The Dream of Gerontius

by John Henry Newman

"Softly and gently, dearly ransomed soul,

In my most loving arms I now enfold thee," etc.

[[36]] (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."