Dante Alighieri (1265–1321)

Translated by Percy Bysshe Shelley

GUIDO, I would that Lapo, thou, and I,

Led by some strong enchantment, might ascend

A magic ship, whose charmèd sails should fly

With winds at will, where’er our thoughts might wend;

And that no change, nor any evil chance,

Should mar our joyous voyage, but it might be

That even satiety should still enhance

Between our hearts their strict community;

And that the bounteous wizard then would place

Vanna and Bice and my gentle love,

Companions of our wandering, and would grace

With passionate talk, wherever we might rove,

Our time, and each were as content and free

As I believe that thou and I should be.