The Divine Comedy — Dante Alighieri

Line 34. " Before the ruin as they wildly swirl. "Qaando ^nngon davanti alia ruisa. Cary has accepted Yellutello's explanation of the word "roina," that it here means the whirlwind.

Bat this whirlwind drives them onward withoat cessation, and the rain appears to be better explained by the broken entrance into Hell, throaj^h which the fallen angels were precipitated there from Heaven, at sight of which the condemned spirits break into despairing onraes. The diiticalty mast remain a dispnted question.

Cahto V. HELL. 19 And like a band of cranes that singing goes, Extending in the air its lengthened train, So did I see them wailing as they rose Those shadows borne there bj the stormy bane. At last I said, " O master, who are these ^ On whom the black air metes such cruel pain ?" " The first amongst them of whose histories You fain would know," he said unto me then, " Was Queen o'er many-languaged Emperies. She was so wedded unto luxury's den, ^ That pleasure to be lawful she decreed, To take away the blame she earned from men. She is Semiramis, of whom we read That she succeeded Kinus, was his wife, And ruled the nation which the Soldans lead. ^ That one is she who amorous gave her life. And broke her faith unto Sichseus' tomb : Behind is Egypt's Queen, with luxury rife." Then saw I Helen, on account of whom Fell evil times, Achilles great in war, ^ Who at the last from Love received his doom. Then saw I Paris, Tristan, thousands more Shadows he showed me, and their names he told Whom Love had hurried from our mortal shore. When I had heard my Teacher thus unfold ^^ Names of so many an ancient dame and knight, My senses almost fled at Pity's hold Upon me. I began, ** Bard, with delight I would address those two who move together, And tossing on the wind appear so light." " And he to me : " Wait only to see whether They near us, then beseech them by the love Which brought them here, and they will turn them hither." Soon as the wind had bowed them from above I raised my voice : ** O spirits, anguish torn, ^ Come speak to us, if nothing else remove." As doves to the sweet nest for which they yearn, With open wings, and motionless, from high. Slide through the air by their volition borne, So sallied they from Dido's company, ^ Approaching uswards through the air malign, So powerful o'er them was my loving cry : Line 61. *' That one is she who amorous (^ve her life, And broke her faith unto Sicheens' tx^mb." Dido. Petrarch has not accepted Virgil's version of her story, and in the " Triumph of Chastity" has boldly placed Dido amongst his examples.

20 HELL. Canto V. ** O living being, gracious and benign, That through the air obscure comest visiting Us, whose blood made the earth incarnadine. ^^ Were we the friends of the Almighty King, We would beseech him for your own dear peace. Since to our evil you do pity bring. Of what to hear and speak to you may please We will both hear, and speak to you in turn, ®^ The whiles the wind, as now, gives silent ease. The land is seated wherein I was born Upon the seashore where the Po descends To rest with all its followers in their bourne. Love, to which gentle heart so quickly tends ^^ Made captive this one of my form so fair, Snatcht from me in a way that still offends. Love that each loved one makes the passion share For him inspired me a delight so sweet. That, as you seest, he has not left me here. ^"* Love led us both unto one death ; the seat Of Caina waits for him who laid us low." Such were the words with which they us did greet. When I had heard those spirits injured so, For such a length of time I bowed my face, "" That the bard said to me, " What think you ?" When I began and answered him, " Alas ! How many sweet thoughts and what yearning fears Have led both these unto this dolorous pass '." Then turned I, speaking to those listening ears, "* " Francesca, at your martyrdom my eyes In sadness and in pity melt to tears. But tell me, in that time of sweetest sighs. Through what Love led you howsoever lief, Your doubtful longings clear to recognise ?" ^^ Line 97. " The land is seated wherein I was bom Upon the seashore." Itavenna. The hapless story of Francesca of Rimini and her passion for her brother-in-law are too well known to reqnire explanation. Upun this episode Dante has poured out all the treasures of his tenderness, and in reading the fate of the lovers, who can never again be separated, we for^ret that we are in the circles of Hell. It is the last touch of pity which Daiite permits himself to show, and henceforth all is stern exultation and horror until we enter the milder regions of Purgatory. Line 106. "The seat Of Caina waits for him who laid us low." Caioa is the region of Hell to which murderers are doomed, and will be described in the 32nd Canto.