The Diana is a subterranean river, which the Sienese were in search of for many years to supply the city with water. “They never have been able to find it,” says the Ottimo , “and yet they still hope.” In Dante’s time it was evidently looked upon as an idle dream. To the credit of the Sienese be it said, they persevered, and finally succeeded in obtaining the water so patiently sought for. The Pozzo Diana , or Diana’s Well, is still to be seen at the Convent of the Carmen. ↩

The admirals who go to Talamone to superintend the works will lose there more than their hope, namely, their lives. ↩

The subject of the preceding canto is here continued. Compare the introductory lines with those of Canto V . ↩