但丁在一個黑暗的森林迷路；遇見豹、獅、母狼；詩人維吉爾的靈魂來救護他。
　　　
　　 在人生的中途，我迷失在一個黑暗的森林之中。要說明那個森林的荒涼、肅靜和廣漠，是多麽的睏難呀！一想到他我心裏就是一陣害怕，就象死亡來臨。在敘述我遇着救護人之前，先把觸目驚心的情景描述一番。
　　　
　　 我怎樣會走進這個森林之中，我自己也不清楚，衹覺得我在昏昏欲睡的剎那，我就失掉了正路。後來我走到森林的一邊，害怕的念頭還纏綁着我的心，忽然到了一個小山的腳下，那小山的頂上披着耀眼的陽光，這是普照旅途的明燈。一夜的驚嚇，真是可憐。這時我才略微下心來。從海裏爬上岸來的，一般要回頭看看身後的驚濤駭浪，所以我在驚魂初定之後，我也就回顧來路。纔曉得來路險艱辛惡。不是生人所到的。
　　　
　　 我休息了一會兒，就立起來趕我的路程，一步一步爬上荒涼的山坡。沒有爬得多高前面忽然跳出一隻敏捷的、五色斑斕的豹，攔住我的去路，我幾次想回頭逃避他。那時天大亮了，太陽從東方升起，四野都清晰起來；這樣清爽的早晨，這樣溫和的時候，使我有剋服那眩眼可怕的野獸之希望。但是，一波未平，一波又起、一隻獅子又出現了，他似乎嚮着我猛衝過來，他是饑餓極了，高擡着頭，呼呼的地出氣，真嚇煞人。同時還有一隻幹瘦的母狼，她似乎是饑不擇食的，而且已經有許多人受了她的傷害。她的一雙眼睛死釘着我，嚇得我全身發抖，於是我衹好放棄爬到山頂的打算。
　　
　　 我好象是一位渴望着金錢的人，忽然受到一個失敗的打擊，而沉陷於痛楚悲哀的境地。我受到那衹母狼的逼迫、她一步一步地逼近我，使我不得不退往那黑暗的森林。在我後退的時候，我看見一個人。他似乎是靜默了很久，象不會說話一樣。在此荒山曠野，居然來了救星，我脫口叫道：“請你快來救我，不管你是什麽，一個影子也好，一個真人也好。”
　　　
　　 他回答道：“我從前是人，現在不是人了。我的父母是倫巴第人，他們的國傢是曼圖亞。我生於尤利烏斯王朝，但是遲了一點，後來住在羅馬，受奧古斯都王的保護，那時還是異教流行。我是一個詩人，我歌吟安奇塞斯的兒子，他是真正的英雄，他從特濟亞城逃出來，因為那個雄偉的城已被希臘人燒毀了。但是你為什麽如此驚惶失措，為什麽不爬過這座明媚的山，這是人們幸福的源泉？”
　　　
　　 我被說得面紅耳赤，嚮他回答道：”那末你就是維吉爾麽？從你的嘴裏，吟出多麽美麗而和諧的詩句呀！你是衆詩人的燈塔，一切的光榮都歸於你！我愛好你的詩篇，並學習和研究過你的著作！你是我的老師，是我心中的偶像，我從你學得很多好詩句，因此使我有了一些名聲。……請你看那些野獸，我後退的原因就是為着他們。著名的哲人，請你幫助我來反抗他們，他們使我四肢的血肉都顫動起來了！”
　　　
　　 他看見我流淚，他答道：“你應當另尋一條出路，要離開這塊荒野的地方，因為那衹母狼决不讓一個人經過那裏，除非把她殺悼。她的本性非常殘酷，肚子從來沒有飽足的時候，愈加吃得多，反而愈加饑餓。和她勾結的野獸還多呢，而且是一天比一天多，衹有等到那著名的獵狗出世，才能夠把他們一一殺盡。他不愛金錢，不貪土地，他以仁愛，智慧，勇敢做食品，他的國土是在菲爾特羅和菲爾特羅之間。他將拯救可憐的意大利，為着她，聖女卡密拉，罔爾努斯，歐呂阿魯斯和尼蘇斯這些人都戰傷而死了。他將把母狼掃盡，把他們再趕進地獄，因為當初他們就是被魔鬼從那裏放出來的。因此我想到：要是你到那裏去看看，對你是有益處的；我可以做你的嚮導，引導你脫離這塊可怕的地方；引導你經歷永劫之邦，那裏你可以聽到絶望的呼聲，看見苦難的古幽靈，每一個都在嘗試着第二次的死；你還可以看見那些滿足於火焰之中的幽靈，因為他們還有和那些幸福者住在一起的希望呢。末了，假使你願意上升，還有一個比我更高貴的靈魂來引導你，那時我就和你分別了。因為我沒有信仰他，所以我不能走進上帝所住的地方。上帝統治宇宙，權力無所不在，但是他在天上有一定的座位；能夠接近他的人是多麽快樂呀！”
　　　
　　 於是我這樣說：“詩人呀！請你為上帝的緣故，引導我逃出這個黑暗的森林和其他更壞的地方罷；伴着我到你方纔所說的境界，一看沉溺在悲哀的深淵裏的幽靈；最後引導我到聖彼得的門。”
　　　
　　 於是我跟着維吉爾往前走。

　　IN the midway of this our mortal life,
　　I found me in a gloomy wood, astray
　　Gone from the path direct: and e'en to tell
　　It were no easy task, how savage wild
　　That forest, how robust and rough its growth,
　　Which to remember only, my dismay
　　Renews, in bitterness not far from death.
　　Yet to discourse of what there good befell,
　　All else will I relate discover'd there.
　　How first I enter'd it I scarce can say,
　　Such sleepy dullness in that instant weigh'd
　　My senses down, when the true path I left,
　　But when a mountain's foot I reach'd, where clos'd
　　The valley, that had pierc'd my heart with dread,
　　I look'd aloft, and saw his shoulders broad
　　Already vested with that planet's beam,
　　Who leads all wanderers safe through every way.
　　
　　Then was a little respite to the fear,
　　That in my heart's recesses deep had lain,
　　All of that night, so pitifully pass'd:
　　And as a man, with difficult short breath,
　　Forespent with toiling, 'scap'd from sea to shore,
　　Turns to the perilous wide waste, and stands
　　At gaze; e'en so my spirit, that yet fail'd
　　Struggling with terror, turn'd to view the straits,
　　That none hath pass'd and liv'd. My weary frame
　　After short pause recomforted, again
　　I journey'd on over that lonely steep,
　　
　　
　　The hinder foot still firmer. Scarce the ascent
　　Began, when, lo! a panther, nimble, light,
　　And cover'd with a speckled skin, appear'd,
　　Nor, when it saw me, vanish'd, rather strove
　　To check my onward going; that ofttimes
　　With purpose to retrace my steps I turn'd.
　　
　　The hour was morning's prime, and on his way
　　Aloft the sun ascended with those stars,
　　That with him rose, when Love divine first mov'd
　　Those its fair works: so that with joyous hope
　　All things conspir'd to fill me, the gay skin
　　Of that swift animal, the matin dawn
　　And the sweet season. Soon that joy was chas'd,
　　And by new dread succeeded, when in view
　　A lion came, 'gainst me, as it appear'd,
　　
　　With his head held aloft and hunger-mad,
　　That e'en the air was fear-struck. A she-wolf
　　Was at his heels, who in her leanness seem'd
　　Full of all wants, and many a land hath made
　　Disconsolate ere now. She with such fear
　　O'erwhelmed me, at the sight of her appall'd,
　　That of the height all hope I lost. As one,
　　Who with his gain elated, sees the time
　　When all unwares is gone, he inwardly
　　Mourns with heart-griping anguish; such was I,
　　Haunted by that fell beast, never at peace,
　　Who coming o'er against me, by degrees
　　Impell'd me where the sun in silence rests.
　　
　　While to the lower space with backward step
　　I fell, my ken discern'd the form one of one,
　　Whose voice seem'd faint through long disuse of speech.
　　When him in that great desert I espied,
　　"Have mercy on me!" cried I out aloud,
　　"Spirit! or living man! what e'er thou be!"
　　
　　He answer'd: "Now not man, man once I was,
　　And born of Lombard parents, Mantuana both
　　By country, when the power of Julius yet
　　Was scarcely firm. At Rome my life was past
　　Beneath the mild Augustus, in the time
　　Of fabled deities and false. A bard
　　Was I, and made Anchises' upright son
　　The subject of my song, who came from Troy,
　　When the flames prey'd on Ilium's haughty towers.
　　But thou, say wherefore to such perils past
　　Return'st thou? wherefore not this pleasant mount
　　Ascendest, cause and source of all delight?"
　　"And art thou then that Virgil, that well-spring,
　　From which such copious floods of eloquence
　　Have issued?" I with front abash'd replied.
　　"Glory and light of all the tuneful train!
　　May it avail me that I long with zeal
　　Have sought thy volume, and with love immense
　　Have conn'd it o'er. My master thou and guide!
　　Thou he from whom alone I have deriv'd
　　That style, which for its beauty into fame
　　Exalts me. See the beast, from whom I fled.
　　O save me from her, thou illustrious sage!
　　
　　
　　"For every vein and pulse throughout my frame
　　She hath made tremble." He, soon as he saw
　　That I was weeping, answer'd, "Thou must needs
　　Another way pursue, if thou wouldst 'scape
　　From out that savage wilderness. This beast,
　　At whom thou criest, her way will suffer none
　　To pass, and no less hindrance makes than death:
　　So bad and so accursed in her kind,
　　That never sated is her ravenous will,
　　Still after food more craving than before.
　　To many an animal in wedlock vile
　　She fastens, and shall yet to many more,
　　Until that greyhound come, who shall destroy
　　Her with sharp pain. He will not life support
　　By earth nor its base metals, but by love,
　　Wisdom, and virtue, and his land shall be
　　The land 'twixt either Feltro. In his might
　　Shall safety to Italia's plains arise,
　　For whose fair realm, Camilla, virgin pure,
　　Nisus, Euryalus, and Turnus fell.
　　He with incessant chase through every town
　　Shall worry, until he to hell at length
　　Restore her, thence by envy first let loose.
　　I for thy profit pond'ring now devise,
　　That thou mayst follow me, and I thy guide
　　Will lead thee hence through an eternal space,
　　Where thou shalt hear despairing shrieks, and see
　　Spirits of old tormented, who invoke
　　A second death; and those next view, who dwell
　　Content in fire, for that they hope to come,
　　Whene'er the time may be, among the blest,
　　Into whose regions if thou then desire
　　T' ascend, a spirit worthier then I
　　Must lead thee, in whose charge, when I depart,
　　Thou shalt be left: for that Almighty King,
　　Who reigns above, a rebel to his law,
　　Adjudges me, and therefore hath decreed,
　　That to his city none through me should come.
　　He in all parts hath sway; there rules, there holds
　　His citadel and throne. O happy those,
　　Whom there he chooses!" I to him in few:
　　"Bard! by that God, whom thou didst not adore,
　　I do beseech thee (that this ill and worse
　　I may escape) to lead me, where thou saidst,
　　That I Saint Peter's gate may view, and those
　　Who as thou tell'st, are in such dismal plight."
　　
　　Onward he mov'd, I close his steps pursu'd.

　　但丁遲疑不進，維吉爾說明他的使命：貝雅特麗齊曾往他所住的“候判所”，請他出來援助但丁。
　　　
　　 傍晚天色漸漸黑了，地上勞苦的動物也要休息了。衹有我一個人正預備着去長途跋涉，硬着心腸去一看那些可憐蟲。這些見聞，都靠我準確的記憶來敘述的。詩歌的女神呀、卓越的天才呀，請你們幫助我吧！記憶呀，請你把我所見聞的印象準確地留住罷，是你立功的時候到了！
　　　
　　 於是我悅：“指引我的詩人呀！請考慮一下罷：我是否能有足夠的能力，來承擔這件艱難的工作呢？你說西爾維烏斯的父親曾以血肉之軀走入永劫之邦，但是上帝允許他這樣的特權不是沒理由的：因為天上已經確定他做羅馬的開山祖，那裏是帝國的都城，又是從大彼得以來教皇座位的所在地。他從這一趟旅行中，得到了未來勝利和聖教光榮的啓示。後來聖保羅為着鞏固信仰，使人得到解救，也有這樣一次的旅行。但是我呢，為什麽要去？誰允許我去？我既不是埃阿斯又不是聖保羅；無論我自己或是別人看來都覺得我不夠資格我要是冒昧地跟着你去，適足以證實我的愚蠢無知。你是哲人，雖然我的話說得不清楚。你總會明白我的意思罷。”
　　　
　　 好像一個中途改變計劃的人一樣，不能不把已經動了手的工作放下，因此我逗留在昏黑的山路上，自悔不加思考，便輕易應允了這樣重大的使命。
　　　
　　 高貴的詩魂答道：“假使我十分明白你的說話，那就是你的心裏生了畏懼。畏懼，它使人們在正大的事業面前望而卻步，好像膽小的野獸，一聽見風聲就嚇得逃跑一樣。我要驅開你心裏的畏懼，我要告訴你我為什麽要來這裏，我聽了什麽人的囑托纔來搭救你。
　　　
　　 “我正在升沉未决的時候，一個美麗的子女叫着我，我上前去應命。她的一雙眼睛比星光還要明亮；她用柔和而嘹亮的音調對我說：
　　　
　　 “善良的曼圖亞的幽魂呀！你的聲名傳遍世界，且可與日月同輝呢。我有一個不幸的朋友，他徘徊在荒漠的山林，正在驚惶失措，處在進退兩難的境地，因為我在天上得着他的消息或許太遲了，恐怕他要迷途更遠。現在請你去一趟罷，用你美妙動人的辭令，幫助他離開那裏，這樣我就放心了。我是貝雅特麗齊，是從天上下來，我是急着要回去的；是愛情感動了我，因此我不得不對你說。當我回到主人那裏，我要常常在他面前稱贊你呢。”
　　　
　　 貝雅特麗齊靜默了，於是我對她說：“善女人呀，因為你的緣故，地上的人類纔成為萬物之靈！你命令我這樣做，正是你看重我；假使我現在已經辦妥了，我還覺得服從你太遲了一點。你的意思固然用不着再嚮我解釋，但是你為什麽敢降臨下地，而且又急着要回天國呢？”
　　　
　　 她答道：“既然你要想知道，我就把他簡單他說幾句罷。宇宙間衹有能夠損害我的我纔怕他；不然的話，又何必怕他呢！我得到上帝的恩惠，你們的痛苦觸不到我，這裏的火焰也觸及不到我。……天上有一位高貴的聖女聖母馬利亞，她對於我請你去搭救的這個人非常憐惜。她破例待他慈悲。她叫盧齊亞道：“現在你的一個忠實信徒正需要你的引導，我把他委托給你罷。”盧齊亞殘酷之敵，馬上到我那裏去，那時我正和古時的拉結對坐着。盧齊亞說：“貝雅待麗齊，上帝之頌揚。你為什麽不幫助愛你的人？他為着你超凡脫俗了。他的痛苦，你不可憐他麽？你不看見他在那裏和死掙紥麽？人海波瀾，不下於大洋的狂風怒濤呀！”我聽了這番活以後，比地上的人趨福避禍還要快幾倍，我從我的幸福地下來，信任了你的辭令，這個不正是你的光榮，就是聽了他的人也有光榮呢。”
　　　
　　 “她說了以後、掉轉她明亮的眼睛全流淚了；因此使我加快地到你這裏來；因此我把你從攔住去路的野獸那裏救出來。現在你為什麽遲疑不前？為什麽一顆心被恐懼包圍了？為什麽不勇敢些？豈不辜負了大廷三個聖女和我的一片好心麽？”
　　　
　　 好比夜裏受了霜打的花朵，垂頭喪氣的緊閉着，忽然受着太陽的照耀而又開放了；我的心也是這樣，我的精神振奮了，我的勇氣回覆了，我就對他說：“解救我的人，她是多麽慈悲呀！至於你呢，服從她的話這樣快，是多麽好心腸呀！我聽了你的話，我下一個决心跟着你去了。現在我們兩個人一條心，你是我的引路人，我的主人，我的老師。”
　　　
　　 說完了，於是他移動他的腳步，我就走上崎嶇荒野的路途。

　　NOW was the day departing, and the air,
　　Imbrown'd with shadows, from their toils releas'd
　　All animals on earth; and I alone
　　Prepar'd myself the conflict to sustain,
　　Both of sad pity, and that perilous road,
　　Which my unerring memory shall retrace.
　　
　　O Muses! O high genius! now vouchsafe
　　Your aid! O mind! that all I saw hast kept
　　Safe in a written record, here thy worth
　　And eminent endowments come to proof.
　　
　　I thus began: "Bard! thou who art my guide,
　　Consider well, if virtue be in me
　　Sufficient, ere to this high enterprise
　　Thou trust me. Thou hast told that Silvius' sire,
　　Yet cloth'd in corruptible flesh, among
　　Th' immortal tribes had entrance, and was there
　　Sensible present. Yet if heaven's great Lord,
　　Almighty foe to ill, such favour shew'd,
　　In contemplation of the high effect,
　　Both what and who from him should issue forth,
　　It seems in reason's judgment well deserv'd:
　　Sith he of Rome, and of Rome's empire wide,
　　In heaven's empyreal height was chosen sire:
　　Both which, if truth be spoken, were ordain'd
　　And 'stablish'd for the holy place, where sits
　　Who to great Peter's sacred chair succeeds.
　　He from this journey, in thy song renown'd,
　　Learn'd things, that to his victory gave rise
　　And to the papal robe. In after-times
　　The chosen vessel also travel'd there,
　　To bring us back assurance in that faith,
　　Which is the entrance to salvation's way.
　　But I, why should I there presume? or who
　　Permits it? not, Aeneas I nor Paul.
　　Myself I deem not worthy, and none else
　　Will deem me. I, if on this voyage then
　　I venture, fear it will in folly end.
　　Thou, who art wise, better my meaning know'st,
　　Than I can speak." As one, who unresolves
　　What he hath late resolv'd, and with new thoughts
　　Changes his purpose, from his first intent
　　Remov'd; e'en such was I on that dun coast,
　　Wasting in thought my enterprise, at first
　　So eagerly embrac'd. "If right thy words
　　I scan," replied that shade magnanimous,
　　"Thy soul is by vile fear assail'd, which oft
　　So overcasts a man, that he recoils
　　From noblest resolution, like a beast
　　At some false semblance in the twilight gloom.
　　That from this terror thou mayst free thyself,
　　I will instruct thee why I came, and what
　　I heard in that same instant, when for thee
　　Grief touch'd me first. I was among the tribe,
　　Who rest suspended, when a dame, so blest
　　And lovely, I besought her to command,
　　Call'd me; her eyes were brighter than the star
　　Of day; and she with gentle voice and soft
　　Angelically tun'd her speech address'd:
　　"O courteous shade of Mantua! thou whose fame
　　Yet lives, and shall live long as nature lasts!
　　A friend, not of my fortune but myself,
　　On the wide desert in his road has met
　　Hindrance so great, that he through fear has turn'd.
　　Now much I dread lest he past help have stray'd,
　　And I be ris'n too late for his relief,
　　From what in heaven of him I heard. Speed now,
　　And by thy eloquent persuasive tongue,
　　And by all means for his deliverance meet,
　　Assist him. So to me will comfort spring.
　　I who now bid thee on this errand forth
　　Am Beatrice; from a place I come.
　　
　　 (Note: Beatrice. I use this word, as it is
　　pronounced in the Italian, as consisting of four
　　syllables, of which the third is a long one.)
　　
　　Revisited with joy. Love brought me thence,
　　Who prompts my speech. When in my Master's sight
　　I stand, thy praise to him I oft will tell."
　　
　　She then was silent, and I thus began:
　　"O Lady! by whose influence alone,
　　Mankind excels whatever is contain'd
　　Within that heaven which hath the smallest orb,
　　So thy command delights me, that to obey,
　　If it were done already, would seem late.
　　No need hast thou farther to speak thy will;
　　Yet tell the reason, why thou art not loth
　　To leave that ample space, where to return
　　Thou burnest, for this centre here beneath."
　　
　　She then: "Since thou so deeply wouldst inquire,
　　I will instruct thee briefly, why no dread
　　Hinders my entrance here. Those things alone
　　Are to be fear'd, whence evil may proceed,
　　None else, for none are terrible beside.
　　I am so fram'd by God, thanks to his grace!
　　That any suff'rance of your misery
　　Touches me not, nor flame of that fierce fire
　　Assails me. In high heaven a blessed dame
　　Besides, who mourns with such effectual grief
　　That hindrance, which I send thee to remove,
　　That God's stern judgment to her will inclines."
　　To Lucia calling, her she thus bespake:
　　"Now doth thy faithful servant need thy aid
　　And I commend him to thee." At her word
　　Sped Lucia, of all cruelty the foe,
　　And coming to the place, where I abode
　　Seated with Rachel, her of ancient days,
　　She thus address'd me: "Thou true praise of God!
　　Beatrice! why is not thy succour lent
　　To him, who so much lov'd thee, as to leave
　　For thy sake all the multitude admires?
　　Dost thou not hear how pitiful his wail,
　　Nor mark the death, which in the torrent flood,
　　Swoln mightier than a sea, him struggling holds?"
　　Ne'er among men did any with such speed
　　Haste to their profit, flee from their annoy,
　　As when these words were spoken, I came here,
　　Down from my blessed seat, trusting the force
　　Of thy pure eloquence, which thee, and all
　　Who well have mark'd it, into honour brings."
　　
　　"When she had ended, her bright beaming eyes
　　Tearful she turn'd aside; whereat I felt
　　Redoubled zeal to serve thee. As she will'd,
　　Thus am I come: I sav'd thee from the beast,
　　Who thy near way across the goodly mount
　　Prevented. What is this comes o'er thee then?
　　Why, why dost thou hang back? why in thy breast
　　Harbour vile fear? why hast not courage there
　　And noble daring? Since three maids so blest
　　Thy safety plan, e'en in the court of heaven;
　　And so much certain good my words forebode."
　　
　　As florets, by the frosty air of night
　　Bent down and clos'd, when day has blanch'd their leaves,
　　Rise all unfolded on their spiry stems;
　　So was my fainting vigour new restor'd,
　　And to my heart such kindly courage ran,
　　That I as one undaunted soon replied:
　　"O full of pity she, who undertook
　　My succour! and thou kind who didst perform
　　So soon her true behest! With such desire
　　Thou hast dispos'd me to renew my voyage,
　　That my first purpose fully is resum'd.
　　Lead on: one only will is in us both.
　　Thou art my guide, my master thou, and lord."
　　
　　So spake I; and when he had onward mov'd,
　　I enter'd on the deep and woody way.

　　地獄之門；地獄之走廊，儒大受刑之地。慘淡的阿刻隆河；老船夫卡隆。
　　　
　　 “從我這裏走進苦惱之城，走進罪惡之淵，走進幽靈隊裏。正義感動了我的創世主：我是神權，神智，神愛的作品。除水存的東西之外，在我之前沒有所造的物，我和天地同在：你們走進來，把創的希望拋在腦後罷！”
　　　
　　 我看見上段文字，黑沉沉地寫在大門上；我說：“老師，這些文字的意思叫我很難懂。”他像是一個博學多才的人，對我說：“到了這個地方，一切的恐怖和畏懼都要放在腦後。我們已經到了我對你說起的地方：在這裏我們將要看見一群苦惱的、不懂什麽叫幸福的幽靈。”於是他拉了我的手，臉上露出微笑，使我心裏得到安慰，他引導我走進幽冥之國。
　　　
　　 在這裏，嘆息聲，抱怨聲，悲啼聲，在沒有星光的昏暗的空氣裏應和着。我一陣心酸，不覺掉下淚來。千奇百怪的語音，痛苦的叫喊，可怕的怒駡，高喊和暗泣，拍手和頓足，空氣裏面喧鬧不已，永無靜寂，又好似風捲沙塵，遮天蔽日。那時我毛骨悚然，問道：“老師，我所聽見的是什麽？發出這樣痛苦呼聲的又是什麽人類呢？”他答道：“這些都是無有名聲的懦夫，還混雜了一些卑微鄙陋的天使：他們是衹知自利的騎墻派，他們對於上帝既不反叛，也不忠實；這一班幽靈既為天國所排斥，因為天國要保持他的純潔，又不為地獄所收容，因為罪惡之徒尚有一點自誇之處呢。”我說：“那未他們受了什麽刑罰，使他們這樣痛苦呢？”他答道：“我可以極簡單地對你說。他們既沒有寂滅的希望，衹是過着昏聵平庸的活，也沒有改進的可能。世界上對於他們沒有記載；正義和慈悲都輕視他們：我們也不必再談論他們了，看看就走罷！”
　　　
　　 那時我看見一面旗子搖動着嚮前跑，兜着圈子，一刻也不停息，跟着旗子後面的是一大群的幽靈。我要是不看見，真不會相信死神已經辦完了這許多！在這些幽靈之中，我還認識幾個，我最看得清楚的是那個因為懦怯而讓位的。於是我明白了，這一群下賤昏庸的人為上帝所不喜而為他的仇人所不容呀！這些不幸的人，肉體雖生，精神已死；他們都赤身露體，有螞蜂和牛虻刺着他們；血和淚從他們臉上流到腳跟上，做了毒蟲們的食料。
　　　
　　 我嚮遠處望去，又看見一群人在一條大河的岸上，於是我說：”老師，允許我知道那裏的一群人麽？靠着一點弱的光亮我看得見一群人在那裏擠着渡河，究竟是誰迫使他們這樣做呢？”他答道：“我們走到那條名叫阿刻隆的慘淡的河邊就明白了。”因為問話不及時，我覺得有些慚愧，衹好低着頭，一言不發，直走到河邊。
　　　
　　 那裏看見一個須發皆的老人立在船上，大喊道：“不幸的你們，罪惡的靈魂！不要再希望看見天日了！我來引你們到彼岸：走進幽鄉，走進人民，走進冰池。至於你呢，你是活人，快離開他們罷，這些都是死人呀！”他看見我還是站着不動，便怒道：“你另有一條路走，另有一個渡口，另有一個較輕的船來渡你呢。”我的引路人對他說：“卡隆，你不要來阻止，這是上帝的意思，不必多說了。”
　　　
　　 老人聽罷，果然不說話了，他把發火的眼睛嚮岸上一望，那些焦枯的裸露着的靈魂都變了面色，緊咬着牙齒；他們咒駡上帝和先祖，一切人類，子子孫孫，甚至他們自己降生的地方和出世的時辰。於是他們走近那可詛咒的青黑色的河，那裏等待一切不怕上帝的人。魔鬼卡隆目光如燒着的火炭一般，指揮他們一一登船，遲延的就要受到拷打。好象秋天的黃葉，從樹枝上一片一片落到地上，這些亞當的不肖子孫，也一個一個下了船；老艦夫使着一個個眼色，衆幽魂就像小鳥們聞喚來歸一樣。於是他們坐着船渡河了，還沒有到達彼岸，這邊岸上又聚成一個新群。善良的引路人對我說：“我的孩子，我告訴你，那些遭逢上帝之怒而死的，都從各地聚集在這裏。他們急着要渡過這條河，因為神的正義刺着他們，因為他們的害怕，就變得自願了。善良的靈魂都不走這條路、卡隆所以拒絶你的理由，你也可以明白了。”
　　　
　　 他的話說完了，幽暗之鄉忽有劇烈的地震，我現在回想起來，還使我渾身出了一陣冷汗呢。在這淚水浸濕之地又颳起了大風，同時帶着赤色的閃電，於是我的神經昏亂，耳沉目眩，如睡着了一般。

　　"THROUGH me you pass into the city of woe:
　　Through me you pass into eternal pain:
　　Through me among the people lost for aye.
　　Justice the founder of my fabric mov'd:
　　To rear me was the task of power divine,
　　Supremest wisdom, and primeval love.
　　Before me things create were none, save things
　　Eternal, and eternal I endure.
　　
　　
　　"All hope abandon ye who enter here."
　　
　　Such characters in colour dim I mark'd
　　Over a portal's lofty arch inscrib'd:
　　Whereat I thus: "Master, these words import
　　Hard meaning." He as one prepar'd replied:
　　"Here thou must all distrust behind thee leave;
　　Here be vile fear extinguish'd. We are come
　　Where I have told thee we shall see the souls
　　To misery doom'd, who intellectual good
　　Have lost." And when his hand he had stretch'd forth
　　To mine, with pleasant looks, whence I was cheer'd,
　　Into that secret place he led me on.
　　
　　Here sighs with lamentations and loud moans
　　Resounded through the air pierc'd by no star,
　　That e'en I wept at entering. Various tongues,
　　Horrible languages, outcries of woe,
　　Accents of anger, voices deep and hoarse,
　　With hands together smote that swell'd the sounds,
　　Made up a tumult, that for ever whirls
　　Round through that air with solid darkness stain'd,
　　Like to the sand that in the whirlwind flies.
　　
　　I then, with error yet encompass'd, cried:
　　"O master! What is this I hear? What race
　　Are these, who seem so overcome with woe?"
　　
　　He thus to me: "This miserable fate
　　Suffer the wretched souls of those, who liv'd
　　Without or praise or blame, with that ill band
　　Of angels mix'd, who nor rebellious prov'd
　　Nor yet were true to God, but for themselves
　　Were only. From his bounds Heaven drove them forth,
　　Not to impair his lustre, nor the depth
　　Of Hell receives them, lest th' accursed tribe
　　Should glory thence with exultation vain."
　　
　　I then: "Master! what doth aggrieve them thus,
　　That they lament so loud?" He straight replied:
　　"That will I tell thee briefly. These of death
　　No hope may entertain: and their blind life
　　So meanly passes, that all other lots
　　They envy. Fame of them the world hath none,
　　Nor suffers; mercy and justice scorn them both.
　　Speak not of them, but look, and pass them by."
　　
　　And I, who straightway look'd, beheld a flag,
　　Which whirling ran around so rapidly,
　　That it no pause obtain'd: and following came
　　Such a long train of spirits, I should ne'er
　　Have thought, that death so many had despoil'd.
　　
　　When some of these I recogniz'd, I saw
　　And knew the shade of him, who to base fear
　　Yielding, abjur'd his high estate. Forthwith
　　I understood for certain this the tribe
　　Of those ill spirits both to God displeasing
　　And to his foes. These wretches, who ne'er lived,
　　Went on in nakedness, and sorely stung
　　By wasps and hornets, which bedew'd their cheeks
　　With blood, that mix'd with tears dropp'd to their feet,
　　And by disgustful worms was gather'd there.
　　
　　Then looking farther onwards I beheld
　　A throng upon the shore of a great stream:
　　Whereat I thus: "Sir! grant me now to know
　　Whom here we view, and whence impell'd they seem
　　So eager to pass o'er, as I discern
　　Through the blear light?" He thus to me in few:
　　"This shalt thou know, soon as our steps arrive
　　Beside the woeful tide of Acheron."
　　
　　Then with eyes downward cast and fill'd with shame,
　　Fearing my words offensive to his ear,
　　Till we had reach'd the river, I from speech
　　Abstain'd. And lo! toward us in a bark
　　Comes on an old man hoary white with eld,
　　
　　
　　Crying, "Woe to you wicked spirits! hope not
　　Ever to see the sky again. I come
　　To take you to the other shore across,
　　Into eternal darkness, there to dwell
　　In fierce heat and in ice. And thou, who there
　　Standest, live spirit! get thee hence, and leave
　　These who are dead." But soon as he beheld
　　I left them not, "By other way," said he,
　　"By other haven shalt thou come to shore,
　　Not by this passage; thee a nimbler boat
　　Must carry." Then to him thus spake my guide:
　　"Charon! thyself torment not: so 't is will'd,
　　Where will and power are one: ask thou no more."
　　
　　Straightway in silence fell the shaggy cheeks
　　Of him the boatman o'er the livid lake,
　　Around whose eyes glar'd wheeling flames. Meanwhile
　　Those spirits, faint and naked, color chang'd,
　　And gnash'd their teeth, soon as the cruel words
　　They heard. God and their parents they blasphem'd,
　　The human kind, the place, the time, and seed
　　That did engender them and give them birth.
　　
　　Then all together sorely wailing drew
　　To the curs'd strand, that every man must pass
　　Who fears not God. Charon, demoniac form,
　　With eyes of burning coal, collects them all,
　　Beck'ning, and each, that lingers, with his oar
　　Strikes. As fall off the light autumnal leaves,
　　One still another following, till the bough
　　Strews all its honours on the earth beneath;
　　
　　
　　
　　
　　
　　
　　E'en in like manner Adam's evil brood
　　Cast themselves one by one down from the shore,
　　Each at a beck, as falcon at his call.
　　
　　Thus go they over through the umber'd wave,
　　And ever they on the opposing bank
　　Be landed, on this side another throng
　　Still gathers. "Son," thus spake the courteous guide,
　　"Those, who die subject to the wrath of God,
　　All here together come from every clime,
　　And to o'erpass the river are not loth:
　　For so heaven's justice goads them on, that fear
　　Is turn'd into desire. Hence ne'er hath past
　　Good spirit. If of thee Charon complain,
　　Now mayst thou know the import of his words."
　　
　　This said, the gloomy region trembling shook
　　So terribly, that yet with clammy dews
　　Fear chills my brow. The sad earth gave a blast,
　　That, lightening, shot forth a vermilion flame,
　　Which all my senses conquer'd quite, and I
　　Down dropp'd, as one with sudden slumber seiz'd.

　　地獄第一圈，即候判所，為未信耶教者所居；著名的異教徒。
　　　
　　 一個很大的雷聲，震動我沉睡的頭腦，我好比突然被人叫醒一般。我睡眼蒙朧，嚮四周一看，想知道我是在什麽地方。真的，我已經瀕臨着苦惱的深淵，這裏面有無窮無盡的悲聲哀音，彙聚在一起，猶如雷嗚。這一個深淵是如此昏暗，如此幽秘，而且雲霧籠罩，我定神嚮下面看去，竟一物不辨。
　　　
　　 詩人面色灰白，開始對我說：“現在我們可以走下幽暗的世界去了：我在前面，你跟在後面。”我註意到他的臉色，我說：“我能來到此地，全是受了你的鼓勵，現在你也害怕了，叫我怎麽跟着你？”他答道：“我可憐下面痛苦之輩，因此表現在我臉上，你卻以為我是害怕。我們走罷！路程很長，不容我們再拖延一刻。”說罷他走下去了，他叫我也走下去，於是我們到了圍繞深淵的第一圈裏。
　　　
　　 在這裏，沒有抱怨聲，衹有嘆息聲，就是他搖撼了慘淡的空氣，他是從一班男人，女人，孩子發出來的，這些靈魂雖然鬱鬱不樂，但也沒有什麽痛苦。
　　　
　　 善良的老師對我說：“你想知道這些靈魂麽？我願意提前告訴你：他們並沒有罪過，他們中間雖也有立過功勞的，但這還不夠。因為他門沒有受過洗禮，這一樁是達到你的信仰之門。他們因為生在那穌基督之前，尊敬上帝沒有合乎正道；我自己也是其中之一。因為這一個缺點，並沒有別種錯處，我們就派在這裏。我們唯一的痛苦是生活於願望之中而又沒有希望。”
　　　
　　 我聽了他的話，非常難過，因為我知道有許多特殊的人物，競派在這個“候判所”，他們的升或沉還未能决定呢。我對於這種超於一切的信仰，懷着一點疑惑問道：“請你告訴我，我的老師！是否也有一種靈魂，依仗他自己的或別人的功勞，可以從這裏升到天國去的麽？”他明白我問話的意思了，他答道：“當我來此地不久的時候，有一個無上威權者光臨，他戴着一切勝利的榮冠。他從這裏救出：我們的始祖和他的兒子亞伯，挪亞，立法並且服法的摩西，族長亞們拉罕，國王大衛，以色列和他的孩子及拉結，為着她，他曾費了許多氣力；還有其餘許多，都升到天國享福了。此外就沒有別的靈魂得救者，這也是我要告訴你的。”
　　　
　　 我們邊走邊說，又經過一個樹林，這樹林裏住滿着各種幽靈。從我昏睡之地到這裏還沒有多麽遠，我看到火光照亮一個區域。我離着火光還有一段路程，雖然不太遠，但是還難以辨別什麽一種可敬的靈魂住在那裏。我說：“你是尊敬各種科學和藝術的，請問你這些靈魂有什麽光榮之處，可以和別的不幸者離開呢？”他回答道：“他們的高貴姓名，在地上簡直無人不知，因此天上也給他們特別的恩惠。”
　　　
　　 當時我聽見一種聲音：“尊敬的大詩人！他們出去的影子回來了。”在這個聲音以後，又恢復了原來的寂靜，一會，我看見四個大影子走上前來，看他們的面容，既不悲哀，也不歡樂。我善良的老師對我說：“請你註意走在其餘三個的前面的那位拿着寶劍的，他就是詩國之王荷馬；他後面的一個是諷刺詩人賀拉斯，第三個是奧維德，末了一個是盧卡努斯，他們客氣得很，方纔喊我大詩人，其實他們纔應該受此稱呼呢。”於是我看見詩國裏高貴的一派，這一派的詩如飛鷹，凌駕一切。他們聚談了一會，就轉身嚮我表示敬意，我的老師站在旁邊微笑。他門最尊敬我的一點就是把我也算在他們裏面，因此我在這些哲人之中是第六個。我們走嚮火光。我們一路談論，這些話不便寫出來，衹好保持沉默。
　　　
　　 我們走到一個高貴的城堡前面，有七層高墻、周圍有一條一眼見底的河流；我們如履平地一般走過去了，我陪着這些哲人走進七重門，到了一塊青草地上。在那裏有許多人，都是眼光平正，富有權威的神氣；他們說話少得聲調柔和。我們又走到一塊高起的地方，因此我可以把他們看得清清楚楚。在我前面，緑油油的草地上，有許多英雄和偉人的靈魂都顯現出來了。我能親臨盛會，心裏感到非常光榮。我看見厄列剋特拉和許多英雄，其中我認識赫剋托爾和埃阿斯，還有穿軍裝的凱撒和他一雙銳利的鷹眼。在另一邊，我看見卡密拉和彭特希萊亞，又看見國王拉提努斯和他的女兒拉維尼亞坐在一起。我看見驅逐塔爾昆紐斯的布魯罔斯，盧柯蕾齊兀優麗亞，瑪爾齊亞和科爾奈麗亞；我看見薩拉丁孤獨地站在另一處。我再擡頭看得遠些則看見一個大師坐在哲學家的隊裏：大傢看着他，尊敬他；這裏我看見蘇格拉底和柏拉圖，他二人最靠近大師；德模剋裏特、他說宇宙是偶然的結果；狄奧格尼斯，阿那剋薩哥拉和泰利斯，恩沛多剋勒斯，赫拉剋利圖，和芝諾；我又看見一個善於觀察物性的，他就是狄奧斯科利德；我又看見奧爾甫斯，黎努斯，圖留斯，和倫理傢塞內加；幾何傢歐幾裏德和托勒密；希波革拉底、阿維森納和嘉倫；大註釋傢阿威羅厄斯，我不能把這些人一一寫出來，衹能說一句”紙小事多”了。
　　　
　　 於是我們的六人團分為兩組；我和我的引路人走出這塊清靜之地，重到紛擾之場；離開有光之處，再入幽暗之境。

　　BROKE the deep slumber in my brain a crash
　　Of heavy thunder, that I shook myself,
　　As one by main force rous'd. Risen upright,
　　My rested eyes I mov'd around, and search'd
　　With fixed ken to know what place it was,
　　Wherein I stood. For certain on the brink
　　I found me of the lamentable vale,
　　The dread abyss, that joins a thund'rous sound
　　Of plaints innumerable. Dark and deep,
　　And thick with clouds o'erspread, mine eye in vain
　　Explor'd its bottom, nor could aught discern.
　　
　　"Now let us to the blind world there beneath
　　Descend;" the bard began all pale of look:
　　"I go the first, and thou shalt follow next."
　　
　　Then I his alter'd hue perceiving, thus:
　　"How may I speed, if thou yieldest to dread,
　　Who still art wont to comfort me in doubt?"
　　
　　He then: "The anguish of that race below
　　With pity stains my cheek, which thou for fear
　　Mistakest. Let us on. Our length of way
　　Urges to haste." Onward, this said, he mov'd;
　　And ent'ring led me with him on the bounds
　　Of the first circle, that surrounds th' abyss.
　　Here, as mine ear could note, no plaint was heard
　　Except of sighs, that made th' eternal air
　　Tremble, not caus'd by tortures, but from grief
　　Felt by those multitudes, many and vast,
　　Of men, women, and infants. Then to me
　　The gentle guide: "Inquir'st thou not what spirits
　　Are these, which thou beholdest? Ere thou pass
　　Farther, I would thou know, that these of sin
　　Were blameless; and if aught they merited,
　　It profits not, since baptism was not theirs,
　　The portal to thy faith. If they before
　　The Gospel liv'd, they serv'd not God aright;
　　And among such am I. For these defects,
　　And for no other evil, we are lost;
　　
　　
　　"Only so far afflicted, that we live
　　Desiring without hope." So grief assail'd
　　My heart at hearing this, for well I knew
　　Suspended in that Limbo many a soul
　　Of mighty worth. "O tell me, sire rever'd!
　　Tell me, my master!" I began through wish
　　Of full assurance in that holy faith,
　　Which vanquishes all error; "say, did e'er
　　Any, or through his own or other's merit,
　　Come forth from thence, whom afterward was blest?"
　　
　　Piercing the secret purport of my speech,
　　He answer'd: "I was new to that estate,
　　When I beheld a puissant one arrive
　　Amongst us, with victorious trophy crown'd.
　　He forth the shade of our first parent drew,
　　Abel his child, and Noah righteous man,
　　Of Moses lawgiver for faith approv'd,
　　Of patriarch Abraham, and David king,
　　Israel with his sire and with his sons,
　　Nor without Rachel whom so hard he won,
　　And others many more, whom he to bliss
　　Exalted. Before these, be thou assur'd,
　　No spirit of human kind was ever sav'd."
　　
　　We, while he spake, ceas'd not our onward road,
　　Still passing through the wood; for so I name
　　Those spirits thick beset. We were not far
　　On this side from the summit, when I kenn'd
　　A flame, that o'er the darken'd hemisphere
　　Prevailing shin'd. Yet we a little space
　　Were distant, not so far but I in part
　　Discover'd, that a tribe in honour high
　　That place possess'd. "O thou, who every art
　　And science valu'st! who are these, that boast
　　Such honour, separate from all the rest?"
　　
　　He answer'd: "The renown of their great names
　　That echoes through your world above, acquires
　　Favour in heaven, which holds them thus advanc'd."
　　Meantime a voice I heard: "Honour the bard
　　Sublime! his shade returns that left us late!"
　　No sooner ceas'd the sound, than I beheld
　　Four mighty spirits toward us bend their steps,
　　Of semblance neither sorrowful nor glad.
　　
　　When thus my master kind began: "Mark him,
　　Who in his right hand bears that falchion keen,
　　The other three preceding, as their lord.
　　This is that Homer, of all bards supreme:
　　Flaccus the next in satire's vein excelling;
　　The third is Naso; Lucan is the last.
　　Because they all that appellation own,
　　With which the voice singly accosted me,
　　Honouring they greet me thus, and well they judge."
　　
　　So I beheld united the bright school
　　Of him the monarch of sublimest song,
　　That o'er the others like an eagle soars.
　　When they together short discourse had held,
　　They turn'd to me, with salutation kind
　　Beck'ning me; at the which my master smil'd:
　　Nor was this all; but greater honour still
　　They gave me, for they made me of their tribe;
　　And I was sixth amid so learn'd a band.
　　
　　Far as the luminous beacon on we pass'd
　　Speaking of matters, then befitting well
　　To speak, now fitter left untold. At foot
　　Of a magnificent castle we arriv'd,
　　Seven times with lofty walls begirt, and round
　　Defended by a pleasant stream. O'er this
　　As o'er dry land we pass'd. Next through seven gates
　　I with those sages enter'd, and we came
　　Into a mead with lively verdure fresh.
　　
　　There dwelt a race, who slow their eyes around
　　Majestically mov'd, and in their port
　　Bore eminent authority; they spake
　　Seldom, but all their words were tuneful sweet.
　　
　　We to one side retir'd, into a place
　　Open and bright and lofty, whence each one
　　Stood manifest to view. Incontinent
　　There on the green enamel of the plain
　　Were shown me the great spirits, by whose sight
　　I am exalted in my own esteem.
　　
　　Electra there I saw accompanied
　　By many, among whom Hector I knew,
　　Anchises' pious son, and with hawk's eye
　　Caesar all arm'd, and by Camilla there
　　Penthesilea. On the other side
　　Old King Latinus, seated by his child
　　Lavinia, and that Brutus I beheld,
　　Who Tarquin chas'd, Lucretia, Cato's wife
　　Marcia, with Julia and Cornelia there;
　　And sole apart retir'd, the Soldan fierce.
　　
　　Then when a little more I rais'd my brow,
　　I spied the master of the sapient throng,
　　Seated amid the philosophic train.
　　Him all admire, all pay him rev'rence due.
　　There Socrates and Plato both I mark'd,
　　Nearest to him in rank; Democritus,
　　Who sets the world at chance, Diogenes,
　　With Heraclitus, and Empedocles,
　　And Anaxagoras, and Thales sage,
　　Zeno, and Dioscorides well read
　　In nature's secret lore. Orpheus I mark'd
　　And Linus, Tully and moral Seneca,
　　Euclid and Ptolemy, Hippocrates,
　　Galenus, Avicen, and him who made
　　That commentary vast, Averroes.
　　
　　Of all to speak at full were vain attempt;
　　For my wide theme so urges, that ofttimes
　　My words fall short of what bechanc'd. In two
　　The six associates part. Another way
　　My sage guide leads me, from that air serene,
　　Into a climate ever vex'd with storms:
　　And to a part I come where no light shines.

　　第二圈，色欲場中的靈魂，在狂風中飄蕩。弗蘭齊斯嘉和保羅的戀愛。
　　　
　　 我從第一圈下降到第二圈，這裏地面狹小，痛苦較大，更使人哀傷。
　　　
　　 這裏坐着一個咬牙切齒的可怕的米諾斯，他審查進來的靈魂，審判他們的罪名，遣送到受刑的地點。一個靈魂進來的時候，不得不把自己的過失一一招供出來，於是那判官用尾巴繞他的身子，繞的圈數就是犯人應到的地獄圈數，許多犯入擁在他的前面，他們一一自承過錯，旁邊的人聽着；最後，一個個地被旋風捲下去了。
　　　
　　 米諾斯看見我以後，他就停止辦公，對我說：“你也到這個痛苦地方來麽！是怎樣進來的？你得了誰的允許？你不要以為地獄門很大，可以隨便闖進。”我的引路人答道：“為什麽這樣大驚小怪？你不要阻止他，這是為所欲為者的命令，不必多問了。”
　　　
　　 於是我們開始聽見悲慘的聲音，遇着哭泣的襲擊。我到了一塊沒有光的地方，那裏好比海上，狂風正在吹着。地獄的風波永不停息，很多幽魂在風浪中飄蕩，顛之倒之，有時撞在斷崖絶壁的上，呼號痛哭，因而詛咒神的權力。我知道這種刑罰是加於荒淫之人的，他們都是屈服於肉欲而忘記了理性的。他們好象鼕日天空裏被寒風所吹的烏鴉，那些罪惡的靈魂東飄西蕩不能靜止。他們又像一陣遠離故鄉的秋雁，聲聲哀鳴，刺人心肺。因此我說：“我的老師，這些被幽暗空氣所鞭撻的是誰呢？”
　　　
　　 他答道：“這裏面第一個是女皇帝，她有廣土衆民；她因為荒淫無度，恐怕有人指摘，她便說她做她所願意做的，這就是天經地義，不準旁人指責。她名叫塞米拉密斯，她繼續她的丈夫尼諾做亞述王。另一個是因戀愛而自殺的，她忘記了與舊人希凱斯生前的盟誓，而鐘情於新人；再一個就是荒淫的剋利奧帕利拉。”他一個一個用手指着給我看：因她而血流成河的海倫；因戀愛而最後中人暗算的英雄阿基琉斯；還有帕裏斯和特裏斯丹，我都看見了；此外還有為戀受而犧牲性命的幽靈，真是數不勝數。我的老師歷述古代後妃和古代勇士之後，我心頭忽生憐惜，為之嘆息不已。
　　　
　　 稍後，我說：“詩人呀！我願意對這兩個合在一起的靈魂說幾句話呢，他們在風中似乎是很輕的。他對我說：“你等他們接近的時候，用愛神的名義請求他們停留一會，他們是可以來的。”不一會，風把他們吹嚮我們這裏，我高聲叫道：“睏倦的靈魂呀！假使沒有人阻礙你們，請來這裏和我們說幾句話罷。”好像鴿子被召喚張翼歸巢一樣，這兩個靈魂離開狄多的隊伍，從險惡的風波裏面飛嚮我們，我的請求竟産生了效應。那女的靈魂嚮我們說：“寬厚的、善良的活人呀！你穿過了這樣的幽暗地方，來看我們，曾經用血污穢了地面的我們。假使宇宙之主聽從我們，我們願意請求他給你太平日子。因為你對於我們的不幸有着同情愛憐之心呀！趁現在風浪平靜的時刻，我們可以聽你的說話，並且回答你的問題。我出生在大海之濱，那裏波河會合群流而註入。愛，很快地打動了一顆軟弱的心，使他迷戀於一個漂亮的肉體，因而使我失去了他，這是言之傷心呀！愛，不輕易放過了被愛的，使我很炙熱地喜歡上他，就是現在他也不離開我呀！愛使我們死到同時同地；該隱環裏等着那索取我門生命的兇手呢。”
　　　
　　 我聽了這些受傷害的靈魂的話以後，我把頭低下，直到詩人對我說：“你想什麽？”我答道：“唉！什麽一種甜蜜的思想和熱誠的願望。引誘他們走上了這條悲慘的道路呢？”於是我又回轉頭來對這兩個靈魂說：“弗蘭齊斯嘉，你的苦惱使我哀傷而生憐惜。但是我還要問你：你們怎樣會各自知道對方隱於心而未出於口的愛呢？”那幽魂答道：“在不幸之日，回憶過去歡樂之時。是一個天大的痛苦；這種痛苦是你的老師所知道的。不過，假使你願意知道我們戀愛的根苗，我將含淚訴說給你聽。有一天，我們在消閑中，共讀着朗斯洛的戀愛故事，我們衹有兩個人在那裏，全無一點疑懼。有好幾次這本書使我們擡頭相望，因而視綫交錯，並且使我門面色忽變；最後有一刻，就决定了我們的命運。當我們讀到那微笑的嘴唇怎樣被她的情人所親吻的時候，他將永不離開我了！他顫動着親了我的嘴唇由我表示。這本書和他的著作者倒做了我們的加勒奧托，從那一天起，我們不再讀這一本書了。”
　　　
　　 這一個靈魂正在訴說的時候，那一個痛苦地哭着；我一時也被他們情感感動了，竟昏暈倒地，好像斷了呼吸。

　　FROM the first circle I descended thus
　　Down to the second, which, a lesser space
　　Embracing, so much more of grief contains
　　Provoking bitter moans. There, Minos stands
　　Grinning with ghastly feature: he, of all
　　Who enter, strict examining the crimes,
　　Gives sentence, and dismisses them beneath,
　　According as he foldeth him around:
　　For when before him comes th' ill fated soul,
　　It all confesses; and that judge severe
　　Of sins, considering what place in hell
　　Suits the transgression, with his tail so oft
　　Himself encircles, as degrees beneath
　　He dooms it to descend. Before him stand
　　Always a num'rous throng; and in his turn
　　Each one to judgment passing, speaks, and hears
　　His fate, thence downward to his dwelling hurl'd.
　　
　　
　　"O thou! who to this residence of woe
　　Approachest?" when he saw me coming, cried
　　Minos, relinquishing his dread employ,
　　"Look how thou enter here; beware in whom
　　Thou place thy trust; let not the entrance broad
　　Deceive thee to thy harm." To him my guide:
　　"Wherefore exclaimest? Hinder not his way
　　By destiny appointed; so 'tis will'd
　　Where will and power are one. Ask thou no more."
　　
　　Now 'gin the rueful wailings to be heard.
　　Now am I come where many a plaining voice
　　Smites on mine ear. Into a place I came
　　Where light was silent all. Bellowing there groan'd
　　A noise as of a sea in tempest torn
　　By warring winds. The stormy blast of hell
　　With restless fury drives the spirits on
　　Whirl'd round and dash'd amain with sore annoy.
　　When they arrive before the ruinous sweep,
　　There shrieks are heard, there lamentations, moans,
　　And blasphemies 'gainst the good Power in heaven.
　　
　　
　　I understood that to this torment sad
　　The carnal sinners are condemn'd, in whom
　　Reason by lust is sway'd. As in large troops
　　And multitudinous, when winter reigns,
　　The starlings on their wings are borne abroad;
　　So bears the tyrannous gust those evil souls.
　　On this side and on that, above, below,
　　It drives them: hope of rest to solace them
　　Is none, nor e'en of milder pang. As cranes,
　　Chanting their dol'rous notes, traverse the sky,
　　Stretch'd out in long array: so I beheld
　　Spirits, who came loud wailing, hurried on
　　By their dire doom. Then I: "Instructor! who
　　Are these, by the black air so scourg'd?"—"The first
　　'Mong those, of whom thou question'st," he replied,
　　"O'er many tongues was empress. She in vice
　　Of luxury was so shameless, that she made
　　Liking be lawful by promulg'd decree,
　　To clear the blame she had herself incurr'd.
　　This is Semiramis, of whom 'tis writ,
　　That she succeeded Ninus her espous'd;
　　And held the land, which now the Soldan rules.
　　The next in amorous fury slew herself,
　　And to Sicheus' ashes broke her faith:
　　Then follows Cleopatra, lustful queen."
　　
　　
　　There mark'd I Helen, for whose sake so long
　　The time was fraught with evil; there the great
　　Achilles, who with love fought to the end.
　　Paris I saw, and Tristan; and beside
　　A thousand more he show'd me, and by name
　　Pointed them out, whom love bereav'd of life.
　　
　　When I had heard my sage instructor name
　　Those dames and knights of antique days, o'erpower'd
　　By pity, well-nigh in amaze my mind
　　Was lost; and I began: "Bard! willingly
　　I would address those two together coming,
　　Which seem so light before the wind." He thus:
　　"Note thou, when nearer they to us approach.
　　
　　
　　"Then by that love which carries them along,
　　Entreat; and they will come." Soon as the wind
　　Sway'd them toward us, I thus fram'd my speech:
　　"O wearied spirits! come, and hold discourse
　　With us, if by none else restrain'd." As doves
　　By fond desire invited, on wide wings
　　And firm, to their sweet nest returning home,
　　Cleave the air, wafted by their will along;
　　Thus issu'd from that troop, where Dido ranks,
　　They through the ill air speeding; with such force
　　My cry prevail'd by strong affection urg'd.
　　
　　"O gracious creature and benign! who go'st
　　Visiting, through this element obscure,
　　Us, who the world with bloody stain imbru'd;
　　If for a friend the King of all we own'd,
　　Our pray'r to him should for thy peace arise,
　　Since thou hast pity on our evil plight.
　　()f whatsoe'er to hear or to discourse
　　It pleases thee, that will we hear, of that
　　Freely with thee discourse, while e'er the wind,
　　As now, is mute. The land, that gave me birth,
　　Is situate on the coast, where Po descends
　　To rest in ocean with his sequent streams.
　　
　　"Love, that in gentle heart is quickly learnt,
　　Entangled him by that fair form, from me
　　Ta'en in such cruel sort, as grieves me still:
　　Love, that denial takes from none belov'd,
　　Caught me with pleasing him so passing well,
　　That, as thou see'st, he yet deserts me not.
　　
　　
　　"Love brought us to one death: Caina waits
　　The soul, who spilt our life." Such were their words;
　　At hearing which downward I bent my looks,
　　And held them there so long, that the bard cried:
　　"What art thou pond'ring?" I in answer thus:
　　"Alas! by what sweet thoughts, what fond desire
　　Must they at length to that ill pass have reach'd!"
　　
　　Then turning, I to them my speech address'd.
　　And thus began: "Francesca! your sad fate
　　Even to tears my grief and pity moves.
　　But tell me; in the time of your sweet sighs,
　　By what, and how love granted, that ye knew
　　Your yet uncertain wishes?" She replied:
　　"No greater grief than to remember days
　　Of joy, when mis'ry is at hand! That kens
　　Thy learn'd instructor. Yet so eagerly
　　If thou art bent to know the primal root,
　　From whence our love gat being, I will do,
　　As one, who weeps and tells his tale. One day
　　For our delight we read of Lancelot,
　　How him love thrall'd. Alone we were, and no
　　Suspicion near us. Ofttimes by that reading
　　Our eyes were drawn together, and the hue
　　Fled from our alter'd cheek. But at one point
　　Alone we fell. When of that smile we read,
　　The wished smile, rapturously kiss'd
　　By one so deep in love, then he, who ne'er
　　From me shall separate, at once my lips
　　All trembling kiss'd. The book and writer both
　　Were love's purveyors. In its leaves that day
　　We read no more." While thus one spirit spake,
　　The other wail'd so sorely, that heartstruck
　　I through compassion fainting, seem'd not far
　　From death, and like a corpse fell to the ground.

　　第三圈，犯了餐餐罪的靈魂。恰科的預言。
　　　
　　 我看見那兩個親屬的痛苦，不覺一陣心酸，竟昏暈過去；醒來睜眼一看，我的四周景物已變，新的刑罰、新的靈魂，觸目皆是。
　　　
　　 我已到了第三圈，那裏永遠下着令人咒駡的寒冷的大雨．這裏的環境終古如此；沒有變化，在昏暗的空氣裏，又下着大塊冰雹和雪球，雨水臭惡不堪，因此地面污濁，穢氣難聞。刻爾勃路斯是一個兇惡可怕的怪物，有三個頭，像狗一樣地嚮着那些幽靈狂吠。他的眼睛滿是紅絲，鬍須油光漆黑，肚子大，手有爪，抓着了幽靈，便把他們撕得四分五裂。雨雪冰雹，不斷地打在他們身上，全身顫抖悲啼不止。他們唯一減輕痛苦的方法是在地上來回翻身，左右更迭受災。
　　　
　　 當怪物刻爾勃路斯看見我們的時候，他張大了血盆大口，露出他的長牙；他的四肢身體頓時緊張起來。我的引路人就俯下身子，在地上取了一把泥塊，對準他的嘴裏投去。他和狗一般，狺狺狂吠，無非為的食料；現在嘴裏既然有了東西，也就默然無聲了；不然的話，他就會咆哮如雷，一班幽靈的耳朵都要給他震聾。
　　　
　　 我們從被雨打的靈魂群裏走過，他們都躺在地上，我們雖然揀着空地把腳踏下去，總是要碰到他們身體。在我們從他旁邊走過的時候，其中衹有一個，忽然坐了起來。他對我說：“哦！你到地獄裏來了；你認識我麽？你出生之時．我還沒有去世呢。”我回答道：“你受了磨難，你的容貌我記不清了，我似乎沒有看見過你。你叫什麽名字，犯了什麽罪，纔放到這塊悲慘的地方，受到這樣殘酷的刑罰，雖然還有更厲害的，但是你所受到的已經很承受了。”他對我說：“你的城，充滿了嫉妒和怨恨，已經到了不可收拾的地步，我就生長在那裏。大傢都叫我恰科，因為口腹之欲，犯了饕餮罪、就得着這個雨淋的刑罰。犯這種罪的還有其他人，同樣的罪都得着同樣的刑罰。”於是他的話停住了。我答道：“恰科，你的不幸壓在我的心上，使我難過；但是，如果能夠，請告訴我：這個分裂的城將要變得怎樣？是否城裏面還有幾個正人君子？為什麽要分裂？”他對我說：“長久的爭論以後，他們將要流血，森林派要把別的一派趕出去。三年以內，這一派又要打倒，別的一派依仗了一個人的力量擡起頭來。他們長久地揚眉吐氣，把他們的敵人踩在腳底下，雖然敵人已經含羞忍辱，哭哭啼啼，他們也不生憐惜。衹有兩個是正人君子除外，驕傲，嫉妒，貪婪是三個火星，它們能使人心爆炸。”他可憐的聲調就停止在這裏，我又問他道：“我還有幾件事情要請教你。法利那塔和臺嘉佑是很高貴的；盧斯蒂庫奇，阿裏格和莫斯卡，還有其他有意為善之人；請你告訴我：他們究竟在那裏？在地獄受刑呢，還是在天國的享福呢？”他對我說：“他們都在更痛苦之中，種種不同的罪惡，使他們降到深淵之底；你衹要走下去，就可以看見他們。你要是回到陽光之下，請把我的信息帶給那些活着的人；我不再多說了，不再多回答了。”說罷，他擡頭呆呆地嚮我看一下，就俯下頭去，立刻倒在地上，和其他靈魂躺在一起了。
　　　
　　 我的引路人對我說：“直待天使的號筒吹起、他是不會再醒了。當無上權威到臨的時候，每個靈魂都要再看見他凄涼的墳墓，再歸附他的肉體，回覆他的原形，起來聽那永遠響着的最大判决。”
　　　
　　 我們從雨淋的幽靈群裏慢步走過，我們簡略討論到未來生活的問題。我說：“老師，請問你在最大判决以後，這些靈魂要增加痛苦呢，還是減輕呢，還是仍舊如此。”他答道：“請你回想到你的書本罷，那書本上面說：一樣東西愈加完美，愈加感覺着愉快和痛苦。雖然這些被詛咒的人從不會達到真正的完美，但是他們在判决以後要比在判决以前較近於完美了。”
　　　
　　 我們在那裏兜着圈子，說的話很多，不必記述了。我們到了一處，就從那裏開始下降，我們遇到普魯托，一個大敵人。

　　MY sense reviving, that erewhile had droop'd
　　With pity for the kindred shades, whence grief
　　O'ercame me wholly, straight around I see
　　New torments, new tormented souls, which way
　　Soe'er I move, or turn, or bend my sight.
　　In the third circle I arrive, of show'rs
　　Ceaseless, accursed, heavy, and cold, unchang'd
　　For ever, both in kind and in degree.
　　Large hail, discolour'd water, sleety flaw
　　Through the dun midnight air stream'd down amain:
　　Stank all the land whereon that tempest fell.
　　
　　Cerberus, cruel monster, fierce and strange,
　　Through his wide threefold throat barks as a dog
　　Over the multitude immers'd beneath.
　　His eyes glare crimson, black his unctuous beard,
　　His belly large, and claw'd the hands, with which
　　He tears the spirits, flays them, and their limbs
　　Piecemeal disparts. Howling there spread, as curs,
　　Under the rainy deluge, with one side
　　The other screening, oft they roll them round,
　　A wretched, godless crew. When that great worm
　　Descried us, savage Cerberus, he op'd
　　His jaws, and the fangs show'd us; not a limb
　　Of him but trembled. Then my guide, his palms
　　Expanding on the ground, thence filled with earth
　　Rais'd them, and cast it in his ravenous maw.
　　
　　
　　
　　E'en as a dog, that yelling bays for food
　　His keeper, when the morsel comes, lets fall
　　His fury, bent alone with eager haste
　　To swallow it; so dropp'd the loathsome cheeks
　　Of demon Cerberus, who thund'ring stuns
　　The spirits, that they for deafness wish in vain.
　　
　　We, o'er the shades thrown prostrate by the brunt
　　Of the heavy tempest passing, set our feet
　　Upon their emptiness, that substance seem'd.
　　
　　They all along the earth extended lay
　　Save one, that sudden rais'd himself to sit,
　　Soon as that way he saw us pass. "O thou!"
　　He cried, "who through the infernal shades art led,
　　Own, if again thou know'st me. Thou wast fram'd
　　Or ere my frame was broken." I replied:
　　"The anguish thou endur'st perchance so takes
　　Thy form from my remembrance, that it seems
　　As if I saw thee never. But inform
　　Me who thou art, that in a place so sad
　　Art set, and in such torment, that although
　　Other be greater, more disgustful none
　　Can be imagin'd." He in answer thus:
　　
　　
　　
　　"Thy city heap'd with envy to the brim,
　　Ay that the measure overflows its bounds,
　　Held me in brighter days. Ye citizens
　　Were wont to name me Ciacco. For the sin
　　Of glutt'ny, damned vice, beneath this rain,
　　E'en as thou see'st, I with fatigue am worn;
　　Nor I sole spirit in this woe: all these
　　Have by like crime incurr'd like punishment."
　　
　　No more he said, and I my speech resum'd:
　　"Ciacco! thy dire affliction grieves me much,
　　Even to tears. But tell me, if thou know'st,
　　What shall at length befall the citizens
　　Of the divided city; whether any just one
　　Inhabit there: and tell me of the cause,
　　Whence jarring discord hath assail'd it thus?"
　　
　　He then: "After long striving they will come
　　To blood; and the wild party from the woods
　　Will chase the other with much injury forth.
　　Then it behoves, that this must fall, within
　　Three solar circles; and the other rise
　　By borrow'd force of one, who under shore
　　Now rests. It shall a long space hold aloof
　　Its forehead, keeping under heavy weight
　　The other oppress'd, indignant at the load,
　　And grieving sore. The just are two in number,
　　But they neglected. Av'rice, envy, pride,
　　Three fatal sparks, have set the hearts of all
　　On fire." Here ceas'd the lamentable sound;
　　And I continu'd thus: "Still would I learn
　　More from thee, farther parley still entreat.
　　Of Farinata and Tegghiaio say,
　　They who so well deserv'd, of Giacopo,
　　Arrigo, Mosca, and the rest, who bent
　　Their minds on working good. Oh! tell me where
　　They bide, and to their knowledge let me come.
　　For I am press'd with keen desire to hear,
　　If heaven's sweet cup or poisonous drug of hell
　　Be to their lip assign'd." He answer'd straight:
　　"These are yet blacker spirits. Various crimes
　　Have sunk them deeper in the dark abyss.
　　If thou so far descendest, thou mayst see them.
　　But to the pleasant world when thou return'st,
　　Of me make mention, I entreat thee, there.
　　No more I tell thee, answer thee no more."
　　
　　This said, his fixed eyes he turn'd askance,
　　A little ey'd me, then bent down his head,
　　And 'midst his blind companions with it fell.
　　
　　When thus my guide: "No more his bed he leaves,
　　Ere the last angel-trumpet blow. The Power
　　Adverse to these shall then in glory come,
　　Each one forthwith to his sad tomb repair,
　　Resume his fleshly vesture and his form,
　　And hear the eternal doom re-echoing rend
　　The vault." So pass'd we through that mixture foul
　　Of spirits and rain, with tardy steps; meanwhile
　　Touching, though slightly, on the life to come.
　　For thus I question'd: "Shall these tortures, Sir!
　　When the great sentence passes, be increas'd,
　　Or mitigated, or as now severe?"
　　
　　He then: "Consult thy knowledge; that decides
　　That as each thing to more perfection grows,
　　It feels more sensibly both good and pain.
　　Though ne'er to true perfection may arrive
　　This race accurs'd, yet nearer then than now
　　They shall approach it." Compassing that path
　　Circuitous we journeyed, and discourse
　　Much more than I relate between us pass'd:
　　Till at the point, where the steps led below,
　　Arriv'd, there Plutus, the great foe, we found.

　　第匹圈，貪吝者和浪費者。命運的弄人。
　　　
　　 普魯托口中格格作聲：“擺貝撤但，擺貝撒但，阿萊伯！”我們和善的智者，他什麽都知道，他安慰我說：“你不要害怕：無論他有什麽權力，他也不能阻擋住你從這裏走下去。”於是他回轉頭去對漲着臉的魔鬼說：“住口，你這可惡的狼！你的怒火衹能燒着你自己。我們走人深淵不是沒理由的！這是天上的意思，在那裏術迦勒曾討伐過叛徒。”好象風吹斷桅桿，帆布落地一祥，那個可怕的魔鬼癱在地上了。
　　　
　　 於是我們走到地獄的第四圈，下去愈深，則所見愈凄慘，正義的神啊！誰能描摹在我眼前凄苦的景象呢？為什麽這些罪人得了這樣的刑罰呢？好比卡裏勃底斯的波浪，這邊衝過去，那邊又迎上來，相互撞擊；這裏的罪人就是這樣彼此對擊着。我看見一處的人特別擁擠他們分為對立的兩組，他們各自大叫大喊，胸膛前面推滾着一個重物，面對面挺進；他們相逢的時候，互相衝撞了一陣，然後各自滾着重物回轉頭再走，這一組的幽魂叫着：“為什麽你執着？”那一組的叫着：“為什麽你摔下？”這兩組各自嚮左嚮右在幽暗的圈子上走，片刻又在圈子的對方相撞，他們照樣地打，駡一陣，再回轉頭來走。就是這樣反覆來往，沒有窮盡。我看見了這種景象，心裏非常哀痛，說：“我的老師，請你告訴我，他們是什麽人？在我們左邊這一組裏，那些剃光頭的是教土麽？”他回答我道：“在世的時候，他們都糊着住心，他們對財産揮霍無度。他們衝撞的時候，他們嘴裏的對駡，就很明白地表示出他們的罪過，那些頂上精光沒有頭髮的是教士，是主教，是教皇，因為他們是特別的貪得無厭。”
　　　
　　 於是我又說，老師，在這個罪人堆裏，我可以認識幾個罷？”他答道：“這不可能；他們的苦痛生活使他們改變了形狀。你無法辨認他們。他們永遠在那裏衝撞着；就是將來他們從墳墓裏爬起來，這一組是緊握着拳頭，那一組是精光着腦袋。浪費和吝嗇，使他們失去了光明的世界，陷入永遠的衝突中；我不願意再多說他們了，不過，我的孩子，從這裏大概你可以知道，命運給人類財富是多麽的愚弄他們，而人們對財富的追逐又是多麽的劇烈！月亮下面的金錢，從沒有使勞碌的人們有片刻的安寧。”
　　　
　　 我又說：“請老師告訴我：你所說的命運究竟是什麽？他為什麽要把地球上的財富都牢牢地握在手裏呢？”他答道：“唉，地球上的造物多麽愚蠢呀！我願意對你說個明白。無上智慧者創造了天體和他們的引路人，使他們輪流照耀地面，平分光彩；同樣，他創造了管理地面繁榮的神，使金錢川流不息，從這一雙手裏轉到那一雙手，從這一個民族轉到那一個民族，並非人力所能轉移。這一個做了主人翁，那一個做了奴隸兒，都是他的玩物。他在冥茫之中，好比躲在草叢裏的蛇。你的智力敵不過他，他維持他的國度，判决他的人民，宣佈他的命令，都和別的神一樣。他的變化莫測，完全不受一點阻礙，必需使他的運動加快；他常常使一個人從這一端跌到那一端。你詛咒他的時候，安知不是應當稱頌他的時候。他一竟孤行，笑駡由人，不但不加申辯，並且充耳不聞。他歡喜安然地旋轉他的輪盤。和別的天使一樣享着幸福。——現在，我們可以下降到更苦痛的一圈了；我們出發時候上升的星宿，現在已經嚮下落了，我們不能夠逗留得太長時間。”
　　　
　　 我們走過了這一圈，到了一個水源的旁邊；那水源沸騰着，流成一條溝；水色深黑；我們沿着那條溝，走在崎嶇的路上。這條兇惡的水在他的盡頭，積成一個池沼，名叫斯提剋斯。我站在岸上，看見池沼裏面滿身污泥的靈魂，他們都是赤身露體，滿面怒容。他們互相打鬥，手和手打，頭和頭拚，胸和胸撞，腳踢嘴咬，弄得皮破肉爛。
　　　
　　 和善的引路人對我說：“孩子，你看這些怒發衝冠的靈魂罷！我要使你相信：就是在水底裏，也有靈魂在那裏嗚咽呢；從水面上的氣泡看來，你就可以知道了。他們被埋沒在污泥裏面，他們說：‘我們在世的時候，那裏空氣溫和，陽光普照，但是我們與人落落難合，心中藏看一股火氣；現在我們慘淡地埋沒在黑水污泥之中。’這就是他們在喉嚨裏哼的調子，因為他們從來不會把一句話說得明白。”
　　　
　　 我們在池沼邊上逗留了一刻，眼睛看着落在池沼裏面的靈魂，後來我們到了一個堡樓腳下。

　　"AH me! O Satan! Satan!" loud exclaim'd
　　Plutus, in accent hoarse of wild alarm:
　　And the kind sage, whom no event surpris'd,
　　To comfort me thus spake: "Let not thy fear
　　Harm thee, for power in him, be sure, is none
　　To hinder down this rock thy safe descent."
　　Then to that sworn lip turning, "Peace!" he cried,
　　
　　
　　"Curs'd wolf! thy fury inward on thyself
　　Prey, and consume thee! Through the dark profound
　　Not without cause he passes. So 't is will'd
　　On high, there where the great Archangel pour'd
　　Heav'n's vengeance on the first adulterer proud."
　　
　　As sails full spread and bellying with the wind
　　Drop suddenly collaps'd, if the mast split;
　　So to the ground down dropp'd the cruel fiend.
　　
　　Thus we, descending to the fourth steep ledge,
　　Gain'd on the dismal shore, that all the woe
　　Hems in of all the universe. Ah me!
　　Almighty Justice! in what store thou heap'st
　　New pains, new troubles, as I here beheld!
　　Wherefore doth fault of ours bring us to this?
　　
　　E'en as a billow, on Charybdis rising,
　　Against encounter'd billow dashing breaks;
　　Such is the dance this wretched race must lead,
　　Whom more than elsewhere numerous here I found,
　　From one side and the other, with loud voice,
　　Both roll'd on weights by main forge of their breasts,
　　Then smote together, and each one forthwith
　　Roll'd them back voluble, turning again,
　　Exclaiming these, "Why holdest thou so fast?"
　　Those answering, "And why castest thou away?"
　　So still repeating their despiteful song,
　　They to the opposite point on either hand
　　Travers'd the horrid circle: then arriv'd,
　　Both turn'd them round, and through the middle space
　　Conflicting met again. At sight whereof
　　I, stung with grief, thus spake: "O say, my guide!
　　What race is this? Were these, whose heads are shorn,
　　On our left hand, all sep'rate to the church?"
　　
　　He straight replied: "In their first life these all
　　In mind were so distorted, that they made,
　　According to due measure, of their wealth,
　　No use. This clearly from their words collect,
　　Which they howl forth, at each extremity
　　Arriving of the circle, where their crime
　　Contrary' in kind disparts them. To the church
　　Were separate those, that with no hairy cowls
　　Are crown'd, both Popes and Cardinals, o'er whom
　　Av'rice dominion absolute maintains."
　　
　　I then: "Mid such as these some needs must be,
　　Whom I shall recognize, that with the blot
　　Of these foul sins were stain'd." He answering thus:
　　"Vain thought conceiv'st thou. That ignoble life,
　　Which made them vile before, now makes them dark,
　　And to all knowledge indiscernible.
　　Forever they shall meet in this rude shock:
　　These from the tomb with clenched grasp shall rise,
　　Those with close-shaven locks. That ill they gave,
　　And ill they kept, hath of the beauteous world
　　Depriv'd, and set them at this strife, which needs
　　No labour'd phrase of mine to set if off.
　　Now may'st thou see, my son! how brief, how vain,
　　The goods committed into fortune's hands,
　　For which the human race keep such a coil!
　　Not all the gold, that is beneath the moon,
　　Or ever hath been, of these toil-worn souls
　　Might purchase rest for one." I thus rejoin'd:
　　
　　
　　
　　"My guide! of thee this also would I learn;
　　This fortune, that thou speak'st of, what it is,
　　Whose talons grasp the blessings of the world?"
　　
　　He thus: "O beings blind! what ignorance
　　Besets you? Now my judgment hear and mark.
　　He, whose transcendent wisdom passes all,
　　The heavens creating, gave them ruling powers
　　To guide them, so that each part shines to each,
　　Their light in equal distribution pour'd.
　　By similar appointment he ordain'd
　　Over the world's bright images to rule.
　　Superintendence of a guiding hand
　　And general minister, which at due time
　　May change the empty vantages of life
　　From race to race, from one to other's blood,
　　Beyond prevention of man's wisest care:
　　Wherefore one nation rises into sway,
　　Another languishes, e'en as her will
　　Decrees, from us conceal'd, as in the grass
　　The serpent train. Against her nought avails
　　Your utmost wisdom. She with foresight plans,
　　Judges, and carries on her reign, as theirs
　　The other powers divine. Her changes know
　　Nore intermission: by necessity
　　She is made swift, so frequent come who claim
　　Succession in her favours. This is she,
　　So execrated e'en by those, whose debt
　　To her is rather praise; they wrongfully
　　With blame requite her, and with evil word;
　　But she is blessed, and for that recks not:
　　Amidst the other primal beings glad
　　Rolls on her sphere, and in her bliss exults.
　　Now on our way pass we, to heavier woe
　　Descending: for each star is falling now,
　　That mounted at our entrance, and forbids
　　Too long our tarrying." We the circle cross'd
　　To the next steep, arriving at a well,
　　That boiling pours itself down to a foss
　　Sluic'd from its source. Far murkier was the wave
　　Than sablest grain: and we in company
　　Of the' inky waters, journeying by their side,
　　Enter'd, though by a different track, beneath.
　　Into a lake, the Stygian nam'd, expands
　　The dismal stream, when it hath reach'd the foot
　　Of the grey wither'd cliffs. Intent I stood
　　To gaze, and in the marish sunk descried
　　A miry tribe, all naked, and with looks
　　Betok'ning rage. They with their hands alone
　　Struck not, but with the head, the breast, the feet,
　　Cutting each other piecemeal with their fangs.
　　
　　
　　
　　The good instructor spake; "Now seest thou, son!
　　The souls of those, whom anger overcame.
　　This too for certain know, that underneath
　　The water dwells a multitude, whose sighs
　　Into these bubbles make the surface heave,
　　As thine eye tells thee wheresoe'er it turn.
　　Fix'd in the slime they say: 'Sad once were we
　　In the sweet air made gladsome by the sun,
　　Carrying a foul and lazy mist within:
　　Now in these murky settlings are we sad.'
　　Such dolorous strain they gurgle in their throats.
　　But word distinct can utter none." Our route
　　Thus compass'd we, a segment widely stretch'd
　　Between the dry embankment, and the core
　　Of the loath'd pool, turning meanwhile our eyes
　　Downward on those who gulp'd its muddy lees;
　　Nor stopp'd, till to a tower's low base we came.

　　第五圈，忿恕的靈魂。渡過期提剋斯；腓力浦·阿爾津蒂受攻擊。諸精靈拒絶但丁入狄期城。
　　　
　　 我接着着說，在我們走到堡樓腳下之前，我們看見它的頂上有兩個小火把；在很遠的地方有一個堡樓，遠得幾乎看不清楚，那裏也有一個小火把，他們似乎遙遙地相互傳遞信息。我轉嚮知識的海，問道：“這裏說什麽？那裏回答什麽？是誰管理着這件事呢？”他對我脫：“在這污穢的水面上，假使水氣不遮斷你的視綫，或者你已經看見你所等待的東西了。”
　　　
　　 即刻，好像離弦的箭，我看見水面上一個人撐着小船飛來了；他叫道：“你來了麽，假裝的靈魂？”我的老師說：“弗列居阿斯，弗列居阿斯，這一次你叫也沒有用；你一會兒就把我們渡過去了，”弗列居阿斯像一個受欺的人，不得不把心頭怒氣壓下；我的引路人上了船，我也跟着他上去；我上去之後，我們上去不久就開船了，因為我身重，這一次船的吃水比往時來得特別地深。
　　　
　　 我們的船行在鬼沼上面的時候，突然從水裏鑽出一個靈魂。滿頭滿身都是污泥，他說：“你沒有到的時候就來這裏，你究竟是準呢？”我回答他道：“我雖然來這裏，但是我不留在這裏；你是誰？弄到這般齷齪相。”他回答道：“你看得出，我是淚海中的一個。”我又對他說：“該死的靈魂，你哭着傷心地呆在這裏吧！我認識你呢，雖然你的真面目給污泥遮蓋着。”於是他伸起兩手，抓住船舷想爬上來，當時我謹慎的引導人把他推下去，說：：滾開些，到你的狗群裏去！”隨後我的主人把手臂抱着我的頸項，吻着我的臉、他說：“憤慨的靈魂呀！孕育你的她是多麽幸福呀！在陽世的時候，這個人妄自尊大，無善足錄，所以死後他的影子還在這裏咆哮如雷。那裏有許許多多自命不凡的大人物，將要和蠢豬一樣躺在這裏，遺臭萬年！”我說：“老師，我卻很願意在離開水面以前，看見他陷入泥沼。”他對我說：“在到彼岸以前，你儘管看他個夠，這是我可以允許你的，”稍後，我看見池沼裏的人聯合嚮他攻擊，攻擊的劇烈使我衹有感謝上帝。他們大傢喊道：“嚮着腓力浦·網爾津蒂！”這個狂怒的佛羅倫薩人，不及報復別人，衹有用自己的牙齒咬自己的肉。現在，我們勢開他不必再談他了。但是我的耳鼓又受到一種凄慘的聲浪的打擊，使我小心翼翼地註視着前面。
　　　
　　 和善的老師說：“孩子，現在我們接近一個名叫狄斯的城了，這個城裏的居民罪過更加深重，人數更加衆多。”我說：“老師。你的話不錯，我已經看得出裏面的尖頂城樓，紅得像初出火爐似的。”他又對我說：“這是下層地獄裏永劫的火，使他們映得通紅。”
　　　
　　 我們的船開到城河裏面，城河環繞着城墻，城墻如同鐵壁一般。我們轉了幾個圈子，到了一塊地方，舟主高聲叫道：“上去！這裏是進城的門口。”我看見城門前面，立滿了衆多的精靈，這是和雨一樣從天掉下來的，他們怒喊道：“他是準？他還沒有死，就進死的國來？”於是我的聰明老師做一個手勢，表示要和他們談話。他們怒氣漸消．說：“你一個人來；讓那一個大膽的回去！讓他一人回轉頭去，自找歸路，假使他能夠；至於你呢，冒昧地引他到這個幽暗的鄉裏，你將留在我們這裏。”
　　　
　　 讀者諸君，試問我聽了這番冷酷的話，心裏非常的害怕，我想我一個人是不會回轉去的。於是我說：“親愛的引路人呀！你有七次把我從危難中救出來，使我返到平安的境界，請你不要拋棄我，假使我們能夠前進，我們即刻依着來路快些回轉去罷，引導我到這裏的老師對我說：“不要怕，我們的路程是誰也不能截斷的：一個超於一切的已經允許我們來了。但是，你在這裏等着我；你儘管放心：我决不會把你丟在下界的。”
　　　
　　 說罷，這位和善的父親離開我走到城門前面去了，我被睏在疑惑之中，“是”和“否”交戰在我的腦中。他們談的什麽話，我全然沒有聽見。但是他沒有在那裏停留多久，忽然那些精靈擁進了城，把城門關起，把我的引路人推在外面。他慢步回到我這裏，他的眼睛望着地，不再充滿着勇氣了，他嘆着說：“誰能阻止我進苦惱的城呢？”於是他又對找說：“雖然我碰了壁，但是你不要失望，因為他們的城門無論關得怎樣緊，我終要攻破它的。他門的這種蠻橫也不是第一次，從前在第一重門就有過這種事情，現在是沒有阻礙了。你還記得那寫在門上的黑沉沉的字罷。但是，現在已經有一個天使，不帶隨從經過各個圈子降下來了，他就要替我們把城門打開。”

　　MY theme pursuing, I relate that ere
　　We reach'd the lofty turret's base, our eyes
　　Its height ascended, where two cressets hung
　　We mark'd, and from afar another light
　　Return the signal, so remote, that scarce
　　The eye could catch its beam. I turning round
　　To the deep source of knowledge, thus inquir'd:
　　"Say what this means? and what that other light
　　In answer set? what agency doth this?"
　　
　　"There on the filthy waters," he replied,
　　"E'en now what next awaits us mayst thou see,
　　If the marsh-gender'd fog conceal it not."
　　
　　Never was arrow from the cord dismiss'd,
　　That ran its way so nimbly through the air,
　　As a small bark, that through the waves I spied
　　Toward us coming, under the sole sway
　　Of one that ferried it, who cried aloud:
　　"Art thou arriv'd, fell spirit?"—"Phlegyas, Phlegyas,
　　This time thou criest in vain," my lord replied;
　　"No longer shalt thou have us, but while o'er
　　The slimy pool we pass." As one who hears
　　Of some great wrong he hath sustain'd, whereat
　　Inly he pines; so Phlegyas inly pin'd
　　In his fierce ire. My guide descending stepp'd
　　Into the skiff, and bade me enter next
　　Close at his side; nor till my entrance seem'd
　　The vessel freighted. Soon as both embark'd,
　　Cutting the waves, goes on the ancient prow,
　　More deeply than with others it is wont.
　　
　　
　　
　　
　　
　　
　　While we our course o'er the dead channel held.
　　One drench'd in mire before me came, and said;
　　"Who art thou, that thou comest ere thine hour?"
　　
　　I answer'd: "Though I come, I tarry not;
　　But who art thou, that art become so foul?"
　　
　　"One, as thou seest, who mourn:" he straight replied.
　　
　　To which I thus: "In mourning and in woe,
　　Curs'd spirit! tarry thou. I know thee well,
　　E'en thus in filth disguis'd." Then stretch'd he forth
　　Hands to the bark; whereof my teacher sage
　　Aware, thrusting him back: "Away! down there,
　　"To the' other dogs!" then, with his arms my neck
　　Encircling, kiss'd my cheek, and spake: "O soul
　　Justly disdainful! blest was she in whom
　　Thou was conceiv'd! He in the world was one
　　For arrogance noted; to his memory
　　No virtue lends its lustre; even so
　　Here is his shadow furious. There above
　　How many now hold themselves mighty kings
　　Who here like swine shall wallow in the mire,
　　Leaving behind them horrible dispraise!"
　　
　　I then: "Master! him fain would I behold
　　Whelm'd in these dregs, before we quit the lake."
　　
　　He thus: "Or ever to thy view the shore
　　Be offer'd, satisfied shall be that wish,
　　Which well deserves completion." Scarce his words
　　Were ended, when I saw the miry tribes
　　Set on him with such violence, that yet
　　For that render I thanks to God and praise
　　"To Filippo Argenti:" cried they all:
　　And on himself the moody Florentine
　　Turn'd his avenging fangs. Him here we left,
　　Nor speak I of him more. But on mine ear
　　Sudden a sound of lamentation smote,
　　Whereat mine eye unbarr'd I sent abroad.
　　
　　And thus the good instructor: "Now, my son!
　　Draws near the city, that of Dis is nam'd,
　　With its grave denizens, a mighty throng."
　　
　　I thus: "The minarets already, Sir!
　　There certes in the valley I descry,
　　Gleaming vermilion, as if they from fire
　　Had issu'd." He replied: "Eternal fire,
　　That inward burns, shows them with ruddy flame
　　Illum'd; as in this nether hell thou seest."
　　
　　We came within the fosses deep, that moat
　　This region comfortless. The walls appear'd
　　As they were fram'd of iron. We had made
　　Wide circuit, ere a place we reach'd, where loud
　　The mariner cried vehement: "Go forth!
　　The' entrance is here!" Upon the gates I spied
　　More than a thousand, who of old from heaven
　　Were hurl'd. With ireful gestures, "Who is this,"
　　They cried, "that without death first felt, goes through
　　The regions of the dead?" My sapient guide
　　Made sign that he for secret parley wish'd;
　　Whereat their angry scorn abating, thus
　　They spake: "Come thou alone; and let him go
　　Who hath so hardily enter'd this realm.
　　Alone return he by his witless way;
　　If well he know it, let him prove. For thee,
　　Here shalt thou tarry, who through clime so dark
　　Hast been his escort." Now bethink thee, reader!
　　What cheer was mine at sound of those curs'd words.
　　I did believe I never should return.
　　
　　"O my lov'd guide! who more than seven times
　　Security hast render'd me, and drawn
　　From peril deep, whereto I stood expos'd,
　　Desert me not," I cried, "in this extreme.
　　And if our onward going be denied,
　　Together trace we back our steps with speed."
　　
　　My liege, who thither had conducted me,
　　Replied: "Fear not: for of our passage none
　　Hath power to disappoint us, by such high
　　Authority permitted. But do thou
　　Expect me here; meanwhile thy wearied spirit
　　Comfort, and feed with kindly hope, assur'd
　　I will not leave thee in this lower world."
　　
　　This said, departs the sire benevolent,
　　And quits me. Hesitating I remain
　　At war 'twixt will and will not in my thoughts.
　　
　　I could not hear what terms he offer'd them,
　　But they conferr'd not long, for all at once
　　To trial fled within. Clos'd were the gates
　　By those our adversaries on the breast
　　Of my liege lord: excluded he return'd
　　To me with tardy steps. Upon the ground
　　His eyes were bent, and from his brow eras'd
　　All confidence, while thus with sighs he spake:
　　"Who hath denied me these abodes of woe?"
　　Then thus to me: "That I am anger'd, think
　　No ground of terror: in this trial I
　　Shall vanquish, use what arts they may within
　　For hindrance. This their insolence, not new,
　　Erewhile at gate less secret they display'd,
　　Which still is without bolt; upon its arch
　　Thou saw'st the deadly scroll: and even now
　　On this side of its entrance, down the steep,
　　Passing the circles, unescorted, comes
　　One whose strong might can open us this land."

　　城上出現復仇女神。天上來的使者打開城門。但丁入第六圈。
　　　
　　 我看見我的引路人回轉來了，我的臉上帶着恐怖的神色，因此他又不得不勉強鎮定地安慰我。他一動不動，好似靜聽一般；因為在昏暗迷霧之中，他的眼睛是看不遠的。他說：“我們將要戰勝他們……假使不……他卻給我們幫助……我覺得已經等候了多麽長久呀！”
　　　
　　 我聽他前言不搭後語，斷斷續續的一番話，使我心裏更加不安，也許我誤解他的意思了。於是我問他道：“在第一圈裏的靈魂、他們的刑罰衹是沒有希望，他們是要降入地獄的底部呢？”他答道：“我們走這條路的確是很少。從前有一次，因為術士厄裏剋托的魔力，我曾經到過那裏，術士有本領使靈魂重返屍體；當時我新死的時間不長，他差我入城、到猶大環，召一個靈魂；這一地方最深最暗，離天最遠。所以這條路我是認識的，你可以放心。但是，這個污水繞着的城，今番若不動天之怒，我們是不能進去的，”
　　　
　　 那時他還說很多話，可是我記不清了，因為我的眼睛註視看一個高塔，頂上反照着紅光；那裏忽然站着三個兇神，形體近於女人，身上有血跡，並且繞着青蛇，頭上還盤着小蛇和毒蛇，好像蓬散着的頭髮。他知道這是地獄之後的女僕，他對我說：“你看這三個可怕的厄裏倪厄斯；左邊的是梅蓋拉，右邊揮淚的是阿列剋托，中間的是提希豐。”他的話就說到這裏。她們各自抓破她們的胸膛，她們自己打着自己，高聲叫喊，使我很害怕，因此站得貼近詩人。她們嚮下看着說：“米杜薩來，把他變成了石頭！我們報復特修斯還沒有十分的厲害。”我的老師急忙對我說：“把臉轉過去，眼睛閉上，因為果爾剛快要出來，你若看見她，你就沒有回生的希望了。”他說完以後，還不全然信任我的手，又加上他自己的手來掩往我的眼睛。哦，聰明的讀者，在這奇異的詩幕之下，請你們註意他的涵義罷！
　　　
　　 現在，污穢的水面上，又擁來可怕的聲浪，使兩岸起了震動；好像是風聲，來勢猛烈，發了狂似的；吹得山鳴𠔌應，樹拔枝斷，捲起沙石，烏獸匿跡。我的引路人移開他的手。說：“現在你可以嚮迷霧騰騰的古沼上面看了。”好像群蛙遇見了仇敵水蛇，一個個沒入水中，沉到泥底伏着不動一樣，我看見很多精靈鬼怪，紛紛逃避在死的隔水面上行走的一個，他用左手撥開他前面的迷霧，除此以外，他似乎沒有別的勞苦。我知道這是一位天上來的使者；我轉嚮我的老師，他做手勢叫我站着不要出聲，畢恭畢敬。那位天使非常憤慨。他走到城門前面，用他的小杖推開它，簡直不費氣力。他立在門檻上說：“從天上摔下來的魔鬼！低賤的種族！為什麽你們還要這樣自命不凡呢？為什麽你們反抗一個不達目的不罷休的意志，因而增加你們的痛難呢？和命運爭鬥又有什麽好處。你們的刻爾勃路斯，你們還記得他罷，他的頸項上還帶着鎖鏈的印呢。”於是他悼轉身子，嚮水面回去了，並未和我們說一句話。他似乎很忙，還有急務在身，馬上要去辦呢。
　　　
　　 我門聽完這番“聖言”，心裏寬舒了，就嚮着城門移動我們的腳步。我們走進去沒有一點睏難。我急着要知道城堡裏面究竟是什麽樣子，一到裏面，便左右觀看；衹見左右田野，都充滿着新的悲哀和新的苦痛。
　　　
　　 如在羅訥河流過的阿爾，如在靠近誇爾納羅灣的普拉，那裏墳墓林立，使地面高下不平，這裏的左右的田野也是如此，景象更加凄慘；這裏墳墓之間都燃着烈火，使周圍的一切都是火紅火紅。他們的棺材蓋都打開着；棺材裏面有悲泣的聲音，似乎是從痛苦的靈魂發出來的。我問道：“老師，這些從棺材裏發出悲聲的是那一種人呢？”他回答道：“這裏是各種邪教的首領和他們的門徒；每個棺材裏都裝着出乎意料的為數衆多的靈魂；他們是分類合葬，他們墳墓的熱度也高低不等。”
　　　
　　 於是他轉嚮右邊，我門走在刑場和很高的城墻之間。

　　THE hue, which coward dread on my pale cheeks
　　Imprinted, when I saw my guide turn back,
　　Chas'd that from his which newly they had worn,
　　And inwardly restrain'd it. He, as one
　　Who listens, stood attentive: for his eye
　　Not far could lead him through the sable air,
　　And the thick-gath'ring cloud. "It yet behooves
　　We win this fight"—thus he began—"if not—
　　Such aid to us is offer'd.—Oh, how long
　　Me seems it, ere the promis'd help arrive!"
　　
　　I noted, how the sequel of his words
　　Clok'd their beginning; for the last he spake
　　Agreed not with the first. But not the less
　　My fear was at his saying; sith I drew
　　To import worse perchance, than that he held,
　　His mutilated speech. "Doth ever any
　　Into this rueful concave's extreme depth
　　Descend, out of the first degree, whose pain
　　Is deprivation merely of sweet hope?"
　　
　　Thus I inquiring. "Rarely," he replied,
　　"It chances, that among us any makes
　　This journey, which I wend. Erewhile 'tis true
　　Once came I here beneath, conjur'd by fell
　　Erictho, sorceress, who compell'd the shades
　　Back to their bodies. No long space my flesh
　　Was naked of me, when within these walls
　　She made me enter, to draw forth a spirit
　　From out of Judas' circle. Lowest place
　　Is that of all, obscurest, and remov'd
　　Farthest from heav'n's all-circling orb. The road
　　Full well I know: thou therefore rest secure.
　　That lake, the noisome stench exhaling, round
　　The city' of grief encompasses, which now
　　We may not enter without rage." Yet more
　　He added: but I hold it not in mind,
　　For that mine eye toward the lofty tower
　　Had drawn me wholly, to its burning top.
　　Where in an instant I beheld uprisen
　　At once three hellish furies stain'd with blood:
　　In limb and motion feminine they seem'd;
　　Around them greenest hydras twisting roll'd
　　Their volumes; adders and cerastes crept
　　Instead of hair, and their fierce temples bound.
　　
　　He knowing well the miserable hags
　　Who tend the queen of endless woe, thus spake:
　　
　　
　　"Mark thou each dire Erinnys. To the left
　　This is Megaera; on the right hand she,
　　Who wails, Alecto; and Tisiphone
　　I' th' midst." This said, in silence he remain'd
　　Their breast they each one clawing tore; themselves
　　Smote with their palms, and such shrill clamour rais'd,
　　That to the bard I clung, suspicion-bound.
　　"Hasten Medusa: so to adamant
　　Him shall we change;" all looking down exclaim'd.
　　"E'en when by Theseus' might assail'd, we took
　　No ill revenge." "Turn thyself round, and keep
　　Thy count'nance hid; for if the Gorgon dire
　　Be shown, and thou shouldst view it, thy return
　　Upwards would be for ever lost." This said,
　　Himself my gentle master turn'd me round,
　　Nor trusted he my hands, but with his own
　　He also hid me. Ye of intellect
　　Sound and entire, mark well the lore conceal'd
　　Under close texture of the mystic strain!
　　
　　And now there came o'er the perturbed waves
　　Loud-crashing, terrible, a sound that made
　　Either shore tremble, as if of a wind
　　Impetuous, from conflicting vapours sprung,
　　That 'gainst some forest driving all its might,
　　Plucks off the branches, beats them down and hurls
　　Afar; then onward passing proudly sweeps
　　Its whirlwind rage, while beasts and shepherds fly.
　　
　　Mine eyes he loos'd, and spake: "And now direct
　　Thy visual nerve along that ancient foam,
　　There, thickest where the smoke ascends." As frogs
　　Before their foe the serpent, through the wave
　　Ply swiftly all, till at the ground each one
　　Lies on a heap; more than a thousand spirits
　　Destroy'd, so saw I fleeing before one
　　Who pass'd with unwet feet the Stygian sound.
　　He, from his face removing the gross air,
　　Oft his left hand forth stretch'd, and seem'd alone
　　By that annoyance wearied. I perceiv'd
　　That he was sent from heav'n, and to my guide
　　Turn'd me, who signal made that I should stand
　　Quiet, and bend to him. Ah me! how full
　　Of noble anger seem'd he! To the gate
　　He came, and with his wand touch'd it, whereat
　　Open without impediment it flew.
　　
　　
　　
　　
　　
　　"Outcasts of heav'n! O abject race and scorn'd!"
　　Began he on the horrid grunsel standing,
　　"Whence doth this wild excess of insolence
　　Lodge in you? wherefore kick you 'gainst that will
　　Ne'er frustrate of its end, and which so oft
　　Hath laid on you enforcement of your pangs?
　　What profits at the fays to but the horn?
　　Your Cerberus, if ye remember, hence
　　Bears still, peel'd of their hair, his throat and maw."
　　
　　This said, he turn'd back o'er the filthy way,
　　And syllable to us spake none, but wore
　　The semblance of a man by other care
　　Beset, and keenly press'd, than thought of him
　　Who in his presence stands. Then we our steps
　　Toward that territory mov'd, secure
　　After the hallow'd words. We unoppos'd
　　There enter'd; and my mind eager to learn
　　What state a fortress like to that might hold,
　　I soon as enter'd throw mine eye around,
　　And see on every part wide-stretching space
　　Replete with bitter pain and torment ill.
　　
　　As where Rhone stagnates on the plains of Arles,
　　Or as at Pola, near Quarnaro's gulf,
　　That closes Italy and laves her bounds,
　　The place is all thick spread with sepulchres;
　　So was it here, save what in horror here
　　Excell'd: for 'midst the graves were scattered flames,
　　Wherewith intensely all throughout they burn'd,
　　That iron for no craft there hotter needs.
　　
　　Their lids all hung suspended, and beneath
　　From them forth issu'd lamentable moans,
　　Such as the sad and tortur'd well might raise.
　　
　　I thus: "Master! say who are these, interr'd
　　Within these vaults, of whom distinct we hear
　　The dolorous sighs?" He answer thus return'd:
　　
　　
　　
　　"The arch-heretics are here, accompanied
　　By every sect their followers; and much more,
　　Than thou believest, tombs are freighted: like
　　With like is buried; and the monuments
　　Are different in degrees of heat." This said,
　　He to the right hand turning, on we pass'd
　　Betwixt the afflicted and the ramparts high.

　　第六圈，不信靈魂存在的邪教徒。法利那塔；卡瓦爾堪
　　　
　　 現在在城墻和墳墓之間的一條狹路上，我跟着老師問前去。我開始說：“大德的詩人呀！你自己歡喜引導我經歷這些悲慘的圈子，請你對我說明，並滿足我的要求：裝在這些棺材裏的，我可以看到他們麽？棺材蓋是開着，旁邊沒有看守的人。”他回答我道：“他們從約沙法回來以後，帶了他們留在地上的皮囊，那時棺材都要蓋上了。這裏是伊壁鳩魯和他門徒的墳墓，他們的肉體和靈魂都死了。你的問題，馬上有人從裏面出來回答你，並且同時滿足你沒有說明的願望。”我說：“和善的引路人，我的心事並不想瞞過你，衹是要節省些話句，像你以前曾經關照過我的那樣罷了。”
　　　
　　 忽然從一個棺材裏發出一種聲音：“哦，托斯卡那人！你活着走進了火城，說話多麽柔和；你也許願意在這裏停一回罷？聽你的口音，看出你是那個高貴國度裏的人，我為着他或者太煩惱了。”我吃了一驚，急忙走近我的引路人，他卻對我說：“你掉轉臉去；你伯什麽？看那裏的法利那塔！他自己站起來了，從腰部以上都看得見呢。”我已經註視着他了；他昂首挺胸，對於地獄的威權似乎表示一種輕衊。當時我引路人勇敢的手，竟已把我推到法利那塔前面，說：“說話簡單些。”
　　　
　　 我立在他墳墓之前，他略微看我一眼，於是很不在意地問我道：“你的先祖是誰？”我不反對，我不隱藏，全然說給他聽了。那時他的眉毛稍微楊起一點，於是他說：“他門非常劇烈地反對我，反對我的先人，反對我的同黨；於是我把他們兩次放逐出去。”我回答道：“雖然兩次給你趕出去，他們卻兩次馬上又回國了；至於你的同黨呢，卻沒有學得回國的本事。”
　　　
　　 我們正在對話的時候，他旁邊突然又露出一個影子，他是跪在棺材裏面，把頭露在外面呢。他在我的四周看看，似乎在找陪着我的某人，但是失望了。他揮淚說：“假使你能夠經歷黑暗的牢獄，是因為你崇高的天才，那末我的兒子在那裏呢？他為什麽不陪着你呢？”我回答他道：“這個並非是我自己的力量；是他，等着在那裏的他，是他引導我經歷這裏的；或者你的圭多對於他已經是太輕衊了。”因為他的說話和他的刑罰，使我預先知道這個影子的名字，所以我的回答可以這樣明確肯定。即刻這個影子站了起來，叫道：“你怎麽說：他已經是？他不在了麽？溫和的陽光不射着他的眼睛了麽？”他看見我的回答遲慢了一點，便倒了下去，不再露面了。
　　　
　　 但是那一個高傲的、叫我在那裏停一回的影子，他的姿勢卻沒有變，頭也沒有轉，腰也沒有彎。繼續着前面的對話，他說：“不錯，他們沒有學好這付本領，這使我比躺在此地火坑裏還要痛苦呢，但是，在這裏女主的臉發亮五十次以前，你將要知道這付本領確是難學的。你是可以回到甜美世界的人，請你告訴我：在各種法律方面，為什麽那些人民這樣強烈地反對我的親族呢？”對這一點，我回答他道：“慘敗和屠殺，使阿爾比亞河的波浪染成紅色，因此在我們的寺裏回響着這樣的演說。”他嘆了一口氣搖着頭，於是說：“這件事情不是我一個人做的；我的附和他們也不是沒有理由的；但是他們主張毀滅佛羅倫薩，衹有我鐵面無私地挺身出來保護他。”我對他說：“我希望你的後代得着和平！我還有一個結沒有解開，要請你解一下：假使我相信你說的話，似乎你們知道將來但是對於目前的事情就不明白，”他說：“像一個遠視眼的人，近的東西看不見，遠的反而能看清楚：這個總算是最高統治者給我們的恩惠了。靠近的或是正在進行的事情，我們的智力及不到；除非有人來告訴我們，現在地面上的情況我們是不知道的。由此你可以推想到，在將來之門關閉了以後，我門的知識就要完全熄滅了。”聽了這番話以後，我懊悔我方纔的錯處，對他說：“現在請你對那個倒下去的說他的兒子還活在人間呢；方纔我的回答遲慢，是因為我心裏面的懷疑，現在已經給你說明了。”那時我的老師喊我了，於是我請求這個靈魂快些把他的伴侶告訴我。他對我說：“和我躺在這裏的很多，腓特烈第二也在這裏，還有那紅衣主教；其餘的我不說了。”說罷，他也倒在棺材裏了。
　　　
　　 於是我移步嚮着古詩人，回味着我聽見的預言，這個預言對於我似乎不利。他嚮前走了；我們走着的時候，他對我說：“為什麽你這樣的惆悵迷？”我把理由告訴他，他接着說：“你暫且把你聽見的記着，現在註視這裏！他伸起他的指頭。當你站在那位有慈光的女人之前，她的慧眼能夠洞察一切，你可以從她那裏知道你全部的生之旅程。”
　　　
　　 我們離開城墻，轉嚮左邊；在一條小路上，望着中心走去；我們降到深淵的邊緣，聞到下面的腐臭之味。

　　NOW by a secret pathway we proceed,
　　Between the walls, that hem the region round,
　　And the tormented souls: my master first,
　　I close behind his steps. "Virtue supreme!"
　　I thus began; "who through these ample orbs
　　In circuit lead'st me, even as thou will'st,
　　Speak thou, and satisfy my wish. May those,
　　Who lie within these sepulchres, be seen?
　　Already all the lids are rais'd, and none
　　O'er them keeps watch." He thus in answer spake
　　"They shall be closed all, what-time they here
　　From Josaphat return'd shall come, and bring
　　Their bodies, which above they now have left.
　　The cemetery on this part obtain
　　With Epicurus all his followers,
　　Who with the body make the spirit die.
　　Here therefore satisfaction shall be soon
　　Both to the question ask'd, and to the wish,
　　Which thou conceal'st in silence." I replied:
　　"I keep not, guide belov'd! from thee my heart
　　Secreted, but to shun vain length of words,
　　A lesson erewhile taught me by thyself."
　　
　　"O Tuscan! thou who through the city of fire
　　Alive art passing, so discreet of speech!
　　Here please thee stay awhile. Thy utterance
　　Declares the place of thy nativity
　　To be that noble land, with which perchance
　　I too severely dealt." Sudden that sound
　　Forth issu'd from a vault, whereat in fear
　　I somewhat closer to my leader's side
　　Approaching, he thus spake: "What dost thou? Turn.
　　Lo, Farinata, there! who hath himself
　　Uplifted: from his girdle upwards all
　　Expos'd behold him." On his face was mine
　　Already fix'd; his breast and forehead there
　　Erecting, seem'd as in high scorn he held
　　E'en hell. Between the sepulchres to him
　　My guide thrust me with fearless hands and prompt,
　　This warning added: "See thy words be clear!"
　　
　　
　　He, soon as there I stood at the tomb's foot,
　　Ey'd me a space, then in disdainful mood
　　Address'd me: "Say, what ancestors were thine?"
　　
　　I, willing to obey him, straight reveal'd
　　The whole, nor kept back aught: whence he, his brow
　　Somewhat uplifting, cried: "Fiercely were they
　　Adverse to me, my party, and the blood
　　From whence I sprang: twice therefore I abroad
　　Scatter'd them." "Though driv'n out, yet they each time
　　From all parts," answer'd I, "return'd; an art
　　Which yours have shown, they are not skill'd to learn."
　　
　　Then, peering forth from the unclosed jaw,
　　Rose from his side a shade, high as the chin,
　　Leaning, methought, upon its knees uprais'd.
　　It look'd around, as eager to explore
　　If there were other with me; but perceiving
　　That fond imagination quench'd, with tears
　　Thus spake: "If thou through this blind prison go'st.
　　Led by thy lofty genius and profound,
　　Where is my son? and wherefore not with thee?"
　　
　　I straight replied: "Not of myself I come,
　　By him, who there expects me, through this clime
　　Conducted, whom perchance Guido thy son
　　Had in contempt." Already had his words
　　And mode of punishment read me his name,
　　Whence I so fully answer'd. He at once
　　Exclaim'd, up starting, "How! said'st thou he HAD?
　　No longer lives he? Strikes not on his eye
　　The blessed daylight?" Then of some delay
　　I made ere my reply aware, down fell
　　Supine, not after forth appear'd he more.
　　
　　Meanwhile the other, great of soul, near whom
　　I yet was station'd, chang'd not count'nance stern,
　　Nor mov'd the neck, nor bent his ribbed side.
　　"And if," continuing the first discourse,
　　"They in this art," he cried, "small skill have shown,
　　That doth torment me more e'en than this bed.
　　But not yet fifty times shall be relum'd
　　Her aspect, who reigns here Queen of this realm,
　　Ere thou shalt know the full weight of that art.
　　So to the pleasant world mayst thou return,
　　As thou shalt tell me, why in all their laws,
　　Against my kin this people is so fell?"
　　
　　"The slaughter and great havoc," I replied,
　　"That colour'd Arbia's flood with crimson stain—
　　To these impute, that in our hallow'd dome
　　Such orisons ascend." Sighing he shook
　　The head, then thus resum'd: "In that affray
　　I stood not singly, nor without just cause
　　Assuredly should with the rest have stirr'd;
　　But singly there I stood, when by consent
　　Of all, Florence had to the ground been raz'd,
　　The one who openly forbad the deed."
　　
　　"So may thy lineage find at last repose,"
　　I thus adjur'd him, "as thou solve this knot,
　　Which now involves my mind. If right I hear,
　　Ye seem to view beforehand, that which time
　　Leads with him, of the present uninform'd."
　　
　　"We view, as one who hath an evil sight,"
　　He answer'd, "plainly, objects far remote:
　　So much of his large spendour yet imparts
　　The' Almighty Ruler; but when they approach
　　Or actually exist, our intellect
　　Then wholly fails, nor of your human state
　　Except what others bring us know we aught.
　　Hence therefore mayst thou understand, that all
　　Our knowledge in that instant shall expire,
　　When on futurity the portals close."
　　
　　Then conscious of my fault, and by remorse
　　Smitten, I added thus: "Now shalt thou say
　　To him there fallen, that his offspring still
　　Is to the living join'd; and bid him know,
　　That if from answer silent I abstain'd,
　　'Twas that my thought was occupied intent
　　Upon that error, which thy help hath solv'd."
　　
　　But now my master summoning me back
　　I heard, and with more eager haste besought
　　The spirit to inform me, who with him
　　Partook his lot. He answer thus return'd:
　　
　　"More than a thousand with me here are laid
　　Within is Frederick, second of that name,
　　And the Lord Cardinal, and of the rest
　　I speak not." He, this said, from sight withdrew.
　　But I my steps towards the ancient bard
　　Reverting, ruminated on the words
　　Betokening me such ill. Onward he mov'd,
　　And thus in going question'd: "Whence the' amaze
　　That holds thy senses wrapt?" I satisfied
　　The' inquiry, and the sage enjoin'd me straight:
　　"Let thy safe memory store what thou hast heard
　　To thee importing harm; and note thou this,"
　　With his rais'd finger bidding me take heed,
　　
　　"When thou shalt stand before her gracious beam,
　　Whose bright eye all surveys, she of thy life
　　The future tenour will to thee unfold."
　　
　　Forthwith he to the left hand turn'd his feet:
　　We left the wall, and tow'rds the middle space
　　Went by a path, that to a valley strikes;
　　Which e'en thus high exhal'd its noisome steam.

　　維吉爾解釋地獄中罪惡的分類。
　　　
　　 走到懸崖的邊緣，這裏是由大塊斷石疊成的一個圈子，我們望見下面衆多的靈魂，比以前的更加凄慘。因為那裏有一股嗆人的臭味，從深淵底部衝上來，我們暫時躲避到一塊大石碑的前面，碑上刻着：“教皇阿納斯塔修斯，曾因浮提努斯而離正道，葬於此處”
　　　
　　 我的老師說：“我們不如在這裏站一會，等我們習慣了這種可怕的臭味之後，我們再往下走，那時就不必擔心了。”我對他說：“那末不要把時間錯過，趁這個機會，請你把下面的罪惡概述一下。”他說：“這正合我意，我的孩子！”
　　　
　　 於是他開始說：“從這裏絶壁以下，還有三個圈子，都是和以前的一樣，越到下面越小，擠滿着可詛咒的幽靈。若要知道他們所犯何罪，受何刑罰，你到那裏一見就明白了。
　　　
　　 “一切罪惡，因為他的目的終是損害別人都遭大怒。或用強力，或用詐騙，以達此目的。不過，詐騙是人類恃有的惡性更為上帝所痛恨；所以欺騙的人還在強暴的人下層，受苦更大。
　　　
　　 “第一圈是容納強暴的人；這一層又分為三個環，強暴可施於三種人。可施於上帝，施於自己，施於鄰人；施於他們的自身，或是他們的所有，這些你將來部要明白的。
　　　
　　 “強暴施於鄰人，使他受傷，使他喪命；施於他的所有，或蹂躪，或放火，或強占：這些殺人犯，強盜，放火之徒都在第一環分別受刑。
　　　
　　 “在第二環受刑的是那些自己離開有光的世界，後來悔恨莫及之徒；會對於自己和自己的所有施以強暴；裏面還有因賭博而傾傢蕩産的，本應歡樂而空自悲泣的。
　　　
　　 “強暴可施於上帝，否認他的存在，毀謗他；輕衊自然和他的恩惠。所以在最狹的第三環的是那些帶了所多瑪人和卡奧爾人記號的，還有那些在心裏和嘴裏侮辱上帝的。
　　　
　　 “至於詐騙，就是腐蝕了良心，可以施於已經信任他的人，或是施於還沒有信任他的人。後面一種，切斷了人和人之間自然所造的愛鏈、所以在這第二圈住着些魔法師騙子，偽君子，阿諛人，竊賊，買賣官職者，淫媒等等。其他一種，忘記自然所造的愛，人類的友情，彼此的信任，所以在這最小的一圈，在宇宙的中心；狄斯的座位也在那裏，那裏使忘恩負義之徒永受痛苦。”
　　　
　　 於是我說：“主人，你的說話真是非常清楚，把這深淵和這裏的幽靈分別得極有條理。但是，請你告訴我：既然上帝因為他們而震怒？在那污池裏的，在那給風吹的，給雨打的，在那裏互相撞擊的，為什麽他們不放到紅城裏面受苦呢，假使不然，為什麽他們也在那種痛苦的境界呢？”
　　　
　　 他說：“你為什麽精神不貫註？你忘記了你在《倫理學》中所學得的麽？那書上依了天意分罪惡為三種：不能節制的，有惡意的，有暴行的。你忘記了不能節制的人罪過較輕，上帝，給他們的刑罰也較輕麽？你若把這種道理弄清楚、再回想前面所經過的幾圈，你就懂得這些犯人為什麽要和那些分開，為什麽神的正義對於前面的寬和一些。”
　　　
　　 我說：“哦，太陽呀！他把我昏暗的精神照明亮了；從解開疑問中學到不少知識，我是多麽快活呀！不過，我心裏還有一團疑雲，要請你為我吹散，就是重利盤剝者為上帝所深惡這一點。”
　　　
　　 他回答我道：“研究哲學的大概都知道：自然取法乎神智和神意。假使你留意你所學的《物理學》，你馬上可以知道：藝術取法自然，好比學生取之於教師。所以你可以說：藝術是上帝的寵兒。假使你記得《創世記》中開頭幾處說的話，你就知道：自然和藝術是人類賴以取得食糧，並因此而繁榮的。因為重利盤剝者的取徑不同，他輕衊自然和取法乎他的藝術，卻在別處尋找他的希望。……但是現在我們可以走了，因為雙魚宮已從地平面透出來了，北斗星已經嚮着西北風去了；略微遠一些，那裏山路似乎平坦一點，我們就可以走下去了。”

　　UPON the utmost verge of a high bank,
　　By craggy rocks environ'd round, we came,
　　Where woes beneath more cruel yet were stow'd:
　　And here to shun the horrible excess
　　Of fetid exhalation, upward cast
　　From the profound abyss, behind the lid
　　Of a great monument we stood retir'd,
　　
　　
　　Whereon this scroll I mark'd: "I have in charge
　　Pope Anastasius, whom Photinus drew
　　From the right path.—Ere our descent behooves
　　We make delay, that somewhat first the sense,
　　To the dire breath accustom'd, afterward
　　Regard it not." My master thus; to whom
　　Answering I spake: "Some compensation find
　　That the time past not wholly lost." He then:
　　"Lo! how my thoughts e'en to thy wishes tend!
　　My son! within these rocks," he thus began,
　　"Are three close circles in gradation plac'd,
　　As these which now thou leav'st. Each one is full
　　Of spirits accurs'd; but that the sight alone
　　Hereafter may suffice thee, listen how
　　And for what cause in durance they abide.
　　
　　"Of all malicious act abhorr'd in heaven,
　　The end is injury; and all such end
　　Either by force or fraud works other's woe
　　But fraud, because of man peculiar evil,
　　To God is more displeasing; and beneath
　　The fraudulent are therefore doom'd to' endure
　　Severer pang. The violent occupy
　　All the first circle; and because to force
　　Three persons are obnoxious, in three rounds
　　Hach within other sep'rate is it fram'd.
　　To God, his neighbour, and himself, by man
　　Force may be offer'd; to himself I say
　　And his possessions, as thou soon shalt hear
　　At full. Death, violent death, and painful wounds
　　Upon his neighbour he inflicts; and wastes
　　By devastation, pillage, and the flames,
　　His substance. Slayers, and each one that smites
　　In malice, plund'rers, and all robbers, hence
　　The torment undergo of the first round
　　In different herds. Man can do violence
　　To himself and his own blessings: and for this
　　He in the second round must aye deplore
　　With unavailing penitence his crime,
　　Whoe'er deprives himself of life and light,
　　In reckless lavishment his talent wastes,
　　And sorrows there where he should dwell in joy.
　　To God may force be offer'd, in the heart
　　Denying and blaspheming his high power,
　　And nature with her kindly law contemning.
　　And thence the inmost round marks with its seal
　　Sodom and Cahors, and all such as speak
　　Contemptuously' of the Godhead in their hearts.
　　
　　"Fraud, that in every conscience leaves a sting,
　　May be by man employ'd on one, whose trust
　　He wins, or on another who withholds
　　Strict confidence. Seems as the latter way
　　Broke but the bond of love which Nature makes.
　　Whence in the second circle have their nest
　　Dissimulation, witchcraft, flatteries,
　　Theft, falsehood, simony, all who seduce
　　To lust, or set their honesty at pawn,
　　With such vile scum as these. The other way
　　Forgets both Nature's general love, and that
　　Which thereto added afterwards gives birth
　　To special faith. Whence in the lesser circle,
　　Point of the universe, dread seat of Dis,
　　The traitor is eternally consum'd."
　　
　　
　　
　　I thus: "Instructor, clearly thy discourse
　　Proceeds, distinguishing the hideous chasm
　　And its inhabitants with skill exact.
　　But tell me this: they of the dull, fat pool,
　　Whom the rain beats, or whom the tempest drives,
　　Or who with tongues so fierce conflicting meet,
　　Wherefore within the city fire-illum'd
　　Are not these punish'd, if God's wrath be on them?
　　And if it be not, wherefore in such guise
　　Are they condemned?" He answer thus return'd:
　　"Wherefore in dotage wanders thus thy mind,
　　Not so accustom'd? or what other thoughts
　　Possess it? Dwell not in thy memory
　　The words, wherein thy ethic page describes
　　Three dispositions adverse to Heav'n's will,
　　Incont'nence, malice, and mad brutishness,
　　And how incontinence the least offends
　　God, and least guilt incurs? If well thou note
　　This judgment, and remember who they are,
　　Without these walls to vain repentance doom'd,
　　Thou shalt discern why they apart are plac'd
　　From these fell spirits, and less wreakful pours
　　Justice divine on them its vengeance down."
　　
　　"O Sun! who healest all imperfect sight,
　　Thou so content'st me, when thou solv'st my doubt,
　　That ignorance not less than knowledge charms.
　　Yet somewhat turn thee back," I in these words
　　Continu'd, "where thou saidst, that usury
　　Offends celestial Goodness; and this knot
　　Perplex'd unravel." He thus made reply:
　　"Philosophy, to an attentive ear,
　　Clearly points out, not in one part alone,
　　How imitative nature takes her course
　　From the celestial mind and from its art:
　　And where her laws the Stagyrite unfolds,
　　Not many leaves scann'd o'er, observing well
　　Thou shalt discover, that your art on her
　　Obsequious follows, as the learner treads
　　In his instructor's step, so that your art
　　Deserves the name of second in descent
　　From God. These two, if thou recall to mind
　　Creation's holy book, from the beginning
　　Were the right source of life and excellence
　　To human kind. But in another path
　　The usurer walks; and Nature in herself
　　And in her follower thus he sets at nought,
　　Placing elsewhere his hope. But follow now
　　My steps on forward journey bent; for now
　　The Pisces play with undulating glance
　　Along the' horizon, and the Wain lies all
　　O'er the north-west; and onward there a space
　　Is our steep passage down the rocky height."

　　第七圈，殘暴者：第一環，對於同類之相殘。半人半馬怪物；弗列格通血溝。
　　　
　　 我們預備下降之處是崎嶇險惡的山岩，那裏占踞的怪獸又使人不敢註視。
　　　
　　 山石由於地震，或由於重壓；從山頂起，亂石殘岩奔突而下，或留於卡山，或直達平地，好比從特蘭托下瀉的山崩，直趨阿迪傑河濱，因此壁立的山崖成為略可上下的山路；
　　　
　　 在山路之口，剋裏特島上污穢的怪獸橫躺在那裏，他是一條假母牛生的；他像一個心中懷着忿怒的人一樣，見了我們，他就咬自己的肉。我聰明的引路人喊道：“你以為雅典的公民在地上處死你的人到了麽？你錯了，滾開些！現在來者並非受了你姊姊的教訓，他不過走來看看你們所受的刑罰罷了。”好比受了打擊而拉斷繩索的公牛，一時不知道往那兒跑，衹在那裏亂跳；我看見米諾濤爾聽了這幾句話以後也是這樣。勇敢的詩人嚮我叫道：“快些走過去罷！當他正在狂怒的時候，這是下降的好機會了。”於是我們從那裏急忙走下，因為我特別笨重，我腳下所踏的石頭都不時滑動。
　　　
　　 我一邊走一邊想着；維吉爾對我說：“或者你是想着這個怪獸管理的山坡罷？我要告訴你，我從前到過這裏，那時山岩還沒有坍下去。但是，假使我記得清楚，在他到地獄最上一圈裏來提取光榮的靈魂以前不久，所有這裏的山𠔌都震動着，似乎可以使人相信宇宙覺着愛的時候，我們又要墮入混沌這句話；因此，當時這裏和別處的古崖舊岩都倒下去了。現在請你看看山腳下的血溝吧，在那裏面正煮着用暴力傷人的幽靈呢。”
　　　
　　 唉，盲目的貪欲！唉，愚蠢的忿怒！在短促的人生，他煽動着我們，到後來卻永遠地使我們受着酷刑！
　　　
　　 當時我依着我引路人的指示，看見一條弧形的寬闊的，占滿了全平面。在山腳和血溝之間，有許多馬身人相的怪物，在那裏結隊跑着，他們都帶着弓箭，和他們在地面上打獵的光景一樣。他們看見我們走下山坡，都站定了，隨後有三個從隊伍裏走出來，瞄準着他們的箭頭，其中有一個遠遠地叫道：“你們從山坡走下來的，站住，說說你們犯了何罪？否則，我要放箭了。”我的老師說：“我們要和你們的頭子奇隆說話，不必回答你；真可憐，你總是這樣躁急的性子。”於是他觸着我說：“這一個是索斯，他曾因美人得伊阿尼拉而死，他自己又為自己報了仇；在中間的一個，他看着自己的胸膛，他就是大奇隆，他曾養育阿基琉斯；其他一個為福羅斯，他是那樣的怒着。在溝的四周，他們共有幾千，都拿着弓箭；如果溝裏有一個犯人，不依照應有的尺寸沒入河面，他們就要射他。”我們走近這些跑得極快的怪獸；奇隆拿他的箭尾，撥開他的鬍須，嚮左右分披；於是露出他的大嘴，對他的同伴說：“你們看見後面那一個，他的腳踩着了東西，那東西就要移動麽？死人的腳沒有這樣的力量。”我善良的引路人已經站在奇隆的胸前，那裏是兩種自然結合之處，他回答道：“不錯，他是活人，我擔任引導他經歷幽𠔌的職務；他為需要所迫，不得不如此，並不是來玩的。她離開她的贊美歌，來給我新使命；他既不是強盜，我也不是賊魂。因為她的力量，我才能夠走到這種昏暗之地。現在要請你助成此行，藉你同伴的背脊，使他渡過這條血溝，因為他不是能夠在空中來去的精靈，”於是奇隆轉嚮右邊，對索斯說：“你去引導他們罷；假使逢着別的幽靈，你叫他們站開。不要來阻攔。”
　　　
　　 我們跟着這個引導人，走在紫水的邊上，在水裏面受煮的喊叫得真可憐。我看見其中有幾個沒到眉毛；那個馬身人面的怪物悅：“這些都是殺人劫財的暴君，現在都在這裏忍氣吞聲：這裏是亞歷山大；這裏是殘暴的狄奧尼西奧斯，他使西西裏有多年的悲哀；還有那個黑色頭髮的是阿佐利諾；黃色頭髮的是奧庇佐，他實在是被他的不幸子殺死的。”於是我轉嚮詩人望了一眼，他對我說：“現在他是第一個引路人，我是第二個。”
　　　
　　 再走下去一段路，那怪物停在一群幽靈之前。他們的頭都露在血水上面，那血水似乎還冒着煙氣呢。他指着一個孤立在一處的幽靈說：“這一個，當着上帝的面，刺了一個心。這一個心如今還在泰晤十河上受人傢的敬禮呢。”於是我看見許多有頭露在外面的，有胸膛露在外面的，其中為我認識的也不少。血水的深度漸見減低，直到僅沒腳面，我們就從那裏渡過了血溝。那時馬身人面的怪物說：“你看這個沸水，嚮這一邊逐漸變，嚮那一邊逐漸變深，直到暴君受刑之處，那裏是最深的了。這一邊神的正義施刑給阿提拉，他在世上是一條鞭子；此外有皮魯慚有賽剋斯圖斯，還有科爾奈托和帕佐，他們都因在大路上和旅客們廝殺而被罰，在這沸着的溝中終古流淚。”
　　　
　　 我們到了彼岸，那怪物仍從血水淺處回去了。

　　THE place where to descend the precipice
　　We came, was rough as Alp, and on its verge
　　Such object lay, as every eye would shun.
　　
　　As is that ruin, which Adice's stream
　　On this side Trento struck, should'ring the wave,
　　Or loos'd by earthquake or for lack of prop;
　　For from the mountain's summit, whence it mov'd
　　To the low level, so the headlong rock
　　Is shiver'd, that some passage it might give
　　To him who from above would pass; e'en such
　　Into the chasm was that descent: and there
　　At point of the disparted ridge lay stretch'd
　　The infamy of Crete, detested brood
　　Of the feign'd heifer: and at sight of us
　　It gnaw'd itself, as one with rage distract.
　　
　　
　　To him my guide exclaim'd: "Perchance thou deem'st
　　The King of Athens here, who, in the world
　　Above, thy death contriv'd. Monster! avaunt!
　　He comes not tutor'd by thy sister's art,
　　But to behold your torments is he come."
　　
　　Like to a bull, that with impetuous spring
　　Darts, at the moment when the fatal blow
　　Hath struck him, but unable to proceed
　　Plunges on either side; so saw I plunge
　　The Minotaur; whereat the sage exclaim'd:
　　"Run to the passage! while he storms, 't is well
　　That thou descend." Thus down our road we took
　　Through those dilapidated crags, that oft
　　Mov'd underneath my feet, to weight like theirs
　　Unus'd. I pond'ring went, and thus he spake:
　　
　　"Perhaps thy thoughts are of this ruin'd steep,
　　Guarded by the brute violence, which I
　　Have vanquish'd now. Know then, that when I erst
　　Hither descended to the nether hell,
　　This rock was not yet fallen. But past doubt
　　(If well I mark) not long ere He arrived,
　　Who carried off from Dis the mighty spoil
　　Of the highest circle, then through all its bounds
　　Such trembling seiz'd the deep concave and foul,
　　I thought the universe was thrill'd with love,
　　Whereby, there are who deem, the world hath oft
　　Been into chaos turn'd: and in that point,
　　Here, and elsewhere, that old rock toppled down.
　　But fix thine eyes beneath: the river of blood
　　Approaches, in the which all those are steep'd,
　　Who have by violence injur'd." O blind lust!
　　O foolish wrath! who so dost goad us on
　　In the brief life, and in the eternal then
　　Thus miserably o'erwhelm us. I beheld
　　An ample foss, that in a bow was bent,
　　As circling all the plain; for so my guide
　　Had told. Between it and the rampart's base
　　On trail ran Centaurs, with keen arrows arm'd,
　　As to the chase they on the earth were wont.
　　
　　
　　
　　At seeing us descend they each one stood;
　　And issuing from the troop, three sped with bows
　　And missile weapons chosen first; of whom
　　One cried from far: "Say to what pain ye come
　　Condemn'd, who down this steep have journied? Speak
　　From whence ye stand, or else the bow I draw."
　　
　　To whom my guide: "Our answer shall be made
　　To Chiron, there, when nearer him we come.
　　Ill was thy mind, thus ever quick and rash."
　　
　　Then me he touch'd, and spake: "Nessus is this,
　　Who for the fair Deianira died,
　　And wrought himself revenge for his own fate.
　　He in the midst, that on his breast looks down,
　　Is the great Chiron who Achilles nurs'd;
　　That other Pholus, prone to wrath." Around
　　The foss these go by thousands, aiming shafts
　　At whatsoever spirit dares emerge
　　From out the blood, more than his guilt allows.
　　
　　
　　
　　We to those beasts, that rapid strode along,
　　Drew near, when Chiron took an arrow forth,
　　And with the notch push'd back his shaggy beard
　　To the cheek-bone, then his great mouth to view
　　Exposing, to his fellows thus exclaim'd:
　　"Are ye aware, that he who comes behind
　　Moves what he touches? The feet of the dead
　　Are not so wont." My trusty guide, who now
　　Stood near his breast, where the two natures join,
　　Thus made reply: "He is indeed alive,
　　And solitary so must needs by me
　　Be shown the gloomy vale, thereto induc'd
　　By strict necessity, not by delight.
　　She left her joyful harpings in the sky,
　　Who this new office to my care consign'd.
　　He is no robber, no dark spirit I.
　　But by that virtue, which empowers my step
　　To treat so wild a path, grant us, I pray,
　　One of thy band, whom we may trust secure,
　　Who to the ford may lead us, and convey
　　Across, him mounted on his back; for he
　　Is not a spirit that may walk the air."
　　
　　Then on his right breast turning, Chiron thus
　　To Nessus spake: "Return, and be their guide.
　　And if ye chance to cross another troop,
　　Command them keep aloof." Onward we mov'd,
　　The faithful escort by our side, along
　　The border of the crimson-seething flood,
　　Whence from those steep'd within loud shrieks arose.
　　
　　Some there I mark'd, as high as to their brow
　　Immers'd, of whom the mighty Centaur thus:
　　"These are the souls of tyrants, who were given
　　To blood and rapine. Here they wail aloud
　　Their merciless wrongs. Here Alexander dwells,
　　And Dionysius fell, who many a year
　　Of woe wrought for fair Sicily. That brow
　　Whereon the hair so jetty clust'ring hangs,
　　Is Azzolino; that with flaxen locks
　　Obizzo' of Este, in the world destroy'd
　　By his foul step-son." To the bard rever'd
　　I turned me round, and thus he spake; "Let him
　　Be to thee now first leader, me but next
　　To him in rank." Then farther on a space
　　The Centaur paus'd, near some, who at the throat
　　Were extant from the wave; and showing us
　　A spirit by itself apart retir'd,
　　Exclaim'd: "He in God's bosom smote the heart,
　　Which yet is honour'd on the bank of Thames."
　　
　　A race I next espied, who held the head,
　　And even all the bust above the stream.
　　'Midst these I many a face remember'd well.
　　Thus shallow more and more the blood became,
　　So that at last it but imbru'd the feet;
　　And there our passage lay athwart the foss.
　　
　　"As ever on this side the boiling wave
　　Thou seest diminishing," the Centaur said,
　　"So on the other, be thou well assur'd,
　　It lower still and lower sinks its bed,
　　Till in that part it reuniting join,
　　Where 't is the lot of tyranny to mourn.
　　There Heav'n's stern justice lays chastising hand
　　On Attila, who was the scourge of earth,
　　On Sextus, and on Pyrrhus, and extracts
　　Tears ever by the seething flood unlock'd
　　From the Rinieri, of Corneto this,
　　Pazzo the other nam'd, who fill'd the ways
　　With violence and war." This said, he turn'd,
　　And quitting us, alone repass'd the ford.

　　第七圈續，第二環：自殺者。怪鳥哈爾皮的樹林；維。
　　　
　　 維索斯還沒有回到那邊，我們就走進一片樹林，樹林沒有青色的樹葉，衹是灰色的；也沒有平正的樹枝，衹是糾纏捲麯，多節多瘤；也不結果子，衹是生着毒刺。那裏沒有一條路徑可以看得出來，就是匿居在柴齊納和科爾奈托之間的野獸，也找不到這樣荒涼幽秘的地方。那裏有一種怪鳥哈爾皮做的巢，她們曾經用兇惡的預言，把特洛業人從斯恃洛法德斯島嚇跑了。她們是人面和人頸，身上有一對很的翅膀腳上有銳利爪子，大肚子上還有一團毛；她們在那些怪樹上哀鳴不止。
　　　
　　 善良的老師開始對我說：“在你深入以前，你要知道你是已經在第二環了；直到你走近那可怕的沙漠，你纔算是離開這一環。在這裏，你要看清你將看見我曾經說過，而你不相信的事情，”當時我聽見悲泣之聲從四面八方傳來但是又看不見一個人，因此嚇得我呆在那裏。我的老師以為我在那裏想着，這些聲音是從那些躲在樹林裏的靈魂發出來的。所以我的老師說：“假使你在這些樹上折斷一根小枝，那末你的思想就要全然打消了。”那時我擡手嚮前，從一棵大樹上折斷了一根小枝，立刻那樹幹就叫道：“為什麽你折斷我呢？”後來斷處又滲出黑血，他又嘆息道：“你為什麽損害我？你沒有一點憐憫心麽？我們從前也是人，現在變成樹了。即使我們是蛇的靈魂，你的手也應當慈悲些呀！”就好像一根青樹枝，在這一端燒着，在那一端嘶嘶地作響；這一根斷枝也是這樣，血點和話語同時發出來了；因此我放手看那斷枝落在地上，站在那裏十分驚異。
　　　
　　 我聰明的老師回答道：“哦，受了傷害的靈魂！如果他從前讀了我的詩，那他就能相信，那末他現在也不至於損害你了；因為他不相信，我纔叫他做這件事情，我心裏也覺得很難過！但是，請你告訴他，你是誰，因此他回到世上的時候，好把你的名字告訴大衆，這樣就算他對於你的補償了。”那樹幹說：“你這種甜言蜜語，使我聽了不能再守沉默；但是，假使我的話說得長了一些請你們不要生氣。我是這樣一個人，他握着腓特烈之心的兩把鑰匙或開或關我都十分仔細，因此別人都得不着他的生氣；我對於我光榮的職責非常忠實，因此我失掉我的休息和健康。但是那娼妓淫蕩的眼睛從未離開過凱撒的宮殿，這是人民的災害，朝廷的罪惡；她煽動了許多心來反對我，這些心又煽動了奧古斯都；於是我愉快的榮光成了慘淡的憂慮。我受了這樣羞辱，想着衹有一死可以雪洗，所以對於我公正的身體，就加以不公正的待遇。我可以對你們發誓，我從未對於我值得敬重的主人失掉過一次忠實。假使你們之中有一個回到世上，請為我伸冤昭雪，因為我在這裏還受着嫉妒的打擊呢！”
　　　
　　 詩人等了一回，於是對我說：“他靜默了，不要失去時光，假使你還想多知道一些，你就對他說罷，你快些問他罷。”我回答他道：“你認為什麽事情可以滿足我，你就問他罷；至於我呢，我心裏面充滿着憐惜，我不會再問他了。”因此維吉爾又開始說：“哦，囚禁在這棵樹裏的靈魂呀！你的請求，這個人都可替你辦到。再請你告訴我們：你們的靈魂為什麽會和這個多節多瘤的樹木聯在一起；並且，假使你能夠告訴我們：你們的靈魂是否也有脫離囚禁的一天。”
　　　
　　 當時樹枝鳴嗚作響，即刻風聲就成為話語：“我可以簡單地告訴你們：當那兇狠的靈魂自願離開他的肉體的時候，米諾斯即刻把他投進深淵的第七圈。他落在樹林之中，並沒有選定的地位給他，衹是偶然的碰到，好比種子落了地，就在那裏生根發芽，長成小樹，後來就變得這樣奇形怪狀。哈爾皮吃他的葉子，給他痛苦，從那損傷之處發出痛苦的呻吟聲。他也和別的靈魂一樣，我們將來要回到我們的軀殼，但是我們不能再穿上我們的原來的衣服；因為一個人既然把他扔掉，就沒有權利再把他收回了，我們從那裏把軀殼拖回來，把他吊在凄慘的森林裏，各人在各人靈魂所長成的樹上。”
　　　
　　 我們還在那裏聽着；以為那樹幹還有很話要說呢，忽然被一種聲浪驚住，如同一個人聽見了打獵的聲音一樣，我們聽見追逐的狗叫和枝葉的折落聲。看呀！在我們左邊，兩個赤身露體、滿目瘡痍的靈魂，從樹林中猛衝過來，把許多嫩枝幼樹都碰折了。跑在前面的一個說：“現在你來罷，來罷，死神呀！”其餘的一個自以為跑得太遲了，叫道：“拉諾，你的腿不及托波之戰的時候來得輕便了。”他的氣要跑得落下去了，他跑不動了，他衹好躲藏在亂樹草叢之中。在他們的後面，一群黑狗追趕着，像新斷了鎖鏈的饑餓的獵犬一樣。假使一犯人蹲下來，他們就擁上去把他咬得粉碎，把他活跳的四肢撕得東一塊，西一塊。
　　　
　　 我的引路人拉了我的手，走到一株樹旁。那樹正在流血，同時我聽見他叫道：“雅各波·達·聖安德烈亞！你的罪惡和我有什麽關係？你為什麽把我做你的簾子呢？”當時我老師正站在那裏，就說：“你是準？你這樣流着血，說話的聲音又這樣凄苦！”於是那樹對我們說：”兩位靈魂，你們看見我受了損害，葉子飄落滿地麽？請你們替我拾起來，使他們歸到可憐的樹根罷！我是那個城裏的居民，那裏因為施洗者聖約翰而遺棄了他的第一個保護神、因此這個神使他受戰爭的痛苦；假使不是在阿爾諾河上還留着他石像的一片，那末雖然那班市民想把給阿提拉所燒毀的城市復興起來，也是徒勞的。至於我呢，我在傢裏為自己做了一個絞臺。”

　　ERE Nessus yet had reach'd the other bank,
　　We enter'd on a forest, where no track
　　Of steps had worn a way. Not verdant there
　　The foliage, but of dusky hue; not light
　　The boughs and tapering, but with knares deform'd
　　And matted thick: fruits there were none, but thorns
　　Instead, with venom fill'd. Less sharp than these,
　　Less intricate the brakes, wherein abide
　　Those animals, that hate the cultur'd fields,
　　Betwixt Corneto and Cecina's stream.
　　
　　
　　Here the brute Harpies make their nest, the same
　　Who from the Strophades the Trojan band
　　Drove with dire boding of their future woe.
　　Broad are their pennons, of the human form
　　Their neck and count'nance, arm'd with talons keen
　　The feet, and the huge belly fledge with wings
　　These sit and wail on the drear mystic wood.
　　
　　The kind instructor in these words began:
　　"Ere farther thou proceed, know thou art now
　　I' th' second round, and shalt be, till thou come
　　Upon the horrid sand: look therefore well
　　Around thee, and such things thou shalt behold,
　　As would my speech discredit." On all sides
　　I heard sad plainings breathe, and none could see
　　From whom they might have issu'd. In amaze
　　Fast bound I stood. He, as it seem'd, believ'd,
　　That I had thought so many voices came
　　From some amid those thickets close conceal'd,
　　And thus his speech resum'd: "If thou lop off
　　A single twig from one of those ill plants,
　　The thought thou hast conceiv'd shall vanish quite."
　　
　　Thereat a little stretching forth my hand,
　　From a great wilding gather'd I a branch,
　　And straight the trunk exclaim'd: "Why pluck'st thou me?"
　　
　　
　　Then as the dark blood trickled down its side,
　　These words it added: "Wherefore tear'st me thus?
　　Is there no touch of mercy in thy breast?
　　Men once were we, that now are rooted here.
　　Thy hand might well have spar'd us, had we been
　　The souls of serpents." As a brand yet green,
　　That burning at one end from the' other sends
　　A groaning sound, and hisses with the wind
　　That forces out its way, so burst at once,
　　Forth from the broken splinter words and blood.
　　
　　I, letting fall the bough, remain'd as one
　　Assail'd by terror, and the sage replied:
　　"If he, O injur'd spirit! could have believ'd
　　What he hath seen but in my verse describ'd,
　　He never against thee had stretch'd his hand.
　　But I, because the thing surpass'd belief,
　　Prompted him to this deed, which even now
　　Myself I rue. But tell me, who thou wast;
　　That, for this wrong to do thee some amends,
　　In the upper world (for thither to return
　　Is granted him) thy fame he may revive."
　　
　　
　　"That pleasant word of thine," the trunk replied
　　"Hath so inveigled me, that I from speech
　　Cannot refrain, wherein if I indulge
　　A little longer, in the snare detain'd,
　　Count it not grievous. I it was, who held
　　Both keys to Frederick's heart, and turn'd the wards,
　　Opening and shutting, with a skill so sweet,
　　That besides me, into his inmost breast
　　Scarce any other could admittance find.
　　The faith I bore to my high charge was such,
　　It cost me the life-blood that warm'd my veins.
　　The harlot, who ne'er turn'd her gloating eyes
　　From Caesar's household, common vice and pest
　　Of courts, 'gainst me inflam'd the minds of all;
　　And to Augustus they so spread the flame,
　　That my glad honours chang'd to bitter woes.
　　My soul, disdainful and disgusted, sought
　　Refuge in death from scorn, and I became,
　　Just as I was, unjust toward myself.
　　By the new roots, which fix this stem, I swear,
　　That never faith I broke to my liege lord,
　　Who merited such honour; and of you,
　　If any to the world indeed return,
　　Clear he from wrong my memory, that lies
　　Yet prostrate under envy's cruel blow."
　　
　　First somewhat pausing, till the mournful words
　　Were ended, then to me the bard began:
　　"Lose not the time; but speak and of him ask,
　　If more thou wish to learn." Whence I replied:
　　"Question thou him again of whatsoe'er
　　Will, as thou think'st, content me; for no power
　　Have I to ask, such pity' is at my heart."
　　
　　He thus resum'd; "So may he do for thee
　　Freely what thou entreatest, as thou yet
　　Be pleas'd, imprison'd Spirit! to declare,
　　How in these gnarled joints the soul is tied;
　　And whether any ever from such frame
　　Be loosen'd, if thou canst, that also tell."
　　
　　Thereat the trunk breath'd hard, and the wind soon
　　Chang'd into sounds articulate like these;
　　
　　Briefly ye shall be answer'd. "When departs
　　The fierce soul from the body, by itself
　　Thence torn asunder, to the seventh gulf
　　By Minos doom'd, into the wood it falls,
　　No place assign'd, but wheresoever chance
　　Hurls it, there sprouting, as a grain of spelt,
　　It rises to a sapling, growing thence
　　A savage plant. The Harpies, on its leaves
　　Then feeding, cause both pain and for the pain
　　A vent to grief. We, as the rest, shall come
　　For our own spoils, yet not so that with them
　　We may again be clad; for what a man
　　Takes from himself it is not just he have.
　　Here we perforce shall drag them; and throughout
　　The dismal glade our bodies shall be hung,
　　Each on the wild thorn of his wretched shade."
　　
　　Attentive yet to listen to the trunk
　　We stood, expecting farther speech, when us
　　A noise surpris'd, as when a man perceives
　　The wild boar and the hunt approach his place
　　Of station'd watch, who of the beasts and boughs
　　Loud rustling round him hears. And lo! there came
　　Two naked, torn with briers, in headlong flight,
　　That they before them broke each fan o' th' wood.
　　"Haste now," the foremost cried, "now haste thee death!"
　　
　　
　　The' other, as seem'd, impatient of delay
　　Exclaiming, "Lano! not so bent for speed
　　Thy sinews, in the lists of Toppo's field."
　　And then, for that perchance no longer breath
　　Suffic'd him, of himself and of a bush
　　One group he made. Behind them was the wood
　　Full of black female mastiffs, gaunt and fleet,
　　As greyhounds that have newly slipp'd the leash.
　　On him, who squatted down, they stuck their fangs,
　　And having rent him piecemeal bore away
　　The tortur'd limbs. My guide then seiz'd my hand,
　　And led me to the thicket, which in vain
　　Mourn'd through its bleeding wounds: "O Giacomo
　　Of Sant' Andrea! what avails it thee,"
　　It cried, "that of me thou hast made thy screen?
　　For thy ill life what blame on me recoils?"
　　
　　When o'er it he had paus'd, my master spake:
　　"Say who wast thou, that at so many points
　　Breath'st out with blood thy lamentable speech?"
　　
　　He answer'd: "Oh, ye spirits: arriv'd in time
　　To spy the shameful havoc, that from me
　　My leaves hath sever'd thus, gather them up,
　　And at the foot of their sad parent-tree
　　Carefully lay them. In that city' I dwelt,
　　Who for the Baptist her first patron chang'd,
　　Whence he for this shall cease not with his art
　　To work her woe: and if there still remain'd not
　　On Arno's passage some faint glimpse of him,
　　Those citizens, who rear'd once more her walls
　　Upon the ashes left by Attila,
　　Had labour'd without profit of their toil.
　　I slung the fatal noose from my own roof."

　　第七圈續，第三環：對於上帝殘暴者卡帕紐斯；對於自然殘暴者所多瑪人。降火球的沙地；地獄中河流。
　　　
　　 我為愛鄉之情所感動，為那個已經住聲的靈魂拾起落葉，歸還他的老根。
　　　
　　 於是我們走到樹林的一邊，那裏是第二環和第二環想交之處，正義的神在那裏顯示他可怕的刑場。要把那新的景象弄清楚，我們到了一塊什麽都不生長的平地，那慘淡的樹林正環繞着他，正像那慘淡的血溝環繞着樹林一樣。我們靠近平地的邊界上。就站在那裏。
　　　
　　 那個地上鋪着一層很厚的乾燥的沙、和從前卡托腳下所踏的沙漠一樣，哦，上帝的報復，誰要是看見我眼前的景象，他會怎樣地害怕呀！我看見成群裸露的靈魂，他們都苦苦地哭泣着；他們似乎受着某種法律的約束：有的躺在那裏，脊背着地；有的屈着腿坐着；有的在沙上走着不停。走着的人數多，躺着的人數少，但是他們叫苦最利害。在沙地之上，大火球慢慢地滾落着，像沒有風的時候落在阿爾卑斯山上的雪球一樣。從前，亞歷山大到了印度那個熱地方，看見火星雨點一般地落在他的兵士身上，他們小心地使火星滾在地上，立刻用腳踩滅。因為星星之火，積聚起來就可燎原呀。現在我所看見的也是這樣；永久的火雨落在沙上，因此沙粒一個個都燒紅了，好比打火石的火星，燃着了紙捲一般，那些罪人，不住地手舞腳蹈，在上面要避免火球的打擊，在腳要逃開熱沙的燙傷。
　　　
　　 我開始說：”老師，你曾經剋服過一切，除去那些閉門固拒的精靈；但是這一個大影子是誰呢，他似乎不怕火燙，他躺在那裏這樣自在，對於紛紛的火雨竟視若無物。”那個罪人自己，聽見我嚮引路人問他，叫道：“我活着是這樣，死了還是這樣。在我的末日，雖然尤比特使盡了生平的氣力，用劇烈的雷電燈擊我；雖然他使蒙吉貝勒山上製造雷電的獨眼巨人都睏倦了，他叫道：“幫忙，幫忙，善良的火神！’如在弗雷格拉之戰鬥一樣；但是他終沒有能夠報復得爽快。”於是我的引路人用力說，在以前我沒有聽見過：“卡帕紐斯呀！你已經受了這樣的刑罰，你還要這樣自傲。須知你愈加惱怒，就是你自己愈加痛苦之處。”於是他又用柔和的口氣對我說：“這是圍攻忒拜的七王之一；他從前把自己看得很高，不把上帝放在眼裏，現在似乎他還是這樣；但是，方纔我對他說過了，他的惱怒正是他內心痛苦的表現。現在，你跟着我，當心不要踏在熱沙上，貼近樹林這邊走去，”
　　　
　　 我們默默地走到一塊地方，這裏有小河從樹林裏流出來，水色紅得像血，使我害怕。好比從布利卡梅流出的泉水，給兩旁的娼妓分用，這條小河橫流過沙漠。河底和兩岸都鋪滿石頭：我想我們就要從這裏走過去了。
　　　
　　 我的引路說：“自從我們走進那毫無拒絶的門以來，在所有已經指點給你看過的河流之中，都沒有現在這條河奇異，他能熄滅在他上面的和鄰近的火球。”因為他引起了我的求知欲，我請求他給我食物，於是他又說：“在那大海之中，有一個荒廢的國，名字叫做剋裏特，那裏曾經住着世界尊重的國王，那裏有一座山，名字叫伊達，從前山上是青枝緑葉，現在卻枯老了。瑞阿選了這座山作他兒子避禍的搖籃；因為要他藏匿得更安穩，一班吹鼓手在那裏玲瓏樂，以遮掩孩子的哭聲。在山中立着一個巨大的老人，他背朝嚮達米亞塔，他的面嚮着羅馬，好像是他的鏡子一樣。他的頭是純金做的，手臂和胸膛是銀做的，肚子是銅做的，其餘都是好鐵做的，衹有一隻右腳是泥土做的；但是，在這個最弱的泥腳上，卻擔負了最大部分的重量。在這巨像的各部分，除頭部外，都已經有了裂縫，從這些裂縫裏流出淚水，透入地中；這淚水經過山岩的孔隙，流入地府。就成為阿刻隆，斯提剋斯，弗列格通；然後經過此地，直降到無可再降的地方，在那裏成為科奇上斯；這是個什麽湖，以後你可以知道，所以現在我不必多說了，”於是我對他說：“如果此地的河流是從地面上來的．為什麽我們衹在此地纔看見呢？”他對我說：”你知道這塊地方是圓形的，雖然我們已經降到這樣深，但是還沒有兜了全圈子；所以我們覺得奇怪，但是也不必現出驚疑的神氣，”我說：“老師，弗列格通和勒特在那裏？前一個你提到了，後一個你沒有提到。”他答道：”你的這些問題，都使我歡喜。那沸騰的血水，解答你一個問題。至於勒特呢，他不在這裏，你將來要見到的，那裏靈魂經懺悔而消罪以後。就要在裏面沐浴。”
　　　
　　 最後他說：“現在是離開樹林的時候了；你跟着我。河岸並未燒熱，因為在上面的火球都熄滅了。”

　　SOON as the charity of native land
　　Wrought in my bosom, I the scatter'd leaves
　　Collected, and to him restor'd, who now
　　Was hoarse with utt'rance. To the limit thence
　　We came, which from the third the second round
　　Divides, and where of justice is display'd
　　Contrivance horrible. Things then first seen
　　Clearlier to manifest, I tell how next
　　A plain we reach'd, that from its sterile bed
　　Each plant repell'd. The mournful wood waves round
　　Its garland on all sides, as round the wood
　　Spreads the sad foss. There, on the very edge,
　　Our steps we stay'd. It was an area wide
　　Of arid sand and thick, resembling most
　　The soil that erst by Cato's foot was trod.
　　
　　Vengeance of Heav'n! Oh! how shouldst thou be fear'd
　　By all, who read what here my eyes beheld!
　　
　　Of naked spirits many a flock I saw,
　　All weeping piteously, to different laws
　　Subjected: for on the' earth some lay supine,
　　Some crouching close were seated, others pac'd
　　Incessantly around; the latter tribe,
　　More numerous, those fewer who beneath
　　The torment lay, but louder in their grief.
　　
　　O'er all the sand fell slowly wafting down
　　Dilated flakes of fire, as flakes of snow
　　On Alpine summit, when the wind is hush'd.
　　As in the torrid Indian clime, the son
　　Of Ammon saw upon his warrior band
　　Descending, solid flames, that to the ground
　　Came down: whence he bethought him with his troop
　　To trample on the soil; for easier thus
　　The vapour was extinguish'd, while alone;
　　So fell the eternal fiery flood, wherewith
　　The marble glow'd underneath, as under stove
　　The viands, doubly to augment the pain.
　　
　　
　　Unceasing was the play of wretched hands,
　　Now this, now that way glancing, to shake off
　　The heat, still falling fresh. I thus began:
　　"Instructor! thou who all things overcom'st,
　　Except the hardy demons, that rush'd forth
　　To stop our entrance at the gate, say who
　　Is yon huge spirit, that, as seems, heeds not
　　The burning, but lies writhen in proud scorn,
　　As by the sultry tempest immatur'd?"
　　
　　Straight he himself, who was aware I ask'd
　　My guide of him, exclaim'd: "Such as I was
　　When living, dead such now I am. If Jove
　　Weary his workman out, from whom in ire
　　He snatch'd the lightnings, that at my last day
　　Transfix'd me, if the rest be weary out
　　At their black smithy labouring by turns
　　In Mongibello, while he cries aloud;
　　"Help, help, good Mulciber!" as erst he cried
　　In the Phlegraean warfare, and the bolts
　　Launch he full aim'd at me with all his might,
　　He never should enjoy a sweet revenge."
　　
　　Then thus my guide, in accent higher rais'd
　　Than I before had heard him: "Capaneus!
　　Thou art more punish'd, in that this thy pride
　　Lives yet unquench'd: no torrent, save thy rage,
　　Were to thy fury pain proportion'd full."
　　
　　Next turning round to me with milder lip
　　He spake: "This of the seven kings was one,
　　Who girt the Theban walls with siege, and held,
　　As still he seems to hold, God in disdain,
　　And sets his high omnipotence at nought.
　　But, as I told him, his despiteful mood
　　Is ornament well suits the breast that wears it.
　　Follow me now; and look thou set not yet
　　Thy foot in the hot sand, but to the wood
　　Keep ever close." Silently on we pass'd
　　To where there gushes from the forest's bound
　　A little brook, whose crimson'd wave yet lifts
　　My hair with horror. As the rill, that runs
　　From Bulicame, to be portion'd out
　　Among the sinful women; so ran this
　　Down through the sand, its bottom and each bank
　　Stone-built, and either margin at its side,
　　Whereon I straight perceiv'd our passage lay.
　　
　　"Of all that I have shown thee, since that gate
　　We enter'd first, whose threshold is to none
　　Denied, nought else so worthy of regard,
　　As is this river, has thine eye discern'd,
　　O'er which the flaming volley all is quench'd."
　　
　　So spake my guide; and I him thence besought,
　　That having giv'n me appetite to know,
　　The food he too would give, that hunger crav'd.
　　
　　"In midst of ocean," forthwith he began,
　　"A desolate country lies, which Crete is nam'd,
　　Under whose monarch in old times the world
　　Liv'd pure and chaste. A mountain rises there,
　　Call'd Ida, joyous once with leaves and streams,
　　Deserted now like a forbidden thing.
　　It was the spot which Rhea, Saturn's spouse,
　　Chose for the secret cradle of her son;
　　And better to conceal him, drown'd in shouts
　　His infant cries. Within the mount, upright
　　An ancient form there stands and huge, that turns
　　His shoulders towards Damiata, and at Rome
　　As in his mirror looks. Of finest gold
　　His head is shap'd, pure silver are the breast
　　And arms; thence to the middle is of brass.
　　And downward all beneath well-temper'd steel,
　　Save the right foot of potter's clay, on which
　　Than on the other more erect he stands,
　　Each part except the gold, is rent throughout;
　　And from the fissure tears distil, which join'd
　　Penetrate to that cave. They in their course
　　Thus far precipitated down the rock
　　Form Acheron, and Styx, and Phlegethon;
　　Then by this straiten'd channel passing hence
　　Beneath, e'en to the lowest depth of all,
　　Form there Cocytus, of whose lake (thyself
　　Shall see it) I here give thee no account."
　　
　　Then I to him: "If from our world this sluice
　　Be thus deriv'd; wherefore to us but now
　　Appears it at this edge?" He straight replied:
　　"The place, thou know'st, is round; and though great part
　　Thou have already pass'd, still to the left
　　Descending to the nethermost, not yet
　　Hast thou the circuit made of the whole orb.
　　Wherefore if aught of new to us appear,
　　It needs not bring up wonder in thy looks."
　　
　　Then I again inquir'd: "Where flow the streams
　　Of Phlegethon and Lethe? for of one
　　Thou tell'st not, and the other of that shower,
　　Thou say'st, is form'd." He answer thus return'd:
　　"Doubtless thy questions all well pleas'd I hear.
　　Yet the red seething wave might have resolv'd
　　One thou proposest. Lethe thou shalt see,
　　But not within this hollow, in the place,
　　Whither to lave themselves the spirits go,
　　Whose blame hath been by penitence remov'd."
　　He added: "Time is now we quit the wood.
　　Look thou my steps pursue: the margins give
　　Safe passage, unimpeded by the flames;
　　For over them all vapour is extinct."

　　第七圈，第三環續：勃魯內托·拉蒂尼。
　　　
　　 現在我們走在這邊一條堤岸上，河流上面一團團蒸氣，遮蔽了在上和在旁的火球。好比在佛蘭德爾的海邊，因為要防禦潮水的浸襲，造了堅固的堤岸；又好比在帕多瓦的勃倫塔河邊，因為要防禦卡倫齊亞山頂的雪水使河水泛濫，做了防禦的工程；這裏的堤岸，不問他是誰建築的，雖不那麽高，不那麽厚，但他的功用都是一樣的。
　　　
　　 我們離開樹林已經較遠了，回頭一望模糊不清。那時我們遇見一群靈魂，沿着堤岸走來；他們每個都望着我們，如在月光之下望人一般；他們走近的時候，又註視着我們，如年老縫工穿針一般。就在這樣的註視之下，我被一個人認出了，他拉住我的衣角，叫道：“奇怪極了！”在他伸手的時候，我定睛望着他枯焦的面孔，我竟認不出他是什麽人；因此我彎着腰，低下頭去看他，突然我想起他了，我說：“勃魯內托先生，你在這裏麽？”他說：“我的孩子呀！假使勃魯內托離開他的隊伍，走來接近你片刻，你討厭嗎？”我說：“我是真心歡迎你的；假使你要我停下來談談，這也可以，衹要那一位允許，因為我是跟着他走的。”他說：“我的孩子呀！你不知道：在這一隊裏面，不論是誰，要是他停止下來，他就要受罰躺下來火燒一百年。所以，我們同行罷，我拉住你的衣角；稍後，我再歸隊，在那裏萬古千年受災。”
　　　
　　 我不敢從堤岸上降下去和他同行，我衹低着頭嚮前走，像一個行敬禮的人。他開始說；“在你未到末日之前，你便走到此地，究竟是什麽機會？什麽命運？那位引路的是誰？”我回答道：“在地上的時候，我還在清明的生活之中，我迷途在一個山𠔌裏了，那時我的年紀還沒有達到壯年。昨天早晨，我走出山𠔌；在我遭到危險進退兩難的時候，他忽然出現在我前面，就是他指引我經過這裏，走嚮歸傢的路。”
　　　
　　 於是他對我說：“假使你跟着你的燈塔，你不會達不到那光榮的歸宿處，衹要我在世的預言是確實；而且，假使我不死得太前，看見天對於你這樣恩惠，那末我對於你的工作一定加以贊譽。不過，這些人們是負心的，兇惡的；他們是古菲埃佐勒的後代他們仍舊保留着山岩的野性；他們對於你的善行，必然加以反對，視若仇敵、這是當然之理，因為在荊棘之中，决不容無花果樹結實的。古代傳說中，說他們是盲目的，是貪鄙，嫉妒，傲慢的民族；你切勿與他們同流合污。你的命運替你保留着榮譽，使此黨彼黨都為着你而饑餓；幸而青草離開山羊遠了。聽菲埃佐勒的走獸自相吞食罷，衹要他們不損害植物，假使在這污穢的地上，可以長出一株來。因此，在這萬惡之窟，可以使羅馬人遺留的種子復活。”
　　　
　　 我回答道：“假使上帝接受我的祈禱，你决不會給人類所拋棄的。因為在我的頭腦裏，即刻着你親愛的、和善的、父母一般的面貌，這種印象現在都涌到我心頭。你在世的時候，多次訓導我怎樣做一個不朽的人物；因此我很感謝你，我活着的時候，應當宣揚你的功德。方纔你所說關於我未來的話，我要銘記在心。和別人的一番話同在一個女人面前得着解釋，假使我能夠到她那裏。我所要使你相信的是：我衹要於心無愧，命運對於我無論怎樣都好，我早已有預備了。像你這種預言，我耳朵裏聽了不止一次了；所以，聽命運隨心所欲地旋轉他的輪盤，和聽農夫使用他的鋤頭一樣罷。”
　　　
　　 當時我的引路人回轉頭來望我，他說：“善聽者銘於心。”於是我和勃魯內托邊行邊談，我問他誰是他最有名的伴侶。他對我說：“其中有幾個值得知道，其他的可以不說，因為時間太短不能多說。簡言之，他們大概是牧師，學者，和知名之士；他們在地上的時候，都犯了同樣的罪。普利珊和阿科爾索都在這個隊伍裏面；假使你希望多看一點，那末這個人也在裏面，他給衆僕之僕從阿爾諾遷到巴奇利奧內，在那裏他放縱他的腦筋。”我還想多說一點，但是已經沒有工夫了；因為我看見前面塵土飛揚，我的隊伍已經來了。我的著作《寶庫全書》，是我精神的寄托，我介紹給你。我一無所求了。”
　　　
　　 於是他掉轉頭去，急歸隊伍，他的速度和賽跑獲得錦標者沒有兩樣。

　　One of the solid margins bears us now
　　Envelop'd in the mist, that from the stream
　　Arising, hovers o'er, and saves from fire
　　Both piers and water. As the Flemings rear
　　Their mound, 'twixt Ghent and Bruges, to chase back
　　The ocean, fearing his tumultuous tide
　　That drives toward them, or the Paduans theirs
　　Along the Brenta, to defend their towns
　　And castles, ere the genial warmth be felt
　　On Chiarentana's top; such were the mounds,
　　So fram'd, though not in height or bulk to these
　　Made equal, by the master, whosoe'er
　　He was, that rais'd them here. We from the wood
　　Were not so far remov'd, that turning round
　　I might not have discern'd it, when we met
　　A troop of spirits, who came beside the pier.
　　
　　They each one ey'd us, as at eventide
　　One eyes another under a new moon,
　　And toward us sharpen'd their sight as keen,
　　As an old tailor at his needle's eye.
　　
　　Thus narrowly explor'd by all the tribe,
　　I was agniz'd of one, who by the skirt
　　Caught me, and cried, "What wonder have we here!"
　　
　　And I, when he to me outstretch'd his arm,
　　Intently fix'd my ken on his parch'd looks,
　　That although smirch'd with fire, they hinder'd not
　　But I remember'd him; and towards his face
　　My hand inclining, answer'd: "Sir! Brunetto!
　　
　　
　　"And art thou here?" He thus to me: "My son!
　　Oh let it not displease thee, if Brunetto
　　Latini but a little space with thee
　　Turn back, and leave his fellows to proceed."
　　
　　I thus to him replied: "Much as I can,
　　I thereto pray thee; and if thou be willing,
　　That I here seat me with thee, I consent;
　　His leave, with whom I journey, first obtain'd."
　　
　　"O son!" said he, "whoever of this throng
　　One instant stops, lies then a hundred years,
　　No fan to ventilate him, when the fire
　　Smites sorest. Pass thou therefore on. I close
　　Will at thy garments walk, and then rejoin
　　My troop, who go mourning their endless doom."
　　
　　I dar'd not from the path descend to tread
　　On equal ground with him, but held my head
　　Bent down, as one who walks in reverent guise.
　　
　　"What chance or destiny," thus he began,
　　"Ere the last day conducts thee here below?
　　And who is this, that shows to thee the way?"
　　
　　"There up aloft," I answer'd, "in the life
　　Serene, I wander'd in a valley lost,
　　Before mine age had to its fullness reach'd.
　　But yester-morn I left it: then once more
　　Into that vale returning, him I met;
　　And by this path homeward he leads me back."
　　
　　"If thou," he answer'd, "follow but thy star,
　　Thou canst not miss at last a glorious haven:
　　Unless in fairer days my judgment err'd.
　　And if my fate so early had not chanc'd,
　　Seeing the heav'ns thus bounteous to thee, I
　　Had gladly giv'n thee comfort in thy work.
　　But that ungrateful and malignant race,
　　Who in old times came down from Fesole,
　　Ay and still smack of their rough mountain-flint,
　　Will for thy good deeds shew thee enmity.
　　Nor wonder; for amongst ill-savour'd crabs
　　It suits not the sweet fig-tree lay her fruit.
　　Old fame reports them in the world for blind,
　　Covetous, envious, proud. Look to it well:
　　Take heed thou cleanse thee of their ways. For thee
　　Thy fortune hath such honour in reserve,
　　That thou by either party shalt be crav'd
　　With hunger keen: but be the fresh herb far
　　From the goat's tooth. The herd of Fesole
　　May of themselves make litter, not touch the plant,
　　If any such yet spring on their rank bed,
　　In which the holy seed revives, transmitted
　　From those true Romans, who still there remain'd,
　　When it was made the nest of so much ill."
　　
　　"Were all my wish fulfill'd," I straight replied,
　　"Thou from the confines of man's nature yet
　　Hadst not been driven forth; for in my mind
　　Is fix'd, and now strikes full upon my heart
　　The dear, benign, paternal image, such
　　As thine was, when so lately thou didst teach me
　　The way for man to win eternity;
　　And how I priz'd the lesson, it behooves,
　　That, long as life endures, my tongue should speak,
　　What of my fate thou tell'st, that write I down:
　　And with another text to comment on
　　For her I keep it, the celestial dame,
　　Who will know all, if I to her arrive.
　　This only would I have thee clearly note:
　　That so my conscience have no plea against me;
　　Do fortune as she list, I stand prepar'd.
　　Not new or strange such earnest to mine ear.
　　Speed fortune then her wheel, as likes her best,
　　The clown his mattock; all things have their course."
　　
　　Thereat my sapient guide upon his right
　　Turn'd himself back, then look'd at me and spake:
　　"He listens to good purpose who takes note."
　　
　　I not the less still on my way proceed,
　　Discoursing with Brunetto, and inquire
　　Who are most known and chief among his tribe.
　　
　　"To know of some is well;" thus he replied,
　　"But of the rest silence may best beseem.
　　Time would not serve us for report so long.
　　In brief I tell thee, that all these were clerks,
　　Men of great learning and no less renown,
　　By one same sin polluted in the world.
　　With them is Priscian, and Accorso's son
　　Francesco herds among that wretched throng:
　　And, if the wish of so impure a blotch
　　Possess'd thee, him thou also might'st have seen,
　　Who by the servants' servant was transferr'd
　　From Arno's seat to Bacchiglione, where
　　His ill-strain'd nerves he left. I more would add,
　　But must from farther speech and onward way
　　Alike desist, for yonder I behold
　　A mist new-risen on the sandy plain.
　　A company, with whom I may not sort,
　　Approaches. I commend my TREASURE to thee,
　　Wherein I yet survive; my sole request."
　　
　　This said he turn'd, and seem'd as one of those,
　　Who o'er Verona's champain try their speed
　　For the green mantle, and of them he seem'd,
　　Not he who loses but who gains the prize.

　　第七圈，第三環續：三個佛羅倫薩的著名人士。怪物格呂翁。
　　　
　　 我們已經走近聽到河水降入別的圈子的地方，河水發出有點像蜂巢旁邊嗡嗡的聲音；那時有三個影子，脫離受火雨打擊的隊伍嚮着我們跑來。他們喊道：“你站下來。看你的衣服，準是從我們混亂的國土上來的。”可憐呀！我看見他們身上，新傷舊痕，都是被火燒的。我現在一想起來我心裏就很難過。我的老師聽見了他們的呼喊，他掉轉頭來對我說：“等一下罷！我們應當對於他們表示些敬意；假使他們那裏沒有火球下降，我說還是你應當嚮着他們跑去呢。”
　　　
　　 我們站住之後，他們又開始他們的悲呼嘆息；在接近我們的時候，他們三個牽着手旋轉，不停止地運動。好像角力的武士們，裸着，塗着油，在交手以前，想找出他們的攻擊點。影子們也是這樣，一方面旋轉着，一方面用眼睛看着我，因此他們頭的運動常和腳的運動相反。其中有一個開始說：“假使我們的不幸，派在這塊鬆土上面，焦頭爛額，引起你對於我們的輕視，至少，我們在世的聲名也許足以使你告訴我：你是誰，能用平穩的腳步經過這裏？在我前面的一個，雖然他體無完膚，他的名聲地位卻高於你所相信的：他是有善行的郭爾德拉達之孫，名字叫做圭多*貴拉；他在世之時，以頭腦和刀劍聞名。 在我後面的一個叫做臺嘉佑，他的忠言應當為世人所接受。至於我自己呢，我叫做盧斯蒂庫奇；當然，我的潑婦害我甚於別人。”
　　　
　　 假使我能夠避開那火球，我也許走下堤岸，衝進他們的隊伍，我相信我的老師不會阻止我的。但是，我恐怕燙傷，走上前去擁抱他們的心願不得不勉強壓製下來。於是我開始說：“决計不是輕衊，衹有悲傷之不暇。你們給我的印象，將深入我的心中，當我的引路人對我說了那幾句話，我就感覺着會有你們這樣的人到了。我是你們的同鄉，我常常聽見人傢說到你們光榮的名字，說起你們的行為，聽到這些我肅然起敬。我現在離開煩惱，去尋求我有德行的引路人所允許我的甜果；但是在達到目的之前，我必須走過地球的中心點。”
　　　
　　 於是他回答道：“但願你的靈魂長久存於你的肉體，而且你的聲名百世流芳！請你告訴我們：禮貌和勇敢是否住在我們的城裏，照例應當如此的，還是已經逃離那裏？因為最近我們這裏來了一個名叫波西厄爾的，他的一番話使我們大大的傷悲。”那時我擡頭叫道：“一個暴發戶的突然富有，佛羅倫薩呀！使你的城裏生出放蕩和驕傲，因此早已使你落淚了。”那三個影子，懂得這個就是我的回答；他們面面相視，和一個人知道了實情以後的神氣一樣。他們共同回答道；“假使在別的時候，你也可以痛痛快快，三言兩語，滿意地答覆了人傢的話，那末你可以開心了！假使你走出了這昏暗的地方，再見那光明的世界，當你說到：“我曾經走過……”的時候，請你嚮人類提起我們的名字。”說罷，他們放手逃去，像腳上生着翅膀，連“阿們”二字都沒有說完，就早已不見了。
　　　
　　 我的老師催我，我們該走了。我們走了一小段路，聽見水聲已經十分接近我們，我們簡直不能再談話了。好比從蒙維佐山流出的水——流在亞平寧山的左方；在流到福爾裏之前，他的名字叫做阿誇凱塔在下遊，有一個聖貝內戴托大寺，可作一千人的避難；這裏的赤水也是那樣，下瀉的聲浪，震耳欲聾。
　　　
　　 在我的腰部有一條繩子，有時候我想用他來縛住那五色斑斕的豹。我把他解下來，繞在手裏，送給我的引路人，這是他吩咐我的。他站在深淵邊緣，身子嚮右傾，把繩子投到下面去。
　　　
　　 我心裏想：“這一種新的信號，一定有新的答覆；我的引路人似乎註視着呢。”
　　　
　　 一個人和智者站在一起真要小心謹慎呀！他不僅看清楚你的外表行為，就是你內心的思想他也能看清楚呢。他對我說：“我所希望的馬上要來了；你所思的馬上要出現在你面前了。”
　　　
　　 對於一種外表上似乎是偽造的真理、一個人最好是閉口不說；因為他雖然沒有罪過、他要被人傢看作說誑的人呢。但是我在這裏不能保持靜默，假使他有永久的價值，我要以我的喜劇嚮讀者諸君發誓，我看見：在昏暗濃厚的空氣中，有一個東西遊動着，就是再膽大的人看了也要嚇呆；那東西有點像沒入海水中去拔錨的，錨每有固着在暗礁上的時候，在拔起之後，張開他的上肢，緊縮他的兩腳，遊嚮水面。

　　NOW came I where the water's din was heard,
　　As down it fell into the other round,
　　Resounding like the hum of swarming bees:
　　When forth together issu'd from a troop,
　　That pass'd beneath the fierce tormenting storm,
　　Three spirits, running swift. They towards us came,
　　And each one cried aloud, "Oh do thou stay!
　　Whom by the fashion of thy garb we deem
　　To be some inmate of our evil land."
　　
　　Ah me! what wounds I mark'd upon their limbs,
　　Recent and old, inflicted by the flames!
　　E'en the remembrance of them grieves me yet.
　　
　　Attentive to their cry my teacher paus'd,
　　And turn'd to me his visage, and then spake;
　　"Wait now! our courtesy these merit well:
　　And were 't not for the nature of the place,
　　Whence glide the fiery darts, I should have said,
　　That haste had better suited thee than them."
　　
　　They, when we stopp'd, resum'd their ancient wail,
　　And soon as they had reach'd us, all the three
　　Whirl'd round together in one restless wheel.
　　As naked champions, smear'd with slippery oil,
　　Are wont intent to watch their place of hold
　　And vantage, ere in closer strife they meet;
　　Thus each one, as he wheel'd, his countenance
　　At me directed, so that opposite
　　The neck mov'd ever to the twinkling feet.
　　
　　"If misery of this drear wilderness,"
　　Thus one began, "added to our sad cheer
　　And destitute, do call forth scorn on us
　　And our entreaties, let our great renown
　　Incline thee to inform us who thou art,
　　That dost imprint with living feet unharm'd
　　The soil of Hell. He, in whose track thou see'st
　　My steps pursuing, naked though he be
　　And reft of all, was of more high estate
　　Than thou believest; grandchild of the chaste
　　Gualdrada, him they Guidoguerra call'd,
　　Who in his lifetime many a noble act
　　Achiev'd, both by his wisdom and his sword.
　　The other, next to me that beats the sand,
　　Is Aldobrandi, name deserving well,
　　In the' upper world, of honour; and myself
　　Who in this torment do partake with them,
　　Am Rusticucci, whom, past doubt, my wife
　　Of savage temper, more than aught beside
　　Hath to this evil brought." If from the fire
　　I had been shelter'd, down amidst them straight
　　I then had cast me, nor my guide, I deem,
　　Would have restrain'd my going; but that fear
　　Of the dire burning vanquish'd the desire,
　　Which made me eager of their wish'd embrace.
　　
　　I then began: "Not scorn, but grief much more,
　　Such as long time alone can cure, your doom
　　Fix'd deep within me, soon as this my lord
　　Spake words, whose tenour taught me to expect
　　That such a race, as ye are, was at hand.
　　I am a countryman of yours, who still
　　Affectionate have utter'd, and have heard
　　Your deeds and names renown'd. Leaving the gall
　　For the sweet fruit I go, that a sure guide
　　Hath promis'd to me. But behooves, that far
　　As to the centre first I downward tend."
　　
　　"So may long space thy spirit guide thy limbs,"
　　He answer straight return'd; "and so thy fame
　　Shine bright, when thou art gone; as thou shalt tell,
　　If courtesy and valour, as they wont,
　　Dwell in our city, or have vanish'd clean?
　　For one amidst us late condemn'd to wail,
　　Borsiere, yonder walking with his peers,
　　Grieves us no little by the news he brings."
　　
　　"An upstart multitude and sudden gains,
　　Pride and excess, O Florence! have in thee
　　Engender'd, so that now in tears thou mourn'st!"
　　Thus cried I with my face uprais'd, and they
　　All three, who for an answer took my words,
　　Look'd at each other, as men look when truth
　　Comes to their ear. "If thou at other times,"
　　They all at once rejoin'd, "so easily
　　Satisfy those, who question, happy thou,
　　Gifted with words, so apt to speak thy thought!
　　Wherefore if thou escape this darksome clime,
　　Returning to behold the radiant stars,
　　When thou with pleasure shalt retrace the past,
　　See that of us thou speak among mankind."
　　
　　This said, they broke the circle, and so swift
　　Fled, that as pinions seem'd their nimble feet.
　　
　　Not in so short a time might one have said
　　"Amen," as they had vanish'd. Straight my guide
　　Pursu'd his track. I follow'd; and small space
　　Had we pass'd onward, when the water's sound
　　Was now so near at hand, that we had scarce
　　Heard one another's speech for the loud din.
　　
　　E'en as the river, that holds on its course
　　Unmingled, from the mount of Vesulo,
　　On the left side of Apennine, toward
　　The east, which Acquacheta higher up
　　They call, ere it descend into the vale,
　　At Forli by that name no longer known,
　　Rebellows o'er Saint Benedict, roll'd on
　　From the' Alpine summit down a precipice,
　　Where space enough to lodge a thousand spreads;
　　Thus downward from a craggy steep we found,
　　That this dark wave resounded, roaring loud,
　　So that the ear its clamour soon had stunn'd.
　　
　　I had a cord that brac'd my girdle round,
　　Wherewith I erst had thought fast bound to take
　　The painted leopard. This when I had all
　　Unloosen'd from me (so my master bade)
　　I gather'd up, and stretch'd it forth to him.
　　Then to the right he turn'd, and from the brink
　　Standing few paces distant, cast it down
　　Into the deep abyss. "And somewhat strange,"
　　Thus to myself I spake, "signal so strange
　　Betokens, which my guide with earnest eye
　　Thus follows." Ah! what caution must men use
　　With those who look not at the deed alone,
　　But spy into the thoughts with subtle skill!
　　
　　"Quickly shall come," he said, "what I expect,
　　Thine eye discover quickly, that whereof
　　Thy thought is dreaming." Ever to that truth,
　　Which but the semblance of a falsehood wears,
　　A man, if possible, should bar his lip;
　　Since, although blameless, he incurs reproach.
　　But silence here were vain; and by these notes
　　Which now I sing, reader! I swear to thee,
　　So may they favour find to latest times!
　　That through the gross and murky air I spied
　　A shape come swimming up, that might have quell'd
　　The stoutest heart with wonder, in such guise
　　As one returns, who hath been down to loose
　　An anchor grappled fast against some rock,
　　Or to aught else that in the salt wave lies,
　　Who upward springing close draws in his feet.

　　第七圈，第三環續：重利盤剝者。下降到第八圈。
　　　
　　 “要註視這個有細長尾巴的野獸，他能夠超越山嶺，穿破墻壁，折斷兵器；註視這個毒害全世界的怪物！”我的引路人這樣開始對我說；他做着手勢叫那野獸上岸，接近我們走着的石路之一端。於是那個“欺詐的醜像”嚮前移動了；他的頭，他的胸部都上了岸，衹有尾巴拖在後面。他的面孔是一個正直人的面孔，外貌非常和善，但是其餘的身體就和蛇一樣了。他有兩個爪子，長看毛直到腋下；他的背上，胸下，腰部都畫滿糾纏的結的和各種的圈兒；就是韃靼人或突厥人所用的布匹，也沒有那麽多顔色和花紋；就是阿拉科的織布機上面，也織不出來。他像一條劃子，半段擱在岸上，半段還在河裏；又像“貪吃的日耳曼人”那裏的水獺，把尾巴放在水裏釣魚。這個最壞的野獸就是那樣爬在石岸上，那石岸正攔住了赤熱的沙地。他那細長尾巴在空中搖動，尾巴尖端似乎裝着一把有毒的鈎子，和蝎子的尾巴差不多。
　　　
　　 老師對我說：“我們現在必須靠近這個兇惡的野獸，他正趴在那裏呢。”於是我們降到右邊，站着離開深淵有十步的光景，這一方面也不踏着沙，觸着火。我們走近他的時候，看見一群坐在熱沙上的靈魂。那時老師對我說：“你應當看遍這一圈，也可以去訪問他們。但是，要少說幾句話；等你回來的時候，我就要嚮這個野獸藉用他強壯的背脊了。”
　　　
　　 因此我順着第七圈的邊界走去，一路看到的，都是那些坐着的可憐人。從他們的眼睛裏，噴出他們苦惱的淚水；在上面，要揮開那天火，在下面，要撇開那熱沙；好比那夏天的狗了，不耐煩地用爪，用嘴去趕走他身上的蚤虱或蒼蠅一般。我看看他們的臉，一個都不認識；但是我看見他們的胸前都挂着一個袋子，袋子有各種顔色，上面印着多種花紋，他們的眼睛似乎衹盯着袋子。我看見一個黃色的袋子，上面畫着一隻藍色的獅子。我走過去幾步，又看見一個鮮紅如血的袋子，上面畫着一隻潔白的鵝。最後有一個，他那銀色的袋子上面畫着藍色的大肚子母野豬；他對我說：“你到這個潭子裏來幹什麽？你快些回去罷；因為你是活人，請你帶一個信兒給我的鄰居維塔利阿諾，他就要來坐在我的左邊。我是和這些佛羅倫薩人在一起的，帕多瓦人。我不時被他們叫聲震得耳聾，他們喊道：“騎士的王來罷，他的袋子上面畫着三衹山羊呢！’”說罷他扭歪他的嘴，吐出他的舌頭，像牛用舌頭舐自己的鼻孔一樣。
　　　
　　 我恐怕停留的時間太久，我的引路人要怪我，所以我離開這群可詛咒的靈魂，急着回來。我看見我的引路人已經坐在那怪物的背上了；他對我說：”現在要顯示出你的勇氣，我們必須用這個做梯子，纔可以下降；你坐在他的前部，我坐在他的中部，這樣他的尾巴纔不致傷害了你。”我聽了他的這番話，好比得了瘧疾一樣，指甲已經變成灰白色了，全身已經發抖了，衹等那寒冷的來臨；但是，我要是膽怯，就太可恥了，英明的主人應該有勇敢的僕人呢。於是我爬上那怪物的闊肩上，我心裏想說：“請你抱住我！”可是嘴裏沒有說出。但是，他從前有好幾次救我脫險，現在我一坐上去，他早已用雙手抱任我的腰了；於是他說：“格呂翁，現在你可以動了！把圈子兜得大一些，慢慢地下降。請你記牢。這次不是平常的重量。”
　　　
　　 好比劃子嚮後退一般，那怪物漸漸離開了堤岸；當他覺得全身鬆動以後，他掉轉他的首尾，像鰻魚一條，開始遊泳，用他兩個爪鼓動空氣。從前法厄同放鬆繮繩的時候，因此而燒毀的一部分天空，現在還看得見呢，還有可憐的伊卡洛斯覺得蠟比羽落，他父親叫喊“你走錯路了！”的時候，我相信都沒有我在這個時候的害怕，那時候我的四周除怪物以外一物不辨。他緩緩地遊泳，兜着圈子，慢慢地下降，可是我都不知道，當時衹覺得寒風打在我的臉上和腳下。在我的右邊，我已經聽見從下面傳來飛瀑衝擊的聲音；因此我伸頭下望，當時我更覺得害怕了。因為我看見下面的火光，聽見下面的悲聲了，於是我全身發抖，縮做一團。後來纔看見，起初沒有看見，我們的下降，我們的蠃旋運動，使一切罪大惡極的都從四面接近我們了。好比一隻老鷹，他飛得長久了，卻沒有尋着一隻獵物，因此放鷹的叫道：“呀！你下來了麽？”但是他疲倦了，他已經飛了幾百個圈子，他衹能慚愧地停止下來，遠遠地離開他的主人。格呂翁也是這樣地降落下來，正在石壁的腳旁；後來，我們跳下他的背脊，他就如箭離弦，轉眼就不見了。

　　"LO! the fell monster with the deadly sting!
　　Who passes mountains, breaks through fenced walls
　　And firm embattled spears, and with his filth
　　Taints all the world!" Thus me my guide address'd,
　　And beckon'd him, that he should come to shore,
　　Near to the stony causeway's utmost edge.
　　
　　
　　Forthwith that image vile of fraud appear'd,
　　His head and upper part expos'd on land,
　　But laid not on the shore his bestial train.
　　His face the semblance of a just man's wore,
　　So kind and gracious was its outward cheer;
　　The rest was serpent all: two shaggy claws
　　Reach'd to the armpits, and the back and breast,
　　And either side, were painted o'er with nodes
　　And orbits. Colours variegated more
　　Nor Turks nor Tartars e'er on cloth of state
　　With interchangeable embroidery wove,
　　Nor spread Arachne o'er her curious loom.
　　As ofttimes a light skiff, moor'd to the shore,
　　Stands part in water, part upon the land;
　　Or, as where dwells the greedy German boor,
　　The beaver settles watching for his prey;
　　So on the rim, that fenc'd the sand with rock,
　　Sat perch'd the fiend of evil. In the void
　　Glancing, his tail upturn'd its venomous fork,
　　With sting like scorpion's arm'd. Then thus my guide:
　　"Now need our way must turn few steps apart,
　　Far as to that ill beast, who couches there."
　　
　　Thereat toward the right our downward course
　　We shap'd, and, better to escape the flame
　　And burning marle, ten paces on the verge
　　Proceeded. Soon as we to him arrive,
　　A little further on mine eye beholds
　　A tribe of spirits, seated on the sand
　　Near the wide chasm. Forthwith my master spake:
　　"That to the full thy knowledge may extend
　　Of all this round contains, go now, and mark
　　The mien these wear: but hold not long discourse.
　　Till thou returnest, I with him meantime
　　Will parley, that to us he may vouchsafe
　　The aid of his strong shoulders." Thus alone
　　Yet forward on the' extremity I pac'd
　　Of that seventh circle, where the mournful tribe
　　Were seated. At the eyes forth gush'd their pangs.
　　Against the vapours and the torrid soil
　　Alternately their shifting hands they plied.
　　Thus use the dogs in summer still to ply
　　Their jaws and feet by turns, when bitten sore
　　By gnats, or flies, or gadflies swarming round.
　　
　　Noting the visages of some, who lay
　　Beneath the pelting of that dolorous fire,
　　One of them all I knew not; but perceiv'd,
　　That pendent from his neck each bore a pouch
　　With colours and with emblems various mark'd,
　　On which it seem'd as if their eye did feed.
　　
　　And when amongst them looking round I came,
　　A yellow purse I saw with azure wrought,
　　That wore a lion's countenance and port.
　　Then still my sight pursuing its career,
　　Another I beheld, than blood more red.
　　A goose display of whiter wing than curd.
　　And one, who bore a fat and azure swine
　　Pictur'd on his white scrip, addressed me thus:
　　"What dost thou in this deep? Go now and know,
　　Since yet thou livest, that my neighbour here
　　Vitaliano on my left shall sit.
　　A Paduan with these Florentines am I.
　　Ofttimes they thunder in mine ears, exclaiming
　　'O haste that noble knight! he who the pouch
　　With the three beaks will bring!'" This said, he writh'd
　　The mouth, and loll'd the tongue out, like an ox
　　That licks his nostrils. I, lest longer stay
　　He ill might brook, who bade me stay not long,
　　Backward my steps from those sad spirits turn'd.
　　
　　My guide already seated on the haunch
　　Of the fierce animal I found; and thus
　　He me encourag'd. "Be thou stout; be bold.
　　Down such a steep flight must we now descend!
　　Mount thou before: for that no power the tail
　　May have to harm thee, I will be i' th' midst."
　　
　　As one, who hath an ague fit so near,
　　His nails already are turn'd blue, and he
　　Quivers all o'er, if he but eye the shade;
　　Such was my cheer at hearing of his words.
　　But shame soon interpos'd her threat, who makes
　　The servant bold in presence of his lord.
　　
　　I settled me upon those shoulders huge,
　　And would have said, but that the words to aid
　　My purpose came not, "Look thou clasp me firm!"
　　
　　But he whose succour then not first I prov'd,
　　Soon as I mounted, in his arms aloft,
　　Embracing, held me up, and thus he spake:
　　"Geryon! now move thee! be thy wheeling gyres
　　Of ample circuit, easy thy descent.
　　Think on th' unusual burden thou sustain'st."
　　
　　
　　As a small vessel, back'ning out from land,
　　Her station quits; so thence the monster loos'd,
　　And when he felt himself at large, turn'd round
　　There where the breast had been, his forked tail.
　　Thus, like an eel, outstretch'd at length he steer'd,
　　Gath'ring the air up with retractile claws.
　　
　　Not greater was the dread when Phaeton
　　The reins let drop at random, whence high heaven,
　　Whereof signs yet appear, was wrapt in flames;
　　Nor when ill-fated Icarus perceiv'd,
　　By liquefaction of the scalded wax,
　　The trusted pennons loosen'd from his loins,
　　His sire exclaiming loud, "Ill way thou keep'st!"
　　Than was my dread, when round me on each part
　　The air I view'd, and other object none
　　Save the fell beast. He slowly sailing, wheels
　　His downward motion, unobserv'd of me,
　　But that the wind, arising to my face,
　　Breathes on me from below. Now on our right
　　I heard the cataract beneath us leap
　　With hideous crash; whence bending down to' explore,
　　New terror I conceiv'd at the steep plunge:
　　For flames I saw, and wailings smote mine ear:
　　So that all trembling close I crouch'd my limbs,
　　And then distinguish'd, unperceiv'd before,
　　By the dread torments that on every side
　　Drew nearer, how our downward course we wound.
　　
　　As falcon, that hath long been on the wing,
　　But lure nor bird hath seen, while in despair
　　The falconer cries, "Ah me! thou stoop'st to earth!"
　　Wearied descends, and swiftly down the sky
　　In many an orbit wheels, then lighting sits
　　At distance from his lord in angry mood;
　　So Geryon lighting places us on foot
　　Low down at base of the deep-furrow'd rock,
　　And, of his burden there discharg'd, forthwith
　　Sprang forward, like an arrow from the string.

　　第八圈，一名馬勒勃介，欺詐者受刑之處。第一溝：淫媒和誘姦者。第二溝：阿諛者。
　　　
　　 在地獄中，有一塊地方名叫馬勒勃爾介，四周環繞着鐵色的石壁。在這塊地方的中心部分，深深地塌陷下去，像一個很大的井；對於井裏的構造，以後再說。從井邊嚮外到高高的石壁腳旁，是一塊圓環地面，這地面分做十條溝。好像保護一座城墻，需要有幾條溝環繞它；這裏的地形仿佛就是這樣。而且，從城門出去，需要幾座橋跨在每條溝上。這裏也是如此，從石壁直到井邊，有岩石堆成的山脊，橫過每條溝和他們的堤岸。我們從格呂翁背上下來，就是在這裏，在石壁腳旁；詩人嚮着左邊走去，我跟在後面。
　　　
　　 在我的右邊，我看見新的苦惱，新的刑罰，新的罪人，他們都裝滿在第一條溝裏。在溝底那些罪人都是裸着身體；罪人分為兩行：靠近這邊的一行，面嚮着我們走來；靠近那邊的一行，和我們同方向前進，不過步子大得多了。好比在那大赦之年，羅馬到了衆多觀光者，在一座橋上，立下行路的規則：嚮着城堡往聖彼得去的走這一邊；嚮着山來的走那一邊，此地，在這一邊和那一邊，我看見許多他們魔鬼頭上生角，手裏拿着大鞭子，在那些靈魂的背上殘酷地抽打着。衹要一鞭打下去，罪人的腳會立即跳動起來，我相信沒有那一個再敢嘗試那第二鞭或第三鞭了！
　　　
　　 當我嚮前走的時候，我的眼光遇見其中一個人，我馬上說：“這一個人我從前看見過。”於是我站下來註視他，我和善的引導人也陪着我停下來，並且允許我略微後退幾步。那個被鞭打的靈魂想躲避我的目光，忙把頭低下，但是已經來不及了。我對他說：”你把眼睛望在地上就算完了麽？假使你的一付苦喪的臉不欺騙我，那末你就是卡洽奈米科；你犯了什麽罪纔到此幽𠔌呢？”他答道：“我實在不願意說；但是你的話使我回想起過去的時光，使我不得不吐露幾句。引誘吉佐拉貝拉和侯爵通姦的是我，雖然外界有不準確的傳聞。波倫亞人在這裏的不止我一個，多着呢，就是在薩維納和雷諾兩河之間說”西巴’的也沒有這裏多，假使你要求我給你證據，那末請你回想到我們的貪心罷。”他正說到這裏，那魔鬼打他一鞭子，對他說：“快走，龜奴，這裏沒有女人給你做買賣呀！”
　　　
　　 我走近我的引路人；又走了幾步，我們登上一塊岩石；嚮右轉，到了一座鋸齒形的橋上，於是我們離開那永劫的石壁。當我們走在橋上的時候，靈魂們在橋洞下面穿過，我的引路人對我說：“站下，再瞧瞧另一行的罪人，因為方纔他們和我們同方向行進，他們的面目還沒有給你看見，”從古橋上，我們看見這邊一行幽靈嚮我們走來，和去的一行同樣受着鞭打。我沒有問他，善良的老師對我說：“你看那走來的一個大靈魂，他似乎對於痛苦不灑眼。你看他的神氣多麽高貴！這個就是伊阿宋，他靠了自己的聰明和勇氣，奪去了科爾喀斯的金羊毛。他經過楞諾斯島的時候在那些兇悍的婦人殺死了全島男人之後，用他的花言巧語、欺騙了少女許普西皮勒的心，她卻先欺騙了衆人。她懷了孕，他拋棄了她；就是這種罪惡，使他受這種刑罰；同時美狄亞也報了她的仇，其餘和他有同樣行為的都跟他在一起。關於第一溝，他的罪人，他的刑罰，我們看得夠了。”
　　　
　　 我們走過第一座橋，到了第二條堤岸，這條堤岸又是裏面那座橋的支點。這裏我們聽見從第二條溝裏的靈魂發出的悲聲，他們打着噴嚏，自己打自己的嘴巴。堤岸上淌着他們的涎水，這都是從溝底下噴上來的，這些東西不但眼見不快，而且氣味難聞。這條溝很深，除非登到第二座橋頂上，我們才能見他的底部。我們走到頂上，看到溝底，纔知道那些罪人都好像在糞溺坑中。我竭力用眼力註視下面，看見一個滿頭污穢的人，不知道他是教士還是俗人。他叫道：“為什麽你專門看着我，難道我比別人更加骯髒麽？”我回答他道：“因為，假使我記得清楚，我曾經看見過你，那時你的頭髮是幹着的；我知道你叫做殷特爾米奈伊，所以我要特別註意看你。”於是這個靈魂掌擊他自己的頭顱，說：“我的舌頭從來不倦於阿諛奉承，因此我墮落在這一條溝裏！”
　　　
　　 當時我的引路人對我說：“請你略微看前一些，你可以望見一個污穢的蓬頭散發的女人，她用她的指甲抓破她自己的面孔，一會兒蹲下去，一會兒又站起來：這個就是妓女塔伊斯。當她的情人對她說：‘你感謝我麽？”她口答道：‘是呀，感謝到不可思議！’……夠了，我們去罷。”

　　THERE is a place within the depths of hell
　　Call'd Malebolge, all of rock dark-stain'd
　　With hue ferruginous, e'en as the steep
　　That round it circling winds. ?Right in the midst
　　Of that abominable region, yawns
　　A spacious gulf profound, whereof the frame
　　Due time shall tell. ?The circle, that remains,
　　Throughout its round, between the gulf and base
　　Of the high craggy banks, successive forms
　　Ten trenches, in its hollow bottom sunk.
　　
　　As where to guard the walls, full many a foss
　　Begirds some stately castle, sure defence
　　Affording to the space within, so here
　　Were model'd these; and as like fortresses
　　E'en from their threshold to the brink without,
　　Are flank'd with bridges; from the rock's low base
　　Thus flinty paths advanc'd, that 'cross the moles
　　And dikes, struck onward far as to the gulf,
　　That in one bound collected cuts them off.
　　Such was the place, wherein we found ourselves
　　From Geryon's back dislodg'd. The bard to left
　　Held on his way, and I behind him mov'd.
　　
　　On our right hand new misery I saw,
　　New pains, new executioners of wrath,
　　That swarming peopled the first chasm. ?Below
　　Were naked sinners. ?Hitherward they came,
　　Meeting our faces from the middle point,
　　With us beyond but with a larger stride.
　　E'en thus the Romans, when the year returns
　　Of Jubilee, with better speed to rid
　　The thronging multitudes, their means devise
　　For such as pass the bridge; that on one side
　　All front toward the castle, and approach
　　Saint Peter's fane, on th' other towards the mount.
　　
　　Each divers way along the grisly rock,
　　Horn'd demons I beheld, with lashes huge,
　　That on their back unmercifully smote.
　　Ah! how they made them bound at the first stripe!
　　
　　
　　None for the second waited nor the third.
　　
　　Meantime as on I pass'd, one met my sight
　　Whom soon as view'd; "Of him," cried I, "not yet
　　Mine eye hath had his fill." ?With fixed gaze
　　I therefore scann'd him. ?Straight the teacher kind
　　Paus'd with me, and consented I should walk
　　Backward a space, and the tormented spirit,
　　Who thought to hide him, bent his visage down.
　　But it avail'd him nought; for I exclaim'd:
　　"Thou who dost cast thy eye upon the ground,
　　Unless thy features do belie thee much,
　　Venedico art thou. ?But what brings thee
　　Into this bitter seas'ning?" ?He replied:
　　"Unwillingly I answer to thy words.
　　But thy clear speech, that to my mind recalls
　　The world I once inhabited, constrains me.
　　Know then 'twas I who led fair Ghisola
　　To do the Marquis' will, however fame
　　The shameful tale have bruited. ?Nor alone
　　
　　
　　
　　
　　Bologna hither sendeth me to mourn
　　Rather with us the place is so o'erthrong'd
　　That not so many tongues this day are taught,
　　Betwixt the Reno and Savena's stream,
　　To answer SIPA in their country's phrase.
　　And if of that securer proof thou need,
　　Remember but our craving thirst for gold."
　　
　　Him speaking thus, a demon with his thong
　　Struck, and exclaim'd, "Away! corrupter! here
　　Women are none for sale." ?Forthwith I join'd
　　My escort, and few paces thence we came
　　To where a rock forth issued from the bank.
　　That easily ascended, to the right
　　Upon its splinter turning, we depart
　　From those eternal barriers. When arriv'd,
　　Where underneath the gaping arch lets pass
　　The scourged souls: "Pause here," the teacher said,
　　"And let these others miserable, now
　　Strike on thy ken, faces not yet beheld,
　　For that together they with us have walk'd."
　　
　　From the old bridge we ey'd the pack, who came
　　From th' other side towards us, like the rest,
　　Excoriate from the lash. ?My gentle guide,
　　By me unquestion'd, thus his speech resum'd:
　　"Behold that lofty shade, who this way tends,
　　And seems too woe-begone to drop a tear.
　　How yet the regal aspect he retains!
　　Jason is he, whose skill and prowess won
　　The ram from Colchos. To the Lemnian isle
　　His passage thither led him, when those bold
　　And pitiless women had slain all their males.
　　There he with tokens and fair witching words
　　Hypsipyle beguil'd, a virgin young,
　　Who first had all the rest herself beguil'd.
　　Impregnated he left her there forlorn.
　　Such is the guilt condemns him to this pain.
　　Here too Medea's inj'ries are avenged.
　　All bear him company, who like deceit
　　To his have practis'd. ?And thus much to know
　　Of the first vale suffice thee, and of those
　　Whom its keen torments urge." ?Now had we come
　　Where, crossing the next pier, the straighten'd path
　　Bestrides its shoulders to another arch.
　　
　　Hence in the second chasm we heard the ghosts,
　　Who jibber in low melancholy sounds,
　　With wide-stretch'd nostrils snort, and on themselves
　　Smite with their palms. ?Upon the banks a scurf
　　From the foul steam condens'd, encrusting hung,
　　That held sharp combat with the sight and smell.
　　
　　So hollow is the depth, that from no part,
　　Save on the summit of the rocky span,
　　Could I distinguish aught. ?Thus far we came;
　　And thence I saw, within the foss below,
　　A crowd immers'd in ordure, that appear'd
　　Draff of the human body. ?There beneath
　　Searching with eye inquisitive, I mark'd
　　One with his head so grim'd, 't were hard to deem,
　　If he were clerk or layman. ?Loud he cried:
　　"Why greedily thus bendest more on me,
　　Than on these other filthy ones, thy ken?"
　　
　　
　　
　　"Because if true my mem'ry," I replied,
　　"I heretofore have seen thee with dry locks,
　　And thou Alessio art of Lucca sprung.
　　Therefore than all the rest I scan thee more."
　　
　　Then beating on his brain these words he spake:
　　"Me thus low down my flatteries have sunk,
　　Wherewith I ne'er enough could glut my tongue."
　　
　　My leader thus: "A little further stretch
　　Thy face, that thou the visage well mayst note
　　Of that besotted, sluttish courtezan,
　　Who there doth rend her with defiled nails,
　　Now crouching down, now risen on her feet.
　　
　　
　　"Thais is this, the harlot, whose false lip
　　Answer'd her doting paramour that ask'd,
　　'Thankest me much!'—'Say rather wondrously,'
　　And seeing this here satiate be our view."

　　第八圈續 第三溝：聖職買賣者。教皇尼古拉第三。
　　　
　　 魔法師西門呀！他的一群不幸的徒子徒孫呀！應該與善行合在一起的上帝之物，你們的貪心把他去換了金銀，現在判决你們的喇叭響了，這裏的第三條溝就是你們的歸宿之地！
　　　
　　 我們已經登上第三座橋的頂點，正望到那條新溝的中心。無上的智慧呀！你的工程，無論在天上，在地面，或在罪惡的世界，是多麽的偉大呀！你的佈置是多麽的公正呀！我看見灰色的岩石上，或在溝底，或在溝壁，都有許多孔穴，都是圓形的，而且是一樣的大小。因此我回憶起我那美麗的聖約翰教堂，在那兒的洗禮盤旁邊，也有類此大小的大理石做的孔穴，這是施洗者立足之處。不多年以前，我曾經打碎其中的一個，因為當時有一個人跌下去爬不起來；我趁此機會，解釋世人的誤會。在那每個孔穴之口，露着罪人的腳和小腿，其餘的身體都埋在裏面。他們腳底都燃着火，因此他們的腿抖動得非常劇烈，假使有繩索縛牢，也要給他們弄斷的。那裏的火，和燒着塗油的東西一般，衹燒在表面上，從腳跟燒到腳尖。
　　　
　　 我說：“老師呀！那個筋肉抽搐得最厲害的，腳底火光最紅的是誰呢？”他對我說：“假使你願意我把你帶到那裏，從那邊的堤岸走下去，你就可以聽見他自己的說話，知道他的罪惡。”我說：“你是我的老師，我不會違背你的意見，我贊成：而且你知道我不曾說出口的思想。”
　　　
　　 於是我們走到第四條堤岸，嚮右邊轉彎，降入狹隘而有孔穴的溝裏。善良的老師扶着我，直走到那用腿的抖動來表示痛苦的靈魂旁邊。我開頭說：“不幸的幽靈呀！你的上部倒轉在下面，好像一個木樁釘在那裏，你是誰呀？假使你能夠說話，那末請你告訴我罷。”我說話像一個教士的口吻，面對着一個謀殺犯，現在他的罪已在執行了，他還在那裏懺悔，以延長他的壽命呢。於是他叫道：“你已經站在這裏麽，卜尼法斯？那末預言書對我說了幾年誑呢。你厭棄了你的財富這樣快麽？你用詐騙的手段，得了絶代的美人，稍後你又遺棄了她。”
　　　
　　 找聽了他這幾句活，真是糊塗，所以也不知道怎樣回答。那時維吉爾對我說：“你快些對他說：我不是他，我不是你所猜想的人。”我就照他的話回答了。於是那幽靈劇烈地扭動他的腳，後來悲傷了一回，帶着哭聲對我說：“那末你要問我什麽？你從堤岸上走下來，假使你是真心要知道我是誰，那末我告訴你：我穿的是一個大鬥篷；我確是熊的兒子，我要繁殖我的後代，我在世時裝滿了我的袋子，在這裏我又裝了我自己。在我下面的，是那些在我之前做着聖職買賣的，他們都倒栽在石縫裏面。我也要移到下面去的，衹等着方纔我把你當做他的那個人來到。我倒栽在這裏，腳底給火燒着，我受的這種痛苦要比我的後繼人要長，他將要倒栽在我這個窟窿裏，一雙腳紅着。因為在他以後，將有一個從西方來的牧師，這個牧師無法無天，行為更加醜惡，又要做他的後繼人。這個牧師可說是伊阿宋再世，這個伊阿宋的事跡載在《瑪喀比傳》一書中；有一個國王聽從伊阿宋。聽從這個牧師的則是統治法蘭西的國王。”
　　　
　　 在這個時候，我不知道我自己是否發瘋了，因為我用下面的一番話回答他：“原來如此；請你告訴我，我主給聖彼得鑰匙之前，我主要了多少財寶？他沒有要一點，他不過說：‘你跟從我！’當那個叛徒出走之後，馬提亞被推為使徒之一，但是彼得和別人都沒有收受他的金銀。所以，你安心在這裏罷，你的刑罰是罪有應得的；你抓住你的不義之財罷，他買得動你以猛烈地反對查理呢。假使不是你在生前掌握過那至大的鑰匙，我就要用更嚴厲的話句：因為你的貪心，使世界變為悲慘，把善良踩在腳底下，把兇惡捧在頭頂上。《福音書》的著作者就想到你這樣的牧師，當他看見她坐在衆水之上，和那些君王姦淫；她生有七頭十角，衹要她的丈夫愛好德行，她是有力量的。你把金銀當作上帝，試問你和那些崇拜偶像的有什麽兩樣，他們崇拜一個偶像，而你卻崇拜一百個罷了。君士坦丁呀！從你生出許多的罪惡，並不是因為你的改變信仰，實在是因為那第一個富有的教父接受你的贈品太大了！”
　　　
　　 當我用這些話說着他的時候，或者使他憤怒，或者使他悔恨而生苦惱，他劇烈地揮動他的腳。我想我的話使那引路人聽了歡喜呢，因為我的話句句都是真理呀！因此他用兩臂抱着我，從下降的路回上去。他並不感到吃力，他一直把我抱到第四座橋的頂上，那裏他纔把我慢慢地放下來，因為那裏的路非常難走，就是山羊走着也要發怵呢。在那裏，我們發見了另外一條溝。

　　WOE to thee, Simon Magus! woe to you,
　　His wretched followers! who the things of God,
　　Which should be wedded unto goodness, them,
　　Rapacious as ye are, do prostitute
　　For gold and silver in adultery!
　　Now must the trumpet sound for you, since yours
　　Is the third chasm. ?Upon the following vault
　　We now had mounted, where the rock impends
　　Directly o'er the centre of the foss.
　　
　　Wisdom Supreme! how wonderful the art,
　　Which thou dost manifest in heaven, in earth,
　　And in the evil world, how just a meed
　　Allotting by thy virtue unto all!
　　
　　I saw the livid stone, throughout the sides
　　And in its bottom full of apertures,
　　All equal in their width, and circular each,
　　Nor ample less nor larger they appear'd
　　Than in Saint John's fair dome of me belov'd
　　Those fram'd to hold the pure baptismal streams,
　　One of the which I brake, some few years past,
　　To save a whelming infant; and be this
　　A seal to undeceive whoever doubts
　　The motive of my deed. ?From out the mouth
　　Of every one, emerg'd a sinner's feet
　　And of the legs high upward as the calf
　　The rest beneath was hid. ?On either foot
　　The soles were burning, whence the flexile joints
　　Glanc'd with such violent motion, as had snapt
　　Asunder cords or twisted withs. ?As flame,
　　Feeding on unctuous matter, glides along
　　The surface, scarcely touching where it moves;
　　So here, from heel to point, glided the flames.
　　
　　"Master! say who is he, than all the rest
　　Glancing in fiercer agony, on whom
　　A ruddier flame doth prey?" ?I thus inquir'd.
　　
　　"If thou be willing," he replied, "that I
　　Carry thee down, where least the slope bank falls,
　　He of himself shall tell thee and his wrongs."
　　
　　I then: "As pleases thee to me is best.
　　Thou art my lord; and know'st that ne'er I quit
　　Thy will: what silence hides that knowest thou."
　　Thereat on the fourth pier we came, we turn'd,
　　And on our left descended to the depth,
　　A narrow strait and perforated close.
　　Nor from his side my leader set me down,
　　Till to his orifice he brought, whose limb
　　Quiv'ring express'd his pang. ?"Whoe'er thou art,
　　Sad spirit! thus revers'd, and as a stake
　　Driv'n in the soil!" ?I in these words began,
　　"If thou be able, utter forth thy voice."
　　
　　
　　
　　There stood I like the friar, that doth shrive
　　A wretch for murder doom'd, who e'en when fix'd,
　　Calleth him back, whence death awhile delays.
　　
　　He shouted: "Ha! already standest there?
　　Already standest there, O Boniface!
　　By many a year the writing play'd me false.
　　So early dost thou surfeit with the wealth,
　　For which thou fearedst not in guile to take
　　The lovely lady, and then mangle her?"
　　
　　I felt as those who, piercing not the drift
　　Of answer made them, stand as if expos'd
　　In mockery, nor know what to reply,
　　When Virgil thus admonish'd: "Tell him quick,
　　I am not he, not he, whom thou believ'st."
　　
　　And I, as was enjoin'd me, straight replied.
　　
　　That heard, the spirit all did wrench his feet,
　　And sighing next in woeful accent spake:
　　"What then of me requirest?" ?"If to know
　　So much imports thee, who I am, that thou
　　Hast therefore down the bank descended, learn
　　That in the mighty mantle I was rob'd,
　　And of a she-bear was indeed the son,
　　So eager to advance my whelps, that there
　　My having in my purse above I stow'd,
　　And here myself. ?Under my head are dragg'd
　　The rest, my predecessors in the guilt
　　Of simony. ?Stretch'd at their length they lie
　　Along an opening in the rock. ?'Midst them
　　I also low shall fall, soon as he comes,
　　For whom I took thee, when so hastily
　　I question'd. ?But already longer time
　　Hath pass'd, since my souls kindled, and I thus
　　Upturn'd have stood, than is his doom to stand
　　Planted with fiery feet. ?For after him,
　　One yet of deeds more ugly shall arrive,
　　From forth the west, a shepherd without law,
　　Fated to cover both his form and mine.
　　He a new Jason shall be call'd, of whom
　　In Maccabees we read; and favour such
　　As to that priest his king indulgent show'd,
　　Shall be of France's monarch shown to him."
　　
　　I know not if I here too far presum'd,
　　But in this strain I answer'd: "Tell me now,
　　What treasures from St. Peter at the first
　　Our Lord demanded, when he put the keys
　　Into his charge? ?Surely he ask'd no more
　　But, Follow me! Nor Peter nor the rest
　　Or gold or silver of Matthias took,
　　When lots were cast upon the forfeit place
　　Of the condemned soul. ?Abide thou then;
　　Thy punishment of right is merited:
　　And look thou well to that ill-gotten coin,
　　Which against Charles thy hardihood inspir'd.
　　If reverence of the keys restrain'd me not,
　　Which thou in happier time didst hold, I yet
　　Severer speech might use. ?Your avarice
　　O'ercasts the world with mourning, under foot
　　Treading the good, and raising bad men up.
　　Of shepherds, like to you, th' Evangelist
　　Was ware, when her, who sits upon the waves,
　　With kings in filthy whoredom he beheld,
　　She who with seven heads tower'd at her birth,
　　And from ten horns her proof of glory drew,
　　Long as her spouse in virtue took delight.
　　Of gold and silver ye have made your god,
　　Diff'ring wherein from the idolater,
　　But he that worships one, a hundred ye?
　　Ah, Constantine! to how much ill gave birth,
　　Not thy conversion, but that plenteous dower,
　　Which the first wealthy Father gain'd from thee!"
　　
　　Meanwhile, as thus I sung, he, whether wrath
　　Or conscience smote him, violent upsprang
　　Spinning on either sole. ?I do believe
　　My teacher well was pleas'd, with so compos'd
　　A lip, he listen'd ever to the sound
　　Of the true words I utter'd. ?In both arms
　　He caught, and to his bosom lifting me
　　Upward retrac'd the way of his descent.
　　
　　Nor weary of his weight he press'd me close,
　　Till to the summit of the rock we came,
　　Our passage from the fourth to the fifth pier.
　　His cherish'd burden there gently he plac'd
　　Upon the rugged rock and steep, a path
　　Not easy for the clamb'ring goat to mount.
　　
　　Thence to my view another vale appear'd

　　第八圈續，第四溝：預言者。曼圖和曼圖阿的起源。
　　　
　　 在這第一捲關於地獄裏的事情的第二十篇，我的詩句應當敘述新的刑罰。
　　　
　　 我已經準備觀察剛纔發現的一條溝了，這裏也是沉浸在痛苦的淚水之中。在環形的幽𠔌裏面，我看見一群人默默地哭泣着走來，他們的步伐有點像地面上走的祈禱隊。當他們走近時，我聚精會神註視的時候，那驚奇的事情讓我看見了：他們的面部長得都朝嚮脊背，他們的眼光衹投射在自己的臀部，他們衹能嚮後倒退走，因為他們看不見前面了。也許這是他們患的一種癱瘓病吧。但是我沒有見過，我不相信有這種病人。諸位讀者，假如上帝允許你們瞭解我的著作，那末請你們想一想：當那些和我們形狀相同的靈魂，一個個扭歪着脖頸，眼淚從背脊流到屁股上，在我面前走過，我的面孔怎能保持着乾燥呢？當然我的頭趴在一塊岩石之上，我哭泣了。
　　　
　　 於是那位引路人對我說：“你也和世俗的凡人一般見識麽？在這裏不應當再有憐憫。對於上帝的判决表示一種傷感，豈不有罪麽？擡起你的頭吧，你看前面來的一個人，當他在世的時候，地裂開在他的前面，但是他看不見，忒拜人一齊叫道：“你往那兒跑，安菲阿刺俄斯？為什麽你臨陣逃脫？’他還是跑着，直到跌進米諾斯傢裏，他自己斷送了性命。你看他現在把胸當作背，眼睛望着後面，一步一步嚮後倒退，因為他在生前希望看得太遠了。
　　　
　　 “你看本瑞西阿斯，當他是男人的時候，他曾經變成女人的體態，直等到他再用他的魔杖打了那成對的兩條蛇，他纔又回覆了男人的氣概。在他的面的是阿倫斯。阿淪斯的背接近他的肚子。阿倫斯住在盧尼山上，在那裏，卡臘臘人在山腳下種地；他把白岩洞做了他的傢，從那裏他可以觀察星宿看到海洋，沒有一點遮礙。再前是一個女人；她的一雙辮子蓋在胸前，下身長着毛，她的名字叫做曼圖；她曾經遍遊各地，最後她定居在我生長的地方，因此我願意你聽我說幾句。
　　　
　　 “當她的父親去死之後，酒神之城做了別人的奴隸，她長久地各處飄泊。在意大利的北邊，阿爾卑斯山脈連綿不絶，和日耳曼分界。山𠔌裏的水嚮南流下，積成貝納科湖。我想匯成這個湖的來源，總有幾百幾千條呢。在那裏，有一個地點，可以做特蘭托、布裏西亞和維羅納調三個地方牧師的集會所，假使他們願意往那裏去。在那湖邊最低處，有一個佩斯齊埃拉城堡，美麗而險要，可以抵禦布裏西亞人和貝加摩人的侵犯。從這裏湖水流了出去，流成一條河，經過青色的原野。這條河叫做敏喬，直流到戈維爾諾洛，從那裏並入波河。敏喬河流過一塊低地，散開而成沼澤，在夏天那裏是常常很不衛生。
　　　
　　 “那位殘忍的處女經過這裏，看見這塊地方是一個爛泥灘，既未開闢，又無居民。在這裏，她可以躲避人世來往的麻煩，和她的隨從專心於她的魔術；於是她就住在那裏，她的遺體也埋在那裏。後來，零散在那地方四周的居民纔彙聚起來，在她的枯骨上面造了一座城，因為他的四周是沼澤之地，抵禦外侮有險可守。因是曼圖第一個選定的地點，於是這座城叫曼圖阿，用不着再抽簽了。在卡薩羅迪沒有被庇納蒙所欺騙以前，這裏的居民還要多些。
　　　
　　 “我要你聽的話就是這樣，假使我的城還有別的起源，那末你不要以偽當真。”
　　　
　　 於是我說：“老師，你的話據我看來是確實的，我是相信的；別人說的話對我是灰熄煙滅了。但是，那些走過的靈魂，假使有值得註意的，就請你告訴我罷，因為我的心此時還想念着他們呢。”
　　　
　　 於是他對我說：“那一個，他的鬍須拖在他棕色的後肩上，是一個占卜官，當希臘國裏男子走空，衹剩搖籃裏的孩子的時候。在奧利斯港口，他和卡爾卡斯推算解纜起碇的時辰。歐刊皮魯斯是他的名字，在我高雅的悲劇裏，我有一處唱過他。你是看過全書的，當然你很熟悉的了。那一個腰身很細的是司各特，他對於各種的魔術都很精通。這是波納提；這是阿茲頓忒，他現在還願意再拿起他的牛皮和麻繩呢，但是太晚了。看這班婦人，她們都是放下綉針，紡綞，梭子，拿起靈芝和木偶，學做女巫，預言吉兇的。……
　　　
　　 “但是，現在我們可以走了；因為該隱和他的荊棘已經在兩個半球的邊界上了，已經在塞維利亞前面和海波接觸了。你要記得，昨晚月圓光亮；你在深林之中，她的光綫沒有傷害你。”
　　　
　　 他這樣對我說着，我們嚮前走了。

　　AND now the verse proceeds to torments new,
　　Fit argument of this the twentieth strain
　　Of the first song, whose awful theme records
　　The spirits whelm'd in woe. ?Earnest I look'd
　　Into the depth, that open'd to my view,
　　Moisten'd with tears of anguish, and beheld
　　A tribe, that came along the hollow vale,
　　In silence weeping: such their step as walk
　　Quires chanting solemn litanies on earth.
　　
　　As on them more direct mine eye descends,
　　Each wondrously seem'd to be revers'd
　　At the neck-bone, so that the countenance
　　Was from the reins averted: and because
　　None might before him look, they were compell'd
　　To' advance with backward gait. ?Thus one perhaps
　　Hath been by force of palsy clean transpos'd,
　　But I ne'er saw it nor believe it so.
　　
　　Now, reader! think within thyself, so God
　　Fruit of thy reading give thee! how I long
　　Could keep my visage dry, when I beheld
　　Near me our form distorted in such guise,
　　That on the hinder parts fall'n from the face
　　The tears down-streaming roll'd. ?Against a rock
　　I leant and wept, so that my guide exclaim'd:
　　"What, and art thou too witless as the rest?
　　Here pity most doth show herself alive,
　　When she is dead. ?What guilt exceedeth his,
　　Who with Heaven's judgment in his passion strives?
　　Raise up thy head, raise up, and see the man,
　　Before whose eyes earth gap'd in Thebes, when all
　　Cried out, 'Amphiaraus, whither rushest?
　　'Why leavest thou the war?' ?He not the less
　　Fell ruining far as to Minos down,
　　Whose grapple none eludes. ?Lo! how he makes
　　The breast his shoulders, and who once too far
　　Before him wish'd to see, now backward looks,
　　And treads reverse his path. ?Tiresias note,
　　Who semblance chang'd, when woman he became
　　Of male, through every limb transform'd, and then
　　Once more behov'd him with his rod to strike
　　The two entwining serpents, ere the plumes,
　　That mark'd the better sex, might shoot again.
　　
　　"Aruns, with more his belly facing, comes.
　　On Luni's mountains 'midst the marbles white,
　　Where delves Carrara's hind, who wons beneath,
　　A cavern was his dwelling, whence the stars
　　And main-sea wide in boundless view he held.
　　
　　"The next, whose loosen'd tresses overspread
　　Her bosom, which thou seest not (for each hair
　　On that side grows) was Manto, she who search'd
　　Through many regions, and at length her seat
　　Fix'd in my native land, whence a short space
　　My words detain thy audience. ?When her sire
　　From life departed, and in servitude
　　The city dedicate to Bacchus mourn'd,
　　Long time she went a wand'rer through the world.
　　Aloft in Italy's delightful land
　　A lake there lies, at foot of that proud Alp,
　　That o'er the Tyrol locks Germania in,
　　Its name Benacus, which a thousand rills,
　　Methinks, and more, water between the vale
　　Camonica and Garda and the height
　　Of Apennine remote. ?There is a spot
　　At midway of that lake, where he who bears
　　Of Trento's flock the past'ral staff, with him
　　Of Brescia, and the Veronese, might each
　　Passing that way his benediction give.
　　A garrison of goodly site and strong
　　Peschiera stands, to awe with front oppos'd
　　The Bergamese and Brescian, whence the shore
　　More slope each way descends. ?There, whatsoev'er
　　Benacus' bosom holds not, tumbling o'er
　　Down falls, and winds a river flood beneath
　　Through the green pastures. ?Soon as in his course
　　The steam makes head, Benacus then no more
　　They call the name, but Mincius, till at last
　　Reaching Governo into Po he falls.
　　Not far his course hath run, when a wide flat
　　It finds, which overstretchmg as a marsh
　　It covers, pestilent in summer oft.
　　Hence journeying, the savage maiden saw
　　'Midst of the fen a territory waste
　　And naked of inhabitants. ?To shun
　　All human converse, here she with her slaves
　　Plying her arts remain'd, and liv'd, and left
　　Her body tenantless. ?Thenceforth the tribes,
　　Who round were scatter'd, gath'ring to that place
　　Assembled; for its strength was great, enclos'd
　　On all parts by the fen. ?On those dead bones
　　They rear'd themselves a city, for her sake,
　　Calling it Mantua, who first chose the spot,
　　Nor ask'd another omen for the name,
　　Wherein more numerous the people dwelt,
　　Ere Casalodi's madness by deceit
　　Was wrong'd of Pinamonte. ?If thou hear
　　Henceforth another origin assign'd
　　Of that my country, I forewarn thee now,
　　That falsehood none beguile thee of the truth."
　　
　　I answer'd: "Teacher, I conclude thy words
　　So certain, that all else shall be to me
　　As embers lacking life. ?But now of these,
　　Who here proceed, instruct me, if thou see
　　Any that merit more especial note.
　　For thereon is my mind alone intent."
　　
　　He straight replied: "That spirit, from whose cheek
　　The beard sweeps o'er his shoulders brown, what time
　　Graecia was emptied of her males, that scarce
　　The cradles were supplied, the seer was he
　　In Aulis, who with Calchas gave the sign
　　When first to cut the cable. ?Him they nam'd
　　Eurypilus: so sings my tragic strain,
　　In which majestic measure well thou know'st,
　　Who know'st it all. ?That other, round the loins
　　So slender of his shape, was Michael Scot,
　　Practis'd in ev'ry slight of magic wile.
　　
　　"Guido Bonatti see: ?Asdente mark,
　　Who now were willing, he had tended still
　　The thread and cordwain; and too late repents.
　　
　　"See next the wretches, who the needle left,
　　The shuttle and the spindle, and became
　　Diviners: baneful witcheries they wrought
　　With images and herbs. ?But onward now:
　　For now doth Cain with fork of thorns confine
　　On either hemisphere, touching the wave
　　Beneath the towers of Seville. ?Yesternight
　　The moon was round. ?Thou mayst remember well:
　　For she good service did thee in the gloom
　　Of the deep wood." ?This said, both onward mov'd.

　　第八圈續，第五溝：貪官污吏。一群黑魔鬼。
　　　
　　 我們從這橋到另外一橋，其餘的談話也不記在我的喜劇裏面了；我們嚮前走，登上第五座橋。我們停留在那裏，觀看馬勒勃爾介的又一溝，和在那裏徒勞哭泣的一群人；我覺得這條溝是那麽黑暗。
　　　
　　 好像在威尼斯修船廠所見到的一樣，在鼕天，那裏沸騰着瀝青，為修理破船之用，那些船已經不能航行了；於是，有的建造一條新船，有的修理已經經過許多次風浪的舊船；有的在船頭上找漏洞，有的在船艄上尋裂縫；有的做着槳，有的打着索；有的補帆，有的修造桅竿。這條溝裏也是沸騰着濃濃的瀝青，而且流淌到兩岸，可是這裏不用火力，卻是神的藝術。我看不見溝裏有什麽人，衹看一個又一個的氣泡，澎脹大了以後，忽然又癟下去。
　　　
　　 當我定神嚮下看的時候，導遊對我說道：“小心！小心！”他把我從站着的地方拉過去。於是我急忙把頭悼轉往左去看，好像一個人忽然有所恐懼，不停地看見危險的事物，就急忙退卻躲避一樣；在我的後邊，果然跑來一個黑色魔鬼。他的形狀是那麽可怕呀！他的舉動那麽粗暴，兩翼張開多麽廣大，兩腳是那麽輕快呀！他高尖的兩肩上，扛着一個罪人的雙腿。罪人的臀部垂在他背上，他的手緊緊握住罪人的腳。他從橋上嚮下面叫喊：“喂！馬拉勃朗卡！這裏有一個聖齊塔的長老；把他沉到底部，我還要回到那城裏去尋找其他人呢。那裏每個人都是貪污枉法的，除去邦杜羅；那裏可以用金錢把一個‘非’換成一個‘是’呢。”說罷，他把那個罪人扔下溝去，幾圈旋轉便隱沒在岩石的後面而不見了，就是烈犬追賊也沒有這樣的快。
　　　
　　 那個罪人沉到溝底以後，又漂浮起來，把頭露在瀝青外面；但是那些藏在橋洞下面的魔鬼一起喊道：“這裏沒有上帝給你賜福；這裏不能像在塞爾丘河一樣自由地遊泳；所以，除非你願意嘗嘗我們的鐵耙子，那末你就不要把頭面露出。”說罷，他們就用鐵耙子打了他幾百下，說：“你還是在下面跳舞吧；你要是想偷偷摸摸，也衹好遮掩人的耳目。”於是他們用鐵耙子把他壓到瀝青下面，和廚師用筷子把豬肉按到鍋底沒有什麽不同。
　　　
　　 和善的老師對我說：“你暫時躲在岩石那邊，以免讓別人看見；別人無論如何欺辱我，你都不要害怕；因為我瞭解這些事情，以前我遇見過了。”於是他一人單獨過了橋，到了第六條堤岸，在這裏真需要有堅硬的犄角呢。好比一群瘋狂的狗，衝嚮祈求施捨的窮人一樣。橋洞下的那些魔鬼，手裏舉着鐵耙子，一擁而上，嚮他示威；但是他並不慌亂，喊道：“你們不得無理！在你們的叉子觸着我以前，請先派一個人來和我談話，以後任憑你們怎樣處理我。”他們一齊叫道：“馬拉科達去！”於是其中一個走上前來，其餘的都站立不動。走近的那個魔鬼說：“你有什麽話要說？”我的老師道：“馬拉科達，你以為我經歷種種阻礙，居然平安到了這裏。並不是神的意志和我的幸運麽？讓我過去吧，我是奉了天的命令，引導另一個人走這條路的。”於是那傲慢的魔鬼把他的鐵耙子放在腳旁，轉過身子對別的魔鬼說：“不要打他吧！”
　　　
　　 於是我的導遊對我說：“躲在橋上岩石後面的可以出來了，現在到我這裏來吧，不要害怕！”我聽罷，立即跑上前去；但是那些魔鬼也跟我一齊衝進，因此我恐怕他們不會遵守方纔的諾言，象我以前看見過的那些步兵，他們遵照卡波羅納協定撒走，看見他們四周衆多的敵人而害怕了。我急忙把身子貼近我的導遊，我的眼睛專註地看着他們一付不懷好意的面孔。他們暫時把耙子放下；他們相互談話，其中一個說：“我打他的臀部好麽？”別的魔鬼一齊答道：“我們看着你打吧！”當時和我的導遊說話的那個魔鬼立即回過頭去，他喊道：“肅靜！請肅靜！斯卡密琉！”於是他對我們說：“你們不能從這裏一直走下去，因為第六座橋已經斷落沉到溝底去了。如果你們還要嚮前進行，那末就沿着這條堤岸走，稍遠些，你們可以發現另外一座橋。昨天，比現在再晚五小時，正是此橋斷落的一千二百六十六周年。現在我正要派遣我的人去巡邏，查看是否有犯人把頭露出來呼吸空氣；那末你們和他們一起走吧，他們不會有惡意的。”
　　　
　　 於是他轉身命令他們道：“阿利奇諾和卡爾卡勃利納跑步過來，還有你，卡尼亞佐；馬爾馬利洽做這十人的領導。利比科科，德拉埕尼亞佐，長齒的奇利阿托，格拉菲亞卡內，法爾法賴羅和呆子比堪忒都跟着去。巡邏沸騰着的瀝青，並且把這兩位帶領到前面去，那裏可以平安地通過獸窟。”
　　　
　　 我說：“嗄！我的老師，我所看見的是一群什麽人？假使你認識道路，我們寧可不要護送人；因為我和他們合不來！要是你和以往一樣能註意看，你可以看見他們在咬牙切齒，橫眉竪眼很神氣地嚮我們示威。”他回答道：“我請你不要害怕，他們在那裏咬牙切齒不是對你們而是嚮着那些被煮的惡人示威呢。”
　　　
　　 我們轉身走嚮左邊，在堤岸上走着。但是在邁步之前，他們每個都嚮他們的領頭伸伸舌頭，也許這是一種信號；那領導拍拍他的屁股，代替了號角。

　　THUS we from bridge to bridge, with other talk,
　　The which my drama cares not to rehearse,
　　Pass'd on; and to the summit reaching, stood
　　To view another gap, within the round
　　Of Malebolge, other bootless pangs.
　　
　　Marvelous darkness shadow'd o'er the place.
　　
　　In the Venetians' arsenal as boils
　　Through wintry months tenacious pitch, to smear
　　Their unsound vessels; for th' inclement time
　　Sea-faring men restrains, and in that while
　　His bark one builds anew, another stops
　　The ribs of his, that hath made many a voyage;
　　One hammers at the prow, one at the poop;
　　This shapeth oars, that other cables twirls,
　　The mizen one repairs and main-sail rent
　　So not by force of fire but art divine
　　Boil'd here a glutinous thick mass, that round
　　Lim'd all the shore beneath. ?I that beheld,
　　But therein nought distinguish'd, save the surge,
　　Rais'd by the boiling, in one mighty swell
　　Heave, and by turns subsiding and fall. ?While there
　　I fix'd my ken below, "Mark! mark!" my guide
　　Exclaiming, drew me towards him from the place,
　　Wherein I stood. ?I turn'd myself as one,
　　Impatient to behold that which beheld
　　He needs must shun, whom sudden fear unmans,
　　That he his flight delays not for the view.
　　Behind me I discern'd a devil black,
　　That running, up advanc'd along the rock.
　　Ah! what fierce cruelty his look bespake!
　　In act how bitter did he seem, with wings
　　Buoyant outstretch'd and feet of nimblest tread!
　　His shoulder proudly eminent and sharp
　　Was with a sinner charg'd; by either haunch
　　He held him, the foot's sinew griping fast.
　　
　　"Ye of our bridge!" he cried, "keen-talon'd fiends!
　　Lo! one of Santa Zita's elders! Him
　　Whelm ye beneath, while I return for more.
　　That land hath store of such. ?All men are there,
　　Except Bonturo, barterers: of 'no'
　　For lucre there an 'aye' is quickly made."
　　
　　Him dashing down, o'er the rough rock he turn'd,
　　Nor ever after thief a mastiff loos'd
　　Sped with like eager haste. ?That other sank
　　And forthwith writing to the surface rose.
　　But those dark demons, shrouded by the bridge,
　　Cried "Here the hallow'd visage saves not: here
　　Is other swimming than in Serchio's wave.
　　Wherefore if thou desire we rend thee not,
　　Take heed thou mount not o'er the pitch." ?This said,
　　They grappled him with more than hundred hooks,
　　And shouted: "Cover'd thou must sport thee here;
　　So, if thou canst, in secret mayst thou filch."
　　
　　
　　E'en thus the cook bestirs him, with his grooms,
　　To thrust the flesh into the caldron down
　　With flesh-hooks, that it float not on the top.
　　
　　Me then my guide bespake: "Lest they descry,
　　That thou art here, behind a craggy rock
　　Bend low and screen thee; and whate'er of force
　　Be offer'd me, or insult, fear thou not:
　　For I am well advis'd, who have been erst
　　In the like fray." ?Beyond the bridge's head
　　Therewith he pass'd, and reaching the sixth pier,
　　Behov'd him then a forehead terror-proof.
　　
　　With storm and fury, as when dogs rush forth
　　Upon the poor man's back, who suddenly
　　From whence he standeth makes his suit; so rush'd
　　Those from beneath the arch, and against him
　　Their weapons all they pointed. ?He aloud:
　　"Be none of you outrageous: ere your time
　　Dare seize me, come forth from amongst you one,
　　
　　
　　"Who having heard my words, decide he then
　　If he shall tear these limbs." ?They shouted loud,
　　"Go, Malacoda!" ?Whereat one advanc'd,
　　The others standing firm, and as he came,
　　"What may this turn avail him?" he exclaim'd.
　　
　　"Believ'st thou, Malacoda! I had come
　　Thus far from all your skirmishing secure,"
　　My teacher answered, "without will divine
　　And destiny propitious? ?Pass we then
　　For so Heaven's pleasure is, that I should lead
　　Another through this savage wilderness."
　　
　　Forthwith so fell his pride, that he let drop
　　The instrument of torture at his feet,
　　And to the rest exclaim'd: "We have no power
　　To strike him." ?Then to me my guide: "O thou!
　　Who on the bridge among the crags dost sit
　　Low crouching, safely now to me return."
　　
　　I rose, and towards him moved with speed: the fiends
　　Meantime all forward drew: me terror seiz'd
　　Lest they should break the compact they had made.
　　Thus issuing from Caprona, once I saw
　　Th' infantry dreading, lest his covenant
　　The foe should break; so close he hemm'd them round.
　　
　　I to my leader's side adher'd, mine eyes
　　With fixt and motionless observance bent
　　On their unkindly visage. ?They their hooks
　　Protruding, one the other thus bespake:
　　"Wilt thou I touch him on the hip?" ?To whom
　　Was answer'd: "Even so; nor miss thy aim."
　　
　　But he, who was in conf'rence with my guide,
　　Turn'd rapid round, and thus the demon spake:
　　"Stay, stay thee, Scarmiglione!" ?Then to us
　　He added: "Further footing to your step
　　This rock affords not, shiver'd to the base
　　Of the sixth arch. ?But would you still proceed,
　　Up by this cavern go: not distant far,
　　Another rock will yield you passage safe.
　　Yesterday, later by five hours than now,
　　Twelve hundred threescore years and six had fill'd
　　The circuit of their course, since here the way
　　Was broken. ?Thitherward I straight dispatch
　　Certain of these my scouts, who shall espy
　　If any on the surface bask. ?With them
　　Go ye: for ye shall find them nothing fell.
　　Come Alichino forth," with that he cried,
　　"And Calcabrina, and Cagnazzo thou!
　　The troop of ten let Barbariccia lead.
　　With Libicocco Draghinazzo haste,
　　Fang'd Ciriatto, Grafflacane fierce,
　　And Farfarello, and mad Rubicant.
　　Search ye around the bubbling tar. ?For these,
　　In safety lead them, where the other crag
　　Uninterrupted traverses the dens."
　　
　　I then: "O master! what a sight is there!
　　Ah! without escort, journey we alone,
　　Which, if thou know the way, I covet not.
　　Unless thy prudence fail thee, dost not mark
　　How they do gnarl upon us, and their scowl
　　Threatens us present tortures?" ?He replied:
　　"I charge thee fear not: let them, as they will,
　　Gnarl on: 't is but in token of their spite
　　Against the souls, who mourn in torment steep'd."
　　
　　To leftward o'er the pier they turn'd; but each
　　Had first between his teeth prest close the tongue,
　　Toward their leader for a signal looking,
　　Which he with sound obscene triumphant gave.

　　續貪官污吏。那伐爾人；黑魔鬼的交戰。
　　　
　　 從前我曾經看見過騎兵的前進、歸隊和撤退；阿雷佐人呀！我曾經看見過你們家乡的賽馬，看見過土匪的橫行霸道，看見過各種競賽的開幕；他們或用號角，或用大鐘，或敲鼓，或在堡壘上做出信號，或用本國和外國的軍樂；但是我從來沒有看見過任何騎兵，步兵，軍艦，使用過地獄裏這樣奇特的喇叭。
　　　
　　 我們與十個魔鬼結伴而行：這是使人恐懼的伴侶呀！不過，“教堂有教徒，酒店有醉鬼”，這也是理所當然的事。當時我眼盯着瀝青的溝裏，希望看見溝裏的情形和那裏被煮的罪人。好比惡魚把弓形的脊背露出了水面，提醒水手們防禦災難的臨頭；這裏的罪人為減輕痛苦，也有把背脊露出來的，但是一會兒就沉沒下去了，像閃電一樣的快。又好像水溝裏的青蛙，衹把嘴和鼻子透出水面，其餘的腳和身子都沉在水裏。這裏的罪人多數也是這種情況；但是巴爾巴利洽一到．他們馬上沉下去了。
　　　
　　 我看見一個我的心到現在尚為他戰慄呢，不知為什麽他卻停留在那裏，好比別的青蛙都已逃散，這一個卻孤獨地呆在那裏一樣；幸虧格拉菲亞卡內靠近他的旁邊，一叉刺在他黏糊糊頭髮的頭上，舉起在空中，我似乎看他有點像一隻水獺呢。這群魔鬼的名字我都知道，因為在派使的時候，和他們互相呼喚的時候，我都用心聽着呢。那些魔鬼一齊喊道：“盧比堪忒呀！用你的鈎子劃他的肉吧！”我說：“老師，如果可能的話，你去探問一下這個犯人的來歷，他為什麽不幸落在魔鬼的手裏了。”我的導遊走近他的旁邊，問他從什麽地方來的，他答道：“那伐爾王國是我的故鄉。我母親嫁給一個壞人，他喪失了他的生命和傢産，所以他送我到一個貴族傢裏去做奴僕。後來我做了好國王忒巴爾多的傢臣，就在那裏我開始貪官枉法的賄賂生涯；現在我到這個殘酷的刑具裏來還債了。”
　　　
　　 當時魔鬼奇利亞托嘴裏露出兩個長牙，像野豬一樣，用其中一個刺入罪人的肉裏。一隻老鼠被一群兇貓的銳爪壓住！但是巴爾巴利洽把罪人抱在手臂彎裏，對大傢說：“你們閃開些，等我把他吊上鈎再說！”於是他又對我的老師說：“如果你想知道更多的事情，那末你就快些問他吧，馬上他們就要動手了。”因此我的導遊又嚮那罪人問道：“請你告訴我，在瀝青下面，還有別的拉丁人麽？”他答道：“剛纔我就離開了一個，他就在我的旁邊；假如我能夠再回到他那裏，那末銳爪和鈎子我都不怕了！”那時利比科科叫道：“我們忍受不住了！”嚮罪人手臂上又是一叉，厲害得很，馬上撕去一塊肉；德拉吉尼亞佐照此，刺在他的腿上！當時他們的領頭嚮四周惡狠狠地巡視了一周。他們稍微平靜以後，我的導遊又嚮犯人問話，同時他看着他的傷痕問：“你剛纔離開的那個人究竟是誰呢？”他答道：“那是教友郭彌塔，加盧拉人，是貪污大王，他管理着他上司的犯人，但是犯人都感謝他，因為他能使犯人用金錢買得自由呢。在他別的職務上，他也是一個聚斂賂物的能手。他和羅格道羅人臧凱不停地談着話；他們說着薩丁語，一點不覺得疲勞……我還可以告訴你很多，但是，請你看看那些咬牙切齒的吧，恐怕他們馬上就要撕碎我了。”
　　　
　　 那時法爾法賴羅轉動着眼珠子，預備攻擊那個罪人，但是那領頭說：“滾蛋！你這惡雀子，”那個嚇破了魂的罪人又道：“假如你們想見見托斯卡那人和倫巴第人，我可以把他們叫到這裏來。但是，請這些馬拉勃朗卡稍微後退幾步，因為我的夥伴怕他們。我一個人坐在岸邊上，可以叫來七個，我衹要大叫一聲，他們就知道岸上有朋友在呼喚了。”卡尼阿佐聽了這些話，搖搖頭，舉起他的尖嘴，說：“不要聽他的壞活，他是想法子要逃跑了！”那個狡猾的靈魂答道：“我真是壞人呀！因為我出賣了我的夥伴，”阿利奇諾忍耐不住了，反對衆人的意見說：“假如你要跳入溝裏去，那末我不但立即迫趕你，我還要飛到瀝青上面來捉捕你。我們暫且離開堤岸，躲到那邊去，看你是否能夠逃脫我們的手掌。”
　　　
　　 諸位讀者，你們馬上又有新戲可看了。這一群魔鬼掉過頭眼睛嚮着堤岸的那邊，卡尼阿佐起先是不相信的，現在卻是第一個躲起來。那伐爾人乘此機會，腳尖着地，一瞬間已經跳到他的目的地了。每個魔鬼都知道受了騙，尤其斥責阿利奇諾，因此他跳了起來，叫道：“我來捉拿你！”但是已經大晚了，他的兩翼也沒有用，因為那罪人已經沉沒下去，他衹好懊喪而歸；好似野鴨已經潛入水裏，老鷹衹好惱怒回歸一樣。
　　　
　　 卡爾卡勃利納因為遭了愚弄，心裏十分生氣立刻飛了起來。如果那個罪人捉不着，他非要和阿利奇諾打一仗。果然罪人連影子都不見了，他就和他的夥伴在空中搏鬥起來。好似老鷹抓住小鳥一樣，他們兩個都掉進沸騰着的瀝青之中；他們因為燙得難忍，衹好各自休戰；但是他們的兩翼都粘住了，再也飛不起來。巴爾巴利洽心急如焚，吩咐四個人飛到對岸，拿着他們的鐵鈎子；兩岸的巡邏小卒同時協助，連忙把那煮過的夥伴吊上岸來；我們趁着這個混亂的機會離開了他們。

　　IT hath been heretofore my chance to see
　　Horsemen with martial order shifting camp,
　　To onset sallying, or in muster rang'd,
　　Or in retreat sometimes outstretch'd for flight;
　　Light-armed squadrons and fleet foragers
　　Scouring thy plains, Arezzo! have I seen,
　　And clashing tournaments, and tilting jousts,
　　Now with the sound of trumpets, now of bells,
　　Tabors, or signals made from castled heights,
　　And with inventions multiform, our own,
　　Or introduc'd from foreign land; but ne'er
　　To such a strange recorder I beheld,
　　In evolution moving, horse nor foot,
　　Nor ship, that tack'd by sign from land or star.
　　
　　With the ten demons on our way we went;
　　Ah fearful company! but in the church
　　With saints, with gluttons at the tavern's mess.
　　
　　Still earnest on the pitch I gaz'd, to mark
　　All things whate'er the chasm contain'd, and those
　　Who burn'd within. ?As dolphins, that, in sign
　　To mariners, heave high their arched backs,
　　That thence forewarn'd they may advise to save
　　Their threaten'd vessels; so, at intervals,
　　To ease the pain his back some sinner show'd,
　　Then hid more nimbly than the lightning glance.
　　
　　
　　E'en as the frogs, that of a wat'ry moat
　　Stand at the brink, with the jaws only out,
　　Their feet and of the trunk all else concealed,
　　Thus on each part the sinners stood, but soon
　　As Barbariccia was at hand, so they
　　Drew back under the wave. ?I saw, and yet
　　My heart doth stagger, one, that waited thus,
　　As it befalls that oft one frog remains,
　　While the next springs away: and Graffiacan,
　　Who of the fiends was nearest, grappling seiz'd
　　His clotted locks, and dragg'd him sprawling up,
　　That he appear'd to me an otter. ?Each
　　Already by their names I knew, so well
　　When they were chosen, I observ'd, and mark'd
　　How one the other call'd. "O Rubicant!
　　See that his hide thou with thy talons flay,"
　　Shouted together all the cursed crew.
　　
　　Then I: "Inform thee, master! if thou may,
　　What wretched soul is this, on whom their hand
　　His foes have laid." ?My leader to his side
　　Approach'd, and whence he came inquir'd, to whom
　　Was answer'd thus: "Born in Navarre's domain
　　My mother plac'd me in a lord's retinue,
　　For she had borne me to a losel vile,
　　A spendthrift of his substance and himself.
　　The good king Thibault after that I serv'd,
　　To peculating here my thoughts were turn'd,
　　Whereof I give account in this dire heat."
　　
　　Straight Ciriatto, from whose mouth a tusk
　　Issued on either side, as from a boar,
　　Ript him with one of these. ?'Twixt evil claws
　　The mouse had fall'n: but Barbariccia cried,
　　Seizing him with both arms: "Stand thou apart,
　　While I do fix him on my prong transpierc'd."
　　Then added, turning to my guide his face,
　　"Inquire of him, if more thou wish to learn,
　　Ere he again be rent." ?My leader thus:
　　"Then tell us of the partners in thy guilt;
　　Knowest thou any sprung of Latian land
　　Under the tar?"—"I parted," he replied,
　　"But now from one, who sojourn'd not far thence;
　　So were I under shelter now with him!
　　Nor hook nor talon then should scare me more."—.
　　
　　"Too long we suffer," Libicocco cried,
　　Then, darting forth a prong, seiz'd on his arm,
　　And mangled bore away the sinewy part.
　　Him Draghinazzo by his thighs beneath
　　Would next have caught, whence angrily their chief,
　　Turning on all sides round, with threat'ning brow
　　Restrain'd them. ?When their strife a little ceas'd,
　　Of him, who yet was gazing on his wound,
　　My teacher thus without delay inquir'd:
　　"Who was the spirit, from whom by evil hap
　　Parting, as thou has told, thou cam'st to shore?"—
　　
　　"It was the friar Gomita," he rejoin'd,
　　"He of Gallura, vessel of all guile,
　　Who had his master's enemies in hand,
　　And us'd them so that they commend him well.
　　Money he took, and them at large dismiss'd.
　　So he reports: and in each other charge
　　Committed to his keeping, play'd the part
　　Of barterer to the height: ?with him doth herd
　　The chief of Logodoro, Michel Zanche.
　　Sardinia is a theme, whereof their tongue
　　Is never weary. ?Out! alas! behold
　　That other, how he grins! More would I say,
　　But tremble lest he mean to maul me sore."
　　
　　Their captain then to Farfarello turning,
　　Who roll'd his moony eyes in act to strike,
　　Rebuk'd him thus: "Off! cursed bird! Avaunt!"—
　　
　　"If ye desire to see or hear," he thus
　　Quaking with dread resum'd, "or Tuscan spirits
　　Or Lombard, I will cause them to appear.
　　Meantime let these ill talons bate their fury,
　　So that no vengeance they may fear from them,
　　And I, remaining in this self-same place,
　　Will for myself but one, make sev'n appear,
　　When my shrill whistle shall be heard; for so
　　Our custom is to call each other up."
　　
　　Cagnazzo at that word deriding grinn'd,
　　Then wagg'd the head and spake: "Hear his device,
　　Mischievous as he is, to plunge him down."
　　
　　Whereto he thus, who fail'd not in rich store
　　Of nice-wove toils; "Mischief forsooth extreme,
　　Meant only to procure myself more woe!"
　　
　　No longer Alichino then refrain'd,
　　But thus, the rest gainsaying, him bespake:
　　"If thou do cast thee down, I not on foot
　　Will chase thee, but above the pitch will beat
　　My plumes. ?Quit we the vantage ground, and let
　　The bank be as a shield, that we may see
　　If singly thou prevail against us all."
　　
　　Now, reader, of new sport expect to hear!
　　
　　They each one turn'd his eyes to the' other shore,
　　He first, who was the hardest to persuade.
　　The spirit of Navarre chose well his time,
　　Planted his feet on land, and at one leap
　　Escaping disappointed their resolve.
　　
　　Them quick resentment stung, but him the most,
　　Who was the cause of failure; in pursuit
　　He therefore sped, exclaiming: "Thou art caught."
　　
　　
　　
　　But little it avail'd: terror outstripp'd
　　His following flight: the other plung'd beneath,
　　And he with upward pinion rais'd his breast:
　　E'en thus the water-fowl, when she perceives
　　The falcon near, dives instant down, while he
　　Enrag'd and spent retires. ?That mockery
　　In Calcabrina fury stirr'd, who flew
　　After him, with desire of strife inflam'd;
　　And, for the barterer had 'scap'd, so turn'd
　　His talons on his comrade. O'er the dyke
　　In grapple close they join'd; but the' other prov'd
　　A goshawk able to rend well his foe;
　　
　　
　　And in the boiling lake both fell. ?The heat
　　Was umpire soon between them, but in vain
　　To lift themselves they strove, so fast were glued
　　Their pennons. ?Barbariccia, as the rest,
　　That chance lamenting, four in flight dispatch'd
　　From the' other coast, with all their weapons arm'd.
　　They, to their post on each side speedily
　　Descending, stretch'd their hooks toward the fiends,
　　Who flounder'd, inly burning from their scars:
　　And we departing left them to that broil.

　　黑魔鬼追趕但丁。第八圈續，第六溝：偽君子。
　　　
　　 沉靜地，孤獨地，沒有人護送，我們走在堤岸上，一個走在前，一個跟在後，好像兩個小兄弟長途跋涉一樣。看了剛纔的爭鬥，使我想到伊索的寓言，就是關於青蛙和老鼠那一篇；如果我們從事情的開頭至末尾仔細地比較一下，那末他們相同之處就很明顯了。這一個思想，又聯想起另外一個，使我覺得比以前更加的恐怖。我心裏這樣想：“他們這場禍是因為我們而産生的、他們一定惱羞成怒了；他們本有的惡意，再加上他們現在的憤怒，他們一定要追趕我們，會像狗咬兔子一樣殘忍。”我想到這裏，每根汗毛都竪了起來，立即轉過頭去一望，我說：“老師，我們趕快躲起來，我害怕馬拉勃朗卡呢。他們已經在我們後面追趕了，我似乎聽見他們的聲音了！”他對我說：“我好似一面鏡子，照看你的外像，還不如照看你的內像來得快。你的想法正和我的想法一致，我已經想好了一個辦法。假如我們能夠從這堤岸下降到右邊的溝裏去，那末你所看到的追趕就可以避免了……”
　　　
　　 他的話還沒有說完，我已經看見那魔鬼們張翼追來；距離很近了，他們的目標是捉住我們。我的引路人突然抱着我，好似一位母親為爆炸的聲音驚醒，睜眼看見烈火就燃燒在她的旁邊，她也來不及穿好一件衣服，就抱着她的孩於飛跑，關心孩子的生命勝過她自己的；這時我的引路人就是這樣，他抱着我，從堅硬的堤岸上，背貼着岩石，一直滑降到第六條溝裏。那衝轉磨坊水車的急流，也沒有我的老師這時滑降得這樣快。他把我抱在他懷裏，像是他的兒子，而不像他的伴侶。他的腳尖正觸到了溝底，那些魔鬼已經來到我們的頭上，但是他們下不來，我們不必害怕了；因為無上威權者的佈置就是如此，魔鬼們管理第五條溝，其他是不準過問的。
　　　
　　 在這裏，我們看見一群穿着彩色衣的人，他們腳步十分遲頓的嚮前走着，一路哭着，看他們的樣子已是疲乏不堪了。他們披着一口鐘、帽子蓋到眼晴，和剋呂尼的僧服差不多。他們的衣帽，外面塗着金，光彩耀眼；但是內質是用鉛製的，十分笨重，假如與腓特烈所做的進行比較，那末他的就像是草做的一樣了。這樣笨重的衣帽，永久地負在身上，是多麽勞苦呀！
　　　
　　 我們走嚮左邊，和他們同方向行進，觀察着他們的痛苦；但是沉重的負擔壓迫着這些靈魂，他們走得很慢，我們一個一個地超過了他們，一會兒又相遇了，馬上又落在我們後面了。那時我對我的引路人說：“看看是否我們可以知道其中幾個人的名字和行為；我們一邊走着，一邊註視着。”其中有一個懂托斯卡那語的，在我們後面叫道：“請你們停步，你們在昏暗的天氣中怎麽跑得這樣快；你們想知道的，我可以告訴你們。”因此我的引路人掉轉頭來對我說：“一會吧，以後再陪伴着他們慢慢地走。”我站定了，看見兩個人，臉上顯出急於要趕上我們的神氣，但是他們身上笨重的衣帽和狹窄的道路使他們無法趕快。他們趕上了；他們眼睛斜視着我們，一言不發，於是他們兩個談心了：“從他嘴唇的動作來看，這一個似乎還是活人；假如他們是死了，他們怎麽會有不負着重物的特權呢？”
　　　
　　 這時他們對我說：”托斯卡那人呀！你光臨可憐的偽君子隊伍裏。可能不至於不屑告訴我們你是誰吧。”我回答他們道：“在那美麗的阿爾諾河邊上，在那大城之中，我生長在其中；我的肉身從沒有離開過我。但是，你們是誰呢？你們這樣痛苦，眼淚流淌在面孔上。這樣光亮的刑具是為了什麽？”其中一個回答我道：”我們閃金光的鬥篷用鉛製成，鉛是這麽厚，重到要壓斷秤桿。我們兩個是歡喜教友，是波倫亞人；我叫做卡塔拉諾，他叫做羅戴林格；我們兩個給你的城裏請去維護和平的人，嚮例有一個沉穩的人就夠了；我們做的事在加爾丁格附近現在還看得見呢。”
　　　
　　 我開始說：”教友們呀！你們的罪惡……”但是我不往下說了，因為我看見一個罪人躺在地上，成一十字架形，用三根本樁釘着。當他看見我的時候，他扭轉他的身體，從他鬍須裏的口中嘆了一口氣；於是那教友對我說：“你所看見的罪人他曾經勸告法利賽人為民衆而犧牲了一個人。他赤裸着身體橫在路上，這你是看見的；我們從他的身上踏過，使他知道我們每個人的重量；他的嶽父也在這條溝裏領受同樣的刑罰，還有其他會議人，這個會議是猶太人遭難的源頭。”
　　　
　　 當時我看見維吉爾對於那成十字形躺着的罪人表示十分驚奇；後來他對那教友說：“我請你告訴我一件事情，如果可能的話，是否有什麽方法，不去請求那黑色的魔鬼，就可以越過這條溝呢？”他馬上回答道：“就在前面不遠，出乎意料之外，有一塊石頭，它從那高高的石壁起，經過每條殘酷的溝，不過到這條溝上的卻是斷了。假如你們能爬上那倒在溝底的斷石，你們就可以越過這條溝，爬上那面的堤岸了。”我的引路人站住了，低頭想了一下，於是說：“那裏拿鐵耙子的惡人，給了我們一條錯路！”那教友又說：“我在波倫亞曾經聽見人說起魔鬼的罪惡，其中之一就是撒謊，他們是說謊的老祖宗。”
　　　
　　 於是我的引路人大步嚮前走了，他似乎面上露出了惱怒；我也離開那些負重的靈魂，跟着他可愛的腳跡走去了。

　　IN silence and in solitude we went,
　　One first, the other following his steps,
　　As minor friars journeying on their road.
　　
　　The present fray had turn'd my thoughts to muse
　　Upon old Aesop's fable, where he told
　　What fate unto the mouse and frog befell.
　　For language hath not sounds more like in sense,
　　Than are these chances, if the origin
　　And end of each be heedfully compar'd.
　　And as one thought bursts from another forth,
　　So afterward from that another sprang,
　　Which added doubly to my former fear.
　　For thus I reason'd: "These through us have been
　　So foil'd, with loss and mock'ry so complete,
　　As needs must sting them sore. If anger then
　　Be to their evil will conjoin'd, more fell
　　They shall pursue us, than the savage hound
　　Snatches the leveret, panting 'twixt his jaws."
　　
　　Already I perceiv'd my hair stand all
　　On end with terror, and look'd eager back.
　　
　　"Teacher," I thus began, "if speedily
　　Thyself and me thou hide not, much I dread
　　Those evil talons. Even now behind
　　They urge us: quick imagination works
　　So forcibly, that I already feel them."
　　
　　He answer'd: "Were I form'd of leaded glass,
　　I should not sooner draw unto myself
　　Thy outward image, than I now imprint
　　That from within. This moment came thy thoughts
　　Presented before mine, with similar act
　　And count'nance similar, so that from both
　　I one design have fram'd. If the right coast
　　Incline so much, that we may thence descend
　　Into the other chasm, we shall escape
　　Secure from this imagined pursuit."
　　
　　He had not spoke his purpose to the end,
　　When I from far beheld them with spread wings
　　Approach to take us. Suddenly my guide
　　Caught me, ev'n as a mother that from sleep
　　Is by the noise arous'd, and near her sees
　　The climbing fires, who snatches up her babe
　　And flies ne'er pausing, careful more of him
　　Than of herself, that but a single vest
　　Clings round her limbs. Down from the jutting beach
　　Supine he cast him, to that pendent rock,
　　Which closes on one part the other chasm.
　　
　　Never ran water with such hurrying pace
　　Adown the tube to turn a landmill's wheel,
　　When nearest it approaches to the spokes,
　　As then along that edge my master ran,
　　Carrying me in his bosom, as a child,
　　Not a companion. Scarcely had his feet
　　Reach'd to the lowest of the bed beneath,
　　
　　
　　When over us the steep they reach'd; but fear
　　In him was none; for that high Providence,
　　Which plac'd them ministers of the fifth foss,
　　Power of departing thence took from them all.
　　
　　There in the depth we saw a painted tribe,
　　Who pac'd with tardy steps around, and wept,
　　Faint in appearance and o'ercome with toil.
　　Caps had they on, with hoods, that fell low down
　　Before their eyes, in fashion like to those
　　Worn by the monks in Cologne. Their outside
　　Was overlaid with gold, dazzling to view,
　　But leaden all within, and of such weight,
　　That Frederick's compar'd to these were straw.
　　Oh, everlasting wearisome attire!
　　
　　We yet once more with them together turn'd
　　To leftward, on their dismal moan intent.
　　But by the weight oppress'd, so slowly came
　　The fainting people, that our company
　　Was chang'd at every movement of the step.
　　
　　Whence I my guide address'd: "See that thou find
　　Some spirit, whose name may by his deeds be known,
　　And to that end look round thee as thou go'st."
　　
　　Then one, who understood the Tuscan voice,
　　Cried after us aloud: "Hold in your feet,
　　Ye who so swiftly speed through the dusk air.
　　Perchance from me thou shalt obtain thy wish."
　　
　　Whereat my leader, turning, me bespake:
　　"Pause, and then onward at their pace proceed."
　　
　　I staid, and saw two Spirits in whose look
　　Impatient eagerness of mind was mark'd
　　To overtake me; but the load they bare
　　And narrow path retarded their approach.
　　
　　Soon as arriv'd, they with an eye askance
　　Perus'd me, but spake not: then turning each
　　To other thus conferring said: "This one
　　Seems, by the action of his throat, alive.
　　And, be they dead, what privilege allows
　　They walk unmantled by the cumbrous stole?"
　　
　　
　　Then thus to me: "Tuscan, who visitest
　　The college of the mourning hypocrites,
　　Disdain not to instruct us who thou art."
　　
　　"By Arno's pleasant stream," I thus replied,
　　"In the great city I was bred and grew,
　　And wear the body I have ever worn.
　　but who are ye, from whom such mighty grief,
　　As now I witness, courseth down your cheeks?
　　What torment breaks forth in this bitter woe?"
　　"Our bonnets gleaming bright with orange hue,"
　　One of them answer'd, "are so leaden gross,
　　That with their weight they make the balances
　　To crack beneath them. Joyous friars we were,
　　Bologna's natives, Catalano I,
　　He Loderingo nam'd, and by thy land
　　Together taken, as men used to take
　　A single and indifferent arbiter,
　　To reconcile their strifes. How there we sped,
　　Gardingo's vicinage can best declare."
　　
　　"O friars!" I began, "your miseries—"
　　But there brake off, for one had caught my eye,
　　Fix'd to a cross with three stakes on the ground:
　　He, when he saw me, writh'd himself, throughout
　　Distorted, ruffling with deep sighs his beard.
　　And Catalano, who thereof was 'ware,
　　
　　
　　Thus spake: "That pierced spirit, whom intent
　　Thou view'st, was he who gave the Pharisees
　　Counsel, that it were fitting for one man
　　To suffer for the people. He doth lie
　　Transverse; nor any passes, but him first
　　Behoves make feeling trial how each weighs.
　　In straits like this along the foss are plac'd
　　The father of his consort, and the rest
　　Partakers in that council, seed of ill
　　And sorrow to the Jews." I noted then,
　　How Virgil gaz'd with wonder upon him,
　　Thus abjectly extended on the cross
　　In banishment eternal. To the friar
　　He next his words address'd: "We pray ye tell,
　　If so be lawful, whether on our right
　　Lies any opening in the rock, whereby
　　We both may issue hence, without constraint
　　On the dark angels, that compell'd they come
　　To lead us from this depth." He thus replied:
　　"Nearer than thou dost hope, there is a rock
　　From the next circle moving, which o'ersteps
　　Each vale of horror, save that here his cope
　　Is shatter'd. By the ruin ye may mount:
　　For on the side it slants, and most the height
　　Rises below." With head bent down awhile
　　My leader stood, then spake: "He warn'd us ill,
　　Who yonder hangs the sinners on his hook."
　　
　　To whom the friar: "At Bologna erst
　　I many vices of the devil heard,
　　Among the rest was said, 'He is a liar,
　　And the father of lies!'" When he had spoke,
　　My leader with large strides proceeded on,
　　Somewhat disturb'd with anger in his look.
　　
　　I therefore left the spirits heavy laden,
　　And following, his beloved footsteps mark'd.

　　第八圈續，出第六溝。第七溝：竊賊；萬尼·符契。
　　　
　　 在一年的年初，那時太陽在寶瓶宮發散他溫和的春光，夜和晝將要逐漸地相等了；有一天的早晨地上蓋着一層厚霜，和他的白姊妹一模一樣，不過壽命衹是短促些罷了；那時有一個可憐的牧人，傢裏已經斷了草料，他衹好早早起身，哪知開門一望，田野羊白茫茫一片，因此他長嘆一聲，又回到屋裏，踱來踱去，想不出法子；稍後，他又嚮外面一望，他的希望有了，在頃刻之間，世界已經變了樣；於是他拿起牧鞭，把他的羔羊趕出去尋覓食物了；我的心境也是如此，當我看見我的老師臉上有不快之色，我也隨這難過；但是，不過轉瞬之間，馬上藥到病除了。
　　　
　　 我們到了斷橋旁邊，我的引路人用和悅的態度對着我，這是我以前在山腳下面曾經看見過的。他把殘岩斷石查看一下，心裏拿定了主意，纔張開手臂來拉我。他一方面行動，一方面思考，小心翼翼地把我拉上一塊大石頭，他的目光又投射在第二塊石頭上面了，他對我說：“爬上這一塊，但是要先試試他是否撐得住你。”
　　　
　　 這一條路，那些戴鉛帽、穿鉛衣的是走不過去的，因為我的老師身體雖然輕，我雖然強有力，但是我們在亂石之中也是行動艱難。馬勒勃爾介的地勢是愈嚮中心愈低，所以每條溝的堤岸都是一邊高一邊低；我們現在正在爬着的堤岸雖然不高，但是我感到非常吃力，至於他覺得怎樣，我卻不知道。最後，我們爬上了最後一塊斷石。那時我的氣幾乎要斷了；我不能再走了，我衹好坐下來。
　　　
　　 我的老師說：“你現在應當遠離懶惰，因為一個人坐在絨毯之上，睏在綢被之中，决定不會有成就的；庸庸碌碌度一生，如同空中煙，水面泡，他在世上的痕跡頃刻就消失了。所以，你要站起來，用你的意志，剋服你的氣喘；如果精神不跟着肉體墮落，那末他可以戰勝一切艱難險阻。你要爬的坡還長呢，就是走完此地也不算完結；如果你聽懂了我的話，那末快些行動吧，對於你是有益處的。”
　　　
　　 於是我站了起來，表示出了我勇敢頑強的氣概，我說：“走吧！我現在有力量了，有信心了。”我們走上岩石，比以前的更加崎嶇，狹窄，陡峭，難於行走。我一邊走一邊說話，用以掩飾我的膽怯；那時我聽見第七條溝裏傳出一種聲音，斷斷續續，不成語句。我雖然已經走上了橋，但是我聽不懂他的意思，我衹覺得說話的好像正在發怒呢。我低下頭去看，但是活人的眼光卻抵達不到黑暗的底部；因此我說：“老師．我們下了這座橋，到那邊堤岸上去吧；因為在此地聽也聽不懂，看又看不見。”他答道：“我沒有別的回答，我衹有允許；合理的要求應當跟隨着不言而喻的行動。”
　　　
　　 我們從橋頂走下，來到第八條堤岸，於是那溝裏的景象呈現在我面前了：我看見裏面一大群的蛇，形狀奇特無比，形形色色，就是我現在回想起來，我的血液也要凝固。
　　　
　　 就是在利比亞大沙漠之地，那裏各種的毒蛇，也不如此地的衆多和可怕；就是埃塞俄比亞和紅海岸上的蛇，也不能和此地相比。在這些醜陋殘酷的爬蟲之中，一群驚惶裸體的靈魂亂竄着。既沒有藏身的洞，也找不到隱身的石。他們的手被蛇纏住背在背後；蛇的頭穿過他們的腰部，再纏繞在他們的胸前。
　　　
　　 離我很近的堤岸上，一條蛇突然跳起來，咬住一個罪人的頸部。比畫一圈一竪用的時間都要少的一剎那，那個罪人已經着了火，焚燒成灰；灰落地上，集積起來，他又立即恢復了原形。許多大哲人都說看過菲尼剋斯的奇跡，說他活到近五百歲的時候，會死了復生；他在生時不吃草，不吃𠔌，以香料為食品；他死在鬆香沒藥的堆上，這裏罪人的變化有點像他。
　　　
　　 那個復了原形的罪人站立在我們前面，好像一個人忽然被魔鬼摔倒在地或是被別的什麽絆倒，醒後立了起來嚮四周一看。方纔想起所受的痛苦，不覺慘慘地嘆息了一番。上帝的權威呀！這是多麽嚴厲的報復呀！那時我的引路人問他是誰；他回答道：“在不久之前，我從托斯卡那來到這個可怕的食管裏面。我過的生活不是人的生活，是走獸的，我如同一條騾子。我的名字叫做萬尼·符虱。一隻野獸；皮斯托亞是我適當的窠。”我對引路人說：”叫他說話不要躲避，問他犯了什麽罪纔逐放到這裏，因為我曾經看見他是個強暴而兇狠的人。”那個罪人聽了我的話，不再躲蔽，他把目光和註意力轉嚮我，臉上布滿羞恥之色，於是他說：“我的罪惡比你所知道的還要大的多。你要求我說，我不應該拒絶。我之所以墮入這條深溝裏，是因為我偷了教堂裏的東西；我又把這樁罪惡推到另一個人身上。但是你不要看着我開心，如果你有走出這個幽暗之地的時候，那末請你聽一聽我的預言：先是皮斯托亞驅逐黑黨出境，後來佛羅倫薩革新國傢民和法律。戰神從瑪格拉山𠔌掀起了風暴，狂風暴雨蕩擊在皮切諾的田野，那裏霹靂一聲，消滅了白黨。我說了這些話，無非讓你聽了傷心。”

　　IN the year's early nonage, when the sun
　　Tempers his tresses in Aquarius' urn,
　　And now towards equal day the nights recede,
　　When as the rime upon the earth puts on
　　Her dazzling sister's image, but not long
　　Her milder sway endures, then riseth up
　　The village hind, whom fails his wintry store,
　　And looking out beholds the plain around
　　All whiten'd, whence impatiently he smites
　　His thighs, and to his hut returning in,
　　There paces to and fro, wailing his lot,
　　As a discomfited and helpless man;
　　Then comes he forth again, and feels new hope
　　Spring in his bosom, finding e'en thus soon
　　The world hath chang'd its count'nance, grasps his crook,
　　And forth to pasture drives his little flock:
　　So me my guide dishearten'd when I saw
　　His troubled forehead, and so speedily
　　That ill was cur'd; for at the fallen bridge
　　Arriving, towards me with a look as sweet,
　　He turn'd him back, as that I first beheld
　　At the steep mountain's foot. Regarding well
　　The ruin, and some counsel first maintain'd
　　With his own thought, he open'd wide his arm
　　And took me up. As one, who, while he works,
　　Computes his labour's issue, that he seems
　　Still to foresee the' effect, so lifting me
　　Up to the summit of one peak, he fix'd
　　His eye upon another. "Grapple that,"
　　Said he, "but first make proof, if it be such
　　As will sustain thee." For one capp'd with lead
　　This were no journey. Scarcely he, though light,
　　And I, though onward push'd from crag to crag,
　　Could mount. And if the precinct of this coast
　　Were not less ample than the last, for him
　　I know not, but my strength had surely fail'd.
　　But Malebolge all toward the mouth
　　Inclining of the nethermost abyss,
　　The site of every valley hence requires,
　　That one side upward slope, the other fall.
　　
　　At length the point of our descent we reach'd
　　From the last flag: soon as to that arriv'd,
　　So was the breath exhausted from my lungs,
　　I could no further, but did seat me there.
　　
　　"Now needs thy best of man;" so spake my guide:
　　"For not on downy plumes, nor under shade
　　Of canopy reposing, fame is won,
　　Without which whosoe'er consumes his days
　　Leaveth such vestige of himself on earth,
　　As smoke in air or foam upon the wave.
　　Thou therefore rise: vanish thy weariness
　　By the mind's effort, in each struggle form'd
　　To vanquish, if she suffer not the weight
　　Of her corporeal frame to crush her down.
　　A longer ladder yet remains to scale.
　　From these to have escap'd sufficeth not.
　　If well thou note me, profit by my words."
　　
　　I straightway rose, and show'd myself less spent
　　Than I in truth did feel me. "On," I cried,
　　"For I am stout and fearless." Up the rock
　　Our way we held, more rugged than before,
　　Narrower and steeper far to climb. From talk
　　I ceas'd not, as we journey'd, so to seem
　　Least faint; whereat a voice from the other foss
　　Did issue forth, for utt'rance suited ill.
　　Though on the arch that crosses there I stood,
　　What were the words I knew not, but who spake
　　Seem'd mov'd in anger. Down I stoop'd to look,
　　But my quick eye might reach not to the depth
　　For shrouding darkness; wherefore thus I spake:
　　"To the next circle, Teacher, bend thy steps,
　　And from the wall dismount we; for as hence
　　I hear and understand not, so I see
　　Beneath, and naught discern."—"I answer not,"
　　Said he, "but by the deed. To fair request
　　Silent performance maketh best return."
　　
　　We from the bridge's head descended, where
　　To the eighth mound it joins, and then the chasm
　　Opening to view, I saw a crowd within
　　Of serpents terrible, so strange of shape
　　And hideous, that remembrance in my veins
　　Yet shrinks the vital current. Of her sands
　　Let Lybia vaunt no more: if Jaculus,
　　Pareas and Chelyder be her brood,
　　Cenchris and Amphisboena, plagues so dire
　　Or in such numbers swarming ne'er she shew'd,
　　Not with all Ethiopia, and whate'er
　　Above the Erythraean sea is spawn'd.
　　
　　
　　Amid this dread exuberance of woe
　　Ran naked spirits wing'd with horrid fear,
　　Nor hope had they of crevice where to hide,
　　Or heliotrope to charm them out of view.
　　With serpents were their hands behind them bound,
　　Which through their reins infix'd the tail and head
　　Twisted in folds before. And lo! on one
　　Near to our side, darted an adder up,
　　And, where the neck is on the shoulders tied,
　　Transpierc'd him. Far more quickly than e'er pen
　　Wrote O or I, he kindled, burn'd, and chang'd
　　To ashes, all pour'd out upon the earth.
　　When there dissolv'd he lay, the dust again
　　Uproll'd spontaneous, and the self-same form
　　Instant resumed. So mighty sages tell,
　　The' Arabian Phoenix, when five hundred years
　　Have well nigh circled, dies, and springs forthwith
　　Renascent. Blade nor herb throughout his life
　　He tastes, but tears of frankincense alone
　　And odorous amomum: swaths of nard
　　And myrrh his funeral shroud. As one that falls,
　　He knows not how, by force demoniac dragg'd
　　To earth, or through obstruction fettering up
　　In chains invisible the powers of man,
　　Who, risen from his trance, gazeth around,
　　Bewilder'd with the monstrous agony
　　He hath endur'd, and wildly staring sighs;
　　So stood aghast the sinner when he rose.
　　
　　Oh! how severe God's judgment, that deals out
　　Such blows in stormy vengeance! Who he was
　　My teacher next inquir'd, and thus in few
　　He answer'd: "Vanni Fucci am I call'd,
　　Not long since rained down from Tuscany
　　To this dire gullet. Me the beastial life
　　And not the human pleas'd, mule that I was,
　　Who in Pistoia found my worthy den."
　　
　　I then to Virgil: "Bid him stir not hence,
　　And ask what crime did thrust him hither: once
　　A man I knew him choleric and bloody."
　　
　　The sinner heard and feign'd not, but towards me
　　His mind directing and his face, wherein
　　Was dismal shame depictur'd, thus he spake:
　　"It grieves me more to have been caught by thee
　　In this sad plight, which thou beholdest, than
　　When I was taken from the other life.
　　I have no power permitted to deny
　　What thou inquirest." I am doom'd thus low
　　To dwell, for that the sacristy by me
　　Was rifled of its goodly ornaments,
　　And with the guilt another falsely charged.
　　But that thou mayst not joy to see me thus,
　　So as thou e'er shalt 'scape this darksome realm
　　Open thine ears and hear what I forebode.
　　Reft of the Neri first Pistoia pines,
　　Then Florence changeth citizens and laws.
　　From Valdimagra, drawn by wrathful Mars,
　　A vapour rises, wrapt in turbid mists,
　　And sharp and eager driveth on the storm
　　With arrowy hurtling o'er Piceno's field,
　　Whence suddenly the cloud shall burst, and strike
　　Each helpless Bianco prostrate to the ground.
　　This have I told, that grief may rend thy heart."