m 
 
 f ^ N\1 
 
 
 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^HBl^HHHlkilH' 1 
 
 
 m^ 
 
 IK 
 
 ^^■HKI 
 
 M 
 
 m^^g^^M 
 
 M 
 
 
 I^^H^H 
 
 
 
 m 
 
(Thp i. 11 Hill ^libraro 
 
 NnrtI) (Harnlina *talp 
 llniOFrsitg 
 
 'Q4315.13 
 
 L883b 
 
 This book was presented by 
 
 PROF. RICHARD WALSER 
 
U^N 
 
 O'U 
 
 I I 
 
Hearing; the air cut by their verdant plumes, 
 The serpent fled ; and, to their stations, back 
 The angels ^ip return'd with equal flight. 
 
 Canto VIII.. lints 1 03 -1 07. 
 
Purgatory and Paradise 
 
 TRANSLATED BY 
 
 THE REV. HENRY FRANCIS GARY, MA. 
 
 FROM THE ORIGINAL OF 
 
 DANTE ALIGHIERI 
 
 AND ILLUSTRATED WITH THE DESIGNS OF 
 
 M. GUSTAVE DORE 
 
 NttD (Ebition 
 
 I go I 
 
 THOMPSON & THOMAS 
 CHICAGO 
 
THE VISION OF DANTE. 
 
 ■JPurgfltorg. 
 
 CANTO I. 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 The Foet describes the delight he experienced *t issuing a little before dawn from the infernal regions, into the pore 
 
 mir that surrounds the isle of Purgatory; and then relates how, turning to the right, he beheld four stars never 
 seen before but by our first parents, and met on his left the shade of Cato of Utica, who, having warned him 
 and Virgil what is needful to be done before they proceed on their way through Purgatory, disappears ; and the 
 two poets go towards the shore, where VirgU cleanses Dante's face with the dew, and girds him with a reed, 
 u Cato had commanded. 
 
 O'ER better waves to speed her rapid course 
 The light bark of my genius lifts the sail, 
 Well pleased to leave so cruel sea behind; 
 And of that second region will I sing. 
 In which the human spirit from sinful blot 
 Is purged, and for ascent to Heaven prepares. 
 
 Here, O ye hallow'd Nine! for in your train 
 I follow, here the deaden'd 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 'scaped 
 Forth from the atmosphere of deadly gloom, 
 
THE \-lS10X. 
 
 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 I bereft 
 Indeed, and widow'd, since of these deprived. 
 
 As from this view I had desisted, straight 
 Turning a little towards the other pole, 
 There from whence now the wain had disappcar'd, 
 I saw an old man standing by my side 
 Alone, so vyorthy of reverence in his look, 
 That ne'er from son to father more was owed. 
 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 the 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 
 
54-89. PURGATORY.— CANTO I. 
 
 Descending, him 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 furthest 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 purged 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 refused. 
 
 Thou knowest, to whofn 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 unmoved : 
 
 He breathes, and I of Minos am not bound, 
 
 Abiding in that circle, where the eyes 
 
 Of thy chaste Marcia beam, who still in look 
 
 Prays thee, O hallow'd spirit I to own her thine. 
 
 Then by her love we implore thee, let us pass 
 
 Through thy seven 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, 
 
THE VISION. 
 
 Which wa*? 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 obscured, 
 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 1 myself upraised 
 Speechless, and to my guide retiring close. 
 Toward him turn-'d mine eyes. He thus began : 
 " My son I observant thou my steps pursue. 
 We must retreat to rereward ; for that way 
 The champain to its low extreme declines." 
 
 The dawn had chased the matin hour of prime. 
 Which fled before it, so that from afar 
 I spied the trembling of the ocean stream. 
 
 We traversed 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 breathed o'er it, while it slowly dried ; 
 Both hands extended on the watery grass 
 My master placed, in graceful act and kind. 
 Whence I of his intent before apprised, 
 
■q ^\\^-a 
 
 The radiant planet, that to love invites, 
 Made all the orient laugh, and veil'd beneath 
 The Pisces' light, that in his escort came. 
 
 Quito A, lines 1^-21 
 
My guide, then laying hold on me, by words 
 And intimations given with hand and head. 
 Made my bent knees and eye submissive |)ay 
 Due rcveicncc. 
 
 Caul,' J , lines 49-52. 
 
PURGATORY.— CANTO I. 
 
 Stretch'd out to him my cheeks suffused with tears, 
 
 There to my visage he anew restored 
 
 That hue which tWe dun shades of hell conceal'd. 
 
 Then on the solitary shore arrived, 
 That never sailing on its waters saw 
 Man that could after measure back his course, 
 He girt me in such manner as had pleased 
 Him who instructed ; and, O strange to tell I 
 As he selected every humble plant. 
 Wherever one was pluck'd another there 
 Resembling, straightway in its place arose. 
 
CANTO 
 
 ARGUM ENT. 
 
 They behold a vessel under conduct of an angel, coming over the waves with spirits to Purgatory, among whom, 
 when the passengers have landed, Dante recognises his friend Casella ; but, while they aie entertained by him 
 with a song, they hear Cato exclaiming against their negligent loitering, and at that rebuke hasten forwards to 
 the mountain. 
 
 TV TOW 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 
 Rounds, from the stream of Ganges issued forth, 
 Holding the scales, that from her hands are dropt 
 When she reigns higiiest : so that where I was, 
 Aurora's white and vermeil-tinctured cheek 
 To orange turn'd as she in age increased. 
 
 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 I 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 
 
PURGATORY.— CANTO II. 
 
 Mine eyes, to make inquiry of my guide, 
 
 Again I look'd, and saw it grown in size 
 
 And brightness : then on either side appeared 
 
 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 I how all human means he sets at nought; 
 
 So that nor oar he needs, nor other sail 
 
 Except his wings, between such distant shores. 
 
 Lo I 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 splendour 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 heavenly steersman at the prow was seen, 
 Visibly written Blessed in his looks. 
 Within, a hundred spirits and more there sat. 
 
 " In Exitu Israel de Egypto," 
 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 : 
 He, 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 heaven 
 
THE VISION. 
 
 Had chased the Capricorn, when that strange tribe, 
 Lifting their eyes toward us: "If ye know, 
 Declare what path will lead us to the mount." 
 
 Then 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 perceived I lived, 
 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, cleansed 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 moved. O shadows vain 1 
 Except in outward semblance : thrice my hands 
 I clasp'd behind it, they as oft return 'd 
 Empty into my breast again. Surprise 
 I need must think was painted in my looks. 
 For that the shadow smiled 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 answer'd: "Thee as in my mortal frame 
 I loved, so loosed from 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 
 
PURGATORY.-CANTO II. 
 
 " No outrage hath been done to me, if he, 
 Who when and whom he chooses takes, hath oft 
 Denied me passage here ; since of just will 
 His will he makes. These three months past in Ved, 
 He, whoso chose to enter, with free leave 
 Hath taken ; whence I wandering by the shore 
 Where Tiber's wave grows salt, of him gain'd kind 
 Admittance, at that river's mouth, toward which 
 His wings are pointed ; for there always throng 
 All such as not to Acheron descend." 
 
 Then I : "If new law taketh not from thee 
 Memory or custom of love-tuned song, 
 That whilom all my cares had power to 'swage ; 
 Please thee therewith a little to console 
 My spirit, that encumberd 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 pleased, 
 That seem'd nought else might in their thoughts have room. 
 
 Fast fix'd in mute attention to his notes 
 We stood, when lo I that old man venerable 
 Exclaiming, " How is this, ye tardy spirits? 
 What negligence detains you loitering 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 
 
 ARGUM ENT. 
 
 Our Poet, perceiving no shadow except that cast by his own body, is fearftri that Virgil has deserted him ; but h* 
 is freed from that error, and both arrive together at the foot of the mountain. On finding it too steep to climb, 
 they inquire the way from a troop of spirits that are coming towards them, and are by them shown which is the 
 easiest ascent. Manfredi, King of Naples, who is one of these spirits, bids Dante inform his daughter Costania, 
 Queen of Arragon, of the manner in which he had died. 
 
 T^HKM sudden flight had scatter'd o'er the plain, 
 
 -*■ Turn'd towards the mountain, whither reason's voice 
 Drives us : I, to my faithful company 
 Adhering, left it not. For how, of him 
 Deprived, 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 I 
 How doth a little failing wound thee sore. 
 
 Soon as his feet desisted (slackening pace) 
 From haste, that mars all decency of act. 
 My mind, that in itself before was wrapt. 
 Its thought expanded, as with joy restored ; 
 And full against the steep ascent I set 
 My face, where highest to heaven its top o'erflows. 
 
 The sun, that flared behind, with ruddy beana 
 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 obscured. • 
 
PURGATORY.— CANTO III. 
 
 When thus my solace, turning him around, 
 Bespake me kindly: "Why distrustest thou? 
 Bclievest not I am with thee, thy sure guide? 
 It now* is evening there, where buried lies 
 The body in which I cast a shade, removed 
 To Naples from Brundusium's wall. Nor thou 
 Marvel, if before me no shadow fall, 
 More than that in the skyey element 
 One ray obstructs not other. To endure 
 Torments of heat and cold extreme, like frames 
 That virtue hath disposed, 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 given, 
 That now but serve them for eternal grief. 
 I speak of Plato, and the Stagirite, 
 And others many more." And then he bent 
 Downwards his forehead, and in troubled mood 
 Broke off his speech. Meanwhile we had arrived 
 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 remo*-"*. 
 Most wild, untrodden path, in all the tract 
 Twixt Lerice and Turbia, were to this 
 A ladder easy and open of access. 
 
 "Who knows oa which hand now the steep declines?" 
 My master said, and paused ; "so that he may 
 Ascend, who journeys without aid of wing?" 
 And while, with looks directed to the ground. 
 The meaning of the pathway he explored, 
 
THE VISION. 56-90. 
 
 And I gazed upward round the stony height; 
 On the left hand appear'd to us a troop 
 Of spirits, that toward us moved their steps ; 
 Yet moving seem'd not, they so slow approaoh'd. 
 
 I thus my guide address'd : " Upraise thine eyes : 
 Lo ! that way some, of whom thou mayst 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 beloved." 
 
 Now was that crowd from us distant as far, 
 (When we some thousand steps, I say, had past,) 
 As at a throw the nervous arm could fling; 
 When all drew backward on the massy crags 
 Of the steep bank, and firmly stood unmoved, 
 As one, who walks in doubt, might stand to look. 
 
 "O .spirits perfect 1 O already chosen I" 
 Virgil to them began : "by that blest peace, 
 Which, as I deem, is for you all prepared, 
 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 gricxes." 
 
 As sheep, that step from forth their fold, bv 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, gathering 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 retired : the same did all 
 
Then when he knew 
 Tlie pilot cried aloud, "Down, down; bend low 
 Thy knees; behold God's angel: fold thy hands: 
 Now shalt thou see true ministers indeed." 
 
 Cania //. . lines 27- 
 
The heavenly steersman at the prow was seen, 
 Visibly written Hlessed in his looks. 
 
 Canto 11. , lints 4», 4: 
 
91—126. PURGATORY.— CANTO III. 
 
 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 grouno. 
 Marvel not : but believe, that not without 
 Virtue derived 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 ait, 
 Who journey 'st thus this way, thy visage turn ; 
 Ihink if me elsewhere thou hast ever seen." 
 
 I towards 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 I" he said, and show'd 
 High on his breast a wound : then smilmg spak**. 
 
 "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 shattet'd, I betook myself 
 Weeping to him, who of free will forgives. 
 My sins were honible: 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. 
 
14 THE VISION. 
 
 Far as the stream of Verde, where, with lights 
 
 Extinguish'd, he removed 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 blossom. 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 mude. 
 
 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 conies.* 
 
CANTO IV. 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 Oante and Virgil ascend tlie mountain of Purgatory, by a steep and narrow path pent In on each side by rock, til! 
 they reach a part of it that opens into a ledge or cornice. There seating themselves, and turning to the east, 
 Dante wonders at seeing the sun on their left, the cause of which is explained to him by Virgil ; and while the) 
 continue their discourse, a voice addresses them, at which they turn, and find several spirits behind the rock, 
 and amongst the rest one named Belacqua, who had been known to our Poet on earth, and who telJs that he i» 
 doomed to linger there on account of his having delayed his repentance to the last 
 
 "\ ^ 7"HEN by sensations of delight or pain, 
 * * That any of our faculties hath seized, 
 Entire the soul collects herself, it seems 
 She is intent upon that power alone; 
 • And thus the error is disproved, which holds 
 The soul not singly lighted in the breast. 
 And therefore whenas 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 we hearken, is one power; 
 Another that, which the whole spirit hath : 
 This is as it were bound, while that is free. 
 
 This found I true by proof, hearing that spirit, 
 And wondering; for full fifty steps aloft 
 The sun had measured, unobserved of me, 
 When we arrived where all with one accord 
 The spirits shouted, " Here is what ye ask." 
 
 A larger aperture oft-times is stopt, 
 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 
 
I6 THE VISION. 
 
 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 arrived 
 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 practised 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 beloved I 
 Turn and behold how I remain alone, 
 If thou stay not." "My son I" he straight replied, 
 "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, clambering, forced 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 mine eyes, 
 Then raised them to the sun, and wondering mark'd 
 That from the left it smote us. Soon perceived 
 That poet sage, how at the car of light 
 Amazed 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 
 
 23 — 60. 
 
And I gazed upward round the stony heijrht : 
 On the left hand appcar'd to us a troop 
 Of spirits, that toward us moved their steps : 
 Yet moving seem'd not, they so slow approach'd. 
 
 Canto ril., ftnea iO--s» 
 
While underneath, tlie j^'round 
 Ask'd help of hands and feet. 
 
 Cafito tV.. lines .•»!. ya 
 
6i— 97. PURGATORY.— CANTO IV. 17 
 
 Imparts his light beneath, thou mightst behold 
 The ruddy Zodiac nearer to the Bears 
 Wheel, if its ancient course it not forsook. 
 How that may be, if thou wouldst think; within 
 Pondering, imagine Sion with this mount 
 Placed on the earth, so that to both be one 
 Horizon, and two hemispheres apart, 
 Where lies the path that Phaeton ill knew 
 To g-uide his erring chariot : thou wilt see 
 How of necessity by this, on one, 
 He passes, while by that on the other side ; 
 If with that cleaf view thine intellect atteiul." 
 
 "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 call'd the Equator, and remains 
 Still 'twixt the sun and winter) for the cause 
 Thou hast assign'd, from hence toward the north 
 Departs, when those, who in the Hebrew land 
 Were dwellers, saw it towards the warmer part. 
 But if it please thee, I would gladly knvtw, 
 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 
 
i8 THE VISION. 98-135. 
 
 A huge stone we beheld, of which nor I 
 Nor he before was ware. Thither we drew ; 
 And there were some, who in the shady place 
 Behind the rock were standing, as a man 
 Through idleness might stand. Among them one, 
 Who seem'd to be much wearied, sat him down. 
 And with his arms did fold his knees about, 
 Holding his face between them downward bent. 
 
 "Sweet Sir!" I cried, "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,* observed. 
 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 urged 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 moved ; when I began : 
 *' Bclacqua, now for thee I grieve no more. 
 But tell, why thou art seated upright there. 
 ^^'aitest thou escort to conduct thee hence? 
 Or blame I only thine accustom'd ways?" 
 Then he : " My brother I of what use to mount. 
 When, to my suffering, would not let me pass 
 The bird of God, who at the portal sits ? 
 Behoves so long that heaven first bear me round 
 Without its limits, as in life it bore; 
 Because I, to the end, repentant sighs 
 Dclay'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. 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 They nwet with others, who had deferred their repentance till they were overtaken by a violent death, when lufficieal 
 space being allowed them, they were then saved ; and amongst these Giacopo del Cassero, Buonconte da Monte- 
 feltro, and Pia, a lady of Sienna. 
 
 XT OW had I left those spirits, and pursued 
 
 ^ ^ The steps of my conductor ; when behind, 
 
 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 Dosom thougnt on tnought shoots out, 
 
 Still of his aim is wide, in that the on*e 
 
 Sicklies and wastes to nought the other's strength." 
 
 What other could I answer, save " I come?" 
 I said it, somewhat with that colour tinged, 
 Which oft-times 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 perceived that through my body I 
 
TH- VISION. 
 
 Ga\c way not for the rays to pass, their song 
 Straight to a long and hoarse exclaim they changed; 
 And two of them, in guise of messengers, 
 Ran on to meet us, and inquiring ask'd : 
 "Of vour condition we would gladly learn." 
 
 To them my guide. "Ye may return, and bear 
 Tidings to fhem who sent you, that his frame 
 Is real flesh. If, as I deem, to view 
 His shade they paused, 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 I 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 tarricst thou not? We all 
 By violence died, and to our latest hour 
 Were sinners; but then warn'd by light from heaven ; 
 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 I 
 Speak, and I will perform it ; by that peace, 
 Which, on the steps of guide so excellent 
 
-J^^^^ 
 
 And there were some, who in the shady place 
 Behind the rock were standing, as a man 
 Through idleness might stand. 
 
 Canto II'., lines loo-ioa. 
 
"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." 
 
 Canto y.. 
 
PURGATORY.— CANTO V. 
 
 Following, from world to world, intent I seek.* 
 In answer he began : " None here distrusts 
 Thy kindness, though not promised 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 breathed. 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 I so may the wish, 
 That takes thee o'er the mountain, be fulfiU'd, 
 A? 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 I" answer'd he, "at Casentino's foot 
 A stream there courseth, named Archiano, sprung 
 In Apennine above the hermit's seat. 
 E'en where its name is cancel'd,' there came I, 
 Pierced in the throat, fleeing away on foot. 
 And bloodying the plain. Here sight and speech 
 
TIIF. VISION. 
 
 98-133- 
 
 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 heaven: 
 
 Say wherefore hast thou robb'd me? Thou of him 
 
 The 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 know'st 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 raised 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 changed 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 sliffen'd frame, 
 Laid at his mouth, the fell Archiano found, 
 And dash'd it into Arno ; from my breast 
 Loosening 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 I 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 jewel'd ring had first espoused." 
 
CANTO VI. 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 Many besides, who are in like case with those spoken of in the last Canto, beseech our Poet to obtain for them 
 the prayers of their friends, when he shall be returned to this world. This moves him to express a doubt 
 to his guide, how the dead can be profited by the prayers of the living; for the solution of which doubt he is 
 referred to Beatrice. Afterwards he meets with Sordello, the Mantuan, whose affection, shown to \Mgil, his 
 countryman, leads Dante to break forth into an invective against the unnatural divisions with which luily, ai.d 
 more especially Florence, was distracted. 
 
 \ A /"HEN 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 'scaped 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 
 
24 THE VISION. 26—61. 
 
 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 I 
 
 It seems expressly in thy text denied. 
 
 That heaven's supreme decree can ever 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 deceived 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 prayer 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 I let us mend our speed ; for now 
 I tire not as before : and lo 1 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 I a spirit there 
 Stands solitary, and toward us looks : 
 It will instruct us in the speediest way." 
 
62—97. PURGATORY.— CANTO VI. 25 
 
 We soon approach'd it. O thou Lombard spirit I 
 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, advanced, 
 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 shadow, in itself absorb'd. 
 Rose towards us from the place in which it stood. 
 And cried, " Mantuan I I am thy countryman, 
 Sordello." Each the other then embraced. 
 
 Ah, slavish Italy; thou inn of grief I 
 Vessel without a pilot in loud storm I 
 Lady no longer of fair provinces. 
 But brothel-house impure 1 this gentle spirit. 
 Even 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 I around thy sea-coasts wide ; 
 Then homeward to thy bosom turn ; and mark. 
 If any part of thee sweet peace enjoy. 
 What boots it, that thy reins Justinian's hand 
 Refitted, if thy saddle be unprest ? 
 Nought doth he now but aggravate thy shame. 
 Ah, people I thou obedient still shouldst live, 
 And in the saddle let thy Cassar sit. 
 If well thou marked'st that which God commands. 
 
 Look how that beast to felness hath relapsed, 
 From having lost correction of the spur, 
 Since to the bridle thou hast set thine hand. 
 
26 THE VISION. 98— "33. 
 
 O German Albert I who abandon'st her 
 
 That is grown savage and unmanageable, 
 
 When thou shouldst 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 reahns dciain'd, 
 
 The garden of the empire to run waste 
 
 Come, see the Capulets and Montagues, 
 
 The Filippeschi and Monaldi, man 
 
 Who carest for nought I those sunk in grief, and these 
 
 With dire suspicion rack'd. Come, cruel one I 
 
 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 Caisar, 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 I 
 
 Who wast in earth for our sakes crucified, 
 
 Are thy just eyes turn'd elsewhere? or is this 
 
 A preparation, in the wondrous 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 I thou mayst well remain unmoved 
 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, 
 
>34— 153. PURGATORV.-CANTO VI. 27 
 
 Or ere it dart unto its aim : but thine 
 Have it on their lip's edge. Many refuse 
 To bear the common burdens : readier thine 
 Answer uncall'd, and cry, " Behold I stoop I" 
 
 Make thyself glad, for thou hast reason now, 
 Thou wealthy I thou at peace ! thou wisdom-fraught I 
 • Facts best will 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 
 Towards thee, who usest such nice subtlety, 
 That to the middle of November scarce 
 Reaches the thread thou in October weavest. 
 How many times within thy memory. 
 Customs, and laws, and coins, and offices 
 Have been by thee renew'd, and people changed. 
 If thou remember'st well and canst 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. 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 The approach of night hindering ftirther ascent, Sordello conducts our Poet apart to an eminence, from whence 
 they behold a pleasant recess, in form of a flowery valley, scooped out of the mountain ; where are many famous 
 spirits, and among them the Emperor Rodolph, Ottocar, King of Bohemia, Philip III. of France, Henry of 
 Navarre, Peter III. of Arragon, Charles I. of Naples, Henry III. of England, ;ind William, Marquis of 
 Montferrat. 
 
 AFTER their courteous greetings joyfully 
 Seven times exchanged, 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 
 Deprived of heaven, except for lack of faith." 
 So answer'd him in few my gentle guide. 
 
 As one, who aught belore him suddenly 
 Beholding, whence his wonder riseth, cries, 
 " It is, yet is not," wavering in belief; 
 Such he appear'd ; then downward bent his eyes, 
 And, drawing near with reverential step, 
 Caught him, where one of mean estate might clasp 
 His lord. " Glory of Latium I" he exclaim'd, 
 " In whom our tongue its utmost power display'd ; 
 Boast of my honour'd birth-place I what desert 
 Of mine, what favour, rather, undeserved, 
 .Shows thee to me? If I to hear that voice 
 Am worthy, say if from below thou comest, 
 And from what cloister's pale." — " Through every orb 
 Of that sad region," he replied, " thus far 
 
Froin 111}' breast 
 Loosening the cross, tliat of myself I made 
 Wlien overcome with pain. 
 
«'l 
 
 'Then remember me. 
 
 I once was Pia." 
 
 Canfe I'., lines 1 30, 131. 
 
23—58- PURGATORY.— CANTO VII. 
 
 Am I arrived, by heavenly influence led : 
 
 And with such aid I come. Not for my doing, 
 
 But for not doing, have I lost the sight 
 
 Of that high Sun, whom thou desirest, and who 
 
 By me too late was known. 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 retired. If thou 
 Consentest, I to these will lead thy steps : 
 And thou wilt know them, not without delight." 
 
 " How chances this ?" was answer'd : " whoso 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 want of power, perplex the will. 
 With them thou haply mightst return beneath, 
 
 29 
 
30 THE VISION. 59_g^ 
 
 Or to and fro around the mountain's side 
 Wander, while day is in the horizon shut." 
 
 My master straight, as wondering 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 removed from thence, 
 When I perceived the mountain hollow'd out, 
 Even 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 pnth 
 Led us traverse into the ridge's side. 
 Where more than half the sloping edge expires. 
 Refulgent gold, and silver thrice refined, 
 And scarlet grain and ceruse, Indian wood 
 Of lucid dye serene, fresh emeralds 
 But newly broken, by the herbs and flowers 
 Placed in that fair recess, in colour 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 undistinguished 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 westering sun sink to his bed," 
 Began the Mantuan, who our steps had turn'd, 
 "'Mid those, desire 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 
 
95— 130. PURGATORY.— CANTO VII. 31 
 
 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 deprest, who close 
 
 In counsel seems with him of gentle look, 
 
 Flying expired, withering 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 every virtue bore his girdle braced. 
 And if that stripling, who behind him sits, 
 King after him had lived, 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 calTd. 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 Beatrix and Margaret, 
 Costanza still boasts of her valorous spouse. 
 
32 THE VISION. 
 
 " 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. 
 Is William, that brave Marquis, for whose cause, 
 The deed of Alexandria and his war 
 Makes Montferrat and Canavese weep." 
 
"Through every orb 
 Of that sad region," he replied, "thus h 
 Am I arrived." 
 
 Cait/o r//.. //«« 21-23. 
 
^m 
 
 4^^ ■ ^ 
 
 
 "Salve Regina," on the grass and flowers, 
 Here chanting, I beheld those spirits sit, 
 Who not beyond the valley could be seen. 
 
 Canto r//.. !hi 
 
CANTO VIII. 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 Tw« ingels, with flaming swords broken at the points, descend to keep watch over the valley, into which Virgil and 
 Dante entering by desire of Sordello, our Poet meets with joy the spirit of Nino, the judge of Gallura, one who 
 was well known to him. Meantime three exceedingly bright stars appear near the pole, and a serpent creeps 
 subtly into the valley, but flees at hearing the approach of those angelic guards. Lastly, Conrad Malaspina 
 oredicts to our Poet his future banishment. 
 
 "\ TOW 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 implored. Both palms it join'd and raised, 
 Fixing its stedfast gaze toward the east, 
 As telling God, " I care for nought 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, 
 FoUow'd through all the hymn, with upward gaze 
 Directed to the bright supernal wheels. 
 
 Here, reader I for the truth make thine eyes keen : 
 
34 Tin: VISION. 
 
 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-illumined swords, 
 Broken and mutilated of 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, 'gainst 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 paused 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 
 Mcthinks I measured, ere I was beneath. 
 And noted one who look'd as with desire 
 To know me. Time was now that air grew dim; 
 Yet not so dim, that, 'twixt his eyes and mine, 
 It clcar'd not up what was conceal'd before. 
 Mutually towards each other we advanced. 
 Nino, thou courteous judge I what joy I felt. 
 When I perceived thou wert not with the bad. 
 
 No salutation kind on either part 
 
 20— 55- 
 
56-91. PURGATORY.— CA^^TO VIII. 
 
 Was left unsaid. He then inquired : " How long, 
 
 Since thou arrived'st at the mountain's foot, 
 
 Over the distant waves?" — "Oh!" 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 amazed. 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 owest 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 changed the white and wimpled folds, 
 
 Which she is doom'd once more with grief to wish. 
 
 By her it easily may be perceived, 
 
 How long in woman 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 zeal, which with due temperature 
 Glows in the bosom. My insatiate eyes 
 Meanwhile to heaven had travel'd, even there 
 Where the bright stars are slowest,, as a wheel 
 Nearest the axle ; when my guide inquired : 
 ** What there aloft, my son, has caught thy gaze ?" 
 
 I answered : " 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. 
 
THE VISION. 
 
 Are there beneath; and these, risen in their stead." 
 
 \\ hilc yet he spoke, Sordello to himself 
 Drew him, and cried : " Lo there our enemy I" 
 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 smooths its polish'd coat, 
 Licking his back. I saw not, nor can tell. 
 How those celestial falcons from their seat 
 Moved, 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 free resolve, of wax so much. 
 As may suffice thee to the enamel'd 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. Tlie love 
 I bore my people is now here refined." 
 
 " In your domains," I answer'd, " ne'er was I. 
 But, through all Europe, where do those men dwell, 
 To whom their g\ory is not manifest ? 
 The fame, that honours your illustrious house, 
 Proclaims the nobles, and proclaims the laud; 
 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 
 
Now the fair consort of Titlionus old, 
 Arisen from her mate's beloved arms, 
 Lo )k'd palely o'er the eastern cliff. 
 
 Ca:ro !.\ 
 
Tlieie both, I thought, the ciglc ami myself 
 Did burn ; and so intense the imagined flames, 
 That needs my sleep was biolcen off. 
 
128—138. PURGATORY.— CANTO VIII. 37 
 
 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 : seven 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 others' speech can drive ; 
 
 If the sure course of jud<;ment be not stay'd." 
 
CANTO IX. 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 Daale b curied up the mountain, asleep and dreaming, by Lucia; and, on wakening, finds himself, two boun 
 after sunrise, with Virgil, near the gate of Purgatory, through which they are admitted by the angel deputed 
 by St. Peter to keep it. 
 
 XT OW 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, 
 
 Remembering haply ancient grief, renews ; 
 
 And when our minds, more wanderers 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 hovering 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 aery 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 the imagined flames, 
 
PURGATORY.— CANTO IX. 39 
 
 That needs my sleep was broken off. As erst 
 
 Achilles shook himself, and round he roll'd 
 
 His waken'd eyeballs, wondering where he was, 
 
 Whenas his mother had from Chiron fled 
 
 To Scyros," with him sleeping in her arms ; 
 
 (There whence the Greeks did after sunder him ;) 
 
 E'en thus I shook me, soon as from my face 
 
 The slumber parted, turning deadly pale, 
 
 Like one ice-struck with dread. Sole 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, 
 
 "Assured we are at happy point. Thy strength 
 
 Shrink not, but rise dilated. Thou art come 
 
 To Purgatory now. Lo I there the cliff 
 
 That circling bounds it. Lo I the entrance there, 
 
 Where it doth seem 'disparted. Ere the dawn 
 
 Usher'd the day-light, 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." Liks one, whose doubts 
 
 Are chased 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 moved, 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, 
 
THE VISION. 
 
 Arrived 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 glanced back 
 
 The rays so towards 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," resumed 
 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 flamed 
 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 checrly drew me. "Ask," said he, 
 "With humble heart, that he unbar the bolt." 
 
 Piously at his holy feet devolved 
 I cast me, praying him for pity's sake 
 That he would open to me; but first fell 
 Thrice on my bosom prostrate. Seven ti 
 The letter, that denotes the inward stain. 
 
 inics 
 
103—138. PURGATORY.— CANTO IX. 41 
 
 He, on my forehead, with the blunted point 
 
 Of his drawn sword, inscribed. 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 key-hole 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 Tarpcian, when by force bereft 
 Of good Metellus, thenceforth from his loss 
 To leanness doom'd. Attentively I turn'd. 
 Listening 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. 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 Being admitted at the gate of Purgatory, our Poets ascend a winding path up the rock till they reach an open and 
 level space that extends each way round the mountain. On the side that rises, and which is of white marble, 
 are seen artfully engraven many stories of humility, which whilst they are contemplating, there approach the 
 •ouU of those who expiate the sin of pride, and who are bent down beneath the weight of heavy stones. 
 
 A 1 /"HEN we had past 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 
 Behoves 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 watery 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 measured thrice the stature of a man : 
 And, distant as mine eye could wing its flight. 
 
PURGATORY.— CANTO X. 43 
 
 To leftward now and now to right dispatch'd, 
 That cornice equal in extent appear'd. 
 
 Not yet our feet had on that summit moved, 
 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 shamed. The angel (who came down to earth 
 With tidings of the peace so many years 
 Wept for in vain, that oped the heavenly gates 
 From their long interdict) before us seem'd. 
 In a sweet act, so sculptured to the life. 
 He look'd no silent image. One had sworn 
 He had said " Hail I" for she was imaged there, 
 By whom the key did open to God's love ; 
 And in her act as sensibly imprest 
 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 beloved, 
 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 moved me stood, 
 Another story graven on the rock. 
 
 I past athwart the bard, and drew me near, 
 That it might stand more aptly for my view. 
 There, in the self-same marble, were engraved 
 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. 
 
44 THE VISION. 
 
 Preceding the blest vessel, onward came, 
 
 With light dance leaping, girt in humble guibc, 
 
 Israel's sweet 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 back of Michol, whitely shone, 
 
 I moved me. There, was storied on the rock 
 
 The exalted glory of the Roman prince, 
 
 Whose mighty worth moved Gregory to earn 
 
 His mighty conquest, Trajan the Emperor. 
 
 A widow at his bridle stood, attired 
 
 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 I 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 I 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, produced 
 That visible speaking, new to us and strange, 
 The like not found on earth. Fondly I gazed 
 Upon those patterns of meek humbleness. 
 Shapes yet more precious for their artist's sake; 
 When "Lot" 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, 
 
 58-93. 
 
iBiiiiiiiiifiim *''"''^' *!'''*" id 
 
 1 
 
 In visage such, as past my power to bear. 
 
 Cinto /.v., line^^. 
 
"The wretch appear'd amid all these to say : 
 
 " Grant vengeance, Sire ! for, woe beshrew this heart, 
 
 My son is murder'd." 
 
 Canto X., lines 74-76. 
 
94—128. PURGATORY.— CANTO X. 45 
 
 Their loved allurement, were not slow to turn. 
 
 Reader 1 I would not that amazed thou miss 
 Of thy good purpose, hearing how just God 
 Decrees our debts be cancel'd. Ponder not 
 The form of suffering. 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 terms 
 Of torment stoop they, that mine eye at first 
 Struggled as thine. But look intently thither; 
 And disentangle with thy labouring view. 
 What, underneath those stones, approacheth : now, 
 E'en now, mayst thou discern the pangs of each." 
 
 Christians and proud I O poor and wretched ones I 
 That, feeble in the mind's eye, lean your trust 
 Upon unstaid perverseness : know 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 unfledged 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 contracted ; and it seem'd 
 As he, who show'd most patience in his look. 
 Wailing exclaim'd : " I can endure no more." 
 
CANTO XI, 
 
 ARGUM ENT. 
 
 After m prayer utteml by the spirits who were spoken of in the last Canto, Virgil inquires the way upwards, and is 
 answered by one, who declares himself to have been Omberto, son of the Count of Santafiore. Next our Poet 
 distinguishes Oderigi, the illuminator, who discourses on the vanity of worldly fame, and points out to him the 
 ■oul of Provenzano SalvanL 
 
 *' C^ THOU Almighty Father! who dost make 
 ^-^ The heavens thy dwelling, not in bounds confined, 
 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 their's 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 subdued ; but free 
 From his incitements, and defeat his wiles. 
 This last petition, dearest Lord 1 is made 
 Not for ourselves; since that were needless now: 
 But for their sakes who after us remain." 
 
PURGATORY.— CANTO XI. 47 
 
 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 behoof 
 If their 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 I so may mercy-tern per'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 tamed, 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 him, and to crave 
 His pity for the fardel that I bear. 
 I was of Latium ; of a Tuscan born, 
 A mighty one : Aldobrandesco's name. 
 My sire's, I know not if ye e'er have heard. 
 
48 "m:: vision. 61—96. 
 
 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 injured, but my kindred all involved 
 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." 
 
 Listening I bent my visage down : and one 
 (Not he who spake) twisted beneath the weight 
 That urged him, saw me, knew me straight, and call'd; 
 Holding his eyes with difficultly fix'd 
 InteiU 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 limner's skill ?" 
 
 "Brotherl" said he, "with tints, that gayer smile, 
 Bolognian Franco's pencil lines the leaves. 
 His all the honour now; my light obscured. 
 In truth, I had not been thus courteous to him 
 'The whilst I lived, 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. 
 powers of man I how vain your glory, nipt 
 E'en in its height of verdure, if an age 
 Less bright succeed not. Cimabue thought 
 To lord it over painting's field ; and now 
 The cry is Giotto's, and his name eclipsed. 
 Thus hath one Guido from the other snatch'd . 
 
rV RG .VVORY.—C AyVO Xl. 
 
 The letter'd prize : and he, perhaps, is born, 
 
 Who shall (lri\-e either from their nest. The noise 
 
 Of worldly fame is but a blast of wind, 
 
 That blows from diverse 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 e'er some thousand years have past ? and that 
 
 Is, to eternity compared, 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 named : 
 
 There was he sovereign, when destruction caught 
 
 The maddening 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 [\ sprang 
 
 Crude from the lap of earth." I thus to him : 
 
 "True are thy sayings: to my heart they buMinc 
 
 The kindly spirit of meekness, and allay 
 
 What tumours rankle there. But who is he, 
 
 Of whom thou spakest but now?" "This," he replied, 
 
 "Is Provenzano. He is here, because 
 
 He reach'd with grasp presumptuous at the sway 
 
 Of all Sienna. Tlu'.s he sti'.l hcth gone, 
 
 Thus goeth never-resting, since he died. 
 
 Such is the acquittance render'd back of him, 
 
 Who, in the mortal life, too much hath dared.** 
 
 I then : " If soul, that to life's verge delays 
 
 Repentance, linger in that lower space. 
 
 Nor hither mount (unless good prayers befriend), 
 
 Or ever time, long as it lived, be past ; 
 
 How chanced admittance was vouchsafed to him?** 
 
 49 
 
50 
 
 THE VISION. 
 
 "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 suffering friend, 
 Who languish'd in the prison-house of Charles; 
 Nor, for his sake, refused 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. 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 ite being desired by Virgil to loolc down on the ground which they are treading, observes that it is wroiight ores 
 with imagery exhibiting various instances of pride recorded in history and fable. They leave the first cornice, 
 and are ushered to the next by an angel who points out the way. 
 
 "\yl /"ITH 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, " behoves with sail and oars 
 Each man, as best he may, push on his bark"). 
 Upright, as one disposed for speed, I raised 
 My body, still in thought submissive bow'd. 
 
 I now my leader's track not loth pursued; 
 And each had shown how light we fared along. 
 When thus he warned me : " Bend thine eyesight down : 
 For thou, to ease the way, shalt find it good 
 To ruminate the bed beneath thy feet." 
 
 As, in memorial of the buried, drawn 
 Upon earth-level tombs, the sculptured form 
 Of what was once, appears (at sight whereof 
 Tears often stream forth, by remembrance waked, 
 Whose sacred stings the piteous often 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, lightening fall from heaven : 
 On the other side, with bolt celestial pierced, 
 Briareus ; cumbering earth he lay, through dint 
 Of mortal ice-stroke. The Thymbraean god, 
 
52 rill-: VISION. 27— 6a 
 
 With Mars, I saw. and Pallas, round their sire, 
 Arm'd still, and gazing on the giants' limbs 
 Strewn o'er the ethereal field. Nimrod I saw: 
 At foot of the stuDendous work he stood, 
 As if bewilder'd, looking on the crowd 
 Leagued in his proud attempt on Sennaar's plain. 
 
 O Niobel in what a trance of woe 
 Thee I beheld, upon that highway drawn, 
 Seven sons on either side thee slain. O Saul I 
 How ghastly didst thou look, on thine own sword 
 Expiring, in Gilboa, from that hour 
 Ne'er visited with rain from heaven, or dew. 
 
 O fond Arachne I thee I also saw, 
 Half spider now, in anguish, crawling up 
 The 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 forced his mother rate 
 That ornament, in evil hour received : 
 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 
 The Assyrians, Holofernes slain, and e'^n 
 The relics of the carnage. Troy I mark'd 
 In ashes and in caverns. Oh I how fallen, 
 How abject, Ilion, was thy semblance there. 
 
 What master of the pencil or the style 
 , Had traced 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. 
 
With equal pace, as oxen in the yoke, 
 I, with that laden spirit, journey'd on. 
 Long as the mild instructor suffer'd me. 
 

 O fond Arachne! thee I also saw, 
 Half spider now, in anguisli, crawling up 
 The unfinished web thou weaved'st to thy bane. 
 
 Canlo XII., lines 39-41. 
 
rU RG ATO R Y.— C A N TO XII. 
 
 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 I vale 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 ki.ov 
 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 I the steps, behold, are near ; and now 
 The ascent is without difficulty gain'd." 
 
 A scanty few are they, who, when they hear 
 Such tidings, hasten. O ye race of men I 
 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 promised I should fare 
 In safety on my way. As to ascend 
 That steep, upon whose brow the chapel stands 
 (O'er Rubaconte, looking lordly do\yn 
 On the well-guided city ), up the right 
 The impetuous rise is broken by the steps 
 Carved in that old and simple age, when still 
 
54 Tin-: VISION. 
 
 The registry and label rested safe ; 
 Thus is the acclivity relieved, which here, 
 Precipitous, from the other circuit falls : 
 But, on each ha.' the tall cliff presses close. 
 
 As, entering, there we turn'd, voices, in strain 
 Ineffable, sang : " Blessed are the poor 
 In spirit." Ah I 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 my.sclf 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 effaced, 
 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, urged along their upward way," 
 Then like to one, upon whose head is placed 
 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 traced upon my brow. 
 The leader, as he mark'd mine action, smiled. 
 
CANTO XTIl. 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 They gain the second cornice, where the sin of envy is purged ; and having proceeded a !itt;« to the right, they 
 hear voices utterea by invisible spirits recounting famous examples of charity, and next behold the shades, or souls, 
 of the envious clad in sackcloth, and having their ey"?s sewed tip witl. an iron thread. Amongst these Dante finds 
 Sapia, a Siennese lady, from whom he learns the cause of her being there. 
 
 "\ ^/"E 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, reflectin^j;^ 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 fixctlly ui)on the sun his eyes 
 He fa.stcn'd ; made his right the central point 
 From w hence to move ; and turn'd the left aside. 
 "O pleasant light, my confidence and hope I 
 Conduct us thou," he cried, " on this new way, 
 Where now I xcnture ; 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 yunle," 
 
 Far, as is measured 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. 
 Tin; \cice that first fltw b)', call'd (ortii ai'.'-;''. 
 "They have no wuic," so on behind us past. 
 
56 THE VISION. 
 
 Those sounds reiterating, nor yet lost 
 
 In the faint distance, when another came 
 
 Crying, " I am Orestes," and alike 
 
 Wing'd its fleet way. "O father I" 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 oped mine 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 I pray for us, 
 Michael and Peter 1 all ye saintly host I" 
 
 I do not think there walks on earth this day 
 Man so remorseless, that he had not yearn'd 
 With pity at the sight that next I saw. 
 Mine eyes a load of sorrow teem'd, when now 
 I stood so near them, that their semblances 
 Came clearly to my view. Of sackcloth vile 
 Their covering 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 misery. And as never beam 
 Of noon-day visiteth the eyeless man. 
 E'en so was heaven a niggard unto these 
 Of his fair light ; for through the orbs of all, 
 
64— loo PURGATORY.— CANTO XIII. 57 
 
 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 subtile 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 forced a way. 
 
 I turn'd me to them, and '■' O shades I" said I, 
 " Assured 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 I 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 appear'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 raised 
 As in one reft of sight. " Spirit," said I, 
 " Who for thy rise art 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. 
 
THE VISION. 
 
 Vouchsafe him to us. Though Sapia named, 
 
 In sapience I excell'd not ; gladder far 
 
 Of other's hurt, than of the good befel me. 
 
 That thou mayst own I now deceive thee not 
 
 Hear, if my folly were not as I speak it. 
 
 When now my years sloped waning down the arch, 
 
 It so bechanced, 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. Heaven 1 I fear thee not* 
 
 Upon my verge of life I wish'd for peace 
 
 With God; nor yet repentance had supplied 
 
 What I did lack of duty, were it not 
 
 The hermit Piero, touch'd with charity, 
 
 In his devout oraisons thought on me. 
 
 But who art thou that question'st of our state. 
 
 Who go'st, as I believe, with lids unclosed. 
 
 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," answered I, " who standeth mute beside me. 
 I live: of me ask therefore, chosen spirit 1 
 If thou desire I yonder yet should move 
 For thee my mortal feet." — "Oh I" she replied, 
 "This is so strange a thing, it is great sign 
 
136-145- PURCiATORY.— CANTO XIII, 59 
 
 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 than 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. 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 Our Poet on this second cornice finds also the souls of Guido del Ducaof Brettinoro, and Rinieri da Calboliof Romagna; 
 the latter of whom, hearing that he comes from the banks of the Arno, inveighs against the degeneracy of all those 
 who dwell in the cities visited by that stream ; and the former, in like manner, against the inhabitants of Romagna. 
 On leaving these, our Poets hear voices recording noted instances of envy. 
 
 " O AY, who is he around our mountain winds, 
 *^^ Or ever death has pruned his wings 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 Ican'd, 
 And thus the one began : " O soul, who yet 
 Pent in the body, tcndest towards the sky I 
 For charity, we pray thee, comfort us ; 
 Recounting whence thou comest, 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 measured. From his banks bring I this frame. 
 
Mi^mii^ 
 
 E'en thus the bhiid and poor, 
 Near tlie confessionals, to crave an ahns, 
 Stand, each his head upon his fellow's sunk. 
 
 CantffX///.,/in(sS'^ 
 
" Who then, amongst us here aloft, 
 Hath brought thee, if thou weenest to return ? " 
 
 Canio XIII., lines I2(), 13O. 
 
PURGATORY.— CANTO XIV. 
 
 To tell you who I am were words mis-spent : 
 For yet my name scarce sounds on rumour's lip.** 
 
 " If well I do incorporate with my thought 
 The meaning of thy speech," said he, who first 
 Address'd 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 
 Where unto ocean is restored what heaven 
 Drains from the exhaustless store for all earth's streams. 
 Throughout the space is virtue worried down, 
 As 't were 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 shared 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 
 
62 ■ 1III-: VISION. 58-93 
 
 By other cars than thine. It shall bo" well 
 
 Tor this man, if he keep in memory 
 
 WMial from no crriny^ spirit I rc\eal. 
 
 Lo I I behold thy grandson, that becomes 
 
 A hunter of those wolves, upon the shore 
 
 Of the fierce stream; and cows them all with dread- 
 
 Tlieir ne>li, )et 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 cliange 
 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 inquired. 
 
 The shade, who late address'd me, thus resumed: 
 "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 check. 
 Such harvest reap I of the seed I sow'd. 
 O man I 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. 
 
PURGATORY.— CANTO XIV. 63 
 
 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 Lizio? where 
 
 Manardi, Traversaro, and Carpigna ? 
 
 O bastard slips of old Romagna's line I 
 
 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 loved names, 
 
 Guido of Prata, and of Azzo him 
 
 That dwelt with us ; 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 Brettinorol 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 hies your demon child ; 
 
 Not so, howe'er, that thenceforth 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 1 go thy ways ; for now I take 
 
 Far more delight in weeping, than in words. 
 
64 THE VISION. 
 
 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, 
 Assured us. Soon as we had quitted them. 
 Advancing onward, lo I a voice, that seem'd 
 Like volley'd lightning, when it rives the air, 
 Met us, and shouted, " Whosoever finds 
 Will slay me;" then fled from us, as the bolt 
 Lanced sudden from a downward-rushing cloud. 
 When it had given 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, 
 Which should keep man within his boundary. 
 But your old enemy so baits the hook. 
 He drags you eager to him. Hence nor curb 
 Avails you, nor reclaiming call. Heaven 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. 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 Ml angel invites them to ascend the next steep. On their way Dante suggests certain doubts, which »re resolved 
 by Virgil ; and, when they reach the third cornice, where the sin of anger is purged, our Poet, in a kind of 
 dream, beholds remarkable instances of patience ; and soon after they are enveloped in a dense fog. 
 
 A S much as 'twixt the third hour's close and dawn, 
 •*^- Appeareth of heaven'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 I and both hands against my brows 
 Lifting, I interposed them, as a screen, 
 That of its gorgeous superflux of light 
 Clips the diminish'd orb. As when the ray, 
 Striking on water or the surface clear 
 Of mirror, leaps unto the opposite part, 
 Ajscending at a glance, e'en as it fell, 
 And as much differs from the stone, that falls 
 
THE VISION. 
 
 Through equal space (so practic skill hath shown); 
 Thus, with refracted li;-;ht, before me seem'd 
 The ground there smitten ; whence, in sudden haste, 
 My sight recoil'd. " What is this, sire beloved I 
 'Gainst which I strive to shield the sight in vain?" 
 Cried I, "and which toward us moving s'eenis?" 
 
 '• Marvel not, if the family of heaven," 
 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 1, 
 Pursued our upward way ; and as we went, 
 Some profit from his words I hoped to win. 
 And thus of him inquiring, framed my speech : 
 " What meant Romagna's spirit, when he spake 
 Of bliss exclusive, with no partner shared ?" 
 
 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 men's sighs. 
 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, 
 
PURGATORY.— CANTO XV. 07 
 
 " Than if thou hadst been silent at the first ; 
 
 And doubt more gathers on my labouring thought. 
 
 How can it chance, that good distributed, 
 
 The many, that possess it, makes more rich, 
 
 Than if 't were shared by few?" lie 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 loved; 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 erased, 
 
 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 wondering 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 the 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 coursed 
 Those waters, that grief forces out from one 
 
68 THE VISION. 
 
 By deep resentment stung, who seem'd to say: 
 
 •' If thou, Pisistratus, be lord indeed 
 
 Over this city, named 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 her, 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 heaven, 
 
 Praying forgiveness of the Almighty Sire, 
 
 Amidst that cruel con tl let, on his foes. 
 
 With looks that win 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 observed 
 She had not roved to falsehood in her dreams. 
 
 Meanwhile the leader, who might see I moved 
 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 closed eyes and tottering gait, 
 Like to a man by wine or sleep o'ercharged ?" 
 
 " Beloved father I 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 diffused 
 
m 
 
 After that 1 saw 
 A multitude, in fury burning, slay 
 With stones a stripling youth, and shout amain 
 " Destroy, destroy." 
 
 Oiii/o A'K., /I'aes 103- 
 
•• Now wlio ait tlioii, tliat through our smoke dost cleave, 
 And speak'st of us, as thou tliyself e'en yet 
 Dividedst time by calends ? " 
 
 Canto XVI., lines 23-25. 
 
PURiiATOKY.— CAMlC) X\'. 69 
 
 From their eternal fountain. I not ask'd, 
 What ails thee? for 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 loitering 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 
 Gathering, a fog made towards us, dark as night 
 There v/as no room for 'scaping ; and that mist 
 Bereft us, both of si^ht and the pure air. 
 
 P§ 
 
CANTO XVI. 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 Kr chey proceed through the mist, they hear the voices of spirits praying. Marco LombarHo, one of these, points 
 out lo Uante the error of such as impute our actions to necessity ; explains to him that man ii endued with 
 free will ; and shows that much of human depravity results from the undue mixture of spiritual and temporal 
 tathority in rulers. 
 
 T T ELL'S dunnest gloom, or night unlustrous, dark, 
 ■'■"'■ Of every planet '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. Entering 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 listening to my escort's warning voice, 
 "Look that from me thou part not." Strai-lit 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 seciii'd 
 The concord of their song. " Are these I hear 
 Spirits, O master?" I cxclaini'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 
 Dividedst time by calends ?" So one voice 
 Bespake me; whence my master said, "Reply; 
 And ask, if upward hence the passage lead." 
 
PURGATORY.— CANTO XVI. 
 
 '• O being I who doth 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 'tis 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 
 Thorough 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 loosed 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 inexperienced 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 urged me, doubled now 
 By thine opinion, when I couple that 
 With one elsewhere declared ; each strengthening 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, 
 
72 THE VISION. 63-98. 
 
 And unto others show it : for in heaven 
 One places it, and one on earth below." 
 
 Then heaving forth a deep and aiulible siq^h, 
 "Brother!" he thus began, "the world is blind; 
 And thou in truth comest from it. Ye, who live. 
 Do so each cause refer to heaven 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 Heaven's first essay, 
 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 uninfluenced 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 wlio dwells 
 With gladness ever, willingly she turns 
 To whate'er yields her joy. Of some slight good 
 The flavour soon she tastes; and, snared by that, 
 With fondness she pursues it ; if no guide 
 Recal, no rein direct her wandering course. 
 Hence it behoved, the law should be a curb ; 
 A sovereign hence behoved, whose piercing view 
 
PURGATORY.— CANTO XVI. y:^ 
 
 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, unawed 
 
 By fear of other. If thou doubt me, mark 
 
 The blade : each herb is judged of by its seed. 
 
 That land, through which Adice and the Po 
 
 Their waters roll, was once the residence 
 
 Of courtesy and valour, 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, named 
 
 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, fallen into the mire, 
 
 And there herself and burden much defiled." 
 
 "O Marco I" I replied, "thine arguments 
 Convince me : and the cause I now discern, 
 Why of the heritage no portion came 
 
THE VISION. I36-I49- 
 
 To Levi's offspring. But resolve me this: 
 Who that Gherardo is, that as thou say'st 
 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, 
 Appcar'st not to have heard of good Gherardo ; 
 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 glimmering through the mist 
 I must away — the angel comes — ere he 
 Appear." He said, and would not hear me more. 
 
CANTO XVII. 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 : Poet issues from that thick vapour ; and soon after his fancy represents to him in lively portraiture some noted 
 examples of anger. This imagination is dissipated by the appearance of an angel, who marshals them onward 
 to the fourth cornice, on which the sin of gloominess or indifference is purged ; and here Virgil shows him that 
 this vice proceeds from a defect of love, and that all love can be only of two sorts, either natural, or of the 
 »oul ; of which sorts the former is always right, but the latter may eiT either in respect of object or of degree. 
 
 /^~^ALL to remembrance, reader, if thou e'er 
 ^-^ Hast on an Alpine height been ta'en by cloud, 
 Through which thou saw'st no better than the mole 
 Doth through opacous membrane; then, whene'er 
 The watery 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 rebeheld 
 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 expired 
 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 
 Moves thee from heaven, 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 changed 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 
 
7b THE VISION. 37-63. 
 
 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, when the water fails 
 That fed it ; in my vision straight uprose 
 A damsel weeping loud, and cried, "O queen 1 
 
 mother! wherefore has intemperate ire 
 Driven thee to loathe thy being ? Not to lose 
 Lavinia, desperate 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 oflf, 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 
 
 1 had arrived 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 chuse 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 prepared 
 
 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; 
 
" Long as 'tis lawful for me, shall my steps 
 Follow on thine ; and since the cloudy smoke 
 Forbiils the seeing, hearing in its stead 
 Shall keep us join'd." 
 
 Canto XVI.. lines 32-35. 
 
^i 
 
 But not long 
 Slumber'd ; for suddenly a multituiic, 
 The steep already turning from hcliiiul, 
 Rush'd on. 
 
 Guilo Xriir.. linfsHi 
 
I'URGAIURV. -CANTO XVII. 
 
 And to one ladder both address'd our steps ; 
 
 And the first stair approaching, I perceived 
 
 Near me as 't were the waving of a wing, 
 
 That fann'd my face, and whisper'd : " Blessed ttiey, 
 
 The peacemakers : they know not evil wrath." 
 
 Now to such height above our heads were raised 
 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 communed ; for I felt 
 My o'ertoil'd sinews slacken. We had reach'd 
 The summit, and were fix'd like to a bark 
 Arrived 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: "Loved sire I 
 Declare what guilt is on this circle purged. 
 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, e'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 
 The inferior, no delight, that flows from it, 
 Partakes of ill. But let it warp to evil, 
 Or with more ardour than behoves, 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, 
 
THE VISION. 
 
 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 to 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 loved. 
 Three ways such love is gender'd in your clay. 
 There is who hopes (his neighbour's worth deprest) 
 Pre-eminence himself; and covets 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 dote on other's evil. Here beneath, 
 This threefold love is mourn'd. Of the 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. 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 Vvgn discourses further concerning the nature of love Then a multitude of spirits rush by ; two of whom, in ▼*» 
 
 of the rest, record instances of zeal and fervent affection, and another, who was abbot of San Zeno in Verona, 
 declares himself to Virgil aad Dante ; and lastly follow other spirits, shouting forth memorable examples of the 
 •in for which they suffer. The Poet, pursuing his meditations, falls into a dreamy slumber. 
 
 'T^HE teacher ended, and his high discourse 
 -*- Concluding, earnest in my looks inquired 
 If I appear'd content; and I, whom still 
 Unsated thirst to hear him urged, 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 I 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 pioof 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 waked 
 By pleasure into act. Of substance true 
 Your apprehension forms its counterfeit; 
 
8o THE VISIOX. 
 
 And, in you the ideal shape presenting, 
 Attract 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 matter seem still good. Yet if the wax 
 Be good, it follows not the 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 ofifer'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 proved 
 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 m 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, 
 
60—95- PURGATORY.— CANT(3 XVIII. 8l 
 
 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 derived ; 
 
 E'en as the affections, good or ill, she takes, 
 
 Or severs, winnow'd as the chaff. Those men, 
 
 Who, reasoning, went to depth profoundest, mark'd 
 
 That innate freedom ; and were thence induced 
 
 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 power 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 dreamy 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. 
 
82 THE VISION. 96—130. 
 
 Soon they o'ertook us ; with such swiftness moved 
 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 I 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 to 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 misused : 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 remembrance treasured it. 
 
 He then, who never fail'd me at my need. 
 
PURGATORY.— CANTO XVIII. 83 
 
 Cried, " Hither turn. Lo I 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 y^neas to the end 
 Endured 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 pleasured with the fleeting train, mine eye 
 Was closed, and meditation changed to dream. 
 
CANTO XIX. 
 
 ARGUM ENT. 
 
 The Poet, after describing hi* dream, relates how, at the summoning of an angel, he ascends with Virgfl 
 fifth cornice, where the sin of avarice is cleansed, and where he finds Pope Adrian V. 
 
 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 grey 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 malm'd, and colour pale. 
 
 I look'd upon her : and, as sunshine cheers 
 Limbs numb'd by nightly cold, e'en thus my look 
 Unloosed her tongue; next, in brief space, her form 
 Decrepit raised erect, and faded face 
 With love's own hue illumed. Recovering 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 Syren, she, whom mariners 
 On the wide sea are wilder'd when they hear • 
 Such fulness of delight the listener 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 closed, to shame her, at my side appear'd 
 
"What aileth thee, that still thou look'st to earth ?' 
 Began my leader ; while the angelic shape 
 A little over as his station took. 
 
 Canto XIX.. lines 51-53. 
 
" Up," lie exclaim'ci, "brother! upon thy feet 
 Arise ; err not ; thy fellow servant I, 
 (Thine and all others,) of one Sovran Power. 
 
 Canto XIX., /i«« 131-133. 
 
PURGATORY.— CANTO XIX. • 85 
 
 A dame of semblance holy. With stern voice 
 She utter'd : "Say, O Virgil I who is this?" 
 Which hearing, he approach'd, with eyes still bent 
 Toward that goodly presence : the other seized her, 
 And, her robes tearing, open'd her before, 
 And show'd the belly to me, whence a smell, 
 Exhaling loathsome, waked me. Round I turn'd 
 Mine eyes : and thus the teacher : " At the lenst 
 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'ercharged wit"h 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 dispred and pointing up, 
 Who thus had spoken marshal'd us along. 
 Where, each side of the solid masonry. 
 The sloping walls retired ; then moved 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 the angelic shape 
 A little over us his station took. 
 
 " New vision," I replied, " hath raised 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 raised ken 
 
86 . THE VISION. 62—97. 
 
 Fix on the lure, which heaven'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 wooes him thither ; so the call I heard : 
 So onward, far as the dividing rock 
 Gave way, I journey'd, till the plain was reachV. 
 
 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 choked the words. 
 
 " O ye elect of God I whose penal woes 
 Both hope and justice mitigate, direct 
 Towards the steep rising our uncertain way." 
 
 "If ye approach secure from this our doom. 
 Prostration, and would urge your course with spec J, 
 See that ye still to rightward keep the brink." 
 
 So them the bard besought; and such the uuuls, 
 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 pleased me, I drew near, and took my stand 
 Over 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 Heaven our back toward his cope 
 Reverses, shalt thou know : but me know first, 
 The successor of Peter, and the name 
 
98--33- rUKGATORY.— CANTO XIX. 87 
 
 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, 
 W^ith what a weight that robe of sovereignty 
 Upon his shoulder rests, who from the mire 
 Would guard it ; that each other fardel seems 
 But feathers in the balance. Late, alas I 
 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 
 Lured 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 chme 
 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 perceived 
 I did him reverence ; and " What cause," said he, 
 •* Hath bow'd thee thus ?"— " Compunction," I rejoind, 
 "And inward awe of your high dignity." 
 
 " Up," he exclaim'd, " brother 1 upon thy feet 
 Arise; err not: thy fellow servant I 
 (Thine and all others'), of one Sovran Power. 
 
J?8 
 
 THE VISION. »34— '43- 
 
 If thou hast ever mark'd those holy sounds 
 
 Of gospel truth, ' nor shall be given in 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 spakest 
 
 I have on earth a kinswoman ; her name 
 
 Alagia, worthy in herself, so ill 
 
 Example of our house corrupt her not: 
 
 \nd she is all remaineth of me there." 
 
CANTO XX, 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 Among those on the fifth cornice, Hugh Capet records illustrious examples of voluntary poverty and of bounty ; then 
 tells who himself is, and speaks of his descendants on the French throne ; and, lastly, adds some noted instancef 
 of avarice. When he has ended, the mountain shakes, and all the spirits sing " Glory to God." 
 
 T LL strives the will, 'gainst will more wise that strives : 
 -'■ His pleasure therefore to mine own preferr'd, 
 
 I drew the sponge yet thirsty Irom the wave. 
 Onward I moved : he also onward moved, 
 
 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 the 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 I 
 
 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 I" 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 I thou didst virtue chuse 
 
 With poverty, before great wealth with vice." 
 
90 THE VISION. 27-63- 
 
 The words so pleased 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. "Sprit I who dost speak of deeds 
 So worthy, tell mc wno thou wast," I said, 
 "And why thou dost with single voice renew 
 Memorial of such praise. That boon vouchsafed 
 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 help, 
 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 heaven's great Judge implore. 
 Hugh Capet was I hight ; from me descend 
 The Philips and the Louis, of whom France 
 Newly is govern'd : born of one, who plied 
 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 the anointed race begins. 
 Till the great dc^ver of Provence had removed 
 The stains, that yet obscured 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, 
 
64—99- PURGATORY.- -CAN TO XX. 
 
 Foitou it seized, Navarre and Gascony. 
 
 To Italy came Charles ; and for amends, 
 
 Young Conradine, an innocent victim, slew; 
 
 And sent the angelic teacher back to heaven, 
 
 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 stept on shore) exposing to the mart 
 
 His daughter, whom he bargains for, as do 
 
 The Corsairs for their slaves. O avarice I 
 
 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 fiower-de-luce 
 
 Enters Alagna ; in his Vicar Christ 
 
 Himself a captive, and his mockery 
 
 Acted again. Lol to his holy lip 
 
 The vinegar and gall once more applied ; 
 
 And he 'twixt living robbers doom'd to bleed. 
 
 Lo I the new Pilate, of whose cruelty 
 
 Such violence cannot fill the measure up, 
 
 With no decree to sanction, pushes on 
 
 Into the temple his yet eager sails. 
 
 " O sovran Master I when shall I rejoice 
 To see the vengeance, which thy wrath, well-pleased, 
 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 
 
92 THE VISION. 100—135. 
 
 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. AH the mountain round 
 Rings with the infamy of Thracia's king, 
 Who slew his Phrygian charge : and last a shout 
 Ascends : ' Declare, O Crassus I 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 erewhilc rehearsed 
 That blessedness we tell of in the day: 
 But near me, none, beside, his accent raised." 
 
 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 
 Seized 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 
 
:^^^? 
 
 With wary steps and slow 
 We pass'd ; and I attentive to the shades, 
 Whom piteously I heard lament and wail. 
 
 Canio XX. 
 
And who 
 Are those twain spirits, that escort thee there? 
 Be it not said thou scorn'st to talk with me. 
 
 Canto XX in.. Ihi 
 
'36- ■44- PURGATORY.— CANTO XX. 93 
 
 That song : till ceased the trembling, and the song 
 
 Was ended : then our hallow'd path resumed, 
 
 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 dared I 
 
 To question, nor myself could aught discern. 
 
 So on I fared, in thoughtfulness and dread. 
 
CANTO XXI. 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 The two Ports are overtaken by the spirit of Statius, who, being cleansed, is on his way to Paradise, mod who 
 explains the cause of the mountain shaking, and of the hymn ; his joy at beholding Virgil. 
 
 THE natural thirst, ne'er quench'd but from the well 
 Whereof the woman of Samaria craved 
 Excited ; haste, along the cumber'd path, 
 After my guide, impell'd ; and pity moved 
 My bosom for the 'vengeful doom though just. 
 When lo I 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 approached, 
 Contemplating the crowd beneath its feet. 
 We were not ware of it ; so first it spake 
 Saying, "God give you peace, my brethren I" 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." 
 
 "Howl" 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. 
 Traced 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 piled, 
 
!8-6s. PURGATORY.— CANTO XXI. 95 
 
 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 shifts on each side heaven. 
 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 proved, 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 heaven opposed; 
 
go THE VISION'. 
 
 Propension now as eager to fulfil 
 
 The allotted torment, as erewhile to sin. 
 
 And I, who in this punishment had Iain 
 
 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 fulness of content. 
 
 " Now," said the instructor sage, " I see the net 
 That takes ye here : and how the toils are loosed ; 
 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, were prostrate." — " In that time, 
 When the good Titus, with Heaven's King to help. 
 Avenged 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 replied, 
 " Not yet with faith endued. So passing sweet 
 My vocal spirit ; from Tolosa, Rome 
 To herself drew me, where I ineritcd 
 A myrtle garland to inwreathe my brow. 
 Statius they name me still. Of Thebes I sang, 
 And next of great Achilles; but i' the way 
 Fell with the second burthen. Of my flane 
 Those sparkles were the seeds, which I derived 
 From the bright fountain of celestial fire 
 That feeds unnumber'd lamps ; the song I mean 
 Which sounds Eneas' wanderings: that the breast 
 I hung at; that the nurse, from whom my veins 
 Drank inspiration • whose authority 
 Was ever sacred with me. To have lived 
 
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. 
 
 Canto XXIV., lintt 4^, 
 
At len;^tli, as undeccivctl, tlicy went their \\ .\y : 
 And we approach tlie tree, whom vows and tears 
 Sue to in vain , the mighty tree 
 
 CiHi.> xxiv 
 
PURGATORY.— CANTO XXI. 97 
 
 Co-eval 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 
 r,njoin'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. 
 The 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 I 
 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 smiled, 
 Leave it as not the true one : and believe 
 Those words, thou spakest of him, indeed the cause." 
 
 Now down he bent to embrace my teacher's feet ; 
 But he forbade him: "Brother! do it not: 
 Thou art a shadow, and behoid'st a shade." 
 He, rising, answer'd thus: "Now hast thou proved 
 The force and ardour of the love I bear thee. 
 When I forget we are but tilings of air, 
 Andj qs a substance, treat an empty shade." 
 
CANTO XXII. 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 Dante, Virgil, and Statius mount to the sixth cornice, where the sin of gluttony is cleansed, the two Latin Poet> 
 discoursing by the way. Turning to the right, they find a tree hung with sweet-smelling fruit, and watered by 
 a shower that issues from the rock. \'oices are heard to proceed from among the leaves, recording exainplet 
 of temperance. 
 
 "V T OW we had left the angel, who had turn'd 
 •^ ^ To the sixth circle our ascending step ; 
 One gash from off my forehead razed ; while ibey, 
 Whose wishes tend to justice, shouted forth, 
 "Blessed I" 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 bard, 
 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 licence, as a friend 
 Forgive me, and speak now as with a friend : 
 How chanced it covetous desire could find 
 Place in that bosom, 'midst such ample store 
 Of wisdom, as thy zeal had treasured there?" 
 
PURGATORY.— CANTO XXII. 99 
 
 First somewhat moved to laughter by his words, 
 Statius replied : " Each syllable of thine 
 Is a dear pledge of love. Things oft appear, , 
 
 That minister false matter to our doubts, 
 When their true causes are removed from sight. 
 Thy question doth assure me, thou believest 
 I was on earth a covetous man ; perhaps 
 Because thou found'st me in that circle placed. 
 Know then I was too wide of avarice : 
 And e'en for that excess, thousands of moons 
 Have wax'd and waned upon my sufferings. 
 And were it not that I with heedful can' 
 Noted, where thou exclaim'st as if in ire 
 With human nature, ' Why, thou cursed thirst 
 Of gold I 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, ay. 
 And at life's last extreme, of this offence. 
 Through ignorance, did not repent I 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 waged 
 By the twin sorrow of Jocasta's womb, 
 From thy discourse with Clio there, it seems 
 As faith had not been thine; without the which, 
 
THE VISION. 60-96 
 
 Good deeds suffice not. And if so, what sun 
 Rose on thee, or what candle pierced the dark, 
 That thou didst after see to hoise 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: illumined first by thee, 
 Open'd mine eyes to God. Thou didst, as one. 
 Who, journeying through the darkness, bears a light 
 Behind, that profits not himself, but makes 
 His followers wise, when thou exclaimedst, 'Lol 
 A renovated world. Justice return'd. 
 Times of primeval innocence restored. 
 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 heaven, the true belief 
 Teem'd now prolific; and that word of thine, 
 Accordant, to the new instructors chimed. 
 Induced by which agreement, 1 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 baptised : but secretly, through fear, 
 Remain'd a Christian, and conform'd long time 
 To Pagan rites. Four centuries and more, 
 I, for that lukewarmness, was fain to pace 
 Round the fourth circle. Thou then, who hast raised 
 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, 
 
PURGATORY.— CANTO XXII. 
 
 Cscilius, 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, oft-times, 
 We of that mount hold converse, on whose top 
 For aye our nurses live. We have the bard 
 Of Fella, 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 the 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 flamy point aloof; when thus my guide: 
 " Methinks, it well behoves us to the brink 
 Bend the right shoulder, circuiting the mount. 
 As we have ever used." 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. 
 Listening their speech, that to my thoughts convey'd 
 Mysterious lessons of sweet poesy. 
 But soon they ceased ; 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, 
 
THE VISION. 
 
 Methinks, aloft may climb. Upon the side, 
 
 That closed our path, a liquid crystal fell 
 
 From the steep rock, and through the sprays above 
 
 Strcam'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. 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 They are overtaken by the spirit of Forese, who had been a friend of our Poefs on earth, and who now inveighi 
 bitteriy against the immodest dress of their countrywomen at Florence. 
 
 /^N the green leaf mine eyes were fix'd, like his 
 ^-^ Who throws away his days in idle chase 
 Of the diminutive birds, 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 I 
 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 beloved 1 
 Say what is this I hear." Thus I inquired. 
 
 " 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 through the skin. I do not think 
 Thus dry and meagre Erisicthon show'd, 
 When pinch'd by sharp-set famine to the quick. 
 
 " Lo!" to myself I mused, "the race, who lost 
 Jerusalem, when Mary with dire beak 
 
I04 THE VISION. 
 
 Prey'd on her child." The sockets seem'd as rings, 
 
 From which the gems were dropt. Who reads the name 
 
 Of man upon his forehead, there the M 
 
 Had traced most plainly. Who would deem, that scent 
 
 Of water and an apple could have proved 
 
 Powerful to generate such pining want, 
 
 Not knowing how it wrought ? While now I stood. 
 
 Wondering what thus could waste them (for the cause 
 
 Of their gaunt hoUowness and scaly rind 
 
 Appear'd not), lo I a spirit turn'd his eyes 
 
 In their deep-sunken cells, and fasten'd them 
 
 On me, then cried with vehemence aloud : 
 
 "What grace is this vouchsafed me?" By his looks 
 
 I ne'er had recognised him : but the voice 
 
 Brought to my knowledge what his cheer conceal'd. 
 
 Remembrance of his altered lineaments 
 
 Was kindled from that spark; and I agnized 
 
 The visage of Forese. " Ah I respect 
 
 This wan and leprous-wither'd skin," thus he 
 
 Suppliant implored, " this macerated flesh. 
 
 Speak to me truly of thyself. And who 
 
 Are those twain spirits, that escort thee tliere? 
 
 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 Heaven, 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 the plant, we pass'd, 
 With power are gifted, by the eternal will 
 Infused ; the which so pines me. Every spirit, 
 Whose song bewails his gluttony indulged 
 Too grossly, here in hunger and in thirst 
 Is purified. The odour, which the fruit. 
 And spray that showers upon the verdure, breathe, 
 
63-98. PURGATORY.— CANTO XXIII. 105 
 
 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 I? solace rather: for that will. 
 
 To the tree, leads us, by which Christ was led 
 
 To call on Eli, 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 the other circles. In the sight of God 
 
 So much the dearer is my widow prized. 
 
 She whom I loved so fondly, as she ranks 
 
 More singly eminent for virtuous deeds. 
 
 The tract, most barbarous 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 
 
 The 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, 
 
ro6 THE VISION. 
 
 To force them walk with covering on their limbs? 
 
 But did they see, the shameless ones, what Heaven 
 
 Wafts on swift wing toward them while I speak. 
 
 Their mouths were oped for howling : they shall taste 
 
 Of sorrow (unless foresight cheat me here) 
 
 Or e'er the cheek of him be clothed 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 the 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 depraved. 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 promised," 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 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 Forese points out several others byname who are here, like himself, purifying themselves from the vice of gluttony; 
 and amongst the rest, Bucnaggiunta of Lucca, with whom our Poet converses. Forese then predicts the violent 
 end of Dante's political enemy, Corso Donati ; and when he has quitted them, the Poet, in company with 
 Sutius and Virgil, arrives at another tree. Irom whence issue voices that record ancient examples of gluttony ; 
 and proceedmg forwards, they are directed by an angel which way to ascend to the next cornice of the mountain. 
 
 /^UR journey was not slacken'd by our talk, 
 
 ^^ Nor yet our talk by journeying. Still we spake, 
 
 And urged 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 than 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 htter) wears e'en now her crown, 
 
 And triumphs in Olympus." Saying this, 
 
 He added : " Since spare diet hath so worn 
 
 Our semblance out, 'tis lawful here to name 
 
 Each one. This," and his finger then he raised, 
 
 " Is Buonaggiunta, — Buonaggiunta, he 
 
io8 THE VISION. 
 
 Of Lucca : and that face beyond him, pierced 
 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 named, seem'd well content ; 
 For no dark gesture I discern 'd in any. 
 I saw, through hunt;er, Ubaldino grind 
 His teeth on emptiness ; and Boniface, 
 That waved the crozier o'er a numerous flock : 
 I saw the Marquis, who had 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 I" 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, answering, 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, the event shall tell. 
 But say, if of a truth I see the man 
 Of that new lay the 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 hindrance, which once held 
 The notary, with Guittone and myself, 
 
Not unlike 
 To iron in the furnace, every cirque, 
 Ebullient, shot forth scintillating fires. 
 
la fashion, as a snow white rose, lay then 
 Before my view the saintly multitude, 
 Which in his own blood Christ espoused. 
 
 Canto XXXI., lints I-3. 
 
PURGATORY.— CANTO XXIV. 109 
 
 Short of that new and sweeter style I hear, 
 
 Is now disclosed : I see how ye your plumes 
 
 Stretch, as the 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 birds, that winter near the Nile, 
 In squared regiment direct their course. 
 Then stretch themselves in file for speedier fli;^ht; 
 Thus all the tribe of spirits, as they turn'd 
 Their visage, faster fled, nimble alike 
 Through leanness and desire. And as a man, 
 Tired 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 arrived : 
 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: "lol 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 heaven), " 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 thine." 
 
THE VISION. 9 
 
 As from a troop of well ranlc'd chivalry, 
 One knight, more enterprising than the rest, 
 Pricks forth at gallop, eager to display 
 His prowess in the first encounter proved; 
 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 raised 
 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 undeceived, they went their way: 
 And we approach the tree, whom 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 unblest creatures of the clouds, 
 How they their twyfold bosoms, overgorged, 
 Opposed 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 Madian march'd adown the hills." 
 
 Thus near one border coasting, still we heard 
 The sins of glutt-^ny, with woe erewhile 
 Reguerdon'd. Then along the lonely path. 
 
PURGATORY.— CANTO XXIV. 
 
 Once more at large, full thousand paces on 
 We travel'd, each contemplative and mute. 
 
 •'Why pensive journey so ye three alone?" 
 Thus suddenly a voice exclaim'd : whereat 
 I shook, as doth a scared and paltry beast; 
 Then raised 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 faced 
 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 
 Perceived, 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 hungering as the rule of temperance wills.** 
 
CANTO XXV. 
 
 A P u U M E N T. 
 
 Virgil and Statins resolve some doubts that have arisen in the mind of Dante from what he had just seen. They 
 all arrive on the seventh and last cornice, where the sin of incontinence is purged in fire ; and the spirits of 
 those suffering therein are beard to record illustrious instances of chastity. 
 
 T T 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 prepared for speech. Him all our haste 
 Restrain'd not; but thus spake the sire beloved: 
 •' Fear not to speed the shaft, that on thy lip 
 Stands trembling for its flight." Encouraged 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 consumed ; 
 This would not trouble thee : and hadst thou thought. 
 How in the mirror your reflected form 
 
Here the rocky precipice 
 Hurls forth redundant flamtrs; and from the rim 
 A blast up-blown, witii forcible rebufT 
 Driveth them back, sequester'd from its bound. 
 
 Canf<fXXr.. 
 
riun from the bosom of the biirnin<; i 
 "O God of mercy !" licard I sung, and felt 
 No less desire to turn. 
 
 Canto XXV., lines ii 
 
I'U RGATOR v.— CANTO XXV. 
 
 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 iicre I 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 imbibed, 
 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 vessels on another's blood. 
 There each unite together ; one disposed 
 To endure, to act the other, through that power 
 Derived from whence it came ; . and being met, 
 It 'gins to work, coagulating first ; 
 Then vivifies what its own substance made 
 Consist. 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 the organic powers its seed convey 'd. 
 This is the moment, son I at which the virtue, 
 That from the generating heart proceeds, 
 
114 'lUli VISION. 62-97. 
 
 Is pliant and expansive ; for each limb 
 
 Is in the heart by forgeful nature plann'd. 
 
 How babe of animal becomes, remains 
 
 For thy considering. At this point, more wise, 
 
 Than thou, has 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 wondrous sort self-moving, to one strand 
 Of those, where the departed roam, she falls : 
 Here learns her destined 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 : 
 
98-, 33- PURGATORY— CANTO XXV. 1 15 
 
 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. 
 
 The 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 up-blown, with forcible rebuff 
 Driveth them back, sequester'd from its bound. 
 
 Behoved 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 the other fear'd 
 Headlong to fall: when thus the 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 I" heard I sung, and felt 
 No less desire to turn. And when I saw 
 opirits 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 cned, 
 " Ran Dian, and drave forth Callisto stung 
 With Cytherea's poison :" then return'd 
 Unto their song ; then many a pair extoll'd, 
 Who lived 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. 
 
 ARGUMENT 
 
 rhe spirits wonder at seeing the shadow cast by the body of Dante on the flame as he passes it This moves one 
 of them to address him. It proves to be Guido Guinicelh, the Italian poet, who points out to him the spirit 
 of Arnault Daniel, the Provencal, with whom he also speaks. 
 
 "\ 1 fHILE 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 changed 
 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 moved by reverence ; answer me, who burn 
 In thirst and fire : nor I alone, but these 
 All for thine answer do more thirst, than doth 
 Indian or yEthiop for the cooling stream. 
 Tell us, how is it that thou makest thyself 
 A wall against the sun, as thou not yet 
 Into the inextricable toils of death 
 
 Hadst enter'd ?" Thus spake one : and I had straight 
 Declared 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, severally 
 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. 
 
And when I saw 
 Spirits along tlie flame proceeding, I 
 Between their footsteps and mine own was fain 
 To share by turns my view. 
 
 Canlo XX l^. , / 
 
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. 
 
 Can/o XXV II.. lines 97-100 
 
32—67- PURGATORY.— CANTO XXVI. II7 
 
 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 I" 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 the 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 I 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 wins 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 resumed : 
 " O blessed 1 who, for death preparing, takest 
 
THE VISION. 
 
 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 shout 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 gazed 
 From sad Lycurgus rescued ; such my joy 
 (Save that I more repress'd it) when I heard 
 From his own lips the name of him pronounced, 
 Who was a father to me. and to those 
 My betters, who have ever used 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 graved 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 
 
PURGATORY.— CANTO XXVI. H9 
 
 As of our tongue the beauty does not fade, 
 Shall make us love the very ink that traced them." 
 " Brother 1" he cried, and pointed at the 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 voic*e 
 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 waymenting 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 sufferings." With such words 
 
 He disappear'd in the refining flame. 
 
CANTO XXVII. 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 angel sends them forward through the fire to the last ascent, which leads to the terrestrial Paradise, situated 
 on the summit of the mountain. They have not proceeded many steps on their way upward, when the fall oi 
 night hinders them from going further ; and our Poet, who has lain down with Virgil and Statius to rest, 
 beholds in a dream two females, figuring the active and contemplative life. With the return of morning, 
 they reach the height ; and here Virgil gives Dante full liberty to use his own pleasure and judgment in the 
 choice of his way, till he shall meet with Beatrice. 
 
 XT OW 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 I" 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 conjured up the forms 
 Erewhile beheld alive consumed in flames. 
 
 The escorting spirits turn'd with gentle looks 
 
PURGATORY.— CAN ro XXVII. 
 
 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, oh I lay all fear aside. 
 Turn hither, and come onward undismay'd." 
 
 I still, though conscience urged, no step advanced 
 
 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 for ever in my breast. 
 
 He shook his forehead ; and, " How long," he said, 
 "Linger we now?" then smiled, as one would smile 
 Upon a child that eyes the fruit and yields. 
 Into the fire before me then he walk'd ; 
 And Statins, 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 
 Raged the conflagrant mass. The sire beloved, 
 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 
 Followmg, with heedful ear, we issued forth. 
 
TlIK VISION. 
 
 There where the path led upward. " Come," ue 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 faced 
 Such part of heaven, that from before my steps 
 The beams were shrouded of the sinking sun. 
 Nor many stairs were overpast, when now 
 By fading of the shadow we perceived 
 The sun behind us couch'd ; and ere one face 
 Of darkness o'er its measureless expanse 
 Involved the 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 skipt 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 noon-day 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 lustre 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 
 
89—128. PURGATORY.— CANTO XXVII. 123 
 
 Tidings of future hap. About the hour, 
 
 As I believe, when Venus from the east 
 
 First lighten'd on the mountain, she whose orh 
 
 Seems alway 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 glimmering 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 arrived, where of itself my ken 
 
124 THE VISION. 
 
 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 straiter. Lol the sun, that darts 
 
 His beam upon thy forehead : lo I the herb, 
 
 The arborets and flowers, which of itself 
 
 This land pours forth profuse. Till those bric^ht 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 chuse. 
 
 Discreet, judicious. To distrust thy sense 
 
 Were henceforth error. I invest thee then 
 
 With crown ana mitre, sovereign o'er thyself." 
 
Already had my steps, 
 Though slow, so far into that ancient wood 
 Transported me, I could not ken the place 
 Where I had enterd. 
 
 Canio XXl'lII. lints 23-95. 
 
Beneath a sky 
 So beautiful, came four and twent)' elders, 
 By two and two, with flower-de-luces crown'd. 
 
 Canio A'.WA'. , lints So-8a 
 
CANTO XXVIIT. 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 Dante wanders through the forest of the terrestrial Paradise, till he b stopped by a stream, on the other side of 
 which he beholds a fair lady, culling flowers. He speaks to her; and she, in reply, explains to him certain 
 things touching the nature of that place, and tells that the water, which flows between them, i§ here called 
 Lethe and in another place has the name of Eunoe. 
 
 T^H ROUGH 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 T left the bank; 
 Along the champain leisurely my way 
 Pursuing, o'er the ground, that on all sides 
 Delicious odour breathed. 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 
 Welcomed those hours of prime, and warbled shrill 
 Amid the leaves, that to their jocund lays 
 Kept tenour ; even as from branch to branch, 
 Along the piny forests on the shore 
 Of Chiassi, rolls the gathering melody, 
 
J ,6 THr. VISION. 
 
 When Fiolus hath from his cavern loosed 
 The dripping south. Already had my steps. 
 Though slow, so far into that ancient wood 
 Transported me, I could not ken the place 
 Where 1 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 wa\e, 
 How clean soe'er, that would not seem to have 
 Some mixture in itself, compared 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 advanced not; but my wondering 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 I 
 Thou, who (if looks, that use to speak the heart, 
 Are worthy of our trust) with love's own beam 
 Dost warm thcc," thus to her my speech I franud ; 
 "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, 
 1 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; 
 
_56-9i. PURGATORY.— CANTO XXVIII. 127 
 
 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 limpid waters now 
 
 Laved the green svverd, 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 smiled; 
 
 As through her graceful fingers shifted still 
 
 The intermingling dyes, which without seed 
 
 That lofty land unbosoms. By the stream 
 
 Tliree paces only were we sunder'd : yet, 
 
 The Hellespont, were 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 her birth. 
 Wondering, ye not without suspicion view 
 My smiles : but that sweet strain of psalmody, 
 'Thou, Lord I hast made me glad,' will give ye light, 
 Which may uncloud your minds. And tliou, 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 enwrapt thee. The First Good, whose joy 
 
128 THE VISION. 
 
 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, changed 
 
 Laughter unblamed and ever-new delight. 
 
 That vapours none, exhaled 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 heaven, nor fears the rage 
 
 Of elements contending; from that part 
 
 Exempted, where tnv. g^t? his 11 in it bars 
 
 Because, the circumambient air, throughout, 
 
 With its first impulse circles still, unless 
 
 Aught interpose t6 check or thwart its course; 
 
 Upon the summit, which on every side 
 
 To visitation of the impassive air 
 
 Is open, doth that motion strike, and makes 
 
 Beneath its sway the umbrageous wood resound : 
 
 And in the shaken plant such power resides. 
 
 That it impregnates with its efficacy 
 
 The voyaging brecic, upon whose subtle }^lume 
 
 That, wafted, flies abroad ; and the other land, 
 
 Receiving (as 'tis 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, 
 
[28-153. PURGATORY.— CANTO XXVIII. lag 
 
 Kestored by vapour, that the cold converts ; 
 
 As stream that intcnnittently 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, devolved 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 the 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-famed nectar." Turning to the bards, 
 
 When she had ceased, I noted in their looks 
 
 A smile at her conclusion ; then my face 
 
 Again directed to the lovely dame 
 
CANTO XXIX, 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 Th» lady, who in a following canto is called Matilda, moves along the side of the sUeam in a contrary dlrectioB 
 to the current, and Dante keeps equal pace with her on the opposite bank. A marvellous sight, preceded by 
 IBMC, appears in view. 
 
 INGING, as if enamour'd, she resumed 
 
 *^ And closed 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 escape the sun ; 
 
 So moved 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 I look, and hearken." 
 And lol a sudden lustre ran across 
 Through the great forest on all parts, so bright, 
 
 1 doubted whether lightning were abroad ; 
 But that, expiring ever in the spleen 
 That doth unfold it, and this during still. 
 
 And waxing still in splendour, made me question 
 
 What it might be : and a sweet melody 
 
 Ran through the luminous air. Then did I chide, 
 
 W^itb warrantable zeal, the hardihood 
 
 Of our first parent; for that there, where earth 
 
 Stood in obedience to the heavens, she only, 
 
 Woman, the creature of an hour, endured not 
 
 Restraint of any veil, which had she borne 
 
 Devoutly, joys, ineffable as these. 
 
 Had from the first, and long time since, been mine. 
 
29—^3 PURGATORY.— CANTO XXIX. 131 
 
 While, through that wilderness of primy sweets 
 That never fade, suspense I vvalk'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. 
 
 ye 'thrice holy virgins I 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 i' the singing trace tlie sound 
 " Hosanna." Above, their beauteous garniture 
 Flamed with more ample lustre, than the moon 
 Through cloudless sky at midnight, in her noon. 
 
 1 turn'd me, full of wonder, to my guide ; 
 ySnd he did answer with a countenance 
 
 Charged 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 call'd 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, 
 
"32 THE VISION'. 
 
 As if attendant on their leaders, clothed 
 With raiment of such whiteness, as on earth 
 Was never. On my left, the watery 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 
 3uch 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 seven 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 four 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 I 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 heaven doth second light, came after them 
 Four animals, each crown'd with verdurous leaf. 
 With six wings each was plumed; the plumage full 
 Of eyes; and the eyes of Argus would be such, 
 Were they endued with life. Reader! more rhymes 
 I will not waste in shadowing forth their form : 
 For other need so 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. 
 
 64—70. 
 
The one si^i rudd}', that her form had scarce 
 Been known within a furnace of clear flame; 
 The next did look, as if the flesh and bones 
 VV^ere emerald : snow new-fallen seem'd the third. 
 
 Canto XXIX., lintt IlS-ISI. 
 
A virgin in my view appear'tl, beneath 
 Green mantle, robed in luie of living flame. 
 
 .V.V.V., liiifs 32, 33. 
 
71—135- PURGATORY.— CANTO XXIX. 133. 
 
 Here were they ; save as to the pennons : there, 
 From him departing, John accords with mc. 
 
 The space, surrounded by the four, enclosed 
 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 graced 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' prayer 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 measure, swift or slow. At the other wheel, 
 A band quaternion, each in purple clad, 
 Advanced 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; 
 
134 THE VISION. 136—150. 
 
 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 wreathed. 
 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 thundering, at whose voice it seem'd 
 The chosen multitude were stay'd ; for there, 
 With the first ensigns, made they solemn halt 
 
CANTO XXX. 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 Beatrice descends from heaven, and rebukes the poet 
 
 OOON as that polar light, fair ornament 
 
 *^ Of the first heaven, which hath never known 
 
 Setting nor rising, nor the shadowy veil 
 
 Of other cloud than sin, to duty there 
 
 Each one convoying, as that lower doth 
 
 The steersman to his port, stood firmly fixed ; 
 
 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 shouted 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 comest!" 
 
 And, "Oh I" they cried, "from full hands scat!> r 
 
 Unwithering lilies:" and, so saying, cast 
 
 Flowers over head and round tiicm on all sides. 
 
 I have beheld, ere now, at break of day. 
 The eastern clime all roseate; and the sky 
 Opposed, one deep and beautiful serene; 
 And the sun's face so shaded, and with mists 
 
136 THE VISION. 27—62. 
 
 Attemper'd, at his rising, that the eye 
 
 Lone^ while endured the sight : thus, in a cloud 
 
 Of llowers, that from those hands angelic rose, 
 
 And down within and outside of the car 
 
 Fell showering, in white veil with olive wreathed, 
 
 A virgin in my view appear'd, beneath 
 
 Green mantle, robed in hue of living flame: 
 
 And o'er my spirit, that so long a time 
 
 Had from her presence felt no shuddering dread, 
 
 Albeit mine eyes discern'd her not, there mo\'cd 
 
 A hidden virtue from her, at whose touch 
 
 The power of ancient love was strong within mo. 
 
 No sooner on my vision streaming, smote 
 The heavenly 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 bereaved us of himself; 
 Virgil, my best-loved 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 I weep not that Virgil leaves thee ; nay 
 Weep thou not yet : behoves 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 appear'd 
 
63—98. PURGATORY.— CANTO XXX. 13; 
 
 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 mountain? Knewest not, O manl 
 Thy happiness is here?" Down fell mine eyes 
 On the clear fount ; but there, myself espying, 
 Recoil'd, and sought the greenswerd ; such a weight 
 Of shame was on my forehead. With a mien 
 Of that stern majesty, which doth surround 
 A 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 1 my hope hath been:" 
 But went no further than, "Thou, Lord I 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 piled 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 heaven'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 consumest him?" then, the ice, 
 Congeal'd about my bosom, turn'd itself 
 
138 THE VISION. 
 
 To spirit and water ; and with anguish forth 
 Gush'd, through the lips and eyelids, from the heart. 
 
 Upon the chariot's same edge still she stood, 
 Immovable; and thus address'd her words 
 To those bright semblances with pity touch'd : 
 " Ye in the 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 time: thence, with more heed 
 I shape mine answer, for his car intended. 
 Who there stands weeping; that the sorrow now 
 May equal the transgression. Not alone 
 Through operation of the mighty orbs, 
 Thai mark each seed to some predestined aim, 
 As with aspect or fortunate or ill 
 The constellations meet; but through benign 
 Largess of heavenly 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 wondrously had thrived. 
 The more of kindly strength is in the soil. 
 So much doth evil seed and lack of cultine 
 Mar it the more, and make it run lo wiklncss. 
 These looks sometime upheld him ; for 1 show'd 
 My youthful eyes, and led him by their light 
 In upright walking. Soon as 1 had reach'd 
 The threshold of my second age, and changed 
 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 
 
PURGATORY.— CANTO XXX. 139 
 
 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, 
 
 Received my supplications urged 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. 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 Beatnce continues her reprehension of Dante, who confesses his error, and falls to the ^ound. Coming to himself 
 again, he is by Matild.t drawn through the waters of Lethe, and presented first to the four virgins who figure the 
 cardinal virtues ; these in their turn lead hira to the Gr>phon, a symbol of our Saviour ; and the three virgins 
 representing the evangelical virtues intercede for him with Beatrice, that she would display to him her second 
 beauty. 
 
 " /^ THOU I " her words she thus without delay 
 ^-^ Resuming, turn'd their point on me, to whom 
 They, with but lateral edge, seeni'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 expired 
 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 discharged, 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 shouldst quit the hope 
 

 The beauteous dame, her arms expanding, clasp'd 
 My temples, and immerged me where 'twas fit 
 The waves should drench me. 
 
 Canto XXXI., lines lOO-IOJ. 
 
At her side, 
 As 't were that none mif^ht bear her off, I saw 
 A giant Stan. I ; and over and anon 
 Ihey mingled kisses. 
 
 Canto XXXII. 
 
26-61. PURGATORY.-CANTO XXXI. 
 
 Of further progress? or what bait of ease, 
 
 Or promise of allurement, led thee on 
 
 Elsewhere, that thou elsewhere shouldst 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 mayst profit by thy shame 
 For errors past, and that henceforth more strenj;:^th 
 May arm thee, when thou hear'st the Syren-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 
 Enclosed 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 shouldst have pruned 
 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 inexperienced 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." 
 
 141 
 
142 THE VISIOX. 6:— 97. 
 
 I Stood, as children silent and ashamed 
 Stand, listening, with their eyes upon the earth, 
 Acknowledging their fault, and self-condemn'd. 
 And she resumed : " If, but to hear, thus pains thee ; 
 Raise thou thy beard, and lo I what sight shall do." 
 
 With less reluctance yields a sturdy holm, 
 Rent from its fibres by a blast, that blows 
 From off the pole, or from larbas' land. 
 Than I at her behest my visage raised: 
 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 I perceived those primal creatures cease 
 Their flowery sprinkling; and mine eyes beheld 
 (Yet unassured and wavering in their view) 
 Beatrice ; she, who towards the mystic shape, 
 That joins two natures in one form, had turn'd : 
 And, even under shadow of her veil, 
 And parted by the verdant rill that flow'd 
 Between, in loveliness she seem'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 beguiled me, now the more 
 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 aii she drew me after, swept along. 
 Swift as a shuttle, bounding o'er the wave. 
 
 The blessed shore approaching, then was heard 
 
PURGATORY.— CANTO XXXI. 143 
 
 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 immerged me where 'twas fit 
 The wave should drench me : and, thence raising up, 
 Within the fourfold dance of lovely nymphs 
 Presented me so laved ; and with their arm 
 They each did cover me. '* Here are we nymphs, 
 And in the heaven are stars. Or ever earth 
 VVas 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, 
 Where, turn'd toward us, Beatrice stood. 
 " Spare not thy vision. We have station'd 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 twyfold being shone ; 
 For ever varying, in one figure now 
 Reflected, now in other. Reader! muse 
 How wondrous in my sight it seem'd, to mark 
 A thing, albeit stedfast in itself. 
 Yet in its imaged 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 declared a loftier line. 
 Advanced : to their own carol, on they came 
 Dancing, in festive ring angelical. 
 
THE VISION. 
 
 "Turn, Beatrice!" was their song: " Oh I turn 
 Thy saintly sight on this thy faithful one, 
 Who, to behold thee, many a wearisome pace 
 Hath measured. Gracious at our prayer, vouchsafe 
 Unveil to him thy cheeks : that he may mark 
 Thy second beauty, now conceal'd." O splendour I 
 O sacred light eternal I who is he. 
 So pale with musing in Pierian shades, 
 Or with that fount so lavishly imbued, 
 Whose spirit should not fail him in the essay 
 To represent thee such as thou didst seem, 
 When under cope of the still-chiming heaven 
 Thou gavest to open air thy charms reveal d ? 
 
Were further space allow'd 
 Then. Reader! mit^ht I sing, though but in part, 
 That beverage, with whose sweetness I h;id ne'er 
 Been sated. 
 
Siicli saw I many a face, 
 All stretched to speak. 
 
 Canto III., Huts 14, 15. 
 
CANTO XXXII. 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 warned not ro gaie too fixedly on Beatrice. The procession moves on, accompanied by Matilda, Sudtta„ 
 and Dante, till they reach an exceeding lofty tree, where divers strange chances befall. 
 
 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 fenced 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 I " 
 
 Awhile my vision labour'd ; as when late 
 Upon the o'erstrain'd 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 sevenfold lights, their front. 
 As when, their bucklers for protection raised, 
 A well-ranged troop, with portly banners curl'd. 
 Wheel circling, ere the whole can change their ground ; 
 E'en thus the grodly regiment of heaven, 
 Proceeding, all did pass us ere the car 
 Had sloped his beam. Attendant at the wheels 
 The damsels turn'd ; and on the Gryphon moved 
 
146 THE VISION. 25—60 
 
 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 beguiled), I pass'd, 
 With step in cadence to the harmony 
 Angelic. Onward had we moved, 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 gazed at. " Blessed thou, 
 Gryphon I 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 : "Yeal for so 
 The generation of the just are saved." 
 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 burgein, and each wears anew 
 His wonted colours, ere the sun have yoked 
 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. 
 
PURGATORY.— CANTO XXXII. 
 
 I understood it not, nor to the end 
 
 Endured the harmony. Had I the skill 
 
 To pencil forth how closed the unpitying eyes 
 
 Slumbering, 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 waked ; 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, they their tribe diminish'd saw; 
 
 Both Moses and Elias gone, and changed 
 
 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 the 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 closed, 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 nymfhs 
 
 Did make themselves a cloister round about her ; 
 
148 THE VISION. 
 
 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, for ever 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 inclined 
 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 furthest bound. 
 As I beheld the bird of Jove descend 
 Down through 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 driven, 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 pined 
 Of all good food. But, for his ugly sins 
 Ihe saintly maid rebuking him, away 
 Scampering 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' the car, and leave it with his feathers lined : 
 And then a voice, like that which issues forth 
 From heart with sorrow rived, did issue forth 
 From heaven, 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 
 
PURGATORY.— CANTO XXXI I. 
 
 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 clothed the wheels, 
 
 Both one and other, and the beam, so quickly, 
 
 A sigh were not breathed 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 roved loosely round her. At her side. 
 
 As 'twere 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 
 
 Scourged her from head to foot all o'er ; then full 
 
 Of jealousy, and fierce with rage, unloosed 
 
 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. 
 
 149 
 
CANTO AAXlII 
 
 A EGO M EN t 
 
 Bt I tjzji *u.-g, flearrlCf ie*Te» Cht Jre, 4»K} *kes v»ith nei itv» ««'»» irRin*. Mat na, Stmtiut, and Dante. 
 She then darkly pre^icis to ■■<' Poets some hinire events. Lastly, the whole tMK.< -.Tr e at the fountain, from 
 whence the two streaa*. Letn-? md £uT>ne. separating, flow dirtereni «»v»i *.nr Matilda, at the desire ol 
 Beatrice. »iM»e« onj Poet to dnrk rrf the isnet Mream. 
 
 "T^HE heathen. Lord! are conv- ; --e? pensive thus, 
 
 *- The trinal now, and now tht vir^-u band 
 (Quaternion, their sweet psalmody begr'^u 
 Weeping; and Beatrice listen'd, sad 
 And sighing, to the song, in such ^ mood, 
 That Mary, as she stood beside the cross. 
 Was scarce more changed. Hut when they gave hei 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 I 
 Ag^ain a little while, and ye shall see me." 
 
 Before her then ^he niarsh^l'd all the seven; 
 And, beckoning 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 stf-c to the ground, when, with mine eyes, 
 rier eyes eiK;unter'd; and, with visage mild, 
 * So mend thy pace," she cried, " that if my words 
 Address thee, thou mayst still be aptly placed 
 lo he^r them." Soon as duly to her side 
 1 QOw fiad hasten'd : " Brother I " she began, 
 •* Why makest thou no attempt at questioning, 
 A5 thus we walk together ? " Like to those 
 W'no, speaking with too reverent an awe 
 
PURGATORY.— CANTO XXXI IT. 
 
 Before their betters, draw not forth the voice 
 
 Alive unto their lips, befell me then 
 
 That I in sounds imperfect thus began : 
 
 " Lady I 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 plumed, 
 
 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 the 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 erelong 
 
 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 writest 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 
 
THE VISION. 62-97. 
 
 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 inwreathed with palm." 
 
 \ thus : " As wax Dy 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 an.swer'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 estranged 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 forgetful ness itself conclude 
 Blame from thy alienated will incurr'd. 
 
PURGATORY.— CANTO XXXIII. 153 
 
 From henceforth, verily, my words shall be 
 
 As naked, as will suit them to appear 
 
 In thy unpractised view." More sparkling now, 
 
 And with retarded course, the sun possess'd 
 
 The circle of mid-day, that varies still 
 
 As the 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 paused 
 
 The sevenfold 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. 
 
 T. Tioris and Euphrates both, beheld 
 
 Forth from one fountam issue; and, like fri(=;nds. 
 
 Linger at parting. " O enlightening beam ! 
 
 O glory of our kind I beseech thee say 
 
 What water this, which, from one source derived, 
 
 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 'reaves, perchance hath made 
 His mind's eye dark. But lo, where Eunoe flows I 
 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 moved her on, and call'd 
 To Statins, with an air most lady-like: 
 
154 THE VISION. 
 
 " Come thou with him." Were further space allow'd. 
 Then, reader I 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, 
 E'en as new plants renew'd with foliage new 
 Pur( and made apt for mounting to the stars. 
 
PARADISE. 
 
THE VISION OF DANTIi 
 
 Parabisp. 
 
 CANTO I. 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 The Poet ««:endi with Beatrice towards the first heaven, and is by her resolved of certain doubts which arise 
 
 his mind. 
 
 HIS glory, by whose might all things are moved, 
 Pierces the universe, and in one part 
 Sheds more resplendence, elsewhere less. In heaven, 
 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 beloved. 
 Thus far hath one of steep Parnassus' brows 
 Sufficed me ; henceforth, there is need of both 
 
158 THE VISION'. 
 
 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, unsheathed. O power divine! 
 
 if thou to mc of thine impart so much, 
 
 That of that happy realm the shadow'd form 
 
 Traced 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 I 
 
 To grace his triumph, gathers thence a wreath 
 
 Caesar, or bard (more shame for human wills 
 
 Depraved), joy to the Delphic god must spring 
 
 From the Peneian foliage, when one breast 
 
 Is with such thirst inspired. From a small spark 
 
 Great flame hath risen . after me, perchance, 
 
 Others with better voice may pray, and gain, 
 
 From the Cyrrhaean city, answer kind. 
 
 Through divers 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 well nigh by 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, 
 Even 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 
 
PARADISE.— CANTO I. 
 
 Upon the sun. Much is allow'd us there, 
 
 That here exceeds our power ; 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 bickering sparks around, 
 As iron that comes boiling from the fire. 
 And suddenly upon the day appear'd 
 A day new-risen ; as he, who hath the power, 
 Had with another sun bedeck'd the sky. 
 
 Her eyes fast fix'd on the eternal wheel?, 
 Beatrice stood unmoved ; and I with ken 
 Fix'd upon her, from upward gaze removedw 
 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 I by whom the heaven is ruled ; 
 Thou know'st, who by thy light didst bear me up. 
 Whenas the wheel which thou dost ever guide, 
 Desired Spirit I with its harmony, 
 Temper'd of thee and measured, charm'd mine ear 
 Then seem'd to me so much of heaven 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, inflamed 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 
 Makest 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 believest ; 
 
i6o THR VISION. 
 
 For lightning, scaped from its own proper place, 
 Ne'er ran, as thou hast hither now return'd." 
 
 Although divested of my first-raised 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 utterance of a piteous sigh, 
 She towards 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, diversly ; some more. 
 Some less approaching to their primal source. 
 Thus they to different havens are moved on 
 Through the vast sea of being, and each one 
 With instinct given, that bears it in its course: 
 This to the lunar sphere directs the fire ; 
 This moves the hearts of mortal animals; 
 This the brute earth together knits, and binds. 
 Nor only creatures, void of inteUe^.t, 
 Are aim'd at by this bow; but even those. 
 That have intelligence and love, are pierced. 
 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 
 Predestined, we are carried by the force 
 Of that strong cord, that never looses dart 
 But at fair aim and glad. Yet it is true, 
 That as, oft-times, but ill accords the form 
 
So drew 
 Full more than thousand splendours towards us. 
 
 Caiita v., lints 99, 100. 
 
^m 
 
 Tin- left bank 
 That Rhone, when he hath mix'd with Sorya, laves, 
 In me its lord expected. 
 
 Came /in.. lin 
 
PARADISE.— CANTO I. ' i6i 
 
 To the design of art, throut^h sluggishness 
 Or unreplying matter ; so this course 
 Is sometimes quitted by the creature, who 
 Hath power, directed thus, to bend elsewhere i 
 As from a cloud the fire is seen to fall, 
 From its original impulse warp'd to earth. 
 By vitious 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 hinderance, thou hadst stay'd below, 
 As living fire unmoved upon the earth." 
 
 So said, she turn'd toward the heaven her face. 
 
CANTO II. 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 Dante aitd hia celestial y^nde entrr tbe moon. The cause of the spots or shadows which appear 
 
 explained to him. 
 
 ALL ye. vvfho in small bark have following sail'd. 
 Eager to listen, on the adventurous track 
 Of my proud keel, that singing cuts her 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 piides me; and another Nine, 
 To my rapt sight, the arctic beams reveal. 
 Ye other few who have outstrqtch'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 gazed, and I on her; 
 And in such space as on the notch a dart 
 Is placed, then loosen'd flies, I saw myself 
 Arrived, where wonderous thing engaged my sight 
 
PARADISE.— CANTO IT. 163 
 
 Whence she, to whom no care 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 oome.* 
 
 Meseem'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 
 Received 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 I 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 answer'd : " Lady I I with thoughts devout, 
 Such as I best can frame, give thanks to him, 
 Who hath removed 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 smiled, 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 caused, I deem, by bodies dense or rare." 
 
 She then resumed : " Thou certainly wilt see 
 In falsehood thy belief o'erwhelm'd, if well 
 
1 64 THE VISION. 63-98. 
 
 Thou listen to the ar^ments which I 
 
 Shall bring to face it. The eighth sphere display* 
 
 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 effused. 
 
 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 further back. 
 
 From this perplexity will free thee soon 
 
 Experience, if thereof thou trial make. 
 
 The fountaip whence your arts derive their streams* 
 
 Three mirrors shalt thou take, and two remove 
 
 From thee alike; and more remote the third, 
 
PARADISE.— CANTO II. 165 
 
 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 
 Wilt 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 lies 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 lovest ; that thou henceforth, alone, 
 Mayst 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 inspired. This heaven. 
 Made beauteous by so many luminaries. 
 From the deep spirit, that moves its circling sphere^ 
 Its image takes and impress as a seal : 
 And as the soul, that dwells within your dust. 
 Through members different, yet together form'd, 
 
i66 THE VISION. 
 
 In different powers resolves itself; e'en so 
 
 The intellectual efficacy unfolds 
 
 Its goodness multiplied throughout the stars; 
 
 On its own unity revolving still. 
 
 Different virtue compact differen 
 
 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. 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 la the moon Dante meets with Piccarda, the sister of Forese, who tells him that this planet is allotted to thoM wka^ 
 after having made profession of chastity and a religious life, had been compelled to violate their vows ; and she then 
 points out to him the spirit of the Empress Costania. 
 
 " I "HAT 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 convinced and free 
 Of doubt, as much as needed, raised 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 unmoved, and flowing not so deep 
 As that its bed is dark, the shape- returns 
 So faint of our impictured 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 conceived, 
 Delusion opposite to that, which raised, 
 Between the man and fountain, amorous flame. 
 
 Sudden, as I perceived 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 cried, "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. 
 
l68 THE VISION. a8— 63. 
 
 True substances arc these, which thou behold'st, 
 Hither through failure of their vow exiled. 
 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 address'd me : and began 
 As one by over-eagerness perplex'd : 
 " O spirit, born for joy I 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 glistering with smiles : " Our charity. 
 To any wish by justice introduced, 
 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 graced of loveliness 
 Will not conceal me long ; but thou wilt know 
 Piccarda, in the tardiest sphere thus placed, 
 Here 'mid these other blessed also blest. 
 Our hearts, whose high affections burn alone 
 With pleasure from the Holy Spirit conceived, 
 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 countenances wonderous fair ; 
 From former knowledge quite transmuting you. 
 Therefore to recollect was I so slow. 
 But what thou say'st hath to my memory 
 Given now such aid, that to retrace your forms 
 
-98- PARAUISE.-CANTO III. 169 
 
 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 smiled; 
 Then answer'd with such gladness, that she seem'd 
 With love's first flame to glow : ** Brother 1 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 placed throughout this kingdom, pleases all, 
 Even 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 heaven 
 Is Paradise, though with like gracious dew 
 The supreme virtue shower 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 ; even so did I, 
 In word and motion, bent from her to learn 
 What web it was, through which she had not dravm 
 The shuttle to its point. She thus began: 
 " Exalted worth and perfectness of life 
 
I70 THE VISION. 
 
 The Lady higher up inshrine 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. 
 
 I from the world, to follow her, when young 
 
 Escaped ; 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 framed. 
 
 This other splendid shape, which thou bchold'st 
 
 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 produced, which was the third and last." 
 
 She ceased from further talk, and then began 
 " Ave Maria" singing ; and with that song 
 Vanish'd, as heavy substance through deep wave. 
 
 Mine eye, tliat, far as it was capable. 
 Pursued her, when in dimness she was lost, 
 Turn'd to the mark where greater want impcll'd, 
 And bent on Beatrice all its gaze. 
 But she, as lightning, 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. 
 
 ARGUM ENT. 
 
 Whfle they stiH continue to the moon, Beatrice removes certain doubts which Dante had conceived respecting the place 
 assigned to the blessed, and respecting the will absolute or conditional. He inquires whether it U possible to mAkc 
 aatisfaction for a vow broken. 
 
 "DETWEEN two kinds of food, both equally 
 ■*-^ Remote and tempting, first a man mighit die 
 
 Of hunger, ere he one could freely chuse. 
 
 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 did Beatrice then. 
 
 "Well I discern," she thus her words address'd, 
 
 " How thou art drawn by each of these desires ; 
 
 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 find'st for doubt, in that it seems 
 
 That spirits to the stars, as Plato' deem'd. 
 
 Return. These are the questions which thy wilj 
 
 Urge equally; and therefore I, the first, 
 
172 THE VISION. a7-63. 
 
 Of that will treat which hath the more of gall. 
 
 Of seraphim he who is most enskied, 
 
 Moses and Samuel, and either John, 
 
 Chu^e which thou wilt, nor even Mary's self, 
 
 Have not in any other heaven 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, diversly 
 
 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 restored to its particular star ; 
 
 Believing it to have been taken thence. 
 
 When nature gave it to inform her mold: 
 
 Yet to appearance his intention is 
 
 Not what his words declare : and so to shun 
 
 Derision, haply thus he hath disguised 
 
 His true opinion. If his meaning be, 
 
 That to the influencing of the.se 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, 
 
PARADISE.— CANTO IV. ^ 173 
 
 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. But, 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 wills not, still survives unquench'd, and doth, 
 As nature doth in fire, though violence 
 Wrest it a thousand times ; for, if it yield 
 Or more or less, so far it follows force. 
 And thus did these, when 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 stedfast, 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 mightst after of Piccarda learn 
 That Constance held affection to the veil; 
 So that she seems to contradict me here. 
 Not seldom, brother, it hath chanced 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 
 
17+ THE VISION. 
 
 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; 
 But inasmuch as there is fear of woe 
 From non-compliance, it agrees. Of will 
 Thus absolute, Piccarda spake, and I 
 Of the 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 wandering thoughts I found. 
 
 "O thou, of primal love the prime delight, 
 Goddess I" I straight replied, "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 tr-uth 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! reverently 
 To ask thee of another 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, confused, my sight 
 
CANTO V. 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 Th« question proposed in the last canto is answered. Dante ascends with Beatrice to the planet Mercury, which is the 
 second heaven ; and here he finds a multitude of spirits, one of whom offers to satisfy him of anything he may 
 desire to know from them. 
 
 " T F 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, 'tis but that it shows 
 Some ill-mark'd vestige of that primal beam. 
 
 " This wouldst 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 prized. 
 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 framed, 
 That when man offers, God well-pleased accepts : 
 
176 - THE VISION. a6-6i. 
 
 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 wouldst 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 behoves 
 Thou rest a little longer at the board, 
 Ere the crude aliment which thou hast ta'en, 
 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 'tis made ; 
 The covenant, the other. For the last, 
 It ne'er is cancel'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 given them, as thou know'st, to change, 
 The offering, still to offer. The other part, 
 The matter and the substance of the vow, 
 May well be such, as that, without offence, 
 It may for other substance be exchanged. 
 But, at his own discretion, none may shift 
 The burden on his shoulders ; unreleased 
 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 thequatre in the six. 
 No satisfaction therefore can be paid 
 For what so precious in the balance weighs, 
 
62-98. PARADISE.— CANTO V. • 177 
 
 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 altar, 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 
 
 Removeable ; nor think to cleanse yourselves 
 
 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 enticed. 
 
 Remember ye be men, not senseless beasts ; 
 
 Nor let the Jew, who dwelleth in your streets. 
 
 Hold you in mockery. 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 tond desire she turn'd. 
 
 Though mainly prompt new question to propose, 
 Her silence and changed 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 moved to gladness, what then was my cheer, 
 Whom nature hath made apt for every change I 
 
 As in a quiet and clear lake the fish. 
 If aught approach them from without, do draw 
 
78 THE VISION. 
 
 Towards it, deeming it their food ; so drew 
 Full more than tiiousand splendours towards us. 
 And in each one was heard : " Lo I one arrived 
 To multiply our loves I" and as each came, 
 The shadow, streaming forth effulgence new, 
 Witness'd augmented joy. Here, Reader I 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, soon as these had met my view, 
 To know their state. "O born in happy hour I 
 Thou, to whom grace vouchsafes, or e'er 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 I for thy lot 
 This sphere assign'd. that oft from mortal ken 
 Is veil'd by other's beams." I said; and lurn'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 ^aze 
 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 tcntjur of my song declares. 
 
CANTO VI. 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 The spirit, who had offered to satisfy the inquiries of Dante, declares himself to be the Emperor Justinian ; and 
 after speaking of his own actions, recounts the victories, before him, obtained under the Roman Eagle. He 
 then informs our Poet that the soul of Romeo the pilgrim is in the same star. 
 
 " A ^''^^^ ^^^* Constantine the eagle turn'd 
 ■^ ^ A<2^ainst the motions of the heaven, that roll'd 
 Consenting- with its course, when he of yore, 
 Lavinias spouse, was leader of the flight; « 
 
 A hundred years twice told and more, his seat 
 At Hu rope'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 devolved. Caesar I was; 
 And am Justinian ; destined by the will 
 Of that prime love, whose inlluence I feel, 
 From vain excess to clear the incumber'd laws. 
 Or eer that work engaged me, I did hold 
 In Chiist one nature only; with such faith 
 Contented. But the blessed Agapete, 
 Who was chief shepherd, he with warning voice 
 To the true faith recall'd me. I believed 
 His words : and what he taught, now plainly see, 
 As thou in every contradiction seest 
 The true and false opposed. Soon as my feet 
 Were to the church rcclaim'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 
 
i8o THE VISIOX. 
 
 Was link'd in such conjointment, 'twas 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 achieved 
 
 Down from the Sabines' wrong to Lucrece' woe ; 
 With its seven kings conquering the nations round; 
 Nor all it wrought, by Roman worthies borne 
 'Gainst Brennus and the Epirot prince, and hosts 
 Of single chiefs, or states in league combined 
 Of social warfare : hence, Torquatus stern. 
 And Quintius named of his neglected locks, 
 . The Decii, and the Fabii hence acquired 
 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, Pol 
 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 heaven 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 
 
62—97. 
 
 PARADISE.-CAKTO VI. ^^I 
 
 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. Towards Spain 
 
 It wheel'd its bands, then toward Dyrrachium smote, 
 
 And on Pharsalia, with so fierce a plunge. 
 
 E'en the warm Nile was conscious to the pang; 
 
 Its natives shores Antandros, and the streams 
 
 Of Simois revisited, and there 
 
 Where Hector lies; then ill for Ptolemy 
 
 His pennons shook again ; lightening thence fell 
 
 On Juba , and the next, upon your west, 
 
 At sound of the Pompeian trump, returned. 
 
 "What following, and in its next bearer's gripe, 
 It wrought, is now by Cassius and Brutus 
 Bark'd of 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 composed 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 obscured, 
 If one with steady eye and perfect thought 
 On the third Cssar 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 fang impure, 
 Did gore the bosom of the holy church. 
 
THE VISION. 98-133. 
 
 Under its wings, victorious Charlemain 
 
 Sped to her rescue. Judge then for thyself 
 
 Of those, whom I erewhile accused 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 'tis hard to see who most offends. 
 
 Be yours, ye Ghibellines, to veil your hearts 
 
 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 casing. Many a time ere now 
 
 The sons have for the sire's transgression wail'd : 
 
 Nor let him trust the fond belief, that heaven 
 
 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 heavenly 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. 
 
PARADISE.-CANTO VI. 
 
 Ill shapes that man his course, who makes his wronp 
 
 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" 
 
 183 
 
CANTO VII. 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 In consequence of what had been said by Justinian, who together with the other spirits hare now disappeared, some 
 doubts arise in the mind of Dante respecting the human redemption. These difficulties are fuUy explained by 
 Beatrice. 
 
 " TTOSANNA Sanctus Deus Sabaoth, 
 ■*■ -*■ Superillustrans claritate tui 
 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, moved 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 pondering (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. 
 Through suffering not a curb upon the power 
 That will'd in him, to his own profiting, 
 That man, who was unborn, condemn'd himself; 
 
PARAUISI':.— CANTO \-|I. 
 
 And, in himself, all who since him have lived. 
 His offspring: whence, below, the human kind 
 Lay sick in grievous error many an age ; 
 Until it pleased the Word of God to come 
 Amongst them down, to his own person joining 
 The nature from its Maker far estranged, 
 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 endured the doom. 
 So different effects flow'd from one act : 
 For by one death God and the Jews were pleased ; 
 And heaven 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 revenged. 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 I no eye of man not perfected, 
 Nor lully 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 1 will therefore show thee why such way 
 Was worthiest. The celestial love, that spurns 
 
 185 
 
i86 THE VISION. 
 
 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 imprest. 
 
 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 
 
 Transgress'd, from these distinctions fell, no less 
 
 Than from its state in Paradise ; nor means 
 
 Found of recovery (search all methods out 
 
 As strictly as thou may) save one of these, 
 
 The only fords were left through which to wade: 
 
 Either, that God had of his courtesy 
 
 Released him merely ; or else, man himself 
 
 For his own folly by himself atoned. 
 
 " Fix now thine eye, intently as thou canst. 
 On the 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: 
 
PARADISE.— CANTO VII. 187 
 
 And, for this reason, he had vainly tried, 
 
 Out of his own sufficiency, to pay 
 
 The rigid satisfaction. Then behoved 
 
 That God should by his own ways lead him back 
 
 Unto the life, from whence he fell, restored : 
 
 By both his ways, I mean, or one alone. 
 
 But since the deed is ever prized 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 received, 
 
 Between the last night and the prima! 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 content thee fully, I revert ; 
 And further in some part unfold my speech, 
 That thou mayst see it 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 I and this clime 
 Wherein thou art, impassible and pure, 
 I call created, even as they are 
 In their whole being. But the elements, 
 Which thou hast named, and what of them is made, 
 Are by created virtue inform 'd : create. 
 
>^8 THE VISION. 
 
 Their substance; and create, the informing virtue 
 
 In these bright stars, that round them circling move. 
 
 The soul of ever)' brute and of each plant, 
 
 The ray and motion of the sacred lights, 
 
 Draw from complexion with meet power endued. 
 
 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 mina 
 Consider how the human flesh was framed. 
 When both our parents at the first were made." 
 
 '33—144. 
 
CANTO VIII. 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 The Poet ascends with Beatrice to the third heaven, which is the planet Venus ; and here finds the soul of Charles 
 Martel, King of Hungary, who had been Dante's friend on earth, and who now, after speaking of the realms to which 
 he was heir, unfolds the cause why children differ in disposition from their parents. 
 
 nPHE 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 adored 
 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 graced my lady, gave me ample proof 
 That we had enter'd 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 hght 
 I other luminaries saw, that coursed 
 In circling motion, rapid more or less. 
 
igo THE VISION. 
 
 As their eternal vision 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, compared 
 To those celestial lights, that towards 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 disposed 
 To do thee gentle service. We are they 
 To whom thou in the world erewhile didst sing; 
 ' O ye I 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 'twill be as sweet to rest." 
 
 After mine eyes had with meek reverence 
 Sought the celestial guide, and were by her 
 Assured, they turn'd again unto the light. 
 Who had so largely prorhised ; 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 chanced. 
 My gladness hides thee from me, which doth shine 
 Around, and shroud me, as an animal 
 In its own silk enswathed. Thou lovedst me well, 
 And hadst good cause ; for had my sojourning 
 Been longer on the earth, the love I bare thee 
 
 «4— 59- 
 
€o— 95- 
 
 I'ARADISE.-CANTO VIII. 19I 
 
 Had put forth more than blossoms. The left bank, 
 
 That Rhone, when he hath mix'd with Sor-a, laves, 
 
 In me its lord expected, and that horn 
 
 Of fair Ausonia, with its boroughs old, 
 
 Bari, and Croton, and Gaeta piled, 
 
 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 sovereignty 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 Typhoeus, but the vapoury cloud 
 
 Bituminous upsteam'd), that too did look 
 
 To have its sceptre wielded by a race 
 
 Of monarchs, sprung through me from Charles and Rodolph; 
 
 Had not ill-lording, which doth desperate make 
 
 The people ever, in Palermo raised 
 
 The shout of 'death,' re-echoed loud and long. 
 
 Had but my brother's f-.)rcMght kcnn'd as much, 
 
 He had been warier, that the greedy want 
 
 01 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 fallen to thrift. 
 
 Would ask the guard of braver arms, than such 
 
 As only care to have their coffers fiU'd." 
 
 " My liege I 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 look'st 
 Into the source and limit of all good. 
 There, where thou markest that which thou dost speak, 
 
 ^' 
 
192 THE VISION. 56- 
 
 Thence prized 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 the natures only 
 The all-perfect mind provides for, but with them 
 That which preserves them too; for nought, that lies 
 Within the range of that unerring bow, 
 But is as level with the destined aim, 
 As ever mark to arrow's point opposed. 
 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 the intellectual powers, that move these stars, 
 Fail not, and who, first faulty made them, fail. 
 Wilt thou this truth more clearly evidenced ?" 
 
 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 lived 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 behoves, 
 The roots, from whence your operations come. 
 Must differ. Therefore one is Solon born; 
 Another, Xerxes; and Melchisedec 
 A third ; and he a fourth, whose airy voyage 
 
PARADISE.-CANTO VIII. 
 
 Cost him his son. In her circuitous course, 
 
 Nature, that is the seal to mortal wax, 
 
 Doth well her art, but no distinction 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 overruled, 
 
 Nature, in generation, must the path 
 
 Traced 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, 'tis 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 phraseman make your king : 
 
 Therefore your steps have wander'd from the path.* 
 
 193 
 
CANTO IX. 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 rhe next spirit, who converses with our Poet in the planet Venus, is the amorous CunJia. To her tucceedi Foloo, 
 or Folques, the Provencal bard, who declares that the soul of Rahab the harlot is there also ; and then, bli 
 the Pope for his neglect of the Holy Land, prognosticates some reverse to the Papal power. 
 
 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 destined years come round." 
 Nor may I tell thee more, save that the meed 
 Of sorrow well-deserved 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 I 
 Infatuate, who from such a good estrange 
 Your hearts, and bend your gaze on vanity, 
 Alas for you I — And lo I toward me, next 
 Another of those splendent forms approach'd. 
 That, by its outward brightening, 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 I 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. 
 
PARADISE.— CANTO IX. 195 
 
 As one who joys in kindness : " In that part 
 
 Of the depraved 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 shent 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 nought 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, though scourged. The hour is near 
 When for their stubbornness, at Padua's marsh 
 The water shall be changed, that laves Vicenza. 
 And where Cagnano meets with Sile, one 
 Lords it, and bears his head aloft, for whom 
 The web is now a-warpmg. Feltro too 
 Shall sorrow for its godless shepherd's fault. 
 Of so deep stain, that never, for the like, 
 Was Malta's bar unclosed. Too large should be 
 The skillet that would hold Ferrara's blood, 
 And wearied he, who ounce by ounce would weigh 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 : 
 
196 THE VISION. 
 
 Whence these our sayings we avouch for good." 
 She ended ; and appcar'd on other thoughts 
 Intent, re-entering 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 I 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 heaven, 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 throughly I to thee am known." 
 
 He, forthwith answering, 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 the 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 heaven, 
 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 
 
96—131 I'ARADISE.— CANTO IX. I97 
 
 That fledged my cheek; nor she of Rhodope, 
 
 That was beguiled of Demophoon; 
 
 Nor Jove's son, when the charms of lole 
 
 Were shrined within his heart. And yet there bides 
 
 No sorrowful repentance here, but mirth. 
 
 Not for the fault (that doth not come to mind), 
 
 But tor the virtue, whose o'erruling sway 
 
 And providence have wrought thus quaintly. Here 
 
 The skill is lookd into, that fashioneth 
 
 With such effectual working, and the good 
 
 Discern 'd, accruing to the lower world 
 
 From this above. 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 sunbeam 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. 
 
 She to this heaven, at which the shadow ends 
 
 Of your sublunar world, was taken up. 
 
 First, in Christ's triumph, of all souls redeem'd: 
 
 For well behoved, that, in some part of heaven, 
 
 She should remain a trophy, to declare 
 
 The mighty conquest 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, 
 
'98 THE VISION. 
 
 Intent on these, ne'er journey but in thought 
 To Nazareth, where Gabriel oped his wings. 
 Yet it may chance, ere long, the Vatican, 
 And other most selected parts of Rome, 
 That were the grave of Peter's soldiery, 
 Shall be deliver'd from the adulterous bond." 
 
CANTO X. 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 Their not aMent carries them Into the sun, which is the fourth heaven. Here they are encompassed with a wreath 
 of blessed spirits, twelve in number. Thomas Aquinas, who is one of these, declares the names and endowments 
 of thf rest. 
 
 LOOKING into his first-born with the love 
 Which breathes from both eternal, the first Might 
 Ineffable, wherever eye or mind 
 Can roam, hath in such order all disposed, 
 As none may see and fail to enjoy. Raise, then, 
 O reader 1 to the lofty wheels, with me. 
 Thy ken directed to the point, whereat 
 One motion strikes on the 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 heaven 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, 
 r the universal order, great defect 
 Must, both in heaven and here beneath, ensue. 
 
 Now rest thee, reader I 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 
 
THE VISION. 
 
 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, 
 
 But as a man, that weets him come, ere thinking. 
 
 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 there was i' th' sun 
 (Where I had entered), not through change of hue. 
 But light transparent — did I summon up 
 Genius, art, practice — I might not so spv.-.i'; 
 It should be e'er imagined : yet believed 
 It may be, and the sight be justly craved. 
 And if our fantasy fail of such height. 
 What marvel, since no eye above the sun 
 Hath ever travel'd? Such are they dwell hero 
 Fourth family of the Omnipotent Sire, 
 Who of his spirit and of his offspring shows; 
 And holds them still enraptured 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 
 Disposed to render up itself to God, 
 As mine was at those words : and so entire 
 The love for Him, that held me, it eclipsed 
 Beatrice in oblivion. Nought displeased 
 Was she, but smiled thereat so joyously. 
 That of her laughing eyes the radiance brake 
 And scattered my collected mind abroad. 
 
6o— 95- 
 
 PARADISE.-CANTO X. 
 
 Then saw I a bright band, in liveliness 
 Surpassing, who themselves did make the crown, 
 A.nd us their centre: yet more sweet in voice, 
 Than, in their visage, beaming. Cinctured 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 had 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. 
 Listening, 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 fiame. 
 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 heaven. 
 I, then, was of the lambs, that Dominic 
 Leads, for his saintly flock, along the way 
 Where well they thrive, not swoln with vanity. 
 He, nearest on my right hand, brother was, 
 And master to me : Albert of Cologne.- 
 
THE VISION. 
 
 Is this; and, of Aquinum, Thomas I. 
 
 If thou of all the rest wouldst be assured, 
 
 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 his 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 I further on, 
 
 Where flames the ardurous 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, 
 
 Rebuked the lingering tardiness of death. 
 
PARADISE.— CANTO X. 
 
 It is the eternal light of Sigebert, 
 
 Who escaped 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 urged. 
 
 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 answering voice, so musical and soft, 
 
 It can be known but where day endless shines. 
 
 203 
 
CANTO XI, 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 Aquinas enters at Urge into the life and character of St. Francis ; and then solves one of two 
 which he perceived to have risen in Dante's mind from what he had beard in the last cmnto. 
 
 /^ FOND anxiety of mortal men I 
 
 ^-^^ How vain and inconclusive arguments 
 
 Are those, which make thee beat thy wings below. 
 
 For statutes one, and one for aphorisms 
 
 Was hunting; this the priesthood follow'd ; that, 
 
 By force or sophistry, aspired to rule; 
 
 To rob, another ; and another sought. 
 
 By civil business, wealth ; one, moiling, lay 
 
 Tangled in net of sensual delight ; 
 
 And one to wistless indolence resign'd ; 
 
 What time from all these empty things escaped, 
 
 With Beatrice, I thus gloriously 
 
 Was raised aloft, and made the guest of heaven. 
 
 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. 
 
PARADISE.— CANTO XI. 205 
 
 "The Providence, that governeth the world, 
 In depth of counsel by created ken 
 Unfathomable, to the end that she, 
 Who with loud cries was 'spoused in precious blood, 
 Might keep her footing towards her well-beloved, 
 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 soe'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 
 A.re wafted through Perugia's eastern gate: 
 \nd Nocera 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 styled. 
 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 loved her more devoutly. She, bereaved 
 Of her first husband, slighted and obscure. 
 Thousand and hundred years and more, remain'd 
 Without a single suitor, till he came. 
 
2o6 THE VISION. 63—98. 
 
 Nor aught avail'd, that, with Amyclas, she 
 Was found unmoved 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 lovers' 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 1 O prolific good I 
 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 wondrous sort despised. But royally 
 His hard intention he to Innocent 
 Set forth : and, from him, first received the seal 
 On his religion. Then, when numerous flock'd 
 The tribe of lowly ones, that traced his steps, 
 Whose marvellous life deservedly were sung 
 In heights empyreal ; though Honorius' hand 
 A second crown, to deck their Guardian's virtues, 
 Was by the eternal Spirit inwreathed : 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, 
 
PARADISE.— CANTO XI. 
 
 'Twixt Arno and the Tiber, 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 destined him, was pleased 
 To 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 more 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 plant from whence they split; 
 And he shall see, who girds him, what that means, 
 'That well they thrive, not swoln with vanity.'" 
 
 207 
 
CANTO XII. 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 A MCood circle of glorified souls encompasses the first. Buonaventura, who it one of them, celebrmtca the pndat* d 
 Saint Dominic, and informs Dante who the other eleven are thsft are in this second circle or garland. 
 
 OOON as its final word the blessed flame 
 
 *^ Had raised for utterance, straight the holy mill 
 
 Began to wheel ; nor yet had once revolved, 
 
 Or e'er another, circling, compass'd it. 
 
 Motion to motion, song to song, conjoining; 
 
 Song, that as much our muses doth excel. 
 
 Our Syrens 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, wreathed 
 Those garlands twain; and to the innermost 
 E'en thus the external answer'd. 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 moved. 
 Are shut and raised together), from the heart 
 Of one amongst the new lights moved a voice, 
 That made me seem like needle to the star, 
 
About us thus, 
 Of sempiternal roses, bending, wreathed 
 Those garlands twain ; and to the innermost 
 E'en thus the external answer'd. 
 
 Cattle XII., lines J 6- 1 9. 
 
And I beheld myself, 
 Sole with my lady, to more lofty bliss 
 Translated. 
 
 Canto XIV. 
 
?7-62. PARADISE.— CANTO XII. 209 
 
 In turning to its whereabout ; and thus 
 
 Began: "The love, that makes me beautiful, 
 
 Prompts me to tell of the 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 moved 
 
 The army of Christ (which it so dearly 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 minion of the Christian faith, 
 
 The hallow'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 exchanged. 
 
 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. 
 
THE VISION. 63^95^ 
 
 She was inspired 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 ga\c. 
 
 Many a time his nurse, at entering, found 
 
 That he had risen in silence, and was prostrate, 
 
 As who should say, ' My errand was for this.' 
 
 O happy father! Felix rightly named. 
 
 O favoured mother! rightly named Joanna; 
 
 If that do mean, as men interpret it. 
 
 Not for the world's sake, for which now they toil 
 
 Upon Ostiense and Taddeo's lore, 
 
 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 tenths 
 
 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 fared. 
 
 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-yokeil car. 
 
PARADISE.— CANTO XII. 
 
 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 declared 
 
 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 Bagnoregio ; 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 moved me to the blazon of a peer 
 
 So worthy; and with me have moved this throng." 
 
CANTO XIII. 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 Aquinas resumes his ipeech. He solves the other of those doubts which he discerned In the mind of DanM^ 
 and warns hin. earnestly against assenting to any proposition without having duly examined it 
 
 T HT 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, 
 To have ranged themselves in fashion of two signs 
 In heaven, 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 'twere the shadow ; for things there as much 
 Surpass our usage, as the swiftest heaven 
 Is swifter than the Chiana. There was sung 
 No Bacchus, and no lo Paean, but 
 Three persons in the Godhead, and in one 
 Person that nature and the human join'd. 
 
 The song and round were measured : and to us 
 Those saintly lights attended, happier made 
 At each new ministering. Then silence brake 
 
]'.\RADISE.— CANTO XIII. 213 
 
 Amid the 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' the harvest thresh'd 
 
 And its grain safely stored, 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 pierced 
 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 infused, who form'd 
 Both one and other : and thou thence admirest 
 In that I told thee, of beatitudes, 
 A second there is none to him enclosed 
 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 Sovereign Sire 
 Engendereth loving ; for that lively light. 
 Which passeth from his splendour, not disjoin'd 
 From him, nor from his love triune with them, 
 Doth, through his bounty, congregate itself, 
 Mirror'd, as 'twere, 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 heavenly 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 
 The ideal stamp imprest : so that one tree, 
 According to his kind, hath better fruit, 
 
714 "I'l^ VISION. 
 
 And worse : and, at your birth, ye, mortal men, 
 Are in your talents various. Were the wax 
 Molded with nice exactness, and the heaven 
 In its disposing influence supreme. 
 The brightness of the seal should be complete : 
 But nature renders it imperfect ever ; 
 Resembling thus the artist, in her work, 
 Whose faltering hand is faithless to his skill. 
 Therefore, if fervent love dispose, and mark 
 The lustrous image of the primal virtue, 
 There all perfection is vouchsafed ; and such 
 The clay was made, accomplish'd with each gift. 
 That life can teem with ; such the burden fiU'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 its 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 
 
PARADISE.— CANTO XIII. 215 
 
 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 lead 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 leans 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 e'er 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 her way across the sea 
 Ran straight and speedy, perish at the last 
 E'en in the haven's mouth. Seeing one steal, 
 Another bring his offering to the priest, 
 Let not Dame Birtha and Sir Martin thence 
 Into heaven's counsels deem that they can pry: 
 For one of these may rise, the other fall." 
 
CANTO XIV. 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 who U one of the spirit! in the inner circle, declares what the appearance of the blest will ka after tka 
 resurrection of the body. Beatrice and Dante are translated into the fifth heaven, which is that of Mars, and 
 here behold the souls of those who had died fighting for the true faith, ranged in the sign of a cross, athwart 
 which the spirits move to the sound of a melodious hymn. 
 
 T^ROM 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 inia<^e glanced into my mind, 
 
 As the great spirit of Aquinum ceased ; 
 
 And Beatrice, after him, her words 
 
 Resumed alternate : " Need there is (though 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 wondrous 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 heavenly shower. 
 
26-61. PARADISE.— CANTO XIV. 
 
 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 grace, 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 to disclose his glory: whence. 
 The vision needs increasing, must increase 
 The fervour which it kindles ; and that too 
 The ray, that comes from it. But as the gleed 
 Which gives out flame, yet in its whiteness shines 
 More livelily 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 " 
 Follow'd 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 loved, 
 Ere they were made imperishable flame. 
 
 217 
 
2i8 THE VISION. 62 
 
 And lol forthwith there rose up round about 
 A lustre, over that already there; 
 Of equal clearness, like the brightening up 
 Of the horizon. As at evening hour 
 Of twilight, new appearances through heaven 
 Peer with faint glimmer, doubtfully descried; 
 So, there, new substances, methought, began 
 To rise in view beyond the other twain, 
 And wheeling, sweep their ampler circuit wide. 
 
 O genuine glitter of eternal Beam I 
 With what a sudden 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 vouchsafed. 
 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 SabaothI that dost prank them thus I" 
 
 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 described 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. 
 
98—132. PARADISE.— CANTO XIV. 219 
 
 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 interposed by art 
 Against the noontide heat. And as the chime 
 Of minstrel music, dulcimer, and harp 
 With many strings, a pleasant dinning makes 
 To him, who heareth not the distinct 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 liears 
 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 overbold appears. 
 Accounting less the pleasure of those eyes, 
 Whereon to look fulfilieth all desire. 
 But he, who is aware those living seals 
 Of every beauty work with quicker force. 
 The higher they are risen ; 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. 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 tht ipiik af Cacciaguida, onr Poet's ancestor, glides rapidly to the foot of the cross, tells who he U, and sp<aks '4 
 the simplicity of the Florentines in his days, since then much corrupted. 
 
 'T^RUE 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 heaven's right hand 
 Unwound and tighten'd. How 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 lastcth not, 
 Despoils himself for ever 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 heaven. 
 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, 
 
PARADISE.— CANTO XV. 
 
 When he perceived his son. "O thou, my blood I 
 
 most exceeding grace divine I to whom, 
 As now to thee, hath twice the heavenly gate 
 
 Been e'er unclosed?" 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 dived 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 
 
 1 understood not, so profound he spake: 
 Yet not of choice, but through necessity. 
 Mysterious ; for his high conception soar'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, " Blest be thou, Triunal Deity I 
 
 That hast such favour in my seed vouchsafed." 
 
 Then follow'd : " No unpleasant thirst, though long, 
 
 Which took me reading in the sacred book. 
 
 Whose leaves or white or dusky never change. 
 
 Thou hast allay 'd, my son I 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 life 
 
 Both less and greater in that mirror look. 
 
 In which thy thoughts, or e'er thou think'st, arc shown. 
 
THE VISION. 62-96. 
 
 But, that the love, which keeps me wakeful ever, 
 Urging with sacred thirst of sweet desire, 
 May be contented 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 nought 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 I that ingemm'st • 
 This precious jewel ; let me hear thy name." 
 
 "I am thy root, O leaf! whom to expect 
 Even, hath pleased 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 matijn prayers and noon. 
 Was chaste and sober, and abode in peace. 
 She had no armlets and no head-tires then ; 
 No pur fled dames ; no zone, that caught the eye 
 
PARADISE.— CANTO XV. 225 
 
 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 
 
 Sardanapalus, to exhibit feats 
 
 Of chamber prowess. Montemalo yet 
 
 O'er our suburban turret rose ; as much 
 
 To be surpass'd in fall, as in its rising. 
 
 I saw Bellincion 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 Nerii, and of Vecchio, well content 
 
 With unrobed jerkin ; and their good dames handimg 
 
 The spindle and the flax: O happy they! 
 
 Each sure of burial in her native land. 
 
 And none left desolate a-bed in France. 
 
 One waked 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, lectured 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 composed 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 Valciipado came to me my spouse; 
 And hence thy surname grew. I follow'd then 
 The Emperor Conrad: and his knighthood he 
 
224 
 
 Tni': VISION. 133— 140- 
 
 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 usurp'd. There I by that foul crew 
 Was disentangled from the treacherous world 
 Whose base affection many a spirit soils ; 
 And from the martyrdom came to this peace" 
 

 Christ 
 Beam'd on tliat cross ; and pattern fails me now. 
 
 Can fa XIV.. lines q6, 97. 
 
But so was doom'd : 
 Florence! on that inaim'd stone which guards the bridge, 
 The victim, when thy peace departed, fell. 
 
 Canto XV J., lin 
 
CANTO XVI. 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 Caccia^tda i^tes the time of his birth, and, describing the extent of Florence when he lived there, recounU the namei 
 of the chief families who I'.ien inhabited it. Its degeneracy, and subsequent disgrace, he attributes tc tb« introduction 
 of families from the neighbouring country and villages, and to their mixture with the primitive citiic'** , 
 
 /^ SLIGHT respect of man's nobility I 
 
 ^-^ I never shall account it marvellous, 
 
 That our infirm affection here below 
 
 Thou movest to boasting; when I could not chuse. 
 
 E'en in that region of unwarp'd desire, 
 
 In heaven 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 men, 
 
 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, smiled ; reminding me of her, 
 
 Whose cough embolden'd (as the story holds) 
 
 To first ofi"ence 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 I what ancestors 
 Were those you sprang from, and what years were mark'd 
 In your first childhood? Tell me of the fold, 
 
226 THE VISION. 
 
 That hath Saint John for guardian, what was then 
 Its state, and who in it were highest seated I" 
 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 voire more sweet, 
 Yet not in this our modern phrase, forthwith 
 It answer'd : *'From the day, when it was said 
 'Hail Virgin r 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 times and fourscore, to relume 
 Its radiance underneath the burning 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 at that time were there, betwixt 
 Mars and 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^ murh better were it. that these people 
 Were neighbours to you ; and that at Galluzzo 
 And at Trespiano ye should have your boundary; 
 Than to have them within, and bear the stench 
 Of Aguglione's hind, and Signa's,^ him, 
 That hath his eye already keen for bartering. 
 Had not the people, which of all the world 
 Degenerates most, been stepdame unto Caesar, 
 But, as a mother to her son been kind. 
 Such one, as hath become a Florentine, 
 
PARADISE.— CANTO XVI. 227 
 
 And trades and traffics, had been turn'd adrift 
 
 To Simifonte, where his grandsire plied 
 
 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 Buondelmonti. 
 
 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 'twill seem 
 
 No longer new, or strange to thee, to hear 
 
 That families fail, when cities have their end. 
 
 All things that appertain to 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 heavenly 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 Area saw, and Soldanieri, 
 
 And Ardinghi, and Bostichi. At the poop 
 
 That now is laden with new felony 
 
 So cumbrous it may speedily sink the bark. 
 
 The Ravignani sat, of whom is sprung 
 
 The County Guide, and whoso hath since 
 
228 THE VISION. 96-131. 
 
 His title from the famed Bellincion ta'en. 
 
 Fair governance was yet an art well prized 
 
 By him of Pressa : Galigaio show'd 
 
 The gilded hilt and pommel, in his house : 
 
 The column, clothed with verrey, still was seen 
 
 Unshaken ; the Sacchetti still were great, 
 
 Giouchi, Sifanti, Galli, and Barucci, 
 
 With them who blush to hear the bushel named. 
 
 Of the Calfucci still the branchy trunk 
 
 Was in its strength ; and, to the curule chairs, 
 
 Sizii and Arrigucci yet were drawn. 
 
 How mighty them I saw, whom, since, their pride 
 
 Hath undone I And in all their 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 grudged 
 
 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, though true: 
 
 The gateway, named from those of Pcra, led 
 
 Into the narrow circuit of your walls. 
 
 Each one, who bears the sightly quarter! ngs 
 
 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- 
 
So, within the h'glits, 
 The saintly creatures flying, sang ; and made 
 Now D, now I, now L, figured i' the air. 
 
 Cinlo X V'lll. , lints 70-72. 
 
Ye host of heaven, whose glorj' I survey! 
 O beg ye grace for those, that arc. on earth. 
 All after ill example gone astray. 
 
 XVIll.. lints 120-iaa. 
 
PARADISE.— CANTO XVI. 
 
 In Boreo 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 Buondeimonti I what ill counselling 
 
 Prevail'd on thee to break the plighted bond? 
 
 Many, who now are weeping, would rejoice. 
 
 Had God to Ema given thee, the first time 
 
 Thou near our city earnest. But so was doom'd : 
 
 Florence I on that maim'd stone which guards the bridge, 
 
 The victim, when thy peace departed, fell. 
 
 " With these and others like to them, I saw 
 Florence in such assured tranquillity, 
 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." 
 
 229 
 
CANTO XVII. 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 lictt to our Port his exile and the calamities he had to wffer ; and, Usily, 
 the present poem. 
 
 OUCH ar. 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 ijuch was I ; nor unobserved was such 
 Of Beatrice, and that saintly lamp, 
 Who had erewhile for me his station moved ; 
 When thus my 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 I revered and loved I 
 Who soar'st so high a pitch, that thou 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 scaled 
 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 squared to fortune's blows. Therefore my will 
 Were satisfied to know the lot awaits me. 
 The arrow, seen beforehand, slacks his flight." 
 
28—64. PARADISE.— CANTO XVII. 231 
 
 So said I to the brightness, which erewhile 
 
 To me had spoken ; and my will declared, 
 
 As Beatrice will'd, explicitly. 
 
 Nor with oraculnr response obscure, 
 
 Such as, or e'er the Lamb of God was slain, 
 
 Beguiled the credulous nations: but, in terms 
 
 Precise, and unambiguous lore, replied 
 
 The spirit of paternal love, enshrined. 
 
 Yet in his smile apparent ; and thus spake : 
 
 " Contingency, whose verge extendeth not 
 
 Beyond the tablet of your mortal mold. 
 
 Is all depictured in the eternal sight ; 
 
 But hence deriveth not necessity. 
 
 More than the tall ship, hurried down the flood, 
 
 Is driven by the eye that looks on it. 
 
 From thence, as to the ear sweet harmony 
 
 From organ comes, so comes before mine eye 
 The time prepared for thee. Such as driven out 
 
 From Athens, by his cruel step-dame'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 live-long day. The common cry, 
 
 Will, as 'tis ever wont, affix the blame 
 
 Unto the party injured : but the truth 
 
 Shall, in the vengeance it dispenseth, find 
 
 A faithful witness. Thou shalt leave each thing' 
 
 Beloved 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. 
 
232 
 
 THE VISION. 
 
 Theirs, and not thine, shall be the crimson"d brow, 
 
 Their course shall so evince their brutishness, 
 
 To 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 imprest 
 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 compast him about. 
 But, ere the Gascon practise 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 wriltcn 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 I 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 silence, marked 
 Completion of that web, which I had stretch d 
 Before it, warped for weaving ; I began, 
 As one, who in perplexity desires 
 
PARADISE.— CANTO XVII. 233 
 
 Counsel of other, wise, benign, and friendly: 
 
 "My father I well I mark how time spurs on 
 
 Toward me, ready to inflict the blow, 
 
 Which falls most heavily on him who most 
 
 Abandoncth himself. Therefore 'tis good 
 
 I should forecast, that, driven from the place 
 
 Most dear to me, I may not lose myself 
 
 All other 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 heaven, from light to light; 
 
 Have I learnt that, which if I tell again. 
 
 It may with many wofully 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 enclosed the treasure smiled. 
 Which I had found there, first shone glisteringly. 
 Like to a golden mirror in the sun ; 
 Next answered : " Conscience, dimm'd or by its own 
 Or other's shame, will feel thy saying sharp. 
 Thou, notwithstanding, all deceit removed. 
 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, 
 Sh-iU, 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. 
 
 ARGUMENT, 
 
 Dant* tees the souls of many renowned warriors and crusaders in the planet Mars, and then ascends with Beatrica 
 to Jupiter, the sixth heaven, in which he finds the souls of those who had administered justice rightly in the world, 
 so disposed, as to form the figure of an eagle. The canto concludes with an invective against the avarice of th« 
 clergy, and especially of the Pope. 
 
 "\ T OW in his word, sole, ruminating, joy'd 
 •*■ ^ That blessed spirit : and I fed on mine, 
 Tempering 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 gazed 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 
 The affection mark'd, when that its sway hath taen 
 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 
 
PARADISE.— CANTO XVIII. 235 
 
 Is from its top, whose fruit is ever fair 
 
 And leaf unwithering, blessed spirits abide, 
 
 That were below, ere they arrived in heaven, 
 
 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 Charlemain 
 
 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 quire 
 
 Of heavenly songsters proved his tuneful skill. 
 
 To Beatrice on my right I bent. 
 Looking 'pT intimation, or by word 
 Or ar', what next behoved ; and did descry 
 Such mere effulgence in her eyes, such joy, 
 It passed 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 perceived. 
 Of my ascent, together with the heaven, 
 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, 
 
236 THE VISION. 62-97 
 
 And to mine eyes so sudden was the change, 
 Through silvery whiteness of that temperate sUr, 
 Whose sixth orb now enfolded us 1 saw, 
 Within that Jovial cresset, Ihe 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, figured i' the air. 
 First singing to their notes they moved ; then, one 
 Becoming of these signs, a little while 
 Did rest them, and were mute. O nymph divine, 
 Of Pegasean race I who souls, which thou 
 Inspirest, makest glorious and long-lived, 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 
 Displ^y'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 the unwise; 
 Thus more than thousand twinkling lustres hence 
 Seern'd reascending; and a higher pitch 
 Some mounting, and some less, e'en as the sun, 
 
s 
 
 Before my sight appear'd, with open wings, 
 The beauteous image ; in fruition sweet, 
 Gladdening the thronged spirits. 
 
 Canto XIX., lines 1-3. 
 
I^c 
 
 For that all those livmy iit;lus, 
 Waxin-; in splendour, burst forth into songs, 
 Such as from memory glide and fall away. 
 
 Canto .V.V. !inf> lO-ia 
 
9^-^32. PARADISE.— CANTO XVIII. 
 
 Which kindleth them, decreed. And when eac'a on# 
 
 Flad settled in his place; the head and neck 
 
 Then saw I of an eagle, livelily 
 
 Graved 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, moved forth, 
 
 Following gently the impress of the bird. 
 
 Sweet star! what glorious and thick-studded gems 
 Declared to me our justice on the earth 
 To be the effluence of that heaven, 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! 
 
 beg ye grace for those, that are, on earth, 
 All after ill example gone astray. 
 
 War once had for his instrument the sword : 
 
 But now 'tis made, taking the bread away, 
 
 Which the good Father locks from none.— And thou. 
 
 That writest but to cancel, think, that they, 
 
 Who for the vineyard, which thou wastest, died, 
 
 Peter and Paul, live yet, and mark thy doingi,. 
 
 Thou hast good cause to cry, " My heart so cleaves 
 
 To him, that lived in solitude remote. 
 
 And for a dance was dragg'd to martyrdom, 
 
 1 wist not of the fisherman nor Paul." 
 
 237 
 
C,;\NTO XIX. 
 
 ARGU MENT. 
 
 The eajile speaks u with one voice proceeding from a muUitude of spirits that compose it, and declares the cauM 
 for which it is exalted to that state of glory. It then solves a doubt which our Poet hacJ entertained respect- 
 ing the possibility of salvation without belief in Christ ; exposes the inefticacy of a mere profession of luch 
 belief ; and propr.rsies the evil appearance that many Christian potentates will make at the day of judgmeat. 
 
 "DEFORE my sight appcar'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 pourtray, voice hath not utterd, 
 
 Nor hath ink written, nor in fantasy 
 
 Was e'er conceived. For I beheld and heard 
 
 The beak discourse ; and, what intention fcjim'd 
 
 Of many, singly as of one express, 
 
 Beginning : " For that I was just and piteous, 
 
 I 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'd them : " O perennial flowers 
 Of gladness everlasting I that exhale 
 In single breath your odours manifold; 
 Breathe now: and let the hunger be appeased, 
 That with great craving long hath held my soul. 
 Finding no food on earth. This well I know; 
 That if there be in heaven a realm, that shows 
 
27-62. PARADISR.-CANTO XIX. 239 
 
 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 hckd, and daps h»iv: 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 
 
 <;f inexpressive joy. "He," it began, 
 
 "Who turn'd his compass on the worlds 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, measured by itself alone. 
 
 Therefore your sight, of the omnipresent Mind 
 
 A single beam, its origin must own 
 
 Surpassing far its utmost potency. 
 
 The ken, your world is gifted with, descends 
 
 In the 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, 
 
240 THE VISION. 63-98. 
 
 Or else its poison. Hero confess revcal'd 
 
 That covert, which hath hidden from thy search 
 
 The living Justice, of the which thou madest 
 
 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 unbaptized he dies, and void of faith. 
 
 Where is the justice that condemns him? where 
 
 His blame, if he Ixlieveth 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 moved. 
 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, 
 \\'hiles they with upward eyes do look on her; 
 So lifted I my gaze ; and, bending so, 
 The ever-blessed image waved its wings. 
 Labouring with such deep counsel. Wheeling round 
 It warbled, and did say : "As are my notes 
 To thee, who understand'st them not ; such is 
 The eternal judgment unto mortal ken." 
 
 Then still abiding in that ensign ranged, 
 Wherewith the Romans overawed the woild. 
 
PARADISE.— CANTO XIX. 24; 
 
 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 alter 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 oT from him by far, 
 
 Thati 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 
 
242 THE VISION. 136—145. 
 
 And Norway, there shall be exposed, with him 
 
 Of Ratza, who hath counterfeited ill 
 
 The coin of Venice. O blest Hungary I 
 
 If thou no longer patiently abidest 
 
 Thy ill-entreating : and, O blest Navarre I 
 
 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. 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 fhe eagle celebrates the praise of certain kings, whose glorified spirits form tlie eye of the bird. In the pupil ii 
 David, and in tlie circle round it, Trajan, Hezekiah, Constantine, William H. of Sicilv. and Ripheus. It explains 
 to our Poet how the souls of those whom he supposed to have had no means of believing in Christ, came to 
 be in heaven ; and concludes with an admonition against presuming to fathom the counsels of God. 
 
 A 1 THEN, 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 marshalleth 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 inspired. 
 
 After the precious and bright beaming stones, 
 That did ingem the sixth light, ceased 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 cittern, at the fret-board, or of pipe, 
 Is, at the wind-hole, modulate and tuned; 
 Thus up the neck, as it were nollow, rose 
 That murmuring of the eagle; and forthwith 
 Voice there assumed ; and thence along the beak 
 Issued in form of words, such as mv heart 
 
244 THE \lSION. 28—65. 
 
 Did look for, on whose tables I inscribed them. 
 
 " The part in me, that sees and bears the sin 
 In mortal eagles," it began, " must now 
 Be noted steadfastly : for, of the fires, 
 That ngure 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-inipassion'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 it costcth 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 decrees of heaven 
 Alter not, when, through pious prayer below, 
 To-day is made to-morrow'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, derived 
 From his well doing, doth not harm 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 kliows, 
 How well is loved in heaven 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 
 
66— ,o3. PARADISE.- CANTO XX 245 
 
 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'i 
 That image, stampt by the everlasting pleasure, 
 Which fashions, as they are, all things that be. 
 
 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 forced 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 wondering and suspense, 
 Replied : " I see that thou believest 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 'tis 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 pierced, 
 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 wa.«; the meed : of lively hope, that wing'd 
 The pra)i'rs sent up to God for his release, 
 
246 THE VISION. 
 
 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, 
 
 Believed 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 fountaip doth distil, 
 
 As never eye created saw its rising. 
 
 Placed all his love below on just and right : 
 
 Wherefore, of grace, God oped in him the eye 
 
 To the redemption of mankind to come; 
 
 Wherein believing, he endured no more 
 
 The filth of Paganism, and for their ways 
 
 Rebuked the stubborn nations. The three nymphs. 
 
 Whom at the right wheel thou beheld'st advancmg, 
 
 Were sponsors for him, more than thousand years 
 
 Before baptizing. O how far removed, 
 
 Predestination I is thy root from such 
 
 As see not the First Cause entire : and ye, 
 
 O mortal men I 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 given to nic 
 S^"eet medicine to clear and strengthen sight. 
 And, as one handling skilfully the harp, 
 Attendant on some skilful songster's voice 
 Bids the chord 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, 
 Theii beamy circlets, dancing to the sounds. 
 
CANTO XXI. 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 Daate ascends wkh Beatrin' to the seventh heaven, which is the planet Satum ; wherein is placed a ladder so 
 lofty, that the tcy of it a out of his sight. Here are the souls of those who had passed their life in holy re- 
 tirement and contemplation. Piero Damiano comes near them, and answers questions put to him by Dante ; 
 then declares who he was on earth, and ends by declaiming against the luxury of pastors and prelates in those 
 times. 
 
 A GAIN 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 tempering interposed, 
 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 changed, what joy 
 To do the bidding of my heavenly guide ; 
 In equal balance, poising either weight. 
 
 Within the crystal, which records the name 
 (As its remoter circle girds the world) 
 Of that loved monarch, in whose happy reign 
 
248 TIIF. VISION. 
 
 No ill had power to harm, I saw rear'd up, 
 
 In colour like to sun-illumined gold, 
 
 A ladder, which my ken pursued in vain, 
 
 So lofty was the summit; down whose steps 
 
 I saw the splendours in such multirude 
 
 Descending, every light in heaven, 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 came, and clash'd 
 
 Its shining. And one, lingering near us, wax'd 
 
 So bright, that in my thought I 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 
 To 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 vouchsafed my asking, spirit blest. 
 That in thy joy art shrouded I 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 every 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 
 
61—97. PARADISE.— CANTO XXI. 249 
 
 Invites me ; for, lo 1 there aloft, as much 
 Or more of love is witncss'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 :ampj 
 Love no compulsion needs, but follows free 
 The eternal Providence, I well discern : 
 This harder find to deem : why, of thy peers, 
 Thou only, to this office wert forcdoom'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 sovran essence, which it wells from, 
 I have the power to gaze : and hence the joy, 
 Wherewith I sparkle, equalling with my blaze 
 The keenness of my sight. But not the soul. 
 That is in heaven most lustrous, nor the seraph. 
 That hath his eyes most fix'd on God, shall solve 
 What thou hast ask'd : for in the 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 i^enceforth 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 heaven." By words like these 
 Admonish'd, I the question urged no more; 
 And of the spirit humbly sued alone 
 To instruct me of its state. " 'Twixt either shore 
 Of Italy, nor distant from thy land, 
 A stony ridge ariseth ; in such sort, 
 
250 THE VISION. 98-133. 
 
 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 adhered, 
 That with no costlier viands than the juice 
 Of olives, easily I pass'd the heats 
 Of summer and the winter frosts ; content 
 In heaven-ward musings. Rich were the returns 
 And fertile, which that cloister once was used 
 To render to these heavens : now 'tis fallen 
 Into a waste so empty, that ere long 
 Detection must lay bare its vanity. 
 Pietro Damiano there was I y-clept : 
 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 constrained to wear the hat, that still 
 From bad to worse is shifted. — Cephas came; 
 He came, who was the Holy Spirit's vessel ; 
 Barefoot and lean; eating their bread, as chanced, 
 At the first table. Modern Shepherds 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 I thou 
 That look'st on this, and dost 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 ; utter'd then a shout 
 So loud, it hath no likeness here : nor I 
 Wist what it spake, so deafening was the thunder. 
 
CaWTO XXII, 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 H« beholds many other spirits of the devout and contemplative ; and amongst these U addressed by St Benedict, 
 who, after disclosing his own name and the names of certain of his companions in bliss, replies to the request 
 made by our Poet that he might look on the form of the saint without that covering of splendour which then 
 invested it ; and then proceeds, lastly, to inveigh against the corruption of the monks. Next Uante mounu 
 with his heavenly conductress to the eighth heaven, or that of the fixed stars, which he enters at the constella- 
 tion of the Twins ; and thence looking back, reviews all the space he has passed between his present sutioa 
 •nd the earth. 
 
 ASTOUNDED, to the guardian of my steps 
 -^^ I turn'd me, like the child, 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 heaven? 
 And know'st not thou, whatever is in heaven, 
 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 power 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 heaven 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 I 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. 
 
252 THE VISION. »4— 59- 
 
 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, beheld'st the charity 
 That burns amongst us; what thy mind conceiveifc 
 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-disposed : 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 
 Eniiven'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 answering thus : "Thy gentle words and kind. 
 And this the cheerful semblance I behold, 
 Not unobservant, beaming in ye all. 
 Have raised assurance in me; wakening it 
 FuU-blossom'd in my bosom, as a rose 
 Before the sun, when the consummate flower 
 Has spread to utmost amplitude. Of thee 
 Therefore intreat I, father, to declare 
 If I may gain such favour, as to gaze 
 
60-95. PARADlSi:.— CANTO XXII. 253 
 
 Upon thine image by no covering veird." 
 
 "Brother I" 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 fulfilment 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 
 Us 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 heaven'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 prayers 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 s^halt find 
 The white grown murky. Jordan was turn'd back j 
 And a less wonder, than the refluent sea, 
 May, at God's pleasure, work amendment here.* 
 
 So saying, to his assembly back he ilrew: 
 And they together cluster'd into one ; 
 
254 TME VISION. 
 
 Then all rolled 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 oft-times 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 I 
 O light impregnate with exceeding virtue I 
 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 
 Vouchsafed 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 behoves thy ken 
 Be vigilant and clear. And, to this end, 
 Or ever thou advance thee further, hence 
 Look downward, and contemplate, what a world 
 Already stretch'd under our feet there lies : 
 So as thy heart may, in its blithest mood, 
 Present itself to the triumphal throng, 
 Which, through the ethereal 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 
 
 96—131 
 
rARAUlSR.— CANTO XXII. 255 
 
 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 son ; 
 
 And mark'd, how near him with their circles, 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 desciy 
 
 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. 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 H« MM CbfiM triumphing with hit church. The Saviour ascends, foUowed by hlj rtfln MnOtcr. Th« 
 
 remain with Sl Peter. 
 
 "P'EN as the bird, who midst the leafy bower 
 ■*~^ Has, in her nest, sat darkling through tlu m 
 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 wondering, 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 heaven 
 Wax more and more resplendent ; and, " Behold," 
 Cried Beatrice, "the triumphal hosts 
 Of Christ, and all the harvest gather'd in, 
 Made ripe by these revolving spheres." Meseem'd, 
 That, while she spake, her image all did burn ; 
 And in her eyes such fulness was of joy, 
 As I am fain to pass unconstrued by. 
 
 As in the calm full moon, when Trivia smiles, 
 In peerless beauty, 'mid the eternal nymphs. 
 
Again mine eyes were fiy'd on Beatrice ; 
 
 And, with mine eyes, my soul that in her lool<s 
 
 Found all contentment. 
 
 Cnnto XXI.. lints 1-3. 
 
D.,un ulh.sc steps 
 I saw the splciulouis in such multitude 
 Descending, every light in heaven, methought, 
 Was shed thence. 
 
 Canto XXI.. 
 
 28-31, 
 
PARADISE.— CANTO XXIII. 257 
 
 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 endured it not. 
 
 Beatrice I sweet and precious guide, 
 Who cheer'd me with her comfortable words : 
 "Against the virtue, that o'erpowereth 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 heaven and earth." Like to the tire, 
 That, in a cloud imprison'd, doth break out 
 Expansive, so that from its womb enlarged, 
 
 It falleth against nature to the ground ; 
 Thus, in that heavenly 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." 
 
 1 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 bout, 
 
 Unto the thousandth parcel of the truth. 
 
 My song might shadow forth that saintly smile, 
 
 How merely, in her saintly looks, it v/rought. 
 
 And, with such figuring of Paradise, 
 
 The sacred strain must leap, like one that meets 
 
 A sudden interruption to his road. 
 
25S THE VISION'. 63-9^ 
 
 But he, who thinks how ponderous the theme, 
 And that 'tis laid upon a mortal shoulder, 
 May pardon, if it tremble with the burden. 
 The track, our venturous 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'd once again 
 The strife of aching vision. As, erewhile, 
 Through glance of sun-light, 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 flovv'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 heaven excelling, as once here on earth. 
 Were, in my eye-balls livelily pourtray'd ; 
 Lo I from within the sky a cresset fell, 
 Circling in fashion of a diadem ; 
 And girt the star; and, hovering, 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 thunaer; 
 Compared unto the sounding of that lyre, 
 
PARADISE.— CANTO XXIII. 259 
 
 Wherewith the goodliest sapphire, that inlays 
 The floor of heaven, was crown'd. "Angelic Love 
 I am, who thus with hovering flight enwhecl 
 The lofty rapture from that womb inspired. 
 Where our desire did dwell ; and round thee so, 
 Lady of Heaven I 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 retired 
 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 towering rose, and sought the seed it bore. 
 And like to babe, that stretches forth its arms 
 For very eagerness toward 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. 
 
 Oh I what o'erflowing plenty is up-piled 
 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 convened. 
 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. 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 St Peter examines Dante touching Faith, and U contented with his 
 
 ' /^"^ YE I in chosen fellowship advanced 
 ^-^ 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 vouchsafed 
 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 the observant eye 
 The first seems still, and as it flew, the last; 
 E'en thus their carols weaving variously. 
 They, by the measure paced, 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 • 
 
PARADISE— CANTO XXIV. 261 
 
 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 urged, 
 Thou dost unbind me from thy beauteous sphere." 
 
 Such were the accents towards my lady breathed 
 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 stedfast, 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 proposed 
 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 behoveful for such questioner. 
 And such profession : " As good Christian ought, 
 Declare thee, what is faith?" Whereat I raised 
 My forehead to the light, whence this had breathed j 
 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 I 
 
262 Tilt: VISION. 62—97. 
 
 E'en as set down by the unerring style 
 
 Of thy dear brother, who with thee conspired 
 
 To bring Rome in unto the way of life, 
 
 Faith of things hoped 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 defined 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 
 The intention is derived." Forthwith I heard: 
 " If thus, whate'er by learning men attain, 
 Were understood; the sophist would want room 
 To exercise his wit." So breathed the flame 
 Of love; then added: "Current is the coin 
 Thou utter'st, both in weight and m 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 reasoning, that convinceth me 
 So feelingly, each argument beside 
 Seems blunt, and forceless, in comparison." 
 Then heard I : " Wherefore boldest thou that each, 
 The elder proposition and the new, 
 Which so persuade thee, are the voice of heaven?** 
 
PARADISE.— CANTO XXIV. 263 
 
 "The works, that follow'd, evidence their truth," 
 I answer'd : " Nature did not make for these 
 The iron hot, or on her anvil mold 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 went'st 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 I" 
 In song of most unearthly melody. 
 And when that Worthy thus, from branch to branch, 
 E.xamining, had led me, that we now 
 Approach'd the topmost bough ; he straight resumed : 
 "The grace, that holds sweet dalliance with thy soul, 
 So far discreetly hath thy lips unclosed ; 
 That, whatsoe'er has past them, I commend. 
 Behoves thee to express, what thou believest, 
 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 O'vn, 
 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 heaven is moved, himself unmoved the while. 
 Nor demonstration physical alone, 
 Or more intelligential and abstruse, 
 Persuade.s me to this faith : but from that truth 
 
26a the vision. 
 
 It Cometh to me rather, which is shed 
 
 Through Moses; the rapt Prophets; and the Psalms; 
 
 The Gospel ; and what 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 heaven's star, 
 
 Doth glitter in me." As the master hears, 
 
 Well pleased, 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 oped my lips : so well their answer pleased. 
 
CANTO XXV. 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 . James questions our Port concerning Hope. Next St. John appears ; and, on ptrctMng th»t Dante looks Intently < 
 him, informs him that he (St. John) had left his body resolved into earth, upon the earth ; and that Christ and tl 
 Virgin alone had come with tlieir bodies into heaven. 
 
 TF e'er the sacred poem, that hath made 
 
 ^ Both heaven and earth copartners in its toil, 
 
 And with lean abstinence, through many a year, 
 
 Faded my brow, be destined 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 moved a light, at view whereof 
 My Lady, full of gladness, spake to me : 
 Lo 1 lo I behold the peer of mickle might, 
 That makes Galicia 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, 
 
266 THK VISION. 
 
 Their heavenly banqueting: b«t when an end 
 Was to their gratulation, silent, each, 
 Before me sat they down, so burning bright, 
 1 could not look upon them. Smiling then, 
 Beatrice spake : " O life in glory shrined I 
 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 well thou know'st, who figurest it as oft. 
 As Jesus, to ye three, more brightly shone." 
 
 "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 
 Assured me; and mine eyes I lifted up 
 U;ito the mountains, that had bow'd them late 
 With over-heavy burden. " Sith our Liege 
 Wills of his grace, that thou, or e'er 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 'tis 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 inquired, 
 Not for more knowledge, but that he may tell 
 
62—96 
 
 PARADISE.— CANTO XXV. 267 
 
 How dear thou hold'st 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, practised 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, 
 The 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 spake 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 volley 'd lightning, 
 Within the bosom of that mighty sheen 
 Play'd tremulous ; then forth these accents breathed : 
 •* 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 replied, 
 " Propose the mark (which even now I view) 
 For souls beloved of God. Isaias saith, 
 'That, in their own land, each one must be clad 
 In twofold vesture;' and their proper land 
 Is 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 destined to the saints." 
 
^68 THE VISION. 
 
 And, as the words were ending, from above, 
 
 "They hope in thee I" first heard we cried: whereto 
 
 Answer'd the carols all. Amidst them next, 
 
 A light of so clear amplitude emerged, 
 
 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 
 Wbeel'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 spouss, 
 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 nought the more removed her sight 
 From marking them : or e'er her words began. 
 Or when they closed. As he, who looks intent, 
 And strives with seaiching 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 
 
PARADISK.-CANTO XXV. 269 
 
 So rested ; and the mingling sound was still, 
 Which from the trinal band, soft-breathing, rose 
 I turn'd, but ah I how trembled in my thoui^^ht, 
 When, looking at my side again to see 
 Beatrice, I descried her not ; although, 
 Not distant, on the happy coast she stood. 
 
CANTO XXVI. 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 John examine* our P««t teaching Charity. Afterwards Adam tells when he wa» created, and placed in the terrestrial 
 Paradise ; bow long he remained in that itate ; what was the occasion of his fall ; when he was admitted into 
 heaven ; and what language he spake. 
 
 "\ 1 /"ITH dazzled eyes, whilst wondering I remain'd ; 
 
 ' ^ Forth of the beamy flame, which dazzled riie, 
 Issued a breath, that in attention mute 
 Detain'd me ; and these words it spake : "Twere 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 assured, that sight in thee 
 Is but o'erpower'd 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 centred : 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 dispersed my fear when dazed 
 With that excess, to converse urged, and spake : 
 '• Behoves thee sift more narrowly thy terms ; 
 And say, who levell'd at this scope thy bow." 
 " Philosophy," said I, " hath arguments, 
 
 \nd this place hath authority enough, 
 
PARADISE. -CANTO XXVI. 
 
 To 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 nought 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 intelligcntial 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 heaven." 
 
 " Through human wisdom, and the 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 
 The avowal which he led to ; and resumed : 
 " All grappling bonds, that knit the heart to God, 
 Confederate to make fast our charity. 
 The being of the world; and mine own being; 
 The death which He endured, 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 saved my bark. 
 And on the coast secured it of the right. 
 As for the leaves, that in the garden bloom, 
 
Tin-: VISION. 63-98 
 
 My love for them is great, as is the good 
 Dealt by the eternal hand, that tends thein 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 dispersed 
 Through sharp encounter of the nimble light. 
 With the eye's spirit running forth to meet 
 The ray, from membrane on to membrane urged ; 
 And the upstartled wight loathes that he sees; 
 So, at his sudden waking, he misdeems 
 Of all around him, till assurance waits 
 On bettei judgment: thus the saintly dame 
 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 than before, 
 Recover'd ; and well nigh astounded, ask'd 
 Of a fourth light, that now with us I saw. 
 And Beatrice: "The first living soul, 
 That ever the first virtue framed, admires 
 Within these rays his Maker." Like the leaf, 
 That bows its lithe top till the blast is blo^vn; 
 
 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 I that wast alone 
 
 Mature, when first engender'd ; ancient father I 
 
 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 chariceth oft some animal bewrays, 
 
 Through the sleek covering of his furry coat. 
 
 The fondness, that stirs in him, and conforms 
 
F 
 
 m 
 
 f» 
 
 ^ 
 
 Say then, 
 Beginning, to what point thy soul aspires: 
 And meanwhile rest assured, that sight in thee 
 Is but o'erpower'd a space, not wholly quench'd. 
 
 Canto XXVI., lines 7-10. 
 
Then "Glor>- to the Father, to the Son, 
 And to the Holy Spirit," rang aloud 
 '^hrouehout all Paradire • *hat with the song 
 My spirit reel'd, so passing sweet the strain. 
 
 Cantn X.Xr//.. lim 
 
PARADISE.— CANTO XXVI. 
 
 His outside seeming to the cheer within : 
 
 And in like guise was Adam's spirit moved 
 
 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 hold'st most certain : for that will I see 
 
 In Him, who is truth's mirror; and Himself, 
 
 Parhelion unto all things, and nought else. 
 
 To Him. This wouldst thou hear : how long since, God 
 
 Placed me in that high garden, from whose bounds 
 
 She led me up this ladder, steep and long; 
 
 What space endured my season of delight ; 
 
 Whence truly sprang the wrath that banish'd me; 
 
 And what the language, which I spake and framed. 
 
 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 moved 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 seventy 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 nought, that man inclines to, e'er 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 'twas call'd. 
 
2 74 I'^E VISION. 
 
 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 comcth next 
 (As the sun changes quarter) to the sixth." 
 
CANTO XXVII. 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 St Fetcr bitteriy rebukes the covetousness of his successor": in the apostolic see, while all the heaventy host sympathiK 
 in his indignation : they then vanish upwards. Beatrice bids Dante again cast his view below. Afterwards they are 
 borne into th« r.inth heaven, of which she shows him the nature and properties j blaming the perveneaeM ot man, 
 who places his will on low and perishable things. 
 
 T^HEN "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 unmeasured 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 interchanged their plumes. Silence ensued, 
 Through the blest quire; by Him, who here appoints 
 Vicissitude of ministry, tnjoin'd ; 
 When thus I heard : " Wonder not, if my hue 
 Be changed ; 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. 
 
2;6 THE VISION. 
 
 At eve or morning, paints an adverse cloud, 
 
 Then saw I sprinkled over all the sky. 
 
 And as the unblemish'd dame, who, in herself 
 
 Secure from censure, yet at bare report 
 
 Of other's failine. shrinks with maiden fear ; 
 
 So Beatrice, in her semblance, cnanj^ed : 
 
 And such eclipse in heaven, 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 purpose 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 ours, 
 
 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 vouchsafed me, should for ensign serve 
 
 Unto the banners, that do levy war 
 
 On the baptized : 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 I 
 
 Why longer sleep'st thou? Cahorsines and Gascons 
 
 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 empery for Rome, 
 
 Will not delay its succour: and thou, son. 
 
 Who through thy mortal weight shalt yet again 
 
 Return below, open thy lips, nor hide 
 
 What is by me not hidden." As a flood 
 
 Of frozen vapours streams adown the air, 
 
PARADISE.— CANTO XXVII. 277 
 
 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 the 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 compast." From the hour 
 
 When I before had cast my view beneath, 
 
 All the first region overpast I saw. 
 
 Which from the midmost to the boundary winds; 
 
 That onward, thence, from Gades, I beheld 
 
 The unwise passage of Laertes' son ; 
 
 And hitherward the shore, where thou, Europa, 
 
 Madest thee a joyful burden ; and yet more 
 
 Of this dim spot had seen, hut 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 heaven. 
 
 What place for entrance Beatrice chose, 
 I may not say; so uniform was all. 
 Liveliest and loftiest. She -my secret wish 
 Divined ; and, with such gladness, that God's love 
 Seem'd from her visage shining, thus began : 
 
2/8 TIIF. VISION. 100-1^8. 
 
 " Here is the tjoal, whence motion on his race 
 
 Starts : motionless the centre, and the rest 
 
 All moved around. Except the soul divine, 
 
 Place in this heaven is none ; the soul divine, 
 
 Wherein the love, which rulelh o'er its orb, 
 
 Is kindled, and the virtue, that it sheds : 
 
 One circle, light and love, enclasping it, 
 
 Ai this doth clasp the others ; and to Him, 
 
 Who draws the bound, its limit only known. 
 
 Measured 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 plunged, thou secst: 
 
 Look elsewhere for the leaves. O mortal lust I 
 
 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 wanderers. Yet before the date, 
 When, through the hundredth in his reckoning dropt. 
 Pale January must be shoved aside 
 From winter's calendar, these heavenly spheres 
 Shall roar so loud, that fortune shall be fain 
 To turn the poop, where she hath now the prowj 
 So that the fleet run onward : and true fruit, 
 Expected long, shall crown at last the bloom." 
 
CANTO XXVIII. 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 Still in the ninth heaven, our Poet is permitted to behold the divine essence ; uid then seem, in three hienutJtUi, 
 the nine choirs of angels. Beatrice clears some difficulties which occur to him on this occasion. 
 
 00 she, who doth imparadise my soul, 
 
 *^ Had drawn the veil from off our present life, 
 
 And bared the truth of poor mortality : 
 
 When lo I as one who, in a mirror, spies 
 
 The shining of a flambeau at his back, 
 
 Lit sudden ere 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, 
 
 1 well remember, did befall to me, 
 
 Looking upon the beauteo us eyes, whence love 
 
 Had made the leash to take me. As I turn'd : 
 
 And that which none, who in that volume looks, 
 
 Can miss of, in itself apparent, struck 
 
 My view; a point I saw, that darted light 
 
 So sharp, no lid, unclosing, may bear up 
 
 Against its keenness. The least star we ken 
 
 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 surrounds, 
 
 Speediest, the world. Another this enring'd; 
 
 And that a third; the third a fourth, and that 
 
 A fifth encompass'd; which a sixth next bound; 
 
 And over this, a seventh, following, reach'd 
 
 Circumference so ample, that its bow, 
 
 ■fj^4^jJUu&^^^^ SU^ 
 
28o THI-: VISION. 29-64. 
 
 Within the span of Juno's messenger, 
 
 Had scarce been held entire. Beyond the seventh, 
 
 Ensued 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 beloved 
 
 Saw me in anxious thought suspense, and spake: 
 
 " Heaven, and all nature, hangs upon that point 
 
 The circle thereto most conjoin'd observe; 
 
 And know, that by intenscr love its course 
 
 Is, to this swiftness, wing'd." To whom I thus's 
 
 " 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 difference is. 
 
 That in 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 
 
 The 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 'tis 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 diffused. 
 
 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 
 
PARADISE.— CANTO XXVI II. 
 
 The universal frame, answers to that 
 
 Which is supreme in knowledge and in love. 
 
 Thus by the virtue, not the seeming breadth 
 
 Of substance, measuring, thou shalt see the heavens. 
 
 Each to the intelligence that ruleth it, 
 
 Greater to more, and smaller unto less, 
 
 Suited in strict and wondrous harmony." 
 
 As when the north blows from his milder 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 dear 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 
 My inward meditations, thus began : 
 " In the first circles, they, whom thou beheld'st, 
 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 llie truth, wherein rest is 
 
282 THE VISION. 
 
 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 lair, 
 
 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 them, 
 
 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 intensely wrought, 
 
 That he, as I have done, ranged them ; and named 
 
 Their orders, marshal'd in his thought. From him, 
 
 Dissentient, one refused his sacred read. 
 
 But soon as in this heaven his doubting eyes 
 
 Were open'd, Gregory at his error smiled. 
 
 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 heaven's mysteries." 
 
CANTO XXIX. 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 Beatrice beholds, in the mirror of divine truth, some doubts which had entered the mind of Dante. These the 
 
 resolves ; and then digresses into a vehement reprehension of certain theologians and preachers in those da)rs, 
 whose ignorance or avarice induced them to substitute their own inventions for the pure word of the Gospel 
 
 "\T0 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 poised ; 
 Till from that verge, each, changing hemisphere, 
 Part the nice level ; e'en so brief a space 
 Did Beatrice's silence hold. A smile 
 Sat 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 increased, 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 moved the Spirit of God. 
 Simple and mix'd, both form and substance, forth 
 
284 THE VISION. 25—60. 
 
 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 the eternal Sovran, beam entire 
 
 His threefold operation, at one act 
 
 Produced 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, 
 
 Described on Jerome's pages, thou hast seen. 
 
 But that what I disclose to thee is true, 
 
 Those penmen, whom the Holy Spirit mo\ed, 
 
 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 heavenly 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 look'st, began, with such delight, 
 
 That they surcease not ever, day nor night. 
 
 Their circling. Of that /atal 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 
 
TARADISE.— CANTO XXIX. 285 
 
 Were, by enlightening grace and their own merit, 
 Exalted ; so that in their will confirm'd 
 They stand, nor fear to fall. For do not doubt, 
 But to receive the grace, which Heaven vouchsafes. 
 Is meritorious, even as the soul 
 With prompt affection wclcometh the guest. 
 Now, without further help, if with good heed 
 My words thy mind have treasured, 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, 
 Canvass the angelic nature, and dispute 
 Its powers of apprehension, memory, choice; 
 Therefore, 'tis 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 
 Nought 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 by-way of his own : 
 So much the restless eagerness to shine, 
 And love of singularity, prevail. 
 Yet this, offensive as it is, provokes 
 Heaven's anger less, than when the book of God 
 Is forced to yield to man's authority. 
 Or from its straightness wr.rp'd : no reckoning made 
 
286 THE VISION. 
 
 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 y^ave 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 stor^ 
 Of jests and gibes; and, so there be no lack 
 Of laughter, while he vents them, his big cow! 
 Distends, and he has won the meed he soujjht: 
 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 
 
JWRADISE.— CANTO XXIX. 287 
 
 Than swine, who diet at his lazy board, 
 Paying with unstampt 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 dispersed 
 Over such countless mirrors, yet remains 
 Whole in itself and one, as at the first* 
 
CANTO XXX, 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 Dante is taken op with Beatrice Into the empyrean ; and there having his sight strengthened by her aid, and bj 
 the virtue derived from looking on the river of light, he sees the triumph of the angels and of the souls of th< 
 blessed 
 
 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, forced me bend 
 Mine eyes on Beatrice once again. 
 
 If all, that hitherto is told of her, 
 Were in one praise concluded, 'twere 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. 
 
PARADISE.— CANTO XXX. 
 
 E'en so remembrance of that witching smile 
 Hath disposscst 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 ceased 
 To follow; but now follow them no more; 
 My course here bounded, as eacn 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 hastencth 00^ 
 Urging its arduous matter to the close) 
 Her words resumed, in gesture and in voice 
 Resembling one accustom'd to command : 
 " Forth from the last corporeal are we come 
 Into the heaven, 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 swathed 
 And veil'd in dense impenetrable blaze. 
 Such weal is in the love, that stills this heaven; 
 For its own flame the torch thus fitting ever. 
 
 No sooner to my listening ear had come 
 The brief assurance, than I understood 
 New virtue into me infused, 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 
 
290 . THE VISION. 62—97. 
 
 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 flowers 
 
 Did set them, like to rubies chased in gold : 
 
 Then, as if drunk with odours, plunged again 
 
 Into the wondrous flood ; from which, as one 
 
 Re-enter'd, still another rose. "The thirst 
 
 Of knowledge high, whereby thou art inflamed, 
 
 To search the meaning of what here thou seest. 
 
 The more it warms thee, pleases me the more. 
 
 But first behoves thee of this water drink, 
 
 Or e'er 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 tha;, 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 turned from length to round. 
 Then as a troop of masU/s, when they put 
 Their vizors off, look c/ther than before ; 
 The counterfeited semblance thrown aside ; 
 So into greater jubilee were changed 
 Those flowers and sparkles; and distinct I saw, 
 Before me, either court of heaven display'd. 
 
 O prime enlightener I thou who gavcst me strength 
 
98—135- PARADISE.— CANTO XXX. 29I 
 
 On the high triumph of thy realm to gaze 
 Grant virtue now to utter what I kenn'd. 
 
 There is in heaven 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 
 His image mirror'd in the crystal flood, 
 As if to admire his brave apparelling 
 Of verdure and of flowers ; so, round about, 
 Eying 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 I 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 expansivcness, 
 Lays forth its gradual blooming, redolent 
 Of praises to the never-wintering sun. 
 As one, who fain would speak yet holds his peace, 
 Beatrice led me ; and, " Behold," she said, 
 "This lair 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 e'er thyself 
 Mayst at the wedding sup, — shall rest the soul 
 Of the gr:at Harry, he who, by the world 
 
292 THE VISION. 136-146. 
 
 Aug-dstus 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 h'^, who in the sacred forum sways, 
 Openly or in secret, shall with him 
 Accordant walk : whom God will not endure 
 r the holy office long ; but thrust him down 
 To Simon Magus, where Alagna's priest 
 Will sink beneath him : such will be his meed.* 
 
CANTO XXXI. 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 The Poet expatiates further on the pjlorious vision described in the last Canta On looking round for Beatrice, he ftnds 
 that she has left him, and t;,at an old man is at his side. This proves to be St. Bernard, who »hows him thai 
 Beatrice has returned to her throne, and then poinU out to him the blessedness of the Virgin Mother. 
 
 T N fashion, as a snow white rose, lay then 
 
 -*■ Before my view the saintly multitude, 
 
 Which in his own blood Christ espoused. 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 flower, or rose 
 
 From the redundant petals, streaming back 
 
 Unto the stedfast dwelling of their joy. 
 
 Faces had they ^t 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 blisa^ 
 Ages long past or new, on one sole mark 
 Their love and vision fix'd. O trinal beam 
 
294 THE VISION. ,. . 
 
 20 01 
 
 Of individual star, that charm'st them thus I 
 
 Vouchsafe one glance to gild our storm below. 
 
 If the grim brood, from Arctic shores that roa.u'd 
 
 (Where Helice for ever, 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 chuse 
 
 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 
 Coursed 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 roved my ken, and in 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, 
 Robed, as the rest, in glory. Joy benign 
 Glow'd in his eye, and o'er his cheek diffused. 
 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 conic to aid thy wish. Looking- aloft 
 
^'-97. PARADISE.-CANTO XXXI. 2^5 
 
 To the third circle from the hi-hest, there 
 
 Behold her on the throne, wherein her merit 
 
 Hath placed her." Answering- not, mine eyes I rai^^ed, 
 
 And saw her, where aloof she sat, her brow 
 
 A wreath reflectint^- of eternal beams. 
 
 Not from the centre of the sea so far 
 
 Luito the reg-ion of the highest thunder, 
 
 As was ni)- ken from hers; and yet the form 
 
 Came through that medium down, unnnx'd and pure. 
 
 "O lady! thou in whom my hopes have rest; 
 Who, for m\- safety, hast not scorn'd, in hell 
 To leave the traces of th\- 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 mc: and no means. 
 For my deliverance apt, hast left untried. 
 Thy liberal bounty still toward me keep: 
 That, when m>- 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 smiled; then towards the eternal fountain turn'd. 
 And thus the senior, holy and revered: 
 
 "That thou at length mayst happily conclude 
 
 Thy voyage (to which end I was dispatch'd. 
 
 By supplication moved 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 heaxen'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 'tis shown, 
 
 Hangs over it with never-sated gaze, 
 
 And, all that he hath heard revolving, saith 
 
296 THE VISIOX. 98— 13»- 
 
 Unto himself in thought: "And didst thou look 
 E'en thus, O Jesus, my true Lord and God ? 
 And was this semblance thine?" So gazed I then 
 Adoring ; for the charity of him, 
 Who musing, in this world that peace enjoy'd, 
 Stood livelily before me. "Child of grace I" 
 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 raised ; and bright. 
 As, at the birth of morn, the eastern clime 
 Above the horizon, where the sun declines; 
 So to mine eyes, that upward, as from vale 
 To mountain sped, at the extreme bound, a part 
 Excell'd in lustre all the front opposed. 
 And as the glow burns ruddiest o'er the wave, 
 That waits the ascending team, which Phaeton 
 111 knew to guide, and on each part the light 
 Diminish'd fades, intensest in the midst; 
 So burn'd the peaceful oriflamb, and slack'd 
 On every side the living flame decay 'd. 
 And in that midst their sportive pennons waved 
 Thousands of angels ; in resplendence each 
 Distinct, and quaint adornment. At their glee 
 And carol, smiled the Lovely One of heaven, 
 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, 
 'Twere all too poor to utter the least part 
 Of that enchantment. When he saw mine eyes 
 Intent on her, that charm'd him ; Bernard gazed 
 With so exceeding fondness, as infused 
 Ardour into my breast, unfelt before. 
 
CANTO XXXII. 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 St Bernanl shows him, «»n their several thrones, the other blessed souls, both of the Old and New Testament ; espUini 
 to him that their places are assigned them by grace, and not according to merit ; and lastly, tells him that if he wouU 
 obtain power to descry what remained of the heavenly vision, he must unite with him in supplication to Mary. 
 
 T^REELY the sage, though wrapt in musings high, 
 
 ^ Assumed the teacher's part, and mild began : 
 
 " The wound that Mary closed she open'd first, 
 
 Who sits so beautiful at Mary's feet. 
 
 The third in order, underneath her, lol 
 
 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 leaf to leaf, 
 
 Are, in gradation, throned on the rose. 
 
 And from the seventh step, successively, 
 
 Adown the breathing tresses of the flower, 
 
 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 e'er he came, believed. 
 
 On the 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 endured the desert, and the pains 
 
THE VISION. 
 
 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 heaven's decree 
 
 Forecasts, this garden, equ.iliy 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 advanced. 
 
 On set conditions ; spirits all released, 
 
 Ere for themselves they had the power to chust 
 
 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 subtil thoughts have bound thee. From this realm 
 Excluded, chance no entrance here may find ; 
 No more than hunger, thirst, or sorrow can. 
 A law immutable hath stablish'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, tliat 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 the effect may well suffice. 
 And 'tis 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. 
 
PARADISE.-CANTO XXXII. 299 
 
 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, behoved 
 
 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 power 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 heaven ; and on poised wing, 
 
 " Ave, Maria, gratia plena," sang : 
 
 To whose sweet anthem all the blissful court, 
 
 From all parts answering, rang : that holier joy 
 
 Brooded the deep serene. " Father revered I 
 
 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 Marys charms 
 Embellish'd. as the sun the morning star; 
 Who thus in answer spake: "In him are summo. 
 Whate'er of buxomness and free delight 
 May be in spirit, or in angel, met: 
 
THE VISION'. 100-.36 
 
 And so beseems : for that he bare the palm 
 
 Down unto Mary, when the Son of God 
 
 Vouchsafed 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 throned. 
 
 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 flower ; near whom behold the scer. 
 
 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 
 
 The ungrateful nation, fickle, and perverse 
 
 On the other part, facing to Peter, lo I 
 
 Where Anna sits, so well content to look 
 
 On her loved daughter, that with moveless eye 
 
 She chants the loud hosanna : while, opposed 
 
 To the first father of your mortal kind, 
 
 Is Lucia, at whose hest thy lady sped. 
 
 When on the edge of ruin closed thine eye. 
 
 " But (for the vision hasteneth to 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 
 .A.S sight can bear thee. Yet, alas I 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. 
 

 Answering not, mine eyes I raised, 
 And saw her, where aloof she sat, her brow 
 A wreath reflecting of eternal beams 
 
 Canto XXX/., /o..jbA-i6. 
 
CANTO XXX. i:.. 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 ^ -PP"«t" the Virgin Mary that Dante may have grace given him to contemplate the hrightne« of th. 
 soZ n^ 7 H " ■ ", T ^"^'^ ^"'^'^ ■• -•* °-'' 'hen himself prays to God for ability to show forth 
 some part of die celestuU glory m his writings. Lastly, he is admitted to . glimpse oT the p«tt «y««y • the 
 Trinity, and the union of man with God. ^^ "y««y , tne 
 
 ' r^ VIRGIN mother, daughter of thy Son I 
 Created beings all in lowliness 
 
 Surpassing, as in height above them all; 
 
 Term by the eternal counsel pre-ordain'd ; 
 
 Ennobler of thy nature, so advanced 
 
 In thee, that its great Maker did not scorn, 
 
 To make himself his own creation ; 
 
 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. Not 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 combined in thee. Here kneeleth one, 
 Who of all spirits hath reviewd tne state. 
 From the world's lowest gap unto this height 
 Suppliant to thee he kneels, imploring grace 
 
HIE VISIOX. 
 
 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, 
 
 Through thine own prayers, that on the sovran joy 
 
 Unveil'd he gaze. This yet, I pray thee, Queen, 
 
 Who canst do what thou wilt ; that in him thou 
 
 Wouldst, after all he hath beheld, preserve 
 
 Affection sound, and human passions quell. 
 
 Lol where, with Beatrice, many a saint 
 
 Stretch their clasp'd hands, in furtherance of my suit* 
 
 The eyes, that heaven with love and awe regards, 
 Fix'd on the suitor, witness'd, how benign 
 She looks on pious prayers: then fasten'd they 
 On the 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 behoved) 
 Ended within me. Beckoning smiled 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 U speak, nor memory's self 
 To stand against such outrage on her skill. 
 
 As one, who from a dream awaken'd, sii.ii^ht, 
 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 'twere, 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 
 
63—99. PARADISE.-CANTO XXXIII. 30.^ 
 
 The Sibyl's sentence. O eternal beam I 
 
 (Whose height what reach of mortal thought may soar?) 
 
 Yield me again some little particle 
 
 Of what thou then appearedst ; give my tongue 
 
 Tower, 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 I that gavest 
 Boldness to fix so earnestly my ken 
 On the everlasting splendour, that I look'd. 
 While sight was unconsumed ; and, in that depth, 
 Saw in one volume clasp'd of love, whate'er 
 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 whene'er 
 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, 
 Wondering I gazed; and admiration still 
 Was kindled as I gazed. 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, 
 
304 THE VISION. 
 
 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 changed (that ever as at first remain'd), 
 But that my vision quickening, in that sole 
 Appearance, still new miracles descried. 
 And toil'd me with the change. In that abyss 
 Of radiance, clear and lofty, seem'd, methought, 
 Three orbs of triple hue, dipt in one bound : 
 And, from another, one reflected seem'd, 
 As rainbow is from rainbow: and the third 
 Seem'd fire, breathed equally from both. O speech I 
 How feeble and how faint art thou, to give 
 Conception birth. Yet this to what I saw 
 Is less than little. O eternal light I 
 Sole in thyself that dwell'st ; 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 mused ; 
 For I therein, methought, in its own hue 
 Beheld our image painted : stedfastly 
 I therefore pored upon the view. As one, 
 Who versed 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 placed: 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 towering fantasy : 
 But yet the will roll'd onward, like a wheel 
 In even motion, by the love impell'd, 
 That moves the sun in heaven and all the stara. 
 
w