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Richard Seddon <[log in to unmask]>
Mon, 3 Feb 2003 07:53:27 -0700
text/plain (24 lines)
Charles

"lo contrapasso" are the last two words of Canto 28.  It is the end of a 12
line statement of Bertrand de Born.

Pinsky and the Temple Classics render it as "retribution"

Ciardi last two lines:
"an eye for an eye to all eternity:
   thus is the law of Hell observed in me."

Sayers last line
"Thus is my measure measured in me again."

Perhaps Pound is seeing the spirit of Bernard de Born's statement in Canto
28 expressed in Dante (pilgrim) and Vanni Fucci's  experiences in Canto 24.
The two form a very interesting ideogram.

Canto 24 can be read as being very much about Dante's self-realization of
his own sins and weaknesses; even concern for his poetic skills.

Rick Seddon
McIntosh, NM

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