60tt I THE LIBRARY. OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES IN MEMORY OF MRS. VIRGINIA B. SPORER THE VISION: OB, HELL, PURGATORY, AND PARADISE, OF DANTE ALIGHIEK1. TRANSLATED BT THE REV. II. F. CARY, A.M. CHICAGO : UELKOUI), TLARKE & CO., li)^ AND 1U1 STATE STKEET. PREFACE. IN the years 1805 and 1806, I published tho *LM part oi the following translation, with the text of tlie original. Since that period, two impressions of the whole of the Divina Commedia, in Italian, have made their appear ance in this country. It is not necessary that I should add a third : and I am induced to hope that the Poem, even in the present version of it, may not be without interest for the mere English reader. The translation of the second and third parts, "The Purgatory" and "The Paradise," was begun long before the first, and as early as the year 1797 ; but, owing to many interruptions, not concluded till the summer before last. On a retrospect of the time and exertions that have been thus employed, I do not regard those hours as the least happy of my life, during which (to use the eloquent language of Mr. Coleridge) " my individual recollections have been suspended, and lulled to sleep amid the music of nobler thoughts;" nor that study as misapplied, which has familiarized me with one of the sublimest efforts of the human invention. To those, who shall be at the trouble of examining into the degree of accuracy with which the task has been 204M IKFKACE. ; r,l, I may bo allowed to suggest, tli.it their judg- ment should not be formed on a comparison with any Niu-'lc text of my Author; since, in more instances than I have noticed, f have had to make my choice out of a variety of readings and interpretations, presented by different editions and commentators. In one or two of those editions is to be found the title of "The Vision," which I have adopted, as more conformable to the genius of our language than that of "The Divine Comedy." Dante himself, I believe, termed it simply "The Comedy;" in the first place, because tin- style was of the middle kind: and in the . hiT.ausc the story (if story it may be called) ends happily. Instead of a Life of my Author, I have subjoined, in chronological order, a view not only of the principal events which befell him, but of the chief public occur- rences that happened in his time: concerning both of which the reader may obtain further information, by turning tu the passages referred to in the Poem and No; January, 1814. A CHRONOLOGICAL VIEW TIHIE .A^G-E OF IDA.3STTE. 4.D. 12G5 DANTK, son of Alighieri degli Alighieri and Bella, is born at Florence. Of his own ancestry be speaks in the Paradise, Canto XV. and XVI. In the same year, Manfredi, king of Naples and Sicily, is defeated and slain by Charles of Aniou. Hell, C. XXVIII. 13. and Purga- tory, C. III. 110. Guido Novello of Polenta obtains the sovereignty of Ravenna. II. C. XXVII. 38. 1266 Two of the Frati Godenti chosen arbitrators of the differences at Florence. H. C. XXIII. 104. Gianni de' Soldauieri heads the populace in that city. II. C. XXXII. 118. 1268 Charles of Anjou puts Conradine to death, and becomes King of Naples. H. C. XXVIII. 16. and Ptirg. C. XX. 66. 1272 Henry III. of England is succeeded by Edward L Purg. C. VII. 129. 1274 Our Poet first sees Beatrice, daughter of Folro Portinari. FriL Guittone d'Arezzo. the poet, dies. Purg. C. XXIV. 56. Thomas Aquinas dies. Purg. C. XX. 07. and Par. C. X. 96. Buonaventura dies. Par. C. XII. 25. 1275 Pierre de la Brosse, secretary to Philip III. of France, executed Purg. C. VI. 23. 1276 Giotto, the painter, is born. Purg. C. XI. 95. Pope Adrian V. dies. Purg. C. XIX. 97. Guido Guinicelli, the poet, dies. Purg. C. XI. 96. and C. XXVI. 83. 1277 Pope John XXI. dies. Par. C. XII. 126. 1278 Ottocar, king of Bohemia, dies. Purg. C. VII. 97. (vii) V1U A CHRONOLOGICAL VIEW OF 1279 Dionysius succeeds to the throne of Portugal. Par. C. XIX. 135. 1280 Alberttis Magnus dies. Par. C. X. 95. 1281 Pope Nicholas III. dies. H. C. XIX. 71. Dante studies at the universities of Bologna and Padua. 1282 The Sicilian vespers. Par. C. VIII. 80. The French defeated by the people of Forli. H. C. XXVII. 41. Tribaldello de' Manfred! betrays the city of Faenza. II. C. XXXIL 111). 1284 Prince Charles of Anjon is defeated and made prisoner by Rugiei de Lauria, admiral to Peter III. of Arragon. 1'urg. C. XX. 7S. Charles I. king of Naples, dies. Purg. C. VII 111. 1285 Pope Martin IV. dies. Purg. C. XXIV. 23. Philip III. of France, and Peter III. of Arragon, die. Purg. C. VII. 101. and 110. Henry II. king of Cyprus, comes to the throne. Par. C. XIX. 144. 1287 Guido dalle Colonne (mentioned by Dante in his De Vulgari Elo quio) writes "The War of Troy. 1 ' 12S8 Haquin, king of Norway, makes war on Denmark-. Par. C. XIX 135. Count Ugolino de' Gherardeschi dies of famine. H. C. XXXIII. 14. 1289 Dante is in the battle of Campaldino, where the Florentines defeat the people of Arezzo, June 11. Purg. C. V. 90. 1290 Beatrice dies. Purg. C. XXXII. 2. He serves in the war waged by the FlorentincH upon the Pisaus, and is present at the surrender "of Caprona in the autumn. H. C. XXL 92. 1291 He marries Gemma de' Donati, with whom he lives unhappily. By this marriage lie had five sons and a daughter. Can Grande clella Scala is born. March 9. II. C. I. 98. Purg. C. XX. 16. Par. C. XVII. 75. and XXVII. 135. The renegade Christians assist the Saracens to recover St. John IVAcre. H. C. XXVII. S4. The Emperor Rodolph dies. Purg. C. VI. 104. and VII. 91. Alonzo III. of Arragon dies, and is succeeded by James II. Purg. C. VII. 113. and Par. C. XIX. 133. 1294 Clement V. abdicates the papal chair. H. C. III. 56. Dante writes his Vita Nuova. 1295 His preceptor, Brunetto Latini. dies. II. C. XV. 28. Charles Martel, king of Hungary, visits Florence, Par. C. VIII. 57. and dies in the same year. Frederick, son of Peter III. of Arragon, becomes king of Sicily. Purg. C. VII. 117. and Par. C. XIX. 127. 129G Forese, the companion of Dante, dies. Purg. C. XXXIII. 44. TITE AGE OF DANTE. IS Y300 The Bianca and Nera parties take their rise in Fistoia. II. C. XX XI 1. 110. This is tlio year in which he supposes himself to see his Vision. II. C. I. 1. and XXI. 109. He is chosen chief magistrate, or first of the Priors of Florence ; and continues in office from June 15 to August 15. Cimahue, the painter, dies. Purg. C. XI. 93. Gnido Cavalcanti, the most beloved of our Poet's friends, dies. II. C X. 59. and Purg. C. XI. 90. 1301 The Bianca party expels the Nera from Pistoia. H. C. XXIV. 142. 1302 January 27. During his absence at Rome, Dante is mulcted by his fellow-citizens in the sum of 8000 lire, and condemned to two years' banishment. March 10. He is sentenced, if taken, to be burned. Fulcieri de' Calboli commits great atrocities on certain of the Ghi- belline party. Purg. C. XIV. 61. Carlino de' Pazx.i betrays the castle di Piano Travigne, in Valdarno, to the Florentines. H. C. XXXII. 67. The French vanquished in the battle of Courtrai. Purg. C. XX. 47. James, king of Majorca and Minorca, dies. Par. C. XIX. 133. 1303 Pope Boniface VIII. dies. H. C. XIX. 55. Purg. C. XX. 80. XXXII. 140. and Par. C. XXVII. 20. The other exiles appoint Dante one of a council of twelve, under Alessandro da Romena. He appears to have been much dissatisfied with his colleagues. Par. C. XVII. 01. 1304 He joins with the exiles in an unsuccessful attack on the city of Florence. May. The bridge over the Arno breaks down during a representa- tion of the infernal torments exhibited on that river. II. C. XXVI. 9. July 20. Petrarch, whoso father had been banished two years be- fore from Florence, is born at Arezzo. 1305 Winceslans II. king of Bohemia, dies. Purg. C. VII. 99. and Par. C. XIX. 123. A conflagration happens at Florence. II. C. XXVI. 9. 1306 Dante visits Padua. 1307 He is in Lunigiana with the Marchcso Marcello Malaspiua. Purg. C. VIII. 133. and C. XIX. 140. Dolcino, the fanatic, is burned. II. C. XXVIII. 53. 1308 The Emperor Albert I. murdered. Purg. C. VI. 98. and Par. C. XIX. 114. Corso Donati, Dante's political enemy, slain. Purg. C. XXIV. 81. He seeks an asylum at Verona, under the roof of the Signori della Koala. Par. C. XVII. 69. He wanders, about this time, over va- rious parts of Italy. See his Convito. He is at Paris twice ; and, as one of the early commentators reports, at Oxford. 1309 Charles II. king of Naples, dies. Par. C. XIX. 125 X CHRONOLOGICAL VIKW OF DANTE. 1310 The Order of the Templars abolished. Purg. C. XX. 94. 1313 The Emperor Henry of Luxemburg, by whom he had hoped to ba restored to Florence, dies. Par. C. XVII. 80. and XXX. 135. lie takes refuge at Ravenna with Guido Novello da Polenta. 1314 Pope Clement V. dies. H. C. XIX. 86. and Par. C. XXVII. 53. and XXX. 141. Philip IV. of France dies. Purg. C. VII. 108. and Par. C. XIX. 117 Ferdinand IV. of Spain, dies. Par. C. XIX. 122. Giacopo da Carrara defeated by Can Grande. Par. C. IX. 45. 1316 John XXII. elected Pope, Par. C. XXVII. 53. 1321 July. Dante dies at Ravenna, of a complaint brought on by disap poiutment at his failure in a negotiation which he had been con- ducting with the Venetians, for his patron Guido Novello da Polenta. His obsequies are sumptuously performed at Ravenna by Guido, who himself died in the ensuing year. ELL. CANTO I. Isr the midway of this our mortal life, I found me in a gloomy wood, astray Gone from the path direct : and e'en to tell It were no easy task, how savage wild That forest, how robust and rough its growth, 6 "Which to remember only, my dismay Renews, in bitterness not far from death. Yet to discourse of what there good befell, All else will I relate discover'd there. How first I enter'd it I scarce can say, 10 Such sleepy dulness in that instant weigh'd My senses down, when the true path I left, But when a mountain's foot I reach'd, where clos'd The valley, that had pierc'd my heart with dread, I look'd aloft, and saw his shoulders broad 15 Already vested with that planet's beam, Who leads all wanderers safe through every way. Then was a little respite to the fear, That in my heart's recesses deep had lain, All of that night, so pitifully pass'd : 20 And as a man, with difficult short breath, Forespent with toiling, 'scap'd from sea to shore, Turns to the perilous wide waste, and stands At gaze ; e'en so my spirit, that yet f ail'd Struggling with terror, turn'd to view the straits, 25 2 3ELL. That none lialli pass'd and liv'd. My weary, frame After short pause rcromforted, again I journey'd on over tlmt lonely steep, The hinder foot still firmer. Scarce the ascent ]>egan, when, lo ! a panther, nimble, light, 3(1 And cover'd with a speckled skin, appear'd, Nor, when it saw me, vanish'd, rather strove To check my onward goii g ; that ofttimes With purpose to retrace my steps 1 t irn'd. The hour was morning's prime, and on his way 35 Aloft the sun ascended with those stars, That with him rose, when Love divine first mov'd Those its fair works : so that with joyous hope All things conspir'd to fill me, the gay skin Of that swift animal, the matin dawn 40 And the sweet season. Soon that joy was chas'd, And by new dread succeeded, when in view A lion came, 'gainst me, as it appear'd, With his head held aloft and hunger-mad, That e'en the air was fear-struck. A she-wolf 45 Was at his heels, who in her leanness seem'd Full of all wants, and many a land hath made Disconsolate ere now. She with such fear O'erwhelmed me, at the sight of her appall'd, That of the height all hope I lost. As one, 50 Who with his gain elated, sees the time When all un wares is gone, he inwardly Mourns with heart-griping anguish ; such was I, Haunted by that fell beast, never at peace, Who coming o'er against me, by degrees 55 f mpell'd me where the sun in silence rests. While to the lower space with backward step I fell, my ken discern'd the form of one, Whose voice seem'd faint through long disuse of speech^ When him in that great desert I espied, GO " Have mercy on me ! " cried I out aloud, *' Spirit ! or living man ! whate'er thou be ! " lie answer'd : " Now not man, man once I was, And born of Lombard parents, Mantuans both I>y country, when the power of Julius yet 65 HELL. 3 Was scarcely firm. At Rome my life was past Jieneath llic mild Augustus, in the time Of t'al.led deities and false. A lard Was 1, and made Anchises' upright son The subject of my song, who came from Troy, 7G When the thirties prey'd on Ilium's haughty towers. Jiut tliou, say wherefore to such perils past Return's! thou ? wherefore not this pleasant mount Ascendest, cause and source of all delight?" "And art thou then that Virgil, that well-spring, 76 From which such copious floods of eloquence Have issued?" I with front abash'd replied. " Glory and light of all the tuneful train ! May it avail me, that I long with zeal Have sought thy volume, and with love immense 80 Have conn'd it o'er. My master thou and guide I Thou he from whom alone I have deriv'd That style, which for its beauty into fame Exalts me. See the beast, from whom I fled. O save me from her, thou illustrious sage! 85 For every vein and pulse throughout my frame She hath made tremble." He, soon as he saw That I was weeping, answer'd, "Thou must needs Another way pursue, if thou wouldst 'scape From out that savage wilderness. This beast, 90 At whom thou criest, her way will suffer none To pass, and no less hindrance makes than death : So bad and so accursed in her kind, That never sated is her ravenous will, Still after food more craving than before. 95 To many an animal in wedlock vile She fastens, and shall yet to many more, Until that greyhound come, who shall destroy Her with sharp pain. He will not life support J5y earth nor its base metals, but by love, 100 AVisdom, and virtue, and his land shall be The land 'twixt either Feltro. In his might Miall safety to Italia's plains arise, For \\hose fair realm, Camilla, virgin pure, Nisus, Euryalus, and Turnus fell. 105 4 HELL. He with incessant chase through every town Shall worry, until he to hell at length I { ostore her, thence by envy first let loose. I for thy profit pond'ring now devise, That thou mayst follow me, and I thy guide 110 "Will lead thee hence through an eternal sp'ace, Where thou shalt hear despairing shrieks, and see Spirits of old tormented, who invoke A second death ; and those next view, who dwell Content in fire, for that they hope to come, 115 Whene'er the time may be, among the blest, Into whose regions if thou then desire T' ascend, a spirit worthier than I Must lead thee, in whose charge, when I depart, Thou shalt be left : for that Almighty King, 120 Who reigns above, a rebel to his law, Adjudges me, and therefore hath decreed, That to his city none through me should come. He in all parts hath sway ; there rules, there holds His citadel and throne. O happy those, 125 Whom there he chooses ! " I to him in few : " Bard ! by that God, whom thou didst not adore, I do beseech thee (that this ill and worse I may escape) to lead me, where thou saidst, That I Saint Peter's gate may view, and those 130 Who, as thou tell'st, are in such dismal plight." Onward he rnov'd, I close his steps pursu'd. CANTO II. Now was the day departing, and the air, Imbrown'd with shadows, from their toils releas'd All animals on earth ; and I alone Prepar'd myself the conflict to sustain, Both of sad pity, and that perilous road, Which my imerring memory shall retrace. O Muses ! high genius ! now vouchsafe Your aid ! O minrd ! that all I saw hast kept Safe in a written record, here thy worth HELL. And eminent endowments come to proof. 10 I thus bewail : " P>:ml ! thou who art my guide, Consider well, if virtue be in me Sufficient, ere to this high enterprise Thou trust me. Thou hast told that Silvius' sire, Yet cloth'd in corruptible flesh, among 1ft Th' immortal tribes had entrance, and was there Sensibly present. Yet if heaven's great Lord, Almighty foe to ill, such favour shew'd, In contemplation of the high effect, Both what and who from him should issue forth, 20 It seems in reason's judgment well deserv'd : Sith he of Rome, and of Rome's empire wide, In heaven's empyreal height was chosen sire : IJoth which, if truth be spoken, were ordain'd And 'stablish'd for the holy place, where sits 25 "Who to great Peter's sacred chair succeeds, lie from this journey, in thy song renown'd, Learn'd things, that to his victory gave rise And to the papal robe. In after-times The chosen vessel also travel'd there, 30 To bring us back assurance in that faith, Which is the entrance to salvation's way. 15ut I, why should I there presume? or who Permits it? not ^Eneas I nor Paul. If I deem not worthy, and none else 35 "Will deem me. I, if on this voyage then I venture, fear it will in folly end. Thou, who art wise, better my meaning know'st, Than I can speak." As one, who unrcsolves What he hath late resolv'd, and with new thoughts 40 Changes his purpose, from his first intent I Ifim >v'd ; e'en such was I on that dun coast, Wasting in thought my enterprise, at first So eagerly embraced. " If right thy words I scan," replied that shade magnanimous, 45 "Thy soul is by vile fear assai'.'d, which oft So overcasts a man, that he recoils Fmm noblc.-t resolution, like a beast At some false semblance in the twilight "loom. II HELL. That from this terror tliou mayst free thyself, 50 I will instruct thee why I came, and what I heard in that same instant, when for tlice (irief toueh'd me first. I was among the tribe, Who rest suspended, when a dame, so blest And lovely, I besought her to command, 55 Call'd me ; her eyes were brighter than the star Of day ; and she with gentle voice and soft Angelically tun'd her speech address'd : ' O courteous shade of Mantua ! thou whose fame Yet lives, and shall live long as nature lasts ! 60 ' A friend, not of my fortune but myself, 1 On the wide desert in his road has met ' Hindrance so great, that he through fear has turn'd. ' Xow much I dread lest he past help have stray'd, ' And I be ris'n too late for his relief, 65 ' From what in heaven of him I heard. Speed now, ' And by thy eloquent persuasive tongue, ' And by all means for his deliverance meet, ' Assist him. So to me will comfort spring. ' I who now bid thee on this errand forth 70 * Am Beatrice ; * from a place I come ' Revisited with joy. Love brought me thence, ' Who prompts my speech. When in my Master's sight ' I stand, thy praise to him I oft will tell.' ' " She then was silent, and I thus began : 75 'O Lady! by whose influence alone, ' Mankind excels whatever is contain'd ' Within that heaven which hath the smallest orb, 'So thy command delights me, that to obey, ' If it were done already, would seem late. 80 ' No need hast thou farther to speak thy will ; ' Vet tell the reason, why thou art not loth 'To leave that ample space, where to return ' Thou burnest, for this centre here beneath.' " She then : 'Since thou so deeply wouldst inquire, 85 ' 1 will instruct thee briefly, why no dread ' Hinders my entrance here. Those things alone * I use this word, as it is jironounuod in the Italian, as consisting of tout "yllablce, of which the third IB a long one. HULL. 7 ' Are to be fear'd, whence evil may proceed, 'None else, for none are terrible beside. ' I am so frnm'd by God, thanks to his grace ! 90 That any suff'rance of your misery ' Touches me not, nor flame of that fierce fire ' Assails me. In high heaven a blessed dame 4 Besides, Avho mourns with such effectual grief ' That hindrance, which I send thee to remove, 95 'That God's stern judgment to her will inclines. * To Lucia calling, her she thus bespake : " Now doth thy faithful servant need thy aid, " And I commend him to thee." At her word ' Sped Lucia, of all cruelty the foe, 100 ' And coming to the place, where I abode ' Seated with Rachel, her of ancient days, ' She thus address'd me : " Thou true praise of God ! " Beatrice ! why is not thy succour lent " To him, who so much lov'd thee, as to leave 105 " For thy sake all the multitude admires ? " Dost thou not hear how pitiful his wail, " Xor mark the death, which in the torrent flood, "Swoln mightier than a sea, him struggling holds?" " NVer among men did any with sm-h speed 110 ' Haste to their profit, flee from their annoy, 'As when these words were spoken, I came here, ' Down from my blessed seat, trusting [he force ' Of thy pure eloquence, which thee, and all ' Who well have mark'd it, into honour brings.' 115 "When she had ended, her bright beaming eyes Tearful she turn'd aside ; whereat I felt Redoubled zeal to serve thee. As she will'd, Thus am I come : I sav'd thee from the beast, Who thy near way across the goodly mount 120 1'reventcd. What is this comes o'er thee then ? Why, why dost thou hang back? why in thy breast liar hour vile fear? why hast not courage there And noble 1 daring? Since; three maids so blest Thy safety plan, e'en in the court of heaven; 125 And so much certain good my words forebode." As florets, by t lie fros.ty air of night b HELL. Bent down and clos'd, when day has blanch'd their leaves, Rise all unfolded on their spiry steins ; So was my fainting vigour new restor'd, 130 And to my heart such kindly courage ran, That I as one undaunted soon replied : " O full of pity she, who undertook My succour ! and thou kind who didst perform So soon her true behest ! With such desire 135 Thou hast dispos'd me to renew my voyage, That my first purpose fully is resum'd. Lead on : one only will is in us both. Thou art my guide, my master thou, and lord." So spake I ; and when he had onward rnov'd, 140 I enter'd on the deep and woody way. CANTO III. " THROUGH me you pass into the city of woe : Through me you pass into eternal pain : Through me among the people lost for aye. Justice the founder of my fabric mov'd : To rear me was the task of power divine, 5 Supremest.wisdom, and primeval love. Before me things create were none, save things Eternal, and eternal I endure. All hope abandon ye who enter here." Such characters in colour dim I mark'd 10 Over a portal's lofty arch inscrib'd : Whereat I thus : " Master, these words import Hard meaning." He as one prepar'd replied : " Here thou must all distrust behind thee leave ; Here be vile fear extinguish'd. We are come 15 Where I have told thee we shall see the souls To misery doom'd, who intellectual good Have lost." And when his hand he had stretch'd forth ; To mine, with pleasant looks, whence I was cheer'd, Into that secret place he led me on. 20 Here sighs with lamentations and loud moans Resounded through the air pierc'd by no star, HKI.L. 9 Th.it e'en I wept at entering. Various tongues, Horrible languages, outcries of woe, nts of anger, voices decj> and hoarse, 25 With hands together smote that swell'd the sounds, Made up a tumult, that for ever whirls Hound through that air with solid darkness stain'd, Like to the sand that in the whirlwind flies. I then, with error yet encompass'd, cried : "30 " O master ! what is this I hear 't what race Are these, \vlio seem so overcome with woe?" He thus to me : "This miserable fate Suffer the wretched souls of those, who liv'd Without or praise or blame, with that ill band 35 Of angels mix'd, who nor rebellious prov'd X<>r yet were true to God, but for themselves Were only. From his bounds Heaven drove them forth, to impair his lustre, nor the depth Of Hell receives them, lest lh' accursed tribe 40 Should glory thence with exultation vain." I then : " Master ! what doth aggrieve them thus, That they lament so loud ?" He straight replied: " That will I tell thee briefly. These of death No h") c may entertain : and their blind life 45 anly passi-s, that all other lots They envy. Fame of them the world hath none, Miffers ; mercy and justice scorn them both. Speak not of them, but look, and pass them by." And I, who straightway look'd, beheld a flag, 50 Which whirling ran around so rapidly, That it no pause obtain'd : and following came Such a long train of spirits, I should n< Have thought, that death so many had despoil'd. When some of these I recogni/M, I saw 55 And knew the shade of him, who to base fear Yielding, abjur'd his high estate. Forthwith I understood for certain this the tribe those ill spirits both to (70. 1 displeasing And to his foes. These wret-ln-s, who ne'er lived, G Wen! "ii in nakedness, and sorely stung Uy wasps and hornets, which bcdew'd their cheeks 10 HELL. With blood, that inix'd with tears droppM to their feet, And by disgustful worms was gather'd there. Then looking farther onwards I beheld 65 A throng upon the shore of a great stream : Whereat I thus: '" Sir ! grant me now to know Whom here we view, and whence impell'd they seem So eager to pass o'er, as I discern Through the blear light? " He thus to me in few : 70 " This slialt thou know, soon as our steps arrive Beside the woeful tide of Acheron." Then with eyes downward cast and lill'd with shame, Fearing my words offensive to his ear, Till we had reach'd the river, I from speech 75 Abstain'd. And lo ! toward us in a bark Comes on an old man hoary white with eld, Crying, " Woe to you wicked spirits ! hope not Ever to see the sky again. I come To take you to the other shore across, 80 Into eternal darkness, there to dwell In tierce heat and in ice. And thou, who there Standest, live spirit ! get thee hence, and leave These who are dead." But soon as he beheld I left them not, " By other way," said he, 85 " By other haven shalt thou come to shore, Not by this passage ; thee a nimbler boat Must carry." Then to him thus spake my guide: " Charon ! thyself torment not : so 't is Will d, Where will and power are one : ask thou no more." 90 Straightway in silence fell the shaggy cheeks Of him the boatman o'er the livid lake, Around whose eyes glar'd wheeling flames. Meanwhile Those spirits, faint and naked, color chang'd, And gnash'd their teeth, soon as the cruel words 9. r ) They heard. God and their parents they blasphem'd, The human kind, the place, the time, and seed That did engender them and give them birth. Then all together sorely wailing drew To the curs'd strand, that every man must pass 100 Who fears not God. Charon, demoniac form, With eyes of burning coal, collects them all, 1IKLL. 11 Hcck'ning, and each, (hat lingers, with liis oar Strikes. As f;i!l ol'f the light autumnal leaves, One still another following, till the bough 105 Strews all its honours on the earth beneath ; F/en in like manner Adam's evil brood Cast themselves one by one down from the shore, Fach at a beck, as falcon at his call. Thus go they over through the umbcr'd wave, 110 And ever they on the opposing bank lie landed, on this side another throng Still gathers. " Son," thus spake the courteous guide, u Those, who die subject to the wrath of God, All here together come from every clime, 115 And to o'erpass the river are not loth: For so heaven's justice goads them on, that fear Is turnM into desire. Hence ne'er hath past (iood spirit. If of thee Charon complain, No\v mayst thou know the import of his words." ll>0 This said, the gloomy region trembling shook So terribly, that yet with clammy dews Fear chill.s my brow. The sad earth gave a blast, That, lightening, shot forth a vermilion flame, Which all my senses coiKjiier'd quite, and I 1U5 J) own dropp'd, as one with sudden slumber seiz'J. CANTO IV. KK the deep slumber in my brain a crash Of heavy thunder, that I shook myself, A ; one by main force roiis'd. Risen upright, My rested eyes I mov'd around, and search'd With fixed ken to know what place it was, 5 Wherein I stood. For certain on the brink I found me of the lamentable vale, 'read abyss, that joins a thund'rous sound. Of plaints innumerable. Dark and deep, And thick with clouds o'ersprcad, mine eve in vain 10 Kxplnr'd its bottom, nor could au^ht discern. Now let us to the blind world there beneath \'l IJKLL. Descend ; " tlie bard began all pale of look : " I ir<> the first, and tliou shalt follow next." Then I his altcr'd line perceiving, thus : 15 " How niay I speed, if thoti yieldest to dread, Who still art wont to comfort me in doubt?" Tie then : " The anguish of that race below IWitli pity stains my cheek, which thou for feai VMistakest. Let us on. Our length of way 20 Targes to haste." Onward, this said, lie mov'd ; And entVmg led me with him on the bounds Of the lirst circle, that surrounds th' abyss. Here, as mine ear could note, no plaint was heard Except of sighs, that made th' eternal air '25 Tremble, not caus'd by tortures, but from grief F<-lt by those multitudes, many and vast, Of men, women, and infants. Then to me The gentle guide : " Inquir'st thou not what spirits Arc these, which thou behold est ? Ere thou pass JiO Farther, I would thou know, that these of sin Were blameless ; and if aught they merited, It profits not, since baptism was not theirs, The port.il to thy faith. If they before The Gospel liv'd, they serv'd not God aright; 35 And among such am I. For these defects, And for no other evil, we are lost ; Only so far afflicted, that we live 1 ' -siring without hope." So grief assail'd I ]\iy heart at hearing this, for well I knew 10 Suspended in that Limbo many a soul Of mighty worth. " O tell me, sire rever'd ! Tell me, my master ! " I began through wish Of full assurance in that holy faith, Which vanquishes all error; "say, did e'er 45 Any, or through his own or other's merit, C'oin" "forth fri.m thence, who afterward was blest?" Piercing the secret purport of my speech, Jle answer'd : "I was new to that estate, NY hen I beheld a puissant one arrive 50 Amongst us, with victorious trophy crown'd. Jle forth the f-hade of our first parent drew, HEI.L. 13 A'tcl his child, and Noah righteous man, Of Mo>es lawgiver for faith approv'd, Of patriarch Abraham, ami David king, 55 I>:-:icl with his sir-, 1 and \vitli liis sons, X ! \vilhout Rachel whom so hard he won, And others many more, whom lie to bliss Kxaiu-d. Uefore these, be thou assur'd, No spirit of human kind was ever sav'd." CO We, while lie spake, ceas'd not our onward road, Still passing through the wood ; for so I name Those spirits thick beset. We were not far On this side from the summit, when I kenn'd A ihtme, that o'er the darkenM hemisphere 65 Prevailing shin'd. Yet we a little space Wt iv distant, not so far but I in part 1> -overM, that a tribe in honour high That place posscssYI. "O thou, who every art And science valu'st! who are these, that boast 70 Such honour, separate from all the rest?" He answer'd : " Tlie renown of their great names That echoes through your world above, acquires Favour in heaven, which holds them thus advanc'd." Meantime a voice I heard: " Honour the bard 75 Sublime ! his shade returns that left us late! " X.) sooner eeas'd the sound, than I beheld Four mighty spirits toward us bend tlieir steps, Of semblance neither sorrowful nor glad. When thus my master kind began": "Mark him, 8C Who in his right hand bears that falchion keen, 'Hie other three preceding, as their lord. This is that Homer, of all bards supreme: Flaccus the next in satire's vein excel'iHg; The third is Xaso ; Lucan is the last. 85 IMM-.-HISC they all that appellation own, With which the voice singly accosted me, Honouring they greet me thus, and well they judge." So I beheld united the bright school Of him the monarch of sublimest song, 90 That o'er the others like an eagle soars. When they together short discourse had held, 14 TIT:T.T>. They turn'd l.o mo, with salutation kiml Beok'ning me ; at the which my master smilM : Nor was this nil ; but greater honour still 95 They gave me, for they made me of their tribe ; And I was sixth amid so learn'd a band. Far as the luminous beacon on we pass'd Speaking of matters, then befitting well To speak, now fitter left untold. At foot 100 Of a magnificent castle we orriv'd, Seven times witli lofty walls begirt, and round Defended by a pleasant stream. O'er this As o'er dry land we pass'd. Next through seven gates I with those sages enter'd, and we came 105 Into a mead with lively verdure fresh. There dwelt a race, who slow their eyes around Majestically mov'd, and in their port Bore eminent authority ; they spake Seldom, but all their words were tuneful sweet. 110 We to one side retir'd, into a place Open and bright and lofty, whence each one Stood manifest to view. Incontinent There on the green enamel of the plain Were shown me the great spirits, by whose sight 115 I am exalted in my own esteem. Electra there I saw accompanied By many, among whom Hector I knew, Anchises' pious son, and with hawk's eye Cffisar all arm'd, and by Camilla there 120 Penthesilea. On the other side Old King Latin us, seated by his child Lavinia, and that Brutus I beheld, Who Tarquin chas'd, Lucretia, Cato's wife Marcia, with Julia and Cornelia there ; 125 And sole apart retir'd, the Soldan fierce. Then when a little more I rais'd my brow, I spied the master of the sapient throng, Seated amid the philosophic train. Him all admire, all pay him rev'rcnce due. 130 There Socrates and Plato both I mark'd, Nearest to him in rank ; Democritua, IIET,L. Wlio sols tlio world at chance, \Yitli lleraclitus, and Kmpcdocles, And Anaxagoras, and Thales sage, 186 Xenit. and Dioscorides well read In nature's secret lore. Orpheus I mark'd And Linus, Tally and moral Seneca, Kuclid and Ptolemy, Hippocrates, Galenas, Avicen, and him who made 140 That commentary vast, Averroes. Of all to speak at full were vain attempt; For my wide theme so urges, that ofttimes My words fall short of what bechanc'd. In two The six associates part. Another way 145 ]\Iv sage guide leads me, from that air serene, Into a climate ever vexM with storms: And to a part I come where no light shines. CANTO V. FROM the first circle I descended thus Down to the second, which a lesser space Embracing, so much more -of grief contains Provoking bitter moans. There Minos stands Grinning with ghastly feature : he, of all 5 Who enter, strict examining the crimes, Gives sentence, and dismisses them beneath, According as he foldeth him around : For when before him comes tli' ill-fated soul, It all confesses ; and that judge severe 10 Of sins, considering what place in hell Suits the transgression, with his tail so oft Himself encircles, as degrees beneath He dooms it to descend. Before him stand Alway a num'rous throng; and in his turn 15 Kach one to judgment passing, speaks, and hears His fate, thence downward to his dwelling hurl'd. "O thou ! who to this residence of woe; Approaches! ?" when he saw me coming, cried Minos, relinquishing his dread employ, '20 16 " Look how thou enter here ; beware in whom Thou place thy trust ; let not the entrance broad Deceive thec to thy harm." To him my guide : " Wherefore cxclaimest ? Hinder not his way By destiny appointed ; so 'tis will'd 25 Where will and power arc one. Ask thou no more." Now 'gin the rueful waitings to be heard. Now am I come where many a plaining voice Smites on mine ear. Into a place I came Where light was silent all. Bellowing there groan'd 30 A noise as of a sea in tempest torn By warring winds. The stormy blast of hell With restless fury drives the spirits on Whirl'd round and dash'd amain with sore annoy. When they arrive before the ruinous sweep, of) There shrieks are heard, there lamentations, moans, And blasphemies 'gainst the good Power in heaven. I understood that to this torment sad The carnal sinners are condeinn'd, in whom Reason by lust is sway'd. As in large troops 40 And multitudinous, when winter reigns, The starlings on their wings are borne abroad ; So bears the tyrannous gust those evil souls. On this side and on that, above, below, It drives them : hope of rest to solace them 45 Is none, nor e'en of milder pang. As cranes, 'Chanting their dol'rous notes, traverse the sky, Stretch'd out in long array : so I beheld Spirits, who came loud wailing, hurried on By their dire doom. Then I: "Instructor! who 50 Are these, by the black air so scourg'd ? " " The first 'Along those, of whom thou question'st," he replied, " O'er many tongues was empress. She in vice Of luxury was so shameless, that she made Liking be lawful by promulgVl decree, 55 To clear the blame she had herself incurr'd. This is Semiramis, of whom 'tis writ, That she succeeded Ninus her espous'd ; And held the land, which now the Soldan rules. The next in amorous fury slew herself, 60 HELL. 17 And to Sicheus' ashes broke her faith: Then follows Cleopatra, lustful queen." There mark'd I Helen, for whose sake so long The time was fraught with evil ; there the great Achilles, who with love fought to the end. 65 Paris I saw, and Tristan ; and beside A thousand more he show'd me, and by name Pointed them out, whom love bereav'd of life. When I had heard my sage instructor name Those dames and knights of antique days, o'erpower'd 7G ]>y pity, well-nigh in ama/e my mind Was lost ; and I began: " Uard ! willingly / I would address those two together coming, Which seem so light before the wind." lie thus: ) " Note thou, when nearer they to us approach. 75 Then by that love which carries them along, Entreat; and they will come." Soon as the wind Sway'd them toward us, I thus fram'd my speech : " () wearied spirits ! come, and hold discourse With us, if by none else restrain'd." As doves 80 ]>y fond desire invited, on wide wings And firm, to their sweet nest returning home, Cleave the air, wafted by their will along ; Thus issu'd from that troop, where Dido ranks, They through the ill air speeding; with such force 35 .My cry prevailed by strong affection urg'd. "O gracious creature and benign ! who go'st Visiting, through this element obscure, I i, who the world with bloody stain imbru'd ; If for a friend the King of all we own'd, \>0 Our pray'r to him should for thy peace arise, Since thou hast pity on our evil plight. Of whatsoe'er to hear or to discourse It pleases thee, that will we hear, of that Freely with thee discourse, while e'er the wind, 55 As now, is mute. The land, that gave me birth, Is situate on the coast, where Po descends To rest in ocean with his sequent streams. . "hove, that in gentle heart i* quickly learnt, Entangled him by that fair form, from me 100 IS IIKLL. Ta'cn in such cruel sort, as grieves me still : Love, that denial takes from none bclov'd, Caught me with pleasing him so passing well, That, as thou see'st, he yet deserts me not. Love brought us to one death : Caina waits 105 The soul, who spilt our life." Such were their w-mls ; At hearing which downward I bent my looks, And held them there so long, that the bard cried : "What art thou pond'ring? " I in answer thus : " Alas ! by what sweet thoughts, what fond desire 110 Must they at length to that ill pass have reach'd!" Then turning, I to them my speech address'd. And thus began : " Francesca ! your sad fate Even to tears my grief and pity moves. But tell me ; in the time of your sweet sighs, 115 By what, and how love granted, that ye knew Your yet uncertain wishes ?" She re] died : /" No greater grief than to remember days ( Of joy, when mis'ry is at hand ! That kens Thy learn'd instructor. Yet so eagerly 120 If thou art bent to know the primal root, From whence our love gat being, I will do, As one, who weeps and tells his talc. One day For our delight we read of Lancelot, How him love thrall'd. Alone we were, and no 125 Suspicion near us. Ofttimes by that reading Our eyes were drawn together, and the hue Fled from our alter'd cheek. But at one point Alone we fell. When of that smile we read, The wished smile, rapturously kiss'd 130 By one so deep in love, then he, who ne'er From me shall separate, at once my lips All trembling kiss'd. The book and writer both Were love's purveyors. In its leaves that day 'We read no more." While thus one spirit spake, Io5 The other wail'd so sorely, that heart-struck I through compassion fainting, scem'd not far From death, and like a corpse fell to the ground. I1KLT,. CANTO VI. MY sense reviving, tliat erewhilo had droop'd With ))ity for the kindred shades, whence grief O\;rcame me wliolly, straight around I see New torments, new tormented souls, which way Soc'cr I move, or turn, or bend my sight. fc In the third circle I arrive, of showVs Ceaseless, accursed, heavy, and cold, unchang'd For ever, both in kind and in degree. Large hail, discolourM water, sleety Haw Through the dun midnight air stream'd down amain: 10 Stank all the land whereon that tempest fell. Cerberus, cruel monster, fierce and strange, Through his wide threefold throat barks as a dog Over the multitude immers'd beneath. His eyes glare crimson, black his unctuous beard, 15 His belly large, and claw'd the hands, with which He tears the spirits, flays them, and their limbs Piecemeal disparts. Howling there spread, as curs, Under the rainy deluge, with one side The other screening, oft they roll them round, 20 A wretched, godless crew. When that great worm Descried us, savage Cerberus, he op'd His jaws, and the fangs show'd us; not a limb Of him but trembled. Then my guide, his palms Expanding on the ground, thence filled with earth 25 Kais'd them, and cast it in his ravenous maw. K'en as a dog, that yelling bays for food His keeper, when the morsel comes, lets fall His fury, bent alone with eager haste To swallow it ; so dropp'd the loathsome cheeks 30 Of demon Cerberus, who thund'ring stuns The spirits, that they for deafness wish in vain. We, o'er the shades thrown prostrate by the brunt Of the heavy tempest passing, set our feet Upon their emptiness, that substance seem'd. 35 They all along the earth extended lay Save one, that sudden rais'd himself to sit, Soon as that way he saw us pass. " () thou 1" "20 HEM,. lie cried, "\vlio through the infernal shades art led, O\vn, if again thou know'st mo. Tliou wast fram'd 40 Or ere my frame was broken." I replied : "The anguish thou endur'st perchance so takes Thy form from my remembrance, that it seems As if I saw thee never. But inform Me who thou art, that in a place so sad 45 Art set, and in such torment, that although Other be greater, more disgustful none Can be imagin'd." lie in answer thus : " Thy city heap'd with envy to the brim, Ay that the measure overflows its bounds, 50 Held me in brighter days. Ye citizens Were wont to name me Ciacco. For the sin Of glutt'ny, damned vice, beneath this rain, l']\'\\ as thou see'st, I with fatigue am worn ; Nor I sole spirit in this woe: all these 55 Have by like crime incurr'd like punishment." No more he said, and I my speech resum'd : " Ciacco ! thy dire affliction grieves me much, Even to tears. But tell me, if thou know'st, What shall at length befall the citizens 60 Of the divided city; whether any just one Inhabit there : and tell me of the cause, Whence jarring discord hath assail'd it thus ? " He then : " After long striving they will come To blood ; and the wild party from the woods 65 Will chase the other with much injury forth. Then it behoves, that this must fall, within Three solar circles ; and the other rise By borrow'd force of one, who under shore Now rests. It shall a long space hold aloof 70 Its forehead, keeping under heavy weight The other oppress'd, indignant at the load, And grieving sore. The just are two in number, But they neglected. Av'ricc, envy, pride, Three fatal, sparks, have set the hearts of all 76 On lire." Here ceas'd the lamentable sound ; And I continu'd thus : " Still would I learn More from thee, farther parley still entreat. IIKLL. 21 ?Of Farinata and Tegghiaio .say, They who so well deserv'd, of (Jiacopo, 80 Arrigo, Mosea, and the rest, who bent Their minds on working good. Oli ! tell me where They bide, and to their knowledge let me come. Tor I am prcss'd with keen desire to hear, If heaven's sweet cup or poisonous drug of liell 85 lie to their lip assign'd." He aiiswcr'd straight : "These are yet blacker spirits. Various crimes Have sunk them deeper in the dark abyss. ]f thou so far deseendest, thou mayst see them. ]>ut to the pleasant world when thou retarn'st, \ DO Of me make mention, I entreat thee, there. No more I tell thee, answer thee no more." This said, his fixed eyes he turn'd askance, A little eyM me, then bent down his head, And 'midst his blind companions with it fell. 90 When thus my guide : "No more his bed he leaves, Ere the last angel-trumpet blow. The Power Adverse to these shall then in glory come, Kach one forthwith to his sad tomb repair, Resume his fleshly vesture and his form, 100 And hear the eternal doom re-echoing rend The vault." So pass'd we through that mixture foul Of spirits and rain, with tardy steps; meanwhile Touching, though slightly, on the life to come. For thus I questioned : "Shall these tortures, Sir! 105 When the great sentence passes, be inereas'd, Or mitigated, or as now severe?" lie then: " Consult thy knowledge ; that decides Tliat as each tiling to more perfection grows, ~~^ It feels more sensibly both good and pain. ll'J Though ne'er to true perfection may arrive This race accurs'd, yet nearer then than now They shall approach it." Compassing that path Circuitous we journeyed, and discourse Much more than I relate between us pass'd : Hi; Till at the point, whence the steps led below. Arriv'd, t lie re Plains, the great foe, we found. '2*2 * HELL. CANTO VII. " An me ! O Satan ! Satan ! " lotnl exclaim'd Plutus, in accent hoarse of wild alarm : And the kind sage, whom no event Burpris'd, To comfort me thus spake : " Let not thy fear Harm thee, for power in him, be sure, is none 6 To hinder down this rock thy safe descent." Then to that swoln lip turning, " Peace!" he cried, " Curs'd wolf ! thy fury inward on thyself Prey, and consume thce ! Through the dark profound Not without cause he passes. So 't is wili'd 10 On high, there where the great Archangel pour'd Ileav'n's vengeance on the first adulterer proud." As sails full spread and bellying with the wind Drop suddenly collaps'd, if the mast split; So to the ground down dropp'd the cruel fiend. 15 Thus we, descending to the fourth steep ledge, Gain'd on the dismal shore, that all the woe Hems in of all the universe. Ah me! Almighty Justice ! in what store thou heap'st New pains, new troubles, as I here beheld ! 20 Wherefore doth fault of ours bring us to this? E'en as a billow, on Chary bd is rising, Against encounter'd billow dashing breaks ; Such is the dance this wretched race must lead, Whom more than elsewhere numerous here I found, 25 From one side and the other, with loud voice, Both roll'd on weights by main force of their breasts, Then smote together, and each one forthwith Roll'd them back voluble, turning again, Exclaiming these, "Why boldest thou so fast ?" 30 Those answering, "And why easiest thou away?" .So still repeating their despiteful song, fThey to the opposite point on either hand Travers'd the horrid circle: then arrivM, Hoth turn'd them round, and through the middle space Conflicting met again. At sight whereof 3H T, stung with grief, thus spake : "O say, my guide ! What race is this? Were these, whose head.-- arc ;-horn, HELL. Ii3 On our left hand, nil sep'rate to the church ? " lie .straight replied: "In their first life these all 40 In mind were so distorted, that they made, According to due measure, of their wealth, No use. This clearly from their words collect, Which they howl forth, at each extremity Arriving of the circle, where their crime 15 Contrary' in kind disparts them. To the church Were separate those, that with no hairy cowls Are crown'd, both Popes and Cardinals, o'er whom Av'rice dominion absolute maintains." I then : " 'Mid such as these sonic needs must be, <) Whom I shall recognize, that with the blot Of these foul sins were stain'd." lie answering thus: " Vain thought conceiv'st thou. That ignoble life, Which made them vile before, now makes them dark, And to all knowledge indiscernible. 55 For ever they shall meet in this rude shock: These from the tomb with clenched grasp shall rise, Those with close-shaven locks. That ill they gave, And ill they kept, hath of the beauteous world DeprivM, and set them at this strife, which needs GO No labour'd phrase of mine to set if off. Now may'st thou see, my son ! how brief, how vain, The goods committed into fortune's hands, For which the human race keep such a coil ! Nut all the gold, that is beneath the moon, 65 Or ever hath been, of these toil-worn souls M : --]it purchase rest for one." I thus rcjuin'd : 11 My guide ! of thee this also would I learn ; This fortune, that thou speak'st of, what it is, Whose talons -rasp the blessings of the world?" 70 lie thus: "O beings blind! what ignorance syou? Now my judgment hear and mark, lie, whose transcendent wisdom passes all, The heavens creating, gave them ruling powers To gtiido them ; so that -ach part shines to each, 75 ir light in enc that ferried it, wlm cried alnnd : "Art thou arriv'd, fell spirit ? " " 1'hlegyas. Phlegyas, This time thou cries) in vain," my lord replied; "No longer shall thoii have us, but while o'er 20 26 HELL. The slimy pool we pass." As one who hears Of some great wrong he hath sustain'd, whereat Inly he pines ; so Phlcgyas inly pin'd In his fierce ire. My guide descending stepp'd Into the skiff, and bade me enter next 2 Close at his side ; nor till my entrance seem'd The vessel freighted. Soon as both embark'd, Cutting the waves, goes on the ancient prow, More deeply than with others it is wont. While we our course o'er the dead channel held. 30 One dreneh'd in mire before me came, and said ; " Who art thon, that thou comest ere thine hour ? " I answcr'd : "Though I come, I tarry not ; But who art thou, that art become so foul ? " "One, as thou seest, who mourn :" he straight replied. To which I thus : " In mourning and in woe, 36 Curs'd spirit! tarry thou. I know thce well, E'en thus in filth disguis'd." Then stretch'd he forth Hands to the bark ; whereof my teacher sage Aware, thrusting him back : " Away ! down there 40 To the' other dogs !" then, with his arms my neck Encircling, kiss'd my cheek, and spake : " O soul Justly disdainful ! blest was she in whom Thou was conceiv'd ! lie in the world was one For arrogance noted ; to his memory 45 No virtue lends its lustre; even so Here is his shadow furious. There above How many now hold themselves mighty kings Who here like swine shall wallow in the mire, Leaving behind them horrible dispraise !" I then : " Master ! him fain would I behold Whelm'd in these dregs, before Ave quit the lake." He thus : " Or ever to thy view the shore Be offer'd, satisfied shall be that wish, Which well deserves completion." Scarce hia words 55 Were ended, when I saw the miry tribes Set on him with such violence, that yet For that render. I thanks to God and praise. "To Filippo Argenti : " cried they all : And on himself the moody Florentine GO HKLL. -7 Turn'd liis avenging fangs. Him IK-IT we left, Nor speak I of him more. Hut on mine ear Sudden a sound of lamentation smote, Whereat mine eye unbarr'd I sent abroad. And thus the good instructor : " Now, my son ! 05 Draws near the city, that of Dis is nam'd, With its grave deni/.ens, a mighty throng." I thus: "The minarets already, Sir! There certes in the valley I descry, (learning vermilion, as if tliey from fire 70 Had issu'd." He replied: "Eternal fire, That inward burns, shows them with ruddy flame Illum'd; as in this nether hell thou seest." "\Ve came within the fosses deep, that moat This region comfortless. The walls appear'd 75 As they were fram'd of iron. We had made Wide circuit, ere a place we reach'd, where loud The mariner cried vehement : " Go forth ! The' entrance is here ! " Upon the gates I spied More than a thousand, who of old from heaven 80 Were hurl'd. With ireful gestures, "Who is this," They cried, " that without death first felt, goes through The regions of the dead ?" My sapient guide Made sign that he for secret parley wish'd; Whereat their angry scorn abating, thus 85 They spake: "Come thou alone; and let him go Who hath so hardily enter'd this realm. Alone return he by his witless way; 1 1' well he know it, let him prove. For thee, Here shall thou tarry, who through clime so dark 'JO I last been his escort." Xow bethink thee, reader! Wlia! cheer Avas mine ;;t sound of those eurs'd word*. I did believe I never should return. " () my lov'd guide ! who more than seven times Security hast render'd me, and drawn 1..'5 From peril deep, whereto I >t.ood expo>'d, Desert me not," I cried, "in this extreme. And if our onward going be denied, Together trace we back our steps with speed." My liege, who thither had conducted me, 100 Replied : " Four not : for of our passage none Hath power to disappoint us, by such high Authority permitted. But do tliou Expect me here ; mean while thy wearied spirit Comfort, and feed with kindly hope, assur'd 105 I will not leave thee in this lower world." This said, departs the sire benevolent, And quits me. Hesitating I remain At war 'twixt will and will not in my thoughts. I could not hear what terms he offer'd them, 110 But they conferr'd not long, for all at once To trial fled within. Clos'd were the gates By those our adversaries on the breast Of my liege lord : excluded he return'd To me with tardy steps. Upon the ground 115 His eyes were bent, and from his brow cras'd All confidence, while thus with sighs he spake: " Who hath denied me these abodes of woe?" Then thus to me : " That I am anger'd, think No ground of terror : in this trial I 120 Shall vanquish, use what arts they may within For hindrance. This their insolence, not new, Frewhile at gate less secret they display'd, Which still is without bolt ; upon its arch Thou saw'st the deadly scroll : and even now 125 On this side of its entrance, down the steep, Passing the circles, unescorted, comes One whose strong might can open us this land." CANTO IX. TIIK line, which coward dread on my pale cheeks Imprinted, when I saw my guide turn back, Clias'd that from his which newly they had worn, And inwardly rcstrain'd it. He, as one Who listens, 'stood attentive : for his eye 6 Not far could lead him through the sable air, And the thick-gath'ring cloud. " It yet behoves We win this fight "thus he began "if not 29 Such aid to us is offer'd. Oh, how long Me seems it, ere the promis'd help arrive ! " 10 I noted, how the sequel of his words Olok'd their beginning ; for the last he s]>ake Agreed not with the lirst. ]>ut not the less My fear was at his saying; sith I drew To import worse perchance, than that he lield, 15 Ills mutilated speech. "Doth ever any Into this rueful concave's extreme depth Descend, out of the first degree, whose pain Is deprivation merely of sweet hope ' J . " Thus I inquiring. " Rarely," he replied, 20 " It chances, that among us any makes This journey, which. I wend. Ercwhile 't is true Once came I here beneath, conjur'd by fell Krictho, sorceress, who compelled the shades Back to their bodies. No long space my llesh 25 Was naked of me, when within these walls She made me enter, to draw forth a spirit From out of Judas' circle. Lowest place Is that of all, obscurest, and remov'd Farthest from heav'n's all-circling orb. The road 30 Full well I know : tliou therefore rest secure. That lake, the noisome stench exhaling, round The city' of grief encompasses, which now We may not enter without rage." Yet more lie added : but I hold it not in mind, 35 For that mine eye toward the lofty tower Had drawn me wholly, to its burning top. Where in an instant 1 beheld uprisen At once three hellish furies stain'd with blood: In limb and motion feminine they seem'd ; 40 Around them greenest hydras twisting roll' d Their volumes; adders and cerastes crept Instead of hair, and their fierce temples bound. lie knowing well the miserable hags Who tend the queen of endless woe, thus spake : 45 ''.Mark thou each dire Erinnys. To the left This is Meg: era.; on the right hand she, Who wails, Alecto : and Tisiphone 30 HELL. I' tli midst." This said, in silence he romnin'd Their breast they each one clawing tore ; themselves 50 Smote with their palms, and such shrill clamour rais'd, That to the bard I clung, suspicion-bound. " Hasten Medusa : so to adamant Him shall we change ; " all looking down exclaim'd. " E'en when by Theseus' might assail'd, we took 5o No ill revenge." "Turn thyself round, and keep Thy count'nance hid ; for if the Gorgon dire Be shown, and thou shouldst view it, thy return Upwards would be for ever lost." This said, Himself my gentle master turn'd me round, 60 Nor trusted he my hands, but with his own He also hid me. Ye of intellect Sound and entire, mark well the lore conceal'd Under close texture of the mystic strain ! And now there came o'er the perturbed waves 65 Loud-crashing, terrible, a sound that made Either shore tremble, as if of a wind Impetuous, from conflicting vapours sprung, That 'gainst some forest driving all its might, Plucks off the branches, beats them down and hurls 70 Afar ; then onward passing proudly sweeps Its whirlwind rage, while beasts and shepherds fly. Mine eyes he loos'd, and spake : "And now direct Thy visual nerve along that ancient foam, There, thickest where the smoke ascends." As frogs 75 Before their foe the serpent, through the wave Ply swiftly all, till at the ground each one Lies on a heap ; more than a thousand spirits Destroy'd, so saw I fleeing before one Who pass'd with unwet feet the Stygian sound. 80 He, from his face removing the gross air, Oft his left hand forth stretch'd, and seem'd alone By that annoyance wearied. I perceiv'd That he was sent from heav'n, and to my guide Turn'd me, who signal made that I should stand 8 Quiet, and bend to him. Ah me ! how r full Of noble anger seem'd he ! To the gate He came, and with his wand touch'd it, whereat IIKI.L. 31 Open vithout impediment it flew. " Outcasts of heav'n ! O abject race and scornM ! " 90 Ill-Iran lie on the horrid grunsel standing, ' Whence doth this wild excess of insolence Lodire in you? wherefore kick you 'gainst that will XeYr frustrate of its end, and which so oft Hath laid on you enforcement of your pangs? 95 What profits at the fays to hut the horn ? Your Cerberus, if ye remember, hence ] Sears still, peel'd of their hair, his throat and maw." This said, he turn'd back o'er the filthy way, A.nd syllable to us spake none, but wore 100 The semblance of a man by other care Jicset, and keenly prcss'd, than thought of him Who in his presence stands. Then we our steps Toward that territory mov'd, secure After the hallow'd words. We unopposM lOf) There enter'd ; and my mind eager to learn What state a fortress like to that might hold, I soon as enter'd throw mine eye around, And see on every part wide-stretching space Replete with bitter pain and torment ill. 110 As where Rhone stagnates on the plains of Aries, Or as at 1'ola, near Quarnaro's gulf, That closes Italy and laves her bounds, The place is all thick spread with sepulchres ; So was it here, save what in horror here 115 '.I'd : for 'midst the graves were scattered flames, Wherewith intensely all throughout they burii'd, That iron for no craft there hotter needs. Their lids all hung suspended, and beneath From them forth issu'd lamentable moans, 120 Such as the sad and tortur'd well might raise. I thus : " Master ! say who are these, interr'd Within these vaults, of whom distinct we hear The dolorous sighs?" He answer thus return'd : "The arch-heretics are here, accompanied l"2( ]>v every sect their followers ; and much more, Than thou believest, tombs arc freighted: like With like is buried; and the monuments 32 HELL. Arc different in degrees of heat." This said, lie to the right hand turning, on we pass'd 130 Betwixt the afflicted and the ramparts high. CANTO X. Now by a secret pathway we proceed, Between the walls, that hem the region round, And the tormented souls : my master first, I close behind his steps. " Virtue supreme ! " I thus began ; " who through these ample orbs 5 In circuit lead's! me, even as them will's!, Speak thou, and satisfy my wish. May those, Who lie within these sepulchres, be seen ? Already all the lids are rais'd, and none O'er them keeps watch." lie thus in answer spake 10 " They shall be closed all, what-time they here From Josaphat return'd shall conic, and bring Their bodies, which above they now have left. The cemetery on this part obtain With Epicurus all his followers, 15 Who with the body make the spirit die. Here therefore satisfaction shall be soon Both to the question ask'd, and to the wish, Which thou conceal'st in silence." I replied : " I keep not, guide belov'd ! from thce my heart 20 Secreted, but to shun vain length of words, A lesson erewhile taught me by thyself." " O Tuscan ! thou who through the city of fire Alive art passing, so discreet of speech ! Here please thee stav awhile. Thy utterance 25 Declares the place of thy nativity To be that noble land, with which perchance I too severely dealt." Sudden that sound Forth issu'd from a vault, whereat in fear I somewhat closer to my leader's side 30 Approaching, ho thus spake : " What dost thou ? Turn. Lo, Farinata, there! who hath himself Uplifted : from his girdle upwards all HKTJ,. 33 K.vposM behold him." On his face was mine Already iixM ; liis breast and forehead tliere 35 Erecting, sccni'd as in high scorn lie held E'en hell. Between the sepulchres to him My guide thrust me with fearless hands and prompt, This warning added : " See thy words be clear! " He, soon as tliere I stood at the tomb's foot, 40 Ky'd me a space, then in disdainful mood Addrcss'd me : " Say, what ancestors were thine ?" I, willing to obey him, straight reveal'd The whole, nor kept back aught: whence he, his brow Somewhat uplifting, cried: "Fiercely were they 45 Adverse to me, my party, and the blood From whence I sprang: twice therefore I abroad Scatter'd them." "Though driv'n out, yet they each time From all parts," answer'd I, " return'd ; an art Which yours have shown, they are not ski 1 I'd to learn." Then, peering forth from the unclosed jaw, 51 IJose from his side a shade, high as the chin, Leaning, methought, upon its knees uprais'd. It look'd around, as eager to explore If tliere were other with me ; but perceiving 55 That fond imagination quench'd, with tears Thus spake : " If thou through this blind prison go'st. Led by thy lofty genius, and profound, "Where is my son? and wherefore not with thcc?" I straight replied: "Not of myself I come, GO By him, who there expects me, through this clime Conducted, whom perchance Guido thy son Had in contempt." Already had his words And mode of punishment read me his name, Whence I so fully answer'd. lie at once 65 Exclaim'd, up starting, "How! said'st thou lie had'? No longer lives he? Strikes not on his eye The blessed daylight?" Then of some delay I made ere my reply aware, down fell Supine, not after forth appear'd he more. 70 Meanwhile the other, great of soul, near whom t yet was station'd, ehang'd not count, 'nance stern, Nor mov'd the neck, nor bent his ribbed side. 34 HELL. " And if," continuing tlic first discourse, " They in this art," lie cried, " small skill have shown, 75 That doth torment me more e'en than this bed. But not yet fifty times shall be relum'd ITc-r aspect, who reigns here Queen of this realm, Ere thou shalt know the full weight of that art. So to the pleasant world niayst thou return, h<- As thou shalt tell me, why in all their laws, Against my kin this people is so fell ? " " The slaughter and great havoc," I replied, "That colour' d Arbia's flood with crimson stain To these impute, that in our hallow'd dome 8S Such orisons ascend." Sighing lie shook The head, then thus resum'd : " In that affray I stood not singly, nor without just cause Assuredly should with the rest have stirr'd ; But singly there I stood, when by consent 90 Of all, Florence had to the ground been raz'd, The one who openly forbad the deed." " So may thy lineage find at last repose," I thus adjur'd him, " as thou solve this knot, Which now involves my mind. If right I hear, 95 Yc seem to view beforehand, that which time Leads with him, of the present uninform'd." " We view, as one who hath an evil sight," He answer'd, "plainly, objects far remote: So much of his largo spendour yet imparts 100 The' Almighty Ruler ; but when they approach Or actually exist, our intellect Then wholly fails, nor of your human state Except what others bring us know wo aught. Hence therefore niayst thou understand, that all 105 Our knowledge in that instant shall expire, When on futurity the portals close." Then conscious of my fault, and by remorse Smitten, I added thus: "Now shalt thou say To him there fallen, that his offspring still 110 Is to the living join'cl ; and bid him know, That if from answer silent I abstain'd, 'Twas that my thought was occupied intent ITKLL. i Upon that error, which tliy help hath solv'd." But now my master summoning me lick 115 I heard, and with more eager haste besought Tin- spirit to inform me, who with him Partook his lot. He answer thus returnM : " More than a thousand witli me hei'e are laid. Within is Frederick, second of that name, 1'JO And the Lord Cardinal, and of the rest J speak not." lie, this said, from sight withdrew. But I my steps towards the ancient bard Keverting, ruminated on the words Fit-tokening me such ill. Onward he mov'd, 125 And thus in going question'd : " Whence the' ama/p That holds thy senses wrapt?" I satislied The' inquiry, and the sage enjoin'd me straight : "Let thy safe memory store what thou hast heard To thee importing harm ; and note thou this," 130 With his rais'd linger bidding me take heed, " When thou shalt stand before her gracious beam, Whose bright eye all surveys, she of thy life The future tenour will to thee unfold." Forthwith he to the left hand turn'd his feet : 135 We left the wall, and tow'rds the middle space Went by a path, that to a valley strikes ; Which e'en thus high exhal'd its noisome steam. CANTO XI. UPON the utmost verge of a high bank, By craggy rocks cnviron'd round, we came, When- woes beneath more cruel yet were stow'd : And here to shun the horrible excess Of fetid exhalation, upward cast 5 From the profound abyss, behind the Hd Of a great monument we stood retir'd, Whereon this scroll I mark'd : "I have in charge Pope Anastasius, whom Photinus drew From the right path." Ere our descent behove* 10 We make delay, that somewhat first the sense, 36 HELL. To the dire breath accustom'd, afterward Regard it not." My master thus ; to whom Answering I spake : " Some compensation find That the time past not wholly lost." He then : 15 " Lo ! how my thoughts s'en to thy wishes tend ! My son ! within these rooks," he thus began, " Are three close circles in gradation plac'd, As these which now thou leav'st. Each one is full Of spirits accurs'd ; but that the sight alone 20 Hereafter may suffice thee, listen how And for what cause in durance they abide. " Of all malicious act abhorr'd in'hcaven, The end is injury; and all such end Either by force or fraud works other's woe 25 But fraud, because of man peculiar evil, . To God is more displeasing ; and beneath The fraudulent are therefore doom'd to' endure Severer pang. The violent occupy All the first circle ; and because to force 30 Three persons are obnoxious, in three rounds Ilach within other sep'rate is it fram'd. To God, his neighbour, and himself, by man Force may be offer'd ; to himself I say And his possessions, as thou soon shalt hear 85 At full. Death, violent death, and painful wounds Upon his neighbour he inflicts ; and wastes By devastation, pillage, and the flames, His substance. Slayers, and each one that smites In malice, plund'rers, and all robbers, hence 40 The torment undergo of the first round In different herds. Man can do violence To' himself and his own blessings : and for this He in the second round must aye deplore With unavailing penitence his crime, 45 Whoe'er deprives himself of life and light, In reckless lavishment his talent wastes, And sorrows there where he should dwell in joy. To God may force be offer'd, in the heart Denying and blaspheming his high power, 50 And nature with her kindly law contemning. HELL. 37 Ami thence the inmost round marks with its seal Sodom and C'ahors, and all such as speak Contemptuously' of the Godhead in their hearts. " PVaud, that in every conscience leaves a sting, 55 May be by man cmploy'd on one, whose trust He wins, or on another who withholds Strict confidence. Seems as the latter way .Broke but the bond of love which Nature makes. Whence in the second circle have their nest 60 Dissimulation, witchcraft, flatteries, Theft, falsehood, simony, all who seduce To lust, or set their honesty at pawn, With such vile scum as these. The other way Forgets both Nature's genera] love, and that 65 Which thereto added afterwards gives birth To special faith. Whence in the lesser circle, Point of the universe, dread seat of Dis, The traitor is eternally consum'd." 1 thus : "Instructor, clearly thy discourse 70 Proceeds, distinguishing the hideous chasm And its inhabitants with skill exact. But, tell me this : they of the dull, fat pool, Whom the rain beats, or whom the tempest drives, Or who with tongues so fierce conflicting meet, 75 Wherefore within the city firc-illuni'd Are not these punish'd, if God's wrath be on them? And if it be not, wherefore in such guise Are they condemned?" lie answer thus return'd : "Wherefore in dotage wanders thus thy mind, 80 Not so accustoni'd ? or what other thoughts Possess it? Dwell not in thy memory The words, Avhercin thy ethic page describes Three dispositions adverse to Ileav'n's will, Incontinence, malice, and mad brutishness, 85 And how incontinence the least offends (iod, and least guilt incurs? If well thou note This judgment, and remember who they are, Without these walls to vain repentance doom'd, Thou shall discern why they apart are phic'd 00 From these fell spirits, and less wreakful pours 38 HELL. Justice divine on them its vengeance clown." " O Sun ! who henlest all imperfect sight, Thou so content's! me, when thou solv'st my doubt, That ignorance not less than knowledge charms. 95 Yet somewhat turn thee back," I in tlie.se words Continti'd, " where thou saidst, that usury Offends celestial Goodness ; and this knot Perplex'd unravel." He thus made reply : " Philosophy, to an attentive ear, IOC Clearly points out, not in one part alone, How imitative nature takes her course From the celestial mind and from its art : And where her laws the Stagyrite unfolds, Not many leaves scann'd o'er, observing well 105 Thou shalt discover, that your art on her Obsequious follows, as the learner treads In his instructor's step, so that your art Deserves the name of second in descent From God. These two, if thou recall to mind 110 Creation's holy book, from the beginning Were the right source of life and excellence To human kind. But in another path The usurer walks ; and Nature in herself And in her follower thus he sets at nought, 115 Placing elsewhere his hope. But follow now My steps on forward journey bent ; for now The Pisces flay with undulating glance Along the' horizon, and the Wain lies all O'er the north-west ; and onward there a space 120 Is our steep passage down the rocky height." CANTO XII. THE place where to descend the precipice We came, was rough as Alp, and on its verge Such object lay, as every eye would shun. As is that ruin, which Adicc's stream On this side Trcnto struck, should'ring the wave, Or luos'd by earthquake or for lack of prop ; HELI,. oy For from the mountain's sununit, whence il mov'd To the low level, so the headlong rock Is shiver'd, that some passage it might give To him who from above would pass; e'en such 10 Into the chasm was that descent : and there At point of the disparted ridge lay stretch'd The infamy of Crete, detested brood Of the feign M heifer : and at sight of us It gnaw'd itself, as one with rage distract. 15 To him my guide exclaim'd : " Perchance thou dcemVt The King <>f Athens hen-, who, in the world Above, thy death contrivM. Monster! avaunt! He comes not tutor'd by thy sister's art, But to behold your torment's is he come." *2U Like to a bull, that with impetuous spring Darts, at the moment when the fatal blow Hath struck him, but unable to proceed Plunges on either side ; so saw 1 plunge The Minotaur; whereat the sage exciaimM : 25 " Run to the passage ! while he storms, 't is well That thou descend." Thus down our road we took Through those dilapidated crags, that oft jMovM underneath my feet, to weight like theirs I'nus'd. I pond'ring went, and thus he spake: CO 'Perhaps thy thoughts are of this ruinM sleep, Guarded by the brute violence, which I Have van(|uish'd now. Know then, that when I erst Hither descended to the nether hell, This rock was not yet fallen. But past doubt (If well I mark) not long ere lie arrived, Who carried off from Dis the mighty spoil Of the highest circle, then through all iis bounds Such trembling sei/M the deep concave and foul, I thought the universe was thrill'd with love, nil Whereby, there are who deem, the world hath ofl Bern into chaos turn'd : and in that, point. Here, and elsewhere, that old rock toppled down. But fix thine eyes beneath: the river of blood Approaches, in the which all those are sterpM, 45 Who have by violence i::jur'd." O blind lust ! 40 HELL. |O foolish wrath ! who so dost goad us on In the brief life, and in the eternal then Thus miserably o'crwhelm us. I beheld An ample foss, that in a bow was bent, 5 As circling all the plain ; for so my guide Had told. Between it and the rampart's base On trail ran Centaurs, with keen arrows arm'd, As to the chase they on the earth were wont. At seeing us descend they each one stood ; 55 And issuing from the troop, three sped with bows And missile weapons chosen first ; of whom One cried from far : " Say to what pain ye come Condemn'd, who down this steep have journied ? Speak From whence ye stand, or else the bow I draw." GO To whom my guide : "Our answer shall be made To Chiron, there, when nearer him we come. Ill was thy mind, thus ever quick and rash." Then me he touch'd, and spake : " Ncssus is this, Who for the fair Dcianira died, 65 And wrought himself revenge for his own fate. lie in the midst, that on his breast looks down, Is the great Chiron who Achilles nurs'd ; That other Pholus, pi'one to wrath." Around The foss these go by thousands, aiming shafts 70 At whatsoever spirit dares emerge From out the blood, more than his guilt allows. We to those beasts, that rapid strode along, Drew near, when Chiron took an arrow forth, And with the notch push'd back his shaggy beard 75 To the cheek-bone, then his great mouth to view Exposing, to his fellows thus exclaim'd : u Are ye aware, that he who comes behind Moves what he touches? The feet of the dead Arc not so wont." My trusty guide, who now 80 Stood near his breast, where the two natures join, Thus made reply : " He is indeed alive, And solitary so must needs by me Be shown the gloomy vale, thereto induc'd By strict necessity, not by delight. 85 She left her joyful harpings in the sky, II KM.. 41 Who this new office to my care consign'd. He is no robber, no dark spirit I. But by tliat virtue, which empowers my step To treat so wild a path, grant us, I pray, . 90 One of thy band, whom we may trust secure, Who to the ford may lead us, and convey Across, him mounted on his back ; for he Is not a spirit that may walk the air." Then on his right breast turning, Chiron thus 95 To Nessus spake : " Return, and be their guide. And if ye chance to cross another troop, Command them keep aloof." Onward we mov'd, The faithful escort by our side, along The border of the crimson-seething flood, 100 Whence from those steep'd within loud shrieks arose. Some there I mark'd, as high as to their brow Immers'd, of whom the mighty Centaur thus: " These are the souls of tyrants, who were given To blood and rapine. Here they wail aloud 105 Their merciless wrongs. Here Alexander dwells. And Dionysius fell, who many a year Of woe wrought for fair Sicily. That brow Whereon the hair so jetty clust'ring hangs, Is A/zolino ; that with flaxen locks 110 Obizzo' of Este, in the world destroy'd By his foul step-son." To the bard rcvcr'd I turned me round, and thus he spake; "Let him Be to thee now first leader, me but next To him in rank." Then farther on a space 115 The Centaur paus'd, near some, who at the throat Were extant from the wave ; and showing us A spirit by itself apart retir'd, Kxclaim'd : "He in God's bosom smote the heart, Which yet is honour'd on the bank of Thames." 120 A race I next espied, who held the head, And even all the bust above the stream. 'Midst these I many a face rcmcmbcr'd well. Thus shallow more and more the blood became, So that at last it but imbruM the feet ; 125 And there our passage lay athwart the fos.s. 42 IIKLL. " As ever on this si0 The' other, as seem'd, impatient of delay Exclaiming, " Lano ! not so bent for speed Thy sinews, in the lists of Toppo's field." And then, for that perchance no longer breath Sufh'c'd him, of himself and of a bush 125 One group he made. Behind them was the wood Full of black female mastiffs, gaunt and fleet, As greyhounds that have newly slipp'd the leash. On him, who squatted down, they stuck their fangs, And having rent him piecemeal bore away 130 The tortur'd limbs. My guide then seiz'd my hand, And led me to the thicket, which in vain JMoiirn'd through its bleeding wounds : u O Giacomo Of Sant' Andrea ! what avails it thee," It cried, "that of me thou hast made thy screen ? 135 For thy ill life what blame on me recoils ? " When o'er it he had paus'd, my master spake: " Say who wast thou, that at so many points Breath'st out with blood thy lamentable speech?" He answer'd : " Oh, ye spirits ! arriv'd in time 140 46 HELL. To spy the shameful havoc, that from me My leaves hath sever'd thus, gather them up, And at the foot of their sad parent-tree Carefully lay them. In that city' I dwelt, Who for the Baptist her h'rst patron chang'd, 1 15 Whence he for this shall cease not with his art To work her woe : and if there still remain'd not On Arno's passage some faint glimpse of him, Those citizens, who rear'd once more her walls Upon the ashes left by Attilr, 150 Had labour'd without profit of their toil. I slung the fatal noose from my own roof." CANTO XIV. SOON as the charity of native land Wrought in rrty bosom, I the scattcr'd leaves Collected, and to him restor'd, who now Was hoarse with utt'rance. To the limit thence We came, which from the third the second round 5 Divides, and where of justice is display'd Contrivance horrible. Things then first seen Clearlier to manifest, I tell how next A plain we reacli'd, that from its sterile bed Each plant repell'd. The mournful wood waves round 10 Its garland on all sides, as round the wood Spreads the sad foss. There, on the very edge, Our steps we stay'd. It was an area wide Of arid sand and thick, resembling most The soil that erst by Cato's foot was trod. 15 Vengeance of Heav'n ! Oh ! how shouidst thou \>e fear>d By all, who read what here my eyes beheld ! Of naked spirits many a flock I saw, All weeping piteously, to different laws Subjected : for on the' earth some lay supine, '20 Some crouching close were seated, others pae'd Incessantly around ; the latter tribe, More numerous, those fewer who beneath HICK I.. The torment lay, but louder in their grief. O'er nil the sand fell slowly wafting down 25 Dilated Hakes of fire, as flakes of snow On Aljiine summit, when the wind is hush'd. As in the torrid Indian clime, the son Of Aminon saw upon his warrior band Descending, solid flames, that to the ground 30 Came down : whence he bethought him with his troop To trample on the soil ; for easier thus The vapour was extinguish'd, while alone ; So fell the eternal fiery flood, wherewith The marble glow'd underneath, as under stove 35 The viands, doubly to augment the pain. Unceasing was the play of wretched hands, Now this, now that way glancing, to shake off The heat, still falling fresh. I thus began : " Instructor ! thou who all things overcom'st, 40 Except the hardy demons, that rush'd forth To stoj) our entrance at the gate, say who Is yon huge spirit, that, as seems, heeds not The burning, but lies writhen in proud scorn, As by the sultry tempest immatur'd ?" 45 Straight he himself, who was aware I ask'd My guide of him, exclaim'd : "Such as'I was When living, dead such now I am. If Jove Weary his workman out, from whom in ire He snatch'd the lightnings, that at my last day 50 Transfix'd me, if the rest be weary out At their black smithy labouring by turns In Mongibello, while he cries aloud ; ' Help, Kelp, good Mulciber ! ' as erst he cried In the Phlegnean warfare, and the bolts 55 Launch he full aim'd at me with all his might, He never should enjoy a sweet revenge." Then thus my guide, in accent higher rais'd Than I before had heard him : " Capaneus ! Thou art more punish'd, in that this thy pride 60 Lives yet unquench'd : no torrent, save thy rage, Were to thy fury pain proportion'd full." Next turning round to me with milder lip 48 HELL. lie spake : " This of the -seven kings was one, Who girt the Theban walls with siege, and held, 6' As still he seems to hold, God in disdain, And sets his high omnipotence at nought. But, as I told him, his despiteful mood Is ornament well suits the breast that wears it. Follow me now ; and look thou set not yet 7C TLy foot in the hot sand, but to the wood Keep ever close." Silently on we pass'd To where there gushes from the forest's bound A little brook, whose crimson'd wave yet lifts My hair with horror. As the rill, that runs 75 From Bulicame, to be portion'd out Among the sinful women ; so ran this Down through the sand, its bottom and each bank Stone-built, and either margin at its side, Whereon I straight perceived our passage lay. 80 " Of all that I have shown thee, since that gate We enter'd first, whose threshold is to none Denied, nought else so worthy of regard, As is this river, has thine eye discern'd, O'er which the flaming volley all is quench'd." 85 So spake my guide ; and I him thence besought, That having giv'n me appetite to know, The food he too would give, that hunger crav'd. " In midst of ocean," forthwith he began, " A desolate country lies, which Crete is nam'd, 90 Under whose monarch in old times the world Liv'd pure and chaste. A mountain rises there, Call'd Ida, joyous once with leaves and streams, Deserted now like a forbidden thing. It was the spot which Rhea, Saturn's spouse, 95 Chose for the secret cradle of her son ; And better to conceal him, drown'd in shouts His infant cries. Within the mount, upright An ancient form there stands and huge, that turns His shoulders towards Damiata, and at Rome 100 As in his mirror looks. Of finest gold His head is shap'd, pure silver are the breast And arms ; thence to the middle is of brass. HELL. 49 And downward all beneath well-temper'd steel, Save the right foot of potter's clay, on which 105 Than on the other more erect he stands, Each part except the gold, is rent throughout ; And from the fissure tears distil, which join'd Penetrate to that cave. They in their course Thus far precipitated down the rock 110 Form Acheron, and Styx, and Phlegethon ; Then by this straiten'd channel passing hence Beneath, e'en to the lowest depth of all, Form there Cocytus, of whose lake (thyself Shall see it) I here give thee no account." 115 Then I to him : " If from our world this sluice Be thus deriv'd ; wherefore to us but now Appears it at this edge?" He straight replied : "The place, thou know'st, is round; and though great part Thou have already pass'd, still to the left 120 Descending to the nethermost, not yet I last thou the circuit made of the whole orb. Wherefore if aught of new to us appear, It needs not bring up wonder in thy looks." Then I again inqtiir'd : "Where flow the streams 125 Of Phlegethon and Lethe? for of one Thou tell'st not, and the other of that shower, Thou say'st, is form'd." He answer thus return'd : "Doubtless thy questions all well pleas'd I hoar. Yet the red seething wave might have resolv'd 130 One thou proposest. Lethe thou shalt see, But not within this hollow, in the place, Whither to lave themselves the spirits go, Whose blame hath been by penitence remov'd." lie added : " Time is now we quit the wood. 135 Look thou my steps pursue : the margins give Safe passage, unimpeded by the flames ; For over them all vapour is extinct." 50 HELL. CANTO XV. ONE of the solid margins boars us now Envelop'd in the mb^ that from the stream Arising, hovers o'er, and saves from fire Both piers and water. As the Flemings rear Their mound, 'twixt Ghent and Bruges, to chase back 5 The ocean, fearing his tumultuous tide That drives toward them, or the Paduans theirs Along the Brcnta, to defend their towns And castles, ere the genial warmth be felt On Chiarentana's top ; such were the mounds, 10 So fram'd, though not in height or bulk to these Made equal, by "the master, whosoe'er lie was, that rais'd them here. We from the wood Were not so far rcmov'd, that turning round 1 might not have discern'd it, when we met lb A troop of spirits, who came beside the pier. They each one ey'd us, as at eventide One eyes another under a new moon, And toward us sharpen'd their sight as keen, As an old tailor at his needle's eye. Thus narrowly explor'd by all the tribe, I was agniz'd of one, who by the skirt Caught me, and cried, " What wonder have we here ! ' And I, when ho to me outstretch'd his arm, Intently fix'd my ken on his parch'd looks, 25 That although smirch'd with fire, they hinder'd not But I remember'd him ; and towards his face Mv hand inclining, answer'd: " Sir! Brunette! And art thou here? " He thus to me : " My son ! Oh let it not displease thee, if Brunette Latini but a little space with thee Turn back, and leave his fellows to proceed." I thus to him replied : " Much as I can, I thereto pray thee ; and if thou be willing, That I here seat me with thee, I consent ; His leave, with whom I journey, first obtain'd." " O son ! " said he, " whoever of this throng One instant stops, lies then a hundred years, HKLT.. 51 No fan to ventilate liim, \vlion tlio fire Smites sorest. Pass tliou therefore on. I close 40 Will at thy garments walk, and then rejoin JMy troop, who go mourning their endless doom." I dar'd not from the path descend to tread On equal ground with him, but held my head Bent down, as one who walks in reverent guise. 45 " What chance or destiny," thus be began, "Ere the last day conducts thee here below? And who is this, that shows to thcc the way?" "There up aloft," I answcr'd, " in the life Serene, I wander'd in a valley lost, 50 Before mine age had to its fulness reach'd. But yester-morn I left it : then once more Into that vale returning, him I met ; And by this path homeward he leads me back." " If thou," he answer'd, " follow but thy star, 55 Thou canst not miss at last a glorious haven : Unless in fairer days my judgment crr'd. And if my fate so early had not chanc'd, Seeing the heav'ns thus bounteous to thec, I Had gladly giv'n thee comfort in thy work. 60 But that ungrateful and malignant race, Who in old times came down from Fesole, Ay and still smack of their rough mountain-Hint, Will for thy good deeds shew thee enmity. Nor wonder ; for amongst ill-savour'd crabs 65 It suits not the sweet fig-tree lay her fruit. Old fame reports them in the world for blind, Covetous, envious, proud. Look to it well : Take heed thou cleanse thee of their ways. For thee Thy fortune hath such honour in reserve, 70 That thou by either party shalt be crav'd With hunger keen : but be the fresh herb far From the goat's tooth. The herd of Fesole May of themselves make litter, not touch the plant, It' any sueli yet spring on their rank bed, 75 In which the holy seed revives, transmitted From those true Romans, who still there ivniain'd, When it was made the nest of so much ill." 62 HELL. " Were all my wish fulfill'd," I straight replied, " Thou from the confines of man's nature yet 80 Iladst not been driven forth ; for in my mind Ls fix'd, and now strikes full upon my heart The dear, benign, paternal image, such As thine was, when so lately thou didst teach me The way for man to win eternity ; 85 And how I priz'd the lesson, it behoves, That, long as life endures, my tongue should speak, What of my fate thou tell'st, that write I down : And with another text to comment on For her I keep it, the celestial dame, 90 Who will know all, if I to her arrive. This only would I have thee clearly note : That so my conscience have no plea against me; Do fortune as she list, I stand prepared. Not new or strange such earnest to mine ear. 95 Speed fortune then her wheel, as likes her best, The clown his mattock ; all things have their course." Thereat my sapient guide upon his right Turn'd himself back, then look'd at me and spake : "He listens to good purpose who takes note." 100 I not the less still on my way proceed, Discoursing with Brunetto, and inquire Who are most known and chief among his tribe. " To know of some is well ; " thus he replied, " But of the rest silence may best beseem. 105 Time would not serve us for report so long. In brief I tell thee, that all these were clerks, Men of great learning and no less renown, By one same sin polluted in the world. With them is Priscian, and Accorso's son 110 Francesco herds among that wretched throng : And, if the wish of so impure a blotch Fossess'd thee, him thou also might'st have seen, Who by the servants' servant was transferr'd From Arno's seat to Bacchiglione, where 115 Hie ill-strain'd nerves he left. I more would add, But must from farther speech and onward way Alike desist, for yonder I behold MEM,. 3 A mist new-risen on the sandy plain. A company, with whom I may not soit, 120 Approaches. I commend my Treasure to ihce, Wherein I yet survive; my sole request." This said he turn'd, and seem'd as one of those, Who o'er Verona's champain try their speed For the green mantle, and of them he seem'd, 125 Not lie who loses but who gains the prize. CANTO XVI. Now came I where the water's din was heard, As down it fell into the other round, Resounding like the hum of swarming bees : When forth together issn'd from a troop, That pass'd beneath the fierce tormenting storm, ft Three spirits, running swift. They towards us came, And each one cried aloud, "Oh do tliou stay ! Whom by the fashion of thy garb we deem Vo be some inmate of our evil land." Ah me ! what wounds I mark'd upon their limbs, 10 R?cent and old, inflicted by the flames ! E'en the remembrance of them grieves me yet. Attentive to their cry my teacher paus'd, And turn'd to me his visage, and then spake ; " Wait now ! our courtesy these merit well : 15 And were 't not for the nature of the place, Whence glide the fiery darts, I should have said, That haste had better suited thce than them." They, when we stopp'd, resum'd their ancient wail, And soon as they had reach'd us, all the three 20 WhirPd round together in one restless wheel. As naked champions, smear'd with slippery oil, Are wont intent to watch their place of hold. And vantage, ere in closer strife they meet ; Thus each one, as he wheel'd, his countenance 26 At me directed, so that opposite The neck mov'd ever to the twinkling feet. "If misery of this drear wilderness," M IIKLL. Tlius one began, " added to our sad cheer An 1 destitute, do call forth scorn on us 30 And our entreaties, let our great renown Incline thee to inform us who thou art, That dost imprint with living feet unharni'd The soil of Hell. He, in whose track thou see'st My steps pursuing, n;iked though he be 35 And reft of all, was of more high estate Than thou believest ; grandchild of the chaste Gualdrada, him they Guidoguerracall'd, Who in his lifetime many a noble act Achiev'd, both by his wisdom and his sword. 40 The other, next to me that beats the sand, Is Aldobrandi, name deserving well, In the' upper world, of honour ; and myself Who in this torment do partake with them, Am Rusticucci, whom, past doubt, my wife 45 Of savage temper, more than aught beside Hath to this evil brought." If from the lire I had been shelter'd, down amidst them straight I then had cast me, nor my guide, I deem, Would have restrain'd my going ; but that fear 50 Of the dire burning vanquish'd the desire, Which made me eager of their wish'd embrace. I then began : " Not scorn, but grief much more, Such as long time alone can cure, your doom Fix'd deep within me, soon as this my lord 55 Spake words, whose tenour taught me to expect That such a race, as ye are, Avas at hand. I am a countryman of yours, who still Affectionate have utter'd, and have heard Your deeds and names renown'd. Leaving tie gall 60 For the sweet fruit I go, that a sure guide Hath promis'd to me. But behoves, that far As to the centre first I downward tend." " So may long space thy spirit guide thy limbs," lie answer straight return'd ; " and so thy fame 65 Shine bright, when thou art gone ; as thou shalt tell, If courtesy and valour, as they vront, Dwell in our city, or have vaiiish'd clean ? IIKI.L. 55 For one amidst us late eondemnM to wail, Borsiere, yonder walking with liis peers, 70 Grieves us no little by the news lie brings." "An upstart multitude and sudden gains, Pride and excess, O Florence ! have in thec Engendered, so that now in tears thou mourn'st ! " Thus cried I with my face uprais'd, and they 75 All three, who for an answer took my words, Look'd at each other, as men look when truth Comes to their ear. " If thou at other times," They all at once rejoin'd, " so easily Satisfy those, who question, happy thou, 80 (lifted with words, so apt to speak thy thought! Wherefore if thou escape this darksome clime, Returning to behold the radiant .stars, When thou with pleasure shah retrace the past, See that of us thou speak among mankind." 85 This said, they broke the circle, and so swift Fled, that as pinions seem'd their nimble feet. Not in so short a time might one have said "Amen," as they had vanisli'd. Straight my guide Pursu'd his track. I followM ; and small space 90 Had we pass'd onward, when the water's sound Was now so near at hand, that \vc had scarce Heard one another's speech for the loud din. E'en as the river, that holds on its course Unmingled, from the mount of Vesulo, 95 On the left side of Apennine, toward The east, which Acquachcta higher up They call, ere it descend into the vale, At Forli by that name no longer kno\vn, Rebellows o'er Saint Benedict, roll'd on 100 From the' Alpine summit down a precipice, Where space enough to lodge a thousand spreads ; Thus downward from a craggy steep we found, That this dark wave resounded, roaring loud, So that the ear its clamour soon had stunn'd. 105 I had a cord that brac'd my girdle round, Wherewith I er.st had thought fast bound to take The painted leopard. Th s when I had all HELL. tlnloosen'd from me (so my master bade) I gather'd up, and strctchVl it forth to him. HO Then to the right he turn'd, and from the brink Handing few paws distant, cast it down Into the deep abyss. "And somewhat strange." I has to myself I spake, " signal so strange Betokens, which my guide with earnest eye 115 Thus follows." Ah ! what caution must men use With those who look not at the deed alone, But spy into the thoughts with subtle skill \ '; Quickly shall come," he said, what I expect, 1 hiue eye discover quickly, that whereof 19Q Thy thought is dreaming." Ever to that truth, Which but the semblance of a falsehood wears A man, if possible, should bar his lip ; Since, although blameless, he incurs reproach. But silence here were vain ; and by these notes 125 Which now I sing, reader ! I swear to thee, bo may they favour find to latest times ! That through the gross and murky air I spied A shape come swimming up, that might have quell'd Ihe stoutest heart with wonder, in such guise 130 As one returns, who hath been down to loose An anchor grappled fast against some rock, Or to aught else that in the salt wave lies, Who upward springing close draws in his feet. CANTO XVII. " Lo ! the fell monster with the deadly stino- ! Who passes mountains, breaks through fenced walls And firm embattled spears, and with bis filth Taints all the world ! Thus me my guide addrcss'd, And beckon 'd him, that he should come to shore, 5 Near to the stony causeway's utmost edge. I ortlnvith that image vile of fraud appear'd, His head and upper part expos'd on land, But laid not on the shore his bestial train. EIis face tho semblance of a just man's wore, 10 HELL. 57 So kind :uiy gnats, or flics, or gadflies swarming round. Noting the visa-rs of some, who lay 50 58 HELL. Beneath the pelting of that dolorous fire, One of them all I knew not ; but pcrceiv'd, (That pendent from his neck each bore a pouch iWith colours and with emblems various mark'd, On which it seem'd as if their eye did feed. 65 And when amongst them looking round I came, A yellow purse I saw with azure wrought, That wore a lion's countenance and port. Then still my sight pursuing its career, Another I beheld, than blood more red. 60 A goose display of whiter Aving than curd. And one, who bore a fat and azure swine Pictur'd on his white scrip, addressed me thus : " What dost thou in this deep ? Go now and know, Since yet thou livest, that my neighbour here 65 Vitaliano on my left shall sit. A Paduan with these Florentines am I. Ofttimes they thunder iu mine ears, exclaiming ' O haste that noble knight ! he who the pouch ' With the three beaks will bring ! ' " This said, he writh'd 70 The mouth, and loll'd the tongue out, like an ox That licks his nostrils. I, lest longer stay He ill might brook, who bade me stay not long, Backward my steps from those sad spirits turn'd. My guide already seated on the haunch 75 Of the fierce animal I found ; and thus He me encourag'd. " Be thou stout ; be bold. Down such a steep flight must we now descend ! Mount thou before : for that no power the tail May have to harm thee, I will be i' th' midst." 80 As one, who hath an ague fit so near, His nails already are turn'd blue, and he Quivers all o'er, if he but eye the shade ; Such was my cheer at hearing of his words. But shame soon interpos'd her threat, who makes 85 The servant bold in presence of liis lord. I settled me upon those shoulders huge, And would have. said, but that the words to aid My purpose came riot, " Look thou clasp me firm ! " HiiLL. 59 I>ut lie whose succour then nut lir.st I prov'd, 90 Soon as I mounted, in his arms aloft, Embracing, held me up, and thus lie spake : "(icryon! now move thce ! be thy wheeling gyres Of ample circuit, easy thy descent. Think on th' unusual burden thou sustain'st." 95 As a sir all vessel, back'ning out from land, Her station quits; so thence the monster loosM, And when he felt himself at large, turn'd round There where the breast had been, his forked tail. Thus, like an eel, outstretchM at, length he steer'd, 100 Gath'ring the air up with retractile claws. Not greater was the dread when Phaeton The reins let drop at random, whence high heaven, Whereof signs yet appear, was wrapt in Humes; Xor when ill-fated Icarus percciv'd, 105 ly liquefaction of the scalded wax, The trusted pennons loosen'd from his loins, His sire exclaiming loud, "111 way thou keep'st ! " Than was my dread, when round me on each part The air I view'd, and other object none 110 iSavc the fell beast. He slowly sailing, wheels His downward motion, unobserv'd of me, !>ut that the wind, arising to my face, JJreathes on me from below. Now on our right I heard the cataract beneath us lea]) 115 With hideous crash ; whence bending down to' explore, New terror I eonceiv'd at the steep plunge; For flames I saw, and wailings smote mine ear : So that all trembling close I crouch'd my limbs, And then distinguish 'd, unperceiv'd before, 1'JU I!y the dread torments that on every side iM-ew nearer, how our downward course we wound. As falcon, that halh long been on the wing, Hut lure nor bird hath seen, while in despair The falconer cries, "Ah me! thou stoop'st to earth! " Wearied descends, and swiftly down the skv In many an orbit wheels, then lighting sits At distance from his lord in miLiry mood ; bo Geryon lighting places us un foot 60 HELL. Low down at base of the deep-furrow'd rock, 130 And, of his burden there discharg'd, forthwith Sprang forward, like an arrow from the string. CANTO XVIII. THERE is a place within the depths of hell Call'd Malebolge, all of rock dark-slahi'd With hue ferruginous, e'en as the steep That round it circling winds. Right in the midst Of that abominable region, yawns 5 A spacious gulf profound, whereof the frame Due time shall tell. The circle, that remains, Throughout its round, between the gulf and base Of the high craggy banks, successive forms Ten trenches, in its hollow bottom sunk. 10 As where to guard the walls, full many a foss Begirds some stately castle, sure defence Affording to the space within, so here Were model'd these; and as like fortresses E'en from their threshold to the brii.k without, 15 Are flank'd with bridges; from the rock's low base Thus flinty paths advanc'd, that 'cross the moles And dikes, struck oinvard far as to the gulf, That in one bound collected cuts them off. Such was the place, Avherein we found ourselves liO From Geryon's back dislodg'd. The bard to left Held on his way, and I behind him mov'd. On our right hand new misery I saw, New pains, new executioners of wrath, That swarming peopled the first chasm. Below 'J5 Were naked sinners. Ilitherwanl they came, Meeting our faces from the middle point, With us beyond but with a larger stride. E'en thus the Romans, when the year returns Of Jubilee, with better speed to rid oO The thronging multitudes, their means devise For such as pass the bridge ; that on one side All front toward the castle, and approach HELL. Gl Saint Fetor's fane, on th' otlier towards the mount. Kach divers way along the grisly rock, 35 Horn'd demons I beheld, with lashes liuge, That on their back unmercifully sm<>ic. Ah ! how tliey made them bound at the first stripe ! None for the second waited nor the third. Meantime as on I pass'd, one met my sight 40 Whom soon as view'd ; "Of him," cried I, "not yet Mine eye hath had his till." With fixed ga/.e I therefore scann'd him. Straight the teacher kind PausM with me, and consented I should walk Unckward a space, and the tormented spirit, 45 Who thought to hide him, bent his visage down. But it avaifd him nought; for I exclaim'd : " Thou who dost cast thy eye upon the ground, Unless thy features do belie thee much, Venedico art thou. But what brings thee 50 Into ihis bitter seas'ning?" He replied : " Unwillingly I answer to thy words. But thy clear speech, that to my mind recalls The world I once inhabited, constrains me. Know then 'twas I who led fair Ghisola 55 To do the Marquis' will, however fame The shameful tale have bruited. Nor alone Bologna hither sendeth me to mourn. 1 lather with us the place is so o'erthrong'd That not so many tongues this day are taught, 60 IJetwixt the lleno and Savena's stream, To answer tfipa in their country's phrase. And if of that securer proof thou need, Remember but our craving thirst for gold." Him speaking thus, a demon with his thong C5 Struck, and exclaim'd, "Away! corrupter ! here Women are none for sale." Forthwith I join'd My escort, and few paces thence we came To where a rock forth issued from the bank. That easily ascended, to the right 70 Upon its splinter turning, we depart Krom those eternal barriers. When arriv'd, Where underneath the gaping arch lets pass 62 HKLL. The scourged souls : " Pause here," the teacher said, " And let these others miserable, now 75 Strike on thy ken, faces not yet beheld, For that together they with us have walk'd." From the old bridge we ey'd the pack, who came From th' other side towards us, like the rest, Excoriate from the lash. My gentle guide, By me unquestion'd, thus his speech resum'd : " Behold that lofty shade, who this way tends, And seems too woe-begone to drop a tear. How yet the regal aspect he retains ! Jason is he, whose skill and prowess Avon 85 The ram from Colchos. To the Lemnian isle His passage thither led him, when those bold And pitiless women had slain all their males. There he with tokens and fair witching words Hypsipyle beguil'd, a virgin young, 90 Who first had all the rest herself beguil'd. Impregnated he left her there forlorn. Such is the guilt condemns him to this pain. Here too Medea's inj'ries are avenged. All bear him company, who like deceit 95 To his have practis'd. And thus much to know Of the first vale suffice thee, and of those Whom its keen torments urge." Now had we come Where, crossing the next pier, the straighten'd path Bestrides its shoulders to another arch. 100 Hence in the second chasm we heard the ghosts, Who jibber in low melancholy sounds, With wide-stretch'd nostrils snort, and on themselves Smite with their palms. Upon the banks a scurf From the foul steam condens'd, encrusting hung, 105 That held sharp combat with the sight and smell. So hollow is the depth, that from no part, Save on the summit of the rocky span, Could I distinguish aught. Thus far we came ; And thence I saw, within the foss below, 110 A crowd immers'd in ordure, that appear'd Draff of the human body. There beneath Searching with eye inquisitive, I mark'd HKI.L. t)8 One with his hcrul so grnn'd, 't were hard to doom, If ho were dork or layman. Loud ho oricd : 115 "Why greedily thus bondost more on mo, Than on these other filthy ones, thy ken ? " "Because if true my mem'ry," I replied, " I heretofore have seer, thee with dry locks, And thou Alessio art of Lucca sprung. 120 Therefore than all the rest I scan thee more." Then beating on his brain these words ho spake : ' -Me thus low down my flatteries have sunk, "Wherewith I ne'er enough could glut my tongue." My leader thus: "A little farther stretch 125 Thy face, that thou the visage well mayst note Of that besotted, sluttish courtexan, Who there doth rend her with defiled nails, Now crouching down, now risen on her feet. Thai's is this, the harlot, whose false lip 130 Answer' d her doting paramour that ask'd, ' Thankost mo much ! ' ' Say rather wondrously,* And seeing this here satiate be our view." CANTO XIX. WOE to thee, Simon Magus ! woe to you, His wretched followers ! who the things of God, Which should be wedded unto goodness, them, Rapacious as ye are, do prostitute For gold and silver in adultery ! 6 Now must the trumpet sound for you, since yours Is the third chasm. Upon the following vault We now had mounted, where the rock impends Directly o'er the centre of the foss. Wisdom Supreme ! how wonderful the art, 10 Which thou dost manifest in heaven, in earth, And in the evil world, how just a meed Allotting by thy virtue unto all ! I saw the livid stone, throughout the sides And in its bottom full of apertures, 15 All equal in their width, and circular each, 64 HELL. Nor ample less nor larger they appear'd, Than in Saint John's fair dome of me bclov'rl Those frain'd to hold the pure baptismal streams, One of the which I brake, some few years past, 20 To save a whelming infant ; and be this A seal to undeceive whoever doubts The motive of my deed. From out the mouth Of every one, em erg' d a sinner's feet And of the legs high upward as the calf 25 The rest beneath was hid. On either foot The soles were burning, whence the flexile joints Glanc'd with such violent motion, as had snapt Asunder cords or twisted withs. As flame, Feeding on unctuous matter, glides along 30 The surface, scarcely touching where it moves ; So here, from heel to point, glided the flames. " Master ! say who is he, than all the rest Glancing in fiercer agony, on whom A ruddier flame doth prey ? " I thus inquir'd. 35 "If thou be willing," he replied, " that I Carry thee down, where least the slope bank falls, He of himself shall tell thee and his wrongs." I then : " As pleases thee to me is best. Thou art my lord ; and know'st that ne'er I quit 40 Thy will : what silence hides that knoAvest thou." Thereat on the fourth pier we came, we turn'd, And on our left descended to the depth, A narrow strait and perforated close. Nor from his side my leader set me down, 45 Till to his orifice he brought, whose limb Quiv'ring express'd his pang. " Whoe'er thou art. Sad spirit ! thus revers'd, and as a stake Driv'n in the soil ! " I in these words began, " If thou be able, utter forth thy voice." 50 There stood I like the friar, that doth shrive A wretch for murder doom'd, who e'en Avhcn fix d, Calleth him back, Avhence death a\vhile delays. He shouted : " Ha ! already standest there ? Already standest there, O Boniface ! 55 By many a year the writing play'd me false. ITET.L. 65 So early dost thou surfeit with the wealth, For which Ihou feaivdst not in guile to take The lovely lady, and then mangle her? 1 ' I felt as those who, piercing not the drift 60 Of answer made them, stand as it' expos'd In mockery, nor know what to reply, When Virgil thus admonish'd: "Tell him quick, I am not he, not he, whom thou believ'st." And I, as was enjoin'd me, straight replied. 66 That heard, the spirit all did wrench his feet, And sighing next in woeful accent spake : " What then of me requirest? If to know So much imports thee, who I am, that thou Hast therefore down the bank descended, learn 70 That in the mighty mantle I was rob'd, And of a she-bear was indeed the son, So eager to advance my whelps, that there .My having in my purse above I stowM, And here myself. Under my head are dragg'd 75 The rest, my predecessors in the guilt Of simony. Stretch'd at their length they lie Along an opening in the rock. 'Midst them I also low shall fall, soon as he comes, For whom I took thee, when so hastily 80 I question'd. But already longer time I lath pass'd, since my souls kindled, and I thus Upturn'd have stood, than is his doom to stand Planted with iiery feet. For after him, One yet of deeds more ugly shall arrive, 85 From forth the west, a shepherd without law, Fated to cover both his form and mine. lie a new Jason shall be call'd, of whom In .Maccabees we read ; and favour such As to that priest his king indulgent show'd, 90 Shall be of France's monarch shown to him." I know not if I here too far pmsum'd, But in this strain I answer' d : "Tell me now, What treasures from St. Peter at the lirst Our Lord demanded, when he put the keys 95 Into his charge? Surely he ask'd no more GO HELL. But, Follow me! ' Nor Peter nor the ;est Or gold or silver of Matthias took, When lots were cast upon the forfeit place Of the condemned soul. Abide thou then ; 100 Thy punishment of right is merited : And look thou well to that ill-gotten coin, Which against Charles thy hardihood inspir'd. If reverence of the keys restrain'd me not, Which thou in happier time didst hold, I yet lOf Severer speech might use. Your avarice O'ercasts the world with mourning, under foot Treading the good, and raising bad men up. Of shepherds, like to you, th' Evangelist Was ware, when her, who sits upon the waves, 11 ) With kings in filthy whoredom he beheld, She who with seven heads tower'd at her birth, And from ten horns her proof of glory drew, Long as her spouse in virtue took delight. Of gold and silver ye have made your god, 11 ; Differing wherein from the idolater, But he that worships one, a hundred ye ? Ah, Constantino ! to how much ill gave birth, Not thy conversion, but that plenteous dower, Which the first wealthy Father gain'd from thee ! " 12'J Meanwhile, as thus I sung, he, whether wrath Or conscience smote him, violent upsprang Spinning on either sole. I do believe My teacher well was pleas'd, with so compos'd A lip, he listen'd ever to the sound !'/- Of the true words I utter'd. In both arms lie caught, and to his bosom lifting me Upward retrac'd the way of his descent. Nor weary of his weight he press'd me close, Till to the summit of the rock we came, ]>) Our passage from the fourth to the fifth pier. His cherish'd burden thei-e gently he plac'd Upon the rugged rock and steep, a path Not easy for the clamb'ring goat to mount. Thence to my view another vale appear'd, 13f> HELL. 67 CANTO XX. AND now tlie verso proceeds to torments new, Fit argument of this the twentieth strain Of the first song, whose :iwful tlieme records The spirits whelm'd in woe. Earnest I lookM Into the depth, that open'd to my view, & .Moisten'd with tears of anguish, and beheld A tribe, that came along the hollow vale, In silence weeping: such their step as walk Quires chanting solemn litanies on earth. As on them more direct mine eye descends, 10 Each wonderously seem'd to be revers'd At the neck-bone, so that the countenance Was from the reins averted : and because None might before him look, they were compellM To' advance with backward gait. Thus one perhaps 15 I lath been by force of palsy clean transposed, JJut I ne'er saw it nor believe it so. Now, reader! think within thyself, so God Fruit of thy reading give thee ! how I long Could keep" my visage dry, when I beheld 20 Near me our form distorted in such guise, That on the hinder parts fall'n from the face The tears downstream ing roll'd. Against a rock I leant and wept, so that my guide exclaim'd : " What, and art thou too witless as the rest? 25 Here pity most doth show herself alive, When she is dead. What guilt exceedeth his, Who with Heaven's judgment in his passion strives? liaise up thy head, raise up, and see the man, Before whose eyes earth gap'd in Thebes, when all 30 Cried out, ' Amphiaraus, whither rushest ? ' Why leavest thou the war? ' lie not the less Fell ruining far as to Minos down, Whose grapple none eludes. Lo ! how lie makes The breast his shoulders, and who once too far '>!) Before him wish'd to see, now backward looks, And treads reverse his path. Tiresias note, Who semblance changM, when woman he became 68 HE II,. Of male, tin "Nigh every limb transform'd, and (hen Once more behov'd him with his rod to strike 40 The two entwining serpents, ere the plumes, That mark'd the better sex, might shoot again. " Aruns, with rere his belly facing, conies. On Luni's mountains 'midst the marbles white, AY here delves Carrara's hind, who wons beneath, 45 A cavern was his dwelling, whence the stars And main-sea wide in boundless view he held. " The next, whose loosen'd tresses overspread Her bosom, which thou seest not (for each hair On that side grows) was Manto, she who search'd 50 Through many regions, and at length her seat Fix'd in my native land, whence a short space My words detain thy audience. When her sire From life departed, and in servitude The city dedijate to Bacchus mourn'd, 55 Long time she went a wand'rer through the world. Aloft in Italy's delightful land A lake there lies, at foot of that proud Alp, That o'er the Tyrol locks Gcrmania in, Its name Benacus, which a thousand rills, 60 Methinks, and more, water between the vale Camonica and Garda and the height Of Apennine remote. There is a spot At midway of that lake, where he who bears Of Trento's flock the past'ral staff, with him 65 Of Brescia, and the Veronese, might each Passing that way his benediction give. A garrison of goodly site and strong Peschiera stands, to awe with front oppos'd The Bergamese and Brescian, whence the shore 70 More slope each way descends. There, whatsoever Jjomicus' bosom holds not, tumbling o'er Down falls, and winds a river flood beneath Through the green pastures. Soon as in his course The steam makes head, Benacus then no more 75 They call the name, but Mincius, till at last Reaching Governo into Po he falls. Not far his course hath run, when a wide flat 11KLL. 69 II, finds, which overstretching as a mai>h It coven, pestilent in summer oft. 80 Hence journeying, the savage maiden saw 'Midst of the fen a territory waste And naked of inhabitants. To shun All human converse, here she with her slaves Plying her arts reinainM, and liv'd, and left 85 Her body tenantless. Thenceforth the tribes, Who round were scattcr'd, gathering to that place Assembled ; for its strength was great, enclosed On all parts by the fen. On those dead bones They rear'd themselves a city, for her sake, 90 Calling it Mantua, who iirst chose the spot, Nor ask'd another omen for the name, "Wherein more numerous the people dwelt, Ere Casalodi's madness by deceit "Was wrong" d of Pinamonte. If thou hear 95 Henceforth another origin assign'd Of that my country, I forewarn tliee now, That falsehood none beguile tliee of the truth." I answer' d : "Teacher, I conclude thy words So cei-taiii, that all else shall be to me 100 As embers lacking life. But now of these 1 , Who here proceed, instruct me, if thou see Any that merit more especial note. For thereon is my mind alone intent." 104 He straight replied: "That spirit, from whose check The beard sweeps o'er his shoulders brown, what time (inecia was emptied of her males, that scarce The cradles were supplied, the seer was he In Aulis, who with Ca.'chas gave the sign When first to cut the cable. Him they nanfd 110 Kurypilus : so sings my tragic strain, In which majestic measure well thou know'st, Who know'st it all. That other, round the loins So slender of his shape, was Michael Scot, Practis'd in cvVy slight of magic wile. 115 " Guiclo Bonatti sec : Asdente mark. Who now were willing, he had tended still The thread and cordwain ; and too late repents. 70 HELL. " Sec next the wretches, who the needle Jeft, The shuttle :iml the spindle, and became 120 Diviners: baneful wiuheries they wrought With images and herbs. But onward now: For now doth Cain with fork of thorns confine On either hemisphere, touching the wave Beneath the towers of Seville. Yesternight 1-5 The moon was round. Thou mayst remember well . For she good service did thee in the gloom Of the deep wood." This said, both onward mov'd. CANTO XXL Tims we from bridge to bridge, with other talk, The whicli my drama cares not to rehearse-, Pass'd on; and to the summit reaching, stood To view another gap, within the round Of Malebolge, other bootless pangs. & Marvellous darkness shadow'd o'er the place. In the Venetians' arsenal as boils Through wintry months tenacious pitch, to smear Their unsound vessels ; for th' inclement time Sea-faring men restrains, and in that while, 10 His bark one builds anew, another stops The ribs of his, that hath made many a voyage ; One hammers at the prow, one at the poop ; This shapeth oars, that other cables twirls, The mixen one repairs and main-sail rent If) So not by force of tire but art divine Boil'd here a glutinous thick mass, that round Lim'd all the shore beneath. I that beheld, But therein nought distinguish'*!, save the surge, llais'd by the boiling, in one mighty swell ~" Heave, and by turns subsiding and fall. While there I fix'd my ken below, "Mark! mark!" my guide K.vclaiming, drew me towards him from the place, Wherein I stood. I turnM myself as one, Impatient to behold that which beheld -o He need.v must shun, whom sudden fear unm. HKLL. 71 That lie his flight delays not fur the view. Behind me I discern'd a devil Mack, That running up advanc'd along tlie rock. All ! what fierce cruelty his look bcspake ! U(J In act how bitter did he seem, with wings buoyant outstretchM and feet of nimblest tread ! lis shoulder proudly eminent and sharp vVas with a sinner charg'd ; by either haunch Ie held him, the foot's sinew griping fast. 35 " Ye of our bridge ! " he cried, " keen-talon'd fiends ! jo ! one of Santa Zita's elders! Him vVhelm ye beneath, while I return for more. That land hath store of such. All men are there, txcept Bonturo, bartercra : of 'no' 40 'or lucre there an 'aye' is quickly made." Him dashing down, o'er the rough rock he lurnM, iS'or ever after thief a mastii'f loos'd >ped with like eager haste. That other sank And forthwith writing to the surface rose 1 . 4.5 tint those dark demons, shrouded by the bridge, ..Vied "Jli-re the hallow'd visage saves not: here (s other swimming than in Serchio's wave. \Vherefore if thou desire we rend thee not, fake heed thou mount not o'er the pitch." This said, They grappled him with more than hundred hcoks, 51 And shouted : " CoverM 1hou must sjiurt thee here; So, if thou canst, in secret niayst thou filch." K'en thus the cook bestirs him, with his grooms, To thrust, the llesh into the caldron down 55 vVith lloh-hooks, that it float not, on the top. Me then my guide be-spake : "Lest they descry, That thou art here, behind a craggy rock lend low and screen thee; and whate'er of force lie oiTcr'd me, or insult, fear thou not: t'/i |-'lac'd me in a lord's retinue, For she had borne me to a losel vile, A spendthrift of his substance and himself. 50 The good king Thibault after that I serv'd, To peculating here my thoughts were turn'd, Whereof I give account in this dire heat." Straight Ciriatto, from whose mouth a tusk Issued on either side, as from a boar, 55 Kipt him with one of these. 'Twixt evil claws The mouse had fall'n : but Barbariceia cried, Seizing him with both arms : " Stand thou apart, While I do fix him on my prong transpierc'd." Then added, turning to my guide his face, 60 "Inquire of him, if more thou wish to learn, Ere he again be rent." My leader thus : " Then tell us of the partners in thy guilt ; Knowest thou any sprung of Latian land Under the tar ? " " I parted," he replied, 65 " But now from one, who sojourn'd not far thence ; So were I under shelter now with him ! Nor hook nor talon then should scare me more." "Too long AVC suffer," Libicocco cried, Then, darting forth a prong, seiz'd on his arm, 70 And mangled bore away the sinewy part. Him Draghinazzo by his thighs beneath Would next have caught, whence angrily their chief, Turning on all sides round, with threatening brow Kestrain'd them. When their strife a little ceas'd, 75 Of him, who yet was gazing on his wound, My teacher thus without delay inquir'd : " Who was the spirit, from whom by evil hap Parting, as thou has told, thou eam'st to shore?" " It was the friar Gomita," he rejoin'd, 80 " He of Gallura, vessel of all guile, Who had liis master's enemies in hand, And usM them so that they commend him well. Money he took, and them at large; dismissed. So he reports : and in each other charge 85 76 I! El. I,. Committed to Ins keeping, play'd the part Of barterer to the height : with him doth herd The chief of Logodoro, Micliel Zanehe. Sardinia is a theme, whereof their tongue Is never weary. Out ! alas ! behold 90 That other, how he grins ! More would I say, But tremble lest he mean to maul me sore." Their captain then to Farfarello turning, Who roll'd his moony eyes in act to strike, Rebuk'd him thus : " Off ! cursed bird ! avaunt ! " 95 " If ye desire to see or hear," he thus Quaking with dread resum'd, " or Tuscan spirits Or Lombard, I will cause them to appear. Meantime let these ill talons bate their fury, So that no vengeance they may fear from them, 100 And I, remaining in this self-same place, Will for myself but one, make sev'n appear, When my shrill whistle shall be heard ; for so Our custom is to call each other up." Cagnazzo at that word deriding grinn'd, 105 Then wagg'd the head and spake : " Hear his device, Mischievous as he is, to plunge him down." Whereto he thus, who fail'd not in rich store Of nice-wove toils ; " Mischief forsooth extreme, Meant only to procure myself more woe ! " 110 No lorger Alichino then refrain'd, But thus, the rest gainsaying, him bespake : " If thou do cast thee down, I not on foot Will chase thee, but above the pitch will beat My plumes. Quit we the vantage ground, and let Lib The bank be as a shield, that we may see If singly thou prevail against us all." Now, reader, of new sport expect to hear ! They each one turn'd his eyes to the' other shore, He first, who was the hardest to persuade. 120 The spirit of Navarre chose well his time, Planted his feet on land, and at one leap Escaping disappointed their resolve. Them quick resentment stung, but him the most, Who was the cause of failure ; in pursuit 125 HEM.. 77 Jit- therefore sped, exclaiming; "Thou art caught." But little it avail'd : terror outstripp'd His following fliglit: the other plung'd beneath, And he with upward pinion rais'd his breast : E'en thus the water-fowl, when she perceives 130 The falcon near, dives instant down, while he Knrag'd and spent retires. That mockery In Calcabrina fury stirr'd, who flew After him, with desire of strife inflam'd ; And, for the barterer had 'seap'd, so turn'd 135 His talons on his comrade. O'er the dyke In grapple close they join'd ; but the' other prov'd A goshawk able to rend well his foe; And in the boiling lake both fell. The heat Was umpire soon between them, but in vain 14C To lift themselves they strove, so fast were glued Their pennons. Barbariccia, as the rest, That chance lamenting, four in flight dispateh'd From the' other coast, with all their weapons arm'd. They, to their post on each side speedily 145 ])escending, stretch'd their hooks toward the fiends, Who flouuder'd, inly burning from their scars : And we departing left them to that broil. CANTO XXIII. Ix silence and in solitude we went, One first, the other following his steps, As minor friars journeying on their road. The present fray had turn'd my thoughts to muse Upon old ^'Ksop's fable, where he told 5 What fate unto the mouse and frog befell. For language hath not sounds more like in sense, Than are. these chances, if the origin And end of each be needfully compar'd. And as one thought bursts from another forth, 10 So afterward from that another sprang, Which added doubly to my former fear. Vr thus I rcason'd : " Thes.- thron-'h us have been 78 HELL. So foil'd, with loss and mock'ry so complete, As needs must sting them sore. If anger then 15 ]>e to their evil will conjoin'd, more fell They shall pursue us, than the savage hound Snatches the leveret, panting 'twixt his jaws." Already I perceiv'd my hair stand all On end with terror, and look'd eager back. 20 "Teacher," I thus began, " if speedily Thyself and me thou hide not, much I dread Those evil talons. Even now behind They urge us : quick imagination works So forcibly, that I already feel them." 25 He answer'd : " Were I form'd of leaded glass, I should not sooner draw unto myself Thy outward image, than I now imprint That from within. This moment came thy thoughts Presented before mine, with similar act 30 And count'nance similar, so that from both I one design have fram'd. If the right coast Incline so much, that we may thence descend Into the other chasm, we shall escape Secure from this imagined pursuit." 35 He had not spoke his purpose to the end, When I from far beheld them with spread wings Approach to take us. Suddenly my guide Caught me, ev'n as a mother that from sleep Is by the noise arous'd, and near her sees 4C The climbing fires, who snatches up her babe And flies ne'er pausing, careful more of him Than of herself, that but a single vest Clings round her limbs. Down from the jutting beach Supine he cast him, to that pendent rock, 46 1 Which closes on one part the other chasm. Never ran water with such hurrying pace Adown the tube to turn a land-mill's wheel, When nearest it approaches to the spokes, As then along that edge my master ran, 60 Carrying me in his bosom, as a child, Not a companion. Scarcely had his feet Heaeh'd to the lowest of the bed beneath. ITET.T.. When over as the stoop they rcach'd ; but fear In him was none; for that high Providence, 5ft Which placM thorn ministers of the fifth t'<>ss, Power of departing thence took from them all. There in the depth we saw a painted tribe, Who pac'd with tardy steps around, and wept,' Faint in appearance and o'ercome with toil. Caps had they on, with hoods, that fell low down Before their eyes, in fashion like to those Worn by the monks in Cologne. Their outside Was overlaid with gold, dazzling to view, But leaden all within, and of such weight, That Frederick's compar'd to these were straw. Oh, everlasting wearisome attire ! We yet once more with them together turn'd To leftward, on their dismal moan intent. But by the weight oppressed, so slowly came 70 The fainting people, that our company Was ehang'd at every movement of the step. Whencel my guide address'd : " See that thou find Some spirit, whose name may by his deeds be known, And to that end look round thee as thou go'st." 75 Then one, who understood the Tuscan voice, Cried after us aloud : "Hold in your feet, Ye who so swiftly speed through the dusk air. Perchance from me thou shalt obtain thy wish." Whereat my leader, turning, me bespake : " Pause, and then onward at their pace proceed." I staid, and saw two spirits in whose look Impatient eagerness of mind was mark'd To overtake me ; but the load they bare And narrow path retarded their approach. 85 Soon as arriv'd, they with an eye askance IVrus'd me, but spake not: then turning each To other thus conferring said: "This one Seems, by the action of his throat, alive. And, be they dead, what privilege allows They walk unmantled by the cumbrous stole?" Then thus to me : " Tuscan, who visitest The lollege of the mourning hypoeritrs, 80 HELL. Disdain not to instruct us who tliou art." " By Arno's pleasant stream," I thus replied, 95 " In the great city I was bred and grew, And wear the body I have ever worn. But who are ye, from whom such mighty grief, As now I witness, courseth down your cheeks ? What torment breaks forth in this bitter woe ? " 100 " Our bonnets gleaming bright with orange hue," One of them answer'd, " are so leaden gross, That with their weight they make the balances To crack beneath them. Joyous friars we were, Bologna's natives, Catalano I, 105 He Loderingo nam'd, and by thy land Together taken, as men used to take A single and indifferent arbiter, To reconcile their strifes. How there we sped, Gardingo's vicinage can best declare." 110 " O friars ! " I began, " your miseries " But there brake off, for one had caught my eye, Fix'd to a cross with three stakes on the ground : He, when he saw me, writh'd himself, throughout Distorted, ruffling with deep sighs his beard. 115 And Catalano, who ^hereof was 'ware, Thus spake : " That pierced spirit, whom intent Thou view'st, was he who gave the Pharisees Counsel, that it were fitting for one man To suffer for the people. He doth lie 120 Transverse ; nor any passes, but him first Behoves make feeling trial how each weighs. In straits like this along the foss are plac'd The father of his consort, and the rest Partakers in that council, seed of ill 125 And sorrow to the Jews." I noted then, How Virgil gaz'd with wonder upon him, Thus abjectly extended on the cross In banishment eternal. To the friar He next his words address'd : " We pray ye tell, 130 If so be lawful, whether on our right Lies any opening in the rock, whereby We both may issue hence, without constraint HELL 81 On tin- dark angels, that com pell'd llioycoinp To lead us from tliis depth." lie thus replied : 135 lt Nearer than tliou dost lio])0, tlio.ro. is a rock From Ilio next circle moving, which u'erstops Each vale of horror, save that here his cope Is shatter'd. ]>y the ruin ye may mount : For on the side it-slants, and most the height 140 Rises below." With head bent down awhile My leader stood, then spake : " lie warn'd us ill, Who yonder hangs the sinners on his hook." To whom the friar : At Bologna erst I many vices of the devil heard, 145 Among the rest was said, ' He is a liar, And the father of lies !' " When he had spoke, My leader Avith large strides proceeded on, Somewhat disturb'd with anger in his look. I therefore left the spirits heavy laden, 150 And following, his beloved footsteps mark'd. CANTO XXIV. Ix the year's early nonage, when the sun Tempers his tresses in Aquarius' urn, And now towards equal day the nights recede, When as the rime upon the earth puts on Her da/x.ling sister's image, but not long 6 Her milder sway endures, then riseth up The village hind, whom fails his wintry store, And looking out beholds the plain around All whiten'd, whence impatiently he smites Jlis thighs, and to his hut returning in, 10 There paces to and fro, wailing his lot, As a discomfited and helpless man ; Then comes he forth again, and feels new hope Spring in his bosom, finding e'en thus soon The world hath changed its countenance, grasps his crook, And forth to pasture drives his little Hock : It So me my guide disheartened when I saw His trouMed forehead, and so speedily 82 HULL. That ill was cur'd ; for at tlie fallen bridge Arriving, towards me with a look as sweet, 20 He turn'd him back, as that I first beheld At the steep mountain's foot. Regarding well The ruin, and some counsel first maintain'd With his own thought, he open'd wide his arm And took me up. As one, who, while he works, 25 Computes his labour's issue, that he seems Still to foresee the' effect, so lifting me Up to the summit of one peak, he fix'd His eye upon another. " Grapple that," Said he, " but first make proof, if it be such 3G As will sustain thee." For one capp'd with lead This were no journey. Scarcely he, though light, And I, though onward push'd from crag to crag, Could mount. And if the precinct of this coast Were not less ample than the last, for him 35 I know not, but my strength had surely fail'd. But Malebolge all toward the mouth Inclining of the nethermost abyss, The site of every valley hence requires, That one side upward slope, the other fall. 40 At length the point of our descent we reach'd From the last flag : soon as to that arriv'd, So was the breath exhausted from my lungs, I could no further, but did seat me there. " Now needs thy best of man ; " so spake my as thou e'er shall 'scape this darksome realm 140 Open thine ears and hear what I forebode. Reft of the Neri first Pistoia pines, Then Florence channel h citi/ens and laws. From Valdimagra, drawn by wrathful Mars, A vapour rises, wrapt in turbid mists, Ho And sharp and eager driveth on the storm With arrowy hurtling o'er Pieeno's field, Whence suddenly the cloud shall burst, and strike Kach helpless Bianco prostrate to the ground. This have I told, that grief may rend thy heart." 150 CANTO XXV. WHKX he had spoke, the sinner rais'd his hands Pointed in mockery, and cried: "Take them, God! I level them at thee ! " From that day forth The serpents were my friends ; for round his neck One of then rolling twisted, as it said, 5 " Be silent, tongue ! " Another to his arms Upgliding, tied them, riveting itself So close, it took from them the power to move. Pistoia ! ah Pistoia ! why dost doubt To turn thee into ashes, cumb'ring earth 10 No longer, since in evil act so far Thou hast outdone thy seed ? I did not mark, Through all the gloomy circles of the' abyss, Spirit, that swell'd so proudly 'gainst his (Jod, Not him, who headlong fell from Thebes. He fled, 15 Nor utter'd more ; and after him there came A centaur full of fury, shouting, " Where Where is the caitiff:"' On Maremma's marsh Swarm not the serpent tribe, as on his haunch They swarm'd, to where the human face begins. iiO Behind his head upon the shoulders lay, With open wings, a dragon breathing fire On whomsoever lie met. To me my guide: "Caeuti ib this, who underneath the rock 86 HKLL. Of Aventine spread oft a lake of blood. 25 He, from his brethren parted, here must tread A different journey, for his fraudful theft Of the great herd, that near him stall'd ; whence found His felon deeds their end, beneath the mace Of stout Alcides, that perchance laid on A hundred blows, and not the tenth was felt." While yet he spake, the centaur sped away : And under us three spirits came, of whom Nor I nor he was ware, till they exclaim'd ; " Say who are ye ? " We then brake off discourse, Intent on these alone. I knew them not ; But, as it chanceth oft, befell, that one Had need to name another. " Where," said he, " Doth Cianfa lurk ? " I, for a sign my guide Should stand attentive, plac'd against my lips The finger lifted. If, O reader ! now Thou be not apt to credit what I tell, No marvel ; for myself do scarce allow The witness of mine eyes. But as I looked Toward them, lo ! a serpent with six feet Springs forth on one, and fastens full upon him : His midmost grasp'd the belly, a forefoot Seiz'd on each arm (while deep in either check He flesh'd his fangs) ; the hinder on the thighs Were spread, 'twixt which the tail inserted cuii'd Upon the reins behind. Ivy ne'er clasp'd A dodder'd oak, as round the other's limbs The hideous monster intertwin'd his own. Then, as they both had been of burning wax, Each melted into other, mingling hues, That which was either now was seen no more. Thus up the shrinking paper, ere it burns, A brown tint glides, not turning yet to black, And the clean white expires. The other two Ixjok'd on exclaiming : "Ah, how dost thou change, 60 Agnello ! See ! Thou art nor double now, Nor only one." The two heads now became One, and two figures blended in one form Appear'd, where both were lost. Of the four lengths HULL. Two arms were made : the belly and the chest 65 The thfghs and legs into such members ehang'd, As never eye liath seen. Of former shape All trace w'as v;inisird. Two yet neither sccm'd That image miscreate, and so pass'd on With tardy steps. As underneath the scourge 70 Of the fierce dog-star, that lays hare the fields, Shifting from brake to brake, the lizard seems A Hash of lightning, if he thwart the road, So toward th' entrails of the other two Approaching seem'd, an adder all on fire, 75 As the dark pepper-grail), livid and swart. In that part, whence our life is nourish'd first, One he transpicrc'd ; then down before him fell Siretch'd out. The pierced spirit look'd on him Hut spake not; yea stood motionless and yawn'd, As if by sleep or fev'rous fit assail'd. lie ey'd the serpent, and the serpent him. One from the wound, the other from the mouth Breath'd a thick smoke, whose vap'ry columns join'd. Lucan in mute attention now may hear, 85 N T or thy disastrous fate, Sabellus ! tell, Nor thine, Nasidius ! Ovid now be mute. NY hat if in warbling fiction he record Cadmus and Arethusa, to a snake Him chang'd, and her into a fountain clear, 90 I envy not ; for never face to face Two natures thus transmuted did he sing, NY herein both shapes were ready to assume The other's substance. They in mutual guise S.> ;inswer'd, that the serpent split his train 05 I>ivided to a fork, and the pierc'd spirit Drew close his steps together, legs and thighs Compacted, that no sign of juncture soon \Y:is visible : the tail disparted took The figure which the- spirit lost, its skin 100 SotVning, his indurated to a rind. The shoulders next I mark'd, that ent'ring join'd The monster's arm-pits, whose two shorter feet 80 lengthen'd, as the other's dwindling shrunk. 88 IIELT,. The feet behind then twisting up became 105 That part that man conceals, which in the wretch Was cleft in twain. While both the shadowy smoke With a new colour veils, and generates TV excrescent pile on one, peeling it off From th' other body, lo ! upon his feet 110 One upright rose, and prone the other fell. Not yet their glaring and malignant lamps Were shifted, though each feature chang'd beneath. Of him who stood erect, the mounting face Retreated towards the temples, and what there 115 Superfluous matter came, shot out in eai's From the smooth cheeks ; the rest, not backward dragg'd, Of its excess did shape the nose ; and swell'd Into due size protuberant the lips. He, on the earth who lay, meanwhile extends 120 His sharpen'd visage, and draws down the ears Into the head, as doth the slug his horns. His tongue continuous before and apt For utt'rance, severs ; and the other's fork Closing unites. That done the smoke was laid. 125 The soul, transform'd into the brute, glides off, Hissing along the vale, and after him The other talking sputters ; but soon turn'd His new-grown shoulders on him, and in few Thus to another spake : "Along this path 130 Crawling, as I have done, speed Buoso now ! " So saw I fluctuate in successive change Th' unsteady ballast of the seventh hold : And here if aught my tongue have swerv'd, events So strange may be its warrant. O'er mine eyes 135 Confusion hung, and on my thoughts amaze. Yet 'scap'd they not so covertly, but well I mark'd Sciancato : he alone it was Of the three first that came, who chang'd not : thou, The other's fate, Gaville, still dost rue. 140 HELL. 89 CANTO XXVI. FLORENCE exult ! for thon so mightily Hast llirivcn, that o'er land and ,sea thy wings Thou boatest, and thy name spreads over hell ! Among the plund'rcrs such the three I found Thy citizens, whence shame to me thy son, And no proud honour to thyself redounds. But if our minds, when dreaming near the dawn, Are of the truth presageful, thou ere long Shalt feel what Prato, (not to say the rest) Would fain might come upon thee; and that chance 10 AVere in good time, if it befell thee now. Would so it were, since it must needs befall ! For as time wears me, I shall grieve the more. We from the depth departed ; and my guide Remounting scal'd the flinty steps, which late 15 We- downward trac'd, and drew me up the steep. Pursuing thus our solitary way Among the crags and splinters of the rock, Sped not our feet without the help of hands. Then sorrow seiz'd me, which e'en now revives, 20 As my thought turns again to what I saw, And, more than I am wont, I rein and curb The powers of nature in me, lest they run Where Virtue guides not; that if aught of good My gentle star, or something better gave me, 25 I envy not myself the precious boon. As in that season, when the sun least veils His face that lightens all, what time the fly (lives way to the shrill gnat, the peasant then Upon some cliff redin'd, beneath him sees 30 Fire-flies innumerous spangling o'er the vale, Vineyard or tilth, where his day-labour lies : With flames so numberless throughout its space Shone the eighth chasm, apparent, when the depth Was to my view expos'd. As he, whose wrongs '&\ The bears aveng'd, at its departure saw Elijah's cliariot, whfii the steeds erect TiaisM their steep flight for heuv'n ; his eyes meanwhile, 90 HI:T,L. Straining pnrsuM them, till tlic flpmc alone Upsoaring like a misty spook he ken n VI ; 40 E'en thus along the gulf moves every ilamc,' A sinner so enfolded elose in each, Th.it none exhibits token of the theft. Upon the bridge I forward bent to look, And grasp'd a flinty mass, or else had fall'n, 45 Though push VI not from the height. The guide, who mark'd I low I did gaze attentive, thus began : " Within these ardours are the spirits, each Swath'd in confining fire." "Master, thy word," I answer'd, "hath assur'd me ; yet I deem'd 50 Already of the truth, already wish'd To ask thee, who is in yon fire, that comes So parted at the summit, as it seem'd Ascending from that funeral pile, where lay The Theban brothers?" He replied : " Within 55 Ulysses there and Diomede endure Their penal tortures, thus to vengeance now Together hasting, as erewhile to wrath. These in the flame witli ceaseless groans deplore The ambush of the horse, that open'd wide 00 A portal for that goodly seed to pass, Which sow'd imperial Rome ; nor less the guile Lament they, whence of her Achilles 'reft Dcidamia yet in death complains. And there is rued the stratagem, that Troy G5 Of her Palladium spoil'd." " If they have power Of utt'rance from within these sparks," said I, " O master ! think my prayer a thousand fold In repetition tirg'd, that thou vouchsafe To pause, till here the horned flame arrive. 70 Set 1 , how toward it with desire I bend." He thus: "Thy. prayer is worthy of much praise, And I accept it therefore : but do thou I'hy tongue refrain : to question them be mine, For I divine thy wish : and they perchance, 75 For they were Greeks, might shun discourse with thee." Wlien there, the flame had come, where time and place rtKU,. 91 SooinM fitting to my guide, lie thus began : ' A <) ye, win) dwell two spirits in one fire! If living I of you did merit aught, SO What e'er tin: measure were of that desert, When in the world my lofty strain I pour'd, Move ye not on, till one of you unfold In what dime death o'crtook him self-destroy'd.'* Of the old flame forthwith the greater horn 86 Began to roll, murmuring, as a fire That labours with the wind, then to and fro Wagging the top, as a tongue uttering sounds, Threw out its voice, and spake: "When I escap'd From Circe, who beyond a circling year 90 Had held me near Caieta, by her charms, Ere thus xEneas yet had nam'd the shore, Xor fondness for my son, nor reverence Of my old father, nor return of love, Thai should have crown'd Penelope with joy, 95 Could overcome in me the zeal I had T' explore the world, and search the ways of life, Man's evil and his virtue. Forth I sail'd Into the deep illimitable main, With but one bark, and the small faithful band 100 That yet eleav'd to me. As Iberia far, Far as Morocco either shore I saw, And the Sardinian and each isle beside Which round that ocean bathes. Tardy with age \Wre I and my companions, when we came 105 To the strait pass, where Hercules ordain'd The boundaries not to be o'erstepp'd by man. The walls of Seville to my right I left, <>n the' other hand already Ceuta past. ' () brothers ! ' I began, who to the west llO 'Through perils without number now have rcach'd, 'To this the short remaining watch, that yet 'Our senses have to wake, refuse not proof 'Of the unpeopled world, following the track 'Of PluL'hus. ('all to mind from whence we sprang: 115 ' Ye. were not form'd to live the life of brutes, But virtue to pursue and knowledge high.' 92 HELL. With these few words I sharpen'd for the voyage The mind of my associates, that I then Could scarcely have withheld them. To the dawn 120 Our poop we turn'd, and for the Avitless flight Made our oars wings, still gaining on the left. Each star of the' other pole night now beheld, And ours so low, that from the ocean-floor It rose not. Five times re-illum'd, as oft 125 Vanish'd the light from underneath the moon Since the deep way we enter'd, when from far Appear'd a mountain dim, loftiest mcthought Of all I e'er beheld. Joy seiz'd us straight, But soon to mourning changed. From the new land 1HO A whirlwind sprung, and at her foremost side Did strike the vessel. Thrice it whirl'd her round With all the waves, the fourth time lifted up The poop, and sank the prow : so fate decreed : And over us the booming billow clos'd." 135 CANTO XXVII. Now upward rose the flame, and still'd its light To speak no more, and now pass'd on with leave From the mild poet gain'd, when following came Another, from whose top a sound confus'd, Forth issuing, drew our eyes that way to look. 5 As the Sicilian bull, that rightfully His cries first echoed, who had shap'd its mould, Did so rebellow, with the voice of him Tormented, that the brazen monster seem'd Pierc'd through with pain ; thus while no way they found " 10 Nor avenue immediate through the flame, Into its language turn'd the dismal words : But soon as they had won their passage forth, Up from the point, which vibrating obey'd Their motion at the tongue, these sounds we heard : 15 " O thou ! to whom I now direct my voice ! That lately didst exclaim in Lombard phrase, HELL. 93 Depart thou, I solicit th'-e no more,' Though somewhat tardy I perchance arrive, Let it not irk thee here to pause awhile, 2( And with me parley: lo ! it irks not me And yet I burn. If but e'en now thou fall Into this blind world, from that pleasant land Of Latium, whence I draw my sum of guilt, Tell me if those, who in Romagna dwell, 25 Have peace or war. For of the mountains there Was I, betwixt Urbino and the height, Whence Tyber first unlocks his mighty flood." Leaning I listen'd yet with hecdi'ul ear, When, as he touch'd my side, the leader thus : 30 "Speak thou: he is a Latian." My reply Was ready, and I spake without delay: "O spirit! who art hidden here below! Never was thy Romagna without war In her proud tyrants' bosoms, nor is now : 35 IJut open war there left I none. The state, Ravenna hath maintain'd this many a year, Is steadfast. There Polenta's eagle broods, And iii his broad circumference of plume OYrshadows Cervia. The green talons grasp 40 The land, that stood erewhile the proof so long, And pil'd in bloody heap the host of France. "The' old mastiff of Vermchio and the young, That tore Montagna in their wrath, still make, Where they are wont, an augre of their fangs. 45 " Lamone'fl city and Santerno's range Under the lion of the snowy lair. Inconstant partisan ! that changeth sides, Or ever summer yields to winter's frost. And she, whose Hank is wash'd of Savio's wave, 50 As 'twixt the level and the steep she lies, Lives so 'twixt tyrant power and liberty. " Now tell us, I entreat thee, who art thou? He not more hard than others. In the world, So may thy name still rear its forehead high." 56 Then roar'd awhile the h're, its sharpen'd point On either side wav'd, and thus brcath'd a* last: 01 HELL. " If I did think my answer were to one, Who ever could return unto the world, This flame should rest unshaken. But since ne'er, 60 If true be told me, any from this depth Has found his upward way, I answer thee, Nor fear lest infamy record the words. " A man of arms at first, I cloth'd me then In good Saint Francis' girdle, hoping so 65 T' have made amends. And certainly my hope Had fail'd not, but that lie, whom curses light on, The' high priest again seduc'd me into sin. And how and wherefore listen while I tell. Long as this spirit mov'd the bones and pulp 70 My mother gave me, less my deeds bespake The nature of the lion than the fox. All ways of winding subtlety I knew, And with such art conducted, that the sound Reach'd the world's limit. Soon as to that part 75 Of life I found me come, when each behoves To lower sails and gather in the lines ; That which before had pleased me then I rued, And to repentance and confession turn'd; Wretch tlvat I was! and well it had bested me! 80 The chief of the new Pharisees meantime, Waging his warfare near the Lateran, Not with the Saracens or Jews (his foes All Christians were, nor against Acre one Had fought, nor traffic'd in the Soldan's land), 85 Tie his great charge nor sacred ministry In himself, rev'renc'd, nor in me that cord, Which us'd to mark with leanness whom it girded. As in Socrate, Constantine besought To cure his leprosy Sylvester's aid, 90 So me to cure the fever of his pride This man besought: my counsel to that end He ask'd : and I was silent : for his words Seem'd drunken : but forthwith he thus resum'd : ' From thy heart banish fear : of all offence 95 ' 1 hitherto absolve thee. In return, * Teach me my purpose so to execute, HETJ,, 9f> That Penestrino cumber earth no more. Ileav'n, as tliou knowest, I have power to shut 'And oitel) : and the keys are therefore twain, Id" ' The which my predecessor meanly priz'd.' " Then, yielding to the forceful arguments, Of silence as more perilous I cleem'd, And answer' d : ' Father ! since them washest me ' Clear of that guilt wherein I now must fall, 105 ' Large promise with performance scant, be sure, ' Shall make thee triumph in thy lofty seat.' " When I was number' d with the dead, then came Saint Francis for me; but a cherub dark lie met, who cried : ' Wrong me not; he is mine, * And must below to join the wretched crew, 110 ' For the deceitful counsel which he gave. * E'er since I watch'd him, hov'ring at his hair, 'No power can the impenitent absolve; 'Nor to repent and will at once consist, ' By contradiction absolute forbid.' 115 Oh mis'ry ! how I shook myself, when he Sei/.'d me, and cried, ' Thou haply thought'st me not 'A disputant in logic so exact.' To Minos down he bore me, and the judge TwinM eight times round his callous back the tail, 120 Which biting with excess of rage, he spake : ' This is a guilty soul, that in the fire 'Must vanish.' Kence perdition-doom'd I rove A prey to rankling sorrow in this garb." When he had thus fulfill'd his words, the flame 125 In dolour parted, beating to and fro, And writhing its sharp horn. We onward went, J and my leader, up along the rock, Far as another arch, that overhangs The foss, wherein the penalty is paid 180 Of those, who load them with committed sin. CANTO XXVIII. WHO, e'en in words unfettcr'd, might at full Tt-11 of the wounds :inod liiul mm I tuv.-, 96 HKLL. Though he repeated oft the tale ? No tongue So vast a theme could equal, speech and thought Until impotent alike. If in one band 5 Collected, stood the people all, who e'er Pour'd on Apulia's happy soil their blood, Slain by the Trojans, and in that long war When of the rings the meastir'd booty made A pile so high, as Rome's historian writes 10 Who errs not, with the multitude, that felt The grinding force of Guiscard's Norman steel, And those the rest, whose bones are gather'd yet At Ceperano, there where treachery Branded th' Apulian name, or where beyond 15 Thy walls, O Tagliacozzo, without arms The old Alardo conquer' d ; and his limbs One were to show transpierc'd, another his Clean lopt away ; a spectacle like this Were but a thing of nought, to the' hideous sight 20 Of the ninth chasrn. A rundlet, that hath lost Its middle or side stave, gapes not so wide, As one I mark'd, torn from the chin throughout Down to the hinder passage : 'twixt the legs Dangling his entrails hung, the midriff lay 25 Open to view, and wretched ventricle, That turns th' englutted aliment to dross. Whilst eagerly I fix on him my gaze, He ey'd me, with his hands laid his breast bare, And cried ; " Now mark how I do rip me ! lo! 80 How is Mohammed mangled ! before me Walks AH weeping, from the chin his face Cleft to the forelock ; and the others all Whom here thou seest, while they liv'd, did sow Scandal and schism, and therefore thus are rent. 35 A fiend is here behind, who with his sword Hacks us thus cruelly, slivering again Each of this ream, when we have compast round The dismal way, for first our gashes close Ere we repuss before him. But say who 40 Art thou, that standest musing on the rock, Haply so lingering to delay the pain HELL. 97 Sentenced upon thy crimes?" "Him death not yet," My guide rcjoin'd, " liatli overta'en, nor sin Conducts to torment; but, that he may make 46 Full trial of your state, I who am dead .Must through the depths of hell, from orb to orb, Conduct him. Trust my \vords, for they are true." .More than a hundred spirits, when that they heard-, Stood in the foss to mark me, through amaze 50 Forgetful of their pangs. " Thou, who perchance Shalt shortly view the sun, this warning thou Bear to Dolcino : bid him, if he wish not Here soon to follow me, that with good store Of food he arm him, lest impris'ning snows 55 Yield him a victim to Novara's power, No easy conquest else." With foot uprais'd For stepping, spake Mohammed, on the ground Then fix'd it to depart. Another shade, Pierc'd in the throat, his nostrils mutilate GO E'en from beneath the eyebrows, and one ear Lopt off, who with the rest through wonder stood (-la/ing, before the rest advanc'd, and bar'd His wind-pipe, that without was all o'ersmear'd With crimson stain. " O thou ! " said he, "whom sin 65 Condemns not, and whom erst (unless too near ablance do deceive me) I aloft Have seen on Latian ground, call thou to mind Piero <>f Medicina, it' again Returning, thou behold'st the pleasant land 70 That from Vercelli slopes to Mercabo ; And there instruct the twain, whom Fano boasts Her worthiest sons, Guido and Angelo, That if 't is giv'n us here to scan aright The future, they out of life's tenement 75 Shall be cast forth, and whelm'd under the waves Near to Cattolica, through perfidy Of a fell tyrant. Twixt the Cyprian isle And Balearic, ne'er hath Xcptune seen An injury so foul, by pirates done 80 Or Argive crew of old. That one-ey'd traitor i- re.-ilm there is a spirit here \vere f;>.in His eye had still laek'd sight of) them snail bung To conf'rence with him, then so shape his end, That they shall need not 'gainst Focara's wind 85 Offer up vow nor pray'r." I answering thus: " Declare, as thou dost wish that I above May cany tidings of thee, who is he, In whom that sight doth wake such sad remembrance?" Forthwith he laid his hand on the cheek-bone 90 Of one, his fellow-spirit, and his jaws Expanding, cried : " Lo ! this is he I wot, o?; He speaks not for himself : the outcast thin Who overwhelmed the doubt in Caesar's mind, Affirming that delav to men prepar'd 95 Was ever harmful.' 5 Oh! bow terrified Methought was Curio, from whose throat was cut The tongue, which spake that hardy word. Then one Maim'd of each hand, uplifted in the gloom The bleeding stumps, that they with gory spots 100 Sullied his face, and cried : "Remember thee Of Mosca, too, I who, alas ! exoH ; v'<*' ' The deed once done there IK an end,' that prov'd A seed of sorrow to the Tuscan race." I added : " Ay, and death to thine own tribe." 105 Whence heaping woe on woe he hurried off, As one grief stung to madness. But I there Still linger'd to behold the troop, and saw Things, such as I may fear without more proof To tell of, but that conscience makes me firm, 110 The boon companion, who her strong breast-plate Buckles on him, that feels no guilt within And bids him on and fear not. Without doubt I saw, and yet it seems to pass before me, A headless trunk, that even as the rest , lift Of the sad flock pae'd onward. By the hair It bore the sever' d member, lantern-wise Pendent in hand, which look'd at us and said, " Woe's me ! " The spirit lighted thus himself, And two there were in one, and one in two. 120 [low that may be he knows who ordereth so. When at the bridge's foot direct lie stood, in: 1. 1.. 99 Jlis arm aloft lie rearM, thrusting tlie head Full in our view, that nearer we might hear The words, which thus it utter'd : "Now behold 125 Tliis grievous torment, thou, who breathing go'st 1 o spy the dead ; behold if any else ];< terrible as this. And that on earth Thou mayst bear tidings of me, know that I Am Bertram!, he of Born, who gave King John 130 The counsel mischievous. Father and tson 1 -el at mutual Avar. For Absalom And David more did not Ahitophel, Spurring them on maliciously to .strife. For parting those so closely knit, my brain 136 Parted, alas ! I carry from its source, That in this trunk inhabits. Thus the law Of retribution fiercely works in me." CANTO XXIX. So were mine eyes inebriate with view Of the vast 7imltitude, whom various wounds I)isligur'd. that they long'd to stay and weep. But Virgil rous'd me: "What yet ga/.est on? Wherefore doth fasten yet thy sight below 6 Among the maim'd and miserable shades? Thou hast not shewn in any chasm beside This weakness. Know, if thou wouldst number them That two and twenty miles the valley winds Its circuit, and already is the moon 10 Beneath our feet : the time permitted now Is short, and more not seen remains to see." "If thou," I straight replied, "hadst weigh'd the cause For which I look'd, thou hadst perchance excus'd The tarrying still." My leader part pursit'd 15 His way, the while I foflow'd, answering him, And adding thus : " Within that cave I deem, Whereon so fixedly I held my ken, There is a spirit dwells, one of my blood, Wailing tin; crime that costs him now so dear." 20 IWJ HELL. Then spake my master : " Let tliy soul no more Afflict itself for him. Direct elsewhere Its thought, and leave him. At the bridge's foot I inark'd how he did point with menacing look At thee, and heard him by the others nam'd 26 Gert of Bello. Thou so wholly then Wert busied with his spirit, who once rul'd The towers of Ilautefort, that thou iookedst not That way, ere he was gone." " O guide belov'd ! His violent death yet unaveng'd," said I, 30 " By any, who are partners in his shame, Made him contemptuous : therefore, as I think, He pass'd me speechless by ; and doing so Hath made me more compassionate his fate." So we discours'd to where the rock first show'd 35 The other valley, had more light been there, K'en to the lowest depth. Soon as we came O'er the last cloister in the dismal rounds Of Malebolge, and the brotherhood Were to our view expos'd, then many a dart 40 Of sore lament assail'd me, headed all With points of thrilling pity, that I clos'd Both ears against the volley with mine hands. As were the torment, if each lazar-house Of Valdichiana, in the sultry time 45 'Twixt July and September, with the isle Sardinia and Maremma's pestilent fen, Had heap'd their maladies all in one foss Together ; such was here the torment : dire The stench, as issuing steams from fester'd limbs. 50 We on the utmost shore of the long rock Descended still to leftward. Then my sight Was livelier to explore the depth, wherein The minister of the most mighty Lord, All-searching Justice, dooms to punishment 56 The forgers noted on her dread record. More rueful was it not methinks to see The nation in ^Egina droop, what time Each living thing, e'en to the littlej^vorm, All fell, so full of malice was the air 60 MKI.T,. 101 (Awl afterward, as hards of yorr have told, The ancient people were re.'.tor'd niH'w From seed of emmets) than was here to see The spirits, that languished, through the murky vale Up-pilM on many a stack. ConfusM they h;v, 65 One o'er the belly, o'er the shoulders <^r<> Iloll'd of another; sideling cruwl'd a third Along the dismal pathway. Step In- step We t ourncy'd on, in silence looking round And listening those diseas'd, who strove i:i vain 70 To lift their forms. Then tvo I mnrk'd, that sat Propp'd 'gainst each other, as two brazen ]ians Set to retain the heat. From head to foot, A tetter bark'd them round. Nor saw I e'er (ironin currying so fast, for whom his lord 75 Impatient waited, or himself perchance TirM with loner watching, as of these each one Plied quickly his keen nails, through furious;; Of ne'er abated pruriency. The crust Came drawn from underneath in flakes, like scales 80 Scrap'd from the bream or fish of broader mail. " O thou, Avho with thy lingers rendest off Thy coat of proof," thus spake my guide to one, " And sometimes makest tearing pincers of them, Tell me if any born of Latian land 85 ]>e among these within : so may thy nails Serve tliee for everlasting to this toil." "Both are of Latiuni," weeping he replied, "Whom tortur'd thus thou sees* : but who art thou That hast inquir'd of us?" To whom m}- guide: 90 "One that descend with this man, who yet lives, From rock to rock, and show him hell's abyss." Then stalled they asunder, and each turnYl Trembling loward us, with the rest, whose ear Those words redounding struck. To me my liege 95 Address'd him: "Spcr.k to them whate'er thou list." And I therewith began: "So may no time Filch your remembrance from the thoughts of men In tlf upper world, but after many MMIS Survive it, as ye tell me, who ye are, 100 lu'2 HKT.T,. And of what race ye come. Your punishment, I'nseemly and disgustful in its kind, Peter yon not from opening thus much to me." " Arezzo was my dwelling," answer'd one, " And me Albcro of Sienna brought 105 To die by fire ; but that, for which I died, Lends me not here. True is in sport I told him, Tint I had learn'd to wing my flight in air. And he admiring much, as he was A-oid Of wisdom, will'd me to declare to him 110 The secret of mine art : and only hence, Because I made him not a Daedalus, Prevail'd on one supposVl his sire to burn me. But Minos to this chasm last of the ten, For that I practis'd alchemy on earth, 115 Has doom'cl me. Hun no subterfuge eludes." Then to the bard I spake: "Was ever race Light as Sienna's? Sure not France herself Can show a tribe so frivolous and vain." The other leprous spirit heard my -words, 120 And thus return'd : " Be Stricca from this charge Exempted, he who knew so temp'rately To lay out fortune's gifts ; and Niccolo Who first the spice's costly luxury Discover'd in that garden, where such seed 125 I\oots deepest in the soil: and be that troop Exempted, with whom Caccia of Asciano Lavish'd his vineyards and wide-spread ing woods, And his rare Avisdom Abbagliato shoAvM A spectacle for all. That thou mayst knoAV 130 Who seconds thee against the Siennese Thus gladly, bend this Avay thy sharpen'd sight, That well my face may answer to thy ken; So shalt thou sec I am Capocchio's ghost, \Vlio forgM transmuted metals by the power 135 Of alchemy ; and if I scan thee right, Thu* needs must well remenderhow I aped Creative nature by my subtle art." nr.i.r 103 CANTO XXX. WHAT time resentment burn'd in Juno's breast For Semelc against the Theban blood, As more than once in dire mischance was rued, Such fatal frenzy seix.'d on Athamas, That lie his spouse beholding with a babe 6 Laden on either arm, " Spread out," he cried, " The meshes, that I take the lioness And the young lions at the pass: " then forth Stretch'd he his merciless talons, grasping one, One helpless innocent, Learchus nam'd, 10 Whom swinging down he dash'd upon a rock, And with her other burden self-destroy'd The hapless mother plung'd : and when the pride Of all-presuming Troy fell from its height, I5v fortune overwhelm'd, and the old king 15 With his realm perish'd, then did Hecuba, A wretch forlorn and captive, when she saw Polyxena first slaughter'd, and her son, Her Polydorus, on the wild sea-beach Xe\t met the mourner's view, then reft of sense -0 Did she run barking even as a dog; Such mighty power had grief to wrench her soul. Bet ne'er the Furies or of Thebes or Troy With such fell cruelty were seen, their goads Infixing in the limbs of man or beast, 26 As now two pale and naked ghost I saw That gnarling wildly scamper'd, like the swine Excluded from his stye. One reach'd Capocchio, And in the neck-joint sticking deep his fangs, Pragg'd him, that o'er the solid pavement rubb'd 30 His belly stretch'd out prone. The other shape, lie of Arezzo, there left trembling, spake ; "That sprite of air is Schicchi; in like mood Of random mischief vent he still his spite." To whom I answYmg : " Oh ! as thou dost hope, >$ The other may not flesh its jaws on thee, lie patient to inform us, who it is, Kre it speed hence." "That is the ancient soul 104 HELL. Of wretched Myrrha," lie replied, "who bu:n'd With most unholy flame for her own sire, 40 And a false shape assuming, so performed The deed of sin ; e'en as the other there, Tli at onward passes, dar'd to counterfeit Donati's features, to feign'd testament The seal affixing, that himself might gain, 45 For his own share, the lady of the herd." When vanish'd the two furious shades, on Avhotn Mine eye was held, I turn'd it back to view The other cursed spirits. One I saw In fashion like a Into, had but the groin 50 1'een sever'd, where it meets the forked part. Swoln dropsy, disproportioning the limbs With ill-converted moisture, that the paunch Suits not the visage, open'd wide his lips (rasping as in the hectic man for drought, 55 One towards the chin, the other upward curl'd. " O ye, who in this world of misery, Wherefore I know not, are exempt from pain," Thus he began, " attentively regard Adamo's woe. When living, full supply 60 Ne'er lack'd me of what most I coveted ; One drop of water now, alas ! I crave. The rills, that glitter down the grassy slopes Of Casentino, making fresh and soft The banks whereby they glide to Arno's stream, 65 Stand ever in my view; and not in vain ; For move the pictur'd semblance di'ies me up, Much more than the disease, which makes the flesh Desert these shrivel 'd cheeks. So from the place, Where I transgrcss'd, stern justice urging me, 70 Takes means to quicken more my lab'ring sighs. There is Romcna, where I falsified The metal with the Baptist's form imprest, For which on earth I left my body burnt. Hut if I here might see the sorrowing soul 75 Of Guido, Alessandro, or their brother, For Branda'e limpid spring I would not change The welcome sight. One is e'eii now within, ff truly the mad spirits tell, that round Arc wand'ring. Uut wherein besteads me that? 80 My limbs are t'etterM. Were I but so light, That I each hundred years might move one inch, I bad set forth already on this path, Seeking him out amidst the shapeless crew, Although eleven miles it wind, not more 85 Than half of one across. They brought me down Among this tribe; indue'd by them I stamp'd The llorens with three carats of alloy." ' Who are that abject pair," I next inquir'd, "That closely bounding thee upon thy right 90 Lie smoking, like a band in winter steep'd In the chill' stream?" " When to this gulf I dropt," lie answer'd, "hen- I found them; since that hour They have not turn'd, nor ever shall, I ween, Till time hath run his course. One is that dame 95 The false accuser of the Hebrew youth ; Sinon the other, that false Greek from Troy. Sharp fever drains the reeky moistness out, In such a cloud npsteaiu'd." When that he heard, One, gall'd perchance to be so darkly nam'd, 100 With clencliM hand smote him on the braced paunch, That like a drum resounded : but forthwith Adamo smote him on the face, the blow IJetnrning with his arm, that seem'd as hard. "Though my o'crweighty limbs have ta'en from me The power to move," said he, "1 have an arm 106 At liberty for such employ." To whom Was answer'd : " When thoti wentest to the fire, Thou liadst it not so ready at command, Then readier when it coinM th' impostor gold." 110 And thus the dropsied : "Ay, now speak'st thou true, r>n! there thou gav'st not sucli true testimony, When thou wast fjuestiou'd of the truth, at Troy." " If I spake false, thou falsely slamp'dst the coin, ' Said Sinon ; "I am hen* but for one fault, 115 And tli'-.i for more than any imp beside." " Remember," he replied, " () perjurM one, The horse remember, that did teem with death, 106 HKLL. And all the world be witness to thy guilt." 119 "To thine," rcturn'd the Greek, "witness the thirst Whence thy tongue crocks, witness the fluid mound, Kear'd by thy belly up before thine eyes, A mass corrupt." To whom the coiner thus : "Thy mouth gapes wide as ever to let puss Its evil saying. Me if thirst assails, 125 Yet I am stuff' d with moisture. Thou art parch'd, Pains rack thy head, no urging would'st thou need To make thee lap Narcissus' mirror up." I was all ii.v'd to listen, when my guide Admonish'd : " Now beware : a little more. 130 And I no quarrel with thee." I perceivM How angrily he spake, and towards him turn'd With shame so poignant, as remember'd yet Confounds me. As a man that dreams of harm Befall'n him, dreaming wishes it a dream, 135 And that which is, desires as if it were not, Such then was I, who wanting power to speak AVish'd to excuse myself, and all the while Excus'd me, though unwceting that I did. "More grievous fault than thine has been, less shame," My master cried, "might expiate. Therefore cast 141 All sorrow from thy soul ; and if again Chance bring thee, where like conference is held, Think I am ever at thy side. To hear Such wrangling is a joy for vulgar minds." 145 CANTO XXXI. TDK very tongue, whose keen reproof before Had wounded me, that either cheek was stain'd, Now minister' d my cure. So have I heard, Achilles and his father's javelin caus'd Pain first, and then the boon of health restor'd. Turning our back upon the vale of woe, We crossVl th' encircled mound in silence. There Was twilight dim, that far long the gloom Mine eye advanc'd not : but I heard a horn I1KI.L. 107 Sounded aloud. Tlio peal it Mow had made 1C The tli under feeble. Following its course The adverse way, my strained eyes were bent On that one spot. So terrible a blast Orlando blew not, when that dismal rout OYrthrew the host of Charlemain, and quench'd 15 His saintly warfare. Thitherward not long My head was rais'd, when many lofty towers Methonght I spied. "Master, said' I, " what land Is this ? " lie answer'd straight : " Too long a space Of intervening darkness has thine eye 20 To traverse : thon hast therefore widely err'd In thy imagining. Thither arriv'd Thou well shall see, how distance can delude The sense. A little therefore urge thee on." Then tenderly he caught me by the hand ; 25 u Vet know," said he, u ere farther we advance, That it less strange may seem, these are nottowcis, Hut giants. In the pit they stand inuners'd, Kadi from his navel downward, round the bank." As when a fog disperseth gradually, 30 Our vision traces what the mist involves Condens'd in air; so piercing through the gross And gloomy atmosphere, as more and more We near'd toward the brink, mine error fled, And fear came o'er me. As with circling round 35 < >i' turrets, Montereggion crowns his walls, K'en thus the shore, encompassing th' abyss, Was turreted with giants, half their length 1 'prearing, horrible, whom Jove from heav'n Vet. threatens, when his mutt'ring thunder rolls. 40 Of one already I descried the face. Shoulders, and breast, and of the belly huge < ireat part, and both arms down along his ribs. All-teeming nature, when her plastic hand Left framing of these monsters, did display 45 Past doubt her wisdom, taking from mad Wai- Such slaves to do \\\< biddin-.:; and if she Repent her not of th' elephant and whale, Who ponders well confesses her therein 108 HEM,. Wiser and more discreet; for when brute force 50 And evil will are back'd with subtlety, Resistance none avails. His visage seem'd In length and bulk, as doth the pine, that tops Saints Peter's Roman fane; and th' other bones Of like proportion, so that from above 55 The bank, which girdled him below, such height Arose his stature, that three Friezelanders Had striv'n in vain to reach but to his huir. Full thirty ample palms was he expos'd Downward from whence a man his garments loops. GO "Raphel bai' arneth sabi almi," So shouted his fierce lips, which sweeter hymns Became not; and my guide address'd him thus: "O. senseless sjiirit! let thy horn for thce Interpret: therewith vent thy rage, if rage ' (>5 Or other passion wring thee. Search thy neck, There shalt thou find the belt that binds it on. Wild spirit ! lo, upon thy mighty breast Where hangs the baldrick ! " Then to me he spake: " lie doth accuse himself. Nimrod is this, 70 Through whose ill counsel in the world no more One tongue prevails. But pass we on, nor waste Our words ; for so each language is to him, As his to others, understood by none." Then to the leftward turning sped we forth, 75 And at a sling's throw found another shade Far fiercer and more huge. I cannot say What master hand had girt him ; but he held Behind the right arm fetter'd, and before The other with a chain, that fasten'd him 80 From the neck down, and five times round his form Apparent met the wvcathed links. "This proud one Would of his strength against almighty Jove Make trial," said my. guide ; ' ; whence he is thus Requited : Ephialtes him they call. S5 Great was his prowess, when the giants brought Fear on the gods : those arms, which then he piled, Now moves he never." Forthwith I return'd : " Fain would I, if 't were possible, mine eyes HK i.i, 109 Of Bri:m"'us immeaanrable gain'd 90 Kxperience next." Ifc answer'd : " Thou shall see Not. fur from hence Anticus, who both speaks And is unfetter'd, who shall place us there Where guilt is at its depth. Far onward stands Whom thoti wouldst fain behold, in chains, and made 95 Like to this spirit, save that in his looks .More fell he seems." Uy violent earthquake rock'd Ne'er shook a to\v'r, so reeling to its base, As Kphialtes. More than ever then I dreaded death, nor than the terror more 100 Had needed, if I had not seen the cords That held him fast. We, straightway journeying on, Came to Antonis, who five ells complete Without the head, forth issued from the cave. "O them, who in the fortunate vale, that made 105 (reat Scipio heir of glory, when his sword J)rove hack the troop of Hannibal in llight, Who thence of old didst carry for thy spoil An hundred lions; and if thou hadst fought In the high conflict on thy brethren's side, 110 S'-ems as men yet believ'd, that through thine arm The sons of earth had conquerM, now vouchsafe To place us down beneath, where numbing cold Locks up Cocytus. Force not that we crave Or Tityus' help or Typhon's. Here is one 115 Can give what in this realm ye covet. Stoop Therefore, nor scornfully distort thy lip. He in the upper world can yet bestow Renown on thee, for he doth live, and looks For life yet longer, if before the time 1'20 tirace call him not unto herself." Thus spake The teacher. He in haste forth stretch d his hands, And caught my guide. Alcides whilom felt That grapple straightcn'd score. Soon as my guide Had felt it, he bespake me thus : "This way 125 That I may clasp thee ; " then so caught me up, Thai, \ve were both one burden. As appears The lower of Carisemla, from beneath Where it doth lean, if chaiu-e a Massing cloud 110 IIKT.T,. So sail across, that opposite it hangs, Such then Antieus seem'd, as at mine ease I mark'cl him stooping. I were fain at times T' have pass'd another way. Yet in th' abyss, That Lucifer with Judas low ingulfs, Lightly he plac'd us ; nor there leaning stay'd, But rose as in a bark the stately mast. CANTO XXXII. COULD I command rough rhimes and hoarse, to suit That hole of sorrow, o'er which ev'ry rock His firm abutment rears, then might the vein Of fancy rise full springing; but not mine Such measure's, and with falt'ring awe I touch 5 The mighty theme; for to describe the depth Of all the universe, is no empri/e To jest with, and demands a tongue not us'd To infant babbling. But let them assist My song, the tuneful maidens, by whose aid 10 Amphion wall'd in Thebes, so with the truth My speech shall best accord. Oh ill-starr'd folk, Beyond all others wretched ! who abide In such a mansion, as scarce thought finds words To speak of, better had ye here on earth 15 Been flocks or mountain goats. As down we stood In the dark pit beneath the giants' feet, But lower far than they, and I did gaze Still on the lofty battlement, a voice Bespoke me thus : " Look how thou walkest. Take '20 Good heed, thy soles do tread not on the heads Of thy poor brethren." Thereupon I turn'd, And saw before and underneath my feet A lake, whose frozen surface liker seem'd To glass than water. Not BO thick a veil 2f> In winter e'er hath Austrian Danube spread O'er his still course, nor Tamil's far remote Under the chilling sky. RolPd o'er that mass Had Tabernich or Pietrapana falFn, I1KI.I.. Ill Not e'en il< rim had erc.ukM. As peep?; 'lie frog 30 Croaking above the wave, what time in dreams The village gleaner oft pursues her toil, So, to where modest shame appears, thus low Blue pinch'd and shrinM in ice the spirits stood, Moving their teetli in shrill note like the stork. 3f His face each downward held ; their mouth the cold, Their eyes exprcss'd the dolour of their heart. A space I look'd around, then at my feet Saw two so strictly join'd, that of their head The very hairs were mingled. " Tell me ye, 40 Whose bosoms thus together press," said I, " Who are ye ? " At that sound their necks they bent, And when their looks were lifted up to me, Straightway their eyes, before all moist within, Distill'd upon their lips, and the frost bound 4f> The tears betwixt those orbs and held them there. 1'lank unto plank hath never cramp clos'd up So stoutly. Whence like two enraged goals They clash'd together; them such fury seiz'd. And one, from whom the cold both ears had reft, f)0 Exclaim'd, still looking downward : " Why on us ])ost speculate so long; 1 If thou wouldst know Who are these two, the valley, whence his wave ])i.-:enzio slopes, did for its master own Their sire Alberto, and next him themselves. 55 They from one body issued ; and throughout C'aina thou mnyst search, nor find a shade More worthy in congealment to be fix'd, Not him, whose breast and shadow Arthur's land At that one blow disseverM, not Focaecia, 60 No not this spirit, whose o'erjutting head Obstructs my onward view : lie bore the name Of Mascberoni: Tuscan if thou be, Well kii'iwest who he was: and to cut short All further question, in my form behold 65 What once was Camiccione. I await CaiTmo here my kinsman, whose deep guilt Shall wa^h out mine." A thousand visages Then mark'd I, which the keen and eager cold 112 HELL. Had shap'd into .1 doggish grin j whence creeps 70 A shiv'ring horror o'er me, at the thought Of those frorc shallows. While \ve journey'd on Toward the middle, at whose point unites All heavy substance, and I trembling went Through that eternal dullness, I know not 75 ff will it were or destiny, or chance, i>ut, passing 'midst the heads, my foot did strike With violent blow against the f. nee of one. " Wherefore dost bruise me?" weeping, he exclaim'd, " Unless thy errand be some fresh revenge SO For Montaperto, wherefore troubles! me V " I thus : " Instructor, now await me here, That I through him may rid me of my doubt. Thenceforth what haste thou wilt." The teacher paus'd, And to that shade I spake, who bitterly op'd Fa en /a when the people slept." 120 We now had left him, passing on our way, When I beheld two spirits by the ice 1'ent in one hollow, that the head of one Was cowl unto the other; and as bread Is ravenM up through hunger, tli' uppermost 125 Did so apply his fangs to th' other's brain, Where the spine joins it. Not more furiously On .Menalippus' temples Tydeus gnaw'd, Than on that skull and on its garbage he. "O thou who show'st so beastly sign of liate 130 '(Jainst him thou prey'st on, let me hear," said I, 'The cause, on such condition, that if right Warrant thy grievance, knowing who ye are, And what the colour of his sinning was, I may repay thee in the world above, 135 If that, wherewith I speak be moist so long." CANTO XXXIII. His jaws uplifting from their fell repast, That sinner wip'd them on the hairs o' th' head, \Yliich he 1 ehind had mangled, then began: "Thy will (.buying, I call up afresh Sor'-ow pa; l cure, which but to think of wrings .My he;irt, or ere I tell on't. But if words, That I may utter, shall prove seed to bear Fruit of eternal infamy to him, The traitor whom I gnaw at, thou at once 114 HKLT.. Shalt see me speak and weep. Who them mnjst be 10 I know not, nor how here below art come: But Florentine thou seemest of a truth, When I do hear thce. Know I was on earth Count Ugolino, and th' Archbishop he Kuggieri. Why I neighbour liiiu so close, IS Kow list. That through effect of his ill thoughts In him my trust reposing, I was ta'en And after murder'd, need is not I tell. What therefore thou canst not have heard, that is, How cruel was the murder, shult thou hear, 20 Aiid know if he have wrong' d me. A small grate Within that mew, which for my sake the name Of famine bears, where others yet must pine, Already through its opening sev'ral moons Had shown me, when I slept the evil sleep, 25 That from the future tore the curtain off. This one, methought, as master of the sport, Rode forth to chase the gaunt wolf and his whelps Unto the mountain, which forbids the sight Of Lucca to the Pisan. With lean bracks 30 Inquisitive and keen, before him rang'd Lanfranchi with Sismondi and Gualandi. After short course the father and the sons Seem'd tir'd and lagging, and methought I saw The sharp tusks gore their sides. When I awoke 35 Before the dawn, amid their sleep I heard JSIy sons (for they were with me) weep and ask For bread. Eight cruel art thou, if no pang Thou feel at thinking Avhat my heart foretold ; A)id if not now, why use thy tears to flow ? 40 Kow had they waken'd ; and the hour drew near When they were wont to bring us food ; the mind Of each misgave him through his dream, and I Heard, at its outlet underneath lock'd up The' horrible tower : whence uttering not a word 45 1 look'd upon the visage of my sons. I wept not: so all stone I felt within. They wept : and one, my little Anslem, cried : 1 Thou lookest so ! Father what ails thee?' Yet JTKU, b J shed no tear, nor finswcr'd . f ill that day 50 "Nor the next night, until another sun Came out upon the world. When :i faint beam Had to our doleful prison made its way, And in four countenances I descry'd The. image of my o\vn, on either hand f>" Through agony I hit, and they who thought I did it through desire of feeding, rose <)' tlf sadden, and cried, ' Father, we should grieve ' Far less, if thou wouldst eat of us : thou gav'.st ' These weeds of miserable liesh we wear, GO ' And do thou strip them off from us again.' Then, not to make them sadder, I kept down .My spirit in stillness. That day and the next \Ve all were, silent. Ah, obdurate earth! Why open'dst not upon us? When we. came Wi To the fourth day, then Geddo at my feet Outstretch'd did fling him, crying, ' Hast no liel) ' For me, my father! ' There he died, and e'en ] Mainly as thou seest nrj, saw I the three Fall one by one 'twixt the iifth day and sixtli : 70 Whence I betook me now grown blind to grope Over them all, and for three days aloud ('all'd on them who were dead. Then fasting got The mastery of grief." Thus having spoke, Once more upon the wretched skull his teeth 75 lie fasten'd, like a mastiff's 'gainst the bone Firm and unyielding. Oh thou Pisa ! shame Of all the people, who their dwelling make ]n that fair region, where th' Italian voice Is heard, since that thy neighbours are so slack 80 To punish, from their dee]) foundations rise Capraia and Gorgona, and dam up The mouth of Amo, tluit each soul in thee May perish in the waters! What if fame Keported that thy castles were betray'd 8f> 1>V Ugolino, yet no right hadst thou To stretch his children on the rack. For them, llrigata, Uguccione, and the pair Of gentle ones, of whom my son;; hath told, 116 HELL Their tender years, tliou modern Thebes ! did make 90 Uneapable of guilt. Onward we passM, Where others skarf d in rugged folds of ice Not on their feet were turn'd, but eacli revers'd There very weeping suffers not to weep ; For at their eyes grief seeking passage finds 95 Impediment, and rolling inward turns For increase of sharp anguish : the first tears Hang cluster'd, and like crystal vizors show, Under the socket brimming all the cup. Now though the cold had from my face dislodg'd 100 Each feeling, as 't were callous, yet me seem'd Some breath of wind I felt. " Whence cometh this," Said I, " my master? Is not here below All vapour quench'd?" "Thou slmlt be speedily," lie answer'd, " where thine eye shall tell thee whence 105 The cause descrying of this airv shower." Then cried out one in the chill crust who mourn'd : " O souls so cruel ! that the farthest post I lath been assign'd you, from this face remove The harden'd veil, that I may vent the grief 110 Impregnate at my heart, some little space Kre it congeal again ! " I thus replied : " Say who thou wast, if thou wouldst have mine aid ; And if I extricate thee not, far down As to the lowest ice may I descend ! " 115 " The friar Alberigo," answered he, "Am I, who from the evil garden pluck'd Its fruitage, and am here repaid, the date More luscious for my fig." " Hah ! " I exclaim'd, " Art thou too dead'! " " How in the world aloft 120 It fareth with my body," answer'd he, " I am right ignorant. Such privilege Hath Ptolomea, that oftthiies the soul Drops hither, ere by Atropos divorc'd. Ami that thou mayst wipe out more willingly 1'25 The glazed tear-drops that o'erlay mine eyes, Know that the soul, that moment she betrays, As I did, yields her body to a fiend Who after moves and governs it at will, 1IKLL. 117 Till ul! its time lie rounded ; headlong she loO Kalis to tlii:- cistern. And perchance above Doth yet :i|tj'ear the body of a ghost, "Who licro behind me winters. Him thou know'st, If thou but newly art arriv'd below. The years are many that have pass'd away, 13i> Si nee to this fastness Branca Doria eanie." " Now," answer" d I, " methinks tlioti mockest me, For Branca Doria iiever yet liath died, But doth all natural functions of a man, Kats, drinks, and sleeps, and ]>utteth raiment on." 140 He thus : '' Not yet unto that upper foss By tlf evil tali>ns guarded, where the jiitch Tenacious bulls, had .Michael Zanche reaeh v d, AVlien this one left a demon in his stead In his ou n body, and of one his kin, 145 "Who with him treachery wrought. But now put, forth Thy hand, and ope mine eyes." I op'd them not. Ill manners were be.^t courtesy to him. Ah Genoese ! men perverse in every way, With every foulness slain'd, why from the earth 150 Are ye t:<>t cancel'*! ? ISueh an one of yours I with Itomngua'tt darkest spirit found, As for his doingH even now in soul Is in Coeytus j.lun^'d, and yet doth seem 111 body Ktill alive upon the earth. 156 CAXTO XXXIV. banners of Hell's Monarch do come forth Towards us ; therefore look," so spake my guide, "If thou discern him." As, when breathes a cloud Heavy and dense, or when the shades of ni^lit Fall on our hemisphere, seems view'd from far 6 A windmill, which the blast stirs briskly round, Fueh was the fabric then methought I saw. T.> shield me from the wind, forthwith I drev/ Behind my guide: no covert else was there. Now came I (and with fear I bid my strain 10 Record the marvel) where the souls were all 118 HELL. Whelm'd underneath, transparent, as through glass Pellucid the frail stem. Some prone were laid, Others stood upright, this upon the soles, That on his head, a third with face to feet 15 Arch'd like a bow. When to the point we came, Whereat my guide Avas pleas'd that I should see The creature eminent in beauty once, He from before me stepp'd and made me pause. " Lo ! " he exclaim'd, " lo Dis ! and lo the place, 20 Where thou hast need to arm thy heart with strength."' How frozen and how faint I then became, Ask me not, reader ! for I write it not, Since words would fail to tell thee of my state. I was not dead nor living. Think* thyself -6 Tf quick conception work in thee at all, I low I did feel. That emperor, who sways The realm of sorrow, at mid breast from th' ice Stood forth ; and I in stature am more like A giant, than the giants are in his arms. 30 Mark now how great that whole must be, which suits With such a part. If he were beautiful As he is hideous now, and yet did dare To scowl upon his Maker, well from him May all our mis'ry flow. Oh what a sight! 35 How passing strange it seem'd, when I did spy Upon his head three faces : one in front Of hue vermilion, th' other two with this Midway each shoulder join'd and at the crest; The right 'twixt wan and yellow seem'd : the left 40 To look on, such as come from whence old Nile Stoops to the lowlands. Under each shot forth Two mighty wings, enormous as became A bird so vast. Sails never such I saw Outstretch'd on the wide sea. No plumes had they, 45 But were in texture like a bat, and these lie ilapp'd i' th' air, that from him issued still Three winds, wherewith Cocytus to its depth Was frozen. At six eyes he wept : the tears Adown three chins distill'd with bloody foam. 50 At every mouth his teeth a sinner champ'd Bruis'd as with pond'rous engine, so that three IIKLL. 119 Were in tliis guise tormented. But far more Tli:ui from that gnawing, w;is the foremost pang'd By the fierce rending, whence ofttimes tlie back 55 Was stript of all its skin. "That upper spirit, Who hath worse punishment," so spake my guide, ' Is Judas, IK.- that hath his head within And plies the feet without. Of th' other two, Whose heads are under, from the murky jaw GC Who hangs, is Brutus : lo ! how he doth writhe And speaks not ! Th' other Cassius, that appears So large of limb. Hut night now re-ascends, And it is time for parting. All is seen." I elippM him round the neck, for so he bade ; 65 And noting time and place, he, when the wings Enough were op'd, caught fast the shaggy sides, And down from pile to pile descending stepp'd Between the thick fell and the jagged ice. Soon as he reachM the point, whereat the thigh 70 Upon the swelling of the haunches turns, .My leader there with pain and struggling hard Turn'd round his head, where his feet stood before, And grappled at the fell, as one Avho mounts, That into hell methought we turn'd again. 75 - Expect that by such stairs as these," thus spake The teacher, panting like a man forespent, " We must depart from evil so extreme." Then at a rocky opening issued forth, And placM me on a brink to sit, next join'd 80 With wary step my side. I rais'd mine eyes, Believing that 1 Lucifer should see Where he was lately left, but saw him now With legs held upward. Let the grosser sort, Who see not what the point was I had passM, 8' Bethink them if sore toil oppress'd me then. u Arise," my master cried, " upon thy feet. The way is long, and much uncouth the road ; And now within one hour and half of noon The sun returns." It was no palace-hall 90 Lofty and luminous wherein we stood, Hut natural dungeon where ill footing was And scant irapply of li-ht. k> Kre from th' abvss 120 HELL. I scp'rntc," thus when risen I began, " My guide ! vouchsafe few words to set me free 95 From error's thraldom. Where is now the ice? How standeth lie in posture thus revers'd ? And how from eve to morn in space so brief Hath the sun made his transit? " He in few Thus answering spake : "Thou deemest thou art still 100 On th' other side the centre, where I grasp'd Th' abhorred worm, that boreth through the world. Thou wast on th' other side, so long as I Descended ; when I turn'd, thou didst o'crpass That point, to which from cv'ry part is dragg'd 105 All heavy substance. Thou art now arriv'd Under the hemisphere opposed to that, Which the great continent doth overspread, And underneath whose canopy expir'd The Man, that was born sinless, and so liv'd. 110 Thy feet are planted on the smallest sphere, Whose other aspect is Judecca. Morn Here rises, when there evening sets : and he, Whose shaggy pile was scal'd, yet standeth h'x'd, As at the first. On this part lie fell down 115 From heav'n ; and th' earth, here prominent before, Through fear of him did veil her with the sea, And to our hemisphere retir'd. Perchance To shun him was the vacant space left here ]>v what of firm land on this side appears, 120 That sprang aloof." There is a place beneath, From Belzebub as distant, as extends The vaulted tomb, discover'*.! not by sight, ]>ut by the sound of brooklet, that descends This way along the hollow of a rock, 125 Which, as it winds with no precipitous course, The wave hath eaten. By that hidden way My guide and I did enter, to return To the fair world : and heedless of repose We climb'd, he first, I following his steps, 130 Till on our view the beautiful lights of heav'n Dawn'd through a circular opening in the cave : Thence issuing we again beheld the stars PURGATORY. CANTO I. O'KR bettor waves to speed her rapid course The light bark of my genius lifts the sail, "Well pleas'd to leave so cruel sea behind; Ami of that second region will I sing, In which the human spirit from sinful blot 6 Is purgM, and for ascent to Heaven prepares. Here, O ye hallow'd Xine ! for in your trair I follow, here the deaden'd strain revive; Koi- let Calliope refuse to sound A somewhat higher song, of that loud tone, 10 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\-r the serene aspect of the pure air, High up as the first circle, to mine eyes 15 Unwonted joy renew'd, soon as I 'scap'd Forth from the atmosphere of deadly gloom, That had mine eyes and bosom fill'd with grief. The radiant planet, that to love invites, IWade all the orient laugh, and veil'd beneath 20 The Pisces' light, that in his escort came. To the right hand I turn'd, and fix'd my mind On the 1 other pole attentive, where I saw Four Mars ne'er seen before save by the ken Of our iirst parents. Heaven of their rays SremM joyou^. () tlmu northern site, bereft Indeed, and widowM, since of the.se depriyM ! 02* As from lliis view I had desisted, straight Turning a little tow'rds the other pole, Tliere from whence- now the wain had disappear'd, 30 I saw an old man standing by my side Alone, so worthy of rev'renec in his look, That ne'er from son to father more was owYl. Low down his l>;>ard and mix'd with hoary white Descended, like his locks, Avhich parting fell 35 Upon his breast in double fold. The beams Of those four luminaries on his face- So brightly shone, and with such radiance clear Dcck'd it, that 1 beheld him as the sun. "Say who are ye, that stemming the blind stream, 40 Forth from th' eternal prison-house have tied ?" 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? 45 Arc the firm statutes of the dread abyss Broken, or in high heaven new laws ordainM. That thus, condemned, ye to my caves approach?" My guide, then laying hold on me, by words And intimations given with hand and head, 60 Made my bent knees and eye submissive pay Due reverence ; then thus to him replied. " Not of myself I come ; a Dame from heaven Descending, him besought me in my charge To bring. But since thy will implies, that more 55 Our true condition I unfold at large, Mine is not to deny thee thy request. This mortal ne'er hath seen the farthest gloom. But erring by his folly had approach'd So near, that little space was left to turn. 60 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 JJct'orc him all the regions of the bad ; And purpose now those spirits to display, Qf That under thy command are p irg'd from sin. How I have brought him would be long to say. 123 From high descends the virtue, by whose aid I to thy sight and hearing him have led. Xow may nur coining please tliee. In the smirch 70 Of liberty he journeys : that how dear They know, who for her sake have life rcfus'd. Thou knowest, to whom deatli for her was sweet In Utica, where thou didst leave those weeds, That in the last great day will shine so bright. 75 For ns the' eternal edicts are unmov'd: lie breathes, and I am free of Minos' power, Abiding in that circle where the eyes Of thy chaste Marcia beam, who still in look Prays tliee, O hallow'd spirit ! to own her thine. 80 Then by her love we' implore tliee, let us pass Through thy sev'n regions; for which best thanks I for thy favour will to her return, If mention there below thou not disdain." "Marcia so pleasing in my sight was found," 85 He then to him rejoir.'d, " while I was thei'c, That all she ask'd me I was fain to grant. Now that beyond the' accursed stream she dwells, She may no longer move me, by that law, Which was ordain'd me, when I issued thence. fiO 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. (in therefore now : and with a slender reed See that thou duly gird him, and his face 95 Lave, till all sordid stain thou wipe from thence. For not with eye, by any cloud obscur'd, "Would it. be seemly before him to come, Who stands the foremost minister in heaven. This islet all around, there far beneath, 100 Where the wave beats it, on the O'>/,y bed Produces store of reeds. No other plant., CnverVl 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 105 Will show you, that now rises, where to take The mountain in its easiest ascent." 1-4 ru no A TORY. lie disappear'd ; and I myself uprais'd Speechless, and to my guide retiring close, Toward him turn'd mine eyes. lie thus began; 110 " My son ! observant thou my steps pursue. We must retreat to rearward, for that way The champain to its low extreme declines." The dawn had chas'd the matin hour of prime, Which fled before it, so that from afar 115 I spy'd the trembling o f the ocean stream. We travers'd the deserted plain, as one Who, wander' d from his track, thinks every step Trodden in vain till he regain the path. When we had come, where yet the tender dew 120 Strove with the sun, and in a place, where fresh The wind breath'd o'er it, while it slowly dried ; Both hands extended on the watery grass IVIv master plac'd, in graceful act aYid kind. Whence I of his intent before apprix'd, 125 Stretch'd out to him my cheeks suffus'd with tears. There to my visage he anew restor'd That hue, which the dun shades of hell conceal'd. ^ Then on the solitary shore arriv'd, That never sailing on its waters saw 130 Man, that could after measure back his course, He girt me in such manner as had pleasVl Him who instructed, and O, strange to tell ! As he selected every humble plant, Wherever one was pluck'd, another there 186 llesembling, straightway in its place arose. CANTO II. Now had the sun to that horizon reach'd, Thnt, covers, with the most exalted point Of its meridian circle, Salem's walls, And night, that opposite to him her orb Hounds, from the stream of Ganges issued forth, 6 Holding the scales, that from her hands are dropp'd When she reigns highest : so that where I was, PtrilGATORY. 125 Aurora's white and vermeil-1 incturM cheek To orange turn'd as she in age increasM. Meanwhile we lingerM by the water's brink, 10 Like men, who, musing on their road, in thought Journey, while motionless the body rests. When lo ! as near upon the hour of dawn, Through the thick vapours Mars with liery beam Glares down in west, over the ocean floor ; 15 So seem'd, what once again I hope to view, A light so swiftly coming through the sea, Xo winged course might equal its career. From which when for a space I had withdrawn Mine eyes, to make inquiry of my guide, 20 Again I look'd and saw it grown in sixe And brightness: then on either side appearM Something, but what I knew not of bright hue, And by decrees from underneath it came Another. My preceptor silent yet 25 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. 30 Lo how all human means he sets at nought ! So that nor oar he needs, nor other sail K.vcept his wings, between such distant shores. Lo how straight up to heav'n he holds them rear'd, Winnowing the air with those eternal plumes, 35 That not like mortal hairs fall off or change ! " As more and more toward us came, more bright AppearM the bird of God, nor could the eye Kndure his splendour near: I mine bent down, lie drove ashore in a small bark so swift 40 And light, that in its course no wave it drank. The heav'nly steersman at the prow was seen, Visibly written blessed in his looks. Within a hundred spirits and more there sat. " In Exitu Israel de ^Egypto," . 46 All with one voice together sang, with what , -j^Jj In the remainder of that hymn is writ. *o-tX/l l'2(} PURGATORY. I'hen soon as with the sign of holy cross He blessM them, tlrey at once leap'd out on land, He swift. y as lit- came return'd. The crew, 50 There left, appear'd astounded with the place, oozing around as one who sees new sights. From every side the sun darted his beams, And with his arrowy radiance from mid heav'n Had chas'd the Capricorn, when that strange tribe 55 Lifting their eyes towards us ; " If ye know, Dec-hue what path will lead us to the mount." Them Virgil an.swer'd. " Ye suppose perchance Us well acquainted with this place : but here, We, as yourselves, are strangers. Xot long ersfc 60 We came, before you but a little space, By other road so rough and hard, that no\r The' ascent will seem to us as play." The spirits, Who from my breathing had perceiv'd I livM, Grew pale with wonder. As the multitude 65 Flock round a herald, sent with olive branch, To hear what news he brings, and in their haste Tread one another down, e'en so at sight Of me those happy spirits were fix'd, each one Forgetful of its errand, to depart, !<) Where cleans'd from sin, it might be made all fair. Then one I saw darting before the rest With such fond ardour to embrace me, I To do the like was mov'd. O shadows vain Except in outward semblance ! thrice my hands 75 I clasp'd behind it, they as oft return'd Fmpty into my breast again. Surprise J needs must think was painted in my looks, For that the shadow smil'd and backward drew. To follow it I hasten'd, but with voice 80 Of sweetness it enjoin'd me to desist. Then who it was I knew, and pray'd of it, To talk with me, it Avould a little pause. It answer' d : " Thee as in my mortal frame I lov'd, so loos'd from it I love thee still, 'c^> And therefore pause; but why walkest thou here?" ''Not without purpose once more to return, Pl'UFATOKT. 1-? Fliou tiinTst mo, my Casella, \\ -here I am Journeying this way ;" I s:iil, "but ho\v of thee Hath so much time been lost?"' lie answer'd straight : " \> outrage hath been tlone to me, if he '. Who when ami whom lie chooses takes, me oft Tins pa>sago hath denied, since of just will ITis will he makes. These three months past indeed, lie, whoso chose to enter, with free leave 95 Ilr.th taken ; whence I wand'ring by the shore Where Tyber's wave grows salt, of him gain'd kind Admittance, at that river's mouth, tow'rd which ITis wings are pointed, for there always throng All such as not to Archeron descend.' 100 Then I : "If new laws have not quite destroy'd Memory and use of that sweet song of love, That whilom all my cares had power to 'swage ; Please thee with it a little to console My spirit, that incumber'd with its frame, 105 Travelling so far, of pain is overcome." " Love that discourses in my thoughts." He then l>"gan in such soft accents, that within The sweetness thrills me yet. My gentle guide And all who came with him, so well were pleas'd, 110 That seenfd nought else might in their thoughts have room. Fast fix'd in mute attention to his notes We stood, when lo ! that old man venerable Kvclainiing, " How is this, ye tardy spirits? What negligence detains you loit'ring here ? 115 Run to the mountain to cast off tin -si- scales, 'J hat from your eyes the sight of God concea! As a wild flock of pigeons, to their food Collected, blade or tares, without their pride Accustom'd, and in still and quiet sort, 120 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. 126 Nor with les;s hurried step did we depart 128 PURGATORY. CANTO III. THEM sudden flight had scatter'd o'er the plain, TtirnM tow'rds the mountain, whither reason's voice Drives us ; I to my faithful company Adhering, left it not. For how of him Depriv'd, might I have sped, or who beside 5 Would o'er the mountainous tract have led my steps ? He with the bitter pang of self-remorse Seem'd smitten. O clear conscience and upright How doth a little failing wound thee sore ! Soon as his feet desisted (slack'ning pace), 10 From haste, that mars all decency of act, My mind, that in itself before was wrapt, Its thoughts expanded, as with joy restor'd : And full against the steep ascent I set My face, where highest to heav'n its top o'erflows. 16 The sun, that flar'd behind, with ruddy beam Before my form was broken ; for in me His rays resistance met. I turn'd aside With fear of being left, when I beheld Only before myself the ground obscur'd. 20 When thus my solace, turning him around, Bespake me kindly : " Why distrustest thou ? Believ'st not I am with thee, thy sure guide? It now is evening there, where buried lies The body, in which I cast a shade, remov'd 26 To Naples from Brundusium's wall. Nor thou Marvel, if before me no shadow fall, More than that in the skiey element One ray obstructs not other. To endure Torments of heat and cold extreme, like frames 30 That virtue hath dispos'd, which how it works Wills not to us should be reveal'd. Insane Who hopes, our reason ir "' that space explore, Which holds three persons in one substance knit. Seek not the wherefore, race of human kind ; 36 Could ye have seen the whole, no need had been For Mary to bring forth. Moreover ye Have seen such men desiring fruitlessly ; PURGATORY. l'J ( J To whose desires repose would have beeii giv'n, That now but serve them for eternal grief. 40 I speak of Plato, ami the Stagyrite, An.m forth their fold, by one, loO PUIK'.ATOriY. Or pairs, or three :it once; meanwhile I lit- rest St:uid fearfully, bending the rye ami nose 80 To ground, ami 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, 85 Of modest mien and graceful in their gait. When they before me had beheld the light From my right side fall broken on the ground, So that the shadow reach'd the cave, they stopp'd And somewhat back retir'd : the same did all, 90 Who follow'd, though umveeting of the cause. " Unask'd of yon, yet freely I confess, This is a human body which ye see. That the sun's light is broken on the ground, Marvel not : but believe, that not without 95 Virtue deriv'd from Heaven, wo 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. IOC Then of them one began. " Whoe'er thou art, Who journey'st thus this way, thy visage turn, Think if me elsewhere thou hast ever seen." I tow'rds him turn'd, and with lix'd eye beheld. Comely, and fair, and gentle of aspect, 10f He seem'd, but on one brow a gash was mark'd. When humbly I disclairn'd to have beheld Him ever: " Now behold ! " he said, and show'd High on his breast a wound: then smiling spake. "I am Manfredi, grandson to the Queen 110 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 115 My frame was shatter'd, I betook myself Weeping to him, who of free will forgives. My sins were horrible; but so wide arms PU KG A TORT. lol H:itli goodness infinite, Ili:it. it receives All wilt i turn to it. Had this text divine I'-iO Been t>t' Cosen/a'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, 125 And the wind drives, out of the kingdom's bounds, Far as the stream of Verde, where, with lights Extinguished, he remov'd them from their bed. Yet by their curse we are not so destroy'd, But that the eternal love may turn, while hope 130 J Jetains her verdant blossoms. True it is, That such one as in contumacy dies Against the holy church, though lie repent, ]\Iust wander thirty-fold for all the time Jn his presumption past; if such decree 135 Be not by prayers of good men shorter made. Look therefore if thou canst advance my bliss ; Revealing to my good Costanza, how 'Thou hast beheld me, and beside the terms Laid on me of that interdict; for here 140 By means of those below much profit comes." CANTO IV. \Yiii:x by sensations of delight or pain, That any of our faculties hath sei/'d, Entire the soul collects herself, it seems Sht- is intent upon that power alone, And thus the errour is disproved which holds 6 The soul not. singly lighted in the breast. And therefore when as aught is heard or seen, That iirmly keeps the soul toward it turn'd, Time passes, and a man perceives it not. For that, whereby we hearken, is one power, 10 Another that, which the whole spirit hath ; This is as it were bound, while that is free. This found I true by proof, hearing th:;t spirit K!2 PUROATORY. And wond'ring; for full fifty stops aloft The sun had measur'd unobserv'd of me, 16 When \ve arriv'd where all with one accord The spirits shouted, " Here is what ye ask." A larger aperture ofttimes is stopp'd With forked stake of thorn by villager, When the ripe grape imbrowns, than was the path, 20 By which my guide, and I behind him close, Ascended solitary, when that troop Departing left us. On Sanleo's road Who journeys, or to Noli low descends, Or .mounts Bismantua's height, must use his feet; 25 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 30 Pent on each side, while underneath the ground Ask'd help of hands and feet. When we arriv'd Near on the highest ridge of the steep bank, Where the plain level open'd I exclaim'd, ''O master ! say which way can we proceed ?" 35 lie answer'd, " Let no step of thine recede. Behind me gain the mountain, till to us Some practis'd guide appear." That eminence \V r ;is lofty that no eye might reach its point, And the side proudly rising, more than line 40 From the mid quadrant to the centre drawn. I weaned thus began : " Parent belov'd ! Turn, and behold how I remain alone, If thou stay not." " My son ! " he straight reply'd, u Thus far put forth thy strength ;" and to a track 45 Pointed, that, on this side projecting, round Circles the hill. His words so spurr'd me on, That I behind him clamb'ring, forc'd myself, Till my feet press'd the circuit plain beneath. There both together seated, turn'd we round 5C To eastward, whence was our ascent : and oft Many beside have with delight look'd back. First on the nether shores I turn'd my eyep, rrnr.A IOKV. 166 Then rais'd them to the sun, nn down tin- tide, PO Then of this path thou wilt have rearhM the end. Then: hope to re>t, tliee from thy toil. No more 1 -.insuer, and thus far for certain know." 134 PURCi.YTORY. As lie his words had spoken, near to us A voice there sounded : " Yet ye first perchance 96 May to repose you by constraint be led." At sound thereof each turn'd, and on the left A huge stone we beheld, of which nor I Xor he before was ware. Thither we drew, And there were some, who in the shady place 100 Behind the rock were standing, as a man Thro' idleness might stand. Among them one, Who seein'd to me much wearied, sat him down, And with his arms did fold his knees about, Holding his face between them downward bent. 105 " Sweet Sir ! " I cry'd, "behold that man, \vlio shows Himself more idle, than if laziness Were sister to him." Straight he turn'd to us, And, o'er the thigh lifting his face, observ'd, Then in these accents spake: "Up then, proceed 110 Thou valiant oitc." Straight who it was I knew; Nor could the pain I felt (for want of breath Still somewhat urg'd ine) hinder my approach. \nd when I came to him, he scarce his head Tplifted, saying " Well hast thou discern'd, 115 low from the left the sun his chariot leads." His lazy acts and broken words my lips A> laughter somewhat mov'd ; when I began : ' Belacqua, now for thee I grieve no more. But tell, why thou art seated upright there ? 120 Waitest thou escort to conduct thee hence? V blame I only thine accustom'd ways ? " Then he : " My brother, of what use to mount, When to my suffering would not let me pass The bird of 'God, who at the portal sits ? 125 Behoves so long that heav'n first bear me round Without its limits, as in life it bore, Because I to the end repentant sighs Delay'd, if prayer do not aid me first, That riseth up from heart which lives in grace. 180 What other kind avails, not heard in heaven ?" Before me now the Poet up the mount Ascending, cried : " Haste thee, for sec the sun PUKGATOBY. 135 fins louchM HIP j.oint meridian, and the night Now covers with lier foot Maroeco's shore." CANTO V. Now had I left those spirits, and pursued The steps of my Conductor, when behind "ointing the finger at me one exelnirn'd : Sec how it seems ns if the light not shone I'Ywm the left hand of him beneath, and he, 6 As living, seems to l>e led on."' Mine eyes I :it that sound reverting, saw them ga/.e Through wonder first at me, and then at me And tlie light broken underneath, by turns. "Why are thy thoughts thus riveted," my guide 10 ExclaimVl, "that thon hast slaek'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! 15 He, in whose bosom thought on thought shoots out, Still of his aim is wide, in that the one Sicklies and wastes to nought the other's strength." What other could I answer save " I come?" I said it, somewhat Avith that colour ting'd 20 iThich ofttimes pardon meriteth for man. Meanwhile traverse along the hill there came, A little way before us, some who sang The " Miserere" in responsive strains. When they perceiv'd that through my body I 25 Gave way not for the rays to pass, their song Straight to a long and hoarse exclaim they cliangM ; And two of them, in guise of messengers, Ran on to meet us, and inquiring askM : ' < >t' your condition we would gladly learn." 30 To them my guide. " Ye may return, and bear Tidings to them who sent you, that his frame Is real flesh. If, as I deem, to view His shade they pauwM, rziough is OJMWer'd them. 136 PUIMiATORY. Him let them honour, they may prize aim well." 35 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 40 Wheel back on us, as with loose rein a troop. " Many," exclaim'd the bard, " are these, who throng Around us : to petition thee they come. Go therefore on, and listen as thou go'st." "O spirit! who go'st on to blessedness 45 "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 ? 50 Ah wherefore tarriest thou not? We all By violence died, and to our latest hour Were sinners, but then warn'd by light from heav'n, So that, repenting and forgiving, we Did issue out of life at peace with God, 55 Who with desire to see him fills our heart." Then I: " The visages of all I scan Yet none of ye remember. But if aught, That I can do, may please you, gentle spirits ! Speak ; and I will perform it, by that peace, 60 Which on the steps of guide so excellent Following from world to world intent I seek." In answer he began : " None here distrusts Thy kindness, though not promis'd with an oath ; So as the will fail not for want of power. 65 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 Fa'no, that for me 70 Their adorations duly be put up, By which I may purge off my grievous siiis. From thence I came. But the deep passages, Whence issued out the blood wherein I .Iwelt, rUllOATOKY. 187 Upon my bosom in Antenor's land 75 Were made, \vlicro 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 Mini fled, When overta'en at Oriaco, still 80 Might I have breath'd. But to the marsh I sped, And in the mire and rushes tangled there Fell, and beheld my life-blood float the plain." Then said another : " Ah ! so may the wish, That takes thee o'er the mountain, be fultill'd, 86 As thon shall graciously give aid to mine. Of Montefeltro I ; Buoncoute I: Qiovanna nor none else have care for me, Sorrowing with these I therefore go." I thus: " From Campaldino's field what force or chance 90 Drew thee, that ne'er thy sepulture was known V " "Oh ! " answer'd he, " at Casentino's foot A stream there courseth, nam'd Archiano, sprung In Apennine above the Hermit's seat. E'en where its name is cancel'd, there came I, 95 Pierc'd in the heart, fleeing away on foot, And bloodying the plain. Here sight and speech Fail'd me, and finishing with Mary's name I fell, and tenantless my flesh remain'd. I will report the truth; which thou again 100 Tell to the living. Me God's angel took, Whilst he of hell exclaim'd: 'O them from hcav'n ! *Say wherefore hast thou robb'd me? Thou of him 'Th' eternal portion bear'st with thee away ' For one poor tear that he deprives me of. 105 ' But of the other, other rule I make.' "Thon knowest how in the atmosphere collects That vapour dank, returning into water, Soon as it mounts where cold condenses it. That evil will, which in his intellect 110 Still follows evil, c imc, and rais'd the wind And smoky mist, by virtue of the power t-iiv'n by his nature. Thence the valley, soon As day was spent, he eover'd o'er with cloud 13S PUKUATOKY. From Pratomagno to the mountain range, 115 And strelch'd the sky above, so that the air Impregnate chang'd to water. Fell the rain, And to the fosses came all that the land Contain'd not; and, as mightiest streams are A\ont, To the great river with such headlong sweep 1-0 Uush'd, that nought stay'd its course. My stiflvn'd frame Laid at his mouth the fell Archiano found, And dash'd it into Arno, from my breast Loos'ning the cross, that of myself I made When overcome with pain. He hurl'd me on, V26 Along the banks and bottom of his course ; Then in his muddy spoils encircling wrapt." " Ah ! when thou to the world shall be return VI, And rested after thy long road," so spake Next the third spirit; "then remember me. 180 I once was Pia. Sienna gave me life, Harem ma took it from me. That he knows, Who me with jewell'd ring had first espous'd." CANTO VI. WHEN from their game of dice men separate, He, who hath lost, remains in sadness tix'd, Revolving in his mind, what luckless throws He cast: but meanwhile all the company Go with the other ; one before him runs, 6 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 i And thus he from the press defends himself. 10 E'en such was I in that close-crowding throng ; And turning so my face around to all, And promising, I 'scap'd from it with pains. Here of Arezzo him I saw, who fell Ry Ghino's cruel arm ; and him beside, 16 Who in his chase was s \vallo w'd by the stream. PL'llUATOKY. 139 Here Frederic Novello, \vitli his hand Siretch'd forth, entreated ; and of Pisa lie, Who put tlic good Mar/.ueo to such proof Of constancy. Count Orso I beheld; 20 And from its frame a soul dismiss'd for spile And envy, as it said, but for no crime : I speak of Peter de la Brosse ; and here, Wliile she yet lives, that Lady if Brabant Let her be\varc ; lest for so false a deed '25 She herd with worse than these. When I was freed From all those spirits, who pray'M for others' prayers T<> hasten on their state of blessedness ; Straight I be^an : " O iliou, my luminary ! It seems expressly in thy text denied, 30 That heaven's supreme dec re u can never bend supplication ; yet with this design L)O these entreat. Can then their hope be vain, >r is thy saying not to me revealM ?" He thus to me : " Both wh.it I write is plain, 35 \nd these deceiv'd not in their hope, if well 'hy mind consider, that the sacred height Of judgment doth not stoop, because love's flame In a short moment all fulfils, which lie Who sojourns here, in right should satisfy. 40 Besides, when I this point concluded thus, By praying no defect could be supplied ; Uecause the pray'r had none access to God. Vet in this dee]) suspicion rest thou not Contented unless she assure thee so, 15 Who betwixt truth and mind infuses light. I know not if thou take me right; I mean Beatrice. Her thou shalt behold above, I '(ion this mountain's crown, fair seat of jov." Then I: "Sir! let ns mend our speed ; for now 50 I tire not as before; and lo ! the hill Stretches its shadow far." He answer'd thus: " Our progress with this day shall be as much AN \ve may now dispad-h; luit otherwise Than thou supposes! is (he truth. For there ,>5 Thou can.it not be, ere thou once more behold 1-10 rUKGATOKY. . Him back returning, who behind the sleep Is now so hidden, that as erst his beam Thou dost not break. But lo ! a spirit there Stands solitary, and toAvard us looks : 60 It will instruc us in the speediest Avay." We soon approach'd it. O thou Lombard spirit ! HOAV didst thou stand, in high abstracted mood, Scarce moving with slow dignity thine eyes ! It spoke not aught, but let us onward pass, 65 Eyeing us as a lion on his watch. But Virgil Avitli entieaty mild advanc'd, Requesting it to show the best ascent. It answer to his question none return'd, But of our country and our kind of life 70 Demanded. When my courteous guide began, ' Mantua," the solitary shadow quick lose tow'rds us from the place in which it stood, And cry'd, " Mantuan ! I am thy countryman Sordello." Each the other then embrac'd. 75 Ah slavish Italy ! thou inn of grief, Vessel without a pilot in loud storm, Lady no longer of fair provinces, But brothel-house impure ! this gentle spirit, Ev'n from the pleasant sound of his dear land 80 Was prompt to greet a fellow citizen With such glad cheer ; while now thy living ones In thee abide not without Avar ; and one Malicious gnaws another, ay of those Whom the same wall and the same moat contains. 85 Seek, Avretched one! around thy sea-coasts Avide ; Then homeward to thy bosom turn, and mark If any part of the SAvect peace enjoy. What boots it, that thy reins Justinian's hand Refitted, if thy saddle be unpress'd ? !)0 Nought doth he noAV but aggravate thy shame. Alt people ! thou obedient still shouldst live, And in the saddle let thy Cresar sit, If Avell thou marked'st that which God commands. Look how that beast to felness hath relaps'd ( J<: From having lost correction of the spur, 141 Since to tlio bridle tliou hast sot tliino hand, () German Albert ! who abamlon'st her, That is grown savage and unmanageable, When then should'st clasp her flanks with forkt 1 heels. Just judgment from the stars fall on thy blood ! 101 And be it strange and manifest to all ! Such as may strike thy successor with dread ! "?or that thy sire and tliou have suffer' d thus, Through greediness of yonder realms dctain'd, 105 The garden of the empire to run waste. Come see the Capulets and Montagues, The Philippesehi and Monaldi ! man Who car'st for nought ! those sunk in grief, and these With dire suspicion rack'd. Come, cruel one ! 110 Come and behold the' oppression of the nobles, And mark their injuries: and tliou mayst see. What safety Santafiore can supply. Come and behold thy Koine, who calls on thee, Desolate widow ! day and night with moans : 115 l 'My Ca-sar, 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, 120 Who wast in earth for our sakes crucified ! Are thy just eyes turn'd elsewhere ? or is this A preparation in the wond'rous depth Of thy sage counsel made, for some good end, Entirely from our reach of thought cut off? 125 So are the' Italian cities all o'erthrong'd With tyrants, and a great Marcellus made Of every petty factious villager. My Florence ! thou mayst well remain unmov'd At this digression, which affects not thee : 180 Thanks to thy people, who so wisely speed. Many have justice in their heart, that long Waiteth for counsel to direct the bow, Or ere it dart unto its aim : but thine Have it on their lip's edge. Many refuse 135 To bear the common burdens : readier thine 1 pj rrn<; \TOIIV. An<\vcr uucaU'd, and cry. " Behold I stoop ! " Make thyself --lad, fur tliou hast reason now, Thou wealthy! thou at peace! tliou wisdom-fraught! Facts best witness if I speak the truth. 140 Athens anci Laeedamion, who of old Enacted laws, for civil arts renown'd, Made little progress in improving life Tow'rds thee, who usest such nice subtlety, That to the middle of November scarce 145 ] {caches the thread thou in October weav'st. How many times, within thy memory, Customs, and laws, and coins, and ofhV<-s Have been by thee renew'd, and people chang'd ! If thou remember'st well and can'st see clear, 150 Thou wilt perceive thyself like a sick wretch, Wlio finds no rest upon her down, but oft Shifting her side, short respite seeks from pain. CANTO VII. AFTER their courteous greetings joyfully Sev'n times exchang'd, Sordello backward drew Exclaiming, " Who are ye ? " " Before this mount By spirits worthy of ascent to God Was sought, my bones had by Octavius' care 5 Been buried. I am Virgil, for no sin Depriv'd of heav'n, except for lack of faith." So answer' d him in few my gentle guide. As one, who aught before him suddenly Beholding, whence his wonder riseth, cries 10 " It is yet is not," wav'ring in belief ; Such he appear'd; then downward bent his eyes, Aiid drawing near with reverential step, Caught him, where of mean estate might clasp His lord. " Glory of Latium ! " he exclaini'd, 15 " In whom our tongue its utmost power display'd! Boast of my honor'd birth-place ! what desert Of mine, what favour rather undeserv'd, Shows thee to me? If I tu hear that voice PI'I:<:.\TOR% 11.". Am worthy, say if from IK low thou coin'st 'JO And from \vh:it cloister's pale ?" " Through every orb Of that sad region," lie reply'd, u thus far Am I arriv'd, by heav'nly influence led And with such aid I come. There is a place There underneath, not made by torments sad, 'Jf> 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, 30 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, Win-re Purgatory' its true beginning takes." )!5 lie answer'd thus : " W<- 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 40 Kxcels : therefore it may be well to choose A place of pleasant sojourn. To the right Some spirits sit apart retir'd. If thou Consentest, I to these will lead thy steps : And thou wilt know them, not without delight." 4:"> " 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 50 Thou shall not overpass, soon as the sun Hath disappear'd ; not that aught else impedes Thy going upwards, save the shades of night. These with the wont of power perplex the will. With them thou haply mightst return beneath, fif> Or to and fro around the mountain's side Wander, while day is in the horizon shut." My master straight, as woiid'ring at his speech, Kxcl-iim'd : u Then lead us quickly, \\hcrc thou saysl, 144 That, while wo stay, we may enjoy delight." 6A A little space we were remov'd from thence, When I perceiv'd the mountain hollow'd out. Ev'n as large valleys hollow'd out on earth, " That way," the' escorting spirit cried, " we go, Where in a bosom the high bank recedes 65 And thou await renewal of the day." Betwixt the steep and plain a crooked path Led us traverse into the ridge's side, Where more than half the sloping edge expires. Refulgent gold, and silver thrice refin'd, 70 And scarlet grain and ceruse, Indian wood Of lucid dye serene, fresh emeralds But newly broken, by the herbs and flowers Plac'd in that fair recess, in color all Had been surpass'd, as great surpasses less. 75 Nor nature only there lavish'd her hues, But of the sweetness of a thousand smells A rare and undistinguish'd fragrance made. " Salve Regina," on the grass and flowers Here chanting I beheld those spirits sit 80 Who not beyond the valley could be seen. " Before the west'ring sun sink to his bed," Began the Mantuan, who our steps had turn'd, " 'Mid those desires not that I lead ye on. For from this eminence ye shall discern 85 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, 90 The Emperor Rodolph call, who might have heal'd The wounds whereof fair Italy hath died, So that by others she revives but slowly, He, who with kindly visage comforts him, Sway'd in that country, where the water springs, 95 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, 14.') Pamper'd with rank luxuriousncss and ease. 100 And that one with the nose deprest, who close In counsel seems with him of gentle look, Flying expir'd, with'ring the lily's flower. Look there how he doth knock against his breast ! The other ye behold, who for his cheek 10b 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 th deed of Alexandria and his war Makes Conferrat and Canavese weep." 135 10 1-10 PBROATORY. CANTO VIII. Now was the hour that wakens fond desire In men at sea, and melts their thoughtful heart, Who in the morn have bid sweet friends farewell, And pilgrim newly on his road with love Thrills, if he hear the vesper bell from far, i That seems to mourn for the expiring day : When I, no longer taking heed to hear, Began, with wonder, from those spirits to mark One risen from its seat, which with its hand Audience implor'd. Both palms it join'd and rais'd, 10 Fixing its steadfast gaze towards the east, As telling God, "I care for naught beside." " Te Lucis Ante," KO devoutly then Came from its lip, and in so soft a strain, That all my sense in ravishment was lost. l. r And the rest after, softly and devout, Follow'd through all the hymn, with upward gaze Directed to the bright supernal wheels. Here, reader! for the truth makes thine eyes keen : For of so subtle texture is this veil, iiO That thou with ease mayst pass it through unmark'L 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 25 Two angels with two flame-illumin'd swords, Broken and mutilated at their points. Green as the tender leaves but newly born, Their vesture was, the which by wings as green Beaten, they drew behind them, fann'd in air. 30 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 35 \V r as lost, as faculty that by too much Is overpower'd. " From Mary's bosom both Are come," exclaim'd Sordello, " as a guard ITP.CIA TOKY. 147 Over llio vale, gainst him, who hither 1 nls, The serpent." Whence, not knowing by which path -K' He came, I turn'd me round, and closely pressM, All frozen, to my leader's trusted side. Sordello pared not : "To the valley now (For it is time) let us descend ; and hold ("'on verse- with those great shadows: haply much 1;> Their siirht may please ye." Only three steps down Methinks I measur'd, ere I was beneath, And noted one who look'd as with desire To know me. Time was now that air grew dim , Yet not so dim, that 'twixt his eyes and mine f>0 It clear' d not up what was conceal'd befoix. .Mutually tow'rds each other we advanc'd. Nino, th'oit courteous judge ! what joy I felt, When I perceiv'd thou wert not with the bad! No salutation kind on either part &> \\':^ left unpaid. He then inquir'd : " TIo\v long Since tlion arrived'st at the mountain's foot, Over the distant waves?" "O!" answer'd I, "Through the sad scats of woe this morn I came, And still in my first life, thus journeying on, bO The other strive to gain." Soon as they heard Aly words, he and Sordello backward drew, A^ suddenly ama/Al. To Virgil one, The other to a spirit tnrn'd, who near Was seated, crying: "Conrad! up with speed: 65 Come, see what of'his grace high God hath will'd." Then turning round to me : " By that rare mark Of honour which thou ow'st to him, who hides So deeply his first cause, it hath no ford, When thou shalt be beyond the vast of waves. 70 Tell my Giovanna, that for me she call There, where reply to innocence is made. Her mother, I believe, loves me no more ; Since she has chang'd the white and whimpled folds, Which she is doom'd once more with grief to wish. 7& lly her it easily may be perceiv'd, llo\v long in woman lasts the flame of love, If sirht and touch do not relume it oft. 148 For her so fair a burial will not make The viper which calls Milan to the field, 80 As had been made by shrill Gallura's bird." He spoke, and in his visage took the stamp Of that right seal, which with due temperature Glows in the bosom. My insatiate eyes Meanwhile to heav'n had travel'd, even there 85 Where the bright stars are slowest, as a wheel Nearest the axle ; when my guide inquir'd : "What there aloft, my son, has caught thy gaze ? " I answer'd : " The three torches, with which here The pole is all on fire." He then to me : 90 " The four resplendent stars, thou saw'st this moru Are there beneath, and these ris'n in their stead." While yet he spoke, Sordello to himself Drew him, and cry'd : " Lo there our enemy ! " And with his hand pointed that way to look. 95 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 snako Came on, reverting oft his lifted head ; 100 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 Mov'd, but in motion each one well descried, Hearing the air cut by their verdant plumes. 105 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. 110 " So may the lamp, which leads thee up on high, Find, in Chy destin'd lot, of wax so much, As may suffice thee to the enamel's height." It thus began : " If any. certain news Of Valdimagra and the neighbour part 115 Thou know'st, tell me, who once was mighty there. They call'd me Conrad Malaspina, not That old one, but from him I sprang. The love . 149 I bore my people is no\v here refin'd." " In your dominions)" I answcr'd, " ne'er wis I. 120 But through all Kurope where do those men dwell, To whom their glory is not manifest ? The fame, that honours your illustrious house, Proclaims the nobles and proclaims the land ; So that he knows it who was never there. 125 I swear to you, so may my upward route Prosper! your honour'd nation not impairs The value of her coffer and her sword. Nature and use give her such privilege, That while the world is twisted from his course 130 J>y a bad head, she only walks aright, And has the evil way in scorn." lie then : "Now passthee on : sev'n times the tired .sun Kevisits not the couch, which with four feet The forked Aries covers, ere that kind 135 Opinion shall be nailM into thy brain With stronger nails than other's speech can drive, If the sure course of judgment be not stay'd." CANTO IX Now the fair consort of Tithonus old, Arisen from her mate's beloved arms, Look'd palely o'er the eastern cliff : her brow, Lucent with jewels, glitter'd, set in sign Of that chill animal, who with his train 5 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'ercomc with sleep, II) There where all five were seated. In that hour, When near the dawn the swallow her sad lay, Kemcmb'ring haply ancient grief, renews, And with our minds more wand'rers from the ilesh, And less by thought restrain'd, are, as 't were, full 15 Of holy divination in their dreams, Then in a vision did I seem to view JOU PURGATORY. A golden-fcather'd cacrle in the sky, With open wings, and hov'ring for descent, And I was in that place, methought, from whence 20 Young Ganymede, from his associates 'reft, Was snntch'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 sccin'd, iib A little wheeling in his airy tour Terrible as the lightning rush'd he down, And snatch'd me upward even to the tire. There both, I thought, the eagle and myself Did burn ; and so intense th' imagin'd flames, 30 That needs my sleep was broken off. As erst Achilles shook himself, and round him rollM His waken'd eyeballs wond'ring where he was, Whenas his mother had from Chiron fled To Scyros, with him sleeping in her arms ; 3ft 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 40 My looks were turn'd. "Fear not," my master cr.ed, " Assur'd we are at happy point. Thy strength Shrink not, but rise dilated. Thou art come To Purgatory now. Lo ! there the cliff That circling bounds it ! Lo ! the entrance there, 45 Where it doth seem disparted ! Ere the dawn TJsher'd the daylight, when thy wearied soul Slept in thee, o'er the flowery vale beneath A lady came, and thus bespake me : 'I Am Lucia. Suffer me to take this man, 50 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 55 That open entrance show'd me ; then at once She vanish'd with th} sleep." Like one, whose double I'UKUATOUY. 151 Arc ehas'd by certainty, and terror turn'd To comfort on discovery of the truth, Such was the change in me : and as my guide 60 Beheld me fearless, up along the cliff He mov'd, and I behind him, towards the height. Reader ! thou markest how my theme doth rise, Nor wonder therefore, if more artfully I prop the structure ! Nearer now we drew, Go Arriv'd, whence in that part, where first a breach As of a wall appear'd, I could descry A portal, and three steps beneath, that led For inlet there, of different colour each, And one who watch'd, but spake not yet a word. 70 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'c! in his hand a naked sword, glanc'd back The rays so toward me, that I oft in vain 75 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, 80 ' Pass that way: here the gate is. 1 " "And may she Befriending prosper your ascent," resum'd The courteous keeper of the gate: u Come then Before our steps." We straightway thither came. The lowest, stair was marble: white, so smooth 8ft 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, CrackM lengthwise and across. The third, that lay Massy above, seemM porphyry, that tfam'd !*'l Red as the life-blood spouting from a vein. On this God's angel either foot sustain'd, rpon the threshold seated, which appear'd A roek of diamond. Up the trinal steps My leader cheerly drew me. " Ask," said he, 95 14 With humble heart, that he unbar the bolt." 1'ioiihly at his h<>ly feet devolv'd 152 I cast me, praying him for pity's sake That lie would open to me : but first fell Thrice on my bosom prostrate. Seven times IOC The letter, that denotes the inward stain, lie on my forehead with the blunted point Of his drawn sword inscrib'd. And " Look," he cried, " When enter'd, that thou wash these scars away." Ashes, or earth ta'en dry out of the ground, " 105 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, 110 As to content me well. " Whenever one Faileth of these, that in the keyhole straight It turn not, to this alley then expect Access in vain." Such were the words he spake. " One is more precious : but the other needs 115 Skill and sagacity, large share of each, Ere its good task to disengage the knot lie worthily perform'd. From Peter these I hold, of him instructed, that I err Kather in opening than in keeping fast ; 120 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 125 The swivels turn'd, sonorous metal strong, Harsh was the grating ; nor so surlily Roar'd the Tarpeian, when by force bereft Of good Metellus, thenceforth from his loss To leanness doom'd. Attentively I turn'd, 130 List'ning the thunder, that first issued forth ; And " We praise thee, O God," methought I heard In accents blended with sweet melody. The strains came o'er mine ear, e'en as the sound Of choral voices, that in solemn chant 135 With organ mingle, and, now high and clear, Come swelling, now float indistinct away. 153 CANTO X. WHEN* we had passed the threshold of the gate (Which the soul's ill affection doth disuse, Making the crooked seem the straighter path), I hoard its closing sound. Had mine eyes turn'd, For t.h:it offence what plea might have avail'd ? & We mounted up the riven rock, that wound On cither 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." 10 Thus we so slowly sped, that with cleft orb The moon once more o'erhangs her wat'ry couch, Kre we that strait have threaded. But when free We came and open, where the mount above One solid mass retires, I spent, with toil, 15 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 20 Had measurM thrice the stature of a man : And, distant as mine eye could wing its flight, To leftward now and now to right dispatch'd, That cornice equal in extent appear'd. Not yet our feet had on that summit mov'd, 25 When I discovered that the bank around, Whose proud uprising all ascent denied, \Vas marble white, and so exactly wrought With quaintest sculpture, that not there alone Had I'olycletus, but e'en nature's self 80 Been shaiu'd. The angel (who came down to earth With tidings of the peace so many years \Vept for in vain, that oped the- heavenly gates From their long interdict) before us scenfd, In a sweet act, so sculpttirM to the life, 86 Hf look'd no silent im:ivc. One had sworn He find said u Hail ! " lor she was imag'd th- By whom the key did open to (iod's lo\ , 154 PURGATORY. And in her act as sensibly imprest That word, " Behold the handmaid of the Lord, ' 40 As figure seal'd on wax. " Fix not thy mind On one place only," said the gnide belov'd, Who had me near him on that part where lies The heart of man. My sight forthwith I turn'd And mark'd, behind the virgin mother's form, 45 Upon that side, where he, that mov'd 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 engrav'd 50 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 55 Betwixt the eye and smell, from the curl'd fume Of incense breathing up the well- wro light toil. Preceding the blest vessel, onward came With light dance leaping, girt in humble guise, Sweet Israel's harper: in that hap he seem'd 60 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, 65 I mov'd me. Thei*e was storied on the rock The' exalted glory of the Roman prince, Whose mighty worth mov'd Gregory to earn His mighty conquest, Trajan th' Emperor. A widow at his bridle stood, attir'd 70 In tears and mourning. Round about them troop'd Full throng of knights, and overhead in gold The eagles floated, struggling with the wind. The wretch appear' d amid all these to say : " Grant vengeance, sire ! for, woe beshrew this heart ! My son is murder'd." He replying seem'd; 75 " Wait now till I return." And she, as one Made hastv bv her grief : " O sire, if thou Dost not return?" "Where T am, who then is, May right thce." " What to theo is other's good, 80 If then neglect thy own?" "Now comfort theo," At length he answers. "It beseemeth well My duty be perform'd, ere I move hence : So justice wills ; and pity bids me stay." I [e, whose ken nothing new surveys, produced 86 That visible speaking, new to us and strange, The like not found on earth. Fondly I ga/'d Upon those patterns of meek humbleness, Shapes yet more precious for their artist's sake, When "Lo," the poet whisper'd, " where this way 90 (But slack their pace), a multitude advance. These to the lofty steps shall guide us on." ]\Iine eyes, though bent on view of novel sights Their lov'd allurement, were not slow to turn. Render! I would not that amaz'd tliou miss 95 Of thy good purpose, hearing how just God Decrees our debts be caneelM. Ponder not The form of suf'f'ring. Think on what succeeds, Think that at worst beyond the mighty doom It cannot pass. "Instructor," I began, 100 "What I see hither tending, bears no trace Of human semblance, nor of aught beside That my foilM sight can guess." lie answering thus: " So courb'd to earth, beneath their heavy teems Of torment stoop thev, that mine eye at first 105 Struggled as thine. But look intently thither, And disentangle with thy lab'ring view, What underneath those stones approacheth : now, KYn now, may'st thou discern the pangs of each." Christians and proud ! O poor and wretched ones ! 110 That feeble in the mind's eye, lean your trust I'pon unstaid perverseness ! Know ye not That we are worms, yet made at last to form The winged insect, impM with angel plumes That to heaven's justice unobstructed soars? 115 Why buoy ye up aloft your unlledgM souls? Abortive then and shapeless ye remain, Like the untimely embryon of a worm ! 156 PURGATORY. As, to support incumbent floor or roof, For corbel is a figure sometimes seen, 120 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 126 Or more or less contract ; but it appeared As he, who showVl most patience in his look, Wailing exclaim'd : " I can endure no more." CANTO XL " O THOU Almighty Father, who dost make The heavens thy dwelling, not in bounds confin'd, But that with love intenser there thou view'st Thy primal effluence, hallow'd be thy name : Join each created being to extol 6 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 10 Tender meet sacrifice, circling thy throne With loud hosannas, so of theirs lie done By saintly men on earth, Grant us this day Our daily manna, without which he roams Through this rough desert retrograde, who most 16 Toils to advance his steps. As \ve to each Pardon the evil done us, pardon thou Benign, and of our merit take no count. 'Gainst the old adversary prove thou not Our virtue easily subdu'd ; but free 2^ From his incitements and defeat his wiles. This last petition, dearest Lord ! i.s made Not for ourselves, since that were needless now, But for their sakes who after us remain." Thus for themselves and UK good speed imploring, 25 Those spirits went beneath a weight like that PURGATORY, 157 \Ye sometimes feel in <1 reams, all, sore beset, But with u'i';qvial anguish, wearied all, Round thur burdens speedily, that ye have power T > stretch your wing, which e'en to your desire S tall lift you, as yesh<>w us on which hand 40 T ward the ladder leads the shortest way. A ad if there be more passages than one, I r struct us of that easiest to ascend ; F .>r this man who comes with me, and bears yet Tue charge of fleshly raiment Adam left him, 45 Pespite his better will but slowly mounts." From whom the answer came unto these words, V/hich my guide spake, appearM not ; but 'twas said " Along the bank to rightward come with us, ^ nd ye shall find a pass that mocks not toil 50 Of living man to climb : and were it not That I am hinder'd by the rock, wherewith This arrogant neck is tam'd, whence needs I stoop My visage to the ground, him, who yet lives, Whose name thou speak'st not. him 1 fain would view, 55 To mark if e'er I knew him, and to envy His pity for the fardel that I bear. I was of Latiurn, of a Tuscan born A mighty one : Aldobrandesco's name My sire's, I know not if ye e'er have heard. 60 .My old blood and forefathers' gallant deeds Made me so haughty, that I clean forgot The common mother, and to such excess, Wa.vd in my scorn of all men, that I fell, Fell therefore ; by what fate Sienna's suns, 65 1!'8 PURGATORY. Each child in Campagnatico, can tell. I am Omberto; not me only ]>ride Hath injur'd, but my kindred all involved In mischief with her. Here my lot ordains Under this weight to groan, till I appease 70 God's angry justice, since I did it not Amongst the living, here amongst the dead." List'ning I bent my visage down : and one (Not he who spake) twisted beneath the weight That urg'd him, saw me, knew me straight, and call'd, 75 Holding his eyes with difficulty fix'd Intent upon me, stooping as I went Companion of their way. " O ! " I exclaim'd, " Art thou not Oderigi, art not thou Agobbio's glory, glory of that art 80 Which they of I 3 aris call the limner's skill ? " "Brother! " said he, " with tints that gayer srnile, Bolognian Franco's pencil lines the leaves. His all the honour now ; mine borrow'd light. In truth I had not been thus courteous to him, 85 The whilst I liv'd, through eagerness of zeal For that pre-eminence my heart was bent on. Here of such pride the forfeiture is paid. Xor were I even here ; if, able still To sin, I had not turn'd me unto God. 90 O powers of man ! how vain your glory, nipp'd 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 eclips'd. 95 Thus hath one Guido from the other snatch'd The letter'd prize : and he perhaps is born, Who shall drive either from their nest. The noise Of worldly fame is but a blast of wind, That blows from divers points, and shifts its name 100 Shifting the point it blows from. Shalt thou more Live in the mouths oi mankind, if thy flesh Part shrivel' d from thee, than if thou hadst died, Before the coral and the pap were left, Or ere some thousand years have past? and that 105 PURGATORV 159 Is, to eternity coinjiar d. a sj.:,. Briefer than is the twinkling of an eye To the heaven's slowest <>rb. lie there who treads So leisurely before me, far and wide Through Tuscany resounded once ; and now 110 Is in Sienna scarce with whispers nam'd : 1 here was he sov'reign, when destruction caught The madd'ning rage of Florence, in that day Proud as she now is loathsome. Your renown Is as the herb, whose hue doth come and go, 115 And his might withers it, by whom it sprang Crude from the lap of earth." I thus- to him: " True are thy sayings : to my heart they breathe The kindly spirit of meekness, and allay What tumours rankle there. But who is he 120 Of whom thou spak'st but now ? " " This," he replied, " Is Provenzano. He is here, because He reach'd, with grasp presumptuous, at the sway Of all Sienna. Thus lie still hath gone, Thus goeth never-resting, since he died. 125 Such is tir acquittance render'd back of him, Who, beyond measure, dar'd on earth." I then : " If soul that to the verge of life delays Repentance, linger in that lower space, Nor hither mount, unless good prayers befriend, 130 How chanc'd admittance was vouchsafd to him? " " When at his glory's topmost height," said he, " Respect of dignity all cast aside, Freely he iix'd him on Sienna's plain, A suiter to redeem his suff ring friend, 135 Who languish'd in the prison-house of Charles, Nor for his sake refus'd through every vein To tremble. More I will not say ; and dark, I know, my words are, but thy neighbours soon Shall help tlu-e to a comment on the text. 140 This in the work, that from these limits freed him." 160 PURGATORY. CANTO XI J. WITH equal pace as oxen in the yoke, I with that laden spirit journey'd on Loag 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 6 Each man, as best he may, push on his bark"), Upright, as one disposed for speed, I rais'd My body, still in thought submissive bow'd. I now my leader's track not loth pursued; And each had shown how light we t'ar'd along 10 When thus lie warn'd me : " Bend thine eyesight down : For thou to ease the way shall find it good To ruminate the bed beneath thy feet." As in memorial of the buried, drawn Upon earth-level tombs, the sculptur'd form 15 Of what was ouce, appears (at sight whereof Tears often stream forth by remembrance wak'd, Whose sacred stings the piteous only feel), So saw I there, but with more curious skill Of portraiture o'erwrought, whate'er of space idO From forth the mountain stretches. On one part Him I beheld, above all creatures erst Created noblest, lightening fall from heaven : On tli' other side with bolt celestial pierc'd Briareus : cumb'ring earth he lay through dint 26 Of mortal ice-stroke. The Thymbnean god With Mars, I saw, and Pallas, round their sire, Arm'd still, and gazing on the giant's limbs Strewn o'er th' ethereal field. Nimrod I saw : At foot of the stupendous work he stood, JiO As if bewilder'd, looking on the crowd Leagued in his proud attempt on Sennaar's plain. O Niobe ! jn what a trance of woe Thee I beheld, upon that highway drawn, Sev'n sous on either side thee slain ! O Saul ! -if How ghastly didst thou look ! on thine own sword Expiring in Gilboa, from that hour PURGATORY. 161 Ne'er visited with rain from heav'n or dew ! O fond Arneline ! tliec T also saw Half spider now in anguish crawling up 40 Th' nnfinish'd web thou weaved'st to thy bane ! Rehoboam ! liere 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 45 How dear Alcmajon forc'd his mother rate That ornament in evil hour receiv'd : How in the temple on Sennacherib fell Hi.s sons, and how a corpse they loft him there. Was shown the scath and cruel mangling made 60 ]>v Tomyris on Cyrus, when she cried : " Blood thou didst thirst fur, take thy lill of blood ! " Was shown how routed in the battle fled Tli' Assyrians, Holofernes slain, and e'en The relics of the carnage. Troy I mark'd 55 In ashes and in caverns. Oh ! how fall'n, How abject, Ilion, was thy semblance there! What master of the pencil or the style Had trac'd the shades and lines, that might have made The subtlest workman wonder ? Dead the dead, M The living seem'd alive; with clearer view His eye beheld not who beheld the truth, Than mine what I did tread on, while I went Low bending. Now swell out; and with stiff necks Pass on, ye sons of Eve ! vale not your looks, 66 Lest they descry the evil of your path ! 1 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, 70 Admonish'd : u Uaise thou up thy head : for know Time is not now for slow suspense. Behold That way an angel hasting towards us! J.o Where duly the sixth handmaid doth return From service on the day. Wear thou in look 76 And gesture seemly grace of reverent awe, 11 16:> F.UEGATORV. Tliat gladly be may forward us aloft. Consider that this day ne'er dawns again." Time's loss he had so often warnM me 'gainst, I could not miss the scope at which he aim'd. 8t) The goodly shape approach'd us, snowy white In vesture, and with visage casting streams Of tremulous lustre like the matin star. His arms he open'd, then his wings ; and spake : "Onward: the steps, behold ! are near ; and now 85 Th' ascent is without difficulty gain'd." A scanty few are they, who when they hear Such tidings, hasten. O ye race of men Though born to soar, why suffer yc a wind So slight to baffle ye ? He led us on 90 Where the rock parted ; here against my front Did beat his wingsj then promis'd I should fare In safety on my way. As to ascend That steep, upon whose brow the chapel stands (O'er Rubaconte, looking lordly down 95 On the well-guided city,) up the right Th' impetuous rise is broken by the steps Carv'd in that old and simple age, when still The registry and label rested safe ; Thus is th' acclivity reliev'd, which here 100 Precipitous from the other circuit falls : But on each hand the tall cliff presses close. As ent'ring there we turn'd, voices, in strain Ineffable, sang : " Blessed are the pcor In spirit." Ah how far unlike to these 105 The straits of hell ; here songs to usher us, There shrieks of woe ! We climb the holy stairs : And lighter to myself by far I seem'd Than on the plain before, whence thus I spake : " Say, master, of what heavy tiling have I 110 Been lighten'd, that scarce aught the sense of toil Affects me journeying ? " He in few replied : " When sin's broad characters, that yet remain Upon thy temples, though well nigh effac'd, Shall be, as une is, all clean ra/.ed out, 116 Theu shall thy feet by heartiness of will PURGATORY. 163 Be so o'ercoine, they not alone shall feel No sense of labour, but delight, much more Shall wait them urg'd along their upward way." Then like to one, upon whose head is plac'd 120 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 125 The fingers of my right hand, did I find Six only of the letters, which his sword Who bare the keys had trac'd upon my brow. The leader, as he mark'd mine action, smil'd. CANTO XIII. WE reach'd the summit of the scale, and stood Upon the second buttress of that mount Which healeth him who climbs. A cornice there, Like to the former, girdles round the hill ; Save that its arch with sweep less ample bends. 5 Shadow nor image there is seen ; all smooth The rampart and the path, reflecting nought But the rock's sullen hue. " If here we wait For some to question," said the bard, " I fear Our choice may haply meet too long delay." 10 Then fixedly upon the sun his eyes lie fasten'd, made his right the central point From whence to move, and turn'd the left aside. "O pleasant light, my confidence and hope, Conduct us thou," he cried, ",on this new way, 16 Wlieie now I venture, leading to the bourn We seek. The universal world to tlirr Owi-s warmth and lustre. If no other cause Forbid, thy beams should ever be our guide." Far, as is measurM for a mile on earth, 20 lu brief space had we journey'd ; such prompt will ImpellM ; and towards us Hying, now were heard Spirits invisibly, who courteously J64 PURGATORY. Unto love's table bade the welcome s;ue$t. The voice, that first flew by, eall'd forth aloud, 25 " They have no wine ; " so on behind us past, Those sounds reiterating, nor yet lost In the faint distance, when another came Crying, " I am Orestes," and alike W'ing'd its fleet way. " Oh father ! " I exclaim'd, 30 "What tongues are these?" and as I qtiestion'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 35 Is of a harsher sound, as thou shall hear (If I deem rightly), ere thou reach the pass, Where pardon sets them free. But h'x thine eyes Intently through the air, and thou shalt see A multitude before thee seated, each 40 Along the shelving grot." Then more than erst I op'd my eyes, before me view'd, and saw Shadows with garments dark as was the rock ; And when we pass'd a little forth, I heard A crying, " Blessed Mary ! pray for us, 46 Michael and Peter ! all ye saintly host ! " 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 50 I stood so near them, that their semblances Came clearly to my view. Of sackcloth vile Their cov'ring seem'd ; and on his shoulder one Did stay another, leaning, and all lean'd Against the cliff. E'en thus the blind and poor, . r >f Near the confessionals, to crave an alms, Stand, each his head upon his fellow's sunk, So most to stir compassion, not by sound Of words alone, but that, which moves not less, The sight of mis'ry. And as never beam 60 Of noonday visiteth the eyeless man, E'en so was heav'n a niggard unto these Of his fair light ; for, through the orbs of all, 165 A thread of wire, impiercing, knils (hem up, As for the taming of a haggard hawk. 65 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 know the meaning of the mute appeal, Nor waited for my questioning, but said : 70 " Speak ; and be brief, be subtile in thy words." On that part of the cornice, whence no rim Kngarlands its steep fall, did Virgil come ; On the' other side me were the spirits, their cheeks Bathing devout with penitential tears, 75 That through the dread impalement forc'd a way. I TurnM me to them, and " O shades ! "said 1, " Assur'd that to your eyes unveil'd shall shine The lofty light, sole object of your wish, So may heaven's grace clear whatsoe'er of foam 80 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 lioon I dearly prize) if any soul Of Latium dwell among ye; and perchance 86 That soul may profit, if I learn so much." 'My brother, we are each one citizens Of one true city. Any thou wouldst say, Who lived a stranger in Italia's land." So heard I answering, as appear'd, a voice 90 That onward came some space from whence I stood. A spirit I noted, in whose look was mark'd Expectance. Ask ye how ? The chin was rais'd As in one reft of sight. " Spirit," said I, " Who for thy rise arc tutoring (if thou be 95 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 1 eleaMse away with these the evil life, Soliciting with tears that He, \vlio is, 100 Vouchsafe- him to us. Though Sapia namM In sapience I e.vcell'.l imi, gladder far Of others' hurt, than of the good befell ine. 166 PURGATORY. That thon mnyst own I now deceive tliee not, Hear, if my folly were not as I speak it. 10ft When now my years slop'd waning down the arch, It so bechanc'd, my fellow eitizens Near Colle met their enemies in the field, And I pray'd God to grant what He had will'd. There were they vanquish^!, and betook themselves 110 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. Hcav'n ! I fear thee not.' 115 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 7iie. 120 But who art thou that question'st of our state, Who go'st to my belief, with lids unclos'd, And breathest in thy talk?" "Mine eyes," said I, " May yet be here ta'en from me ; but not long ; For they have not offended grievously 126 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?" 130 " He," answer'd I, " who standeth mute beside me. I live : of me ask therefore, chosen spirit, If thou desire I yonder yet should move For thee my mortal feet." " Oh ! " -she replied, " This is so strange a thing, it is great sign 13-*; 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 shall thou behold 140 With that vain multitude, who set their hope On Telamone'a haven, there to fail Confounded, more than when the fancied stream A rouv. 167 They sought of Dinti callYl : but they who lead Their navies, more than ruiifd hopes shall mourn." 145 CANTO XIV. " SAY who is he around our mountain winds, Or ever death has prun'd his wing for flight, That opes his eyes and covers them at will ? " " I know not who he is, but know thus much He comes not singly. Do thou ask of him, , > For thou art nearer to him, and take heed Accost him gently, so that he may speak." Thus on the right two spirits bending each Toward the other, talk'd of me, then both Addressing me, their faces backward lean'd, 10 And thus the one began : " O soul, who yet Pent in the body, tendest towards the sky! For charity, we pray thee, comfort us, Recounting whence thou com'st, and who thou art: For thou dost make us at the favour shown thee j5 Marvel, as at a tiling that ne'er hath been." " There stretches through the midst of Tuscany, 1 straight began : "a brooklet, whose well-head Springs up in Falterona, with his race Not satisfied, when he some hundred miles 20 Hath measur'd. From his banks bring I this frame. To tell you who I am were words misspent : For yet my name scarce sounds on rumour's lip." "If well I do incorporate with my thought Th? meaning of thy speech," said lie, who first 26 Addrest me, "thou dost speak of Anio's wave." To whom the other : " Why hath he conceafd The title of that river, as a man l>ith of some horrible thing?" The spirit, who Thereof was :rt The peril grasp him, so beheld T change That spirit, who had turu'd to listen, struck rt.'KCJATOIIY. IttU With sa Iness, soon rs lie had caught (lie word. 75 His visage and the other's speech did raise. Desire in me to know the names of both, Whereof with meek entreaty I LnqntrM. The shade, who late add rest me, thus resum'd : " Thy wish imports, that I vouchsafe to do 8(' For thy sake what thou wilt not do for mine. Hut 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 85 A fellow man made joyous, thou h.idst markM A livid paleness over-spread my cheek. .Mich harvest reap I of the seed I sow'd. O man, why place thy heart where there doth need Exclusion of participants in good ? 90 This is Kinieri's spirit, this the boast And honour of the hou 110 The ladies and the knights, the toils and ease, That witch'd UP into love and courtesy; Where now such malice reigns in recreant hearts. O Brcttinoru! wh> r< t'ie r.ninst --till, 170 PURGATOKV. Since forth of thee thy family hath gone, 115 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. 120 Well shall ye also do, Pagaiii, then When from amongst you hies your demon child. Not so, howe'er, that henceforth there remain True proof of what ye were. O Hugolin ! Thou sprung of Fantolini's line ! thy name 125 Is safe, since none is look'd for after thee To cloud its lustre, warping from thy stock. But, Tuscan, go thy ways ; for now I take Far more delight in weeping than in words. Such pity for your sakes hath wrung my heart." 130 We knew those gentle spirits at parting heard Our steps. Their silence therefore of our way Assur'd us. Soon as we had quitted them, Advancing onward, lo ! a voice that seem'd Like vollied light'ning, when it rives the air, 135 Met us, and shouted, * Whosoever finds Will slay me," then fled from us, as the bolt Lanc'd sudden from a downward-rushing cloud. When it had giv'n short truce unto our hearing, Behold the other with a crash as loud 140 As the quick-following thunder : " Mark in mo 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. 145 But your old enemy so baits his hook, He drags you eager to him. Hence nor curb Avails you, nor reclaiming call. Heav'n calls And round about you wheeling courts your gaze With everlasting beauties. Yet your eye 150 Turns with fond doting still upon the earth. Therefore He smites you who discerneth all." PUBdATOKT. 171 CANTO XV. As much as twixt the third hour's close and dawn, Appeareth of heav'n's sphere, that ever whirls As restless as an infant in his play, So much appear'd remaining to the sun Of his slope journey towards the western goal. 6 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 10 Of more exceeding splendour, than before, Press on my front. The cause unknown, amaze Possess'd me, and both hands against my brows Lifting, I interpos'd them, as a screen, That of its gorgeous snpcrrlux of light 15 Clipp'd the diminish'd orb. As when the ray, Striking on water or the surface clear Of mirror, leaps unto the opposite part, Ascending :it a glance, e'en as it fell, (And so much differs from the stone, that falls 20 Through equal space, as practice skill hath shown ;) Thus with refractc-d light before me seemed The ground there smitten ; whence in sudden haste My sight recoilM. " What is this, sire belov'd ! 'Gainst which I strive to shield the sight in vain?" 25 Cried I, " and which towards us moving seems?" " Marvel not, if the family of heav'n," He answer'd, "yet with da/xling radiance dim Thy sense. It is a messenger who comes, Inviting man's ascent. .Such sights ere long, 80 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 st'-ep 35 Than ye have yet encomiter'd." We forthwith Ascending, heard behind us chanted sweet, " Blessed thu merciful," and lt Happy thou ! 17- PURGATORY. That conquer'st. Lonely each, my guide and I Pursued our upward way ; and as we went, 40 Some profit from his words I hop'd to win, And thus of him inquiring, frarn'd my speech : " What meant Romagna's spirit, when he spake Of bliss exclusive with no partner shar'd ? " He straight replied : " No wonder, since he knows, -in What sorrow waits on his own worst defect, If he chide others, that they less may mou' -t i. Because ye point your wishes at a mark, Where, by communion of possessors, part Is lessen'd, envy bloweth up the sighs of men. 50 Xo fear of that might touch ye, if the love Of higher sphere exalted your desire. For there, by how much more they call it owrs, So much propriety of each in good Encreases more, and heighten'd charity 55 Wraps that fair cloister in a brighter flame." " Now lack I satisfaction more," said I, " Than if thou hadst been silent at the first, And doubt more gathers on my lab'ring thought. How can it chance, that good distributed, 60 The many, that possess it, makes more rich, Thau if't were shar'd by few ? " He answering tins : " Thy mind, reverting still to things of earth, Strikes darkness from true light. The highest good Unlimited, ineffable, doth so speed 65 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 70 Are multiplied, more good is there to love, And more is lov'd ; as mirrors, that reflect, Each unto other, propagated liirht. If these my words avail not to all.-iy Thy thirsting, Beatrice thou shalt see, 75 Who of this want, and of all else thou hast, Shall rid thee to the full. Provide but thou, That from thy temple.* may be soon eras'd, PURGATORY. 173 E'en as the two already, those five scars, That when they j.;iin then- worst, then kindliest heal," 80 " Thou," I had said, ' content'st me," when I saw The other round was gainM, and wondering eyes Did keep me mute. There suddenly I seem'd By an ecsatic vision wrapt away ; And in a temple saw, methought, a crowd 85 Of many persons ; and at th' entrance stood A dame, whose sweet demeanour did express A mother's love, who said, " Child ! why hast thou Dealt with us thus? Behold thy sire and I Sorrowing have sought thee ; " and so held her peace, 90 And straight the vision fled. A female next Appear'd before me, down whose visage cours'd Those waters, that grief forces out from one By deep resentment stung, who seem'd to say : "If thou, Pisistratus, le ford indeed 95 Over this city, nam'd with such debate Of adverse gods, and whence each science sparkles, Avenge thee of those arms, whose bold embrace Hath clasp'd our daughter ; " and to her, meseem'd, Benign and meek, with visage undisturb'd, 100 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 105 "Destroy, destroy: " and him I saw, who howM Heavy with death unto the ground, yet made His eyes, unfolded upward, gates to heav'n, Praying forgiveness of th' Almighty Sire, Amidst that cruel conflict, on his foes, 110 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 low she had rov'd to no unreal scenes. 115 Meanwhile the leader, who might see I mov'd, As one, who struggles to shake oil hi.-, sleep, Exdaim'd: " What ails thee, that thou canst not hold 174 PURDATORT. Thy footing firm, but more than half a league Hast travel'd with clos'd eyes and tott'ring gait, 120 Like to a man by wine or sleep o'ercharg'd ? )} " Beloved father ! so thou deign," said I, " To listen, I will tell thee what'appear'd Before rne, when so fail'd my sinking steps." He thus : " Not if thy countenance were mask'd 126 With hundred vizards, could a thought of thine How small soe'er, elude me. What thou saw'st Was shown, that freely thou mightst ope thy heart To the waters of peace, that flow diffus'd From their eternal fountain. I not ask'd, 130 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 loit'ring need ; that they be found 135 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 140 Gath'ring, a fog made tow'rds us, dark as night. There was no room for 'scaping ; and that mist Bereft us, both of sight and the pure air. CANTO XVI. HELL'S dunnest gloom, or night unlustrous, dark, Of every 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. Ent'ring its shade, ft 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 10 On what might harm him, or perhaps destroy, PUKGATOKY. 175 I journeyM through that bitter air and foul, Still list ning to my escort's warning voice, "Look that from me thou part not." Straight I heard Voices, and each one seeni'd to pray for peace, 16 And for compassion, to the Lamb of God That taketh sins away. Their prelude still Was " Agnus Dei," and through all the choir, One voice, one measure ran, that perfect seem'd The concord of their song. " Are these I hear 20 Spirits, O master?" I exclaim'd ; and he : " Thou aim'st aright : these loose the bonds of wrath." "Now who art thow, that through our smoke dost cleave ? And speak'st of us, as thou thyself e'en yet Dividest time by calends?" So one voice 25 Bespake me ; whence my master said : " Reply ; And ask, if upward hence the passage lead." " O being ! who dost make thee pure, to stand Beautiful once more in thy Maker's sight ! Along with me : and thou shalt hear and wonder." 3C Thus I, whereto the spirit answering spake : " Long as 't is lawful for me, shall my steps Follow on thine ; and since the cloudy smoke Forbids the seeing, hearing in its ste:i08ecb thee pray fur me, When thou shall come aloft." Ami 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, 55 Singly before it urg'd me, doubled now By thine opinion, when I couple that With one elsewhere declar'd, each strengthening other. The world indeed is even so forlorn Of all good as thou speak'st it, and so swarms 60 With every evil. Yet, beseech thee, point The cause out to me, that myself may see, And unto others show it : for in heaven One places it, and one on earth below." Then heaving forth a deep and audible sigh, 65 " Brother! " he thus began, " the world is blind ; And thou in truth com'st from it. Ye, who live, Do so each cause refer to heav'n above, E'en as its motion of necessity Drew with it all that moves. If this were so, 70 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, 75 And of the will free power, which, if it stand Firm and unwearied in Ileav'n's first assay, Conquers at last, so it be cherish'd well, Triumphant over all. To mightier force, To better nature subject, ye abide 80 Free, not conscrain'd by that, which forms in you The reasoning mind uninfluenc'd of the stars. If then the present race of mankind err, Seek in yourselves the cause, and find "t there. Herein thou shall confess me no false ^>y. 86 " Forth from his plastic hand, who < harm'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 auoth for himself, so now is done for us. For whoso waits imploring, yet sees need 180 PURGATORY. Of his prompt aidance, sets himself prepar'd For blunt denial, ere the suit be made. lief use we not to lend a ready foot 60 At such inviting : haste we to ascend, Before it darken : for we may not then, Till morn again return." So spake my guide ; And to one ladder both address'd our steps ; And the first stair approaching, I perceiv'd 66 Near me as 'twere the waving of a wing, That fann'd my face and whisper'd : " Blessed they The peacemakers : they know not evil wrath." Now to such height above our heads were rais'd The last beams, follow'd close by hooded night, 70 That many a star on all sides through the gloom Shone out. " Why partest from me, O my strength ? " So with myself I commun'd ; for I felt My o'ertoil'd sinews slacken. We had rcach'd The summit, and were fix'd like to a bark 75 Arriv'd at land. And waiting a short space, If aught should meet mine ear in that new round, Then to my guide I turn'd, and said : " Lov'd sire ! Declare what guilt is on this circle purg'd. If our feet rest, no need thy speech should pause." 80 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 cl earlier understand, Give ear unto my words, and thou shalt cull oo Some fruit may please thee well, from this delay. " Creator, nor created being, ne'er, My son," he thus began, "was without love, Or natural, or the free spirit's growth. Thou hast not that to learn. The natural still 90 Is without error; but the other swerves, If on ill object bent, or through excess Of vigour, or defect. While e'er it seeks The primal blessings, or with measure due Th' inferior, no delight, that flows from it, 96 Partakes of ill. But let it warp to evil, Or with more ardour than behoves, or less, I'L'KCATOKY. 181 Pursue 'jhe good, the tiling created then Works 'gainst its Maker. Hence thou must infer That love is germin of each virtue in yc, 100 And of each act no less, that merits pain. K>\v since it may not be, but love intend The welfare mainly of the thing it loves, All from self-hatred are secure ; and since No being can be thought t' exist apart 105 And independent of the first, a bar Of equal force restrains from hating that. " Grant the distinction just ; and it remains The' evil must be another's, which is lov'd. Three ways such love is gender' d in your clay. 110 There is who hopes (his neighbour's worth deprest,) Preeminence himself, and coverts hence For his own greatness that another fall. There is who so much fears the loss of power, Fame, favour, glory (should his fellow mount 115 Above him), and 80 sickens at the thought, He loves their opposite: and there is he, Whom wrong or insult seems to gall and shame That he doth thirst for vengeance, and such needs Must doat on other's evil. Here beneath 1'20 This threefold love is mourn'd. Of th' other sort Be now instructed, that which follows good But with disorder'd and irregular course'. "All indistinctly apprehend a bliss On which the soul may rest, the hearts of all 125 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 It* penal torment on ye. Other good 130 There is, where man finds not his happiness: It is not true fruition, not that blest KsN'iu-c, of every good the branch and root. The love too lavishly hesto\v'd on this, Along three circles over us, is mourn'd. 136 Account of that division tripartite Expect not, fitter for thine own research. 182 rUKGATOllY. CANTO XVIII. THE teacher ended, and his high discourse Concluding, earnest in my looks inquir'd If I appear' d content ; and I, whom still Unsated thirst to hear him urg'd, was mute, Mute outwardly, yet inwardly I said : " Perchance my too much questioning offends, But he, true father, mark'd the secret wish By diffidence restrain'd, and speaking gave Me boldness thus to speak : " Master, my sight Gathers so lively virtue from thy beams, 10 That all, thy words convey, distinct is seen. Wherefore I pray thee, father, whom this heart Holds dearest ! thou wouldst deign by proof t' unfold That love, from which as from their source thou bring'st All good deeds and their opposite." He then : 15 " 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 20 Aught pleasing prompts her, soon as she is wak'd By pleasure into act. Of substance true Your apprehension forms its counterfeit, And in you the ideal shape presenting Attracts the soul's regard. If she, thus drawn, 25 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, 30 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 35 Its substance seem still good. Yet if the wax Be good, it follows not th' impression must." " What love it-," 1 return'd, "thy words, O guide! rUKGvl'ORV. 183 And my own docile mind, reveal. Yet thence New doubts have sprung. For from without if love Be offerM to us, and the spirit knows 40 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 45 From Beatrice, faith not reason's task. Spirit, substantial form, with matter join'd Not in confusion mix'd, hath in itself Specific virtue of that union born, Which is not felt except it work, nor prov'd 50 But through effect, as vegetable life By the green leaf. From whence his intellect Deduced its primal notices of things, Man therefore knows not, or his appetites Their first affections ; such in you, as zeal 55 In bees to gather honey ; at the first, Volition, meriting nor blame nor praise. But o'er each lower faculty supreme, That as she list are summon'd to her bar, Ye have that virtue in you, whose just voice 50 Uttereth counsel, and whose word should keep The threshold of assent. Here is the source, Whence cause of merit in you is deriv'd, E'en as the affections good or ill she takes, ()) severs, winnow'd as the chaff. Those men 65 Who reas'ning went to depth profoundest, mark'd That innate freedom, and were thence induc'd To leave their moral teaching to the world. Grant then, that from necessity arise All love that glows within you ; to dismiss 70 Or harbour it, the pow'r is in yourselves. Kemember, 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 75 To midnight hour belated, made the stars Appear to wink and fade; and her broad disk Secm'd like * crag on fire, as up the vault 18-1 PUHGATOKV. That course she journey'd, which the p. in then warms, When they of Rome behold him at his set. 80 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 8 s - 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, Jlush'd on. With fury and like random rout, 90 As echoing on their shores at midnight heard Ismenus and Asopus, for his Thebes It' Bacchus' help were needed ; so came these Tumultuous, curving each his rapid step, By eagerness impell'd of holy love. 95 Soon they o'ertook us ; with such swiftness mov'd The mighty crowd. Two spirits at their head Cried weeping ; " Blessed Mary sought with haste The hilly region. Caesar to subdue Ilerda, darted in Marseilles his sting, 100 And flew to Spain." " Oh tarry nut : away ; " The others shouted ; " let not time be lost Through slackness of affection. Hearty /eal To serve reanimates celestial grace." " O ye, in whom intenser fervency 105 Haply supplies, where lukewarm erst ye fail'd, Slow or neglectful, to absolve your part Of good and virtuous, this man, who yet lives, (Credit my tale, though strange) desires t' ascend, So morning rise to light us. Therefore say 110 Which hand leads nearest to the rifted rock?" So spake my guide, to whom a shade returu'd : '" Come after us, and thou shalt find the cleft. We may not linger: such resistless will Speeds our unwearied course. Vouchsafe us then 115 Thv pardon, if our duty seem to tliee ]>iseourteous rudeness. In Verona I Was abbot of San Zwno, when the hand I'UUCATOltV. 185 Of Barbarossa grasp'd Imperial sway, That uanie, ne'er utter'd without tears in Milan. IliO And there is he, hath one foot in his grave, Who for th.it monastery ere long shall weep, Kuing his power niisusM : for that his son, Of body ill compact, and Averse in mind, And born in evil, he hath set in place 125 Of its true pastor." Whether more he spake, Or here was mute, I know not: he had sped K'en now so far beyond us. Yet thus much I heard, and in rememb'rance treasur'd it. He then, who never fail'd me at my need, 130 (Vied, "Hither turn. Lo ! two with sharp remorse Chiding their sin!" In rear of all the troop These shouted : "First they died, to whom the sea Open'd, or ever Jordan saw his heirs: And they, who with /Eneas to the end 135 Kudur'd not Buffering, for their portion chose Life without glory." Soon as they had fled Vast reach of sight, new thought Avithin me rose r.y others follow'd fast, and each unlike Its fellow : till led on from thought to thought, 140 And pleasure! with the fleeting train, mine eye \Vas clos'd, and meditation chang'd to dream. CANTO XIX. IT was the hour, when of diurnal heat "No relujiies chafe the cold beams of the moon, OVrpuwerM by earth, or planetary sway <>!' Saturn ; and the geomancer sees His Greater Fortune up the east, ascend, 5 Where grey dawn checkers first the shadowy cone; When 'fore me in my dream a woman's shape There came, with lips that stamnierM, eyes aslant, l)i-torled feet, hands maim'd, and colour pale. I look'd upon her ; and as sunshine cheers If Limbs numb'd by nightly cold, e'en thus my look UnloosM her tongue, next in brief space her form 186 PUKGATORy. Decrepit rais'd erect, and faded face With love's OAVII line illum'd. Recov 'ring speech She forthwith warbling such a strain began, 15 That I, how loth soc'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 list'ner feels. 'AQ I from his course Ulysses by my lay Enchanted drew. Whoe'er frequents me once Parts seldom ; so I charm him, and his heart Contented knows no void." Or ere her mouth Was clos'd, to shame her at her side appear'd 25 A dame of semblance holy. With stern voice She utter'd ; " Say, O Virgil, who is this ? " Which hearing, he approach'd, with eyes still bent Toward that goodly presence : th' other seiz'd her, And, her robes tearing, open'd her before, 30 And show'd the belly to me, whence a smell, Exhaling loathsome, wak'd me. Round I turn'd Mine eyes, and thus the teacher : " At the least Three times my voice hath call'd thec. Rise, begone. Let us the opening find where thou mayst pa.ss." 35 I straightway rose. Now day, pour'd down from high, Fill'd all the circuits of the sacred mount; And, as we journey'd, on our shoulder smote The early ray. I follow'd, stooping low My forehead, as a man, o'ercharg'd with thought, 40 Who bends him to the likeness of an arch, That midway spans the flood ; when thus I heard, " Come, enter here," in tone so soft and mild, As never met the ear on mortal strand. With swan-like wings dispread and pointing up, 45 Who thus had spoken marshal'd us along, Where each side of the solid masonry The sloping walls retir'd ; then mov'd his plumes, And fanning us, affirm'd that those, who mourn, Are blessed, for that comfort shall be theirs. 50 " What ailcth thee, that still thou look'st to earth?" Began my leader ; while th' augelic i,hape 1'UJUiA TUI;Y. 187 A lit (It/ over us his station took. 'New vision," 1 replied, " hath rai,>M in me Surmisings strange and anxious doubts, whereon 55 My soul intent allows no oilier thought Or room or entrance. " I last tliou 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. GO Let thy heels spurn the earth, ami thy raisM ken Fix on the lure, which heav'n's eternal King Whirls in the rolling spheres." As on his i'eel The falcon first looks down, then to the sky Turns, and forth stretches eager for the food, 'i5 That wooes him thither; so the call 1 heard, So onward, far as the dividing rock Gave way, I journey'd, till the plain \vas reach'd. On the fifth circle when I stood at large, A race appear' d before me, on the ground 70 All downward lying prone and weeping sore. " My soul hath cleaved to the dust," I heard With sighs so deep, they well nigh choak'd the words. " O ye elect of God, whose penal woes ]>oth hope and justice mitigate, direct 75 Tow'rda the steep rising our uncertain way." "If ye approach secure from this our doom, Prostration and would urge your course with speeti, See that ye still to rightward keep the brink." So them the bard besought ; and such the words, 80 IJeyond us some short space, in answer came. I noted what rcmaiifd yet hidden from them: Thence to my liege's eyes mine eyes I bent, And he, forthwith interpreting their suit, H"ckon'd his glad assent. Free then to act, 85 As pleas'd 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 90 F<>r me that mightier care. Say who thou wast, Why thus ye grovel on your bellies prune, 188 I'UUGATOKV. And if in zv;ATOJ:Y. Witli poverty, before great wealth wit. vice." The wonls so pleas'd me, tliat 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 30 Bounteous bestow'd, to save their youthful prime Unblemish'd. " Spirit ! who dost speak of deeds So worthy, tell me who thou wast," I said, " And why thou dost with single voice renew Memorial of such praise. That boon vouchsafe! 3f> Haply shall meet reward ; if I return To finish the short pilgrimage of life, Still s] teeding 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 40 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, 4f> Had Ghent and Douay, Lille and Bruges power; And vengeance I of heav'n'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 ply'd .50 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, 56 That soon the widow'd circlet of the crown Was girt upon the temples of my son, lie, from whose bones th' anointed race begins. Till the great dower of Provence had remov'd The stains, that yet obscur'd our lowly blood, 60 Its sway indeed was narrow, but howe'cr It wrought no evil : there, with force and lies, Began its rapine ; after, for amends, Poitou it seix'd, Navarre and Gascony. To Italy came Charles, and for amends 05 191 Voung Conradinc an innocent victim slew, And sent tli' angelic teacher back to heav'n, Still for amends. I see the time at hand, That forth from France invites another Charles To make himself and kindred better known. 70 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 75 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 80 The Corsairs for their slaves. O avarice ! What canst thou more, who hast subdued our blood So wholly to thyself, they feel no care Of their own flesh ? To hide with direr guilt Past ill and future, lo ! the flower-de-luce 85 Enters Alagna ! in his Vicar Christ Himself a captive, and his mockery Acted again ! Lo ! to his holy lip The vinegar and gall once more applied ! And he 'twixt living robbers dooin'd to bleed ! 90 Lo ! the new Pilate, of whose cruelty Such violence cannot fill the measure up, With no degree to sanction, pushes on Into the temple his yet eager sails ! "O sovran Master! when shall I rejoice 95 To &?c the vengeance, which thy wrath wcll-pleas'd In secret silence broods? While daylight lasts, Si long what thou didst hear of her, sole spouse Of the Great Spirit, and on which thou turn'dst To me for comment, is the general theme 100 Of all our prayers : but when it darkens, then A different strain we utter, then record Pygmalion, 'vhom his gluttonous thirst of gold Made traitor, robber, parricide: the woes Of ."Mid as, which his greedy wish ensued, 105 192 1'irKGATORY. Mark'd for derision to .'ill future times: And the fond Achan, how lie 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 110 Spurn'd Ileliodorus. All the mountain round Kings with the infamy of Thracia's king, Who slew his Phrygian charge: and last a shout Ascends : ' Declare, O Crassus ! for thou know'st, The flavour of thy gold.' The voice of each 115 Now high now low, as each his impulse prompts, Is led through many a pitch, acute or grave. Therefore, not singly, I erewhile rehears'd That blessedness we tell of in the day : ]Jut near me none beside his accent rais'd." 1'20 From him we now had parted, and essay'd With utmost efforts to surmount the way, When I did feel, as nodding to its fall, The mountain tremble ; whence an icy chill Seiz'd on me, as on one to death convey'd. 1 4 25 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." 130 " Glory ! " all shouted (such the sounds mine ear Gather' d from those, who near me swcll'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 135 That song: till ceas'd the trembling, and the song Was ended : then our hallow'd path resum'd, Eying the prostrate shadows, who renew'd Their custom'd mourning. Never in my breast Did ignorance so struggle with desire 140 Of knowledge, if my memory do not err, As in that moment; nor through haste dar'd I To question, nor myself could aught discern, So on I far'd in thoughtfulhess and dread. ITJMATOilV. 193 CANTO XXI. Tin-: natural thirst, ne'er ([ucnch'd but from the well, Whereof the woman of Samaria crav'd, Excited : haste along the cumber'd path, After my guide, impelled ; and pity mov'd i\Iy bosom for tin- 'vengeful deed, though just. 5 When lo ! even as Luke relates, that Christ AppearM unto the two upon their way, New-risen from his vaulted grave; to us A shade appear'd, and after us appr.oach'd, Contemplating the crowd beneath its feet. 10 We were not ware of it ; so first it spake, Saying, "God give you peaee, my brethren !" then Sudden we turn'd : and Virgil such salute, As lilted that kind greeting, gave, and cried : : ' Peace in the blessed council be thy lot Ifi Awarded by that righteous court, which mo To everlasting banishment exiles !" " How ! " he exdaim'd, nor from his speed meanwhile Desisting, "If that ye be spirits, whom Uod Vouchsafes not room above, who up the height 20 lias been thus far your guide ? " To whom the bard : ' ; If thou observe the tokens, which this man Trac'd by the finger of the angel bears, 'Tis plain that in the kingdom of the just lie needs must share. But sithence she, whose wheel 25 Spins day and night, for him not yet had drawn That yarn, which, on the fatal distaff pil'd, Clotho apportions to each wight that breathes, His soul, that sister is to mine and thine, Not of herself could mount, for not like ours 30 ller 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 Tims shook and trembled: wherefore all at once 85 Seem\1 shouting, even from his wave-wash'd foot." That questioning BO tallied with my wish, The thirst did feel abatement of its ed' r e 101 PUKOATOttT. K'o-n from expectance. I To forthwith replied : " In its devotion nought irregular 40 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, 45 ]Toar frost or dewy moistness, higher fulls Than that brief scale of threefold steps: thick clouds Nor scudding rack are ever seen : swift glance Ne'er lightens, nor Thaumantian Iris gleams, That yonder often shift on each side heav'n. 50 Vapour adust doth never mount above The highest of the trinal stairs, whereon Peter's vicegerent stands. Lower perchance, \Vith various motion rock'd, trembles the soil : But here, through wind in earth's deep hollow pent, 55 I know not how, yet never trembled : then Trembles, Avhen any spirit feels itself So purified, that it may rise, or move For rising, and such loud acclaim ensues. Purification by the will alone 00 Is prov'd, that free to change society Seizes the soul rejoicing in her will. Desire of bliss is present from the first ; But strong propension hinders, to that wish By the just ordinance of heav'n oppos'd ; G5 Propension now as eager to fulfil Th' allotted torment, as erewhile to sin. And I who in this punishment had lain Five hundred years and more, but now have felt Free wish for happier clime. Therefore thou felt'st 70 The mountain tremble, and the spirits devout Jleard'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, 7t- 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 loos'd, PURGATORY. 111. 1 ") Why rocks llio mountain and Avhy ye rejoice. Vouchsafe, that from thy lips 1 next may iearn, BO Who on llic earth tliou wast, ami wherefore here So many an age Avert prostrate." "In that time, When the good Titus, Avith ITcav'n's King to help, Aveng'd those piteous gashes, Avhenee the blood ]y Judas sold did issue, with the name 85 .Most lasting and most honour'd there Avas I Abundantly renown'd," the shade reply'd, u Not yet with faith endued. So passing SAveet J\ly vocal spirit, from Tolosa, Home To herself dreAV me, where I merited 90 A myrtle garland to iinvreathe my broAV. Statins they name me still. Of Thebes I sang, And next of great Achilles : but i' th' way Fell with the second burthen. Of my flame Those sparkles were the seeds, Avhieh I deriv'd 9- r > From the bright fountain of celestial fire That feeds unnumber'd lam]>s, the song I mean AYhich sounds yF.neas' Avand'rings: that the breast I hung at, that the nurse, from Avhom my veins Drunk inspiration : whose authority 100 Was ever sacred with me. To have liv'd Coeval with the Mantuan, I would bide The revolution of another sun Ueyond my stated years in banishment." The Mantuan, when he heard him, turn'd to me, 105 And holding silence : by his countenance Knjoin'd me silence but the power Avhieh wills, J>cars not supreme control: laughter and tears Follow so closely on the passion prompts them, They wait not for the motions of the will 110 Jn natures most sincere. I did but smile, As one who winks; and thereupon the shade 1'roke off, and peer'd into mine eyes, where best < -ur looks interpret. " So to good event ]\Iayst thon conduct such great em pri/e," he cried, lift ''Say, Avhy across ihy visage beamM, but now, The lightning of a smile! " On either part, Now am 1 strailenM ; one conjures me spenk, PTTRGATORY. Tli' olhor to f-'ilcnoe binds mo : whence a sigh I utter, and the sigh is heard. " Speak on ; " 120 The teacher cried ; " and do not fear to speak, But tell him what so earnestly he asks." Whereon I thus : " Perchance, O ancient spirit ! Thou marvel'st at my smiling. There is room For yet more Avonder. He who guides my ken 125 On high, he is that Mantuan, led oy whom Thou didst presume of men and gods to sing. < If other cause thou deem'dst for which I sirfiPd, Leave it as not the true one ; and believe Those words, thou spak'st of him, indeed the cause." 130 Now down he bent t' embrace my teacher's feet ; But he forbade him : " Brother ! do it not : Thou art a shadow, and behold'st a shade." He rising answer'd thus : " NOAV hast thou prov'd The force and ardour of the love I bear thee, 135 When I forget we are but things of air, And as a substance treat an empty shade." CANTO XXII. Now we had left the angel, who had turn'd To the sixth circle our ascending step, One gashjfrom off my forehead raz'd : while they, Whose wishes tend to justice, shouted forth : " Blessed ! " and ended with, I thirst : " and I, 6 More nimble than along the other straits, So journey'd, that, without the sense of toil, t follow'd upward the swift-footed shades ; When Virgil thus began : " Let its pure flame From virtue flow, and love can never fail 10 To warm another's bosom, so the light Shine manifestly forth. Hence, from that hour, A VI i en 'mongst us in the purlieus of the deep, Came down the spirit of Aquinum's bard, Who told of thine affection, my good will 16 Ilnth been for thee of quality as strong As over link'd itself to one not seen. Therefore these stairs will now seem short to me. ri'u<;A r.iuv. 197 JJut tell me : and if tor> .secure; I loose Tlic rein with a friend's lieense, ;is ;i friend 20 Forgive me, and speak now as with a friend: liw ehanc'd it covetous desire could find Place in that bosom, 'midst such ample store Of wisdom, as thy x,eal had treasur'd there?" First somewhat mov'd to laughter by his words, 25 Statins replied : "Each syllable of thine Is a dear pledge of loVc. Things oft appear That minister false matters to our doubts, "When their true causes are remov'd from sight. Thy question doth assure me, tliou belie.v'st 30 I was on earth a covetous man, perhaps I '.'-cause thou found'st me in that circle plac'd. Know then I was too wide of avarice: And e'en for that excess, thousands of moons Have wax'd and wan'd upon my sufferings. 35 And were it not that I with heedful care Noted where thou exclaim'st as if in ire "With human nature, ' Why, thou cursed thirst Of gold ! dost not with juster measure guide The appetite of mortals?' I had met 40 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 45 Shall with shorn locks arise, who living, aye And at life's last extreme, of this offence, Through ignorance, did not repent. And know, The fault which lies direct from any sin In level opposition, here with that 50 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 ray lot." To whom the sovran of the pastoral song : r )f> " While thou didst sing that cruel warfare wag'd !'; ihe twin sorrow of Jocasta's womb, From thy discourse with Clio there, it seems 108 PUKGATOKY. A* faith had not been thine : without the which (TUCK! deeds suffice not. And if so, what sun 60 Uose on thee, or what candle pierc'd the dark That thou didst after see to hoist the sail, And follow, where the fisherman had led': 1 " lie answering thus : " By tliec conducted first, I cnter'd the Parnassian grots, and quaff 'd 65 Of the clear spring; illuniin'd first by tliee 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, ' Lo ! 70 A renovated world ! Justice return'd ! Times of primeval innocence restor'd ! And a new race descended from above ! ' Poet and Christian both to thee I owed. That thou mayst mark more clearly what I trace, 75 My hand shall stretch forth to inform the lines With livelier colouring. Soon o'er all the world, By messengers from heav'n, the true belief Teem'd now prolific, and that word of thine Accordant, to the new instructors chim'd. 8<* Induo'd by which agreement, I was wont Resort to them ; and soon their sanctity So Avon 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 thein ; 85 And their most righteous customs made me scorn All sects besides. Before I led the Greeks, In tuneful fiction, to the streams of Thebes, I was baptiz'd ; but secretly, through fear, Kemain'd a Christian, and conform'd long time 1XJ To Pagan riles. Five centuries imd more, I for that lukewarmness was fain to pace Hound the fourth circle. Thou then, who hast rais'd The covering, which did hide such blessing from me, Whilst much of this ascent is yet to climb, 95 Say, if thou know, where our old Terence bides, Cavilius, Plautiis, Varro : if condemn'd They dwell, and iu what province \>f the de< [>." PUllGATUUY. 1 ( J ( J "These," said my guide, "with 1'ersius :ind myself, Ami others many more, are with that Greek, 100 Of mortals, the most cherish'd by the Nine, Tn the first ward of darkness. There ofttimes We of that mount hold converse, on whose top For aye our nurses live. We have the bard Of Telia, and the Teian, Agatho, 105 Simonidcs, 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 : 110 Deidamia with her sisters there, And blind Tiresias' daughter, and the bride Sea-born of Peleus." Either poet now Was silent, and no longer by th' ascent Or the steep walls obstructed, round them east 115 Inquiring eyes. Four handmaids of the day Had finish'd now their office, and the tilth Was at the chariot-beam, directing still Its balmy point aloof, when thus my guide : "Methinks, it well behoves us to the brink ll!0 I Send the right shoulder, circuiting the mount, As we have ever us'd." So custom there Was usher to the road, the which we chose Lc,ss doubtful, as that worthy shade complied. They on before me went ; I sole pursued, Ili5 List'ning their speech, that to my thoughts convey'd Mysterious lessons of sweet poesy. IJut soon they ceasM ; for midway of the road A tree \\-e found, with goodly fruitage hung, And pleasant to the smell : and as a tir ])>ij 1'pward from bough to bough less ample spreads, So downward this less ample spread, that none, .Methinks, aloft may climb. Upon the side, That elos'd our path, a liquid crystal fell From the steep rock, and through the sprays above K>5 Slream'd showering. With associate step (lie bards Drew near the plant; and from amidst the leaves A voice was heard : " Ye shall be chary of me; " 200 I'UKGATORY. And after added : " Mary took more thought For joy and honour of the nuptial feast, 140 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 1-45 Made acorns tasteful, thirst each rivulet IJun nectar. Honey and locusts were the food, Whereon the Baptist in the wilderness K<-d, Miid that eminence of glory rcaeh'd And greatness, which the' Evangelist records." 150 CANTO XXIII. ON the green leaf mine eyes were fix'd, like hia Who throws away his days in idle chase Of the diminutive, when thus I heard The more than father warn me : "Son ! our time Asks thriftier using. Linger not : away." 6 Thereat my face and steps at once I turn'd Toward the sages, by whose converse checr'd 1 journey'd on, and felt no toil : and lo ! A sound of weeping and a song : " My lips, O Lord !" and these so mingled, it gave birth 10 To pleasure and to pain. " O Sire, belov'd ! Say what is this I hear? " Thus I inquir'd. " Spirits," said he, " who as they go, perchance, .Their debt of duty pay." As on their road The thoughtful pilgrims, overtaking some 15 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 20 Their visage, and so lean withal, the bones Stood staring thro' the skin. I do not think Thus dry and meagre Erisicthon show'd, When pinc'hd by sharp-set famine to the quick. PlTIKiATOKY. 201 " Lo ! " to myself I mus'd, " the race, who lost 25 Jerusalem, when Mary with dire benk Prey'd on her child." The sockets secm'd as rings, From which the gems were dropt. Who reads the name Of man upon his forehead, there the M Had trac'd most plainly. Who would deem, that scent Of water and an apple, could have prov'd 81 Powerful to generate such pining want, Not knowing how it wrought? While now I stood Wond'ring what thus could waste them (for the cause Of their gaunt hollownes.s and scaly rind 35 Appear' d not) lo ! a spirit turn'd his eyes In their deep-sunken cell, and fasten'd them On me, then cried with vehemence aloud: " What grace is this vouchsaf'd me?" I>y his looks I ne'er had recogni/Al him : but the voice 46 JJmught to my knowledge what his cheer conceul'd. Remembrance of his alter'd lineaments Was kindled from that spark ; and I agni/Al The visage of Forese. " Ah ! respect This wan and leprous wither'd skin," thus he 45 Suppliant implor'd, " this macerated flesh. Speak to me truly of thyself. And who Are those twain spirits, that escort thee there? Be it not said thou scorn'st to talk with me." "That face of thine," I answer'd him, " which dead 50 I once bewail'd, disposes me not less For weeping, when I see it thus transform'd. Say then, by Ileav'n, what blasts ye thus ? The whilst I wonder, ask not speech from me: unapt Is he to speak, whom other will employs." 55 He thus: "The water and the plant we pass'd, Virtue possesses, by th' eternal will Infus'd, the which so pines me. Every spirit, Who-'' song bewails his gluttony indulg'd Too gro^-ly, here in hunger and in thirst (j> Is purified. The odour, which the fruit, And spray, that showers upon the verdure, breathe, Inflames us with desire to feed and drink. 202 PUKGATOKY. Nor once alone encompassing our route We come to add fresh fuel to the pnin : Gfc Pain, said I? solace rather: for that will To the tree leads us, by which Christ was led To call Elias, joyful when he paid Our ransom from his vein." I answering thus : " Foresc ! from that day, in which the world 70 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 ? 75 I thought to find thee lower, there, where time Is recompense for time." lie straight replied : " To drink up the sweet wormwood of aiHiction I have been brought thus early by the tears Slream'd down my Nella's cheeks. Her prayers de- vout, bO Her sighs have drawn me from the coast, where oft Expectance lingers, and have set me free From th' other circles. In the sight of God So much the dearer is my widow priz'd, She whom I lov'd so fondly, as she ranks 85 More singly eminent for virtuous deeds. The tract most barb'rous of Sardinia's isle, Hath dames more chaste and modester by far Than that wherein I left her. O sweet brother ! What wouldst thou have me say? A time to come 90 Stands full within my view, to which this hour Shall not be counted of an ancient date, When from the pulpit shall be loudly warn'd Th' unblushing dames of Florence, lest they bare Unkerchief'd bosoms to the common gaze. 95 What savage women hath the world e'er seen, What Saracens, for whom there needed scourge Of spiritual or other discipline, To force them walk with cov'ring on their limbs ! Hut did they see, the shameless ones, that Ileav'n 100 Wafts on swift wing toward them, while I speak, Their mouths were op'd for howling : they tfhall taste rirnc,A.TORY. 203 Of sorrow (unless foresight cheat me licre) Or ere the cheek of him lie elothM with down Who is now rock'd with lullaby asleep. 105 Ah ! now, my brother, hide thyself no more, Thou secst how not I ah me but all Gaze, where thou veil'stthe intercepted sun." Whence I replied : "If thou recall to mind What we were once together, even yet 110 Remembrance of those days may grieve thec 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 lam}) To his, that glisters yonder," and I show'd 115 The sun. "Tis he, who through profoundest night Of the true dead has brought me, with this llcsh 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, 120 Which rectifies in you whate'er the world Made crooked and deprav'd. I have his word, That he will bear me company as far As till I come where Beatrice dwells : But. there must leave me. Virgil is that spirit, 125 Who thus hath promis'd," and I pointed to him ; " The other is that shade, for whom so late Your realm, as he arose, exulting shook Through every pendent cliff and rocky bound." CANTO XXIV. OUR journey was not slackcn'd by our talk, Nor yet our talk by journeying. Still we spake, And urg'd our travel stoutly, like a ship When the wind sits astern. The sliadnwy forma, That seem'd things dead and dead again, drew in At their deep-delved orbs rare wonder <>t' me, Perceiving I had life; and I my words Continued, and thus spake; " tie journeys up Perhaps more tardily then else he would, 204 I'UUGATOKT. For others' sake. But tell me, if thou know'st, 1$ Where is Piccarda? Tell me, if I sec Any of mark, among this multitude, Who eye me thus." "My sister (she for whom, 'Twixt beautiful and good ; I cannot say Which name was fitter) wears e'en now her crown, 15 And triumphs in Olympus." Saying this, lie added : " Since spare diet hath so worn Our semblance out, 't is lawful here to name Each one. This," and his finger then he rais'd, " Is Buonaggiunta, Buonaggiunta, he 20 Of Lucca: and that face beyond him, pierc'cl Unto a leaner fineness than the rest, Had keeping of the church : he was of Tours, v\nd purges by wan abstinence away Bolsena's eels and cups of muscadel." 25 lie show'd me many others, one by one, And all, as they were riam'd, seem'd well content ; For no dark gesture I discern'd in any. I saw through hunger Ubaldino grind His teeth on emptiness ; and Boniface, 30 That wav'd the crozier o'er a num'rous Hock. 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, 35 So singled him of Lucca ; for methought Was none amongst them took such note of me. Somewhat I heard him Avhisper of Gentucca : The sound was indistinct, and murmur'd there, Where justice, that so strips them, fix'd her sting. 40 " Spirit ! " said I, " it seems as tliou Avouldst fain Speak with me. Let me hear thee. Mutual wish To* converse prompts, which let us both indulge." He, answ'ring, straight began : " Woman is born, Whose brow no wimple shades yet, that shall make 45 My city please thce, blame it as they may. Go then with this forewarning. If aught false My whisper too implied, th' event shall tell. But say, if of a truth I see the mau ru no A TORY. 205 Of tli at new lay th' inventor, Avhich begins 50 With ' Ladies, ye that con the lore of love'." To whom I thus : " Count of me but as one Who am the scribe of love; that, when he breathes, Take up my pen, and, as he dictates, write." "Brother! " said he, "the hind'rance which once held The notary with Guittone and myself, 56 Short of that new and sweeter style I hear, Is now disclos'd. I see how ye your plumes Stretch, as th' inditer guides them ; which, no question, Ours did not. He that seeks a grace beyond, GO Sees not the distance parts one style from other." And, as contented, here he held his peace. Like as the bird, that winter near the Nile, In squared regiment direct their course, Then stretch themselves in file for speedier flight; 65 Thus all the tribe of spirits, as they turn'd Their visage, faster fled, nimble alike Through leanness and desire. And as a man, Tir'd with the motion of a trotting steed, Slacks pace, and stays behind his company, 70 Till his o'erbreathed lungs keep temperate time; E'en so Forese let that holy crew Proceed, behind tlvm lingering at my side, And saying: "When shall I again behold thee?" " Now long my life may last," said I, " I know not; 75 This know, how soon soever I return, My wishes will before me have arriv'd. Sithence the place, where I am set to live, Is, day by day, more scoop'd of all its good, And dismal ruin seems to threaten it." 80 " Go now," he cried : " lo ! he, whose guilt is most, Passes before my vision, dragg'd at heels Of an infuriate beast. Toward the vale, AVlierc guilt hath no redemption, on it speeds, Kach step increasing swiftness on the last, ; 86 Until a blow it strikes, that leaveth him A corse most vilely shatter'd. No long space Those wheels have yet to roll" (therewith his eyes Look'd up to heav'n) " ere thou shall plainly see 206 PUROATORY. That which my words may not more plainly tell. 90 I quit thee : time is precious here : I lose Too much, thus measuring my pace with thine." As from a troop of well-rank'd chivalry One knight, more enterprising than the rest, Pricks forth at gallop, eager to display 95 His prowess in the first encounter prov'd ; So parted he from us with lengthen'd strides, And left me on the way with those twain spirits, Who were such mighty marshals of the world. When he beyond us had so tied, mine eyes 100 No nearer reach'd him, than my thought his words, The branches of another fruit, thick hung, And blooming fresh, appear'd. E'en as our steps Turn'd thither, not far off it rose to view. Beneath it were a multitude, that rais'd 105 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 110 Above them holds aloft, and hides it not. At length, as undeceiv'd they went their way : And we approach the tree, who vows and tears Sue to in vain, the mighty tree. " Pass on, And come not near. Stands higher up the wood, 115 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, 120 How they their twofold bosoms overgorg'd Oppos'd in fight to Theseus: call to mind The Hebrews, how effeminate they stoop'd To case their thirst ; whence Gideon's ranks were thinn'd, As he to Midi an march'd adown the hills." 125 Thus near one border coasting, still we heard The sins of gluttony, with woe ercwhile rtTHOATORY. 207 Rpguoidon'd. Then along tlio lonely path, OMC.C more at largo, full thousand paces on We travel'd, each contemplative and mute. llut mov'd by rey'rencc, answer me, who burn 15 In thirst and lire : nor I alone, but these All for thine answer do more thirst, than doth Indian or ^Ethiop for the cooling stream. Tell us, how is it that thou mak'st thyself A wall against the sun, as thou not yet 20 Into th' inextricable toils of death Iladst enter'd? " Thus spake one, and I had straight Declar'd me, if attention had not turn'd To new appearance. Meeting these, there came, Midway the burning path, a crowd, on whom 25 Earnestly gazing, from each part I view The shadows alt press forward, severally Each snatch a hasty kiss, and then away. EVn so the emmets, 'mid their dusky troops, Peer closely one at other, to spy out 80 Their mutual road perchance, and how they thrive. That friendly greeting parted, ere dispatch Of tho first onward step, from either tribe Loud clamour rises: those, who newly come, Shout " Sodom and Gomorrah ! " these, "The cow 35 Pasiphae enter'd, that the beast she woo'd Might rush unto her luxury." Then as cranes, That part towards the Riphffl.in mountains (ly, 212 PURGATORY. Part towards the Lybic sands, these to avoid The ice, and those the sun ; so hasteth off 40 One crowd, advances th' other ; and resume Their first song weeping, and their several shout. Again drew near my side the very same, "Who had erewhile besought me, and then looks Mark'd eagerness to listen. I, who twice 45 Their will had noted, spake : "O spirits secure, Whene'er the time may be, of peaceful end ! My limbs, nor crude, nor in mature old age, Have I left yonder : here they bear me, fed With blood, and sinew-strung. That I no more 60 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, 55 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, 60 Hugged and clownish, if some city's walls lie 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) 65 lie, who before had questioned, thus resum'd : " O blessed, who, for death preparing, tak'st Experience of our limits, in thy bark ! Their crime, who not with us proceed, was that, For which, as he did triumph, Caesar heard 70 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, 75 Following like beasts our vile concupiscence, Hence parting from them, to our own disgrace Record the name of her, by whom the beast PURGATORY. 213 In bestial tin. was acted. Xo\v our deeds Thou know'st, and h<>w we sinnM. If thou by name 80 Wouldst haply know us. time permits not now To tell so much, nor can I. Of myself Learn \\hat thou wishest. Guinicelli I, Who having truly sorrow'd eve my last, Already cleanse me." With such pious joy, 85 As the two sons upon their mother ga/'d From sad Lycurgus rescu'd, such my joy (Save that I more represt it) when I heard From his own lips the name of him pronounc'd, Who was a father to me, and to those 90 My Betters, who have ever us'd the sweet And pleasant rhymes of love. So nought I heard Xor spake, but long time thoughtfully I went, (Taxing on him ; and, only for the fire, Approach'd not nearer. When my eyes were fed 95 By looking on him, with such solemn pledge, As forces credence, I devoted me l r nto his service wholly. In reply lie thus bespakc me : " What from thee I hear Is grav'd so deeply on my mind, the waves 100 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 105 As of our tongue the beauty does not fade, Shall make us love the very ink that trac'd them." " Brother ! " he cried, and pointed at a shade Before him, " there is one, whose mother speech l)t' the elder time cried up Guittone, giving him the prize, till truth 211 riJIlGATOKY. By strength of numbers vnnquish'd. If thou own So ample privilege, as to have gain'd 120 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 125 For one, that follow'd next, when that was suid, lie 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, 130 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, 135 Thorough this ford of fire I wade, and sec 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 Kcmcmber ye my suff 'rings." With such words 140 lie disappeared in the refining flame. CANTO XXVII. Now was the sun so station'd, as when first IHs 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. - 5 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 10 In heart," he sang : then near him as we came, " Go ye not further, holy spirits ! " he cried, "Ere the fire pierce you : enter in; and list I'Ulir.ATOKV. -15 Attentive to tlic song ye hear from thence." I, when I heard his saying, was as one 15 Laid in the grave. My hands together dasp'd, And upward stretching, on the fire I look'd, And busjr fancy conjurd up the forms Erewhile beheld alive consum'd in flames. Tli' escorting spirits turn'd with gentle looks 20 Toward me, and the Mantuan spake : u My son, Here torment thou mayst feel, but canst not death. Ilemember thee, remember thee, if I Safe e'en on Geryon brought thec: now I come More near to God. wilt thou not trust me now? 25 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. oO Lay now all fear, O lay all fear aside. Turn hither, and come onward undismay'd." I still, though conscience urg'd, no step advanc'd. When still he saw me fix'd and obstinate, Somewhat disturb'd he cried : "Mark now, my son, 35 From Beatrice thou art by this Avail 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 40 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 smil'd, as one would smile Upon a child, that eyes the fruit and yields. 15 Into the fire before me then he walk'd ; And Statins, who ercwhile 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 50 Kng'd the eonflagrant mass. The sire belov'd, To comfort me, as lie proceeded, still Of Beatrice talk'd. " Her eyes," saith he, 216 PURGATOKV. " E'on now I seem to view." From the other side A voice, that sang, did guide us, and the voice 55 Following, with heedful ear, we issued forth, There where the path led upward. " Come," we heard, " Come, blessed of my Father." Such the soifeds, That hail'd us from within a light, which shone So radiant, I could not endure the view. 60 " 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 fae'd Such part of heav'n, that from before my steps 65 The beams were shrouded of the sinking sun. Nor many stairs were overpast, when now J>y fading of the shadow we perceiv'd The sun behind us couch'd : and ere one face Of darkness o'er its measureless expanse 70 Involv'd th' horizon, and the night her lot Held individual, each of us had made A stair his pallet : not that Avill, but power, Had fail'd us, by the nature of that mount Forbidden further travel. As the goats, 75 That late have skipp'd and wanton'd rapidly Upon the craggy cliffs, ere they had ta'en Their supper on the herb, now silent lie And ruminate beneath the umbrage brown, While noon-day rages; and the goatherd leans 80 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, 85 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, 90 Gazing on them, and in that fit of musing, Sleep overcame me, sleep, that bringeth oft Tidings of future hap. About the hour, I'tlKJATOKY. 217 As I believe, when Venus from the east Fir.t lightened on the mountain, she whose orb i)5 Seems alway glowing with tlie lire of love, A lady young anUI:<;ATOUY. Will little rippling waters bent the grass, That issued from its brink. On earth no wave Mow cle.Mi soe'er, that would not seem to have Some mixture in itself, compar'd with this, 30 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 ndvanc'd not; but my wond'ring eyes Pass'd onward, o'er the streamlet, to survey 35 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 10 A lady all alone, who, singing, went, And culling Mower from flower, wlu rewith her way Wa> all o'er painted. " Lady beautiful ! Thou, who (if looks, that use to speak the heart, Are worthy of our trust), with love's own beam 45 Dost warm thec," thus to her my speech I fram'd : " Ah ! please thee hither towards the streamlet bend Thy steps so near, that I may list thy song. In-holding thee and this fair place, incthinks, I call to mind where wander'd and how look'd 50 Proserpine, in that season, when her child The mother lost, and she the bloomy spring." Aa when a lady, turning in the dance, Doth foot it featly, and advances scarce One step before the other to the ground ; 55 <>vcr the yellow and vermilion flowers Thus tuni'd she at my suit, most maiden-like, Yaling her sober eyes, and came so near, That I distinctly caught the dulcet sound. Arriving where the limped waters n>\v 60 I.av'd the green sward, her eyes she deign'd to raise. That shot such splendour 071 me, as I ween Ne'er glanced from Cythcrea's, when her sou Had :prd his keenest weapon to her heart. I'pou the opposite bank she stood and sinil'd '.)') As through her graceful fingers shifted still The intermingling dyes, which witliout seed That lofty land unbosoms. By the stream Three paces only were we sunder'd : yet, The Hellespont, where Xerxes pass'd it o'er, 70 (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. 75 " Strangers ye come, and haply in this place, That cradled human nature in its birth, Wond'ring, ye not without suspicion view My smiles: out that sweet strain of psalmody, 'Thou, Lord! hast made me glad,' will give ye light, SO Which may uncloud your minds. And thou, who stand'sl 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 85 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 ( JO That hath enwrapt thee. The First Good, whose joy Is only in himself, created man For happiness, and gave this goodly place, His pledge and earnest of eternal peace. Favoured thus highly, through his own defect D5 lie fell, and here made short sojourn ; he fell, And, for the bitterness of sorrow, chang'd Laughter unblam'd and ever-new delight. That vapours none, exhal'd from earth beneath, Or from the waters (which, wherever heat !({.' Attracts them, follow), might ascend thus far To vex man's peaceful state, this mountain rose So high toward the heav'n, nor fears the rage Of elements contending, from that part Exempted, where the gate his limit bars. 105 Ik-cause the circumambient air throughout JVI:<;A roi:v. 'J'Jl With its first impulse circles still, jiuyw Aught interpose to cheek or thwart its course; I "pun the summit, which on every side To visitation of th' impassive air 110 Is open, doth that motion strike, and makes Beneath its sway th' umbrageous wood resound: And in the shaken plant such power resides, That it impregnates with its efficacy The voyaging breeze, upon whose subtle plume 115 TJiat wafted Hies abroad ; and th' other land JJeeeiviug (as 't is worthy in itself, Or in the clime, that warms it), dotli conceive, And from its womb produces many a tree Of various virtue. This when tliou hast heard, 120 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 filPd, and in itself liift Bears fruit that ne'er was pluck'd on other soil. " The water, thou behold st, springs not from vein, As stream, that intermittently repairs And spends lus pulse of life, but issues forth From fountain, solid, undecaying, sure ; 130 And by the will ornnific, full supply Feeds whatsoe'er on either side it pours ; On this devolv'd with power to take away Remembrance of offence, on that to bring Remembrance back of every good deed done. 135 From whence its name of Lethe on this part ; On th' other Eunoe : both of which must first Be tasted ere it work.; the.last exceeding All flavours else. Albeit thy thirst may now Be well contented, if I here break off, 140 MO 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, \\ hose verse of yore The golden age recorded and its bliss, 145 On the Parnassian mountain, of this place ' rr"i;,: \Tor.Y. Perraps hart dream'd. Hero was man guiltless, here I'erpetnal spring and every fruit, and this The i'ar-fam'd nectar." Turning to the bards, When she had ceas'd, I noted in their looks 150 A smile at her conclusion ; then my face directed to the lovely dame. CANTO XXIX. SINT.IVG, as if enamour'd, she resum'd And clos'd the song, with " Blessed they whose sins Are cover'd." Like the wood-nymphs then, that tripp'd Singly across the sylvan shadows, one Kager to view and one to 'scape the sun, 5 So mov'd she on, against the current, up The verdant rivnge. I, her mincing step Observing, with as tardy step pursued. Between us not an hundred paces trod, The bank, on each side bending equally, 10 (lave me to face the orient. Nor our way Far onward brought us, when to me at once She turn'd, and cried : " My brother! look and hearken." And lo! a sudden lustre ran across Through the great forest on all parts, so bright 15 I doubted whether lightning were abroad ; ]3ut that expiring ever in the spleen, That doth unfold it, and this during still And waxing still in splendor, made me question What it might be : and a sweet melody 20 Ran through the luminous air. Then did I chide With warrantable zeal the hardihood Of our first parent, for that there were earth Stood in obedience to the heav'ns, she only, Woman, the creature of an hour, endur'd not 25 Restraint of any veil : which had she borne Devoutly, joys, ineffable as these, Had from the first, and long time since, oeen mine. While through that wilderness of primy sweets That never fade, suspense I walk'd, and yet 80 Expectant ol beatitude more high, JJcfore us, like a bhi/ing fire, tlie air Under the green boughs glow'd ; and, for a song, Distinct tlie sound of melody was heard. ye thrice holy virgins ! for your sakes 3f> If e'er I sufferM liunger, eold 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 40 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 4. r Of those, with which a doubtful object, seen h'emotely, plays on the misdeeming sense, Then did the faculty, that ministers Discourse to reason, these for tapers of gold Distinguish, and i' th' singing trace the sound f>0 " Ilosanna." Above, their beauteous garniture Flam'd with more ample lustre, than the moon Through cloudless sky at midnight in her full. 1 turn'd me full of wonder to my guide; And he did answer with a countenance f>5 Charg'd with no less amazement: whence my view 1 {everted to those lofty tilings, which came So slowly moving towards us, that the bride Would have outstript them on her bridal day. The lady called abou'd : " Why thus yet burns 00 Affection in thee for these living lights, And dost not look on that which follows them?" I straightway mark'd a tribe behind them walk, As if attendant on their leaders, clothM With raiment of such whiteness, as on earth G. r > Was never. On my left, the wat'ry gleam IJorrow'd, and gave me back, when there I look'd As in a mirror, my left side portray'd. When I hail chosen on the river's edge Such station, -that the distance of the stream 70 SK64 PUBOATORT. Alone did si'pnrrilp me ; then- I stay'd JVly steps for clearer prospect, and beheld Tlic flames go onward, leaving, as they went, The air behind them painted as with trail Of liveliest pencils ! so distinct were mark'd li- All those sev'n listed colours, whence the sun Maketh his bow, and Cyntliia her zone. These streaming gonfalons did flow beyond My vision ; and ten paces, as I guess, Parted the outermost. Beneath a sky 80 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 ! and thy loveliness Blessed for ever ! " After that the flower*, 85 And the fresh herblets, on the opposite brink, Were free from that elected race ; as light In heav'n doth second light, came after them Four animals, each crown'd with verdurous leaf. With six wings each was plum'd, the plumage full 90 Of eyes, and th' 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 no straitens, that in this I may not give my bounty room. But read 96 E7.ekiel ; for he paints them, from the north How he beheld them come by Chebar's flood, In whirlwind, cloud and fire ; and even such As thou shalt find them character' d by him, Here were they; save as to the pennons ; there, 1UO From him departing, John accords with me. The space, surrounded by the four, enclos'd A car triumphal : on two wheels it came Drawn at a Gryphon's neck ; and he above Stretch'd either wing uplifted, 'tween the midst 106 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 110 A oar in Romo ne'er grae'd Augustus pomp, Or At'ricanus' : e'en the sun's itself Were poor to this, that chariot of the sun Erroneous, which in blazing ruin fell At Tellus' pray'r devout, by the just doom *15 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 Ueen known within a furnace of clear flame: The next did look, as if the flesh and bones 120 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 th' other wheel, A band quaternion, each in purple clad, 125 Advanc'd with festal step, as of them one The rest conducted, one, upon whose front Three eyes were seen. In rear of all this groupe, Two old men I beheld, dissimilar In raiment, but in port and gesture like, 130 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, 135 Hearing a sword, whose glitterance and keen edge, K'en as I view'd it with the flood between, AppallM me. Next four others I beheld, Oi humble seeming: and, behind them all, One single old man, sleeping as he came, 1-10 With a shrewd visage. And these seven, each Like tin 1 lirst troop were habited, but wore NH IM aid of lilies on their temples wreath'd. Rather with roses and each vermeil flower, A sight, but little distant, might have sworn, 145 That they were all on lire above their brow. Whenas the car was o'er against me, straight Was heard a thund'ring, at whose voice it seemM The chosen multitude were stayM ; for there, With the first ensigns, made they solemn halt. lf>9 220 rrnrj, \TOHir. CANTO XXX. Soox as tlie polar light, which never knows Setting nor rising, nor the shadowy veil Of other cloud than sin, fair ornament Of the first heav'n, to duty each one there Safely convoying, as that lower doth i The steersman to his port, stood firmly fix'd ; Forthwith the saintly tribe, who in the van Between the Gryphon and its radiance came, Did turn them to the car, as to their rest : And one, as if commission'd from above, 10 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, If) As, on the sacred litter, at the voice Authoritative of that elder, sprang A hundred ministers and messengers Of life eternal. " Blessed tliou ! who com'st ! " And, " O," they cried, " from full hands scatter ye '20 Unwith'ring lilies ; " and, so saying, cast Flowers over head and round them on all sides. I have beheld, ere now, at break of day, The eastern clime all roseate, and the sky Oppos'd, one deep and beautiful serene, 25 And the sun's face so shaded, and with mists Attemper'd at his rising, that the eye Long while endur'd the sight : thus in a cloud Of flowers, that from those hands angelic rose, And down, within and outside of the car, 30 Fell showering, in white veil with olive wreath'd, A virgin in my view appear'd, beneath Green mantle, rob'd in hue of living flame : And o'er my spirit, that in former days Within her presence had abode so long, No shudd'ring terror crept. Mine eyes no more Had knowledge of her; yet there movM from her A hidden virtue, at whose touch awak'd, The power of ancient love was strong within me. ]S'o sooner 011 my vision streaming, smote 4U Tlie "heav'nly influence, \vliicli years past, and e'en In childhood, thrill'd me, than towards Virgil I Tunfd me to leftward, jointing, like a babe, That llees for refuge to his mother's breast, If aught have terrified or work'd him woe: 5 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 ; " 15ut Virgil had bereav'd us of himself, Virgil, my best-lov'd father; Virgil, he 50 To whom I gave me up for safety : nor, All, our prime mother lost, availM to save My undi'wM cheeks from blur of soiling tears. "Dante, weeji not, that Virgil leaves thee: nay, Werp thou not yet : behoves thee feel the edge f>f> Of other sword, and thou shalt wee]> for that." As to the ]>row or stern, some admiral 1'aees the deck, inspiriting his crew, When 'mid the sail-yards all hands ply aloof; Tims on the left side of the ear I saw, CO (Turning me at the sound of mine own name, Which here I am compell'd to register) The virgin station'd, who before appeared Veil'd in that festive shower angelical. Towards me, across the stream, she bent her eyes; 65 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 70 The bitterest saying, to conclude the speech : "Observe me well. I am, in sooth, I am IJeatritv. What ! and hast thou deign'd at last Approach the mountain? Knewest not, O man ! Thy happiness is here? 1 ' Down fell mine eyes 7-"i On the clear fount, but there, myself cspvin-jf, KVcoiPd, and sought the greensward : such a weight Oi shame was un my forehead. With a mien i:-!"> PUROATOTCY. Of that storn majesty, which cloth surround A mother's presence to her awe-struck child, 80 She look'd ; a flavour of such bitterness Was mingled in her pity. There her words Brake off, and suddenly the angels sang : " In thee, O gracious Lord, my hope hath been : " r.ut went no farther than, " Thou Lord, hast set J>5 My feet in ample room." As snow, that lies Amidst the living rafters on the back Of Italy congeal'd when drifted high And closely pil'd by rough Sclavonian blasts, . Breathe but the land whereon no shadow falls, 90 And straightway melting it distils away, Like a fire-wasted taper : thus was I, Without a sigh or tear, or ever these Did sing, that with the chiming of heav'n's sphere, Still in their warbling chime: but when the strain 95 Of dulcet symphony, express'd for me Their soft compassion, more than could the words " Virgin, why so consum'st him ? " then the ice, Congeal'd about my bosom, turn'd itself To spirit and water, and with anguish forth 100 Gush'd through the lips and eyelids from the heart. Upon the chariot's right edge still she stood, Immovable, and thus address'd her words To those bright semblances with pity touch'd : "Ye in th' eternal day your vigils keep, 105 So that nor night nor slumber, with close stealth, Conveys from you a single step in all The goings on of life : thence with more heed I shape mine answer, for his ear intended, Who there stands weeping, that the sorrow now 110 May equal the transgression. Not alone Through operation of the mighty orbs, That mark each seed to some predestin'd aim, As with aspect or fortunate or ill The constellations meet, but through benign 115 Largess of heav'nly graces, which rain down From such a height, as mocks our vision, this man Was in the freshness of his being, such, O* * rr !;<;.\TOUV. liii'j So gifted virtually, that in him All better habits wondYously had thriv'd. 120 The more of kindly strength is in the soil, 80 much doth evil seed and lack of culture Mar it the more, and make it run to wild ness. These looks sometime upheld him ; for I show'd My youthful eyes, and led him by their light 1-5 In upright walking. Soon as I had reach'd The threshold of my second age, and chang'd My mortal for immortal, then he left me, And gave'himself to others. When from flesh To spirit I had risen, and increase 130 Of beauty and of virtue circled me, I was less dear to him, and valued lets, His steps were turnM into deceitful ways, Following false images of good, that make No promise perfect. Nor avaii'd me aught Jo5 To sue for inspirations, with the which, 1, 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 I 1< The children of perdition. To this end I visited the purlieus of the dead: And one, who hath conducted him thus high, Keceiv'd my supplications urg'd with weeping. It were a breaking of (iod's high decree, 145 If Lethe should be past, and such food tasted Without the cost of some repentant tear." CANTO XXXI. " O THOU ! " her words she thus without delay Resuming, turn'd their point on me, to whom They but with lateral edge seem'd harsh before, " Say thou, who stand'st beyond the holy stream, It' this be true. A charge so grievous needs Thine own avowal." On my faculty Such strange amazcm"iit hung, the voice expir'd 230 I'UU'iAToKV. Imperfect, ere its orpins gave it birth. A little space refraining, then she spake : " What dost tliou muse on ? Answer me. The wave On thy remembrances of evil yet 11 I lath 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 15 In act to be discharg'd, a cross-bow bent Beyond its pitch, both nerve and bow o'erslrctch'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 20 Was slacken'd on its way. She straight began: ' When my desire invited thce to love The good, which sets a bound to our aspirings, What bar of thwarting foss or linked chain Did meet thec, that thou so should'st quit the hope Of further progress, or what bait of ease 26 Or promise of allurement led thee on Elsewhere, that thou elsewhere should'st rather wait ? " A bitter sigh I drew, then scarce found voice To answer, hardly to these sounds my lips oO Gave utterance, wailing: "Thy fair looks withdrawn, Things present, with deceitful pleasures, turn'd My steps aside." She answering spake : " Iladst thou l>ecn silent, or denied what thou avow'st, Thou hadst not hid thy sin the more : such eye o5 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. HoweYr that thou may'st profit by thy shame 40 For crroi's past, and that henceforth more strength May arm thce, when thou hcar'st the Syrcn-voiuc, Lay thou aside the motive to this grief, And lend attentive ear, while I unfold How opposite a way my buried flesh In .Should have impell'd thec. Never didst thou spy In art or nature aught so passing sweet, rUUGATOKV. U31 As \vcre the limbs, that in their beauteous frame Knclos'd me, and are scatter'd now in dust. I f sweetest tiling thus fail'd thee with my death, 50 What, afterward, of mortal should thy wish Have tempted? When thou first hadst felt the dart Of |)erishablc things, in my departing For better realms, thy wing thou should'st have prim'd To follow me, and never stoop'd again 55 To 'bide a second blow for a slight girl, Or other gaud as transient and as vain. The new and inexperienc'd bird awaits, Twice it may be, or thrice, the fowler's aim ; But in the sight of one, whose plumes are full, 00 In vain the net is spread, the arrow wing'd." I stood, as children silent and asham'd Stand, list'ning, Avith their eyes upon the earth, Acknowledging their fault and self-condemn'd. And she resum'd : " If, but to hear thus pains thee, <>;.) Raise thou thy beard, and lo ! what sight shall do!" With less reluctance yields a sturdy holm, Rent from its fibres by a blast, that blows From off the pole, or from larbas' land, Than I at her behest my visage rais'd : 70 And thus the face denoting by the beard, I inark'd the secret sting her words convey'd. No sooner lifted I mine aspect up, Than downward sunk that vision I beheld Of goodly creatures vanish; and mine eyes 75 Vet tinassurM and wavering, bent their light On Beatrice. Towards the animal, Who joins t\vo natures in one form, she tuniM, And, even under shadow of her veil, And parted by the verdant rill, that How'd Uetween, in loveliness appear' d as much Her former self surpassing, as on earth All others she surpass'd. Remorseful goads Shot sudden through me. Kadi thing else, the more Its love had late boguilM me, now the more Was loathsome. On my heart so keenly smote The bitter consciousness, that on the ground 232 I'UKCATOKV. O'crpower'd I fell : and what my state was then, She knows who was tlie cause. Wlicn now my strength Flow'd back, returning outward from the heart, 90 The lady, whom alone I first had seen, I found above me. " Loose me not," she cried : " Loose not thy hold ; " and lo ! had dragg'd me high As to my neck into the stream, while-she, Still as she drew me after, swept along, 95 S \vift as a shuttle, bounding o'er the wave. The blessed shore approaching then was heard So sweetly, " Tu asperges me," that I May not remember, much less tell the sound. The beauteous dame, her arms expanding, clasp'd My temples, and immcrg'd me, where 't was fit 101 The wave should drench me : and thence raising up, Within the fourfold dance of lovely nymphs Presented me so lav'd, and with their arm They each did cover me. " Here are we nymphs, 105 And in the heav'n are stars. Or ever earth Was visited of Beatrice, we Appointed for her handmaids, tended on her. We to her eyes will lead thee ; but the light Of gladness that is in them, well to scan, 110 Those yonder three, of deeper ken than ours, Thy sight shall quicken." Thus began their song; And then they led me to the Gryphon's breast, While, turn'd toward us, Beatrice stood. " Spare not thy vision. We have stationed thce 115 Before the emeralds, whence love erewhile Hath drawn his weapons on thec." As they spake, A thousand fervent wishes rivitcd Mine eyes upon her beaming eyes, that stood Still fix'd toward the Gryphon montionless. 120 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 wond'rous in my sight it seem'd to mark 125 A thing, albeit steadfast in itself, Yet in its imtvg'd semblance mutable. ri U<;ATOI:Y. 233 ^ Full of amaze, and joyous, while my soul Fed on the viand, whereof still desire Grows with satiety, the other three 130 With gesture, that declar'd a loftier line, Advanc'd : to their o\vn carol on they came Dancing in festive ring angelical. " Turn, Beatrice ! " "was their song : " O turn Thy saintly sight on this thy faithful one, 135 Who to behold thee many a wearisome pace Hath measur'd. Gracious at our pray'r vouchsafe IJnveil to him thy cheeks: that he may mark Thy second beauty, now conceal'd." O splendour ! sacred light eternal ! who is he HO S> pale with musing in Pierian shades, Or with that fount so lavishly imbued, Whose spirit should not fail him in th' essay To represent thee such as thou didst seem, When under cope of the still-chiming heaven 145 Thou gav'st to open air thy charms revcal'd ? CANTO XXXII. MINE eyes with such an eager coveting, Were bent to rid them of their ten years' thirst, No other sense was waking : and e'en they Were fenc'd on cither side from heed of aught ; So tangled in its custom'd toils that smile 6 Of saintly brightness drew me to itself, When forcibly toward the left my sight The sacred virgins turn'd ; for from their lips 1 heard the warning sounds : " Too fix'd a gaze ! " Awhile my vision labor'd ; as when late 10 Upon the' o erstrained eyes the sun hath smote : But soon to lesser object, as the view Was now recover'd (lesser in respect To that e.vc.'ss of sensible, whence late I had perforce been sunder'd) on their right 1, I mark'd that glorious army wheel, and turn, Against the sun and hcv'nMd lights, their front. 234 I'URfiATOHY. As when, their bucklers for protection -ais'd, A well-rang'd troop, with j)ortly banners curl'd, Wheel circling, ere the whole can change their ground : E'en thus the goodly regiment of heav'n 21 Proceeding, all did pass us, ere the car Had slop'd his beam. Attendant at the wheels The damsels turn'd ; and on the Gryphon mov'd The sacred burden, with a pace so smooth, 25 No feather on him trembled. The fair dame Who through the wave had drawn me, companied By Statins and myself, pursued the wheel, Whose orbit, rolling, mark'd a lesser arch. Through the high wood, now void (the more her blame, 30 Who by the serpent was beguil'd) I past With step in cadence to the harmony Angelic. Onward had we mov'd, as far Perchance as arrow at three several flights Full wing'd had sped, when from her station down 35 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 40 The Indians might have gaz'd at. " Blessed thou ! Gryphon, whose beak hath never pluckM 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 45 The animal twice-gender'd : " Yea: for so The generation of the just are sav'd." And turning to the chariot-pole, to foot He drew it of the widow'd branch, and bound There left unto the stock whereon it grew. oO 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 11 is wonted colours, ere the sun have yok'd 55 Beneath another star his flamy steeds; PURGATORY. 235 Tims putting forth a huo, more faint than rose, And deeper than the violet, was renew M The plant, erewhile in all its brandies bare. Unearthly was the hymn, which then arose. 60 I understood it not, nor to the end Endur'd the harmony. Had I the skill To pencil forth, how clos'd th' unpitying eyes Shmib'ring, when Syrinx warbled, (eyes that paid So dearly for their watching,) then like painter, 65 That with a model paints, I might design The manner of my falling into sleep. Hut feign who will the slumber cunningly; I pass it by to when I wak'd, and tell I low suddenly a Hash of splendour rent 70 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 75 Perpetual feast in heaven, to themselves Returning at the word, whence deeper sleeps Were broken, that they their tribe diminish'd saw, Both Moses and Elins gone, and chang'd The stole their master wore : thus to myself 80 Returning, over me beheld I stand The piteous one, win cross the stream had brought My steps. " And win re,'' all doubting, I exelaim'd, ' Is Beatrice?" "See her," she replied, " Beneath the fresh leaf seated on its root. 85 Behold th' associate choir that, circles her. The others, with a melody more sweet And more profound, journeying to higher realms, Upon the Gryphon tend." If there her words Were clos'd, I know not; but mine eyes had now 90 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 twyfonn beast. The seven nymphs 95 Did make themselves a cloister round about her, 236 rUKGATORT. And in their hands xiphoid those lights secure From blast scptentrion and the gusty south. "A little while thou shalt be forester here : And citizen shalt be for ever with me, 100 Of that true Rome, wherein Christ dwells a Roman. To profit the misguided world, keep now Thine eyes upon the car; and what thou seest, Take heed thou write, returning to that place." Thus Beatrice : at whose feet inclin'd 105 Devout, at her behest, my thought and eyes, I, as she bade, directed. Never fire, With so swift motion, forth a stormy cloud Leap'd downward from the welkin's farthest bound, As I beheld the bird of Jove descending 110 Pounce on the tree, and, as he rush'd, the rind, Disparting crush beneath him, buds much more And leaflets. On the car with all his might He struck, whence, staggering like a ship, it reel'd, At random driv'n, to starboard now, o'crcome, 115 And now to larboard, by the vaulting waves. Next springing up into the chariot's womb A fox I saw, with hunger seeming pin'd Of all good food. But, for his ugly sins The saintly maid rebuking him, away 120 Scamp'ring he turn'd, fast as his hidc-boimd corpse Would bear him. Next, from whence before he came, I saw the eagle dart into the hull O' th' car, and leave it with his feathers lin'd ; And then a voice, like that which issues forth 125 From heart with sorrow riv'd, did issue forth From heav'n, and, " O poor bark of mine !" it cried, " How badly art thou freighted ! " Then, it seem'd, That the earth open'd between either wheel, And I beheld a dragon issue thence, 130 That through the chariot fix'd his forked train ; And like a wasp that draggeth back the sting, So drawing forth his baleful train, he dragg'd Part of the bottom forth, and went his way Exulting. What rcmnin'd, as lively turf 135 With green herb, so did clothe itself with plumes, 287 Which haply had will ]>iu|>ose chaste and kind JJeen offer'd ; and therewith were doth'd tlie wheels, Both one and otlier, and the beam, so quickly, A sigh were not breath'd sooner. Thus transform'd, 140 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, Hat with a single horn upon their front The four. Like monster sight hath never seen. 145 O'er it methought there sat, secure as rock On mountain's lofty top, a shameless whore, Whose ken rov'd loosely round her. At her side, As 't were that none might bear her off, I saw A giant stand ; and ever and anon 150 They mingled kisses. But, her lustful eyes Chancing on me to wander, that fell minion Scourg'd her from head to foot all o'er ; then full Of jealousy, and fierce with rage, unloos'd The monster, and dragg'd on, so far across 155 The forest, that from me its shades alone Shielded the harlot and the new-fonu'd brute. CANTO XXXIII. " THE heathen, Lord ! are come ! " responsive thus, The trinal now, and now the virgin band Quaternion, their sweet psalmody began, Weeping; and Beatrice listcn'd, sad And sighing, to the song, in such a mood, 6 That Mary, as she stood beside the cross, Was .scarce more chang'd. But when they gave her place To speak, then, risen upright on her feet, She, with a colour glowing bright as fire, Did answer : " Yet a little while, and ye 10 Shall see me not ; and, my beloved sisters, Again a little while, and ye shall see me." her then she marshall'd all the seven, 238 PURGATORY. And, beck'ning only motion'd me, the dame, And thut remaining sage, to follow her. 15 So on she pass'd ; and had not set, I ween, Her tenth step to the ground, when with mine eyes Her eyes encounter'd ; and, with visage mild, " So mend thy pace," she cried, " that if my words Address thee, thou mayst still be aptly plac'd '20 To hear them." Soon as duly to her side I now had hasten'd : " Brother ! " she began, '' Why mak'st thou no attempt at questioning, As thus we walk together ? " Like to those Who, speaking with too reverent an awe 25 Before their betters, draw not forth the voice Alive unto their lips, befel me then That I in sounds imperfect thus began : "Lady! what I have need of, that thou know'st, And what will suit my need." She answering thus "Of fearfulness and shame, I will, that thou 30 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, 3f> Hope not to scare God's vengeance with a sop. Without an heir for ever shall not be That eagle, he, who left the chariot plum'd, Which monster made it first and next a prey. ] Mainly I view, and therefore speak, the stars 40 E'en now approaching, whose conjunction, free From all impediment and bar, brings on A season, in the which, one sent from God, (Five hundred, five, and ten, do mark him out) That foul one, and th' accomplice of her guilt, 4f> The giant, both shall slay. And if perchance My saying, dark as Themis or as Sphinx, Fail to persuade thee, (since like them it foils The intellect with blindness) yet ere long Events shall be the Naiads, that will solve 50 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 IM.nr.ATORY. 289 To those who live ihnt lift-, which is a race To death : ami when tlum writ's! them, keep in mind f>5 Not to conceal how thou hast seen the plant, That twice hath now been spoil'd. This whoso robs, This vhoso plucks, with blasphemy of deed Sins against God, who for his use alone Creating hallow'd it. For taste of this, 60 In pain and in desire, five thousand years And upward, the first soul did yearn for him, Who punish'd in himself the fatal gust. " Thy reason slumbers, if it deem this height And summit thus inverted of the plant, 65 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, 70 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 daz/.led at my word, 76 I will, that, if not written, yet at least Tainted thou take it in thee, for the cause, That one brings home his staff inwreath'd with palm." I thus : " As wax by seal, that changeth not Its impress, now is stamp'd my brain by thee. 80 But wherefore soars thy wish'd-for speech so high Beyond my sight, that loses it the more, The more it strains to reach it?" " To the end That thou mayst know," she answer'd straight, " the school, That thou hast follow'd; and how far behind, 85 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 90 I was estrang'd from thee, nor for such fault Doth conscience chide me." Smiling she returu'd: 240 l-URGATORY. " 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, 96 In that forgetf ulness itself conclude Blame from thy alienated will incurr'd. From henceforth verily my words shall be As naked as will suit them to appear In thy unpractis'd view." More sparkling now, 100 ^.nd with retarded course the sun possess'd The circle of mid-day, that varies still As th' aspect varies of each several clime, When, as one, sent in vaward of a troop For escort, pauses, if perchance he spy 105 Vestige of somewhat strange and rare : so paus'd The sev'nfold band, arriving at the verge Of a dun umbrage hoar, such as is seen, Beneath green leaves and gloomy branches, oft To overbrow n bleak and alpine cliff. 110 And, where they stood, before them, as it seem'd, I Tigris and Euphrates both beheld, Forth from one fountain issue ; and, like friends, Linger at parting. " O enlight'ning beam ! O glory of our kind ! beseech thee say 115 What water this, which from one source deriv'd Itself removes to distance from itself ? " To such entreaty answer thus was made : " Entreat Matilda, that she teach thee this." And here, as one, who clears himself of blame 120 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 125 His mind's eye dark. But lo ! where Eunoe flows ! 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, 130 Makes it his own ; when she had ta'en me, thus The lovely maiden mov'd her on, and call'd PURGATORY. 241 To Statins with .171 air most lady-like : " Come thou with him." Were* further space allow'd, Then, Reader, might I sing, though but in part, 135 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, 1-10 E'en as new plants renew'd with foliage new, Pure and made apt for mounting to the stars. 16 PARADISE. CANTO I. His glory, by whose might all things are mov'd, Pierces the universe, and in one part Sheds more resplendence, elsewhere less. In heav'n, That largeliest of his light partakes, was I, Witness of things, which to relate again 5 Surpassctli 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 10 Could store, shall now be matter of my song. Benign Apollo ! this last labour aid, And make me such a vessel of thy worth, As thy own laurel claims of me belov'd. Thus far hath one of steep Parnassus' brows 16 Suffic'd me; henceforth there is need of both For inj- remaining enterprise. Do thou Knter into my bosom, and there breathe So, as when Marsyas by thy hand was dragg'd Forth from his limbs unsheath'd. O power divine ! 20 It' thou to me of thine impart so much, That of that happy realm the shadow'd form Trac'd in my thoughts I may set forth to view, Thou shalt behold me of thy favour'd tree Come to the foot, and crown myself with leaves : 25 242 PARADIRK. 243 For to that honour tlioti, and my high theire Will fit nio. If but seldom, mighty Sire ! To grace his trimni>h gathers thence a wreath .1- or bard (more shame for human wills Dcprav'd) joy to the Delphic god must spring From the Pierian foliage, when one breast Is with such thirst inspir'd. From a small spark Great flame hath risen : after me perchance Others with better voice may pray, and gain From the Cirrhaean city answer kind. 35 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 lie comes, and to the worldly wax best gives 40 Its temper and impression. Morning there, Here eve was by almost such passage made ; And whiteness had o'erspread that hemisphere, Blackness the other part ; Avhen to the left I saw Beatrice turn'd, and on the sun 45 Gazing, as never eagle fix'd his ken. As from the first a second beam is wont To issue, and reflected upwards rise, E'en as a pilgrim bent on his return, So of her act, that through the eyesight pass'd 50 Into my fancy, mine was form'd ; and straight, Beyond our mortal wont, I fix'd mine eyes Upon the sun. Much is allow' 1 us there, That here exceeds our pow'r; thanks to the place Made for the dwelling of the human kind. 55 I suffer'd it not long, and yet so long That I beheld it bick'ring sparks around, As iron that comes boiling from the fire. And suddenly upon the day appcar'd A day new-ris'n, as he, who hath the power, tit) Had with another sun bedeck'd the sky. Her eyes fast fix'd on the eternal wheels, Beatrice stood unmov'd ; and I with ken Fix'd upon her, from upward ga/.e rcmov'd, At her aspect, such inwardly became 65 '244 PARADISIC. As Glaucus, when lie 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. 70 If I were only what thou didst create, Then newly, Love ! by whom the heav'n is rul'd, Thou know'st, who by thy light didst bear me up. Whenas the wheel which thou dost ever guide, Desired Spirit ! with its harmony 75 Temper'd of thee and measur'd, charm'd mine ear, Then seem'd to me so much of heav'n to blaze With the sun's flame, that rain or flood ne'er made A lake so broad. The newness of the sound, And that great light, inflam'd me with desire, 80 Keener than e'er was felt, to know their cause. Whence she who saw me, clearly as myself, To cairn my troubled mind, before I ask'd, Open'd her lips, and gracious thus began : " With false imagination thou thyself 85 Mak'st dull, so that thou seest not the thing, Which thou hadst seen, had that been shaken off. Thou art not on the earth as thou believ'st ; For light'ning scap'd from its own proper place Ne'er ran, as thou hast hither now return'd." 90 Although divested of my first-rais'd doubt, By those brief words, accompanied with smiles, Yet in new doubt was I entangled more, And said : " Already satisfied, I rest From admiration deep, but now admire 95 How I above those lighter bodies rise." Whence, after utt'rance of a piteous sigh, She tow'rds me bent her eyes, with such a look, As on her frenzied child a mother casts ; Then thus began : " Among themselves all things 100 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, 105 PARADISE. In this their order, diversely, sonic more, Some less approaching to their primal source. Thus they to different havens arc mov'd on Through the vast sea of being, and each one With instinct giv'n, that bears it in its course; 11' < This to the lunar sphere directs the fire, This prompts the hearts of mortal animals, This the brute earth together knits, and binds. Nor only creatures, void of intellect, Are aim'd at by this bow; but even those, 115 That have intelligence and love, are pierc'd. That Providence, who so well orders all, "With her own light makes ever calm the heaven, In which the substance, that hath greatest speed, Is tunfd : and thither now, as to our seat 120 Predestin'd, we are carried by the force Of that strong cord, that never looses dart, But at fair aim and glad. Yet is it true, That as ofttimes but ill accords the form To the design of art, through sluggishness 125 Of unreplying matter, so this course Is sometimes quitted by the creature, who Hath power, directed thus, to bend elsewhere; As from a cloud the fire is seen to fall, From its original impulse warp'd, to earth, 130 By vicious fondness. Thou no more admire Thy soaring, (if I rightly deem,) than lapse Of torrent downwards from a mountain's height. There would in thee for wonder be more cause, If, free of hind'rance, thou hadst fix'd thyself 136 Below, like fire unmoving on the earth." So said, she turn'd toward the heav'n her face. CANTO II. ALL ye, who in small bark IKUO following sail'd, to listen, on the' advent Yous track ALL , Of my proud keel, thai singing cuts its way, Backward return with speed, and your own shores 216 TAKADISK. Revisit, nor put out to open sea, 5 Where losing me, perchance yc may remain Bewilder'd in deep maze. The way I puss Ne'er yet was run : Minerva breathes the gale, Apollo guides me, and another Nine To my rapt sight the arctic beams reveal. 10 Ye other few, who have outstretch'd the neck Timely for food of angels, on which here They live, yet never know satiety, Through the deep brine ye fearless may put out Your vessel, marking well the furrow broad 15 Before you in the wave, that on both sides Equal returns. Those, glorious, who pass'd o'er To Colehos, wonder'd not as ye will do, When they, saw Jason following the plough. The increate perpetual thirst, that draws 20 Toward the realm of God's own form, bore us Swift almost as the heaven ye behold. Beatrice upward gaz'd, and I on her, And in such space as on the notch a dart Is plac'd, then loosen'd flies, I saw myself 25 Arriv'd, where wond'rous thing engag'd my sight. Whence she, to whom no work of mine was hid, Turning to me, with aspect glad as fair, Bespake me : " Gratefully direct thy mind To God, through whom to this first star we come.' 30 Me seem'd as if a cloud had cover'd us, Translucent, solid, firm, and polish'd bright, Like adamant, which the sun's beam had smit. Within itself the ever-during pearl Receiv'd us, as the wave a ray of light 35 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 40 Must the desire inflame us to behold That essence, which discovers by what means God and our nature join'd ! There will be seen That which we hold through faith, not .shown by proof, PARADISE. -17 But in itself intelligibly plain, 45 EVn as the truth that in fin at first believes. I answered : " Lady ! I with thoughts devout, Siich as I best can frame, give thanks to Him, Who hath remov'd me from the mortal world. But tell, I pray tliee, whence the gloomy spots 50 Upon this body, which below on earth (Jive rise to talk of Cain in fabling quaint?" She somewhat smil'd, then spake : " If mortals err In their opinion, when the key of sense Unlocks not, surely wonder's weapon keen 55 Ought not to pierce thec ; since thou find's t, the wings Of reason to pursue the senses' flight Are short. But what thy own thought is, declare." Then I : " What various here above appears, Is caus'd, I deem, by bodies dense or rare." 60 She then rcsum'd : "Thou certainly wilt see In falsehood thy belief o'erwhehn'd, if well Thou listen to the arguments, which I Shall bring to face it. The eighth sphere displays Numberless lights, the which in kind and size 65 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 Ics-. Different virtues needs must be the fruits 70 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 Lnquirest, either in some part That planet must throughout be void, nor fed 75 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 IJccn manifested, by transparency 80 Of light, as through aught rare l>esid<> cl'fus'd. Hut this is not. Therefore remains to sec The other cause : and if the other fall, Erroneous so must prove what sccm'd to thec. 248 PAKAIiISK. If not from side to side this rarity 85 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. 90 Now wilt thou say, that there of murkier hue Than in the other part the ray is shown, By being thence refracted farther back. From this perplexity will free thee soon Experience, if thereof thou trial make, 95 The fountain whence your arts derive their streams. Three mirrors shalt thou take, and two remove From thee alike, and more remote the third. Betwixt the former pair, shall meet thine eyes ; Then turn'd toward them, cause behind thy back 100 A light to stand, that on the three shall shine, And thus reflected come to thee from all. Though that beheld most distant do not stretch A space so ample, yet in brightness thou Will own it equalling the rest. But now, 106 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 110 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, 115 Through different essences, from it distinct, And yet contain'd \vithin it. The' other orbs Their separate distinctions variously Dispose, for their own seed and produce apt. Thus do these organs of the world proceed, 120 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, I'AKAMISK. lM9 The truth thou lov'st, that thou henceforth alone, 1-5 May's! know to keep the shallows, safe, untold. " The virtue' arid motion of the sacred orbs, As mallet by the workman's hand, must needs By blessed movers be inspir'd. This heaven, M vie beauteous by so many luminaries, I. 'JO Fi\ n the deep spirit, that moves its circling sphere, Its it. age takes an impress as a seal : And as the soul, that dwells within your dust. Through members different, yet together form'd, In different pow'rs resolves itself; e'en so 135 The intellectual efficacy' unfolds It.s goodness multiplied throughout the stars ; On its own unity revolving still. Different virtue compact different Makes with the precious body it enlivens, 140 Wiih which it knits, as life in you is knit. I'Yom 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. 146 This is the formal cause, that generates Proportion'd to its power, the dusk or clear." CANTO III. THAT sun, which erst Avith 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 ronvinc'd and free Of doubt, as much as needed, rais'd my head 5 Krect for speech. But soon a sight appearM, Which, so intent to mark it, held me. lix'd, That of confession I no longer thought. As through translucent and smooth glass, or wave Clear and unmov'd, and flowing not so deep 10 As that its bed is dark, the shape returns So faint of our impiclurM lineaments, 250 PARADISE. Thai OH white forehead set a peail us strong Conies to the eye : such saw I many a face, All stretch'd to speak, from whence I straight coiv ceiv'd 1 5 Delusion opposite to that, which rais'd Between the man and fountain, amorous flame. Sudden, as I perceiv'd them, deeming these Reflected semblances, to see of whom They -\vere, I turn'd mine eyes, and nothing saw; 20 Then turn'd them back, directed on the light Of my sweet guide, who smiling shot forth beams From her celestial eyes. " Wonder not thou," She cry'd, " at this my smiling, when I see Thy childish judgment ; since not yet on truth '25 It rests the foot, but, as it still is wont, Makes thee fall back in unsound vacancy. True substances are these, which thou behold'st, Hither through failure of their vow exil'd. But speak thou with them ; listen, and believe, 30 That the true light, which fills them with desire, Permits not from its beams their feet to stray." Straight to the shadow which for converse seem'd Most earnest, I addressed me, and began, As one by over-eagerness perplex'd : 35 " O spirit, born for joy ! who in the rays Of life eternal, of that sweetness know'st The flavour, which, not tasted, passes far All apprehension, me it well would please, If thou wouldst tell me of thy name, and this 40 Your station here." Whence she, with kindness prompt, And eyes glist'ring with smiles : " Our charity, To any wish by justice introduc'd, Bars not the door, no more than she above, Who would have all her court be like herself. 45 I was a virgin sister in the earth ; And if thy mind observe me well, this form, With such addition grac'd of loveliness, Will not conceal me long, but thou wilt know Piccarda, in the tardiest sphere thus plac'd, 60 Here 'micl these other blessed also blest. PAKADISK. -51 Our licarts, whose high affections burn alone With pleasure, from the Holy Spirit conceivM, Admitted to his order dwell in joy. And this condition, which appears so low, 55 Is for this cause assign'd us, that our vows Were in some part neglected and made void." Whence I to her replied : " Something divine Beams in your countenance, wond'rous lair, From former knowledge quite transmuting you. 60 Therefore to recollect was I so slow. But what thou sayst hath to my memory Given now such aid, that to retrace your forms Is easier. Yet inform me, ye, who here Are happy, long ye for a higher place 65 More to behold, and more in love to dwell ? " She with those other spirits gently smil'd, Then answered with suoh gladness, that she seemM With love's lirst flame to glow: "Brother! our will Is in composure settled by the power 70 Of charity, who makes us Avill 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 75 Thou wilt confess not possible, if here To be in charity must needs befal, And if her nature well thou contemplate. Rather it is inherent in this state Of blessedness, to keep ourselves within 80 The divine will, by which our wills with hi Are one. So that as we from step to step Are plac'd throughout this kingdom, pleases all, E'en as our King, who in us plants his will ; And in his will is our tranquillity ; 86 It is the mighty ocean, whither tends Whatever it creates and nature makes " Then saw I clearly how each spot in heav'n Is Paradise, though with like gracious dew The supreme virtue show'r not over all. DO But as it chances, if oue sort of food 252 I-ARAPISK. TIath satiated, and of another still The appetite remains, that this is ask'd, And thanks for that return'd ; e'en so did I In word and motion, bent from her to learn 05 What web it was, through which she had not drawn The shuttle to its point. She thus began : " Exalted worth and perfectness of life The Lady higher up inshrine in heaven, By whose pure laws upon your nether earth 100 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. H'rom the world, to follow her, when young 105 Escap'd ; and, in her vesture mantling me, Made promise of the way her sect enjoins. Thereafter men, for ill than good more apt, Forth snatch'd me from the pleasant cloister's pale. God knows how after that my life was fram'd. 110 This other splendid shape, which thou beholdst At my right side, burning with all the light Of this our orb, what of myself I tell May to herself apply. From her, like me A sister, with like violence were torn 115 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 120 Of mighty Constance, who from that loud blast, Which blew the second over Suabia's realm, That power produc'd, which was the third and last." She ceas'd from further talk, and then began " Ave Maria" singing, and with that song 125 Vanish'd, as heavy substance through deep wave. Mine eye, that far as it was capable, Pursued her, when in dimness she was lost, Turn'd to the mark where greater want impell'd, And bent on Beatrice all its gaze. 130 But she as light'ning beam'd upon my looks : PA HA DISK. *253 So that the sight BUStain'd it not at first. Whence I to question her became less prompt. CANTO IV. two kinds of food, both equally Remote and tempting, first a man might die Of hunger, ere he one could freely choose. E'en so would stand a lamb between the maw Of two fierce wolves, in dread of both alike : 5 E'en so between two deer a dog would stand, Wherefore, if I was silent, fault nor praise I 10 myself impute, by equal doubts Held in suspense, since of necessity It happen'd. Silent was I, yet desire 10 Was painted in my looks; and thus I spake My wisli more earnestly than language could. A.S Daniel, when the har.ghty king he freed From ire, that spurr'd him on to deeds unjust And violent ; so look'd Beatrice then. 15 "Well I discern," she thus her words addressM, "How contrary desires each way constrain thee, So that thy anxious thought is iu itself Hound up and stifled, nor breathes freely forth. Thou nrgucst ; if the good intent remain ; 20 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 will 'Ji Urge equally ; and therefore I the first Of that will treat whicli hath the more of gall. Of seraphim he who is most ensky'd, Moses and Samuel, and either John, Choose which thou wilt, nor even Mary's self, 80 Have not in any other heav'n their seats, Than have those spirits which so late thou saw'st; Nor more or fewer years exist; but all Make the first circle beauteous, diversly 254 PARADISE. Partaking of sweet life, as more or less 35 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: 40 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 45 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 Timaaus, who affirms 50 Each soul restor'd to its particular star, Believing it to have been taken thence, When nature gave it to inform her mold : Since to appearance his intention is E'en what his words declare : or else to shun 55 Derision, haply thus he hath disguis'd His true opinion. If his meaning be, That to the influencing of these orbs revert The honour and the blame in human acts, Perchance he doth not wholly miss the truth. 60 This principle, not understood aright, Erewhile perverted well nigh all the world ; So that it fell to fabled names of Jove, And Mercury, and Mars. That other doubt, Which moves thee, is less harmful ; for it brings 65 No peril of removing thee fi-om me. "That, to the eye of man, our justice seems Unjust, is argument for faith, and not For heretic declension. To the end This truth may stand moi'e clearly in your view, 70 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, PARADISE. iif>5 That wills aot, still survives unquench'd, ann satisfy her thirst to know : Therein siiv. - teth, 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 125 Spring, like a shoot, around the stock of truth ; And it is nature which from height to height On to the summit prompts us. This invites, This doth assure me, lady, rev'rently To ask thee of other truth, that yet 130 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 i3i Of love celestial in such copious stream, That, virtue sinking in me overpo\ver'd, I turn'd, and downward bent confus'd my sight. CANTO V. " IF beyon ' earthly wont, the flame of love Illume me, MO that I o'ercome thy power Of vision, marvel not : but learn the cause Jn that perfection of the sight, which soon As apprehending, hasteneth on to reach 5 The good it apprehends. I well discern, How in thine intellect already shines The light eternal, which to view alone Ne'er fails to kindle love ; and if aught else Your love seduces, 't is but that it shows 10 Some ill-mnrk'd vestige of that primal beam. " This would'st thou know, if failure of the vow PA RAKISH. 257 By other service may be so supplied, As from self-question to assure the soul." Thus she her words, not hoodie's of my wish, 15 Began ; and thus, as one who breaks not off Discourse, continued in her saintly strain. ' ; Supiv..e of gifts, which God creating gave O>Tis free bounty, sign most evident Of goodness, and in his account most priz'd, 20 Was liberty of will, the boon -wherewith All intellectual creatures, and them sole He hath endow'd. Hence now thou mayst infer Of what high worth the vow, which so is fram'd That when man offers, God well-fleas' d accepts; 25 For in the compact between God and him, This treasure, such as 1 describe it to thee, He makes the victim, ami of his own act. What compensation therefore may he find? If that, whereof thou hast oblation made, 30 By using well thou think'st to consecrate, Thou would'st of theft do charitable deed. Thus I resolve thee of the greater point. " But forasmuch as holy church, herein Dispensing, seems to contradict the truth 35 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, 40 And irive it inward keeping. Knowledge comes Of learning well rctain'd, unfruitful else. u This sacrifice in essence of two things (\Misisteth ; one is that, whereof 't is made, The covenant the other. Km- the last, 45 It ne'er is cancelPd if not kept : and hence I spake ere while so strictly of its force. For this it was enjoin'd the Israelites, Though leave were giv'n them, as thou know'st, to change The offering, still to offer. Th' Other part, 50 Th- matter and the substance of the vow, 17 258 PARADISE. May well be such, to that without offence It may for other substance be exchanged. But at his own discretion none may shift Ihe burden on his sholders, unreleas'd D6 By either key, the yellow and the white. Nor deem of any change, as less than vain, If the last bond be not within the new Included, as the quatre in the six. No satisfaction therefore can be paid 00 For what so precious in the balance Weighs, That all in counterpoise must kick the beam. Take then no vow at random : ta'en, with faith Preserve it ; yet not bent, as Jephthah once, Blindly to execute a rash resolve, *>o Whom better it had suited to exclaim, 'I have done ill,' than to redeem his pledge By doing worse or, not unlike to him In folly, that great leader of the Greeks : Whence, on the alter, Iphigenia mourn'd <*0 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 ourselves 75 In every water. Either testament, The old and new, is yours : and for your guide The shepherd of the church. Let this suffice To save you. When by evil lust entic'd, Remember ye be men, not senseless beasts; 80 Nor let the Jew, who dwelleth in your streets, Hold you in mock'ry. Be not, as the lamb, That, fickle wanton, leaves its mother's milk, To dally with itself in idle play." Such were the words that Beatrice spake : 8ft These ended, to that region, where the world Is liveliest, full of fond desire she turn'd. Though mainly prompt new question to propose, her silence and chang'd look did keep me dumb. And as the arrow, ere the cord is still, 90 Leapeth unto its mark ; so on we sped PARADISE. 259 Into the second realm. There I beheld The dame, so joyous, enter, that the orb Grew brighter at her smiles ; and, if the star Were mov'd to gladness, what then Avas my cheer, 95 Whom nature hath made apt for every change ! As in a quiet and clear lake the fish, If aught approach them from without, do draw Towards it, deeming it their food ; so drew Full more than thousand splendours towards us, 1UO And in each one was heard : " Lo ! one arriv'd To multiply our loves ! " and as each came The shadow, streaming forth effulgence new, Witness'd augmented joy. Here, reader ! think, If thou didst miss the sequel of my tale, 105 To know the rest how sorely thou wouldst crave ; And thou shalt see what vehement desire Possess'd me, as soon as these had met my view, To know their state. " O born in happy hour ! Thou to whom grace vouchsafes, or ere thy close 110 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, 115 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, 121 I mark; but, who thou art, am still to seek ; Or wherefore, worthy spirit ! for thy lot This sphere assign'd, that oft from Miortal ken Is veil'd by others' beams." I said, and turii'd 125 Toward the lustre, that with greeting kind Kre\vhile had hail'd me. Forthwith brighter far Than erst, it wax'd : and, as himself the sun Hides through excess of light, when his warm gaze Hath on the mantle of thick vapours prey'd ; ISO W r ithin its proper ray the saintly shape 1!()0 1ARADISK. Was, through increase of gladness, thus conceal'd; And, shrouded so in splendour answer'd me, E'en as the tenour of my song declares. CANTO VI. " AFTEK that Constantino the eagle turn'd Against the motions of the heav'n, that roll'd Consenting with its course, when he of yore, Lavinia's spouse, was leader of the flight, A hundred years twice told and more, his seat 6 At Europe's extreme point, the bird of Jove Held, near the mountains, whence he issued first. There under shadow of his sacred plumes Swaying the world, till through successive hands To mine he came devolv'd. Cesar I was, 10 And am Justinian ; destin'd by the will Of that prime love, whose influence I feel, From vain excess to clear th' incumber'd laws. Or i- re that work engag'd me, I did hold Christ's nature merely human, with such faith 15 Contented. But the blessed Agapete, Who was chief shepherd, he with warning voice To the true faith recall'd me. I believ'd His words : and what he taught, now plainly see, As thou in every contradiction seest 20 The true and false oppos'd. Soon as my feet Were to the church reclaim'd, to my great task, By inspiration of God's grace impell'd, ] gave me wholly, and consign'd mine arms To Belisarius, with whom heaven's right hand '25 Was link'd in such conjointment, 't was a sign That I should rest. To thy first question thus I shape mine answer, which were ended here, But that its tendency doth prompt perforce To some addition ; that thou well mayst mark SO What reason on each side they have to plead, By whom that holiest banner is withstood, Belli who pretend its power and who oppose. " Beginning from that hour, when Pal Ins died To give it rule, behold the valorous deeds 35 ITavo made it worthy reverence. Not unknown To theo, how for three hundred years and more ft dwelt in Alba, up to those fell lists Where for its sake were met the rival three ; Nor aught unknown to thee, which it achiev'd 40 Down to the Sabines' wrong to Lucrcce' woe, With its sev'n kings conut 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, 50 Is ]>lai?i, thou sayst : but wherefore God this way F, ,r . ,ur redemption chose, eludes mv search. "Brother! no eye of man not perfected, Xov fully rinen'd in the flame of love. May fathom this decree. It is a mark, 65 In sooth, much aim'd at, and but little kenn'd : And I will therefore show thee why such way Was worthiest. The celestial love, that spurns All envying in its bounty, in itself With such effulgence blazeth, as sends forth CO All beauteous tilings eternal. What distils Immediate thence, no end of being knows, I '-earing its seal immutably impress'd. Whatever thence immediate falls, is free, Free wholly, uncontrollable by power (>5 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 70 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 75 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 TrangressM, from these distinctions fell, 710 less *0 Than from its state in Paradise; nor means Found of recovery (search all methods out As strickly as thou may) save one of these, The only fords were left through which to wade, Either that (iod had of his courtesy 86 266 , PAKADJSJK. Releas'd him merely, or else man himstlf For his own folly by himself aton'd. " Fix now thine eye, intently as them canst, On th' everlasting counsel, and explore, Instructed by my words, the dread abyss. PC " Man in himself had ever lack'd the means Of satisfaction, for he could not stoop Obeying, in humility so low, As high he, disobeying, thought to soar : And for this reason he had vainly tried 96 Out of his own sufficiency to pay The rigid satisfaction. Then behov'd That God should by his own ways lead him back Unto the life, from whence he fell, restor'd : By both his ways, I mean, or one alone. 100 But since the deed is ever priz'd the more, The more the doer's good intent appears, Goodness celestial, whose broad signature Is on the universe, of all its ways To raise ye up, was fain to leave out none. 105 Nor aught so vast or so magnificent, Either for him who gave or who receiv'd, Between the last night and the primal day, Was or can be. For God more bounty show'd, Giving himself to make man capable 110 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. 115 " Now, to fulfil each wish of thine, remains I somewhat further to thy view unfold. That thou mayst. see as clearly as myself. " I see, thou sayst, the air, the fire I see, The earth and water, and all things of them 120 Compounded, to corruption turn, and soon Dissolve. Yet these were also things create, Because, if what were told me, had been true They from corruption had been therefore free. "The angels, O my brother ! and this clime 125 PAKAD1SK. 267 Wherein tliou art, impassible and pure, I call created, as indeed they are In their whole being. But the elements, Which thou hast nam'd, and what of them is made, Are by created virtue' inform'd : create 180 Their substance, and create the' informing virtue In these bright stars, that round them circling move The soul of every brute and of each plant, The ray and motion of the sacred lights, With complex potency attract and turn. 135 But this our life the' eternal good inspires Immediate, and enamours of itself ; So that our wishes rest for ever here. " And hence thou raayst by inference conclude Our resurrection certain, if thy mind 140 Consider how the human flesh was fram'd, When both our parents at the first were made." CANTO VIII. THE world was in its day of peril dark Wont to believe the dotage of fond love From the fair Cyprian deity, who rolls In her third epicycle, shed on men By stream of potent radiance : therefore they 5 Of elder time, in their old error blind, Not her alone with sacrifice ador'd And invocation, but like honours paid To Cupid and Dione, deem'd of them Her mother, and her son, him whom they feign'd 10 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 Id Into its orb ; but the new loveliness That grac'd 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 VI, when one its even tenour keeps, 20 The other comes and goes ; so in that light I other luminaries saw, that cours'd In circling motion, rapid more or less, As their eternal phasis each impels. Never was blast from vapour charged with cold, 2- t Whether invisible to eye or no, Descended with such speed, it had not seem'd To linger in dull tardiness, compar'd To those celestial lights, that tow'rds us carne, Leaving the circuit of their joyous ring, 30 Conducted by the lofty seraphim. And after them, who iu 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 35 One near us drew, and sole began : " We all Are ready at thy pleasure, well dispos'd To do thee gentle service. We are they, To whom thou in the world erewhile didst sing 4 O ye ! whose intellectual ministry 40 Moves the third heaven ! ' and in one orb we roll, One motion, one impulse, with those who rule Princedoms in heaven ; yet are of love so full, That to please thee 't will be as sweet to rest." After mine eyes had with meek reverence 45 Sought the celestial guide, and were by her Assur'd, they turn'd again unto the light Who had so largely promis'd, and with voice That bare the lively pressure of rny zeal, " Tell who ye are," I cried. Forthwith it grew 50 In size and splendour, through augmented joy ; And thus it answer'd : " A short date below The world possess'd me. Had the time been more, Much evil, that will come, had never chanc'd. My gladness hides thee from me, which doth shine &5 Around, and shroud me, as an animal In its own silk unswath'd. Thou lov'dst me well, And had'st good cause ; for had my sojourning Been longer on the earth, the love I bare thee 1 ARAl)i->. 269 Had put forth moio than blossoms. The left bank, GO Tli:it Rhone, when ho hath mix'd with Sorga, laves. In me its lord expected, and that horn Of fair Ausonia, with its boroughs old, Bari, and Croton, and Gaeta pil'd, From where the Trento (lisembognes his waves, 05 With Verde mingled, to the sak sea-flood. Already on my temples beam'd the crown, Which gave me sov'reignty over the land By Danube wash'd, whenas he strays beyond The limits of his German shores. The realm, 70 Where, on the gulf by stormy Eurus laslfd, Betwixt Pelorus and Pachynian heights, The beautiful Trinacria lies in gloom (Not through Typhoeus, but the vap'ry cloud Bituminous upsteam'd), that too did look 75 To have its sceptre wielded by a race Of monarchs, sprung through me from Charles and Rodolph ; Had not ill lording which doth spirit up The people ever, in Palermo rais'd The shout of * death,' re-echo'd loud and long. 80 Had but my brother's foresight kenn'd as much, He had been warier that the greedy want Of Catalonia might not work his bale. And truly need there is, that he forecast, Or other for him, lest more freight be laid 86 On his already over-laden bark. Nature in him, from bounty fall'n to thrift, Would ask the guard of braver arms, than such As only care to have their coffers til Pd." "My liege, it doth enhance the ioy thy words 90 Infuse into me, mighty as it is, To think my gladoess manifest to tliee, As to myself, who own it, when thou lookst Into the source and limit of all good, There, where thou markest that which thou dost speak, 95 Thence pri/'d of me the more. Glad thou hast m;ni- me. Xow make intelligent, clearing the doubt Thy speech hath raised in me; for much I muse, 270 PARADISE. How bittei can spring up, when sweet is sown." I thus Inquiring ; he forthwith replied : 100 " 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, jOrdains its providence to be the virtue 105 In these great bodies : nor th' all perfect Mind Upholds their nature merely, but in them Their energy to save : for nought, that lies Within the range of that unerring bow, But is as level with the destin'd aim, 110 As ever mark to arrow's point oppos'd. Were it not thus, these heavens, thou dost visit, Would their effect so work, it would not be Art, but destruction ; and this may not chance, If th' intellectual powers, that move these stars, 115 Fail not, or who, first faulty made them fail. Wilt thou this truth more clearly evidenc'd ? " To whom I thus : " It is enough : no fear, I see, lest nature in her part should tire." He straight rejoin'd : " Say, were it worse for man, 120 If he liv'd not in fellowship on earth?" " Yea," answer'd I ; " nor here a reason needs." " And may that be, if different estates Grow not of different duties in your life ? Consult your teacher, and he tells you ' no.' " 125 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 Melchisidec 130 A third ; and he a fourth, whose airy voyage Cost him his son. In her circuitous course, Nature, that is the seal to mortal wax, Doth well her art, but no distinctions owns 'Twixt one or other household. Hence befals 135 That Esau is so wide of Jacob : hence Quirinus of so base a father springs, He dates from Mars his lineage. Were it not PARADISE. 271 That providence celestial overrul'd, Nature, in generation, must the path 140 TraeV by the generator, still pursue Unswervingly. Thus place I in thy sight That, which was late behind thee. But, in sign Of more affection for thee, 't is my will Thou wear this corollary. Nature ever 145 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. 150 But ye perversely to religion strain Him, who was born to gird on him the sword, And of the fluent phrasemen make your king ; Therefore your steps have wander'd from the paths." CANTO IX. AFTER solution of my doubt, thy Charles, O fair Clemenza, of the treachery spake That must befal his seed : but, " Tell it not," Said he, " and let the destin'd years come round." Nor nay I tell thee more, save that the meed 5 Of sorrow well-deserv'd shall quit your wrongs. And now the visage of that saintly light Was to the sun, that fills it, turn'd again, As to the good, whose plenitude of bliss Sufficeth all. O ye misguided souls ! IQ Infatuate, who from such a good estrange Your hearts, and bend your gaze on vanity, Alas for you! And lo ! toward me, next, Another of those splendent forms approach'^, That, by its outward bright'ninr*, testified 15 The will it had to pleasure me. The eyes Of Beatrice, resting, as before, Firmly upon me, manifested forth Approval of my wish. " And O," I cried, " Blest spirit ! quickly be my will peri'orrn'd ; 20 '272 And prove thou to me, that my inmost, 1 can reflect on thee." Thereat the light, That yet was new to me, from the recess, Where it before was singing, thus began, As one who joys in kindness: "In that part 6 Of the deprav'd Italian land, which lies Between Rialto, and the fountain-springs Of Brenta and of Piava, there doth rise, But to no lofty eminence, a hill, From whence erewhile a firebrand did descend, 30 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 naught repine, Nor grudge myself the cause of tin's my lot, 35 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, 40 If to excel be worthy man's endeavour, When such life may attend the first. Yet they Cure not for this, the crowd that now are girt By Adice aaid Tagliamento, still Impenitent, tho' scourg'd. The hour is near, 45 When for their stubbornness at Padua's marsh, The water shall be chang'd, that laves Vicena. And where Caguano meets with Sile, one Lords it, and bears his head aloft, for whom The web is now a-warping. Feltro too 50 Shall sorrow for its godless shepherd's fault, Of so deep stain, that never, for the like, Was Malta's bar unclos'd. Too large should be The skillet, that would hold Ferrara's blood, And wearied he, who ounce by ounce would weight it, 55 The which this priest, in show of party-/.eal, Courteous will give ; nor \v ill the gift ill suit The country's custom. We descry above, Mirrors, ye can them thrones, from which to us Reflected shine the judgments of our God : 60 1'AKADISK. -73 Whence these our sayings wo avouch for good." She ended, and appeard on other thoughts Intent, re-ent'ring on the wheel she late Had left. That other joyance meanwhile wax'd A tiling to marvel at, in splendour glowing, C5 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. 11 God seeth all : and in him is thy sight," 70 Said I, "blest spirit ! Therefore wifl of his Cannot to thee be dark. Why then delays Thy voice to satisfy my wish untold, That voice which joins the inexpressive song, Pastime of heav'n, the which those ardours sing, 75 That cowl them with six shadowing wings outspread? I would not wait thy asking, wert thou known To me, as thoroughly I to thee am known." He forthwith answering, thus his words began : " The valley' of waters, widest next to that 80 Which doth the earth engarland, shapes its course, Between discordant shores, against the sun Inward so far, it makes meridian there, Where was before th' hori/on. Of that vale Dwelt I upon the shore, 'twixt Ebro's stream 86 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 Foleu : IK) And I did bear impression of this heav'n, That now bears mine: for not with fiercer dame Glmv'd Bolus' daughter, injuring alike Sieiiams and Creusa, than did I, Long as it suited the unripen'd down 95 That tledg'd my cheek: nor she of Uhodope, That was beguiled of Demophoon ; Nor Jove's son, when the charms of lole Were shrinM within his heart. And yet there bides No sorrowful repentance here, but mirth, 100 Is 274 PARADISE. Not for the fault (that doth not come to mind), But for the virtue, whose o'erruling sway And providence have wrought thus quaintly. Here The skill is look'd into, that fashioneth With such effectual working, and the good 105 Discern'd, accruing to this upper world From that below. But fully to content Thy wishes, all that in this sphere have birth, Demands my further parle. Inquire thou wouldst, Who of this light is denizen, that here 110 Beside me sparkles, as the sun-beam doth On the clear wave. Know then, the soul of Rahab Is in that gladsome harbour, to our tribe United, and the foremost rank assign'oj. He to that heav'n, at which the shadow ends 115 Of your sublunar world, was taken up, First, in Christ's triumph, of all souls redeem'd: For well bchov'd, that, in some part of heav'n, She should remain a trophy, to declare The mighty conquest won with either palm ; 120 Fss, I' th' universal order, great defect Must, both in heav'n and here beneath, ensue. Now rest thee, reader ! on thy bench, and muse 20 Anticipative of the feast to come ; So shall delight make thee not feel thy toil. Lo ! 1 have set before thee, for thyself Feed now : the matter I indite, henceforth Demands entire my thought. Join'd with the part, 25 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 ; 30 And I was with him, weetless of ascent, As one, who till arriv'd, weets not his coming. For Beatrice, she who passeth on So suddenly from good to better, time Counts not the act, oh then how great must needs 35 Have been her brightness ! What she was i' th' sun (Where I had enter'd), not through change of hue, But light transparent did 1 summon up 276 PAKADI8K. Genius, art, practice I might not so speak, ft should be e'er imagin'd : yet believ'd 10 It may bo, and the sight be justly crav'd. And if our fantasy fail of such height, What marvel, since no eye above the sun Hath ever travel'd? Such are they dwell here, Fourth family of the Omnipotent Sire, 45 Who of his spirit and of his offspring shows ; And holds them still enraptur'd with the view. And thus to me Beatrice : "Thank, oh thank, The Sun of angels, him, who by his grace To this perceptible hath lifted thee." 50 Never was heart in such devotion bound, And with complacency so absolute Dispos'd to render up itself to God, As mine was at those words : and so entire The love for Him, that held me, it eclips'd 55 Beatrice in oblivion. Naught displeas'd Was she, but smil'd thereat so joyously, That of her laughing eyes the radiance brake And scatter' d my collected mind abroad. Then saw I a bright band, in liveliness 60 Surpassing, who themselves did make the crown, And us their centre : yet more sweet in voice, Than in their visage beaming. Cinctur'd thus, Sometime Latona's daughter we behold, When the impregnate air retains the thread, 65 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 70 To soar up thither, let him look from thence For tidings from the dumb. When, Hinging thus, Those burning suns that circled round us thrice, As nearest stars around the fixed poie, Then seem'd they like to ladies, from the dance 11 Not ceasing, but suspense, in silent pause, List'ning, till they have caught the strain anew : Suspended so tla-y stood : and, from within, PARAIHSK. 211 Thus heard I one, who spake: " Since with its beam The grace, whence true love lighteth first his fame, 80 That after doth increase by loving, shines So multiplied in tb.ee, it leads thec u]> 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 So To slake thy thirst, no less constrained were, That) water flowing not unto the sea. Thou fain wouldst hear, what plants are these, that bloom In the bright garland, which, admiring, girds This fair dame round, who strengthens thee for heav'n. 90 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 95 Js this : and of Aquinum, Thomas I. If thou of all the rest wouldst be assur'd, Let thine eye, waiting on the words I speak, In circuit journey round the blessed wreath. That next resplendence issues from the smile 100 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, 105 Goodliest of all, is by such love inspir'd, That all your world craves tidings of its doom: Within, there is the lofty light, endow'd With sapience so profound, if truth be truth, That with a ken of such wide amplitude 110 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 115 That pleader for the Christian temples, he, Who did provide Augustin of his lore. 278 PARADISE. 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 120 The world's deceitfulness, to all who hear him, Is, with the sight of all the good, that is, Blest there. The limbs, whence it was driven, lie Down in Cieldauro, and from martyrdom And exile came it here. Lo ! further on, 125 Where flames the ardurous spirit of Isidore, Of Bede, and Richard, more than man, crewhile, In deep discernment. Lastly this, from whom Thy look on me reverteth, was the beam Of one, whose spirit, on high musings bent, 130 Rebuk'd the ling'ring tardiness of death. It is the eternal light of Sigebert, "Who 'scap'd not envy, when of truth he argued, Reading in the straw-litter'd street." Forthwith, As clock, that calleth up the spouse of God 135 To win her bridegroom's love at matin's hour, Each part of other fitly drawn and urg'd, Sends out a tinkling sound, of note so sweet, Affection springs in well-disposed breast ; Thus saw I move the glorious wheel, thus heard 140 Voice answ'riug voice, so musical and soft, It can be known but where day endless shines. CANTO XI. O FOXD anxiety of mortal men ! How M-.in and inconclusive arguments Are tl.xxe, which make thee beat thy wings below For st:itues one, and one for aphorisms Was hu nving ; this the priesthood follow'd, that 5 ]?y force or sophistry aspir'd to rule ; To rob another, and another sought By civil business wealth ; one moiling lay Tangled in net of sensual delight, And one to witless indolence resign'd; 10 What time from all those empty things escap'd, PARADISE. -7 ( J With Beatrice, I thus gloriously Was rais'd aloft, and made the guest of heav'n. They of the circle to that point, each one. Where erst it was, had turn'd ; and steady glow'd, 15 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 '20 Thy thoughts, from whence they rise. Thou art in doubt, And \vouldst, 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 25 Ilath risen,' which no small distinction needs. " The providence, that governeth the world, In depth of counsel by created ken Unfathomable, to the end that she, Who with loud cries was 'spous'd in precious blood, 30 Might keep her footing towards her well-belov'd, Safe in herself and constant unto him, Hath two ordain'd, who should on either hand In chief escort her : one seraphic all In fervency ; for wisdom upon earth, 35 The other splendour of cherubic light. I but of one will tell : he tells of both, Who one commendeth, which of them so'er Be taken : for their deeds were to one end. " Between Tupino, and the wave, that falls 40 From blest Ubaldo's chosen hill, there hangs Rich slope of mountain high, whence heat and cold Are wafted through Perugia's eastern gate : And Norcera with Gualdo, in its rear Mourn for their heavy yoke. Upon that side, 15 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 eo deliver'd ; but the East, 50 280 I'AKADISK. To cnll things rightly, lie it henceforth stylM. 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 irate More than to death, "was, 'gainst his father's will, 5S His stripling choice : and he did make her his, Before the spiritual court, by nuptial bonds, And in his father's sight : from day to day, Then lov'd her more devoutly. She, bereav'd Of her first husband, slighted' and obscure, GO Thousand and hundred years and more, remainM Without a single suitor, till he came. Xor aught avail'd, that, with Amyclas, she Was found unmov'd at rumour of his voice, Who shook the world : nor aught her constant bold- ness 65 Whereby with Christ she monnted on the cross, When Mary stay'd beneath. But not to dt-nl Thus closely with thee longer, take at large The lovers' titles Poverty and Francis. Their concord and glad looks, wonder and love, 70 And sweet regard gave birth to holy thought*, So much, that venerable Bernard first Did bare his feet, and, in pursuit of peace So heavenly, ran, yet deem'd his footing slow. O hidden riches ! O prolific good ! 75 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 80 Girt humbly : nor did abjectness of heart Weigh down his eyelids, for that he w r as son Of Pietro Bernardone, and by men In wond'rous sort despis'd. But royally His hard intention he to Innocent 85 Set forth, and from him first receiv'd the seal On his religion. Then, when numerous floek'd The tribe of lowly ones, that trac'd his steps, Whose marvellous life deservedly were sung PAKAMSE. 281 In heights empyreal, through Ilonorius' hand 90 A second crown, to deck their Guardian's virtues, "Was by the' eternal Spirit inwreath'd : and when He had, through thirst of martyrdom, stood up In the proud Soldan's presence, and there prcach'd Christ and his followers; but found the race 06 Tnripen'd for conversion : back once more lie hasted (not to intermit his toil), And reap'd Ausonian lands. On the hard rock, "T \vixt AlHO and the Tyber, he from Christ Took the last signet, which his limbs two years 100 Did carry. Then the season come, that he. AVho to such good had destin'd him, was pleas'd T' advance him to the meed, which he had earn'd IJy his self-humbling, to his brotherhood, A* their just heritage, he gave in charge 105 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. 110 "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 mays) be certain, take good lading in. 115 P>ut 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. I'JO There are of them, in truth, Avho 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 (Jood heed, if that, which I have told, recall I2fs To mind, thy wish may be in part fuHill'd : For thou wilt see the plant from whence they split, Nor miss of the reproof, which that implies, ' Tint well they thrive not swoln with vanity.'" 282 PARADISE. CANTO XII. SOON as its final word the blessed flame Had rais'd for utterance, straight the holy mill Began to wheel, nor yet had once revolv'd, Or ere another, circling, compass'd it, Motion to motion, song to song, conjoining, 6 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, tO 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 Avith Noah, of the world 15 No more to be o'erflow'd ; about us thus Of sempiternal roses, bending, wreath'd Those garlands twain, and to the innermost E'en thus th' external answered. When the footing And other great festivity, of song, 20 And radiance, light with light accordant, each Jocund and blythe, had at their pleasure still'd (E'en as the eyes by quick volition mov'd, Are shut and rais'd together), from the heart Of one amongst the new lights mov'd a voice, 25 That made me seem like needle to the star, In turning to its whereabout, and thus Began : " The love, that makes me beautiful, Prompts me to tell of th' other guide, for whom Such good of mine is spoken. Where one is, 00 The other worthily should also be ; That as their warfare was alike, alike Should be their glory. Slow, and full of doubt, And with thin ranks, after its banner mov'd The army' of Christ (which it so dearly cost S5 To reappoint), when its imperial Head, Who reigiieth ever, for the drooping host Did make provision, thorough grace alouc, r.vuAmH;. 1IS3 And nt through its deserving. As tlmii hcard'st, Two cli:iin|>ioiis to the succour of his spouse 40 He suit, who by their deeds and words might jo'n Again his scattered people. In that clime, "Win- re springs the pleasant west-wind to unfold The fresh leaves, with which Europe sees hersel' New-garmented ; nor from those billows far, 4< r ) 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 50 The loving minion of the Christian faith, The hollow'd wrestler, gentle to his own, And to his enemies terrible. So replete His soul with lively virtue, that when first Created, oven in the mother's womb, 55 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 60 And from his heirs to issue. And that such He might be construed, as indeed he was, She was inspir'd to name him of his owner, Whose he was wholly, and so call'd him Dominic. And I speak of him, as the labourer, t>5 Whom Christ in his own garden chose to be His help-mate. Messenger he seenvd, and friend Fast-knit to Christ; ami the first love; he showM, Was after the first counsel that Christ gave. Many a time his nurse, at entering, found 70 That he had ris'n in silence, and was prostrate, As who should say, 'My errand was for this.' O happy father! Felix rightly naiuM ! O favour' d mother! rightly nanfd Joanna! If that do mean, as men interpret it. 76 Not for the world's sake, fur which now they pore I'pon Osti'-nse and Taddeo's ]>:. Hut for the real manna, .>oon he grew 284 PAKAUISE. Mighty in learning, and did set himself To go about the vineyard, that soon turna fcO 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, 85 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. 1)0 Then, with sage doctrine and good will to help, Forth on his great apostleship he far'd, Like torrent bursting from a lofty vein ; And, dashing 'gainst the stocks of heresy, Smote fiercest, where resistance was most .stout. 95 Thence many rivulets have since been turn'd, Over the garden Catholic to lead Their living waters, and have fed its plants. " If such one wheel of that two-yoked car, Wherein the holy church defended her, 100 And rode triumphant through the civil broil. Thou canst not doubt its fellow's excellence, Which Thomas, ere my coming, hath declar'd So courteously unto thee. But the track, Which its smooth fellies made, is now deserted : 105 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 1 10 Admittance to the barn. I question not But lie, who search'd our volume, leaf by leaf, Might still find page with this inscription on't, 1 1 am as I was wont.' Yet such were not From Acquasparta nor Casale, whence 1 !{ Of those, who come to meddle with the text, One stretches and another cramps its rule. Bouaveiitura'a life in me behold, PAKAI>: Zoo From Bagnororegio, one, who in discharge Of my "Tout offices still laid aside 1*20 All sinister aim. Illuminate 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 I Fugues of Saint Victor, Pietro Mangiadore, 125 And he of Spain in his twelve volumes shining, Nathan the prophet, Metropolitan Chrysostom, and Anselmo, and, who deign'd To [nit his hand to the first art, Donatus. Rabnn is here : and at my side there shines 130 Calabria's abbot, Joachim, endow'd With soul prophetic. The bright courtesy Of friar Thomas, and his goodly lore, Have mov'd me to the blazon of a peer So worthy, and with me have mov'd this throng." 135 CANTO XIII. LKT 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 ethoreal host Selected, that, with lively ray serene, 6 Overcome 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, 10 T" have rang'd themselves in fashion of two signs In heav'n, such as Ariadne made, When death's chill seized her ; and that one cf them Did compass in the other's beam; and both In such sort whirl around, that each should tend 15 With opposite motion : and, conceiving thus, Of that true constellation, and the dance Twofold, that circled me, lie shall attain As 't were th<> shadow ; for things there as much 2:^6 PAUAMSK. Surpass our usage, ns the swiftest heav'n V Is swifter than the Chiana. There was sung No Bacchus, and no lo Paean, but Throe Persons in the Godhead, and in one Substance that nature and the human join'd. The song fulfill'd its measure ; and to us 2f> Those saintly lights attended, happier made At each new minist'ring. Then silence brake, Amid th' accordant sons of Deity, That luminary, in which the wondrous life Of the meek man of God was told to me ; 30 And thus it spake : " One ear o' th' harvest th:esh'd, And its grain safely stor'd, sweet charity Invites me with the other to like toil. " Thou know'st, that in the bosom, whence the rib Was ta'en to fashion that fair cheek, whose taste 35 All the world pays for, and in that, which pierc'd By the keen lance, both after and before Such satisfaction offer'd, as outweighs Each evil in the scale, whate'er of light To human nature is allow'd, must all 40 Have by his virtue been infus'd, who form'd Both one and other : and thou thence admir'st In that I told thee, of beatitudes A second, there is none, to his enclos'd In the fifth radiance. Open now thine eyes 45 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 50 Engendereth loving ; for that lively light. Which passeth from his brightness, not disjoin'd From him, nor from his love triune with them, Doth, through his bounty, congregate itself, Mirror'd, as 't were in new existences, 55 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 rame i'.\i:.\nisK. '287 Things generated, which tin- hcav'nl) orbs CO Moving, witli seed or without seed, produce. Their wax, and that which molds it, differ much : Ami thence with lustre, more or less, it shows Th' ideal stamp imprest : so that one tree According to his kind, hath better fruit, Gfi And worse : and, at you birth, ye, mortal men, Are in your talents various. Were the wax Molded with nice exactness, and the heav'n In its disposing influence supreme, The lustre of the seal should be complete : 70 But nature renders it imperfect ever, Resembling thus the artist in her work, Whose faultering hand is faithless to his skill. Howe'cr, if love itself dispose, and mark The primal virtue, kindling with bright view, 75 There all perfection is vouchsafed ; and such The clay was made, accomplish' d with each gift, That life can teem with ; such the burden fill'd The virgin's bosom : so that I commend Thy judgment, that the human nature ne'er 80 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 85 (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 90 Of the celestial movers ; or to know, It' 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 9fi Triangle with each corner, blunt or sharp. "Whence, noting that, which I have said, and this, Thou kingly prudence and that ken mayst learn, At which the dart of my intention aims. 288 FAUAI>IE. And, marking clearly, lhat I told thee, ' Risen,' 100 Thou sh:ilt discern it only hath respect To kings, of whom are many, and the good Are rare. With this distinction take my words ; And they may well consist with that which thou Of the first human father dost believe, 105 And of our well-beloved. And let this I Fenceforth be led unto thy feet, to make Thee slow in motion, as a weary man, Both to the 'yea ' and to the 'nay ' thou seest not. For he among the fools is down full low, 110 Whose affirmation, or denial, is Without distinction, in each case alike Since it befals, that in most instances Current opinion leads to false : and then Affection bends the judgment to her ply. 115 "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, 120 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. 125 "Let not the people be too swift to judge, As one who reckons on the blades in field, Or ere the crop be ripe. For I have seen The thorn frown rudely all the winter long And after bear the rose upon its top ; 130 And bark, that all the way across the sea Kan 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 135 Into heav'n's counsels deem that they can pry: For one of these may rise, the other fall." PARADISE. ii'J CANTO XIV. FROM centre to the circle, and so back From circle to the centre, water moves In the round chalice, even as the blow Impels it, inwardly, or from without. Such was the image glanc'd into my mind, 6 As the great spirit of Aqninum ceas'd ; And Beatrice after him her words ResumM alternate: "Need there is (tho* yet He tells it to you not in words, nor e'en In thought) that he should fathom to its depth 10 Another mystery. Tell him, if the light, Wherewith your substance blooms, shall stay with you Eternally, as now : and, if it doth, I low, when ye shall regain your visible forms, The sight may without harm endure the change, 15 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 20 And wond'rous note attested new delight. Whoso laments, that we must doff this garb Of frail mortality, thenceforth to live Immortally above, he hath not seen The sweet refreshing of that heav'nly shower. 25 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. 8C 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, 35 As fervent ; fervent, as in vision blest ; And that as far in blessedness exceeding, As it hath grave beyond its virtue great. 19 200 PAIIAMSK. shape, regnrmented with glorious weeds Of saintly flesh, must, being thus- entire, -10 Show yet more gracious. Therefore shall increase. "Whate'er of light, gratuitous, imparts The Supreme Good ; light, ministering aid, The better disclose his glory : whence The vision needs increasing, much increase } The fervour, which it kindles ; and that too The ray, that conies from it. But as the gleed Which gives out flame, yet it its whiteness shines More livelily than that, and so preserves Its proper semblance ; thus this circling sphere 50 Of splendour, shall to view less radiant seem, Than shall our fleshly robe, which yonder earth Now covers. Kor will such excess of light O'erpower us, in corporeal organs made Firm, and susceptible of all delight." 66 So ready and so cordial an "Amen," Followed from either choir, as plainly spoke Desire of their dead bodies; yet perchance Not for themselves, but for their kindred dear, Mothers and sires, and those whom best they lov'd, 60 Ere they were made imperishable flame. And lo ! forthwith there rose up round about A lustre over that already there, Of equal clearness, like the brightening up Of the horizon. As at evening hour 65 Of twilight, new appearances through heav'n Peer with faint glimmer, doubtfully descried ; So there new substances, methought began To rise in view; and round the other twain En wheeling, sweep their ampler circuit wide. 70 O genuine glitter of eternal Beam ! "With what a sudden, whiteness did it flow, Overpowering vision in me ! But so fair, So passing lovely, Beatrice show'd, Mind cannot follow it, nor words express 71 Her infinite sweetness. Thence mine eyes regained Power to look up, and I beheld myself, Sole with my lady, to more lofty bliss PARADISE. -'.'1 Translated: for tlie star, with warmer smile Impurph'd, well denoted our ascent. 80 With all the heart, and with that tongue which speaku The same in all, an holocaust I made To God, befitting the new grace vouchsafd. And from my bosom had not yet upsteam'd The fuming of that incense, when I knew The rite accented. With such mighty sheen And mantling crimson, in two listed rays The splendours shot before me, that I cried, u (Jod of Sabaoth ! that does prank them thus ! " As leads the galaxy from pole to pole, !>U Distinguish'd into greater lights and less, Its pathway, which the wisest fail to spell ; So thickly stud-led, in the depth of Mars, Those rays describ'd the venerable sign, That (jiiadrants in the round conjoining frame. 95 Here memory mocks the toil of genius. Christ ]>eam'd on that cross; and pattern fails me now. Jlut whoso takes his cross, and follows Christ Will pardon me for that I leave untold, When in the ilecker'd dawning he shall spy 100 riie 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, 105 The atomies of bodies, long or short, To move along the sunbeam, whose slant line Checkers the shadow, interposal by art Airainst the noontide heat. And as the chime Of minstrel music, dulcimer, and harp 110 With many strings, a pleasant dining makes To him, who heareth not distinct the note ; Sx from the lights, which there appear' J to me, (lathcr'd along the cross a melody, That, indistinctly heard, with ravishment 11 f) ss'd me. Yet I mark'd it was a hymn Of lofty praises; for there came to me Arisv and coi; -mer," as to one who hears 292 PARADISE. And comprehends not. Me such ecstasy OYrc.'ime, that never till that hour was thing 120 That held me in so sweet imprisonment. Perhaps my saying over bold appears, Accounting less the pleasure of those eyes, Whereon to look fulfilleth all desire. But lie, who is aware those living seals 125 Of every beauty work with quicker force, The higher they are ris'n ; and that there I had not turn'd me to them ; he may well Excuse me that, whereof in my excuse I do accuse me, and may own my truth ; 13C That holy pleasure here not yet reveal'd, Which grows in transport as we mount aloof. CANTO XV. TRUE love, that ever shows itself as clear In kindness, as loose appetite in wrong, Silenced that lyre harmonious, and still'd The sacred chords, that are by heav'n's right hand Unwound and tighten'd. How to righteous prayers 6 Should they not hearken, who, to give me will For praying, in accordance thus were mute? He hath in sooth good cause for endless grief, Who, for the love of thing that lasteth not, Despoils himself for ever of that love. 10 As oft along the still and pure serene, At nightfall, glides a sudden trail of fire, Attracting with involuntary heed The eye to follow it, erewhile at rest, And seems some star that shifted place in heav'n, 15 Only that, whence it kindles, none is lost, And ; t 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 20 Dropp'd from its foil ; and through the beamy list Like Hume in alabaster, glow'd its course. PAUADISK. '293 So forward strcteh'd him (if of credence aught Our greater muse may claim) the pious ghost Of old Anchises, in the' Elysiau lo\vcr, 25 When he perceivM his son. " O tkoti, my blood! most exceeding grace divine ! to whom, As now to thee, hath twice the heav'nly gate Ik-en e'er unclos'd ?" so spake the light ; whence 1 Turn'd me toward him; then unto my dame 30 My sight, directed, and on either side Amazement waited me ; for in her eyes Was lighted such a smile, I thought that mine Had div'd unto the bottom of my grace And of my bliss in Paradise. Forthwith 35 To hearing and to sight grateful alike, The spirit to his proem added things 1 understood not, so profound lie spake ; Yet not of choice but through necessity Mysterious; for his high conception scar'd 40 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 ! 45 That hast such favour in my seed vouchsafe! ! " Then followM : "No unpleasant thirst, tho' long, Which took me reading in the sacred book, Whose leaves or white or dusky never change, Thou hast allay'd, my son, within this light, 50 From whence my voice thou hear'st ; more thanks to her. Who for such lofty mounting lias with plumes Begirt thce. Thou dost deem thy thoughts to me From Him transmitted, who is first of all, E'en as all numbers ray from unity ; 55 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 hie Both less and greater in that mirror look, 60 In which thy thoughts, or ere thou think'st, arc shown. But, that the love, which keeps me wakeful ever, 29-1 PARADISE. Urging with sacred thirst of sweet desire, May be contended fully, let thy voice, Fearless, and frank and jocund, utter forth 65 Thy will distinctly, utter forth the wish, Wliereto my ready answer stands decreed.' 1 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 : 70 "To each among your tribe, what time ye kenn'd The nature, in whom naught unequal dwells, Wisdom and love were in one meas'ire dealt; For that they are so equal in fie pun, From whence ye drew your radiance and your heat, 75 As makes all likeness scant. But will and means, In mortals, for the cause ye well discern, With unlike wings are Hedge. A mortal I Ylvperience inequality like this, And therefore give no thanks, but in the heart, 80 For thy paternal greeting. This howe'er I pray 'bee, living topaz ! that ingemm'st This precious jewel, let me hear thy name." " I am thy root, O leaf ! whom to expect Even, hath pleas'd me : " thus the prompt reply 85 Prefacing, next it added ; " he, of whom Thy kindred appellation conies, 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 90 Endurance should be shorten'd by thy deeds. "Florence, within her ancient limit-mark, Which calls her still to matin prayers and noon, Was chaste and sober, and abode in peace. She had no armlets and no head-tires then, 95 No purfled dames, no zone, that caught the eye More than the person did. Time was not yet, When at his daughter's birth the sire grew pale, For fear the age and Oowry should exceed On each side just proportion. House was none 100 Void of its family ; nor yet had come Sardanapalua, to exhibit feats PAKADISK. 295 Of chamber prowess. Montonialo yet O'er our suburban turret rose; as much To be surpast in fall, as in its rising. 105 I saw Bellincion Berti walk abroad In leathern girdle and a clasp of bone ; And, with no artful colouring on her checks, TTis lady leave the glass. The sons I saw Of Ncrli and of Vecchio well content 110 With unrob'd jerkin ; and their good dames handling The spindle and the flax ; O happy they ! Kach sure of burial in her native land, And none left desolate a-bed for France ! One wak'd to tend the cradle, hushing it 115 With sounds that lull'd the parent's infancy: Another, with her maidens, drawing off The tresses from the distaff, lectur'd them Old tales of Troy and Fesole and Rome. A Saltcrello and Cianghclla we 120 Had held as strange a marvel, as ye would A CincinnatuB or Cornelia now. " In such compos'd and seemly fellowship, Such faithful and such fair equality, In so sweet household, Mary at my birth 125 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, Klisco and Moronto. " From Valdipado came to me my spouse, 130 And hence thy surname grew. I followM (hen The Kmperor Conrad ; and his knighthood he Did gird on me ; in such good part he took My valiant service. Alter him I went To testify against that evil law, lil: Whose people, by the shepherd's fault, JIMRS- Your right, usurping. There, by that foul crew \\"as I reh-asM from the deceitful world, Whose base affection many a spirit, soils, And from the martyrdom came to this peace." 1 10 29fl PARADISE. CANTO XVI. BLIGHT respect of man's nobility! 1 never shall account it marvellous, That our infirm affection here below Thou mov'st to boasting, when I could not ehuse, E'en in that region of unwarp'd desire, 6 In heav'n itself, but make my vaunt in thee ! Yet cloak thou art soon shorten'd, for that time, Unless thou be eked out from day to day, Goes round thee with his shears. Resuming then With greeting such, as Rome, was first to bear, 10 But since hath disaccustom'd I began ; And Beatrice, that a little space Was sever'd, smil'd reminding me of her, Whose cough emboldeu'd (as the story holds) To first offence the doubting Guenever. 15 "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 20 Say then, my honour'd stem ! what ancestors Where those you sprang from, and what years were mark'd In your first childhood ? Tell me of the fold, That hath Saint John for guardian, what was then Its state, and who in it were highest seated ? " 25 As embers, at the breathing of the wind, Their flame enliven, so that light I saw Shine at my blandishments ; and, as it grew More fair to look on, so with voice more sweet, Yet not in this our modern phrase, forthwith 30 It answer'd : " From the day, when it was said ' Hail Virgin ! ' to the throes, by which my mother, Who now is sainted, lighten'*! her of me Whom she was heavy with, this fire had come, Five hundred fifty times and thrice, its beams 35 To reiluinine underneath the foot Of its own lion. They, of whom I sprang, And I, had there our birth-place, where the last PA K A DISK. 2V) 7 Partition of our city first is rca-.-h'd By him, that runs her annual game. Thus much 40 Suffice of my forefathers : who they were, Ami a-brm-e they hither came, more honourable I* is to pass in silence than to tell. All those, uho in that time were there from Mars Until the Baptist, fit to carry a: 4>- Were but the fifth of them this day alive. But then the citizen's blood, that now is mix'd Fnun Campi and Certaldo and Fighine, Kan purely through the last, mechanic's veins. O how much better were it, that these people 60 Were neighbours to you, and that at Galluzzo And at Trespiano, ye should have your bound'ry, Than to have them within, and bear the stench Of Aguglione'a hind, and Signa'0, him, That hath his eye already keen for bart'ring ! 56 Had not the people, which of all the world Degenerates most, been stcpdame unto Cassar, Uut, as a mother, gracious to her son; Such one, as hath become a Florentine, And trades and traffics, had been turn'd adrift 00 To Simifonte, where his grandsire ply'd The beggar's craft. The Conti were possessM Of Montemurlo still : the Cerchi still Were in Acone's parish ; nor had haply From Valdigrieve past the Buondelmonti. 65 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 70 Doth more and better execution, Than five. Mark Luni, Urbisaglia mark, ]\'>vf they are gone, and after them how go Chins! and Sinigaglia; and 't will seem No longer new or strange to thee to hear, "i . That families fail, when cities have their end. All things, that appertain t' ye, like yourselves, Are mortal: but mortality in :-une 298 PAKADISE. Ye mark not, they endure so long, and you Pass by so suddenly. And as the moon 80 Doth, by the rolling of her henv'nly sphere, Hide and reveal the strand unceasingly ; So fortune deals with Florence. Hence admire not At what of them I tell thee, whose renown Time covers, the first Florentines. I saw 85 The Ughi, Catilini and Filippi, The Albcrichi, Greci and Ormanni, Now in their wane, illustrious citizens : And great as ancient, of Sannclla him, With him of Area saw, and Soldanieri 90 And Ardinghi' and Bostichi. At the poop, That now is laden with new felony, So cumb'rous it may speedily sink the bark, The Kavignani sat, of whom is sprung The County Guido, and whoso hath since 95 Ilis title from the fam'd Bellincion ta'cn. Fair governance was yet an art well prizM By him of Frcssa : Galigaio show'd The gilded hilt nn-1 pommel, in his house. The column, cluth'd with verrcy, still was seen 100 Unshaken : the Sacchctli still were great, Giouchi, Sifanti, Galli and Barucci, With them who blush to hear the bushel nam'd. Of the Calfucci still the branchy trunk Was in its strength : and to the curulc chairs 105 Sizii and Arigucci yet were drawn. How mighty them I saw, whom since their pride Hath undone ! and in all her goodly deeds .Florence was by the bullets of bright gold O'erflourish'd. Such the sires of those, who now, 110 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, I Jut unto such, as turn and show the tooth, 115 Ay or the purse, is gentle as a lamb, Was on its rise, but yet so slight esteemM, That Ubcrlino of Dunati grudg'd 299 His father-in-law should yoke him to its tribe. Already Caponsacco had descended 120 Into the mart from Fesole : and Giuda Arl Infangato were good citixens. A thing incredible I tell, tho' true: The gateway, named from those of Pera, led Into the narrow circuit of your walls. 126 Ea--h one, who bears the sightly quarterings Of the great Baron (he whose name and worth The festival of Thomas still revives) His knighthood and his privilege retained ; Albeit one, who borders them with gold, 180 This day is mingled with the common herd. In Borgo yet the Gualtcrotti 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 136 And put a period to your gladsome days, Was honourd, it, and those consorted with it. O Buondclmonti ! what ill counseling Prevail' d on thce to break the plighted bond ? 140 Many, who now are weeping, would rejoice, JIad God to Ema giv'n thee, the first time Thou near our city cam'st. But so was doom'd : On that maim'd stone set up to guard the bridge, At thy last peace, the victim, Florence ! fell. 145 "With these and others like to them, I saw Florence in such nssur'd tranquillity, She had no cause at which to grieve : witli these Saw her so glorious and so just, that ne'er The lily from the lance had hung reverse, 160 Or through division been with vermeil dyed." CANTO XVII. Sum as the youth, who came to Clymcne To certify himself of that reproach, Which had been faslcn'd on him, (he \vhosc end 300 FARAPISK. Still makes the fathers chary to thcii tons, E'en suoh was I ; nor nnobserv'd was such 6 Of Beatrice, and that saintly lamp, Who had erewhile for me his station mov'd ; When thus by lady: " Give thy wish free vent, That it may issue, bearing true report Of the mind's impress ; not that aught thy words 10 May to our knowledge add, but to the end, That thou mayst use thyself to own thy thirst And men may mingle for thee when they hear." " O plant ! from whence I spring! rever'd and lov'd ! Who soar'st so high a pitch, thou seest as clear, 15 As earthly thought determines two obtuse In one triangle not contain'd, so clear Dost see contingencies, ere in themselves Existent, looking at the point whereto All times are present, I, the whilst I scal'd 20 With Virgil the soul-purifying mount, And visited the nether world of \voc, Touching my future destiny have heard Words grievous, though I feel me on all sides Well squar'd to fortune's blows. Therefore my will 25 Were satisfied to know the lot awaits me, The arrow, seen beforehand, slacks its flight." So said I to the brightness, which erewhile To me had spoken, and my will dcclar'd, As Beatrice will'd, explicitly. 80 Nor with oracular response obscure, Such, as or ere the Lamb of God was slain, Beguil'd the credulous nations ; but, in terniH Precise and unambiguous loro, replied The spirit of paternal love, enshrin'd, 85 Yet in his smile apparent ; and thus spake : " Contingency, unfolded not to view Upon the tablet of your mortal mold, Is all depictur'd in the' eternal sight; But hence deriveth not necessity, 40 More then the tall ship, hurried down the flood, Doth from the vision, that reflects the scene. From thence, as to the ear sweet harmony PARA DISK. 301 From organ COTIH-S, so comes before mine eye The tini" prepar'd for thee. Such as driv'n out 45 From Athens, by his cruel stepdame's wiles, Ilippolytos departed, sucli must tliou I >epart from Florence. This they wish, and thiw Contrive, ami will ere long effectuate, there, "Where gainful merchandize is made of Christ, 50 Throughout the livelong day. The common cry, Will, as 't is ever wont, affix the blame Unto the party injur'd : but the truth Shall, in the vengeance it dispenseth, find A faithful witness. Thou shall leave each thing 55 Belov'd most dearly : this is the first shaft Shot from the bow of exile. Thou shall prove I low salt the savour is of other's bread, How hard the passage to descend and climb J>y other's stairs, But that shall gall thee most 60 Will be the worthless and vile company, "With whom thou must be tin-own into these straits. For all ungrateful, impious all and mad, Shall turn 'gainst thee: but in a little while Theirs and not thine shall be the crimson'd brow 65 Their course shall so evince their brutishness T' have ta'en thy stand apart shall well become thee. "First refuge thou must find, first place of rest, In the great Lombard's courtesy, who bears Upon the ladder perch'd the sacred bird. 70 He shall behold thee with such kind regard, That 'twixt ye two, the contrary to that Which falls 'twixt other men, the grant ing shall Forerun the asking. With him shall thou see That mortal, who was at his birth imprest 76 So strongly from this star, that of his deeds The nations shall take note. Ilis unripe age Yet hoi Is him from observance ; for these wheels Only nine years have eompast him about. But, ere the Gascon practice on great Harry, BC Sparkles of virtue shall shoot forth in him, In equal scorn of labours and of gold. Ilis bounty shall be spread abroad so widely, iJO'2 PARADISE. As not to let the tongues e'en of his foes Be idle in its praise. Look thou to him 95 And his beneficence : for he shall cause Reversal of their lot to many people, Rich men and beggars interchanging fortunes. And thou shalt bear this written in thy soul Of him, but tell it not ; " and things he told 90 Incredible to those who witness them ; Then added : " So interpret thou, my son, What hath been told thee. Lo ! the ambushment That a few circling seasons hide for thee ! Yet envy not thy neighbours : time extends 95 Thy span beyond their treason's chastisement." Soon, as the saintly spirit, by his silence, Had shown the web, which I had stretch'd for him Upon the warp, was woven, I began, As one, who in perplexity desires 100 Counsel of other, wise, benign and friendly : "My father! well I mark how time spurs on Toward me, ready to inflict the blow, Which falls most heavily on him, who most Abandoneth himself. Therefore 't is good 105 I should forecast, that driven from the place Most dear to me, I may not lose myself All others by my song. Down through the world Of infinite mourning, and along the mount From whose fair height my lady's eyes did lift me, 110 And after through this heav'n 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, 115 To whom these days shall be of ancient date." The brightness, where enclos'd the treasure smil'd, Which I had found there, first shone glisteringly, Like to a golden mirror in the sun ; Next auswer'd : " Conscience, dimm'd or by its own 120 Or other's shame, will feel thy saying sharp. Thou, notwithstanding, all deceit remov'd, See the whole vision be made manifest. PARADISIC. 3U3 And k-t them \vinoo who li;vvc tlicir withers wrung. Wliat though, when tasted first, tliy voice shall j)rovo I2f> Unwelcome, on digestion it will turn To vital nourishment. The cry thou raisest, Shall, as the wind doth, smite the proudest summits Which is of honour no light argument, For this there only have been shown to thee, 130 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." 135 CANTO XVIII. Now in his word, sole, ruminating, joy'd That blessed spirit ; and I fed on mine, Temp'ring the sweet with bitter: she meanwhile, Who led me unto God, admonish'd : "Muse On other thoughts: bethink thee, that near Him 6 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 10 The mind remounts not without aid. Thus much Yet may I speak ; that, as I gazM on her, Affection found no room for other wish. While the' everlasting pleasure, that did full On Beatrice shine, with second view 15 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 20 Th' affection mark'd, when that its sway hath ta'en The spirit wholly ; thus the hallow'd light, To whom I turn'd, flashing, bewray'd its will To talk yet further with me, and began : SO'l PARADISE. " On tl:is fif'.h lodgment of the tree, whose life 26 Is from its top, whose fruit is ever fair And leaf unwith'ring, blessed spirits abide, That were below, ere they urriv'd in heav'n, So mighty in renown, as every muse Might grace her triumph with them. On the horns 3C 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, 35 Ere it was done : then, at the naming saw Of the great Maccabee, another move With whirling speed; and gladness was the scourge Unto that top. The next for Charlemagne And for the peer Orlando, two my gaze 40 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 45 Did move away, and mix ; and with the choir Of heav'nly songsters prov'd his tuneful skill. To Beatrice on my right I bent, Looking for intimation or by word Or act, what next behov'd ; and did descry 50 Such mere effulgence in her eyes, such joy, It past all former wont. And, as by sense Of new delight, the man, who perseveres In good deeds doth perceive from day to day His virtue growing; I e'en thus perceiv'd 55 Of my ascent, together with the heav'n The circuit widen'd, noting the increase Of beauty in that wonder. Like the change In a brief moment on some maiden's cheek, Which from its fairness doth discharge the weight 60 Of pudency, that sfrain'd it ; such in her, And to mine eyes so sudden was the change, Through silvery whiteness of that temperate star, Whose sixth orb now enfolded us. I saw, PARA DISK. 305 Within that Jovial cresset, the clear sparks 65 Of love, that reign'd there, fashion to my view Our language. And as birds, from river bank? -Arisen, now in round, now lengthen'd troop, Array them in their flight, greeting, as seems, Their new-found pastures ; so, within the lights, 70 The saintly creatures flying, sang, and made Now D. now I. now L. figur'd i' th' air. First, singing, to their notes they mov'd, then one Becoming of these signs, a little while Did rest them, and were mute. O nymph divine 75 Of Pegasean race ! whose souls, which thou Inspir'st, mak'st glorious and long-liv'd, as they Cities and realms by thee ! thou with thyself Inform me ; that I may set forth the shapes, As fancy doth present them. Be thy power 80 Display'd in this brief song. The characters, Vocal and consonant, were five-fold seven. In order each, as they appear'd, I mark'd. Diligite Justitiam, the first, Both verb and noun all blazon'd ; and the' extreme 85 Qui judicatis terrain. 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 1)' .-Mending other lights, that rested there, 90 Sinking, mi-thinks, their bliss and primal good. Then, as at shaking of a lighted brand, Sparkles innumerable on all sides Rise scatter'd, source of augury to th' unwise ; Thus more than thousand twinkling lustres hence 95 S'-em'd reasccnding, and a higher pitch Some mounting, and some less; e'en as the sun, Which kindleth them, decreed. And when each O) < Had settled in his place, the head and neck Then saw I of an eagle, livelily 100 (irav'd in that streaky fire. Who painteth there, Hath none to guide him ; of himself he guides; And every line :-.Tid texture of the nest Doth own from him the virtue, fashions 't. 20 806 PAJCAniSK. The other bright beatitude-, that seem'd 105 Krewhile, with lilk-d crowning, well content To over-canopy the M. rnov'U forth, Following gently tlie impress of the bird. Sweet star ! what glorious and thick-studded gems Declar'd to me our justice ou the earth 110 To be the effluence of that lieav'n, which thou, Thyself a costly jewel, dost inlay ! Therefore I pray the Sovran Mind, from whom Thy motion and thy virtue are begun, That he would look from whence the fog doth rise, 115 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 ! 1*20 O beg ye grace for those, that are on earth All after ill example gone astray. War once had for its instrument the sword : But now 't is made, taking t.ne b'ead away Which the good Father locks froir none. And thou, 12f* That writes but to cancel, think, that they, Who for the vineyard, which thou wastest, died, Peter and Paul live yet, and marL tty doings. Thou hast good cause to cry, " JMy heart so cleaves To him, that liv'd in solitude remote, 130 And from the wilds was dragg'd to martyrdom, \ wist not of the fisherman nor Paul." CANTO XIX. BEFORE 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 suu-beain glow'd that to mine eyes it came In clear refraction. And that, which next Befalls me to portray, voice hath not utter'd, Nor hath ink written, noi in fantasy Was e'er concoiv'd. For I beheld and heard The beak discourse; ; and, what intention t'onu'd 10 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 15 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 addrest them : " O perennial flowers 20 Of gladness everlasting ! that exhale In single breath your odours manifold ! Breathe now ; and let the hunger be appeas'd, That with great craving long hath held my soul, Finding no food on earth. This well I know, 25 That if there be in heav'n a realm, that shows In faithful mirror the celestial Justice, Yonrs without veil reflects it. Ye discern The heed, wherewith I do prepare myself To hearken ; ye the doubt, that urges me 30 With such inveterate craving." Straight I saw, Like to a falcon issuing from the hood, That rears his head, and claps him with his wings, His beauty and his eagerness bewraying. So saw I move that stately sign, with praise 35 Of grace divine inwoven and high song Of inexpressive joy. " lie," it began, " Who turn'd his compass on the world's extreme, And in that space so variously hath wrought, Both openly' and in secret, in such wise 40 Could not through all the universe display Impression of his glory, that the Word Of his omniscience should not still remain li. infinite excess. In proof whereof, He first through pride supplanted, who was sum 45 Of each created being, waited not For light celestial, and abortive fell. Whence needs each lesser nature is but scau* SOS PAJtADISK. Receptacle unto th.it Good, which knows No limit, measur'd by itself alone. 50 Therefore your sight, of th' omnipresent Mind A single beam, its origin must own Surpassing far its utmost potency. The ken, your world is gifted with, descends In th' everlasting Justice as low down, 55 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 60 Of ne'er disturbed ether : for the rest, 'Tis darkness all, or shadow of the flesh, Or else its poison. Here confess reveal'd That covert, which hath hidden from thy search The living justice, of the which thou inad'st 65 Such frequent question ; for thou said.st 'A man Is born on Indus' banks, and none is then 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, 70 And he offendeth not in w^rd or deed. But unbaptiz'd he dies, and void of faith. Where is the justice that condemns him ? where His blame, if he believeth not?' What then, And who art thou, that on the stool wouldst sit 75 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 80 Of scripture hold supreme authority. " O animals of clay ! O spirits gross ! The primal will, that in itself is good, Hath from itself, the chief Good, ne'er been raov'd. Justice consists in consonance with it, 86 Derivable by no created good, Whose very cause depends upon its beam." As on her nest the stork, that turns about PAUAIMSK. 309 Unto her young, whom lately she hath fed, While they with upward eyes do look on her; 90 So lifted I my ga/e ; and bending so The ever-blessed image wav'cl its wings, Lab'ring with such deep counsel. Wheeling round It warbled, and did say : "As are my notes To thee, who understand'st them not, such is 95 ' ri i' eternal judgment unto mortal ken." Then still abiding in that ensign rang'd, Wherewith the Romans over-awed the world, Those burning splendours of the Holy Spirit Took up the strain; and thus it spake again : 100 " Xone ever hath ascended to this realm, Who hath not a believer been in Christ, Kit her before or after the blest limbs Were nail'd upon the wood. But lo ! of those Who call 'Christ, Christ,' there shall be many found, 105 In judgment, further off from him by far, Than such, to whom his name was never known. Christians like, these the Ethiop shall condemn : When that the two assemblages shall part ; One rich eternnlly, the other poor. 110 " 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, 115 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 rnaketh fool alike 120 The' English and Scot, impatient of their bound. There shall be seen the Spaniard's luxury, The de!ic:ite living there of the Iloheniinn, Who still to worth has been a willing stranger. The halter of Jerusalem shall see 1'25 A unit for his virtue, for his vi<- No less a mark than million. He, who guards The is]r of lire by old Anchises honour'd 310 PAKATMSE. Shall find his avarice there and cowardice ; And better to denote his littleness, 130 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 bastavdi/'d. And they, of Portugal 135 And Norway, there shall be expos' d with him Of Ratza, who hath counterfeited ill The coin of Venice. O blest Hungary ! If thou no longer patiently abid'st Thy ill-entreating ! and, O blest Navarre ! 140 If with, thy mountainous girdle thou wouldst arm thee ' In earnest of that day, e'en now are heard Wailings and groans in Famngosta's streets And Nicosia's, grudging at their beast, Who keepcth even footing with the rest." 145 CANTO XX. WHEN, disappearing from our hemisphere, The world's enlightencr vanishes, and day On all sides wasteth, suddenly the sky, Erewhile irradiate only with his beam, Is yet again unfolded, putting forth 6 Innumerable lights wherein one shines. Of such vicissitude in heaven I thought, As the great sign, that marshafcth the world And the world's leaders, in the blessed beak Was silent ; for that all those living lights, 10 Waxing in splendour, burst forth' into songs, Such as from memory glide and fall away. Sweet love ! that dost apparel thee in smiles, How lustrous was thy semblance in those sparkles, Which merely are from holy thoughts inspir'd ! 15 After the precious and bright beaming stones, That did ingem the sixth light, ceas'd the chiming Of their angelic bells; mcthought I henrd The murmuring of a river, that doth fall From rock to rock transpicuous, making known 20 r.AKUMSK. 311 The richness of his spring-head : and a.'? sound Of cittern, at the fret-board, or of pipe, Is, at the wind-hole, modulate raid tun VI ; Thus up the neck, as it were hollow, rose That murmuring of the eagle, and forthwith 2fc Voice there assum'd, and thence along the beak Issued in form of words, such as my heart Did look for, on whose tables I inscrib'd them. " The part in me, that sees, and boars the sun, In mortal eagles," it began, "must now 30 I>c noted steadfastly: for of the fires, That figure me, those, glittering in mine eye, Are chief of all the greatest. This, that shines Midmost for pupil, \vas the same, who sang The Holy Spirit's song, and bare about 35 The ark from town to town ; now doth he know The merit of his soul-impassion'd strains By their well-fitted guerdon. Of the five, That make the circle of the vision, he "NY ho to the beak is nearest, comforted 40 The widow for her son : now doth he know How dear he costeth not to follow Christ, Both from experience of this pleasant life, And of its opposite. He next, who follows In the circumference, for the over arch, 45 I>y true repenting slack'd the pace of death : Now knoweth he, that the decrees of heav'n Alter not, when through pious prayer below To-day's is made to-morrow's destiny. The other following, with the laws and me, 50 To yield the shepherd room, pass'd o'er to Greece, From good intent producing evil fruit : Now knoweth he, how all the ill, deriv'd From his well doing, doth not harm him aught, Though it have brought destruction on the world. 55 That, which thou seest in the under bow, Was William, whom that land bewails, which weeps For Charles and Frederick living : now he knows How well is lov'd in heav'n the righteous king, V.'hirh he betokens by his radiant seeming. CC 312 PARADISE. 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 65 Reach not its utmost depth." Like to the lark, That warbling in the air expatiates long, Then, trilling out his last sweet melody, Drops satiate with the sweetness ; such appear'd That image stampt by the' everlasting pleasure, 70 Which fashions like itself all lovely things. I, though my doubting were as manifest, As is through glass the hue that mantles it, In silence waited not : for to my lips " What things are these ?" involuntary ru.-.h'd, 75 And forc'd a passage out: whereat I markM 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 bcliev'st these things, 80 Because I tell them, but discern'st not how ; So that thy knowledge Avaits 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 85 And lively hope with violence assail The kingdom of the heavens, and overcome The will of the Most High ; not in such sort As man prevails o'er man ; but conquers it, Because 't is willing to be conquer'd, still, 90 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 dcck'd with them. They quitted not their bodies, as thou deem'st, 9S Gentiles but Christians, in firm rooted faith, This of the feet in future to be pierc'd, That of feet nail'd already to the cross. One from the barrier of the dark abyss, Where never any with goo 1 will returns, 100 I'AKAI.ISK. Came hack unto his bonos. Of lively hope ,Sueh was tlie meed ; of lively hope, that wingM The prayers sent up to God for his release, And put power into them to bend his will. The glorious Spirit, of whom I speak to thee, 105 A little while returning to the flesh, Keliev'd in him, who had the means to help, And, in believing, nourish'd such a flame Of holy love, that at the second death He was made sharer in our gamesome mirth. 110 The other, through the riches of that grace, Which from so deep a fountain doth distil, As nt'ver eye created saw its rising, Plac'd all his love below on just and right: Wherefore of grace God op'il in him the eye 115 To the redemption of mankind to come ; Wherein believing, he endur'd no more The filth of paganism, and for their ways Kebuk'd the stubborn nations. The three nymphs, Whom at the right wheel thou beheldst advancing, 120 Were sponsors for him more than thousand years Before baptizing. O how far remov'd, Predestination ! is thy root from such, As see not the First Cause, entire : and ye, ') mortal men ! be wary how ye judder" 125 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." 180 So, by that, form divine, was giv'n to me Sweet medicine to clear and strengthen sight, And, as one handling skilfully the' harp, Attendant on some skilful songster's voice Kids the chords vibrate, and therein the song 135 Acquires more pleasure ; so, the whilst it spake, It doth remember me, that I beheld The p;ii r ,f blessed luminaries move. Like the accordant twinkling of two eyes, Their beamy circlets, dancing to the sounds. 1 1C 314 PARADISE. CANTO XXI. AGAIN mine eyes were fix'd on Beatrice, And with mine eyes my soul, that in her looks Found all contentment. Yet no smile she wore : And, " Did I smile," quoth she, " thou wouldst be straight Like Semele when into ashes turn'd : 5 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 interpos'd, Thy mortal puissance would from its rays 10 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 15 The shape, which in this mirror shall be shown." Whoso can deem, how fondly I had fed My sight upon her blissful countenance, May know, when to new thoughts I chang'd, what joy To do the bidding of my heav'nly guide: 20 In equal balance poising either weight. Within the crystal, which records the name, (As its remoter circle girds the world) Of that lov'd monarch, in whose happy reign No ill had power to harm, I saw rear'd up, 25 In colour like to sun-illumin'd gold. A ladder, which my ken pursued in vain, So lofty was the summit ; down whose steps I saw the splendours in such multitude Descending, ev'ry light in heav'n, methought, 30 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 35 That glitterance, wafted on alternate wing, AP upon certain stair it met, and clash'd PARA PISE. 315 Its shining. And one ling'rin<* near us, wax'd So bright, that in my thought 1 said : "The love, Which this betokens me, admits no doubt." 40 Unwillingly from question I refrain, To her, by whom my silence and my speech Avo order'd, looking for a sign : whence she, Who in the sight of Him, that seeth all, Saw wherefore I was silent, prompted mo 45 T' indulge the fervent wish ; and I began : " I am not worthy, of my own desert, That thou shouldst answer me ; but for her sake, Who hath vouchsaf d my asking, spirit blest ! That in thy joy art shrouded ! say the cause, 50 Which bringeth thee so near: and wherefore, say, Doth the sweet symphony of Paradise Keep silence here, pervading with such sounds Of rapt devotion ev'ry lower sphere?" "Mortal art thou in hearing as in sight ; " 56 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 60 Invites me ; for lo ! there aloft, as much Or more of love is witness'd in those flames : Hut such my lot by charity assign'd, That makes us ready servants, as thou soost, To execute the counsel of the Highest." 6" "That in this court," said I, "O sacred lamp! Love no compulsion needs, but follows free Tlf eternal Providence, I well discern : This harder find to deem, why of thy peers Thou only to this office wcrt foredoom'd." 70 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 thronga these folds, Its virtue to my vision knits, and thus 7. r > Supported, lifts me so above myself, That on the sov'ran essence, which it wells from, ( 316 PARADISE. 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, 80 That is in heav'n most lustrous, nor the serapli That hath his eyes most fix'd on God, shall solve What thou hast ask'd : for in th' abyss it lies Of th' everlasting statute sunk so low, That no created ken may fathom it. 85 And, to the mortal world when thou return'st, Be this reported ; that none henceforth dare Direct his footsteps to so dread a bourn. The mind, that here is radiant, on the earth Is wrapt in mist. Look then if she may do, 90 Below, what passeth her ability, When she is ta'en to heav'n." By words like these Admonish'd, I the question urg'd no more; And of the spirit humbly sued alone T' instruct me of its state. " 'Twixt either shore 95 Of Italy, nor distant from thy land, A stony ridge ariseth, in such sort, The thunder doth not lift his voice so high, They call it Catria : at whose foot a cell Is sacred to the lonely Eremite, 100 For worship set apart and holy rites." A third time thus it spake ; then added : " There So firmly to God's service I adher'd, That with r,o costlier viands than the juice Of olives, easily I pass'd the heats ION Of summer and the winter frosts, content In heav'n- ward musings. Rich were the returns And fertile, which that cloister once was us'd To render to these heavens : now 't is fall'n Into a waste so empty, that ere long 110 Detection must lay bare its vanity PJetro Damiano there was I y-clept : Piet.ro the sinner, when before I dwelt Beside the Adriatic, in the house Of our blest Lady. Near upon my close 116 Of mortal life, through much importuning I was constrain'd to \veai 1 the hat that still PARADISIC. 317 From bad lo worse it shifted. Cephas came; He came, who was the Holy Spirit's vessel, Barefoot and lean, eating their bread, as chanc'd, 120 At the first table. Modern Shepherd's need Those who on either hand may prop and lead them, So burly are they grown : and from behind Others to hoist them. Down the palfrey's sides Spread their broad mantles, so as both the beasts 1'25 Are cover'd with one skin. O patience ! thou That lookst on this and doth endure so long." I at those accents saw the splendours down From step to step alight, and wheel, and wax, Each circuiting, more beautiful. Hound this 130 They came, and stay'd them ; uttered them a shout So loud, it hath no likeness here : nor I Wist what it spake, so deaf ning was the thunder. CANTO XXII. ASTOUNDED, to the guardian of my steps I turn'd me, like the child, who alway runs Thither for succour, where lie trusteth most, And she was like the mother, who her son Beholding pale and breathless, with her voice 6 Soothes him, and he is cheer'd ; for thus she spake, Soothing me : Know'st not thou, thou art in heav'n? And knovv'st not thou, whatever is in heav'n, Is holy, and that nothing there is done But is done zealously ami well? Deem now, 10 What change in thee the song, and what my smile Had wrought, since thus the shout had pow'r to move thee. In which couldst thou have understood their prayers, The vengeance were already known to thee, Which thou must witness ere thy mortal hour, It The sw>rd of heav'n is not in haste to smite, Nor yet doth linger, save unto his seeming, Who in desire or fear doth look for it. But elsewhere now I bid thee turn thy view ; 315 I'ARADISK. do shall thou many a famous spirit behold." 2C Mine eyes directing, as she w 11 I'd, I saw A hundred little spheres, that fairer grew By interchange of splendour. I remain'd, As one, who fearful of o'er-much presuming, Abates in him the keenness of desire, 2* Nor dares to question, when amid those pearls, One largest and most lustrous onward drew, That it might yield contentment to my wish ; And from within it these the sounds I heard. " If thou, like me, beheldst the charity 30 That burns amongst us, what thy mind conceives, Were utter'd. But that, ere the lofty bound Thou reach, expectance may not weary thee, I will make answer even to the thought, Which thou hast such respect of. In old days, 35 That mountain, at whose side Cassino rests, Was on its height frequented by a race Deceived and ill dispos'd : and I it was, Who thither carried first the name of Him, Who brought the soul-subliming truth to man. 40 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 45 Enliven'd by that warmth, whose kindly force Gives birth to flowers and fruits of holiness. Here is Macarius; Romoaldo here : And here my brethren, who their steps refrain'd Within the cloisters, and held firm their keart." 50 I answ'ring thus ; " Thy gentle words and kind, And this the cheerful semblance, I behold Not unobservant, beaming in ye all, Have rais'd assurance in me, wakening it Full-blossom'd in my bosom, as a rose 65 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 PARADISE. 31 J Upon thine image, by no covering veil'd." OJ " Brother! " he thus rejoin'd, " in the last sphere Expect completion of thy lofty aim, For there on each desire completion waits, And there on mine : where every aim is found Perfect, entire, and for fulfilment ripe. 65 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 70 Its topmost round, when it appear'd to him With angels laden. But to mount it now None lifts his foot from earth : and hence my rule Is left a profitless stain upon the leaves ; The walls, for abbey rear'd, turned into dens, 75 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. ^0 To such, as sue for heav'n's sweet sake, and not To those who in respect of kindred claim, Or on more vile allowance. Mortal flesh Is grown so dainty, good beginnings last not From the oak's birth, unto the acorn's setting. 36 His convent Peter founded without gold Or silver; I with pray'rs and fasting mine; And Francis his in meek humility. And if thou note the point, whence each proceeds, Then look what it hath err'd to, thou shall find 90 The white grown murky. Jordan was tuni'd back ; And a less wonder, then the refluent sea, May at God's pleasure work amendment here." So saying, to his assembly back he drew : And they together cluBter'd into one, 95 Then all roll'd upward like an eddying wind. The sweet dame beckon'd me to follow them : And, by that influence only, so prevail'd Over niv nature, that no natural motion, 820 PARADISE. Ascending or descending here below, 100 Had, as I mounted, with my ]>enno;i vied. So, reader, as my hope is to retui Unto the holy triumph, for the whi .h I ofttimes wail my sins, and smite my breast, Thou hadst been longer drawing out and thrusting 105 Thy finger in the fire, than I was, ere The sign, that followeth Taurus, I beheld, And enter'd its precinct. O glorious stars ! light impregnate with exceeding virtue ! To whom whate'er of genius lifteth me 110 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 Vouchsafe! me entrance to the lofty wheel 115 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 cmprize that draws me on. "Thou art so near the sum of blessedness," 120 Said Beatrice, " that behoves thy ken Be vigilant and clear. And, to this end, Or even thou advance thee further, hence Look downward, and contemplate, what a world Already stretched under our feet there lies : 1'2 So as thy heart may, in its blithest mood, Present itself to the triumphal throng, Which through the' etherial concave comes rejoicing." I straight obey'd ; and with mine eye return'd Through all the seven spheres, and saw this globe 130 So pitiful of semblance, that perforce It moved my smiles : and him in truth I hold For wisest, who esteems it least : whose thoughts Elsewhere are fix'd, him worthiest call and best. 1 saw the daughter of Latona shine 136 Without the shadow, whereof late I deem'd That dense and rare were cause. Here I sustain'd The visage, Hyperion ! of thy sun ; And mark'd, how near him with their circle, round PAKADISK 321 Move Maia and Dione; liere discern'd 1-10 Jove's tampering 'twixt his sire ami son ; and hence Their changes and their various aspects 1 Mstinctl) v.jvnn'd. Nor might I not descry Of all the seven, how bulky each, how swift ; Xor of their several distances not learn. 145 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 returu'd. 150 CANTO XXIII. E'EN as the bird, who midst the leafy bower Has, in her nest, sat darkling through the night, With her sweet brood, impatient to descry Their wished looks, and to bring home their food, In the fond quest unconscious of her toil : 5 She, of the time prevenient, on the spray, That overhangs their couch, with wakeful gaze Expects the sun ; nor ever, till the dawn, Hemoveth from the east her eager ken ; So stood the dame erect, and bent her glance 10 Wistfully on that region, where the sun Abateth most his speed ; that, seeing her Suspense and wand'ring, I became as one, In whom desire is wakcnM, and the hope Of somewhat new to come fills with delight. 15 Short space ensued ; I was not held, I SM y, Long in expectance, when I saw the heav'n Wax more and more resplendent; and, " I5ehold," Ciied IJeatriee, "the triumphal hosts Of Christ, and all the harvest reap'd at length 20 Of thy ascending up these spheres." Meseenfd, That, while she spake her image all did burn, And in her eyes such fulness was of joy, And I run fain to pass unconstrued by. A> in the calm full moon, when Trivia smiles, 'If) 3*2- PARADISE. In peerless beauty, 'mid th' eternal nymjihs, That paint through all its gulphs 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 : 30 And through the living light so lustrous glow'd The substance, that my. ken endur'd it not. Beatrice ! sweet and precious guide ! Who cheer'd me with her comfortable words! " Against the virtue, that o'erpow'retli thee, 85 Avails not to resist. Here is the might, And here the wisdom, which did open lay The path, that had been yearned for so long, Betwixt the heav'n and earth." Like to the fire, That, in a cloud imprison'd doth break out 40 Expansive, so that from its womb enlarg'd, It falleth against nature to the ground ; Thus in that heav'nly banqueting my soul Outgrew herself; and, in the transport lost. Holds now remembrance none of what she was. 45 " Ope thou thine eyes, and mark me : thou hast seeu 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, 50 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 65 And fatten'd, not with all their help to boot, Unto the thousandth parcel of the truth, My song might shadow forth that saintly smile, How merely in her saintly looks it wrought. And with such figuring of Paradise 60 Tho sacred strain must leap, like one, that meets A sudden interruption to his road. But he, who thinks how ponderous the theme, And that 't is lain upon a mortal shoulder, May pardon, if it tremble with the burden. 65 PAKAPISK. 3lJb The track, our ventrotts 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 70 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 bid'ding, and encounter once again 75 The strife of aching vision. As erewhile, Through glance of sunlight, stream'd through broken cloud, Mine eyes a fiower-besprinklcd mead have seen, Though veil'd themselves in shade ; so saw I there Legions of splendours, on whom burning rays 80 Shed lightnings from above, yet saw I not The fountain whence they flow'd. O gracious virtue ! Thou, whose broad stamp is on them, higher up Thou didst exalt thy glory to give room To my o'erlabour'd sight : when at the name 85 Of that fair flower, whom duly I invoke Both morn and eve, my soul, with all her might Collected, on the goodliest ardour lix'd. And, as the bright dimensions of the star In heav'n excelling, as once here on earth 90 Were, in my eyeballs livelily portray'd, L<> ! from within the sky a cresset fell, Circling in fashion of a diadem, An straight rcsum'd ; " The grace, that holds sweet dalliance with thy soul, So far discreetly hath thy lips unclosM That, whatsoe'er has past them, I commend. Behoves thee to express, what thou believ'st, 120 The next, and whereon thy belief hath grown." " O saintly sire and spirit ! " I began, " Who seest that, which thou didst so belic-vc, As to outstrip feet younger than thine own, the sepulchre? thy will is here, 12f> 328 PARADISIC. Thiit I the tenour of my creed unfold ; And thou the cause of it liast likewise askM. And I reply : I in one God believe, One eole eternal Godhead, of whose love All heav'n is mov'd, himself umnov'd the while. Hit) Nor demonstration physical alone, Or more intelligential and abstruse, Persuades me to this faith ; hut from that truth It cometh to me rather, which is shed Through Moses, the rapt Prophets, and the Psalms. 135 The Gospel, and that ye yourselves did write, When ye were gifted of the Holy Ghost. In three eternal Persons I believe, Essence threefold and one, mysterious league Of union absolute, which, many a time, 140 The word of gospel lore upon my mind Imprints: and from this germ, this firstling spark, The lively flame dilates, and like heav'n's star Doth glitter in me." As the master hears, Well pleas'd, and then enfoldeth in his arms 145 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 150 Had op'd lips ; so well their answer pleas'd. CANTO XXV. IP e'er the sacred poem that hath made Both heav'n and earth copartners in its toil, And with lean abstinence, through many ,1 year, Faded my brow, be destin'd to prevail Over the cruelty, which bars me forth 5 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 10 PAKAD1SK. 329 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 rny forehead thus. Next from the squadron, whence hud issued forth IfS The first fruit of Christ's vicars on the earth, Towrvi-l us mov'd a light, at view whereof My Lady, full of gladness, spake to me : u Lo ! lo ! behold the peer of mickle might, That makes Falicia throng' d with visitants ! " 20 As when the ring-dove by his mate alights, fn 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 25 Their heavenly banqueting; but 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 shrin'd ! 30 Who didst the largess of our kingly court Set down with faithful pen ! let now thy voice Of hope the praises in this height resound. For thou, who figur'st them in shapes, as clear, As Jesus stood before thee, well can'st speak them." 35 " 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 AssurM me ; and mine eyes I lifted up 40 Unto the mountains that had bow'd them late With over-heavy burden. " Sith our Liege Wills of his grace, that thou, or ere thy death, In the most secret council, with his lords ShouMst be confronted, so thai having viewM 45 The gloiies of our court, thou mayst therewith Thyself, and all who hear, invigorate With hope, that leads to blissful enl ; declare, What is that hope, how it doth flourish in thee, And whence thou hadst it ? " Thus proceeding still, 50 38U T'ARAWSK. 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, TTath the church militu.it : so 't is of him 55 Recorded in the sun, whose liberal orb Knlighteneth all our tribe : and ere his term Of warfare, hence permitted he is come, From Egypt to Jerusalem, to see. The other points, both which thou hast inquir'd, GO Not for more knowledge, but that he may tell How dear thou holdst the virtue, these to him Leave I ; for he may answer thee with ease, And without boasting, so God give him grace." Like to the scholar, practis'd in his task, 65 Who, willing to give proof of diligence, Seconds his teacher gladly, " Hope," said I, ' Is of the joy to come a sure expectance, Th' effect of grace divine and merit preceding. This light from many a star visits my heart, 70 But flow'd to me the first from him, who sang The songs of the Supreme, himself supreme Among his tuneful brethren. ' Let all hope In thee,' so speak his anthem, ' who have known Thy name ;' and with my faith Avho know not that ? 75 From thee, the next, distilling from his spring, In thine epistle, fell on me the drops So plenteously, that I on others shower The influence of their dew." Whileas I spake, A lamping, as of quick and vollied lightning, 80 Within the bosom of that mighty sheen, Play'd tremulous ; then forth these accents breath'd : " Love for the virtue which attended me E'en to the palm, and issuing from the field, Ciiovvs vigorous yet within me, and inspires 85 To ask of thee, whom also it delights ; What promise thou from hope in chief dost win." "Both scriptures, new and ancient," I reply'd, " Propose the mark (which even now I view) For souls belov'd of God. Isaias saith, 90 TAKAI'JSK. 331 That, in their own hind, each one m iSt 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 96 Of the white raiment destin'd to the saints." And, as the words were ending, from above, " They hope in thee," first heard wo cried : whereto Answer'd the carols all. Amidst them next, A light of so clear amplitude emerged. 100 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, 105 Than to do fitting honour to the bride; So I beheld the new effulgence come Unto the other two, who in a ring Wheel'd, as became their rapture. In the dance And in the song it mingled. And the dame 110 Held on them fi.v'd her looks: e'en as the spouse .t and moveless. '-This is he, who lay Upon the bosom of our pelican : This he, into whose keeping from the cr The mighty charge was given." Thus she spake, 115 Yet therefore naught the more remov'd her sight From marking them, or ere her words began, Or when they clos'd. As he, who looks intent, And strives with searching ken, how he may see The sun in his eclipse, and, through desire 120 Of seeing, loseth power of sight : so I Peer'd on that last resplendence, while I heard : " Why dazzlest thou thine eyes in socking that, Which here abides not ? Earth my bod\ In earth: and shall be, with the rest, so long, 125 As till our number equal the d< . Of the Mf sight 100 342 PARADISE. Is aftergrowth. And of the seeing such The meed, as unto each in due degree Grace and good-will their measure have assign'd. The other trine, that with still opening buds In this eternal springtide blossom fair, 106 Fearless of bruising from the nightly ram, Breathe up in warbled melodies threefold llosannas blending ever, from the three Transmitted, hierarchy of gods, for aye Rejoicing, dominations first, next then 110 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 115 Aloft, and downward with such sway prevail, That all with mutual impulse tend to God. These once a mortal view beheld. Desire In Dionysius so intently wrought, That he, as I have done rang'd them ; and nam'd 120 Their orders, marshal'd in his thought. From him Dissentient, one ref us'd his sacred read. But soon as in this heav'n his doubting eyes Were open'd, Gregory at his error smil'd Nor marvel, that a denizen of earth 125 Should scan such secret truth ; for he had learnt Both this and much beside of these our orbs, From an eye-witness to heav'n's mysteries." CANTO XXIX. No longer than what time Latcna's twins Cover' d of Libra and the fleec y star, Together both, girding the' horizon hang, In even balance from the zenith pois'd, Till from that verge, each, changing hemisphere, Part the nice level ; e'en so brief a space Did Beatrice's silence hold. A sm'le Sat painted on her cheek ; and her fix'd gaze PAR A I) I SIC. 343 Bent on the point, at which my vision fail'd : When thus her words resuming she began : 10 " I speak, nor what thou wouldst inquire demand ; For I have inark'd it, where all time and place Are present. Not for increase to himself Of good, which may not be increas'd, but forth To manifest his glory by its beams. 16 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, 20 As if in dull inaction torpid lay. For not in process of before or aft Upon these waters mov'd the Spirit of God. Simple and mix'd, both form and substance, forth To perfect being started, like three darts 26 Shot from a bow three-corded. And as ray In crystal, glass, and amber, shines entire, E'en at the moment of its issuing; thus Did, from th' eternal Sovran, beam entire His threefold operation, at one act SO Produc'd coeval. Yet in order each Cn-ated 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. 35 Long tract of ages by the angels past, Kre the creating of another world, Describ'd on Jerome's pages thou hast seen. But that what I disclose to thee is true, Those penmen, whom the Holy Spirit mov'd 40 In many a passage of their sacred book Attest; as thou by diligent search shalt find And reason in some sort discerns the same, Who scarce would grant the heav'nly ministers Of their perfection void, so long a space. 45 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. 344 PA UA DISK. Kre one had rcckou'd twenty, e'en s> soon Part of tlie angels fell : and in their fall 50 Confusion to your elements ensued. The others kept their station : and this task, Whereon thou lookst, began with such delight, That they surcease not ever, day nor night, Their circling. Of that fatal lapse the cause bit 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 60 Were by enlight'ning grace and their own merit Exalted ; so that in their will confirm'd They stand, nor fear to fall. For do not doubt, J'>ut to receive the grace, which heav'n vouchsafes, Is meritorious, even as the soul 65 With prompt affection welcometh the guest. Now, without further help, if with good heed My words thy mind have treasur'd, thou henceforth This consistory round about mayst scan, And gaze thy fill. But since thou hast on earth 70 Heard vain disputers, reasoners in the schools, Canvas the' angelic nature, and dispute Its powers of apprehension, memory, choice ; Therefore, 't is well thou take from me the truth, Pure and without disguise, which they below, 75 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 80 K aught absent is nor hid : where then no change Of newness with succeesion interrupts, Remembrance there needs none to gather up Divided thought and images remote. u So that men, thus at variance with the truth 85 Dream, though their eyes be open ; reckless some Of error ; others well aware they err, To whom more guilt and shame are justly due. PARADISE. 845 Each the known track of sage philosophy Deserts, and lias a byway of his own : 90 So much the restless eagerness to shine Awl love of singularity prevail. Yet this, offensive as it is, provokes Ileav'n's anger less, than when the book of God Is forc'd to yield to man's authority, 95 Or from its straightness warp'd : no reck'ning made What blood the sowing of it in the world Has cost ; what favour for himself he wins, Who meekly clings to it. The aim of all Is how to shine : e'en they, whose office is 100 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 : 105 A wither, 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 110 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, 115 * Go forth and preach impostures to the world,' Hut gave them truth to build on ; and the sound Wa< mighty on their lips; nor needed they, Hi-side the gospel, other spear or shield, To aid them in their warfare for the faith. 120 The preacher now provides himself with store Of jests and gibes ; and, so there be no lack Of laughter, while he vents them, his big cowl Distends, and he has won the meed he sought: ('mid but the vulgar catch a glimpse the while 125 Of that dark bird which nestles in hi- hood. They scarce \vould w;iit to hear the blessing said. Which now the dotards hold ill such esteem, 346 PAKADI8E. That every counterfeit, who spreads abroad The hands of holy promise, finds a throng 130 Of credulous fools beneath. Saint Anthony Fattens with this his swine, and others worse Than swine, who diet at his lazy board, Paying with unstamp'd metal for their fare. " But (for we far have wander'd) let us seek K>5 The forward path again ; so as the way Be shortened 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 140 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, 145 Differing in love and sweet affection. Look then how lofty and how huge in breadth The' eternal might, which, broken and dispers'd Over such countless mirrors, yet remains Whole in itself and one, as at the first." 150 CANTO XXX. NOON'S fervid hour perchance six thousand miles From hence is distant; and the shadowy cone Almost to level on our earth declines ; When from the midmost of this blue abyss By turns some star is to our vision lost. 5 And straightway as the handmaid of the sun Puts forth her radiant brow, all, light by light, Fade, and the spangled firmament shuts in, K'en to the loveliest of the glittering throng. Thus vanish'd gradually from my sight 1C 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 jbject, forc'd me bend PAKAMSS. 347 Mine eyes on Beatrice once again. 15 If all, that hitherto is told of her, Were in one praise concluded, 't were, too weak To furnish out this turn. Mine ey:-s did look On beauty, such, as I believe in sooth, Not merely to exceed our human, but, 20 That save its Maker, none can to ihe full Knjoy it. At this point o'crpower'd I fail, Unequal to my theme, as never bard Of buskin or of sock hath fail'd before. For, as the sun doth 1o the feeblest sight, 26 KYn so remembrance of that witching smile Hath dispossest my spirit of itself. Not from that day, when on this earth I first Kehe.ld her charms, up to that view of them, Have I with song applausive ever ceas'd IQ To follow, but not follow them no more ; My course here bounded, as each artist's is, When it doth touch the limit of his skill. She (such as I bequeath her to the bruit Of louder trump than mine, which hasteneth on, 85 Urging its arduous matter to the close), Her words rcsum'd, in gesture and in voice Kesembling one accustom'd to command : " Forth from the last corporeal are we come Into the heav'n, that is unbodied light, 40 Light intellectual replete with love, Love of true happiness replete with joy, .Joy, that transcends all sweetness of delight. Here shall thou look on either mighty host Of Paradise; and one in that array, 4f^ Which in the final judgment thou shall see." As when the lightning, in a sudden spleen Unfolded, dashes from the blinding eyes The visive spirits daz/led and bedimm'd ; So, round about me, fulminating streams &) Of living radiance plny'd, and left, me swath'd And veil'd in dense impenetrable bla/e. Such weal is in the love, that stills this heav'n J For its own ihunc the torch this lilting ever ! 348 No sooner to my list'ning cur had come 55 The brief assurance, than I understood New virtue into me infus'd, and sight Kindled afresh, with vigour to sustain Excess of light, however pure. I look'd ; And in the likeness of a river saw GO Light flowing, from whose amber-seeming waves Flash'd up effulgence, as they glided on 'Twixt banks, on either side, painted wiih spring, Incredible how fair ; and, from the tide, There ever and anon, outstarting, flew 65 Sparkles instinct with life ; and in the flow'rs Did set them, like to rubies chas'd in gold ; Then, as if drunk with odors, plungM again Into the wondrous flood ; from which, as one Ue'enterM, still another rose. "The thirst 70 Of knowledge high, whereby thou art inflamM, To search the meaning of what here thou secst, The more it warms thee, pleases me the more. But first behoves thee of this water drink, Or ere that longing be allay'd." So spake 75 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 80 They emblem: not that, in themselves, the things Are crude ; but on thy part is the defect, For that thy views not yet aspire so high." Never did babe, that had outslept his wont, Rush, with such eager straining, to the milk, 85 As I toward the water, bending me, To make the better mirrors of mine eyes In the refining Avavc ; and, as the eaves Of mine eyelids did drink of it, forthwith Seem'd it unto me turn'd from length to round. 1*0 Then as a troop of maskers, when they put Their vizors off, look other than before, The counterfeited semblance thrown aside; So into greater jubilee were ehaug'd PARADISE. ft-!!) Those flovera and sparkles, ami distinct I saw 95 Before me either court of h.'uv'n display'd. O prime enlightener! tliou who orav'st me strength On the high triumph of thy realm to ga/e ! (Irant virtue now to utter what I kennM, There is in heav'n a light, whose goodly shine 100 Makes the Creator visible to all Created, that in seeing him alone Have peace; and in a circle spreads so far, That the circumf rence were too loose a zone To girdle in the sun. All is one beam, 105 Reflected from the summit of the first, That moves, which being hence and vigour takes, And as some cliff, that from the bottom eyes Its image mirror' d in the crystal flood, As if 't admire its brave appareling 110 Of verdure and of flowers: so, round about, Eyeing the light, on more than million thrones, Stood, eminent, whatever from our earth Has to the skies return 'd. How wide the leaves Extended to their utmost of this rose, 115 Whose lowest step embosoms such a space Of ample radiance ! Yet, nor amplitude Nor height impeded, but my view with ease Took in the full dimensions of that joy. Near or remote, what there avails, where God 120 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-wint'ring sun, 125 As one, who fain would speak yet holds his peace, Beatrice led me ; and, ' ; Behold," she said, " This fair assemblage ! stoles of snowy white How numberless ! The city, where we dwell, Buhold how vast ! and these our seats so throng'd 130 Few now are wanting here! In that proud stall, On which, the crown, already o'.-r its state Suspended, holds thine eyes or ere thyself .Mayst at the wedding sup, shall rest the soul 3f)0 PAKADISK. Of the great Hnrry, lie who, by the world 135 Augustus haiTd, to Italy must come, Before her day be ripe. But ye are sick, And in your tetchy wantonness as blind, As is the bantling, that of hunger dies, And drives away the nurse. Nor may it be, !!' That he, who in the sacred forum sways, Openly or in secret, shall with him Accordant walk : v/hom God will not endure I' th' holy office long; but thrust him down To Simon Magus, where Alagna's priest 145 Will sink beneath him : such will be his meed." CANTO XXXI. IN fashion, as a snow-white rose, lay then Before my view the saintly multitude, Which in his own blood Christ espouw'd. Meanwhile That other host, that soar aloft to gaze And celebrate his glory, whom they love, 5 llover'cl around ; and, like a troop of bees, Amid the vernal sweets alighting now, Now, clustering, where their fragrant labour glows, Flew downward to the mighty flow'r, or rose From the redundant petals, streaming back 10 Unto the steadfast dwelling of their joy. Faces had they of flame, and wings of gold ; The rest was whiter than the driven snow. And as they flitted down into the floAver, From range to range, fanning their plumy loins, 15 Whisper'd the peaoe 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, 20 Wherever merited, celestial light Glides freely, and no obstacle prevents. All there, who reign in safety and in bliss, Ages long past or new, on one soie mark 351 Their lovo and vision lix'd. O trinal bonm 25 Of individual .star, tli.it charmst tlioin thus, Vouchsafe one glance to gild our storm below ! If the grim brood, from Arctic shores that roait'd, (Where Helice, forever, as slit- wheels, Sparkles a mother's fondness on her son) ,'{r Stood in mute wonder 'mid the works of Koine, 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 35 To justice and to truth, how might I choose But marvel too? 'Twixt gladness and amaze, In sooth no will had I to utter aught, Or hear. And, as a pilgrim, when he rests Within the temple of his vow, looks round 40 Jn breathless awe, and hopes some time to tel) Of all its goodly state: e'en so mine eyes Cours'd up and down along the living light, Now low, and now aloft, and now around, Visiting every step. Looks I beheld, 45 Where charity in soft persuasion sat, Smiles from within and radiance from above, And in each gesture grace and honour high. So rov'd my ken, arid its general form All Paradise survey'd : when round I turn'd 50 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, 55 IfobM, as the rest, in glory. Joy benign Glow'd in his eye, and o'er his cheek diffus'd, With gestures such as spake a father's love. And, " Whither is she vanish'd ? " straight I ask'd. " By Beatrice summon'd," he replied, Gil " I come to aid thy wish. Looking aloft To ,he third circle from the highest, there Behold her on the throne, wherein her merit Hath ]>l:u'M her." Answering not, mine eyes I rais'd, 352 PARADISE. And saw her, where aloof she sat, her brow 65 A wreath reflecting of eternal beams. Not from the centre of the sea so far Unto the region of the highest thunder, As was my ken from hers ; and yet the form Came through that medium down, nnmix'd and pure, 70 " O Lady ! thou in whom my hopes have rest! Who, for my safety, hast not scorn'd, in hell ' To leave the traces of thy footsteps mark'd! For all mine eyes have seen, I, to thy power And goodness, virtue owe and grace. Of slave, 75 Thou hast to freedom brought me ; and no means, For my deliverance apt, hast left untried. Thy liberal bounty still toward me keep. That, when my spirit, which thou inadest whole, Is looscu'd from this body, it may find SO Favour with thee." So I my suit preferr'd : And she, so distant, as appear'd, look'd down, And sinil'd; then tow'rds th' eternal fountain turn'd. And thus the senior, holy and rever'd : " That thou at length mayst happily conclude 85 Thy voyage (to which end I was despatch'd, By supplication mov'd and holy love) Let thy upsoaring vision range, at large, This garden through : for so, by ray divine Kindled, thy ken a higher flight shall mount ; 90 And from heav'n's queen, whom fervent I adore, All gracious aid befriend us ; for that I Am her own faithful Bernard." Like a wight, Who haply from Croatia wends to see Our Veronica, and the while 't is shown, 95 Hangs over it with never-sated gaze, And, all that he hath heard revolving, saith Unto himself in thought: "And didst thou look E'en thus, O Jesus, my true Lord and God ? And was this semblance thine?" So gax'd I then 100 Adoring ; for the charity of him, Who musing, in the world that peace enjoy'd, Stood livelily before mo. " Child of grace ! " Thus he began : " thou shalt not knowledge gain PAHADISK. 353 Of this glad being, if thine eyes are held 105 Still in this depth below. But search around The circles, to the furthest, till thou spy Seated in state, the queen, that of this realm Is sovran." Straight mine eyes I rais'd ; and bright, As, at the birth of morn, the eastern clime 110 Above th' hori/.on, where the sun declines ; So to mine eyes, that upward, as from vale To mountain sped, at th' extreme bound, a part Kxcell'd in lustre all the front oppos'd. And as the glow burns ruddiest o'er the wave, 115 That waits the sloping beam, which Phaeton 111 knew to guide, and on each part the light Diminifih'd fades, intensest in the midst; So burn'd the peaceful oriflamb, and slack'd On every side the living flame decay'd. 120 And in that midst their sportive pennons wav'd Thousands of angels ; in resplendence each Distinct, and quaint a- Created in his joyous sight to dwell, With grace at pleasure variously endows. And for a proof th' effect may well suffice. And 't is moreover most expressly mark'd In holy scripture, where the twins are said GO T' have struggled in the womb. Therefore, as grace Inweaves the coronet, so every brow Weareth its proper hue of orient light. And merely in respect to his prime gift, Is'ot in reward of meritorious deed, 05 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, behov'd That circumcision in the males should imp 70 The flight of inno-jent 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 : 75 For, in her splendour only, shalt tliou win The pow'r to look on him." Forthwith I saw Such floods of gladness on her visage si ower'd, From holy spirits, winging that profound ; That, whatsoever I had yet beheld, 80 Had not so much suspended me with wonder, Or shown me such similitude of God. And he, who had to her descended, once, On earth, now hail'd in heav'n ; and on pois'd wing, " Ave, Maria, Gratia Plena," sang : S. r ; To whose sweet anthem all the blissful court, From all parts answ'ring, rang : that holier joy Urooded the deep serene. " Father rcverM : 3f)G PAKADISE. Who deign'st, for me, to quit the pleasant place, Wherein thou sittost, by eternal lot ! 90 Say, who that angel is, that with such glee Beholds our queen, and so enaraour'd glows Of her high beauty, that all fire he seems." So I again resorted to the lore Of niy wise teacher, he, whom Mary's charms 95 Embellish'd, as the sun the morning star; Who thus in answer spake : "In him are summ'd, Whate'er of buxomness and free delight May be in spirit, or in angel, met: And so beseems: for that he bare the palm 100 Down unto Mary, when the Son of God Vouchsaf'd to clothe him in terrestrial weeds. Now let thine eyes wait heedful on my words, And note thou of this just and pious realm The chief est nobles. Those, highest in bliss, 105 The twain, on each hand next our empress thron'd, Arc as it were two roots unto this rose. 1 Te to the left, the parent, whose rash^taste Proves bitter to his seed ; and, on the right, That ancient father of the holy church, 110 Into whose keeping Christ did give the keys Of this sweet flow'r: near whom behold the seer, That, ere he died, saw all the grievous times Of the fair bride, who with the lance and nails Was won. And, near unto the other, rests 115 The leader, under whom on manna fed Th' ungrateful nation, fickle and perverse. On th' other part, facing to Peter, lo ! Where Anna sits, so well content to look On her lov'd daughter, that with moveless eye 120 She chants the loud hosanna : while, oppos'd To the first father of your mortal kind, Is Lucia, at whose hest thy lady sped, When on the edge of ruin clos'd thine eye. " But (for the vision hastcneth so an end) 125 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 ; I'AUADl.SE. 357 That thou mayst penetrate the brightness, far As sight, can bear thee. Vet, alas! in sooth 130 Beating thy jionnons, thinking to advance, Thou backward fall'st. Grace then must first be gain'd ; Hrr grace, whose might can help thee. Thou in prayer Seek her: and, with affoetion, whilst I sue, Attend, and yield me all thy heart." lie said, 130 And thus the saintly orison begau. CANTO XXXIII. "O viuurv motlicr, daughter of tliy Son, ("rented beings all in lowliness Surpassing, as in height, above them all, Term by lh' eternal counsel pre-ordainM, Knnobler of thy nature, so advanc'd In thee, that its great Maker did not scorn, Himself, in his own work enclos'd to dwell ! For in thy womb rekindling shone the love IlevealM, whose genial influence makes now This (lower to germin in eternal peace! 10 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 15 T'i thee for aidance, fain would have desire Fly without wings. Nor only him who asks, Thy bounty succours, but doth freely oft Forerun the asking. Whatsoe'er may be Of excellence in creature, pity mild, 2" Relenting mercy, large munificence, An; all combin'd in thee. Here kneeleth one, Who of all spirits hath review'd the state, From the world's lowest gap unto this height. .Suppliant to thee he kneels, imploring grace 25 For virtue, yet more high to lift his ken Toward the bliss supreme. And I, who ne'er Coveted sight, more fondly, for myself, 358 TAKADISK. Thau now for him, my prayers to tlioc prefer, (And pray they be not scant) that thou wouldst drive 30 Each cloud of his mortality away ; That on the sovran pleasure lie may gaze. Tliis also I entreat of thce, O queen ! Who canst do what thou wilt ! that in him thou Wouldst after all he hath beheld, preserve 3ft Affection sound, and human passions quell. Lo ! where, Avith Beatrice, many a saint Stretch their clasp'd hands, in furtherance of my suit!" The eyes, that heav'n with love and awe regards, Fix'd on the suitor, witness'd, how benign 40 She looks on pious pray'rs : then fasten'd they On th' everlasting light, wherein no eye Of creature, as may well be thought, so far Can travel inward. I, meanwhile, who drew Near to the limit, where all wishes end, 45 The ardour of my wish (for so bchov'd), Ended within me. Beck'ning smil'd the sage, That I should look aloft : but, ere he bade, Already of myself aloft I look'd ; For visual strength, refining more and more, 50 ]>are me into the ray authentical Of sovran light. Thenceforward, what I saw, Was not for words to speak, nor memory's self To stand against such outrage on her skill. As one, who from a dream awaken'd, straight, 55 All he hath seen forgets ; yet still retains Impression of the feeling in his dream ; E'en such am I : for all the vision dies, As 't were, away ; and yet the sense of sweet, That sprang from it, still trickles in my heart. 60 Thus in the sun-thaw is the snow unseal'd ; Thus in the winds on flitting leaves was lost The Sybil's sentence. O eternal beam ! (Whose height what reach of mortal thought may soar?) Yield me again some little particle 65 Of what thou then appcaredst, give my tongue Power, but to leave one sparkle of thy glory, Unto the race to come, that shall not lose PARADISE. 359 Thy triumph wholly, if tliou waken aught Of memory in me, ami endure to hear 70 The record sound in this unequal strain. Such keenness from the living ray I met, That, if mine eyes had turn'd away, mcthiuks, I had been lost ; but, so embolden d, on I pnss'd, as I remember, till my view 76 Ilover'd the brink of dread infinitude. O grace ! un en vying of thy boon ! that gav'st Hnldncss to fix so earnestly my ken On th' everlasting splendour, that I look'd, While sight was unconsum'd, and, in that depth, 80 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 85 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 90 To that em prize, that iirst made Neptune wonder At AI-'_CO'S shadow darkening on his flood. With fixed heed, suspense and motionless, Wondring 1 ga/M ; and admiration still Was kindled, as I gaz'd. It may not be, 95 That one, who looks upon that light, can turn To other object, \villingiy, his view. For all the good, that will may covet, there Is summ'd ; and all, elsewhere defective found, Complete. Mv tongue shall utter now, no more 100 KYn what remembrance keeps, than could the babe's That yet is moisten'd at his mother's breast. Not that the semblance of the living light Was chang'd (that ever as at first remained) ]>ut that my vision quickening, in thai sole 105 App'Virance, still new miracles dcscrvM, And toilM me with the change. In that nbynr. Of radiance, clear and lofty, seeiu'd methought, St)0 PARADISE. Three orbs of triple hue clipt in one bound : And, from another, one reflected sccm'd, 110 As rainbow is from rainbow : and the third Seem'd fire, breath'd equally from both. Oh speech How feeble and how faint art thou, to give < 'onccption birth ! Yet this to what I saw Is less than little. Oh eternal light ! 115 Sole in thyself that dwellst ; and of thyself Sole understood, past, present, or to come ! Thou smiledst ; on that circling, which in thee Seem'd as reflected splendour, while I mus'd ; For I therein, methought, in its own hue 120 Beheld our image painted : steadfastly I therefore por'd upon the view. As one AVlio vers'd in geometric lore, Avould fain Measure the circle ; and, though pondering long And deeply, that beginning, which he needs, 125 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 IIo\v plac'd : but the flight was not for my wing; Had not a flash darted athwart my mind, 130 And in the spleen unfolded what it sought. Here vigour fail'd the tow'ring fantasy : But yet the will roll'd onward, like a wheel In even motion, by the Love impell'd, That moves the sun in heav'n and all the stare 185 UsTOTIES TO CANTO I. Verse 1. In (he mid'nrti/.] THAT the a>ra of the Poem is intended by these words to be fixed to the thirty-fifth year of the poet's age, A.I>. will appear more plainly in Canto XXI. where that date is explicitly marked. v. Ifi. 'Hint j'tnvct's bemn.] The sun. v. L".. 7V Jiimh-r fuol.] It is to be remembered, that in ascending a hill the weight of the body rests on the hinder foot. v. .SO. A /'tiii'hcr.] Pleasure or luxury. v. :Vi. \Viili th't.t" tsttirx.] The sun was in Aries, in whicli sign he sii|>- poses it to have begun its course at the creation. v. 4-'!. A lion ] Pride or ambition. v. 45. A ,!>!/.] Avarice. v. 5*1. H'A'/y (Ju sun in silence rests.] Hence Milton appears to have taken his idea in the Samson Agonistes : The sun to me is dark, And silent as the moon, &c. The same metaphor will recur, Canto V. v. 29. Into a place I came Where light was silent all. v. 65. TFfan tlu, jowe.r of Julius.] This is explained by the commen- tators to mean" Although it was rather late with respect to my birth, before Julius C;i-snr assumed the supreme authority, and made himself perpetual dictator." v. !(8. That yrvyhoiind.] This passage is intended as an eiilogium on the liberal spirit of his Veronese patron Can Grande dclla Soula. v lU'J. "J'"'i-;t i-H't' r Pi-Uri).] Vernna. the country of Can dolla S':i!a, is situated between Feltro, a city in the Marca Trivigiana, and Monto Feltro, a city in the tcrritorv >f I'rbino. v. 103. Italia s plains.] ''' Umile If ilia," from Virgil, A-'M. lib. .'ii Ilnniilemque videmus Italiain. v. 115. Content in Jtre.] The spirits in Purgatxjry. v. US. .1 ,-iiiiril i/.-i be guarded by an angfl jilacc-l "ii that rtatiun by St. Peter. 361 3J2 NOTES. CANTO II. v 1. Now was the day.'] A compendium <>f Virgil's description, &n. lib. iv. 522. Nox erat, &c. Compare Apollonitis Ithodius, lib iii. 744. and lib. iv 1058 v. 8. mind.] O thought that write all that I met, And in the tresorie it set Of my brnine, now shall men see If any virtue in thee be. Chaucer. Tempi? of Fame, b. n. r. IS. v. 14. Silvius' sire.} .(Eneas. v. 30. The chosen ressel.] St. Paul. Acts, c. ix. v. 15. " But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way ; for lie is a chosen vessel unto me. ' v. 4f>. Thy soul.} L'anima tua e da viltate offesa. So in Berni, Orl. Inn. lib. iii. c. i. st. 5.'>. Se 1'alma avete offesa ;!. and Sor. "Donna vestita di nero." and Spenser's Faery Queen, b. 4. c. xii. st 34. and b. 6. c. ii. st 35. CANTO HI. v. 6. Power divine, titiprcmest uisdom, and primeval love.] The three persons of the blessed Trinity. v. 9. All hope abandoned.] Lasciate ogni speranza voi ch" entrate. So Berni, Orl. Inn. lib. i. c. 8. st. 53. Lascia pnr dclla vita ogni speranza. v. 29. Like to the sand.} rnnumbcr'd as the sands Of Barca or Cyiene's tori id soil. Levied to side with warring winds, and i-oiee Their lighter wings. Milton. 1'. L b. ii. '.VS. HELL. 303 v. 40. f.rx/ tk' arnirscd Iribt.] Lest the rebellious a.. gels should exult At seeing those who were neutral. :md therefore less guilty, condemned to the same punishment with themselves. v. 50. A flaij.] All tlie grisly legions that troop Under the sooty flag of Acheron. Milton. Comus. T. 56. Who to bfise fear Yielding, abjur'd his hi'jh estate.] Fhis is commonly understood of Celestine the Fifth, who abdicated the papal powef 'n 12<.>4. Ventnri mentions a work written by Innocenzio Hnrrellini. o the Celestine order, and printed in Milan in 1701, in which an attempt i.> made to put a different interpretation on this passage, v. 70. Throwjh l/ie blear liyht.] Lo fioco lume. So Filicnja, can*, vi. st. 12. Qual fioco lume. v. 77. An old man.] Portitor has liorrendiis aquas et fluminn servat Terribili squalore Charon, cui plurima mento Canities inculti jacet ; staut lumina llnmma. Yinj. Jin. lib. T!. 2. T. 82. Injicrcehcat and in ice.] The delighted spirit To hathe in ficVy floods, or to reside In thrilling retrions of thick-ribbed ice. f.-esp. Measure for Measure, a. iii. . L Compare Milton, P. L. b. ii. fiOO. v. 92. The livid lake.~\ Vada livida, Virg. rfn. lib. vi. 320. Totins ut lacfis putidieqiie paludis Lividissima, niaxinieqne est profunda vorago. Catullus, xviii. 1(X T. 102. With cues of burning con/.] His looks were dreadful, and his fiery eyes Like two great beacons glared bright and wide. Spenser. F. Q. b. vi. c. vii. st 42. T. 104. As fall of)' the lif/ht of autumnal learcs.] Qiuun multa in silvis autnmni frigore primo Lapsa cadunt folia. Virj. .Kn. lib. vi. 309. Compare Apoll. Rhod. lib. iv. 214. CANTO IV. v. 8 A thunderous sound.] Imitated, as Mr. Thyer has remarked, by Milton, P. L. b. viii. 242. Rut long ere our approaching heard Noise, other than the sound of dance or son>{, Torment, an I loud lament, and furious ra^e. v. 50. A jiutttant one.] Our Saviour. 30 i NOTES. v. 75. Honour the bard Sublime.] Onorate 1'altissimo poeta. So Chiabrera, Canz. Eroiche. 32. Onorando 1'altissimo poeta. v. 79. Of semblance neither sorrowful nor glad.] She nas to sober ne to glad. Chaucer's DTC& v. 90. The Monarch of sublimest song.] Homer v. 100. Fitter left untold.] Che'l tacere e bello. 80 our Poet in Canzone 14. La vide in parte che'l tacere e bello. Ruccellai, Le Api, 789. Ch' a dire e brntto ed a Licerlo e bello. And Cembo, " Vie piu bello e il tacerle, che il favellarne." Gli. Asol. lib. 1. v. 117. FJectrn.] The daughter of Atlas, and mother of Dardanns. the founder of Troy. See Virg. ^En. b. viii. 134. as referred to bv Dante in treatise " De Monarchia," lib. ii. " Electra. scilicet, nat-i magni nomi:iia regis Atlantis, ut de ambobns testimonium reddit poeta noster in octavo ubi .ms. v. 140. Aricrn.] See D'Herbelot, Bibl. Orient article Sina. He died In 1050. Pnlci here again imitates our poet : Avicenna quel che il sentimento Intese di Aristotile e i segreti, Averrois che fecc il gran comento. Morn. May. 3. rxv. v. 140. TTim irho made That mmfntnr>i t-fift. AI-I rrofs.] Averroes. called by the Arabians Rosrhd, translated and commented the works of Aristotle. According to Tiraboschi (Storia della Lett. BKU. ftal. t. v. I. ii. r . ,e was the sonrre of modern philosophical tm piety. The . . 1. v. :i. et. Uper. v. ii. p. 11: nents prevailed in the time of : whom th. ..' in horror Mtion. llf- this fanati -totle taw. iiich might be expected from one who did not know a svllai . -compelled to avail himself at the unfaitlifiU Arabic versions D'llerbelot, on the hand, informs us, That " A"verroe8 waa th" translated v>tle from Greek into Arabic, before the ; a long time no otl. -istotle ex- - Latin translation, which was made : pher (Averroes), who : to it of which Thou .... and the other sch- themselves, before the Greek originals of Aristotle and his commentators were known to ns in Europe." Accord- ing to D'Herbelot, he died in 1198 : but Tiraboschi places that event about CANTO V. v. 5. Grinning with ghaatly /eatnre.] Hence Milton : Death Grinn'd horrible a ghaatly smile. P. L. b. ii. 845. v. 46. As cranes.'] This simile ia imitated by Lorenzo de Medici, in his Am lira, a poem, first published by Mr. Roscoe, in the Appendix to his Life of Lorenzo. xin? the tracts of air, the clamorous cranes 1 their due flight in varied rank:* descried : And each with ontMtretrh'd neck his rank maintains, In marshal'd order through th* etherea: Ruscoe, v. i. c. v. p. 257. 4to edit. Compare II mer. II. iii. 3. Virgil. .J.neid. 1. x. 264, and Ruccellai, \JD ;iandD:i. XXIV. l^. The land.} Ravenna. T. U!>. ntle hfOft is q-ui'-n Amor, ch' al cor geutil ratto n'apprende. A line taken by Marino. Adone, c. cx!i. rt. 2T.1. v. Id: t denial taL Amor, ch' a null* a:nato a:n:;r j.erdona. accio, in his Filocopo. I. 1. re mai non pcrdonij 1'amore a nullo amato. And Puki, in the M'irgante Maggiore, c. iv. E pe- Clir . :".:i sempre amato chi ama. Indeed many of the Italian poeta have repeated this verse. T. 10B. C'aina.] The place to which murderer* are doomed. T. 11;'. fi-imcfiKa.] Fran I'olenta, loi-d cf Ravenna, was civen by her father . to Lanci< >ra,a- :ini, a man of extraor nt deformed in hii per*>n. Hid brother Paolo, who unha, ,-U tlicwe 360 NOTES. which the husband of Francesca wanted, engagid her affections ; and being taken in adultery, they were both put to death by the enraged Landotto. See Notes to Canto XXVII. v. 43. The whole of this passage is alluded to by Petrarch, in liis Trinmp) of Love, c. iii. v. 118. No greater grief than to remember (hiyi Of joy, when mis'ry is at hand .'] Imitated by Marino : Che noil ha doglia il misero maggiore, Che ricordar la gioia entro il dolore. Adoite, c. xiv. st. 100. And by Fortiguerra : Rimcmbrare 51 ben perdu to Fa piu meschino lo prescnte stato. HicL-iardetto, c. xi. st. 83. The original perhaps was in Boetius de Consol. Philosoph. "In onini adversitate fortnme iufelicissimuui genus est infoitunii fuiste feliceiu et non esse." 1. 2. pr. 4. v. 124. Ixincelot.] One of the Knights of the Round Table, and the lover of Ginevra, or Guinever, celebrated in romance. The incident alluded to seems to have made a strong impression on the imagination of Dante, who introduces it again, less happily, in the Paradise, Canto XVI. v. 128. At one point.} Questo qnel punto fii, die sol mi vinse. Tasso, 11 Tomsniondo, a. i. s. 3. v. 13fi. And like a corpse fell to the ground.] E caddi, come corpo morto cade. So Pulci : E cadde come morto in terra cade. Moryante ifac/yoire, c. xxiL CANTO VI. v. 1. My sense reviving.] Al tornar della inente, che si chiuse, Dinauzi alia pieta de' duo cognati. Bern! has made a sportive application of these lines, in his Orl. Inn. 1. i I. c. viii. st. 1. v. 21. 'Jhat great worm.] So in Canto XXXIV. Lncifer i. called Th* abhorred worm, that boreth through the world. Ariosto has imitated Dante : Ch' al gran verme infernal mette la briglia, E che di lui come a lei par dispone. Orl. Fur. c. xlvi. st. 76. v. 52. Ciarco.] So called from his inordinate appetite : Ciacco, in Italian, signifying a pig. The real name of this glutton has not been transmitted to us. He is introduced in Boccaccio's Decameron, Giorn. ix. Nov. 8. v. 01. TJie divided city.] The city of Florence, divided into the Bianchi and Neri factions. v. G5. The wild party from the woods.] So sailed, because it waj 307 headed by Veri (!<' Orchi, wliose family had lately come nto the cit.y from Acone, and the woody country of the Val di Nievole. v. (Mi. I'll-' i>t/i'-i:] The opposite party of the Neri, at the head of \\lii< I. w;ia Oor7 Thi/nnimt fall.] The Hianchi. v. Gil. Of' one, toho under shore Now rests.} Charles of Valois, by wliose means the Neri were replaced. v. 73. The just are two in number.] Who these two were, the com- mentators are not agreed. v. Til. Of FariiHita and Teyyhiaio.] See Canto X. and Notes, and Canto XVI. and Notes. v. 80. Giacopo.] Giacopo Rusticucci. See Canto XVI. and Notes. v. 81. Arriffo, gfotoa,] Of Arrigo, who is said by the commentators to have been of the noble family of the Fifanti, no mention afterwards occurs. Mosca degli Uberti is introduced in Canto XXVIII. v. 108. C'vnsu't thy knowledge.] We are referred to the following pas- sage in St. Augustin : "Cum fiet resurrectio carnis, et bonorum gaudia et malorum tormenta majora eriint." " At the resurrection of the Mesh, both the happiness of the good and the torments of the wicked will be increased." CANTO VII. v. 1. Ah me ! Satan ! Satan !] Pape Satan, Papc Satan, aleppe. Pape is said by the commentators to be the same as the Latin word papce! "strange!" Of aleppe they do not give a more satisfactory account. See the Life of Benvenuto Cellini, translated by Dr. Nugent, v. ii. b. iii. c. vii. p. ll.'J, where he mentions "having heard the words Paif, puif, Milan ! allcz, paix ! in the court of justice at Paris. I recollected what Dante said, when he with his master Virgil entered the gates of hell : for Dante, and Giotto the painter, were together in France, and visited Paris with particular attention, where the court of justice may be considered as hell. Hence it is that Dante, who was likewise perfect master of the French, made use of that expression ; and I have often been surprised that it was never understood in that Beu.se." v. 12. Tte ftr$t adulterer prond.] Satan. v. 2*J. JYu s a billow.] As when two billows in the Irish sowndes Forcibly driven with contrarie tides, Do meet together, each aback rebounds With roaring rage, and dashing on all sides, That filleth all the sea with foam, divides The doubtful current into divers waves. Spenser, F. Q. b. iv. c. 1. st. 42. v.48. Pope* and cardinals.] Ariosto, having personified Avarice (U ft Btruuge and hideous monster, says of her Peggio facea nella Romana corte, Che v'avea uccisi Cardinal! e Papi. Orl. Fur. c. xxvi. gt. 32. Worse did she in the court of Rome, for there She had slain Popes and Cardinals. 308 NOTES. v. 91. P,y wtRsity.] This sentiment called forth the reprehension oi l/ecoo d'Ascoli, iu his Acerba, 1. 1. c. i. In cid peccasti, Fiorentin poeta, &c. Herein, bard of Florence, didst them err, Laying it down that fortune's largesses Are fated to their goal. Fortune is none, That reason cannot conquer. Mark thou, Dante, If any argument may gainsay this. CANTO VIII. v. 18 Phlegyas.] Phlegyas, who was so incensed against Apollo, for having violated his daughter Coronis, that he set fire to the temple of that deity, by whose vengeance he was cast into Tartarus. See Virg. -e tn ufiV-r vii>>nce to impassive beings ? " v. \\1. Your Cerberus.] Cerberus is feigned to have been dragged by >les, bound with a three-fold chain, of which, says the angel, he Htill hears the marks. v. 111. The plains of Aries.] In Provence. See Ariosto, Orl. Fur. c. xxxix. st. 72. v. 112. At Pola.] A city of Istria, situated near the gulf of Quarnaro, In the Adriatic sea. CANTO X. v. 12. Josaphat.] It geems to have been a common opinion among the Jews, as well as among many Christians, that the general IndgmCDt will he held in the valley of JOBRphat, or Jchoshaphat : " I will also gather all natiniis, and will bring them down into the valley of .lehoshaphat, and will plead with them there for my people, and for my heritage. Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my iand." Joel. iii. 2. v. ."2. F. 4.H1. }}e died, either in exile at Serrazana, or soon uftor liis return to Florence, December 1300, during the spring of which year the action of this poem b supposed to be passing. v. 62. Guido thy son Had in contempt.} Guido Cavalcanti, being more given to philosophy than poetry, was perhaps no great admirer of Virgil. Some poetical compositions by Guido are, however, still extant ; and his reputation for skill in the art was such as to eclipse that of his predecessor and namesake Guido Guinicelli, as we shall see in the Purgatory, Canto XI. His "Canzone sopra il Terreno Amore" was thought worthy of being illustrated by numerous and ample commentaries. Crescimbeni 1st. delta Volg. Poes. 1. v. For a playful sonnet which Dante addressed to him. and a spirited translation of it, see Hayley's Essay on Epic Poetry, Notes to Ep. iii. v. 66. Saidst thou he' had?] In JEschyltis, the shade of Darius ia represented as inquiring with similar anxiety after the fate of his son Xerxes. AtosSfl. MovaSa &i Ee'pfjjJ' epj)jibi< 'fiaviv 6v jroAA.wi' /ie'ra * ' ' Darius. n there I stood.] Gnido Novello assembled a council of the Ghibellini at Empoli, where it was agreed by all, that, in order to maintain the ascendency of the Ghibelline party in Tuscany, it was nec- essary to destroy Florence, which could serve only (the people of that city being Guelfi) to enable the party attached to the church to recover its strength. This cruel sentence, passed upon so noble a city, met with no opposition from any of its citizens or friends, except Farinata degli I'berti, who openly and without reserve forbade the measure, affirming that he had endured so many hardships, and encountered so many dangers, with no other view than that of being able to pass his days in his own country. Macchiavelli. Hist, of Flor.'b. 2. v. 103. M]i fault.] Dante felt remorse for not having returned an immediate answer to the inquiry of Cavalcante, from which delay he was led to believe that his son Guido was no longer living. v. 120. Frederick.'] The Emperor Frederick the Second, w.io died in 1250. See Notes to Canto XIII. v. 121. Thr- Lord Cardinal.] Ottavian" Tl'nlfliin. a Florentine, mads DELL. .Til Cardinal in 1245, and deceased al>out 127;?. On account of his groat Influeiico. he was generally known by the appellation of "the Card.nal." It is reported of him that he declared, if there were any such tiling as a human soul, he had lost his for the Ghibellini. v. Io2 Jlcr gracious beam.] Beatrice. CANTO XI. v. 0. Pope Anastasius.] The commentators are not agreed concerning the identity of the person, who is here mentioned as a follower of the heretical Photinus. By some he is supposed to have been Ar.astasius the Second ; by others, the Fourth of that name ; while a third set, jealous of the integrity of the papal faith, contend that our poet has con- founded him with Anastasitis I. Emperor of the East. v. 17. M}/ so?)."] The remainder of the present Canto may be con- sidered as a syllabus of the whole of this part of the poem. v. 48. And sorrows.] This fine moral, that not to enjoy our being is to be ungrateful to the Author of it, is well expressed in Spenser, F. Q. b. iv. c, viii. st 15. For he whose daies in wilful woe are worne, The grace of his Creator dotli despise, That will not use his gifts for thankless nigardise. v. 53. Cahors.] A city in Guienne, much frequented by usurers. v. 83. TJiy ethic paye.] He refers to Aristotle s Ethics. " Mera 5 ravra. \fKTfov aAAijf iroujCTo/KVovi apxijc, on TU>V ittpi TO. fidrj tvKr!af Tpi'a ear\v cl&rj, xaxia, axpaaia, frrjpioTTjf. Ethic. A'icomach. 1. vli. C. 1. " In the next place, entering on another division of the subject, let it be defined, that respecting morals there are three sorts of things to be avoided, malice, incontinence, and brutishness." V. 104. //(') It/Irs.] Aristotle's Physics. " 17 rexi-n nt/ieirai rr]v 4>vatv." Arist. *Yi. AKP. 1. ii. c. ii. "Art imitates nature." See the Coltiva- zione of Alamanni, 1. i. 1' arte umana, &c. v. 111. Creation's holy book.] Genesis, c. iii. v. 19. " In the sweat of thy face shall thou eat bread." v. 119. Tlic team.] The constellation Bootes, or Charles's wain. CANTO XII. v. 17. Tlit king of Athens.] Theseus, who was enabled, by the Inrtructions of Ariadne, the sister of the Minotaur, to destroy that monster v. 21. IMC to a bull.] "ft? J' OTOC ofiiv t\i>iv ne\txvv airjtoc avrfp, Kdijmf ffoTidti/ Ktpdiuv /3oo? dypauAoio, 'Iva rafj.ii &ia ira Pa9vppovi> Tio-ra.ii.ov 'Evrjvov fipoToi/s MicrSou TTopeue ^cpucy cure Tro^iTriVois KioTrais epicr<7tav,'OVTt Aai7. T/i harlot J Envy. Chaucer alludes to this in the Prologue to the Legeude of Good Women. Envie is lavender to the court alway, For she ne parteth neither night nc day Out of the house of Cesar ; thus saith Dant v. 119. Each fan o' th' wood.} Hence perhaps Milton : Leaves and fuming rills, Aurora's fan. P. L. b. v. G. v. 122. Lano.] Lano, a Siennese, who, being reduced by prodigality to a state of extreme want, found his existence no longer supportable ; and, having been sent by his countrymen on a military expedition, to assist the Florentines against the Aretini, took that opportunity of ex- posing himself to certain death, in tiie engagement which took place at Toppo near Arezzo. See G. Villani. Hist. 1. 7. c. cxix. v. 133. Giacomo Of Sant' Andrea /] Jacopo da Sant' Andrea, a Padnan, woo. having wasted his property in the most wanton acts of profusion, killed himself in despair. v. 144. In that city.] '' I was an inhabitant of Florence,, that city which changed her first patron Mars for St. .John the l'apti>t, for which reason the vengeance of the deity thus slighted will never lie appeased ; and, if some remains of his stat ire were not still visible, on the brid^o over t),e Arno, she would have been already levelled to the ground ; and thus the citizens, who raised her again from the ashes to Which Attila had reduced her, would have laboured in vain." See Paradise, Canto XVI. It. The relic of antiquity, to which the superstition of Florence attached so high an Importance, was carried away by a Hood, that destroyed the bridge on which it stood, in the year I'loT, but without the ill cll'rru that wef apprehended from tin- loss of their fancied Palladium. v. 152. 1 dun*/ th' fatal >i<">< \ \Ve are not informed who this suicide woe. 374 NOTES. CANTO XIV. v. 15. />?/ Cnlo'ffoot.] See Lucan, Phars, 1. 9. v. 26. Dilated flake* nffirc.'] Compare Tasso. O. L. c. x. st. 61. v. 28. j-ls, ?' Me torrid Indian clime-] Landino refers to Albertus Magnus for the circumstance here alluded to. v. 53. In Mof/ibcllo. ] More hot than ^Etn' or flaming Mongibell. Spenser, F. Q. b. ii. c. ix. st. 29. See Virg. JRn. 1. viii. 416. and Berni. Orl. Inn. 1. i. c. xvi. st. 21. It would be endless to refer to parallel passages in the Greek writers. v. 64. This of the seven kimjs was one.] Compare ./Rsch. Seven Chiefs, 425. Euripides, Phcen. 1179.' and Statins. Tlieb. 1. x. Siil. v. 70. Uulicame.] A warm medicinal spring near Viterbo, the waters of which, as Landino and Vellutelli affirm, passed by a place of ill fame. Venturi, with less probability, conjectures that Dante would imply, that it was the scene of much licentious merriment among those who fre- quented its baths. v. 91. Under whose monarch.] Credo piulicitiam Saturno rege raoratam In terris. Juv. Salir. vL v. 102. His head.] Daniel, ch. ii. 32, 33. v. 133. Whither.] On the other side of Purgatory. CANTO XV. v. 10. Chiarcntana..] A part of the Alps where the Brenta rises, which river is much swoln as soon as the snow begins to dissolve on the mountains. v. 28. lirimetto.] " Ser Brunette, a Florentine, the secretary or chan- cellor of the city, and Dante's preceptor, hath left us a work so little read, that both the subject of it and the language of it have been mis- taken. It is in the French spoken in the reign of St. Louis, under the title of Tresor, and contains a species of philosophical course of lectures divided into theory and practice, or, as he expresses it, ?m enchaiisse- mcnt dcs choscs divines et hitmmni's," &c. Sir R. Clayton's Translation of Tenhove's Memoirs of the Medici, vol. i. ch. ii. p. 104. The Tresor has never been printed in the original language. There is a fine manu- script of it in the British Museum, with an illuminated portrait of Bru- netto in his study prefixed. Mus. Brit. MSS. 17, K. 1. Tesor. It is divided into four books ; the first, on Cosmogony and Theology ; the .^loncl, a translation of Aristotle's Ethics ; the third on Virtues and Vices ; the fourth, on Rhetoric. For an interesting memoir relating to this work, see Hist, de 1'Acad. des Inscriptions, tom. vii. 296. His Tesoretto, one of the earliest productions of Italian poetry, is a cr.rious work, not unlike the writings of Chaucer in style and numbers, though Bcmbo remarks, that his pupil, however largely he had stolen from it, could not have much enriched himself. As it is perhaps but litMe known, I will here add a slight sketch of it. Brunette describes himself as returning from an embassy to the King of Spain, on which he had been sent by the Guelph party fi Jin Florence. On the plain of Ronccsvalles he meets a scholar on a bay mule, who tells him that the Guelfi are driven out of the city with great k>s HELL. 375 Struck with grief at these mournful tidings, and musing with his head bent downwards, he loses his mad, and wanders into a wood. Here Nature, whose figure is described with sublimity, appears, and discloses to him the secrets of her operations. Alter this he wanders into a desert ; but at length proceeds on his way, under the protection of a, banner, with which Nature had furnished him, till on the third day he liuds himself in a large pleasant champaign, where are assembled many emperors, kings, and sages. It is the habitation of Viituc and her daughters, the four Cardinal Virtues. Here ISnmetto sees also Courtesy, Bounty, Loyalty, and 1'rowess. and hears the instructions they give to a knight, which occupy about a fourth part of the poem. Leaving this territory, he passes over valleys, mountains, woods, forests, and bridges, till he arrives in a beautiful valley covered with (lowers on all sides, and the richest in the world ; but which was continually shifting its appear- ance from a round figure to a square, from obscurity to light, and from populousness to soltitude. This is the region of I'leasure. or Cupid, who is accompanied by four ladies, Love, Hope, Fear, and Desire. In one part of it he meets with Ovid, and is instructed by him how to con- quer the passion of love, and to escape from that place. After his escape he makes his confession to a friar, and then returns to the fon.-t of visions : and ascending a mountain, he meets with Ptolemy, a vener- able old man. Here the narrative breaks off. The poem ends, as it l>egan, with an address to liustico di Filippo, on whom he lavishes every sort of praise. It has been observed, that Dante derived the idea of ope .-ing his ]>oem by describing himself as lost in a wood, from the 'J'cttnri . o of his master. 1 know not whether it has been remarked, that the ..'rime of usury is branded by both these poets as offensive to (!od and Nature : or that the sin for which Brunetto is condemned by his pupil, is men- tioned in the Tcsoretto with great horror. Dante's twfnt\-i)ith sonnet is a jocose one, addressed to Brunetto. He died in 125 15 v. . and Macehiav. Hist, of Fior. b. ii. v. ,S'.i. With another text.] He refers to the prediction of Farinata, in Canto X. v. 110. Prixcinn.] There is no reason to believe, as the commentators observe, that the grammarian of this name was stained v. ith the vice imputed to him ; and we must therefore suppose that Dante puts the individual for the species, and implies th>> frequency ol the crime among those who abused the opportunities which the education of youth afforded them, to so abominable a purj ose. v. 111. Francesco.] Son of Aceorso. a Florentine, celebrated for his nkill in jurisprudence, and commonly known b\ the name of Aedirsirs. v. 1K5. Him.] Andrea dc' Jloz/i, who, that his scandalous life might be less exposed to observation, was translated either by Nicholas III. or Boniface VIII. from the see of Florence to that of Vicenza, through which passes the river Bacchiglione. At the latter of these places he died. v. 114. The frrrants' servant.] Servo de' scrvi. So Ariosto, Sat 3. Di'gli servi Io sia il gran servo. v. TJ4. I cotnmcntl my Treasure to (li | Brmiftto's gre*i work, the ^H u laecomandato '1 mio Te.-oio Olb NOTES. So Giusto de' Cunti, in his Bella Mano, Son. " Occhl: '' Siavi raccornmandato il mio Tesoro. CANTO XVI. v. 38. GuaJdriida.] Gualdrada was the daughter of Bellincione Berti, of whom mention is made in the Paradise, Canto XV. and XVI. Ho was of the family of Ravignani, a branch of the Adimari. The Emperor Otho IV. being at a festival in Florence, where Gnaldrada was present, was struck with her beauty ; and inquiring who she was. was answered by Belliucione, that she was the daughter of one who, if it was his Itfajesty's pleasure, would make her admit the honour of his salute. On overhearing this, she arose from her seat, and blushing, in an animated tone of voice, desired her father that he would not be so liberal in his offers, for that no man shonld ever be allowed that freedom, except him who should be her lawful husband. The Emperor was not less delighted by her resolute modesty than he had before been by the loveliness of her person, and calling to him Guido, one of his barons, gave her to him in marriage, at the same time raising him to the rank of a count, and be- stowing on her the whole of Casentino. and a part of the territory of Romagna, as her portion. Two sons were the offspring of this union, Guglielmo and Ruggieri, the latter of whom was father of Guidoguerra, a man of great military skill and prowess who, at the head of four hundred Florentines of the Gael ph party, was signally instrumental to the victory obtained at Benevento by Charles of Aujoii, over Manfredi, King of Naples, in 12(55. One of the consequences of this victory was the expulsion of the Ghibellini, and the re-establishment of the Guelfi at Florence. v. 39. Man?/ a noble act.] Compare Tasso, G. L. c. i. st. 1. v. 42. Aldobrandi.] Tegghiaio Aldobrand] was of the noble family of Adimari, and much esteemed for his military talents. He endeavoured to dissuade the Florentines from the attack which they meditated against the Siennese, and the rejection of his counsel occasioned the memorable defeat which the former sustained at Montaperto, and the consequent banishment of the Gueifi from Florence. v. 45. Rnsticucci.] Giacopo Rusticucci, a Florentine, remarkable for his opulence and the generosity of his spirit v. 70. Borsierc.] Guglielmo Borsiere. another Florentine, whom Boo- caccio, in a story which lie relates of him, terms " a man of courteous and elegant manners, and of great readiness in conversation." Det. Giorn. i. Nov. S. v. 84. When thou with pleasure shall retrace the past.'] Quando ti giovera dicere io fui. So Tasso, G. L. c. xv. st. 38. Quando mi giovera narrar altrui. Le no vita vedute, e dire; i-cr to that truth."] This memorable apophthegm is repeated Dy Luigi Pulci and Trissino. Sempreaqnel ver, ch' ha faccia di menzogna E piu seniio tacer la lingua chefoi, Che spesso setiza colpa fa vergngna. te Sfayy. c. xxlv.i HKI.I,. 377 La veritfi, chc par mensogna, 8i dovrebbe tacer dall" uom ch' e saggio. Italia Lib. c. xvl. CANTO xvn. p. 1. The/ell monster.] Fraud. v. 03. A pouch.] A purse, whereon the armorial bearings of each wei? emblazoned. According to Landino, our poet implies that the usurer < - an pretend to no other honour, than such as he derives from his pnrno and bis family. v. .">7. A yellow pur 96.] The arms of the Gianfigliazzi of Florence. v. (!'). Another.] Those of the Ubbriaehi, another Florentine family of high distinction. v. (i'J. A fat and azure stn'ne.] The arms of the Scrovigni a noble family of Padua. v. IK;. Vital unto.'] Vitaliano del Donto, a Padunn. v. (!'.). That noble knight.] Giovanni Bujamonti, a Florentine usurer, the most infamous of his time. CANTO XVIII. v. 28. With us b<">t'>r>is.] In the year 1300, Pope Boniface VIII., to remedy the inconvenience occasioned by the press of people, who were passing over the bridge of St. Angelo during the time of tho Jubilee, caused it to be divided lengthwise by a partition, and ordered, that all those who were going to St. Peter's should keep one side, and th; se re- turning the other. v. 5o. V: ii: ii/'i-u. ] Yriii-dieo ( ';I,VKIII i iiiico, a Bolognese, who prevailed nn his sister Ghisola to prostitute herself to Obizzo da l->te, Marquis of Fen-ara, whom we have seen among the tyrants, Canto XII. v. nre. where Tliras-) aslcs if Thais was obliged to him for the present lie had aent hf r. and Gnatho replies, that she had expressed her obligation in the most forcible terms. T. Magnas vero agerc gratias Thais mihi ? G. (ngentes. Eun. a. iii. 8. 1. CANTO XIX. r. IK. Sahit John's fair iti>ni"..] The apertures in the rock wrc <>f the same ilimensinns as the Tints of St. Jong the Hapti.- 1 :it Klorcivc. mio of which, D.-.utc' says, he had broken, to re-'-ue a child that was j.l.r, ing OrfO NOTES. near and fell in. He intimates that the motive of his breaking the fonj had been maliciously represented by his enemies. v. 55. O Doniface !] The spirit mistakes Dante for Boniface \l\l. who was then alive, and who he did not expect would have arrived sc> soon, in consequence, as it should seem, of a prophecy, which predicted the death of that Pope at a later period. Boniface died in I ::(>.">. v. 58. In guile.] " Thou didst presume to arrive by fraudulent means at the papal power, and afterwards to abuse it." v. 71. In the mighty mantle I was rob'd.] Nicholas III. of the Orsini family, whom the poet therefore calls " figliuol dell' orsa," " sou of the she-bear.'* He died in 1281. v. 86. From forth the west, a sliepherd without laic.] Bertrand de Got, Archbishop of Bourdeaux, who succeeded to the pontificate in 1305, and assumed the title of Clement V. He transferred the holy see to Avignon in 1308 (where it remained till ISTti), and died in 1314. v. 88. A new Jasm.] See Maccabees, b. ii. c. iv. 7, 8. v. 97. -A T or Peter.] Acts of the Apostles, c. i. 26. v. 100. The condemned soul.] Judas. v. 103. Ar/ainst Charles.] Nicholas III. was enraged against Charlr-s I. King of Sicily, because he rejected with scorn a proposition mac that Pope for an alliance between their families. See G. Villain, Hist. L vii. c. liv. v. 10'.). TV Evangelist.] Rev. c. xvii. 1, 2, 3. Compare Petrarch. Opera, fol. ed. Basil. 1554. Epist. sine titnlo liber, ep. xvi. p. 7L'!>. v. 118. Ah, Costantine !] He alludes to the pretended gift of tho Laterau by Constantino to Silvester, of which Dante himself seem.- to imply a doubt, in his treatise "De Monarch].!" " Ergo scindere !;n- perium, Imperatori nou licet. Si ergo aliqure diguitates per ConM;;!i- tinum essent alienatre (nt dicnnt) ab Imperio,"' &c. 1. iii. The gift is by Ariosto very humorously placed in the moon, among ths things lost or abused on earth. Di varj fiori, &c. 0. F. c. x.xxiv. st. 80. Milton has translated both this passage and that in the text Prose Works, vol. i. p. 11. ed. 1753. CANTO XX. v. 11. Rercrs'd.] Compare SpeiiFer, F. Q. b. i. c. viii. st. 31. v. 30. Before u-hose eyes. ] Amphiamus, one of tlie seven kings who Oesieged Thebes He is said to have been sv. allowed up by an opening of the earth. See Lidgate's Storie of Thebes. Part III. where it is told how the " Bishop Amphiaraiis" fell down to hell. And thus the devill for his outrages, Like his desert payed him his wages. A different reason for his being doomed thus to perish is assigned bj Phsctar. o fi* 'A/itfuapTji, &c. A't-W 1 C. For thee, Amphiaraiis. earth, By Jove's all-riving thunder cleft, Her mighty bosom open'd wide, Thee and thy plunging steeds to hide, Or ever on thy back the spear of !' IIKI.U H A wound to shame thy warlike breast . For struck with panic fear The gods' owu children llee. . 87. Tircsias.] Duo niagnorum viridi coeuntia sylvi Corpora serpentum buculi violaverat ictu, &c. Ovid. Met. 1. iii. v. 43. A runs.] Arun. is s;iid to have dwelt in the mountains of Luiii (from whence that territory is still culled Lunigiana), ahove Cairara, celebrated for its niarlile. Lucau. Pliarg. ] i. 575. So Boccaccio, in the Fiaminetta. 1. iii. " Quale Ariinte," &e. "Like Aruns, who amidst tlie white marbles of Liini, contemplated the celestial bodies and their motion.'-." v. 50. ^^/tl>.] The daughter of Tiresias of Thebes, a city dedicated to Bacchus. From Manto, Mantua, the country of Virgil, derives its name. The 1'oet proceeds to describe tlie situation of that place. v. 61. J}'.'lirfi'n ih" rale.] The lake Benacus, now called the Lago di Garda. though here said to lie between Garda, Val Camouica, and the Apennine, is. however, very distant from the latter two. v. fix Thrrc is a sjiot.] i'rato di Fame, where the dioceses of Trento, Verona, and Brescia met. v. (>!>. PfKi-fiii-rn.] A garrison situated to the south of the lake, where it empties itself and forms the Mincius. v. 'J4. Citsiiloil/'x ni.tiliifsf!.] Alberto da Casalodi. who had got pos- session of Mantua, was persuaded by 1'inaiaonte Buonacossi, that ho miiiht ingratiate himself with tt'.e people by banishing to their own castles the nobles, who were obnoxious to them. No sooner was this done, than Pinamonte put himself at the head of the populace, drove out Casaiotli and his adherents, and obtained the sovereignty for himself. v. 111. So s/U'/s m>j t,--ii<: xlraill.] Suspensi Kurypilum scifcitum oracula Phtebi Mittimus. Viry. ^Eneid. ii. 14. v. 115. Mi-had Scot.] Sir Michael Scott, of Balwearie, astrologer to the Kmpe-or Frederick II. lived in the thirteenth century. For further particulars relating to this singular man, seeWarton's History of English Poetry, vol. i. diss. ii. and sect. ix. p. 12!t'J, and the Notes to "Mr. Scott's " Lay" of the La~t Ministrel," a j)oeni in whicli a happy use is made of the traditions that are still current in North Britain concerning him. He is mentioned by (\. Villaiii. Hist. 1. x. c. cv. and cxli. and I. xiL c. xviii. and by B>ccacci<, Dec. (liorn. viii. Nov. '.). v. 111!. Giiiilo li'inntti.] An astrologer of Forli, on whose skill Guido da Montefeltro, lord of that place, so much relied, that he is report Ad i ever to have ^one into battle, except in the hour recommended to hitr fu fortunate by Bonatti. Landino and. Vellntcllo speak of a book which he composed on the subject of his art v. llii. Axdi'iU''.] A shoemaker at Parma, who deserted his business to practise the arts of divination. v. 12.'?. ('(dn v-itlifork f thorns.] By Cain ;i:;d the thorns, or what is ptill vulgarly called the Man in the Moon, the. 1'i.et denotes that h.- luinary. The su;;ie superstition is alluded to in the Paradi>e, Canto II. 5U. The curious reader inav consult Brand on Popular Aiitniuities. 4to. 1813. vol. ii. p. 470. 880 MOTES. CANTO XXI. v. 7. In the Venetians' arsenal.] Compare Rticcellai, Le Api, Ifi5. and Dryden's Annas Mirabilis, st. 14G, &c. v. 37. One of Santa Zita's elders.] The elders or chief magistrates of Lucca, where Santa Zita was held in especial veneration. The name of this sinner is supposed to have been Martinp Botaio. v. 40. Swept Bonturo, tartererx.] This is said ironi -ally of Bontnro de' Dati. By barterers are meant peculators, of every lescription : all whf) traffic the interests of the public for their own private advantage. v. 48. /> other sicimmwy than in Serchio's irm-e.] Qui si nuota altrimenti die nel Sercliio. Serchio is the river that flows by Lucca. So I'ulci. Morg. Mag. c. xxiv. Qui si miota nel sangue, e non nel Serchio. v. 92. From (Japrfina.] The surrender of the castle of Caprona to the combined forces of Florence and Lucca, on condition that the garrison should march out in safety, to which event Dante was a witness, took place in 1200. Sec G. Villain, Hist. 1. vii. c. 136. v. 100. Yvfitci'ilay.] This passage fixes the sera of Dante's descent at Good Friday, in the year 1300 (34 years from our blessed Lord's incar- nation being added to 126(5), and at the thirty-fifth year of our poet's age. See Canto I. v. 1. The awful event alluded to, the Evangelists inform us, happened " at the ninth hour," that is, our sixth, when "the rocks were rent," and the convulsion, according to Dante, was felt even in the depths in Hell. See Canto XII. 38. CANTO XXII. v. 10. In the church.] This proverb is repeated by Pulci, Morg. Magg. c. xvii. v. 47. Burn in Navarre's domain.] The name of this peculator is said to have Leon Ciampolo. v. 51. The f/ood king Thibault.] " Thibanlt I. King of Navarre, died on the 8th of June, 1233. as much to be commended for the desire he showed of aidinir the war in the Holy Land, as reprehensible and faulty for his design of oppressing the rights and privileges of the church, on which account it is said that the whole kingdom was under an interdict for the .space of three entire years. Thibanlt undoubtedly merits praise, as for his otbei endowments, so especially for his cultivation of the lib- eral arts, his exercise and knowledge of music and poetry, in which lie BO much excelled, that he was accustomed to compose verses and Mug them to the viol, and to exhibit his poetical compositions publicly in his palace, that they might be criticised by all." Mariana, History of Spain, b. xiii. c. 9. An account of Thibault, and two of his songs, with what wore prob- ably the original melodies, may be seen in Dr. Burncy's History of Music, v. ii. c. iv. His poems, which are in the French language, were edited by M. 1'Eveque de la Kavalliere. Paris. 1742. 2 vol. 12mo. Dante t-.vicf; quotes one of his verses in the Treatise de Vulg. l.\<\. 1. i. c. ix and 1. ii. c. v. and refers to him again, 1. ii. c. vi. Fni'ii " the good king Thibault" are descended the good, but morn unfortunate monarch, Louis XVI. of France, and coiisojueinly ilia JfET.1.. o^l present legitimat? sovereign of tli.it realm. See Renault, Abrege' Chron. IL'.vj, _>, 4. Ilie friar Gumi'tu.} He was entrusted by Nino de' Viseonti with the government of Gallura, one of the four jurisdictions into which Sardinia was divided. Having his masters enemies in his power, he tonk a bribe from them, and allowed them to escape. Mention of Nino will recur in the Notes to Canto XXX11I. and in the Purgatory, Canto VIII. v. 88. Michel Zanche.] The president of Logodoro, another of the four Sardinian jurisdictions. See Canto XXXIII. CANTO XXIII. v. 5. ,V>;>'j fable.'] The fable of the frog, who offered to carry the mouse across a ditch, with the intention of drowning him, when both were carried off by a kite. It is not among those Greek Fables which go nnderthe name <>f .,-F.sop. v. 0,'i. ^fT). Fi-ftlt i ick's.] The Emperor Frederick II. is said to have pun- ished those who were guilty of hidi treason, by wrapping them up in lead, and casting them into a furnace. v. 101. Our bgna. on whuin they conferred the chief power in Florence, one named M. 'Catalan de' Maiavolti, the other SI. Loderingp di Lian- dolo ; one an adherent of the Guelph, the other of the Ghibefiine party. It is to be remarked, that the Joyous Friars were called Knights of St. Sh'ry. and became knights on taking that habit : their robes were white, tne mantle sable and the arms a white field and red cross with two stars : their office was to defend widows and orphans ; they were to act as mediators ; they had internal regulations like other religious bodies. The above-mentioned SI. Loderingo was the founder of that order. But it was not long before they too well deserved the appellation given them, and were found to be more bent on enjoying themselves than on any other subject. These two friars were called in by the Florentines. and had a residence assigned them in ;he palace belonging to the people over against the Abbey. Siu-h was the dependence placed on the character of their order, that it was expected they would be impartial, and would save the commonwealth any unneces.-ary expense ; instead of which, though inclined to opposite parties, they secretly and hypo- critically concurred in promoting their uwn advantage rather than the public good " G. Villain, b. vii. c. lii. This happened in J'Jiio'. v. 1 10. durdinrio'R ricinage.] The name of that part of the city which was inhabited by the p., \\-rful Ghibelline family of Uberti, and de- ttri'ved under the paitial and iniquitous administration of Catalano and Lodcriugo. v. 117. Tliat pierced spirit.] Ca'iapha*. 3S'2 NOTES. v. 124. The father of his consort. "\ Annas, father-in-law to Cam-limn. v. 146. He is a liar.] Jolin, e. /iii. 44. Dante had perhaps heart! this text from one of tlie pulpits iii Bologna, CANTO XXIV. v.l. In the year's early nonage.] "At the latter part of January when the sun enters into Aquarius, and the equinox is drawinji ncai when the hoar-frosts in the morning often wear the appearance of sncw but are melted by the rising sun." v. 51. Vanquish thy weariness.] Quin corpus onustnm Hesternis vitiis aniinum quoque prjegravat nna, Atque affigit hunii divina; particulam aurae. Hor. Sat. ii. 1. ii. 78. v. 82. Of her sands.] Compare Lucan, Phars. 1. ix. 703. v. 92. Heliotrope,] The occult properties of this stone are described bv Soliuus, c. xl. and by Boccaccio, in his humorous tale of Calandrino. Decani. G. viii. N. 3. In Chiabrera's Ruggiero, Scaltrimento begs of Sofia, who is sending him on a perilous errand, to lend him the heliotrope. In mia man fida L' elitropia, per cui possa involarmi Secondo il mio talento agli occhi altrui. c. vi. Trust to my hand the heliotrope, by which I may at will from others' eyes conceal me. Compare Ariosto, II Xcgromante, a. 3. s. 3. Pulci, Morg. Magg. c. rxv. and Fortiguerra, Kicciardetto, c. x. st. 17. Gower, in his Confessio Amantis, lib. vii. enumerates it among the Jewels in the diadem of the sun. Jnspis and helitropius. v. 104. The' Arabian phoenix.] This is translated from Ovid, Metam. 1. xv. Una est quse reparat, seque ipsa reseminat ales, &c. See also Petrarch, Canzone . "Qual piti," &c. v. 120. Vanni Fucci.] He is said to have been an illegitimate off- spring of the family of Lazari in Pistoia, and, having robbed the sacristy of the church of St. James in that city, to have charged Vinni dolls N;)na with the sacrilege, in consequence of which accusation the latter offered death. v. 142. Pistoia.] " Tn May 1301, the Bianchi party of Pistoia, with the assistance and favor of the Bianchi who ruled Florence, drove out the Neri party from the fonv.er place, destroying their houses, palaces, and farms." Giov. 'Villain, Hist. 1. viii. c xliv. v. 144. From Valdimaf/ra.] The commentators explain this propneti- cal threat to allude to the victory obtained by the Marquis Marcello Malaspina of Valdinuigra (a tract of country now called the Lunigiana), who put himself at the head of the Neri, and defeated their opponents. the Bianchi, in the Campo Piceno near Pistoiu, soon after the occurrence HULL. 6W related in the preceding noto 01 this engagement I find no mention in Villani. Curratlo Malaspina is introduced in the eighth Canto of tlie Purgatory ; where it appears that, although on tlie present occasion they espoused contrary sides, some important favours were nevertheleM conferred by tliat family ou our poet at a subsequent period of his exiJt in Vm. CANTO XXV. y. 1. The Sinner.] So Trissino. Poi facea con le man le fiche al cielo Dicendo : Togli, Iddio ; che puoi pili farini ? L'ltal. Lib. c. xii. v. 12. Thy seed.] Thy ancestry. v. 15. Not him.] Capaneus. Canto XIV. v. 18. On Maremma's marsh.] An extensive tract near the sea-shore in Tuscany. v 24. Cacus.] Virgil, jEn. 1. viii. 193. v. 31. A hundred blows.] Less than ten blows, out of the hundred Hercules pave him, had deprived him of feeling. v. 39. Cianfa.] He is said to have been of the family of Doaati at Florence. v. 57. Thus up the shrinking paper.] All my bowels crumble np to dust. 1 am a scribbled form, drawn with a pen TJpou a parchment ; and against this fire Do I shrink up. Shakspeare, K. John, a. v. 0. 7. v. 61. Aynello.] Agnello Brnnelleschi. v. 77. 7/i that part.] The navel. v. 81. As if by sleep orfev'rous fit asaaiVd.] Rome ! thy head Is drown'd in sleep, and all thy body fev'ry. Ben Jonson's Catiline. v. 5. Lncan.] Phars. 1. ix. 766 and 793. v. 8/. Ovid.] Metani. 1. iv. and v. T. 121. Ws sharpfii'd i-i.wr/e.] Compare Milton, P. L. b. x. 511, &c. v. 131. 7/oso.] He is also said to have been of the Donati family, v. 138. Sciancato.] Pnccio Sciancato, a noted robber, whose family, Venturi savs, lie has not been able to discover. v. 140. Uaville.] Francesco Guercio Cavalcante was killed at Gaville, near Florence ; and in revenge of his death several inhabitants of that district were put to death. CANTO XXVI T. 7. But if our minds.] Nainqne sub Auroram, jam dormitante IncernS, Somnia quo cerni tempore vera solent. Ovid, Fvist. xir. 884 NOTKS. The sume poetical superstition is alluded to in the Purgatory, Cnnl IX. and XXVII. v. 9. Shalt feel what Prato.] Tlie poet prognosticates the calamities which were soon to befal his native city, and which, he says, even hei nearest neighbor, Prato, would wish her. The calamities more particu- larly pointed at, are said to be the fall of a wooden bridge over the Arno, in May, 1301, where a large multitude were assembled to witnesi a representation of hell and the infernal torments, in consequence oi which accident many lives were lost ; and a conflagration, that in the following month destroyed more than seventeen hundred houses, many of them sumptuous buildings. See G. Villaui, Hist. 1. viii. c. 70 and 71. v. 22. More than I am icont.] ''When I reflect on the punishment allotted to those who do not give sincere and upright advice to others, I am more anxious than ever not to abuse to so bad a purpose those talents, whatever they may be, which Nature, or rather Providence, lias con- ferred on me.' 1 It is probable that this declaration \vas the result of real feeling in the mind of Dante, whose political character would have given great weight to any opinion or party he had espoused, and to whom in- digence and exile might have offered strong temptations to deviate from that line of conduct which a strict sense of duty prescribed. v. 35. As he, whose wrongs.] Kings, b. ii. c. ii. v. 54. Ascending from that funeral pile.] The flame is said to hare divided on the funeral pile which consumed the bodies of Eteocles and Polynices, as if conscious of the enmity that actuated them while living. Ecce iterum fratris, &c. Statins, Tlicb. 1. xii. Osteudeus confectas flaimna, &c. Lucan, Pharsal. 1. 1. 145. v. 60. The ambush of the horse.} "The ambush of the wooden horse, that caused ^Eneas to quit the city of Troy and seek his fortune in Italy, where ms descendants founded the Roman empire." v. 91. Caieta.] Virgil, Juieid. 1. vii. 1. v. 93. JVor fondness for my son.] Imitated by Tasso, G. L. c. viii it. 7. Ne timor di fatica b di periglio, Ne vaghezza del reguo, ne pietade Del vecchio genitor, si clegno affetto Intiepedir nel generoso petto. Tills imagined voyage of Ulysses into the Atlantic is alluded to bj PulcL E sopratutto commendava Ulisse, Che per veder nell' altro mondo gisse. Mora. Magg. & TXV And by Tasso, G. L. c. xv. 25. T. 106. The strait pass.] The straits of Gibraltar. v. 122. Made our oars wings.] So Chiabrera, Canz. Eroiche. xlil. Faro de' remi un volo. And Tasso. Ibid. 26. v. 128. A mountain dim.] The mountain of Purgatory IIEI.L. 38f CANTO XXVII. T. 6. Tfie Sicilian Bull.] The engine of torture invented by Periling, for the tyrant Phalanx. v. 26. Of the mountain* there,] Montefeltro. v. 38. Polenta's eayle.] Guido Novello d;i Polenta, who bore an eagle for liis coat of arms. The name <>f Polenta was derived from a castle so called in the neighbourhood of Brittonoro. Cervia is a small maritime. city, about fifteen miles to the south of Ravenna. Guido was the son of Ostasio da Polenta, and made himself master of Ravenna in 121 >5. In l'iL'2 he \vas deprived of his sovereignty, and died at Bologna in the year following. This last and most munificent patron of Dante is himself enumerated, by the historian of Italian literature, among the poets of his time. Tiraboschi, Storia della Lett. I til. t. v. 1. iii. c. 5i. 13. The passage in the text might have removed the uncertainty which Tirabos- chi expressed, respecting the duration of Guido's absence from Kavenna, when ne was driven from that city in 12! 13, by the arms of Pietro, arch- bishop of Monreale. It must evidently have been very short, since his government is here represented (in 1,'iOO) as not having suffered any material disturbance for many years. v. 41. Th>' lau'l. \ The territory of Forli, the inhabitants of which, in 1282, were enabled, by the statagem of Guido da Montefeltro, who then governed it, to defeat with great slaughter the French army by which it had been besieged. See G. Villain, 1. vii. c. 81. The poet informs Guido, its former ruler, that it is now in the possession of Sinibaldo Ordolaffl, or Ardelaffl, whom he designates by his coat of arms, a lion vert. v. 43. T7ie old masliff of Verruchio and the young.] Malatesta and Malatfstino his son, lords of Rimini, called, from their ferocity, the mastiffs of Verruchio, which was the name of their castle. Malatestiuo WHS perhaps the husband of Franeesca, daughter of Guido Novello da Polenta. See Notes to Canto' V. v. 113. v. 44. M'iiit't!/>Hi.] Montagna de' Parcitati, a noble knight, and leader of the Ghi! elline party at Rimini, murdered by Malatestino. v. 4h'. Lamone's city and Santerno's.] Lamone is the river at Faenza, and Santerno at Imola. v. 47. Tlie lion of the snowy lair.] Machinardo Pagano, whose arms were a lion azure on a field argent ; mentioned again in the Purgatory, Canto XIV. 122. See G. Villaui passim, where he is called Machinardo da Susinana. v. M. Whose funk is icash'd of Savio's wave.] Cesena, situated at the foot of a mountain, and washed by the river Savio, that often desceud* with a swoln and rapid stream from the Apennino. v. M. A man of arms.] Guido da Montefeltro. v. ontificis, imperil eedem, scilicet Komam, donavit ecclesiai, cum multis aliis imperil digni- tatibus." Lib. iii. v. 101. My predecessor.] Celestine V. See Notes to Canto III. CANTO XXVIII. v. 8. In that lony war.] The war of Hannibal in Italy. "When Mago brought news of his victories to Carthage, in order to make his successes more easily credited, he commanded the golden rings to be poured out in the senate house, which made so large a heap, that, as some relate, they filled three modii and a half. A more probable ac- count represents them not to have exceeded one modiits." Livy, Hist. 1. xxiii. 12. v. 12. Gviscard's Norman steel.] Robert Guiscard, who conquered the kingdom of Naples, and died in 1110. G. Villani, 1. iv. c. 18. He is introduced in the Paradise, Canto XVIII. v. 13. And those the rest.] The army of Manfred!, which, through the treachery of the Apulian troops, was overcome by Charles of Anjou in 1265, and fell in such numbers, that the bones of the slain were still gathered near Ceperano. G. Villaui, 1. vii. c. 9. See the Purgatory, Canto III. v. 10. Tagliocozzo.] He alludes to the victory which Charles gained over Conradino, by the sage advice of .the Sieur de Valeri, in 12U8. G. Villani, 1. vii. c. 27. v. 32. AIL] The disciple of Mohammed. v. 53. Dolcino.] "In 1305, a friar, called Dplcino, who belonged to no regular order, contrived to raise in Novara, in Lombardy, a large com- pany of the meaner sort of people, declaring himself to be a true apostle of Christ, and promulgating a community of property and of wives, with many other such heretical doctrines. He blamed the pope, cardi- nals, and other prelates of the holy church, for not observing their duty, nor leading the angelic life, and affirmed that he ought to be pope. Ha was followed by more than three thousand men and women, who lived promiscuously on the mountains together, like beasts, and, when they wanted provisions, supplied themselves by depredation and rapine. This lasted for two years till, many being struck with compunction at the dissolute life they led, his sect was much diminished ; and through failure of food, and' the severity of the snows, he was taken by the IIKT.L. '> l people of Novara, and burnt, with Margarita his compani in. and manj other ii, en and women whom bis errors had seduced." G. Villani, I viii. c. 84. Landino observes, tliat lie was possessed of singular eloquence, and that both lie and Margarita endured their fate with a lirmness worthy of a better cause. For a further account of him, see Muratori Ker. Hal. Script, t. ix. i>. 427. v. ii'.). Mi'iUrina.] A place in the territory of Bologna. Piero fomented dissensions among the inhabitants of that city, and among the leaden of the neighbouring states. v. 70. The pleasant land.] Lombardy. v. 72. The tv:(im.] Guido del Cassero and Anglolello da Cagnano, two of the worthiet-t and most distinguished citizens of Fano, were imited by Malatestino da Uimini to an entertainment, on pretence that he had gome important business to transact with them : and, according to in- stnu-tions given by him, they were drowned in their passage near Cat- tolica, between liimini and Fano. v. 85. F'icura's vi. v. 111. The boon companion.] What stronger breastplate than a heart untainted ? Shakspeare, 2 Hen. VI. a. iii. s. 2. v. 130. Bertrnnd.] Bertram! de Born, Vicomte do Hautefort, near PerigiH'iix in Guienne, who incited John to rebel against his father, Henry II. of F.ngland. Bertram! holds a distinguished place among the Provcnval poets. He is quoted in Dante, " De Vnlg. F.loq." 1. ii. c. 2. For the, translation of some extracts from his poems, see ffillot, Hist Litteraire des Troubadours, t. i. p. 210 ; but the historical parts of that work are, I believe, not to be relied on. CANTO XXIX, v. 26. Gen' of Bella.] A kinsman of the Poet's, wl o was murdered b> one of the Sacchetti family. His being placed here, may be considered as a proof that Dante was more impartial in the allotment of his punish- ments than lias generally been supposed. 388 NOTES. v. 44. As were the torment.] It is very probable that these Miltou the idea of his celebrated description : Immediately a place Before their eyes appear'd, sad. noisome, dark, A lazar-house it seem'd, wherein were laid Numbers of all diseas'd, all maladies, &c. P. L. b. xi. 477. T. 45. Valdichiana.] The valley through which passes the river Chi ana, bounded by Arezzo, Cortona, Montepuiciauo, and Chiusi. In the heat of autumii it was formerly rendered unwholesome by the stag- nation of the water, but has since been drained by the Emperor Leopold II. The Chiana is mentioned as a remarkably slugsi^h stream, in tlio Paradise, Canto XIII. 21. v. 47. Maremma's pestilent fen.] See Note to Canto XXV. v. 18. v. 58. In sEuina.] He alludes to the fable of the ants changed into Myrmidons. Ovid, Met. 1. vii. v. 104. Arezzo was my dice/ling.] Grifolino of Arezzo, who promised Albero, son of the Bishop of Sienna, that he would teach him the art oi flying ; and because he did not keep his promise, Albero prevailed 011 his father lo have him burnt for a necromancer. v. 117. Was ever race Lirjht as Sienna's ?] The same imputation is again cast on the Siennese, Purg. Canto XIII. 141. v. 121. Stricca.] This is said ironically. Strieca, Niccolb Salimbcni, Caccia of Asciano, and Abbagliato, or Meo de Folcacchieri, belonged 1o a company of prodigal and luxurious young men in Sienna, called the "briyata f/odereccia." Niccolo was the inventor of a new manner of using cloves in cookery, not very well -ix.erstood by the commentators, and which was termed the " cosluma r^ca." v. 125. In that garden.] Sienna. v. 134. Coth heale and dere. So Sliaksi>care. Henry "VI. p. ii. a. 5. s. 1. Whose smile and frown like to Achilles' spear Is able with the change to kill and cure, v. 14. Orlrnido.] AVhcn Charlemain with all his peerage fell At Fdtitarabia. J////OH. /'. /,. b. i. 5SG. See Warton's Hist, of Kng. Poetry, v. i. sect. iii. p. 1.'52. "This is the horn which Orlando won from the giant Jatmund. and which, as Turpfn and the Islandic bards report, was endued with magical power, and might be heard at the distance of twenty miles." Charlemain and Or- lando are introduced in the Paradise. Canto XVIII. v. 30. Mrmtcrer/yi'iii.] A castle near Sienna. v. 105. Til'- fr>rt>ni''f<- n/V.] The country near Carthage. See I.n Hist. 1. xxx. and Lucan, Phars. 1. iv. 5'.0, &c. Danti- has kept the latter of these writers in his eye throughout all this passage. v. 123. All-ill':*.] The combat between Hercules Anta-uw is adduced by tlif Poet in his treatise " De Monarchia." 1. ii. as a proof of t!ic jud-- incut of Gi"l displayed in the duel, according to the singular su; tion of those tin.- v. I'J-'-.. i'/i ' f.'arisciula.] The leaning tower at Bologna i>! !J NOTES. CANTO XXXII. T. 8. -4 tonyiie not us'd To infant babblinr/.] Ne da lingua, clie chiami nianima, o babbo. Dante in his treatise " De Vulg. Eloq." speaking of worcli not admissi- ble in the loftier, or as he calls it, tragic style of poetry, says " in qtiornin nr.mero nee puerilia propter suam simplicitatem at Mamma 1 1 Babbo," 1. ii. c. vii. v. 29. Tabernich or rietrapana.~\ The one a mountain in Sclavonia, the other in that tract of country called the Garfagnana, not far from Lucca. v. 33. To where modest shame appears.'] " As high as to the face." \ 35. Moving tJieir teeth in shrill note like the stork.] Mettendo i denti in nota di cicogna. So Boccaccio, G. viii. n. 7. " Lo scolar cattivello quasi cicogna divenuto ei forte batteva i denti." v. 53. Who are these two.] Alessandro and Napoleone, sons of Alberto Albcrti, who murdered each other. They were proprietors of the valley of Falterona, where the Bisenzio has its source, a river that falls into the Arno about six miles from Florence. v. 51). Not him.] Mordrec, son of King Arthvm v. (!0. Focaccici^] Focaccia of C'ancellieri, (the Pistoian family) whose atrocious act of revenge against his uncle is said to have given rise to the parties of the Biiinchi and Neri. in the year K'.OO. See G. Villain, Hist 1. viii. c. 37. and Macchiavelli, Hist. 1. ii. The account of the latter writer differs much from that given by Lnndino in his Commentary. v. <;:>. SfascheronL] Sassol Mascheroui, a Florentine, who also mur- dered his uncle. v. (H). Cttwiccione.] Camiccione de' Pazzi of Valdarno, by whom his kinsman Ubertino was treacherously put to death. v. (>7. Carlino.] One of the same family. Tie betrayed the Cnstel di Piano Traviune, in Valdarno, to the Florentines, after the refugees of thd Bianca and Ghibelline party had defended it .-.gainst a siege for twenty-nine days, in the summer of 1202. See G. Villani, 1. viii. c. 52. and Dino Compagni. 1. ii v. 81. Montaperto.'] The defeat of the Guelfi at Montaj>ei-t( , occa- sioned by the treachery of Bocca degli Abbati, who. dr. ring the engage- ment, cut off the hand of Giacopo del Vacca dc' Pa?./i. bearer of the Florentine standard. G. Villain, 1. vi. c. 80. and Notes to Canto X. This event happened in 12(JO. v. 113. Him of l>nen to the army of Charles of Anjou, A.I>. 12(>5, at which tlie people of Cremona were BO enraged, that they extirpated the whole family. G. Villani, 1. vii. c. 4. v. 110. Heccaria.] Abbot of Vallombrosa, who was the Pope's Legate at Florence, where bis intrigues in favour of the Ghibellines being dis- covered, he was beheaded. I do not find the occurrence in Vallini. nor do the commentators say to what pope he was legate. By Landino he in reported to have been from Parma, by Vellutello from Pavia. v. 118. t>uldai-ri.\ "Gianni Soldauieri," says Villani, Hist 1. vii. o HELL. o'.'l 14, " |uit hinisolf at tlio head of the people, in the liopes of rising into ]>ower, not aware that the result would he mischief to the Ghihcllino iiarty, and his own ruin; an event which seems ever to have befallen liim, wlio has headed the populace in Florence," A.i>. I'-'iKi. v. Hit. Oanellon,] The betrayer of Charlemain, mentioned by Arch- bishop Turpin. He is a common instance of treachery with the poets of the middle ages. Trop son fol e mal pensant, Pis valent que Guenelon. Thibaut, Ifri de Navarre. new Scnriot, and new Gnnilion, O false dissembler, &c. Chaucer, Nonne's Pricste's Tale. And in the Monke's Tale, Peter of Spaine. v. 11!). Trihitfili ll'>.] Tribaldello do* Manfredi, who was bribed to be- tray the city of Faenx.a, A. i>. l'AS2. G. Yillani, 1. vii. c. 80. v. 128. Tydeus.] See Statius, Theb. 1. viii. ad finem. CANTO XXXIII. v. 14. Count Urjolino.] " In the year 1288, in the month of July. Pisn was much divided by competitors for the sovereignty; one party, coin- : .>!' certain of the Gnelphi, bein^ headed by t!ic Judye Nino di Gal- lura de' Yisconti; another, consisting of otlier.s of the same faction, by the Count I'uolino r his acts of treachery and irnilt: for he was said to have poisoned the Count Auselmo da Capraia. his sister's son, on it of the envy and Tear excited in his mind by the hii:li esteem in which the urai'ious manners of Auselmo were held by the Pisans. Tl:<> power of tlic Gnelphi beinjj so much diminished, the Archbishop devised means to betray the Count 1'u'oliuo, and caused him to be suddenly at- tacked in his palace by the fury of the people, whom lie had exaeper by telling them that r_;oliiio had betrayed Pisa, and t;iveii up their the citizens of Florence and of Lucca. He was immediately compelled to surrender; his bastard son and his grandson fell iu tho 't; and two of his sons, with their two sons also, were convex cd to prison." G. Villain, I. vii. c. !'_'<). " In the following March, the Pisans, who had imprisoned the Count Ui;olii)o, with two of his sons and two of his grandchildren, the oiTsprinu; ef hi* son the Count Guell'o, in a tower on the Piazza of tl.e Au/'ana. 392 NOTES. caused the tower to be locked, the key thrown into the Arno, and art food to be withheld from them. In a few days they died of lumber: but the Count first with loud cries declared his penitence, mid yet ncithei piiest nor friar was allowed to shrive him. All the rive, when de;id, were dragged out of the prison, and meanly interred: and from thence- forward the tower was called the tower of famine, and so shall ever be." Ibid. c. VZl. I Chaucer has briefly told Ugolino's story. See Monke's Tale, Hngelino of Pise. v. 20. Untn the mountain.] The mountain S. Giuliano, between Pisa and I.ufva. v. 5H. Thou gav'st.] Tn ne vostisti Queste misere carni, e tu le spoglia. Imitated by Filicaja, Canz. iii. Di questa Imperial oaduca spoglia Tu, Signor. me vestisti e tu mi spoglia: Ben puoi '1 Kegno me tor tu che me '1 desti. And by Maffei, in the Slerope: Tu disciogloste Queste misere membra e tu le annodi. v. 79. In that fair ref/ion.] Del bel paese la, dove '1 si suona. Italy, as explained by Dante himself, in liis treatise De Vnlg. Eloq. 1. i. c. 8. '*' Qui autem .Si dicunt a prjrdk'tis fiuibus. (.Jamu-nsium) Orieuta- lem (Meridionalis Europte partem) tenent; videlicet nsqtie ad nromon- torium illud Italia-, qua sinus Adriatic! maris incipit et Sicilian!.' v. 82. Capraia and Goryona.1 Small islands near the mouth of tho Arno. v. 94. 7'hcre very wccpin;/ suffers not to \ceep.~\ Lo jiianto stesso li pianger non lascia. 80 Giusto de' Conti, Bella Mano. Son. " Quanto il ciel." Che il troppo pianto a me pianger non lassa. v. llfi. Tlic frinr Alberi'/o.'] Alberigo de' Manfredi, of Faenza, one of the Frati (lodenti, Joyous Friars, who having quarrelled with some of his brotherhood, under pretence of wishing to be reconciled, invited them to a banquet, at the conclusion of which lie called for the fruit, a signal for tlit assassins to rush in and dispatch those whom he had marked for de- struction. Hence, adds Landino, it is said proverbially of one who lias been stabbed, that he has had some of the friar Alberigo's fruit. Thus Pulci, Morg. Magg. c. xxv. Le frutte amare di frate Alberico. v. 1L'3. 1'tolomea.] This circle is named Ptolomea from Ptolemy, the BOM of Abubus, by whom Simon and his sous were murdered, :it a great banquet he had made for them. See 1 Maccabees, ch. xvi. v. 126. The glazed tear-drops.] sorrow's eye, glazed with blinding tear. carc, Ri'-h. 11. a 2. s. '2. i. 13G. Branca Doria.] The family of l)ori;i was p-i.sses^pd of IIKI.L. .'U)8 Influence in Genoa. Branca is said to liavc murdered his father-in- law, Michel /anclic, intnxluced in Canto XXII. v. 152. Komagna's darkest spirit.] The friar Alberigo. CANTO XXXIV. ^ C>. A wind-mill.] The auttiur of the Caliph Vathek, in the notes Ir that tale, justly observes!, that it is more than probable that loh Quixote's mistake of the wind-mills for pants was suggested to Cervan- tes by this simile. v. 37. Three face*.] It can scarcely be doubted but that Milton derived his description of Satan in those lines, Each passion dimm'd his face Thrice chang'd with pale, ire, envy, and despair. P. L. b. iv. 114. from this passage, coupled with the remark of Vellutello upon it: "The first of these sins is anger, which he signifies by the red face; the second, represented by that between pale and yellow, is envy, and not, as others have said, avarice; and the third, denoted by the black, is a melancholy humour that causes a man's thoughts to be dark and evil, and averse from all joy and tranquillity." v. 44. 8aU.] His sail-broad vans He spreads for flight. Milton, P. L. b. ii. 927. Compare Spenser, F. Q. b. i. c. xi. st. 10; Ben Jonson's Every Man ont of his Humour, v. 7; and Fletcher's Prophetess, a. 2. s. 3. v. 4*>. Like a bat.] The description of an imaginary being, who in called Typhurgo, in the Zodiacus Vita;, has some touches very like thii of Daute"'8 Lucifer. Ingentem vidi regem, ingentique sedentem In solio, crines liammanti stemmate cinctum, utrinque patentes Alse humeris magme, quales vcspertiliomim Membranis context.-e amplis Nudus erut longis. sed opeitur, corpora villis. M. J'alinyenii, Zvd. Vit. 1. uc. A mighty king I might discerne, Plac'd hie on lofty chaire, His liaire with fyry garland deckt Puft up in fiendish wise. Large wings on him did gr^w Fnunde like the wings of flinder mice, f-c. Translation. T. 61. ttiittus.] Ljindino struggles, but 1 fear in vain, to extricnt* Bnitus from the unworthy lt \vhidi is ln-re assigned him. He maintain*, that by Urutus and Cassias are not meant the individuals knownhy tln^i<-an, 1'hart. \. 11. MA. v. 116. / spy'/'..] Virgil died at J'.nindusium, from whence hi bolj is said to have been removed to Naplee. PURGATORY. 397 T. a*, ne.wing fruitlessly.] S*e H. C:mto IV. 3-.). v. 4H. ' 7Vi/f 7,>r/o<; and Tvrbia.] At tliat time the two exttcmities ol UK Genoese republic, the former on tlie east, the latter on the west. A ingenious writer lias had occasion, for a different purpose, to men- tion one of these places as remarkably secluded by its mountainous tituation. "On an eminence among the mountains, between the twt Jttle cities. Nice an 1 .Manoca, is the village of Torbia, a name foTrued from the Greek rpovaia..." Mitford on the Harmony of Language, sect xv. ]>. 351. 2d edit v. 78. As sheep.] The imitative nature of these animals supplies our Poet with another comparison in his Couvito, Opere, t. i. p. 34. Ediz. Yen. 17!i!i 110. MbnfredL King of Naples and Sicily, and tlie natural son of Frederick II. He was lively and agreeable in his manners, and ilelighted in poetry music, and dancing. But he was luxurious and ambitious, void of religion, and in his philosophy an Epicurean. See G. Villani, 1. vi e. xlvii. and Mr. Matthias's Tirabosdii, v. i. p. 38. He fell in the battle with Charles of Anjon in 12G5, alluded to in Dan to XXVIII. of Hell, v. 13. ' Dying excommunicated, King Charles did not allow of his being buried in sacred ground, but he was interred near the bridge of Beue- vento, and on his grave there was cast a stone by every one of the army, whence there was formed a great mound of stones. Bat some have said, that afterwards, by command of the Pope, the liishop of Cosenza took up his be ouo individual substance] but only receiving these several deno'iiina- 398 NOTES. tious from the several rejjects arising from the several actions exer'cd Immediately by itself upon several objects, or several qualities of the Bume object; I say whether of these it is, is not easy to decide, and it is well that ic is not necessary. Aquinas, and most with him, atfirm the former, and Scotus with his followers the latter.'" Vol. iv. Serin. 1. v. 23. Sanleo.] A fortress on the summit of Montefeltro. v. 24. A T oli.] In the Genoese territory, between Finale and Savona. v. 25. Bismantua.] A steep mountain in the territory of Reggie. y. 55. From the left.] Vellutello observes au imitation of Lucau in this passage : Ignotum vobis, Arabes, venistis in orbem, Umbras mirati nemorum uou ire sinistras. Phars. 1. iii. 248. v. 69. Tliou wilt see.] "If you consider that this mountain of Purga- tory and that of Siou are antipodal to each other, you will perceive that the sun must rise on opposite sides of the respective eminences." v. 119. Belacqua.] Concerning this man, the commentators afford no information. CANTO V. v. 14. Be as a tower.] Sta come torre ferma. Bo Berni, Orl. Inn. 1. 1. c. xvi. st 48: In quei due piedi sta fermo il gigante Com' nna torre in mezzo d'un castello. And Milton P. L. b. i. 591. Stood like a tower. v. 36. Ne'er saw I fiery vapours.] Imitated by Tasso, G. L. c. xfcr. st 62: Tal suol fendendo liquido sereno Steiia cader della gran madre in seno. And by Milton, P. L. b. iv. 558 : Swift as a shooting stir In autnmn thwarts the night, when vapours fir'd Impress the air. T. 67. That land.] The Marca d'Aneona, between Roruagna and Apulia, the kingdom of Charles of Anjou. v. 73. From thence I came.] Giaeopo drl Cnsscro. n citizen of Fano, who having spoken ill of Azzo da Este, Marquis of Ferrara, was by his orders put to death. Giacopo was overtaken by the assassins at Oriaco, a place near the Brenta, from whence, if he had fled towards Mira, higher tip on that river, instead of making for the marsh on the sea- shore, he might have escaped. v. 75. Antenor's land.] The city of Padua, said to be founded by A.utenor. v. 87. Of Montefeltro I.] Buonconte (son of Guido da Montefeltro, whom we have had in the twenty-seventh Canto of Hell) fell in the , battle of Campaldiuo (1289), fighting on the side of the Aretini. v. 88. Giocanna.] Either the wife, or kinswoman, of Biioncoute. v. 94. The hermit's seat.] The hermitage of Camaldoli. v. 95. Where Us name i? canceled.] That is, between Bibbiena and Poppi, where the Archiano falls into the PURGATORY. 399 T. 115. From Fratomagno to the mountain range, j Frotn Pratomagno, now called Prato Vecchio (which divides the Valdarno from Casentino), ae far as to the Apeniiiue. v. 131. Pia.] She is said to have been a Siennese lady, of the family of Tolonimei, secretly made awaj* with by her husband, Nellc delli Pietra, of the same city, in Mareinma, where he had some possessing. CANTO VI. T. 14. Of Arezzo him.] Benincasa of Arezzo. eminent for his skill in ju- risprudence, who, having condemned to death Turrino da Turrita, brothei of Ghino di Tacco, for his robberies in Maremma, was murdered by Ghino, in an apartment of his own house, in the presence of many wit- nesses. Ghino was not only suffered to escape in safety, but (as the commentators inform us) obtained so high a reputation by the liberality with which he was accustomed to dispense the fruits of his plunder, ancl treated those who fell into his hands with so much courtesy, that he was afterwards invited to Rome, and knighted by Boniface VIII. A story is told of him by Boccaccio, G. x. N. 2. v. 15. Him beside.] Ciacco de' Tarlatti of Are/.zo. He is said to have been carried by his horse into the Arno, and there drowned, while he was in pursuit of certain of his enemies. v. 17. Frederic Aovello.] Son of the Coute Guido da Battifolle, and Blain by one of the familv of Bostoli. v. 18. Of Pisa he.] Fuiaate de' Scornigiani of Pisa. His father Marzuco, who had entered the order of the Frati Miuori, so entirely over- came the feelings of resentment, that he even kissed the hands of the slayer of his son, and, and as he was following the funeral, exhorted his kinsmen to reconciliation. v. 20. Count Orso.] Son of Napoleone da Cerbaia, slain by Alberto da Mangona, his uncle. T. 23. Peter de la Brosse.] Secretary of Philip III. of Frnnce. The courtiers, envying the high place which he held in the king's favour, pre- vailed on Mary of Brabant to charge him falsely with an attempt upoii her person ; for which supposed crime he suffered death. So gay the Italian commentators. Henault represents the matter very differently: "Pierre de la Brosse, formerly barber to St. Louis, after- wards the favourite of Philip, fearing the too great attachment of the king for his wife Mary, accuses this princess of having poisoned Louis, eldest sou of Philip, by his first marriage. This calumny is discovered by a nun of Nivelle in Flanders. La Brosse is hung." A^rc'ge Chron. 1275, &c. v. 30. In thy text.] He refers to Virgil, AM. 1, vi. 376. Desine fata deum flecti sperare precaudo. T. 37. The sacred height Of judgment.] So Shakspeare, Measure for Measure, a. ii. s. 2. If he, which is the top of judgment T. 66. Eying us as a lion on his watch.] A gui&i di Leon quando si posa. A line taken by Tasso, G. L. c. x. st. &>. v. 75. Sordello.] The history of Sordello's life is wrapt in the obecur l*y of romance. That he distinguished birusvlf by las skill in Provencal 400 NOTES. poetry is certain. It is probable that he was bom towards the end of the twelfth, ami di'-d .'ibiit the middle of the succeeding, century. Tiraboschi has taken ir.m.-h pains to sift all the notices lie could collect relating to him. Honourable mention of his name is made by our Pott in the Trea- tLe de Vulg. Eloq. 1. i. c. 15. T. 76. 77ioi'. inn of grief.] Thou most beauteous inn, Why should hard-favour" d grief be lodg'd in theeV Shakspeare, Richard II. a. 5. s. 1. v. 89. Justinian's hand.] " What avails it that Justinian delivered thoe from the Goths, and reformed thy laws, if thou art no longer under tho control of his successors in the empire? " v. 94. That which God commands.] He alludes to the precept " Ren- der unto Csesar the things which are Caesar's. ' v. 98. O German Albert !] The Emperor Albert I. succeeded Adolphus in 1298, and was murdered in 1308. See Par. Canto XIX. 114. v. 103. Thy successor.] The successor of Albert was Henry of Luxem- burg, by whose interposition in the affairs of Italy our Poet hoped to have been reinstated in his native city. v. 104. Thy sire.] The Empereor Rodolph, too intent on increasing his power in Germany to give much of his thoughts to Italy, "the garden of the empire." v. \Ql.Capnlets and 3fontorfn.es.] Our ears are so familiarized to the names of these rival families in the language of Shakspeare, that I have used them instead of the " Montecchi " and "Cap|>elletti." v. 108. Philippeschi and Monaidi.] Two other rival families in Orvieto. v. 11:5. What safety Santafinre can snjijily.] A place between Pisa and Sienna. What he alludes to is so doubtful, that it is not certain whether we should not read " come si cura " " How Santafiore is governed.'' Perhaps the event related in the note to v. 58, Canto XI. may be pointed at. v. 127. Marcellus.] Un Marcel diventa Ogni villan che parteggiando viene. Repeated by Alamanni in his Coltivazione, 1. i. y. 51. A sick icretch.] Imitated by the Cardinal de Polignac in his Anti-Lucretius, 1. i. 1052. Ceu lectum peragrat membris languentitni.* n-ger, lu latus alterne la-vum dextrumque rcciimbens: Nee juvat: inde oculos tollit resupinus in altum: Nusquam ijiveuta quies; semper quu-sita: quod ill! Primuiu in deliciis fuerat. mox torquet et angit: Nee morbum sanat, uec fallit tiedia morbi. CANTO VH. T. 14. Where one of mean estate mi'jht clasp his lord.] So Ariorto, Ori. F. c. xxiv. st. 19. E 1'abbracciaro, ove ii maggior s'abbraeoia, Col capo undo e col giuocchio chiuo. T. 31. The three holy virtues.] Faith, Hope and Charity. T. 32. 77te rest.] Pruden.ce, Justice, Fortiiude, , PURGATORY. 4Ul T. 72. Freak emeralds.] ruder foot the violet, Crocus, and liyaointli with rich inlay Uroider'd the ground, more colour'd than with stone Of costliest emblem. Milton, P. L. b. u. ,'03. Compare Ariosto, Orl. F. e. xxxiv. st 49. v. 7!*. ^nlve li>>05. He is again taxed witli luxury in the Paradise, Canto XIX. 123. v. li >l. That fur with the nose dcprrst .] Philip III. of France, who died in 12s5. at Perpignan. in his retreat from Arragon. v. li.U. Hi in <>f ijeiitle look.] Henry of Navarre, father of Jane married to Philip IV. of France, whom Dante calls ' mal di Francia " " Gallia's bane." v. 110. He yo robust of limb.] Peter III. called the Great. King of Arragon, who died in 1285, leaving four sons, Alonxo, James, Frederick, and Peter. The two former succeeeded him in the kingdom of Arragon, and Frederick in that of Sicily. See G.Villaui, 1. vii. c. 102. and Mariana, 1. xiv. c. 9. He is enumerated among the Provencal poets by Millot, Hist Litt. des Troubadours, t. iii. p. 150. v. 111. Him of feature prominent.] "Dal maschio naso" with the ma.-culine nose." Charles I. King of Naples, Count of Anjou, and brother of St. Louis. He died in 1284. The annalist of Florence remarks, that " there had been no sovereign of the house of France, since the time of Charlemagne, by whom Charles ither in military renown, and prowess, or in the loftiness of his understanding." G. Villani, I. vii. c. '.4. We shall, however, find many of his actions severely reprobated in the twentieth Canto. v. 113. Tltiit strijiliny.] Either (ns the old commentators suppose) Alonzo III. King of Arrngon, the eldest son of Peter III. who died in 12111, at the age of 27 : i-r. according to Venturi. Peter the youngest sou. The former was a young prince of virtue sufficient to have justified the eulogium and the hopes of Dante. See Mariana, 1. xiv. c. 14. T. 119. Rarely.] Full well can the wise poet of Florence, That hight Dante, speaken in this sentence ; Lo ! in such manner rime is Dantes tak-. Full selde upriseth by his branches smale Prowesse of man. for God of his gondnesse \Voll that we claim of him our gentlenesse : For of our elders may we nothing x-hiime ilat temporal thing, that men may hurt and niainie. Chaucer, \\'ij't of Kat/u:'* TaU. 26 402 NOTES. Compare Honier, Od. b. ii. v. 270 ; Pindar, Nem. xi. 48 and I pides, Electra, 36'9. v. 122. To Charles.] "Al Nasuto." "Charles II. King cf Naples, is no less inferior to his father Charles I. than James aud Frederick to theirs. Peter III." v. 127. Costanza.] Widow of Peter III. She has been already men- tioned in the third Canto, v. 112. By Beatrice and Margaret are prob- ably meant two of the daughters of Raymond Berenger, Count of Pro- vence ; the former married to St. Louis of France, the latter to his brother Charles of Anjou. See Paradise, Canto VI. 135. Dante there- fore considers Peter as the most illustrious of the three monarchs. v. 129. Harry of England.] Henry III. v. 130. Better issue.} Edward I. o*f whose glory our Poet was perhaps a witness, in his visit to England. v. 133. William, that brute Margins.] William, Marquis of Monfer- rat, was treacherously seized by his own subjects, at Alessandria in Lombardy, A.D. 1290, and ended his life in prison. See G. Villani, L vii. c. 135. A war ensued between the people of Alessandria and those of Mouferrat aud the Canavese. CANTO VIII. v. 6. That seems to mown for the expiring day.] The curfew tolls the knell of parting day. 'Gray's Elegy. v. 13. Te Isucis Ante.] The beginning of one of the evening hyinna. v. 36. As faculty.] My earthly by his heav'nly overpower* d ***# As with an object, that excels the sense, Dazzled and spent. Milton, P. L. b. viii. 457. v. 63. Nino, thov. courteous judye] Nino di Gallnra de' Visconti, nephew to Count Ugolino de' Gherardeschi, and betraved by him. See Notes to Hell, Canto XXXIII. v. 65. Conrad.] Currado Malaspina. v. 71. My Giovanna.] The daughter of Nino, and wife of Kiccardo da Cammino of Trevigi. v. 73. Her mother.] Beatrice, marchioness of Este. wife of Nino, and after his death married to Galeazzo de' Visconti of Milan. v. 74. The v:hite and wimpled folds.] The weeds of widowhood. v. 80. The viper.} The arms of Galeazzo and the ensign of the Mi- lanese. v. 81. Shrill Galhtra's bird. ] The cock was the ensign of Gallura, Nino's province in Sardinia. Hell. Canto XXII. HO. and Notes. v. 115. Valdimayra.] See Hell, Canto XXIV. 1 44. and Notes. v. 133. Sev'n times the tired sun.] " The sun :,hall not enter into the constellation of Aries seven times more, before thou shalt have still better cause for the good opinion thoii expresses! of Valdimagra, in the kind reception thou shalt there meet with." Dante was hospitably re- ceived by the Marchese Marcello Malaspiua, during his banishment, A.D. 1307. PUROATORY. 403 CANTO IX. v. 1. Now the fair consoit of Tithonus old.] La concubina cli Titone antico. So Tassoni, Secchia Rapita, c. viii. st. 15. La puttaiiella del canuto amante. v. 5. Of that chill animal.] The scorpion. v. 14. Our minds.] Compare Hell, Canto XXVI. 7. v. 18. A -t u.-us popuii, &e -(..ux :'V i. ii; 157 CANTO \. V. 6. That wound.] Ventnri justly observes, that the Padre d Aquiac hoe ruiarepresented the sense of this passage in his translation. dabat ascensum tendentibus ultra Scissa tremensque silex, tenulque erratica motu. The verb "rouover" is n^ed in the same signification in the infertux Canto XVIII. 21. Cosi da imo della roccia scogli Moveu. 404 NOTKS. from the rock's low base Thus liinty paths advanc'd. fa neither place is actual motion intended to be expressed. v. 52. That from unbidden office awes mankind.] See 2 Sam. c. rt. 8,7. v. 58. Preceding.] Ibid. 14, &c. v. <>8. Gregory.] St. Gregory's prayers are said to have delivered Trajan from' hell. See Paradise, Canto XX. 40. v. (59. Trajan th' Emperor.] For this story, Landino refers to two writers, whom he calls " Hcnnando," of France, by whom he means Elinand, a monk and chronicler, in the reign of Philip Augustus, and " Polycrato," of England, by whom is meant John of Salisbury, author of the Polycraticus de Curialium Nugis, in the twelfth century. Tho passage in the text I find to be nearly a translation from that work, 1. v. c. 8. The original appears to be in'Dio Cassias, where it is told of the Emperor Hadrian, lib. Ixix. i^eAet yvi/aiK-h?, K . r. A. " when a woman ap- peared to him with a suit, as he was on a journey, at first he answered tier, 'I have no leisure ;' but she crying out to him, 'then reign no longer,' he turned about, and heard her cause." v. 119. As to support.] Chillingworth, ch. vi. 54, speaks of " those crouching anticks, which seem in great buildings to labour under the weight they bear." And Lord Shaftesbury has a similar illustration iu his Essay on Wit and Humour, p. 4. s. 3. CANTO XL . v. 1. O thou Almighty Father.] The first four lines nre borrowed by Pulci, Morg. Magg. 'c. vi. Dante, in his ' Credo.' has again versified the Lord's prayer. v. 58. I u-as of Lutinm.] Omberto, the son of Guglielino Aldobran- desco, Count of Santa fiore, in the territory of Sienna. His arrogance provoked his countrymen to such a pitch of fury against him, that he was murdered by them at Campagnatico. v. 79. Odcrigi.] The illuminator, or miniature painter, a friend of Giotto and Dante. v. 83. Jiolognian Franco.] Franco of Bologna, who is said to have been a pupil of Oderigi's. v. 93. Cimabue.] Giovanni Cimabue, the restorer of painting, was born at Florence, of a noble family, in 1240, and died in 1300. The pas- sage in the text is an illusion to his epitaph : Credidit ut Cimabos pictura? castra tenere, Sic tenuit vivens : nunc tenet astra poli. v. 95. 77ie cry in Giotto', 1 !.] In Gi< tto we have a proof at how early a period the fine aits were encouraged in Italy. His talents were discov- ered by Cimabue, while he was tending sheep for his father in the neighbourhood of Florence, and he was afterwards patronized by Pope Benedict XI. and Robert King of Naples, and enjoyed the society and friendship of Dante, whose likeness he has transmitted to posterity. He died in 13:?<>, at the age of.GO. v. 9(>. One Gn ido from 'he other.] Guido Cavalcanti, the friend of our Poet, (see Hell, Canto X. 59.) had eclipsed the literary fame of Guido Guinicelli, of a noble family in Bologna, whom we shall meet with in PUROATORY. 405 the twenty-sixth Cento, and of whom frequent mention is made by our Poet in liis Treatise de Vulg. Kloq. Guinicelli died in 127'>. Many of Cavalcanti's writings, hitherto ill MS. are now publishing at Florence. Esprit des Journaux, Jan. 1813. v. 5*7. He perhaps is born.] Some imagine, with much probability, that Dante here augurs the greatness of his own poetical reputation: Others have fancied that he prophesies the glory of Petrarch. But Pe- trarch was not yet born. v. 136. A puuor.l Provenzano Salvani humbled himself so far for the eake of one of his friends, who was detained in captivity by Charles I. of Sicily, as personally to supplicate the people of Sienna to contribute the gum required by the king for his ransom : and this actof self-abasement atoned for his general ambition and pride. v. 140. Thy neighbors soon.] " Thou wilt know in the time of thy banishment, which is near at hand, what it is to solicit favours of others, and ' tremble through every veiii,' lest they should be refused thee." CANTO XII. T. 26. The Thymbrcen god.} Apollo. Si modo, quern perhibes, pater est Thymbrnens Apollo. Virff. Georg. iv. 823. T. 37. Mart.] "With such a grace, The giants that attempted to scale heaven, When they lay dead on the Phlegneu plain, Mars did appear to Jove. Beaumont and Fletcher, The Pro- phetess, a. 2. s. 3. T. 42. Rehoboam.] I Kings, c. xii. 18. v. 46. Alnn. The \r, ll-'/ui'lcil dt>/.] This is said ironically of Florence. \.W. The reyittry,] In allusion to certain instances of fraud com- mitted with respect to the public accounts and measures. See Paradise, Canto XVI. 103. CANTO XIII. T. 26. TJify have no wine.] John, ii. 3. These words of the Virgio are referred to ;IK an instance of charity, v. 2fl. Or .mbard>i, mi'! Mni-ro rall'd.] A Venetian gentleman. " Lombardo " both was his Biruame and denoted the country to which 408 NOTF.S. he belonged. G. Villaui, 1. vii. c. 120, terms him " a wise and worttij courtier." v. 58. Elsewhere.'] He refers to what Guido del Duca had said in the fourteenth Canto, concerning the degeneracy of Ins countrymen. v. 70. If this icere so.] Mr. Crowe in his Lewesdon Hill has expressed similar sentiments with much energy. Of this be sure, Where freedom is not, tl*ere no virtue is, &c. Compare Origeii in Genesim, Patrum Grsecorum, vol. xi. p. 14. Wirce- l argi, 1783. 8vo. v. 79. To mightier force.] " Though ye are subject to a higher power tnan that of the heavenly constellations, even to the power of the great Creator himself, yet ye ;ire still left in the possession of liberty." v. 88. Like a babe that icantons sporlirdy.] This reminds one of the Emperor Hadrian's verses to his departing soul: Animula vagula blandula, &c. v. 99. TJie fortress.] Justice, the most necessary virtue in the chief magistrate, as the commentators explain it. v. 103. Who.] He compares the Pope, on account of the union of the temporal with the spiritual power in his person, to an unclean beast in tlie levitical law. " The camel, because he cheweth the cud, bat divideth not the hoof ; he is unclean unto you." Levit. c. li. 4. v. 110. Tv:o sims. ] The Emperor and the Bishop of Rome. v. 117. That land.] Lombardy. v. 119. Ere the day.] Before the Emperor Frederick II. was defeated before Parma, in 1248. G. Villani, 1. vi. c, 35. v. 126. The good Gherardo.] Gherardo di Camino, of Trevigi. He ia honourably mentioned in our Poet's " Convito.' 1 Opere di Dante, t. i. 1>. 173. Venez. 8vo. 1793. And Tiraboschi supposes him to have been the game Gherardo with whom the Provencal poets were used to meet a hospitable reception. See Mr. Matthias's edition, t. i. p. 137. v. 127. Conrad.] Currado da Palazzo, a gentleman of Brescia. v. 127. Guido of Castello.] Of Ueggio. All the Italians were called Lombards by the French. v. 144. His daughter Gaia.] A lady equally admired for her modesty, the beauty of her person, and the excellency of her talents. Gaia, says Tiraboschi, may perhaps lay claim to the praise of having been the first among the Italian ladies, by whom the vernacular poetry was cultivated. Ibid. p. 137. CANTO XVII. v. 21. The bird, that most Delights itself in song.] I cannot think with Vellutello, that the swallow is here meant. Dante probably alludes to the story of Philomela, as it is found in Homer'a Odyssey, b. xix. 618, rather than as later poets have told it. " She in- tended to slay the son of her husband's brother Amphiou, incited to it, by tlie envy of his wife, who had six children, while herself had only two biit through mistake slew her own son Itylus, and for her punishment was transformed by Jupiter into a nightingale." Cowper's note on tiia passage. In speaking of the nightingale, let me observe, that while some have PURGATORY. 100 considered its song as a melancholy, and others as a cheerful one, Chiar brera appears to have come nearest the truth, when he says, in the Al- cippo, a. i. g. 1, Non mai si stanca d' iterar le note, O gioconde o dogliose, Al seiitir dilettose. Unwearied still reiterates her lays. Jocund or sad, delightful to thr ear. v. 2(>. One crucified.] Hainan. See the book of Esther, c. vii. v. .'U. A damseL] Lavinia, mourning for her mother Aniata, who, impelled by grief and indignation for the supposed death of Turnus, do- htroyed herself. Jf.n. 1. xii. 595. v. J2. The broken slumber quirci-ing ere it dirt.] Venturi suggests that this bold and unusual metaphor may have been formed on that in Virgil : Tempus erat quo prima quies mortalibns apgris Incipit, et duiio divuin gratissima serpit. JEn.. \. ii. 268. v. (58. The peace-makers.] Matt. c. v. 9. v. 81. The love.] ' A defect in our love towards God, or lukewann- noss in piety, is here removed. " v. !ik Tin' primal blefxi>i;,"<.] Spiritual good. v. !>r>. Th' ir./i-ri'>r.] Temporal good. v. 10'J. A"""-.] " It is impossible for any being, either to hate itself, or to hate the First Cause of all, by which it exists. We can therefore onlv rejoice in the evil which befalls'others.'' v. 111. There is.] The proud. v. 114. There is.] The envious. v. 117. There is he.] The resentful. v. 135. A/>-i'f Three circles.] According to the allegorical commenta- tors, as Venturi has observed. Reason is represented under the person of Virgil, and Sense under that of Dante. The former leaves to the Inttei to (iiscnver for itself the three carnal gins, avarice, gluttony, and lihid- inciisncss ; having already declared the nature of the spiritual sins, pride, envy, anger, and indifference, or lukewarmness in piety, which the Italians call accidia, from the Greek word at^ia. CASTTO xvin. v. 1. T7tfi teacher ended.] Compare Plato, Protagoras, v. iii. p. 123. Bip. edit. UpwTaybpa* fitv rovavra, K. T. A. Apoll. Rhod. 1. i. 513, and Milton, P. L. b. viil. 1. The angel ended, &c. v. 23. Tour apprehension.] It is literally, " Your apprehensive faculty derives intension from a thing really existing, and displays the intrn- s-ion wjthin you. so that it makes the soul turn to it.'' The connm-nta- tors labour in explaining this; and whatever sense they have Hh'itrl may, I think, be resolved into the words of the translation in tho 'c\t. v. 47. Spirit.] The human soul, which differs from that of In Inasmuch as, though united with the body, it has a separate existi u < I its own. v us. Those, men. 1 The groat moral philosophers among the heathens 410 NOTKS. v. 78. A crag.'] I haie preferred the reading of Umdino, ,'/ " crag," conceiving it to be more poetical than secchion, " bucket." 'whicli Ifi the common reading. The same cause, the vapours, which the coin- mentators say might give the appearance of increased magnitude tc tho moon, might also make her seem broken at her rise. v. 78. Up the vault.] The moon passed with a motion opposite to that of the heavens, through the constellation, of the scorpion, in which tho Him is, when to those who are in Rome he appears to set between tho isles of Corsica and Sardinia. v. 84. Andes.] Andes, now Pietola, made more famous than Mautua, uear wliich it is situated, by having been the birthplace of Virgil. v. 92. Ismcnus and Asopus.] Rivers near Thebes. v. 98. Mary.] Luke, c. i. 39, 40. v. 99. Ccesa/'.j See Lncan, Phars. 1. iii. and iv., and Csesar, de Hello Chili, 1. i. Caesar left Brutus to complete the seige of Marseilles, and hastened on to the attack of Afranius and Petreiu;*,the generals of Pum- pey, at Ilerda (Lerida) in Spain. v. 118. Abbot.] Alberto, abbot of San Zeno in Verona, when Freder- ick I. was emperor, by whom Milan was besieged and reduced to ashes. iu 1162. v. 121. There is he,] Alberto della Scala, lord of Verona, who had made his natural son abbot of San Zeno. v. 133. First they died.] The Israelites, who, on account of their dis- obedience, died before reaching the promised laud. v. 135. And they.] Virg. JEi\. ]. v. CANTO XIX. v. 1. The hour.] Near the dawn. v. 4. The geomancer. The geomancers, says Landino, when they divined, drew a figure consisting of sixteen marks, named from so many stars which constitute the end of Aquarius and the beginning of Pisces. One of these they called " the greater fortune." v. 7. A woman's shape.] Worldly happiness. This allegory reminds us of the " Choice of Hercules." T. 14. Love's own hue.] A smile that glow'd Celestial rosy red, love's proper hue. Milton, P. L. b. viii. 619. facies pulcherrima tune est, Quum porphyriaco variatur Candida rubro. Quid color hie roseus sibi vult ? designat amorem : Quippe amor est igni similis; flammasque rubentes Ignis habere solet. Palingcnii Zodiacus Vita, 1. xii. v. 26. A dame.] Philosophy. T. 49. Who mown.] Matt. c. v. 4. v. 72. My soul.] Psalm cxix. 25. v. 97. The successor of Peter.] Ottobuono, of the family of Fieschi, Counts of Lavnsna, died thirty-nine days after he became Pope, with the title of Adrian V. in 1276. v. 98. That stream.] The river Lavagna, in the Genoese territory. v. 135. JYbr shall be giv'n in marriage.] Matt. c. xxii. 30. " Since in l-l'ttGATORY. 411 this plate wr neither mnrry nor are given in marriage, : am no longer the spouse of the church, and therefore no longer retain my former dig- nity." v. 140. A khif woman.] Alagia is said to have been the wife of the Mardiese Marecllo Malaspina, one of the poet's protectors during hib esile. See Canto VIII. 133. CANTO XX. v. 3. I drnc thi spnnrjc.] " I did not persevere in my inquiries from the spirit, though still anxious to learn more." v. 11. Wolf.} Avarice. v. 16. Of his appearing.] He is thought to allude to Can Grande dclla Scala. See Hell, Canto' I. 98. v. 25. Fabricius.] Compare Petrarch, Tr. della Fama, c. 1. Un Curio ed tin Fabricio, &c. v. 30. Nicholas.] The story of Nicholas is, that an angel having re vealed to him that the father of a family was so impoverished a. to re- solve on exposing the chrtstity of his three daughters to sale, he threw in at the window of their house three bags of money, containing a t-uffi- cieut portion for each of them. v. 42. It<'0(.] Hugh Capet, ancestor of Philip IV. v. 4or- raine, who is said, on account of the melancholy temper of his mind, to have always clothed himself in black. Venturi suggests that Dante may have confounded him with Childeric III. the last of the Merovingian, or first, race, \\lio was deposed and made a monk in 751. v. 57. My 507i. Hugh Capet caused his son Robert to be crowned at Orleans. v. 5ii. Tlif Grrat dmri>r of Prorenre.] Louis IX. and his brother, Charles of Anjou. married two of the four daughters of Raymond Beren- ger. Count of Provence. See Par. Canto VI. i:!5. v. <;.". For amends.] This is ironical. v. 64. Foitou it seiz'd, Xnntrr<' and G'txt-rmi/.] I venture to read Potti e Navarra prese e Guascogna, Instead of Ponti e Normandin prose e C,u;isroi;na. Sei/.'cl ponthicn, Normandy and (iascogny. Lnndino has "Potti,' 1 and he is probably right: for 1'oitou was ai- ! t<> the French crown by Philip IV. NT ll.'uault. Aim-go < 'hmn. A. I). 1*283, & T c. Normandy had been united t<> it lorn,' before by 1'liilip Augustus, a circumtttance of whicli it is dillicult to imagine that l)ant<) 412 NOTES. pliould have been Ignorant; hut Philip IV., pays Henault, ibid., tcolc the t4tle of Kins of Navarre: and the subjugation of Navarre is also alluded to in the Paradise, Canto XIX. 140. In 1293, Philip IV. sunmoned Edward I. to do him homage for the duchy of Gascogny, which lie had conceived the design of seizing. See G. Villani, 1. viii. c. 4. v. G6. Young Conrarline.] Charles of Anjou put Conradine to death tit 1268, and became King of Naples. See Hell, Canto XXVIII. 16, and Note. v. 67. Tli' angelic teacher.] Thomas Aquinas. He was reported to h.ave been poisoned by a physician, who wished to ingratiate himsell with Charles of Anjou* G. Villani, 1. ix. c. 218. We shall find him in the Paradise, Canto X. v. 69. Another diaries.] Charles of Valois, brother of Philip IV., was pent by Pope Boniface VIII . to settle the disturbed state of Florence. In consequence of the measures he adopted for that purpose, our poet and his friends were condemned to exile and death. v. 71. with that lance Which the arch-traitor tilted with.] con Li lancia Con la qual giostrb Guida. If I remember right, in one of the old romances, Judas is represented tilting with our Saviour. v. 78. I7te other.] Charles, King of Naples, the eldest son of Charles t>f Anjou, having, contrary to the directions of his father, engaged with ftnggier de Lauria, the admiral of Peter of Arragon, was made prisoner, itid carried into Sicily, June, 1284. He afterwards, in consideration of .1 large sum of money, married his daughter to Azzo VIII., Marquis of Ferrara. v. 85. Tlie. flotver-de-litce.] Boniface VIII. was seized at Alagna in Campagna, by order of Philip IV., in the year 1303, and soon after died of grief. G. Villani, 1. viii. c. 63. v. 94. Into the temple.] It is uncertain whether our Poet alludes still to the event mentioned in the preceding Note, or to the destruction of the order of the Templars in 1310; but the latter appears more probable. v. 103. Pyymulion.] Virg. JEu. 1. i. 348. v. 107. Action..] Joshua, c. vii. v. 111. Heliodorus.] 2 Maccabees, c. iii. 25. "For there appeared unto them a horse, with a terrible rider upon him, and adorned with a very fair covering, and he ran fiercely and smote at Heliodorus with his fore fet-t." v. 112. IJiracids king.] Polymnestor, the murderer of Polvdorus. Hell, Canto XXX. 19. v. 114. Crassus.] Marcus Crassus, who fell miserably in the Parthias war. See Appian, Parthica. CANTO XXI. v. 25. She.] Lachesis, one of the three fates. v. 43. that, which heaven in itself Doth of itftelf receire.] Venturi, I think rightly, interprets this to be light. v. 49. Thanrnantian.] Figlia di Taumante. eaiiuovro! et/yarnp. Hesiod, Theory. 780. PURGATORY. 413 Compare Plato, Theivt v. ii. p. 76. Dip. edit. ; Virg. . V. 4fi. With shorn lock's. ] Ibid. 58. v. 57. The twin sorrow of Joctuta'f womb.] Eteocles and Polyniccs. v. 71. A rcnoratcd world.] Virg. Eel. iv. 5. v. 100. That Greek.] Homer. v. 107. Of tfty train.] l> Of those celebrated in thy Poem." v. 112. Tiretiias' dmif/litcr.] Dante appears to liave forgotten that he had placed M;into. the daughter of Tiresias, among the sorcerers. See Hell, Canto XX. Vellutello endeavours, rather awkwardly, to reconcile the inconsistency, by observing, that although she was placed there as a sinner, yet, ;is one of famous memory, she had also a place among the worthies in Limbo. Lombard? excuses our author better, by observing that Tiresias had a daughter named Daphne. See Diodorus Siculus, 1. iv. tiii. v. i::;i. Mary took more thought.] "The blessed virgin, who answers for you now in heaven, when she said to Jesus, at the marriage in Cana of Galilee, ' they have no wine,' regarded not the gratification of her own taste, but the honour of the nuptial banquet." v. 142. TJie women of old Rome.] See Valerius Maxinms, 1. ii. c. 1. CANTO XXIII. v. 9. My lips.} Psalm Ii. 15. v. 20. The eyes.] Compare Ovid, Metam. 1. viii. 801. v. 26'. When Mary.] Josephus, De Hello Jud. 1. vii. c. xxl. p. '"t<.trit.] Jacopo da Lentino, called the Notary, a poet of these times. He was probably an Apulian : for Dante, (De Vulg. Eloq. 1. i. c. 11>.) quoting a verse which belongs to a canzone of his, published by the Giuuti, without mentioning the writer's name, terms him one of "'the illustrious Apulians," pnefulgentefl Apuli. See Tirabosebi, Mr. Matthias's edit. vol. i. p. 137. Crescimbeni (1. i. Delia Volg. Poes. p. 1'2. 4to. ed. 1698) gives an extract from one of his poems, printed in Al- lacei's Collection, to show that the whimsical compositions called " Ariette" are not of modern invention. v. 56. Guittone ] Fra Guittone, of Arezzo, holds a distinguished place in Italian literature, as, besides his poems printed in the collection of the Giunti, he has left a collection of letters, forty in number, which afford the earliest specimen of that kind of writing in the language. They were published at Home in 1743, with learned illustrations by Giovanni Bottari. He was also the first who gave to the sonnet its regular and legitimate form, a species of composition in which not only his own countrymen, but many of the best poets in all the cultivated languages of modern Europe, have since so much delighted. Guittone, a native of Arezzo, was the son of Viva di Michele. He was of the order of the " Frati Godenti." of which an account may be seen in the Notes to Hell, Canto XXIII. It the year 121KJ, he founded a monastery of the order of Camaldoli, in Florence, and died in the follow- ing year. Tiraboschi, Ibid. p. Hi*. Dante, in the Treatise de Vulg. Eloq. 1. i. c. 13, and 1. ii. c. t>. blames him for preferring the plebeian to the more courtly style; and Petrarch twice places twice him in the com- pany of our Poet. Triumph of Love, cap. iv. and Son. Par. Sec. " Seu- nucciu mio." v. 63. The birds.] Hell, Canto V. 46 ; Euripides, Helena, 1495 ; and Statins, Theb. 1. v. 12. v. 81. He,] Corso Donati was suspected of aiming at the sovereignty of Florence. To escape the fury of his fellow-citizens, he (led away on horseback, but falling, was overtaken and slain, A.D. 130S. The con- temporary annalist, after relating at length the circumstances of hi* fate, adds, ''that he was one of the wisest and most valorous knights, the best speaker, the most expert statesman, the most renowned and enterprising man of his age in Italy, a comely knight and of graceful carriage, but very worldly, and in his time had formed many conspira- cies in Florence, and entered into many scandalous praetii-cs. for tlu< pake of attaining state and lordship." G. Villani, 1. viii. c. (H>. Ti t character of Corso is forcibly drawn by another of his cont.emporai;t#;_'::, v. 120. Creatures of the clouds.] The Centaurs. Ovid, Met. 1. all fab. 4. v. 123. The Hebrews.] Judges, c. vii. NOTKS. CANTO XXV. v. 58. As sca-sponye.] The foetus is in this stage a zoopyhte. V. 66. More wise, Than thou, has erred.] Averroes is said to be here meant. Ventnri refers to his commentary ou Aristotle, De Anim. 1. iii. c. 5. for the opinion that there is -\ily ouo universal intellect or mind pervading every individual of the human nico. Much of the knowledge displayed l>y onr Poet in the present Canto appears to have been derived from the medical work of Averroes, called the Colliget, lib. ii. f. 10. Ven. 1490. fol. v. 79. Mark the sun's heat.] Redi and Tirabosclii (Mr. Matthias's ed. v. ii. p. 36. ) have considered this an anticipation of a profound discovery of Galileo's in natural philosophy ; but it is in reality taken from a passage in Cicero " de Senectttte," where, speaking of the grape, he says, " quse, et succo terra? et calore solis augesceus, pjimo est pera- cerba gustatu, deinde maturata dulcescit." v. 123. I do not know a man.'] Luke, c. i. 34. v. 126. Callisto.] See Ovid, Met. 1. ii. fab. 5. CANTO XXVI. v. 70. Cozsar.'] For the opprobrium cast on Cuesar's effeminacy, see Suetonius, Julius Caesar, c. 49. v. 83. Guinicelli.] See Note to Canto XI. 96. v. 87. Lyciiryus.] Statins, Theb. 1. iv. and v. Hypsipile had left he* infant charge, the son of Lyenrgns, on a bank, where it was destroyed by a .serpent, when she went to show the Argive army the river of Lan- gia : and, on her escaping the effects of Lycurgus's resentment, the joy her own children felt at the sight of her was such as our Poet felt on beholding his predecessor Gninicelli. The incidents are beautifully described in Statins, and seem to have made an impression on Dante, for he again (Canto XXII. 110.) character- izes Hypsipile, as her Who show'd Langia's wave. y. 111. lie.] The united testimony of Dante, and of Petrarch, in his Triumph of Love, c. iv. places Arnault Daniel at the head of the Pro- vencal poets. That he was born of poor but noble parents, at the castle of Ribeyrac in Pe'rigord, and that he was at the English court, is the amount of Millet's information concerning him (t. ii. p. 479). The ac- count there given of his writings is not much more satisfactory, and the criticism on them must go for little better than nothing. It is to be re- gretted that we have not an opportunity of judging for ourselves of his " love ditties and his tales of prose." Versi d'amore e prose di romanzi. Our Poet frequently cities him in the work De Vulgari KloquentiS. According to Crescimbeni, (Delia Volg. Poes. 1. 1. p. 7. ed. 1698.) he died in 1189. v. 113 77te songster of Limof/es.] Giraud de Borneil, of Sidenil, a castle ill Limoges. He was a troubadour, much admired and caressed lu his day, and appears to have been in favour with the mouarchs of PURGATORY. 417 Castile, I.eon, Navarre, and Arragon. He is <] noted bv Dante, De Vulg. Kim), and mauy of his poems are still remaining in MS. According to Nostradamus lie died in IL'TH. Millot, Hist. Lilt, des Trunk t. ii. p. 1, stud '-'. lint I suspect that there is some error in this date, and that ha did not live to see so late a period. v. 118. GuittJie.} See Canto XXIV. ."(). v. 12',! /'' J See Canto XL 1M. v. \'."1. TV*// ((Htrtfi-y.] Arnault is here made to speak in his own tongue, the Provencal. According to Dante. (De Vulg. Elo<[. 1. 1. c. X. ) the Provencal was one language with the Spanish. 'What he says on this subject is so curious, that the reader will perhaps not he displeased if 1 give an abstract of it. He first makes three great divisions of the European languages. " One of these extends from the months of the Danube, or the lake of Ma-otis, to the western limits of. England, and is bounded by the limits of the French and Italians, and by the ocean. One idiom obtained over the whole of this space: but was afterwards subdivided into the Scla- vonic, Hungarian. Teutonic, Saxon, English, and the vernaculai tongues of several other people, one sign remaining to all. that they use the affirmative 70, four English (!>/.) The whole of Europe, beginning from the Hungarian limits and stretching towards the east, has a second idiom, which readies still further than the end of Europe, into Asia. This is the Greek. In all that remains of Europe, there is a third idiom, subdivided into three dialects, which may be severally distinguished by the use of the affirmatives, <>c. oil, and xi ; the first spoken by the Span- iards, the next by the French, and the third by the Latins (or Italians) The first occupy the western part of son them Europe, beginning from the limits of the Genoese. The third occupy the eastern part from the said limits, as far, that is, as the promontory of Italy, where the Adriatic- sea begins, and to Sicily. The second are in a manner northern with respect to thep. for they have the Germans to the east and north, on the west they are bounded by the English sea and the mountains of Arra- gun, and on the south by the people of Provence and the declivity of the Apennine." Ibid. c. x. " Each of these three," he observes, "has its own claims to distinction. The excellency of the French language consists in its being best adapted, on account of its facility and agreeableness. to prose nar- ration, ((piicquid redactnm, sive inventnrn est ad vulgare prosaicum, suiiiii est; : and he instances the books compiled on the gests of the Tro- jans and Romans, and the delightful Adventures of King Arthur, with many other histories and works of instruction. The Spanish (or Pro- veii'-al) may boast of its having produced sn<-h as first cultivated in this, as in a moie perfect and sweet language, the vernacular poetry : among whom arc Pierre d'Anvergne, and others more ancient. The privileges of the Latin, or Italian, are two ; first, that it may reckon for its own those writers who have adopted a more sweet and subtile style of poetry, in the number of whom are Cino da Pistoia and his friend ; and the next, that its writers seem to adheie to certain general rules of gram- mar, and in so doing give it, in the opinion of the intelligent, u very weighty pretension to preference." 27 418 NOTES. CANTO XXVII. v. 1. The sun.'] At Jerusalem it was dawn, in Spain midnight, and (u India noonday, while it was sunset in Purgatory. v. 10. Blessed,] Matt. c. v. 8. v. 57. Come.] Matt. c. xxv. 34. v. 102. I am LeaJi.] By Leah is understood the active life, as Racb?. figures tin" contemplative. The divinity is the mirror in which the latter looks. Michel Angelo has made these allegorical personages the subject of two statues on the monument of Julius II. in the church of S. Pietro in Vincolo. See Mr. Duppa's Life of Michel Angelo, Sculpture viii. and x. and p. 247. v. 135. Those bright eyes.] The eyes of Beatrice. CANTO XXVin. v. 11. To that part.] The west, v. 14. TJiefeatherd quiristers.] Imitated by Boccaccio, Fiammetta, 1. Iv. " Odi i queruli uccelli," &c. "Hear the querulous birds plaining with sweet songs, and the boughs trembling, and, moved by a gentle wind, as it were keeping tenor to their notes." v. 7. A pleasant air.] Compare Ariosto, O. F. c. xxxiv. st. 50. v. Chiassi.] This is the wood where the scene of Boccaccio's snblimest story is laid. See Dec. g. 5. n. 8. and Dryden's Theodore and Honoria. Our Poet perhaps wandered in it during his abode with Giiido Novello da Poleuta. v. 41. A lady.] Most of the commentators suppose, that by this lady, who in the last Canto is called Matilda, is to be understood the Countess Matilda, who endowed the holy see with the estates called the Patrimony of St. Peter, and died in 1115. See G. Villain, 1. iv. c. 20. But it seems more probable that she should be intended for an allegorical personage. v. 80. Thou, Lord ! hast made me (/lad.] Psalm xcii. 4. v. 146. On the Parnassian mountain.] T n bicipiti sorauiasse Parnasso. Persius, Prol. CANTO XXIX. V. 76. Listed colours.] Di sette liste tutte in quel colori, &c. a bow Conspicuous with three listed colours gay. Milton, P. L. b. xi. 865. v. 79. Ten paces.] For an explanation of the allegorical meaning '.I this mysterious procession, Venturi refers those " who would see in th'_- dark " to the commentaries of Landiuo, Vellutello, and others: and adds, that it is evident the Poet has accommodated to his own fancy many sacred images in the Apocalypse. In Vasari's Life of Giotto, we learn that Dante recommended that book to his friend, as affording fit subjecte tor his pencil. PURGATOKT 41 S v. 89. Four.] The four evangelists. v. I*!. EzrtieL] Chap. i. 4. v. 101. John.] Rev. c. iv. 8. v. 104. Gryphon.] Under the gryphon, an imaginary creature, the forepart of which is an eagle, and the hinder a lion, is gnadowed forth the union of the divine and human nature iu Jesus Christ. The cur is the church. v. 115. Tellus' prayer.] Ovid. Met 1. ii. v. 279. v. 116. Three nymphs.] The three evangelical virtues: the first Charity, the next Hope, and the third Faith. Faith may be produced by charity, or charity by laith, but the inducements to" hope must arise either from one or other of these v. 125. A band qitatemion.] The four moral or cardinal virtues, of whom Prudence directs the others. v. 129. Two old men.] Saint Luke, characterized as the writer of the Acts of the Apostles, and Saint Paul. v. 133. Of the f/rcat Coan.] Hippocrates, " whom nature made for the benefit of her favourite creature, man." v. 138. Four others.] "The commentators," snys Venturl "suppose these four to be the four evangelists; but I should rather take them to be four principal doctors of the church." Yet Both Landiiio and Vellu- tello expressly call them the authors of the epistles, James, Peter, John, and Jude. v. 140. One single old man.] As some say, St. John, under his charac- ter of the author of the Apocalypse, pot in the poem attributed to Giacopo, the sou of our Poet, which in some MSS. accompanies the origi- nal of this work, and is descriptive of its plan, this old man is said to b Moses. E'l vecchio, ch" era dietro a tutti loro, Fu Moyse. And the old man, who was behind them, all, Was Moses. See No. 3459 of the Harl. MSS. in the British Museum. CANTO XXX. T.I. The polar light.] The seven candlesticks. v. 12. Come.] Song of Solomon, c. iv. 8. v. 19. Blessed.] Matt. c. xxi. 9. v. 20. From full hands.} Virg. &n. 1. vi. 884. v. 47. Tlie old flame.] Aguosco veteris vestigia flammae. Vir;/. &n. \ iv. 23 Conosco i segni dell' antico f uoco. Giusto de' Conli, La Bella 3/ano. T. 61. Nor.] "Not all the beauties of the terrestrial Paradi-.e; in wWch I was, were sufficient to allay my grief.'' v. 85. But.] They sang the thirty-first Psalm, to the end of the eighth verse. v. 87. The livinrj rafters.] The leafless woods on the Apennine. v. 90. The. land whereon no shadow falls.] "When the wind blows from off Africa, where, ut the time of the equinox, bodies being inder *20 NOTES. tlic equator cast little or no shadow; or, in other words, wiien tlie wind is south." v. 98. The ice.'] Milton has transferred this conceit, though .scarcely wMth the pains of removing, into one of his Italian poems, sou. v. CANTO XXXI. v. 3. With lateral edge.'] The words of Beatrice, when not addressed directly to himself, but speaking to the angel of him, D;mte had thought sufficiently harsh. v. 3!). Counter to the edf/e.] " The weapons of divine justice are blunted by the confession and sorrow of the offender." v. 58. Bird.} Prov. c. i. 17. v. (J9. From larbrts' hind.'] The south. v. 71. The beard.] " I perceived, that when she desired me to raise my beard, instead of tUing me to lift up my head, a severe reflection was implied on my want of that wisdom Trluch should accompany the age of manhood." v. 98. Tu asperyes me.] A prayer repeated by the priest at sprinkling the holy water. v. lOti. And in the heaven are stars.] See Canto I. 24. v. 116. The emeralds.] The eyes of Beatrice. CANTO XXXIL v. 2. Their ten years' thirst.] Beatrice had been dead ten years. v. 9. Too fix'd a yaze.] The allegorical interpretation of Vellutello, whether it be considered as justly inferrible from the text or not, con- veys so useful a lesson, that it deserves our notice. " The understanding is (sometimes so intently engaged in contemplating the light of divine truth in the scriptures, that it becomes dazzled, and is made less capable of attaining such knowledge, than if it had sought after it with greater moderation.' 1 v. 39. Its tresses.] Daniel, c. iv. 10, &c. v. 4L The Indians.] Quos oceano proprior gerit India Incos. Vii'y. (Jcory. 1. ii. 122. Such as at this day to Indians known. Milton, 1'. L. b. ix. 1102. v. 51. When large floods of radiance.] When the sun enters into Aries, the constellation next to that of the Fish. v. (53. Tli' unpityinq eyes.] See Ovid. Met. 1. i. (>89. v. 74. The blossoming of that fair tree.\ Our Saviour's transfigura- tion. v. 97. Those lights.] The tapere of gold. v.101. That true Rome.] Heaven. v. 110. The bird of Jove.] This, which is imitated from Ezekiel, c. rvii. 3, 4. appears to be typical of the persecutions which the church sustained from the Roman Emperors. v. 118. A fox.] By the fox perhaps is represented the tieachery of the heretics . rVRC.ATORY. 421 v.124 With hi* feathers lin'd.} In allusion to the donations made by the Roman Emperors to the chnrch. v. ]:!0. A ilni'jon.} Probably Mahomet. v. }']>}. .'' .] The donations before mentioned. v. 142. II". ciipiscence. and envy, hurtful, at least in their primary effects, chiefly to him who is guilty of them. v. 146 ffsr ft.] Tli e harlot Is thought to represent the state of the church under Boniface Y1II. and the giant to figure Philip IV. of France . v . l. r io. Drw.i'.fil on .] The removal of the Pope's residence from Rome tj Avignon in pointed at. CA.NTO XXXIII. v. 1. The Heathen. Psalm Ixxix. 1. T. 3(3. Hope not to scare God's vengeance with a sop.] " Let not him who hath occasioned the destruction of the chnrch, that vessel which the serpent brake, hope to appease the anger of the Deity by any outward acts of religious, or rather superstitious^ ceremony, such as was that, in our poet's time, performed by a murderer at Florence, who imagined himself secure from vengeance, if he ate a sop of bread in wine, upon the grave of the person murdered, within the space of nine days." v.38. That eagle.} He prognosticates that the Emperor of Germany will not always continu to submit to the usurpations of the Pope, and foretells the coming of Henry VII. Duke of Luxemburg, signified bv the numerical figures DVX; or, as Lombard! supposes, erf Can Grande delta Scaia. appointed the leader of the Ghibelline forces. It is unnecessary to jHjint out the imitation of the Apocalypse in the manner of this prophecy . v. 50. 77(e Naiads.} Dante, it is observed, has been led into a mistake by a corruption in the text of Ovid's Metam. l.vii. 757. where he found Carolina Naiades lion iutellecta priorum ; instead of Carmina Laiadeo, &c- as it has been since corrected. Lombard i refers to Pausanias. where "the Nymphs "are spoken of as expounders of oracles, for a vindication of the poet's accuracy. Should the reader blame me for not departing from the error of the original (if error it be), he may substitute Events shall be the CEdipus will solve, &c. v.67. Elsa's numbing tratert."] The Elsa. a little stream, which How* Into the Anio about twenty miles below Florence, is said to possess n petrifying quality. v. i > brings home his staff tmoreaiKd with palm.} "For the same cause that the pilgrim, returning from Palestine, brings lioni* his staff, or bourdon, bound with palm," that is, to show where he ha* MB. Che si reca '1 bordon di palraa cmto. 422 NOTES. " In regard to the word bourdon, why it has been applied to a pilgrim's staff, it is not easy to guess. I believe, however, that this name has been given to such sort of staves, because pilgrims usually travel and perform their pilgrimages on foot, their staves serving them instead of > orses or mules, then called bourdons and bnrdones, by writers in the middle ages." Mr . Johnes's Translation of Joinville's Memoirs. Disser- tation xv. by M. du Cange, p. 152. 4to. edit. The word is thrice used by Chaucer iu the Romauct of the Rose . CANTO I. Verse 12. Benign Apollo.] CHAT/CKR has imitated this invocation very closely at the beginning of the Third Booke of Fame. If, divine vcrtne, thon Wilt helpe me to shewe now That in my head yinnrked is, Thou shall see me go as Wive Unto the next laurer I see, And kisse it, for it is thy tree. Now entre thou my breast anone. v. 15. Thus far.] He appears to mean nothing more than that this part of his poem will require a greater exertion of his powers than the former. v. lit. tfarsyas.] Ovid, Met. 1. vi. fab. 7. Compare Boccaccio, II Filo- copo, 1. 5. p. 25. v. ii. Ediz. Fir. 172.'!. " F.gli nel mio petto entri," &e. " May he enter my bosom, and let my voice sound like his own, when he made that daring mortal deserve to come forth unsheathed from his limbs." v. 29. Casar, or bard.] So Petrarch, Son. Par. Prima. Arbor vittoriosa e trionfale, Onor d'imperadori e di poeti. And Spenser, F. Q. b. i. c. 1. st 9. The laurel, meed of mighty conquerours And poets i v. 37. Through that.] " Where the four circles, the horizon, the zodiac, the equator, aiid the equinoctial colure, join; the last three intersecting each other so as to form three crosses, as maybe seen in the i [innillary sphere." v. :i!l. In happiift constellation.] Aries. Some understand the planet Venus by the " miglior stella." v. 44. To the left.] Being in the opposite hemisphere to ours, Beatrice, lhat she may behold the rising sun, turns herself to the left. v. 47. A from thrjirnt !.<-<>ii irpoma-nov. v. G6. As Glaucus.] Ovid, Met. 1. xiii. fab. 9. v. 71. If- ] " Thou, divine Spirit, knowest whether I had not risen ftbove my human nature, and were not merely such a* thoti luuist then formed me." v. 125. Through sluggishness.] Perch' a risponder la materia e sorcla. So Filicaja. canz. vi. st. 9. Perche a risponder la discordia e smdn "The workman Lath in his heart a purpose, hr c;irriotli in mind trie whole form which his work should have; there \vantcth not him skill and desire to bring his labour to the best effect ; only the matter, which he hath to work on, is uuframeable." Hooker's Ecd. Polity, b. 5. 9. CANTO U. v. 1. In small bark.] Con la barchetta mia cantando in rima. Paid, Mory. May;/, c. xxviii. lo me n'andro con la barchetta mia, Quanto 1'acqua comporta uu picciol legno. Ibid. v. 30. This first star.] The moon. T. 4fi. Pl'enas the truth.] " Like a truth that does not need demoi> gtratiou, but is self-evident." v. 52. Cain.] Compare Hell, Canto XX. 123. and Note. v. v. 71. Srf. our.] " F.xcept that principle of rarity and dMisenesi fhich tliuit hast assigned. 1 ' Hy" formal principles,'' i>i-iitci/ij jor/mili. r.te meant constituent or essential causes.'' Milton, in imitation of this passage, introduces the angel arguing v ith A(l:uii respecting the causes of the spots on the union, lint, as :i lai. French translator of the Paradise \voll remarks, iiis reasoning is ph\>ie-.i| ; that of Dante partly metaphysical and partly theoiogic. v. 111. \\~ilhin t/te In in-, a. \ According to our Poet's s\ ,-t'in. tl ere arc trn heavens; the seven planets, the eighth sphere containing tin: li.\ed stars, the. /irinnnx rnl>ili\ and the empyrean. v. 14;;. Tlic virtue nriiif/U-il.] Virg. Jfen. 1. vi. 724. Princiiiio cmhim, &e. CANTO III. v. Ifi. rirhision.] "An error the contrary to tint of Narcissus, be- cause lie mistook a shadow for a siil'stanre. I a snhstam-e fur a shadow." v. 50. rii-riirilft.] The .sisler of Forese whom we have seen in the 1'nr- patory. Canto XXIII. v. ',r>. Tin' Ludij.} St. Clare, the foundress of the order culled after her. She was horn of opulent and noble parents ;it Assisi, in ll'.i.'i, and died in U >::. See Hiogr. Univ. t. 1. p. 5!),S. 8vo. Paris. 1S1:5. v. TJ1. (.'"iiHltmi-f.} Daughter of Rngjjeri. king of Sicily, who. being taken by force out of a Tiionastery where she had professed, was married to the F.mptTur Henry VI. and by him was mother to Frederick II. She was lil'ty years old or more at the time, and " because it. was not credited that she could have a child at that age, she was delivered in a pavilion, and it was given out, that any lady, who pleased, was at liberty to see her. Many came, and saw her; and the suspicion ceas<-d.'' Kicordano Malaspina in Mnrarnri. I!er. It. Script, t. viii. p. U.'ili; and G. Villani, iu the same words. Hist. 1. v. c. Hi. The French translator above mentioned speaks of her having poisoned her husband. The death of Henry VI. is recorded in the Cnromcnn Si(.ili:e, by nn anonymous writer. (Muratori, t. x.) but nota word oi his having b':"n poisoii'-d by Constance: and Uicordano MaUspina e\en mentions her decease as happening before that of li<;r husband, Henry V.. for so this author, with some others, terms him. v. I'J'J. Tin- f-inl.} Henry VI. son of Frederick I. was the second emperor of the house of Suabia; and his son Frederick II. " the third aud last." , CANTO IV. v 6. Between two ( j. Either key.] Purgatory, Canto IX. 108. v. 86. TJiat region.] As some explain it, the east; according to othris, the equinoctial line. v. 124. This sphere.] The planet Mercury, which, being nearest to the eau, is oftenest hidden by that luminary. CANTO VI. v. 1. After that Constantine the e.aale tiirn'd.] Constantine, in trans- ferring the seat of empire from Rome to Byzantium, carried the ea.rlc, the Imperial ensign, from the west to the east. ./Eneas, on the contrary, had moved along with the sun's course, when he passed from Tnn to Italy. v. , r >. A hundred years twice told and wore.] The Emperor Constantine entered Byzantium in 324; and Justinian began hisreigL in "_7. v. G. At Europe's extreme, point.] Constantinople being siuuited :it t!;e extreme of Europe, and on the borders of Asia, near those i int;>itis in the neighbourhood of Troy, from whence the first founders of Koine had emigrated. v. 13. To clear M i n cum ber'd laws.] The code of laws ^as abridged and reformed bv Justinian. PARADISK. rJ< ?. l.T Ckrtrt' g nature merely fnaiut*.] Justinian is >;,i hnvo iin-n H follower of the heretii:al opinions held hy Kutvches. " who taught tliat in ritriat there was but one nature, viz. that of the incarnate, word." M.iclaine's Mosheim, t ii. Cent. v. p. ii. c. v. 13. v. l(i. Affapcte..] " Agapettis. Bishop of Home, whoso Schoda I tddrossed to the Kinperor Justinian, procured him a place among tlie and most judicious writers of this centurv." Ibid. Cent. vi. p. il. c ii. S. v. .".\ Who prrtend its powr.] The Ghibellines. v. :>3. And who oppose.} The Guelphs. v. ;u. r,,ils died.] See Virgil, .En. I. T. v. .'fit. 7" ' r;v// Mjve.] The Horatii and Curiatii. v. 41. Jinirn. ] " From the rape of the Sabinc women to the violation of Lucretia." v. 47. Quintiits.] Quintius Ciucinnatiis. E Cincinuato dall' inculti chioma. Petrnrrn. v. 50. Arab hnrdes.] The Arabians seeru to be put for the barbarians in general. v. "4. That kill.] The city of Fesula?, which was sacked by the Romans after the defeat of Cataline. v. 5(i. J\v:] ' Tiberius, the third of the Oesars, had it in his power to surpass the slory of all who either preceded or came after him, by destroying the city of Jerusalem, as Titus afterwards did, and thus reveiipiiL; the cause of God himself on the Jews." v. !'5. Vengeance for r,,, : ^ance.] This will be afterwards explained by the Poet himself. v. " : />i>..] Dante could not be ignorant that the reign ol Justinian was Ion- prior to that of Charlemagne; but the spirit of the former emperor is represented, both in this instance and in what follows, -. ionsol' tin.- events that had taken place after his own time. v. 104. The yellow liltet.] The French ensign. v. 110. di'iri'-x.] The commentators explain this to mean Charles 11. king ( >f Naples and Sicily. Is it not more likely to allude to Charles of Valois. son of Philip HI. of France, who was sent for, about this time, into Italy by Pope Boniface, with the promi.se of beiny: made emperor? f'"' 7. Thou lotffyt ma well.] Charles Martel might have been known to our poet at Florence, whither he came to meet his father in TJ'Jo, the year of his death. The retinue and the habiliments of the yountr nion- aich are minutely described by C. Yillani. who adds, that " he reinaiin-d more than twenty days in Florence, waiting for his father K.UIL: Charir* and liis brothers : during which time fjreat honour was done him by tlio Florentines, and he showed no less love towards them, and he was much in favour with all." 1. viii. c. 13. His brother Robert, king of Naples, was the friend of Petrarch. v. uO. Tim left bank.] Provence. v. 62. That horn Of fair Ansonia.] The kingdom of Naples. v. (W. Tim land.] Hungary. v. 7.H. Tin- hi iintiftil Tn'nacn'ii.] Sicily ; so called from its three pro- montories, of which Paehynus and Pelorus. here mentioned, art- two. v. 74. Ti/ji/iH-ii,*.] The {jiant. \\hom .lupiti-r is fabled to have over- whelmed under the mountain /Etna, from whence he vomits forth smoke and flame. v. 77. X/iniiiu throtir/h me from ','lt'nii-x nlhii/.~\ "If the ill conduct of our governors in Sicily had not excited the resi^ntinent and hatred of the people, and stimulated them to that dreadiul massacre at the Sicilian vespers ;" in eon>c(piencf of which the kingdom fell into the hands of Peter III. of Arra-on, in 12H2. v. M. My lirotlier's foresight.'] He seems to tax his brother Robert with employing necessitous and greedy Catalonians to administer the affairs ol his kingdom. v. ini. //D;/: /;///.] "Tlowa covetous MOD can apriug from a liberal father." Yet that father has himself been accused of avarice in the Pmyatory. Canto XX. v. 7S ; though his general character was that of a bounteous prince. v. 125. Consult your U'<-/ier.~] Aristole. i n ,i ,'f uvonoitov rj iroAiv, a. T. A. De Rep. 1. iii. c. 4. "Since ;i state is made up of members differing from one another ; (for even as an animal, in the first instance, ei>nsi;-ts of soul and body ; and the .-oiil, of re;is'in and desire ; and a family, of man and woman ; and property, of master and slave ; in like manner a htati^ consi.-ts both of all these, and besides these of other dissimilar kinds ;) it necessarily follows, that the excellence of all the member." of the state cannot be one and the same " V. l.'tti. Emu."] Genesis, c. xxv. 22. v. 137. Qtiiriin/s.] Romulus, born ;>f BO obscure a father, that hi parentage was attributed to Alars. 430 NOTKrt. CANTO IX. v. 2. Ojair Clemenza.] Daughter of Charles Mattel, and second wifa of Louis X. of France. v. 2. Th>>, treachery.'] He alludes to the occupation of the kingdom of Sicily by Robert, in exclusion of his brothers son Carobert, or Cha'lo.-i Robert, 'the rightful heir. See G. Villain, 1. viii. c. 112. v. 7. That saintly light.] Charles Mortal. v. 15. In that part.] Between Rialto in the Venetian territory, and the sources of the rivers Brenta and Piava, is situated a castle called Romano, the birth-place of the famous tyrant Ezzolino or Azzolino. the brother of Ginizza, who is now speaking. The tyrant we have seen in " the river of blood." Hell, Canto XII. v. 110. v. '.VI. Cmiizza.] The adventures of Cunizza, overcome by the influ- ence of her star, are related by the chronicler Rolandino of Padua, 1. i. c. 3, in Mtiratori, Rer. It. Script, t. viii. p. 173. She eloped from her first husband, Richard of St. Boniface, in the company of Sordello, (see Purgatory, Canto VI. and VII.) with whom she is supposed to have co- habited before her marriage: then lived with a soldier of Trevigi, whose wife was living at the same time in the same city ; and on his being murdered by her brother the tyrant, was by her brother married to a nobleman of Braganzo ; lastly, when he also had fallen by the same hand, she, after her brother's death, was again wedded in Verona. v. .'57. This.] Folco of Genoa, a celebrated Provencal poet, commonly termed Folques of Marseilles, of which place he was perhaps bishop. Many errors of Xostradam us, concerning him, which have been followed by Creseimbeni, Quadrio, and Millot, are detected by the diligence of Tiraboschi. Mr. Matthias's ed. v. 1. p. 18. All that appears certain, is what we are told in this Canto, that he was of Genoa ; and by Petrarch, in the Triumph of Love, c. iv. that he was better known by the appella- tion he derived from Marseilles, and at last resumed the religious habit. One of his verses is cited by Dante, De Vulg. Eloq. 1. ii. c. 6. v. 40. Five times.'} The live hundred years are elapsed : and, unless the Provencal MSS. should be brought to light, the poetical reputation of Folco must rest oil the mention made of him by the more fortunate Italians. v. 43. Tlie crowd.] The people who inhabited the tract of country bounded by the river Tagliamento to the east, and Adice to the west. v. 45. The /tour /.s near.] Cunizza foretells the defeat of Giacopo da Carrara, Lord of Padua, by Can Grande, at Viuenza, on the 18th Sep- tcmbei 1314. See G. Villani, 1. ix. c. 62. v. 48. One.] She predicts also the fate of Ricciardo da Camino, who ; s said to have been murdered at Trevigi, (where the rivers Sile and Cagnauo meet) while he was engaged in piny lug at chess. v. 50. The web.] The net, or snare, into which lie is destined to fall. v. 50. Feltro.] The Bishop of Feltro, having received a number of fugitives from Ferrara, who were in opposition to the Pope, under a promise of protection, afterwards gave them up ; so that they were re- conducted to that city, and the greater part of them there put to death. v. 53. Malta's.] A tower, either in the citadel of Padua, which, under the tyranny of Ezzolino, had been " with many a foul and midnight murder fed ; " or (as some say) near a river of the same name, that falls into the lake of Bolsena, in which the Pope was accustomed to imprison euch as had been guilty of an irreinissible sin. PARADISE. 431 v. CG Thif priett.\ The bishop, who, to show iini-olf a zealous partizan of the Pope, had committed the above-mentioned act of treachery. v. 58. I IV . Win re.] In which the sun rises every day earlier after th rernal e(iiiim..\. v. 45. fourth family.] The inhabitants of the sun, the fourth planet. 432 NOTES. v. 4(5. Of his fjifrit and of his offspring.] The procession of the third, and the generation of the second person in the Trinity. v. 70. friich was the song.] " The song of these spirits was ineffable." v. 8fi. JYb less constrained.'] " The rivers might as easily cease to flow towards the sea, as we could deny thee thy request" v. 91. I then.] "I was of the Dominican order." v. 9!3. Albert of Cologne.] Albertus Magnus was bom at Langingeti, in Thuringia, in 1193, and studied at Paris and at Padua, at the latter of which places he entered into the Dominican order. He then taug'if theology in various parts of Germany, and particularly at Cologne. Thomas Aquinas was his favourite pupil. In 12(JO, he reluctantly ac- cepted the bishopric of Ratisbon, and in two years after resigned it, and returned to his cell in Cologne, where the remainder of his life \\:>s passed in superintending the school, and in composing his voluminous works on divinity and natural science. He died in 1280. The absurd imputation of his having dealt in the magical art is well known ; and his biographers take some pains to clear him of it. Scriptores Ordinis Pra-dicatorum, by Quetif and Echard, Lut. Par. 171U. fol. t. 1. p. 1(52. v. 90. Of Aqiun>nn, Tlintnas.] Thomas Aquinas, of whom Bucer is reported to have said, " Take but Thomas away, and I will overturn the church of Rome," and whom Hooker terms "the greatest among the school divines," (F-ccl. Pol. b. ,X 9), was born of noble parents, who anxiously, but vainly, endeavoured to divert him from a life of celibacy and study ; and died in 1274, at the age of forty-se\ en. Kchard and Quetif, ibid. p. 271. See also Purgatory. Canto XX. v. (17. v. 101. Grvttttn.] '' Gratian, a Benedictine monk belonging to the convent of St. Felix find Nabor, at Bologna, and by birth a Tuscan, composed, about the year lloO, for the use of the schools, an abridg- ment or epitome of canon law, drawn from the letters of the pontiffs, the decrees of councils, and the writings of the ancient doctors." Mao laine's Mosheim. v. iii. cent. 12. part 2. c. i. G. v. 101. To either fonnn.] " By reconciling," as Tenturi explains it. "the civil with the canon law." v. 104. Peter.] " Pietro Lombardo was of obscure origin, nor is the place of his birth in Lombardy ascertained. With a recommendation from the bishop of Lucca to St. Bernard, he went into France to con- tinue his studies; and for that purpose remained some time at Rheims, whence he afterwards proceeded to Paris. Here his reputation was so great, that Philip, brother of Louis VII., being chosen bishop of Paris, resigned that dignity to Pietro, wliose pupil he had been. He held his bishopric only one year, and died in 1100. His Liber Sentejuiarum is highly esteemed. It contains a system of scholastic theology, so much Bore complete than any which had been yet seen, that it may be deemed an original work." Tiraboschi, Storia della Lett. Ital. t. iii. 1. 4. c. 2. v. 104. Who with the widow yai:r.] This alludes to the beginning of the Liber Sententiarum, where Peter says: " Cupieus aliquid de penuria ac tenuitate iiostrS cum paupercula in gazophylacium domini mitten-," &c, v. 105. The fifth lir/ht.] Solomon. v. 112. That taper's radiance.] St. Dionysius the Areopagite. '' The famous Grecian fanatic, who gave himself out for Dionysius the Areopa- ite. disciple of St. Paul, and who, under the protection of this venerable name, gave laws and instructions to those that were desirous of raising their souls above all human things, in order to unite them to their great gource by sublime contemplation, lived most probably in this century J'ARADISK. 433 (the fonrtln, though some place liim before, others after, the present period." Maclaine's Mosheim, v. i. cent. lv. p. '2. c. :\. 12. v. nr>. That pleader. 1 In the fifth century, Panlus Orogios " acquired a considerable degree of reputation by the History lie wrote to refute the cavils of the Pagans against Christianity, and by his books against the Pelagians and Priseillianists." Iliid. v. ii. cent v. p. 2. c. 2. 11. A similar train of argument was pursued by Augustine, in his boo*; Do ' intate l>5i. Urosius is classed by Dante, in his treatise De Vnlg. Eloq. 1. ii. c. fi. :IB one of hisfavourit authors, among those "qui usi sunt altissimas pro- sas," ' who h-ive written prose with the greatest loftiness of style." v. llil. Tli>- i-ii/lith. ] Boetius, whose book De Consolatione Philoso- phic excited so much attention during the middle ages, was born, as I'iraboschi conjectures, about 470. " In 524 lie was cruelly put to death, bv command of Theodoric, either on real or pretended suspicion of his being engaged in a conspiracy." Delia Lett. Ital. t. iii. 1. i. c. 4. v. 124. ('i<-'ilini>-r>.] Boetius was buried at Pavia, in the monastery of S. Pietro iu ( 'iel d'oro. v. 12('>. Jxii.l'ir?.] He was Archbisliop of Seville during forty years, and died in (Cio. See Mariana, Hist. 1. vi. c. 7. Mosheim, whose critical opinion* in general must be taken with somr allowance, observes that "his grammatical, theological, and historica. pn.d i u-tions, discover more learning and pedantry, than judgment and ta^te . ' ' v. 127. /??.] Bede, whose virtues obtained him the appellation of the Venerable, was born in H72 at Wtturmonth and Jarrow, in the bisiio|>- vic of Durham, and died in 735. Invited to Koine by Pope Seisins I., he preferred passing almost the whole of his life in the seclusion of a monastery. A catalogue of his numerous writings may be seen iu Kiiijiis's Biographia Britannica. v. ii. v. 127. 7tV/. v. i:>2. Si/ir.] The church. ?. 34 Oiu.\ Suiut l-'iuiicis. 28 4ii4 NOTK8. v.SO. The other. i Saint Dominic. v. 40. T-upino.] A rivulet near Assisi, or Ascesi, where Francis wa* born in 1182. v. 40. The wave. ] Chiascio, a stream that rises in a mountain near Agobbio, chosen by St. Ubaldo for the place of his retirement. v. 42. 7/ea< andcoW.] Cold from the snow, and heat from t^e relic*--. tion of the sun. v. 45. Yoke.] Vellutello understands this of the vicinity of the i IOM-V tain to Nocera and Gualdo; and Venturi (as I have taken it) of the heav* iuiixjsitions laid on those places by the Perugians. For yioyo, like th Latin jugum, will admit of either sense. r. 60. The east.] This is the east, and Juliet is the sun. SJiakspeare. v. 55. 'Gainst his father's will] In opposition to the wishes of liis natural father. v. 58. In his father's siyht.] The spiritual father, or bishop, in whose presence lie made a profession of poverty. v. GO. Her first husband.] Christ. v. 63 Amydaa.] Lucan makes Ca>sar exclaim, on witnessing the secure poverty of the fisherman Amyclas : vita? tnta facultas Pauperis, angustique lares ! O mmiara nondnm Intellecta deiim ! quibua hoc contingero templis, Aut potnit muris, nullo trepidare tumtiltu, CaesareA pulsante manu ? Phars. 1. v. 531. v. 72. Bernard.] One of the first followers of the saint. v. 76. Egidius.} The third of his disciples, who died in 1262. HH \s\jrk, entitled Verba Aurea, was published in 15:54, at Antwerp. See Lucas Waddingus, Annales Ordinis Minoris, p. 5. v. 7(i. Sj/htester. ] Another of his earliest associates. v. 83. Pictro Bernardone.'] A man in an humble station of life at Assisi. v. 85. Innocent.] Pope Innocent III. v. 90. Hnnorius?] His successor Honorius III. who granted certain privileges to the Franciscans. v. 9& OH the hard rock.] The mountain Alverna in the Apennine. v. 100. The last sif/net.] Alluding to the stigmata, or murks resembling the wounds of Christ, said to have been found on the saint's body. v. 106. //i,s dearest lady.] Poverty. v. 113. Our Patriarch.] Saint Dominic. v. 116. His flock.] The Dominicans. v 127. Tfie planet from whence their split.] "The rule of their order, which the Dominicans neglect to observe." CANTO XII. v. 1. The blessed flame.] Thomas Aquinas. v. 12. That voice.] Tho nymph Echo, transformed into the reperc"&- uioii of the voice. PAKAPISK. 4)!;"* v 2C. <>i,c. \ Saint 1'uonaveiitura, general of the Finiici-r-an order, in which he effected come reformation, and our of the most profound di- vines of his age. "He refused the archbishopric of York, which VMS offered him by Clement IV.. but afterwards was prevailed on to accept the bishopric of Albano and a cardinal's hat. He was born at Ba.unore- gio or Hagnorea. in Tuscany, A.D. 12H1, and died in lii~4." Diet, Histor. jiar Chaiidon et Delandine. Ed. Lyon. 18C4. v. 2.S. The love.] By an act of mutual courtesy, Bnonaventurn, a Franciscan, is made to proclaim the praises of St. Dominic, as Thorn: 'it Aquinas, a Dominican, has celebrated those of St. Frauds. v. 42. In that climeA Si>ain. v. 48. L'll(iroi/a.] Between Osma and Aranda, in Old Castile, desig- nated by the ro\ai coat of aims. v. 51. Th<: loci ni i minion of the Christian faith.'] Dominic wns born Aprils, 1170. and' died August ti. I'JL'l. His birth-place, Calh-.roga: his father and mother's names, Felix and Joanna, his mother's dream: his name of Dominic, given him in consequence of a vision by a noble ma- tron, who stood sponsor to him, are all told in an anonymous life of the saint, said to be written in the thirteenth century, and published by Quetil and Kchard, Scriptores prdinis Pr;edicatorum. Par. 171'.'. ii-1. t. 1. p. 25. These writers deny his having been an inquisitor, and indeed the establishment of tiie inquisition itself before the fourth Lateran council. Ibid. p. 8#. v. ,"5. In ttc inotJier's woiiib.] His mother, when pregnant with him, is siid to have dreamt that she should briny forth a white and black dog, with a lighted torch in its mouth. v. 59. The damn .] His godmother's dream was, that he had one star iu his forehead, and another in the nape of his neck, from which he com- municated li^'ht to the east and the west. v. 7.'i. Fdi-r..\ Felix Gusman. v. 75. Ay rin n itiltrjwt it.] Grace or gift of the Lord. v. 77. (Jxtit-KKf.] A cardinal, who explained the decretals. v. 77. Taddco.] A physician of Florence. v. 82. '/'/(( .v'f.J " Tne apostolic see, which no longer continues ita wonted liberality towards the indigent and deserving: not indeed tJii"iiu'h its own fault, as its doctrines are still the same, but through the fault of the pontiff, who is seated in it." v. 85. y<> dispensation,'] Dominic did not ask licence to compound for the use of unjust acquisitions, by dedicating a part of them to pious 1-nrp' i v. b!i. In favour Of that seed.] "For that seed of the divine word, from which have sprung up these four-and-twenty plants, that now environ thee." v. 104. But :he track.] "But the rule of St. Francis is already de- serted: aiM the lees of tne wine are turned into mouldiness." v. 110. Turi-f.] He adverts to the parable of the tares and the whent v. 111. / IJIK xtion not.] " Some indeed might be found, who still ob- the rule of the order; but .*uch would come neither from (V.saie Dor Acquasparta:" of the former of which pbu-i> \\as 1'berto. mie master-general, by whom the discipline had been relaxed; and of the Litter, Matteo, another, who had enforced it with unnecessary rigour. v. 1'Jl. Ilhnninatt) here, And Ayvxtino.] Two among the earliest followers of St. Francis. 436 .NOTES. v. 125 Hugites of Ft. Victor.} A S:ixon of the monastery of Saint Vic- tor, at Paris, who died in 1142. at the age of forty-four. " A man distin- guished by the fecundity of his genius, who treated in his writings of all the branches of sacred and profane erudition that were known in his time, itnd who composed several dissertations that are not destitute of merit" Madaine's Mosheim, Eccl. Hist. v. iii cent. xii. p. 2. c. 2. 23. I have looked into his writings, and found some reason for this high eulogium. v. 12o. J'istro Mangiadore.] " Petrus Comestor, or the Eater, born at Troves, was canon and dean of that church, and afterwards chancellor of the church of Paris. He relinquished these benefices to become a regular canon of St. Victor at Paris, where he died in 1198." (Jhaudon et Delandine, Diet. Hist. Ed. Lyon. 1804. The work by which he is best known, is his Historia Scolastica, which I shall have occasion to cite in the Notes to Canto XXVI. v. 12(i. He f ypain.] "To Pope Adrian V. succeeded John XXI. a native of Lisl>on ; a man of great genius and extraordinary acquirements, especially in logic and in medicine, as his books, written in the name of Peter of Spain (by which ho was known before he became Pope), may testify. His life was not much longer than that of his predecessors, for he was killed at Viterbo, by the falling in of the roof oC his chamber, after he had been pontiff only eight months and as many days," A.i>. 1277. Mariana, Hist, de Esp. 1. xiy. c. 2. v. 12S. Chnjs'ifitom.] The eloquent patriarch of Constantinople. v. 128. Anselmo.] " Ansel m, Archbishop of Canterbury, was born at Aosta, about 1034, and studied under Lanfranc, at the monastery of lice, in Normandy, where he afterwards devoted himself to a religious life, in his twenty-seventh year. In three years he was made prior, and then abbot of that monastery: from whence lie was taken, in 1093, to succeed to the archbishopric, vacant by tiie death of Lanfrauc. He enjoyed this dignity till his death, in 1109. though it way disturbed by many dissen- sions witii \Villiam II. and Henry I. respecting the immunities and in- vestitures. There is much depth and precision in his theological works." Tiraboschi. Stor. della. Lett. Ital. L iii. 1. iv. c. 2. H>id. c. v. ''It is an observation made by many modern writers, that the demonstration of the existence of God, taken from the idea of a Supreme Being, of which Des Cartes is thought to be the author, was so many ages back discovered and brought to light by Anselin. Leibnitz himself makes the remark, vol. v. Oper. p. 570. Edit. Genev. 17<)8." v. 129. Domttiis.] ^Elins Donatus, the grammarian, in the (ourth cen- tury, one of the preceptors of St. Jerome. v. 130. Raban.] "Rabanus Maurtis, Archbishop of Mentz. is deserv- edly placed at the head of the Latin writers of this age." Mosheim, v. ii. cent. ix. p. 2. c. 2. 14. T. 13L Joachim.] Abbot of Flora in Calabria; " whor: the multitude revered as a person divinely inspired, and equal to the most illustrious prophets of ancient times." Ibid. v. iii. cent. xiii. p. 2. c. 2. 33. v. 134- A peer.] St Dominic. CANTO XIII. v. 1. Let him.] "Whoever would conceive the sight that now pre- sented itself to me, must imagine to himself fifteen of the brightest stars in heaven, together with seven stars of Arcturus Major and two of Arcturus Minor, ranged in two circles, one within the other, each re- I'AKAIUSK. 437 Ambling the crown of Ariadne, and moving round in opposite direc- tion.-." T. 21. TJif Chiana.] See Hell, Canto XXIX. 45. . T>ntt luminarit.] Thomas Aquinas. Y. :>!. One ear.] "Having solved one of thy questions. I proceed to n\ver tlif otiier. Thou thinkest, then, that Adam and Christ were both en .1 ued with all the perfection of which the human nature is capable, and therefore wonderest at what has been said concerning Solomon " v. 4S. That.] " Things corruptible and incorruptible, are only emann lions from the archetypal idea residing in the Divine mind." v. 52. His br>!/'iti>'$f.] The Word: the Sou of God. v. 5.".. Jli.t loi-i- triune v:ith them.'] The Holy Ghost. v. 55. ,Y' to ' Angels and human souls. v. 57. We 1 litiri-st }->mreffi.] Irrational life and 1m. te matter. v. C2. TI'I' ir ii-nf mid that which mould* it.\ Matter, ami the virtue or energy, that acts on it. v. (is. Ti'i li'ttr'n.] The influence of the planetary bodies. v. 77. The. clay.] Adam. v. 88. H7(o tiftk'd.] "He did not desire to know the number of the utars, or to pry into the subtleties of metaphysical and mathematical tcienee: b: 1 '. asked for that wisdom which might fit him for his kingly office." v. 120. Purmenides, Afdissits 7>Vr/."'-..] For the singular opinions entertained by the two former of those heathen philosophers, see Diogenes Laertins, 1. ix. and Aristot de C;elo. 1. iii.c. 1. and I'hys. 1. i. c,. 2. 'I'he last is also twice adduced by Aristotle (Anal. 1. i. c. !>. and Khet. 1. iii. c. 2.) as affording instances of false reasoning. v. 12-'!. S'lbfUi'i.t, Arin.t.] Well-known heretics. v. 124. Srimiitiir.*.] A passage in the travels of Hert radon de la, Jtr'H'ijKiiTe. translated hy Mr. .lohnes. will explain this allusion, which lias given some trouble to tl.e coniment-itors. That traveller, who wrote before Dante, informs us, p. 138, that the wandering Arabs used their Hcymitars as min-ors. v. 12(i. LI/ imt. \ " Let not short-sighted mortals prr'snine to decide on the future doo -u of any man, from a consideration of his present char- acter and actions." CANTO XIV. v. B. Suck icas the imnrjr.] The voice of Thomas Aquinas proceeding from the circle to the centre, and that of Beatrice from the centre to tho circle. v. 2G. Him.'] Literally translated by Chauner, Troilus and Creseide, b. 5. Thou one, two, and threr- eterne on live, That raiune-t air in tinec. two. and one. L'ndieiimscript, and all maist circouscrive. v. 31. Tin- i/l. The venerable sign.] The cross. 488 NOTES. v. 125. He.] " He, who considers that tlie eyes of Beatrice breams more radiant the higher WP ascended, must not wonder tliat I do not ex- cept even them, as I had not yet beheld them .since our entrance into this planet." CANTO XV. v. 24. Our r/reatcr 3/We. ] Virgil, Jn. 1. vi. ('.84. v. 84. I fim thu r. Snrdanapalus,] The luxurious monarch of Assyria. Juvenal is lien- imitated, who uses his name for an instance of effeminacy. Sat. x. .%'.!. v. 103. Montcmalo.] Either an elevated spot between Rome and Viterbo; or Monte Mario, the site of the villa Mellini, commanding a view of Home. v. 104. Our suburban turret,] Ucceflato jo, near Florence, from whence that city was discovered. v. 106. iidlmcion Berti.] Hell, Canto XVI. 38. and Notes. There is a curious description of the simple manner in which the eailier Floren- tines dressed themselves in G. Villani, 1. vi. c. 71. v. 110.] Of Nei'li and of Vecchio] Two of the most opulent families in Florence. v. li:>. Each.] " None fearful either of dying in banishment, or of being deserted by her husband on a scheme of traffic in France. v. 120. A Sulterello and Cianahella.] The latter a shameless woman of the family of Tosa, married to Lito degli Alidosi of Imola : the foimer Lapo Salterello, a lawyer, with whom Dante was at variance. v. 125. Mar;/.] The Virgin was invoked in the pains of child-birth, Purgatory, Canto XX. 21. v. ISO. Valdipado.] Cacciaguida's wife, whose family name was Al- dighieri, came from Ferrara, called Val di Pado, from its being watered by tie Po. v. 131. Conrad] Tiie Emperor Conrad III. who died in 1152. See (J. Villani, 1. iv. 34. v. 136. Whose people.] The Mahometans, who were left in possession of the Holy Land, through the biipineness of the Pope. CANTO XVI. v. 10. With f/reftinrf.] The Poet, who had addressed the spirit, not knowing him to be his ancestor, with a plain "Thou," now uses morp Ceremony, and calls him "You," according to a custom introduced iimong the Romans in the latter times of the empire. PARADISE. 139 r. 15. Gnfnerer.\ Beatrice's smile encouraged him to proceed; just as the co;igh of Ginevra's female servant gave her mistress assurance to admit the freedoms of Lancelot See Hell, Canto V. 124. v 23. The fold.] Florence, of which John the li.iptist was tbo patron faint \. :u. From the day.] From the Incarnation to the birth of CRCC;.V guida, the planet Mars had returned five hundred and fifty-three tiraee to the constellation of Leo, with which it is supposed to have a congenial Influence. His birth may, therefore, be placed about 1106. v. />8. T7ie last.] The city was divided into four compartments. ' "he Elisei, the ancestors of Dante, resided near the entrance of that named from the Porta S. Piero. which was the last reached by the competitor in the annual race at Florence. See G. Villani. 1. iv. c. 10. v. 44. From .\fars. ] " Both in the times of heathenism and of chii=-ti- anity." Hell, Canto XIII. 144. v. 48. Campi and Certaldo and Fiyhine.] Country places near Flor- ence. v. 50. TJiat thest people. ] "That the inhabitants of the above-men- tioned places had not been mixed witli the citizens: nor the limits of Florence extended beyond Gallu/.zo and Trespiano." v. ,">l. .!'/- :'i'>iie'slund and Siynu's.] Baldo of Aguglione, and Uoni- fazio of Signa. v. .")!>. Il'i'l n''t the people.] If Rome had continued in her allegiance to the emperor, and the Guelph and Ghibelline factions had thus been pre- vented. Florence would not have been Diluted by a race of upstarts, nor lost the most respectable of her ancient families. v. i)l. tihnifonti-.] A castle dismantled by the Florentines. G. Villain, 1. v. c. 30. The individual here alluded to is no longer known. v. 69. The blind bull.] So Chaucer, Troilus and Cresseide b. 2. For swifter course Cometh thing that is of wight When it descendeth than done things light. Compare Aristotle, Ethic. Nic. 1. vi. c. i:?. " r>r>.\ "The fortune of us, that are the moon's men, doth ebb and flow like the sea." Shakspeare, 1 Henry IV. a. i. s. 2. v. sL Tli" f'/fii.] Whoever is furious to know ;hp habitation* of the and the other ancient Florentines, may consult G. Villani. I. iv. v. !"1. At thf poop.] Many editions read portfi. " ^ate.' 1 The came metaphor is found in JEschylus, Supp. ."Wi, and is there also scarce un- derstood by the critics. AiooO wpvuvav iroAeo? it>4' ImfLfiiinfr, Respect these wreaths, that crown your city's poop. v. W. Thf f/il/old.] The arms of tin- Al.bati. us it 1.1 conjectured. v. 110. '//;. >,r-xo/f/,,,.r.] " Of the VbdomlnJ, the To>in-)ii. and ths i, who, being sprung from the founders of the I'l-'io, ij.- ,,i Kl--r 440 NOTES. ence, are the curators of its revenues, which they do not spare, when- ever it becomes vacant." v. 1 \?>. TK o'moeening brood] The Adimari. This family was so little esteemed, that Ubertino Donato, who had married a daughter of Bellin- eion Herti, himself indeed derived from the same stock (see Note to Hell, t'anto XVI. 38.) was offended with his father-in-law, for giving another Ol his daughters in marriage to one of them. v. 124. Thf f/atcway.] Lai:dino refers this to the small ness of the city: Vellutell.i, with less probability, to the simplicity of the people in naming one of the sates after a private family. v. 127. TJte f/ri-ni baron.] The Marchese Ugo, who resided at Florence as lieutenant of the Emperor Otho III., gave many of the chief families licence to bear his arms. See G. Yillani. 1. iv. c. 2., where the vision ia related, in consequence of which he sold all his possessions in Germany, and founded seven abbeys, in one whereof his memory was celebrated at Florence on St. Thomas's day. v. 130. One.] Giano della Bella, belonging to one of the families thus distinguished, who no longer retained his place among the nobility, and had yet added to his arms a bo rd lire or. See Macchiavelli, 1st. Fior. 1. ii. p. >S(>. Ediz. Giolito. v. 132. Gualtcrotti dwelt And Impoi'tttni.] Two families in the compartment of the city called Rorgo. v. 135. The house.] Of Amidei. See Notes to Canto XXVIII. of Hell, v. 102. v. 142. To EmciJ] "It had been well for the city, if thy ancestor had been drowned in the Ema, when lie crossed that stream on hm way from Montebuono to Florence. 1 ' v. 144. On t/it maim'd stone.] See Hell, Canto XIII. 144. Near the remains of the statue of Mars, Buondelmonti was slain, as if he had been a victim to the god; and Florence had not since known the blessing of peace. v. 150. The lily.] " The arms of Florence had never hung reversed on the spear of her enemies, in token of her defeat; nor been changed from argent to gules; " as they afterwards were, when the Guelfi gained the predominance. CANTO XVII. v. 1. The youth.] Phaeton, who came to his mother Clymene. to in- quire of her if he were indeed the son of Apollo. See Ovid, Mrt. 1. i. ad \inem. v. i;. That saintly lamp.] Cacciaguida, v. 12. T<> own thy thirxt.] "That thou mayst obtain from others a solution of any doubt that may occur to thee." v. 15. Thou seed as dear.] '" Thou beholdest future events, with the game clearness of evidence, that we discern the simplest mathematical demonstrations." v. 19. The point.] The divine nature. v. 27- The arrow. 1 Nam prai'visa minus la-dere tela solent. Ovid. 441 die piaira ai\ti\cdiita assni men duole. f. .18. Cnnt,nr/riu'i/.] " Tho evidence with which we SOP the future pourtrayed in the source of all truth, no more necessitates that future. than does the imam', rellected in the sight by a ship sailing down a Btreani, necessitate the motion of the vessel." v. 4.'?. from thence.] " From the etern.il sight; the view of the Deity himself." v. -40. There.] At Rome, where the expulsion of Dante's party from Florence was then plotting, in }'MO. v. i;r>. Tlu-im.] " They shall be ashamed of the part they have taken against thee." v. (HI. The ffrtat Lombard.] Either Alberto della Soala, or liartolom- meo his driest son. Their coat of arms was a ladder and an eagle. v. 75. That mni'tiil.] Can Grande della Scala,born under the inlluenee of Mars, but at this time only nine years old. v. 80. The Gitwnn.] Pope Clement V. v. 80. Gnat Harry.] The Emperor Henry VII. v. 127. Theci-y thou raise St.] "Thou shall stigmatize the faults of those who are most eminent aud powerful." CANTO XVIII. T. 3. Temp'ring the sweet with bitter.} Chewing the cud of sweet and bitter fancy. Shakspeare, As you Like it, a. 3. a. 3. v. 25. On this fifth lod'/ment of tJic tree.] Mars, the fifth of the heavens. v.37. The, f/rcat Maccabcc.] Judas Maccabeus. v. 39. Charlemagne,] L. Pulci commends Dante for placing Charle- magne and Orlando here : Jo mi confido ancor molto cjni a Dante, Che non sanzn cagion nel ciel su misse Carlo ed Orlando in quelle croci sante, Che come diligente intese e scrisse. /. Matj'j. c. 28. . v. 43. William and Renard.] Probably, not, as the commentators have Imagined, William II. of Orange, and his kinsman Bainibaud, two of the crusaders under Godfrey of Bouillon, (Alaimbonrg, Hist, des Croisa- des, ed. Par. 1(182. 12mo. t. L p. JXi.) but rather the two more celebrated heroes in the age of Charlemagne. The former, William I. of Orange, supposed to have been the founder of the present illustrious family of that name, died about 808, according to Joseph de la Piser Tableau de I'Hist. des Princes et Principaute d'Orange. Our countryman. Onleiims Vitalis, professes to give his true life, which had been misrepresented in the pongB of the itinerant bards. " Vulgo canitur a loculatnriboe de illo cantilena; sed jure pra-ferenda est relatio anthentica. " Keel. HUt. in Duchesne, Hist. Normann. Script p. 508. The latter is better known by having been celebrated by Ariosto, under the name of Kinaldo. v 4:i Duke G'tx//m/.l Godfrey of Bouillon. v. 41. l;..l,,rt C/rtHvI.l See I'l-!!. C.,,:t,. XX VIII. v. 12. 442 NOTES. v. 81. Ttv rharacters.] Diligito jnstitiam qui judiratto terrain. " Love righteoosneu, ye that be judges of the earth." Wisdom of Solo- tnoii, c. i. 1. v. 116. That once more.] "That he may again drive out those who buy and sell in the temple." v. 124. Taking the bread away.] "Excommunication, or the interdic- tion of the euchurist, is now employed as a weapon of warfare." v. 126 Tliat ivritetst but to cancel.] "And thou, Tope Boniface, who writest thy ecclesiastical censures for no other purpose than to be paid for revoking them." v. 130. To him.] The coin of Florence was stamped with the impres- ion of John the Baptist. CANTO XIX. v. 38. Who turn'd his compass.] Compare Proverbs, c. viii. 27. and Milton, P. L. b. vii. 224. v. 42. The Word.] "The divine nature still remained incomprehen- sible. Of this Lucifer was a proof; for had he thoroughly comprehended it, he would not have fallen." v. 108. The Ethiop.] Matt. c. xii. 41. v. 112. That volume.] Rev. c. xx. 12. v. 114. Albert] Purgatory, Canto VI. v. 98. v. 116. Prague.] The eagle predicts the devastation of Bohemia by Albert, which happened soon after this time, when that Emperor ob- tained the kingdom for his eldest son Rodolph. See Coxe's House of Austria, 4to. ed. v. i. part 1. p. 87. v. 117. He.] Philip IV. of France, after the battle of Courtrai, 1302, in which the French were defeated by the Flemings, raised the nominal value of the coin. This king died in consequence of his horse being thrown to the ground by a wild boar, in 1314. v. 121. The English and Scot.] He adverts to the disputes between John Baliol and Edward I., the latter of whom is commended in the Pur- gatory. Canto VII. v. 130. v. 122. Tlie Spaniard's luxury.] The commentators refer this to Alonzo X. of Spain. It seems probable that the allusion is to Ferdinand IV. who came to the crown in 1295, and died in 1312, at the age of twenty- four, in consequence, as it was supposed, of his extreme intemperance. See Mariana, Hist. 1. xv. c. 11. v. 123. The Boli/emian.] Winceslaus II. Purgatory, Canto VII. v. 99. v. 125. The halter of Jerusalem.] Charles II. of Naples and Jerusalem, who was lanie. See note to Purgatory, Canto VII. v. 122, and XX. v. 78. v. 127. He.] Frederick of Sicily, son of Peter III. of Arragon. Pur- gatory, Canto VII. v. 117. The isie of fire is Sicily, where was the tomb of Auchises. v. 133. His uncle.] James, king of Majorca and Minorca, brother to Peter III. v. 133. His brother.] James II. of Arragon, who died in 1327. See Purgatory, Canto VII. v. 117. v. 135. Of Portugal.] In the time of Dante, Dionysius was king of Portugal. lie died in 1328, after a reign of near forty-six years, and does not seem to have deserved t) e stigma here fastened on him. See Mari- PARADISE. 442 ana, 1. xv. c. 18. Perhaps the rebellions son of Dionysius may l/e alluded to. v. 13G. Norway.] Haquiu, king of Norway, is probably meant; who, having given refuge to the murderers of Eric til. kins; of Denmark, A i>. r_'SK, commenced a war against his successor, ErfoYlIL, "which con- tinued for nine years, almost to the utter ruin and destruction of both kingdoms." Modern Univ. Hist. v. xxxii. p. 215. v. i;*i. Him OfRatza.] One of the dynasty of the house of Nemagna, which ruled the kingdom of Rassia, or RaUa, in Sdavonia, from 11(51 to 1371, and whose history may be found in Mauro Orbino, Regno degli Slavi, Ediz. Pesaro. IfiOL I'ladislaus appears to have been the sovereign in Dante's time; but the disgraceful forgery adverted to in the text, is not recorded by the his- torian. v. 138. llunyari/.] The kingdom of Hungary was about this time dis- puted by Carobert, son of Charles Martel, aiid Winceslaus, prince of Bohemia, son of Wiuceslaiis II. See Coxe's House of Austria, vol. i. p. 1. p. 86. 4to edit. v. 140. Navarre.'] Navarre was now under the yoke of France. It soon after (in 1328) followed the advice of Dante and had a monarch of its own. Mariana, 1. xv. c. 19. v. 141. Mountainous girdle.] The Pyrenees. v. 143. Famagosta's streets And Nicosia's.] Cities in the kingdom of Cyprus, at that time ruled by Henry IT. a pusil- lanimous prince, Vertot. liist. des Chev. de Malte, 1. iii. iv. The mean- ing appears to be, that the complaints made by those cities of their weak and worthless governor, may be regarded as an earnest of his condemna- tion at the last doom. CANTO XX. v. 6. Wherein one shines.] The light of the sun, whence lie suppose* the other celestial bodies to derive their light. v. 8. Tlif i/rniit siyn.] The eagle, the Imperial ensign. v. 34. Who.] David. v. 3<. He.] Trajan. See Purgatory, Canto X. G8. v. 44. Iff next.] Hezekiah. v. 50. The other following.] Constintine. There is no passage in which Dante's opinion of the evil, that had arisen from the mixture of the civil with the ecclesiastical )K>\ver, is more unequivocally declared. v. 57. William.] William II. king of Sicily, at the latter part of the twelfth century. He was of the Norman line of sovereigns, and obtained the appellation of "the Good;" and, as the poet says, his loss was a* much the subject of regret in his dominions, as the presence of Charles II. of Anjmi, and Frederick of Arragon, was of sorrow and complaint. v. G2. Tiojan Riphcus.] Ripheus, justissimns uniis Qui fuit in Teucris, et servantissinus axini. Vi ;/. An. 1. ii. 427, v. 97. This.] Riphena. 444 NOTES. v. 08. That.] Trajan. v. 103. The prayers.} The prayers of St. Gregory, v. 119. The three nymphs.] Faith, Hope, and Charity. Purgatont Cant, XXIX. 11C. v. 138. The pair.] Ripheus and Trajau. CANTO XXI. v. 12. The terenth splendour.] The ]tlanet Saturn. v. 13. The biirnin;/ lion's breast.] The constellation Leo. v. 21. In equal balance.] "My pleasure was as great in complying with her will, as in beholding her countenance." v. 24. Of that lov\l monarch. \ Satuni. Compare Hell, Canto XIV. 91. v. 50. What forbade the smile.] " Because it would have overcome tliee." v. 61. There, aloft.] Where the other souls were. v. 97. A stony ridyc.] The Apennine. v. 112. Pietro Damiano.] " S. Pietro Damiano obtained a great and well-merited reputation, by the pains he took to correct the abuses among the clergy. Ravenna is supi>osed to have been the place of his birth, about 1007. He was employed in several important missions, and rewarded by Stephen IX. with the dignity of cardinal, and the bishopric of Ostia, to "which, however, he preferred his former retreat in the mon- astery of Fonte Avellana, and prevailed on Alexander II. to permit him to retire thither. Yet he did not long continue iu this seclusion, before he was sent on other embassies. He died at Faenza in 1072. His letters throw much light on the obscure history of these times. Besides them, he has left several treatises on sacred and ecclesiastical subjects. His eloquence is worthy of a better age." Tiraboschi, Storia della Lett. Ital. t iii. 1. iv. c. 2. v. 114. Beside the Adriatic.] At Ravenna. Some editions have /?/, instead of fui; according to which reading, Pietro dis^ngnishea himself from another Pietro, who was termed " Peccator," the sinner. v. 117. The hat.] The cardinal's hat. v. 118. Cephas.] St Peter. v. 119. The Holy Spirit's vessel. St. Paul. See Hell, Canto II. 30. v. 130. Bound this.] Round the spirit of Pietro Dauiiano. CANTO XXII. v. 14. The vengeance.] Beatrice, it is supposed, intimates the ap- proaching fate of Boniface VIII. See Purgatory, Canto XX. 86. v. 3G. Cassino.] A castle in the Terra di Lavoro. v. 38. I it was/] "A new order of monks, which in a manner ab- sorbed all the others that were established in the west, was instituted A. i). 529, by Benedict of Nursia, a man of piety and reputation for the age he lived in." Maclaiue's Mosheim, Eccles. Hist v. ii. cent. vi. p. 2. ch. 2. C. v. 48. Mararhis.] There are two of this name enumerated by Mosheim among the Greek theologians of the fourth century, v. i. rent. iv. p. 11. c. 2. 59. In the following chapter, 10. it is said, " Alacarms, an Kgyp- PARADISE. 445 tian nu>nk, undoubtedly deserves tlie first rank among the practica' writers of tins time, :is his works displayed, some 'evr things exceptcd the brightest and most lovely portraiture of sanctity and virtue " v. 4S. Romoalda.] S. Romoaldo, a native of Ravenna, and the foun der of the order of CamaldoU, died in 1027. He was the author of a ia mentary on the Psalms. v. 70. The patriarch Jacob.] So Milton, P. L. b. iii. 510 : The stairs were such, as whereon Jacob saw Angels ascend ing and descending, bands Of guardians bright. v. 107. The. siyn.] The constellation of Gemini. v. 130. This i/lobe.] So Chaucer, Troilus and Cresseido, b. T, And down from thence fast he gan aviso This little spot of earth, that with the sea Kmbraced is, and fully gan despise This wretched world. Compare Cicero, Sonm. Scip. "Jam ipsa terra ita mihi parva visa est," &c. Lucan, Ph:irs. 1. ix. 11: and Tasso, G. L. c. xiv. st. 0, 10, 11. v. 140. Maia, and Dionc.] The planets Mercury and Veuus. CANTO XXIII. v. 11. TJi-it rcr/inn.] Towards the south, where the course of the sun appears lesn rapid, than when he is in tlie east or the west. v. 2~>. Trffin.] A name of Diana. v. 2. TJie Mi'jht.} Our Snrionr. v. 71. 7V rtitr.] The Virgin Mary. v. T\. The lilies.} The apostles. v. 84. Tlinn di/ht emit tluj .'//or//.] The divine light retired upwardu, to ronder the eyes of Dante more capable of enduring the spectacle which now presented itself. v. 85. Tlie name Of that fair flower.] The name of the Virgin. v ft'J. A irc.inct.] The angel Gabriel. v. !>S. That hfi-r.] Hy synecdoche, the lyre is put for tlie angel. v. !IO. Thf f/ooditettMpphlre.] The Virgin. v. ]'_'(>. Th'w r/r/i-ltnli-n ,;>//', rs.] Those spirits, who, having sown tho ped of good works on earth, now contain the fruit of their pious endea- vours. v. r*.i. Tn the Babylonian exile.] l>uring their abod(> in this world. v. i:>;;. //.-.] St. Peter, with the other holy men of the Old and New Testament. CANTO XXIV. v. 28. Suc'ifolils.] Pindar has the same bold image: i'Mi'-ir *Tv\ai<;. (). |. 170. On which lleync strangely remarks. "Ad anibiius stmpharum videtur u'ct;ire." 4i6 NOTES. v. 65. Faith.'] Hebrews, c. xi. 1. So Marino, in one of his sonnets, which he calls Divozioni: Fede c susfcmza di sperate cose, E delle non visibili argomento. v. 82. Current.'] "The answer thou hast made is right: but let ru know if thy inward persuasion is conformable to thy profession.' 1 v. 91. The ancient bond and new.] The Old and New Testament v. 114. That Worthy.] Quel Baron. In the next Canto, St. James is called " Barone." So iu Boccaccio, Q. Ti. N. 10, we find "Baron Messer Snnto Antonio." v. 124. As to outstrip.] Venturi insists that the Poet has here " made a slip; " for that John came first to the sepulchre, though Peter was the first to enter it. But let Dante have leave to explain his own meaning, in a passage from his third book De Monarch!! : " Dicit etiani Johannes ipsmn (scilicet Petrum) introiisse sttbito, cum venit in monumentum, videns alitim discipulum cuuctantem ad ostium." Opere di Dante, Yen. 1793. t. ii.p.146. . CANTO XXV. v. 6. The fair sheep-fold.] Florence, whence he was banished. v . 13. For its sake.] For the sake of that faith . v. 20. Galicia throng' d with visitants.] See Mariana, Hist. 1. xi. c. 13. "En el tiempo," &c. "At the time that the sepulchre of the apostle St. James was discovered, the devotion for that place extended itself not only over all Spain, but even round about to foreign nations. Multi- tudes from all parts of the world came to visit it. Many others were de- terred by the difficulty of the journey, by the roughness and barrenness of those parts, and by the incursions of the Moors, who made captives many of the pilgrims. The canons of St. Eloy afterwards (the precise time is not known), with a desire of remedying these evils, built, in many places, along the whole road, which reached as far as to France, hospitals for the reception of the pilgrims." v. 31. Who.] The Papistic of St. James is here attributed to the elder apostle of that name, whose shrine was at Compostella, in Galicia. Which of the two was the author of it, is yet doubtful. The learned and candid Michaelis contends very forcibly for its having been written by James the Elder. Lardner rejects that opinion as absurd: while Benson argues against it, but is well answered by Michaelis, who, after all, ia obliged to leave the question undecided. See his Introduction to the New Testament, translated bv Dr. Marsh, cd. Cambridge, 1793. v. iv. c. J.1, 2, 3. v. 35. As Jesus.] In the transfiguration on Mount Tabor. v. 39. The, second, flame.] St. James. v. 40. I lifted tip.] "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help." Ps. cxxi. 1. v. 5! I. From Egypt to Jerusalem.] From the lower world to heaven. v. 07. Hope.] This is from the Sentences of Potrus Lombardiis. " Est nutem spes virius, qua spiritualia et ii-terna bona sperantur, id est, cum fidaoia expertantur. Est eniin spes ccrta expertatio futur;r beatitiulinis, veniens ex l>ei gratia et ex meritis pr:ecedentihus vel ipsam spem, qiiam natmA pnrit charitas tit rein spcratam, id est, beatitudinem a-ternam. Hhu- mentis eniiu aliquid s]>erare non spes, sed pnesumptio, dici potCBt." Pet. Lomb. Sent. 1. iii. dint. 2(i. ed. Bas. 148G. fol. PAKAD1HE. 447 v 74 His anthem.'] Psalm ix. 10. V. . Fmm /ose that Plato is here meant, who, in hi.-< Banquet, makes Ph.-vdriis say : " Love is confessedly amongst the eldest of beings: and, being the eldest, is the c-iuse to us of the greatest goods." Plat. O|>. t. x. p. 177. Bip. ed. Others have understood it of Aristotle, and others, of the writer who goes by the name of Dionysius the Areo- pagite. referred to in the twenty-eighth Canto. v. 40. / will make.] Exodus, c. xxxiii. 111. v. 42. AtlheovUet.] John. c. i. 1. &c. v. 51. H*e eagle of oitr /./'/.] St. John. v. 02. Tlf I'-n-i-.t.] Created being*. T. 8'2. Thejrxt li>-innd HeltraMis I)ei noinen Kl dicitur." v. i:. I'sc.] From Horace, Are. Poet 62. v. l.'is. Al(mi/lij\.] "I remained in the terrestrial Paradise only t;> the seventh hour." In the Historia Scolastica of Pctrns Comestor, it is nai. Thefnirnt'stofLeda.] "From the Gemini;" thus called, be- cause Lcda was the mother of the twins, Castor am' Pollux. v. 112. Tlwv's roots.] "Here," says Beatrice, "are the roots, from whence time springs: for the parts, into which it is divided, the other heavens must be considered." And she then breaks out into an excla- mation on the degeneracy of human nature, which does not lift itself to the contemplation of divine things. v. 126. The fair child of him.] So she calls human nature. Pindar, by a more easy figure, terms the day, " child of the sun : " 'Afi.c'pai' TritS 'AAiou. Ol. ii. 50. v. 129. Nnne.] Because, as has been before said, the shepherds are become wolves. v. 131. Ilcfort the date .] "Before many ages are past; before those fractious, which are dropt in the reckoning of every year, shall amount to so Ian; s a portion of time, that January shall be no more a v-iuti'T month.' 1 By this periphrasis is meant " in a short time; "as we .-ay familiarly, such a thing will happen before a thousand years an: over, when we mean, it will happen soon. v. l.'liJ /'<>!/ tin? ^iiill h<- fa in .} The commentators, in genera!, sup- lioeL 1 that our Poet here augurs that great reform, which he vainly hoj>oj PAUADISB. 449 would follow on the arrival of tlic Kmperor Henry VII. in Italy. I.OIN- banli refers the pmKiMvtiralion to Can Orande della Sea la : and, when n>iiler that tliis Canto was not finished till after the death of Henry, asaji[*'ars from the mention that is uiadc of John XXlL.it cannot bfl denied luit the conjecture is probable. CANTO XXVIII. v. 30. Ileav'n. and all nahtre, htmgt wpon lhat point.] TOIOVTIH ap ap\qf ^771711 6 ovpirb* *ac ij .Jn^t?. Aristot. Mctapii . 1. xii. c. 7. "From that beninnini: depend heaven and nature." v. 4.".. >sini: all the parts to be equally perfect. Hut in the intel li^cntial world, the circles are ir.orc excellent and ix>werfnl. the more tlity approximate to the central point, which is (iod. 'I'hus the tii.-l circle, that of the seraphim, corresponds to the ninth spheie. or piimum mobile: the second, that of the cherubim, to the eighth sphere, or heaven of ti\ed stars: the third, or circle of thrones, to the seventh sphere, or planet of .S;:tii'-ii; and in like manner throughout the two other trines of circles and spheres. In orb? Of circuit inexpressible they stood, Orb within orb. Milton, P. L. Ix v. 5%. v. 70. T7iP.itiir-1i/ north.] Compare Homer, II. b. v. ">:2k v. 82. fn mnnh>'r.] The sparkles exceeded the number which would ! produced by the sixty-four .'qnairs of a cl ess-boaid. if for the lii>t ve reckoned one; for the next, two; for the third, four; and so went on doubling t'i t!:e end of the account. v !<*;. /'.;''. o/' bmisinu fr->m thr ni-ih'l>/ mm ] Not injured, like the productions of our spring, by the influence of autumn, when the con- Btellatioii A lies rises at sunset. v. 110. Dvnilnatiofte.] Hoar all ye angels, progeny of li^'ht, Thrones, dominations, princedoms, virtues, jHiwcrs. Mi!t-ii. J'. I., b. v. oOl. v llii. Uionj/xinx.] The Areopau'ite, in his lH>k Do Ce!csti Hier- rchi'i. \. 1-4. Gregory.] Ore-jury tho Oreat "Novem \ern an^eloruni oidines dixiiiius; <|iiia videlicet es>e, t('.-l;inle s:>cio c!i><|iiio. scimiis. Xiuelo.M, arc!iair,'e!os. virtutes. p-itestates. prin -ii-atas. ihiniinatione- , -, chei uliin jilipie seraphin " Divi (ire^oiii, Horn, \\.\iv. f. l-'.'i. cii. I-MI. ir.i.s r,,i. \ PJ'i. llr /ml I' unit.} Dionysiiis, he sax <, had learnt I nun St Paul It is almost i!iinfce.-.sar\ to add, that the IMM.!;, alnive referred to, whicb inlei hio K.iiiiL', \'. .. - . i' tioli <>i A lalei il^i: 2U 450 NOTES. CANTO XXIX. T. 1. No Conifer. J As short a space, as the sun and m on are in chang- ing hemispheres, when they are opposite to one another, the one under the sign of Aries, and the other under that of Libra, and both hang for a moment, poised as it were in the hand of the zenith. v. 22. For, not in process of before or aft.] There was neither ' ' before nor after," no distinction, that is, of time, till the creation of the world. y. 30. His threefold operation.] He seems to mean that spiritual beings, brute matter, and the intermediate part of the creation, which participates both of spirit and matter, were produced at once. v. 38. On Jerome's pages.] St. Jerome had described the angels as created before the rest of the universe: an opinion which Thomas Aquinas controverted; and the latter, as Dante thinks, had Scripture on his side. v. 57. Pent.] See Hell, Canto XXXIV. 105. v. 111. Of Bindi and of Lapi.] Common names of men at Florence. v. 112. The sheep.] So Milton, Lycidas. The hungry sheep look up and are not fed, But, swoln with wind and the rank mist they draw, Rot inwardly. v. 121. Tlie preacher.] Thus Cowper, Task, b. ii. 'Tis pitiful To court a grin, when you should woo a soul, &c. V. 131. Saint Anthony Fattens with this his swine.] On the sale of these blessings, the brothers of St. Anthony supported themselves and their paramours. From behind the swine of St. Anthony, our Poet levels a blow at the object of his inveterate enmity, Boniface VIII., from whom, "in 12!I7, they obtained the dignity and privileges of an independent congregation." See Mosheim's Eccles. History in Dr. Maclaine's Translation, v. ii. cent. xi. p. 2. c 2. 28. v. 140. Daniel.] " Thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him." Dan. c. vii. 10. CANTO XXX. v. 1. S?x thousand miles.] ITe compares the vanishing of the vision to the fading away of the stars at dawn, when it is noon-day six thousand miles off, and the shadow, formed by the earth over the part of it in- habited by the Poet, is about to disappear. v. 13. Engirt.] " Appearing to be encompassed by these angelic bands, which are in reality encompassed by it.' 1 v. 18. This turn.] Qnesta vice. Hence perhaps Milton, P. L. b. viii. 491. This turn hath made amends. v. 39. Forth.] From the ninth sphere to the empyrean, which mere light. PARADISE. 451 v. 44. Eithci mii/htj/ hnst.] Of .-niseis, that remained faithful, .ind of beatified souls, the latter in that form wliioh they will have at the last day. v. 61. Liffht Jtmoing.] "And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear :is crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb." Rev. c. xxii. 1. underneath a bright sea flow'd Of jasper, or of liquid pearl. Milton, r. L. b. iii. 5ia v. 80. Shadowy of the truth.] Son di lor vero ombriferi prcfazii. So Mr. Coleridge, in his Religious Musings, v. 406. Life is a vision shadowy of truth. v. 88. the eves Of mine eyelids.] Thus Shakspeare calls the eyelids " penthouse lids." Macbeth, A. 1 B. 3. v. 108. As some cliff.] A Like, That to the fringed bank with myrtle crown'd Her crystal mirror holds. Milton, P. L. b. iv. 263. . 118. My view with case.] Far and wide his eye commands; For sight no obstacle found here, nor shade, .But all sun-shine. Milton, P. L. b. iii. 616. v. 135. Of the great Harry.] The Emperor Henry VII. who died in 1813. v. 141. He.] Pope Clement V. See Canto XXVII. 53. v. 145. Alayna's priest.] Pope Boniface VIII. Hell, Canto XIX. 79. CANTO XXXI. v. r>. firrt.] Compare Homer, Iliad, ii. 87. Virg. JEn. 1. 4.".0, and Mil- ton, I'. L. b. 1.768. v. _". /////<.] Callisto, and her son Areas, changed into the constella- tions of the 452 NOTES. turod the now festival established in honour of the Immaculate Concep- tion of the Virgin, and "opposed the doctrine itself \\ith the greatest vigour, as it supposed her being honoured with a privilege which belonged BO Cl i fist alone." Dr. Maelaine's Moshciin, v. iii. cent. xii. p. ii. c. 3. 19. v. 95. Oiir Veronica.] The holy handkerchief, then preserved at Rome, on which the countenance of our Saviour was supposed to have been imprest v. 101. Him.'] St. Bernard. v. 108. The queen.] The Virgin Mary. v. 119. Oriflamb.] Menage on this word quotes the Uonian dee Royaui I. linages of Guillaiune Ghyart Oriflamme est une banniere De cendal roujoyant et simple Sans portraiture d'autre affaire. CANTO XXXII. v. 3. She.] Eve. v. 8. Anceetre**.] Ruth, the ancestress of David. v. 60. In holy scripture.] Gen. c. xxv. 22. v. 123. Lucia.] See Hell, Quito II. 97. CANTO XXXIII. v. 63. The SybiPx sentence.] Virg. /En. iii. 445. v. 89. One moment. ] "A moment seems to me more tedious, tnan fiie-and-twenty ages would have appeared to the Argonauts, wheii thev had resolved on their expedition." v. 92. Anjo's shadoio.] Qiire simul ac rostro ventosum proscidit a?qnor, Tortaque remigio spumis incanduit tindfi, Emersere feri candenti e gurgite vultus ^Equorejc monstrun 1 . Xere'ides admirantes. Catullus, De Nupt. I'd. ct Thct. 15. v. 109. TJirec orbs of triple hue, dipt in one bound.] The Trinity. v. 118. That circliti'/.] The second of the circles, " Light of Light," io which ho dimly beheld the mystery of the incarnation. ttui mm. 500102623 6 L ^*?N 7J*"*W ". -