The Divine Comedy — Dante Alighieri

CANTO X. The poets issue from the gate through a spiral staircase upon the first cormoe on the mountain of Purgatory. On the wall which bars the further ascent of the mountain they see carved bas-reliefs representing Tarious examples of humility. Finally they advance slowly towards these i^irits, who, bowed under vast weights, are imrged of the sin of Pride. When we had crossed the threshold of the gate So little used by man on evil fain, Which makes the crooked way appear the straight. Sounding with clash I heard it close again ; ^ And if on this my glance had backwards flown. What fit excuse had been for such a stain P We mounted by a cloven stair of stone That upwards spirally wound on its way, Like to a wave that flies, and then comes on« " 'Tis needful here a little are to essay," ^^ Began my leader, '* and to keep us near To either corner as it turns away.'*

168 PURGATORY. Canto X. Bj this our steps so slowly did we steer, That first the circle of the sinking moon, Reaching its western bed, did disappear ^ Ere from that needle's eye we had .outgone. But when at length freed clear, we issued out, There, where the mountain side is backward thrown, Quite wearied I, and both of us in doubt About our path, we rested on a plain ^® More lonely than the roads through desert's drought. From the far edge, which binds the airy main. To the foot of the high bank which upwards springs, The human form thrice measured would attain. And far as could my eyesight stretch its wings, ^^ Now on the left, and now on the right side. The ledge with equal breadth the mountain rings. Above no sooner had our footsteps hied, Ere of the bank which bound the ledge I learned, By which all upward passage was denied, ^° That it was marble pure, and so adorned With carvings, that not merely Polyclete, But Nature's self beside it had been scorned. The Angel, who came down the earth to greet With news of peace, bewept for many a year, ^ Which opened, from its olden ban. Heaven's seat, Before us did so truthfully appear. In loving attitude there sculptured. No silent image it resembled here. One would have sworn his lips the Ave said : *" For she was also sculptured, at whose 'heat Was Love unlocked on high, and earthwards led. In her whole gesture were the words imprest, Hcce Andlla Dei, clearly shown As the impression upon wax is prest. ^ ** Fix not your mind upon one place alone," Said my sweet master, standing at my side, On that at which the beating heart is known ; On which I forward turned my glance and spied Behind Maria, on the wall, where he ^ Was stationed, who aye led me as my guide, Carved in the rock another history ; On which I crossed by Yirgil, and drew near, That straight before my eyes the scene might be. There was engraven in the marble sheer ^ The car and bullocks, with the holy ark. Which to profane with service none may dare.

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Canto X. PURGATORY. 169 In front appeared the people as thej park Divided in seven choirs, who to the sight Appear to sing, though hearing cannot mark ; So did the smoke of incense, rising white, As it was imaged there,, from nose and eyes, Demand an evidence discordant quite. Before the blessed vessel did uprise The humble Psalmist, dancing lustily. And more and less than monarch in such guise. Imaged within a window that was by. From a great palace Michol downwards gazed, A scornful lady, and all sad to see. I moved my feet from where till then I*d gazed. Nearer to see another history, Which beyond Michol in white marble blazed. Was storied here on stone the glory high Of that good Roman prince, whose virtue's dower Urged Gregory to his great victory : Of Trajan do I speak, the Emperour : There was a widow at his bridle rein, Tears in her geste and steept in sorrow's power. Around him did appear the trampling train Of horsemen, and above him in the breeze Fluttered the gold enwoven banners plain. The wretched woman in the midst of these Appeared to say, " My sovran, vengeance wreak For my son's death, which grieves my aged days." And he to answer her : " Now patience seek Till I return." And she : " O lord, my own," Like one whose grief demands solace quick, " If you should not return ?" " He on my throne Will do it for you." " What will 't merit you If you neglect' dst your own, his duty done ?" '^ " Now take you comfort, lor 'tis fit," said he, " That ere I move I should my duty do : Justice demands, and pity urges me." He who has ne'er seen what to Him was new. Rendered through gestures this most visible speech, Novel to us, the like who never knew.

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