Inferno: Canto I

In the midway of this our life below,
I found myself within a gloomy wood, —
No traces left the path direct to show,

Alas, how painful is it to declare
The savage wildness of that forest rude.
Whose dread remembrance still renews my fear!

More bitter, scarcely death itself can be.
But, to describe the good which there I found,
I will relate what else 'twas mine to see.

How first I enter'd, it is hard to say;
In such deep slumber were my senses bound.
When from the path of truth I went astray.

But soon as I had reach'd a mountain's base,
(There, where the vale, that smote my heart with fear.
Obtained a limit to its dreadful space,)

I look'd on high, and saw its shoulders broad
Cloth'd with the radiance of that glorious star.
Which guideth man direct through every road.

Then was awhile allay'd the chilling fear
That still within my heart's lake trembling stood.
The night I pass'd in anguish so severe:

And like to one all breathless — who at last
Escaped ashore from out the perilous flood.
Turns to the wave, and gazing, stands aghast;

So did my mind, though still intent on flight,
Turn backward to review that vale of gloom.
Which never spared the life of mortal wight.

Soon as my weary frame had rest obtained.
O'er the lone coast my journey I resume;
But lowest still the firmer foot remain'd.

To climb the ascent I scarcely had essay'd,
When lo! an agile Panther barr'd my way.
Exceeding swift, in spotted coat array'd.

Confronting me, she plied her nimble feet.
And in my progress caused me such delay.
That oft I turn'd with purpose to retreat.

It was the hour when morning dawns on high,
And now the sun was rising in the east.
With those fair stars that bore him company,

When love divine first launched them in the skies:
Thus all around with hope inspired my breast, —
The Panther's coat that shone with varied dyes —

The season sweet — and early morning bright,
Not, that without dismay I saw appear
A Lion's form that burst upon my sight:

With ravening hunger, and uplifted head.
He came against me in his fierce career: —
Methought the very air partook of dread:

A She-Wolf too; who laden seem'd to be,
Meagre and gaunt, with wants of every kind;
And many a one hath brought to misery.

The terror that her countenance inspired
So weigh'd my spirits down, that I resign'd
All hope to reach that mountain so desired.

And e'en as one intent to swell his stores,
When comes the hour that sweeps them all away.
Gives up his thoughts to grief, and still deplores;

Such I became — when that insatiate brute.
Approaching slowly, fill'd me with dismay.
And drove me back to where the sun is mute.

While sadly I retraced my former course
Down in the vale, — before me I descried
One, Who by long disuse of speech was hoarse.

Him in that desert vast when I survey'd —
"Have pity, whatsoe'er thou be," I cried —
"Or living man, or melancholy shade."

"Not man," he answer'd, "though I once was man;
My parents were of Lombardy; and they
In Mantua both their mortal journey ran.

Ere mighty Julius reign'd, I had my birth.
And lived at Rome beneath Augustus' sway.
When false and lying gods prevail'd on earth.

A bard I was, and sang that just one's fame —
Anchises' son, — who left the Trojan shore
When fell proud Ilion wrapt in hostile flame.

But why returnest thou to such annoy?
Why dost thou climb yon pleasant mount no more —
The origin and cause of every joy?"

With downcast looks I answer'd, bending low:
"Art thou that Virgil then, that fountain clear.
Whence streams of eloquence so richly flow?

O thou, of bards the honour and the light.
Let my long study of thy volume dear.
And mighty love, gain favour in thy sight.

My master thou — my author most admir'd;
To thee alone that beauteous style I owe.
Which for my name such honour hath acquired.

Behold the beast which caused me to retreat!
Protection from her wrath, great sage, bestow;
Through very fear my veins and pulses beat."

Then answer'd he, when he beheld me grieve:
"Another path by thee must be pursued.
If thou this savage wilderness wouldst leave;

For know — the beast, which fills thee with dismay.
Permits none else to journey o'er her road.
But hinders sore till she destroys her prey.

So vile her nature — so disposed to ill,
Her clamorous wants she ne'er can satisfy;
And food but serves to whet her hunger still.

She links herself to many an animal;
And till the Greyhound come, to make her die
A painful death, yet more will she enthral.

(Nor lands, nor gold shall move his lofty soul:
By wisdom, virtue, love shall he be fed;
From Feltro e'en to Feltro shall he rule.

His might Italia's lowly plains shall save.
For which Euryalus and Nisus bled,
Turnus the king, Camilla virgin brave.)

Back to the limits of her native hell,
Whence Envy drew her first — with potent hand
From place to place shall he the beast repel.

Wherefore, reflecting on thy future good,
I will conduct thee from this dismal land,
And through eternal regions guide thy road.

There shalt thou hear the cries of hopeless woe;
There see the mournful spirits of old time.
Imploring death to strike the second blow:

Others — in fire contented to remain:
For hope is their's, in heaven's untroubled clime.
Some future day an honoured seat to gain.

But wouldst thou mount to where the blessed dwell,
A soul more worthy shall conduct thy flight;
Her care shall guide thee when I bid farewell:

For that all-powerful King, who rules above.
Grants not that I, a rebel in his sight.
Lead to his city those he may approve.

Lord of the universe — his seat is there;
There his divine abode, and lofty throne:
O happy he who doth his favour share!"

"Poet, I do conjure thee," I replied,
"By that dread God whom thou hast never known,
(So may I shun this ill and worse beside,)

Lead me, O lead me whither thou hast said
The gateway of Saint Peter may be view'd.
And those sad souls thou speak'st of be survey'd."

He then moved on, and I his steps pursued.