Note 41 — Chapter VIII
Reading edition
Monna Vanna, for Madonna Giovanna; and Monna Bice, Madonna Beatrice.
This famous sonnet has been translated by Hayley and by Shelley. I subjoin the version of the latter, as truer to the spirit of the original.
Guido! I would that Lapo, thou, and I, Led by some strong enchantment, might ascend A magic ship, whose charmed 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 there would place Vanna and Bice, and thy gentle love, Companions of our wanderings, 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!