In all this unnecessary confusion one thing is quite evident. As Beatrice is speaking of the past, she could not possibly allude to Gentucca, who is spoken of as one who would make Lucca pleasant to Dante at some future time:⁠—

“ ‘A maid is born, and wears not yet the veil,’

Began he, ‘who to thee shall pleasant make

My city, howsoever men may blame it.’ ”

“ ‘A maid is born, and wears not yet the veil,’ Began he, ‘who to thee shall pleasant make My city, howsoever men may blame it.’ ”