In this episode (and passage from INFERNO), we come to the conclusion of the rhetorical war that starts our journey across the universe.

In this last section of Canto II, Virgil turns back to Dante who has perhaps begun to discover that the old poet’s polished words may be effective for classical lit but don’t work so well on this long walk through all that is. The journey across the universe is all the journey to find the language to describe the journey across the universe. At first, maybe it was the high style that should set the tone. But there’s another voice, already in the poem: Beatrice’s, her “soft and gentle words.”

Join me, Mark Scarbrough, as we walk with Dante the pilgrim (and Dante the poet!) passage by passage through THE DIVINE COMEDY.

Catch up with this episode or start back at the beginning and walk with us. Hey, podcasts are a quantum reality. They’re always now.

Here’s my English translation of INFERNO, Canto II, lines 115 – 141:

 “When she had finished saying this to me [Virgil],

She averted her eyes, lit up with tears,

Which made me want to come here even faster.

 

“And I came to you [Dante] just as she wanted

And rescued you from the beast

Blocking you from the short path up that beautiful mountain.

 

“So what’s going on? Why, oh why do you hold back?

Why do you nurture at heart all this cowardice?

Why are you not bold and daring,

 

“When three blessed ladies

Care for you in the court of heaven,

And when my words can promise such good for you?”

 

As little flowers, dropping and closed

In the chill of night, straighten their stems

And open up when the sun shines on them,

 

Just so was I, in my failing strength.

So much good courage rushed into my heart

That like a free man, I said to him,

 

“How compassionate was she who came to my aid!

How courteous are you, when you quickly obeyed

The true words that she gave you!

 

“With your words, you have restored my heart

With desire to come with you.

My first purpose is now my goal!

 

“Let’s go, now, with one will and undivided—

You are my leader, lord, and master.”

That’s how I spoke to him, so that when he moved on,

I entered into the deep and savage path.