VII

I say, proceeding, that much before than

We got at the bottom of the high tower,

Our eyes went up to the top of it

Following two little flames that we saw

And another one nodding from afar

So far that the eyes struggled to see it.

And I turned to the sea of all wisdom;

I said: "What is that saying? And what does the

Other fire reply? And who are those who made it?".

And he replied: "Up following the dirty waters

You can already see what's waiting for us,

If the fog from the pod doesn't hide it from you".

The rope of a bow never struck an arrow

That run faster in the air,

Then me seeing a small ship

Coming towards us through the water,

Under the lead of a single boatman,

Who was screaming: "Now you came, you evil soul!".

"Flègias, Flègias, you're shouting into the void",

My lord said, "this time:

We'll be with you just to cross the mud pod".

Just like those who listen to a great fraud

Done to them, and then regret,

So did Frègias, hiding his anger.

My guide got onto the boat,

And then let me in beside him;

And only when I got in it looked charged.

As soon as my guide and me got on the boat,

Cutting the waters the old ship sails,

More than it was used to do with other passengers.

While we were running through the stagnant pod,

A mountain of mud appeared in front of me,

Saying: "Who are you, coming before you're due?"

And I replied: "If I'm coming, I'm not staying;

But who are you, created so ugly?"

He replied: "You see, I'm one who's crying".

And I said "With tears and with grieve,

Damned spirit, you'll stay;

For I know you, you are still all dirty".

Then he stretched out both hands towards the boat;

But the careful master pushed him back,

Saying: "Go away with the other dogs!".

He then put his arms around my neck;

He kissed my face, and said: "Disdainful soul,

Blesses she, who got pregnant with you!

He was one proud person in your world;

There's nothing good honoring his memory:

So his shadow unloads here his fury.

How many people are there on the great thrones

Who will stay here like pigs in the dirt,

Leaving behind horrible memories!".