PURGATORIO CANTO I To run o'er better waters hoists its sails O holy Muses, since that I am yours, The blow so great, that they despaired of pardon. Sweet color 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 Line 1. To run o'er better waters hoists its sail ΙΟ 15 20 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 When from regarding them I had withdrawn, Turning a little to the other pole, 25 There where the Wain had disappeared already, 30 I saw beside me an old man alone, Worthy of so much reverence in his look, He wore, in semblance like unto the tresses, Or is there changed in heaven some counsel new, That being damned ye come unto my grottos?" Then did my Leader lay his grasp upon me, 35 40 45 And with his words, and with his hands and signs, Reverent he made in me my knees and brow; Then answered him: "I came not of myself; Line 39. That him I saw as were the sun before him. 51 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 To rescue him, and other way was none 55 60 65 To lead him to behold thee and to hear thee. Now may it please thee to vouchsafe his coming; 70 He seeketh Liberty, which is so dear, As knoweth he who life for her refuses. Since this one lives, and Minos binds not me; 75 80 "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, 85 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 't were 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, Without a word, and wholly drew myself 96 100 105 115 I recognized 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 O marvellous! for even as he culled 120 125 130 135 |