La Divina Commedia Paradiso Canto XXI The song of Pier Damiani Time: Thursday, March 30, 1301 (Wednesday, April 13, 1300): not specified (after Easter) Place: Seventh Sky: Saturn People: Dante, Beatrice, san Pier Damiani © 2021 Dr. M. Junker: Fonetics, metrics, accents colored, protected by Namirial SpA © 1994 Le Lettere: Critical Edition of the Divine Comedy (by Giorgio Petrocchi) English Translation by Charles Eliot Norton: 1902/1952 (Encyclopædia Britannica)
1 Già ran li cchi mi i rifissi al v lto (1) 2 4 6 8 de la mia d nna, e l’animo con ssi, 4 6 3 e da gne altro int nto s’ ra t lto. (3) 4 6 E qu lla non rid a; ma «S’io rid ssi», 2 4 6 7 8 mi cominciò, «tu ti far sti quale 4 5 8 6 fu Semelè quando di c ner f ssi: 1 4 5 8 ché la bell zza mia, che per le scale 4 6 de l’ett rno palazzo più s’acc nde, 3 6 8 9 c m’ hai veduto, quanto più si sale, 2 4 6 8 se non si temperasse, tanto spl nde, 2 6 8 che ’l tuo mortal pod re, al suo fulg re, 2 4 6 8 12 sar bbe fr!nda che tr"no scosc#nde. 2 4 7 N$i s%m levati&al s'ttimo splend(re, 1 (2) 4 6 che s)tto ’l p*tto del Le+,ne-ard.nte 2 4 8 15 raggia m/ misto giù del suo val0re. 1 3 4 6 (8) Ficca di r1tro2a li34cchi tu5i la m6nte, 1 4 6 8 e fa di qu7lli sp8cchi9a la figura 2 4 6 18 che ’n qu:sto sp;cchio ti sarà parv<nte». 2 4 8 Qual sav=sse qual >ra la pastura 1 3 6 del vi?o mio ne l’asp@tto beAato 2 4 7 21 quand’ io mi traBmutaiCad altra cura, 2 6 8 conoscerDbbe quanto m’EraFa grato 4 6 8 ubidireGa la mia celHste scIrta, 3 6 8 24 contrapeJando l’un con l’altro lato. 4 6 8 DKntroLal cristallo che ’l vocMbol pNrta, 1 4 8 cerchiandoOil mPndo, del suo caro duce 2 4 8 27 sQtto cui giacqueRSgne malizia mTrta, (1) 3 4 5 8
2 Already were my eyes fixed again upon the countenance of my Lady, and my mind with them, 3 and from every other intent it was withdrawn; and she was not smiling, but: “If I should smile,” she began to me, “thou wouldst become such as 6 was Semele when ashes she became; for my beauty, which along the stairs of the eternal palace is kindled the more, 9 as thou hast seen, the higher the ascent, were it not tempered, is so resplendent that thy mortal power, at its effulgence, 12 would be as a bough by thunder shattered. We are lifted to the seventh splendor, which beneath the breast of the burning Lion 15 radiates now mingled downward with his strength. Fix behind thine eyes thy mind, and make of them mirrors for the figure 18 which in this mirror to thee shall be apparent.” He who should know what was the pasture of my sight in her blessed aspect, 21 when I transferred me to another care, would know how to me it was pleasing to obey my celestial escort, 24 by counterpoising one with the other side. Within the crystal which bears the name, circling round the world, of its illustrious leader, 27 under whom lay all wickedness dead,
3 di colUr d’VroWin che raggio traluce 3 4 7 vid’ ioXuno scalYoZer[tto\in su]o 2 6 8 30 tanto, che n^l seguiva la mia luce. 1 (4) 6 Vidi_anche per li gradi sc`nder giuao 1 2 6 8 tanti splendbr, ch’io pensai ch’cgne lume 1 4 (5) 7 8 33 che par nel cidl, quindi fesse diffufo. 2 4 5 7 E cgme, per lo natural costume, 2 8 le phleiinsijme,kal cominciar del gilrno, 2 4 8 36 si mmvonona scaldar le frodde piume; 2 6 8 ppiqaltre vanno via sanza ritrrno, (1) 2 (4) 6 7 altre rivslgon sétunde svn mwsse, 1 4 6 7 39 exaltre roteyando fan soggizrno; 2 6 tal m{do parve me che quivi f|sse 1 2 4 6 8 in qu}llo sfavillar che ’nsi~me vnne, 2 6 8 42 sì cmein crto grado si percsse. 1.2 4 6 E qul che pr sso più ci si ritnne, 2 4 6 si fé sì chiaro, ch’io dica pensando: 2 4 6 8 45 ‘Io vggio bn l’amr che tu m’accnne. 1 2 4 6 8 Ma qulland’ ioaspttoil cmee ’l quando 2 (4) 6 8 del diree del tacr, si sta;nd’ io, 2 6 8 48 cntra ’l diio, f bn ch’io non dimando’. 1 4 6 7 Per ch’lla, che vedéail tacr mio 2 6 9 nel vedr di colui che tutto v de, 3 6 8 51 mi disse: «S¡lvi¢il tuo caldo di£io». 2 4 7 E¤io¥incominciai: «La mia merc¦de 2 6 (8) non mi fa d§gno de la tua risp¨sta; 1 4 (8) 54 ma per col©i che ’l chiªder mi conc«de, 4 6
4 of the color of gold on which a sunbeam is shining, I saw a ladder rising up so 30 high that not followed it my eye. I saw, moreover, along the steps descending so many splendors, that I thought every light 33 which appears in heaven down from it had been poured. And as, by their natural custom, the claws, at the beginning of the day, 36 move about together, in order to warm their cold feathers; then some go away without return, others wheel round to whence they started, 39 and others, circling, make a stay; such fashion it seemed to me here was in that sparkling which together came, 42 so soon as on a certain step it struck; and that one which nearest to us stopped became so bright that I said in my thought: 45 “I see well the love which thou dost to me signify. But she, from whom I await the how and the when of speech and of silence, stays still; wherefore I, 48 contrary to desire, do well not to ask.” Whereupon she, who saw my silence, in the sight of Him who sees everything, 51 said to me: “Let loose thy warm desire.” And I began: “My own merit does not make me worthy of thy answer; 54 but for her sake who the asking to me concedes,
5 vita be¬ata che ti stai nasc sta 1 4 8 d®ntro¯a la tua letizia, fammi n°ta 1 6 8 57 la cagi±n che sì pr²sso mi t’ha p³sta; 3 5 6 e dì perché si tace´in quµsta r¶ta 2 4 6 8 la d·lce sinfonia di paradi¸o, 2 6 60 che giù per l’altre su¹na sì divºta». 2 4 6 8 «Tu»hai l’udir mortal sì c¼me½il vi¾o», (1) 2 4 6 7.8 rispu¿ÀeÁa me;«Ãnde qui non si canta 2 4 5 7 (8) 63 per quÄl che Bëatrice non ha riÅo. 2 6 Giù per li gradi de la scala santa 1 4 8 discÆÇi tanto sÈl per farti fÉsta 2 4 6 8 66 cÊl direËe cÌn la luce che miÍammanta; 2 6 né piùÎamÏr mi fÐceÑÒsser più prÓsta, 1 2 4 6 7 ché piùÔe tantoÕamÖr quinci sù f×rve, 2 4 6 7 9 69 sì cØmeÙil fiammeggiar ti manifÚsta. (1.2) 6 Ma l’alta carità, che ci fa sÛrve 2 6 (9) prÜnteÝal consiglio che ’l mÞndo govßrna, 1 4 7 72 sortàggia qui sì cáme tuâossãrve». 2 4 (5.6) 8 «Io väggio bån», diss’ io, «sacra lucærna, (1) 2 4 6 7 cçme liberoèaméreêin quësta cìrte (1) 3 6 8 75 bastaía seguir la provedînzaïettðrna; 1 4 8 ma quñstoòè quól ch’a côrner mi par fõrte, 2 4 6 (9) perché predestinata fösti s÷la 2 6 8 78 a quøstoùofficio tra le tue consúrte». 2 4 8 Né vûnni primaüa l’ultima parýla, (1) 2 4 6 che del suo mþ o f ce il lume c ntro, 3 4 6 8 81 girando sé c me vel ce m la; 2 4 (5) 8
6 O blessed life, that art hidden within thine own joy, make known to me 57 the cause which so near me thee has placed; and tell why is silent in this wheel the sweet symphony of Paradise, 60 which below through the others sounds so devoutly.” “Thou hast thy hearing mortal, as thy sight,” it replied to me; “therefore here is no song 63 for the same reason that Beatrice has no smile. Down over the steps of the holy stairway I have descended so far, only to give thee glad welcome 66 with my speech and with the light that mantles me; nor has more love made me to be more ready, for as much and more love up there is burning, 69 even as the flaming to thee manifests: but the high charity, which makes us prompt servants to the Counsel that governs the world, 72 allots here, even as thou observest.” “I see well,” said I, “O sacred lamp, how free love in this Court 75 suffices for following the eternal Providence: but this is what to discern seems to me hard, why predestined wert thou alone 78 to this office among thy consorts.” I had not come to the last word before of its middle made the light a centre, 81 whirling itself like a swift millstone.
7 p i rispu e l’am r che v’ ra d ntro: 1 3 6 (8) «Luce divina s pra me s’appunta, 1 4 8 84 penetrando per qu sta in ch’io m’inv ntro, 3 6 8 la cui virtù, c l mio ved r congiunta, 2 4 6 8 mi l va s pra me tanto, ch’i’ v ggio 2 6 7 87 la s mma ess nza de la quale è munta. 2 4 8 Quinci vi n l’allegr zza nd’ io fiamm ggio; 1 (3) 6 8 per ch’a la vista mia, quant’ !lla"è chiara, 4 6 8 90 la chiarità de la fiamma par#ggio. 4 7 Ma qu$ll’ alma nel ci%l che più si schiara, 3 6 8 qu&l serafin che ’n Dio più l’'cchio(ha fisso, (1) 4 6 (7) 8 93 a la dimanda tua non satisfara, 4 6 (7) però che sì s’inn)ltra ne lo*abisso 2 4 6 de l’ett+rno statuto qu,l che chi-di, 3 6 (8) 96 che da./gne cre0ata vista1è scisso. 3 6 8 E2al m3ndo mortal, quando tu ri4di, 3 6 (7.9) qu5sto rapporta, sì che non pre6umma 1 4 6 8 99 a tanto s7gno più m8ver li pi9di. 2 4 6 7 La m:nte, che qui luce,;in t<rra fumma; 2 5 6 8 =nde riguarda c>me può là giùe 1 4 8 102 qu?l che non p@te perché ’l ciAl l’assumma». 1 4 7 8 Sì mi prescrisser le parBle sue, 1 4 8 ch’io lasciai la quistiCneDe mi ritrassi 3 6 105 a dimandarlaEumilmFnte chi fue. 4 7 (9) «Tra ’ due liti d’Italia surgon sassi, 3 6 8 e non mGlto distantiHa la tua patria, 2 3 6 108 tanto chI ’ trJniKassai suLnan più bassi, 1 4 6 7
8 Then answered the love that was within it: “A divine light on me is directed, 84 penetrating through this wherein I embosom me; of which the virtue, with my vision conjoined, lifts me above myself so far that I see 87 the Supreme Essence from which it emanates. Thence comes the joy wherewith I flame, because to my vision, in proportion as it is clear, 90 the clearness of my flame I match. But that soul in Heaven which is most enlightened, that Seraph who on God most his eye has fixed, 93 thy demand could not satisfy; because so deep lies within the abyss of the eternal statute that which thou askest, 96 that from every created sight it is cut off. And to the mortal world when thou returnest, carry this back, so that it may presume 99 to such a goal no longer move its feet toward. The mind which shines here, on earth is smoky; wherefore consider how can it do there below 102 that which it cannot do though Heaven assume it.” So did to me prescribe its words, that I left the question, and drew me back 105 to ask it humbly who it was. “Between the two shores of Italy rise rocks, and not very distant from thy native land, 108 so high that the thunders far sound lower down,
9 e fannoMun gibbo che si chiama Catria, 2 4 8 di sNttoOal qualePè consecratoQun Rrmo, 2 4 8 111 che suSleTUsser dispVstoWa sXla latria». 2 3 6 8 CoYì ricominciZmmi[il t\rzo s]rmo; 2 6 8 e p^i, continüando, disse: «Quivi 2 6 8 114 al servigio di Dio mi f_’ sì f`rmo, 3 6 8 (9) che pur con cibi di liquar d’ulivi 2 4 8 lievembnte passava caldice gdli, 3 6 8 117 contento nf’ pensigr contemplativi. 2 6 Rhnder solia qujl chikstrola qumsti cinli 1 4 6 (8) fertilemonte;peqrrasè fatto vano, 4 6 8 120 sì che ttsto conviun che si rivvli. (1) 3 6 In quwl lxco fu’yio Piztro Damiano, 3 6 7 e Pi{tro Peccat|r fu’ ne la ca}a 2 6 (7) 123 di N~stra Dnnain sul litoadriano. 2 4 7 Pca vita mortal m’ra rima a, 1 3 6 (7) quando fui chistoe trattoa qul cappllo, 1 4 6 (8) 126 che pur di malein pggio si travaa. 2 4 6 Vnne Cefàs e vnneil gran vallo 1 4 6 8 de lo Spirito Santo, magrie scalzi, 3 6 8 129 prendndoil cibo da qualunqueostllo. 2 4 8 r vglion quincie quindi chi rincalzi 1 2 4 6 8 li modrni pastrie chi li mni, 3 6 8 132 tanto sn gravi, e chi di ri¡tro li¢alzi. 1 4 6 8 Cu£pron d’i manti l¤ro¥i palafr¦ni, 1 4 6 sì che due b§stie van s¨tt’ una p©lle: 1 (3) 4 6 (8) 135 ªh pazï«nza che tanto sosti¬ni!». 1 4 7
10 and they form a ridge which is called Catria, beneath which is consecrated a hermitage 111 which was wont to be devoted only to worship.” Thus it began again to me with its third speech, and then, continuing, said: “There 114 in the service of God I became so steadfast, that, only with food of olive juice, lightly I used to pass the heats and frosts, 117 content in contemplative thoughts. To render was wont that cloister to these heavens in abundance; and now it is become empty 120 so as soon needs must be revealed. In that place was I Peter Damian, and Peter the sinner had I been in the house 123 of Our Lady on the Adriatic shore. Little of mortal life was remaining for me, when I was sought for and dragged to that hat 126 which ever from bad to worse is passed down. Came Cephas, and came the great vessel of the Holy Spirit, lean and barefoot, 129 taking the food of whatsoever inn. Now require on this side and that one to prop them up the modern pastors, and one to lead them, 132 so heavy are they, and one behind to hold up their trains. They cover with their mantles their palfreys, so that two beasts go under one hide. 135 O Patience, that so much dost endure!”
11 A qu sta v®ce vid’ io più fiamm¯lle (2) 4 7 8 di grado°in grado sc±ndere²e girarsi, 2 4 6 138 e³´gne giro le facµa più b¶lle. 2 4 8 Dint·rno¸a qu¹sta vºnnero»e fermarsi, 2 4 6 e f¼ro½un grido di sì¾alto su¿no, 2 4 (7) 8 141 che non potrÀbbe quiÁassomigliarsi; 4 6 néÂio lo ’ntÃÄi, sì mi vinseÅil tuÆno. 2 4 6 8
12 At these words I saw more flamelets from step to step descending and whirling, 138 and every whirl made them more beautiful. Round about this one they came, and stopped, and uttered a cry of such deep sound 141 that none could be here like it; nor did I understand it, so overcame me the thunder.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTIyMjQzNA==