1 When church bells toll the knell of parting day
the traveller, whether on land or sea
remembers home and loved ones far away.
4 While pondering Sordello’s final word
I saw a kingly soul below arise,
showing by gestures that he would be heard.
7 Joining his palms he lifted them in prayer,
and gazing to the east, began to sing
sweetly the evening hymn to Heavenly light.
10 The rest melodiously joined the hymn
while also gazing on the bright clear stars
which were, I noticed, starting to appear.
13 Reader, sharpen your mind’s eye to the truth
I try to show you through my poem’s veil
which should be thinnest, most transparent here.
16 The noble company fell silent, all
looking up humbly and expectantly,
to where I saw descending through the air
19 a pair of angels holding shining swords
shortened because their points were broken off.
Their wings and robes were green as fresh spring leaves.
One stopped above our heads, the other stood 22
upon the mountainside just opposite.
Though I could clearly see their flaxen hair,
the brightness of their eyes quite dazzled me. 25
Sordello said, “Mary, Mother of God,
sends them to guard the valley at this time
from the foul snake, our spiteful enemy.” 28
Unsure of where that snake would come, I pressed
against the trusty shoulder of my guide.
“We will descend and greet some noble shades,” 31
Sordello said, “for speech with you will please
that company.” By three steps I went down
to where I saw (though air was darkening) 34
a man whose face I knew, as he knew mine –
noble judge Nino. That he was not damned
delighted me. “When did you land upon 37
this island’s shore?” he asked. “At dawn today,”
I said, “although I did not cross the sea.
I am not dead, but came on foot through Hell.” 40
He started back, then said to someone near,
“Conrad, arise! See what God’s grace has willed.”
Then said to me, “By that great gratitude 43
you owe to Him whose deepest purposes
cannot be known, when back in Italy,
beg my child Joan to pray God for my soul. 46
He will respond to prayers of innocence.
My wife, who wed again, loves me no more,
49 showing how soon the flame of women’s love
dies lacking sight and touch to kindle it.
She cannot long enjoy her present mate.
52 Her husband flaunts a viper on his shield.
Carved on her tomb it will not look as fair
as would the chanticleer she had from me.”
55 The indignation showing in his face
came from the heart, but I was staring up
to that high centre where stars move most slow.
58 My leader asked, “What are you seeing there?”
“Three starry torches new to me,” said I,
“with which the southern sky is all aglow.”
61 Said he, “The four great stars you saw at dawn
have sunk from view and are replaced by these.”
And it was then Sordello cried aloud,
64 “See! There’s the enemy!” pointing to where
the valley’s side dipped low, for there a snake
was sliding in, maybe that subtle one
67 who first had given bitter food to Eve.
Through grass and flowers it undulated on,
an evil streak, twisting at times its neck
70 to lick its back with flickering forked tongue.
So swiftly did Heaven’s hawks swoop down at him
I only heard their green wings cleave the air
73 before that serpent fled and they returned.
He whom the judge had called to look at me
had not since looked away. Approaching now
he said, “May your will to ascend this hill 76
not fail before you reach the greatest height.
If you have word of Val di Magra or
places near by, then tell it to me please 79
for there I once was great, known by the name
my father had, Conrad Malaspina.
My too much loving of my family 82
here must be purified.” “I was never
in your land,” I replied, “but in Europe
where are you not renowned? Guilty tongues fail 85
to slander your name, for it still resounds
for generosity of purse and sword –
a family famous for going straight.” 88
He said, “Years hence I happily foresee
experience will prove your friendly view
of my folk’s generosity still true.” 91