h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I was once told that Dante didn't write in Latin but in a form of old Italian quite similar to it. Is this true? If so what is the latin translation of "..Nessun maggior dolore che (que) ricordarsi del tempo felice nella miseria.." please? I think it's a poignant phrase and way too long to get as a tattoo! If it is indeed already in latin would you please correct my spelling and maybe give me a pronunciation guide?
Thanx,

Dangerous Bryman.

Dante wrote in Tuscan, a dialect of Italian, which to a reader who knows Latin, but not Italian, is not understandable, although many of the words have a familiar look about them. According to my book of quotations it means: "There is no greater grief than to recall a time of happiness when in misery." I translated it into Latin, but the result is only five letters shorter than the original, if I counted right.

"Nil dolori maiori est quam miserum recordari temporis felicis."

You say:

neel do-LAW-ree maah-YAW-ree est quam MI-se-rum re-cor-DAAH-ree TEM-po-ris fay-LEE-kiss.

Thanx and a tip of the matelot hat.