PURGATORIO. CANTO I
Dante apre il primo canto del Purgatorio con un proemio alle Muse ed in particolare a Calliope, affinchè questa lo aiuti e lo sostenga in questa impresa; dopo il passaggio all’Inferno il poeta può finalmente contemplare il cielo e le stelle, tra cui vede le quattro virtù cardinali, ammirate prima solo da Adamo ed Eva; di seguito appare, improvvisamente, Catone, con il quale i due pellegrini hanno un colloquio che termina con le indicazioni date a Virgilio per l’abluzione del volto di Dante e la recinzione con il giunco prima di iniziare la salita al monte.
William Blake
William Blake
Sandro Botticelli
Gustave Doré
Gustave Doré
ITALIANO
1 Per correr miglior acque alza le vele
2 omai la navicella del mio ingegno,
3 che lascia dietro a sé mar sì crudele;
4 e canterò di quel secondo regno
5 dove l’umano spirito si purga
6 e di salire al ciel diventa degno.
7 Ma qui la morta poesì resurga,
8 o sante Muse, poi che vostro sono;
9 e qui Calïopè alquanto surga,
10 seguitando il mio canto con quel suono
11 di cui le Piche misere sentiro
12 lo colpo tal, che disperar perdono.
13 Dolce color d’orïental zaffiro,
14 che s’accoglieva nel sereno aspetto
15 del mezzo, puro infino al primo giro,
16 a li occhi miei ricominciò diletto,
17 tosto ch’io usci’ fuor de l’aura morta
18 che m’avea contristati li occhi e ’l petto.
19 Lo bel pianeto che d’amar conforta
20 faceva tutto rider l’orïente,
21 velando i Pesci ch’erano in sua scorta.
22 I’ mi volsi a man destra, e puosi mente
23 a l’altro polo, e vidi quattro stelle
24 non viste mai fuor ch’a la prima gente.
25 Goder pareva ’l ciel di lor fiammelle:
26 oh settentrïonal vedovo sito,
27 poi che privato se’ di mirar quelle!
28 Com’ io da loro sguardo fui partito,
29 un poco me volgendo a l’altro polo,
30 là onde ’l Carro già era sparito,
31 vidi presso di me un veglio solo,
32 degno di tanta reverenza in vista,
33 che più non dee a padre alcun figliuolo.
34 Lunga la barba e di pel bianco mista
35 portava, a’ suoi capelli simigliante,
36 de’ quai cadeva al petto doppia lista.
37 Li raggi de le quattro luci sante
38 fregiavan sì la sua faccia di lume,
39 ch’i’ ’l vedea come ’l sol fosse davante.
40 «Chi siete voi che contro al cieco fiume
41 fuggita avete la pregione etterna?»,
42 diss’ el, movendo quelle oneste piume.
43 «Chi v’ha guidati, o che vi fu lucerna,
44 uscendo fuor de la profonda notte
45 che sempre nera fa la valle inferna?
46 Son le leggi d’abisso così rotte?
47 o è mutato in ciel novo consiglio,
48 che, dannati, venite a le mie grotte?».
49 Lo duca mio allor mi diè di piglio,
50 e con parole e con mani e con cenni
51 reverenti mi fé le gambe e ’l ciglio.
52 Poscia rispuose lui: «Da me non venni:
53 donna scese del ciel, per li cui prieghi
54 de la mia compagnia costui sovvenni.
55 Ma da ch’è tuo voler che più si spieghi
56 di nostra condizion com’ ell’ è vera,
57 esser non puote il mio che a te si nieghi.
58 Questi non vide mai l’ultima sera;
59 ma per la sua follia le fu sì presso,
60 che molto poco tempo a volger era.
61 Sì com’ io dissi, fui mandato ad esso
62 per lui campare; e non lì era altra via
63 che questa per la quale i’ mi son messo.
64 Mostrata ho lui tutta la gente ria;
65 e ora intendo mostrar quelli spirti
66 che purgan sé sotto la tua balìa.
67 Com’ io l’ho tratto, saria lungo a dirti;
68 de l’alto scende virtù che m’aiuta
69 conducerlo a vederti e a udirti.
70 Or ti piaccia gradir la sua venuta:
71 libertà va cercando, ch’è sì cara,
72 come sa chi per lei vita rifiuta.
73 Tu ’l sai, ché non ti fu per lei amara
74 in Utica la morte, ove lasciasti
75 la vesta ch’al gran dì sarà sì chiara.
76 Non son li editti etterni per noi guasti,
77 ché questi vive e Minòs me non lega;
78 ma son del cerchio ove son li occhi casti
79 di Marzia tua, che ’n vista ancor ti priega,
80 o santo petto, che per tua la tegni:
81 per lo suo amore adunque a noi ti piega.
82 Lasciane andar per li tuoi sette regni;
83 grazie riporterò di te a lei,
84 se d’ esser mentovato là giù degni».
85 «Marzïa piacque tanto a li occhi miei
86 mentre ch’i’ fu’ di là», diss’ elli allora,
87 «che quante grazie volse da me, fei.
88 Or che di là dal mal fiume dimora,
89 più muover non mi può, per quella legge
90 che fatta fu quando me n’usci’ fora.
91 Ma se donna del ciel ti muove e regge,
92 come tu di’ , non c’è mestier lusinghe:
93 bastisi ben che per lei mi richegge.
94 Va dunque, e fa che tu costui ricinghe
95 d’un giunco schietto e che li lavi ’l viso,
96 sì ch’ogne sucidume quindi stinghe;
97 ché non si converria, l’occhio sorpriso
98 d’alcuna nebbia, andar dinanzi al primo
99 ministro, ch’è di quei di paradiso.
100 Questa isoletta intorno ad imo ad imo,
101 là giù colà dove la batte l’onda,
102 porta di giunchi sovra ’l molle limo;
103 null’ altra pianta che facesse fronda
104 o indurasse, vi puote aver vita,
105 però ch’a le percosse non seconda.
106 Poscia non sia di qua vostra reddita;
107 lo sol vi mosterrà, che surge omai,
108 prendere il monte a più lieve salita».
109 Così sparì; e io sù mi levai
110 sanza parlare, e tutto mi ritrassi
111 al duca mio, e li occhi a lui drizzai.
112 El cominciò: «Figliuol, segui i miei passi:
113 volgianci in dietro, ché di qua dichina
114 questa pianura a’ suoi termini bassi».
115 L’alba vinceva l’ora mattutina
116 che fuggia innanzi, sì che di lontano
117 conobbi il tremolar de la marina.
118 Noi andavam per lo solingo piano
119 com’ om che torna a la perduta strada,
120 che ’nfino ad essa li pare ire in vano.
121 Quando noi fummo là ’ve la rugiada
122 pugna col sole, per essere in parte
123 dove, ad orezza, poco si dirada,
124 ambo le mani in su l’erbetta sparte
125 soavemente ’l mio maestro pose:
126 ond’ io, che fui accorto di sua arte,
127 porsi ver’ lui le guance lacrimose;
128 ivi mi fece tutto discoverto
129 quel color che l’ inferno mi nascose.
130 Venimmo poi in sul lito diserto,
131 che mai non vide navicar sue acque
132 omo, che di tornar sia poscia esperto.
133 Quivi mi cinse sì com’ altrui piacque:
134 oh maraviglia! ché qual elli scelse
135 l’umile pianta, cotal si rinacque
136 subitamente là onde l’avelse.
2 omai la navicella del mio ingegno,
3 che lascia dietro a sé mar sì crudele;
4 e canterò di quel secondo regno
5 dove l’umano spirito si purga
6 e di salire al ciel diventa degno.
7 Ma qui la morta poesì resurga,
8 o sante Muse, poi che vostro sono;
9 e qui Calïopè alquanto surga,
10 seguitando il mio canto con quel suono
11 di cui le Piche misere sentiro
12 lo colpo tal, che disperar perdono.
13 Dolce color d’orïental zaffiro,
14 che s’accoglieva nel sereno aspetto
15 del mezzo, puro infino al primo giro,
16 a li occhi miei ricominciò diletto,
17 tosto ch’io usci’ fuor de l’aura morta
18 che m’avea contristati li occhi e ’l petto.
19 Lo bel pianeto che d’amar conforta
20 faceva tutto rider l’orïente,
21 velando i Pesci ch’erano in sua scorta.
22 I’ mi volsi a man destra, e puosi mente
23 a l’altro polo, e vidi quattro stelle
24 non viste mai fuor ch’a la prima gente.
25 Goder pareva ’l ciel di lor fiammelle:
26 oh settentrïonal vedovo sito,
27 poi che privato se’ di mirar quelle!
28 Com’ io da loro sguardo fui partito,
29 un poco me volgendo a l’altro polo,
30 là onde ’l Carro già era sparito,
31 vidi presso di me un veglio solo,
32 degno di tanta reverenza in vista,
33 che più non dee a padre alcun figliuolo.
34 Lunga la barba e di pel bianco mista
35 portava, a’ suoi capelli simigliante,
36 de’ quai cadeva al petto doppia lista.
37 Li raggi de le quattro luci sante
38 fregiavan sì la sua faccia di lume,
39 ch’i’ ’l vedea come ’l sol fosse davante.
40 «Chi siete voi che contro al cieco fiume
41 fuggita avete la pregione etterna?»,
42 diss’ el, movendo quelle oneste piume.
43 «Chi v’ha guidati, o che vi fu lucerna,
44 uscendo fuor de la profonda notte
45 che sempre nera fa la valle inferna?
46 Son le leggi d’abisso così rotte?
47 o è mutato in ciel novo consiglio,
48 che, dannati, venite a le mie grotte?».
49 Lo duca mio allor mi diè di piglio,
50 e con parole e con mani e con cenni
51 reverenti mi fé le gambe e ’l ciglio.
52 Poscia rispuose lui: «Da me non venni:
53 donna scese del ciel, per li cui prieghi
54 de la mia compagnia costui sovvenni.
55 Ma da ch’è tuo voler che più si spieghi
56 di nostra condizion com’ ell’ è vera,
57 esser non puote il mio che a te si nieghi.
58 Questi non vide mai l’ultima sera;
59 ma per la sua follia le fu sì presso,
60 che molto poco tempo a volger era.
61 Sì com’ io dissi, fui mandato ad esso
62 per lui campare; e non lì era altra via
63 che questa per la quale i’ mi son messo.
64 Mostrata ho lui tutta la gente ria;
65 e ora intendo mostrar quelli spirti
66 che purgan sé sotto la tua balìa.
67 Com’ io l’ho tratto, saria lungo a dirti;
68 de l’alto scende virtù che m’aiuta
69 conducerlo a vederti e a udirti.
70 Or ti piaccia gradir la sua venuta:
71 libertà va cercando, ch’è sì cara,
72 come sa chi per lei vita rifiuta.
73 Tu ’l sai, ché non ti fu per lei amara
74 in Utica la morte, ove lasciasti
75 la vesta ch’al gran dì sarà sì chiara.
76 Non son li editti etterni per noi guasti,
77 ché questi vive e Minòs me non lega;
78 ma son del cerchio ove son li occhi casti
79 di Marzia tua, che ’n vista ancor ti priega,
80 o santo petto, che per tua la tegni:
81 per lo suo amore adunque a noi ti piega.
82 Lasciane andar per li tuoi sette regni;
83 grazie riporterò di te a lei,
84 se d’ esser mentovato là giù degni».
85 «Marzïa piacque tanto a li occhi miei
86 mentre ch’i’ fu’ di là», diss’ elli allora,
87 «che quante grazie volse da me, fei.
88 Or che di là dal mal fiume dimora,
89 più muover non mi può, per quella legge
90 che fatta fu quando me n’usci’ fora.
91 Ma se donna del ciel ti muove e regge,
92 come tu di’ , non c’è mestier lusinghe:
93 bastisi ben che per lei mi richegge.
94 Va dunque, e fa che tu costui ricinghe
95 d’un giunco schietto e che li lavi ’l viso,
96 sì ch’ogne sucidume quindi stinghe;
97 ché non si converria, l’occhio sorpriso
98 d’alcuna nebbia, andar dinanzi al primo
99 ministro, ch’è di quei di paradiso.
100 Questa isoletta intorno ad imo ad imo,
101 là giù colà dove la batte l’onda,
102 porta di giunchi sovra ’l molle limo;
103 null’ altra pianta che facesse fronda
104 o indurasse, vi puote aver vita,
105 però ch’a le percosse non seconda.
106 Poscia non sia di qua vostra reddita;
107 lo sol vi mosterrà, che surge omai,
108 prendere il monte a più lieve salita».
109 Così sparì; e io sù mi levai
110 sanza parlare, e tutto mi ritrassi
111 al duca mio, e li occhi a lui drizzai.
112 El cominciò: «Figliuol, segui i miei passi:
113 volgianci in dietro, ché di qua dichina
114 questa pianura a’ suoi termini bassi».
115 L’alba vinceva l’ora mattutina
116 che fuggia innanzi, sì che di lontano
117 conobbi il tremolar de la marina.
118 Noi andavam per lo solingo piano
119 com’ om che torna a la perduta strada,
120 che ’nfino ad essa li pare ire in vano.
121 Quando noi fummo là ’ve la rugiada
122 pugna col sole, per essere in parte
123 dove, ad orezza, poco si dirada,
124 ambo le mani in su l’erbetta sparte
125 soavemente ’l mio maestro pose:
126 ond’ io, che fui accorto di sua arte,
127 porsi ver’ lui le guance lacrimose;
128 ivi mi fece tutto discoverto
129 quel color che l’ inferno mi nascose.
130 Venimmo poi in sul lito diserto,
131 che mai non vide navicar sue acque
132 omo, che di tornar sia poscia esperto.
133 Quivi mi cinse sì com’ altrui piacque:
134 oh maraviglia! ché qual elli scelse
135 l’umile pianta, cotal si rinacque
136 subitamente là onde l’avelse.
РУССКИЙ (Лозинский)
1 Для лучших вод подъемля парус ныне,
Мой гений вновь стремит свою ладью,
Блуждавшую в столь яростной пучине,
4 И я второе царство воспою,
Где души обретают очищенье
И к вечному восходят бытию.
7 Пусть мертвое воскреснет песнопенье,
Святые Музы, - я взываю к вам;
Пусть Каллиопа, мне в сопровожденье,
10 Поднявшись вновь, ударит по струнам,
Как встарь, когда Сорок сразила лира
И нанесла им беспощадный срам.
13 Отрадный цвет восточного сапфира,
Накопленный в воздушной вышине,
Прозрачной вплоть до первой тверди мира,
16 Опять мне очи упоил вполне,
Чуть я расстался с темью без рассвета,
Глаза и грудь отяготившей мне.
19 Маяк любви, прекрасная планета,
Зажгла восток улыбкою лучей,
И ближних Рыб затмила ясность эта.
22 Я вправо, к остью, поднял взгляд очей,
И он пленился четырьмя звездами,
Чей отсвет первых озарял людей.
25 Казалось, твердь ликует их огнями;
О северная сирая страна,
Где их сверканье не горит над нами!
28 Покинув оком эти пламена,
Я обратился к остью полуночи,
Где Колесница не была видна;
31 И некий старец мне предстал пред очи,
Исполненный почтенности такой,
Какой для сына полон облик отчий.
34 Цвет бороды был исчерна-седой,
И ей волна волос уподоблялась,
Ложась на грудь раздвоенной грядой.
37 Его лицо так ярко украшалось
Священным светом четырех светил,
Что это блещет солнце - мне казалось.
40 "Кто вы, и кто темницу вам открыл,
Чтобы к слепому выйти водопаду? -
Колебля оперенье, он спросил. -
43 Кто вывел вас? Где взяли вы лампаду,
Чтоб выбраться из глубины земли
Сквозь черноту, разлитую по Аду?
46 Вы ль над законом бездны возмогли,
Иль новое решилось в горней сени,
Что падшие к скале моей пришли?"
49 Мой вождь, внимая величавой тени,
И голосом, и взглядом, и рукой
Мне преклонил и веки, и колени.
52 Потом сказал: "Я здесь не сам собой.
Жена сошла с небес, ко мне взывая,
Чтоб я помог идущему со мной.
55 Но раз ты хочешь точно знать, какая
У нас судьба, то это мне закон,
Который я уважу, исполняя.
58 Последний вечер не изведал он;
Но был к нему так близок, безрассудный,
Что срок ему недолгий был сужден.
61 Как я сказал, к нему я в этот трудный
Был послан час; и только через тьму
Мог вывести его стезею чудной.
64 Весь грешный люд я показал ему;
И души показать ему желаю,
Врученные надзору твоему.
67 Как мы блуждали, я не излагаю;
Мне сила свыше помогла, и вот
Тебя я вижу и тебе внимаю.
70 Ты благосклонно встреть его приход:
Он восхотел свободы, столь бесценной,
Как знают все, кто жизнь ей отдает.
73 Ты это знал, приняв, как дар блаженный,
Смерть в Утике, где ризу бытия
Совлек, чтоб в грозный день ей стать нетленной.
76 Запретов не ломал ни он, ни я:
Он - жив, меня Минос нигде не тронет,
И круг мой - тот, где Марция твоя
79 На дне очей мольбу к тебе хоронит,
О чистый дух, считать ее своей.
Пусть мысль о ней и к нам тебя преклонит!
82 Дай нам войти в твои семь царств, чтоб ей
Тебя я славил, ежели пристала
Речь о тебе средь горестных теней".
85 "Мне Марция настолько взор пленяла,
Пока я был в том мире, - он сказал, -
Что для нее я делал все, бывало.
88 Теперь меж нас бежит зловещий вал;
Я, изведенный силою чудесной,
Блюдя устав, к ней безучастен стал.
91 Но если ты посол жены небесной,
Достаточно и слова твоего,
Без всякой льстивой речи, здесь невместной.
94 Ступай и тростьем опояшь его
И сам ему омой лицо, стирая
Всю грязь, чтоб не осталось ничего.
97 Нельзя, глазами мглистыми взирая,
Идти навстречу первому из слуг,
Принадлежащих к светлым сонмам Рая.
100 Весь этот островок обвив вокруг,
Внизу, где море бьет в него волною,
Растет тростник вдоль илистых излук.
103 Растения, обильные листвою
Иль жесткие, не могут там расти,
Затем что неуступчивы прибою.
106 Вернитесь не по этому пути;
Восходит солнце и покажет ясно,
Как вам удобней на гору взойти".
109 Так он исчез; я встал с колен и, страстно
Прильнув к тому, кто был моим вождем
Его глаза я вопрошал безгласно.
112 Он начал: "Сын, ступай за мной; идем
В ту сторону; мы здесь на косогоре
И по уклону книзу повернем".
115 Уже заря одолевала в споре
Нестойкий мрак, и, устремляя взгляд,
Я различал трепещущее море.
118 Мы шли, куда нас вел безлюдный скат,
Как тот, кто вновь дорогу, обретает
И, лишь по ней шагая, будет рад.
121 Дойдя дотуда, где роса вступает
В боренье с солнцем, потому что там,
На ветерке, нескоро исчезает, -
124 Раскрыв ладони, к влажным муравам
Нагнулся мой учитель знаменитый,
И я, поняв, к нему приблизил сам
127 Слезами орошенные ланиты;
И он вернул мне цвет, - уже навек,
Могло казаться, темным Адом скрытый.
130 Затем мы вышли на пустынный брег,
Не видевший, чтобы отсюда начал
Обратный путь по волнам человек.
133 Здесь пояс он мне свил, как тот назначил.
О удивленье! Чуть он выбирал
Смиренный стебель, как уже маячил
136 Сейчас же новый там, где он сорвал.
Мой гений вновь стремит свою ладью,
Блуждавшую в столь яростной пучине,
4 И я второе царство воспою,
Где души обретают очищенье
И к вечному восходят бытию.
7 Пусть мертвое воскреснет песнопенье,
Святые Музы, - я взываю к вам;
Пусть Каллиопа, мне в сопровожденье,
10 Поднявшись вновь, ударит по струнам,
Как встарь, когда Сорок сразила лира
И нанесла им беспощадный срам.
13 Отрадный цвет восточного сапфира,
Накопленный в воздушной вышине,
Прозрачной вплоть до первой тверди мира,
16 Опять мне очи упоил вполне,
Чуть я расстался с темью без рассвета,
Глаза и грудь отяготившей мне.
19 Маяк любви, прекрасная планета,
Зажгла восток улыбкою лучей,
И ближних Рыб затмила ясность эта.
22 Я вправо, к остью, поднял взгляд очей,
И он пленился четырьмя звездами,
Чей отсвет первых озарял людей.
25 Казалось, твердь ликует их огнями;
О северная сирая страна,
Где их сверканье не горит над нами!
28 Покинув оком эти пламена,
Я обратился к остью полуночи,
Где Колесница не была видна;
31 И некий старец мне предстал пред очи,
Исполненный почтенности такой,
Какой для сына полон облик отчий.
34 Цвет бороды был исчерна-седой,
И ей волна волос уподоблялась,
Ложась на грудь раздвоенной грядой.
37 Его лицо так ярко украшалось
Священным светом четырех светил,
Что это блещет солнце - мне казалось.
40 "Кто вы, и кто темницу вам открыл,
Чтобы к слепому выйти водопаду? -
Колебля оперенье, он спросил. -
43 Кто вывел вас? Где взяли вы лампаду,
Чтоб выбраться из глубины земли
Сквозь черноту, разлитую по Аду?
46 Вы ль над законом бездны возмогли,
Иль новое решилось в горней сени,
Что падшие к скале моей пришли?"
49 Мой вождь, внимая величавой тени,
И голосом, и взглядом, и рукой
Мне преклонил и веки, и колени.
52 Потом сказал: "Я здесь не сам собой.
Жена сошла с небес, ко мне взывая,
Чтоб я помог идущему со мной.
55 Но раз ты хочешь точно знать, какая
У нас судьба, то это мне закон,
Который я уважу, исполняя.
58 Последний вечер не изведал он;
Но был к нему так близок, безрассудный,
Что срок ему недолгий был сужден.
61 Как я сказал, к нему я в этот трудный
Был послан час; и только через тьму
Мог вывести его стезею чудной.
64 Весь грешный люд я показал ему;
И души показать ему желаю,
Врученные надзору твоему.
67 Как мы блуждали, я не излагаю;
Мне сила свыше помогла, и вот
Тебя я вижу и тебе внимаю.
70 Ты благосклонно встреть его приход:
Он восхотел свободы, столь бесценной,
Как знают все, кто жизнь ей отдает.
73 Ты это знал, приняв, как дар блаженный,
Смерть в Утике, где ризу бытия
Совлек, чтоб в грозный день ей стать нетленной.
76 Запретов не ломал ни он, ни я:
Он - жив, меня Минос нигде не тронет,
И круг мой - тот, где Марция твоя
79 На дне очей мольбу к тебе хоронит,
О чистый дух, считать ее своей.
Пусть мысль о ней и к нам тебя преклонит!
82 Дай нам войти в твои семь царств, чтоб ей
Тебя я славил, ежели пристала
Речь о тебе средь горестных теней".
85 "Мне Марция настолько взор пленяла,
Пока я был в том мире, - он сказал, -
Что для нее я делал все, бывало.
88 Теперь меж нас бежит зловещий вал;
Я, изведенный силою чудесной,
Блюдя устав, к ней безучастен стал.
91 Но если ты посол жены небесной,
Достаточно и слова твоего,
Без всякой льстивой речи, здесь невместной.
94 Ступай и тростьем опояшь его
И сам ему омой лицо, стирая
Всю грязь, чтоб не осталось ничего.
97 Нельзя, глазами мглистыми взирая,
Идти навстречу первому из слуг,
Принадлежащих к светлым сонмам Рая.
100 Весь этот островок обвив вокруг,
Внизу, где море бьет в него волною,
Растет тростник вдоль илистых излук.
103 Растения, обильные листвою
Иль жесткие, не могут там расти,
Затем что неуступчивы прибою.
106 Вернитесь не по этому пути;
Восходит солнце и покажет ясно,
Как вам удобней на гору взойти".
109 Так он исчез; я встал с колен и, страстно
Прильнув к тому, кто был моим вождем
Его глаза я вопрошал безгласно.
112 Он начал: "Сын, ступай за мной; идем
В ту сторону; мы здесь на косогоре
И по уклону книзу повернем".
115 Уже заря одолевала в споре
Нестойкий мрак, и, устремляя взгляд,
Я различал трепещущее море.
118 Мы шли, куда нас вел безлюдный скат,
Как тот, кто вновь дорогу, обретает
И, лишь по ней шагая, будет рад.
121 Дойдя дотуда, где роса вступает
В боренье с солнцем, потому что там,
На ветерке, нескоро исчезает, -
124 Раскрыв ладони, к влажным муравам
Нагнулся мой учитель знаменитый,
И я, поняв, к нему приблизил сам
127 Слезами орошенные ланиты;
И он вернул мне цвет, - уже навек,
Могло казаться, темным Адом скрытый.
130 Затем мы вышли на пустынный брег,
Не видевший, чтобы отсюда начал
Обратный путь по волнам человек.
133 Здесь пояс он мне свил, как тот назначил.
О удивленье! Чуть он выбирал
Смиренный стебель, как уже маячил
136 Сейчас же новый там, где он сорвал.
ENGLISH (Mandelbaum)
To course across more kindly waters now
my talent’s little vessel lifts her sails,
leaving behind herself a sea so cruel;
and what I sing will be that second kingdom,
in which the human soul is cleansed of sin,
becoming worthy of ascent to Heaven.
But here, since I am yours, o holy Muses,
may this poem rise again from Hell’s dead realm;
and may Calliope rise somewhat here,
accompanying my singing with that music
whose power struck the poor Pierides
so forcefully that they despaired of pardon.
The gentle hue of oriental sapphire
in which the sky’s serenity was steeped—
its aspect pure as far as the horizon—
brought back my joy in seeing just as soon
as I had left behind the air of death
that had afflicted both my sight and breast.
The lovely planet that is patroness
of love made all the eastern heavens glad,
veiling the Pisces in the train she led.
Then I turned to the right, setting my mind
upon the other pole, and saw four stars
not seen before except by the first people.
Heaven appeared to revel in their flames:
o northern hemisphere, because you were
denied that sight, you are a widower!
After my eyes took leave of those four stars,
turning a little toward the other pole,
from which the Wain had disappeared by now,
I saw a solitary patriarch
near me—his aspect worthy of such reverence
that even son to father owes no more.
His beard was long and mixed with white, as were
the hairs upon his head; and his hair spread
down to his chest in a divided tress.
The rays of the four holy stars so framed
his face with light that in my sight he seemed
like one who is confronted by the sun.
“Who are you—who, against the hidden river,
were able to escape the eternal prison?”
he said, moving those venerable plumes.
“Who was your guide? What served you both as lantern
when, from the deep night that will always keep
the hellish valley dark, you were set free?
The laws of the abyss—have they been broken?
Or has a new, a changed decree in Heaven
let you, though damned, approach my rocky slopes?”
My guide took hold of me decisively;
by way of words and hands and other signs,
he made my knees and brow show reverence.
Then he replied: “I do not come through my
own self. There was a lady sent from Heaven;
her pleas led me to help and guide this man.
But since your will would have a far more full
and accurate account of our condition,
my will cannot withhold what you request.
This man had yet to see his final evening;
but, through his folly, little time was left
before he did—he was so close to it.
As I have told you, I was sent to him
for his deliverance; the only road
I could have taken was the road I took.
I showed him all the people of perdition;
now I intend to show to him those spirits
who, in your care, are bent on expiation.
To tell you how I led him would take long;
it is a power descending from above
that helps me guide him here, to see and hear you.
Now may it please you to approve his coming;
he goes in search of liberty—so precious,
as he who gives his life for it must know.
You know it—who, in Utica, found death
for freedom was not bitter, when you left
the garb that will be bright on the great day.
Eternal edicts are not broken for us;
this man’s alive, and I’m not bound by Minos;
but I am from the circle where the chaste
eyes of your Marcia are; and she still prays
to you, o holy breast, to keep her as
your own: for her love, then, incline to us.
Allow our journey through your seven realms.
I shall thank her for kindness you bestow—
if you would let your name be named below.”
“While I was there, within the other world,
Marcia so pleased my eyes,” he then replied,
“each kindness she required, I satisfied.
Now that she dwells beyond the evil river,
she has no power to move me any longer,
such was the law decreed when I was freed.
But if a lady come from Heaven speeds
and helps you, as you say, there is no need
of flattery; it is enough, indeed,
to ask me for her sake. Go then; but first
wind a smooth rush around his waist and bathe
his face, to wash away all of Hell’s stains;
for it would not be seemly to approach
with eyes still dimmed by any mists, the first
custodian angel, one from Paradise.
This solitary island, all around
its very base, there where the breakers pound,
bears rushes on its soft and muddy ground.
There is no other plant that lives below:
no plant with leaves or plant that, as it grows,
hardens—and breaks beneath the waves’ harsh blows.
That done, do not return by this same pass;
the sun, which rises now, will show you how
this hillside can be climbed more easily.”
With that he vanished; and without a word,
I rose and drew in closer to my guide,
and it was on him that I set my eyes.
And he began: “Son, follow in my steps;
let us go back; this is the point at which
the plain slopes down to reach its lowest bounds.”
Daybreak was vanquishing the dark’s last hour,
which fled before it; in the distance, I
could recognize the trembling of the sea.
We made our way across the lonely plain,
like one returning to a lost pathway,
who, till he finds it, seems to move in vain.
When we had reached the point where dew contends
with sun and, under sea winds, in the shade,
wins out because it won’t evaporate,
my master gently placed both of his hands—
outspread—upon the grass; therefore, aware
of what his gesture and intention were,
I reached and offered him my tear—stained cheeks;
and on my cheeks, he totally revealed
the color that Inferno had concealed.
Then we arrived at the deserted shore,
which never yet had seen its waters coursed
by any man who journeyed back again.
There, just as pleased another, he girt me.
O wonder! Where he plucked the humble plant
that he had chosen, there that plant sprang up
again, identical, immediately.
my talent’s little vessel lifts her sails,
leaving behind herself a sea so cruel;
and what I sing will be that second kingdom,
in which the human soul is cleansed of sin,
becoming worthy of ascent to Heaven.
But here, since I am yours, o holy Muses,
may this poem rise again from Hell’s dead realm;
and may Calliope rise somewhat here,
accompanying my singing with that music
whose power struck the poor Pierides
so forcefully that they despaired of pardon.
The gentle hue of oriental sapphire
in which the sky’s serenity was steeped—
its aspect pure as far as the horizon—
brought back my joy in seeing just as soon
as I had left behind the air of death
that had afflicted both my sight and breast.
The lovely planet that is patroness
of love made all the eastern heavens glad,
veiling the Pisces in the train she led.
Then I turned to the right, setting my mind
upon the other pole, and saw four stars
not seen before except by the first people.
Heaven appeared to revel in their flames:
o northern hemisphere, because you were
denied that sight, you are a widower!
After my eyes took leave of those four stars,
turning a little toward the other pole,
from which the Wain had disappeared by now,
I saw a solitary patriarch
near me—his aspect worthy of such reverence
that even son to father owes no more.
His beard was long and mixed with white, as were
the hairs upon his head; and his hair spread
down to his chest in a divided tress.
The rays of the four holy stars so framed
his face with light that in my sight he seemed
like one who is confronted by the sun.
“Who are you—who, against the hidden river,
were able to escape the eternal prison?”
he said, moving those venerable plumes.
“Who was your guide? What served you both as lantern
when, from the deep night that will always keep
the hellish valley dark, you were set free?
The laws of the abyss—have they been broken?
Or has a new, a changed decree in Heaven
let you, though damned, approach my rocky slopes?”
My guide took hold of me decisively;
by way of words and hands and other signs,
he made my knees and brow show reverence.
Then he replied: “I do not come through my
own self. There was a lady sent from Heaven;
her pleas led me to help and guide this man.
But since your will would have a far more full
and accurate account of our condition,
my will cannot withhold what you request.
This man had yet to see his final evening;
but, through his folly, little time was left
before he did—he was so close to it.
As I have told you, I was sent to him
for his deliverance; the only road
I could have taken was the road I took.
I showed him all the people of perdition;
now I intend to show to him those spirits
who, in your care, are bent on expiation.
To tell you how I led him would take long;
it is a power descending from above
that helps me guide him here, to see and hear you.
Now may it please you to approve his coming;
he goes in search of liberty—so precious,
as he who gives his life for it must know.
You know it—who, in Utica, found death
for freedom was not bitter, when you left
the garb that will be bright on the great day.
Eternal edicts are not broken for us;
this man’s alive, and I’m not bound by Minos;
but I am from the circle where the chaste
eyes of your Marcia are; and she still prays
to you, o holy breast, to keep her as
your own: for her love, then, incline to us.
Allow our journey through your seven realms.
I shall thank her for kindness you bestow—
if you would let your name be named below.”
“While I was there, within the other world,
Marcia so pleased my eyes,” he then replied,
“each kindness she required, I satisfied.
Now that she dwells beyond the evil river,
she has no power to move me any longer,
such was the law decreed when I was freed.
But if a lady come from Heaven speeds
and helps you, as you say, there is no need
of flattery; it is enough, indeed,
to ask me for her sake. Go then; but first
wind a smooth rush around his waist and bathe
his face, to wash away all of Hell’s stains;
for it would not be seemly to approach
with eyes still dimmed by any mists, the first
custodian angel, one from Paradise.
This solitary island, all around
its very base, there where the breakers pound,
bears rushes on its soft and muddy ground.
There is no other plant that lives below:
no plant with leaves or plant that, as it grows,
hardens—and breaks beneath the waves’ harsh blows.
That done, do not return by this same pass;
the sun, which rises now, will show you how
this hillside can be climbed more easily.”
With that he vanished; and without a word,
I rose and drew in closer to my guide,
and it was on him that I set my eyes.
And he began: “Son, follow in my steps;
let us go back; this is the point at which
the plain slopes down to reach its lowest bounds.”
Daybreak was vanquishing the dark’s last hour,
which fled before it; in the distance, I
could recognize the trembling of the sea.
We made our way across the lonely plain,
like one returning to a lost pathway,
who, till he finds it, seems to move in vain.
When we had reached the point where dew contends
with sun and, under sea winds, in the shade,
wins out because it won’t evaporate,
my master gently placed both of his hands—
outspread—upon the grass; therefore, aware
of what his gesture and intention were,
I reached and offered him my tear—stained cheeks;
and on my cheeks, he totally revealed
the color that Inferno had concealed.
Then we arrived at the deserted shore,
which never yet had seen its waters coursed
by any man who journeyed back again.
There, just as pleased another, he girt me.
O wonder! Where he plucked the humble plant
that he had chosen, there that plant sprang up
again, identical, immediately.
ENGLISH (Longfellow)
To run o’er better waters hoists its sail
The little vessel of my genius now,
That leaves behind itself a sea so cruel;
And of that second kingdom will I sing
Wherein the human spirit doth purge itself,
And to ascend to heaven becometh worthy.
let dead Poesy here rise again,
O holy Muses, since that I am yours,
And here Calliope somewhat ascend,
My song accompanying with that sound,
Of which the miserable magpies felt
The blow so great, that they despaired of pardon.
Sweet colour of the oriental sapphire,
That was upgathered in the cloudless aspect
Of the pure air, as far as the first circle,
Unto mine eyes did recommence delight
Soon as I issued forth from the dead air,
Which had with sadness filled mine eyes and breast.
The beauteous planet, that to love incites,
Was making all the orient to laugh,
Veiling the Fishes that were in her escort.
To the right hand I turned, and fixed my mind
Upon the other pole, and saw four stars
Ne’er seen before save by the primal people.
Rejoicing in their flamelets seemed the heaven.
O thou septentrional and widowed site,
Because thou art deprived of seeing these!
When from regarding them I had withdrawn,
Turning a little to the other pole,
There where the Wain had disappeared already,
I saw beside me an old man alone,
Worthy of so much reverence in his look,
That more owes not to father any son.
A long beard and with white hair intermingled
He wore, in semblance like unto the tresses,
Of which a double list fell on his breast.
The rays of the four consecrated stars
Did so adorn his countenance with light,
That him I saw as were the sun before him.
“Who are you? ye who, counter the blind river,
Have fled away from the eternal prison?”
Moving those venerable plumes, he said:
“Who guided you ? or who has been your lamp
In issuing forth out of the night profound,
That ever black makes the infernal valley?
The laws of the abyss, are they thus broken?
Or is there changed in heaven some council new,
That being damned ye come unto my crags?”
Then did my Leader lay his grasp upon me,
And with his words, and with his hands and signs, so
Reverent he made in me my knees and brow:
Then answered him: ” I came not of myself;
A Lady from Heaven descended, at whose prayers
I aided this one with my company.
But since it is thy will more be unfolded
Of our condition, how it truly is,
Mine cannot be that this should be denied thee.
This one has never his last evening seen,
But by his folly was so near to it
That very little time was there to turn.
As I have said, I unto him was sent
To rescue him, and other way was none
Than this to which I have myself betaken.
I’ve shown him all the people of perdition
And now those spirits I intend to show
Who purge themselves beneath thy guardianship.
How I have brought him would be long to tell thee.
Virtue descendeth from on high that aids me
To lead him to behold thee and to hear thee.
Now may it please thee to vouchsafe his coming;
He seeketh Liberty, which is so dear,
As knoweth he who life for her refuses.
Thou know’st it; since, for her, to thee not bitter
Was death in Utica, where thou didst leave
The vesture, that will shine so, the great day.
By us the eternal edicts are not broken;
chÈ questSince this one lives, and Minos binds not me;
But of that circle I, where are the chaste
Eyes of thy Marcia, who in looks still prays thee,
O holy breast, to hold her as thine own;
For her love, then, incline thyself to us.
Permit us through thy sevenfold realm to go;
I will take back this grace from thee to her,
If to be mentioned there below thou deignest.”
“Marcia so pleasing was unto mine eyes
While I was on the other side,”then said he,
“That every grace she wished of me I granted;
Now that she dwells beyond the evil river,
She can no longer move me, by that law
Which, when I issued forth from there, was made.
But if a Lady of Heaven do move and rule thee,
As thou dost say, no flattery is needful;
Let it suffice thee that for her thou ask me.
Go, then, and see thou gird this one about
With a smooth rush, and that thou wash his face,
So that thou cleanse away all stain therefrom,
For ’twere not fitting that the eye o’ercast
By any mist should go before the first
Angel, who is of those of Paradise.
This little island round about its base
Below there, yonder, where the billow beats it,
Doth rushes bear upon its washy ooze;
No other plant that putteth forth the leaf,
Or that doth indurate, can there have life,
Because it yieldeth not unto the shocks.
Thereafter be not this way your return;
The sun, which now is rising, will direct you
To take the mount by easier ascent.”
With this he vanished; and I raised me up
Without a word, and wholly drew myself
Unto my Guide, and turned mine eyes to him.
And he began:”Son, follow thou my steps;
Let us turn back. for on this side declines
The plain unto its lower boundaries.”
The dawn was vanquishing the matin hour
‘Which fled before it, so that from afar
I recognised the trembling of the sea
Along the solitary plain we went
As one who unto the lost road returns,
And till he finds it seems to go in vain.
As soon as we were come to where the dew
Fights with the sun, and, being in a part
Where shadow falls, little evaporates,
Both of his hands upon the grass outspread
In gentle manner did my Master place;
Whence I, who of his action was aware,
Extended unto him my tearful cheeks;
There did he make in me uncovered wholly
That hue which Hell had covered up in me.
Then came we down upon the desert shore
Which never yet saw navigate its waters
Any that afterward had known return.
There he begirt me as the other pleased
O marvellous! for even as he culled
The humble plant, such it sprang up again
Suddenly there where he uprooted it.
The little vessel of my genius now,
That leaves behind itself a sea so cruel;
And of that second kingdom will I sing
Wherein the human spirit doth purge itself,
And to ascend to heaven becometh worthy.
let dead Poesy here rise again,
O holy Muses, since that I am yours,
And here Calliope somewhat ascend,
My song accompanying with that sound,
Of which the miserable magpies felt
The blow so great, that they despaired of pardon.
Sweet colour of the oriental sapphire,
That was upgathered in the cloudless aspect
Of the pure air, as far as the first circle,
Unto mine eyes did recommence delight
Soon as I issued forth from the dead air,
Which had with sadness filled mine eyes and breast.
The beauteous planet, that to love incites,
Was making all the orient to laugh,
Veiling the Fishes that were in her escort.
To the right hand I turned, and fixed my mind
Upon the other pole, and saw four stars
Ne’er seen before save by the primal people.
Rejoicing in their flamelets seemed the heaven.
O thou septentrional and widowed site,
Because thou art deprived of seeing these!
When from regarding them I had withdrawn,
Turning a little to the other pole,
There where the Wain had disappeared already,
I saw beside me an old man alone,
Worthy of so much reverence in his look,
That more owes not to father any son.
A long beard and with white hair intermingled
He wore, in semblance like unto the tresses,
Of which a double list fell on his breast.
The rays of the four consecrated stars
Did so adorn his countenance with light,
That him I saw as were the sun before him.
“Who are you? ye who, counter the blind river,
Have fled away from the eternal prison?”
Moving those venerable plumes, he said:
“Who guided you ? or who has been your lamp
In issuing forth out of the night profound,
That ever black makes the infernal valley?
The laws of the abyss, are they thus broken?
Or is there changed in heaven some council new,
That being damned ye come unto my crags?”
Then did my Leader lay his grasp upon me,
And with his words, and with his hands and signs, so
Reverent he made in me my knees and brow:
Then answered him: ” I came not of myself;
A Lady from Heaven descended, at whose prayers
I aided this one with my company.
But since it is thy will more be unfolded
Of our condition, how it truly is,
Mine cannot be that this should be denied thee.
This one has never his last evening seen,
But by his folly was so near to it
That very little time was there to turn.
As I have said, I unto him was sent
To rescue him, and other way was none
Than this to which I have myself betaken.
I’ve shown him all the people of perdition
And now those spirits I intend to show
Who purge themselves beneath thy guardianship.
How I have brought him would be long to tell thee.
Virtue descendeth from on high that aids me
To lead him to behold thee and to hear thee.
Now may it please thee to vouchsafe his coming;
He seeketh Liberty, which is so dear,
As knoweth he who life for her refuses.
Thou know’st it; since, for her, to thee not bitter
Was death in Utica, where thou didst leave
The vesture, that will shine so, the great day.
By us the eternal edicts are not broken;
chÈ questSince this one lives, and Minos binds not me;
But of that circle I, where are the chaste
Eyes of thy Marcia, who in looks still prays thee,
O holy breast, to hold her as thine own;
For her love, then, incline thyself to us.
Permit us through thy sevenfold realm to go;
I will take back this grace from thee to her,
If to be mentioned there below thou deignest.”
“Marcia so pleasing was unto mine eyes
While I was on the other side,”then said he,
“That every grace she wished of me I granted;
Now that she dwells beyond the evil river,
She can no longer move me, by that law
Which, when I issued forth from there, was made.
But if a Lady of Heaven do move and rule thee,
As thou dost say, no flattery is needful;
Let it suffice thee that for her thou ask me.
Go, then, and see thou gird this one about
With a smooth rush, and that thou wash his face,
So that thou cleanse away all stain therefrom,
For ’twere not fitting that the eye o’ercast
By any mist should go before the first
Angel, who is of those of Paradise.
This little island round about its base
Below there, yonder, where the billow beats it,
Doth rushes bear upon its washy ooze;
No other plant that putteth forth the leaf,
Or that doth indurate, can there have life,
Because it yieldeth not unto the shocks.
Thereafter be not this way your return;
The sun, which now is rising, will direct you
To take the mount by easier ascent.”
With this he vanished; and I raised me up
Without a word, and wholly drew myself
Unto my Guide, and turned mine eyes to him.
And he began:”Son, follow thou my steps;
Let us turn back. for on this side declines
The plain unto its lower boundaries.”
The dawn was vanquishing the matin hour
‘Which fled before it, so that from afar
I recognised the trembling of the sea
Along the solitary plain we went
As one who unto the lost road returns,
And till he finds it seems to go in vain.
As soon as we were come to where the dew
Fights with the sun, and, being in a part
Where shadow falls, little evaporates,
Both of his hands upon the grass outspread
In gentle manner did my Master place;
Whence I, who of his action was aware,
Extended unto him my tearful cheeks;
There did he make in me uncovered wholly
That hue which Hell had covered up in me.
Then came we down upon the desert shore
Which never yet saw navigate its waters
Any that afterward had known return.
There he begirt me as the other pleased
O marvellous! for even as he culled
The humble plant, such it sprang up again
Suddenly there where he uprooted it.
Per correr miglior acque alza le vele
omai la navicella del mio ingegno,
che lascia dietro a se’ mar si‘ crudele;
e cantero‘ di quel secondo regno
dove l’umano spirito si purga
e di salire al ciel diventa degno.
Ma qui la morta poesi‘ resurga,
o sante Muse, poi che vostro sono;
e qui Caliope‘ alquanto surga,
seguitando il mio canto con quel suono
di cui le Piche misere sentiro
lo colpo tal, che disperar perdono.
Dolce color d’oriental zaffiro,
che s’accoglieva nel sereno aspetto
del mezzo, puro infino al primo giro,
a li occhi miei ricomincio‘ diletto,
tosto ch’io usci’ fuor de l’aura morta
che m’avea contristati li occhi e ’l petto.
Lo bel pianeto che d’amar conforta
faceva tutto rider l’oriente,
velando i Pesci ch’erano in sua scorta.
I’ mi volsi a man destra, e puosi mente
a l’altro polo, e vidi quattro stelle
non viste mai fuor ch’a la prima gente.
Goder pareva ’l ciel di lor fiammelle:
oh settentrional vedovo sito,
poi che privato se’ di mirar quelle!
Com’io da loro sguardo fui partito,
un poco me volgendo a l ’altro polo,
la‘ onde il Carro gia‘ era sparito,
vidi presso di me un veglio solo,
degno di tanta reverenza in vista,
che piu‘ non dee a padre alcun figliuolo.
Lunga la barba e di pel bianco mista
portava, a’ suoi capelli simigliante,
de’ quai cadeva al petto doppia lista.
Li raggi de le quattro luci sante
fregiavan si‘ la sua faccia di lume,
ch’i’ ’l vedea come ’l sol fosse davante.
<<Chi siete voi che contro al cieco fiume
fuggita avete la pregione etterna?>>,
diss’el, movendo quelle oneste piume.
<<Chi v’ha guidati, o che vi fu lucerna,
uscendo fuor de la profonda notte
che sempre nera fa la valle inferna?
Son le leggi d’abisso cosi‘ rotte?
o e‘ mutato in ciel novo consiglio,
che, dannati, venite a le mie grotte?>>.
Lo duca mio allor mi die‘ di piglio,
e con parole e con mani e con cenni
reverenti mi fe’ le gambe e ’l ciglio.
Poscia rispuose lui: <<Da me non venni:
donna scese del ciel, per li cui prieghi
de la mia compagnia costui sovvenni.
Ma da ch’e‘ tuo voler che piu‘ si spieghi
di nostra condizion com’ell’e‘ vera,
esser non puote il mio che a te si nieghi.
Questi non vide mai l’ultima sera;
ma per la sua follia le fu si‘ presso,
che molto poco tempo a volger era.
Si‘ com’io dissi, fui mandato ad esso
per lui campare; e non li‘ era altra via
che questa per la quale i’ mi son messo.
Mostrata ho lui tutta la gente ria;
e ora intendo mostrar quelli spirti
che purgan se’ sotto la tua balia.
Com’io l’ho tratto, saria lungo a dirti;
de l’alto scende virtu‘ che m’aiuta
conducerlo a vederti e a udirti.
Or ti piaccia gradir la sua venuta:
liberta‘ va cercando, ch’e‘ si‘ cara,
come sa chi per lei vita rifiuta.
Tu ’l sai, che’ non ti fu per lei amara
in Utica la morte, ove lasciasti
la vesta ch’al gran di‘ sara‘ si‘ chiara.
Non son li editti etterni per noi guasti,
che’ questi vive, e Minos me non lega;
ma son del cerchio ove son li occhi casti
di Marzia tua, che ’n vista ancor ti priega,
o santo petto, che per tua la tegni:
per lo suo amore adunque a noi ti piega.
Lasciane andar per li tuoi sette regni;
grazie riportero‘ di te a lei,
se d’esser mentovato la‘ giu‘ degni>>.
<<Marzia piacque tanto a li occhi miei
mentre ch’i’ fu’ di la‘>>, diss’elli allora,
<<che quante grazie volse da me, fei.
Or che di la‘ dal mal fiume dimora,
piu‘ muover non mi puo‘, per quella legge
che fatta fu quando me n’usci’ fora.
Ma se donna del ciel ti muove e regge,
come tu di’, non c’e‘ mestier lusinghe:
bastisi ben che per lei mi richegge.
Va dunque, e fa che tu costui ricinghe
d’un giunco schietto e che li lavi ’l viso,
si‘ ch’ogne sucidume quindi stinghe;
che’ non si converria, l’occhio sorpriso
d’alcuna nebbia, andar dinanzi al primo
ministro, ch’e‘ di quei di paradiso.
Questa isoletta intorno ad imo ad imo,
la‘ giu‘ cola‘ dove la batte l’onda,
porta di giunchi sovra ’l molle limo;
null’altra pianta che facesse fronda
o indurasse, vi puote aver vita,
pero‘ ch’a le percosse non seconda.
Poscia non sia di qua vostra reddita;
lo sol vi mosterra‘, che surge omai,
prendere il monte a piu‘ lieve salita>>.
Cosi‘ spari‘; e io su‘ mi levai
sanza parlare, e tutto mi ritrassi
al duca mio, e li occhi a lui drizzai.
El comincio‘: <<Figliuol, segui i miei passi:
volgianci in dietro, che’ di qua dichina
questa pianura a’ suoi termini bassi>>.
L’alba vinceva l’ora mattutina
che fuggia innanzi, si‘ che di lontano
conobbi il tremolar de la marina.
Noi andavam per lo solingo piano
com’om che torna a la perduta strada,
che ’nfino ad essa li pare ire in vano.
Quando noi fummo la‘ ’ve la rugiada
pugna col sole, per essere in parte
dove, ad orezza, poco si dirada,
ambo le mani in su l’erbetta sparte
soavemente ’l mio maestro pose:
ond’io, che fui accorto di sua arte,
porsi ver’ lui le guance lagrimose:
ivi mi fece tutto discoverto
quel color che l’inferno mi nascose.
Venimmo poi in sul lito diserto,
che mai non vide navicar sue acque
omo, che di tornar sia poscia esperto.
Quivi mi cinse si‘ com’altrui piacque:
oh maraviglia! che’ qual elli scelse
l’umile pianta, cotal si rinacque
subitamente la‘ onde l’avelse.
omai la navicella del mio ingegno,
che lascia dietro a se’ mar si‘ crudele;
e cantero‘ di quel secondo regno
dove l’umano spirito si purga
e di salire al ciel diventa degno.
Ma qui la morta poesi‘ resurga,
o sante Muse, poi che vostro sono;
e qui Caliope‘ alquanto surga,
seguitando il mio canto con quel suono
di cui le Piche misere sentiro
lo colpo tal, che disperar perdono.
Dolce color d’oriental zaffiro,
che s’accoglieva nel sereno aspetto
del mezzo, puro infino al primo giro,
a li occhi miei ricomincio‘ diletto,
tosto ch’io usci’ fuor de l’aura morta
che m’avea contristati li occhi e ’l petto.
Lo bel pianeto che d’amar conforta
faceva tutto rider l’oriente,
velando i Pesci ch’erano in sua scorta.
I’ mi volsi a man destra, e puosi mente
a l’altro polo, e vidi quattro stelle
non viste mai fuor ch’a la prima gente.
Goder pareva ’l ciel di lor fiammelle:
oh settentrional vedovo sito,
poi che privato se’ di mirar quelle!
Com’io da loro sguardo fui partito,
un poco me volgendo a l ’altro polo,
la‘ onde il Carro gia‘ era sparito,
vidi presso di me un veglio solo,
degno di tanta reverenza in vista,
che piu‘ non dee a padre alcun figliuolo.
Lunga la barba e di pel bianco mista
portava, a’ suoi capelli simigliante,
de’ quai cadeva al petto doppia lista.
Li raggi de le quattro luci sante
fregiavan si‘ la sua faccia di lume,
ch’i’ ’l vedea come ’l sol fosse davante.
<<Chi siete voi che contro al cieco fiume
fuggita avete la pregione etterna?>>,
diss’el, movendo quelle oneste piume.
<<Chi v’ha guidati, o che vi fu lucerna,
uscendo fuor de la profonda notte
che sempre nera fa la valle inferna?
Son le leggi d’abisso cosi‘ rotte?
o e‘ mutato in ciel novo consiglio,
che, dannati, venite a le mie grotte?>>.
Lo duca mio allor mi die‘ di piglio,
e con parole e con mani e con cenni
reverenti mi fe’ le gambe e ’l ciglio.
Poscia rispuose lui: <<Da me non venni:
donna scese del ciel, per li cui prieghi
de la mia compagnia costui sovvenni.
Ma da ch’e‘ tuo voler che piu‘ si spieghi
di nostra condizion com’ell’e‘ vera,
esser non puote il mio che a te si nieghi.
Questi non vide mai l’ultima sera;
ma per la sua follia le fu si‘ presso,
che molto poco tempo a volger era.
Si‘ com’io dissi, fui mandato ad esso
per lui campare; e non li‘ era altra via
che questa per la quale i’ mi son messo.
Mostrata ho lui tutta la gente ria;
e ora intendo mostrar quelli spirti
che purgan se’ sotto la tua balia.
Com’io l’ho tratto, saria lungo a dirti;
de l’alto scende virtu‘ che m’aiuta
conducerlo a vederti e a udirti.
Or ti piaccia gradir la sua venuta:
liberta‘ va cercando, ch’e‘ si‘ cara,
come sa chi per lei vita rifiuta.
Tu ’l sai, che’ non ti fu per lei amara
in Utica la morte, ove lasciasti
la vesta ch’al gran di‘ sara‘ si‘ chiara.
Non son li editti etterni per noi guasti,
che’ questi vive, e Minos me non lega;
ma son del cerchio ove son li occhi casti
di Marzia tua, che ’n vista ancor ti priega,
o santo petto, che per tua la tegni:
per lo suo amore adunque a noi ti piega.
Lasciane andar per li tuoi sette regni;
grazie riportero‘ di te a lei,
se d’esser mentovato la‘ giu‘ degni>>.
<<Marzia piacque tanto a li occhi miei
mentre ch’i’ fu’ di la‘>>, diss’elli allora,
<<che quante grazie volse da me, fei.
Or che di la‘ dal mal fiume dimora,
piu‘ muover non mi puo‘, per quella legge
che fatta fu quando me n’usci’ fora.
Ma se donna del ciel ti muove e regge,
come tu di’, non c’e‘ mestier lusinghe:
bastisi ben che per lei mi richegge.
Va dunque, e fa che tu costui ricinghe
d’un giunco schietto e che li lavi ’l viso,
si‘ ch’ogne sucidume quindi stinghe;
che’ non si converria, l’occhio sorpriso
d’alcuna nebbia, andar dinanzi al primo
ministro, ch’e‘ di quei di paradiso.
Questa isoletta intorno ad imo ad imo,
la‘ giu‘ cola‘ dove la batte l’onda,
porta di giunchi sovra ’l molle limo;
null’altra pianta che facesse fronda
o indurasse, vi puote aver vita,
pero‘ ch’a le percosse non seconda.
Poscia non sia di qua vostra reddita;
lo sol vi mosterra‘, che surge omai,
prendere il monte a piu‘ lieve salita>>.
Cosi‘ spari‘; e io su‘ mi levai
sanza parlare, e tutto mi ritrassi
al duca mio, e li occhi a lui drizzai.
El comincio‘: <<Figliuol, segui i miei passi:
volgianci in dietro, che’ di qua dichina
questa pianura a’ suoi termini bassi>>.
L’alba vinceva l’ora mattutina
che fuggia innanzi, si‘ che di lontano
conobbi il tremolar de la marina.
Noi andavam per lo solingo piano
com’om che torna a la perduta strada,
che ’nfino ad essa li pare ire in vano.
Quando noi fummo la‘ ’ve la rugiada
pugna col sole, per essere in parte
dove, ad orezza, poco si dirada,
ambo le mani in su l’erbetta sparte
soavemente ’l mio maestro pose:
ond’io, che fui accorto di sua arte,
porsi ver’ lui le guance lagrimose:
ivi mi fece tutto discoverto
quel color che l’inferno mi nascose.
Venimmo poi in sul lito diserto,
che mai non vide navicar sue acque
omo, che di tornar sia poscia esperto.
Quivi mi cinse si‘ com’altrui piacque:
oh maraviglia! che’ qual elli scelse
l’umile pianta, cotal si rinacque
subitamente la‘ onde l’avelse.
1 Для лучших вод подъемля парус ныне,
Мой гений вновь стремит свою ладью,
Блуждавшую в столь яростной пучине,
4 И я второе царство воспою,
Где души обретают очищенье
И к вечному восходят бытию.
7 Пусть мертвое воскреснет песнопенье,
Святые Музы, - я взываю к вам;
Пусть Каллиопа, мне в сопровожденье,
10 Поднявшись вновь, ударит по струнам,
Как встарь, когда Сорок сразила лира
И нанесла им беспощадный срам.
13 Отрадный цвет восточного сапфира,
Накопленный в воздушной вышине,
Прозрачной вплоть до первой тверди мира,
16 Опять мне очи упоил вполне,
Чуть я расстался с темью без рассвета,
Глаза и грудь отяготившей мне.
19 Маяк любви, прекрасная планета,
Зажгла восток улыбкою лучей,
И ближних Рыб затмила ясность эта.
22 Я вправо, к остью, поднял взгляд очей,
И он пленился четырьмя звездами,
Чей отсвет первых озарял людей.
25 Казалось, твердь ликует их огнями;
О северная сирая страна,
Где их сверканье не горит над нами!
28 Покинув оком эти пламена,
Я обратился к остью полуночи,
Где Колесница не была видна;
31 И некий старец мне предстал пред очи,
Исполненный почтенности такой,
Какой для сына полон облик отчий.
34 Цвет бороды был исчерна-седой,
И ей волна волос уподоблялась,
Ложась на грудь раздвоенной грядой.
37 Его лицо так ярко украшалось
Священным светом четырех светил,
Что это блещет солнце - мне казалось.
40 "Кто вы, и кто темницу вам открыл,
Чтобы к слепому выйти водопаду? -
Колебля оперенье, он спросил. -
43 Кто вывел вас? Где взяли вы лампаду,
Чтоб выбраться из глубины земли
Сквозь черноту, разлитую по Аду?
46 Вы ль над законом бездны возмогли,
Иль новое решилось в горней сени,
Что падшие к скале моей пришли?"
49 Мой вождь, внимая величавой тени,
И голосом, и взглядом, и рукой
Мне преклонил и веки, и колени.
52 Потом сказал: "Я здесь не сам собой.
Жена сошла с небес, ко мне взывая,
Чтоб я помог идущему со мной.
55 Но раз ты хочешь точно знать, какая
У нас судьба, то это мне закон,
Который я уважу, исполняя.
58 Последний вечер не изведал он;
Но был к нему так близок, безрассудный,
Что срок ему недолгий был сужден.
61 Как я сказал, к нему я в этот трудный
Был послан час; и только через тьму
Мог вывести его стезею чудной.
64 Весь грешный люд я показал ему;
И души показать ему желаю,
Врученные надзору твоему.
67 Как мы блуждали, я не излагаю;
Мне сила свыше помогла, и вот
Тебя я вижу и тебе внимаю.
70 Ты благосклонно встреть его приход:
Он восхотел свободы, столь бесценной,
Как знают все, кто жизнь ей отдает.
73 Ты это знал, приняв, как дар блаженный,
Смерть в Утике, где ризу бытия
Совлек, чтоб в грозный день ей стать нетленной.
76 Запретов не ломал ни он, ни я:
Он - жив, меня Минос нигде не тронет,
И круг мой - тот, где Марция твоя
79 На дне очей мольбу к тебе хоронит,
О чистый дух, считать ее своей.
Пусть мысль о ней и к нам тебя преклонит!
82 Дай нам войти в твои семь царств, чтоб ей
Тебя я славил, ежели пристала
Речь о тебе средь горестных теней".
85 "Мне Марция настолько взор пленяла,
Пока я был в том мире, - он сказал, -
Что для нее я делал все, бывало.
88 Теперь меж нас бежит зловещий вал;
Я, изведенный силою чудесной,
Блюдя устав, к ней безучастен стал.
91 Но если ты посол жены небесной,
Достаточно и слова твоего,
Без всякой льстивой речи, здесь невместной.
94 Ступай и тростьем опояшь его
И сам ему омой лицо, стирая
Всю грязь, чтоб не осталось ничего.
97 Нельзя, глазами мглистыми взирая,
Идти навстречу первому из слуг,
Принадлежащих к светлым сонмам Рая.
100 Весь этот островок обвив вокруг,
Внизу, где море бьет в него волною,
Растет тростник вдоль илистых излук.
103 Растения, обильные листвою
Иль жесткие, не могут там расти,
Затем что неуступчивы прибою.
106 Вернитесь не по этому пути;
Восходит солнце и покажет ясно,
Как вам удобней на гору взойти".
109 Так он исчез; я встал с колен и, страстно
Прильнув к тому, кто был моим вождем
Его глаза я вопрошал безгласно.
112 Он начал: "Сын, ступай за мной; идем
В ту сторону; мы здесь на косогоре
И по уклону книзу повернем".
115 Уже заря одолевала в споре
Нестойкий мрак, и, устремляя взгляд,
Я различал трепещущее море.
118 Мы шли, куда нас вел безлюдный скат,
Как тот, кто вновь дорогу, обретает
И, лишь по ней шагая, будет рад.
121 Дойдя дотуда, где роса вступает
В боренье с солнцем, потому что там,
На ветерке, нескоро исчезает, -
124 Раскрыв ладони, к влажным муравам
Нагнулся мой учитель знаменитый,
И я, поняв, к нему приблизил сам
127 Слезами орошенные ланиты;
И он вернул мне цвет, - уже навек,
Могло казаться, темным Адом скрытый.
130 Затем мы вышли на пустынный брег,
Не видевший, чтобы отсюда начал
Обратный путь по волнам человек.
133 Здесь пояс он мне свил, как тот назначил.
О удивленье! Чуть он выбирал
Смиренный стебель, как уже маячил
136 Сейчас же новый там, где он сорвал.
Мой гений вновь стремит свою ладью,
Блуждавшую в столь яростной пучине,
4 И я второе царство воспою,
Где души обретают очищенье
И к вечному восходят бытию.
7 Пусть мертвое воскреснет песнопенье,
Святые Музы, - я взываю к вам;
Пусть Каллиопа, мне в сопровожденье,
10 Поднявшись вновь, ударит по струнам,
Как встарь, когда Сорок сразила лира
И нанесла им беспощадный срам.
13 Отрадный цвет восточного сапфира,
Накопленный в воздушной вышине,
Прозрачной вплоть до первой тверди мира,
16 Опять мне очи упоил вполне,
Чуть я расстался с темью без рассвета,
Глаза и грудь отяготившей мне.
19 Маяк любви, прекрасная планета,
Зажгла восток улыбкою лучей,
И ближних Рыб затмила ясность эта.
22 Я вправо, к остью, поднял взгляд очей,
И он пленился четырьмя звездами,
Чей отсвет первых озарял людей.
25 Казалось, твердь ликует их огнями;
О северная сирая страна,
Где их сверканье не горит над нами!
28 Покинув оком эти пламена,
Я обратился к остью полуночи,
Где Колесница не была видна;
31 И некий старец мне предстал пред очи,
Исполненный почтенности такой,
Какой для сына полон облик отчий.
34 Цвет бороды был исчерна-седой,
И ей волна волос уподоблялась,
Ложась на грудь раздвоенной грядой.
37 Его лицо так ярко украшалось
Священным светом четырех светил,
Что это блещет солнце - мне казалось.
40 "Кто вы, и кто темницу вам открыл,
Чтобы к слепому выйти водопаду? -
Колебля оперенье, он спросил. -
43 Кто вывел вас? Где взяли вы лампаду,
Чтоб выбраться из глубины земли
Сквозь черноту, разлитую по Аду?
46 Вы ль над законом бездны возмогли,
Иль новое решилось в горней сени,
Что падшие к скале моей пришли?"
49 Мой вождь, внимая величавой тени,
И голосом, и взглядом, и рукой
Мне преклонил и веки, и колени.
52 Потом сказал: "Я здесь не сам собой.
Жена сошла с небес, ко мне взывая,
Чтоб я помог идущему со мной.
55 Но раз ты хочешь точно знать, какая
У нас судьба, то это мне закон,
Который я уважу, исполняя.
58 Последний вечер не изведал он;
Но был к нему так близок, безрассудный,
Что срок ему недолгий был сужден.
61 Как я сказал, к нему я в этот трудный
Был послан час; и только через тьму
Мог вывести его стезею чудной.
64 Весь грешный люд я показал ему;
И души показать ему желаю,
Врученные надзору твоему.
67 Как мы блуждали, я не излагаю;
Мне сила свыше помогла, и вот
Тебя я вижу и тебе внимаю.
70 Ты благосклонно встреть его приход:
Он восхотел свободы, столь бесценной,
Как знают все, кто жизнь ей отдает.
73 Ты это знал, приняв, как дар блаженный,
Смерть в Утике, где ризу бытия
Совлек, чтоб в грозный день ей стать нетленной.
76 Запретов не ломал ни он, ни я:
Он - жив, меня Минос нигде не тронет,
И круг мой - тот, где Марция твоя
79 На дне очей мольбу к тебе хоронит,
О чистый дух, считать ее своей.
Пусть мысль о ней и к нам тебя преклонит!
82 Дай нам войти в твои семь царств, чтоб ей
Тебя я славил, ежели пристала
Речь о тебе средь горестных теней".
85 "Мне Марция настолько взор пленяла,
Пока я был в том мире, - он сказал, -
Что для нее я делал все, бывало.
88 Теперь меж нас бежит зловещий вал;
Я, изведенный силою чудесной,
Блюдя устав, к ней безучастен стал.
91 Но если ты посол жены небесной,
Достаточно и слова твоего,
Без всякой льстивой речи, здесь невместной.
94 Ступай и тростьем опояшь его
И сам ему омой лицо, стирая
Всю грязь, чтоб не осталось ничего.
97 Нельзя, глазами мглистыми взирая,
Идти навстречу первому из слуг,
Принадлежащих к светлым сонмам Рая.
100 Весь этот островок обвив вокруг,
Внизу, где море бьет в него волною,
Растет тростник вдоль илистых излук.
103 Растения, обильные листвою
Иль жесткие, не могут там расти,
Затем что неуступчивы прибою.
106 Вернитесь не по этому пути;
Восходит солнце и покажет ясно,
Как вам удобней на гору взойти".
109 Так он исчез; я встал с колен и, страстно
Прильнув к тому, кто был моим вождем
Его глаза я вопрошал безгласно.
112 Он начал: "Сын, ступай за мной; идем
В ту сторону; мы здесь на косогоре
И по уклону книзу повернем".
115 Уже заря одолевала в споре
Нестойкий мрак, и, устремляя взгляд,
Я различал трепещущее море.
118 Мы шли, куда нас вел безлюдный скат,
Как тот, кто вновь дорогу, обретает
И, лишь по ней шагая, будет рад.
121 Дойдя дотуда, где роса вступает
В боренье с солнцем, потому что там,
На ветерке, нескоро исчезает, -
124 Раскрыв ладони, к влажным муравам
Нагнулся мой учитель знаменитый,
И я, поняв, к нему приблизил сам
127 Слезами орошенные ланиты;
И он вернул мне цвет, - уже навек,
Могло казаться, темным Адом скрытый.
130 Затем мы вышли на пустынный брег,
Не видевший, чтобы отсюда начал
Обратный путь по волнам человек.
133 Здесь пояс он мне свил, как тот назначил.
О удивленье! Чуть он выбирал
Смиренный стебель, как уже маячил
136 Сейчас же новый там, где он сорвал.
To course across more kindly waters now
my talent’s little vessel lifts her sails,
leaving behind herself a sea so cruel;
and what I sing will be that second kingdom,
in which the human soul is cleansed of sin,
becoming worthy of ascent to Heaven.
But here, since I am yours, o holy Muses,
may this poem rise again from Hell’s dead realm;
and may Calliope rise somewhat here,
accompanying my singing with that music
whose power struck the poor Pierides
so forcefully that they despaired of pardon.
The gentle hue of oriental sapphire
in which the sky’s serenity was steeped—
its aspect pure as far as the horizon—
brought back my joy in seeing just as soon
as I had left behind the air of death
that had afflicted both my sight and breast.
The lovely planet that is patroness
of love made all the eastern heavens glad,
veiling the Pisces in the train she led.
Then I turned to the right, setting my mind
upon the other pole, and saw four stars
not seen before except by the first people.
Heaven appeared to revel in their flames:
o northern hemisphere, because you were
denied that sight, you are a widower!
After my eyes took leave of those four stars,
turning a little toward the other pole,
from which the Wain had disappeared by now,
I saw a solitary patriarch
near me—his aspect worthy of such reverence
that even son to father owes no more.
His beard was long and mixed with white, as were
the hairs upon his head; and his hair spread
down to his chest in a divided tress.
The rays of the four holy stars so framed
his face with light that in my sight he seemed
like one who is confronted by the sun.
“Who are you—who, against the hidden river,
were able to escape the eternal prison?”
he said, moving those venerable plumes.
“Who was your guide? What served you both as lantern
when, from the deep night that will always keep
the hellish valley dark, you were set free?
The laws of the abyss—have they been broken?
Or has a new, a changed decree in Heaven
let you, though damned, approach my rocky slopes?”
My guide took hold of me decisively;
by way of words and hands and other signs,
he made my knees and brow show reverence.
Then he replied: “I do not come through my
own self. There was a lady sent from Heaven;
her pleas led me to help and guide this man.
But since your will would have a far more full
and accurate account of our condition,
my will cannot withhold what you request.
This man had yet to see his final evening;
but, through his folly, little time was left
before he did—he was so close to it.
As I have told you, I was sent to him
for his deliverance; the only road
I could have taken was the road I took.
I showed him all the people of perdition;
now I intend to show to him those spirits
who, in your care, are bent on expiation.
To tell you how I led him would take long;
it is a power descending from above
that helps me guide him here, to see and hear you.
Now may it please you to approve his coming;
he goes in search of liberty—so precious,
as he who gives his life for it must know.
You know it—who, in Utica, found death
for freedom was not bitter, when you left
the garb that will be bright on the great day.
Eternal edicts are not broken for us;
this man’s alive, and I’m not bound by Minos;
but I am from the circle where the chaste
eyes of your Marcia are; and she still prays
to you, o holy breast, to keep her as
your own: for her love, then, incline to us.
Allow our journey through your seven realms.
I shall thank her for kindness you bestow—
if you would let your name be named below.”
“While I was there, within the other world,
Marcia so pleased my eyes,” he then replied,
“each kindness she required, I satisfied.
Now that she dwells beyond the evil river,
she has no power to move me any longer,
such was the law decreed when I was freed.
But if a lady come from Heaven speeds
and helps you, as you say, there is no need
of flattery; it is enough, indeed,
to ask me for her sake. Go then; but first
wind a smooth rush around his waist and bathe
his face, to wash away all of Hell’s stains;
for it would not be seemly to approach
with eyes still dimmed by any mists, the first
custodian angel, one from Paradise.
This solitary island, all around
its very base, there where the breakers pound,
bears rushes on its soft and muddy ground.
There is no other plant that lives below:
no plant with leaves or plant that, as it grows,
hardens—and breaks beneath the waves’ harsh blows.
That done, do not return by this same pass;
the sun, which rises now, will show you how
this hillside can be climbed more easily.”
With that he vanished; and without a word,
I rose and drew in closer to my guide,
and it was on him that I set my eyes.
And he began: “Son, follow in my steps;
let us go back; this is the point at which
the plain slopes down to reach its lowest bounds.”
Daybreak was vanquishing the dark’s last hour,
which fled before it; in the distance, I
could recognize the trembling of the sea.
We made our way across the lonely plain,
like one returning to a lost pathway,
who, till he finds it, seems to move in vain.
When we had reached the point where dew contends
with sun and, under sea winds, in the shade,
wins out because it won’t evaporate,
my master gently placed both of his hands—
outspread—upon the grass; therefore, aware
of what his gesture and intention were,
I reached and offered him my tear—stained cheeks;
and on my cheeks, he totally revealed
the color that Inferno had concealed.
Then we arrived at the deserted shore,
which never yet had seen its waters coursed
by any man who journeyed back again.
There, just as pleased another, he girt me.
O wonder! Where he plucked the humble plant
that he had chosen, there that plant sprang up
again, identical, immediately.
my talent’s little vessel lifts her sails,
leaving behind herself a sea so cruel;
and what I sing will be that second kingdom,
in which the human soul is cleansed of sin,
becoming worthy of ascent to Heaven.
But here, since I am yours, o holy Muses,
may this poem rise again from Hell’s dead realm;
and may Calliope rise somewhat here,
accompanying my singing with that music
whose power struck the poor Pierides
so forcefully that they despaired of pardon.
The gentle hue of oriental sapphire
in which the sky’s serenity was steeped—
its aspect pure as far as the horizon—
brought back my joy in seeing just as soon
as I had left behind the air of death
that had afflicted both my sight and breast.
The lovely planet that is patroness
of love made all the eastern heavens glad,
veiling the Pisces in the train she led.
Then I turned to the right, setting my mind
upon the other pole, and saw four stars
not seen before except by the first people.
Heaven appeared to revel in their flames:
o northern hemisphere, because you were
denied that sight, you are a widower!
After my eyes took leave of those four stars,
turning a little toward the other pole,
from which the Wain had disappeared by now,
I saw a solitary patriarch
near me—his aspect worthy of such reverence
that even son to father owes no more.
His beard was long and mixed with white, as were
the hairs upon his head; and his hair spread
down to his chest in a divided tress.
The rays of the four holy stars so framed
his face with light that in my sight he seemed
like one who is confronted by the sun.
“Who are you—who, against the hidden river,
were able to escape the eternal prison?”
he said, moving those venerable plumes.
“Who was your guide? What served you both as lantern
when, from the deep night that will always keep
the hellish valley dark, you were set free?
The laws of the abyss—have they been broken?
Or has a new, a changed decree in Heaven
let you, though damned, approach my rocky slopes?”
My guide took hold of me decisively;
by way of words and hands and other signs,
he made my knees and brow show reverence.
Then he replied: “I do not come through my
own self. There was a lady sent from Heaven;
her pleas led me to help and guide this man.
But since your will would have a far more full
and accurate account of our condition,
my will cannot withhold what you request.
This man had yet to see his final evening;
but, through his folly, little time was left
before he did—he was so close to it.
As I have told you, I was sent to him
for his deliverance; the only road
I could have taken was the road I took.
I showed him all the people of perdition;
now I intend to show to him those spirits
who, in your care, are bent on expiation.
To tell you how I led him would take long;
it is a power descending from above
that helps me guide him here, to see and hear you.
Now may it please you to approve his coming;
he goes in search of liberty—so precious,
as he who gives his life for it must know.
You know it—who, in Utica, found death
for freedom was not bitter, when you left
the garb that will be bright on the great day.
Eternal edicts are not broken for us;
this man’s alive, and I’m not bound by Minos;
but I am from the circle where the chaste
eyes of your Marcia are; and she still prays
to you, o holy breast, to keep her as
your own: for her love, then, incline to us.
Allow our journey through your seven realms.
I shall thank her for kindness you bestow—
if you would let your name be named below.”
“While I was there, within the other world,
Marcia so pleased my eyes,” he then replied,
“each kindness she required, I satisfied.
Now that she dwells beyond the evil river,
she has no power to move me any longer,
such was the law decreed when I was freed.
But if a lady come from Heaven speeds
and helps you, as you say, there is no need
of flattery; it is enough, indeed,
to ask me for her sake. Go then; but first
wind a smooth rush around his waist and bathe
his face, to wash away all of Hell’s stains;
for it would not be seemly to approach
with eyes still dimmed by any mists, the first
custodian angel, one from Paradise.
This solitary island, all around
its very base, there where the breakers pound,
bears rushes on its soft and muddy ground.
There is no other plant that lives below:
no plant with leaves or plant that, as it grows,
hardens—and breaks beneath the waves’ harsh blows.
That done, do not return by this same pass;
the sun, which rises now, will show you how
this hillside can be climbed more easily.”
With that he vanished; and without a word,
I rose and drew in closer to my guide,
and it was on him that I set my eyes.
And he began: “Son, follow in my steps;
let us go back; this is the point at which
the plain slopes down to reach its lowest bounds.”
Daybreak was vanquishing the dark’s last hour,
which fled before it; in the distance, I
could recognize the trembling of the sea.
We made our way across the lonely plain,
like one returning to a lost pathway,
who, till he finds it, seems to move in vain.
When we had reached the point where dew contends
with sun and, under sea winds, in the shade,
wins out because it won’t evaporate,
my master gently placed both of his hands—
outspread—upon the grass; therefore, aware
of what his gesture and intention were,
I reached and offered him my tear—stained cheeks;
and on my cheeks, he totally revealed
the color that Inferno had concealed.
Then we arrived at the deserted shore,
which never yet had seen its waters coursed
by any man who journeyed back again.
There, just as pleased another, he girt me.
O wonder! Where he plucked the humble plant
that he had chosen, there that plant sprang up
again, identical, immediately.