Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1883 edition. Excerpt: ...earthly things, never lifted up their gaze on high, so justice here sunk them to the ground. As avarice put out our love for all things good, so that our good works were left undone, so justice keeps us captive here bound tightly hand and foot; and here shall we remain stretched out and motionless, so long as our most righteous Lord shall choose." I had fallen upon my knees, and would have spoken, but just as I began, he perceived, though by the ear alone,1 my act of reverence. " What cause," he said, " bent thee down like this? " And I to him: " Out of respect for your dignity my conscience justly stung me." 2 " Straighten thy legs, and E nulla pena il monte ha piu amara. Si come 1' occhio nostro non s' aderse In alto, fisso alle cose terrene, Cosi giustizia qui a terra il merse. 120 Come avarizia spense a ciascun bene Lo nostro amore, onde operar perdesi, Cosi giustizia qui stretti ne tiene Ne' piedi e nelle man legati e presi; E quanto fia piacer del giusto Sire, 125 Tanto staremo immobili e distesi. lo m' era inginocchiato, e volea dire; Ma com' io cominciai, ed ei s' accorse, Solo ascoltando, del mio riverire: Qual cagion, disse, in giu cosi ti torse? 130 Ed io a lui: Per vostra dignitate Mia coscienza dritta mi rimorse. 1 i.e. because he could not see what I did, owing to his lying on his face. a Others read " dritto," i.e. " for standing." raise thee up, my brother; err not," he said, " I am a fellow servant with thee and with the others to one Power.1 If ever thou didst hear that holy gospel text,2 which says Neque mibent, thou canst see well why I do reason thus. Go now thy way; I would not have thee stay longer, for thy delay does but impede my tears, with which I hasten what thou saidst before.3 I have a niece in that world, by...
