Note 36 — JOHN HENRY NEWMAN
Reading edition
(p. 66.) In Dante's Vision of Purgatory (Canto I.) hell is spoken of as a "cruel sea," and the water surrounding the Island of Purgatory as the "better waves." The spirit of Gerontius is dropped into these "better waves"—"miglior acqua."
"Per correr miglior acqua alza le vele Omai la navicella del mio ingegno Che lascia dietro a se mar si crudele." "O'er better waves to speed her rapid course, The light bark of my genius lifts her sail, Well pleased to leave so cruel sea behind."
—Cary's Translation.