s: Have held unceasingly their view, intent


s: Upon the glorious vision, from the which


s: Naught absent is nor hid: where then no change


s: Remembrance there needs none to gather up


s: "So that men, thus at variance with the truth


s: Dream, though their eyes be open; reckless some


s: To whom more guilt and shame are justly due.


s: Heav'n's anger less, than when the book of God


s: Or from its straightness warp'd: no reck'ning made


s: What blood the sowing of it in the world


s: Has cost; what favour for himself he wins,


s: Who meekly clings to it.  The aim of all


s: Is how to shine: e'en they, whose office is


s: To preach the Gospel, let the gospel sleep,


s: And pass their own inventions off instead.


s: One tells, how at Christ's suffering the wan moon


s: Bent back her steps, and shadow'd o'er the sun


s: With intervenient disk, as she withdrew:


s: Such fables Florence in her pulpit hears,


s: Bandied about more frequent, than the names


s: The sheep, meanwhile, poor witless ones, return


s: From pasture, fed with wind: and what avails


s: For their excuse, they do not see their harm?


s: Christ said not to his first conventicle,


s: 'Go forth and preach impostures to the world,'


s: But gave them truth to build on; and the sound


s: Was mighty on their lips; nor needed they,


s: Beside the gospel, other spear or shield,


s: To aid them in their warfare for the faith.


s: The preacher now provides himself with store


s: Of jests and gibes; and, so there be no lack


s: Of laughter, while he vents them, his big cowl


s: Distends, and he has won the meed he sought:


s: Could but the vulgar catch a glimpse the while


s: Of that dark bird which nestles in his hood,


s: They scarce would wait to hear the blessing said.


s: That every counterfeit, who spreads abroad


s: The hands of holy promise, finds a throng


s: Of credulous fools beneath.  Saint Anthony


s: Fattens with this his swine, and others worse


s: Paying with unstamp'd metal for their fare.


s: "But (for we far have wander'd) let us seek


s: Be shorten'd with the time.  No mortal tongue


s: Nor thought of man hath ever reach'd so far,


s: That of these natures he might count the tribes.


s: What Daniel of their thousands hath reveal'd


s: The fountain at whose source these drink their beams,


s: With light supplies them in as many modes,


s: As there are splendours, that it shines on: each


s: Look then how lofty and how huge in breadth


s: The' eternal might, which, broken and dispers'd


s: Over such countless mirrors, yet remains


s: Whole in itself and one, as at the first."


s: Noon's fervid hour perchance six thousand miles


s: From hence is distant; and the shadowy cone


s: When from the midmost of this blue abyss


s: By turns some star is to our vision lost.


s: And straightway as the handmaid of the sun


s: Puts forth her radiant brow, all, light by light,


s: Fade, and the spangled firmament shuts in,


s: E'en to the loveliest of the glittering throng.


s: The triumph, which plays ever round the point,


s: Engirt by that it girdeth.  Wherefore love,


s: With loss of other object, forc'd me bend


s: Were in one praise concluded, 't were too weak


s: To furnish out this turn.  Mine eyes did look


s: That save its Maker, none can to the full


s: Enjoy it.  At this point o'erpower'd I fail,


s: Of buskin or of sock hath fail'd before.


s: For, as the sun doth to the feeblest sight,


s: E'en so remembrance of that witching smile


s: Not from that day, when on this earth I first


s: Beheld her charms, up to that view of them,


s: My course here bounded, as each artist's is,


s: When it doth touch the limit of his skill.


s: She (such as I bequeath her to the bruit


s: Of louder trump than mine, which hasteneth on,


s: Urging its arduous matter to the close),


s: Her words resum'd, in gesture and in voice


s: "Forth from the last corporeal are we come


s: Into the heav'n, that is unbodied light,


s: Love of true happiness replete with joy,


s: Joy, that transcends all sweetness of delight.


s: Here shalt thou look on either mighty host


s: Which in the final judgment thou shalt see."


s: As when the lightning, in a sudden spleen


s: The visive spirits dazzled and bedimm'd;


s: Of living radiance play'd, and left me swath'd


s: Such weal is in the love, that stills this heav'n;


s: For its own flame the torch this fitting ever!


s: Excess of light, however pure.  I look'd;


s: Light flowing, from whose amber-seeming waves


s: Flash'd up effulgence, as they glided on


s: 'Twixt banks, on either side, painted with spring,


s: Incredible how fair; and, from the tide,


s: Sparkles instinct with life; and in the flow'rs


s: Did set them, like to rubies chas'd in gold;


s: Then, as if drunk with odors, plung'd again


s: Into the wondrous flood; from which, as one


s: Re'enter'd, still another rose.  "The thirst


s: Of knowledge high, whereby thou art inflam'd,


s: To search the meaning of what here thou seest,


s: The more it warms thee, pleases me the more.


s: But first behooves thee of this water drink,


s: Or ere that longing be allay'd."  So spake


s: The day-star of mine eyes; then thus subjoin'd:


s: "This stream, and these, forth issuing from its gulf,


s: With all this laughter on its bloomy shores,


s: They emblem: not that, in themselves, the things


s: Are crude; but on thy part is the defect,


s: For that thy views not yet aspire so high."


s: Never did babe, that had outslept his wont,


s: Rush, with such eager straining, to the milk,


s: Of mine eyelids did drink of it, forthwith


s: Seem'd it unto me turn'd from length to round,


s: Then as a troop of maskers, when they put


s: Their vizors off, look other than before,


s: The counterfeited semblance thrown aside;


s: Those flowers and sparkles, and distinct I saw


s: Before me either court of heav'n displac'd.


s: O prime enlightener! thou who crav'st me strength


s: On the high triumph of thy realm to gaze!


s: Grant virtue now to utter what I kenn'd,


s: There is in heav'n a light, whose goodly shine


s: Have peace; and in a circle spreads so far,


s: That the circumference were too loose a zone


s: That moves, which being hence and vigour takes,


s: And as some cliff, that from the bottom eyes


s: Its image mirror'd in the crystal flood,


s: Of verdure and of flowers: so, round about,


s: Eyeing the light, on more than million thrones,


s: Has to the skies return'd.  How wide the leaves


s: Nor height impeded, but my view with ease


s: Took in the full dimensions of that joy.


s: Near or remote, what there avails, where God


s: Immediate rules, and Nature, awed, suspends


s: Perennial, which in bright expansiveness,


s: Lays forth its gradual blooming, redolent


s: As one, who fain would speak yet holds his peace,


s: Beatrice led me; and, "Behold," she said,


s: "This fair assemblage! stoles of snowy white


s: How numberless!  The city, where we dwell,


s: Behold how vast! and these our seats so throng'd


s: Few now are wanting here!  In that proud stall,


s: On which, the crown, already o'er its state


s: Suspended, holds thine eyes--or ere thyself


s: Mayst at the wedding sup,--shall rest the soul


s: Of the great Harry, he who, by the world


s: Before her day be ripe.  But ye are sick,


s: As is the bantling, that of hunger dies,


s: And drives away the nurse.  Nor may it be,


s: Accordant walk: Whom God will not endure


s: I' th' holy office long; but thrust him down


s: Will sink beneath him: such will be his meed."


s: In fashion, as a snow-white rose, lay then


s: Which in his own blood Christ espous'd.  Meanwhile


s: That other host, that soar aloft to gaze


s: And celebrate his glory, whom they love,


s: Hover'd around; and, like a troop of bees,


s: Now, clustering, where their fragrant labour glows,


s: Flew downward to the mighty flow'r, or rose


s: From the redundant petals, streaming back


s: Unto the steadfast dwelling of their joy.


s: Faces had they of flame, and wings of gold;


s: The rest was whiter than the driven snow.


s: And as they flitted down into the flower,


s: From range to range, fanning their plumy loins,


s: Whisper'd the peace and ardour, which they won


s: From that soft winnowing.  Shadow none, the vast


s: Cast, from above, upon the flower, or view


s: Obstructed aught.  For, through the universe,


s: Glides freely, and no obstacle prevents.


s: All there, who reign in safety and in bliss,


s: Their love and vision fix'd.  O trinal beam


s: Of individual star, that charmst them thus,


s: Vouchsafe one glance to gild our storm below!


s: If the grim brood, from Arctic shores that roam'd,


s: Sparkles a mother's fondness on her son)


s: Stood in mute wonder 'mid the works of Rome,


s: In greatness more than earthly; I, who then


s: From human to divine had past, from time


s: To justice and to truth, how might I choose


s: But marvel too?  'Twixt gladness and amaze,


s: Or hear.  And, as a pilgrim, when he rests


s: Within the temple of his vow, looks round


s: In breathless awe, and hopes some time to tell


s: Of all its goodly state: e'en so mine eyes


s: Cours'd up and down along the living light,


s: Smiles from within and radiance from above,


s: And in each gesture grace and honour high.


s: All Paradise survey'd: when round I turn'd


s: Once more of things, that held my thought suspense,


s: But answer found from other than I ween'd;


s: Rob'd, as the rest, in glory.  Joy benign


s: Glow'd in his eye, and o'er his cheek diffus'd,


s: With gestures such as spake a father's love.


s: And, "Whither is she vanish'd?"  straight I ask'd.


s: To the third circle from the highest, there


s: Behold her on the throne, wherein her merit


s: Hath plac'd her."  Answering not, mine eyes I rais'd,


s: And saw her, where aloof she sat, her brow


s: As was my ken from hers; and yet the form


s: Came through that medium down, unmix'd and pure,


s: "O Lady! thou in whom my hopes have rest!


s: Who, for my safety, hast not scorn'd, in hell


s: To leave the traces of thy footsteps mark'd!


s: For all mine eyes have seen, I, to thy power


s: And goodness, virtue owe and grace.  Of slave,


s: Thou hast to freedom brought me; and no means,


s: For my deliverance apt, hast left untried.


s: Thy liberal bounty still toward me keep.


s: That, when my spirit, which thou madest whole,


s: Favour with thee."  So I my suit preferr'd:


s: And she, so distant, as appear'd, look'd down,


s: And smil'd; then tow'rds th' eternal fountain turn'd.


s: "That thou at length mayst happily conclude


s: Thy voyage (to which end I was dispatch'd,


s: Let thy upsoaring vision range, at large,


s: This garden through: for so, by ray divine


s: Kindled, thy ken a higher flight shall mount;


s: And from heav'n's queen, whom fervent I adore,


s: All gracious aid befriend us; for that I


s: Am her own faithful Bernard."  Like a wight,


s: Our Veronica, and the while 't is shown,


s: And, all that he hath heard revolving, saith


s: Unto himself in thought: "And didst thou look


s: E'en thus, O Jesus, my true Lord and God?


s: And was this semblance thine?"  So gaz'd I then


s: Who musing, in the world that peace enjoy'd,


s: Stood lively before me.  "Child of grace!"


s: Thus he began: "thou shalt not knowledge gain


s: Of this glad being, if thine eyes are held


s: Still in this depth below.  But search around


s: The circles, to the furthest, till thou spy


s: Seated in state, the queen, that of this realm


s: Is sovran."  Straight mine eyes I rais'd; and bright,


s: As, at the birth of morn, the eastern clime


s: Above th' horizon, where the sun declines;


s: To mountain sped, at th' extreme bound, a part


s: Excell'd in lustre all the front oppos'd.


s: And as the glow burns ruddiest o'er the wave,


s: That waits the sloping beam, which Phaeton


s: Ill knew to guide, and on each part the light


s: Diminish'd fades, intensest in the midst;


s: So burn'd the peaceful oriflame, and slack'd


s: And in that midst their sportive pennons wav'd


s: Thousands of angels; in resplendence each


s: Distinct, and quaint adornment. At their glee


s: And carol, smil'd the Lovely One of heav'n,


s: That joy was in the eyes of all the blest.


s: 'T were all too poor to utter the least part


s: Of that enchantment.  When he saw mine eyes


s: Intent on her, that charm'd him, Bernard gaz'd


s: Freely the sage, though wrapt in musings high,


s: Assum'd the teacher's part, and mild began:


s: "The wound, that Mary clos'd, she open'd first,


s: Meek ancestress of him, who sang the songs


s: Of sore repentance in his sorrowful mood.


s: All, as I name them, down from deaf to leaf,


s: And from the seventh step, successively,


s: Adown the breathing tresses of the flow'r


s: Still doth the file of Hebrew dames proceed.


s: The sacred stairs are sever'd, as the faith


s: In Christ divides them.  On this part, where blooms


s: Such as in Christ, or ere he came, believ'd.


s: On th' other, where an intersected space


s: All they, who look'd to Christ already come.


s: And they who on their stools beneath her sit,


s: This way distinction make: e'en so on his,


s: The mighty Baptist that way marks the line


s: (He who endur'd the desert and the pains


s: Of martyrdom, and for two years of hell,


s: Augustin, Francis, Benedict, and the rest,


s: Thus far from round to round.  So heav'n's decree


s: With faith in either view, past or to come,


s: Learn too, that downward from the step, which cleaves


s: Midway the twain compartments, none there are


s: Who place obtain for merit of their own,


s: But have through others' merit been advanc'd,


s: On set conditions: spirits all releas'd,


s: Ere for themselves they had the power to choose.


s: And, if thou mark and listen to them well,


s: Their childish looks and voice declare as much.


s: "Here, silent as thou art, I know thy doubt;


s: And gladly will I loose the knot, wherein


s: Thy subtle thoughts have bound thee.  From this realm


s: Excluded, chalice no entrance here may find,


s: No more shall hunger, thirst, or sorrow can.


s: Nor is there aught thou seest, that doth not fit,


s: It is not therefore without cause, that these,


s: Are different in their shares of excellence.


s: Our Sovran Lord--that settleth this estate


s: That wish can dare no further--every soul,


s: With grace at pleasure variously endows.


s: And for a proof th' effect may well suffice.


s: And 't is moreover most expressly mark'd


s: In holy scripture, where the twins are said


s: To, have struggled in the womb.  Therefore, as grace


s: And merely in respect to his prime gift,


s: More was not wanting, than the parents' faith,


s: To save them: those first ages past, behoov'd


s: That circumcision in the males should imp


s: The flight of innocent wings: but since the day


s: Of grace hath come, without baptismal rites


s: In Christ accomplish'd, innocence herself


s: Must linger yet below.  Now raise thy view


s: For, in her splendour only, shalt thou win


s: The pow'r to look on him."  Forthwith I saw


s: Such floods of gladness on her visage shower'd,


s: From holy spirits, winging that profound;


s: Had not so much suspended me with wonder,


s: On earth, now hail'd in heav'n; and on pois'd wing.


s: To whose sweet anthem all the blissful court,


s: From all parts answ'ring, rang: that holier joy


s: Brooded the deep serene.  "Father rever'd:


s: Who deign'st, for me, to quit the pleasant place,


s: Say, who that angel is, that with such glee


s: Beholds our queen, and so enamour'd glows


s: Of her high beauty, that all fire he seems."


s: Of my wise teacher, he, whom Mary's charms


s: Embellish'd, as the sun the morning star;


s: Who thus in answer spake: "In him are summ'd,


s: And so beseems: for that he bare the palm


s: Vouchsaf'd to clothe him in terrestrial weeds.


s: Now let thine eyes wait heedful on my words,


s: And note thou of this just and pious realm


s: The chiefest nobles.  Those, highest in bliss,


s: The twain, on each hand next our empress thron'd,


s: Are as it were two roots unto this rose.


s: He to the left, the parent, whose rash taste


s: Proves bitter to his seed; and, on the right,


s: Into whose keeping Christ did give the keys


s: Of this sweet flow'r: near whom behold the seer,


s: That, ere he died, saw all the grievous times


s: Of the fair bride, who with the lance and nails


s: Was won.  And, near unto the other, rests


s: Th' ungrateful nation, fickle and perverse.


s: Where Anna sits, so well content to look


s: On her lov'd daughter, that with moveless eye


s: She chants the loud hosanna: while, oppos'd


s: To the first father of your mortal kind,


s: When on the edge of ruin clos'd thine eye.


s: "But (for the vision hasteneth so an end)


s: Here break we off, as the good workman doth,


s: That shapes the cloak according to the cloth:


s: And to the primal love our ken shall rise;


s: That thou mayst penetrate the brightness, far


s: As sight can bear thee.  Yet, alas! in sooth


s: Beating thy pennons, thinking to advance,


s: Thou backward fall'st.  Grace then must first be gain'd;


s: Her grace, whose might can help thee.  Thou in prayer


s: Seek her: and, with affection, whilst I sue,


s: Attend, and yield me all thy heart."  He said,


s: Surpassing, as in height, above them all,


s: Term by th' eternal counsel pre-ordain'd,


s: In thee, that its great Maker did not scorn,


s: Himself, in his own work enclos'd to dwell!


s: For in thy womb rekindling shone the love


s: Reveal'd, whose genial influence makes now


s: Art, as the noon-day torch: and art, beneath,


s: That he who grace desireth, and comes not


s: To thee for aidance, fain would have desire


s: Fly without wings.  Nor only him who asks,


s: Thy bounty succours, but doth freely oft


s: Are all combin'd in thee.  Here kneeleth one,


s: Who of all spirits hath review'd the state,


s: From the world's lowest gap unto this height.


s: Suppliant to thee he kneels, imploring grace


s: For virtue, yet more high to lift his ken


s: Toward the bliss supreme.  And I, who ne'er


s: Than now for him, my prayers to thee prefer,


s: (And pray they be not scant) that thou wouldst drive


s: That on the sovran pleasure he may gaze.


s: Who canst do what thou wilt! that in him thou


s: Wouldst after all he hath beheld, preserve


s: Affection sound, and human passions quell.


s: Stretch their clasp'd hands, in furtherance of my suit!"


s: The eyes, that heav'n with love and awe regards,


s: Fix'd on the suitor, witness'd, how benign


s: She looks on pious pray'rs: then fasten'd they


s: On th' everlasting light, wherein no eye


s: Of creature, as may well be thought, so far


s: Can travel inward.  I, meanwhile, who drew


s: Near to the limit, where all wishes end,


s: The ardour of my wish (for so behooved),


s: Ended within me. Beck'ning smil'd the sage,


s: That I should look aloft: but, ere he bade,


s: For visual strength, refining more and more,


s: Of sovran light.  Thenceforward, what I saw,


s: Was not for words to speak, nor memory's self


s: To stand against such outrage on her skill.


s: As one, who from a dream awaken'd, straight,


s: All he hath seen forgets; yet still retains


s: E'en such am I: for all the vision dies,


s: As 't were, away; and yet the sense of sweet,


s: That sprang from it, still trickles in my heart.


s: Thus in the sun-thaw is the snow unseal'd;


s: Thus in the winds on flitting leaves was lost


s: (Whose height what reach of mortal thought may soar?)


s: Of what thou then appearedst, give my tongue


s: Power, but to leave one sparkle of thy glory,


s: Unto the race to come, that shall not lose


s: The record sound in this unequal strain.


s: Such keenness from the living ray I met,


s: That, if mine eyes had turn'd away, methinks,


s: O grace! unenvying of thy boon! that gav'st


s: On th' everlasting splendour, that I look'd,


s: While sight was unconsum'd, and, in that depth,


s: Saw in one volume clasp'd of love, whatever


s: The whole.  And of such bond methinks I saw


s: Beyond her proper self; and, till I speak,


s: To that emprize, that first made Neptune wonder


s: At Argo's shadow darkening on his flood.


s: With fixed heed, suspense and motionless,


s: Was kindled, as I gaz'd.  It may not be,


s: That one, who looks upon that light, can turn


s: For all the good, that will may covet, there


s: Is summ'd; and all, elsewhere defective found,


s: Complete.  My tongue shall utter now, no more


s: E'en what remembrance keeps, than could the babe's


s: That yet is moisten'd at his mother's breast.


s: Not that the semblance of the living light


s: Was chang'd (that ever as at first remain'd)


s: But that my vision quickening, in that sole


s: Appearance, still new miracles descry'd,


s: And toil'd me with the change.  In that abyss


s: Of radiance, clear and lofty, seem'd methought,


s: Three orbs of triple hue clipt in one bound:


s: And, from another, one reflected seem'd,


s: As rainbow is from rainbow: and the third


s: Seem'd fire, breath'd equally from both.  Oh speech


s: How feeble and how faint art thou, to give


s: Conception birth!  Yet this to what I saw


s: Sole in thyself that dwellst; and of thyself


s: Sole understood, past, present, or to come!


s: Thou smiledst; on that circling, which in thee


s: Seem'd as reflected splendour, while I mus'd;


s: For I therein, methought, in its own hue


s: I therefore por'd upon the view.  As one


s: Who vers'd in geometric lore, would fain


s: Measure the circle; and, though pondering long


s: And deeply, that beginning, which he needs,


s: Finds not; e'en such was I, intent to scan


s: The novel wonder, and trace out the form,


s: How plac'd: but the flight was not for my wing;


s: And in the spleen unfolded what it sought.


s: Here vigour fail'd the tow'ring fantasy:


s: But yet the will roll'd onward, like a wheel


s: That moves the sun in heav'n and all the stars.


s: O'er better waves to speed her rapid course


s: The light bark of my genius lifts the sail,


s: Well pleas'd to leave so cruel sea behind;


s: In which the human spirit from sinful blot


s: Is purg'd, and for ascent to Heaven prepares.


s: Here, O ye hallow'd Nine! for in your train


s: I follow, here the deadened strain revive;


s: A somewhat higher song, of that loud tone,


s: Which when the wretched birds of chattering note


s: Had heard, they of forgiveness lost all hope.


s: Sweet hue of eastern sapphire, that was spread


s: High up as the first circle, to mine eyes


s: Forth from the atmosphere of deadly gloom,


s: That had mine eyes and bosom fill'd with grief.


s: The radiant planet, that to love invites,


s: Made all the orient laugh, and veil'd beneath


s: The Pisces' light, that in his escort came.


s: To the right hand I turn'd, and fix'd my mind


s: On the' other pole attentive, where I saw


s: Four stars ne'er seen before save by the ken


s: Of our first parents.  Heaven of their rays


s: Seem'd joyous.  O thou northern site, bereft


s: Indeed, and widow'd, since of these depriv'd!


s: As from this view I had desisted, straight


s: Turning a little tow'rds the other pole,


s: There from whence now the wain had disappear'd,


s: Alone, so worthy of rev'rence in his look,


s: That ne'er from son to father more was ow'd.


s: Low down his beard and mix'd with hoary white


s: Descended, like his locks, which parting fell


s: Upon his breast in double fold.  The beams


s: So brightly shone, and with such radiance clear


s: Deck'd it, that I beheld him as the sun.


s: "Say who are ye, that stemming the blind stream,


s: Forth from th' eternal prison-house have fled?"


s: He spoke and moved those venerable plumes.


s: "Who hath conducted, or with lantern sure


s: Lights you emerging from the depth of night,


s: That makes the infernal valley ever black?


s: Are the firm statutes of the dread abyss


s: Broken, or in high heaven new laws ordain'd,


s: That thus, condemn'd, ye to my caves approach?"


s: My guide, then laying hold on me, by words


s: And intimations given with hand and head,


s: Made my bent knees and eye submissive pay


s: Due reverence; then thus to him replied.


s: "Not of myself I come; a Dame from heaven


s: Descending, had besought me in my charge


s: To bring.  But since thy will implies, that more


s: This mortal ne'er hath seen the farthest gloom.


s: So near, that little space was left to turn.


s: Then, as before I told, I was dispatch'd


s: Save this which I have ta'en.  I have display'd


s: And purpose now those spirits to display,


s: That under thy command are purg'd from sin.


s: How I have brought him would be long to say.


s: From high descends the virtue, by whose aid


s: I to thy sight and hearing him have led.


s: Now may our coming please thee.  In the search


s: They know, who for her sake have life refus'd.


s: Thou knowest, to whom death for her was sweet


s: In Utica, where thou didst leave those weeds,


s: That in the last great day will shine so bright.


s: He breathes, and I am free of Minos' power,


s: Of thy chaste Marcia beam, who still in look


s: Prays thee, O hallow'd spirit! to own her shine.


s: Then by her love we' implore thee, let us pass


s: Through thy sev'n regions; for which best thanks


s: If mention there below thou not disdain."


s: "Marcia so pleasing in my sight was found,"


s: He then to him rejoin'd, "while I was there,


s: That all she ask'd me I was fain to grant.


s: Now that beyond the' accursed stream she dwells,


s: Which was ordain'd me, when I issued thence.


s: Not so, if Dame from heaven, as thou sayst,


s: Moves and directs thee; then no flattery needs.


s: Enough for me that in her name thou ask.


s: Go therefore now: and with a slender reed


s: See that thou duly gird him, and his face


s: Lave, till all sordid stain thou wipe from thence.


s: For not with eye, by any cloud obscur'd,


s: Who stands the foremost minister in heaven.


s: This islet all around, there far beneath,


s: Where the wave beats it, on the oozy bed


s: Produces store of reeds. No other plant,


s: Cover'd with leaves, or harden'd in its stalk,


s: There lives, not bending to the water's sway.


s: Will show you, that now rises, where to take


s: Speechless, and to my guide retiring close,


s: Toward him turn'd mine eyes.  He thus began;


s: "My son! observant thou my steps pursue.


s: We must retreat to rearward, for that way


s: The champain to its low extreme declines."


s: The dawn had chas'd the matin hour of prime,


s: I spy'd the trembling of the ocean stream.


s: Who, wander'd from his track, thinks every step


s: Trodden in vain till he regain the path.


s: When we had come, where yet the tender dew


s: Strove with the sun, and in a place, where fresh


s: The wind breath'd o'er it, while it slowly dried;


s: My master plac'd, in graceful act and kind.


s: Stretch'd out to him my cheeks suffus'd with tears.


s: That hue, which the dun shades of hell conceal'd.


s: Man, that could after measure back his course,


s: He girt me in such manner as had pleas'd


s: Him who instructed, and O, strange to tell!


s: Resembling, straightway in its place arose.


s: Now had the sun to that horizon reach'd,


s: That covers, with the most exalted point


s: Sounds, from the stream of Ganges issued forth,


s: Holding the scales, that from her hands are dropp'd


s: When she reigns highest: so that where I was,


s: Aurora's white and vermeil-tinctur'd cheek


s: To orange turn'd as she in age increas'd.


s: Meanwhile we linger'd by the water's brink,


s: Like men, who, musing on their road, in thought


s: Journey, while motionless the body rests.


s: Through the thick vapours Mars with fiery beam


s: Glares down in west, over the ocean floor;


s: So seem'd, what once again I hope to view,


s: A light so swiftly coming through the sea,


s: No winged course might equal its career.


s: From which when for a space I had withdrawn


s: Thine eyes, to make inquiry of my guide,


s: And brightness: thou on either side appear'd


s: Something, but what I knew not of bright hue,


s: Stood, while the brightness, that we first discern'd,


s: Open'd the form of wings: then when he knew


s: The pilot, cried aloud, "Down, down; bend low


s: Thy knees; behold God's angel: fold thy hands:


s: Now shalt thou see true Ministers indeed.


s: "Lo how all human means he sets at naught!


s: So that nor oar he needs, nor other sail


s: Except his wings, between such distant shores.


s: Lo how straight up to heaven he holds them rear'd,


s: Winnowing the air with those eternal plumes,


s: That not like mortal hairs fall off or change!"


s: As more and more toward us came, more bright


s: Appear'd the bird of God, nor could the eye


s: Endure his splendor near: I mine bent down.


s: He drove ashore in a small bark so swift


s: And light, that in its course no wave it drank.


s: The heav'nly steersman at the prow was seen,


s: Within a hundred spirits and more there sat.


s: All with one voice together sang, with what


s: Then soon as with the sign of holy cross


s: He bless'd them, they at once leap'd out on land,


s: The swiftly as he came return'd. The crew,


s: There left, appear'd astounded with the place,


s: Gazing around as one who sees new sights.


s: From every side the sun darted his beams,


s: And with his arrowy radiance from mid heav'n


s: Had chas'd the Capricorn, when that strange tribe


s: Lifting their eyes towards us: "If ye know,


s: Declare what path will Lead us to the mount."


s: Them Virgil answer'd.  "Ye suppose perchance


s: Us well acquainted with this place: but here,


s: We, as yourselves, are strangers.  Not long erst


s: By other road so rough and hard, that now


s: The' ascent will seem to us as play."  The spirits,


s: Who from my breathing had perceiv'd I liv'd,


s: Grew pale with wonder.  As the multitude


s: Flock round a herald, sent with olive branch,


s: To hear what news he brings, and in their haste


s: Tread one another down, e'en so at sight


s: Of me those happy spirits were fix'd, each one


s: Where cleans'd from sin, it might be made all fair.


s: To do the like was mov'd.  O shadows vain


s: Except in outward semblance! thrice my hands


s: I clasp'd behind it, they as oft return'd


s: I needs must think was painted in my looks,


s: For that the shadow smil'd and backward drew.


s: Then who it was I knew, and pray'd of it,


s: To talk with me, it would a little pause.


s: It answered: "Thee as in my mortal frame


s: I lov'd, so loos'd forth it I love thee still,


s: And therefore pause; but why walkest thou here?"


s: "Not without purpose once more to return,


s: Journeying this way;" I said, "but how of thee


s: Hath so much time been lost?"  He answer'd straight:


s: Who when and whom he chooses takes, me oft


s: This passage hath denied, since of just will


s: His will he makes.  These three months past indeed,


s: He, whose chose to enter, with free leave


s: Hath taken; whence I wand'ring by the shore


s: Where Tyber's wave grows salt, of him gain'd kind


s: Admittance, at that river's mouth, tow'rd which


s: His wings are pointed, for there always throng


s: Then I: "If new laws have not quite destroy'd


s: Memory and use of that sweet song of love,


s: That while all my cares had power to 'swage;


s: My spirit, that incumber'd with its frame,


s: Travelling so far, of pain is overcome."


s: "Love that discourses in my thoughts."  He then


s: The sweetness thrills me yet.  My gentle guide


s: And all who came with him, so well were pleas'd,


s: That seem'd naught else might in their thoughts have room.


s: Fast fix'd in mute attention to his notes


s: We stood, when lo! that old man venerable


s: What negligence detains you loit'ring here?


s: Run to the mountain to cast off those scales,


s: That from your eyes the sight of God conceal."


s: As a wild flock of pigeons, to their food


s: Collected, blade or tares, without their pride


s: Accustom'd, and in still and quiet sort,


s: Their meal, assail'd by more important care;


s: So I that new-come troop beheld, the song


s: Deserting, hasten to the mountain's side,


s: As one who goes yet where he tends knows not.


s: Nor with less hurried step did we depart.


s: Them sudden flight had scatter'd over the plain,


s: Turn'd tow'rds the mountain, whither reason's voice


s: Depriv'd, might I have sped, or who beside


s: Would o'er the mountainous tract have led my steps


s: Seem'd smitten.  O clear conscience and upright


s: How doth a little fling wound thee sore!


s: Soon as his feet desisted (slack'ning pace),


s: From haste, that mars all decency of act,


s: My mind, that in itself before was wrapt,


s: Its thoughts expanded, as with joy restor'd:


s: My face, where highest to heav'n its top o'erflows.


s: The sun, that flar'd behind, with ruddy beam


s: His rays resistance met.  I turn'd aside


s: When thus my solace, turning him around,


s: Bespake me kindly: "Why distrustest thou?


s: Believ'st not I am with thee, thy sure guide?


s: It now is evening there, where buried lies


s: The body, in which I cast a shade, remov'd


s: To Naples from Brundusium's wall.  Nor thou


s: Torments of heat and cold extreme, like frames


s: That virtue hath dispos'd, which how it works


s: Who hopes, our reason may that space explore,


s: Which holds three persons in one substance knit.


s: Seek not the wherefore, race of human kind;


s: Could ye have seen the whole, no need had been


s: Have seen such men desiring fruitlessly;


s: To whose desires repose would have been giv'n,


s: That now but serve them for eternal grief.


s: And others many more."  And then he bent


s: Downwards his forehead, and in troubled mood


s: Broke off his speech.  Meanwhile we had arriv'd


s: Far as the mountain's foot, and there the rock


s: Found of so steep ascent, that nimblest steps


s: To climb it had been vain.  The most remote


s: Most wild untrodden path, in all the tract


s: "Who knows on which hand now the steep declines?"


s: My master said and paus'd, "so that he may


s: Ascend, who journeys without aid of wine?"


s: And while with looks directed to the ground


s: And I gaz'd upward round the stony height,


s: Of spirits, that toward us mov'd their steps,


s: Yet moving seem'd not, they so slow approach'd.


s: I thus my guide address'd: "Upraise thine eyes,


s: Lo that way some, of whom thou may'st obtain


s: Counsel, if of thyself thou find'st it not!"


s: Straightway he look'd, and with free speech replied:


s: "Let us tend thither: they but softly come.


s: And thou be firm in hope, my son belov'd."


s: Now was that people distant far in space


s: As at a throw the nervous arm could fling,


s: When all drew backward on the messy crags


s: Of the steep bank, and firmly stood unmov'd


s: As one who walks in doubt might stand to look.


s: Virgil to them began, "by that blest peace,


s: Which, as I deem, is for you all prepar'd,


s: Instruct us where the mountain low declines,


s: So that attempt to mount it be not vain.


s: For who knows most, him loss of time most grieves."


s: As sheep, that step from forth their fold, by one,


s: Or pairs, or three at once; meanwhile the rest


s: Stand fearfully, bending the eye and nose


s: To ground, and what the foremost does, that do


s: The others, gath'ring round her, if she stops,


s: Simple and quiet, nor the cause discern;


s: Who of that fortunate crew were at the head,


s: Of modest mien and graceful in their gait.


s: When they before me had beheld the light


s: From my right side fall broken on the ground,


s: So that the shadow reach'd the cave, they stopp'd


s: And somewhat back retir'd: the same did all,


s: Who follow'd, though unweeting of the cause.


s: That the sun's light is broken on the ground,


s: Marvel not: but believe, that not without


s: Over this wall aspire."  So them bespake


s: My master; and that virtuous tribe rejoin'd;


s: "Turn, and before you there the entrance lies,"


s: Then of them one began.  "Whoe'er thou art,


s: Who journey'st thus this way, thy visage turn,


s: Think if me elsewhere thou hast ever seen."


s: I tow'rds him turn'd, and with fix'd eye beheld.


s: He seem'd, but on one brow a gash was mark'd.


s: Him ever: "Now behold!"  he said, and show'd


s: High on his breast a wound: then smiling spake.


s: Costanza: whence I pray thee, when return'd,


s: Aught else be told.  When by two mortal blows


s: Weeping to him, who of free will forgives.


s: Hath goodness infinite, that it receives


s: All who turn to it.  Had this text divine


s: Been of Cosenza's shepherd better scann'd,


s: Yet at the bridge's head my bones had lain,


s: Protected; but the rain now drenches them,


s: And the wind drives, out of the kingdom's bounds,


s: Far as the stream of Verde, where, with lights


s: Extinguish'd, he remov'd them from their bed.


s: Yet by their curse we are not so destroy'd,


s: But that the eternal love may turn, while hope


s: Retains her verdant blossoms.  True it is,


s: Against the holy church, though he repent,


s: Must wander thirty-fold for all the time


s: Be not by prayers of good men shorter made


s: Look therefore if thou canst advance my bliss;


s: Thou hast beheld me, and beside the terms


s: By means of those below much profit comes."


s: Entire the soul collects herself, it seems


s: And thus the error is disprov'd which holds


s: The soul not singly lighted in the breast.


s: And therefore when as aught is heard or seen,


s: That firmly keeps the soul toward it turn'd,


s: Time passes, and a man perceives it not.


s: For that, whereby he hearken, is one power,


s: Another that, which the whole spirit hash;


s: This is as it were bound, while that is free.


s: This found I true by proof, hearing that spirit


s: And wond'ring; for full fifty steps aloft


s: When we arriv'd where all with one accord


s: The spirits shouted, "Here is what ye ask."


s: When the ripe grape imbrowns, than was the path,


s: By which my guide, and I behind him close,


s: Or mounts Bismantua's height, must use his feet;


s: With the swift wing and plumes of high desire,


s: And with light furnish'd to direct my way.


s: We through the broken rock ascended, close


s: Pent on each side, while underneath the ground


s: Ask'd help of hands and feet.  When we arriv'd


s: Near on the highest ridge of the steep bank,


s: Where the plain level open'd I exclaim'd,


s: "O master! say which way can we proceed?"


s: He answer'd, "Let no step of thine recede.


s: Some practis'd guide appear."  That eminence


s: Was lofty that no eye might reach its point,


s: And the side proudly rising, more than line


s: From the mid quadrant to the centre drawn.


s: If thou stay not."--" My son!"  He straight reply'd,


s: "Thus far put forth thy strength;" and to a track


s: Pointed, that, on this side projecting, round


s: Circles the hill.  His words so spurr'd me on,


s: That I behind him clamb'ring, forc'd myself,


s: Till my feet press'd the circuit plain beneath.


s: There both together seated, turn'd we round


s: To eastward, whence was our ascent: and oft


s: Many beside have with delight look'd back.


s: First on the nether shores I turn'd my eyes,


s: Then rais'd them to the sun, and wond'ring mark'd


s: That from the left it smote us.  Soon perceiv'd


s: Amaz'd I stood, where 'twixt us and the north


s: Its course it enter'd.  Whence he thus to me:


s: Of that broad mirror, that high up and low


s: Imparts his light beneath, thou might'st behold


s: Wheel, if its ancient course it not forsook.


s: How that may be if thou would'st think; within


s: Plac'd on the earth, so that to both be one


s: Where lies the path that Phaeton ill knew


s: To guide his erring chariot: thou wilt see


s: He passes, while by that on the' other side,


s: If with clear view shine intellect attend."


s: "Of truth, kind teacher!"  I exclaim'd, "so clear


s: Where seem'd my ken to fail, that the mid orb


s: Of art is called the Equator, and remains


s: Ever between the sun and winter) for the cause


s: Thou hast assign'd, from hence toward the north


s: Departs, when those who in the Hebrew land


s: Inhabit, see it tow'rds the warmer part.


s: But if it please thee, I would gladly know,


s: How far we have to journey: for the hill


s: Mounts higher, than this sight of mine can mount."


s: He thus to me: "Such is this steep ascent,


s: But, more a man proceeds, less evil grows.


s: When pleasant it shall seem to thee, so much


s: That upward going shall be easy to thee.


s: Then of this path thou wilt have reach'd the end.


s: There hope to rest thee from thy toil.  No more


s: I answer, and thus far for certain know."


s: A voice there sounded: "Yet ye first perchance


s: May to repose you by constraint be led."


s: At sound thereof each turn'd, and on the left


s: Nor he before was ware.  Thither we drew,


s: find there were some, who in the shady place


s: Thru' idleness might stand.  Among them one,


s: Who seem'd to me much wearied, sat him down,


s: And with his arms did fold his knees about,


s: Holding his face between them downward bent.


s: "Sweet Sir!"  I cry'd, "behold that man, who shows


s: Were sister to him."  Straight he turn'd to us,


s: And, o'er the thigh lifting his face, observ'd,


s: Then in these accents spake: "Up then, proceed


s: Thou valiant one."  Straight who it was I knew;


s: Nor could the pain I felt (for want of breath


s: Still somewhat urg'd me) hinder my approach.


s: And when I came to him, he scarce his head


s: Uplifted, saying "Well hast thou discern'd,


s: How from the left the sun his chariot leads."


s: To laughter somewhat mov'd; when I began:


s: "Belacqua, now for thee I grieve no more.


s: But tell, why thou art seated upright there?


s: Waitest thou escort to conduct thee hence?


s: Then he: "My brother, of what use to mount,


s: When to my suffering would not let me pass


s: The bird of God, who at the portal sits?


s: Behooves so long that heav'n first bear me round


s: That riseth up from heart which lives in grace.


s: What other kind avails, not heard in heaven?"'


s: Ascending, cried: "Haste thee, for see the sun


s: Has touch'd the point meridian, and the night


s: Now covers with her foot Marocco's shore."


s: Now had I left those spirits, and pursued


s: Pointing the finger at me one exclaim'd:


s: "See how it seems as if the light not shone


s: From the left hand of him beneath, and he,


s: As living, seems to be led on."  Mine eyes


s: I at that sound reverting, saw them gaze


s: Through wonder first at me, and then at me


s: And the light broken underneath, by turns.


s: "Why are thy thoughts thus riveted?"  my guide


s: Exclaim'd, "that thou hast slack'd thy pace? or how


s: Imports it thee, what thing is whisper'd here?


s: Come after me, and to their babblings leave


s: The crowd. Be as a tower, that, firmly set,


s: Shakes not its top for any blast that blows!


s: He, in whose bosom thought on thought shoots out,


s: Still of his aim is wide, in that the one


s: Sicklies and wastes to nought the other's strength."


s: What other could I answer save "I come?"


s: I said it, somewhat with that colour ting'd


s: Meanwhile traverse along the hill there came,


s: When they perceiv'd that through my body I


s: Gave way not for the rays to pass, their song


s: Straight to a long and hoarse exclaim they chang'd;


s: And two of them, in guise of messengers,


s: "Of your condition we would gladly learn."


s: To them my guide.  "Ye may return, and bear


s: Tidings to them who sent you, that his frame


s: His shade they paus'd, enough is answer'd them.


s: Him let them honour, they may prize him well."


s: Ne'er saw I fiery vapours with such speed


s: Cut through the serene air at fall of night,


s: Nor August's clouds athwart the setting sun,


s: That upward these did not in shorter space


s: Return; and, there arriving, with the rest


s: Wheel back on us, as with loose rein a troop.


s: "Many," exclaim'd the bard, "are these, who throng


s: Go therefore on, and listen as thou go'st."


s: With the same limbs, that clad thee at thy birth."


s: Shouting they came, "a little rest thy step.


s: Hast e'er beheld, that tidings of him there


s: Thou mayst report.  Ah, wherefore go'st thou on?


s: By violence died, and to our latest hour


s: Were sinners, but then warn'd by light from heav'n,


s: Did issue out of life at peace with God,


s: Who with desire to see him fills our heart."


s: That I can do, may please you, gentle spirits!


s: Speak; and I will perform it, by that peace,


s: Which on the steps of guide so excellent


s: Following from world to world intent I seek."


s: In answer he began: "None here distrusts


s: Thy kindness, though not promis'd with an oath;


s: So as the will fail not for want of power.


s: Whence I, who sole before the others speak,


s: Entreat thee, if thou ever see that land,


s: Which lies between Romagna and the realm


s: Of Charles, that of thy courtesy thou pray


s: By which I may purge off my grievous sins.


s: From thence I came.  But the deep passages,


s: Whence issued out the blood wherein I dwelt,


s: Were made, where to be more secure I thought.


s: The author of the deed was Este's prince,


s: Who, more than right could warrant, with his wrath


s: Might I have breath'd. But to the marsh I sped,


s: And in the mire and rushes tangled there


s: Fell, and beheld my life-blood float the plain."


s: Then said another: "Ah! so may the wish,


s: That takes thee o'er the mountain, be fulfill'd,


s: As thou shalt graciously give aid to mine.


s: Giovanna nor none else have care for me,


s: Sorrowing with these I therefore go."  I thus:


s: "From Campaldino's field what force or chance


s: Drew thee, that ne'er thy sepulture was known?"


s: "Oh!"  answer'd he, "at Casentino's foot


s: A stream there courseth, nam'd Archiano, sprung


s: E'en where its name is cancel'd, there came I,


s: Pierc'd in the heart, fleeing away on foot,


s: And bloodying the plain.  Here sight and speech


s: Fail'd me, and finishing with Mary's name


s: I fell, and tenantless my flesh remain'd.


s: I will report the truth; which thou again


s: Tell to the living.  Me God's angel took,


s: Whilst he of hell exclaim'd: "O thou from heav'n!


s: Say wherefore hast thou robb'd me?  Thou of him


s: Th' eternal portion bear'st with thee away


s: For one poor tear that he deprives me of.


s: "Thou knowest how in the atmosphere collects


s: Soon as it mounts where cold condenses it.


s: Still follows evil, came, and rais'd the wind


s: Given by his nature.  Thence the valley, soon


s: As day was spent, he cover'd o'er with cloud


s: And stretch'd the sky above, so that the air


s: Impregnate chang'd to water.  Fell the rain,


s: And to the fosses came all that the land


s: Contain'd not; and, as mightiest streams are wont,


s: To the great river with such headlong sweep


s: Rush'd, that nought stay'd its course.  My stiffen'd frame


s: Laid at his mouth the fell Archiano found,


s: Loos'ning the cross, that of myself I made


s: When overcome with pain.  He hurl'd me on,


s: Along the banks and bottom of his course;


s: Then in his muddy spoils encircling wrapt."


s: "Ah! when thou to the world shalt be return'd,


s: And rested after thy long road," so spake


s: Next the third spirit; "then remember me.


s: Maremma took it from me.  That he knows,


s: When from their game of dice men separate,


s: He, who hath lost, remains in sadness fix'd,


s: Revolving in his mind, what luckless throws


s: He stops not; and each one, to whom his hand


s: Is stretch'd, well knows he bids him stand aside;


s: And thus he from the press defends himself.


s: E'en such was I in that close-crowding throng;


s: And promising, I 'scap'd from it with pains.


s: Who in his chase was swallow'd by the stream.


s: Stretch'd forth, entreated; and of Pisa he,


s: And from its frame a soul dismiss'd for spite


s: I speak of Peter de la Brosse; and here,


s: While she yet lives, that Lady of Brabant


s: Let her beware; lest for so false a deed


s: She herd with worse than these. When I was freed


s: From all those spirits, who pray'd for others' prayers


s: To hasten on their state of blessedness;


s: That heaven's supreme decree can never bend


s: Do these entreat.  Can then their hope be vain,


s: He thus to me: "Both what I write is plain,


s: And these deceiv'd not in their hope, if well


s: Thy mind consider, that the sacred height


s: Of judgment doth not stoop, because love's flame


s: Who sojourns here, in right should satisfy.


s: Besides, when I this point concluded thus,


s: Because the pray'r had none access to God.


s: Yet in this deep suspicion rest thou not


s: Who betwixt truth and mind infuses light.


s: I know not if thou take me right; I mean


s: Upon this mountain's crown, fair seat of joy."


s: Then I: "Sir! let us mend our speed; for now


s: Stretches its shadow far."  He answer'd thus:


s: "Our progress with this day shall be as much


s: Than thou supposest is the truth.  For there


s: Thou canst not be, ere thou once more behold


s: Him back returning, who behind the steep


s: Thou dost not break.  But lo! a spirit there


s: It will instruct us in the speediest way."


s: We soon approach'd it.  O thou Lombard spirit!


s: How didst thou stand, in high abstracted mood,


s: Scarce moving with slow dignity thine eyes!


s: It spoke not aught, but let us onward pass,


s: It answer to his question none return'd,


s: Demanded.  When my courteous guide began,


s: Rose towards us from the place in which it stood,


s: And cry'd, "Mantuan! I am thy countryman


s: Sordello."  Each the other then embrac'd.


s: But brothel-house impure! this gentle spirit,


s: Ev'n from the Pleasant sound of his dear land


s: With such glad cheer; while now thy living ones


s: Whom the same wall and the same moat contains,


s: Seek, wretched one! around thy sea-coasts wide;


s: Then homeward to thy bosom turn, and mark


s: What boots it, that thy reins Justinian's hand


s: Nought doth he now but aggravate thy shame.


s: Ah people! thou obedient still shouldst live,


s: If well thou marked'st that which God commands.


s: Look how that beast to felness hath relaps'd


s: From having lost correction of the spur,


s: Since to the bridle thou hast set thine hand,


s: When thou should'st clasp her flanks with forked heels.


s: Just judgment from the stars fall on thy blood!


s: Such as may strike thy successor with dread!


s: For that thy sire and thou have suffer'd thus,


s: Through greediness of yonder realms detain'd,


s: Who car'st for nought! those sunk in grief, and these


s: With dire suspicion rack'd. Come, cruel one!


s: Come and behold the' oppression of the nobles,


s: And mark their injuries: and thou mayst see.


s: Come and behold thy Rome, who calls on thee,


s: Desolate widow! day and night with moans:


s: "My Caesar, why dost thou desert my side?"


s: Come and behold what love among thy people:


s: Come and blush for thine own report.  For me,


s: Who wast in earth for our sakes crucified!


s: Are thy just eyes turn'd elsewhere? or is this


s: Of thy sage counsel made, for some good end,


s: Entirely from our reach of thought cut off?


s: So are the' Italian cities all o'erthrong'd


s: With tyrants, and a great Marcellus made


s: My Florence! thou mayst well remain unmov'd


s: At this digression, which affects not thee:


s: Thanks to thy people, who so wisely speed.


s: Many have justice in their heart, that long


s: Have it on their lip's edge.  Many refuse


s: To bear the common burdens: readier thine


s: Answer uneall'd, and cry, "Behold I stoop!"


s: Make thyself glad, for thou hast reason now,


s: Thou wealthy! thou at peace! thou wisdom-fraught!


s: Facts best witness if I speak the truth.


s: Tow'rds thee, who usest such nice subtlety,


s: Reaches the thread thou in October weav'st.


s: Customs, and laws, and coins, and offices


s: Have been by thee renew'd, and people chang'd!


s: If thou remember'st well and can'st see clear,


s: Thou wilt perceive thyself like a sick wretch,


s: Who finds no rest upon her down, but oft


s: Shifting her side, short respite seeks from pain.


s: After their courteous greetings joyfully


s: Sev'n times exchang'd, Sordello backward drew


s: Exclaiming, "Who are ye?"  "Before this mount


s: Was sought, my bones had by Octavius' care


s: Depriv'd of heav'n, except for lack of faith."


s: Beholding, whence his wonder riseth, cries


s: Such he appear'd; then downward bent his eyes,


s: Caught him, where of mean estate might clasp


s: His lord.  "Glory of Latium!" he exclaim'd,


s: "In whom our tongue its utmost power display'd!


s: Boast of my honor'd birth-place! what desert


s: Shows thee to me?  If I to hear that voice


s: Am worthy, say if from below thou com'st


s: And from what cloister's pale?"--"Through every orb


s: Of that sad region," he reply'd, "thus far


s: And with such aid I come.  There is a place


s: There underneath, not made by torments sad,


s: But by dun shades alone; where mourning's voice


s: Sounds not of anguish sharp, but breathes in sighs.


s: Who by death's fangs were bitten, ere exempt


s: From human taint.  There I with those abide,


s: But understood the rest, and without blame


s: Follow'd them all.  But if thou know'st and canst,


s: Where Purgatory its true beginning takes."


s: He answer'd thus: "We have no certain place


s: Far as I can, I join thee for thy guide.


s: But thou beholdest now how day declines:


s: And upwards to proceed by night, our power


s: Excels: therefore it may be well to choose


s: A place of pleasant sojourn.  To the right


s: Some spirits sit apart retir'd.  If thou


s: Consentest, I to these will lead thy steps:


s: And thou wilt know them, not without delight."


s: "How chances this?"  was answer'd; "who so wish'd


s: To ascend by night, would he be thence debarr'd


s: By other, or through his own weakness fail?"


s: The good Sordello then, along the ground


s: Trailing his finger, spoke: "Only this line


s: Thou shalt not overpass, soon as the sun


s: Hath disappear'd; not that aught else impedes


s: Thy going upwards, save the shades of night.


s: These with the wont of power perplex the will.


s: With them thou haply mightst return beneath,


s: Or to and fro around the mountain's side


s: Wander, while day is in the horizon shut."


s: My master straight, as wond'ring at his speech,


s: Exclaim'd: "Then lead us quickly, where thou sayst,


s: That, while we stay, we may enjoy delight."


s: A little space we were remov'd from thence,


s: When I perceiv'd the mountain hollow'd out.


s: Ev'n as large valleys hollow'd out on earth,


s: "That way," the' escorting spirit cried, "we go,


s: Betwixt the steep and plain a crooked path


s: Where more than half the sloping edge expires.


s: Refulgent gold, and silver thrice refin'd,


s: And scarlet grain and ceruse, Indian wood


s: But newly broken, by the herbs and flowers


s: Plac'd in that fair recess, in color all


s: Had been surpass'd, as great surpasses less.


s: Nor nature only there lavish'd her hues,


s: But of the sweetness of a thousand smells


s: A rare and undistinguish'd fragrance made.


s: "Salve Regina," on the grass and flowers


s: Here chanting I beheld those spirits sit


s: Who not beyond the valley could be seen.


s: "Before the west'ring sun sink to his bed,"


s: Began the Mantuan, who our steps had turn'd,


s: "'Mid those desires not that I lead ye on.


s: Than in the nether vale among them mix'd.


s: He, who sits high above the rest, and seems


s: To have neglected that he should have done,


s: And to the others' song moves not his lip,


s: The Emperor Rodolph call, who might have heal'd


s: The wounds whereof fair Italy hath died,


s: So that by others she revives but slowly,


s: He, who with kindly visage comforts him,


s: Sway'd in that country, where the water springs,


s: That Moldaw's river to the Elbe, and Elbe


s: Who in his swaddling clothes was of more worth


s: Pamper'd with rank luxuriousness and ease.


s: And that one with the nose depress, who close


s: In counsel seems with him of gentle look,


s: Flying expir'd, with'ring the lily's flower.


s: Look there how he doth knock against his breast!


s: Makes of one hand a couch, with frequent sighs.


s: They are the father and the father-in-law


s: Of Gallia's bane: his vicious life they know


s: And foul; thence comes the grief that rends them thus.


s: "He, so robust of limb, who measure keeps


s: With ev'ry virtue bore his girdle brac'd.


s: And if that stripling who behinds him sits,


s: King after him had liv'd, his virtue then


s: From vessel to like vessel had been pour'd;


s: Which may not of the other heirs be said.


s: By James and Frederick his realms are held;


s: Doth human worth mount up; and so ordains


s: He who bestows it, that as his free gift


s: It may be call'd.  To Charles my words apply


s: No less than to his brother in the song;


s: Which Pouille and Provence now with grief confess.


s: So much that plant degenerates from its seed,


s: Costanza still boasts of her valorous spouse.


s: "Behold the king of simple life and plain,


s: He through his branches better issue spreads.


s: "That one, who on the ground beneath the rest


s: Sits lowest, yet his gaze directs aloft,


s: Us William, that brave Marquis, for whose cause


s: Now was the hour that wakens fond desire


s: In men at sea, and melts their thoughtful heart,


s: Who in the morn have bid sweet friends farewell,


s: Thrills, if he hear the vesper bell from far,


s: That seems to mourn for the expiring day:


s: Began, with wonder, from those spirits to mark


s: One risen from its seat, which with its hand


s: Audience implor'd. Both palms it join'd and rais'd,


s: Fixing its steadfast gaze towards the east,


s: As telling God, "I care for naught beside."


s: Came from its lip, and in so soft a strain,


s: That all my sense in ravishment was lost.


s: Follow'd through all the hymn, with upward gaze


s: Here, reader! for the truth makes thine eyes keen:


s: That thou with ease mayst pass it through unmark'd.


s: Pale and in lowly guise; and from on high


s: Two angels with two flame-illumin'd swords,


s: Green as the tender leaves but newly born,


s: Their vesture was, the which by wings as green


s: Beaten, they drew behind them, fann'd in air.


s: The other lighted on the' Opposing hill,


s: So that the troop were in the midst contain'd.


s: Well I descried the whiteness on their heads;


s: Is overpower'd.  "From Mary's bosom both


s: Are come," exclaim'd Sordello, "as a guard


s: Over the vale, ganst him, who hither tends,


s: The serpent."  Whence, not knowing by which path


s: He came, I turn'd me round, and closely press'd,


s: All frozen, to my leader's trusted side.


s: (For it is time) let us descend; and hold


s: Converse with those great shadows: haply much


s: Their sight may please ye."  Only three steps down


s: To know me.  Time was now that air arrow dim;


s: Yet not so dim, that 'twixt his eyes and mine


s: It clear'd not up what was conceal'd before.


s: Mutually tow'rds each other we advanc'd.


s: Nino, thou courteous judge! what joy I felt,


s: When I perceiv'd thou wert not with the bad!


s: Was left unsaid.  He then inquir'd: "How long


s: Since thou arrived'st at the mountain's foot,


s: Over the distant waves?"--"O!" answer'd I,


s: "Through the sad seats of woe this morn I came,


s: And still in my first life, thus journeying on,


s: The other strive to gain."  Soon as they heard


s: My words, he and Sordello backward drew,


s: Was seated, crying: "Conrad! up with speed:


s: Come, see what of his grace high God hath will'd."


s: Then turning round to me: "By that rare mark


s: Of honour which thou ow'st to him, who hides


s: So deeply his first cause, it hath no ford,


s: When thou shalt be beyond the vast of waves.


s: There, where reply to innocence is made.


s: Her mother, I believe, loves me no more;


s: Since she has chang'd the white and wimpled folds,


s: Which she is doom'd once more with grief to wish.


s: How long in women lasts the flame of love,


s: If sight and touch do not relume it oft.


s: The viper which calls Milan to the field,


s: As had been made by shrill Gallura's bird."


s: He spoke, and in his visage took the stamp


s: Of that right seal, which with due temperature


s: Meanwhile to heav'n had travel'd, even there


s: Where the bright stars are slowest, as a wheel


s: Nearest the axle; when my guide inquir'd:


s: "What there aloft, my son, has caught thy gaze?"


s: I answer'd: "The three torches, with which here


s: The pole is all on fire."  He then to me:


s: "The four resplendent stars, thou saw'st this morn


s: Are there beneath, and these ris'n in their stead."


s: While yet he spoke.  Sordello to himself


s: Drew him, and cry'd: "Lo there our enemy!"


s: And with his hand pointed that way to look.


s: Along the side, where barrier none arose


s: Between the grass and flowers, the evil snake


s: And, as a beast that smoothes its polish'd coat,


s: Licking his hack.  I saw not, nor can tell,


s: How those celestial falcons from their seat


s: Mov'd, but in motion each one well descried,


s: Hearing the air cut by their verdant plumes.


s: The serpent fled; and to their stations back


s: The angels up return'd with equal flight.


s: The Spirit (who to Nino, when he call'd,


s: Had come), from viewing me with fixed ken,


s: Through all that conflict, loosen'd not his sight.


s: "So may the lamp, which leads thee up on high,


s: Find, in thy destin'd lot, of wax so much,


s: As may suffice thee to the enamel's height."


s: Thou know'st, tell me, who once was mighty there


s: That old one, but from him I sprang.  The love


s: "In your dominions," I answer'd, "ne'er was I.


s: But through all Europe where do those men dwell,


s: The fame, that honours your illustrious house,


s: Proclaims the nobles and proclaims the land;


s: So that he knows it who was never there.


s: Prosper! your honour'd nation not impairs


s: That while the world is twisted from his course


s: And has the evil way in scorn."  He then:


s: "Now pass thee on: sev'n times the tired sun


s: Revisits not the couch, which with four feet


s: With stronger nails than other's speech can drive,


s: If the sure course of judgment be not stay'd."


s: Look'd palely o'er the eastern cliff: her brow,


s: Of that chill animal, who with his train


s: Smites fearful nations: and where then we were,


s: Two steps of her ascent the night had past,


s: And now the third was closing up its wing,


s: When I, who had so much of Adam with me,


s: Sank down upon the grass, o'ercome with sleep,


s: There where all five were seated.  In that hour,


s: When near the dawn the swallow her sad lay,


s: Rememb'ring haply ancient grief, renews,


s: And with our minds more wand'rers from the flesh,


s: And less by thought restrain'd are, as 't were, full


s: With open wings, and hov'ring for descent,


s: And I was in that place, methought, from whence


s: Young Ganymede, from his associates 'reft,


s: Was snatch'd aloft to the high consistory.


s: "Perhaps," thought I within me, "here alone


s: He strikes his quarry, and elsewhere disdains


s: To pounce upon the prey."  Therewith, it seem'd,


s: Terrible as the lightning rush'd he down,


s: And snatch'd me upward even to the fire.


s: There both, I thought, the eagle and myself


s: Did burn; and so intense th' imagin'd flames,


s: That needs my sleep was broken off.  As erst


s: Achilles shook himself, and round him roll'd


s: His waken'd eyeballs wond'ring where he was,


s: To Scyros, with him sleeping in her arms;


s: E'en thus I shook me, soon as from my face


s: The slumber parted, turning deadly pale,


s: Like one ice-struck with dread.  Solo at my side


s: My comfort stood: and the bright sun was now


s: More than two hours aloft: and to the sea


s: My looks were turn'd.  "Fear not," my master cried,


s: "Assur'd we are at happy point.  Thy strength


s: Shrink not, but rise dilated.  Thou art come


s: That circling bounds it!  Lo! the entrance there,


s: Where it doth seem disparted! re the dawn


s: Usher'd the daylight, when thy wearied soul


s: Slept in thee, o'er the flowery vale beneath


s: Who slumbers.  Easier so his way shall speed."


s: Tarrying, she bare thee up: and, as day shone,


s: This summit reach'd: and I pursued her steps.


s: Here did she place thee.  First her lovely eyes


s: That open entrance show'd me; then at once


s: She vanish'd with thy sleep.  Like one, whose doubts


s: Are chas'd by certainty, and terror turn'd


s: Such was the change in me: and as my guide


s: He mov'd, and I behind him, towards the height.


s: Reader! thou markest how my theme doth rise,


s: I prop the structure! nearer now we drew,


s: Arriv'd' whence in that part, where first a breach


s: A portal, and three steps beneath, that led


s: For inlet there, of different colour each,


s: And one who watch'd, but spake not yet a word.


s: As more and more mine eye did stretch its view,


s: I mark'd him seated on the highest step,


s: In visage such, as past my power to bear.


s: Grasp'd in his hand a naked sword, glanc'd back


s: The rays so toward me, that I oft in vain


s: My sight directed.  "Speak from whence ye stand:"


s: He cried: "What would ye?  Where is your escort?


s: Take heed your coming upward harm ye not."


s: "A heavenly dame, not skilless of these things,"


s: Replied the' instructor, "told us, even now,


s: "Pass that way: here the gate is." --"And may she


s: Befriending prosper your ascent," resum'd


s: The courteous keeper of the gate: "Come then


s: Before our steps."  We straightway thither came.


s: The lowest stair was marble white so smooth


s: And polish'd, that therein my mirror'd form


s: Distinct I saw.  The next of hue more dark


s: Than sablest grain, a rough and singed block,


s: Crack'd lengthwise and across.  The third, that lay


s: Massy above, seem'd porphyry, that flam'd


s: Red as the life-blood spouting from a vein.


s: On this God's angel either foot sustain'd,


s: Upon the threshold seated, which appear'd


s: My leader cheerily drew me.  "Ask," said he,


s: "With humble heart, that he unbar the bolt."


s: That he would open to me: but first fell


s: Thrice on my bosom prostrate.  Seven times


s: The letter, that denotes the inward stain,


s: He on my forehead with the blunted point


s: Of his drawn sword inscrib'd.  And "Look," he cried,


s: "When enter'd, that thou wash these scars away."


s: Ashes, or earth ta'en dry out of the ground,


s: Were of one colour with the robe he wore.


s: From underneath that vestment forth he drew


s: Two keys of metal twain: the one was gold,


s: Its fellow silver.  With the pallid first,


s: And next the burnish'd, he so ply'd the gate,


s: Faileth of these, that in the keyhole straight


s: Access in vain."  Such were the words he spake.


s: "One is more precious: but the other needs


s: Skill and sagacity, large share of each,


s: Be worthily perform'd.  From Peter these


s: So but the suppliant at my feet implore."


s: Then of that hallow'd gate he thrust the door,


s: Exclaiming, "Enter, but this warning hear:


s: He forth again departs who looks behind."


s: The swivels turn'd, sonorous metal strong,


s: Roar'd the Tarpeian, when by force bereft


s: Of good Metellus, thenceforth from his loss


s: To leanness doom'd.  Attentively I turn'd,


s: List'ning the thunder, that first issued forth;


s: And "We praise thee, O God," methought I heard


s: The strains came o'er mine ear, e'en as the sound


s: With organ mingle, and, now high and clear,


s: Come swelling, now float indistinct away.


s: When we had passed the threshold of the gate


s: (Which the soul's ill affection doth disuse,


s: Making the crooked seem the straighter path),


s: I heard its closing sound.  Had mine eyes turn'd,


s: For that offence what plea might have avail'd?


s: We mounted up the riven rock, that wound


s: Flies and advances.  "Here some little art


s: Behooves us," said my leader, "that our steps


s: Observe the varying flexure of the path."


s: Thus we so slowly sped, that with cleft orb


s: The moon once more o'erhangs her wat'ry couch,


s: Ere we that strait have threaded.  But when free


s: One solid mass retires, I spent, with toil,


s: And both, uncertain of the way, we stood,


s: Upon a plain more lonesome, than the roads


s: That traverse desert wilds.  From whence the brink


s: Of the steep bank, that rises still, the space


s: Had measur'd thrice the stature of a man:


s: And, distant as mine eye could wing its flight,


s: To leftward now and now to right dispatch'd,


s: Not yet our feet had on that summit mov'd,


s: Was marble white, and so exactly wrought


s: With quaintest sculpture, that not there alone


s: Been sham'd.  The angel who came down to earth


s: Wept for in vain, that op'd the heavenly gates


s: From their long interdict, before us seem'd,


s: In a sweet act, so sculptur'd to the life,


s: He look'd no silent image. One had sworn


s: He had said, "Hail!" for she was imag'd there,


s: That word, "Behold the handmaid of the Lord,"


s: As figure seal'd on wax.  "Fix not thy mind


s: On one place only," said the guide belov'd,


s: Who had me near him on that part where lies


s: The heart of man.  My sight forthwith I turn'd


s: And mark'd, behind the virgin mother's form,


s: Upon that side, where he, that mov'd me, stood,


s: I passed athwart the bard, and drew me near,


s: That it might stand more aptly for my view.


s: There in the self-same marble were engrav'd


s: The cart and kine, drawing the sacred ark,


s: Before it came much people; and the whole


s: Parted in seven quires.  One sense cried, "Nay,"


s: Another, "Yes, they sing."  Like doubt arose


s: Betwixt the eye and smell, from the curl'd fume


s: Of incense breathing up the well-wrought toil.


s: With light dance leaping, girt in humble guise,


s: Sweet Israel's harper: in that hap he seem'd


s: Less and yet more than kingly.  Opposite,


s: At a great palace, from the lattice forth


s: Look'd Michol, like a lady full of scorn


s: Which at the hack of Michol whitely shone,


s: I mov'd me.  There was storied on the rock


s: Whose mighty worth mov'd Gregory to earn


s: His mighty conquest, Trajan th' Emperor.


s: In tears and mourning.  Round about them troop'd


s: Full throng of knights, and overhead in gold


s: The eagles floated, struggling with the wind.


s: The wretch appear'd amid all these to say:


s: "Grant vengeance, sire! for, woe beshrew this heart


s: My son is murder'd."  He replying seem'd;


s: "Wait now till I return." And she, as one


s: Made hasty by her grief; "O sire, if thou


s: Dost not return?"--"Where I am, who then is,


s: May right thee."--"What to thee is other's good,


s: If thou neglect thy own?"--"Now comfort thee,"


s: At length he answers.  "It beseemeth well


s: So justice wills; and pity bids me stay."


s: He, whose ken nothing new surveys, produc'd


s: That visible speaking, new to us and strange


s: The like not found on earth.  Fondly I gaz'd


s: Shapes yet more precious for their artist's sake,


s: When "Lo," the poet whisper'd, "where this way


s: (But slack their pace), a multitude advance.


s: These to the lofty steps shall guide us on."


s: Mine eyes, though bent on view of novel sights


s: Their lov'd allurement, were not slow to turn.


s: Of thy good purpose, hearing how just God


s: Decrees our debts be cancel'd.  Ponder not


s: The form of suff'ring.  Think on what succeeds,


s: Think that at worst beyond the mighty doom


s: "What I see hither tending, bears no trace


s: That my foil'd sight can guess."  He answering thus:


s: "So courb'd to earth, beneath their heavy teems


s: Of torment stoop they, that mine eye at first


s: Struggled as thine.  But look intently thither,


s: What underneath those stones approacheth: now,


s: E'en now, mayst thou discern the pangs of each."


s: Christians and proud! poor and wretched ones!


s: That feeble in the mind's eye, lean your trust


s: That we are worms, yet made at last to form


s: The winged insect, imp'd with angel plumes


s: That to heaven's justice unobstructed soars?


s: Why buoy ye up aloft your unfleg'd souls?


s: That crumples up its knees unto its breast,


s: With the feign'd posture stirring ruth unfeign'd


s: These fashion'd, when I noted well their guise.


s: Each, as his back was laden, came indeed


s: Or more or less contract; but it appear'd


s: As he, who show'd most patience in his look,


s: Wailing exclaim'd: "I can endure no more."


s: The heavens thy dwelling, not in bounds confin'd,


s: But that with love intenser there thou view'st


s: Thy primal effluence, hallow'd be thy name:


s: Thy might, for worthy humblest thanks and praise


s: Is thy blest Spirit.  May thy kingdom's peace


s: With all our striving thither tend in vain.


s: Tender meet sacrifice, circling thy throne


s: With loud hosannas, so of theirs be done


s: By saintly men on earth.  Grant us this day


s: Through this rough desert retrograde, who most


s: Toils to advance his steps.  As we to each


s: 'Gainst the old adversary prove thou not


s: From his incitements and defeat his wiles.


s: This last petition, dearest Lord! is made


s: Not for ourselves, since that were needless now,


s: But for their sakes who after us remain."


s: Thus for themselves and us good speed imploring,


s: Those spirits went beneath a weight like that


s: We sometimes feel in dreams, all, sore beset,


s: Round the first circuit, purging as they go,


s: The world's gross darkness off: In our behalf


s: If there vows still be offer'd, what can here


s: For them be vow'd and done by such, whose wills


s: Have root of goodness in them?  Well beseems


s: That we should help them wash away the stains


s: They carried hence, that so made pure and light,


s: They may spring upward to the starry spheres.


s: Your burdens speedily, that ye have power


s: To stretch your wing, which e'en to your desire


s: Shall lift you, as ye show us on which hand


s: Toward the ladder leads the shortest way.


s: For this man who comes with me, and bears yet


s: The charge of fleshly raiment Adam left him,


s: Despite his better will but slowly mounts."


s: From whom the answer came unto these words,


s: Which my guide spake, appear'd not; but 'twas said:


s: "Along the bank to rightward come with us,


s: And ye shall find a pass that mocks not toil


s: That I am hinder'd by the rock, wherewith


s: This arrogant neck is tam'd, whence needs I stoop


s: My visage to the ground, him, who yet lives,


s: Whose name thou speak'st not him I fain would view.


s: My sire's, I know not if ye e'er have heard.


s: My old blood and forefathers' gallant deeds


s: Wax'd in my scorn of all men, that I fell,


s: Fell therefore; by what fate Sienna's sons,


s: Hath injur'd, but my kindred all involv'd


s: In mischief with her.  Here my lot ordains


s: Under this weight to groan, till I appease


s: Amongst the living, here amongst the dead."


s: List'ning I bent my visage down: and one


s: (Not he who spake) twisted beneath the weight


s: That urg'd him, saw me, knew me straight, and call'd,


s: Companion of their way.  "O!"  I exclaim'd,


s: Which they of Paris call the limmer's skill?"


s: "Brother!" said he, "with tints that gayer smile,


s: Bolognian Franco's pencil lines the leaves.


s: His all the honour now; mine borrow'd light.


s: In truth I had not been thus courteous to him,


s: The whilst I liv'd, through eagerness of zeal


s: For that pre-eminence my heart was bent on.


s: Here of such pride the forfeiture is paid.


s: O powers of man! how vain your glory, nipp'd


s: E'en in its height of verdure, if an age


s: To lord it over painting's field; and now


s: The cry is Giotto's, and his name eclips'd.


s: Thus hath one Guido from the other snatch'd


s: The letter'd prize: and he perhaps is born,


s: Who shall drive either from their nest.  The noise


s: That blows from divers points, and shifts its name


s: Shifting the point it blows from.  Shalt thou more


s: Live in the mouths of mankind, if thy flesh


s: Part shrivel'd from thee, than if thou hadst died,


s: Or ere some thousand years have passed? and that


s: To the heaven's slowest orb.  He there who treads


s: Is in Sienna scarce with whispers nam'd:


s: There was he sov'reign, when destruction caught


s: The madd'ning rage of Florence, in that day


s: Proud as she now is loathsome.  Your renown


s: Is as the herb, whose hue doth come and go,


s: And his might withers it, by whom it sprang


s: Crude from the lap of earth."  I thus to him:


s: "True are thy sayings: to my heart they breathe


s: The kindly spirit of meekness, and allay


s: What tumours rankle there.  But who is he


s: Of whom thou spak'st but now?"--"This," he replied,


s: He reach'd, with grasp presumptuous, at the sway


s: Of all Sienna.  Thus he still hath gone,


s: Thus goeth never-resting, since he died.


s: Such is th' acquittance render'd back of him,


s: Who, beyond measure, dar'd on earth."  I then:


s: "If soul that to the verge of life delays


s: Nor hither mount, unless good prayers befriend,


s: How chanc'd admittance was vouchsaf'd to him?"


s: "When at his glory's topmost height," said he,


s: A suitor to  redeem his suff'ring friend,


s: Who languish'd in the prison-house of Charles,


s: Nor for his sake refus'd through every vein


s: To tremble.  More I will not say; and dark,


s: I know, my words are, but thy neighbours soon


s: Shall help thee to a comment on the text.


s: This is the work, that from these limits freed him."


s: Long as the mild instructor suffer'd me;


s: But when he bade me quit him, and proceed


s: (For "here," said he, "behooves with sail and oars


s: Each man, as best he may, push on his bark"),


s: Upright, as one dispos'd for speed, I rais'd


s: My body, still in thought submissive bow'd.


s: I now my leader's track not loth pursued;


s: And each had shown how light we far'd along


s: When thus he warn'd me: "Bend thine eyesight down:


s: For thou to ease the way shall find it good


s: Upon earth-level tombs, the sculptur'd form


s: Of what was once, appears (at sight whereof


s: Tears often stream forth by remembrance wak'd,


s: Whose sacred stings the piteous only feel),


s: So saw I there, but with more curious skill


s: Of portraiture o'erwrought, whate'er of space


s: From forth the mountain stretches.  On one part


s: Created noblest, light'ning fall from heaven:


s: On th' other side with bolt celestial pierc'd


s: Briareus: cumb'ring earth he lay through dint


s: Of mortal ice-stroke.  The Thymbraean god


s: With Mars, I saw, and Pallas, round their sire,


s: Arm'd still, and gazing on the giant's limbs


s: Strewn o'er th' ethereal field.  Nimrod I saw:


s: At foot of the stupendous work he stood,


s: Leagued in his proud attempt on Sennaar's plain.


s: Sev'n sons on either side thee slain!  Saul!


s: How ghastly didst thou look! on thine own sword


s: Ne'er visited with rain from heav'n or dew!


s: Th' unfinish'd web thou weaved'st to thy bane!


s: Louring no more defiance! but fear-smote


s: With none to chase him in his chariot whirl'd.


s: How dear Alcmaeon forc'd his mother rate


s: His sons, and how a corpse they left him there.


s: Was shown the scath and cruel mangling made


s: "Blood thou didst thirst for, take thy fill of blood!"


s: Th' Assyrians, Holofernes slain, and e'en


s: The relics of the carnage.  Troy I mark'd


s: In ashes and in caverns.  Oh! how fall'n,


s: How abject, Ilion, was thy semblance there!


s: Had trac'd the shades and lines, that might have made


s: The subtlest workman wonder?  Dead the dead,


s: The living seem'd alive; with clearer view


s: His eye beheld not who beheld the truth,


s: Than mine what I did tread on, while I went


s: Low bending.  Now swell out; and with stiff necks


s: Pass on, ye sons of Eve! veil not your looks,


s: How much we now had circled of the mount,


s: And of his course yet more the sun had spent,


s: When he, who with still wakeful caution went,


s: Admonish'd: "Raise thou up thy head: for know


s: Time is not now for slow suspense.  Behold


s: That way an angel hasting towards us!  Lo!


s: Where duly the sixth handmaid doth return


s: From service on the day.  Wear thou in look


s: And gesture seemly grace of reverent awe,


s: Consider that this day ne'er dawns again."


s: Time's loss he had so often warn'd me 'gainst,


s: I could not miss the scope at which he aim'd.


s: The goodly shape approach'd us, snowy white


s: In vesture, and with visage casting streams


s: Of tremulous lustre like the matin star.


s: His arms he open'd, then his wings; and spake:


s: "Onward: the steps, behold! are near; and now


s: Th' ascent is without difficulty gain'd."


s: A scanty few are they, who when they hear


s: Though born to soar, why suffer ye a wind


s: Where the rock parted; here against my front


s: Did beat his wings, then promis'd I should fare


s: That steep, upon whose brow the chapel stands


s: Th' impetuous rise is broken by the steps


s: Carv'd in that old and simple age, when still


s: Thus is th' acclivity reliev'd, which here


s: Precipitous from the other circuit falls:


s: But on each hand the tall cliff presses close.


s: As ent'ring there we turn'd, voices, in strain


s: The straits of hell; here songs to usher us,


s: There shrieks of woe!  We climb the holy stairs:


s: Than on the plain before, whence thus I spake:


s: "Say, master, of what heavy thing have I


s: Been lighten'd, that scarce aught the sense of toil


s: Affects me journeying?"  He in few replied:


s: "When sin's broad characters, that yet remain


s: Upon thy temples, though well nigh effac'd,


s: Shall be, as one is, all clean razed out,


s: Then shall thy feet by heartiness of will


s: Be so o'ercome, they not alone shall feel


s: No sense of labour, but delight much more


s: Shall wait them urg'd along their upward way."


s: Then like to one, upon whose head is plac'd


s: Somewhat he deems not of but from the becks


s: Lends therefore help to' assure him, searches, finds,


s: And well performs such office as the eye


s: Wants power to execute: so stretching forth


s: The fingers of my right hand, did I find


s: Six only of the letters, which his sword


s: Who bare the keys had trac'd upon my brow.


s: The leader, as he mark'd mine action, smil'd.


s: We reach'd the summit of the scale, and stood


s: Which healeth him who climbs.  A cornice there,


s: Like to the former, girdles round the hill;


s: Save that its arch with sweep less ample bends.


s: Shadow nor image there is seen; all smooth


s: The rampart and the path, reflecting nought


s: But the rock's sullen hue.  "If here we wait


s: For some to question," said the bard, "I fear


s: Our choice may haply meet too long delay."


s: He fastn'd, made his right the central point


s: From whence to move, and turn'd the left aside.


s: "O pleasant light, my confidence and hope,


s: Conduct us thou," he cried, "on this new way,


s: Where now I venture, leading to the bourn


s: Owes warmth and lustre.  If no other cause


s: Forbid, thy beams should ever be our guide."


s: Far, as is measur'd for a mile on earth,


s: In brief space had we journey'd; such prompt will


s: Impell'd; and towards us flying, now were heard


s: Unto love's table bade the welcome guest.


s: The voice, that firstlew by, call'd forth aloud,


s: "They have no wine;" so on behind us past,


s: In the faint distance, when another came


s: Wing'd its fleet way.  "Oh father!"  I exclaim'd,


s: "What tongues are these?"  and as I question'd, lo!


s: A third exclaiming, "Love ye those have wrong'd you."


s: "This circuit," said my teacher, "knots the scourge


s: For envy, and the cords are therefore drawn


s: Is of a harsher sound, as thou shalt hear


s: (If I deem rightly), ere thou reach the pass,


s: Where pardon sets them free.  But fix thine eyes


s: Intently through the air, and thou shalt see


s: Along the shelving grot."  Then more than erst


s: I op'd my eyes, before me view'd, and saw


s: Shadows with garments dark as was the rock;


s: And when we pass'd a little forth, I heard


s: Michael and Peter! all ye saintly host!"


s: I do not think there walks on earth this day


s: Man so remorseless, that he hath not yearn'd


s: Mine eyes a load of sorrow teemed, when now


s: I stood so near them, that their semblances


s: Came clearly to my view.  Of sackcloth vile


s: Their cov'ring seem'd; and on his shoulder one


s: Did stay another, leaning, and all lean'd


s: Against the cliff.  E'en thus the blind and poor,


s: Near the confessionals, to crave an alms,


s: Stand, each his head upon his fellow's sunk,


s: So most to stir compassion, not by sound


s: Of words alone, but that, which moves not less,


s: Of his fair light; for, through the orbs of all,


s: A thread of wire, impiercing, knits them up,


s: It were a wrong, methought, to pass and look


s: To my sage counsel therefore did I turn.


s: Nor waited for my questioning, but said:


s: "Speak; and be brief, be subtle in thy words."


s: On that part of the cornice, whence no rim


s: Engarlands its steep fall, did Virgil come;


s: On the' other side me were the spirits, their cheeks


s: That through the dread impalement forc'd a way.


s: I turn'd me to them, and "O shades!" said I,


s: "Assur'd that to your eyes unveil'd shall shine


s: The lofty light, sole object of your wish,


s: So may heaven's grace clear whatsoe'er of foam


s: Floats turbid on the conscience, that thenceforth


s: The stream of mind roll limpid from its source,


s: That soul may profit, if I learn so much."


s: Of one true city.  Any thou wouldst say,


s: So heard I answering, as appeal'd, a voice


s: That onward came some space from whence I stood.


s: A spirit I noted, in whose look was mark'd


s: Expectance.  Ask ye how?  The chin was rais'd


s: As in one reft of sight.  "Spirit," said I,


s: "Who for thy rise are tutoring (if thou be


s: That which didst answer to me,) or by place


s: Or name, disclose thyself, that I may know thee."


s: I cleanse away with these the evil life,


s: Vouchsafe him to us.  Though Sapia nam'd


s: Of others' hurt, than of the good befell me.


s: That thou mayst own I now deceive thee not,


s: Hear, if my folly were not as I speak it.


s: When now my years slop'd waning down the arch,


s: Near Colle met their enemies in the field,


s: And I pray'd God to grant what He had will'd.


s: There were they vanquish'd, and betook themselves


s: I mark'd the hunt, and waxing out of bounds


s: In gladness, lifted up my shameless brow,


s: Cried, "It is over.  Heav'n! fear thee not."


s: Upon my verge of life I wish'd for peace


s: "But who art thou that question'st of our state,


s: Who go'st to my belief, with lids unclos'd,


s: And breathest in thy talk?"--"Mine eyes," said I,


s: "May yet be here ta'en from me; but not long;


s: With envious glances.  But the woe beneath


s: Urges my soul with more exceeding dread.


s: That nether load already weighs me down."


s: She thus: "Who then amongst us here aloft


s: Hath brought thee, if thou weenest to return?"


s: "He," answer'd I, "who standeth mute beside me.


s: I live: of me ask therefore, chosen spirit,


s: For thee my mortal feet."--"Oh!" she replied,


s: "This is so strange a thing, it is great sign


s: That God doth love thee.  Therefore with thy prayer


s: Sometime assist me: and by that I crave,


s: Which most thou covetest, that if thy feet


s: E'er tread on Tuscan soil, thou save my fame


s: Amongst my kindred.  Them shalt thou behold


s: With that vain multitude, who set their hope


s: Confounded, more shall when the fancied stream


s: They sought of Dian call'd: but they who lead


s: Their navies, more than ruin'd hopes shall mourn."


s: "Say who is he around our mountain winds,


s: Or ever death has prun'd his wing for flight,


s: That opes his eyes and covers them at will?"


s: "I know not who he is, but know thus much


s: He comes not singly.  Do thou ask of him,


s: For thou art nearer to him, and take heed


s: Accost him gently, so that he may speak."


s: Thus on the right two Spirits bending each


s: Toward the other, talk'd of me, then both


s: Addressing me, their faces backward lean'd,


s: And thus the one began: "O soul, who yet


s: Pent in the body, tendest towards the sky!


s: Recounting whence thou com'st, and who thou art:


s: For thou dost make us at the favour shown thee


s: Marvel, as at a thing that ne'er hath been."


s: "There stretches through the midst of Tuscany,"


s: I straight began: "a brooklet, whose well-head


s: Not satisfied, when he some hundred miles


s: Hath measur'd.  From his banks bring, I this frame.


s: To tell you who I am were words misspent:


s: For yet my name scarce sounds on rumour's lip."


s: "If well I do incorp'rate with my thought


s: The meaning of thy speech," said he, who first


s: Addrest me, "thou dost speak of Arno's wave."


s: To whom the other: "Why hath he conceal'd


s: Doth of some horrible thing?"  The spirit, who


s: Thereof was question'd, did acquit him thus:


s: "I know not: but 'tis fitting well the name


s: Should perish of that vale; for from the source


s: Where teems so plenteously the Alpine steep


s: Maim'd of Pelorus, (that doth scarcely pass


s: Whereunto ocean is restor'd, what heaven


s: Drains from th' exhaustless store for all earth's streams,


s: Throughout the space is virtue worried down,


s: As 'twere a snake, by all, for mortal foe,


s: Or through disastrous influence on the place,


s: That custom goads to evil: whence in those,


s: Nature is so transform'd, it seems as they


s: Had shar'd of Circe's feeding.  'Midst brute swine,


s: His obscure way; then, sloping onward, finds


s: Curs, snarlers more in spite than power, from whom


s: He turns with scorn aside: still journeying down,


s: By how much more the curst and luckless foss


s: Swells out to largeness, e'en so much it finds


s: Dogs turning into wolves.  Descending still


s: Through yet more hollow eddies, next he meets


s: They do not fear that skill can master it.


s: Nor will I cease because my words are heard


s: By other ears than thine.  It shall be well


s: A hunter of those wolves, upon the shore


s: Of the fierce stream, and cows them all with dread:


s: Their flesh yet living sets he up to sale,


s: Then like an aged beast to slaughter dooms.


s: Many of life he reaves, himself of worth


s: And goodly estimation.  Smear'd with gore


s: Mark how he issues from the rueful wood,


s: Leaving such havoc, that in thousand years


s: It spreads not to prime lustihood again."


s: As one, who tidings hears of woe to come,


s: Changes his looks perturb'd, from whate'er part


s: That spirit, who had turn'd to listen, struck


s: With sadness, soon as he had caught the word.


s: His visage and the other's speech did raise


s: The shade, who late addrest me, thus resum'd:


s: "Thy wish imports that I vouchsafe to do


s: For thy sake what thou wilt not do for mine.


s: But since God's will is that so largely shine


s: His grace in thee, I will be liberal too.


s: Envy so parch'd my blood, that had I seen


s: A fellow man made joyous, thou hadst mark'd


s: Such harvest reap I of the seed I sow'd.


s: O man, why place thy heart where there doth need


s: This is Rinieri's spirit, this the boast


s: Nor his the only blood, that hath been stript


s: ('twixt Po, the mount, the Reno, and the shore,)


s: Of all that truth or fancy asks for bliss;


s: But in those limits such a growth has sprung


s: Of rank and venom'd roots, as long would mock


s: Slow culture's toil.  Where is good Liziohere


s: Wonder not, Tuscan, if thou see me weep,


s: When I recall to mind those once lov'd names,


s: That dwelt with you; Tignoso and his troop,


s: With Traversaro's house and Anastagio's,


s: (Each race disherited) and beside these,


s: The ladies and the knights, the toils and ease,


s: Where now such malice reigns in recreant hearts.


s: Since forth of thee thy family hath gone,


s: And many, hating evil, join'd their steps?


s: Well doeth he, that bids his lineage cease,


s: A race of Counties from such blood as theirs.


s: When from amongst you tries your demon child.


s: Not so, howe'er, that henceforth there remain


s: Thou sprung of Fantolini's line! thy name


s: Is safe, since none is look'd for after thee


s: To cloud its lustre, warping from thy stock.


s: But, Tuscan, go thy ways; for now I take


s: Far more delight in weeping than in words.


s: Such pity for your sakes hath wrung my heart."


s: We knew those gentle spirits at parting heard


s: Our steps.  Their silence therefore of our way


s: Assur'd us.  Soon as we had quitted them,


s: Advancing onward, lo! a voice that seem'd


s: Like vollied light'ning, when it rives the air,


s: Will slay me," then fled from us, as the bolt


s: Lanc'd sudden from a downward-rushing cloud.


s: When it had giv'n short truce unto our hearing,


s: As the quick-following thunder: "Mark in me


s: Aglauros turn'd to rock."  I at the sound


s: Retreating drew more closely to my guide.


s: Now in mute stillness rested all the air:


s: And thus he spake: "There was the galling bit.


s: He drags you eager to him.  Hence nor curb


s: Avails you, nor reclaiming call.  Heav'n calls


s: And round about you wheeling courts your gaze


s: With everlasting beauties.  Yet your eye


s: Turns with fond doting still upon the earth.


s: Therefore He smites you who discerneth all."


s: As much as 'twixt the third hour's close and dawn,


s: Appeareth of heav'n's sphere, that ever whirls


s: Of his slope journey towards the western goal.


s: Evening was there, and here the noon of night;


s: and full upon our forehead smote the beams.


s: For  round the mountain, circling, so our path


s: Direct we journey'd: when I felt a weight


s: Of more exceeding splendour, than before,


s: Press on my front.  The cause unknown, amaze


s: Possess'd me, and both hands against my brow


s: Lifting, I interpos'd them, as a screen,


s: Clipp'd the diminish'd orb. As when the ray,


s: Of mirror, leaps unto the opposite part,


s: (And so much differs from the stone, that falls


s: Through equal space, as practice skill hath shown);


s: Thus with refracted light before me seemed


s: The ground there smitten; whence in sudden haste


s: My sight recoil'd.  "What is this, sire belov'd!


s: 'Gainst which I strive to shield the sight in vain?"


s: Cried I, "and which towards us moving seems?"


s: He answer'd, "yet with dazzling radiance dim


s: Inviting man's ascent.  Such sights ere long,


s: Not grievous, shall impart to thee delight,


s: Up to their pitch."  The blessed angel, soon


s: As we had reach'd him, hail'd us with glad voice:


s: Than ye have yet encounter'd."  We forthwith


s: Ascending, heard behind us chanted sweet,


s: "Blessed the merciful," and "happy thou!


s: That conquer'st."  Lonely each, my guide and I


s: Some profit from his words I hop'd to win,


s: And thus of him inquiring, fram'd my speech:


s: "What meant Romagna's spirit, when he spake


s: Of bliss exclusive with no partner shar'd?"


s: He straight replied: "No wonder, since he knows,


s: What sorrow waits on his own worst defect,


s: If he chide others, that they less may mourn.


s: Is lessen'd, envy bloweth up the sighs of men.


s: No fear of that might touch ye, if the love


s: For there, by how much more they call it ours,


s: Wraps that fair cloister in a brighter flame."


s: "Than if thou hadst been silent at the first,


s: And doubt more gathers on my lab'ring thought.


s: How can it chance, that good distributed,


s: The many, that possess it, makes more rich,


s: Than if 't were shar'd by few?"  He answering thus:


s: "Thy mind, reverting still to things of earth,


s: Strikes darkness from true light.  The highest good


s: The sempiternal effluence streams abroad


s: So that the more aspirants to that bliss


s: Are multiplied, more good is there to love,


s: And more is lov'd; as mirrors, that reflect,


s: Who of this want, and of all else thou hast,


s: Shall rid thee to the full.  Provide but thou


s: That from thy temples may be soon eras'd,


s: E'en as the two already, those five scars,


s: That when they pain thee worst, then kindliest heal,"


s: "Thou," I had said, "content'st me," when I saw


s: The other round was gain'd, and wond'ring eyes


s: Did keep me mute.  There suddenly I seem'd


s: Of many persons; and at th' entrance stood


s: A dame, whose sweet demeanour did express


s: A mother's love, who said, "Child! why hast thou


s: Dealt with us thus?  Behold thy sire and I


s: Sorrowing have sought thee;" and so held her peace,


s: And straight the vision fled.  A female next


s: Appear'd before me, down whose visage cours'd


s: Those waters, that grief forces out from one


s: By deep resentment stung, who seem'd to say:


s: Of adverse gods, and whence each science sparkles,


s: Avenge thee of those arms, whose bold embrace


s: Hath clasp'd our daughter; "and to fuel, meseem'd,


s: Benign and meek, with visage undisturb'd,


s: Her sovran spake: "How shall we those requite,


s: The man that loves us?"  After that I saw


s: With stones a stripling youth, and shout amain


s: "Destroy, destroy:" and him I saw, who bow'd


s: Heavy with death unto the ground, yet made


s: His eyes, unfolded upward, gates to heav'n,


s: Praying forgiveness of th' Almighty Sire,


s: Amidst that cruel conflict, on his foes,


s: With looks, that With compassion to their aim.


s: Returning, sought again the things, whose truth


s: Meanwhile the leader, who might see I mov'd,


s: As one, who struggles to shake off his sleep,


s: Exclaim'd: "What ails thee, that thou canst not hold


s: Thy footing firm, but more than half a league


s: Hast travel'd with clos'd eyes and tott'ring gait,


s: Like to a man by wine or sleep o'ercharg'd?"


s: "Beloved father! so thou deign," said I,


s: "To listen, I will tell thee what appear'd