
+Thou hast allay’d, my son, within this light,<br>
+From whence my voice thou hear’st; more thanks to her.<br>
+Who for such lofty mounting has with plumes<br>
+Begirt thee. Thou dost deem thy thoughts to me<br>
+From him transmitted, who is first of all,<br>
+E’en as all numbers ray from unity;<br>
+And therefore dost not ask me who I am,<br>
+Or why to thee more joyous I appear,<br>
+Than any other in this gladsome throng.<br>
+The truth is as thou deem’st; for in this hue<br>
+Both less and greater in that mirror look,<br>
+In which thy thoughts, or ere thou think’st, are shown.<br>
+But, that the love, which keeps me wakeful ever,<br>
+Urging with sacred thirst of sweet desire,<br>
+May be contended fully, let thy voice,<br>
+Fearless, and frank and jocund, utter forth<br>
+Thy will distinctly, utter forth the wish,<br>
+Whereto my ready answer stands decreed.”<br>
+<br>
+I turn’d me to Beatrice; and she heard<br>
+Ere I had spoken, smiling, an assent,<br>
+That to my will gave wings; and I began<br>
+“To each among your tribe, what time ye kenn’d<br>
+The nature, in whom naught unequal dwells,<br>
+Wisdom and love were in one measure dealt;<br>
+For that they are so equal in the sun,<br>
+From whence ye drew your radiance and your heat,<br>
+As makes all likeness scant. But will and means,<br>
+In mortals, for the cause ye well discern,<br>
+With unlike wings are fledge. A mortal I<br>
+Experience inequality like this,<br>
+And therefore give no thanks, but in the heart,<br>
+For thy paternal greeting. This howe’er<br>
+I pray thee, living topaz! that ingemm’st<br>
+This precious jewel, let me hear thy name.”<br>
+<br>
+“I am thy root, O leaf! whom to expect<br>
+Even, hath pleas’d me:” thus the prompt reply<br>
+Prefacing, next it added: “he, of whom<br>
+Thy kindred appellation comes, and who,<br>
+These hundred years and more, on its first ledge<br>
+Hath circuited the mountain, was my son<br>
+And thy great grandsire. Well befits, his long<br>
+Endurance should be shorten’d by thy deeds.<br>
+<br>
+“Florence, within her ancient limit-mark,<br>
+Which calls her still to matin prayers and noon,<br>
+Was chaste and sober, and abode in peace.<br>
+She had no armlets and no head-tires then,<br>
+No purfled dames, no zone, that caught the eye<br>
+More than the person did. Time was not yet,<br>
+When at his daughter’s birth the sire grew pale.<br>
+For fear the age and dowry should exceed<br>
+On each side just proportion. House was none<br>
+Void of its family; nor yet had come<br>
+Hardanapalus, to exhibit feats<br>
+Of chamber prowess. Montemalo yet<br>
+O’er our suburban turret rose; as much<br>
+To be surpass in fall, as in its rising.<br>
+I saw Bellincione Berti walk abroad<br>
+In leathern girdle and a clasp of bone;<br>
+And, with no artful colouring on her cheeks,<br>
+His lady leave the glass. The sons I saw<br>
+Of Nerli and of Vecchio well content<br>
+With unrob’d jerkin; and their good dames handling<br>
+The spindle and the flax; O happy they!<br>
+Each sure of burial in her native land,<br>
+And none left desolate a-bed for France!<br>
+One wak’d to tend the cradle, hushing it<br>
+With sounds that lull’d the parent’s infancy:<br>
+Another, with her maidens, drawing off<br>
+The tresses from the distaff, lectur’d them<br>
+Old tales of Troy and Fesole and Rome.<br>
+A Salterello and Cianghella we<br>
+Had held as strange a marvel, as ye would<br>
+A Cincinnatus or Cornelia now.<br>
+<br>
+“In such compos’d and seemly fellowship,<br>
+Such faithful and such fair equality,<br>
+In so sweet household, Mary at my birth<br>
+Bestow’d me, call’d on with loud cries; and there<br>
+In your old baptistery, I was made<br>
+Christian at once and Cacciaguida; as were<br>
+My brethren, Eliseo and Moronto.<br>
+<br>
+“From Valdipado came to me my spouse,<br>
+And hence thy surname grew. I follow’d then<br>
+The Emperor Conrad; and his knighthood he<br>
+Did gird on me; in such good part he took<br>
+My valiant service. After him I went<br>
+To testify against that evil law,<br>
+Whose people, by the shepherd’s fault, possess<br>
+Your right, usurping. There, by that foul crew<br>
+Was I releas’d from the deceitful world,<br>
+Whose base affection many a spirit soils,<br>
 And from the martyrdom came to this peace.”
 </p>
 
@@ -14275,315 +14269,315 @@ And from the martyrdom came to this peace.”
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoIII.16"></a>CANTO XVI</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoIII.16"></a>CANTO XVI</h2>
 
 <p>
-O slight respect of man’s nobility!<br/>
-I never shall account it marvelous,<br/>
-That our infirm affection here below<br/>
-Thou mov’st to boasting, when I could not choose,<br/>
-E’en in that region of unwarp’d desire,<br/>
-In heav’n itself, but make my vaunt in thee!<br/>
-Yet cloak thou art soon shorten’d, for that time,<br/>
-Unless thou be eked out from day to day,<br/>
-Goes round thee with his shears. Resuming then<br/>
-With greeting such, as Rome, was first to bear,<br/>
-But since hath disaccustom’d I began;<br/>
-And Beatrice, that a little space<br/>
-Was sever’d, smil’d reminding me of her,<br/>
-Whose cough embolden’d (as the story holds)<br/>
-To first offence the doubting Guenever.<br/>
-<br/>
-“You are my sire,” said I, “you give me heart<br/>
-Freely to speak my thought: above myself<br/>
-You raise me. Through so many streams with joy<br/>
-My soul is fill’d, that gladness wells from it;<br/>
-So that it bears the mighty tide, and bursts not<br/>
-Say then, my honour’d stem! what ancestors<br/>
-Where those you sprang from, and what years were mark’d<br/>
-In your first childhood? Tell me of the fold,<br/>
-That hath Saint John for guardian, what was then<br/>
-Its state, and who in it were highest seated?”<br/>
-<br/>
-As embers, at the breathing of the wind,<br/>
-Their flame enliven, so that light I saw<br/>
-Shine at my blandishments; and, as it grew<br/>
-More fair to look on, so with voice more sweet,<br/>
-Yet not in this our modern phrase, forthwith<br/>
-It answer’d: “From the day, when it was said<br/>
-‘Hail Virgin!’ to the throes, by which my mother,<br/>
-Who now is sainted, lighten’d her of me<br/>
-Whom she was heavy with, this fire had come,<br/>
-Five hundred fifty times and thrice, its beams<br/>
-To reilumine underneath the foot<br/>
-Of its own lion. They, of whom I sprang,<br/>
-And I, had there our birth-place, where the last<br/>
-Partition of our city first is reach’d<br/>
-By him, that runs her annual game. Thus much<br/>
-Suffice of my forefathers: who they were,<br/>
-And whence they hither came, more honourable<br/>
-It is to pass in silence than to tell.<br/>
-All those, who in that time were there from Mars<br/>
-Until the Baptist, fit to carry arms,<br/>
-Were but the fifth of them this day alive.<br/>
-But then the citizen’s blood, that now is mix’d<br/>
-From Campi and Certaldo and Fighine,<br/>
-Ran purely through the last mechanic’s veins.<br/>
-O how much better were it, that these people<br/>
-Were neighbours to you, and that at Galluzzo<br/>
-And at Trespiano, ye should have your bound’ry,<br/>
-Than to have them within, and bear the stench<br/>
-Of Aguglione’s hind, and Signa’s, him,<br/>
-That hath his eye already keen for bart’ring!<br/>
-Had not the people, which of all the world<br/>
-Degenerates most, been stepdame unto Caesar,<br/>
-But, as a mother, gracious to her son;<br/>
-Such one, as hath become a Florentine,<br/>
-And trades and traffics, had been turn’d adrift<br/>
-To Simifonte, where his grandsire ply’d<br/>
-The beggar’s craft. The Conti were possess’d<br/>
-Of Montemurlo still: the Cerchi still<br/>
-Were in Acone’s parish; nor had haply<br/>
-From Valdigrieve past the Buondelmonte.<br/>
-The city’s malady hath ever source<br/>
-In the confusion of its persons, as<br/>
-The body’s, in variety of food:<br/>
-And the blind bull falls with a steeper plunge,<br/>
-Than the blind lamb; and oftentimes one sword<br/>
-Doth more and better execution,<br/>
-Than five. Mark Luni, Urbisaglia mark,<br/>
-How they are gone, and after them how go<br/>
-Chiusi and Sinigaglia; and ’t will seem<br/>
-No longer new or strange to thee to hear,<br/>
-That families fail, when cities have their end.<br/>
-All things, that appertain t’ ye, like yourselves,<br/>
-Are mortal: but mortality in some<br/>
-Ye mark not, they endure so long, and you<br/>
-Pass by so suddenly. And as the moon<br/>
-Doth, by the rolling of her heav’nly sphere,<br/>
-Hide and reveal the strand unceasingly;<br/>
-So fortune deals with Florence. Hence admire not<br/>
-At what of them I tell thee, whose renown<br/>
-Time covers, the first Florentines. I saw<br/>
-The Ughi, Catilini and Filippi,<br/>
-The Alberichi, Greci and Ormanni,<br/>
-Now in their wane, illustrious citizens:<br/>
-And great as ancient, of Sannella him,<br/>
-With him of Arca saw, and Soldanieri<br/>
-And Ardinghi, and Bostichi. At the poop,<br/>
-That now is laden with new felony,<br/>
-So cumb’rous it may speedily sink the bark,<br/>
-The Ravignani sat, of whom is sprung<br/>
-The County Guido, and whoso hath since<br/>
-His title from the fam’d Bellincione ta’en.<br/>
-Fair governance was yet an art well priz’d<br/>
-By him of Pressa: Galigaio show’d<br/>
-The gilded hilt and pommel, in his house.<br/>
-The column, cloth’d with verrey, still was seen<br/>
-Unshaken: the Sacchetti still were great,<br/>
-Giouchi, Sifanti, Galli and Barucci,<br/>
-With them who blush to hear the bushel nam’d.<br/>
-Of the Calfucci still the branchy trunk<br/>
-Was in its strength: and to the curule chairs<br/>
-Sizii and Arigucci yet were drawn.<br/>
-How mighty them I saw, whom since their pride<br/>
-Hath undone! and in all her goodly deeds<br/>
-Florence was by the bullets of bright gold<br/>
-O’erflourish’d. Such the sires of those, who now,<br/>
-As surely as your church is vacant, flock<br/>
-Into her consistory, and at leisure<br/>
-There stall them and grow fat. The o’erweening brood,<br/>
-That plays the dragon after him that flees,<br/>
-But unto such, as turn and show the tooth,<br/>
-Ay or the purse, is gentle as a lamb,<br/>
-Was on its rise, but yet so slight esteem’d,<br/>
-That Ubertino of Donati grudg’d<br/>
-His father-in-law should yoke him to its tribe.<br/>
-Already Caponsacco had descended<br/>
-Into the mart from Fesole: and Giuda<br/>
-And Infangato were good citizens.<br/>
-A thing incredible I tell, tho’ true:<br/>
-The gateway, named from those of Pera, led<br/>
-Into the narrow circuit of your walls.<br/>
-Each one, who bears the sightly quarterings<br/>
-Of the great Baron (he whose name and worth<br/>
-The festival of Thomas still revives)<br/>
-His knighthood and his privilege retain’d;<br/>
-Albeit one, who borders them With gold,<br/>
-This day is mingled with the common herd.<br/>
-In Borgo yet the Gualterotti dwelt,<br/>
-And Importuni: well for its repose<br/>
-Had it still lack’d of newer neighbourhood.<br/>
-The house, from whence your tears have had their spring,<br/>
-Through the just anger that hath murder’d ye<br/>
-And put a period to your gladsome days,<br/>
-Was honour’d, it, and those consorted with it.<br/>
-O Buondelmonte! what ill counseling<br/>
-Prevail’d on thee to break the plighted bond<br/>
-Many, who now are weeping, would rejoice,<br/>
-Had God to Ema giv’n thee, the first time<br/>
-Thou near our city cam’st. But so was doom’d:<br/>
-On that maim’d stone set up to guard the bridge,<br/>
-At thy last peace, the victim, Florence! fell.<br/>
-With these and others like to them, I saw<br/>
-Florence in such assur’d tranquility,<br/>
-She had no cause at which to grieve: with these<br/>
-Saw her so glorious and so just, that ne’er<br/>
-The lily from the lance had hung reverse,<br/>
+O slight respect of man’s nobility!<br>
+I never shall account it marvelous,<br>
+That our infirm affection here below<br>
+Thou mov’st to boasting, when I could not choose,<br>
+E’en in that region of unwarp’d desire,<br>
+In heav’n itself, but make my vaunt in thee!<br>
+Yet cloak thou art soon shorten’d, for that time,<br>
+Unless thou be eked out from day to day,<br>
+Goes round thee with his shears. Resuming then<br>
+With greeting such, as Rome, was first to bear,<br>
+But since hath disaccustom’d I began;<br>
+And Beatrice, that a little space<br>
+Was sever’d, smil’d reminding me of her,<br>
+Whose cough embolden’d (as the story holds)<br>
+To first offence the doubting Guenever.<br>
+<br>
+“You are my sire,” said I, “you give me heart<br>
+Freely to speak my thought: above myself<br>
+You raise me. Through so many streams with joy<br>
+My soul is fill’d, that gladness wells from it;<br>
+So that it bears the mighty tide, and bursts not<br>
+Say then, my honour’d stem! what ancestors<br>
+Where those you sprang from, and what years were mark’d<br>
+In your first childhood? Tell me of the fold,<br>
+That hath Saint John for guardian, what was then<br>
+Its state, and who in it were highest seated?”<br>
+<br>
+As embers, at the breathing of the wind,<br>
+Their flame enliven, so that light I saw<br>
+Shine at my blandishments; and, as it grew<br>
+More fair to look on, so with voice more sweet,<br>
+Yet not in this our modern phrase, forthwith<br>
+It answer’d: “From the day, when it was said<br>
+‘Hail Virgin!’ to the throes, by which my mother,<br>
+Who now is sainted, lighten’d her of me<br>
+Whom she was heavy with, this fire had come,<br>
+Five hundred fifty times and thrice, its beams<br>
+To reilumine underneath the foot<br>
+Of its own lion. They, of whom I sprang,<br>
+And I, had there our birth-place, where the last<br>
+Partition of our city first is reach’d<br>
+By him, that runs her annual game. Thus much<br>
+Suffice of my forefathers: who they were,<br>
+And whence they hither came, more honourable<br>
+It is to pass in silence than to tell.<br>
+All those, who in that time were there from Mars<br>
+Until the Baptist, fit to carry arms,<br>
+Were but the fifth of them this day alive.<br>
+But then the citizen’s blood, that now is mix’d<br>
+From Campi and Certaldo and Fighine,<br>
+Ran purely through the last mechanic’s veins.<br>
+O how much better were it, that these people<br>
+Were neighbours to you, and that at Galluzzo<br>
+And at Trespiano, ye should have your bound’ry,<br>
+Than to have them within, and bear the stench<br>
+Of Aguglione’s hind, and Signa’s, him,<br>
+That hath his eye already keen for bart’ring!<br>
+Had not the people, which of all the world<br>
+Degenerates most, been stepdame unto Caesar,<br>
+But, as a mother, gracious to her son;<br>
+Such one, as hath become a Florentine,<br>
+And trades and traffics, had been turn’d adrift<br>
+To Simifonte, where his grandsire ply’d<br>
+The beggar’s craft. The Conti were possess’d<br>
+Of Montemurlo still: the Cerchi still<br>
+Were in Acone’s parish; nor had haply<br>
+From Valdigrieve past the Buondelmonte.<br>
+The city’s malady hath ever source<br>
+In the confusion of its persons, as<br>
+The body’s, in variety of food:<br>
+And the blind bull falls with a steeper plunge,<br>
+Than the blind lamb; and oftentimes one sword<br>
+Doth more and better execution,<br>
+Than five. Mark Luni, Urbisaglia mark,<br>
+How they are gone, and after them how go<br>
+Chiusi and Sinigaglia; and ’t will seem<br>
+No longer new or strange to thee to hear,<br>
+That families fail, when cities have their end.<br>
+All things, that appertain t’ ye, like yourselves,<br>
+Are mortal: but mortality in some<br>
+Ye mark not, they endure so long, and you<br>
+Pass by so suddenly. And as the moon<br>
+Doth, by the rolling of her heav’nly sphere,<br>
+Hide and reveal the strand unceasingly;<br>
+So fortune deals with Florence. Hence admire not<br>
+At what of them I tell thee, whose renown<br>
+Time covers, the first Florentines. I saw<br>
+The Ughi, Catilini and Filippi,<br>
+The Alberichi, Greci and Ormanni,<br>
+Now in their wane, illustrious citizens:<br>
+And great as ancient, of Sannella him,<br>
+With him of Arca saw, and Soldanieri<br>
+And Ardinghi, and Bostichi. At the poop,<br>
+That now is laden with new felony,<br>
+So cumb’rous it may speedily sink the bark,<br>
+The Ravignani sat, of whom is sprung<br>
+The County Guido, and whoso hath since<br>
+His title from the fam’d Bellincione ta’en.<br>
+Fair governance was yet an art well priz’d<br>
+By him of Pressa: Galigaio show’d<br>
+The gilded hilt and pommel, in his house.<br>
+The column, cloth’d with verrey, still was seen<br>
+Unshaken: the Sacchetti still were great,<br>
+Giouchi, Sifanti, Galli and Barucci,<br>
+With them who blush to hear the bushel nam’d.<br>
+Of the Calfucci still the branchy trunk<br>
+Was in its strength: and to the curule chairs<br>
+Sizii and Arigucci yet were drawn.<br>
+How mighty them I saw, whom since their pride<br>
+Hath undone! and in all her goodly deeds<br>
+Florence was by the bullets of bright gold<br>
+O’erflourish’d. Such the sires of those, who now,<br>
+As surely as your church is vacant, flock<br>
+Into her consistory, and at leisure<br>
+There stall them and grow fat. The o’erweening brood,<br>
+That plays the dragon after him that flees,<br>
+But unto such, as turn and show the tooth,<br>
+Ay or the purse, is gentle as a lamb,<br>
+Was on its rise, but yet so slight esteem’d,<br>
+That Ubertino of Donati grudg’d<br>
+His father-in-law should yoke him to its tribe.<br>
+Already Caponsacco had descended<br>
+Into the mart from Fesole: and Giuda<br>
+And Infangato were good citizens.<br>
+A thing incredible I tell, tho’ true:<br>
+The gateway, named from those of Pera, led<br>
+Into the narrow circuit of your walls.<br>
+Each one, who bears the sightly quarterings<br>
+Of the great Baron (he whose name and worth<br>
+The festival of Thomas still revives)<br>
+His knighthood and his privilege retain’d;<br>
+Albeit one, who borders them With gold,<br>
+This day is mingled with the common herd.<br>
+In Borgo yet the Gualterotti dwelt,<br>
+And Importuni: well for its repose<br>
+Had it still lack’d of newer neighbourhood.<br>
+The house, from whence your tears have had their spring,<br>
+Through the just anger that hath murder’d ye<br>
+And put a period to your gladsome days,<br>
+Was honour’d, it, and those consorted with it.<br>
+O Buondelmonte! what ill counseling<br>
+Prevail’d on thee to break the plighted bond<br>
+Many, who now are weeping, would rejoice,<br>
+Had God to Ema giv’n thee, the first time<br>
+Thou near our city cam’st. But so was doom’d:<br>
+On that maim’d stone set up to guard the bridge,<br>
+At thy last peace, the victim, Florence! fell.<br>
+With these and others like to them, I saw<br>
+Florence in such assur’d tranquility,<br>
+She had no cause at which to grieve: with these<br>
+Saw her so glorious and so just, that ne’er<br>
+The lily from the lance had hung reverse,<br>
 Or through division been with vermeil dyed.”
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/16-143.jpg">
-<img src="images/16-143.jpg" width="571" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+<img src="images/16-143.jpg" alt="" style="width: 571px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 </div><!--end chapter-->
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoIII.17"></a>CANTO XVII</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoIII.17"></a>CANTO XVII</h2>
 
 <p>
-Such as the youth, who came to Clymene<br/>
-To certify himself of that reproach,<br/>
-Which had been fasten’d on him, (he whose end<br/>
-Still makes the fathers chary to their sons),<br/>
-E’en such was I; nor unobserv’d was such<br/>
-Of Beatrice, and that saintly lamp,<br/>
-Who had erewhile for me his station mov’d;<br/>
-When thus by lady: “Give thy wish free vent,<br/>
-That it may issue, bearing true report<br/>
-Of the mind’s impress; not that aught thy words<br/>
-May to our knowledge add, but to the end,<br/>
-That thou mayst use thyself to own thy thirst<br/>
-And men may mingle for thee when they hear.”<br/>
-<br/>
-“O plant! from whence I spring! rever’d and lov’d!<br/>
-Who soar’st so high a pitch, thou seest as clear,<br/>
-As earthly thought determines two obtuse<br/>
-In one triangle not contain’d, so clear<br/>
-Dost see contingencies, ere in themselves<br/>
-Existent, looking at the point whereto<br/>
-All times are present, I, the whilst I scal’d<br/>
-With Virgil the soul purifying mount,<br/>
-And visited the nether world of woe,<br/>
-Touching my future destiny have heard<br/>
-Words grievous, though I feel me on all sides<br/>
-Well squar’d to fortune’s blows. Therefore my will<br/>
-Were satisfied to know the lot awaits me,<br/>
-The arrow, seen beforehand, slacks its flight.”<br/>
-<br/>
-So said I to the brightness, which erewhile<br/>
-To me had spoken, and my will declar’d,<br/>
-As Beatrice will’d, explicitly.<br/>
-Nor with oracular response obscure,<br/>
-Such, as or ere the Lamb of God was slain,<br/>
-Beguil’d the credulous nations; but, in terms<br/>
-Precise and unambiguous lore, replied<br/>
-The spirit of paternal love, enshrin’d,<br/>
-Yet in his smile apparent; and thus spake:<br/>
-“Contingency, unfolded not to view<br/>
-Upon the tablet of your mortal mold,<br/>
-Is all depictur’d in the’ eternal sight;<br/>
-But hence deriveth not necessity,<br/>
-More then the tall ship, hurried down the flood,<br/>
-Doth from the vision, that reflects the scene.<br/>
-From thence, as to the ear sweet harmony<br/>
-From organ comes, so comes before mine eye<br/>
-The time prepar’d for thee. Such as driv’n out<br/>
-From Athens, by his cruel stepdame’s wiles,<br/>
-Hippolytus departed, such must thou<br/>
-Depart from Florence. This they wish, and this<br/>
-Contrive, and will ere long effectuate, there,<br/>
-Where gainful merchandize is made of Christ,<br/>
-Throughout the livelong day. The common cry,<br/>
-Will, as ’t is ever wont, affix the blame<br/>
-Unto the party injur’d: but the truth<br/>
-Shall, in the vengeance it dispenseth, find<br/>
-A faithful witness. Thou shall leave each thing<br/>
-Belov’d most dearly: this is the first shaft<br/>
-Shot from the bow of exile. Thou shalt prove<br/>
-How salt the savour is of other’s bread,<br/>
-How hard the passage to descend and climb<br/>
-By other’s stairs, But that shall gall thee most<br/>
-Will be the worthless and vile company,<br/>
-With whom thou must be thrown into these straits.<br/>
-For all ungrateful, impious all and mad,<br/>
-Shall turn ’gainst thee: but in a little while<br/>
-Theirs and not thine shall be the crimson’d brow<br/>
-Their course shall so evince their brutishness<br/>
-T’ have ta’en thy stand apart shall well become thee.<br/>
-<br/>
-“First refuge thou must find, first place of rest,<br/>
-In the great Lombard’s courtesy, who bears<br/>
-Upon the ladder perch’d the sacred bird.<br/>
-He shall behold thee with such kind regard,<br/>
-That ’twixt ye two, the contrary to that<br/>
-Which falls ’twixt other men, the granting shall<br/>
-Forerun the asking. With him shalt thou see<br/>
-That mortal, who was at his birth impress<br/>
-So strongly from this star, that of his deeds<br/>
-The nations shall take note. His unripe age<br/>
-Yet holds him from observance; for these wheels<br/>
-Only nine years have compass him about.<br/>
-But, ere the Gascon practice on great Harry,<br/>
-Sparkles of virtue shall shoot forth in him,<br/>
-In equal scorn of labours and of gold.<br/>
-His bounty shall be spread abroad so widely,<br/>
-As not to let the tongues e’en of his foes<br/>
-Be idle in its praise. Look thou to him<br/>
-And his beneficence: for he shall cause<br/>
-Reversal of their lot to many people,<br/>
-Rich men and beggars interchanging fortunes.<br/>
-And thou shalt bear this written in thy soul<br/>
-Of him, but tell it not;” and things he told<br/>
-Incredible to those who witness them;<br/>
-Then added: “So interpret thou, my son,<br/>
-What hath been told thee.&mdash;Lo! the ambushment<br/>
-That a few circling seasons hide for thee!<br/>
-Yet envy not thy neighbours: time extends<br/>
-Thy span beyond their treason’s chastisement.”<br/>
-<br/>
-Soon, as the saintly spirit, by his silence,<br/>
-Had shown the web, which I had streteh’d for him<br/>
-Upon the warp, was woven, I began,<br/>
-As one, who in perplexity desires<br/>
-Counsel of other, wise, benign and friendly:<br/>
-“My father! well I mark how time spurs on<br/>
-Toward me, ready to inflict the blow,<br/>
-Which falls most heavily on him, who most<br/>
-Abandoned himself. Therefore ’t is good<br/>
-I should forecast, that driven from the place<br/>
-Most dear to me, I may not lose myself<br/>
-All others by my song. Down through the world<br/>
-Of infinite mourning, and along the mount<br/>
-From whose fair height my lady’s eyes did lift me,<br/>
-And after through this heav’n from light to light,<br/>
-Have I learnt that, which if I tell again,<br/>
-It may with many woefully disrelish;<br/>
-And, if I am a timid friend to truth,<br/>
-I fear my life may perish among those,<br/>
-To whom these days shall be of ancient date.”<br/>
-<br/>
-The brightness, where enclos’d the treasure smil’d,<br/>
-Which I had found there, first shone glisteningly,<br/>
-Like to a golden mirror in the sun;<br/>
-Next answer’d: “Conscience, dimm’d or by its own<br/>
-Or other’s shame, will feel thy saying sharp.<br/>
-Thou, notwithstanding, all deceit remov’d,<br/>
-See the whole vision be made manifest.<br/>
-And let them wince who have their withers wrung.<br/>
-What though, when tasted first, thy voice shall prove<br/>
-Unwelcome, on digestion it will turn<br/>
-To vital nourishment. The cry thou raisest,<br/>
-Shall, as the wind doth, smite the proudest summits;<br/>
-Which is of honour no light argument,<br/>
-For this there only have been shown to thee,<br/>
-Throughout these orbs, the mountain, and the deep,<br/>
-Spirits, whom fame hath note of. For the mind<br/>
-Of him, who hears, is loth to acquiesce<br/>
-And fix its faith, unless the instance brought<br/>
+Such as the youth, who came to Clymene<br>
+To certify himself of that reproach,<br>
+Which had been fasten’d on him, (he whose end<br>
+Still makes the fathers chary to their sons),<br>
+E’en such was I; nor unobserv’d was such<br>
+Of Beatrice, and that saintly lamp,<br>
+Who had erewhile for me his station mov’d;<br>
+When thus by lady: “Give thy wish free vent,<br>
+That it may issue, bearing true report<br>
+Of the mind’s impress; not that aught thy words<br>
+May to our knowledge add, but to the end,<br>
+That thou mayst use thyself to own thy thirst<br>
+And men may mingle for thee when they hear.”<br>
+<br>
+“O plant! from whence I spring! rever’d and lov’d!<br>
+Who soar’st so high a pitch, thou seest as clear,<br>
+As earthly thought determines two obtuse<br>
+In one triangle not contain’d, so clear<br>
+Dost see contingencies, ere in themselves<br>
+Existent, looking at the point whereto<br>
+All times are present, I, the whilst I scal’d<br>
+With Virgil the soul purifying mount,<br>
+And visited the nether world of woe,<br>
+Touching my future destiny have heard<br>
+Words grievous, though I feel me on all sides<br>
+Well squar’d to fortune’s blows. Therefore my will<br>
+Were satisfied to know the lot awaits me,<br>
+The arrow, seen beforehand, slacks its flight.”<br>
+<br>
+So said I to the brightness, which erewhile<br>
+To me had spoken, and my will declar’d,<br>
+As Beatrice will’d, explicitly.<br>
+Nor with oracular response obscure,<br>
+Such, as or ere the Lamb of God was slain,<br>
+Beguil’d the credulous nations; but, in terms<br>
+Precise and unambiguous lore, replied<br>
+The spirit of paternal love, enshrin’d,<br>
+Yet in his smile apparent; and thus spake:<br>
+“Contingency, unfolded not to view<br>
+Upon the tablet of your mortal mold,<br>
+Is all depictur’d in the’ eternal sight;<br>
+But hence deriveth not necessity,<br>
+More then the tall ship, hurried down the flood,<br>
+Doth from the vision, that reflects the scene.<br>
+From thence, as to the ear sweet harmony<br>
+From organ comes, so comes before mine eye<br>
+The time prepar’d for thee. Such as driv’n out<br>
+From Athens, by his cruel stepdame’s wiles,<br>
+Hippolytus departed, such must thou<br>
+Depart from Florence. This they wish, and this<br>
+Contrive, and will ere long effectuate, there,<br>
+Where gainful merchandize is made of Christ,<br>
+Throughout the livelong day. The common cry,<br>
+Will, as ’t is ever wont, affix the blame<br>
+Unto the party injur’d: but the truth<br>
+Shall, in the vengeance it dispenseth, find<br>
+A faithful witness. Thou shall leave each thing<br>
+Belov’d most dearly: this is the first shaft<br>
+Shot from the bow of exile. Thou shalt prove<br>
+How salt the savour is of other’s bread,<br>
+How hard the passage to descend and climb<br>
+By other’s stairs, But that shall gall thee most<br>
+Will be the worthless and vile company,<br>
+With whom thou must be thrown into these straits.<br>
+For all ungrateful, impious all and mad,<br>
+Shall turn ’gainst thee: but in a little while<br>
+Theirs and not thine shall be the crimson’d brow<br>
+Their course shall so evince their brutishness<br>
+T’ have ta’en thy stand apart shall well become thee.<br>
+<br>
+“First refuge thou must find, first place of rest,<br>
+In the great Lombard’s courtesy, who bears<br>
+Upon the ladder perch’d the sacred bird.<br>
+He shall behold thee with such kind regard,<br>
+That ’twixt ye two, the contrary to that<br>
+Which falls ’twixt other men, the granting shall<br>
+Forerun the asking. With him shalt thou see<br>
+That mortal, who was at his birth impress<br>
+So strongly from this star, that of his deeds<br>
+The nations shall take note. His unripe age<br>
+Yet holds him from observance; for these wheels<br>
+Only nine years have compass him about.<br>
+But, ere the Gascon practice on great Harry,<br>
+Sparkles of virtue shall shoot forth in him,<br>
+In equal scorn of labours and of gold.<br>
+His bounty shall be spread abroad so widely,<br>
+As not to let the tongues e’en of his foes<br>
+Be idle in its praise. Look thou to him<br>
+And his beneficence: for he shall cause<br>
+Reversal of their lot to many people,<br>
+Rich men and beggars interchanging fortunes.<br>
+And thou shalt bear this written in thy soul<br>
+Of him, but tell it not;” and things he told<br>
+Incredible to those who witness them;<br>
+Then added: “So interpret thou, my son,<br>
+What hath been told thee.&mdash;Lo! the ambushment<br>
+That a few circling seasons hide for thee!<br>
+Yet envy not thy neighbours: time extends<br>
+Thy span beyond their treason’s chastisement.”<br>
+<br>
+Soon, as the saintly spirit, by his silence,<br>
+Had shown the web, which I had streteh’d for him<br>
+Upon the warp, was woven, I began,<br>
+As one, who in perplexity desires<br>
+Counsel of other, wise, benign and friendly:<br>
+“My father! well I mark how time spurs on<br>
+Toward me, ready to inflict the blow,<br>
+Which falls most heavily on him, who most<br>
+Abandoned himself. Therefore ’t is good<br>
+I should forecast, that driven from the place<br>
+Most dear to me, I may not lose myself<br>
+All others by my song. Down through the world<br>
+Of infinite mourning, and along the mount<br>
+From whose fair height my lady’s eyes did lift me,<br>
+And after through this heav’n from light to light,<br>
+Have I learnt that, which if I tell again,<br>
+It may with many woefully disrelish;<br>
+And, if I am a timid friend to truth,<br>
+I fear my life may perish among those,<br>
+To whom these days shall be of ancient date.”<br>
+<br>
+The brightness, where enclos’d the treasure smil’d,<br>
+Which I had found there, first shone glisteningly,<br>
+Like to a golden mirror in the sun;<br>
+Next answer’d: “Conscience, dimm’d or by its own<br>
+Or other’s shame, will feel thy saying sharp.<br>
+Thou, notwithstanding, all deceit remov’d,<br>
+See the whole vision be made manifest.<br>
+And let them wince who have their withers wrung.<br>
+What though, when tasted first, thy voice shall prove<br>
+Unwelcome, on digestion it will turn<br>
+To vital nourishment. The cry thou raisest,<br>
+Shall, as the wind doth, smite the proudest summits;<br>
+Which is of honour no light argument,<br>
+For this there only have been shown to thee,<br>
+Throughout these orbs, the mountain, and the deep,<br>
+Spirits, whom fame hath note of. For the mind<br>
+Of him, who hears, is loth to acquiesce<br>
+And fix its faith, unless the instance brought<br>
 Be palpable, and proof apparent urge.”
 </p>
 
@@ -14591,160 +14585,160 @@ Be palpable, and proof apparent urge.”
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoIII.18"></a>CANTO XVIII</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoIII.18"></a>CANTO XVIII</h2>
 
 <p>
-Now in his word, sole, ruminating, joy’d<br/>
-That blessed spirit; and I fed on mine,<br/>
-Tempting the sweet with bitter: she meanwhile,<br/>
-Who led me unto God, admonish’d: “Muse<br/>
-On other thoughts: bethink thee, that near Him<br/>
-I dwell, who recompenseth every wrong.”<br/>
-<br/>
-At the sweet sounds of comfort straight I turn’d;<br/>
-And, in the saintly eyes what love was seen,<br/>
-I leave in silence here: nor through distrust<br/>
-Of my words only, but that to such bliss<br/>
-The mind remounts not without aid. Thus much<br/>
-Yet may I speak; that, as I gaz’d on her,<br/>
-Affection found no room for other wish.<br/>
-While the everlasting pleasure, that did full<br/>
-On Beatrice shine, with second view<br/>
-From her fair countenance my gladden’d soul<br/>
-Contented; vanquishing me with a beam<br/>
-Of her soft smile, she spake: “Turn thee, and list.<br/>
-These eyes are not thy only Paradise.”<br/>
-<br/>
-As here we sometimes in the looks may see<br/>
-Th’ affection mark’d, when that its sway hath ta’en<br/>
-The spirit wholly; thus the hallow’d light,<br/>
-To whom I turn’d, flashing, bewray’d its will<br/>
-To talk yet further with me, and began:<br/>
-“On this fifth lodgment of the tree, whose life<br/>
-Is from its top, whose fruit is ever fair<br/>
-And leaf unwith’ring, blessed spirits abide,<br/>
-That were below, ere they arriv’d in heav’n,<br/>
-So mighty in renown, as every muse<br/>
-Might grace her triumph with them. On the horns<br/>
-Look therefore of the cross: he, whom I name,<br/>
-Shall there enact, as doth in summer cloud<br/>
-Its nimble fire.” Along the cross I saw,<br/>
-At the repeated name of Joshua,<br/>
-A splendour gliding; nor, the word was said,<br/>
-Ere it was done: then, at the naming saw<br/>
-Of the great Maccabee, another move<br/>
-With whirling speed; and gladness was the scourge<br/>
-Unto that top. The next for Charlemagne<br/>
-And for the peer Orlando, two my gaze<br/>
-Pursued, intently, as the eye pursues<br/>
-A falcon flying. Last, along the cross,<br/>
-William, and Renard, and Duke Godfrey drew<br/>
-My ken, and Robert Guiscard. And the soul,<br/>
-Who spake with me among the other lights<br/>
-Did move away, and mix; and with the choir<br/>
-Of heav’nly songsters prov’d his tuneful skill.<br/>
-<br/>
-To Beatrice on my right l bent,<br/>
-Looking for intimation or by word<br/>
-Or act, what next behoov’d: and did descry<br/>
-Such mere effulgence in her eyes, such joy,<br/>
-It past all former wont. And, as by sense<br/>
-Of new delight, the man, who perseveres<br/>
-In good deeds doth perceive from day to day<br/>
-His virtue growing; I e’en thus perceiv’d<br/>
-Of my ascent, together with the heav’n<br/>
-The circuit widen’d, noting the increase<br/>
-Of beauty in that wonder. Like the change<br/>
-In a brief moment on some maiden’s cheek,<br/>
-Which from its fairness doth discharge the weight<br/>
-Of pudency, that stain’d it; such in her,<br/>
-And to mine eyes so sudden was the change,<br/>
-Through silvery whiteness of that temperate star,<br/>
-Whose sixth orb now enfolded us. I saw,<br/>
-Within that Jovial cresset, the clear sparks<br/>
-Of love, that reign’d there, fashion to my view<br/>
-Our language. And as birds, from river banks<br/>
-Arisen, now in round, now lengthen’d troop,<br/>
-Array them in their flight, greeting, as seems,<br/>
-Their new-found pastures; so, within the lights,<br/>
-The saintly creatures flying, sang, and made<br/>
+Now in his word, sole, ruminating, joy’d<br>
+That blessed spirit; and I fed on mine,<br>
+Tempting the sweet with bitter: she meanwhile,<br>
+Who led me unto God, admonish’d: “Muse<br>
+On other thoughts: bethink thee, that near Him<br>
+I dwell, who recompenseth every wrong.”<br>
+<br>
+At the sweet sounds of comfort straight I turn’d;<br>
+And, in the saintly eyes what love was seen,<br>
+I leave in silence here: nor through distrust<br>
+Of my words only, but that to such bliss<br>
+The mind remounts not without aid. Thus much<br>
+Yet may I speak; that, as I gaz’d on her,<br>
+Affection found no room for other wish.<br>
+While the everlasting pleasure, that did full<br>
+On Beatrice shine, with second view<br>
+From her fair countenance my gladden’d soul<br>
+Contented; vanquishing me with a beam<br>
+Of her soft smile, she spake: “Turn thee, and list.<br>
+These eyes are not thy only Paradise.”<br>
+<br>
+As here we sometimes in the looks may see<br>
+Th’ affection mark’d, when that its sway hath ta’en<br>
+The spirit wholly; thus the hallow’d light,<br>
+To whom I turn’d, flashing, bewray’d its will<br>
+To talk yet further with me, and began:<br>
+“On this fifth lodgment of the tree, whose life<br>
+Is from its top, whose fruit is ever fair<br>
+And leaf unwith’ring, blessed spirits abide,<br>
+That were below, ere they arriv’d in heav’n,<br>
+So mighty in renown, as every muse<br>
+Might grace her triumph with them. On the horns<br>
+Look therefore of the cross: he, whom I name,<br>
+Shall there enact, as doth in summer cloud<br>
+Its nimble fire.” Along the cross I saw,<br>
+At the repeated name of Joshua,<br>
+A splendour gliding; nor, the word was said,<br>
+Ere it was done: then, at the naming saw<br>
+Of the great Maccabee, another move<br>
+With whirling speed; and gladness was the scourge<br>
+Unto that top. The next for Charlemagne<br>
+And for the peer Orlando, two my gaze<br>
+Pursued, intently, as the eye pursues<br>
+A falcon flying. Last, along the cross,<br>
+William, and Renard, and Duke Godfrey drew<br>
+My ken, and Robert Guiscard. And the soul,<br>
+Who spake with me among the other lights<br>
+Did move away, and mix; and with the choir<br>
+Of heav’nly songsters prov’d his tuneful skill.<br>
+<br>
+To Beatrice on my right l bent,<br>
+Looking for intimation or by word<br>
+Or act, what next behoov’d: and did descry<br>
+Such mere effulgence in her eyes, such joy,<br>
+It past all former wont. And, as by sense<br>
+Of new delight, the man, who perseveres<br>
+In good deeds doth perceive from day to day<br>
+His virtue growing; I e’en thus perceiv’d<br>
+Of my ascent, together with the heav’n<br>
+The circuit widen’d, noting the increase<br>
+Of beauty in that wonder. Like the change<br>
+In a brief moment on some maiden’s cheek,<br>
+Which from its fairness doth discharge the weight<br>
+Of pudency, that stain’d it; such in her,<br>
+And to mine eyes so sudden was the change,<br>
+Through silvery whiteness of that temperate star,<br>
+Whose sixth orb now enfolded us. I saw,<br>
+Within that Jovial cresset, the clear sparks<br>
+Of love, that reign’d there, fashion to my view<br>
+Our language. And as birds, from river banks<br>
+Arisen, now in round, now lengthen’d troop,<br>
+Array them in their flight, greeting, as seems,<br>
+Their new-found pastures; so, within the lights,<br>
+The saintly creatures flying, sang, and made<br>
 Now D. now I. now L. figur’d I’ th’ air.
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/18-70.jpg">
-<img src="images/18-70.jpg" width="551" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+<img src="images/18-70.jpg" alt="" style="width: 551px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-First, singing, to their notes they mov’d, then one<br/>
-Becoming of these signs, a little while<br/>
-Did rest them, and were mute. O nymph divine<br/>
-Of Pegasean race! whose souls, which thou<br/>
-Inspir’st, mak’st glorious and long-liv’d, as they<br/>
-Cities and realms by thee! thou with thyself<br/>
-Inform me; that I may set forth the shapes,<br/>
-As fancy doth present them. Be thy power<br/>
-Display’d in this brief song. The characters,<br/>
-Vocal and consonant, were five-fold seven.<br/>
-In order each, as they appear’d, I mark’d.<br/>
-Diligite Justitiam, the first,<br/>
-Both verb and noun all blazon’d; and the extreme<br/>
-Qui judicatis terram. In the M.<br/>
-Of the fifth word they held their station,<br/>
-Making the star seem silver streak’d with gold.<br/>
-And on the summit of the M. I saw<br/>
-Descending other lights, that rested there,<br/>
-Singing, methinks, their bliss and primal good.<br/>
-Then, as at shaking of a lighted brand,<br/>
-Sparkles innumerable on all sides<br/>
-Rise scatter’d, source of augury to th’ unwise;<br/>
-Thus more than thousand twinkling lustres hence<br/>
-Seem’d reascending, and a higher pitch<br/>
-Some mounting, and some less; e’en as the sun,<br/>
-Which kindleth them, decreed. And when each one<br/>
-Had settled in his place, the head and neck<br/>
-Then saw I of an eagle, lively<br/>
-Grav’d in that streaky fire. Who painteth there,<br/>
-Hath none to guide him; of himself he guides;<br/>
-And every line and texture of the nest<br/>
-Doth own from him the virtue, fashions it.<br/>
-The other bright beatitude, that seem’d<br/>
-Erewhile, with lilied crowning, well content<br/>
-To over-canopy the M. mov’d forth,<br/>
-Following gently the impress of the bird.<br/>
-<br/>
-Sweet star! what glorious and thick-studded gems<br/>
-Declar’d to me our justice on the earth<br/>
-To be the effluence of that heav’n, which thou,<br/>
-Thyself a costly jewel, dost inlay!<br/>
-Therefore I pray the Sovran Mind, from whom<br/>
-Thy motion and thy virtue are begun,<br/>
-That he would look from whence the fog doth rise,<br/>
-To vitiate thy beam: so that once more<br/>
-He may put forth his hand ’gainst such, as drive<br/>
-Their traffic in that sanctuary, whose walls<br/>
+First, singing, to their notes they mov’d, then one<br>
+Becoming of these signs, a little while<br>
+Did rest them, and were mute. O nymph divine<br>
+Of Pegasean race! whose souls, which thou<br>
+Inspir’st, mak’st glorious and long-liv’d, as they<br>
+Cities and realms by thee! thou with thyself<br>
+Inform me; that I may set forth the shapes,<br>
+As fancy doth present them. Be thy power<br>
+Display’d in this brief song. The characters,<br>
+Vocal and consonant, were five-fold seven.<br>
+In order each, as they appear’d, I mark’d.<br>
+Diligite Justitiam, the first,<br>
+Both verb and noun all blazon’d; and the extreme<br>
+Qui judicatis terram. In the M.<br>
+Of the fifth word they held their station,<br>
+Making the star seem silver streak’d with gold.<br>
+And on the summit of the M. I saw<br>
+Descending other lights, that rested there,<br>
+Singing, methinks, their bliss and primal good.<br>
+Then, as at shaking of a lighted brand,<br>
+Sparkles innumerable on all sides<br>
+Rise scatter’d, source of augury to th’ unwise;<br>
+Thus more than thousand twinkling lustres hence<br>
+Seem’d reascending, and a higher pitch<br>
+Some mounting, and some less; e’en as the sun,<br>
+Which kindleth them, decreed. And when each one<br>
+Had settled in his place, the head and neck<br>
+Then saw I of an eagle, lively<br>
+Grav’d in that streaky fire. Who painteth there,<br>
+Hath none to guide him; of himself he guides;<br>
+And every line and texture of the nest<br>
+Doth own from him the virtue, fashions it.<br>
+The other bright beatitude, that seem’d<br>
+Erewhile, with lilied crowning, well content<br>
+To over-canopy the M. mov’d forth,<br>
+Following gently the impress of the bird.<br>
+<br>
+Sweet star! what glorious and thick-studded gems<br>
+Declar’d to me our justice on the earth<br>
+To be the effluence of that heav’n, which thou,<br>
+Thyself a costly jewel, dost inlay!<br>
+Therefore I pray the Sovran Mind, from whom<br>
+Thy motion and thy virtue are begun,<br>
+That he would look from whence the fog doth rise,<br>
+To vitiate thy beam: so that once more<br>
+He may put forth his hand ’gainst such, as drive<br>
+Their traffic in that sanctuary, whose walls<br>
 With miracles and martyrdoms were built.
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/18-120.jpg">
-<img src="images/18-120.jpg" width="549" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+<img src="images/18-120.jpg" alt="" style="width: 549px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-Ye host of heaven! whose glory I survey l<br/>
-O beg ye grace for those, that are on earth<br/>
-All after ill example gone astray.<br/>
-War once had for its instrument the sword:<br/>
-But now ’t is made, taking the bread away<br/>
-Which the good Father locks from none. &mdash;And thou,<br/>
-That writes but to cancel, think, that they,<br/>
-Who for the vineyard, which thou wastest, died,<br/>
-Peter and Paul live yet, and mark thy doings.<br/>
-Thou hast good cause to cry, “My heart so cleaves<br/>
-To him, that liv’d in solitude remote,<br/>
-And from the wilds was dragg’d to martyrdom,<br/>
+Ye host of heaven! whose glory I survey l<br>
+O beg ye grace for those, that are on earth<br>
+All after ill example gone astray.<br>
+War once had for its instrument the sword:<br>
+But now ’t is made, taking the bread away<br>
+Which the good Father locks from none. &mdash;And thou,<br>
+That writes but to cancel, think, that they,<br>
+Who for the vineyard, which thou wastest, died,<br>
+Peter and Paul live yet, and mark thy doings.<br>
+Thou hast good cause to cry, “My heart so cleaves<br>
+To him, that liv’d in solitude remote,<br>
+And from the wilds was dragg’d to martyrdom,<br>
 I wist not of the fisherman nor Paul.”
 </p>
 
@@ -14752,163 +14746,163 @@ I wist not of the fisherman nor Paul.”
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoIII.19"></a>CANTO XIX</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoIII.19"></a>CANTO XIX</h2>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/19-1.jpg">
-<img src="images/19-1.jpg" width="547" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+<img src="images/19-1.jpg" alt="" style="width: 547px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-Before my sight appear’d, with open wings,<br/>
-The beauteous image, in fruition sweet<br/>
-Gladdening the thronged spirits. Each did seem<br/>
-A little ruby, whereon so intense<br/>
-The sun-beam glow’d that to mine eyes it came<br/>
-In clear refraction. And that, which next<br/>
-Befalls me to portray, voice hath not utter’d,<br/>
-Nor hath ink written, nor in fantasy<br/>
-Was e’er conceiv’d. For I beheld and heard<br/>
-The beak discourse; and, what intention form’d<br/>
-Of many, singly as of one express,<br/>
-Beginning: “For that I was just and piteous,<br/>
-l am exalted to this height of glory,<br/>
-The which no wish exceeds: and there on earth<br/>
-Have I my memory left, e’en by the bad<br/>
-Commended, while they leave its course untrod.”<br/>
-<br/>
-Thus is one heat from many embers felt,<br/>
-As in that image many were the loves,<br/>
-And one the voice, that issued from them all.<br/>
-Whence I address them: “O perennial flowers<br/>
-Of gladness everlasting! that exhale<br/>
-In single breath your odours manifold!<br/>
-Breathe now; and let the hunger be appeas’d,<br/>
-That with great craving long hath held my soul,<br/>
-Finding no food on earth. This well I know,<br/>
-That if there be in heav’n a realm, that shows<br/>
-In faithful mirror the celestial Justice,<br/>
-Yours without veil reflects it. Ye discern<br/>
-The heed, wherewith I do prepare myself<br/>
-To hearken; ye the doubt that urges me<br/>
-With such inveterate craving.” Straight I saw,<br/>
-Like to a falcon issuing from the hood,<br/>
-That rears his head, and claps him with his wings,<br/>
-His beauty and his eagerness bewraying.<br/>
-So saw I move that stately sign, with praise<br/>
-Of grace divine inwoven and high song<br/>
-Of inexpressive joy. “He,” it began,<br/>
-“Who turn’d his compass on the world’s extreme,<br/>
-And in that space so variously hath wrought,<br/>
-Both openly, and in secret, in such wise<br/>
-Could not through all the universe display<br/>
-Impression of his glory, that the Word<br/>
-Of his omniscience should not still remain<br/>
-In infinite excess. In proof whereof,<br/>
-He first through pride supplanted, who was sum<br/>
-Of each created being, waited not<br/>
-For light celestial, and abortive fell.<br/>
-Whence needs each lesser nature is but scant<br/>
-Receptacle unto that Good, which knows<br/>
-No limit, measur’d by itself alone.<br/>
-Therefore your sight, of th’ omnipresent Mind<br/>
-A single beam, its origin must own<br/>
-Surpassing far its utmost potency.<br/>
-The ken, your world is gifted with, descends<br/>
-In th’ everlasting Justice as low down,<br/>
-As eye doth in the sea; which though it mark<br/>
-The bottom from the shore, in the wide main<br/>
-Discerns it not; and ne’ertheless it is,<br/>
-But hidden through its deepness. Light is none,<br/>
-Save that which cometh from the pure serene<br/>
-Of ne’er disturbed ether: for the rest,<br/>
-’Tis darkness all, or shadow of the flesh,<br/>
-Or else its poison. Here confess reveal’d<br/>
-That covert, which hath hidden from thy search<br/>
-The living justice, of the which thou mad’st<br/>
-Such frequent question; for thou saidst&mdash;‘A man<br/>
-Is born on Indus’ banks, and none is there<br/>
-Who speaks of Christ, nor who doth read nor write,<br/>
-And all his inclinations and his acts,<br/>
-As far as human reason sees, are good,<br/>
-And he offendeth not in word or deed.<br/>
-But unbaptiz’d he dies, and void of faith.<br/>
-Where is the justice that condemns him? where<br/>
-His blame, if he believeth not?’&mdash;What then,<br/>
-And who art thou, that on the stool wouldst sit<br/>
-To judge at distance of a thousand miles<br/>
-With the short-sighted vision of a span?<br/>
-To him, who subtilizes thus with me,<br/>
-There would assuredly be room for doubt<br/>
-Even to wonder, did not the safe word<br/>
-Of scripture hold supreme authority.<br/>
-<br/>
-“O animals of clay! O spirits gross I<br/>
-The primal will, that in itself is good,<br/>
-Hath from itself, the chief Good, ne’er been mov’d.<br/>
-Justice consists in consonance with it,<br/>
-Derivable by no created good,<br/>
-Whose very cause depends upon its beam.”<br/>
-<br/>
-As on her nest the stork, that turns about<br/>
-Unto her young, whom lately she hath fed,<br/>
-While they with upward eyes do look on her;<br/>
-So lifted I my gaze; and bending so<br/>
-The ever-blessed image wav’d its wings,<br/>
-Lab’ring with such deep counsel. Wheeling round<br/>
-It warbled, and did say: “As are my notes<br/>
-To thee, who understand’st them not, such is<br/>
-Th’ eternal judgment unto mortal ken.”<br/>
-<br/>
-Then still abiding in that ensign rang’d,<br/>
-Wherewith the Romans over-awed the world,<br/>
-Those burning splendours of the Holy Spirit<br/>
-Took up the strain; and thus it spake again:<br/>
-“None ever hath ascended to this realm,<br/>
-Who hath not a believer been in Christ,<br/>
-Either before or after the blest limbs<br/>
-Were nail’d upon the wood. But lo! of those<br/>
-Who call ‘Christ, Christ,’ there shall be many found,<br/>
-In judgment, further off from him by far,<br/>
-Than such, to whom his name was never known.<br/>
-Christians like these the Ethiop shall condemn:<br/>
-When that the two assemblages shall part;<br/>
-One rich eternally, the other poor.<br/>
-<br/>
-“What may the Persians say unto your kings,<br/>
-When they shall see that volume, in the which<br/>
-All their dispraise is written, spread to view?<br/>
-There amidst Albert’s works shall that be read,<br/>
-Which will give speedy motion to the pen,<br/>
-When Prague shall mourn her desolated realm.<br/>
-There shall be read the woe, that he doth work<br/>
-With his adulterate money on the Seine,<br/>
-Who by the tusk will perish: there be read<br/>
-The thirsting pride, that maketh fool alike<br/>
-The English and Scot, impatient of their bound.<br/>
-There shall be seen the Spaniard’s luxury,<br/>
-The delicate living there of the Bohemian,<br/>
-Who still to worth has been a willing stranger.<br/>
-The halter of Jerusalem shall see<br/>
-A unit for his virtue, for his vices<br/>
-No less a mark than million. He, who guards<br/>
-The isle of fire by old Anchises honour’d<br/>
-Shall find his avarice there and cowardice;<br/>
-And better to denote his littleness,<br/>
-The writing must be letters maim’d, that speak<br/>
-Much in a narrow space. All there shall know<br/>
-His uncle and his brother’s filthy doings,<br/>
-Who so renown’d a nation and two crowns<br/>
-Have bastardized. And they, of Portugal<br/>
-And Norway, there shall be expos’d with him<br/>
-Of Ratza, who hath counterfeited ill<br/>
-The coin of Venice. O blest Hungary!<br/>
-If thou no longer patiently abid’st<br/>
-Thy ill-entreating! and, O blest Navarre!<br/>
-If with thy mountainous girdle thou wouldst arm thee<br/>
-In earnest of that day, e’en now are heard<br/>
-Wailings and groans in Famagosta’s streets<br/>
-And Nicosia’s, grudging at their beast,<br/>
+Before my sight appear’d, with open wings,<br>
+The beauteous image, in fruition sweet<br>
+Gladdening the thronged spirits. Each did seem<br>
+A little ruby, whereon so intense<br>
+The sun-beam glow’d that to mine eyes it came<br>
+In clear refraction. And that, which next<br>
+Befalls me to portray, voice hath not utter’d,<br>
+Nor hath ink written, nor in fantasy<br>
+Was e’er conceiv’d. For I beheld and heard<br>
+The beak discourse; and, what intention form’d<br>
+Of many, singly as of one express,<br>
+Beginning: “For that I was just and piteous,<br>
+l am exalted to this height of glory,<br>
+The which no wish exceeds: and there on earth<br>
+Have I my memory left, e’en by the bad<br>
+Commended, while they leave its course untrod.”<br>
+<br>
+Thus is one heat from many embers felt,<br>
+As in that image many were the loves,<br>
+And one the voice, that issued from them all.<br>
+Whence I address them: “O perennial flowers<br>
+Of gladness everlasting! that exhale<br>
+In single breath your odours manifold!<br>
+Breathe now; and let the hunger be appeas’d,<br>
+That with great craving long hath held my soul,<br>
+Finding no food on earth. This well I know,<br>
+That if there be in heav’n a realm, that shows<br>
+In faithful mirror the celestial Justice,<br>
+Yours without veil reflects it. Ye discern<br>
+The heed, wherewith I do prepare myself<br>
+To hearken; ye the doubt that urges me<br>
+With such inveterate craving.” Straight I saw,<br>
+Like to a falcon issuing from the hood,<br>
+That rears his head, and claps him with his wings,<br>
+His beauty and his eagerness bewraying.<br>
+So saw I move that stately sign, with praise<br>
+Of grace divine inwoven and high song<br>
+Of inexpressive joy. “He,” it began,<br>
+“Who turn’d his compass on the world’s extreme,<br>
+And in that space so variously hath wrought,<br>
+Both openly, and in secret, in such wise<br>
+Could not through all the universe display<br>
+Impression of his glory, that the Word<br>
+Of his omniscience should not still remain<br>
+In infinite excess. In proof whereof,<br>
+He first through pride supplanted, who was sum<br>
+Of each created being, waited not<br>
+For light celestial, and abortive fell.<br>
+Whence needs each lesser nature is but scant<br>
+Receptacle unto that Good, which knows<br>
+No limit, measur’d by itself alone.<br>
+Therefore your sight, of th’ omnipresent Mind<br>
+A single beam, its origin must own<br>
+Surpassing far its utmost potency.<br>
+The ken, your world is gifted with, descends<br>
+In th’ everlasting Justice as low down,<br>
+As eye doth in the sea; which though it mark<br>
+The bottom from the shore, in the wide main<br>
+Discerns it not; and ne’ertheless it is,<br>
+But hidden through its deepness. Light is none,<br>
+Save that which cometh from the pure serene<br>
+Of ne’er disturbed ether: for the rest,<br>
+’Tis darkness all, or shadow of the flesh,<br>
+Or else its poison. Here confess reveal’d<br>
+That covert, which hath hidden from thy search<br>
+The living justice, of the which thou mad’st<br>
+Such frequent question; for thou saidst&mdash;‘A man<br>
+Is born on Indus’ banks, and none is there<br>
+Who speaks of Christ, nor who doth read nor write,<br>
+And all his inclinations and his acts,<br>
+As far as human reason sees, are good,<br>
+And he offendeth not in word or deed.<br>
+But unbaptiz’d he dies, and void of faith.<br>
+Where is the justice that condemns him? where<br>
+His blame, if he believeth not?’&mdash;What then,<br>
+And who art thou, that on the stool wouldst sit<br>
+To judge at distance of a thousand miles<br>
+With the short-sighted vision of a span?<br>
+To him, who subtilizes thus with me,<br>
+There would assuredly be room for doubt<br>
+Even to wonder, did not the safe word<br>
+Of scripture hold supreme authority.<br>
+<br>
+“O animals of clay! O spirits gross I<br>
+The primal will, that in itself is good,<br>
+Hath from itself, the chief Good, ne’er been mov’d.<br>
+Justice consists in consonance with it,<br>
+Derivable by no created good,<br>
+Whose very cause depends upon its beam.”<br>
+<br>
+As on her nest the stork, that turns about<br>
+Unto her young, whom lately she hath fed,<br>
+While they with upward eyes do look on her;<br>
+So lifted I my gaze; and bending so<br>
+The ever-blessed image wav’d its wings,<br>
+Lab’ring with such deep counsel. Wheeling round<br>
+It warbled, and did say: “As are my notes<br>
+To thee, who understand’st them not, such is<br>
+Th’ eternal judgment unto mortal ken.”<br>
+<br>
+Then still abiding in that ensign rang’d,<br>
+Wherewith the Romans over-awed the world,<br>
+Those burning splendours of the Holy Spirit<br>
+Took up the strain; and thus it spake again:<br>
+“None ever hath ascended to this realm,<br>
+Who hath not a believer been in Christ,<br>
+Either before or after the blest limbs<br>
+Were nail’d upon the wood. But lo! of those<br>
+Who call ‘Christ, Christ,’ there shall be many found,<br>
+In judgment, further off from him by far,<br>
+Than such, to whom his name was never known.<br>
+Christians like these the Ethiop shall condemn:<br>
+When that the two assemblages shall part;<br>
+One rich eternally, the other poor.<br>
+<br>
+“What may the Persians say unto your kings,<br>
+When they shall see that volume, in the which<br>
+All their dispraise is written, spread to view?<br>
+There amidst Albert’s works shall that be read,<br>
+Which will give speedy motion to the pen,<br>
+When Prague shall mourn her desolated realm.<br>
+There shall be read the woe, that he doth work<br>
+With his adulterate money on the Seine,<br>
+Who by the tusk will perish: there be read<br>
+The thirsting pride, that maketh fool alike<br>
+The English and Scot, impatient of their bound.<br>
+There shall be seen the Spaniard’s luxury,<br>
+The delicate living there of the Bohemian,<br>
+Who still to worth has been a willing stranger.<br>
+The halter of Jerusalem shall see<br>
+A unit for his virtue, for his vices<br>
+No less a mark than million. He, who guards<br>
+The isle of fire by old Anchises honour’d<br>
+Shall find his avarice there and cowardice;<br>
+And better to denote his littleness,<br>
+The writing must be letters maim’d, that speak<br>
+Much in a narrow space. All there shall know<br>
+His uncle and his brother’s filthy doings,<br>
+Who so renown’d a nation and two crowns<br>
+Have bastardized. And they, of Portugal<br>
+And Norway, there shall be expos’d with him<br>
+Of Ratza, who hath counterfeited ill<br>
+The coin of Venice. O blest Hungary!<br>
+If thou no longer patiently abid’st<br>
+Thy ill-entreating! and, O blest Navarre!<br>
+If with thy mountainous girdle thou wouldst arm thee<br>
+In earnest of that day, e’en now are heard<br>
+Wailings and groans in Famagosta’s streets<br>
+And Nicosia’s, grudging at their beast,<br>
 Who keepeth even footing with the rest.”
 </p>
 
@@ -14916,161 +14910,161 @@ Who keepeth even footing with the rest.”
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoIII.20"></a>CANTO XX</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoIII.20"></a>CANTO XX</h2>
 
 <p>
-When, disappearing, from our hemisphere,<br/>
-The world’s enlightener vanishes, and day<br/>
-On all sides wasteth, suddenly the sky,<br/>
-Erewhile irradiate only with his beam,<br/>
-Is yet again unfolded, putting forth<br/>
-Innumerable lights wherein one shines.<br/>
-Of such vicissitude in heaven I thought,<br/>
-As the great sign, that marshaleth the world<br/>
-And the world’s leaders, in the blessed beak<br/>
-Was silent; for that all those living lights,<br/>
-Waxing in splendour, burst forth into songs,<br/>
+When, disappearing, from our hemisphere,<br>
+The world’s enlightener vanishes, and day<br>
+On all sides wasteth, suddenly the sky,<br>
+Erewhile irradiate only with his beam,<br>
+Is yet again unfolded, putting forth<br>
+Innumerable lights wherein one shines.<br>
+Of such vicissitude in heaven I thought,<br>
+As the great sign, that marshaleth the world<br>
+And the world’s leaders, in the blessed beak<br>
+Was silent; for that all those living lights,<br>
+Waxing in splendour, burst forth into songs,<br>
 Such as from memory glide and fall away.
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/20-10.jpg">
-<img src="images/20-10.jpg" width="512" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+<img src="images/20-10.jpg" alt="" style="width: 512px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-Sweet love! that dost apparel thee in smiles,<br/>
-How lustrous was thy semblance in those sparkles,<br/>
-Which merely are from holy thoughts inspir’d!<br/>
-<br/>
-After the precious and bright beaming stones,<br/>
-That did ingem the sixth light, ceas’d the chiming<br/>
-Of their angelic bells; methought I heard<br/>
-The murmuring of a river, that doth fall<br/>
-From rock to rock transpicuous, making known<br/>
-The richness of his spring-head: and as sound<br/>
-Of cistern, at the fret-board, or of pipe,<br/>
-Is, at the wind-hole, modulate and tun’d;<br/>
-Thus up the neck, as it were hollow, rose<br/>
-That murmuring of the eagle, and forthwith<br/>
-Voice there assum’d, and thence along the beak<br/>
-Issued in form of words, such as my heart<br/>
-Did look for, on whose tables I inscrib’d them.<br/>
-<br/>
-“The part in me, that sees, and bears the sun,,<br/>
-In mortal eagles,” it began, “must now<br/>
-Be noted steadfastly: for of the fires,<br/>
-That figure me, those, glittering in mine eye,<br/>
-Are chief of all the greatest. This, that shines<br/>
-Midmost for pupil, was the same, who sang<br/>
-The Holy Spirit’s song, and bare about<br/>
-The ark from town to town; now doth he know<br/>
-The merit of his soul-impassion’d strains<br/>
-By their well-fitted guerdon. Of the five,<br/>
-That make the circle of the vision, he<br/>
-Who to the beak is nearest, comforted<br/>
-The widow for her son: now doth he know<br/>
-How dear he costeth not to follow Christ,<br/>
-Both from experience of this pleasant life,<br/>
-And of its opposite. He next, who follows<br/>
-In the circumference, for the over arch,<br/>
-By true repenting slack’d the pace of death:<br/>
-Now knoweth he, that the degrees of heav’n<br/>
-Alter not, when through pious prayer below<br/>
-Today’s is made tomorrow’s destiny.<br/>
-The other following, with the laws and me,<br/>
-To yield the shepherd room, pass’d o’er to Greece,<br/>
-From good intent producing evil fruit:<br/>
-Now knoweth he, how all the ill, deriv’d<br/>
-From his well doing, doth not helm him aught,<br/>
-Though it have brought destruction on the world.<br/>
-That, which thou seest in the under bow,<br/>
-Was William, whom that land bewails, which weeps<br/>
-For Charles and Frederick living: now he knows<br/>
-How well is lov’d in heav’n the righteous king,<br/>
-Which he betokens by his radiant seeming.<br/>
-Who in the erring world beneath would deem,<br/>
-That Trojan Ripheus in this round was set<br/>
-Fifth of the saintly splendours? now he knows<br/>
-Enough of that, which the world cannot see,<br/>
-The grace divine, albeit e’en his sight<br/>
-Reach not its utmost depth.” Like to the lark,<br/>
-That warbling in the air expatiates long,<br/>
-Then, trilling out his last sweet melody,<br/>
-Drops satiate with the sweetness; such appear’d<br/>
-That image stampt by the’ everlasting pleasure,<br/>
-Which fashions like itself all lovely things.<br/>
-<br/>
-I, though my doubting were as manifest,<br/>
-As is through glass the hue that mantles it,<br/>
-In silence waited not: for to my lips<br/>
-“What things are these?” involuntary rush’d,<br/>
-And forc’d a passage out: whereat I mark’d<br/>
-A sudden lightening and new revelry.<br/>
-The eye was kindled: and the blessed sign<br/>
-No more to keep me wond’ring and suspense,<br/>
-Replied: “I see that thou believ’st these things,<br/>
-Because I tell them, but discern’st not how;<br/>
-So that thy knowledge waits not on thy faith:<br/>
-As one who knows the name of thing by rote,<br/>
-But is a stranger to its properties,<br/>
-Till other’s tongue reveal them. Fervent love<br/>
-And lively hope with violence assail<br/>
-The kingdom of the heavens, and overcome<br/>
-The will of the Most high; not in such sort<br/>
-As man prevails o’er man; but conquers it,<br/>
-Because ’t is willing to be conquer’d, still,<br/>
-Though conquer’d, by its mercy conquering.<br/>
-<br/>
-“Those, in the eye who live the first and fifth,<br/>
-Cause thee to marvel, in that thou behold’st<br/>
-The region of the angels deck’d with them.<br/>
-They quitted not their bodies, as thou deem’st,<br/>
-Gentiles but Christians, in firm rooted faith,<br/>
-This of the feet in future to be pierc’d,<br/>
-That of feet nail’d already to the cross.<br/>
-One from the barrier of the dark abyss,<br/>
-Where never any with good will returns,<br/>
-Came back unto his bones. Of lively hope<br/>
-Such was the meed; of lively hope, that wing’d<br/>
-The prayers sent up to God for his release,<br/>
-And put power into them to bend his will.<br/>
-The glorious Spirit, of whom I speak to thee,<br/>
-A little while returning to the flesh,<br/>
-Believ’d in him, who had the means to help,<br/>
-And, in believing, nourish’d such a flame<br/>
-Of holy love, that at the second death<br/>
-He was made sharer in our gamesome mirth.<br/>
-The other, through the riches of that grace,<br/>
-Which from so deep a fountain doth distil,<br/>
-As never eye created saw its rising,<br/>
-Plac’d all his love below on just and right:<br/>
-Wherefore of grace God op’d in him the eye<br/>
-To the redemption of mankind to come;<br/>
-Wherein believing, he endur’d no more<br/>
-The filth of paganism, and for their ways<br/>
-Rebuk’d the stubborn nations. The three nymphs,<br/>
-Whom at the right wheel thou beheldst advancing,<br/>
-Were sponsors for him more than thousand years<br/>
-Before baptizing. O how far remov’d,<br/>
-Predestination! is thy root from such<br/>
-As see not the First cause entire: and ye,<br/>
-O mortal men! be wary how ye judge:<br/>
-For we, who see our Maker, know not yet<br/>
-The number of the chosen: and esteem<br/>
-Such scantiness of knowledge our delight:<br/>
-For all our good is in that primal good<br/>
-Concentrate, and God’s will and ours are one.”<br/>
-<br/>
-So, by that form divine, was giv’n to me<br/>
-Sweet medicine to clear and strengthen sight,<br/>
-And, as one handling skillfully the harp,<br/>
-Attendant on some skilful songster’s voice<br/>
-Bids the chords vibrate, and therein the song<br/>
-Acquires more pleasure; so, the whilst it spake,<br/>
-It doth remember me, that I beheld<br/>
-The pair of blessed luminaries move.<br/>
-Like the accordant twinkling of two eyes,<br/>
+Sweet love! that dost apparel thee in smiles,<br>
+How lustrous was thy semblance in those sparkles,<br>
+Which merely are from holy thoughts inspir’d!<br>
+<br>
+After the precious and bright beaming stones,<br>
+That did ingem the sixth light, ceas’d the chiming<br>
+Of their angelic bells; methought I heard<br>
+The murmuring of a river, that doth fall<br>
+From rock to rock transpicuous, making known<br>
+The richness of his spring-head: and as sound<br>
+Of cistern, at the fret-board, or of pipe,<br>
+Is, at the wind-hole, modulate and tun’d;<br>
+Thus up the neck, as it were hollow, rose<br>
+That murmuring of the eagle, and forthwith<br>
+Voice there assum’d, and thence along the beak<br>
+Issued in form of words, such as my heart<br>
+Did look for, on whose tables I inscrib’d them.<br>
+<br>
+“The part in me, that sees, and bears the sun,,<br>
+In mortal eagles,” it began, “must now<br>
+Be noted steadfastly: for of the fires,<br>
+That figure me, those, glittering in mine eye,<br>
+Are chief of all the greatest. This, that shines<br>
+Midmost for pupil, was the same, who sang<br>
+The Holy Spirit’s song, and bare about<br>
+The ark from town to town; now doth he know<br>
+The merit of his soul-impassion’d strains<br>
+By their well-fitted guerdon. Of the five,<br>
+That make the circle of the vision, he<br>
+Who to the beak is nearest, comforted<br>
+The widow for her son: now doth he know<br>
+How dear he costeth not to follow Christ,<br>
+Both from experience of this pleasant life,<br>
+And of its opposite. He next, who follows<br>
+In the circumference, for the over arch,<br>
+By true repenting slack’d the pace of death:<br>
+Now knoweth he, that the degrees of heav’n<br>
+Alter not, when through pious prayer below<br>
+Today’s is made tomorrow’s destiny.<br>
+The other following, with the laws and me,<br>
+To yield the shepherd room, pass’d o’er to Greece,<br>
+From good intent producing evil fruit:<br>
+Now knoweth he, how all the ill, deriv’d<br>
+From his well doing, doth not helm him aught,<br>
+Though it have brought destruction on the world.<br>
+That, which thou seest in the under bow,<br>
+Was William, whom that land bewails, which weeps<br>
+For Charles and Frederick living: now he knows<br>
+How well is lov’d in heav’n the righteous king,<br>
+Which he betokens by his radiant seeming.<br>
+Who in the erring world beneath would deem,<br>
+That Trojan Ripheus in this round was set<br>
+Fifth of the saintly splendours? now he knows<br>
+Enough of that, which the world cannot see,<br>
+The grace divine, albeit e’en his sight<br>
+Reach not its utmost depth.” Like to the lark,<br>
+That warbling in the air expatiates long,<br>
+Then, trilling out his last sweet melody,<br>
+Drops satiate with the sweetness; such appear’d<br>
+That image stampt by the’ everlasting pleasure,<br>
+Which fashions like itself all lovely things.<br>
+<br>
+I, though my doubting were as manifest,<br>
+As is through glass the hue that mantles it,<br>
+In silence waited not: for to my lips<br>
+“What things are these?” involuntary rush’d,<br>
+And forc’d a passage out: whereat I mark’d<br>
+A sudden lightening and new revelry.<br>
+The eye was kindled: and the blessed sign<br>
+No more to keep me wond’ring and suspense,<br>
+Replied: “I see that thou believ’st these things,<br>
+Because I tell them, but discern’st not how;<br>
+So that thy knowledge waits not on thy faith:<br>
+As one who knows the name of thing by rote,<br>
+But is a stranger to its properties,<br>
+Till other’s tongue reveal them. Fervent love<br>
+And lively hope with violence assail<br>
+The kingdom of the heavens, and overcome<br>
+The will of the Most high; not in such sort<br>
+As man prevails o’er man; but conquers it,<br>
+Because ’t is willing to be conquer’d, still,<br>
+Though conquer’d, by its mercy conquering.<br>
+<br>
+“Those, in the eye who live the first and fifth,<br>
+Cause thee to marvel, in that thou behold’st<br>
+The region of the angels deck’d with them.<br>
+They quitted not their bodies, as thou deem’st,<br>
+Gentiles but Christians, in firm rooted faith,<br>
+This of the feet in future to be pierc’d,<br>
+That of feet nail’d already to the cross.<br>
+One from the barrier of the dark abyss,<br>
+Where never any with good will returns,<br>
+Came back unto his bones. Of lively hope<br>
+Such was the meed; of lively hope, that wing’d<br>
+The prayers sent up to God for his release,<br>
+And put power into them to bend his will.<br>
+The glorious Spirit, of whom I speak to thee,<br>
+A little while returning to the flesh,<br>
+Believ’d in him, who had the means to help,<br>
+And, in believing, nourish’d such a flame<br>
+Of holy love, that at the second death<br>
+He was made sharer in our gamesome mirth.<br>
+The other, through the riches of that grace,<br>
+Which from so deep a fountain doth distil,<br>
+As never eye created saw its rising,<br>
+Plac’d all his love below on just and right:<br>
+Wherefore of grace God op’d in him the eye<br>
+To the redemption of mankind to come;<br>
+Wherein believing, he endur’d no more<br>
+The filth of paganism, and for their ways<br>
+Rebuk’d the stubborn nations. The three nymphs,<br>
+Whom at the right wheel thou beheldst advancing,<br>
+Were sponsors for him more than thousand years<br>
+Before baptizing. O how far remov’d,<br>
+Predestination! is thy root from such<br>
+As see not the First cause entire: and ye,<br>
+O mortal men! be wary how ye judge:<br>
+For we, who see our Maker, know not yet<br>
+The number of the chosen: and esteem<br>
+Such scantiness of knowledge our delight:<br>
+For all our good is in that primal good<br>
+Concentrate, and God’s will and ours are one.”<br>
+<br>
+So, by that form divine, was giv’n to me<br>
+Sweet medicine to clear and strengthen sight,<br>
+And, as one handling skillfully the harp,<br>
+Attendant on some skilful songster’s voice<br>
+Bids the chords vibrate, and therein the song<br>
+Acquires more pleasure; so, the whilst it spake,<br>
+It doth remember me, that I beheld<br>
+The pair of blessed luminaries move.<br>
+Like the accordant twinkling of two eyes,<br>
 Their beamy circlets, dancing to the sounds.
 </p>
 
@@ -15078,156 +15072,156 @@ Their beamy circlets, dancing to the sounds.
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoIII.21"></a>CANTO XXI</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoIII.21"></a>CANTO XXI</h2>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/21-1.jpg">
-<img src="images/21-1.jpg" width="538" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+<img src="images/21-1.jpg" alt="" style="width: 538px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-Again mine eyes were fix’d on Beatrice,<br/>
-And with mine eyes my soul, that in her looks<br/>
-Found all contentment. Yet no smile she wore<br/>
-And, “Did I smile,” quoth she, “thou wouldst be straight<br/>
-Like Semele when into ashes turn’d:<br/>
-For, mounting these eternal palace-stairs,<br/>
-My beauty, which the loftier it climbs,<br/>
-As thou hast noted, still doth kindle more,<br/>
-So shines, that, were no temp’ring interpos’d,<br/>
-Thy mortal puissance would from its rays<br/>
-Shrink, as the leaf doth from the thunderbolt.<br/>
-Into the seventh splendour are we wafted,<br/>
-That underneath the burning lion’s breast<br/>
-Beams, in this hour, commingled with his might,<br/>
-Thy mind be with thine eyes: and in them mirror’d<br/>
-The shape, which in this mirror shall be shown.”<br/>
-Whoso can deem, how fondly I had fed<br/>
-My sight upon her blissful countenance,<br/>
-May know, when to new thoughts I chang’d, what joy<br/>
-To do the bidding of my heav’nly guide:<br/>
-In equal balance poising either weight.<br/>
-<br/>
-Within the crystal, which records the name,<br/>
-(As its remoter circle girds the world)<br/>
-Of that lov’d monarch, in whose happy reign<br/>
-No ill had power to harm, I saw rear’d up,<br/>
+Again mine eyes were fix’d on Beatrice,<br>
+And with mine eyes my soul, that in her looks<br>
+Found all contentment. Yet no smile she wore<br>
+And, “Did I smile,” quoth she, “thou wouldst be straight<br>
+Like Semele when into ashes turn’d:<br>
+For, mounting these eternal palace-stairs,<br>
+My beauty, which the loftier it climbs,<br>
+As thou hast noted, still doth kindle more,<br>
+So shines, that, were no temp’ring interpos’d,<br>
+Thy mortal puissance would from its rays<br>
+Shrink, as the leaf doth from the thunderbolt.<br>
+Into the seventh splendour are we wafted,<br>
+That underneath the burning lion’s breast<br>
+Beams, in this hour, commingled with his might,<br>
+Thy mind be with thine eyes: and in them mirror’d<br>
+The shape, which in this mirror shall be shown.”<br>
+Whoso can deem, how fondly I had fed<br>
+My sight upon her blissful countenance,<br>
+May know, when to new thoughts I chang’d, what joy<br>
+To do the bidding of my heav’nly guide:<br>
+In equal balance poising either weight.<br>
+<br>
+Within the crystal, which records the name,<br>
+(As its remoter circle girds the world)<br>
+Of that lov’d monarch, in whose happy reign<br>
+No ill had power to harm, I saw rear’d up,<br>
 In colour like to sun-illumin’d gold.
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/21-28.jpg">
-<img src="images/21-28.jpg" width="529" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+<img src="images/21-28.jpg" alt="" style="width: 529px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-A ladder, which my ken pursued in vain,<br/>
-So lofty was the summit; down whose steps<br/>
-I saw the splendours in such multitude<br/>
-Descending, ev’ry light in heav’n, methought,<br/>
-Was shed thence. As the rooks, at dawn of day<br/>
-Bestirring them to dry their feathers chill,<br/>
-Some speed their way a-field, and homeward some,<br/>
-Returning, cross their flight, while some abide<br/>
-And wheel around their airy lodge; so seem’d<br/>
-That glitterance, wafted on alternate wing,<br/>
-As upon certain stair it met, and clash’d<br/>
-Its shining. And one ling’ring near us, wax’d<br/>
-So bright, that in my thought: said: “The love,<br/>
-Which this betokens me, admits no doubt.”<br/>
-<br/>
-Unwillingly from question I refrain,<br/>
-To her, by whom my silence and my speech<br/>
-Are order’d, looking for a sign: whence she,<br/>
-Who in the sight of Him, that seeth all,<br/>
-Saw wherefore I was silent, prompted me<br/>
-T’ indulge the fervent wish; and I began:<br/>
-“I am not worthy, of my own desert,<br/>
-That thou shouldst answer me; but for her sake,<br/>
-Who hath vouchsaf’d my asking, spirit blest!<br/>
-That in thy joy art shrouded! say the cause,<br/>
-Which bringeth thee so near: and wherefore, say,<br/>
-Doth the sweet symphony of Paradise<br/>
-Keep silence here, pervading with such sounds<br/>
-Of rapt devotion ev’ry lower sphere?”<br/>
-“Mortal art thou in hearing as in sight;”<br/>
-Was the reply: “and what forbade the smile<br/>
-Of Beatrice interrupts our song.<br/>
-Only to yield thee gladness of my voice,<br/>
-And of the light that vests me, I thus far<br/>
-Descend these hallow’d steps: not that more love<br/>
-Invites me; for lo! there aloft, as much<br/>
-Or more of love is witness’d in those flames:<br/>
-But such my lot by charity assign’d,<br/>
-That makes us ready servants, as thou seest,<br/>
-To execute the counsel of the Highest.<br/>
-“That in this court,” said I, “O sacred lamp!<br/>
-Love no compulsion needs, but follows free<br/>
-Th’ eternal Providence, I well discern:<br/>
-This harder find to deem, why of thy peers<br/>
-Thou only to this office wert foredoom’d.”<br/>
-I had not ended, when, like rapid mill,<br/>
-Upon its centre whirl’d the light; and then<br/>
-The love, that did inhabit there, replied:<br/>
-“Splendour eternal, piercing through these folds,<br/>
-Its virtue to my vision knits, and thus<br/>
-Supported, lifts me so above myself,<br/>
-That on the sov’ran essence, which it wells from,<br/>
-I have the power to gaze: and hence the joy,<br/>
-Wherewith I sparkle, equaling with my blaze<br/>
-The keenness of my sight. But not the soul,<br/>
-That is in heav’n most lustrous, nor the seraph<br/>
-That hath his eyes most fix’d on God, shall solve<br/>
-What thou hast ask’d: for in th’ abyss it lies<br/>
-Of th’ everlasting statute sunk so low,<br/>
-That no created ken may fathom it.<br/>
-And, to the mortal world when thou return’st,<br/>
-Be this reported; that none henceforth dare<br/>
-Direct his footsteps to so dread a bourn.<br/>
-The mind, that here is radiant, on the earth<br/>
-Is wrapt in mist. Look then if she may do,<br/>
-Below, what passeth her ability,<br/>
-When she is ta’en to heav’n.” By words like these<br/>
-Admonish’d, I the question urg’d no more;<br/>
-And of the spirit humbly sued alone<br/>
-T’ instruct me of its state. “’Twixt either shore<br/>
-Of Italy, nor distant from thy land,<br/>
-A stony ridge ariseth, in such sort,<br/>
-The thunder doth not lift his voice so high,<br/>
-They call it Catria: at whose foot a cell<br/>
-Is sacred to the lonely Eremite,<br/>
-For worship set apart and holy rites.”<br/>
-A third time thus it spake; then added: “There<br/>
-So firmly to God’s service I adher’d,<br/>
-That with no costlier viands than the juice<br/>
-Of olives, easily I pass’d the heats<br/>
-Of summer and the winter frosts, content<br/>
-In heav’n-ward musings. Rich were the returns<br/>
-And fertile, which that cloister once was us’d<br/>
-To render to these heavens: now ’t is fall’n<br/>
-Into a waste so empty, that ere long<br/>
-Detection must lay bare its vanity<br/>
-Pietro Damiano there was I yclept:<br/>
-Pietro the sinner, when before I dwelt<br/>
-Beside the Adriatic, in the house<br/>
-Of our blest Lady. Near upon my close<br/>
-Of mortal life, through much importuning<br/>
-I was constrain’d to wear the hat that still<br/>
-From bad to worse it shifted.&mdash;Cephas came;<br/>
-He came, who was the Holy Spirit’s vessel,<br/>
-Barefoot and lean, eating their bread, as chanc’d,<br/>
-At the first table. Modern Shepherd’s need<br/>
-Those who on either hand may prop and lead them,<br/>
-So burly are they grown: and from behind<br/>
-Others to hoist them. Down the palfrey’s sides<br/>
-Spread their broad mantles, so as both the beasts<br/>
-Are cover’d with one skin. O patience! thou<br/>
-That lookst on this and doth endure so long.”<br/>
-I at those accents saw the splendours down<br/>
-From step to step alight, and wheel, and wax,<br/>
-Each circuiting, more beautiful. Round this<br/>
-They came, and stay’d them; uttered them a shout<br/>
-So loud, it hath no likeness here: nor I<br/>
+A ladder, which my ken pursued in vain,<br>
+So lofty was the summit; down whose steps<br>
+I saw the splendours in such multitude<br>
+Descending, ev’ry light in heav’n, methought,<br>
+Was shed thence. As the rooks, at dawn of day<br>
+Bestirring them to dry their feathers chill,<br>
+Some speed their way a-field, and homeward some,<br>
+Returning, cross their flight, while some abide<br>
+And wheel around their airy lodge; so seem’d<br>
+That glitterance, wafted on alternate wing,<br>
+As upon certain stair it met, and clash’d<br>
+Its shining. And one ling’ring near us, wax’d<br>
+So bright, that in my thought: said: “The love,<br>
+Which this betokens me, admits no doubt.”<br>
+<br>
+Unwillingly from question I refrain,<br>
+To her, by whom my silence and my speech<br>
+Are order’d, looking for a sign: whence she,<br>
+Who in the sight of Him, that seeth all,<br>
+Saw wherefore I was silent, prompted me<br>
+T’ indulge the fervent wish; and I began:<br>
+“I am not worthy, of my own desert,<br>
+That thou shouldst answer me; but for her sake,<br>
+Who hath vouchsaf’d my asking, spirit blest!<br>
+That in thy joy art shrouded! say the cause,<br>
+Which bringeth thee so near: and wherefore, say,<br>
+Doth the sweet symphony of Paradise<br>
+Keep silence here, pervading with such sounds<br>
+Of rapt devotion ev’ry lower sphere?”<br>
+“Mortal art thou in hearing as in sight;”<br>
+Was the reply: “and what forbade the smile<br>
+Of Beatrice interrupts our song.<br>
+Only to yield thee gladness of my voice,<br>
+And of the light that vests me, I thus far<br>
+Descend these hallow’d steps: not that more love<br>
+Invites me; for lo! there aloft, as much<br>
+Or more of love is witness’d in those flames:<br>
+But such my lot by charity assign’d,<br>
+That makes us ready servants, as thou seest,<br>
+To execute the counsel of the Highest.<br>
+“That in this court,” said I, “O sacred lamp!<br>
+Love no compulsion needs, but follows free<br>
+Th’ eternal Providence, I well discern:<br>
+This harder find to deem, why of thy peers<br>
+Thou only to this office wert foredoom’d.”<br>
+I had not ended, when, like rapid mill,<br>
+Upon its centre whirl’d the light; and then<br>
+The love, that did inhabit there, replied:<br>
+“Splendour eternal, piercing through these folds,<br>
+Its virtue to my vision knits, and thus<br>
+Supported, lifts me so above myself,<br>
+That on the sov’ran essence, which it wells from,<br>
+I have the power to gaze: and hence the joy,<br>
+Wherewith I sparkle, equaling with my blaze<br>
+The keenness of my sight. But not the soul,<br>
+That is in heav’n most lustrous, nor the seraph<br>
+That hath his eyes most fix’d on God, shall solve<br>
+What thou hast ask’d: for in th’ abyss it lies<br>
+Of th’ everlasting statute sunk so low,<br>
+That no created ken may fathom it.<br>
+And, to the mortal world when thou return’st,<br>
+Be this reported; that none henceforth dare<br>
+Direct his footsteps to so dread a bourn.<br>
+The mind, that here is radiant, on the earth<br>
+Is wrapt in mist. Look then if she may do,<br>
+Below, what passeth her ability,<br>
+When she is ta’en to heav’n.” By words like these<br>
+Admonish’d, I the question urg’d no more;<br>
+And of the spirit humbly sued alone<br>
+T’ instruct me of its state. “’Twixt either shore<br>
+Of Italy, nor distant from thy land,<br>
+A stony ridge ariseth, in such sort,<br>
+The thunder doth not lift his voice so high,<br>
+They call it Catria: at whose foot a cell<br>
+Is sacred to the lonely Eremite,<br>
+For worship set apart and holy rites.”<br>
+A third time thus it spake; then added: “There<br>
+So firmly to God’s service I adher’d,<br>
+That with no costlier viands than the juice<br>
+Of olives, easily I pass’d the heats<br>
+Of summer and the winter frosts, content<br>
+In heav’n-ward musings. Rich were the returns<br>
+And fertile, which that cloister once was us’d<br>
+To render to these heavens: now ’t is fall’n<br>
+Into a waste so empty, that ere long<br>
+Detection must lay bare its vanity<br>
+Pietro Damiano there was I yclept:<br>
+Pietro the sinner, when before I dwelt<br>
+Beside the Adriatic, in the house<br>
+Of our blest Lady. Near upon my close<br>
+Of mortal life, through much importuning<br>
+I was constrain’d to wear the hat that still<br>
+From bad to worse it shifted.&mdash;Cephas came;<br>
+He came, who was the Holy Spirit’s vessel,<br>
+Barefoot and lean, eating their bread, as chanc’d,<br>
+At the first table. Modern Shepherd’s need<br>
+Those who on either hand may prop and lead them,<br>
+So burly are they grown: and from behind<br>
+Others to hoist them. Down the palfrey’s sides<br>
+Spread their broad mantles, so as both the beasts<br>
+Are cover’d with one skin. O patience! thou<br>
+That lookst on this and doth endure so long.”<br>
+I at those accents saw the splendours down<br>
+From step to step alight, and wheel, and wax,<br>
+Each circuiting, more beautiful. Round this<br>
+They came, and stay’d them; uttered them a shout<br>
+So loud, it hath no likeness here: nor I<br>
 Wist what it spake, so deaf’ning was the thunder.”
 </p>
 
@@ -15235,166 +15229,166 @@ Wist what it spake, so deaf’ning was the thunder.”
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoIII.22"></a>CANTO XXII</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoIII.22"></a>CANTO XXII</h2>
 
 <p>
-Astounded, to the guardian of my steps<br/>
-I turn’d me, like the chill, who always runs<br/>
-Thither for succour, where he trusteth most,<br/>
-And she was like the mother, who her son<br/>
-Beholding pale and breathless, with her voice<br/>
-Soothes him, and he is cheer’d; for thus she spake,<br/>
-Soothing me: “Know’st not thou, thou art in heav’n?<br/>
-And know’st not thou, whatever is in heav’n,<br/>
-Is holy, and that nothing there is done<br/>
-But is done zealously and well? Deem now,<br/>
-What change in thee the song, and what my smile<br/>
-had wrought, since thus the shout had pow’r to move thee.<br/>
-In which couldst thou have understood their prayers,<br/>
-The vengeance were already known to thee,<br/>
-Which thou must witness ere thy mortal hour,<br/>
-The sword of heav’n is not in haste to smite,<br/>
-Nor yet doth linger, save unto his seeming,<br/>
-Who in desire or fear doth look for it.<br/>
-But elsewhere now l bid thee turn thy view;<br/>
-So shalt thou many a famous spirit behold.”<br/>
-Mine eyes directing, as she will’d, I saw<br/>
-A hundred little spheres, that fairer grew<br/>
-By interchange of splendour. I remain’d,<br/>
-As one, who fearful of o’er-much presuming,<br/>
-Abates in him the keenness of desire,<br/>
-Nor dares to question, when amid those pearls,<br/>
-One largest and most lustrous onward drew,<br/>
-That it might yield contentment to my wish;<br/>
-And from within it these the sounds I heard.<br/>
-<br/>
-“If thou, like me, beheldst the charity<br/>
-That burns amongst us, what thy mind conceives,<br/>
-Were utter’d. But that, ere the lofty bound<br/>
-Thou reach, expectance may not weary thee,<br/>
-I will make answer even to the thought,<br/>
-Which thou hast such respect of. In old days,<br/>
-That mountain, at whose side Cassino rests,<br/>
-Was on its height frequented by a race<br/>
-Deceived and ill dispos’d: and I it was,<br/>
-Who thither carried first the name of Him,<br/>
-Who brought the soul-subliming truth to man.<br/>
-And such a speeding grace shone over me,<br/>
-That from their impious worship I reclaim’d<br/>
-The dwellers round about, who with the world<br/>
-Were in delusion lost. These other flames,<br/>
-The spirits of men contemplative, were all<br/>
-Enliven’d by that warmth, whose kindly force<br/>
-Gives birth to flowers and fruits of holiness.<br/>
-Here is Macarius; Romoaldo here:<br/>
-And here my brethren, who their steps refrain’d<br/>
-Within the cloisters, and held firm their heart.”<br/>
-<br/>
-I answ’ring, thus; “Thy gentle words and kind,<br/>
-And this the cheerful semblance, I behold<br/>
-Not unobservant, beaming in ye all,<br/>
-Have rais’d assurance in me, wakening it<br/>
-Full-blossom’d in my bosom, as a rose<br/>
-Before the sun, when the consummate flower<br/>
-Has spread to utmost amplitude. Of thee<br/>
-Therefore entreat I, father! to declare<br/>
-If I may gain such favour, as to gaze<br/>
-Upon thine image, by no covering veil’d.”<br/>
-<br/>
-“Brother!” he thus rejoin’d, “in the last sphere<br/>
-Expect completion of thy lofty aim,<br/>
-For there on each desire completion waits,<br/>
-And there on mine: where every aim is found<br/>
-Perfect, entire, and for fulfillment ripe.<br/>
-There all things are as they have ever been:<br/>
-For space is none to bound, nor pole divides,<br/>
-Our ladder reaches even to that clime,<br/>
-And so at giddy distance mocks thy view.<br/>
-Thither the Patriarch Jacob saw it stretch<br/>
-Its topmost round, when it appear’d to him<br/>
-With angels laden. But to mount it now<br/>
-None lifts his foot from earth: and hence my rule<br/>
-Is left a profitless stain upon the leaves;<br/>
-The walls, for abbey rear’d, turned into dens,<br/>
-The cowls to sacks choak’d up with musty meal.<br/>
-Foul usury doth not more lift itself<br/>
-Against God’s pleasure, than that fruit which makes<br/>
-The hearts of monks so wanton: for whate’er<br/>
-Is in the church’s keeping, all pertains.<br/>
-To such, as sue for heav’n’s sweet sake, and not<br/>
-To those who in respect of kindred claim,<br/>
-Or on more vile allowance. Mortal flesh<br/>
-Is grown so dainty, good beginnings last not<br/>
-From the oak’s birth, unto the acorn’s setting.<br/>
-His convent Peter founded without gold<br/>
-Or silver; I with pray’rs and fasting mine;<br/>
-And Francis his in meek humility.<br/>
-And if thou note the point, whence each proceeds,<br/>
-Then look what it hath err’d to, thou shalt find<br/>
-The white grown murky. Jordan was turn’d back;<br/>
-And a less wonder, then the refluent sea,<br/>
-May at God’s pleasure work amendment here.”<br/>
-<br/>
-So saying, to his assembly back he drew:<br/>
-And they together cluster’d into one,<br/>
-Then all roll’d upward like an eddying wind.<br/>
-<br/>
-The sweet dame beckon’d me to follow them:<br/>
-And, by that influence only, so prevail’d<br/>
-Over my nature, that no natural motion,<br/>
-Ascending or descending here below,<br/>
-Had, as I mounted, with my pennon vied.<br/>
-<br/>
-So, reader, as my hope is to return<br/>
-Unto the holy triumph, for the which<br/>
-I ofttimes wail my sins, and smite my breast,<br/>
-Thou hadst been longer drawing out and thrusting<br/>
-Thy finger in the fire, than I was, ere<br/>
-The sign, that followeth Taurus, I beheld,<br/>
-And enter’d its precinct. O glorious stars!<br/>
-O light impregnate with exceeding virtue!<br/>
-To whom whate’er of genius lifteth me<br/>
-Above the vulgar, grateful I refer;<br/>
-With ye the parent of all mortal life<br/>
-Arose and set, when I did first inhale<br/>
-The Tuscan air; and afterward, when grace<br/>
-Vouchsaf’d me entrance to the lofty wheel<br/>
-That in its orb impels ye, fate decreed<br/>
-My passage at your clime. To you my soul<br/>
-Devoutly sighs, for virtue even now<br/>
-To meet the hard emprize that draws me on.<br/>
-<br/>
-“Thou art so near the sum of blessedness,”<br/>
-Said Beatrice, “that behooves thy ken<br/>
-Be vigilant and clear. And, to this end,<br/>
-Or even thou advance thee further, hence<br/>
-Look downward, and contemplate, what a world<br/>
-Already stretched under our feet there lies:<br/>
-So as thy heart may, in its blithest mood,<br/>
-Present itself to the triumphal throng,<br/>
-Which through the’ etherial concave comes rejoicing.”<br/>
-<br/>
-I straight obey’d; and with mine eye return’d<br/>
-Through all the seven spheres, and saw this globe<br/>
-So pitiful of semblance, that perforce<br/>
-It moved my smiles: and him in truth I hold<br/>
-For wisest, who esteems it least: whose thoughts<br/>
-Elsewhere are fix’d, him worthiest call and best.<br/>
-I saw the daughter of Latona shine<br/>
-Without the shadow, whereof late I deem’d<br/>
-That dense and rare were cause. Here I sustain’d<br/>
-The visage, Hyperion! of thy sun;<br/>
-And mark’d, how near him with their circle, round<br/>
-Move Maia and Dione; here discern’d<br/>
-Jove’s tempering ’twixt his sire and son; and hence<br/>
-Their changes and their various aspects<br/>
-Distinctly scann’d. Nor might I not descry<br/>
-Of all the seven, how bulky each, how swift;<br/>
-Nor of their several distances not learn.<br/>
-This petty area (o’er the which we stride<br/>
-So fiercely), as along the eternal twins<br/>
-I wound my way, appear’d before me all,<br/>
-Forth from the havens stretch’d unto the hills.<br/>
+Astounded, to the guardian of my steps<br>
+I turn’d me, like the chill, who always runs<br>
+Thither for succour, where he trusteth most,<br>
+And she was like the mother, who her son<br>
+Beholding pale and breathless, with her voice<br>
+Soothes him, and he is cheer’d; for thus she spake,<br>
+Soothing me: “Know’st not thou, thou art in heav’n?<br>
+And know’st not thou, whatever is in heav’n,<br>
+Is holy, and that nothing there is done<br>
+But is done zealously and well? Deem now,<br>
+What change in thee the song, and what my smile<br>
+had wrought, since thus the shout had pow’r to move thee.<br>
+In which couldst thou have understood their prayers,<br>
+The vengeance were already known to thee,<br>
+Which thou must witness ere thy mortal hour,<br>
+The sword of heav’n is not in haste to smite,<br>
+Nor yet doth linger, save unto his seeming,<br>
+Who in desire or fear doth look for it.<br>
+But elsewhere now l bid thee turn thy view;<br>
+So shalt thou many a famous spirit behold.”<br>
+Mine eyes directing, as she will’d, I saw<br>
+A hundred little spheres, that fairer grew<br>
+By interchange of splendour. I remain’d,<br>
+As one, who fearful of o’er-much presuming,<br>
+Abates in him the keenness of desire,<br>
+Nor dares to question, when amid those pearls,<br>
+One largest and most lustrous onward drew,<br>
+That it might yield contentment to my wish;<br>
+And from within it these the sounds I heard.<br>
+<br>
+“If thou, like me, beheldst the charity<br>
+That burns amongst us, what thy mind conceives,<br>
+Were utter’d. But that, ere the lofty bound<br>
+Thou reach, expectance may not weary thee,<br>
+I will make answer even to the thought,<br>
+Which thou hast such respect of. In old days,<br>
+That mountain, at whose side Cassino rests,<br>
+Was on its height frequented by a race<br>
+Deceived and ill dispos’d: and I it was,<br>
+Who thither carried first the name of Him,<br>
+Who brought the soul-subliming truth to man.<br>
+And such a speeding grace shone over me,<br>
+That from their impious worship I reclaim’d<br>
+The dwellers round about, who with the world<br>
+Were in delusion lost. These other flames,<br>
+The spirits of men contemplative, were all<br>
+Enliven’d by that warmth, whose kindly force<br>
+Gives birth to flowers and fruits of holiness.<br>
+Here is Macarius; Romoaldo here:<br>
+And here my brethren, who their steps refrain’d<br>
+Within the cloisters, and held firm their heart.”<br>
+<br>
+I answ’ring, thus; “Thy gentle words and kind,<br>
+And this the cheerful semblance, I behold<br>
+Not unobservant, beaming in ye all,<br>
+Have rais’d assurance in me, wakening it<br>
+Full-blossom’d in my bosom, as a rose<br>
+Before the sun, when the consummate flower<br>
+Has spread to utmost amplitude. Of thee<br>
+Therefore entreat I, father! to declare<br>
+If I may gain such favour, as to gaze<br>
+Upon thine image, by no covering veil’d.”<br>
+<br>
+“Brother!” he thus rejoin’d, “in the last sphere<br>
+Expect completion of thy lofty aim,<br>
+For there on each desire completion waits,<br>
+And there on mine: where every aim is found<br>
+Perfect, entire, and for fulfillment ripe.<br>
+There all things are as they have ever been:<br>
+For space is none to bound, nor pole divides,<br>
+Our ladder reaches even to that clime,<br>
+And so at giddy distance mocks thy view.<br>
+Thither the Patriarch Jacob saw it stretch<br>
+Its topmost round, when it appear’d to him<br>
+With angels laden. But to mount it now<br>
+None lifts his foot from earth: and hence my rule<br>
+Is left a profitless stain upon the leaves;<br>
+The walls, for abbey rear’d, turned into dens,<br>
+The cowls to sacks choak’d up with musty meal.<br>
+Foul usury doth not more lift itself<br>
+Against God’s pleasure, than that fruit which makes<br>
+The hearts of monks so wanton: for whate’er<br>
+Is in the church’s keeping, all pertains.<br>
+To such, as sue for heav’n’s sweet sake, and not<br>
+To those who in respect of kindred claim,<br>
+Or on more vile allowance. Mortal flesh<br>
+Is grown so dainty, good beginnings last not<br>
+From the oak’s birth, unto the acorn’s setting.<br>
+His convent Peter founded without gold<br>
+Or silver; I with pray’rs and fasting mine;<br>
+And Francis his in meek humility.<br>
+And if thou note the point, whence each proceeds,<br>
+Then look what it hath err’d to, thou shalt find<br>
+The white grown murky. Jordan was turn’d back;<br>
+And a less wonder, then the refluent sea,<br>
+May at God’s pleasure work amendment here.”<br>
+<br>
+So saying, to his assembly back he drew:<br>
+And they together cluster’d into one,<br>
+Then all roll’d upward like an eddying wind.<br>
+<br>
+The sweet dame beckon’d me to follow them:<br>
+And, by that influence only, so prevail’d<br>
+Over my nature, that no natural motion,<br>
+Ascending or descending here below,<br>
+Had, as I mounted, with my pennon vied.<br>
+<br>
+So, reader, as my hope is to return<br>
+Unto the holy triumph, for the which<br>
+I ofttimes wail my sins, and smite my breast,<br>
+Thou hadst been longer drawing out and thrusting<br>
+Thy finger in the fire, than I was, ere<br>
+The sign, that followeth Taurus, I beheld,<br>
+And enter’d its precinct. O glorious stars!<br>
+O light impregnate with exceeding virtue!<br>
+To whom whate’er of genius lifteth me<br>
+Above the vulgar, grateful I refer;<br>
+With ye the parent of all mortal life<br>
+Arose and set, when I did first inhale<br>
+The Tuscan air; and afterward, when grace<br>
+Vouchsaf’d me entrance to the lofty wheel<br>
+That in its orb impels ye, fate decreed<br>
+My passage at your clime. To you my soul<br>
+Devoutly sighs, for virtue even now<br>
+To meet the hard emprize that draws me on.<br>
+<br>
+“Thou art so near the sum of blessedness,”<br>
+Said Beatrice, “that behooves thy ken<br>
+Be vigilant and clear. And, to this end,<br>
+Or even thou advance thee further, hence<br>
+Look downward, and contemplate, what a world<br>
+Already stretched under our feet there lies:<br>
+So as thy heart may, in its blithest mood,<br>
+Present itself to the triumphal throng,<br>
+Which through the’ etherial concave comes rejoicing.”<br>
+<br>
+I straight obey’d; and with mine eye return’d<br>
+Through all the seven spheres, and saw this globe<br>
+So pitiful of semblance, that perforce<br>
+It moved my smiles: and him in truth I hold<br>
+For wisest, who esteems it least: whose thoughts<br>
+Elsewhere are fix’d, him worthiest call and best.<br>
+I saw the daughter of Latona shine<br>
+Without the shadow, whereof late I deem’d<br>
+That dense and rare were cause. Here I sustain’d<br>
+The visage, Hyperion! of thy sun;<br>
+And mark’d, how near him with their circle, round<br>
+Move Maia and Dione; here discern’d<br>
+Jove’s tempering ’twixt his sire and son; and hence<br>
+Their changes and their various aspects<br>
+Distinctly scann’d. Nor might I not descry<br>
+Of all the seven, how bulky each, how swift;<br>
+Nor of their several distances not learn.<br>
+This petty area (o’er the which we stride<br>
+So fiercely), as along the eternal twins<br>
+I wound my way, appear’d before me all,<br>
+Forth from the havens stretch’d unto the hills.<br>
 Then to the beauteous eyes mine eyes return’d.
 </p>
 
@@ -15402,153 +15396,153 @@ Then to the beauteous eyes mine eyes return’d.
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoIII.23"></a>CANTO XXIII</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoIII.23"></a>CANTO XXIII</h2>
 
 <p>
-E’en as the bird, who midst the leafy bower<br/>
-Has, in her nest, sat darkling through the night,<br/>
-With her sweet brood, impatient to descry<br/>
-Their wished looks, and to bring home their food,<br/>
-In the fond quest unconscious of her toil:<br/>
-She, of the time prevenient, on the spray,<br/>
-That overhangs their couch, with wakeful gaze<br/>
-Expects the sun; nor ever, till the dawn,<br/>
-Removeth from the east her eager ken;<br/>
-So stood the dame erect, and bent her glance<br/>
-Wistfully on that region, where the sun<br/>
-Abateth most his speed; that, seeing her<br/>
-Suspense and wand’ring, I became as one,<br/>
-In whom desire is waken’d, and the hope<br/>
-Of somewhat new to come fills with delight.<br/>
-<br/>
-Short space ensued; I was not held, I say,<br/>
-Long in expectance, when I saw the heav’n<br/>
-Wax more and more resplendent; and, “Behold,”<br/>
-Cried Beatrice, “the triumphal hosts<br/>
-Of Christ, and all the harvest reap’d at length<br/>
-Of thy ascending up these spheres.” Meseem’d,<br/>
-That, while she spake her image all did burn,<br/>
-And in her eyes such fullness was of joy,<br/>
-And I am fain to pass unconstrued by.<br/>
-<br/>
-As in the calm full moon, when Trivia smiles,<br/>
-In peerless beauty, ’mid th’ eternal nympus,<br/>
-That paint through all its gulfs the blue profound<br/>
-In bright pre-eminence so saw I there,<br/>
-O’er million lamps a sun, from whom all drew<br/>
-Their radiance as from ours the starry train:<br/>
-And through the living light so lustrous glow’d<br/>
-The substance, that my ken endur’d it not.<br/>
-<br/>
-O Beatrice! sweet and precious guide!<br/>
-Who cheer’d me with her comfortable words!<br/>
-“Against the virtue, that o’erpow’reth thee,<br/>
-Avails not to resist. Here is the might,<br/>
-And here the wisdom, which did open lay<br/>
-The path, that had been yearned for so long,<br/>
-Betwixt the heav’n and earth.” Like to the fire,<br/>
-That, in a cloud imprison’d doth break out<br/>
-Expansive, so that from its womb enlarg’d,<br/>
-It falleth against nature to the ground;<br/>
-Thus in that heav’nly banqueting my soul<br/>
-Outgrew herself; and, in the transport lost.<br/>
-Holds now remembrance none of what she was.<br/>
-<br/>
-“Ope thou thine eyes, and mark me: thou hast seen<br/>
-Things, that empower thee to sustain my smile.”<br/>
-<br/>
-I was as one, when a forgotten dream<br/>
-Doth come across him, and he strives in vain<br/>
-To shape it in his fantasy again,<br/>
-Whenas that gracious boon was proffer’d me,<br/>
-Which never may be cancel’d from the book,<br/>
-Wherein the past is written. Now were all<br/>
-Those tongues to sound, that have on sweetest milk<br/>
-Of Polyhymnia and her sisters fed<br/>
-And fatten’d, not with all their help to boot,<br/>
-Unto the thousandth parcel of the truth,<br/>
-My song might shadow forth that saintly smile,<br/>
-flow merely in her saintly looks it wrought.<br/>
-And with such figuring of Paradise<br/>
-The sacred strain must leap, like one, that meets<br/>
-A sudden interruption to his road.<br/>
-But he, who thinks how ponderous the theme,<br/>
-And that ’t is lain upon a mortal shoulder,<br/>
-May pardon, if it tremble with the burden.<br/>
-The track, our ventrous keel must furrow, brooks<br/>
-No unribb’d pinnace, no self-sparing pilot.<br/>
-<br/>
-“Why doth my face,” said Beatrice, “thus<br/>
-Enamour thee, as that thou dost not turn<br/>
-Unto the beautiful garden, blossoming<br/>
-Beneath the rays of Christ? Here is the rose,<br/>
-Wherein the word divine was made incarnate;<br/>
-And here the lilies, by whose odour known<br/>
-The way of life was follow’d.” Prompt I heard<br/>
-Her bidding, and encounter once again<br/>
-The strife of aching vision. As erewhile,<br/>
-Through glance of sunlight, stream’d through broken cloud,<br/>
-Mine eyes a flower-besprinkled mead have seen,<br/>
-Though veil’d themselves in shade; so saw I there<br/>
-Legions of splendours, on whom burning rays<br/>
-Shed lightnings from above, yet saw I not<br/>
-The fountain whence they flow’d. O gracious virtue!<br/>
-Thou, whose broad stamp is on them, higher up<br/>
-Thou didst exalt thy glory to give room<br/>
-To my o’erlabour’d sight: when at the name<br/>
-Of that fair flower, whom duly I invoke<br/>
-Both morn and eve, my soul, with all her might<br/>
-Collected, on the goodliest ardour fix’d.<br/>
-And, as the bright dimensions of the star<br/>
-In heav’n excelling, as once here on earth<br/>
-Were, in my eyeballs lively portray’d,<br/>
-Lo! from within the sky a cresset fell,<br/>
-Circling in fashion of a diadem,<br/>
-And girt the star, and hov’ring round it wheel’d.<br/>
-<br/>
-Whatever melody sounds sweetest here,<br/>
-And draws the spirit most unto itself,<br/>
-Might seem a rent cloud when it grates the thunder,<br/>
-Compar’d unto the sounding of that lyre,<br/>
-Wherewith the goodliest sapphire, that inlays<br/>
-The floor of heav’n, was crown’d. “Angelic Love,<br/>
-I am, who thus with hov’ring flight enwheel<br/>
-The lofty rapture from that womb inspir’d,<br/>
-Where our desire did dwell: and round thee so,<br/>
-Lady of Heav’n! will hover; long as thou<br/>
-Thy Son shalt follow, and diviner joy<br/>
-Shall from thy presence gild the highest sphere.”<br/>
-<br/>
-Such close was to the circling melody:<br/>
-And, as it ended, all the other lights<br/>
-Took up the strain, and echoed Mary’s name.<br/>
-<br/>
-The robe, that with its regal folds enwraps<br/>
-The world, and with the nearer breath of God<br/>
-Doth burn and quiver, held so far retir’d<br/>
-Its inner hem and skirting over us,<br/>
-That yet no glimmer of its majesty<br/>
-Had stream’d unto me: therefore were mine eyes<br/>
-Unequal to pursue the crowned flame,<br/>
-That rose and sought its natal seed of fire;<br/>
-And like to babe, that stretches forth its arms<br/>
-For very eagerness towards the breast,<br/>
-After the milk is taken; so outstretch’d<br/>
-Their wavy summits all the fervent band,<br/>
-Through zealous love to Mary: then in view<br/>
-There halted, and “Regina Coeli” sang<br/>
-So sweetly, the delight hath left me never.<br/>
-<br/>
-O what o’erflowing plenty is up-pil’d<br/>
-In those rich-laden coffers, which below<br/>
-Sow’d the good seed, whose harvest now they keep.<br/>
-<br/>
-Here are the treasures tasted, that with tears<br/>
-Were in the Babylonian exile won,<br/>
-When gold had fail’d them. Here in synod high<br/>
-Of ancient council with the new conven’d,<br/>
-Under the Son of Mary and of God,<br/>
-Victorious he his mighty triumph holds,<br/>
+E’en as the bird, who midst the leafy bower<br>
+Has, in her nest, sat darkling through the night,<br>
+With her sweet brood, impatient to descry<br>
+Their wished looks, and to bring home their food,<br>
+In the fond quest unconscious of her toil:<br>
+She, of the time prevenient, on the spray,<br>
+That overhangs their couch, with wakeful gaze<br>
+Expects the sun; nor ever, till the dawn,<br>
+Removeth from the east her eager ken;<br>
+So stood the dame erect, and bent her glance<br>
+Wistfully on that region, where the sun<br>
+Abateth most his speed; that, seeing her<br>
+Suspense and wand’ring, I became as one,<br>
+In whom desire is waken’d, and the hope<br>
+Of somewhat new to come fills with delight.<br>
+<br>
+Short space ensued; I was not held, I say,<br>
+Long in expectance, when I saw the heav’n<br>
+Wax more and more resplendent; and, “Behold,”<br>
+Cried Beatrice, “the triumphal hosts<br>
+Of Christ, and all the harvest reap’d at length<br>
+Of thy ascending up these spheres.” Meseem’d,<br>
+That, while she spake her image all did burn,<br>
+And in her eyes such fullness was of joy,<br>
+And I am fain to pass unconstrued by.<br>
+<br>
+As in the calm full moon, when Trivia smiles,<br>
+In peerless beauty, ’mid th’ eternal nympus,<br>
+That paint through all its gulfs the blue profound<br>
+In bright pre-eminence so saw I there,<br>
+O’er million lamps a sun, from whom all drew<br>
+Their radiance as from ours the starry train:<br>
+And through the living light so lustrous glow’d<br>
+The substance, that my ken endur’d it not.<br>
+<br>
+O Beatrice! sweet and precious guide!<br>
+Who cheer’d me with her comfortable words!<br>
+“Against the virtue, that o’erpow’reth thee,<br>
+Avails not to resist. Here is the might,<br>
+And here the wisdom, which did open lay<br>
+The path, that had been yearned for so long,<br>
+Betwixt the heav’n and earth.” Like to the fire,<br>
+That, in a cloud imprison’d doth break out<br>
+Expansive, so that from its womb enlarg’d,<br>
+It falleth against nature to the ground;<br>
+Thus in that heav’nly banqueting my soul<br>
+Outgrew herself; and, in the transport lost.<br>
+Holds now remembrance none of what she was.<br>
+<br>
+“Ope thou thine eyes, and mark me: thou hast seen<br>
+Things, that empower thee to sustain my smile.”<br>
+<br>
+I was as one, when a forgotten dream<br>
+Doth come across him, and he strives in vain<br>
+To shape it in his fantasy again,<br>
+Whenas that gracious boon was proffer’d me,<br>
+Which never may be cancel’d from the book,<br>
+Wherein the past is written. Now were all<br>
+Those tongues to sound, that have on sweetest milk<br>
+Of Polyhymnia and her sisters fed<br>
+And fatten’d, not with all their help to boot,<br>
+Unto the thousandth parcel of the truth,<br>
+My song might shadow forth that saintly smile,<br>
+flow merely in her saintly looks it wrought.<br>
+And with such figuring of Paradise<br>
+The sacred strain must leap, like one, that meets<br>
+A sudden interruption to his road.<br>
+But he, who thinks how ponderous the theme,<br>
+And that ’t is lain upon a mortal shoulder,<br>
+May pardon, if it tremble with the burden.<br>
+The track, our ventrous keel must furrow, brooks<br>
+No unribb’d pinnace, no self-sparing pilot.<br>
+<br>
+“Why doth my face,” said Beatrice, “thus<br>
+Enamour thee, as that thou dost not turn<br>
+Unto the beautiful garden, blossoming<br>
+Beneath the rays of Christ? Here is the rose,<br>
+Wherein the word divine was made incarnate;<br>
+And here the lilies, by whose odour known<br>
+The way of life was follow’d.” Prompt I heard<br>
+Her bidding, and encounter once again<br>
+The strife of aching vision. As erewhile,<br>
+Through glance of sunlight, stream’d through broken cloud,<br>
+Mine eyes a flower-besprinkled mead have seen,<br>
+Though veil’d themselves in shade; so saw I there<br>
+Legions of splendours, on whom burning rays<br>
+Shed lightnings from above, yet saw I not<br>
+The fountain whence they flow’d. O gracious virtue!<br>
+Thou, whose broad stamp is on them, higher up<br>
+Thou didst exalt thy glory to give room<br>
+To my o’erlabour’d sight: when at the name<br>
+Of that fair flower, whom duly I invoke<br>
+Both morn and eve, my soul, with all her might<br>
+Collected, on the goodliest ardour fix’d.<br>
+And, as the bright dimensions of the star<br>
+In heav’n excelling, as once here on earth<br>
+Were, in my eyeballs lively portray’d,<br>
+Lo! from within the sky a cresset fell,<br>
+Circling in fashion of a diadem,<br>
+And girt the star, and hov’ring round it wheel’d.<br>
+<br>
+Whatever melody sounds sweetest here,<br>
+And draws the spirit most unto itself,<br>
+Might seem a rent cloud when it grates the thunder,<br>
+Compar’d unto the sounding of that lyre,<br>
+Wherewith the goodliest sapphire, that inlays<br>
+The floor of heav’n, was crown’d. “Angelic Love,<br>
+I am, who thus with hov’ring flight enwheel<br>
+The lofty rapture from that womb inspir’d,<br>
+Where our desire did dwell: and round thee so,<br>
+Lady of Heav’n! will hover; long as thou<br>
+Thy Son shalt follow, and diviner joy<br>
+Shall from thy presence gild the highest sphere.”<br>
+<br>
+Such close was to the circling melody:<br>
+And, as it ended, all the other lights<br>
+Took up the strain, and echoed Mary’s name.<br>
+<br>
+The robe, that with its regal folds enwraps<br>
+The world, and with the nearer breath of God<br>
+Doth burn and quiver, held so far retir’d<br>
+Its inner hem and skirting over us,<br>
+That yet no glimmer of its majesty<br>
+Had stream’d unto me: therefore were mine eyes<br>
+Unequal to pursue the crowned flame,<br>
+That rose and sought its natal seed of fire;<br>
+And like to babe, that stretches forth its arms<br>
+For very eagerness towards the breast,<br>
+After the milk is taken; so outstretch’d<br>
+Their wavy summits all the fervent band,<br>
+Through zealous love to Mary: then in view<br>
+There halted, and “Regina Coeli” sang<br>
+So sweetly, the delight hath left me never.<br>
+<br>
+O what o’erflowing plenty is up-pil’d<br>
+In those rich-laden coffers, which below<br>
+Sow’d the good seed, whose harvest now they keep.<br>
+<br>
+Here are the treasures tasted, that with tears<br>
+Were in the Babylonian exile won,<br>
+When gold had fail’d them. Here in synod high<br>
+Of ancient council with the new conven’d,<br>
+Under the Son of Mary and of God,<br>
+Victorious he his mighty triumph holds,<br>
 To whom the keys of glory were assign’d.
 </p>
 
@@ -15556,169 +15550,169 @@ To whom the keys of glory were assign’d.
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoIII.24"></a>CANTO XXIV</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoIII.24"></a>CANTO XXIV</h2>
 
 <p>
-“O ye! in chosen fellowship advanc’d<br/>
-To the great supper of the blessed Lamb,<br/>
-Whereon who feeds hath every wish fulfill’d!<br/>
-If to this man through God’s grace be vouchsaf’d<br/>
-Foretaste of that, which from your table falls,<br/>
-Or ever death his fated term prescribe;<br/>
-Be ye not heedless of his urgent will;<br/>
-But may some influence of your sacred dews<br/>
-Sprinkle him. Of the fount ye alway drink,<br/>
-Whence flows what most he craves.” Beatrice spake,<br/>
-And the rejoicing spirits, like to spheres<br/>
-On firm-set poles revolving, trail’d a blaze<br/>
-Of comet splendour; and as wheels, that wind<br/>
-Their circles in the horologe, so work<br/>
-The stated rounds, that to th’ observant eye<br/>
-The first seems still, and, as it flew, the last;<br/>
-E’en thus their carols weaving variously,<br/>
-They by the measure pac’d, or swift, or slow,<br/>
-Made me to rate the riches of their joy.<br/>
-<br/>
-From that, which I did note in beauty most<br/>
-Excelling, saw I issue forth a flame<br/>
-So bright, as none was left more goodly there.<br/>
-Round Beatrice thrice it wheel’d about,<br/>
-With so divine a song, that fancy’s ear<br/>
-Records it not; and the pen passeth on<br/>
-And leaves a blank: for that our mortal speech,<br/>
-Nor e’en the inward shaping of the brain,<br/>
-Hath colours fine enough to trace such folds.<br/>
-<br/>
-“O saintly sister mine! thy prayer devout<br/>
-Is with so vehement affection urg’d,<br/>
-Thou dost unbind me from that beauteous sphere.”<br/>
-<br/>
-Such were the accents towards my lady breath’d<br/>
-From that blest ardour, soon as it was stay’d:<br/>
-To whom she thus: “O everlasting light<br/>
-Of him, within whose mighty grasp our Lord<br/>
-Did leave the keys, which of this wondrous bliss<br/>
-He bare below! tent this man, as thou wilt,<br/>
-With lighter probe or deep, touching the faith,<br/>
-By the which thou didst on the billows walk.<br/>
-If he in love, in hope, and in belief,<br/>
-Be steadfast, is not hid from thee: for thou<br/>
-Hast there thy ken, where all things are beheld<br/>
-In liveliest portraiture. But since true faith<br/>
-Has peopled this fair realm with citizens,<br/>
-Meet is, that to exalt its glory more,<br/>
-Thou in his audience shouldst thereof discourse.”<br/>
-<br/>
-Like to the bachelor, who arms himself,<br/>
-And speaks not, till the master have propos’d<br/>
-The question, to approve, and not to end it;<br/>
-So I, in silence, arm’d me, while she spake,<br/>
-Summoning up each argument to aid;<br/>
-As was behooveful for such questioner,<br/>
-And such profession: “As good Christian ought,<br/>
-Declare thee, What is faith?” Whereat I rais’d<br/>
-My forehead to the light, whence this had breath’d,<br/>
-Then turn’d to Beatrice, and in her looks<br/>
-Approval met, that from their inmost fount<br/>
-I should unlock the waters. “May the grace,<br/>
-That giveth me the captain of the church<br/>
-For confessor,” said I, “vouchsafe to me<br/>
-Apt utterance for my thoughts!” then added: “Sire!<br/>
-E’en as set down by the unerring style<br/>
-Of thy dear brother, who with thee conspir’d<br/>
-To bring Rome in unto the way of life,<br/>
-Faith of things hop’d is substance, and the proof<br/>
-Of things not seen; and herein doth consist<br/>
-Methinks its essence,”&mdash;“Rightly hast thou deem’d,”<br/>
-Was answer’d: “if thou well discern, why first<br/>
-He hath defin’d it, substance, and then proof.”<br/>
-<br/>
-“The deep things,” I replied, “which here I scan<br/>
-Distinctly, are below from mortal eye<br/>
-So hidden, they have in belief alone<br/>
-Their being, on which credence hope sublime<br/>
-Is built; and therefore substance it intends.<br/>
-And inasmuch as we must needs infer<br/>
-From such belief our reasoning, all respect<br/>
-To other view excluded, hence of proof<br/>
-Th’ intention is deriv’d.” Forthwith I heard:<br/>
-“If thus, whate’er by learning men attain,<br/>
-Were understood, the sophist would want room<br/>
-To exercise his wit.” So breath’d the flame<br/>
-Of love: then added: “Current is the coin<br/>
-Thou utter’st, both in weight and in alloy.<br/>
-But tell me, if thou hast it in thy purse.”<br/>
-<br/>
-“Even so glittering and so round,” said I,<br/>
-“I not a whit misdoubt of its assay.”<br/>
-<br/>
-Next issued from the deep imbosom’d splendour:<br/>
-“Say, whence the costly jewel, on the which<br/>
-Is founded every virtue, came to thee.”<br/>
-“The flood,” I answer’d, “from the Spirit of God<br/>
-Rain’d down upon the ancient bond and new,&mdash;<br/>
-Here is the reas’ning, that convinceth me<br/>
-So feelingly, each argument beside<br/>
-Seems blunt and forceless in comparison.”<br/>
-Then heard I: “Wherefore holdest thou that each,<br/>
-The elder proposition and the new,<br/>
-Which so persuade thee, are the voice of heav’n?”<br/>
-<br/>
-“The works, that follow’d, evidence their truth;”<br/>
-I answer’d: “Nature did not make for these<br/>
-The iron hot, or on her anvil mould them.”<br/>
-“Who voucheth to thee of the works themselves,”<br/>
-Was the reply, “that they in very deed<br/>
-Are that they purport? None hath sworn so to thee.”<br/>
-<br/>
-“That all the world,” said I, “should have been turn’d<br/>
-To Christian, and no miracle been wrought,<br/>
-Would in itself be such a miracle,<br/>
-The rest were not an hundredth part so great.<br/>
-E’en thou wentst forth in poverty and hunger<br/>
-To set the goodly plant, that from the vine,<br/>
-It once was, now is grown unsightly bramble.”<br/>
-That ended, through the high celestial court<br/>
-Resounded all the spheres. “Praise we one God!”<br/>
-In song of most unearthly melody.<br/>
-And when that Worthy thus, from branch to branch,<br/>
-Examining, had led me, that we now<br/>
-Approach’d the topmost bough, he straight resum’d;<br/>
-“The grace, that holds sweet dalliance with thy soul,<br/>
-So far discreetly hath thy lips unclos’d<br/>
-That, whatsoe’er has past them, I commend.<br/>
-Behooves thee to express, what thou believ’st,<br/>
-The next, and whereon thy belief hath grown.”<br/>
-<br/>
-“O saintly sire and spirit!” I began,<br/>
-“Who seest that, which thou didst so believe,<br/>
-As to outstrip feet younger than thine own,<br/>
-Toward the sepulchre? thy will is here,<br/>
-That I the tenour of my creed unfold;<br/>
-And thou the cause of it hast likewise ask’d.<br/>
-And I reply: I in one God believe,<br/>
-One sole eternal Godhead, of whose love<br/>
-All heav’n is mov’d, himself unmov’d the while.<br/>
-Nor demonstration physical alone,<br/>
-Or more intelligential and abstruse,<br/>
-Persuades me to this faith; but from that truth<br/>
-It cometh to me rather, which is shed<br/>
-Through Moses, the rapt Prophets, and the Psalms.<br/>
-The Gospel, and that ye yourselves did write,<br/>
-When ye were gifted of the Holy Ghost.<br/>
-In three eternal Persons I believe,<br/>
-Essence threefold and one, mysterious league<br/>
-Of union absolute, which, many a time,<br/>
-The word of gospel lore upon my mind<br/>
-Imprints: and from this germ, this firstling spark,<br/>
-The lively flame dilates, and like heav’n’s star<br/>
-Doth glitter in me.” As the master hears,<br/>
-Well pleas’d, and then enfoldeth in his arms<br/>
-The servant, who hath joyful tidings brought,<br/>
-And having told the errand keeps his peace;<br/>
-Thus benediction uttering with song<br/>
-Soon as my peace I held, compass’d me thrice<br/>
-The apostolic radiance, whose behest<br/>
+“O ye! in chosen fellowship advanc’d<br>
+To the great supper of the blessed Lamb,<br>
+Whereon who feeds hath every wish fulfill’d!<br>
+If to this man through God’s grace be vouchsaf’d<br>
+Foretaste of that, which from your table falls,<br>
+Or ever death his fated term prescribe;<br>
+Be ye not heedless of his urgent will;<br>
+But may some influence of your sacred dews<br>
+Sprinkle him. Of the fount ye alway drink,<br>
+Whence flows what most he craves.” Beatrice spake,<br>
+And the rejoicing spirits, like to spheres<br>
+On firm-set poles revolving, trail’d a blaze<br>
+Of comet splendour; and as wheels, that wind<br>
+Their circles in the horologe, so work<br>
+The stated rounds, that to th’ observant eye<br>
+The first seems still, and, as it flew, the last;<br>
+E’en thus their carols weaving variously,<br>
+They by the measure pac’d, or swift, or slow,<br>
+Made me to rate the riches of their joy.<br>
+<br>
+From that, which I did note in beauty most<br>
+Excelling, saw I issue forth a flame<br>
+So bright, as none was left more goodly there.<br>
+Round Beatrice thrice it wheel’d about,<br>
+With so divine a song, that fancy’s ear<br>
+Records it not; and the pen passeth on<br>
+And leaves a blank: for that our mortal speech,<br>
+Nor e’en the inward shaping of the brain,<br>
+Hath colours fine enough to trace such folds.<br>
+<br>
+“O saintly sister mine! thy prayer devout<br>
+Is with so vehement affection urg’d,<br>
+Thou dost unbind me from that beauteous sphere.”<br>
+<br>
+Such were the accents towards my lady breath’d<br>
+From that blest ardour, soon as it was stay’d:<br>
+To whom she thus: “O everlasting light<br>
+Of him, within whose mighty grasp our Lord<br>
+Did leave the keys, which of this wondrous bliss<br>
+He bare below! tent this man, as thou wilt,<br>
+With lighter probe or deep, touching the faith,<br>
+By the which thou didst on the billows walk.<br>
+If he in love, in hope, and in belief,<br>
+Be steadfast, is not hid from thee: for thou<br>
+Hast there thy ken, where all things are beheld<br>
+In liveliest portraiture. But since true faith<br>
+Has peopled this fair realm with citizens,<br>
+Meet is, that to exalt its glory more,<br>
+Thou in his audience shouldst thereof discourse.”<br>
+<br>
+Like to the bachelor, who arms himself,<br>
+And speaks not, till the master have propos’d<br>
+The question, to approve, and not to end it;<br>
+So I, in silence, arm’d me, while she spake,<br>
+Summoning up each argument to aid;<br>
+As was behooveful for such questioner,<br>
+And such profession: “As good Christian ought,<br>
+Declare thee, What is faith?” Whereat I rais’d<br>
+My forehead to the light, whence this had breath’d,<br>
+Then turn’d to Beatrice, and in her looks<br>
+Approval met, that from their inmost fount<br>
+I should unlock the waters. “May the grace,<br>
+That giveth me the captain of the church<br>
+For confessor,” said I, “vouchsafe to me<br>
+Apt utterance for my thoughts!” then added: “Sire!<br>
+E’en as set down by the unerring style<br>
+Of thy dear brother, who with thee conspir’d<br>
+To bring Rome in unto the way of life,<br>
+Faith of things hop’d is substance, and the proof<br>
+Of things not seen; and herein doth consist<br>
+Methinks its essence,”&mdash;“Rightly hast thou deem’d,”<br>
+Was answer’d: “if thou well discern, why first<br>
+He hath defin’d it, substance, and then proof.”<br>
+<br>
+“The deep things,” I replied, “which here I scan<br>
+Distinctly, are below from mortal eye<br>
+So hidden, they have in belief alone<br>
+Their being, on which credence hope sublime<br>
+Is built; and therefore substance it intends.<br>
+And inasmuch as we must needs infer<br>
+From such belief our reasoning, all respect<br>
+To other view excluded, hence of proof<br>
+Th’ intention is deriv’d.” Forthwith I heard:<br>
+“If thus, whate’er by learning men attain,<br>
+Were understood, the sophist would want room<br>
+To exercise his wit.” So breath’d the flame<br>
+Of love: then added: “Current is the coin<br>
+Thou utter’st, both in weight and in alloy.<br>
+But tell me, if thou hast it in thy purse.”<br>
+<br>
+“Even so glittering and so round,” said I,<br>
+“I not a whit misdoubt of its assay.”<br>
+<br>
+Next issued from the deep imbosom’d splendour:<br>
+“Say, whence the costly jewel, on the which<br>
+Is founded every virtue, came to thee.”<br>
+“The flood,” I answer’d, “from the Spirit of God<br>
+Rain’d down upon the ancient bond and new,&mdash;<br>
+Here is the reas’ning, that convinceth me<br>
+So feelingly, each argument beside<br>
+Seems blunt and forceless in comparison.”<br>
+Then heard I: “Wherefore holdest thou that each,<br>
+The elder proposition and the new,<br>
+Which so persuade thee, are the voice of heav’n?”<br>
+<br>
+“The works, that follow’d, evidence their truth;”<br>
+I answer’d: “Nature did not make for these<br>
+The iron hot, or on her anvil mould them.”<br>
+“Who voucheth to thee of the works themselves,”<br>
+Was the reply, “that they in very deed<br>
+Are that they purport? None hath sworn so to thee.”<br>
+<br>
+“That all the world,” said I, “should have been turn’d<br>
+To Christian, and no miracle been wrought,<br>
+Would in itself be such a miracle,<br>
+The rest were not an hundredth part so great.<br>
+E’en thou wentst forth in poverty and hunger<br>
+To set the goodly plant, that from the vine,<br>
+It once was, now is grown unsightly bramble.”<br>
+That ended, through the high celestial court<br>
+Resounded all the spheres. “Praise we one God!”<br>
+In song of most unearthly melody.<br>
+And when that Worthy thus, from branch to branch,<br>
+Examining, had led me, that we now<br>
+Approach’d the topmost bough, he straight resum’d;<br>
+“The grace, that holds sweet dalliance with thy soul,<br>
+So far discreetly hath thy lips unclos’d<br>
+That, whatsoe’er has past them, I commend.<br>
+Behooves thee to express, what thou believ’st,<br>
+The next, and whereon thy belief hath grown.”<br>
+<br>
+“O saintly sire and spirit!” I began,<br>
+“Who seest that, which thou didst so believe,<br>
+As to outstrip feet younger than thine own,<br>
+Toward the sepulchre? thy will is here,<br>
+That I the tenour of my creed unfold;<br>
+And thou the cause of it hast likewise ask’d.<br>
+And I reply: I in one God believe,<br>
+One sole eternal Godhead, of whose love<br>
+All heav’n is mov’d, himself unmov’d the while.<br>
+Nor demonstration physical alone,<br>
+Or more intelligential and abstruse,<br>
+Persuades me to this faith; but from that truth<br>
+It cometh to me rather, which is shed<br>
+Through Moses, the rapt Prophets, and the Psalms.<br>
+The Gospel, and that ye yourselves did write,<br>
+When ye were gifted of the Holy Ghost.<br>
+In three eternal Persons I believe,<br>
+Essence threefold and one, mysterious league<br>
+Of union absolute, which, many a time,<br>
+The word of gospel lore upon my mind<br>
+Imprints: and from this germ, this firstling spark,<br>
+The lively flame dilates, and like heav’n’s star<br>
+Doth glitter in me.” As the master hears,<br>
+Well pleas’d, and then enfoldeth in his arms<br>
+The servant, who hath joyful tidings brought,<br>
+And having told the errand keeps his peace;<br>
+Thus benediction uttering with song<br>
+Soon as my peace I held, compass’d me thrice<br>
+The apostolic radiance, whose behest<br>
 Had op’d lips; so well their answer pleas’d.
 </p>
 
@@ -15726,155 +15720,155 @@ Had op’d lips; so well their answer pleas’d.
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoIII.25"></a>CANTO XXV</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoIII.25"></a>CANTO XXV</h2>
 
 <p>
-If e’er the sacred poem that hath made<br/>
-Both heav’n and earth copartners in its toil,<br/>
-And with lean abstinence, through many a year,<br/>
-Faded my brow, be destin’d to prevail<br/>
-Over the cruelty, which bars me forth<br/>
-Of the fair sheep-fold, where a sleeping lamb<br/>
-The wolves set on and fain had worried me,<br/>
-With other voice and fleece of other grain<br/>
-I shall forthwith return, and, standing up<br/>
-At my baptismal font, shall claim the wreath<br/>
-Due to the poet’s temples: for I there<br/>
-First enter’d on the faith which maketh souls<br/>
-Acceptable to God: and, for its sake,<br/>
-Peter had then circled my forehead thus.<br/>
-<br/>
-Next from the squadron, whence had issued forth<br/>
-The first fruit of Christ’s vicars on the earth,<br/>
-Toward us mov’d a light, at view whereof<br/>
-My Lady, full of gladness, spake to me:<br/>
-“Lo! lo! behold the peer of mickle might,<br/>
-That makes Falicia throng’d with visitants!”<br/>
-<br/>
-As when the ring-dove by his mate alights,<br/>
-In circles each about the other wheels,<br/>
-And murmuring cooes his fondness; thus saw I<br/>
-One, of the other great and glorious prince,<br/>
-With kindly greeting hail’d, extolling both<br/>
-Their heavenly banqueting; but when an end<br/>
-Was to their gratulation, silent, each,<br/>
-Before me sat they down, so burning bright,<br/>
-I could not look upon them. Smiling then,<br/>
-Beatrice spake: “O life in glory shrin’d!”<br/>
-Who didst the largess of our kingly court<br/>
-Set down with faithful pen! let now thy voice<br/>
-Of hope the praises in this height resound.<br/>
-For thou, who figur’st them in shapes, as clear,<br/>
-As Jesus stood before thee, well can’st speak them.”<br/>
-<br/>
-“Lift up thy head, and be thou strong in trust:<br/>
-For that, which hither from the mortal world<br/>
-Arriveth, must be ripen’d in our beam.”<br/>
-<br/>
-Such cheering accents from the second flame<br/>
-Assur’d me; and mine eyes I lifted up<br/>
-Unto the mountains that had bow’d them late<br/>
-With over-heavy burden. “Sith our Liege<br/>
-Wills of his grace that thou, or ere thy death,<br/>
-In the most secret council, with his lords<br/>
-Shouldst be confronted, so that having view’d<br/>
-The glories of our court, thou mayst therewith<br/>
-Thyself, and all who hear, invigorate<br/>
-With hope, that leads to blissful end; declare,<br/>
-What is that hope, how it doth flourish in thee,<br/>
-And whence thou hadst it?” Thus proceeding still,<br/>
-The second light: and she, whose gentle love<br/>
-My soaring pennons in that lofty flight<br/>
-Escorted, thus preventing me, rejoin’d:<br/>
-Among her sons, not one more full of hope,<br/>
-Hath the church militant: so ’t is of him<br/>
-Recorded in the sun, whose liberal orb<br/>
-Enlighteneth all our tribe: and ere his term<br/>
-Of warfare, hence permitted he is come,<br/>
-From Egypt to Jerusalem, to see.<br/>
-The other points, both which thou hast inquir’d,<br/>
-Not for more knowledge, but that he may tell<br/>
-How dear thou holdst the virtue, these to him<br/>
-Leave I; for he may answer thee with ease,<br/>
-And without boasting, so God give him grace.”<br/>
-Like to the scholar, practis’d in his task,<br/>
-Who, willing to give proof of diligence,<br/>
-Seconds his teacher gladly, “Hope,” said I,<br/>
-“Is of the joy to come a sure expectance,<br/>
-Th’ effect of grace divine and merit preceding.<br/>
-This light from many a star visits my heart,<br/>
-But flow’d to me the first from him, who sang<br/>
-The songs of the Supreme, himself supreme<br/>
-Among his tuneful brethren. ‘Let all hope<br/>
-In thee,’ so speak his anthem, ‘who have known<br/>
-Thy name;’ and with my faith who know not that?<br/>
-From thee, the next, distilling from his spring,<br/>
-In thine epistle, fell on me the drops<br/>
-So plenteously, that I on others shower<br/>
-The influence of their dew.” Whileas I spake,<br/>
-A lamping, as of quick and vollied lightning,<br/>
-Within the bosom of that mighty sheen,<br/>
-Play’d tremulous; then forth these accents breath’d:<br/>
-“Love for the virtue which attended me<br/>
-E’en to the palm, and issuing from the field,<br/>
-Glows vigorous yet within me, and inspires<br/>
-To ask of thee, whom also it delights;<br/>
-What promise thou from hope in chief dost win.”<br/>
-<br/>
-“Both scriptures, new and ancient,” I reply’d;<br/>
-“Propose the mark (which even now I view)<br/>
-For souls belov’d of God. Isaias saith,<br/>
-<br/>
-‘That, in their own land, each one must be clad<br/>
-In twofold vesture; and their proper lands this delicious life.’<br/>
-In terms more full,<br/>
-And clearer far, thy brother hath set forth<br/>
-This revelation to us, where he tells<br/>
-Of the white raiment destin’d to the saints.”<br/>
-And, as the words were ending, from above,<br/>
-“They hope in thee,” first heard we cried: whereto<br/>
-Answer’d the carols all. Amidst them next,<br/>
-A light of so clear amplitude emerg’d,<br/>
-That winter’s month were but a single day,<br/>
-Were such a crystal in the Cancer’s sign.<br/>
-<br/>
-Like as a virgin riseth up, and goes,<br/>
-And enters on the mazes of the dance,<br/>
-Though gay, yet innocent of worse intent,<br/>
-Than to do fitting honour to the bride;<br/>
-So I beheld the new effulgence come<br/>
-Unto the other two, who in a ring<br/>
-Wheel’d, as became their rapture. In the dance<br/>
-And in the song it mingled. And the dame<br/>
-Held on them fix’d her looks: e’en as the spouse<br/>
-Silent and moveless. “This is he, who lay<br/>
-Upon the bosom of our pelican:<br/>
-This he, into whose keeping from the cross<br/>
-The mighty charge was given.” Thus she spake,<br/>
-Yet therefore naught the more remov’d her Sight<br/>
-From marking them, or ere her words began,<br/>
-Or when they clos’d. As he, who looks intent,<br/>
-And strives with searching ken, how he may see<br/>
-The sun in his eclipse, and, through desire<br/>
-Of seeing, loseth power of sight: so I<br/>
-Peer’d on that last resplendence, while I heard:<br/>
-“Why dazzlest thou thine eyes in seeking that,<br/>
-Which here abides not? Earth my body is,<br/>
-In earth: and shall be, with the rest, so long,<br/>
-As till our number equal the decree<br/>
-Of the Most High. The two that have ascended,<br/>
-In this our blessed cloister, shine alone<br/>
-With the two garments. So report below.”<br/>
-<br/>
-As when, for ease of labour, or to shun<br/>
-Suspected peril at a whistle’s breath,<br/>
-The oars, erewhile dash’d frequent in the wave,<br/>
-All rest; the flamy circle at that voice<br/>
-So rested, and the mingling sound was still,<br/>
-Which from the trinal band soft-breathing rose.<br/>
-I turn’d, but ah! how trembled in my thought,<br/>
-When, looking at my side again to see<br/>
-Beatrice, I descried her not, although<br/>
+If e’er the sacred poem that hath made<br>
+Both heav’n and earth copartners in its toil,<br>
+And with lean abstinence, through many a year,<br>
+Faded my brow, be destin’d to prevail<br>
+Over the cruelty, which bars me forth<br>
+Of the fair sheep-fold, where a sleeping lamb<br>
+The wolves set on and fain had worried me,<br>
+With other voice and fleece of other grain<br>
+I shall forthwith return, and, standing up<br>
+At my baptismal font, shall claim the wreath<br>
+Due to the poet’s temples: for I there<br>
+First enter’d on the faith which maketh souls<br>
+Acceptable to God: and, for its sake,<br>
+Peter had then circled my forehead thus.<br>
+<br>
+Next from the squadron, whence had issued forth<br>
+The first fruit of Christ’s vicars on the earth,<br>
+Toward us mov’d a light, at view whereof<br>
+My Lady, full of gladness, spake to me:<br>
+“Lo! lo! behold the peer of mickle might,<br>
+That makes Falicia throng’d with visitants!”<br>
+<br>
+As when the ring-dove by his mate alights,<br>
+In circles each about the other wheels,<br>
+And murmuring cooes his fondness; thus saw I<br>
+One, of the other great and glorious prince,<br>
+With kindly greeting hail’d, extolling both<br>
+Their heavenly banqueting; but when an end<br>
+Was to their gratulation, silent, each,<br>
+Before me sat they down, so burning bright,<br>
+I could not look upon them. Smiling then,<br>
+Beatrice spake: “O life in glory shrin’d!”<br>
+Who didst the largess of our kingly court<br>
+Set down with faithful pen! let now thy voice<br>
+Of hope the praises in this height resound.<br>
+For thou, who figur’st them in shapes, as clear,<br>
+As Jesus stood before thee, well can’st speak them.”<br>
+<br>
+“Lift up thy head, and be thou strong in trust:<br>
+For that, which hither from the mortal world<br>
+Arriveth, must be ripen’d in our beam.”<br>
+<br>
+Such cheering accents from the second flame<br>
+Assur’d me; and mine eyes I lifted up<br>
+Unto the mountains that had bow’d them late<br>
+With over-heavy burden. “Sith our Liege<br>
+Wills of his grace that thou, or ere thy death,<br>
+In the most secret council, with his lords<br>
+Shouldst be confronted, so that having view’d<br>
+The glories of our court, thou mayst therewith<br>
+Thyself, and all who hear, invigorate<br>
+With hope, that leads to blissful end; declare,<br>
+What is that hope, how it doth flourish in thee,<br>
+And whence thou hadst it?” Thus proceeding still,<br>
+The second light: and she, whose gentle love<br>
+My soaring pennons in that lofty flight<br>
+Escorted, thus preventing me, rejoin’d:<br>
+Among her sons, not one more full of hope,<br>
+Hath the church militant: so ’t is of him<br>
+Recorded in the sun, whose liberal orb<br>
+Enlighteneth all our tribe: and ere his term<br>
+Of warfare, hence permitted he is come,<br>
+From Egypt to Jerusalem, to see.<br>
+The other points, both which thou hast inquir’d,<br>
+Not for more knowledge, but that he may tell<br>
+How dear thou holdst the virtue, these to him<br>
+Leave I; for he may answer thee with ease,<br>
+And without boasting, so God give him grace.”<br>
+Like to the scholar, practis’d in his task,<br>
+Who, willing to give proof of diligence,<br>
+Seconds his teacher gladly, “Hope,” said I,<br>
+“Is of the joy to come a sure expectance,<br>
+Th’ effect of grace divine and merit preceding.<br>
+This light from many a star visits my heart,<br>
+But flow’d to me the first from him, who sang<br>
+The songs of the Supreme, himself supreme<br>
+Among his tuneful brethren. ‘Let all hope<br>
+In thee,’ so speak his anthem, ‘who have known<br>
+Thy name;’ and with my faith who know not that?<br>
+From thee, the next, distilling from his spring,<br>
+In thine epistle, fell on me the drops<br>
+So plenteously, that I on others shower<br>
+The influence of their dew.” Whileas I spake,<br>
+A lamping, as of quick and vollied lightning,<br>
+Within the bosom of that mighty sheen,<br>
+Play’d tremulous; then forth these accents breath’d:<br>
+“Love for the virtue which attended me<br>
+E’en to the palm, and issuing from the field,<br>
+Glows vigorous yet within me, and inspires<br>
+To ask of thee, whom also it delights;<br>
+What promise thou from hope in chief dost win.”<br>
+<br>
+“Both scriptures, new and ancient,” I reply’d;<br>
+“Propose the mark (which even now I view)<br>
+For souls belov’d of God. Isaias saith,<br>
+<br>
+‘That, in their own land, each one must be clad<br>
+In twofold vesture; and their proper lands this delicious life.’<br>
+In terms more full,<br>
+And clearer far, thy brother hath set forth<br>
+This revelation to us, where he tells<br>
+Of the white raiment destin’d to the saints.”<br>
+And, as the words were ending, from above,<br>
+“They hope in thee,” first heard we cried: whereto<br>
+Answer’d the carols all. Amidst them next,<br>
+A light of so clear amplitude emerg’d,<br>
+That winter’s month were but a single day,<br>
+Were such a crystal in the Cancer’s sign.<br>
+<br>
+Like as a virgin riseth up, and goes,<br>
+And enters on the mazes of the dance,<br>
+Though gay, yet innocent of worse intent,<br>
+Than to do fitting honour to the bride;<br>
+So I beheld the new effulgence come<br>
+Unto the other two, who in a ring<br>
+Wheel’d, as became their rapture. In the dance<br>
+And in the song it mingled. And the dame<br>
+Held on them fix’d her looks: e’en as the spouse<br>
+Silent and moveless. “This is he, who lay<br>
+Upon the bosom of our pelican:<br>
+This he, into whose keeping from the cross<br>
+The mighty charge was given.” Thus she spake,<br>
+Yet therefore naught the more remov’d her Sight<br>
+From marking them, or ere her words began,<br>
+Or when they clos’d. As he, who looks intent,<br>
+And strives with searching ken, how he may see<br>
+The sun in his eclipse, and, through desire<br>
+Of seeing, loseth power of sight: so I<br>
+Peer’d on that last resplendence, while I heard:<br>
+“Why dazzlest thou thine eyes in seeking that,<br>
+Which here abides not? Earth my body is,<br>
+In earth: and shall be, with the rest, so long,<br>
+As till our number equal the decree<br>
+Of the Most High. The two that have ascended,<br>
+In this our blessed cloister, shine alone<br>
+With the two garments. So report below.”<br>
+<br>
+As when, for ease of labour, or to shun<br>
+Suspected peril at a whistle’s breath,<br>
+The oars, erewhile dash’d frequent in the wave,<br>
+All rest; the flamy circle at that voice<br>
+So rested, and the mingling sound was still,<br>
+Which from the trinal band soft-breathing rose.<br>
+I turn’d, but ah! how trembled in my thought,<br>
+When, looking at my side again to see<br>
+Beatrice, I descried her not, although<br>
 Not distant, on the happy coast she stood.
 </p>
 
@@ -15882,162 +15876,162 @@ Not distant, on the happy coast she stood.
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoIII.26"></a>CANTO XXVI</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoIII.26"></a>CANTO XXVI</h2>
 
 <p>
-With dazzled eyes, whilst wond’ring I remain’d,<br/>
-Forth of the beamy flame which dazzled me,<br/>
-Issued a breath, that in attention mute<br/>
-Detain’d me; and these words it spake: “’T were well,<br/>
-That, long as till thy vision, on my form<br/>
-O’erspent, regain its virtue, with discourse<br/>
-Thou compensate the brief delay. Say then,<br/>
+With dazzled eyes, whilst wond’ring I remain’d,<br>
+Forth of the beamy flame which dazzled me,<br>
+Issued a breath, that in attention mute<br>
+Detain’d me; and these words it spake: “’T were well,<br>
+That, long as till thy vision, on my form<br>
+O’erspent, regain its virtue, with discourse<br>
+Thou compensate the brief delay. Say then,<br>
 Beginning, to what point thy soul aspires:”
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/26-7.jpg">
-<img src="images/26-7.jpg" width="517" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+<img src="images/26-7.jpg" alt="" style="width: 517px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-“And meanwhile rest assur’d, that sight in thee<br/>
-Is but o’erpowered a space, not wholly quench’d:<br/>
-Since thy fair guide and lovely, in her look<br/>
-Hath potency, the like to that which dwelt<br/>
-In Ananias’ hand.” I answering thus:<br/>
-“Be to mine eyes the remedy or late<br/>
-Or early, at her pleasure; for they were<br/>
-The gates, at which she enter’d, and did light<br/>
-Her never dying fire. My wishes here<br/>
-Are centered; in this palace is the weal,<br/>
-That Alpha and Omega, is to all<br/>
-The lessons love can read me.” Yet again<br/>
-The voice which had dispers’d my fear, when daz’d<br/>
-With that excess, to converse urg’d, and spake:<br/>
-“Behooves thee sift more narrowly thy terms,<br/>
-And say, who level’d at this scope thy bow.”<br/>
-<br/>
-“Philosophy,” said I, “hath arguments,<br/>
-And this place hath authority enough<br/>
-T’ imprint in me such love: for, of constraint,<br/>
-Good, inasmuch as we perceive the good,<br/>
-Kindles our love, and in degree the more,<br/>
-As it comprises more of goodness in ’t.<br/>
-The essence then, where such advantage is,<br/>
-That each good, found without it, is naught else<br/>
-But of his light the beam, must needs attract<br/>
-The soul of each one, loving, who the truth<br/>
-Discerns, on which this proof is built. Such truth<br/>
-Learn I from him, who shows me the first love<br/>
-Of all intelligential substances<br/>
-Eternal: from his voice I learn, whose word<br/>
-Is truth, that of himself to Moses saith,<br/>
-‘I will make all my good before thee pass.’<br/>
-Lastly from thee I learn, who chief proclaim’st,<br/>
-E’en at the outset of thy heralding,<br/>
-In mortal ears the mystery of heav’n.”<br/>
-<br/>
-“Through human wisdom, and th’ authority<br/>
-Therewith agreeing,” heard I answer’d, “keep<br/>
-The choicest of thy love for God. But say,<br/>
-If thou yet other cords within thee feel’st<br/>
-That draw thee towards him; so that thou report<br/>
-How many are the fangs, with which this love<br/>
-Is grappled to thy soul.” I did not miss,<br/>
-To what intent the eagle of our Lord<br/>
-Had pointed his demand; yea noted well<br/>
-Th’ avowal, which he led to; and resum’d:<br/>
-“All grappling bonds, that knit the heart to God,<br/>
-Confederate to make fast our clarity.<br/>
-The being of the world, and mine own being,<br/>
-The death which he endur’d that I should live,<br/>
-And that, which all the faithful hope, as I do,<br/>
-To the foremention’d lively knowledge join’d,<br/>
-Have from the sea of ill love sav’d my bark,<br/>
-And on the coast secur’d it of the right.<br/>
-As for the leaves, that in the garden bloom,<br/>
-My love for them is great, as is the good<br/>
-Dealt by th’ eternal hand, that tends them all.”<br/>
-<br/>
-I ended, and therewith a song most sweet<br/>
-Rang through the spheres; and “Holy, holy, holy,”<br/>
-Accordant with the rest my lady sang.<br/>
-And as a sleep is broken and dispers’d<br/>
-Through sharp encounter of the nimble light,<br/>
-With the eye’s spirit running forth to meet<br/>
-The ray, from membrane on to the membrane urg’d;<br/>
-And the upstartled wight loathes that he sees;<br/>
-So, at his sudden waking, he misdeems<br/>
-Of all around him, till assurance waits<br/>
-On better judgment: thus the saintly came<br/>
-Drove from before mine eyes the motes away,<br/>
-With the resplendence of her own, that cast<br/>
-Their brightness downward, thousand miles below.<br/>
-Whence I my vision, clearer shall before,<br/>
-Recover’d; and, well nigh astounded, ask’d<br/>
-Of a fourth light, that now with us I saw.<br/>
-<br/>
-And Beatrice: “The first diving soul,<br/>
-That ever the first virtue fram’d, admires<br/>
-Within these rays his Maker.” Like the leaf,<br/>
-That bows its lithe top till the blast is blown;<br/>
-By its own virtue rear’d then stands aloof;<br/>
-So I, the whilst she said, awe-stricken bow’d.<br/>
-Then eagerness to speak embolden’d me;<br/>
-And I began: “O fruit! that wast alone<br/>
-Mature, when first engender’d! Ancient father!<br/>
-That doubly seest in every wedded bride<br/>
-Thy daughter by affinity and blood!<br/>
-Devoutly as I may, I pray thee hold<br/>
-Converse with me: my will thou seest; and I,<br/>
-More speedily to hear thee, tell it not.”<br/>
-<br/>
-It chanceth oft some animal bewrays,<br/>
-Through the sleek cov’ring of his furry coat.<br/>
-The fondness, that stirs in him and conforms<br/>
-His outside seeming to the cheer within:<br/>
-And in like guise was Adam’s spirit mov’d<br/>
-To joyous mood, that through the covering shone,<br/>
-Transparent, when to pleasure me it spake:<br/>
-“No need thy will be told, which I untold<br/>
-Better discern, than thou whatever thing<br/>
-Thou holdst most certain: for that will I see<br/>
-In Him, who is truth’s mirror, and Himself<br/>
-Parhelion unto all things, and naught else<br/>
-To him. This wouldst thou hear; how long since God<br/>
-Plac’d me high garden, from whose hounds<br/>
-She led me up in this ladder, steep and long;<br/>
-What space endur’d my season of delight;<br/>
-Whence truly sprang the wrath that banish’d me;<br/>
-And what the language, which I spake and fram’d<br/>
-Not that I tasted of the tree, my son,<br/>
-Was in itself the cause of that exile,<br/>
-But only my transgressing of the mark<br/>
-Assign’d me. There, whence at thy lady’s hest<br/>
-The Mantuan mov’d him, still was I debarr’d<br/>
-This council, till the sun had made complete,<br/>
-Four thousand and three hundred rounds and twice,<br/>
-His annual journey; and, through every light<br/>
-In his broad pathway, saw I him return,<br/>
-Thousand save sev’nty times, the whilst I dwelt<br/>
-Upon the earth. The language I did use<br/>
-Was worn away, or ever Nimrod’s race<br/>
-Their unaccomplishable work began.<br/>
-For naught, that man inclines to, ere was lasting,<br/>
-Left by his reason free, and variable,<br/>
-As is the sky that sways him. That he speaks,<br/>
-Is nature’s prompting: whether thus or thus,<br/>
-She leaves to you, as ye do most affect it.<br/>
-Ere I descended into hell’s abyss,<br/>
-El was the name on earth of the Chief Good,<br/>
-Whose joy enfolds me: Eli then ’t was call’d<br/>
-And so beseemeth: for, in mortals, use<br/>
-Is as the leaf upon the bough; that goes,<br/>
-And other comes instead. Upon the mount<br/>
-Most high above the waters, all my life,<br/>
-Both innocent and guilty, did but reach<br/>
-From the first hour, to that which cometh next<br/>
+“And meanwhile rest assur’d, that sight in thee<br>
+Is but o’erpowered a space, not wholly quench’d:<br>
+Since thy fair guide and lovely, in her look<br>
+Hath potency, the like to that which dwelt<br>
+In Ananias’ hand.” I answering thus:<br>
+“Be to mine eyes the remedy or late<br>
+Or early, at her pleasure; for they were<br>
+The gates, at which she enter’d, and did light<br>
+Her never dying fire. My wishes here<br>
+Are centered; in this palace is the weal,<br>
+That Alpha and Omega, is to all<br>
+The lessons love can read me.” Yet again<br>
+The voice which had dispers’d my fear, when daz’d<br>
+With that excess, to converse urg’d, and spake:<br>
+“Behooves thee sift more narrowly thy terms,<br>
+And say, who level’d at this scope thy bow.”<br>
+<br>
+“Philosophy,” said I, “hath arguments,<br>
+And this place hath authority enough<br>
+T’ imprint in me such love: for, of constraint,<br>
+Good, inasmuch as we perceive the good,<br>
+Kindles our love, and in degree the more,<br>
+As it comprises more of goodness in ’t.<br>
+The essence then, where such advantage is,<br>
+That each good, found without it, is naught else<br>
+But of his light the beam, must needs attract<br>
+The soul of each one, loving, who the truth<br>
+Discerns, on which this proof is built. Such truth<br>
+Learn I from him, who shows me the first love<br>
+Of all intelligential substances<br>
+Eternal: from his voice I learn, whose word<br>
+Is truth, that of himself to Moses saith,<br>
+‘I will make all my good before thee pass.’<br>
+Lastly from thee I learn, who chief proclaim’st,<br>
+E’en at the outset of thy heralding,<br>
+In mortal ears the mystery of heav’n.”<br>
+<br>
+“Through human wisdom, and th’ authority<br>
+Therewith agreeing,” heard I answer’d, “keep<br>
+The choicest of thy love for God. But say,<br>
+If thou yet other cords within thee feel’st<br>
+That draw thee towards him; so that thou report<br>
+How many are the fangs, with which this love<br>
+Is grappled to thy soul.” I did not miss,<br>
+To what intent the eagle of our Lord<br>
+Had pointed his demand; yea noted well<br>
+Th’ avowal, which he led to; and resum’d:<br>
+“All grappling bonds, that knit the heart to God,<br>
+Confederate to make fast our clarity.<br>
+The being of the world, and mine own being,<br>
+The death which he endur’d that I should live,<br>
+And that, which all the faithful hope, as I do,<br>
+To the foremention’d lively knowledge join’d,<br>
+Have from the sea of ill love sav’d my bark,<br>
+And on the coast secur’d it of the right.<br>
+As for the leaves, that in the garden bloom,<br>
+My love for them is great, as is the good<br>
+Dealt by th’ eternal hand, that tends them all.”<br>
+<br>
+I ended, and therewith a song most sweet<br>
+Rang through the spheres; and “Holy, holy, holy,”<br>
+Accordant with the rest my lady sang.<br>
+And as a sleep is broken and dispers’d<br>
+Through sharp encounter of the nimble light,<br>
+With the eye’s spirit running forth to meet<br>
+The ray, from membrane on to the membrane urg’d;<br>
+And the upstartled wight loathes that he sees;<br>
+So, at his sudden waking, he misdeems<br>
+Of all around him, till assurance waits<br>
+On better judgment: thus the saintly came<br>
+Drove from before mine eyes the motes away,<br>
+With the resplendence of her own, that cast<br>
+Their brightness downward, thousand miles below.<br>
+Whence I my vision, clearer shall before,<br>
+Recover’d; and, well nigh astounded, ask’d<br>
+Of a fourth light, that now with us I saw.<br>
+<br>
+And Beatrice: “The first diving soul,<br>
+That ever the first virtue fram’d, admires<br>
+Within these rays his Maker.” Like the leaf,<br>
+That bows its lithe top till the blast is blown;<br>
+By its own virtue rear’d then stands aloof;<br>
+So I, the whilst she said, awe-stricken bow’d.<br>
+Then eagerness to speak embolden’d me;<br>
+And I began: “O fruit! that wast alone<br>
+Mature, when first engender’d! Ancient father!<br>
+That doubly seest in every wedded bride<br>
+Thy daughter by affinity and blood!<br>
+Devoutly as I may, I pray thee hold<br>
+Converse with me: my will thou seest; and I,<br>
+More speedily to hear thee, tell it not.”<br>
+<br>
+It chanceth oft some animal bewrays,<br>
+Through the sleek cov’ring of his furry coat.<br>
+The fondness, that stirs in him and conforms<br>
+His outside seeming to the cheer within:<br>
+And in like guise was Adam’s spirit mov’d<br>
+To joyous mood, that through the covering shone,<br>
+Transparent, when to pleasure me it spake:<br>
+“No need thy will be told, which I untold<br>
+Better discern, than thou whatever thing<br>
+Thou holdst most certain: for that will I see<br>
+In Him, who is truth’s mirror, and Himself<br>
+Parhelion unto all things, and naught else<br>
+To him. This wouldst thou hear; how long since God<br>
+Plac’d me high garden, from whose hounds<br>
+She led me up in this ladder, steep and long;<br>
+What space endur’d my season of delight;<br>
+Whence truly sprang the wrath that banish’d me;<br>
+And what the language, which I spake and fram’d<br>
+Not that I tasted of the tree, my son,<br>
+Was in itself the cause of that exile,<br>
+But only my transgressing of the mark<br>
+Assign’d me. There, whence at thy lady’s hest<br>
+The Mantuan mov’d him, still was I debarr’d<br>
+This council, till the sun had made complete,<br>
+Four thousand and three hundred rounds and twice,<br>
+His annual journey; and, through every light<br>
+In his broad pathway, saw I him return,<br>
+Thousand save sev’nty times, the whilst I dwelt<br>
+Upon the earth. The language I did use<br>
+Was worn away, or ever Nimrod’s race<br>
+Their unaccomplishable work began.<br>
+For naught, that man inclines to, ere was lasting,<br>
+Left by his reason free, and variable,<br>
+As is the sky that sways him. That he speaks,<br>
+Is nature’s prompting: whether thus or thus,<br>
+She leaves to you, as ye do most affect it.<br>
+Ere I descended into hell’s abyss,<br>
+El was the name on earth of the Chief Good,<br>
+Whose joy enfolds me: Eli then ’t was call’d<br>
+And so beseemeth: for, in mortals, use<br>
+Is as the leaf upon the bough; that goes,<br>
+And other comes instead. Upon the mount<br>
+Most high above the waters, all my life,<br>
+Both innocent and guilty, did but reach<br>
+From the first hour, to that which cometh next<br>
 (As the sun changes quarter), to the sixth.”
 </p>
 
@@ -16045,155 +16039,155 @@ From the first hour, to that which cometh next<br/>
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoIII.27"></a>CANTO XXVII</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoIII.27"></a>CANTO XXVII</h2>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/27-1.jpg">
-<img src="images/27-1.jpg" width="511" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+<img src="images/27-1.jpg" alt="" style="width: 511px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-Then “Glory to the Father, to the Son,<br/>
-And to the Holy Spirit,” rang aloud<br/>
-Throughout all Paradise, that with the song<br/>
-My spirit reel’d, so passing sweet the strain:<br/>
-And what I saw was equal ecstasy;<br/>
-One universal smile it seem’d of all things,<br/>
-Joy past compare, gladness unutterable,<br/>
-Imperishable life of peace and love,<br/>
-Exhaustless riches and unmeasur’d bliss.<br/>
-<br/>
-Before mine eyes stood the four torches lit;<br/>
-And that, which first had come, began to wax<br/>
-In brightness, and in semblance such became,<br/>
-As Jove might be, if he and Mars were birds,<br/>
-And interchang’d their plumes. Silence ensued,<br/>
-Through the blest quire, by Him, who here appoints<br/>
-Vicissitude of ministry, enjoin’d;<br/>
-When thus I heard: “Wonder not, if my hue<br/>
-Be chang’d; for, while I speak, these shalt thou see<br/>
-All in like manner change with me. My place<br/>
-He who usurps on earth (my place, ay, mine,<br/>
-Which in the presence of the Son of God<br/>
-Is void), the same hath made my cemetery<br/>
-A common sewer of puddle and of blood:<br/>
-The more below his triumph, who from hence<br/>
-Malignant fell.” Such colour, as the sun,<br/>
-At eve or morning, paints an adverse cloud,<br/>
-Then saw I sprinkled over all the sky.<br/>
-And as th’ unblemish’d dame, who in herself<br/>
-Secure of censure, yet at bare report<br/>
-Of other’s failing, shrinks with maiden fear;<br/>
-So Beatrice in her semblance chang’d:<br/>
-And such eclipse in heav’n methinks was seen,<br/>
-When the Most Holy suffer’d. Then the words<br/>
-Proceeded, with voice, alter’d from itself<br/>
-So clean, the semblance did not alter more.<br/>
-“Not to this end was Christ’s spouse with my blood,<br/>
-With that of Linus, and of Cletus fed:<br/>
-That she might serve for purchase of base gold:<br/>
-But for the purchase of this happy life<br/>
-Did Sextus, Pius, and Callixtus bleed,<br/>
-And Urban, they, whose doom was not without<br/>
-Much weeping seal’d. No purpose was of our<br/>
-That on the right hand of our successors<br/>
-Part of the Christian people should be set,<br/>
-And part upon their left; nor that the keys,<br/>
-Which were vouchsaf’d me, should for ensign serve<br/>
-Unto the banners, that do levy war<br/>
-On the baptiz’d: nor I, for sigil-mark<br/>
-Set upon sold and lying privileges;<br/>
-Which makes me oft to bicker and turn red.<br/>
-In shepherd’s clothing greedy wolves below<br/>
-Range wide o’er all the pastures. Arm of God!<br/>
-Why longer sleepst thou? Caorsines and Gascona<br/>
-Prepare to quaff our blood. O good beginning<br/>
-To what a vile conclusion must thou stoop!<br/>
-But the high providence, which did defend<br/>
-Through Scipio the world’s glory unto Rome,<br/>
-Will not delay its succour: and thou, son,<br/>
-Who through thy mortal weight shall yet again<br/>
-Return below, open thy lips, nor hide<br/>
-What is by me not hidden.” As a Hood<br/>
-Of frozen vapours streams adown the air,<br/>
-What time the she-goat with her skiey horn<br/>
-Touches the sun; so saw I there stream wide<br/>
-The vapours, who with us had linger’d late<br/>
-And with glad triumph deck th’ ethereal cope.<br/>
-Onward my sight their semblances pursued;<br/>
-So far pursued, as till the space between<br/>
-From its reach sever’d them: whereat the guide<br/>
-Celestial, marking me no more intent<br/>
-On upward gazing, said, “Look down and see<br/>
-What circuit thou hast compass’d.” From the hour<br/>
-When I before had cast my view beneath,<br/>
-All the first region overpast I saw,<br/>
-Which from the midmost to the bound’ry winds;<br/>
-That onward thence from Gades I beheld<br/>
-The unwise passage of Laertes’ son,<br/>
-And hitherward the shore, where thou, Europa!<br/>
-Mad’st thee a joyful burden: and yet more<br/>
-Of this dim spot had seen, but that the sun,<br/>
-A constellation off and more, had ta’en<br/>
-His progress in the zodiac underneath.<br/>
-<br/>
-Then by the spirit, that doth never leave<br/>
-Its amorous dalliance with my lady’s looks,<br/>
-Back with redoubled ardour were mine eyes<br/>
-Led unto her: and from her radiant smiles,<br/>
-Whenas I turn’d me, pleasure so divine<br/>
-Did lighten on me, that whatever bait<br/>
-Or art or nature in the human flesh,<br/>
-Or in its limn’d resemblance, can combine<br/>
-Through greedy eyes to take the soul withal,<br/>
-Were to her beauty nothing. Its boon influence<br/>
-From the fair nest of Leda rapt me forth,<br/>
-And wafted on into the swiftest heav’n.<br/>
-<br/>
-What place for entrance Beatrice chose,<br/>
-I may not say, so uniform was all,<br/>
-Liveliest and loftiest. She my secret wish<br/>
-Divin’d; and with such gladness, that God’s love<br/>
-Seem’d from her visage shining, thus began:<br/>
-“Here is the goal, whence motion on his race<br/>
-Starts; motionless the centre, and the rest<br/>
-All mov’d around. Except the soul divine,<br/>
-Place in this heav’n is none, the soul divine,<br/>
-Wherein the love, which ruleth o’er its orb,<br/>
-Is kindled, and the virtue that it sheds;<br/>
-One circle, light and love, enclasping it,<br/>
-As this doth clasp the others; and to Him,<br/>
-Who draws the bound, its limit only known.<br/>
-Measur’d itself by none, it doth divide<br/>
-Motion to all, counted unto them forth,<br/>
-As by the fifth or half ye count forth ten.<br/>
-The vase, wherein time’s roots are plung’d, thou seest,<br/>
-Look elsewhere for the leaves. O mortal lust!<br/>
-That canst not lift thy head above the waves<br/>
-Which whelm and sink thee down! The will in man<br/>
-Bears goodly blossoms; but its ruddy promise<br/>
-Is, by the dripping of perpetual rain,<br/>
-Made mere abortion: faith and innocence<br/>
-Are met with but in babes, each taking leave<br/>
-Ere cheeks with down are sprinkled; he, that fasts,<br/>
-While yet a stammerer, with his tongue let loose<br/>
-Gluts every food alike in every moon.<br/>
-One yet a babbler, loves and listens to<br/>
-His mother; but no sooner hath free use<br/>
-Of speech, than he doth wish her in her grave.<br/>
-So suddenly doth the fair child of him,<br/>
-Whose welcome is the morn and eve his parting,<br/>
-To negro blackness change her virgin white.<br/>
-<br/>
-“Thou, to abate thy wonder, note that none<br/>
-Bears rule in earth, and its frail family<br/>
-Are therefore wand’rers. Yet before the date,<br/>
-When through the hundredth in his reck’ning drops<br/>
-Pale January must be shor’d aside<br/>
-From winter’s calendar, these heav’nly spheres<br/>
-Shall roar so loud, that fortune shall be fain<br/>
-To turn the poop, where she hath now the prow;<br/>
-So that the fleet run onward; and true fruit,<br/>
+Then “Glory to the Father, to the Son,<br>
+And to the Holy Spirit,” rang aloud<br>
+Throughout all Paradise, that with the song<br>
+My spirit reel’d, so passing sweet the strain:<br>
+And what I saw was equal ecstasy;<br>
+One universal smile it seem’d of all things,<br>
+Joy past compare, gladness unutterable,<br>
+Imperishable life of peace and love,<br>
+Exhaustless riches and unmeasur’d bliss.<br>
+<br>
+Before mine eyes stood the four torches lit;<br>
+And that, which first had come, began to wax<br>
+In brightness, and in semblance such became,<br>
+As Jove might be, if he and Mars were birds,<br>
+And interchang’d their plumes. Silence ensued,<br>
+Through the blest quire, by Him, who here appoints<br>
+Vicissitude of ministry, enjoin’d;<br>
+When thus I heard: “Wonder not, if my hue<br>
+Be chang’d; for, while I speak, these shalt thou see<br>
+All in like manner change with me. My place<br>
+He who usurps on earth (my place, ay, mine,<br>
+Which in the presence of the Son of God<br>
+Is void), the same hath made my cemetery<br>
+A common sewer of puddle and of blood:<br>
+The more below his triumph, who from hence<br>
+Malignant fell.” Such colour, as the sun,<br>
+At eve or morning, paints an adverse cloud,<br>
+Then saw I sprinkled over all the sky.<br>
+And as th’ unblemish’d dame, who in herself<br>
+Secure of censure, yet at bare report<br>
+Of other’s failing, shrinks with maiden fear;<br>
+So Beatrice in her semblance chang’d:<br>
+And such eclipse in heav’n methinks was seen,<br>
+When the Most Holy suffer’d. Then the words<br>
+Proceeded, with voice, alter’d from itself<br>
+So clean, the semblance did not alter more.<br>
+“Not to this end was Christ’s spouse with my blood,<br>
+With that of Linus, and of Cletus fed:<br>
+That she might serve for purchase of base gold:<br>
+But for the purchase of this happy life<br>
+Did Sextus, Pius, and Callixtus bleed,<br>
+And Urban, they, whose doom was not without<br>
+Much weeping seal’d. No purpose was of our<br>
+That on the right hand of our successors<br>
+Part of the Christian people should be set,<br>
+And part upon their left; nor that the keys,<br>
+Which were vouchsaf’d me, should for ensign serve<br>
+Unto the banners, that do levy war<br>
+On the baptiz’d: nor I, for sigil-mark<br>
+Set upon sold and lying privileges;<br>
+Which makes me oft to bicker and turn red.<br>
+In shepherd’s clothing greedy wolves below<br>
+Range wide o’er all the pastures. Arm of God!<br>
+Why longer sleepst thou? Caorsines and Gascona<br>
+Prepare to quaff our blood. O good beginning<br>
+To what a vile conclusion must thou stoop!<br>
+But the high providence, which did defend<br>
+Through Scipio the world’s glory unto Rome,<br>
+Will not delay its succour: and thou, son,<br>
+Who through thy mortal weight shall yet again<br>
+Return below, open thy lips, nor hide<br>
+What is by me not hidden.” As a Hood<br>
+Of frozen vapours streams adown the air,<br>
+What time the she-goat with her skiey horn<br>
+Touches the sun; so saw I there stream wide<br>
+The vapours, who with us had linger’d late<br>
+And with glad triumph deck th’ ethereal cope.<br>
+Onward my sight their semblances pursued;<br>
+So far pursued, as till the space between<br>
+From its reach sever’d them: whereat the guide<br>
+Celestial, marking me no more intent<br>
+On upward gazing, said, “Look down and see<br>
+What circuit thou hast compass’d.” From the hour<br>
+When I before had cast my view beneath,<br>
+All the first region overpast I saw,<br>
+Which from the midmost to the bound’ry winds;<br>
+That onward thence from Gades I beheld<br>
+The unwise passage of Laertes’ son,<br>
+And hitherward the shore, where thou, Europa!<br>
+Mad’st thee a joyful burden: and yet more<br>
+Of this dim spot had seen, but that the sun,<br>
+A constellation off and more, had ta’en<br>
+His progress in the zodiac underneath.<br>
+<br>
+Then by the spirit, that doth never leave<br>
+Its amorous dalliance with my lady’s looks,<br>
+Back with redoubled ardour were mine eyes<br>
+Led unto her: and from her radiant smiles,<br>
+Whenas I turn’d me, pleasure so divine<br>
+Did lighten on me, that whatever bait<br>
+Or art or nature in the human flesh,<br>
+Or in its limn’d resemblance, can combine<br>
+Through greedy eyes to take the soul withal,<br>
+Were to her beauty nothing. Its boon influence<br>
+From the fair nest of Leda rapt me forth,<br>
+And wafted on into the swiftest heav’n.<br>
+<br>
+What place for entrance Beatrice chose,<br>
+I may not say, so uniform was all,<br>
+Liveliest and loftiest. She my secret wish<br>
+Divin’d; and with such gladness, that God’s love<br>
+Seem’d from her visage shining, thus began:<br>
+“Here is the goal, whence motion on his race<br>
+Starts; motionless the centre, and the rest<br>
+All mov’d around. Except the soul divine,<br>
+Place in this heav’n is none, the soul divine,<br>
+Wherein the love, which ruleth o’er its orb,<br>
+Is kindled, and the virtue that it sheds;<br>
+One circle, light and love, enclasping it,<br>
+As this doth clasp the others; and to Him,<br>
+Who draws the bound, its limit only known.<br>
+Measur’d itself by none, it doth divide<br>
+Motion to all, counted unto them forth,<br>
+As by the fifth or half ye count forth ten.<br>
+The vase, wherein time’s roots are plung’d, thou seest,<br>
+Look elsewhere for the leaves. O mortal lust!<br>
+That canst not lift thy head above the waves<br>
+Which whelm and sink thee down! The will in man<br>
+Bears goodly blossoms; but its ruddy promise<br>
+Is, by the dripping of perpetual rain,<br>
+Made mere abortion: faith and innocence<br>
+Are met with but in babes, each taking leave<br>
+Ere cheeks with down are sprinkled; he, that fasts,<br>
+While yet a stammerer, with his tongue let loose<br>
+Gluts every food alike in every moon.<br>
+One yet a babbler, loves and listens to<br>
+His mother; but no sooner hath free use<br>
+Of speech, than he doth wish her in her grave.<br>
+So suddenly doth the fair child of him,<br>
+Whose welcome is the morn and eve his parting,<br>
+To negro blackness change her virgin white.<br>
+<br>
+“Thou, to abate thy wonder, note that none<br>
+Bears rule in earth, and its frail family<br>
+Are therefore wand’rers. Yet before the date,<br>
+When through the hundredth in his reck’ning drops<br>
+Pale January must be shor’d aside<br>
+From winter’s calendar, these heav’nly spheres<br>
+Shall roar so loud, that fortune shall be fain<br>
+To turn the poop, where she hath now the prow;<br>
+So that the fleet run onward; and true fruit,<br>
 Expected long, shall crown at last the bloom!”
 </p>
 
@@ -16201,146 +16195,146 @@ Expected long, shall crown at last the bloom!”
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoIII.28"></a>CANTO XXVIII</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoIII.28"></a>CANTO XXVIII</h2>
 
 <p>
-So she who doth imparadise my soul,<br/>
-Had drawn the veil from off our pleasant life,<br/>
-And bar’d the truth of poor mortality;<br/>
-When lo! as one who, in a mirror, spies<br/>
-The shining of a flambeau at his back,<br/>
-Lit sudden ore he deem of its approach,<br/>
-And turneth to resolve him, if the glass<br/>
-Have told him true, and sees the record faithful<br/>
-As note is to its metre; even thus,<br/>
-I well remember, did befall to me,<br/>
-Looking upon the beauteous eyes, whence love<br/>
-Had made the leash to take me. As I turn’d;<br/>
-And that, which, in their circles, none who spies,<br/>
-Can miss of, in itself apparent, struck<br/>
-On mine; a point I saw, that darted light<br/>
-So sharp, no lid, unclosing, may bear up<br/>
-Against its keenness. The least star we view<br/>
-From hence, had seem’d a moon, set by its side,<br/>
-As star by side of star. And so far off,<br/>
-Perchance, as is the halo from the light<br/>
-Which paints it, when most dense the vapour spreads,<br/>
-There wheel’d about the point a circle of fire,<br/>
-More rapid than the motion, which first girds<br/>
-The world. Then, circle after circle, round<br/>
-Enring’d each other; till the seventh reach’d<br/>
-Circumference so ample, that its bow,<br/>
-Within the span of Juno’s messenger,<br/>
-lied scarce been held entire. Beyond the sev’nth,<br/>
-Follow’d yet other two. And every one,<br/>
-As more in number distant from the first,<br/>
-Was tardier in motion; and that glow’d<br/>
-With flame most pure, that to the sparkle’ of truth<br/>
-Was nearest, as partaking most, methinks,<br/>
-Of its reality. The guide belov’d<br/>
-Saw me in anxious thought suspense, and spake:<br/>
-“Heav’n, and all nature, hangs upon that point.<br/>
-The circle thereto most conjoin’d observe;<br/>
-And know, that by intenser love its course<br/>
-Is to this swiftness wing’d.” To whom I thus:<br/>
-“It were enough; nor should I further seek,<br/>
-Had I but witness’d order, in the world<br/>
-Appointed, such as in these wheels is seen.<br/>
-But in the sensible world such diff’rence is,<br/>
-That is each round shows more divinity,<br/>
-As each is wider from the centre. Hence,<br/>
-If in this wondrous and angelic temple,<br/>
-That hath for confine only light and love,<br/>
-My wish may have completion I must know,<br/>
-Wherefore such disagreement is between<br/>
-Th’ exemplar and its copy: for myself,<br/>
-Contemplating, I fail to pierce the cause.”<br/>
-<br/>
-“It is no marvel, if thy fingers foil’d<br/>
-Do leave the knot untied: so hard ’t is grown<br/>
-For want of tenting.” Thus she said: “But take,”<br/>
-She added, “if thou wish thy cure, my words,<br/>
-And entertain them subtly. Every orb<br/>
-Corporeal, doth proportion its extent<br/>
-Unto the virtue through its parts diffus’d.<br/>
-The greater blessedness preserves the more.<br/>
-The greater is the body (if all parts<br/>
-Share equally) the more is to preserve.<br/>
-Therefore the circle, whose swift course enwheels<br/>
-The universal frame answers to that,<br/>
-Which is supreme in knowledge and in love<br/>
-Thus by the virtue, not the seeming, breadth<br/>
-Of substance, measure, thou shalt see the heav’ns,<br/>
-Each to the’ intelligence that ruleth it,<br/>
-Greater to more, and smaller unto less,<br/>
-Suited in strict and wondrous harmony.”<br/>
-<br/>
-As when the sturdy north blows from his cheek<br/>
-A blast, that scours the sky, forthwith our air,<br/>
-Clear’d of the rack, that hung on it before,<br/>
-Glitters; and, With his beauties all unveil’d,<br/>
-The firmament looks forth serene, and smiles;<br/>
-Such was my cheer, when Beatrice drove<br/>
-With clear reply the shadows back, and truth<br/>
-Was manifested, as a star in heaven.<br/>
-And when the words were ended, not unlike<br/>
-To iron in the furnace, every cirque<br/>
-Ebullient shot forth scintillating fires:<br/>
-And every sparkle shivering to new blaze,<br/>
-In number did outmillion the account<br/>
-Reduplicate upon the chequer’d board.<br/>
-Then heard I echoing on from choir to choir,<br/>
-“Hosanna,” to the fixed point, that holds,<br/>
-And shall for ever hold them to their place,<br/>
+So she who doth imparadise my soul,<br>
+Had drawn the veil from off our pleasant life,<br>
+And bar’d the truth of poor mortality;<br>
+When lo! as one who, in a mirror, spies<br>
+The shining of a flambeau at his back,<br>
+Lit sudden ore he deem of its approach,<br>
+And turneth to resolve him, if the glass<br>
+Have told him true, and sees the record faithful<br>
+As note is to its metre; even thus,<br>
+I well remember, did befall to me,<br>
+Looking upon the beauteous eyes, whence love<br>
+Had made the leash to take me. As I turn’d;<br>
+And that, which, in their circles, none who spies,<br>
+Can miss of, in itself apparent, struck<br>
+On mine; a point I saw, that darted light<br>
+So sharp, no lid, unclosing, may bear up<br>
+Against its keenness. The least star we view<br>
+From hence, had seem’d a moon, set by its side,<br>
+As star by side of star. And so far off,<br>
+Perchance, as is the halo from the light<br>
+Which paints it, when most dense the vapour spreads,<br>
+There wheel’d about the point a circle of fire,<br>
+More rapid than the motion, which first girds<br>
+The world. Then, circle after circle, round<br>
+Enring’d each other; till the seventh reach’d<br>
+Circumference so ample, that its bow,<br>
+Within the span of Juno’s messenger,<br>
+lied scarce been held entire. Beyond the sev’nth,<br>
+Follow’d yet other two. And every one,<br>
+As more in number distant from the first,<br>
+Was tardier in motion; and that glow’d<br>
+With flame most pure, that to the sparkle’ of truth<br>
+Was nearest, as partaking most, methinks,<br>
+Of its reality. The guide belov’d<br>
+Saw me in anxious thought suspense, and spake:<br>
+“Heav’n, and all nature, hangs upon that point.<br>
+The circle thereto most conjoin’d observe;<br>
+And know, that by intenser love its course<br>
+Is to this swiftness wing’d.” To whom I thus:<br>
+“It were enough; nor should I further seek,<br>
+Had I but witness’d order, in the world<br>
+Appointed, such as in these wheels is seen.<br>
+But in the sensible world such diff’rence is,<br>
+That is each round shows more divinity,<br>
+As each is wider from the centre. Hence,<br>
+If in this wondrous and angelic temple,<br>
+That hath for confine only light and love,<br>
+My wish may have completion I must know,<br>
+Wherefore such disagreement is between<br>
+Th’ exemplar and its copy: for myself,<br>
+Contemplating, I fail to pierce the cause.”<br>
+<br>
+“It is no marvel, if thy fingers foil’d<br>
+Do leave the knot untied: so hard ’t is grown<br>
+For want of tenting.” Thus she said: “But take,”<br>
+She added, “if thou wish thy cure, my words,<br>
+And entertain them subtly. Every orb<br>
+Corporeal, doth proportion its extent<br>
+Unto the virtue through its parts diffus’d.<br>
+The greater blessedness preserves the more.<br>
+The greater is the body (if all parts<br>
+Share equally) the more is to preserve.<br>
+Therefore the circle, whose swift course enwheels<br>
+The universal frame answers to that,<br>
+Which is supreme in knowledge and in love<br>
+Thus by the virtue, not the seeming, breadth<br>
+Of substance, measure, thou shalt see the heav’ns,<br>
+Each to the’ intelligence that ruleth it,<br>
+Greater to more, and smaller unto less,<br>
+Suited in strict and wondrous harmony.”<br>
+<br>
+As when the sturdy north blows from his cheek<br>
+A blast, that scours the sky, forthwith our air,<br>
+Clear’d of the rack, that hung on it before,<br>
+Glitters; and, With his beauties all unveil’d,<br>
+The firmament looks forth serene, and smiles;<br>
+Such was my cheer, when Beatrice drove<br>
+With clear reply the shadows back, and truth<br>
+Was manifested, as a star in heaven.<br>
+And when the words were ended, not unlike<br>
+To iron in the furnace, every cirque<br>
+Ebullient shot forth scintillating fires:<br>
+And every sparkle shivering to new blaze,<br>
+In number did outmillion the account<br>
+Reduplicate upon the chequer’d board.<br>
+Then heard I echoing on from choir to choir,<br>
+“Hosanna,” to the fixed point, that holds,<br>
+And shall for ever hold them to their place,<br>
 From everlasting, irremovable.
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/28-80.jpg">
-<img src="images/28-80.jpg" width="547" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+<img src="images/28-80.jpg" alt="" style="width: 547px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-Musing awhile I stood: and she, who saw<br/>
-by inward meditations, thus began:<br/>
-“In the first circles, they, whom thou beheldst,<br/>
-Are seraphim and cherubim. Thus swift<br/>
-Follow their hoops, in likeness to the point,<br/>
-Near as they can, approaching; and they can<br/>
-The more, the loftier their vision. Those,<br/>
-That round them fleet, gazing the Godhead next,<br/>
-Are thrones; in whom the first trine ends. And all<br/>
-Are blessed, even as their sight descends<br/>
-Deeper into the truth, wherein rest is<br/>
-For every mind. Thus happiness hath root<br/>
-In seeing, not in loving, which of sight<br/>
-Is aftergrowth. And of the seeing such<br/>
-The meed, as unto each in due degree<br/>
-Grace and good-will their measure have assign’d.<br/>
-The other trine, that with still opening buds<br/>
-In this eternal springtide blossom fair,<br/>
-Fearless of bruising from the nightly ram,<br/>
-Breathe up in warbled melodies threefold<br/>
-Hosannas blending ever, from the three<br/>
-Transmitted. hierarchy of gods, for aye<br/>
-Rejoicing, dominations first, next then<br/>
-Virtues, and powers the third. The next to whom<br/>
-Are princedoms and archangels, with glad round<br/>
-To tread their festal ring; and last the band<br/>
-Angelical, disporting in their sphere.<br/>
-All, as they circle in their orders, look<br/>
-Aloft, and downward with such sway prevail,<br/>
-That all with mutual impulse tend to God.<br/>
-These once a mortal view beheld. Desire<br/>
-In Dionysius so intently wrought,<br/>
-That he, as I have done rang’d them; and nam’d<br/>
-Their orders, marshal’d in his thought. From him<br/>
-Dissentient, one refus’d his sacred read.<br/>
-But soon as in this heav’n his doubting eyes<br/>
-Were open’d, Gregory at his error smil’d<br/>
-Nor marvel, that a denizen of earth<br/>
-Should scan such secret truth; for he had learnt<br/>
-Both this and much beside of these our orbs,<br/>
+Musing awhile I stood: and she, who saw<br>
+by inward meditations, thus began:<br>
+“In the first circles, they, whom thou beheldst,<br>
+Are seraphim and cherubim. Thus swift<br>
+Follow their hoops, in likeness to the point,<br>
+Near as they can, approaching; and they can<br>
+The more, the loftier their vision. Those,<br>
+That round them fleet, gazing the Godhead next,<br>
+Are thrones; in whom the first trine ends. And all<br>
+Are blessed, even as their sight descends<br>
+Deeper into the truth, wherein rest is<br>
+For every mind. Thus happiness hath root<br>
+In seeing, not in loving, which of sight<br>
+Is aftergrowth. And of the seeing such<br>
+The meed, as unto each in due degree<br>
+Grace and good-will their measure have assign’d.<br>
+The other trine, that with still opening buds<br>
+In this eternal springtide blossom fair,<br>
+Fearless of bruising from the nightly ram,<br>
+Breathe up in warbled melodies threefold<br>
+Hosannas blending ever, from the three<br>
+Transmitted. hierarchy of gods, for aye<br>
+Rejoicing, dominations first, next then<br>
+Virtues, and powers the third. The next to whom<br>
+Are princedoms and archangels, with glad round<br>
+To tread their festal ring; and last the band<br>
+Angelical, disporting in their sphere.<br>
+All, as they circle in their orders, look<br>
+Aloft, and downward with such sway prevail,<br>
+That all with mutual impulse tend to God.<br>
+These once a mortal view beheld. Desire<br>
+In Dionysius so intently wrought,<br>
+That he, as I have done rang’d them; and nam’d<br>
+Their orders, marshal’d in his thought. From him<br>
+Dissentient, one refus’d his sacred read.<br>
+But soon as in this heav’n his doubting eyes<br>
+Were open’d, Gregory at his error smil’d<br>
+Nor marvel, that a denizen of earth<br>
+Should scan such secret truth; for he had learnt<br>
+Both this and much beside of these our orbs,<br>
 From an eye-witness to heav’n’s mysteries.”
 </p>
 
@@ -16348,161 +16342,161 @@ From an eye-witness to heav’n’s mysteries.”
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoIII.29"></a>CANTO XXIX</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoIII.29"></a>CANTO XXIX</h2>
 
 <p>
-No longer than what time Latona’s twins<br/>
-Cover’d of Libra and the fleecy star,<br/>
-Together both, girding the’ horizon hang,<br/>
-In even balance from the zenith pois’d,<br/>
-Till from that verge, each, changing hemisphere,<br/>
-Part the nice level; e’en so brief a space<br/>
-Did Beatrice’s silence hold. A smile<br/>
-Bat painted on her cheek; and her fix’d gaze<br/>
-Bent on the point, at which my vision fail’d:<br/>
-When thus her words resuming she began:<br/>
-“I speak, nor what thou wouldst inquire demand;<br/>
-For I have mark’d it, where all time and place<br/>
-Are present. Not for increase to himself<br/>
-Of good, which may not be increas’d, but forth<br/>
-To manifest his glory by its beams,<br/>
-Inhabiting his own eternity,<br/>
-Beyond time’s limit or what bound soe’er<br/>
-To circumscribe his being, as he will’d,<br/>
-Into new natures, like unto himself,<br/>
-Eternal Love unfolded. Nor before,<br/>
-As if in dull inaction torpid lay.<br/>
-For not in process of before or aft<br/>
-Upon these waters mov’d the Spirit of God.<br/>
-Simple and mix’d, both form and substance, forth<br/>
-To perfect being started, like three darts<br/>
-Shot from a bow three-corded. And as ray<br/>
-In crystal, glass, and amber, shines entire,<br/>
-E’en at the moment of its issuing; thus<br/>
-Did, from th’ eternal Sovran, beam entire<br/>
-His threefold operation, at one act<br/>
-Produc’d coeval. Yet in order each<br/>
-Created his due station knew: those highest,<br/>
-Who pure intelligence were made: mere power<br/>
-The lowest: in the midst, bound with strict league,<br/>
-Intelligence and power, unsever’d bond.<br/>
-Long tract of ages by the angels past,<br/>
-Ere the creating of another world,<br/>
-Describ’d on Jerome’s pages thou hast seen.<br/>
-But that what I disclose to thee is true,<br/>
-Those penmen, whom the Holy Spirit mov’d<br/>
-In many a passage of their sacred book<br/>
-Attest; as thou by diligent search shalt find<br/>
-And reason in some sort discerns the same,<br/>
-Who scarce would grant the heav’nly ministers<br/>
-Of their perfection void, so long a space.<br/>
-Thus when and where these spirits of love were made,<br/>
-Thou know’st, and how: and knowing hast allay’d<br/>
-Thy thirst, which from the triple question rose.<br/>
-Ere one had reckon’d twenty, e’en so soon<br/>
-Part of the angels fell: and in their fall<br/>
-Confusion to your elements ensued.<br/>
-The others kept their station: and this task,<br/>
-Whereon thou lookst, began with such delight,<br/>
-That they surcease not ever, day nor night,<br/>
-Their circling. Of that fatal lapse the cause<br/>
-Was the curst pride of him, whom thou hast seen<br/>
-Pent with the world’s incumbrance. Those, whom here<br/>
-Thou seest, were lowly to confess themselves<br/>
-Of his free bounty, who had made them apt<br/>
-For ministries so high: therefore their views<br/>
-Were by enlight’ning grace and their own merit<br/>
-Exalted; so that in their will confirm’d<br/>
-They stand, nor feel to fall. For do not doubt,<br/>
-But to receive the grace, which heav’n vouchsafes,<br/>
-Is meritorious, even as the soul<br/>
-With prompt affection welcometh the guest.<br/>
-Now, without further help, if with good heed<br/>
-My words thy mind have treasur’d, thou henceforth<br/>
-This consistory round about mayst scan,<br/>
-And gaze thy fill. But since thou hast on earth<br/>
-Heard vain disputers, reasoners in the schools,<br/>
-Canvas the’ angelic nature, and dispute<br/>
-Its powers of apprehension, memory, choice;<br/>
-Therefore, ’t is well thou take from me the truth,<br/>
-Pure and without disguise, which they below,<br/>
-Equivocating, darken and perplex.<br/>
-<br/>
-“Know thou, that, from the first, these substances,<br/>
-Rejoicing in the countenance of God,<br/>
-Have held unceasingly their view, intent<br/>
-Upon the glorious vision, from the which<br/>
-Naught absent is nor hid: where then no change<br/>
-Of newness with succession interrupts,<br/>
-Remembrance there needs none to gather up<br/>
-Divided thought and images remote<br/>
-<br/>
-“So that men, thus at variance with the truth<br/>
-Dream, though their eyes be open; reckless some<br/>
-Of error; others well aware they err,<br/>
-To whom more guilt and shame are justly due.<br/>
-Each the known track of sage philosophy<br/>
-Deserts, and has a byway of his own:<br/>
-So much the restless eagerness to shine<br/>
-And love of singularity prevail.<br/>
-Yet this, offensive as it is, provokes<br/>
-Heav’n’s anger less, than when the book of God<br/>
-Is forc’d to yield to man’s authority,<br/>
-Or from its straightness warp’d: no reck’ning made<br/>
-What blood the sowing of it in the world<br/>
-Has cost; what favour for himself he wins,<br/>
-Who meekly clings to it. The aim of all<br/>
-Is how to shine: e’en they, whose office is<br/>
-To preach the Gospel, let the gospel sleep,<br/>
-And pass their own inventions off instead.<br/>
-One tells, how at Christ’s suffering the wan moon<br/>
-Bent back her steps, and shadow’d o’er the sun<br/>
-With intervenient disk, as she withdrew:<br/>
-Another, how the light shrouded itself<br/>
-Within its tabernacle, and left dark<br/>
-The Spaniard and the Indian, with the Jew.<br/>
-Such fables Florence in her pulpit hears,<br/>
-Bandied about more frequent, than the names<br/>
-Of Bindi and of Lapi in her streets.<br/>
-The sheep, meanwhile, poor witless ones, return<br/>
-From pasture, fed with wind: and what avails<br/>
-For their excuse, they do not see their harm?<br/>
-Christ said not to his first conventicle,<br/>
-‘Go forth and preach impostures to the world,’<br/>
-But gave them truth to build on; and the sound<br/>
-Was mighty on their lips; nor needed they,<br/>
-Beside the gospel, other spear or shield,<br/>
-To aid them in their warfare for the faith.<br/>
-The preacher now provides himself with store<br/>
-Of jests and gibes; and, so there be no lack<br/>
-Of laughter, while he vents them, his big cowl<br/>
-Distends, and he has won the meed he sought:<br/>
-Could but the vulgar catch a glimpse the while<br/>
-Of that dark bird which nestles in his hood,<br/>
-They scarce would wait to hear the blessing said.<br/>
-Which now the dotards hold in such esteem,<br/>
-That every counterfeit, who spreads abroad<br/>
-The hands of holy promise, finds a throng<br/>
-Of credulous fools beneath. Saint Anthony<br/>
-Fattens with this his swine, and others worse<br/>
-Than swine, who diet at his lazy board,<br/>
-Paying with unstamp’d metal for their fare.<br/>
-<br/>
-“But (for we far have wander’d) let us seek<br/>
-The forward path again; so as the way<br/>
-Be shorten’d with the time. No mortal tongue<br/>
-Nor thought of man hath ever reach’d so far,<br/>
-That of these natures he might count the tribes.<br/>
-What Daniel of their thousands hath reveal’d<br/>
-With finite number infinite conceals.<br/>
-The fountain at whose source these drink their beams,<br/>
-With light supplies them in as many modes,<br/>
-As there are splendours, that it shines on: each<br/>
-According to the virtue it conceives,<br/>
-Differing in love and sweet affection.<br/>
-Look then how lofty and how huge in breadth<br/>
-The’ eternal might, which, broken and dispers’d<br/>
-Over such countless mirrors, yet remains<br/>
+No longer than what time Latona’s twins<br>
+Cover’d of Libra and the fleecy star,<br>
+Together both, girding the’ horizon hang,<br>
+In even balance from the zenith pois’d,<br>
+Till from that verge, each, changing hemisphere,<br>
+Part the nice level; e’en so brief a space<br>
+Did Beatrice’s silence hold. A smile<br>
+Bat painted on her cheek; and her fix’d gaze<br>
+Bent on the point, at which my vision fail’d:<br>
+When thus her words resuming she began:<br>
+“I speak, nor what thou wouldst inquire demand;<br>
+For I have mark’d it, where all time and place<br>
+Are present. Not for increase to himself<br>
+Of good, which may not be increas’d, but forth<br>
+To manifest his glory by its beams,<br>
+Inhabiting his own eternity,<br>
+Beyond time’s limit or what bound soe’er<br>
+To circumscribe his being, as he will’d,<br>
+Into new natures, like unto himself,<br>
+Eternal Love unfolded. Nor before,<br>
+As if in dull inaction torpid lay.<br>
+For not in process of before or aft<br>
+Upon these waters mov’d the Spirit of God.<br>
+Simple and mix’d, both form and substance, forth<br>
+To perfect being started, like three darts<br>
+Shot from a bow three-corded. And as ray<br>
+In crystal, glass, and amber, shines entire,<br>
+E’en at the moment of its issuing; thus<br>
+Did, from th’ eternal Sovran, beam entire<br>
+His threefold operation, at one act<br>
+Produc’d coeval. Yet in order each<br>
+Created his due station knew: those highest,<br>
+Who pure intelligence were made: mere power<br>
+The lowest: in the midst, bound with strict league,<br>
+Intelligence and power, unsever’d bond.<br>
+Long tract of ages by the angels past,<br>
+Ere the creating of another world,<br>
+Describ’d on Jerome’s pages thou hast seen.<br>
+But that what I disclose to thee is true,<br>
+Those penmen, whom the Holy Spirit mov’d<br>
+In many a passage of their sacred book<br>
+Attest; as thou by diligent search shalt find<br>
+And reason in some sort discerns the same,<br>
+Who scarce would grant the heav’nly ministers<br>
+Of their perfection void, so long a space.<br>
+Thus when and where these spirits of love were made,<br>
+Thou know’st, and how: and knowing hast allay’d<br>
+Thy thirst, which from the triple question rose.<br>
+Ere one had reckon’d twenty, e’en so soon<br>
+Part of the angels fell: and in their fall<br>
+Confusion to your elements ensued.<br>
+The others kept their station: and this task,<br>
+Whereon thou lookst, began with such delight,<br>
+That they surcease not ever, day nor night,<br>
+Their circling. Of that fatal lapse the cause<br>
+Was the curst pride of him, whom thou hast seen<br>
+Pent with the world’s incumbrance. Those, whom here<br>
+Thou seest, were lowly to confess themselves<br>
+Of his free bounty, who had made them apt<br>
+For ministries so high: therefore their views<br>
+Were by enlight’ning grace and their own merit<br>
+Exalted; so that in their will confirm’d<br>
+They stand, nor feel to fall. For do not doubt,<br>
+But to receive the grace, which heav’n vouchsafes,<br>
+Is meritorious, even as the soul<br>
+With prompt affection welcometh the guest.<br>
+Now, without further help, if with good heed<br>
+My words thy mind have treasur’d, thou henceforth<br>
+This consistory round about mayst scan,<br>
+And gaze thy fill. But since thou hast on earth<br>
+Heard vain disputers, reasoners in the schools,<br>
+Canvas the’ angelic nature, and dispute<br>
+Its powers of apprehension, memory, choice;<br>
+Therefore, ’t is well thou take from me the truth,<br>
+Pure and without disguise, which they below,<br>
+Equivocating, darken and perplex.<br>
+<br>
+“Know thou, that, from the first, these substances,<br>
+Rejoicing in the countenance of God,<br>
+Have held unceasingly their view, intent<br>
+Upon the glorious vision, from the which<br>
+Naught absent is nor hid: where then no change<br>
+Of newness with succession interrupts,<br>
+Remembrance there needs none to gather up<br>
+Divided thought and images remote<br>
+<br>
+“So that men, thus at variance with the truth<br>
+Dream, though their eyes be open; reckless some<br>
+Of error; others well aware they err,<br>
+To whom more guilt and shame are justly due.<br>
+Each the known track of sage philosophy<br>
+Deserts, and has a byway of his own:<br>
+So much the restless eagerness to shine<br>
+And love of singularity prevail.<br>
+Yet this, offensive as it is, provokes<br>
+Heav’n’s anger less, than when the book of God<br>
+Is forc’d to yield to man’s authority,<br>
+Or from its straightness warp’d: no reck’ning made<br>
+What blood the sowing of it in the world<br>
+Has cost; what favour for himself he wins,<br>
+Who meekly clings to it. The aim of all<br>
+Is how to shine: e’en they, whose office is<br>
+To preach the Gospel, let the gospel sleep,<br>
+And pass their own inventions off instead.<br>
+One tells, how at Christ’s suffering the wan moon<br>
+Bent back her steps, and shadow’d o’er the sun<br>
+With intervenient disk, as she withdrew:<br>
+Another, how the light shrouded itself<br>
+Within its tabernacle, and left dark<br>
+The Spaniard and the Indian, with the Jew.<br>
+Such fables Florence in her pulpit hears,<br>
+Bandied about more frequent, than the names<br>
+Of Bindi and of Lapi in her streets.<br>
+The sheep, meanwhile, poor witless ones, return<br>
+From pasture, fed with wind: and what avails<br>
+For their excuse, they do not see their harm?<br>
+Christ said not to his first conventicle,<br>
+‘Go forth and preach impostures to the world,’<br>
+But gave them truth to build on; and the sound<br>
+Was mighty on their lips; nor needed they,<br>
+Beside the gospel, other spear or shield,<br>
+To aid them in their warfare for the faith.<br>
+The preacher now provides himself with store<br>
+Of jests and gibes; and, so there be no lack<br>
+Of laughter, while he vents them, his big cowl<br>
+Distends, and he has won the meed he sought:<br>
+Could but the vulgar catch a glimpse the while<br>
+Of that dark bird which nestles in his hood,<br>
+They scarce would wait to hear the blessing said.<br>
+Which now the dotards hold in such esteem,<br>
+That every counterfeit, who spreads abroad<br>
+The hands of holy promise, finds a throng<br>
+Of credulous fools beneath. Saint Anthony<br>
+Fattens with this his swine, and others worse<br>
+Than swine, who diet at his lazy board,<br>
+Paying with unstamp’d metal for their fare.<br>
+<br>
+“But (for we far have wander’d) let us seek<br>
+The forward path again; so as the way<br>
+Be shorten’d with the time. No mortal tongue<br>
+Nor thought of man hath ever reach’d so far,<br>
+That of these natures he might count the tribes.<br>
+What Daniel of their thousands hath reveal’d<br>
+With finite number infinite conceals.<br>
+The fountain at whose source these drink their beams,<br>
+With light supplies them in as many modes,<br>
+As there are splendours, that it shines on: each<br>
+According to the virtue it conceives,<br>
+Differing in love and sweet affection.<br>
+Look then how lofty and how huge in breadth<br>
+The’ eternal might, which, broken and dispers’d<br>
+Over such countless mirrors, yet remains<br>
 Whole in itself and one, as at the first.”
 </p>
 
@@ -16510,159 +16504,159 @@ Whole in itself and one, as at the first.”
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoIII.30"></a>CANTO XXX</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoIII.30"></a>CANTO XXX</h2>
 
 <p>
-Noon’s fervid hour perchance six thousand miles<br/>
-From hence is distant; and the shadowy cone<br/>
-Almost to level on our earth declines;<br/>
-When from the midmost of this blue abyss<br/>
-By turns some star is to our vision lost.<br/>
-And straightway as the handmaid of the sun<br/>
-Puts forth her radiant brow, all, light by light,<br/>
-Fade, and the spangled firmament shuts in,<br/>
-E’en to the loveliest of the glittering throng.<br/>
-Thus vanish’d gradually from my sight<br/>
-The triumph, which plays ever round the point,<br/>
-That overcame me, seeming (for it did)<br/>
-Engirt by that it girdeth. Wherefore love,<br/>
-With loss of other object, forc’d me bend<br/>
-Mine eyes on Beatrice once again.<br/>
-<br/>
-If all, that hitherto is told of her,<br/>
-Were in one praise concluded, ’t were too weak<br/>
-To furnish out this turn. Mine eyes did look<br/>
-On beauty, such, as I believe in sooth,<br/>
-Not merely to exceed our human, but,<br/>
-That save its Maker, none can to the full<br/>
-Enjoy it. At this point o’erpower’d I fail,<br/>
-Unequal to my theme, as never bard<br/>
-Of buskin or of sock hath fail’d before.<br/>
-For, as the sun doth to the feeblest sight,<br/>
-E’en so remembrance of that witching smile<br/>
-Hath dispossess my spirit of itself.<br/>
-Not from that day, when on this earth I first<br/>
-Beheld her charms, up to that view of them,<br/>
-Have I with song applausive ever ceas’d<br/>
-To follow, but not follow them no more;<br/>
-My course here bounded, as each artist’s is,<br/>
-When it doth touch the limit of his skill.<br/>
-<br/>
-She (such as I bequeath her to the bruit<br/>
-Of louder trump than mine, which hasteneth on,<br/>
-Urging its arduous matter to the close),<br/>
-Her words resum’d, in gesture and in voice<br/>
-Resembling one accustom’d to command:<br/>
-“Forth from the last corporeal are we come<br/>
-Into the heav’n, that is unbodied light,<br/>
-Light intellectual replete with love,<br/>
-Love of true happiness replete with joy,<br/>
-Joy, that transcends all sweetness of delight.<br/>
-Here shalt thou look on either mighty host<br/>
-Of Paradise; and one in that array,<br/>
-Which in the final judgment thou shalt see.”<br/>
-<br/>
-As when the lightning, in a sudden spleen<br/>
-Unfolded, dashes from the blinding eyes<br/>
-The visive spirits dazzled and bedimm’d;<br/>
-So, round about me, fulminating streams<br/>
-Of living radiance play’d, and left me swath’d<br/>
-And veil’d in dense impenetrable blaze.<br/>
-Such weal is in the love, that stills this heav’n;<br/>
-For its own flame the torch this fitting ever!<br/>
-<br/>
-No sooner to my list’ning ear had come<br/>
-The brief assurance, than I understood<br/>
-New virtue into me infus’d, and sight<br/>
-Kindled afresh, with vigour to sustain<br/>
-Excess of light, however pure. I look’d;<br/>
-And in the likeness of a river saw<br/>
-Light flowing, from whose amber-seeming waves<br/>
-Flash’d up effulgence, as they glided on<br/>
-’Twixt banks, on either side, painted with spring,<br/>
-Incredible how fair; and, from the tide,<br/>
-There ever and anon, outstarting, flew<br/>
-Sparkles instinct with life; and in the flow’rs<br/>
-Did set them, like to rubies chas’d in gold;<br/>
-Then, as if drunk with odors, plung’d again<br/>
-Into the wondrous flood; from which, as one<br/>
-Re’enter’d, still another rose. “The thirst<br/>
-Of knowledge high, whereby thou art inflam’d,<br/>
-To search the meaning of what here thou seest,<br/>
-The more it warms thee, pleases me the more.<br/>
-But first behooves thee of this water drink,<br/>
-Or ere that longing be allay’d.” So spake<br/>
-The day-star of mine eyes; then thus subjoin’d:<br/>
-“This stream, and these, forth issuing from its gulf,<br/>
-And diving back, a living topaz each,<br/>
-With all this laughter on its bloomy shores,<br/>
-Are but a preface, shadowy of the truth<br/>
-They emblem: not that, in themselves, the things<br/>
-Are crude; but on thy part is the defect,<br/>
-For that thy views not yet aspire so high.”<br/>
-Never did babe, that had outslept his wont,<br/>
-Rush, with such eager straining, to the milk,<br/>
-As I toward the water, bending me,<br/>
-To make the better mirrors of mine eyes<br/>
-In the refining wave; and, as the eaves<br/>
-Of mine eyelids did drink of it, forthwith<br/>
-Seem’d it unto me turn’d from length to round,<br/>
-Then as a troop of maskers, when they put<br/>
-Their vizors off, look other than before,<br/>
-The counterfeited semblance thrown aside;<br/>
-So into greater jubilee were chang’d<br/>
-Those flowers and sparkles, and distinct I saw<br/>
-Before me either court of heav’n displac’d.<br/>
-<br/>
-O prime enlightener! thou who crav’st me strength<br/>
-On the high triumph of thy realm to gaze!<br/>
-Grant virtue now to utter what I kenn’d,<br/>
-There is in heav’n a light, whose goodly shine<br/>
-Makes the Creator visible to all<br/>
-Created, that in seeing him alone<br/>
-Have peace; and in a circle spreads so far,<br/>
-That the circumference were too loose a zone<br/>
-To girdle in the sun. All is one beam,<br/>
-Reflected from the summit of the first,<br/>
-That moves, which being hence and vigour takes,<br/>
-And as some cliff, that from the bottom eyes<br/>
-Its image mirror’d in the crystal flood,<br/>
-As if t’ admire its brave appareling<br/>
-Of verdure and of flowers: so, round about,<br/>
-Eyeing the light, on more than million thrones,<br/>
-Stood, eminent, whatever from our earth<br/>
-Has to the skies return’d. How wide the leaves<br/>
-Extended to their utmost of this rose,<br/>
-Whose lowest step embosoms such a space<br/>
-Of ample radiance! Yet, nor amplitude<br/>
-Nor height impeded, but my view with ease<br/>
-Took in the full dimensions of that joy.<br/>
-Near or remote, what there avails, where God<br/>
-Immediate rules, and Nature, awed, suspends<br/>
-Her sway? Into the yellow of the rose<br/>
-Perennial, which in bright expansiveness,<br/>
-Lays forth its gradual blooming, redolent<br/>
-Of praises to the never-wint’ring sun,<br/>
-As one, who fain would speak yet holds his peace,<br/>
-Beatrice led me; and, “Behold,” she said,<br/>
-“This fair assemblage! stoles of snowy white<br/>
-How numberless! The city, where we dwell,<br/>
-Behold how vast! and these our seats so throng’d<br/>
-Few now are wanting here! In that proud stall,<br/>
-On which, the crown, already o’er its state<br/>
-Suspended, holds thine eyes&mdash;or ere thyself<br/>
-Mayst at the wedding sup,&mdash;shall rest the soul<br/>
-Of the great Harry, he who, by the world<br/>
-Augustas hail’d, to Italy must come,<br/>
-Before her day be ripe. But ye are sick,<br/>
-And in your tetchy wantonness as blind,<br/>
-As is the bantling, that of hunger dies,<br/>
-And drives away the nurse. Nor may it be,<br/>
-That he, who in the sacred forum sways,<br/>
-Openly or in secret, shall with him<br/>
-Accordant walk: Whom God will not endure<br/>
-I’ th’ holy office long; but thrust him down<br/>
-To Simon Magus, where Magna’s priest<br/>
+Noon’s fervid hour perchance six thousand miles<br>
+From hence is distant; and the shadowy cone<br>
+Almost to level on our earth declines;<br>
+When from the midmost of this blue abyss<br>
+By turns some star is to our vision lost.<br>
+And straightway as the handmaid of the sun<br>
+Puts forth her radiant brow, all, light by light,<br>
+Fade, and the spangled firmament shuts in,<br>
+E’en to the loveliest of the glittering throng.<br>
+Thus vanish’d gradually from my sight<br>
+The triumph, which plays ever round the point,<br>
+That overcame me, seeming (for it did)<br>
+Engirt by that it girdeth. Wherefore love,<br>
+With loss of other object, forc’d me bend<br>
+Mine eyes on Beatrice once again.<br>
+<br>
+If all, that hitherto is told of her,<br>
+Were in one praise concluded, ’t were too weak<br>
+To furnish out this turn. Mine eyes did look<br>
+On beauty, such, as I believe in sooth,<br>
+Not merely to exceed our human, but,<br>
+That save its Maker, none can to the full<br>
+Enjoy it. At this point o’erpower’d I fail,<br>
+Unequal to my theme, as never bard<br>
+Of buskin or of sock hath fail’d before.<br>
+For, as the sun doth to the feeblest sight,<br>
+E’en so remembrance of that witching smile<br>
+Hath dispossess my spirit of itself.<br>
+Not from that day, when on this earth I first<br>
+Beheld her charms, up to that view of them,<br>
+Have I with song applausive ever ceas’d<br>
+To follow, but not follow them no more;<br>
+My course here bounded, as each artist’s is,<br>
+When it doth touch the limit of his skill.<br>
+<br>
+She (such as I bequeath her to the bruit<br>
+Of louder trump than mine, which hasteneth on,<br>
+Urging its arduous matter to the close),<br>
+Her words resum’d, in gesture and in voice<br>
+Resembling one accustom’d to command:<br>
+“Forth from the last corporeal are we come<br>
+Into the heav’n, that is unbodied light,<br>
+Light intellectual replete with love,<br>
+Love of true happiness replete with joy,<br>
+Joy, that transcends all sweetness of delight.<br>
+Here shalt thou look on either mighty host<br>
+Of Paradise; and one in that array,<br>
+Which in the final judgment thou shalt see.”<br>
+<br>
+As when the lightning, in a sudden spleen<br>
+Unfolded, dashes from the blinding eyes<br>
+The visive spirits dazzled and bedimm’d;<br>
+So, round about me, fulminating streams<br>
+Of living radiance play’d, and left me swath’d<br>
+And veil’d in dense impenetrable blaze.<br>
+Such weal is in the love, that stills this heav’n;<br>
+For its own flame the torch this fitting ever!<br>
+<br>
+No sooner to my list’ning ear had come<br>
+The brief assurance, than I understood<br>
+New virtue into me infus’d, and sight<br>
+Kindled afresh, with vigour to sustain<br>
+Excess of light, however pure. I look’d;<br>
+And in the likeness of a river saw<br>
+Light flowing, from whose amber-seeming waves<br>
+Flash’d up effulgence, as they glided on<br>
+’Twixt banks, on either side, painted with spring,<br>
+Incredible how fair; and, from the tide,<br>
+There ever and anon, outstarting, flew<br>
+Sparkles instinct with life; and in the flow’rs<br>
+Did set them, like to rubies chas’d in gold;<br>
+Then, as if drunk with odors, plung’d again<br>
+Into the wondrous flood; from which, as one<br>
+Re’enter’d, still another rose. “The thirst<br>
+Of knowledge high, whereby thou art inflam’d,<br>
+To search the meaning of what here thou seest,<br>
+The more it warms thee, pleases me the more.<br>
+But first behooves thee of this water drink,<br>
+Or ere that longing be allay’d.” So spake<br>
+The day-star of mine eyes; then thus subjoin’d:<br>
+“This stream, and these, forth issuing from its gulf,<br>
+And diving back, a living topaz each,<br>
+With all this laughter on its bloomy shores,<br>
+Are but a preface, shadowy of the truth<br>
+They emblem: not that, in themselves, the things<br>
+Are crude; but on thy part is the defect,<br>
+For that thy views not yet aspire so high.”<br>
+Never did babe, that had outslept his wont,<br>
+Rush, with such eager straining, to the milk,<br>
+As I toward the water, bending me,<br>
+To make the better mirrors of mine eyes<br>
+In the refining wave; and, as the eaves<br>
+Of mine eyelids did drink of it, forthwith<br>
+Seem’d it unto me turn’d from length to round,<br>
+Then as a troop of maskers, when they put<br>
+Their vizors off, look other than before,<br>
+The counterfeited semblance thrown aside;<br>
+So into greater jubilee were chang’d<br>
+Those flowers and sparkles, and distinct I saw<br>
+Before me either court of heav’n displac’d.<br>
+<br>
+O prime enlightener! thou who crav’st me strength<br>
+On the high triumph of thy realm to gaze!<br>
+Grant virtue now to utter what I kenn’d,<br>
+There is in heav’n a light, whose goodly shine<br>
+Makes the Creator visible to all<br>
+Created, that in seeing him alone<br>
+Have peace; and in a circle spreads so far,<br>
+That the circumference were too loose a zone<br>
+To girdle in the sun. All is one beam,<br>
+Reflected from the summit of the first,<br>
+That moves, which being hence and vigour takes,<br>
+And as some cliff, that from the bottom eyes<br>
+Its image mirror’d in the crystal flood,<br>
+As if t’ admire its brave appareling<br>
+Of verdure and of flowers: so, round about,<br>
+Eyeing the light, on more than million thrones,<br>
+Stood, eminent, whatever from our earth<br>
+Has to the skies return’d. How wide the leaves<br>
+Extended to their utmost of this rose,<br>
+Whose lowest step embosoms such a space<br>
+Of ample radiance! Yet, nor amplitude<br>
+Nor height impeded, but my view with ease<br>
+Took in the full dimensions of that joy.<br>
+Near or remote, what there avails, where God<br>
+Immediate rules, and Nature, awed, suspends<br>
+Her sway? Into the yellow of the rose<br>
+Perennial, which in bright expansiveness,<br>
+Lays forth its gradual blooming, redolent<br>
+Of praises to the never-wint’ring sun,<br>
+As one, who fain would speak yet holds his peace,<br>
+Beatrice led me; and, “Behold,” she said,<br>
+“This fair assemblage! stoles of snowy white<br>
+How numberless! The city, where we dwell,<br>
+Behold how vast! and these our seats so throng’d<br>
+Few now are wanting here! In that proud stall,<br>
+On which, the crown, already o’er its state<br>
+Suspended, holds thine eyes&mdash;or ere thyself<br>
+Mayst at the wedding sup,&mdash;shall rest the soul<br>
+Of the great Harry, he who, by the world<br>
+Augustas hail’d, to Italy must come,<br>
+Before her day be ripe. But ye are sick,<br>
+And in your tetchy wantonness as blind,<br>
+As is the bantling, that of hunger dies,<br>
+And drives away the nurse. Nor may it be,<br>
+That he, who in the sacred forum sways,<br>
+Openly or in secret, shall with him<br>
+Accordant walk: Whom God will not endure<br>
+I’ th’ holy office long; but thrust him down<br>
+To Simon Magus, where Magna’s priest<br>
 Will sink beneath him: such will be his meed.”
 </p>
 
@@ -16670,159 +16664,159 @@ Will sink beneath him: such will be his meed.”
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoIII.31"></a>CANTO XXXI</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoIII.31"></a>CANTO XXXI</h2>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/31-1.jpg">
-<img src="images/31-1.jpg" width="541" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+<img src="images/31-1.jpg" alt="" style="width: 541px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-In fashion, as a snow-white rose, lay then<br/>
-Before my view the saintly multitude,<br/>
-Which in his own blood Christ espous’d. Meanwhile<br/>
-That other host, that soar aloft to gaze<br/>
-And celebrate his glory, whom they love,<br/>
-Hover’d around; and, like a troop of bees,<br/>
-Amid the vernal sweets alighting now,<br/>
-Now, clustering, where their fragrant labour glows,<br/>
-Flew downward to the mighty flow’r, or rose<br/>
-From the redundant petals, streaming back<br/>
-Unto the steadfast dwelling of their joy.<br/>
-Faces had they of flame, and wings of gold;<br/>
-The rest was whiter than the driven snow.<br/>
-And as they flitted down into the flower,<br/>
-From range to range, fanning their plumy loins,<br/>
-Whisper’d the peace and ardour, which they won<br/>
-From that soft winnowing. Shadow none, the vast<br/>
-Interposition of such numerous flight<br/>
-Cast, from above, upon the flower, or view<br/>
-Obstructed aught. For, through the universe,<br/>
-Wherever merited, celestial light<br/>
-Glides freely, and no obstacle prevents.<br/>
-<br/>
-All there, who reign in safety and in bliss,<br/>
-Ages long past or new, on one sole mark<br/>
-Their love and vision fix’d. O trinal beam<br/>
-Of individual star, that charmst them thus,<br/>
-Vouchsafe one glance to gild our storm below!<br/>
-<br/>
-If the grim brood, from Arctic shores that roam’d,<br/>
-(Where helice, forever, as she wheels,<br/>
-Sparkles a mother’s fondness on her son)<br/>
-Stood in mute wonder ’mid the works of Rome,<br/>
-When to their view the Lateran arose<br/>
-In greatness more than earthly; I, who then<br/>
-From human to divine had past, from time<br/>
-Unto eternity, and out of Florence<br/>
-To justice and to truth, how might I choose<br/>
-But marvel too? ’Twixt gladness and amaze,<br/>
-In sooth no will had I to utter aught,<br/>
-Or hear. And, as a pilgrim, when he rests<br/>
-Within the temple of his vow, looks round<br/>
-In breathless awe, and hopes some time to tell<br/>
-Of all its goodly state: e’en so mine eyes<br/>
-Cours’d up and down along the living light,<br/>
-Now low, and now aloft, and now around,<br/>
-Visiting every step. Looks I beheld,<br/>
-Where charity in soft persuasion sat,<br/>
-Smiles from within and radiance from above,<br/>
-And in each gesture grace and honour high.<br/>
-<br/>
-So rov’d my ken, and its general form<br/>
-All Paradise survey’d: when round I turn’d<br/>
-With purpose of my lady to inquire<br/>
-Once more of things, that held my thought suspense,<br/>
-But answer found from other than I ween’d;<br/>
-For, Beatrice, when I thought to see,<br/>
-I saw instead a senior, at my side,<br/>
-Rob’d, as the rest, in glory. Joy benign<br/>
-Glow’d in his eye, and o’er his cheek diffus’d,<br/>
-With gestures such as spake a father’s love.<br/>
-And, “Whither is she vanish’d?” straight I ask’d.<br/>
-<br/>
-“By Beatrice summon’d,” he replied,<br/>
-“I come to aid thy wish. Looking aloft<br/>
-To the third circle from the highest, there<br/>
-Behold her on the throne, wherein her merit<br/>
-Hath plac’d her.” Answering not, mine eyes I rais’d,<br/>
-And saw her, where aloof she sat, her brow<br/>
-A wreath reflecting of eternal beams.<br/>
-Not from the centre of the sea so far<br/>
-Unto the region of the highest thunder,<br/>
-As was my ken from hers; and yet the form<br/>
+In fashion, as a snow-white rose, lay then<br>
+Before my view the saintly multitude,<br>
+Which in his own blood Christ espous’d. Meanwhile<br>
+That other host, that soar aloft to gaze<br>
+And celebrate his glory, whom they love,<br>
+Hover’d around; and, like a troop of bees,<br>
+Amid the vernal sweets alighting now,<br>
+Now, clustering, where their fragrant labour glows,<br>
+Flew downward to the mighty flow’r, or rose<br>
+From the redundant petals, streaming back<br>
+Unto the steadfast dwelling of their joy.<br>
+Faces had they of flame, and wings of gold;<br>
+The rest was whiter than the driven snow.<br>
+And as they flitted down into the flower,<br>
+From range to range, fanning their plumy loins,<br>
+Whisper’d the peace and ardour, which they won<br>
+From that soft winnowing. Shadow none, the vast<br>
+Interposition of such numerous flight<br>
+Cast, from above, upon the flower, or view<br>
+Obstructed aught. For, through the universe,<br>
+Wherever merited, celestial light<br>
+Glides freely, and no obstacle prevents.<br>
+<br>
+All there, who reign in safety and in bliss,<br>
+Ages long past or new, on one sole mark<br>
+Their love and vision fix’d. O trinal beam<br>
+Of individual star, that charmst them thus,<br>
+Vouchsafe one glance to gild our storm below!<br>
+<br>
+If the grim brood, from Arctic shores that roam’d,<br>
+(Where helice, forever, as she wheels,<br>
+Sparkles a mother’s fondness on her son)<br>
+Stood in mute wonder ’mid the works of Rome,<br>
+When to their view the Lateran arose<br>
+In greatness more than earthly; I, who then<br>
+From human to divine had past, from time<br>
+Unto eternity, and out of Florence<br>
+To justice and to truth, how might I choose<br>
+But marvel too? ’Twixt gladness and amaze,<br>
+In sooth no will had I to utter aught,<br>
+Or hear. And, as a pilgrim, when he rests<br>
+Within the temple of his vow, looks round<br>
+In breathless awe, and hopes some time to tell<br>
+Of all its goodly state: e’en so mine eyes<br>
+Cours’d up and down along the living light,<br>
+Now low, and now aloft, and now around,<br>
+Visiting every step. Looks I beheld,<br>
+Where charity in soft persuasion sat,<br>
+Smiles from within and radiance from above,<br>
+And in each gesture grace and honour high.<br>
+<br>
+So rov’d my ken, and its general form<br>
+All Paradise survey’d: when round I turn’d<br>
+With purpose of my lady to inquire<br>
+Once more of things, that held my thought suspense,<br>
+But answer found from other than I ween’d;<br>
+For, Beatrice, when I thought to see,<br>
+I saw instead a senior, at my side,<br>
+Rob’d, as the rest, in glory. Joy benign<br>
+Glow’d in his eye, and o’er his cheek diffus’d,<br>
+With gestures such as spake a father’s love.<br>
+And, “Whither is she vanish’d?” straight I ask’d.<br>
+<br>
+“By Beatrice summon’d,” he replied,<br>
+“I come to aid thy wish. Looking aloft<br>
+To the third circle from the highest, there<br>
+Behold her on the throne, wherein her merit<br>
+Hath plac’d her.” Answering not, mine eyes I rais’d,<br>
+And saw her, where aloof she sat, her brow<br>
+A wreath reflecting of eternal beams.<br>
+Not from the centre of the sea so far<br>
+Unto the region of the highest thunder,<br>
+As was my ken from hers; and yet the form<br>
 Came through that medium down, unmix’d and pure,
 </p>
 
 <div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
 <a href="images/31-64.jpg">
-<img src="images/31-64.jpg" width="549" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+<img src="images/31-64.jpg" alt="" style="width: 549px; height: 600px"></a>
 </div>
 
 <p>
-“O Lady! thou in whom my hopes have rest!<br/>
-Who, for my safety, hast not scorn’d, in hell<br/>
-To leave the traces of thy footsteps mark’d!<br/>
-For all mine eyes have seen, I, to thy power<br/>
-And goodness, virtue owe and grace. Of slave,<br/>
-Thou hast to freedom brought me; and no means,<br/>
-For my deliverance apt, hast left untried.<br/>
-Thy liberal bounty still toward me keep.<br/>
-That, when my spirit, which thou madest whole,<br/>
-Is loosen’d from this body, it may find<br/>
-Favour with thee.” So I my suit preferr’d:<br/>
-And she, so distant, as appear’d, look’d down,<br/>
-And smil’d; then tow’rds th’ eternal fountain turn’d.<br/>
-<br/>
-And thus the senior, holy and rever’d:<br/>
-“That thou at length mayst happily conclude<br/>
-Thy voyage (to which end I was dispatch’d,<br/>
-By supplication mov’d and holy love)<br/>
-Let thy upsoaring vision range, at large,<br/>
-This garden through: for so, by ray divine<br/>
-Kindled, thy ken a higher flight shall mount;<br/>
-And from heav’n’s queen, whom fervent I adore,<br/>
-All gracious aid befriend us; for that I<br/>
-Am her own faithful Bernard.” Like a wight,<br/>
-Who haply from Croatia wends to see<br/>
-Our Veronica, and the while ’t is shown,<br/>
-Hangs over it with never-sated gaze,<br/>
-And, all that he hath heard revolving, saith<br/>
-Unto himself in thought: “And didst thou look<br/>
-E’en thus, O Jesus, my true Lord and God?<br/>
-And was this semblance thine?” So gaz’d I then<br/>
-Adoring; for the charity of him,<br/>
-Who musing, in the world that peace enjoy’d,<br/>
-Stood lively before me. “Child of grace!”<br/>
-Thus he began: “thou shalt not knowledge gain<br/>
-Of this glad being, if thine eyes are held<br/>
-Still in this depth below. But search around<br/>
-The circles, to the furthest, till thou spy<br/>
-Seated in state, the queen, that of this realm<br/>
-Is sovran.” Straight mine eyes I rais’d; and bright,<br/>
-As, at the birth of morn, the eastern clime<br/>
-Above th’ horizon, where the sun declines;<br/>
-To mine eyes, that upward, as from vale<br/>
-To mountain sped, at th’ extreme bound, a part<br/>
-Excell’d in lustre all the front oppos’d.<br/>
-And as the glow burns ruddiest o’er the wave,<br/>
-That waits the sloping beam, which Phaeton<br/>
-Ill knew to guide, and on each part the light<br/>
-Diminish’d fades, intensest in the midst;<br/>
-So burn’d the peaceful oriflame, and slack’d<br/>
-On every side the living flame decay’d.<br/>
-And in that midst their sportive pennons wav’d<br/>
-Thousands of angels; in resplendence each<br/>
-Distinct, and quaint adornment. At their glee<br/>
-And carol, smil’d the Lovely One of heav’n,<br/>
-That joy was in the eyes of all the blest.<br/>
-<br/>
-Had I a tongue in eloquence as rich,<br/>
-As is the colouring in fancy’s loom,<br/>
-’T were all too poor to utter the least part<br/>
-Of that enchantment. When he saw mine eyes<br/>
-Intent on her, that charm’d him, Bernard gaz’d<br/>
-With so exceeding fondness, as infus’d<br/>
+“O Lady! thou in whom my hopes have rest!<br>
+Who, for my safety, hast not scorn’d, in hell<br>
+To leave the traces of thy footsteps mark’d!<br>
+For all mine eyes have seen, I, to thy power<br>
+And goodness, virtue owe and grace. Of slave,<br>
+Thou hast to freedom brought me; and no means,<br>
+For my deliverance apt, hast left untried.<br>
+Thy liberal bounty still toward me keep.<br>
+That, when my spirit, which thou madest whole,<br>
+Is loosen’d from this body, it may find<br>
+Favour with thee.” So I my suit preferr’d:<br>
+And she, so distant, as appear’d, look’d down,<br>
+And smil’d; then tow’rds th’ eternal fountain turn’d.<br>
+<br>
+And thus the senior, holy and rever’d:<br>
+“That thou at length mayst happily conclude<br>
+Thy voyage (to which end I was dispatch’d,<br>
+By supplication mov’d and holy love)<br>
+Let thy upsoaring vision range, at large,<br>
+This garden through: for so, by ray divine<br>
+Kindled, thy ken a higher flight shall mount;<br>
+And from heav’n’s queen, whom fervent I adore,<br>
+All gracious aid befriend us; for that I<br>
+Am her own faithful Bernard.” Like a wight,<br>
+Who haply from Croatia wends to see<br>
+Our Veronica, and the while ’t is shown,<br>
+Hangs over it with never-sated gaze,<br>
+And, all that he hath heard revolving, saith<br>
+Unto himself in thought: “And didst thou look<br>
+E’en thus, O Jesus, my true Lord and God?<br>
+And was this semblance thine?” So gaz’d I then<br>
+Adoring; for the charity of him,<br>
+Who musing, in the world that peace enjoy’d,<br>
+Stood lively before me. “Child of grace!”<br>
+Thus he began: “thou shalt not knowledge gain<br>
+Of this glad being, if thine eyes are held<br>
+Still in this depth below. But search around<br>
+The circles, to the furthest, till thou spy<br>
+Seated in state, the queen, that of this realm<br>
+Is sovran.” Straight mine eyes I rais’d; and bright,<br>
+As, at the birth of morn, the eastern clime<br>
+Above th’ horizon, where the sun declines;<br>
+To mine eyes, that upward, as from vale<br>
+To mountain sped, at th’ extreme bound, a part<br>
+Excell’d in lustre all the front oppos’d.<br>
+And as the glow burns ruddiest o’er the wave,<br>
+That waits the sloping beam, which Phaeton<br>
+Ill knew to guide, and on each part the light<br>
+Diminish’d fades, intensest in the midst;<br>
+So burn’d the peaceful oriflame, and slack’d<br>
+On every side the living flame decay’d.<br>
+And in that midst their sportive pennons wav’d<br>
+Thousands of angels; in resplendence each<br>
+Distinct, and quaint adornment. At their glee<br>
+And carol, smil’d the Lovely One of heav’n,<br>
+That joy was in the eyes of all the blest.<br>
+<br>
+Had I a tongue in eloquence as rich,<br>
+As is the colouring in fancy’s loom,<br>
+’T were all too poor to utter the least part<br>
+Of that enchantment. When he saw mine eyes<br>
+Intent on her, that charm’d him, Bernard gaz’d<br>
+With so exceeding fondness, as infus’d<br>
 Ardour into my breast, unfelt before.
 </p>
 
@@ -16830,146 +16824,146 @@ Ardour into my breast, unfelt before.
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoIII.32"></a>CANTO XXXII</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoIII.32"></a>CANTO XXXII</h2>
 
 <p>
-Freely the sage, though wrapt in musings high,<br/>
-Assum’d the teacher’s part, and mild began:<br/>
-“The wound, that Mary clos’d, she open’d first,<br/>
-Who sits so beautiful at Mary’s feet.<br/>
-The third in order, underneath her, lo!<br/>
-Rachel with Beatrice. Sarah next,<br/>
-Judith, Rebecca, and the gleaner maid,<br/>
-Meek ancestress of him, who sang the songs<br/>
-Of sore repentance in his sorrowful mood.<br/>
-All, as I name them, down from deaf to leaf,<br/>
-Are in gradation throned on the rose.<br/>
-And from the seventh step, successively,<br/>
-Adown the breathing tresses of the flow’r<br/>
-Still doth the file of Hebrew dames proceed.<br/>
-For these are a partition wall, whereby<br/>
-The sacred stairs are sever’d, as the faith<br/>
-In Christ divides them. On this part, where blooms<br/>
-Each leaf in full maturity, are set<br/>
-Such as in Christ, or ere he came, believ’d.<br/>
-On th’ other, where an intersected space<br/>
-Yet shows the semicircle void, abide<br/>
-All they, who look’d to Christ already come.<br/>
-And as our Lady on her glorious stool,<br/>
-And they who on their stools beneath her sit,<br/>
-This way distinction make: e’en so on his,<br/>
-The mighty Baptist that way marks the line<br/>
-(He who endur’d the desert and the pains<br/>
-Of martyrdom, and for two years of hell,<br/>
-Yet still continued holy), and beneath,<br/>
-Augustin, Francis, Benedict, and the rest,<br/>
-Thus far from round to round. So heav’n’s decree<br/>
-Forecasts, this garden equally to fill.<br/>
-With faith in either view, past or to come,<br/>
-Learn too, that downward from the step, which cleaves<br/>
-Midway the twain compartments, none there are<br/>
-Who place obtain for merit of their own,<br/>
-But have through others’ merit been advanc’d,<br/>
-On set conditions: spirits all releas’d,<br/>
-Ere for themselves they had the power to choose.<br/>
-And, if thou mark and listen to them well,<br/>
-Their childish looks and voice declare as much.<br/>
-<br/>
-“Here, silent as thou art, I know thy doubt;<br/>
-And gladly will I loose the knot, wherein<br/>
-Thy subtle thoughts have bound thee. From this realm<br/>
-Excluded, chalice no entrance here may find,<br/>
-No more shall hunger, thirst, or sorrow can.<br/>
-A law immutable hath establish’d all;<br/>
-Nor is there aught thou seest, that doth not fit,<br/>
-Exactly, as the finger to the ring.<br/>
-It is not therefore without cause, that these,<br/>
-O’erspeedy comers to immortal life,<br/>
-Are different in their shares of excellence.<br/>
-Our Sovran Lord&mdash;that settleth this estate<br/>
-In love and in delight so absolute,<br/>
-That wish can dare no further&mdash;every soul,<br/>
-Created in his joyous sight to dwell,<br/>
-With grace at pleasure variously endows.<br/>
-And for a proof th’ effect may well suffice.<br/>
-And ’t is moreover most expressly mark’d<br/>
-In holy scripture, where the twins are said<br/>
-To, have struggled in the womb. Therefore, as grace<br/>
-Inweaves the coronet, so every brow<br/>
-Weareth its proper hue of orient light.<br/>
-And merely in respect to his prime gift,<br/>
-Not in reward of meritorious deed,<br/>
-Hath each his several degree assign’d.<br/>
-In early times with their own innocence<br/>
-More was not wanting, than the parents’ faith,<br/>
-To save them: those first ages past, behoov’d<br/>
-That circumcision in the males should imp<br/>
-The flight of innocent wings: but since the day<br/>
-Of grace hath come, without baptismal rites<br/>
-In Christ accomplish’d, innocence herself<br/>
-Must linger yet below. Now raise thy view<br/>
-Unto the visage most resembling Christ:<br/>
-For, in her splendour only, shalt thou win<br/>
-The pow’r to look on him.” Forthwith I saw<br/>
-Such floods of gladness on her visage shower’d,<br/>
-From holy spirits, winging that profound;<br/>
-That, whatsoever I had yet beheld,<br/>
-Had not so much suspended me with wonder,<br/>
-Or shown me such similitude of God.<br/>
-And he, who had to her descended, once,<br/>
-On earth, now hail’d in heav’n; and on pois’d wing.<br/>
-“Ave, Maria, Gratia Plena,” sang:<br/>
-To whose sweet anthem all the blissful court,<br/>
-From all parts answ’ring, rang: that holier joy<br/>
-Brooded the deep serene. “Father rever’d:<br/>
-Who deign’st, for me, to quit the pleasant place,<br/>
-Wherein thou sittest, by eternal lot!<br/>
-Say, who that angel is, that with such glee<br/>
-Beholds our queen, and so enamour’d glows<br/>
-Of her high beauty, that all fire he seems.”<br/>
-So I again resorted to the lore<br/>
-Of my wise teacher, he, whom Mary’s charms<br/>
-Embellish’d, as the sun the morning star;<br/>
-Who thus in answer spake: “In him are summ’d,<br/>
-Whatever of buxomness and free delight<br/>
-May be in Spirit, or in angel, met:<br/>
-And so beseems: for that he bare the palm<br/>
-Down unto Mary, when the Son of God<br/>
-Vouchsaf’d to clothe him in terrestrial weeds.<br/>
-Now let thine eyes wait heedful on my words,<br/>
-And note thou of this just and pious realm<br/>
-The chiefest nobles. Those, highest in bliss,<br/>
-The twain, on each hand next our empress thron’d,<br/>
-Are as it were two roots unto this rose.<br/>
-He to the left, the parent, whose rash taste<br/>
-Proves bitter to his seed; and, on the right,<br/>
-That ancient father of the holy church,<br/>
-Into whose keeping Christ did give the keys<br/>
-Of this sweet flow’r: near whom behold the seer,<br/>
-That, ere he died, saw all the grievous times<br/>
-Of the fair bride, who with the lance and nails<br/>
-Was won. And, near unto the other, rests<br/>
-The leader, under whom on manna fed<br/>
-Th’ ungrateful nation, fickle and perverse.<br/>
-On th’ other part, facing to Peter, lo!<br/>
-Where Anna sits, so well content to look<br/>
-On her lov’d daughter, that with moveless eye<br/>
-She chants the loud hosanna: while, oppos’d<br/>
-To the first father of your mortal kind,<br/>
-Is Lucia, at whose hest thy lady sped,<br/>
-When on the edge of ruin clos’d thine eye.<br/>
-<br/>
-“But (for the vision hasteneth so an end)<br/>
-Here break we off, as the good workman doth,<br/>
-That shapes the cloak according to the cloth:<br/>
-And to the primal love our ken shall rise;<br/>
-That thou mayst penetrate the brightness, far<br/>
-As sight can bear thee. Yet, alas! in sooth<br/>
-Beating thy pennons, thinking to advance,<br/>
-Thou backward fall’st. Grace then must first be gain’d;<br/>
-Her grace, whose might can help thee. Thou in prayer<br/>
-Seek her: and, with affection, whilst I sue,<br/>
-Attend, and yield me all thy heart.” He said,<br/>
+Freely the sage, though wrapt in musings high,<br>
+Assum’d the teacher’s part, and mild began:<br>
+“The wound, that Mary clos’d, she open’d first,<br>
+Who sits so beautiful at Mary’s feet.<br>
+The third in order, underneath her, lo!<br>
+Rachel with Beatrice. Sarah next,<br>
+Judith, Rebecca, and the gleaner maid,<br>
+Meek ancestress of him, who sang the songs<br>
+Of sore repentance in his sorrowful mood.<br>
+All, as I name them, down from deaf to leaf,<br>
+Are in gradation throned on the rose.<br>
+And from the seventh step, successively,<br>
+Adown the breathing tresses of the flow’r<br>
+Still doth the file of Hebrew dames proceed.<br>
+For these are a partition wall, whereby<br>
+The sacred stairs are sever’d, as the faith<br>
+In Christ divides them. On this part, where blooms<br>
+Each leaf in full maturity, are set<br>
+Such as in Christ, or ere he came, believ’d.<br>
+On th’ other, where an intersected space<br>
+Yet shows the semicircle void, abide<br>
+All they, who look’d to Christ already come.<br>
+And as our Lady on her glorious stool,<br>
+And they who on their stools beneath her sit,<br>
+This way distinction make: e’en so on his,<br>
+The mighty Baptist that way marks the line<br>
+(He who endur’d the desert and the pains<br>
+Of martyrdom, and for two years of hell,<br>
+Yet still continued holy), and beneath,<br>
+Augustin, Francis, Benedict, and the rest,<br>
+Thus far from round to round. So heav’n’s decree<br>
+Forecasts, this garden equally to fill.<br>
+With faith in either view, past or to come,<br>
+Learn too, that downward from the step, which cleaves<br>
+Midway the twain compartments, none there are<br>
+Who place obtain for merit of their own,<br>
+But have through others’ merit been advanc’d,<br>
+On set conditions: spirits all releas’d,<br>
+Ere for themselves they had the power to choose.<br>
+And, if thou mark and listen to them well,<br>
+Their childish looks and voice declare as much.<br>
+<br>
+“Here, silent as thou art, I know thy doubt;<br>
+And gladly will I loose the knot, wherein<br>
+Thy subtle thoughts have bound thee. From this realm<br>
+Excluded, chalice no entrance here may find,<br>
+No more shall hunger, thirst, or sorrow can.<br>
+A law immutable hath establish’d all;<br>
+Nor is there aught thou seest, that doth not fit,<br>
+Exactly, as the finger to the ring.<br>
+It is not therefore without cause, that these,<br>
+O’erspeedy comers to immortal life,<br>
+Are different in their shares of excellence.<br>
+Our Sovran Lord&mdash;that settleth this estate<br>
+In love and in delight so absolute,<br>
+That wish can dare no further&mdash;every soul,<br>
+Created in his joyous sight to dwell,<br>
+With grace at pleasure variously endows.<br>
+And for a proof th’ effect may well suffice.<br>
+And ’t is moreover most expressly mark’d<br>
+In holy scripture, where the twins are said<br>
+To, have struggled in the womb. Therefore, as grace<br>
+Inweaves the coronet, so every brow<br>
+Weareth its proper hue of orient light.<br>
+And merely in respect to his prime gift,<br>
+Not in reward of meritorious deed,<br>
+Hath each his several degree assign’d.<br>
+In early times with their own innocence<br>
+More was not wanting, than the parents’ faith,<br>
+To save them: those first ages past, behoov’d<br>
+That circumcision in the males should imp<br>
+The flight of innocent wings: but since the day<br>
+Of grace hath come, without baptismal rites<br>
+In Christ accomplish’d, innocence herself<br>
+Must linger yet below. Now raise thy view<br>
+Unto the visage most resembling Christ:<br>
+For, in her splendour only, shalt thou win<br>
+The pow’r to look on him.” Forthwith I saw<br>
+Such floods of gladness on her visage shower’d,<br>
+From holy spirits, winging that profound;<br>
+That, whatsoever I had yet beheld,<br>
+Had not so much suspended me with wonder,<br>
+Or shown me such similitude of God.<br>
+And he, who had to her descended, once,<br>
+On earth, now hail’d in heav’n; and on pois’d wing.<br>
+“Ave, Maria, Gratia Plena,” sang:<br>
+To whose sweet anthem all the blissful court,<br>
+From all parts answ’ring, rang: that holier joy<br>
+Brooded the deep serene. “Father rever’d:<br>
+Who deign’st, for me, to quit the pleasant place,<br>
+Wherein thou sittest, by eternal lot!<br>
+Say, who that angel is, that with such glee<br>
+Beholds our queen, and so enamour’d glows<br>
+Of her high beauty, that all fire he seems.”<br>
+So I again resorted to the lore<br>
+Of my wise teacher, he, whom Mary’s charms<br>
+Embellish’d, as the sun the morning star;<br>
+Who thus in answer spake: “In him are summ’d,<br>
+Whatever of buxomness and free delight<br>
+May be in Spirit, or in angel, met:<br>
+And so beseems: for that he bare the palm<br>
+Down unto Mary, when the Son of God<br>
+Vouchsaf’d to clothe him in terrestrial weeds.<br>
+Now let thine eyes wait heedful on my words,<br>
+And note thou of this just and pious realm<br>
+The chiefest nobles. Those, highest in bliss,<br>
+The twain, on each hand next our empress thron’d,<br>
+Are as it were two roots unto this rose.<br>
+He to the left, the parent, whose rash taste<br>
+Proves bitter to his seed; and, on the right,<br>
+That ancient father of the holy church,<br>
+Into whose keeping Christ did give the keys<br>
+Of this sweet flow’r: near whom behold the seer,<br>
+That, ere he died, saw all the grievous times<br>
+Of the fair bride, who with the lance and nails<br>
+Was won. And, near unto the other, rests<br>
+The leader, under whom on manna fed<br>
+Th’ ungrateful nation, fickle and perverse.<br>
+On th’ other part, facing to Peter, lo!<br>
+Where Anna sits, so well content to look<br>
+On her lov’d daughter, that with moveless eye<br>
+She chants the loud hosanna: while, oppos’d<br>
+To the first father of your mortal kind,<br>
+Is Lucia, at whose hest thy lady sped,<br>
+When on the edge of ruin clos’d thine eye.<br>
+<br>
+“But (for the vision hasteneth so an end)<br>
+Here break we off, as the good workman doth,<br>
+That shapes the cloak according to the cloth:<br>
+And to the primal love our ken shall rise;<br>
+That thou mayst penetrate the brightness, far<br>
+As sight can bear thee. Yet, alas! in sooth<br>
+Beating thy pennons, thinking to advance,<br>
+Thou backward fall’st. Grace then must first be gain’d;<br>
+Her grace, whose might can help thee. Thou in prayer<br>
+Seek her: and, with affection, whilst I sue,<br>
+Attend, and yield me all thy heart.” He said,<br>
 And thus the saintly orison began.
 </p>
 
@@ -16977,594 +16971,153 @@ And thus the saintly orison began.
 
 <div class="chapter">
 
-<h2><a name="cantoIII.33"></a>CANTO XXXIII</h2>
+<h2><a id="cantoIII.33"></a>CANTO XXXIII</h2>
 
 <p>
-“O virgin mother, daughter of thy Son,<br/>
-Created beings all in lowliness<br/>
-Surpassing, as in height, above them all,<br/>
-Term by th’ eternal counsel pre-ordain’d,<br/>
-Ennobler of thy nature, so advanc’d<br/>
-In thee, that its great Maker did not scorn,<br/>
-Himself, in his own work enclos’d to dwell!<br/>
-For in thy womb rekindling shone the love<br/>
-Reveal’d, whose genial influence makes now<br/>
-This flower to germin in eternal peace!<br/>
-Here thou to us, of charity and love,<br/>
-Art, as the noon-day torch: and art, beneath,<br/>
-To mortal men, of hope a living spring.<br/>
-So mighty art thou, lady! and so great,<br/>
-That he who grace desireth, and comes not<br/>
-To thee for aidance, fain would have desire<br/>
-Fly without wings. Nor only him who asks,<br/>
-Thy bounty succours, but doth freely oft<br/>
-Forerun the asking. Whatsoe’er may be<br/>
-Of excellence in creature, pity mild,<br/>
-Relenting mercy, large munificence,<br/>
-Are all combin’d in thee. Here kneeleth one,<br/>
-Who of all spirits hath review’d the state,<br/>
-From the world’s lowest gap unto this height.<br/>
-Suppliant to thee he kneels, imploring grace<br/>
-For virtue, yet more high to lift his ken<br/>
-Toward the bliss supreme. And I, who ne’er<br/>
-Coveted sight, more fondly, for myself,<br/>
-Than now for him, my prayers to thee prefer,<br/>
-(And pray they be not scant) that thou wouldst drive<br/>
-Each cloud of his mortality away;<br/>
-That on the sovran pleasure he may gaze.<br/>
-This also I entreat of thee, O queen!<br/>
-Who canst do what thou wilt! that in him thou<br/>
-Wouldst after all he hath beheld, preserve<br/>
-Affection sound, and human passions quell.<br/>
-Lo! Where, with Beatrice, many a saint<br/>
-Stretch their clasp’d hands, in furtherance of my suit!”<br/>
-<br/>
-The eyes, that heav’n with love and awe regards,<br/>
-Fix’d on the suitor, witness’d, how benign<br/>
-She looks on pious pray’rs: then fasten’d they<br/>
-On th’ everlasting light, wherein no eye<br/>
-Of creature, as may well be thought, so far<br/>
-Can travel inward. I, meanwhile, who drew<br/>
-Near to the limit, where all wishes end,<br/>
-The ardour of my wish (for so behooved),<br/>
-Ended within me. Beck’ning smil’d the sage,<br/>
-That I should look aloft: but, ere he bade,<br/>
-Already of myself aloft I look’d;<br/>
-For visual strength, refining more and more,<br/>
-Bare me into the ray authentical<br/>
-Of sovran light. Thenceforward, what I saw,<br/>
-Was not for words to speak, nor memory’s self<br/>
-To stand against such outrage on her skill.<br/>
-As one, who from a dream awaken’d, straight,<br/>
-All he hath seen forgets; yet still retains<br/>
-Impression of the feeling in his dream;<br/>
-E’en such am I: for all the vision dies,<br/>
-As ’t were, away; and yet the sense of sweet,<br/>
-That sprang from it, still trickles in my heart.<br/>
-Thus in the sun-thaw is the snow unseal’d;<br/>
-Thus in the winds on flitting leaves was lost<br/>
-The Sybil’s sentence. O eternal beam!<br/>
-(Whose height what reach of mortal thought may soar?)<br/>
-Yield me again some little particle<br/>
-Of what thou then appearedst, give my tongue<br/>
-Power, but to leave one sparkle of thy glory,<br/>
-Unto the race to come, that shall not lose<br/>
-Thy triumph wholly, if thou waken aught<br/>
-Of memory in me, and endure to hear<br/>
-The record sound in this unequal strain.<br/>
-<br/>
-Such keenness from the living ray I met,<br/>
-That, if mine eyes had turn’d away, methinks,<br/>
-I had been lost; but, so embolden’d, on<br/>
-I pass’d, as I remember, till my view<br/>
-Hover’d the brink of dread infinitude.<br/>
-<br/>
-O grace! unenvying of thy boon! that gav’st<br/>
-Boldness to fix so earnestly my ken<br/>
-On th’ everlasting splendour, that I look’d,<br/>
-While sight was unconsum’d, and, in that depth,<br/>
-Saw in one volume clasp’d of love, whatever<br/>
-The universe unfolds; all properties<br/>
-Of substance and of accident, beheld,<br/>
-Compounded, yet one individual light<br/>
-The whole. And of such bond methinks I saw<br/>
-The universal form: for that whenever<br/>
-I do but speak of it, my soul dilates<br/>
-Beyond her proper self; and, till I speak,<br/>
-One moment seems a longer lethargy,<br/>
-Than five-and-twenty ages had appear’d<br/>
-To that emprize, that first made Neptune wonder<br/>
-At Argo’s shadow darkening on his flood.<br/>
-<br/>
-With fixed heed, suspense and motionless,<br/>
-Wond’ring I gaz’d; and admiration still<br/>
-Was kindled, as I gaz’d. It may not be,<br/>
-That one, who looks upon that light, can turn<br/>
-To other object, willingly, his view.<br/>
-For all the good, that will may covet, there<br/>
-Is summ’d; and all, elsewhere defective found,<br/>
-Complete. My tongue shall utter now, no more<br/>
-E’en what remembrance keeps, than could the babe’s<br/>
-That yet is moisten’d at his mother’s breast.<br/>
-Not that the semblance of the living light<br/>
-Was chang’d (that ever as at first remain’d)<br/>
-But that my vision quickening, in that sole<br/>
-Appearance, still new miracles descry’d,<br/>
-And toil’d me with the change. In that abyss<br/>
-Of radiance, clear and lofty, seem’d methought,<br/>
-Three orbs of triple hue clipt in one bound:<br/>
-And, from another, one reflected seem’d,<br/>
-As rainbow is from rainbow: and the third<br/>
-Seem’d fire, breath’d equally from both. Oh speech<br/>
-How feeble and how faint art thou, to give<br/>
-Conception birth! Yet this to what I saw<br/>
-Is less than little. Oh eternal light!<br/>
-Sole in thyself that dwellst; and of thyself<br/>
-Sole understood, past, present, or to come!<br/>
-Thou smiledst; on that circling, which in thee<br/>
-Seem’d as reflected splendour, while I mus’d;<br/>
-For I therein, methought, in its own hue<br/>
-Beheld our image painted: steadfastly<br/>
-I therefore por’d upon the view. As one<br/>
-Who vers’d in geometric lore, would fain<br/>
-Measure the circle; and, though pondering long<br/>
-And deeply, that beginning, which he needs,<br/>
-Finds not; e’en such was I, intent to scan<br/>
-The novel wonder, and trace out the form,<br/>
-How to the circle fitted, and therein<br/>
-How plac’d: but the flight was not for my wing;<br/>
-Had not a flash darted athwart my mind,<br/>
-And in the spleen unfolded what it sought.<br/>
-<br/>
-Here vigour fail’d the tow’ring fantasy:<br/>
-But yet the will roll’d onward, like a wheel<br/>
-In even motion, by the Love impell’d,<br/>
+“O virgin mother, daughter of thy Son,<br>
+Created beings all in lowliness<br>
+Surpassing, as in height, above them all,<br>
+Term by th’ eternal counsel pre-ordain’d,<br>
+Ennobler of thy nature, so advanc’d<br>
+In thee, that its great Maker did not scorn,<br>
+Himself, in his own work enclos’d to dwell!<br>
+For in thy womb rekindling shone the love<br>
+Reveal’d, whose genial influence makes now<br>
+This flower to germin in eternal peace!<br>
+Here thou to us, of charity and love,<br>
+Art, as the noon-day torch: and art, beneath,<br>
+To mortal men, of hope a living spring.<br>
+So mighty art thou, lady! and so great,<br>
+That he who grace desireth, and comes not<br>
+To thee for aidance, fain would have desire<br>
+Fly without wings. Nor only him who asks,<br>
+Thy bounty succours, but doth freely oft<br>
+Forerun the asking. Whatsoe’er may be<br>
+Of excellence in creature, pity mild,<br>
+Relenting mercy, large munificence,<br>
+Are all combin’d in thee. Here kneeleth one,<br>
+Who of all spirits hath review’d the state,<br>
+From the world’s lowest gap unto this height.<br>
+Suppliant to thee he kneels, imploring grace<br>
+For virtue, yet more high to lift his ken<br>
+Toward the bliss supreme. And I, who ne’er<br>
+Coveted sight, more fondly, for myself,<br>
+Than now for him, my prayers to thee prefer,<br>
+(And pray they be not scant) that thou wouldst drive<br>
+Each cloud of his mortality away;<br>
+That on the sovran pleasure he may gaze.<br>
+This also I entreat of thee, O queen!<br>
+Who canst do what thou wilt! that in him thou<br>
+Wouldst after all he hath beheld, preserve<br>
+Affection sound, and human passions quell.<br>
+Lo! Where, with Beatrice, many a saint<br>
+Stretch their clasp’d hands, in furtherance of my suit!”<br>
+<br>
+The eyes, that heav’n with love and awe regards,<br>
+Fix’d on the suitor, witness’d, how benign<br>
+She looks on pious pray’rs: then fasten’d they<br>
+On th’ everlasting light, wherein no eye<br>
+Of creature, as may well be thought, so far<br>
+Can travel inward. I, meanwhile, who drew<br>
+Near to the limit, where all wishes end,<br>
+The ardour of my wish (for so behooved),<br>
+Ended within me. Beck’ning smil’d the sage,<br>
+That I should look aloft: but, ere he bade,<br>
+Already of myself aloft I look’d;<br>
+For visual strength, refining more and more,<br>
+Bare me into the ray authentical<br>
+Of sovran light. Thenceforward, what I saw,<br>
+Was not for words to speak, nor memory’s self<br>
+To stand against such outrage on her skill.<br>
+As one, who from a dream awaken’d, straight,<br>
+All he hath seen forgets; yet still retains<br>
+Impression of the feeling in his dream;<br>
+E’en such am I: for all the vision dies,<br>
+As ’t were, away; and yet the sense of sweet,<br>
+That sprang from it, still trickles in my heart.<br>
+Thus in the sun-thaw is the snow unseal’d;<br>
+Thus in the winds on flitting leaves was lost<br>
+The Sybil’s sentence. O eternal beam!<br>
+(Whose height what reach of mortal thought may soar?)<br>
+Yield me again some little particle<br>
+Of what thou then appearedst, give my tongue<br>
+Power, but to leave one sparkle of thy glory,<br>
+Unto the race to come, that shall not lose<br>
+Thy triumph wholly, if thou waken aught<br>
+Of memory in me, and endure to hear<br>
+The record sound in this unequal strain.<br>
+<br>
+Such keenness from the living ray I met,<br>
+That, if mine eyes had turn’d away, methinks,<br>
+I had been lost; but, so embolden’d, on<br>
+I pass’d, as I remember, till my view<br>
+Hover’d the brink of dread infinitude.<br>
+<br>
+O grace! unenvying of thy boon! that gav’st<br>
+Boldness to fix so earnestly my ken<br>
+On th’ everlasting splendour, that I look’d,<br>
+While sight was unconsum’d, and, in that depth,<br>
+Saw in one volume clasp’d of love, whatever<br>
+The universe unfolds; all properties<br>
+Of substance and of accident, beheld,<br>
+Compounded, yet one individual light<br>
+The whole. And of such bond methinks I saw<br>
+The universal form: for that whenever<br>
+I do but speak of it, my soul dilates<br>
+Beyond her proper self; and, till I speak,<br>
+One moment seems a longer lethargy,<br>
+Than five-and-twenty ages had appear’d<br>
+To that emprize, that first made Neptune wonder<br>
+At Argo’s shadow darkening on his flood.<br>
+<br>
+With fixed heed, suspense and motionless,<br>
+Wond’ring I gaz’d; and admiration still<br>
+Was kindled, as I gaz’d. It may not be,<br>
+That one, who looks upon that light, can turn<br>
+To other object, willingly, his view.<br>
+For all the good, that will may covet, there<br>
+Is summ’d; and all, elsewhere defective found,<br>
+Complete. My tongue shall utter now, no more<br>
+E’en what remembrance keeps, than could the babe’s<br>
+That yet is moisten’d at his mother’s breast.<br>
+Not that the semblance of the living light<br>
+Was chang’d (that ever as at first remain’d)<br>
+But that my vision quickening, in that sole<br>
+Appearance, still new miracles descry’d,<br>
+And toil’d me with the change. In that abyss<br>
+Of radiance, clear and lofty, seem’d methought,<br>
+Three orbs of triple hue clipt in one bound:<br>
+And, from another, one reflected seem’d,<br>
+As rainbow is from rainbow: and the third<br>
+Seem’d fire, breath’d equally from both. Oh speech<br>
+How feeble and how faint art thou, to give<br>
+Conception birth! Yet this to what I saw<br>
+Is less than little. Oh eternal light!<br>
+Sole in thyself that dwellst; and of thyself<br>
+Sole understood, past, present, or to come!<br>
+Thou smiledst; on that circling, which in thee<br>
+Seem’d as reflected splendour, while I mus’d;<br>
+For I therein, methought, in its own hue<br>
+Beheld our image painted: steadfastly<br>
+I therefore por’d upon the view. As one<br>
+Who vers’d in geometric lore, would fain<br>
+Measure the circle; and, though pondering long<br>
+And deeply, that beginning, which he needs,<br>
+Finds not; e’en such was I, intent to scan<br>
+The novel wonder, and trace out the form,<br>
+How to the circle fitted, and therein<br>
+How plac’d: but the flight was not for my wing;<br>
+Had not a flash darted athwart my mind,<br>
+And in the spleen unfolded what it sought.<br>
+<br>
+Here vigour fail’d the tow’ring fantasy:<br>
+But yet the will roll’d onward, like a wheel<br>
+In even motion, by the Love impell’d,<br>
 That moves the sun in heav’n and all the stars.
 </p>
 
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 Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for
-eBook #8800 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/8800)
+book #8800 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/8800)
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-Project Gutenberg's The Divine Comedy, 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.org
-
-
-Title: The Divine Comedy, Complete
-       The Vision of Paradise, Purgatory and Hell
-
-Author: Dante Alighieri
-
-Illustrator: Gustave Dore
-
-Translator: Rev. H. F. Cary
-
-Release Date: September, 2005  [Etext #8800]
-Posting Date: June 11, 2009
-
-Language: English
-
-Character set encoding: ASCII
-
-*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE DIVINE COMEDY, COMPLETE ***
-
-
-
-
-Produced by David Widger
-
-
-
-
-
-THE DIVINE COMEDY
-
-
-THE VISION
-
-OF
-
-HELL, PURGATORY, AND PARADISE
-
-BY
-
-DANTE ALIGHIERI
-
-
-
-
-
-
-PARADISE
-
-Complete
-
-
-
-TRANSLATED BY
-
-THE REV. H. F. CARY, M.A.
-
-
-
-PARADISE
-
-
-
-LIST OF CANTOS
-Canto 1
-Canto 2
-Canto 3
-Canto 4
-Canto 5
-Canto 6
-Canto 7
-Canto 8
-Canto 9
-Canto 10
-Canto 11
-Canto 12
-Canto 13
-Canto 14
-Canto 15
-Canto 16
-Canto 17
-Canto 18
-Canto 19
-Canto 20
-Canto 21
-Canto 22
-Canto 23
-Canto 24
-Canto 25
-Canto 26
-Canto 27
-Canto 28
-Canto 29
-Canto 30
-Canto 31
-Canto 32
-Canto 33
-
-
-
-
-CANTO I
-
-His glory, by whose might all things are mov'd,
-Pierces the universe, and in one part
-Sheds more resplendence, elsewhere less.  In heav'n,
-That largeliest of his light partakes, was I,
-Witness of things, which to relate again
-Surpasseth power of him who comes from thence;
-For that, so near approaching its desire
-Our intellect is to such depth absorb'd,
-That memory cannot follow.  Nathless all,
-That in my thoughts I of that sacred realm
-Could store, shall now be matter of my song.
-
-Benign Apollo! this last labour aid,
-And make me such a vessel of thy worth,
-As thy own laurel claims of me belov'd.
-Thus far hath one of steep Parnassus' brows
-Suffic'd me; henceforth there is need of both
-For my remaining enterprise Do thou
-Enter into my bosom, and there breathe
-So, as when Marsyas by thy hand was dragg'd
-Forth from his limbs unsheath'd.  O power divine!
-If thou to me of shine impart so much,
-That of that happy realm the shadow'd form
-Trac'd in my thoughts I may set forth to view,
-Thou shalt behold me of thy favour'd tree
-Come to the foot, and crown myself with leaves;
-For to that honour thou, and my high theme
-Will fit me.  If but seldom, mighty Sire!
-To grace his triumph gathers thence a wreath
-Caesar or bard (more shame for human wills
-Deprav'd) joy to the Delphic god must spring
-From the Pierian foliage, when one breast
-Is with such thirst inspir'd.  From a small spark
-Great flame hath risen: after me perchance
-Others with better voice may pray, and gain
-From the Cirrhaean city answer kind.
-
-Through diver passages, the world's bright lamp
-Rises to mortals, but through that which joins
-Four circles with the threefold cross, in best
-Course, and in happiest constellation set
-He comes, and to the worldly wax best gives
-Its temper and impression.  Morning there,
-Here eve was by almost such passage made;
-And whiteness had o'erspread that hemisphere,
-Blackness the other part; when to the left
-I saw Beatrice turn'd, and on the sun
-Gazing, as never eagle fix'd his ken.
-As from the first a second beam is wont
-To issue, and reflected upwards rise,
-E'en as a pilgrim bent on his return,
-So of her act, that through the eyesight pass'd
-Into my fancy, mine was form'd; and straight,
-Beyond our mortal wont, I fix'd mine eyes
-Upon the sun.  Much is allowed us there,
-That here exceeds our pow'r; thanks to the place
-Made for the dwelling of the human kind
-
-I suffer'd it not long, and yet so long
-That I beheld it bick'ring sparks around,
-As iron that comes boiling from the fire.
-And suddenly upon the day appear'd
-A day new-ris'n, as he, who hath the power,
-Had with another sun bedeck'd the sky.
-
-Her eyes fast fix'd on the eternal wheels,
-Beatrice stood unmov'd; and I with ken
-Fix'd upon her, from upward gaze remov'd
-At her aspect, such inwardly became
-As Glaucus, when he tasted of the herb,
-That made him peer among the ocean gods;
-Words may not tell of that transhuman change:
-And therefore let the example serve, though weak,
-For those whom grace hath better proof in store
-
-If I were only what thou didst create,
-Then newly, Love! by whom the heav'n is rul'd,
-Thou know'st, who by thy light didst bear me up.
-Whenas the wheel which thou dost ever guide,
-Desired Spirit! with its harmony
-Temper'd of thee and measur'd, charm'd mine ear,
-Then seem'd to me so much of heav'n to blaze
-With the sun's flame, that rain or flood ne'er made
-A lake so broad.  The newness of the sound,
-And that great light, inflam'd me with desire,
-Keener than e'er was felt, to know their cause.
-
-Whence she who saw me, clearly as myself,
-To calm my troubled mind, before I ask'd,
-Open'd her lips, and gracious thus began:
-"With false imagination thou thyself
-Mak'st dull, so that thou seest not the thing,
-Which thou hadst seen, had that been shaken off.
-Thou art not on the earth as thou believ'st;
-For light'ning scap'd from its own proper place
-Ne'er ran, as thou hast hither now return'd."
-
-Although divested of my first-rais'd doubt,
-By those brief words, accompanied with smiles,
-Yet in new doubt was I entangled more,
-And said: "Already satisfied, I rest
-From admiration deep, but now admire
-How I above those lighter bodies rise."
-
-Whence, after utt'rance of a piteous sigh,
-She tow'rds me bent her eyes, with such a look,
-As on her frenzied child a mother casts;
-Then thus began: "Among themselves all things
-Have order; and from hence the form, which makes
-The universe resemble God.  In this
-The higher creatures see the printed steps
-Of that eternal worth, which is the end
-Whither the line is drawn.  All natures lean,
-In this their order, diversely, some more,
-Some less approaching to their primal source.
-Thus they to different havens are mov'd on
-Through the vast sea of being, and each one
-With instinct giv'n, that bears it in its course;
-This to the lunar sphere directs the fire,
-This prompts the hearts of mortal animals,
-This the brute earth together knits, and binds.
-Nor only creatures, void of intellect,
-Are aim'd at by this bow; but even those,
-That have intelligence and love, are pierc'd.
-That Providence, who so well orders all,
-With her own light makes ever calm the heaven,
-In which the substance, that hath greatest speed,
-Is turn'd: and thither now, as to our seat
-Predestin'd, we are carried by the force
-Of that strong cord, that never looses dart,
-But at fair aim and glad.  Yet is it true,
-That as ofttimes but ill accords the form
-To the design of art, through sluggishness
-Of unreplying matter, so this course
-Is sometimes quitted by the creature, who
-Hath power, directed thus, to bend elsewhere;
-As from a cloud the fire is seen to fall,
-From its original impulse warp'd, to earth,
-By vicious fondness.  Thou no more admire
-Thy soaring, (if I rightly deem,) than lapse
-Of torrent downwards from a mountain's height.
-There would in thee for wonder be more cause,
-If, free of hind'rance, thou hadst fix'd thyself
-Below, like fire unmoving on the earth."
-
-So said, she turn'd toward the heav'n her face.
-
-
-
-
-CANTO II
-
-All ye, who in small bark have following sail'd,
-Eager to listen, on the advent'rous track
-Of my proud keel, that singing cuts its way,
-Backward return with speed, and your own shores
-Revisit, nor put out to open sea,
-Where losing me, perchance ye may remain
-Bewilder'd in deep maze.  The way I pass
-Ne'er yet was run: Minerva breathes the gale,
-Apollo guides me, and another Nine
-To my rapt sight the arctic beams reveal.
-Ye other few, who have outstretch'd the neck.
-Timely for food of angels, on which here
-They live, yet never know satiety,
-Through the deep brine ye fearless may put out
-Your vessel, marking, well the furrow broad
-Before you in the wave, that on both sides
-Equal returns.  Those, glorious, who pass'd o'er
-To Colchos, wonder'd not as ye will do,
-When they saw Jason following the plough.
-
-The increate perpetual thirst, that draws
-Toward the realm of God's own form, bore us
-Swift almost as the heaven ye behold.
-
-Beatrice upward gaz'd, and I on her,
-And in such space as on the notch a dart
-Is plac'd, then loosen'd flies, I saw myself
-Arriv'd, where wond'rous thing engag'd my sight.
-Whence she, to whom no work of mine was hid,
-Turning to me, with aspect glad as fair,
-Bespake me: "Gratefully direct thy mind
-To God, through whom to this first star we come."
-
-Me seem'd as if a cloud had cover'd us,
-Translucent, solid, firm, and polish'd bright,
-Like adamant, which the sun's beam had smit
-Within itself the ever-during pearl
-Receiv'd us, as the wave a ray of light
-Receives, and rests unbroken.  If I then
-Was of corporeal frame, and it transcend
-Our weaker thought, how one dimension thus
-Another could endure, which needs must be
-If body enter body, how much more
-Must the desire inflame us to behold
-That essence, which discovers by what means
-God and our nature join'd!  There will be seen
-That which we hold through faith, not shown by proof,
-But in itself intelligibly plain,
-E'en as the truth that man at first believes.
-
-I answered: "Lady! I with thoughts devout,
-Such as I best can frame, give thanks to Him,
-Who hath remov'd me from the mortal world.
-But tell, I pray thee, whence the gloomy spots
-Upon this body, which below on earth
-Give rise to talk of Cain in fabling quaint?"
-
-She somewhat smil'd, then spake: "If mortals err
-In their opinion, when the key of sense
-Unlocks not, surely wonder's weapon keen
-Ought not to pierce thee; since thou find'st, the wings
-Of reason to pursue the senses' flight
-Are short.  But what thy own thought is, declare."
-
-Then I: "What various here above appears,
-Is caus'd, I deem, by bodies dense or rare."
-
-She then resum'd: "Thou certainly wilt see
-In falsehood thy belief o'erwhelm'd, if well
-Thou listen to the arguments, which I
-Shall bring to face it.  The eighth sphere displays
-Numberless lights, the which in kind and size
-May be remark'd of different aspects;
-If rare or dense of that were cause alone,
-One single virtue then would be in all,
-Alike distributed, or more, or less.
-Different virtues needs must be the fruits
-Of formal principles, and these, save one,
-Will by thy reasoning be destroy'd.  Beside,
-If rarity were of that dusk the cause,
-Which thou inquirest, either in some part
-That planet must throughout be void, nor fed
-With its own matter; or, as bodies share
-Their fat and leanness, in like manner this
-Must in its volume change the leaves.  The first,
-If it were true, had through the sun's eclipse
-Been manifested, by transparency
-Of light, as through aught rare beside effus'd.
-But this is not.  Therefore remains to see
-The other cause: and if the other fall,
-Erroneous so must prove what seem'd to thee.
-If not from side to side this rarity
-Pass through, there needs must be a limit, whence
-Its contrary no further lets it pass.
-And hence the beam, that from without proceeds,
-Must be pour'd back, as colour comes, through glass
-Reflected, which behind it lead conceals.
-Now wilt thou say, that there of murkier hue
-Than in the other part the ray is shown,
-By being thence refracted farther back.
-From this perplexity will free thee soon
-Experience, if thereof thou trial make,
-The fountain whence your arts derive their streame.
-Three mirrors shalt thou take, and two remove
-From thee alike, and more remote the third.
-Betwixt the former pair, shall meet thine eyes;
-Then turn'd toward them, cause behind thy back
-A light to stand, that on the three shall shine,
-And thus reflected come to thee from all.
-Though that beheld most distant do not stretch
-A space so ample, yet in brightness thou
-Will own it equaling the rest.  But now,
-As under snow the ground, if the warm ray
-Smites it, remains dismantled of the hue
-And cold, that cover'd it before, so thee,
-Dismantled in thy mind, I will inform
-With light so lively, that the tremulous beam
-Shall quiver where it falls.  Within the heaven,
-Where peace divine inhabits, circles round
-A body, in whose virtue dies the being
-Of all that it contains.  The following heaven,
-That hath so many lights, this being divides,
-Through  different essences, from it distinct,
-And yet contain'd within it.  The other orbs
-Their separate distinctions variously
-Dispose, for their own seed and produce apt.
-Thus do these organs of the world proceed,
-As thou beholdest now, from step to step,
-Their influences from above deriving,
-And thence transmitting downwards.  Mark me well,
-How through this passage to the truth I ford,
-The truth thou lov'st, that thou henceforth alone,
-May'st know to keep the shallows, safe, untold.
-
-"The virtue and motion of the sacred orbs,
-As mallet by the workman's hand, must needs
-By blessed movers be inspir'd.  This heaven,
-Made beauteous by so many luminaries,
-From the deep spirit, that moves its circling sphere,
-Its image takes an impress as a seal:
-And as the soul, that dwells within your dust,
-Through members different, yet together form'd,
-In different pow'rs resolves itself; e'en so
-The intellectual efficacy unfolds
-Its goodness multiplied throughout the stars;
-On its own unity revolving still.
-Different virtue compact different
-Makes with the precious body it enlivens,
-With which it knits, as life in you is knit.
-From its original nature full of joy,
-The virtue mingled through the body shines,
-As joy through pupil of the living eye.
-From hence proceeds, that which from light to light
-Seems different, and not from dense or rare.
-This is the formal cause, that generates
-Proportion'd to its power, the dusk or clear."
-
-
-
-
-CANTO III
-
-That sun, which erst with love my bosom warm'd
-Had of fair truth unveil'd the sweet aspect,
-By proof of right, and of the false reproof;
-And I, to own myself convinc'd and free
-Of doubt, as much as needed, rais'd my head
-Erect for speech.  But soon a sight appear'd,
-Which, so intent to mark it, held me fix'd,
-That of confession I no longer thought.
-
-As through translucent and smooth glass, or wave
-Clear and unmov'd, and flowing not so deep
-As that its bed is dark, the shape returns
-So faint of our impictur'd lineaments,
-That on white forehead set a pearl as strong
-Comes to the eye: such saw I many a face,
-All stretch'd to speak, from whence I straight conceiv'd
-Delusion opposite to that, which rais'd
-Between the man and fountain, amorous flame.
-
-Sudden, as I perceiv'd them, deeming these
-Reflected semblances to see of whom
-They were, I turn'd mine eyes, and nothing saw;
-Then turn'd them back, directed on the light
-Of my sweet guide, who smiling shot forth beams
-From her celestial eyes.  "Wonder not thou,"
-She cry'd, "at this my smiling, when I see
-Thy childish judgment; since not yet on truth
-It rests the foot, but, as it still is wont,
-Makes thee fall back in unsound vacancy.
-True substances are these, which thou behold'st,
-Hither through failure of their vow exil'd.
-But speak thou with them; listen, and believe,
-That the true light, which fills them with desire,
-Permits not from its beams their feet to stray."
-
-Straight to the shadow which for converse seem'd
-Most earnest, I addressed me, and began,
-As one by over-eagerness perplex'd:
-"O spirit, born for joy! who in the rays
-Of life eternal, of that sweetness know'st
-The flavour, which, not tasted, passes far
-All apprehension, me it well would please,
-If thou wouldst tell me of thy name, and this
-Your station here." Whence she, with kindness prompt,
-And eyes glist'ning with smiles: "Our charity,
-To any wish by justice introduc'd,
-Bars not the door, no more than she above,
-Who would have all her court be like herself.
-I was a virgin sister in the earth;
-And if thy mind observe me well, this form,
-With such addition grac'd of loveliness,
-Will not conceal me long, but thou wilt know
-Piccarda, in the tardiest sphere thus plac'd,
-Here 'mid these other blessed also blest.
-Our hearts, whose high affections burn alone
-With pleasure, from the Holy Spirit conceiv'd,
-Admitted to his order dwell in joy.
-And this condition, which appears so low,
-Is for this cause assign'd us, that our vows
-Were in some part neglected and made void."
-
-Whence I to her replied: "Something divine
-Beams in your countenance, wond'rous fair,
-From former knowledge quite transmuting you.
-Therefore to recollect was I so slow.
-But what thou sayst hath to my memory
-Given now such aid, that to retrace your forms
-Is easier.  Yet inform me, ye, who here
-Are happy, long ye for a higher place
-More to behold, and more in love to dwell?"
-
-She with those other spirits gently smil'd,
-Then answer'd with such gladness, that she seem'd
-With love's first flame to glow: "Brother! our will
-Is in composure settled by the power
-Of charity, who makes us will alone
-What we possess, and nought beyond desire;
-If we should wish to be exalted more,
-Then must our wishes jar with the high will
-Of him, who sets us here, which in these orbs
-Thou wilt confess not possible, if here
-To be in charity must needs befall,
-And if her nature well thou contemplate.
-Rather it is inherent in this state
-Of blessedness, to keep ourselves within
-The divine will, by which our wills with his
-Are one.  So that as we from step to step
-Are plac'd throughout this kingdom, pleases all,
-E'en as our King, who in us plants his will;
-And in his will is our tranquillity;
-It is the mighty ocean, whither tends
-Whatever it creates and nature makes."
-
-Then saw I clearly how each spot in heav'n
-Is Paradise, though with like gracious dew
-The supreme virtue show'r not over all.
-
-But as it chances, if one sort of food
-Hath satiated, and of another still
-The appetite remains, that this is ask'd,
-And thanks for that return'd; e'en so did I
-In word and motion, bent from her to learn
-What web it was, through which she had not drawn
-The shuttle to its point.  She thus began:
-"Exalted worth and perfectness of life
-The Lady higher up enshrine in heaven,
-By whose pure laws upon your nether earth
-The robe and veil they wear, to that intent,
-That e'en till death they may keep watch or sleep
-With their great bridegroom, who accepts each vow,
-Which to his gracious pleasure love conforms.
-from the world, to follow her, when young
-Escap'd; and, in her vesture mantling me,
-Made promise of the way her sect enjoins.
-Thereafter men, for ill than good more apt,
-Forth snatch'd me from the pleasant cloister's pale.
-God knows how after that my life was fram'd.
-This other splendid shape, which thou beholdst
-At my right side, burning with all the light
-Of this our orb, what of myself I tell
-May to herself apply.  From her, like me
-A sister, with like violence were torn
-The saintly folds, that shaded her fair brows.
-E'en when she to the world again was brought
-In spite of her own will and better wont,
-Yet not for that the bosom's inward veil
-Did she renounce.  This is the luminary
-Of mighty Constance, who from that loud blast,
-Which blew the second over Suabia's realm,
-That power produc'd, which was the third and last."
-
-She ceas'd from further talk, and then began
-"Ave Maria" singing, and with that song
-Vanish'd, as heavy substance through deep wave.
-
-Mine eye, that far as it was capable,
-Pursued her, when in dimness she was lost,
-Turn'd to the mark where greater want impell'd,
-And bent on Beatrice all its gaze.
-But she as light'ning beam'd upon my looks:
-So that the sight sustain'd it not at first.
-Whence I to question her became less prompt.
-
-
-
-
-CANTO IV
-
-Between two kinds of food, both equally
-Remote and tempting, first a man might die
-Of hunger, ere he one could freely choose.
-E'en so would stand a lamb between the maw
-Of two fierce wolves, in dread of both alike:
-E'en so between two deer a dog would stand,
-Wherefore, if I was silent, fault nor praise
-I to myself impute, by equal doubts
-Held in suspense, since of necessity
-It happen'd.  Silent was I, yet desire
-Was painted in my looks; and thus I spake
-My wish more earnestly than language could.
-
-As Daniel, when the haughty king he freed
-From ire, that spurr'd him on to deeds unjust
-And violent; so look'd Beatrice then.
-
-"Well I discern," she thus her words address'd,
-"How contrary desires each way constrain thee,
-So that thy anxious thought is in itself
-Bound up and stifled, nor breathes freely forth.
-Thou arguest; if the good intent remain;
-What reason that another's violence
-Should stint the measure of my fair desert?
-
-"Cause too thou findst for doubt, in that it seems,
-That spirits to the stars, as Plato deem'd,
-Return.  These are the questions which thy will
-Urge equally; and therefore I the first
-Of that will treat which hath the more of gall.
-Of seraphim he who is most ensky'd,
-Moses and Samuel, and either John,
-Choose which thou wilt, nor even Mary's self,
-Have not in any other heav'n their seats,
-Than have those spirits which so late thou saw'st;
-Nor more or fewer years exist; but all
-Make the first circle beauteous, diversely
-Partaking of sweet life, as more or less
-Afflation of eternal bliss pervades them.
-Here were they shown thee, not that fate assigns
-This for their sphere, but for a sign to thee
-Of that celestial furthest from the height.
-Thus needs, that ye may apprehend, we speak:
-Since from things sensible alone ye learn
-That, which digested rightly after turns
-To intellectual.  For no other cause
-The scripture, condescending graciously
-To your perception, hands and feet to God
-Attributes, nor so means: and holy church
-Doth represent with human countenance
-Gabriel, and Michael, and him who made
-Tobias whole.  Unlike what here thou seest,
-The judgment of Timaeus, who affirms
-Each soul restor'd to its particular star,
-Believing it to have been taken thence,
-When nature gave it to inform her mold:
-Since to appearance his intention is
-E'en what his words declare: or else to shun
-Derision, haply thus he hath disguis'd
-His true opinion.  If his meaning be,
-That to the influencing of these orbs revert
-The honour and the blame in human acts,
-Perchance he doth not wholly miss the truth.
-This principle, not understood aright,
-Erewhile perverted well nigh all the world;
-So that it fell to fabled names of Jove,
-And Mercury, and Mars.  That other doubt,
-Which moves thee, is less harmful; for it brings
-No peril of removing thee from me.
-
-"That, to the eye of man, our justice seems
-Unjust, is argument for faith, and not
-For heretic declension.  To the end
-This truth may stand more clearly in your view,
-I will content thee even to thy wish
-
-"If violence be, when that which suffers, nought
-Consents to that which forceth, not for this
-These spirits stood exculpate.  For the will,
-That will not, still survives unquench'd, and doth
-As nature doth in fire, tho' violence
-Wrest it a thousand times; for, if it yield
-Or more or less, so far it follows force.
-And thus did these, whom they had power to seek
-The hallow'd place again.  In them, had will
-Been perfect, such as once upon the bars
-Held Laurence firm, or wrought in Scaevola
-To his own hand remorseless, to the path,
-Whence they were drawn, their steps had hasten'd back,
-When liberty return'd: but in too few
-Resolve so steadfast dwells.  And by these words
-If duly weigh'd, that argument is void,
-Which oft might have perplex'd thee still.  But now
-Another question thwarts thee, which to solve
-Might try thy patience without better aid.
-I have, no doubt, instill'd into thy mind,
-That blessed spirit may not lie; since near
-The source of primal truth it dwells for aye:
-And thou might'st after of Piccarda learn
-That Constance held affection to the veil;
-So that she seems to contradict me here.
-Not seldom, brother, it hath chanc'd for men
-To do what they had gladly left undone,
-Yet to shun peril they have done amiss:
-E'en as Alcmaeon, at his father's suit
-Slew his own mother, so made pitiless
-Not to lose pity.  On this point bethink thee,
-That force and will are blended in such wise
-As not to make the' offence excusable.
-Absolute will agrees not to the wrong,
-That inasmuch as there is fear of woe
-From non-compliance, it agrees.  Of will
-Thus absolute Piccarda spake, and I
-Of th' other; so that both have truly said."
-
-Such was the flow of that pure rill, that well'd
-From forth the fountain of all truth; and such
-The rest, that to my wond'ring thoughts I found.
-
-"O thou of primal love the prime delight!
-Goddess!"  I straight reply'd, "whose lively words
-Still shed new heat and vigour through my soul!
-Affection fails me to requite thy grace
-With equal sum of gratitude: be his
-To recompense, who sees and can reward thee.
-Well I discern, that by that truth alone
-Enlighten'd, beyond which no truth may roam,
-Our mind can satisfy her thirst to know:
-Therein she resteth, e'en as in his lair
-The wild beast, soon as she hath reach'd that bound,
-And she hath power to reach it; else desire
-Were given to no end.  And thence doth doubt
-Spring, like a shoot, around the stock of truth;
-And it is nature which from height to height
-On to the summit prompts us.  This invites,
-This doth assure me, lady, rev'rently
-To ask thee of other truth, that yet
-Is dark to me.  I fain would know, if man
-By other works well done may so supply
-The failure of his vows, that in your scale
-They lack not weight."  I spake; and on me straight
-Beatrice look'd with eyes that shot forth sparks
-Of love celestial in such copious stream,
-That, virtue sinking in me overpower'd,
-I turn'd, and downward bent confus'd my sight.
-
-
-
-
-CANTO V
-
-"If beyond earthly wont, the flame of love
-Illume me, so that I o'ercome thy power
-Of vision, marvel not: but learn the cause
-In that perfection of the sight, which soon
-As apprehending, hasteneth on to reach
-The good it apprehends.  I well discern,
-How in thine intellect already shines
-The light eternal, which to view alone
-Ne'er fails to kindle love; and if aught else
-Your love seduces, 't is but that it shows
-Some ill-mark'd vestige of that primal beam.
-
-"This would'st thou know, if failure of the vow
-By other service may be so supplied,
-As from self-question to assure the soul."
-
-Thus she her words, not heedless of my wish,
-Began; and thus, as one who breaks not off
-Discourse, continued in her saintly strain.
-"Supreme of gifts, which God creating gave
-Of his free bounty, sign most evident
-Of goodness, and in his account most priz'd,
-Was liberty of will, the boon wherewith
-All intellectual creatures, and them sole
-He hath endow'd.  Hence now thou mayst infer
-Of what high worth the vow, which so is fram'd
-That when man offers, God well-pleas'd accepts;
-For in the compact between God and him,
-This treasure, such as I describe it to thee,
-He makes the victim, and of his own act.
-What compensation therefore may he find?
-If that, whereof thou hast oblation made,
-By using well thou think'st to consecrate,
-Thou would'st of theft do charitable deed.
-Thus I resolve thee of the greater point.
-
-"But forasmuch as holy church, herein
-Dispensing, seems to contradict the truth
-I have discover'd to thee, yet behooves
-Thou rest a little longer at the board,
-Ere the crude aliment, which thou hast taken,
-Digested fitly to nutrition turn.
-Open thy mind to what I now unfold,
-And give it inward keeping.  Knowledge comes
-Of learning well retain'd, unfruitful else.
-
-"This sacrifice in essence of two things
-Consisteth; one is that, whereof 't is made,
-The covenant the other.  For the last,
-It ne'er is cancell'd if not kept: and hence
-I spake erewhile so strictly of its force.
-For this it was enjoin'd the Israelites,
-Though leave were giv'n them, as thou know'st, to change
-The offering, still to offer.  Th' other part,
-The matter and the substance of the vow,
-May well be such, to that without offence
-It may for other substance be exchang'd.
-But at his own discretion none may shift
-The burden on his shoulders, unreleas'd
-By either key, the yellow and the white.
-Nor deem of any change, as less than vain,
-If the last bond be not within the new
-Included, as the quatre in the six.
-No satisfaction therefore can be paid
-For what so precious in the balance weighs,
-That all in counterpoise must kick the beam.
-Take then no vow at random: ta'en, with faith
-Preserve it; yet not bent, as Jephthah once,
-Blindly to execute a rash resolve,
-Whom better it had suited to exclaim,
-'I have done ill,' than to redeem his pledge
-By doing worse or, not unlike to him
-In folly, that great leader of the Greeks:
-Whence, on the alter, Iphigenia mourn'd
-Her virgin beauty, and hath since made mourn
-Both wise and simple, even all, who hear
-Of so fell sacrifice.  Be ye more staid,
-O Christians, not, like feather, by each wind
-Removable: nor think to cleanse ourselves
-In every water.  Either testament,
-The old and new, is yours: and for your guide
-The shepherd of the church let this suffice
-To save you.  When by evil lust entic'd,
-Remember ye be men, not senseless beasts;
-Nor let the Jew, who dwelleth in your streets,
-Hold you in mock'ry.  Be not, as the lamb,
-That, fickle wanton, leaves its mother's milk,
-To dally with itself in idle play."
-
-Such were the words that Beatrice spake:
-These ended, to that region, where the world
-Is liveliest, full of fond desire she turn'd.
-
-Though mainly prompt new question to propose,
-Her silence and chang'd look did keep me dumb.
-And as the arrow, ere the cord is still,
-Leapeth unto its mark; so on we sped
-Into the second realm.  There I beheld
-The dame, so joyous enter, that the orb
-Grew brighter at her smiles; and, if the star
-Were mov'd to gladness, what then was my cheer,
-Whom nature hath made apt for every change!
-
-As in a quiet and clear lake the fish,
-If aught approach them from without, do draw
-Towards it, deeming it their food; so drew
-Full more than thousand splendours towards us,
-And in each one was heard: "Lo! one arriv'd
-To multiply our loves!" and as each came
-The shadow, streaming forth effulgence new,
-Witness'd augmented joy.  Here, reader! think,
-If thou didst miss the sequel of my tale,
-To know the rest how sorely thou wouldst crave;
-And thou shalt see what vehement desire
-Possess'd me, as soon as these had met my view,
-To know their state.  "O born in happy hour!
-Thou to whom grace vouchsafes, or ere thy close
-Of fleshly warfare, to behold the thrones
-Of that eternal triumph, know to us
-The light communicated, which through heaven
-Expatiates without bound.  Therefore, if aught
-Thou of our beams wouldst borrow for thine aid,
-Spare not; and of our radiance take thy fill."
-
-Thus of those piteous spirits one bespake me;
-And Beatrice next: "Say on; and trust
-As unto gods!"--"How in the light supreme
-Thou harbour'st, and from thence the virtue bring'st,
-That, sparkling in thine eyes, denotes thy joy,
-I mark; but, who thou art, am still to seek;
-Or wherefore, worthy spirit! for thy lot
-This sphere assign'd, that oft from mortal ken
-Is veil'd by others' beams."  I said, and turn'd
-Toward the lustre, that with greeting, kind
-Erewhile had hail'd me.  Forthwith brighter far
-Than erst, it wax'd: and, as himself the sun
-Hides through excess of light, when his warm gaze
-Hath on the mantle of thick vapours prey'd;
-Within its proper ray the saintly shape
-Was, through increase of gladness, thus conceal'd;
-And, shrouded so in splendour answer'd me,
-E'en as the tenour of my song declares.
-
-
-
-
-CANTO VI
-
-"After that Constantine the eagle turn'd
-Against the motions of the heav'n, that roll'd
-Consenting with its course, when he of yore,
-Lavinia's spouse, was leader of the flight,
-A hundred years twice told and more, his seat
-At Europe's extreme point, the bird of Jove
-Held, near the mountains, whence he issued first.
-There, under shadow of his sacred plumes
-Swaying the world, till through successive hands
-To mine he came devolv'd.  Caesar I was,
-And am Justinian; destin'd by the will
-Of that prime love, whose influence I feel,
-From vain excess to clear th' encumber'd laws.
-Or ere that work engag'd me, I did hold
-Christ's nature merely human, with such faith
-Contented.  But the blessed Agapete,
-Who was chief shepherd, he with warning voice
-To the true faith recall'd me.  I believ'd
-His words: and what he taught, now plainly see,
-As thou in every contradiction seest
-The true and false oppos'd.  Soon as my feet
-Were to the church reclaim'd, to my great task,
-By inspiration of God's grace impell'd,
-I gave me wholly, and consign'd mine arms
-To Belisarius, with whom heaven's right hand
-Was link'd in such conjointment, 't was a sign
-That I should rest.  To thy first question thus
-I shape mine answer, which were ended here,
-But that its tendency doth prompt perforce
-To some addition; that thou well, mayst mark
-What reason on each side they have to plead,
-By whom that holiest banner is withstood,
-Both who pretend its power and who oppose.
-
-"Beginning from that hour, when Pallas died
-To give it rule, behold the valorous deeds
-Have made it worthy reverence.  Not unknown
-To thee, how for three hundred years and more
-It dwelt in Alba, up to those fell lists
-Where for its sake were met the rival three;
-Nor aught unknown to thee, which it achiev'd
-Down to the Sabines' wrong to Lucrece' woe,
-With its sev'n kings conqu'ring the nation round;
-Nor all it wrought, by Roman worthies home
-'Gainst Brennus and th' Epirot prince, and hosts
-Of single chiefs, or states in league combin'd
-Of social warfare; hence Torquatus stern,
-And Quintius nam'd of his neglected locks,
-The Decii, and the Fabii hence acquir'd
-Their fame, which I with duteous zeal embalm.
-By it the pride of Arab hordes was quell'd,
-When they led on by Hannibal o'erpass'd
-The Alpine rocks, whence glide thy currents, Po!
-Beneath its guidance, in their prime of days
-Scipio and Pompey triumph'd; and that hill,
-Under whose summit thou didst see the light,
-Rued its stern bearing.  After, near the hour,
-When heav'n was minded that o'er all the world
-His own deep calm should brood, to Caesar's hand
-Did Rome consign it; and what then it wrought
-From Var unto the Rhine, saw Isere's flood,
-Saw Loire and Seine, and every vale, that fills
-The torrent Rhone.  What after that it wrought,
-When from Ravenna it came forth, and leap'd
-The Rubicon, was of so bold a flight,
-That tongue nor pen may follow it.  Tow'rds Spain
-It wheel'd its bands, then tow'rd Dyrrachium smote,
-And on Pharsalia with so fierce a plunge,
-E'en the warm Nile was conscious to the pang;
-Its native shores Antandros, and the streams
-Of Simois revisited, and there
-Where Hector lies; then ill for Ptolemy
-His pennons shook again; lightning thence fell
-On Juba; and the next upon your west,
-At sound of the Pompeian trump, return'd.
-
-"What following and in its next bearer's gripe
-It wrought, is now by Cassius and Brutus
-Bark'd off in hell, and by Perugia's sons
-And Modena's was mourn'd.  Hence weepeth still
-Sad Cleopatra, who, pursued by it,
-Took from the adder black and sudden death.
-With him it ran e'en to the Red Sea coast;
-With him compos'd the world to such a peace,
-That of his temple Janus barr'd the door.
-
-"But all the mighty standard yet had wrought,
-And was appointed to perform thereafter,
-Throughout the mortal kingdom which it sway'd,
-Falls in appearance dwindled and obscur'd,
-If one with steady eye and perfect thought
-On the third Caesar look; for to his hands,
-The living Justice, in whose breath I move,
-Committed glory, e'en into his hands,
-To execute the vengeance of its wrath.
-
-"Hear now and wonder at what next I tell.
-After with Titus it was sent to wreak
-Vengeance for vengeance of the ancient sin,
-And, when the Lombard tooth, with fangs impure,
-Did gore the bosom of the holy church,
-Under its wings victorious, Charlemagne
-Sped to her rescue.  Judge then for thyself
-Of those, whom I erewhile accus'd to thee,
-What they are, and how grievous their offending,
-Who are the cause of all your ills.  The one
-Against the universal ensign rears
-The yellow lilies, and with partial aim
-That to himself the other arrogates:
-So that 't is hard to see which more offends.
-Be yours, ye Ghibellines, to veil your arts
-Beneath another standard: ill is this
-Follow'd of him, who severs it and justice:
-And let not with his Guelphs the new-crown'd Charles
-Assail it, but those talons hold in dread,
-Which from a lion of more lofty port
-Have rent the easing.  Many a time ere now
-The sons have for the sire's transgression wail'd;
-Nor let him trust the fond belief, that heav'n
-Will truck its armour for his lilied shield.
-
-"This little star is furnish'd with good spirits,
-Whose mortal lives were busied to that end,
-That honour and renown might wait on them:
-And, when desires thus err in their intention,
-True love must needs ascend with slacker beam.
-But it is part of our delight, to measure
-Our wages with the merit; and admire
-The close proportion.  Hence doth heav'nly justice
-Temper so evenly affection in us,
-It ne'er can warp to any wrongfulness.
-Of diverse voices is sweet music made:
-So in our life the different degrees
-Render sweet harmony among these wheels.
-
-"Within the pearl, that now encloseth us,
-Shines Romeo's light, whose goodly deed and fair
-Met ill acceptance.  But the Provencals,
-That were his foes, have little cause for mirth.
-Ill shapes that man his course, who makes his wrong
-Of other's worth.  Four daughters were there born
-To Raymond Berenger, and every one
-Became a queen; and this for him did Romeo,
-Though of mean state and from a foreign land.
-Yet envious tongues incited him to ask
-A reckoning of that just one, who return'd
-Twelve fold to him for ten.  Aged and poor
-He parted thence: and if the world did know
-The heart he had, begging his life by morsels,
-'T would deem the praise, it yields him, scantly dealt."
-
-
-
-
-CANTO VII
-
-"Hosanna Sanctus Deus Sabaoth
-Superillustrans claritate tua
-Felices ignes horum malahoth!"
-Thus chanting saw I turn that substance bright
-With fourfold lustre to its orb again,
-Revolving; and the rest unto their dance
-With it mov'd also; and like swiftest sparks,
-In sudden distance from my sight were veil'd.
-
-Me doubt possess'd, and "Speak," it whisper'd me,
-"Speak, speak unto thy lady, that she quench
-Thy thirst with drops of sweetness."  Yet blank awe,
-Which lords it o'er me, even at the sound
-Of Beatrice's name, did bow me down
-As one in slumber held.  Not long that mood
-Beatrice suffer'd: she, with such a smile,
-As might have made one blest amid the flames,
-Beaming upon me, thus her words began:
-"Thou in thy thought art pond'ring (as I deem),
-And what I deem is truth how just revenge
-Could be with justice punish'd: from which doubt
-I soon will free thee; so thou mark my words;
-For they of weighty matter shall possess thee.
-
-"That man, who was unborn, himself condemn'd,
-And, in himself, all, who since him have liv'd,
-His offspring: whence, below, the human kind
-Lay sick in grievous error many an age;
-Until it pleas'd the Word of God to come
-Amongst them down, to his own person joining
-The nature, from its Maker far estrang'd,
-By the mere act of his eternal love.
-Contemplate here the wonder I unfold.
-The nature with its Maker thus conjoin'd,
-Created first was blameless, pure and good;
-But through itself alone was driven forth
-From Paradise, because it had eschew'd
-The way of truth and life, to evil turn'd.
-Ne'er then was penalty so just as that
-Inflicted by the cross, if thou regard
-The nature in assumption doom'd: ne'er wrong
-So great, in reference to him, who took
-Such nature on him, and endur'd the doom.
-God therefore and the Jews one sentence pleased:
-So different effects flow'd from one act,
-And heav'n was open'd, though the earth did quake.
-Count it not hard henceforth, when thou dost hear
-That a just vengeance was by righteous court
-Justly reveng'd.  But yet I see thy mind
-By thought on thought arising sore perplex'd,
-And with how vehement desire it asks
-Solution of the maze.  What I have heard,
-Is plain, thou sayst: but wherefore God this way
-For our redemption chose, eludes my search.
-
-"Brother! no eye of man not perfected,
-Nor fully ripen'd in the flame of love,
-May fathom this decree.  It is a mark,
-In sooth, much aim'd at, and but little kenn'd:
-And I will therefore show thee why such way
-Was worthiest.  The celestial love, that spume
-All envying in its bounty, in itself
-With such effulgence blazeth, as sends forth
-All beauteous things eternal.  What distils
-Immediate thence, no end of being knows,
-Bearing its seal immutably impress'd.
-Whatever thence immediate falls, is free,
-Free wholly, uncontrollable by power
-Of each thing new: by such conformity
-More grateful to its author, whose bright beams,
-Though all partake their shining, yet in those
-Are liveliest, which resemble him the most.
-These tokens of pre-eminence on man
-Largely bestow'd, if any of them fail,
-He needs must forfeit his nobility,
-No longer stainless.  Sin alone is that,
-Which doth disfranchise him, and make unlike
-To the chief good; for that its light in him
-Is darken'd.  And to dignity thus lost
-Is no return; unless, where guilt makes void,
-He for ill pleasure pay with equal pain.
-Your nature, which entirely in its seed
-Trangress'd, from these distinctions fell, no less
-Than from its state in Paradise; nor means
-Found of recovery (search all methods out
-As strickly as thou may) save one of these,
-The only fords were left through which to wade,
-Either that God had of his courtesy
-Releas'd him merely, or else man himself
-For his own folly by himself aton'd.
-
-"Fix now thine eye, intently as thou canst,
-On th' everlasting counsel, and explore,
-Instructed by my words, the dread abyss.
-
-"Man in himself had ever lack'd the means
-Of satisfaction, for he could not stoop
-Obeying, in humility so low,
-As high he, disobeying, thought to soar:
-And for this reason he had vainly tried
-Out of his own sufficiency to pay
-The rigid satisfaction.  Then behooved
-That God should by his own ways lead him back
-Unto the life, from whence he fell, restor'd:
-By both his ways, I mean, or one alone.
-But since the deed is ever priz'd the more,
-The more the doer's good intent appears,
-Goodness celestial, whose broad signature
-Is on the universe, of all its ways
-To raise ye up, was fain to leave out none,
-Nor aught so vast or so magnificent,
-Either for him who gave or who receiv'd
-Between the last night and the primal day,
-Was or can be.  For God more bounty show'd.
-Giving himself to make man capable
-Of his return to life, than had the terms
-Been mere and unconditional release.
-And for his justice, every method else
-Were all too scant, had not the Son of God
-Humbled himself to put on mortal flesh.
-
-"Now, to fulfil each wish of thine, remains
-I somewhat further to thy view unfold.
-That thou mayst see as clearly as myself.
-
-"I see, thou sayst, the air, the fire I see,
-The earth and water, and all things of them
-Compounded, to corruption turn, and soon
-Dissolve.  Yet these were also things create,
-Because, if what were told me, had been true
-They from corruption had been therefore free.
-
-"The angels, O my brother! and this clime
-Wherein thou art, impassible and pure,
-I call created, as indeed they are
-In their whole being.  But the elements,
-Which thou hast nam'd, and what of them is made,
-Are by created virtue' inform'd: create
-Their substance, and create the' informing virtue
-In these bright stars, that round them circling move
-The soul of every brute and of each plant,
-The ray and motion of the sacred lights,
-With complex potency attract and turn.
-But this our life the' eternal good inspires
-Immediate, and enamours of itself;
-So that our wishes rest for ever here.
-
-"And hence thou mayst by inference conclude
-Our resurrection certain, if thy mind
-Consider how the human flesh was fram'd,
-When both our parents at the first were made."
-
-
-
-
-CANTO VIII
-
-The world was in its day of peril dark
-Wont to believe the dotage of fond love
-From the fair Cyprian deity, who rolls
-In her third epicycle, shed on men
-By stream of potent radiance: therefore they
-Of elder time, in their old error blind,
-Not her alone with sacrifice ador'd
-And invocation, but like honours paid
-To Cupid and Dione, deem'd of them
-Her mother, and her son, him whom they feign'd
-To sit in Dido's bosom: and from her,
-Whom I have sung preluding, borrow'd they
-The appellation of that star, which views,
-Now obvious and now averse, the sun.
-
-I was not ware that I was wafted up
-Into  its orb; but the new loveliness
-That grac'd my lady, gave me ample proof
-That we had entered there.  And as in flame
-A sparkle is distinct, or voice in voice
-Discern'd, when one its even tenour keeps,
-The other comes and goes; so in that light
-I other luminaries saw, that cours'd
-In circling motion, rapid more or less,
-As their eternal phases each impels.
-
-Never was blast from vapour charged with cold,
-Whether invisible to eye or no,
-Descended with such speed, it had not seem'd
-To linger in dull tardiness, compar'd
-To those celestial lights, that tow'rds us came,
-Leaving the circuit of their joyous ring,
-Conducted by the lofty seraphim.
-And after them, who in the van appear'd,
-Such an hosanna sounded, as hath left
-Desire, ne'er since extinct in me, to hear
-Renew'd the strain.  Then parting from the rest
-One near us drew, and sole began: "We all
-Are ready at thy pleasure, well dispos'd
-To do thee gentle service.  We are they,
-To whom thou in the world erewhile didst Sing
-'O ye! whose intellectual ministry
-Moves the third heaven!' and in one orb we roll,
-One motion, one impulse, with those who rule
-Princedoms in heaven; yet are of love so full,
-That to please thee 't will be as sweet to rest."
-
-After mine eyes had with meek reverence
-Sought the celestial guide, and were by her
-Assur'd, they turn'd again unto the light
-Who had so largely promis'd, and with voice
-That bare the lively pressure of my zeal,
-"Tell who ye are," I cried.  Forthwith it grew
-In size and splendour, through augmented joy;
-And thus it answer'd: "A short date below
-The world possess'd me.  Had the time been more,
-Much evil, that will come, had never chanc'd.
-My gladness hides thee from me, which doth shine
-Around, and shroud me, as an animal
-In its own silk unswath'd.  Thou lov'dst me well,
-And had'st good cause; for had my sojourning
-Been longer on the earth, the love I bare thee
-Had put forth more than blossoms.  The left bank,
-That Rhone, when he hath mix'd with Sorga, laves.
-
-"In me its lord expected, and that horn
-Of fair Ausonia, with its boroughs old,
-Bari, and Croton, and Gaeta pil'd,
-From where the Trento disembogues his waves,
-With Verde mingled, to the salt sea-flood.
-Already on my temples beam'd the crown,
-Which gave me sov'reignty over the land
-By Danube wash'd, whenas he strays beyond
-The limits of his German shores.  The realm,
-Where, on the gulf by stormy Eurus lash'd,
-Betwixt Pelorus and Pachynian heights,
-The beautiful Trinacria lies in gloom
-(Not through Typhaeus, but the vap'ry cloud
-Bituminous upsteam'd), THAT too did look
-To have its scepter wielded by a race
-Of monarchs, sprung through me from Charles and Rodolph;
-had not ill lording which doth spirit up
-The people ever, in Palermo rais'd
-The shout of 'death,' re-echo'd loud and long.
-Had but my brother's foresight kenn'd as much,
-He had been warier that the greedy want
-Of Catalonia might not work his bale.
-And truly need there is, that he forecast,
-Or other for him, lest more freight be laid
-On his already over-laden bark.
-Nature in him, from bounty fall'n to thrift,
-Would ask the  guard of braver arms, than such
-As only care to have their coffers fill'd."
-
-"My liege, it doth enhance the joy thy words
-Infuse into me, mighty as it is,
-To think my gladness manifest to thee,
-As to myself, who own it, when thou lookst
-Into the source and limit of all good,
-There, where thou markest that which thou dost speak,
-Thence priz'd of me the more.  Glad thou hast made me.
-Now make intelligent, clearing the doubt
-Thy speech hath raised in me; for much I muse,
-How bitter can spring up, when sweet is sown."
-
-I thus inquiring; he forthwith replied:
-"If I have power to show one truth, soon that
-Shall face thee, which thy questioning declares
-Behind thee now conceal'd.  The Good, that guides
-And blessed makes this realm, which thou dost mount,
-Ordains its providence to be the virtue
-In these great bodies: nor th' all perfect Mind
-Upholds their nature merely, but in them
-Their energy to save: for nought, that lies
-Within the range of that unerring bow,
-But is as level with the destin'd aim,
-As ever mark to arrow's point oppos'd.
-Were it not thus, these heavens, thou dost visit,
-Would their effect so work, it would not be
-Art, but destruction; and this may not chance,
-If th' intellectual powers, that move these stars,
-Fail not, or who, first faulty made them fail.
-Wilt thou this truth more clearly evidenc'd?"
-
-To whom I thus: "It is enough: no fear,
-I see, lest nature in her part should tire."
-
-He straight rejoin'd: "Say, were it worse for man,
-If he liv'd not in fellowship on earth?"
-
-"Yea," answer'd I; "nor here a reason needs."
-
-"And may that be, if different estates
-Grow not of different duties in your life?
-Consult your teacher, and he tells you 'no."'
-
-Thus did he come, deducing to this point,
-And then concluded: "For this cause behooves,
-The roots, from whence your operations come,
-Must differ.  Therefore one is Solon born;
-Another, Xerxes; and Melchisidec
-A third; and he a fourth, whose airy voyage
-Cost him his son.  In her circuitous course,
-Nature, that is the seal to mortal wax,
-Doth well her art, but no distinctions owns
-'Twixt one or other household.  Hence befalls
-That Esau is so wide of Jacob: hence
-Quirinus of so base a father springs,
-He dates from Mars his lineage.  Were it not
-That providence celestial overrul'd,
-Nature, in generation, must the path
-Trac'd by the generator, still pursue
-Unswervingly.  Thus place I in thy sight
-That, which was late behind thee.  But, in sign
-Of more affection for thee, 't is my will
-Thou wear this corollary.  Nature ever
-Finding discordant fortune, like all seed
-Out of its proper climate, thrives but ill.
-And were the world below content to mark
-And work on the foundation nature lays,
-It would not lack supply of excellence.
-But ye perversely to religion strain
-Him, who was born to gird on him the sword,
-And of the fluent phrasemen make your king;
-Therefore your steps have wander'd from the paths."
-
-
-
-
-CANTO IX
-
-After solution of my doubt, thy Charles,
-O fair Clemenza, of the treachery spake
-That must befall his seed: but, "Tell it not,"
-Said he, "and let the destin'd years come round."
-Nor may I tell thee more, save that the meed
-Of sorrow well-deserv'd shall quit your wrongs.
-
-And now the visage of that saintly light
-Was to the sun, that fills it, turn'd again,
-As to the good, whose plenitude of bliss
-Sufficeth all.  O ye misguided souls!
-Infatuate, who from such a good estrange
-Your hearts, and bend your gaze on vanity,
-Alas for you!--And lo! toward me, next,
-Another of those splendent forms approach'd,
-That, by its outward bright'ning, testified
-The will it had to pleasure me.  The eyes
-Of Beatrice, resting, as before,
-Firmly upon me, manifested forth
-Approval of my wish.  "And O," I cried,
-"Blest spirit! quickly be my will perform'd;
-And prove thou to me, that my inmost thoughts
-I can reflect on thee."  Thereat the light,
-That yet was new to me, from the recess,
-Where it before was singing, thus began,
-As one who joys in kindness: "In that part
-Of the deprav'd Italian land, which lies
-Between Rialto, and the fountain-springs
-Of Brenta and of Piava, there doth rise,
-But to no lofty eminence, a hill,
-From whence erewhile a firebrand did descend,
-That sorely sheet the region.  From one root
-I and it sprang; my name on earth Cunizza:
-And here I glitter, for that by its light
-This star o'ercame me.  Yet I naught repine,
-Nor grudge myself the cause of this my lot,
-Which haply vulgar hearts can scarce conceive.
-
-"This jewel, that is next me in our heaven,
-Lustrous and costly, great renown hath left,
-And not to perish, ere these hundred years
-Five times absolve their round.  Consider thou,
-If to excel be worthy man's endeavour,
-When such life may attend the first.  Yet they
-Care not for this, the crowd that now are girt
-By Adice and Tagliamento, still
-Impenitent, tho' scourg'd.  The hour is near,
-When for their stubbornness at Padua's marsh
-The water shall be chang'd, that laves Vicena
-And where Cagnano meets with Sile, one
-Lords it, and bears his head aloft, for whom
-The web is now a-warping.  Feltro too
-Shall sorrow for its godless shepherd's fault,
-Of so deep stain, that never, for the like,
-Was Malta's bar unclos'd.  Too large should be
-The skillet, that would hold Ferrara's blood,
-And wearied he, who ounce by ounce would weight it,
-The which this priest, in show of party-zeal,
-Courteous will give; nor will the gift ill suit
-The country's custom.  We descry above,
-Mirrors, ye call them thrones, from which to us
-Reflected shine the judgments of our God:
-Whence these our sayings we avouch for good."
-
-She ended, and appear'd on other thoughts
-Intent, re-ent'ring on the wheel she late
-Had left.  That other joyance meanwhile wax'd
-A thing to marvel at, in splendour glowing,
-Like choicest ruby stricken by the sun,
-For, in that upper clime, effulgence comes
-Of gladness, as here laughter: and below,
-As the mind saddens, murkier grows the shade.
-
-"God seeth all: and in him is thy sight,"
-Said I, "blest Spirit!  Therefore will of his
-Cannot to thee be dark.  Why then delays
-Thy voice to satisfy my wish untold,
-That voice which joins the inexpressive song,
-Pastime of heav'n, the which those ardours sing,
-That cowl them with six shadowing wings outspread?
-I would not wait thy asking, wert thou known
-To me, as thoroughly I to thee am known."
-
-He forthwith answ'ring, thus his words began:
-"The valley' of waters, widest next to that
-Which doth the earth engarland, shapes its course,
-Between discordant shores, against the sun
-Inward so far, it makes meridian there,
-Where was before th' horizon.  Of that vale
-Dwelt I upon the shore, 'twixt Ebro's stream
-And Macra's, that divides with passage brief
-Genoan bounds from Tuscan.  East and west
-Are nearly one to Begga and my land,
-Whose haven erst was with its own blood warm.
-Who knew my name were wont to call me Folco:
-And I did bear impression of this heav'n,
-That now bears mine: for not with fiercer flame
-Glow'd Belus' daughter, injuring alike
-Sichaeus and Creusa, than did I,
-Long as it suited the unripen'd down
-That fledg'd my cheek: nor she of Rhodope,
-That was beguiled of Demophoon;
-Nor Jove's son, when the charms of Iole
-Were shrin'd within his heart.  And yet there hides
-No sorrowful repentance here, but mirth,
-Not for the fault (that doth not come to mind),
-But for the virtue, whose o'erruling sway
-And providence have wrought thus quaintly.  Here
-The skill is look'd into, that fashioneth
-With such effectual working, and the good
-Discern'd, accruing to this upper world
-From that below.  But fully to content
-Thy wishes, all that in this sphere have birth,
-Demands my further parle.  Inquire thou wouldst,
-Who of this light is denizen, that here
-Beside me sparkles, as the sun-beam doth
-On the clear wave.  Know then, the soul of Rahab
-Is in that gladsome harbour, to our tribe
-United, and the foremost rank assign'd.
-He to that heav'n, at which the shadow ends
-Of your sublunar world, was taken up,
-First, in Christ's triumph, of all souls redeem'd:
-For well behoov'd, that, in some part of heav'n,
-She should remain a trophy, to declare
-The mighty contest won with either palm;
-For that she favour'd first the high exploit
-Of Joshua on the holy land, whereof
-The Pope recks little now.  Thy city, plant
-Of him, that on his Maker turn'd the back,
-And of whose envying so much woe hath sprung,
-Engenders and expands the cursed flower,
-That hath made wander both the sheep and lambs,
-Turning the shepherd to a wolf.  For this,
-The gospel and great teachers laid aside,
-The decretals, as their stuft margins show,
-Are the sole study.  Pope and Cardinals,
-Intent on these, ne'er journey but in thought
-To Nazareth, where Gabriel op'd his wings.
-Yet it may chance, erelong, the Vatican,
-And other most selected parts of Rome,
-That were the grave of Peter's soldiery,
-Shall be deliver'd from the adult'rous bond."
-
-
-
-
-CANTO X
-
-Looking into his first-born with the love,
-Which breathes from both eternal, the first Might
-Ineffable, whence eye or mind
-Can roam, hath in such order all dispos'd,
-As none may see and fail to enjoy.  Raise, then,
-O reader! to the lofty wheels, with me,
-Thy ken directed to the point, whereat
-One motion strikes on th' other.  There begin
-Thy wonder of the mighty Architect,
-Who loves his work so inwardly, his eye
-Doth ever watch it.  See, how thence oblique
-Brancheth the circle, where the planets roll
-To pour their wished influence on the world;
-Whose path not bending thus, in heav'n above
-Much virtue would be lost, and here on earth,
-All power well nigh extinct: or, from direct
-Were its departure distant more or less,
-I' th' universal order, great defect
-Must, both in heav'n and here beneath, ensue.
-
-Now rest thee, reader! on thy bench, and muse
-Anticipative of the feast to come;
-So shall delight make thee not feel thy toil.
-Lo! I have set before thee, for thyself
-Feed now: the matter I indite, henceforth
-Demands entire my thought.  Join'd with the part,
-Which late we told of, the great minister
-Of nature, that upon the world imprints
-The virtue of the heaven, and doles out
-Time for us with his beam, went circling on
-Along the spires, where each hour sooner comes;
-And I was with him, weetless of ascent,
-As one, who till arriv'd, weets not his coming.
-
-For Beatrice, she who passeth on
-So suddenly from good to better, time
-Counts not the act, oh then how great must needs
-Have been her brightness!  What she was i' th' sun
-(Where I had enter'd), not through change of hue,
-But light transparent--did I summon up
-Genius, art, practice--I might not so speak,
-It should be e'er imagin'd: yet believ'd
-It may be, and the sight be justly crav'd.
-And if our fantasy fail of such height,
-What marvel, since no eye above the sun
-Hath ever travel'd?  Such are they dwell here,
-Fourth family of the Omnipotent Sire,
-Who of his spirit and of his offspring shows;
-And holds them still enraptur'd with the view.
-And thus to me Beatrice: "Thank, oh thank,
-The Sun of angels, him, who by his grace
-To this perceptible hath lifted thee."
-
-Never was heart in such devotion bound,
-And with complacency so absolute
-Dispos'd to render up itself to God,
-As mine was at those words: and so entire
-The love for Him, that held me, it eclips'd
-Beatrice in oblivion.  Naught displeas'd
-Was she, but smil'd thereat so joyously,
-That of her laughing eyes the radiance brake
-And scatter'd my collected mind abroad.
-
-Then saw I a bright band, in liveliness
-Surpassing, who themselves did make the crown,
-And us their centre: yet more sweet in voice,
-Than in their visage beaming.  Cinctur'd thus,
-Sometime Latona's daughter we behold,
-When the impregnate air retains the thread,
-That weaves her zone.  In the celestial court,
-Whence I return, are many jewels found,
-So dear and beautiful, they cannot brook
-Transporting from that realm: and of these lights
-Such was the song.  Who doth not prune his wing
-To soar up thither, let him look from thence
-For tidings from the dumb.  When, singing thus,
-Those burning suns that circled round us thrice,
-As nearest stars around the fixed pole,
-Then seem'd they like to ladies, from the dance
-Not ceasing, but suspense, in silent pause,
-List'ning, till they have caught the strain anew:
-Suspended so they stood: and, from within,
-Thus heard I one, who spake: "Since with its beam
-The grace, whence true love lighteth first his flame,
-That after doth increase by loving, shines
-So multiplied in thee, it leads thee up
-Along this ladder, down whose hallow'd steps
-None e'er descend, and mount them not again,
-Who from his phial should refuse thee wine
-To slake thy thirst, no less constrained were,
-Than water flowing not unto the sea.
-Thou fain wouldst hear, what plants are these, that bloom
-In the bright garland, which, admiring, girds
-This fair dame round, who strengthens thee for heav'n.
-I then was of the lambs, that Dominic
-Leads, for his saintly flock, along the way,
-Where well they thrive, not sworn with vanity.
-He, nearest on my right hand, brother was,
-And master to me: Albert of Cologne
-Is this: and of Aquinum, Thomas I.
-If thou of all the rest wouldst be assur'd,
-Let thine eye, waiting on the words I speak,
-In circuit journey round the blessed wreath.
-That next resplendence issues from the smile
-Of Gratian, who to either forum lent
-Such help, as favour wins in Paradise.
-The other, nearest, who adorns our quire,
-Was Peter, he that with the widow gave
-To holy church his treasure.  The fifth light,
-Goodliest of all, is by such love inspired,
-That all your world craves tidings of its doom:
-Within, there is the lofty light, endow'd
-With sapience so profound, if truth be truth,
-That with a ken of such wide amplitude
-No second hath arisen.  Next behold
-That taper's radiance, to whose view was shown,
-Clearliest, the nature and the ministry
-Angelical, while yet in flesh it dwelt.
-In the other little light serenely smiles
-That pleader for the Christian temples, he
-Who did provide Augustin of his lore.
-Now, if thy mind's eye pass from light to light,
-Upon my praises following, of the eighth
-Thy thirst is next.  The saintly soul, that shows
-The world's deceitfulness, to all who hear him,
-Is, with the sight of all the good, that is,
-Blest there.  The limbs, whence it was driven, lie
-Down in Cieldauro, and from martyrdom
-And exile came it here.  Lo! further on,
-Where flames the arduous Spirit of Isidore,
-Of Bede, and Richard, more than man, erewhile,
-In deep discernment.  Lastly this, from whom
-Thy look on me reverteth, was the beam
-Of one, whose spirit, on high musings bent,
-Rebuk'd the ling'ring tardiness of death.
-It is the eternal light of Sigebert,
-Who 'scap'd not envy, when of truth he argued,
-Reading in the straw-litter'd street."  Forthwith,
-As clock, that calleth up the spouse of God
-To win her bridegroom's love at matin's hour,
-Each part of other fitly drawn and urg'd,
-Sends out a tinkling sound, of note so sweet,
-Affection springs in well-disposed breast;
-Thus saw I move the glorious wheel, thus heard
-Voice answ'ring voice, so musical and soft,
-It can be known but where day endless shines.
-
-
-
-
-CANTO XI
-
-O fond anxiety of mortal men!
-How vain and inconclusive arguments
-Are those, which make thee beat thy wings below
-For statues one, and one for aphorisms
-Was hunting; this the priesthood follow'd, that
-By force or sophistry aspir'd to rule;
-To rob another, and another sought
-By civil business wealth; one moiling lay
-Tangled in net of sensual delight,
-And one to witless indolence resign'd;
-What time from all these empty things escap'd,
-With Beatrice, I thus gloriously
-Was rais'd aloft, and made the guest of heav'n.
-
-They of the circle to that point, each one.
-Where erst it was, had turn'd; and steady glow'd,
-As candle in his socket.  Then within
-The lustre, that erewhile bespake me, smiling
-With merer gladness, heard I thus begin:
-
-"E'en as his beam illumes me, so I look
-Into the eternal light, and clearly mark
-Thy thoughts, from whence they rise.  Thou art in doubt,
-And wouldst, that I should bolt my words afresh
-In such plain open phrase, as may be smooth
-To thy perception, where I told thee late
-That 'well they thrive;' and that 'no second such
-Hath risen,' which no small distinction needs.
-
-"The providence, that governeth the world,
-In depth of counsel by created ken
-Unfathomable, to the end that she,
-Who with loud cries was 'spous'd in precious blood,
-Might keep her footing towards her well-belov'd,
-Safe in herself and constant unto him,
-Hath two ordain'd, who should on either hand
-In chief escort her: one seraphic all
-In fervency; for wisdom upon earth,
-The other splendour of cherubic light.
-I but of one will tell: he tells of both,
-Who one commendeth which of them so'er
-Be taken: for their deeds were to one end.
-
-"Between Tupino, and the wave, that falls
-From blest Ubaldo's chosen hill, there hangs
-Rich slope of mountain high, whence heat and cold
-Are wafted through Perugia's eastern gate:
-And Norcera with Gualdo, in its rear
-Mourn for their heavy yoke.  Upon that side,
-Where it doth break its steepness most, arose
-A sun upon the world, as duly this
-From Ganges doth: therefore let none, who speak
-Of that place, say Ascesi; for its name
-Were lamely so deliver'd; but the East,
-To call things rightly, be it henceforth styl'd.
-He was not yet much distant from his rising,
-When his good influence 'gan to bless the earth.
-A dame to whom none openeth pleasure's gate
-More than to death, was, 'gainst his father's will,
-His stripling choice: and he did make her his,
-Before the Spiritual court, by nuptial bonds,
-And in his father's sight: from day to day,
-Then lov'd her more devoutly.  She, bereav'd
-Of her first husband, slighted and obscure,
-Thousand and hundred years and more, remain'd
-Without a single suitor, till he came.
-Nor aught avail'd, that, with Amyclas, she
-Was found unmov'd at rumour of his voice,
-Who shook the world: nor aught her constant boldness
-Whereby with Christ she mounted on the cross,
-When Mary stay'd beneath.  But not to deal
-Thus closely with thee longer, take at large
-The rovers' titles--Poverty and Francis.
-Their concord and glad looks, wonder and love,
-And sweet regard gave birth to holy thoughts,
-So much, that venerable Bernard first
-Did bare his feet, and, in pursuit of peace
-So heavenly, ran, yet deem'd his footing slow.
-O hidden riches!  O prolific good!
-Egidius bares him next, and next Sylvester,
-And follow both the bridegroom; so the bride
-Can please them.  Thenceforth goes he on his way,
-The father and the master, with his spouse,
-And with that family, whom now the cord
-Girt humbly: nor did abjectness of heart
-Weigh down his eyelids, for that he was son
-Of Pietro Bernardone, and by men
-In wond'rous sort despis'd.  But royally
-His hard intention he to Innocent
-Set forth, and from him first receiv'd the seal
-On his religion.  Then, when numerous flock'd
-The tribe of lowly ones, that trac'd HIS steps,
-Whose marvellous life deservedly were sung
-In heights empyreal, through Honorius' hand
-A second crown, to deck their Guardian's virtues,
-Was by the eternal Spirit inwreath'd: and when
-He had, through thirst of martyrdom, stood up
-In the proud Soldan's presence, and there preach'd
-Christ and his followers; but found the race
-Unripen'd for conversion: back once more
-He hasted (not to intermit his toil),
-And reap'd Ausonian lands.  On the hard rock,
-'Twixt Arno and the Tyber, he from Christ
-Took the last Signet, which his limbs two years
-Did carry.  Then the season come, that he,
-Who to such good had destin'd him, was pleas'd
-T' advance him to the meed, which he had earn'd
-By his self-humbling, to his brotherhood,
-As their just heritage, he gave in charge
-His dearest lady, and enjoin'd their love
-And faith to her: and, from her bosom, will'd
-His goodly spirit should move forth, returning
-To its appointed kingdom, nor would have
-His body laid upon another bier.
-
-"Think now of one, who were a fit colleague,
-To keep the bark of Peter in deep sea
-Helm'd to right point; and such our Patriarch was.
-Therefore who follow him, as he enjoins,
-Thou mayst be certain, take good lading in.
-But hunger of new viands tempts his flock,
-So that they needs into strange pastures wide
-Must spread them: and the more remote from him
-The stragglers wander, so much mole they come
-Home to the sheep-fold, destitute of milk.
-There are of them, in truth, who fear their harm,
-And to the shepherd cleave; but these so few,
-A little stuff may furnish out their cloaks.
-
-"Now, if my words be clear, if thou have ta'en
-Good heed, if that, which I have told, recall
-To mind, thy wish may be in part fulfill'd:
-For thou wilt see the point from whence they split,
-Nor miss of the reproof, which that implies,
-'That well they thrive not sworn with vanity."'
-
-
-
-
-CANTO XII
-
-Soon as its final word the blessed flame
-Had rais'd for utterance, straight the holy mill
-Began to wheel, nor yet had once revolv'd,
-Or ere another, circling, compass'd it,
-Motion to motion, song to song, conjoining,
-Song, that as much our muses doth excel,
-Our Sirens with their tuneful pipes, as ray
-Of primal splendour doth its faint reflex.
-
-As when, if Juno bid her handmaid forth,
-Two arches parallel, and trick'd alike,
-Span the thin cloud, the outer taking birth
-From that within (in manner of that voice
-Whom love did melt away, as sun the mist),
-And they who gaze, presageful call to mind
-The compact, made with Noah, of the world
-No more to be o'erflow'd; about us thus
-Of sempiternal roses, bending, wreath'd
-Those garlands twain, and to the innermost
-E'en thus th' external answered.  When the footing,
-And other great festivity, of song,
-And radiance, light with light accordant, each
-Jocund and blythe, had at their pleasure still'd
-(E'en as the eyes by quick volition mov'd,
-Are shut and rais'd together), from the heart
-Of one amongst the new lights mov'd a voice,
-That made me seem like needle to the star,
-In turning to its whereabout, and thus
-Began: "The love, that makes me beautiful,
-Prompts me to tell of th' other guide, for whom
-Such good of mine is spoken.  Where one is,
-The other worthily should also be;
-That as their warfare was alike, alike
-Should be their glory.  Slow, and full of doubt,
-And with thin ranks, after its banner mov'd
-The army of Christ (which it so clearly cost
-To reappoint), when its imperial Head,
-Who reigneth ever, for the drooping host
-Did make provision, thorough grace alone,
-And not through its deserving.  As thou heard'st,
-Two champions to the succour of his spouse
-He sent, who by their deeds and words might join
-Again his scatter'd people.  In that clime,
-Where springs the pleasant west-wind to unfold
-The fresh leaves, with which Europe sees herself
-New-garmented; nor from those billows far,
-Beyond whose chiding, after weary course,
-The sun doth sometimes hide him, safe abides
-The happy Callaroga, under guard
-Of the great shield, wherein the lion lies
-Subjected and supreme.  And there was born
-The loving million of the Christian faith,
-The hollow'd wrestler, gentle to his own,
-And to his enemies terrible.  So replete
-His soul with lively virtue, that when first
-Created, even in the mother's womb,
-It prophesied.  When, at the sacred font,
-The spousals were complete 'twixt faith and him,
-Where pledge of mutual safety was exchang'd,
-The dame, who was his surety, in her sleep
-Beheld the wondrous fruit, that was from him
-And from his heirs to issue.  And that such
-He might be construed, as indeed he was,
-She was inspir'd to name him of his owner,
-Whose he was wholly, and so call'd him Dominic.
-And I speak of him, as the labourer,
-Whom Christ in his own garden chose to be
-His help-mate.  Messenger he seem'd, and friend
-Fast-knit to Christ; and the first love he show'd,
-Was after the first counsel that Christ gave.
-Many a time his nurse, at entering found
-That he had ris'n in silence, and was prostrate,
-As who should say, "My errand was for this."
-O happy father!  Felix rightly nam'd!
-O favour'd mother! rightly nam'd Joanna!
-If that do mean, as men interpret it.
-Not for the world's sake, for which now they pore
-Upon Ostiense and Taddeo's page,
-But for the real manna, soon he grew
-Mighty in learning, and did set himself
-To go about the vineyard, that soon turns
-To wan and wither'd, if not tended well:
-And from the see (whose bounty to the just
-And needy is gone by, not through its fault,
-But his who fills it basely, he besought,
-No dispensation for commuted wrong,
-Nor the first vacant fortune, nor the tenth),
-That to God's paupers rightly appertain,
-But, 'gainst an erring and degenerate world,
-Licence to fight, in favour of that seed,
-From which the twice twelve cions gird thee round.
-Then, with sage doctrine and good will to help,
-Forth on his great apostleship he far'd,
-Like torrent bursting from a lofty vein;
-And, dashing 'gainst the stocks of heresy,
-Smote fiercest, where resistance was most stout.
-Thence many rivulets have since been turn'd,
-Over the garden Catholic to lead
-Their living waters, and have fed its plants.
-
-"If such one wheel of that two-yoked car,
-Wherein the holy church defended her,
-And rode triumphant through the civil broil.
-Thou canst not doubt its fellow's excellence,
-Which Thomas, ere my coming, hath declar'd
-So courteously unto thee.  But the track,
-Which its smooth fellies made, is now deserted:
-That mouldy mother is where late were lees.
-His family, that wont to trace his path,
-Turn backward, and invert their steps; erelong
-To rue the gathering in of their ill crop,
-When the rejected tares in vain shall ask
-Admittance to the barn.  I question not
-But he, who search'd our volume, leaf by leaf,
-Might still find page with this inscription on't,
-'I am as I was wont.'  Yet such were not
-From Acquasparta nor Casale, whence
-Of those, who come to meddle with the text,
-One stretches and another cramps its rule.
-Bonaventura's life in me behold,
-From Bagnororegio, one, who in discharge
-Of my great offices still laid aside
-All sinister aim.  Illuminato here,
-And Agostino join me: two they were,
-Among the first of those barefooted meek ones,
-Who sought God's friendship in the cord: with them
-Hugues of Saint Victor, Pietro Mangiadore,
-And he of Spain in his twelve volumes shining,
-Nathan the prophet, Metropolitan
-Chrysostom, and Anselmo, and, who deign'd
-To put his hand to the first art, Donatus.
-Raban is here: and at my side there shines
-Calabria's abbot, Joachim, endow'd
-With soul prophetic.  The bright courtesy
-Of friar Thomas, and his goodly lore,
-Have mov'd me to the blazon of a peer
-So worthy, and with me have mov'd this throng."
-
-
-
-
-CANTO XIII
-
-Let him, who would conceive what now I saw,
-Imagine (and retain the image firm,
-As mountain rock, the whilst he hears me speak),
-Of stars fifteen, from midst the ethereal host
-Selected, that, with lively ray serene,
-O'ercome the massiest air: thereto imagine
-The wain, that, in the bosom of our sky,
-Spins ever on its axle night and day,
-With the bright summit of that horn which swells
-Due from the pole, round which the first wheel rolls,
-T' have rang'd themselves in fashion of two signs
-In heav'n, such as Ariadne made,
-When death's chill seized her; and that one of them
-Did compass in the other's beam; and both
-In such sort whirl around, that each should tend
-With opposite motion and, conceiving thus,
-Of that true constellation, and the dance
-Twofold, that circled me, he shall attain
-As 't were the shadow; for things there as much
-Surpass our usage, as the swiftest heav'n
-Is swifter than the Chiana.  There was sung
-No Bacchus, and no Io Paean, but
-Three Persons in the Godhead, and in one
-Substance that nature and the human join'd.
-
-The song fulfill'd its measure; and to us
-Those saintly lights attended, happier made
-At each new minist'ring.  Then silence brake,
-Amid th' accordant sons of Deity,
-That luminary, in which the wondrous life
-Of the meek man of God was told to me;
-And thus it spake: "One ear o' th' harvest thresh'd,
-And its grain safely stor'd, sweet charity
-Invites me with the other to like toil.
-
-"Thou know'st, that in the bosom, whence the rib
-Was ta'en to fashion that fair cheek, whose taste
-All the world pays for, and in that, which pierc'd
-By the keen lance, both after and before
-Such satisfaction offer'd, as outweighs
-Each evil in the scale, whate'er of light
-To human nature is allow'd, must all
-Have by his virtue been infus'd, who form'd
-Both one and other: and thou thence admir'st
-In that I told thee, of beatitudes
-A second, there is none, to his enclos'd
-In the fifth radiance.  Open now thine eyes
-To what I answer thee; and thou shalt see
-Thy deeming and my saying meet in truth,
-As centre in the round.  That which dies not,
-And that which can die, are but each the beam
-Of that idea, which our Soverign Sire
-Engendereth loving; for that lively light,
-Which passeth from his brightness; not disjoin'd
-From him, nor from his love triune with them,
-Doth, through his bounty, congregate itself,
-Mirror'd, as 't were in new existences,
-Itself unalterable and ever one.
-
-"Descending hence unto the lowest powers,
-Its energy so sinks, at last it makes
-But brief contingencies: for so I name
-Things generated, which the heav'nly orbs
-Moving, with seed or without seed, produce.
-Their wax, and that which molds it, differ much:
-And thence with lustre, more or less, it shows
-Th' ideal stamp impress: so that one tree
-According to his kind, hath better fruit,
-And worse: and, at your birth, ye, mortal men,
-Are in your talents various.  Were the wax
-Molded with nice exactness, and the heav'n
-In its disposing influence supreme,
-The lustre of the seal should be complete:
-But nature renders it imperfect ever,
-Resembling thus the artist in her work,
-Whose faultering hand is faithless to his skill.
-Howe'er, if love itself dispose, and mark
-The primal virtue, kindling with bright view,
-There all perfection is vouchsafed; and such
-The clay was made, accomplish'd with each gift,
-That life can teem with; such the burden fill'd
-The virgin's bosom: so that I commend
-Thy judgment, that the human nature ne'er
-Was or can be, such as in them it was.
-
-"Did I advance no further than this point,
-'How then had he no peer?'  thou might'st reply.
-But, that what now appears not, may appear
-Right plainly, ponder, who he was, and what
-(When he was bidden 'Ask' ), the motive sway'd
-To his requesting.  I have spoken thus,
-That thou mayst see, he was a king, who ask'd
-For wisdom, to the end he might be king
-Sufficient: not the number to search out
-Of the celestial movers; or to know,
-If necessary with contingent e'er
-Have made necessity; or whether that
-Be granted, that first motion is; or if
-Of the mid circle can, by art, be made
-Triangle with each corner, blunt or sharp.
-
-"Whence, noting that, which I have said, and this,
-Thou kingly prudence and that ken mayst learn,
-At which the dart of my intention aims.
-And, marking clearly, that I told thee, 'Risen,'
-Thou shalt discern it only hath respect
-To kings, of whom are many, and the good
-Are rare.  With this distinction take my words;
-And they may well consist with that which thou
-Of the first human father dost believe,
-And of our well-beloved.  And let this
-Henceforth be led unto thy feet, to make
-Thee slow in motion, as a weary man,
-Both to the 'yea' and to the 'nay' thou seest not.
-For he among the fools is down full low,
-Whose affirmation, or denial, is
-Without distinction, in each case alike
-Since it befalls, that in most instances
-Current opinion leads to false: and then
-Affection bends the judgment to her ply.
-
-"Much more than vainly doth he loose from shore,
-Since he returns not such as he set forth,
-Who fishes for the truth and wanteth skill.
-And open proofs of this unto the world
-Have been afforded in Parmenides,
-Melissus, Bryso, and the crowd beside,
-Who journey'd on, and knew not whither: so did
-Sabellius, Arius, and the other fools,
-Who, like to scymitars, reflected back
-The scripture-image, by distortion marr'd.
-
-"Let not the people be too swift to judge,
-As one who reckons on the blades in field,
-Or ere the crop be ripe.  For I have seen
-The thorn frown rudely all the winter long
-And after bear the rose upon its top;
-And bark, that all the way across the sea
-Ran straight and speedy, perish at the last,
-E'en in the haven's mouth seeing one steal,
-Another brine, his offering to the priest,
-Let not Dame Birtha and Sir Martin thence
-Into heav'n's counsels deem that they can pry:
-For one of these may rise, the other fall."
-
-
-
-
-CANTO XIV
-
-From centre to the circle, and so back
-From circle to the centre, water moves
-In the round chalice, even as the blow
-Impels it, inwardly, or from without.
-Such was the image glanc'd into my mind,
-As the great spirit of Aquinum ceas'd;
-And Beatrice after him her words
-Resum'd alternate: "Need there is (tho' yet
-He tells it to you not in words, nor e'en
-In thought) that he should fathom to its depth
-Another mystery.  Tell him, if the light,
-Wherewith your substance blooms, shall stay with you
-Eternally, as now: and, if it doth,
-How, when ye shall regain your visible forms,
-The sight may without harm endure the change,
-That also tell."  As those, who in a ring
-Tread the light measure, in their fitful mirth
-Raise loud the voice, and spring with gladder bound;
-Thus, at the hearing of that pious suit,
-The saintly circles in their tourneying
-And wond'rous note attested new delight.
-
-Whoso laments, that we must doff this garb
-Of frail mortality, thenceforth to live
-Immortally above, he hath not seen
-The sweet refreshing, of that heav'nly shower.
-
-Him, who lives ever, and for ever reigns
-In mystic union of the Three in One,
-Unbounded, bounding all, each spirit thrice
-Sang, with such melody, as but to hear
-For highest merit were an ample meed.
-And from the lesser orb the goodliest light,
-With gentle voice and mild, such as perhaps
-The angel's once to Mary, thus replied:
-"Long as the joy of Paradise shall last,
-Our love shall shine around that raiment, bright,
-As fervent; fervent, as in vision blest;
-And that as far in blessedness exceeding,
-As it hath grave beyond its virtue great.
-Our shape, regarmented with glorious weeds
-Of saintly flesh, must, being thus entire,
-Show yet more gracious.  Therefore shall increase,
-Whate'er of light, gratuitous, imparts
-The Supreme Good; light, ministering aid,
-The better disclose his glory: whence
-The vision needs increasing, much increase
-The fervour, which it kindles; and that too
-The ray, that comes from it.  But as the greed
-Which gives out flame, yet it its whiteness shines
-More lively than that, and so preserves
-Its proper semblance; thus this circling sphere
-Of splendour, shall to view less radiant seem,
-Than shall our fleshly robe, which yonder earth
-Now covers.  Nor will such excess of light
-O'erpower us, in corporeal organs made
-Firm, and susceptible of all delight."
-
-So ready and so cordial an "Amen,"
-Followed from either choir, as plainly spoke
-Desire of their dead bodies; yet perchance
-Not for themselves, but for their kindred dear,
-Mothers and sires, and those whom best they lov'd,
-Ere they were made imperishable flame.
-
-And lo! forthwith there rose up round about
-A lustre over that already there,
-Of equal clearness, like the brightening up
-Of the horizon.  As at an evening hour
-Of twilight, new appearances through heav'n
-Peer with faint glimmer, doubtfully descried;
-So there new substances, methought began
-To rise in view; and round the other twain
-Enwheeling, sweep their ampler circuit wide.
-
-O gentle glitter of eternal beam!
-With what a such whiteness did it flow,
-O'erpowering vision in me!  But so fair,
-So passing lovely, Beatrice show'd,
-Mind cannot follow it, nor words express
-Her infinite sweetness.  Thence mine eyes regain'd
-Power to look up, and I beheld myself,
-Sole with my lady, to more lofty bliss
-Translated: for the star, with warmer smile
-Impurpled, well denoted our ascent.
-
-With all the heart, and with that tongue which speaks
-The same in all, an holocaust I made
-To God, befitting the new grace vouchsaf'd.
-And from my bosom had not yet upsteam'd
-The fuming of that incense, when I knew
-The rite accepted.  With such mighty sheen
-And mantling crimson, in two listed rays
-The splendours shot before me, that I cried,
-"God of Sabaoth! that does prank them thus!"
-
-As leads the galaxy from pole to pole,
-Distinguish'd into greater lights and less,
-Its pathway, which the wisest fail to spell;
-So thickly studded, in the depth of Mars,
-Those rays describ'd the venerable sign,
-That quadrants in the round conjoining frame.
-Here memory mocks the toil of genius.  Christ
-Beam'd on that cross; and pattern fails me now.
-But whoso takes his cross, and follows Christ
-Will pardon me for that I leave untold,
-When in the flecker'd dawning he shall spy
-The glitterance of Christ.  From horn to horn,
-And 'tween the summit and the base did move
-Lights, scintillating, as they met and pass'd.
-Thus oft are seen, with ever-changeful glance,
-Straight or athwart, now rapid and now slow,
-The atomies of bodies, long or short,
-To move along the sunbeam, whose slant line
-Checkers the shadow, interpos'd by art
-Against the noontide heat.  And as the chime
-Of minstrel music, dulcimer, and help
-With many strings, a pleasant dining makes
-To him, who heareth not distinct the note;
-So from the lights, which there appear'd to me,
-Gather'd along the cross a melody,
-That, indistinctly heard, with ravishment
-Possess'd me.  Yet I mark'd it was a hymn
-Of lofty praises; for there came to me
-"Arise and conquer," as to one who hears
-And comprehends not.  Me such ecstasy
-O'ercame, that never till that hour was thing
-That held me in so sweet imprisonment.
-
-Perhaps my saying over bold appears,
-Accounting less the pleasure of those eyes,
-Whereon to look fulfilleth all desire.
-But he, who is aware those living seals
-Of every beauty work with quicker force,
-The higher they are ris'n; and that there
-I had not turn'd me to them; he may well
-Excuse me that, whereof in my excuse
-I do accuse me, and may own my truth;
-That holy pleasure here not yet reveal'd,
-Which grows in transport as we mount aloof.
-
-
-
-
-CANTO XV
-
-True love, that ever shows itself as clear
-In kindness, as loose appetite in wrong,
-Silenced that lyre harmonious, and still'd
-The sacred chords, that are by heav'n's right hand
-Unwound and tighten'd, flow to righteous prayers
-Should they not hearken, who, to give me will
-For praying, in accordance thus were mute?
-He hath in sooth good cause for endless grief,
-Who, for the love of thing that lasteth not,
-Despoils himself forever of that love.
-
-As oft along the still and pure serene,
-At nightfall, glides a sudden trail of fire,
-Attracting with involuntary heed
-The eye to follow it, erewhile at rest,
-And seems some star that shifted place in heav'n,
-Only that, whence it kindles, none is lost,
-And it is soon extinct; thus from the horn,
-That on the dexter of the cross extends,
-Down to its foot, one luminary ran
-From mid the cluster shone there; yet no gem
-Dropp'd from its foil; and through the beamy list
-Like flame in alabaster, glow'd its course.
-
-So forward stretch'd him (if of credence aught
-Our greater muse may claim) the pious ghost
-Of old Anchises, in the' Elysian bower,
-When he perceiv'd his son.  "O thou, my blood!
-O most exceeding grace divine! to whom,
-As now to thee, hath twice the heav'nly gate
-Been e'er unclos'd?" so spake the light; whence I
-Turn'd me toward him; then unto my dame
-My sight directed, and on either side
-Amazement waited me; for in her eyes
-Was lighted such a smile, I thought that mine
-Had div'd unto the bottom of my grace
-And of my bliss in Paradise.  Forthwith
-To hearing and to sight grateful alike,
-The spirit to his proem added things
-I understood not, so profound he spake;
-Yet not of choice but through necessity
-Mysterious; for his high conception scar'd
-Beyond the mark of mortals.  When the flight
-Of holy transport had so spent its rage,
-That nearer to the level of our thought
-The speech descended, the first sounds I heard
-Were, "Best he thou, Triunal Deity!
-That hast such favour in my seed vouchsaf'd!"
-Then follow'd: "No unpleasant thirst, tho' long,
-Which took me reading in the sacred book,
-Whose leaves or white or dusky never change,
-Thou hast allay'd, my son, within this light,
-From whence my voice thou hear'st; more thanks to her.
-Who for such lofty mounting has with plumes
-Begirt thee.  Thou dost deem thy thoughts to me
-From him transmitted, who is first of all,
-E'en as all numbers ray from unity;
-And therefore dost not ask me who I am,
-Or why to thee more joyous I appear,
-Than any other in this gladsome throng.
-The truth is as thou deem'st; for in this hue
-Both less and greater in that mirror look,
-In which thy thoughts, or ere thou think'st, are shown.
-But, that the love, which keeps me wakeful ever,
-Urging with sacred thirst of sweet desire,
-May be contended fully, let thy voice,
-Fearless, and frank and jocund, utter forth
-Thy will distinctly, utter forth the wish,
-Whereto my ready answer stands decreed."
-
-I turn'd me to Beatrice; and she heard
-Ere I had spoken, smiling, an assent,
-That to my will gave wings; and I began
-"To each among your tribe, what time ye kenn'd
-The nature, in whom naught unequal dwells,
-Wisdom and love were in one measure dealt;
-For that they are so equal in the sun,
-From whence ye drew your radiance and your heat,
-As makes all likeness scant.  But will and means,
-In mortals, for the cause ye well discern,
-With unlike wings are fledge.  A mortal I
-Experience inequality like this,
-And therefore give no thanks, but in the heart,
-For thy paternal greeting.  This howe'er
-I pray thee, living topaz! that ingemm'st
-This precious jewel, let me hear thy name."
-
-"I am thy root, O leaf! whom to expect
-Even, hath pleas'd me:" thus the prompt reply
-Prefacing, next it added; "he, of whom
-Thy kindred appellation comes, and who,
-These hundred years and more, on its first ledge
-Hath circuited the mountain, was my son
-And thy great grandsire.  Well befits, his long
-Endurance should be shorten'd by thy deeds.
-
-"Florence, within her ancient limit-mark,
-Which calls her still to matin prayers and noon,
-Was chaste and sober, and abode in peace.
-She had no armlets and no head-tires then,
-No purfled dames, no zone, that caught the eye
-More than the person did.  Time was not yet,
-When at his daughter's birth the sire grew pale.
-For fear the age and dowry should exceed
-On each side just proportion.  House was none
-Void of its family; nor yet had come
-Hardanapalus, to exhibit feats
-Of chamber prowess.  Montemalo yet
-O'er our suburban turret rose; as much
-To be surpass in fall, as in its rising.
-I saw Bellincione Berti walk abroad
-In leathern girdle and a clasp of bone;
-And, with no artful colouring on her cheeks,
-His lady leave the glass.  The sons I saw
-Of Nerli and of Vecchio well content
-With unrob'd jerkin; and their good dames handling
-The spindle and the flax; O happy they!
-Each sure of burial in her native land,
-And none left desolate a-bed for France!
-One wak'd to tend the cradle, hushing it
-With sounds that lull'd the parent's infancy:
-Another, with her maidens, drawing off
-The tresses from the distaff, lectur'd them
-Old tales of Troy and Fesole and Rome.
-A Salterello and Cianghella we
-Had held as strange a marvel, as ye would
-A Cincinnatus or Cornelia now.
-
-"In such compos'd and seemly fellowship,
-Such faithful and such fair equality,
-In so sweet household, Mary at my birth
-Bestow'd me, call'd on with loud cries; and there
-In your old baptistery, I was made
-Christian at once and Cacciaguida; as were
-My brethren, Eliseo and Moronto.
-
-"From Valdipado came to me my spouse,
-And hence thy surname grew.  I follow'd then
-The Emperor Conrad; and his knighthood he
-Did gird on me; in such good part he took
-My valiant service.  After him I went
-To testify against that evil law,
-Whose people, by the shepherd's fault, possess
-Your right, usurping.  There, by that foul crew
-Was I releas'd from the deceitful world,
-Whose base affection many a spirit soils,
-And from the martyrdom came to this peace."
-
-
-
-
-CANTO XVI
-
-O slight respect of man's nobility!
-I never shall account it marvelous,
-That our infirm affection here below
-Thou mov'st to boasting, when I could not choose,
-E'en in that region of unwarp'd desire,
-In heav'n itself, but make my vaunt in thee!
-Yet cloak thou art soon shorten'd, for that time,
-Unless thou be eked out from day to day,
-Goes round thee with his shears.  Resuming then
-With greeting such, as Rome, was first to bear,
-But since hath disaccustom'd I began;
-And Beatrice, that a little space
-Was sever'd, smil'd reminding me of her,
-Whose cough embolden'd (as the story holds)
-To first offence the doubting Guenever.
-
-"You are my sire," said I, "you give me heart
-Freely to speak my thought: above myself
-You raise me.  Through so many streams with joy
-My soul is fill'd, that gladness wells from it;
-So that it bears the mighty tide, and bursts not
-Say then, my honour'd stem! what ancestors
-Where those you sprang from, and what years were mark'd
-In your first childhood?  Tell me of the fold,
-That hath Saint John for guardian, what was then
-Its state, and who in it were highest seated?"
-
-As embers, at the breathing of the wind,
-Their flame enliven, so that light I saw
-Shine at my blandishments; and, as it grew
-More fair to look on, so with voice more sweet,
-Yet not in this our modern phrase, forthwith
-It answer'd: "From the day, when it was said
-'Hail Virgin!' to the throes, by which my mother,
-Who now is sainted, lighten'd her of me
-Whom she was heavy with, this fire had come,
-Five hundred fifty times and thrice, its beams
-To reilumine underneath the foot
-Of its own lion.  They, of whom I sprang,
-And I, had there our birth-place, where the last
-Partition of our city first is reach'd
-By him, that runs her annual game.  Thus much
-Suffice of my forefathers: who they were,
-And whence they hither came, more honourable
-It is to pass in silence than to tell.
-All those, who in that time were there from Mars
-Until the Baptist, fit to carry arms,
-Were but the fifth of them this day alive.
-But then the citizen's blood, that now is mix'd
-From Campi and Certaldo and Fighine,
-Ran purely through the last mechanic's veins.
-O how much better were it, that these people
-Were neighbours to you, and that at Galluzzo
-And at Trespiano, ye should have your bound'ry,
-Than to have them within, and bear the stench
-Of Aguglione's hind, and Signa's, him,
-That hath his eye already keen for bart'ring!
-Had not the people, which of all the world
-Degenerates most, been stepdame unto Caesar,
-But, as a mother, gracious to her son;
-Such one, as hath become a Florentine,
-And trades and traffics, had been turn'd adrift
-To Simifonte, where his grandsire ply'd
-The beggar's craft.  The Conti were possess'd
-Of Montemurlo still: the Cerchi still
-Were in Acone's parish; nor had haply
-From Valdigrieve past the Buondelmonte.
-The city's malady hath ever source
-In the confusion of its persons, as
-The body's, in variety of food:
-And the blind bull falls with a steeper plunge,
-Than the blind lamb; and oftentimes one sword
-Doth more and better execution,
-Than five.  Mark Luni, Urbisaglia mark,
-How they are gone, and after them how go
-Chiusi and Sinigaglia; and 't will seem
-No longer new or strange to thee to hear,
-That families fail, when cities have their end.
-All things, that appertain t' ye, like yourselves,
-Are mortal: but mortality in some
-Ye mark not, they endure so long, and you
-Pass by so suddenly.  And as the moon
-Doth, by the rolling of her heav'nly sphere,
-Hide and reveal the strand unceasingly;
-So fortune deals with Florence.  Hence admire not
-At what of them I tell thee, whose renown
-Time covers, the first Florentines.  I saw
-The Ughi, Catilini and Filippi,
-The Alberichi, Greci and Ormanni,
-Now in their wane, illustrious citizens:
-And great as ancient, of Sannella him,
-With him of Arca saw, and Soldanieri
-And Ardinghi, and Bostichi.  At the poop,
-That now is laden with new felony,
-So cumb'rous it may speedily sink the bark,
-The Ravignani sat, of whom is sprung
-The County Guido, and whoso hath since
-His title from the fam'd Bellincione ta'en.
-Fair governance was yet an art well priz'd
-By him of Pressa: Galigaio show'd
-The gilded hilt and pommel, in his house.
-The column, cloth'd with verrey, still was seen
-Unshaken: the Sacchetti still were great,
-Giouchi, Sifanti, Galli and Barucci,
-With them who blush to hear the bushel nam'd.
-Of the Calfucci still the branchy trunk
-Was in its strength: and to the curule chairs
-Sizii and Arigucci yet were drawn.
-How mighty them I saw, whom since their pride
-Hath undone! and in all her goodly deeds
-Florence was by the bullets of bright gold
-O'erflourish'd.  Such the sires of those, who now,
-As surely as your church is vacant, flock
-Into her consistory, and at leisure
-There stall them and grow fat.  The o'erweening brood,
-That plays the dragon after him that flees,
-But unto such, as turn and show the tooth,
-Ay or the purse, is gentle as a lamb,
-Was on its rise, but yet so slight esteem'd,
-That Ubertino of Donati grudg'd
-His father-in-law should yoke him to its tribe.
-Already Caponsacco had descended
-Into the mart from Fesole: and Giuda
-And Infangato were good citizens.
-A thing incredible I tell, tho' true:
-The gateway, named from those of Pera, led
-Into the narrow circuit of your walls.
-Each one, who bears the sightly quarterings
-Of the great Baron (he whose name and worth
-The festival of Thomas still revives)
-His knighthood and his privilege retain'd;
-Albeit one, who borders them With gold,
-This day is mingled with the common herd.
-In Borgo yet the Gualterotti dwelt,
-And Importuni: well for its repose
-Had it still lack'd of newer neighbourhood.
-The house, from whence your tears have had their spring,
-Through the just anger that hath murder'd ye
-And put a period to your gladsome days,
-Was honour'd, it, and those consorted with it.
-O Buondelmonte! what ill counseling
-Prevail'd on thee to break the plighted bond
-Many, who now are weeping, would rejoice,
-Had God to Ema giv'n thee, the first time
-Thou near our city cam'st.  But so was doom'd:
-On that maim'd stone set up to guard the bridge,
-At thy last peace, the victim, Florence! fell.
-With these and others like to them, I saw
-Florence in such assur'd tranquility,
-She had no cause at which to grieve: with these
-Saw her so glorious and so just, that ne'er
-The lily from the lance had hung reverse,
-Or through division been with vermeil dyed."
-
-
-
-
-CANTO XVII
-
-Such as the youth, who came to Clymene
-To certify himself of that reproach,
-Which had been fasten'd on him, (he whose end
-Still makes the fathers chary to their sons),
-E'en such was I; nor unobserv'd was such
-Of Beatrice, and that saintly lamp,
-Who had erewhile for me his station mov'd;
-When thus by lady: "Give thy wish free vent,
-That it may issue, bearing true report
-Of the mind's impress; not that aught thy words
-May to our knowledge add, but to the end,
-That thou mayst use thyself to own thy thirst
-And men may mingle for thee when they hear."
-
-"O plant! from whence I spring! rever'd and lov'd!
-Who soar'st so high a pitch, thou seest as clear,
-As earthly thought determines two obtuse
-In one triangle not contain'd, so clear
-Dost see contingencies, ere in themselves
-Existent, looking at the point whereto
-All times are present, I, the whilst I scal'd
-With Virgil the soul purifying mount,
-And visited the nether world of woe,
-Touching my future destiny have heard
-Words grievous, though I feel me on all sides
-Well squar'd to fortune's blows.  Therefore my will
-Were satisfied to know the lot awaits me,
-The arrow, seen beforehand, slacks its flight."
-
-So said I to the brightness, which erewhile
-To me had spoken, and my will declar'd,
-As Beatrice will'd, explicitly.
-Nor with oracular response obscure,
-Such, as or ere the Lamb of God was slain,
-Beguil'd the credulous nations; but, in terms
-Precise and unambiguous lore, replied
-The spirit of paternal love, enshrin'd,
-Yet in his smile apparent; and thus spake:
-"Contingency, unfolded not to view
-Upon the tablet of your mortal mold,
-Is all depictur'd in the' eternal sight;
-But hence deriveth not necessity,
-More then the tall ship, hurried down the flood,
-Doth from the vision, that reflects the scene.
-From thence, as to the ear sweet harmony
-From organ comes, so comes before mine eye
-The time prepar'd for thee.  Such as driv'n out
-From Athens, by his cruel stepdame's wiles,
-Hippolytus departed, such must thou
-Depart from Florence.  This they wish, and this
-Contrive, and will ere long effectuate, there,
-Where gainful merchandize is made of Christ,
-Throughout the livelong day.  The common cry,
-Will, as 't is ever wont, affix the blame
-Unto the party injur'd: but the truth
-Shall, in the vengeance it dispenseth, find
-A faithful witness.  Thou shall leave each thing
-Belov'd most dearly: this is the first shaft
-Shot from the bow of exile.  Thou shalt prove
-How salt the savour is of other's bread,
-How hard the passage to descend and climb
-By other's stairs, But that shall gall thee most
-Will be the worthless and vile company,
-With whom thou must be thrown into these straits.
-For all ungrateful, impious all and mad,
-Shall turn 'gainst thee: but in a little while
-Theirs and not thine shall be the crimson'd brow
-Their course shall so evince their brutishness
-T' have ta'en thy stand apart shall well become thee.
-
-"First refuge thou must find, first place of rest,
-In the great Lombard's courtesy, who bears
-Upon the ladder perch'd the sacred bird.
-He shall behold thee with such kind regard,
-That 'twixt ye two, the contrary to that
-Which falls 'twixt other men, the granting shall
-Forerun the asking.  With him shalt thou see
-That mortal, who was at his birth impress
-So strongly from this star, that of his deeds
-The nations shall take note.  His unripe age
-Yet holds him from observance; for these wheels
-Only nine years have compass him about.
-But, ere the Gascon practice on great Harry,
-Sparkles of virtue shall shoot forth in him,
-In equal scorn of labours and of gold.
-His bounty shall be spread abroad so widely,
-As not to let the tongues e'en of his foes
-Be idle in its praise.  Look thou to him
-And his beneficence: for he shall cause
-Reversal of their lot to many people,
-Rich men and beggars interchanging fortunes.
-And thou shalt bear this written in thy soul
-Of him, but tell it not;" and things he told
-Incredible to those who witness them;
-Then added: "So interpret thou, my son,
-What hath been told thee.--Lo! the ambushment
-That a few circling seasons hide for thee!
-Yet envy not thy neighbours: time extends
-Thy span beyond their treason's chastisement."
-
-Soon, as the saintly spirit, by his silence,
-Had shown the web, which I had streteh'd for him
-Upon the warp, was woven, I began,
-As one, who in perplexity desires
-Counsel of other, wise, benign and friendly:
-"My father! well I mark how time spurs on
-Toward me, ready to inflict the blow,
-Which falls most heavily on him, who most
-Abandoned himself.  Therefore 't is good
-I should forecast, that driven from the place
-Most dear to me, I may not lose myself
-All others by my song.  Down through the world
-Of infinite mourning, and along the mount
-From whose fair height my lady's eyes did lift me,
-And after through this heav'n from light to light,
-Have I learnt that, which if I tell again,
-It may with many woefully disrelish;
-And, if I am a timid friend to truth,
-I fear my life may perish among those,
-To whom these days shall be of ancient date."
-
-The brightness, where enclos'd the treasure smil'd,
-Which I had found there, first shone glisteningly,
-Like to a golden mirror in the sun;
-Next answer'd: "Conscience, dimm'd or by its own
-Or other's shame, will feel thy saying sharp.
-Thou, notwithstanding, all deceit remov'd,
-See the whole vision be made manifest.
-And let them wince who have their withers wrung.
-What though, when tasted first, thy voice shall prove
-Unwelcome, on digestion it will turn
-To vital nourishment.  The cry thou raisest,
-Shall, as the wind doth, smite the proudest summits;
-Which is of honour no light argument,
-For this there only have been shown to thee,
-Throughout these orbs, the mountain, and the deep,
-Spirits, whom fame hath note of.  For the mind
-Of him, who hears, is loth to acquiesce
-And fix its faith, unless the instance brought
-Be palpable, and proof apparent urge."
-
-
-
-
-CANTO XVIII
-
-CANTO XVIII
-
-Now in his word, sole, ruminating, joy'd
-That blessed spirit; and I fed on mine,
-Tempting the sweet with bitter: she meanwhile,
-Who led me unto God, admonish'd: "Muse
-On other thoughts: bethink thee, that near Him
-I dwell, who recompenseth every wrong."
-
-At the sweet sounds of comfort straight I turn'd;
-And, in the saintly eyes what love was seen,
-I leave in silence here: nor through distrust
-Of my words only, but that to such bliss
-The mind remounts not without aid.  Thus much
-Yet may I speak; that, as I gaz'd on her,
-Affection found no room for other wish.
-While the everlasting pleasure, that did full
-On Beatrice shine, with second view
-From her fair countenance my gladden'd soul
-Contented; vanquishing me with a beam
-Of her soft smile, she spake: "Turn thee, and list.
-These eyes are not thy only Paradise."
-
-As here we sometimes in the looks may see
-Th' affection mark'd, when that its sway hath ta'en
-The spirit wholly; thus the hallow'd light,
-To whom I turn'd, flashing, bewray'd its will
-To talk yet further with me, and began:
-"On this fifth lodgment of the tree, whose life
-Is from its top, whose fruit is ever fair
-And leaf unwith'ring, blessed spirits abide,
-That were below, ere they arriv'd in heav'n,
-So mighty in renown, as every muse
-Might grace her triumph with them.  On the horns
-Look therefore of the cross: he, whom I name,
-Shall there enact, as doth in summer cloud
-Its nimble fire."  Along the cross I saw,
-At the repeated name of Joshua,
-A splendour gliding; nor, the word was said,
-Ere it was done: then, at the naming saw
-Of the great Maccabee, another move
-With whirling speed; and gladness was the scourge
-Unto that top.  The next for Charlemagne
-And for the peer Orlando, two my gaze
-Pursued, intently, as the eye pursues
-A falcon flying.  Last, along the cross,
-William, and Renard, and Duke Godfrey drew
-My ken, and Robert Guiscard.  And the soul,
-Who spake with me among the other lights
-Did move away, and mix; and with the choir
-Of heav'nly songsters prov'd his tuneful skill.
-
-To Beatrice on my right l bent,
-Looking for intimation or by word
-Or act, what next behoov'd; and did descry
-Such mere effulgence in her eyes, such joy,
-It past all former wont.  And, as by sense
-Of new delight, the man, who perseveres
-In good deeds doth perceive from day to day
-His virtue growing; I e'en thus perceiv'd
-Of my ascent, together with the heav'n
-The circuit widen'd, noting the increase
-Of beauty in that wonder.  Like the change
-In a brief moment on some maiden's cheek,
-Which from its fairness doth discharge the weight
-Of pudency, that stain'd it; such in her,
-And to mine eyes so sudden was the change,
-Through silvery whiteness of that temperate star,
-Whose sixth orb now enfolded us.  I saw,
-Within that Jovial cresset, the clear sparks
-Of love, that reign'd there, fashion to my view
-Our language.  And as birds, from river banks
-Arisen, now in round, now lengthen'd troop,
-Array them in their flight, greeting, as seems,
-Their new-found pastures; so, within the lights,
-The saintly creatures flying, sang, and made
-Now D. now I. now L. figur'd I' th' air.
-
-First, singing, to their notes they mov'd, then one
-Becoming of these signs, a little while
-Did rest them, and were mute.  O nymph divine
-Of Pegasean race! whose souls, which thou
-Inspir'st, mak'st glorious and long-liv'd, as they
-Cities and realms by thee! thou with thyself
-Inform me; that I may set forth the shapes,
-As fancy doth present them.  Be thy power
-Display'd in this brief song.  The characters,
-Vocal and consonant, were five-fold seven.
-In order each, as they appear'd, I mark'd.
-Diligite Justitiam, the first,
-Both verb and noun all blazon'd; and the extreme
-Qui judicatis terram.  In the M.
-Of the fifth word they held their station,
-Making the star seem silver streak'd with gold.
-And on the summit of the M. I saw
-Descending other lights, that rested there,
-Singing, methinks, their bliss and primal good.
-Then, as at shaking of a lighted brand,
-Sparkles innumerable on all sides
-Rise scatter'd, source of augury to th' unwise;
-Thus more than thousand twinkling lustres hence
-Seem'd reascending, and a higher pitch
-Some mounting, and some less; e'en as the sun,
-Which kindleth them, decreed.  And when each one
-Had settled in his place, the head and neck
-Then saw I of an eagle, lively
-Grav'd in that streaky fire.  Who painteth there,
-Hath none to guide him; of himself he guides;
-And every line and texture of the nest
-Doth own from him the virtue, fashions it.
-The other bright beatitude, that seem'd
-Erewhile, with lilied crowning, well content
-To over-canopy the M. mov'd forth,
-Following gently the impress of the bird.
-
- Sweet star! what glorious and thick-studded gems
-Declar'd to me our justice on the earth
-To be the effluence of that heav'n, which thou,
-Thyself a costly jewel, dost inlay!
-Therefore I pray the Sovran Mind, from whom
-Thy motion and thy virtue are begun,
-That he would look from whence the fog doth rise,
-To vitiate thy beam: so that once more
-He may put forth his hand 'gainst such, as drive
-Their traffic in that sanctuary, whose walls
-With miracles and martyrdoms were built.
-
-Ye host of heaven! whose glory I survey!
-O beg ye grace for those, that are on earth
-All after ill example gone astray.
-War once had for its instrument the sword:
-But now 't is made, taking the bread away
-Which the good Father locks from none.  --And thou,
-That writes but to cancel, think, that they,
-Who for the vineyard, which thou wastest, died,
-Peter and Paul live yet, and mark thy doings.
-Thou hast good cause to cry, "My heart so cleaves
-To him, that liv'd in solitude remote,
-And from the wilds was dragg'd to martyrdom,
-I wist not of the fisherman nor Paul."
-
-
-
-
-CANTO XIX
-
-Before my sight appear'd, with open wings,
-The beauteous image, in fruition sweet
-Gladdening the thronged spirits.  Each did seem
-A little ruby, whereon so intense
-The sun-beam glow'd that to mine eyes it came
-In clear refraction.  And that, which next
-Befalls me to portray, voice hath not utter'd,
-Nor hath ink written, nor in fantasy
-Was e'er conceiv'd.  For I beheld and heard
-The beak discourse; and, what intention form'd
-Of many, singly as of one express,
-Beginning: "For that I was just and piteous,
-l am exalted to this height of glory,
-The which no wish exceeds: and there on earth
-Have I my memory left, e'en by the bad
-Commended, while they leave its course untrod."
-
-Thus is one heat from many embers felt,
-As in that image many were the loves,
-And one the voice, that issued from them all.
-Whence I address them: "O perennial flowers
-Of gladness everlasting! that exhale
-In single breath your odours manifold!
-Breathe now; and let the hunger be appeas'd,
-That with great craving long hath held my soul,
-Finding no food on earth.  This well I know,
-That if there be in heav'n a realm, that shows
-In faithful mirror the celestial Justice,
-Yours without veil reflects it.  Ye discern
-The heed, wherewith I do prepare myself
-To hearken; ye the doubt that urges me
-With such inveterate craving."  Straight I saw,
-Like to a falcon issuing from the hood,
-That rears his head, and claps him with his wings,
-His beauty and his eagerness bewraying.
-So saw I move that stately sign, with praise
-Of grace divine inwoven and high song
-Of inexpressive joy.  "He," it began,
-"Who turn'd his compass on the world's extreme,
-And in that space so variously hath wrought,
-Both openly, and in secret, in such wise
-Could not through all the universe display
-Impression of his glory, that the Word
-Of his omniscience should not still remain
-In infinite excess.  In proof whereof,
-He first through pride supplanted, who was sum
-Of each created being, waited not
-For light celestial, and abortive fell.
-Whence needs each lesser nature is but scant
-Receptacle unto that Good, which knows
-No limit, measur'd by itself alone.
-Therefore your sight, of th' omnipresent Mind
-A single beam, its origin must own
-Surpassing far its utmost potency.
-The ken, your world is gifted with, descends
-In th' everlasting Justice as low down,
-As eye doth in the sea; which though it mark
-The bottom from the shore, in the wide main
-Discerns it not; and ne'ertheless it is,
-But hidden through its deepness.  Light is none,
-Save that which cometh from the pure serene
-Of ne'er disturbed ether: for the rest,
-'Tis darkness all, or shadow of the flesh,
-Or else its poison.  Here confess reveal'd
-That covert, which hath hidden from thy search
-The living justice, of the which thou mad'st
-Such frequent question; for thou saidst--'A man
-Is born on Indus' banks, and none is there
-Who speaks of Christ, nor who doth read nor write,
-And all his inclinations and his acts,
-As far as human reason sees, are good,
-And he offendeth not in word or deed.
-But unbaptiz'd he dies, and void of faith.
-Where is the justice that condemns him?  where
-His blame, if he believeth not?'--What then,
-And who art thou, that on the stool wouldst sit
-To judge at distance of a thousand miles
-With the short-sighted vision of a span?
-To him, who subtilizes thus with me,
-There would assuredly be room for doubt
-Even to wonder, did not the safe word
-Of scripture hold supreme authority.
-
-"O animals of clay!  O spirits gross I
-The primal will, that in itself is good,
-Hath from itself, the chief Good, ne'er been mov'd.
-Justice consists in consonance with it,
-Derivable by no created good,
-Whose very cause depends upon its beam."
-
-As on her nest the stork, that turns about
-Unto her young, whom lately she hath fed,
-While they with upward eyes do look on her;
-So lifted I my gaze; and bending so
-The ever-blessed image wav'd its wings,
-Lab'ring with such deep counsel.  Wheeling round
-It warbled, and did say: "As are my notes
-To thee, who understand'st them not, such is
-Th' eternal judgment unto mortal ken."
-
-Then still abiding in that ensign rang'd,
-Wherewith the Romans over-awed the world,
-Those burning splendours of the Holy Spirit
-Took up the strain; and thus it spake again:
-"None ever hath ascended to this realm,
-Who hath not a believer been in Christ,
-Either before or after the blest limbs
-Were nail'd upon the wood.  But lo! of those
-Who call 'Christ, Christ,' there shall be many found,
- In judgment, further off from him by far,
-Than such, to whom his name was never known.
-Christians like these the Ethiop shall condemn:
-When that the two assemblages shall part;
-One rich eternally, the other poor.
-
-"What may the Persians say unto your kings,
-When they shall see that volume, in the which
-All their dispraise is written, spread to view?
-There amidst Albert's works shall that be read,
-Which will give speedy motion to the pen,
-When Prague shall mourn her desolated realm.
-There shall be read the woe, that he doth work
-With his adulterate money on the Seine,
-Who by the tusk will perish: there be read
-The thirsting pride, that maketh fool alike
-The English and Scot, impatient of their bound.
-There shall be seen the Spaniard's luxury,
-The delicate living there of the Bohemian,
-Who still to worth has been a willing stranger.
-The halter of Jerusalem shall see
-A unit for his virtue, for his vices
-No less a mark than million.  He, who guards
-The isle of fire by old Anchises honour'd
-Shall find his avarice there and cowardice;
-And better to denote his littleness,
-The writing must be letters maim'd, that speak
-Much in a narrow space.  All there shall know
-His uncle and his brother's filthy doings,
-Who so renown'd a nation and two crowns
-Have bastardized.  And they, of Portugal
-And Norway, there shall be expos'd with him
-Of Ratza, who hath counterfeited ill
-The coin of Venice.  O blest Hungary!
-If thou no longer patiently abid'st
-Thy ill-entreating! and, O blest Navarre!
-If with thy mountainous girdle thou wouldst arm thee
-In earnest of that day, e'en now are heard
-Wailings and groans in Famagosta's streets
-And Nicosia's, grudging at their beast,
-Who keepeth even footing with the rest."
-
-
-
-
-CANTO XX
-
-When, disappearing, from our hemisphere,
-The world's enlightener vanishes, and day
-On all sides wasteth, suddenly the sky,
-Erewhile irradiate only with his beam,
-Is yet again unfolded, putting forth
-Innumerable lights wherein one shines.
-Of such vicissitude in heaven I thought,
-As the great sign, that marshaleth the world
-And the world's leaders, in the blessed beak
-Was silent; for that all those living lights,
-Waxing in splendour, burst forth into songs,
-Such as from memory glide and fall away.
-
-Sweet love! that dost apparel thee in smiles,
-How lustrous was thy semblance in those sparkles,
-Which merely are from holy thoughts inspir'd!
-
-After the precious and bright beaming stones,
-That did ingem the sixth light, ceas'd the chiming
-Of their angelic bells; methought I heard
-The murmuring of a river, that doth fall
-From rock to rock transpicuous, making known
-The richness of his spring-head: and as sound
-Of cistern, at the fret-board, or of pipe,
-Is, at the wind-hole, modulate and tun'd;
-Thus up the neck, as it were hollow, rose
-That murmuring of the eagle, and forthwith
-Voice there assum'd, and thence along the beak
-Issued in form of words, such as my heart
-Did look for, on whose tables I inscrib'd them.
-
-"The part in me, that sees, and bears the sun,,
-In mortal eagles," it began, "must now
-Be noted steadfastly: for of the fires,
-That figure me, those, glittering in mine eye,
-Are chief of all the greatest.  This, that shines
-Midmost for pupil, was the same, who sang
-The Holy Spirit's song, and bare about
-The ark from town to town; now doth he know
-The merit of his soul-impassion'd strains
-By their well-fitted guerdon.  Of the five,
-That make the circle of the vision, he
-Who to the beak is nearest, comforted
-The widow for her son: now doth he know
-How dear he costeth not to follow Christ,
-Both from experience of this pleasant life,
-And of its opposite.  He next, who follows
-In the circumference, for the over arch,
-By true repenting slack'd the pace of death:
-Now knoweth he, that the degrees of heav'n
-Alter not, when through pious prayer below
-Today's is made tomorrow's destiny.
-The other following, with the laws and me,
-To yield the shepherd room, pass'd o'er to Greece,
-From good intent producing evil fruit:
-Now knoweth he, how all the ill, deriv'd
-From his well doing, doth not helm him aught,
-Though it have brought destruction on the world.
-That, which thou seest in the under bow,
-Was William, whom that land bewails, which weeps
-For Charles and Frederick living: now he knows
-How well is lov'd in heav'n the righteous king,
-Which he betokens by his radiant seeming.
-Who in the erring world beneath would deem,
-That Trojan Ripheus in this round was set
-Fifth of the saintly splendours?  now he knows
-Enough of that, which the world cannot see,
-The grace divine, albeit e'en his sight
-Reach not its utmost depth."  Like to the lark,
-That warbling in the air expatiates long,
-Then, trilling out his last sweet melody,
-Drops satiate with the sweetness; such appear'd
-That image stampt by the' everlasting pleasure,
-Which fashions like itself all lovely things.
-
-I, though my doubting were as manifest,
-As is through glass the hue that mantles it,
-In silence waited not: for to my lips
-"What things are these?"  involuntary rush'd,
-And forc'd a passage out: whereat I mark'd
-A sudden lightening and new revelry.
-The eye was kindled: and the blessed sign
-No more to keep me wond'ring and suspense,
-Replied: "I see that thou believ'st these things,
-Because I tell them, but discern'st not how;
-So that thy knowledge waits not on thy faith:
-As one who knows the name of thing by rote,
-But is a stranger to its properties,
-Till other's tongue reveal them.  Fervent love
-And lively hope with violence assail
-The kingdom of the heavens, and overcome
-The will of the Most high; not in such sort
-As man prevails o'er man; but conquers it,
-Because 't is willing to be conquer'd, still,
-Though conquer'd, by its mercy conquering.
-
-"Those, in the eye who live the first and fifth,
-Cause thee to marvel, in that thou behold'st
-The region of the angels deck'd with them.
-They quitted not their bodies, as thou deem'st,
-Gentiles but Christians, in firm rooted faith,
-This of the feet in future to be pierc'd,
-That of feet nail'd already to the cross.
-One from the barrier of the dark abyss,
-Where never any with good will returns,
-Came back unto his bones.  Of lively hope
-Such was the meed; of lively hope, that wing'd
-The prayers sent up to God for his release,
-And put power into them to bend his will.
-The glorious Spirit, of whom I speak to thee,
-A little while returning to the flesh,
-Believ'd in him, who had the means to help,
-And, in believing, nourish'd such a flame
-Of holy love, that at the second death
-He was made sharer in our gamesome mirth.
-The other, through the riches of that grace,
-Which from so deep a fountain doth distil,
-As never eye created saw its rising,
-Plac'd all his love below on just and right:
-Wherefore of grace God op'd in him the eye
-To the redemption of mankind to come;
-Wherein believing, he endur'd no more
-The filth of paganism, and for their ways
-Rebuk'd the stubborn nations.  The three nymphs,
-Whom at the right wheel thou beheldst advancing,
-Were sponsors for him more than thousand years
-Before baptizing.  O how far remov'd,
-Predestination! is thy root from such
-As see not the First cause entire: and ye,
-O mortal men! be wary how ye judge:
-For we, who see our Maker, know not yet
-The number of the chosen: and esteem
-Such scantiness of knowledge our delight:
-For all our good is in that primal good
-Concentrate, and God's will and ours are one."
-
-So, by that form divine, was giv'n to me
-Sweet medicine to clear and strengthen sight,
-And, as one handling skillfully the harp,
-Attendant on some skilful songster's voice
-Bids the chords vibrate, and therein the song
-Acquires more pleasure; so, the whilst it spake,
-It doth remember me, that I beheld
-The pair of blessed luminaries move.
-Like the accordant twinkling of two eyes,
-Their beamy circlets, dancing to the sounds.
-
-
-
-
-CANTO XXI
-
-Again mine eyes were fix'd on Beatrice,
-And with mine eyes my soul, that in her looks
-Found all contentment.  Yet no smile she wore
-And, "Did I smile," quoth she, "thou wouldst be straight
-Like Semele when into ashes turn'd:
-For, mounting these eternal palace-stairs,
-My beauty, which the loftier it climbs,
-As thou hast noted, still doth kindle more,
-So shines, that, were no temp'ring interpos'd,
-Thy mortal puissance would from its rays
-Shrink, as the leaf doth from the thunderbolt.
-Into the seventh splendour are we wafted,
-That underneath the burning lion's breast
-Beams, in this hour, commingled with his might,
-Thy mind be with thine eyes: and in them mirror'd
-The shape, which in this mirror shall be shown."
-Whoso can deem, how fondly I had fed
-My sight upon her blissful countenance,
-May know, when to new thoughts I chang'd, what joy
-To do the bidding of my heav'nly guide:
-In equal balance poising either weight.
-
-Within the crystal, which records the name,
-(As its remoter circle girds the world)
-Of that lov'd monarch, in whose happy reign
-No ill had power to harm, I saw rear'd up,
-In colour like to sun-illumin'd gold.
-
-A ladder, which my ken pursued in vain,
-So lofty was the summit; down whose steps
-I saw the splendours in such multitude
-Descending, ev'ry light in heav'n, methought,
-Was shed thence.  As the rooks, at dawn of day
-Bestirring them to dry their feathers chill,
-Some speed their way a-field, and homeward some,
-Returning, cross their flight, while some abide
-And wheel around their airy lodge; so seem'd
-That glitterance, wafted on alternate wing,
-As upon certain stair it met, and clash'd
-Its shining. And one ling'ring near us, wax'd
-So bright, that in my thought: said: "The love,
-Which this betokens me, admits no doubt."
-
-Unwillingly from question I refrain,
-To her, by whom my silence and my speech
-Are order'd, looking for a sign: whence she,
-Who in the sight of Him, that seeth all,
-Saw wherefore I was silent, prompted me
-T' indulge the fervent wish; and I began:
-"I am not worthy, of my own desert,
-That thou shouldst answer me; but for her sake,
-Who hath vouchsaf'd my asking, spirit blest!
-That in thy joy art shrouded! say the cause,
-Which bringeth thee so near: and wherefore, say,
-Doth the sweet symphony of Paradise
-Keep silence here, pervading with such sounds
-Of rapt devotion ev'ry lower sphere?"
-"Mortal art thou in hearing as in sight;"
-Was the reply: "and what forbade the smile
-Of Beatrice interrupts our song.
-Only to yield thee gladness of my voice,
-And of the light that vests me, I thus far
-Descend these hallow'd steps: not that more love
-Invites me; for lo! there aloft, as much
-Or more of love is witness'd in those flames:
-But such my lot by charity assign'd,
-That makes us ready servants, as thou seest,
-To execute the counsel of the Highest."
-"That in this court," said I, "O sacred lamp!
-Love no compulsion needs, but follows free
-Th' eternal Providence, I well discern:
-This harder find to deem, why of thy peers
-Thou only to this office wert foredoom'd."
-I had not ended, when, like rapid mill,
-Upon its centre whirl'd the light; and then
-The love, that did inhabit there, replied:
-"Splendour eternal, piercing through these folds,
-Its virtue to my vision knits, and thus
-Supported, lifts me so above myself,
-That on the sov'ran essence, which it wells from,
-I have the power to gaze: and hence the joy,
-Wherewith I sparkle, equaling with my blaze
-The keenness of my sight.  But not the soul,
-That is in heav'n most lustrous, nor the seraph
-That hath his eyes most fix'd on God, shall solve
-What thou hast ask'd: for in th' abyss it lies
-Of th' everlasting statute sunk so low,
-That no created ken may fathom it.
-And, to the mortal world when thou return'st,
-Be this reported; that none henceforth dare
-Direct his footsteps to so dread a bourn.
-The mind, that here is radiant, on the earth
-Is wrapt in mist.  Look then if she may do,
-Below, what passeth her ability,
-When she is ta'en to heav'n."  By words like these
-Admonish'd, I the question urg'd no more;
-And of the spirit humbly sued alone
-T' instruct me of its state.  "'Twixt either shore
-Of Italy, nor distant from thy land,
-A stony ridge ariseth, in such sort,
-The thunder doth not lift his voice so high,
-They call it Catria: at whose foot a cell
-Is sacred to the lonely Eremite,
-For worship set apart and holy rites."
-A third time thus it spake; then added: "There
-So firmly to God's service I adher'd,
-That with no costlier viands than the juice
-Of olives, easily I pass'd the heats
-Of summer and the winter frosts, content
-In heav'n-ward musings.  Rich were the returns
-And fertile, which that cloister once was us'd
-To render to these heavens: now 't is fall'n
-Into a waste so empty, that ere long
-Detection must lay bare its vanity
-Pietro Damiano there was I yclept:
-Pietro the sinner, when before I dwelt
-Beside the Adriatic, in the house
-Of our blest Lady.  Near upon my close
-Of mortal life, through much importuning
-I was constrain'd to wear the hat that still
-From bad to worse it shifted.--Cephas came;
-He came, who was the Holy Spirit's vessel,
-Barefoot and lean, eating their bread, as chanc'd,
-At the first table.  Modern Shepherd's need
-Those who on either hand may prop and lead them,
-So burly are they grown: and from behind
-Others to hoist them.  Down the palfrey's sides
-Spread their broad mantles, so as both the beasts
-Are cover'd with one skin.  O patience! thou
-That lookst on this and doth endure so long."
-I at those accents saw the splendours down
-From step to step alight, and wheel, and wax,
-Each circuiting, more beautiful.  Round this
-They came, and stay'd them; uttered them a shout
-So loud, it hath no likeness here: nor I
-Wist what it spake, so deaf'ning was the thunder.
-
-
-
-
-CANTO XXII
-
-Astounded, to the guardian of my steps
-I turn'd me, like the chill, who always runs
-Thither for succour, where he trusteth most,
-And she was like the mother, who her son
-Beholding pale and breathless, with her voice
-Soothes him, and he is cheer'd; for thus she spake,
-Soothing me: "Know'st not thou, thou art in heav'n?
-And know'st not thou, whatever is in heav'n,
-Is holy, and that nothing there is done
-But is done zealously and well?  Deem now,
-What change in thee the song, and what my smile
-had wrought, since thus the shout had pow'r to move thee.
-In which couldst thou have understood their prayers,
-The vengeance were already known to thee,
-Which thou must witness ere thy mortal hour,
-The sword of heav'n is not in haste to smite,
-Nor yet doth linger, save unto his seeming,
-Who in desire or fear doth look for it.
-But elsewhere now l bid thee turn thy view;
-So shalt thou many a famous spirit behold."
-Mine eyes directing, as she will'd, I saw
-A hundred little spheres, that fairer grew
-By interchange of splendour.  I remain'd,
-As one, who fearful of o'er-much presuming,
-Abates in him the keenness of desire,
-Nor dares to question, when amid those pearls,
-One largest and most lustrous onward drew,
-That it might yield contentment to my wish;
-And from within it these the sounds I heard.
-
-"If thou, like me, beheldst the charity
-That burns amongst us, what thy mind conceives,
-Were utter'd.  But that, ere the lofty bound
-Thou reach, expectance may not weary thee,
-I will make answer even to the thought,
-Which thou hast such respect of.  In old days,
-That mountain, at whose side Cassino rests,
-Was on its height frequented by a race
-Deceived and ill dispos'd: and I it was,
-Who thither carried first the name of Him,
-Who brought the soul-subliming truth to man.
-And such a speeding grace shone over me,
-That from their impious worship I reclaim'd
-The dwellers round about, who with the world
-Were in delusion lost.  These other flames,
-The spirits of men contemplative, were all
-Enliven'd by that warmth, whose kindly force
-Gives birth to flowers and fruits of holiness.
-Here is Macarius; Romoaldo here:
-And here my brethren, who their steps refrain'd
-Within the cloisters, and held firm their heart."
-
-I answ'ring, thus; "Thy gentle words and kind,
-And this the cheerful semblance, I behold
-Not unobservant, beaming in ye all,
-Have rais'd assurance in me, wakening it
-Full-blossom'd in my bosom, as a rose
-Before the sun, when the consummate flower
-Has spread to utmost amplitude.  Of thee
-Therefore entreat I, father! to declare
-If I may gain such favour, as to gaze
-Upon thine image, by no covering veil'd."
-
-"Brother!"  he thus rejoin'd, "in the last sphere
-Expect completion of thy lofty aim,
-For there on each desire completion waits,
-And there on mine: where every aim is found
-Perfect, entire, and for fulfillment ripe.
-There all things are as they have ever been:
-For space is none to bound, nor pole divides,
-Our ladder reaches even to that clime,
-And so at giddy distance mocks thy view.
-Thither the Patriarch Jacob saw it stretch
-Its topmost round, when it appear'd to him
-With angels laden.  But to mount it now
-None lifts his foot from earth: and hence my rule
-Is left a profitless stain upon the leaves;
-The walls, for abbey rear'd, turned into dens,
-The cowls to sacks choak'd up with musty meal.
-Foul usury doth not more lift itself
-Against God's pleasure, than that fruit which makes
-The hearts of monks so wanton: for whate'er
-Is in the church's keeping, all pertains.
-To such, as sue for heav'n's sweet sake, and not
-To those who in respect of kindred claim,
-Or on more vile allowance.  Mortal flesh
-Is grown so dainty, good beginnings last not
-From the oak's birth, unto the acorn's setting.
-His convent Peter founded without gold
-Or silver; I with pray'rs and fasting mine;
-And Francis his in meek humility.
-And if thou note the point, whence each proceeds,
-Then look what it hath err'd to, thou shalt find
-The white grown murky.  Jordan was turn'd back;
-And a less wonder, then the refluent sea,
-May at God's pleasure work amendment here."
-
-So saying, to his assembly back he drew:
-And they together cluster'd into one,
-Then all roll'd upward like an eddying wind.
-
-The sweet dame beckon'd me to follow them:
-And, by that influence only, so prevail'd
-Over my nature, that no natural motion,
-Ascending or descending here below,
-Had, as I mounted, with my pennon vied.
-
-So, reader, as my hope is to return
-Unto the holy triumph, for the which
-I ofttimes wail my sins, and smite my breast,
-Thou hadst been longer drawing out and thrusting
-Thy finger in the fire, than I was, ere
-The sign, that followeth Taurus, I beheld,
-And enter'd its precinct.  O glorious stars!
-O light impregnate with exceeding virtue!
-To whom whate'er of genius lifteth me
-Above the vulgar, grateful I refer;
-With ye the parent of all mortal life
-Arose and set, when I did first inhale
-The Tuscan air; and afterward, when grace
-Vouchsaf'd me entrance to the lofty wheel
-That in its orb impels ye, fate decreed
-My passage at your clime.  To you my soul
-Devoutly sighs, for virtue even now
-To meet the hard emprize that draws me on.
-
-"Thou art so near the sum of blessedness,"
-Said Beatrice, "that behooves thy ken
-Be vigilant and clear.  And, to this end,
-Or even thou advance thee further, hence
-Look downward, and contemplate, what a world
-Already stretched under our feet there lies:
-So as thy heart may, in its blithest mood,
-Present itself to the triumphal throng,
-Which through the' etherial concave comes rejoicing."
-
-I straight obey'd; and with mine eye return'd
-Through all the seven spheres, and saw this globe
-So pitiful of semblance, that perforce
-It moved my smiles: and him in truth I hold
-For wisest, who esteems it least: whose thoughts
-Elsewhere are fix'd, him worthiest call and best.
-I saw the daughter of Latona shine
-Without the shadow, whereof late I deem'd
-That dense and rare were cause.  Here I sustain'd
-The visage, Hyperion! of thy sun;
-And mark'd, how near him with their circle, round
-Move Maia and Dione; here discern'd
-Jove's tempering 'twixt his sire and son; and hence
-Their changes and their various aspects
-Distinctly scann'd.  Nor might I not descry
-Of all the seven, how bulky each, how swift;
-Nor of their several distances not learn.
-This petty area (o'er the which we stride
-So fiercely), as along the eternal twins
-I wound my way, appear'd before me all,
-Forth from the havens stretch'd unto the hills.
-Then to the beauteous eyes mine eyes return'd.
-
-
-
-
-CANTO XXIII
-
-E'en as the bird, who midst the leafy bower
-Has, in her nest, sat darkling through the night,
-With her sweet brood, impatient to descry
-Their wished looks, and to bring home their food,
-In the fond quest unconscious of her toil:
-She, of the time prevenient, on the spray,
-That overhangs their couch, with wakeful gaze
-Expects the sun; nor ever, till the dawn,
-Removeth from the east her eager ken;
-So stood the dame erect, and bent her glance
-Wistfully on that region, where the sun
-Abateth most his speed; that, seeing her
-Suspense and wand'ring, I became as one,
-In whom desire is waken'd, and the hope
-Of somewhat new to come fills with delight.
-
-Short space ensued; I was not held, I say,
-Long in expectance, when I saw the heav'n
-Wax more and more resplendent; and, "Behold,"
-Cried Beatrice, "the triumphal hosts
-Of Christ, and all the harvest reap'd at length
-Of thy ascending up these spheres."  Meseem'd,
-That, while she spake her image all did burn,
-And in her eyes such fullness was of joy,
-And I am fain to pass unconstrued by.
-
-As in the calm full moon, when Trivia smiles,
-In peerless beauty, 'mid th' eternal nympus,
-That paint through all its gulfs the blue profound
-In bright pre-eminence so saw I there,
-O'er million lamps a sun, from whom all drew
-Their radiance as from ours the starry train:
-And through the living light so lustrous glow'd
-The substance, that my ken endur'd it not.
-
-O Beatrice! sweet and precious guide!
-Who cheer'd me with her comfortable words!
-"Against the virtue, that o'erpow'reth thee,
-Avails not to resist.  Here is the might,
-And here the wisdom, which did open lay
-The path, that had been yearned for so long,
-Betwixt the heav'n and earth."  Like to the fire,
-That, in a cloud imprison'd doth break out
-Expansive, so that from its womb enlarg'd,
-It falleth against nature to the ground;
-Thus in that heav'nly banqueting my soul
-Outgrew herself; and, in the transport lost.
-Holds now remembrance none of what she was.
-
-"Ope thou thine eyes, and mark me: thou hast seen
-Things, that empower thee to sustain my smile."
-
-I was as one, when a forgotten dream
-Doth come across him, and he strives in vain
-To shape it in his fantasy again,
-Whenas that gracious boon was proffer'd me,
-Which never may be cancel'd from the book,
-Wherein the past is written.  Now were all
-Those tongues to sound, that have on sweetest milk
-Of Polyhymnia and her sisters fed
-And fatten'd, not with all their help to boot,
-Unto the thousandth parcel of the truth,
-My song might shadow forth that saintly smile,
-flow merely in her saintly looks it wrought.
-And with such figuring of Paradise
-The sacred strain must leap, like one, that meets
-A sudden interruption to his road.
-But he, who thinks how ponderous the theme,
-And that 't is lain upon a mortal shoulder,
-May pardon, if it tremble with the burden.
-The track, our ventrous keel must furrow, brooks
-No unribb'd pinnace, no self-sparing pilot.
-
-"Why doth my face," said Beatrice, "thus
-Enamour thee, as that thou dost not turn
-Unto the beautiful garden, blossoming
-Beneath the rays of Christ?  Here is the rose,
-Wherein the word divine was made incarnate;
-And here the lilies, by whose odour known
-The way of life was follow'd."  Prompt I heard
-Her bidding, and encounter once again
-The strife of aching vision.  As erewhile,
-Through glance of sunlight, stream'd through broken cloud,
-Mine eyes a flower-besprinkled mead have seen,
-Though veil'd themselves in shade; so saw I there
-Legions of splendours, on whom burning rays
-Shed lightnings from above, yet saw I not
-The fountain whence they flow'd.  O gracious virtue!
-Thou, whose broad stamp is on them, higher up
-Thou didst exalt thy glory to give room
-To my o'erlabour'd sight: when at the name
-Of that fair flower, whom duly I invoke
-Both morn and eve, my soul, with all her might
-Collected, on the goodliest ardour fix'd.
-And, as the bright dimensions of the star
-In heav'n excelling, as once here on earth
-Were, in my eyeballs lively portray'd,
-Lo! from within the sky a cresset fell,
-Circling in fashion of a diadem,
-And girt the star, and hov'ring round it wheel'd.
-
-Whatever melody sounds sweetest here,
-And draws the spirit most unto itself,
-Might seem a rent cloud when it grates the thunder,
-Compar'd unto the sounding of that lyre,
-Wherewith the goodliest sapphire, that inlays
-The floor of heav'n, was crown'd. "Angelic Love
-I am, who thus with hov'ring flight enwheel
-The lofty rapture from that womb inspir'd,
-Where our desire did dwell: and round thee so,
-Lady of Heav'n! will hover; long as thou
-Thy Son shalt follow, and diviner joy
-Shall from thy presence gild the highest sphere."
-
-Such close was to the circling melody:
-And, as it ended, all the other lights
-Took up the strain, and echoed Mary's name.
-
-The robe, that with its regal folds enwraps
-The world, and with the nearer breath of God
-Doth burn and quiver, held so far retir'd
-Its inner hem and skirting over us,
-That yet no glimmer of its majesty
-Had stream'd unto me: therefore were mine eyes
-Unequal to pursue the crowned flame,
-That rose and sought its natal seed of fire;
-And like to babe, that stretches forth its arms
-For very eagerness towards the breast,
-After the milk is taken; so outstretch'd
-Their wavy summits all the fervent band,
-Through zealous love to Mary: then in view
-There halted, and "Regina Coeli" sang
-So sweetly, the delight hath left me never.
-
-O what o'erflowing plenty is up-pil'd
-In those rich-laden coffers, which below
-Sow'd the good seed, whose harvest now they keep.
-
-Here are the treasures tasted, that with tears
-Were in the Babylonian exile won,
-When gold had fail'd them.  Here in synod high
-Of ancient council with the new conven'd,
-Under the Son of Mary and of God,
-Victorious he his mighty triumph holds,
-To whom the keys of glory were assign'd.
-
-
-
-
-CANTO XXIV
-
-"O ye! in chosen fellowship advanc'd
-To the great supper of the blessed Lamb,
-Whereon who feeds hath every wish fulfill'd!
-If to this man through God's grace be vouchsaf'd
-Foretaste of that, which from your table falls,
-Or ever death his fated term prescribe;
-Be ye not heedless of his urgent will;
-But may some influence of your sacred dews
-Sprinkle him.  Of the fount ye alway drink,
-Whence flows what most he craves."  Beatrice spake,
-And the rejoicing spirits, like to spheres
-On firm-set poles revolving, trail'd a blaze
-Of comet splendour; and as wheels, that wind
-Their circles in the horologe, so work
-The stated rounds, that to th' observant eye
-The first seems still, and, as it flew, the last;
-E'en thus their carols weaving variously,
-They by the measure pac'd, or swift, or slow,
-Made me to rate the riches of their joy.
-
-From that, which I did note in beauty most
-Excelling, saw I issue forth a flame
-So bright, as none was left more goodly there.
-Round Beatrice thrice it wheel'd about,
-With so divine a song, that fancy's ear
-Records it not; and the pen passeth on
-And leaves a blank: for that our mortal speech,
-Nor e'en the inward shaping of the brain,
-Hath colours fine enough to trace such folds.
-
-"O saintly sister mine! thy prayer devout
-Is with so vehement affection urg'd,
-Thou dost unbind me from that beauteous sphere."
-
-Such were the accents towards my lady breath'd
-From that blest ardour, soon as it was stay'd:
-To whom she thus: "O everlasting light
-Of him, within whose mighty grasp our Lord
-Did leave the keys, which of this wondrous bliss
-He bare below! tent this man, as thou wilt,
-With lighter probe or deep, touching the faith,
-By the which thou didst on the billows walk.
-If he in love, in hope, and in belief,
-Be steadfast, is not hid from thee: for thou
-Hast there thy ken, where all things are beheld
-In liveliest portraiture.  But since true faith
-Has peopled this fair realm with citizens,
-Meet is, that to exalt its glory more,
-Thou in his audience shouldst thereof discourse."
-
-Like to the bachelor, who arms himself,
-And speaks not, till the master have propos'd
-The question, to approve, and not to end it;
-So I, in silence, arm'd me, while she spake,
-Summoning up each argument to aid;
-As was behooveful for such questioner,
-And such profession: "As good Christian ought,
-Declare thee, What is faith?"  Whereat I rais'd
-My forehead to the light, whence this had breath'd,
-Then turn'd to Beatrice, and in her looks
-Approval met, that from their inmost fount
-I should unlock the waters.  "May the grace,
-That giveth me the captain of the church
-For confessor," said I, "vouchsafe to me
-Apt utterance for my thoughts!" then added: "Sire!
-E'en as set down by the unerring style
-Of thy dear brother, who with thee conspir'd
-To bring Rome in unto the way of life,
-Faith of things hop'd is substance, and the proof
-Of things not seen; and herein doth consist
-Methinks its essence,"--"Rightly hast thou deem'd,"
-Was answer'd: "if thou well discern, why first
-He hath defin'd it, substance, and then proof."
-
-"The deep things," I replied, "which here I scan
-Distinctly, are below from mortal eye
-So hidden, they have in belief alone
-Their being, on which credence hope sublime
-Is built; and therefore substance it intends.
-And inasmuch as we must needs infer
-From such belief our reasoning, all respect
-To other view excluded, hence of proof
-Th' intention is deriv'd."  Forthwith I heard:
-"If thus, whate'er by learning men attain,
-Were understood, the sophist would want room
-To exercise his wit."  So breath'd the flame
-Of love: then added: "Current is the coin
-Thou utter'st, both in weight and in alloy.
-But tell me, if thou hast it in thy purse."
-
-"Even so glittering and so round," said I,
-"I not a whit misdoubt of its assay."
-
-Next issued from the deep imbosom'd splendour:
-"Say, whence the costly jewel, on the which
-Is founded every virtue, came to thee."
-"The flood," I answer'd, "from the Spirit of God
-Rain'd down upon the ancient bond and new,--
-Here is the reas'ning, that convinceth me
-So feelingly, each argument beside
-Seems blunt and forceless in comparison."
-Then heard I: "Wherefore holdest thou that each,
-The elder proposition and the new,
-Which so persuade thee, are the voice of heav'n?"
-
-"The works, that follow'd, evidence their truth;"
-I answer'd: "Nature did not make for these
-The iron hot, or on her anvil mould them."
-"Who voucheth to thee of the works themselves,"
-Was the reply, "that they in very deed
-Are that they purport?  None hath sworn so to thee."
-
-"That all the world," said I, "should have been turn'd
-To Christian, and no miracle been wrought,
-Would in itself be such a miracle,
-The rest were not an hundredth part so great.
-E'en thou wentst forth in poverty and hunger
-To set the goodly plant, that from the vine,
-It once was, now is grown unsightly bramble."
-That ended, through the high celestial court
-Resounded all the spheres.  "Praise we one God!"
-In song of most unearthly melody.
-And when that Worthy thus, from branch to branch,
-Examining, had led me, that we now
-Approach'd the topmost bough, he straight resum'd;
-"The grace, that holds sweet dalliance with thy soul,
-So far discreetly hath thy lips unclos'd
-That, whatsoe'er has past them, I commend.
-Behooves thee to express, what thou believ'st,
-The next, and whereon thy belief hath grown."
-
-"O saintly sire and spirit!" I began,
-"Who seest that, which thou didst so believe,
-As to outstrip feet younger than thine own,
-Toward the sepulchre?  thy will is here,
-That I the tenour of my creed unfold;
-And thou the cause of it hast likewise ask'd.
-And I reply: I in one God believe,
-One sole eternal Godhead, of whose love
-All heav'n is mov'd, himself unmov'd the while.
-Nor demonstration physical alone,
-Or more intelligential and abstruse,
-Persuades me to this faith; but from that truth
-It cometh to me rather, which is shed
-Through Moses, the rapt Prophets, and the Psalms.
-The Gospel, and that ye yourselves did write,
-When ye were gifted of the Holy Ghost.
-In three eternal Persons I believe,
-Essence threefold and one, mysterious league
-Of union absolute, which, many a time,
-The word of gospel lore upon my mind
-Imprints: and from this germ, this firstling spark,
-The lively flame dilates, and like heav'n's star
-Doth glitter in me."  As the master hears,
-Well pleas'd, and then enfoldeth in his arms
-The servant, who hath joyful tidings brought,
-And having told the errand keeps his peace;
-Thus benediction uttering with song
-Soon as my peace I held, compass'd me thrice
-The apostolic radiance, whose behest
-Had op'd lips; so well their answer pleas'd.
-
-
-
-
-CANTO XXV
-
-If e'er the sacred poem that hath made
-Both heav'n and earth copartners in its toil,
-And with lean abstinence, through many a year,
-Faded my brow, be destin'd to prevail
-Over the cruelty, which bars me forth
-Of the fair sheep-fold, where a sleeping lamb
-The wolves set on and fain had worried me,
-With other voice and fleece of other grain
-I shall forthwith return, and, standing up
-At my baptismal font, shall claim the wreath
-Due to the poet's temples: for I there
-First enter'd on the faith which maketh souls
-Acceptable to God: and, for its sake,
-Peter had then circled my forehead thus.
-
-Next from the squadron, whence had issued forth
-The first fruit of Christ's vicars on the earth,
-Toward us mov'd a light, at view whereof
-My Lady, full of gladness, spake to me:
-"Lo! lo! behold the peer of mickle might,
-That makes Falicia throng'd with visitants!"
-
-As when the ring-dove by his mate alights,
-In circles each about the other wheels,
-And murmuring cooes his fondness; thus saw I
-One, of the other great and glorious prince,
-With kindly greeting hail'd, extolling both
-Their heavenly banqueting; but when an end
-Was to their gratulation, silent, each,
-Before me sat they down, so burning bright,
-I could not look upon them.  Smiling then,
-Beatrice spake: "O life in glory shrin'd!"
-Who didst the largess of our kingly court
-Set down with faithful pen! let now thy voice
-Of hope the praises in this height resound.
-For thou, who figur'st them in shapes, as clear,
-As Jesus stood before thee, well can'st speak them."
-
-"Lift up thy head, and be thou strong in trust:
-For that, which hither from the mortal world
-Arriveth, must be ripen'd in our beam."
-
-Such cheering accents from the second flame
-Assur'd me; and mine eyes I lifted up
-Unto the mountains that had bow'd them late
-With over-heavy burden.  "Sith our Liege
-Wills of his grace that thou, or ere thy death,
-In the most secret council, with his lords
-Shouldst be confronted, so that having view'd
-The glories of our court, thou mayst therewith
-Thyself, and all who hear, invigorate
-With hope, that leads to blissful end; declare,
-What is that hope, how it doth flourish in thee,
-And whence thou hadst it?"  Thus proceeding still,
-The second light: and she, whose gentle love
-My soaring pennons in that lofty flight
-Escorted, thus preventing me, rejoin'd:
-Among her sons, not one more full of hope,
-Hath the church militant: so 't is of him
-Recorded in the sun, whose liberal orb
-Enlighteneth all our tribe: and ere his term
-Of warfare, hence permitted he is come,
-From Egypt to Jerusalem, to see.
-The other points, both which thou hast inquir'd,
-Not for more knowledge, but that he may tell
-How dear thou holdst the virtue, these to him
-Leave I; for he may answer thee with ease,
-And without boasting, so God give him grace."
-Like to the scholar, practis'd in his task,
-Who, willing to give proof of diligence,
-Seconds his teacher gladly, "Hope," said I,
-"Is of the joy to come a sure expectance,
-Th' effect of grace divine and merit preceding.
-This light from many a star visits my heart,
-But flow'd to me the first from him, who sang
-The songs of the Supreme, himself supreme
-Among his tuneful brethren.  'Let all hope
-In thee,' so speak his anthem, 'who have known
-Thy name;' and with my faith who know not that?
-From thee, the next, distilling from his spring,
-In thine epistle, fell on me the drops
-So plenteously, that I on others shower
-The influence of their dew."  Whileas I spake,
-A lamping, as of quick and vollied lightning,
-Within the bosom of that mighty sheen,
-Play'd tremulous; then forth these accents breath'd:
-"Love for the virtue which attended me
-E'en to the palm, and issuing from the field,
-Glows vigorous yet within me, and inspires
-To ask of thee, whom also it delights;
-What promise thou from hope in chief dost win."
-
-"Both scriptures, new and ancient," I reply'd;
-"Propose the mark (which even now I view)
-For souls belov'd of God. Isaias saith,
-That, in their own land, each one must be clad
-In twofold vesture; and their proper lands this delicious life.
-In terms more full,
-And clearer far, thy brother hath set forth
-This revelation to us, where he tells
-Of the white raiment destin'd to the saints."
-And, as the words were ending, from above,
-"They hope in thee," first heard we cried: whereto
-Answer'd the carols all.  Amidst them next,
-A light of so clear amplitude emerg'd,
-That winter's month were but a single day,
-Were such a crystal in the Cancer's sign.
-
-Like as a virgin riseth up, and goes,
-And enters on the mazes of the dance,
-Though gay, yet innocent of worse intent,
-Than to do fitting honour to the bride;
-So I beheld the new effulgence come
-Unto the other two, who in a ring
-Wheel'd, as became their rapture.  In the dance
-And in the song it mingled.  And the dame
-Held on them fix'd her looks: e'en as the spouse
-Silent and moveless.  "This is he, who lay
-Upon the bosom of our pelican:
-This he, into whose keeping from the cross
-The mighty charge was given."  Thus she spake,
-Yet therefore naught the more remov'd her Sight
-From marking them, or ere her words began,
-Or when they clos'd.  As he, who looks intent,
-And strives with searching ken, how he may see
-The sun in his eclipse, and, through desire
-Of seeing, loseth power of sight: so I
-Peer'd on that last resplendence, while I heard:
-"Why dazzlest thou thine eyes in seeking that,
-Which here abides not?  Earth my body is,
-In earth: and shall be, with the rest, so long,
-As till our number equal the decree
-Of the Most High.  The two that have ascended,
-In this our blessed cloister, shine alone
-With the two garments.  So report below."
-
-As when, for ease of labour, or to shun
-Suspected peril at a whistle's breath,
-The oars, erewhile dash'd frequent in the wave,
-All rest; the flamy circle at that voice
-So rested, and the mingling sound was still,
-Which from the trinal band soft-breathing rose.
-I turn'd, but ah! how trembled in my thought,
-When, looking at my side again to see
-Beatrice, I descried her not, although
-Not distant, on the happy coast she stood.
-
-
-
-
-CANTO XXVI
-
-With dazzled eyes, whilst wond'ring I remain'd,
-Forth of the beamy flame which dazzled me,
-Issued a breath, that in attention mute
-Detain'd me; and these words it spake: "'T were well,
-That, long as till thy vision, on my form
-O'erspent, regain its virtue, with discourse
-Thou compensate the brief delay.  Say then,
-Beginning, to what point thy soul aspires:
-
-"And meanwhile rest assur'd, that sight in thee
-Is but o'erpowered a space, not wholly quench'd:
-Since thy fair guide and lovely, in her look
-Hath potency, the like to that which dwelt
-In Ananias' hand." I answering thus:
-"Be to mine eyes the remedy or late
-Or early, at her pleasure; for they were
-The gates, at which she enter'd, and did light
-Her never dying fire.  My wishes here
-Are centered; in this palace is the weal,
-That Alpha and Omega, is to all
-The lessons love can read me."  Yet again
-The voice which had dispers'd my fear, when daz'd
-With that excess, to converse urg'd, and spake:
-"Behooves thee sift more narrowly thy terms,
-And say, who level'd at this scope thy bow."
-
-"Philosophy," said I, ''hath arguments,
-And this place hath authority enough
-'T' imprint in me such love: for, of constraint,
-Good, inasmuch as we perceive the good,
-Kindles our love, and in degree the more,
-As it comprises more of goodness in 't.
-The essence then, where such advantage is,
-That each good, found without it, is naught else
-But of his light the beam, must needs attract
-The soul of each one, loving, who the truth
-Discerns, on which this proof is built.  Such truth
-Learn I from him, who shows me the first love
-Of all intelligential substances
-Eternal: from his voice I learn, whose word
-Is truth, that of himself to Moses saith,
-'I will make all my good before thee pass.'
-Lastly from thee I learn, who chief proclaim'st,
-E'en at the outset of thy heralding,
-In mortal ears the mystery of heav'n."
-
-"Through human wisdom, and th' authority
-Therewith agreeing," heard I answer'd, "keep
-The choicest of thy love for God.  But say,
-If thou yet other cords within thee feel'st
-That draw thee towards him; so that thou report
-How many are the fangs, with which this love
-Is grappled to thy soul."  I did not miss,
-To what intent the eagle of our Lord
-Had pointed his demand; yea noted well
-Th' avowal, which he led to; and resum'd:
-"All grappling bonds, that knit the heart to God,
-Confederate to make fast our clarity.
-The being of the world, and mine own being,
-The death which he endur'd that I should live,
-And that, which all the faithful hope, as I do,
-To the foremention'd lively knowledge join'd,
-Have from the sea of ill love sav'd my bark,
-And on the coast secur'd it of the right.
-As for the leaves, that in the garden bloom,
-My love for them is great, as is the good
-Dealt by th' eternal hand, that tends them all."
-
-I ended, and therewith a song most sweet
-Rang through the spheres; and "Holy, holy, holy,"
-Accordant with the rest my lady sang.
-And as a sleep is broken and dispers'd
-Through sharp encounter of the nimble light,
-With the eye's spirit running forth to meet
-The ray, from membrane on to the membrane urg'd;
-And the upstartled wight loathes that he sees;
-So, at his sudden waking, he misdeems
-Of all around him, till assurance waits
-On better judgment: thus the saintly came
-Drove from before mine eyes the motes away,
-With the resplendence of her own, that cast
-Their brightness downward, thousand miles below.
-Whence I my vision, clearer shall before,
-Recover'd; and, well nigh astounded, ask'd
-Of a fourth light, that now with us I saw.
-
-And Beatrice: "The first diving soul,
-That ever the first virtue fram'd, admires
-Within these rays his Maker."  Like the leaf,
-That bows its lithe top till the blast is blown;
-By its own virtue rear'd then stands aloof;
-So I, the whilst she said, awe-stricken bow'd.
-Then eagerness to speak embolden'd me;
-And I began: "O fruit! that wast alone
-Mature, when first engender'd!  Ancient father!
-That doubly seest in every wedded bride
-Thy daughter by affinity and blood!
-Devoutly as I may, I pray thee hold
-Converse with me: my will thou seest; and I,
-More speedily to hear thee, tell it not."
-
-It chanceth oft some animal bewrays,
-Through the sleek cov'ring of his furry coat.
-The fondness, that stirs in him and conforms
-His outside seeming to the cheer within:
-And in like guise was Adam's spirit mov'd
-To joyous mood, that through the covering shone,
-Transparent, when to pleasure me it spake:
-"No need thy will be told, which I untold
-Better discern, than thou whatever thing
-Thou holdst most certain: for that will I see
-In Him, who is truth's mirror, and Himself
-Parhelion unto all things, and naught else
-To him.  This wouldst thou hear; how long since God
-Plac'd me high garden, from whose hounds
-She led me up in this ladder, steep and long;
-What space endur'd my season of delight;
-Whence truly sprang the wrath that banish'd me;
-And what the language, which I spake and fram'd
-Not that I tasted of the tree, my son,
-Was in itself the cause of that exile,
-But only my transgressing of the mark
-Assign'd me.  There, whence at thy lady's hest
-The Mantuan mov'd him, still was I debarr'd
-This council, till the sun had made complete,
-Four thousand and three hundred rounds and twice,
-His annual journey; and, through every light
-In his broad pathway, saw I him return,
-Thousand save sev'nty times, the whilst I dwelt
-Upon the earth.  The language I did use
-Was worn away, or ever Nimrod's race
-Their unaccomplishable work began.
-For naught, that man inclines to, ere was lasting,
-Left by his reason free, and variable,
-As is the sky that sways him.  That he speaks,
-Is nature's prompting: whether thus or thus,
-She leaves to you, as ye do most affect it.
-Ere I descended into hell's abyss,
-El was the name on earth of the Chief Good,
-Whose joy enfolds me: Eli then 't was call'd
-And so beseemeth: for, in mortals, use
-Is as the leaf upon the bough; that goes,
-And other comes instead.  Upon the mount
-Most high above the waters, all my life,
-Both innocent and guilty, did but reach
-From the first hour, to that which cometh next
-(As the sun changes quarter), to the sixth."
-
-
-
-
-CANTO XXVII
-
-Then  "Glory to the Father, to the Son,
-And to the Holy Spirit," rang aloud
-Throughout all Paradise, that with the song
-My spirit reel'd, so passing sweet the strain:
-And what I saw was equal ecstasy;
-One universal smile it seem'd of all things,
-Joy past compare, gladness unutterable,
-Imperishable life of peace and love,
-Exhaustless riches and unmeasur'd bliss.
-
-Before mine eyes stood the four torches lit;
-And that, which first had come, began to wax
-In brightness, and in semblance such became,
-As Jove might be, if he and Mars were birds,
-And interchang'd their plumes.  Silence ensued,
-Through the blest quire, by Him, who here appoints
-Vicissitude of ministry, enjoin'd;
-When thus I heard: "Wonder not, if my hue
-Be chang'd; for, while I speak, these shalt thou see
-All in like manner change with me.  My place
-He who usurps on earth (my place, ay, mine,
-Which in the presence of the Son of God
-Is void), the same hath made my cemetery
-A common sewer of puddle and of blood:
-The more below his triumph, who from hence
-Malignant fell."  Such colour, as the sun,
-At eve or morning, paints an adverse cloud,
-Then saw I sprinkled over all the sky.
-And as th' unblemish'd dame, who in herself
-Secure of censure, yet at bare report
-Of other's failing, shrinks with maiden fear;
-So Beatrice in her semblance chang'd:
-And such eclipse in heav'n methinks was seen,
-When the Most Holy suffer'd.  Then the words
-Proceeded, with voice, alter'd from itself
-So clean, the semblance did not alter more.
-"Not to this end was Christ's spouse with my blood,
-With that of Linus, and of Cletus fed:
-That she might serve for purchase of base gold:
-But for the purchase of this happy life
-Did Sextus, Pius, and Callixtus bleed,
-And Urban, they, whose doom was not without
-Much weeping seal'd.  No purpose was of our
-That on the right hand of our successors
-Part of the Christian people should be set,
-And part upon their left; nor that the keys,
-Which were vouchsaf'd me, should for ensign serve
-Unto the banners, that do levy war
-On the baptiz'd: nor I, for sigil-mark
-Set upon sold and lying privileges;
-Which makes me oft to bicker and turn red.
-In shepherd's clothing greedy wolves below
-Range wide o'er all the pastures.  Arm of God!
-Why longer sleepst thou?  Caorsines and Gascona
-Prepare to quaff our blood.  O good beginning
-To what a vile conclusion must thou stoop!
-But the high providence, which did defend
-Through Scipio the world's glory unto Rome,
-Will not delay its succour: and thou, son,
-Who through thy mortal weight shall yet again
-Return below, open thy lips, nor hide
-What is by me not hidden."  As a Hood
-Of frozen vapours streams adown the air,
-What time the she-goat with her skiey horn
-Touches the sun; so saw I there stream wide
-The vapours, who with us had linger'd late
-And with glad triumph deck th' ethereal cope.
-Onward my sight their semblances pursued;
-So far pursued, as till the space between
-From its reach sever'd them: whereat the guide
-Celestial, marking me no more intent
-On upward gazing, said, "Look down and see
-What circuit thou hast compass'd."  From the hour
-When I before had cast my view beneath,
-All the first region overpast I saw,
-Which from the midmost to the bound'ry winds;
-That onward thence from Gades I beheld
-The unwise passage of Laertes' son,
-And hitherward the shore, where thou, Europa!
-Mad'st thee a joyful burden: and yet more
-Of this dim spot had seen, but that the sun,
-A constellation off and more, had ta'en
-His progress in the zodiac underneath.
-
-Then by the spirit, that doth never leave
-Its amorous dalliance with my lady's looks,
-Back with redoubled ardour were mine eyes
-Led unto her: and from her radiant smiles,
-Whenas I turn'd me, pleasure so divine
-Did lighten on me, that whatever bait
-Or art or nature in the human flesh,
-Or in its limn'd resemblance, can combine
-Through greedy eyes to take the soul withal,
-Were to her beauty nothing.  Its boon influence
-From the fair nest of Leda rapt me forth,
-And wafted on into the swiftest heav'n.
-
-What place for entrance Beatrice chose,
-I may not say, so uniform was all,
-Liveliest and loftiest.  She my secret wish
-Divin'd; and with such gladness, that God's love
-Seem'd from her visage shining, thus began:
-"Here is the goal, whence motion on his race
-Starts; motionless the centre, and the rest
-All mov'd around.  Except the soul divine,
-Place in this heav'n is none, the soul divine,
-Wherein the love, which ruleth o'er its orb,
-Is kindled, and the virtue that it sheds;
-One circle, light and love, enclasping it,
-As this doth clasp the others; and to Him,
-Who draws the bound, its limit only known.
-Measur'd itself by none, it doth divide
-Motion to all, counted unto them forth,
-As by the fifth or half ye count forth ten.
-The vase, wherein time's roots are plung'd, thou seest,
-Look elsewhere for the leaves.  O mortal lust!
-That canst not lift thy head above the waves
-Which whelm and sink thee down!  The will in man
-Bears goodly blossoms; but its ruddy promise
-Is, by the dripping of perpetual rain,
-Made mere abortion: faith and innocence
-Are met with but in babes, each taking leave
-Ere cheeks with down are sprinkled; he, that fasts,
-While yet a stammerer, with his tongue let loose
-Gluts every food alike in every moon.
-One yet a babbler, loves and listens to
-His mother; but no sooner hath free use
-Of speech, than he doth wish her in her grave.
-So suddenly doth the fair child of him,
-Whose welcome is the morn and eve his parting,
-To negro blackness change her virgin white.
-
-"Thou, to abate thy wonder, note that none
-Bears rule in earth, and its frail family
-Are therefore wand'rers.  Yet before the date,
-When through the hundredth in his reck'ning drops
-Pale January must be shor'd aside
-From winter's calendar, these heav'nly spheres
-Shall roar so loud, that fortune shall be fain
-To turn the poop, where she hath now the prow;
-So that the fleet run onward; and true fruit,
-Expected long, shall crown at last the bloom!"
-
-
-
-
-CANTO XXVII
-
-So she who doth imparadise my soul,
-Had drawn the veil from off our pleasant life,
-And bar'd the truth of poor mortality;
-When lo! as one who, in a mirror, spies
-The shining of a flambeau at his back,
-Lit sudden ore he deem of its approach,
-And turneth to resolve him, if the glass
-Have told him true, and sees the record faithful
-As note is to its metre; even thus,
-I well remember, did befall to me,
-Looking upon the beauteous eyes, whence love
-Had made the leash to take me.  As I turn'd;
-And that, which, in their circles, none who spies,
-Can miss of, in itself apparent, struck
-On mine; a point I saw, that darted light
-So sharp, no lid, unclosing, may bear up
-Against its keenness.  The least star we view
-From hence, had seem'd a moon, set by its side,
-As star by side of star.  And so far off,
-Perchance, as is the halo from the light
-Which paints it, when most dense the vapour spreads,
-There wheel'd about the point a circle of fire,
-More rapid than the motion, which first girds
-The world.  Then, circle after circle, round
-Enring'd each other; till the seventh reach'd
-Circumference so ample, that its bow,
-Within the span of Juno's messenger,
-lied scarce been held entire. Beyond the sev'nth,
-Follow'd yet other two.  And every one,
-As more in number distant from the first,
-Was tardier in motion; and that glow'd
-With flame most pure, that to the sparkle' of truth
-Was nearest, as partaking most, methinks,
-Of its reality.  The guide belov'd
-Saw me in anxious thought suspense, and spake:
-"Heav'n, and all nature, hangs upon that point.
-The circle thereto most conjoin'd observe;
-And know, that by intenser love its course
-Is to this swiftness wing'd."  To whom I thus:
-"It were enough; nor should I further seek,
-Had I but witness'd order, in the world
-Appointed, such as in these wheels is seen.
-But in the sensible world such diff'rence is,
-That is each round shows more divinity,
-As each is wider from the centre.  Hence,
-If in this wondrous and angelic temple,
-That hath for confine only light and love,
-My wish may have completion I must know,
-Wherefore such disagreement is between
-Th' exemplar and its copy: for myself,
-Contemplating, I fail to pierce the cause."
-
-"It is no marvel, if thy fingers foil'd
-Do leave the knot untied: so hard 't is grown
-For want of tenting."  Thus she said: "But take,"
-She added, "if thou wish thy cure, my words,
-And entertain them subtly.  Every orb
-Corporeal, doth proportion its extent
-Unto the virtue through its parts diffus'd.
-The greater blessedness preserves the more.
-The greater is the body (if all parts
-Share equally) the more is to preserve.
-Therefore the circle, whose swift course enwheels
-The universal frame answers to that,
-Which is supreme in knowledge and in love
-Thus by the virtue, not the seeming, breadth
-Of substance, measure, thou shalt see the heav'ns,
-Each to the' intelligence that ruleth it,
-Greater to more, and smaller unto less,
-Suited in strict and wondrous harmony."
-
-As when the sturdy north blows from his cheek
-A blast, that scours the sky, forthwith our air,
-Clear'd of the rack, that hung on it before,
-Glitters; and, With his beauties all unveil'd,
-The firmament looks forth serene, and smiles;
-Such was my cheer, when Beatrice drove
-With clear reply the shadows back, and truth
-Was manifested, as a star in heaven.
-And when the words were ended, not unlike
-To iron in the furnace, every cirque
-Ebullient shot forth scintillating fires:
-And every sparkle shivering to new blaze,
-In number did outmillion the account
-Reduplicate upon the chequer'd board.
-Then heard I echoing on from choir to choir,
-"Hosanna," to the fixed point, that holds,
-And shall for ever hold them to their place,
-From everlasting, irremovable.
-
-Musing awhile I stood: and she, who saw
-by inward meditations, thus began:
-"In the first circles, they, whom thou beheldst,
-Are seraphim and cherubim.  Thus swift
-Follow their hoops, in likeness to the point,
-Near as they can, approaching; and they can
-The more, the loftier their vision.  Those,
-That round them fleet, gazing the Godhead next,
-Are thrones; in whom the first trine ends.  And all
-Are blessed, even as their sight descends
-Deeper into the truth, wherein rest is
-For every mind.  Thus happiness hath root
-In seeing, not in  loving, which of sight
-Is aftergrowth.  And of the seeing such
-The meed, as unto each in due degree
-Grace and good-will their measure have assign'd.
-The other trine, that with still opening buds
-In this eternal springtide blossom fair,
-Fearless of bruising from the nightly ram,
-Breathe up in warbled melodies threefold
-Hosannas blending ever, from the three
-Transmitted. hierarchy of gods, for aye
-Rejoicing, dominations first, next then
-Virtues, and powers the third.  The next to whom
-Are princedoms and archangels, with glad round
-To tread their festal ring; and last the band
-Angelical, disporting in their sphere.
-All, as they circle in their orders, look
-Aloft, and downward with such sway prevail,
-That all with mutual impulse tend to God.
-These once a mortal view beheld.  Desire
-In Dionysius so intently wrought,
-That he, as I have done rang'd them; and nam'd
-Their orders, marshal'd in his thought.  From him
-Dissentient, one refus'd his sacred read.
-But soon as in this heav'n his doubting eyes
-Were open'd, Gregory at his error smil'd
-Nor marvel, that a denizen of earth
-Should scan such secret truth; for he had learnt
-Both this and much beside of these our orbs,
-From an eye-witness to heav'n's mysteries."
-
-
-
-
-CANTO XXIX
-
-No longer than what time Latona's twins
-Cover'd of Libra and the fleecy star,
-Together both, girding the' horizon hang,
-In even balance from the zenith pois'd,
-Till from that verge, each, changing hemisphere,
-Part the nice level; e'en so brief a space
-Did Beatrice's silence hold.  A smile
-Bat painted on her cheek; and her fix'd gaze
-Bent on the point, at which my vision fail'd:
-When thus her words resuming she began:
-"I speak, nor what thou wouldst inquire demand;
-For I have mark'd it, where all time and place
-Are present.  Not for increase to himself
-Of good, which may not be increas'd, but forth
-To manifest his glory by its beams,
-Inhabiting his own eternity,
-Beyond time's limit or what bound soe'er
-To circumscribe his being, as he will'd,
-Into new natures, like unto himself,
-Eternal Love unfolded.  Nor before,
-As if in dull inaction torpid lay.
-For not in process of before or aft
-Upon these waters mov'd the Spirit of God.
-Simple and mix'd, both form and substance, forth
-To perfect being started, like three darts
-Shot from a bow three-corded.  And as ray
-In crystal, glass, and amber, shines entire,
-E'en at the moment of its issuing; thus
-Did, from th' eternal Sovran, beam entire
-His threefold operation, at one act
-Produc'd coeval.  Yet in order each
-Created his due station knew: those highest,
-Who pure intelligence were made: mere power
-The lowest: in the midst, bound with strict league,
-Intelligence and power, unsever'd bond.
-Long tract of ages by the angels past,
-Ere the creating of another world,
-Describ'd on Jerome's pages thou hast seen.
-But that what I disclose to thee is true,
-Those penmen, whom the Holy Spirit mov'd
-In many a passage of their sacred book
-Attest; as thou by diligent search shalt find
-And reason in some sort discerns the same,
-Who scarce would grant the heav'nly ministers
-Of their perfection void, so long a space.
-Thus when and where these spirits of love were made,
-Thou know'st, and how: and knowing hast allay'd
-Thy thirst, which from the triple question rose.
-Ere one had reckon'd twenty, e'en so soon
-Part of the angels fell: and in their fall
-Confusion to your elements ensued.
-The others kept their station: and this task,
-Whereon thou lookst, began with such delight,
-That they surcease not ever, day nor night,
-Their circling.  Of that fatal lapse the cause
-Was the curst pride of him, whom thou hast seen
-Pent with the world's incumbrance.  Those, whom here
-Thou seest, were lowly to confess themselves
-Of his free bounty, who had made them apt
-For ministries so high: therefore their views
-Were by enlight'ning grace and their own merit
-Exalted; so that in their will confirm'd
-They stand, nor feel to fall.  For do not doubt,
-But to receive the grace, which heav'n vouchsafes,
-Is meritorious, even as the soul
-With prompt affection welcometh the guest.
-Now, without further help, if with good heed
-My words thy mind have treasur'd, thou henceforth
-This consistory round about mayst scan,
-And gaze thy fill.  But since thou hast on earth
-Heard vain disputers, reasoners in the schools,
-Canvas the' angelic nature, and dispute
-Its powers of apprehension, memory, choice;
-Therefore, 't is well thou take from me the truth,
-Pure and without disguise, which they below,
-Equivocating, darken and perplex.
-
-"Know thou, that, from the first, these substances,
-Rejoicing in the countenance of God,
-Have held unceasingly their view, intent
-Upon the glorious vision, from the which
-Naught absent is nor hid: where then no change
-Of newness with succession interrupts,
-Remembrance there needs none to gather up
-Divided thought and images remote
-
-"So that men, thus at variance with the truth
-Dream, though their eyes be open; reckless some
-Of error; others well aware they err,
-To whom more guilt and shame are justly due.
-Each the known track of sage philosophy
-Deserts, and has a byway of his own:
-So much the restless eagerness to shine
-And love of singularity prevail.
-Yet this, offensive as it is, provokes
-Heav'n's anger less, than when the book of God
-Is forc'd to yield to man's authority,
-Or from its straightness warp'd: no reck'ning made
-What blood the sowing of it in the world
-Has cost; what favour for himself he wins,
-Who meekly clings to it.  The aim of all
-Is how to shine: e'en they, whose office is
-To preach the Gospel, let the gospel sleep,
-And pass their own inventions off instead.
-One tells, how at Christ's suffering the wan moon
-Bent back her steps, and shadow'd o'er the sun
-With intervenient disk, as she withdrew:
-Another, how the light shrouded itself
-Within its tabernacle, and left dark
-The Spaniard and the Indian, with the Jew.
-Such fables Florence in her pulpit hears,
-Bandied about more frequent, than the names
-Of Bindi and of Lapi in her streets.
-The sheep, meanwhile, poor witless ones, return
-From pasture, fed with wind: and what avails
-For their excuse, they do not see their harm?
-Christ said not to his first conventicle,
-'Go forth and preach impostures to the world,'
-But gave them truth to build on; and the sound
-Was mighty on their lips; nor needed they,
-Beside the gospel, other spear or shield,
-To aid them in their warfare for the faith.
-The preacher now provides himself with store
-Of jests and gibes; and, so there be no lack
-Of laughter, while he vents them, his big cowl
-Distends, and he has won the meed he sought:
-Could but the vulgar catch a glimpse the while
-Of that dark bird which nestles in his hood,
-They scarce would wait to hear the blessing said.
-Which now the dotards hold in such esteem,
-That every counterfeit, who spreads abroad
-The hands of holy promise, finds a throng
-Of credulous fools beneath.  Saint Anthony
-Fattens with this his swine, and others worse
-Than swine, who diet at his lazy board,
-Paying with unstamp'd metal for their fare.
-
-"But (for we far have wander'd) let us seek
-The forward path again; so as the way
-Be shorten'd with the time.  No mortal tongue
-Nor thought of man hath ever reach'd so far,
-That of these natures he might count the tribes.
-What Daniel of their thousands hath reveal'd
-With finite number infinite conceals.
-The fountain at whose source these drink their beams,
-With light supplies them in as many modes,
-As there are splendours, that it shines on: each
-According to the virtue it conceives,
-Differing in love and sweet affection.
-Look then how lofty and how huge in breadth
-The' eternal might, which, broken and dispers'd
-Over such countless mirrors, yet remains
-Whole in itself and one, as at the first."
-
-
-
-
-CANTO XXX
-
-Noon's fervid hour perchance six thousand miles
-From hence is distant; and the shadowy cone
-Almost to level on our earth declines;
-When from the midmost of this blue abyss
-By turns some star is to our vision lost.
-And straightway as the handmaid of the sun
-Puts forth her radiant brow, all, light by light,
-Fade, and the spangled firmament shuts in,
-E'en to the loveliest of the glittering throng.
-Thus vanish'd gradually from my sight
-The triumph, which plays ever round the point,
-That overcame me, seeming (for it did)
-Engirt by that it girdeth.  Wherefore love,
-With loss of other object, forc'd me bend
-Mine eyes on Beatrice once again.
-
-If all, that hitherto is told of her,
-Were in one praise concluded, 't were too weak
-To furnish out this turn.  Mine eyes did look
-On beauty, such, as I believe in sooth,
-Not merely to exceed our human, but,
-That save its Maker, none can to the full
-Enjoy it.  At this point o'erpower'd I fail,
-Unequal to my theme, as never bard
-Of buskin or of sock hath fail'd before.
-For, as the sun doth to the feeblest sight,
-E'en so remembrance of that witching smile
-Hath dispossess my spirit of itself.
-Not from that day, when on this earth I first
-Beheld her charms, up to that view of them,
-Have I with song applausive ever ceas'd
-To follow, but not follow them no more;
-My course here bounded, as each artist's is,
-When it doth touch the limit of his skill.
-
-She (such as I bequeath her to the bruit
-Of louder trump than mine, which hasteneth on,
-Urging its arduous matter to the close),
-Her words resum'd, in gesture and in voice
-Resembling one accustom'd to command:
-"Forth from the last corporeal are we come
-Into the heav'n, that is unbodied light,
-Light intellectual replete with love,
-Love of true happiness replete with joy,
-Joy, that transcends all sweetness of delight.
-Here shalt thou look on either mighty host
-Of Paradise; and one in that array,
-Which in the final judgment thou shalt see."
-
-As when the lightning, in a sudden spleen
-Unfolded, dashes from the blinding eyes
-The visive spirits dazzled and bedimm'd;
-So, round about me, fulminating streams
-Of living radiance play'd, and left me swath'd
-And veil'd in dense impenetrable blaze.
-Such weal is in the love, that stills this heav'n;
-For its own flame the torch this fitting ever!
-
-No sooner to my list'ning ear had come
-The brief assurance, than I understood
-New virtue into me infus'd, and sight
-Kindled afresh, with vigour to sustain
-Excess of light, however pure.  I look'd;
-And in the likeness of a river saw
-Light flowing, from whose amber-seeming waves
-Flash'd up effulgence, as they glided on
-'Twixt banks, on either side, painted with spring,
-Incredible how fair; and, from the tide,
-There ever and anon, outstarting, flew
-Sparkles instinct with life; and in the flow'rs
-Did set them, like to rubies chas'd in gold;
-Then, as if drunk with odors, plung'd again
-Into the wondrous flood; from which, as one
-Re'enter'd, still another rose.  "The thirst
-Of knowledge high, whereby thou art inflam'd,
-To search the meaning of what here thou seest,
-The more it warms thee, pleases me the more.
-But first behooves thee of this water drink,
-Or ere that longing be allay'd."  So spake
-The day-star of mine eyes; then thus subjoin'd:
-"This stream, and these, forth issuing from its gulf,
-And diving back, a living topaz each,
-With all this laughter on its bloomy shores,
-Are but a preface, shadowy of the truth
-They emblem: not that, in themselves, the things
-Are crude; but on thy part is the defect,
-For that thy views not yet aspire so high."
-Never did babe, that had outslept his wont,
-Rush, with such eager straining, to the milk,
-As I toward the water, bending me,
-To make the better mirrors of mine eyes
-In the refining wave; and, as the eaves
-Of mine eyelids did drink of it, forthwith
-Seem'd it unto me turn'd from length to round,
-Then as a troop of maskers, when they put
-Their vizors off, look other than before,
-The counterfeited semblance thrown aside;
-So into greater jubilee were chang'd
-Those flowers and sparkles, and distinct I saw
-Before me either court of heav'n displac'd.
-
-O prime enlightener! thou who crav'st me strength
-On the high triumph of thy realm to gaze!
-Grant virtue now to utter what I kenn'd,
-    There is in heav'n a light, whose goodly shine
-Makes the Creator visible to all
-Created, that in seeing him alone
-Have peace; and in a circle spreads so far,
-That the circumference were too loose a zone
-To girdle in the sun.  All is one beam,
-Reflected from the summit of the first,
-That moves, which being hence and vigour takes,
-And as some cliff, that from the bottom eyes
-Its image mirror'd in the crystal flood,
-As if 't admire its brave appareling
-Of verdure and of flowers: so, round about,
-Eyeing the light, on more than million thrones,
-Stood, eminent, whatever from our earth
-Has to the skies return'd.  How wide the leaves
-Extended to their utmost of this rose,
-Whose lowest step embosoms such a space
-Of ample radiance!  Yet, nor amplitude
-Nor height impeded, but my view with ease
-Took in the full dimensions of that joy.
-Near or remote, what there avails, where God
-Immediate rules, and Nature, awed, suspends
-Her sway?  Into the yellow of the rose
-Perennial, which in bright expansiveness,
-Lays forth its gradual blooming, redolent
-Of praises to the never-wint'ring sun,
-As one, who fain would speak yet holds his peace,
-Beatrice led me; and, "Behold," she said,
-"This fair assemblage! stoles of snowy white
-How numberless!  The city, where we dwell,
-Behold how vast! and these our seats so throng'd
-Few now are wanting here!  In that proud stall,
-On which, the crown, already o'er its state
-Suspended, holds thine eyes--or ere thyself
-Mayst at the wedding sup,--shall rest the soul
-Of the great Harry, he who, by the world
-Augustas hail'd, to Italy must come,
-Before her day be ripe.  But ye are sick,
-And in your tetchy wantonness as blind,
-As is the bantling, that of hunger dies,
-And drives away the nurse.  Nor may it be,
-That he, who in the sacred forum sways,
-Openly or in secret, shall with him
-Accordant walk: Whom God will not endure
-I' th' holy office long; but thrust him down
-To Simon Magus, where Magna's priest
-Will sink beneath him: such will be his meed."
-
-
-
-
-CANTO XXXI
-
-In fashion, as a snow-white rose, lay then
-Before my view the saintly multitude,
-Which in his own blood Christ espous'd.  Meanwhile
-That other host, that soar aloft to gaze
-And celebrate his glory, whom they love,
-Hover'd around; and, like a troop of bees,
-Amid the vernal sweets alighting now,
-Now, clustering, where their fragrant labour glows,
-Flew downward to the mighty flow'r, or rose
-From the redundant petals, streaming back
-Unto the steadfast dwelling of their joy.
-Faces had they of flame, and wings of gold;
-The rest was whiter than the driven snow.
-And as they flitted down into the flower,
-From range to range, fanning their plumy loins,
-Whisper'd the peace and ardour, which they won
-From that soft winnowing.  Shadow none, the vast
-Interposition of such numerous flight
-Cast, from above, upon the flower, or view
-Obstructed aught.  For, through the universe,
-Wherever merited, celestial light
-Glides freely, and no obstacle prevents.
-
-All there, who reign in safety and in bliss,
-Ages long past or new, on one sole mark
-Their love and vision fix'd.  O trinal beam
-Of individual star, that charmst them thus,
-Vouchsafe one glance to gild our storm below!
-
-If the grim brood, from Arctic shores that roam'd,
-(Where helice, forever, as she wheels,
-Sparkles a mother's fondness on her son)
-Stood in mute wonder 'mid the works of Rome,
-When to their view the Lateran arose
-In greatness more than earthly; I, who then
-From human to divine had past, from time
-Unto eternity, and out of Florence
-To justice and to truth, how might I choose
-But marvel too?  'Twixt gladness and amaze,
-In sooth no will had I to utter aught,
-Or hear.  And, as a pilgrim, when he rests
-Within the temple of his vow, looks round
-In breathless awe, and hopes some time to tell
-Of all its goodly state: e'en so mine eyes
-Cours'd up and down along the living light,
-Now low, and now aloft, and now around,
-Visiting every step.  Looks I beheld,
-Where charity in soft persuasion sat,
-Smiles from within and radiance from above,
-And in each gesture grace and honour high.
-
-So rov'd my ken, and its general form
-All Paradise survey'd: when round I turn'd
-With purpose of my lady to inquire
-Once more of things, that held my thought suspense,
-But answer found from other than I ween'd;
-For, Beatrice, when I thought to see,
-I saw instead a senior, at my side,
- Rob'd, as the rest, in glory.  Joy benign
-Glow'd in his eye, and o'er his cheek diffus'd,
-With gestures such as spake a father's love.
-And, "Whither is she vanish'd?"  straight I ask'd.
-
-"By Beatrice summon'd," he replied,
-"I come to aid thy wish.  Looking aloft
-To the third circle from the highest, there
-Behold her on the throne, wherein her merit
-Hath plac'd her."  Answering not, mine eyes I rais'd,
-And saw her, where aloof she sat, her brow
-A wreath reflecting of eternal beams.
-Not from the centre of the sea so far
-Unto the region of the highest thunder,
-As was my ken from hers; and yet the form
-Came through that medium down, unmix'd and pure,
-
-"O Lady! thou in whom my hopes have rest!
-Who, for my safety, hast not scorn'd, in hell
-To leave the traces of thy footsteps mark'd!
-For all mine eyes have seen, I, to thy power
-And goodness, virtue owe and grace.  Of slave,
-Thou hast to freedom brought me; and no means,
-For my deliverance apt, hast left untried.
-Thy liberal bounty still toward me keep.
-That, when my spirit, which thou madest whole,
-Is loosen'd from this body, it may find
-Favour with thee."  So I my suit preferr'd:
-And she, so distant, as appear'd, look'd down,
-And smil'd; then tow'rds th' eternal fountain turn'd.
-
-And thus the senior, holy and rever'd:
-"That thou at length mayst happily conclude
-Thy voyage (to which end I was dispatch'd,
-By supplication mov'd and holy love)
-Let thy upsoaring vision range, at large,
-This garden through: for so, by ray divine
-Kindled, thy ken a higher flight shall mount;
-And from heav'n's queen, whom fervent I adore,
-All gracious aid befriend us; for that I
-Am her own faithful Bernard."  Like a wight,
-Who haply from Croatia wends to see
-Our Veronica, and the while 't is shown,
-Hangs over it with never-sated gaze,
-And, all that he hath heard revolving, saith
-Unto himself in thought: "And didst thou look
-E'en thus, O Jesus, my true Lord and God?
-And was this semblance thine?"  So gaz'd I then
-Adoring; for the charity of him,
-Who musing, in the world that peace enjoy'd,
-Stood lively before me.  "Child of grace!"
-Thus he began: "thou shalt not knowledge gain
-Of this glad being, if thine eyes are held
-Still in this depth below.  But search around
-The circles, to the furthest, till thou spy
-Seated in state, the queen, that of this realm
-Is sovran."  Straight mine eyes I rais'd; and bright,
-As, at the birth of morn, the eastern clime
-Above th' horizon, where the sun declines;
-To mine eyes, that upward, as from vale
-To mountain sped, at th' extreme bound, a part
-Excell'd in lustre all the front oppos'd.
-And as the glow burns ruddiest o'er the wave,
-That waits the sloping beam, which Phaeton
-Ill knew to guide, and on each part the light
-Diminish'd fades, intensest in the midst;
-So burn'd the peaceful oriflame, and slack'd
-On every side the living flame decay'd.
-And in that midst their sportive pennons wav'd
-Thousands of angels; in resplendence each
-Distinct, and quaint adornment. At their glee
-And carol, smil'd the Lovely One of heav'n,
-That joy was in the eyes of all the blest.
-
-Had I a tongue in eloquence as rich,
-As is the colouring in fancy's loom,
-'T were all too poor to utter the least part
-Of that enchantment.  When he saw mine eyes
-Intent on her, that charm'd him, Bernard gaz'd
-With so exceeding fondness, as infus'd
-Ardour into my breast, unfelt before.
-
-
-
-
-CANTO XXXII
-
-Freely the sage, though wrapt in musings high,
-Assum'd the teacher's part, and mild began:
-"The wound, that Mary clos'd, she open'd first,
-Who sits so beautiful at Mary's feet.
-The third in order, underneath her, lo!
-Rachel with Beatrice. Sarah next,
-Judith, Rebecca, and the gleaner maid,
-Meek ancestress of him, who sang the songs
-Of sore repentance in his sorrowful mood.
-All, as I name them, down from deaf to leaf,
-Are in gradation throned on the rose.
-And from the seventh step, successively,
-Adown the breathing tresses of the flow'r
-Still doth the file of Hebrew dames proceed.
-For these are a partition wall, whereby
-The sacred stairs are sever'd, as the faith
-In Christ divides them.  On this part, where blooms
-Each leaf in full maturity, are set
-Such as in Christ, or ere he came, believ'd.
-On th' other, where an intersected space
-Yet shows the semicircle void, abide
-All they, who look'd to Christ already come.
-And as our Lady on her glorious stool,
-And they who on their stools beneath her sit,
-This way distinction make: e'en so on his,
-The mighty Baptist that way marks the line
-(He who endur'd the desert and the pains
-Of martyrdom, and for two years of hell,
-Yet still continued holy), and beneath,
-Augustin, Francis, Benedict, and the rest,
-Thus far from round to round.  So heav'n's decree
-Forecasts, this garden equally to fill.
-With faith in either view, past or to come,
-Learn too, that downward from the step, which cleaves
-Midway the twain compartments, none there are
-Who place obtain for merit of their own,
-But have through others' merit been advanc'd,
-On set conditions: spirits all releas'd,
-Ere for themselves they had the power to choose.
-And, if thou mark and listen to them well,
-Their childish looks and voice declare as much.
-
-"Here, silent as thou art, I know thy doubt;
-And gladly will I loose the knot, wherein
-Thy subtle thoughts have bound thee.  From this realm
-Excluded, chalice no entrance here may find,
-No more shall hunger, thirst, or sorrow can.
-A law immutable hath establish'd all;
-Nor is there aught thou seest, that doth not fit,
-Exactly, as the finger to the ring.
-It is not therefore without cause, that these,
-O'erspeedy comers to immortal life,
-Are different in their shares of excellence.
-Our Sovran Lord--that settleth this estate
-In love and in delight so absolute,
-That wish can dare no further--every soul,
-Created in his joyous sight to dwell,
-With grace at pleasure variously endows.
-And for a proof th' effect may well suffice.
-And 't is moreover most expressly mark'd
-In holy scripture, where the twins are said
-To, have struggled in the womb.  Therefore, as grace
-Inweaves the coronet, so every brow
-Weareth its proper hue of orient light.
-And merely in respect to his prime gift,
-Not in reward of meritorious deed,
-Hath each his several degree assign'd.
-In early times with their own innocence
-More was not wanting, than the parents' faith,
-To save them: those first ages past, behoov'd
-That circumcision in the males should imp
-The flight of innocent wings: but since the day
-Of grace hath come, without baptismal rites
-In Christ accomplish'd, innocence herself
-Must linger yet below.  Now raise thy view
-Unto the visage most resembling Christ:
-For, in her splendour only, shalt thou win
-The pow'r to look on him."  Forthwith I saw
-Such floods of gladness on her visage shower'd,
-From holy spirits, winging that profound;
-That, whatsoever I had yet beheld,
-Had not so much suspended me with wonder,
-Or shown me such similitude of God.
-And he, who had to her descended, once,
-On earth, now hail'd in heav'n; and on pois'd wing.
-"Ave, Maria, Gratia Plena," sang:
-To whose sweet anthem all the blissful court,
-From all parts answ'ring, rang: that holier joy
-Brooded the deep serene.  "Father rever'd:
-Who deign'st, for me, to quit the pleasant place,
-Wherein thou sittest, by eternal lot!
-Say, who that angel is, that with such glee
-Beholds our queen, and so enamour'd glows
-Of her high beauty, that all fire he seems."
-So I again resorted to the lore
-Of my wise teacher, he, whom Mary's charms
-Embellish'd, as the sun the morning star;
-Who thus in answer spake: "In him are summ'd,
-Whatever of buxomness and free delight
-May be in Spirit, or in angel, met:
-And so beseems: for that he bare the palm
-Down unto Mary, when the Son of God
-Vouchsaf'd to clothe him in terrestrial weeds.
-Now let thine eyes wait heedful on my words,
-And note thou of this just and pious realm
-The chiefest nobles.  Those, highest in bliss,
-The twain, on each hand next our empress thron'd,
-Are as it were two roots unto this rose.
-He to the left, the parent, whose rash taste
-Proves bitter to his seed; and, on the right,
-That ancient father of the holy church,
-Into whose keeping Christ did give the keys
-Of this sweet flow'r: near whom behold the seer,
-That, ere he died, saw all the grievous times
-Of the fair bride, who with the lance and nails
-Was won.  And, near unto the other, rests
-The leader, under whom on manna fed
-Th' ungrateful nation, fickle and perverse.
-On th' other part, facing to Peter, lo!
-Where Anna sits, so well content to look
-On her lov'd daughter, that with moveless eye
-She chants the loud hosanna: while, oppos'd
-To the first father of your mortal kind,
-Is Lucia, at whose hest thy lady sped,
-When on the edge of ruin clos'd thine eye.
-
-"But (for the vision hasteneth so an end)
-Here break we off, as the good workman doth,
-That shapes the cloak according to the cloth:
-And to the primal love our ken shall rise;
-That thou mayst penetrate the brightness, far
-As sight can bear thee.  Yet, alas! in sooth
-Beating thy pennons, thinking to advance,
-Thou backward fall'st.  Grace then must first be gain'd;
-Her grace, whose might can help thee.  Thou in prayer
-Seek her: and, with affection, whilst I sue,
-Attend, and yield me all thy heart."  He said,
-And thus the saintly orison began.
-
-
-
-
-CANTO XXXIII
-
-"O virgin mother, daughter of thy Son,
-Created beings all in lowliness
-Surpassing, as in height, above them all,
-Term by th' eternal counsel pre-ordain'd,
-Ennobler of thy nature, so advanc'd
-In thee, that its great Maker did not scorn,
-Himself, in his own work enclos'd to dwell!
-For in thy womb rekindling shone the love
-Reveal'd, whose genial influence makes now
-This flower to germin in eternal peace!
-Here thou to us, of charity and love,
-Art, as the noon-day torch: and art, beneath,
-To mortal men, of hope a living spring.
-So mighty art thou, lady! and so great,
-That he who grace desireth, and comes not
-To thee for aidance, fain would have desire
-Fly without wings.  Nor only him who asks,
-Thy bounty succours, but doth freely oft
-Forerun the asking.  Whatsoe'er may be
-Of excellence in creature, pity mild,
-Relenting mercy, large munificence,
-Are all combin'd in thee.  Here kneeleth one,
-Who of all spirits hath review'd the state,
-From the world's lowest gap unto this height.
-Suppliant to thee he kneels, imploring grace
-For virtue, yet more high to lift his ken
-Toward the bliss supreme.  And I, who ne'er
-Coveted sight, more fondly, for myself,
-Than now for him, my prayers to thee prefer,
-(And pray they be not scant) that thou wouldst drive
-Each cloud of his mortality away;
-That on the sovran pleasure he may gaze.
-This also I entreat of thee, O queen!
-Who canst do what thou wilt! that in him thou
-Wouldst after all he hath beheld, preserve
-Affection sound, and human passions quell.
-Lo!  Where, with Beatrice, many a saint
-Stretch their clasp'd hands, in furtherance of my suit!"
-
-The eyes, that heav'n with love and awe regards,
-Fix'd on the suitor, witness'd, how benign
-She looks on pious pray'rs: then fasten'd they
-On th' everlasting light, wherein no eye
-Of creature, as may well be thought, so far
-Can travel inward.  I, meanwhile, who drew
-Near to the limit, where all wishes end,
-The ardour of my wish (for so behooved),
-Ended within me. Beck'ning smil'd the sage,
-That I should look aloft: but, ere he bade,
-Already of myself aloft I look'd;
-For visual strength, refining more and more,
-Bare me into the ray authentical
-Of sovran light.  Thenceforward, what I saw,
-Was not for words to speak, nor memory's self
-To stand against such outrage on her skill.
-As one, who from a dream awaken'd, straight,
-All he hath seen forgets; yet still retains
-Impression of the feeling in his dream;
-E'en such am I: for all the vision dies,
-As 't were, away; and yet the sense of sweet,
-That sprang from it, still trickles in my heart.
-Thus in the sun-thaw is the snow unseal'd;
-Thus in the winds on flitting leaves was lost
-The Sybil's sentence.  O eternal beam!
-(Whose height what reach of mortal thought may soar?)
-Yield me again some little particle
-Of what thou then appearedst, give my tongue
-Power, but to leave one sparkle of thy glory,
-Unto the race to come, that shall not lose
-Thy triumph wholly, if thou waken aught
-Of memory in me, and endure to hear
-The record sound in this unequal strain.
-
-Such keenness from the living ray I met,
-That, if mine eyes had turn'd away, methinks,
-I had been lost; but, so embolden'd, on
-I pass'd, as I remember, till my view
-Hover'd the brink of dread infinitude.
-
-O grace! unenvying of thy boon! that gav'st
-Boldness to fix so earnestly my ken
-On th' everlasting splendour, that I look'd,
-While sight was unconsum'd, and, in that depth,
-Saw in one volume clasp'd of love, whatever
-The universe unfolds; all properties
-Of substance and of accident, beheld,
-Compounded, yet one individual light
-The whole.  And of such bond methinks I saw
-The universal form: for that whenever
-I do but speak of it, my soul dilates
-Beyond her proper self; and, till I speak,
-One moment seems a longer lethargy,
-Than five-and-twenty ages had appear'd
-To that emprize, that first made Neptune wonder
-At Argo's shadow darkening on his flood.
-
-With fixed heed, suspense and motionless,
-Wond'ring I gaz'd; and admiration still
-Was kindled, as I gaz'd.  It may not be,
-That one, who looks upon that light, can turn
-To other object, willingly, his view.
-For all the good, that will may covet, there
-Is summ'd; and all, elsewhere defective found,
-Complete.  My tongue shall utter now, no more
-E'en what remembrance keeps, than could the babe's
-That yet is moisten'd at his mother's breast.
-Not that the semblance of the living light
-Was chang'd (that ever as at first remain'd)
-But that my vision quickening, in that sole
-Appearance, still new miracles descry'd,
-And toil'd me with the change.  In that abyss
-Of radiance, clear and lofty, seem'd methought,
-Three orbs of triple hue clipt in one bound:
-And, from another, one reflected seem'd,
-As rainbow is from rainbow: and the third
-Seem'd fire, breath'd equally from both.  Oh speech
-How feeble and how faint art thou, to give
-Conception birth!  Yet this to what I saw
-Is less than little.  Oh eternal light!
-Sole in thyself that dwellst; and of thyself
-Sole understood, past, present, or to come!
-Thou smiledst; on that circling, which in thee
-Seem'd as reflected splendour, while I mus'd;
-For I therein, methought, in its own hue
-Beheld our image painted: steadfastly
-I therefore por'd upon the view.  As one
-Who vers'd in geometric lore, would fain
-Measure the circle; and, though pondering long
-And deeply, that beginning, which he needs,
-Finds not; e'en such was I, intent to scan
-The novel wonder, and trace out the form,
-How to the circle fitted, and therein
-How plac'd: but the flight was not for my wing;
-Had not a flash darted athwart my mind,
-And in the spleen unfolded what it sought.
-
-Here vigour fail'd the tow'ring fantasy:
-But yet the will roll'd onward, like a wheel
-In even motion, by the Love impell'd,
-That moves the sun in heav'n and all the stars.
-
-
-
-
-
-THE VISION
-
-OF
-
-PURGATORY
-
-BY DANTE ALIGHIERI
-
-
-Complete
-
-
-
-TRANSLATED BY
-
-THE REV. H. F. CARY
-
-
-
-PURGATORY
-
-Cantos 1 - 33
-
-
-
-CANTO I
-
-O'er better waves to speed her rapid course
-The light bark of my genius lifts the sail,
-Well pleas'd to leave so cruel sea behind;
-And of that second region will I sing,
-In which the human spirit from sinful blot
-Is purg'd, and for ascent to Heaven prepares.
-
-Here, O ye hallow'd Nine! for in your train
-I follow, here the deadened strain revive;
-Nor let Calliope refuse to sound
-A somewhat higher song, of that loud tone,
-Which when the wretched birds of chattering note
-Had heard, they of forgiveness lost all hope.
-
-Sweet hue of eastern sapphire, that was spread
-O'er the serene aspect of the pure air,
-High up as the first circle, to mine eyes
-Unwonted joy renew'd, soon as I 'scap'd
-Forth from the atmosphere of deadly gloom,
-That had mine eyes and bosom fill'd with grief.
-The radiant planet, that to love invites,
-Made all the orient laugh, and veil'd beneath
-The Pisces' light, that in his escort came.
-
-To the right hand I turn'd, and fix'd my mind
-On the' other pole attentive, where I saw
-Four stars ne'er seen before save by the ken
-Of our first parents.  Heaven of their rays
-Seem'd joyous.  O thou northern site, bereft
-Indeed, and widow'd, since of these depriv'd!
-
-As from this view I had desisted, straight
-Turning a little tow'rds the other pole,
-There from whence now the wain had disappear'd,
-I saw an old man standing by my side
-Alone, so worthy of rev'rence in his look,
-That ne'er from son to father more was ow'd.
-Low down his beard and mix'd with hoary white
-Descended, like his locks, which parting fell
-Upon his breast in double fold.  The beams
-Of those four luminaries on his face
-So brightly shone, and with such radiance clear
-Deck'd it, that I beheld him as the sun.
-
-"Say who are ye, that stemming the blind stream,
-Forth from th' eternal prison-house have fled?"
-He spoke and moved those venerable plumes.
-"Who hath conducted, or with lantern sure
-Lights you emerging from the depth of night,
-That makes the infernal valley ever black?
-Are the firm statutes of the dread abyss
-Broken, or in high heaven new laws ordain'd,
-That thus, condemn'd, ye to my caves approach?"
-
-My guide, then laying hold on me, by words
-And intimations given with hand and head,
-Made my bent knees and eye submissive pay
-Due reverence; then thus to him replied.
-
-"Not of myself I come; a Dame from heaven
-Descending, had besought me in my charge
-To bring.  But since thy will implies, that more
-Our true condition I unfold at large,
-Mine is not to deny thee thy request.
-This mortal ne'er hath seen the farthest gloom.
-But erring by his folly had approach'd
-So near, that little space was left to turn.
-Then, as before I told, I was dispatch'd
-To work his rescue, and no way remain'd
-Save this which I have ta'en.  I have display'd
-Before him all the regions of the bad;
-And purpose now those spirits to display,
-That under thy command are purg'd from sin.
-How I have brought him would be long to say.
-From high descends the virtue, by whose aid
-I to thy sight and hearing him have led.
-Now may our coming please thee.  In the search
-Of liberty he journeys: that how dear
-They know, who for her sake have life refus'd.
-Thou knowest, to whom death for her was sweet
-In Utica, where thou didst leave those weeds,
-That in the last great day will shine so bright.
-For us the' eternal edicts are unmov'd:
-He breathes, and I am free of Minos' power,
-Abiding in that circle where the eyes
-Of thy chaste Marcia beam, who still in look
-Prays thee, O hallow'd spirit! to own her shine.
-Then by her love we' implore thee, let us pass
-Through thy sev'n regions; for which best thanks
-I for thy favour will to her return,
-If mention there below thou not disdain."
-
-"Marcia so pleasing in my sight was found,"
-He then to him rejoin'd, "while I was there,
-That all she ask'd me I was fain to grant.
-Now that beyond the' accursed stream she dwells,
-She may no longer move me, by that law,
-Which was ordain'd me, when I issued thence.
-Not so, if Dame from heaven, as thou sayst,
-Moves and directs thee; then no flattery needs.
-Enough for me that in her name thou ask.
-Go therefore now: and with a slender reed
-See that thou duly gird him, and his face
-Lave, till all sordid stain thou wipe from thence.
-For not with eye, by any cloud obscur'd,
-Would it be seemly before him to come,
-Who stands the foremost minister in heaven.
-This islet all around, there far beneath,
-Where the wave beats it, on the oozy bed
-Produces store of reeds. No other plant,
-Cover'd with leaves, or harden'd in its stalk,
-There lives, not bending to the water's sway.
-After, this way return not; but the sun
-Will show you, that now rises, where to take
-The mountain in its easiest ascent."
-
-He disappear'd; and I myself uprais'd
-Speechless, and to my guide retiring close,
-Toward him turn'd mine eyes.  He thus began;
-"My son! observant thou my steps pursue.
-We must retreat to rearward, for that way
-The champain to its low extreme declines."
-
-The dawn had chas'd the matin hour of prime,
-Which deaf before it, so that from afar
-I spy'd the trembling of the ocean stream.
-
-We travers'd the deserted plain, as one
-Who, wander'd from his track, thinks every step
-Trodden in vain till he regain the path.
-
-When we had come, where yet the tender dew
-Strove with the sun, and in a place, where fresh
-The wind breath'd o'er it, while it slowly dried;
-Both hands extended on the watery grass
-My master plac'd, in graceful act and kind.
-Whence I of his intent before appriz'd,
-Stretch'd out to him my cheeks suffus'd with tears.
-There to my visage he anew restor'd
-That hue, which the dun shades of hell conceal'd.
-
-Then on the solitary shore arriv'd,
-That never sailing on its waters saw
-Man, that could after measure back his course,
-He girt me in such manner as had pleas'd
-Him who instructed, and O, strange to tell!
-As he selected every humble plant,
-Wherever one was pluck'd, another there
-Resembling, straightway in its place arose.
-
-
-
-
-CANTO II
-
-Now had the sun to that horizon reach'd,
-That covers, with the most exalted point
-Of its meridian circle, Salem's walls,
-And night, that opposite to him her orb
-Sounds, from the stream of Ganges issued forth,
-Holding the scales, that from her hands are dropp'd
-When she reigns highest: so that where I was,
-Aurora's white and vermeil-tinctur'd cheek
-To orange turn'd as she in age increas'd.
-
-Meanwhile we linger'd by the water's brink,
-Like men, who, musing on their road, in thought
-Journey, while motionless the body rests.
-When lo! as near upon the hour of dawn,
-Through the thick vapours Mars with fiery beam
-Glares down in west, over the ocean floor;
-So seem'd, what once again I hope to view,
-A light so swiftly coming through the sea,
-No winged course might equal its career.
-From which when for a space I had withdrawn
-Thine eyes, to make inquiry of my guide,
-Again I look'd and saw it grown in size
-And brightness: thou on either side appear'd
-Something, but what I knew not of bright hue,
-And by degrees from underneath it came
-Another.  My preceptor silent yet
-Stood, while the brightness, that we first discern'd,
-Open'd the form of wings: then when he knew
-The pilot, cried aloud, "Down, down; bend low
-Thy knees; behold God's angel: fold thy hands:
-Now shalt thou see true Ministers indeed.
-
-"Lo how all human means he sets at naught!
-So that nor oar he needs, nor other sail
-Except his wings, between such distant shores.
-Lo how straight up to heaven he holds them rear'd,
-Winnowing the air with those eternal plumes,
-That not like mortal hairs fall off or change!"
-
-As more and more toward us came, more bright
-Appear'd the bird of God, nor could the eye
-Endure his splendor near: I mine bent down.
-He drove ashore in a small bark so swift
-And light, that in its course no wave it drank.
-The heav'nly steersman at the prow was seen,
-Visibly written blessed in his looks.
-
-Within a hundred spirits and more there sat.
-"In Exitu Israel de Aegypto;"
-All with one voice together sang, with what
-In the remainder of that hymn is writ.
-Then soon as with the sign of holy cross
-He bless'd them, they at once leap'd out on land,
-The swiftly as he came return'd. The crew,
-There left, appear'd astounded with the place,
-Gazing around as one who sees new sights.
-
-From every side the sun darted his beams,
-And with his arrowy radiance from mid heav'n
-Had chas'd the Capricorn, when that strange tribe
-Lifting their eyes towards us: "If ye know,
-Declare what path will Lead us to the mount."
-
-Them Virgil answer'd.  "Ye suppose perchance
-Us well acquainted with this place: but here,
-We, as yourselves, are strangers.  Not long erst
-We came, before you but a little space,
-By other road so rough and hard, that now
-The' ascent will seem to us as play."  The spirits,
-Who from my breathing had perceiv'd I liv'd,
-Grew pale with wonder.  As the multitude
-Flock round a herald, sent with olive branch,
-To hear what news he brings, and in their haste
-Tread one another down, e'en so at sight
-Of me those happy spirits were fix'd, each one
-Forgetful of its errand, to depart,
-Where cleans'd from sin, it might be made all fair.
-
-Then one I saw darting before the rest
-With such fond ardour to embrace me, I
-To do the like was mov'd.  O shadows vain
-Except in outward semblance! thrice my hands
-I clasp'd behind it, they as oft return'd
-Empty into my breast again.  Surprise
-I needs must think was painted in my looks,
-For that the shadow smil'd and backward drew.
-To follow it I hasten'd, but with voice
-Of sweetness it enjoin'd me to desist.
-Then who it was I knew, and pray'd of it,
-To talk with me, it would a little pause.
-It answered: "Thee as in my mortal frame
-I lov'd, so loos'd forth it I love thee still,
-And therefore pause; but why walkest thou here?"
-
-"Not without purpose once more to return,
-Thou find'st me, my Casella, where I am
-Journeying this way;" I said, "but how of thee
-Hath so much time been lost?"  He answer'd straight:
-"No outrage hath been done to me, if he
-Who when and whom he chooses takes, me oft
-This passage hath denied, since of just will
-His will he makes.  These three months past indeed,
-He, whose chose to enter, with free leave
-Hath taken; whence I wand'ring by the shore
-Where Tyber's wave grows salt, of him gain'd kind
-Admittance, at that river's mouth, tow'rd which
-His wings are pointed, for there always throng
-All such as not to Archeron descend."
-
-Then I: "If new laws have not quite destroy'd
-Memory and use of that sweet song of love,
-That while all my cares had power to 'swage;
-Please thee with it a little to console
-My spirit, that incumber'd with its frame,
-Travelling so far, of pain is overcome."
-
-"Love that discourses in my thoughts."  He then
-Began in such soft accents, that within
-The sweetness thrills me yet.  My gentle guide
-And all who came with him, so well were pleas'd,
-That seem'd naught else might in their thoughts have room.
-
-Fast fix'd in mute attention to his notes
-We stood, when lo! that old man venerable
-Exclaiming, "How is this, ye tardy spirits?
-What negligence detains you loit'ring here?
-Run to the mountain to cast off those scales,
-That from your eyes the sight of God conceal."
-
-As a wild flock of pigeons, to their food
-Collected, blade or tares, without their pride
-Accustom'd, and in still and quiet sort,
-If aught alarm them, suddenly desert
-Their meal, assail'd by more important care;
-So I that new-come troop beheld, the song
-Deserting, hasten to the mountain's side,
-As one who goes yet where he tends knows not.
-
-Nor with less hurried step did we depart.
-
-
-
-
-CANTO III
-
-Them sudden flight had scatter'd over the plain,
-Turn'd tow'rds the mountain, whither reason's voice
-Drives us; I to my faithful company
-Adhering, left it not.  For how of him
-Depriv'd, might I have sped, or who beside
-Would o'er the mountainous tract have led my steps
-He with the bitter pang of self-remorse
-Seem'd smitten.  O clear conscience and upright
-How doth a little fling wound thee sore!
-
-Soon as his feet desisted (slack'ning pace),
-From haste, that mars all decency of act,
-My mind, that in itself before was wrapt,
-Its thoughts expanded, as with joy restor'd:
-And full against the steep ascent I set
-My face, where highest to heav'n its top o'erflows.
-
-The sun, that flar'd behind, with ruddy beam
-Before my form was broken; for in me
-His rays resistance met.  I turn'd aside
-With fear of being left, when I beheld
-Only before myself the ground obscur'd.
-When thus my solace, turning him around,
-Bespake me kindly: "Why distrustest thou?
-Believ'st not I am with thee, thy sure guide?
-It now is evening there, where buried lies
-The body, in which I cast a shade, remov'd
-To Naples from Brundusium's wall.  Nor thou
-Marvel, if before me no shadow fall,
-More than that in the sky element
-One ray obstructs not other.  To endure
-Torments of heat and cold extreme, like frames
-That virtue hath dispos'd, which how it works
-Wills not to us should be reveal'd.  Insane
-Who hopes, our reason may that space explore,
-Which holds three persons in one substance knit.
-Seek not the wherefore, race of human kind;
-Could ye have seen the whole, no need had been
-For Mary to bring forth.  Moreover ye
-Have seen such men desiring fruitlessly;
-To whose desires repose would have been giv'n,
-That now but serve them for eternal grief.
-I speak of Plato, and the Stagyrite,
-And others many more."  And then he bent
-Downwards his forehead, and in troubled mood
-Broke off his speech.  Meanwhile we had arriv'd
-Far as the mountain's foot, and there the rock
-Found of so steep ascent, that nimblest steps
-To climb it had been vain.  The most remote
-Most wild untrodden path, in all the tract
-'Twixt Lerice and Turbia were to this
-A ladder easy' and open of access.
-
-"Who knows on which hand now the steep declines?"
-My master said and paus'd, "so that he may
-Ascend, who journeys without aid of wine?"
-And while with looks directed to the ground
-The meaning of the pathway he explor'd,
-And I gaz'd upward round the stony height,
-Of spirits, that toward us mov'd their steps,
-Yet moving seem'd not, they so slow approach'd.
-
-I thus my guide address'd: "Upraise thine eyes,
-Lo that way some, of whom thou may'st obtain
-Counsel, if of thyself thou find'st it not!"
-
-Straightway he look'd, and with free speech replied:
-"Let us tend thither: they but softly come.
-And thou be firm in hope, my son belov'd."
-
-Now was that people distant far in space
-A thousand paces behind ours, as much
-As at a throw the nervous arm could fling,
-When all drew backward on the messy crags
-Of the steep bank, and firmly stood unmov'd
-As one who walks in doubt might stand to look.
-
-"O spirits perfect!  O already chosen!"
-Virgil to them began, "by that blest peace,
-Which, as I deem, is for you all prepar'd,
-Instruct us where the mountain low declines,
-So that attempt to mount it be not vain.
-For who knows most, him loss of time most grieves."
-
-As sheep, that step from forth their fold, by one,
-Or pairs, or three at once; meanwhile the rest
-Stand fearfully, bending the eye and nose
-To ground, and what the foremost does, that do
-The others, gath'ring round her, if she stops,
-Simple and quiet, nor the cause discern;
-So saw I moving to advance the first,
-Who of that fortunate crew were at the head,
-Of modest mien and graceful in their gait.
-When they before me had beheld the light
-From my right side fall broken on the ground,
-So that the shadow reach'd the cave, they stopp'd
-And somewhat back retir'd: the same did all,
-Who follow'd, though unweeting of the cause.
-
-"Unask'd of you, yet freely I confess,
-This is a human body which ye see.
-That the sun's light is broken on the ground,
-Marvel not: but believe, that not without
-Virtue deriv'd from Heaven, we to climb
-Over this wall aspire."  So them bespake
-My master; and that virtuous tribe rejoin'd;
-"Turn, and before you there the entrance lies,"
-Making a signal to us with bent hands.
-
-Then of them one began.  "Whoe'er thou art,
-Who journey'st thus this way, thy visage turn,
-Think if me elsewhere thou hast ever seen."
-
-I tow'rds him turn'd, and with fix'd eye beheld.
-Comely, and fair, and gentle of aspect,
-He seem'd, but on one brow a gash was mark'd.
-
-When humbly I disclaim'd to have beheld
-Him ever: "Now behold!"  he said, and show'd
-High on his breast a wound: then smiling spake.
-
-"I am Manfredi, grandson to the Queen
-Costanza: whence I pray thee, when return'd,
-To my fair daughter go, the parent glad
-Of Aragonia and Sicilia's pride;
-And of the truth inform her, if of me
-Aught else be told.  When by two mortal blows
-My frame was shatter'd, I betook myself
-Weeping to him, who of free will forgives.
-My sins were horrible; but so wide arms
-Hath goodness infinite, that it receives
-All who turn to it.  Had this text divine
-Been of Cosenza's shepherd better scann'd,
-Who then by Clement on my hunt was set,
-Yet at the bridge's head my bones had lain,
-Near Benevento, by the heavy mole
-Protected; but the rain now drenches them,
-And the wind drives, out of the kingdom's bounds,
-Far as the stream of Verde, where, with lights
-Extinguish'd, he remov'd them from their bed.
-Yet by their curse we are not so destroy'd,
-But that the eternal love may turn, while hope
-Retains her verdant blossoms.  True it is,
-That such one as in contumacy dies
-Against the holy church, though he repent,
-Must wander thirty-fold for all the time
-In his presumption past; if such decree
-Be not by prayers of good men shorter made
-Look therefore if thou canst advance my bliss;
-Revealing to my good Costanza, how
-Thou hast beheld me, and beside the terms
-Laid on me of that interdict; for here
-By means of those below much profit comes."
-
-
-
-
-CANTO IV
-
-When by sensations of delight or pain,
-That any of our faculties hath seiz'd,
-Entire the soul collects herself, it seems
-She is intent upon that power alone,
-And thus the error is disprov'd which holds
-The soul not singly lighted in the breast.
-And therefore when as aught is heard or seen,
-That firmly keeps the soul toward it turn'd,
-Time passes, and a man perceives it not.
-For that, whereby he hearken, is one power,
-Another that, which the whole spirit hash;
-This is as it were bound, while that is free.
-
-This found I true by proof, hearing that spirit
-And wond'ring; for full fifty steps aloft
-The sun had measur'd unobserv'd of me,
-When we arriv'd where all with one accord
-The spirits shouted, "Here is what ye ask."
-
-A larger aperture ofttimes is stopp'd
-With forked stake of thorn by villager,
-When the ripe grape imbrowns, than was the path,
-By which my guide, and I behind him close,
-Ascended solitary, when that troop
-Departing left us.  On Sanleo's road
-Who journeys, or to Noli low descends,
-Or mounts Bismantua's height, must use his feet;
-But here a man had need to fly, I mean
-With the swift wing and plumes of high desire,
-Conducted by his aid, who gave me hope,
-And with light furnish'd to direct my way.
-
-We through the broken rock ascended, close
-Pent on each side, while underneath the ground
-Ask'd help of hands and feet.  When we arriv'd
-Near on the highest ridge of the steep bank,
-Where the plain level open'd I exclaim'd,
-"O master! say which way can we proceed?"
-
-He answer'd, "Let no step of thine recede.
-Behind me gain the mountain, till to us
-Some practis'd guide appear."  That eminence
-Was lofty that no eye might reach its point,
-And the side proudly rising, more than line
-From the mid quadrant to the centre drawn.
-I wearied thus began: "Parent belov'd!
-Turn, and behold how I remain alone,
-If thou stay not."--" My son!"  He straight reply'd,
-"Thus far put forth thy strength;" and to a track
-Pointed, that, on this side projecting, round
-Circles the hill.  His words so spurr'd me on,
-That I behind him clamb'ring, forc'd myself,
-Till my feet press'd the circuit plain beneath.
-There both together seated, turn'd we round
-To eastward, whence was our ascent: and oft
-Many beside have with delight look'd back.
-
-First on the nether shores I turn'd my eyes,
-Then rais'd them to the sun, and wond'ring mark'd
-That from the left it smote us.  Soon perceiv'd
-That Poet sage now at the car of light
-Amaz'd I stood, where 'twixt us and the north
-Its course it enter'd.  Whence he thus to me:
-"Were Leda's offspring now in company
-Of that broad mirror, that high up and low
-Imparts his light beneath, thou might'st behold
-The ruddy zodiac nearer to the bears
-Wheel, if its ancient course it not forsook.
-How that may be if thou would'st think; within
-Pond'ring, imagine Sion with this mount
-Plac'd on the earth, so that to both be one
-Horizon, and two hemispheres apart,
-Where lies the path that Phaeton ill knew
-To guide his erring chariot: thou wilt see
-How of necessity by this on one
-He passes, while by that on the' other side,
-If with clear view shine intellect attend."
-
-"Of truth, kind teacher!"  I exclaim'd, "so clear
-Aught saw I never, as I now discern
-Where seem'd my ken to fail, that the mid orb
-Of the supernal motion (which in terms
-Of art is called the Equator, and remains
-Ever between the sun and winter) for the cause
-Thou hast assign'd, from hence toward the north
-Departs, when those who in the Hebrew land
-Inhabit, see it tow'rds the warmer part.
-But if it please thee, I would gladly know,
-How far we have to journey: for the hill
-Mounts higher, than this sight of mine can mount."
-
-He thus to me: "Such is this steep ascent,
-That it is ever difficult at first,
-But, more a man proceeds, less evil grows.
-When pleasant it shall seem to thee, so much
-That upward going shall be easy to thee.
-As in a vessel to go down the tide,
-Then of this path thou wilt have reach'd the end.
-There hope to rest thee from thy toil.  No more
-I answer, and thus far for certain know."
-As he his words had spoken, near to us
-A voice there sounded: "Yet ye first perchance
-May to repose you by constraint be led."
-At sound thereof each turn'd, and on the left
-A huge stone we beheld, of which nor I
-Nor he before was ware.  Thither we drew,
-find there were some, who in the shady place
-Behind the rock were standing, as a man
-Thru' idleness might stand.  Among them one,
-Who seem'd to me much wearied, sat him down,
-And with his arms did fold his knees about,
-Holding his face between them downward bent.
-
-"Sweet Sir!"  I cry'd, "behold that man, who shows
-Himself more idle, than if laziness
-Were sister to him."  Straight he turn'd to us,
-And, o'er the thigh lifting his face, observ'd,
-Then in these accents spake: "Up then, proceed
-Thou valiant one."  Straight who it was I knew;
-Nor could the pain I felt (for want of breath
-Still somewhat urg'd me) hinder my approach.
-And when I came to him, he scarce his head
-Uplifted, saying "Well hast thou discern'd,
-How from the left the sun his chariot leads."
-
-His lazy acts and broken words my lips
-To laughter somewhat mov'd; when I began:
-"Belacqua, now for thee I grieve no more.
-But tell, why thou art seated upright there?
-Waitest thou escort to conduct thee hence?
-Or blame I only shine accustom'd ways?"
-Then he: "My brother, of what use to mount,
-When to my suffering would not let me pass
-The bird of God, who at the portal sits?
-Behooves so long that heav'n first bear me round
-Without its limits, as in life it bore,
-Because I to the end repentant Sighs
-Delay'd, if prayer do not aid me first,
-That riseth up from heart which lives in grace.
-What other kind avails, not heard in heaven?"'
-
-Before me now the Poet up the mount
-Ascending, cried: "Haste thee, for see the sun
-Has touch'd the point meridian, and the night
-Now covers with her foot Marocco's shore."
-
-
-
-
-CANTO V
-
-Now had I left those spirits, and pursued
-The steps of my Conductor, when beheld
-Pointing the finger at me one exclaim'd:
-"See how it seems as if the light not shone
-From the left hand of him beneath, and he,
-As living, seems to be led on."  Mine eyes
-I at that sound reverting, saw them gaze
-Through wonder first at me, and then at me
-And the light broken underneath, by turns.
-"Why are thy thoughts thus riveted?"  my guide
-Exclaim'd, "that thou hast slack'd thy pace? or how
-Imports it thee, what thing is whisper'd here?
-Come after me, and to their babblings leave
-The crowd. Be as a tower, that, firmly set,
-Shakes not its top for any blast that blows!
-He, in whose bosom thought on thought shoots out,
-Still of his aim is wide, in that the one
-Sicklies and wastes to nought the other's strength."
-
-What other could I answer save "I come?"
-I said it, somewhat with that colour ting'd
-Which ofttimes pardon meriteth for man.
-
-Meanwhile traverse along the hill there came,
-A little way before us, some who sang
-The "Miserere" in responsive Strains.
-When they perceiv'd that through my body I
-Gave way not for the rays to pass, their song
-Straight to a long and hoarse exclaim they chang'd;
-And two of them, in guise of messengers,
-Ran on to meet us, and inquiring ask'd:
-"Of your condition we would gladly learn."
-
-To them my guide.  "Ye may return, and bear
-Tidings to them who sent you, that his frame
-Is real flesh.  If, as I deem, to view
-His shade they paus'd, enough is answer'd them.
-Him let them honour, they may prize him well."
-
-Ne'er saw I fiery vapours with such speed
-Cut through the serene air at fall of night,
-Nor August's clouds athwart the setting sun,
-That upward these did not in shorter space
-Return; and, there arriving, with the rest
-Wheel back on us, as with loose rein a troop.
-
-"Many," exclaim'd the bard, "are these, who throng
-Around us: to petition thee they come.
-Go therefore on, and listen as thou go'st."
-
-"O spirit! who go'st on to blessedness
-With the same limbs, that clad thee at thy birth."
-Shouting they came, "a little rest thy step.
-Look if thou any one amongst our tribe
-Hast e'er beheld, that tidings of him there
-Thou mayst report.  Ah, wherefore go'st thou on?
-Ah wherefore tarriest thou not?  We all
-By violence died, and to our latest hour
-Were sinners, but then warn'd by light from heav'n,
-So that, repenting and forgiving, we
-Did issue out of life at peace with God,
-Who with desire to see him fills our heart."
-
-Then I: "The visages of all I scan
-Yet none of ye remember.  But if aught,
-That I can do, may please you, gentle spirits!
-Speak; and I will perform it, by that peace,
-Which on the steps of guide so excellent
-Following from world to world intent I seek."
-
-In answer he began: "None here distrusts
-Thy kindness, though not promis'd with an oath;
-So as the will fail not for want of power.
-Whence I, who sole before the others speak,
-Entreat thee, if thou ever see that land,
-Which lies between Romagna and the realm
-Of Charles, that of thy courtesy thou pray
-Those who inhabit Fano, that for me
-Their adorations duly be put up,
-By which I may purge off my grievous sins.
-From thence I came.  But the deep passages,
-Whence issued out the blood wherein I dwelt,
-Upon my bosom in Antenor's land
-Were made, where to be more secure I thought.
-The author of the deed was Este's prince,
-Who, more than right could warrant, with his wrath
-Pursued me.  Had I towards Mira fled,
-When overta'en at Oriaco, still
-Might I have breath'd. But to the marsh I sped,
-And in the mire and rushes tangled there
-Fell, and beheld my life-blood float the plain."
-
-Then said another: "Ah! so may the wish,
-That takes thee o'er the mountain, be fulfill'd,
-As thou shalt graciously give aid to mine.
-Of Montefeltro I; Buonconte I:
-Giovanna nor none else have care for me,
-Sorrowing with these I therefore go."  I thus:
-"From Campaldino's field what force or chance
-Drew thee, that ne'er thy sepulture was known?"
-
-"Oh!"  answer'd he, "at Casentino's foot
-A stream there courseth, nam'd Archiano, sprung
-In Apennine above the Hermit's seat.
-E'en where its name is cancel'd, there came I,
-Pierc'd in the heart, fleeing away on foot,
-And bloodying the plain.  Here sight and speech
-Fail'd me, and finishing with Mary's name
-I fell, and tenantless my flesh remain'd.
-I will report the truth; which thou again
-Tell to the living.  Me God's angel took,
-Whilst he of hell exclaim'd: "O thou from heav'n!
-Say wherefore hast thou robb'd me?  Thou of him
-Th' eternal portion bear'st with thee away
-For one poor tear that he deprives me of.
-But of the other, other rule I make."
-
-"Thou knowest how in the atmosphere collects
-That vapour dank, returning into water,
-Soon as it mounts where cold condenses it.
-That evil will, which in his intellect
-Still follows evil, came, and rais'd the wind
-And smoky mist, by virtue of the power
-Given by his nature.  Thence the valley, soon
-As day was spent, he cover'd o'er with cloud
-From Pratomagno to the mountain range,
-And stretch'd the sky above, so that the air
-Impregnate chang'd to water.  Fell the rain,
-And to the fosses came all that the land
-Contain'd not; and, as mightiest streams are wont,
-To the great river with such headlong sweep
-Rush'd, that nought stay'd its course.  My stiffen'd frame
-Laid at his mouth the fell Archiano found,
-And dash'd it into Arno, from my breast
-Loos'ning the cross, that of myself I made
-When overcome with pain.  He hurl'd me on,
-Along the banks and bottom of his course;
-Then in his muddy spoils encircling wrapt."
-
-"Ah! when thou to the world shalt be return'd,
-And rested after thy long road," so spake
-Next the third spirit; "then remember me.
-I once was Pia.  Sienna gave me life,
-Maremma took it from me.  That he knows,
-Who me with jewell'd ring had first espous'd."
-
-
-CANTO VI
-
-When from their game of dice men separate,
-He, who hath lost, remains in sadness fix'd,
-Revolving in his mind, what luckless throws
-He cast: but meanwhile all the company
-Go with the other; one before him runs,
-And one behind his mantle twitches, one
-Fast by his side bids him remember him.
-He stops not; and each one, to whom his hand
-Is stretch'd, well knows he bids him stand aside;
-And thus he from the press defends himself.
-E'en such was I in that close-crowding throng;
-And turning so my face around to all,
-And promising, I 'scap'd from it with pains.
-
-Here of Arezzo him I saw, who fell
-By Ghino's cruel arm; and him beside,
-Who in his chase was swallow'd by the stream.
-Here Frederic Novello, with his hand
-Stretch'd forth, entreated; and of Pisa he,
-Who put the good Marzuco to such proof
-Of constancy.  Count Orso I beheld;
-And from its frame a soul dismiss'd for spite
-And envy, as it said, but for no crime:
-I speak of Peter de la Brosse; and here,
-While she yet lives, that Lady of Brabant
-Let her beware; lest for so false a deed
-She herd with worse than these. When I was freed
-From all those spirits, who pray'd for others' prayers
-To hasten on their state of blessedness;
-Straight I began: "O thou, my luminary!
-It seems expressly in thy text denied,
-That heaven's supreme decree can never bend
-To supplication; yet with this design
-Do these entreat.  Can then their hope be vain,
-Or is thy saying not to me reveal'd?"
-
-He thus to me: "Both what I write is plain,
-And these deceiv'd not in their hope, if well
-Thy mind consider, that the sacred height
-Of judgment doth not stoop, because love's flame
-In a short moment all fulfils, which he
-Who sojourns here, in right should satisfy.
-Besides, when I this point concluded thus,
-By praying no defect could be supplied;
-Because the pray'r had none access to God.
-Yet in this deep suspicion rest thou not
-Contented unless she assure thee so,
-Who betwixt truth and mind infuses light.
-I know not if thou take me right; I mean
-Beatrice.  Her thou shalt behold above,
-Upon this mountain's crown, fair seat of joy."
-
-Then I: "Sir! let us mend our speed; for now
-I tire not as before; and lo! the hill
-Stretches its shadow far."  He answer'd thus:
-"Our progress with this day shall be as much
-As we may now dispatch; but otherwise
-Than thou supposest is the truth.  For there
-Thou canst not be, ere thou once more behold
-Him back returning, who behind the steep
-Is now so hidden, that as erst his beam
-Thou dost not break.  But lo! a spirit there
-Stands solitary, and toward us looks:
-It will instruct us in the speediest way."
-
-We soon approach'd it.  O thou Lombard spirit!
-How didst thou stand, in high abstracted mood,
-Scarce moving with slow dignity thine eyes!
-It spoke not aught, but let us onward pass,
-Eyeing us as a lion on his watch.
-But Virgil with entreaty mild advanc'd,
-Requesting it to show the best ascent.
-It answer to his question none return'd,
-But of our country and our kind of life
-Demanded.  When my courteous guide began,
-"Mantua," the solitary shadow quick
-Rose towards us from the place in which it stood,
-And cry'd, "Mantuan! I am thy countryman
-Sordello."  Each the other then embrac'd.
-
-Ah slavish Italy! thou inn of grief,
-Vessel without a pilot in loud storm,
-Lady no longer of fair provinces,
-But brothel-house impure! this gentle spirit,
-Ev'n from the Pleasant sound of his dear land
-Was prompt to greet a fellow citizen
-With such glad cheer; while now thy living ones
-In thee abide not without war; and one
-Malicious gnaws another, ay of those
-Whom the same wall and the same moat contains,
-Seek, wretched one! around thy sea-coasts wide;
-Then homeward to thy bosom turn, and mark
-If any part of the sweet peace enjoy.
-What boots it, that thy reins Justinian's hand
-Befitted, if thy saddle be unpress'd?
-Nought doth he now but aggravate thy shame.
-Ah people! thou obedient still shouldst live,
-And in the saddle let thy Caesar sit,
-If well thou marked'st that which God commands.
-
-Look how that beast to felness hath relaps'd
-From having lost correction of the spur,
-Since to the bridle thou hast set thine hand,
-O German Albert! who abandon'st her,
-That is grown savage and unmanageable,
-When thou should'st clasp her flanks with forked heels.
-Just judgment from the stars fall on thy blood!
-And be it strange and manifest to all!
-Such as may strike thy successor with dread!
-For that thy sire and thou have suffer'd thus,
-Through greediness of yonder realms detain'd,
-The garden of the empire to run waste.
-Come see the Capulets and Montagues,
-The Philippeschi and Monaldi! man
-Who car'st for nought! those sunk in grief, and these
-With dire suspicion rack'd. Come, cruel one!
-Come and behold the' oppression of the nobles,
-And mark their injuries: and thou mayst see.
-What safety Santafiore can supply.
-Come and behold thy Rome, who calls on thee,
-Desolate widow! day and night with moans:
-"My Caesar, why dost thou desert my side?"
-Come and behold what love among thy people:
-And if no pity touches thee for us,
-Come and blush for thine own report.  For me,
-If it be lawful, O Almighty Power,
-Who wast in earth for our sakes crucified!
-Are thy just eyes turn'd elsewhere? or is this
-A preparation in the wond'rous depth
-Of thy sage counsel made, for some good end,
-Entirely from our reach of thought cut off?
-So are the' Italian cities all o'erthrong'd
-With tyrants, and a great Marcellus made
-Of every petty factious villager.
-
-My Florence! thou mayst well remain unmov'd
-At this digression, which affects not thee:
-Thanks to thy people, who so wisely speed.
-Many have justice in their heart, that long
-Waiteth for counsel to direct the bow,
-Or ere it dart unto its aim: but shine
-Have it on their lip's edge.  Many refuse
-To bear the common burdens: readier thine
-Answer uneall'd, and cry, "Behold I stoop!"
-
-Make thyself glad, for thou hast reason now,
-Thou wealthy! thou at peace! thou wisdom-fraught!
-Facts best witness if I speak the truth.
-Athens and Lacedaemon, who of old
-Enacted laws, for civil arts renown'd,
-Made little progress in improving life
-Tow'rds thee, who usest such nice subtlety,
-That to the middle of November scarce
-Reaches the thread thou in October weav'st.
-How many times, within thy memory,
-Customs, and laws, and coins, and offices
-Have been by thee renew'd, and people chang'd!
-
-If thou remember'st well and can'st see clear,
-Thou wilt perceive thyself like a sick wretch,
-Who finds no rest upon her down, but oft
-Shifting her side, short respite seeks from pain.
-
-
-
-
-CANTO VII
-
-After their courteous greetings joyfully
-Sev'n times exchang'd, Sordello backward drew
-Exclaiming, "Who are ye?"  "Before this mount
-By spirits worthy of ascent to God
-Was sought, my bones had by Octavius' care
-Been buried.  I am Virgil, for no sin
-Depriv'd of heav'n, except for lack of faith."
-
-So answer'd him in few my gentle guide.
-
-As one, who aught before him suddenly
-Beholding, whence his wonder riseth, cries
-"It is yet is not," wav'ring in belief;
-Such he appear'd; then downward bent his eyes,
-And drawing near with reverential step,
-Caught him, where of mean estate might clasp
-His lord.  "Glory of Latium!" he exclaim'd,
-"In whom our tongue its utmost power display'd!
-Boast of my honor'd birth-place! what desert
-Of mine, what favour rather undeserv'd,
-Shows thee to me?  If I to hear that voice
-Am worthy, say if from below thou com'st
-And from what cloister's pale?"--"Through every orb
-Of that sad region," he reply'd, "thus far
-Am I arriv'd, by heav'nly influence led
-And with such aid I come.  There is a place
-There underneath, not made by torments sad,
-But by dun shades alone; where mourning's voice
-Sounds not of anguish sharp, but breathes in sighs.
-
-"There I with little innocents abide,
-Who by death's fangs were bitten, ere exempt
-From human taint.  There I with those abide,
-Who the three holy virtues put not on,
-But understood the rest, and without blame
-Follow'd them all.  But if thou know'st and canst,
-Direct us, how we soonest may arrive,
-Where Purgatory its true beginning takes."
-
-He answer'd thus: "We have no certain place
-Assign'd us: upwards I may go or round,
-Far as I can, I join thee for thy guide.
-But thou beholdest now how day declines:
-And upwards to proceed by night, our power
-Excels: therefore it may be well to choose
-A place of pleasant sojourn.  To the right
-Some spirits sit apart retir'd.  If thou
-Consentest, I to these will lead thy steps:
-And thou wilt know them, not without delight."
-
-"How chances this?"  was answer'd; "who so wish'd
-To ascend by night, would he be thence debarr'd
-By other, or through his own weakness fail?"
-
-The good Sordello then, along the ground
-Trailing his finger, spoke: "Only this line
-Thou shalt not overpass, soon as the sun
-Hath disappear'd; not that aught else impedes
-Thy going upwards, save the shades of night.
-These with the wont of power perplex the will.
-With them thou haply mightst return beneath,
-Or to and fro around the mountain's side
-Wander, while day is in the horizon shut."
-
-My master straight, as wond'ring at his speech,
-Exclaim'd: "Then lead us quickly, where thou sayst,
-That, while we stay, we may enjoy delight."
-
-A little space we were remov'd from thence,
-When I perceiv'd the mountain hollow'd out.
-Ev'n as large valleys hollow'd out on earth,
-
-"That way," the' escorting spirit cried, "we go,
-Where in a bosom the high bank recedes:
-And thou await renewal of the day."
-
-Betwixt the steep and plain a crooked path
-Led us traverse into the ridge's side,
-Where more than half the sloping edge expires.
-Refulgent gold, and silver thrice refin'd,
-And scarlet grain and ceruse, Indian wood
-Of lucid dye serene, fresh emeralds
-But newly broken, by the herbs and flowers
-Plac'd in that fair recess, in color all
-Had been surpass'd, as great surpasses less.
-Nor nature only there lavish'd her hues,
-But of the sweetness of a thousand smells
-A rare and undistinguish'd fragrance made.
-
-"Salve Regina," on the grass and flowers
-Here chanting I beheld those spirits sit
-Who not beyond the valley could be seen.
-
-"Before the west'ring sun sink to his bed,"
-Began the Mantuan, who our steps had turn'd,
-
-"'Mid those desires not that I lead ye on.
-For from this eminence ye shall discern
-Better the acts and visages of all,
-Than in the nether vale among them mix'd.
-He, who sits high above the rest, and seems
-To have neglected that he should have done,
-And to the others' song moves not his lip,
-The Emperor Rodolph call, who might have heal'd
-The wounds whereof fair Italy hath died,
-So that by others she revives but slowly,
-He, who with kindly visage comforts him,
-Sway'd in that country, where the water springs,
-That Moldaw's river to the Elbe, and Elbe
-Rolls to the ocean: Ottocar his name:
-Who in his swaddling clothes was of more worth
-Than Winceslaus his son, a bearded man,
-Pamper'd with rank luxuriousness and ease.
-And that one with the nose depress, who close
-In counsel seems with him of gentle look,
-Flying expir'd, with'ring the lily's flower.
-Look there how he doth knock against his breast!
-The other ye behold, who for his cheek
-Makes of one hand a couch, with frequent sighs.
-They are the father and the father-in-law
-Of Gallia's bane: his vicious life they know
-And foul; thence comes the grief that rends them thus.
-
-"He, so robust of limb, who measure keeps
-In song, with him of feature prominent,
-With ev'ry virtue bore his girdle brac'd.
-And if that stripling who behinds him sits,
-King after him had liv'd, his virtue then
-From vessel to like vessel had been pour'd;
-Which may not of the other heirs be said.
-By James and Frederick his realms are held;
-Neither the better heritage obtains.
-Rarely into the branches of the tree
-Doth human worth mount up; and so ordains
-He who bestows it, that as his free gift
-It may be call'd.  To Charles my words apply
-No less than to his brother in the song;
-Which Pouille and Provence now with grief confess.
-So much that plant degenerates from its seed,
-As more than Beatrice and Margaret
-Costanza still boasts of her valorous spouse.
-
-"Behold the king of simple life and plain,
-Harry of England, sitting there alone:
-He through his branches better issue spreads.
-
-"That one, who on the ground beneath the rest
-Sits lowest, yet his gaze directs aloft,
-Us William, that brave Marquis, for whose cause
-The deed of Alexandria and his war
-Makes Conferrat and Canavese weep."
-
-
-
-
-CANTO VIII
-
-Now was the hour that wakens fond desire
-In men at sea, and melts their thoughtful heart,
-Who in the morn have bid sweet friends farewell,
-And pilgrim newly on his road with love
-Thrills, if he hear the vesper bell from far,
-That seems to mourn for the expiring day:
-When I, no longer taking heed to hear
-Began, with wonder, from those spirits to mark
-One risen from its seat, which with its hand
-Audience implor'd. Both palms it join'd and rais'd,
-Fixing its steadfast gaze towards the east,
-As telling God, "I care for naught beside."
-
-"Te Lucis Ante," so devoutly then
-Came from its lip, and in so soft a strain,
-That all my sense in ravishment was lost.
-And the rest after, softly and devout,
-Follow'd through all the hymn, with upward gaze
-Directed to the bright supernal wheels.
-
-Here, reader! for the truth makes thine eyes keen:
-For of so subtle texture is this veil,
-That thou with ease mayst pass it through unmark'd.
-
-I saw that gentle band silently next
-Look up, as if in expectation held,
-Pale and in lowly guise; and from on high
-I saw forth issuing descend beneath
-Two angels with two flame-illumin'd swords,
-Broken and mutilated at their points.
-Green as the tender leaves but newly born,
-Their vesture was, the which by wings as green
-Beaten, they drew behind them, fann'd in air.
-A little over us one took his stand,
-The other lighted on the' Opposing hill,
-So that the troop were in the midst contain'd.
-
-Well I descried the whiteness on their heads;
-But in their visages the dazzled eye
-Was lost, as faculty that by too much
-Is overpower'd.  "From Mary's bosom both
-Are come," exclaim'd Sordello, "as a guard
-Over the vale, ganst him, who hither tends,
-The serpent."  Whence, not knowing by which path
-He came, I turn'd me round, and closely press'd,
-All frozen, to my leader's trusted side.
-
-Sordello paus'd not: "To the valley now
-(For it is time) let us descend; and hold
-Converse with those great shadows: haply much
-Their sight may please ye."  Only three steps down
-Methinks I measur'd, ere I was beneath,
-And noted one who look'd as with desire
-To know me.  Time was now that air arrow dim;
-Yet not so dim, that 'twixt his eyes and mine
-It clear'd not up what was conceal'd before.
-Mutually tow'rds each other we advanc'd.
-Nino, thou courteous judge! what joy I felt,
-When I perceiv'd thou wert not with the bad!
-
-No salutation kind on either part
-Was left unsaid.  He then inquir'd: "How long
-Since thou arrived'st at the mountain's foot,
-Over the distant waves?"--"O!" answer'd I,
-"Through the sad seats of woe this morn I came,
-And still in my first life, thus journeying on,
-The other strive to gain."  Soon as they heard
-My words, he and Sordello backward drew,
-As suddenly amaz'd.  To Virgil one,
-The other to a spirit turn'd, who near
-Was seated, crying: "Conrad! up with speed:
-Come, see what of his grace high God hath will'd."
-Then turning round to me: "By that rare mark
-Of honour which thou ow'st to him, who hides
-So deeply his first cause, it hath no ford,
-When thou shalt be beyond the vast of waves.
-Tell my Giovanna, that for me she call
-There, where reply to innocence is made.
-Her mother, I believe, loves me no more;
-Since she has chang'd the white and wimpled folds,
-Which she is doom'd once more with grief to wish.
-By her it easily may be perceiv'd,
-How long in women lasts the flame of love,
-If sight and touch do not relume it oft.
-For her so fair a burial will not make
-The viper which calls Milan to the field,
-As had been made by shrill Gallura's bird."
-
-He spoke, and in his visage took the stamp
-Of that right seal, which with due temperature
-Glows in the bosom.  My insatiate eyes
-Meanwhile to heav'n had travel'd, even there
-Where the bright stars are slowest, as a wheel
-Nearest the axle; when my guide inquir'd:
-"What there aloft, my son, has caught thy gaze?"
-
-I answer'd: "The three torches, with which here
-The pole is all on fire."  He then to me:
-"The four resplendent stars, thou saw'st this morn
-Are there beneath, and these ris'n in their stead."
-
-While yet he spoke.  Sordello to himself
-Drew him, and cry'd: "Lo there our enemy!"
-And with his hand pointed that way to look.
-
-Along the side, where barrier none arose
-Around the little vale, a serpent lay,
-Such haply as gave Eve the bitter food.
-Between the grass and flowers, the evil snake
-Came on, reverting oft his lifted head;
-And, as a beast that smoothes its polish'd coat,
-Licking his hack.  I saw not, nor can tell,
-How those celestial falcons from their seat
-Mov'd, but in motion each one well descried,
-Hearing the air cut by their verdant plumes.
-The serpent fled; and to their stations back
-The angels up return'd with equal flight.
-
-The Spirit (who to Nino, when he call'd,
-Had come), from viewing me with fixed ken,
-Through all that conflict, loosen'd not his sight.
-
-"So may the lamp, which leads thee up on high,
-Find, in thy destin'd lot, of wax so much,
-As may suffice thee to the enamel's height."
-It thus began: "If any certain news
-Of Valdimagra and the neighbour part
-Thou know'st, tell me, who once was mighty there
-They call'd me Conrad Malaspina, not
-That old one, but from him I sprang.  The love
-I bore my people is now here refin'd."
-
-"In your dominions," I answer'd, "ne'er was I.
-But through all Europe where do those men dwell,
-To whom their glory is not manifest?
-The fame, that honours your illustrious house,
-Proclaims the nobles and proclaims the land;
-So that he knows it who was never there.
-I swear to you, so may my upward route
-Prosper! your honour'd nation not impairs
-The value of her coffer and her sword.
-Nature and use give her such privilege,
-That while the world is twisted from his course
-By a bad head, she only walks aright,
-And has the evil way in scorn."  He then:
-"Now pass thee on: sev'n times the tired sun
-Revisits not the couch, which with four feet
-The forked Aries covers, ere that kind
-Opinion shall be nail'd into thy brain
-With stronger nails than other's speech can drive,
-If the sure course of judgment be not stay'd."
-
-
-
-
-CANTO IX
-
-Now the fair consort of Tithonus old,
-Arisen from her mate's beloved arms,
-Look'd palely o'er the eastern cliff: her brow,
-Lucent with jewels, glitter'd, set in sign
-Of that chill animal, who with his train
-Smites fearful nations: and where then we were,
-Two steps of her ascent the night had past,
-And now the third was closing up its wing,
-When I, who had so much of Adam with me,
-Sank down upon the grass, o'ercome with sleep,
-There where all five were seated.  In that hour,
-When near the dawn the swallow her sad lay,
-Rememb'ring haply ancient grief, renews,
-And with our minds more wand'rers from the flesh,
-And less by thought restrain'd are, as 't were, full
-Of holy divination in their dreams,
-Then in a vision did I seem to view
-A golden-feather'd eagle in the sky,
-With open wings, and hov'ring for descent,
-And I was in that place, methought, from whence
-Young Ganymede, from his associates 'reft,
-Was snatch'd aloft to the high consistory.
-"Perhaps," thought I within me, "here alone
-He strikes his quarry, and elsewhere disdains
-To pounce upon the prey."  Therewith, it seem'd,
-A little wheeling in his airy tour
-Terrible as the lightning rush'd he down,
-And snatch'd me upward even to the fire.
-
-There both, I thought, the eagle and myself
-Did burn; and so intense th' imagin'd flames,
-That needs my sleep was broken off.  As erst
-Achilles shook himself, and round him roll'd
-His waken'd eyeballs wond'ring where he was,
-Whenas his mother had from Chiron fled
-To Scyros, with him sleeping in her arms;
-E'en thus I shook me, soon as from my face
-The slumber parted, turning deadly pale,
-Like one ice-struck with dread.  Solo at my side
-My comfort stood: and the bright sun was now
-More than two hours aloft: and to the sea
-My looks were turn'd.  "Fear not," my master cried,
-"Assur'd we are at happy point.  Thy strength
-Shrink not, but rise dilated.  Thou art come
-To Purgatory now.  Lo! there the cliff
-That circling bounds it!  Lo! the entrance there,
-Where it doth seem disparted! re the dawn
-Usher'd the daylight, when thy wearied soul
-Slept in thee, o'er the flowery vale beneath
-A lady came, and thus bespake me: "I
-Am Lucia.  Suffer me to take this man,
-Who slumbers.  Easier so his way shall speed."
-Sordello and the other gentle shapes
-Tarrying, she bare thee up: and, as day shone,
-This summit reach'd: and I pursued her steps.
-Here did she place thee.  First her lovely eyes
-That open entrance show'd me; then at once
-She vanish'd with thy sleep.  Like one, whose doubts
-Are chas'd by certainty, and terror turn'd
-To comfort on discovery of the truth,
-Such was the change in me: and as my guide
-Beheld me fearless, up along the cliff
-He mov'd, and I behind him, towards the height.
-
-Reader! thou markest how my theme doth rise,
-Nor wonder therefore, if more artfully
-I prop the structure! nearer now we drew,
-Arriv'd' whence in that part, where first a breach
-As of a wall appear'd, I could descry
-A portal, and three steps beneath, that led
-For inlet there, of different colour each,
-And one who watch'd, but spake not yet a word.
-As more and more mine eye did stretch its view,
-I mark'd him seated on the highest step,
-In visage such, as past my power to bear.
-
-Grasp'd in his hand a naked sword, glanc'd back
-The rays so toward me, that I oft in vain
-My sight directed.  "Speak from whence ye stand:"
-He cried: "What would ye?  Where is your escort?
-Take heed your coming upward harm ye not."
-
-"A heavenly dame, not skilless of these things,"
-Replied the' instructor, "told us, even now,
-"Pass that way: here the gate is." --"And may she
-Befriending prosper your ascent," resum'd
-The courteous keeper of the gate: "Come then
-Before our steps."  We straightway thither came.
-
-The lowest stair was marble white so smooth
-And polish'd, that therein my mirror'd form
-Distinct I saw.  The next of hue more dark
-Than sablest grain, a rough and singed block,
-Crack'd lengthwise and across.  The third, that lay
-Massy above, seem'd porphyry, that flam'd
-Red as the life-blood spouting from a vein.
-On this God's angel either foot sustain'd,
-Upon the threshold seated, which appear'd
-A rock of diamond.  Up the trinal steps
-My leader cheerily drew me.  "Ask," said he,
-
-"With humble heart, that he unbar the bolt."
-
-Piously at his holy feet devolv'd
-I cast me, praying him for pity's sake
-That he would open to me: but first fell
-Thrice on my bosom prostrate.  Seven times
-The letter, that denotes the inward stain,
-He on my forehead with the blunted point
-Of his drawn sword inscrib'd.  And "Look," he cried,
-"When enter'd, that thou wash these scars away."
-
-Ashes, or earth ta'en dry out of the ground,
-Were of one colour with the robe he wore.
-From underneath that vestment forth he drew
-Two keys of metal twain: the one was gold,
-Its fellow silver.  With the pallid first,
-And next the burnish'd, he so ply'd the gate,
-As to content me well.  "Whenever one
-Faileth of these, that in the keyhole straight
-It turn not, to this alley then expect
-Access in vain."  Such were the words he spake.
-"One is more precious: but the other needs
-Skill and sagacity, large share of each,
-Ere its good task to disengage the knot
-Be worthily perform'd.  From Peter these
-I hold, of him instructed, that I err
-Rather in opening than in keeping fast;
-So but the suppliant at my feet implore."
-
-Then of that hallow'd gate he thrust the door,
-Exclaiming, "Enter, but this warning hear:
-He forth again departs who looks behind."
-
-As in the hinges of that sacred ward
-The swivels turn'd, sonorous metal strong,
-Harsh was the grating; nor so surlily
-Roar'd the Tarpeian, when by force bereft
-Of good Metellus, thenceforth from his loss
-To leanness doom'd.  Attentively I turn'd,
-List'ning the thunder, that first issued forth;
-And "We praise thee, O God," methought I heard
-In accents blended with sweet melody.
-The strains came o'er mine ear, e'en as the sound
-Of choral voices, that in solemn chant
-With organ mingle, and, now high and clear,
-Come swelling, now float indistinct away.
-
-
-
-
-CANTO X
-
-When we had passed the threshold of the gate
-(Which the soul's ill affection doth disuse,
-Making the crooked seem the straighter path),
-I heard its closing sound.  Had mine eyes turn'd,
-For that offence what plea might have avail'd?
-
-We mounted up the riven rock, that wound
-On either side alternate, as the wave
-Flies and advances.  "Here some little art
-Behooves us," said my leader, "that our steps
-Observe the varying flexure of the path."
-
-Thus we so slowly sped, that with cleft orb
-The moon once more o'erhangs her wat'ry couch,
-Ere we that strait have threaded.  But when free
-We came and open, where the mount above
-One solid mass retires, I spent, with toil,
-And both, uncertain of the way, we stood,
-Upon a plain more lonesome, than the roads
-That traverse desert wilds.  From whence the brink
-Borders upon vacuity, to foot
-Of the steep bank, that rises still, the space
-Had measur'd thrice the stature of a man:
-And, distant as mine eye could wing its flight,
-To leftward now and now to right dispatch'd,
-That cornice equal in extent appear'd.
-
-Not yet our feet had on that summit mov'd,
-When I discover'd that the bank around,
-Whose proud uprising all ascent denied,
-Was marble white, and so exactly wrought
-With quaintest sculpture, that not there alone
-Had Polycletus, but e'en nature's self
-Been sham'd.  The angel who came down to earth
-With tidings of the peace so many years
-Wept for in vain, that op'd the heavenly gates
-From their long interdict, before us seem'd,
-In a sweet act, so sculptur'd to the life,
-He look'd no silent image. One had sworn
-He had said, "Hail!" for she was imag'd there,
-By whom the key did open to God's love,
-And in her act as sensibly impress
-That word, "Behold the handmaid of the Lord,"
-As figure seal'd on wax.  "Fix not thy mind
-On one place only," said the guide belov'd,
-Who had me near him on that part where lies
-The heart of man.  My sight forthwith I turn'd
-And mark'd, behind the virgin mother's form,
-Upon that side, where he, that mov'd me, stood,
-Another story graven on the rock.
-
-I passed athwart the bard, and drew me near,
-That it might stand more aptly for my view.
-There in the self-same marble were engrav'd
-The cart and kine, drawing the sacred ark,
-That from unbidden office awes mankind.
-Before it came much people; and the whole
-Parted in seven quires.  One sense cried, "Nay,"
-Another, "Yes, they sing."  Like doubt arose
-Betwixt the eye and smell, from the curl'd fume
-Of incense breathing up the well-wrought toil.
-Preceding the blest vessel, onward came
-With light dance leaping, girt in humble guise,
-Sweet Israel's harper: in that hap he seem'd
-Less and yet more than kingly.  Opposite,
-At a great palace, from the lattice forth
-Look'd Michol, like a lady full of scorn
-And sorrow.  To behold the tablet next,
-Which at the hack of Michol whitely shone,
-I mov'd me.  There was storied on the rock
-The' exalted glory of the Roman prince,
-Whose mighty worth mov'd Gregory to earn
-His mighty conquest, Trajan th' Emperor.
-A widow at his bridle stood, attir'd
-In tears and mourning.  Round about them troop'd
-Full throng of knights, and overhead in gold
-The eagles floated, struggling with the wind.
-
-The wretch appear'd amid all these to say:
-"Grant vengeance, sire! for, woe beshrew this heart
-My son is murder'd."  He replying seem'd;
-
-"Wait now till I return." And she, as one
-Made hasty by her grief; "O sire, if thou
-Dost not return?"--"Where I am, who then is,
-May right thee."--"What to thee is other's good,
-If thou neglect thy own?"--"Now comfort thee,"
-At length he answers.  "It beseemeth well
-My duty be perform'd, ere I move hence:
-So justice wills; and pity bids me stay."
-
-He, whose ken nothing new surveys, produc'd
-That visible speaking, new to us and strange
-The like not found on earth.  Fondly I gaz'd
-Upon those patterns of meek humbleness,
-Shapes yet more precious for their artist's sake,
-When "Lo," the poet whisper'd, "where this way
-(But slack their pace), a multitude advance.
-These to the lofty steps shall guide us on."
-
-Mine eyes, though bent on view of novel sights
-Their lov'd allurement, were not slow to turn.
-
-Reader! would not that amaz'd thou miss
-Of thy good purpose, hearing how just God
-Decrees our debts be cancel'd.  Ponder not
-The form of suff'ring.  Think on what succeeds,
-Think that at worst beyond the mighty doom
-It cannot pass.  "Instructor," I began,
-"What I see hither tending, bears no trace
-Of human semblance, nor of aught beside
-That my foil'd sight can guess."  He answering thus:
-"So courb'd to earth, beneath their heavy teems
-Of torment stoop they, that mine eye at first
-Struggled as thine.  But look intently thither,
-An disentangle with thy lab'ring view,
-What underneath those stones approacheth: now,
-E'en now, mayst thou discern the pangs of each."
-
-Christians and proud! poor and wretched ones!
-That feeble in the mind's eye, lean your trust
-Upon unstaid perverseness! now ye not
-That we are worms, yet made at last to form
-The winged insect, imp'd with angel plumes
-That to heaven's justice unobstructed soars?
-Why buoy ye up aloft your unfleg'd souls?
-Abortive then and shapeless ye remain,
-Like the untimely embryon of a worm!
-
-As, to support incumbent floor or roof,
-For corbel is a figure sometimes seen,
-That crumples up its knees unto its breast,
-With the feign'd posture stirring ruth unfeign'd
-In the beholder's fancy; so I saw
-These fashion'd, when I noted well their guise.
-
-Each, as his back was laden, came indeed
-Or more or less contract; but it appear'd
-As he, who show'd most patience in his look,
-Wailing exclaim'd: "I can endure no more."
-
-
-
-
-CANTO XI
-
-"O thou Almighty Father, who dost make
-The heavens thy dwelling, not in bounds confin'd,
-But that with love intenser there thou view'st
-Thy primal effluence, hallow'd be thy name:
-Join each created being to extol
-Thy might, for worthy humblest thanks and praise
-Is thy blest Spirit.  May thy kingdom's peace
-Come unto us; for we, unless it come,
-With all our striving thither tend in vain.
-As of their will the angels unto thee
-Tender meet sacrifice, circling thy throne
-With loud hosannas, so of theirs be done
-By saintly men on earth.  Grant us this day
-Our daily manna, without which he roams
-Through this rough desert retrograde, who most
-Toils to advance his steps.  As we to each
-Pardon the evil done us, pardon thou
-Benign, and of our merit take no count.
-'Gainst the old adversary prove thou not
-Our virtue easily subdu'd; but free
-From his incitements and defeat his wiles.
-This last petition, dearest Lord! is made
-Not for ourselves, since that were needless now,
-But for their sakes who after us remain."
-
-Thus for themselves and us good speed imploring,
-Those spirits went beneath a weight like that
-We sometimes feel in dreams, all, sore beset,
-But with unequal anguish, wearied all,
-Round the first circuit, purging as they go,
-The world's gross darkness off: In our behalf
-If there vows still be offer'd, what can here
-For them be vow'd and done by such, whose wills
-Have root of goodness in them?  Well beseems
-That we should help them wash away the stains
-They carried hence, that so made pure and light,
-They may spring upward to the starry spheres.
-
-"Ah! so may mercy-temper'd justice rid
-Your burdens speedily, that ye have power
-To stretch your wing, which e'en to your desire
-Shall lift you, as ye show us on which hand
-Toward the ladder leads the shortest way.
-And if there be more passages than one,
-Instruct us of that easiest to ascend;
-For this man who comes with me, and bears yet
-The charge of fleshly raiment Adam left him,
-Despite his better will but slowly mounts."
-From whom the answer came unto these words,
-Which my guide spake, appear'd not; but 'twas said:
-
-"Along the bank to rightward come with us,
-And ye shall find a pass that mocks not toil
-Of living man to climb: and were it not
-That I am hinder'd by the rock, wherewith
-This arrogant neck is tam'd, whence needs I stoop
-My visage to the ground, him, who yet lives,
-Whose name thou speak'st not him I fain would view.
-To mark if e'er I knew himnd to crave
-His pity for the fardel that I bear.
-I was of Latiun,  of a Tuscan horn
-A mighty one: Aldobranlesco's name
-My sire's, I know not if ye e'er have heard.
-My old blood and forefathers' gallant deeds
-Made me so haughty, that I clean forgot
-The common mother, and to such excess,
-Wax'd in my scorn of all men, that I fell,
-Fell therefore; by what fate Sienna's sons,
-Each child in Campagnatico, can tell.
-I am Omberto; not me only pride
-Hath injur'd, but my kindred all involv'd
-In mischief with her.  Here my lot ordains
-Under this weight to groan, till I appease
-God's angry justice, since I did it not
-Amongst the living, here amongst the dead."
-
-List'ning I bent my visage down: and one
-(Not he who spake) twisted beneath the weight
-That urg'd him, saw me, knew me straight, and call'd,
-Holding his eyes With difficulty fix'd
-Intent upon me, stooping as I went
-Companion of their way.  "O!"  I exclaim'd,
-
-"Art thou not Oderigi, art not thou
-Agobbio's glory, glory of that art
-Which they of Paris call the limmer's skill?"
-
-"Brother!" said he, "with tints that gayer smile,
-Bolognian Franco's pencil lines the leaves.
-His all the honour now; mine borrow'd light.
-In truth I had not been thus courteous to him,
-The whilst I liv'd, through eagerness of zeal
-For that pre-eminence my heart was bent on.
-Here of such pride the forfeiture is paid.
-Nor were I even here; if, able still
-To sin, I had not turn'd me unto God.
-O powers of man! how vain your glory, nipp'd
-E'en in its height of verdure, if an age
-Less bright succeed not! imbue thought
-To lord it over painting's field; and now
-The cry is Giotto's, and his name eclips'd.
-Thus hath one Guido from the other snatch'd
-The letter'd prize: and he perhaps is born,
-Who shall drive either from their nest.  The noise
-Of worldly fame is but a blast of wind,
-That blows from divers points, and shifts its name
-Shifting the point it blows from.  Shalt thou more
-Live in the mouths of mankind, if thy flesh
-Part shrivel'd from thee, than if thou hadst died,
-Before the coral and the pap were left,
-Or ere some thousand years have passed? and that
-Is, to eternity compar'd, a space,
-Briefer than is the twinkling of an eye
-To the heaven's slowest orb.  He there who treads
-So leisurely before me, far and wide
-Through Tuscany resounded once; and now
-Is in Sienna scarce with whispers nam'd:
-There was he sov'reign, when destruction caught
-The madd'ning rage of Florence, in that day
-Proud as she now is loathsome.  Your renown
-Is as the herb, whose hue doth come and go,
-And his might withers it, by whom it sprang
-Crude from the lap of earth."  I thus to him:
-"True are thy sayings: to my heart they breathe
-The kindly spirit of meekness, and allay
-What tumours rankle there.  But who is he
-Of whom thou spak'st but now?"--"This," he replied,
-"Is Provenzano.  He is here, because
-He reach'd, with grasp presumptuous, at the sway
-Of all Sienna.  Thus he still hath gone,
-Thus goeth never-resting, since he died.
-Such is th' acquittance render'd back of him,
-Who, beyond measure, dar'd on earth."  I then:
-"If soul that to the verge of life delays
-Repentance, linger in that lower space,
-Nor hither mount, unless good prayers befriend,
-How chanc'd admittance was vouchsaf'd to him?"
-
-"When at his glory's topmost height," said he,
-"Respect of dignity all cast aside,
-Freely He fix'd him on Sienna's plain,
-A suitor to  redeem his suff'ring friend,
-Who languish'd in the prison-house of Charles,
-Nor for his sake refus'd through every vein
-To tremble.  More I will not say; and dark,
-I know, my words are, but thy neighbours soon
-Shall help thee to a comment on the text.
-This is the work, that from these limits freed him."
-
-
-
-
-CANTO XII
-
-With equal pace as oxen in the yoke,
-I with that laden spirit journey'd on
-Long as the mild instructor suffer'd me;
-But when he bade me quit him, and proceed
-(For "here," said he, "behooves with sail and oars
-Each man, as best he may, push on his bark"),
-Upright, as one dispos'd for speed, I rais'd
-My body, still in thought submissive bow'd.
-
-I now my leader's track not loth pursued;
-And each had shown how light we far'd along
-When thus he warn'd me: "Bend thine eyesight down:
-For thou to ease the way shall find it good
-To ruminate the bed beneath thy feet."
-
-As in memorial of the buried, drawn
-Upon earth-level tombs, the sculptur'd form
-Of what was once, appears (at sight whereof
-Tears often stream forth by remembrance wak'd,
-Whose sacred stings the piteous only feel),
-So saw I there, but with more curious skill
-Of portraiture o'erwrought, whate'er of space
-From forth the mountain stretches.  On one part
-Him I beheld, above all creatures erst
-Created noblest, light'ning fall from heaven:
-On th' other side with bolt celestial pierc'd
-Briareus: cumb'ring earth he lay through dint
-Of mortal ice-stroke.  The Thymbraean god
-With Mars, I saw, and Pallas, round their sire,
-Arm'd still, and gazing on the giant's limbs
-Strewn o'er th' ethereal field.  Nimrod I saw:
-At foot of the stupendous work he stood,
-As if bewilder'd, looking on the crowd
-Leagued in his proud attempt on Sennaar's plain.
-
-O Niobe! in what a trance of woe
-Thee I beheld, upon that highway drawn,
-Sev'n sons on either side thee slain!  Saul!
-How ghastly didst thou look! on thine own sword
-Expiring in Gilboa, from that hour
-Ne'er visited with rain from heav'n or dew!
-
-O fond Arachne! thee I also saw
-Half spider now in anguish crawling up
-Th' unfinish'd web thou weaved'st to thy bane!
-
-O Rehoboam! here thy shape doth seem
-Louring no more defiance! but fear-smote
-With none to chase him in his chariot whirl'd.
-
-Was shown beside upon the solid floor
-How dear Alcmaeon forc'd his mother rate
-That ornament in evil hour receiv'd:
-How in the temple on Sennacherib fell
-His sons, and how a corpse they left him there.
-Was shown the scath and cruel mangling made
-By Tomyris on Cyrus, when she cried:
-"Blood thou didst thirst for, take thy fill of blood!"
-Was shown how routed in the battle fled
-Th' Assyrians, Holofernes slain, and e'en
-The relics of the carnage.  Troy I mark'd
-In ashes and in caverns.  Oh! how fall'n,
-How abject, Ilion, was thy semblance there!
-
-What master of the pencil or the style
-Had trac'd the shades and lines, that might have made
-The subtlest workman wonder?  Dead the dead,
-The living seem'd alive; with clearer view
-His eye beheld not who beheld the truth,
-Than mine what I did tread on, while I went
-Low bending.  Now swell out; and with stiff necks
-Pass on, ye sons of Eve! veil not your looks,
-Lest they descry the evil of your path!
-
-I noted not (so busied was my thought)
-How much we now had circled of the mount,
-And of his course yet more the sun had spent,
-When he, who with still wakeful caution went,
-Admonish'd: "Raise thou up thy head: for know
-Time is not now for slow suspense.  Behold
-That way an angel hasting towards us!  Lo!
-Where duly the sixth handmaid doth return
-From service on the day.  Wear thou in look
-And gesture seemly grace of reverent awe,
-That gladly he may forward us aloft.
-Consider that this day ne'er dawns again."
-
-Time's loss he had so often warn'd me 'gainst,
-I could not miss the scope at which he aim'd.
-
-The goodly shape approach'd us, snowy white
-In vesture, and with visage casting streams
-Of tremulous lustre like the matin star.
-His arms he open'd, then his wings; and spake:
-"Onward: the steps, behold! are near; and now
-Th' ascent is without difficulty gain'd."
-
-A scanty few are they, who when they hear
-Such tidings, hasten.  O ye race of men
-Though born to soar, why suffer ye a wind
-So slight to baffle ye?  He led us on
-Where the rock parted; here against my front
-Did beat his wings, then promis'd I should fare
-In safety on my way.  As to ascend
-That steep, upon whose brow the chapel stands
-(O'er Rubaconte, looking lordly down
-On the well-guided city,) up the right
-Th' impetuous rise is broken by the steps
-Carv'd in that old and simple age, when still
-The registry and label rested safe;
-Thus is th' acclivity reliev'd, which here
-Precipitous from the other circuit falls:
-But on each hand the tall cliff presses close.
-
-As ent'ring there we turn'd, voices, in strain
-Ineffable, sang: "Blessed are the poor
-In spirit."  Ah how far unlike to these
-The straits of hell; here songs to usher us,
-There shrieks of woe!  We climb the holy stairs:
-And lighter to myself by far I seem'd
-Than on the plain before, whence thus I spake:
-"Say, master, of what heavy thing have I
-Been lighten'd, that scarce aught the sense of toil
-Affects me journeying?"  He in few replied:
-"When sin's broad characters, that yet remain
-Upon thy temples, though well nigh effac'd,
-Shall be, as one is, all clean razed out,
-Then shall thy feet by heartiness of will
-Be so o'ercome, they not alone shall feel
-No sense of labour, but delight much more
-Shall wait them urg'd along their upward way."
-
-Then like to one, upon whose head is plac'd
-Somewhat he deems not of but from the becks
-Of others as they pass him by; his hand
-Lends therefore help to' assure him, searches, finds,
-And well performs such office as the eye
-Wants power to execute: so stretching forth
-The fingers of my right hand, did I find
-Six only of the letters, which his sword
-Who bare the keys had trac'd upon my brow.
-The leader, as he mark'd mine action, smil'd.
-
-
-
-
-CANTO XIII
-
-We reach'd the summit of the scale, and stood
-Upon the second buttress of that mount
-Which healeth him who climbs.  A cornice there,
-Like to the former, girdles round the hill;
-Save that its arch with sweep less ample bends.
-
-Shadow nor image there is seen; all smooth
-The rampart and the path, reflecting nought
-But the rock's sullen hue.  "If here we wait
-For some to question," said the bard, "I fear
-Our choice may haply meet too long delay."
-
-Then fixedly upon the sun his eyes
-He fastn'd, made his right the central point
-From whence to move, and turn'd the left aside.
-"O pleasant light, my confidence and hope,
-Conduct us thou," he cried, "on this new way,
-Where now I venture, leading to the bourn
-We seek.  The universal world to thee
-Owes warmth and lustre.  If no other cause
-Forbid, thy beams should ever be our guide."
-
-Far, as is measur'd for a mile on earth,
-In brief space had we journey'd; such prompt will
-Impell'd; and towards us flying, now were heard
-Spirits invisible, who courteously
-Unto love's table bade the welcome guest.
-The voice, that firstlew by, call'd forth aloud,
-"They have no wine;" so on behind us past,
-Those sounds reiterating, nor yet lost
-In the faint distance, when another came
-Crying, "I am Orestes," and alike
-Wing'd its fleet way.  "Oh father!"  I exclaim'd,
-"What tongues are these?"  and as I question'd, lo!
-A third exclaiming, "Love ye those have wrong'd you."
-
-"This circuit," said my teacher, "knots the scourge
-For envy, and the cords are therefore drawn
-By charity's correcting hand.  The curb
-Is of a harsher sound, as thou shalt hear
-(If I deem rightly), ere thou reach the pass,
-Where pardon sets them free.  But fix thine eyes
-Intently through the air, and thou shalt see
-A multitude before thee seated, each
-Along the shelving grot."  Then more than erst
-I op'd my eyes, before me view'd, and saw
-Shadows with garments dark as was the rock;
-And when we pass'd a little forth, I heard
-A crying, "Blessed Mary! pray for us,
-Michael and Peter! all ye saintly host!"
-
-I do not think there walks on earth this day
-Man so remorseless, that he hath not yearn'd
-With pity at the sight that next I saw.
-Mine eyes a load of sorrow teemed, when now
-I stood so near them, that their semblances
-Came clearly to my view.  Of sackcloth vile
-Their cov'ring seem'd; and on his shoulder one
-Did stay another, leaning, and all lean'd
-Against the cliff.  E'en thus the blind and poor,
-Near the confessionals, to crave an alms,
-Stand, each his head upon his fellow's sunk,
-
-So most to stir compassion, not by sound
-Of words alone, but that, which moves not less,
-The sight of mis'ry.  And as never beam
-Of noonday visiteth the eyeless man,
-E'en so was heav'n a niggard unto these
-Of his fair light; for, through the orbs of all,
-A thread of wire, impiercing, knits them up,
-As for the taming of a haggard hawk.
-
-It were a wrong, methought, to pass and look
-On others, yet myself the while unseen.
-To my sage counsel therefore did I turn.
-He knew the meaning of the mute appeal,
-Nor waited for my questioning, but said:
-"Speak; and be brief, be subtle in thy words."
-
-On that part of the cornice, whence no rim
-Engarlands its steep fall, did Virgil come;
-On the' other side me were the spirits, their cheeks
-Bathing devout with penitential tears,
-That through the dread impalement forc'd a way.
-
-I turn'd me to them, and "O shades!" said I,
-
-"Assur'd that to your eyes unveil'd shall shine
-The lofty light, sole object of your wish,
-So may heaven's grace clear whatsoe'er of foam
-Floats turbid on the conscience, that thenceforth
-The stream of mind roll limpid from its source,
-As ye declare (for so shall ye impart
-A boon I dearly prize) if any soul
-Of Latium dwell among ye; and perchance
-That soul may profit, if I learn so much."
-
-"My brother, we are each one citizens
-Of one true city.  Any thou wouldst say,
-Who lived a stranger in Italia's land."
-
-So heard I answering, as appeal'd, a voice
-That onward came some space from whence I stood.
-
-A spirit I noted, in whose look was mark'd
-Expectance.  Ask ye how?  The chin was rais'd
-As in one reft of sight.  "Spirit," said I,
-"Who for thy rise are tutoring (if thou be
-That which didst answer to me,) or by place
-Or name, disclose thyself, that I may know thee."
-
-"I was," it answer'd, "of Sienna: here
-I cleanse away with these the evil life,
-Soliciting with tears that He, who is,
-Vouchsafe him to us.  Though Sapia nam'd
-In sapience I excell'd not, gladder far
-Of others' hurt, than of the good befell me.
-That thou mayst own I now deceive thee not,
-Hear, if my folly were not as I speak it.
-When now my years slop'd waning down the arch,
-It so bechanc'd, my fellow citizens
-Near Colle met their enemies in the field,
-And I pray'd God to grant what He had will'd.
-There were they vanquish'd, and betook themselves
-Unto the bitter passages of flight.
-I mark'd the hunt, and waxing out of bounds
-In gladness, lifted up my shameless brow,
-And like the merlin cheated by a gleam,
-Cried, "It is over.  Heav'n! fear thee not."
-Upon my verge of life I wish'd for peace
-With God; nor repentance had supplied
-What I did lack of duty, were it not
-The hermit Piero, touch'd with charity,
-In his devout orisons thought on me.
-"But who art thou that question'st of our state,
-Who go'st to my belief, with lids unclos'd,
-And breathest in thy talk?"--"Mine eyes," said I,
-"May yet be here ta'en from me; but not long;
-For they have not offended grievously
-With envious glances.  But the woe beneath
-Urges my soul with more exceeding dread.
-That nether load already weighs me down."
-
-She thus: "Who then amongst us here aloft
-Hath brought thee, if thou weenest to return?"
-
-"He," answer'd I, "who standeth mute beside me.
-I live: of me ask therefore, chosen spirit,
-If thou desire I yonder yet should move
-For thee my mortal feet."--"Oh!" she replied,
-"This is so strange a thing, it is great sign
-That God doth love thee.  Therefore with thy prayer
-Sometime assist me: and by that I crave,
-Which most thou covetest, that if thy feet
-E'er tread on Tuscan soil, thou save my fame
-Amongst my kindred.  Them shalt thou behold
-With that vain multitude, who set their hope
-On Telamone's haven, there to fail
-Confounded, more shall when the fancied stream
-They sought of Dian call'd: but they who lead
-Their navies, more than ruin'd hopes shall mourn."
-
-
-
-
-CANTO XIV
-
-"Say who is he around our mountain winds,
-Or ever death has prun'd his wing for flight,
-That opes his eyes and covers them at will?"
-
-"I know not who he is, but know thus much
-He comes not singly.  Do thou ask of him,
-For thou art nearer to him, and take heed
-Accost him gently, so that he may speak."
-
-Thus on the right two Spirits bending each
-Toward the other, talk'd of me, then both
-Addressing me, their faces backward lean'd,
-And thus the one began: "O soul, who yet
-Pent in the body, tendest towards the sky!
-For charity, we pray thee' comfort us,
-Recounting whence thou com'st, and who thou art:
-For thou dost make us at the favour shown thee
-Marvel, as at a thing that ne'er hath been."
-
-"There stretches through the midst of Tuscany,"
-I straight began: "a brooklet, whose well-head
-Springs up in Falterona, with his race
-Not satisfied, when he some hundred miles
-Hath measur'd.  From his banks bring, I this frame.
-To tell you who I am were words misspent:
-For yet my name scarce sounds on rumour's lip."
-
-"If well I do incorp'rate with my thought
-The meaning of thy speech," said he, who first
-Addrest me, "thou dost speak of Arno's wave."
-
-To whom the other: "Why hath he conceal'd
-The title of that river, as a man
-Doth of some horrible thing?"  The spirit, who
-Thereof was question'd, did acquit him thus:
-"I know not: but 'tis fitting well the name
-Should perish of that vale; for from the source
-Where teems so plenteously the Alpine steep
-Maim'd of Pelorus, (that doth scarcely pass
-Beyond that limit,) even to the point
-Whereunto ocean is restor'd, what heaven
-Drains from th' exhaustless store for all earth's streams,
-Throughout the space is virtue worried down,
-As 'twere a snake, by all, for mortal foe,
-Or through disastrous influence on the place,
-Or else distortion of misguided wills,
-That custom goads to evil: whence in those,
-The dwellers in that miserable vale,
-Nature is so transform'd, it seems as they
-Had shar'd of Circe's feeding.  'Midst brute swine,
-Worthier of acorns than of other food
-Created for man's use, he shapeth first
-His obscure way; then, sloping onward, finds
-Curs, snarlers more in spite than power, from whom
-He turns with scorn aside: still journeying down,
-By how much more the curst and luckless foss
-Swells out to largeness, e'en so much it finds
-Dogs turning into wolves.  Descending still
-Through yet more hollow eddies, next he meets
-A race of foxes, so replete with craft,
-They do not fear that skill can master it.
-Nor will I cease because my words are heard
-By other ears than thine.  It shall be well
-For this man, if he keep in memory
-What from no erring Spirit I reveal.
-Lo! behold thy grandson, that becomes
-A hunter of those wolves, upon the shore
-Of the fierce stream, and cows them all with dread:
-Their flesh yet living sets he up to sale,
-Then like an aged beast to slaughter dooms.
-Many of life he reaves, himself of worth
-And goodly estimation.  Smear'd with gore
-Mark how he issues from the rueful wood,
-Leaving such havoc, that in thousand years
-It spreads not to prime lustihood again."
-
-As one, who tidings hears of woe to come,
-Changes his looks perturb'd, from whate'er part
-The peril grasp him, so beheld I change
-That spirit, who had turn'd to listen, struck
-With sadness, soon as he had caught the word.
-
-His visage and the other's speech did raise
-Desire in me to know the names of both,
-whereof with meek entreaty I inquir'd.
-
-The shade, who late addrest me, thus resum'd:
-"Thy wish imports that I vouchsafe to do
-For thy sake what thou wilt not do for mine.
-But since God's will is that so largely shine
-His grace in thee, I will be liberal too.
-Guido of Duca know then that I am.
-Envy so parch'd my blood, that had I seen
-A fellow man made joyous, thou hadst mark'd
-A livid paleness overspread my cheek.
-Such harvest reap I of the seed I sow'd.
-O man, why place thy heart where there doth need
-Exclusion of participants in good?
-This is Rinieri's spirit, this the boast
-And honour of the house of Calboli,
-Where of his worth no heritage remains.
-Nor his the only blood, that hath been stript
-('twixt Po, the mount, the Reno, and the shore,)
-Of all that truth or fancy asks for bliss;
-But in those limits such a growth has sprung
-Of rank and venom'd roots, as long would mock
-Slow culture's toil.  Where is good Liziohere
-Manardi, Traversalo, and Carpigna?
-O bastard slips of old Romagna's line!
-When in Bologna the low artisan,
-And in Faenza yon Bernardin sprouts,
-A gentle cyon from ignoble stem.
-Wonder not, Tuscan, if thou see me weep,
-When I recall to mind those once lov'd names,
-Guido of Prata, and of Azzo him
-That dwelt with you; Tignoso and his troop,
-With Traversaro's house and Anastagio's,
-(Each race disherited) and beside these,
-The ladies and the knights, the toils and ease,
-That witch'd us into love and courtesy;
-Where now such malice reigns in recreant hearts.
-O Brettinoro! wherefore tarriest still,
-Since forth of thee thy family hath gone,
-And many, hating evil, join'd their steps?
-Well doeth he, that bids his lineage cease,
-Bagnacavallo; Castracaro ill,
-And Conio worse, who care to propagate
-A race of Counties from such blood as theirs.
-Well shall ye also do, Pagani, then
-When from amongst you tries your demon child.
-Not so, howe'er, that henceforth there remain
-True proof of what ye were.  O Hugolin!
-Thou sprung of Fantolini's line! thy name
-Is safe, since none is look'd for after thee
-To cloud its lustre, warping from thy stock.
-But, Tuscan, go thy ways; for now I take
-Far more delight in weeping than in words.
-Such pity for your sakes hath wrung my heart."
-
-We knew those gentle spirits at parting heard
-Our steps.  Their silence therefore of our way
-Assur'd us.  Soon as we had quitted them,
-Advancing onward, lo! a voice that seem'd
-Like vollied light'ning, when it rives the air,
-Met us, and shouted, "Whosoever finds
-Will slay me," then fled from us, as the bolt
-Lanc'd sudden from a downward-rushing cloud.
-When it had giv'n short truce unto our hearing,
-Behold the other with a crash as loud
-As the quick-following thunder: "Mark in me
-Aglauros turn'd to rock."  I at the sound
-Retreating drew more closely to my guide.
-
-Now in mute stillness rested all the air:
-And thus he spake: "There was the galling bit.
-But your old enemy so baits his hook,
-He drags you eager to him.  Hence nor curb
-Avails you, nor reclaiming call.  Heav'n calls
-And round about you wheeling courts your gaze
-With everlasting beauties.  Yet your eye
-Turns with fond doting still upon the earth.
-Therefore He smites you who discerneth all."
-
-
-
-
-CANTO XV
-
-As much as 'twixt the third hour's close and dawn,
-Appeareth of heav'n's sphere, that ever whirls
-As restless as an infant in his play,
-So much appear'd remaining to the sun
-Of his slope journey towards the western goal.
-
-Evening was there, and here the noon of night;
-and full upon our forehead smote the beams.
-For  round the mountain, circling, so our path
-Had led us, that toward the sun-set now
-Direct we journey'd: when I felt a weight
-Of more exceeding splendour, than before,
-Press on my front.  The cause unknown, amaze
-Possess'd me, and both hands against my brow
-Lifting, I interpos'd them, as a screen,
-That of its gorgeous superflux of light
-Clipp'd the diminish'd orb. As when the ray,
-Striking On water or the surface clear
-Of mirror, leaps unto the opposite part,
-Ascending at a glance, e'en as it fell,
-(And so much differs from the stone, that falls
-Through equal space, as practice skill hath shown);
-Thus with refracted light before me seemed
-The ground there smitten; whence in sudden haste
-My sight recoil'd.  "What is this, sire belov'd!
-'Gainst which I strive to shield the sight in vain?"
-Cried I, "and which towards us moving seems?"
-
-"Marvel not, if the family of heav'n,"
-He answer'd, "yet with dazzling radiance dim
-Thy sense it is a messenger who comes,
-Inviting man's ascent.  Such sights ere long,
-Not grievous, shall impart to thee delight,
-As thy perception is by nature wrought
-Up to their pitch."  The blessed angel, soon
-As we had reach'd him, hail'd us with glad voice:
-"Here enter on a ladder far less steep
-Than ye have yet encounter'd."  We forthwith
-Ascending, heard behind us chanted sweet,
-"Blessed the merciful," and "happy thou!
-That conquer'st."  Lonely each, my guide and I
-Pursued our upward way; and as we went,
-Some profit from his words I hop'd to win,
-And thus of him inquiring, fram'd my speech:
-
-"What meant Romagna's spirit, when he spake
-Of bliss exclusive with no partner shar'd?"
-
-He straight replied: "No wonder, since he knows,
-What sorrow waits on his own worst defect,
-If he chide others, that they less may mourn.
-Because ye point your wishes at a mark,
-Where, by communion of possessors, part
-Is lessen'd, envy bloweth up the sighs of men.
-No fear of that might touch ye, if the love
-Of higher sphere exalted your desire.
-For there, by how much more they call it ours,
-So much propriety of each in good
-Increases more, and heighten'd charity
-Wraps that fair cloister in a brighter flame."
-
-"Now lack I satisfaction more," said I,
-"Than if thou hadst been silent at the first,
-And doubt more gathers on my lab'ring thought.
-How can it chance, that good distributed,
-The many, that possess it, makes more rich,
-Than if 't were shar'd by few?"  He answering thus:
-"Thy mind, reverting still to things of earth,
-Strikes darkness from true light.  The highest good
-Unlimited, ineffable, doth so speed
-To love, as beam to lucid body darts,
-Giving as much of ardour as it finds.
-The sempiternal effluence streams abroad
-Spreading, wherever charity extends.
-So that the more aspirants to that bliss
-Are multiplied, more good is there to love,
-And more is lov'd; as mirrors, that reflect,
-Each unto other, propagated light.
-If these my words avail not to allay
-Thy thirsting, Beatrice thou shalt see,
-Who of this want, and of all else thou hast,
-Shall rid thee to the full.  Provide but thou
-That from thy temples may be soon eras'd,
-E'en as the two already, those five scars,
-That when they pain thee worst, then kindliest heal,"
-
-"Thou," I had said, "content'st me," when I saw
-The other round was gain'd, and wond'ring eyes
-Did keep me mute.  There suddenly I seem'd
-By an ecstatic vision wrapt away;
-And in a temple saw, methought, a crowd
-Of many persons; and at th' entrance stood
-A dame, whose sweet demeanour did express
-A mother's love, who said, "Child! why hast thou
-Dealt with us thus?  Behold thy sire and I
-Sorrowing have sought thee;" and so held her peace,
-And straight the vision fled.  A female next
-Appear'd before me, down whose visage cours'd
-Those waters, that grief forces out from one
-By deep resentment stung, who seem'd to say:
-"If thou, Pisistratus, be lord indeed
-Over this city, nam'd with such debate
-Of adverse gods, and whence each science sparkles,
-Avenge thee of those arms, whose bold embrace
-Hath clasp'd our daughter; "and to fuel, meseem'd,
-Benign and meek, with visage undisturb'd,
-Her sovran spake: "How shall we those requite,
-Who wish us evil, if we thus condemn
-The man that loves us?"  After that I saw
-A multitude, in fury burning, slay
-With stones a stripling youth, and shout amain
-"Destroy, destroy:" and him I saw, who bow'd
-Heavy with death unto the ground, yet made
-His eyes, unfolded upward, gates to heav'n,
-
-Praying forgiveness of th' Almighty Sire,
-Amidst that cruel conflict, on his foes,
-With looks, that With compassion to their aim.
-
-Soon as my spirit, from her airy flight
-Returning, sought again the things, whose truth
-Depends not on her shaping, I observ'd
-How she had rov'd to no unreal scenes
-
-Meanwhile the leader, who might see I mov'd,
-As one, who struggles to shake off his sleep,
-Exclaim'd: "What ails thee, that thou canst not hold
-Thy footing firm, but more than half a league
-Hast travel'd with clos'd eyes and tott'ring gait,
-Like to a man by wine or sleep o'ercharg'd?"
-
-"Beloved father! so thou deign," said I,
-"To listen, I will tell thee what appear'd
-Before me, when so fail'd my sinking steps."
-
-He thus: "Not if thy Countenance were mask'd
-With hundred vizards, could a thought of thine
-How small soe'er, elude me.  What thou saw'st
-Was shown, that freely thou mightst ope thy heart
-To the waters of peace, that flow diffus'd
-From their eternal fountain.  I not ask'd,
-What ails theeor such cause as he doth, who
-Looks only with that eye which sees no more,
-When spiritless the body lies; but ask'd,
-To give fresh vigour to thy foot.  Such goads
-The slow and loit'ring need; that they be found
-Not wanting, when their hour of watch returns."
-
-So on we journey'd through the evening sky
-Gazing intent, far onward, as our eyes
-With level view could stretch against the bright
-Vespertine ray: and lo! by slow degrees
-Gath'ring, a fog made tow'rds us, dark as night.
-There was no room for 'scaping; and that mist
-Bereft us, both of sight and the pure air.
-
-
-
-
-CANTO XVI
-
-Hell's dunnest gloom, or night unlustrous, dark,
-Of every planes 'reft, and pall'd in clouds,
-Did never spread before the sight a veil
-In thickness like that fog, nor to the sense
-So palpable and gross.  Ent'ring its shade,
-Mine eye endured not with unclosed lids;
-Which marking, near me drew the faithful guide,
-Offering me his shoulder for a stay.
-
-As the blind man behind his leader walks,
-Lest he should err, or stumble unawares
-On what might harm him, or perhaps destroy,
-I journey'd through that bitter air and foul,
-Still list'ning to my escort's warning voice,
-"Look that from me thou part not."  Straight I heard
-Voices, and each one seem'd to pray for peace,
-And for compassion, to the Lamb of God
-That taketh sins away.  Their prelude still
-Was "Agnus Dei," and through all the choir,
-One voice, one measure ran, that perfect seem'd
-The concord of their song.  "Are these I hear
-Spirits, O master?"  I exclaim'd; and he:
-"Thou aim'st aright: these loose the bonds of wrath."
-
-"Now who art thou, that through our smoke dost cleave?
-And speak'st of us, as thou thyself e'en yet
-Dividest time by calends?"  So one voice
-Bespake me; whence my master said: "Reply;
-And ask, if upward hence the passage lead."
-
-"O being! who dost make thee pure, to stand
-Beautiful once more in thy Maker's sight!
-Along with me: and thou shalt hear and wonder."
-Thus I, whereto the spirit answering spake:
-
-"Long as 't is lawful for me, shall my steps
-Follow on thine; and since the cloudy smoke
-Forbids the seeing, hearing in its stead
-Shall keep us join'd."  I then forthwith began
-"Yet in my mortal swathing, I ascend
-To higher regions, and am hither come
-Through the fearful agony of hell.
-And, if so largely God hath doled his grace,
-That, clean beside all modern precedent,
-He wills me to behold his kingly state,
-From me conceal not who thou wast, ere death
-Had loos'd thee; but instruct me: and instruct
-If rightly to the pass I tend; thy words
-The way directing as a safe escort."
-
-"I was of Lombardy, and Marco call'd:
-Not inexperienc'd of the world, that worth
-I still affected, from which all have turn'd
-The nerveless bow aside.  Thy course tends right
-Unto the summit:" and, replying thus,
-He added, "I beseech thee pray for me,
-When thou shalt come aloft."  And I to him:
-"Accept my faith for pledge I will perform
-What thou requirest.  Yet one doubt remains,
-That wrings me sorely, if I solve it not,
-Singly before it urg'd me, doubled now
-By thine opinion, when I couple that
-With one elsewhere declar'd, each strength'ning other.
-The world indeed is even so forlorn
-Of all good as thou speak'st it and so swarms
-With every evil.  Yet, beseech thee, point
-The cause out to me, that myself may see,
-And unto others show it: for in heaven
-One places it, and one on earth below."
-
-Then heaving forth a deep and audible sigh,
-"Brother!" he thus began, "the world is blind;
-And thou in truth com'st from it.  Ye, who live,
-Do so each cause refer to heav'n above,
-E'en as its motion of necessity
-Drew with it all that moves.  If this were so,
-Free choice in you were none; nor justice would
-There should be joy for virtue, woe for ill.
-Your movements have their primal bent from heaven;
-Not all; yet said I all; what then ensues?
-Light have ye still to follow evil or good,
-And of the will free power, which, if it stand
-Firm and unwearied in Heav'n's first assay,
-Conquers at last, so it be cherish'd well,
-Triumphant over all.  To mightier force,
-To better nature subject, ye abide
-Free, not constrain'd by that, which forms in you
-The reasoning mind uninfluenc'd of the stars.
-If then the present race of mankind err,
-Seek in yourselves the cause, and find it there.
-Herein thou shalt confess me no false spy.
-
-"Forth from his plastic hand, who charm'd beholds
-Her image ere she yet exist, the soul
-Comes like a babe, that wantons sportively
-Weeping and laughing in its wayward moods,
-As artless and as ignorant of aught,
-Save that her Maker being one who dwells
-With gladness ever, willingly she turns
-To whate'er yields her joy.  Of some slight good
-The flavour soon she tastes; and, snar'd by that,
-With fondness she pursues it, if no guide
-Recall, no rein direct her wand'ring course.
-Hence it behov'd, the law should be a curb;
-A sovereign hence behov'd, whose piercing view
-Might mark at least the fortress and main tower
-Of the true city.  Laws indeed there are:
-But who is he observes them?  None; not he,
-Who goes before, the shepherd of the flock,
-Who chews the cud but doth not cleave the hoof.
-Therefore the multitude, who see their guide
-Strike at the very good they covet most,
-Feed there and look no further.  Thus the cause
-Is not corrupted nature in yourselves,
-But ill-conducting, that hath turn'd the world
-To evil.  Rome, that turn'd it unto good,
-Was wont to boast two suns, whose several beams
-Cast light on either way, the world's and God's.
-One since hath quench'd the other; and the sword
-Is grafted on the crook; and so conjoin'd
-Each must perforce decline to worse, unaw'd
-By fear of other.  If thou doubt me, mark
-The blade: each herb is judg'd of by its seed.
-That land, through which Adice and the Po
-Their waters roll, was once the residence
-Of courtesy and velour, ere the day,
-That frown'd on Frederick; now secure may pass
-Those limits, whosoe'er hath left, for shame,
-To talk with good men, or come near their haunts.
-Three aged ones are still found there, in whom
-The old time chides the new: these deem it long
-Ere God restore them to a better world:
-The good Gherardo, of Palazzo he
-Conrad, and Guido of Castello, nam'd
-In Gallic phrase more fitly the plain Lombard.
-On this at last conclude.  The church of Rome,
-Mixing two governments that ill assort,
-Hath miss'd her footing, fall'n into the mire,
-And there herself and burden much defil'd."
-
-"O Marco!" I replied, shine arguments
-Convince me: and the cause I now discern
-Why of the heritage no portion came
-To Levi's offspring.  But resolve me this
-Who that Gherardo is, that as thou sayst
-Is left a sample of the perish'd race,
-And for rebuke to this untoward age?"
-
-"Either thy words," said he, "deceive; or else
-Are meant to try me; that thou, speaking Tuscan,
-Appear'st not to have heard of good Gherado;
-The sole addition that, by which I know him;
-Unless I borrow'd from his daughter Gaia
-Another name to grace him.  God be with you.
-I bear you company no more.  Behold
-The dawn with white ray glimm'ring through the mist.
-I must away--the angel comes--ere he
-Appear."  He said, and would not hear me more.
-
-
-
-
-CANTO XVII
-
-Call to remembrance, reader, if thou e'er
-Hast, on a mountain top, been ta'en by cloud,
-Through which thou saw'st no better, than the mole
-Doth through opacous membrane; then, whene'er
-The wat'ry vapours dense began to melt
-Into thin air, how faintly the sun's sphere
-Seem'd wading through them; so thy nimble thought
-May image, how at first I re-beheld
-The sun, that bedward now his couch o'erhung.
-
-Thus with my leader's feet still equaling pace
-From forth that cloud I came, when now expir'd
-The parting beams from off the nether shores.
-
-O quick and forgetive power! that sometimes dost
-So rob us of ourselves, we take no mark
-Though round about us thousand trumpets clang!
-What moves thee, if the senses stir not?  Light
-Kindled in heav'n, spontaneous, self-inform'd,
-Or likelier gliding down with swift illapse
-By will divine.  Portray'd before me came
-The traces of her dire impiety,
-Whose form was chang'd into the bird, that most
-Delights itself in song: and here my mind
-Was inwardly so wrapt, it gave no place
-To aught that ask'd admittance from without.
-
-Next shower'd into my fantasy a shape
-As of one crucified, whose visage spake
-Fell rancour, malice deep, wherein he died;
-And round him Ahasuerus the great king,
-Esther his bride, and Mordecai the just,
-Blameless in word and deed.  As of itself
-That unsubstantial coinage of the brain
-Burst, like a bubble, Which the water fails
-That fed it; in my vision straight uprose
-A damsel weeping loud, and cried, "O queen!
-O mother! wherefore has intemperate ire
-Driv'n thee to loath thy being?  Not to lose
-Lavinia, desp'rate thou hast slain thyself.
-Now hast thou lost me.  I am she, whose tears
-Mourn, ere I fall, a mother's timeless end."
-
-E'en as a sleep breaks off, if suddenly
-New radiance strike upon the closed lids,
-The broken slumber quivering ere it dies;
-Thus from before me sunk that imagery
-Vanishing, soon as on my face there struck
-The light, outshining far our earthly beam.
-As round I turn'd me to survey what place
-I had arriv'd at, "Here ye mount," exclaim'd
-A voice, that other purpose left me none,
-Save will so eager to behold who spake,
-I could not choose but gaze.  As 'fore the sun,
-That weighs our vision down, and veils his form
-In light transcendent, thus my virtue fail'd
-Unequal.  "This is Spirit from above,
-Who marshals us our upward way, unsought;
-And in his own light shrouds him.  As a man
-Doth for himself, so now is done for us.
-For whoso waits imploring, yet sees need
-Of his prompt aidance, sets himself prepar'd
-For blunt denial, ere the suit be made.
-Refuse we not to lend a ready foot
-At such inviting: haste we to ascend,
-Before it darken: for we may not then,
-Till morn again return."  So spake my guide;
-And to one ladder both address'd our steps;
-And the first stair approaching, I perceiv'd
-Near me as 'twere the waving of a wing,
-That fann'd my face and whisper'd: "Blessed they
-The peacemakers: they know not evil wrath."
-
-Now to such height above our heads were rais'd
-The last beams, follow'd close by hooded night,
-That many a star on all sides through the gloom
-Shone out.  "Why partest from me, O my strength?"
-So with myself I commun'd; for I felt
-My o'ertoil'd sinews slacken.  We had reach'd
-The summit, and were fix'd like to a bark
-Arriv'd at land.  And waiting a short space,
-If aught should meet mine ear in that new round,
-Then to my guide I turn'd, and said: "Lov'd sire!
-Declare what guilt is on this circle purg'd.
-If our feet rest, no need thy speech should pause."
-
-He thus to me: "The love of good, whate'er
-Wanted of just proportion, here fulfils.
-Here plies afresh the oar, that loiter'd ill.
-But that thou mayst yet clearlier understand,
-Give ear unto my words, and thou shalt cull
-Some fruit may please thee well, from this delay.
-
-"Creator, nor created being, ne'er,
-My son," he thus began, "was without love,
-Or natural, or the free spirit's growth.
-Thou hast not that to learn.  The natural still
-Is without error; but the other swerves,
-If on ill object bent, or through excess
-Of vigour, or defect.  While e'er it seeks
-The primal blessings, or with measure due
-Th' inferior, no delight, that flows from it,
-Partakes of ill.  But let it warp to evil,
-Or with more ardour than behooves, or less.
-Pursue the good, the thing created then
-Works 'gainst its Maker.  Hence thou must infer
-That love is germin of each virtue in ye,
-And of each act no less, that merits pain.
-Now since it may not be, but love intend
-The welfare mainly of the thing it loves,
-All from self-hatred are secure; and since
-No being can be thought t' exist apart
-And independent of the first, a bar
-Of equal force restrains from hating that.
-
-"Grant the distinction just; and it remains
-The' evil must be another's, which is lov'd.
-Three ways such love is gender'd in your clay.
-There is who hopes (his neighbour's worth deprest,)
-Preeminence himself, and coverts hence
-For his own greatness that another fall.
-There is who so much fears the loss of power,
-Fame, favour, glory (should his fellow mount
-Above him), and so sickens at the thought,
-He loves their opposite: and there is he,
-Whom wrong or insult seems to gall and shame
-That he doth thirst for vengeance, and such needs
-Must doat on other's evil.  Here beneath
-This threefold love is mourn'd.  Of th' other sort
-Be now instructed, that which follows good
-But with disorder'd and irregular course.
-
-"All indistinctly apprehend a bliss
-On which the soul may rest, the hearts of all
-Yearn after it, and to that wished bourn
-All therefore strive to tend.  If ye behold
-Or seek it with a love remiss and lax,
-This cornice after just repenting lays
-Its penal torment on ye.  Other good
-There is, where man finds not his happiness:
-It is not true fruition, not that blest
-Essence, of every good the branch and root.
-The love too lavishly bestow'd on this,
-Along three circles over us, is mourn'd.
-Account of that division tripartite
-Expect not, fitter for thine own research."
-
-
-
-
-CANTO XVIII
-
-The teacher ended, and his high discourse
-Concluding, earnest in my looks inquir'd
-If I appear'd content; and I, whom still
-Unsated thirst to hear him urg'd, was mute,
-Mute outwardly, yet inwardly I said:
-"Perchance my too much questioning offends"
-But he, true father, mark'd the secret wish
-By diffidence restrain'd, and speaking, gave
-Me boldness thus to speak: 'Master, my Sight
-Gathers so lively virtue from thy beams,
-That all, thy words convey, distinct is seen.
-Wherefore I pray thee, father, whom this heart
-Holds dearest! thou wouldst deign by proof t' unfold
-That love, from which as from their source thou bring'st
-All good deeds and their opposite.'"  He then:
-"To what I now disclose be thy clear ken
-Directed, and thou plainly shalt behold
-How much those blind have err'd, who make themselves
-The guides of men.  The soul, created apt
-To love, moves versatile which way soe'er
-Aught pleasing prompts her, soon as she is wak'd
-By pleasure into act.  Of substance true
-Your apprehension forms its counterfeit,
-And in you the ideal shape presenting
-Attracts the soul's regard.  If she, thus drawn,
-incline toward it, love is that inclining,
-And a new nature knit by pleasure in ye.
-Then as the fire points up, and mounting seeks
-His birth-place and his lasting seat, e'en thus
-Enters the captive soul into desire,
-Which is a spiritual motion, that ne'er rests
-Before enjoyment of the thing it loves.
-Enough to show thee, how the truth from those
-Is hidden, who aver all love a thing
-Praise-worthy in itself: although perhaps
-Its substance seem still good.  Yet if the wax
-Be good, it follows not th' impression must."
-"What love is," I return'd, "thy words, O guide!
-And my own docile mind, reveal.  Yet thence
-New doubts have sprung.  For from without if love
-Be offer'd to us, and the spirit knows
-No other footing, tend she right or wrong,
-Is no desert of hers."  He answering thus:
-"What reason here discovers I have power
-To show thee: that which lies beyond, expect
-From Beatrice, faith not reason's task.
-Spirit, substantial form, with matter join'd
-Not in confusion mix'd, hath in itself
-Specific virtue of that union born,
-Which is not felt except it work, nor prov'd
-But through effect, as vegetable life
-By the green leaf.  From whence his intellect
-Deduced its primal notices of things,
-Man therefore knows not, or his appetites
-Their first affections; such in you, as zeal
-In bees to gather honey; at the first,
-Volition, meriting nor blame nor praise.
-But o'er each lower faculty supreme,
-That as she list are summon'd to her bar,
-Ye have that virtue in you, whose just voice
-Uttereth counsel, and whose word should keep
-The threshold of assent.  Here is the source,
-Whence cause of merit in you is deriv'd,
-E'en as the affections good or ill she takes,
-Or severs, winnow'd as the chaff.  Those men
-Who reas'ning went to depth profoundest, mark'd
-That innate freedom, and were thence induc'd
-To leave their moral teaching to the world.
-Grant then, that from necessity arise
-All love that glows within you; to dismiss
-Or harbour it, the pow'r is in yourselves.
-Remember, Beatrice, in her style,
-Denominates free choice by eminence
-The noble virtue, if in talk with thee
-She touch upon that theme."  The moon, well nigh
-To midnight hour belated, made the stars
-Appear to wink and fade; and her broad disk
-Seem'd like a crag on fire, as up the vault
-That course she journey'd, which the sun then warms,
-When they of Rome behold him at his set.
-Betwixt Sardinia and the Corsic isle.
-And now the weight, that hung upon my thought,
-Was lighten'd by the aid of that clear spirit,
-Who raiseth Andes above Mantua's name.
-I therefore, when my questions had obtain'd
-Solution plain and ample, stood as one
-Musing in dreary slumber; but not long
-Slumber'd; for suddenly a multitude,
-
-The steep already turning, from behind,
-Rush'd on.  With fury and like random rout,
-As echoing on their shores at midnight heard
-Ismenus and Asopus, for his Thebes
-If Bacchus' help were needed; so came these
-Tumultuous, curving each his rapid step,
-By eagerness impell'd of holy love.
-
-Soon they o'ertook us; with such swiftness mov'd
-The mighty crowd.  Two spirits at their head
-Cried weeping; "Blessed Mary sought with haste
-The hilly region.  Caesar to subdue
-Ilerda, darted in Marseilles his sting,
-And flew to Spain."--"Oh tarry not: away;"
-The others shouted; "let not time be lost
-Through slackness of affection.  Hearty zeal
-To serve reanimates celestial grace."
-
-"O ye, in whom intenser fervency
-Haply supplies, where lukewarm erst ye fail'd,
-Slow or neglectful, to absolve your part
-Of good and virtuous, this man, who yet lives,
-(Credit my tale, though strange) desires t' ascend,
-So morning rise to light us.  Therefore say
-Which hand leads nearest to the rifted rock?"
-
-So spake my guide, to whom a shade return'd:
-"Come after us, and thou shalt find the cleft.
-We may not linger: such resistless will
-Speeds our unwearied course.  Vouchsafe us then
-Thy pardon, if our duty seem to thee
-Discourteous rudeness.  In Verona I
-Was abbot of San Zeno, when the hand
-Of Barbarossa grasp'd Imperial sway,
-That name, ne'er utter'd without tears in Milan.
-And there is he, hath one foot in his grave,
-Who for that monastery ere long shall weep,
-Ruing his power misus'd: for that his son,
-Of body ill compact, and worse in mind,
-And born in evil, he hath set in place
-Of its true pastor."  Whether more he spake,
-Or here was mute, I know not: he had sped
-E'en now so far beyond us.  Yet thus much
-I heard, and in rememb'rance treasur'd it.
-
-He then, who never fail'd me at my need,
-Cried, "Hither turn.  Lo! two with sharp remorse
-Chiding their sin!"  In rear of all the troop
-These shouted: "First they died, to whom the sea
-Open'd, or ever Jordan saw his heirs:
-And they, who with Aeneas to the end
-Endur'd not suffering, for their portion chose
-Life without glory."  Soon as they had fled
-Past reach of sight, new thought within me rose
-By others follow'd fast, and each unlike
-Its fellow: till led on from thought to thought,
-And pleasur'd with the fleeting train, mine eye
-Was clos'd, and meditation chang'd to dream.
-
-
-
-
-CANTO XIX
-
-It was the hour, when of diurnal heat
-No reliques chafe the cold beams of the moon,
-O'erpower'd by earth, or planetary sway
-Of Saturn; and the geomancer sees
-His Greater Fortune up the east ascend,
-Where gray dawn checkers first the shadowy cone;
-When 'fore me in my dream a woman's shape
-There came, with lips that stammer'd, eyes aslant,
-Distorted feet, hands maim'd, and colour pale.
-
-I look'd upon her; and as sunshine cheers
-Limbs numb'd by nightly cold, e'en thus my look
-Unloos'd her tongue, next in brief space her form
-Decrepit rais'd erect, and faded face
-With love's own hue illum'd. Recov'ring speech
-She forthwith warbling such a strain began,
-That I, how loth soe'er, could scarce have held
-Attention from the song.  "I," thus she sang,
-"I am the Siren, she, whom mariners
-On the wide sea are wilder'd when they hear:
-Such fulness of delight the list'ner feels.
-I from his course Ulysses by my lay
-Enchanted drew.  Whoe'er frequents me once
-Parts seldom; so I charm him, and his heart
-Contented knows no void."  Or ere her mouth
-Was clos'd, to shame her at her side appear'd
-A dame of semblance holy.  With stern voice
-She utter'd; "Say, O Virgil, who is this?"
-Which hearing, he approach'd, with eyes still bent
-Toward that goodly presence: th' other seiz'd her,
-And, her robes tearing, open'd her before,
-And show'd the belly to me, whence a smell,
-Exhaling loathsome, wak'd me.  Round I turn'd
-Mine eyes, and thus the teacher: "At the least
-Three times my voice hath call'd thee.  Rise, begone.
-Let us the opening find where thou mayst pass."
-
-I straightway rose.  Now day, pour'd down from high,
-Fill'd all the circuits of the sacred mount;
-And, as we journey'd, on our shoulder smote
-The early ray.  I follow'd, stooping low
-My forehead, as a man, o'ercharg'd with thought,
-Who bends him to the likeness of an arch,
-That midway spans the flood; when thus I heard,
-"Come, enter here," in tone so soft and mild,
-As never met the ear on mortal strand.
-
-With swan-like wings dispread and pointing up,
-Who thus had spoken marshal'd us along,
-Where each side of the solid masonry
-The sloping, walls retir'd; then mov'd his plumes,
-And fanning us, affirm'd that those, who mourn,
-Are blessed, for that comfort shall be theirs.
-
-"What aileth thee, that still thou look'st to earth?"
-Began my leader; while th' angelic shape
-A little over us his station took.
-
-"New vision," I replied, "hath rais'd in me
-Surmisings strange and anxious doubts, whereon
-My soul intent allows no other thought
-Or room or entrance."--"Hast thou seen," said he,
-"That old enchantress, her, whose wiles alone
-The spirits o'er us weep for?  Hast thou seen
-How man may free him of her bonds?  Enough.
-Let thy heels spurn the earth, and thy rais'd ken
-Fix on the lure, which heav'n's eternal King
-Whirls in the rolling spheres."  As on his feet
-The falcon first looks down, then to the sky
-Turns, and forth stretches eager for the food,
-That woos him thither; so the call I heard,
-So onward, far as the dividing rock
-Gave way, I journey'd, till the plain was reach'd.
-
-On the fifth circle when I stood at large,
-A race appear'd before me, on the ground
-All downward lying prone and weeping sore.
-"My soul hath cleaved to the dust," I heard
-With sighs so deep, they well nigh choak'd the words.
-"O ye elect of God, whose penal woes
-Both hope and justice mitigate, direct
-Tow'rds the steep rising our uncertain way."
-
-"If ye approach secure from this our doom,
-Prostration--and would urge your course with speed,
-See that ye still to rightward keep the brink."
-
-So them the bard besought; and such the words,
-Beyond us some short space, in answer came.
-
-I noted what remain'd yet hidden from them:
-Thence to my liege's eyes mine eyes I bent,
-And he, forthwith interpreting their suit,
-Beckon'd his glad assent. Free then to act,
-As pleas'd me, I drew near, and took my stand
-O`er that shade, whose words I late had mark'd.
-And, "Spirit!"  I said, "in whom repentant tears
-Mature that blessed hour, when thou with God
-Shalt find acceptance, for a while suspend
-For me that mightier care.  Say who thou wast,
-Why thus ye grovel on your bellies prone,
-And if in aught ye wish my service there,
-Whence living I am come."  He answering spake
-"The cause why Heav'n our back toward his cope
-Reverses, shalt thou know: but me know first
-The successor of Peter, and the name
-And title of my lineage from that stream,
-That' twixt Chiaveri and Siestri draws
-His limpid waters through the lowly glen.
-A month and little more by proof I learnt,
-With what a weight that robe of sov'reignty
-Upon his shoulder rests, who from the mire
-Would guard it: that each other fardel seems
-But feathers in the balance.  Late, alas!
-Was my conversion: but when I became
-Rome's pastor, I discern'd at once the dream
-And cozenage of life, saw that the heart
-Rested not there, and yet no prouder height
-Lur'd on the climber: wherefore, of that life
-No more enamour'd, in my bosom love
-Of purer being kindled.  For till then
-I was a soul in misery, alienate
-From God, and covetous of all earthly things;
-Now, as thou seest, here punish'd for my doting.
-Such cleansing from the taint of avarice
-Do spirits converted need.  This mount inflicts
-No direr penalty.  E'en as our eyes
-Fasten'd below, nor e'er to loftier clime
-Were lifted, thus hath justice level'd us
-Here on the earth.  As avarice quench'd our love
-Of good, without which is no working, thus
-Here justice holds us prison'd, hand and foot
-Chain'd down and bound, while heaven's just Lord shall please.
-So long to tarry motionless outstretch'd."
-
-My knees I stoop'd, and would have spoke; but he,
-Ere my beginning, by his ear perceiv'd
-I did him reverence; and "What cause," said he,
-"Hath bow'd thee thus!"--"Compunction," I rejoin'd.
-"And inward awe of your high dignity."
-
-"Up," he exclaim'd, "brother! upon thy feet
-Arise: err not: thy fellow servant I,
-(Thine and all others') of one Sovran Power.
-If thou hast ever mark'd those holy sounds
-Of gospel truth, 'nor shall be given ill marriage,'
-Thou mayst discern the reasons of my speech.
-Go thy ways now; and linger here no more.
-Thy tarrying is a let unto the tears,
-With which I hasten that whereof thou spak'st.
-I have on earth a kinswoman; her name
-Alagia, worthy in herself, so ill
-Example of our house corrupt her not:
-And she is all remaineth of me there."
-
-
-
-
-CANTO XX
-
-Ill strives the will, 'gainst will more wise that strives
-His pleasure therefore to mine own preferr'd,
-I drew the sponge yet thirsty from the wave.
-
-Onward I mov'd: he also onward mov'd,
-Who led me, coasting still, wherever place
-Along the rock was vacant, as a man
-Walks near the battlements on narrow wall.
-For those on th' other part, who drop by drop
-Wring out their all-infecting malady,
-Too closely press the verge.  Accurst be thou!
-Inveterate wolf! whose gorge ingluts more prey,
-Than every beast beside, yet is not fill'd!
-So bottomless thy maw!--Ye spheres of heaven!
-To whom there are, as seems, who attribute
-All change in mortal state, when is the day
-Of his appearing, for whom fate reserves
-To chase her hence?--With wary steps and slow
-We pass'd; and I attentive to the shades,
-Whom piteously I heard lament and wail;
-
-And, 'midst the wailing, one before us heard
-Cry out "O blessed Virgin!"  as a dame
-In the sharp pangs of childbed; and "How poor
-Thou wast," it added, "witness that low roof
-Where thou didst lay thy sacred burden down.
-O good Fabricius! thou didst virtue choose
-With poverty, before great wealth with vice."
-
-The words so pleas'd me, that desire to know
-The spirit, from whose lip they seem'd to come,
-Did draw me onward.  Yet it spake the gift
-Of Nicholas, which on the maidens he
-Bounteous bestow'd, to save their youthful prime
-Unblemish'd.  "Spirit! who dost speak of deeds
-So worthy, tell me who thou was," I said,
-"And why thou dost with single voice renew
-Memorial of such praise. That boon vouchsaf'd
-Haply shall meet reward; if I return
-To finish the Short pilgrimage of life,
-Still speeding to its close on restless wing."
-
-"I," answer'd he, "will tell thee, not for hell,
-Which thence I look for; but that in thyself
-Grace so exceeding shines, before thy time
-Of mortal dissolution.  I was root
-Of that ill plant, whose shade such poison sheds
-O'er all the Christian land, that seldom thence
-Good fruit is gather'd.  Vengeance soon should come,
-Had Ghent and Douay, Lille and Bruges power;
-And vengeance I of heav'n's great Judge implore.
-Hugh Capet was I high: from me descend
-The Philips and the Louis, of whom France
-Newly is govern'd; born of one, who ply'd
-The slaughterer's trade at Paris.  When the race
-Of ancient kings had vanish'd (all save one
-Wrapt up in sable weeds) within my gripe
-I found the reins of empire, and such powers
-Of new acquirement, with full store of friends,
-That soon the widow'd circlet of the crown
-Was girt upon the temples of my son,
-He, from whose bones th' anointed race begins.
-Till the great dower of Provence had remov'd
-The stains, that yet obscur'd our lowly blood,
-Its sway indeed was narrow, but howe'er
-It wrought no evil: there, with force and lies,
-Began its rapine; after, for amends,
-Poitou it seiz'd, Navarre and Gascony.
-To Italy came Charles, and for amends
-Young Conradine an innocent victim slew,
-And sent th' angelic teacher back to heav'n,
-Still for amends.  I see the time at hand,
-That forth from France invites another Charles
-To make himself and kindred better known.
-Unarm'd he issues, saving with that lance,
-Which the arch-traitor tilted with; and that
-He carries with so home a thrust, as rives
-The bowels of poor Florence.  No increase
-Of territory hence, but sin and shame
-Shall be his guerdon, and so much the more
-As he more lightly deems of such foul wrong.
-I see the other, who a prisoner late
-Had steps on shore, exposing to the mart
-His daughter, whom he bargains for, as do
-The Corsairs for their slaves.  O avarice!
-What canst thou more, who hast subdued our blood
-So wholly to thyself, they feel no care
-Of their own flesh?  To hide with direr guilt
-Past ill and future, lo! the flower-de-luce
-Enters Alagna! in his Vicar Christ
-Himself a captive, and his mockery
-Acted again!  Lo! to his holy lip
-The vinegar and gall once more applied!
-And he 'twixt living robbers doom'd to bleed!
-Lo! the new Pilate, of whose cruelty
-Such violence cannot fill the measure up,
-With no degree to sanction, pushes on
-Into the temple his yet eager sails!
-
-"O sovran Master! when shall I rejoice
-To see the vengeance, which thy wrath well-pleas'd
-In secret silence broods?--While daylight lasts,
-So long what thou didst hear of her, sole spouse
-Of the Great Spirit, and on which thou turn'dst
-To me for comment, is the general theme
-Of all our prayers: but when it darkens, then
-A different strain we utter, then record
-Pygmalion, whom his gluttonous thirst of gold
-Made traitor, robber, parricide: the woes
-Of Midas, which his greedy wish ensued,
-Mark'd for derision to all future times:
-And the fond Achan, how he stole the prey,
-That yet he seems by Joshua's ire pursued.
-Sapphira with her husband next, we blame;
-And praise the forefeet, that with furious ramp
-Spurn'd Heliodorus.  All the mountain round
-Rings with the infamy of Thracia's king,
-Who slew his Phrygian charge: and last a shout
-Ascends: "Declare, O Crassus! for thou know'st,
-The flavour of thy gold."  The voice of each
-Now high now low, as each his impulse prompts,
-Is led through many a pitch, acute or grave.
-Therefore, not singly, I erewhile rehears'd
-That blessedness we tell of in the day:
-But near me none beside his accent rais'd."
-
-From him we now had parted, and essay'd
-With utmost efforts to surmount the way,
-When I did feel, as nodding to its fall,
-The mountain tremble; whence an icy chill
-Seiz'd on me, as on one to death convey'd.
-So shook not Delos, when Latona there
-Couch'd to bring forth the twin-born eyes of heaven.
-
-Forthwith from every side a shout arose
-So vehement, that suddenly my guide
-Drew near, and cried: "Doubt not, while I conduct thee."
-"Glory!" all shouted (such the sounds mine ear
-Gather'd from those, who near me swell'd the sounds)
-"Glory in the highest be to God."  We stood
-Immovably suspended, like to those,
-The shepherds, who first heard in Bethlehem's field
-That song: till ceas'd the trembling, and the song
-Was ended: then our hallow'd path resum'd,
-Eying the prostrate shadows, who renew'd
-Their custom'd mourning.  Never in my breast
-Did ignorance so struggle with desire
-Of knowledge, if my memory do not err,
-As in that moment; nor through haste dar'd I
-To question, nor myself could aught discern,
-So on I far'd in thoughtfulness and dread.
-
-
-
-
-CANTO XXI
-
-The natural thirst, ne'er quench'd but from the well,
-Whereof the woman of Samaria crav'd,
-Excited: haste along the cumber'd path,
-After my guide, impell'd; and pity mov'd
-My bosom for the 'vengeful deed, though just.
-When lo! even as Luke relates, that Christ
-Appear'd unto the two upon their way,
-New-risen from his vaulted grave; to us
-A shade appear'd, and after us approach'd,
-Contemplating the crowd beneath its feet.
-We were not ware of it; so first it spake,
-Saying, "God give you peace, my brethren!" then
-Sudden we turn'd: and Virgil such salute,
-As fitted that kind greeting, gave, and cried:
-"Peace in the blessed council be thy lot
-Awarded by that righteous court, which me
-To everlasting banishment exiles!"
-
-"How!" he exclaim'd, nor from his speed meanwhile
-Desisting, "If that ye be spirits, whom God
-Vouchsafes not room above, who up the height
-Has been thus far your guide?"  To whom the bard:
-"If thou observe the tokens, which this man
-Trac'd by the finger of the angel bears,
-'Tis plain that in the kingdom of the just
-He needs must share.  But sithence she, whose wheel
-Spins day and night, for him not yet had drawn
-That yarn, which, on the fatal distaff pil'd,
-Clotho apportions to each wight that breathes,
-His soul, that sister is to mine and thine,
-Not of herself could mount, for not like ours
-Her ken: whence I, from forth the ample gulf
-Of hell was ta'en, to lead him, and will lead
-Far as my lore avails.  But, if thou know,
-Instruct us for what cause, the mount erewhile
-Thus shook and trembled: wherefore all at once
-Seem'd shouting, even from his wave-wash'd foot."
-
-That questioning so tallied with my wish,
-The thirst did feel abatement of its edge
-E'en from expectance.  He forthwith replied,
-"In its devotion nought irregular
-This mount can witness, or by punctual rule
-Unsanction'd; here from every change exempt.
-Other than that, which heaven in itself
-Doth of itself receive, no influence
-Can reach us.  Tempest none, shower, hail or snow,
-Hoar frost or dewy moistness, higher falls
-Than that brief scale of threefold steps: thick clouds
-Nor scudding rack are ever seen: swift glance
-Ne'er lightens, nor Thaumantian Iris gleams,
-That yonder often shift on each side heav'n.
-Vapour adust doth never mount above
-The highest of the trinal stairs, whereon
-Peter's vicegerent stands.  Lower perchance,
-With various motion rock'd, trembles the soil:
-But here, through wind in earth's deep hollow pent,
-I know not how, yet never trembled: then
-Trembles, when any spirit feels itself
-So purified, that it may rise, or move
-For rising, and such loud acclaim ensues.
-Purification by the will alone
-Is prov'd, that free to change society
-Seizes the soul rejoicing in her will.
-Desire of bliss is present from the first;
-But strong propension hinders, to that wish
-By the just ordinance of heav'n oppos'd;
-Propension now as eager to fulfil
-Th' allotted torment, as erewhile to sin.
-And I who in this punishment had lain
-Five hundred years and more, but now have felt
-Free wish for happier clime.  Therefore thou felt'st
-The mountain tremble, and the spirits devout
-Heard'st, over all his limits, utter praise
-To that liege Lord, whom I entreat their joy
-To hasten."  Thus he spake: and since the draught
-Is grateful ever as the thirst is keen,
-No words may speak my fullness of content.
-
-"Now," said the instructor sage, "I see the net
-That takes ye here, and how the toils are loos'd,
-Why rocks the mountain and why ye rejoice.
-Vouchsafe, that from thy lips I next may learn,
-Who on the earth thou wast, and wherefore here
-So many an age wert prostrate."--"In that time,
-When the good Titus, with Heav'n's King to help,
-Aveng'd those piteous gashes, whence the blood
-By Judas sold did issue, with the name
-Most lasting and most honour'd there was I
-Abundantly renown'd," the shade reply'd,
-"Not yet with faith endued.  So passing sweet
-My vocal Spirit, from Tolosa, Rome
-To herself drew me, where I merited
-A myrtle garland to inwreathe my brow.
-Statius they name me still.  Of Thebes I sang,
-And next of great Achilles: but i' th' way
-Fell with the second burthen.  Of my flame
-Those sparkles were the seeds, which I deriv'd
-From the bright fountain of celestial fire
-That feeds unnumber'd lamps, the song I mean
-Which sounds Aeneas' wand'rings: that the breast
-I hung at, that the nurse, from whom my veins
-Drank inspiration: whose authority
-Was ever sacred with me.  To have liv'd
-Coeval with the Mantuan, I would bide
-The revolution of another sun
-Beyond my stated years in banishment."
-
-The Mantuan, when he heard him, turn'd to me,
-And holding silence: by his countenance
-Enjoin'd me silence but the power which wills,
-Bears not supreme control: laughter and tears
-Follow so closely on the passion prompts them,
-They wait not for the motions of the will
-In natures most sincere.  I did but smile,
-As one who winks; and thereupon the shade
-Broke off, and peer'd into mine eyes, where best
-Our looks interpret. "So to good event
-Mayst thou conduct such great emprize," he cried,
-"Say, why across thy visage beam'd, but now,
-The lightning of a smile!"  On either part
-Now am I straiten'd; one conjures me speak,
-Th' other to silence binds me: whence a sigh
-I utter, and the sigh is heard.  "Speak on;"
-The teacher cried; "and do not fear to speak,
-But tell him what so earnestly he asks."
-Whereon I thus: "Perchance, O ancient spirit!
-Thou marvel'st at my smiling. There is room
-For yet more wonder.  He who guides my ken
-On high, he is that Mantuan, led by whom
-Thou didst presume of men and gods to sing.
-If other cause thou deem'dst for which I smil'd,
-Leave it as not the true one; and believe
-Those words, thou spak'st of him, indeed the cause."
-
-Now down he bent t' embrace my teacher's feet;
-But he forbade him: "Brother! do it not:
-Thou art a shadow, and behold'st a shade."
-He rising answer'd thus: "Now hast thou prov'd
-The force and ardour of the love I bear thee,
-When I forget we are but things of air,
-And as a substance treat an empty shade."
-
-
-
-
-CANTO XXII
-
-Now we had left the angel, who had turn'd
-To the sixth circle our ascending step,
-One gash from off my forehead raz'd: while they,
-Whose wishes tend to justice, shouted forth:
-"Blessed!"  and ended with, "I thirst:" and I,
-More nimble than along the other straits,
-So journey'd, that, without the sense of toil,
-I follow'd upward the swift-footed shades;
-When Virgil thus began: "Let its pure flame
-From virtue flow, and love can never fail
-To warm another's bosom' so the light
-Shine manifestly forth.  Hence from that hour,
-When 'mongst us in the purlieus of the deep,
-Came down the spirit of Aquinum's hard,
-Who told of thine affection, my good will
-Hath been for thee of quality as strong
-As ever link'd itself to one not seen.
-Therefore these stairs will now seem short to me.
-But tell me: and if too secure I loose
-The rein with a friend's license, as a friend
-Forgive me, and speak now as with a friend:
-How chanc'd it covetous desire could find
-Place in that bosom, 'midst such ample store
-Of wisdom, as thy zeal had treasur'd there?"
-
-First somewhat mov'd to laughter by his words,
-Statius replied: "Each syllable of thine
-Is a dear pledge of love.  Things oft appear
-That minister false matters to our doubts,
-When their true causes are remov'd from sight.
-Thy question doth assure me, thou believ'st
-I was on earth a covetous man, perhaps
-Because thou found'st me in that circle plac'd.
-Know then I was too wide of avarice:
-And e'en for that excess, thousands of moons
-Have wax'd and wan'd upon my sufferings.
-And were it not that I with heedful care
-Noted where thou exclaim'st as if in ire
-With human nature, 'Why, thou cursed thirst
-Of gold! dost not with juster measure guide
-The appetite of mortals?'  I had met
-The fierce encounter of the voluble rock.
-Then was I ware that with too ample wing
-The hands may haste to lavishment, and turn'd,
-As from my other evil, so from this
-In penitence.  How many from their grave
-Shall with shorn locks arise, who living, aye
-And at life's last extreme, of this offence,
-Through ignorance, did not repent.  And know,
-The fault which lies direct from any sin
-In level opposition, here With that
-Wastes its green rankness on one common heap.
-Therefore if I have been with those, who wail
-Their avarice, to cleanse me, through reverse
-Of their transgression, such hath been my lot."
-
-To whom the sovran of the pastoral song:
-"While thou didst sing that cruel warfare wag'd
-By the twin sorrow of Jocasta's womb,
-From thy discourse with Clio there, it seems
-As faith had not been shine: without the which
-Good deeds suffice not.  And if so, what sun
-Rose on thee, or what candle pierc'd the dark
-That thou didst after see to hoist the sail,
-And follow, where the fisherman had led?"
-
-He answering thus: "By thee conducted first,
-I enter'd the Parnassian grots, and quaff'd
-Of the clear spring; illumin'd first by thee
-Open'd mine eyes to God.  Thou didst, as one,
-Who, journeying through the darkness, hears a light
-Behind, that profits not himself, but makes
-His followers wise, when thou exclaimedst, 'Lo!
-A renovated world!  Justice return'd!
-Times of primeval innocence restor'd!
-And a new race descended from above!'
-Poet and Christian both to thee I owed.
-That thou mayst mark more clearly what I trace,
-My hand shall stretch forth to inform the lines
-With livelier colouring.  Soon o'er all the world,
-By messengers from heav'n, the true belief
-Teem'd now prolific, and that word of thine
-Accordant, to the new instructors chim'd.
-Induc'd by which agreement, I was wont
-Resort to them; and soon their sanctity
-So won upon me, that, Domitian's rage
-Pursuing them, I mix'd my tears with theirs,
-And, while on earth I stay'd, still succour'd them;
-And their most righteous customs made me scorn
-All sects besides.  Before I led the Greeks
-In tuneful fiction, to the streams of Thebes,
-I was baptiz'd; but secretly, through fear,
-Remain'd a Christian, and conform'd long time
-To Pagan rites.  Five centuries and more,
-T for that lukewarmness was fain to pace
-Round the fourth circle.  Thou then, who hast rais'd
-The covering, which did hide such blessing from me,
-Whilst much of this ascent is yet to climb,
-Say, if thou know, where our old Terence bides,
-Caecilius, Plautus, Varro: if condemn'd
-They dwell, and in what province of the deep."
-"These," said my guide, "with Persius and myself,
-And others many more, are with that Greek,
-Of mortals, the most cherish'd by the Nine,
-In the first ward of darkness.  There ofttimes
-We of that mount hold converse, on whose top
-For aye our nurses live.  We have the bard
-Of Pella, and the Teian, Agatho,
-Simonides, and many a Grecian else
-Ingarlanded with laurel.  Of thy train
-Antigone is there, Deiphile,
-Argia, and as sorrowful as erst
-Ismene, and who show'd Langia's wave:
-Deidamia with her sisters there,
-And blind Tiresias' daughter, and the bride
-Sea-born of Peleus."  Either poet now
-Was silent, and no longer by th' ascent
-Or the steep walls obstructed, round them cast
-Inquiring eyes.  Four handmaids of the day
-Had finish'd now their office, and the fifth
-Was at the chariot-beam, directing still
-Its balmy point aloof, when thus my guide:
-"Methinks, it well behooves us to the brink
-Bend the right shoulder' circuiting the mount,
-As we have ever us'd."  So custom there
-Was usher to the road, the which we chose
-Less doubtful, as that worthy shade complied.
-
-They on before me went; I sole pursued,
-List'ning their speech, that to my thoughts convey'd
-Mysterious lessons of sweet poesy.
-But soon they ceas'd; for midway of the road
-A tree we found, with goodly fruitage hung,
-And pleasant to the smell: and as a fir
-Upward from bough to bough less ample spreads,
-So downward this less ample spread, that none.
-Methinks, aloft may climb.  Upon the side,
-That clos'd our path, a liquid crystal fell
-From the steep rock, and through the sprays above
-Stream'd showering.  With associate step the bards
-Drew near the plant; and from amidst the leaves
-A voice was heard: "Ye shall be chary of me;"
-And after added: "Mary took more thought
-For joy and honour of the nuptial feast,
-Than for herself who answers now for you.
-The women of old Rome were satisfied
-With water for their beverage.  Daniel fed
-On pulse, and wisdom gain'd.  The primal age
-Was beautiful as gold; and hunger then
-Made acorns tasteful, thirst each rivulet
-Run nectar.  Honey and locusts were the food,
-Whereon the Baptist in the wilderness
-Fed, and that eminence of glory reach'd
-And greatness, which the' Evangelist records."
-
-
-
-
-CANTO XXIII
-
-On the green leaf mine eyes were fix'd, like his
-Who throws away his days in idle chase
-Of the diminutive, when thus I heard
-The more than father warn me: "Son! our time
-Asks thriftier using.  Linger not: away."
-
-Thereat my face and steps at once I turn'd
-Toward the sages, by whose converse cheer'd
-I journey'd on, and felt no toil: and lo!
-A sound of weeping and a song: "My lips,
-O Lord!" and these so mingled, it gave birth
-To pleasure and to pain.  "O Sire, belov'd!
-Say what is this I hear?"  Thus I inquir'd.
-
-"Spirits," said he, "who as they go, perchance,
-Their debt of duty pay."  As on their road
-The thoughtful pilgrims, overtaking some
-Not known unto them, turn to them, and look,
-But stay not; thus, approaching from behind
-With speedier motion, eyed us, as they pass'd,
-A crowd of spirits, silent and devout.
-The eyes of each were dark and hollow: pale
-Their visage, and so lean withal, the bones
-Stood staring thro' the skin.  I do not think
-Thus dry and meagre Erisicthon show'd,
-When pinc'ed by sharp-set famine to the quick.
-
-"Lo!" to myself I mus'd, "the race, who lost
-Jerusalem, when Mary with dire beak
-Prey'd on her child."  The sockets seem'd as rings,
-From which the gems were drops.  Who reads the name
-Of man upon his forehead, there the M
-Had trac'd most plainly.  Who would deem, that scent
-Of water and an apple, could have prov'd
-Powerful to generate such pining want,
-Not knowing how it wrought?  While now I stood
-Wond'ring what thus could waste them (for the cause
-Of their gaunt hollowness and scaly rind
-Appear'd not) lo! a spirit turn'd his eyes
-In their deep-sunken cell, and fasten'd then
-On me, then cried with vehemence aloud:
-"What grace is this vouchsaf'd me?"  By his looks
-I ne'er had recogniz'd him: but the voice
-Brought to my knowledge what his cheer conceal'd.
-Remembrance of his alter'd lineaments
-Was kindled from that spark; and I agniz'd
-The visage of Forese.  "Ah! respect
-This wan and leprous wither'd skin," thus he
-Suppliant implor'd, "this macerated flesh.
-Speak to me truly of thyself.  And who
-Are those twain spirits, that escort thee there?
-Be it not said thou Scorn'st to talk with me."
-
-"That face of thine," I answer'd him, "which dead
-I once bewail'd, disposes me not less
-For weeping, when I see It thus transform'd.
-Say then, by Heav'n, what blasts ye thus?  The whilst
-I wonder, ask not Speech from me: unapt
-Is he to speak, whom other will employs."
-
-He thus: "The water and tee plant we pass'd,
-Virtue possesses, by th' eternal will
-Infus'd, the which so pines me.  Every spirit,
-Whose song bewails his gluttony indulg'd
-Too grossly, here in hunger and in thirst
-Is purified.  The odour, which the fruit,
-And spray, that showers upon the verdure, breathe,
-Inflames us with desire to feed and drink.
-Nor once alone encompassing our route
-We come to add fresh fuel to the pain:
-Pain, said Iolace rather: for that will
-To the tree leads us, by which Christ was led
-To call Elias, joyful when he paid
-Our ransom from his vein."  I answering thus:
-"Forese! from that day, in which the world
-For better life thou changedst, not five years
-Have circled.  If the power of sinning more
-Were first concluded in thee, ere thou knew'st
-That kindly grief, which re-espouses us
-To God, how hither art thou come so soon?
-I thought to find thee lower, there, where time
-Is recompense for time."  He straight replied:
-"To drink up the sweet wormwood of affliction
-I have been brought thus early by the tears
-Stream'd down my Nella's cheeks.  Her prayers devout,
-Her sighs have drawn me from the coast, where oft
-Expectance lingers, and have set me free
-From th' other circles.  In the sight of God
-So much the dearer is my widow priz'd,
-She whom I lov'd so fondly, as she ranks
-More singly eminent for virtuous deeds.
-The tract most barb'rous of Sardinia's isle,
-Hath dames more chaste and modester by far
-Than that wherein I left her.  O sweet brother!
-What wouldst thou have me say?  A time to come
-Stands full within my view, to which this hour
-Shall not be counted of an ancient date,
-When from the pulpit shall be loudly warn'd
-Th' unblushing dames of Florence, lest they bare
-Unkerchief'd bosoms to the common gaze.
-What savage women hath the world e'er seen,
-What Saracens, for whom there needed scourge
-Of spiritual or other discipline,
-To force them walk with cov'ring on their limbs!
-But did they see, the shameless ones, that Heav'n
-Wafts on swift wing toward them, while I speak,
-Their mouths were op'd for howling: they shall taste
-Of Borrow (unless foresight cheat me here)
-Or ere the cheek of him be cloth'd with down
-Who is now rock'd with lullaby asleep.
-Ah! now, my brother, hide thyself no more,
-Thou seest how not I alone but all
-Gaze, where thou veil'st the intercepted sun."
-
-Whence I replied: "If thou recall to mind
-What we were once together, even yet
-Remembrance of those days may grieve thee sore.
-That I forsook that life, was due to him
-Who there precedes me, some few evenings past,
-When she was round, who shines with sister lamp
-To his, that glisters yonder," and I show'd
-The sun.  "Tis he, who through profoundest night
-Of he true dead has brought me, with this flesh
-As true, that follows.  From that gloom the aid
-Of his sure comfort drew me on to climb,
-And climbing wind along this mountain-steep,
-Which rectifies in you whate'er the world
-Made crooked and deprav'd I have his word,
-That he will bear me company as far
-As till I come where Beatrice dwells:
-But there must leave me.  Virgil is that spirit,
-Who thus hath promis'd,"  and I pointed to him;
-"The other is that shade, for whom so late
-Your realm, as he arose, exulting shook
-Through every pendent cliff and rocky bound."
-
-
-
-
-CANTO XXIV
-
-Our journey was not slacken'd by our talk,
-Nor yet our talk by journeying.  Still we spake,
-And urg'd our travel stoutly, like a ship
-When the wind sits astern.  The shadowy forms,
-
-That seem'd things dead and dead again, drew in
-At their deep-delved orbs rare wonder of me,
-Perceiving I had life; and I my words
-Continued, and thus spake; "He journeys up
-Perhaps more tardily then else he would,
-For others' sake.  But tell me, if thou know'st,
-Where is Piccarda?  Tell me, if I see
-Any of mark, among this multitude,
-Who eye me thus."--"My sister (she for whom,
-'Twixt beautiful and good I cannot say
-Which name was fitter ) wears e'en now her crown,
-And triumphs in Olympus."  Saying this,
-He added: "Since spare diet hath so worn
-Our semblance out, 't is lawful here to name
-Each one.  This," and his finger then he rais'd,
-"Is Buonaggiuna,--Buonaggiuna, he
-Of Lucca: and that face beyond him, pierc'd
-Unto a leaner fineness than the rest,
-Had keeping of the church: he was of Tours,
-And purges by wan abstinence away
-Bolsena's eels and cups of muscadel."
-
-He show'd me many others, one by one,
-And all, as they were nam'd, seem'd well content;
-For no dark gesture I discern'd in any.
-I saw through hunger Ubaldino grind
-His teeth on emptiness; and Boniface,
-That wav'd the crozier o'er a num'rous flock.
-I saw the Marquis, who tad time erewhile
-To swill at Forli with less drought, yet so
-Was one ne'er sated.  I howe'er, like him,
-That gazing 'midst a crowd, singles out one,
-So singled him of Lucca; for methought
-Was none amongst them took such note of me.
-Somewhat I heard him whisper of Gentucca:
-The sound was indistinct, and murmur'd there,
-Where justice, that so strips them, fix'd her sting.
-
-"Spirit!" said I, "it seems as thou wouldst fain
-Speak with me.  Let me hear thee.  Mutual wish
-To converse prompts, which let us both indulge."
-
-He, answ'ring, straight began: "Woman is born,
-Whose brow no wimple shades yet, that shall make
-My city please thee, blame it as they may.
-Go then with this forewarning.  If aught false
-My whisper too implied, th' event shall tell
-But say, if of a  truth I see the man
-Of that new lay th' inventor, which begins
-With 'Ladies, ye that con the lore of love'."
-
-To whom I thus: "Count of me but as one
-Who am the scribe of love; that, when he breathes,
-Take up my pen, and, as he dictates, write."
-
-"Brother!" said he, "the hind'rance which once held
-The notary with Guittone and myself,
-Short of that new and sweeter style I hear,
-Is now disclos'd.  I see how ye your plumes
-Stretch, as th' inditer guides them; which, no question,
-Ours did not.  He that seeks a grace beyond,
-Sees not the distance parts one style from other."
-And, as contented, here he held his peace.
-
-Like as the bird, that winter near the Nile,
-In squared regiment direct their course,
-Then stretch themselves in file for speedier flight;
-Thus all the tribe of spirits, as they turn'd
-Their visage, faster deaf, nimble alike
-Through leanness and desire.  And as a man,
-Tir'd With the motion of a trotting steed,
-Slacks pace, and stays behind his company,
-Till his o'erbreathed lungs keep temperate time;
-E'en so Forese let that holy crew
-Proceed, behind them lingering at my side,
-And saying: "When shall I again behold thee?"
-
-"How long my life may last," said I, "I know not;
-This know, how soon soever I return,
-My wishes will before me have arriv'd.
-Sithence the place, where I am set to live,
-Is, day by day, more scoop'd of all its good,
-And dismal ruin seems to threaten it."
-
-"Go now," he cried: "lo! he, whose guilt is most,
-Passes before my vision, dragg'd at heels
-Of an infuriate beast.  Toward the vale,
-Where guilt hath no redemption, on it speeds,
-Each step increasing swiftness on the last;
-Until a blow it strikes, that leaveth him
-A corse most vilely shatter'd.  No long space
-Those wheels have yet to roll"  (therewith his eyes
-Look'd up to heav'n) "ere thou shalt plainly see
-That which my words may not more plainly tell.
-I quit thee: time is precious here: I lose
-Too much, thus measuring my pace with shine."
-
-As from a troop of well-rank'd chivalry
-One knight, more enterprising than the rest,
-Pricks forth at gallop, eager to display
-His prowess in the first encounter prov'd
-So parted he from us with lengthen'd strides,
-And left me on the way with those twain spirits,
-Who were such mighty marshals of the world.
-
-When he beyond us had so fled mine eyes
-No nearer reach'd him, than my thought his words,
-The branches of another fruit, thick hung,
-And blooming fresh, appear'd.  E'en as our steps
-Turn'd thither, not far off it rose to view.
-Beneath it were a multitude, that rais'd
-Their hands, and shouted forth I know not What
-Unto the boughs; like greedy and fond brats,
-That beg, and answer none obtain from him,
-Of whom they beg; but more to draw them on,
-He at arm's length the object of their wish
-Above them holds aloft, and hides it not.
-
-At length, as undeceiv'd they went their way:
-And we approach the tree, who vows and tears
-Sue to in vain, the mighty tree.  "Pass on,
-And come not near.  Stands higher up the wood,
-Whereof Eve tasted, and from it was ta'en
-'this plant." Such sounds from midst the thickets came.
-Whence I, with either bard, close to the side
-That rose, pass'd forth beyond.  "Remember," next
-We heard, "those noblest creatures of the clouds,
-How they their twofold bosoms overgorg'd
-Oppos'd in fight to Theseus: call to mind
-The Hebrews, how effeminate they stoop'd
-To ease their thirst; whence Gideon's ranks were thinn'd,
-As he to Midian march'd adown the hills."
-
-Thus near one border coasting, still we heard
-The sins of gluttony, with woe erewhile
-Reguerdon'd.  Then along the lonely path,
-Once more at large, full thousand paces on
-We travel'd, each contemplative and mute.
-
-"Why pensive journey thus ye three alone?"
-Thus suddenly a voice exclaim'd: whereat
-I shook, as doth a scar'd and paltry beast;
-Then rais'd my head to look from whence it came.
-
-Was ne'er, in furnace, glass, or metal seen
-So bright and glowing red, as was the shape
-I now beheld.  "If ye desire to mount,"
-He cried, "here must ye turn.  This way he goes,
-Who goes in quest of peace."  His countenance
-Had dazzled me; and to my guides I fac'd
-Backward, like one who walks, as sound directs.
-
-As when, to harbinger the dawn, springs up
-On freshen'd wing the air of May, and breathes
-Of fragrance, all impregn'd with herb and flowers,
-E'en such a wind I felt upon my front
-Blow gently, and the moving of a wing
-Perceiv'd, that moving shed ambrosial smell;
-And then a voice: "Blessed are they, whom grace
-Doth so illume, that appetite in them
-Exhaleth no inordinate desire,
-Still hung'ring as the rule of temperance wills."
-
-
-
-
-CANTO XXV
-
-It was an hour, when he who climbs, had need
-To walk uncrippled: for the sun had now
-To Taurus the meridian circle left,
-And to the Scorpion left the night.  As one
-That makes no pause, but presses on his road,
-Whate'er betide him, if some urgent need
-Impel: so enter'd we upon our way,
-One before other; for, but singly, none
-That steep and narrow scale admits to climb.
-
-E'en as the young stork lifteth up his wing
-Through wish to fly, yet ventures not to quit
-The nest, and drops it; so in me desire
-Of questioning my guide arose, and fell,
-Arriving even to the act, that marks
-A man prepar'd for speech.  Him all our haste
-Restrain'd not, but thus spake the sire belov'd:
-Fear not to speed the shaft, that on thy lip
-Stands trembling for its flight.  Encourag'd thus
-I straight began: "How there can leanness come,
-Where is no want of nourishment to feed?"
-
-"If thou," he answer'd, "hadst remember'd thee,
-How Meleager with the wasting brand
-Wasted alike, by equal fires consum'd,
-This would not trouble thee: and hadst thou thought,
-How in the mirror your reflected form
-With mimic motion vibrates, what now seems
-Hard, had appear'd no harder than the pulp
-Of summer fruit mature.  But that thy will
-In certainty may find its full repose,
-Lo Statius here! on him I call, and pray
-That he would now be healer of thy wound."
-
-"If in thy presence I unfold to him
-The secrets of heaven's vengeance, let me plead
-Thine own injunction, to exculpate me."
-So Statius answer'd, and forthwith began:
-"Attend my words, O son, and in thy mind
-Receive them: so shall they be light to clear
-The doubt thou offer'st. Blood, concocted well,
-Which by the thirsty veins is ne'er imbib'd,
-And rests as food superfluous, to be ta'en
-From the replenish'd table, in the heart
-Derives effectual virtue, that informs
-The several human limbs, as being that,
-Which passes through the veins itself to make them.
-Yet more concocted it descends, where shame
-Forbids to mention: and from thence distils
-In natural vessel on another's blood.
-Then each unite together, one dispos'd
-T' endure, to act the other, through meet frame
-Of its recipient mould: that being reach'd,
-It 'gins to work, coagulating first;
-Then vivifies what its own substance caus'd
-To bear.  With animation now indued,
-The active virtue (differing from a plant
-No further, than that this is on the way
-And at its limit that) continues yet
-To operate, that now it moves, and feels,
-As sea sponge clinging to the rock: and there
-Assumes th' organic powers its seed convey'd.
-'This is the period, son! at which the virtue,
-That from the generating heart proceeds,
-Is pliant and expansive; for each limb
-Is in the heart by forgeful nature plann'd.
-How babe of animal becomes, remains
-For thy consid'ring.  At this point, more wise,
-Than thou hast err'd, making the soul disjoin'd
-From passive intellect, because he saw
-No organ for the latter's use assign'd.
-
-"Open thy bosom to the truth that comes.
-Know soon as in the embryo, to the brain,
-Articulation is complete, then turns
-The primal Mover with a smile of joy
-On such great work of nature, and imbreathes
-New spirit replete with virtue, that what here
-Active it finds, to its own substance draws,
-And forms an individual soul, that lives,
-And feels, and bends reflective on itself.
-And that thou less mayst marvel at the word,
-Mark the sun's heat, how that to wine doth change,
-Mix'd with the moisture filter'd through the vine.
-
-"When Lachesis hath spun the thread, the soul
-Takes with her both the human and divine,
-Memory, intelligence, and will, in act
-Far keener than before, the other powers
-Inactive all and mute.  No pause allow'd,
-In wond'rous sort self-moving, to one strand
-Of those, where the departed roam, she falls,
-Here learns her destin'd path.  Soon as the place
-Receives her, round the plastic virtue beams,
-Distinct as in the living limbs before:
-And as the air, when saturate with showers,
-The casual beam refracting, decks itself
-With many a hue; so here the ambient air
-Weareth that form, which influence of the soul
-Imprints on it; and like the flame, that where
-The fire moves, thither follows, so henceforth
-The new form on the spirit follows still:
-Hence hath it semblance, and is shadow call'd,
-With each sense even to the sight endued:
-Hence speech is ours, hence laughter, tears, and sighs
-Which thou mayst oft have witness'd on the mount
-Th' obedient shadow fails not to present
-Whatever varying passion moves within us.
-And this the cause of what thou marvel'st at."
-
-Now the last flexure of our way we reach'd,
-And to the right hand turning, other care
-Awaits us.  Here the rocky precipice
-Hurls forth redundant flames, and from the rim
-A blast upblown, with forcible rebuff
-Driveth them back, sequester'd from its bound.
-
-Behoov'd us, one by one, along the side,
-That border'd on the void, to pass; and I
-Fear'd on one hand the fire, on th' other fear'd
-Headlong to fall: when thus th' instructor warn'd:
-"Strict rein must in this place direct the eyes.
-A little swerving and the way is lost."
-
-Then from the bosom of the burning mass,
-"O God of mercy!" heard I sung; and felt
-No less desire to turn.  And when I saw
-Spirits along the flame proceeding, I
-Between their footsteps and mine own was fain
-To share by turns my view.  At the hymn's close
-They shouted loud, "I do not know a man;"
-Then in low voice again took up the strain,
-Which once more ended, "To the wood," they cried,
-"Ran Dian, and drave forth Callisto, stung
-With Cytherea's poison:" then return'd
-Unto their song; then marry a pair extoll'd,
-Who liv'd in virtue chastely, and the bands
-Of wedded love.  Nor from that task, I ween,
-Surcease they; whilesoe'er the scorching fire
-Enclasps them.  Of such skill appliance needs
-To medicine the wound, that healeth last.
-
-
-CANTO XXVI
-
-While singly thus along the rim we walk'd,
-Oft the good master warn'd me: "Look thou well.
-Avail it that I caution thee."  The sun
-Now all the western clime irradiate chang'd
-From azure tinct to white; and, as I pass'd,
-My passing shadow made the umber'd flame
-Burn ruddier.  At so strange a sight I mark'd
-That many a spirit marvel'd on his way.
-
-This bred occasion first to speak of me,
-"He seems," said they, "no insubstantial frame:"
-Then to obtain what certainty they might,
-Stretch'd towards me, careful not to overpass
-The burning pale.  "O thou, who followest
-The others, haply not more slow than they,
-But mov'd by rev'rence, answer me, who burn
-In thirst and fire: nor I alone, but these
-All for thine answer do more thirst, than doth
-Indian or Aethiop for the cooling stream.
-Tell us, how is it that thou mak'st thyself
-A wall against the sun, as thou not yet
-Into th' inextricable toils of death
-Hadst enter'd?"  Thus spake one, and I had straight
-Declar'd me, if attention had not turn'd
-To new appearance.  Meeting these, there came,
-Midway the burning path, a crowd, on whom
-Earnestly gazing, from each part I view
-The shadows all press forward, sev'rally
-Each snatch a hasty kiss, and then away.
-E'en so the emmets, 'mid their dusky troops,
-Peer closely one at other, to spy out
-Their mutual road perchance, and how they thrive.
-
-That friendly greeting parted, ere dispatch
-Of the first onward step, from either tribe
-Loud clamour rises: those, who newly come,
-Shout "Sodom and Gomorrah!" these, "The cow
-Pasiphae enter'd, that the beast she woo'd
-Might rush unto her luxury."  Then as cranes,
-That part towards the Riphaean mountains fly,
-Part towards the Lybic sands, these to avoid
-The ice, and those the sun; so hasteth off
-One crowd, advances th' other; and resume
-Their first song weeping, and their several shout.
-
-Again drew near my side the very same,
-Who had erewhile besought me, and their looks
-Mark'd eagerness to listen.  I, who twice
-Their will had noted, spake: "O spirits secure,
-Whene'er the time may be, of peaceful end!
-My limbs, nor crude, nor in mature old age,
-Have I left yonder: here they bear me, fed
-With blood, and sinew-strung.  That I no more
-May live in blindness, hence I tend aloft.
-There is a dame on high, who wind for us
-This grace, by which my mortal through your realm
-I bear.  But may your utmost wish soon meet
-Such full fruition, that the orb of heaven,
-Fullest of love, and of most ample space,
-Receive you, as ye tell (upon my page
-Henceforth to stand recorded) who ye are,
-And what this multitude, that at your backs
-Have past behind us."  As one, mountain-bred,
-Rugged and clownish, if some city's walls
-He chance to enter, round him stares agape,
-Confounded and struck dumb; e'en such appear'd
-Each spirit.  But when rid of that amaze,
-(Not long the inmate of a noble heart)
-He, who before had question'd, thus resum'd:
-"O blessed, who, for death preparing, tak'st
-Experience of our limits, in thy bark!
-Their crime, who not with us proceed, was that,
-For which, as he did triumph, Caesar heard
-The snout of 'queen,' to taunt him.  Hence their cry
-Of 'Sodom,' as they parted, to rebuke
-Themselves, and aid the burning by their shame.
-Our sinning was Hermaphrodite: but we,
-Because the law of human kind we broke,
-Following like beasts our vile concupiscence,
-Hence parting from them, to our own disgrace
-Record the name of her, by whom the beast
-In bestial tire was acted.  Now our deeds
-Thou know'st, and how we sinn'd.  If thou by name
-Wouldst haply know us, time permits not now
-To tell so much, nor can I.  Of myself
-Learn what thou wishest.  Guinicelli I,
-Who having truly sorrow'd ere my last,
-Already cleanse me."  With such pious joy,
-As the two sons upon their mother gaz'd
-From sad Lycurgus rescu'd, such my joy
-(Save that I more represt it) when I heard
-From his own lips the name of him pronounc'd,
-Who was a father to me, and to those
-My betters, who have ever us'd the sweet
-And pleasant rhymes of love.  So nought I heard
-Nor spake, but long time thoughtfully I went,
-Gazing on him; and, only for the fire,
-Approach'd not nearer.  When my eyes were fed
-By looking on him, with such solemn pledge,
-As forces credence, I devoted me
-Unto his service wholly.  In reply
-He thus bespake me: "What from thee I hear
-Is grav'd so deeply on my mind, the waves
-Of Lethe shall not wash it off, nor make
-A whit less lively.  But as now thy oath
-Has seal'd the truth, declare what cause impels
-That love, which both thy looks and speech bewray."
-
-"Those dulcet lays," I answer'd, "which, as long
-As of our tongue the beauty does not fade,
-Shall make us love the very ink that trac'd them."
-
-"Brother!"  he cried, and pointed at a shade
-Before him, "there is one, whose mother speech
-Doth owe to him a fairer ornament.
-He in love ditties and the tales of prose
-Without a rival stands, and lets the fools
-Talk on, who think the songster of Limoges
-O'ertops him.  Rumour and the popular voice
-They look to more than truth, and so confirm
-Opinion, ere by art or reason taught.
-Thus many of the elder time cried up
-Guittone, giving him the prize, till truth
-By strength of numbers vanquish'd.  If thou own
-So ample privilege, as to have gain'd
-Free entrance to the cloister, whereof Christ
-Is Abbot of the college, say to him
-One paternoster for me, far as needs
-For dwellers in this world, where power to sin
-No longer tempts us."  Haply to make way
-For one, that follow'd next, when that was said,
-He vanish'd through the fire, as through the wave
-A fish, that glances diving to the deep.
-
-I, to the spirit he had shown me, drew
-A little onward, and besought his name,
-For which my heart, I said, kept gracious room.
-He frankly thus began: "Thy courtesy
-So wins on me, I have nor power nor will
-To hide me.  I am Arnault; and with songs,
-Sorely lamenting for my folly past,
-Thorough this ford of fire I wade, and see
-The day, I hope for, smiling in my view.
-I pray ye by the worth that guides ye up
-Unto the summit of the scale, in time
-Remember ye my suff'rings."  With such words
-He disappear'd in the refining flame.
-
-
-
-
-CANTO XXVII
-
-Now was the sun so station'd, as when first
-His early radiance quivers on the heights,
-Where stream'd his Maker's blood, while Libra hangs
-Above Hesperian Ebro, and new fires
-Meridian flash on Ganges' yellow tide.
-
-So day was sinking, when the' angel of God
-Appear'd before us.  Joy was in his mien.
-Forth of the flame he stood upon the brink,
-And with a voice, whose lively clearness far
-Surpass'd our human, "Blessed are the pure
-In heart," he Sang: then near him as we came,
-"Go ye not further, holy spirits!"  he cried,
-"Ere the fire pierce you: enter in; and list
-Attentive to the song ye hear from thence."
-
-I, when I heard his saying, was as one
-Laid in the grave.  My hands together clasp'd,
-And upward stretching, on the fire I look'd,
-And busy fancy conjur'd up the forms
-Erewhile beheld alive consum'd in flames.
-
-Th' escorting spirits turn'd with gentle looks
-Toward me, and the Mantuan spake: "My son,
-Here torment thou mayst feel, but canst not death.
-Remember thee, remember thee, if I
-Safe e'en on Geryon brought thee: now I come
-More near to God, wilt thou not trust me now?
-Of this be sure: though in its womb that flame
-A thousand years contain'd thee, from thy head
-No hair should perish.  If thou doubt my truth,
-Approach, and with thy hands thy vesture's hem
-Stretch forth, and for thyself confirm belief.
-Lay now all fear, O lay all fear aside.
-Turn hither, and come onward undismay'd."
-I still, though conscience urg'd' no step advanc'd.
-
-When still he saw me fix'd and obstinate,
-Somewhat disturb'd he cried: "Mark now, my son,
-From Beatrice thou art by this wall
-Divided."  As at Thisbe's name the eye
-Of Pyramus was open'd (when life ebb'd
-Fast from his veins), and took one parting glance,
-While vermeil dyed the mulberry; thus I turn'd
-To my sage guide, relenting, when I heard
-The name, that springs forever in my breast.
-
-He shook his forehead; and, "How long," he said,
-"Linger we now?"  then smil'd, as one would smile
-Upon a child, that eyes the fruit and yields.
-Into the fire before me then he walk'd;
-And Statius, who erewhile no little space
-Had parted us, he pray'd to come behind.
-
-I would have cast me into molten glass
-To cool me, when I enter'd; so intense
-Rag'd the conflagrant mass.  The sire belov'd,
-To comfort me, as he proceeded, still
-Of Beatrice talk'd.  "Her eyes," saith he,
-"E'en now I seem to view."  From the other side
-A voice, that sang, did guide us, and the voice
-Following, with heedful ear, we issued forth,
-There where the path led upward.  "Come," we heard,
-"Come, blessed of my Father."  Such the sounds,
-That hail'd us from within a light, which shone
-So radiant, I could not endure the view.
-"The sun," it added, "hastes: and evening comes.
-Delay not: ere the western sky is hung
-With blackness, strive ye for the pass."  Our way
-Upright within the rock arose, and fac'd
-Such part of heav'n, that from before my steps
-The beams were shrouded of the sinking sun.
-
-Nor many stairs were overpass, when now
-By fading of the shadow we perceiv'd
-The sun behind us couch'd: and ere one face
-Of darkness o'er its measureless expanse
-Involv'd th' horizon, and the night her lot
-Held individual, each of us had made
-A stair his pallet: not that will, but power,
-Had fail'd us, by the nature of that mount
-Forbidden further travel.  As the goats,
-That late have skipp'd and wanton'd rapidly
-Upon the craggy cliffs, ere they had ta'en
-Their supper on the herb, now silent lie
-And ruminate beneath the umbrage brown,
-While noonday rages; and the goatherd leans
-Upon his staff, and leaning watches them:
-And as the swain, that lodges out all night
-In quiet by his flock, lest beast of prey
-Disperse them; even so all three abode,
-I as a goat and as the shepherds they,
-Close pent on either side by shelving rock.
-
-A little glimpse of sky was seen above;
-Yet by that little I beheld the stars
-In magnitude and rustle shining forth
-With more than wonted glory.  As I lay,
-Gazing on them, and in that fit of musing,
-Sleep overcame me, sleep, that bringeth oft
-Tidings of future hap.  About the hour,
-As I believe, when Venus from the east
-First lighten'd on the mountain, she whose orb
-Seems always glowing with the fire of love,
-A lady young and beautiful, I dream'd,
-Was passing o'er a lea; and, as she came,
-Methought I saw her ever and anon
-Bending to cull the flowers; and thus she sang:
-"Know ye, whoever of my name would ask,
-That I am Leah: for my brow to weave
-A garland, these fair hands unwearied ply.
-To please me at the crystal mirror, here
-I deck me.  But my sister Rachel, she
-Before her glass abides the livelong day,
-Her radiant eyes beholding, charm'd no less,
-Than I with this delightful task.  Her joy
-In contemplation, as in labour mine."
-
-And now as glimm'ring dawn appear'd, that breaks
-More welcome to the pilgrim still, as he
-Sojourns less distant on his homeward way,
-Darkness from all sides fled, and with it fled
-My slumber; whence I rose and saw my guide
-Already risen.  "That delicious fruit,
-Which through so many a branch the zealous care
-Of mortals roams in quest of, shall this day
-Appease thy hunger."  Such the words I heard
-From Virgil's lip; and never greeting heard
-So pleasant as the sounds.  Within me straight
-Desire so grew upon desire to mount,
-Thenceforward at each step I felt the wings
-Increasing for my flight.  When we had run
-O'er all the ladder to its topmost round,
-As there we stood, on me the Mantuan fix'd
-His eyes, and thus he spake: "Both fires, my son,
-The temporal and eternal, thou hast seen,
-And art arriv'd, where of itself my ken
-No further reaches.  I with skill and art
-Thus far have drawn thee.  Now thy pleasure take
-For guide.  Thou hast o'ercome the steeper way,
-O'ercome the straighter.  Lo! the sun, that darts
-His beam upon thy forehead! lo! the herb,
-The arboreta and flowers, which of itself
-This land pours forth profuse!  Will those bright eyes
-With gladness come, which, weeping, made me haste
-To succour thee, thou mayst or seat thee down,
-Or wander where thou wilt.  Expect no more
-Sanction of warning voice or sign from me,
-Free of thy own arbitrement to choose,
-Discreet, judicious.  To distrust thy sense
-Were henceforth error.  I invest thee then
-With crown and mitre, sovereign o'er thyself."
-
-
-
-
-CANTO XXVIII
-
-Through that celestial forest, whose thick shade
-With lively greenness the new-springing day
-Attemper'd, eager now to roam, and search
-Its limits round, forthwith I left the bank,
-Along the champain leisurely my way
-Pursuing, o'er the ground, that on all sides
-Delicious odour breath'd.  A pleasant air,
-That intermitted never, never veer'd,
-Smote on my temples, gently, as a wind
-Of softest influence: at which the sprays,
-Obedient all, lean'd trembling to that part
-Where first the holy mountain casts his shade,
-Yet were not so disorder'd, but that still
-Upon their top the feather'd quiristers
-Applied their wonted art, and with full joy
-Welcom'd those hours of prime, and warbled shrill
-Amid the leaves, that to their jocund lays
-inept tenor; even as from branch to branch,
-Along the piney forests on the shore
-Of Chiassi, rolls the gath'ring melody,
-When Eolus hath from his cavern loos'd
-The dripping south.  Already had my steps,
-Though slow, so far into that ancient wood
-Transported me, I could not ken the place
-Where I had enter'd, when behold! my path
-Was bounded by a rill, which to the left
-With little rippling waters bent the grass,
-That issued from its brink.  On earth no wave
-How clean soe'er, that would not seem to have
-Some mixture in itself, compar'd with this,
-Transpicuous, clear; yet darkly on it roll'd,
-Darkly beneath perpetual gloom, which ne'er
-Admits or sun or moon light there to shine.
-
-My feet advanc'd not; but my wond'ring eyes
-Pass'd onward, o'er the streamlet, to survey
-The tender May-bloom, flush'd through many a hue,
-In prodigal variety: and there,
-As object, rising suddenly to view,
-That from our bosom every thought beside
-With the rare marvel chases, I beheld
-A lady all alone, who, singing, went,
-And culling flower from flower, wherewith her way
-Was all o'er painted.  "Lady beautiful!
-Thou, who (if looks, that use to speak the heart,
-Are worthy of our trust), with love's own beam
-Dost warm thee," thus to her my speech I fram'd:
-"Ah! please thee hither towards the streamlet bend
-Thy steps so near, that I may list thy song.
-Beholding thee and this fair place, methinks,
-I call to mind where wander'd and how look'd
-Proserpine, in that season, when her child
-The mother lost, and she the bloomy spring."
-
-As when a lady, turning in the dance,
-Doth foot it featly, and advances scarce
-One step before the other to the ground;
-Over the yellow and vermilion flowers
-Thus turn'd she at my suit, most maiden-like,
-Valing her sober eyes, and came so near,
-That I distinctly caught the dulcet sound.
-Arriving where the limped waters now
-Lav'd the green sward, her eyes she deign'd to raise,
-That shot such splendour on me, as I ween
-Ne'er glanced from Cytherea's, when her son
-Had sped his keenest weapon to her heart.
-Upon the opposite bank she stood and smil'd
-through her graceful fingers shifted still
-The intermingling dyes, which without seed
-That lofty land unbosoms.  By the stream
-Three paces only were we sunder'd: yet
-The Hellespont, where Xerxes pass'd it o'er,
-(A curb for ever to the pride of man)
-Was by Leander not more hateful held
-For floating, with inhospitable wave
-'Twixt Sestus and Abydos, than by me
-That flood, because it gave no passage thence.
-
-"Strangers ye come, and haply in this place,
-That cradled human nature in its birth,
-Wond'ring, ye not without suspicion view
-My smiles: but that sweet strain of psalmody,
-'Thou, Lord! hast made me glad,' will give ye light,
-Which may uncloud your minds.  And thou, who stand'st
-The foremost, and didst make thy suit to me,
-Say if aught else thou wish to hear: for I
-Came prompt to answer every doubt of thine."
-
-She spake; and I replied: "I know not how
-To reconcile this wave and rustling sound
-Of forest leaves, with what I late have heard
-Of opposite report."  She answering thus:
-"I will unfold the cause, whence that proceeds,
-Which makes thee wonder; and so purge the cloud
-That hath enwraps thee.  The First Good, whose joy
-Is only in himself, created man
-For happiness, and gave this goodly place,
-His pledge and earnest of eternal peace.
-Favour'd thus highly, through his own defect
-He fell, and here made short sojourn; he fell,
-And, for the bitterness of sorrow, chang'd
-Laughter unblam'd and ever-new delight.
-That vapours none, exhal'd from earth beneath,
-Or from the waters (which, wherever heat
-Attracts them, follow), might ascend thus far
-To vex man's peaceful state, this mountain rose
-So high toward the heav'n, nor fears the rage
-Of elements contending, from that part
-Exempted, where the gate his limit bars.
-Because the circumambient air throughout
-With its first impulse circles still, unless
-Aught interpose to cheek or thwart its course;
-Upon the summit, which on every side
-To visitation of th' impassive air
-Is open, doth that motion strike, and makes
-Beneath its sway th' umbrageous wood resound:
-And in the shaken plant such power resides,
-That it impregnates with its efficacy
-The voyaging breeze, upon whose subtle plume
-That wafted flies abroad; and th' other land
-Receiving (as 't is worthy in itself,
-Or in the clime, that warms it), doth conceive,
-And from its womb produces many a tree
-Of various virtue.  This when thou hast heard,
-The marvel ceases, if in yonder earth
-Some plant without apparent seed be found
-To fix its fibrous stem.  And further learn,
-That with prolific foison of all seeds,
-This holy plain is fill'd, and in itself
-Bears fruit that ne'er was pluck'd on other soil.
-
-"The water, thou behold'st, springs not from vein,
-As stream, that intermittently repairs
-And spends his pulse of life, but issues forth
-From fountain, solid, undecaying, sure;
-And by the will omnific, full supply
-Feeds whatsoe'er On either side it pours;
-On this devolv'd with power to take away
-Remembrance of offence, on that to bring
-Remembrance back of every good deed done.
-From whence its name of Lethe on this part;
-On th' other Eunoe: both of which must first
-Be tasted ere it work; the last exceeding
-All flavours else.  Albeit thy thirst may now
-Be well contented, if I here break off,
-No more revealing: yet a corollary
-I freely give beside: nor deem my words
-Less grateful to thee, if they somewhat pass
-The stretch of promise.  They, whose verse of yore
-The golden age recorded and its bliss,
-On the Parnassian mountain, of this place
-Perhaps had dream'd.  Here was man guiltless, here
-Perpetual spring and every fruit, and this
-The far-fam'd nectar."  Turning to the bards,
-When she had ceas'd, I noted in their looks
-A smile at her conclusion; then my face
-Again directed to the lovely dame.
-
-
-
-
-CANTO XXIX
-
-Singing, as if enamour'd, she resum'd
-And clos'd the song, with "Blessed they whose sins
-Are cover'd."  Like the wood-nymphs then, that tripp'd
-Singly across the sylvan shadows, one
-Eager to view and one to 'scape the sun,
-So mov'd she on, against the current, up
-The verdant rivage.  I, her mincing step
-Observing, with as tardy step pursued.
-
-Between us not an hundred paces trod,
-The bank, on each side bending equally,
-Gave me to face the orient.  Nor our way
-Far onward brought us, when to me at once
-She turn'd, and cried: "My brother! look and hearken."
-And lo! a sudden lustre ran across
-Through the great forest on all parts, so bright
-I doubted whether lightning were abroad;
-But that expiring ever in the spleen,
-That doth unfold it, and this during still
-And waxing still in splendor, made me question
-What it might be: and a sweet melody
-Ran through the luminous air.  Then did I chide
-With warrantable zeal the hardihood
-Of our first parent, for that there were earth
-Stood in obedience to the heav'ns, she only,
-Woman, the creature of an hour, endur'd not
-Restraint of any veil: which had she borne
-Devoutly, joys, ineffable as these,
-Had from the first, and long time since, been mine.
-
-While through that wilderness of primy sweets
-That never fade, suspense I walk'd, and yet
-Expectant of beatitude more high,
-Before us, like a blazing fire, the air
-Under the green boughs glow'd; and, for a song,
-Distinct the sound of melody was heard.
-
-O ye thrice holy virgins! for your sakes
-If e'er I suffer'd hunger, cold and watching,
-Occasion calls on me to crave your bounty.
-Now through my breast let Helicon his stream
-Pour copious; and Urania with her choir
-Arise to aid me: while the verse unfolds
-Things that do almost mock the grasp of thought.
-
-Onward a space, what seem'd seven trees of gold,
-The intervening distance to mine eye
-Falsely presented; but when I was come
-So near them, that no lineament was lost
-Of those, with which a doubtful object, seen
-Remotely, plays on the misdeeming sense,
-Then did the faculty, that ministers
-Discourse to reason, these for tapers of gold
-Distinguish, and it th' singing trace the sound
-"Hosanna."  Above, their beauteous garniture
-Flam'd with more ample lustre, than the moon
-Through cloudless sky at midnight in her full.
-
-I turn'd me full of wonder to my guide;
-And he did answer with a countenance
-Charg'd with no less amazement: whence my view
-Reverted to those lofty things, which came
-So slowly moving towards us, that the bride
-Would have outstript them on her bridal day.
-
-The lady called aloud: "Why thus yet burns
-Affection in thee for these living, lights,
-And dost not look on that which follows them?"
-
-I straightway mark'd a tribe behind them walk,
-As if attendant on their leaders, cloth'd
-With raiment of such whiteness, as on earth
-Was never.  On my left, the wat'ry gleam
-Borrow'd, and gave me back, when there I look'd.
-As in a mirror, my left side portray'd.
-
-When I had chosen on the river's edge
-Such station, that the distance of the stream
-Alone did separate me; there I stay'd
-My steps for clearer prospect, and beheld
-The flames go onward, leaving, as they went,
-The air behind them painted as with trail
-Of liveliest pencils! so distinct were mark'd
-All those sev'n listed colours, whence the sun
-Maketh his bow, and Cynthia her zone.
-These streaming gonfalons did flow beyond
-My vision; and ten paces, as I guess,
-Parted the outermost.  Beneath a sky
-So beautiful, came foul and-twenty elders,
-By two and two, with flower-de-luces crown'd.
-
-All sang one song: "Blessed be thou among
-The daughters of Adam! and thy loveliness
-Blessed for ever!"  After that the flowers,
-And the fresh herblets, on the opposite brink,
-Were free from that elected race; as light
-In heav'n doth second light, came after them
-Four animals, each crown'd with verdurous leaf.
-With six wings each was plum'd, the plumage full
-Of eyes, and th' eyes of Argus would be such,
-Were they endued with life.  Reader, more rhymes
-Will not waste in shadowing forth their form:
-For other need no straitens, that in this
-I may not give my bounty room.  But read
-Ezekiel; for he paints them, from the north
-How he beheld them come by Chebar's flood,
-In whirlwind, cloud and fire; and even such
-As thou shalt find them character'd by him,
-Here were they; save as to the pennons; there,
-From him departing, John accords with me.
-
-The space, surrounded by the four, enclos'd
-A car triumphal: on two wheels it came
-Drawn at a Gryphon's neck; and he above
-Stretch'd either wing uplifted, 'tween the midst
-And the three listed hues, on each side three;
-So that the wings did cleave or injure none;
-And out of sight they rose.  The members, far
-As he was bird, were golden; white the rest
-With vermeil intervein'd.  So beautiful
-A car in Rome ne'er grac'd Augustus pomp,
-Or Africanus': e'en the sun's itself
-Were poor to this, that chariot of the sun
-Erroneous, which in blazing ruin fell
-At Tellus' pray'r devout, by the just doom
-Mysterious of all-seeing Jove.  Three nymphs
-at the right wheel, came circling in smooth dance;
-The one so ruddy, that her form had scarce
-Been known within a furnace of clear flame:
-The next did look, as if the flesh and bones
-Were emerald: snow new-fallen seem'd the third.
-
-Now seem'd the white to lead, the ruddy now;
-And from her song who led, the others took
-Their treasure, swift or slow.  At th' other wheel,
-A band quaternion, each in purple clad,
-Advanc'd with festal step, as of them one
-The rest conducted, one, upon whose front
-Three eyes were seen.  In rear of all this group,
-Two old men I beheld, dissimilar
-In raiment, but in port and gesture like,
-Solid and mainly grave; of whom the one
-Did show himself some favour'd counsellor
-Of the great Coan, him, whom nature made
-To serve the costliest creature of her tribe.
-His fellow mark'd an opposite intent,
-Bearing a sword, whose glitterance and keen edge,
-E'en as I view'd it with the flood between,
-Appall'd me.  Next four others I beheld,
-Of humble seeming: and, behind them all,
-One single old man, sleeping, as he came,
-With a shrewd visage.  And these seven, each
-Like the first troop were habited, but wore
-No braid of lilies on their temples wreath'd.
-Rather with roses and each vermeil flower,
-A sight, but little distant, might have sworn,
-That they were all on fire above their brow.
-
-Whenas the car was o'er against me, straight.
-Was heard a thund'ring, at whose voice it seem'd
-The chosen multitude were stay'd; for there,
-With the first ensigns, made they solemn halt.
-
-
-
-
-CANTO XXX
-
-Soon as the polar light, which never knows
-Setting nor rising, nor the shadowy veil
-Of other cloud than sin, fair ornament
-Of the first heav'n, to duty each one there
-Safely convoying, as that lower doth
-The steersman to his port, stood firmly fix'd;
-Forthwith the saintly tribe, who in the van
-Between the Gryphon and its radiance came,
-Did turn them to the car, as to their rest:
-And one, as if commission'd from above,
-In holy chant thrice shorted forth aloud:
-"Come, spouse, from Libanus!" and all the rest
-Took up the song--At the last audit so
-The blest shall rise, from forth his cavern each
-Uplifting lightly his new-vested flesh,
-As, on the sacred litter, at the voice
-Authoritative of that elder, sprang
-A hundred ministers and messengers
-Of life eternal.  "Blessed thou! who com'st!"
-And, "O," they cried, "from full hands scatter ye
-Unwith'ring lilies;" and, so saying, cast
-Flowers over head and round them on all sides.
-
-I have beheld, ere now, at break of day,
-The eastern clime all roseate, and the sky
-Oppos'd, one deep and beautiful serene,
-And the sun's face so shaded, and with mists
-Attemper'd at lids rising, that the eye
-Long while endur'd the sight: thus in a cloud
-Of flowers, that from those hands angelic rose,
-And down, within and outside of the car,
-Fell showering, in white veil with olive wreath'd,
-A virgin in my view appear'd, beneath
-Green mantle, rob'd in hue of living flame:
-
-And o'er my Spirit, that in former days
-Within her presence had abode so long,
-No shudd'ring terror crept.  Mine eyes no more
-Had knowledge of her; yet there mov'd from her
-A hidden virtue, at whose touch awak'd,
-The power of ancient love was strong within me.
-
-No sooner on my vision streaming, smote
-The heav'nly influence, which years past, and e'en
-In childhood, thrill'd me, than towards Virgil I
-Turn'd me to leftward, panting, like a babe,
-That flees for refuge to his mother's breast,
-If aught have terrified or work'd him woe:
-And would have cried: "There is no dram of blood,
-That doth not quiver in me.  The old flame
-Throws out clear tokens of reviving fire:"
-But Virgil had bereav'd us of himself,
-Virgil, my best-lov'd father; Virgil, he
-To whom I gave me up for safety: nor,
-All, our prime mother lost, avail'd to save
-My undew'd cheeks from blur of soiling tears.
-
-"Dante, weep not, that Virgil leaves thee: nay,
-Weep thou not yet: behooves thee feel the edge
-Of other sword, and thou shalt weep for that."
-
-As to the prow or stern, some admiral
-Paces the deck, inspiriting his crew,
-When 'mid the sail-yards all hands ply aloof;
-Thus on the left side of the car I saw,
-(Turning me at the sound of mine own name,
-Which here I am compell'd to register)
-The virgin station'd, who before appeared
-Veil'd in that festive shower angelical.
-
-Towards me, across the stream, she bent her eyes;
-Though from her brow the veil descending, bound
-With foliage of Minerva, suffer'd not
-That I beheld her clearly; then with act
-Full royal, still insulting o'er her thrall,
-Added, as one, who speaking keepeth back
-The bitterest saying, to conclude the speech:
-"Observe me well.  I am, in sooth, I am
-Beatrice.  What! and hast thou deign'd at last
-Approach the mountainnewest not, O man!
-Thy happiness is whole?"  Down fell mine eyes
-On the clear fount, but there, myself espying,
-Recoil'd, and sought the greensward: such a weight
-Of shame was on my forehead.  With a mien
-Of that stern majesty, which doth surround
-mother's presence to her awe-struck child,
-She look'd; a flavour of such bitterness
-Was mingled in her pity.  There her words
-Brake off, and suddenly the angels sang:
-"In thee, O gracious Lord, my hope hath been:"
-But went no farther than, "Thou Lord, hast set
-My feet in ample room."  As snow, that lies
-Amidst the living rafters on the back
-Of Italy congeal'd when drifted high
-And closely pil'd by rough Sclavonian blasts,
-Breathe but the land whereon no shadow falls,
-And straightway melting it distils away,
-Like a fire-wasted taper: thus was I,
-Without a sigh or tear, or ever these
-Did sing, that with the chiming of heav'n's sphere,
-Still in their warbling chime: but when the strain
-Of dulcet symphony, express'd for me
-Their soft compassion, more than could the words
-"Virgin, why so consum'st him?"  then the ice,
-Congeal'd about my bosom, turn'd itself
-To spirit and water, and with anguish forth
-Gush'd through the lips and eyelids from the heart.
-
-Upon the chariot's right edge still she stood,
-Immovable, and thus address'd her words
-To those bright semblances with pity touch'd:
-"Ye in th' eternal day your vigils keep,
-So that nor night nor slumber, with close stealth,
-Conveys from you a single step in all
-The goings on of life: thence with more heed
-I shape mine answer, for his ear intended,
-Who there stands weeping, that the sorrow now
-May equal the transgression.  Not alone
-Through operation of the mighty orbs,
-That mark each seed to some predestin'd aim,
-As with aspect or fortunate or ill
-The constellations meet, but through benign
-Largess of heav'nly graces, which rain down
-From such a height, as mocks our vision, this man
-Was in the freshness of his being, such,
-So gifted virtually, that in him
-All better habits wond'rously had thriv'd.
-The more of kindly strength is in the soil,
-So much doth evil seed and lack of culture
-Mar it the more, and make it run to wildness.
-These looks sometime upheld him; for I show'd
-My youthful eyes, and led him by their light
-In upright walking.  Soon as I had reach'd
-The threshold of my second age, and chang'd
-My mortal for immortal, then he left me,
-And gave himself to others.  When from flesh
-To spirit I had risen, and increase
-Of beauty and of virtue circled me,
-I was less dear to him, and valued less.
-His steps were turn'd into deceitful ways,
-Following false images of good, that make
-No promise perfect.  Nor avail'd me aught
-To sue for inspirations, with the which,
-I, both in dreams of night, and otherwise,
-Did call him back; of them so little reck'd him,
-Such depth he fell, that all device was short
-Of his preserving, save that he should view
-The children of perdition.  To this end
-I visited the purlieus of the dead:
-And one, who hath conducted him thus high,
-Receiv'd my supplications urg'd with weeping.
-It were a breaking of God's high decree,
-If Lethe should be past, and such food tasted
-Without the cost of some repentant tear."
-
-
-
-
-CANTO XXXI
-
-"O Thou!"  her words she thus without delay
-Resuming, turn'd their point on me, to whom
-They but with lateral edge seem'd harsh before,
-"Say thou, who stand'st beyond the holy stream,
-If this be true.  A charge so grievous needs
-Thine own avowal."  On my faculty
-Such strange amazement hung, the voice expir'd
-Imperfect, ere its organs gave it birth.
-
-A little space refraining, then she spake:
-"What dost thou muse on?  Answer me.  The wave
-On thy remembrances of evil yet
-Hath done no injury."  A mingled sense
-Of fear and of confusion, from my lips
-Did such a "Yea" produce, as needed help
-Of vision to interpret.  As when breaks
-In act to be discharg'd, a cross-bow bent
-Beyond its pitch, both nerve and bow o'erstretch'd,
-The flagging weapon feebly hits the mark;
-Thus, tears and sighs forth gushing, did I burst
-Beneath the heavy load, and thus my voice
-Was slacken'd on its way.  She straight began:
-"When my desire invited thee to love
-The good, which sets a bound to our aspirings,
-What bar of thwarting foss or linked chain
-Did meet thee, that thou so should'st quit the hope
-Of further progress, or what bait of ease
-Or promise of allurement led thee on
-Elsewhere, that thou elsewhere should'st rather wait?"
-
-A bitter sigh I drew, then scarce found voice
-To answer, hardly to these sounds my lips
-Gave utterance, wailing: "Thy fair looks withdrawn,
-Things present, with deceitful pleasures, turn'd
-My steps aside."  She answering spake: "Hadst thou
-Been silent, or denied what thou avow'st,
-Thou hadst not hid thy sin the more: such eye
-Observes it.  But whene'er the sinner's cheek
-Breaks forth into the precious-streaming tears
-Of self-accusing, in our court the wheel
-Of justice doth run counter to the edge.
-Howe'er that thou may'st profit by thy shame
-For errors past, and that henceforth more strength
-May arm thee, when thou hear'st the Siren-voice,
-Lay thou aside the motive to this grief,
-And lend attentive ear, while I unfold
-How opposite a way my buried flesh
-Should have impell'd thee.  Never didst thou spy
-In art or nature aught so passing sweet,
-As were the limbs, that in their beauteous frame
-Enclos'd me, and are scatter'd now in dust.
-If sweetest thing thus fail'd thee with my death,
-What, afterward, of mortal should thy wish
-Have tempted?  When thou first hadst felt the dart
-Of perishable things, in my departing
-For better realms, thy wing thou should'st have prun'd
-To follow me, and never stoop'd again
-To 'bide a second blow for a slight girl,
-Or other gaud as transient and as vain.
-The new and inexperienc'd bird awaits,
-Twice it may be, or thrice, the fowler's aim;
-But in the sight of one, whose plumes are full,
-In vain the net is spread, the arrow wing'd."
-
-I stood, as children silent and asham'd
-Stand, list'ning, with their eyes upon the earth,
-Acknowledging their fault and self-condemn'd.
-And she resum'd: "If, but to hear thus pains thee,
-Raise thou thy beard, and lo! what sight shall do!"
-
-With less reluctance yields a sturdy holm,
-Rent from its fibers by a blast, that blows
-From off the pole, or from Iarbas' land,
-Than I at her behest my visage rais'd:
-And thus the face denoting by the beard,
-I mark'd the secret sting her words convey'd.
-
-No sooner lifted I mine aspect up,
-Than downward sunk that vision I beheld
-Of goodly creatures vanish; and mine eyes
-Yet unassur'd and wavering, bent their light
-On Beatrice.  Towards the animal,
-Who joins two natures in one form, she turn'd,
-And, even under shadow of her veil,
-And parted by the verdant rill, that flow'd
-Between, in loveliness appear'd as much
-Her former self surpassing, as on earth
-All others she surpass'd.  Remorseful goads
-Shot sudden through me.  Each thing else, the more
-Its love had late beguil'd me, now the more
-I Was loathsome.  On my heart so keenly smote
-The bitter consciousness, that on the ground
-O'erpower'd I fell: and what my state was then,
-She knows who was the cause.  When now my strength
-Flow'd back, returning outward from the heart,
-The lady, whom alone I first had seen,
-I found above me.  "Loose me not," she cried:
-"Loose not thy hold;" and lo! had dragg'd me high
-As to my neck into the stream, while she,
-Still as she drew me after, swept along,
-Swift as a shuttle, bounding o'er the wave.
-
-The blessed shore approaching then was heard
-So sweetly, "Tu asperges me," that I
-May not remember, much less tell the sound.
-The beauteous dame, her arms expanding, clasp'd
-My temples, and immerg'd me, where 't was fit
-The wave should drench me: and thence raising up,
-Within the fourfold dance of lovely nymphs
-Presented me so lav'd, and with their arm
-They each did cover me.  "Here are we nymphs,
-And in the heav'n are stars.  Or ever earth
-Was visited of Beatrice, we
-Appointed for her handmaids, tended on her.
-We to her eyes will lead thee; but the light
-Of gladness that is in them, well to scan,
-Those yonder three, of deeper ken than ours,
-Thy sight shall quicken."  Thus began their song;
-And then they led me to the Gryphon's breast,
-While, turn'd toward us, Beatrice stood.
-"Spare not thy vision.  We have stationed thee
-Before the emeralds, whence love erewhile
-Hath drawn his weapons on thee."  As they spake,
-A thousand fervent wishes riveted
-Mine eyes upon her beaming eyes, that stood
-Still fix'd toward the Gryphon motionless.
-As the sun strikes a mirror, even thus
-Within those orbs the twofold being, shone,
-For ever varying, in one figure now
-Reflected, now in other.  Reader! muse
-How wond'rous in my sight it seem'd to mark
-A thing, albeit steadfast in itself,
-Yet in its imag'd semblance mutable.
-
-Full of amaze, and joyous, while my soul
-Fed on the viand, whereof still desire
-Grows with satiety, the other three
-With gesture, that declar'd a loftier line,
-Advanc'd: to their own carol on they came
-Dancing in festive ring angelical.
-
-"Turn, Beatrice!" was their song: "O turn
-Thy saintly sight on this thy faithful one,
-Who to behold thee many a wearisome pace
-Hath measur'd.  Gracious at our pray'r vouchsafe
-Unveil to him thy cheeks: that he may mark
-Thy second beauty, now conceal'd."  O splendour!
-O sacred light eternal! who is he
-So pale with musing in Pierian shades,
-Or with that fount so lavishly imbued,
-Whose spirit should not fail him in th' essay
-To represent thee such as thou didst seem,
-When under cope of the still-chiming heaven
-Thou gav'st to open air thy charms reveal'd.
-
-
-
-
-CANTO XXXII
-
-Mine eyes with such an eager coveting,
-Were bent to rid them of their ten years' thirst,
-No other sense was waking: and e'en they
-Were fenc'd on either side from heed of aught;
-So tangled in its custom'd toils that smile
-Of saintly brightness drew me to itself,
-When forcibly toward the left my sight
-The sacred virgins turn'd; for from their lips
-I heard the warning sounds: "Too fix'd a gaze!"
-
-Awhile my vision labor'd; as when late
-Upon the' o'erstrained eyes the sun hath smote:
-But soon to lesser object, as the view
-Was now recover'd (lesser in respect
-To that excess of sensible, whence late
-I had perforce been sunder'd) on their right
-I mark'd that glorious army wheel, and turn,
-Against the sun and sev'nfold lights, their front.
-As when, their bucklers for protection rais'd,
-A well-rang'd troop, with portly banners curl'd,
-Wheel circling, ere the whole can change their ground:
-E'en thus the goodly regiment of heav'n
-Proceeding, all did pass us, ere the car
-Had slop'd his beam.  Attendant at the wheels
-The damsels turn'd; and on the Gryphon mov'd
-The sacred burden, with a pace so smooth,
-No feather on him trembled.  The fair dame
-Who through the wave had drawn me, companied
-By Statius and myself, pursued the wheel,
-Whose orbit, rolling, mark'd a lesser arch.
-
-Through the high wood, now void (the more her blame,
-Who by the serpent was beguil'd) I past
-With step in cadence to the harmony
-Angelic.  Onward had we mov'd, as far
-Perchance as arrow at three several flights
-Full wing'd had sped, when from her station down
-Descended Beatrice.  With one voice
-All murmur'd  "Adam," circling next a plant
-Despoil'd of flowers and leaf on every bough.
-Its tresses, spreading more as more they rose,
-Were such, as 'midst their forest wilds for height
-The Indians might have gaz'd at.  "Blessed thou!
-Gryphon, whose beak hath never pluck'd that tree
-Pleasant to taste: for hence the appetite
-Was warp'd to evil."  Round the stately trunk
-Thus shouted forth the rest, to whom return'd
-The animal twice-gender'd: "Yea: for so
-The generation of the just are sav'd."
-And turning to the chariot-pole, to foot
-He drew it of the widow'd branch, and bound
-There left unto the stock whereon it grew.
-
-As when large floods of radiance from above
-Stream, with that radiance mingled, which ascends
-Next after setting of the scaly sign,
-Our plants then burgeon, and each wears anew
-His wonted colours, ere the sun have yok'd
-Beneath another star his flamy steeds;
-Thus putting forth a hue, more faint than rose,
-And deeper than the violet, was renew'd
-The plant, erewhile in all its branches bare.
-
-Unearthly was the hymn, which then arose.
-I understood it not, nor to the end
-Endur'd the harmony.  Had I the skill
-To pencil forth, how clos'd th' unpitying eyes
-Slumb'ring, when Syrinx warbled, (eyes that paid
-So dearly for their watching,) then like painter,
-That with a model paints, I might design
-The manner of my falling into sleep.
-But feign who will the slumber cunningly;
-I pass it by to when I wak'd, and tell
-How suddenly a flash of splendour rent
-The curtain of my sleep, and one cries out:
-"Arise, what dost thou?"  As the chosen three,
-On Tabor's mount, admitted to behold
-The blossoming of that fair tree, whose fruit
-Is coveted of angels, and doth make
-Perpetual feast in heaven, to themselves
-Returning at the word, whence deeper sleeps
-Were broken, that they their tribe diminish'd saw,
-Both Moses and Elias gone, and chang'd
-The stole their master wore: thus to myself
-Returning, over me beheld I stand
-The piteous one, who cross the stream had brought
-My steps.  "And where," all doubting, I exclaim'd,
-"Is Beatrice?"--"See her," she replied,
-"Beneath the fresh leaf seated on its root.
-Behold th' associate choir that circles her.
-The others, with a melody more sweet
-And more profound, journeying to higher realms,
-Upon the Gryphon tend."  If there her words
-Were clos'd, I know not; but mine eyes had now
-Ta'en view of her, by whom all other thoughts
-Were barr'd admittance.  On the very ground
-Alone she sat, as she had there been left
-A guard upon the wain, which I beheld
-Bound to the twyform beast.  The seven nymphs
-Did make themselves a cloister round about her,
-And in their hands upheld those lights secure
-From blast septentrion and the gusty south.
-
-"A little while thou shalt be forester here:
-And citizen shalt be forever with me,
-Of that true Rome, wherein Christ dwells a Roman
-To profit the misguided world, keep now
-Thine eyes upon the car; and what thou seest,
-Take heed thou write, returning to that place."
-
-Thus Beatrice: at whose feet inclin'd
-Devout, at her behest, my thought and eyes,
-I, as she bade, directed.  Never fire,
-With so swift motion, forth a stormy cloud
-Leap'd downward from the welkin's farthest bound,
-As I beheld the bird of Jove descending
-Pounce on the tree, and, as he rush'd, the rind,
-Disparting crush beneath him, buds much more
-And leaflets.  On the car with all his might
-He struck, whence, staggering like a ship, it reel'd,
-At random driv'n, to starboard now, o'ercome,
-And now to larboard, by the vaulting waves.
-
-Next springing up into the chariot's womb
-A fox I saw, with hunger seeming pin'd
-Of all good food.  But, for his ugly sins
-The saintly maid rebuking him, away
-Scamp'ring he turn'd, fast as his hide-bound corpse
-Would bear him.  Next, from whence before he came,
-I saw the eagle dart into the hull
-O' th' car, and leave it with his feathers lin'd;
-And then a voice, like that which issues forth
-From heart with sorrow riv'd, did issue forth
-From heav'n, and, "O poor bark of mine!" it cried,
-"How badly art thou freighted!"  Then, it seem'd,
-That the earth open'd between either wheel,
-And I beheld a dragon issue thence,
-That through the chariot fix'd his forked train;
-And like a wasp that draggeth back the sting,
-So drawing forth his baleful train, he dragg'd
-Part of the bottom forth, and went his way
-Exulting.  What remain'd, as lively turf
-With green herb, so did clothe itself with plumes,
-Which haply had with purpose chaste and kind
-Been offer'd; and therewith were cloth'd the wheels,
-Both one and other, and the beam, so quickly
-A sigh were not breath'd sooner.  Thus transform'd,
-The holy structure, through its several parts,
-Did put forth heads, three on the beam, and one
-On every side; the first like oxen horn'd,
-But with a single horn upon their front
-The four.  Like monster sight hath never seen.
-O'er it methought there sat, secure as rock
-On mountain's lofty top, a shameless whore,
-Whose ken rov'd loosely round her.  At her side,
-As 't were that none might bear her off, I saw
-A giant stand; and ever, and anon
-They mingled kisses.  But, her lustful eyes
-Chancing on me to wander, that fell minion
-Scourg'd her from head to foot all o'er; then full
-Of jealousy, and fierce with rage, unloos'd
-The monster, and dragg'd on, so far across
-The forest, that from me its shades alone
-Shielded the harlot and the new-form'd brute.
-
-
-CANTO XXXIII
-
-"The heathen, Lord! are come!" responsive thus,
-The trinal now, and now the virgin band
-Quaternion, their sweet psalmody began,
-Weeping; and Beatrice listen'd, sad
-And sighing, to the song', in such a mood,
-That Mary, as she stood beside the cross,
-Was scarce more chang'd.  But when they gave her place
-To speak, then, risen upright on her feet,
-She, with a colour glowing bright as fire,
-Did answer: "Yet a little while, and ye
-Shall see me not; and, my beloved sisters,
-Again a little while, and ye shall see me."
-
-Before her then she marshall'd all the seven,
-And, beck'ning only motion'd me, the dame,
-And that remaining sage, to follow her.
-
-So on she pass'd; and had not set, I ween,
-Her tenth step to the ground, when with mine eyes
-Her eyes encounter'd; and, with visage mild,
-"So mend thy pace," she cried, "that if my words
-Address thee, thou mayst still be aptly plac'd
-To hear them."  Soon as duly to her side
-I now had hasten'd: "Brother!" she began,
-"Why mak'st thou no attempt at questioning,
-As thus we walk together?"  Like to those
-Who, speaking with too reverent an awe
-Before their betters, draw not forth the voice
-Alive unto their lips, befell me shell
-That I in sounds imperfect thus began:
-"Lady! what I have need of, that thou know'st,
-And what will suit my need."  She answering thus:
-"Of fearfulness and shame, I will, that thou
-Henceforth do rid thee: that thou speak no more,
-As one who dreams.  Thus far be taught of me:
-The vessel, which thou saw'st the serpent break,
-Was and is not: let him, who hath the blame,
-Hope not to scare God's vengeance with a sop.
-Without an heir for ever shall not be
-That eagle, he, who left the chariot plum'd,
-Which monster made it first and next a prey.
-Plainly I view, and therefore speak, the stars
-E'en now approaching, whose conjunction, free
-From all impediment and bar, brings on
-A season, in the which, one sent from God,
-(Five hundred, five, and ten, do mark him out)
-That foul one, and th' accomplice of her guilt,
-The giant, both shall slay.  And if perchance
-My saying, dark as Themis or as Sphinx,
-Fail to persuade thee, (since like them it foils
-The intellect with blindness) yet ere long
-Events shall be the Naiads, that will solve
-This knotty riddle, and no damage light
-On flock or field.  Take heed; and as these words
-By me are utter'd, teach them even so
-To those who live that life, which is a race
-To death: and when thou writ'st them, keep in mind
-Not to conceal how thou hast seen the plant,
-That twice hath now been spoil'd.  This whoso robs,
-This whoso plucks, with blasphemy of deed
-Sins against God, who for his use alone
-Creating hallow'd it.  For taste of this,
-In pain and in desire, five thousand years
-And upward, the first soul did yearn for him,
-Who punish'd in himself the fatal gust.
-
-"Thy reason slumbers, if it deem this height
-And summit thus inverted of the plant,
-Without due cause: and were not vainer thoughts,
-As Elsa's numbing waters, to thy soul,
-And their fond pleasures had not dyed it dark
-As Pyramus the mulberry, thou hadst seen,
-In such momentous circumstance alone,
-God's equal justice morally implied
-In the forbidden tree.  But since I mark thee
-In understanding harden'd into stone,
-And, to that hardness, spotted too and stain'd,
-So that thine eye is dazzled at my word,
-I will, that, if not written, yet at least
-Painted thou take it in thee, for the cause,
-That one brings home his staff inwreath'd with palm."
-
-I thus: "As wax by seal, that changeth not
-Its impress, now is stamp'd my brain by thee.
-But wherefore soars thy wish'd-for speech so high
-Beyond my sight, that loses it the more,
-The more it strains to reach it?"--"To the end
-That thou mayst know," she answer'd straight, "the school,
-That thou hast follow'd; and how far behind,
-When following my discourse, its learning halts:
-And mayst behold your art, from the divine
-As distant, as the disagreement is
-'Twixt earth and heaven's most high and rapturous orb."
-
-"I not remember," I replied, "that e'er
-I was estrang'd from thee, nor for such fault
-Doth conscience chide me."  Smiling she return'd:
-"If thou canst, not remember, call to mind
-How lately thou hast drunk of Lethe's wave;
-And, sure as smoke doth indicate a flame,
-In that forgetfulness itself conclude
-Blame from thy alienated will incurr'd.
-From henceforth verily my words shall be
-As naked as will suit them to appear
-In thy unpractis'd view."  More sparkling now,
-And with retarded course the sun possess'd
-The circle of mid-day, that varies still
-As th' aspect varies of each several clime,
-When, as one, sent in vaward of a troop
-For escort, pauses, if perchance he spy
-Vestige of somewhat strange and rare: so paus'd
-The sev'nfold band, arriving at the verge
-Of a dun umbrage hoar, such as is seen,
-Beneath green leaves and gloomy branches, oft
-To overbrow a bleak and alpine cliff.
-And, where they stood, before them, as it seem'd,
-Tigris and Euphrates both beheld,
-Forth from one fountain issue; and, like friends,
-Linger at parting. "O enlight'ning beam!
-O glory of our kind! beseech thee say
-What water this, which from one source deriv'd
-Itself removes to distance from itself?"
-
-To such entreaty answer thus was made:
-"Entreat Matilda, that she teach thee this."
-
-And here, as one, who clears himself of blame
-Imputed, the fair dame return'd: "Of me
-He this and more hath learnt; and I am safe
-That Lethe's water hath not hid it from him."
-
-And Beatrice: "Some more pressing care
-That oft the memory 'reeves, perchance hath made
-His mind's eye dark.  But lo! where Eunoe cows!
-Lead thither; and, as thou art wont, revive
-His fainting virtue."  As a courteous spirit,
-That proffers no excuses, but as soon
-As he hath token of another's will,
-Makes it his own; when she had ta'en me, thus
-The lovely maiden mov'd her on, and call'd
-To Statius with an air most lady-like:
-"Come thou with him."  Were further space allow'd,
-Then, Reader, might I sing, though but in part,
-That beverage, with whose sweetness I had ne'er
-Been sated.  But, since all the leaves are full,
-Appointed for this second strain, mine art
-With warning bridle checks me.  I return'd
-From the most holy wave, regenerate,
-If 'en as new plants renew'd with foliage new,
-Pure and made apt for mounting to the stars.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-THE VISION
-
-OF
-
-HELL
-
-BY
-
-DANTE ALIGHIERI
-
-
-
-TRANSLATED BY
-
-THE REV. H. F. CARY, M.A.
-
-
-
-
-
-Cantos 1 - 34
-
-
-
-CANTO I
-
-
-In the midway of this our mortal life,
-I found me in a gloomy wood, astray
-Gone from the path direct: and e'en to tell
-It were no easy task, how savage wild
-That forest, how robust and rough its growth,
-Which to remember only, my dismay
-Renews, in bitterness not far from death.
-Yet to discourse of what there good befell,
-All else will I relate discover'd there.
-How first I enter'd it I scarce can say,
-Such sleepy dullness in that instant weigh'd
-My senses down, when the true path I left,
-But when a mountain's foot I reach'd, where clos'd
-The valley, that had pierc'd my heart with dread,
-I look'd aloft, and saw his shoulders broad
-Already vested with that planet's beam,
-Who leads all wanderers safe through every way.
-
-Then was a little respite to the fear,
-That in my heart's recesses deep had lain,
-All of that night, so pitifully pass'd:
-And as a man, with difficult short breath,
-Forespent with toiling, 'scap'd from sea to shore,
-Turns to the perilous wide waste, and stands
-At gaze; e'en so my spirit, that yet fail'd
-Struggling with terror, turn'd to view the straits,
-That none hath pass'd and liv'd.  My weary frame
-After short pause recomforted, again
-I journey'd on over that lonely steep,
-
-The hinder foot still firmer.  Scarce the ascent
-Began, when, lo! a panther, nimble, light,
-And cover'd with a speckled skin, appear'd,
-Nor, when it saw me, vanish'd, rather strove
-To check my onward going; that ofttimes
-With purpose to retrace my steps I turn'd.
-
-The hour was morning's prime, and on his way
-Aloft the sun ascended with those stars,
-That with him rose, when Love divine first mov'd
-Those its fair works: so that with joyous hope
-All things conspir'd to fill me, the gay skin
-Of that swift animal, the matin dawn
-And the sweet season.  Soon that joy was chas'd,
-And by new dread succeeded, when in view
-A lion came, 'gainst me, as it appear'd,
-
-With his head held aloft and hunger-mad,
-That e'en the air was fear-struck.  A she-wolf
-Was at his heels, who in her leanness seem'd
-Full of all wants, and many a land hath made
-Disconsolate ere now.  She with such fear
-O'erwhelmed me, at the sight of her appall'd,
-That of the height all hope I lost.  As one,
-Who with his gain elated, sees the time
-When all unwares is gone, he inwardly
-Mourns with heart-griping anguish; such was I,
-Haunted by that fell beast, never at peace,
-Who coming o'er against me, by degrees
-Impell'd me where the sun in silence rests.
-
-While to the lower space with backward step
-I fell, my ken discern'd the form one of one,
-Whose voice seem'd faint through long disuse of speech.
-When him in that great desert I espied,
-"Have mercy on me!" cried I out aloud,
-"Spirit! or living man! what e'er thou be!"
-
-He answer'd: "Now not man, man once I was,
-And born of Lombard parents, Mantuana both
-By country, when the power of Julius yet
-Was scarcely firm.  At Rome my life was past
-Beneath the mild Augustus, in the time
-Of fabled deities and false.  A bard
-Was I, and made Anchises' upright son
-The subject of my song, who came from Troy,
-When the flames prey'd on Ilium's haughty towers.
-But thou, say wherefore to such perils past
-Return'st thou?  wherefore not this pleasant mount
-Ascendest, cause and source of all delight?"
-"And art thou then that Virgil, that well-spring,
-From which such copious floods of eloquence
-Have issued?"  I with front abash'd replied.
-"Glory and light of all the tuneful train!
-May it avail me that I long with zeal
-Have sought thy volume, and with love immense
-Have conn'd it o'er.  My master thou and guide!
-Thou he from whom alone I have deriv'd
-That style, which for its beauty into fame
-Exalts me.  See the beast, from whom I fled.
-O save me from her, thou illustrious sage!"
-
-"For every vein and pulse throughout my frame
-She hath made tremble."  He, soon as he saw
-That I was weeping, answer'd, "Thou must needs
-Another way pursue, if thou wouldst 'scape
-From out that savage wilderness.  This beast,
-At whom thou criest, her way will suffer none
-To pass, and no less hindrance makes than death:
-So bad and so accursed in her kind,
-That never sated is her ravenous will,
-Still after food more craving than before.
-To many an animal in wedlock vile
-She fastens, and shall yet to many more,
-Until that greyhound come, who shall destroy
-Her with sharp pain.  He will not life support
-By earth nor its base metals, but by love,
-Wisdom, and virtue, and his land shall be
-The land 'twixt either Feltro.  In his might
-Shall safety to Italia's plains arise,
-For whose fair realm, Camilla, virgin pure,
-Nisus, Euryalus, and Turnus fell.
-He with incessant chase through every town
-Shall worry, until he to hell at length
-Restore her, thence by envy first let loose.
-I for thy profit pond'ring now devise,
-That thou mayst follow me, and I thy guide
-Will lead thee hence through an eternal space,
-Where thou shalt hear despairing shrieks, and see
-Spirits of old tormented, who invoke
-A second death; and those next view, who dwell
-Content in fire, for that they hope to come,
-Whene'er the time may be, among the blest,
-Into whose regions if thou then desire
-T' ascend, a spirit worthier then I
-Must lead thee, in whose charge, when I depart,
-Thou shalt be left: for that Almighty King,
-Who reigns above, a rebel to his law,
-Adjudges me, and therefore hath decreed,
-That to his city none through me should come.
-He in all parts hath sway; there rules, there holds
-His citadel and throne.  O happy those,
-Whom there he chooses!"  I to him in few:
-"Bard! by that God, whom thou didst not adore,
-I do beseech thee (that this ill and worse
-I may escape) to lead me, where thou saidst,
-That I Saint Peter's gate may view, and those
-Who as thou tell'st, are in such dismal plight."
-
-Onward he mov'd, I close his steps pursu'd.
-
-
-
-
-CANTO II
-
-NOW was the day departing, and the air,
-Imbrown'd with shadows, from their toils releas'd
-All animals on earth; and I alone
-Prepar'd myself the conflict to sustain,
-Both of sad pity, and that perilous road,
-Which my unerring memory shall retrace.
-
-O Muses!  O high genius! now vouchsafe
-Your aid!  O mind! that all I saw hast kept
-Safe in a written record, here thy worth
-And eminent endowments come to proof.
-
-I thus began: "Bard! thou who art my guide,
-Consider well, if virtue be in me
-Sufficient, ere to this high enterprise
-Thou trust me.  Thou hast told that Silvius' sire,
-Yet cloth'd in corruptible flesh, among
-Th' immortal tribes had entrance, and was there
-Sensible present.  Yet if heaven's great Lord,
-Almighty foe to ill, such favour shew'd,
-In contemplation of the high effect,
-Both what and who from him should issue forth,
-It seems in reason's judgment well deserv'd:
-Sith he of Rome, and of Rome's empire wide,
-In heaven's empyreal height was chosen sire:
-Both which, if truth be spoken, were ordain'd
-And 'stablish'd for the holy place, where sits
-Who to great Peter's sacred chair succeeds.
-He from this journey, in thy song renown'd,
-Learn'd things, that to his victory gave rise
-And to the papal robe.  In after-times
-The chosen vessel also travel'd there,
-To bring us back assurance in that faith,
-Which is the entrance to salvation's way.
-But I, why should I there presume?  or who
-Permits it?  not, Aeneas I nor Paul.
-Myself I deem not worthy, and none else
-Will deem me.  I, if on this voyage then
-I venture, fear it will in folly end.
-Thou, who art wise, better my meaning know'st,
-Than I can speak."  As one, who unresolves
-What he hath late resolv'd, and with new thoughts
-Changes his purpose, from his first intent
-Remov'd; e'en such was I on that dun coast,
-Wasting in thought my enterprise, at first
-So eagerly embrac'd.  "If right thy words
-I scan," replied that shade magnanimous,
-"Thy soul is by vile fear assail'd, which oft
-So overcasts a man, that he recoils
-From noblest resolution, like a beast
-At some false semblance in the twilight gloom.
-That from this terror thou mayst free thyself,
-I will instruct thee why I came, and what
-I heard in that same instant, when for thee
-Grief touch'd me first.  I was among the tribe,
-Who rest suspended, when a dame, so blest
-And lovely, I besought her to command,
-Call'd me; her eyes were brighter than the star
-Of day; and she with gentle voice and soft
-Angelically tun'd her speech address'd:
-"O courteous shade of Mantua! thou whose fame
-Yet lives, and shall live long as nature lasts!
-A friend, not of my fortune but myself,
-On the wide desert in his road has met
-Hindrance so great, that he through fear has turn'd.
-Now much I dread lest he past help have stray'd,
-And I be ris'n too late for his relief,
-From what in heaven of him I heard.  Speed now,
-And by thy eloquent persuasive tongue,
-And by all means for his deliverance meet,
-Assist him.  So to me will comfort spring.
-I who now bid thee on this errand forth
-Am Beatrice; from a place I come
-
-(Note: Beatrice.  I use this word, as it is
-pronounced in the Italian, as consisting of four
-syllables, of which the third is a long one.)
-
-Revisited with joy.  Love brought me thence,
-Who prompts my speech.  When in my Master's sight
-I stand, thy praise to him I oft will tell."
-
-She then was silent, and I thus began:
-"O Lady! by whose influence alone,
-Mankind excels whatever is contain'd
-Within that heaven which hath the smallest orb,
-So thy command delights me, that to obey,
-If it were done already, would seem late.
-No need hast thou farther to speak thy will;
-Yet tell the reason, why thou art not loth
-To leave that ample space, where to return
-Thou burnest, for this centre here beneath."
-
-She then: "Since thou so deeply wouldst inquire,
-I will instruct thee briefly, why no dread
-Hinders my entrance here.  Those things alone
-Are to be fear'd, whence evil may proceed,
-None else, for none are terrible beside.
-I am so fram'd by God, thanks to his grace!
-That any suff'rance of your misery
-Touches me not, nor flame of that fierce fire
-Assails me.  In high heaven a blessed dame
-Besides, who mourns with such effectual grief
-That hindrance, which I send thee to remove,
-That God's stern judgment to her will inclines."
-To Lucia calling, her she thus bespake:
-"Now doth thy faithful servant need thy aid
-And I commend him to thee."  At her word
-Sped Lucia, of all cruelty the foe,
-And coming to the place, where I abode
-Seated with Rachel, her of ancient days,
-She thus address'd me: "Thou true praise of God!
-Beatrice! why is not thy succour lent
-To him, who so much lov'd thee, as to leave
-For thy sake all the multitude admires?
-Dost thou not hear how pitiful his wail,
-Nor mark the death, which in the torrent flood,
-Swoln mightier than a sea, him struggling holds?"
-"Ne'er among men did any with such speed
-Haste to their profit, flee from their annoy,
-As when these words were spoken, I came here,
-Down from my blessed seat, trusting the force
-Of thy pure eloquence, which thee, and all
-Who well have mark'd it, into honour brings."
-
-"When she had ended, her bright beaming eyes
-Tearful she turn'd aside; whereat I felt
-Redoubled zeal to serve thee.  As she will'd,
-Thus am I come: I sav'd thee from the beast,
-Who thy near way across the goodly mount
-Prevented.  What is this comes o'er thee then?
-Why, why dost thou hang back?  why in thy breast
-Harbour vile fear?  why hast not courage there
-And noble daring?  Since three maids so blest
-Thy safety plan, e'en in the court of heaven;
-And so much certain good my words forebode."
-
-As florets, by the frosty air of night
-Bent down and clos'd, when day has blanch'd their leaves,
-Rise all unfolded on their spiry stems;
-So was my fainting vigour new restor'd,
-And to my heart such kindly courage ran,
-That I as one undaunted soon replied:
-"O full of pity she, who undertook
-My succour! and thou kind who didst perform
-So soon her true behest!  With such desire
-Thou hast dispos'd me to renew my voyage,
-That my first purpose fully is resum'd.
-Lead on: one only will is in us both.
-Thou art my guide, my master thou, and lord."
-
-So spake I; and when he had onward mov'd,
-I enter'd on the deep and woody way.
-
-
-
-
-CANTO III
-
-"THROUGH me you pass into the city of woe:
-Through me you pass into eternal pain:
-Through me among the people lost for aye.
-Justice the founder of my fabric mov'd:
-To rear me was the task of power divine,
-Supremest wisdom, and primeval love.
-Before me things create were none, save things
-Eternal, and eternal I endure.
-
-"All hope abandon ye who enter here."
-
-Such characters in colour dim I mark'd
-Over a portal's lofty arch inscrib'd:
-Whereat I thus: "Master, these words import
-Hard meaning."  He as one prepar'd replied:
-"Here thou must all distrust behind thee leave;
-Here be vile fear extinguish'd. We are come
-Where I have told thee we shall see the souls
-To misery doom'd, who intellectual good
-Have lost."  And when his hand he had stretch'd forth
-To mine, with pleasant looks, whence I was cheer'd,
-Into that secret place he led me on.
-
-Here sighs with lamentations and loud moans
-Resounded through the air pierc'd by no star,
-That e'en I wept at entering.  Various tongues,
-Horrible languages, outcries of woe,
-Accents of anger, voices deep and hoarse,
-With hands together smote that swell'd the sounds,
-Made up a tumult, that for ever whirls
-Round through that air with solid darkness stain'd,
-Like to the sand that in the whirlwind flies.
-
-I then, with error yet encompass'd, cried:
-"O master!  What is this I hear?  What race
-Are these, who seem so overcome with woe?"
-
-He thus to me: "This miserable fate
-Suffer the wretched souls of those, who liv'd
-Without or praise or blame, with that ill band
-Of angels mix'd, who nor rebellious prov'd
-Nor yet were true to God, but for themselves
-Were only.  From his bounds Heaven drove them forth,
-Not to impair his lustre, nor the depth
-Of Hell receives them, lest th' accursed tribe
-Should glory thence with exultation vain."
-
-I then: "Master! what doth aggrieve them thus,
-That they lament so loud?"  He straight replied:
-"That will I tell thee briefly.  These of death
-No hope may entertain: and their blind life
-So meanly passes, that all other lots
-They envy.  Fame of them the world hath none,
-Nor suffers; mercy and justice scorn them both.
-Speak not of them, but look, and pass them by."
-
-And I, who straightway look'd, beheld a flag,
-Which whirling ran around so rapidly,
-That it no pause obtain'd: and following came
-Such a long train of spirits, I should ne'er
-Have thought, that death so many had despoil'd.
-
-When some of these I recogniz'd, I saw
-And knew the shade of him, who to base fear
-Yielding, abjur'd his high estate.  Forthwith
-I understood for certain this the tribe
-Of those ill spirits both to God displeasing
-And to his foes.  These wretches, who ne'er lived,
-Went on in nakedness, and sorely stung
-By wasps and hornets, which bedew'd their cheeks
-With blood, that mix'd with tears dropp'd to their feet,
-And by disgustful worms was gather'd there.
-
-Then looking farther onwards I beheld
-A throng upon the shore of a great stream:
-Whereat I thus: "Sir! grant me now to know
-Whom here we view, and whence impell'd they seem
-So eager to pass o'er, as I discern
-Through the blear light?"  He thus to me in few:
-"This shalt thou know, soon as our steps arrive
-Beside the woeful tide of Acheron."
-
-Then with eyes downward cast and fill'd with shame,
-Fearing my words offensive to his ear,
-Till we had reach'd the river, I from speech
-Abstain'd.  And lo! toward us in a bark
-Comes on an old man hoary white with eld,
-
-Crying, "Woe to you wicked spirits! hope not
-Ever to see the sky again.  I come
-To take you to the other shore across,
-Into eternal darkness, there to dwell
-In fierce heat and in ice.  And thou, who there
-Standest, live spirit! get thee hence, and leave
-These who are dead."  But soon as he beheld
-I left them not, "By other way," said he,
-"By other haven shalt thou come to shore,
-Not by this passage; thee a nimbler boat
-Must carry."  Then to him thus spake my guide:
-"Charon! thyself torment not: so 't is will'd,
-Where will and power are one: ask thou no more."
-
-Straightway in silence fell the shaggy cheeks
-Of him the boatman o'er the livid lake,
-Around whose eyes glar'd wheeling flames.  Meanwhile
-Those spirits, faint and naked, color chang'd,
-And gnash'd their teeth, soon as the cruel words
-They heard.  God and their parents they blasphem'd,
-The human kind, the place, the time, and seed
-That did engender them and give them birth.
-
-Then all together sorely wailing drew
-To the curs'd strand, that every man must pass
-Who fears not God.  Charon, demoniac form,
-With eyes of burning coal, collects them all,
-Beck'ning, and each, that lingers, with his oar
-Strikes.  As fall off the light autumnal leaves,
-One still another following, till the bough
-Strews all its honours on the earth beneath;
-
-E'en in like manner Adam's evil brood
-Cast themselves one by one down from the shore,
-Each at a beck, as falcon at his call.
-
-Thus go they over through the umber'd wave,
-And ever they on the opposing bank
-Be landed, on this side another throng
-Still gathers.  "Son," thus spake the courteous guide,
-"Those, who die subject to the wrath of God,
-All here together come from every clime,
-And to o'erpass the river are not loth:
-For so heaven's justice goads them on, that fear
-Is turn'd into desire.  Hence ne'er hath past
-Good spirit.  If of thee Charon complain,
-Now mayst thou know the import of his words."
-
-This said, the gloomy region trembling shook
-So terribly, that yet with clammy dews
-Fear chills my brow.  The sad earth gave a blast,
-That, lightening, shot forth a vermilion flame,
-Which all my senses conquer'd quite, and I
-Down dropp'd, as one with sudden slumber seiz'd.
-
-
-
-
-CANTO IV
-
-BROKE the deep slumber in my brain a crash
-Of heavy thunder, that I shook myself,
-As one by main force rous'd.  Risen upright,
-My rested eyes I mov'd around, and search'd
-With fixed ken to know what place it was,
-Wherein I stood.  For certain on the brink
-I found me of the lamentable vale,
-The dread abyss, that joins a thund'rous sound
-Of plaints innumerable.  Dark and deep,
-And thick with clouds o'erspread, mine eye in vain
-Explor'd its bottom, nor could aught discern.
-
-"Now let us to the blind world there beneath
-Descend;" the bard began all pale of look:
-"I go the first, and thou shalt follow next."
-
-Then I his alter'd hue perceiving, thus:
-"How may I speed, if thou yieldest to dread,
-Who still art wont to comfort me in doubt?"
-
-He then: "The anguish of that race below
-With pity stains my cheek, which thou for fear
-Mistakest.  Let us on.  Our length of way
-Urges to haste."  Onward, this said, he mov'd;
-And ent'ring led me with him on the bounds
-Of the first circle, that surrounds th' abyss.
-Here, as mine ear could note, no plaint was heard
-Except of sighs, that made th' eternal air
-Tremble, not caus'd by tortures, but from grief
-Felt by those multitudes, many and vast,
-Of men, women, and infants.  Then to me
-The gentle guide: "Inquir'st thou not what spirits
-Are these, which thou beholdest?  Ere thou pass
-Farther, I would thou know, that these of sin
-Were blameless; and if aught they merited,
-It profits not, since baptism was not theirs,
-The portal to thy faith.  If they before
-The Gospel liv'd, they serv'd not God aright;
-And among such am I. For these defects,
-And for no other evil, we are lost;"
-
-"Only so far afflicted, that we live
-Desiring without hope."  So grief assail'd
-My heart at hearing this, for well I knew
-Suspended in that Limbo many a soul
-Of mighty worth.  "O tell me, sire rever'd!
-Tell me, my master!"  I began through wish
-Of full assurance in that holy faith,
-Which vanquishes all error; "say, did e'er
-Any, or through his own or other's merit,
-Come forth from thence, whom afterward was blest?"
-
-Piercing the secret purport of my speech,
-He answer'd: "I was new to that estate,
-When I beheld a puissant one arrive
-Amongst us, with victorious trophy crown'd.
-He forth the shade of our first parent drew,
-Abel his child, and Noah righteous man,
-Of Moses lawgiver for faith approv'd,
-Of patriarch Abraham, and David king,
-Israel with his sire and with his sons,
-Nor without Rachel whom so hard he won,
-And others many more, whom he to bliss
-Exalted.  Before these, be thou assur'd,
-No spirit of human kind was ever sav'd."
-
-We, while he spake, ceas'd not our onward road,
-Still passing through the wood; for so I name
-Those spirits thick beset.  We were not far
-On this side from the summit, when I kenn'd
-A flame, that o'er the darken'd hemisphere
-Prevailing shin'd.  Yet we a little space
-Were distant, not so far but I in part
-Discover'd, that a tribe in honour high
-That place possess'd.  "O thou, who every art
-And science valu'st! who are these, that boast
-Such honour, separate from all the rest?"
-
-He answer'd: "The renown of their great names
-That echoes through your world above, acquires
-Favour in heaven, which holds them thus advanc'd."
-Meantime a voice I heard: "Honour the bard
-Sublime! his shade returns that left us late!"
-No sooner ceas'd the sound, than I beheld
-Four mighty spirits toward us bend their steps,
-Of semblance neither sorrowful nor glad.
-
-When thus my master kind began: "Mark him,
-Who in his right hand bears that falchion keen,
-The other three preceding, as their lord.
-This is that Homer, of all bards supreme:
-Flaccus the next in satire's vein excelling;
-The third is Naso; Lucan is the last.
-Because they all that appellation own,
-With which the voice singly accosted me,
-Honouring they greet me thus, and well they judge."
-
-So I beheld united the bright school
-Of him the monarch of sublimest song,
-That o'er the others like an eagle soars.
-When they together short discourse had held,
-They turn'd to me, with salutation kind
-Beck'ning me; at the which my master smil'd:
-Nor was this all; but greater honour still
-They gave me, for they made me of their tribe;
-And I was sixth amid so learn'd a band.
-
-Far as the luminous beacon on we pass'd
-Speaking of matters, then befitting well
-To speak, now fitter left untold.  At foot
-Of a magnificent castle we arriv'd,
-Seven times with lofty walls begirt, and round
-Defended by a pleasant stream.  O'er this
-As o'er dry land we pass'd.  Next through seven gates
-I with those sages enter'd, and we came
-Into a mead with lively verdure fresh.
-
-There dwelt a race, who slow their eyes around
-Majestically mov'd, and in their port
-Bore eminent authority; they spake
-Seldom, but all their words were tuneful sweet.
-
-We to one side retir'd, into a place
-Open and bright and lofty, whence each one
-Stood manifest to view.  Incontinent
-There on the green enamel of the plain
-Were shown me the great spirits, by whose sight
-I am exalted in my own esteem.
-
-Electra there I saw accompanied
-By many, among whom Hector I knew,
-Anchises' pious son, and with hawk's eye
-Caesar all arm'd, and by Camilla there
-Penthesilea.  On the other side
-Old King Latinus, seated by his child
-Lavinia, and that Brutus I beheld,
-Who Tarquin chas'd, Lucretia, Cato's wife
-Marcia, with Julia and Cornelia there;
-And sole apart retir'd, the Soldan fierce.
-
-Then when a little more I rais'd my brow,
-I spied the master of the sapient throng,
-Seated amid the philosophic train.
-Him all admire, all pay him rev'rence due.
-There Socrates and Plato both I mark'd,
-Nearest to him in rank; Democritus,
-Who sets the world at chance, Diogenes,
-With Heraclitus, and Empedocles,
-And Anaxagoras, and Thales sage,
-Zeno, and Dioscorides well read
-In nature's secret lore.  Orpheus I mark'd
-And Linus, Tully and moral Seneca,
-Euclid and Ptolemy, Hippocrates,
-Galenus, Avicen, and him who made
-That commentary vast, Averroes.
-
-Of all to speak at full were vain attempt;
-For my wide theme so urges, that ofttimes
-My words fall short of what bechanc'd.  In two
-The six associates part.  Another way
-My sage guide leads me, from that air serene,
-Into a climate ever vex'd with storms:
-And to a part I come where no light shines.
-
-
-
-
-CANTO V
-
-FROM the first circle I descended thus
-Down to the second, which, a lesser space
-Embracing, so much more of grief contains
-Provoking bitter moans.  There, Minos stands
-Grinning with ghastly feature: he, of all
-Who enter, strict examining the crimes,
-
-Gives sentence, and dismisses them beneath,
-According as he foldeth him around:
-For when before him comes th' ill fated soul,
-It all confesses; and that judge severe
-Of sins, considering what place in hell
-Suits the transgression, with his tail so oft
-Himself encircles, as degrees beneath
-He dooms it to descend.  Before him stand
-Always a num'rous throng; and in his turn
-Each one to judgment passing, speaks, and hears
-His fate, thence downward to his dwelling hurl'd.
-
-"O thou! who to this residence of woe
-Approachest?"  when he saw me coming, cried
-Minos, relinquishing his dread employ,
-"Look how thou enter here; beware in whom
-Thou place thy trust; let not the entrance broad
-Deceive thee to thy harm."  To him my guide:
-"Wherefore exclaimest?  Hinder not his way
-By destiny appointed; so 'tis will'd
-Where will and power are one.  Ask thou no more."
-
-Now 'gin the rueful wailings to be heard.
-Now am I come where many a plaining voice
-Smites on mine ear.  Into a place I came
-Where light was silent all.  Bellowing there groan'd
-A noise as of a sea in tempest torn
-By warring winds.  The stormy blast of hell
-With restless fury drives the spirits on
-Whirl'd round and dash'd amain with sore annoy.
-
-When they arrive before the ruinous sweep,
-There shrieks are heard, there lamentations, moans,
-And blasphemies 'gainst the good Power in heaven.
-
-I understood that to this torment sad
-The carnal sinners are condemn'd, in whom
-Reason by lust is sway'd.  As in large troops
-And multitudinous, when winter reigns,
-The starlings on their wings are borne abroad;
-So bears the tyrannous gust those evil souls.
-On this side and on that, above, below,
-It drives them: hope of rest to solace them
-Is none, nor e'en of milder pang.  As cranes,
-Chanting their dol'rous notes, traverse the sky,
-Stretch'd out in long array: so I beheld
-Spirits, who came loud wailing, hurried on
-By their dire doom.  Then I: "Instructor! who
-Are these, by the black air so scourg'd?"--"The first
-'Mong those, of whom thou question'st," he replied,
-"O'er many tongues was empress.  She in vice
-Of luxury was so shameless, that she made
-Liking be lawful by promulg'd decree,
-To clear the blame she had herself incurr'd.
-This is Semiramis, of whom 'tis writ,
-That she succeeded Ninus her espous'd;
-And held the land, which now the Soldan rules.
-The next in amorous fury slew herself,
-And to Sicheus' ashes broke her faith:
-Then follows Cleopatra, lustful queen."
-
-There mark'd I Helen, for whose sake so long
-The time was fraught with evil; there the great
-Achilles, who with love fought to the end.
-Paris I saw, and Tristan; and beside
-A thousand more he show'd me, and by name
-Pointed them out, whom love bereav'd of life.
-
-When I had heard my sage instructor name
-Those dames and knights of antique days, o'erpower'd
-By pity, well-nigh in amaze my mind
-Was lost; and I began: "Bard! willingly
-I would address those two together coming,
-Which seem so light before the wind."  He thus:
-"Note thou, when nearer they to us approach."
-
-"Then by that love which carries them along,
-Entreat; and they will come."  Soon as the wind
-Sway'd them toward us, I thus fram'd my speech:
-"O wearied spirits! come, and hold discourse
-With us, if by none else restrain'd."  As doves
-By fond desire invited, on wide wings
-And firm, to their sweet nest returning home,
-Cleave the air, wafted by their will along;
-Thus issu'd from that troop, where Dido ranks,
-They through the ill air speeding; with such force
-My cry prevail'd by strong affection urg'd.
-
-"O gracious creature and benign! who go'st
-Visiting, through this element obscure,
-Us, who the world with bloody stain imbru'd;
-If for a friend the King of all we own'd,
-Our pray'r to him should for thy peace arise,
-Since thou hast pity on our evil plight.
-()f whatsoe'er to hear or to discourse
-It pleases thee, that will we hear, of that
-Freely with thee discourse, while e'er the wind,
-As now, is mute.  The land, that gave me birth,
-Is situate on the coast, where Po descends
-To rest in ocean with his sequent streams.
-
-"Love, that in gentle heart is quickly learnt,
-Entangled him by that fair form, from me
-Ta'en in such cruel sort, as grieves me still:
-Love, that denial takes from none belov'd,
-Caught me with pleasing him so passing well,
-That, as thou see'st, he yet deserts me not.
-
-"Love brought us to one death: Caina waits
-The soul, who spilt our life."  Such were their words;
-At hearing which downward I bent my looks,
-And held them there so long, that the bard cried:
-"What art thou pond'ring?"  I in answer thus:
-"Alas! by what sweet thoughts, what fond desire
-Must they at length to that ill pass have reach'd!"
-
-Then turning, I to them my speech address'd.
-And thus began: "Francesca! your sad fate
-Even to tears my grief and pity moves.
-But tell me; in the time of your sweet sighs,
-By what, and how love granted, that ye knew
-Your yet uncertain wishes?"  She replied:
-"No greater grief than to remember days
-Of joy, when mis'ry is at hand!  That kens
-Thy learn'd instructor.  Yet so eagerly
-If thou art bent to know the primal root,
-From whence our love gat being, I will do,
-As one, who weeps and tells his tale.  One day
-For our delight we read of Lancelot,
-How him love thrall'd.  Alone we were, and no
-Suspicion near us.  Ofttimes by that reading
-Our eyes were drawn together, and the hue
-Fled from our alter'd cheek.  But at one point
-Alone we fell.  When of that smile we read,
-The wished smile, rapturously kiss'd
-By one so deep in love, then he, who ne'er
-From me shall separate, at once my lips
-All trembling kiss'd.  The book and writer both
-Were love's purveyors.  In its leaves that day
-We read no more."  While thus one spirit spake,
-The other wail'd so sorely, that heartstruck
-I through compassion fainting, seem'd not far
-From death, and like a corpse fell to the ground.
-
-CANTO VI
-
-MY sense reviving, that erewhile had droop'd
-With pity for the kindred shades, whence grief
-O'ercame me wholly, straight around I see
-New torments, new tormented souls, which way
-Soe'er I move, or turn, or bend my sight.
-In the third circle I arrive, of show'rs
-Ceaseless, accursed, heavy, and cold, unchang'd
-For ever, both in kind and in degree.
-Large hail, discolour'd water, sleety flaw
-Through the dun midnight air stream'd down amain:
-Stank all the land whereon that tempest fell.
-
-Cerberus, cruel monster, fierce and strange,
-Through his wide threefold throat barks as a dog
-Over the multitude immers'd beneath.
-His eyes glare crimson, black his unctuous beard,
-His belly large, and claw'd the hands, with which
-He tears the spirits, flays them, and their limbs
-Piecemeal disparts.  Howling there spread, as curs,
-Under the rainy deluge, with one side
-The other screening, oft they roll them round,
-A wretched, godless crew.  When that great worm
-Descried us, savage Cerberus, he op'd
-His jaws, and the fangs show'd us; not a limb
-Of him but trembled.  Then my guide, his palms
-Expanding on the ground, thence filled with earth
-Rais'd them, and cast it in his ravenous maw.
-
-E'en as a dog, that yelling bays for food
-His keeper, when the morsel comes, lets fall
-His fury, bent alone with eager haste
-To swallow it; so dropp'd the loathsome cheeks
-Of demon Cerberus, who thund'ring stuns
-The spirits, that they for deafness wish in vain.
-
-We, o'er the shades thrown prostrate by the brunt
-Of the heavy tempest passing, set our feet
-Upon their emptiness, that substance seem'd.
-
-They all along the earth extended lay
-Save one, that sudden rais'd himself to sit,
-Soon as that way he saw us pass.  "O thou!"
-He cried, "who through the infernal shades art led,
-Own, if again thou know'st me.  Thou wast fram'd
-Or ere my frame was broken."  I replied:
-"The anguish thou endur'st perchance so takes
-Thy form from my remembrance, that it seems
-As if I saw thee never.  But inform
-Me who thou art, that in a place so sad
-Art set, and in such torment, that although
-Other be greater, more disgustful none
-Can be imagin'd."  He in answer thus:
-
-"Thy city heap'd with envy to the brim,
-Ay that the measure overflows its bounds,
-Held me in brighter days.  Ye citizens
-Were wont to name me Ciacco.  For the sin
-Of glutt'ny, damned vice, beneath this rain,
-E'en as thou see'st, I with fatigue am worn;
-Nor I sole spirit in this woe: all these
-Have by like crime incurr'd like punishment."
-
-No more he said, and I my speech resum'd:
-"Ciacco! thy dire affliction grieves me much,
-Even to tears.  But tell me, if thou know'st,
-What shall at length befall the citizens
-Of the divided city; whether any just one
-Inhabit there: and tell me of the cause,
-Whence jarring discord hath assail'd it thus?"
-
-He then: "After long striving they will come
-To blood; and the wild party from the woods
-Will chase the other with much injury forth.
-Then it behoves, that this must fall, within
-Three solar circles; and the other rise
-By borrow'd force of one, who under shore
-Now rests.  It shall a long space hold aloof
-Its forehead, keeping under heavy weight
-The other oppress'd, indignant at the load,
-And grieving sore.  The just are two in number,
-But they neglected.  Av'rice, envy, pride,
-Three fatal sparks, have set the hearts of all
-On fire."  Here ceas'd the lamentable sound;
-And I continu'd thus: "Still would I learn
-More from thee, farther parley still entreat.
-Of Farinata and Tegghiaio say,
-They who so well deserv'd, of Giacopo,
-Arrigo, Mosca, and the rest, who bent
-Their minds on working good.  Oh! tell me where
-They bide, and to their knowledge let me come.
-For I am press'd with keen desire to hear,
-If heaven's sweet cup or poisonous drug of hell
-Be to their lip assign'd."   He answer'd straight:
-"These are yet blacker spirits.  Various crimes
-Have sunk them deeper in the dark abyss.
-If thou so far descendest, thou mayst see them.
-But to the pleasant world when thou return'st,
-Of me make mention, I entreat thee, there.
-No more I tell thee, answer thee no more."
-
-This said, his fixed eyes he turn'd askance,
-A little ey'd me, then bent down his head,
-And 'midst his blind companions with it fell.
-
-When thus my guide: "No more his bed he leaves,
-Ere the last angel-trumpet blow.  The Power
-Adverse to these shall then in glory come,
-Each one forthwith to his sad tomb repair,
-Resume his fleshly vesture and his form,
-And hear the eternal doom re-echoing rend
-The vault."  So pass'd we through that mixture foul
-Of spirits and rain, with tardy steps; meanwhile
-Touching, though slightly, on the life to come.
-For thus I question'd: "Shall these tortures, Sir!
-When the great sentence passes, be increas'd,
-Or mitigated, or as now severe?"
-
-He then: "Consult thy knowledge; that decides
-That as each thing to more perfection grows,
-It feels more sensibly both good and pain.
-Though ne'er to true perfection may arrive
-This race accurs'd, yet nearer then than now
-They shall approach it."  Compassing that path
-Circuitous we journeyed, and discourse
-Much more than I relate between us pass'd:
-Till at the point, where the steps led below,
-Arriv'd, there Plutus, the great foe, we found.
-
-
-
-
-CANTO VII
-
-"AH me!  O Satan!  Satan!" loud exclaim'd
-Plutus, in accent hoarse of wild alarm:
-And the kind sage, whom no event surpris'd,
-To comfort me thus spake: "Let not thy fear
-Harm thee, for power in him, be sure, is none
-To hinder down this rock thy safe descent."
-Then to that sworn lip turning, "Peace!"  he cried,
-
-"Curs'd wolf! thy fury inward on thyself
-Prey, and consume thee!  Through the dark profound
-Not without cause he passes.  So 't is will'd
-On high, there where the great Archangel pour'd
-Heav'n's vengeance on the first adulterer proud."
-
-As sails full spread and bellying with the wind
-Drop suddenly collaps'd, if the mast split;
-So to the ground down dropp'd the cruel fiend.
-
-Thus we, descending to the fourth steep ledge,
-Gain'd on the dismal shore, that all the woe
-Hems in of all the universe.  Ah me!
-Almighty Justice! in what store thou heap'st
-New pains, new troubles, as I here beheld!
-Wherefore doth fault of ours bring us to this?
-
-E'en as a billow, on Charybdis rising,
-Against encounter'd billow dashing breaks;
-Such is the dance this wretched race must lead,
-Whom more than elsewhere numerous here I found,
-From one side and the other, with loud voice,
-Both roll'd on weights by main forge of their breasts,
-Then smote together, and each one forthwith
-Roll'd them back voluble, turning again,
-Exclaiming these, "Why holdest thou so fast?"
-Those answering, "And why castest thou away?"
-So still repeating their despiteful song,
-They to the opposite point on either hand
-Travers'd the horrid circle: then arriv'd,
-Both turn'd them round, and through the middle space
-Conflicting met again.  At sight whereof
-I, stung with grief, thus spake: "O say, my guide!
-What race is this?  Were these, whose heads are shorn,
-On our left hand, all sep'rate to the church?"
-
-He straight replied: "In their first life these all
-In mind were so distorted, that they made,
-According to due measure, of their wealth,
-No use.  This clearly from their words collect,
-Which they howl forth, at each extremity
-Arriving of the circle, where their crime
-Contrary' in kind disparts them.  To the church
-Were separate those, that with no hairy cowls
-Are crown'd, both Popes and Cardinals, o'er whom
-Av'rice dominion absolute maintains."
-
-I then: "Mid such as these some needs must be,
-Whom I shall recognize, that with the blot
-Of these foul sins were stain'd."  He answering thus:
-"Vain thought conceiv'st thou.  That ignoble life,
-Which made them vile before, now makes them dark,
-And to all knowledge indiscernible.
-Forever they shall meet in this rude shock:
-These from the tomb with clenched grasp shall rise,
-Those with close-shaven locks.  That ill they gave,
-And ill they kept, hath of the beauteous world
-Depriv'd, and set them at this strife, which needs
-No labour'd phrase of mine to set if off.
-Now may'st thou see, my son! how brief, how vain,
-The goods committed into fortune's hands,
-For which the human race keep such a coil!
-Not all the gold, that is beneath the moon,
-Or ever hath been, of these toil-worn souls
-Might purchase rest for one."  I thus rejoin'd:
-
-"My guide! of thee this also would I learn;
-This fortune, that thou speak'st of, what it is,
-Whose talons grasp the blessings of the world?"
-
-He thus: "O beings blind! what ignorance
-Besets you?  Now my judgment hear and mark.
-He, whose transcendent wisdom passes all,
-The heavens creating, gave them ruling powers
-To guide them, so that each part shines to each,
-Their light in equal distribution pour'd.
-By similar appointment he ordain'd
-Over the world's bright images to rule.
-Superintendence of a guiding hand
-And general minister, which at due time
-May change the empty vantages of life
-From race to race, from one to other's blood,
-Beyond prevention of man's wisest care:
-Wherefore one nation rises into sway,
-Another languishes, e'en as her will
-Decrees, from us conceal'd, as in the grass
-The serpent train.  Against her nought avails
-Your utmost wisdom.  She with foresight plans,
-Judges, and carries on her reign, as theirs
-The other powers divine.  Her changes know
-Nore intermission: by necessity
-She is made swift, so frequent come who claim
-Succession in her favours.  This is she,
-So execrated e'en by those, whose debt
-To her is rather praise; they wrongfully
-With blame requite her, and with evil word;
-But she is blessed, and for that recks not:
-Amidst the other primal beings glad
-Rolls on her sphere, and in her bliss exults.
-Now on our way pass we, to heavier woe
-Descending: for each star is falling now,
-That mounted at our entrance, and forbids
-Too long our tarrying."  We the circle cross'd
-To the next steep, arriving at a well,
-That boiling pours itself down to a foss
-Sluic'd from its source.  Far murkier was the wave
-Than sablest grain: and we in company
-Of the' inky waters, journeying by their side,
-Enter'd, though by a different track, beneath.
-Into a lake, the Stygian nam'd, expands
-The dismal stream, when it hath reach'd the foot
-Of the grey wither'd cliffs.  Intent I stood
-To gaze, and in the marish sunk descried
-A miry tribe, all naked, and with looks
-Betok'ning rage.  They with their hands alone
-Struck not, but with the head, the breast, the feet,
-Cutting each other piecemeal with their fangs.
-
-The good instructor spake; "Now seest thou, son!
-The souls of those, whom anger overcame.
-This too for certain know, that underneath
-The water dwells a multitude, whose sighs
-Into these bubbles make the surface heave,
-As thine eye tells thee wheresoe'er it turn."
-Fix'd in the slime they say: "Sad once were we
-In the sweet air made gladsome by the sun,
-Carrying a foul and lazy mist within:
-Now in these murky settlings are we sad."
-Such dolorous strain they gurgle in their throats.
-But word distinct can utter none."  Our route
-Thus compass'd we, a segment widely stretch'd
-Between the dry embankment, and the core
-Of the loath'd pool, turning meanwhile our eyes
-Downward on those who gulp'd its muddy lees;
-Nor stopp'd, till to a tower's low base we came.
-
-
-
-
-CANTO VIII
-
-MY theme pursuing, I relate that ere
-We reach'd the lofty turret's base, our eyes
-Its height ascended, where two cressets hung
-We mark'd, and from afar another light
-Return the signal, so remote, that scarce
-The eye could catch its beam.  I turning round
-To the deep source of knowledge, thus inquir'd:
-"Say what this means?  and what that other light
-In answer set?  what agency doth this?"
-
-"There on the filthy waters," he replied,
-"E'en now what next awaits us mayst thou see,
-If the marsh-gender'd fog conceal it not."
-
-Never was arrow from the cord dismiss'd,
-That ran its way so nimbly through the air,
-As a small bark, that through the waves I spied
-Toward us coming, under the sole sway
-Of one that ferried it, who cried aloud:
-"Art thou arriv'd, fell spirit?"--"Phlegyas, Phlegyas,
-This time thou criest in vain," my lord replied;
-"No longer shalt thou have us, but while o'er
-The slimy pool we pass."  As one who hears
-Of some great wrong he hath sustain'd, whereat
-Inly he pines; so Phlegyas inly pin'd
-In his fierce ire.  My guide descending stepp'd
-Into the skiff, and bade me enter next
-Close at his side; nor till my entrance seem'd
-The vessel freighted.  Soon as both embark'd,
-Cutting the waves, goes on the ancient prow,
-More deeply than with others it is wont.
-
-While we our course o'er the dead channel held.
-One drench'd in mire before me came, and said;
-"Who art thou, that thou comest ere thine hour?"
-
-I answer'd: "Though I come, I tarry not;
-But who art thou, that art become so foul?"
-
-"One, as thou seest, who mourn:" he straight replied.
-
-To which I thus: "In mourning and in woe,
-Curs'd spirit! tarry thou.g I know thee well,
-E'en thus in filth disguis'd."  Then stretch'd he forth
-Hands to the bark; whereof my teacher sage
-Aware, thrusting him back: "Away! down there;
-
-"To the' other dogs!" then, with his arms my neck
-Encircling, kiss'd my cheek, and spake: "O soul
-Justly disdainful! blest was she in whom
-Thou was conceiv'd!  He in the world was one
-For arrogance noted; to his memory
-No virtue lends its lustre; even so
-Here is his shadow furious.  There above
-How many now hold themselves mighty kings
-Who here like swine shall wallow in the mire,
-Leaving behind them horrible dispraise!"
-
-I then: "Master! him fain would I behold
-Whelm'd in these dregs, before we quit the lake."
-
-He thus: "Or ever to thy view the shore
-Be offer'd, satisfied shall be that wish,
-Which well deserves completion."  Scarce his words
-Were ended, when I saw the miry tribes
-Set on him with such violence, that yet
-For that render I thanks to God and praise
-"To Filippo Argenti:" cried they all:
-And on himself the moody Florentine
-Turn'd his avenging fangs.  Him here we left,
-Nor speak I of him more.  But on mine ear
-Sudden a sound of lamentation smote,
-Whereat mine eye unbarr'd I sent abroad.
-
-And thus the good instructor: "Now, my son!
-Draws near the city, that of Dis is nam'd,
-With its grave denizens, a mighty throng."
-
-I thus: "The minarets already, Sir!
-There certes in the valley I descry,
-Gleaming vermilion, as if they from fire
-Had issu'd."  He replied: "Eternal fire,
-That inward burns, shows them with ruddy flame
-Illum'd; as in this nether hell thou seest."
-
-We came within the fosses deep, that moat
-This region comfortless.  The walls appear'd
-As they were fram'd of iron.  We had made
-Wide circuit, ere a place we reach'd, where loud
-The mariner cried vehement: "Go forth!
-The' entrance is here!"  Upon the gates I spied
-More than a thousand, who of old from heaven
-Were hurl'd.  With ireful gestures, "Who is this,"
-They cried, "that without death first felt, goes through
-The regions of the dead?"  My sapient guide
-Made sign that he for secret parley wish'd;
-Whereat their angry scorn abating, thus
-They spake: "Come thou alone; and let him go
-Who hath so hardily enter'd this realm.
-Alone return he by his witless way;
-If well he know it, let him prove.  For thee,
-Here shalt thou tarry, who through clime so dark
-Hast been his escort." Now bethink thee, reader!
-What cheer was mine at sound of those curs'd words.
-I did believe I never should return.
-
-"O my lov'd guide! who more than seven times
-Security hast render'd me, and drawn
-From peril deep, whereto I stood expos'd,
-Desert me not," I cried, "in this extreme.
-And if our onward going be denied,
-Together trace we back our steps with speed."
-
-My liege, who thither had conducted me,
-Replied: "Fear not: for of our passage none
-Hath power to disappoint us, by such high
-Authority permitted.  But do thou
-Expect me here; meanwhile thy wearied spirit
-Comfort, and feed with kindly hope, assur'd
-I will not leave thee in this lower world."
-
-This said, departs the sire benevolent,
-And quits me.  Hesitating I remain
-At war 'twixt will and will not in my thoughts.
-
-I could not hear what terms he offer'd them,
-But they conferr'd not long, for all at once
-To trial fled within.  Clos'd were the gates
-By those our adversaries on the breast
-Of my liege lord: excluded he return'd
-To me with tardy steps.  Upon the ground
-His eyes were bent, and from his brow eras'd
-All confidence, while thus with sighs he spake:
-"Who hath denied me these abodes of woe?"
-Then thus to me: "That I am anger'd, think
-No ground of terror: in this trial I
-Shall vanquish, use what arts they may within
-For hindrance.  This their insolence, not new,
-Erewhile at gate less secret they display'd,
-Which still is without bolt; upon its arch
-Thou saw'st the deadly scroll: and even now
-On this side of its entrance, down the steep,
-Passing the circles, unescorted, comes
-One whose strong might can open us this land."
-
-
-
-
-CANTO IX
-
-THE hue, which coward dread on my pale cheeks
-Imprinted, when I saw my guide turn back,
-Chas'd that from his which newly they had worn,
-And inwardly restrain'd it.  He, as one
-Who listens, stood attentive: for his eye
-Not far could lead him through the sable air,
-And the thick-gath'ring cloud.  "It yet behooves
-We win this fight"--thus he began--"if not--
-Such aid to us is offer'd.--Oh, how long
-Me seems it, ere the promis'd help arrive!"
-
-I noted, how the sequel of his words
-Clok'd their beginning; for the last he spake
-Agreed not with the first.  But not the less
-My fear was at his saying; sith I drew
-To import worse perchance, than that he held,
-His mutilated speech.  "Doth ever any
-Into this rueful concave's extreme depth
-Descend, out of the first degree, whose pain
-Is deprivation merely of sweet hope?"
-
-Thus I inquiring. "Rarely," he replied,
-"It chances, that among us any makes
-This journey, which I wend.  Erewhile 'tis true
-Once came I here beneath, conjur'd by fell
-Erictho, sorceress, who compell'd the shades
-Back to their bodies.  No long space my flesh
-Was naked of me, when within these walls
-She made me enter, to draw forth a spirit
-From out of Judas' circle.  Lowest place
-Is that of all, obscurest, and remov'd
-Farthest from heav'n's all-circling orb.  The road
-Full well I know: thou therefore rest secure.
-That lake, the noisome stench exhaling, round
-The city' of grief encompasses, which now
-We may not enter without rage."  Yet more
-He added: but I hold it not in mind,
-For that mine eye toward the lofty tower
-Had drawn me wholly, to its burning top.
-Where in an instant I beheld uprisen
-At once three hellish furies stain'd with blood:
-In limb and motion feminine they seem'd;
-Around them greenest hydras twisting roll'd
-Their volumes; adders and cerastes crept
-Instead of hair, and their fierce temples bound.
-
-He knowing well the miserable hags
-Who tend the queen of endless woe, thus spake:
-
-"Mark thou each dire Erinnys. To the left
-This is Megaera; on the right hand she,
-Who wails, Alecto; and Tisiphone
-I' th' midst."  This said, in silence he remain'd
-Their breast they each one clawing tore; themselves
-Smote with their palms, and such shrill clamour rais'd,
-That to the bard I clung, suspicion-bound.
-"Hasten Medusa: so to adamant
-Him shall we change;" all looking down exclaim'd.
-"E'en when by Theseus' might assail'd, we took
-No ill revenge."  "Turn thyself round, and keep
-Thy count'nance hid; for if the Gorgon dire
-Be shown, and thou shouldst view it, thy return
-Upwards would be for ever lost."  This said,
-Himself my gentle master turn'd me round,
-Nor trusted he my hands, but with his own
-He also hid me.  Ye of intellect
-Sound and entire, mark well the lore conceal'd
-Under close texture of the mystic strain!
-
-And now there came o'er the perturbed waves
-Loud-crashing, terrible, a sound that made
-Either shore tremble, as if of a wind
-Impetuous, from conflicting vapours sprung,
-That 'gainst some forest driving all its might,
-Plucks off the branches, beats them down and hurls
-Afar; then onward passing proudly sweeps
-Its whirlwind rage, while beasts and shepherds fly.
-
-Mine eyes he loos'd, and spake: "And now direct
-Thy visual nerve along that ancient foam,
-There, thickest where the smoke ascends." As frogs
-Before their foe the serpent, through the wave
-Ply swiftly all, till at the ground each one
-Lies on a heap; more than a thousand spirits
-Destroy'd, so saw I fleeing before one
-Who pass'd with unwet feet the Stygian sound.
-He, from his face removing the gross air,
-Oft his left hand forth stretch'd, and seem'd alone
-By that annoyance wearied.  I perceiv'd
-That he was sent from heav'n, and to my guide
-Turn'd me, who signal made that I should stand
-Quiet, and bend to him. Ah me! how full
-Of noble anger seem'd he!  To the gate
-He came, and with his wand touch'd it, whereat
-Open without impediment it flew.
-
-"Outcasts of heav'n!  O abject race and scorn'd!"
-Began he on the horrid grunsel standing,
-"Whence doth this wild excess of insolence
-Lodge in you? wherefore kick you 'gainst that will
-Ne'er frustrate of its end, and which so oft
-Hath laid on you enforcement of your pangs?
-What profits at the fays to but the horn?
-Your Cerberus, if ye remember, hence
-Bears still, peel'd of their hair, his throat and maw."
-
-This said, he turn'd back o'er the filthy way,
-And syllable to us spake none, but wore
-The semblance of a man by other care
-Beset, and keenly press'd, than thought of him
-Who in his presence stands.  Then we our steps
-Toward that territory mov'd, secure
-After the hallow'd words.  We unoppos'd
-There enter'd; and my mind eager to learn
-What state a fortress like to that might hold,
-I soon as enter'd throw mine eye around,
-And see on every part wide-stretching space
-Replete with bitter pain and torment ill.
-
-As where Rhone stagnates on the plains of Arles,
-Or as at Pola, near Quarnaro's gulf,
-That closes Italy and laves her bounds,
-The place is all thick spread with sepulchres;
-So was it here, save what in horror here
-Excell'd: for 'midst the graves were scattered flames,
-Wherewith intensely all throughout they burn'd,
-That iron for no craft there hotter needs.
-
-Their lids all hung suspended, and beneath
-From them forth issu'd lamentable moans,
-Such as the sad and tortur'd well might raise.
-
-I thus: "Master! say who are these, interr'd
-Within these vaults, of whom distinct we hear
-The dolorous sighs?"  He answer thus return'd:
-
-"The arch-heretics are here, accompanied
-By every sect their followers; and much more,
-Than thou believest, tombs are freighted: like
-With like is buried; and the monuments
-Are different in degrees of heat."  This said,
-He to the right hand turning, on we pass'd
-Betwixt the afflicted and the ramparts high.
-
-
-
-
-CANTO X
-
-NOW by a secret pathway we proceed,
-Between the walls, that hem the region round,
-And the tormented souls: my master first,
-I close behind his steps.  "Virtue supreme!"
-I thus began; "who through these ample orbs
-In circuit lead'st me, even as thou will'st,
-Speak thou, and satisfy my wish.  May those,
-Who lie within these sepulchres, be seen?
-Already all the lids are rais'd, and none
-O'er them keeps watch."  He thus in answer spake
-"They shall be closed all, what-time they here
-From Josaphat return'd shall come, and bring
-Their bodies, which above they now have left.
-The cemetery on this part obtain
-With Epicurus all his followers,
-Who with the body make the spirit die.
-Here therefore satisfaction shall be soon
-Both to the question ask'd, and to the wish,
-Which thou conceal'st in silence."  I replied:
-"I keep not, guide belov'd! from thee my heart
-Secreted, but to shun vain length of words,
-A lesson erewhile taught me by thyself."
-
-"O Tuscan! thou who through the city of fire
-Alive art passing, so discreet of speech!
-Here please thee stay awhile. Thy utterance
-Declares the place of thy nativity
-To be that noble land, with which perchance
-I too severely dealt."  Sudden that sound
-Forth issu'd from a vault, whereat in fear
-I somewhat closer to my leader's side
-Approaching, he thus spake: "What dost thou?  Turn.
-Lo, Farinata, there! who hath himself
-Uplifted: from his girdle upwards all
-Expos'd behold him."  On his face was mine
-Already fix'd; his breast and forehead there
-Erecting, seem'd as in high scorn he held
-E'en hell.  Between the sepulchres to him
-My guide thrust me with fearless hands and prompt,
-This warning added: "See thy words be clear!"
-
-He, soon as there I stood at the tomb's foot,
-Ey'd me a space, then in disdainful mood
-Address'd me: "Say, what ancestors were thine?"
-
-I, willing to obey him, straight reveal'd
-The whole, nor kept back aught: whence he, his brow
-Somewhat uplifting, cried: "Fiercely were they
-Adverse to me, my party, and the blood
-From whence I sprang: twice therefore I abroad
-Scatter'd them."  "Though driv'n out, yet they each time
-From all parts," answer'd I, "return'd; an art
-Which yours have shown, they are not skill'd to learn."
-
-Then, peering forth from the unclosed jaw,
-Rose from his side a shade, high as the chin,
-Leaning, methought, upon its knees uprais'd.
-It look'd around, as eager to explore
-If there were other with me; but perceiving
-That fond imagination quench'd, with tears
-Thus spake: "If thou through this blind prison go'st.
-Led by thy lofty genius and profound,
-Where is my son? and wherefore not with thee?"
-
-I straight replied: "Not of myself I come,
-By him, who there expects me, through this clime
-Conducted, whom perchance Guido thy son
-Had in contempt."  Already had his words
-And mode of punishment read me his name,
-Whence I so fully answer'd.  He at once
-Exclaim'd, up starting, "How! said'st thou he HAD?
-No longer lives he?  Strikes not on his eye
-The blessed daylight?"  Then of some delay
-I made ere my reply aware, down fell
-Supine, not after forth appear'd he more.
-
-Meanwhile the other, great of soul, near whom
-I yet was station'd, chang'd not count'nance stern,
-Nor mov'd the neck, nor bent his ribbed side.
-"And if," continuing the first discourse,
-"They in this art," he cried, "small skill have shown,
-That doth torment me more e'en than this bed.
-But not yet fifty times shall be relum'd
-Her aspect, who reigns here Queen of this realm,
-Ere thou shalt know the full weight of that art.
-So to the pleasant world mayst thou return,
-As thou shalt tell me, why in all their laws,
-Against my kin this people is so fell?"
-
-"The slaughter and great havoc," I replied,
-"That colour'd Arbia's flood with crimson stain--
-To these impute, that in our hallow'd dome
-Such orisons ascend."  Sighing he shook
-The head, then thus resum'd: "In that affray
-I stood not singly, nor without just cause
-Assuredly should with the rest have stirr'd;
-But singly there I stood, when by consent
-Of all, Florence had to the ground been raz'd,
-The one who openly forbad the deed."
-
-"So may thy lineage find at last repose,"
-I thus adjur'd him, "as thou solve this knot,
-Which now involves my mind.  If right I hear,
-Ye seem to view beforehand, that which time
-Leads with him, of the present uninform'd."
-
-"We view, as one who hath an evil sight,"
-He answer'd, "plainly, objects far remote:
-So much of his large spendour yet imparts
-The' Almighty Ruler; but when they approach
-Or actually exist, our intellect
-Then wholly fails, nor of your human state
-Except what others bring us know we aught.
-Hence therefore mayst thou understand, that all
-Our knowledge in that instant shall expire,
-When on futurity the portals close."
-
-Then conscious of my fault, and by remorse
-Smitten, I added thus: "Now shalt thou say
-To him there fallen, that his offspring still
-Is to the living join'd; and bid him know,
-That if from answer silent I abstain'd,
-'Twas that my thought was occupied intent
-Upon that error, which thy help hath solv'd."
-
-But now my master summoning me back
-I heard, and with more eager haste besought
-The spirit to inform me, who with him
-Partook his lot.  He answer thus return'd:
-
-"More than a thousand with me here are laid
-Within is Frederick, second of that name,
-And the Lord Cardinal, and of the rest
-I speak not."  He, this said, from sight withdrew.
-But I my steps towards the ancient bard
-Reverting, ruminated on the words
-Betokening me such ill.  Onward he mov'd,
-And thus in going question'd: "Whence the' amaze
-That holds thy senses wrapt?"  I satisfied
-The' inquiry, and the sage enjoin'd me straight:
-"Let thy safe memory store what thou hast heard
-To thee importing harm; and note thou this,"
-With his rais'd finger bidding me take heed,
-
-"When thou shalt stand before her gracious beam,
-Whose bright eye all surveys, she of thy life
-The future tenour will to thee unfold."
-
-Forthwith he to the left hand turn'd his feet:
-We left the wall, and tow'rds the middle space
-Went by a path, that to a valley strikes;
-Which e'en thus high exhal'd its noisome steam.
-
-
-
-
-CANTO XI
-
-UPON the utmost verge of a high bank,
-By craggy rocks environ'd round, we came,
-Where woes beneath more cruel yet were stow'd:
-And here to shun the horrible excess
-Of fetid exhalation, upward cast
-From the profound abyss, behind the lid
-Of a great monument we stood retir'd,
-
-Whereon this scroll I mark'd: "I have in charge
-Pope Anastasius, whom Photinus drew
-From the right path.--Ere our descent behooves
-We make delay, that somewhat first the sense,
-To the dire breath accustom'd, afterward
-Regard it not."  My master thus; to whom
-Answering I spake: "Some compensation find
-That the time past not wholly lost."  He then:
-"Lo! how my thoughts e'en to thy wishes tend!
-My son! within these rocks," he thus began,
-"Are three close circles in gradation plac'd,
-As these which now thou leav'st. Each one is full
-Of spirits accurs'd; but that the sight alone
-Hereafter may suffice thee, listen how
-And for what cause in durance they abide.
-
-"Of all malicious act abhorr'd in heaven,
-The end is injury; and all such end
-Either by force or fraud works other's woe
-But fraud, because of man peculiar evil,
-To God is more displeasing; and beneath
-The fraudulent are therefore doom'd to' endure
-Severer pang.  The violent occupy
-All the first circle; and because to force
-Three persons are obnoxious, in three rounds
-Hach within other sep'rate is it fram'd.
-To God, his neighbour, and himself, by man
-Force may be offer'd; to himself I say
-And his possessions, as thou soon shalt hear
-At full.  Death, violent death, and painful wounds
-Upon his neighbour he inflicts; and wastes
-By devastation, pillage, and the flames,
-His substance.  Slayers, and each one that smites
-In malice, plund'rers, and all robbers, hence
-The torment undergo of the first round
-In different herds.  Man can do violence
-To himself and his own blessings: and for this
-He in the second round must aye deplore
-With unavailing penitence his crime,
-Whoe'er deprives himself of life and light,
-In reckless lavishment his talent wastes,
-And sorrows there where he should dwell in joy.
-To God may force be offer'd, in the heart
-Denying and blaspheming his high power,
-And nature with her kindly law contemning.
-And thence the inmost round marks with its seal
-Sodom and Cahors, and all such as speak
-Contemptuously' of the Godhead in their hearts.
-
-"Fraud, that in every conscience leaves a sting,
-May be by man employ'd on one, whose trust
-He wins, or on another who withholds
-Strict confidence.  Seems as the latter way
-Broke but the bond of love which Nature makes.
-Whence in the second circle have their nest
-Dissimulation, witchcraft, flatteries,
-Theft, falsehood, simony, all who seduce
-To lust, or set their honesty at pawn,
-With such vile scum as these.  The other way
-Forgets both Nature's general love, and that
-Which thereto added afterwards gives birth
-To special faith.  Whence in the lesser circle,
-Point of the universe, dread seat of Dis,
-The traitor is eternally consum'd."
-
-I thus: "Instructor, clearly thy discourse
-Proceeds, distinguishing the hideous chasm
-And its inhabitants with skill exact.
-But tell me this: they of the dull, fat pool,
-Whom the rain beats, or whom the tempest drives,
-Or who with tongues so fierce conflicting meet,
-Wherefore within the city fire-illum'd
-Are not these punish'd, if God's wrath be on them?
-And if it be not, wherefore in such guise
-Are they condemned?"  He answer thus return'd:
-"Wherefore in dotage wanders thus thy mind,
-Not so accustom'd? or what other thoughts
-Possess it?  Dwell not in thy memory
-The words, wherein thy ethic page describes
-Three dispositions adverse to Heav'n's will,
-Incont'nence, malice, and mad brutishness,
-And how incontinence the least offends
-God, and least guilt incurs?  If well thou note
-This judgment, and remember who they are,
-Without these walls to vain repentance doom'd,
-Thou shalt discern why they apart are plac'd
-From these fell spirits, and less wreakful pours
-Justice divine on them its vengeance down."
-
-"O Sun! who healest all imperfect sight,
-Thou so content'st me, when thou solv'st my doubt,
-That ignorance not less than knowledge charms.
-Yet somewhat turn thee back," I in these words
-Continu'd, "where thou saidst, that usury
-Offends celestial Goodness; and this knot
-Perplex'd unravel."  He thus made reply:
-"Philosophy, to an attentive ear,
-Clearly points out, not in one part alone,
-How imitative nature takes her course
-From the celestial mind and from its art:
-And where her laws the Stagyrite unfolds,
-Not many leaves scann'd o'er, observing well
-Thou shalt discover, that your art on her
-Obsequious follows, as the learner treads
-In his instructor's step, so that your art
-Deserves the name of second in descent
-From God.  These two, if thou recall to mind
-Creation's holy book, from the beginning
-Were the right source of life and excellence
-To human kind.  But in another path
-The usurer walks; and Nature in herself
-And in her follower thus he sets at nought,
-Placing elsewhere his hope.  But follow now
-My steps on forward journey bent; for now
-The Pisces play with undulating glance
-Along the' horizon, and the Wain lies all
-O'er the north-west; and onward there a space
-Is our steep passage down the rocky height."
-
-
-
-
-CANTO XII
-
-THE place where to descend the precipice
-We came, was rough as Alp, and on its verge
-Such object lay, as every eye would shun.
-
-As is that ruin, which Adice's stream
-On this side Trento struck, should'ring the wave,
-Or loos'd by earthquake or for lack of prop;
-For from the mountain's summit, whence it mov'd
-To the low level, so the headlong rock
-Is shiver'd, that some passage it might give
-To him who from above would pass; e'en such
-Into the chasm was that descent: and there
-At point of the disparted ridge lay stretch'd
-The infamy of Crete, detested brood
-Of the feign'd heifer: and at sight of us
-It gnaw'd itself, as one with rage distract.
-
-To him my guide exclaim'd: "Perchance thou deem'st
-The King of Athens here, who, in the world
-Above, thy death contriv'd.  Monster! avaunt!
-He comes not tutor'd by thy sister's art,
-But to behold your torments is he come."
-
-Like to a bull, that with impetuous spring
-Darts, at the moment when the fatal blow
-Hath struck him, but unable to proceed
-Plunges on either side; so saw I plunge
-The Minotaur; whereat the sage exclaim'd:
-"Run to the passage! while he storms, 't is well
-That thou descend."  Thus down our road we took
-Through those dilapidated crags, that oft
-Mov'd underneath my feet, to weight like theirs
-Unus'd.  I pond'ring went, and thus he spake:
-
-"Perhaps thy thoughts are of this ruin'd steep,
-Guarded by the brute violence, which I
-Have vanquish'd now. Know then, that when I erst
-Hither descended to the nether hell,
-This rock was not yet fallen.  But past doubt
-(If well I mark) not long ere He arrived,
-Who carried off from Dis the mighty spoil
-Of the highest circle, then through all its bounds
-Such trembling seiz'd the deep concave and foul,
-I thought the universe was thrill'd with love,
-Whereby, there are who deem, the world hath oft
-Been into chaos turn'd: and in that point,
-Here, and elsewhere, that old rock toppled down.
-But fix thine eyes beneath: the river of blood
-Approaches, in the which all those are steep'd,
-Who have by violence injur'd."  O blind lust!
-O foolish wrath! who so dost goad us on
-In the brief life, and in the eternal then
-Thus miserably o'erwhelm us.  I beheld
-An ample foss, that in a bow was bent,
-As circling all the plain; for so my guide
-Had told.  Between it and the rampart's base
-On trail ran Centaurs, with keen arrows arm'd,
-As to the chase they on the earth were wont.
-
-At seeing us descend they each one stood;
-And issuing from the troop, three sped with bows
-And missile weapons chosen first; of whom
-One cried from far: "Say to what pain ye come
-Condemn'd, who down this steep have journied?  Speak
-From whence ye stand, or else the bow I draw."
-
-To whom my guide: "Our answer shall be made
-To Chiron, there, when nearer him we come.
-Ill was thy mind, thus ever quick and rash."
-
-Then me he touch'd, and spake: "Nessus is this,
-Who for the fair Deianira died,
-And wrought himself revenge for his own fate.
-He in the midst, that on his breast looks down,
-Is the great Chiron who Achilles nurs'd;
-That other Pholus, prone to wrath."  Around
-The foss these go by thousands, aiming shafts
-At whatsoever spirit dares emerge
-From out the blood, more than his guilt allows.
-
-We to those beasts, that rapid strode along,
-Drew near, when Chiron took an arrow forth,
-And with the notch push'd back his shaggy beard
-To the cheek-bone, then his great mouth to view
-Exposing, to his fellows thus exclaim'd:
-"Are ye aware, that he who comes behind
-Moves what he touches?  The feet of the dead
-Are not so wont."  My trusty guide, who now
-Stood near his breast, where the two natures join,
-Thus made reply: "He is indeed alive,
-And solitary so must needs by me
-Be shown the gloomy vale, thereto induc'd
-By strict necessity, not by delight.
-She left her joyful harpings in the sky,
-Who this new office to my care consign'd.
-He is no robber, no dark spirit I.
-But by that virtue, which empowers my step
-To treat so wild a path, grant us, I pray,
-One of thy band, whom we may trust secure,
-Who to the ford may lead us, and convey
-Across, him mounted on his back; for he
-Is not a spirit that may walk the air."
-
-Then on his right breast turning, Chiron thus
-To Nessus spake: "Return, and be their guide.
-And if ye chance to cross another troop,
-Command them keep aloof."  Onward we mov'd,
-The faithful escort by our side, along
-The border of the crimson-seething flood,
-Whence from those steep'd within loud shrieks arose.
-
-Some there I mark'd, as high as to their brow
-Immers'd, of whom the mighty Centaur thus:
-"These are the souls of tyrants, who were given
-To blood and rapine.  Here they wail aloud
-Their merciless wrongs.  Here Alexander dwells,
-And Dionysius fell, who many a year
-Of woe wrought for fair Sicily.  That brow
-Whereon the hair so jetty clust'ring hangs,
-Is Azzolino; that with flaxen locks
-Obizzo' of Este, in the world destroy'd
-By his foul step-son."  To the bard rever'd
-I turned me round, and thus he spake; "Let him
-Be to thee now first leader, me but next
-To him in rank."  Then farther on a space
-The Centaur paus'd, near some, who at the throat
-Were extant from the wave; and showing us
-A spirit by itself apart retir'd,
-Exclaim'd: "He in God's bosom smote the heart,
-Which yet is honour'd on the bank of Thames."
-
-A race I next espied, who held the head,
-And even all the bust above the stream.
-'Midst these I many a face remember'd well.
-Thus shallow more and more the blood became,
-So that at last it but imbru'd the feet;
-And there our passage lay athwart the foss.
-
-"As ever on this side the boiling wave
-Thou seest diminishing," the Centaur said,
-"So on the other, be thou well assur'd,
-It lower still and lower sinks its bed,
-Till in that part it reuniting join,
-Where 't is the lot of tyranny to mourn.
-There Heav'n's stern justice lays chastising hand
-On Attila, who was the scourge of earth,
-On Sextus, and on Pyrrhus, and extracts
-Tears ever by the seething flood unlock'd
-From the Rinieri, of Corneto this,
-Pazzo the other nam'd, who fill'd the ways
-With violence and war."  This said, he turn'd,
-And quitting us, alone repass'd the ford.
-
-
-
-
-CANTO XIII
-
-ERE Nessus yet had reach'd the other bank,
-We enter'd on a forest, where no track
-Of steps had worn a way.  Not verdant there
-The foliage, but of dusky hue; not light
-The boughs and tapering, but with knares deform'd
-And matted thick: fruits there were none, but thorns
-Instead, with venom fill'd. Less sharp than these,
-Less intricate the brakes, wherein abide
-Those animals, that hate the cultur'd fields,
-Betwixt Corneto and Cecina's stream.
-
-Here the brute Harpies make their nest, the same
-Who from the Strophades the Trojan band
-Drove with dire boding of their future woe.
-Broad are their pennons, of the human form
-Their neck and count'nance, arm'd with talons keen
-The feet, and the huge belly fledge with wings
-These sit and wail on the drear mystic wood.
-
-The kind instructor in these words began:
-"Ere farther thou proceed, know thou art now
-I' th' second round, and shalt be, till thou come
-Upon the horrid sand: look therefore well
-Around thee, and such things thou shalt behold,
-As would my speech discredit."  On all sides
-I heard sad plainings breathe, and none could see
-From whom they might have issu'd.  In amaze
-Fast bound I stood.  He, as it seem'd, believ'd,
-That I had thought so many voices came
-From some amid those thickets close conceal'd,
-And thus his speech resum'd: "If thou lop off
-A single twig from one of those ill plants,
-The thought thou hast conceiv'd shall vanish quite."
-
-Thereat a little stretching forth my hand,
-From a great wilding gather'd I a branch,
-And straight the trunk exclaim'd: "Why pluck'st thou me?"
-
-Then as the dark blood trickled down its side,
-These words it added: "Wherefore tear'st me thus?
-Is there no touch of mercy in thy breast?
-Men once were we, that now are rooted here.
-Thy hand might well have spar'd us, had we been
-The souls of serpents."  As a brand yet green,
-That burning at one end from the' other sends
-A groaning sound, and hisses with the wind
-That forces out its way, so burst at once,
-Forth from the broken splinter words and blood.
-
-I, letting fall the bough, remain'd as one
-Assail'd by terror, and the sage replied:
-"If he, O injur'd spirit! could have believ'd
-What he hath seen but in my verse describ'd,
-He never against thee had stretch'd his hand.
-But I, because the thing surpass'd belief,
-Prompted him to this deed, which even now
-Myself I rue.  But tell me, who thou wast;
-That, for this wrong to do thee some amends,
-In the upper world (for thither to return
-Is granted him) thy fame he may revive."
-
-"That pleasant word of thine," the trunk replied
-"Hath so inveigled me, that I from speech
-Cannot refrain, wherein if I indulge
-A little longer, in the snare detain'd,
-Count it not grievous.  I it was, who held
-Both keys to Frederick's heart, and turn'd the wards,
-Opening and shutting, with a skill so sweet,
-That besides me, into his inmost breast
-Scarce any other could admittance find.
-The faith I bore to my high charge was such,
-It cost me the life-blood that warm'd my veins.
-The harlot, who ne'er turn'd her gloating eyes
-From Caesar's household, common vice and pest
-Of courts, 'gainst me inflam'd the minds of all;
-And to Augustus they so spread the flame,
-That my glad honours chang'd to bitter woes.
-My soul, disdainful and disgusted, sought
-Refuge in death from scorn, and I became,
-Just as I was, unjust toward myself.
-By the new roots, which fix this stem, I swear,
-That never faith I broke to my liege lord,
-Who merited such honour; and of you,
-If any to the world indeed return,
-Clear he from wrong my memory, that lies
-Yet prostrate under envy's cruel blow."
-
-First somewhat pausing, till the mournful words
-Were ended, then to me the bard began:
-"Lose not the time; but speak and of him ask,
-If more thou wish to learn."  Whence I replied:
-"Question thou him again of whatsoe'er
-Will, as thou think'st, content me; for no power
-Have I to ask, such pity' is at my heart."
-
-He thus resum'd; "So may he do for thee
-Freely what thou entreatest, as thou yet
-Be pleas'd, imprison'd Spirit! to declare,
-How in these gnarled joints the soul is tied;
-And whether any ever from such frame
-Be loosen'd, if thou canst, that also tell."
-
-Thereat the trunk breath'd hard, and the wind soon
-Chang'd into sounds articulate like these;
-
-"Briefly ye shall be answer'd.  When departs
-The fierce soul from the body, by itself
-Thence torn asunder, to the seventh gulf
-By Minos doom'd, into the wood it falls,
-No place assign'd, but wheresoever chance
-Hurls it, there sprouting, as a grain of spelt,
-It rises to a sapling, growing thence
-A savage plant.  The Harpies, on its leaves
-Then feeding, cause both pain and for the pain
-A vent to grief.  We, as the rest, shall come
-For our own spoils, yet not so that with them
-We may again be clad; for what a man
-Takes from himself it is not just he have.
-Here we perforce shall drag them; and throughout
-The dismal glade our bodies shall be hung,
-Each on the wild thorn of his wretched shade."
-
-Attentive yet to listen to the trunk
-We stood, expecting farther speech, when us
-A noise surpris'd, as when a man perceives
-The wild boar and the hunt approach his place
-Of station'd watch, who of the beasts and boughs
-Loud rustling round him hears.  And lo! there came
-Two naked, torn with briers, in headlong flight,
-That they before them broke each fan o' th' wood.
-"Haste now," the foremost cried, "now haste thee death!"
-
-The' other, as seem'd, impatient of delay
-Exclaiming, "Lano! not so bent for speed
-Thy sinews, in the lists of Toppo's field."
-And then, for that perchance no longer breath
-Suffic'd him, of himself and of a bush
-One group he made.  Behind them was the wood
-Full of black female mastiffs, gaunt and fleet,
-As greyhounds that have newly slipp'd the leash.
-On him, who squatted down, they stuck their fangs,
-And having rent him piecemeal bore away
-The tortur'd limbs.  My guide then seiz'd my hand,
-And led me to the thicket, which in vain
-Mourn'd through its bleeding wounds: "O Giacomo
-Of Sant' Andrea! what avails it thee,"
-It cried, "that of me thou hast made thy screen?
-For thy ill life what blame on me recoils?"
-
-When o'er it he had paus'd, my master spake:
-"Say who wast thou, that at so many points
-Breath'st out with blood thy lamentable speech?"
-
-He answer'd: "Oh, ye spirits: arriv'd in time
-To spy the shameful havoc, that from me
-My leaves hath sever'd thus, gather them up,
-And at the foot of their sad parent-tree
-Carefully lay them.  In that city' I dwelt,
-Who for the Baptist her first patron chang'd,
-Whence he for this shall cease not with his art
-To work her woe: and if there still remain'd not
-On Arno's passage some faint glimpse of him,
-Those citizens, who rear'd once more her walls
-Upon the ashes left by Attila,
-Had labour'd without profit of their toil.
-I slung the fatal noose from my own roof."
-
-
-
-
-CANTO XIV
-
-SOON as the charity of native land
-Wrought in my bosom, I the scatter'd leaves
-Collected, and to him restor'd, who now
-Was hoarse with utt'rance.  To the limit thence
-We came, which from the third the second round
-Divides, and where of justice is display'd
-Contrivance horrible.  Things then first seen
-Clearlier to manifest, I tell how next
-A plain we reach'd, that from its sterile bed
-Each plant repell'd. The mournful wood waves round
-Its garland on all sides, as round the wood
-Spreads the sad foss.  There, on the very edge,
-Our steps we stay'd.  It was an area wide
-Of arid sand and thick, resembling most
-The soil that erst by Cato's foot was trod.
-
-Vengeance of Heav'n!  Oh! how shouldst thou be fear'd
-By all, who read what here my eyes beheld!
-
-Of naked spirits many a flock I saw,
-All weeping piteously, to different laws
-Subjected: for on the' earth some lay supine,
-Some crouching close were seated, others pac'd
-Incessantly around; the latter tribe,
-More numerous, those fewer who beneath
-The torment lay, but louder in their grief.
-
-O'er all the sand fell slowly wafting down
-Dilated flakes of fire, as flakes of snow
-On Alpine summit, when the wind is hush'd.
-As in the torrid Indian clime, the son
-Of Ammon saw upon his warrior band
-Descending, solid flames, that to the ground
-Came down: whence he bethought him with his troop
-To trample on the soil; for easier thus
-The vapour was extinguish'd, while alone;
-So fell the eternal fiery flood, wherewith
-The marble glow'd underneath, as under stove
-The viands, doubly to augment the pain.
-
-Unceasing was the play of wretched hands,
-Now this, now that way glancing, to shake off
-The heat, still falling fresh.  I thus began:
-"Instructor! thou who all things overcom'st,
-Except the hardy demons, that rush'd forth
-To stop our entrance at the gate, say who
-Is yon huge spirit, that, as seems, heeds not
-The burning, but lies writhen in proud scorn,
-As by the sultry tempest immatur'd?"
-
-Straight he himself, who was aware I ask'd
-My guide of him, exclaim'd: "Such as I was
-When living, dead such now I am.  If Jove
-Weary his workman out, from whom in ire
-He snatch'd the lightnings, that at my last day
-Transfix'd me, if the rest be weary out
-At their black smithy labouring by turns
-In Mongibello, while he cries aloud;
-"Help, help, good Mulciber!" as erst he cried
-In the Phlegraean warfare, and the bolts
-Launch he full aim'd at me with all his might,
-He never should enjoy a sweet revenge."
-
-Then thus my guide, in accent higher rais'd
-Than I before had heard him: "Capaneus!
-Thou art more punish'd, in that this thy pride
-Lives yet unquench'd: no torrent, save thy rage,
-Were to thy fury pain proportion'd full."
-
-Next turning round to me with milder lip
-He spake: "This of the seven kings was one,
-Who girt the Theban walls with siege, and held,
-As still he seems to hold, God in disdain,
-And sets his high omnipotence at nought.
-But, as I told him, his despiteful mood
-Is ornament well suits the breast that wears it.
-Follow me now; and look thou set not yet
-Thy foot in the hot sand, but to the wood
-Keep ever close."  Silently on we pass'd
-To where there gushes from the forest's bound
-A little brook, whose crimson'd wave yet lifts
-My hair with horror.  As the rill, that runs
-From Bulicame, to be portion'd out
-Among the sinful women; so ran this
-Down through the sand, its bottom and each bank
-Stone-built, and either margin at its side,
-Whereon I straight perceiv'd our passage lay.
-
-"Of all that I have shown thee, since that gate
-We enter'd first, whose threshold is to none
-Denied, nought else so worthy of regard,
-As is this river, has thine eye discern'd,
-O'er which the flaming volley all is quench'd."
-
-So spake my guide; and I him thence besought,
-That having giv'n me appetite to know,
-The food he too would give, that hunger crav'd.
-
-"In midst of ocean," forthwith he began,
-"A desolate country lies, which Crete is nam'd,
-Under whose monarch in old times the world
-Liv'd pure and chaste.  A mountain rises there,
-Call'd Ida, joyous once with leaves and streams,
-Deserted now like a forbidden thing.
-It was the spot which Rhea, Saturn's spouse,
-Chose for the secret cradle of her son;
-And better to conceal him, drown'd in shouts
-His infant cries.  Within the mount, upright
-An ancient form there stands and huge, that turns
-His shoulders towards Damiata, and at Rome
-As in his mirror looks.  Of finest gold
-His head is shap'd, pure silver are the breast
-And arms; thence to the middle is of brass.
-And downward all beneath well-temper'd steel,
-Save the right foot of potter's clay, on which
-Than on the other more erect he stands,
-Each part except the gold, is rent throughout;
-And from the fissure tears distil, which join'd
-Penetrate to that cave.  They in their course
-Thus far precipitated down the rock
-Form Acheron, and Styx, and Phlegethon;
-Then by this straiten'd channel passing hence
-Beneath, e'en to the lowest depth of all,
-Form there Cocytus, of whose lake (thyself
-Shall see it) I here give thee no account."
-
-Then I to him: "If from our world this sluice
-Be thus deriv'd; wherefore to us but now
-Appears it at this edge?"  He straight replied:
-"The place, thou know'st, is round; and though great part
-Thou have already pass'd, still to the left
-Descending to the nethermost, not yet
-Hast thou the circuit made of the whole orb.
-Wherefore if aught of new to us appear,
-It needs not bring up wonder in thy looks."
-
-Then I again inquir'd: "Where flow the streams
-Of Phlegethon and Lethe? for of one
-Thou tell'st not, and the other of that shower,
-Thou say'st, is form'd."  He answer thus return'd:
-"Doubtless thy questions all well pleas'd I hear.
-Yet the red seething wave might have resolv'd
-One thou proposest.  Lethe thou shalt see,
-But not within this hollow, in the place,
-Whither to lave themselves the spirits go,
-Whose blame hath been by penitence remov'd."
-He added: "Time is now we quit the wood.
-Look thou my steps pursue: the margins give
-Safe passage, unimpeded by the flames;
-For over them all vapour is extinct."
-
-
-
-
-CANTO XV
-
-One of the solid margins bears us now
-Envelop'd in the mist, that from the stream
-Arising, hovers o'er, and saves from fire
-Both piers and water.  As the Flemings rear
-Their mound, 'twixt Ghent and Bruges, to chase back
-The ocean, fearing his tumultuous tide
-That drives toward them, or the Paduans theirs
-Along the Brenta, to defend their towns
-And castles, ere the genial warmth be felt
-On Chiarentana's top; such were the mounds,
-So fram'd, though not in height or bulk to these
-Made equal, by the master, whosoe'er
-He was, that rais'd them here.  We from the wood
-Were not so far remov'd, that turning round
-I might not have discern'd it, when we met
-A troop of spirits, who came beside the pier.
-
-They each one ey'd us, as at eventide
-One eyes another under a new moon,
-And toward us sharpen'd their sight as keen,
-As an old tailor at his needle's eye.
-
-Thus narrowly explor'd by all the tribe,
-I was agniz'd of one, who by the skirt
-Caught me, and cried, "What wonder have we here!"
-
-And I, when he to me outstretch'd his arm,
-Intently fix'd my ken on his parch'd looks,
-That although smirch'd with fire, they hinder'd not
-But I remember'd him; and towards his face
-My hand inclining, answer'd: "Sir!  Brunetto!
-
-"And art thou here?"  He thus to me: "My son!
-Oh let it not displease thee, if Brunetto
-Latini but a little space with thee
-Turn back, and leave his fellows to proceed."
-
-I thus to him replied: "Much as I can,
-I thereto pray thee; and if thou be willing,
-That I here seat me with thee, I consent;
-His leave, with whom I journey, first obtain'd."
-
-"O son!" said he, "whoever of this throng
-One instant stops, lies then a hundred years,
-No fan to ventilate him, when the fire
-Smites sorest.  Pass thou therefore on.  I close
-Will at thy garments walk, and then rejoin
-My troop, who go mourning their endless doom."
-
-I dar'd not from the path descend to tread
-On equal ground with him, but held my head
-Bent down, as one who walks in reverent guise.
-
-"What chance or destiny," thus he began,
-"Ere the last day conducts thee here below?
-And who is this, that shows to thee the way?"
-
-"There up aloft," I answer'd, "in the life
-Serene, I wander'd in a valley lost,
-Before mine age had to its fullness reach'd.
-But yester-morn I left it: then once more
-Into that vale returning, him I met;
-And by this path homeward he leads me back."
-
-"If thou," he answer'd, "follow but thy star,
-Thou canst not miss at last a glorious haven:
-Unless in fairer days my judgment err'd.
-And if my fate so early had not chanc'd,
-Seeing the heav'ns thus bounteous to thee, I
-Had gladly giv'n thee comfort in thy work.
-But that ungrateful and malignant race,
-Who in old times came down from Fesole,
-Ay and still smack of their rough mountain-flint,
-Will for thy good deeds shew thee enmity.
-Nor wonder; for amongst ill-savour'd crabs
-It suits not the sweet fig-tree lay her fruit.
-Old fame reports them in the world for blind,
-Covetous, envious, proud.  Look to it well:
-Take heed thou cleanse thee of their ways.  For thee
-Thy fortune hath such honour in reserve,
-That thou by either party shalt be crav'd
-With hunger keen: but be the fresh herb far
-From the goat's tooth.  The herd of Fesole
-May of themselves make litter, not touch the plant,
-If any such yet spring on their rank bed,
-In which the holy seed revives, transmitted
-From those true Romans, who still there remain'd,
-When it was made the nest of so much ill."
-
-"Were all my wish fulfill'd," I straight replied,
-"Thou from the confines of man's nature yet
-Hadst not been driven forth; for in my mind
-Is fix'd, and now strikes full upon my heart
-The dear, benign, paternal image, such
-As thine was, when so lately thou didst teach me
-The way for man to win eternity;
-And how I priz'd the lesson, it behooves,
-That, long as life endures, my tongue should speak,
-What of my fate thou tell'st, that write I down:
-And with another text to comment on
-For her I keep it, the celestial dame,
-Who will know all, if I to her arrive.
-This only would I have thee clearly note:
-That so my conscience have no plea against me;
-Do fortune as she list, I stand prepar'd.
-Not new or strange such earnest to mine ear.
-Speed fortune then her wheel, as likes her best,
-The clown his mattock; all things have their course."
-
-Thereat my sapient guide upon his right
-Turn'd himself back, then look'd at me and spake:
-"He listens to good purpose who takes note."
-
-I not the less still on my way proceed,
-Discoursing with Brunetto, and inquire
-Who are most known and chief among his tribe.
-
-"To know of some is well;" thus he replied,
-"But of the rest silence may best beseem.
-Time would not serve us for report so long.
-In brief I tell thee, that all these were clerks,
-Men of great learning and no less renown,
-By one same sin polluted in the world.
-With them is Priscian, and Accorso's son
-Francesco herds among that wretched throng:
-And, if the wish of so impure a blotch
-Possess'd thee, him thou also might'st have seen,
-Who by the servants' servant was transferr'd
-From Arno's seat to Bacchiglione, where
-His ill-strain'd nerves he left.  I more would add,
-But must from farther speech and onward way
-Alike desist, for yonder I behold
-A mist new-risen on the sandy plain.
-A company, with whom I may not sort,
-Approaches.  I commend my TREASURE to thee,
-Wherein I yet survive; my sole request."
-
-This said he turn'd, and seem'd as one of those,
-Who o'er Verona's champain try their speed
-For the green mantle, and of them he seem'd,
-Not he who loses but who gains the prize.
-
-
-
-
-CANTO XVI
-
-NOW came I where the water's din was heard,
-As down it fell into the other round,
-Resounding like the hum of swarming bees:
-When forth together issu'd from a troop,
-That pass'd beneath the fierce tormenting storm,
-Three spirits, running swift.  They towards us came,
-And each one cried aloud, "Oh do thou stay!
-Whom by the fashion of thy garb we deem
-To be some inmate of our evil land."
-
-Ah me! what wounds I mark'd upon their limbs,
-Recent and old, inflicted by the flames!
-E'en the remembrance of them grieves me yet.
-
-Attentive to their cry my teacher paus'd,
-And turn'd to me his visage, and then spake;
-"Wait now! our courtesy these merit well:
-And were 't not for the nature of the place,
-Whence glide the fiery darts, I should have said,
-That haste had better suited thee than them."
-
-They, when we stopp'd, resum'd their ancient wail,
-And soon as they had reach'd us, all the three
-Whirl'd round together in one restless wheel.
-As naked champions, smear'd with slippery oil,
-Are wont intent to watch their place of hold
-And vantage, ere in closer strife they meet;
-Thus each one, as he wheel'd, his countenance
-At me directed, so that opposite
-The neck mov'd ever to the twinkling feet.
-
-"If misery of this drear wilderness,"
-Thus one began, "added to our sad cheer
-And destitute, do call forth scorn on us
-And our entreaties, let our great renown
-Incline thee to inform us who thou art,
-That dost imprint with living feet unharm'd
-The soil of Hell.  He, in whose track thou see'st
-My steps pursuing, naked though he be
-And reft of all, was of more high estate
-Than thou believest; grandchild of the chaste
-Gualdrada, him they Guidoguerra call'd,
-Who in his lifetime many a noble act
-Achiev'd, both by his wisdom and his sword.
-The other, next to me that beats the sand,
-Is Aldobrandi, name deserving well,
-In the' upper world, of honour; and myself
-Who in this torment do partake with them,
-Am Rusticucci, whom, past doubt, my wife
-Of savage temper, more than aught beside
-Hath to this evil brought."  If from the fire
-I had been shelter'd, down amidst them straight
-I then had cast me, nor my guide, I deem,
-Would have restrain'd my going; but that fear
-Of the dire burning vanquish'd the desire,
-Which made me eager of their wish'd embrace.
-
-I then began: "Not scorn, but grief much more,
-Such as long time alone can cure, your doom
-Fix'd deep within me, soon as this my lord
-Spake words, whose tenour taught me to expect
-That such a race, as ye are, was at hand.
-I am a countryman of yours, who still
-Affectionate have utter'd, and have heard
-Your deeds and names renown'd.  Leaving the gall
-For the sweet fruit I go, that a sure guide
-Hath promis'd to me.  But behooves, that far
-As to the centre first I downward tend."
-
-"So may long space thy spirit guide thy limbs,"
-He answer straight return'd; "and so thy fame
-Shine bright, when thou art gone; as thou shalt tell,
-If courtesy and valour, as they wont,
-Dwell in our city, or have vanish'd clean?
-For one amidst us late condemn'd to wail,
-Borsiere, yonder walking with his peers,
-Grieves us no little by the news he brings."
-
-"An upstart multitude and sudden gains,
-Pride and excess, O Florence! have in thee
-Engender'd, so that now in tears thou mourn'st!"
-Thus cried I with my face uprais'd, and they
-All three, who for an answer took my words,
-Look'd at each other, as men look when truth
-Comes to their ear.  "If thou at other times,"
-They all at once rejoin'd, "so easily
-Satisfy those, who question, happy thou,
-Gifted with words, so apt to speak thy thought!
-Wherefore if thou escape this darksome clime,
-Returning to behold the radiant stars,
-When thou with pleasure shalt retrace the past,
-See that of us thou speak among mankind."
-
-This said, they broke the circle, and so swift
-Fled, that as pinions seem'd their nimble feet.
-
-Not in so short a time might one have said
-"Amen," as they had vanish'd. Straight my guide
-Pursu'd his track.  I follow'd; and small space
-Had we pass'd onward, when the water's sound
-Was now so near at hand, that we had scarce
-Heard one another's speech for the loud din.
-
-E'en as the river, that holds on its course
-Unmingled, from the mount of Vesulo,
-On the left side of Apennine, toward
-The east, which Acquacheta higher up
-They call, ere it descend into the vale,
-At Forli by that name no longer known,
-Rebellows o'er Saint Benedict, roll'd on
-From the' Alpine summit down a precipice,
-Where space enough to lodge a thousand spreads;
-Thus downward from a craggy steep we found,
-That this dark wave resounded, roaring loud,
-So that the ear its clamour soon had stunn'd.
-
-I had a cord that brac'd my girdle round,
-Wherewith I erst had thought fast bound to take
-The painted leopard.  This when I had all
-Unloosen'd from me (so my master bade)
-I gather'd up, and stretch'd it forth to him.
-Then to the right he turn'd, and from the brink
-Standing few paces distant, cast it down
-Into the deep abyss.  "And somewhat strange,"
-Thus to myself I spake, "signal so strange
-Betokens, which my guide with earnest eye
-Thus follows."  Ah! what caution must men use
-With those who look not at the deed alone,
-But spy into the thoughts with subtle skill!
-
-"Quickly shall come," he said, "what I expect,
-Thine eye discover quickly, that whereof
-Thy thought is dreaming."  Ever to that truth,
-Which but the semblance of a falsehood wears,
-A man, if possible, should bar his lip;
-Since, although blameless, he incurs reproach.
-But silence here were vain; and by these notes
-Which now I sing, reader!  I swear to thee,
-So may they favour find to latest times!
-That through the gross and murky air I spied
-A shape come swimming up, that might have quell'd
-The stoutest heart with wonder, in such guise
-As one returns, who hath been down to loose
-An anchor grappled fast against some rock,
-Or to aught else that in the salt wave lies,
-Who upward springing close draws in his feet.
-
-
-
-
-CANTO XVII
-
-"LO! the fell monster with the deadly sting!
-Who passes mountains, breaks through fenced walls
-And firm embattled spears, and with his filth
-Taints all the world!"  Thus me my guide address'd,
-And beckon'd him, that he should come to shore,
-Near to the stony causeway's utmost edge.
-
-Forthwith that image vile of fraud appear'd,
-His head and upper part expos'd on land,
-But laid not on the shore his bestial train.
-His face the semblance of a just man's wore,
-So kind and gracious was its outward cheer;
-The rest was serpent all: two shaggy claws
-Reach'd to the armpits, and the back and breast,
-And either side, were painted o'er with nodes
-And orbits.  Colours variegated more
-Nor Turks nor Tartars e'er on cloth of state
-With interchangeable embroidery wove,
-Nor spread Arachne o'er her curious loom.
-As ofttimes a light skiff, moor'd to the shore,
-Stands part in water, part upon the land;
-Or, as where dwells the greedy German boor,
-The beaver settles watching for his prey;
-So on the rim, that fenc'd the sand with rock,
-Sat perch'd the fiend of evil.  In the void
-Glancing, his tail upturn'd its venomous fork,
-With sting like scorpion's arm'd.  Then thus my guide:
-"Now need our way must turn few steps apart,
-Far as to that ill beast, who couches there."
-
-Thereat toward the right our downward course
-We shap'd, and, better to escape the flame
-And burning marle, ten paces on the verge
-Proceeded.  Soon as we to him arrive,
-A little further on mine eye beholds
-A tribe of spirits, seated on the sand
-Near the wide chasm.  Forthwith my master spake:
-"That to the full thy knowledge may extend
-Of all this round contains, go now, and mark
-The mien these wear: but hold not long discourse.
-Till thou returnest, I with him meantime
-Will parley, that to us he may vouchsafe
-The aid of his strong shoulders."  Thus alone
-Yet forward on the' extremity I pac'd
-Of that seventh circle, where the mournful tribe
-Were seated.  At the eyes forth gush'd their pangs.
-Against the vapours and the torrid soil
-Alternately their shifting hands they plied.
-Thus use the dogs in summer still to ply
-Their jaws and feet by turns, when bitten sore
-By gnats, or flies, or gadflies swarming round.
-
-Noting the visages of some, who lay
-Beneath the pelting of that dolorous fire,
-One of them all I knew not; but perceiv'd,
-That pendent from his neck each bore a pouch
-With colours and with emblems various mark'd,
-On which it seem'd as if their eye did feed.
-
-And when amongst them looking round I came,
-A yellow purse I saw with azure wrought,
-That wore a lion's countenance and port.
-Then still my sight pursuing its career,
-Another I beheld, than blood more red.
-A goose display of whiter wing than curd.
-And one, who bore a fat and azure swine
-Pictur'd on his white scrip, addressed me thus:
-"What dost thou in this deep?  Go now and know,
-Since yet thou livest, that my neighbour here
-Vitaliano on my left shall sit.
-A Paduan with these Florentines am I.
-Ofttimes they thunder in mine ears, exclaiming
-'O haste that noble knight! he who the pouch
-With the three beaks will bring!'"  This said, he writh'd
-The mouth, and loll'd the tongue out, like an ox
-That licks his nostrils.  I, lest longer stay
-He ill might brook, who bade me stay not long,
-Backward my steps from those sad spirits turn'd.
-
-My guide already seated on the haunch
-Of the fierce animal I found; and thus
-He me encourag'd.  "Be thou stout; be bold.
-Down such a steep flight must we now descend!
-Mount thou before: for that no power the tail
-May have to harm thee, I will be i' th' midst."
-
-As one, who hath an ague fit so near,
-His nails already are turn'd blue, and he
-Quivers all o'er, if he but eye the shade;
-Such was my cheer at hearing of his words.
-But shame soon interpos'd her threat, who makes
-The servant bold in presence of his lord.
-
-I settled me upon those shoulders huge,
-And would have said, but that the words to aid
-My purpose came not, "Look thou clasp me firm!"
-
-But he whose succour then not first I prov'd,
-Soon as I mounted, in his arms aloft,
-Embracing, held me up, and thus he spake:
-"Geryon! now move thee! be thy wheeling gyres
-Of ample circuit, easy thy descent.
-Think on th' unusual burden thou sustain'st."
-
-As a small vessel, back'ning out from land,
-Her station quits; so thence the monster loos'd,
-And when he felt himself at large, turn'd round
-There where the breast had been, his forked tail.
-Thus, like an eel, outstretch'd at length he steer'd,
-Gath'ring the air up with retractile claws.
-
-Not greater was the dread when Phaeton
-The reins let drop at random, whence high heaven,
-Whereof signs yet appear, was wrapt in flames;
-Nor when ill-fated Icarus perceiv'd,
-By liquefaction of the scalded wax,
-The trusted pennons loosen'd from his loins,
-His sire exclaiming loud, "Ill way thou keep'st!"
-Than was my dread, when round me on each part
-The air I view'd, and other object none
-Save the fell beast.  He slowly sailing, wheels
-His downward motion, unobserv'd of me,
-But that the wind, arising to my face,
-Breathes on me from below.  Now on our right
-I heard the cataract beneath us leap
-With hideous crash; whence bending down to' explore,
-New terror I conceiv'd at the steep plunge:
-
-For flames I saw, and wailings smote mine ear:
-So that all trembling close I crouch'd my limbs,
-And then distinguish'd, unperceiv'd before,
-By the dread torments that on every side
-Drew nearer, how our downward course we wound.
-
-As falcon, that hath long been on the wing,
-But lure nor bird hath seen, while in despair
-The falconer cries, "Ah me! thou stoop'st to earth!"
-Wearied descends, and swiftly down the sky
-In many an orbit wheels, then lighting sits
-At distance from his lord in angry mood;
-So Geryon lighting places us on foot
-Low down at base of the deep-furrow'd rock,
-And, of his burden there discharg'd, forthwith
-Sprang forward, like an arrow from the string.
-
-
-
-
-CANTO XVIII
-
-THERE is a place within the depths of hell
-Call'd Malebolge, all of rock dark-stain'd
-With hue ferruginous, e'en as the steep
-That round it circling winds.  Right in the midst
-Of that abominable region, yawns
-A spacious gulf profound, whereof the frame
-Due time shall tell.  The circle, that remains,
-Throughout its round, between the gulf and base
-Of the high craggy banks, successive forms
-Ten trenches, in its hollow bottom sunk.
-
-As where to guard the walls, full many a foss
-Begirds some stately castle, sure defence
-Affording to the space within, so here
-Were model'd these; and as like fortresses
-E'en from their threshold to the brink without,
-Are flank'd with bridges; from the rock's low base
-Thus flinty paths advanc'd, that 'cross the moles
-And dikes, struck onward far as to the gulf,
-That in one bound collected cuts them off.
-Such was the place, wherein we found ourselves
-From Geryon's back dislodg'd. The bard to left
-Held on his way, and I behind him mov'd.
-
-On our right hand new misery I saw,
-New pains, new executioners of wrath,
-That swarming peopled the first chasm.  Below
-Were naked sinners.  Hitherward they came,
-Meeting our faces from the middle point,
-With us beyond but with a larger stride.
-E'en thus the Romans, when the year returns
-Of Jubilee, with better speed to rid
-The thronging multitudes, their means devise
-For such as pass the bridge; that on one side
-All front toward the castle, and approach
-Saint Peter's fane, on th' other towards the mount.
-
-Each divers way along the grisly rock,
-Horn'd demons I beheld, with lashes huge,
-That on their back unmercifully smote.
-Ah! how they made them bound at the first stripe!
-
-None for the second waited nor the third.
-
-Meantime as on I pass'd, one met my sight
-Whom soon as view'd; "Of him," cried I, "not yet
-Mine eye hath had his fill."  With fixed gaze
-I therefore scann'd him.  Straight the teacher kind
-Paus'd with me, and consented I should walk
-Backward a space, and the tormented spirit,
-Who thought to hide him, bent his visage down.
-But it avail'd him nought; for I exclaim'd:
-"Thou who dost cast thy eye upon the ground,
-Unless thy features do belie thee much,
-Venedico art thou.  But what brings thee
-Into this bitter seas'ning?" He replied:
-"Unwillingly I answer to thy words.
-But thy clear speech, that to my mind recalls
-The world I once inhabited, constrains me.
-Know then 'twas I who led fair Ghisola
-To do the Marquis' will, however fame
-The shameful tale have bruited.  Nor alone
-Bologna hither sendeth me to mourn
-Rather with us the place is so o'erthrong'd
-That not so many tongues this day are taught,
-Betwixt the Reno and Savena's stream,
-To answer SIPA in their country's phrase.
-And if of that securer proof thou need,
-Remember but our craving thirst for gold."
-
-Him speaking thus, a demon with his thong
-Struck, and exclaim'd, "Away! corrupter! here
-Women are none for sale."  Forthwith I join'd
-My escort, and few paces thence we came
-To where a rock forth issued from the bank.
-That easily ascended, to the right
-Upon its splinter turning, we depart
-From those eternal barriers. When arriv'd,
-Where underneath the gaping arch lets pass
-The scourged souls: "Pause here," the teacher said,
-"And let these others miserable, now
-Strike on thy ken, faces not yet beheld,
-For that together they with us have walk'd."
-
-From the old bridge we ey'd the pack, who came
-From th' other side towards us, like the rest,
-Excoriate from the lash.  My gentle guide,
-By me unquestion'd, thus his speech resum'd:
-"Behold that lofty shade, who this way tends,
-And seems too woe-begone to drop a tear.
-How yet the regal aspect he retains!
-Jason is he, whose skill and prowess won
-The ram from Colchos. To the Lemnian isle
-His passage thither led him, when those bold
-And pitiless women had slain all their males.
-There he with tokens and fair witching words
-Hypsipyle beguil'd, a virgin young,
-Who first had all the rest herself beguil'd.
-Impregnated he left her there forlorn.
-Such is the guilt condemns him to this pain.
-Here too Medea's inj'ries are avenged.
-All bear him company, who like deceit
-To his have practis'd.  And thus much to know
-Of the first vale suffice thee, and of those
-Whom its keen torments urge."  Now had we come
-Where, crossing the next pier, the straighten'd path
-Bestrides its shoulders to another arch.
-
-Hence in the second chasm we heard the ghosts,
-Who jibber in low melancholy sounds,
-With wide-stretch'd nostrils snort, and on themselves
-Smite with their palms.  Upon the banks a scurf
-From the foul steam condens'd, encrusting hung,
-That held sharp combat with the sight and smell.
-
-So hollow is the depth, that from no part,
-Save on the summit of the rocky span,
-Could I distinguish aught.  Thus far we came;
-And thence I saw, within the foss below,
-A crowd immers'd in ordure, that appear'd
-Draff of the human body.  There beneath
-Searching with eye inquisitive, I mark'd
-One with his head so grim'd, 't were hard to deem,
-If he were clerk or layman.  Loud he cried:
-"Why greedily thus bendest more on me,
-Than on these other filthy ones, thy ken?"
-
-"Because if true my mem'ry," I replied,
-"I heretofore have seen thee with dry locks,
-And thou Alessio art of Lucca sprung.
-Therefore than all the rest I scan thee more."
-
-Then beating on his brain these words he spake:
-"Me thus low down my flatteries have sunk,
-Wherewith I ne'er enough could glut my tongue."
-
-My leader thus: "A little further stretch
-Thy face, that thou the visage well mayst note
-Of that besotted, sluttish courtezan,
-Who there doth rend her with defiled nails,
-Now crouching down, now risen on her feet.
-
-"Thais is this, the harlot, whose false lip
-Answer'd her doting paramour that ask'd,
-'Thankest me much!'--'Say rather wondrously,'
-And seeing this here satiate be our view."
-
-
-
-
-CANTO XIX
-
-WOE to thee, Simon Magus! woe to you,
-His wretched followers! who the things of God,
-Which should be wedded unto goodness, them,
-Rapacious as ye are, do prostitute
-For gold and silver in adultery!
-Now must the trumpet sound for you, since yours
-Is the third chasm.  Upon the following vault
-We now had mounted, where the rock impends
-Directly o'er the centre of the foss.
-
-Wisdom Supreme! how wonderful the art,
-Which thou dost manifest in heaven, in earth,
-And in the evil world, how just a meed
-Allotting by thy virtue unto all!
-
-I saw the livid stone, throughout the sides
-And in its bottom full of apertures,
-All equal in their width, and circular each,
-Nor ample less nor larger they appear'd
-Than in Saint John's fair dome of me belov'd
-Those fram'd to hold the pure baptismal streams,
-One of the which I brake, some few years past,
-To save a whelming infant; and be this
-A seal to undeceive whoever doubts
-The motive of my deed.  From out the mouth
-Of every one, emerg'd a sinner's feet
-And of the legs high upward as the calf
-The rest beneath was hid.  On either foot
-The soles were burning, whence the flexile joints
-Glanc'd with such violent motion, as had snapt
-Asunder cords or twisted withs.  As flame,
-Feeding on unctuous matter, glides along
-The surface, scarcely touching where it moves;
-So here, from heel to point, glided the flames.
-
-"Master! say who is he, than all the rest
-Glancing in fiercer agony, on whom
-A ruddier flame doth prey?"  I thus inquir'd.
-
-"If thou be willing," he replied, "that I
-Carry thee down, where least the slope bank falls,
-He of himself shall tell thee and his wrongs."
-
-I then: "As pleases thee to me is best.
-Thou art my lord; and know'st that ne'er I quit
-Thy will: what silence hides that knowest thou."
-Thereat on the fourth pier we came, we turn'd,
-And on our left descended to the depth,
-A narrow strait and perforated close.
-Nor from his side my leader set me down,
-Till to his orifice he brought, whose limb
-Quiv'ring express'd his pang.  "Whoe'er thou art,
-Sad spirit! thus revers'd, and as a stake
-Driv'n in the soil!"  I in these words began,
-"If thou be able, utter forth thy voice."
-
-There stood I like the friar, that doth shrive
-A wretch for murder doom'd, who e'en when fix'd,
-Calleth him back, whence death awhile delays.
-
-He shouted: "Ha! already standest there?
-Already standest there, O Boniface!
-By many a year the writing play'd me false.
-So early dost thou surfeit with the wealth,
-For which thou fearedst not in guile to take
-The lovely lady, and then mangle her?"
-
-I felt as those who, piercing not the drift
-Of answer made them, stand as if expos'd
-In mockery, nor know what to reply,
-When Virgil thus admonish'd: "Tell him quick,
-I am not he, not he, whom thou believ'st."
-
-And I, as was enjoin'd me, straight replied.
-
-That heard, the spirit all did wrench his feet,
-And sighing next in woeful accent spake:
-"What then of me requirest?  If to know
-So much imports thee, who I am, that thou
-Hast therefore down the bank descended, learn
-That in the mighty mantle I was rob'd,
-And of a she-bear was indeed the son,
-So eager to advance my whelps, that there
-My having in my purse above I stow'd,
-And here myself.  Under my head are dragg'd
-The rest, my predecessors in the guilt
-Of simony.  Stretch'd at their length they lie
-Along an opening in the rock.  'Midst them
-I also low shall fall, soon as he comes,
-For whom I took thee, when so hastily
-I question'd.  But already longer time
-Hath pass'd, since my souls kindled, and I thus
-Upturn'd have stood, than is his doom to stand
-Planted with fiery feet.  For after him,
-One yet of deeds more ugly shall arrive,
-From forth the west, a shepherd without law,
-Fated to cover both his form and mine.
-He a new Jason shall be call'd, of whom
-In Maccabees we read; and favour such
-As to that priest his king indulgent show'd,
-Shall be of France's monarch shown to him."
-
-I know not if I here too far presum'd,
-But in this strain I answer'd: "Tell me now,
-What treasures from St. Peter at the first
-Our Lord demanded, when he put the keys
-Into his charge?  Surely he ask'd no more
-But, Follow me!  Nor Peter nor the rest
-Or gold or silver of Matthias took,
-When lots were cast upon the forfeit place
-Of the condemned soul.  Abide thou then;
-Thy punishment of right is merited:
-And look thou well to that ill-gotten coin,
-Which against Charles thy hardihood inspir'd.
-If reverence of the keys restrain'd me not,
-Which thou in happier time didst hold, I yet
-Severer speech might use.  Your avarice
-O'ercasts the world with mourning, under foot
-Treading the good, and raising bad men up.
-Of shepherds, like to you, th' Evangelist
-Was ware, when her, who sits upon the waves,
-With kings in filthy whoredom he beheld,
-She who with seven heads tower'd at her birth,
-And from ten horns her proof of glory drew,
-Long as her spouse in virtue took delight.
-Of gold and silver ye have made your god,
-Diff'ring wherein from the idolater,
-But he that worships one, a hundred ye?
-Ah, Constantine! to how much ill gave birth,
-Not thy conversion, but that plenteous dower,
-Which the first wealthy Father gain'd from thee!"
-
-Meanwhile, as thus I sung, he, whether wrath
-Or conscience smote him, violent upsprang
-Spinning on either sole.  I do believe
-My teacher well was pleas'd, with so compos'd
-A lip, he listen'd ever to the sound
-Of the true words I utter'd.  In both arms
-He caught, and to his bosom lifting me
-Upward retrac'd the way of his descent.
-
-Nor weary of his weight he press'd me close,
-Till to the summit of the rock we came,
-Our passage from the fourth to the fifth pier.
-His cherish'd burden there gently he plac'd
-Upon the rugged rock and steep, a path
-Not easy for the clamb'ring goat to mount.
-
-Thence to my view another vale appear'd
-
-
-
-
-CANTO XX
-
-AND now the verse proceeds to torments new,
-Fit argument of this the twentieth strain
-Of the first song, whose awful theme records
-The spirits whelm'd in woe.  Earnest I look'd
-Into the depth, that open'd to my view,
-Moisten'd with tears of anguish, and beheld
-A tribe, that came along the hollow vale,
-In silence weeping: such their step as walk
-Quires chanting solemn litanies on earth.
-
-As on them more direct mine eye descends,
-Each wondrously seem'd to be revers'd
-At the neck-bone, so that the countenance
-Was from the reins averted: and because
-None might before him look, they were compell'd
-To' advance with backward gait.  Thus one perhaps
-Hath been by force of palsy clean transpos'd,
-But I ne'er saw it nor believe it so.
-
-Now, reader! think within thyself, so God
-Fruit of thy reading give thee! how I long
-Could keep my visage dry, when I beheld
-Near me our form distorted in such guise,
-That on the hinder parts fall'n from the face
-The tears down-streaming roll'd.  Against a rock
-I leant and wept, so that my guide exclaim'd:
-"What, and art thou too witless as the rest?
-Here pity most doth show herself alive,
-When she is dead.  What guilt exceedeth his,
-Who with Heaven's judgment in his passion strives?
-Raise up thy head, raise up, and see the man,
-Before whose eyes earth gap'd in Thebes, when all
-Cried out, 'Amphiaraus, whither rushest?
-'Why leavest thou the war?'  He not the less
-Fell ruining far as to Minos down,
-Whose grapple none eludes.  Lo! how he makes
-The breast his shoulders, and who once too far
-Before him wish'd to see, now backward looks,
-And treads reverse his path.  Tiresias note,
-Who semblance chang'd, when woman he became
-Of male, through every limb transform'd, and then
-Once more behov'd him with his rod to strike
-The two entwining serpents, ere the plumes,
-That mark'd the better sex, might shoot again.
-
-"Aruns, with more his belly facing, comes.
-On Luni's mountains 'midst the marbles white,
-Where delves Carrara's hind, who wons beneath,
-A cavern was his dwelling, whence the stars
-And main-sea wide in boundless view he held.
-
-"The next, whose loosen'd tresses overspread
-Her bosom, which thou seest not (for each hair
-On that side grows) was Manto, she who search'd
-Through many regions, and at length her seat
-Fix'd in my native land, whence a short space
-My words detain thy audience.  When her sire
-From life departed, and in servitude
-The city dedicate to Bacchus mourn'd,
-Long time she went a wand'rer through the world.
-Aloft in Italy's delightful land
-A lake there lies, at foot of that proud Alp,
-That o'er the Tyrol locks Germania in,
-Its name Benacus, which a thousand rills,
-Methinks, and more, water between the vale
-Camonica and Garda and the height
-Of Apennine remote.  There is a spot
-At midway of that lake, where he who bears
-Of Trento's flock the past'ral staff, with him
-Of Brescia, and the Veronese, might each
-Passing that way his benediction give.
-A garrison of goodly site and strong
-Peschiera stands, to awe with front oppos'd
-The Bergamese and Brescian, whence the shore
-More slope each way descends.  There, whatsoev'er
-Benacus' bosom holds not, tumbling o'er
-Down falls, and winds a river flood beneath
-Through the green pastures.  Soon as in his course
-The steam makes head, Benacus then no more
-They call the name, but Mincius, till at last
-Reaching Governo into Po he falls.
-Not far his course hath run, when a wide flat
-It finds, which overstretchmg as a marsh
-It covers, pestilent in summer oft.
-Hence journeying, the savage maiden saw
-'Midst of the fen a territory waste
-And naked of inhabitants.  To shun
-All human converse, here she with her slaves
-Plying her arts remain'd, and liv'd, and left
-Her body tenantless.  Thenceforth the tribes,
-Who round were scatter'd, gath'ring to that place
-Assembled; for its strength was great, enclos'd
-On all parts by the fen.  On those dead bones
-They rear'd themselves a city, for her sake,
-Calling it Mantua, who first chose the spot,
-Nor ask'd another omen for the name,
-Wherein more numerous the people dwelt,
-Ere Casalodi's madness by deceit
-Was wrong'd of Pinamonte.  If thou hear
-Henceforth another origin assign'd
-Of that my country, I forewarn thee now,
-That falsehood none beguile thee of the truth."
-
-I answer'd: "Teacher, I conclude thy words
-So certain, that all else shall be to me
-As embers lacking life.  But now of these,
-Who here proceed, instruct me, if thou see
-Any that merit more especial note.
-For thereon is my mind alone intent."
-
-He straight replied: "That spirit, from whose cheek
-The beard sweeps o'er his shoulders brown, what time
-Graecia was emptied of her males, that scarce
-The cradles were supplied, the seer was he
-In Aulis, who with Calchas gave the sign
-When first to cut the cable.  Him they nam'd
-Eurypilus: so sings my tragic strain,
-In which majestic measure well thou know'st,
-Who know'st it all.  That other, round the loins
-So slender of his shape, was Michael Scot,
-Practis'd in ev'ry slight of magic wile.
-
-"Guido Bonatti see:  Asdente mark,
-Who now were willing, he had tended still
-The thread and cordwain; and too late repents.
-
-"See next the wretches, who the needle left,
-The shuttle and the spindle, and became
-Diviners: baneful witcheries they wrought
-With images and herbs.  But onward now:
-For now doth Cain with fork of thorns confine
-On either hemisphere, touching the wave
-Beneath the towers of Seville.  Yesternight
-The moon was round.  Thou mayst remember well:
-For she good service did thee in the gloom
-Of the deep wood."  This said, both onward mov'd.
-
-
-
-
-CANTO XXI
-
-THUS we from bridge to bridge, with other talk,
-The which my drama cares not to rehearse,
-Pass'd on; and to the summit reaching, stood
-To view another gap, within the round
-Of Malebolge, other bootless pangs.
-
-Marvelous darkness shadow'd o'er the place.
-
-In the Venetians' arsenal as boils
-Through wintry months tenacious pitch, to smear
-Their unsound vessels; for th' inclement time
-Sea-faring men restrains, and in that while
-His bark one builds anew, another stops
-The ribs of his, that hath made many a voyage;
-One hammers at the prow, one at the poop;
-This shapeth oars, that other cables twirls,
-The mizen one repairs and main-sail rent
-So not by force of fire but art divine
-Boil'd here a glutinous thick mass, that round
-Lim'd all the shore beneath.  I that beheld,
-But therein nought distinguish'd, save the surge,
-Rais'd by the boiling, in one mighty swell
-Heave, and by turns subsiding and fall.  While there
-I fix'd my ken below, "Mark! mark!" my guide
-Exclaiming, drew me towards him from the place,
-Wherein I stood.  I turn'd myself as one,
-Impatient to behold that which beheld
-He needs must shun, whom sudden fear unmans,
-That he his flight delays not for the view.
-Behind me I discern'd a devil black,
-That running, up advanc'd along the rock.
-Ah! what fierce cruelty his look bespake!
-In act how bitter did he seem, with wings
-Buoyant outstretch'd and feet of nimblest tread!
-His shoulder proudly eminent and sharp
-Was with a sinner charg'd; by either haunch
-He held him, the foot's sinew griping fast.
-
-"Ye of our bridge!" he cried, "keen-talon'd fiends!
-Lo! one of Santa Zita's elders!  Him
-Whelm ye beneath, while I return for more.
-That land hath store of such.  All men are there,
-Except Bonturo, barterers: of 'no'
-For lucre there an 'aye' is quickly made."
-
-Him dashing down, o'er the rough rock he turn'd,
-Nor ever after thief a mastiff loos'd
-Sped with like eager haste.  That other sank
-And forthwith writing to the surface rose.
-But those dark demons, shrouded by the bridge,
-Cried "Here the hallow'd visage saves not: here
-Is other swimming than in Serchio's wave.
-Wherefore if thou desire we rend thee not,
-Take heed thou mount not o'er the pitch."  This said,
-They grappled him with more than hundred hooks,
-And shouted: "Cover'd thou must sport thee here;
-So, if thou canst, in secret mayst thou filch."
-
-E'en thus the cook bestirs him, with his grooms,
-To thrust the flesh into the caldron down
-With flesh-hooks, that it float not on the top.
-
-Me then my guide bespake: "Lest they descry,
-That thou art here, behind a craggy rock
-Bend low and screen thee; and whate'er of force
-Be offer'd me, or insult, fear thou not:
-For I am well advis'd, who have been erst
-In the like fray."  Beyond the bridge's head
-Therewith he pass'd, and reaching the sixth pier,
-Behov'd him then a forehead terror-proof.
-
-With storm and fury, as when dogs rush forth
-Upon the poor man's back, who suddenly
-From whence he standeth makes his suit; so rush'd
-Those from beneath the arch, and against him
-Their weapons all they pointed.  He aloud:
-"Be none of you outrageous: ere your time
-Dare seize me, come forth from amongst you one,
-
-"Who having heard my words, decide he then
-If he shall tear these limbs."  They shouted loud,
-"Go, Malacoda!"  Whereat one advanc'd,
-The others standing firm, and as he came,
-"What may this turn avail him?" he exclaim'd.
-
-"Believ'st thou, Malacoda!  I had come
-Thus far from all your skirmishing secure,"
-My teacher answered, "without will divine
-And destiny propitious?  Pass we then
-For so Heaven's pleasure is, that I should lead
-Another through this savage wilderness."
-
-Forthwith so fell his pride, that he let drop
-The instrument of torture at his feet,
-And to the rest exclaim'd: "We have no power
-To strike him."  Then to me my guide: "O thou!
-Who on the bridge among the crags dost sit
-Low crouching, safely now to me return."
-
-I rose, and towards him moved with speed: the fiends
-Meantime all forward drew: me terror seiz'd
-Lest they should break the compact they had made.
-Thus issuing from Caprona, once I saw
-Th' infantry dreading, lest his covenant
-The foe should break; so close he hemm'd them round.
-
-I to my leader's side adher'd, mine eyes
-With fixt and motionless observance bent
-On their unkindly visage.  They their hooks
-Protruding, one the other thus bespake:
-"Wilt thou I touch him on the hip?"  To whom
-Was answer'd: "Even so; nor miss thy aim."
-
-But he, who was in conf'rence with my guide,
-Turn'd rapid round, and thus the demon spake:
-"Stay, stay thee, Scarmiglione!"  Then to us
-He added: "Further footing to your step
-This rock affords not, shiver'd to the base
-Of the sixth arch.  But would you still proceed,
-Up by this cavern go: not distant far,
-Another rock will yield you passage safe.
-Yesterday, later by five hours than now,
-Twelve hundred threescore years and six had fill'd
-The circuit of their course, since here the way
-Was broken.  Thitherward I straight dispatch
-Certain of these my scouts, who shall espy
-If any on the surface bask.  With them
-Go ye: for ye shall find them nothing fell.
-Come Alichino forth," with that he cried,
-"And Calcabrina, and Cagnazzo thou!
-The troop of ten let Barbariccia lead.
-With Libicocco Draghinazzo haste,
-Fang'd Ciriatto, Grafflacane fierce,
-And Farfarello, and mad Rubicant.
-Search ye around the bubbling tar.  For these,
-In safety lead them, where the other crag
-Uninterrupted traverses the dens."
-
-I then: "O master! what a sight is there!
-Ah! without escort, journey we alone,
-Which, if thou know the way, I covet not.
-Unless thy prudence fail thee, dost not mark
-How they do gnarl upon us, and their scowl
-Threatens us present tortures?"  He replied:
-"I charge thee fear not: let them, as they will,
-Gnarl on: 't is but in token of their spite
-Against the souls, who mourn in torment steep'd."
-
-To leftward o'er the pier they turn'd; but each
-Had first between his teeth prest close the tongue,
-Toward their leader for a signal looking,
-Which he with sound obscene triumphant gave.
-
-
-
-
-CANTO XXII
-
-IT hath been heretofore my chance to see
-Horsemen with martial order shifting camp,
-To onset sallying, or in muster rang'd,
-Or in retreat sometimes outstretch'd for flight;
-Light-armed squadrons and fleet foragers
-Scouring thy plains, Arezzo! have I seen,
-And clashing tournaments, and tilting jousts,
-Now with the sound of trumpets, now of bells,
-Tabors, or signals made from castled heights,
-And with inventions multiform, our own,
-Or introduc'd from foreign land; but ne'er
-To such a strange recorder I beheld,
-In evolution moving, horse nor foot,
-Nor ship, that tack'd by sign from land or star.
-
-With the ten demons on our way we went;
-Ah fearful company! but in the church
-With saints, with gluttons at the tavern's mess.
-
-Still earnest on the pitch I gaz'd, to mark
-All things whate'er the chasm contain'd, and those
-Who burn'd within.  As dolphins, that, in sign
-To mariners, heave high their arched backs,
-That thence forewarn'd they may advise to save
-Their threaten'd vessels; so, at intervals,
-To ease the pain his back some sinner show'd,
-Then hid more nimbly than the lightning glance.
-
-E'en as the frogs, that of a wat'ry moat
-Stand at the brink, with the jaws only out,
-Their feet and of the trunk all else concealed,
-Thus on each part the sinners stood, but soon
-As Barbariccia was at hand, so they
-Drew back under the wave.  I saw, and yet
-My heart doth stagger, one, that waited thus,
-As it befalls that oft one frog remains,
-While the next springs away: and Graffiacan,
-Who of the fiends was nearest, grappling seiz'd
-His clotted locks, and dragg'd him sprawling up,
-That he appear'd to me an otter.  Each
-Already by their names I knew, so well
-When they were chosen, I observ'd, and mark'd
-How one the other call'd. "O Rubicant!
-See that his hide thou with thy talons flay,"
-Shouted together all the cursed crew.
-
-Then I: "Inform thee, master! if thou may,
-What wretched soul is this, on whom their hand
-His foes have laid."  My leader to his side
-Approach'd, and whence he came inquir'd, to whom
-Was answer'd thus: "Born in Navarre's domain
-My mother plac'd me in a lord's retinue,
-For she had borne me to a losel vile,
-A spendthrift of his substance and himself.
-The good king Thibault after that I serv'd,
-To peculating here my thoughts were turn'd,
-Whereof I give account in this dire heat."
-
-Straight Ciriatto, from whose mouth a tusk
-Issued on either side, as from a boar,
-Ript him with one of these.  'Twixt evil claws
-The mouse had fall'n: but Barbariccia cried,
-Seizing him with both arms: "Stand thou apart,
-While I do fix him on my prong transpierc'd."
-Then added, turning to my guide his face,
-"Inquire of him, if more thou wish to learn,
-Ere he again be rent."  My leader thus:
-"Then tell us of the partners in thy guilt;
-Knowest thou any sprung of Latian land
-Under the tar?"--"I parted," he replied,
-"But now from one, who sojourn'd not far thence;
-So were I under shelter now with him!
-Nor hook nor talon then should scare me more."--.
-
-"Too long we suffer," Libicocco cried,
-Then, darting forth a prong, seiz'd on his arm,
-And mangled bore away the sinewy part.
-Him Draghinazzo by his thighs beneath
-Would next have caught, whence angrily their chief,
-Turning on all sides round, with threat'ning brow
-Restrain'd them.  When their strife a little ceas'd,
-Of him, who yet was gazing on his wound,
-My teacher thus without delay inquir'd:
-"Who was the spirit, from whom by evil hap
-Parting, as thou has told, thou cam'st to shore?"--
-
-"It was the friar Gomita," he rejoin'd,
-"He of Gallura, vessel of all guile,
-Who had his master's enemies in hand,
-And us'd them so that they commend him well.
-Money he took, and them at large dismiss'd.
-So he reports: and in each other charge
-Committed to his keeping, play'd the part
-Of barterer to the height:  with him doth herd
-The chief of Logodoro, Michel Zanche.
-Sardinia is a theme, whereof their tongue
-Is never weary.  Out! alas! behold
-That other, how he grins!  More would I say,
-But tremble lest he mean to maul me sore."
-
-Their captain then to Farfarello turning,
-Who roll'd his moony eyes in act to strike,
-Rebuk'd him thus: "Off! cursed bird!  Avaunt!"--
-
-"If ye desire to see or hear," he thus
-Quaking with dread resum'd, "or Tuscan spirits
-Or Lombard, I will cause them to appear.
-Meantime let these ill talons bate their fury,
-So that no vengeance they may fear from them,
-And I, remaining in this self-same place,
-Will for myself but one, make sev'n appear,
-When my shrill whistle shall be heard; for so
-Our custom is to call each other up."
-
-Cagnazzo at that word deriding grinn'd,
-Then wagg'd the head and spake: "Hear his device,
-Mischievous as he is, to plunge him down."
-
-Whereto he thus, who fail'd not in rich store
-Of nice-wove toils; "Mischief forsooth extreme,
-Meant only to procure myself more woe!"
-
-No longer Alichino then refrain'd,
-But thus, the rest gainsaying, him bespake:
-"If thou do cast thee down, I not on foot
-Will chase thee, but above the pitch will beat
-My plumes.  Quit we the vantage ground, and let
-The bank be as a shield, that we may see
-If singly thou prevail against us all."
-
-Now, reader, of new sport expect to hear!
-
-They each one turn'd his eyes to the' other shore,
-He first, who was the hardest to persuade.
-The spirit of Navarre chose well his time,
-Planted his feet on land, and at one leap
-Escaping disappointed their resolve.
-
-Them quick resentment stung, but him the most,
-Who was the cause of failure; in pursuit
-He therefore sped, exclaiming; "Thou art caught."
-
-But little it avail'd: terror outstripp'd
-His following flight: the other plung'd beneath,
-And he with upward pinion rais'd his breast:
-E'en thus the water-fowl, when she perceives
-The falcon near, dives instant down, while he
-Enrag'd and spent retires.  That mockery
-In Calcabrina fury stirr'd, who flew
-After him, with desire of strife inflam'd;
-And, for the barterer had 'scap'd, so turn'd
-His talons on his comrade. O'er the dyke
-In grapple close they join'd; but the' other prov'd
-A goshawk able to rend well his foe;
-
-And in the boiling lake both fell.  The heat
-Was umpire soon between them, but in vain
-To lift themselves they strove, so fast were glued
-Their pennons.  Barbariccia, as the rest,
-That chance lamenting, four in flight dispatch'd
-From the' other coast, with all their weapons arm'd.
-They, to their post on each side speedily
-Descending, stretch'd their hooks toward the fiends,
-Who flounder'd, inly burning from their scars:
-And we departing left them to that broil.
-
-
-
-
-CANTO XXIII
-
-IN silence and in solitude we went,
-One first, the other following his steps,
-As minor friars journeying on their road.
-
-The present fray had turn'd my thoughts to muse
-Upon old Aesop's fable, where he told
-What fate unto the mouse and frog befell.
-For language hath not sounds more like in sense,
-Than are these chances, if the origin
-And end of each be heedfully compar'd.
-And as one thought bursts from another forth,
-So afterward from that another sprang,
-Which added doubly to my former fear.
-For thus I reason'd: "These through us have been
-So foil'd, with loss and mock'ry so complete,
-As needs must sting them sore.  If anger then
-Be to their evil will conjoin'd, more fell
-They shall pursue us, than the savage hound
-Snatches the leveret, panting 'twixt his jaws."
-
-Already I perceiv'd my hair stand all
-On end with terror, and look'd eager back.
-
-"Teacher," I thus began, "if speedily
-Thyself and me thou hide not, much I dread
-Those evil talons.  Even now behind
-They urge us: quick imagination works
-So forcibly, that I already feel them."
-
-He answer'd: "Were I form'd of leaded glass,
-I should not sooner draw unto myself
-Thy outward image, than I now imprint
-That from within.  This moment came thy thoughts
-Presented before mine, with similar act
-And count'nance similar, so that from both
-I one design have fram'd.  If the right coast
-Incline so much, that we may thence descend
-Into the other chasm, we shall escape
-Secure from this imagined pursuit."
-
-He had not spoke his purpose to the end,
-When I from far beheld them with spread wings
-Approach to take us.  Suddenly my guide
-Caught me, ev'n as a mother that from sleep
-Is by the noise arous'd, and near her sees
-The climbing fires, who snatches up her babe
-And flies ne'er pausing, careful more of him
-Than of herself, that but a single vest
-Clings round her limbs.  Down from the jutting beach
-Supine he cast him, to that pendent rock,
-Which closes on one part the other chasm.
-
-Never ran water with such hurrying pace
-Adown the tube to turn a landmill's wheel,
-When nearest it approaches to the spokes,
-As then along that edge my master ran,
-Carrying me in his bosom, as a child,
-Not a companion.  Scarcely had his feet
-Reach'd to the lowest of the bed beneath,
-
-When over us the steep they reach'd; but fear
-In him was none; for that high Providence,
-Which plac'd them ministers of the fifth foss,
-Power of departing thence took from them all.
-
-There in the depth we saw a painted tribe,
-Who pac'd with tardy steps around, and wept,
-Faint in appearance and o'ercome with toil.
-Caps had they on, with hoods, that fell low down
-Before their eyes, in fashion like to those
-Worn by the monks in Cologne.  Their outside
-Was overlaid with gold, dazzling to view,
-But leaden all within, and of such weight,
-That Frederick's compar'd to these were straw.
-Oh, everlasting wearisome attire!
-
-We yet once more with them together turn'd
-To leftward, on their dismal moan intent.
-But by the weight oppress'd, so slowly came
-The fainting people, that our company
-Was chang'd at every movement of the step.
-
-Whence I my guide address'd: "See that thou find
-Some spirit, whose name may by his deeds be known,
-And to that end look round thee as thou go'st."
-
-Then one, who understood the Tuscan voice,
-Cried after us aloud: "Hold in your feet,
-Ye who so swiftly speed through the dusk air.
-Perchance from me thou shalt obtain thy wish."
-
-Whereat my leader, turning, me bespake:
-"Pause, and then onward at their pace proceed."
-
-I staid, and saw two Spirits in whose look
-Impatient eagerness of mind was mark'd
-To overtake me; but the load they bare
-And narrow path retarded their approach.
-
-Soon as arriv'd, they with an eye askance
-Perus'd me, but spake not: then turning each
-To other thus conferring said: "This one
-Seems, by the action of his throat, alive.
-And, be they dead, what privilege allows
-They walk unmantled by the cumbrous stole?"
-
-Then thus to me: "Tuscan, who visitest
-The college of the mourning hypocrites,
-Disdain not to instruct us who thou art."
-
-"By Arno's pleasant stream," I thus replied,
-"In the great city I was bred and grew,
-And wear the body I have ever worn.
-but who are ye, from whom such mighty grief,
-As now I witness, courseth down your cheeks?
-What torment breaks forth in this bitter woe?"
-"Our bonnets gleaming bright with orange hue,"
-One of them answer'd, "are so leaden gross,
-That with their weight they make the balances
-To crack beneath them.  Joyous friars we were,
-Bologna's natives, Catalano I,
-He Loderingo nam'd, and by thy land
-Together taken, as men used to take
-A single and indifferent arbiter,
-To reconcile their strifes.  How there we sped,
-Gardingo's vicinage can best declare."
-
-"O friars!"  I began, "your miseries--"
-But there brake off, for one had caught my eye,
-Fix'd to a cross with three stakes on the ground:
-He, when he saw me, writh'd himself, throughout
-Distorted, ruffling with deep sighs his beard.
-And Catalano, who thereof was 'ware,
-
-Thus spake: "That pierced spirit, whom intent
-Thou view'st, was he who gave the Pharisees
-Counsel, that it were fitting for one man
-To suffer for the people.  He doth lie
-Transverse; nor any passes, but him first
-Behoves make feeling trial how each weighs.
-In straits like this along the foss are plac'd
-The father of his consort, and the rest
-Partakers in that council, seed of ill
-And sorrow to the Jews."  I noted then,
-How Virgil gaz'd with wonder upon him,
-Thus abjectly extended on the cross
-In banishment eternal.  To the friar
-He next his words address'd: "We pray ye tell,
-If so be lawful, whether on our right
-Lies any opening in the rock, whereby
-We both may issue hence, without constraint
-On the dark angels, that compell'd they come
-To lead us from this depth."  He thus replied:
-"Nearer than thou dost hope, there is a rock
-From the next circle moving, which o'ersteps
-Each vale of horror, save that here his cope
-Is shatter'd.  By the ruin ye may mount:
-For on the side it slants, and most the height
-Rises below."  With head bent down awhile
-My leader stood, then spake: "He warn'd us ill,
-Who yonder hangs the sinners on his hook."
-
-To whom the friar: At Bologna erst
-"I many vices of the devil heard,
-Among the rest was said, 'He is a liar,
-And the father of lies!'"  When he had spoke,
-My leader with large strides proceeded on,
-Somewhat disturb'd with anger in his look.
-
-I therefore left the spirits heavy laden,
-And following, his beloved footsteps mark'd.
-
-
-
-
-CANTO XXIV
-
-IN the year's early nonage, when the sun
-Tempers his tresses in Aquarius' urn,
-And now towards equal day the nights recede,
-When as the rime upon the earth puts on
-Her dazzling sister's image, but not long
-Her milder sway endures, then riseth up
-The village hind, whom fails his wintry store,
-And looking out beholds the plain around
-All whiten'd, whence impatiently he smites
-His thighs, and to his hut returning in,
-There paces to and fro, wailing his lot,
-As a discomfited and helpless man;
-Then comes he forth again, and feels new hope
-Spring in his bosom, finding e'en thus soon
-The world hath chang'd its count'nance, grasps his crook,
-And forth to pasture drives his little flock:
-So me my guide dishearten'd when I saw
-His troubled forehead, and so speedily
-That ill was cur'd; for at the fallen bridge
-Arriving, towards me with a look as sweet,
-He turn'd him back, as that I first beheld
-At the steep mountain's foot.  Regarding well
-The ruin, and some counsel first maintain'd
-With his own thought, he open'd wide his arm
-And took me up.  As one, who, while he works,
-Computes his labour's issue, that he seems
-Still to foresee the' effect, so lifting me
-Up to the summit of one peak, he fix'd
-His eye upon another.  "Grapple that,"
-Said he, "but first make proof, if it be such
-As will sustain thee."  For one capp'd with lead
-This were no journey.  Scarcely he, though light,
-And I, though onward push'd from crag to crag,
-Could mount.  And if the precinct of this coast
-Were not less ample than the last, for him
-I know not, but my strength had surely fail'd.
-But Malebolge all toward the mouth
-Inclining of the nethermost abyss,
-The site of every valley hence requires,
-That one side upward slope, the other fall.
-
-At length the point of our descent we reach'd
-From the last flag: soon as to that arriv'd,
-So was the breath exhausted from my lungs,
-I could no further, but did seat me there.
-
-"Now needs thy best of man;" so spake my guide:
-"For not on downy plumes, nor under shade
-Of canopy reposing, fame is won,
-Without which whosoe'er consumes his days
-Leaveth such vestige of himself on earth,
-As smoke in air or foam upon the wave.
-Thou therefore rise: vanish thy weariness
-By the mind's effort, in each struggle form'd
-To vanquish, if she suffer not the weight
-Of her corporeal frame to crush her down.
-A longer ladder yet remains to scale.
-From these to have escap'd sufficeth not.
-If well thou note me, profit by my words."
-
-I straightway rose, and show'd myself less spent
-Than I in truth did feel me.  "On," I cried,
-"For I am stout and fearless."  Up the rock
-Our way we held, more rugged than before,
-Narrower and steeper far to climb.  From talk
-I ceas'd not, as we journey'd, so to seem
-Least faint; whereat a voice from the other foss
-Did issue forth, for utt'rance suited ill.
-Though on the arch that crosses there I stood,
-What were the words I knew not, but who spake
-Seem'd mov'd in anger.  Down I stoop'd to look,
-But my quick eye might reach not to the depth
-For shrouding darkness; wherefore thus I spake:
-"To the next circle, Teacher, bend thy steps,
-And from the wall dismount we; for as hence
-I hear and understand not, so I see
-Beneath, and naught discern."--"I answer not,"
-Said he, "but by the deed.  To fair request
-Silent performance maketh best return."
-
-We from the bridge's head descended, where
-To the eighth mound it joins, and then the chasm
-Opening to view, I saw a crowd within
-Of serpents terrible, so strange of shape
-And hideous, that remembrance in my veins
-Yet shrinks the vital current.  Of her sands
-Let Lybia vaunt no more: if Jaculus,
-Pareas and Chelyder be her brood,
-Cenchris and Amphisboena, plagues so dire
-Or in such numbers swarming ne'er she shew'd,
-Not with all Ethiopia, and whate'er
-Above the Erythraean sea is spawn'd.
-
-Amid this dread exuberance of woe
-Ran naked spirits wing'd with horrid fear,
-Nor hope had they of crevice where to hide,
-Or heliotrope to charm them out of view.
-With serpents were their hands behind them bound,
-Which through their reins infix'd the tail and head
-Twisted in folds before.  And lo! on one
-Near to our side, darted an adder up,
-And, where the neck is on the shoulders tied,
-Transpierc'd him.  Far more quickly than e'er pen
-Wrote O or I, he kindled, burn'd, and chang'd
-To ashes, all pour'd out upon the earth.
-When there dissolv'd he lay, the dust again
-Uproll'd spontaneous, and the self-same form
-Instant resumed.  So mighty sages tell,
-The' Arabian Phoenix, when five hundred years
-Have well nigh circled, dies, and springs forthwith
-Renascent.  Blade nor herb throughout his life
-He tastes, but tears of frankincense alone
-And odorous amomum: swaths of nard
-And myrrh his funeral shroud.  As one that falls,
-He knows not how, by force demoniac dragg'd
-To earth, or through obstruction fettering up
-In chains invisible the powers of man,
-Who, risen from his trance, gazeth around,
-Bewilder'd with the monstrous agony
-He hath endur'd, and wildly staring sighs;
-So stood aghast the sinner when he rose.
-
-Oh! how severe God's judgment, that deals out
-Such blows in stormy vengeance!  Who he was
-My teacher next inquir'd, and thus in few
-He answer'd: "Vanni Fucci am I call'd,
-Not long since rained down from Tuscany
-To this dire gullet.  Me the beastial life
-And not the human pleas'd, mule that I was,
-Who in Pistoia found my worthy den."
-
-I then to Virgil: "Bid him stir not hence,
-And ask what crime did thrust him hither: once
-A man I knew him choleric and bloody."
-
-The sinner heard and feign'd not, but towards me
-His mind directing and his face, wherein
-Was dismal shame depictur'd, thus he spake:
-"It grieves me more to have been caught by thee
-In this sad plight, which thou beholdest, than
-When I was taken from the other life.
-I have no power permitted to deny
-What thou inquirest.  I am doom'd thus low
-To dwell, for that the sacristy by me
-Was rifled of its goodly ornaments,
-And with the guilt another falsely charged.
-But that thou mayst not joy to see me thus,
-So as thou e'er shalt 'scape this darksome realm
-Open thine ears and hear what I forebode.
-Reft of the Neri first Pistoia pines,
-Then Florence changeth citizens and laws.
-From Valdimagra, drawn by wrathful Mars,
-A vapour rises, wrapt in turbid mists,
-And sharp and eager driveth on the storm
-With arrowy hurtling o'er Piceno's field,
-Whence suddenly the cloud shall burst, and strike
-Each helpless Bianco prostrate to the ground.
-This have I told, that grief may rend thy heart."
-
-
-
-
-CANTO XXV
-
-WHEN he had spoke, the sinner rais'd his hands
-Pointed in mockery, and cried: "Take them, God!
-I level them at thee!"  From that day forth
-The serpents were my friends; for round his neck
-One of then rolling twisted, as it said,
-"Be silent, tongue!"  Another to his arms
-Upgliding, tied them, riveting itself
-So close, it took from them the power to move.
-
-Pistoia!  Ah Pistoia! why dost doubt
-To turn thee into ashes, cumb'ring earth
-No longer, since in evil act so far
-Thou hast outdone thy seed?  I did not mark,
-Through all the gloomy circles of the' abyss,
-Spirit, that swell'd so proudly 'gainst his God,
-Not him, who headlong fell from Thebes.  He fled,
-Nor utter'd more; and after him there came
-A centaur full of fury, shouting, "Where
-Where is the caitiff?"  On Maremma's marsh
-Swarm not the serpent tribe, as on his haunch
-They swarm'd, to where the human face begins.
-Behind his head upon the shoulders lay,
-With open wings, a dragon breathing fire
-On whomsoe'er he met.  To me my guide:
-"Cacus is this, who underneath the rock
-Of Aventine spread oft a lake of blood.
-He, from his brethren parted, here must tread
-A different journey, for his fraudful theft
-Of the great herd, that near him stall'd; whence found
-His felon deeds their end, beneath the mace
-Of stout Alcides, that perchance laid on
-A hundred blows, and not the tenth was felt."
-
-While yet he spake, the centaur sped away:
-And under us three spirits came, of whom
-Nor I nor he was ware, till they exclaim'd;
-"Say who are ye?"  We then brake off discourse,
-Intent on these alone.  I knew them not;
-But, as it chanceth oft, befell, that one
-Had need to name another.  "Where," said he,
-"Doth Cianfa lurk?"  I, for a sign my guide
-Should stand attentive, plac'd against my lips
-The finger lifted.  If, O reader! now
-Thou be not apt to credit what I tell,
-No marvel; for myself do scarce allow
-The witness of mine eyes.  But as I looked
-Toward them, lo! a serpent with six feet
-Springs forth on one, and fastens full upon him:
-His midmost grasp'd the belly, a forefoot
-Seiz'd on each arm (while deep in either cheek
-He flesh'd his fangs); the hinder on the thighs
-Were spread, 'twixt which the tail inserted curl'd
-Upon the reins behind.  Ivy ne'er clasp'd
-A dodder'd oak, as round the other's limbs
-The hideous monster intertwin'd his own.
-Then, as they both had been of burning wax,
-Each melted into other, mingling hues,
-That which was either now was seen no more.
-Thus up the shrinking paper, ere it burns,
-A brown tint glides, not turning yet to black,
-And the clean white expires.  The other two
-Look'd on exclaiming: "Ah, how dost thou change,
-Agnello!  See!  Thou art nor double now,
-
-"Nor only one."  The two heads now became
-One, and two figures blended in one form
-Appear'd, where both were lost.  Of the four lengths
-Two arms were made: the belly and the chest
-The thighs and legs into such members chang'd,
-As never eye hath seen.  Of former shape
-All trace was vanish'd.  Two yet neither seem'd
-That image miscreate, and so pass'd on
-With tardy steps.  As underneath the scourge
-Of the fierce dog-star, that lays bare the fields,
-Shifting from brake to brake, the lizard seems
-A flash of lightning, if he thwart the road,
-So toward th' entrails of the other two
-Approaching seem'd, an adder all on fire,
-As the dark pepper-grain, livid and swart.
-In that part, whence our life is nourish'd first,
-One he transpierc'd; then down before him fell
-Stretch'd out.  The pierced spirit look'd on him
-But spake not; yea stood motionless and yawn'd,
-As if by sleep or fev'rous fit assail'd.
-He ey'd the serpent, and the serpent him.
-One from the wound, the other from the mouth
-Breath'd a thick smoke, whose vap'ry columns join'd.
-
-Lucan in mute attention now may hear,
-Nor thy disastrous fate, Sabellus! tell,
-Nor shine, Nasidius!  Ovid now be mute.
-What if in warbling fiction he record
-Cadmus and Arethusa, to a snake
-Him chang'd, and her into a fountain clear,
-I envy not; for never face to face
-Two natures thus transmuted did he sing,
-Wherein both shapes were ready to assume
-The other's substance.  They in mutual guise
-So answer'd, that the serpent split his train
-Divided to a fork, and the pierc'd spirit
-Drew close his steps together, legs and thighs
-Compacted, that no sign of juncture soon
-Was visible: the tail disparted took
-The figure which the spirit lost, its skin
-Soft'ning, his indurated to a rind.
-The shoulders next I mark'd, that ent'ring join'd
-The monster's arm-pits, whose two shorter feet
-So lengthen'd, as the other's dwindling shrunk.
-The feet behind then twisting up became
-That part that man conceals, which in the wretch
-Was cleft in twain.  While both the shadowy smoke
-With a new colour veils, and generates
-Th' excrescent pile on one, peeling it off
-From th' other body, lo! upon his feet
-One upright rose, and prone the other fell.
-Not yet their glaring and malignant lamps
-Were shifted, though each feature chang'd beneath.
-Of him who stood erect, the mounting face
-Retreated towards the temples, and what there
-Superfluous matter came, shot out in ears
-From the smooth cheeks, the rest, not backward dragg'd,
-Of its excess did shape the nose; and swell'd
-Into due size protuberant the lips.
-He, on the earth who lay, meanwhile extends
-His sharpen'd visage, and draws down the ears
-Into the head, as doth the slug his horns.
-His tongue continuous before and apt
-For utt'rance, severs; and the other's fork
-Closing unites.  That done the smoke was laid.
-The soul, transform'd into the brute, glides off,
-Hissing along the vale, and after him
-The other talking sputters; but soon turn'd
-His new-grown shoulders on him, and in few
-Thus to another spake: "Along this path
-Crawling, as I have done, speed Buoso now!"
-
-So saw I fluctuate in successive change
-Th' unsteady ballast of the seventh hold:
-And here if aught my tongue have swerv'd, events
-So strange may be its warrant.  O'er mine eyes
-Confusion hung, and on my thoughts amaze.
-
-Yet 'scap'd they not so covertly, but well
-I mark'd Sciancato: he alone it was
-Of the three first that came, who chang'd not: thou,
-The other's fate, Gaville, still dost rue.
-
-
-
-
-CANTO XXVI
-
-FLORENCE exult! for thou so mightily
-Hast thriven, that o'er land and sea thy wings
-Thou beatest, and thy name spreads over hell!
-Among the plund'rers such the three I found
-Thy citizens, whence shame to me thy son,
-And no proud honour to thyself redounds.
-
-But if our minds, when dreaming near the dawn,
-Are of the truth presageful, thou ere long
-Shalt feel what Prato, (not to say the rest)
-Would fain might come upon thee; and that chance
-Were in good time, if it befell thee now.
-Would so it were, since it must needs befall!
-For as time wears me, I shall grieve the more.
-
-We from the depth departed; and my guide
-Remounting scal'd the flinty steps, which late
-We downward trac'd, and drew me up the steep.
-Pursuing thus our solitary way
-Among the crags and splinters of the rock,
-Sped not our feet without the help of hands.
-
-Then sorrow seiz'd me, which e'en now revives,
-As my thought turns again to what I saw,
-And, more than I am wont, I rein and curb
-The powers of nature in me, lest they run
-Where Virtue guides not; that if aught of good
-My gentle star, or something better gave me,
-I envy not myself the precious boon.
-
-As in that season, when the sun least veils
-His face that lightens all, what time the fly
-Gives way to the shrill gnat, the peasant then
-Upon some cliff reclin'd, beneath him sees
-Fire-flies innumerous spangling o'er the vale,
-Vineyard or tilth, where his day-labour lies:
-With flames so numberless throughout its space
-Shone the eighth chasm, apparent, when the depth
-Was to my view expos'd. As he, whose wrongs
-The bears aveng'd, at its departure saw
-Elijah's chariot, when the steeds erect
-Rais'd their steep flight for heav'n; his eyes meanwhile,
-Straining pursu'd them, till the flame alone
-Upsoaring like a misty speck he kenn'd;
-E'en thus along the gulf moves every flame,
-A sinner so enfolded close in each,
-That none exhibits token of the theft.
-
-Upon the bridge I forward bent to look,
-And grasp'd a flinty mass, or else had fall'n,
-Though push'd not from the height.  The guide, who mark'd
-How I did gaze attentive, thus began:
-
-"Within these ardours are the spirits, each
-Swath'd in confining fire."--"Master, thy word,"
-I answer'd, "hath assur'd me; yet I deem'd
-Already of the truth, already wish'd
-To ask thee, who is in yon fire, that comes
-So parted at the summit, as it seem'd
-Ascending from that funeral pile, where lay
-The Theban brothers?"  He replied: "Within
-Ulysses there and Diomede endure
-Their penal tortures, thus to vengeance now
-Together hasting, as erewhile to wrath.
-These in the flame with ceaseless groans deplore
-The ambush of the horse, that open'd wide
-A portal for that goodly seed to pass,
-Which sow'd imperial Rome; nor less the guile
-Lament they, whence of her Achilles 'reft
-Deidamia yet in death complains.
-And there is rued the stratagem, that Troy
-Of her Palladium spoil'd."--"If they have power
-Of utt'rance from within these sparks," said I,
-"O master! think my prayer a thousand fold
-In repetition urg'd, that thou vouchsafe
-To pause, till here the horned flame arrive.
-See, how toward it with desire I bend."
-
-He thus: "Thy prayer is worthy of much praise,
-And I accept it therefore: but do thou
-Thy tongue refrain: to question them be mine,
-For I divine thy wish: and they perchance,
-For they were Greeks, might shun discourse with thee."
-
-When there the flame had come, where time and place
-Seem'd fitting to my guide, he thus began:
-"O ye, who dwell two spirits in one fire!
-If living I of you did merit aught,
-Whate'er the measure were of that desert,
-When in the world my lofty strain I pour'd,
-Move ye not on, till one of you unfold
-In what clime death o'ertook him self-destroy'd."
-
-Of the old flame forthwith the greater horn
-Began to roll, murmuring, as a fire
-That labours with the wind, then to and fro
-Wagging the top, as a tongue uttering sounds,
-Threw out its voice, and spake: "When I escap'd
-From Circe, who beyond a circling year
-Had held me near Caieta, by her charms,
-Ere thus Aeneas yet had nam'd the shore,
-Nor fondness for my son, nor reverence
-Of my old father, nor return of love,
-That should have crown'd Penelope with joy,
-Could overcome in me the zeal I had
-T' explore the world, and search the ways of life,
-Man's evil and his virtue.  Forth I sail'd
-Into the deep illimitable main,
-With but one bark, and the small faithful band
-That yet cleav'd to me.  As Iberia far,
-Far as Morocco either shore I saw,
-And the Sardinian and each isle beside
-Which round that ocean bathes.  Tardy with age
-Were I and my companions, when we came
-To the strait pass, where Hercules ordain'd
-The bound'ries not to be o'erstepp'd by man.
-The walls of Seville to my right I left,
-On the' other hand already Ceuta past.
-
-"O brothers!"  I began, "who to the west
-Through perils without number now have reach'd,
-To this the short remaining watch, that yet
-Our senses have to wake, refuse not proof
-Of the unpeopled world, following the track
-Of Phoebus. Call to mind from whence we sprang:
-Ye were not form'd to live the life of brutes
-But virtue to pursue and knowledge high.
-With these few words I sharpen'd for the voyage
-The mind of my associates, that I then
-Could scarcely have withheld them.  To the dawn
-Our poop we turn'd, and for the witless flight
-Made our oars wings, still gaining on the left.
-Each star of the' other pole night now beheld,
-And ours so low, that from the ocean-floor
-It rose not.  Five times re-illum'd, as oft
-Vanish'd the light from underneath the moon
-Since the deep way we enter'd, when from far
-Appear'd a mountain dim, loftiest methought
-Of all I e'er beheld.  Joy seiz'd us straight,
-But soon to mourning changed.  From the new land
-A whirlwind sprung, and at her foremost side
-Did strike the vessel.  Thrice it whirl'd her round
-With all the waves, the fourth time lifted up
-The poop, and sank the prow: so fate decreed:
-And over us the booming billow clos'd."
-
-
-
-
-CANTO XVII
-
-NOW upward rose the flame, and still'd its light
-To speak no more, and now pass'd on with leave
-From the mild poet gain'd, when following came
-Another, from whose top a sound confus'd,
-Forth issuing, drew our eyes that way to look.
-
-As the Sicilian bull, that rightfully
-His cries first echoed, who had shap'd its mould,
-Did so rebellow, with the voice of him
-Tormented, that the brazen monster seem'd
-Pierc'd through with pain; thus while no way they found
-Nor avenue immediate through the flame,
-Into its language turn'd the dismal words:
-But soon as they had won their passage forth,
-Up from the point, which vibrating obey'd
-Their motion at the tongue, these sounds we heard:
-"O thou! to whom I now direct my voice!
-That lately didst exclaim in Lombard phrase,
-
-"Depart thou, I solicit thee no more,
-Though somewhat tardy I perchance arrive
-Let it not irk thee here to pause awhile,
-And with me parley: lo! it irks not me
-And yet I burn.  If but e'en now thou fall
-into this blind world, from that pleasant land
-Of Latium, whence I draw my sum of guilt,
-Tell me if those, who in Romagna dwell,
-Have peace or war.  For of the mountains there
-Was I, betwixt Urbino and the height,
-Whence Tyber first unlocks his mighty flood."
-
-Leaning I listen'd yet with heedful ear,
-When, as he touch'd my side, the leader thus:
-"Speak thou: he is a Latian."  My reply
-Was ready, and I spake without delay:
-
-"O spirit! who art hidden here below!
-Never was thy Romagna without war
-In her proud tyrants' bosoms, nor is now:
-But open war there left I none.  The state,
-Ravenna hath maintain'd this many a year,
-Is steadfast.  There Polenta's eagle broods,
-And in his broad circumference of plume
-O'ershadows Cervia. The green talons grasp
-The land, that stood erewhile the proof so long,
-And pil'd in bloody heap the host of France.
-
-"The' old mastiff of Verruchio and the young,
-That tore Montagna in their wrath, still make,
-Where they are wont, an augre of their fangs.
-
-"Lamone's city and Santerno's range
-Under the lion of the snowy lair.
-Inconstant partisan! that changeth sides,
-Or ever summer yields to winter's frost.
-And she, whose flank is wash'd of Savio's wave,
-As 'twixt the level and the steep she lies,
-Lives so 'twixt tyrant power and liberty.
-
-"Now tell us, I entreat thee, who art thou?
-Be not more hard than others.  In the world,
-So may thy name still rear its forehead high."
-
-Then roar'd awhile the fire, its sharpen'd point
-On either side wav'd, and thus breath'd at last:
-"If I did think, my answer were to one,
-Who ever could return unto the world,
-This flame should rest unshaken.  But since ne'er,
-If true be told me, any from this depth
-Has found his upward way, I answer thee,
-Nor fear lest infamy record the words.
-
-"A man of arms at first, I cloth'd me then
-In good Saint Francis' girdle, hoping so
-T' have made amends.  And certainly my hope
-Had fail'd not, but that he, whom curses light on,
-The' high priest again seduc'd me into sin.
-And how and wherefore listen while I tell.
-Long as this spirit mov'd the bones and pulp
-My mother gave me, less my deeds bespake
-The nature of the lion than the fox.
-All ways of winding subtlety I knew,
-And with such art conducted, that the sound
-Reach'd the world's limit.  Soon as to that part
-Of life I found me come, when each behoves
-To lower sails and gather in the lines;
-That which before had pleased me then I rued,
-And to repentance and confession turn'd;
-Wretch that I was! and well it had bested me!
-The chief of the new Pharisees meantime,
-Waging his warfare near the Lateran,
-Not with the Saracens or Jews (his foes
-All Christians were, nor against Acre one
-Had fought, nor traffic'd in the Soldan's land),
-He his great charge nor sacred ministry
-In himself, rev'renc'd, nor in me that cord,
-Which us'd to mark with leanness whom it girded.
-As in Socrate, Constantine besought
-To cure his leprosy Sylvester's aid,
-So me to cure the fever of his pride
-This man besought: my counsel to that end
-He ask'd: and I was silent: for his words
-Seem'd drunken: but forthwith he thus resum'd:
-'From thy heart banish fear: of all offence
-I hitherto absolve thee.  In return,
-Teach me my purpose so to execute,
-That Penestrino cumber earth no more.
-Heav'n, as thou knowest, I have power to shut
-And open: and the keys are therefore twain,
-The which my predecessor meanly priz'd.'"
-
-Then, yielding to the forceful arguments,
-Of silence as more perilous I deem'd,
-And answer'd: "Father! since thou washest me
-Clear of that guilt wherein I now must fall,
-Large promise with performance scant, be sure,
-Shall make thee triumph in thy lofty seat."
-
-"When I was number'd with the dead, then came
-Saint Francis for me; but a cherub dark
-He met, who cried: 'Wrong me not; he is mine,
-And must below to join the wretched crew,
-For the deceitful counsel which he gave.
-E'er since I watch'd him, hov'ring at his hair,
-No power can the impenitent absolve;
-Nor to repent and will at once consist,
-By contradiction absolute forbid.'"
-Oh mis'ry! how I shook myself, when he
-Seiz'd me, and cried, "Thou haply thought'st me not
-A disputant in logic so exact."
-To Minos down he bore me, and the judge
-Twin'd eight times round his callous back the tail,
-Which biting with excess of rage, he spake:
-"This is a guilty soul, that in the fire
-Must vanish.  Hence perdition-doom'd I rove
-A prey to rankling sorrow in this garb."
-
-When he had thus fulfill'd his words, the flame
-In dolour parted, beating to and fro,
-And writhing its sharp horn.  We onward went,
-I and my leader, up along the rock,
-Far as another arch, that overhangs
-The foss, wherein the penalty is paid
-Of those, who load them with committed sin.
-
-
-
-
-CANTO XXVIII
-
-WHO, e'en in words unfetter'd, might at full
-Tell of the wounds and blood that now I saw,
-Though he repeated oft the tale? No tongue
-So vast a theme could equal, speech and thought
-Both impotent alike.  If in one band
-Collected, stood the people all, who e'er
-Pour'd on Apulia's happy soil their blood,
-Slain by the Trojans, and in that long war
-When of the rings the measur'd booty made
-A pile so high, as Rome's historian writes
-Who errs not, with the multitude, that felt
-The grinding force of Guiscard's Norman steel,
-And those the rest, whose bones are gather'd yet
-At Ceperano, there where treachery
-Branded th' Apulian name, or where beyond
-Thy walls, O Tagliacozzo, without arms
-The old Alardo conquer'd; and his limbs
-One were to show transpierc'd, another his
-Clean lopt away; a spectacle like this
-Were but a thing of nought, to the' hideous sight
-Of the ninth chasm.  A rundlet, that hath lost
-Its middle or side stave, gapes not so wide,
-As one I mark'd, torn from the chin throughout
-Down to the hinder passage: 'twixt the legs
-Dangling his entrails hung, the midriff lay
-Open to view, and wretched ventricle,
-That turns th' englutted aliment to dross.
-
-Whilst eagerly I fix on him my gaze,
-He ey'd me, with his hands laid his breast bare,
-And cried; "Now mark how I do rip me! lo!
-
-"How is Mohammed mangled! before me
-Walks Ali weeping, from the chin his face
-Cleft to the forelock; and the others all
-Whom here thou seest, while they liv'd, did sow
-Scandal and schism, and therefore thus are rent.
-A fiend is here behind, who with his sword
-Hacks us thus cruelly, slivering again
-Each of this ream, when we have compast round
-The dismal way, for first our gashes close
-Ere we repass before him.  But say who
-Art thou, that standest musing on the rock,
-Haply so lingering to delay the pain
-Sentenc'd upon thy crimes?"--"Him death not yet,"
-My guide rejoin'd, "hath overta'en, nor sin
-Conducts to torment; but, that he may make
-Full trial of your state, I who am dead
-Must through the depths of hell, from orb to orb,
-Conduct him.  Trust my words, for they are true."
-
-More than a hundred spirits, when that they heard,
-Stood in the foss to mark me, through amazed,
-Forgetful of their pangs.  "Thou, who perchance
-Shalt shortly view the sun, this warning thou
-Bear to Dolcino: bid him, if he wish not
-Here soon to follow me, that with good store
-Of food he arm him, lest impris'ning snows
-Yield him a victim to Novara's power,
-No easy conquest else."  With foot uprais'd
-For stepping, spake Mohammed, on the ground
-Then fix'd it to depart.  Another shade,
-Pierc'd in the throat, his nostrils mutilate
-E'en from beneath the eyebrows, and one ear
-Lopt off, who with the rest through wonder stood
-Gazing, before the rest advanc'd, and bar'd
-His wind-pipe, that without was all o'ersmear'd
-With crimson stain.  "O thou!" said he, "whom sin
-Condemns not, and whom erst (unless too near
-Resemblance do deceive me) I aloft
-Have seen on Latian ground, call thou to mind
-Piero of Medicina, if again
-Returning, thou behold'st the pleasant land
-That from Vercelli slopes to Mercabo;
-
-"And there instruct the twain, whom Fano boasts
-Her worthiest sons, Guido and Angelo,
-That if 't is giv'n us here to scan aright
-The future, they out of life's tenement
-Shall be cast forth, and whelm'd under the waves
-Near to Cattolica, through perfidy
-Of a fell tyrant.  'Twixt the Cyprian isle
-And Balearic, ne'er hath Neptune seen
-An injury so foul, by pirates done
-Or Argive crew of old.  That one-ey'd traitor
-(Whose realm there is a spirit here were fain
-His eye had still lack'd sight of) them shall bring
-To conf'rence with him, then so shape his end,
-That they shall need not 'gainst Focara's wind
-Offer up vow nor pray'r."  I answering thus:
-
-"Declare, as thou dost wish that I above
-May carry tidings of thee, who is he,
-In whom that sight doth wake such sad remembrance?"
-
-Forthwith he laid his hand on the cheek-bone
-Of one, his fellow-spirit, and his jaws
-Expanding, cried: "Lo! this is he I wot of;
-He speaks not for himself: the outcast this
-Who overwhelm'd the doubt in Caesar's mind,
-Affirming that delay to men prepar'd
-Was ever harmful."  Oh  how terrified
-Methought was Curio, from whose throat was cut
-The tongue, which spake that hardy word.  Then one
-Maim'd of each hand, uplifted in the gloom
-The bleeding stumps, that they with gory spots
-Sullied his face, and cried: "'Remember thee
-Of Mosca, too, I who, alas! exclaim'd,
-'The deed once done there is an end,' that prov'd
-A seed of sorrow to the Tuscan race."
-
-I added: "Ay, and death to thine own tribe."
-
-Whence heaping woe on woe he hurried off,
-As one grief stung to madness.  But I there
-Still linger'd to behold the troop, and saw
-Things, such as I may fear without more proof
-To tell of, but that conscience makes me firm,
-The boon companion, who her strong breast-plate
-Buckles on him, that feels no guilt within
-And bids him on and fear not.  Without doubt
-I saw, and yet it seems to pass before me,
-A headless trunk, that even as the rest
-Of the sad flock pac'd onward.  By the hair
-It bore the sever'd member, lantern-wise
-Pendent in hand, which look'd at us and said,
-
-"Woe's me!"  The spirit lighted thus himself,
-And two there were in one, and one in two.
-How that may be he knows who ordereth so.
-
-When at the bridge's foot direct he stood,
-His arm aloft he rear'd, thrusting the head
-Full in our view, that nearer we might hear
-The words, which thus it utter'd: "Now behold
-This grievous torment, thou, who breathing go'st
-To spy the dead; behold if any else
-Be terrible as this.  And that on earth
-Thou mayst bear tidings of me, know that I
-Am Bertrand, he of Born, who gave King John
-The counsel mischievous.  Father and son
-I set at mutual war.  For Absalom
-And David more did not Ahitophel,
-Spurring them on maliciously to strife.
-For parting those so closely knit, my brain
-Parted, alas!  I carry from its source,
-That in this trunk inhabits.  Thus the law
-Of retribution fiercely works in me."
-
-
-
-
-CANTO XXIX
-
-SO were mine eyes inebriate with view
-Of the vast multitude, whom various wounds
-Disfigur'd, that they long'd to stay and weep.
-
-But Virgil rous'd me: "What yet gazest on?
-Wherefore doth fasten yet thy sight below
-Among the maim'd and miserable shades?
-Thou hast not shewn in any chasm beside
-This weakness.  Know, if thou wouldst number them
-That two and twenty miles the valley winds
-Its circuit, and already is the moon
-Beneath our feet: the time permitted now
-Is short, and more not seen remains to see."
-
-"If thou," I straight replied, "hadst weigh'd the cause
-For which I look'd, thou hadst perchance excus'd
-The tarrying still."  My leader part pursu'd
-His way, the while I follow'd, answering him,
-And adding thus: "Within that cave I deem,
-Whereon so fixedly I held my ken,
-There is a spirit dwells, one of my blood,
-Wailing the crime that costs him now so dear."
-
-Then spake my master: "Let thy soul no more
-Afflict itself for him.  Direct elsewhere
-Its thought, and leave him.  At the bridge's foot
-I mark'd how he did point with menacing look
-At thee, and heard him by the others nam'd
-Geri of Bello.  Thou so wholly then
-Wert busied with his spirit, who once rul'd
-The towers of Hautefort, that thou lookedst not
-That way, ere he was gone."--"O guide belov'd!
-His violent death yet unaveng'd," said I,
-"By any, who are partners in his shame,
-Made him contemptuous: therefore, as I think,
-He pass'd me speechless by; and doing so
-Hath made me more compassionate his fate."
-
-So we discours'd to where the rock first show'd
-The other valley, had more light been there,
-E'en to the lowest depth.  Soon as we came
-O'er the last cloister in the dismal rounds
-Of Malebolge, and the brotherhood
-Were to our view expos'd, then many a dart
-Of sore lament assail'd me, headed all
-With points of thrilling pity, that I clos'd
-Both ears against the volley with mine hands.
-
-As were the torment, if each lazar-house
-Of Valdichiana, in the sultry time
-'Twixt July and September, with the isle
-Sardinia and Maremma's pestilent fen,
-Had heap'd their maladies all in one foss
-Together; such was here the torment: dire
-The stench, as issuing steams from fester'd limbs.
-
-We on the utmost shore of the long rock
-Descended still to leftward.  Then my sight
-Was livelier to explore the depth, wherein
-The minister of the most mighty Lord,
-All-searching Justice, dooms to punishment
-The forgers noted on her dread record.
-
-More rueful was it not methinks to see
-The nation in Aegina droop, what time
-Each living thing, e'en to the little worm,
-All fell, so full of malice was the air
-(And afterward, as bards of yore have told,
-The ancient people were restor'd anew
-From seed of emmets) than was here to see
-The spirits, that languish'd through the murky vale
-Up-pil'd on many a stack.  Confus'd they lay,
-One o'er the belly, o'er the shoulders one
-Roll'd of another; sideling crawl'd a third
-Along the dismal pathway.  Step by step
-We journey'd on, in silence looking round
-And list'ning those diseas'd, who strove in vain
-To lift their forms.  Then two I mark'd, that sat
-Propp'd 'gainst each other, as two brazen pans
-Set to retain the heat.  From head to foot,
-A tetter bark'd them round. Nor saw I e'er
-Groom currying so fast, for whom his lord
-Impatient waited, or himself perchance
-Tir'd with long watching, as of these each one
-Plied quickly his keen nails, through furiousness
-Of ne'er abated pruriency.  The crust
-Came drawn from underneath in flakes, like scales
-Scrap'd from the bream or fish of broader mail.
-
-"O thou, who with thy fingers rendest off
-Thy coat of proof," thus spake my guide to one,
-"And sometimes makest tearing pincers of them,
-Tell me if any born of Latian land
-Be among these within: so may thy nails
-Serve thee for everlasting to this toil."
-
-"Both are of Latium," weeping he replied,
-"Whom tortur'd thus thou seest: but who art thou
-That hast inquir'd of us?"  To whom my guide:
-"One that descend with this man, who yet lives,
-From rock to rock, and show him hell's abyss."
-
-Then started they asunder, and each turn'd
-Trembling toward us, with the rest, whose ear
-Those words redounding struck.  To me my liege
-Address'd him: "Speak to them whate'er thou list."
-
-And I therewith began: "So may no time
-Filch your remembrance from the thoughts of men
-In th' upper world, but after many suns
-Survive it, as ye tell me, who ye are,
-And of what race ye come.  Your punishment,
-Unseemly and disgustful in its kind,
-Deter you not from opening thus much to me."
-
-"Arezzo was my dwelling," answer'd one,
-"And me Albero of Sienna brought
-To die by fire; but that, for which I died,
-Leads me not here.  True is in sport I told him,
-That I had learn'd to wing my flight in air.
-And he admiring much, as he was void
-Of wisdom, will'd me to declare to him
-The secret of mine art: and only hence,
-Because I made him not a Daedalus,
-Prevail'd on one suppos'd his sire to burn me.
-But Minos to this chasm last of the ten,
-For that I practis'd alchemy on earth,
-Has doom'd me.  Him no subterfuge eludes."
-
-Then to the bard I spake: "Was ever race
-Light as Sienna's?  Sure not France herself
-Can show a tribe so frivolous and vain."
-
-The other leprous spirit heard my words,
-And thus return'd: "Be Stricca from this charge
-Exempted, he who knew so temp'rately
-To lay out fortune's gifts; and Niccolo
-Who first the spice's costly luxury
-Discover'd in that garden, where such seed
-Roots deepest in the soil: and be that troop
-Exempted, with whom Caccia of Asciano
-Lavish'd his vineyards and wide-spreading woods,
-And his rare wisdom Abbagliato show'd
-A spectacle for all.  That thou mayst know
-Who seconds thee against the Siennese
-Thus gladly, bend this way thy sharpen'd sight,
-That well my face may answer to thy ken;
-So shalt thou see I am Capocchio's ghost,
-Who forg'd transmuted metals by the power
-Of alchemy; and if I scan thee right,
-Thus needs must well remember how I aped
-Creative nature by my subtle art."
-
-
-
-
-CANTO XXX
-
-WHAT time resentment burn'd in Juno's breast
-For Semele against the Theban blood,
-As more than once in dire mischance was rued,
-Such fatal frenzy seiz'd on Athamas,
-That he his spouse beholding with a babe
-Laden on either arm, "Spread out," he cried,
-"The meshes, that I take the lioness
-And the young lions at the pass:" then forth
-Stretch'd he his merciless talons, grasping one,
-One helpless innocent, Learchus nam'd,
-Whom swinging down he dash'd upon a rock,
-And with her other burden self-destroy'd
-The hapless mother plung'd: and when the pride
-Of all-presuming Troy fell from its height,
-By fortune overwhelm'd, and the old king
-With his realm perish'd, then did Hecuba,
-A wretch forlorn and captive, when she saw
-Polyxena first slaughter'd, and her son,
-Her Polydorus, on the wild sea-beach
-Next met the mourner's view, then reft of sense
-Did she run barking even as a dog;
-Such mighty power had grief to wrench her soul.
-Bet ne'er the Furies or of Thebes or Troy
-With such fell cruelty were seen, their goads
-Infixing in the limbs of man or beast,
-As now two pale and naked ghost I saw
-That gnarling wildly scamper'd, like the swine
-Excluded from his stye.  One reach'd Capocchio,
-And in the neck-joint sticking deep his fangs,
-Dragg'd him, that o'er the solid pavement rubb'd
-His belly stretch'd out prone.  The other shape,
-He of Arezzo, there left trembling, spake;
-"That sprite of air is Schicchi; in like mood
-Of random mischief vent he still his spite."
-
-To whom I answ'ring: "Oh! as thou dost hope,
-The other may not flesh its jaws on thee,
-Be patient to inform us, who it is,
-Ere it speed hence."--"That is the ancient soul
-Of wretched Myrrha," he replied, "who burn'd
-With most unholy flame for her own sire,
-
-"And a false shape assuming, so perform'd
-The deed of sin; e'en as the other there,
-That onward passes, dar'd to counterfeit
-Donati's features, to feign'd testament
-The seal affixing, that himself might gain,
-For his own share, the lady of the herd."
-
-When vanish'd the two furious shades, on whom
-Mine eye was held, I turn'd it back to view
-The other cursed spirits.  One I saw
-In fashion like a lute, had but the groin
-Been sever'd, where it meets the forked part.
-Swoln dropsy, disproportioning the limbs
-With ill-converted moisture, that the paunch
-Suits not the visage, open'd wide his lips
-Gasping as in the hectic man for drought,
-One towards the chin, the other upward curl'd.
-
-"O ye, who in this world of misery,
-Wherefore I know not, are exempt from pain,"
-Thus he began, "attentively regard
-Adamo's woe.  When living, full supply
-Ne'er lack'd me of what most I coveted;
-One drop of water now, alas!  I crave.
-The rills, that glitter down the grassy slopes
-Of Casentino, making fresh and soft
-The banks whereby they glide to Arno's stream,
-Stand ever in my view; and not in vain;
-For more the pictur'd semblance dries me up,
-Much more than the disease, which makes the flesh
-Desert these shrivel'd cheeks.  So from the place,
-Where I transgress'd, stern justice urging me,
-Takes means to quicken more my lab'ring sighs.
-There is Romena, where I falsified
-The metal with the Baptist's form imprest,
-For which on earth I left my body burnt.
-But if I here might see the sorrowing soul
-Of Guido, Alessandro, or their brother,
-For Branda's limpid spring I would not change
-The welcome sight.  One is e'en now within,
-If truly the mad spirits tell, that round
-Are wand'ring.  But wherein besteads me that?
-My limbs are fetter'd.  Were I but so light,
-That I each hundred years might move one inch,
-I had set forth already on this path,
-Seeking him out amidst the shapeless crew,
-Although eleven miles it wind, not more
-Than half of one across.  They brought me down
-Among this tribe; induc'd by them I stamp'd
-The florens with three carats of alloy."
-
-"Who are that abject pair," I next inquir'd,
-"That closely bounding thee upon thy right
-Lie smoking, like a band in winter steep'd
-In the chill stream?"--"When to this gulf I dropt,"
-He answer'd, "here I found them; since that hour
-They have not turn'd, nor ever shall, I ween,
-Till time hath run his course.  One is that dame
-The false accuser of the Hebrew youth;
-Sinon the other, that false Greek from Troy.
-Sharp fever drains the reeky moistness out,
-In such a cloud upsteam'd."  When that he heard,
-One, gall'd perchance to be so darkly nam'd,
-With clench'd hand smote him on the braced paunch,
-That like a drum resounded: but forthwith
-Adamo smote him on the face, the blow
-Returning with his arm, that seem'd as hard.
-
-"Though my o'erweighty limbs have ta'en from me
-The power to move," said he, "I have an arm
-At liberty for such employ."  To whom
-Was answer'd: "When thou wentest to the fire,
-Thou hadst it not so ready at command,
-Then readier when it coin'd th' impostor gold."
-
-And thus the dropsied: "Ay, now speak'st thou true.
-But there thou gav'st not such true testimony,
-When thou wast question'd of the truth, at Troy."
-
-"If I spake false, thou falsely stamp'dst the coin,"
-Said Sinon; "I am here but for one fault,
-And thou for more than any imp beside."
-
-"Remember," he replied, "O perjur'd one,
-The horse remember, that did teem with death,
-And all the world be witness to thy guilt."
-
-"To thine," return'd the Greek, "witness the thirst
-Whence thy tongue cracks, witness the fluid mound,
-Rear'd by thy belly up before thine eyes,
-A mass corrupt."  To whom the coiner thus:
-"Thy mouth gapes wide as ever to let pass
-Its evil saying.  Me if thirst assails,
-Yet I am stuff'd with moisture.  Thou art parch'd,
-Pains rack thy head, no urging would'st thou need
-To make thee lap Narcissus' mirror up."
-
-I was all fix'd to listen, when my guide
-Admonish'd: "Now beware: a little more.
-And I do quarrel with thee."  I perceiv'd
-How angrily he spake, and towards him turn'd
-With shame so poignant, as remember'd yet
-Confounds me.  As a man that dreams of harm
-Befall'n him, dreaming wishes it a dream,
-And that which is, desires as if it were not,
-Such then was I, who wanting power to speak
-Wish'd to excuse myself, and all the while
-Excus'd me, though unweeting that I did.
-
-"More grievous fault than thine has been, less shame,"
-My master cried, "might expiate.  Therefore cast
-All sorrow from thy soul; and if again
-Chance bring thee, where like conference is held,
-Think I am ever at thy side.  To hear
-Such wrangling is a joy for vulgar minds."
-
-
-
-
-CANTO XXXI
-
-THE very tongue, whose keen reproof before
-Had wounded me, that either cheek was stain'd,
-Now minister'd my cure.  So have I heard,
-Achilles and his father's javelin caus'd
-Pain first, and then the boon of health restor'd.
-
-Turning our back upon the vale of woe,
-W cross'd th' encircled mound in silence.  There
-Was twilight dim, that far long the gloom
-Mine eye advanc'd not: but I heard a horn
-Sounded aloud. The peal it blew had made
-The thunder feeble.  Following its course
-The adverse way, my strained eyes were bent
-On that one spot.  So terrible a blast
-Orlando blew not, when that dismal rout
-O'erthrew the host of Charlemagne, and quench'd
-His saintly warfare.  Thitherward not long
-My head was rais'd, when many lofty towers
-Methought I spied.  "Master," said I, "what land
-Is this?"  He answer'd straight: "Too long a space
-Of intervening darkness has thine eye
-To traverse: thou hast therefore widely err'd
-In thy imagining.  Thither arriv'd
-Thou well shalt see, how distance can delude
-The sense.  A little therefore urge thee on."
-
-Then tenderly he caught me by the hand;
-"Yet know," said he, "ere farther we advance,
-That it less strange may seem, these are not towers,
-But giants.  In the pit they stand immers'd,
-Each from his navel downward, round the bank."
-
-As when a fog disperseth gradually,
-Our vision traces what the mist involves
-Condens'd in air; so piercing through the gross
-And gloomy atmosphere, as more and more
-We near'd toward the brink, mine error fled,
-And fear came o'er me.  As with circling round
-Of turrets, Montereggion crowns his walls,
-E'en thus the shore, encompassing th' abyss,
-Was turreted with giants, half their length
-Uprearing, horrible, whom Jove from heav'n
-Yet threatens, when his mutt'ring thunder rolls.
-
-Of one already I descried the face,
-Shoulders, and breast, and of the belly huge
-Great part, and both arms down along his ribs.
-
-All-teeming nature, when her plastic hand
-Left framing of these monsters, did display
-Past doubt her wisdom, taking from mad War
-Such slaves to do his bidding; and if she
-Repent her not of th' elephant and whale,
-Who ponders well confesses her therein
-Wiser and more discreet; for when brute force
-And evil will are back'd with subtlety,
-Resistance none avails.  His visage seem'd
-In length and bulk, as doth the pine, that tops
-Saint Peter's Roman fane; and th' other bones
-Of like proportion, so that from above
-The bank, which girdled him below, such height
-Arose his stature, that three Friezelanders
-Had striv'n in vain to reach but to his hair.
-Full thirty ample palms was he expos'd
-Downward from whence a man his garments loops.
-"Raphel bai ameth sabi almi,"
-So shouted his fierce lips, which sweeter hymns
-Became not; and my guide address'd him thus:
-
-"O senseless spirit! let thy horn for thee
-Interpret: therewith vent thy rage, if rage
-Or other passion wring thee.  Search thy neck,
-There shalt thou find the belt that binds it on.
-Wild spirit! lo, upon thy mighty breast
-Where hangs the baldrick!"  Then to me he spake:
-"He doth accuse himself.  Nimrod is this,
-Through whose ill counsel in the world no more
-One tongue prevails.  But pass we on, nor waste
-Our words; for so each language is to him,
-As his to others, understood by none."
-
-Then to the leftward turning sped we forth,
-And at a sling's throw found another shade
-Far fiercer and more huge.  I cannot say
-What master hand had girt him; but he held
-Behind the right arm fetter'd, and before
-The other with a chain, that fasten'd him
-From the neck down, and five times round his form
-Apparent met the wreathed links.  "This proud one
-Would of his strength against almighty Jove
-Make trial," said my guide; "whence he is thus
-Requited: Ephialtes him they call.
-
-"Great was his prowess, when the giants brought
-Fear on the gods: those arms, which then he piled,
-Now moves he never."  Forthwith I return'd:
-"Fain would I, if 't were possible, mine eyes
-Of Briareus immeasurable gain'd
-Experience next."  He answer'd: "Thou shalt see
-Not far from hence Antaeus, who both speaks
-And is unfetter'd, who shall place us there
-Where guilt is at its depth.  Far onward stands
-Whom thou wouldst fain behold, in chains, and made
-Like to this spirit, save that in his looks
-More fell he seems."  By violent earthquake rock'd
-Ne'er shook a tow'r, so reeling to its base,
-As Ephialtes.  More than ever then
-I dreaded death, nor than the terror more
-Had needed, if I had not seen the cords
-That held him fast.  We, straightway journeying on,
-Came to Antaeus, who five ells complete
-Without the head, forth issued from the cave.
-
-"O thou, who in the fortunate vale, that made
-Great Scipio heir of glory, when his sword
-Drove back the troop of Hannibal in flight,
-Who thence of old didst carry for thy spoil
-An hundred lions; and if thou hadst fought
-In the high conflict on thy brethren's side,
-Seems as men yet believ'd, that through thine arm
-The sons of earth had conquer'd, now vouchsafe
-To place us down beneath, where numbing cold
-Locks up Cocytus.  Force not that we crave
-Or Tityus' help or Typhon's.  Here is one
-Can give what in this realm ye covet.  Stoop
-Therefore, nor scornfully distort thy lip.
-He in the upper world can yet bestow
-Renown on thee, for he doth live, and looks
-For life yet longer, if before the time
-Grace call him not unto herself."  Thus spake
-The teacher.  He in haste forth stretch'd his hands,
-And caught my guide.  Alcides whilom felt
-That grapple straighten'd score.  Soon as my guide
-Had felt it, he bespake me thus: "This way
-That I may clasp thee;" then so caught me up,
-That we were both one burden.  As appears
-The tower of Carisenda, from beneath
-Where it doth lean, if chance a passing cloud
-So sail across, that opposite it hangs,
-Such then Antaeus seem'd, as at mine ease
-I mark'd him stooping.  I were fain at times
-T' have pass'd another way.  Yet in th' abyss,
-That Lucifer with Judas low ingulfs,
-Lightly he plac'd us; nor there leaning stay'd,
-But rose as in a bark the stately mast.
-
-
-
-
-CANTO XXXII
-
-COULD I command rough rhimes and hoarse, to suit
-That hole of sorrow, o'er which ev'ry rock
-His firm abutment rears, then might the vein
-Of fancy rise full springing: but not mine
-Such measures, and with falt'ring awe I touch
-The mighty theme; for to describe the depth
-Of all the universe, is no emprize
-To jest with, and demands a tongue not us'd
-To infant babbling.  But let them assist
-My song, the tuneful maidens, by whose aid
-Amphion wall'd in Thebes, so with the truth
-My speech shall best accord.  Oh ill-starr'd folk,
-Beyond all others wretched! who abide
-In such a mansion, as scarce thought finds words
-To speak of, better had ye here on earth
-Been flocks or mountain goats.  As down we stood
-In the dark pit beneath the giants' feet,
-But lower far than they, and I did gaze
-Still on the lofty battlement, a voice
-Bespoke me thus: "Look how thou walkest.  Take
-Good heed, thy soles do tread not on the heads
-Of thy poor brethren."  Thereupon I turn'd,
-And saw before and underneath my feet
-A lake, whose frozen surface liker seem'd
-To glass than water.  Not so thick a veil
-In winter e'er hath Austrian Danube spread
-O'er his still course, nor Tanais far remote
-Under the chilling sky.  Roll'd o'er that mass
-Had Tabernich or Pietrapana fall'n,
-
-Not e'en its rim had creak'd. As peeps the frog
-Croaking above the wave, what time in dreams
-The village gleaner oft pursues her toil,
-So, to where modest shame appears, thus low
-Blue pinch'd and shrin'd in ice the spirits stood,
-Moving their teeth in shrill note like the stork.
-His face each downward held; their mouth the cold,
-Their eyes express'd the dolour of their heart.
-
-A space I look'd around, then at my feet
-Saw two so strictly join'd, that of their head
-The very hairs were mingled.  "Tell me ye,
-Whose bosoms thus together press," said I,
-"Who are ye?"  At that sound their necks they bent,
-And when their looks were lifted up to me,
-Straightway their eyes, before all moist within,
-Distill'd upon their lips, and the frost bound
-The tears betwixt those orbs and held them there.
-Plank unto plank hath never cramp clos'd up
-So stoutly.  Whence like two enraged goats
-They clash'd together; them such fury seiz'd.
-
-And one, from whom the cold both ears had reft,
-Exclaim'd, still looking downward: "Why on us
-Dost speculate so long?  If thou wouldst know
-Who are these two, the valley, whence his wave
-Bisenzio slopes, did for its master own
-Their sire Alberto, and next him themselves.
-They from one body issued; and throughout
-Caina thou mayst search, nor find a shade
-More worthy in congealment to be fix'd,
-Not him, whose breast and shadow Arthur's land
-At that one blow dissever'd, not Focaccia,
-No not this spirit, whose o'erjutting head
-Obstructs my onward view: he bore the name
-Of Mascheroni: Tuscan if thou be,
-Well knowest who he was: and to cut short
-All further question, in my form behold
-What once was Camiccione.  I await
-Carlino here my kinsman, whose deep guilt
-Shall wash out mine."  A thousand visages
-Then mark'd I, which the keen and eager cold
-Had shap'd into a doggish grin; whence creeps
-A shiv'ring horror o'er me, at the thought
-Of those frore shallows.  While we journey'd on
-Toward the middle, at whose point unites
-All heavy substance, and I trembling went
-Through that eternal chillness, I know not
-If will it were or destiny, or chance,
-But, passing 'midst the heads, my foot did strike
-With violent blow against the face of one.
-
-"Wherefore dost bruise me?" weeping, he exclaim'd,
-"Unless thy errand be some fresh revenge
-For Montaperto, wherefore troublest me?"
-
-I thus: "Instructor, now await me here,
-That I through him may rid me of my doubt.
-Thenceforth what haste thou wilt."  The teacher paus'd,
-And to that shade I spake, who bitterly
-Still curs'd me in his wrath.  "What art thou, speak,
-That railest thus on others?"  He replied:
-"Now who art thou, that smiting others' cheeks
-Through Antenora roamest, with such force
-As were past suff'rance, wert thou living still?"
-
-"And I am living, to thy joy perchance,"
-Was my reply, "if fame be dear to thee,
-That with the rest I may thy name enrol."
-
-"The contrary of what I covet most,"
-Said he, "thou tender'st: hence; nor vex me more.
-Ill knowest thou to flatter in this vale."
-
-Then seizing on his hinder scalp, I cried:
-"Name thee, or not a hair shall tarry here."
-
-"Rend all away," he answer'd, "yet for that
-I will not tell nor show thee who I am,
-Though at my head thou pluck a thousand times."
-
-Now I had grasp'd his tresses, and stript off
-More than one tuft, he barking, with his eyes
-Drawn in and downward, when another cried,
-"What ails thee, Bocca?  Sound not loud enough
-Thy chatt'ring teeth, but thou must bark outright?
-What devil wrings thee?"--"Now," said I, "be dumb,
-Accursed traitor! to thy shame of thee
-True tidings will I bear."--"Off," he replied,
-"Tell what thou list; but as thou escape from hence
-To speak of him whose tongue hath been so glib,
-Forget not: here he wails the Frenchman's gold.
-'Him of Duera,' thou canst say, 'I mark'd,
-Where the starv'd sinners pine.'  If thou be ask'd
-What other shade was with them, at thy side
-Is Beccaria, whose red gorge distain'd
-The biting axe of Florence.  Farther on,
-If I misdeem not, Soldanieri bides,
-With Ganellon, and Tribaldello, him
-Who op'd Faenza when the people slept."
-
-We now had left him, passing on our way,
-When I beheld two spirits by the ice
-Pent in one hollow, that the head of one
-Was cowl unto the other; and as bread
-Is raven'd up through hunger, th' uppermost
-Did so apply his fangs to th' other's brain,
-Where the spine joins it.  Not more furiously
-On Menalippus' temples Tydeus gnaw'd,
-Than on that skull and on its garbage he.
-
-"O thou who show'st so beastly sign of hate
-'Gainst him thou prey'st on, let me hear," said I
-"The cause, on such condition, that if right
-Warrant thy grievance, knowing who ye are,
-And what the colour of his sinning was,
-I may repay thee in the world above,
-If that, wherewith I speak be moist so long."
-
-
-
-
-CANTO XXXIII
-
-HIS jaws uplifting from their fell repast,
-That sinner wip'd them on the hairs o' th' head,
-Which he behind had mangled, then began:
-"Thy will obeying, I call up afresh
-Sorrow past cure, which but to think of wrings
-My heart, or ere I tell on't. But if words,
-That I may utter, shall prove seed to bear
-Fruit of eternal infamy to him,
-The traitor whom I gnaw at, thou at once
-Shalt see me speak and weep.  Who thou mayst be
-I know not, nor how here below art come:
-But Florentine thou seemest of a truth,
-When I do hear thee.  Know I was on earth
-Count Ugolino, and th' Archbishop he
-Ruggieri.  Why I neighbour him so close,
-Now list.  That through effect of his ill thoughts
-In him my trust reposing, I was ta'en
-And after murder'd, need is not I tell.
-What therefore thou canst not have heard, that is,
-How cruel was the murder, shalt thou hear,
-And know if he have wrong'd me.  A small grate
-Within that mew, which for my sake the name
-Of famine bears, where others yet must pine,
-Already through its opening sev'ral moons
-Had shown me, when I slept the evil sleep,
-That from the future tore the curtain off.
-This one, methought, as master of the sport,
-Rode forth to chase the gaunt wolf and his whelps
-Unto the mountain, which forbids the sight
-Of Lucca to the Pisan.  With lean brachs
-Inquisitive and keen, before him rang'd
-Lanfranchi with Sismondi and Gualandi.
-After short course the father and the sons
-Seem'd tir'd and lagging, and methought I saw
-The sharp tusks gore their sides.  When I awoke
-Before the dawn, amid their sleep I heard
-My sons (for they were with me) weep and ask
-For bread.  Right cruel art thou, if no pang
-Thou feel at thinking what my heart foretold;
-And if not now, why use thy tears to flow?
-Now had they waken'd; and the hour drew near
-When they were wont to bring us food; the mind
-Of each misgave him through his dream, and I
-Heard, at its outlet underneath lock'd up
-The' horrible tower: whence uttering not a word
-I look'd upon the visage of my sons.
-I wept not: so all stone I felt within.
-They wept: and one, my little Anslem, cried:
-"Thou lookest so!  Father what ails thee?"  Yet
-I shed no tear, nor answer'd all that day
-Nor the next night, until another sun
-Came out upon the world.  When a faint beam
-Had to our doleful prison made its way,
-And in four countenances I descry'd
-The image of my own, on either hand
-Through agony I bit, and they who thought
-I did it through desire of feeding, rose
-O' th' sudden, and cried, 'Father, we should grieve
-Far less, if thou wouldst eat of us: thou gav'st
-These weeds of miserable flesh we wear,
-
-'And do thou strip them off from us again.'
-Then, not to make them sadder, I kept down
-My spirit in stillness.  That day and the next
-We all were silent.  Ah, obdurate earth!
-Why open'dst not upon us?  When we came
-To the fourth day, then Geddo at my feet
-Outstretch'd did fling him, crying, 'Hast no help
-For me, my father!'  There he died, and e'en
-Plainly as thou seest me, saw I the three
-Fall one by one 'twixt the fifth day and sixth:
-
-"Whence I betook me now grown blind to grope
-Over them all, and for three days aloud
-Call'd on them who were dead.  Then fasting got
-The mastery of grief."  Thus having spoke,
-
-Once more upon the wretched skull his teeth
-He fasten'd, like a mastiff's 'gainst the bone
-Firm and unyielding.  Oh thou Pisa! shame
-Of all the people, who their dwelling make
-In that fair region, where th' Italian voice
-Is heard, since that thy neighbours are so slack
-To punish, from their deep foundations rise
-Capraia and Gorgona, and dam up
-The mouth of Arno, that each soul in thee
-May perish in the waters!  What if fame
-Reported that thy castles were betray'd
-By Ugolino, yet no right hadst thou
-To stretch his children on the rack.  For them,
-Brigata, Ugaccione, and the pair
-Of gentle ones, of whom my song hath told,
-Their tender years, thou modern Thebes! did make
-Uncapable of guilt.  Onward we pass'd,
-Where others skarf'd in rugged folds of ice
-Not on their feet were turn'd, but each revers'd.
-
-There very weeping suffers not to weep;
-For at their eyes grief seeking passage finds
-Impediment, and rolling inward turns
-For increase of sharp anguish: the first tears
-Hang cluster'd, and like crystal vizors show,
-Under the socket brimming all the cup.
-
-Now though the cold had from my face dislodg'd
-Each feeling, as 't were callous, yet me seem'd
-Some breath of wind I felt.  "Whence cometh this,"
-Said I, "my master?  Is not here below
-All vapour quench'd?"--"'Thou shalt be speedily,"
-He answer'd, "where thine eye shall tell thee whence
-The cause descrying of this airy shower."
-
-Then cried out one in the chill crust who mourn'd:
-"O souls so cruel! that the farthest post
-Hath been assign'd you, from this face remove
-The harden'd veil, that I may vent the grief
-Impregnate at my heart, some little space
-Ere it congeal again!"  I thus replied:
-"Say who thou wast, if thou wouldst have mine aid;
-And if I extricate thee not, far down
-As to the lowest ice may I descend!"
-
-"The friar Alberigo," answered he,
-"Am I, who from the evil garden pluck'd
-Its fruitage, and am here repaid, the date
-More luscious for my fig."--"Hah!"  I exclaim'd,
-"Art thou too dead!"--"How in the world aloft
-It fareth with my body," answer'd he,
-"I am right ignorant.  Such privilege
-Hath Ptolomea, that ofttimes the soul
-Drops hither, ere by Atropos divorc'd.
-And that thou mayst wipe out more willingly
-The glazed tear-drops that o'erlay mine eyes,
-Know that the soul, that moment she betrays,
-As I did, yields her body to a fiend
-Who after moves and governs it at will,
-Till all its time be rounded; headlong she
-Falls to this cistern.  And perchance above
-Doth yet appear the body of a ghost,
-Who here behind me winters.  Him thou know'st,
-If thou but newly art arriv'd below.
-The years are many that have pass'd away,
-Since to this fastness Branca Doria came."
-
-"Now," answer'd I, "methinks thou mockest me,
-For Branca Doria never yet hath died,
-But doth all natural functions of a man,
-Eats, drinks, and sleeps, and putteth raiment on."
-
-He thus: "Not yet unto that upper foss
-By th' evil talons guarded, where the pitch
-Tenacious boils, had Michael Zanche reach'd,
-When this one left a demon in his stead
-In his own body, and of one his kin,
-Who with him treachery wrought.  But now put forth
-Thy hand, and ope mine eyes."  I op'd them not.
-Ill manners were best courtesy to him.
-
-Ah Genoese! men perverse in every way,
-With every foulness stain'd, why from the earth
-Are ye not cancel'd?  Such an one of yours
-I with Romagna's darkest spirit found,
-As for his doings even now in soul
-Is in Cocytus plung'd, and yet doth seem
-In body still alive upon the earth.
-
-
-
-
-CANTO XXXIV
-
-"THE banners of Hell's Monarch do come forth
-Towards us; therefore look," so spake my guide,
-"If thou discern him."  As, when breathes a cloud
-Heavy and dense, or when the shades of night
-Fall on our hemisphere, seems view'd from far
-A windmill, which the blast stirs briskly round,
-Such was the fabric then methought I saw,
-
-To shield me from the wind, forthwith I drew
-Behind my guide: no covert else was there.
-
-Now came I (and with fear I bid my strain
-Record the marvel) where the souls were all
-Whelm'd underneath, transparent, as through glass
-Pellucid the frail stem.  Some prone were laid,
-Others stood upright, this upon the soles,
-That on his head, a third with face to feet
-Arch'd like a bow.  When to the point we came,
-Whereat my guide was pleas'd that I should see
-The creature eminent in beauty once,
-He from before me stepp'd and made me pause.
-
-"Lo!"  he exclaim'd, "lo Dis! and lo the place,
-Where thou hast need to arm thy heart with strength."
-
-How frozen and how faint I then became,
-Ask me not, reader! for I write it not,
-Since words would fail to tell thee of my state.
-I was not dead nor living.  Think thyself
-If quick conception work in thee at all,
-How I did feel.  That emperor, who sways
-The realm of sorrow, at mid breast from th' ice
-Stood forth; and I in stature am more like
-A giant, than the giants are in his arms.
-Mark now how great that whole must be, which suits
-With such a part.  If he were beautiful
-As he is hideous now, and yet did dare
-To scowl upon his Maker, well from him
-May all our mis'ry flow.  Oh what a sight!
-How passing strange it seem'd, when I did spy
-Upon his head three faces: one in front
-Of hue vermilion, th' other two with this
-Midway each shoulder join'd and at the crest;
-The right 'twixt wan and yellow seem'd: the left
-To look on, such as come from whence old Nile
-Stoops to the lowlands.  Under each shot forth
-Two mighty wings, enormous as became
-A bird so vast.  Sails never such I saw
-Outstretch'd on the wide sea.  No plumes had they,
-But were in texture like a bat, and these
-He flapp'd i' th' air, that from him issued still
-Three winds, wherewith Cocytus to its depth
-Was frozen.  At six eyes he wept: the tears
-Adown three chins distill'd with bloody foam.
-At every mouth his teeth a sinner champ'd
-Bruis'd as with pond'rous engine, so that three
-Were in this guise tormented.  But far more
-Than from that gnawing, was the foremost pang'd
-By the fierce rending, whence ofttimes the back
-Was stript of all its skin.  "That upper spirit,
-Who hath worse punishment," so spake my guide,
-"Is Judas, he that hath his head within
-And plies the feet without.  Of th' other two,
-Whose heads are under, from the murky jaw
-Who hangs, is Brutus: lo! how he doth writhe
-And speaks not!  Th' other Cassius, that appears
-So large of limb.  But night now re-ascends,
-And it is time for parting.  All is seen."
-
-I clipp'd him round the neck, for so he bade;
-And noting time and place, he, when the wings
-Enough were op'd, caught fast the shaggy sides,
-And down from pile to pile descending stepp'd
-Between the thick fell and the jagged ice.
-
-Soon as he reach'd the point, whereat the thigh
-Upon the swelling of the haunches turns,
-My leader there with pain and struggling hard
-Turn'd round his head, where his feet stood before,
-And grappled at the fell, as one who mounts,
-That into hell methought we turn'd again.
-
-"Expect that by such stairs as these," thus spake
-The teacher, panting like a man forespent,
-"We must depart from evil so extreme."
-Then at a rocky opening issued forth,
-And plac'd me on a brink to sit, next join'd
-With wary step my side.  I rais'd mine eyes,
-Believing that I Lucifer should see
-Where he was lately left, but saw him now
-With legs held upward.  Let the grosser sort,
-Who see not what the point was I had pass'd,
-Bethink them if sore toil oppress'd me then.
-
-"Arise," my master cried, "upon thy feet.
-The way is long, and much uncouth the road;
-And now within one hour and half of noon
-The sun returns."  It was no palace-hall
-Lofty and luminous wherein we stood,
-But natural dungeon where ill footing was
-And scant supply of light.  "Ere from th' abyss
-I sep'rate," thus when risen I began,
-"My guide! vouchsafe few words to set me free
-From error's thralldom.  Where is now the ice?
-How standeth he in posture thus revers'd?
-And how from eve to morn in space so brief
-Hath the sun made his transit?"  He in few
-Thus answering spake: "Thou deemest thou art still
-On th' other side the centre, where I grasp'd
-Th' abhorred worm, that boreth through the world.
-Thou wast on th' other side, so long as I
-Descended; when I turn'd, thou didst o'erpass
-That point, to which from ev'ry part is dragg'd
-All heavy substance.  Thou art now arriv'd
-Under the hemisphere opposed to that,
-Which the great continent doth overspread,
-And underneath whose canopy expir'd
-The Man, that was born sinless, and so liv'd.
-Thy feet are planted on the smallest sphere,
-Whose other aspect is Judecca.  Morn
-Here rises, when there evening sets: and he,
-Whose shaggy pile was scal'd, yet standeth fix'd,
-As at the first.  On this part he fell down
-From heav'n; and th' earth, here prominent before,
-Through fear of him did veil her with the sea,
-And to our hemisphere retir'd.  Perchance
-To shun him was the vacant space left here
-By what of firm land on this side appears,
-That sprang aloof."  There is a place beneath,
-From Belzebub as distant, as extends
-The vaulted tomb, discover'd not by sight,
-But by the sound of brooklet, that descends
-This way along the hollow of a rock,
-Which, as it winds with no precipitous course,
-The wave hath eaten.  By that hidden way
-My guide and I did enter, to return
-To the fair world: and heedless of repose
-We climbed, he first, I following his steps,
-Till on our view the beautiful lights of heav'n
-Dawn'd through a circular opening in the cave:
-Thus issuing we again beheld the stars.
-
-
-
-
-
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