The grandson of the fair Gualdrada, he Was Guidoguerra named, and wrought by hand And counsel in his life right worthily. The other, who behind me stamps the sand, Whose memory should be grateful yet, I trow, On earth, was Tegghiayo Aldobrand. And I, who blent with them in anguish go, Was Jacob Rusticûtchi, and be assured 40 My haughty wife 'bove all things works me woe." 45 Had I against the flame been then secured, I would have thrown myself at once between, And that, methinks, my guide would have endured; But burnt and roasted as I must have been, My ready will by fear was overborne, Albeit my thirst for their embrace was keen. I answered them, ""Twas surely grief, not scorn, So much as can be thence but slowly worn, 50 50 55 When by this lord of mine such words were said 55 As made me deem and understand before That persons like yourselves were hither sped. From your own land I come, and evermore Have used with deep affection to attend, And cite your honored names and works of yore. 60 I leave the gall and toward the sweet fruit wend, Which my true guide hath promist shall be mine, But to the centre I must first descend." "Now as thy soul may rule those limbs of thine Long time to come," he thereupon replied, "And as thy glory after thee may shine, 65 Do courtesy and valor yet abide Within our city, where they used to dwell; Or have they utterly gone out and died? For William Borsier, who but lately fell 70 Into this woe, and walks in yonder crew, Much pains us by the tale he comes to tell." "Thy sudden riches, and thy magnates new, O Florence, have engendered in thee pride And licence, which already makes thee rue." Thus with uplifted countenance I cried, And taking this for answer all the three Eyed one another as the truth is eyed. 75 "If at no other time it costeth thee More pains to give account," they answered here, "O happy thou, who speakest out so free. 81 But if thou shalt escape these places drear, And see the beauty of the stars again, When to relate, I went, will be thy cheer, O tell of us among the people then." 85 They ceased, and broke the wheel, and as they fled, Their nimble feet seemed wings, nor one Amen Before they vanished could not have been said. And now my master deemed that we should leave That region, and I followed as he led ; Nor did we but a little space achieve Before the sound of waters came so near That one could scarce another's words receive. As the first river, which its own career From Monte Veso holds to th' eastern shore On the left side of Apennine, which here Is called "still-water," on those heights before 90 95 As at St. Benedict, high overhead, Resounds this river, down one channel sent, When by a thousand it might well be sped; So found I making thunderous descent Adown a broken rock, these waters dyed, That would in little space mine ear have rent. I chanced to have a cord about me tied At this time, and therewith I once had thought To catch the lynx with variegated hide. This I ungirded from me now, and brought Together in a heap coiled up, and wound Into my master's hand, as by him taught. I thought within my heart, "Now, something new Which so intent my master's eyes pursue." Ah me! how cautious men should be with those Who do not view the outward act alone, 100 105 110 116 But through the thoughts their penetration goes. 120 He said to me, "That will arise anon Which I am waiting for, and to thine eye That which thy thoughts are dreaming shall be shown." On truth which wears the aspect of a lie A man should bar his lips whene'er he Since free from guilt he gathers shame thereby. But, Reader, this I cannot choose but say, And so may favor grace it many a day, That I, athwart the gross and murky air, Beheld a shape come swimming up to me, That wonder to the gravest heart would bear. As sometimes one that goeth down to free An anchor, that hath firmly taken seat 130 In rock, or somewhat hid below the sea, Who spreads his arms and catches up his feet. 135 |