Filippi, Greci, Ormanni, and Alberichi, Even in their fall illustrious citizens; And saw, as mighty as they ancient were, With him of La Sannella him of Arca, And Soldanier, Ardinghi, and Bostichi. Near to the gate that is at present laden With a new felony of so much weight That soon it shall be jetsam from the bark, The Ravignani were, from whom descended The County Guido, and whoe'er the name Of the great Bellincione since hath taken. He of La Pressa knew the art of ruling Already, and already Galigajo Had hilt and pommel gilded in his house. Sacchetti, Giuochi, Fifant, and Barucci, Oh how beheld I those who are undone 90 95 100 105 By their own pride! and how the Balls of Gold 110 Florence enflowered in all their mighty deeds! So likewise did the ancestors of those Who evermore, when vacant is your church, The insolent race, that like a dragon follows So that it pleased not Ubertin Donato. That his wife's father should make him their kin. 115 Already had Caponsacco to the Market From Fesole descended, and already Giuda and Infangato were good burghers. I'll tell a thing incredible, but true; One entered the small circuit by a gate Which from the Della Pera took its name! Each one that bears the beautiful escutcheon Of the great baron whose renown and name The festival of Thomas keepeth fresh, Knighthood and privilege from him received; Though with the populace unites himself To-day the man who binds it with a border. Already were Gualterotti and Importuni; And still more quiet would the Borgo be If with new neighbors it remained unfed. The house from which is born your lamentation, Through just disdain that death among you brought And put an end unto your joyous life, Was honored in itself and its companions. O Buondelmonte, how in evil hour Thou fled'st the bridal at another's promptings! Many would be rejoicing who are sad, If God had thee surrendered to the Ema But it behoved the mutilated stone Which guards the bridge, that Florence should provide A victim in her latest hour of peace. With all these families, and others with them, 121 125 130 135 140 145 Florence beheld I in so great repose, And glorious her people, that the lily Nor by division was vermilion made.” 150 CANTO XVII As came to Clymene, to be made certain That first on my account had changed its place. That even as minds terrestrial perceive Ere in themselves they are, fixing thine eyes Upon the mountain that the souls doth heal, And when descending into the dead world, Were spoken to me of my future life Some grievous words; although I feel myself In sooth foursquare against the blows of chance. On this account my wish would be content To hear what fortune is approaching me, Because foreseen an arrow comes more slowly." Thus did I say unto that selfsame light That unto me had spoken before; and even As Beatrice willed was my own will confessed. Ensnared themselves of old, ere yet was slain Is all depicted in the eternal aspect. Except as from the eye, in which 't is mirrored, A ship that with the current down descends. From thence, e'en as there cometh to the ear Sweet harmony from an organ, comes in sight To me the time that is preparing for thee. As forth from Athens went Hippolytus, By reason of his step-dame false and cruel, So thou from Florence must perforce depart. Already this is willed, and this is sought for; And soon it shall be done by him who thinks it, Where every day the Christ is bought and sold. The blame shall follow the offended party In outcry as is usual; but the vengeance Shall witness to the truth that doth dispense it. Thou shalt abandon everything beloved Most tenderly, and this the arrow is Which first the bow of banishment shoots forth. Thou shalt have proof how savoreth of salt The bread of others, and how hard a road 30 35 40 45 50 55 |