The Fifth Circle. Intemperance in Indignation
The Wrathful and Sullen. Styx. The City of Dis
I say, continuing, that long before
we ever reached the lofty tower’s foot,
our eyes had upward toward its summit turned,
because of two small flames we there saw placed,
and of another answering from so far,
that hardly could mine eyesight make it out.
Then to all wisdom’s Sea I turned around,
and said: “What sayeth this? and what replies
that other fire? and who are they that made it?”
And he to me: “Upon the filthy waves
thou canst already see what is expected,
unless the marsh’s fog conceal it from thee.”
Bowstring ne’er shot an arrow from itself,
that sped away so swiftly through the air,
as I beheld a slender little boat
come toward us through the water thereupon,
under the guidance of a single boatman,
who shouted: “Thou art caught now, wicked soul!”
“O Phlegyas, Phlegyas,” said my Master then,
“this time thou criest out in vain! No longer
shalt thou have us, than while we cross the swamp.”
Like one who listens to a great deceit
practiced upon him, and who then resents it,
so Phlegyas in his stifled wrath became.
My Leader then went down into the boat,
and had me enter after him; and only
when I was in it did it laden seem.
Soon as my Leader and I were in the boat,
the ancient prow goes on its way, and cuts
more water than with others is its wont.
While we were speeding through the stagnant trench,
one stood before me filled with mud, and said:
“Now who art thou, that comest ere thy time?”
And I to him: “Even though I come, I stay not;
but who art thou, that art become so foul?”
He answered: “As thou see’st, I ’m one who weeps.”
Then I to him: “In sorrow and in grief
mayst thou, accursèd spirit, here remain,
for thee I know, all filthy though thou be!”
Then toward the boat he stretched out both his hands;
my wary Teacher, therefore, thrust him off,
saying: “Away there with the other dogs!”
And with his arms he then embraced my neck,
and kissed my face, and said: “Blessèd be she
who pregnant was with thee, indignant soul!
He was a haughty person in the world;
nor is there any goodness which adorns
his memory; hence his shade is furious here.
How many now up yonder think themselves
great kings, who here shall be like pigs in mire,
leaving behind them horrible contempt!”
And I said: “Teacher, I ’d be greatly pleased
to see him get a ducking in this broth,
before we issue from the marshy lake.”
And he to me: “Thou shalt be satisfied
before the shore reveal itself to thee;
’t is meet that thou enjoy a wish like that.”
Soon after this I saw the muddy people
making such havoc of him, that therefor
I still give praise and render thanks…
