DANTE'S DIVINE COMEDY: THE INFERNO. A Literal Prose Translation, WITH THE TEXT OF THE ORIGINAL COLLATED FROM THE BEST PREFACE. THE object of the following Prose Translation is to give the real meaning of Dante as literally and briefly as possible. No single particle has been wittingly left unrepresented in it, for which any equivalent could be discovered; and the few words that have been added are marked in Italics. English readers, it is hoped, will here find a closer, and therefore, with all its defects, a warmer version than any that has hitherto been published for them. The Italian Text, carefully collated from the best editions, is printed beneath, in order to justify and support the Translation, which is perhaps too literal for standing alone; and likewise to enable those who have any knowledge of Italian to understand the Original itself more easily, and with less obstruction enjoy the deep rhythmic force and beauty of it, which cannot be transferred into any other language. New Arguments or explanatory introductions, intended to diminish the number and burden of indispensable notes, are prefixed to the Cantos. The Notes themselves are either original, or taken directly, and in no case without accurate reference, from the best Italian commentators and historians; and, above all, from Dante's own works, wherever any thing Finally, the doubtful, difficult, or obsolete words Now this simple statement will sufficiently shew |