Dante, speaking to his friend Guido Cavalcanti, dreams up a perfect escape. He wishes that he, Guido, and their friend Lapo could be carried away on a magic ship. No storms, no bad luck, no change would ever touch them. Their friendship would only deepen, even with endless time together. He then imagines a kind enchanter placing their beloved women—Vanna, Bice, and his own lady—on board. With them, the voyage turns into passionate talk, and everyone feels completely free and content. The mood is tender and wistful, like a shared daydream among close friends. The sonnet yearns for a sealed-off world where nothing can interrupt the joy of simply being together, where even satiety can’t dull affection. That longing makes an ordinary moment feel enchanted, suspended in a perfect, unreachable now.
Sonnet — Summary
FROM THE ITALIAN OF DANTE.
DANTE ALIGHIERI TO GUIDO CAVALCANTI:
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, So 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.