Dante's Divine Comedy Translation Hell Canto Vi

Continues the translation of the great Dante's poem written 700 years ago, probably the most important poetry ever written in the human story When my mind returned back, after the stop Due to pity for two brothers in law, Which caused in sad confusion me to drop, New torments and new too tormented flaw I see around, as I move wherever And as I look back, and with eyes I draw. I am at the third circle, where forever It rains, bloody, cold and heavy indeed Bound and mood of it are changing never. Large hailstone, dirty water and snow bead In the gloomy air in great amount pours; Smells bad the earth which then receives this feed. Cerberus, cruel monster and grim corps, With three throats he barks of a dog in guise Above the guys which here submerged stores. Greasy and grim his beard, red ruby eyes, And belly large has, and harshly hooked hands; Scratches the souls, flays and slashes those guys. Makes them to scream as dogs the rain which lands; One flank to other they in turn make screen; Often the wretched trundle with no plans. When Cerberus saw us, the worm obscene, His mouths he opened fangs willing to show No part of his body he had to lean. And my guide rapid stretched then his hands low, Picked up some soil, and with his fists full filled It in eager throats he was prompt to throw. Like a dog which barking covets the willed, And becomes quiet after eating bite, Since to devour it is focused and thrilled, So made those dirty faces apt to fight Of demon Cerberus, who growls with roars To souls , who deafness would prefer to fright. We walked on the spirits beaten corps By heavy rain, and we were putting feet On their pride which any person restores. They all lying on ground in their defeat Except one who to sit up, rapid rose When he saw us while passing him to meet. “Oh you that come within this hell so close”, He told me, “Recognize me, if you know; You were born, before my death you arose”. And I to him: “the anguish you now show Maybe is taking you out of my mind So that it goes as I never you saw. But tell me who you are in such unkind Place you are held and suffer such a pain, That, if any greater, no worse can find” And he to me: “Your city, a full drain Of envy that already slops the bag, Held me during my peaceful life and plane. You fellows named me Ciacco as a tag For the gluttony indeed damned my sin, As you can see, in this rain I drag. And I sad soul am not alone here in, Because all these in such a pain are held For the same sin”. And then hushed with a grin. I answered : “Ciacco, to see you felled Weighs on me so much that it makes me cry; But tell me, if you know, where are impelled The people of city used to defy; If anybody fair is there; and tell Of such a great discord the reason why”. And he to me: “After long fight and yell Blood shall then flow, and after the wild side Will expel others with offense as well. After that correctly this will down slide Within three suns, overcoming other With the strength of guy who is now beside. High will hold foreheads for long time rather, Keeping the other under heavy weight So that it will cry and strongly bother. Two fair there are, and have no hearing mate; Arrogance envy and avarice are The three sparks which the hearts enkindled sate”. Here put an end to crying words so far. And I to him: “I want you teach me still And that of your speaking give me a jar. Farinata and Tegghiaio, who honor fill, Jacopo Rusticucci, Arrigo, Mosca too And the others who for good used their skill, Tell me where are and how can see them through Because a great desire I have to know If own sweet heavens or hell gives them ado” And he: “are within the most black souls low; Many different faults brings them to deep: You will see them down there if you far go. But when to the sweet world again you keep, I pray you that my mind have to recall: I don’t speak more, no word from me can reap”. The straight eyes to grim he twisted to stall; Looked at me a bit and his head then bent: Fell down with it as the others blind all. And guide told me: “He will not have ascent Until angelic trumpet shall bring sound, When of the hostile power occur descent: Each one shall then see his grave in the ground, Shall keep his body then and shape again, Shall hear the eternal roar to rebound”. So we trespassed over that dirty drain Made of shadows and of rain, with slow pace, Touching a bit of future life the lane; So I told: “Master, these torments we face After the final verdict shall more grow, Or will be less, or equal will retrace? And he: “Back to your science have to go, Which implies, as much as it is perfect, That you feel the good, as well as the woe. Although this people damn and also wrecked A truly perfect status cannot get, In other place not this is to expect”. We walked that circle road for a bit, Much more speaking than I can now recall; We reached the point which to down grade admit: Here we found Pluto, the enemy tall.