CANTO XVII. ARGUMENT. CACCIAGUIDA foretels Dante's banishment, and the calamities he is about to suffer from his ungrateful countrymen. He bids him not shrink from declaring the truth revealed in his vision, however bitter it may be. As he who came to Clymene, to inquire If true the tale reported to his shame, E'en such was I, and such the hue I wore ; "Shine freely forth; that thus, distinctly shown, L 1 7 "Oh my loved stem, exalted to such height Things future contemplates with vision clear, While Virgil guided me, as up we sped, 13 Around the mountain where souls make them pure, And down to the dark regions of the dead, My coming life to me was shadow'd out 19 In words, that, though I feel well squared to endure The shafts of fortune, fill'd my mind with doubt: Wherefore I fain would learn what misery Awaiteth me from cruel Fortune's hand ; Since gentler comes the arrow we foresee." Thus spake I to that splendour which addrest His words to me before with accent bland; And, as my guide desired, my wish confest. 25 Nor by responses, such as led astray 31 The world with smooth deceptions, ere was slain The Lamb of God, that taketh sins away; But in bright words and simple ancient style, That love paternal answer'd me again, Not dimly seen, though shrouded in his smile. 66 Contingency, which doth possess no place Is wholly pictured in the Eternal face: From sweet-toned organ, so comes o'er my sight So thou art doom'd from Florence to depart. And he who plans it, soon his power shall prove, From all most cherish'd :-Exile's bow shall send But that which shall thy misery complete, Shall set themselves against thee: but full nigh That asking and conceding shall change place; So tender is his age; for scarce nine years But ere the Gascon's artifice deceive Great Henry, he, all sordid hopes and fears 61 67 73 79 His deeds magnificent shall still proclaim Shall be compell'd to celebrate his fame. Of fortunes in such manner shall dispose, But be they not divulged." Then things he told, And added: "This my comment doth reveal Be felt-for longer shall your life be spared Show'd the close-woven plot for me prepared, And all the future to my view display'd,Doubting, like one who fain would counsel hear From some tried friend in whom he may repose, 85 91 97 103 Sound in his judgment, and of soul sincere Sire," I began, "I mark how time for me Destines a blow, most fatal unto those Who look for it with most despondency. |