the day was going, and the tawny sky

HELL 21

unrhymed translation Charles Eliot Norton's, 1891 rhymed © Terrill Shepard Soules 2004 tsoules @ tsoules.com

the second Song

TERZINA [ = Tercet = 3-Line Stanza = Episode = Sub-Chapter = This slide ( pronounced t a i r –T S E E –n u h ) ] # 1 of 47 Latest changes Monday, 5 Apr 2004.

The day was going, and the tawny sky1 h2> Lo giorno se n’andava, e l’aere bruno [1] The day was going, and the dusky air

was taking earthly creatures from their2 h2> toglieva li animai che sono in terra was taking the living things that are on

earth

weariness, while, alone, the only one, I,3 h2> da le fatiche loro; e io sol uno from their fatigues, and I alone

HELL 22


the second Song


was preparing myself for war, to bear4 h2> m’apparecchiava a sostener la guerra [2] was preparing to sustain the war

the kind of journey, the kind of pity,5 h2> sì del cammino e sì de la pietate, alike of the road, and of the woe

to be retraced by memory without err0r.6 h2> che ritrarrà la mente che non erra.

which the mind that erreth not shall retrace.

HELL 23


the second Song


O Muses, O high genius, now assist me!7 h2> O muse, o alto ingegno, or ’aiutate; [3]

O Muses, O lofty genius, now assist me!

And you—whatever I saw you’d transcribe:8 h2> o mente che scrivesti ciò ch’io vidi,

O mind that didst inscribe that which I saw,

Your greatness will be obvious here, O memory!9 h2> qui si parrà la tua nobilitate. here shall thy nobility appear!

HELL 24


the second Song


I began: “Poet, now my guide,10 h2> Io cominciai: «Poeta che mi guidi, [4] I began: -”Poet, that guidest me,

first check my strength, for power enough to bother.11 h2> guarda la mia virtù s’ell’ è possente, consider my virtue, if it is sufficient,

Is your faith that I’ll manage the profound pass justified?12 h2> prima ch’a l’alto passo tu mi fidi. ere to the deep pass thou trustest me.

HELL 25


the second Song


You say Silvius’ parent (that is, his father),

when he was perishable, went to the deathless

world alertly, each sense as alive as the other. 15 h2> secolo andò, e fu sensibilmente. world and was there in the body.

13 h2> Tu dici che di Silvïo il parente, [5] Thou sayest that the parent of Silvius

14 h2> corruttibile ancora, ad immortale while still corruptible went to the immortal

HELL 26


the second Song


But if evil of every kind’s Antagonist16 h2> Però, se l’avversario d’ogne male [6] And truly if the Adversary of every ill

was courteous, out of consideration for the high effect17 h2> cortese i fu, pensando l’alto effetto was then courteous, thinking on the high effect

he’d have on doers and deeds to come, well this18 h2> ch’uscir dovea di lui, e ‘l chi e ‘l quale that should proceed from him, and on the Who and the What

HELL 27


the second Song


cannot seem out of order to a man of intellect.19 h2> non pare indegno ad omo d’intelletto; [7] it seemeth not unmeet to the man of understanding;

Who else, to be spiritual and imperial20 h2> ch’e’ fu de l’alma Roma e di suo impero for in the empyreal heaven he had been chosen

Rome’s father, did empyrean heaven select?21 h2> ne l’empireo ciel per padre eletto: for father of revered Rome and of her empire;

HELL 28


the second Song


Both the one and the other, truth to tell,22 h2> la quale e ‘l quale, a voler dir lo vero, [8] both which (to say truth indeed)

were set up as the sacred locality23 h2> fu stabilita per lo loco santo were ordained for the holy place

where the greatest Peter’s successor dwells.24 h2> u’ siede il successor del maggior Piero. where the successor of the greater Peter hath his seat.

HELL 29


the second Song


On this trip—for which you provide credibility—25 h2> Per quest’ andata onde li dai tu vanto, [9]

Through this going, whereof thou givest him vaunt,

he learned the things to be the vehicle26 h2> intese cose che furon cagione

he learned things which were the cause

for his triumph and papal authority.27 h2> di sua vittoria e del papale ammanto.

of his victory and of the papal mantle.

HELL 210


the second Song


Later another went—the Chosen Receptacle,28 h2> Andovvi poi lo Vas d’elezïone, [10]

Afterward the Chosen Vessel went thither

for reinforcements for the convictions29 h2> per recarne conforto a quella fede To bring thence comfort to that faith

that begin the way to salvation’s pinnacle.30 h2> ch’è principio a la via di salvazione.

which is the beginning of the way of salvation.

HELL 211


the second Song


But why would I go there? On whose authorization?31 h2> Ma io, perché venirvi? o chi ‘l concede? [11]

But I, why go I thither? or who concedes it?

I am not Aeneas. I am not Paul.32 h2> Io non Enëa, io non Paulo sono; I am not Aeneas, I am not Paul;

Worthy? Me? Not in my—or anyone’s—opinion.33 h2> me degno a ciò né io né altri ‘l crede.

me worthy of this, neither I nor others think;

HELL 212


the second Song


Say I decide to give this journey my all.34 h2> Per che, se del venire io m’abbandono, [12]

wherefore if I give myself up to go,

It would be the journey, is my fear, of an idiot.35 h2> temo che la venuta non sia folle. I fear lest the going may be mad.

You’re wise. You know me when I don’t speak at all.”36 h2> Se’ savio ; intendi me’ ch’i’ non ragiono».

Thou art wise, thou understandest better than I speak.”

HELL 213


the second Song


Unwanting something after you’ve wanted it,37 h2> E qual è quei che disvuol ciò che volle [13]

And as is he who unwills what he willed,

having a new thought, a change of interest,38 h2> e per novi pensier cangia proposta,

and because of new thoughts changes his design,

and now your beginning’s completely uprooted—39 h2> sì che dal cominciar tutto si tolle,

so that he quite withdrawsfrom beginning,

HELL 214


the second Song


that was me on the beach of that dark slope’s chest,40 h2> tal mi fec’ ïo ‘n quella oscura costa, [14]

such I became on that dark hillside:

reconsidering it to nothing—the mission41 h2> perché, pensando, consumai la ‘mpresa

Wherefore in my thought I abandoned the enterprise

that had started out so fast.42 h2> che fu nel cominciar cotanto tosta.

which had been so hasty in the beginning.

HELL 215


the second Song


“Your words, if I’m correct, are an admission—”43 h2> «S’i’ ho ben la parola tua intesa», [15]

“If I have rightly understood thy speech,”

replied that magnificent soul’s ghost,44 h2> rispuose del magnanimo quell’ ombra,

replied that shade of the magnanimous one,

“Timidity’s insulted your soul into submission,45 h2> «l’anima tua è da viltade offesa; “thy soul is hurt by cowardice,

HELL 216


the second Song


which often interferes till it’s got a man engrossed,46 h2> la qual molte fïate l’omo ingombra [16] Which oftentimes encumbereth a man

then rolls him away from what he’s honestly tried:47 h2> sì che d’onrata impresa lo rivolve,

So that it turns him back from honorable enterprise,

The beast false shadows spook, no true foot farther goes.48 h2> come falso veder bestia quand’ ombra.

as false seeing does a beast when it is startled.

HELL 217


the second Song


But so that these fears of yours will subside,49 h2> Da questa tema acciò che tu ti solve, [17]

In order that thou loose thee from this fear

I’ll tell you why I came and what I comprehended50 h2> dirotti perch’ io venni e quel ch’io ‘ntesi

I will tell thee wherefore I have come, and what I heard

that moment that—over you!—I cried.51 h2> nel primo punto che di te mi dolvez.

at the first moment that I grieved for thee.

HELL 218


the second Song


I was among the ones who are suspended52 h2> Io era tra color che son sospesi, [18] I was among those who are suspended,

when a lady beckoned, saintly and spectacular.53 h2> e donna mi chiamò beata e bella,

and a Lady called me, so blessed and beautiful

Command me anything! I demanded.54 h2> tal che di comandare io la richiesi. that I besought her to command.

HELL 219


the second Song


Her eyes sent out more light than the star.55 h2> Lucevan li occhi suoi più che la stella; [19]

Her eyes were more lucent than the star,

She began to speak—to me—gently and low,56 h2> e cominciommi a dir soave e piana,

and she began to speak to me sweet and low,

as she alone can, in the voice all angels acquire.57 h2> con angelica voce, in sua favella:

with angelic voice, in her own tongue:

HELL 220


the second Song


‘O noble Mantuan soul,58 h2> “O anima cortese mantoana, [20] ‘O courteous Mantuan soul,

whose fame in the world proceeds without flux,59 h2> di cui la fama ancor nel mondo dura,

of whom the fame yet lasteth in the world,

and will proceed for as far as the world will go,60 h2> e durerà quanto ‘l mondo lontana,

and shall last so long as the world endureth,

HELL 221


the second Song


my friend, but not good luck’s,61 h2> l’amico mio, e non de la ventura, [21] A friend of mine and not of fortune,

has been to the desert, and is now on62 h2> ne la diserta piaggia è impedito

upon the desert hillside is so hindered

his way back—too many setbacks, no guts.63 h2> sì nel cammin, che vòlt’ è per paura;

on his road that he has turned for fear,

HELL 222


the second Song


His sense of right direction is so far gone64 h2> e temo che non sia già sì smarrito, [22]

and I am afraid, through that which I have heard of him in heaven,

my fear is I’ve roused to his rescue too late.65 h2> ch’io mi sia tardi al soccorso levata, Lest already he be so astray

Which I’ve heard heaven say about him all along. 66 h2> per quel ch’i’ ho di lui nel cielo udito.

that I may have risen late to his succor.

HELL 223


the second Song


Move. Get out your words. Be ornate.67 h2> Or movi, e con la tua parola ornata [23]

Now do thou move, and with thy speech ornate,

Whatever you’ve got that could save him, unlock.68 h2> e con ciò c’ha mestieri al suo campare,

and with whatever is needful for his deliverance,

Help him, console me. With his rescued state.69 h2> l’aiuta sì ch’i’ ne sia consolata.

assist him so that I may be consoled for him.

HELL 224


the second Song


I am Beatrice who makes you walk.70 h2> I’ son Beatrice che ti faccio andare; [24] I am Beatrice who make thee go.

I come from where I cannot wait to be again.71 h2> vegno del loco ove tornar disio;

I come from a place whither I desire to return.

The love that moved me makes me talk.72 h2> amor mi mosse, che mi fa parlare. Love moved me, and makes me speak.

HELL 225


the second Song


When I have returned I will often73 h2> Quando sarò dinanzi al segnor mio, [25]

When I shall be before my Lord,

sing my Lord your praises at His throne.’74 h2> di te mi loderò sovente a lui”.

I will commend thee often unto him.’

She was silent. And then I began:75 h2> Tacette allora, e poi comincia’ io:

Then she was silent, and thereon I began:

HELL 226


the second Song


‘O lady of the power that alone76 h2> “O donna di virtù sola per cui [26]

‘O Lady of Virtue, thou alone through whom

is why the human race outsoars77 h2> l’umana spezie eccede ogne contento

the human race surpasseth all contained

all within heaven’s smallest circle’s zone,78 h2> di quel ciel c’ha minor li cerchi sui,

within that heaven which hath the smallest circles!

1 - 3My lonely

preparationsat dusk.Muses:help mewrite this!

3

4 - 14I tell Virgil:

"Aeneas and Paul had underworld missions .I don't."

11

15 - 17V: "You're

scared.Listen to

whyI'm here."

3

18 - 25"The beautiful

Beatrice appearedto me in Limbo

and ordered meto rescue you."

8

26 - 28V to B:

"I will. Butwhy

aren't youafraid

of Hell?" 3

29 - 31"Godmademe in-

vulnerable."3

32 - 39B to V:

"Mary told Lucy,Lucy told me—rescue Dante!"

8

40 - 42V:

"Supportlike

this andyou'retimid?"

3

43 - 47I rouse,

eager againto go. Virgil's

will is nowmine. I beginmy journey.

5

HELL 227


the second Song


they please me so, these commandments of yours,79 h2> tanto m’aggrada il tuo comandamento, [27] So pleasing unto me is thy command

that if I’d obeyed them already, I’m tardy.80 h2> che l’ubidir, se già fosse, m’è tardi;

that to obey it, were it already done, were slow to me.

Merely open to me, whatever they are, your desires.81 h2> più non t’è uo’ ch’aprirmi il tuo talento.

Thou hast no need further to open unto me thy will;

HELL 228


the second Song


But do tell me why so uncowardly82 h2> Ma dimmi la cagion che non ti guardi [28]

but tell me the cause why thou guardest not

descending down into this core here83 h2> de lo scender qua giuso in questo centro

thyself from descending down here into this centre,

from wideness you want back to so ardently?’84 h2> de l’ampio loco ove tornar tu ardi”.

from the ample place whither thou burnest to return.’

HELL 229


the second Song


‘Since it’s your will to know the inner layer,85 h2> “Da che tu vuo’ saver cotanto a dentro, [29]

‘Since thou wishest to know so inwardly,

I’ll summarize,’ she answered me,86 h2> dirotti brievemente”, mi rispuose,

I will tell thee briefly,’ she replied to me,

‘why it is I fearlessly enter the interior.87 h2> “perch’ i’ non temo di venir qua entro.

‘wherefore I fear not to come here within.

1 - 3My lonely


3



11

15 - 17V: "You're

scared.Listen to

whyI'm here."

3




8

26 - 28V to B:

"I will. Butwhy

aren't youafraid

of Hell?" 3

29 - 31"Godmademe in-vulner-able."

3

32 - 39B to V:


8

40 - 42V:

"Supportlike


3

43 - 47I rouse,



5

HELL 230


the second Song


One should only fear things in the category88 h2> Temer si dee di sole quelle cose [30] One ought to fear those things only

Able to Harm—that have a hurtful touch.89 h2> c’hanno potenza di fare altrui male; that have power of doing harm,

Nothing else is scary.90 h2> de l’altre no, ché non son paurose.

the others not, for they are not dreadful.

HELL 231


the second Song


I’m made by God, thanks be to His mercy, such91 h2> I’ son fatta da Dio, sua mercé, tale, [31]

I am made by God, thanks be to him, such that

that I’m somebody your misery doesn’t upset.92 h2> che la vostra miseria non mi tange, Your misery toucheth me not,

Nor do this firestorm’s flames—they can’t get rough.93 h2> né fiamma d’esto ‘ncendio non m’assale.

nor doth the flame of this burning assail me.

HELL 232


the second Song


In heaven, a woman of refinement wept94 h2> Donna è gentil nel ciel che si compiange [32]

A gentle Lady is in heaven who hath pity

so long over this blocked life I send you to,95 h2> di questo ‘mpedimento ov’ io ti mando,

for this hindrance whereto I send thee,

it broke rules up there too strict to accept.96 h2> sì che duro giudicio là sù frange.

so that stern judgment there above she breaketh.

1 - 3My lonely


3



11

15 - 17V: "You're

scared.Listen to

whyI'm here."

3




8

26 - 28V to B:

"I will. Butwhy

aren't youafraid

of Hell?" 3


vulnerable."3

32 - 39B to V:


8

40 - 42V:

"Supportlike


3

43 - 47I rouse,



5

HELL 233


the second Song


She called in Lucy, with something for her to do.97 h2> Questa chiese Lucia in suo dimando [33] She summoned Lucia in her request,

“He needs you now,” she said—“your faithful98 h2> e disse:--Or ha bisogno il tuo fedele

and said, “Thy faithful one now hath need

one. And so I entrust him to you.”99 h2> di te, e io a te lo raccomando--.

of thee, and unto thee I commend him.”

HELL 234


the second Song


Lucy, to whom harsh is hateful,100 h2> Lucia, nimica di ciascun crudele, [34]

Lucia, the foe of every cruel one,

got moving, and came to the place101 h2> si mosse, e venne al loco dov’ i’ era,

rose and came to the place where I was,

where I sat by Old-Testament Rachel,102 h2> che mi sedea con l’antica Rachele.

seated with the ancient Rachel.

HELL 235


the second Song


and said, “Beatrice, you’re God’s true praise103 h2> Disse:--Beatrice, loda di Dio vera, [35]

She said,”Beatrice, true praise of God,

and not rescuing the one whose love’s undying,104 h2> ché non soccorri quei che t’amò tanto,

why dost thou not succor him who so loved thee

who for you left behind the crowd’s popular ways? 105 h2> ch’uscì per te de la volgare schiera?

that for thee he came forth from the vulgar throng?

HELL 236


the second Song


Can’t you hear his pitiful crying?106 h2> Non odi tu la pieta del suo pianto, [36]

Dost thou not hear the pity of his plaint?

Or see death attack him by the overflowing river107 h2> non vedi tu la morte che ‘l combatte

Dost thou not see the death that combats him

the sea doesn’t reach, and so can’t take pride in?”108 h2> su la fiumana ove ‘l mar non ha vanto?--.

beside the stream whereof the sea hath no vaunt?”

HELL 237


the second Song


No one ever in the world ran swifter109 h2> Al mondo non fur mai persone ratte [37] In the world never were persons swift

to profit or from pain110 h2> a far lor pro o a fuggir lor danno,

to seek their good, and to fly their harm,

than I, once these words were delivered,111 h2> com’ io, dopo cotai parole fatte, as I, after these words were uttered,

HELL 238


the second Song


left my heavenly seat. Down I came,112 h2> venni qua giù del mio beato scanno, [38]

came here below, from my blessed seat,

all my faith placed in your honest words’ poetry,113 h2> fidandomi del tuo parlare onesto,

putting my trust in thy upright speech,

which brings you honor, and the listener the same.’114 h2> ch’onora te e quei ch’udito l’hanno”.

which honors thee and them who have heard it.’

HELL 239


the second Song


And after she’d said this to me,115 h2> Poscia che m’ebbe ragionato questo, [39] After she had said this to me,

she turned her shining eyes—I could see tears—away,116 h2> li occhi lucenti lagrimando volse, weeping she turned her lucent eyes,

which got me here the more hastily.117 h2> per che mi fece del venir più presto.

whereby she made me more speedy in coming.

HELL 240


the second Song


And so I came to you. She got her way.118 h2> E venni a te così com’ ella volse: [40] And I came to thee as she willed.

You face a wild beast. I liberate.119 h2> d’inanzi a quella fiera ti levai

Thee have I delivered from that wild beast

(Your shortcut up the lovely hill’s her prey.)120 h2> che del bel monte il corto andar ti tolse.

that took from thee the shortascent of the beautiful mountain.

1 - 3My lonely


3



11

15 - 17V: "You're

scared.Listen to

whyI'm here."

3




8

26 - 28V to B:

"I will. Butwhy

aren't youafraid

of Hell?" 3


vulnerable."3

32 - 39B to V:


8

40 - 42V:

"Supportlike


3

43 - 47I rouse,



5

HELL 241


the second Song


Well? What is it? How, how can you wait?121 h2> Dunque: che è? perché, perché restai, [41]

What is it then? Why, why dost thou hold back?

How can a heart give so much cowardice a bed?122 h2> perché tanta viltà nel core allette,

why dost thou harbor such cowardice in thy heart?

Why isn’t freedom and fire all that you radiate?123 h2> perché ardire e franchezza non hai,

why hast thou not daring and boldness,

HELL 242


the second Song


When three such women, each blessèd,124 h2> poscia che tai tre donne benedette [42] Since three blessed Ladies

look after you from the court that is heaven’s,125 h2> curan di te ne la corte del cielo,

care for thee in the court of heaven,

and so much is promised by what I’ve said?”126 h2> e ‘l mio parlar tanto ben ti promette?».

and my speech pledges thee such good?”

HELL 243


the second Song


The way little flowers frost over when it darkens,127 h2> Quali fioretti dal notturno gelo [43]

As flowerets, bent and closed by the chill of night,

and slump, and seal up, and then in the white sunlight128 h2> chinati e chiusi, poi che ‘l sol li ‘mbianca, after the sun shines on them

open themselves on their stems, and each straightens,129 h2> si drizzan tutti aperti in loro stelo,

straighten themselves all open on their stem,

HELL 244


the second Song


so with me and my lack of fight.130 h2> tal mi fec’ io di mia virtude stanca, [44] so I became with my weak virtue,

My heart, like that, filled with such good fire131 h2> e tanto buono ardire al cor mi corse,

and such good daring hastened to my heart

I began to speak like a man set free tonight:132 h2> ch’i’ cominciai come persona franca:

that I began like one enfranchised:

HELL 245


the second Song


“The compassion of my rescuer!133 h2> «Oh pietosa colei che mi soccorse! [45]

“Oh compassionate she who succored me!

The nobility of your obedience134 h2> e te cortese ch’ubidisti tosto

and thou courteous who didst speedily obey

to her words (which couldn’t have been truer).135 h2> a le vere parole che ti porse!

the true words that she addressed to thee!

HELL 246


the second Song


I’ve got a heart now that has to experience136 h2> Tu m’hai con disiderio il cor disposto 46] Thou by thy words hast so disposed

going there, and it’s thanks to your words’ truths.137 h2> sì al venir con le parole tue, my heart with desire of going,

I’m turned around, I’m back, to where I was at first.138 h2> ch’i’ son tornato nel primo proposto.

that I have returned unto my first intent.

HELL 247


the second Song


Go: thy will and mine are both in you.139 h2> Or va, ch’un sol volere è d’ambedue : [47]

Go on now, for one sole will is in us both:

You’re leader, you’re master, you’re teacher to me.”140 h2> tu duca, tu segnore e tu maestro».

Thou Leader, thou Lord, and thou Master.”

I told him that. And when he was moved to move,141 h2> Così li dissi ; e poi che mosso fue,

Thus I said to him; and when he had moved on,

I entered a profound, savage journey.142 h2> intrai per lo cammino alto e silvestro.

I entered along the deep and savage road.

the day was going, and the tawny sky

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