The day was going, and the tawny sky
1 h2>
Lo giorno se n’andava, e l’aere bruno
[1]
The day was going, and the dusky air
1
was taking earthly creatures from their
2 h2>
toglieva li animai che sono in terra
was taking the living things that are on
earth
HELL 2
the second Song
weariness, while, alone, the only one, I,
3 h2>

da le fatiche loro; e io sol uno
from their fatigues, and I alone
unrhymed translation Charles Eliot Norton's, 1891  rhymed
© Terrill Shepard Soules 2004  tsoules @ tsoules.com
TERZINA [ = Tercet = 3-Line Stanza = Episode = Sub-Chapter = This slide ( pronounced t a i r –T S E E –n u h ) ] # ‹#› of 47
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was preparing myself for war, to bear
4 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.
2
HELL 2
the second Song

unrhymed translation Charles Eliot Norton's, 1891  rhymed
© Terrill Shepard Soules 2004  tsoules @ tsoules.com
TERZINA [ = Tercet = 3-Line Stanza = Episode = Sub-Chapter = This slide ( pronounced t a i r –T S E E –n u h ) ] # ‹#› of 47
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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!
3
HELL 2
the second Song

unrhymed translation Charles Eliot Norton's, 1891  rhymed
© Terrill Shepard Soules 2004  tsoules @ tsoules.com
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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.
4
11 h2>
guarda la mia virtù s’ell’ è possente,
consider my virtue, if it is sufficient,
HELL 2
the second Song
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.
unrhymed translation Charles Eliot Norton's, 1891  rhymed
© Terrill Shepard Soules 2004  tsoules @ tsoules.com
TERZINA [ = Tercet = 3-Line Stanza = Episode = Sub-Chapter = This slide ( pronounced t a i r –T S E E –n u h ) ] # ‹#› of 47
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You say Silvius’ parent (that is, his father),
13 h2>
Tu dici che di Silvïo il parente,
[5]
Thou sayest that the parent of
Silvius
when he was perishable, went to the deathless
14 h2>
corruttibile ancora, ad immortale
while still corruptible went to the
immortal
world alertly, each sense as alive as the other.
15 h2>
secolo andò, e fu sensibilmente.
world and was there in the body.
5
HELL 2
the second Song

unrhymed translation Charles Eliot Norton's, 1891  rhymed
© Terrill Shepard Soules 2004  tsoules @ tsoules.com
TERZINA [ = Tercet = 3-Line Stanza = Episode = Sub-Chapter = This slide ( pronounced t a i r –T S E E –n u h ) ] # ‹#› of 47
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But if evil of every kind’s Antagonist
16 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 effect
17 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 this
18 h2>
ch’uscir dovea di lui, e ‘l chi e ‘l quale
that should proceed from him, and on the Who and the What
6
HELL 2
the second Song

unrhymed translation Charles Eliot Norton's, 1891  rhymed
© Terrill Shepard Soules 2004  tsoules @ tsoules.com
TERZINA [ = Tercet = 3-Line Stanza = Episode = Sub-Chapter = This slide ( pronounced t a i r –T S E E –n u h ) ] # ‹#› of 47
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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 imperial
20 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;
7
HELL 2
the second Song

unrhymed translation Charles Eliot Norton's, 1891  rhymed
© Terrill Shepard Soules 2004  tsoules @ tsoules.com
TERZINA [ = Tercet = 3-Line Stanza = Episode = Sub-Chapter = This slide ( pronounced t a i r –T S E E –n u h ) ] # ‹#› of 47
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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 locality
23 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.
8
HELL 2
the second Song

unrhymed translation Charles Eliot Norton's, 1891  rhymed
© Terrill Shepard Soules 2004  tsoules @ tsoules.com
TERZINA [ = Tercet = 3-Line Stanza = Episode = Sub-Chapter = This slide ( pronounced t a i r –T S E E –n u h ) ] # ‹#› of 47
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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 vehicle
26 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.
9
HELL 2
the second Song

unrhymed translation Charles Eliot Norton's, 1891  rhymed
© Terrill Shepard Soules 2004  tsoules @ tsoules.com
TERZINA [ = Tercet = 3-Line Stanza = Episode = Sub-Chapter = This slide ( pronounced t a i r –T S E E –n u h ) ] # ‹#› of 47
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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 convictions
29 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.
10
HELL 2
the second Song

unrhymed translation Charles Eliot Norton's, 1891  rhymed
© Terrill Shepard Soules 2004  tsoules @ tsoules.com
TERZINA [ = Tercet = 3-Line Stanza = Episode = Sub-Chapter = This slide ( pronounced t a i r –T S E E –n u h ) ] # ‹#› of 47
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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;
11
HELL 2
the second Song

unrhymed translation Charles Eliot Norton's, 1891  rhymed
© Terrill Shepard Soules 2004  tsoules @ tsoules.com
TERZINA [ = Tercet = 3-Line Stanza = Episode = Sub-Chapter = This slide ( pronounced t a i r –T S E E –n u h ) ] # ‹#› of 47
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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.”
12
HELL 2
the second Song

unrhymed translation Charles Eliot Norton's, 1891  rhymed
© Terrill Shepard Soules 2004  tsoules @ tsoules.com
TERZINA [ = Tercet = 3-Line Stanza = Episode = Sub-Chapter = This slide ( pronounced t a i r –T S E E –n u h ) ] # ‹#› of 47
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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 withdraws
from beginning,
13
HELL 2
the second Song

unrhymed translation Charles Eliot Norton's, 1891  rhymed
© Terrill Shepard Soules 2004  tsoules @ tsoules.com
TERZINA [ = Tercet = 3-Line Stanza = Episode = Sub-Chapter = This slide ( pronounced t a i r –T S E E –n u h ) ] # ‹#› of 47
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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 mission
41 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.
14
HELL 2
the second Song

unrhymed translation Charles Eliot Norton's, 1891  rhymed
© Terrill Shepard Soules 2004  tsoules @ tsoules.com
TERZINA [ = Tercet = 3-Line Stanza = Episode = Sub-Chapter = This slide ( pronounced t a i r –T S E E –n u h ) ] # ‹#› of 47
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“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,
15
replied that shade of the
magnanimous one,
HELL 2
the second Song
“Timidity’s insulted your soul into submission,
45 h2>

«l’anima tua è da viltade offesa;
“thy soul is hurt by cowardice,
unrhymed translation Charles Eliot Norton's, 1891  rhymed
© Terrill Shepard Soules 2004  tsoules @ tsoules.com
TERZINA [ = Tercet = 3-Line Stanza = Episode = Sub-Chapter = This slide ( pronounced t a i r –T S E E –n u h ) ] # ‹#› of 47
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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.
16
HELL 2
the second Song

unrhymed translation Charles Eliot Norton's, 1891  rhymed
© Terrill Shepard Soules 2004  tsoules @ tsoules.com
TERZINA [ = Tercet = 3-Line Stanza = Episode = Sub-Chapter = This slide ( pronounced t a i r –T S E E –n u h ) ] # ‹#› of 47
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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 comprehended
50 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.
17
HELL 2
the second Song

unrhymed translation Charles Eliot Norton's, 1891  rhymed
© Terrill Shepard Soules 2004  tsoules @ tsoules.com
TERZINA [ = Tercet = 3-Line Stanza = Episode = Sub-Chapter = This slide ( pronounced t a i r –T S E E –n u h ) ] # ‹#› of 47
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I was among the ones who are suspended
52 h2>
Io era tra color che son sospesi,
[18]
I was among those who are suspended,
when a lady beckoned, saintly and spectacular.18
53 h2>
e donna mi chiamò beata e bella,
and a Lady called me, so blessed and
beautiful
HELL 2
the second Song
Command me anything! I demanded.
54 h2>

tal che di comandare io la richiesi.
that I besought her to command.
unrhymed translation Charles Eliot Norton's, 1891  rhymed
© Terrill Shepard Soules 2004  tsoules @ tsoules.com
TERZINA [ = Tercet = 3-Line Stanza = Episode = Sub-Chapter = This slide ( pronounced t a i r –T S E E –n u h ) ] # ‹#› of 47
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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:
19
HELL 2
the second Song

unrhymed translation Charles Eliot Norton's, 1891  rhymed
© Terrill Shepard Soules 2004  tsoules @ tsoules.com
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‘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,
20
HELL 2
the second Song

unrhymed translation Charles Eliot Norton's, 1891  rhymed
© Terrill Shepard Soules 2004  tsoules @ tsoules.com
TERZINA [ = Tercet = 3-Line Stanza = Episode = Sub-Chapter = This slide ( pronounced t a i r –T S E E –n u h ) ] # ‹#› of 47
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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 on
62 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,
21
HELL 2
the second Song

unrhymed translation Charles Eliot Norton's, 1891  rhymed
© Terrill Shepard Soules 2004  tsoules @ tsoules.com
TERZINA [ = Tercet = 3-Line Stanza = Episode = Sub-Chapter = This slide ( pronounced t a i r –T S E E –n u h ) ] # ‹#› of 47
Latest changes Monday, 5 Apr 2004.
His sense of right direction is so far gone
64 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.
22
HELL 2
the second Song

unrhymed translation Charles Eliot Norton's, 1891  rhymed
© Terrill Shepard Soules 2004  tsoules @ tsoules.com
TERZINA [ = Tercet = 3-Line Stanza = Episode = Sub-Chapter = This slide ( pronounced t a i r –T S E E –n u h ) ] # ‹#› of 47
Latest changes Monday, 5 Apr 2004.
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.
23
HELL 2
the second Song

unrhymed translation Charles Eliot Norton's, 1891  rhymed
© Terrill Shepard Soules 2004  tsoules @ tsoules.com
TERZINA [ = Tercet = 3-Line Stanza = Episode = Sub-Chapter = This slide ( pronounced t a i r –T S E E –n u h ) ] # ‹#› of 47
Latest changes Monday, 5 Apr 2004.
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.
24
HELL 2
the second Song

unrhymed translation Charles Eliot Norton's, 1891  rhymed
© Terrill Shepard Soules 2004  tsoules @ tsoules.com
TERZINA [ = Tercet = 3-Line Stanza = Episode = Sub-Chapter = This slide ( pronounced t a i r –T S E E –n u h ) ] # ‹#› of 47
Latest changes Monday, 5 Apr 2004.
When I have returned I will often
73 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:
25
HELL 2
the second Song

unrhymed translation Charles Eliot Norton's, 1891  rhymed
© Terrill Shepard Soules 2004  tsoules @ tsoules.com
TERZINA [ = Tercet = 3-Line Stanza = Episode = Sub-Chapter = This slide ( pronounced t a i r –T S E E –n u h ) ] # ‹#› of 47
Latest changes Monday, 5 Apr 2004.
1-3
My lonely
preparations
at dusk.
Muses:
help me
write this!
3
4 - 14
I tell Virgil:
"Aeneas and Paul had underworld
missions .
I don't."
11
15 - 17
V: "You're
scared.
Listen to
why
I'm here."
3
18 - 25
"The beautiful
Beatrice appeared
to me in Limbo
and ordered me
to rescue you."
8
26 - 28
29 - 31
V to B:
"God
"I will. But made
me inwhy
vulnerable."
aren't you
3
afraid
of Hell?"
3
32 - 39
B to V:
"Mary told Lucy,
Lucy told me—
rescue Dante!"
8
40 - 42
V:
"Support
like
this and
you're
timid?"
3
43 - 47
I rouse,
eager again
to go. Virgil's
will is now
mine. I begin
my journey.
5
‘O lady of the power that alone
76 h2>
“O donna di virtù sola per cui
[26]
is why the human race outsoars
77 h2>
l’umana spezie eccede ogne contento
‘O Lady of Virtue, thou alone
through whom
26
the human race surpasseth all
contained
HELL 2
the second Song
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!
unrhymed translation Charles Eliot Norton's, 1891  rhymed
© Terrill Shepard Soules 2004  tsoules @ tsoules.com
TERZINA [ = Tercet = 3-Line Stanza = Episode = Sub-Chapter = This slide ( pronounced t a i r –T S E E –n u h ) ] # ‹#› of 47
Latest changes Monday, 5 Apr 2004.
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;
27
HELL 2
the second Song

unrhymed translation Charles Eliot Norton's, 1891  rhymed
© Terrill Shepard Soules 2004  tsoules @ tsoules.com
TERZINA [ = Tercet = 3-Line Stanza = Episode = Sub-Chapter = This slide ( pronounced t a i r –T S E E –n u h ) ] # ‹#› of 47
Latest changes Monday, 5 Apr 2004.
But do tell me why so uncowardly
82 h2>
Ma dimmi la cagion che non ti guardi [28]
but tell me the cause why thou
guardest not
descending down into this core here
83 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.’
28
HELL 2
the second Song

unrhymed translation Charles Eliot Norton's, 1891  rhymed
© Terrill Shepard Soules 2004  tsoules @ tsoules.com
TERZINA [ = Tercet = 3-Line Stanza = Episode = Sub-Chapter = This slide ( pronounced t a i r –T S E E –n u h ) ] # ‹#› of 47
Latest changes Monday, 5 Apr 2004.
1-3
My lonely
preparations
at dusk.
Muses:
help me
write this!
3
4 - 14
I tell Virgil:
"Aeneas and Paul had underworld
missions .
I don't."
11
15 - 17
V: "You're
scared.
Listen to
why
I'm here."
3
18 - 25
"The beautiful
Beatrice appeared
to me in Limbo
and ordered me
to rescue you."
8
26 - 28
V to B:
"I will. But
why
aren't you
afraid
of Hell?"
3
32 - 39
B to V:
"Mary told Lucy,
Lucy told me—
rescue Dante!"
8
29 - 31
"God
made
me invulnerable."
3
40 - 42
V:
"Support
like
this and
you're
timid?"
3
43 - 47
I rouse,
eager again
to go. Virgil's
will is now
mine. I begin
my journey.
5
‘Since it’s your will to know the inner layer,
85 h2>
“Da che tu vuo’ saver cotanto a dentro, [29]
I’ll summarize,’ she answered me,
86 h2>
dirotti brievemente”, mi rispuose,
‘Since thou wishest to know so
inwardly,
29
I will tell thee briefly,’ she
replied to me,
HELL 2
the second Song
‘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.
unrhymed translation Charles Eliot Norton's, 1891  rhymed
© Terrill Shepard Soules 2004  tsoules @ tsoules.com
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One should only fear things in the category
88 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.
30
HELL 2
the second Song

unrhymed translation Charles Eliot Norton's, 1891  rhymed
© Terrill Shepard Soules 2004  tsoules @ tsoules.com
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I’m made by God, thanks be to His mercy, such
91 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.
31
HELL 2
the second Song

unrhymed translation Charles Eliot Norton's, 1891  rhymed
© Terrill Shepard Soules 2004  tsoules @ tsoules.com
TERZINA [ = Tercet = 3-Line Stanza = Episode = Sub-Chapter = This slide ( pronounced t a i r –T S E E –n u h ) ] # ‹#› of 47
Latest changes Monday, 5 Apr 2004.
1-3
My lonely
preparations
at dusk.
Muses:
help me
write this!
3
4 - 14
I tell Virgil:
"Aeneas and Paul had underworld
missions .
I don't."
11
15 - 17
V: "You're
scared.
Listen to
why
I'm here."
3
18 - 25
"The beautiful
Beatrice appeared
to me in Limbo
and ordered me
to rescue you."
8
29 - 31
26 - 28
"God
V to B:
made
"I will. But
me inwhy
aren't you vulnerable."
3
afraid
of Hell?"
3
32 - 39
B to V:
"Mary told Lucy,
Lucy told me—
rescue Dante!"
8
40 - 42
V:
"Support
like
this and
you're
timid?"
3
43 - 47
I rouse,
eager again
to go. Virgil's
will is now
mine. I begin
my journey.
5
In heaven, a woman of refinement wept
94 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,
32
for this hindrance whereto I
send thee,
HELL 2
the second Song
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.
unrhymed translation Charles Eliot Norton's, 1891  rhymed
© Terrill Shepard Soules 2004  tsoules @ tsoules.com
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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 faithful
98 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.”
33
HELL 2
the second Song

unrhymed translation Charles Eliot Norton's, 1891  rhymed
© Terrill Shepard Soules 2004  tsoules @ tsoules.com
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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 place
101 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.
34
HELL 2
the second Song

unrhymed translation Charles Eliot Norton's, 1891  rhymed
© Terrill Shepard Soules 2004  tsoules @ tsoules.com
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and said, “Beatrice, you’re God’s true praise
103 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?
35
HELL 2
the second Song

unrhymed translation Charles Eliot Norton's, 1891  rhymed
© Terrill Shepard Soules 2004  tsoules @ tsoules.com
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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 river
107 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?”
36
HELL 2
the second Song

unrhymed translation Charles Eliot Norton's, 1891  rhymed
© Terrill Shepard Soules 2004  tsoules @ tsoules.com
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No one ever in the world ran swifter
109 h2>
Al mondo non fur mai persone ratte
[37]
In the world never were persons
swift
to profit or from pain
110 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,
37
HELL 2
the second Song

unrhymed translation Charles Eliot Norton's, 1891  rhymed
© Terrill Shepard Soules 2004  tsoules @ tsoules.com
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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.’
38
HELL 2
the second Song

unrhymed translation Charles Eliot Norton's, 1891  rhymed
© Terrill Shepard Soules 2004  tsoules @ tsoules.com
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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>
presto.
per che mi fece del venir più
whereby she made me more speedy in coming.
39
HELL 2
the second Song

unrhymed translation Charles Eliot Norton's, 1891  rhymed
© Terrill Shepard Soules 2004  tsoules @ tsoules.com
TERZINA [ = Tercet = 3-Line Stanza = Episode = Sub-Chapter = This slide ( pronounced t a i r –T S E E –n u h ) ] # ‹#› of 47
Latest changes Monday, 5 Apr 2004.
1-3
My lonely
preparations
at dusk.
Muses:
help me
write this!
3
4 - 14
I tell Virgil:
"Aeneas and Paul had underworld
missions .
I don't."
11
15 - 17
V: "You're
scared.
Listen to
why
I'm here."
3
18 - 25
"The beautiful
Beatrice appeared
to me in Limbo
and ordered me
to rescue you."
8
29 - 31
26 - 28
"God
V to B:
made
"I will. But
me inwhy
vulnerable."
aren't you
3
afraid
of Hell?"
3
32 - 39
B to V:
"Mary told Lucy,
Lucy told me—
rescue Dante!"
8
40 - 42
V:
"Support
like
this and
you're
timid?"
3
43 - 47
I rouse,
eager again
to go. Virgil's
will is now
mine. I begin
my journey.
5
And so I came to you. She got her way.
118 h2>
E venni a te così com’ ella volse:
[40]
You face a wild beast. I liberate.
119 h2>
d’inanzi a quella fiera ti levai
And I came to thee as she willed.
40
Thee have I delivered from that
wild beast
HELL 2
the second Song
(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 short
ascent of the beautiful mountain.
unrhymed translation Charles Eliot Norton's, 1891  rhymed
© Terrill Shepard Soules 2004  tsoules @ tsoules.com
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Well? What is it? How, how can you wait?
121 h2>
Dunque: che è? perché, perché restai, [41]
What is it then?
thou hold back?
Why, why dost
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,
41
HELL 2
the second Song

unrhymed translation Charles Eliot Norton's, 1891  rhymed
© Terrill Shepard Soules 2004  tsoules @ tsoules.com
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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?”
42
HELL 2
the second Song

unrhymed translation Charles Eliot Norton's, 1891  rhymed
© Terrill Shepard Soules 2004  tsoules @ tsoules.com
TERZINA [ = Tercet = 3-Line Stanza = Episode = Sub-Chapter = This slide ( pronounced t a i r –T S E E –n u h ) ] # ‹#› of 47
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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,
43
and slump, and seal up, and then in the white sunlight
128 h2>
chinati e chiusi, poi che ‘l sol li ‘mbianca,
after the sun shines on them
HELL 2
the second Song
open themselves on their stems, and each straightens,
129 h2>

si drizzan tutti aperti in loro stelo,
straighten themselves all open on
their stem,
unrhymed translation Charles Eliot Norton's, 1891  rhymed
© Terrill Shepard Soules 2004  tsoules @ tsoules.com
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Latest changes Monday, 5 Apr 2004.
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 fire
131 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:
44
HELL 2
the second Song

unrhymed translation Charles Eliot Norton's, 1891  rhymed
© Terrill Shepard Soules 2004  tsoules @ tsoules.com
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“The compassion of my rescuer!
133 h2>
«Oh pietosa colei che mi soccorse!
[45]
“Oh compassionate she who succored
me!
The nobility of your obedience
134 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!
45
HELL 2
the second Song

unrhymed translation Charles Eliot Norton's, 1891  rhymed
© Terrill Shepard Soules 2004  tsoules @ tsoules.com
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Latest changes Monday, 5 Apr 2004.
I’ve got a heart now that has to experience
136 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.
46
HELL 2
the second Song

unrhymed translation Charles Eliot Norton's, 1891  rhymed
© Terrill Shepard Soules 2004  tsoules @ tsoules.com
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Latest changes Monday, 5 Apr 2004.
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.
47
I entered along the deep and
savage road.
HELL 2
the second Song

unrhymed translation Charles Eliot Norton's, 1891  rhymed
© Terrill Shepard Soules 2004  tsoules @ tsoules.com
TERZINA [ = Tercet = 3-Line Stanza = Episode = Sub-Chapter = This slide ( pronounced t a i r –T S E E –n u h ) ] # ‹#› of 47
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