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| author | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 05:16:17 -0700 |
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| committer | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 05:16:17 -0700 |
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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/1003-0.txt b/1003-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..70b2005 --- /dev/null +++ b/1003-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,6731 @@ +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 1003 *** + +The Divine Comedy + +of Dante Alighieri + +Translated by +HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW + +PARADISO + + +Contents + +I. The Ascent to the First Heaven. The Sphere of Fire. +II. The First Heaven, the Moon: Spirits who, having taken Sacred Vows, were forced to violate them. The Lunar Spots. +III. Piccarda Donati and the Empress Constance. +IV. Questionings of the Soul and of Broken Vows. +V. Discourse of Beatrice on Vows and Compensations. Ascent to the Second Heaven, Mercury: Spirits who for the Love of Fame achieved great Deeds. +VI. Justinian. The Roman Eagle. The Empire. Romeo. +VII. Beatrice’s Discourse of the Crucifixion, the Incarnation, the Immortality of the Soul, and the Resurrection of the Body. +VIII. Ascent to the Third Heaven, Venus: Lovers. Charles Martel. Discourse on diverse Natures. +IX. Cunizza da Romano, Folco of Marseilles, and Rahab. Neglect of the Holy Land. +X. The Fourth Heaven, the Sun: Theologians and Fathers of the Church. The First Circle. St. Thomas of Aquinas. +XI. St. Thomas recounts the Life of St. Francis. Lament over the State of the Dominican Order. +XII. St. Buonaventura recounts the Life of St. Dominic. Lament over the State of the Franciscan Order. The Second Circle. +XIII. Of the Wisdom of Solomon. St. Thomas reproaches Dante’s Judgement. +XIV. The Third Circle. Discourse on the Resurrection of the Flesh. The Fifth Heaven, Mars: Martyrs and Crusaders who died fighting for the true Faith. The Celestial Cross. +XV. Cacciaguida. Florence in the Olden Time. +XVI. Dante’s Noble Ancestry. Cacciaguida’s Discourse of the Great Florentines. +XVII. Cacciaguida’s Prophecy of Dante’s Banishment. +XVIII. The Sixth Heaven, Jupiter: Righteous Kings and Rulers. The Celestial Eagle. Dante’s Invectives against ecclesiastical Avarice. +XIX. The Eagle discourses of Salvation, Faith, and Virtue. Condemnation of the vile Kings of A.D. 1300. +XX. The Eagle praises the Righteous Kings of old. Benevolence of the Divine Will. +XXI. The Seventh Heaven, Saturn: The Contemplative. The Celestial Stairway. St. Peter Damiano. His Invectives against the Luxury of the Prelates. +XXII. St. Benedict. His Lamentation over the Corruption of Monks. The Eighth Heaven, the Fixed Stars. +XXIII. The Triumph of Christ. The Virgin Mary. The Apostles. Gabriel. +XXIV. The Radiant Wheel. St. Peter examines Dante on Faith. +XXV. The Laurel Crown. St. James examines Dante on Hope. Dante’s Blindness. +XXVI. St. John examines Dante on Charity. Dante’s Sight. Adam. +XXVII. St. Peter’s reproof of bad Popes. The Ascent to the Ninth Heaven, the ‘Primum Mobile.’ +XXVIII. God and the Angelic Hierarchies. +XXIX. Beatrice’s Discourse of the Creation of the Angels, and of the Fall of Lucifer. Her Reproof of Foolish and Avaricious Preachers. +XXX. The Tenth Heaven, or Empyrean. The River of Light. The Two Courts of Heaven. The White Rose of Paradise. The great Throne. +XXXI. The Glory of Paradise. Departure of Beatrice. St. Bernard. +XXXII. St. Bernard points out the Saints in the White Rose. +XXXIII. Prayer to the Virgin. The Threefold Circle of the Trinity. Mystery of the Divine and Human Nature. +APPENDIX + + + + +Paradiso: Canto I + + +The glory of Him who moveth everything + Doth penetrate the universe, and shine + In one part more and in another less. + +Within that heaven which most his light receives + Was I, and things beheld which to repeat + Nor knows, nor can, who from above descends; + +Because in drawing near to its desire + Our intellect ingulphs itself so far, + That after it the memory cannot go. + +Truly whatever of the holy realm + I had the power to treasure in my mind + Shall now become the subject of my song. + +O good Apollo, for this last emprise + Make of me such a vessel of thy power + As giving the beloved laurel asks! + +One summit of Parnassus hitherto + Has been enough for me, but now with both + I needs must enter the arena left. + +Enter into my bosom, thou, and breathe + As at the time when Marsyas thou didst draw + Out of the scabbard of those limbs of his. + +O power divine, lend’st thou thyself to me + So that the shadow of the blessed realm + Stamped in my brain I can make manifest, + +Thou’lt see me come unto thy darling tree, + And crown myself thereafter with those leaves + Of which the theme and thou shall make me worthy. + +So seldom, Father, do we gather them + For triumph or of Caesar or of Poet, + (The fault and shame of human inclinations,) + +That the Peneian foliage should bring forth + Joy to the joyous Delphic deity, + When any one it makes to thirst for it. + +A little spark is followed by great flame; + Perchance with better voices after me + Shall prayer be made that Cyrrha may respond! + +To mortal men by passages diverse + Uprises the world’s lamp; but by that one + Which circles four uniteth with three crosses, + +With better course and with a better star + Conjoined it issues, and the mundane wax + Tempers and stamps more after its own fashion. + +Almost that passage had made morning there + And evening here, and there was wholly white + That hemisphere, and black the other part, + +When Beatrice towards the left-hand side + I saw turned round, and gazing at the sun; + Never did eagle fasten so upon it! + +And even as a second ray is wont + To issue from the first and reascend, + Like to a pilgrim who would fain return, + +Thus of her action, through the eyes infused + In my imagination, mine I made, + And sunward fixed mine eyes beyond our wont. + +There much is lawful which is here unlawful + Unto our powers, by virtue of the place + Made for the human species as its own. + +Not long I bore it, nor so little while + But I beheld it sparkle round about + Like iron that comes molten from the fire; + +And suddenly it seemed that day to day + Was added, as if He who has the power + Had with another sun the heaven adorned. + +With eyes upon the everlasting wheels + Stood Beatrice all intent, and I, on her + Fixing my vision from above removed, + +Such at her aspect inwardly became + As Glaucus, tasting of the herb that made him + Peer of the other gods beneath the sea. + +To represent transhumanise in words + Impossible were; the example, then, suffice + Him for whom Grace the experience reserves. + +If I was merely what of me thou newly + Createdst, Love who governest the heaven, + Thou knowest, who didst lift me with thy light! + +When now the wheel, which thou dost make eternal + Desiring thee, made me attentive to it + By harmony thou dost modulate and measure, + +Then seemed to me so much of heaven enkindled + By the sun’s flame, that neither rain nor river + E’er made a lake so widely spread abroad. + +The newness of the sound and the great light + Kindled in me a longing for their cause, + Never before with such acuteness felt; + +Whence she, who saw me as I saw myself, + To quiet in me my perturbed mind, + Opened her mouth, ere I did mine to ask, + +And she began: “Thou makest thyself so dull + With false imagining, that thou seest not + What thou wouldst see if thou hadst shaken it off. + +Thou art not upon earth, as thou believest; + But lightning, fleeing its appropriate site, + Ne’er ran as thou, who thitherward returnest.” + +If of my former doubt I was divested + By these brief little words more smiled than spoken, + I in a new one was the more ensnared; + +And said: “Already did I rest content + From great amazement; but am now amazed + In what way I transcend these bodies light.” + +Whereupon she, after a pitying sigh, + Her eyes directed tow’rds me with that look + A mother casts on a delirious child; + +And she began: “All things whate’er they be + Have order among themselves, and this is form, + That makes the universe resemble God. + +Here do the higher creatures see the footprints + Of the Eternal Power, which is the end + Whereto is made the law already mentioned. + +In the order that I speak of are inclined + All natures, by their destinies diverse, + More or less near unto their origin; + +Hence they move onward unto ports diverse + O’er the great sea of being; and each one + With instinct given it which bears it on. + +This bears away the fire towards the moon; + This is in mortal hearts the motive power + This binds together and unites the earth. + +Nor only the created things that are + Without intelligence this bow shoots forth, + But those that have both intellect and love. + +The Providence that regulates all this + Makes with its light the heaven forever quiet, + Wherein that turns which has the greatest haste. + +And thither now, as to a site decreed, + Bears us away the virtue of that cord + Which aims its arrows at a joyous mark. + +True is it, that as oftentimes the form + Accords not with the intention of the art, + Because in answering is matter deaf, + +So likewise from this course doth deviate + Sometimes the creature, who the power possesses, + Though thus impelled, to swerve some other way, + +(In the same wise as one may see the fire + Fall from a cloud,) if the first impetus + Earthward is wrested by some false delight. + +Thou shouldst not wonder more, if well I judge, + At thine ascent, than at a rivulet + From some high mount descending to the lowland. + +Marvel it would be in thee, if deprived + Of hindrance, thou wert seated down below, + As if on earth the living fire were quiet.” + +Thereat she heavenward turned again her face. + + + + +Paradiso: Canto II + + +O Ye, who in some pretty little boat, + Eager to listen, have been following + Behind my ship, that singing sails along, + +Turn back to look again upon your shores; + Do not put out to sea, lest peradventure, + In losing me, you might yourselves be lost. + +The sea I sail has never yet been passed; + Minerva breathes, and pilots me Apollo, + And Muses nine point out to me the Bears. + +Ye other few who have the neck uplifted + Betimes to th’ bread of Angels upon which + One liveth here and grows not sated by it, + +Well may you launch upon the deep salt-sea + Your vessel, keeping still my wake before you + Upon the water that grows smooth again. + +Those glorious ones who unto Colchos passed + Were not so wonder-struck as you shall be, + When Jason they beheld a ploughman made! + +The con-created and perpetual thirst + For the realm deiform did bear us on, + As swift almost as ye the heavens behold. + +Upward gazed Beatrice, and I at her; + And in such space perchance as strikes a bolt + And flies, and from the notch unlocks itself, + +Arrived I saw me where a wondrous thing + Drew to itself my sight; and therefore she + From whom no care of mine could be concealed, + +Towards me turning, blithe as beautiful, + Said unto me: “Fix gratefully thy mind + On God, who unto the first star has brought us.” + +It seemed to me a cloud encompassed us, + Luminous, dense, consolidate and bright + As adamant on which the sun is striking. + +Into itself did the eternal pearl + Receive us, even as water doth receive + A ray of light, remaining still unbroken. + +If I was body, (and we here conceive not + How one dimension tolerates another, + Which needs must be if body enter body,) + +More the desire should be enkindled in us + That essence to behold, wherein is seen + How God and our own nature were united. + +There will be seen what we receive by faith, + Not demonstrated, but self-evident + In guise of the first truth that man believes. + +I made reply: “Madonna, as devoutly + As most I can do I give thanks to Him + Who has removed me from the mortal world. + +But tell me what the dusky spots may be + Upon this body, which below on earth + Make people tell that fabulous tale of Cain?” + +Somewhat she smiled; and then, “If the opinion + Of mortals be erroneous,” she said, + “Where’er the key of sense doth not unlock, + +Certes, the shafts of wonder should not pierce thee + Now, forasmuch as, following the senses, + Thou seest that the reason has short wings. + +But tell me what thou think’st of it thyself.” + And I: “What seems to us up here diverse, + Is caused, I think, by bodies rare and dense.” + +And she: “Right truly shalt thou see immersed + In error thy belief, if well thou hearest + The argument that I shall make against it. + +Lights many the eighth sphere displays to you + Which in their quality and quantity + May noted be of aspects different. + +If this were caused by rare and dense alone, + One only virtue would there be in all + Or more or less diffused, or equally. + +Virtues diverse must be perforce the fruits + Of formal principles; and these, save one, + Of course would by thy reasoning be destroyed. + +Besides, if rarity were of this dimness + The cause thou askest, either through and through + This planet thus attenuate were of matter, + +Or else, as in a body is apportioned + The fat and lean, so in like manner this + Would in its volume interchange the leaves. + +Were it the former, in the sun’s eclipse + It would be manifest by the shining through + Of light, as through aught tenuous interfused. + +This is not so; hence we must scan the other, + And if it chance the other I demolish, + Then falsified will thy opinion be. + +But if this rarity go not through and through, + There needs must be a limit, beyond which + Its contrary prevents the further passing, + +And thence the foreign radiance is reflected, + Even as a colour cometh back from glass, + The which behind itself concealeth lead. + +Now thou wilt say the sunbeam shows itself + More dimly there than in the other parts, + By being there reflected farther back. + +From this reply experiment will free thee + If e’er thou try it, which is wont to be + The fountain to the rivers of your arts. + +Three mirrors shalt thou take, and two remove + Alike from thee, the other more remote + Between the former two shall meet thine eyes. + +Turned towards these, cause that behind thy back + Be placed a light, illuming the three mirrors + And coming back to thee by all reflected. + +Though in its quantity be not so ample + The image most remote, there shalt thou see + How it perforce is equally resplendent. + +Now, as beneath the touches of warm rays + Naked the subject of the snow remains + Both of its former colour and its cold, + +Thee thus remaining in thy intellect, + Will I inform with such a living light, + That it shall tremble in its aspect to thee. + +Within the heaven of the divine repose + Revolves a body, in whose virtue lies + The being of whatever it contains. + +The following heaven, that has so many eyes, + Divides this being by essences diverse, + Distinguished from it, and by it contained. + +The other spheres, by various differences, + All the distinctions which they have within them + Dispose unto their ends and their effects. + +Thus do these organs of the world proceed, + As thou perceivest now, from grade to grade; + Since from above they take, and act beneath. + +Observe me well, how through this place I come + Unto the truth thou wishest, that hereafter + Thou mayst alone know how to keep the ford + +The power and motion of the holy spheres, + As from the artisan the hammer’s craft, + Forth from the blessed motors must proceed. + +The heaven, which lights so manifold make fair, + From the Intelligence profound, which turns it, + The image takes, and makes of it a seal. + +And even as the soul within your dust + Through members different and accommodated + To faculties diverse expands itself, + +So likewise this Intelligence diffuses + Its virtue multiplied among the stars. + Itself revolving on its unity. + +Virtue diverse doth a diverse alloyage + Make with the precious body that it quickens, + In which, as life in you, it is combined. + +From the glad nature whence it is derived, + The mingled virtue through the body shines, + Even as gladness through the living pupil. + +From this proceeds whate’er from light to light + Appeareth different, not from dense and rare: + This is the formal principle that produces, + +According to its goodness, dark and bright.” + + + + +Paradiso: Canto III + + +That Sun, which erst with love my bosom warmed, + Of beauteous truth had unto me discovered, + By proving and reproving, the sweet aspect. + +And, that I might confess myself convinced + And confident, so far as was befitting, + I lifted more erect my head to speak. + +But there appeared a vision, which withdrew me + So close to it, in order to be seen, + That my confession I remembered not. + +Such as through polished and transparent glass, + Or waters crystalline and undisturbed, + But not so deep as that their bed be lost, + +Come back again the outlines of our faces + So feeble, that a pearl on forehead white + Comes not less speedily unto our eyes; + +Such saw I many faces prompt to speak, + So that I ran in error opposite + To that which kindled love ’twixt man and fountain. + +As soon as I became aware of them, + Esteeming them as mirrored semblances, + To see of whom they were, mine eyes I turned, + +And nothing saw, and once more turned them forward + Direct into the light of my sweet Guide, + Who smiling kindled in her holy eyes. + +“Marvel thou not,” she said to me, “because + I smile at this thy puerile conceit, + Since on the truth it trusts not yet its foot, + +But turns thee, as ’tis wont, on emptiness. + True substances are these which thou beholdest, + Here relegate for breaking of some vow. + +Therefore speak with them, listen and believe; + For the true light, which giveth peace to them, + Permits them not to turn from it their feet.” + +And I unto the shade that seemed most wishful + To speak directed me, and I began, + As one whom too great eagerness bewilders: + +“O well-created spirit, who in the rays + Of life eternal dost the sweetness taste + Which being untasted ne’er is comprehended, + +Grateful ’twill be to me, if thou content me + Both with thy name and with your destiny.” + Whereat she promptly and with laughing eyes: + +“Our charity doth never shut the doors + Against a just desire, except as one + Who wills that all her court be like herself. + +I was a virgin sister in the world; + And if thy mind doth contemplate me well, + The being more fair will not conceal me from thee, + +But thou shalt recognise I am Piccarda, + Who, stationed here among these other blessed, + Myself am blessed in the slowest sphere. + +All our affections, that alone inflamed + Are in the pleasure of the Holy Ghost, + Rejoice at being of his order formed; + +And this allotment, which appears so low, + Therefore is given us, because our vows + Have been neglected and in some part void.” + +Whence I to her: “In your miraculous aspects + There shines I know not what of the divine, + Which doth transform you from our first conceptions. + +Therefore I was not swift in my remembrance; + But what thou tellest me now aids me so, + That the refiguring is easier to me. + +But tell me, ye who in this place are happy, + Are you desirous of a higher place, + To see more or to make yourselves more friends?” + +First with those other shades she smiled a little; + Thereafter answered me so full of gladness, + She seemed to burn in the first fire of love: + +“Brother, our will is quieted by virtue + Of charity, that makes us wish alone + For what we have, nor gives us thirst for more. + +If to be more exalted we aspired, + Discordant would our aspirations be + Unto the will of Him who here secludes us; + +Which thou shalt see finds no place in these circles, + If being in charity is needful here, + And if thou lookest well into its nature; + +Nay, ’tis essential to this blest existence + To keep itself within the will divine, + Whereby our very wishes are made one; + +So that, as we are station above station + Throughout this realm, to all the realm ’tis pleasing, + As to the King, who makes his will our will. + +And his will is our peace; this is the sea + To which is moving onward whatsoever + It doth create, and all that nature makes.” + +Then it was clear to me how everywhere + In heaven is Paradise, although the grace + Of good supreme there rain not in one measure. + +But as it comes to pass, if one food sates, + And for another still remains the longing, + We ask for this, and that decline with thanks, + +E’en thus did I; with gesture and with word, + To learn from her what was the web wherein + She did not ply the shuttle to the end. + +“A perfect life and merit high in-heaven + A lady o’er us,” said she, “by whose rule + Down in your world they vest and veil themselves, + +That until death they may both watch and sleep + Beside that Spouse who every vow accepts + Which charity conformeth to his pleasure. + +To follow her, in girlhood from the world + I fled, and in her habit shut myself, + And pledged me to the pathway of her sect. + +Then men accustomed unto evil more + Than unto good, from the sweet cloister tore me; + God knows what afterward my life became. + +This other splendour, which to thee reveals + Itself on my right side, and is enkindled + With all the illumination of our sphere, + +What of myself I say applies to her; + A nun was she, and likewise from her head + Was ta’en the shadow of the sacred wimple. + +But when she too was to the world returned + Against her wishes and against good usage, + Of the heart’s veil she never was divested. + +Of great Costanza this is the effulgence, + Who from the second wind of Suabia + Brought forth the third and latest puissance.” + +Thus unto me she spake, and then began + “Ave Maria” singing, and in singing + Vanished, as through deep water something heavy. + +My sight, that followed her as long a time + As it was possible, when it had lost her + Turned round unto the mark of more desire, + +And wholly unto Beatrice reverted; + But she such lightnings flashed into mine eyes, + That at the first my sight endured it not; + +And this in questioning more backward made me. + + + + +Paradiso: Canto IV + + +Between two viands, equally removed + And tempting, a free man would die of hunger + Ere either he could bring unto his teeth. + +So would a lamb between the ravenings + Of two fierce wolves stand fearing both alike; + And so would stand a dog between two does. + +Hence, if I held my peace, myself I blame not, + Impelled in equal measure by my doubts, + Since it must be so, nor do I commend. + +I held my peace; but my desire was painted + Upon my face, and questioning with that + More fervent far than by articulate speech. + +Beatrice did as Daniel had done + Relieving Nebuchadnezzar from the wrath + Which rendered him unjustly merciless, + +And said: “Well see I how attracteth thee + One and the other wish, so that thy care + Binds itself so that forth it does not breathe. + +Thou arguest, if good will be permanent, + The violence of others, for what reason + Doth it decrease the measure of my merit? + +Again for doubting furnish thee occasion + Souls seeming to return unto the stars, + According to the sentiment of Plato. + +These are the questions which upon thy wish + Are thrusting equally; and therefore first + Will I treat that which hath the most of gall. + +He of the Seraphim most absorbed in God, + Moses, and Samuel, and whichever John + Thou mayst select, I say, and even Mary, + +Have not in any other heaven their seats, + Than have those spirits that just appeared to thee, + Nor of existence more or fewer years; + +But all make beautiful the primal circle, + And have sweet life in different degrees, + By feeling more or less the eternal breath. + +They showed themselves here, not because allotted + This sphere has been to them, but to give sign + Of the celestial which is least exalted. + +To speak thus is adapted to your mind, + Since only through the sense it apprehendeth + What then it worthy makes of intellect. + +On this account the Scripture condescends + Unto your faculties, and feet and hands + To God attributes, and means something else; + +And Holy Church under an aspect human + Gabriel and Michael represent to you, + And him who made Tobias whole again. + +That which Timaeus argues of the soul + Doth not resemble that which here is seen, + Because it seems that as he speaks he thinks. + +He says the soul unto its star returns, + Believing it to have been severed thence + Whenever nature gave it as a form. + +Perhaps his doctrine is of other guise + Than the words sound, and possibly may be + With meaning that is not to be derided. + +If he doth mean that to these wheels return + The honour of their influence and the blame, + Perhaps his bow doth hit upon some truth. + +This principle ill understood once warped + The whole world nearly, till it went astray + Invoking Jove and Mercury and Mars. + +The other doubt which doth disquiet thee + Less venom has, for its malevolence + Could never lead thee otherwhere from me. + +That as unjust our justice should appear + In eyes of mortals, is an argument + Of faith, and not of sin heretical. + +But still, that your perception may be able + To thoroughly penetrate this verity, + As thou desirest, I will satisfy thee. + +If it be violence when he who suffers + Co-operates not with him who uses force, + These souls were not on that account excused; + +For will is never quenched unless it will, + But operates as nature doth in fire + If violence a thousand times distort it. + +Hence, if it yieldeth more or less, it seconds + The force; and these have done so, having power + Of turning back unto the holy place. + +If their will had been perfect, like to that + Which Lawrence fast upon his gridiron held, + And Mutius made severe to his own hand, + +It would have urged them back along the road + Whence they were dragged, as soon as they were free; + But such a solid will is all too rare. + +And by these words, if thou hast gathered them + As thou shouldst do, the argument is refuted + That would have still annoyed thee many times. + +But now another passage runs across + Before thine eyes, and such that by thyself + Thou couldst not thread it ere thou wouldst be weary. + +I have for certain put into thy mind + That soul beatified could never lie, + For it is near the primal Truth, + +And then thou from Piccarda might’st have heard + Costanza kept affection for the veil, + So that she seemeth here to contradict me. + +Many times, brother, has it come to pass, + That, to escape from peril, with reluctance + That has been done it was not right to do, + +E’en as Alcmaeon (who, being by his father + Thereto entreated, his own mother slew) + Not to lose pity pitiless became. + +At this point I desire thee to remember + That force with will commingles, and they cause + That the offences cannot be excused. + +Will absolute consenteth not to evil; + But in so far consenteth as it fears, + If it refrain, to fall into more harm. + +Hence when Piccarda uses this expression, + She meaneth the will absolute, and I + The other, so that both of us speak truth.” + +Such was the flowing of the holy river + That issued from the fount whence springs all truth; + This put to rest my wishes one and all. + +“O love of the first lover, O divine,” + Said I forthwith, “whose speech inundates me + And warms me so, it more and more revives me, + +My own affection is not so profound + As to suffice in rendering grace for grace; + Let Him, who sees and can, thereto respond. + +Well I perceive that never sated is + Our intellect unless the Truth illume it, + Beyond which nothing true expands itself. + +It rests therein, as wild beast in his lair, + When it attains it; and it can attain it; + If not, then each desire would frustrate be. + +Therefore springs up, in fashion of a shoot, + Doubt at the foot of truth; and this is nature, + Which to the top from height to height impels us. + +This doth invite me, this assurance give me + With reverence, Lady, to inquire of you + Another truth, which is obscure to me. + +I wish to know if man can satisfy you + For broken vows with other good deeds, so + That in your balance they will not be light.” + +Beatrice gazed upon me with her eyes + Full of the sparks of love, and so divine, + That, overcome my power, I turned my back + +And almost lost myself with eyes downcast. + + + + +Paradiso: Canto V + + +“If in the heat of love I flame upon thee + Beyond the measure that on earth is seen, + So that the valour of thine eyes I vanquish, + +Marvel thou not thereat; for this proceeds + From perfect sight, which as it apprehends + To the good apprehended moves its feet. + +Well I perceive how is already shining + Into thine intellect the eternal light, + That only seen enkindles always love; + +And if some other thing your love seduce, + ’Tis nothing but a vestige of the same, + Ill understood, which there is shining through. + +Thou fain wouldst know if with another service + For broken vow can such return be made + As to secure the soul from further claim.” + +This Canto thus did Beatrice begin; + And, as a man who breaks not off his speech, + Continued thus her holy argument: + +“The greatest gift that in his largess God + Creating made, and unto his own goodness + Nearest conformed, and that which he doth prize + +Most highly, is the freedom of the will, + Wherewith the creatures of intelligence + Both all and only were and are endowed. + +Now wilt thou see, if thence thou reasonest, + The high worth of a vow, if it he made + So that when thou consentest God consents: + +For, closing between God and man the compact, + A sacrifice is of this treasure made, + Such as I say, and made by its own act. + +What can be rendered then as compensation? + Think’st thou to make good use of what thou’st offered, + With gains ill gotten thou wouldst do good deed. + +Now art thou certain of the greater point; + But because Holy Church in this dispenses, + Which seems against the truth which I have shown thee, + +Behoves thee still to sit awhile at table, + Because the solid food which thou hast taken + Requireth further aid for thy digestion. + +Open thy mind to that which I reveal, + And fix it there within; for ’tis not knowledge, + The having heard without retaining it. + +In the essence of this sacrifice two things + Convene together; and the one is that + Of which ’tis made, the other is the agreement. + +This last for evermore is cancelled not + Unless complied with, and concerning this + With such precision has above been spoken. + +Therefore it was enjoined upon the Hebrews + To offer still, though sometimes what was offered + Might be commuted, as thou ought’st to know. + +The other, which is known to thee as matter, + May well indeed be such that one errs not + If it for other matter be exchanged. + +But let none shift the burden on his shoulder + At his arbitrament, without the turning + Both of the white and of the yellow key; + +And every permutation deem as foolish, + If in the substitute the thing relinquished, + As the four is in six, be not contained. + +Therefore whatever thing has so great weight + In value that it drags down every balance, + Cannot be satisfied with other spending. + +Let mortals never take a vow in jest; + Be faithful and not blind in doing that, + As Jephthah was in his first offering, + +Whom more beseemed to say, ‘I have done wrong, + Than to do worse by keeping; and as foolish + Thou the great leader of the Greeks wilt find, + +Whence wept Iphigenia her fair face, + And made for her both wise and simple weep, + Who heard such kind of worship spoken of.’ + +Christians, be ye more serious in your movements; + Be ye not like a feather at each wind, + And think not every water washes you. + +Ye have the Old and the New Testament, + And the Pastor of the Church who guideth you + Let this suffice you unto your salvation. + +If evil appetite cry aught else to you, + Be ye as men, and not as silly sheep, + So that the Jew among you may not mock you. + +Be ye not as the lamb that doth abandon + Its mother’s milk, and frolicsome and simple + Combats at its own pleasure with itself.” + +Thus Beatrice to me even as I write it; + Then all desireful turned herself again + To that part where the world is most alive. + +Her silence and her change of countenance + Silence imposed upon my eager mind, + That had already in advance new questions; + +And as an arrow that upon the mark + Strikes ere the bowstring quiet hath become, + So did we speed into the second realm. + +My Lady there so joyful I beheld, + As into the brightness of that heaven she entered, + More luminous thereat the planet grew; + +And if the star itself was changed and smiled, + What became I, who by my nature am + Exceeding mutable in every guise! + +As, in a fish-pond which is pure and tranquil, + The fishes draw to that which from without + Comes in such fashion that their food they deem it; + +So I beheld more than a thousand splendours + Drawing towards us, and in each was heard: + “Lo, this is she who shall increase our love.” + +And as each one was coming unto us, + Full of beatitude the shade was seen, + By the effulgence clear that issued from it. + +Think, Reader, if what here is just beginning + No farther should proceed, how thou wouldst have + An agonizing need of knowing more; + +And of thyself thou’lt see how I from these + Was in desire of hearing their conditions, + As they unto mine eyes were manifest. + +“O thou well-born, unto whom Grace concedes + To see the thrones of the eternal triumph, + Or ever yet the warfare be abandoned + +With light that through the whole of heaven is spread + Kindled are we, and hence if thou desirest + To know of us, at thine own pleasure sate thee.” + +Thus by some one among those holy spirits + Was spoken, and by Beatrice: “Speak, speak + Securely, and believe them even as Gods.” + +“Well I perceive how thou dost nest thyself + In thine own light, and drawest it from thine eyes, + Because they coruscate when thou dost smile, + +But know not who thou art, nor why thou hast, + Spirit august, thy station in the sphere + That veils itself to men in alien rays.” + +This said I in direction of the light + Which first had spoken to me; whence it became + By far more lucent than it was before. + +Even as the sun, that doth conceal himself + By too much light, when heat has worn away + The tempering influence of the vapours dense, + +By greater rapture thus concealed itself + In its own radiance the figure saintly, + And thus close, close enfolded answered me + +In fashion as the following Canto sings. + + + + +Paradiso: Canto VI + + +“After that Constantine the eagle turned + Against the course of heaven, which it had followed + Behind the ancient who Lavinia took, + +Two hundred years and more the bird of God + In the extreme of Europe held itself, + Near to the mountains whence it issued first; + +And under shadow of the sacred plumes + It governed there the world from hand to hand, + And, changing thus, upon mine own alighted. + +Caesar I was, and am Justinian, + Who, by the will of primal Love I feel, + Took from the laws the useless and redundant; + +And ere unto the work I was attent, + One nature to exist in Christ, not more, + Believed, and with such faith was I contented. + +But blessed Agapetus, he who was + The supreme pastor, to the faith sincere + Pointed me out the way by words of his. + +Him I believed, and what was his assertion + I now see clearly, even as thou seest + Each contradiction to be false and true. + +As soon as with the Church I moved my feet, + God in his grace it pleased with this high task + To inspire me, and I gave me wholly to it, + +And to my Belisarius I commended + The arms, to which was heaven’s right hand so joined + It was a signal that I should repose. + +Now here to the first question terminates + My answer; but the character thereof + Constrains me to continue with a sequel, + +In order that thou see with how great reason + Men move against the standard sacrosanct, + Both who appropriate and who oppose it. + +Behold how great a power has made it worthy + Of reverence, beginning from the hour + When Pallas died to give it sovereignty. + +Thou knowest it made in Alba its abode + Three hundred years and upward, till at last + The three to three fought for it yet again. + +Thou knowest what it achieved from Sabine wrong + Down to Lucretia’s sorrow, in seven kings + O’ercoming round about the neighboring nations; + +Thou knowest what it achieved, borne by the Romans + Illustrious against Brennus, against Pyrrhus, + Against the other princes and confederates. + +Torquatus thence and Quinctius, who from locks + Unkempt was named, Decii and Fabii, + Received the fame I willingly embalm; + +It struck to earth the pride of the Arabians, + Who, following Hannibal, had passed across + The Alpine ridges, Po, from which thou glidest; + +Beneath it triumphed while they yet were young + Pompey and Scipio, and to the hill + Beneath which thou wast born it bitter seemed; + +Then, near unto the time when heaven had willed + To bring the whole world to its mood serene, + Did Caesar by the will of Rome assume it. + +What it achieved from Var unto the Rhine, + Isere beheld and Saone, beheld the Seine, + And every valley whence the Rhone is filled; + +What it achieved when it had left Ravenna, + And leaped the Rubicon, was such a flight + That neither tongue nor pen could follow it. + +Round towards Spain it wheeled its legions; then + Towards Durazzo, and Pharsalia smote + That to the calid Nile was felt the pain. + +Antandros and the Simois, whence it started, + It saw again, and there where Hector lies, + And ill for Ptolemy then roused itself. + +From thence it came like lightning upon Juba; + Then wheeled itself again into your West, + Where the Pompeian clarion it heard. + +From what it wrought with the next standard-bearer + Brutus and Cassius howl in Hell together, + And Modena and Perugia dolent were; + +Still doth the mournful Cleopatra weep + Because thereof, who, fleeing from before it, + Took from the adder sudden and black death. + +With him it ran even to the Red Sea shore; + With him it placed the world in so great peace, + That unto Janus was his temple closed. + +But what the standard that has made me speak + Achieved before, and after should achieve + Throughout the mortal realm that lies beneath it, + +Becometh in appearance mean and dim, + If in the hand of the third Caesar seen + With eye unclouded and affection pure, + +Because the living Justice that inspires me + Granted it, in the hand of him I speak of, + The glory of doing vengeance for its wrath. + +Now here attend to what I answer thee; + Later it ran with Titus to do vengeance + Upon the vengeance of the ancient sin. + +And when the tooth of Lombardy had bitten + The Holy Church, then underneath its wings + Did Charlemagne victorious succor her. + +Now hast thou power to judge of such as those + Whom I accused above, and of their crimes, + Which are the cause of all your miseries. + +To the public standard one the yellow lilies + Opposes, the other claims it for a party, + So that ’tis hard to see which sins the most. + +Let, let the Ghibellines ply their handicraft + Beneath some other standard; for this ever + Ill follows he who it and justice parts. + +And let not this new Charles e’er strike it down, + He and his Guelfs, but let him fear the talons + That from a nobler lion stripped the fell. + +Already oftentimes the sons have wept + The father’s crime; and let him not believe + That God will change His scutcheon for the lilies. + +This little planet doth adorn itself + With the good spirits that have active been, + That fame and honour might come after them; + +And whensoever the desires mount thither, + Thus deviating, must perforce the rays + Of the true love less vividly mount upward. + +But in commensuration of our wages + With our desert is portion of our joy, + Because we see them neither less nor greater. + +Herein doth living Justice sweeten so + Affection in us, that for evermore + It cannot warp to any iniquity. + +Voices diverse make up sweet melodies; + So in this life of ours the seats diverse + Render sweet harmony among these spheres; + +And in the compass of this present pearl + Shineth the sheen of Romeo, of whom + The grand and beauteous work was ill rewarded. + +But the Provencals who against him wrought, + They have not laughed, and therefore ill goes he + Who makes his hurt of the good deeds of others. + +Four daughters, and each one of them a queen, + Had Raymond Berenger, and this for him + Did Romeo, a poor man and a pilgrim; + +And then malicious words incited him + To summon to a reckoning this just man, + Who rendered to him seven and five for ten. + +Then he departed poor and stricken in years, + And if the world could know the heart he had, + In begging bit by bit his livelihood, + +Though much it laud him, it would laud him more.” + + + + +Paradiso: Canto VII + + +“Osanna sanctus Deus Sabaoth, + Superillustrans claritate tua + Felices ignes horum malahoth!” + +In this wise, to his melody returning, + This substance, upon which a double light + Doubles itself, was seen by me to sing, + +And to their dance this and the others moved, + And in the manner of swift-hurrying sparks + Veiled themselves from me with a sudden distance. + +Doubting was I, and saying, “Tell her, tell her,” + Within me, “tell her,” saying, “tell my Lady,” + Who slakes my thirst with her sweet effluences; + +And yet that reverence which doth lord it over + The whole of me only by B and ICE, + Bowed me again like unto one who drowses. + +Short while did Beatrice endure me thus; + And she began, lighting me with a smile + Such as would make one happy in the fire: + +“According to infallible advisement, + After what manner a just vengeance justly + Could be avenged has put thee upon thinking, + +But I will speedily thy mind unloose; + And do thou listen, for these words of mine + Of a great doctrine will a present make thee. + +By not enduring on the power that wills + Curb for his good, that man who ne’er was born, + Damning himself damned all his progeny; + +Whereby the human species down below + Lay sick for many centuries in great error, + Till to descend it pleased the Word of God + +To where the nature, which from its own Maker + Estranged itself, he joined to him in person + By the sole act of his eternal love. + +Now unto what is said direct thy sight; + This nature when united to its Maker, + Such as created, was sincere and good; + +But by itself alone was banished forth + From Paradise, because it turned aside + Out of the way of truth and of its life. + +Therefore the penalty the cross held out, + If measured by the nature thus assumed, + None ever yet with so great justice stung, + +And none was ever of so great injustice, + Considering who the Person was that suffered, + Within whom such a nature was contracted. + +From one act therefore issued things diverse; + To God and to the Jews one death was pleasing; + Earth trembled at it and the Heaven was opened. + +It should no longer now seem difficult + To thee, when it is said that a just vengeance + By a just court was afterward avenged. + +But now do I behold thy mind entangled + From thought to thought within a knot, from which + With great desire it waits to free itself. + +Thou sayest, ‘Well discern I what I hear; + But it is hidden from me why God willed + For our redemption only this one mode.’ + +Buried remaineth, brother, this decree + Unto the eyes of every one whose nature + Is in the flame of love not yet adult. + +Verily, inasmuch as at this mark + One gazes long and little is discerned, + Wherefore this mode was worthiest will I say. + +Goodness Divine, which from itself doth spurn + All envy, burning in itself so sparkles + That the eternal beauties it unfolds. + +Whate’er from this immediately distils + Has afterwards no end, for ne’er removed + Is its impression when it sets its seal. + +Whate’er from this immediately rains down + Is wholly free, because it is not subject + Unto the influences of novel things. + +The more conformed thereto, the more it pleases; + For the blest ardour that irradiates all things + In that most like itself is most vivacious. + +With all of these things has advantaged been + The human creature; and if one be wanting, + From his nobility he needs must fall. + +’Tis sin alone which doth disfranchise him, + And render him unlike the Good Supreme, + So that he little with its light is blanched, + +And to his dignity no more returns, + Unless he fill up where transgression empties + With righteous pains for criminal delights. + +Your nature when it sinned so utterly + In its own seed, out of these dignities + Even as out of Paradise was driven, + +Nor could itself recover, if thou notest + With nicest subtilty, by any way, + Except by passing one of these two fords: + +Either that God through clemency alone + Had pardon granted, or that man himself + Had satisfaction for his folly made. + +Fix now thine eye deep into the abyss + Of the eternal counsel, to my speech + As far as may be fastened steadfastly! + +Man in his limitations had not power + To satisfy, not having power to sink + In his humility obeying then, + +Far as he disobeying thought to rise; + And for this reason man has been from power + Of satisfying by himself excluded. + +Therefore it God behoved in his own ways + Man to restore unto his perfect life, + I say in one, or else in both of them. + +But since the action of the doer is + So much more grateful, as it more presents + The goodness of the heart from which it issues, + +Goodness Divine, that doth imprint the world, + Has been contented to proceed by each + And all its ways to lift you up again; + +Nor ’twixt the first day and the final night + Such high and such magnificent proceeding + By one or by the other was or shall be; + +For God more bounteous was himself to give + To make man able to uplift himself, + Than if he only of himself had pardoned; + +And all the other modes were insufficient + For justice, were it not the Son of God + Himself had humbled to become incarnate. + +Now, to fill fully each desire of thine, + Return I to elucidate one place, + In order that thou there mayst see as I do. + +Thou sayst: ‘I see the air, I see the fire, + The water, and the earth, and all their mixtures + Come to corruption, and short while endure; + +And these things notwithstanding were created;’ + Therefore if that which I have said were true, + They should have been secure against corruption. + +The Angels, brother, and the land sincere + In which thou art, created may be called + Just as they are in their entire existence; + +But all the elements which thou hast named, + And all those things which out of them are made, + By a created virtue are informed. + +Created was the matter which they have; + Created was the informing influence + Within these stars that round about them go. + +The soul of every brute and of the plants + By its potential temperament attracts + The ray and motion of the holy lights; + +But your own life immediately inspires + Supreme Beneficence, and enamours it + So with herself, it evermore desires her. + +And thou from this mayst argue furthermore + Your resurrection, if thou think again + How human flesh was fashioned at that time + +When the first parents both of them were made.” + + + + +Paradiso: Canto VIII + + +The world used in its peril to believe + That the fair Cypria delirious love + Rayed out, in the third epicycle turning; + +Wherefore not only unto her paid honour + Of sacrifices and of votive cry + The ancient nations in the ancient error, + +But both Dione honoured they and Cupid, + That as her mother, this one as her son, + And said that he had sat in Dido’s lap; + +And they from her, whence I beginning take, + Took the denomination of the star + That woos the sun, now following, now in front. + +I was not ware of our ascending to it; + But of our being in it gave full faith + My Lady whom I saw more beauteous grow. + +And as within a flame a spark is seen, + And as within a voice a voice discerned, + When one is steadfast, and one comes and goes, + +Within that light beheld I other lamps + Move in a circle, speeding more and less, + Methinks in measure of their inward vision. + +From a cold cloud descended never winds, + Or visible or not, so rapidly + They would not laggard and impeded seem + +To any one who had those lights divine + Seen come towards us, leaving the gyration + Begun at first in the high Seraphim. + +And behind those that most in front appeared + Sounded “Osanna!” so that never since + To hear again was I without desire. + +Then unto us more nearly one approached, + And it alone began: “We all are ready + Unto thy pleasure, that thou joy in us. + +We turn around with the celestial Princes, + One gyre and one gyration and one thirst, + To whom thou in the world of old didst say, + +‘Ye who, intelligent, the third heaven are moving;’ + And are so full of love, to pleasure thee + A little quiet will not be less sweet.” + +After these eyes of mine themselves had offered + Unto my Lady reverently, and she + Content and certain of herself had made them, + +Back to the light they turned, which so great promise + Made of itself, and “Say, who art thou?” was + My voice, imprinted with a great affection. + +O how and how much I beheld it grow + With the new joy that superadded was + Unto its joys, as soon as I had spoken! + +Thus changed, it said to me: “The world possessed me + Short time below; and, if it had been more, + Much evil will be which would not have been. + +My gladness keepeth me concealed from thee, + Which rayeth round about me, and doth hide me + Like as a creature swathed in its own silk. + +Much didst thou love me, and thou hadst good reason; + For had I been below, I should have shown thee + Somewhat beyond the foliage of my love. + +That left-hand margin, which doth bathe itself + In Rhone, when it is mingled with the Sorgue, + Me for its lord awaited in due time, + +And that horn of Ausonia, which is towned + With Bari, with Gaeta and Catona, + Whence Tronto and Verde in the sea disgorge. + +Already flashed upon my brow the crown + Of that dominion which the Danube waters + After the German borders it abandons; + +And beautiful Trinacria, that is murky + ’Twixt Pachino and Peloro, (on the gulf + Which greatest scath from Eurus doth receive,) + +Not through Typhoeus, but through nascent sulphur, + Would have awaited her own monarchs still, + Through me from Charles descended and from Rudolph, + +If evil lordship, that exasperates ever + The subject populations, had not moved + Palermo to the outcry of ‘Death! death!’ + +And if my brother could but this foresee, + The greedy poverty of Catalonia + Straight would he flee, that it might not molest him; + +For verily ’tis needful to provide, + Through him or other, so that on his bark + Already freighted no more freight be placed. + +His nature, which from liberal covetous + Descended, such a soldiery would need + As should not care for hoarding in a chest.” + +“Because I do believe the lofty joy + Thy speech infuses into me, my Lord, + Where every good thing doth begin and end + +Thou seest as I see it, the more grateful + Is it to me; and this too hold I dear, + That gazing upon God thou dost discern it. + +Glad hast thou made me; so make clear to me, + Since speaking thou hast stirred me up to doubt, + How from sweet seed can bitter issue forth.” + +This I to him; and he to me: “If I + Can show to thee a truth, to what thou askest + Thy face thou’lt hold as thou dost hold thy back. + +The Good which all the realm thou art ascending + Turns and contents, maketh its providence + To be a power within these bodies vast; + +And not alone the natures are foreseen + Within the mind that in itself is perfect, + But they together with their preservation. + +For whatsoever thing this bow shoots forth + Falls foreordained unto an end foreseen, + Even as a shaft directed to its mark. + +If that were not, the heaven which thou dost walk + Would in such manner its effects produce, + That they no longer would be arts, but ruins. + +This cannot be, if the Intelligences + That keep these stars in motion are not maimed, + And maimed the First that has not made them perfect. + +Wilt thou this truth have clearer made to thee?” + And I: “Not so; for ’tis impossible + That nature tire, I see, in what is needful.” + +Whence he again: “Now say, would it be worse + For men on earth were they not citizens?” + “Yes,” I replied; “and here I ask no reason.” + +“And can they be so, if below they live not + Diversely unto offices diverse? + No, if your master writeth well for you.” + +So came he with deductions to this point; + Then he concluded: “Therefore it behoves + The roots of your effects to be diverse. + +Hence one is Solon born, another Xerxes, + Another Melchisedec, and another he + Who, flying through the air, his son did lose. + +Revolving Nature, which a signet is + To mortal wax, doth practise well her art, + But not one inn distinguish from another; + +Thence happens it that Esau differeth + In seed from Jacob; and Quirinus comes + From sire so vile that he is given to Mars. + +A generated nature its own way + Would always make like its progenitors, + If Providence divine were not triumphant. + +Now that which was behind thee is before thee; + But that thou know that I with thee am pleased, + With a corollary will I mantle thee. + +Evermore nature, if it fortune find + Discordant to it, like each other seed + Out of its region, maketh evil thrift; + +And if the world below would fix its mind + On the foundation which is laid by nature, + Pursuing that, ’twould have the people good. + +But you unto religion wrench aside + Him who was born to gird him with the sword, + And make a king of him who is for sermons; + +Therefore your footsteps wander from the road.” + + + + +Paradiso: Canto IX + + +Beautiful Clemence, after that thy Charles + Had me enlightened, he narrated to me + The treacheries his seed should undergo; + +But said: “Be still and let the years roll round;” + So I can only say, that lamentation + Legitimate shall follow on your wrongs. + +And of that holy light the life already + Had to the Sun which fills it turned again, + As to that good which for each thing sufficeth. + +Ah, souls deceived, and creatures impious, + Who from such good do turn away your hearts, + Directing upon vanity your foreheads! + +And now, behold, another of those splendours + Approached me, and its will to pleasure me + It signified by brightening outwardly. + +The eyes of Beatrice, that fastened were + Upon me, as before, of dear assent + To my desire assurance gave to me. + +“Ah, bring swift compensation to my wish, + Thou blessed spirit,” I said, “and give me proof + That what I think in thee I can reflect!” + +Whereat the light, that still was new to me, + Out of its depths, whence it before was singing, + As one delighted to do good, continued: + +“Within that region of the land depraved + Of Italy, that lies between Rialto + And fountain-heads of Brenta and of Piava, + +Rises a hill, and mounts not very high, + Wherefrom descended formerly a torch + That made upon that region great assault. + +Out of one root were born both I and it; + Cunizza was I called, and here I shine + Because the splendour of this star o’ercame me. + +But gladly to myself the cause I pardon + Of my allotment, and it does not grieve me; + Which would perhaps seem strong unto your vulgar. + +Of this so luculent and precious jewel, + Which of our heaven is nearest unto me, + Great fame remained; and ere it die away + +This hundredth year shall yet quintupled be. + See if man ought to make him excellent, + So that another life the first may leave! + +And thus thinks not the present multitude + Shut in by Adige and Tagliamento, + Nor yet for being scourged is penitent. + +But soon ’twill be that Padua in the marsh + Will change the water that Vicenza bathes, + Because the folk are stubborn against duty; + +And where the Sile and Cagnano join + One lordeth it, and goes with lofty head, + For catching whom e’en now the net is making. + +Feltro moreover of her impious pastor + Shall weep the crime, which shall so monstrous be + That for the like none ever entered Malta. + +Ample exceedingly would be the vat + That of the Ferrarese could hold the blood, + And weary who should weigh it ounce by ounce, + +Of which this courteous priest shall make a gift + To show himself a partisan; and such gifts + Will to the living of the land conform. + +Above us there are mirrors, Thrones you call them, + From which shines out on us God Judicant, + So that this utterance seems good to us.” + +Here it was silent, and it had the semblance + Of being turned elsewhither, by the wheel + On which it entered as it was before. + +The other joy, already known to me, + Became a thing transplendent in my sight, + As a fine ruby smitten by the sun. + +Through joy effulgence is acquired above, + As here a smile; but down below, the shade + Outwardly darkens, as the mind is sad. + +“God seeth all things, and in Him, blest spirit, + Thy sight is,” said I, “so that never will + Of his can possibly from thee be hidden; + +Thy voice, then, that for ever makes the heavens + Glad, with the singing of those holy fires + Which of their six wings make themselves a cowl, + +Wherefore does it not satisfy my longings? + Indeed, I would not wait thy questioning + If I in thee were as thou art in me.” + +“The greatest of the valleys where the water + Expands itself,” forthwith its words began, + “That sea excepted which the earth engarlands, + +Between discordant shores against the sun + Extends so far, that it meridian makes + Where it was wont before to make the horizon. + +I was a dweller on that valley’s shore + ’Twixt Ebro and Magra that with journey short + Doth from the Tuscan part the Genoese. + +With the same sunset and same sunrise nearly + Sit Buggia and the city whence I was, + That with its blood once made the harbour hot. + +Folco that people called me unto whom + My name was known; and now with me this heaven + Imprints itself, as I did once with it; + +For more the daughter of Belus never burned, + Offending both Sichaeus and Creusa, + Than I, so long as it became my locks, + +Nor yet that Rodophean, who deluded + was by Demophoon, nor yet Alcides, + When Iole he in his heart had locked. + +Yet here is no repenting, but we smile, + Not at the fault, which comes not back to mind, + But at the power which ordered and foresaw. + +Here we behold the art that doth adorn + With such affection, and the good discover + Whereby the world above turns that below. + +But that thou wholly satisfied mayst bear + Thy wishes hence which in this sphere are born, + Still farther to proceed behoveth me. + +Thou fain wouldst know who is within this light + That here beside me thus is scintillating, + Even as a sunbeam in the limpid water. + +Then know thou, that within there is at rest + Rahab, and being to our order joined, + With her in its supremest grade ’tis sealed. + +Into this heaven, where ends the shadowy cone + Cast by your world, before all other souls + First of Christ’s triumph was she taken up. + +Full meet it was to leave her in some heaven, + Even as a palm of the high victory + Which he acquired with one palm and the other, + +Because she favoured the first glorious deed + Of Joshua upon the Holy Land, + That little stirs the memory of the Pope. + +Thy city, which an offshoot is of him + Who first upon his Maker turned his back, + And whose ambition is so sorely wept, + +Brings forth and scatters the accursed flower + Which both the sheep and lambs hath led astray + Since it has turned the shepherd to a wolf. + +For this the Evangel and the mighty Doctors + Are derelict, and only the Decretals + So studied that it shows upon their margins. + +On this are Pope and Cardinals intent; + Their meditations reach not Nazareth, + There where his pinions Gabriel unfolded; + +But Vatican and the other parts elect + Of Rome, which have a cemetery been + Unto the soldiery that followed Peter + +Shall soon be free from this adultery.” + + + + +Paradiso: Canto X + + +Looking into his Son with all the Love + Which each of them eternally breathes forth, + The Primal and unutterable Power + +Whate’er before the mind or eye revolves + With so much order made, there can be none + Who this beholds without enjoying Him. + +Lift up then, Reader, to the lofty wheels + With me thy vision straight unto that part + Where the one motion on the other strikes, + +And there begin to contemplate with joy + That Master’s art, who in himself so loves it + That never doth his eye depart therefrom. + +Behold how from that point goes branching off + The oblique circle, which conveys the planets, + To satisfy the world that calls upon them; + +And if their pathway were not thus inflected, + Much virtue in the heavens would be in vain, + And almost every power below here dead. + +If from the straight line distant more or less + Were the departure, much would wanting be + Above and underneath of mundane order. + +Remain now, Reader, still upon thy bench, + In thought pursuing that which is foretasted, + If thou wouldst jocund be instead of weary. + +I’ve set before thee; henceforth feed thyself, + For to itself diverteth all my care + That theme whereof I have been made the scribe. + +The greatest of the ministers of nature, + Who with the power of heaven the world imprints + And measures with his light the time for us, + +With that part which above is called to mind + Conjoined, along the spirals was revolving, + Where each time earlier he presents himself; + +And I was with him; but of the ascending + I was not conscious, saving as a man + Of a first thought is conscious ere it come; + +And Beatrice, she who is seen to pass + From good to better, and so suddenly + That not by time her action is expressed, + +How lucent in herself must she have been! + And what was in the sun, wherein I entered, + Apparent not by colour but by light, + +I, though I call on genius, art, and practice, + Cannot so tell that it could be imagined; + Believe one can, and let him long to see it. + +And if our fantasies too lowly are + For altitude so great, it is no marvel, + Since o’er the sun was never eye could go. + +Such in this place was the fourth family + Of the high Father, who forever sates it, + Showing how he breathes forth and how begets. + +And Beatrice began: “Give thanks, give thanks + Unto the Sun of Angels, who to this + Sensible one has raised thee by his grace!” + +Never was heart of mortal so disposed + To worship, nor to give itself to God + With all its gratitude was it so ready, + +As at those words did I myself become; + And all my love was so absorbed in Him, + That in oblivion Beatrice was eclipsed. + +Nor this displeased her; but she smiled at it + So that the splendour of her laughing eyes + My single mind on many things divided. + +Lights many saw I, vivid and triumphant, + Make us a centre and themselves a circle, + More sweet in voice than luminous in aspect. + +Thus girt about the daughter of Latona + We sometimes see, when pregnant is the air, + So that it holds the thread which makes her zone. + +Within the court of Heaven, whence I return, + Are many jewels found, so fair and precious + They cannot be transported from the realm; + +And of them was the singing of those lights. + Who takes not wings that he may fly up thither, + The tidings thence may from the dumb await! + +As soon as singing thus those burning suns + Had round about us whirled themselves three times, + Like unto stars neighbouring the steadfast poles, + +Ladies they seemed, not from the dance released, + But who stop short, in silence listening + Till they have gathered the new melody. + +And within one I heard beginning: “When + The radiance of grace, by which is kindled + True love, and which thereafter grows by loving, + +Within thee multiplied is so resplendent + That it conducts thee upward by that stair, + Where without reascending none descends, + +Who should deny the wine out of his vial + Unto thy thirst, in liberty were not + Except as water which descends not seaward. + +Fain wouldst thou know with what plants is enflowered + This garland that encircles with delight + The Lady fair who makes thee strong for heaven. + +Of the lambs was I of the holy flock + Which Dominic conducteth by a road + Where well one fattens if he strayeth not. + +He who is nearest to me on the right + My brother and master was; and he Albertus + Is of Cologne, I Thomas of Aquinum. + +If thou of all the others wouldst be certain, + Follow behind my speaking with thy sight + Upward along the blessed garland turning. + +That next effulgence issues from the smile + Of Gratian, who assisted both the courts + In such wise that it pleased in Paradise. + +The other which near by adorns our choir + That Peter was who, e’en as the poor widow, + Offered his treasure unto Holy Church. + +The fifth light, that among us is the fairest, + Breathes forth from such a love, that all the world + Below is greedy to learn tidings of it. + +Within it is the lofty mind, where knowledge + So deep was put, that, if the true be true, + To see so much there never rose a second. + +Thou seest next the lustre of that taper, + Which in the flesh below looked most within + The angelic nature and its ministry. + +Within that other little light is smiling + The advocate of the Christian centuries, + Out of whose rhetoric Augustine was furnished. + +Now if thou trainest thy mind’s eye along + From light to light pursuant of my praise, + With thirst already of the eighth thou waitest. + +By seeing every good therein exults + The sainted soul, which the fallacious world + Makes manifest to him who listeneth well; + +The body whence ’twas hunted forth is lying + Down in Cieldauro, and from martyrdom + And banishment it came unto this peace. + +See farther onward flame the burning breath + Of Isidore, of Beda, and of Richard + Who was in contemplation more than man. + +This, whence to me returneth thy regard, + The light is of a spirit unto whom + In his grave meditations death seemed slow. + +It is the light eternal of Sigier, + Who, reading lectures in the Street of Straw, + Did syllogize invidious verities.” + +Then, as a horologe that calleth us + What time the Bride of God is rising up + With matins to her Spouse that he may love her, + +Wherein one part the other draws and urges, + Ting! ting! resounding with so sweet a note, + That swells with love the spirit well disposed, + +Thus I beheld the glorious wheel move round, + And render voice to voice, in modulation + And sweetness that can not be comprehended, + +Excepting there where joy is made eternal. + + + + +Paradiso: Canto XI + + +O Thou insensate care of mortal men, + How inconclusive are the syllogisms + That make thee beat thy wings in downward flight! + +One after laws and one to aphorisms + Was going, and one following the priesthood, + And one to reign by force or sophistry, + +And one in theft, and one in state affairs, + One in the pleasures of the flesh involved + Wearied himself, one gave himself to ease; + +When I, from all these things emancipate, + With Beatrice above there in the Heavens + With such exceeding glory was received! + +When each one had returned unto that point + Within the circle where it was before, + It stood as in a candlestick a candle; + +And from within the effulgence which at first + Had spoken unto me, I heard begin + Smiling while it more luminous became: + +“Even as I am kindled in its ray, + So, looking into the Eternal Light, + The occasion of thy thoughts I apprehend. + +Thou doubtest, and wouldst have me to resift + In language so extended and so open + My speech, that to thy sense it may be plain, + +Where just before I said, ‘where well one fattens,’ + And where I said, ‘there never rose a second;’ + And here ’tis needful we distinguish well. + +The Providence, which governeth the world + With counsel, wherein all created vision + Is vanquished ere it reach unto the bottom, + +(So that towards her own Beloved might go + The bride of Him who, uttering a loud cry, + Espoused her with his consecrated blood, + +Self-confident and unto Him more faithful,) + Two Princes did ordain in her behoof, + Which on this side and that might be her guide. + +The one was all seraphical in ardour; + The other by his wisdom upon earth + A splendour was of light cherubical. + +One will I speak of, for of both is spoken + In praising one, whichever may be taken, + Because unto one end their labours were. + +Between Tupino and the stream that falls + Down from the hill elect of blessed Ubald, + A fertile slope of lofty mountain hangs, + +From which Perugia feels the cold and heat + Through Porta Sole, and behind it weep + Gualdo and Nocera their grievous yoke. + +From out that slope, there where it breaketh most + Its steepness, rose upon the world a sun + As this one does sometimes from out the Ganges; + +Therefore let him who speaketh of that place, + Say not Ascesi, for he would say little, + But Orient, if he properly would speak. + +He was not yet far distant from his rising + Before he had begun to make the earth + Some comfort from his mighty virtue feel. + +For he in youth his father’s wrath incurred + For certain Dame, to whom, as unto death, + The gate of pleasure no one doth unlock; + +And was before his spiritual court + ‘Et coram patre’ unto her united; + Then day by day more fervently he loved her. + +She, reft of her first husband, scorned, obscure, + One thousand and one hundred years and more, + Waited without a suitor till he came. + +Naught it availed to hear, that with Amyclas + Found her unmoved at sounding of his voice + He who struck terror into all the world; + +Naught it availed being constant and undaunted, + So that, when Mary still remained below, + She mounted up with Christ upon the cross. + +But that too darkly I may not proceed, + Francis and Poverty for these two lovers + Take thou henceforward in my speech diffuse. + +Their concord and their joyous semblances, + The love, the wonder, and the sweet regard, + They made to be the cause of holy thoughts; + +So much so that the venerable Bernard + First bared his feet, and after so great peace + Ran, and, in running, thought himself too slow. + +O wealth unknown! O veritable good! + Giles bares his feet, and bares his feet Sylvester + Behind the bridegroom, so doth please the bride! + +Then goes his way that father and that master, + He and his Lady and that family + Which now was girding on the humble cord; + +Nor cowardice of heart weighed down his brow + At being son of Peter Bernardone, + Nor for appearing marvellously scorned; + +But regally his hard determination + To Innocent he opened, and from him + Received the primal seal upon his Order. + +After the people mendicant increased + Behind this man, whose admirable life + Better in glory of the heavens were sung, + +Incoronated with a second crown + Was through Honorius by the Eternal Spirit + The holy purpose of this Archimandrite. + +And when he had, through thirst of martyrdom, + In the proud presence of the Sultan preached + Christ and the others who came after him, + +And, finding for conversion too unripe + The folk, and not to tarry there in vain, + Returned to fruit of the Italic grass, + +On the rude rock ’twixt Tiber and the Arno + From Christ did he receive the final seal, + Which during two whole years his members bore. + +When He, who chose him unto so much good, + Was pleased to draw him up to the reward + That he had merited by being lowly, + +Unto his friars, as to the rightful heirs, + His most dear Lady did he recommend, + And bade that they should love her faithfully; + +And from her bosom the illustrious soul + Wished to depart, returning to its realm, + And for its body wished no other bier. + +Think now what man was he, who was a fit + Companion over the high seas to keep + The bark of Peter to its proper bearings. + +And this man was our Patriarch; hence whoever + Doth follow him as he commands can see + That he is laden with good merchandise. + +But for new pasturage his flock has grown + So greedy, that it is impossible + They be not scattered over fields diverse; + +And in proportion as his sheep remote + And vagabond go farther off from him, + More void of milk return they to the fold. + +Verily some there are that fear a hurt, + And keep close to the shepherd; but so few, + That little cloth doth furnish forth their hoods. + +Now if my utterance be not indistinct, + If thine own hearing hath attentive been, + If thou recall to mind what I have said, + +In part contented shall thy wishes be; + For thou shalt see the plant that’s chipped away, + And the rebuke that lieth in the words, + +‘Where well one fattens, if he strayeth not.’” + + + + +Paradiso: Canto XII + + +Soon as the blessed flame had taken up + The final word to give it utterance, + Began the holy millstone to revolve, + +And in its gyre had not turned wholly round, + Before another in a ring enclosed it, + And motion joined to motion, song to song; + +Song that as greatly doth transcend our Muses, + Our Sirens, in those dulcet clarions, + As primal splendour that which is reflected. + +And as are spanned athwart a tender cloud + Two rainbows parallel and like in colour, + When Juno to her handmaid gives command, + +(The one without born of the one within, + Like to the speaking of that vagrant one + Whom love consumed as doth the sun the vapours,) + +And make the people here, through covenant + God set with Noah, presageful of the world + That shall no more be covered with a flood, + +In such wise of those sempiternal roses + The garlands twain encompassed us about, + And thus the outer to the inner answered. + +After the dance, and other grand rejoicings, + Both of the singing, and the flaming forth + Effulgence with effulgence blithe and tender, + +Together, at once, with one accord had stopped, + (Even as the eyes, that, as volition moves them, + Must needs together shut and lift themselves,) + +Out of the heart of one of the new lights + There came a voice, that needle to the star + Made me appear in turning thitherward. + +And it began: “The love that makes me fair + Draws me to speak about the other leader, + By whom so well is spoken here of mine. + +’Tis right, where one is, to bring in the other, + That, as they were united in their warfare, + Together likewise may their glory shine. + +The soldiery of Christ, which it had cost + So dear to arm again, behind the standard + Moved slow and doubtful and in numbers few, + +When the Emperor who reigneth evermore + Provided for the host that was in peril, + Through grace alone and not that it was worthy; + +And, as was said, he to his Bride brought succour + With champions twain, at whose deed, at whose word + The straggling people were together drawn. + +Within that region where the sweet west wind + Rises to open the new leaves, wherewith + Europe is seen to clothe herself afresh, + +Not far off from the beating of the waves, + Behind which in his long career the sun + Sometimes conceals himself from every man, + +Is situate the fortunate Calahorra, + Under protection of the mighty shield + In which the Lion subject is and sovereign. + +Therein was born the amorous paramour + Of Christian Faith, the athlete consecrate, + Kind to his own and cruel to his foes; + +And when it was created was his mind + Replete with such a living energy, + That in his mother her it made prophetic. + +As soon as the espousals were complete + Between him and the Faith at holy font, + Where they with mutual safety dowered each other, + +The woman, who for him had given assent, + Saw in a dream the admirable fruit + That issue would from him and from his heirs; + +And that he might be construed as he was, + A spirit from this place went forth to name him + With His possessive whose he wholly was. + +Dominic was he called; and him I speak of + Even as of the husbandman whom Christ + Elected to his garden to assist him. + +Envoy and servant sooth he seemed of Christ, + For the first love made manifest in him + Was the first counsel that was given by Christ. + +Silent and wakeful many a time was he + Discovered by his nurse upon the ground, + As if he would have said, ‘For this I came.’ + +O thou his father, Felix verily! + O thou his mother, verily Joanna, + If this, interpreted, means as is said! + +Not for the world which people toil for now + In following Ostiense and Taddeo, + But through his longing after the true manna, + +He in short time became so great a teacher, + That he began to go about the vineyard, + Which fadeth soon, if faithless be the dresser; + +And of the See, (that once was more benignant + Unto the righteous poor, not through itself, + But him who sits there and degenerates,) + +Not to dispense or two or three for six, + Not any fortune of first vacancy, + ‘Non decimas quae sunt pauperum Dei,’ + +He asked for, but against the errant world + Permission to do battle for the seed, + Of which these four and twenty plants surround thee. + +Then with the doctrine and the will together, + With office apostolical he moved, + Like torrent which some lofty vein out-presses; + +And in among the shoots heretical + His impetus with greater fury smote, + Wherever the resistance was the greatest. + +Of him were made thereafter divers runnels, + Whereby the garden catholic is watered, + So that more living its plantations stand. + +If such the one wheel of the Biga was, + In which the Holy Church itself defended + And in the field its civic battle won, + +Truly full manifest should be to thee + The excellence of the other, unto whom + Thomas so courteous was before my coming. + +But still the orbit, which the highest part + Of its circumference made, is derelict, + So that the mould is where was once the crust. + +His family, that had straight forward moved + With feet upon his footprints, are turned round + So that they set the point upon the heel. + +And soon aware they will be of the harvest + Of this bad husbandry, when shall the tares + Complain the granary is taken from them. + +Yet say I, he who searcheth leaf by leaf + Our volume through, would still some page discover + Where he could read, ‘I am as I am wont.’ + +’Twill not be from Casal nor Acquasparta, + From whence come such unto the written word + That one avoids it, and the other narrows. + +Bonaventura of Bagnoregio’s life + Am I, who always in great offices + Postponed considerations sinister. + +Here are Illuminato and Agostino, + Who of the first barefooted beggars were + That with the cord the friends of God became. + +Hugh of Saint Victor is among them here, + And Peter Mangiador, and Peter of Spain, + Who down below in volumes twelve is shining; + +Nathan the seer, and metropolitan + Chrysostom, and Anselmus, and Donatus + Who deigned to lay his hand to the first art; + +Here is Rabanus, and beside me here + Shines the Calabrian Abbot Joachim, + He with the spirit of prophecy endowed. + +To celebrate so great a paladin + Have moved me the impassioned courtesy + And the discreet discourses of Friar Thomas, + +And with me they have moved this company.” + + + + +Paradiso: Canto XIII + + +Let him imagine, who would well conceive + What now I saw, and let him while I speak + Retain the image as a steadfast rock, + +The fifteen stars, that in their divers regions + The sky enliven with a light so great + That it transcends all clusters of the air; + +Let him the Wain imagine unto which + Our vault of heaven sufficeth night and day, + So that in turning of its pole it fails not; + +Let him the mouth imagine of the horn + That in the point beginneth of the axis + Round about which the primal wheel revolves,— + +To have fashioned of themselves two signs in heaven, + Like unto that which Minos’ daughter made, + The moment when she felt the frost of death; + +And one to have its rays within the other, + And both to whirl themselves in such a manner + That one should forward go, the other backward; + +And he will have some shadowing forth of that + True constellation and the double dance + That circled round the point at which I was; + +Because it is as much beyond our wont, + As swifter than the motion of the Chiana + Moveth the heaven that all the rest outspeeds. + +There sang they neither Bacchus, nor Apollo, + But in the divine nature Persons three, + And in one person the divine and human. + +The singing and the dance fulfilled their measure, + And unto us those holy lights gave need, + Growing in happiness from care to care. + +Then broke the silence of those saints concordant + The light in which the admirable life + Of God’s own mendicant was told to me, + +And said: “Now that one straw is trodden out + Now that its seed is garnered up already, + Sweet love invites me to thresh out the other. + +Into that bosom, thou believest, whence + Was drawn the rib to form the beauteous cheek + Whose taste to all the world is costing dear, + +And into that which, by the lance transfixed, + Before and since, such satisfaction made + That it weighs down the balance of all sin, + +Whate’er of light it has to human nature + Been lawful to possess was all infused + By the same power that both of them created; + +And hence at what I said above dost wonder, + When I narrated that no second had + The good which in the fifth light is enclosed. + +Now ope thine eyes to what I answer thee, + And thou shalt see thy creed and my discourse + Fit in the truth as centre in a circle. + +That which can die, and that which dieth not, + Are nothing but the splendour of the idea + Which by his love our Lord brings into being; + +Because that living Light, which from its fount + Effulgent flows, so that it disunites not + From Him nor from the Love in them intrined, + +Through its own goodness reunites its rays + In nine subsistences, as in a mirror, + Itself eternally remaining One. + +Thence it descends to the last potencies, + Downward from act to act becoming such + That only brief contingencies it makes; + +And these contingencies I hold to be + Things generated, which the heaven produces + By its own motion, with seed and without. + +Neither their wax, nor that which tempers it, + Remains immutable, and hence beneath + The ideal signet more and less shines through; + +Therefore it happens, that the selfsame tree + After its kind bears worse and better fruit, + And ye are born with characters diverse. + +If in perfection tempered were the wax, + And were the heaven in its supremest virtue, + The brilliance of the seal would all appear; + +But nature gives it evermore deficient, + In the like manner working as the artist, + Who has the skill of art and hand that trembles. + +If then the fervent Love, the Vision clear, + Of primal Virtue do dispose and seal, + Perfection absolute is there acquired. + +Thus was of old the earth created worthy + Of all and every animal perfection; + And thus the Virgin was impregnate made; + +So that thine own opinion I commend, + That human nature never yet has been, + Nor will be, what it was in those two persons. + +Now if no farther forth I should proceed, + ‘Then in what way was he without a peer?’ + Would be the first beginning of thy words. + +But, that may well appear what now appears not, + Think who he was, and what occasion moved him + To make request, when it was told him, ‘Ask.’ + +I’ve not so spoken that thou canst not see + Clearly he was a king who asked for wisdom, + That he might be sufficiently a king; + +’Twas not to know the number in which are + The motors here above, or if ‘necesse’ + With a contingent e’er ‘necesse’ make, + +‘Non si est dare primum motum esse,’ + Or if in semicircle can be made + Triangle so that it have no right angle. + +Whence, if thou notest this and what I said, + A regal prudence is that peerless seeing + In which the shaft of my intention strikes. + +And if on ‘rose’ thou turnest thy clear eyes, + Thou’lt see that it has reference alone + To kings who’re many, and the good are rare. + +With this distinction take thou what I said, + And thus it can consist with thy belief + Of the first father and of our Delight. + +And lead shall this be always to thy feet, + To make thee, like a weary man, move slowly + Both to the Yes and No thou seest not; + +For very low among the fools is he + Who affirms without distinction, or denies, + As well in one as in the other case; + +Because it happens that full often bends + Current opinion in the false direction, + And then the feelings bind the intellect. + +Far more than uselessly he leaves the shore, + (Since he returneth not the same he went,) + Who fishes for the truth, and has no skill; + +And in the world proofs manifest thereof + Parmenides, Melissus, Brissus are, + And many who went on and knew not whither; + +Thus did Sabellius, Arius, and those fools + Who have been even as swords unto the Scriptures + In rendering distorted their straight faces. + +Nor yet shall people be too confident + In judging, even as he is who doth count + The corn in field or ever it be ripe. + +For I have seen all winter long the thorn + First show itself intractable and fierce, + And after bear the rose upon its top; + +And I have seen a ship direct and swift + Run o’er the sea throughout its course entire, + To perish at the harbour’s mouth at last. + +Let not Dame Bertha nor Ser Martin think, + Seeing one steal, another offering make, + To see them in the arbitrament divine; + +For one may rise, and fall the other may.” + + + + +Paradiso: Canto XIV + + +From centre unto rim, from rim to centre, + In a round vase the water moves itself, + As from without ’tis struck or from within. + +Into my mind upon a sudden dropped + What I am saying, at the moment when + Silent became the glorious life of Thomas, + +Because of the resemblance that was born + Of his discourse and that of Beatrice, + Whom, after him, it pleased thus to begin: + +“This man has need (and does not tell you so, + Nor with the voice, nor even in his thought) + Of going to the root of one truth more. + +Declare unto him if the light wherewith + Blossoms your substance shall remain with you + Eternally the same that it is now; + +And if it do remain, say in what manner, + After ye are again made visible, + It can be that it injure not your sight.” + +As by a greater gladness urged and drawn + They who are dancing in a ring sometimes + Uplift their voices and their motions quicken; + +So, at that orison devout and prompt, + The holy circles a new joy displayed + In their revolving and their wondrous song. + +Whoso lamenteth him that here we die + That we may live above, has never there + Seen the refreshment of the eternal rain. + +The One and Two and Three who ever liveth, + And reigneth ever in Three and Two and One, + Not circumscribed and all things circumscribing, + +Three several times was chanted by each one + Among those spirits, with such melody + That for all merit it were just reward; + +And, in the lustre most divine of all + The lesser ring, I heard a modest voice, + Such as perhaps the Angel’s was to Mary, + +Answer: “As long as the festivity + Of Paradise shall be, so long our love + Shall radiate round about us such a vesture. + +Its brightness is proportioned to the ardour, + The ardour to the vision; and the vision + Equals what grace it has above its worth. + +When, glorious and sanctified, our flesh + Is reassumed, then shall our persons be + More pleasing by their being all complete; + +For will increase whate’er bestows on us + Of light gratuitous the Good Supreme, + Light which enables us to look on Him; + +Therefore the vision must perforce increase, + Increase the ardour which from that is kindled, + Increase the radiance which from this proceeds. + +But even as a coal that sends forth flame, + And by its vivid whiteness overpowers it + So that its own appearance it maintains, + +Thus the effulgence that surrounds us now + Shall be o’erpowered in aspect by the flesh, + Which still to-day the earth doth cover up; + +Nor can so great a splendour weary us, + For strong will be the organs of the body + To everything which hath the power to please us.” + +So sudden and alert appeared to me + Both one and the other choir to say Amen, + That well they showed desire for their dead bodies; + +Nor sole for them perhaps, but for the mothers, + The fathers, and the rest who had been dear + Or ever they became eternal flames. + +And lo! all round about of equal brightness + Arose a lustre over what was there, + Like an horizon that is clearing up. + +And as at rise of early eve begin + Along the welkin new appearances, + So that the sight seems real and unreal, + +It seemed to me that new subsistences + Began there to be seen, and make a circle + Outside the other two circumferences. + +O very sparkling of the Holy Spirit, + How sudden and incandescent it became + Unto mine eyes, that vanquished bore it not! + +But Beatrice so beautiful and smiling + Appeared to me, that with the other sights + That followed not my memory I must leave her. + +Then to uplift themselves mine eyes resumed + The power, and I beheld myself translated + To higher salvation with my Lady only. + +Well was I ware that I was more uplifted + By the enkindled smiling of the star, + That seemed to me more ruddy than its wont. + +With all my heart, and in that dialect + Which is the same in all, such holocaust + To God I made as the new grace beseemed; + +And not yet from my bosom was exhausted + The ardour of sacrifice, before I knew + This offering was accepted and auspicious; + +For with so great a lustre and so red + Splendours appeared to me in twofold rays, + I said: “O Helios who dost so adorn them!” + +Even as distinct with less and greater lights + Glimmers between the two poles of the world + The Galaxy that maketh wise men doubt, + +Thus constellated in the depths of Mars, + Those rays described the venerable sign + That quadrants joining in a circle make. + +Here doth my memory overcome my genius; + For on that cross as levin gleamed forth Christ, + So that I cannot find ensample worthy; + +But he who takes his cross and follows Christ + Again will pardon me what I omit, + Seeing in that aurora lighten Christ. + +From horn to horn, and ’twixt the top and base, + Lights were in motion, brightly scintillating + As they together met and passed each other; + +Thus level and aslant and swift and slow + We here behold, renewing still the sight, + The particles of bodies long and short, + +Across the sunbeam move, wherewith is listed + Sometimes the shade, which for their own defence + People with cunning and with art contrive. + +And as a lute and harp, accordant strung + With many strings, a dulcet tinkling make + To him by whom the notes are not distinguished, + +So from the lights that there to me appeared + Upgathered through the cross a melody, + Which rapt me, not distinguishing the hymn. + +Well was I ware it was of lofty laud, + Because there came to me, “Arise and conquer!” + As unto him who hears and comprehends not. + +So much enamoured I became therewith, + That until then there was not anything + That e’er had fettered me with such sweet bonds. + +Perhaps my word appears somewhat too bold, + Postponing the delight of those fair eyes, + Into which gazing my desire has rest; + +But who bethinks him that the living seals + Of every beauty grow in power ascending, + And that I there had not turned round to those, + +Can me excuse, if I myself accuse + To excuse myself, and see that I speak truly: + For here the holy joy is not disclosed, + +Because ascending it becomes more pure. + + + + +Paradiso: Canto XV + + +A will benign, in which reveals itself + Ever the love that righteously inspires, + As in the iniquitous, cupidity, + +Silence imposed upon that dulcet lyre, + And quieted the consecrated chords, + That Heaven’s right hand doth tighten and relax. + +How unto just entreaties shall be deaf + Those substances, which, to give me desire + Of praying them, with one accord grew silent? + +’Tis well that without end he should lament, + Who for the love of thing that doth not last + Eternally despoils him of that love! + +As through the pure and tranquil evening air + There shoots from time to time a sudden fire, + Moving the eyes that steadfast were before, + +And seems to be a star that changeth place, + Except that in the part where it is kindled + Nothing is missed, and this endureth little; + +So from the horn that to the right extends + Unto that cross’s foot there ran a star + Out of the constellation shining there; + +Nor was the gem dissevered from its ribbon, + But down the radiant fillet ran along, + So that fire seemed it behind alabaster. + +Thus piteous did Anchises’ shade reach forward, + If any faith our greatest Muse deserve, + When in Elysium he his son perceived. + +“O sanguis meus, O superinfusa + Gratia Dei, sicut tibi, cui + Bis unquam Coeli janua reclusa?” + +Thus that effulgence; whence I gave it heed; + Then round unto my Lady turned my sight, + And on this side and that was stupefied; + +For in her eyes was burning such a smile + That with mine own methought I touched the bottom + Both of my grace and of my Paradise! + +Then, pleasant to the hearing and the sight, + The spirit joined to its beginning things + I understood not, so profound it spake; + +Nor did it hide itself from me by choice, + But by necessity; for its conception + Above the mark of mortals set itself. + +And when the bow of burning sympathy + Was so far slackened, that its speech descended + Towards the mark of our intelligence, + +The first thing that was understood by me + Was “Benedight be Thou, O Trine and One, + Who hast unto my seed so courteous been!” + +And it continued: “Hunger long and grateful, + Drawn from the reading of the mighty volume + Wherein is never changed the white nor dark, + +Thou hast appeased, my son, within this light + In which I speak to thee, by grace of her + Who to this lofty flight with plumage clothed thee. + +Thou thinkest that to me thy thought doth pass + From Him who is the first, as from the unit, + If that be known, ray out the five and six; + +And therefore who I am thou askest not, + And why I seem more joyous unto thee + Than any other of this gladsome crowd. + +Thou think’st the truth; because the small and great + Of this existence look into the mirror + Wherein, before thou think’st, thy thought thou showest. + +But that the sacred love, in which I watch + With sight perpetual, and which makes me thirst + With sweet desire, may better be fulfilled, + +Now let thy voice secure and frank and glad + Proclaim the wishes, the desire proclaim, + To which my answer is decreed already.” + +To Beatrice I turned me, and she heard + Before I spake, and smiled to me a sign, + That made the wings of my desire increase; + +Then in this wise began I: “Love and knowledge, + When on you dawned the first Equality, + Of the same weight for each of you became; + +For in the Sun, which lighted you and burned + With heat and radiance, they so equal are, + That all similitudes are insufficient. + +But among mortals will and argument, + For reason that to you is manifest, + Diversely feathered in their pinions are. + +Whence I, who mortal am, feel in myself + This inequality; so give not thanks, + Save in my heart, for this paternal welcome. + +Truly do I entreat thee, living topaz! + Set in this precious jewel as a gem, + That thou wilt satisfy me with thy name.” + +“O leaf of mine, in whom I pleasure took + E’en while awaiting, I was thine own root!” + Such a beginning he in answer made me. + +Then said to me: “That one from whom is named + Thy race, and who a hundred years and more + Has circled round the mount on the first cornice, + +A son of mine and thy great-grandsire was; + Well it behoves thee that the long fatigue + Thou shouldst for him make shorter with thy works. + +Florence, within the ancient boundary + From which she taketh still her tierce and nones, + Abode in quiet, temperate and chaste. + +No golden chain she had, nor coronal, + Nor ladies shod with sandal shoon, nor girdle + That caught the eye more than the person did. + +Not yet the daughter at her birth struck fear + Into the father, for the time and dower + Did not o’errun this side or that the measure. + +No houses had she void of families, + Not yet had thither come Sardanapalus + To show what in a chamber can be done; + +Not yet surpassed had Montemalo been + By your Uccellatojo, which surpassed + Shall in its downfall be as in its rise. + +Bellincion Berti saw I go begirt + With leather and with bone, and from the mirror + His dame depart without a painted face; + +And him of Nerli saw, and him of Vecchio, + Contented with their simple suits of buff + And with the spindle and the flax their dames. + +O fortunate women! and each one was certain + Of her own burial-place, and none as yet + For sake of France was in her bed deserted. + +One o’er the cradle kept her studious watch, + And in her lullaby the language used + That first delights the fathers and the mothers; + +Another, drawing tresses from her distaff, + Told o’er among her family the tales + Of Trojans and of Fesole and Rome. + +As great a marvel then would have been held + A Lapo Salterello, a Cianghella, + As Cincinnatus or Cornelia now. + +To such a quiet, such a beautiful + Life of the citizen, to such a safe + Community, and to so sweet an inn, + +Did Mary give me, with loud cries invoked, + And in your ancient Baptistery at once + Christian and Cacciaguida I became. + +Moronto was my brother, and Eliseo; + From Val di Pado came to me my wife, + And from that place thy surname was derived. + +I followed afterward the Emperor Conrad, + And he begirt me of his chivalry, + So much I pleased him with my noble deeds. + +I followed in his train against that law’s + Iniquity, whose people doth usurp + Your just possession, through your Pastor’s fault. + +There by that execrable race was I + Released from bonds of the fallacious world, + The love of which defileth many souls, + +And came from martyrdom unto this peace.” + + + + +Paradiso: Canto XVI + + +O thou our poor nobility of blood, + If thou dost make the people glory in thee + Down here where our affection languishes, + +A marvellous thing it ne’er will be to me; + For there where appetite is not perverted, + I say in Heaven, of thee I made a boast! + +Truly thou art a cloak that quickly shortens, + So that unless we piece thee day by day + Time goeth round about thee with his shears! + +With ‘You,’ which Rome was first to tolerate, + (Wherein her family less perseveres,) + Yet once again my words beginning made; + +Whence Beatrice, who stood somewhat apart, + Smiling, appeared like unto her who coughed + At the first failing writ of Guenever. + +And I began: “You are my ancestor, + You give to me all hardihood to speak, + You lift me so that I am more than I. + +So many rivulets with gladness fill + My mind, that of itself it makes a joy + Because it can endure this and not burst. + +Then tell me, my beloved root ancestral, + Who were your ancestors, and what the years + That in your boyhood chronicled themselves? + +Tell me about the sheepfold of Saint John, + How large it was, and who the people were + Within it worthy of the highest seats.” + +As at the blowing of the winds a coal + Quickens to flame, so I beheld that light + Become resplendent at my blandishments. + +And as unto mine eyes it grew more fair, + With voice more sweet and tender, but not in + This modern dialect, it said to me: + +“From uttering of the ‘Ave,’ till the birth + In which my mother, who is now a saint, + Of me was lightened who had been her burden, + +Unto its Lion had this fire returned + Five hundred fifty times and thirty more, + To reinflame itself beneath his paw. + +My ancestors and I our birthplace had + Where first is found the last ward of the city + By him who runneth in your annual game. + +Suffice it of my elders to hear this; + But who they were, and whence they thither came, + Silence is more considerate than speech. + +All those who at that time were there between + Mars and the Baptist, fit for bearing arms, + Were a fifth part of those who now are living; + +But the community, that now is mixed + With Campi and Certaldo and Figghine, + Pure in the lowest artisan was seen. + +O how much better ’twere to have as neighbours + The folk of whom I speak, and at Galluzzo + And at Trespiano have your boundary, + +Than have them in the town, and bear the stench + Of Aguglione’s churl, and him of Signa + Who has sharp eyes for trickery already. + +Had not the folk, which most of all the world + Degenerates, been a step-dame unto Caesar, + But as a mother to her son benignant, + +Some who turn Florentines, and trade and discount, + Would have gone back again to Simifonte + There where their grandsires went about as beggars. + +At Montemurlo still would be the Counts, + The Cerchi in the parish of Acone, + Perhaps in Valdigrieve the Buondelmonti. + +Ever the intermingling of the people + Has been the source of malady in cities, + As in the body food it surfeits on; + +And a blind bull more headlong plunges down + Than a blind lamb; and very often cuts + Better and more a single sword than five. + +If Luni thou regard, and Urbisaglia, + How they have passed away, and how are passing + Chiusi and Sinigaglia after them, + +To hear how races waste themselves away, + Will seem to thee no novel thing nor hard, + Seeing that even cities have an end. + +All things of yours have their mortality, + Even as yourselves; but it is hidden in some + That a long while endure, and lives are short; + +And as the turning of the lunar heaven + Covers and bares the shores without a pause, + In the like manner fortune does with Florence. + +Therefore should not appear a marvellous thing + What I shall say of the great Florentines + Of whom the fame is hidden in the Past. + +I saw the Ughi, saw the Catellini, + Filippi, Greci, Ormanni, and Alberichi, + Even in their fall illustrious citizens; + +And saw, as mighty as they ancient were, + With him of La Sannella him of Arca, + And Soldanier, Ardinghi, and Bostichi. + +Near to the gate that is at present laden + With a new felony of so much weight + That soon it shall be jetsam from the bark, + +The Ravignani were, from whom descended + The County Guido, and whoe’er the name + Of the great Bellincione since hath taken. + +He of La Pressa knew the art of ruling + Already, and already Galigajo + Had hilt and pommel gilded in his house. + +Mighty already was the Column Vair, + Sacchetti, Giuochi, Fifant, and Barucci, + And Galli, and they who for the bushel blush. + +The stock from which were the Calfucci born + Was great already, and already chosen + To curule chairs the Sizii and Arrigucci. + +O how beheld I those who are undone + By their own pride! and how the Balls of Gold + Florence enflowered in all their mighty deeds! + +So likewise did the ancestors of those + Who evermore, when vacant is your church, + Fatten by staying in consistory. + +The insolent race, that like a dragon follows + Whoever flees, and unto him that shows + His teeth or purse is gentle as a lamb, + +Already rising was, but from low people; + So that it pleased not Ubertin Donato + That his wife’s father should make him their kin. + +Already had Caponsacco to the Market + From Fesole descended, and already + Giuda and Infangato were good burghers. + +I’ll tell a thing incredible, but true; + One entered the small circuit by a gate + Which from the Della Pera took its name! + +Each one that bears the beautiful escutcheon + Of the great baron whose renown and name + The festival of Thomas keepeth fresh, + +Knighthood and privilege from him received; + Though with the populace unites himself + To-day the man who binds it with a border. + +Already were Gualterotti and Importuni; + And still more quiet would the Borgo be + If with new neighbours it remained unfed. + +The house from which is born your lamentation, + Through just disdain that death among you brought + And put an end unto your joyous life, + +Was honoured in itself and its companions. + O Buondelmonte, how in evil hour + Thou fled’st the bridal at another’s promptings! + +Many would be rejoicing who are sad, + If God had thee surrendered to the Ema + The first time that thou camest to the city. + +But it behoved the mutilated stone + Which guards the bridge, that Florence should provide + A victim in her latest hour of peace. + +With all these families, and others with them, + Florence beheld I in so great repose, + That no occasion had she whence to weep; + +With all these families beheld so just + And glorious her people, that the lily + Never upon the spear was placed reversed, + +Nor by division was vermilion made.” + + + + +Paradiso: Canto XVII + + +As came to Clymene, to be made certain + Of that which he had heard against himself, + He who makes fathers chary still to children, + +Even such was I, and such was I perceived + By Beatrice and by the holy light + That first on my account had changed its place. + +Therefore my Lady said to me: “Send forth + The flame of thy desire, so that it issue + Imprinted well with the internal stamp; + +Not that our knowledge may be greater made + By speech of thine, but to accustom thee + To tell thy thirst, that we may give thee drink.” + +“O my beloved tree, (that so dost lift thee, + That even as minds terrestrial perceive + No triangle containeth two obtuse, + +So thou beholdest the contingent things + Ere in themselves they are, fixing thine eyes + Upon the point in which all times are present,) + +While I was with Virgilius conjoined + Upon the mountain that the souls doth heal, + And when descending into the dead world, + +Were spoken to me of my future life + Some grievous words; although I feel myself + In sooth foursquare against the blows of chance. + +On this account my wish would be content + To hear what fortune is approaching me, + Because foreseen an arrow comes more slowly.” + +Thus did I say unto that selfsame light + That unto me had spoken before; and even + As Beatrice willed was my own will confessed. + +Not in vague phrase, in which the foolish folk + Ensnared themselves of old, ere yet was slain + The Lamb of God who taketh sins away, + +But with clear words and unambiguous + Language responded that paternal love, + Hid and revealed by its own proper smile: + +“Contingency, that outside of the volume + Of your materiality extends not, + Is all depicted in the eternal aspect. + +Necessity however thence it takes not, + Except as from the eye, in which ’tis mirrored, + A ship that with the current down descends. + +From thence, e’en as there cometh to the ear + Sweet harmony from an organ, comes in sight + To me the time that is preparing for thee. + +As forth from Athens went Hippolytus, + By reason of his step-dame false and cruel, + So thou from Florence must perforce depart. + +Already this is willed, and this is sought for; + And soon it shall be done by him who thinks it, + Where every day the Christ is bought and sold. + +The blame shall follow the offended party + In outcry as is usual; but the vengeance + Shall witness to the truth that doth dispense it. + +Thou shalt abandon everything beloved + Most tenderly, and this the arrow is + Which first the bow of banishment shoots forth. + +Thou shalt have proof how savoureth of salt + The bread of others, and how hard a road + The going down and up another’s stairs. + +And that which most shall weigh upon thy shoulders + Will be the bad and foolish company + With which into this valley thou shalt fall; + +For all ingrate, all mad and impious + Will they become against thee; but soon after + They, and not thou, shall have the forehead scarlet. + +Of their bestiality their own proceedings + Shall furnish proof; so ’twill be well for thee + A party to have made thee by thyself. + +Thine earliest refuge and thine earliest inn + Shall be the mighty Lombard’s courtesy, + Who on the Ladder bears the holy bird, + +Who such benign regard shall have for thee + That ’twixt you twain, in doing and in asking, + That shall be first which is with others last. + +With him shalt thou see one who at his birth + Has by this star of strength been so impressed, + That notable shall his achievements be. + +Not yet the people are aware of him + Through his young age, since only nine years yet + Around about him have these wheels revolved. + +But ere the Gascon cheat the noble Henry, + Some sparkles of his virtue shall appear + In caring not for silver nor for toil. + +So recognized shall his magnificence + Become hereafter, that his enemies + Will not have power to keep mute tongues about it. + +On him rely, and on his benefits; + By him shall many people be transformed, + Changing condition rich and mendicant; + +And written in thy mind thou hence shalt bear + Of him, but shalt not say it”—and things said he + Incredible to those who shall be present. + +Then added: “Son, these are the commentaries + On what was said to thee; behold the snares + That are concealed behind few revolutions; + +Yet would I not thy neighbours thou shouldst envy, + Because thy life into the future reaches + Beyond the punishment of their perfidies.” + +When by its silence showed that sainted soul + That it had finished putting in the woof + Into that web which I had given it warped, + +Began I, even as he who yearneth after, + Being in doubt, some counsel from a person + Who seeth, and uprightly wills, and loves: + +“Well see I, father mine, how spurreth on + The time towards me such a blow to deal me + As heaviest is to him who most gives way. + +Therefore with foresight it is well I arm me, + That, if the dearest place be taken from me, + I may not lose the others by my songs. + +Down through the world of infinite bitterness, + And o’er the mountain, from whose beauteous summit + The eyes of my own Lady lifted me, + +And afterward through heaven from light to light, + I have learned that which, if I tell again, + Will be a savour of strong herbs to many. + +And if I am a timid friend to truth, + I fear lest I may lose my life with those + Who will hereafter call this time the olden.” + +The light in which was smiling my own treasure + Which there I had discovered, flashed at first + As in the sunshine doth a golden mirror; + +Then made reply: “A conscience overcast + Or with its own or with another’s shame, + Will taste forsooth the tartness of thy word; + +But ne’ertheless, all falsehood laid aside, + Make manifest thy vision utterly, + And let them scratch wherever is the itch; + +For if thine utterance shall offensive be + At the first taste, a vital nutriment + ’Twill leave thereafter, when it is digested. + +This cry of thine shall do as doth the wind, + Which smiteth most the most exalted summits, + And that is no slight argument of honour. + +Therefore are shown to thee within these wheels, + Upon the mount and in the dolorous valley, + Only the souls that unto fame are known; + +Because the spirit of the hearer rests not, + Nor doth confirm its faith by an example + Which has the root of it unknown and hidden, + +Or other reason that is not apparent.” + + + + +Paradiso: Canto XVIII + + +Now was alone rejoicing in its word + That soul beatified, and I was tasting + My own, the bitter tempering with the sweet, + +And the Lady who to God was leading me + Said: “Change thy thought; consider that I am + Near unto Him who every wrong disburdens.” + +Unto the loving accents of my comfort + I turned me round, and then what love I saw + Within those holy eyes I here relinquish; + +Not only that my language I distrust, + But that my mind cannot return so far + Above itself, unless another guide it. + +Thus much upon that point can I repeat, + That, her again beholding, my affection + From every other longing was released. + +While the eternal pleasure, which direct + Rayed upon Beatrice, from her fair face + Contented me with its reflected aspect, + +Conquering me with the radiance of a smile, + She said to me, “Turn thee about and listen; + Not in mine eyes alone is Paradise.” + +Even as sometimes here do we behold + The affection in the look, if it be such + That all the soul is wrapt away by it, + +So, by the flaming of the effulgence holy + To which I turned, I recognized therein + The wish of speaking to me somewhat farther. + +And it began: “In this fifth resting-place + Upon the tree that liveth by its summit, + And aye bears fruit, and never loses leaf, + +Are blessed spirits that below, ere yet + They came to Heaven, were of such great renown + That every Muse therewith would affluent be. + +Therefore look thou upon the cross’s horns; + He whom I now shall name will there enact + What doth within a cloud its own swift fire.” + +I saw athwart the Cross a splendour drawn + By naming Joshua, (even as he did it,) + Nor noted I the word before the deed; + +And at the name of the great Maccabee + I saw another move itself revolving, + And gladness was the whip unto that top. + +Likewise for Charlemagne and for Orlando, + Two of them my regard attentive followed + As followeth the eye its falcon flying. + +William thereafterward, and Renouard, + And the Duke Godfrey, did attract my sight + Along upon that Cross, and Robert Guiscard. + +Then, moved and mingled with the other lights, + The soul that had addressed me showed how great + An artist ’twas among the heavenly singers. + +To my right side I turned myself around, + My duty to behold in Beatrice + Either by words or gesture signified; + +And so translucent I beheld her eyes, + So full of pleasure, that her countenance + Surpassed its other and its latest wont. + +And as, by feeling greater delectation, + A man in doing good from day to day + Becomes aware his virtue is increasing, + +So I became aware that my gyration + With heaven together had increased its arc, + That miracle beholding more adorned. + +And such as is the change, in little lapse + Of time, in a pale woman, when her face + Is from the load of bashfulness unladen, + +Such was it in mine eyes, when I had turned, + Caused by the whiteness of the temperate star, + The sixth, which to itself had gathered me. + +Within that Jovial torch did I behold + The sparkling of the love which was therein + Delineate our language to mine eyes. + +And even as birds uprisen from the shore, + As in congratulation o’er their food, + Make squadrons of themselves, now round, now long, + +So from within those lights the holy creatures + Sang flying to and fro, and in their figures + Made of themselves now D, now I, now L. + +First singing they to their own music moved; + Then one becoming of these characters, + A little while they rested and were silent. + +O divine Pegasea, thou who genius + Dost glorious make, and render it long-lived, + And this through thee the cities and the kingdoms, + +Illume me with thyself, that I may bring + Their figures out as I have them conceived! + Apparent be thy power in these brief verses! + +Themselves then they displayed in five times seven + Vowels and consonants; and I observed + The parts as they seemed spoken unto me. + +‘Diligite justitiam,’ these were + First verb and noun of all that was depicted; + ‘Qui judicatis terram’ were the last. + +Thereafter in the M of the fifth word + Remained they so arranged, that Jupiter + Seemed to be silver there with gold inlaid. + +And other lights I saw descend where was + The summit of the M, and pause there singing + The good, I think, that draws them to itself. + +Then, as in striking upon burning logs + Upward there fly innumerable sparks, + Whence fools are wont to look for auguries, + +More than a thousand lights seemed thence to rise, + And to ascend, some more, and others less, + Even as the Sun that lights them had allotted; + +And, each one being quiet in its place, + The head and neck beheld I of an eagle + Delineated by that inlaid fire. + +He who there paints has none to be his guide; + But Himself guides; and is from Him remembered + That virtue which is form unto the nest. + +The other beatitude, that contented seemed + At first to bloom a lily on the M, + By a slight motion followed out the imprint. + +O gentle star! what and how many gems + Did demonstrate to me, that all our justice + Effect is of that heaven which thou ingemmest! + +Wherefore I pray the Mind, in which begin + Thy motion and thy virtue, to regard + Whence comes the smoke that vitiates thy rays; + +So that a second time it now be wroth + With buying and with selling in the temple + Whose walls were built with signs and martyrdoms! + +O soldiery of heaven, whom I contemplate, + Implore for those who are upon the earth + All gone astray after the bad example! + +Once ’twas the custom to make war with swords; + But now ’tis made by taking here and there + The bread the pitying Father shuts from none. + +Yet thou, who writest but to cancel, think + That Peter and that Paul, who for this vineyard + Which thou art spoiling died, are still alive! + +Well canst thou say: “So steadfast my desire + Is unto him who willed to live alone, + And for a dance was led to martyrdom, + +That I know not the Fisherman nor Paul.” + + + + +Paradiso: Canto XIX + + +Appeared before me with its wings outspread + The beautiful image that in sweet fruition + Made jubilant the interwoven souls; + +Appeared a little ruby each, wherein + Ray of the sun was burning so enkindled + That each into mine eyes refracted it. + +And what it now behoves me to retrace + Nor voice has e’er reported, nor ink written, + Nor was by fantasy e’er comprehended; + +For speak I saw, and likewise heard, the beak, + And utter with its voice both ‘I’ and ‘My,’ + When in conception it was ‘We’ and ‘Our.’ + +And it began: “Being just and merciful + Am I exalted here unto that glory + Which cannot be exceeded by desire; + +And upon earth I left my memory + Such, that the evil-minded people there + Commend it, but continue not the story.” + +So doth a single heat from many embers + Make itself felt, even as from many loves + Issued a single sound from out that image. + +Whence I thereafter: “O perpetual flowers + Of the eternal joy, that only one + Make me perceive your odours manifold, + +Exhaling, break within me the great fast + Which a long season has in hunger held me, + Not finding for it any food on earth. + +Well do I know, that if in heaven its mirror + Justice Divine another realm doth make, + Yours apprehends it not through any veil. + +You know how I attentively address me + To listen; and you know what is the doubt + That is in me so very old a fast.” + +Even as a falcon, issuing from his hood, + Doth move his head, and with his wings applaud him, + Showing desire, and making himself fine, + +Saw I become that standard, which of lauds + Was interwoven of the grace divine, + With such songs as he knows who there rejoices. + +Then it began: “He who a compass turned + On the world’s outer verge, and who within it + Devised so much occult and manifest, + +Could not the impress of his power so make + On all the universe, as that his Word + Should not remain in infinite excess. + +And this makes certain that the first proud being, + Who was the paragon of every creature, + By not awaiting light fell immature. + +And hence appears it, that each minor nature + Is scant receptacle unto that good + Which has no end, and by itself is measured. + +In consequence our vision, which perforce + Must be some ray of that intelligence + With which all things whatever are replete, + +Cannot in its own nature be so potent, + That it shall not its origin discern + Far beyond that which is apparent to it. + +Therefore into the justice sempiternal + The power of vision that your world receives, + As eye into the ocean, penetrates; + +Which, though it see the bottom near the shore, + Upon the deep perceives it not, and yet + ’Tis there, but it is hidden by the depth. + +There is no light but comes from the serene + That never is o’ercast, nay, it is darkness + Or shadow of the flesh, or else its poison. + +Amply to thee is opened now the cavern + Which has concealed from thee the living justice + Of which thou mad’st such frequent questioning. + +For saidst thou: ‘Born a man is on the shore + Of Indus, and is none who there can speak + Of Christ, nor who can read, nor who can write; + +And all his inclinations and his actions + Are good, so far as human reason sees, + Without a sin in life or in discourse: + +He dieth unbaptised and without faith; + Where is this justice that condemneth him? + Where is his fault, if he do not believe?’ + +Now who art thou, that on the bench wouldst sit + In judgment at a thousand miles away, + With the short vision of a single span? + +Truly to him who with me subtilizes, + If so the Scripture were not over you, + For doubting there were marvellous occasion. + +O animals terrene, O stolid minds, + The primal will, that in itself is good, + Ne’er from itself, the Good Supreme, has moved. + +So much is just as is accordant with it; + No good created draws it to itself, + But it, by raying forth, occasions that.” + +Even as above her nest goes circling round + The stork when she has fed her little ones, + And he who has been fed looks up at her, + +So lifted I my brows, and even such + Became the blessed image, which its wings + Was moving, by so many counsels urged. + +Circling around it sang, and said: “As are + My notes to thee, who dost not comprehend them, + Such is the eternal judgment to you mortals.” + +Those lucent splendours of the Holy Spirit + Grew quiet then, but still within the standard + That made the Romans reverend to the world. + +It recommenced: “Unto this kingdom never + Ascended one who had not faith in Christ, + Before or since he to the tree was nailed. + +But look thou, many crying are, ‘Christ, Christ!’ + Who at the judgment shall be far less near + To him than some shall be who knew not Christ. + +Such Christians shall the Ethiop condemn, + When the two companies shall be divided, + The one for ever rich, the other poor. + +What to your kings may not the Persians say, + When they that volume opened shall behold + In which are written down all their dispraises? + +There shall be seen, among the deeds of Albert, + That which ere long shall set the pen in motion, + For which the realm of Prague shall be deserted. + +There shall be seen the woe that on the Seine + He brings by falsifying of the coin, + Who by the blow of a wild boar shall die. + +There shall be seen the pride that causes thirst, + Which makes the Scot and Englishman so mad + That they within their boundaries cannot rest; + +Be seen the luxury and effeminate life + Of him of Spain, and the Bohemian, + Who valour never knew and never wished; + +Be seen the Cripple of Jerusalem, + His goodness represented by an I, + While the reverse an M shall represent; + +Be seen the avarice and poltroonery + Of him who guards the Island of the Fire, + Wherein Anchises finished his long life; + +And to declare how pitiful he is + Shall be his record in contracted letters + Which shall make note of much in little space. + +And shall appear to each one the foul deeds + Of uncle and of brother who a nation + So famous have dishonoured, and two crowns. + +And he of Portugal and he of Norway + Shall there be known, and he of Rascia too, + Who saw in evil hour the coin of Venice. + +O happy Hungary, if she let herself + Be wronged no farther! and Navarre the happy, + If with the hills that gird her she be armed! + +And each one may believe that now, as hansel + Thereof, do Nicosia and Famagosta + Lament and rage because of their own beast, + +Who from the others’ flank departeth not.” + + + + +Paradiso: Canto XX + + +When he who all the world illuminates + Out of our hemisphere so far descends + That on all sides the daylight is consumed, + +The heaven, that erst by him alone was kindled, + Doth suddenly reveal itself again + By many lights, wherein is one resplendent. + +And came into my mind this act of heaven, + When the ensign of the world and of its leaders + Had silent in the blessed beak become; + +Because those living luminaries all, + By far more luminous, did songs begin + Lapsing and falling from my memory. + +O gentle Love, that with a smile dost cloak thee, + How ardent in those sparks didst thou appear, + That had the breath alone of holy thoughts! + +After the precious and pellucid crystals, + With which begemmed the sixth light I beheld, + Silence imposed on the angelic bells, + +I seemed to hear the murmuring of a river + That clear descendeth down from rock to rock, + Showing the affluence of its mountain-top. + +And as the sound upon the cithern’s neck + Taketh its form, and as upon the vent + Of rustic pipe the wind that enters it, + +Even thus, relieved from the delay of waiting, + That murmuring of the eagle mounted up + Along its neck, as if it had been hollow. + +There it became a voice, and issued thence + From out its beak, in such a form of words + As the heart waited for wherein I wrote them. + +“The part in me which sees and bears the sun + In mortal eagles,” it began to me, + “Now fixedly must needs be looked upon; + +For of the fires of which I make my figure, + Those whence the eye doth sparkle in my head + Of all their orders the supremest are. + +He who is shining in the midst as pupil + Was once the singer of the Holy Spirit, + Who bore the ark from city unto city; + +Now knoweth he the merit of his song, + In so far as effect of his own counsel, + By the reward which is commensurate. + +Of five, that make a circle for my brow, + He that approacheth nearest to my beak + Did the poor widow for her son console; + +Now knoweth he how dearly it doth cost + Not following Christ, by the experience + Of this sweet life and of its opposite. + +He who comes next in the circumference + Of which I speak, upon its highest arc, + Did death postpone by penitence sincere; + +Now knoweth he that the eternal judgment + Suffers no change, albeit worthy prayer + Maketh below to-morrow of to-day. + +The next who follows, with the laws and me, + Under the good intent that bore bad fruit + Became a Greek by ceding to the pastor; + +Now knoweth he how all the ill deduced + From his good action is not harmful to him, + Although the world thereby may be destroyed. + +And he, whom in the downward arc thou seest, + Guglielmo was, whom the same land deplores + That weepeth Charles and Frederick yet alive; + +Now knoweth he how heaven enamoured is + With a just king; and in the outward show + Of his effulgence he reveals it still. + +Who would believe, down in the errant world, + That e’er the Trojan Ripheus in this round + Could be the fifth one of the holy lights? + +Now knoweth he enough of what the world + Has not the power to see of grace divine, + Although his sight may not discern the bottom.” + +Like as a lark that in the air expatiates, + First singing and then silent with content + Of the last sweetness that doth satisfy her, + +Such seemed to me the image of the imprint + Of the eternal pleasure, by whose will + Doth everything become the thing it is. + +And notwithstanding to my doubt I was + As glass is to the colour that invests it, + To wait the time in silence it endured not, + +But forth from out my mouth, “What things are these?” + Extorted with the force of its own weight; + Whereat I saw great joy of coruscation. + +Thereafterward with eye still more enkindled + The blessed standard made to me reply, + To keep me not in wonderment suspended: + +“I see that thou believest in these things + Because I say them, but thou seest not how; + So that, although believed in, they are hidden. + +Thou doest as he doth who a thing by name + Well apprehendeth, but its quiddity + Cannot perceive, unless another show it. + +‘Regnum coelorum’ suffereth violence + From fervent love, and from that living hope + That overcometh the Divine volition; + +Not in the guise that man o’ercometh man, + But conquers it because it will be conquered, + And conquered conquers by benignity. + +The first life of the eyebrow and the fifth + Cause thee astonishment, because with them + Thou seest the region of the angels painted. + +They passed not from their bodies, as thou thinkest, + Gentiles, but Christians in the steadfast faith + Of feet that were to suffer and had suffered. + +For one from Hell, where no one e’er turns back + Unto good will, returned unto his bones, + And that of living hope was the reward,— + +Of living hope, that placed its efficacy + In prayers to God made to resuscitate him, + So that ’twere possible to move his will. + +The glorious soul concerning which I speak, + Returning to the flesh, where brief its stay, + Believed in Him who had the power to aid it; + +And, in believing, kindled to such fire + Of genuine love, that at the second death + Worthy it was to come unto this joy. + +The other one, through grace, that from so deep + A fountain wells that never hath the eye + Of any creature reached its primal wave, + +Set all his love below on righteousness; + Wherefore from grace to grace did God unclose + His eye to our redemption yet to be, + +Whence he believed therein, and suffered not + From that day forth the stench of paganism, + And he reproved therefor the folk perverse. + +Those Maidens three, whom at the right-hand wheel + Thou didst behold, were unto him for baptism + More than a thousand years before baptizing. + +O thou predestination, how remote + Thy root is from the aspect of all those + Who the First Cause do not behold entire! + +And you, O mortals! hold yourselves restrained + In judging; for ourselves, who look on God, + We do not know as yet all the elect; + +And sweet to us is such a deprivation, + Because our good in this good is made perfect, + That whatsoe’er God wills, we also will.” + +After this manner by that shape divine, + To make clear in me my short-sightedness, + Was given to me a pleasant medicine; + +And as good singer a good lutanist + Accompanies with vibrations of the chords, + Whereby more pleasantness the song acquires, + +So, while it spake, do I remember me + That I beheld both of those blessed lights, + Even as the winking of the eyes concords, + +Moving unto the words their little flames. + + + + +Paradiso: Canto XXI + + +Already on my Lady’s face mine eyes + Again were fastened, and with these my mind, + And from all other purpose was withdrawn; + +And she smiled not; but “If I were to smile,” + She unto me began, “thou wouldst become + Like Semele, when she was turned to ashes. + +Because my beauty, that along the stairs + Of the eternal palace more enkindles, + As thou hast seen, the farther we ascend, + +If it were tempered not, is so resplendent + That all thy mortal power in its effulgence + Would seem a leaflet that the thunder crushes. + +We are uplifted to the seventh splendour, + That underneath the burning Lion’s breast + Now radiates downward mingled with his power. + +Fix in direction of thine eyes the mind, + And make of them a mirror for the figure + That in this mirror shall appear to thee.” + +He who could know what was the pasturage + My sight had in that blessed countenance, + When I transferred me to another care, + +Would recognize how grateful was to me + Obedience unto my celestial escort, + By counterpoising one side with the other. + +Within the crystal which, around the world + Revolving, bears the name of its dear leader, + Under whom every wickedness lay dead, + +Coloured like gold, on which the sunshine gleams, + A stairway I beheld to such a height + Uplifted, that mine eye pursued it not. + +Likewise beheld I down the steps descending + So many splendours, that I thought each light + That in the heaven appears was there diffused. + +And as accordant with their natural custom + The rooks together at the break of day + Bestir themselves to warm their feathers cold; + +Then some of them fly off without return, + Others come back to where they started from, + And others, wheeling round, still keep at home; + +Such fashion it appeared to me was there + Within the sparkling that together came, + As soon as on a certain step it struck, + +And that which nearest unto us remained + Became so clear, that in my thought I said, + “Well I perceive the love thou showest me; + +But she, from whom I wait the how and when + Of speech and silence, standeth still; whence I + Against desire do well if I ask not.” + +She thereupon, who saw my silentness + In the sight of Him who seeth everything, + Said unto me, “Let loose thy warm desire.” + +And I began: “No merit of my own + Renders me worthy of response from thee; + But for her sake who granteth me the asking, + +Thou blessed life that dost remain concealed + In thy beatitude, make known to me + The cause which draweth thee so near my side; + +And tell me why is silent in this wheel + The dulcet symphony of Paradise, + That through the rest below sounds so devoutly.” + +“Thou hast thy hearing mortal as thy sight,” + It answer made to me; “they sing not here, + For the same cause that Beatrice has not smiled. + +Thus far adown the holy stairway’s steps + Have I descended but to give thee welcome + With words, and with the light that mantles me; + +Nor did more love cause me to be more ready, + For love as much and more up there is burning, + As doth the flaming manifest to thee. + +But the high charity, that makes us servants + Prompt to the counsel which controls the world, + Allotteth here, even as thou dost observe.” + +“I see full well,” said I, “O sacred lamp! + How love unfettered in this court sufficeth + To follow the eternal Providence; + +But this is what seems hard for me to see, + Wherefore predestinate wast thou alone + Unto this office from among thy consorts.” + +No sooner had I come to the last word, + Than of its middle made the light a centre, + Whirling itself about like a swift millstone. + +When answer made the love that was therein: + “On me directed is a light divine, + Piercing through this in which I am embosomed, + +Of which the virtue with my sight conjoined + Lifts me above myself so far, I see + The supreme essence from which this is drawn. + +Hence comes the joyfulness with which I flame, + For to my sight, as far as it is clear, + The clearness of the flame I equal make. + +But that soul in the heaven which is most pure, + That seraph which his eye on God most fixes, + Could this demand of thine not satisfy; + +Because so deeply sinks in the abyss + Of the eternal statute what thou askest, + From all created sight it is cut off. + +And to the mortal world, when thou returnest, + This carry back, that it may not presume + Longer tow’rd such a goal to move its feet. + +The mind, that shineth here, on earth doth smoke; + From this observe how can it do below + That which it cannot though the heaven assume it?” + +Such limit did its words prescribe to me, + The question I relinquished, and restricted + Myself to ask it humbly who it was. + +“Between two shores of Italy rise cliffs, + And not far distant from thy native place, + So high, the thunders far below them sound, + +And form a ridge that Catria is called, + ’Neath which is consecrate a hermitage + Wont to be dedicate to worship only.” + +Thus unto me the third speech recommenced, + And then, continuing, it said: “Therein + Unto God’s service I became so steadfast, + +That feeding only on the juice of olives + Lightly I passed away the heats and frosts, + Contented in my thoughts contemplative. + +That cloister used to render to these heavens + Abundantly, and now is empty grown, + So that perforce it soon must be revealed. + +I in that place was Peter Damiano; + And Peter the Sinner was I in the house + Of Our Lady on the Adriatic shore. + +Little of mortal life remained to me, + When I was called and dragged forth to the hat + Which shifteth evermore from bad to worse. + +Came Cephas, and the mighty Vessel came + Of the Holy Spirit, meagre and barefooted, + Taking the food of any hostelry. + +Now some one to support them on each side + The modern shepherds need, and some to lead them, + So heavy are they, and to hold their trains. + +They cover up their palfreys with their cloaks, + So that two beasts go underneath one skin; + O Patience, that dost tolerate so much!” + +At this voice saw I many little flames + From step to step descending and revolving, + And every revolution made them fairer. + +Round about this one came they and stood still, + And a cry uttered of so loud a sound, + It here could find no parallel, nor I + +Distinguished it, the thunder so o’ercame me. + + + + +Paradiso: Canto XXII + + +Oppressed with stupor, I unto my guide + Turned like a little child who always runs + For refuge there where he confideth most; + +And she, even as a mother who straightway + Gives comfort to her pale and breathless boy + With voice whose wont it is to reassure him, + +Said to me: “Knowest thou not thou art in heaven, + And knowest thou not that heaven is holy all + And what is done here cometh from good zeal? + +After what wise the singing would have changed thee + And I by smiling, thou canst now imagine, + Since that the cry has startled thee so much, + +In which if thou hadst understood its prayers + Already would be known to thee the vengeance + Which thou shalt look upon before thou diest. + +The sword above here smiteth not in haste + Nor tardily, howe’er it seem to him + Who fearing or desiring waits for it. + +But turn thee round towards the others now, + For very illustrious spirits shalt thou see, + If thou thy sight directest as I say.” + +As it seemed good to her mine eyes I turned, + And saw a hundred spherules that together + With mutual rays each other more embellished. + +I stood as one who in himself represses + The point of his desire, and ventures not + To question, he so feareth the too much. + +And now the largest and most luculent + Among those pearls came forward, that it might + Make my desire concerning it content. + +Within it then I heard: “If thou couldst see + Even as myself the charity that burns + Among us, thy conceits would be expressed; + +But, that by waiting thou mayst not come late + To the high end, I will make answer even + Unto the thought of which thou art so chary. + +That mountain on whose slope Cassino stands + Was frequented of old upon its summit + By a deluded folk and ill-disposed; + +And I am he who first up thither bore + The name of Him who brought upon the earth + The truth that so much sublimateth us. + +And such abundant grace upon me shone + That all the neighbouring towns I drew away + From the impious worship that seduced the world. + +These other fires, each one of them, were men + Contemplative, enkindled by that heat + Which maketh holy flowers and fruits spring up. + +Here is Macarius, here is Romualdus, + Here are my brethren, who within the cloisters + Their footsteps stayed and kept a steadfast heart.” + +And I to him: “The affection which thou showest + Speaking with me, and the good countenance + Which I behold and note in all your ardours, + +In me have so my confidence dilated + As the sun doth the rose, when it becomes + As far unfolded as it hath the power. + +Therefore I pray, and thou assure me, father, + If I may so much grace receive, that I + May thee behold with countenance unveiled.” + +He thereupon: “Brother, thy high desire + In the remotest sphere shall be fulfilled, + Where are fulfilled all others and my own. + +There perfect is, and ripened, and complete, + Every desire; within that one alone + Is every part where it has always been; + +For it is not in space, nor turns on poles, + And unto it our stairway reaches up, + Whence thus from out thy sight it steals away. + +Up to that height the Patriarch Jacob saw it + Extending its supernal part, what time + So thronged with angels it appeared to him. + +But to ascend it now no one uplifts + His feet from off the earth, and now my Rule + Below remaineth for mere waste of paper. + +The walls that used of old to be an Abbey + Are changed to dens of robbers, and the cowls + Are sacks filled full of miserable flour. + +But heavy usury is not taken up + So much against God’s pleasure as that fruit + Which maketh so insane the heart of monks; + +For whatsoever hath the Church in keeping + Is for the folk that ask it in God’s name, + Not for one’s kindred or for something worse. + +The flesh of mortals is so very soft, + That good beginnings down below suffice not + From springing of the oak to bearing acorns. + +Peter began with neither gold nor silver, + And I with orison and abstinence, + And Francis with humility his convent. + +And if thou lookest at each one’s beginning, + And then regardest whither he has run, + Thou shalt behold the white changed into brown. + +In verity the Jordan backward turned, + And the sea’s fleeing, when God willed were more + A wonder to behold, than succour here.” + +Thus unto me he said; and then withdrew + To his own band, and the band closed together; + Then like a whirlwind all was upward rapt. + +The gentle Lady urged me on behind them + Up o’er that stairway by a single sign, + So did her virtue overcome my nature; + +Nor here below, where one goes up and down + By natural law, was motion e’er so swift + That it could be compared unto my wing. + +Reader, as I may unto that devout + Triumph return, on whose account I often + For my transgressions weep and beat my breast,— + +Thou hadst not thrust thy finger in the fire + And drawn it out again, before I saw + The sign that follows Taurus, and was in it. + +O glorious stars, O light impregnated + With mighty virtue, from which I acknowledge + All of my genius, whatsoe’er it be, + +With you was born, and hid himself with you, + He who is father of all mortal life, + When first I tasted of the Tuscan air; + +And then when grace was freely given to me + To enter the high wheel which turns you round, + Your region was allotted unto me. + +To you devoutly at this hour my soul + Is sighing, that it virtue may acquire + For the stern pass that draws it to itself. + +“Thou art so near unto the last salvation,” + Thus Beatrice began, “thou oughtest now + To have thine eves unclouded and acute; + +And therefore, ere thou enter farther in, + Look down once more, and see how vast a world + Thou hast already put beneath thy feet; + +So that thy heart, as jocund as it may, + Present itself to the triumphant throng + That comes rejoicing through this rounded ether.” + +I with my sight returned through one and all + The sevenfold spheres, and I beheld this globe + Such that I smiled at its ignoble semblance; + +And that opinion I approve as best + Which doth account it least; and he who thinks + Of something else may truly be called just. + +I saw the daughter of Latona shining + Without that shadow, which to me was cause + That once I had believed her rare and dense. + +The aspect of thy son, Hyperion, + Here I sustained, and saw how move themselves + Around and near him Maia and Dione. + +Thence there appeared the temperateness of Jove + ’Twixt son and father, and to me was clear + The change that of their whereabout they make; + +And all the seven made manifest to me + How great they are, and eke how swift they are, + And how they are in distant habitations. + +The threshing-floor that maketh us so proud, + To me revolving with the eternal Twins, + Was all apparent made from hill to harbour! + +Then to the beauteous eyes mine eyes I turned. + + + + +Paradiso: Canto XXIII + + +Even as a bird, ’mid the beloved leaves, + Quiet upon the nest of her sweet brood + Throughout the night, that hideth all things from us, + +Who, that she may behold their longed-for looks + And find the food wherewith to nourish them, + In which, to her, grave labours grateful are, + +Anticipates the time on open spray + And with an ardent longing waits the sun, + Gazing intent as soon as breaks the dawn: + +Even thus my Lady standing was, erect + And vigilant, turned round towards the zone + Underneath which the sun displays less haste; + +So that beholding her distraught and wistful, + Such I became as he is who desiring + For something yearns, and hoping is appeased. + +But brief the space from one When to the other; + Of my awaiting, say I, and the seeing + The welkin grow resplendent more and more. + +And Beatrice exclaimed: “Behold the hosts + Of Christ’s triumphal march, and all the fruit + Harvested by the rolling of these spheres!” + +It seemed to me her face was all aflame; + And eyes she had so full of ecstasy + That I must needs pass on without describing. + +As when in nights serene of the full moon + Smiles Trivia among the nymphs eternal + Who paint the firmament through all its gulfs, + +Saw I, above the myriads of lamps, + A Sun that one and all of them enkindled, + E’en as our own doth the supernal sights, + +And through the living light transparent shone + The lucent substance so intensely clear + Into my sight, that I sustained it not. + +O Beatrice, thou gentle guide and dear! + To me she said: “What overmasters thee + A virtue is from which naught shields itself. + +There are the wisdom and the omnipotence + That oped the thoroughfares ’twixt heaven and earth, + For which there erst had been so long a yearning.” + +As fire from out a cloud unlocks itself, + Dilating so it finds not room therein, + And down, against its nature, falls to earth, + +So did my mind, among those aliments + Becoming larger, issue from itself, + And that which it became cannot remember. + +“Open thine eyes, and look at what I am: + Thou hast beheld such things, that strong enough + Hast thou become to tolerate my smile.” + +I was as one who still retains the feeling + Of a forgotten vision, and endeavours + In vain to bring it back into his mind, + +When I this invitation heard, deserving + Of so much gratitude, it never fades + Out of the book that chronicles the past. + +If at this moment sounded all the tongues + That Polyhymnia and her sisters made + Most lubrical with their delicious milk, + +To aid me, to a thousandth of the truth + It would not reach, singing the holy smile + And how the holy aspect it illumed. + +And therefore, representing Paradise, + The sacred poem must perforce leap over, + Even as a man who finds his way cut off; + +But whoso thinketh of the ponderous theme, + And of the mortal shoulder laden with it, + Should blame it not, if under this it tremble. + +It is no passage for a little boat + This which goes cleaving the audacious prow, + Nor for a pilot who would spare himself. + +“Why doth my face so much enamour thee, + That to the garden fair thou turnest not, + Which under the rays of Christ is blossoming? + +There is the Rose in which the Word Divine + Became incarnate; there the lilies are + By whose perfume the good way was discovered.” + +Thus Beatrice; and I, who to her counsels + Was wholly ready, once again betook me + Unto the battle of the feeble brows. + +As in the sunshine, that unsullied streams + Through fractured cloud, ere now a meadow of flowers + Mine eyes with shadow covered o’er have seen, + +So troops of splendours manifold I saw + Illumined from above with burning rays, + Beholding not the source of the effulgence. + +O power benignant that dost so imprint them! + Thou didst exalt thyself to give more scope + There to mine eyes, that were not strong enough. + +The name of that fair flower I e’er invoke + Morning and evening utterly enthralled + My soul to gaze upon the greater fire. + +And when in both mine eyes depicted were + The glory and greatness of the living star + Which there excelleth, as it here excelled, + +Athwart the heavens a little torch descended + Formed in a circle like a coronal, + And cinctured it, and whirled itself about it. + +Whatever melody most sweetly soundeth + On earth, and to itself most draws the soul, + Would seem a cloud that, rent asunder, thunders, + +Compared unto the sounding of that lyre + Wherewith was crowned the sapphire beautiful, + Which gives the clearest heaven its sapphire hue. + +“I am Angelic Love, that circle round + The joy sublime which breathes from out the womb + That was the hostelry of our Desire; + +And I shall circle, Lady of Heaven, while + Thou followest thy Son, and mak’st diviner + The sphere supreme, because thou enterest there.” + +Thus did the circulated melody + Seal itself up; and all the other lights + Were making to resound the name of Mary. + +The regal mantle of the volumes all + Of that world, which most fervid is and living + With breath of God and with his works and ways, + +Extended over us its inner border, + So very distant, that the semblance of it + There where I was not yet appeared to me. + +Therefore mine eyes did not possess the power + Of following the incoronated flame, + Which mounted upward near to its own seed. + +And as a little child, that towards its mother + Stretches its arms, when it the milk has taken, + Through impulse kindled into outward flame, + +Each of those gleams of whiteness upward reached + So with its summit, that the deep affection + They had for Mary was revealed to me. + +Thereafter they remained there in my sight, + ‘Regina coeli’ singing with such sweetness, + That ne’er from me has the delight departed. + +O, what exuberance is garnered up + Within those richest coffers, which had been + Good husbandmen for sowing here below! + +There they enjoy and live upon the treasure + Which was acquired while weeping in the exile + Of Babylon, wherein the gold was left. + +There triumpheth, beneath the exalted Son + Of God and Mary, in his victory, + Both with the ancient council and the new, + +He who doth keep the keys of such a glory. + + + + +Paradiso: Canto XXIV + + +“O company elect to the great supper + Of the Lamb benedight, who feedeth you + So that for ever full is your desire, + +If by the grace of God this man foretaste + Something of that which falleth from your table, + Or ever death prescribe to him the time, + +Direct your mind to his immense desire, + And him somewhat bedew; ye drinking are + For ever at the fount whence comes his thought.” + +Thus Beatrice; and those souls beatified + Transformed themselves to spheres on steadfast poles, + Flaming intensely in the guise of comets. + +And as the wheels in works of horologes + Revolve so that the first to the beholder + Motionless seems, and the last one to fly, + +So in like manner did those carols, dancing + In different measure, of their affluence + Give me the gauge, as they were swift or slow. + +From that one which I noted of most beauty + Beheld I issue forth a fire so happy + That none it left there of a greater brightness; + +And around Beatrice three several times + It whirled itself with so divine a song, + My fantasy repeats it not to me; + +Therefore the pen skips, and I write it not, + Since our imagination for such folds, + Much more our speech, is of a tint too glaring. + +“O holy sister mine, who us implorest + With such devotion, by thine ardent love + Thou dost unbind me from that beautiful sphere!” + +Thereafter, having stopped, the blessed fire + Unto my Lady did direct its breath, + Which spake in fashion as I here have said. + +And she: “O light eterne of the great man + To whom our Lord delivered up the keys + He carried down of this miraculous joy, + +This one examine on points light and grave, + As good beseemeth thee, about the Faith + By means of which thou on the sea didst walk. + +If he love well, and hope well, and believe, + From thee ’tis hid not; for thou hast thy sight + There where depicted everything is seen. + +But since this kingdom has made citizens + By means of the true Faith, to glorify it + ’Tis well he have the chance to speak thereof.” + +As baccalaureate arms himself, and speaks not + Until the master doth propose the question, + To argue it, and not to terminate it, + +So did I arm myself with every reason, + While she was speaking, that I might be ready + For such a questioner and such profession. + +“Say, thou good Christian; manifest thyself; + What is the Faith?” Whereat I raised my brow + Unto that light wherefrom was this breathed forth. + +Then turned I round to Beatrice, and she + Prompt signals made to me that I should pour + The water forth from my internal fountain. + +“May grace, that suffers me to make confession,” + Began I, “to the great centurion, + Cause my conceptions all to be explicit!” + +And I continued: “As the truthful pen, + Father, of thy dear brother wrote of it, + Who put with thee Rome into the good way, + +Faith is the substance of the things we hope for, + And evidence of those that are not seen; + And this appears to me its quiddity.” + +Then heard I: “Very rightly thou perceivest, + If well thou understandest why he placed it + With substances and then with evidences.” + +And I thereafterward: “The things profound, + That here vouchsafe to me their apparition, + Unto all eyes below are so concealed, + +That they exist there only in belief, + Upon the which is founded the high hope, + And hence it takes the nature of a substance. + +And it behoveth us from this belief + To reason without having other sight, + And hence it has the nature of evidence.” + +Then heard I: “If whatever is acquired + Below by doctrine were thus understood, + No sophist’s subtlety would there find place.” + +Thus was breathed forth from that enkindled love; + Then added: “Very well has been gone over + Already of this coin the alloy and weight; + +But tell me if thou hast it in thy purse?” + And I: “Yes, both so shining and so round + That in its stamp there is no peradventure.” + +Thereafter issued from the light profound + That there resplendent was: “This precious jewel, + Upon the which is every virtue founded, + +Whence hadst thou it?” And I: “The large outpouring + Of Holy Spirit, which has been diffused + Upon the ancient parchments and the new, + +A syllogism is, which proved it to me + With such acuteness, that, compared therewith, + All demonstration seems to me obtuse.” + +And then I heard: “The ancient and the new + Postulates, that to thee are so conclusive, + Why dost thou take them for the word divine?” + +And I: “The proofs, which show the truth to me, + Are the works subsequent, whereunto Nature + Ne’er heated iron yet, nor anvil beat.” + +’Twas answered me: “Say, who assureth thee + That those works ever were? the thing itself + That must be proved, nought else to thee affirms it.” + +“Were the world to Christianity converted,” + I said, “withouten miracles, this one + Is such, the rest are not its hundredth part; + +Because that poor and fasting thou didst enter + Into the field to sow there the good plant, + Which was a vine and has become a thorn!” + +This being finished, the high, holy Court + Resounded through the spheres, “One God we praise!” + In melody that there above is chanted. + +And then that Baron, who from branch to branch, + Examining, had thus conducted me, + Till the extremest leaves we were approaching, + +Again began: “The Grace that dallying + Plays with thine intellect thy mouth has opened, + Up to this point, as it should opened be, + +So that I do approve what forth emerged; + But now thou must express what thou believest, + And whence to thy belief it was presented.” + +“O holy father, spirit who beholdest + What thou believedst so that thou o’ercamest, + Towards the sepulchre, more youthful feet,” + +Began I, “thou dost wish me in this place + The form to manifest of my prompt belief, + And likewise thou the cause thereof demandest. + +And I respond: In one God I believe, + Sole and eterne, who moveth all the heavens + With love and with desire, himself unmoved; + +And of such faith not only have I proofs + Physical and metaphysical, but gives them + Likewise the truth that from this place rains down + +Through Moses, through the Prophets and the Psalms, + Through the Evangel, and through you, who wrote + After the fiery Spirit sanctified you; + +In Persons three eterne believe, and these + One essence I believe, so one and trine + They bear conjunction both with ‘sunt’ and ‘est.’ + +With the profound condition and divine + Which now I touch upon, doth stamp my mind + Ofttimes the doctrine evangelical. + +This the beginning is, this is the spark + Which afterwards dilates to vivid flame, + And, like a star in heaven, is sparkling in me.” + +Even as a lord who hears what pleaseth him + His servant straight embraces, gratulating + For the good news as soon as he is silent; + +So, giving me its benediction, singing, + Three times encircled me, when I was silent, + The apostolic light, at whose command + +I spoken had, in speaking I so pleased him. + + + + +Paradiso: Canto XXV + + +If e’er it happen that the Poem Sacred, + To which both heaven and earth have set their hand, + So that it many a year hath made me lean, + +O’ercome the cruelty that bars me out + From the fair sheepfold, where a lamb I slumbered, + An enemy to the wolves that war upon it, + +With other voice forthwith, with other fleece + Poet will I return, and at my font + Baptismal will I take the laurel crown; + +Because into the Faith that maketh known + All souls to God there entered I, and then + Peter for her sake thus my brow encircled. + +Thereafterward towards us moved a light + Out of that band whence issued the first-fruits + Which of his vicars Christ behind him left, + +And then my Lady, full of ecstasy, + Said unto me: “Look, look! behold the Baron + For whom below Galicia is frequented.” + +In the same way as, when a dove alights + Near his companion, both of them pour forth, + Circling about and murmuring, their affection, + +So one beheld I by the other grand + Prince glorified to be with welcome greeted, + Lauding the food that there above is eaten. + +But when their gratulations were complete, + Silently ‘coram me’ each one stood still, + So incandescent it o’ercame my sight. + +Smiling thereafterwards, said Beatrice: + “Illustrious life, by whom the benefactions + Of our Basilica have been described, + +Make Hope resound within this altitude; + Thou knowest as oft thou dost personify it + As Jesus to the three gave greater clearness.”— + +“Lift up thy head, and make thyself assured; + For what comes hither from the mortal world + Must needs be ripened in our radiance.” + +This comfort came to me from the second fire; + Wherefore mine eyes I lifted to the hills, + Which bent them down before with too great weight. + +“Since, through his grace, our Emperor wills that thou + Shouldst find thee face to face, before thy death, + In the most secret chamber, with his Counts, + +So that, the truth beholden of this court, + Hope, which below there rightfully enamours, + Thereby thou strengthen in thyself and others, + +Say what it is, and how is flowering with it + Thy mind, and say from whence it came to thee.” + Thus did the second light again continue. + +And the Compassionate, who piloted + The plumage of my wings in such high flight, + Did in reply anticipate me thus: + +“No child whatever the Church Militant + Of greater hope possesses, as is written + In that Sun which irradiates all our band; + +Therefore it is conceded him from Egypt + To come into Jerusalem to see, + Or ever yet his warfare be completed. + +The two remaining points, that not for knowledge + Have been demanded, but that he report + How much this virtue unto thee is pleasing, + +To him I leave; for hard he will not find them, + Nor of self-praise; and let him answer them; + And may the grace of God in this assist him!” + +As a disciple, who his teacher follows, + Ready and willing, where he is expert, + That his proficiency may be displayed, + +“Hope,” said I, “is the certain expectation + Of future glory, which is the effect + Of grace divine and merit precedent. + +From many stars this light comes unto me; + But he instilled it first into my heart + Who was chief singer unto the chief captain. + +‘Sperent in te,’ in the high Theody + He sayeth, ‘those who know thy name;’ and who + Knoweth it not, if he my faith possess? + +Thou didst instil me, then, with his instilling + In the Epistle, so that I am full, + And upon others rain again your rain.” + +While I was speaking, in the living bosom + Of that combustion quivered an effulgence, + Sudden and frequent, in the guise of lightning; + +Then breathed: “The love wherewith I am inflamed + Towards the virtue still which followed me + Unto the palm and issue of the field, + +Wills that I breathe to thee that thou delight + In her; and grateful to me is thy telling + Whatever things Hope promises to thee.” + +And I: “The ancient Scriptures and the new + The mark establish, and this shows it me, + Of all the souls whom God hath made his friends. + +Isaiah saith, that each one garmented + In his own land shall be with twofold garments, + And his own land is this delightful life. + +Thy brother, too, far more explicitly, + There where he treateth of the robes of white, + This revelation manifests to us.” + +And first, and near the ending of these words, + “Sperent in te” from over us was heard, + To which responsive answered all the carols. + +Thereafterward a light among them brightened, + So that, if Cancer one such crystal had, + Winter would have a month of one sole day. + +And as uprises, goes, and enters the dance + A winsome maiden, only to do honour + To the new bride, and not from any failing, + +Even thus did I behold the brightened splendour + Approach the two, who in a wheel revolved + As was beseeming to their ardent love. + +Into the song and music there it entered; + And fixed on them my Lady kept her look, + Even as a bride silent and motionless. + +“This is the one who lay upon the breast + Of him our Pelican; and this is he + To the great office from the cross elected.” + +My Lady thus; but therefore none the more + Did move her sight from its attentive gaze + Before or afterward these words of hers. + +Even as a man who gazes, and endeavours + To see the eclipsing of the sun a little, + And who, by seeing, sightless doth become, + +So I became before that latest fire, + While it was said, “Why dost thou daze thyself + To see a thing which here hath no existence? + +Earth in the earth my body is, and shall be + With all the others there, until our number + With the eternal proposition tallies. + +With the two garments in the blessed cloister + Are the two lights alone that have ascended: + And this shalt thou take back into your world.” + +And at this utterance the flaming circle + Grew quiet, with the dulcet intermingling + Of sound that by the trinal breath was made, + +As to escape from danger or fatigue + The oars that erst were in the water beaten + Are all suspended at a whistle’s sound. + +Ah, how much in my mind was I disturbed, + When I turned round to look on Beatrice, + That her I could not see, although I was + +Close at her side and in the Happy World! + + + + +Paradiso: Canto XXVI + + +While I was doubting for my vision quenched, + Out of the flame refulgent that had quenched it + Issued a breathing, that attentive made me, + +Saying: “While thou recoverest the sense + Of seeing which in me thou hast consumed, + ’Tis well that speaking thou shouldst compensate it. + +Begin then, and declare to what thy soul + Is aimed, and count it for a certainty, + Sight is in thee bewildered and not dead; + +Because the Lady, who through this divine + Region conducteth thee, has in her look + The power the hand of Ananias had.” + +I said: “As pleaseth her, or soon or late + Let the cure come to eyes that portals were + When she with fire I ever burn with entered. + +The Good, that gives contentment to this Court, + The Alpha and Omega is of all + The writing that love reads me low or loud.” + +The selfsame voice, that taken had from me + The terror of the sudden dazzlement, + To speak still farther put it in my thought; + +And said: “In verity with finer sieve + Behoveth thee to sift; thee it behoveth + To say who aimed thy bow at such a target.” + +And I: “By philosophic arguments, + And by authority that hence descends, + Such love must needs imprint itself in me; + +For Good, so far as good, when comprehended + Doth straight enkindle love, and so much greater + As more of goodness in itself it holds; + +Then to that Essence (whose is such advantage + That every good which out of it is found + Is nothing but a ray of its own light) + +More than elsewhither must the mind be moved + Of every one, in loving, who discerns + The truth in which this evidence is founded. + +Such truth he to my intellect reveals + Who demonstrates to me the primal love + Of all the sempiternal substances. + +The voice reveals it of the truthful Author, + Who says to Moses, speaking of Himself, + ‘I will make all my goodness pass before thee.’ + +Thou too revealest it to me, beginning + The loud Evangel, that proclaims the secret + Of heaven to earth above all other edict.” + +And I heard say: “By human intellect + And by authority concordant with it, + Of all thy loves reserve for God the highest. + +But say again if other cords thou feelest, + Draw thee towards Him, that thou mayst proclaim + With how many teeth this love is biting thee.” + +The holy purpose of the Eagle of Christ + Not latent was, nay, rather I perceived + Whither he fain would my profession lead. + +Therefore I recommenced: “All of those bites + Which have the power to turn the heart to God + Unto my charity have been concurrent. + +The being of the world, and my own being, + The death which He endured that I may live, + And that which all the faithful hope, as I do, + +With the forementioned vivid consciousness + Have drawn me from the sea of love perverse, + And of the right have placed me on the shore. + +The leaves, wherewith embowered is all the garden + Of the Eternal Gardener, do I love + As much as he has granted them of good.” + +As soon as I had ceased, a song most sweet + Throughout the heaven resounded, and my Lady + Said with the others, “Holy, holy, holy!” + +And as at some keen light one wakes from sleep + By reason of the visual spirit that runs + Unto the splendour passed from coat to coat, + +And he who wakes abhorreth what he sees, + So all unconscious is his sudden waking, + Until the judgment cometh to his aid, + +So from before mine eyes did Beatrice + Chase every mote with radiance of her own, + That cast its light a thousand miles and more. + +Whence better after than before I saw, + And in a kind of wonderment I asked + About a fourth light that I saw with us. + +And said my Lady: “There within those rays + Gazes upon its Maker the first soul + That ever the first virtue did create.” + +Even as the bough that downward bends its top + At transit of the wind, and then is lifted + By its own virtue, which inclines it upward, + +Likewise did I, the while that she was speaking, + Being amazed, and then I was made bold + By a desire to speak wherewith I burned. + +And I began: “O apple, that mature + Alone hast been produced, O ancient father, + To whom each wife is daughter and daughter-in-law, + +Devoutly as I can I supplicate thee + That thou wouldst speak to me; thou seest my wish; + And I, to hear thee quickly, speak it not.” + +Sometimes an animal, when covered, struggles + So that his impulse needs must be apparent, + By reason of the wrappage following it; + +And in like manner the primeval soul + Made clear to me athwart its covering + How jubilant it was to give me pleasure. + +Then breathed: “Without thy uttering it to me, + Thine inclination better I discern + Than thou whatever thing is surest to thee; + +For I behold it in the truthful mirror, + That of Himself all things parhelion makes, + And none makes Him parhelion of itself. + +Thou fain wouldst hear how long ago God placed me + Within the lofty garden, where this Lady + Unto so long a stairway thee disposed. + +And how long to mine eyes it was a pleasure, + And of the great disdain the proper cause, + And the language that I used and that I made. + +Now, son of mine, the tasting of the tree + Not in itself was cause of so great exile, + But solely the o’erstepping of the bounds. + +There, whence thy Lady moved Virgilius, + Four thousand and three hundred and two circuits + Made by the sun, this Council I desired; + +And him I saw return to all the lights + Of his highway nine hundred times and thirty, + Whilst I upon the earth was tarrying. + +The language that I spake was quite extinct + Before that in the work interminable + The people under Nimrod were employed; + +For nevermore result of reasoning + (Because of human pleasure that doth change, + Obedient to the heavens) was durable. + +A natural action is it that man speaks; + But whether thus or thus, doth nature leave + To your own art, as seemeth best to you. + +Ere I descended to the infernal anguish, + ‘El’ was on earth the name of the Chief Good, + From whom comes all the joy that wraps me round + +‘Eli’ he then was called, and that is proper, + Because the use of men is like a leaf + On bough, which goeth and another cometh. + +Upon the mount that highest o’er the wave + Rises was I, in life or pure or sinful, + From the first hour to that which is the second, + +As the sun changes quadrant, to the sixth.” + + + + +Paradiso: Canto XXVII + + +“Glory be to the Father, to the Son, + And Holy Ghost!” all Paradise began, + So that the melody inebriate made me. + +What I beheld seemed unto me a smile + Of the universe; for my inebriation + Found entrance through the hearing and the sight. + +O joy! O gladness inexpressible! + O perfect life of love and peacefulness! + O riches without hankering secure! + +Before mine eyes were standing the four torches + Enkindled, and the one that first had come + Began to make itself more luminous; + +And even such in semblance it became + As Jupiter would become, if he and Mars + Were birds, and they should interchange their feathers. + +That Providence, which here distributeth + Season and service, in the blessed choir + Had silence upon every side imposed. + +When I heard say: “If I my colour change, + Marvel not at it; for while I am speaking + Thou shalt behold all these their colour change. + +He who usurps upon the earth my place, + My place, my place, which vacant has become + Before the presence of the Son of God, + +Has of my cemetery made a sewer + Of blood and stench, whereby the Perverse One, + Who fell from here, below there is appeased!” + +With the same colour which, through sun adverse, + Painteth the clouds at evening or at morn, + Beheld I then the whole of heaven suffused. + +And as a modest woman, who abides + Sure of herself, and at another’s failing, + From listening only, timorous becomes, + +Even thus did Beatrice change countenance; + And I believe in heaven was such eclipse, + When suffered the supreme Omnipotence; + +Thereafterward proceeded forth his words + With voice so much transmuted from itself, + The very countenance was not more changed. + +“The spouse of Christ has never nurtured been + On blood of mine, of Linus and of Cletus, + To be made use of in acquest of gold; + +But in acquest of this delightful life + Sixtus and Pius, Urban and Calixtus, + After much lamentation, shed their blood. + +Our purpose was not, that on the right hand + Of our successors should in part be seated + The Christian folk, in part upon the other; + +Nor that the keys which were to me confided + Should e’er become the escutcheon on a banner, + That should wage war on those who are baptized; + +Nor I be made the figure of a seal + To privileges venal and mendacious, + Whereat I often redden and flash with fire. + +In garb of shepherds the rapacious wolves + Are seen from here above o’er all the pastures! + O wrath of God, why dost thou slumber still? + +To drink our blood the Caorsines and Gascons + Are making ready. O thou good beginning, + Unto how vile an end must thou needs fall! + +But the high Providence, that with Scipio + At Rome the glory of the world defended, + Will speedily bring aid, as I conceive; + +And thou, my son, who by thy mortal weight + Shalt down return again, open thy mouth; + What I conceal not, do not thou conceal.” + +As with its frozen vapours downward falls + In flakes our atmosphere, what time the horn + Of the celestial Goat doth touch the sun, + +Upward in such array saw I the ether + Become, and flaked with the triumphant vapours, + Which there together with us had remained. + +My sight was following up their semblances, + And followed till the medium, by excess, + The passing farther onward took from it; + +Whereat the Lady, who beheld me freed + From gazing upward, said to me: “Cast down + Thy sight, and see how far thou art turned round.” + +Since the first time that I had downward looked, + I saw that I had moved through the whole arc + Which the first climate makes from midst to end; + +So that I saw the mad track of Ulysses + Past Gades, and this side, well nigh the shore + Whereon became Europa a sweet burden. + +And of this threshing-floor the site to me + Were more unveiled, but the sun was proceeding + Under my feet, a sign and more removed. + +My mind enamoured, which is dallying + At all times with my Lady, to bring back + To her mine eyes was more than ever ardent. + +And if or Art or Nature has made bait + To catch the eyes and so possess the mind, + In human flesh or in its portraiture, + +All joined together would appear as nought + To the divine delight which shone upon me + When to her smiling face I turned me round. + +The virtue that her look endowed me with + From the fair nest of Leda tore me forth, + And up into the swiftest heaven impelled me. + +Its parts exceeding full of life and lofty + Are all so uniform, I cannot say + Which Beatrice selected for my place. + +But she, who was aware of my desire, + Began, the while she smiled so joyously + That God seemed in her countenance to rejoice: + +“The nature of that motion, which keeps quiet + The centre and all the rest about it moves, + From hence begins as from its starting point. + +And in this heaven there is no other Where + Than in the Mind Divine, wherein is kindled + The love that turns it, and the power it rains. + +Within a circle light and love embrace it, + Even as this doth the others, and that precinct + He who encircles it alone controls. + +Its motion is not by another meted, + But all the others measured are by this, + As ten is by the half and by the fifth. + +And in what manner time in such a pot + May have its roots, and in the rest its leaves, + Now unto thee can manifest be made. + +O Covetousness, that mortals dost ingulf + Beneath thee so, that no one hath the power + Of drawing back his eyes from out thy waves! + +Full fairly blossoms in mankind the will; + But the uninterrupted rain converts + Into abortive wildings the true plums. + +Fidelity and innocence are found + Only in children; afterwards they both + Take flight or e’er the cheeks with down are covered. + +One, while he prattles still, observes the fasts, + Who, when his tongue is loosed, forthwith devours + Whatever food under whatever moon; + +Another, while he prattles, loves and listens + Unto his mother, who when speech is perfect + Forthwith desires to see her in her grave. + +Even thus is swarthy made the skin so white + In its first aspect of the daughter fair + Of him who brings the morn, and leaves the night. + +Thou, that it may not be a marvel to thee, + Think that on earth there is no one who governs; + Whence goes astray the human family. + +Ere January be unwintered wholly + By the centesimal on earth neglected, + Shall these supernal circles roar so loud + +The tempest that has been so long awaited + Shall whirl the poops about where are the prows; + So that the fleet shall run its course direct, + +And the true fruit shall follow on the flower.” + + + + +Paradiso: Canto XXVIII + + +After the truth against the present life + Of miserable mortals was unfolded + By her who doth imparadise my mind, + +As in a looking-glass a taper’s flame + He sees who from behind is lighted by it, + Before he has it in his sight or thought, + +And turns him round to see if so the glass + Tell him the truth, and sees that it accords + Therewith as doth a music with its metre, + +In similar wise my memory recollecteth + That I did, looking into those fair eyes, + Of which Love made the springes to ensnare me. + +And as I turned me round, and mine were touched + By that which is apparent in that volume, + Whenever on its gyre we gaze intent, + +A point beheld I, that was raying out + Light so acute, the sight which it enkindles + Must close perforce before such great acuteness. + +And whatsoever star seems smallest here + Would seem to be a moon, if placed beside it. + As one star with another star is placed. + +Perhaps at such a distance as appears + A halo cincturing the light that paints it, + When densest is the vapour that sustains it, + +Thus distant round the point a circle of fire + So swiftly whirled, that it would have surpassed + Whatever motion soonest girds the world; + +And this was by another circumcinct, + That by a third, the third then by a fourth, + By a fifth the fourth, and then by a sixth the fifth; + +The seventh followed thereupon in width + So ample now, that Juno’s messenger + Entire would be too narrow to contain it. + +Even so the eighth and ninth; and every one + More slowly moved, according as it was + In number distant farther from the first. + +And that one had its flame most crystalline + From which less distant was the stainless spark, + I think because more with its truth imbued. + +My Lady, who in my anxiety + Beheld me much perplexed, said: “From that point + Dependent is the heaven and nature all. + +Behold that circle most conjoined to it, + And know thou, that its motion is so swift + Through burning love whereby it is spurred on.” + +And I to her: “If the world were arranged + In the order which I see in yonder wheels, + What’s set before me would have satisfied me; + +But in the world of sense we can perceive + That evermore the circles are diviner + As they are from the centre more remote + +Wherefore if my desire is to be ended + In this miraculous and angelic temple, + That has for confines only love and light, + +To hear behoves me still how the example + And the exemplar go not in one fashion, + Since for myself in vain I contemplate it.” + +“If thine own fingers unto such a knot + Be insufficient, it is no great wonder, + So hard hath it become for want of trying.” + +My Lady thus; then said she: “Do thou take + What I shall tell thee, if thou wouldst be sated, + And exercise on that thy subtlety. + +The circles corporal are wide and narrow + According to the more or less of virtue + Which is distributed through all their parts. + +The greater goodness works the greater weal, + The greater weal the greater body holds, + If perfect equally are all its parts. + +Therefore this one which sweeps along with it + The universe sublime, doth correspond + Unto the circle which most loves and knows. + +On which account, if thou unto the virtue + Apply thy measure, not to the appearance + Of substances that unto thee seem round, + +Thou wilt behold a marvellous agreement, + Of more to greater, and of less to smaller, + In every heaven, with its Intelligence.” + +Even as remaineth splendid and serene + The hemisphere of air, when Boreas + Is blowing from that cheek where he is mildest, + +Because is purified and resolved the rack + That erst disturbed it, till the welkin laughs + With all the beauties of its pageantry; + +Thus did I likewise, after that my Lady + Had me provided with her clear response, + And like a star in heaven the truth was seen. + +And soon as to a stop her words had come, + Not otherwise does iron scintillate + When molten, than those circles scintillated. + +Their coruscation all the sparks repeated, + And they so many were, their number makes + More millions than the doubling of the chess. + +I heard them sing hosanna choir by choir + To the fixed point which holds them at the ‘Ubi,’ + And ever will, where they have ever been. + +And she, who saw the dubious meditations + Within my mind, “The primal circles,” said, + “Have shown thee Seraphim and Cherubim. + +Thus rapidly they follow their own bonds, + To be as like the point as most they can, + And can as far as they are high in vision. + +Those other Loves, that round about them go, + Thrones of the countenance divine are called, + Because they terminate the primal Triad. + +And thou shouldst know that they all have delight + As much as their own vision penetrates + The Truth, in which all intellect finds rest. + +From this it may be seen how blessedness + Is founded in the faculty which sees, + And not in that which loves, and follows next; + +And of this seeing merit is the measure, + Which is brought forth by grace, and by good will; + Thus on from grade to grade doth it proceed. + +The second Triad, which is germinating + In such wise in this sempiternal spring, + That no nocturnal Aries despoils, + +Perpetually hosanna warbles forth + With threefold melody, that sounds in three + Orders of joy, with which it is intrined. + +The three Divine are in this hierarchy, + First the Dominions, and the Virtues next; + And the third order is that of the Powers. + +Then in the dances twain penultimate + The Principalities and Archangels wheel; + The last is wholly of angelic sports. + +These orders upward all of them are gazing, + And downward so prevail, that unto God + They all attracted are and all attract. + +And Dionysius with so great desire + To contemplate these Orders set himself, + He named them and distinguished them as I do. + +But Gregory afterwards dissented from him; + Wherefore, as soon as he unclosed his eyes + Within this heaven, he at himself did smile. + +And if so much of secret truth a mortal + Proffered on earth, I would not have thee marvel, + For he who saw it here revealed it to him, + +With much more of the truth about these circles.” + + + + +Paradiso: Canto XXIX + + +At what time both the children of Latona, + Surmounted by the Ram and by the Scales, + Together make a zone of the horizon, + +As long as from the time the zenith holds them + In equipoise, till from that girdle both + Changing their hemisphere disturb the balance, + +So long, her face depicted with a smile, + Did Beatrice keep silence while she gazed + Fixedly at the point which had o’ercome me. + +Then she began: “I say, and I ask not + What thou dost wish to hear, for I have seen it + Where centres every When and every ‘Ubi.’ + +Not to acquire some good unto himself, + Which is impossible, but that his splendour + In its resplendency may say, ‘Subsisto,’ + +In his eternity outside of time, + Outside all other limits, as it pleased him, + Into new Loves the Eternal Love unfolded. + +Nor as if torpid did he lie before; + For neither after nor before proceeded + The going forth of God upon these waters. + +Matter and Form unmingled and conjoined + Came into being that had no defect, + E’en as three arrows from a three-stringed bow. + +And as in glass, in amber, or in crystal + A sunbeam flashes so, that from its coming + To its full being is no interval, + +So from its Lord did the triform effect + Ray forth into its being all together, + Without discrimination of beginning. + +Order was con-created and constructed + In substances, and summit of the world + Were those wherein the pure act was produced. + +Pure potentiality held the lowest part; + Midway bound potentiality with act + Such bond that it shall never be unbound. + +Jerome has written unto you of angels + Created a long lapse of centuries + Or ever yet the other world was made; + +But written is this truth in many places + By writers of the Holy Ghost, and thou + Shalt see it, if thou lookest well thereat. + +And even reason seeth it somewhat, + For it would not concede that for so long + Could be the motors without their perfection. + +Now dost thou know both where and when these Loves + Created were, and how; so that extinct + In thy desire already are three fires. + +Nor could one reach, in counting, unto twenty + So swiftly, as a portion of these angels + Disturbed the subject of your elements. + +The rest remained, and they began this art + Which thou discernest, with so great delight + That never from their circling do they cease. + +The occasion of the fall was the accursed + Presumption of that One, whom thou hast seen + By all the burden of the world constrained. + +Those whom thou here beholdest modest were + To recognise themselves as of that goodness + Which made them apt for so much understanding; + +On which account their vision was exalted + By the enlightening grace and their own merit, + So that they have a full and steadfast will. + +I would not have thee doubt, but certain be, + ’Tis meritorious to receive this grace, + According as the affection opens to it. + +Now round about in this consistory + Much mayst thou contemplate, if these my words + Be gathered up, without all further aid. + +But since upon the earth, throughout your schools, + They teach that such is the angelic nature + That it doth hear, and recollect, and will, + +More will I say, that thou mayst see unmixed + The truth that is confounded there below, + Equivocating in such like prelections. + +These substances, since in God’s countenance + They jocund were, turned not away their sight + From that wherefrom not anything is hidden; + +Hence they have not their vision intercepted + By object new, and hence they do not need + To recollect, through interrupted thought. + +So that below, not sleeping, people dream, + Believing they speak truth, and not believing; + And in the last is greater sin and shame. + +Below you do not journey by one path + Philosophising; so transporteth you + Love of appearance and the thought thereof. + +And even this above here is endured + With less disdain, than when is set aside + The Holy Writ, or when it is distorted. + +They think not there how much of blood it costs + To sow it in the world, and how he pleases + Who in humility keeps close to it. + +Each striveth for appearance, and doth make + His own inventions; and these treated are + By preachers, and the Evangel holds its peace. + +One sayeth that the moon did backward turn, + In the Passion of Christ, and interpose herself + So that the sunlight reached not down below; + +And lies; for of its own accord the light + Hid itself; whence to Spaniards and to Indians, + As to the Jews, did such eclipse respond. + +Florence has not so many Lapi and Bindi + As fables such as these, that every year + Are shouted from the pulpit back and forth, + +In such wise that the lambs, who do not know, + Come back from pasture fed upon the wind, + And not to see the harm doth not excuse them. + +Christ did not to his first disciples say, + ‘Go forth, and to the world preach idle tales,’ + But unto them a true foundation gave; + +And this so loudly sounded from their lips, + That, in the warfare to enkindle Faith, + They made of the Evangel shields and lances. + +Now men go forth with jests and drolleries + To preach, and if but well the people laugh, + The hood puffs out, and nothing more is asked. + +But in the cowl there nestles such a bird, + That, if the common people were to see it, + They would perceive what pardons they confide in, + +For which so great on earth has grown the folly, + That, without proof of any testimony, + To each indulgence they would flock together. + +By this Saint Anthony his pig doth fatten, + And many others, who are worse than pigs, + Paying in money without mark of coinage. + +But since we have digressed abundantly, + Turn back thine eyes forthwith to the right path, + So that the way be shortened with the time. + +This nature doth so multiply itself + In numbers, that there never yet was speech + Nor mortal fancy that can go so far. + +And if thou notest that which is revealed + By Daniel, thou wilt see that in his thousands + Number determinate is kept concealed. + +The primal light, that all irradiates it, + By modes as many is received therein, + As are the splendours wherewith it is mated. + +Hence, inasmuch as on the act conceptive + The affection followeth, of love the sweetness + Therein diversely fervid is or tepid. + +The height behold now and the amplitude + Of the eternal power, since it hath made + Itself so many mirrors, where ’tis broken, + +One in itself remaining as before.” + + + + +Paradiso: Canto XXX + + +Perchance six thousand miles remote from us + Is glowing the sixth hour, and now this world + Inclines its shadow almost to a level, + +When the mid-heaven begins to make itself + So deep to us, that here and there a star + Ceases to shine so far down as this depth, + +And as advances bright exceedingly + The handmaid of the sun, the heaven is closed + Light after light to the most beautiful; + +Not otherwise the Triumph, which for ever + Plays round about the point that vanquished me, + Seeming enclosed by what itself encloses, + +Little by little from my vision faded; + Whereat to turn mine eyes on Beatrice + My seeing nothing and my love constrained me. + +If what has hitherto been said of her + Were all concluded in a single praise, + Scant would it be to serve the present turn. + +Not only does the beauty I beheld + Transcend ourselves, but truly I believe + Its Maker only may enjoy it all. + +Vanquished do I confess me by this passage + More than by problem of his theme was ever + O’ercome the comic or the tragic poet; + +For as the sun the sight that trembles most, + Even so the memory of that sweet smile + My mind depriveth of its very self. + +From the first day that I beheld her face + In this life, to the moment of this look, + The sequence of my song has ne’er been severed; + +But now perforce this sequence must desist + From following her beauty with my verse, + As every artist at his uttermost. + +Such as I leave her to a greater fame + Than any of my trumpet, which is bringing + Its arduous matter to a final close, + +With voice and gesture of a perfect leader + She recommenced: “We from the greatest body + Have issued to the heaven that is pure light; + +Light intellectual replete with love, + Love of true good replete with ecstasy, + Ecstasy that transcendeth every sweetness. + +Here shalt thou see the one host and the other + Of Paradise, and one in the same aspects + Which at the final judgment thou shalt see.” + +Even as a sudden lightning that disperses + The visual spirits, so that it deprives + The eye of impress from the strongest objects, + +Thus round about me flashed a living light, + And left me swathed around with such a veil + Of its effulgence, that I nothing saw. + +“Ever the Love which quieteth this heaven + Welcomes into itself with such salute, + To make the candle ready for its flame.” + +No sooner had within me these brief words + An entrance found, than I perceived myself + To be uplifted over my own power, + +And I with vision new rekindled me, + Such that no light whatever is so pure + But that mine eyes were fortified against it. + +And light I saw in fashion of a river + Fulvid with its effulgence, ’twixt two banks + Depicted with an admirable Spring. + +Out of this river issued living sparks, + And on all sides sank down into the flowers, + Like unto rubies that are set in gold; + +And then, as if inebriate with the odours, + They plunged again into the wondrous torrent, + And as one entered issued forth another. + +“The high desire, that now inflames and moves thee + To have intelligence of what thou seest, + Pleaseth me all the more, the more it swells. + +But of this water it behoves thee drink + Before so great a thirst in thee be slaked.” + Thus said to me the sunshine of mine eyes; + +And added: “The river and the topazes + Going in and out, and the laughing of the herbage, + Are of their truth foreshadowing prefaces; + +Not that these things are difficult in themselves, + But the deficiency is on thy side, + For yet thou hast not vision so exalted.” + +There is no babe that leaps so suddenly + With face towards the milk, if he awake + Much later than his usual custom is, + +As I did, that I might make better mirrors + Still of mine eyes, down stooping to the wave + Which flows that we therein be better made. + +And even as the penthouse of mine eyelids + Drank of it, it forthwith appeared to me + Out of its length to be transformed to round. + +Then as a folk who have been under masks + Seem other than before, if they divest + The semblance not their own they disappeared in, + +Thus into greater pomp were changed for me + The flowerets and the sparks, so that I saw + Both of the Courts of Heaven made manifest. + +O splendour of God! by means of which I saw + The lofty triumph of the realm veracious, + Give me the power to say how it I saw! + +There is a light above, which visible + Makes the Creator unto every creature, + Who only in beholding Him has peace, + +And it expands itself in circular form + To such extent, that its circumference + Would be too large a girdle for the sun. + +The semblance of it is all made of rays + Reflected from the top of Primal Motion, + Which takes therefrom vitality and power. + +And as a hill in water at its base + Mirrors itself, as if to see its beauty + When affluent most in verdure and in flowers, + +So, ranged aloft all round about the light, + Mirrored I saw in more ranks than a thousand + All who above there have from us returned. + +And if the lowest row collect within it + So great a light, how vast the amplitude + Is of this Rose in its extremest leaves! + +My vision in the vastness and the height + Lost not itself, but comprehended all + The quantity and quality of that gladness. + +There near and far nor add nor take away; + For there where God immediately doth govern, + The natural law in naught is relevant. + +Into the yellow of the Rose Eternal + That spreads, and multiplies, and breathes an odour + Of praise unto the ever-vernal Sun, + +As one who silent is and fain would speak, + Me Beatrice drew on, and said: “Behold + Of the white stoles how vast the convent is! + +Behold how vast the circuit of our city! + Behold our seats so filled to overflowing, + That here henceforward are few people wanting! + +On that great throne whereon thine eyes are fixed + For the crown’s sake already placed upon it, + Before thou suppest at this wedding feast + +Shall sit the soul (that is to be Augustus + On earth) of noble Henry, who shall come + To redress Italy ere she be ready. + +Blind covetousness, that casts its spell upon you, + Has made you like unto the little child, + Who dies of hunger and drives off the nurse. + +And in the sacred forum then shall be + A Prefect such, that openly or covert + On the same road he will not walk with him. + +But long of God he will not be endured + In holy office; he shall be thrust down + Where Simon Magus is for his deserts, + +And make him of Alagna lower go!” + + + + +Paradiso: Canto XXXI + + +In fashion then as of a snow-white rose + Displayed itself to me the saintly host, + Whom Christ in his own blood had made his bride, + +But the other host, that flying sees and sings + The glory of Him who doth enamour it, + And the goodness that created it so noble, + +Even as a swarm of bees, that sinks in flowers + One moment, and the next returns again + To where its labour is to sweetness turned, + +Sank into the great flower, that is adorned + With leaves so many, and thence reascended + To where its love abideth evermore. + +Their faces had they all of living flame, + And wings of gold, and all the rest so white + No snow unto that limit doth attain. + +From bench to bench, into the flower descending, + They carried something of the peace and ardour + Which by the fanning of their flanks they won. + +Nor did the interposing ’twixt the flower + And what was o’er it of such plenitude + Of flying shapes impede the sight and splendour; + +Because the light divine so penetrates + The universe, according to its merit, + That naught can be an obstacle against it. + +This realm secure and full of gladsomeness, + Crowded with ancient people and with modern, + Unto one mark had all its look and love. + +O Trinal Light, that in a single star + Sparkling upon their sight so satisfies them, + Look down upon our tempest here below! + +If the barbarians, coming from some region + That every day by Helice is covered, + Revolving with her son whom she delights in, + +Beholding Rome and all her noble works, + Were wonder-struck, what time the Lateran + Above all mortal things was eminent,— + +I who to the divine had from the human, + From time unto eternity, had come, + From Florence to a people just and sane, + +With what amazement must I have been filled! + Truly between this and the joy, it was + My pleasure not to hear, and to be mute. + +And as a pilgrim who delighteth him + In gazing round the temple of his vow, + And hopes some day to retell how it was, + +So through the living light my way pursuing + Directed I mine eyes o’er all the ranks, + Now up, now down, and now all round about. + +Faces I saw of charity persuasive, + Embellished by His light and their own smile, + And attitudes adorned with every grace. + +The general form of Paradise already + My glance had comprehended as a whole, + In no part hitherto remaining fixed, + +And round I turned me with rekindled wish + My Lady to interrogate of things + Concerning which my mind was in suspense. + +One thing I meant, another answered me; + I thought I should see Beatrice, and saw + An Old Man habited like the glorious people. + +O’erflowing was he in his eyes and cheeks + With joy benign, in attitude of pity + As to a tender father is becoming. + +And “She, where is she?” instantly I said; + Whence he: “To put an end to thy desire, + Me Beatrice hath sent from mine own place. + +And if thou lookest up to the third round + Of the first rank, again shalt thou behold her + Upon the throne her merits have assigned her.” + +Without reply I lifted up mine eyes, + And saw her, as she made herself a crown + Reflecting from herself the eternal rays. + +Not from that region which the highest thunders + Is any mortal eye so far removed, + In whatsoever sea it deepest sinks, + +As there from Beatrice my sight; but this + Was nothing unto me; because her image + Descended not to me by medium blurred. + +“O Lady, thou in whom my hope is strong, + And who for my salvation didst endure + In Hell to leave the imprint of thy feet, + +Of whatsoever things I have beheld, + As coming from thy power and from thy goodness + I recognise the virtue and the grace. + +Thou from a slave hast brought me unto freedom, + By all those ways, by all the expedients, + Whereby thou hadst the power of doing it. + +Preserve towards me thy magnificence, + So that this soul of mine, which thou hast healed, + Pleasing to thee be loosened from the body.” + +Thus I implored; and she, so far away, + Smiled, as it seemed, and looked once more at me; + Then unto the eternal fountain turned. + +And said the Old Man holy: “That thou mayst + Accomplish perfectly thy journeying, + Whereunto prayer and holy love have sent me, + +Fly with thine eyes all round about this garden; + For seeing it will discipline thy sight + Farther to mount along the ray divine. + +And she, the Queen of Heaven, for whom I burn + Wholly with love, will grant us every grace, + Because that I her faithful Bernard am.” + +As he who peradventure from Croatia + Cometh to gaze at our Veronica, + Who through its ancient fame is never sated, + +But says in thought, the while it is displayed, + “My Lord, Christ Jesus, God of very God, + Now was your semblance made like unto this?” + +Even such was I while gazing at the living + Charity of the man, who in this world + By contemplation tasted of that peace. + +“Thou son of grace, this jocund life,” began he, + “Will not be known to thee by keeping ever + Thine eyes below here on the lowest place; + +But mark the circles to the most remote, + Until thou shalt behold enthroned the Queen + To whom this realm is subject and devoted.” + +I lifted up mine eyes, and as at morn + The oriental part of the horizon + Surpasses that wherein the sun goes down, + +Thus, as if going with mine eyes from vale + To mount, I saw a part in the remoteness + Surpass in splendour all the other front. + +And even as there where we await the pole + That Phaeton drove badly, blazes more + The light, and is on either side diminished, + +So likewise that pacific oriflamme + Gleamed brightest in the centre, and each side + In equal measure did the flame abate. + +And at that centre, with their wings expanded, + More than a thousand jubilant Angels saw I, + Each differing in effulgence and in kind. + +I saw there at their sports and at their songs + A beauty smiling, which the gladness was + Within the eyes of all the other saints; + +And if I had in speaking as much wealth + As in imagining, I should not dare + To attempt the smallest part of its delight. + +Bernard, as soon as he beheld mine eyes + Fixed and intent upon its fervid fervour, + His own with such affection turned to her + +That it made mine more ardent to behold. + + + + +Paradiso: Canto XXXII + + +Absorbed in his delight, that contemplator + Assumed the willing office of a teacher, + And gave beginning to these holy words: + +“The wound that Mary closed up and anointed, + She at her feet who is so beautiful, + She is the one who opened it and pierced it. + +Within that order which the third seats make + Is seated Rachel, lower than the other, + With Beatrice, in manner as thou seest. + +Sarah, Rebecca, Judith, and her who was + Ancestress of the Singer, who for dole + Of the misdeed said, ‘Miserere mei,’ + +Canst thou behold from seat to seat descending + Down in gradation, as with each one’s name + I through the Rose go down from leaf to leaf. + +And downward from the seventh row, even as + Above the same, succeed the Hebrew women, + Dividing all the tresses of the flower; + +Because, according to the view which Faith + In Christ had taken, these are the partition + By which the sacred stairways are divided. + +Upon this side, where perfect is the flower + With each one of its petals, seated are + Those who believed in Christ who was to come. + +Upon the other side, where intersected + With vacant spaces are the semicircles, + Are those who looked to Christ already come. + +And as, upon this side, the glorious seat + Of the Lady of Heaven, and the other seats + Below it, such a great division make, + +So opposite doth that of the great John, + Who, ever holy, desert and martyrdom + Endured, and afterwards two years in Hell. + +And under him thus to divide were chosen + Francis, and Benedict, and Augustine, + And down to us the rest from round to round. + +Behold now the high providence divine; + For one and other aspect of the Faith + In equal measure shall this garden fill. + +And know that downward from that rank which cleaves + Midway the sequence of the two divisions, + Not by their proper merit are they seated; + +But by another’s under fixed conditions; + For these are spirits one and all assoiled + Before they any true election had. + +Well canst thou recognise it in their faces, + And also in their voices puerile, + If thou regard them well and hearken to them. + +Now doubtest thou, and doubting thou art silent; + But I will loosen for thee the strong bond + In which thy subtile fancies hold thee fast. + +Within the amplitude of this domain + No casual point can possibly find place, + No more than sadness can, or thirst, or hunger; + +For by eternal law has been established + Whatever thou beholdest, so that closely + The ring is fitted to the finger here. + +And therefore are these people, festinate + Unto true life, not ‘sine causa’ here + More and less excellent among themselves. + +The King, by means of whom this realm reposes + In so great love and in so great delight + That no will ventureth to ask for more, + +In his own joyous aspect every mind + Creating, at his pleasure dowers with grace + Diversely; and let here the effect suffice. + +And this is clearly and expressly noted + For you in Holy Scripture, in those twins + Who in their mother had their anger roused. + +According to the colour of the hair, + Therefore, with such a grace the light supreme + Consenteth that they worthily be crowned. + +Without, then, any merit of their deeds, + Stationed are they in different gradations, + Differing only in their first acuteness. + +’Tis true that in the early centuries, + With innocence, to work out their salvation + Sufficient was the faith of parents only. + +After the earlier ages were completed, + Behoved it that the males by circumcision + Unto their innocent wings should virtue add; + +But after that the time of grace had come + Without the baptism absolute of Christ, + Such innocence below there was retained. + +Look now into the face that unto Christ + Hath most resemblance; for its brightness only + Is able to prepare thee to see Christ.” + +On her did I behold so great a gladness + Rain down, borne onward in the holy minds + Created through that altitude to fly, + +That whatsoever I had seen before + Did not suspend me in such admiration, + Nor show me such similitude of God. + +And the same Love that first descended there, + “Ave Maria, gratia plena,” singing, + In front of her his wings expanded wide. + +Unto the canticle divine responded + From every part the court beatified, + So that each sight became serener for it. + +“O holy father, who for me endurest + To be below here, leaving the sweet place + In which thou sittest by eternal lot, + +Who is the Angel that with so much joy + Into the eyes is looking of our Queen, + Enamoured so that he seems made of fire?” + +Thus I again recourse had to the teaching + Of that one who delighted him in Mary + As doth the star of morning in the sun. + +And he to me: “Such gallantry and grace + As there can be in Angel and in soul, + All is in him; and thus we fain would have it; + +Because he is the one who bore the palm + Down unto Mary, when the Son of God + To take our burden on himself decreed. + +But now come onward with thine eyes, as I + Speaking shall go, and note the great patricians + Of this most just and merciful of empires. + +Those two that sit above there most enrapture + As being very near unto Augusta, + Are as it were the two roots of this Rose. + +He who upon the left is near her placed + The father is, by whose audacious taste + The human species so much bitter tastes. + +Upon the right thou seest that ancient father + Of Holy Church, into whose keeping Christ + The keys committed of this lovely flower. + +And he who all the evil days beheld, + Before his death, of her the beauteous bride + Who with the spear and with the nails was won, + +Beside him sits, and by the other rests + That leader under whom on manna lived + The people ingrate, fickle, and stiff-necked. + +Opposite Peter seest thou Anna seated, + So well content to look upon her daughter, + Her eyes she moves not while she sings Hosanna. + +And opposite the eldest household father + Lucia sits, she who thy Lady moved + When to rush downward thou didst bend thy brows. + +But since the moments of thy vision fly, + Here will we make full stop, as a good tailor + Who makes the gown according to his cloth, + +And unto the first Love will turn our eyes, + That looking upon Him thou penetrate + As far as possible through his effulgence. + +Truly, lest peradventure thou recede, + Moving thy wings believing to advance, + By prayer behoves it that grace be obtained; + +Grace from that one who has the power to aid thee; + And thou shalt follow me with thy affection + That from my words thy heart turn not aside.” + +And he began this holy orison. + + + + +Paradiso: Canto XXXIII + + +“Thou Virgin Mother, daughter of thy Son, + Humble and high beyond all other creature, + The limit fixed of the eternal counsel, + +Thou art the one who such nobility + To human nature gave, that its Creator + Did not disdain to make himself its creature. + +Within thy womb rekindled was the love, + By heat of which in the eternal peace + After such wise this flower has germinated. + +Here unto us thou art a noonday torch + Of charity, and below there among mortals + Thou art the living fountain-head of hope. + +Lady, thou art so great, and so prevailing, + That he who wishes grace, nor runs to thee, + His aspirations without wings would fly. + +Not only thy benignity gives succour + To him who asketh it, but oftentimes + Forerunneth of its own accord the asking. + +In thee compassion is, in thee is pity, + In thee magnificence; in thee unites + Whate’er of goodness is in any creature. + +Now doth this man, who from the lowest depth + Of the universe as far as here has seen + One after one the spiritual lives, + +Supplicate thee through grace for so much power + That with his eyes he may uplift himself + Higher towards the uttermost salvation. + +And I, who never burned for my own seeing + More than I do for his, all of my prayers + Proffer to thee, and pray they come not short, + +That thou wouldst scatter from him every cloud + Of his mortality so with thy prayers, + That the Chief Pleasure be to him displayed. + +Still farther do I pray thee, Queen, who canst + Whate’er thou wilt, that sound thou mayst preserve + After so great a vision his affections. + +Let thy protection conquer human movements; + See Beatrice and all the blessed ones + My prayers to second clasp their hands to thee!” + +The eyes beloved and revered of God, + Fastened upon the speaker, showed to us + How grateful unto her are prayers devout; + +Then unto the Eternal Light they turned, + On which it is not credible could be + By any creature bent an eye so clear. + +And I, who to the end of all desires + Was now approaching, even as I ought + The ardour of desire within me ended. + +Bernard was beckoning unto me, and smiling, + That I should upward look; but I already + Was of my own accord such as he wished; + +Because my sight, becoming purified, + Was entering more and more into the ray + Of the High Light which of itself is true. + +From that time forward what I saw was greater + Than our discourse, that to such vision yields, + And yields the memory unto such excess. + +Even as he is who seeth in a dream, + And after dreaming the imprinted passion + Remains, and to his mind the rest returns not, + +Even such am I, for almost utterly + Ceases my vision, and distilleth yet + Within my heart the sweetness born of it; + +Even thus the snow is in the sun unsealed, + Even thus upon the wind in the light leaves + Were the soothsayings of the Sibyl lost. + +O Light Supreme, that dost so far uplift thee + From the conceits of mortals, to my mind + Of what thou didst appear re-lend a little, + +And make my tongue of so great puissance, + That but a single sparkle of thy glory + It may bequeath unto the future people; + +For by returning to my memory somewhat, + And by a little sounding in these verses, + More of thy victory shall be conceived! + +I think the keenness of the living ray + Which I endured would have bewildered me, + If but mine eyes had been averted from it; + +And I remember that I was more bold + On this account to bear, so that I joined + My aspect with the Glory Infinite. + +O grace abundant, by which I presumed + To fix my sight upon the Light Eternal, + So that the seeing I consumed therein! + +I saw that in its depth far down is lying + Bound up with love together in one volume, + What through the universe in leaves is scattered; + +Substance, and accident, and their operations, + All interfused together in such wise + That what I speak of is one simple light. + +The universal fashion of this knot + Methinks I saw, since more abundantly + In saying this I feel that I rejoice. + +One moment is more lethargy to me, + Than five and twenty centuries to the emprise + That startled Neptune with the shade of Argo! + +My mind in this wise wholly in suspense, + Steadfast, immovable, attentive gazed, + And evermore with gazing grew enkindled. + +In presence of that light one such becomes, + That to withdraw therefrom for other prospect + It is impossible he e’er consent; + +Because the good, which object is of will, + Is gathered all in this, and out of it + That is defective which is perfect there. + +Shorter henceforward will my language fall + Of what I yet remember, than an infant’s + Who still his tongue doth moisten at the breast. + +Not because more than one unmingled semblance + Was in the living light on which I looked, + For it is always what it was before; + +But through the sight, that fortified itself + In me by looking, one appearance only + To me was ever changing as I changed. + +Within the deep and luminous subsistence + Of the High Light appeared to me three circles, + Of threefold colour and of one dimension, + +And by the second seemed the first reflected + As Iris is by Iris, and the third + Seemed fire that equally from both is breathed. + +O how all speech is feeble and falls short + Of my conceit, and this to what I saw + Is such, ’tis not enough to call it little! + +O Light Eterne, sole in thyself that dwellest, + Sole knowest thyself, and, known unto thyself + And knowing, lovest and smilest on thyself! + +That circulation, which being thus conceived + Appeared in thee as a reflected light, + When somewhat contemplated by mine eyes, + +Within itself, of its own very colour + Seemed to me painted with our effigy, + Wherefore my sight was all absorbed therein. + +As the geometrician, who endeavours + To square the circle, and discovers not, + By taking thought, the principle he wants, + +Even such was I at that new apparition; + I wished to see how the image to the circle + Conformed itself, and how it there finds place; + +But my own wings were not enough for this, + Had it not been that then my mind there smote + A flash of lightning, wherein came its wish. + +Here vigour failed the lofty fantasy: + But now was turning my desire and will, + Even as a wheel that equally is moved, + +The Love which moves the sun and the other stars. + + + + +APPENDIX + + +SIX SONNETS ON DANTE’S DIVINE COMEDY BY HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW +(1807-1882) + + +I + +Oft have I seen at some cathedral door + A laborer, pausing in the dust and heat, + Lay down his burden, and with reverent feet + Enter, and cross himself, and on the floor +Kneel to repeat his paternoster o’er; + Far off the noises of the world retreat; + The loud vociferations of the street + Become an undistinguishable roar. +So, as I enter here from day to day, + And leave my burden at this minster gate, + Kneeling in prayer, and not ashamed to pray, +The tumult of the time disconsolate + To inarticulate murmurs dies away, + While the eternal ages watch and wait. + + +II + +How strange the sculptures that adorn these towers! + This crowd of statues, in whose folded sleeves + Birds build their nests; while canopied with leaves + Parvis and portal bloom like trellised bowers, +And the vast minster seems a cross of flowers! + But fiends and dragons on the gargoyled eaves + Watch the dead Christ between the living thieves, + And, underneath, the traitor Judas lowers! +Ah! from what agonies of heart and brain, + What exultations trampling on despair, + What tenderness, what tears, what hate of wrong, +What passionate outcry of a soul in pain, + Uprose this poem of the earth and air, + This mediaeval miracle of song! + + +III + +I enter, and I see thee in the gloom + Of the long aisles, O poet saturnine! + And strive to make my steps keep pace with thine. + The air is filled with some unknown perfume; +The congregation of the dead make room + For thee to pass; the votive tapers shine; + Like rooks that haunt Ravenna’s groves of pine, + The hovering echoes fly from tomb to tomb. +From the confessionals I hear arise + Rehearsals of forgotten tragedies, + And lamentations from the crypts below +And then a voice celestial that begins + With the pathetic words, “Although your sins + As scarlet be,” and ends with “as the snow.” + + +IV + +With snow-white veil, and garments as of flame, + She stands before thee, who so long ago + Filled thy young heart with passion and the woe + From which thy song in all its splendors came; +And while with stern rebuke she speaks thy name, + The ice about thy heart melts as the snow + On mountain heights, and in swift overflow + Comes gushing from thy lips in sobs of shame. +Thou makest full confession; and a gleam + As of the dawn on some dark forest cast, + Seems on thy lifted forehead to increase; +Lethe and Eunoe—the remembered dream + And the forgotten sorrow—bring at last + That perfect pardon which is perfect peace. + + +V + +I Lift mine eyes, and all the windows blaze + With forms of saints and holy men who died, + Here martyred and hereafter glorified; + And the great Rose upon its leaves displays +Christ’s Triumph, and the angelic roundelays, + With splendor upon splendor multiplied; + And Beatrice again at Dante’s side + No more rebukes, but smiles her words of praise. +And then the organ sounds, and unseen choirs + Sing the old Latin hymns of peace and love + And benedictions of the Holy Ghost; +And the melodious bells among the spires + O’er all the house-tops and through heaven above + Proclaim the elevation of the Host! + + +VI + +O star of morning and of liberty! + O bringer of the light, whose splendor shines + Above the darkness of the Apennines, + Forerunner of the day that is to be! +The voices of the city and the sea, + The voices of the mountains and the pines, + Repeat thy song, till the familiar lines + Are footpaths for the thought of Italy! +Thy fame is blown abroad from all the heights, + Through all the nations; and a sound is heard, + As of a mighty wind, and men devout, +Strangers of Rome, and the new proselytes, + In their own language hear thy wondrous word, + And many are amazed and many doubt. + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 1003 *** diff --git a/1003-h/1003-h.htm b/1003-h/1003-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..ac2cad4 --- /dev/null +++ b/1003-h/1003-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,10110 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" +"http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> +<head> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8" /> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css" /> +<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Divine Comedy, Paradise, by Dante Alighieri</title> + +<style type="text/css"> + +body { margin-left: 20%; + margin-right: 20%; + text-align: justify; } + +h1, h2, h3, h4, h5 {text-align: center; font-style: normal; font-weight: +normal; line-height: 1.5; margin-top: .5em; margin-bottom: .5em;} + +h1 {font-size: 300%; + margin-top: 0.6em; + margin-bottom: 0.6em; + letter-spacing: 0.12em; + word-spacing: 0.2em; + text-indent: 0em;} +h2 {font-size: 150%; margin-top: 2em; margin-bottom: 1em;} +h3 {font-size: 130%; margin-top: 1em;} +h4 {font-size: 120%;} +h5 {font-size: 110%;} + +.no-break {page-break-before: avoid;} /* for epubs */ + +div.chapter {page-break-before: always; margin-top: 4em;} + +hr {width: 80%; margin-top: 2em; margin-bottom: 2em;} + +p {text-indent: 1em; + margin-top: 0.25em; + margin-bottom: 1em; } + +p.noindent {text-indent: 0% } + +a:link {color:blue; text-decoration:none} +a:visited {color:blue; text-decoration:none} +a:hover {color:red} + +</style> + +</head> + +<body> +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 1003 ***</div> + +<h1>The Divine Comedy</h1> + +<h2 class="no-break">of Dante Alighieri</h2> + +<h3>Translated by<br />HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW<br /><br />PARADISO</h3> + +<hr /> + +<h2>Contents</h2> + +<table summary="" style=""> + +<tr> +<td><a href="#CantoIII.I">I. The Ascent to the First Heaven. The Sphere of Fire.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td><a href="#CantoIII.II">II. The First Heaven, the Moon: Spirits who, having taken Sacred Vows, were forced to violate them. The Lunar Spots.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td><a href="#CantoIII.III">III. Piccarda Donati and the Empress Constance.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td><a href="#CantoIII.IV">IV. Questionings of the Soul and of Broken Vows.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td><a href="#CantoIII.V">V. Discourse of Beatrice on Vows and Compensations. Ascent to the Second Heaven, Mercury: Spirits who for the Love of Fame achieved great Deeds.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td><a href="#CantoIII.VI">VI. Justinian. The Roman Eagle. The Empire. Romeo.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td><a href="#CantoIII.VII">VII. Beatrice’s Discourse of the Crucifixion, the Incarnation, the Immortality of the Soul, and the Resurrection of the Body.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td><a href="#CantoIII.VIII">VIII. Ascent to the Third Heaven, Venus: Lovers. Charles Martel. Discourse on diverse Natures.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td><a href="#CantoIII.IX">IX. Cunizza da Romano, Folco of Marseilles, and Rahab. Neglect of the Holy Land.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td><a href="#CantoIII.X">X. The Fourth Heaven, the Sun: Theologians and Fathers of the Church. The First Circle. St. Thomas of Aquinas.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td><a href="#CantoIII.XI">XI. St. Thomas recounts the Life of St. Francis. Lament over the State of the Dominican Order.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td><a href="#CantoIII.XII">XII. St. Buonaventura recounts the Life of St. Dominic. Lament over the State of the Franciscan Order. The Second Circle.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td><a href="#CantoIII.XIII">XIII. Of the Wisdom of Solomon. St. Thomas reproaches Dante’s Judgement.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td><a href="#CantoIII.XIV">XIV. The Third Circle. Discourse on the Resurrection of the Flesh. The Fifth Heaven, Mars: Martyrs and Crusaders who died fighting for the true Faith. The Celestial Cross.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td><a href="#CantoIII.XV">XV. Cacciaguida. Florence in the Olden Time.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td><a href="#CantoIII.XVI">XVI. Dante’s Noble Ancestry. Cacciaguida’s Discourse of the Great Florentines.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td><a href="#CantoIII.XVII">XVII. Cacciaguida’s Prophecy of Dante’s Banishment.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td><a href="#CantoIII.XVIII">XVIII. The Sixth Heaven, Jupiter: Righteous Kings and Rulers. The Celestial Eagle. Dante’s Invectives against ecclesiastical Avarice.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td><a href="#CantoIII.XIX">XIX. The Eagle discourses of Salvation, Faith, and Virtue. Condemnation of the vile Kings of A.D. 1300.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td><a href="#CantoIII.XX">XX. The Eagle praises the Righteous Kings of old. Benevolence of the Divine Will.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td><a href="#CantoIII.XXI">XXI. The Seventh Heaven, Saturn: The Contemplative. The Celestial Stairway. St. Peter Damiano. His Invectives against the Luxury of the Prelates.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td><a href="#CantoIII.XXII">XXII. St. Benedict. His Lamentation over the Corruption of Monks. The Eighth Heaven, the Fixed Stars.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td><a href="#CantoIII.XXIII">XXIII. The Triumph of Christ. The Virgin Mary. The Apostles. Gabriel.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td><a href="#CantoIII.XXIV">XXIV. The Radiant Wheel. St. Peter examines Dante on Faith.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td><a href="#CantoIII.XXV">XXV. The Laurel Crown. St. James examines Dante on Hope. Dante’s Blindness.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td><a href="#CantoIII.XXVI">XXVI. St. John examines Dante on Charity. Dante’s Sight. Adam.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td><a href="#CantoIII.XXVII">XXVII. St. Peter’s reproof of bad Popes. The Ascent to the Ninth Heaven, the ‘Primum Mobile.’</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td><a href="#CantoIII.XXVIII">XXVIII. God and the Angelic Hierarchies.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td><a href="#CantoIII.XXIX">XXIX. Beatrice’s Discourse of the Creation of the Angels, and of the Fall of Lucifer. Her Reproof of Foolish and Avaricious Preachers.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td><a href="#CantoIII.XXX">XXX. The Tenth Heaven, or Empyrean. The River of Light. The Two Courts of Heaven. The White Rose of Paradise. The great Throne.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td><a href="#CantoIII.XXXI">XXXI. The Glory of Paradise. Departure of Beatrice. St. Bernard.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td><a href="#CantoIII.XXXII">XXXII. St. Bernard points out the Saints in the White Rose.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td><a href="#CantoIII.XXXIII">XXXIII. Prayer to the Virgin. The Threefold Circle of the Trinity. Mystery of the Divine and Human Nature.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td><a href="#appendix">APPENDIX</a></td> +</tr> + +</table> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="CantoIII.I"></a>Paradiso: Canto I</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +The glory of Him who moveth everything<br /> + Doth penetrate the universe, and shine<br /> + In one part more and in another less. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Within that heaven which most his light receives<br /> + Was I, and things beheld which to repeat<br /> + Nor knows, nor can, who from above descends; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Because in drawing near to its desire<br /> + Our intellect ingulphs itself so far,<br /> + That after it the memory cannot go. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Truly whatever of the holy realm<br /> + I had the power to treasure in my mind<br /> + Shall now become the subject of my song. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +O good Apollo, for this last emprise<br /> + Make of me such a vessel of thy power<br /> + As giving the beloved laurel asks! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +One summit of Parnassus hitherto<br /> + Has been enough for me, but now with both<br /> + I needs must enter the arena left. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Enter into my bosom, thou, and breathe<br /> + As at the time when Marsyas thou didst draw<br /> + Out of the scabbard of those limbs of his. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +O power divine, lend’st thou thyself to me<br /> + So that the shadow of the blessed realm<br /> + Stamped in my brain I can make manifest, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thou’lt see me come unto thy darling tree,<br /> + And crown myself thereafter with those leaves<br /> + Of which the theme and thou shall make me worthy. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So seldom, Father, do we gather them<br /> + For triumph or of Caesar or of Poet,<br /> + (The fault and shame of human inclinations,) +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +That the Peneian foliage should bring forth<br /> + Joy to the joyous Delphic deity,<br /> + When any one it makes to thirst for it. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +A little spark is followed by great flame;<br /> + Perchance with better voices after me<br /> + Shall prayer be made that Cyrrha may respond! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +To mortal men by passages diverse<br /> + Uprises the world’s lamp; but by that one<br /> + Which circles four uniteth with three crosses, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +With better course and with a better star<br /> + Conjoined it issues, and the mundane wax<br /> + Tempers and stamps more after its own fashion. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Almost that passage had made morning there<br /> + And evening here, and there was wholly white<br /> + That hemisphere, and black the other part, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +When Beatrice towards the left-hand side<br /> + I saw turned round, and gazing at the sun;<br /> + Never did eagle fasten so upon it! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And even as a second ray is wont<br /> + To issue from the first and reascend,<br /> + Like to a pilgrim who would fain return, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thus of her action, through the eyes infused<br /> + In my imagination, mine I made,<br /> + And sunward fixed mine eyes beyond our wont. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +There much is lawful which is here unlawful<br /> + Unto our powers, by virtue of the place<br /> + Made for the human species as its own. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Not long I bore it, nor so little while<br /> + But I beheld it sparkle round about<br /> + Like iron that comes molten from the fire; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And suddenly it seemed that day to day<br /> + Was added, as if He who has the power<br /> + Had with another sun the heaven adorned. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +With eyes upon the everlasting wheels<br /> + Stood Beatrice all intent, and I, on her<br /> + Fixing my vision from above removed, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Such at her aspect inwardly became<br /> + As Glaucus, tasting of the herb that made him<br /> + Peer of the other gods beneath the sea. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +To represent transhumanise in words<br /> + Impossible were; the example, then, suffice<br /> + Him for whom Grace the experience reserves. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +If I was merely what of me thou newly<br /> + Createdst, Love who governest the heaven,<br /> + Thou knowest, who didst lift me with thy light! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +When now the wheel, which thou dost make eternal<br /> + Desiring thee, made me attentive to it<br /> + By harmony thou dost modulate and measure, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Then seemed to me so much of heaven enkindled<br /> + By the sun’s flame, that neither rain nor river<br /> + E’er made a lake so widely spread abroad. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The newness of the sound and the great light<br /> + Kindled in me a longing for their cause,<br /> + Never before with such acuteness felt; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Whence she, who saw me as I saw myself,<br /> + To quiet in me my perturbed mind,<br /> + Opened her mouth, ere I did mine to ask, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And she began: “Thou makest thyself so dull<br /> + With false imagining, that thou seest not<br /> + What thou wouldst see if thou hadst shaken it off. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thou art not upon earth, as thou believest;<br /> + But lightning, fleeing its appropriate site,<br /> + Ne’er ran as thou, who thitherward returnest.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +If of my former doubt I was divested<br /> + By these brief little words more smiled than spoken,<br /> + I in a new one was the more ensnared; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And said: “Already did I rest content<br /> + From great amazement; but am now amazed<br /> + In what way I transcend these bodies light.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Whereupon she, after a pitying sigh,<br /> + Her eyes directed tow’rds me with that look<br /> + A mother casts on a delirious child; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And she began: “All things whate’er they be<br /> + Have order among themselves, and this is form,<br /> + That makes the universe resemble God. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Here do the higher creatures see the footprints<br /> + Of the Eternal Power, which is the end<br /> + Whereto is made the law already mentioned. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +In the order that I speak of are inclined<br /> + All natures, by their destinies diverse,<br /> + More or less near unto their origin; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Hence they move onward unto ports diverse<br /> + O’er the great sea of being; and each one<br /> + With instinct given it which bears it on. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +This bears away the fire towards the moon;<br /> + This is in mortal hearts the motive power<br /> + This binds together and unites the earth. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Nor only the created things that are<br /> + Without intelligence this bow shoots forth,<br /> + But those that have both intellect and love. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The Providence that regulates all this<br /> + Makes with its light the heaven forever quiet,<br /> + Wherein that turns which has the greatest haste. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And thither now, as to a site decreed,<br /> + Bears us away the virtue of that cord<br /> + Which aims its arrows at a joyous mark. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +True is it, that as oftentimes the form<br /> + Accords not with the intention of the art,<br /> + Because in answering is matter deaf, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So likewise from this course doth deviate<br /> + Sometimes the creature, who the power possesses,<br /> + Though thus impelled, to swerve some other way, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +(In the same wise as one may see the fire<br /> + Fall from a cloud,) if the first impetus<br /> + Earthward is wrested by some false delight. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thou shouldst not wonder more, if well I judge,<br /> + At thine ascent, than at a rivulet<br /> + From some high mount descending to the lowland. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Marvel it would be in thee, if deprived<br /> + Of hindrance, thou wert seated down below,<br /> + As if on earth the living fire were quiet.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thereat she heavenward turned again her face. +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="CantoIII.II"></a>Paradiso: Canto II</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +O Ye, who in some pretty little boat,<br /> + Eager to listen, have been following<br /> + Behind my ship, that singing sails along, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Turn back to look again upon your shores;<br /> + Do not put out to sea, lest peradventure,<br /> + In losing me, you might yourselves be lost. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The sea I sail has never yet been passed;<br /> + Minerva breathes, and pilots me Apollo,<br /> + And Muses nine point out to me the Bears. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Ye other few who have the neck uplifted<br /> + Betimes to th’ bread of Angels upon which<br /> + One liveth here and grows not sated by it, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Well may you launch upon the deep salt-sea<br /> + Your vessel, keeping still my wake before you<br /> + Upon the water that grows smooth again. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Those glorious ones who unto Colchos passed<br /> + Were not so wonder-struck as you shall be,<br /> + When Jason they beheld a ploughman made! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The con-created and perpetual thirst<br /> + For the realm deiform did bear us on,<br /> + As swift almost as ye the heavens behold. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Upward gazed Beatrice, and I at her;<br /> + And in such space perchance as strikes a bolt<br /> + And flies, and from the notch unlocks itself, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Arrived I saw me where a wondrous thing<br /> + Drew to itself my sight; and therefore she<br /> + From whom no care of mine could be concealed, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Towards me turning, blithe as beautiful,<br /> + Said unto me: “Fix gratefully thy mind<br /> + On God, who unto the first star has brought us.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +It seemed to me a cloud encompassed us,<br /> + Luminous, dense, consolidate and bright<br /> + As adamant on which the sun is striking. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Into itself did the eternal pearl<br /> + Receive us, even as water doth receive<br /> + A ray of light, remaining still unbroken. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +If I was body, (and we here conceive not<br /> + How one dimension tolerates another,<br /> + Which needs must be if body enter body,) +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +More the desire should be enkindled in us<br /> + That essence to behold, wherein is seen<br /> + How God and our own nature were united. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +There will be seen what we receive by faith,<br /> + Not demonstrated, but self-evident<br /> + In guise of the first truth that man believes. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I made reply: “Madonna, as devoutly<br /> + As most I can do I give thanks to Him<br /> + Who has removed me from the mortal world. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But tell me what the dusky spots may be<br /> + Upon this body, which below on earth<br /> + Make people tell that fabulous tale of Cain?” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Somewhat she smiled; and then, “If the opinion<br /> + Of mortals be erroneous,” she said,<br /> + “Where’er the key of sense doth not unlock, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Certes, the shafts of wonder should not pierce thee<br /> + Now, forasmuch as, following the senses,<br /> + Thou seest that the reason has short wings. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But tell me what thou think’st of it thyself.”<br /> + And I: “What seems to us up here diverse,<br /> + Is caused, I think, by bodies rare and dense.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And she: “Right truly shalt thou see immersed<br /> + In error thy belief, if well thou hearest<br /> + The argument that I shall make against it. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Lights many the eighth sphere displays to you<br /> + Which in their quality and quantity<br /> + May noted be of aspects different. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +If this were caused by rare and dense alone,<br /> + One only virtue would there be in all<br /> + Or more or less diffused, or equally. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Virtues diverse must be perforce the fruits<br /> + Of formal principles; and these, save one,<br /> + Of course would by thy reasoning be destroyed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Besides, if rarity were of this dimness<br /> + The cause thou askest, either through and through<br /> + This planet thus attenuate were of matter, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Or else, as in a body is apportioned<br /> + The fat and lean, so in like manner this<br /> + Would in its volume interchange the leaves. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Were it the former, in the sun’s eclipse<br /> + It would be manifest by the shining through<br /> + Of light, as through aught tenuous interfused. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +This is not so; hence we must scan the other,<br /> + And if it chance the other I demolish,<br /> + Then falsified will thy opinion be. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But if this rarity go not through and through,<br /> + There needs must be a limit, beyond which<br /> + Its contrary prevents the further passing, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And thence the foreign radiance is reflected,<br /> + Even as a colour cometh back from glass,<br /> + The which behind itself concealeth lead. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Now thou wilt say the sunbeam shows itself<br /> + More dimly there than in the other parts,<br /> + By being there reflected farther back. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +From this reply experiment will free thee<br /> + If e’er thou try it, which is wont to be<br /> + The fountain to the rivers of your arts. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Three mirrors shalt thou take, and two remove<br /> + Alike from thee, the other more remote<br /> + Between the former two shall meet thine eyes. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Turned towards these, cause that behind thy back<br /> + Be placed a light, illuming the three mirrors<br /> + And coming back to thee by all reflected. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Though in its quantity be not so ample<br /> + The image most remote, there shalt thou see<br /> + How it perforce is equally resplendent. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Now, as beneath the touches of warm rays<br /> + Naked the subject of the snow remains<br /> + Both of its former colour and its cold, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thee thus remaining in thy intellect,<br /> + Will I inform with such a living light,<br /> + That it shall tremble in its aspect to thee. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Within the heaven of the divine repose<br /> + Revolves a body, in whose virtue lies<br /> + The being of whatever it contains. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The following heaven, that has so many eyes,<br /> + Divides this being by essences diverse,<br /> + Distinguished from it, and by it contained. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The other spheres, by various differences,<br /> + All the distinctions which they have within them<br /> + Dispose unto their ends and their effects. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thus do these organs of the world proceed,<br /> + As thou perceivest now, from grade to grade;<br /> + Since from above they take, and act beneath. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Observe me well, how through this place I come<br /> + Unto the truth thou wishest, that hereafter<br /> + Thou mayst alone know how to keep the ford +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The power and motion of the holy spheres,<br /> + As from the artisan the hammer’s craft,<br /> + Forth from the blessed motors must proceed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The heaven, which lights so manifold make fair,<br /> + From the Intelligence profound, which turns it,<br /> + The image takes, and makes of it a seal. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And even as the soul within your dust<br /> + Through members different and accommodated<br /> + To faculties diverse expands itself, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So likewise this Intelligence diffuses<br /> + Its virtue multiplied among the stars.<br /> + Itself revolving on its unity. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Virtue diverse doth a diverse alloyage<br /> + Make with the precious body that it quickens,<br /> + In which, as life in you, it is combined. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +From the glad nature whence it is derived,<br /> + The mingled virtue through the body shines,<br /> + Even as gladness through the living pupil. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +From this proceeds whate’er from light to light<br /> + Appeareth different, not from dense and rare:<br /> + This is the formal principle that produces, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +According to its goodness, dark and bright.” +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="CantoIII.III"></a>Paradiso: Canto III</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +That Sun, which erst with love my bosom warmed,<br /> + Of beauteous truth had unto me discovered,<br /> + By proving and reproving, the sweet aspect. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And, that I might confess myself convinced<br /> + And confident, so far as was befitting,<br /> + I lifted more erect my head to speak. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But there appeared a vision, which withdrew me<br /> + So close to it, in order to be seen,<br /> + That my confession I remembered not. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Such as through polished and transparent glass,<br /> + Or waters crystalline and undisturbed,<br /> + But not so deep as that their bed be lost, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Come back again the outlines of our faces<br /> + So feeble, that a pearl on forehead white<br /> + Comes not less speedily unto our eyes; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Such saw I many faces prompt to speak,<br /> + So that I ran in error opposite<br /> + To that which kindled love ’twixt man and fountain. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +As soon as I became aware of them,<br /> + Esteeming them as mirrored semblances,<br /> + To see of whom they were, mine eyes I turned, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And nothing saw, and once more turned them forward<br /> + Direct into the light of my sweet Guide,<br /> + Who smiling kindled in her holy eyes. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“Marvel thou not,” she said to me, “because<br /> + I smile at this thy puerile conceit,<br /> + Since on the truth it trusts not yet its foot, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But turns thee, as ’tis wont, on emptiness.<br /> + True substances are these which thou beholdest,<br /> + Here relegate for breaking of some vow. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Therefore speak with them, listen and believe;<br /> + For the true light, which giveth peace to them,<br /> + Permits them not to turn from it their feet.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And I unto the shade that seemed most wishful<br /> + To speak directed me, and I began,<br /> + As one whom too great eagerness bewilders: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“O well-created spirit, who in the rays<br /> + Of life eternal dost the sweetness taste<br /> + Which being untasted ne’er is comprehended, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Grateful ’twill be to me, if thou content me<br /> + Both with thy name and with your destiny.”<br /> + Whereat she promptly and with laughing eyes: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“Our charity doth never shut the doors<br /> + Against a just desire, except as one<br /> + Who wills that all her court be like herself. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I was a virgin sister in the world;<br /> + And if thy mind doth contemplate me well,<br /> + The being more fair will not conceal me from thee, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But thou shalt recognise I am Piccarda,<br /> + Who, stationed here among these other blessed,<br /> + Myself am blessed in the slowest sphere. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +All our affections, that alone inflamed<br /> + Are in the pleasure of the Holy Ghost,<br /> + Rejoice at being of his order formed; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And this allotment, which appears so low,<br /> + Therefore is given us, because our vows<br /> + Have been neglected and in some part void.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Whence I to her: “In your miraculous aspects<br /> + There shines I know not what of the divine,<br /> + Which doth transform you from our first conceptions. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Therefore I was not swift in my remembrance;<br /> + But what thou tellest me now aids me so,<br /> + That the refiguring is easier to me. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But tell me, ye who in this place are happy,<br /> + Are you desirous of a higher place,<br /> + To see more or to make yourselves more friends?” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +First with those other shades she smiled a little;<br /> + Thereafter answered me so full of gladness,<br /> + She seemed to burn in the first fire of love: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“Brother, our will is quieted by virtue<br /> + Of charity, that makes us wish alone<br /> + For what we have, nor gives us thirst for more. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +If to be more exalted we aspired,<br /> + Discordant would our aspirations be<br /> + Unto the will of Him who here secludes us; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Which thou shalt see finds no place in these circles,<br /> + If being in charity is needful here,<br /> + And if thou lookest well into its nature; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Nay, ’tis essential to this blest existence<br /> + To keep itself within the will divine,<br /> + Whereby our very wishes are made one; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So that, as we are station above station<br /> + Throughout this realm, to all the realm ’tis pleasing,<br /> + As to the King, who makes his will our will. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And his will is our peace; this is the sea<br /> + To which is moving onward whatsoever<br /> + It doth create, and all that nature makes.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Then it was clear to me how everywhere<br /> + In heaven is Paradise, although the grace<br /> + Of good supreme there rain not in one measure. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But as it comes to pass, if one food sates,<br /> + And for another still remains the longing,<br /> + We ask for this, and that decline with thanks, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +E’en thus did I; with gesture and with word,<br /> + To learn from her what was the web wherein<br /> + She did not ply the shuttle to the end. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“A perfect life and merit high in-heaven<br /> + A lady o’er us,” said she, “by whose rule<br /> + Down in your world they vest and veil themselves, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +That until death they may both watch and sleep<br /> + Beside that Spouse who every vow accepts<br /> + Which charity conformeth to his pleasure. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +To follow her, in girlhood from the world<br /> + I fled, and in her habit shut myself,<br /> + And pledged me to the pathway of her sect. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Then men accustomed unto evil more<br /> + Than unto good, from the sweet cloister tore me;<br /> + God knows what afterward my life became. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +This other splendour, which to thee reveals<br /> + Itself on my right side, and is enkindled<br /> + With all the illumination of our sphere, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +What of myself I say applies to her;<br /> + A nun was she, and likewise from her head<br /> + Was ta’en the shadow of the sacred wimple. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But when she too was to the world returned<br /> + Against her wishes and against good usage,<br /> + Of the heart’s veil she never was divested. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Of great Costanza this is the effulgence,<br /> + Who from the second wind of Suabia<br /> + Brought forth the third and latest puissance.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thus unto me she spake, and then began<br /> + “Ave Maria” singing, and in singing<br /> + Vanished, as through deep water something heavy. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +My sight, that followed her as long a time<br /> + As it was possible, when it had lost her<br /> + Turned round unto the mark of more desire, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And wholly unto Beatrice reverted;<br /> + But she such lightnings flashed into mine eyes,<br /> + That at the first my sight endured it not; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And this in questioning more backward made me. +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="CantoIII.IV"></a>Paradiso: Canto IV</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +Between two viands, equally removed<br /> + And tempting, a free man would die of hunger<br /> + Ere either he could bring unto his teeth. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So would a lamb between the ravenings<br /> + Of two fierce wolves stand fearing both alike;<br /> + And so would stand a dog between two does. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Hence, if I held my peace, myself I blame not,<br /> + Impelled in equal measure by my doubts,<br /> + Since it must be so, nor do I commend. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I held my peace; but my desire was painted<br /> + Upon my face, and questioning with that<br /> + More fervent far than by articulate speech. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Beatrice did as Daniel had done<br /> + Relieving Nebuchadnezzar from the wrath<br /> + Which rendered him unjustly merciless, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And said: “Well see I how attracteth thee<br /> + One and the other wish, so that thy care<br /> + Binds itself so that forth it does not breathe. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thou arguest, if good will be permanent,<br /> + The violence of others, for what reason<br /> + Doth it decrease the measure of my merit? +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Again for doubting furnish thee occasion<br /> + Souls seeming to return unto the stars,<br /> + According to the sentiment of Plato. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +These are the questions which upon thy wish<br /> + Are thrusting equally; and therefore first<br /> + Will I treat that which hath the most of gall. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +He of the Seraphim most absorbed in God,<br /> + Moses, and Samuel, and whichever John<br /> + Thou mayst select, I say, and even Mary, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Have not in any other heaven their seats,<br /> + Than have those spirits that just appeared to thee,<br /> + Nor of existence more or fewer years; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But all make beautiful the primal circle,<br /> + And have sweet life in different degrees,<br /> + By feeling more or less the eternal breath. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +They showed themselves here, not because allotted<br /> + This sphere has been to them, but to give sign<br /> + Of the celestial which is least exalted. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +To speak thus is adapted to your mind,<br /> + Since only through the sense it apprehendeth<br /> + What then it worthy makes of intellect. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +On this account the Scripture condescends<br /> + Unto your faculties, and feet and hands<br /> + To God attributes, and means something else; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And Holy Church under an aspect human<br /> + Gabriel and Michael represent to you,<br /> + And him who made Tobias whole again. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +That which Timaeus argues of the soul<br /> + Doth not resemble that which here is seen,<br /> + Because it seems that as he speaks he thinks. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +He says the soul unto its star returns,<br /> + Believing it to have been severed thence<br /> + Whenever nature gave it as a form. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Perhaps his doctrine is of other guise<br /> + Than the words sound, and possibly may be<br /> + With meaning that is not to be derided. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +If he doth mean that to these wheels return<br /> + The honour of their influence and the blame,<br /> + Perhaps his bow doth hit upon some truth. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +This principle ill understood once warped<br /> + The whole world nearly, till it went astray<br /> + Invoking Jove and Mercury and Mars. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The other doubt which doth disquiet thee<br /> + Less venom has, for its malevolence<br /> + Could never lead thee otherwhere from me. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +That as unjust our justice should appear<br /> + In eyes of mortals, is an argument<br /> + Of faith, and not of sin heretical. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But still, that your perception may be able<br /> + To thoroughly penetrate this verity,<br /> + As thou desirest, I will satisfy thee. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +If it be violence when he who suffers<br /> + Co-operates not with him who uses force,<br /> + These souls were not on that account excused; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +For will is never quenched unless it will,<br /> + But operates as nature doth in fire<br /> + If violence a thousand times distort it. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Hence, if it yieldeth more or less, it seconds<br /> + The force; and these have done so, having power<br /> + Of turning back unto the holy place. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +If their will had been perfect, like to that<br /> + Which Lawrence fast upon his gridiron held,<br /> + And Mutius made severe to his own hand, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +It would have urged them back along the road<br /> + Whence they were dragged, as soon as they were free;<br /> + But such a solid will is all too rare. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And by these words, if thou hast gathered them<br /> + As thou shouldst do, the argument is refuted<br /> + That would have still annoyed thee many times. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But now another passage runs across<br /> + Before thine eyes, and such that by thyself<br /> + Thou couldst not thread it ere thou wouldst be weary. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I have for certain put into thy mind<br /> + That soul beatified could never lie,<br /> + For it is near the primal Truth, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And then thou from Piccarda might’st have heard<br /> + Costanza kept affection for the veil,<br /> + So that she seemeth here to contradict me. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Many times, brother, has it come to pass,<br /> + That, to escape from peril, with reluctance<br /> + That has been done it was not right to do, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +E’en as Alcmaeon (who, being by his father<br /> + Thereto entreated, his own mother slew)<br /> + Not to lose pity pitiless became. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +At this point I desire thee to remember<br /> + That force with will commingles, and they cause<br /> + That the offences cannot be excused. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Will absolute consenteth not to evil;<br /> + But in so far consenteth as it fears,<br /> + If it refrain, to fall into more harm. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Hence when Piccarda uses this expression,<br /> + She meaneth the will absolute, and I<br /> + The other, so that both of us speak truth.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Such was the flowing of the holy river<br /> + That issued from the fount whence springs all truth;<br /> + This put to rest my wishes one and all. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“O love of the first lover, O divine,”<br /> + Said I forthwith, “whose speech inundates me<br /> + And warms me so, it more and more revives me, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +My own affection is not so profound<br /> + As to suffice in rendering grace for grace;<br /> + Let Him, who sees and can, thereto respond. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Well I perceive that never sated is<br /> + Our intellect unless the Truth illume it,<br /> + Beyond which nothing true expands itself. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +It rests therein, as wild beast in his lair,<br /> + When it attains it; and it can attain it;<br /> + If not, then each desire would frustrate be. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Therefore springs up, in fashion of a shoot,<br /> + Doubt at the foot of truth; and this is nature,<br /> + Which to the top from height to height impels us. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +This doth invite me, this assurance give me<br /> + With reverence, Lady, to inquire of you<br /> + Another truth, which is obscure to me. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I wish to know if man can satisfy you<br /> + For broken vows with other good deeds, so<br /> + That in your balance they will not be light.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Beatrice gazed upon me with her eyes<br /> + Full of the sparks of love, and so divine,<br /> + That, overcome my power, I turned my back +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And almost lost myself with eyes downcast. +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="CantoIII.V"></a>Paradiso: Canto V</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +“If in the heat of love I flame upon thee<br /> + Beyond the measure that on earth is seen,<br /> + So that the valour of thine eyes I vanquish, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Marvel thou not thereat; for this proceeds<br /> + From perfect sight, which as it apprehends<br /> + To the good apprehended moves its feet. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Well I perceive how is already shining<br /> + Into thine intellect the eternal light,<br /> + That only seen enkindles always love; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And if some other thing your love seduce,<br /> + ’Tis nothing but a vestige of the same,<br /> + Ill understood, which there is shining through. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thou fain wouldst know if with another service<br /> + For broken vow can such return be made<br /> + As to secure the soul from further claim.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +This Canto thus did Beatrice begin;<br /> + And, as a man who breaks not off his speech,<br /> + Continued thus her holy argument: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“The greatest gift that in his largess God<br /> + Creating made, and unto his own goodness<br /> + Nearest conformed, and that which he doth prize +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Most highly, is the freedom of the will,<br /> + Wherewith the creatures of intelligence<br /> + Both all and only were and are endowed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Now wilt thou see, if thence thou reasonest,<br /> + The high worth of a vow, if it he made<br /> + So that when thou consentest God consents: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +For, closing between God and man the compact,<br /> + A sacrifice is of this treasure made,<br /> + Such as I say, and made by its own act. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +What can be rendered then as compensation?<br /> + Think’st thou to make good use of what thou’st offered,<br /> + With gains ill gotten thou wouldst do good deed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Now art thou certain of the greater point;<br /> + But because Holy Church in this dispenses,<br /> + Which seems against the truth which I have shown thee, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Behoves thee still to sit awhile at table,<br /> + Because the solid food which thou hast taken<br /> + Requireth further aid for thy digestion. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Open thy mind to that which I reveal,<br /> + And fix it there within; for ’tis not knowledge,<br /> + The having heard without retaining it. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +In the essence of this sacrifice two things<br /> + Convene together; and the one is that<br /> + Of which ’tis made, the other is the agreement. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +This last for evermore is cancelled not<br /> + Unless complied with, and concerning this<br /> + With such precision has above been spoken. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Therefore it was enjoined upon the Hebrews<br /> + To offer still, though sometimes what was offered<br /> + Might be commuted, as thou ought’st to know. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The other, which is known to thee as matter,<br /> + May well indeed be such that one errs not<br /> + If it for other matter be exchanged. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But let none shift the burden on his shoulder<br /> + At his arbitrament, without the turning<br /> + Both of the white and of the yellow key; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And every permutation deem as foolish,<br /> + If in the substitute the thing relinquished,<br /> + As the four is in six, be not contained. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Therefore whatever thing has so great weight<br /> + In value that it drags down every balance,<br /> + Cannot be satisfied with other spending. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Let mortals never take a vow in jest;<br /> + Be faithful and not blind in doing that,<br /> + As Jephthah was in his first offering, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Whom more beseemed to say, ‘I have done wrong,<br /> + Than to do worse by keeping; and as foolish<br /> + Thou the great leader of the Greeks wilt find, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Whence wept Iphigenia her fair face,<br /> + And made for her both wise and simple weep,<br /> + Who heard such kind of worship spoken of.’ +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Christians, be ye more serious in your movements;<br /> + Be ye not like a feather at each wind,<br /> + And think not every water washes you. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Ye have the Old and the New Testament,<br /> + And the Pastor of the Church who guideth you<br /> + Let this suffice you unto your salvation. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +If evil appetite cry aught else to you,<br /> + Be ye as men, and not as silly sheep,<br /> + So that the Jew among you may not mock you. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Be ye not as the lamb that doth abandon<br /> + Its mother’s milk, and frolicsome and simple<br /> + Combats at its own pleasure with itself.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thus Beatrice to me even as I write it;<br /> + Then all desireful turned herself again<br /> + To that part where the world is most alive. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Her silence and her change of countenance<br /> + Silence imposed upon my eager mind,<br /> + That had already in advance new questions; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And as an arrow that upon the mark<br /> + Strikes ere the bowstring quiet hath become,<br /> + So did we speed into the second realm. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +My Lady there so joyful I beheld,<br /> + As into the brightness of that heaven she entered,<br /> + More luminous thereat the planet grew; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And if the star itself was changed and smiled,<br /> + What became I, who by my nature am<br /> + Exceeding mutable in every guise! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +As, in a fish-pond which is pure and tranquil,<br /> + The fishes draw to that which from without<br /> + Comes in such fashion that their food they deem it; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So I beheld more than a thousand splendours<br /> + Drawing towards us, and in each was heard:<br /> + “Lo, this is she who shall increase our love.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And as each one was coming unto us,<br /> + Full of beatitude the shade was seen,<br /> + By the effulgence clear that issued from it. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Think, Reader, if what here is just beginning<br /> + No farther should proceed, how thou wouldst have<br /> + An agonizing need of knowing more; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And of thyself thou’lt see how I from these<br /> + Was in desire of hearing their conditions,<br /> + As they unto mine eyes were manifest. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“O thou well-born, unto whom Grace concedes<br /> + To see the thrones of the eternal triumph,<br /> + Or ever yet the warfare be abandoned +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +With light that through the whole of heaven is spread<br /> + Kindled are we, and hence if thou desirest<br /> + To know of us, at thine own pleasure sate thee.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thus by some one among those holy spirits<br /> + Was spoken, and by Beatrice: “Speak, speak<br /> + Securely, and believe them even as Gods.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“Well I perceive how thou dost nest thyself<br /> + In thine own light, and drawest it from thine eyes,<br /> + Because they coruscate when thou dost smile, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But know not who thou art, nor why thou hast,<br /> + Spirit august, thy station in the sphere<br /> + That veils itself to men in alien rays.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +This said I in direction of the light<br /> + Which first had spoken to me; whence it became<br /> + By far more lucent than it was before. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Even as the sun, that doth conceal himself<br /> + By too much light, when heat has worn away<br /> + The tempering influence of the vapours dense, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +By greater rapture thus concealed itself<br /> + In its own radiance the figure saintly,<br /> + And thus close, close enfolded answered me +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +In fashion as the following Canto sings. +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="CantoIII.VI"></a>Paradiso: Canto VI</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +“After that Constantine the eagle turned<br /> + Against the course of heaven, which it had followed<br /> + Behind the ancient who Lavinia took, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Two hundred years and more the bird of God<br /> + In the extreme of Europe held itself,<br /> + Near to the mountains whence it issued first; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And under shadow of the sacred plumes<br /> + It governed there the world from hand to hand,<br /> + And, changing thus, upon mine own alighted. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Caesar I was, and am Justinian,<br /> + Who, by the will of primal Love I feel,<br /> + Took from the laws the useless and redundant; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And ere unto the work I was attent,<br /> + One nature to exist in Christ, not more,<br /> + Believed, and with such faith was I contented. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But blessed Agapetus, he who was<br /> + The supreme pastor, to the faith sincere<br /> + Pointed me out the way by words of his. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Him I believed, and what was his assertion<br /> + I now see clearly, even as thou seest<br /> + Each contradiction to be false and true. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +As soon as with the Church I moved my feet,<br /> + God in his grace it pleased with this high task<br /> + To inspire me, and I gave me wholly to it, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And to my Belisarius I commended<br /> + The arms, to which was heaven’s right hand so joined<br /> + It was a signal that I should repose. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Now here to the first question terminates<br /> + My answer; but the character thereof<br /> + Constrains me to continue with a sequel, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +In order that thou see with how great reason<br /> + Men move against the standard sacrosanct,<br /> + Both who appropriate and who oppose it. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Behold how great a power has made it worthy<br /> + Of reverence, beginning from the hour<br /> + When Pallas died to give it sovereignty. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thou knowest it made in Alba its abode<br /> + Three hundred years and upward, till at last<br /> + The three to three fought for it yet again. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thou knowest what it achieved from Sabine wrong<br /> + Down to Lucretia’s sorrow, in seven kings<br /> + O’ercoming round about the neighboring nations; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thou knowest what it achieved, borne by the Romans<br /> + Illustrious against Brennus, against Pyrrhus,<br /> + Against the other princes and confederates. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Torquatus thence and Quinctius, who from locks<br /> + Unkempt was named, Decii and Fabii,<br /> + Received the fame I willingly embalm; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +It struck to earth the pride of the Arabians,<br /> + Who, following Hannibal, had passed across<br /> + The Alpine ridges, Po, from which thou glidest; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Beneath it triumphed while they yet were young<br /> + Pompey and Scipio, and to the hill<br /> + Beneath which thou wast born it bitter seemed; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Then, near unto the time when heaven had willed<br /> + To bring the whole world to its mood serene,<br /> + Did Caesar by the will of Rome assume it. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +What it achieved from Var unto the Rhine,<br /> + Isere beheld and Saone, beheld the Seine,<br /> + And every valley whence the Rhone is filled; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +What it achieved when it had left Ravenna,<br /> + And leaped the Rubicon, was such a flight<br /> + That neither tongue nor pen could follow it. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Round towards Spain it wheeled its legions; then<br /> + Towards Durazzo, and Pharsalia smote<br /> + That to the calid Nile was felt the pain. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Antandros and the Simois, whence it started,<br /> + It saw again, and there where Hector lies,<br /> + And ill for Ptolemy then roused itself. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +From thence it came like lightning upon Juba;<br /> + Then wheeled itself again into your West,<br /> + Where the Pompeian clarion it heard. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +From what it wrought with the next standard-bearer<br /> + Brutus and Cassius howl in Hell together,<br /> + And Modena and Perugia dolent were; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Still doth the mournful Cleopatra weep<br /> + Because thereof, who, fleeing from before it,<br /> + Took from the adder sudden and black death. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +With him it ran even to the Red Sea shore;<br /> + With him it placed the world in so great peace,<br /> + That unto Janus was his temple closed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But what the standard that has made me speak<br /> + Achieved before, and after should achieve<br /> + Throughout the mortal realm that lies beneath it, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Becometh in appearance mean and dim,<br /> + If in the hand of the third Caesar seen<br /> + With eye unclouded and affection pure, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Because the living Justice that inspires me<br /> + Granted it, in the hand of him I speak of,<br /> + The glory of doing vengeance for its wrath. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Now here attend to what I answer thee;<br /> + Later it ran with Titus to do vengeance<br /> + Upon the vengeance of the ancient sin. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And when the tooth of Lombardy had bitten<br /> + The Holy Church, then underneath its wings<br /> + Did Charlemagne victorious succor her. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Now hast thou power to judge of such as those<br /> + Whom I accused above, and of their crimes,<br /> + Which are the cause of all your miseries. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +To the public standard one the yellow lilies<br /> + Opposes, the other claims it for a party,<br /> + So that ’tis hard to see which sins the most. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Let, let the Ghibellines ply their handicraft<br /> + Beneath some other standard; for this ever<br /> + Ill follows he who it and justice parts. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And let not this new Charles e’er strike it down,<br /> + He and his Guelfs, but let him fear the talons<br /> + That from a nobler lion stripped the fell. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Already oftentimes the sons have wept<br /> + The father’s crime; and let him not believe<br /> + That God will change His scutcheon for the lilies. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +This little planet doth adorn itself<br /> + With the good spirits that have active been,<br /> + That fame and honour might come after them; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And whensoever the desires mount thither,<br /> + Thus deviating, must perforce the rays<br /> + Of the true love less vividly mount upward. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But in commensuration of our wages<br /> + With our desert is portion of our joy,<br /> + Because we see them neither less nor greater. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Herein doth living Justice sweeten so<br /> + Affection in us, that for evermore<br /> + It cannot warp to any iniquity. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Voices diverse make up sweet melodies;<br /> + So in this life of ours the seats diverse<br /> + Render sweet harmony among these spheres; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And in the compass of this present pearl<br /> + Shineth the sheen of Romeo, of whom<br /> + The grand and beauteous work was ill rewarded. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But the Provencals who against him wrought,<br /> + They have not laughed, and therefore ill goes he<br /> + Who makes his hurt of the good deeds of others. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Four daughters, and each one of them a queen,<br /> + Had Raymond Berenger, and this for him<br /> + Did Romeo, a poor man and a pilgrim; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And then malicious words incited him<br /> + To summon to a reckoning this just man,<br /> + Who rendered to him seven and five for ten. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Then he departed poor and stricken in years,<br /> + And if the world could know the heart he had,<br /> + In begging bit by bit his livelihood, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Though much it laud him, it would laud him more.” +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="CantoIII.VII"></a>Paradiso: Canto VII</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +“Osanna sanctus Deus Sabaoth,<br /> + Superillustrans claritate tua<br /> + Felices ignes horum malahoth!” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +In this wise, to his melody returning,<br /> + This substance, upon which a double light<br /> + Doubles itself, was seen by me to sing, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And to their dance this and the others moved,<br /> + And in the manner of swift-hurrying sparks<br /> + Veiled themselves from me with a sudden distance. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Doubting was I, and saying, “Tell her, tell her,”<br /> + Within me, “tell her,” saying, “tell my Lady,”<br /> + Who slakes my thirst with her sweet effluences; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And yet that reverence which doth lord it over<br /> + The whole of me only by B and ICE,<br /> + Bowed me again like unto one who drowses. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Short while did Beatrice endure me thus;<br /> + And she began, lighting me with a smile<br /> + Such as would make one happy in the fire: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“According to infallible advisement,<br /> + After what manner a just vengeance justly<br /> + Could be avenged has put thee upon thinking, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But I will speedily thy mind unloose;<br /> + And do thou listen, for these words of mine<br /> + Of a great doctrine will a present make thee. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +By not enduring on the power that wills<br /> + Curb for his good, that man who ne’er was born,<br /> + Damning himself damned all his progeny; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Whereby the human species down below<br /> + Lay sick for many centuries in great error,<br /> + Till to descend it pleased the Word of God +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +To where the nature, which from its own Maker<br /> + Estranged itself, he joined to him in person<br /> + By the sole act of his eternal love. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Now unto what is said direct thy sight;<br /> + This nature when united to its Maker,<br /> + Such as created, was sincere and good; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But by itself alone was banished forth<br /> + From Paradise, because it turned aside<br /> + Out of the way of truth and of its life. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Therefore the penalty the cross held out,<br /> + If measured by the nature thus assumed,<br /> + None ever yet with so great justice stung, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And none was ever of so great injustice,<br /> + Considering who the Person was that suffered,<br /> + Within whom such a nature was contracted. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +From one act therefore issued things diverse;<br /> + To God and to the Jews one death was pleasing;<br /> + Earth trembled at it and the Heaven was opened. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +It should no longer now seem difficult<br /> + To thee, when it is said that a just vengeance<br /> + By a just court was afterward avenged. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But now do I behold thy mind entangled<br /> + From thought to thought within a knot, from which<br /> + With great desire it waits to free itself. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thou sayest, ‘Well discern I what I hear;<br /> + But it is hidden from me why God willed<br /> + For our redemption only this one mode.’ +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Buried remaineth, brother, this decree<br /> + Unto the eyes of every one whose nature<br /> + Is in the flame of love not yet adult. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Verily, inasmuch as at this mark<br /> + One gazes long and little is discerned,<br /> + Wherefore this mode was worthiest will I say. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Goodness Divine, which from itself doth spurn<br /> + All envy, burning in itself so sparkles<br /> + That the eternal beauties it unfolds. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Whate’er from this immediately distils<br /> + Has afterwards no end, for ne’er removed<br /> + Is its impression when it sets its seal. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Whate’er from this immediately rains down<br /> + Is wholly free, because it is not subject<br /> + Unto the influences of novel things. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The more conformed thereto, the more it pleases;<br /> + For the blest ardour that irradiates all things<br /> + In that most like itself is most vivacious. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +With all of these things has advantaged been<br /> + The human creature; and if one be wanting,<br /> + From his nobility he needs must fall. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +’Tis sin alone which doth disfranchise him,<br /> + And render him unlike the Good Supreme,<br /> + So that he little with its light is blanched, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And to his dignity no more returns,<br /> + Unless he fill up where transgression empties<br /> + With righteous pains for criminal delights. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Your nature when it sinned so utterly<br /> + In its own seed, out of these dignities<br /> + Even as out of Paradise was driven, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Nor could itself recover, if thou notest<br /> + With nicest subtilty, by any way,<br /> + Except by passing one of these two fords: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Either that God through clemency alone<br /> + Had pardon granted, or that man himself<br /> + Had satisfaction for his folly made. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Fix now thine eye deep into the abyss<br /> + Of the eternal counsel, to my speech<br /> + As far as may be fastened steadfastly! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Man in his limitations had not power<br /> + To satisfy, not having power to sink<br /> + In his humility obeying then, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Far as he disobeying thought to rise;<br /> + And for this reason man has been from power<br /> + Of satisfying by himself excluded. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Therefore it God behoved in his own ways<br /> + Man to restore unto his perfect life,<br /> + I say in one, or else in both of them. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But since the action of the doer is<br /> + So much more grateful, as it more presents<br /> + The goodness of the heart from which it issues, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Goodness Divine, that doth imprint the world,<br /> + Has been contented to proceed by each<br /> + And all its ways to lift you up again; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Nor ’twixt the first day and the final night<br /> + Such high and such magnificent proceeding<br /> + By one or by the other was or shall be; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +For God more bounteous was himself to give<br /> + To make man able to uplift himself,<br /> + Than if he only of himself had pardoned; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And all the other modes were insufficient<br /> + For justice, were it not the Son of God<br /> + Himself had humbled to become incarnate. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Now, to fill fully each desire of thine,<br /> + Return I to elucidate one place,<br /> + In order that thou there mayst see as I do. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thou sayst: ‘I see the air, I see the fire,<br /> + The water, and the earth, and all their mixtures<br /> + Come to corruption, and short while endure; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And these things notwithstanding were created;’<br /> + Therefore if that which I have said were true,<br /> + They should have been secure against corruption. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The Angels, brother, and the land sincere<br /> + In which thou art, created may be called<br /> + Just as they are in their entire existence; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But all the elements which thou hast named,<br /> + And all those things which out of them are made,<br /> + By a created virtue are informed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Created was the matter which they have;<br /> + Created was the informing influence<br /> + Within these stars that round about them go. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The soul of every brute and of the plants<br /> + By its potential temperament attracts<br /> + The ray and motion of the holy lights; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But your own life immediately inspires<br /> + Supreme Beneficence, and enamours it<br /> + So with herself, it evermore desires her. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And thou from this mayst argue furthermore<br /> + Your resurrection, if thou think again<br /> + How human flesh was fashioned at that time +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +When the first parents both of them were made.” +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="CantoIII.VIII"></a>Paradiso: Canto VIII</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +The world used in its peril to believe<br /> + That the fair Cypria delirious love<br /> + Rayed out, in the third epicycle turning; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Wherefore not only unto her paid honour<br /> + Of sacrifices and of votive cry<br /> + The ancient nations in the ancient error, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But both Dione honoured they and Cupid,<br /> + That as her mother, this one as her son,<br /> + And said that he had sat in Dido’s lap; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And they from her, whence I beginning take,<br /> + Took the denomination of the star<br /> + That woos the sun, now following, now in front. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I was not ware of our ascending to it;<br /> + But of our being in it gave full faith<br /> + My Lady whom I saw more beauteous grow. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And as within a flame a spark is seen,<br /> + And as within a voice a voice discerned,<br /> + When one is steadfast, and one comes and goes, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Within that light beheld I other lamps<br /> + Move in a circle, speeding more and less,<br /> + Methinks in measure of their inward vision. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +From a cold cloud descended never winds,<br /> + Or visible or not, so rapidly<br /> + They would not laggard and impeded seem +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +To any one who had those lights divine<br /> + Seen come towards us, leaving the gyration<br /> + Begun at first in the high Seraphim. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And behind those that most in front appeared<br /> + Sounded “Osanna!” so that never since<br /> + To hear again was I without desire. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Then unto us more nearly one approached,<br /> + And it alone began: “We all are ready<br /> + Unto thy pleasure, that thou joy in us. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +We turn around with the celestial Princes,<br /> + One gyre and one gyration and one thirst,<br /> + To whom thou in the world of old didst say, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +‘Ye who, intelligent, the third heaven are moving;’<br /> + And are so full of love, to pleasure thee<br /> + A little quiet will not be less sweet.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +After these eyes of mine themselves had offered<br /> + Unto my Lady reverently, and she<br /> + Content and certain of herself had made them, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Back to the light they turned, which so great promise<br /> + Made of itself, and “Say, who art thou?” was<br /> + My voice, imprinted with a great affection. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +O how and how much I beheld it grow<br /> + With the new joy that superadded was<br /> + Unto its joys, as soon as I had spoken! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thus changed, it said to me: “The world possessed me<br /> + Short time below; and, if it had been more,<br /> + Much evil will be which would not have been. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +My gladness keepeth me concealed from thee,<br /> + Which rayeth round about me, and doth hide me<br /> + Like as a creature swathed in its own silk. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Much didst thou love me, and thou hadst good reason;<br /> + For had I been below, I should have shown thee<br /> + Somewhat beyond the foliage of my love. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +That left-hand margin, which doth bathe itself<br /> + In Rhone, when it is mingled with the Sorgue,<br /> + Me for its lord awaited in due time, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And that horn of Ausonia, which is towned<br /> + With Bari, with Gaeta and Catona,<br /> + Whence Tronto and Verde in the sea disgorge. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Already flashed upon my brow the crown<br /> + Of that dominion which the Danube waters<br /> + After the German borders it abandons; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And beautiful Trinacria, that is murky<br /> + ’Twixt Pachino and Peloro, (on the gulf<br /> + Which greatest scath from Eurus doth receive,) +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Not through Typhoeus, but through nascent sulphur,<br /> + Would have awaited her own monarchs still,<br /> + Through me from Charles descended and from Rudolph, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +If evil lordship, that exasperates ever<br /> + The subject populations, had not moved<br /> + Palermo to the outcry of ‘Death! death!’ +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And if my brother could but this foresee,<br /> + The greedy poverty of Catalonia<br /> + Straight would he flee, that it might not molest him; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +For verily ’tis needful to provide,<br /> + Through him or other, so that on his bark<br /> + Already freighted no more freight be placed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +His nature, which from liberal covetous<br /> + Descended, such a soldiery would need<br /> + As should not care for hoarding in a chest.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“Because I do believe the lofty joy<br /> + Thy speech infuses into me, my Lord,<br /> + Where every good thing doth begin and end +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thou seest as I see it, the more grateful<br /> + Is it to me; and this too hold I dear,<br /> + That gazing upon God thou dost discern it. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Glad hast thou made me; so make clear to me,<br /> + Since speaking thou hast stirred me up to doubt,<br /> + How from sweet seed can bitter issue forth.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +This I to him; and he to me: “If I<br /> + Can show to thee a truth, to what thou askest<br /> + Thy face thou’lt hold as thou dost hold thy back. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The Good which all the realm thou art ascending<br /> + Turns and contents, maketh its providence<br /> + To be a power within these bodies vast; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And not alone the natures are foreseen<br /> + Within the mind that in itself is perfect,<br /> + But they together with their preservation. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +For whatsoever thing this bow shoots forth<br /> + Falls foreordained unto an end foreseen,<br /> + Even as a shaft directed to its mark. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +If that were not, the heaven which thou dost walk<br /> + Would in such manner its effects produce,<br /> + That they no longer would be arts, but ruins. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +This cannot be, if the Intelligences<br /> + That keep these stars in motion are not maimed,<br /> + And maimed the First that has not made them perfect. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Wilt thou this truth have clearer made to thee?”<br /> + And I: “Not so; for ’tis impossible<br /> + That nature tire, I see, in what is needful.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Whence he again: “Now say, would it be worse<br /> + For men on earth were they not citizens?”<br /> + “Yes,” I replied; “and here I ask no reason.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“And can they be so, if below they live not<br /> + Diversely unto offices diverse?<br /> + No, if your master writeth well for you.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So came he with deductions to this point;<br /> + Then he concluded: “Therefore it behoves<br /> + The roots of your effects to be diverse. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Hence one is Solon born, another Xerxes,<br /> + Another Melchisedec, and another he<br /> + Who, flying through the air, his son did lose. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Revolving Nature, which a signet is<br /> + To mortal wax, doth practise well her art,<br /> + But not one inn distinguish from another; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thence happens it that Esau differeth<br /> + In seed from Jacob; and Quirinus comes<br /> + From sire so vile that he is given to Mars. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +A generated nature its own way<br /> + Would always make like its progenitors,<br /> + If Providence divine were not triumphant. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Now that which was behind thee is before thee;<br /> + But that thou know that I with thee am pleased,<br /> + With a corollary will I mantle thee. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Evermore nature, if it fortune find<br /> + Discordant to it, like each other seed<br /> + Out of its region, maketh evil thrift; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And if the world below would fix its mind<br /> + On the foundation which is laid by nature,<br /> + Pursuing that, ’twould have the people good. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But you unto religion wrench aside<br /> + Him who was born to gird him with the sword,<br /> + And make a king of him who is for sermons; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Therefore your footsteps wander from the road.” +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="CantoIII.IX"></a>Paradiso: Canto IX</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +Beautiful Clemence, after that thy Charles<br /> + Had me enlightened, he narrated to me<br /> + The treacheries his seed should undergo; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But said: “Be still and let the years roll round;”<br /> + So I can only say, that lamentation<br /> + Legitimate shall follow on your wrongs. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And of that holy light the life already<br /> + Had to the Sun which fills it turned again,<br /> + As to that good which for each thing sufficeth. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Ah, souls deceived, and creatures impious,<br /> + Who from such good do turn away your hearts,<br /> + Directing upon vanity your foreheads! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And now, behold, another of those splendours<br /> + Approached me, and its will to pleasure me<br /> + It signified by brightening outwardly. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The eyes of Beatrice, that fastened were<br /> + Upon me, as before, of dear assent<br /> + To my desire assurance gave to me. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“Ah, bring swift compensation to my wish,<br /> + Thou blessed spirit,” I said, “and give me proof<br /> + That what I think in thee I can reflect!” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Whereat the light, that still was new to me,<br /> + Out of its depths, whence it before was singing,<br /> + As one delighted to do good, continued: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“Within that region of the land depraved<br /> + Of Italy, that lies between Rialto<br /> + And fountain-heads of Brenta and of Piava, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Rises a hill, and mounts not very high,<br /> + Wherefrom descended formerly a torch<br /> + That made upon that region great assault. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Out of one root were born both I and it;<br /> + Cunizza was I called, and here I shine<br /> + Because the splendour of this star o’ercame me. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But gladly to myself the cause I pardon<br /> + Of my allotment, and it does not grieve me;<br /> + Which would perhaps seem strong unto your vulgar. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Of this so luculent and precious jewel,<br /> + Which of our heaven is nearest unto me,<br /> + Great fame remained; and ere it die away +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +This hundredth year shall yet quintupled be.<br /> + See if man ought to make him excellent,<br /> + So that another life the first may leave! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And thus thinks not the present multitude<br /> + Shut in by Adige and Tagliamento,<br /> + Nor yet for being scourged is penitent. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But soon ’twill be that Padua in the marsh<br /> + Will change the water that Vicenza bathes,<br /> + Because the folk are stubborn against duty; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And where the Sile and Cagnano join<br /> + One lordeth it, and goes with lofty head,<br /> + For catching whom e’en now the net is making. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Feltro moreover of her impious pastor<br /> + Shall weep the crime, which shall so monstrous be<br /> + That for the like none ever entered Malta. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Ample exceedingly would be the vat<br /> + That of the Ferrarese could hold the blood,<br /> + And weary who should weigh it ounce by ounce, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Of which this courteous priest shall make a gift<br /> + To show himself a partisan; and such gifts<br /> + Will to the living of the land conform. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Above us there are mirrors, Thrones you call them,<br /> + From which shines out on us God Judicant,<br /> + So that this utterance seems good to us.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Here it was silent, and it had the semblance<br /> + Of being turned elsewhither, by the wheel<br /> + On which it entered as it was before. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The other joy, already known to me,<br /> + Became a thing transplendent in my sight,<br /> + As a fine ruby smitten by the sun. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Through joy effulgence is acquired above,<br /> + As here a smile; but down below, the shade<br /> + Outwardly darkens, as the mind is sad. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“God seeth all things, and in Him, blest spirit,<br /> + Thy sight is,” said I, “so that never will<br /> + Of his can possibly from thee be hidden; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thy voice, then, that for ever makes the heavens<br /> + Glad, with the singing of those holy fires<br /> + Which of their six wings make themselves a cowl, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Wherefore does it not satisfy my longings?<br /> + Indeed, I would not wait thy questioning<br /> + If I in thee were as thou art in me.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“The greatest of the valleys where the water<br /> + Expands itself,” forthwith its words began,<br /> + “That sea excepted which the earth engarlands, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Between discordant shores against the sun<br /> + Extends so far, that it meridian makes<br /> + Where it was wont before to make the horizon. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I was a dweller on that valley’s shore<br /> + ’Twixt Ebro and Magra that with journey short<br /> + Doth from the Tuscan part the Genoese. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +With the same sunset and same sunrise nearly<br /> + Sit Buggia and the city whence I was,<br /> + That with its blood once made the harbour hot. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Folco that people called me unto whom<br /> + My name was known; and now with me this heaven<br /> + Imprints itself, as I did once with it; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +For more the daughter of Belus never burned,<br /> + Offending both Sichaeus and Creusa,<br /> + Than I, so long as it became my locks, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Nor yet that Rodophean, who deluded<br /> + was by Demophoon, nor yet Alcides,<br /> + When Iole he in his heart had locked. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Yet here is no repenting, but we smile,<br /> + Not at the fault, which comes not back to mind,<br /> + But at the power which ordered and foresaw. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Here we behold the art that doth adorn<br /> + With such affection, and the good discover<br /> + Whereby the world above turns that below. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But that thou wholly satisfied mayst bear<br /> + Thy wishes hence which in this sphere are born,<br /> + Still farther to proceed behoveth me. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thou fain wouldst know who is within this light<br /> + That here beside me thus is scintillating,<br /> + Even as a sunbeam in the limpid water. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Then know thou, that within there is at rest<br /> + Rahab, and being to our order joined,<br /> + With her in its supremest grade ’tis sealed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Into this heaven, where ends the shadowy cone<br /> + Cast by your world, before all other souls<br /> + First of Christ’s triumph was she taken up. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Full meet it was to leave her in some heaven,<br /> + Even as a palm of the high victory<br /> + Which he acquired with one palm and the other, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Because she favoured the first glorious deed<br /> + Of Joshua upon the Holy Land,<br /> + That little stirs the memory of the Pope. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thy city, which an offshoot is of him<br /> + Who first upon his Maker turned his back,<br /> + And whose ambition is so sorely wept, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Brings forth and scatters the accursed flower<br /> + Which both the sheep and lambs hath led astray<br /> + Since it has turned the shepherd to a wolf. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +For this the Evangel and the mighty Doctors<br /> + Are derelict, and only the Decretals<br /> + So studied that it shows upon their margins. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +On this are Pope and Cardinals intent;<br /> + Their meditations reach not Nazareth,<br /> + There where his pinions Gabriel unfolded; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But Vatican and the other parts elect<br /> + Of Rome, which have a cemetery been<br /> + Unto the soldiery that followed Peter +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Shall soon be free from this adultery.” +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="CantoIII.X"></a>Paradiso: Canto X</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +Looking into his Son with all the Love<br /> + Which each of them eternally breathes forth,<br /> + The Primal and unutterable Power +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Whate’er before the mind or eye revolves<br /> + With so much order made, there can be none<br /> + Who this beholds without enjoying Him. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Lift up then, Reader, to the lofty wheels<br /> + With me thy vision straight unto that part<br /> + Where the one motion on the other strikes, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And there begin to contemplate with joy<br /> + That Master’s art, who in himself so loves it<br /> + That never doth his eye depart therefrom. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Behold how from that point goes branching off<br /> + The oblique circle, which conveys the planets,<br /> + To satisfy the world that calls upon them; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And if their pathway were not thus inflected,<br /> + Much virtue in the heavens would be in vain,<br /> + And almost every power below here dead. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +If from the straight line distant more or less<br /> + Were the departure, much would wanting be<br /> + Above and underneath of mundane order. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Remain now, Reader, still upon thy bench,<br /> + In thought pursuing that which is foretasted,<br /> + If thou wouldst jocund be instead of weary. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I’ve set before thee; henceforth feed thyself,<br /> + For to itself diverteth all my care<br /> + That theme whereof I have been made the scribe. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The greatest of the ministers of nature,<br /> + Who with the power of heaven the world imprints<br /> + And measures with his light the time for us, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +With that part which above is called to mind<br /> + Conjoined, along the spirals was revolving,<br /> + Where each time earlier he presents himself; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And I was with him; but of the ascending<br /> + I was not conscious, saving as a man<br /> + Of a first thought is conscious ere it come; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And Beatrice, she who is seen to pass<br /> + From good to better, and so suddenly<br /> + That not by time her action is expressed, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +How lucent in herself must she have been!<br /> + And what was in the sun, wherein I entered,<br /> + Apparent not by colour but by light, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I, though I call on genius, art, and practice,<br /> + Cannot so tell that it could be imagined;<br /> + Believe one can, and let him long to see it. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And if our fantasies too lowly are<br /> + For altitude so great, it is no marvel,<br /> + Since o’er the sun was never eye could go. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Such in this place was the fourth family<br /> + Of the high Father, who forever sates it,<br /> + Showing how he breathes forth and how begets. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And Beatrice began: “Give thanks, give thanks<br /> + Unto the Sun of Angels, who to this<br /> + Sensible one has raised thee by his grace!” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Never was heart of mortal so disposed<br /> + To worship, nor to give itself to God<br /> + With all its gratitude was it so ready, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +As at those words did I myself become;<br /> + And all my love was so absorbed in Him,<br /> + That in oblivion Beatrice was eclipsed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Nor this displeased her; but she smiled at it<br /> + So that the splendour of her laughing eyes<br /> + My single mind on many things divided. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Lights many saw I, vivid and triumphant,<br /> + Make us a centre and themselves a circle,<br /> + More sweet in voice than luminous in aspect. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thus girt about the daughter of Latona<br /> + We sometimes see, when pregnant is the air,<br /> + So that it holds the thread which makes her zone. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Within the court of Heaven, whence I return,<br /> + Are many jewels found, so fair and precious<br /> + They cannot be transported from the realm; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And of them was the singing of those lights.<br /> + Who takes not wings that he may fly up thither,<br /> + The tidings thence may from the dumb await! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +As soon as singing thus those burning suns<br /> + Had round about us whirled themselves three times,<br /> + Like unto stars neighbouring the steadfast poles, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Ladies they seemed, not from the dance released,<br /> + But who stop short, in silence listening<br /> + Till they have gathered the new melody. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And within one I heard beginning: “When<br /> + The radiance of grace, by which is kindled<br /> + True love, and which thereafter grows by loving, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Within thee multiplied is so resplendent<br /> + That it conducts thee upward by that stair,<br /> + Where without reascending none descends, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Who should deny the wine out of his vial<br /> + Unto thy thirst, in liberty were not<br /> + Except as water which descends not seaward. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Fain wouldst thou know with what plants is enflowered<br /> + This garland that encircles with delight<br /> + The Lady fair who makes thee strong for heaven. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Of the lambs was I of the holy flock<br /> + Which Dominic conducteth by a road<br /> + Where well one fattens if he strayeth not. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +He who is nearest to me on the right<br /> + My brother and master was; and he Albertus<br /> + Is of Cologne, I Thomas of Aquinum. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +If thou of all the others wouldst be certain,<br /> + Follow behind my speaking with thy sight<br /> + Upward along the blessed garland turning. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +That next effulgence issues from the smile<br /> + Of Gratian, who assisted both the courts<br /> + In such wise that it pleased in Paradise. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The other which near by adorns our choir<br /> + That Peter was who, e’en as the poor widow,<br /> + Offered his treasure unto Holy Church. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The fifth light, that among us is the fairest,<br /> + Breathes forth from such a love, that all the world<br /> + Below is greedy to learn tidings of it. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Within it is the lofty mind, where knowledge<br /> + So deep was put, that, if the true be true,<br /> + To see so much there never rose a second. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thou seest next the lustre of that taper,<br /> + Which in the flesh below looked most within<br /> + The angelic nature and its ministry. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Within that other little light is smiling<br /> + The advocate of the Christian centuries,<br /> + Out of whose rhetoric Augustine was furnished. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Now if thou trainest thy mind’s eye along<br /> + From light to light pursuant of my praise,<br /> + With thirst already of the eighth thou waitest. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +By seeing every good therein exults<br /> + The sainted soul, which the fallacious world<br /> + Makes manifest to him who listeneth well; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The body whence ’twas hunted forth is lying<br /> + Down in Cieldauro, and from martyrdom<br /> + And banishment it came unto this peace. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +See farther onward flame the burning breath<br /> + Of Isidore, of Beda, and of Richard<br /> + Who was in contemplation more than man. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +This, whence to me returneth thy regard,<br /> + The light is of a spirit unto whom<br /> + In his grave meditations death seemed slow. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +It is the light eternal of Sigier,<br /> + Who, reading lectures in the Street of Straw,<br /> + Did syllogize invidious verities.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Then, as a horologe that calleth us<br /> + What time the Bride of God is rising up<br /> + With matins to her Spouse that he may love her, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Wherein one part the other draws and urges,<br /> + Ting! ting! resounding with so sweet a note,<br /> + That swells with love the spirit well disposed, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thus I beheld the glorious wheel move round,<br /> + And render voice to voice, in modulation<br /> + And sweetness that can not be comprehended, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Excepting there where joy is made eternal. +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="CantoIII.XI"></a>Paradiso: Canto XI</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +O Thou insensate care of mortal men,<br /> + How inconclusive are the syllogisms<br /> + That make thee beat thy wings in downward flight! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +One after laws and one to aphorisms<br /> + Was going, and one following the priesthood,<br /> + And one to reign by force or sophistry, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And one in theft, and one in state affairs,<br /> + One in the pleasures of the flesh involved<br /> + Wearied himself, one gave himself to ease; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +When I, from all these things emancipate,<br /> + With Beatrice above there in the Heavens<br /> + With such exceeding glory was received! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +When each one had returned unto that point<br /> + Within the circle where it was before,<br /> + It stood as in a candlestick a candle; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And from within the effulgence which at first<br /> + Had spoken unto me, I heard begin<br /> + Smiling while it more luminous became: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“Even as I am kindled in its ray,<br /> + So, looking into the Eternal Light,<br /> + The occasion of thy thoughts I apprehend. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thou doubtest, and wouldst have me to resift<br /> + In language so extended and so open<br /> + My speech, that to thy sense it may be plain, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Where just before I said, ‘where well one fattens,’<br /> + And where I said, ‘there never rose a second;’<br /> + And here ’tis needful we distinguish well. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The Providence, which governeth the world<br /> + With counsel, wherein all created vision<br /> + Is vanquished ere it reach unto the bottom, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +(So that towards her own Beloved might go<br /> + The bride of Him who, uttering a loud cry,<br /> + Espoused her with his consecrated blood, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Self-confident and unto Him more faithful,)<br /> + Two Princes did ordain in her behoof,<br /> + Which on this side and that might be her guide. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The one was all seraphical in ardour;<br /> + The other by his wisdom upon earth<br /> + A splendour was of light cherubical. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +One will I speak of, for of both is spoken<br /> + In praising one, whichever may be taken,<br /> + Because unto one end their labours were. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Between Tupino and the stream that falls<br /> + Down from the hill elect of blessed Ubald,<br /> + A fertile slope of lofty mountain hangs, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +From which Perugia feels the cold and heat<br /> + Through Porta Sole, and behind it weep<br /> + Gualdo and Nocera their grievous yoke. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +From out that slope, there where it breaketh most<br /> + Its steepness, rose upon the world a sun<br /> + As this one does sometimes from out the Ganges; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Therefore let him who speaketh of that place,<br /> + Say not Ascesi, for he would say little,<br /> + But Orient, if he properly would speak. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +He was not yet far distant from his rising<br /> + Before he had begun to make the earth<br /> + Some comfort from his mighty virtue feel. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +For he in youth his father’s wrath incurred<br /> + For certain Dame, to whom, as unto death,<br /> + The gate of pleasure no one doth unlock; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And was before his spiritual court<br /> + ‘Et coram patre’ unto her united;<br /> + Then day by day more fervently he loved her. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +She, reft of her first husband, scorned, obscure,<br /> + One thousand and one hundred years and more,<br /> + Waited without a suitor till he came. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Naught it availed to hear, that with Amyclas<br /> + Found her unmoved at sounding of his voice<br /> + He who struck terror into all the world; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Naught it availed being constant and undaunted,<br /> + So that, when Mary still remained below,<br /> + She mounted up with Christ upon the cross. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But that too darkly I may not proceed,<br /> + Francis and Poverty for these two lovers<br /> + Take thou henceforward in my speech diffuse. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Their concord and their joyous semblances,<br /> + The love, the wonder, and the sweet regard,<br /> + They made to be the cause of holy thoughts; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So much so that the venerable Bernard<br /> + First bared his feet, and after so great peace<br /> + Ran, and, in running, thought himself too slow. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +O wealth unknown! O veritable good!<br /> + Giles bares his feet, and bares his feet Sylvester<br /> + Behind the bridegroom, so doth please the bride! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Then goes his way that father and that master,<br /> + He and his Lady and that family<br /> + Which now was girding on the humble cord; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Nor cowardice of heart weighed down his brow<br /> + At being son of Peter Bernardone,<br /> + Nor for appearing marvellously scorned; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But regally his hard determination<br /> + To Innocent he opened, and from him<br /> + Received the primal seal upon his Order. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +After the people mendicant increased<br /> + Behind this man, whose admirable life<br /> + Better in glory of the heavens were sung, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Incoronated with a second crown<br /> + Was through Honorius by the Eternal Spirit<br /> + The holy purpose of this Archimandrite. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And when he had, through thirst of martyrdom,<br /> + In the proud presence of the Sultan preached<br /> + Christ and the others who came after him, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And, finding for conversion too unripe<br /> + The folk, and not to tarry there in vain,<br /> + Returned to fruit of the Italic grass, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +On the rude rock ’twixt Tiber and the Arno<br /> + From Christ did he receive the final seal,<br /> + Which during two whole years his members bore. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +When He, who chose him unto so much good,<br /> + Was pleased to draw him up to the reward<br /> + That he had merited by being lowly, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Unto his friars, as to the rightful heirs,<br /> + His most dear Lady did he recommend,<br /> + And bade that they should love her faithfully; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And from her bosom the illustrious soul<br /> + Wished to depart, returning to its realm,<br /> + And for its body wished no other bier. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Think now what man was he, who was a fit<br /> + Companion over the high seas to keep<br /> + The bark of Peter to its proper bearings. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And this man was our Patriarch; hence whoever<br /> + Doth follow him as he commands can see<br /> + That he is laden with good merchandise. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But for new pasturage his flock has grown<br /> + So greedy, that it is impossible<br /> + They be not scattered over fields diverse; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And in proportion as his sheep remote<br /> + And vagabond go farther off from him,<br /> + More void of milk return they to the fold. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Verily some there are that fear a hurt,<br /> + And keep close to the shepherd; but so few,<br /> + That little cloth doth furnish forth their hoods. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Now if my utterance be not indistinct,<br /> + If thine own hearing hath attentive been,<br /> + If thou recall to mind what I have said, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +In part contented shall thy wishes be;<br /> + For thou shalt see the plant that’s chipped away,<br /> + And the rebuke that lieth in the words, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +‘Where well one fattens, if he strayeth not.’” +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="CantoIII.XII"></a>Paradiso: Canto XII</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +Soon as the blessed flame had taken up<br /> + The final word to give it utterance,<br /> + Began the holy millstone to revolve, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And in its gyre had not turned wholly round,<br /> + Before another in a ring enclosed it,<br /> + And motion joined to motion, song to song; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Song that as greatly doth transcend our Muses,<br /> + Our Sirens, in those dulcet clarions,<br /> + As primal splendour that which is reflected. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And as are spanned athwart a tender cloud<br /> + Two rainbows parallel and like in colour,<br /> + When Juno to her handmaid gives command, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +(The one without born of the one within,<br /> + Like to the speaking of that vagrant one<br /> + Whom love consumed as doth the sun the vapours,) +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And make the people here, through covenant<br /> + God set with Noah, presageful of the world<br /> + That shall no more be covered with a flood, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +In such wise of those sempiternal roses<br /> + The garlands twain encompassed us about,<br /> + And thus the outer to the inner answered. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +After the dance, and other grand rejoicings,<br /> + Both of the singing, and the flaming forth<br /> + Effulgence with effulgence blithe and tender, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Together, at once, with one accord had stopped,<br /> + (Even as the eyes, that, as volition moves them,<br /> + Must needs together shut and lift themselves,) +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Out of the heart of one of the new lights<br /> + There came a voice, that needle to the star<br /> + Made me appear in turning thitherward. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And it began: “The love that makes me fair<br /> + Draws me to speak about the other leader,<br /> + By whom so well is spoken here of mine. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +’Tis right, where one is, to bring in the other,<br /> + That, as they were united in their warfare,<br /> + Together likewise may their glory shine. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The soldiery of Christ, which it had cost<br /> + So dear to arm again, behind the standard<br /> + Moved slow and doubtful and in numbers few, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +When the Emperor who reigneth evermore<br /> + Provided for the host that was in peril,<br /> + Through grace alone and not that it was worthy; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And, as was said, he to his Bride brought succour<br /> + With champions twain, at whose deed, at whose word<br /> + The straggling people were together drawn. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Within that region where the sweet west wind<br /> + Rises to open the new leaves, wherewith<br /> + Europe is seen to clothe herself afresh, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Not far off from the beating of the waves,<br /> + Behind which in his long career the sun<br /> + Sometimes conceals himself from every man, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Is situate the fortunate Calahorra,<br /> + Under protection of the mighty shield<br /> + In which the Lion subject is and sovereign. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Therein was born the amorous paramour<br /> + Of Christian Faith, the athlete consecrate,<br /> + Kind to his own and cruel to his foes; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And when it was created was his mind<br /> + Replete with such a living energy,<br /> + That in his mother her it made prophetic. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +As soon as the espousals were complete<br /> + Between him and the Faith at holy font,<br /> + Where they with mutual safety dowered each other, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The woman, who for him had given assent,<br /> + Saw in a dream the admirable fruit<br /> + That issue would from him and from his heirs; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And that he might be construed as he was,<br /> + A spirit from this place went forth to name him<br /> + With His possessive whose he wholly was. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Dominic was he called; and him I speak of<br /> + Even as of the husbandman whom Christ<br /> + Elected to his garden to assist him. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Envoy and servant sooth he seemed of Christ,<br /> + For the first love made manifest in him<br /> + Was the first counsel that was given by Christ. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Silent and wakeful many a time was he<br /> + Discovered by his nurse upon the ground,<br /> + As if he would have said, ‘For this I came.’ +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +O thou his father, Felix verily!<br /> + O thou his mother, verily Joanna,<br /> + If this, interpreted, means as is said! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Not for the world which people toil for now<br /> + In following Ostiense and Taddeo,<br /> + But through his longing after the true manna, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +He in short time became so great a teacher,<br /> + That he began to go about the vineyard,<br /> + Which fadeth soon, if faithless be the dresser; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And of the See, (that once was more benignant<br /> + Unto the righteous poor, not through itself,<br /> + But him who sits there and degenerates,) +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Not to dispense or two or three for six,<br /> + Not any fortune of first vacancy,<br /> + ‘Non decimas quae sunt pauperum Dei,’ +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +He asked for, but against the errant world<br /> + Permission to do battle for the seed,<br /> + Of which these four and twenty plants surround thee. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Then with the doctrine and the will together,<br /> + With office apostolical he moved,<br /> + Like torrent which some lofty vein out-presses; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And in among the shoots heretical<br /> + His impetus with greater fury smote,<br /> + Wherever the resistance was the greatest. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Of him were made thereafter divers runnels,<br /> + Whereby the garden catholic is watered,<br /> + So that more living its plantations stand. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +If such the one wheel of the Biga was,<br /> + In which the Holy Church itself defended<br /> + And in the field its civic battle won, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Truly full manifest should be to thee<br /> + The excellence of the other, unto whom<br /> + Thomas so courteous was before my coming. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But still the orbit, which the highest part<br /> + Of its circumference made, is derelict,<br /> + So that the mould is where was once the crust. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +His family, that had straight forward moved<br /> + With feet upon his footprints, are turned round<br /> + So that they set the point upon the heel. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And soon aware they will be of the harvest<br /> + Of this bad husbandry, when shall the tares<br /> + Complain the granary is taken from them. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Yet say I, he who searcheth leaf by leaf<br /> + Our volume through, would still some page discover<br /> + Where he could read, ‘I am as I am wont.’ +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +’Twill not be from Casal nor Acquasparta,<br /> + From whence come such unto the written word<br /> + That one avoids it, and the other narrows. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Bonaventura of Bagnoregio’s life<br /> + Am I, who always in great offices<br /> + Postponed considerations sinister. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Here are Illuminato and Agostino,<br /> + Who of the first barefooted beggars were<br /> + That with the cord the friends of God became. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Hugh of Saint Victor is among them here,<br /> + And Peter Mangiador, and Peter of Spain,<br /> + Who down below in volumes twelve is shining; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Nathan the seer, and metropolitan<br /> + Chrysostom, and Anselmus, and Donatus<br /> + Who deigned to lay his hand to the first art; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Here is Rabanus, and beside me here<br /> + Shines the Calabrian Abbot Joachim,<br /> + He with the spirit of prophecy endowed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +To celebrate so great a paladin<br /> + Have moved me the impassioned courtesy<br /> + And the discreet discourses of Friar Thomas, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And with me they have moved this company.” +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="CantoIII.XIII"></a>Paradiso: Canto XIII</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +Let him imagine, who would well conceive<br /> + What now I saw, and let him while I speak<br /> + Retain the image as a steadfast rock, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The fifteen stars, that in their divers regions<br /> + The sky enliven with a light so great<br /> + That it transcends all clusters of the air; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Let him the Wain imagine unto which<br /> + Our vault of heaven sufficeth night and day,<br /> + So that in turning of its pole it fails not; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Let him the mouth imagine of the horn<br /> + That in the point beginneth of the axis<br /> + Round about which the primal wheel revolves,— +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +To have fashioned of themselves two signs in heaven,<br /> + Like unto that which Minos’ daughter made,<br /> + The moment when she felt the frost of death; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And one to have its rays within the other,<br /> + And both to whirl themselves in such a manner<br /> + That one should forward go, the other backward; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And he will have some shadowing forth of that<br /> + True constellation and the double dance<br /> + That circled round the point at which I was; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Because it is as much beyond our wont,<br /> + As swifter than the motion of the Chiana<br /> + Moveth the heaven that all the rest outspeeds. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +There sang they neither Bacchus, nor Apollo,<br /> + But in the divine nature Persons three,<br /> + And in one person the divine and human. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The singing and the dance fulfilled their measure,<br /> + And unto us those holy lights gave need,<br /> + Growing in happiness from care to care. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Then broke the silence of those saints concordant<br /> + The light in which the admirable life<br /> + Of God’s own mendicant was told to me, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And said: “Now that one straw is trodden out<br /> + Now that its seed is garnered up already,<br /> + Sweet love invites me to thresh out the other. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Into that bosom, thou believest, whence<br /> + Was drawn the rib to form the beauteous cheek<br /> + Whose taste to all the world is costing dear, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And into that which, by the lance transfixed,<br /> + Before and since, such satisfaction made<br /> + That it weighs down the balance of all sin, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Whate’er of light it has to human nature<br /> + Been lawful to possess was all infused<br /> + By the same power that both of them created; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And hence at what I said above dost wonder,<br /> + When I narrated that no second had<br /> + The good which in the fifth light is enclosed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Now ope thine eyes to what I answer thee,<br /> + And thou shalt see thy creed and my discourse<br /> + Fit in the truth as centre in a circle. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +That which can die, and that which dieth not,<br /> + Are nothing but the splendour of the idea<br /> + Which by his love our Lord brings into being; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Because that living Light, which from its fount<br /> + Effulgent flows, so that it disunites not<br /> + From Him nor from the Love in them intrined, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Through its own goodness reunites its rays<br /> + In nine subsistences, as in a mirror,<br /> + Itself eternally remaining One. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thence it descends to the last potencies,<br /> + Downward from act to act becoming such<br /> + That only brief contingencies it makes; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And these contingencies I hold to be<br /> + Things generated, which the heaven produces<br /> + By its own motion, with seed and without. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Neither their wax, nor that which tempers it,<br /> + Remains immutable, and hence beneath<br /> + The ideal signet more and less shines through; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Therefore it happens, that the selfsame tree<br /> + After its kind bears worse and better fruit,<br /> + And ye are born with characters diverse. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +If in perfection tempered were the wax,<br /> + And were the heaven in its supremest virtue,<br /> + The brilliance of the seal would all appear; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But nature gives it evermore deficient,<br /> + In the like manner working as the artist,<br /> + Who has the skill of art and hand that trembles. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +If then the fervent Love, the Vision clear,<br /> + Of primal Virtue do dispose and seal,<br /> + Perfection absolute is there acquired. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thus was of old the earth created worthy<br /> + Of all and every animal perfection;<br /> + And thus the Virgin was impregnate made; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So that thine own opinion I commend,<br /> + That human nature never yet has been,<br /> + Nor will be, what it was in those two persons. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Now if no farther forth I should proceed,<br /> + ‘Then in what way was he without a peer?’<br /> + Would be the first beginning of thy words. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But, that may well appear what now appears not,<br /> + Think who he was, and what occasion moved him<br /> + To make request, when it was told him, ‘Ask.’ +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I’ve not so spoken that thou canst not see<br /> + Clearly he was a king who asked for wisdom,<br /> + That he might be sufficiently a king; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +’Twas not to know the number in which are<br /> + The motors here above, or if ‘necesse’<br /> + With a contingent e’er ‘necesse’ make, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +‘Non si est dare primum motum esse,’<br /> + Or if in semicircle can be made<br /> + Triangle so that it have no right angle. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Whence, if thou notest this and what I said,<br /> + A regal prudence is that peerless seeing<br /> + In which the shaft of my intention strikes. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And if on ‘rose’ thou turnest thy clear eyes,<br /> + Thou’lt see that it has reference alone<br /> + To kings who’re many, and the good are rare. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +With this distinction take thou what I said,<br /> + And thus it can consist with thy belief<br /> + Of the first father and of our Delight. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And lead shall this be always to thy feet,<br /> + To make thee, like a weary man, move slowly<br /> + Both to the Yes and No thou seest not; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +For very low among the fools is he<br /> + Who affirms without distinction, or denies,<br /> + As well in one as in the other case; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Because it happens that full often bends<br /> + Current opinion in the false direction,<br /> + And then the feelings bind the intellect. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Far more than uselessly he leaves the shore,<br /> + (Since he returneth not the same he went,)<br /> + Who fishes for the truth, and has no skill; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And in the world proofs manifest thereof<br /> + Parmenides, Melissus, Brissus are,<br /> + And many who went on and knew not whither; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thus did Sabellius, Arius, and those fools<br /> + Who have been even as swords unto the Scriptures<br /> + In rendering distorted their straight faces. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Nor yet shall people be too confident<br /> + In judging, even as he is who doth count<br /> + The corn in field or ever it be ripe. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +For I have seen all winter long the thorn<br /> + First show itself intractable and fierce,<br /> + And after bear the rose upon its top; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And I have seen a ship direct and swift<br /> + Run o’er the sea throughout its course entire,<br /> + To perish at the harbour’s mouth at last. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Let not Dame Bertha nor Ser Martin think,<br /> + Seeing one steal, another offering make,<br /> + To see them in the arbitrament divine; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +For one may rise, and fall the other may.” +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="CantoIII.XIV"></a>Paradiso: Canto XIV</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +From centre unto rim, from rim to centre,<br /> + In a round vase the water moves itself,<br /> + As from without ’tis struck or from within. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Into my mind upon a sudden dropped<br /> + What I am saying, at the moment when<br /> + Silent became the glorious life of Thomas, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Because of the resemblance that was born<br /> + Of his discourse and that of Beatrice,<br /> + Whom, after him, it pleased thus to begin: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“This man has need (and does not tell you so,<br /> + Nor with the voice, nor even in his thought)<br /> + Of going to the root of one truth more. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Declare unto him if the light wherewith<br /> + Blossoms your substance shall remain with you<br /> + Eternally the same that it is now; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And if it do remain, say in what manner,<br /> + After ye are again made visible,<br /> + It can be that it injure not your sight.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +As by a greater gladness urged and drawn<br /> + They who are dancing in a ring sometimes<br /> + Uplift their voices and their motions quicken; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So, at that orison devout and prompt,<br /> + The holy circles a new joy displayed<br /> + In their revolving and their wondrous song. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Whoso lamenteth him that here we die<br /> + That we may live above, has never there<br /> + Seen the refreshment of the eternal rain. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The One and Two and Three who ever liveth,<br /> + And reigneth ever in Three and Two and One,<br /> + Not circumscribed and all things circumscribing, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Three several times was chanted by each one<br /> + Among those spirits, with such melody<br /> + That for all merit it were just reward; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And, in the lustre most divine of all<br /> + The lesser ring, I heard a modest voice,<br /> + Such as perhaps the Angel’s was to Mary, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Answer: “As long as the festivity<br /> + Of Paradise shall be, so long our love<br /> + Shall radiate round about us such a vesture. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Its brightness is proportioned to the ardour,<br /> + The ardour to the vision; and the vision<br /> + Equals what grace it has above its worth. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +When, glorious and sanctified, our flesh<br /> + Is reassumed, then shall our persons be<br /> + More pleasing by their being all complete; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +For will increase whate’er bestows on us<br /> + Of light gratuitous the Good Supreme,<br /> + Light which enables us to look on Him; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Therefore the vision must perforce increase,<br /> + Increase the ardour which from that is kindled,<br /> + Increase the radiance which from this proceeds. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But even as a coal that sends forth flame,<br /> + And by its vivid whiteness overpowers it<br /> + So that its own appearance it maintains, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thus the effulgence that surrounds us now<br /> + Shall be o’erpowered in aspect by the flesh,<br /> + Which still to-day the earth doth cover up; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Nor can so great a splendour weary us,<br /> + For strong will be the organs of the body<br /> + To everything which hath the power to please us.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So sudden and alert appeared to me<br /> + Both one and the other choir to say Amen,<br /> + That well they showed desire for their dead bodies; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Nor sole for them perhaps, but for the mothers,<br /> + The fathers, and the rest who had been dear<br /> + Or ever they became eternal flames. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And lo! all round about of equal brightness<br /> + Arose a lustre over what was there,<br /> + Like an horizon that is clearing up. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And as at rise of early eve begin<br /> + Along the welkin new appearances,<br /> + So that the sight seems real and unreal, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +It seemed to me that new subsistences<br /> + Began there to be seen, and make a circle<br /> + Outside the other two circumferences. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +O very sparkling of the Holy Spirit,<br /> + How sudden and incandescent it became<br /> + Unto mine eyes, that vanquished bore it not! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But Beatrice so beautiful and smiling<br /> + Appeared to me, that with the other sights<br /> + That followed not my memory I must leave her. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Then to uplift themselves mine eyes resumed<br /> + The power, and I beheld myself translated<br /> + To higher salvation with my Lady only. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Well was I ware that I was more uplifted<br /> + By the enkindled smiling of the star,<br /> + That seemed to me more ruddy than its wont. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +With all my heart, and in that dialect<br /> + Which is the same in all, such holocaust<br /> + To God I made as the new grace beseemed; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And not yet from my bosom was exhausted<br /> + The ardour of sacrifice, before I knew<br /> + This offering was accepted and auspicious; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +For with so great a lustre and so red<br /> + Splendours appeared to me in twofold rays,<br /> + I said: “O Helios who dost so adorn them!” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Even as distinct with less and greater lights<br /> + Glimmers between the two poles of the world<br /> + The Galaxy that maketh wise men doubt, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thus constellated in the depths of Mars,<br /> + Those rays described the venerable sign<br /> + That quadrants joining in a circle make. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Here doth my memory overcome my genius;<br /> + For on that cross as levin gleamed forth Christ,<br /> + So that I cannot find ensample worthy; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But he who takes his cross and follows Christ<br /> + Again will pardon me what I omit,<br /> + Seeing in that aurora lighten Christ. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +From horn to horn, and ’twixt the top and base,<br /> + Lights were in motion, brightly scintillating<br /> + As they together met and passed each other; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thus level and aslant and swift and slow<br /> + We here behold, renewing still the sight,<br /> + The particles of bodies long and short, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Across the sunbeam move, wherewith is listed<br /> + Sometimes the shade, which for their own defence<br /> + People with cunning and with art contrive. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And as a lute and harp, accordant strung<br /> + With many strings, a dulcet tinkling make<br /> + To him by whom the notes are not distinguished, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So from the lights that there to me appeared<br /> + Upgathered through the cross a melody,<br /> + Which rapt me, not distinguishing the hymn. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Well was I ware it was of lofty laud,<br /> + Because there came to me, “Arise and conquer!”<br /> + As unto him who hears and comprehends not. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So much enamoured I became therewith,<br /> + That until then there was not anything<br /> + That e’er had fettered me with such sweet bonds. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Perhaps my word appears somewhat too bold,<br /> + Postponing the delight of those fair eyes,<br /> + Into which gazing my desire has rest; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But who bethinks him that the living seals<br /> + Of every beauty grow in power ascending,<br /> + And that I there had not turned round to those, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Can me excuse, if I myself accuse<br /> + To excuse myself, and see that I speak truly:<br /> + For here the holy joy is not disclosed, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Because ascending it becomes more pure. +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="CantoIII.XV"></a>Paradiso: Canto XV</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +A will benign, in which reveals itself<br /> + Ever the love that righteously inspires,<br /> + As in the iniquitous, cupidity, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Silence imposed upon that dulcet lyre,<br /> + And quieted the consecrated chords,<br /> + That Heaven’s right hand doth tighten and relax. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +How unto just entreaties shall be deaf<br /> + Those substances, which, to give me desire<br /> + Of praying them, with one accord grew silent? +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +’Tis well that without end he should lament,<br /> + Who for the love of thing that doth not last<br /> + Eternally despoils him of that love! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +As through the pure and tranquil evening air<br /> + There shoots from time to time a sudden fire,<br /> + Moving the eyes that steadfast were before, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And seems to be a star that changeth place,<br /> + Except that in the part where it is kindled<br /> + Nothing is missed, and this endureth little; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So from the horn that to the right extends<br /> + Unto that cross’s foot there ran a star<br /> + Out of the constellation shining there; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Nor was the gem dissevered from its ribbon,<br /> + But down the radiant fillet ran along,<br /> + So that fire seemed it behind alabaster. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thus piteous did Anchises’ shade reach forward,<br /> + If any faith our greatest Muse deserve,<br /> + When in Elysium he his son perceived. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“O sanguis meus, O superinfusa<br /> + Gratia Dei, sicut tibi, cui<br /> + Bis unquam Coeli janua reclusa?” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thus that effulgence; whence I gave it heed;<br /> + Then round unto my Lady turned my sight,<br /> + And on this side and that was stupefied; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +For in her eyes was burning such a smile<br /> + That with mine own methought I touched the bottom<br /> + Both of my grace and of my Paradise! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Then, pleasant to the hearing and the sight,<br /> + The spirit joined to its beginning things<br /> + I understood not, so profound it spake; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Nor did it hide itself from me by choice,<br /> + But by necessity; for its conception<br /> + Above the mark of mortals set itself. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And when the bow of burning sympathy<br /> + Was so far slackened, that its speech descended<br /> + Towards the mark of our intelligence, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The first thing that was understood by me<br /> + Was “Benedight be Thou, O Trine and One,<br /> + Who hast unto my seed so courteous been!” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And it continued: “Hunger long and grateful,<br /> + Drawn from the reading of the mighty volume<br /> + Wherein is never changed the white nor dark, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thou hast appeased, my son, within this light<br /> + In which I speak to thee, by grace of her<br /> + Who to this lofty flight with plumage clothed thee. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thou thinkest that to me thy thought doth pass<br /> + From Him who is the first, as from the unit,<br /> + If that be known, ray out the five and six; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And therefore who I am thou askest not,<br /> + And why I seem more joyous unto thee<br /> + Than any other of this gladsome crowd. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thou think’st the truth; because the small and great<br /> + Of this existence look into the mirror<br /> + Wherein, before thou think’st, thy thought thou showest. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But that the sacred love, in which I watch<br /> + With sight perpetual, and which makes me thirst<br /> + With sweet desire, may better be fulfilled, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Now let thy voice secure and frank and glad<br /> + Proclaim the wishes, the desire proclaim,<br /> + To which my answer is decreed already.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +To Beatrice I turned me, and she heard<br /> + Before I spake, and smiled to me a sign,<br /> + That made the wings of my desire increase; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Then in this wise began I: “Love and knowledge,<br /> + When on you dawned the first Equality,<br /> + Of the same weight for each of you became; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +For in the Sun, which lighted you and burned<br /> + With heat and radiance, they so equal are,<br /> + That all similitudes are insufficient. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But among mortals will and argument,<br /> + For reason that to you is manifest,<br /> + Diversely feathered in their pinions are. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Whence I, who mortal am, feel in myself<br /> + This inequality; so give not thanks,<br /> + Save in my heart, for this paternal welcome. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Truly do I entreat thee, living topaz!<br /> + Set in this precious jewel as a gem,<br /> + That thou wilt satisfy me with thy name.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“O leaf of mine, in whom I pleasure took<br /> + E’en while awaiting, I was thine own root!”<br /> + Such a beginning he in answer made me. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Then said to me: “That one from whom is named<br /> + Thy race, and who a hundred years and more<br /> + Has circled round the mount on the first cornice, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +A son of mine and thy great-grandsire was;<br /> + Well it behoves thee that the long fatigue<br /> + Thou shouldst for him make shorter with thy works. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Florence, within the ancient boundary<br /> + From which she taketh still her tierce and nones,<br /> + Abode in quiet, temperate and chaste. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +No golden chain she had, nor coronal,<br /> + Nor ladies shod with sandal shoon, nor girdle<br /> + That caught the eye more than the person did. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Not yet the daughter at her birth struck fear<br /> + Into the father, for the time and dower<br /> + Did not o’errun this side or that the measure. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +No houses had she void of families,<br /> + Not yet had thither come Sardanapalus<br /> + To show what in a chamber can be done; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Not yet surpassed had Montemalo been<br /> + By your Uccellatojo, which surpassed<br /> + Shall in its downfall be as in its rise. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Bellincion Berti saw I go begirt<br /> + With leather and with bone, and from the mirror<br /> + His dame depart without a painted face; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And him of Nerli saw, and him of Vecchio,<br /> + Contented with their simple suits of buff<br /> + And with the spindle and the flax their dames. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +O fortunate women! and each one was certain<br /> + Of her own burial-place, and none as yet<br /> + For sake of France was in her bed deserted. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +One o’er the cradle kept her studious watch,<br /> + And in her lullaby the language used<br /> + That first delights the fathers and the mothers; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Another, drawing tresses from her distaff,<br /> + Told o’er among her family the tales<br /> + Of Trojans and of Fesole and Rome. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +As great a marvel then would have been held<br /> + A Lapo Salterello, a Cianghella,<br /> + As Cincinnatus or Cornelia now. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +To such a quiet, such a beautiful<br /> + Life of the citizen, to such a safe<br /> + Community, and to so sweet an inn, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Did Mary give me, with loud cries invoked,<br /> + And in your ancient Baptistery at once<br /> + Christian and Cacciaguida I became. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Moronto was my brother, and Eliseo;<br /> + From Val di Pado came to me my wife,<br /> + And from that place thy surname was derived. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I followed afterward the Emperor Conrad,<br /> + And he begirt me of his chivalry,<br /> + So much I pleased him with my noble deeds. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I followed in his train against that law’s<br /> + Iniquity, whose people doth usurp<br /> + Your just possession, through your Pastor’s fault. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +There by that execrable race was I<br /> + Released from bonds of the fallacious world,<br /> + The love of which defileth many souls, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And came from martyrdom unto this peace.” +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="CantoIII.XVI"></a>Paradiso: Canto XVI</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +O thou our poor nobility of blood,<br /> + If thou dost make the people glory in thee<br /> + Down here where our affection languishes, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +A marvellous thing it ne’er will be to me;<br /> + For there where appetite is not perverted,<br /> + I say in Heaven, of thee I made a boast! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Truly thou art a cloak that quickly shortens,<br /> + So that unless we piece thee day by day<br /> + Time goeth round about thee with his shears! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +With ‘You,’ which Rome was first to tolerate,<br /> + (Wherein her family less perseveres,)<br /> + Yet once again my words beginning made; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Whence Beatrice, who stood somewhat apart,<br /> + Smiling, appeared like unto her who coughed<br /> + At the first failing writ of Guenever. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And I began: “You are my ancestor,<br /> + You give to me all hardihood to speak,<br /> + You lift me so that I am more than I. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So many rivulets with gladness fill<br /> + My mind, that of itself it makes a joy<br /> + Because it can endure this and not burst. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Then tell me, my beloved root ancestral,<br /> + Who were your ancestors, and what the years<br /> + That in your boyhood chronicled themselves? +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Tell me about the sheepfold of Saint John,<br /> + How large it was, and who the people were<br /> + Within it worthy of the highest seats.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +As at the blowing of the winds a coal<br /> + Quickens to flame, so I beheld that light<br /> + Become resplendent at my blandishments. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And as unto mine eyes it grew more fair,<br /> + With voice more sweet and tender, but not in<br /> + This modern dialect, it said to me: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“From uttering of the ‘Ave,’ till the birth<br /> + In which my mother, who is now a saint,<br /> + Of me was lightened who had been her burden, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Unto its Lion had this fire returned<br /> + Five hundred fifty times and thirty more,<br /> + To reinflame itself beneath his paw. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +My ancestors and I our birthplace had<br /> + Where first is found the last ward of the city<br /> + By him who runneth in your annual game. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Suffice it of my elders to hear this;<br /> + But who they were, and whence they thither came,<br /> + Silence is more considerate than speech. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +All those who at that time were there between<br /> + Mars and the Baptist, fit for bearing arms,<br /> + Were a fifth part of those who now are living; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But the community, that now is mixed<br /> + With Campi and Certaldo and Figghine,<br /> + Pure in the lowest artisan was seen. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +O how much better ’twere to have as neighbours<br /> + The folk of whom I speak, and at Galluzzo<br /> + And at Trespiano have your boundary, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Than have them in the town, and bear the stench<br /> + Of Aguglione’s churl, and him of Signa<br /> + Who has sharp eyes for trickery already. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Had not the folk, which most of all the world<br /> + Degenerates, been a step-dame unto Caesar,<br /> + But as a mother to her son benignant, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Some who turn Florentines, and trade and discount,<br /> + Would have gone back again to Simifonte<br /> + There where their grandsires went about as beggars. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +At Montemurlo still would be the Counts,<br /> + The Cerchi in the parish of Acone,<br /> + Perhaps in Valdigrieve the Buondelmonti. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Ever the intermingling of the people<br /> + Has been the source of malady in cities,<br /> + As in the body food it surfeits on; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And a blind bull more headlong plunges down<br /> + Than a blind lamb; and very often cuts<br /> + Better and more a single sword than five. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +If Luni thou regard, and Urbisaglia,<br /> + How they have passed away, and how are passing<br /> + Chiusi and Sinigaglia after them, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +To hear how races waste themselves away,<br /> + Will seem to thee no novel thing nor hard,<br /> + Seeing that even cities have an end. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +All things of yours have their mortality,<br /> + Even as yourselves; but it is hidden in some<br /> + That a long while endure, and lives are short; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And as the turning of the lunar heaven<br /> + Covers and bares the shores without a pause,<br /> + In the like manner fortune does with Florence. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Therefore should not appear a marvellous thing<br /> + What I shall say of the great Florentines<br /> + Of whom the fame is hidden in the Past. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I saw the Ughi, saw the Catellini,<br /> + Filippi, Greci, Ormanni, and Alberichi,<br /> + Even in their fall illustrious citizens; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And saw, as mighty as they ancient were,<br /> + With him of La Sannella him of Arca,<br /> + And Soldanier, Ardinghi, and Bostichi. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Near to the gate that is at present laden<br /> + With a new felony of so much weight<br /> + That soon it shall be jetsam from the bark, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The Ravignani were, from whom descended<br /> + The County Guido, and whoe’er the name<br /> + Of the great Bellincione since hath taken. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +He of La Pressa knew the art of ruling<br /> + Already, and already Galigajo<br /> + Had hilt and pommel gilded in his house. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Mighty already was the Column Vair,<br /> + Sacchetti, Giuochi, Fifant, and Barucci,<br /> + And Galli, and they who for the bushel blush. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The stock from which were the Calfucci born<br /> + Was great already, and already chosen<br /> + To curule chairs the Sizii and Arrigucci. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +O how beheld I those who are undone<br /> + By their own pride! and how the Balls of Gold<br /> + Florence enflowered in all their mighty deeds! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So likewise did the ancestors of those<br /> + Who evermore, when vacant is your church,<br /> + Fatten by staying in consistory. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The insolent race, that like a dragon follows<br /> + Whoever flees, and unto him that shows<br /> + His teeth or purse is gentle as a lamb, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Already rising was, but from low people;<br /> + So that it pleased not Ubertin Donato<br /> + That his wife’s father should make him their kin. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Already had Caponsacco to the Market<br /> + From Fesole descended, and already<br /> + Giuda and Infangato were good burghers. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I’ll tell a thing incredible, but true;<br /> + One entered the small circuit by a gate<br /> + Which from the Della Pera took its name! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Each one that bears the beautiful escutcheon<br /> + Of the great baron whose renown and name<br /> + The festival of Thomas keepeth fresh, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Knighthood and privilege from him received;<br /> + Though with the populace unites himself<br /> + To-day the man who binds it with a border. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Already were Gualterotti and Importuni;<br /> + And still more quiet would the Borgo be<br /> + If with new neighbours it remained unfed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The house from which is born your lamentation,<br /> + Through just disdain that death among you brought<br /> + And put an end unto your joyous life, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Was honoured in itself and its companions.<br /> + O Buondelmonte, how in evil hour<br /> + Thou fled’st the bridal at another’s promptings! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Many would be rejoicing who are sad,<br /> + If God had thee surrendered to the Ema<br /> + The first time that thou camest to the city. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But it behoved the mutilated stone<br /> + Which guards the bridge, that Florence should provide<br /> + A victim in her latest hour of peace. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +With all these families, and others with them,<br /> + Florence beheld I in so great repose,<br /> + That no occasion had she whence to weep; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +With all these families beheld so just<br /> + And glorious her people, that the lily<br /> + Never upon the spear was placed reversed, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Nor by division was vermilion made.” +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="CantoIII.XVII"></a>Paradiso: Canto XVII</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +As came to Clymene, to be made certain<br /> + Of that which he had heard against himself,<br /> + He who makes fathers chary still to children, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Even such was I, and such was I perceived<br /> + By Beatrice and by the holy light<br /> + That first on my account had changed its place. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Therefore my Lady said to me: “Send forth<br /> + The flame of thy desire, so that it issue<br /> + Imprinted well with the internal stamp; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Not that our knowledge may be greater made<br /> + By speech of thine, but to accustom thee<br /> + To tell thy thirst, that we may give thee drink.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“O my beloved tree, (that so dost lift thee,<br /> + That even as minds terrestrial perceive<br /> + No triangle containeth two obtuse, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So thou beholdest the contingent things<br /> + Ere in themselves they are, fixing thine eyes<br /> + Upon the point in which all times are present,) +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +While I was with Virgilius conjoined<br /> + Upon the mountain that the souls doth heal,<br /> + And when descending into the dead world, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Were spoken to me of my future life<br /> + Some grievous words; although I feel myself<br /> + In sooth foursquare against the blows of chance. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +On this account my wish would be content<br /> + To hear what fortune is approaching me,<br /> + Because foreseen an arrow comes more slowly.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thus did I say unto that selfsame light<br /> + That unto me had spoken before; and even<br /> + As Beatrice willed was my own will confessed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Not in vague phrase, in which the foolish folk<br /> + Ensnared themselves of old, ere yet was slain<br /> + The Lamb of God who taketh sins away, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But with clear words and unambiguous<br /> + Language responded that paternal love,<br /> + Hid and revealed by its own proper smile: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“Contingency, that outside of the volume<br /> + Of your materiality extends not,<br /> + Is all depicted in the eternal aspect. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Necessity however thence it takes not,<br /> + Except as from the eye, in which ’tis mirrored,<br /> + A ship that with the current down descends. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +From thence, e’en as there cometh to the ear<br /> + Sweet harmony from an organ, comes in sight<br /> + To me the time that is preparing for thee. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +As forth from Athens went Hippolytus,<br /> + By reason of his step-dame false and cruel,<br /> + So thou from Florence must perforce depart. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Already this is willed, and this is sought for;<br /> + And soon it shall be done by him who thinks it,<br /> + Where every day the Christ is bought and sold. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The blame shall follow the offended party<br /> + In outcry as is usual; but the vengeance<br /> + Shall witness to the truth that doth dispense it. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thou shalt abandon everything beloved<br /> + Most tenderly, and this the arrow is<br /> + Which first the bow of banishment shoots forth. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thou shalt have proof how savoureth of salt<br /> + The bread of others, and how hard a road<br /> + The going down and up another’s stairs. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And that which most shall weigh upon thy shoulders<br /> + Will be the bad and foolish company<br /> + With which into this valley thou shalt fall; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +For all ingrate, all mad and impious<br /> + Will they become against thee; but soon after<br /> + They, and not thou, shall have the forehead scarlet. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Of their bestiality their own proceedings<br /> + Shall furnish proof; so ’twill be well for thee<br /> + A party to have made thee by thyself. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thine earliest refuge and thine earliest inn<br /> + Shall be the mighty Lombard’s courtesy,<br /> + Who on the Ladder bears the holy bird, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Who such benign regard shall have for thee<br /> + That ’twixt you twain, in doing and in asking,<br /> + That shall be first which is with others last. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +With him shalt thou see one who at his birth<br /> + Has by this star of strength been so impressed,<br /> + That notable shall his achievements be. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Not yet the people are aware of him<br /> + Through his young age, since only nine years yet<br /> + Around about him have these wheels revolved. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But ere the Gascon cheat the noble Henry,<br /> + Some sparkles of his virtue shall appear<br /> + In caring not for silver nor for toil. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So recognized shall his magnificence<br /> + Become hereafter, that his enemies<br /> + Will not have power to keep mute tongues about it. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +On him rely, and on his benefits;<br /> + By him shall many people be transformed,<br /> + Changing condition rich and mendicant; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And written in thy mind thou hence shalt bear<br /> + Of him, but shalt not say it”—and things said he<br /> + Incredible to those who shall be present. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Then added: “Son, these are the commentaries<br /> + On what was said to thee; behold the snares<br /> + That are concealed behind few revolutions; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Yet would I not thy neighbours thou shouldst envy,<br /> + Because thy life into the future reaches<br /> + Beyond the punishment of their perfidies.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +When by its silence showed that sainted soul<br /> + That it had finished putting in the woof<br /> + Into that web which I had given it warped, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Began I, even as he who yearneth after,<br /> + Being in doubt, some counsel from a person<br /> + Who seeth, and uprightly wills, and loves: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“Well see I, father mine, how spurreth on<br /> + The time towards me such a blow to deal me<br /> + As heaviest is to him who most gives way. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Therefore with foresight it is well I arm me,<br /> + That, if the dearest place be taken from me,<br /> + I may not lose the others by my songs. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Down through the world of infinite bitterness,<br /> + And o’er the mountain, from whose beauteous summit<br /> + The eyes of my own Lady lifted me, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And afterward through heaven from light to light,<br /> + I have learned that which, if I tell again,<br /> + Will be a savour of strong herbs to many. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And if I am a timid friend to truth,<br /> + I fear lest I may lose my life with those<br /> + Who will hereafter call this time the olden.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The light in which was smiling my own treasure<br /> + Which there I had discovered, flashed at first<br /> + As in the sunshine doth a golden mirror; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Then made reply: “A conscience overcast<br /> + Or with its own or with another’s shame,<br /> + Will taste forsooth the tartness of thy word; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But ne’ertheless, all falsehood laid aside,<br /> + Make manifest thy vision utterly,<br /> + And let them scratch wherever is the itch; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +For if thine utterance shall offensive be<br /> + At the first taste, a vital nutriment<br /> + ’Twill leave thereafter, when it is digested. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +This cry of thine shall do as doth the wind,<br /> + Which smiteth most the most exalted summits,<br /> + And that is no slight argument of honour. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Therefore are shown to thee within these wheels,<br /> + Upon the mount and in the dolorous valley,<br /> + Only the souls that unto fame are known; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Because the spirit of the hearer rests not,<br /> + Nor doth confirm its faith by an example<br /> + Which has the root of it unknown and hidden, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Or other reason that is not apparent.” +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="CantoIII.XVIII"></a>Paradiso: Canto XVIII</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +Now was alone rejoicing in its word<br /> + That soul beatified, and I was tasting<br /> + My own, the bitter tempering with the sweet, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And the Lady who to God was leading me<br /> + Said: “Change thy thought; consider that I am<br /> + Near unto Him who every wrong disburdens.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Unto the loving accents of my comfort<br /> + I turned me round, and then what love I saw<br /> + Within those holy eyes I here relinquish; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Not only that my language I distrust,<br /> + But that my mind cannot return so far<br /> + Above itself, unless another guide it. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thus much upon that point can I repeat,<br /> + That, her again beholding, my affection<br /> + From every other longing was released. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +While the eternal pleasure, which direct<br /> + Rayed upon Beatrice, from her fair face<br /> + Contented me with its reflected aspect, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Conquering me with the radiance of a smile,<br /> + She said to me, “Turn thee about and listen;<br /> + Not in mine eyes alone is Paradise.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Even as sometimes here do we behold<br /> + The affection in the look, if it be such<br /> + That all the soul is wrapt away by it, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So, by the flaming of the effulgence holy<br /> + To which I turned, I recognized therein<br /> + The wish of speaking to me somewhat farther. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And it began: “In this fifth resting-place<br /> + Upon the tree that liveth by its summit,<br /> + And aye bears fruit, and never loses leaf, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Are blessed spirits that below, ere yet<br /> + They came to Heaven, were of such great renown<br /> + That every Muse therewith would affluent be. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Therefore look thou upon the cross’s horns;<br /> + He whom I now shall name will there enact<br /> + What doth within a cloud its own swift fire.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I saw athwart the Cross a splendour drawn<br /> + By naming Joshua, (even as he did it,)<br /> + Nor noted I the word before the deed; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And at the name of the great Maccabee<br /> + I saw another move itself revolving,<br /> + And gladness was the whip unto that top. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Likewise for Charlemagne and for Orlando,<br /> + Two of them my regard attentive followed<br /> + As followeth the eye its falcon flying. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +William thereafterward, and Renouard,<br /> + And the Duke Godfrey, did attract my sight<br /> + Along upon that Cross, and Robert Guiscard. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Then, moved and mingled with the other lights,<br /> + The soul that had addressed me showed how great<br /> + An artist ’twas among the heavenly singers. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +To my right side I turned myself around,<br /> + My duty to behold in Beatrice<br /> + Either by words or gesture signified; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And so translucent I beheld her eyes,<br /> + So full of pleasure, that her countenance<br /> + Surpassed its other and its latest wont. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And as, by feeling greater delectation,<br /> + A man in doing good from day to day<br /> + Becomes aware his virtue is increasing, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So I became aware that my gyration<br /> + With heaven together had increased its arc,<br /> + That miracle beholding more adorned. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And such as is the change, in little lapse<br /> + Of time, in a pale woman, when her face<br /> + Is from the load of bashfulness unladen, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Such was it in mine eyes, when I had turned,<br /> + Caused by the whiteness of the temperate star,<br /> + The sixth, which to itself had gathered me. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Within that Jovial torch did I behold<br /> + The sparkling of the love which was therein<br /> + Delineate our language to mine eyes. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And even as birds uprisen from the shore,<br /> + As in congratulation o’er their food,<br /> + Make squadrons of themselves, now round, now long, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So from within those lights the holy creatures<br /> + Sang flying to and fro, and in their figures<br /> + Made of themselves now D, now I, now L. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +First singing they to their own music moved;<br /> + Then one becoming of these characters,<br /> + A little while they rested and were silent. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +O divine Pegasea, thou who genius<br /> + Dost glorious make, and render it long-lived,<br /> + And this through thee the cities and the kingdoms, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Illume me with thyself, that I may bring<br /> + Their figures out as I have them conceived!<br /> + Apparent be thy power in these brief verses! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Themselves then they displayed in five times seven<br /> + Vowels and consonants; and I observed<br /> + The parts as they seemed spoken unto me. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +‘Diligite justitiam,’ these were<br /> + First verb and noun of all that was depicted;<br /> + ‘Qui judicatis terram’ were the last. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thereafter in the M of the fifth word<br /> + Remained they so arranged, that Jupiter<br /> + Seemed to be silver there with gold inlaid. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And other lights I saw descend where was<br /> + The summit of the M, and pause there singing<br /> + The good, I think, that draws them to itself. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Then, as in striking upon burning logs<br /> + Upward there fly innumerable sparks,<br /> + Whence fools are wont to look for auguries, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +More than a thousand lights seemed thence to rise,<br /> + And to ascend, some more, and others less,<br /> + Even as the Sun that lights them had allotted; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And, each one being quiet in its place,<br /> + The head and neck beheld I of an eagle<br /> + Delineated by that inlaid fire. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +He who there paints has none to be his guide;<br /> + But Himself guides; and is from Him remembered<br /> + That virtue which is form unto the nest. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The other beatitude, that contented seemed<br /> + At first to bloom a lily on the M,<br /> + By a slight motion followed out the imprint. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +O gentle star! what and how many gems<br /> + Did demonstrate to me, that all our justice<br /> + Effect is of that heaven which thou ingemmest! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Wherefore I pray the Mind, in which begin<br /> + Thy motion and thy virtue, to regard<br /> + Whence comes the smoke that vitiates thy rays; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So that a second time it now be wroth<br /> + With buying and with selling in the temple<br /> + Whose walls were built with signs and martyrdoms! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +O soldiery of heaven, whom I contemplate,<br /> + Implore for those who are upon the earth<br /> + All gone astray after the bad example! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Once ’twas the custom to make war with swords;<br /> + But now ’tis made by taking here and there<br /> + The bread the pitying Father shuts from none. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Yet thou, who writest but to cancel, think<br /> + That Peter and that Paul, who for this vineyard<br /> + Which thou art spoiling died, are still alive! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Well canst thou say: “So steadfast my desire<br /> + Is unto him who willed to live alone,<br /> + And for a dance was led to martyrdom, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +That I know not the Fisherman nor Paul.” +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="CantoIII.XIX"></a>Paradiso: Canto XIX</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +Appeared before me with its wings outspread<br /> + The beautiful image that in sweet fruition<br /> + Made jubilant the interwoven souls; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Appeared a little ruby each, wherein<br /> + Ray of the sun was burning so enkindled<br /> + That each into mine eyes refracted it. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And what it now behoves me to retrace<br /> + Nor voice has e’er reported, nor ink written,<br /> + Nor was by fantasy e’er comprehended; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +For speak I saw, and likewise heard, the beak,<br /> + And utter with its voice both ‘I’ and ‘My,’<br /> + When in conception it was ‘We’ and ‘Our.’ +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And it began: “Being just and merciful<br /> + Am I exalted here unto that glory<br /> + Which cannot be exceeded by desire; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And upon earth I left my memory<br /> + Such, that the evil-minded people there<br /> + Commend it, but continue not the story.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So doth a single heat from many embers<br /> + Make itself felt, even as from many loves<br /> + Issued a single sound from out that image. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Whence I thereafter: “O perpetual flowers<br /> + Of the eternal joy, that only one<br /> + Make me perceive your odours manifold, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Exhaling, break within me the great fast<br /> + Which a long season has in hunger held me,<br /> + Not finding for it any food on earth. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Well do I know, that if in heaven its mirror<br /> + Justice Divine another realm doth make,<br /> + Yours apprehends it not through any veil. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +You know how I attentively address me<br /> + To listen; and you know what is the doubt<br /> + That is in me so very old a fast.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Even as a falcon, issuing from his hood,<br /> + Doth move his head, and with his wings applaud him,<br /> + Showing desire, and making himself fine, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Saw I become that standard, which of lauds<br /> + Was interwoven of the grace divine,<br /> + With such songs as he knows who there rejoices. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Then it began: “He who a compass turned<br /> + On the world’s outer verge, and who within it<br /> + Devised so much occult and manifest, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Could not the impress of his power so make<br /> + On all the universe, as that his Word<br /> + Should not remain in infinite excess. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And this makes certain that the first proud being,<br /> + Who was the paragon of every creature,<br /> + By not awaiting light fell immature. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And hence appears it, that each minor nature<br /> + Is scant receptacle unto that good<br /> + Which has no end, and by itself is measured. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +In consequence our vision, which perforce<br /> + Must be some ray of that intelligence<br /> + With which all things whatever are replete, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Cannot in its own nature be so potent,<br /> + That it shall not its origin discern<br /> + Far beyond that which is apparent to it. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Therefore into the justice sempiternal<br /> + The power of vision that your world receives,<br /> + As eye into the ocean, penetrates; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Which, though it see the bottom near the shore,<br /> + Upon the deep perceives it not, and yet<br /> + ’Tis there, but it is hidden by the depth. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +There is no light but comes from the serene<br /> + That never is o’ercast, nay, it is darkness<br /> + Or shadow of the flesh, or else its poison. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Amply to thee is opened now the cavern<br /> + Which has concealed from thee the living justice<br /> + Of which thou mad’st such frequent questioning. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +For saidst thou: ‘Born a man is on the shore<br /> + Of Indus, and is none who there can speak<br /> + Of Christ, nor who can read, nor who can write; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And all his inclinations and his actions<br /> + Are good, so far as human reason sees,<br /> + Without a sin in life or in discourse: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +He dieth unbaptised and without faith;<br /> + Where is this justice that condemneth him?<br /> + Where is his fault, if he do not believe?’ +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Now who art thou, that on the bench wouldst sit<br /> + In judgment at a thousand miles away,<br /> + With the short vision of a single span? +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Truly to him who with me subtilizes,<br /> + If so the Scripture were not over you,<br /> + For doubting there were marvellous occasion. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +O animals terrene, O stolid minds,<br /> + The primal will, that in itself is good,<br /> + Ne’er from itself, the Good Supreme, has moved. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So much is just as is accordant with it;<br /> + No good created draws it to itself,<br /> + But it, by raying forth, occasions that.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Even as above her nest goes circling round<br /> + The stork when she has fed her little ones,<br /> + And he who has been fed looks up at her, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So lifted I my brows, and even such<br /> + Became the blessed image, which its wings<br /> + Was moving, by so many counsels urged. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Circling around it sang, and said: “As are<br /> + My notes to thee, who dost not comprehend them,<br /> + Such is the eternal judgment to you mortals.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Those lucent splendours of the Holy Spirit<br /> + Grew quiet then, but still within the standard<br /> + That made the Romans reverend to the world. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +It recommenced: “Unto this kingdom never<br /> + Ascended one who had not faith in Christ,<br /> + Before or since he to the tree was nailed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But look thou, many crying are, ‘Christ, Christ!’<br /> + Who at the judgment shall be far less near<br /> + To him than some shall be who knew not Christ. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Such Christians shall the Ethiop condemn,<br /> + When the two companies shall be divided,<br /> + The one for ever rich, the other poor. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +What to your kings may not the Persians say,<br /> + When they that volume opened shall behold<br /> + In which are written down all their dispraises? +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +There shall be seen, among the deeds of Albert,<br /> + That which ere long shall set the pen in motion,<br /> + For which the realm of Prague shall be deserted. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +There shall be seen the woe that on the Seine<br /> + He brings by falsifying of the coin,<br /> + Who by the blow of a wild boar shall die. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +There shall be seen the pride that causes thirst,<br /> + Which makes the Scot and Englishman so mad<br /> + That they within their boundaries cannot rest; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Be seen the luxury and effeminate life<br /> + Of him of Spain, and the Bohemian,<br /> + Who valour never knew and never wished; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Be seen the Cripple of Jerusalem,<br /> + His goodness represented by an I,<br /> + While the reverse an M shall represent; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Be seen the avarice and poltroonery<br /> + Of him who guards the Island of the Fire,<br /> + Wherein Anchises finished his long life; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And to declare how pitiful he is<br /> + Shall be his record in contracted letters<br /> + Which shall make note of much in little space. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And shall appear to each one the foul deeds<br /> + Of uncle and of brother who a nation<br /> + So famous have dishonoured, and two crowns. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And he of Portugal and he of Norway<br /> + Shall there be known, and he of Rascia too,<br /> + Who saw in evil hour the coin of Venice. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +O happy Hungary, if she let herself<br /> + Be wronged no farther! and Navarre the happy,<br /> + If with the hills that gird her she be armed! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And each one may believe that now, as hansel<br /> + Thereof, do Nicosia and Famagosta<br /> + Lament and rage because of their own beast, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Who from the others’ flank departeth not.” +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="CantoIII.XX"></a>Paradiso: Canto XX</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +When he who all the world illuminates<br /> + Out of our hemisphere so far descends<br /> + That on all sides the daylight is consumed, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The heaven, that erst by him alone was kindled,<br /> + Doth suddenly reveal itself again<br /> + By many lights, wherein is one resplendent. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And came into my mind this act of heaven,<br /> + When the ensign of the world and of its leaders<br /> + Had silent in the blessed beak become; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Because those living luminaries all,<br /> + By far more luminous, did songs begin<br /> + Lapsing and falling from my memory. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +O gentle Love, that with a smile dost cloak thee,<br /> + How ardent in those sparks didst thou appear,<br /> + That had the breath alone of holy thoughts! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +After the precious and pellucid crystals,<br /> + With which begemmed the sixth light I beheld,<br /> + Silence imposed on the angelic bells, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I seemed to hear the murmuring of a river<br /> + That clear descendeth down from rock to rock,<br /> + Showing the affluence of its mountain-top. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And as the sound upon the cithern’s neck<br /> + Taketh its form, and as upon the vent<br /> + Of rustic pipe the wind that enters it, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Even thus, relieved from the delay of waiting,<br /> + That murmuring of the eagle mounted up<br /> + Along its neck, as if it had been hollow. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +There it became a voice, and issued thence<br /> + From out its beak, in such a form of words<br /> + As the heart waited for wherein I wrote them. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“The part in me which sees and bears the sun<br /> + In mortal eagles,” it began to me,<br /> + “Now fixedly must needs be looked upon; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +For of the fires of which I make my figure,<br /> + Those whence the eye doth sparkle in my head<br /> + Of all their orders the supremest are. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +He who is shining in the midst as pupil<br /> + Was once the singer of the Holy Spirit,<br /> + Who bore the ark from city unto city; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Now knoweth he the merit of his song,<br /> + In so far as effect of his own counsel,<br /> + By the reward which is commensurate. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Of five, that make a circle for my brow,<br /> + He that approacheth nearest to my beak<br /> + Did the poor widow for her son console; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Now knoweth he how dearly it doth cost<br /> + Not following Christ, by the experience<br /> + Of this sweet life and of its opposite. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +He who comes next in the circumference<br /> + Of which I speak, upon its highest arc,<br /> + Did death postpone by penitence sincere; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Now knoweth he that the eternal judgment<br /> + Suffers no change, albeit worthy prayer<br /> + Maketh below to-morrow of to-day. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The next who follows, with the laws and me,<br /> + Under the good intent that bore bad fruit<br /> + Became a Greek by ceding to the pastor; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Now knoweth he how all the ill deduced<br /> + From his good action is not harmful to him,<br /> + Although the world thereby may be destroyed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And he, whom in the downward arc thou seest,<br /> + Guglielmo was, whom the same land deplores<br /> + That weepeth Charles and Frederick yet alive; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Now knoweth he how heaven enamoured is<br /> + With a just king; and in the outward show<br /> + Of his effulgence he reveals it still. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Who would believe, down in the errant world,<br /> + That e’er the Trojan Ripheus in this round<br /> + Could be the fifth one of the holy lights? +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Now knoweth he enough of what the world<br /> + Has not the power to see of grace divine,<br /> + Although his sight may not discern the bottom.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Like as a lark that in the air expatiates,<br /> + First singing and then silent with content<br /> + Of the last sweetness that doth satisfy her, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Such seemed to me the image of the imprint<br /> + Of the eternal pleasure, by whose will<br /> + Doth everything become the thing it is. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And notwithstanding to my doubt I was<br /> + As glass is to the colour that invests it,<br /> + To wait the time in silence it endured not, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But forth from out my mouth, “What things are these?”<br /> + Extorted with the force of its own weight;<br /> + Whereat I saw great joy of coruscation. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thereafterward with eye still more enkindled<br /> + The blessed standard made to me reply,<br /> + To keep me not in wonderment suspended: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“I see that thou believest in these things<br /> + Because I say them, but thou seest not how;<br /> + So that, although believed in, they are hidden. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thou doest as he doth who a thing by name<br /> + Well apprehendeth, but its quiddity<br /> + Cannot perceive, unless another show it. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +‘Regnum coelorum’ suffereth violence<br /> + From fervent love, and from that living hope<br /> + That overcometh the Divine volition; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Not in the guise that man o’ercometh man,<br /> + But conquers it because it will be conquered,<br /> + And conquered conquers by benignity. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The first life of the eyebrow and the fifth<br /> + Cause thee astonishment, because with them<br /> + Thou seest the region of the angels painted. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +They passed not from their bodies, as thou thinkest,<br /> + Gentiles, but Christians in the steadfast faith<br /> + Of feet that were to suffer and had suffered. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +For one from Hell, where no one e’er turns back<br /> + Unto good will, returned unto his bones,<br /> + And that of living hope was the reward,— +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Of living hope, that placed its efficacy<br /> + In prayers to God made to resuscitate him,<br /> + So that ’twere possible to move his will. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The glorious soul concerning which I speak,<br /> + Returning to the flesh, where brief its stay,<br /> + Believed in Him who had the power to aid it; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And, in believing, kindled to such fire<br /> + Of genuine love, that at the second death<br /> + Worthy it was to come unto this joy. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The other one, through grace, that from so deep<br /> + A fountain wells that never hath the eye<br /> + Of any creature reached its primal wave, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Set all his love below on righteousness;<br /> + Wherefore from grace to grace did God unclose<br /> + His eye to our redemption yet to be, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Whence he believed therein, and suffered not<br /> + From that day forth the stench of paganism,<br /> + And he reproved therefor the folk perverse. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Those Maidens three, whom at the right-hand wheel<br /> + Thou didst behold, were unto him for baptism<br /> + More than a thousand years before baptizing. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +O thou predestination, how remote<br /> + Thy root is from the aspect of all those<br /> + Who the First Cause do not behold entire! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And you, O mortals! hold yourselves restrained<br /> + In judging; for ourselves, who look on God,<br /> + We do not know as yet all the elect; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And sweet to us is such a deprivation,<br /> + Because our good in this good is made perfect,<br /> + That whatsoe’er God wills, we also will.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +After this manner by that shape divine,<br /> + To make clear in me my short-sightedness,<br /> + Was given to me a pleasant medicine; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And as good singer a good lutanist<br /> + Accompanies with vibrations of the chords,<br /> + Whereby more pleasantness the song acquires, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So, while it spake, do I remember me<br /> + That I beheld both of those blessed lights,<br /> + Even as the winking of the eyes concords, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Moving unto the words their little flames. +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="CantoIII.XXI"></a>Paradiso: Canto XXI</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +Already on my Lady’s face mine eyes<br /> + Again were fastened, and with these my mind,<br /> + And from all other purpose was withdrawn; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And she smiled not; but “If I were to smile,”<br /> + She unto me began, “thou wouldst become<br /> + Like Semele, when she was turned to ashes. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Because my beauty, that along the stairs<br /> + Of the eternal palace more enkindles,<br /> + As thou hast seen, the farther we ascend, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +If it were tempered not, is so resplendent<br /> + That all thy mortal power in its effulgence<br /> + Would seem a leaflet that the thunder crushes. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +We are uplifted to the seventh splendour,<br /> + That underneath the burning Lion’s breast<br /> + Now radiates downward mingled with his power. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Fix in direction of thine eyes the mind,<br /> + And make of them a mirror for the figure<br /> + That in this mirror shall appear to thee.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +He who could know what was the pasturage<br /> + My sight had in that blessed countenance,<br /> + When I transferred me to another care, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Would recognize how grateful was to me<br /> + Obedience unto my celestial escort,<br /> + By counterpoising one side with the other. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Within the crystal which, around the world<br /> + Revolving, bears the name of its dear leader,<br /> + Under whom every wickedness lay dead, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Coloured like gold, on which the sunshine gleams,<br /> + A stairway I beheld to such a height<br /> + Uplifted, that mine eye pursued it not. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Likewise beheld I down the steps descending<br /> + So many splendours, that I thought each light<br /> + That in the heaven appears was there diffused. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And as accordant with their natural custom<br /> + The rooks together at the break of day<br /> + Bestir themselves to warm their feathers cold; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Then some of them fly off without return,<br /> + Others come back to where they started from,<br /> + And others, wheeling round, still keep at home; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Such fashion it appeared to me was there<br /> + Within the sparkling that together came,<br /> + As soon as on a certain step it struck, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And that which nearest unto us remained<br /> + Became so clear, that in my thought I said,<br /> + “Well I perceive the love thou showest me; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But she, from whom I wait the how and when<br /> + Of speech and silence, standeth still; whence I<br /> + Against desire do well if I ask not.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +She thereupon, who saw my silentness<br /> + In the sight of Him who seeth everything,<br /> + Said unto me, “Let loose thy warm desire.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And I began: “No merit of my own<br /> + Renders me worthy of response from thee;<br /> + But for her sake who granteth me the asking, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thou blessed life that dost remain concealed<br /> + In thy beatitude, make known to me<br /> + The cause which draweth thee so near my side; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And tell me why is silent in this wheel<br /> + The dulcet symphony of Paradise,<br /> + That through the rest below sounds so devoutly.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“Thou hast thy hearing mortal as thy sight,”<br /> + It answer made to me; “they sing not here,<br /> + For the same cause that Beatrice has not smiled. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thus far adown the holy stairway’s steps<br /> + Have I descended but to give thee welcome<br /> + With words, and with the light that mantles me; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Nor did more love cause me to be more ready,<br /> + For love as much and more up there is burning,<br /> + As doth the flaming manifest to thee. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But the high charity, that makes us servants<br /> + Prompt to the counsel which controls the world,<br /> + Allotteth here, even as thou dost observe.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“I see full well,” said I, “O sacred lamp!<br /> + How love unfettered in this court sufficeth<br /> + To follow the eternal Providence; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But this is what seems hard for me to see,<br /> + Wherefore predestinate wast thou alone<br /> + Unto this office from among thy consorts.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +No sooner had I come to the last word,<br /> + Than of its middle made the light a centre,<br /> + Whirling itself about like a swift millstone. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +When answer made the love that was therein:<br /> + “On me directed is a light divine,<br /> + Piercing through this in which I am embosomed, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Of which the virtue with my sight conjoined<br /> + Lifts me above myself so far, I see<br /> + The supreme essence from which this is drawn. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Hence comes the joyfulness with which I flame,<br /> + For to my sight, as far as it is clear,<br /> + The clearness of the flame I equal make. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But that soul in the heaven which is most pure,<br /> + That seraph which his eye on God most fixes,<br /> + Could this demand of thine not satisfy; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Because so deeply sinks in the abyss<br /> + Of the eternal statute what thou askest,<br /> + From all created sight it is cut off. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And to the mortal world, when thou returnest,<br /> + This carry back, that it may not presume<br /> + Longer tow’rd such a goal to move its feet. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The mind, that shineth here, on earth doth smoke;<br /> + From this observe how can it do below<br /> + That which it cannot though the heaven assume it?” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Such limit did its words prescribe to me,<br /> + The question I relinquished, and restricted<br /> + Myself to ask it humbly who it was. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“Between two shores of Italy rise cliffs,<br /> + And not far distant from thy native place,<br /> + So high, the thunders far below them sound, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And form a ridge that Catria is called,<br /> + ’Neath which is consecrate a hermitage<br /> + Wont to be dedicate to worship only.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thus unto me the third speech recommenced,<br /> + And then, continuing, it said: “Therein<br /> + Unto God’s service I became so steadfast, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +That feeding only on the juice of olives<br /> + Lightly I passed away the heats and frosts,<br /> + Contented in my thoughts contemplative. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +That cloister used to render to these heavens<br /> + Abundantly, and now is empty grown,<br /> + So that perforce it soon must be revealed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I in that place was Peter Damiano;<br /> + And Peter the Sinner was I in the house<br /> + Of Our Lady on the Adriatic shore. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Little of mortal life remained to me,<br /> + When I was called and dragged forth to the hat<br /> + Which shifteth evermore from bad to worse. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Came Cephas, and the mighty Vessel came<br /> + Of the Holy Spirit, meagre and barefooted,<br /> + Taking the food of any hostelry. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Now some one to support them on each side<br /> + The modern shepherds need, and some to lead them,<br /> + So heavy are they, and to hold their trains. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +They cover up their palfreys with their cloaks,<br /> + So that two beasts go underneath one skin;<br /> + O Patience, that dost tolerate so much!” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +At this voice saw I many little flames<br /> + From step to step descending and revolving,<br /> + And every revolution made them fairer. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Round about this one came they and stood still,<br /> + And a cry uttered of so loud a sound,<br /> + It here could find no parallel, nor I +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Distinguished it, the thunder so o’ercame me. +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="CantoIII.XXII"></a>Paradiso: Canto XXII</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +Oppressed with stupor, I unto my guide<br /> + Turned like a little child who always runs<br /> + For refuge there where he confideth most; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And she, even as a mother who straightway<br /> + Gives comfort to her pale and breathless boy<br /> + With voice whose wont it is to reassure him, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Said to me: “Knowest thou not thou art in heaven,<br /> + And knowest thou not that heaven is holy all<br /> + And what is done here cometh from good zeal? +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +After what wise the singing would have changed thee<br /> + And I by smiling, thou canst now imagine,<br /> + Since that the cry has startled thee so much, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +In which if thou hadst understood its prayers<br /> + Already would be known to thee the vengeance<br /> + Which thou shalt look upon before thou diest. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The sword above here smiteth not in haste<br /> + Nor tardily, howe’er it seem to him<br /> + Who fearing or desiring waits for it. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But turn thee round towards the others now,<br /> + For very illustrious spirits shalt thou see,<br /> + If thou thy sight directest as I say.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +As it seemed good to her mine eyes I turned,<br /> + And saw a hundred spherules that together<br /> + With mutual rays each other more embellished. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I stood as one who in himself represses<br /> + The point of his desire, and ventures not<br /> + To question, he so feareth the too much. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And now the largest and most luculent<br /> + Among those pearls came forward, that it might<br /> + Make my desire concerning it content. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Within it then I heard: “If thou couldst see<br /> + Even as myself the charity that burns<br /> + Among us, thy conceits would be expressed; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But, that by waiting thou mayst not come late<br /> + To the high end, I will make answer even<br /> + Unto the thought of which thou art so chary. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +That mountain on whose slope Cassino stands<br /> + Was frequented of old upon its summit<br /> + By a deluded folk and ill-disposed; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And I am he who first up thither bore<br /> + The name of Him who brought upon the earth<br /> + The truth that so much sublimateth us. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And such abundant grace upon me shone<br /> + That all the neighbouring towns I drew away<br /> + From the impious worship that seduced the world. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +These other fires, each one of them, were men<br /> + Contemplative, enkindled by that heat<br /> + Which maketh holy flowers and fruits spring up. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Here is Macarius, here is Romualdus,<br /> + Here are my brethren, who within the cloisters<br /> + Their footsteps stayed and kept a steadfast heart.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And I to him: “The affection which thou showest<br /> + Speaking with me, and the good countenance<br /> + Which I behold and note in all your ardours, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +In me have so my confidence dilated<br /> + As the sun doth the rose, when it becomes<br /> + As far unfolded as it hath the power. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Therefore I pray, and thou assure me, father,<br /> + If I may so much grace receive, that I<br /> + May thee behold with countenance unveiled.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +He thereupon: “Brother, thy high desire<br /> + In the remotest sphere shall be fulfilled,<br /> + Where are fulfilled all others and my own. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +There perfect is, and ripened, and complete,<br /> + Every desire; within that one alone<br /> + Is every part where it has always been; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +For it is not in space, nor turns on poles,<br /> + And unto it our stairway reaches up,<br /> + Whence thus from out thy sight it steals away. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Up to that height the Patriarch Jacob saw it<br /> + Extending its supernal part, what time<br /> + So thronged with angels it appeared to him. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But to ascend it now no one uplifts<br /> + His feet from off the earth, and now my Rule<br /> + Below remaineth for mere waste of paper. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The walls that used of old to be an Abbey<br /> + Are changed to dens of robbers, and the cowls<br /> + Are sacks filled full of miserable flour. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But heavy usury is not taken up<br /> + So much against God’s pleasure as that fruit<br /> + Which maketh so insane the heart of monks; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +For whatsoever hath the Church in keeping<br /> + Is for the folk that ask it in God’s name,<br /> + Not for one’s kindred or for something worse. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The flesh of mortals is so very soft,<br /> + That good beginnings down below suffice not<br /> + From springing of the oak to bearing acorns. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Peter began with neither gold nor silver,<br /> + And I with orison and abstinence,<br /> + And Francis with humility his convent. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And if thou lookest at each one’s beginning,<br /> + And then regardest whither he has run,<br /> + Thou shalt behold the white changed into brown. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +In verity the Jordan backward turned,<br /> + And the sea’s fleeing, when God willed were more<br /> + A wonder to behold, than succour here.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thus unto me he said; and then withdrew<br /> + To his own band, and the band closed together;<br /> + Then like a whirlwind all was upward rapt. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The gentle Lady urged me on behind them<br /> + Up o’er that stairway by a single sign,<br /> + So did her virtue overcome my nature; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Nor here below, where one goes up and down<br /> + By natural law, was motion e’er so swift<br /> + That it could be compared unto my wing. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Reader, as I may unto that devout<br /> + Triumph return, on whose account I often<br /> + For my transgressions weep and beat my breast,— +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thou hadst not thrust thy finger in the fire<br /> + And drawn it out again, before I saw<br /> + The sign that follows Taurus, and was in it. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +O glorious stars, O light impregnated<br /> + With mighty virtue, from which I acknowledge<br /> + All of my genius, whatsoe’er it be, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +With you was born, and hid himself with you,<br /> + He who is father of all mortal life,<br /> + When first I tasted of the Tuscan air; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And then when grace was freely given to me<br /> + To enter the high wheel which turns you round,<br /> + Your region was allotted unto me. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +To you devoutly at this hour my soul<br /> + Is sighing, that it virtue may acquire<br /> + For the stern pass that draws it to itself. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“Thou art so near unto the last salvation,”<br /> + Thus Beatrice began, “thou oughtest now<br /> + To have thine eves unclouded and acute; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And therefore, ere thou enter farther in,<br /> + Look down once more, and see how vast a world<br /> + Thou hast already put beneath thy feet; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So that thy heart, as jocund as it may,<br /> + Present itself to the triumphant throng<br /> + That comes rejoicing through this rounded ether.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I with my sight returned through one and all<br /> + The sevenfold spheres, and I beheld this globe<br /> + Such that I smiled at its ignoble semblance; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And that opinion I approve as best<br /> + Which doth account it least; and he who thinks<br /> + Of something else may truly be called just. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I saw the daughter of Latona shining<br /> + Without that shadow, which to me was cause<br /> + That once I had believed her rare and dense. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The aspect of thy son, Hyperion,<br /> + Here I sustained, and saw how move themselves<br /> + Around and near him Maia and Dione. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thence there appeared the temperateness of Jove<br /> + ’Twixt son and father, and to me was clear<br /> + The change that of their whereabout they make; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And all the seven made manifest to me<br /> + How great they are, and eke how swift they are,<br /> + And how they are in distant habitations. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The threshing-floor that maketh us so proud,<br /> + To me revolving with the eternal Twins,<br /> + Was all apparent made from hill to harbour! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Then to the beauteous eyes mine eyes I turned. +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="CantoIII.XXIII"></a>Paradiso: Canto XXIII</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +Even as a bird, ’mid the beloved leaves,<br /> + Quiet upon the nest of her sweet brood<br /> + Throughout the night, that hideth all things from us, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Who, that she may behold their longed-for looks<br /> + And find the food wherewith to nourish them,<br /> + In which, to her, grave labours grateful are, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Anticipates the time on open spray<br /> + And with an ardent longing waits the sun,<br /> + Gazing intent as soon as breaks the dawn: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Even thus my Lady standing was, erect<br /> + And vigilant, turned round towards the zone<br /> + Underneath which the sun displays less haste; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So that beholding her distraught and wistful,<br /> + Such I became as he is who desiring<br /> + For something yearns, and hoping is appeased. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But brief the space from one When to the other;<br /> + Of my awaiting, say I, and the seeing<br /> + The welkin grow resplendent more and more. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And Beatrice exclaimed: “Behold the hosts<br /> + Of Christ’s triumphal march, and all the fruit<br /> + Harvested by the rolling of these spheres!” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +It seemed to me her face was all aflame;<br /> + And eyes she had so full of ecstasy<br /> + That I must needs pass on without describing. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +As when in nights serene of the full moon<br /> + Smiles Trivia among the nymphs eternal<br /> + Who paint the firmament through all its gulfs, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Saw I, above the myriads of lamps,<br /> + A Sun that one and all of them enkindled,<br /> + E’en as our own doth the supernal sights, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And through the living light transparent shone<br /> + The lucent substance so intensely clear<br /> + Into my sight, that I sustained it not. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +O Beatrice, thou gentle guide and dear!<br /> + To me she said: “What overmasters thee<br /> + A virtue is from which naught shields itself. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +There are the wisdom and the omnipotence<br /> + That oped the thoroughfares ’twixt heaven and earth,<br /> + For which there erst had been so long a yearning.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +As fire from out a cloud unlocks itself,<br /> + Dilating so it finds not room therein,<br /> + And down, against its nature, falls to earth, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So did my mind, among those aliments<br /> + Becoming larger, issue from itself,<br /> + And that which it became cannot remember. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“Open thine eyes, and look at what I am:<br /> + Thou hast beheld such things, that strong enough<br /> + Hast thou become to tolerate my smile.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I was as one who still retains the feeling<br /> + Of a forgotten vision, and endeavours<br /> + In vain to bring it back into his mind, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +When I this invitation heard, deserving<br /> + Of so much gratitude, it never fades<br /> + Out of the book that chronicles the past. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +If at this moment sounded all the tongues<br /> + That Polyhymnia and her sisters made<br /> + Most lubrical with their delicious milk, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +To aid me, to a thousandth of the truth<br /> + It would not reach, singing the holy smile<br /> + And how the holy aspect it illumed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And therefore, representing Paradise,<br /> + The sacred poem must perforce leap over,<br /> + Even as a man who finds his way cut off; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But whoso thinketh of the ponderous theme,<br /> + And of the mortal shoulder laden with it,<br /> + Should blame it not, if under this it tremble. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +It is no passage for a little boat<br /> + This which goes cleaving the audacious prow,<br /> + Nor for a pilot who would spare himself. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“Why doth my face so much enamour thee,<br /> + That to the garden fair thou turnest not,<br /> + Which under the rays of Christ is blossoming? +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +There is the Rose in which the Word Divine<br /> + Became incarnate; there the lilies are<br /> + By whose perfume the good way was discovered.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thus Beatrice; and I, who to her counsels<br /> + Was wholly ready, once again betook me<br /> + Unto the battle of the feeble brows. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +As in the sunshine, that unsullied streams<br /> + Through fractured cloud, ere now a meadow of flowers<br /> + Mine eyes with shadow covered o’er have seen, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So troops of splendours manifold I saw<br /> + Illumined from above with burning rays,<br /> + Beholding not the source of the effulgence. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +O power benignant that dost so imprint them!<br /> + Thou didst exalt thyself to give more scope<br /> + There to mine eyes, that were not strong enough. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The name of that fair flower I e’er invoke<br /> + Morning and evening utterly enthralled<br /> + My soul to gaze upon the greater fire. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And when in both mine eyes depicted were<br /> + The glory and greatness of the living star<br /> + Which there excelleth, as it here excelled, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Athwart the heavens a little torch descended<br /> + Formed in a circle like a coronal,<br /> + And cinctured it, and whirled itself about it. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Whatever melody most sweetly soundeth<br /> + On earth, and to itself most draws the soul,<br /> + Would seem a cloud that, rent asunder, thunders, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Compared unto the sounding of that lyre<br /> + Wherewith was crowned the sapphire beautiful,<br /> + Which gives the clearest heaven its sapphire hue. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“I am Angelic Love, that circle round<br /> + The joy sublime which breathes from out the womb<br /> + That was the hostelry of our Desire; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And I shall circle, Lady of Heaven, while<br /> + Thou followest thy Son, and mak’st diviner<br /> + The sphere supreme, because thou enterest there.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thus did the circulated melody<br /> + Seal itself up; and all the other lights<br /> + Were making to resound the name of Mary. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The regal mantle of the volumes all<br /> + Of that world, which most fervid is and living<br /> + With breath of God and with his works and ways, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Extended over us its inner border,<br /> + So very distant, that the semblance of it<br /> + There where I was not yet appeared to me. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Therefore mine eyes did not possess the power<br /> + Of following the incoronated flame,<br /> + Which mounted upward near to its own seed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And as a little child, that towards its mother<br /> + Stretches its arms, when it the milk has taken,<br /> + Through impulse kindled into outward flame, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Each of those gleams of whiteness upward reached<br /> + So with its summit, that the deep affection<br /> + They had for Mary was revealed to me. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thereafter they remained there in my sight,<br /> + ‘Regina coeli’ singing with such sweetness,<br /> + That ne’er from me has the delight departed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +O, what exuberance is garnered up<br /> + Within those richest coffers, which had been<br /> + Good husbandmen for sowing here below! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +There they enjoy and live upon the treasure<br /> + Which was acquired while weeping in the exile<br /> + Of Babylon, wherein the gold was left. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +There triumpheth, beneath the exalted Son<br /> + Of God and Mary, in his victory,<br /> + Both with the ancient council and the new, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +He who doth keep the keys of such a glory. +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="CantoIII.XXIV"></a>Paradiso: Canto XXIV</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +“O company elect to the great supper<br /> + Of the Lamb benedight, who feedeth you<br /> + So that for ever full is your desire, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +If by the grace of God this man foretaste<br /> + Something of that which falleth from your table,<br /> + Or ever death prescribe to him the time, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Direct your mind to his immense desire,<br /> + And him somewhat bedew; ye drinking are<br /> + For ever at the fount whence comes his thought.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thus Beatrice; and those souls beatified<br /> + Transformed themselves to spheres on steadfast poles,<br /> + Flaming intensely in the guise of comets. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And as the wheels in works of horologes<br /> + Revolve so that the first to the beholder<br /> + Motionless seems, and the last one to fly, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So in like manner did those carols, dancing<br /> + In different measure, of their affluence<br /> + Give me the gauge, as they were swift or slow. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +From that one which I noted of most beauty<br /> + Beheld I issue forth a fire so happy<br /> + That none it left there of a greater brightness; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And around Beatrice three several times<br /> + It whirled itself with so divine a song,<br /> + My fantasy repeats it not to me; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Therefore the pen skips, and I write it not,<br /> + Since our imagination for such folds,<br /> + Much more our speech, is of a tint too glaring. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“O holy sister mine, who us implorest<br /> + With such devotion, by thine ardent love<br /> + Thou dost unbind me from that beautiful sphere!” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thereafter, having stopped, the blessed fire<br /> + Unto my Lady did direct its breath,<br /> + Which spake in fashion as I here have said. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And she: “O light eterne of the great man<br /> + To whom our Lord delivered up the keys<br /> + He carried down of this miraculous joy, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +This one examine on points light and grave,<br /> + As good beseemeth thee, about the Faith<br /> + By means of which thou on the sea didst walk. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +If he love well, and hope well, and believe,<br /> + From thee ’tis hid not; for thou hast thy sight<br /> + There where depicted everything is seen. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But since this kingdom has made citizens<br /> + By means of the true Faith, to glorify it<br /> + ’Tis well he have the chance to speak thereof.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +As baccalaureate arms himself, and speaks not<br /> + Until the master doth propose the question,<br /> + To argue it, and not to terminate it, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So did I arm myself with every reason,<br /> + While she was speaking, that I might be ready<br /> + For such a questioner and such profession. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“Say, thou good Christian; manifest thyself;<br /> + What is the Faith?” Whereat I raised my brow<br /> + Unto that light wherefrom was this breathed forth. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Then turned I round to Beatrice, and she<br /> + Prompt signals made to me that I should pour<br /> + The water forth from my internal fountain. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“May grace, that suffers me to make confession,”<br /> + Began I, “to the great centurion,<br /> + Cause my conceptions all to be explicit!” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And I continued: “As the truthful pen,<br /> + Father, of thy dear brother wrote of it,<br /> + Who put with thee Rome into the good way, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Faith is the substance of the things we hope for,<br /> + And evidence of those that are not seen;<br /> + And this appears to me its quiddity.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Then heard I: “Very rightly thou perceivest,<br /> + If well thou understandest why he placed it<br /> + With substances and then with evidences.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And I thereafterward: “The things profound,<br /> + That here vouchsafe to me their apparition,<br /> + Unto all eyes below are so concealed, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +That they exist there only in belief,<br /> + Upon the which is founded the high hope,<br /> + And hence it takes the nature of a substance. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And it behoveth us from this belief<br /> + To reason without having other sight,<br /> + And hence it has the nature of evidence.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Then heard I: “If whatever is acquired<br /> + Below by doctrine were thus understood,<br /> + No sophist’s subtlety would there find place.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thus was breathed forth from that enkindled love;<br /> + Then added: “Very well has been gone over<br /> + Already of this coin the alloy and weight; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But tell me if thou hast it in thy purse?”<br /> + And I: “Yes, both so shining and so round<br /> + That in its stamp there is no peradventure.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thereafter issued from the light profound<br /> + That there resplendent was: “This precious jewel,<br /> + Upon the which is every virtue founded, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Whence hadst thou it?” And I: “The large outpouring<br /> + Of Holy Spirit, which has been diffused<br /> + Upon the ancient parchments and the new, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +A syllogism is, which proved it to me<br /> + With such acuteness, that, compared therewith,<br /> + All demonstration seems to me obtuse.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And then I heard: “The ancient and the new<br /> + Postulates, that to thee are so conclusive,<br /> + Why dost thou take them for the word divine?” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And I: “The proofs, which show the truth to me,<br /> + Are the works subsequent, whereunto Nature<br /> + Ne’er heated iron yet, nor anvil beat.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +’Twas answered me: “Say, who assureth thee<br /> + That those works ever were? the thing itself<br /> + That must be proved, nought else to thee affirms it.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“Were the world to Christianity converted,”<br /> + I said, “withouten miracles, this one<br /> + Is such, the rest are not its hundredth part; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Because that poor and fasting thou didst enter<br /> + Into the field to sow there the good plant,<br /> + Which was a vine and has become a thorn!” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +This being finished, the high, holy Court<br /> + Resounded through the spheres, “One God we praise!”<br /> + In melody that there above is chanted. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And then that Baron, who from branch to branch,<br /> + Examining, had thus conducted me,<br /> + Till the extremest leaves we were approaching, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Again began: “The Grace that dallying<br /> + Plays with thine intellect thy mouth has opened,<br /> + Up to this point, as it should opened be, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So that I do approve what forth emerged;<br /> + But now thou must express what thou believest,<br /> + And whence to thy belief it was presented.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“O holy father, spirit who beholdest<br /> + What thou believedst so that thou o’ercamest,<br /> + Towards the sepulchre, more youthful feet,” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Began I, “thou dost wish me in this place<br /> + The form to manifest of my prompt belief,<br /> + And likewise thou the cause thereof demandest. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And I respond: In one God I believe,<br /> + Sole and eterne, who moveth all the heavens<br /> + With love and with desire, himself unmoved; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And of such faith not only have I proofs<br /> + Physical and metaphysical, but gives them<br /> + Likewise the truth that from this place rains down +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Through Moses, through the Prophets and the Psalms,<br /> + Through the Evangel, and through you, who wrote<br /> + After the fiery Spirit sanctified you; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +In Persons three eterne believe, and these<br /> + One essence I believe, so one and trine<br /> + They bear conjunction both with ‘sunt’ and ‘est.’ +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +With the profound condition and divine<br /> + Which now I touch upon, doth stamp my mind<br /> + Ofttimes the doctrine evangelical. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +This the beginning is, this is the spark<br /> + Which afterwards dilates to vivid flame,<br /> + And, like a star in heaven, is sparkling in me.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Even as a lord who hears what pleaseth him<br /> + His servant straight embraces, gratulating<br /> + For the good news as soon as he is silent; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So, giving me its benediction, singing,<br /> + Three times encircled me, when I was silent,<br /> + The apostolic light, at whose command +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I spoken had, in speaking I so pleased him. +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="CantoIII.XXV"></a>Paradiso: Canto XXV</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +If e’er it happen that the Poem Sacred,<br /> + To which both heaven and earth have set their hand,<br /> + So that it many a year hath made me lean, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +O’ercome the cruelty that bars me out<br /> + From the fair sheepfold, where a lamb I slumbered,<br /> + An enemy to the wolves that war upon it, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +With other voice forthwith, with other fleece<br /> + Poet will I return, and at my font<br /> + Baptismal will I take the laurel crown; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Because into the Faith that maketh known<br /> + All souls to God there entered I, and then<br /> + Peter for her sake thus my brow encircled. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thereafterward towards us moved a light<br /> + Out of that band whence issued the first-fruits<br /> + Which of his vicars Christ behind him left, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And then my Lady, full of ecstasy,<br /> + Said unto me: “Look, look! behold the Baron<br /> + For whom below Galicia is frequented.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +In the same way as, when a dove alights<br /> + Near his companion, both of them pour forth,<br /> + Circling about and murmuring, their affection, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So one beheld I by the other grand<br /> + Prince glorified to be with welcome greeted,<br /> + Lauding the food that there above is eaten. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But when their gratulations were complete,<br /> + Silently ‘coram me’ each one stood still,<br /> + So incandescent it o’ercame my sight. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Smiling thereafterwards, said Beatrice:<br /> + “Illustrious life, by whom the benefactions<br /> + Of our Basilica have been described, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Make Hope resound within this altitude;<br /> + Thou knowest as oft thou dost personify it<br /> + As Jesus to the three gave greater clearness.”— +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“Lift up thy head, and make thyself assured;<br /> + For what comes hither from the mortal world<br /> + Must needs be ripened in our radiance.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +This comfort came to me from the second fire;<br /> + Wherefore mine eyes I lifted to the hills,<br /> + Which bent them down before with too great weight. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“Since, through his grace, our Emperor wills that thou<br /> + Shouldst find thee face to face, before thy death,<br /> + In the most secret chamber, with his Counts, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So that, the truth beholden of this court,<br /> + Hope, which below there rightfully enamours,<br /> + Thereby thou strengthen in thyself and others, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Say what it is, and how is flowering with it<br /> + Thy mind, and say from whence it came to thee.”<br /> + Thus did the second light again continue. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And the Compassionate, who piloted<br /> + The plumage of my wings in such high flight,<br /> + Did in reply anticipate me thus: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“No child whatever the Church Militant<br /> + Of greater hope possesses, as is written<br /> + In that Sun which irradiates all our band; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Therefore it is conceded him from Egypt<br /> + To come into Jerusalem to see,<br /> + Or ever yet his warfare be completed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The two remaining points, that not for knowledge<br /> + Have been demanded, but that he report<br /> + How much this virtue unto thee is pleasing, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +To him I leave; for hard he will not find them,<br /> + Nor of self-praise; and let him answer them;<br /> + And may the grace of God in this assist him!” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +As a disciple, who his teacher follows,<br /> + Ready and willing, where he is expert,<br /> + That his proficiency may be displayed, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“Hope,” said I, “is the certain expectation<br /> + Of future glory, which is the effect<br /> + Of grace divine and merit precedent. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +From many stars this light comes unto me;<br /> + But he instilled it first into my heart<br /> + Who was chief singer unto the chief captain. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +‘Sperent in te,’ in the high Theody<br /> + He sayeth, ‘those who know thy name;’ and who<br /> + Knoweth it not, if he my faith possess? +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thou didst instil me, then, with his instilling<br /> + In the Epistle, so that I am full,<br /> + And upon others rain again your rain.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +While I was speaking, in the living bosom<br /> + Of that combustion quivered an effulgence,<br /> + Sudden and frequent, in the guise of lightning; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Then breathed: “The love wherewith I am inflamed<br /> + Towards the virtue still which followed me<br /> + Unto the palm and issue of the field, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Wills that I breathe to thee that thou delight<br /> + In her; and grateful to me is thy telling<br /> + Whatever things Hope promises to thee.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And I: “The ancient Scriptures and the new<br /> + The mark establish, and this shows it me,<br /> + Of all the souls whom God hath made his friends. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Isaiah saith, that each one garmented<br /> + In his own land shall be with twofold garments,<br /> + And his own land is this delightful life. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thy brother, too, far more explicitly,<br /> + There where he treateth of the robes of white,<br /> + This revelation manifests to us.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And first, and near the ending of these words,<br /> + “Sperent in te” from over us was heard,<br /> + To which responsive answered all the carols. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thereafterward a light among them brightened,<br /> + So that, if Cancer one such crystal had,<br /> + Winter would have a month of one sole day. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And as uprises, goes, and enters the dance<br /> + A winsome maiden, only to do honour<br /> + To the new bride, and not from any failing, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Even thus did I behold the brightened splendour<br /> + Approach the two, who in a wheel revolved<br /> + As was beseeming to their ardent love. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Into the song and music there it entered;<br /> + And fixed on them my Lady kept her look,<br /> + Even as a bride silent and motionless. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“This is the one who lay upon the breast<br /> + Of him our Pelican; and this is he<br /> + To the great office from the cross elected.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +My Lady thus; but therefore none the more<br /> + Did move her sight from its attentive gaze<br /> + Before or afterward these words of hers. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Even as a man who gazes, and endeavours<br /> + To see the eclipsing of the sun a little,<br /> + And who, by seeing, sightless doth become, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So I became before that latest fire,<br /> + While it was said, “Why dost thou daze thyself<br /> + To see a thing which here hath no existence? +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Earth in the earth my body is, and shall be<br /> + With all the others there, until our number<br /> + With the eternal proposition tallies. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +With the two garments in the blessed cloister<br /> + Are the two lights alone that have ascended:<br /> + And this shalt thou take back into your world.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And at this utterance the flaming circle<br /> + Grew quiet, with the dulcet intermingling<br /> + Of sound that by the trinal breath was made, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +As to escape from danger or fatigue<br /> + The oars that erst were in the water beaten<br /> + Are all suspended at a whistle’s sound. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Ah, how much in my mind was I disturbed,<br /> + When I turned round to look on Beatrice,<br /> + That her I could not see, although I was +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Close at her side and in the Happy World! +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="CantoIII.XXVI"></a>Paradiso: Canto XXVI</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +While I was doubting for my vision quenched,<br /> + Out of the flame refulgent that had quenched it<br /> + Issued a breathing, that attentive made me, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Saying: “While thou recoverest the sense<br /> + Of seeing which in me thou hast consumed,<br /> + ’Tis well that speaking thou shouldst compensate it. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Begin then, and declare to what thy soul<br /> + Is aimed, and count it for a certainty,<br /> + Sight is in thee bewildered and not dead; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Because the Lady, who through this divine<br /> + Region conducteth thee, has in her look<br /> + The power the hand of Ananias had.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I said: “As pleaseth her, or soon or late<br /> + Let the cure come to eyes that portals were<br /> + When she with fire I ever burn with entered. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The Good, that gives contentment to this Court,<br /> + The Alpha and Omega is of all<br /> + The writing that love reads me low or loud.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The selfsame voice, that taken had from me<br /> + The terror of the sudden dazzlement,<br /> + To speak still farther put it in my thought; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And said: “In verity with finer sieve<br /> + Behoveth thee to sift; thee it behoveth<br /> + To say who aimed thy bow at such a target.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And I: “By philosophic arguments,<br /> + And by authority that hence descends,<br /> + Such love must needs imprint itself in me; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +For Good, so far as good, when comprehended<br /> + Doth straight enkindle love, and so much greater<br /> + As more of goodness in itself it holds; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Then to that Essence (whose is such advantage<br /> + That every good which out of it is found<br /> + Is nothing but a ray of its own light) +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +More than elsewhither must the mind be moved<br /> + Of every one, in loving, who discerns<br /> + The truth in which this evidence is founded. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Such truth he to my intellect reveals<br /> + Who demonstrates to me the primal love<br /> + Of all the sempiternal substances. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The voice reveals it of the truthful Author,<br /> + Who says to Moses, speaking of Himself,<br /> + ‘I will make all my goodness pass before thee.’ +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thou too revealest it to me, beginning<br /> + The loud Evangel, that proclaims the secret<br /> + Of heaven to earth above all other edict.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And I heard say: “By human intellect<br /> + And by authority concordant with it,<br /> + Of all thy loves reserve for God the highest. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But say again if other cords thou feelest,<br /> + Draw thee towards Him, that thou mayst proclaim<br /> + With how many teeth this love is biting thee.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The holy purpose of the Eagle of Christ<br /> + Not latent was, nay, rather I perceived<br /> + Whither he fain would my profession lead. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Therefore I recommenced: “All of those bites<br /> + Which have the power to turn the heart to God<br /> + Unto my charity have been concurrent. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The being of the world, and my own being,<br /> + The death which He endured that I may live,<br /> + And that which all the faithful hope, as I do, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +With the forementioned vivid consciousness<br /> + Have drawn me from the sea of love perverse,<br /> + And of the right have placed me on the shore. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The leaves, wherewith embowered is all the garden<br /> + Of the Eternal Gardener, do I love<br /> + As much as he has granted them of good.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +As soon as I had ceased, a song most sweet<br /> + Throughout the heaven resounded, and my Lady<br /> + Said with the others, “Holy, holy, holy!” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And as at some keen light one wakes from sleep<br /> + By reason of the visual spirit that runs<br /> + Unto the splendour passed from coat to coat, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And he who wakes abhorreth what he sees,<br /> + So all unconscious is his sudden waking,<br /> + Until the judgment cometh to his aid, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So from before mine eyes did Beatrice<br /> + Chase every mote with radiance of her own,<br /> + That cast its light a thousand miles and more. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Whence better after than before I saw,<br /> + And in a kind of wonderment I asked<br /> + About a fourth light that I saw with us. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And said my Lady: “There within those rays<br /> + Gazes upon its Maker the first soul<br /> + That ever the first virtue did create.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Even as the bough that downward bends its top<br /> + At transit of the wind, and then is lifted<br /> + By its own virtue, which inclines it upward, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Likewise did I, the while that she was speaking,<br /> + Being amazed, and then I was made bold<br /> + By a desire to speak wherewith I burned. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And I began: “O apple, that mature<br /> + Alone hast been produced, O ancient father,<br /> + To whom each wife is daughter and daughter-in-law, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Devoutly as I can I supplicate thee<br /> + That thou wouldst speak to me; thou seest my wish;<br /> + And I, to hear thee quickly, speak it not.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Sometimes an animal, when covered, struggles<br /> + So that his impulse needs must be apparent,<br /> + By reason of the wrappage following it; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And in like manner the primeval soul<br /> + Made clear to me athwart its covering<br /> + How jubilant it was to give me pleasure. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Then breathed: “Without thy uttering it to me,<br /> + Thine inclination better I discern<br /> + Than thou whatever thing is surest to thee; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +For I behold it in the truthful mirror,<br /> + That of Himself all things parhelion makes,<br /> + And none makes Him parhelion of itself. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thou fain wouldst hear how long ago God placed me<br /> + Within the lofty garden, where this Lady<br /> + Unto so long a stairway thee disposed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And how long to mine eyes it was a pleasure,<br /> + And of the great disdain the proper cause,<br /> + And the language that I used and that I made. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Now, son of mine, the tasting of the tree<br /> + Not in itself was cause of so great exile,<br /> + But solely the o’erstepping of the bounds. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +There, whence thy Lady moved Virgilius,<br /> + Four thousand and three hundred and two circuits<br /> + Made by the sun, this Council I desired; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And him I saw return to all the lights<br /> + Of his highway nine hundred times and thirty,<br /> + Whilst I upon the earth was tarrying. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The language that I spake was quite extinct<br /> + Before that in the work interminable<br /> + The people under Nimrod were employed; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +For nevermore result of reasoning<br /> + (Because of human pleasure that doth change,<br /> + Obedient to the heavens) was durable. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +A natural action is it that man speaks;<br /> + But whether thus or thus, doth nature leave<br /> + To your own art, as seemeth best to you. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Ere I descended to the infernal anguish,<br /> + ‘El’ was on earth the name of the Chief Good,<br /> + From whom comes all the joy that wraps me round +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +‘Eli’ he then was called, and that is proper,<br /> + Because the use of men is like a leaf<br /> + On bough, which goeth and another cometh. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Upon the mount that highest o’er the wave<br /> + Rises was I, in life or pure or sinful,<br /> + From the first hour to that which is the second, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +As the sun changes quadrant, to the sixth.” +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="CantoIII.XXVII"></a>Paradiso: Canto XXVII</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +“Glory be to the Father, to the Son,<br /> + And Holy Ghost!” all Paradise began,<br /> + So that the melody inebriate made me. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +What I beheld seemed unto me a smile<br /> + Of the universe; for my inebriation<br /> + Found entrance through the hearing and the sight. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +O joy! O gladness inexpressible!<br /> + O perfect life of love and peacefulness!<br /> + O riches without hankering secure! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Before mine eyes were standing the four torches<br /> + Enkindled, and the one that first had come<br /> + Began to make itself more luminous; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And even such in semblance it became<br /> + As Jupiter would become, if he and Mars<br /> + Were birds, and they should interchange their feathers. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +That Providence, which here distributeth<br /> + Season and service, in the blessed choir<br /> + Had silence upon every side imposed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +When I heard say: “If I my colour change,<br /> + Marvel not at it; for while I am speaking<br /> + Thou shalt behold all these their colour change. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +He who usurps upon the earth my place,<br /> + My place, my place, which vacant has become<br /> + Before the presence of the Son of God, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Has of my cemetery made a sewer<br /> + Of blood and stench, whereby the Perverse One,<br /> + Who fell from here, below there is appeased!” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +With the same colour which, through sun adverse,<br /> + Painteth the clouds at evening or at morn,<br /> + Beheld I then the whole of heaven suffused. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And as a modest woman, who abides<br /> + Sure of herself, and at another’s failing,<br /> + From listening only, timorous becomes, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Even thus did Beatrice change countenance;<br /> + And I believe in heaven was such eclipse,<br /> + When suffered the supreme Omnipotence; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thereafterward proceeded forth his words<br /> + With voice so much transmuted from itself,<br /> + The very countenance was not more changed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“The spouse of Christ has never nurtured been<br /> + On blood of mine, of Linus and of Cletus,<br /> + To be made use of in acquest of gold; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But in acquest of this delightful life<br /> + Sixtus and Pius, Urban and Calixtus,<br /> + After much lamentation, shed their blood. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Our purpose was not, that on the right hand<br /> + Of our successors should in part be seated<br /> + The Christian folk, in part upon the other; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Nor that the keys which were to me confided<br /> + Should e’er become the escutcheon on a banner,<br /> + That should wage war on those who are baptized; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Nor I be made the figure of a seal<br /> + To privileges venal and mendacious,<br /> + Whereat I often redden and flash with fire. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +In garb of shepherds the rapacious wolves<br /> + Are seen from here above o’er all the pastures!<br /> + O wrath of God, why dost thou slumber still? +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +To drink our blood the Caorsines and Gascons<br /> + Are making ready. O thou good beginning,<br /> + Unto how vile an end must thou needs fall! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But the high Providence, that with Scipio<br /> + At Rome the glory of the world defended,<br /> + Will speedily bring aid, as I conceive; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And thou, my son, who by thy mortal weight<br /> + Shalt down return again, open thy mouth;<br /> + What I conceal not, do not thou conceal.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +As with its frozen vapours downward falls<br /> + In flakes our atmosphere, what time the horn<br /> + Of the celestial Goat doth touch the sun, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Upward in such array saw I the ether<br /> + Become, and flaked with the triumphant vapours,<br /> + Which there together with us had remained. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +My sight was following up their semblances,<br /> + And followed till the medium, by excess,<br /> + The passing farther onward took from it; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Whereat the Lady, who beheld me freed<br /> + From gazing upward, said to me: “Cast down<br /> + Thy sight, and see how far thou art turned round.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Since the first time that I had downward looked,<br /> + I saw that I had moved through the whole arc<br /> + Which the first climate makes from midst to end; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So that I saw the mad track of Ulysses<br /> + Past Gades, and this side, well nigh the shore<br /> + Whereon became Europa a sweet burden. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And of this threshing-floor the site to me<br /> + Were more unveiled, but the sun was proceeding<br /> + Under my feet, a sign and more removed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +My mind enamoured, which is dallying<br /> + At all times with my Lady, to bring back<br /> + To her mine eyes was more than ever ardent. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And if or Art or Nature has made bait<br /> + To catch the eyes and so possess the mind,<br /> + In human flesh or in its portraiture, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +All joined together would appear as nought<br /> + To the divine delight which shone upon me<br /> + When to her smiling face I turned me round. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The virtue that her look endowed me with<br /> + From the fair nest of Leda tore me forth,<br /> + And up into the swiftest heaven impelled me. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Its parts exceeding full of life and lofty<br /> + Are all so uniform, I cannot say<br /> + Which Beatrice selected for my place. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But she, who was aware of my desire,<br /> + Began, the while she smiled so joyously<br /> + That God seemed in her countenance to rejoice: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“The nature of that motion, which keeps quiet<br /> + The centre and all the rest about it moves,<br /> + From hence begins as from its starting point. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And in this heaven there is no other Where<br /> + Than in the Mind Divine, wherein is kindled<br /> + The love that turns it, and the power it rains. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Within a circle light and love embrace it,<br /> + Even as this doth the others, and that precinct<br /> + He who encircles it alone controls. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Its motion is not by another meted,<br /> + But all the others measured are by this,<br /> + As ten is by the half and by the fifth. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And in what manner time in such a pot<br /> + May have its roots, and in the rest its leaves,<br /> + Now unto thee can manifest be made. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +O Covetousness, that mortals dost ingulf<br /> + Beneath thee so, that no one hath the power<br /> + Of drawing back his eyes from out thy waves! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Full fairly blossoms in mankind the will;<br /> + But the uninterrupted rain converts<br /> + Into abortive wildings the true plums. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Fidelity and innocence are found<br /> + Only in children; afterwards they both<br /> + Take flight or e’er the cheeks with down are covered. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +One, while he prattles still, observes the fasts,<br /> + Who, when his tongue is loosed, forthwith devours<br /> + Whatever food under whatever moon; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Another, while he prattles, loves and listens<br /> + Unto his mother, who when speech is perfect<br /> + Forthwith desires to see her in her grave. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Even thus is swarthy made the skin so white<br /> + In its first aspect of the daughter fair<br /> + Of him who brings the morn, and leaves the night. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thou, that it may not be a marvel to thee,<br /> + Think that on earth there is no one who governs;<br /> + Whence goes astray the human family. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Ere January be unwintered wholly<br /> + By the centesimal on earth neglected,<br /> + Shall these supernal circles roar so loud +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The tempest that has been so long awaited<br /> + Shall whirl the poops about where are the prows;<br /> + So that the fleet shall run its course direct, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And the true fruit shall follow on the flower.” +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="CantoIII.XXVIII"></a>Paradiso: Canto XXVIII</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +After the truth against the present life<br /> + Of miserable mortals was unfolded<br /> + By her who doth imparadise my mind, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +As in a looking-glass a taper’s flame<br /> + He sees who from behind is lighted by it,<br /> + Before he has it in his sight or thought, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And turns him round to see if so the glass<br /> + Tell him the truth, and sees that it accords<br /> + Therewith as doth a music with its metre, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +In similar wise my memory recollecteth<br /> + That I did, looking into those fair eyes,<br /> + Of which Love made the springes to ensnare me. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And as I turned me round, and mine were touched<br /> + By that which is apparent in that volume,<br /> + Whenever on its gyre we gaze intent, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +A point beheld I, that was raying out<br /> + Light so acute, the sight which it enkindles<br /> + Must close perforce before such great acuteness. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And whatsoever star seems smallest here<br /> + Would seem to be a moon, if placed beside it.<br /> + As one star with another star is placed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Perhaps at such a distance as appears<br /> + A halo cincturing the light that paints it,<br /> + When densest is the vapour that sustains it, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thus distant round the point a circle of fire<br /> + So swiftly whirled, that it would have surpassed<br /> + Whatever motion soonest girds the world; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And this was by another circumcinct,<br /> + That by a third, the third then by a fourth,<br /> + By a fifth the fourth, and then by a sixth the fifth; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The seventh followed thereupon in width<br /> + So ample now, that Juno’s messenger<br /> + Entire would be too narrow to contain it. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Even so the eighth and ninth; and every one<br /> + More slowly moved, according as it was<br /> + In number distant farther from the first. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And that one had its flame most crystalline<br /> + From which less distant was the stainless spark,<br /> + I think because more with its truth imbued. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +My Lady, who in my anxiety<br /> + Beheld me much perplexed, said: “From that point<br /> + Dependent is the heaven and nature all. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Behold that circle most conjoined to it,<br /> + And know thou, that its motion is so swift<br /> + Through burning love whereby it is spurred on.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And I to her: “If the world were arranged<br /> + In the order which I see in yonder wheels,<br /> + What’s set before me would have satisfied me; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But in the world of sense we can perceive<br /> + That evermore the circles are diviner<br /> + As they are from the centre more remote +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Wherefore if my desire is to be ended<br /> + In this miraculous and angelic temple,<br /> + That has for confines only love and light, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +To hear behoves me still how the example<br /> + And the exemplar go not in one fashion,<br /> + Since for myself in vain I contemplate it.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“If thine own fingers unto such a knot<br /> + Be insufficient, it is no great wonder,<br /> + So hard hath it become for want of trying.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +My Lady thus; then said she: “Do thou take<br /> + What I shall tell thee, if thou wouldst be sated,<br /> + And exercise on that thy subtlety. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The circles corporal are wide and narrow<br /> + According to the more or less of virtue<br /> + Which is distributed through all their parts. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The greater goodness works the greater weal,<br /> + The greater weal the greater body holds,<br /> + If perfect equally are all its parts. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Therefore this one which sweeps along with it<br /> + The universe sublime, doth correspond<br /> + Unto the circle which most loves and knows. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +On which account, if thou unto the virtue<br /> + Apply thy measure, not to the appearance<br /> + Of substances that unto thee seem round, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thou wilt behold a marvellous agreement,<br /> + Of more to greater, and of less to smaller,<br /> + In every heaven, with its Intelligence.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Even as remaineth splendid and serene<br /> + The hemisphere of air, when Boreas<br /> + Is blowing from that cheek where he is mildest, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Because is purified and resolved the rack<br /> + That erst disturbed it, till the welkin laughs<br /> + With all the beauties of its pageantry; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thus did I likewise, after that my Lady<br /> + Had me provided with her clear response,<br /> + And like a star in heaven the truth was seen. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And soon as to a stop her words had come,<br /> + Not otherwise does iron scintillate<br /> + When molten, than those circles scintillated. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Their coruscation all the sparks repeated,<br /> + And they so many were, their number makes<br /> + More millions than the doubling of the chess. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I heard them sing hosanna choir by choir<br /> + To the fixed point which holds them at the ‘Ubi,’<br /> + And ever will, where they have ever been. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And she, who saw the dubious meditations<br /> + Within my mind, “The primal circles,” said,<br /> + “Have shown thee Seraphim and Cherubim. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thus rapidly they follow their own bonds,<br /> + To be as like the point as most they can,<br /> + And can as far as they are high in vision. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Those other Loves, that round about them go,<br /> + Thrones of the countenance divine are called,<br /> + Because they terminate the primal Triad. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And thou shouldst know that they all have delight<br /> + As much as their own vision penetrates<br /> + The Truth, in which all intellect finds rest. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +From this it may be seen how blessedness<br /> + Is founded in the faculty which sees,<br /> + And not in that which loves, and follows next; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And of this seeing merit is the measure,<br /> + Which is brought forth by grace, and by good will;<br /> + Thus on from grade to grade doth it proceed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The second Triad, which is germinating<br /> + In such wise in this sempiternal spring,<br /> + That no nocturnal Aries despoils, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Perpetually hosanna warbles forth<br /> + With threefold melody, that sounds in three<br /> + Orders of joy, with which it is intrined. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The three Divine are in this hierarchy,<br /> + First the Dominions, and the Virtues next;<br /> + And the third order is that of the Powers. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Then in the dances twain penultimate<br /> + The Principalities and Archangels wheel;<br /> + The last is wholly of angelic sports. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +These orders upward all of them are gazing,<br /> + And downward so prevail, that unto God<br /> + They all attracted are and all attract. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And Dionysius with so great desire<br /> + To contemplate these Orders set himself,<br /> + He named them and distinguished them as I do. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But Gregory afterwards dissented from him;<br /> + Wherefore, as soon as he unclosed his eyes<br /> + Within this heaven, he at himself did smile. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And if so much of secret truth a mortal<br /> + Proffered on earth, I would not have thee marvel,<br /> + For he who saw it here revealed it to him, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +With much more of the truth about these circles.” +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="CantoIII.XXIX"></a>Paradiso: Canto XXIX</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +At what time both the children of Latona,<br /> + Surmounted by the Ram and by the Scales,<br /> + Together make a zone of the horizon, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +As long as from the time the zenith holds them<br /> + In equipoise, till from that girdle both<br /> + Changing their hemisphere disturb the balance, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So long, her face depicted with a smile,<br /> + Did Beatrice keep silence while she gazed<br /> + Fixedly at the point which had o’ercome me. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Then she began: “I say, and I ask not<br /> + What thou dost wish to hear, for I have seen it<br /> + Where centres every When and every ‘Ubi.’ +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Not to acquire some good unto himself,<br /> + Which is impossible, but that his splendour<br /> + In its resplendency may say, ‘Subsisto,’ +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +In his eternity outside of time,<br /> + Outside all other limits, as it pleased him,<br /> + Into new Loves the Eternal Love unfolded. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Nor as if torpid did he lie before;<br /> + For neither after nor before proceeded<br /> + The going forth of God upon these waters. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Matter and Form unmingled and conjoined<br /> + Came into being that had no defect,<br /> + E’en as three arrows from a three-stringed bow. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And as in glass, in amber, or in crystal<br /> + A sunbeam flashes so, that from its coming<br /> + To its full being is no interval, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So from its Lord did the triform effect<br /> + Ray forth into its being all together,<br /> + Without discrimination of beginning. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Order was con-created and constructed<br /> + In substances, and summit of the world<br /> + Were those wherein the pure act was produced. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Pure potentiality held the lowest part;<br /> + Midway bound potentiality with act<br /> + Such bond that it shall never be unbound. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Jerome has written unto you of angels<br /> + Created a long lapse of centuries<br /> + Or ever yet the other world was made; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But written is this truth in many places<br /> + By writers of the Holy Ghost, and thou<br /> + Shalt see it, if thou lookest well thereat. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And even reason seeth it somewhat,<br /> + For it would not concede that for so long<br /> + Could be the motors without their perfection. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Now dost thou know both where and when these Loves<br /> + Created were, and how; so that extinct<br /> + In thy desire already are three fires. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Nor could one reach, in counting, unto twenty<br /> + So swiftly, as a portion of these angels<br /> + Disturbed the subject of your elements. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The rest remained, and they began this art<br /> + Which thou discernest, with so great delight<br /> + That never from their circling do they cease. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The occasion of the fall was the accursed<br /> + Presumption of that One, whom thou hast seen<br /> + By all the burden of the world constrained. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Those whom thou here beholdest modest were<br /> + To recognise themselves as of that goodness<br /> + Which made them apt for so much understanding; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +On which account their vision was exalted<br /> + By the enlightening grace and their own merit,<br /> + So that they have a full and steadfast will. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I would not have thee doubt, but certain be,<br /> + ’Tis meritorious to receive this grace,<br /> + According as the affection opens to it. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Now round about in this consistory<br /> + Much mayst thou contemplate, if these my words<br /> + Be gathered up, without all further aid. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But since upon the earth, throughout your schools,<br /> + They teach that such is the angelic nature<br /> + That it doth hear, and recollect, and will, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +More will I say, that thou mayst see unmixed<br /> + The truth that is confounded there below,<br /> + Equivocating in such like prelections. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +These substances, since in God’s countenance<br /> + They jocund were, turned not away their sight<br /> + From that wherefrom not anything is hidden; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Hence they have not their vision intercepted<br /> + By object new, and hence they do not need<br /> + To recollect, through interrupted thought. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So that below, not sleeping, people dream,<br /> + Believing they speak truth, and not believing;<br /> + And in the last is greater sin and shame. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Below you do not journey by one path<br /> + Philosophising; so transporteth you<br /> + Love of appearance and the thought thereof. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And even this above here is endured<br /> + With less disdain, than when is set aside<br /> + The Holy Writ, or when it is distorted. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +They think not there how much of blood it costs<br /> + To sow it in the world, and how he pleases<br /> + Who in humility keeps close to it. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Each striveth for appearance, and doth make<br /> + His own inventions; and these treated are<br /> + By preachers, and the Evangel holds its peace. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +One sayeth that the moon did backward turn,<br /> + In the Passion of Christ, and interpose herself<br /> + So that the sunlight reached not down below; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And lies; for of its own accord the light<br /> + Hid itself; whence to Spaniards and to Indians,<br /> + As to the Jews, did such eclipse respond. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Florence has not so many Lapi and Bindi<br /> + As fables such as these, that every year<br /> + Are shouted from the pulpit back and forth, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +In such wise that the lambs, who do not know,<br /> + Come back from pasture fed upon the wind,<br /> + And not to see the harm doth not excuse them. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Christ did not to his first disciples say,<br /> + ‘Go forth, and to the world preach idle tales,’<br /> + But unto them a true foundation gave; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And this so loudly sounded from their lips,<br /> + That, in the warfare to enkindle Faith,<br /> + They made of the Evangel shields and lances. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Now men go forth with jests and drolleries<br /> + To preach, and if but well the people laugh,<br /> + The hood puffs out, and nothing more is asked. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But in the cowl there nestles such a bird,<br /> + That, if the common people were to see it,<br /> + They would perceive what pardons they confide in, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +For which so great on earth has grown the folly,<br /> + That, without proof of any testimony,<br /> + To each indulgence they would flock together. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +By this Saint Anthony his pig doth fatten,<br /> + And many others, who are worse than pigs,<br /> + Paying in money without mark of coinage. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But since we have digressed abundantly,<br /> + Turn back thine eyes forthwith to the right path,<br /> + So that the way be shortened with the time. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +This nature doth so multiply itself<br /> + In numbers, that there never yet was speech<br /> + Nor mortal fancy that can go so far. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And if thou notest that which is revealed<br /> + By Daniel, thou wilt see that in his thousands<br /> + Number determinate is kept concealed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The primal light, that all irradiates it,<br /> + By modes as many is received therein,<br /> + As are the splendours wherewith it is mated. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Hence, inasmuch as on the act conceptive<br /> + The affection followeth, of love the sweetness<br /> + Therein diversely fervid is or tepid. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The height behold now and the amplitude<br /> + Of the eternal power, since it hath made<br /> + Itself so many mirrors, where ’tis broken, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +One in itself remaining as before.” +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="CantoIII.XXX"></a>Paradiso: Canto XXX</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +Perchance six thousand miles remote from us<br /> + Is glowing the sixth hour, and now this world<br /> + Inclines its shadow almost to a level, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +When the mid-heaven begins to make itself<br /> + So deep to us, that here and there a star<br /> + Ceases to shine so far down as this depth, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And as advances bright exceedingly<br /> + The handmaid of the sun, the heaven is closed<br /> + Light after light to the most beautiful; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Not otherwise the Triumph, which for ever<br /> + Plays round about the point that vanquished me,<br /> + Seeming enclosed by what itself encloses, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Little by little from my vision faded;<br /> + Whereat to turn mine eyes on Beatrice<br /> + My seeing nothing and my love constrained me. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +If what has hitherto been said of her<br /> + Were all concluded in a single praise,<br /> + Scant would it be to serve the present turn. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Not only does the beauty I beheld<br /> + Transcend ourselves, but truly I believe<br /> + Its Maker only may enjoy it all. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Vanquished do I confess me by this passage<br /> + More than by problem of his theme was ever<br /> + O’ercome the comic or the tragic poet; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +For as the sun the sight that trembles most,<br /> + Even so the memory of that sweet smile<br /> + My mind depriveth of its very self. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +From the first day that I beheld her face<br /> + In this life, to the moment of this look,<br /> + The sequence of my song has ne’er been severed; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But now perforce this sequence must desist<br /> + From following her beauty with my verse,<br /> + As every artist at his uttermost. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Such as I leave her to a greater fame<br /> + Than any of my trumpet, which is bringing<br /> + Its arduous matter to a final close, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +With voice and gesture of a perfect leader<br /> + She recommenced: “We from the greatest body<br /> + Have issued to the heaven that is pure light; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Light intellectual replete with love,<br /> + Love of true good replete with ecstasy,<br /> + Ecstasy that transcendeth every sweetness. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Here shalt thou see the one host and the other<br /> + Of Paradise, and one in the same aspects<br /> + Which at the final judgment thou shalt see.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Even as a sudden lightning that disperses<br /> + The visual spirits, so that it deprives<br /> + The eye of impress from the strongest objects, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thus round about me flashed a living light,<br /> + And left me swathed around with such a veil<br /> + Of its effulgence, that I nothing saw. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“Ever the Love which quieteth this heaven<br /> + Welcomes into itself with such salute,<br /> + To make the candle ready for its flame.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +No sooner had within me these brief words<br /> + An entrance found, than I perceived myself<br /> + To be uplifted over my own power, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And I with vision new rekindled me,<br /> + Such that no light whatever is so pure<br /> + But that mine eyes were fortified against it. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And light I saw in fashion of a river<br /> + Fulvid with its effulgence, ’twixt two banks<br /> + Depicted with an admirable Spring. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Out of this river issued living sparks,<br /> + And on all sides sank down into the flowers,<br /> + Like unto rubies that are set in gold; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And then, as if inebriate with the odours,<br /> + They plunged again into the wondrous torrent,<br /> + And as one entered issued forth another. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“The high desire, that now inflames and moves thee<br /> + To have intelligence of what thou seest,<br /> + Pleaseth me all the more, the more it swells. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But of this water it behoves thee drink<br /> + Before so great a thirst in thee be slaked.”<br /> + Thus said to me the sunshine of mine eyes; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And added: “The river and the topazes<br /> + Going in and out, and the laughing of the herbage,<br /> + Are of their truth foreshadowing prefaces; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Not that these things are difficult in themselves,<br /> + But the deficiency is on thy side,<br /> + For yet thou hast not vision so exalted.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +There is no babe that leaps so suddenly<br /> + With face towards the milk, if he awake<br /> + Much later than his usual custom is, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +As I did, that I might make better mirrors<br /> + Still of mine eyes, down stooping to the wave<br /> + Which flows that we therein be better made. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And even as the penthouse of mine eyelids<br /> + Drank of it, it forthwith appeared to me<br /> + Out of its length to be transformed to round. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Then as a folk who have been under masks<br /> + Seem other than before, if they divest<br /> + The semblance not their own they disappeared in, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thus into greater pomp were changed for me<br /> + The flowerets and the sparks, so that I saw<br /> + Both of the Courts of Heaven made manifest. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +O splendour of God! by means of which I saw<br /> + The lofty triumph of the realm veracious,<br /> + Give me the power to say how it I saw! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +There is a light above, which visible<br /> + Makes the Creator unto every creature,<br /> + Who only in beholding Him has peace, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And it expands itself in circular form<br /> + To such extent, that its circumference<br /> + Would be too large a girdle for the sun. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The semblance of it is all made of rays<br /> + Reflected from the top of Primal Motion,<br /> + Which takes therefrom vitality and power. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And as a hill in water at its base<br /> + Mirrors itself, as if to see its beauty<br /> + When affluent most in verdure and in flowers, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So, ranged aloft all round about the light,<br /> + Mirrored I saw in more ranks than a thousand<br /> + All who above there have from us returned. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And if the lowest row collect within it<br /> + So great a light, how vast the amplitude<br /> + Is of this Rose in its extremest leaves! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +My vision in the vastness and the height<br /> + Lost not itself, but comprehended all<br /> + The quantity and quality of that gladness. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +There near and far nor add nor take away;<br /> + For there where God immediately doth govern,<br /> + The natural law in naught is relevant. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Into the yellow of the Rose Eternal<br /> + That spreads, and multiplies, and breathes an odour<br /> + Of praise unto the ever-vernal Sun, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +As one who silent is and fain would speak,<br /> + Me Beatrice drew on, and said: “Behold<br /> + Of the white stoles how vast the convent is! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Behold how vast the circuit of our city!<br /> + Behold our seats so filled to overflowing,<br /> + That here henceforward are few people wanting! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +On that great throne whereon thine eyes are fixed<br /> + For the crown’s sake already placed upon it,<br /> + Before thou suppest at this wedding feast +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Shall sit the soul (that is to be Augustus<br /> + On earth) of noble Henry, who shall come<br /> + To redress Italy ere she be ready. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Blind covetousness, that casts its spell upon you,<br /> + Has made you like unto the little child,<br /> + Who dies of hunger and drives off the nurse. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And in the sacred forum then shall be<br /> + A Prefect such, that openly or covert<br /> + On the same road he will not walk with him. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But long of God he will not be endured<br /> + In holy office; he shall be thrust down<br /> + Where Simon Magus is for his deserts, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And make him of Alagna lower go!” +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="CantoIII.XXXI"></a>Paradiso: Canto XXXI</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +In fashion then as of a snow-white rose<br /> + Displayed itself to me the saintly host,<br /> + Whom Christ in his own blood had made his bride, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But the other host, that flying sees and sings<br /> + The glory of Him who doth enamour it,<br /> + And the goodness that created it so noble, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Even as a swarm of bees, that sinks in flowers<br /> + One moment, and the next returns again<br /> + To where its labour is to sweetness turned, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Sank into the great flower, that is adorned<br /> + With leaves so many, and thence reascended<br /> + To where its love abideth evermore. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Their faces had they all of living flame,<br /> + And wings of gold, and all the rest so white<br /> + No snow unto that limit doth attain. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +From bench to bench, into the flower descending,<br /> + They carried something of the peace and ardour<br /> + Which by the fanning of their flanks they won. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Nor did the interposing ’twixt the flower<br /> + And what was o’er it of such plenitude<br /> + Of flying shapes impede the sight and splendour; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Because the light divine so penetrates<br /> + The universe, according to its merit,<br /> + That naught can be an obstacle against it. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +This realm secure and full of gladsomeness,<br /> + Crowded with ancient people and with modern,<br /> + Unto one mark had all its look and love. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +O Trinal Light, that in a single star<br /> + Sparkling upon their sight so satisfies them,<br /> + Look down upon our tempest here below! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +If the barbarians, coming from some region<br /> + That every day by Helice is covered,<br /> + Revolving with her son whom she delights in, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Beholding Rome and all her noble works,<br /> + Were wonder-struck, what time the Lateran<br /> + Above all mortal things was eminent,— +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I who to the divine had from the human,<br /> + From time unto eternity, had come,<br /> + From Florence to a people just and sane, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +With what amazement must I have been filled!<br /> + Truly between this and the joy, it was<br /> + My pleasure not to hear, and to be mute. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And as a pilgrim who delighteth him<br /> + In gazing round the temple of his vow,<br /> + And hopes some day to retell how it was, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So through the living light my way pursuing<br /> + Directed I mine eyes o’er all the ranks,<br /> + Now up, now down, and now all round about. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Faces I saw of charity persuasive,<br /> + Embellished by His light and their own smile,<br /> + And attitudes adorned with every grace. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The general form of Paradise already<br /> + My glance had comprehended as a whole,<br /> + In no part hitherto remaining fixed, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And round I turned me with rekindled wish<br /> + My Lady to interrogate of things<br /> + Concerning which my mind was in suspense. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +One thing I meant, another answered me;<br /> + I thought I should see Beatrice, and saw<br /> + An Old Man habited like the glorious people. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +O’erflowing was he in his eyes and cheeks<br /> + With joy benign, in attitude of pity<br /> + As to a tender father is becoming. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And “She, where is she?” instantly I said;<br /> + Whence he: “To put an end to thy desire,<br /> + Me Beatrice hath sent from mine own place. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And if thou lookest up to the third round<br /> + Of the first rank, again shalt thou behold her<br /> + Upon the throne her merits have assigned her.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Without reply I lifted up mine eyes,<br /> + And saw her, as she made herself a crown<br /> + Reflecting from herself the eternal rays. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Not from that region which the highest thunders<br /> + Is any mortal eye so far removed,<br /> + In whatsoever sea it deepest sinks, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +As there from Beatrice my sight; but this<br /> + Was nothing unto me; because her image<br /> + Descended not to me by medium blurred. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“O Lady, thou in whom my hope is strong,<br /> + And who for my salvation didst endure<br /> + In Hell to leave the imprint of thy feet, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Of whatsoever things I have beheld,<br /> + As coming from thy power and from thy goodness<br /> + I recognise the virtue and the grace. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thou from a slave hast brought me unto freedom,<br /> + By all those ways, by all the expedients,<br /> + Whereby thou hadst the power of doing it. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Preserve towards me thy magnificence,<br /> + So that this soul of mine, which thou hast healed,<br /> + Pleasing to thee be loosened from the body.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thus I implored; and she, so far away,<br /> + Smiled, as it seemed, and looked once more at me;<br /> + Then unto the eternal fountain turned. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And said the Old Man holy: “That thou mayst<br /> + Accomplish perfectly thy journeying,<br /> + Whereunto prayer and holy love have sent me, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Fly with thine eyes all round about this garden;<br /> + For seeing it will discipline thy sight<br /> + Farther to mount along the ray divine. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And she, the Queen of Heaven, for whom I burn<br /> + Wholly with love, will grant us every grace,<br /> + Because that I her faithful Bernard am.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +As he who peradventure from Croatia<br /> + Cometh to gaze at our Veronica,<br /> + Who through its ancient fame is never sated, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But says in thought, the while it is displayed,<br /> + “My Lord, Christ Jesus, God of very God,<br /> + Now was your semblance made like unto this?” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Even such was I while gazing at the living<br /> + Charity of the man, who in this world<br /> + By contemplation tasted of that peace. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“Thou son of grace, this jocund life,” began he,<br /> + “Will not be known to thee by keeping ever<br /> + Thine eyes below here on the lowest place; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But mark the circles to the most remote,<br /> + Until thou shalt behold enthroned the Queen<br /> + To whom this realm is subject and devoted.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I lifted up mine eyes, and as at morn<br /> + The oriental part of the horizon<br /> + Surpasses that wherein the sun goes down, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thus, as if going with mine eyes from vale<br /> + To mount, I saw a part in the remoteness<br /> + Surpass in splendour all the other front. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And even as there where we await the pole<br /> + That Phaeton drove badly, blazes more<br /> + The light, and is on either side diminished, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So likewise that pacific oriflamme<br /> + Gleamed brightest in the centre, and each side<br /> + In equal measure did the flame abate. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And at that centre, with their wings expanded,<br /> + More than a thousand jubilant Angels saw I,<br /> + Each differing in effulgence and in kind. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I saw there at their sports and at their songs<br /> + A beauty smiling, which the gladness was<br /> + Within the eyes of all the other saints; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And if I had in speaking as much wealth<br /> + As in imagining, I should not dare<br /> + To attempt the smallest part of its delight. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Bernard, as soon as he beheld mine eyes<br /> + Fixed and intent upon its fervid fervour,<br /> + His own with such affection turned to her +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +That it made mine more ardent to behold. +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="CantoIII.XXXII"></a>Paradiso: Canto XXXII</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +Absorbed in his delight, that contemplator<br /> + Assumed the willing office of a teacher,<br /> + And gave beginning to these holy words: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“The wound that Mary closed up and anointed,<br /> + She at her feet who is so beautiful,<br /> + She is the one who opened it and pierced it. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Within that order which the third seats make<br /> + Is seated Rachel, lower than the other,<br /> + With Beatrice, in manner as thou seest. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Sarah, Rebecca, Judith, and her who was<br /> + Ancestress of the Singer, who for dole<br /> + Of the misdeed said, ‘Miserere mei,’ +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Canst thou behold from seat to seat descending<br /> + Down in gradation, as with each one’s name<br /> + I through the Rose go down from leaf to leaf. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And downward from the seventh row, even as<br /> + Above the same, succeed the Hebrew women,<br /> + Dividing all the tresses of the flower; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Because, according to the view which Faith<br /> + In Christ had taken, these are the partition<br /> + By which the sacred stairways are divided. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Upon this side, where perfect is the flower<br /> + With each one of its petals, seated are<br /> + Those who believed in Christ who was to come. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Upon the other side, where intersected<br /> + With vacant spaces are the semicircles,<br /> + Are those who looked to Christ already come. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And as, upon this side, the glorious seat<br /> + Of the Lady of Heaven, and the other seats<br /> + Below it, such a great division make, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So opposite doth that of the great John,<br /> + Who, ever holy, desert and martyrdom<br /> + Endured, and afterwards two years in Hell. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And under him thus to divide were chosen<br /> + Francis, and Benedict, and Augustine,<br /> + And down to us the rest from round to round. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Behold now the high providence divine;<br /> + For one and other aspect of the Faith<br /> + In equal measure shall this garden fill. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And know that downward from that rank which cleaves<br /> + Midway the sequence of the two divisions,<br /> + Not by their proper merit are they seated; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But by another’s under fixed conditions;<br /> + For these are spirits one and all assoiled<br /> + Before they any true election had. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Well canst thou recognise it in their faces,<br /> + And also in their voices puerile,<br /> + If thou regard them well and hearken to them. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Now doubtest thou, and doubting thou art silent;<br /> + But I will loosen for thee the strong bond<br /> + In which thy subtile fancies hold thee fast. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Within the amplitude of this domain<br /> + No casual point can possibly find place,<br /> + No more than sadness can, or thirst, or hunger; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +For by eternal law has been established<br /> + Whatever thou beholdest, so that closely<br /> + The ring is fitted to the finger here. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And therefore are these people, festinate<br /> + Unto true life, not ‘sine causa’ here<br /> + More and less excellent among themselves. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The King, by means of whom this realm reposes<br /> + In so great love and in so great delight<br /> + That no will ventureth to ask for more, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +In his own joyous aspect every mind<br /> + Creating, at his pleasure dowers with grace<br /> + Diversely; and let here the effect suffice. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And this is clearly and expressly noted<br /> + For you in Holy Scripture, in those twins<br /> + Who in their mother had their anger roused. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +According to the colour of the hair,<br /> + Therefore, with such a grace the light supreme<br /> + Consenteth that they worthily be crowned. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Without, then, any merit of their deeds,<br /> + Stationed are they in different gradations,<br /> + Differing only in their first acuteness. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +’Tis true that in the early centuries,<br /> + With innocence, to work out their salvation<br /> + Sufficient was the faith of parents only. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +After the earlier ages were completed,<br /> + Behoved it that the males by circumcision<br /> + Unto their innocent wings should virtue add; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But after that the time of grace had come<br /> + Without the baptism absolute of Christ,<br /> + Such innocence below there was retained. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Look now into the face that unto Christ<br /> + Hath most resemblance; for its brightness only<br /> + Is able to prepare thee to see Christ.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +On her did I behold so great a gladness<br /> + Rain down, borne onward in the holy minds<br /> + Created through that altitude to fly, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +That whatsoever I had seen before<br /> + Did not suspend me in such admiration,<br /> + Nor show me such similitude of God. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And the same Love that first descended there,<br /> + “Ave Maria, gratia plena,” singing,<br /> + In front of her his wings expanded wide. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Unto the canticle divine responded<br /> + From every part the court beatified,<br /> + So that each sight became serener for it. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“O holy father, who for me endurest<br /> + To be below here, leaving the sweet place<br /> + In which thou sittest by eternal lot, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Who is the Angel that with so much joy<br /> + Into the eyes is looking of our Queen,<br /> + Enamoured so that he seems made of fire?” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thus I again recourse had to the teaching<br /> + Of that one who delighted him in Mary<br /> + As doth the star of morning in the sun. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And he to me: “Such gallantry and grace<br /> + As there can be in Angel and in soul,<br /> + All is in him; and thus we fain would have it; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Because he is the one who bore the palm<br /> + Down unto Mary, when the Son of God<br /> + To take our burden on himself decreed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But now come onward with thine eyes, as I<br /> + Speaking shall go, and note the great patricians<br /> + Of this most just and merciful of empires. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Those two that sit above there most enrapture<br /> + As being very near unto Augusta,<br /> + Are as it were the two roots of this Rose. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +He who upon the left is near her placed<br /> + The father is, by whose audacious taste<br /> + The human species so much bitter tastes. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Upon the right thou seest that ancient father<br /> + Of Holy Church, into whose keeping Christ<br /> + The keys committed of this lovely flower. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And he who all the evil days beheld,<br /> + Before his death, of her the beauteous bride<br /> + Who with the spear and with the nails was won, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Beside him sits, and by the other rests<br /> + That leader under whom on manna lived<br /> + The people ingrate, fickle, and stiff-necked. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Opposite Peter seest thou Anna seated,<br /> + So well content to look upon her daughter,<br /> + Her eyes she moves not while she sings Hosanna. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And opposite the eldest household father<br /> + Lucia sits, she who thy Lady moved<br /> + When to rush downward thou didst bend thy brows. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But since the moments of thy vision fly,<br /> + Here will we make full stop, as a good tailor<br /> + Who makes the gown according to his cloth, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And unto the first Love will turn our eyes,<br /> + That looking upon Him thou penetrate<br /> + As far as possible through his effulgence. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Truly, lest peradventure thou recede,<br /> + Moving thy wings believing to advance,<br /> + By prayer behoves it that grace be obtained; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Grace from that one who has the power to aid thee;<br /> + And thou shalt follow me with thy affection<br /> + That from my words thy heart turn not aside.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And he began this holy orison. +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="CantoIII.XXXIII"></a>Paradiso: Canto XXXIII</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +“Thou Virgin Mother, daughter of thy Son,<br /> + Humble and high beyond all other creature,<br /> + The limit fixed of the eternal counsel, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thou art the one who such nobility<br /> + To human nature gave, that its Creator<br /> + Did not disdain to make himself its creature. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Within thy womb rekindled was the love,<br /> + By heat of which in the eternal peace<br /> + After such wise this flower has germinated. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Here unto us thou art a noonday torch<br /> + Of charity, and below there among mortals<br /> + Thou art the living fountain-head of hope. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Lady, thou art so great, and so prevailing,<br /> + That he who wishes grace, nor runs to thee,<br /> + His aspirations without wings would fly. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Not only thy benignity gives succour<br /> + To him who asketh it, but oftentimes<br /> + Forerunneth of its own accord the asking. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +In thee compassion is, in thee is pity,<br /> + In thee magnificence; in thee unites<br /> + Whate’er of goodness is in any creature. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Now doth this man, who from the lowest depth<br /> + Of the universe as far as here has seen<br /> + One after one the spiritual lives, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Supplicate thee through grace for so much power<br /> + That with his eyes he may uplift himself<br /> + Higher towards the uttermost salvation. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And I, who never burned for my own seeing<br /> + More than I do for his, all of my prayers<br /> + Proffer to thee, and pray they come not short, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +That thou wouldst scatter from him every cloud<br /> + Of his mortality so with thy prayers,<br /> + That the Chief Pleasure be to him displayed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Still farther do I pray thee, Queen, who canst<br /> + Whate’er thou wilt, that sound thou mayst preserve<br /> + After so great a vision his affections. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Let thy protection conquer human movements;<br /> + See Beatrice and all the blessed ones<br /> + My prayers to second clasp their hands to thee!” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The eyes beloved and revered of God,<br /> + Fastened upon the speaker, showed to us<br /> + How grateful unto her are prayers devout; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Then unto the Eternal Light they turned,<br /> + On which it is not credible could be<br /> + By any creature bent an eye so clear. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And I, who to the end of all desires<br /> + Was now approaching, even as I ought<br /> + The ardour of desire within me ended. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Bernard was beckoning unto me, and smiling,<br /> + That I should upward look; but I already<br /> + Was of my own accord such as he wished; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Because my sight, becoming purified,<br /> + Was entering more and more into the ray<br /> + Of the High Light which of itself is true. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +From that time forward what I saw was greater<br /> + Than our discourse, that to such vision yields,<br /> + And yields the memory unto such excess. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Even as he is who seeth in a dream,<br /> + And after dreaming the imprinted passion<br /> + Remains, and to his mind the rest returns not, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Even such am I, for almost utterly<br /> + Ceases my vision, and distilleth yet<br /> + Within my heart the sweetness born of it; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Even thus the snow is in the sun unsealed,<br /> + Even thus upon the wind in the light leaves<br /> + Were the soothsayings of the Sibyl lost. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +O Light Supreme, that dost so far uplift thee<br /> + From the conceits of mortals, to my mind<br /> + Of what thou didst appear re-lend a little, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And make my tongue of so great puissance,<br /> + That but a single sparkle of thy glory<br /> + It may bequeath unto the future people; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +For by returning to my memory somewhat,<br /> + And by a little sounding in these verses,<br /> + More of thy victory shall be conceived! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I think the keenness of the living ray<br /> + Which I endured would have bewildered me,<br /> + If but mine eyes had been averted from it; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And I remember that I was more bold<br /> + On this account to bear, so that I joined<br /> + My aspect with the Glory Infinite. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +O grace abundant, by which I presumed<br /> + To fix my sight upon the Light Eternal,<br /> + So that the seeing I consumed therein! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I saw that in its depth far down is lying<br /> + Bound up with love together in one volume,<br /> + What through the universe in leaves is scattered; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Substance, and accident, and their operations,<br /> + All interfused together in such wise<br /> + That what I speak of is one simple light. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The universal fashion of this knot<br /> + Methinks I saw, since more abundantly<br /> + In saying this I feel that I rejoice. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +One moment is more lethargy to me,<br /> + Than five and twenty centuries to the emprise<br /> + That startled Neptune with the shade of Argo! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +My mind in this wise wholly in suspense,<br /> + Steadfast, immovable, attentive gazed,<br /> + And evermore with gazing grew enkindled. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +In presence of that light one such becomes,<br /> + That to withdraw therefrom for other prospect<br /> + It is impossible he e’er consent; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Because the good, which object is of will,<br /> + Is gathered all in this, and out of it<br /> + That is defective which is perfect there. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Shorter henceforward will my language fall<br /> + Of what I yet remember, than an infant’s<br /> + Who still his tongue doth moisten at the breast. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Not because more than one unmingled semblance<br /> + Was in the living light on which I looked,<br /> + For it is always what it was before; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But through the sight, that fortified itself<br /> + In me by looking, one appearance only<br /> + To me was ever changing as I changed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Within the deep and luminous subsistence<br /> + Of the High Light appeared to me three circles,<br /> + Of threefold colour and of one dimension, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And by the second seemed the first reflected<br /> + As Iris is by Iris, and the third<br /> + Seemed fire that equally from both is breathed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +O how all speech is feeble and falls short<br /> + Of my conceit, and this to what I saw<br /> + Is such, ’tis not enough to call it little! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +O Light Eterne, sole in thyself that dwellest,<br /> + Sole knowest thyself, and, known unto thyself<br /> + And knowing, lovest and smilest on thyself! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +That circulation, which being thus conceived<br /> + Appeared in thee as a reflected light,<br /> + When somewhat contemplated by mine eyes, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Within itself, of its own very colour<br /> + Seemed to me painted with our effigy,<br /> + Wherefore my sight was all absorbed therein. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +As the geometrician, who endeavours<br /> + To square the circle, and discovers not,<br /> + By taking thought, the principle he wants, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Even such was I at that new apparition;<br /> + I wished to see how the image to the circle<br /> + Conformed itself, and how it there finds place; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But my own wings were not enough for this,<br /> + Had it not been that then my mind there smote<br /> + A flash of lightning, wherein came its wish. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Here vigour failed the lofty fantasy:<br /> + But now was turning my desire and will,<br /> + Even as a wheel that equally is moved, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The Love which moves the sun and the other stars. +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="appendix"></a>APPENDIX</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +SIX SONNETS ON DANTE’S DIVINE COMEDY BY HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW<br /> +(1807-1882) +</p> + +<h3>I</h3> + +<p class="noindent"> +Oft have I seen at some cathedral door<br /> + A laborer, pausing in the dust and heat,<br /> + Lay down his burden, and with reverent feet<br /> + Enter, and cross himself, and on the floor<br /> +Kneel to repeat his paternoster o’er;<br /> + Far off the noises of the world retreat;<br /> + The loud vociferations of the street<br /> + Become an undistinguishable roar.<br /> +So, as I enter here from day to day,<br /> + And leave my burden at this minster gate,<br /> + Kneeling in prayer, and not ashamed to pray,<br /> +The tumult of the time disconsolate<br /> + To inarticulate murmurs dies away,<br /> + While the eternal ages watch and wait. +</p> + +<h3>II</h3> + +<p class="noindent"> +How strange the sculptures that adorn these towers!<br /> + This crowd of statues, in whose folded sleeves<br /> + Birds build their nests; while canopied with leaves<br /> + Parvis and portal bloom like trellised bowers,<br /> +And the vast minster seems a cross of flowers!<br /> + But fiends and dragons on the gargoyled eaves<br /> + Watch the dead Christ between the living thieves,<br /> + And, underneath, the traitor Judas lowers!<br /> +Ah! from what agonies of heart and brain,<br /> + What exultations trampling on despair,<br /> + What tenderness, what tears, what hate of wrong,<br /> +What passionate outcry of a soul in pain,<br /> + Uprose this poem of the earth and air,<br /> + This mediaeval miracle of song! +</p> + +<h3>III</h3> + +<p class="noindent"> +I enter, and I see thee in the gloom<br /> + Of the long aisles, O poet saturnine!<br /> + And strive to make my steps keep pace with thine.<br /> + The air is filled with some unknown perfume;<br /> +The congregation of the dead make room<br /> + For thee to pass; the votive tapers shine;<br /> + Like rooks that haunt Ravenna’s groves of pine,<br /> + The hovering echoes fly from tomb to tomb.<br /> +From the confessionals I hear arise<br /> + Rehearsals of forgotten tragedies,<br /> + And lamentations from the crypts below<br /> +And then a voice celestial that begins<br /> + With the pathetic words, “Although your sins<br /> + As scarlet be,” and ends with “as the snow.” +</p> + +<h3>IV</h3> + +<p class="noindent"> +With snow-white veil, and garments as of flame,<br /> + She stands before thee, who so long ago<br /> + Filled thy young heart with passion and the woe<br /> + From which thy song in all its splendors came;<br /> +And while with stern rebuke she speaks thy name,<br /> + The ice about thy heart melts as the snow<br /> + On mountain heights, and in swift overflow<br /> + Comes gushing from thy lips in sobs of shame.<br /> +Thou makest full confession; and a gleam<br /> + As of the dawn on some dark forest cast,<br /> + Seems on thy lifted forehead to increase;<br /> +Lethe and Eunoe—the remembered dream<br /> + And the forgotten sorrow—bring at last<br /> + That perfect pardon which is perfect peace. +</p> + +<h3>V</h3> + +<p class="noindent"> +I Lift mine eyes, and all the windows blaze<br /> + With forms of saints and holy men who died,<br /> + Here martyred and hereafter glorified;<br /> + And the great Rose upon its leaves displays<br /> +Christ’s Triumph, and the angelic roundelays,<br /> + With splendor upon splendor multiplied;<br /> + And Beatrice again at Dante’s side<br /> + No more rebukes, but smiles her words of praise.<br /> +And then the organ sounds, and unseen choirs<br /> + Sing the old Latin hymns of peace and love<br /> + And benedictions of the Holy Ghost;<br /> +And the melodious bells among the spires<br /> + O’er all the house-tops and through heaven above<br /> + Proclaim the elevation of the Host! +</p> + +<h3>VI</h3> + +<p class="noindent"> +O star of morning and of liberty!<br /> + O bringer of the light, whose splendor shines<br /> + Above the darkness of the Apennines,<br /> + Forerunner of the day that is to be!<br /> +The voices of the city and the sea,<br /> + The voices of the mountains and the pines,<br /> + Repeat thy song, till the familiar lines<br /> + Are footpaths for the thought of Italy!<br /> +Thy fame is blown abroad from all the heights,<br /> + Through all the nations; and a sound is heard,<br /> + As of a mighty wind, and men devout,<br /> +Strangers of Rome, and the new proselytes,<br /> + In their own language hear thy wondrous word,<br /> + And many are amazed and many doubt. +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 1003 ***</div> +</body> + +</html> diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..8644dfc --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #1003 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/1003) diff --git a/old/1003-0.txt b/old/1003-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..1f1d9dd --- /dev/null +++ b/old/1003-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,7114 @@ +The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Divine Comedy, Paradise, by Dante Alighieri + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and +most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions +whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms +of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at +www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you +will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before +using this eBook. + +Title: The Divine Comedy + Paradise + +Author: Dante Alighieri + +Translator: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow + +Release Date: August, 1997 [eBook #1003] +[Most recently updated: April 8, 2021] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +Produced by: Dennis McCarthy + +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE DIVINE COMEDY *** + + + + +The Divine Comedy + +of Dante Alighieri + +Translated by +HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW + +PARADISO + + +Contents + +I. The Ascent to the First Heaven. The Sphere of Fire. +II. The First Heaven, the Moon: Spirits who, having taken Sacred Vows, were forced to violate them. The Lunar Spots. +III. Piccarda Donati and the Empress Constance. +IV. Questionings of the Soul and of Broken Vows. +V. Discourse of Beatrice on Vows and Compensations. Ascent to the Second Heaven, Mercury: Spirits who for the Love of Fame achieved great Deeds. +VI. Justinian. The Roman Eagle. The Empire. Romeo. +VII. Beatrice’s Discourse of the Crucifixion, the Incarnation, the Immortality of the Soul, and the Resurrection of the Body. +VIII. Ascent to the Third Heaven, Venus: Lovers. Charles Martel. Discourse on diverse Natures. +IX. Cunizza da Romano, Folco of Marseilles, and Rahab. Neglect of the Holy Land. +X. The Fourth Heaven, the Sun: Theologians and Fathers of the Church. The First Circle. St. Thomas of Aquinas. +XI. St. Thomas recounts the Life of St. Francis. Lament over the State of the Dominican Order. +XII. St. Buonaventura recounts the Life of St. Dominic. Lament over the State of the Franciscan Order. The Second Circle. +XIII. Of the Wisdom of Solomon. St. Thomas reproaches Dante’s Judgement. +XIV. The Third Circle. Discourse on the Resurrection of the Flesh. The Fifth Heaven, Mars: Martyrs and Crusaders who died fighting for the true Faith. The Celestial Cross. +XV. Cacciaguida. Florence in the Olden Time. +XVI. Dante’s Noble Ancestry. Cacciaguida’s Discourse of the Great Florentines. +XVII. Cacciaguida’s Prophecy of Dante’s Banishment. +XVIII. The Sixth Heaven, Jupiter: Righteous Kings and Rulers. The Celestial Eagle. Dante’s Invectives against ecclesiastical Avarice. +XIX. The Eagle discourses of Salvation, Faith, and Virtue. Condemnation of the vile Kings of A.D. 1300. +XX. The Eagle praises the Righteous Kings of old. Benevolence of the Divine Will. +XXI. The Seventh Heaven, Saturn: The Contemplative. The Celestial Stairway. St. Peter Damiano. His Invectives against the Luxury of the Prelates. +XXII. St. Benedict. His Lamentation over the Corruption of Monks. The Eighth Heaven, the Fixed Stars. +XXIII. The Triumph of Christ. The Virgin Mary. The Apostles. Gabriel. +XXIV. The Radiant Wheel. St. Peter examines Dante on Faith. +XXV. The Laurel Crown. St. James examines Dante on Hope. Dante’s Blindness. +XXVI. St. John examines Dante on Charity. Dante’s Sight. Adam. +XXVII. St. Peter’s reproof of bad Popes. The Ascent to the Ninth Heaven, the ‘Primum Mobile.’ +XXVIII. God and the Angelic Hierarchies. +XXIX. Beatrice’s Discourse of the Creation of the Angels, and of the Fall of Lucifer. Her Reproof of Foolish and Avaricious Preachers. +XXX. The Tenth Heaven, or Empyrean. The River of Light. The Two Courts of Heaven. The White Rose of Paradise. The great Throne. +XXXI. The Glory of Paradise. Departure of Beatrice. St. Bernard. +XXXII. St. Bernard points out the Saints in the White Rose. +XXXIII. Prayer to the Virgin. The Threefold Circle of the Trinity. Mystery of the Divine and Human Nature. +APPENDIX + + + + +Paradiso: Canto I + + +The glory of Him who moveth everything + Doth penetrate the universe, and shine + In one part more and in another less. + +Within that heaven which most his light receives + Was I, and things beheld which to repeat + Nor knows, nor can, who from above descends; + +Because in drawing near to its desire + Our intellect ingulphs itself so far, + That after it the memory cannot go. + +Truly whatever of the holy realm + I had the power to treasure in my mind + Shall now become the subject of my song. + +O good Apollo, for this last emprise + Make of me such a vessel of thy power + As giving the beloved laurel asks! + +One summit of Parnassus hitherto + Has been enough for me, but now with both + I needs must enter the arena left. + +Enter into my bosom, thou, and breathe + As at the time when Marsyas thou didst draw + Out of the scabbard of those limbs of his. + +O power divine, lend’st thou thyself to me + So that the shadow of the blessed realm + Stamped in my brain I can make manifest, + +Thou’lt see me come unto thy darling tree, + And crown myself thereafter with those leaves + Of which the theme and thou shall make me worthy. + +So seldom, Father, do we gather them + For triumph or of Caesar or of Poet, + (The fault and shame of human inclinations,) + +That the Peneian foliage should bring forth + Joy to the joyous Delphic deity, + When any one it makes to thirst for it. + +A little spark is followed by great flame; + Perchance with better voices after me + Shall prayer be made that Cyrrha may respond! + +To mortal men by passages diverse + Uprises the world’s lamp; but by that one + Which circles four uniteth with three crosses, + +With better course and with a better star + Conjoined it issues, and the mundane wax + Tempers and stamps more after its own fashion. + +Almost that passage had made morning there + And evening here, and there was wholly white + That hemisphere, and black the other part, + +When Beatrice towards the left-hand side + I saw turned round, and gazing at the sun; + Never did eagle fasten so upon it! + +And even as a second ray is wont + To issue from the first and reascend, + Like to a pilgrim who would fain return, + +Thus of her action, through the eyes infused + In my imagination, mine I made, + And sunward fixed mine eyes beyond our wont. + +There much is lawful which is here unlawful + Unto our powers, by virtue of the place + Made for the human species as its own. + +Not long I bore it, nor so little while + But I beheld it sparkle round about + Like iron that comes molten from the fire; + +And suddenly it seemed that day to day + Was added, as if He who has the power + Had with another sun the heaven adorned. + +With eyes upon the everlasting wheels + Stood Beatrice all intent, and I, on her + Fixing my vision from above removed, + +Such at her aspect inwardly became + As Glaucus, tasting of the herb that made him + Peer of the other gods beneath the sea. + +To represent transhumanise in words + Impossible were; the example, then, suffice + Him for whom Grace the experience reserves. + +If I was merely what of me thou newly + Createdst, Love who governest the heaven, + Thou knowest, who didst lift me with thy light! + +When now the wheel, which thou dost make eternal + Desiring thee, made me attentive to it + By harmony thou dost modulate and measure, + +Then seemed to me so much of heaven enkindled + By the sun’s flame, that neither rain nor river + E’er made a lake so widely spread abroad. + +The newness of the sound and the great light + Kindled in me a longing for their cause, + Never before with such acuteness felt; + +Whence she, who saw me as I saw myself, + To quiet in me my perturbed mind, + Opened her mouth, ere I did mine to ask, + +And she began: “Thou makest thyself so dull + With false imagining, that thou seest not + What thou wouldst see if thou hadst shaken it off. + +Thou art not upon earth, as thou believest; + But lightning, fleeing its appropriate site, + Ne’er ran as thou, who thitherward returnest.” + +If of my former doubt I was divested + By these brief little words more smiled than spoken, + I in a new one was the more ensnared; + +And said: “Already did I rest content + From great amazement; but am now amazed + In what way I transcend these bodies light.” + +Whereupon she, after a pitying sigh, + Her eyes directed tow’rds me with that look + A mother casts on a delirious child; + +And she began: “All things whate’er they be + Have order among themselves, and this is form, + That makes the universe resemble God. + +Here do the higher creatures see the footprints + Of the Eternal Power, which is the end + Whereto is made the law already mentioned. + +In the order that I speak of are inclined + All natures, by their destinies diverse, + More or less near unto their origin; + +Hence they move onward unto ports diverse + O’er the great sea of being; and each one + With instinct given it which bears it on. + +This bears away the fire towards the moon; + This is in mortal hearts the motive power + This binds together and unites the earth. + +Nor only the created things that are + Without intelligence this bow shoots forth, + But those that have both intellect and love. + +The Providence that regulates all this + Makes with its light the heaven forever quiet, + Wherein that turns which has the greatest haste. + +And thither now, as to a site decreed, + Bears us away the virtue of that cord + Which aims its arrows at a joyous mark. + +True is it, that as oftentimes the form + Accords not with the intention of the art, + Because in answering is matter deaf, + +So likewise from this course doth deviate + Sometimes the creature, who the power possesses, + Though thus impelled, to swerve some other way, + +(In the same wise as one may see the fire + Fall from a cloud,) if the first impetus + Earthward is wrested by some false delight. + +Thou shouldst not wonder more, if well I judge, + At thine ascent, than at a rivulet + From some high mount descending to the lowland. + +Marvel it would be in thee, if deprived + Of hindrance, thou wert seated down below, + As if on earth the living fire were quiet.” + +Thereat she heavenward turned again her face. + + + + +Paradiso: Canto II + + +O Ye, who in some pretty little boat, + Eager to listen, have been following + Behind my ship, that singing sails along, + +Turn back to look again upon your shores; + Do not put out to sea, lest peradventure, + In losing me, you might yourselves be lost. + +The sea I sail has never yet been passed; + Minerva breathes, and pilots me Apollo, + And Muses nine point out to me the Bears. + +Ye other few who have the neck uplifted + Betimes to th’ bread of Angels upon which + One liveth here and grows not sated by it, + +Well may you launch upon the deep salt-sea + Your vessel, keeping still my wake before you + Upon the water that grows smooth again. + +Those glorious ones who unto Colchos passed + Were not so wonder-struck as you shall be, + When Jason they beheld a ploughman made! + +The con-created and perpetual thirst + For the realm deiform did bear us on, + As swift almost as ye the heavens behold. + +Upward gazed Beatrice, and I at her; + And in such space perchance as strikes a bolt + And flies, and from the notch unlocks itself, + +Arrived I saw me where a wondrous thing + Drew to itself my sight; and therefore she + From whom no care of mine could be concealed, + +Towards me turning, blithe as beautiful, + Said unto me: “Fix gratefully thy mind + On God, who unto the first star has brought us.” + +It seemed to me a cloud encompassed us, + Luminous, dense, consolidate and bright + As adamant on which the sun is striking. + +Into itself did the eternal pearl + Receive us, even as water doth receive + A ray of light, remaining still unbroken. + +If I was body, (and we here conceive not + How one dimension tolerates another, + Which needs must be if body enter body,) + +More the desire should be enkindled in us + That essence to behold, wherein is seen + How God and our own nature were united. + +There will be seen what we receive by faith, + Not demonstrated, but self-evident + In guise of the first truth that man believes. + +I made reply: “Madonna, as devoutly + As most I can do I give thanks to Him + Who has removed me from the mortal world. + +But tell me what the dusky spots may be + Upon this body, which below on earth + Make people tell that fabulous tale of Cain?” + +Somewhat she smiled; and then, “If the opinion + Of mortals be erroneous,” she said, + “Where’er the key of sense doth not unlock, + +Certes, the shafts of wonder should not pierce thee + Now, forasmuch as, following the senses, + Thou seest that the reason has short wings. + +But tell me what thou think’st of it thyself.” + And I: “What seems to us up here diverse, + Is caused, I think, by bodies rare and dense.” + +And she: “Right truly shalt thou see immersed + In error thy belief, if well thou hearest + The argument that I shall make against it. + +Lights many the eighth sphere displays to you + Which in their quality and quantity + May noted be of aspects different. + +If this were caused by rare and dense alone, + One only virtue would there be in all + Or more or less diffused, or equally. + +Virtues diverse must be perforce the fruits + Of formal principles; and these, save one, + Of course would by thy reasoning be destroyed. + +Besides, if rarity were of this dimness + The cause thou askest, either through and through + This planet thus attenuate were of matter, + +Or else, as in a body is apportioned + The fat and lean, so in like manner this + Would in its volume interchange the leaves. + +Were it the former, in the sun’s eclipse + It would be manifest by the shining through + Of light, as through aught tenuous interfused. + +This is not so; hence we must scan the other, + And if it chance the other I demolish, + Then falsified will thy opinion be. + +But if this rarity go not through and through, + There needs must be a limit, beyond which + Its contrary prevents the further passing, + +And thence the foreign radiance is reflected, + Even as a colour cometh back from glass, + The which behind itself concealeth lead. + +Now thou wilt say the sunbeam shows itself + More dimly there than in the other parts, + By being there reflected farther back. + +From this reply experiment will free thee + If e’er thou try it, which is wont to be + The fountain to the rivers of your arts. + +Three mirrors shalt thou take, and two remove + Alike from thee, the other more remote + Between the former two shall meet thine eyes. + +Turned towards these, cause that behind thy back + Be placed a light, illuming the three mirrors + And coming back to thee by all reflected. + +Though in its quantity be not so ample + The image most remote, there shalt thou see + How it perforce is equally resplendent. + +Now, as beneath the touches of warm rays + Naked the subject of the snow remains + Both of its former colour and its cold, + +Thee thus remaining in thy intellect, + Will I inform with such a living light, + That it shall tremble in its aspect to thee. + +Within the heaven of the divine repose + Revolves a body, in whose virtue lies + The being of whatever it contains. + +The following heaven, that has so many eyes, + Divides this being by essences diverse, + Distinguished from it, and by it contained. + +The other spheres, by various differences, + All the distinctions which they have within them + Dispose unto their ends and their effects. + +Thus do these organs of the world proceed, + As thou perceivest now, from grade to grade; + Since from above they take, and act beneath. + +Observe me well, how through this place I come + Unto the truth thou wishest, that hereafter + Thou mayst alone know how to keep the ford + +The power and motion of the holy spheres, + As from the artisan the hammer’s craft, + Forth from the blessed motors must proceed. + +The heaven, which lights so manifold make fair, + From the Intelligence profound, which turns it, + The image takes, and makes of it a seal. + +And even as the soul within your dust + Through members different and accommodated + To faculties diverse expands itself, + +So likewise this Intelligence diffuses + Its virtue multiplied among the stars. + Itself revolving on its unity. + +Virtue diverse doth a diverse alloyage + Make with the precious body that it quickens, + In which, as life in you, it is combined. + +From the glad nature whence it is derived, + The mingled virtue through the body shines, + Even as gladness through the living pupil. + +From this proceeds whate’er from light to light + Appeareth different, not from dense and rare: + This is the formal principle that produces, + +According to its goodness, dark and bright.” + + + + +Paradiso: Canto III + + +That Sun, which erst with love my bosom warmed, + Of beauteous truth had unto me discovered, + By proving and reproving, the sweet aspect. + +And, that I might confess myself convinced + And confident, so far as was befitting, + I lifted more erect my head to speak. + +But there appeared a vision, which withdrew me + So close to it, in order to be seen, + That my confession I remembered not. + +Such as through polished and transparent glass, + Or waters crystalline and undisturbed, + But not so deep as that their bed be lost, + +Come back again the outlines of our faces + So feeble, that a pearl on forehead white + Comes not less speedily unto our eyes; + +Such saw I many faces prompt to speak, + So that I ran in error opposite + To that which kindled love ’twixt man and fountain. + +As soon as I became aware of them, + Esteeming them as mirrored semblances, + To see of whom they were, mine eyes I turned, + +And nothing saw, and once more turned them forward + Direct into the light of my sweet Guide, + Who smiling kindled in her holy eyes. + +“Marvel thou not,” she said to me, “because + I smile at this thy puerile conceit, + Since on the truth it trusts not yet its foot, + +But turns thee, as ’tis wont, on emptiness. + True substances are these which thou beholdest, + Here relegate for breaking of some vow. + +Therefore speak with them, listen and believe; + For the true light, which giveth peace to them, + Permits them not to turn from it their feet.” + +And I unto the shade that seemed most wishful + To speak directed me, and I began, + As one whom too great eagerness bewilders: + +“O well-created spirit, who in the rays + Of life eternal dost the sweetness taste + Which being untasted ne’er is comprehended, + +Grateful ’twill be to me, if thou content me + Both with thy name and with your destiny.” + Whereat she promptly and with laughing eyes: + +“Our charity doth never shut the doors + Against a just desire, except as one + Who wills that all her court be like herself. + +I was a virgin sister in the world; + And if thy mind doth contemplate me well, + The being more fair will not conceal me from thee, + +But thou shalt recognise I am Piccarda, + Who, stationed here among these other blessed, + Myself am blessed in the slowest sphere. + +All our affections, that alone inflamed + Are in the pleasure of the Holy Ghost, + Rejoice at being of his order formed; + +And this allotment, which appears so low, + Therefore is given us, because our vows + Have been neglected and in some part void.” + +Whence I to her: “In your miraculous aspects + There shines I know not what of the divine, + Which doth transform you from our first conceptions. + +Therefore I was not swift in my remembrance; + But what thou tellest me now aids me so, + That the refiguring is easier to me. + +But tell me, ye who in this place are happy, + Are you desirous of a higher place, + To see more or to make yourselves more friends?” + +First with those other shades she smiled a little; + Thereafter answered me so full of gladness, + She seemed to burn in the first fire of love: + +“Brother, our will is quieted by virtue + Of charity, that makes us wish alone + For what we have, nor gives us thirst for more. + +If to be more exalted we aspired, + Discordant would our aspirations be + Unto the will of Him who here secludes us; + +Which thou shalt see finds no place in these circles, + If being in charity is needful here, + And if thou lookest well into its nature; + +Nay, ’tis essential to this blest existence + To keep itself within the will divine, + Whereby our very wishes are made one; + +So that, as we are station above station + Throughout this realm, to all the realm ’tis pleasing, + As to the King, who makes his will our will. + +And his will is our peace; this is the sea + To which is moving onward whatsoever + It doth create, and all that nature makes.” + +Then it was clear to me how everywhere + In heaven is Paradise, although the grace + Of good supreme there rain not in one measure. + +But as it comes to pass, if one food sates, + And for another still remains the longing, + We ask for this, and that decline with thanks, + +E’en thus did I; with gesture and with word, + To learn from her what was the web wherein + She did not ply the shuttle to the end. + +“A perfect life and merit high in-heaven + A lady o’er us,” said she, “by whose rule + Down in your world they vest and veil themselves, + +That until death they may both watch and sleep + Beside that Spouse who every vow accepts + Which charity conformeth to his pleasure. + +To follow her, in girlhood from the world + I fled, and in her habit shut myself, + And pledged me to the pathway of her sect. + +Then men accustomed unto evil more + Than unto good, from the sweet cloister tore me; + God knows what afterward my life became. + +This other splendour, which to thee reveals + Itself on my right side, and is enkindled + With all the illumination of our sphere, + +What of myself I say applies to her; + A nun was she, and likewise from her head + Was ta’en the shadow of the sacred wimple. + +But when she too was to the world returned + Against her wishes and against good usage, + Of the heart’s veil she never was divested. + +Of great Costanza this is the effulgence, + Who from the second wind of Suabia + Brought forth the third and latest puissance.” + +Thus unto me she spake, and then began + “Ave Maria” singing, and in singing + Vanished, as through deep water something heavy. + +My sight, that followed her as long a time + As it was possible, when it had lost her + Turned round unto the mark of more desire, + +And wholly unto Beatrice reverted; + But she such lightnings flashed into mine eyes, + That at the first my sight endured it not; + +And this in questioning more backward made me. + + + + +Paradiso: Canto IV + + +Between two viands, equally removed + And tempting, a free man would die of hunger + Ere either he could bring unto his teeth. + +So would a lamb between the ravenings + Of two fierce wolves stand fearing both alike; + And so would stand a dog between two does. + +Hence, if I held my peace, myself I blame not, + Impelled in equal measure by my doubts, + Since it must be so, nor do I commend. + +I held my peace; but my desire was painted + Upon my face, and questioning with that + More fervent far than by articulate speech. + +Beatrice did as Daniel had done + Relieving Nebuchadnezzar from the wrath + Which rendered him unjustly merciless, + +And said: “Well see I how attracteth thee + One and the other wish, so that thy care + Binds itself so that forth it does not breathe. + +Thou arguest, if good will be permanent, + The violence of others, for what reason + Doth it decrease the measure of my merit? + +Again for doubting furnish thee occasion + Souls seeming to return unto the stars, + According to the sentiment of Plato. + +These are the questions which upon thy wish + Are thrusting equally; and therefore first + Will I treat that which hath the most of gall. + +He of the Seraphim most absorbed in God, + Moses, and Samuel, and whichever John + Thou mayst select, I say, and even Mary, + +Have not in any other heaven their seats, + Than have those spirits that just appeared to thee, + Nor of existence more or fewer years; + +But all make beautiful the primal circle, + And have sweet life in different degrees, + By feeling more or less the eternal breath. + +They showed themselves here, not because allotted + This sphere has been to them, but to give sign + Of the celestial which is least exalted. + +To speak thus is adapted to your mind, + Since only through the sense it apprehendeth + What then it worthy makes of intellect. + +On this account the Scripture condescends + Unto your faculties, and feet and hands + To God attributes, and means something else; + +And Holy Church under an aspect human + Gabriel and Michael represent to you, + And him who made Tobias whole again. + +That which Timaeus argues of the soul + Doth not resemble that which here is seen, + Because it seems that as he speaks he thinks. + +He says the soul unto its star returns, + Believing it to have been severed thence + Whenever nature gave it as a form. + +Perhaps his doctrine is of other guise + Than the words sound, and possibly may be + With meaning that is not to be derided. + +If he doth mean that to these wheels return + The honour of their influence and the blame, + Perhaps his bow doth hit upon some truth. + +This principle ill understood once warped + The whole world nearly, till it went astray + Invoking Jove and Mercury and Mars. + +The other doubt which doth disquiet thee + Less venom has, for its malevolence + Could never lead thee otherwhere from me. + +That as unjust our justice should appear + In eyes of mortals, is an argument + Of faith, and not of sin heretical. + +But still, that your perception may be able + To thoroughly penetrate this verity, + As thou desirest, I will satisfy thee. + +If it be violence when he who suffers + Co-operates not with him who uses force, + These souls were not on that account excused; + +For will is never quenched unless it will, + But operates as nature doth in fire + If violence a thousand times distort it. + +Hence, if it yieldeth more or less, it seconds + The force; and these have done so, having power + Of turning back unto the holy place. + +If their will had been perfect, like to that + Which Lawrence fast upon his gridiron held, + And Mutius made severe to his own hand, + +It would have urged them back along the road + Whence they were dragged, as soon as they were free; + But such a solid will is all too rare. + +And by these words, if thou hast gathered them + As thou shouldst do, the argument is refuted + That would have still annoyed thee many times. + +But now another passage runs across + Before thine eyes, and such that by thyself + Thou couldst not thread it ere thou wouldst be weary. + +I have for certain put into thy mind + That soul beatified could never lie, + For it is near the primal Truth, + +And then thou from Piccarda might’st have heard + Costanza kept affection for the veil, + So that she seemeth here to contradict me. + +Many times, brother, has it come to pass, + That, to escape from peril, with reluctance + That has been done it was not right to do, + +E’en as Alcmaeon (who, being by his father + Thereto entreated, his own mother slew) + Not to lose pity pitiless became. + +At this point I desire thee to remember + That force with will commingles, and they cause + That the offences cannot be excused. + +Will absolute consenteth not to evil; + But in so far consenteth as it fears, + If it refrain, to fall into more harm. + +Hence when Piccarda uses this expression, + She meaneth the will absolute, and I + The other, so that both of us speak truth.” + +Such was the flowing of the holy river + That issued from the fount whence springs all truth; + This put to rest my wishes one and all. + +“O love of the first lover, O divine,” + Said I forthwith, “whose speech inundates me + And warms me so, it more and more revives me, + +My own affection is not so profound + As to suffice in rendering grace for grace; + Let Him, who sees and can, thereto respond. + +Well I perceive that never sated is + Our intellect unless the Truth illume it, + Beyond which nothing true expands itself. + +It rests therein, as wild beast in his lair, + When it attains it; and it can attain it; + If not, then each desire would frustrate be. + +Therefore springs up, in fashion of a shoot, + Doubt at the foot of truth; and this is nature, + Which to the top from height to height impels us. + +This doth invite me, this assurance give me + With reverence, Lady, to inquire of you + Another truth, which is obscure to me. + +I wish to know if man can satisfy you + For broken vows with other good deeds, so + That in your balance they will not be light.” + +Beatrice gazed upon me with her eyes + Full of the sparks of love, and so divine, + That, overcome my power, I turned my back + +And almost lost myself with eyes downcast. + + + + +Paradiso: Canto V + + +“If in the heat of love I flame upon thee + Beyond the measure that on earth is seen, + So that the valour of thine eyes I vanquish, + +Marvel thou not thereat; for this proceeds + From perfect sight, which as it apprehends + To the good apprehended moves its feet. + +Well I perceive how is already shining + Into thine intellect the eternal light, + That only seen enkindles always love; + +And if some other thing your love seduce, + ’Tis nothing but a vestige of the same, + Ill understood, which there is shining through. + +Thou fain wouldst know if with another service + For broken vow can such return be made + As to secure the soul from further claim.” + +This Canto thus did Beatrice begin; + And, as a man who breaks not off his speech, + Continued thus her holy argument: + +“The greatest gift that in his largess God + Creating made, and unto his own goodness + Nearest conformed, and that which he doth prize + +Most highly, is the freedom of the will, + Wherewith the creatures of intelligence + Both all and only were and are endowed. + +Now wilt thou see, if thence thou reasonest, + The high worth of a vow, if it he made + So that when thou consentest God consents: + +For, closing between God and man the compact, + A sacrifice is of this treasure made, + Such as I say, and made by its own act. + +What can be rendered then as compensation? + Think’st thou to make good use of what thou’st offered, + With gains ill gotten thou wouldst do good deed. + +Now art thou certain of the greater point; + But because Holy Church in this dispenses, + Which seems against the truth which I have shown thee, + +Behoves thee still to sit awhile at table, + Because the solid food which thou hast taken + Requireth further aid for thy digestion. + +Open thy mind to that which I reveal, + And fix it there within; for ’tis not knowledge, + The having heard without retaining it. + +In the essence of this sacrifice two things + Convene together; and the one is that + Of which ’tis made, the other is the agreement. + +This last for evermore is cancelled not + Unless complied with, and concerning this + With such precision has above been spoken. + +Therefore it was enjoined upon the Hebrews + To offer still, though sometimes what was offered + Might be commuted, as thou ought’st to know. + +The other, which is known to thee as matter, + May well indeed be such that one errs not + If it for other matter be exchanged. + +But let none shift the burden on his shoulder + At his arbitrament, without the turning + Both of the white and of the yellow key; + +And every permutation deem as foolish, + If in the substitute the thing relinquished, + As the four is in six, be not contained. + +Therefore whatever thing has so great weight + In value that it drags down every balance, + Cannot be satisfied with other spending. + +Let mortals never take a vow in jest; + Be faithful and not blind in doing that, + As Jephthah was in his first offering, + +Whom more beseemed to say, ‘I have done wrong, + Than to do worse by keeping; and as foolish + Thou the great leader of the Greeks wilt find, + +Whence wept Iphigenia her fair face, + And made for her both wise and simple weep, + Who heard such kind of worship spoken of.’ + +Christians, be ye more serious in your movements; + Be ye not like a feather at each wind, + And think not every water washes you. + +Ye have the Old and the New Testament, + And the Pastor of the Church who guideth you + Let this suffice you unto your salvation. + +If evil appetite cry aught else to you, + Be ye as men, and not as silly sheep, + So that the Jew among you may not mock you. + +Be ye not as the lamb that doth abandon + Its mother’s milk, and frolicsome and simple + Combats at its own pleasure with itself.” + +Thus Beatrice to me even as I write it; + Then all desireful turned herself again + To that part where the world is most alive. + +Her silence and her change of countenance + Silence imposed upon my eager mind, + That had already in advance new questions; + +And as an arrow that upon the mark + Strikes ere the bowstring quiet hath become, + So did we speed into the second realm. + +My Lady there so joyful I beheld, + As into the brightness of that heaven she entered, + More luminous thereat the planet grew; + +And if the star itself was changed and smiled, + What became I, who by my nature am + Exceeding mutable in every guise! + +As, in a fish-pond which is pure and tranquil, + The fishes draw to that which from without + Comes in such fashion that their food they deem it; + +So I beheld more than a thousand splendours + Drawing towards us, and in each was heard: + “Lo, this is she who shall increase our love.” + +And as each one was coming unto us, + Full of beatitude the shade was seen, + By the effulgence clear that issued from it. + +Think, Reader, if what here is just beginning + No farther should proceed, how thou wouldst have + An agonizing need of knowing more; + +And of thyself thou’lt see how I from these + Was in desire of hearing their conditions, + As they unto mine eyes were manifest. + +“O thou well-born, unto whom Grace concedes + To see the thrones of the eternal triumph, + Or ever yet the warfare be abandoned + +With light that through the whole of heaven is spread + Kindled are we, and hence if thou desirest + To know of us, at thine own pleasure sate thee.” + +Thus by some one among those holy spirits + Was spoken, and by Beatrice: “Speak, speak + Securely, and believe them even as Gods.” + +“Well I perceive how thou dost nest thyself + In thine own light, and drawest it from thine eyes, + Because they coruscate when thou dost smile, + +But know not who thou art, nor why thou hast, + Spirit august, thy station in the sphere + That veils itself to men in alien rays.” + +This said I in direction of the light + Which first had spoken to me; whence it became + By far more lucent than it was before. + +Even as the sun, that doth conceal himself + By too much light, when heat has worn away + The tempering influence of the vapours dense, + +By greater rapture thus concealed itself + In its own radiance the figure saintly, + And thus close, close enfolded answered me + +In fashion as the following Canto sings. + + + + +Paradiso: Canto VI + + +“After that Constantine the eagle turned + Against the course of heaven, which it had followed + Behind the ancient who Lavinia took, + +Two hundred years and more the bird of God + In the extreme of Europe held itself, + Near to the mountains whence it issued first; + +And under shadow of the sacred plumes + It governed there the world from hand to hand, + And, changing thus, upon mine own alighted. + +Caesar I was, and am Justinian, + Who, by the will of primal Love I feel, + Took from the laws the useless and redundant; + +And ere unto the work I was attent, + One nature to exist in Christ, not more, + Believed, and with such faith was I contented. + +But blessed Agapetus, he who was + The supreme pastor, to the faith sincere + Pointed me out the way by words of his. + +Him I believed, and what was his assertion + I now see clearly, even as thou seest + Each contradiction to be false and true. + +As soon as with the Church I moved my feet, + God in his grace it pleased with this high task + To inspire me, and I gave me wholly to it, + +And to my Belisarius I commended + The arms, to which was heaven’s right hand so joined + It was a signal that I should repose. + +Now here to the first question terminates + My answer; but the character thereof + Constrains me to continue with a sequel, + +In order that thou see with how great reason + Men move against the standard sacrosanct, + Both who appropriate and who oppose it. + +Behold how great a power has made it worthy + Of reverence, beginning from the hour + When Pallas died to give it sovereignty. + +Thou knowest it made in Alba its abode + Three hundred years and upward, till at last + The three to three fought for it yet again. + +Thou knowest what it achieved from Sabine wrong + Down to Lucretia’s sorrow, in seven kings + O’ercoming round about the neighboring nations; + +Thou knowest what it achieved, borne by the Romans + Illustrious against Brennus, against Pyrrhus, + Against the other princes and confederates. + +Torquatus thence and Quinctius, who from locks + Unkempt was named, Decii and Fabii, + Received the fame I willingly embalm; + +It struck to earth the pride of the Arabians, + Who, following Hannibal, had passed across + The Alpine ridges, Po, from which thou glidest; + +Beneath it triumphed while they yet were young + Pompey and Scipio, and to the hill + Beneath which thou wast born it bitter seemed; + +Then, near unto the time when heaven had willed + To bring the whole world to its mood serene, + Did Caesar by the will of Rome assume it. + +What it achieved from Var unto the Rhine, + Isere beheld and Saone, beheld the Seine, + And every valley whence the Rhone is filled; + +What it achieved when it had left Ravenna, + And leaped the Rubicon, was such a flight + That neither tongue nor pen could follow it. + +Round towards Spain it wheeled its legions; then + Towards Durazzo, and Pharsalia smote + That to the calid Nile was felt the pain. + +Antandros and the Simois, whence it started, + It saw again, and there where Hector lies, + And ill for Ptolemy then roused itself. + +From thence it came like lightning upon Juba; + Then wheeled itself again into your West, + Where the Pompeian clarion it heard. + +From what it wrought with the next standard-bearer + Brutus and Cassius howl in Hell together, + And Modena and Perugia dolent were; + +Still doth the mournful Cleopatra weep + Because thereof, who, fleeing from before it, + Took from the adder sudden and black death. + +With him it ran even to the Red Sea shore; + With him it placed the world in so great peace, + That unto Janus was his temple closed. + +But what the standard that has made me speak + Achieved before, and after should achieve + Throughout the mortal realm that lies beneath it, + +Becometh in appearance mean and dim, + If in the hand of the third Caesar seen + With eye unclouded and affection pure, + +Because the living Justice that inspires me + Granted it, in the hand of him I speak of, + The glory of doing vengeance for its wrath. + +Now here attend to what I answer thee; + Later it ran with Titus to do vengeance + Upon the vengeance of the ancient sin. + +And when the tooth of Lombardy had bitten + The Holy Church, then underneath its wings + Did Charlemagne victorious succor her. + +Now hast thou power to judge of such as those + Whom I accused above, and of their crimes, + Which are the cause of all your miseries. + +To the public standard one the yellow lilies + Opposes, the other claims it for a party, + So that ’tis hard to see which sins the most. + +Let, let the Ghibellines ply their handicraft + Beneath some other standard; for this ever + Ill follows he who it and justice parts. + +And let not this new Charles e’er strike it down, + He and his Guelfs, but let him fear the talons + That from a nobler lion stripped the fell. + +Already oftentimes the sons have wept + The father’s crime; and let him not believe + That God will change His scutcheon for the lilies. + +This little planet doth adorn itself + With the good spirits that have active been, + That fame and honour might come after them; + +And whensoever the desires mount thither, + Thus deviating, must perforce the rays + Of the true love less vividly mount upward. + +But in commensuration of our wages + With our desert is portion of our joy, + Because we see them neither less nor greater. + +Herein doth living Justice sweeten so + Affection in us, that for evermore + It cannot warp to any iniquity. + +Voices diverse make up sweet melodies; + So in this life of ours the seats diverse + Render sweet harmony among these spheres; + +And in the compass of this present pearl + Shineth the sheen of Romeo, of whom + The grand and beauteous work was ill rewarded. + +But the Provencals who against him wrought, + They have not laughed, and therefore ill goes he + Who makes his hurt of the good deeds of others. + +Four daughters, and each one of them a queen, + Had Raymond Berenger, and this for him + Did Romeo, a poor man and a pilgrim; + +And then malicious words incited him + To summon to a reckoning this just man, + Who rendered to him seven and five for ten. + +Then he departed poor and stricken in years, + And if the world could know the heart he had, + In begging bit by bit his livelihood, + +Though much it laud him, it would laud him more.” + + + + +Paradiso: Canto VII + + +“Osanna sanctus Deus Sabaoth, + Superillustrans claritate tua + Felices ignes horum malahoth!” + +In this wise, to his melody returning, + This substance, upon which a double light + Doubles itself, was seen by me to sing, + +And to their dance this and the others moved, + And in the manner of swift-hurrying sparks + Veiled themselves from me with a sudden distance. + +Doubting was I, and saying, “Tell her, tell her,” + Within me, “tell her,” saying, “tell my Lady,” + Who slakes my thirst with her sweet effluences; + +And yet that reverence which doth lord it over + The whole of me only by B and ICE, + Bowed me again like unto one who drowses. + +Short while did Beatrice endure me thus; + And she began, lighting me with a smile + Such as would make one happy in the fire: + +“According to infallible advisement, + After what manner a just vengeance justly + Could be avenged has put thee upon thinking, + +But I will speedily thy mind unloose; + And do thou listen, for these words of mine + Of a great doctrine will a present make thee. + +By not enduring on the power that wills + Curb for his good, that man who ne’er was born, + Damning himself damned all his progeny; + +Whereby the human species down below + Lay sick for many centuries in great error, + Till to descend it pleased the Word of God + +To where the nature, which from its own Maker + Estranged itself, he joined to him in person + By the sole act of his eternal love. + +Now unto what is said direct thy sight; + This nature when united to its Maker, + Such as created, was sincere and good; + +But by itself alone was banished forth + From Paradise, because it turned aside + Out of the way of truth and of its life. + +Therefore the penalty the cross held out, + If measured by the nature thus assumed, + None ever yet with so great justice stung, + +And none was ever of so great injustice, + Considering who the Person was that suffered, + Within whom such a nature was contracted. + +From one act therefore issued things diverse; + To God and to the Jews one death was pleasing; + Earth trembled at it and the Heaven was opened. + +It should no longer now seem difficult + To thee, when it is said that a just vengeance + By a just court was afterward avenged. + +But now do I behold thy mind entangled + From thought to thought within a knot, from which + With great desire it waits to free itself. + +Thou sayest, ‘Well discern I what I hear; + But it is hidden from me why God willed + For our redemption only this one mode.’ + +Buried remaineth, brother, this decree + Unto the eyes of every one whose nature + Is in the flame of love not yet adult. + +Verily, inasmuch as at this mark + One gazes long and little is discerned, + Wherefore this mode was worthiest will I say. + +Goodness Divine, which from itself doth spurn + All envy, burning in itself so sparkles + That the eternal beauties it unfolds. + +Whate’er from this immediately distils + Has afterwards no end, for ne’er removed + Is its impression when it sets its seal. + +Whate’er from this immediately rains down + Is wholly free, because it is not subject + Unto the influences of novel things. + +The more conformed thereto, the more it pleases; + For the blest ardour that irradiates all things + In that most like itself is most vivacious. + +With all of these things has advantaged been + The human creature; and if one be wanting, + From his nobility he needs must fall. + +’Tis sin alone which doth disfranchise him, + And render him unlike the Good Supreme, + So that he little with its light is blanched, + +And to his dignity no more returns, + Unless he fill up where transgression empties + With righteous pains for criminal delights. + +Your nature when it sinned so utterly + In its own seed, out of these dignities + Even as out of Paradise was driven, + +Nor could itself recover, if thou notest + With nicest subtilty, by any way, + Except by passing one of these two fords: + +Either that God through clemency alone + Had pardon granted, or that man himself + Had satisfaction for his folly made. + +Fix now thine eye deep into the abyss + Of the eternal counsel, to my speech + As far as may be fastened steadfastly! + +Man in his limitations had not power + To satisfy, not having power to sink + In his humility obeying then, + +Far as he disobeying thought to rise; + And for this reason man has been from power + Of satisfying by himself excluded. + +Therefore it God behoved in his own ways + Man to restore unto his perfect life, + I say in one, or else in both of them. + +But since the action of the doer is + So much more grateful, as it more presents + The goodness of the heart from which it issues, + +Goodness Divine, that doth imprint the world, + Has been contented to proceed by each + And all its ways to lift you up again; + +Nor ’twixt the first day and the final night + Such high and such magnificent proceeding + By one or by the other was or shall be; + +For God more bounteous was himself to give + To make man able to uplift himself, + Than if he only of himself had pardoned; + +And all the other modes were insufficient + For justice, were it not the Son of God + Himself had humbled to become incarnate. + +Now, to fill fully each desire of thine, + Return I to elucidate one place, + In order that thou there mayst see as I do. + +Thou sayst: ‘I see the air, I see the fire, + The water, and the earth, and all their mixtures + Come to corruption, and short while endure; + +And these things notwithstanding were created;’ + Therefore if that which I have said were true, + They should have been secure against corruption. + +The Angels, brother, and the land sincere + In which thou art, created may be called + Just as they are in their entire existence; + +But all the elements which thou hast named, + And all those things which out of them are made, + By a created virtue are informed. + +Created was the matter which they have; + Created was the informing influence + Within these stars that round about them go. + +The soul of every brute and of the plants + By its potential temperament attracts + The ray and motion of the holy lights; + +But your own life immediately inspires + Supreme Beneficence, and enamours it + So with herself, it evermore desires her. + +And thou from this mayst argue furthermore + Your resurrection, if thou think again + How human flesh was fashioned at that time + +When the first parents both of them were made.” + + + + +Paradiso: Canto VIII + + +The world used in its peril to believe + That the fair Cypria delirious love + Rayed out, in the third epicycle turning; + +Wherefore not only unto her paid honour + Of sacrifices and of votive cry + The ancient nations in the ancient error, + +But both Dione honoured they and Cupid, + That as her mother, this one as her son, + And said that he had sat in Dido’s lap; + +And they from her, whence I beginning take, + Took the denomination of the star + That woos the sun, now following, now in front. + +I was not ware of our ascending to it; + But of our being in it gave full faith + My Lady whom I saw more beauteous grow. + +And as within a flame a spark is seen, + And as within a voice a voice discerned, + When one is steadfast, and one comes and goes, + +Within that light beheld I other lamps + Move in a circle, speeding more and less, + Methinks in measure of their inward vision. + +From a cold cloud descended never winds, + Or visible or not, so rapidly + They would not laggard and impeded seem + +To any one who had those lights divine + Seen come towards us, leaving the gyration + Begun at first in the high Seraphim. + +And behind those that most in front appeared + Sounded “Osanna!” so that never since + To hear again was I without desire. + +Then unto us more nearly one approached, + And it alone began: “We all are ready + Unto thy pleasure, that thou joy in us. + +We turn around with the celestial Princes, + One gyre and one gyration and one thirst, + To whom thou in the world of old didst say, + +‘Ye who, intelligent, the third heaven are moving;’ + And are so full of love, to pleasure thee + A little quiet will not be less sweet.” + +After these eyes of mine themselves had offered + Unto my Lady reverently, and she + Content and certain of herself had made them, + +Back to the light they turned, which so great promise + Made of itself, and “Say, who art thou?” was + My voice, imprinted with a great affection. + +O how and how much I beheld it grow + With the new joy that superadded was + Unto its joys, as soon as I had spoken! + +Thus changed, it said to me: “The world possessed me + Short time below; and, if it had been more, + Much evil will be which would not have been. + +My gladness keepeth me concealed from thee, + Which rayeth round about me, and doth hide me + Like as a creature swathed in its own silk. + +Much didst thou love me, and thou hadst good reason; + For had I been below, I should have shown thee + Somewhat beyond the foliage of my love. + +That left-hand margin, which doth bathe itself + In Rhone, when it is mingled with the Sorgue, + Me for its lord awaited in due time, + +And that horn of Ausonia, which is towned + With Bari, with Gaeta and Catona, + Whence Tronto and Verde in the sea disgorge. + +Already flashed upon my brow the crown + Of that dominion which the Danube waters + After the German borders it abandons; + +And beautiful Trinacria, that is murky + ’Twixt Pachino and Peloro, (on the gulf + Which greatest scath from Eurus doth receive,) + +Not through Typhoeus, but through nascent sulphur, + Would have awaited her own monarchs still, + Through me from Charles descended and from Rudolph, + +If evil lordship, that exasperates ever + The subject populations, had not moved + Palermo to the outcry of ‘Death! death!’ + +And if my brother could but this foresee, + The greedy poverty of Catalonia + Straight would he flee, that it might not molest him; + +For verily ’tis needful to provide, + Through him or other, so that on his bark + Already freighted no more freight be placed. + +His nature, which from liberal covetous + Descended, such a soldiery would need + As should not care for hoarding in a chest.” + +“Because I do believe the lofty joy + Thy speech infuses into me, my Lord, + Where every good thing doth begin and end + +Thou seest as I see it, the more grateful + Is it to me; and this too hold I dear, + That gazing upon God thou dost discern it. + +Glad hast thou made me; so make clear to me, + Since speaking thou hast stirred me up to doubt, + How from sweet seed can bitter issue forth.” + +This I to him; and he to me: “If I + Can show to thee a truth, to what thou askest + Thy face thou’lt hold as thou dost hold thy back. + +The Good which all the realm thou art ascending + Turns and contents, maketh its providence + To be a power within these bodies vast; + +And not alone the natures are foreseen + Within the mind that in itself is perfect, + But they together with their preservation. + +For whatsoever thing this bow shoots forth + Falls foreordained unto an end foreseen, + Even as a shaft directed to its mark. + +If that were not, the heaven which thou dost walk + Would in such manner its effects produce, + That they no longer would be arts, but ruins. + +This cannot be, if the Intelligences + That keep these stars in motion are not maimed, + And maimed the First that has not made them perfect. + +Wilt thou this truth have clearer made to thee?” + And I: “Not so; for ’tis impossible + That nature tire, I see, in what is needful.” + +Whence he again: “Now say, would it be worse + For men on earth were they not citizens?” + “Yes,” I replied; “and here I ask no reason.” + +“And can they be so, if below they live not + Diversely unto offices diverse? + No, if your master writeth well for you.” + +So came he with deductions to this point; + Then he concluded: “Therefore it behoves + The roots of your effects to be diverse. + +Hence one is Solon born, another Xerxes, + Another Melchisedec, and another he + Who, flying through the air, his son did lose. + +Revolving Nature, which a signet is + To mortal wax, doth practise well her art, + But not one inn distinguish from another; + +Thence happens it that Esau differeth + In seed from Jacob; and Quirinus comes + From sire so vile that he is given to Mars. + +A generated nature its own way + Would always make like its progenitors, + If Providence divine were not triumphant. + +Now that which was behind thee is before thee; + But that thou know that I with thee am pleased, + With a corollary will I mantle thee. + +Evermore nature, if it fortune find + Discordant to it, like each other seed + Out of its region, maketh evil thrift; + +And if the world below would fix its mind + On the foundation which is laid by nature, + Pursuing that, ’twould have the people good. + +But you unto religion wrench aside + Him who was born to gird him with the sword, + And make a king of him who is for sermons; + +Therefore your footsteps wander from the road.” + + + + +Paradiso: Canto IX + + +Beautiful Clemence, after that thy Charles + Had me enlightened, he narrated to me + The treacheries his seed should undergo; + +But said: “Be still and let the years roll round;” + So I can only say, that lamentation + Legitimate shall follow on your wrongs. + +And of that holy light the life already + Had to the Sun which fills it turned again, + As to that good which for each thing sufficeth. + +Ah, souls deceived, and creatures impious, + Who from such good do turn away your hearts, + Directing upon vanity your foreheads! + +And now, behold, another of those splendours + Approached me, and its will to pleasure me + It signified by brightening outwardly. + +The eyes of Beatrice, that fastened were + Upon me, as before, of dear assent + To my desire assurance gave to me. + +“Ah, bring swift compensation to my wish, + Thou blessed spirit,” I said, “and give me proof + That what I think in thee I can reflect!” + +Whereat the light, that still was new to me, + Out of its depths, whence it before was singing, + As one delighted to do good, continued: + +“Within that region of the land depraved + Of Italy, that lies between Rialto + And fountain-heads of Brenta and of Piava, + +Rises a hill, and mounts not very high, + Wherefrom descended formerly a torch + That made upon that region great assault. + +Out of one root were born both I and it; + Cunizza was I called, and here I shine + Because the splendour of this star o’ercame me. + +But gladly to myself the cause I pardon + Of my allotment, and it does not grieve me; + Which would perhaps seem strong unto your vulgar. + +Of this so luculent and precious jewel, + Which of our heaven is nearest unto me, + Great fame remained; and ere it die away + +This hundredth year shall yet quintupled be. + See if man ought to make him excellent, + So that another life the first may leave! + +And thus thinks not the present multitude + Shut in by Adige and Tagliamento, + Nor yet for being scourged is penitent. + +But soon ’twill be that Padua in the marsh + Will change the water that Vicenza bathes, + Because the folk are stubborn against duty; + +And where the Sile and Cagnano join + One lordeth it, and goes with lofty head, + For catching whom e’en now the net is making. + +Feltro moreover of her impious pastor + Shall weep the crime, which shall so monstrous be + That for the like none ever entered Malta. + +Ample exceedingly would be the vat + That of the Ferrarese could hold the blood, + And weary who should weigh it ounce by ounce, + +Of which this courteous priest shall make a gift + To show himself a partisan; and such gifts + Will to the living of the land conform. + +Above us there are mirrors, Thrones you call them, + From which shines out on us God Judicant, + So that this utterance seems good to us.” + +Here it was silent, and it had the semblance + Of being turned elsewhither, by the wheel + On which it entered as it was before. + +The other joy, already known to me, + Became a thing transplendent in my sight, + As a fine ruby smitten by the sun. + +Through joy effulgence is acquired above, + As here a smile; but down below, the shade + Outwardly darkens, as the mind is sad. + +“God seeth all things, and in Him, blest spirit, + Thy sight is,” said I, “so that never will + Of his can possibly from thee be hidden; + +Thy voice, then, that for ever makes the heavens + Glad, with the singing of those holy fires + Which of their six wings make themselves a cowl, + +Wherefore does it not satisfy my longings? + Indeed, I would not wait thy questioning + If I in thee were as thou art in me.” + +“The greatest of the valleys where the water + Expands itself,” forthwith its words began, + “That sea excepted which the earth engarlands, + +Between discordant shores against the sun + Extends so far, that it meridian makes + Where it was wont before to make the horizon. + +I was a dweller on that valley’s shore + ’Twixt Ebro and Magra that with journey short + Doth from the Tuscan part the Genoese. + +With the same sunset and same sunrise nearly + Sit Buggia and the city whence I was, + That with its blood once made the harbour hot. + +Folco that people called me unto whom + My name was known; and now with me this heaven + Imprints itself, as I did once with it; + +For more the daughter of Belus never burned, + Offending both Sichaeus and Creusa, + Than I, so long as it became my locks, + +Nor yet that Rodophean, who deluded + was by Demophoon, nor yet Alcides, + When Iole he in his heart had locked. + +Yet here is no repenting, but we smile, + Not at the fault, which comes not back to mind, + But at the power which ordered and foresaw. + +Here we behold the art that doth adorn + With such affection, and the good discover + Whereby the world above turns that below. + +But that thou wholly satisfied mayst bear + Thy wishes hence which in this sphere are born, + Still farther to proceed behoveth me. + +Thou fain wouldst know who is within this light + That here beside me thus is scintillating, + Even as a sunbeam in the limpid water. + +Then know thou, that within there is at rest + Rahab, and being to our order joined, + With her in its supremest grade ’tis sealed. + +Into this heaven, where ends the shadowy cone + Cast by your world, before all other souls + First of Christ’s triumph was she taken up. + +Full meet it was to leave her in some heaven, + Even as a palm of the high victory + Which he acquired with one palm and the other, + +Because she favoured the first glorious deed + Of Joshua upon the Holy Land, + That little stirs the memory of the Pope. + +Thy city, which an offshoot is of him + Who first upon his Maker turned his back, + And whose ambition is so sorely wept, + +Brings forth and scatters the accursed flower + Which both the sheep and lambs hath led astray + Since it has turned the shepherd to a wolf. + +For this the Evangel and the mighty Doctors + Are derelict, and only the Decretals + So studied that it shows upon their margins. + +On this are Pope and Cardinals intent; + Their meditations reach not Nazareth, + There where his pinions Gabriel unfolded; + +But Vatican and the other parts elect + Of Rome, which have a cemetery been + Unto the soldiery that followed Peter + +Shall soon be free from this adultery.” + + + + +Paradiso: Canto X + + +Looking into his Son with all the Love + Which each of them eternally breathes forth, + The Primal and unutterable Power + +Whate’er before the mind or eye revolves + With so much order made, there can be none + Who this beholds without enjoying Him. + +Lift up then, Reader, to the lofty wheels + With me thy vision straight unto that part + Where the one motion on the other strikes, + +And there begin to contemplate with joy + That Master’s art, who in himself so loves it + That never doth his eye depart therefrom. + +Behold how from that point goes branching off + The oblique circle, which conveys the planets, + To satisfy the world that calls upon them; + +And if their pathway were not thus inflected, + Much virtue in the heavens would be in vain, + And almost every power below here dead. + +If from the straight line distant more or less + Were the departure, much would wanting be + Above and underneath of mundane order. + +Remain now, Reader, still upon thy bench, + In thought pursuing that which is foretasted, + If thou wouldst jocund be instead of weary. + +I’ve set before thee; henceforth feed thyself, + For to itself diverteth all my care + That theme whereof I have been made the scribe. + +The greatest of the ministers of nature, + Who with the power of heaven the world imprints + And measures with his light the time for us, + +With that part which above is called to mind + Conjoined, along the spirals was revolving, + Where each time earlier he presents himself; + +And I was with him; but of the ascending + I was not conscious, saving as a man + Of a first thought is conscious ere it come; + +And Beatrice, she who is seen to pass + From good to better, and so suddenly + That not by time her action is expressed, + +How lucent in herself must she have been! + And what was in the sun, wherein I entered, + Apparent not by colour but by light, + +I, though I call on genius, art, and practice, + Cannot so tell that it could be imagined; + Believe one can, and let him long to see it. + +And if our fantasies too lowly are + For altitude so great, it is no marvel, + Since o’er the sun was never eye could go. + +Such in this place was the fourth family + Of the high Father, who forever sates it, + Showing how he breathes forth and how begets. + +And Beatrice began: “Give thanks, give thanks + Unto the Sun of Angels, who to this + Sensible one has raised thee by his grace!” + +Never was heart of mortal so disposed + To worship, nor to give itself to God + With all its gratitude was it so ready, + +As at those words did I myself become; + And all my love was so absorbed in Him, + That in oblivion Beatrice was eclipsed. + +Nor this displeased her; but she smiled at it + So that the splendour of her laughing eyes + My single mind on many things divided. + +Lights many saw I, vivid and triumphant, + Make us a centre and themselves a circle, + More sweet in voice than luminous in aspect. + +Thus girt about the daughter of Latona + We sometimes see, when pregnant is the air, + So that it holds the thread which makes her zone. + +Within the court of Heaven, whence I return, + Are many jewels found, so fair and precious + They cannot be transported from the realm; + +And of them was the singing of those lights. + Who takes not wings that he may fly up thither, + The tidings thence may from the dumb await! + +As soon as singing thus those burning suns + Had round about us whirled themselves three times, + Like unto stars neighbouring the steadfast poles, + +Ladies they seemed, not from the dance released, + But who stop short, in silence listening + Till they have gathered the new melody. + +And within one I heard beginning: “When + The radiance of grace, by which is kindled + True love, and which thereafter grows by loving, + +Within thee multiplied is so resplendent + That it conducts thee upward by that stair, + Where without reascending none descends, + +Who should deny the wine out of his vial + Unto thy thirst, in liberty were not + Except as water which descends not seaward. + +Fain wouldst thou know with what plants is enflowered + This garland that encircles with delight + The Lady fair who makes thee strong for heaven. + +Of the lambs was I of the holy flock + Which Dominic conducteth by a road + Where well one fattens if he strayeth not. + +He who is nearest to me on the right + My brother and master was; and he Albertus + Is of Cologne, I Thomas of Aquinum. + +If thou of all the others wouldst be certain, + Follow behind my speaking with thy sight + Upward along the blessed garland turning. + +That next effulgence issues from the smile + Of Gratian, who assisted both the courts + In such wise that it pleased in Paradise. + +The other which near by adorns our choir + That Peter was who, e’en as the poor widow, + Offered his treasure unto Holy Church. + +The fifth light, that among us is the fairest, + Breathes forth from such a love, that all the world + Below is greedy to learn tidings of it. + +Within it is the lofty mind, where knowledge + So deep was put, that, if the true be true, + To see so much there never rose a second. + +Thou seest next the lustre of that taper, + Which in the flesh below looked most within + The angelic nature and its ministry. + +Within that other little light is smiling + The advocate of the Christian centuries, + Out of whose rhetoric Augustine was furnished. + +Now if thou trainest thy mind’s eye along + From light to light pursuant of my praise, + With thirst already of the eighth thou waitest. + +By seeing every good therein exults + The sainted soul, which the fallacious world + Makes manifest to him who listeneth well; + +The body whence ’twas hunted forth is lying + Down in Cieldauro, and from martyrdom + And banishment it came unto this peace. + +See farther onward flame the burning breath + Of Isidore, of Beda, and of Richard + Who was in contemplation more than man. + +This, whence to me returneth thy regard, + The light is of a spirit unto whom + In his grave meditations death seemed slow. + +It is the light eternal of Sigier, + Who, reading lectures in the Street of Straw, + Did syllogize invidious verities.” + +Then, as a horologe that calleth us + What time the Bride of God is rising up + With matins to her Spouse that he may love her, + +Wherein one part the other draws and urges, + Ting! ting! resounding with so sweet a note, + That swells with love the spirit well disposed, + +Thus I beheld the glorious wheel move round, + And render voice to voice, in modulation + And sweetness that can not be comprehended, + +Excepting there where joy is made eternal. + + + + +Paradiso: Canto XI + + +O Thou insensate care of mortal men, + How inconclusive are the syllogisms + That make thee beat thy wings in downward flight! + +One after laws and one to aphorisms + Was going, and one following the priesthood, + And one to reign by force or sophistry, + +And one in theft, and one in state affairs, + One in the pleasures of the flesh involved + Wearied himself, one gave himself to ease; + +When I, from all these things emancipate, + With Beatrice above there in the Heavens + With such exceeding glory was received! + +When each one had returned unto that point + Within the circle where it was before, + It stood as in a candlestick a candle; + +And from within the effulgence which at first + Had spoken unto me, I heard begin + Smiling while it more luminous became: + +“Even as I am kindled in its ray, + So, looking into the Eternal Light, + The occasion of thy thoughts I apprehend. + +Thou doubtest, and wouldst have me to resift + In language so extended and so open + My speech, that to thy sense it may be plain, + +Where just before I said, ‘where well one fattens,’ + And where I said, ‘there never rose a second;’ + And here ’tis needful we distinguish well. + +The Providence, which governeth the world + With counsel, wherein all created vision + Is vanquished ere it reach unto the bottom, + +(So that towards her own Beloved might go + The bride of Him who, uttering a loud cry, + Espoused her with his consecrated blood, + +Self-confident and unto Him more faithful,) + Two Princes did ordain in her behoof, + Which on this side and that might be her guide. + +The one was all seraphical in ardour; + The other by his wisdom upon earth + A splendour was of light cherubical. + +One will I speak of, for of both is spoken + In praising one, whichever may be taken, + Because unto one end their labours were. + +Between Tupino and the stream that falls + Down from the hill elect of blessed Ubald, + A fertile slope of lofty mountain hangs, + +From which Perugia feels the cold and heat + Through Porta Sole, and behind it weep + Gualdo and Nocera their grievous yoke. + +From out that slope, there where it breaketh most + Its steepness, rose upon the world a sun + As this one does sometimes from out the Ganges; + +Therefore let him who speaketh of that place, + Say not Ascesi, for he would say little, + But Orient, if he properly would speak. + +He was not yet far distant from his rising + Before he had begun to make the earth + Some comfort from his mighty virtue feel. + +For he in youth his father’s wrath incurred + For certain Dame, to whom, as unto death, + The gate of pleasure no one doth unlock; + +And was before his spiritual court + ‘Et coram patre’ unto her united; + Then day by day more fervently he loved her. + +She, reft of her first husband, scorned, obscure, + One thousand and one hundred years and more, + Waited without a suitor till he came. + +Naught it availed to hear, that with Amyclas + Found her unmoved at sounding of his voice + He who struck terror into all the world; + +Naught it availed being constant and undaunted, + So that, when Mary still remained below, + She mounted up with Christ upon the cross. + +But that too darkly I may not proceed, + Francis and Poverty for these two lovers + Take thou henceforward in my speech diffuse. + +Their concord and their joyous semblances, + The love, the wonder, and the sweet regard, + They made to be the cause of holy thoughts; + +So much so that the venerable Bernard + First bared his feet, and after so great peace + Ran, and, in running, thought himself too slow. + +O wealth unknown! O veritable good! + Giles bares his feet, and bares his feet Sylvester + Behind the bridegroom, so doth please the bride! + +Then goes his way that father and that master, + He and his Lady and that family + Which now was girding on the humble cord; + +Nor cowardice of heart weighed down his brow + At being son of Peter Bernardone, + Nor for appearing marvellously scorned; + +But regally his hard determination + To Innocent he opened, and from him + Received the primal seal upon his Order. + +After the people mendicant increased + Behind this man, whose admirable life + Better in glory of the heavens were sung, + +Incoronated with a second crown + Was through Honorius by the Eternal Spirit + The holy purpose of this Archimandrite. + +And when he had, through thirst of martyrdom, + In the proud presence of the Sultan preached + Christ and the others who came after him, + +And, finding for conversion too unripe + The folk, and not to tarry there in vain, + Returned to fruit of the Italic grass, + +On the rude rock ’twixt Tiber and the Arno + From Christ did he receive the final seal, + Which during two whole years his members bore. + +When He, who chose him unto so much good, + Was pleased to draw him up to the reward + That he had merited by being lowly, + +Unto his friars, as to the rightful heirs, + His most dear Lady did he recommend, + And bade that they should love her faithfully; + +And from her bosom the illustrious soul + Wished to depart, returning to its realm, + And for its body wished no other bier. + +Think now what man was he, who was a fit + Companion over the high seas to keep + The bark of Peter to its proper bearings. + +And this man was our Patriarch; hence whoever + Doth follow him as he commands can see + That he is laden with good merchandise. + +But for new pasturage his flock has grown + So greedy, that it is impossible + They be not scattered over fields diverse; + +And in proportion as his sheep remote + And vagabond go farther off from him, + More void of milk return they to the fold. + +Verily some there are that fear a hurt, + And keep close to the shepherd; but so few, + That little cloth doth furnish forth their hoods. + +Now if my utterance be not indistinct, + If thine own hearing hath attentive been, + If thou recall to mind what I have said, + +In part contented shall thy wishes be; + For thou shalt see the plant that’s chipped away, + And the rebuke that lieth in the words, + +‘Where well one fattens, if he strayeth not.’” + + + + +Paradiso: Canto XII + + +Soon as the blessed flame had taken up + The final word to give it utterance, + Began the holy millstone to revolve, + +And in its gyre had not turned wholly round, + Before another in a ring enclosed it, + And motion joined to motion, song to song; + +Song that as greatly doth transcend our Muses, + Our Sirens, in those dulcet clarions, + As primal splendour that which is reflected. + +And as are spanned athwart a tender cloud + Two rainbows parallel and like in colour, + When Juno to her handmaid gives command, + +(The one without born of the one within, + Like to the speaking of that vagrant one + Whom love consumed as doth the sun the vapours,) + +And make the people here, through covenant + God set with Noah, presageful of the world + That shall no more be covered with a flood, + +In such wise of those sempiternal roses + The garlands twain encompassed us about, + And thus the outer to the inner answered. + +After the dance, and other grand rejoicings, + Both of the singing, and the flaming forth + Effulgence with effulgence blithe and tender, + +Together, at once, with one accord had stopped, + (Even as the eyes, that, as volition moves them, + Must needs together shut and lift themselves,) + +Out of the heart of one of the new lights + There came a voice, that needle to the star + Made me appear in turning thitherward. + +And it began: “The love that makes me fair + Draws me to speak about the other leader, + By whom so well is spoken here of mine. + +’Tis right, where one is, to bring in the other, + That, as they were united in their warfare, + Together likewise may their glory shine. + +The soldiery of Christ, which it had cost + So dear to arm again, behind the standard + Moved slow and doubtful and in numbers few, + +When the Emperor who reigneth evermore + Provided for the host that was in peril, + Through grace alone and not that it was worthy; + +And, as was said, he to his Bride brought succour + With champions twain, at whose deed, at whose word + The straggling people were together drawn. + +Within that region where the sweet west wind + Rises to open the new leaves, wherewith + Europe is seen to clothe herself afresh, + +Not far off from the beating of the waves, + Behind which in his long career the sun + Sometimes conceals himself from every man, + +Is situate the fortunate Calahorra, + Under protection of the mighty shield + In which the Lion subject is and sovereign. + +Therein was born the amorous paramour + Of Christian Faith, the athlete consecrate, + Kind to his own and cruel to his foes; + +And when it was created was his mind + Replete with such a living energy, + That in his mother her it made prophetic. + +As soon as the espousals were complete + Between him and the Faith at holy font, + Where they with mutual safety dowered each other, + +The woman, who for him had given assent, + Saw in a dream the admirable fruit + That issue would from him and from his heirs; + +And that he might be construed as he was, + A spirit from this place went forth to name him + With His possessive whose he wholly was. + +Dominic was he called; and him I speak of + Even as of the husbandman whom Christ + Elected to his garden to assist him. + +Envoy and servant sooth he seemed of Christ, + For the first love made manifest in him + Was the first counsel that was given by Christ. + +Silent and wakeful many a time was he + Discovered by his nurse upon the ground, + As if he would have said, ‘For this I came.’ + +O thou his father, Felix verily! + O thou his mother, verily Joanna, + If this, interpreted, means as is said! + +Not for the world which people toil for now + In following Ostiense and Taddeo, + But through his longing after the true manna, + +He in short time became so great a teacher, + That he began to go about the vineyard, + Which fadeth soon, if faithless be the dresser; + +And of the See, (that once was more benignant + Unto the righteous poor, not through itself, + But him who sits there and degenerates,) + +Not to dispense or two or three for six, + Not any fortune of first vacancy, + ‘Non decimas quae sunt pauperum Dei,’ + +He asked for, but against the errant world + Permission to do battle for the seed, + Of which these four and twenty plants surround thee. + +Then with the doctrine and the will together, + With office apostolical he moved, + Like torrent which some lofty vein out-presses; + +And in among the shoots heretical + His impetus with greater fury smote, + Wherever the resistance was the greatest. + +Of him were made thereafter divers runnels, + Whereby the garden catholic is watered, + So that more living its plantations stand. + +If such the one wheel of the Biga was, + In which the Holy Church itself defended + And in the field its civic battle won, + +Truly full manifest should be to thee + The excellence of the other, unto whom + Thomas so courteous was before my coming. + +But still the orbit, which the highest part + Of its circumference made, is derelict, + So that the mould is where was once the crust. + +His family, that had straight forward moved + With feet upon his footprints, are turned round + So that they set the point upon the heel. + +And soon aware they will be of the harvest + Of this bad husbandry, when shall the tares + Complain the granary is taken from them. + +Yet say I, he who searcheth leaf by leaf + Our volume through, would still some page discover + Where he could read, ‘I am as I am wont.’ + +’Twill not be from Casal nor Acquasparta, + From whence come such unto the written word + That one avoids it, and the other narrows. + +Bonaventura of Bagnoregio’s life + Am I, who always in great offices + Postponed considerations sinister. + +Here are Illuminato and Agostino, + Who of the first barefooted beggars were + That with the cord the friends of God became. + +Hugh of Saint Victor is among them here, + And Peter Mangiador, and Peter of Spain, + Who down below in volumes twelve is shining; + +Nathan the seer, and metropolitan + Chrysostom, and Anselmus, and Donatus + Who deigned to lay his hand to the first art; + +Here is Rabanus, and beside me here + Shines the Calabrian Abbot Joachim, + He with the spirit of prophecy endowed. + +To celebrate so great a paladin + Have moved me the impassioned courtesy + And the discreet discourses of Friar Thomas, + +And with me they have moved this company.” + + + + +Paradiso: Canto XIII + + +Let him imagine, who would well conceive + What now I saw, and let him while I speak + Retain the image as a steadfast rock, + +The fifteen stars, that in their divers regions + The sky enliven with a light so great + That it transcends all clusters of the air; + +Let him the Wain imagine unto which + Our vault of heaven sufficeth night and day, + So that in turning of its pole it fails not; + +Let him the mouth imagine of the horn + That in the point beginneth of the axis + Round about which the primal wheel revolves,— + +To have fashioned of themselves two signs in heaven, + Like unto that which Minos’ daughter made, + The moment when she felt the frost of death; + +And one to have its rays within the other, + And both to whirl themselves in such a manner + That one should forward go, the other backward; + +And he will have some shadowing forth of that + True constellation and the double dance + That circled round the point at which I was; + +Because it is as much beyond our wont, + As swifter than the motion of the Chiana + Moveth the heaven that all the rest outspeeds. + +There sang they neither Bacchus, nor Apollo, + But in the divine nature Persons three, + And in one person the divine and human. + +The singing and the dance fulfilled their measure, + And unto us those holy lights gave need, + Growing in happiness from care to care. + +Then broke the silence of those saints concordant + The light in which the admirable life + Of God’s own mendicant was told to me, + +And said: “Now that one straw is trodden out + Now that its seed is garnered up already, + Sweet love invites me to thresh out the other. + +Into that bosom, thou believest, whence + Was drawn the rib to form the beauteous cheek + Whose taste to all the world is costing dear, + +And into that which, by the lance transfixed, + Before and since, such satisfaction made + That it weighs down the balance of all sin, + +Whate’er of light it has to human nature + Been lawful to possess was all infused + By the same power that both of them created; + +And hence at what I said above dost wonder, + When I narrated that no second had + The good which in the fifth light is enclosed. + +Now ope thine eyes to what I answer thee, + And thou shalt see thy creed and my discourse + Fit in the truth as centre in a circle. + +That which can die, and that which dieth not, + Are nothing but the splendour of the idea + Which by his love our Lord brings into being; + +Because that living Light, which from its fount + Effulgent flows, so that it disunites not + From Him nor from the Love in them intrined, + +Through its own goodness reunites its rays + In nine subsistences, as in a mirror, + Itself eternally remaining One. + +Thence it descends to the last potencies, + Downward from act to act becoming such + That only brief contingencies it makes; + +And these contingencies I hold to be + Things generated, which the heaven produces + By its own motion, with seed and without. + +Neither their wax, nor that which tempers it, + Remains immutable, and hence beneath + The ideal signet more and less shines through; + +Therefore it happens, that the selfsame tree + After its kind bears worse and better fruit, + And ye are born with characters diverse. + +If in perfection tempered were the wax, + And were the heaven in its supremest virtue, + The brilliance of the seal would all appear; + +But nature gives it evermore deficient, + In the like manner working as the artist, + Who has the skill of art and hand that trembles. + +If then the fervent Love, the Vision clear, + Of primal Virtue do dispose and seal, + Perfection absolute is there acquired. + +Thus was of old the earth created worthy + Of all and every animal perfection; + And thus the Virgin was impregnate made; + +So that thine own opinion I commend, + That human nature never yet has been, + Nor will be, what it was in those two persons. + +Now if no farther forth I should proceed, + ‘Then in what way was he without a peer?’ + Would be the first beginning of thy words. + +But, that may well appear what now appears not, + Think who he was, and what occasion moved him + To make request, when it was told him, ‘Ask.’ + +I’ve not so spoken that thou canst not see + Clearly he was a king who asked for wisdom, + That he might be sufficiently a king; + +’Twas not to know the number in which are + The motors here above, or if ‘necesse’ + With a contingent e’er ‘necesse’ make, + +‘Non si est dare primum motum esse,’ + Or if in semicircle can be made + Triangle so that it have no right angle. + +Whence, if thou notest this and what I said, + A regal prudence is that peerless seeing + In which the shaft of my intention strikes. + +And if on ‘rose’ thou turnest thy clear eyes, + Thou’lt see that it has reference alone + To kings who’re many, and the good are rare. + +With this distinction take thou what I said, + And thus it can consist with thy belief + Of the first father and of our Delight. + +And lead shall this be always to thy feet, + To make thee, like a weary man, move slowly + Both to the Yes and No thou seest not; + +For very low among the fools is he + Who affirms without distinction, or denies, + As well in one as in the other case; + +Because it happens that full often bends + Current opinion in the false direction, + And then the feelings bind the intellect. + +Far more than uselessly he leaves the shore, + (Since he returneth not the same he went,) + Who fishes for the truth, and has no skill; + +And in the world proofs manifest thereof + Parmenides, Melissus, Brissus are, + And many who went on and knew not whither; + +Thus did Sabellius, Arius, and those fools + Who have been even as swords unto the Scriptures + In rendering distorted their straight faces. + +Nor yet shall people be too confident + In judging, even as he is who doth count + The corn in field or ever it be ripe. + +For I have seen all winter long the thorn + First show itself intractable and fierce, + And after bear the rose upon its top; + +And I have seen a ship direct and swift + Run o’er the sea throughout its course entire, + To perish at the harbour’s mouth at last. + +Let not Dame Bertha nor Ser Martin think, + Seeing one steal, another offering make, + To see them in the arbitrament divine; + +For one may rise, and fall the other may.” + + + + +Paradiso: Canto XIV + + +From centre unto rim, from rim to centre, + In a round vase the water moves itself, + As from without ’tis struck or from within. + +Into my mind upon a sudden dropped + What I am saying, at the moment when + Silent became the glorious life of Thomas, + +Because of the resemblance that was born + Of his discourse and that of Beatrice, + Whom, after him, it pleased thus to begin: + +“This man has need (and does not tell you so, + Nor with the voice, nor even in his thought) + Of going to the root of one truth more. + +Declare unto him if the light wherewith + Blossoms your substance shall remain with you + Eternally the same that it is now; + +And if it do remain, say in what manner, + After ye are again made visible, + It can be that it injure not your sight.” + +As by a greater gladness urged and drawn + They who are dancing in a ring sometimes + Uplift their voices and their motions quicken; + +So, at that orison devout and prompt, + The holy circles a new joy displayed + In their revolving and their wondrous song. + +Whoso lamenteth him that here we die + That we may live above, has never there + Seen the refreshment of the eternal rain. + +The One and Two and Three who ever liveth, + And reigneth ever in Three and Two and One, + Not circumscribed and all things circumscribing, + +Three several times was chanted by each one + Among those spirits, with such melody + That for all merit it were just reward; + +And, in the lustre most divine of all + The lesser ring, I heard a modest voice, + Such as perhaps the Angel’s was to Mary, + +Answer: “As long as the festivity + Of Paradise shall be, so long our love + Shall radiate round about us such a vesture. + +Its brightness is proportioned to the ardour, + The ardour to the vision; and the vision + Equals what grace it has above its worth. + +When, glorious and sanctified, our flesh + Is reassumed, then shall our persons be + More pleasing by their being all complete; + +For will increase whate’er bestows on us + Of light gratuitous the Good Supreme, + Light which enables us to look on Him; + +Therefore the vision must perforce increase, + Increase the ardour which from that is kindled, + Increase the radiance which from this proceeds. + +But even as a coal that sends forth flame, + And by its vivid whiteness overpowers it + So that its own appearance it maintains, + +Thus the effulgence that surrounds us now + Shall be o’erpowered in aspect by the flesh, + Which still to-day the earth doth cover up; + +Nor can so great a splendour weary us, + For strong will be the organs of the body + To everything which hath the power to please us.” + +So sudden and alert appeared to me + Both one and the other choir to say Amen, + That well they showed desire for their dead bodies; + +Nor sole for them perhaps, but for the mothers, + The fathers, and the rest who had been dear + Or ever they became eternal flames. + +And lo! all round about of equal brightness + Arose a lustre over what was there, + Like an horizon that is clearing up. + +And as at rise of early eve begin + Along the welkin new appearances, + So that the sight seems real and unreal, + +It seemed to me that new subsistences + Began there to be seen, and make a circle + Outside the other two circumferences. + +O very sparkling of the Holy Spirit, + How sudden and incandescent it became + Unto mine eyes, that vanquished bore it not! + +But Beatrice so beautiful and smiling + Appeared to me, that with the other sights + That followed not my memory I must leave her. + +Then to uplift themselves mine eyes resumed + The power, and I beheld myself translated + To higher salvation with my Lady only. + +Well was I ware that I was more uplifted + By the enkindled smiling of the star, + That seemed to me more ruddy than its wont. + +With all my heart, and in that dialect + Which is the same in all, such holocaust + To God I made as the new grace beseemed; + +And not yet from my bosom was exhausted + The ardour of sacrifice, before I knew + This offering was accepted and auspicious; + +For with so great a lustre and so red + Splendours appeared to me in twofold rays, + I said: “O Helios who dost so adorn them!” + +Even as distinct with less and greater lights + Glimmers between the two poles of the world + The Galaxy that maketh wise men doubt, + +Thus constellated in the depths of Mars, + Those rays described the venerable sign + That quadrants joining in a circle make. + +Here doth my memory overcome my genius; + For on that cross as levin gleamed forth Christ, + So that I cannot find ensample worthy; + +But he who takes his cross and follows Christ + Again will pardon me what I omit, + Seeing in that aurora lighten Christ. + +From horn to horn, and ’twixt the top and base, + Lights were in motion, brightly scintillating + As they together met and passed each other; + +Thus level and aslant and swift and slow + We here behold, renewing still the sight, + The particles of bodies long and short, + +Across the sunbeam move, wherewith is listed + Sometimes the shade, which for their own defence + People with cunning and with art contrive. + +And as a lute and harp, accordant strung + With many strings, a dulcet tinkling make + To him by whom the notes are not distinguished, + +So from the lights that there to me appeared + Upgathered through the cross a melody, + Which rapt me, not distinguishing the hymn. + +Well was I ware it was of lofty laud, + Because there came to me, “Arise and conquer!” + As unto him who hears and comprehends not. + +So much enamoured I became therewith, + That until then there was not anything + That e’er had fettered me with such sweet bonds. + +Perhaps my word appears somewhat too bold, + Postponing the delight of those fair eyes, + Into which gazing my desire has rest; + +But who bethinks him that the living seals + Of every beauty grow in power ascending, + And that I there had not turned round to those, + +Can me excuse, if I myself accuse + To excuse myself, and see that I speak truly: + For here the holy joy is not disclosed, + +Because ascending it becomes more pure. + + + + +Paradiso: Canto XV + + +A will benign, in which reveals itself + Ever the love that righteously inspires, + As in the iniquitous, cupidity, + +Silence imposed upon that dulcet lyre, + And quieted the consecrated chords, + That Heaven’s right hand doth tighten and relax. + +How unto just entreaties shall be deaf + Those substances, which, to give me desire + Of praying them, with one accord grew silent? + +’Tis well that without end he should lament, + Who for the love of thing that doth not last + Eternally despoils him of that love! + +As through the pure and tranquil evening air + There shoots from time to time a sudden fire, + Moving the eyes that steadfast were before, + +And seems to be a star that changeth place, + Except that in the part where it is kindled + Nothing is missed, and this endureth little; + +So from the horn that to the right extends + Unto that cross’s foot there ran a star + Out of the constellation shining there; + +Nor was the gem dissevered from its ribbon, + But down the radiant fillet ran along, + So that fire seemed it behind alabaster. + +Thus piteous did Anchises’ shade reach forward, + If any faith our greatest Muse deserve, + When in Elysium he his son perceived. + +“O sanguis meus, O superinfusa + Gratia Dei, sicut tibi, cui + Bis unquam Coeli janua reclusa?” + +Thus that effulgence; whence I gave it heed; + Then round unto my Lady turned my sight, + And on this side and that was stupefied; + +For in her eyes was burning such a smile + That with mine own methought I touched the bottom + Both of my grace and of my Paradise! + +Then, pleasant to the hearing and the sight, + The spirit joined to its beginning things + I understood not, so profound it spake; + +Nor did it hide itself from me by choice, + But by necessity; for its conception + Above the mark of mortals set itself. + +And when the bow of burning sympathy + Was so far slackened, that its speech descended + Towards the mark of our intelligence, + +The first thing that was understood by me + Was “Benedight be Thou, O Trine and One, + Who hast unto my seed so courteous been!” + +And it continued: “Hunger long and grateful, + Drawn from the reading of the mighty volume + Wherein is never changed the white nor dark, + +Thou hast appeased, my son, within this light + In which I speak to thee, by grace of her + Who to this lofty flight with plumage clothed thee. + +Thou thinkest that to me thy thought doth pass + From Him who is the first, as from the unit, + If that be known, ray out the five and six; + +And therefore who I am thou askest not, + And why I seem more joyous unto thee + Than any other of this gladsome crowd. + +Thou think’st the truth; because the small and great + Of this existence look into the mirror + Wherein, before thou think’st, thy thought thou showest. + +But that the sacred love, in which I watch + With sight perpetual, and which makes me thirst + With sweet desire, may better be fulfilled, + +Now let thy voice secure and frank and glad + Proclaim the wishes, the desire proclaim, + To which my answer is decreed already.” + +To Beatrice I turned me, and she heard + Before I spake, and smiled to me a sign, + That made the wings of my desire increase; + +Then in this wise began I: “Love and knowledge, + When on you dawned the first Equality, + Of the same weight for each of you became; + +For in the Sun, which lighted you and burned + With heat and radiance, they so equal are, + That all similitudes are insufficient. + +But among mortals will and argument, + For reason that to you is manifest, + Diversely feathered in their pinions are. + +Whence I, who mortal am, feel in myself + This inequality; so give not thanks, + Save in my heart, for this paternal welcome. + +Truly do I entreat thee, living topaz! + Set in this precious jewel as a gem, + That thou wilt satisfy me with thy name.” + +“O leaf of mine, in whom I pleasure took + E’en while awaiting, I was thine own root!” + Such a beginning he in answer made me. + +Then said to me: “That one from whom is named + Thy race, and who a hundred years and more + Has circled round the mount on the first cornice, + +A son of mine and thy great-grandsire was; + Well it behoves thee that the long fatigue + Thou shouldst for him make shorter with thy works. + +Florence, within the ancient boundary + From which she taketh still her tierce and nones, + Abode in quiet, temperate and chaste. + +No golden chain she had, nor coronal, + Nor ladies shod with sandal shoon, nor girdle + That caught the eye more than the person did. + +Not yet the daughter at her birth struck fear + Into the father, for the time and dower + Did not o’errun this side or that the measure. + +No houses had she void of families, + Not yet had thither come Sardanapalus + To show what in a chamber can be done; + +Not yet surpassed had Montemalo been + By your Uccellatojo, which surpassed + Shall in its downfall be as in its rise. + +Bellincion Berti saw I go begirt + With leather and with bone, and from the mirror + His dame depart without a painted face; + +And him of Nerli saw, and him of Vecchio, + Contented with their simple suits of buff + And with the spindle and the flax their dames. + +O fortunate women! and each one was certain + Of her own burial-place, and none as yet + For sake of France was in her bed deserted. + +One o’er the cradle kept her studious watch, + And in her lullaby the language used + That first delights the fathers and the mothers; + +Another, drawing tresses from her distaff, + Told o’er among her family the tales + Of Trojans and of Fesole and Rome. + +As great a marvel then would have been held + A Lapo Salterello, a Cianghella, + As Cincinnatus or Cornelia now. + +To such a quiet, such a beautiful + Life of the citizen, to such a safe + Community, and to so sweet an inn, + +Did Mary give me, with loud cries invoked, + And in your ancient Baptistery at once + Christian and Cacciaguida I became. + +Moronto was my brother, and Eliseo; + From Val di Pado came to me my wife, + And from that place thy surname was derived. + +I followed afterward the Emperor Conrad, + And he begirt me of his chivalry, + So much I pleased him with my noble deeds. + +I followed in his train against that law’s + Iniquity, whose people doth usurp + Your just possession, through your Pastor’s fault. + +There by that execrable race was I + Released from bonds of the fallacious world, + The love of which defileth many souls, + +And came from martyrdom unto this peace.” + + + + +Paradiso: Canto XVI + + +O thou our poor nobility of blood, + If thou dost make the people glory in thee + Down here where our affection languishes, + +A marvellous thing it ne’er will be to me; + For there where appetite is not perverted, + I say in Heaven, of thee I made a boast! + +Truly thou art a cloak that quickly shortens, + So that unless we piece thee day by day + Time goeth round about thee with his shears! + +With ‘You,’ which Rome was first to tolerate, + (Wherein her family less perseveres,) + Yet once again my words beginning made; + +Whence Beatrice, who stood somewhat apart, + Smiling, appeared like unto her who coughed + At the first failing writ of Guenever. + +And I began: “You are my ancestor, + You give to me all hardihood to speak, + You lift me so that I am more than I. + +So many rivulets with gladness fill + My mind, that of itself it makes a joy + Because it can endure this and not burst. + +Then tell me, my beloved root ancestral, + Who were your ancestors, and what the years + That in your boyhood chronicled themselves? + +Tell me about the sheepfold of Saint John, + How large it was, and who the people were + Within it worthy of the highest seats.” + +As at the blowing of the winds a coal + Quickens to flame, so I beheld that light + Become resplendent at my blandishments. + +And as unto mine eyes it grew more fair, + With voice more sweet and tender, but not in + This modern dialect, it said to me: + +“From uttering of the ‘Ave,’ till the birth + In which my mother, who is now a saint, + Of me was lightened who had been her burden, + +Unto its Lion had this fire returned + Five hundred fifty times and thirty more, + To reinflame itself beneath his paw. + +My ancestors and I our birthplace had + Where first is found the last ward of the city + By him who runneth in your annual game. + +Suffice it of my elders to hear this; + But who they were, and whence they thither came, + Silence is more considerate than speech. + +All those who at that time were there between + Mars and the Baptist, fit for bearing arms, + Were a fifth part of those who now are living; + +But the community, that now is mixed + With Campi and Certaldo and Figghine, + Pure in the lowest artisan was seen. + +O how much better ’twere to have as neighbours + The folk of whom I speak, and at Galluzzo + And at Trespiano have your boundary, + +Than have them in the town, and bear the stench + Of Aguglione’s churl, and him of Signa + Who has sharp eyes for trickery already. + +Had not the folk, which most of all the world + Degenerates, been a step-dame unto Caesar, + But as a mother to her son benignant, + +Some who turn Florentines, and trade and discount, + Would have gone back again to Simifonte + There where their grandsires went about as beggars. + +At Montemurlo still would be the Counts, + The Cerchi in the parish of Acone, + Perhaps in Valdigrieve the Buondelmonti. + +Ever the intermingling of the people + Has been the source of malady in cities, + As in the body food it surfeits on; + +And a blind bull more headlong plunges down + Than a blind lamb; and very often cuts + Better and more a single sword than five. + +If Luni thou regard, and Urbisaglia, + How they have passed away, and how are passing + Chiusi and Sinigaglia after them, + +To hear how races waste themselves away, + Will seem to thee no novel thing nor hard, + Seeing that even cities have an end. + +All things of yours have their mortality, + Even as yourselves; but it is hidden in some + That a long while endure, and lives are short; + +And as the turning of the lunar heaven + Covers and bares the shores without a pause, + In the like manner fortune does with Florence. + +Therefore should not appear a marvellous thing + What I shall say of the great Florentines + Of whom the fame is hidden in the Past. + +I saw the Ughi, saw the Catellini, + Filippi, Greci, Ormanni, and Alberichi, + Even in their fall illustrious citizens; + +And saw, as mighty as they ancient were, + With him of La Sannella him of Arca, + And Soldanier, Ardinghi, and Bostichi. + +Near to the gate that is at present laden + With a new felony of so much weight + That soon it shall be jetsam from the bark, + +The Ravignani were, from whom descended + The County Guido, and whoe’er the name + Of the great Bellincione since hath taken. + +He of La Pressa knew the art of ruling + Already, and already Galigajo + Had hilt and pommel gilded in his house. + +Mighty already was the Column Vair, + Sacchetti, Giuochi, Fifant, and Barucci, + And Galli, and they who for the bushel blush. + +The stock from which were the Calfucci born + Was great already, and already chosen + To curule chairs the Sizii and Arrigucci. + +O how beheld I those who are undone + By their own pride! and how the Balls of Gold + Florence enflowered in all their mighty deeds! + +So likewise did the ancestors of those + Who evermore, when vacant is your church, + Fatten by staying in consistory. + +The insolent race, that like a dragon follows + Whoever flees, and unto him that shows + His teeth or purse is gentle as a lamb, + +Already rising was, but from low people; + So that it pleased not Ubertin Donato + That his wife’s father should make him their kin. + +Already had Caponsacco to the Market + From Fesole descended, and already + Giuda and Infangato were good burghers. + +I’ll tell a thing incredible, but true; + One entered the small circuit by a gate + Which from the Della Pera took its name! + +Each one that bears the beautiful escutcheon + Of the great baron whose renown and name + The festival of Thomas keepeth fresh, + +Knighthood and privilege from him received; + Though with the populace unites himself + To-day the man who binds it with a border. + +Already were Gualterotti and Importuni; + And still more quiet would the Borgo be + If with new neighbours it remained unfed. + +The house from which is born your lamentation, + Through just disdain that death among you brought + And put an end unto your joyous life, + +Was honoured in itself and its companions. + O Buondelmonte, how in evil hour + Thou fled’st the bridal at another’s promptings! + +Many would be rejoicing who are sad, + If God had thee surrendered to the Ema + The first time that thou camest to the city. + +But it behoved the mutilated stone + Which guards the bridge, that Florence should provide + A victim in her latest hour of peace. + +With all these families, and others with them, + Florence beheld I in so great repose, + That no occasion had she whence to weep; + +With all these families beheld so just + And glorious her people, that the lily + Never upon the spear was placed reversed, + +Nor by division was vermilion made.” + + + + +Paradiso: Canto XVII + + +As came to Clymene, to be made certain + Of that which he had heard against himself, + He who makes fathers chary still to children, + +Even such was I, and such was I perceived + By Beatrice and by the holy light + That first on my account had changed its place. + +Therefore my Lady said to me: “Send forth + The flame of thy desire, so that it issue + Imprinted well with the internal stamp; + +Not that our knowledge may be greater made + By speech of thine, but to accustom thee + To tell thy thirst, that we may give thee drink.” + +“O my beloved tree, (that so dost lift thee, + That even as minds terrestrial perceive + No triangle containeth two obtuse, + +So thou beholdest the contingent things + Ere in themselves they are, fixing thine eyes + Upon the point in which all times are present,) + +While I was with Virgilius conjoined + Upon the mountain that the souls doth heal, + And when descending into the dead world, + +Were spoken to me of my future life + Some grievous words; although I feel myself + In sooth foursquare against the blows of chance. + +On this account my wish would be content + To hear what fortune is approaching me, + Because foreseen an arrow comes more slowly.” + +Thus did I say unto that selfsame light + That unto me had spoken before; and even + As Beatrice willed was my own will confessed. + +Not in vague phrase, in which the foolish folk + Ensnared themselves of old, ere yet was slain + The Lamb of God who taketh sins away, + +But with clear words and unambiguous + Language responded that paternal love, + Hid and revealed by its own proper smile: + +“Contingency, that outside of the volume + Of your materiality extends not, + Is all depicted in the eternal aspect. + +Necessity however thence it takes not, + Except as from the eye, in which ’tis mirrored, + A ship that with the current down descends. + +From thence, e’en as there cometh to the ear + Sweet harmony from an organ, comes in sight + To me the time that is preparing for thee. + +As forth from Athens went Hippolytus, + By reason of his step-dame false and cruel, + So thou from Florence must perforce depart. + +Already this is willed, and this is sought for; + And soon it shall be done by him who thinks it, + Where every day the Christ is bought and sold. + +The blame shall follow the offended party + In outcry as is usual; but the vengeance + Shall witness to the truth that doth dispense it. + +Thou shalt abandon everything beloved + Most tenderly, and this the arrow is + Which first the bow of banishment shoots forth. + +Thou shalt have proof how savoureth of salt + The bread of others, and how hard a road + The going down and up another’s stairs. + +And that which most shall weigh upon thy shoulders + Will be the bad and foolish company + With which into this valley thou shalt fall; + +For all ingrate, all mad and impious + Will they become against thee; but soon after + They, and not thou, shall have the forehead scarlet. + +Of their bestiality their own proceedings + Shall furnish proof; so ’twill be well for thee + A party to have made thee by thyself. + +Thine earliest refuge and thine earliest inn + Shall be the mighty Lombard’s courtesy, + Who on the Ladder bears the holy bird, + +Who such benign regard shall have for thee + That ’twixt you twain, in doing and in asking, + That shall be first which is with others last. + +With him shalt thou see one who at his birth + Has by this star of strength been so impressed, + That notable shall his achievements be. + +Not yet the people are aware of him + Through his young age, since only nine years yet + Around about him have these wheels revolved. + +But ere the Gascon cheat the noble Henry, + Some sparkles of his virtue shall appear + In caring not for silver nor for toil. + +So recognized shall his magnificence + Become hereafter, that his enemies + Will not have power to keep mute tongues about it. + +On him rely, and on his benefits; + By him shall many people be transformed, + Changing condition rich and mendicant; + +And written in thy mind thou hence shalt bear + Of him, but shalt not say it”—and things said he + Incredible to those who shall be present. + +Then added: “Son, these are the commentaries + On what was said to thee; behold the snares + That are concealed behind few revolutions; + +Yet would I not thy neighbours thou shouldst envy, + Because thy life into the future reaches + Beyond the punishment of their perfidies.” + +When by its silence showed that sainted soul + That it had finished putting in the woof + Into that web which I had given it warped, + +Began I, even as he who yearneth after, + Being in doubt, some counsel from a person + Who seeth, and uprightly wills, and loves: + +“Well see I, father mine, how spurreth on + The time towards me such a blow to deal me + As heaviest is to him who most gives way. + +Therefore with foresight it is well I arm me, + That, if the dearest place be taken from me, + I may not lose the others by my songs. + +Down through the world of infinite bitterness, + And o’er the mountain, from whose beauteous summit + The eyes of my own Lady lifted me, + +And afterward through heaven from light to light, + I have learned that which, if I tell again, + Will be a savour of strong herbs to many. + +And if I am a timid friend to truth, + I fear lest I may lose my life with those + Who will hereafter call this time the olden.” + +The light in which was smiling my own treasure + Which there I had discovered, flashed at first + As in the sunshine doth a golden mirror; + +Then made reply: “A conscience overcast + Or with its own or with another’s shame, + Will taste forsooth the tartness of thy word; + +But ne’ertheless, all falsehood laid aside, + Make manifest thy vision utterly, + And let them scratch wherever is the itch; + +For if thine utterance shall offensive be + At the first taste, a vital nutriment + ’Twill leave thereafter, when it is digested. + +This cry of thine shall do as doth the wind, + Which smiteth most the most exalted summits, + And that is no slight argument of honour. + +Therefore are shown to thee within these wheels, + Upon the mount and in the dolorous valley, + Only the souls that unto fame are known; + +Because the spirit of the hearer rests not, + Nor doth confirm its faith by an example + Which has the root of it unknown and hidden, + +Or other reason that is not apparent.” + + + + +Paradiso: Canto XVIII + + +Now was alone rejoicing in its word + That soul beatified, and I was tasting + My own, the bitter tempering with the sweet, + +And the Lady who to God was leading me + Said: “Change thy thought; consider that I am + Near unto Him who every wrong disburdens.” + +Unto the loving accents of my comfort + I turned me round, and then what love I saw + Within those holy eyes I here relinquish; + +Not only that my language I distrust, + But that my mind cannot return so far + Above itself, unless another guide it. + +Thus much upon that point can I repeat, + That, her again beholding, my affection + From every other longing was released. + +While the eternal pleasure, which direct + Rayed upon Beatrice, from her fair face + Contented me with its reflected aspect, + +Conquering me with the radiance of a smile, + She said to me, “Turn thee about and listen; + Not in mine eyes alone is Paradise.” + +Even as sometimes here do we behold + The affection in the look, if it be such + That all the soul is wrapt away by it, + +So, by the flaming of the effulgence holy + To which I turned, I recognized therein + The wish of speaking to me somewhat farther. + +And it began: “In this fifth resting-place + Upon the tree that liveth by its summit, + And aye bears fruit, and never loses leaf, + +Are blessed spirits that below, ere yet + They came to Heaven, were of such great renown + That every Muse therewith would affluent be. + +Therefore look thou upon the cross’s horns; + He whom I now shall name will there enact + What doth within a cloud its own swift fire.” + +I saw athwart the Cross a splendour drawn + By naming Joshua, (even as he did it,) + Nor noted I the word before the deed; + +And at the name of the great Maccabee + I saw another move itself revolving, + And gladness was the whip unto that top. + +Likewise for Charlemagne and for Orlando, + Two of them my regard attentive followed + As followeth the eye its falcon flying. + +William thereafterward, and Renouard, + And the Duke Godfrey, did attract my sight + Along upon that Cross, and Robert Guiscard. + +Then, moved and mingled with the other lights, + The soul that had addressed me showed how great + An artist ’twas among the heavenly singers. + +To my right side I turned myself around, + My duty to behold in Beatrice + Either by words or gesture signified; + +And so translucent I beheld her eyes, + So full of pleasure, that her countenance + Surpassed its other and its latest wont. + +And as, by feeling greater delectation, + A man in doing good from day to day + Becomes aware his virtue is increasing, + +So I became aware that my gyration + With heaven together had increased its arc, + That miracle beholding more adorned. + +And such as is the change, in little lapse + Of time, in a pale woman, when her face + Is from the load of bashfulness unladen, + +Such was it in mine eyes, when I had turned, + Caused by the whiteness of the temperate star, + The sixth, which to itself had gathered me. + +Within that Jovial torch did I behold + The sparkling of the love which was therein + Delineate our language to mine eyes. + +And even as birds uprisen from the shore, + As in congratulation o’er their food, + Make squadrons of themselves, now round, now long, + +So from within those lights the holy creatures + Sang flying to and fro, and in their figures + Made of themselves now D, now I, now L. + +First singing they to their own music moved; + Then one becoming of these characters, + A little while they rested and were silent. + +O divine Pegasea, thou who genius + Dost glorious make, and render it long-lived, + And this through thee the cities and the kingdoms, + +Illume me with thyself, that I may bring + Their figures out as I have them conceived! + Apparent be thy power in these brief verses! + +Themselves then they displayed in five times seven + Vowels and consonants; and I observed + The parts as they seemed spoken unto me. + +‘Diligite justitiam,’ these were + First verb and noun of all that was depicted; + ‘Qui judicatis terram’ were the last. + +Thereafter in the M of the fifth word + Remained they so arranged, that Jupiter + Seemed to be silver there with gold inlaid. + +And other lights I saw descend where was + The summit of the M, and pause there singing + The good, I think, that draws them to itself. + +Then, as in striking upon burning logs + Upward there fly innumerable sparks, + Whence fools are wont to look for auguries, + +More than a thousand lights seemed thence to rise, + And to ascend, some more, and others less, + Even as the Sun that lights them had allotted; + +And, each one being quiet in its place, + The head and neck beheld I of an eagle + Delineated by that inlaid fire. + +He who there paints has none to be his guide; + But Himself guides; and is from Him remembered + That virtue which is form unto the nest. + +The other beatitude, that contented seemed + At first to bloom a lily on the M, + By a slight motion followed out the imprint. + +O gentle star! what and how many gems + Did demonstrate to me, that all our justice + Effect is of that heaven which thou ingemmest! + +Wherefore I pray the Mind, in which begin + Thy motion and thy virtue, to regard + Whence comes the smoke that vitiates thy rays; + +So that a second time it now be wroth + With buying and with selling in the temple + Whose walls were built with signs and martyrdoms! + +O soldiery of heaven, whom I contemplate, + Implore for those who are upon the earth + All gone astray after the bad example! + +Once ’twas the custom to make war with swords; + But now ’tis made by taking here and there + The bread the pitying Father shuts from none. + +Yet thou, who writest but to cancel, think + That Peter and that Paul, who for this vineyard + Which thou art spoiling died, are still alive! + +Well canst thou say: “So steadfast my desire + Is unto him who willed to live alone, + And for a dance was led to martyrdom, + +That I know not the Fisherman nor Paul.” + + + + +Paradiso: Canto XIX + + +Appeared before me with its wings outspread + The beautiful image that in sweet fruition + Made jubilant the interwoven souls; + +Appeared a little ruby each, wherein + Ray of the sun was burning so enkindled + That each into mine eyes refracted it. + +And what it now behoves me to retrace + Nor voice has e’er reported, nor ink written, + Nor was by fantasy e’er comprehended; + +For speak I saw, and likewise heard, the beak, + And utter with its voice both ‘I’ and ‘My,’ + When in conception it was ‘We’ and ‘Our.’ + +And it began: “Being just and merciful + Am I exalted here unto that glory + Which cannot be exceeded by desire; + +And upon earth I left my memory + Such, that the evil-minded people there + Commend it, but continue not the story.” + +So doth a single heat from many embers + Make itself felt, even as from many loves + Issued a single sound from out that image. + +Whence I thereafter: “O perpetual flowers + Of the eternal joy, that only one + Make me perceive your odours manifold, + +Exhaling, break within me the great fast + Which a long season has in hunger held me, + Not finding for it any food on earth. + +Well do I know, that if in heaven its mirror + Justice Divine another realm doth make, + Yours apprehends it not through any veil. + +You know how I attentively address me + To listen; and you know what is the doubt + That is in me so very old a fast.” + +Even as a falcon, issuing from his hood, + Doth move his head, and with his wings applaud him, + Showing desire, and making himself fine, + +Saw I become that standard, which of lauds + Was interwoven of the grace divine, + With such songs as he knows who there rejoices. + +Then it began: “He who a compass turned + On the world’s outer verge, and who within it + Devised so much occult and manifest, + +Could not the impress of his power so make + On all the universe, as that his Word + Should not remain in infinite excess. + +And this makes certain that the first proud being, + Who was the paragon of every creature, + By not awaiting light fell immature. + +And hence appears it, that each minor nature + Is scant receptacle unto that good + Which has no end, and by itself is measured. + +In consequence our vision, which perforce + Must be some ray of that intelligence + With which all things whatever are replete, + +Cannot in its own nature be so potent, + That it shall not its origin discern + Far beyond that which is apparent to it. + +Therefore into the justice sempiternal + The power of vision that your world receives, + As eye into the ocean, penetrates; + +Which, though it see the bottom near the shore, + Upon the deep perceives it not, and yet + ’Tis there, but it is hidden by the depth. + +There is no light but comes from the serene + That never is o’ercast, nay, it is darkness + Or shadow of the flesh, or else its poison. + +Amply to thee is opened now the cavern + Which has concealed from thee the living justice + Of which thou mad’st such frequent questioning. + +For saidst thou: ‘Born a man is on the shore + Of Indus, and is none who there can speak + Of Christ, nor who can read, nor who can write; + +And all his inclinations and his actions + Are good, so far as human reason sees, + Without a sin in life or in discourse: + +He dieth unbaptised and without faith; + Where is this justice that condemneth him? + Where is his fault, if he do not believe?’ + +Now who art thou, that on the bench wouldst sit + In judgment at a thousand miles away, + With the short vision of a single span? + +Truly to him who with me subtilizes, + If so the Scripture were not over you, + For doubting there were marvellous occasion. + +O animals terrene, O stolid minds, + The primal will, that in itself is good, + Ne’er from itself, the Good Supreme, has moved. + +So much is just as is accordant with it; + No good created draws it to itself, + But it, by raying forth, occasions that.” + +Even as above her nest goes circling round + The stork when she has fed her little ones, + And he who has been fed looks up at her, + +So lifted I my brows, and even such + Became the blessed image, which its wings + Was moving, by so many counsels urged. + +Circling around it sang, and said: “As are + My notes to thee, who dost not comprehend them, + Such is the eternal judgment to you mortals.” + +Those lucent splendours of the Holy Spirit + Grew quiet then, but still within the standard + That made the Romans reverend to the world. + +It recommenced: “Unto this kingdom never + Ascended one who had not faith in Christ, + Before or since he to the tree was nailed. + +But look thou, many crying are, ‘Christ, Christ!’ + Who at the judgment shall be far less near + To him than some shall be who knew not Christ. + +Such Christians shall the Ethiop condemn, + When the two companies shall be divided, + The one for ever rich, the other poor. + +What to your kings may not the Persians say, + When they that volume opened shall behold + In which are written down all their dispraises? + +There shall be seen, among the deeds of Albert, + That which ere long shall set the pen in motion, + For which the realm of Prague shall be deserted. + +There shall be seen the woe that on the Seine + He brings by falsifying of the coin, + Who by the blow of a wild boar shall die. + +There shall be seen the pride that causes thirst, + Which makes the Scot and Englishman so mad + That they within their boundaries cannot rest; + +Be seen the luxury and effeminate life + Of him of Spain, and the Bohemian, + Who valour never knew and never wished; + +Be seen the Cripple of Jerusalem, + His goodness represented by an I, + While the reverse an M shall represent; + +Be seen the avarice and poltroonery + Of him who guards the Island of the Fire, + Wherein Anchises finished his long life; + +And to declare how pitiful he is + Shall be his record in contracted letters + Which shall make note of much in little space. + +And shall appear to each one the foul deeds + Of uncle and of brother who a nation + So famous have dishonoured, and two crowns. + +And he of Portugal and he of Norway + Shall there be known, and he of Rascia too, + Who saw in evil hour the coin of Venice. + +O happy Hungary, if she let herself + Be wronged no farther! and Navarre the happy, + If with the hills that gird her she be armed! + +And each one may believe that now, as hansel + Thereof, do Nicosia and Famagosta + Lament and rage because of their own beast, + +Who from the others’ flank departeth not.” + + + + +Paradiso: Canto XX + + +When he who all the world illuminates + Out of our hemisphere so far descends + That on all sides the daylight is consumed, + +The heaven, that erst by him alone was kindled, + Doth suddenly reveal itself again + By many lights, wherein is one resplendent. + +And came into my mind this act of heaven, + When the ensign of the world and of its leaders + Had silent in the blessed beak become; + +Because those living luminaries all, + By far more luminous, did songs begin + Lapsing and falling from my memory. + +O gentle Love, that with a smile dost cloak thee, + How ardent in those sparks didst thou appear, + That had the breath alone of holy thoughts! + +After the precious and pellucid crystals, + With which begemmed the sixth light I beheld, + Silence imposed on the angelic bells, + +I seemed to hear the murmuring of a river + That clear descendeth down from rock to rock, + Showing the affluence of its mountain-top. + +And as the sound upon the cithern’s neck + Taketh its form, and as upon the vent + Of rustic pipe the wind that enters it, + +Even thus, relieved from the delay of waiting, + That murmuring of the eagle mounted up + Along its neck, as if it had been hollow. + +There it became a voice, and issued thence + From out its beak, in such a form of words + As the heart waited for wherein I wrote them. + +“The part in me which sees and bears the sun + In mortal eagles,” it began to me, + “Now fixedly must needs be looked upon; + +For of the fires of which I make my figure, + Those whence the eye doth sparkle in my head + Of all their orders the supremest are. + +He who is shining in the midst as pupil + Was once the singer of the Holy Spirit, + Who bore the ark from city unto city; + +Now knoweth he the merit of his song, + In so far as effect of his own counsel, + By the reward which is commensurate. + +Of five, that make a circle for my brow, + He that approacheth nearest to my beak + Did the poor widow for her son console; + +Now knoweth he how dearly it doth cost + Not following Christ, by the experience + Of this sweet life and of its opposite. + +He who comes next in the circumference + Of which I speak, upon its highest arc, + Did death postpone by penitence sincere; + +Now knoweth he that the eternal judgment + Suffers no change, albeit worthy prayer + Maketh below to-morrow of to-day. + +The next who follows, with the laws and me, + Under the good intent that bore bad fruit + Became a Greek by ceding to the pastor; + +Now knoweth he how all the ill deduced + From his good action is not harmful to him, + Although the world thereby may be destroyed. + +And he, whom in the downward arc thou seest, + Guglielmo was, whom the same land deplores + That weepeth Charles and Frederick yet alive; + +Now knoweth he how heaven enamoured is + With a just king; and in the outward show + Of his effulgence he reveals it still. + +Who would believe, down in the errant world, + That e’er the Trojan Ripheus in this round + Could be the fifth one of the holy lights? + +Now knoweth he enough of what the world + Has not the power to see of grace divine, + Although his sight may not discern the bottom.” + +Like as a lark that in the air expatiates, + First singing and then silent with content + Of the last sweetness that doth satisfy her, + +Such seemed to me the image of the imprint + Of the eternal pleasure, by whose will + Doth everything become the thing it is. + +And notwithstanding to my doubt I was + As glass is to the colour that invests it, + To wait the time in silence it endured not, + +But forth from out my mouth, “What things are these?” + Extorted with the force of its own weight; + Whereat I saw great joy of coruscation. + +Thereafterward with eye still more enkindled + The blessed standard made to me reply, + To keep me not in wonderment suspended: + +“I see that thou believest in these things + Because I say them, but thou seest not how; + So that, although believed in, they are hidden. + +Thou doest as he doth who a thing by name + Well apprehendeth, but its quiddity + Cannot perceive, unless another show it. + +‘Regnum coelorum’ suffereth violence + From fervent love, and from that living hope + That overcometh the Divine volition; + +Not in the guise that man o’ercometh man, + But conquers it because it will be conquered, + And conquered conquers by benignity. + +The first life of the eyebrow and the fifth + Cause thee astonishment, because with them + Thou seest the region of the angels painted. + +They passed not from their bodies, as thou thinkest, + Gentiles, but Christians in the steadfast faith + Of feet that were to suffer and had suffered. + +For one from Hell, where no one e’er turns back + Unto good will, returned unto his bones, + And that of living hope was the reward,— + +Of living hope, that placed its efficacy + In prayers to God made to resuscitate him, + So that ’twere possible to move his will. + +The glorious soul concerning which I speak, + Returning to the flesh, where brief its stay, + Believed in Him who had the power to aid it; + +And, in believing, kindled to such fire + Of genuine love, that at the second death + Worthy it was to come unto this joy. + +The other one, through grace, that from so deep + A fountain wells that never hath the eye + Of any creature reached its primal wave, + +Set all his love below on righteousness; + Wherefore from grace to grace did God unclose + His eye to our redemption yet to be, + +Whence he believed therein, and suffered not + From that day forth the stench of paganism, + And he reproved therefor the folk perverse. + +Those Maidens three, whom at the right-hand wheel + Thou didst behold, were unto him for baptism + More than a thousand years before baptizing. + +O thou predestination, how remote + Thy root is from the aspect of all those + Who the First Cause do not behold entire! + +And you, O mortals! hold yourselves restrained + In judging; for ourselves, who look on God, + We do not know as yet all the elect; + +And sweet to us is such a deprivation, + Because our good in this good is made perfect, + That whatsoe’er God wills, we also will.” + +After this manner by that shape divine, + To make clear in me my short-sightedness, + Was given to me a pleasant medicine; + +And as good singer a good lutanist + Accompanies with vibrations of the chords, + Whereby more pleasantness the song acquires, + +So, while it spake, do I remember me + That I beheld both of those blessed lights, + Even as the winking of the eyes concords, + +Moving unto the words their little flames. + + + + +Paradiso: Canto XXI + + +Already on my Lady’s face mine eyes + Again were fastened, and with these my mind, + And from all other purpose was withdrawn; + +And she smiled not; but “If I were to smile,” + She unto me began, “thou wouldst become + Like Semele, when she was turned to ashes. + +Because my beauty, that along the stairs + Of the eternal palace more enkindles, + As thou hast seen, the farther we ascend, + +If it were tempered not, is so resplendent + That all thy mortal power in its effulgence + Would seem a leaflet that the thunder crushes. + +We are uplifted to the seventh splendour, + That underneath the burning Lion’s breast + Now radiates downward mingled with his power. + +Fix in direction of thine eyes the mind, + And make of them a mirror for the figure + That in this mirror shall appear to thee.” + +He who could know what was the pasturage + My sight had in that blessed countenance, + When I transferred me to another care, + +Would recognize how grateful was to me + Obedience unto my celestial escort, + By counterpoising one side with the other. + +Within the crystal which, around the world + Revolving, bears the name of its dear leader, + Under whom every wickedness lay dead, + +Coloured like gold, on which the sunshine gleams, + A stairway I beheld to such a height + Uplifted, that mine eye pursued it not. + +Likewise beheld I down the steps descending + So many splendours, that I thought each light + That in the heaven appears was there diffused. + +And as accordant with their natural custom + The rooks together at the break of day + Bestir themselves to warm their feathers cold; + +Then some of them fly off without return, + Others come back to where they started from, + And others, wheeling round, still keep at home; + +Such fashion it appeared to me was there + Within the sparkling that together came, + As soon as on a certain step it struck, + +And that which nearest unto us remained + Became so clear, that in my thought I said, + “Well I perceive the love thou showest me; + +But she, from whom I wait the how and when + Of speech and silence, standeth still; whence I + Against desire do well if I ask not.” + +She thereupon, who saw my silentness + In the sight of Him who seeth everything, + Said unto me, “Let loose thy warm desire.” + +And I began: “No merit of my own + Renders me worthy of response from thee; + But for her sake who granteth me the asking, + +Thou blessed life that dost remain concealed + In thy beatitude, make known to me + The cause which draweth thee so near my side; + +And tell me why is silent in this wheel + The dulcet symphony of Paradise, + That through the rest below sounds so devoutly.” + +“Thou hast thy hearing mortal as thy sight,” + It answer made to me; “they sing not here, + For the same cause that Beatrice has not smiled. + +Thus far adown the holy stairway’s steps + Have I descended but to give thee welcome + With words, and with the light that mantles me; + +Nor did more love cause me to be more ready, + For love as much and more up there is burning, + As doth the flaming manifest to thee. + +But the high charity, that makes us servants + Prompt to the counsel which controls the world, + Allotteth here, even as thou dost observe.” + +“I see full well,” said I, “O sacred lamp! + How love unfettered in this court sufficeth + To follow the eternal Providence; + +But this is what seems hard for me to see, + Wherefore predestinate wast thou alone + Unto this office from among thy consorts.” + +No sooner had I come to the last word, + Than of its middle made the light a centre, + Whirling itself about like a swift millstone. + +When answer made the love that was therein: + “On me directed is a light divine, + Piercing through this in which I am embosomed, + +Of which the virtue with my sight conjoined + Lifts me above myself so far, I see + The supreme essence from which this is drawn. + +Hence comes the joyfulness with which I flame, + For to my sight, as far as it is clear, + The clearness of the flame I equal make. + +But that soul in the heaven which is most pure, + That seraph which his eye on God most fixes, + Could this demand of thine not satisfy; + +Because so deeply sinks in the abyss + Of the eternal statute what thou askest, + From all created sight it is cut off. + +And to the mortal world, when thou returnest, + This carry back, that it may not presume + Longer tow’rd such a goal to move its feet. + +The mind, that shineth here, on earth doth smoke; + From this observe how can it do below + That which it cannot though the heaven assume it?” + +Such limit did its words prescribe to me, + The question I relinquished, and restricted + Myself to ask it humbly who it was. + +“Between two shores of Italy rise cliffs, + And not far distant from thy native place, + So high, the thunders far below them sound, + +And form a ridge that Catria is called, + ’Neath which is consecrate a hermitage + Wont to be dedicate to worship only.” + +Thus unto me the third speech recommenced, + And then, continuing, it said: “Therein + Unto God’s service I became so steadfast, + +That feeding only on the juice of olives + Lightly I passed away the heats and frosts, + Contented in my thoughts contemplative. + +That cloister used to render to these heavens + Abundantly, and now is empty grown, + So that perforce it soon must be revealed. + +I in that place was Peter Damiano; + And Peter the Sinner was I in the house + Of Our Lady on the Adriatic shore. + +Little of mortal life remained to me, + When I was called and dragged forth to the hat + Which shifteth evermore from bad to worse. + +Came Cephas, and the mighty Vessel came + Of the Holy Spirit, meagre and barefooted, + Taking the food of any hostelry. + +Now some one to support them on each side + The modern shepherds need, and some to lead them, + So heavy are they, and to hold their trains. + +They cover up their palfreys with their cloaks, + So that two beasts go underneath one skin; + O Patience, that dost tolerate so much!” + +At this voice saw I many little flames + From step to step descending and revolving, + And every revolution made them fairer. + +Round about this one came they and stood still, + And a cry uttered of so loud a sound, + It here could find no parallel, nor I + +Distinguished it, the thunder so o’ercame me. + + + + +Paradiso: Canto XXII + + +Oppressed with stupor, I unto my guide + Turned like a little child who always runs + For refuge there where he confideth most; + +And she, even as a mother who straightway + Gives comfort to her pale and breathless boy + With voice whose wont it is to reassure him, + +Said to me: “Knowest thou not thou art in heaven, + And knowest thou not that heaven is holy all + And what is done here cometh from good zeal? + +After what wise the singing would have changed thee + And I by smiling, thou canst now imagine, + Since that the cry has startled thee so much, + +In which if thou hadst understood its prayers + Already would be known to thee the vengeance + Which thou shalt look upon before thou diest. + +The sword above here smiteth not in haste + Nor tardily, howe’er it seem to him + Who fearing or desiring waits for it. + +But turn thee round towards the others now, + For very illustrious spirits shalt thou see, + If thou thy sight directest as I say.” + +As it seemed good to her mine eyes I turned, + And saw a hundred spherules that together + With mutual rays each other more embellished. + +I stood as one who in himself represses + The point of his desire, and ventures not + To question, he so feareth the too much. + +And now the largest and most luculent + Among those pearls came forward, that it might + Make my desire concerning it content. + +Within it then I heard: “If thou couldst see + Even as myself the charity that burns + Among us, thy conceits would be expressed; + +But, that by waiting thou mayst not come late + To the high end, I will make answer even + Unto the thought of which thou art so chary. + +That mountain on whose slope Cassino stands + Was frequented of old upon its summit + By a deluded folk and ill-disposed; + +And I am he who first up thither bore + The name of Him who brought upon the earth + The truth that so much sublimateth us. + +And such abundant grace upon me shone + That all the neighbouring towns I drew away + From the impious worship that seduced the world. + +These other fires, each one of them, were men + Contemplative, enkindled by that heat + Which maketh holy flowers and fruits spring up. + +Here is Macarius, here is Romualdus, + Here are my brethren, who within the cloisters + Their footsteps stayed and kept a steadfast heart.” + +And I to him: “The affection which thou showest + Speaking with me, and the good countenance + Which I behold and note in all your ardours, + +In me have so my confidence dilated + As the sun doth the rose, when it becomes + As far unfolded as it hath the power. + +Therefore I pray, and thou assure me, father, + If I may so much grace receive, that I + May thee behold with countenance unveiled.” + +He thereupon: “Brother, thy high desire + In the remotest sphere shall be fulfilled, + Where are fulfilled all others and my own. + +There perfect is, and ripened, and complete, + Every desire; within that one alone + Is every part where it has always been; + +For it is not in space, nor turns on poles, + And unto it our stairway reaches up, + Whence thus from out thy sight it steals away. + +Up to that height the Patriarch Jacob saw it + Extending its supernal part, what time + So thronged with angels it appeared to him. + +But to ascend it now no one uplifts + His feet from off the earth, and now my Rule + Below remaineth for mere waste of paper. + +The walls that used of old to be an Abbey + Are changed to dens of robbers, and the cowls + Are sacks filled full of miserable flour. + +But heavy usury is not taken up + So much against God’s pleasure as that fruit + Which maketh so insane the heart of monks; + +For whatsoever hath the Church in keeping + Is for the folk that ask it in God’s name, + Not for one’s kindred or for something worse. + +The flesh of mortals is so very soft, + That good beginnings down below suffice not + From springing of the oak to bearing acorns. + +Peter began with neither gold nor silver, + And I with orison and abstinence, + And Francis with humility his convent. + +And if thou lookest at each one’s beginning, + And then regardest whither he has run, + Thou shalt behold the white changed into brown. + +In verity the Jordan backward turned, + And the sea’s fleeing, when God willed were more + A wonder to behold, than succour here.” + +Thus unto me he said; and then withdrew + To his own band, and the band closed together; + Then like a whirlwind all was upward rapt. + +The gentle Lady urged me on behind them + Up o’er that stairway by a single sign, + So did her virtue overcome my nature; + +Nor here below, where one goes up and down + By natural law, was motion e’er so swift + That it could be compared unto my wing. + +Reader, as I may unto that devout + Triumph return, on whose account I often + For my transgressions weep and beat my breast,— + +Thou hadst not thrust thy finger in the fire + And drawn it out again, before I saw + The sign that follows Taurus, and was in it. + +O glorious stars, O light impregnated + With mighty virtue, from which I acknowledge + All of my genius, whatsoe’er it be, + +With you was born, and hid himself with you, + He who is father of all mortal life, + When first I tasted of the Tuscan air; + +And then when grace was freely given to me + To enter the high wheel which turns you round, + Your region was allotted unto me. + +To you devoutly at this hour my soul + Is sighing, that it virtue may acquire + For the stern pass that draws it to itself. + +“Thou art so near unto the last salvation,” + Thus Beatrice began, “thou oughtest now + To have thine eves unclouded and acute; + +And therefore, ere thou enter farther in, + Look down once more, and see how vast a world + Thou hast already put beneath thy feet; + +So that thy heart, as jocund as it may, + Present itself to the triumphant throng + That comes rejoicing through this rounded ether.” + +I with my sight returned through one and all + The sevenfold spheres, and I beheld this globe + Such that I smiled at its ignoble semblance; + +And that opinion I approve as best + Which doth account it least; and he who thinks + Of something else may truly be called just. + +I saw the daughter of Latona shining + Without that shadow, which to me was cause + That once I had believed her rare and dense. + +The aspect of thy son, Hyperion, + Here I sustained, and saw how move themselves + Around and near him Maia and Dione. + +Thence there appeared the temperateness of Jove + ’Twixt son and father, and to me was clear + The change that of their whereabout they make; + +And all the seven made manifest to me + How great they are, and eke how swift they are, + And how they are in distant habitations. + +The threshing-floor that maketh us so proud, + To me revolving with the eternal Twins, + Was all apparent made from hill to harbour! + +Then to the beauteous eyes mine eyes I turned. + + + + +Paradiso: Canto XXIII + + +Even as a bird, ’mid the beloved leaves, + Quiet upon the nest of her sweet brood + Throughout the night, that hideth all things from us, + +Who, that she may behold their longed-for looks + And find the food wherewith to nourish them, + In which, to her, grave labours grateful are, + +Anticipates the time on open spray + And with an ardent longing waits the sun, + Gazing intent as soon as breaks the dawn: + +Even thus my Lady standing was, erect + And vigilant, turned round towards the zone + Underneath which the sun displays less haste; + +So that beholding her distraught and wistful, + Such I became as he is who desiring + For something yearns, and hoping is appeased. + +But brief the space from one When to the other; + Of my awaiting, say I, and the seeing + The welkin grow resplendent more and more. + +And Beatrice exclaimed: “Behold the hosts + Of Christ’s triumphal march, and all the fruit + Harvested by the rolling of these spheres!” + +It seemed to me her face was all aflame; + And eyes she had so full of ecstasy + That I must needs pass on without describing. + +As when in nights serene of the full moon + Smiles Trivia among the nymphs eternal + Who paint the firmament through all its gulfs, + +Saw I, above the myriads of lamps, + A Sun that one and all of them enkindled, + E’en as our own doth the supernal sights, + +And through the living light transparent shone + The lucent substance so intensely clear + Into my sight, that I sustained it not. + +O Beatrice, thou gentle guide and dear! + To me she said: “What overmasters thee + A virtue is from which naught shields itself. + +There are the wisdom and the omnipotence + That oped the thoroughfares ’twixt heaven and earth, + For which there erst had been so long a yearning.” + +As fire from out a cloud unlocks itself, + Dilating so it finds not room therein, + And down, against its nature, falls to earth, + +So did my mind, among those aliments + Becoming larger, issue from itself, + And that which it became cannot remember. + +“Open thine eyes, and look at what I am: + Thou hast beheld such things, that strong enough + Hast thou become to tolerate my smile.” + +I was as one who still retains the feeling + Of a forgotten vision, and endeavours + In vain to bring it back into his mind, + +When I this invitation heard, deserving + Of so much gratitude, it never fades + Out of the book that chronicles the past. + +If at this moment sounded all the tongues + That Polyhymnia and her sisters made + Most lubrical with their delicious milk, + +To aid me, to a thousandth of the truth + It would not reach, singing the holy smile + And how the holy aspect it illumed. + +And therefore, representing Paradise, + The sacred poem must perforce leap over, + Even as a man who finds his way cut off; + +But whoso thinketh of the ponderous theme, + And of the mortal shoulder laden with it, + Should blame it not, if under this it tremble. + +It is no passage for a little boat + This which goes cleaving the audacious prow, + Nor for a pilot who would spare himself. + +“Why doth my face so much enamour thee, + That to the garden fair thou turnest not, + Which under the rays of Christ is blossoming? + +There is the Rose in which the Word Divine + Became incarnate; there the lilies are + By whose perfume the good way was discovered.” + +Thus Beatrice; and I, who to her counsels + Was wholly ready, once again betook me + Unto the battle of the feeble brows. + +As in the sunshine, that unsullied streams + Through fractured cloud, ere now a meadow of flowers + Mine eyes with shadow covered o’er have seen, + +So troops of splendours manifold I saw + Illumined from above with burning rays, + Beholding not the source of the effulgence. + +O power benignant that dost so imprint them! + Thou didst exalt thyself to give more scope + There to mine eyes, that were not strong enough. + +The name of that fair flower I e’er invoke + Morning and evening utterly enthralled + My soul to gaze upon the greater fire. + +And when in both mine eyes depicted were + The glory and greatness of the living star + Which there excelleth, as it here excelled, + +Athwart the heavens a little torch descended + Formed in a circle like a coronal, + And cinctured it, and whirled itself about it. + +Whatever melody most sweetly soundeth + On earth, and to itself most draws the soul, + Would seem a cloud that, rent asunder, thunders, + +Compared unto the sounding of that lyre + Wherewith was crowned the sapphire beautiful, + Which gives the clearest heaven its sapphire hue. + +“I am Angelic Love, that circle round + The joy sublime which breathes from out the womb + That was the hostelry of our Desire; + +And I shall circle, Lady of Heaven, while + Thou followest thy Son, and mak’st diviner + The sphere supreme, because thou enterest there.” + +Thus did the circulated melody + Seal itself up; and all the other lights + Were making to resound the name of Mary. + +The regal mantle of the volumes all + Of that world, which most fervid is and living + With breath of God and with his works and ways, + +Extended over us its inner border, + So very distant, that the semblance of it + There where I was not yet appeared to me. + +Therefore mine eyes did not possess the power + Of following the incoronated flame, + Which mounted upward near to its own seed. + +And as a little child, that towards its mother + Stretches its arms, when it the milk has taken, + Through impulse kindled into outward flame, + +Each of those gleams of whiteness upward reached + So with its summit, that the deep affection + They had for Mary was revealed to me. + +Thereafter they remained there in my sight, + ‘Regina coeli’ singing with such sweetness, + That ne’er from me has the delight departed. + +O, what exuberance is garnered up + Within those richest coffers, which had been + Good husbandmen for sowing here below! + +There they enjoy and live upon the treasure + Which was acquired while weeping in the exile + Of Babylon, wherein the gold was left. + +There triumpheth, beneath the exalted Son + Of God and Mary, in his victory, + Both with the ancient council and the new, + +He who doth keep the keys of such a glory. + + + + +Paradiso: Canto XXIV + + +“O company elect to the great supper + Of the Lamb benedight, who feedeth you + So that for ever full is your desire, + +If by the grace of God this man foretaste + Something of that which falleth from your table, + Or ever death prescribe to him the time, + +Direct your mind to his immense desire, + And him somewhat bedew; ye drinking are + For ever at the fount whence comes his thought.” + +Thus Beatrice; and those souls beatified + Transformed themselves to spheres on steadfast poles, + Flaming intensely in the guise of comets. + +And as the wheels in works of horologes + Revolve so that the first to the beholder + Motionless seems, and the last one to fly, + +So in like manner did those carols, dancing + In different measure, of their affluence + Give me the gauge, as they were swift or slow. + +From that one which I noted of most beauty + Beheld I issue forth a fire so happy + That none it left there of a greater brightness; + +And around Beatrice three several times + It whirled itself with so divine a song, + My fantasy repeats it not to me; + +Therefore the pen skips, and I write it not, + Since our imagination for such folds, + Much more our speech, is of a tint too glaring. + +“O holy sister mine, who us implorest + With such devotion, by thine ardent love + Thou dost unbind me from that beautiful sphere!” + +Thereafter, having stopped, the blessed fire + Unto my Lady did direct its breath, + Which spake in fashion as I here have said. + +And she: “O light eterne of the great man + To whom our Lord delivered up the keys + He carried down of this miraculous joy, + +This one examine on points light and grave, + As good beseemeth thee, about the Faith + By means of which thou on the sea didst walk. + +If he love well, and hope well, and believe, + From thee ’tis hid not; for thou hast thy sight + There where depicted everything is seen. + +But since this kingdom has made citizens + By means of the true Faith, to glorify it + ’Tis well he have the chance to speak thereof.” + +As baccalaureate arms himself, and speaks not + Until the master doth propose the question, + To argue it, and not to terminate it, + +So did I arm myself with every reason, + While she was speaking, that I might be ready + For such a questioner and such profession. + +“Say, thou good Christian; manifest thyself; + What is the Faith?” Whereat I raised my brow + Unto that light wherefrom was this breathed forth. + +Then turned I round to Beatrice, and she + Prompt signals made to me that I should pour + The water forth from my internal fountain. + +“May grace, that suffers me to make confession,” + Began I, “to the great centurion, + Cause my conceptions all to be explicit!” + +And I continued: “As the truthful pen, + Father, of thy dear brother wrote of it, + Who put with thee Rome into the good way, + +Faith is the substance of the things we hope for, + And evidence of those that are not seen; + And this appears to me its quiddity.” + +Then heard I: “Very rightly thou perceivest, + If well thou understandest why he placed it + With substances and then with evidences.” + +And I thereafterward: “The things profound, + That here vouchsafe to me their apparition, + Unto all eyes below are so concealed, + +That they exist there only in belief, + Upon the which is founded the high hope, + And hence it takes the nature of a substance. + +And it behoveth us from this belief + To reason without having other sight, + And hence it has the nature of evidence.” + +Then heard I: “If whatever is acquired + Below by doctrine were thus understood, + No sophist’s subtlety would there find place.” + +Thus was breathed forth from that enkindled love; + Then added: “Very well has been gone over + Already of this coin the alloy and weight; + +But tell me if thou hast it in thy purse?” + And I: “Yes, both so shining and so round + That in its stamp there is no peradventure.” + +Thereafter issued from the light profound + That there resplendent was: “This precious jewel, + Upon the which is every virtue founded, + +Whence hadst thou it?” And I: “The large outpouring + Of Holy Spirit, which has been diffused + Upon the ancient parchments and the new, + +A syllogism is, which proved it to me + With such acuteness, that, compared therewith, + All demonstration seems to me obtuse.” + +And then I heard: “The ancient and the new + Postulates, that to thee are so conclusive, + Why dost thou take them for the word divine?” + +And I: “The proofs, which show the truth to me, + Are the works subsequent, whereunto Nature + Ne’er heated iron yet, nor anvil beat.” + +’Twas answered me: “Say, who assureth thee + That those works ever were? the thing itself + That must be proved, nought else to thee affirms it.” + +“Were the world to Christianity converted,” + I said, “withouten miracles, this one + Is such, the rest are not its hundredth part; + +Because that poor and fasting thou didst enter + Into the field to sow there the good plant, + Which was a vine and has become a thorn!” + +This being finished, the high, holy Court + Resounded through the spheres, “One God we praise!” + In melody that there above is chanted. + +And then that Baron, who from branch to branch, + Examining, had thus conducted me, + Till the extremest leaves we were approaching, + +Again began: “The Grace that dallying + Plays with thine intellect thy mouth has opened, + Up to this point, as it should opened be, + +So that I do approve what forth emerged; + But now thou must express what thou believest, + And whence to thy belief it was presented.” + +“O holy father, spirit who beholdest + What thou believedst so that thou o’ercamest, + Towards the sepulchre, more youthful feet,” + +Began I, “thou dost wish me in this place + The form to manifest of my prompt belief, + And likewise thou the cause thereof demandest. + +And I respond: In one God I believe, + Sole and eterne, who moveth all the heavens + With love and with desire, himself unmoved; + +And of such faith not only have I proofs + Physical and metaphysical, but gives them + Likewise the truth that from this place rains down + +Through Moses, through the Prophets and the Psalms, + Through the Evangel, and through you, who wrote + After the fiery Spirit sanctified you; + +In Persons three eterne believe, and these + One essence I believe, so one and trine + They bear conjunction both with ‘sunt’ and ‘est.’ + +With the profound condition and divine + Which now I touch upon, doth stamp my mind + Ofttimes the doctrine evangelical. + +This the beginning is, this is the spark + Which afterwards dilates to vivid flame, + And, like a star in heaven, is sparkling in me.” + +Even as a lord who hears what pleaseth him + His servant straight embraces, gratulating + For the good news as soon as he is silent; + +So, giving me its benediction, singing, + Three times encircled me, when I was silent, + The apostolic light, at whose command + +I spoken had, in speaking I so pleased him. + + + + +Paradiso: Canto XXV + + +If e’er it happen that the Poem Sacred, + To which both heaven and earth have set their hand, + So that it many a year hath made me lean, + +O’ercome the cruelty that bars me out + From the fair sheepfold, where a lamb I slumbered, + An enemy to the wolves that war upon it, + +With other voice forthwith, with other fleece + Poet will I return, and at my font + Baptismal will I take the laurel crown; + +Because into the Faith that maketh known + All souls to God there entered I, and then + Peter for her sake thus my brow encircled. + +Thereafterward towards us moved a light + Out of that band whence issued the first-fruits + Which of his vicars Christ behind him left, + +And then my Lady, full of ecstasy, + Said unto me: “Look, look! behold the Baron + For whom below Galicia is frequented.” + +In the same way as, when a dove alights + Near his companion, both of them pour forth, + Circling about and murmuring, their affection, + +So one beheld I by the other grand + Prince glorified to be with welcome greeted, + Lauding the food that there above is eaten. + +But when their gratulations were complete, + Silently ‘coram me’ each one stood still, + So incandescent it o’ercame my sight. + +Smiling thereafterwards, said Beatrice: + “Illustrious life, by whom the benefactions + Of our Basilica have been described, + +Make Hope resound within this altitude; + Thou knowest as oft thou dost personify it + As Jesus to the three gave greater clearness.”— + +“Lift up thy head, and make thyself assured; + For what comes hither from the mortal world + Must needs be ripened in our radiance.” + +This comfort came to me from the second fire; + Wherefore mine eyes I lifted to the hills, + Which bent them down before with too great weight. + +“Since, through his grace, our Emperor wills that thou + Shouldst find thee face to face, before thy death, + In the most secret chamber, with his Counts, + +So that, the truth beholden of this court, + Hope, which below there rightfully enamours, + Thereby thou strengthen in thyself and others, + +Say what it is, and how is flowering with it + Thy mind, and say from whence it came to thee.” + Thus did the second light again continue. + +And the Compassionate, who piloted + The plumage of my wings in such high flight, + Did in reply anticipate me thus: + +“No child whatever the Church Militant + Of greater hope possesses, as is written + In that Sun which irradiates all our band; + +Therefore it is conceded him from Egypt + To come into Jerusalem to see, + Or ever yet his warfare be completed. + +The two remaining points, that not for knowledge + Have been demanded, but that he report + How much this virtue unto thee is pleasing, + +To him I leave; for hard he will not find them, + Nor of self-praise; and let him answer them; + And may the grace of God in this assist him!” + +As a disciple, who his teacher follows, + Ready and willing, where he is expert, + That his proficiency may be displayed, + +“Hope,” said I, “is the certain expectation + Of future glory, which is the effect + Of grace divine and merit precedent. + +From many stars this light comes unto me; + But he instilled it first into my heart + Who was chief singer unto the chief captain. + +‘Sperent in te,’ in the high Theody + He sayeth, ‘those who know thy name;’ and who + Knoweth it not, if he my faith possess? + +Thou didst instil me, then, with his instilling + In the Epistle, so that I am full, + And upon others rain again your rain.” + +While I was speaking, in the living bosom + Of that combustion quivered an effulgence, + Sudden and frequent, in the guise of lightning; + +Then breathed: “The love wherewith I am inflamed + Towards the virtue still which followed me + Unto the palm and issue of the field, + +Wills that I breathe to thee that thou delight + In her; and grateful to me is thy telling + Whatever things Hope promises to thee.” + +And I: “The ancient Scriptures and the new + The mark establish, and this shows it me, + Of all the souls whom God hath made his friends. + +Isaiah saith, that each one garmented + In his own land shall be with twofold garments, + And his own land is this delightful life. + +Thy brother, too, far more explicitly, + There where he treateth of the robes of white, + This revelation manifests to us.” + +And first, and near the ending of these words, + “Sperent in te” from over us was heard, + To which responsive answered all the carols. + +Thereafterward a light among them brightened, + So that, if Cancer one such crystal had, + Winter would have a month of one sole day. + +And as uprises, goes, and enters the dance + A winsome maiden, only to do honour + To the new bride, and not from any failing, + +Even thus did I behold the brightened splendour + Approach the two, who in a wheel revolved + As was beseeming to their ardent love. + +Into the song and music there it entered; + And fixed on them my Lady kept her look, + Even as a bride silent and motionless. + +“This is the one who lay upon the breast + Of him our Pelican; and this is he + To the great office from the cross elected.” + +My Lady thus; but therefore none the more + Did move her sight from its attentive gaze + Before or afterward these words of hers. + +Even as a man who gazes, and endeavours + To see the eclipsing of the sun a little, + And who, by seeing, sightless doth become, + +So I became before that latest fire, + While it was said, “Why dost thou daze thyself + To see a thing which here hath no existence? + +Earth in the earth my body is, and shall be + With all the others there, until our number + With the eternal proposition tallies. + +With the two garments in the blessed cloister + Are the two lights alone that have ascended: + And this shalt thou take back into your world.” + +And at this utterance the flaming circle + Grew quiet, with the dulcet intermingling + Of sound that by the trinal breath was made, + +As to escape from danger or fatigue + The oars that erst were in the water beaten + Are all suspended at a whistle’s sound. + +Ah, how much in my mind was I disturbed, + When I turned round to look on Beatrice, + That her I could not see, although I was + +Close at her side and in the Happy World! + + + + +Paradiso: Canto XXVI + + +While I was doubting for my vision quenched, + Out of the flame refulgent that had quenched it + Issued a breathing, that attentive made me, + +Saying: “While thou recoverest the sense + Of seeing which in me thou hast consumed, + ’Tis well that speaking thou shouldst compensate it. + +Begin then, and declare to what thy soul + Is aimed, and count it for a certainty, + Sight is in thee bewildered and not dead; + +Because the Lady, who through this divine + Region conducteth thee, has in her look + The power the hand of Ananias had.” + +I said: “As pleaseth her, or soon or late + Let the cure come to eyes that portals were + When she with fire I ever burn with entered. + +The Good, that gives contentment to this Court, + The Alpha and Omega is of all + The writing that love reads me low or loud.” + +The selfsame voice, that taken had from me + The terror of the sudden dazzlement, + To speak still farther put it in my thought; + +And said: “In verity with finer sieve + Behoveth thee to sift; thee it behoveth + To say who aimed thy bow at such a target.” + +And I: “By philosophic arguments, + And by authority that hence descends, + Such love must needs imprint itself in me; + +For Good, so far as good, when comprehended + Doth straight enkindle love, and so much greater + As more of goodness in itself it holds; + +Then to that Essence (whose is such advantage + That every good which out of it is found + Is nothing but a ray of its own light) + +More than elsewhither must the mind be moved + Of every one, in loving, who discerns + The truth in which this evidence is founded. + +Such truth he to my intellect reveals + Who demonstrates to me the primal love + Of all the sempiternal substances. + +The voice reveals it of the truthful Author, + Who says to Moses, speaking of Himself, + ‘I will make all my goodness pass before thee.’ + +Thou too revealest it to me, beginning + The loud Evangel, that proclaims the secret + Of heaven to earth above all other edict.” + +And I heard say: “By human intellect + And by authority concordant with it, + Of all thy loves reserve for God the highest. + +But say again if other cords thou feelest, + Draw thee towards Him, that thou mayst proclaim + With how many teeth this love is biting thee.” + +The holy purpose of the Eagle of Christ + Not latent was, nay, rather I perceived + Whither he fain would my profession lead. + +Therefore I recommenced: “All of those bites + Which have the power to turn the heart to God + Unto my charity have been concurrent. + +The being of the world, and my own being, + The death which He endured that I may live, + And that which all the faithful hope, as I do, + +With the forementioned vivid consciousness + Have drawn me from the sea of love perverse, + And of the right have placed me on the shore. + +The leaves, wherewith embowered is all the garden + Of the Eternal Gardener, do I love + As much as he has granted them of good.” + +As soon as I had ceased, a song most sweet + Throughout the heaven resounded, and my Lady + Said with the others, “Holy, holy, holy!” + +And as at some keen light one wakes from sleep + By reason of the visual spirit that runs + Unto the splendour passed from coat to coat, + +And he who wakes abhorreth what he sees, + So all unconscious is his sudden waking, + Until the judgment cometh to his aid, + +So from before mine eyes did Beatrice + Chase every mote with radiance of her own, + That cast its light a thousand miles and more. + +Whence better after than before I saw, + And in a kind of wonderment I asked + About a fourth light that I saw with us. + +And said my Lady: “There within those rays + Gazes upon its Maker the first soul + That ever the first virtue did create.” + +Even as the bough that downward bends its top + At transit of the wind, and then is lifted + By its own virtue, which inclines it upward, + +Likewise did I, the while that she was speaking, + Being amazed, and then I was made bold + By a desire to speak wherewith I burned. + +And I began: “O apple, that mature + Alone hast been produced, O ancient father, + To whom each wife is daughter and daughter-in-law, + +Devoutly as I can I supplicate thee + That thou wouldst speak to me; thou seest my wish; + And I, to hear thee quickly, speak it not.” + +Sometimes an animal, when covered, struggles + So that his impulse needs must be apparent, + By reason of the wrappage following it; + +And in like manner the primeval soul + Made clear to me athwart its covering + How jubilant it was to give me pleasure. + +Then breathed: “Without thy uttering it to me, + Thine inclination better I discern + Than thou whatever thing is surest to thee; + +For I behold it in the truthful mirror, + That of Himself all things parhelion makes, + And none makes Him parhelion of itself. + +Thou fain wouldst hear how long ago God placed me + Within the lofty garden, where this Lady + Unto so long a stairway thee disposed. + +And how long to mine eyes it was a pleasure, + And of the great disdain the proper cause, + And the language that I used and that I made. + +Now, son of mine, the tasting of the tree + Not in itself was cause of so great exile, + But solely the o’erstepping of the bounds. + +There, whence thy Lady moved Virgilius, + Four thousand and three hundred and two circuits + Made by the sun, this Council I desired; + +And him I saw return to all the lights + Of his highway nine hundred times and thirty, + Whilst I upon the earth was tarrying. + +The language that I spake was quite extinct + Before that in the work interminable + The people under Nimrod were employed; + +For nevermore result of reasoning + (Because of human pleasure that doth change, + Obedient to the heavens) was durable. + +A natural action is it that man speaks; + But whether thus or thus, doth nature leave + To your own art, as seemeth best to you. + +Ere I descended to the infernal anguish, + ‘El’ was on earth the name of the Chief Good, + From whom comes all the joy that wraps me round + +‘Eli’ he then was called, and that is proper, + Because the use of men is like a leaf + On bough, which goeth and another cometh. + +Upon the mount that highest o’er the wave + Rises was I, in life or pure or sinful, + From the first hour to that which is the second, + +As the sun changes quadrant, to the sixth.” + + + + +Paradiso: Canto XXVII + + +“Glory be to the Father, to the Son, + And Holy Ghost!” all Paradise began, + So that the melody inebriate made me. + +What I beheld seemed unto me a smile + Of the universe; for my inebriation + Found entrance through the hearing and the sight. + +O joy! O gladness inexpressible! + O perfect life of love and peacefulness! + O riches without hankering secure! + +Before mine eyes were standing the four torches + Enkindled, and the one that first had come + Began to make itself more luminous; + +And even such in semblance it became + As Jupiter would become, if he and Mars + Were birds, and they should interchange their feathers. + +That Providence, which here distributeth + Season and service, in the blessed choir + Had silence upon every side imposed. + +When I heard say: “If I my colour change, + Marvel not at it; for while I am speaking + Thou shalt behold all these their colour change. + +He who usurps upon the earth my place, + My place, my place, which vacant has become + Before the presence of the Son of God, + +Has of my cemetery made a sewer + Of blood and stench, whereby the Perverse One, + Who fell from here, below there is appeased!” + +With the same colour which, through sun adverse, + Painteth the clouds at evening or at morn, + Beheld I then the whole of heaven suffused. + +And as a modest woman, who abides + Sure of herself, and at another’s failing, + From listening only, timorous becomes, + +Even thus did Beatrice change countenance; + And I believe in heaven was such eclipse, + When suffered the supreme Omnipotence; + +Thereafterward proceeded forth his words + With voice so much transmuted from itself, + The very countenance was not more changed. + +“The spouse of Christ has never nurtured been + On blood of mine, of Linus and of Cletus, + To be made use of in acquest of gold; + +But in acquest of this delightful life + Sixtus and Pius, Urban and Calixtus, + After much lamentation, shed their blood. + +Our purpose was not, that on the right hand + Of our successors should in part be seated + The Christian folk, in part upon the other; + +Nor that the keys which were to me confided + Should e’er become the escutcheon on a banner, + That should wage war on those who are baptized; + +Nor I be made the figure of a seal + To privileges venal and mendacious, + Whereat I often redden and flash with fire. + +In garb of shepherds the rapacious wolves + Are seen from here above o’er all the pastures! + O wrath of God, why dost thou slumber still? + +To drink our blood the Caorsines and Gascons + Are making ready. O thou good beginning, + Unto how vile an end must thou needs fall! + +But the high Providence, that with Scipio + At Rome the glory of the world defended, + Will speedily bring aid, as I conceive; + +And thou, my son, who by thy mortal weight + Shalt down return again, open thy mouth; + What I conceal not, do not thou conceal.” + +As with its frozen vapours downward falls + In flakes our atmosphere, what time the horn + Of the celestial Goat doth touch the sun, + +Upward in such array saw I the ether + Become, and flaked with the triumphant vapours, + Which there together with us had remained. + +My sight was following up their semblances, + And followed till the medium, by excess, + The passing farther onward took from it; + +Whereat the Lady, who beheld me freed + From gazing upward, said to me: “Cast down + Thy sight, and see how far thou art turned round.” + +Since the first time that I had downward looked, + I saw that I had moved through the whole arc + Which the first climate makes from midst to end; + +So that I saw the mad track of Ulysses + Past Gades, and this side, well nigh the shore + Whereon became Europa a sweet burden. + +And of this threshing-floor the site to me + Were more unveiled, but the sun was proceeding + Under my feet, a sign and more removed. + +My mind enamoured, which is dallying + At all times with my Lady, to bring back + To her mine eyes was more than ever ardent. + +And if or Art or Nature has made bait + To catch the eyes and so possess the mind, + In human flesh or in its portraiture, + +All joined together would appear as nought + To the divine delight which shone upon me + When to her smiling face I turned me round. + +The virtue that her look endowed me with + From the fair nest of Leda tore me forth, + And up into the swiftest heaven impelled me. + +Its parts exceeding full of life and lofty + Are all so uniform, I cannot say + Which Beatrice selected for my place. + +But she, who was aware of my desire, + Began, the while she smiled so joyously + That God seemed in her countenance to rejoice: + +“The nature of that motion, which keeps quiet + The centre and all the rest about it moves, + From hence begins as from its starting point. + +And in this heaven there is no other Where + Than in the Mind Divine, wherein is kindled + The love that turns it, and the power it rains. + +Within a circle light and love embrace it, + Even as this doth the others, and that precinct + He who encircles it alone controls. + +Its motion is not by another meted, + But all the others measured are by this, + As ten is by the half and by the fifth. + +And in what manner time in such a pot + May have its roots, and in the rest its leaves, + Now unto thee can manifest be made. + +O Covetousness, that mortals dost ingulf + Beneath thee so, that no one hath the power + Of drawing back his eyes from out thy waves! + +Full fairly blossoms in mankind the will; + But the uninterrupted rain converts + Into abortive wildings the true plums. + +Fidelity and innocence are found + Only in children; afterwards they both + Take flight or e’er the cheeks with down are covered. + +One, while he prattles still, observes the fasts, + Who, when his tongue is loosed, forthwith devours + Whatever food under whatever moon; + +Another, while he prattles, loves and listens + Unto his mother, who when speech is perfect + Forthwith desires to see her in her grave. + +Even thus is swarthy made the skin so white + In its first aspect of the daughter fair + Of him who brings the morn, and leaves the night. + +Thou, that it may not be a marvel to thee, + Think that on earth there is no one who governs; + Whence goes astray the human family. + +Ere January be unwintered wholly + By the centesimal on earth neglected, + Shall these supernal circles roar so loud + +The tempest that has been so long awaited + Shall whirl the poops about where are the prows; + So that the fleet shall run its course direct, + +And the true fruit shall follow on the flower.” + + + + +Paradiso: Canto XXVIII + + +After the truth against the present life + Of miserable mortals was unfolded + By her who doth imparadise my mind, + +As in a looking-glass a taper’s flame + He sees who from behind is lighted by it, + Before he has it in his sight or thought, + +And turns him round to see if so the glass + Tell him the truth, and sees that it accords + Therewith as doth a music with its metre, + +In similar wise my memory recollecteth + That I did, looking into those fair eyes, + Of which Love made the springes to ensnare me. + +And as I turned me round, and mine were touched + By that which is apparent in that volume, + Whenever on its gyre we gaze intent, + +A point beheld I, that was raying out + Light so acute, the sight which it enkindles + Must close perforce before such great acuteness. + +And whatsoever star seems smallest here + Would seem to be a moon, if placed beside it. + As one star with another star is placed. + +Perhaps at such a distance as appears + A halo cincturing the light that paints it, + When densest is the vapour that sustains it, + +Thus distant round the point a circle of fire + So swiftly whirled, that it would have surpassed + Whatever motion soonest girds the world; + +And this was by another circumcinct, + That by a third, the third then by a fourth, + By a fifth the fourth, and then by a sixth the fifth; + +The seventh followed thereupon in width + So ample now, that Juno’s messenger + Entire would be too narrow to contain it. + +Even so the eighth and ninth; and every one + More slowly moved, according as it was + In number distant farther from the first. + +And that one had its flame most crystalline + From which less distant was the stainless spark, + I think because more with its truth imbued. + +My Lady, who in my anxiety + Beheld me much perplexed, said: “From that point + Dependent is the heaven and nature all. + +Behold that circle most conjoined to it, + And know thou, that its motion is so swift + Through burning love whereby it is spurred on.” + +And I to her: “If the world were arranged + In the order which I see in yonder wheels, + What’s set before me would have satisfied me; + +But in the world of sense we can perceive + That evermore the circles are diviner + As they are from the centre more remote + +Wherefore if my desire is to be ended + In this miraculous and angelic temple, + That has for confines only love and light, + +To hear behoves me still how the example + And the exemplar go not in one fashion, + Since for myself in vain I contemplate it.” + +“If thine own fingers unto such a knot + Be insufficient, it is no great wonder, + So hard hath it become for want of trying.” + +My Lady thus; then said she: “Do thou take + What I shall tell thee, if thou wouldst be sated, + And exercise on that thy subtlety. + +The circles corporal are wide and narrow + According to the more or less of virtue + Which is distributed through all their parts. + +The greater goodness works the greater weal, + The greater weal the greater body holds, + If perfect equally are all its parts. + +Therefore this one which sweeps along with it + The universe sublime, doth correspond + Unto the circle which most loves and knows. + +On which account, if thou unto the virtue + Apply thy measure, not to the appearance + Of substances that unto thee seem round, + +Thou wilt behold a marvellous agreement, + Of more to greater, and of less to smaller, + In every heaven, with its Intelligence.” + +Even as remaineth splendid and serene + The hemisphere of air, when Boreas + Is blowing from that cheek where he is mildest, + +Because is purified and resolved the rack + That erst disturbed it, till the welkin laughs + With all the beauties of its pageantry; + +Thus did I likewise, after that my Lady + Had me provided with her clear response, + And like a star in heaven the truth was seen. + +And soon as to a stop her words had come, + Not otherwise does iron scintillate + When molten, than those circles scintillated. + +Their coruscation all the sparks repeated, + And they so many were, their number makes + More millions than the doubling of the chess. + +I heard them sing hosanna choir by choir + To the fixed point which holds them at the ‘Ubi,’ + And ever will, where they have ever been. + +And she, who saw the dubious meditations + Within my mind, “The primal circles,” said, + “Have shown thee Seraphim and Cherubim. + +Thus rapidly they follow their own bonds, + To be as like the point as most they can, + And can as far as they are high in vision. + +Those other Loves, that round about them go, + Thrones of the countenance divine are called, + Because they terminate the primal Triad. + +And thou shouldst know that they all have delight + As much as their own vision penetrates + The Truth, in which all intellect finds rest. + +From this it may be seen how blessedness + Is founded in the faculty which sees, + And not in that which loves, and follows next; + +And of this seeing merit is the measure, + Which is brought forth by grace, and by good will; + Thus on from grade to grade doth it proceed. + +The second Triad, which is germinating + In such wise in this sempiternal spring, + That no nocturnal Aries despoils, + +Perpetually hosanna warbles forth + With threefold melody, that sounds in three + Orders of joy, with which it is intrined. + +The three Divine are in this hierarchy, + First the Dominions, and the Virtues next; + And the third order is that of the Powers. + +Then in the dances twain penultimate + The Principalities and Archangels wheel; + The last is wholly of angelic sports. + +These orders upward all of them are gazing, + And downward so prevail, that unto God + They all attracted are and all attract. + +And Dionysius with so great desire + To contemplate these Orders set himself, + He named them and distinguished them as I do. + +But Gregory afterwards dissented from him; + Wherefore, as soon as he unclosed his eyes + Within this heaven, he at himself did smile. + +And if so much of secret truth a mortal + Proffered on earth, I would not have thee marvel, + For he who saw it here revealed it to him, + +With much more of the truth about these circles.” + + + + +Paradiso: Canto XXIX + + +At what time both the children of Latona, + Surmounted by the Ram and by the Scales, + Together make a zone of the horizon, + +As long as from the time the zenith holds them + In equipoise, till from that girdle both + Changing their hemisphere disturb the balance, + +So long, her face depicted with a smile, + Did Beatrice keep silence while she gazed + Fixedly at the point which had o’ercome me. + +Then she began: “I say, and I ask not + What thou dost wish to hear, for I have seen it + Where centres every When and every ‘Ubi.’ + +Not to acquire some good unto himself, + Which is impossible, but that his splendour + In its resplendency may say, ‘Subsisto,’ + +In his eternity outside of time, + Outside all other limits, as it pleased him, + Into new Loves the Eternal Love unfolded. + +Nor as if torpid did he lie before; + For neither after nor before proceeded + The going forth of God upon these waters. + +Matter and Form unmingled and conjoined + Came into being that had no defect, + E’en as three arrows from a three-stringed bow. + +And as in glass, in amber, or in crystal + A sunbeam flashes so, that from its coming + To its full being is no interval, + +So from its Lord did the triform effect + Ray forth into its being all together, + Without discrimination of beginning. + +Order was con-created and constructed + In substances, and summit of the world + Were those wherein the pure act was produced. + +Pure potentiality held the lowest part; + Midway bound potentiality with act + Such bond that it shall never be unbound. + +Jerome has written unto you of angels + Created a long lapse of centuries + Or ever yet the other world was made; + +But written is this truth in many places + By writers of the Holy Ghost, and thou + Shalt see it, if thou lookest well thereat. + +And even reason seeth it somewhat, + For it would not concede that for so long + Could be the motors without their perfection. + +Now dost thou know both where and when these Loves + Created were, and how; so that extinct + In thy desire already are three fires. + +Nor could one reach, in counting, unto twenty + So swiftly, as a portion of these angels + Disturbed the subject of your elements. + +The rest remained, and they began this art + Which thou discernest, with so great delight + That never from their circling do they cease. + +The occasion of the fall was the accursed + Presumption of that One, whom thou hast seen + By all the burden of the world constrained. + +Those whom thou here beholdest modest were + To recognise themselves as of that goodness + Which made them apt for so much understanding; + +On which account their vision was exalted + By the enlightening grace and their own merit, + So that they have a full and steadfast will. + +I would not have thee doubt, but certain be, + ’Tis meritorious to receive this grace, + According as the affection opens to it. + +Now round about in this consistory + Much mayst thou contemplate, if these my words + Be gathered up, without all further aid. + +But since upon the earth, throughout your schools, + They teach that such is the angelic nature + That it doth hear, and recollect, and will, + +More will I say, that thou mayst see unmixed + The truth that is confounded there below, + Equivocating in such like prelections. + +These substances, since in God’s countenance + They jocund were, turned not away their sight + From that wherefrom not anything is hidden; + +Hence they have not their vision intercepted + By object new, and hence they do not need + To recollect, through interrupted thought. + +So that below, not sleeping, people dream, + Believing they speak truth, and not believing; + And in the last is greater sin and shame. + +Below you do not journey by one path + Philosophising; so transporteth you + Love of appearance and the thought thereof. + +And even this above here is endured + With less disdain, than when is set aside + The Holy Writ, or when it is distorted. + +They think not there how much of blood it costs + To sow it in the world, and how he pleases + Who in humility keeps close to it. + +Each striveth for appearance, and doth make + His own inventions; and these treated are + By preachers, and the Evangel holds its peace. + +One sayeth that the moon did backward turn, + In the Passion of Christ, and interpose herself + So that the sunlight reached not down below; + +And lies; for of its own accord the light + Hid itself; whence to Spaniards and to Indians, + As to the Jews, did such eclipse respond. + +Florence has not so many Lapi and Bindi + As fables such as these, that every year + Are shouted from the pulpit back and forth, + +In such wise that the lambs, who do not know, + Come back from pasture fed upon the wind, + And not to see the harm doth not excuse them. + +Christ did not to his first disciples say, + ‘Go forth, and to the world preach idle tales,’ + But unto them a true foundation gave; + +And this so loudly sounded from their lips, + That, in the warfare to enkindle Faith, + They made of the Evangel shields and lances. + +Now men go forth with jests and drolleries + To preach, and if but well the people laugh, + The hood puffs out, and nothing more is asked. + +But in the cowl there nestles such a bird, + That, if the common people were to see it, + They would perceive what pardons they confide in, + +For which so great on earth has grown the folly, + That, without proof of any testimony, + To each indulgence they would flock together. + +By this Saint Anthony his pig doth fatten, + And many others, who are worse than pigs, + Paying in money without mark of coinage. + +But since we have digressed abundantly, + Turn back thine eyes forthwith to the right path, + So that the way be shortened with the time. + +This nature doth so multiply itself + In numbers, that there never yet was speech + Nor mortal fancy that can go so far. + +And if thou notest that which is revealed + By Daniel, thou wilt see that in his thousands + Number determinate is kept concealed. + +The primal light, that all irradiates it, + By modes as many is received therein, + As are the splendours wherewith it is mated. + +Hence, inasmuch as on the act conceptive + The affection followeth, of love the sweetness + Therein diversely fervid is or tepid. + +The height behold now and the amplitude + Of the eternal power, since it hath made + Itself so many mirrors, where ’tis broken, + +One in itself remaining as before.” + + + + +Paradiso: Canto XXX + + +Perchance six thousand miles remote from us + Is glowing the sixth hour, and now this world + Inclines its shadow almost to a level, + +When the mid-heaven begins to make itself + So deep to us, that here and there a star + Ceases to shine so far down as this depth, + +And as advances bright exceedingly + The handmaid of the sun, the heaven is closed + Light after light to the most beautiful; + +Not otherwise the Triumph, which for ever + Plays round about the point that vanquished me, + Seeming enclosed by what itself encloses, + +Little by little from my vision faded; + Whereat to turn mine eyes on Beatrice + My seeing nothing and my love constrained me. + +If what has hitherto been said of her + Were all concluded in a single praise, + Scant would it be to serve the present turn. + +Not only does the beauty I beheld + Transcend ourselves, but truly I believe + Its Maker only may enjoy it all. + +Vanquished do I confess me by this passage + More than by problem of his theme was ever + O’ercome the comic or the tragic poet; + +For as the sun the sight that trembles most, + Even so the memory of that sweet smile + My mind depriveth of its very self. + +From the first day that I beheld her face + In this life, to the moment of this look, + The sequence of my song has ne’er been severed; + +But now perforce this sequence must desist + From following her beauty with my verse, + As every artist at his uttermost. + +Such as I leave her to a greater fame + Than any of my trumpet, which is bringing + Its arduous matter to a final close, + +With voice and gesture of a perfect leader + She recommenced: “We from the greatest body + Have issued to the heaven that is pure light; + +Light intellectual replete with love, + Love of true good replete with ecstasy, + Ecstasy that transcendeth every sweetness. + +Here shalt thou see the one host and the other + Of Paradise, and one in the same aspects + Which at the final judgment thou shalt see.” + +Even as a sudden lightning that disperses + The visual spirits, so that it deprives + The eye of impress from the strongest objects, + +Thus round about me flashed a living light, + And left me swathed around with such a veil + Of its effulgence, that I nothing saw. + +“Ever the Love which quieteth this heaven + Welcomes into itself with such salute, + To make the candle ready for its flame.” + +No sooner had within me these brief words + An entrance found, than I perceived myself + To be uplifted over my own power, + +And I with vision new rekindled me, + Such that no light whatever is so pure + But that mine eyes were fortified against it. + +And light I saw in fashion of a river + Fulvid with its effulgence, ’twixt two banks + Depicted with an admirable Spring. + +Out of this river issued living sparks, + And on all sides sank down into the flowers, + Like unto rubies that are set in gold; + +And then, as if inebriate with the odours, + They plunged again into the wondrous torrent, + And as one entered issued forth another. + +“The high desire, that now inflames and moves thee + To have intelligence of what thou seest, + Pleaseth me all the more, the more it swells. + +But of this water it behoves thee drink + Before so great a thirst in thee be slaked.” + Thus said to me the sunshine of mine eyes; + +And added: “The river and the topazes + Going in and out, and the laughing of the herbage, + Are of their truth foreshadowing prefaces; + +Not that these things are difficult in themselves, + But the deficiency is on thy side, + For yet thou hast not vision so exalted.” + +There is no babe that leaps so suddenly + With face towards the milk, if he awake + Much later than his usual custom is, + +As I did, that I might make better mirrors + Still of mine eyes, down stooping to the wave + Which flows that we therein be better made. + +And even as the penthouse of mine eyelids + Drank of it, it forthwith appeared to me + Out of its length to be transformed to round. + +Then as a folk who have been under masks + Seem other than before, if they divest + The semblance not their own they disappeared in, + +Thus into greater pomp were changed for me + The flowerets and the sparks, so that I saw + Both of the Courts of Heaven made manifest. + +O splendour of God! by means of which I saw + The lofty triumph of the realm veracious, + Give me the power to say how it I saw! + +There is a light above, which visible + Makes the Creator unto every creature, + Who only in beholding Him has peace, + +And it expands itself in circular form + To such extent, that its circumference + Would be too large a girdle for the sun. + +The semblance of it is all made of rays + Reflected from the top of Primal Motion, + Which takes therefrom vitality and power. + +And as a hill in water at its base + Mirrors itself, as if to see its beauty + When affluent most in verdure and in flowers, + +So, ranged aloft all round about the light, + Mirrored I saw in more ranks than a thousand + All who above there have from us returned. + +And if the lowest row collect within it + So great a light, how vast the amplitude + Is of this Rose in its extremest leaves! + +My vision in the vastness and the height + Lost not itself, but comprehended all + The quantity and quality of that gladness. + +There near and far nor add nor take away; + For there where God immediately doth govern, + The natural law in naught is relevant. + +Into the yellow of the Rose Eternal + That spreads, and multiplies, and breathes an odour + Of praise unto the ever-vernal Sun, + +As one who silent is and fain would speak, + Me Beatrice drew on, and said: “Behold + Of the white stoles how vast the convent is! + +Behold how vast the circuit of our city! + Behold our seats so filled to overflowing, + That here henceforward are few people wanting! + +On that great throne whereon thine eyes are fixed + For the crown’s sake already placed upon it, + Before thou suppest at this wedding feast + +Shall sit the soul (that is to be Augustus + On earth) of noble Henry, who shall come + To redress Italy ere she be ready. + +Blind covetousness, that casts its spell upon you, + Has made you like unto the little child, + Who dies of hunger and drives off the nurse. + +And in the sacred forum then shall be + A Prefect such, that openly or covert + On the same road he will not walk with him. + +But long of God he will not be endured + In holy office; he shall be thrust down + Where Simon Magus is for his deserts, + +And make him of Alagna lower go!” + + + + +Paradiso: Canto XXXI + + +In fashion then as of a snow-white rose + Displayed itself to me the saintly host, + Whom Christ in his own blood had made his bride, + +But the other host, that flying sees and sings + The glory of Him who doth enamour it, + And the goodness that created it so noble, + +Even as a swarm of bees, that sinks in flowers + One moment, and the next returns again + To where its labour is to sweetness turned, + +Sank into the great flower, that is adorned + With leaves so many, and thence reascended + To where its love abideth evermore. + +Their faces had they all of living flame, + And wings of gold, and all the rest so white + No snow unto that limit doth attain. + +From bench to bench, into the flower descending, + They carried something of the peace and ardour + Which by the fanning of their flanks they won. + +Nor did the interposing ’twixt the flower + And what was o’er it of such plenitude + Of flying shapes impede the sight and splendour; + +Because the light divine so penetrates + The universe, according to its merit, + That naught can be an obstacle against it. + +This realm secure and full of gladsomeness, + Crowded with ancient people and with modern, + Unto one mark had all its look and love. + +O Trinal Light, that in a single star + Sparkling upon their sight so satisfies them, + Look down upon our tempest here below! + +If the barbarians, coming from some region + That every day by Helice is covered, + Revolving with her son whom she delights in, + +Beholding Rome and all her noble works, + Were wonder-struck, what time the Lateran + Above all mortal things was eminent,— + +I who to the divine had from the human, + From time unto eternity, had come, + From Florence to a people just and sane, + +With what amazement must I have been filled! + Truly between this and the joy, it was + My pleasure not to hear, and to be mute. + +And as a pilgrim who delighteth him + In gazing round the temple of his vow, + And hopes some day to retell how it was, + +So through the living light my way pursuing + Directed I mine eyes o’er all the ranks, + Now up, now down, and now all round about. + +Faces I saw of charity persuasive, + Embellished by His light and their own smile, + And attitudes adorned with every grace. + +The general form of Paradise already + My glance had comprehended as a whole, + In no part hitherto remaining fixed, + +And round I turned me with rekindled wish + My Lady to interrogate of things + Concerning which my mind was in suspense. + +One thing I meant, another answered me; + I thought I should see Beatrice, and saw + An Old Man habited like the glorious people. + +O’erflowing was he in his eyes and cheeks + With joy benign, in attitude of pity + As to a tender father is becoming. + +And “She, where is she?” instantly I said; + Whence he: “To put an end to thy desire, + Me Beatrice hath sent from mine own place. + +And if thou lookest up to the third round + Of the first rank, again shalt thou behold her + Upon the throne her merits have assigned her.” + +Without reply I lifted up mine eyes, + And saw her, as she made herself a crown + Reflecting from herself the eternal rays. + +Not from that region which the highest thunders + Is any mortal eye so far removed, + In whatsoever sea it deepest sinks, + +As there from Beatrice my sight; but this + Was nothing unto me; because her image + Descended not to me by medium blurred. + +“O Lady, thou in whom my hope is strong, + And who for my salvation didst endure + In Hell to leave the imprint of thy feet, + +Of whatsoever things I have beheld, + As coming from thy power and from thy goodness + I recognise the virtue and the grace. + +Thou from a slave hast brought me unto freedom, + By all those ways, by all the expedients, + Whereby thou hadst the power of doing it. + +Preserve towards me thy magnificence, + So that this soul of mine, which thou hast healed, + Pleasing to thee be loosened from the body.” + +Thus I implored; and she, so far away, + Smiled, as it seemed, and looked once more at me; + Then unto the eternal fountain turned. + +And said the Old Man holy: “That thou mayst + Accomplish perfectly thy journeying, + Whereunto prayer and holy love have sent me, + +Fly with thine eyes all round about this garden; + For seeing it will discipline thy sight + Farther to mount along the ray divine. + +And she, the Queen of Heaven, for whom I burn + Wholly with love, will grant us every grace, + Because that I her faithful Bernard am.” + +As he who peradventure from Croatia + Cometh to gaze at our Veronica, + Who through its ancient fame is never sated, + +But says in thought, the while it is displayed, + “My Lord, Christ Jesus, God of very God, + Now was your semblance made like unto this?” + +Even such was I while gazing at the living + Charity of the man, who in this world + By contemplation tasted of that peace. + +“Thou son of grace, this jocund life,” began he, + “Will not be known to thee by keeping ever + Thine eyes below here on the lowest place; + +But mark the circles to the most remote, + Until thou shalt behold enthroned the Queen + To whom this realm is subject and devoted.” + +I lifted up mine eyes, and as at morn + The oriental part of the horizon + Surpasses that wherein the sun goes down, + +Thus, as if going with mine eyes from vale + To mount, I saw a part in the remoteness + Surpass in splendour all the other front. + +And even as there where we await the pole + That Phaeton drove badly, blazes more + The light, and is on either side diminished, + +So likewise that pacific oriflamme + Gleamed brightest in the centre, and each side + In equal measure did the flame abate. + +And at that centre, with their wings expanded, + More than a thousand jubilant Angels saw I, + Each differing in effulgence and in kind. + +I saw there at their sports and at their songs + A beauty smiling, which the gladness was + Within the eyes of all the other saints; + +And if I had in speaking as much wealth + As in imagining, I should not dare + To attempt the smallest part of its delight. + +Bernard, as soon as he beheld mine eyes + Fixed and intent upon its fervid fervour, + His own with such affection turned to her + +That it made mine more ardent to behold. + + + + +Paradiso: Canto XXXII + + +Absorbed in his delight, that contemplator + Assumed the willing office of a teacher, + And gave beginning to these holy words: + +“The wound that Mary closed up and anointed, + She at her feet who is so beautiful, + She is the one who opened it and pierced it. + +Within that order which the third seats make + Is seated Rachel, lower than the other, + With Beatrice, in manner as thou seest. + +Sarah, Rebecca, Judith, and her who was + Ancestress of the Singer, who for dole + Of the misdeed said, ‘Miserere mei,’ + +Canst thou behold from seat to seat descending + Down in gradation, as with each one’s name + I through the Rose go down from leaf to leaf. + +And downward from the seventh row, even as + Above the same, succeed the Hebrew women, + Dividing all the tresses of the flower; + +Because, according to the view which Faith + In Christ had taken, these are the partition + By which the sacred stairways are divided. + +Upon this side, where perfect is the flower + With each one of its petals, seated are + Those who believed in Christ who was to come. + +Upon the other side, where intersected + With vacant spaces are the semicircles, + Are those who looked to Christ already come. + +And as, upon this side, the glorious seat + Of the Lady of Heaven, and the other seats + Below it, such a great division make, + +So opposite doth that of the great John, + Who, ever holy, desert and martyrdom + Endured, and afterwards two years in Hell. + +And under him thus to divide were chosen + Francis, and Benedict, and Augustine, + And down to us the rest from round to round. + +Behold now the high providence divine; + For one and other aspect of the Faith + In equal measure shall this garden fill. + +And know that downward from that rank which cleaves + Midway the sequence of the two divisions, + Not by their proper merit are they seated; + +But by another’s under fixed conditions; + For these are spirits one and all assoiled + Before they any true election had. + +Well canst thou recognise it in their faces, + And also in their voices puerile, + If thou regard them well and hearken to them. + +Now doubtest thou, and doubting thou art silent; + But I will loosen for thee the strong bond + In which thy subtile fancies hold thee fast. + +Within the amplitude of this domain + No casual point can possibly find place, + No more than sadness can, or thirst, or hunger; + +For by eternal law has been established + Whatever thou beholdest, so that closely + The ring is fitted to the finger here. + +And therefore are these people, festinate + Unto true life, not ‘sine causa’ here + More and less excellent among themselves. + +The King, by means of whom this realm reposes + In so great love and in so great delight + That no will ventureth to ask for more, + +In his own joyous aspect every mind + Creating, at his pleasure dowers with grace + Diversely; and let here the effect suffice. + +And this is clearly and expressly noted + For you in Holy Scripture, in those twins + Who in their mother had their anger roused. + +According to the colour of the hair, + Therefore, with such a grace the light supreme + Consenteth that they worthily be crowned. + +Without, then, any merit of their deeds, + Stationed are they in different gradations, + Differing only in their first acuteness. + +’Tis true that in the early centuries, + With innocence, to work out their salvation + Sufficient was the faith of parents only. + +After the earlier ages were completed, + Behoved it that the males by circumcision + Unto their innocent wings should virtue add; + +But after that the time of grace had come + Without the baptism absolute of Christ, + Such innocence below there was retained. + +Look now into the face that unto Christ + Hath most resemblance; for its brightness only + Is able to prepare thee to see Christ.” + +On her did I behold so great a gladness + Rain down, borne onward in the holy minds + Created through that altitude to fly, + +That whatsoever I had seen before + Did not suspend me in such admiration, + Nor show me such similitude of God. + +And the same Love that first descended there, + “Ave Maria, gratia plena,” singing, + In front of her his wings expanded wide. + +Unto the canticle divine responded + From every part the court beatified, + So that each sight became serener for it. + +“O holy father, who for me endurest + To be below here, leaving the sweet place + In which thou sittest by eternal lot, + +Who is the Angel that with so much joy + Into the eyes is looking of our Queen, + Enamoured so that he seems made of fire?” + +Thus I again recourse had to the teaching + Of that one who delighted him in Mary + As doth the star of morning in the sun. + +And he to me: “Such gallantry and grace + As there can be in Angel and in soul, + All is in him; and thus we fain would have it; + +Because he is the one who bore the palm + Down unto Mary, when the Son of God + To take our burden on himself decreed. + +But now come onward with thine eyes, as I + Speaking shall go, and note the great patricians + Of this most just and merciful of empires. + +Those two that sit above there most enrapture + As being very near unto Augusta, + Are as it were the two roots of this Rose. + +He who upon the left is near her placed + The father is, by whose audacious taste + The human species so much bitter tastes. + +Upon the right thou seest that ancient father + Of Holy Church, into whose keeping Christ + The keys committed of this lovely flower. + +And he who all the evil days beheld, + Before his death, of her the beauteous bride + Who with the spear and with the nails was won, + +Beside him sits, and by the other rests + That leader under whom on manna lived + The people ingrate, fickle, and stiff-necked. + +Opposite Peter seest thou Anna seated, + So well content to look upon her daughter, + Her eyes she moves not while she sings Hosanna. + +And opposite the eldest household father + Lucia sits, she who thy Lady moved + When to rush downward thou didst bend thy brows. + +But since the moments of thy vision fly, + Here will we make full stop, as a good tailor + Who makes the gown according to his cloth, + +And unto the first Love will turn our eyes, + That looking upon Him thou penetrate + As far as possible through his effulgence. + +Truly, lest peradventure thou recede, + Moving thy wings believing to advance, + By prayer behoves it that grace be obtained; + +Grace from that one who has the power to aid thee; + And thou shalt follow me with thy affection + That from my words thy heart turn not aside.” + +And he began this holy orison. + + + + +Paradiso: Canto XXXIII + + +“Thou Virgin Mother, daughter of thy Son, + Humble and high beyond all other creature, + The limit fixed of the eternal counsel, + +Thou art the one who such nobility + To human nature gave, that its Creator + Did not disdain to make himself its creature. + +Within thy womb rekindled was the love, + By heat of which in the eternal peace + After such wise this flower has germinated. + +Here unto us thou art a noonday torch + Of charity, and below there among mortals + Thou art the living fountain-head of hope. + +Lady, thou art so great, and so prevailing, + That he who wishes grace, nor runs to thee, + His aspirations without wings would fly. + +Not only thy benignity gives succour + To him who asketh it, but oftentimes + Forerunneth of its own accord the asking. + +In thee compassion is, in thee is pity, + In thee magnificence; in thee unites + Whate’er of goodness is in any creature. + +Now doth this man, who from the lowest depth + Of the universe as far as here has seen + One after one the spiritual lives, + +Supplicate thee through grace for so much power + That with his eyes he may uplift himself + Higher towards the uttermost salvation. + +And I, who never burned for my own seeing + More than I do for his, all of my prayers + Proffer to thee, and pray they come not short, + +That thou wouldst scatter from him every cloud + Of his mortality so with thy prayers, + That the Chief Pleasure be to him displayed. + +Still farther do I pray thee, Queen, who canst + Whate’er thou wilt, that sound thou mayst preserve + After so great a vision his affections. + +Let thy protection conquer human movements; + See Beatrice and all the blessed ones + My prayers to second clasp their hands to thee!” + +The eyes beloved and revered of God, + Fastened upon the speaker, showed to us + How grateful unto her are prayers devout; + +Then unto the Eternal Light they turned, + On which it is not credible could be + By any creature bent an eye so clear. + +And I, who to the end of all desires + Was now approaching, even as I ought + The ardour of desire within me ended. + +Bernard was beckoning unto me, and smiling, + That I should upward look; but I already + Was of my own accord such as he wished; + +Because my sight, becoming purified, + Was entering more and more into the ray + Of the High Light which of itself is true. + +From that time forward what I saw was greater + Than our discourse, that to such vision yields, + And yields the memory unto such excess. + +Even as he is who seeth in a dream, + And after dreaming the imprinted passion + Remains, and to his mind the rest returns not, + +Even such am I, for almost utterly + Ceases my vision, and distilleth yet + Within my heart the sweetness born of it; + +Even thus the snow is in the sun unsealed, + Even thus upon the wind in the light leaves + Were the soothsayings of the Sibyl lost. + +O Light Supreme, that dost so far uplift thee + From the conceits of mortals, to my mind + Of what thou didst appear re-lend a little, + +And make my tongue of so great puissance, + That but a single sparkle of thy glory + It may bequeath unto the future people; + +For by returning to my memory somewhat, + And by a little sounding in these verses, + More of thy victory shall be conceived! + +I think the keenness of the living ray + Which I endured would have bewildered me, + If but mine eyes had been averted from it; + +And I remember that I was more bold + On this account to bear, so that I joined + My aspect with the Glory Infinite. + +O grace abundant, by which I presumed + To fix my sight upon the Light Eternal, + So that the seeing I consumed therein! + +I saw that in its depth far down is lying + Bound up with love together in one volume, + What through the universe in leaves is scattered; + +Substance, and accident, and their operations, + All interfused together in such wise + That what I speak of is one simple light. + +The universal fashion of this knot + Methinks I saw, since more abundantly + In saying this I feel that I rejoice. + +One moment is more lethargy to me, + Than five and twenty centuries to the emprise + That startled Neptune with the shade of Argo! + +My mind in this wise wholly in suspense, + Steadfast, immovable, attentive gazed, + And evermore with gazing grew enkindled. + +In presence of that light one such becomes, + That to withdraw therefrom for other prospect + It is impossible he e’er consent; + +Because the good, which object is of will, + Is gathered all in this, and out of it + That is defective which is perfect there. + +Shorter henceforward will my language fall + Of what I yet remember, than an infant’s + Who still his tongue doth moisten at the breast. + +Not because more than one unmingled semblance + Was in the living light on which I looked, + For it is always what it was before; + +But through the sight, that fortified itself + In me by looking, one appearance only + To me was ever changing as I changed. + +Within the deep and luminous subsistence + Of the High Light appeared to me three circles, + Of threefold colour and of one dimension, + +And by the second seemed the first reflected + As Iris is by Iris, and the third + Seemed fire that equally from both is breathed. + +O how all speech is feeble and falls short + Of my conceit, and this to what I saw + Is such, ’tis not enough to call it little! + +O Light Eterne, sole in thyself that dwellest, + Sole knowest thyself, and, known unto thyself + And knowing, lovest and smilest on thyself! + +That circulation, which being thus conceived + Appeared in thee as a reflected light, + When somewhat contemplated by mine eyes, + +Within itself, of its own very colour + Seemed to me painted with our effigy, + Wherefore my sight was all absorbed therein. + +As the geometrician, who endeavours + To square the circle, and discovers not, + By taking thought, the principle he wants, + +Even such was I at that new apparition; + I wished to see how the image to the circle + Conformed itself, and how it there finds place; + +But my own wings were not enough for this, + Had it not been that then my mind there smote + A flash of lightning, wherein came its wish. + +Here vigour failed the lofty fantasy: + But now was turning my desire and will, + Even as a wheel that equally is moved, + +The Love which moves the sun and the other stars. + + + + +APPENDIX + + +SIX SONNETS ON DANTE’S DIVINE COMEDY BY HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW +(1807-1882) + + +I + +Oft have I seen at some cathedral door + A laborer, pausing in the dust and heat, + Lay down his burden, and with reverent feet + Enter, and cross himself, and on the floor +Kneel to repeat his paternoster o’er; + Far off the noises of the world retreat; + The loud vociferations of the street + Become an undistinguishable roar. +So, as I enter here from day to day, + And leave my burden at this minster gate, + Kneeling in prayer, and not ashamed to pray, +The tumult of the time disconsolate + To inarticulate murmurs dies away, + While the eternal ages watch and wait. + + +II + +How strange the sculptures that adorn these towers! + This crowd of statues, in whose folded sleeves + Birds build their nests; while canopied with leaves + Parvis and portal bloom like trellised bowers, +And the vast minster seems a cross of flowers! + But fiends and dragons on the gargoyled eaves + Watch the dead Christ between the living thieves, + And, underneath, the traitor Judas lowers! +Ah! from what agonies of heart and brain, + What exultations trampling on despair, + What tenderness, what tears, what hate of wrong, +What passionate outcry of a soul in pain, + Uprose this poem of the earth and air, + This mediaeval miracle of song! + + +III + +I enter, and I see thee in the gloom + Of the long aisles, O poet saturnine! + And strive to make my steps keep pace with thine. + The air is filled with some unknown perfume; +The congregation of the dead make room + For thee to pass; the votive tapers shine; + Like rooks that haunt Ravenna’s groves of pine, + The hovering echoes fly from tomb to tomb. +From the confessionals I hear arise + Rehearsals of forgotten tragedies, + And lamentations from the crypts below +And then a voice celestial that begins + With the pathetic words, “Although your sins + As scarlet be,” and ends with “as the snow.” + + +IV + +With snow-white veil, and garments as of flame, + She stands before thee, who so long ago + Filled thy young heart with passion and the woe + From which thy song in all its splendors came; +And while with stern rebuke she speaks thy name, + The ice about thy heart melts as the snow + On mountain heights, and in swift overflow + Comes gushing from thy lips in sobs of shame. +Thou makest full confession; and a gleam + As of the dawn on some dark forest cast, + Seems on thy lifted forehead to increase; +Lethe and Eunoe—the remembered dream + And the forgotten sorrow—bring at last + That perfect pardon which is perfect peace. + + +V + +I Lift mine eyes, and all the windows blaze + With forms of saints and holy men who died, + Here martyred and hereafter glorified; + And the great Rose upon its leaves displays +Christ’s Triumph, and the angelic roundelays, + With splendor upon splendor multiplied; + And Beatrice again at Dante’s side + No more rebukes, but smiles her words of praise. +And then the organ sounds, and unseen choirs + Sing the old Latin hymns of peace and love + And benedictions of the Holy Ghost; +And the melodious bells among the spires + O’er all the house-tops and through heaven above + Proclaim the elevation of the Host! + + +VI + +O star of morning and of liberty! + O bringer of the light, whose splendor shines + Above the darkness of the Apennines, + Forerunner of the day that is to be! +The voices of the city and the sea, + The voices of the mountains and the pines, + Repeat thy song, till the familiar lines + Are footpaths for the thought of Italy! +Thy fame is blown abroad from all the heights, + Through all the nations; and a sound is heard, + As of a mighty wind, and men devout, +Strangers of Rome, and the new proselytes, + In their own language hear thy wondrous word, + And many are amazed and many doubt. + + + + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE DIVINE COMEDY *** + +***** This file should be named 1003-0.txt or 1003-0.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/0/0/1003/ + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will +be renamed. + +Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright +law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, +so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the +United States without permission and without paying copyright +royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms +of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online +at <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you +are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the +country where you are located before using this eBook. +</div> +<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: The Divine Comedy<br /> +Paradise</div> +<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: Dante Alighieri</div> +<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Translator: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow</div> +<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'>Release Date: August, 1997 [eBook #1003]<br /> +[Most recently updated: April 8, 2021]</div> +<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'>Language: English</div> +<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'>Character set encoding: UTF-8</div> +<div style='display:block; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Produced by: Dennis McCarthy</div> +<div style='margin-top:2em;margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE DIVINE COMEDY ***</div> + +<h1>The Divine Comedy</h1> + +<h2 class="no-break">of Dante Alighieri</h2> + +<h3>Translated by<br />HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW<br /><br />PARADISO</h3> + +<hr /> + +<h2>Contents</h2> + +<table summary="" style=""> + +<tr> +<td><a href="#CantoIII.I">I. The Ascent to the First Heaven. The Sphere of Fire.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td><a href="#CantoIII.II">II. The First Heaven, the Moon: Spirits who, having taken Sacred Vows, were forced to violate them. The Lunar Spots.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td><a href="#CantoIII.III">III. Piccarda Donati and the Empress Constance.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td><a href="#CantoIII.IV">IV. Questionings of the Soul and of Broken Vows.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td><a href="#CantoIII.V">V. Discourse of Beatrice on Vows and Compensations. Ascent to the Second Heaven, Mercury: Spirits who for the Love of Fame achieved great Deeds.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td><a href="#CantoIII.VI">VI. Justinian. The Roman Eagle. The Empire. Romeo.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td><a href="#CantoIII.VII">VII. Beatrice’s Discourse of the Crucifixion, the Incarnation, the Immortality of the Soul, and the Resurrection of the Body.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td><a href="#CantoIII.VIII">VIII. Ascent to the Third Heaven, Venus: Lovers. Charles Martel. Discourse on diverse Natures.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td><a href="#CantoIII.IX">IX. Cunizza da Romano, Folco of Marseilles, and Rahab. Neglect of the Holy Land.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td><a href="#CantoIII.X">X. The Fourth Heaven, the Sun: Theologians and Fathers of the Church. The First Circle. St. Thomas of Aquinas.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td><a href="#CantoIII.XI">XI. St. Thomas recounts the Life of St. Francis. Lament over the State of the Dominican Order.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td><a href="#CantoIII.XII">XII. St. Buonaventura recounts the Life of St. Dominic. Lament over the State of the Franciscan Order. The Second Circle.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td><a href="#CantoIII.XIII">XIII. Of the Wisdom of Solomon. St. Thomas reproaches Dante’s Judgement.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td><a href="#CantoIII.XIV">XIV. The Third Circle. Discourse on the Resurrection of the Flesh. The Fifth Heaven, Mars: Martyrs and Crusaders who died fighting for the true Faith. The Celestial Cross.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td><a href="#CantoIII.XV">XV. Cacciaguida. Florence in the Olden Time.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td><a href="#CantoIII.XVI">XVI. Dante’s Noble Ancestry. Cacciaguida’s Discourse of the Great Florentines.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td><a href="#CantoIII.XVII">XVII. Cacciaguida’s Prophecy of Dante’s Banishment.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td><a href="#CantoIII.XVIII">XVIII. The Sixth Heaven, Jupiter: Righteous Kings and Rulers. The Celestial Eagle. Dante’s Invectives against ecclesiastical Avarice.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td><a href="#CantoIII.XIX">XIX. The Eagle discourses of Salvation, Faith, and Virtue. Condemnation of the vile Kings of A.D. 1300.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td><a href="#CantoIII.XX">XX. The Eagle praises the Righteous Kings of old. Benevolence of the Divine Will.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td><a href="#CantoIII.XXI">XXI. The Seventh Heaven, Saturn: The Contemplative. The Celestial Stairway. St. Peter Damiano. His Invectives against the Luxury of the Prelates.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td><a href="#CantoIII.XXII">XXII. St. Benedict. His Lamentation over the Corruption of Monks. The Eighth Heaven, the Fixed Stars.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td><a href="#CantoIII.XXIII">XXIII. The Triumph of Christ. The Virgin Mary. The Apostles. Gabriel.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td><a href="#CantoIII.XXIV">XXIV. The Radiant Wheel. St. Peter examines Dante on Faith.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td><a href="#CantoIII.XXV">XXV. The Laurel Crown. St. James examines Dante on Hope. Dante’s Blindness.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td><a href="#CantoIII.XXVI">XXVI. St. John examines Dante on Charity. Dante’s Sight. Adam.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td><a href="#CantoIII.XXVII">XXVII. St. Peter’s reproof of bad Popes. The Ascent to the Ninth Heaven, the ‘Primum Mobile.’</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td><a href="#CantoIII.XXVIII">XXVIII. God and the Angelic Hierarchies.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td><a href="#CantoIII.XXIX">XXIX. Beatrice’s Discourse of the Creation of the Angels, and of the Fall of Lucifer. Her Reproof of Foolish and Avaricious Preachers.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td><a href="#CantoIII.XXX">XXX. The Tenth Heaven, or Empyrean. The River of Light. The Two Courts of Heaven. The White Rose of Paradise. The great Throne.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td><a href="#CantoIII.XXXI">XXXI. The Glory of Paradise. Departure of Beatrice. St. Bernard.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td><a href="#CantoIII.XXXII">XXXII. St. Bernard points out the Saints in the White Rose.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td><a href="#CantoIII.XXXIII">XXXIII. Prayer to the Virgin. The Threefold Circle of the Trinity. Mystery of the Divine and Human Nature.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td><a href="#appendix">APPENDIX</a></td> +</tr> + +</table> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="CantoIII.I"></a>Paradiso: Canto I</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +The glory of Him who moveth everything<br /> + Doth penetrate the universe, and shine<br /> + In one part more and in another less. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Within that heaven which most his light receives<br /> + Was I, and things beheld which to repeat<br /> + Nor knows, nor can, who from above descends; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Because in drawing near to its desire<br /> + Our intellect ingulphs itself so far,<br /> + That after it the memory cannot go. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Truly whatever of the holy realm<br /> + I had the power to treasure in my mind<br /> + Shall now become the subject of my song. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +O good Apollo, for this last emprise<br /> + Make of me such a vessel of thy power<br /> + As giving the beloved laurel asks! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +One summit of Parnassus hitherto<br /> + Has been enough for me, but now with both<br /> + I needs must enter the arena left. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Enter into my bosom, thou, and breathe<br /> + As at the time when Marsyas thou didst draw<br /> + Out of the scabbard of those limbs of his. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +O power divine, lend’st thou thyself to me<br /> + So that the shadow of the blessed realm<br /> + Stamped in my brain I can make manifest, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thou’lt see me come unto thy darling tree,<br /> + And crown myself thereafter with those leaves<br /> + Of which the theme and thou shall make me worthy. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So seldom, Father, do we gather them<br /> + For triumph or of Caesar or of Poet,<br /> + (The fault and shame of human inclinations,) +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +That the Peneian foliage should bring forth<br /> + Joy to the joyous Delphic deity,<br /> + When any one it makes to thirst for it. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +A little spark is followed by great flame;<br /> + Perchance with better voices after me<br /> + Shall prayer be made that Cyrrha may respond! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +To mortal men by passages diverse<br /> + Uprises the world’s lamp; but by that one<br /> + Which circles four uniteth with three crosses, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +With better course and with a better star<br /> + Conjoined it issues, and the mundane wax<br /> + Tempers and stamps more after its own fashion. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Almost that passage had made morning there<br /> + And evening here, and there was wholly white<br /> + That hemisphere, and black the other part, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +When Beatrice towards the left-hand side<br /> + I saw turned round, and gazing at the sun;<br /> + Never did eagle fasten so upon it! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And even as a second ray is wont<br /> + To issue from the first and reascend,<br /> + Like to a pilgrim who would fain return, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thus of her action, through the eyes infused<br /> + In my imagination, mine I made,<br /> + And sunward fixed mine eyes beyond our wont. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +There much is lawful which is here unlawful<br /> + Unto our powers, by virtue of the place<br /> + Made for the human species as its own. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Not long I bore it, nor so little while<br /> + But I beheld it sparkle round about<br /> + Like iron that comes molten from the fire; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And suddenly it seemed that day to day<br /> + Was added, as if He who has the power<br /> + Had with another sun the heaven adorned. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +With eyes upon the everlasting wheels<br /> + Stood Beatrice all intent, and I, on her<br /> + Fixing my vision from above removed, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Such at her aspect inwardly became<br /> + As Glaucus, tasting of the herb that made him<br /> + Peer of the other gods beneath the sea. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +To represent transhumanise in words<br /> + Impossible were; the example, then, suffice<br /> + Him for whom Grace the experience reserves. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +If I was merely what of me thou newly<br /> + Createdst, Love who governest the heaven,<br /> + Thou knowest, who didst lift me with thy light! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +When now the wheel, which thou dost make eternal<br /> + Desiring thee, made me attentive to it<br /> + By harmony thou dost modulate and measure, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Then seemed to me so much of heaven enkindled<br /> + By the sun’s flame, that neither rain nor river<br /> + E’er made a lake so widely spread abroad. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The newness of the sound and the great light<br /> + Kindled in me a longing for their cause,<br /> + Never before with such acuteness felt; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Whence she, who saw me as I saw myself,<br /> + To quiet in me my perturbed mind,<br /> + Opened her mouth, ere I did mine to ask, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And she began: “Thou makest thyself so dull<br /> + With false imagining, that thou seest not<br /> + What thou wouldst see if thou hadst shaken it off. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thou art not upon earth, as thou believest;<br /> + But lightning, fleeing its appropriate site,<br /> + Ne’er ran as thou, who thitherward returnest.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +If of my former doubt I was divested<br /> + By these brief little words more smiled than spoken,<br /> + I in a new one was the more ensnared; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And said: “Already did I rest content<br /> + From great amazement; but am now amazed<br /> + In what way I transcend these bodies light.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Whereupon she, after a pitying sigh,<br /> + Her eyes directed tow’rds me with that look<br /> + A mother casts on a delirious child; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And she began: “All things whate’er they be<br /> + Have order among themselves, and this is form,<br /> + That makes the universe resemble God. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Here do the higher creatures see the footprints<br /> + Of the Eternal Power, which is the end<br /> + Whereto is made the law already mentioned. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +In the order that I speak of are inclined<br /> + All natures, by their destinies diverse,<br /> + More or less near unto their origin; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Hence they move onward unto ports diverse<br /> + O’er the great sea of being; and each one<br /> + With instinct given it which bears it on. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +This bears away the fire towards the moon;<br /> + This is in mortal hearts the motive power<br /> + This binds together and unites the earth. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Nor only the created things that are<br /> + Without intelligence this bow shoots forth,<br /> + But those that have both intellect and love. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The Providence that regulates all this<br /> + Makes with its light the heaven forever quiet,<br /> + Wherein that turns which has the greatest haste. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And thither now, as to a site decreed,<br /> + Bears us away the virtue of that cord<br /> + Which aims its arrows at a joyous mark. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +True is it, that as oftentimes the form<br /> + Accords not with the intention of the art,<br /> + Because in answering is matter deaf, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So likewise from this course doth deviate<br /> + Sometimes the creature, who the power possesses,<br /> + Though thus impelled, to swerve some other way, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +(In the same wise as one may see the fire<br /> + Fall from a cloud,) if the first impetus<br /> + Earthward is wrested by some false delight. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thou shouldst not wonder more, if well I judge,<br /> + At thine ascent, than at a rivulet<br /> + From some high mount descending to the lowland. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Marvel it would be in thee, if deprived<br /> + Of hindrance, thou wert seated down below,<br /> + As if on earth the living fire were quiet.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thereat she heavenward turned again her face. +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="CantoIII.II"></a>Paradiso: Canto II</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +O Ye, who in some pretty little boat,<br /> + Eager to listen, have been following<br /> + Behind my ship, that singing sails along, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Turn back to look again upon your shores;<br /> + Do not put out to sea, lest peradventure,<br /> + In losing me, you might yourselves be lost. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The sea I sail has never yet been passed;<br /> + Minerva breathes, and pilots me Apollo,<br /> + And Muses nine point out to me the Bears. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Ye other few who have the neck uplifted<br /> + Betimes to th’ bread of Angels upon which<br /> + One liveth here and grows not sated by it, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Well may you launch upon the deep salt-sea<br /> + Your vessel, keeping still my wake before you<br /> + Upon the water that grows smooth again. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Those glorious ones who unto Colchos passed<br /> + Were not so wonder-struck as you shall be,<br /> + When Jason they beheld a ploughman made! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The con-created and perpetual thirst<br /> + For the realm deiform did bear us on,<br /> + As swift almost as ye the heavens behold. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Upward gazed Beatrice, and I at her;<br /> + And in such space perchance as strikes a bolt<br /> + And flies, and from the notch unlocks itself, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Arrived I saw me where a wondrous thing<br /> + Drew to itself my sight; and therefore she<br /> + From whom no care of mine could be concealed, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Towards me turning, blithe as beautiful,<br /> + Said unto me: “Fix gratefully thy mind<br /> + On God, who unto the first star has brought us.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +It seemed to me a cloud encompassed us,<br /> + Luminous, dense, consolidate and bright<br /> + As adamant on which the sun is striking. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Into itself did the eternal pearl<br /> + Receive us, even as water doth receive<br /> + A ray of light, remaining still unbroken. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +If I was body, (and we here conceive not<br /> + How one dimension tolerates another,<br /> + Which needs must be if body enter body,) +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +More the desire should be enkindled in us<br /> + That essence to behold, wherein is seen<br /> + How God and our own nature were united. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +There will be seen what we receive by faith,<br /> + Not demonstrated, but self-evident<br /> + In guise of the first truth that man believes. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I made reply: “Madonna, as devoutly<br /> + As most I can do I give thanks to Him<br /> + Who has removed me from the mortal world. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But tell me what the dusky spots may be<br /> + Upon this body, which below on earth<br /> + Make people tell that fabulous tale of Cain?” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Somewhat she smiled; and then, “If the opinion<br /> + Of mortals be erroneous,” she said,<br /> + “Where’er the key of sense doth not unlock, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Certes, the shafts of wonder should not pierce thee<br /> + Now, forasmuch as, following the senses,<br /> + Thou seest that the reason has short wings. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But tell me what thou think’st of it thyself.”<br /> + And I: “What seems to us up here diverse,<br /> + Is caused, I think, by bodies rare and dense.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And she: “Right truly shalt thou see immersed<br /> + In error thy belief, if well thou hearest<br /> + The argument that I shall make against it. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Lights many the eighth sphere displays to you<br /> + Which in their quality and quantity<br /> + May noted be of aspects different. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +If this were caused by rare and dense alone,<br /> + One only virtue would there be in all<br /> + Or more or less diffused, or equally. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Virtues diverse must be perforce the fruits<br /> + Of formal principles; and these, save one,<br /> + Of course would by thy reasoning be destroyed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Besides, if rarity were of this dimness<br /> + The cause thou askest, either through and through<br /> + This planet thus attenuate were of matter, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Or else, as in a body is apportioned<br /> + The fat and lean, so in like manner this<br /> + Would in its volume interchange the leaves. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Were it the former, in the sun’s eclipse<br /> + It would be manifest by the shining through<br /> + Of light, as through aught tenuous interfused. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +This is not so; hence we must scan the other,<br /> + And if it chance the other I demolish,<br /> + Then falsified will thy opinion be. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But if this rarity go not through and through,<br /> + There needs must be a limit, beyond which<br /> + Its contrary prevents the further passing, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And thence the foreign radiance is reflected,<br /> + Even as a colour cometh back from glass,<br /> + The which behind itself concealeth lead. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Now thou wilt say the sunbeam shows itself<br /> + More dimly there than in the other parts,<br /> + By being there reflected farther back. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +From this reply experiment will free thee<br /> + If e’er thou try it, which is wont to be<br /> + The fountain to the rivers of your arts. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Three mirrors shalt thou take, and two remove<br /> + Alike from thee, the other more remote<br /> + Between the former two shall meet thine eyes. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Turned towards these, cause that behind thy back<br /> + Be placed a light, illuming the three mirrors<br /> + And coming back to thee by all reflected. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Though in its quantity be not so ample<br /> + The image most remote, there shalt thou see<br /> + How it perforce is equally resplendent. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Now, as beneath the touches of warm rays<br /> + Naked the subject of the snow remains<br /> + Both of its former colour and its cold, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thee thus remaining in thy intellect,<br /> + Will I inform with such a living light,<br /> + That it shall tremble in its aspect to thee. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Within the heaven of the divine repose<br /> + Revolves a body, in whose virtue lies<br /> + The being of whatever it contains. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The following heaven, that has so many eyes,<br /> + Divides this being by essences diverse,<br /> + Distinguished from it, and by it contained. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The other spheres, by various differences,<br /> + All the distinctions which they have within them<br /> + Dispose unto their ends and their effects. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thus do these organs of the world proceed,<br /> + As thou perceivest now, from grade to grade;<br /> + Since from above they take, and act beneath. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Observe me well, how through this place I come<br /> + Unto the truth thou wishest, that hereafter<br /> + Thou mayst alone know how to keep the ford +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The power and motion of the holy spheres,<br /> + As from the artisan the hammer’s craft,<br /> + Forth from the blessed motors must proceed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The heaven, which lights so manifold make fair,<br /> + From the Intelligence profound, which turns it,<br /> + The image takes, and makes of it a seal. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And even as the soul within your dust<br /> + Through members different and accommodated<br /> + To faculties diverse expands itself, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So likewise this Intelligence diffuses<br /> + Its virtue multiplied among the stars.<br /> + Itself revolving on its unity. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Virtue diverse doth a diverse alloyage<br /> + Make with the precious body that it quickens,<br /> + In which, as life in you, it is combined. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +From the glad nature whence it is derived,<br /> + The mingled virtue through the body shines,<br /> + Even as gladness through the living pupil. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +From this proceeds whate’er from light to light<br /> + Appeareth different, not from dense and rare:<br /> + This is the formal principle that produces, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +According to its goodness, dark and bright.” +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="CantoIII.III"></a>Paradiso: Canto III</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +That Sun, which erst with love my bosom warmed,<br /> + Of beauteous truth had unto me discovered,<br /> + By proving and reproving, the sweet aspect. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And, that I might confess myself convinced<br /> + And confident, so far as was befitting,<br /> + I lifted more erect my head to speak. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But there appeared a vision, which withdrew me<br /> + So close to it, in order to be seen,<br /> + That my confession I remembered not. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Such as through polished and transparent glass,<br /> + Or waters crystalline and undisturbed,<br /> + But not so deep as that their bed be lost, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Come back again the outlines of our faces<br /> + So feeble, that a pearl on forehead white<br /> + Comes not less speedily unto our eyes; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Such saw I many faces prompt to speak,<br /> + So that I ran in error opposite<br /> + To that which kindled love ’twixt man and fountain. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +As soon as I became aware of them,<br /> + Esteeming them as mirrored semblances,<br /> + To see of whom they were, mine eyes I turned, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And nothing saw, and once more turned them forward<br /> + Direct into the light of my sweet Guide,<br /> + Who smiling kindled in her holy eyes. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“Marvel thou not,” she said to me, “because<br /> + I smile at this thy puerile conceit,<br /> + Since on the truth it trusts not yet its foot, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But turns thee, as ’tis wont, on emptiness.<br /> + True substances are these which thou beholdest,<br /> + Here relegate for breaking of some vow. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Therefore speak with them, listen and believe;<br /> + For the true light, which giveth peace to them,<br /> + Permits them not to turn from it their feet.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And I unto the shade that seemed most wishful<br /> + To speak directed me, and I began,<br /> + As one whom too great eagerness bewilders: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“O well-created spirit, who in the rays<br /> + Of life eternal dost the sweetness taste<br /> + Which being untasted ne’er is comprehended, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Grateful ’twill be to me, if thou content me<br /> + Both with thy name and with your destiny.”<br /> + Whereat she promptly and with laughing eyes: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“Our charity doth never shut the doors<br /> + Against a just desire, except as one<br /> + Who wills that all her court be like herself. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I was a virgin sister in the world;<br /> + And if thy mind doth contemplate me well,<br /> + The being more fair will not conceal me from thee, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But thou shalt recognise I am Piccarda,<br /> + Who, stationed here among these other blessed,<br /> + Myself am blessed in the slowest sphere. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +All our affections, that alone inflamed<br /> + Are in the pleasure of the Holy Ghost,<br /> + Rejoice at being of his order formed; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And this allotment, which appears so low,<br /> + Therefore is given us, because our vows<br /> + Have been neglected and in some part void.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Whence I to her: “In your miraculous aspects<br /> + There shines I know not what of the divine,<br /> + Which doth transform you from our first conceptions. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Therefore I was not swift in my remembrance;<br /> + But what thou tellest me now aids me so,<br /> + That the refiguring is easier to me. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But tell me, ye who in this place are happy,<br /> + Are you desirous of a higher place,<br /> + To see more or to make yourselves more friends?” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +First with those other shades she smiled a little;<br /> + Thereafter answered me so full of gladness,<br /> + She seemed to burn in the first fire of love: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“Brother, our will is quieted by virtue<br /> + Of charity, that makes us wish alone<br /> + For what we have, nor gives us thirst for more. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +If to be more exalted we aspired,<br /> + Discordant would our aspirations be<br /> + Unto the will of Him who here secludes us; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Which thou shalt see finds no place in these circles,<br /> + If being in charity is needful here,<br /> + And if thou lookest well into its nature; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Nay, ’tis essential to this blest existence<br /> + To keep itself within the will divine,<br /> + Whereby our very wishes are made one; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So that, as we are station above station<br /> + Throughout this realm, to all the realm ’tis pleasing,<br /> + As to the King, who makes his will our will. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And his will is our peace; this is the sea<br /> + To which is moving onward whatsoever<br /> + It doth create, and all that nature makes.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Then it was clear to me how everywhere<br /> + In heaven is Paradise, although the grace<br /> + Of good supreme there rain not in one measure. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But as it comes to pass, if one food sates,<br /> + And for another still remains the longing,<br /> + We ask for this, and that decline with thanks, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +E’en thus did I; with gesture and with word,<br /> + To learn from her what was the web wherein<br /> + She did not ply the shuttle to the end. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“A perfect life and merit high in-heaven<br /> + A lady o’er us,” said she, “by whose rule<br /> + Down in your world they vest and veil themselves, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +That until death they may both watch and sleep<br /> + Beside that Spouse who every vow accepts<br /> + Which charity conformeth to his pleasure. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +To follow her, in girlhood from the world<br /> + I fled, and in her habit shut myself,<br /> + And pledged me to the pathway of her sect. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Then men accustomed unto evil more<br /> + Than unto good, from the sweet cloister tore me;<br /> + God knows what afterward my life became. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +This other splendour, which to thee reveals<br /> + Itself on my right side, and is enkindled<br /> + With all the illumination of our sphere, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +What of myself I say applies to her;<br /> + A nun was she, and likewise from her head<br /> + Was ta’en the shadow of the sacred wimple. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But when she too was to the world returned<br /> + Against her wishes and against good usage,<br /> + Of the heart’s veil she never was divested. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Of great Costanza this is the effulgence,<br /> + Who from the second wind of Suabia<br /> + Brought forth the third and latest puissance.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thus unto me she spake, and then began<br /> + “Ave Maria” singing, and in singing<br /> + Vanished, as through deep water something heavy. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +My sight, that followed her as long a time<br /> + As it was possible, when it had lost her<br /> + Turned round unto the mark of more desire, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And wholly unto Beatrice reverted;<br /> + But she such lightnings flashed into mine eyes,<br /> + That at the first my sight endured it not; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And this in questioning more backward made me. +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="CantoIII.IV"></a>Paradiso: Canto IV</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +Between two viands, equally removed<br /> + And tempting, a free man would die of hunger<br /> + Ere either he could bring unto his teeth. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So would a lamb between the ravenings<br /> + Of two fierce wolves stand fearing both alike;<br /> + And so would stand a dog between two does. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Hence, if I held my peace, myself I blame not,<br /> + Impelled in equal measure by my doubts,<br /> + Since it must be so, nor do I commend. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I held my peace; but my desire was painted<br /> + Upon my face, and questioning with that<br /> + More fervent far than by articulate speech. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Beatrice did as Daniel had done<br /> + Relieving Nebuchadnezzar from the wrath<br /> + Which rendered him unjustly merciless, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And said: “Well see I how attracteth thee<br /> + One and the other wish, so that thy care<br /> + Binds itself so that forth it does not breathe. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thou arguest, if good will be permanent,<br /> + The violence of others, for what reason<br /> + Doth it decrease the measure of my merit? +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Again for doubting furnish thee occasion<br /> + Souls seeming to return unto the stars,<br /> + According to the sentiment of Plato. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +These are the questions which upon thy wish<br /> + Are thrusting equally; and therefore first<br /> + Will I treat that which hath the most of gall. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +He of the Seraphim most absorbed in God,<br /> + Moses, and Samuel, and whichever John<br /> + Thou mayst select, I say, and even Mary, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Have not in any other heaven their seats,<br /> + Than have those spirits that just appeared to thee,<br /> + Nor of existence more or fewer years; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But all make beautiful the primal circle,<br /> + And have sweet life in different degrees,<br /> + By feeling more or less the eternal breath. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +They showed themselves here, not because allotted<br /> + This sphere has been to them, but to give sign<br /> + Of the celestial which is least exalted. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +To speak thus is adapted to your mind,<br /> + Since only through the sense it apprehendeth<br /> + What then it worthy makes of intellect. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +On this account the Scripture condescends<br /> + Unto your faculties, and feet and hands<br /> + To God attributes, and means something else; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And Holy Church under an aspect human<br /> + Gabriel and Michael represent to you,<br /> + And him who made Tobias whole again. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +That which Timaeus argues of the soul<br /> + Doth not resemble that which here is seen,<br /> + Because it seems that as he speaks he thinks. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +He says the soul unto its star returns,<br /> + Believing it to have been severed thence<br /> + Whenever nature gave it as a form. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Perhaps his doctrine is of other guise<br /> + Than the words sound, and possibly may be<br /> + With meaning that is not to be derided. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +If he doth mean that to these wheels return<br /> + The honour of their influence and the blame,<br /> + Perhaps his bow doth hit upon some truth. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +This principle ill understood once warped<br /> + The whole world nearly, till it went astray<br /> + Invoking Jove and Mercury and Mars. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The other doubt which doth disquiet thee<br /> + Less venom has, for its malevolence<br /> + Could never lead thee otherwhere from me. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +That as unjust our justice should appear<br /> + In eyes of mortals, is an argument<br /> + Of faith, and not of sin heretical. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But still, that your perception may be able<br /> + To thoroughly penetrate this verity,<br /> + As thou desirest, I will satisfy thee. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +If it be violence when he who suffers<br /> + Co-operates not with him who uses force,<br /> + These souls were not on that account excused; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +For will is never quenched unless it will,<br /> + But operates as nature doth in fire<br /> + If violence a thousand times distort it. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Hence, if it yieldeth more or less, it seconds<br /> + The force; and these have done so, having power<br /> + Of turning back unto the holy place. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +If their will had been perfect, like to that<br /> + Which Lawrence fast upon his gridiron held,<br /> + And Mutius made severe to his own hand, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +It would have urged them back along the road<br /> + Whence they were dragged, as soon as they were free;<br /> + But such a solid will is all too rare. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And by these words, if thou hast gathered them<br /> + As thou shouldst do, the argument is refuted<br /> + That would have still annoyed thee many times. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But now another passage runs across<br /> + Before thine eyes, and such that by thyself<br /> + Thou couldst not thread it ere thou wouldst be weary. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I have for certain put into thy mind<br /> + That soul beatified could never lie,<br /> + For it is near the primal Truth, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And then thou from Piccarda might’st have heard<br /> + Costanza kept affection for the veil,<br /> + So that she seemeth here to contradict me. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Many times, brother, has it come to pass,<br /> + That, to escape from peril, with reluctance<br /> + That has been done it was not right to do, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +E’en as Alcmaeon (who, being by his father<br /> + Thereto entreated, his own mother slew)<br /> + Not to lose pity pitiless became. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +At this point I desire thee to remember<br /> + That force with will commingles, and they cause<br /> + That the offences cannot be excused. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Will absolute consenteth not to evil;<br /> + But in so far consenteth as it fears,<br /> + If it refrain, to fall into more harm. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Hence when Piccarda uses this expression,<br /> + She meaneth the will absolute, and I<br /> + The other, so that both of us speak truth.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Such was the flowing of the holy river<br /> + That issued from the fount whence springs all truth;<br /> + This put to rest my wishes one and all. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“O love of the first lover, O divine,”<br /> + Said I forthwith, “whose speech inundates me<br /> + And warms me so, it more and more revives me, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +My own affection is not so profound<br /> + As to suffice in rendering grace for grace;<br /> + Let Him, who sees and can, thereto respond. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Well I perceive that never sated is<br /> + Our intellect unless the Truth illume it,<br /> + Beyond which nothing true expands itself. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +It rests therein, as wild beast in his lair,<br /> + When it attains it; and it can attain it;<br /> + If not, then each desire would frustrate be. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Therefore springs up, in fashion of a shoot,<br /> + Doubt at the foot of truth; and this is nature,<br /> + Which to the top from height to height impels us. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +This doth invite me, this assurance give me<br /> + With reverence, Lady, to inquire of you<br /> + Another truth, which is obscure to me. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I wish to know if man can satisfy you<br /> + For broken vows with other good deeds, so<br /> + That in your balance they will not be light.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Beatrice gazed upon me with her eyes<br /> + Full of the sparks of love, and so divine,<br /> + That, overcome my power, I turned my back +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And almost lost myself with eyes downcast. +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="CantoIII.V"></a>Paradiso: Canto V</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +“If in the heat of love I flame upon thee<br /> + Beyond the measure that on earth is seen,<br /> + So that the valour of thine eyes I vanquish, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Marvel thou not thereat; for this proceeds<br /> + From perfect sight, which as it apprehends<br /> + To the good apprehended moves its feet. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Well I perceive how is already shining<br /> + Into thine intellect the eternal light,<br /> + That only seen enkindles always love; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And if some other thing your love seduce,<br /> + ’Tis nothing but a vestige of the same,<br /> + Ill understood, which there is shining through. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thou fain wouldst know if with another service<br /> + For broken vow can such return be made<br /> + As to secure the soul from further claim.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +This Canto thus did Beatrice begin;<br /> + And, as a man who breaks not off his speech,<br /> + Continued thus her holy argument: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“The greatest gift that in his largess God<br /> + Creating made, and unto his own goodness<br /> + Nearest conformed, and that which he doth prize +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Most highly, is the freedom of the will,<br /> + Wherewith the creatures of intelligence<br /> + Both all and only were and are endowed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Now wilt thou see, if thence thou reasonest,<br /> + The high worth of a vow, if it he made<br /> + So that when thou consentest God consents: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +For, closing between God and man the compact,<br /> + A sacrifice is of this treasure made,<br /> + Such as I say, and made by its own act. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +What can be rendered then as compensation?<br /> + Think’st thou to make good use of what thou’st offered,<br /> + With gains ill gotten thou wouldst do good deed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Now art thou certain of the greater point;<br /> + But because Holy Church in this dispenses,<br /> + Which seems against the truth which I have shown thee, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Behoves thee still to sit awhile at table,<br /> + Because the solid food which thou hast taken<br /> + Requireth further aid for thy digestion. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Open thy mind to that which I reveal,<br /> + And fix it there within; for ’tis not knowledge,<br /> + The having heard without retaining it. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +In the essence of this sacrifice two things<br /> + Convene together; and the one is that<br /> + Of which ’tis made, the other is the agreement. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +This last for evermore is cancelled not<br /> + Unless complied with, and concerning this<br /> + With such precision has above been spoken. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Therefore it was enjoined upon the Hebrews<br /> + To offer still, though sometimes what was offered<br /> + Might be commuted, as thou ought’st to know. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The other, which is known to thee as matter,<br /> + May well indeed be such that one errs not<br /> + If it for other matter be exchanged. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But let none shift the burden on his shoulder<br /> + At his arbitrament, without the turning<br /> + Both of the white and of the yellow key; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And every permutation deem as foolish,<br /> + If in the substitute the thing relinquished,<br /> + As the four is in six, be not contained. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Therefore whatever thing has so great weight<br /> + In value that it drags down every balance,<br /> + Cannot be satisfied with other spending. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Let mortals never take a vow in jest;<br /> + Be faithful and not blind in doing that,<br /> + As Jephthah was in his first offering, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Whom more beseemed to say, ‘I have done wrong,<br /> + Than to do worse by keeping; and as foolish<br /> + Thou the great leader of the Greeks wilt find, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Whence wept Iphigenia her fair face,<br /> + And made for her both wise and simple weep,<br /> + Who heard such kind of worship spoken of.’ +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Christians, be ye more serious in your movements;<br /> + Be ye not like a feather at each wind,<br /> + And think not every water washes you. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Ye have the Old and the New Testament,<br /> + And the Pastor of the Church who guideth you<br /> + Let this suffice you unto your salvation. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +If evil appetite cry aught else to you,<br /> + Be ye as men, and not as silly sheep,<br /> + So that the Jew among you may not mock you. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Be ye not as the lamb that doth abandon<br /> + Its mother’s milk, and frolicsome and simple<br /> + Combats at its own pleasure with itself.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thus Beatrice to me even as I write it;<br /> + Then all desireful turned herself again<br /> + To that part where the world is most alive. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Her silence and her change of countenance<br /> + Silence imposed upon my eager mind,<br /> + That had already in advance new questions; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And as an arrow that upon the mark<br /> + Strikes ere the bowstring quiet hath become,<br /> + So did we speed into the second realm. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +My Lady there so joyful I beheld,<br /> + As into the brightness of that heaven she entered,<br /> + More luminous thereat the planet grew; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And if the star itself was changed and smiled,<br /> + What became I, who by my nature am<br /> + Exceeding mutable in every guise! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +As, in a fish-pond which is pure and tranquil,<br /> + The fishes draw to that which from without<br /> + Comes in such fashion that their food they deem it; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So I beheld more than a thousand splendours<br /> + Drawing towards us, and in each was heard:<br /> + “Lo, this is she who shall increase our love.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And as each one was coming unto us,<br /> + Full of beatitude the shade was seen,<br /> + By the effulgence clear that issued from it. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Think, Reader, if what here is just beginning<br /> + No farther should proceed, how thou wouldst have<br /> + An agonizing need of knowing more; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And of thyself thou’lt see how I from these<br /> + Was in desire of hearing their conditions,<br /> + As they unto mine eyes were manifest. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“O thou well-born, unto whom Grace concedes<br /> + To see the thrones of the eternal triumph,<br /> + Or ever yet the warfare be abandoned +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +With light that through the whole of heaven is spread<br /> + Kindled are we, and hence if thou desirest<br /> + To know of us, at thine own pleasure sate thee.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thus by some one among those holy spirits<br /> + Was spoken, and by Beatrice: “Speak, speak<br /> + Securely, and believe them even as Gods.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“Well I perceive how thou dost nest thyself<br /> + In thine own light, and drawest it from thine eyes,<br /> + Because they coruscate when thou dost smile, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But know not who thou art, nor why thou hast,<br /> + Spirit august, thy station in the sphere<br /> + That veils itself to men in alien rays.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +This said I in direction of the light<br /> + Which first had spoken to me; whence it became<br /> + By far more lucent than it was before. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Even as the sun, that doth conceal himself<br /> + By too much light, when heat has worn away<br /> + The tempering influence of the vapours dense, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +By greater rapture thus concealed itself<br /> + In its own radiance the figure saintly,<br /> + And thus close, close enfolded answered me +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +In fashion as the following Canto sings. +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="CantoIII.VI"></a>Paradiso: Canto VI</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +“After that Constantine the eagle turned<br /> + Against the course of heaven, which it had followed<br /> + Behind the ancient who Lavinia took, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Two hundred years and more the bird of God<br /> + In the extreme of Europe held itself,<br /> + Near to the mountains whence it issued first; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And under shadow of the sacred plumes<br /> + It governed there the world from hand to hand,<br /> + And, changing thus, upon mine own alighted. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Caesar I was, and am Justinian,<br /> + Who, by the will of primal Love I feel,<br /> + Took from the laws the useless and redundant; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And ere unto the work I was attent,<br /> + One nature to exist in Christ, not more,<br /> + Believed, and with such faith was I contented. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But blessed Agapetus, he who was<br /> + The supreme pastor, to the faith sincere<br /> + Pointed me out the way by words of his. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Him I believed, and what was his assertion<br /> + I now see clearly, even as thou seest<br /> + Each contradiction to be false and true. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +As soon as with the Church I moved my feet,<br /> + God in his grace it pleased with this high task<br /> + To inspire me, and I gave me wholly to it, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And to my Belisarius I commended<br /> + The arms, to which was heaven’s right hand so joined<br /> + It was a signal that I should repose. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Now here to the first question terminates<br /> + My answer; but the character thereof<br /> + Constrains me to continue with a sequel, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +In order that thou see with how great reason<br /> + Men move against the standard sacrosanct,<br /> + Both who appropriate and who oppose it. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Behold how great a power has made it worthy<br /> + Of reverence, beginning from the hour<br /> + When Pallas died to give it sovereignty. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thou knowest it made in Alba its abode<br /> + Three hundred years and upward, till at last<br /> + The three to three fought for it yet again. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thou knowest what it achieved from Sabine wrong<br /> + Down to Lucretia’s sorrow, in seven kings<br /> + O’ercoming round about the neighboring nations; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thou knowest what it achieved, borne by the Romans<br /> + Illustrious against Brennus, against Pyrrhus,<br /> + Against the other princes and confederates. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Torquatus thence and Quinctius, who from locks<br /> + Unkempt was named, Decii and Fabii,<br /> + Received the fame I willingly embalm; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +It struck to earth the pride of the Arabians,<br /> + Who, following Hannibal, had passed across<br /> + The Alpine ridges, Po, from which thou glidest; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Beneath it triumphed while they yet were young<br /> + Pompey and Scipio, and to the hill<br /> + Beneath which thou wast born it bitter seemed; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Then, near unto the time when heaven had willed<br /> + To bring the whole world to its mood serene,<br /> + Did Caesar by the will of Rome assume it. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +What it achieved from Var unto the Rhine,<br /> + Isere beheld and Saone, beheld the Seine,<br /> + And every valley whence the Rhone is filled; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +What it achieved when it had left Ravenna,<br /> + And leaped the Rubicon, was such a flight<br /> + That neither tongue nor pen could follow it. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Round towards Spain it wheeled its legions; then<br /> + Towards Durazzo, and Pharsalia smote<br /> + That to the calid Nile was felt the pain. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Antandros and the Simois, whence it started,<br /> + It saw again, and there where Hector lies,<br /> + And ill for Ptolemy then roused itself. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +From thence it came like lightning upon Juba;<br /> + Then wheeled itself again into your West,<br /> + Where the Pompeian clarion it heard. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +From what it wrought with the next standard-bearer<br /> + Brutus and Cassius howl in Hell together,<br /> + And Modena and Perugia dolent were; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Still doth the mournful Cleopatra weep<br /> + Because thereof, who, fleeing from before it,<br /> + Took from the adder sudden and black death. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +With him it ran even to the Red Sea shore;<br /> + With him it placed the world in so great peace,<br /> + That unto Janus was his temple closed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But what the standard that has made me speak<br /> + Achieved before, and after should achieve<br /> + Throughout the mortal realm that lies beneath it, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Becometh in appearance mean and dim,<br /> + If in the hand of the third Caesar seen<br /> + With eye unclouded and affection pure, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Because the living Justice that inspires me<br /> + Granted it, in the hand of him I speak of,<br /> + The glory of doing vengeance for its wrath. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Now here attend to what I answer thee;<br /> + Later it ran with Titus to do vengeance<br /> + Upon the vengeance of the ancient sin. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And when the tooth of Lombardy had bitten<br /> + The Holy Church, then underneath its wings<br /> + Did Charlemagne victorious succor her. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Now hast thou power to judge of such as those<br /> + Whom I accused above, and of their crimes,<br /> + Which are the cause of all your miseries. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +To the public standard one the yellow lilies<br /> + Opposes, the other claims it for a party,<br /> + So that ’tis hard to see which sins the most. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Let, let the Ghibellines ply their handicraft<br /> + Beneath some other standard; for this ever<br /> + Ill follows he who it and justice parts. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And let not this new Charles e’er strike it down,<br /> + He and his Guelfs, but let him fear the talons<br /> + That from a nobler lion stripped the fell. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Already oftentimes the sons have wept<br /> + The father’s crime; and let him not believe<br /> + That God will change His scutcheon for the lilies. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +This little planet doth adorn itself<br /> + With the good spirits that have active been,<br /> + That fame and honour might come after them; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And whensoever the desires mount thither,<br /> + Thus deviating, must perforce the rays<br /> + Of the true love less vividly mount upward. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But in commensuration of our wages<br /> + With our desert is portion of our joy,<br /> + Because we see them neither less nor greater. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Herein doth living Justice sweeten so<br /> + Affection in us, that for evermore<br /> + It cannot warp to any iniquity. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Voices diverse make up sweet melodies;<br /> + So in this life of ours the seats diverse<br /> + Render sweet harmony among these spheres; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And in the compass of this present pearl<br /> + Shineth the sheen of Romeo, of whom<br /> + The grand and beauteous work was ill rewarded. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But the Provencals who against him wrought,<br /> + They have not laughed, and therefore ill goes he<br /> + Who makes his hurt of the good deeds of others. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Four daughters, and each one of them a queen,<br /> + Had Raymond Berenger, and this for him<br /> + Did Romeo, a poor man and a pilgrim; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And then malicious words incited him<br /> + To summon to a reckoning this just man,<br /> + Who rendered to him seven and five for ten. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Then he departed poor and stricken in years,<br /> + And if the world could know the heart he had,<br /> + In begging bit by bit his livelihood, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Though much it laud him, it would laud him more.” +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="CantoIII.VII"></a>Paradiso: Canto VII</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +“Osanna sanctus Deus Sabaoth,<br /> + Superillustrans claritate tua<br /> + Felices ignes horum malahoth!” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +In this wise, to his melody returning,<br /> + This substance, upon which a double light<br /> + Doubles itself, was seen by me to sing, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And to their dance this and the others moved,<br /> + And in the manner of swift-hurrying sparks<br /> + Veiled themselves from me with a sudden distance. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Doubting was I, and saying, “Tell her, tell her,”<br /> + Within me, “tell her,” saying, “tell my Lady,”<br /> + Who slakes my thirst with her sweet effluences; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And yet that reverence which doth lord it over<br /> + The whole of me only by B and ICE,<br /> + Bowed me again like unto one who drowses. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Short while did Beatrice endure me thus;<br /> + And she began, lighting me with a smile<br /> + Such as would make one happy in the fire: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“According to infallible advisement,<br /> + After what manner a just vengeance justly<br /> + Could be avenged has put thee upon thinking, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But I will speedily thy mind unloose;<br /> + And do thou listen, for these words of mine<br /> + Of a great doctrine will a present make thee. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +By not enduring on the power that wills<br /> + Curb for his good, that man who ne’er was born,<br /> + Damning himself damned all his progeny; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Whereby the human species down below<br /> + Lay sick for many centuries in great error,<br /> + Till to descend it pleased the Word of God +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +To where the nature, which from its own Maker<br /> + Estranged itself, he joined to him in person<br /> + By the sole act of his eternal love. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Now unto what is said direct thy sight;<br /> + This nature when united to its Maker,<br /> + Such as created, was sincere and good; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But by itself alone was banished forth<br /> + From Paradise, because it turned aside<br /> + Out of the way of truth and of its life. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Therefore the penalty the cross held out,<br /> + If measured by the nature thus assumed,<br /> + None ever yet with so great justice stung, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And none was ever of so great injustice,<br /> + Considering who the Person was that suffered,<br /> + Within whom such a nature was contracted. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +From one act therefore issued things diverse;<br /> + To God and to the Jews one death was pleasing;<br /> + Earth trembled at it and the Heaven was opened. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +It should no longer now seem difficult<br /> + To thee, when it is said that a just vengeance<br /> + By a just court was afterward avenged. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But now do I behold thy mind entangled<br /> + From thought to thought within a knot, from which<br /> + With great desire it waits to free itself. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thou sayest, ‘Well discern I what I hear;<br /> + But it is hidden from me why God willed<br /> + For our redemption only this one mode.’ +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Buried remaineth, brother, this decree<br /> + Unto the eyes of every one whose nature<br /> + Is in the flame of love not yet adult. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Verily, inasmuch as at this mark<br /> + One gazes long and little is discerned,<br /> + Wherefore this mode was worthiest will I say. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Goodness Divine, which from itself doth spurn<br /> + All envy, burning in itself so sparkles<br /> + That the eternal beauties it unfolds. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Whate’er from this immediately distils<br /> + Has afterwards no end, for ne’er removed<br /> + Is its impression when it sets its seal. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Whate’er from this immediately rains down<br /> + Is wholly free, because it is not subject<br /> + Unto the influences of novel things. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The more conformed thereto, the more it pleases;<br /> + For the blest ardour that irradiates all things<br /> + In that most like itself is most vivacious. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +With all of these things has advantaged been<br /> + The human creature; and if one be wanting,<br /> + From his nobility he needs must fall. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +’Tis sin alone which doth disfranchise him,<br /> + And render him unlike the Good Supreme,<br /> + So that he little with its light is blanched, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And to his dignity no more returns,<br /> + Unless he fill up where transgression empties<br /> + With righteous pains for criminal delights. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Your nature when it sinned so utterly<br /> + In its own seed, out of these dignities<br /> + Even as out of Paradise was driven, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Nor could itself recover, if thou notest<br /> + With nicest subtilty, by any way,<br /> + Except by passing one of these two fords: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Either that God through clemency alone<br /> + Had pardon granted, or that man himself<br /> + Had satisfaction for his folly made. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Fix now thine eye deep into the abyss<br /> + Of the eternal counsel, to my speech<br /> + As far as may be fastened steadfastly! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Man in his limitations had not power<br /> + To satisfy, not having power to sink<br /> + In his humility obeying then, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Far as he disobeying thought to rise;<br /> + And for this reason man has been from power<br /> + Of satisfying by himself excluded. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Therefore it God behoved in his own ways<br /> + Man to restore unto his perfect life,<br /> + I say in one, or else in both of them. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But since the action of the doer is<br /> + So much more grateful, as it more presents<br /> + The goodness of the heart from which it issues, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Goodness Divine, that doth imprint the world,<br /> + Has been contented to proceed by each<br /> + And all its ways to lift you up again; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Nor ’twixt the first day and the final night<br /> + Such high and such magnificent proceeding<br /> + By one or by the other was or shall be; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +For God more bounteous was himself to give<br /> + To make man able to uplift himself,<br /> + Than if he only of himself had pardoned; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And all the other modes were insufficient<br /> + For justice, were it not the Son of God<br /> + Himself had humbled to become incarnate. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Now, to fill fully each desire of thine,<br /> + Return I to elucidate one place,<br /> + In order that thou there mayst see as I do. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thou sayst: ‘I see the air, I see the fire,<br /> + The water, and the earth, and all their mixtures<br /> + Come to corruption, and short while endure; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And these things notwithstanding were created;’<br /> + Therefore if that which I have said were true,<br /> + They should have been secure against corruption. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The Angels, brother, and the land sincere<br /> + In which thou art, created may be called<br /> + Just as they are in their entire existence; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But all the elements which thou hast named,<br /> + And all those things which out of them are made,<br /> + By a created virtue are informed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Created was the matter which they have;<br /> + Created was the informing influence<br /> + Within these stars that round about them go. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The soul of every brute and of the plants<br /> + By its potential temperament attracts<br /> + The ray and motion of the holy lights; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But your own life immediately inspires<br /> + Supreme Beneficence, and enamours it<br /> + So with herself, it evermore desires her. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And thou from this mayst argue furthermore<br /> + Your resurrection, if thou think again<br /> + How human flesh was fashioned at that time +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +When the first parents both of them were made.” +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="CantoIII.VIII"></a>Paradiso: Canto VIII</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +The world used in its peril to believe<br /> + That the fair Cypria delirious love<br /> + Rayed out, in the third epicycle turning; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Wherefore not only unto her paid honour<br /> + Of sacrifices and of votive cry<br /> + The ancient nations in the ancient error, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But both Dione honoured they and Cupid,<br /> + That as her mother, this one as her son,<br /> + And said that he had sat in Dido’s lap; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And they from her, whence I beginning take,<br /> + Took the denomination of the star<br /> + That woos the sun, now following, now in front. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I was not ware of our ascending to it;<br /> + But of our being in it gave full faith<br /> + My Lady whom I saw more beauteous grow. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And as within a flame a spark is seen,<br /> + And as within a voice a voice discerned,<br /> + When one is steadfast, and one comes and goes, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Within that light beheld I other lamps<br /> + Move in a circle, speeding more and less,<br /> + Methinks in measure of their inward vision. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +From a cold cloud descended never winds,<br /> + Or visible or not, so rapidly<br /> + They would not laggard and impeded seem +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +To any one who had those lights divine<br /> + Seen come towards us, leaving the gyration<br /> + Begun at first in the high Seraphim. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And behind those that most in front appeared<br /> + Sounded “Osanna!” so that never since<br /> + To hear again was I without desire. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Then unto us more nearly one approached,<br /> + And it alone began: “We all are ready<br /> + Unto thy pleasure, that thou joy in us. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +We turn around with the celestial Princes,<br /> + One gyre and one gyration and one thirst,<br /> + To whom thou in the world of old didst say, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +‘Ye who, intelligent, the third heaven are moving;’<br /> + And are so full of love, to pleasure thee<br /> + A little quiet will not be less sweet.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +After these eyes of mine themselves had offered<br /> + Unto my Lady reverently, and she<br /> + Content and certain of herself had made them, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Back to the light they turned, which so great promise<br /> + Made of itself, and “Say, who art thou?” was<br /> + My voice, imprinted with a great affection. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +O how and how much I beheld it grow<br /> + With the new joy that superadded was<br /> + Unto its joys, as soon as I had spoken! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thus changed, it said to me: “The world possessed me<br /> + Short time below; and, if it had been more,<br /> + Much evil will be which would not have been. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +My gladness keepeth me concealed from thee,<br /> + Which rayeth round about me, and doth hide me<br /> + Like as a creature swathed in its own silk. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Much didst thou love me, and thou hadst good reason;<br /> + For had I been below, I should have shown thee<br /> + Somewhat beyond the foliage of my love. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +That left-hand margin, which doth bathe itself<br /> + In Rhone, when it is mingled with the Sorgue,<br /> + Me for its lord awaited in due time, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And that horn of Ausonia, which is towned<br /> + With Bari, with Gaeta and Catona,<br /> + Whence Tronto and Verde in the sea disgorge. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Already flashed upon my brow the crown<br /> + Of that dominion which the Danube waters<br /> + After the German borders it abandons; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And beautiful Trinacria, that is murky<br /> + ’Twixt Pachino and Peloro, (on the gulf<br /> + Which greatest scath from Eurus doth receive,) +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Not through Typhoeus, but through nascent sulphur,<br /> + Would have awaited her own monarchs still,<br /> + Through me from Charles descended and from Rudolph, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +If evil lordship, that exasperates ever<br /> + The subject populations, had not moved<br /> + Palermo to the outcry of ‘Death! death!’ +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And if my brother could but this foresee,<br /> + The greedy poverty of Catalonia<br /> + Straight would he flee, that it might not molest him; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +For verily ’tis needful to provide,<br /> + Through him or other, so that on his bark<br /> + Already freighted no more freight be placed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +His nature, which from liberal covetous<br /> + Descended, such a soldiery would need<br /> + As should not care for hoarding in a chest.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“Because I do believe the lofty joy<br /> + Thy speech infuses into me, my Lord,<br /> + Where every good thing doth begin and end +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thou seest as I see it, the more grateful<br /> + Is it to me; and this too hold I dear,<br /> + That gazing upon God thou dost discern it. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Glad hast thou made me; so make clear to me,<br /> + Since speaking thou hast stirred me up to doubt,<br /> + How from sweet seed can bitter issue forth.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +This I to him; and he to me: “If I<br /> + Can show to thee a truth, to what thou askest<br /> + Thy face thou’lt hold as thou dost hold thy back. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The Good which all the realm thou art ascending<br /> + Turns and contents, maketh its providence<br /> + To be a power within these bodies vast; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And not alone the natures are foreseen<br /> + Within the mind that in itself is perfect,<br /> + But they together with their preservation. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +For whatsoever thing this bow shoots forth<br /> + Falls foreordained unto an end foreseen,<br /> + Even as a shaft directed to its mark. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +If that were not, the heaven which thou dost walk<br /> + Would in such manner its effects produce,<br /> + That they no longer would be arts, but ruins. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +This cannot be, if the Intelligences<br /> + That keep these stars in motion are not maimed,<br /> + And maimed the First that has not made them perfect. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Wilt thou this truth have clearer made to thee?”<br /> + And I: “Not so; for ’tis impossible<br /> + That nature tire, I see, in what is needful.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Whence he again: “Now say, would it be worse<br /> + For men on earth were they not citizens?”<br /> + “Yes,” I replied; “and here I ask no reason.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“And can they be so, if below they live not<br /> + Diversely unto offices diverse?<br /> + No, if your master writeth well for you.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So came he with deductions to this point;<br /> + Then he concluded: “Therefore it behoves<br /> + The roots of your effects to be diverse. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Hence one is Solon born, another Xerxes,<br /> + Another Melchisedec, and another he<br /> + Who, flying through the air, his son did lose. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Revolving Nature, which a signet is<br /> + To mortal wax, doth practise well her art,<br /> + But not one inn distinguish from another; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thence happens it that Esau differeth<br /> + In seed from Jacob; and Quirinus comes<br /> + From sire so vile that he is given to Mars. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +A generated nature its own way<br /> + Would always make like its progenitors,<br /> + If Providence divine were not triumphant. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Now that which was behind thee is before thee;<br /> + But that thou know that I with thee am pleased,<br /> + With a corollary will I mantle thee. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Evermore nature, if it fortune find<br /> + Discordant to it, like each other seed<br /> + Out of its region, maketh evil thrift; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And if the world below would fix its mind<br /> + On the foundation which is laid by nature,<br /> + Pursuing that, ’twould have the people good. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But you unto religion wrench aside<br /> + Him who was born to gird him with the sword,<br /> + And make a king of him who is for sermons; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Therefore your footsteps wander from the road.” +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="CantoIII.IX"></a>Paradiso: Canto IX</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +Beautiful Clemence, after that thy Charles<br /> + Had me enlightened, he narrated to me<br /> + The treacheries his seed should undergo; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But said: “Be still and let the years roll round;”<br /> + So I can only say, that lamentation<br /> + Legitimate shall follow on your wrongs. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And of that holy light the life already<br /> + Had to the Sun which fills it turned again,<br /> + As to that good which for each thing sufficeth. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Ah, souls deceived, and creatures impious,<br /> + Who from such good do turn away your hearts,<br /> + Directing upon vanity your foreheads! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And now, behold, another of those splendours<br /> + Approached me, and its will to pleasure me<br /> + It signified by brightening outwardly. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The eyes of Beatrice, that fastened were<br /> + Upon me, as before, of dear assent<br /> + To my desire assurance gave to me. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“Ah, bring swift compensation to my wish,<br /> + Thou blessed spirit,” I said, “and give me proof<br /> + That what I think in thee I can reflect!” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Whereat the light, that still was new to me,<br /> + Out of its depths, whence it before was singing,<br /> + As one delighted to do good, continued: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“Within that region of the land depraved<br /> + Of Italy, that lies between Rialto<br /> + And fountain-heads of Brenta and of Piava, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Rises a hill, and mounts not very high,<br /> + Wherefrom descended formerly a torch<br /> + That made upon that region great assault. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Out of one root were born both I and it;<br /> + Cunizza was I called, and here I shine<br /> + Because the splendour of this star o’ercame me. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But gladly to myself the cause I pardon<br /> + Of my allotment, and it does not grieve me;<br /> + Which would perhaps seem strong unto your vulgar. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Of this so luculent and precious jewel,<br /> + Which of our heaven is nearest unto me,<br /> + Great fame remained; and ere it die away +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +This hundredth year shall yet quintupled be.<br /> + See if man ought to make him excellent,<br /> + So that another life the first may leave! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And thus thinks not the present multitude<br /> + Shut in by Adige and Tagliamento,<br /> + Nor yet for being scourged is penitent. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But soon ’twill be that Padua in the marsh<br /> + Will change the water that Vicenza bathes,<br /> + Because the folk are stubborn against duty; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And where the Sile and Cagnano join<br /> + One lordeth it, and goes with lofty head,<br /> + For catching whom e’en now the net is making. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Feltro moreover of her impious pastor<br /> + Shall weep the crime, which shall so monstrous be<br /> + That for the like none ever entered Malta. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Ample exceedingly would be the vat<br /> + That of the Ferrarese could hold the blood,<br /> + And weary who should weigh it ounce by ounce, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Of which this courteous priest shall make a gift<br /> + To show himself a partisan; and such gifts<br /> + Will to the living of the land conform. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Above us there are mirrors, Thrones you call them,<br /> + From which shines out on us God Judicant,<br /> + So that this utterance seems good to us.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Here it was silent, and it had the semblance<br /> + Of being turned elsewhither, by the wheel<br /> + On which it entered as it was before. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The other joy, already known to me,<br /> + Became a thing transplendent in my sight,<br /> + As a fine ruby smitten by the sun. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Through joy effulgence is acquired above,<br /> + As here a smile; but down below, the shade<br /> + Outwardly darkens, as the mind is sad. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“God seeth all things, and in Him, blest spirit,<br /> + Thy sight is,” said I, “so that never will<br /> + Of his can possibly from thee be hidden; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thy voice, then, that for ever makes the heavens<br /> + Glad, with the singing of those holy fires<br /> + Which of their six wings make themselves a cowl, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Wherefore does it not satisfy my longings?<br /> + Indeed, I would not wait thy questioning<br /> + If I in thee were as thou art in me.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“The greatest of the valleys where the water<br /> + Expands itself,” forthwith its words began,<br /> + “That sea excepted which the earth engarlands, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Between discordant shores against the sun<br /> + Extends so far, that it meridian makes<br /> + Where it was wont before to make the horizon. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I was a dweller on that valley’s shore<br /> + ’Twixt Ebro and Magra that with journey short<br /> + Doth from the Tuscan part the Genoese. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +With the same sunset and same sunrise nearly<br /> + Sit Buggia and the city whence I was,<br /> + That with its blood once made the harbour hot. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Folco that people called me unto whom<br /> + My name was known; and now with me this heaven<br /> + Imprints itself, as I did once with it; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +For more the daughter of Belus never burned,<br /> + Offending both Sichaeus and Creusa,<br /> + Than I, so long as it became my locks, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Nor yet that Rodophean, who deluded<br /> + was by Demophoon, nor yet Alcides,<br /> + When Iole he in his heart had locked. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Yet here is no repenting, but we smile,<br /> + Not at the fault, which comes not back to mind,<br /> + But at the power which ordered and foresaw. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Here we behold the art that doth adorn<br /> + With such affection, and the good discover<br /> + Whereby the world above turns that below. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But that thou wholly satisfied mayst bear<br /> + Thy wishes hence which in this sphere are born,<br /> + Still farther to proceed behoveth me. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thou fain wouldst know who is within this light<br /> + That here beside me thus is scintillating,<br /> + Even as a sunbeam in the limpid water. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Then know thou, that within there is at rest<br /> + Rahab, and being to our order joined,<br /> + With her in its supremest grade ’tis sealed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Into this heaven, where ends the shadowy cone<br /> + Cast by your world, before all other souls<br /> + First of Christ’s triumph was she taken up. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Full meet it was to leave her in some heaven,<br /> + Even as a palm of the high victory<br /> + Which he acquired with one palm and the other, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Because she favoured the first glorious deed<br /> + Of Joshua upon the Holy Land,<br /> + That little stirs the memory of the Pope. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thy city, which an offshoot is of him<br /> + Who first upon his Maker turned his back,<br /> + And whose ambition is so sorely wept, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Brings forth and scatters the accursed flower<br /> + Which both the sheep and lambs hath led astray<br /> + Since it has turned the shepherd to a wolf. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +For this the Evangel and the mighty Doctors<br /> + Are derelict, and only the Decretals<br /> + So studied that it shows upon their margins. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +On this are Pope and Cardinals intent;<br /> + Their meditations reach not Nazareth,<br /> + There where his pinions Gabriel unfolded; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But Vatican and the other parts elect<br /> + Of Rome, which have a cemetery been<br /> + Unto the soldiery that followed Peter +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Shall soon be free from this adultery.” +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="CantoIII.X"></a>Paradiso: Canto X</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +Looking into his Son with all the Love<br /> + Which each of them eternally breathes forth,<br /> + The Primal and unutterable Power +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Whate’er before the mind or eye revolves<br /> + With so much order made, there can be none<br /> + Who this beholds without enjoying Him. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Lift up then, Reader, to the lofty wheels<br /> + With me thy vision straight unto that part<br /> + Where the one motion on the other strikes, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And there begin to contemplate with joy<br /> + That Master’s art, who in himself so loves it<br /> + That never doth his eye depart therefrom. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Behold how from that point goes branching off<br /> + The oblique circle, which conveys the planets,<br /> + To satisfy the world that calls upon them; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And if their pathway were not thus inflected,<br /> + Much virtue in the heavens would be in vain,<br /> + And almost every power below here dead. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +If from the straight line distant more or less<br /> + Were the departure, much would wanting be<br /> + Above and underneath of mundane order. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Remain now, Reader, still upon thy bench,<br /> + In thought pursuing that which is foretasted,<br /> + If thou wouldst jocund be instead of weary. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I’ve set before thee; henceforth feed thyself,<br /> + For to itself diverteth all my care<br /> + That theme whereof I have been made the scribe. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The greatest of the ministers of nature,<br /> + Who with the power of heaven the world imprints<br /> + And measures with his light the time for us, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +With that part which above is called to mind<br /> + Conjoined, along the spirals was revolving,<br /> + Where each time earlier he presents himself; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And I was with him; but of the ascending<br /> + I was not conscious, saving as a man<br /> + Of a first thought is conscious ere it come; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And Beatrice, she who is seen to pass<br /> + From good to better, and so suddenly<br /> + That not by time her action is expressed, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +How lucent in herself must she have been!<br /> + And what was in the sun, wherein I entered,<br /> + Apparent not by colour but by light, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I, though I call on genius, art, and practice,<br /> + Cannot so tell that it could be imagined;<br /> + Believe one can, and let him long to see it. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And if our fantasies too lowly are<br /> + For altitude so great, it is no marvel,<br /> + Since o’er the sun was never eye could go. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Such in this place was the fourth family<br /> + Of the high Father, who forever sates it,<br /> + Showing how he breathes forth and how begets. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And Beatrice began: “Give thanks, give thanks<br /> + Unto the Sun of Angels, who to this<br /> + Sensible one has raised thee by his grace!” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Never was heart of mortal so disposed<br /> + To worship, nor to give itself to God<br /> + With all its gratitude was it so ready, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +As at those words did I myself become;<br /> + And all my love was so absorbed in Him,<br /> + That in oblivion Beatrice was eclipsed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Nor this displeased her; but she smiled at it<br /> + So that the splendour of her laughing eyes<br /> + My single mind on many things divided. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Lights many saw I, vivid and triumphant,<br /> + Make us a centre and themselves a circle,<br /> + More sweet in voice than luminous in aspect. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thus girt about the daughter of Latona<br /> + We sometimes see, when pregnant is the air,<br /> + So that it holds the thread which makes her zone. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Within the court of Heaven, whence I return,<br /> + Are many jewels found, so fair and precious<br /> + They cannot be transported from the realm; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And of them was the singing of those lights.<br /> + Who takes not wings that he may fly up thither,<br /> + The tidings thence may from the dumb await! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +As soon as singing thus those burning suns<br /> + Had round about us whirled themselves three times,<br /> + Like unto stars neighbouring the steadfast poles, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Ladies they seemed, not from the dance released,<br /> + But who stop short, in silence listening<br /> + Till they have gathered the new melody. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And within one I heard beginning: “When<br /> + The radiance of grace, by which is kindled<br /> + True love, and which thereafter grows by loving, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Within thee multiplied is so resplendent<br /> + That it conducts thee upward by that stair,<br /> + Where without reascending none descends, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Who should deny the wine out of his vial<br /> + Unto thy thirst, in liberty were not<br /> + Except as water which descends not seaward. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Fain wouldst thou know with what plants is enflowered<br /> + This garland that encircles with delight<br /> + The Lady fair who makes thee strong for heaven. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Of the lambs was I of the holy flock<br /> + Which Dominic conducteth by a road<br /> + Where well one fattens if he strayeth not. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +He who is nearest to me on the right<br /> + My brother and master was; and he Albertus<br /> + Is of Cologne, I Thomas of Aquinum. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +If thou of all the others wouldst be certain,<br /> + Follow behind my speaking with thy sight<br /> + Upward along the blessed garland turning. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +That next effulgence issues from the smile<br /> + Of Gratian, who assisted both the courts<br /> + In such wise that it pleased in Paradise. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The other which near by adorns our choir<br /> + That Peter was who, e’en as the poor widow,<br /> + Offered his treasure unto Holy Church. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The fifth light, that among us is the fairest,<br /> + Breathes forth from such a love, that all the world<br /> + Below is greedy to learn tidings of it. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Within it is the lofty mind, where knowledge<br /> + So deep was put, that, if the true be true,<br /> + To see so much there never rose a second. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thou seest next the lustre of that taper,<br /> + Which in the flesh below looked most within<br /> + The angelic nature and its ministry. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Within that other little light is smiling<br /> + The advocate of the Christian centuries,<br /> + Out of whose rhetoric Augustine was furnished. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Now if thou trainest thy mind’s eye along<br /> + From light to light pursuant of my praise,<br /> + With thirst already of the eighth thou waitest. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +By seeing every good therein exults<br /> + The sainted soul, which the fallacious world<br /> + Makes manifest to him who listeneth well; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The body whence ’twas hunted forth is lying<br /> + Down in Cieldauro, and from martyrdom<br /> + And banishment it came unto this peace. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +See farther onward flame the burning breath<br /> + Of Isidore, of Beda, and of Richard<br /> + Who was in contemplation more than man. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +This, whence to me returneth thy regard,<br /> + The light is of a spirit unto whom<br /> + In his grave meditations death seemed slow. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +It is the light eternal of Sigier,<br /> + Who, reading lectures in the Street of Straw,<br /> + Did syllogize invidious verities.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Then, as a horologe that calleth us<br /> + What time the Bride of God is rising up<br /> + With matins to her Spouse that he may love her, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Wherein one part the other draws and urges,<br /> + Ting! ting! resounding with so sweet a note,<br /> + That swells with love the spirit well disposed, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thus I beheld the glorious wheel move round,<br /> + And render voice to voice, in modulation<br /> + And sweetness that can not be comprehended, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Excepting there where joy is made eternal. +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="CantoIII.XI"></a>Paradiso: Canto XI</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +O Thou insensate care of mortal men,<br /> + How inconclusive are the syllogisms<br /> + That make thee beat thy wings in downward flight! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +One after laws and one to aphorisms<br /> + Was going, and one following the priesthood,<br /> + And one to reign by force or sophistry, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And one in theft, and one in state affairs,<br /> + One in the pleasures of the flesh involved<br /> + Wearied himself, one gave himself to ease; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +When I, from all these things emancipate,<br /> + With Beatrice above there in the Heavens<br /> + With such exceeding glory was received! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +When each one had returned unto that point<br /> + Within the circle where it was before,<br /> + It stood as in a candlestick a candle; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And from within the effulgence which at first<br /> + Had spoken unto me, I heard begin<br /> + Smiling while it more luminous became: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“Even as I am kindled in its ray,<br /> + So, looking into the Eternal Light,<br /> + The occasion of thy thoughts I apprehend. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thou doubtest, and wouldst have me to resift<br /> + In language so extended and so open<br /> + My speech, that to thy sense it may be plain, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Where just before I said, ‘where well one fattens,’<br /> + And where I said, ‘there never rose a second;’<br /> + And here ’tis needful we distinguish well. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The Providence, which governeth the world<br /> + With counsel, wherein all created vision<br /> + Is vanquished ere it reach unto the bottom, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +(So that towards her own Beloved might go<br /> + The bride of Him who, uttering a loud cry,<br /> + Espoused her with his consecrated blood, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Self-confident and unto Him more faithful,)<br /> + Two Princes did ordain in her behoof,<br /> + Which on this side and that might be her guide. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The one was all seraphical in ardour;<br /> + The other by his wisdom upon earth<br /> + A splendour was of light cherubical. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +One will I speak of, for of both is spoken<br /> + In praising one, whichever may be taken,<br /> + Because unto one end their labours were. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Between Tupino and the stream that falls<br /> + Down from the hill elect of blessed Ubald,<br /> + A fertile slope of lofty mountain hangs, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +From which Perugia feels the cold and heat<br /> + Through Porta Sole, and behind it weep<br /> + Gualdo and Nocera their grievous yoke. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +From out that slope, there where it breaketh most<br /> + Its steepness, rose upon the world a sun<br /> + As this one does sometimes from out the Ganges; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Therefore let him who speaketh of that place,<br /> + Say not Ascesi, for he would say little,<br /> + But Orient, if he properly would speak. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +He was not yet far distant from his rising<br /> + Before he had begun to make the earth<br /> + Some comfort from his mighty virtue feel. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +For he in youth his father’s wrath incurred<br /> + For certain Dame, to whom, as unto death,<br /> + The gate of pleasure no one doth unlock; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And was before his spiritual court<br /> + ‘Et coram patre’ unto her united;<br /> + Then day by day more fervently he loved her. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +She, reft of her first husband, scorned, obscure,<br /> + One thousand and one hundred years and more,<br /> + Waited without a suitor till he came. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Naught it availed to hear, that with Amyclas<br /> + Found her unmoved at sounding of his voice<br /> + He who struck terror into all the world; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Naught it availed being constant and undaunted,<br /> + So that, when Mary still remained below,<br /> + She mounted up with Christ upon the cross. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But that too darkly I may not proceed,<br /> + Francis and Poverty for these two lovers<br /> + Take thou henceforward in my speech diffuse. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Their concord and their joyous semblances,<br /> + The love, the wonder, and the sweet regard,<br /> + They made to be the cause of holy thoughts; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So much so that the venerable Bernard<br /> + First bared his feet, and after so great peace<br /> + Ran, and, in running, thought himself too slow. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +O wealth unknown! O veritable good!<br /> + Giles bares his feet, and bares his feet Sylvester<br /> + Behind the bridegroom, so doth please the bride! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Then goes his way that father and that master,<br /> + He and his Lady and that family<br /> + Which now was girding on the humble cord; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Nor cowardice of heart weighed down his brow<br /> + At being son of Peter Bernardone,<br /> + Nor for appearing marvellously scorned; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But regally his hard determination<br /> + To Innocent he opened, and from him<br /> + Received the primal seal upon his Order. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +After the people mendicant increased<br /> + Behind this man, whose admirable life<br /> + Better in glory of the heavens were sung, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Incoronated with a second crown<br /> + Was through Honorius by the Eternal Spirit<br /> + The holy purpose of this Archimandrite. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And when he had, through thirst of martyrdom,<br /> + In the proud presence of the Sultan preached<br /> + Christ and the others who came after him, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And, finding for conversion too unripe<br /> + The folk, and not to tarry there in vain,<br /> + Returned to fruit of the Italic grass, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +On the rude rock ’twixt Tiber and the Arno<br /> + From Christ did he receive the final seal,<br /> + Which during two whole years his members bore. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +When He, who chose him unto so much good,<br /> + Was pleased to draw him up to the reward<br /> + That he had merited by being lowly, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Unto his friars, as to the rightful heirs,<br /> + His most dear Lady did he recommend,<br /> + And bade that they should love her faithfully; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And from her bosom the illustrious soul<br /> + Wished to depart, returning to its realm,<br /> + And for its body wished no other bier. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Think now what man was he, who was a fit<br /> + Companion over the high seas to keep<br /> + The bark of Peter to its proper bearings. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And this man was our Patriarch; hence whoever<br /> + Doth follow him as he commands can see<br /> + That he is laden with good merchandise. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But for new pasturage his flock has grown<br /> + So greedy, that it is impossible<br /> + They be not scattered over fields diverse; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And in proportion as his sheep remote<br /> + And vagabond go farther off from him,<br /> + More void of milk return they to the fold. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Verily some there are that fear a hurt,<br /> + And keep close to the shepherd; but so few,<br /> + That little cloth doth furnish forth their hoods. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Now if my utterance be not indistinct,<br /> + If thine own hearing hath attentive been,<br /> + If thou recall to mind what I have said, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +In part contented shall thy wishes be;<br /> + For thou shalt see the plant that’s chipped away,<br /> + And the rebuke that lieth in the words, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +‘Where well one fattens, if he strayeth not.’” +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="CantoIII.XII"></a>Paradiso: Canto XII</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +Soon as the blessed flame had taken up<br /> + The final word to give it utterance,<br /> + Began the holy millstone to revolve, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And in its gyre had not turned wholly round,<br /> + Before another in a ring enclosed it,<br /> + And motion joined to motion, song to song; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Song that as greatly doth transcend our Muses,<br /> + Our Sirens, in those dulcet clarions,<br /> + As primal splendour that which is reflected. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And as are spanned athwart a tender cloud<br /> + Two rainbows parallel and like in colour,<br /> + When Juno to her handmaid gives command, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +(The one without born of the one within,<br /> + Like to the speaking of that vagrant one<br /> + Whom love consumed as doth the sun the vapours,) +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And make the people here, through covenant<br /> + God set with Noah, presageful of the world<br /> + That shall no more be covered with a flood, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +In such wise of those sempiternal roses<br /> + The garlands twain encompassed us about,<br /> + And thus the outer to the inner answered. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +After the dance, and other grand rejoicings,<br /> + Both of the singing, and the flaming forth<br /> + Effulgence with effulgence blithe and tender, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Together, at once, with one accord had stopped,<br /> + (Even as the eyes, that, as volition moves them,<br /> + Must needs together shut and lift themselves,) +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Out of the heart of one of the new lights<br /> + There came a voice, that needle to the star<br /> + Made me appear in turning thitherward. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And it began: “The love that makes me fair<br /> + Draws me to speak about the other leader,<br /> + By whom so well is spoken here of mine. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +’Tis right, where one is, to bring in the other,<br /> + That, as they were united in their warfare,<br /> + Together likewise may their glory shine. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The soldiery of Christ, which it had cost<br /> + So dear to arm again, behind the standard<br /> + Moved slow and doubtful and in numbers few, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +When the Emperor who reigneth evermore<br /> + Provided for the host that was in peril,<br /> + Through grace alone and not that it was worthy; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And, as was said, he to his Bride brought succour<br /> + With champions twain, at whose deed, at whose word<br /> + The straggling people were together drawn. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Within that region where the sweet west wind<br /> + Rises to open the new leaves, wherewith<br /> + Europe is seen to clothe herself afresh, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Not far off from the beating of the waves,<br /> + Behind which in his long career the sun<br /> + Sometimes conceals himself from every man, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Is situate the fortunate Calahorra,<br /> + Under protection of the mighty shield<br /> + In which the Lion subject is and sovereign. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Therein was born the amorous paramour<br /> + Of Christian Faith, the athlete consecrate,<br /> + Kind to his own and cruel to his foes; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And when it was created was his mind<br /> + Replete with such a living energy,<br /> + That in his mother her it made prophetic. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +As soon as the espousals were complete<br /> + Between him and the Faith at holy font,<br /> + Where they with mutual safety dowered each other, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The woman, who for him had given assent,<br /> + Saw in a dream the admirable fruit<br /> + That issue would from him and from his heirs; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And that he might be construed as he was,<br /> + A spirit from this place went forth to name him<br /> + With His possessive whose he wholly was. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Dominic was he called; and him I speak of<br /> + Even as of the husbandman whom Christ<br /> + Elected to his garden to assist him. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Envoy and servant sooth he seemed of Christ,<br /> + For the first love made manifest in him<br /> + Was the first counsel that was given by Christ. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Silent and wakeful many a time was he<br /> + Discovered by his nurse upon the ground,<br /> + As if he would have said, ‘For this I came.’ +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +O thou his father, Felix verily!<br /> + O thou his mother, verily Joanna,<br /> + If this, interpreted, means as is said! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Not for the world which people toil for now<br /> + In following Ostiense and Taddeo,<br /> + But through his longing after the true manna, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +He in short time became so great a teacher,<br /> + That he began to go about the vineyard,<br /> + Which fadeth soon, if faithless be the dresser; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And of the See, (that once was more benignant<br /> + Unto the righteous poor, not through itself,<br /> + But him who sits there and degenerates,) +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Not to dispense or two or three for six,<br /> + Not any fortune of first vacancy,<br /> + ‘Non decimas quae sunt pauperum Dei,’ +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +He asked for, but against the errant world<br /> + Permission to do battle for the seed,<br /> + Of which these four and twenty plants surround thee. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Then with the doctrine and the will together,<br /> + With office apostolical he moved,<br /> + Like torrent which some lofty vein out-presses; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And in among the shoots heretical<br /> + His impetus with greater fury smote,<br /> + Wherever the resistance was the greatest. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Of him were made thereafter divers runnels,<br /> + Whereby the garden catholic is watered,<br /> + So that more living its plantations stand. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +If such the one wheel of the Biga was,<br /> + In which the Holy Church itself defended<br /> + And in the field its civic battle won, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Truly full manifest should be to thee<br /> + The excellence of the other, unto whom<br /> + Thomas so courteous was before my coming. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But still the orbit, which the highest part<br /> + Of its circumference made, is derelict,<br /> + So that the mould is where was once the crust. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +His family, that had straight forward moved<br /> + With feet upon his footprints, are turned round<br /> + So that they set the point upon the heel. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And soon aware they will be of the harvest<br /> + Of this bad husbandry, when shall the tares<br /> + Complain the granary is taken from them. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Yet say I, he who searcheth leaf by leaf<br /> + Our volume through, would still some page discover<br /> + Where he could read, ‘I am as I am wont.’ +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +’Twill not be from Casal nor Acquasparta,<br /> + From whence come such unto the written word<br /> + That one avoids it, and the other narrows. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Bonaventura of Bagnoregio’s life<br /> + Am I, who always in great offices<br /> + Postponed considerations sinister. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Here are Illuminato and Agostino,<br /> + Who of the first barefooted beggars were<br /> + That with the cord the friends of God became. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Hugh of Saint Victor is among them here,<br /> + And Peter Mangiador, and Peter of Spain,<br /> + Who down below in volumes twelve is shining; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Nathan the seer, and metropolitan<br /> + Chrysostom, and Anselmus, and Donatus<br /> + Who deigned to lay his hand to the first art; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Here is Rabanus, and beside me here<br /> + Shines the Calabrian Abbot Joachim,<br /> + He with the spirit of prophecy endowed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +To celebrate so great a paladin<br /> + Have moved me the impassioned courtesy<br /> + And the discreet discourses of Friar Thomas, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And with me they have moved this company.” +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="CantoIII.XIII"></a>Paradiso: Canto XIII</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +Let him imagine, who would well conceive<br /> + What now I saw, and let him while I speak<br /> + Retain the image as a steadfast rock, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The fifteen stars, that in their divers regions<br /> + The sky enliven with a light so great<br /> + That it transcends all clusters of the air; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Let him the Wain imagine unto which<br /> + Our vault of heaven sufficeth night and day,<br /> + So that in turning of its pole it fails not; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Let him the mouth imagine of the horn<br /> + That in the point beginneth of the axis<br /> + Round about which the primal wheel revolves,— +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +To have fashioned of themselves two signs in heaven,<br /> + Like unto that which Minos’ daughter made,<br /> + The moment when she felt the frost of death; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And one to have its rays within the other,<br /> + And both to whirl themselves in such a manner<br /> + That one should forward go, the other backward; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And he will have some shadowing forth of that<br /> + True constellation and the double dance<br /> + That circled round the point at which I was; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Because it is as much beyond our wont,<br /> + As swifter than the motion of the Chiana<br /> + Moveth the heaven that all the rest outspeeds. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +There sang they neither Bacchus, nor Apollo,<br /> + But in the divine nature Persons three,<br /> + And in one person the divine and human. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The singing and the dance fulfilled their measure,<br /> + And unto us those holy lights gave need,<br /> + Growing in happiness from care to care. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Then broke the silence of those saints concordant<br /> + The light in which the admirable life<br /> + Of God’s own mendicant was told to me, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And said: “Now that one straw is trodden out<br /> + Now that its seed is garnered up already,<br /> + Sweet love invites me to thresh out the other. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Into that bosom, thou believest, whence<br /> + Was drawn the rib to form the beauteous cheek<br /> + Whose taste to all the world is costing dear, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And into that which, by the lance transfixed,<br /> + Before and since, such satisfaction made<br /> + That it weighs down the balance of all sin, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Whate’er of light it has to human nature<br /> + Been lawful to possess was all infused<br /> + By the same power that both of them created; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And hence at what I said above dost wonder,<br /> + When I narrated that no second had<br /> + The good which in the fifth light is enclosed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Now ope thine eyes to what I answer thee,<br /> + And thou shalt see thy creed and my discourse<br /> + Fit in the truth as centre in a circle. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +That which can die, and that which dieth not,<br /> + Are nothing but the splendour of the idea<br /> + Which by his love our Lord brings into being; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Because that living Light, which from its fount<br /> + Effulgent flows, so that it disunites not<br /> + From Him nor from the Love in them intrined, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Through its own goodness reunites its rays<br /> + In nine subsistences, as in a mirror,<br /> + Itself eternally remaining One. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thence it descends to the last potencies,<br /> + Downward from act to act becoming such<br /> + That only brief contingencies it makes; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And these contingencies I hold to be<br /> + Things generated, which the heaven produces<br /> + By its own motion, with seed and without. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Neither their wax, nor that which tempers it,<br /> + Remains immutable, and hence beneath<br /> + The ideal signet more and less shines through; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Therefore it happens, that the selfsame tree<br /> + After its kind bears worse and better fruit,<br /> + And ye are born with characters diverse. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +If in perfection tempered were the wax,<br /> + And were the heaven in its supremest virtue,<br /> + The brilliance of the seal would all appear; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But nature gives it evermore deficient,<br /> + In the like manner working as the artist,<br /> + Who has the skill of art and hand that trembles. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +If then the fervent Love, the Vision clear,<br /> + Of primal Virtue do dispose and seal,<br /> + Perfection absolute is there acquired. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thus was of old the earth created worthy<br /> + Of all and every animal perfection;<br /> + And thus the Virgin was impregnate made; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So that thine own opinion I commend,<br /> + That human nature never yet has been,<br /> + Nor will be, what it was in those two persons. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Now if no farther forth I should proceed,<br /> + ‘Then in what way was he without a peer?’<br /> + Would be the first beginning of thy words. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But, that may well appear what now appears not,<br /> + Think who he was, and what occasion moved him<br /> + To make request, when it was told him, ‘Ask.’ +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I’ve not so spoken that thou canst not see<br /> + Clearly he was a king who asked for wisdom,<br /> + That he might be sufficiently a king; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +’Twas not to know the number in which are<br /> + The motors here above, or if ‘necesse’<br /> + With a contingent e’er ‘necesse’ make, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +‘Non si est dare primum motum esse,’<br /> + Or if in semicircle can be made<br /> + Triangle so that it have no right angle. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Whence, if thou notest this and what I said,<br /> + A regal prudence is that peerless seeing<br /> + In which the shaft of my intention strikes. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And if on ‘rose’ thou turnest thy clear eyes,<br /> + Thou’lt see that it has reference alone<br /> + To kings who’re many, and the good are rare. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +With this distinction take thou what I said,<br /> + And thus it can consist with thy belief<br /> + Of the first father and of our Delight. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And lead shall this be always to thy feet,<br /> + To make thee, like a weary man, move slowly<br /> + Both to the Yes and No thou seest not; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +For very low among the fools is he<br /> + Who affirms without distinction, or denies,<br /> + As well in one as in the other case; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Because it happens that full often bends<br /> + Current opinion in the false direction,<br /> + And then the feelings bind the intellect. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Far more than uselessly he leaves the shore,<br /> + (Since he returneth not the same he went,)<br /> + Who fishes for the truth, and has no skill; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And in the world proofs manifest thereof<br /> + Parmenides, Melissus, Brissus are,<br /> + And many who went on and knew not whither; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thus did Sabellius, Arius, and those fools<br /> + Who have been even as swords unto the Scriptures<br /> + In rendering distorted their straight faces. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Nor yet shall people be too confident<br /> + In judging, even as he is who doth count<br /> + The corn in field or ever it be ripe. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +For I have seen all winter long the thorn<br /> + First show itself intractable and fierce,<br /> + And after bear the rose upon its top; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And I have seen a ship direct and swift<br /> + Run o’er the sea throughout its course entire,<br /> + To perish at the harbour’s mouth at last. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Let not Dame Bertha nor Ser Martin think,<br /> + Seeing one steal, another offering make,<br /> + To see them in the arbitrament divine; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +For one may rise, and fall the other may.” +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="CantoIII.XIV"></a>Paradiso: Canto XIV</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +From centre unto rim, from rim to centre,<br /> + In a round vase the water moves itself,<br /> + As from without ’tis struck or from within. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Into my mind upon a sudden dropped<br /> + What I am saying, at the moment when<br /> + Silent became the glorious life of Thomas, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Because of the resemblance that was born<br /> + Of his discourse and that of Beatrice,<br /> + Whom, after him, it pleased thus to begin: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“This man has need (and does not tell you so,<br /> + Nor with the voice, nor even in his thought)<br /> + Of going to the root of one truth more. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Declare unto him if the light wherewith<br /> + Blossoms your substance shall remain with you<br /> + Eternally the same that it is now; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And if it do remain, say in what manner,<br /> + After ye are again made visible,<br /> + It can be that it injure not your sight.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +As by a greater gladness urged and drawn<br /> + They who are dancing in a ring sometimes<br /> + Uplift their voices and their motions quicken; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So, at that orison devout and prompt,<br /> + The holy circles a new joy displayed<br /> + In their revolving and their wondrous song. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Whoso lamenteth him that here we die<br /> + That we may live above, has never there<br /> + Seen the refreshment of the eternal rain. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The One and Two and Three who ever liveth,<br /> + And reigneth ever in Three and Two and One,<br /> + Not circumscribed and all things circumscribing, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Three several times was chanted by each one<br /> + Among those spirits, with such melody<br /> + That for all merit it were just reward; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And, in the lustre most divine of all<br /> + The lesser ring, I heard a modest voice,<br /> + Such as perhaps the Angel’s was to Mary, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Answer: “As long as the festivity<br /> + Of Paradise shall be, so long our love<br /> + Shall radiate round about us such a vesture. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Its brightness is proportioned to the ardour,<br /> + The ardour to the vision; and the vision<br /> + Equals what grace it has above its worth. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +When, glorious and sanctified, our flesh<br /> + Is reassumed, then shall our persons be<br /> + More pleasing by their being all complete; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +For will increase whate’er bestows on us<br /> + Of light gratuitous the Good Supreme,<br /> + Light which enables us to look on Him; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Therefore the vision must perforce increase,<br /> + Increase the ardour which from that is kindled,<br /> + Increase the radiance which from this proceeds. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But even as a coal that sends forth flame,<br /> + And by its vivid whiteness overpowers it<br /> + So that its own appearance it maintains, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thus the effulgence that surrounds us now<br /> + Shall be o’erpowered in aspect by the flesh,<br /> + Which still to-day the earth doth cover up; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Nor can so great a splendour weary us,<br /> + For strong will be the organs of the body<br /> + To everything which hath the power to please us.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So sudden and alert appeared to me<br /> + Both one and the other choir to say Amen,<br /> + That well they showed desire for their dead bodies; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Nor sole for them perhaps, but for the mothers,<br /> + The fathers, and the rest who had been dear<br /> + Or ever they became eternal flames. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And lo! all round about of equal brightness<br /> + Arose a lustre over what was there,<br /> + Like an horizon that is clearing up. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And as at rise of early eve begin<br /> + Along the welkin new appearances,<br /> + So that the sight seems real and unreal, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +It seemed to me that new subsistences<br /> + Began there to be seen, and make a circle<br /> + Outside the other two circumferences. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +O very sparkling of the Holy Spirit,<br /> + How sudden and incandescent it became<br /> + Unto mine eyes, that vanquished bore it not! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But Beatrice so beautiful and smiling<br /> + Appeared to me, that with the other sights<br /> + That followed not my memory I must leave her. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Then to uplift themselves mine eyes resumed<br /> + The power, and I beheld myself translated<br /> + To higher salvation with my Lady only. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Well was I ware that I was more uplifted<br /> + By the enkindled smiling of the star,<br /> + That seemed to me more ruddy than its wont. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +With all my heart, and in that dialect<br /> + Which is the same in all, such holocaust<br /> + To God I made as the new grace beseemed; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And not yet from my bosom was exhausted<br /> + The ardour of sacrifice, before I knew<br /> + This offering was accepted and auspicious; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +For with so great a lustre and so red<br /> + Splendours appeared to me in twofold rays,<br /> + I said: “O Helios who dost so adorn them!” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Even as distinct with less and greater lights<br /> + Glimmers between the two poles of the world<br /> + The Galaxy that maketh wise men doubt, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thus constellated in the depths of Mars,<br /> + Those rays described the venerable sign<br /> + That quadrants joining in a circle make. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Here doth my memory overcome my genius;<br /> + For on that cross as levin gleamed forth Christ,<br /> + So that I cannot find ensample worthy; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But he who takes his cross and follows Christ<br /> + Again will pardon me what I omit,<br /> + Seeing in that aurora lighten Christ. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +From horn to horn, and ’twixt the top and base,<br /> + Lights were in motion, brightly scintillating<br /> + As they together met and passed each other; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thus level and aslant and swift and slow<br /> + We here behold, renewing still the sight,<br /> + The particles of bodies long and short, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Across the sunbeam move, wherewith is listed<br /> + Sometimes the shade, which for their own defence<br /> + People with cunning and with art contrive. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And as a lute and harp, accordant strung<br /> + With many strings, a dulcet tinkling make<br /> + To him by whom the notes are not distinguished, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So from the lights that there to me appeared<br /> + Upgathered through the cross a melody,<br /> + Which rapt me, not distinguishing the hymn. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Well was I ware it was of lofty laud,<br /> + Because there came to me, “Arise and conquer!”<br /> + As unto him who hears and comprehends not. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So much enamoured I became therewith,<br /> + That until then there was not anything<br /> + That e’er had fettered me with such sweet bonds. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Perhaps my word appears somewhat too bold,<br /> + Postponing the delight of those fair eyes,<br /> + Into which gazing my desire has rest; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But who bethinks him that the living seals<br /> + Of every beauty grow in power ascending,<br /> + And that I there had not turned round to those, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Can me excuse, if I myself accuse<br /> + To excuse myself, and see that I speak truly:<br /> + For here the holy joy is not disclosed, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Because ascending it becomes more pure. +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="CantoIII.XV"></a>Paradiso: Canto XV</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +A will benign, in which reveals itself<br /> + Ever the love that righteously inspires,<br /> + As in the iniquitous, cupidity, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Silence imposed upon that dulcet lyre,<br /> + And quieted the consecrated chords,<br /> + That Heaven’s right hand doth tighten and relax. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +How unto just entreaties shall be deaf<br /> + Those substances, which, to give me desire<br /> + Of praying them, with one accord grew silent? +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +’Tis well that without end he should lament,<br /> + Who for the love of thing that doth not last<br /> + Eternally despoils him of that love! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +As through the pure and tranquil evening air<br /> + There shoots from time to time a sudden fire,<br /> + Moving the eyes that steadfast were before, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And seems to be a star that changeth place,<br /> + Except that in the part where it is kindled<br /> + Nothing is missed, and this endureth little; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So from the horn that to the right extends<br /> + Unto that cross’s foot there ran a star<br /> + Out of the constellation shining there; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Nor was the gem dissevered from its ribbon,<br /> + But down the radiant fillet ran along,<br /> + So that fire seemed it behind alabaster. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thus piteous did Anchises’ shade reach forward,<br /> + If any faith our greatest Muse deserve,<br /> + When in Elysium he his son perceived. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“O sanguis meus, O superinfusa<br /> + Gratia Dei, sicut tibi, cui<br /> + Bis unquam Coeli janua reclusa?” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thus that effulgence; whence I gave it heed;<br /> + Then round unto my Lady turned my sight,<br /> + And on this side and that was stupefied; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +For in her eyes was burning such a smile<br /> + That with mine own methought I touched the bottom<br /> + Both of my grace and of my Paradise! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Then, pleasant to the hearing and the sight,<br /> + The spirit joined to its beginning things<br /> + I understood not, so profound it spake; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Nor did it hide itself from me by choice,<br /> + But by necessity; for its conception<br /> + Above the mark of mortals set itself. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And when the bow of burning sympathy<br /> + Was so far slackened, that its speech descended<br /> + Towards the mark of our intelligence, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The first thing that was understood by me<br /> + Was “Benedight be Thou, O Trine and One,<br /> + Who hast unto my seed so courteous been!” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And it continued: “Hunger long and grateful,<br /> + Drawn from the reading of the mighty volume<br /> + Wherein is never changed the white nor dark, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thou hast appeased, my son, within this light<br /> + In which I speak to thee, by grace of her<br /> + Who to this lofty flight with plumage clothed thee. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thou thinkest that to me thy thought doth pass<br /> + From Him who is the first, as from the unit,<br /> + If that be known, ray out the five and six; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And therefore who I am thou askest not,<br /> + And why I seem more joyous unto thee<br /> + Than any other of this gladsome crowd. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thou think’st the truth; because the small and great<br /> + Of this existence look into the mirror<br /> + Wherein, before thou think’st, thy thought thou showest. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But that the sacred love, in which I watch<br /> + With sight perpetual, and which makes me thirst<br /> + With sweet desire, may better be fulfilled, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Now let thy voice secure and frank and glad<br /> + Proclaim the wishes, the desire proclaim,<br /> + To which my answer is decreed already.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +To Beatrice I turned me, and she heard<br /> + Before I spake, and smiled to me a sign,<br /> + That made the wings of my desire increase; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Then in this wise began I: “Love and knowledge,<br /> + When on you dawned the first Equality,<br /> + Of the same weight for each of you became; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +For in the Sun, which lighted you and burned<br /> + With heat and radiance, they so equal are,<br /> + That all similitudes are insufficient. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But among mortals will and argument,<br /> + For reason that to you is manifest,<br /> + Diversely feathered in their pinions are. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Whence I, who mortal am, feel in myself<br /> + This inequality; so give not thanks,<br /> + Save in my heart, for this paternal welcome. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Truly do I entreat thee, living topaz!<br /> + Set in this precious jewel as a gem,<br /> + That thou wilt satisfy me with thy name.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“O leaf of mine, in whom I pleasure took<br /> + E’en while awaiting, I was thine own root!”<br /> + Such a beginning he in answer made me. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Then said to me: “That one from whom is named<br /> + Thy race, and who a hundred years and more<br /> + Has circled round the mount on the first cornice, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +A son of mine and thy great-grandsire was;<br /> + Well it behoves thee that the long fatigue<br /> + Thou shouldst for him make shorter with thy works. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Florence, within the ancient boundary<br /> + From which she taketh still her tierce and nones,<br /> + Abode in quiet, temperate and chaste. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +No golden chain she had, nor coronal,<br /> + Nor ladies shod with sandal shoon, nor girdle<br /> + That caught the eye more than the person did. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Not yet the daughter at her birth struck fear<br /> + Into the father, for the time and dower<br /> + Did not o’errun this side or that the measure. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +No houses had she void of families,<br /> + Not yet had thither come Sardanapalus<br /> + To show what in a chamber can be done; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Not yet surpassed had Montemalo been<br /> + By your Uccellatojo, which surpassed<br /> + Shall in its downfall be as in its rise. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Bellincion Berti saw I go begirt<br /> + With leather and with bone, and from the mirror<br /> + His dame depart without a painted face; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And him of Nerli saw, and him of Vecchio,<br /> + Contented with their simple suits of buff<br /> + And with the spindle and the flax their dames. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +O fortunate women! and each one was certain<br /> + Of her own burial-place, and none as yet<br /> + For sake of France was in her bed deserted. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +One o’er the cradle kept her studious watch,<br /> + And in her lullaby the language used<br /> + That first delights the fathers and the mothers; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Another, drawing tresses from her distaff,<br /> + Told o’er among her family the tales<br /> + Of Trojans and of Fesole and Rome. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +As great a marvel then would have been held<br /> + A Lapo Salterello, a Cianghella,<br /> + As Cincinnatus or Cornelia now. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +To such a quiet, such a beautiful<br /> + Life of the citizen, to such a safe<br /> + Community, and to so sweet an inn, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Did Mary give me, with loud cries invoked,<br /> + And in your ancient Baptistery at once<br /> + Christian and Cacciaguida I became. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Moronto was my brother, and Eliseo;<br /> + From Val di Pado came to me my wife,<br /> + And from that place thy surname was derived. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I followed afterward the Emperor Conrad,<br /> + And he begirt me of his chivalry,<br /> + So much I pleased him with my noble deeds. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I followed in his train against that law’s<br /> + Iniquity, whose people doth usurp<br /> + Your just possession, through your Pastor’s fault. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +There by that execrable race was I<br /> + Released from bonds of the fallacious world,<br /> + The love of which defileth many souls, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And came from martyrdom unto this peace.” +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="CantoIII.XVI"></a>Paradiso: Canto XVI</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +O thou our poor nobility of blood,<br /> + If thou dost make the people glory in thee<br /> + Down here where our affection languishes, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +A marvellous thing it ne’er will be to me;<br /> + For there where appetite is not perverted,<br /> + I say in Heaven, of thee I made a boast! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Truly thou art a cloak that quickly shortens,<br /> + So that unless we piece thee day by day<br /> + Time goeth round about thee with his shears! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +With ‘You,’ which Rome was first to tolerate,<br /> + (Wherein her family less perseveres,)<br /> + Yet once again my words beginning made; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Whence Beatrice, who stood somewhat apart,<br /> + Smiling, appeared like unto her who coughed<br /> + At the first failing writ of Guenever. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And I began: “You are my ancestor,<br /> + You give to me all hardihood to speak,<br /> + You lift me so that I am more than I. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So many rivulets with gladness fill<br /> + My mind, that of itself it makes a joy<br /> + Because it can endure this and not burst. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Then tell me, my beloved root ancestral,<br /> + Who were your ancestors, and what the years<br /> + That in your boyhood chronicled themselves? +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Tell me about the sheepfold of Saint John,<br /> + How large it was, and who the people were<br /> + Within it worthy of the highest seats.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +As at the blowing of the winds a coal<br /> + Quickens to flame, so I beheld that light<br /> + Become resplendent at my blandishments. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And as unto mine eyes it grew more fair,<br /> + With voice more sweet and tender, but not in<br /> + This modern dialect, it said to me: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“From uttering of the ‘Ave,’ till the birth<br /> + In which my mother, who is now a saint,<br /> + Of me was lightened who had been her burden, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Unto its Lion had this fire returned<br /> + Five hundred fifty times and thirty more,<br /> + To reinflame itself beneath his paw. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +My ancestors and I our birthplace had<br /> + Where first is found the last ward of the city<br /> + By him who runneth in your annual game. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Suffice it of my elders to hear this;<br /> + But who they were, and whence they thither came,<br /> + Silence is more considerate than speech. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +All those who at that time were there between<br /> + Mars and the Baptist, fit for bearing arms,<br /> + Were a fifth part of those who now are living; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But the community, that now is mixed<br /> + With Campi and Certaldo and Figghine,<br /> + Pure in the lowest artisan was seen. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +O how much better ’twere to have as neighbours<br /> + The folk of whom I speak, and at Galluzzo<br /> + And at Trespiano have your boundary, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Than have them in the town, and bear the stench<br /> + Of Aguglione’s churl, and him of Signa<br /> + Who has sharp eyes for trickery already. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Had not the folk, which most of all the world<br /> + Degenerates, been a step-dame unto Caesar,<br /> + But as a mother to her son benignant, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Some who turn Florentines, and trade and discount,<br /> + Would have gone back again to Simifonte<br /> + There where their grandsires went about as beggars. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +At Montemurlo still would be the Counts,<br /> + The Cerchi in the parish of Acone,<br /> + Perhaps in Valdigrieve the Buondelmonti. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Ever the intermingling of the people<br /> + Has been the source of malady in cities,<br /> + As in the body food it surfeits on; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And a blind bull more headlong plunges down<br /> + Than a blind lamb; and very often cuts<br /> + Better and more a single sword than five. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +If Luni thou regard, and Urbisaglia,<br /> + How they have passed away, and how are passing<br /> + Chiusi and Sinigaglia after them, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +To hear how races waste themselves away,<br /> + Will seem to thee no novel thing nor hard,<br /> + Seeing that even cities have an end. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +All things of yours have their mortality,<br /> + Even as yourselves; but it is hidden in some<br /> + That a long while endure, and lives are short; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And as the turning of the lunar heaven<br /> + Covers and bares the shores without a pause,<br /> + In the like manner fortune does with Florence. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Therefore should not appear a marvellous thing<br /> + What I shall say of the great Florentines<br /> + Of whom the fame is hidden in the Past. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I saw the Ughi, saw the Catellini,<br /> + Filippi, Greci, Ormanni, and Alberichi,<br /> + Even in their fall illustrious citizens; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And saw, as mighty as they ancient were,<br /> + With him of La Sannella him of Arca,<br /> + And Soldanier, Ardinghi, and Bostichi. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Near to the gate that is at present laden<br /> + With a new felony of so much weight<br /> + That soon it shall be jetsam from the bark, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The Ravignani were, from whom descended<br /> + The County Guido, and whoe’er the name<br /> + Of the great Bellincione since hath taken. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +He of La Pressa knew the art of ruling<br /> + Already, and already Galigajo<br /> + Had hilt and pommel gilded in his house. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Mighty already was the Column Vair,<br /> + Sacchetti, Giuochi, Fifant, and Barucci,<br /> + And Galli, and they who for the bushel blush. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The stock from which were the Calfucci born<br /> + Was great already, and already chosen<br /> + To curule chairs the Sizii and Arrigucci. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +O how beheld I those who are undone<br /> + By their own pride! and how the Balls of Gold<br /> + Florence enflowered in all their mighty deeds! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So likewise did the ancestors of those<br /> + Who evermore, when vacant is your church,<br /> + Fatten by staying in consistory. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The insolent race, that like a dragon follows<br /> + Whoever flees, and unto him that shows<br /> + His teeth or purse is gentle as a lamb, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Already rising was, but from low people;<br /> + So that it pleased not Ubertin Donato<br /> + That his wife’s father should make him their kin. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Already had Caponsacco to the Market<br /> + From Fesole descended, and already<br /> + Giuda and Infangato were good burghers. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I’ll tell a thing incredible, but true;<br /> + One entered the small circuit by a gate<br /> + Which from the Della Pera took its name! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Each one that bears the beautiful escutcheon<br /> + Of the great baron whose renown and name<br /> + The festival of Thomas keepeth fresh, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Knighthood and privilege from him received;<br /> + Though with the populace unites himself<br /> + To-day the man who binds it with a border. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Already were Gualterotti and Importuni;<br /> + And still more quiet would the Borgo be<br /> + If with new neighbours it remained unfed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The house from which is born your lamentation,<br /> + Through just disdain that death among you brought<br /> + And put an end unto your joyous life, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Was honoured in itself and its companions.<br /> + O Buondelmonte, how in evil hour<br /> + Thou fled’st the bridal at another’s promptings! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Many would be rejoicing who are sad,<br /> + If God had thee surrendered to the Ema<br /> + The first time that thou camest to the city. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But it behoved the mutilated stone<br /> + Which guards the bridge, that Florence should provide<br /> + A victim in her latest hour of peace. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +With all these families, and others with them,<br /> + Florence beheld I in so great repose,<br /> + That no occasion had she whence to weep; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +With all these families beheld so just<br /> + And glorious her people, that the lily<br /> + Never upon the spear was placed reversed, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Nor by division was vermilion made.” +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="CantoIII.XVII"></a>Paradiso: Canto XVII</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +As came to Clymene, to be made certain<br /> + Of that which he had heard against himself,<br /> + He who makes fathers chary still to children, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Even such was I, and such was I perceived<br /> + By Beatrice and by the holy light<br /> + That first on my account had changed its place. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Therefore my Lady said to me: “Send forth<br /> + The flame of thy desire, so that it issue<br /> + Imprinted well with the internal stamp; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Not that our knowledge may be greater made<br /> + By speech of thine, but to accustom thee<br /> + To tell thy thirst, that we may give thee drink.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“O my beloved tree, (that so dost lift thee,<br /> + That even as minds terrestrial perceive<br /> + No triangle containeth two obtuse, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So thou beholdest the contingent things<br /> + Ere in themselves they are, fixing thine eyes<br /> + Upon the point in which all times are present,) +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +While I was with Virgilius conjoined<br /> + Upon the mountain that the souls doth heal,<br /> + And when descending into the dead world, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Were spoken to me of my future life<br /> + Some grievous words; although I feel myself<br /> + In sooth foursquare against the blows of chance. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +On this account my wish would be content<br /> + To hear what fortune is approaching me,<br /> + Because foreseen an arrow comes more slowly.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thus did I say unto that selfsame light<br /> + That unto me had spoken before; and even<br /> + As Beatrice willed was my own will confessed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Not in vague phrase, in which the foolish folk<br /> + Ensnared themselves of old, ere yet was slain<br /> + The Lamb of God who taketh sins away, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But with clear words and unambiguous<br /> + Language responded that paternal love,<br /> + Hid and revealed by its own proper smile: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“Contingency, that outside of the volume<br /> + Of your materiality extends not,<br /> + Is all depicted in the eternal aspect. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Necessity however thence it takes not,<br /> + Except as from the eye, in which ’tis mirrored,<br /> + A ship that with the current down descends. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +From thence, e’en as there cometh to the ear<br /> + Sweet harmony from an organ, comes in sight<br /> + To me the time that is preparing for thee. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +As forth from Athens went Hippolytus,<br /> + By reason of his step-dame false and cruel,<br /> + So thou from Florence must perforce depart. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Already this is willed, and this is sought for;<br /> + And soon it shall be done by him who thinks it,<br /> + Where every day the Christ is bought and sold. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The blame shall follow the offended party<br /> + In outcry as is usual; but the vengeance<br /> + Shall witness to the truth that doth dispense it. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thou shalt abandon everything beloved<br /> + Most tenderly, and this the arrow is<br /> + Which first the bow of banishment shoots forth. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thou shalt have proof how savoureth of salt<br /> + The bread of others, and how hard a road<br /> + The going down and up another’s stairs. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And that which most shall weigh upon thy shoulders<br /> + Will be the bad and foolish company<br /> + With which into this valley thou shalt fall; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +For all ingrate, all mad and impious<br /> + Will they become against thee; but soon after<br /> + They, and not thou, shall have the forehead scarlet. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Of their bestiality their own proceedings<br /> + Shall furnish proof; so ’twill be well for thee<br /> + A party to have made thee by thyself. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thine earliest refuge and thine earliest inn<br /> + Shall be the mighty Lombard’s courtesy,<br /> + Who on the Ladder bears the holy bird, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Who such benign regard shall have for thee<br /> + That ’twixt you twain, in doing and in asking,<br /> + That shall be first which is with others last. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +With him shalt thou see one who at his birth<br /> + Has by this star of strength been so impressed,<br /> + That notable shall his achievements be. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Not yet the people are aware of him<br /> + Through his young age, since only nine years yet<br /> + Around about him have these wheels revolved. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But ere the Gascon cheat the noble Henry,<br /> + Some sparkles of his virtue shall appear<br /> + In caring not for silver nor for toil. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So recognized shall his magnificence<br /> + Become hereafter, that his enemies<br /> + Will not have power to keep mute tongues about it. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +On him rely, and on his benefits;<br /> + By him shall many people be transformed,<br /> + Changing condition rich and mendicant; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And written in thy mind thou hence shalt bear<br /> + Of him, but shalt not say it”—and things said he<br /> + Incredible to those who shall be present. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Then added: “Son, these are the commentaries<br /> + On what was said to thee; behold the snares<br /> + That are concealed behind few revolutions; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Yet would I not thy neighbours thou shouldst envy,<br /> + Because thy life into the future reaches<br /> + Beyond the punishment of their perfidies.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +When by its silence showed that sainted soul<br /> + That it had finished putting in the woof<br /> + Into that web which I had given it warped, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Began I, even as he who yearneth after,<br /> + Being in doubt, some counsel from a person<br /> + Who seeth, and uprightly wills, and loves: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“Well see I, father mine, how spurreth on<br /> + The time towards me such a blow to deal me<br /> + As heaviest is to him who most gives way. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Therefore with foresight it is well I arm me,<br /> + That, if the dearest place be taken from me,<br /> + I may not lose the others by my songs. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Down through the world of infinite bitterness,<br /> + And o’er the mountain, from whose beauteous summit<br /> + The eyes of my own Lady lifted me, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And afterward through heaven from light to light,<br /> + I have learned that which, if I tell again,<br /> + Will be a savour of strong herbs to many. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And if I am a timid friend to truth,<br /> + I fear lest I may lose my life with those<br /> + Who will hereafter call this time the olden.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The light in which was smiling my own treasure<br /> + Which there I had discovered, flashed at first<br /> + As in the sunshine doth a golden mirror; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Then made reply: “A conscience overcast<br /> + Or with its own or with another’s shame,<br /> + Will taste forsooth the tartness of thy word; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But ne’ertheless, all falsehood laid aside,<br /> + Make manifest thy vision utterly,<br /> + And let them scratch wherever is the itch; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +For if thine utterance shall offensive be<br /> + At the first taste, a vital nutriment<br /> + ’Twill leave thereafter, when it is digested. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +This cry of thine shall do as doth the wind,<br /> + Which smiteth most the most exalted summits,<br /> + And that is no slight argument of honour. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Therefore are shown to thee within these wheels,<br /> + Upon the mount and in the dolorous valley,<br /> + Only the souls that unto fame are known; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Because the spirit of the hearer rests not,<br /> + Nor doth confirm its faith by an example<br /> + Which has the root of it unknown and hidden, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Or other reason that is not apparent.” +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="CantoIII.XVIII"></a>Paradiso: Canto XVIII</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +Now was alone rejoicing in its word<br /> + That soul beatified, and I was tasting<br /> + My own, the bitter tempering with the sweet, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And the Lady who to God was leading me<br /> + Said: “Change thy thought; consider that I am<br /> + Near unto Him who every wrong disburdens.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Unto the loving accents of my comfort<br /> + I turned me round, and then what love I saw<br /> + Within those holy eyes I here relinquish; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Not only that my language I distrust,<br /> + But that my mind cannot return so far<br /> + Above itself, unless another guide it. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thus much upon that point can I repeat,<br /> + That, her again beholding, my affection<br /> + From every other longing was released. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +While the eternal pleasure, which direct<br /> + Rayed upon Beatrice, from her fair face<br /> + Contented me with its reflected aspect, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Conquering me with the radiance of a smile,<br /> + She said to me, “Turn thee about and listen;<br /> + Not in mine eyes alone is Paradise.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Even as sometimes here do we behold<br /> + The affection in the look, if it be such<br /> + That all the soul is wrapt away by it, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So, by the flaming of the effulgence holy<br /> + To which I turned, I recognized therein<br /> + The wish of speaking to me somewhat farther. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And it began: “In this fifth resting-place<br /> + Upon the tree that liveth by its summit,<br /> + And aye bears fruit, and never loses leaf, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Are blessed spirits that below, ere yet<br /> + They came to Heaven, were of such great renown<br /> + That every Muse therewith would affluent be. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Therefore look thou upon the cross’s horns;<br /> + He whom I now shall name will there enact<br /> + What doth within a cloud its own swift fire.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I saw athwart the Cross a splendour drawn<br /> + By naming Joshua, (even as he did it,)<br /> + Nor noted I the word before the deed; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And at the name of the great Maccabee<br /> + I saw another move itself revolving,<br /> + And gladness was the whip unto that top. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Likewise for Charlemagne and for Orlando,<br /> + Two of them my regard attentive followed<br /> + As followeth the eye its falcon flying. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +William thereafterward, and Renouard,<br /> + And the Duke Godfrey, did attract my sight<br /> + Along upon that Cross, and Robert Guiscard. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Then, moved and mingled with the other lights,<br /> + The soul that had addressed me showed how great<br /> + An artist ’twas among the heavenly singers. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +To my right side I turned myself around,<br /> + My duty to behold in Beatrice<br /> + Either by words or gesture signified; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And so translucent I beheld her eyes,<br /> + So full of pleasure, that her countenance<br /> + Surpassed its other and its latest wont. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And as, by feeling greater delectation,<br /> + A man in doing good from day to day<br /> + Becomes aware his virtue is increasing, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So I became aware that my gyration<br /> + With heaven together had increased its arc,<br /> + That miracle beholding more adorned. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And such as is the change, in little lapse<br /> + Of time, in a pale woman, when her face<br /> + Is from the load of bashfulness unladen, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Such was it in mine eyes, when I had turned,<br /> + Caused by the whiteness of the temperate star,<br /> + The sixth, which to itself had gathered me. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Within that Jovial torch did I behold<br /> + The sparkling of the love which was therein<br /> + Delineate our language to mine eyes. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And even as birds uprisen from the shore,<br /> + As in congratulation o’er their food,<br /> + Make squadrons of themselves, now round, now long, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So from within those lights the holy creatures<br /> + Sang flying to and fro, and in their figures<br /> + Made of themselves now D, now I, now L. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +First singing they to their own music moved;<br /> + Then one becoming of these characters,<br /> + A little while they rested and were silent. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +O divine Pegasea, thou who genius<br /> + Dost glorious make, and render it long-lived,<br /> + And this through thee the cities and the kingdoms, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Illume me with thyself, that I may bring<br /> + Their figures out as I have them conceived!<br /> + Apparent be thy power in these brief verses! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Themselves then they displayed in five times seven<br /> + Vowels and consonants; and I observed<br /> + The parts as they seemed spoken unto me. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +‘Diligite justitiam,’ these were<br /> + First verb and noun of all that was depicted;<br /> + ‘Qui judicatis terram’ were the last. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thereafter in the M of the fifth word<br /> + Remained they so arranged, that Jupiter<br /> + Seemed to be silver there with gold inlaid. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And other lights I saw descend where was<br /> + The summit of the M, and pause there singing<br /> + The good, I think, that draws them to itself. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Then, as in striking upon burning logs<br /> + Upward there fly innumerable sparks,<br /> + Whence fools are wont to look for auguries, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +More than a thousand lights seemed thence to rise,<br /> + And to ascend, some more, and others less,<br /> + Even as the Sun that lights them had allotted; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And, each one being quiet in its place,<br /> + The head and neck beheld I of an eagle<br /> + Delineated by that inlaid fire. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +He who there paints has none to be his guide;<br /> + But Himself guides; and is from Him remembered<br /> + That virtue which is form unto the nest. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The other beatitude, that contented seemed<br /> + At first to bloom a lily on the M,<br /> + By a slight motion followed out the imprint. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +O gentle star! what and how many gems<br /> + Did demonstrate to me, that all our justice<br /> + Effect is of that heaven which thou ingemmest! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Wherefore I pray the Mind, in which begin<br /> + Thy motion and thy virtue, to regard<br /> + Whence comes the smoke that vitiates thy rays; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So that a second time it now be wroth<br /> + With buying and with selling in the temple<br /> + Whose walls were built with signs and martyrdoms! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +O soldiery of heaven, whom I contemplate,<br /> + Implore for those who are upon the earth<br /> + All gone astray after the bad example! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Once ’twas the custom to make war with swords;<br /> + But now ’tis made by taking here and there<br /> + The bread the pitying Father shuts from none. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Yet thou, who writest but to cancel, think<br /> + That Peter and that Paul, who for this vineyard<br /> + Which thou art spoiling died, are still alive! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Well canst thou say: “So steadfast my desire<br /> + Is unto him who willed to live alone,<br /> + And for a dance was led to martyrdom, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +That I know not the Fisherman nor Paul.” +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="CantoIII.XIX"></a>Paradiso: Canto XIX</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +Appeared before me with its wings outspread<br /> + The beautiful image that in sweet fruition<br /> + Made jubilant the interwoven souls; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Appeared a little ruby each, wherein<br /> + Ray of the sun was burning so enkindled<br /> + That each into mine eyes refracted it. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And what it now behoves me to retrace<br /> + Nor voice has e’er reported, nor ink written,<br /> + Nor was by fantasy e’er comprehended; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +For speak I saw, and likewise heard, the beak,<br /> + And utter with its voice both ‘I’ and ‘My,’<br /> + When in conception it was ‘We’ and ‘Our.’ +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And it began: “Being just and merciful<br /> + Am I exalted here unto that glory<br /> + Which cannot be exceeded by desire; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And upon earth I left my memory<br /> + Such, that the evil-minded people there<br /> + Commend it, but continue not the story.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So doth a single heat from many embers<br /> + Make itself felt, even as from many loves<br /> + Issued a single sound from out that image. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Whence I thereafter: “O perpetual flowers<br /> + Of the eternal joy, that only one<br /> + Make me perceive your odours manifold, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Exhaling, break within me the great fast<br /> + Which a long season has in hunger held me,<br /> + Not finding for it any food on earth. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Well do I know, that if in heaven its mirror<br /> + Justice Divine another realm doth make,<br /> + Yours apprehends it not through any veil. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +You know how I attentively address me<br /> + To listen; and you know what is the doubt<br /> + That is in me so very old a fast.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Even as a falcon, issuing from his hood,<br /> + Doth move his head, and with his wings applaud him,<br /> + Showing desire, and making himself fine, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Saw I become that standard, which of lauds<br /> + Was interwoven of the grace divine,<br /> + With such songs as he knows who there rejoices. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Then it began: “He who a compass turned<br /> + On the world’s outer verge, and who within it<br /> + Devised so much occult and manifest, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Could not the impress of his power so make<br /> + On all the universe, as that his Word<br /> + Should not remain in infinite excess. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And this makes certain that the first proud being,<br /> + Who was the paragon of every creature,<br /> + By not awaiting light fell immature. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And hence appears it, that each minor nature<br /> + Is scant receptacle unto that good<br /> + Which has no end, and by itself is measured. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +In consequence our vision, which perforce<br /> + Must be some ray of that intelligence<br /> + With which all things whatever are replete, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Cannot in its own nature be so potent,<br /> + That it shall not its origin discern<br /> + Far beyond that which is apparent to it. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Therefore into the justice sempiternal<br /> + The power of vision that your world receives,<br /> + As eye into the ocean, penetrates; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Which, though it see the bottom near the shore,<br /> + Upon the deep perceives it not, and yet<br /> + ’Tis there, but it is hidden by the depth. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +There is no light but comes from the serene<br /> + That never is o’ercast, nay, it is darkness<br /> + Or shadow of the flesh, or else its poison. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Amply to thee is opened now the cavern<br /> + Which has concealed from thee the living justice<br /> + Of which thou mad’st such frequent questioning. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +For saidst thou: ‘Born a man is on the shore<br /> + Of Indus, and is none who there can speak<br /> + Of Christ, nor who can read, nor who can write; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And all his inclinations and his actions<br /> + Are good, so far as human reason sees,<br /> + Without a sin in life or in discourse: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +He dieth unbaptised and without faith;<br /> + Where is this justice that condemneth him?<br /> + Where is his fault, if he do not believe?’ +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Now who art thou, that on the bench wouldst sit<br /> + In judgment at a thousand miles away,<br /> + With the short vision of a single span? +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Truly to him who with me subtilizes,<br /> + If so the Scripture were not over you,<br /> + For doubting there were marvellous occasion. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +O animals terrene, O stolid minds,<br /> + The primal will, that in itself is good,<br /> + Ne’er from itself, the Good Supreme, has moved. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So much is just as is accordant with it;<br /> + No good created draws it to itself,<br /> + But it, by raying forth, occasions that.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Even as above her nest goes circling round<br /> + The stork when she has fed her little ones,<br /> + And he who has been fed looks up at her, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So lifted I my brows, and even such<br /> + Became the blessed image, which its wings<br /> + Was moving, by so many counsels urged. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Circling around it sang, and said: “As are<br /> + My notes to thee, who dost not comprehend them,<br /> + Such is the eternal judgment to you mortals.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Those lucent splendours of the Holy Spirit<br /> + Grew quiet then, but still within the standard<br /> + That made the Romans reverend to the world. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +It recommenced: “Unto this kingdom never<br /> + Ascended one who had not faith in Christ,<br /> + Before or since he to the tree was nailed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But look thou, many crying are, ‘Christ, Christ!’<br /> + Who at the judgment shall be far less near<br /> + To him than some shall be who knew not Christ. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Such Christians shall the Ethiop condemn,<br /> + When the two companies shall be divided,<br /> + The one for ever rich, the other poor. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +What to your kings may not the Persians say,<br /> + When they that volume opened shall behold<br /> + In which are written down all their dispraises? +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +There shall be seen, among the deeds of Albert,<br /> + That which ere long shall set the pen in motion,<br /> + For which the realm of Prague shall be deserted. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +There shall be seen the woe that on the Seine<br /> + He brings by falsifying of the coin,<br /> + Who by the blow of a wild boar shall die. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +There shall be seen the pride that causes thirst,<br /> + Which makes the Scot and Englishman so mad<br /> + That they within their boundaries cannot rest; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Be seen the luxury and effeminate life<br /> + Of him of Spain, and the Bohemian,<br /> + Who valour never knew and never wished; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Be seen the Cripple of Jerusalem,<br /> + His goodness represented by an I,<br /> + While the reverse an M shall represent; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Be seen the avarice and poltroonery<br /> + Of him who guards the Island of the Fire,<br /> + Wherein Anchises finished his long life; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And to declare how pitiful he is<br /> + Shall be his record in contracted letters<br /> + Which shall make note of much in little space. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And shall appear to each one the foul deeds<br /> + Of uncle and of brother who a nation<br /> + So famous have dishonoured, and two crowns. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And he of Portugal and he of Norway<br /> + Shall there be known, and he of Rascia too,<br /> + Who saw in evil hour the coin of Venice. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +O happy Hungary, if she let herself<br /> + Be wronged no farther! and Navarre the happy,<br /> + If with the hills that gird her she be armed! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And each one may believe that now, as hansel<br /> + Thereof, do Nicosia and Famagosta<br /> + Lament and rage because of their own beast, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Who from the others’ flank departeth not.” +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="CantoIII.XX"></a>Paradiso: Canto XX</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +When he who all the world illuminates<br /> + Out of our hemisphere so far descends<br /> + That on all sides the daylight is consumed, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The heaven, that erst by him alone was kindled,<br /> + Doth suddenly reveal itself again<br /> + By many lights, wherein is one resplendent. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And came into my mind this act of heaven,<br /> + When the ensign of the world and of its leaders<br /> + Had silent in the blessed beak become; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Because those living luminaries all,<br /> + By far more luminous, did songs begin<br /> + Lapsing and falling from my memory. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +O gentle Love, that with a smile dost cloak thee,<br /> + How ardent in those sparks didst thou appear,<br /> + That had the breath alone of holy thoughts! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +After the precious and pellucid crystals,<br /> + With which begemmed the sixth light I beheld,<br /> + Silence imposed on the angelic bells, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I seemed to hear the murmuring of a river<br /> + That clear descendeth down from rock to rock,<br /> + Showing the affluence of its mountain-top. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And as the sound upon the cithern’s neck<br /> + Taketh its form, and as upon the vent<br /> + Of rustic pipe the wind that enters it, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Even thus, relieved from the delay of waiting,<br /> + That murmuring of the eagle mounted up<br /> + Along its neck, as if it had been hollow. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +There it became a voice, and issued thence<br /> + From out its beak, in such a form of words<br /> + As the heart waited for wherein I wrote them. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“The part in me which sees and bears the sun<br /> + In mortal eagles,” it began to me,<br /> + “Now fixedly must needs be looked upon; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +For of the fires of which I make my figure,<br /> + Those whence the eye doth sparkle in my head<br /> + Of all their orders the supremest are. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +He who is shining in the midst as pupil<br /> + Was once the singer of the Holy Spirit,<br /> + Who bore the ark from city unto city; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Now knoweth he the merit of his song,<br /> + In so far as effect of his own counsel,<br /> + By the reward which is commensurate. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Of five, that make a circle for my brow,<br /> + He that approacheth nearest to my beak<br /> + Did the poor widow for her son console; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Now knoweth he how dearly it doth cost<br /> + Not following Christ, by the experience<br /> + Of this sweet life and of its opposite. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +He who comes next in the circumference<br /> + Of which I speak, upon its highest arc,<br /> + Did death postpone by penitence sincere; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Now knoweth he that the eternal judgment<br /> + Suffers no change, albeit worthy prayer<br /> + Maketh below to-morrow of to-day. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The next who follows, with the laws and me,<br /> + Under the good intent that bore bad fruit<br /> + Became a Greek by ceding to the pastor; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Now knoweth he how all the ill deduced<br /> + From his good action is not harmful to him,<br /> + Although the world thereby may be destroyed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And he, whom in the downward arc thou seest,<br /> + Guglielmo was, whom the same land deplores<br /> + That weepeth Charles and Frederick yet alive; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Now knoweth he how heaven enamoured is<br /> + With a just king; and in the outward show<br /> + Of his effulgence he reveals it still. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Who would believe, down in the errant world,<br /> + That e’er the Trojan Ripheus in this round<br /> + Could be the fifth one of the holy lights? +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Now knoweth he enough of what the world<br /> + Has not the power to see of grace divine,<br /> + Although his sight may not discern the bottom.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Like as a lark that in the air expatiates,<br /> + First singing and then silent with content<br /> + Of the last sweetness that doth satisfy her, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Such seemed to me the image of the imprint<br /> + Of the eternal pleasure, by whose will<br /> + Doth everything become the thing it is. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And notwithstanding to my doubt I was<br /> + As glass is to the colour that invests it,<br /> + To wait the time in silence it endured not, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But forth from out my mouth, “What things are these?”<br /> + Extorted with the force of its own weight;<br /> + Whereat I saw great joy of coruscation. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thereafterward with eye still more enkindled<br /> + The blessed standard made to me reply,<br /> + To keep me not in wonderment suspended: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“I see that thou believest in these things<br /> + Because I say them, but thou seest not how;<br /> + So that, although believed in, they are hidden. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thou doest as he doth who a thing by name<br /> + Well apprehendeth, but its quiddity<br /> + Cannot perceive, unless another show it. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +‘Regnum coelorum’ suffereth violence<br /> + From fervent love, and from that living hope<br /> + That overcometh the Divine volition; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Not in the guise that man o’ercometh man,<br /> + But conquers it because it will be conquered,<br /> + And conquered conquers by benignity. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The first life of the eyebrow and the fifth<br /> + Cause thee astonishment, because with them<br /> + Thou seest the region of the angels painted. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +They passed not from their bodies, as thou thinkest,<br /> + Gentiles, but Christians in the steadfast faith<br /> + Of feet that were to suffer and had suffered. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +For one from Hell, where no one e’er turns back<br /> + Unto good will, returned unto his bones,<br /> + And that of living hope was the reward,— +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Of living hope, that placed its efficacy<br /> + In prayers to God made to resuscitate him,<br /> + So that ’twere possible to move his will. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The glorious soul concerning which I speak,<br /> + Returning to the flesh, where brief its stay,<br /> + Believed in Him who had the power to aid it; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And, in believing, kindled to such fire<br /> + Of genuine love, that at the second death<br /> + Worthy it was to come unto this joy. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The other one, through grace, that from so deep<br /> + A fountain wells that never hath the eye<br /> + Of any creature reached its primal wave, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Set all his love below on righteousness;<br /> + Wherefore from grace to grace did God unclose<br /> + His eye to our redemption yet to be, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Whence he believed therein, and suffered not<br /> + From that day forth the stench of paganism,<br /> + And he reproved therefor the folk perverse. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Those Maidens three, whom at the right-hand wheel<br /> + Thou didst behold, were unto him for baptism<br /> + More than a thousand years before baptizing. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +O thou predestination, how remote<br /> + Thy root is from the aspect of all those<br /> + Who the First Cause do not behold entire! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And you, O mortals! hold yourselves restrained<br /> + In judging; for ourselves, who look on God,<br /> + We do not know as yet all the elect; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And sweet to us is such a deprivation,<br /> + Because our good in this good is made perfect,<br /> + That whatsoe’er God wills, we also will.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +After this manner by that shape divine,<br /> + To make clear in me my short-sightedness,<br /> + Was given to me a pleasant medicine; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And as good singer a good lutanist<br /> + Accompanies with vibrations of the chords,<br /> + Whereby more pleasantness the song acquires, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So, while it spake, do I remember me<br /> + That I beheld both of those blessed lights,<br /> + Even as the winking of the eyes concords, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Moving unto the words their little flames. +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="CantoIII.XXI"></a>Paradiso: Canto XXI</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +Already on my Lady’s face mine eyes<br /> + Again were fastened, and with these my mind,<br /> + And from all other purpose was withdrawn; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And she smiled not; but “If I were to smile,”<br /> + She unto me began, “thou wouldst become<br /> + Like Semele, when she was turned to ashes. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Because my beauty, that along the stairs<br /> + Of the eternal palace more enkindles,<br /> + As thou hast seen, the farther we ascend, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +If it were tempered not, is so resplendent<br /> + That all thy mortal power in its effulgence<br /> + Would seem a leaflet that the thunder crushes. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +We are uplifted to the seventh splendour,<br /> + That underneath the burning Lion’s breast<br /> + Now radiates downward mingled with his power. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Fix in direction of thine eyes the mind,<br /> + And make of them a mirror for the figure<br /> + That in this mirror shall appear to thee.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +He who could know what was the pasturage<br /> + My sight had in that blessed countenance,<br /> + When I transferred me to another care, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Would recognize how grateful was to me<br /> + Obedience unto my celestial escort,<br /> + By counterpoising one side with the other. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Within the crystal which, around the world<br /> + Revolving, bears the name of its dear leader,<br /> + Under whom every wickedness lay dead, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Coloured like gold, on which the sunshine gleams,<br /> + A stairway I beheld to such a height<br /> + Uplifted, that mine eye pursued it not. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Likewise beheld I down the steps descending<br /> + So many splendours, that I thought each light<br /> + That in the heaven appears was there diffused. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And as accordant with their natural custom<br /> + The rooks together at the break of day<br /> + Bestir themselves to warm their feathers cold; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Then some of them fly off without return,<br /> + Others come back to where they started from,<br /> + And others, wheeling round, still keep at home; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Such fashion it appeared to me was there<br /> + Within the sparkling that together came,<br /> + As soon as on a certain step it struck, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And that which nearest unto us remained<br /> + Became so clear, that in my thought I said,<br /> + “Well I perceive the love thou showest me; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But she, from whom I wait the how and when<br /> + Of speech and silence, standeth still; whence I<br /> + Against desire do well if I ask not.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +She thereupon, who saw my silentness<br /> + In the sight of Him who seeth everything,<br /> + Said unto me, “Let loose thy warm desire.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And I began: “No merit of my own<br /> + Renders me worthy of response from thee;<br /> + But for her sake who granteth me the asking, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thou blessed life that dost remain concealed<br /> + In thy beatitude, make known to me<br /> + The cause which draweth thee so near my side; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And tell me why is silent in this wheel<br /> + The dulcet symphony of Paradise,<br /> + That through the rest below sounds so devoutly.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“Thou hast thy hearing mortal as thy sight,”<br /> + It answer made to me; “they sing not here,<br /> + For the same cause that Beatrice has not smiled. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thus far adown the holy stairway’s steps<br /> + Have I descended but to give thee welcome<br /> + With words, and with the light that mantles me; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Nor did more love cause me to be more ready,<br /> + For love as much and more up there is burning,<br /> + As doth the flaming manifest to thee. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But the high charity, that makes us servants<br /> + Prompt to the counsel which controls the world,<br /> + Allotteth here, even as thou dost observe.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“I see full well,” said I, “O sacred lamp!<br /> + How love unfettered in this court sufficeth<br /> + To follow the eternal Providence; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But this is what seems hard for me to see,<br /> + Wherefore predestinate wast thou alone<br /> + Unto this office from among thy consorts.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +No sooner had I come to the last word,<br /> + Than of its middle made the light a centre,<br /> + Whirling itself about like a swift millstone. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +When answer made the love that was therein:<br /> + “On me directed is a light divine,<br /> + Piercing through this in which I am embosomed, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Of which the virtue with my sight conjoined<br /> + Lifts me above myself so far, I see<br /> + The supreme essence from which this is drawn. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Hence comes the joyfulness with which I flame,<br /> + For to my sight, as far as it is clear,<br /> + The clearness of the flame I equal make. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But that soul in the heaven which is most pure,<br /> + That seraph which his eye on God most fixes,<br /> + Could this demand of thine not satisfy; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Because so deeply sinks in the abyss<br /> + Of the eternal statute what thou askest,<br /> + From all created sight it is cut off. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And to the mortal world, when thou returnest,<br /> + This carry back, that it may not presume<br /> + Longer tow’rd such a goal to move its feet. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The mind, that shineth here, on earth doth smoke;<br /> + From this observe how can it do below<br /> + That which it cannot though the heaven assume it?” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Such limit did its words prescribe to me,<br /> + The question I relinquished, and restricted<br /> + Myself to ask it humbly who it was. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“Between two shores of Italy rise cliffs,<br /> + And not far distant from thy native place,<br /> + So high, the thunders far below them sound, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And form a ridge that Catria is called,<br /> + ’Neath which is consecrate a hermitage<br /> + Wont to be dedicate to worship only.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thus unto me the third speech recommenced,<br /> + And then, continuing, it said: “Therein<br /> + Unto God’s service I became so steadfast, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +That feeding only on the juice of olives<br /> + Lightly I passed away the heats and frosts,<br /> + Contented in my thoughts contemplative. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +That cloister used to render to these heavens<br /> + Abundantly, and now is empty grown,<br /> + So that perforce it soon must be revealed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I in that place was Peter Damiano;<br /> + And Peter the Sinner was I in the house<br /> + Of Our Lady on the Adriatic shore. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Little of mortal life remained to me,<br /> + When I was called and dragged forth to the hat<br /> + Which shifteth evermore from bad to worse. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Came Cephas, and the mighty Vessel came<br /> + Of the Holy Spirit, meagre and barefooted,<br /> + Taking the food of any hostelry. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Now some one to support them on each side<br /> + The modern shepherds need, and some to lead them,<br /> + So heavy are they, and to hold their trains. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +They cover up their palfreys with their cloaks,<br /> + So that two beasts go underneath one skin;<br /> + O Patience, that dost tolerate so much!” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +At this voice saw I many little flames<br /> + From step to step descending and revolving,<br /> + And every revolution made them fairer. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Round about this one came they and stood still,<br /> + And a cry uttered of so loud a sound,<br /> + It here could find no parallel, nor I +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Distinguished it, the thunder so o’ercame me. +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="CantoIII.XXII"></a>Paradiso: Canto XXII</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +Oppressed with stupor, I unto my guide<br /> + Turned like a little child who always runs<br /> + For refuge there where he confideth most; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And she, even as a mother who straightway<br /> + Gives comfort to her pale and breathless boy<br /> + With voice whose wont it is to reassure him, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Said to me: “Knowest thou not thou art in heaven,<br /> + And knowest thou not that heaven is holy all<br /> + And what is done here cometh from good zeal? +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +After what wise the singing would have changed thee<br /> + And I by smiling, thou canst now imagine,<br /> + Since that the cry has startled thee so much, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +In which if thou hadst understood its prayers<br /> + Already would be known to thee the vengeance<br /> + Which thou shalt look upon before thou diest. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The sword above here smiteth not in haste<br /> + Nor tardily, howe’er it seem to him<br /> + Who fearing or desiring waits for it. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But turn thee round towards the others now,<br /> + For very illustrious spirits shalt thou see,<br /> + If thou thy sight directest as I say.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +As it seemed good to her mine eyes I turned,<br /> + And saw a hundred spherules that together<br /> + With mutual rays each other more embellished. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I stood as one who in himself represses<br /> + The point of his desire, and ventures not<br /> + To question, he so feareth the too much. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And now the largest and most luculent<br /> + Among those pearls came forward, that it might<br /> + Make my desire concerning it content. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Within it then I heard: “If thou couldst see<br /> + Even as myself the charity that burns<br /> + Among us, thy conceits would be expressed; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But, that by waiting thou mayst not come late<br /> + To the high end, I will make answer even<br /> + Unto the thought of which thou art so chary. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +That mountain on whose slope Cassino stands<br /> + Was frequented of old upon its summit<br /> + By a deluded folk and ill-disposed; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And I am he who first up thither bore<br /> + The name of Him who brought upon the earth<br /> + The truth that so much sublimateth us. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And such abundant grace upon me shone<br /> + That all the neighbouring towns I drew away<br /> + From the impious worship that seduced the world. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +These other fires, each one of them, were men<br /> + Contemplative, enkindled by that heat<br /> + Which maketh holy flowers and fruits spring up. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Here is Macarius, here is Romualdus,<br /> + Here are my brethren, who within the cloisters<br /> + Their footsteps stayed and kept a steadfast heart.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And I to him: “The affection which thou showest<br /> + Speaking with me, and the good countenance<br /> + Which I behold and note in all your ardours, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +In me have so my confidence dilated<br /> + As the sun doth the rose, when it becomes<br /> + As far unfolded as it hath the power. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Therefore I pray, and thou assure me, father,<br /> + If I may so much grace receive, that I<br /> + May thee behold with countenance unveiled.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +He thereupon: “Brother, thy high desire<br /> + In the remotest sphere shall be fulfilled,<br /> + Where are fulfilled all others and my own. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +There perfect is, and ripened, and complete,<br /> + Every desire; within that one alone<br /> + Is every part where it has always been; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +For it is not in space, nor turns on poles,<br /> + And unto it our stairway reaches up,<br /> + Whence thus from out thy sight it steals away. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Up to that height the Patriarch Jacob saw it<br /> + Extending its supernal part, what time<br /> + So thronged with angels it appeared to him. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But to ascend it now no one uplifts<br /> + His feet from off the earth, and now my Rule<br /> + Below remaineth for mere waste of paper. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The walls that used of old to be an Abbey<br /> + Are changed to dens of robbers, and the cowls<br /> + Are sacks filled full of miserable flour. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But heavy usury is not taken up<br /> + So much against God’s pleasure as that fruit<br /> + Which maketh so insane the heart of monks; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +For whatsoever hath the Church in keeping<br /> + Is for the folk that ask it in God’s name,<br /> + Not for one’s kindred or for something worse. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The flesh of mortals is so very soft,<br /> + That good beginnings down below suffice not<br /> + From springing of the oak to bearing acorns. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Peter began with neither gold nor silver,<br /> + And I with orison and abstinence,<br /> + And Francis with humility his convent. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And if thou lookest at each one’s beginning,<br /> + And then regardest whither he has run,<br /> + Thou shalt behold the white changed into brown. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +In verity the Jordan backward turned,<br /> + And the sea’s fleeing, when God willed were more<br /> + A wonder to behold, than succour here.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thus unto me he said; and then withdrew<br /> + To his own band, and the band closed together;<br /> + Then like a whirlwind all was upward rapt. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The gentle Lady urged me on behind them<br /> + Up o’er that stairway by a single sign,<br /> + So did her virtue overcome my nature; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Nor here below, where one goes up and down<br /> + By natural law, was motion e’er so swift<br /> + That it could be compared unto my wing. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Reader, as I may unto that devout<br /> + Triumph return, on whose account I often<br /> + For my transgressions weep and beat my breast,— +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thou hadst not thrust thy finger in the fire<br /> + And drawn it out again, before I saw<br /> + The sign that follows Taurus, and was in it. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +O glorious stars, O light impregnated<br /> + With mighty virtue, from which I acknowledge<br /> + All of my genius, whatsoe’er it be, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +With you was born, and hid himself with you,<br /> + He who is father of all mortal life,<br /> + When first I tasted of the Tuscan air; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And then when grace was freely given to me<br /> + To enter the high wheel which turns you round,<br /> + Your region was allotted unto me. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +To you devoutly at this hour my soul<br /> + Is sighing, that it virtue may acquire<br /> + For the stern pass that draws it to itself. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“Thou art so near unto the last salvation,”<br /> + Thus Beatrice began, “thou oughtest now<br /> + To have thine eves unclouded and acute; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And therefore, ere thou enter farther in,<br /> + Look down once more, and see how vast a world<br /> + Thou hast already put beneath thy feet; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So that thy heart, as jocund as it may,<br /> + Present itself to the triumphant throng<br /> + That comes rejoicing through this rounded ether.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I with my sight returned through one and all<br /> + The sevenfold spheres, and I beheld this globe<br /> + Such that I smiled at its ignoble semblance; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And that opinion I approve as best<br /> + Which doth account it least; and he who thinks<br /> + Of something else may truly be called just. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I saw the daughter of Latona shining<br /> + Without that shadow, which to me was cause<br /> + That once I had believed her rare and dense. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The aspect of thy son, Hyperion,<br /> + Here I sustained, and saw how move themselves<br /> + Around and near him Maia and Dione. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thence there appeared the temperateness of Jove<br /> + ’Twixt son and father, and to me was clear<br /> + The change that of their whereabout they make; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And all the seven made manifest to me<br /> + How great they are, and eke how swift they are,<br /> + And how they are in distant habitations. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The threshing-floor that maketh us so proud,<br /> + To me revolving with the eternal Twins,<br /> + Was all apparent made from hill to harbour! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Then to the beauteous eyes mine eyes I turned. +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="CantoIII.XXIII"></a>Paradiso: Canto XXIII</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +Even as a bird, ’mid the beloved leaves,<br /> + Quiet upon the nest of her sweet brood<br /> + Throughout the night, that hideth all things from us, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Who, that she may behold their longed-for looks<br /> + And find the food wherewith to nourish them,<br /> + In which, to her, grave labours grateful are, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Anticipates the time on open spray<br /> + And with an ardent longing waits the sun,<br /> + Gazing intent as soon as breaks the dawn: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Even thus my Lady standing was, erect<br /> + And vigilant, turned round towards the zone<br /> + Underneath which the sun displays less haste; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So that beholding her distraught and wistful,<br /> + Such I became as he is who desiring<br /> + For something yearns, and hoping is appeased. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But brief the space from one When to the other;<br /> + Of my awaiting, say I, and the seeing<br /> + The welkin grow resplendent more and more. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And Beatrice exclaimed: “Behold the hosts<br /> + Of Christ’s triumphal march, and all the fruit<br /> + Harvested by the rolling of these spheres!” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +It seemed to me her face was all aflame;<br /> + And eyes she had so full of ecstasy<br /> + That I must needs pass on without describing. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +As when in nights serene of the full moon<br /> + Smiles Trivia among the nymphs eternal<br /> + Who paint the firmament through all its gulfs, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Saw I, above the myriads of lamps,<br /> + A Sun that one and all of them enkindled,<br /> + E’en as our own doth the supernal sights, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And through the living light transparent shone<br /> + The lucent substance so intensely clear<br /> + Into my sight, that I sustained it not. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +O Beatrice, thou gentle guide and dear!<br /> + To me she said: “What overmasters thee<br /> + A virtue is from which naught shields itself. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +There are the wisdom and the omnipotence<br /> + That oped the thoroughfares ’twixt heaven and earth,<br /> + For which there erst had been so long a yearning.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +As fire from out a cloud unlocks itself,<br /> + Dilating so it finds not room therein,<br /> + And down, against its nature, falls to earth, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So did my mind, among those aliments<br /> + Becoming larger, issue from itself,<br /> + And that which it became cannot remember. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“Open thine eyes, and look at what I am:<br /> + Thou hast beheld such things, that strong enough<br /> + Hast thou become to tolerate my smile.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I was as one who still retains the feeling<br /> + Of a forgotten vision, and endeavours<br /> + In vain to bring it back into his mind, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +When I this invitation heard, deserving<br /> + Of so much gratitude, it never fades<br /> + Out of the book that chronicles the past. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +If at this moment sounded all the tongues<br /> + That Polyhymnia and her sisters made<br /> + Most lubrical with their delicious milk, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +To aid me, to a thousandth of the truth<br /> + It would not reach, singing the holy smile<br /> + And how the holy aspect it illumed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And therefore, representing Paradise,<br /> + The sacred poem must perforce leap over,<br /> + Even as a man who finds his way cut off; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But whoso thinketh of the ponderous theme,<br /> + And of the mortal shoulder laden with it,<br /> + Should blame it not, if under this it tremble. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +It is no passage for a little boat<br /> + This which goes cleaving the audacious prow,<br /> + Nor for a pilot who would spare himself. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“Why doth my face so much enamour thee,<br /> + That to the garden fair thou turnest not,<br /> + Which under the rays of Christ is blossoming? +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +There is the Rose in which the Word Divine<br /> + Became incarnate; there the lilies are<br /> + By whose perfume the good way was discovered.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thus Beatrice; and I, who to her counsels<br /> + Was wholly ready, once again betook me<br /> + Unto the battle of the feeble brows. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +As in the sunshine, that unsullied streams<br /> + Through fractured cloud, ere now a meadow of flowers<br /> + Mine eyes with shadow covered o’er have seen, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So troops of splendours manifold I saw<br /> + Illumined from above with burning rays,<br /> + Beholding not the source of the effulgence. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +O power benignant that dost so imprint them!<br /> + Thou didst exalt thyself to give more scope<br /> + There to mine eyes, that were not strong enough. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The name of that fair flower I e’er invoke<br /> + Morning and evening utterly enthralled<br /> + My soul to gaze upon the greater fire. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And when in both mine eyes depicted were<br /> + The glory and greatness of the living star<br /> + Which there excelleth, as it here excelled, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Athwart the heavens a little torch descended<br /> + Formed in a circle like a coronal,<br /> + And cinctured it, and whirled itself about it. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Whatever melody most sweetly soundeth<br /> + On earth, and to itself most draws the soul,<br /> + Would seem a cloud that, rent asunder, thunders, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Compared unto the sounding of that lyre<br /> + Wherewith was crowned the sapphire beautiful,<br /> + Which gives the clearest heaven its sapphire hue. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“I am Angelic Love, that circle round<br /> + The joy sublime which breathes from out the womb<br /> + That was the hostelry of our Desire; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And I shall circle, Lady of Heaven, while<br /> + Thou followest thy Son, and mak’st diviner<br /> + The sphere supreme, because thou enterest there.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thus did the circulated melody<br /> + Seal itself up; and all the other lights<br /> + Were making to resound the name of Mary. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The regal mantle of the volumes all<br /> + Of that world, which most fervid is and living<br /> + With breath of God and with his works and ways, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Extended over us its inner border,<br /> + So very distant, that the semblance of it<br /> + There where I was not yet appeared to me. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Therefore mine eyes did not possess the power<br /> + Of following the incoronated flame,<br /> + Which mounted upward near to its own seed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And as a little child, that towards its mother<br /> + Stretches its arms, when it the milk has taken,<br /> + Through impulse kindled into outward flame, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Each of those gleams of whiteness upward reached<br /> + So with its summit, that the deep affection<br /> + They had for Mary was revealed to me. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thereafter they remained there in my sight,<br /> + ‘Regina coeli’ singing with such sweetness,<br /> + That ne’er from me has the delight departed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +O, what exuberance is garnered up<br /> + Within those richest coffers, which had been<br /> + Good husbandmen for sowing here below! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +There they enjoy and live upon the treasure<br /> + Which was acquired while weeping in the exile<br /> + Of Babylon, wherein the gold was left. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +There triumpheth, beneath the exalted Son<br /> + Of God and Mary, in his victory,<br /> + Both with the ancient council and the new, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +He who doth keep the keys of such a glory. +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="CantoIII.XXIV"></a>Paradiso: Canto XXIV</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +“O company elect to the great supper<br /> + Of the Lamb benedight, who feedeth you<br /> + So that for ever full is your desire, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +If by the grace of God this man foretaste<br /> + Something of that which falleth from your table,<br /> + Or ever death prescribe to him the time, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Direct your mind to his immense desire,<br /> + And him somewhat bedew; ye drinking are<br /> + For ever at the fount whence comes his thought.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thus Beatrice; and those souls beatified<br /> + Transformed themselves to spheres on steadfast poles,<br /> + Flaming intensely in the guise of comets. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And as the wheels in works of horologes<br /> + Revolve so that the first to the beholder<br /> + Motionless seems, and the last one to fly, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So in like manner did those carols, dancing<br /> + In different measure, of their affluence<br /> + Give me the gauge, as they were swift or slow. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +From that one which I noted of most beauty<br /> + Beheld I issue forth a fire so happy<br /> + That none it left there of a greater brightness; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And around Beatrice three several times<br /> + It whirled itself with so divine a song,<br /> + My fantasy repeats it not to me; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Therefore the pen skips, and I write it not,<br /> + Since our imagination for such folds,<br /> + Much more our speech, is of a tint too glaring. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“O holy sister mine, who us implorest<br /> + With such devotion, by thine ardent love<br /> + Thou dost unbind me from that beautiful sphere!” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thereafter, having stopped, the blessed fire<br /> + Unto my Lady did direct its breath,<br /> + Which spake in fashion as I here have said. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And she: “O light eterne of the great man<br /> + To whom our Lord delivered up the keys<br /> + He carried down of this miraculous joy, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +This one examine on points light and grave,<br /> + As good beseemeth thee, about the Faith<br /> + By means of which thou on the sea didst walk. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +If he love well, and hope well, and believe,<br /> + From thee ’tis hid not; for thou hast thy sight<br /> + There where depicted everything is seen. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But since this kingdom has made citizens<br /> + By means of the true Faith, to glorify it<br /> + ’Tis well he have the chance to speak thereof.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +As baccalaureate arms himself, and speaks not<br /> + Until the master doth propose the question,<br /> + To argue it, and not to terminate it, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So did I arm myself with every reason,<br /> + While she was speaking, that I might be ready<br /> + For such a questioner and such profession. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“Say, thou good Christian; manifest thyself;<br /> + What is the Faith?” Whereat I raised my brow<br /> + Unto that light wherefrom was this breathed forth. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Then turned I round to Beatrice, and she<br /> + Prompt signals made to me that I should pour<br /> + The water forth from my internal fountain. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“May grace, that suffers me to make confession,”<br /> + Began I, “to the great centurion,<br /> + Cause my conceptions all to be explicit!” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And I continued: “As the truthful pen,<br /> + Father, of thy dear brother wrote of it,<br /> + Who put with thee Rome into the good way, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Faith is the substance of the things we hope for,<br /> + And evidence of those that are not seen;<br /> + And this appears to me its quiddity.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Then heard I: “Very rightly thou perceivest,<br /> + If well thou understandest why he placed it<br /> + With substances and then with evidences.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And I thereafterward: “The things profound,<br /> + That here vouchsafe to me their apparition,<br /> + Unto all eyes below are so concealed, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +That they exist there only in belief,<br /> + Upon the which is founded the high hope,<br /> + And hence it takes the nature of a substance. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And it behoveth us from this belief<br /> + To reason without having other sight,<br /> + And hence it has the nature of evidence.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Then heard I: “If whatever is acquired<br /> + Below by doctrine were thus understood,<br /> + No sophist’s subtlety would there find place.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thus was breathed forth from that enkindled love;<br /> + Then added: “Very well has been gone over<br /> + Already of this coin the alloy and weight; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But tell me if thou hast it in thy purse?”<br /> + And I: “Yes, both so shining and so round<br /> + That in its stamp there is no peradventure.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thereafter issued from the light profound<br /> + That there resplendent was: “This precious jewel,<br /> + Upon the which is every virtue founded, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Whence hadst thou it?” And I: “The large outpouring<br /> + Of Holy Spirit, which has been diffused<br /> + Upon the ancient parchments and the new, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +A syllogism is, which proved it to me<br /> + With such acuteness, that, compared therewith,<br /> + All demonstration seems to me obtuse.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And then I heard: “The ancient and the new<br /> + Postulates, that to thee are so conclusive,<br /> + Why dost thou take them for the word divine?” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And I: “The proofs, which show the truth to me,<br /> + Are the works subsequent, whereunto Nature<br /> + Ne’er heated iron yet, nor anvil beat.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +’Twas answered me: “Say, who assureth thee<br /> + That those works ever were? the thing itself<br /> + That must be proved, nought else to thee affirms it.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“Were the world to Christianity converted,”<br /> + I said, “withouten miracles, this one<br /> + Is such, the rest are not its hundredth part; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Because that poor and fasting thou didst enter<br /> + Into the field to sow there the good plant,<br /> + Which was a vine and has become a thorn!” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +This being finished, the high, holy Court<br /> + Resounded through the spheres, “One God we praise!”<br /> + In melody that there above is chanted. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And then that Baron, who from branch to branch,<br /> + Examining, had thus conducted me,<br /> + Till the extremest leaves we were approaching, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Again began: “The Grace that dallying<br /> + Plays with thine intellect thy mouth has opened,<br /> + Up to this point, as it should opened be, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So that I do approve what forth emerged;<br /> + But now thou must express what thou believest,<br /> + And whence to thy belief it was presented.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“O holy father, spirit who beholdest<br /> + What thou believedst so that thou o’ercamest,<br /> + Towards the sepulchre, more youthful feet,” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Began I, “thou dost wish me in this place<br /> + The form to manifest of my prompt belief,<br /> + And likewise thou the cause thereof demandest. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And I respond: In one God I believe,<br /> + Sole and eterne, who moveth all the heavens<br /> + With love and with desire, himself unmoved; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And of such faith not only have I proofs<br /> + Physical and metaphysical, but gives them<br /> + Likewise the truth that from this place rains down +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Through Moses, through the Prophets and the Psalms,<br /> + Through the Evangel, and through you, who wrote<br /> + After the fiery Spirit sanctified you; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +In Persons three eterne believe, and these<br /> + One essence I believe, so one and trine<br /> + They bear conjunction both with ‘sunt’ and ‘est.’ +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +With the profound condition and divine<br /> + Which now I touch upon, doth stamp my mind<br /> + Ofttimes the doctrine evangelical. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +This the beginning is, this is the spark<br /> + Which afterwards dilates to vivid flame,<br /> + And, like a star in heaven, is sparkling in me.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Even as a lord who hears what pleaseth him<br /> + His servant straight embraces, gratulating<br /> + For the good news as soon as he is silent; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So, giving me its benediction, singing,<br /> + Three times encircled me, when I was silent,<br /> + The apostolic light, at whose command +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I spoken had, in speaking I so pleased him. +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="CantoIII.XXV"></a>Paradiso: Canto XXV</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +If e’er it happen that the Poem Sacred,<br /> + To which both heaven and earth have set their hand,<br /> + So that it many a year hath made me lean, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +O’ercome the cruelty that bars me out<br /> + From the fair sheepfold, where a lamb I slumbered,<br /> + An enemy to the wolves that war upon it, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +With other voice forthwith, with other fleece<br /> + Poet will I return, and at my font<br /> + Baptismal will I take the laurel crown; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Because into the Faith that maketh known<br /> + All souls to God there entered I, and then<br /> + Peter for her sake thus my brow encircled. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thereafterward towards us moved a light<br /> + Out of that band whence issued the first-fruits<br /> + Which of his vicars Christ behind him left, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And then my Lady, full of ecstasy,<br /> + Said unto me: “Look, look! behold the Baron<br /> + For whom below Galicia is frequented.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +In the same way as, when a dove alights<br /> + Near his companion, both of them pour forth,<br /> + Circling about and murmuring, their affection, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So one beheld I by the other grand<br /> + Prince glorified to be with welcome greeted,<br /> + Lauding the food that there above is eaten. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But when their gratulations were complete,<br /> + Silently ‘coram me’ each one stood still,<br /> + So incandescent it o’ercame my sight. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Smiling thereafterwards, said Beatrice:<br /> + “Illustrious life, by whom the benefactions<br /> + Of our Basilica have been described, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Make Hope resound within this altitude;<br /> + Thou knowest as oft thou dost personify it<br /> + As Jesus to the three gave greater clearness.”— +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“Lift up thy head, and make thyself assured;<br /> + For what comes hither from the mortal world<br /> + Must needs be ripened in our radiance.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +This comfort came to me from the second fire;<br /> + Wherefore mine eyes I lifted to the hills,<br /> + Which bent them down before with too great weight. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“Since, through his grace, our Emperor wills that thou<br /> + Shouldst find thee face to face, before thy death,<br /> + In the most secret chamber, with his Counts, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So that, the truth beholden of this court,<br /> + Hope, which below there rightfully enamours,<br /> + Thereby thou strengthen in thyself and others, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Say what it is, and how is flowering with it<br /> + Thy mind, and say from whence it came to thee.”<br /> + Thus did the second light again continue. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And the Compassionate, who piloted<br /> + The plumage of my wings in such high flight,<br /> + Did in reply anticipate me thus: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“No child whatever the Church Militant<br /> + Of greater hope possesses, as is written<br /> + In that Sun which irradiates all our band; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Therefore it is conceded him from Egypt<br /> + To come into Jerusalem to see,<br /> + Or ever yet his warfare be completed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The two remaining points, that not for knowledge<br /> + Have been demanded, but that he report<br /> + How much this virtue unto thee is pleasing, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +To him I leave; for hard he will not find them,<br /> + Nor of self-praise; and let him answer them;<br /> + And may the grace of God in this assist him!” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +As a disciple, who his teacher follows,<br /> + Ready and willing, where he is expert,<br /> + That his proficiency may be displayed, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“Hope,” said I, “is the certain expectation<br /> + Of future glory, which is the effect<br /> + Of grace divine and merit precedent. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +From many stars this light comes unto me;<br /> + But he instilled it first into my heart<br /> + Who was chief singer unto the chief captain. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +‘Sperent in te,’ in the high Theody<br /> + He sayeth, ‘those who know thy name;’ and who<br /> + Knoweth it not, if he my faith possess? +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thou didst instil me, then, with his instilling<br /> + In the Epistle, so that I am full,<br /> + And upon others rain again your rain.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +While I was speaking, in the living bosom<br /> + Of that combustion quivered an effulgence,<br /> + Sudden and frequent, in the guise of lightning; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Then breathed: “The love wherewith I am inflamed<br /> + Towards the virtue still which followed me<br /> + Unto the palm and issue of the field, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Wills that I breathe to thee that thou delight<br /> + In her; and grateful to me is thy telling<br /> + Whatever things Hope promises to thee.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And I: “The ancient Scriptures and the new<br /> + The mark establish, and this shows it me,<br /> + Of all the souls whom God hath made his friends. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Isaiah saith, that each one garmented<br /> + In his own land shall be with twofold garments,<br /> + And his own land is this delightful life. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thy brother, too, far more explicitly,<br /> + There where he treateth of the robes of white,<br /> + This revelation manifests to us.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And first, and near the ending of these words,<br /> + “Sperent in te” from over us was heard,<br /> + To which responsive answered all the carols. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thereafterward a light among them brightened,<br /> + So that, if Cancer one such crystal had,<br /> + Winter would have a month of one sole day. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And as uprises, goes, and enters the dance<br /> + A winsome maiden, only to do honour<br /> + To the new bride, and not from any failing, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Even thus did I behold the brightened splendour<br /> + Approach the two, who in a wheel revolved<br /> + As was beseeming to their ardent love. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Into the song and music there it entered;<br /> + And fixed on them my Lady kept her look,<br /> + Even as a bride silent and motionless. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“This is the one who lay upon the breast<br /> + Of him our Pelican; and this is he<br /> + To the great office from the cross elected.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +My Lady thus; but therefore none the more<br /> + Did move her sight from its attentive gaze<br /> + Before or afterward these words of hers. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Even as a man who gazes, and endeavours<br /> + To see the eclipsing of the sun a little,<br /> + And who, by seeing, sightless doth become, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So I became before that latest fire,<br /> + While it was said, “Why dost thou daze thyself<br /> + To see a thing which here hath no existence? +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Earth in the earth my body is, and shall be<br /> + With all the others there, until our number<br /> + With the eternal proposition tallies. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +With the two garments in the blessed cloister<br /> + Are the two lights alone that have ascended:<br /> + And this shalt thou take back into your world.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And at this utterance the flaming circle<br /> + Grew quiet, with the dulcet intermingling<br /> + Of sound that by the trinal breath was made, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +As to escape from danger or fatigue<br /> + The oars that erst were in the water beaten<br /> + Are all suspended at a whistle’s sound. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Ah, how much in my mind was I disturbed,<br /> + When I turned round to look on Beatrice,<br /> + That her I could not see, although I was +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Close at her side and in the Happy World! +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="CantoIII.XXVI"></a>Paradiso: Canto XXVI</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +While I was doubting for my vision quenched,<br /> + Out of the flame refulgent that had quenched it<br /> + Issued a breathing, that attentive made me, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Saying: “While thou recoverest the sense<br /> + Of seeing which in me thou hast consumed,<br /> + ’Tis well that speaking thou shouldst compensate it. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Begin then, and declare to what thy soul<br /> + Is aimed, and count it for a certainty,<br /> + Sight is in thee bewildered and not dead; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Because the Lady, who through this divine<br /> + Region conducteth thee, has in her look<br /> + The power the hand of Ananias had.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I said: “As pleaseth her, or soon or late<br /> + Let the cure come to eyes that portals were<br /> + When she with fire I ever burn with entered. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The Good, that gives contentment to this Court,<br /> + The Alpha and Omega is of all<br /> + The writing that love reads me low or loud.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The selfsame voice, that taken had from me<br /> + The terror of the sudden dazzlement,<br /> + To speak still farther put it in my thought; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And said: “In verity with finer sieve<br /> + Behoveth thee to sift; thee it behoveth<br /> + To say who aimed thy bow at such a target.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And I: “By philosophic arguments,<br /> + And by authority that hence descends,<br /> + Such love must needs imprint itself in me; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +For Good, so far as good, when comprehended<br /> + Doth straight enkindle love, and so much greater<br /> + As more of goodness in itself it holds; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Then to that Essence (whose is such advantage<br /> + That every good which out of it is found<br /> + Is nothing but a ray of its own light) +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +More than elsewhither must the mind be moved<br /> + Of every one, in loving, who discerns<br /> + The truth in which this evidence is founded. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Such truth he to my intellect reveals<br /> + Who demonstrates to me the primal love<br /> + Of all the sempiternal substances. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The voice reveals it of the truthful Author,<br /> + Who says to Moses, speaking of Himself,<br /> + ‘I will make all my goodness pass before thee.’ +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thou too revealest it to me, beginning<br /> + The loud Evangel, that proclaims the secret<br /> + Of heaven to earth above all other edict.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And I heard say: “By human intellect<br /> + And by authority concordant with it,<br /> + Of all thy loves reserve for God the highest. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But say again if other cords thou feelest,<br /> + Draw thee towards Him, that thou mayst proclaim<br /> + With how many teeth this love is biting thee.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The holy purpose of the Eagle of Christ<br /> + Not latent was, nay, rather I perceived<br /> + Whither he fain would my profession lead. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Therefore I recommenced: “All of those bites<br /> + Which have the power to turn the heart to God<br /> + Unto my charity have been concurrent. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The being of the world, and my own being,<br /> + The death which He endured that I may live,<br /> + And that which all the faithful hope, as I do, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +With the forementioned vivid consciousness<br /> + Have drawn me from the sea of love perverse,<br /> + And of the right have placed me on the shore. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The leaves, wherewith embowered is all the garden<br /> + Of the Eternal Gardener, do I love<br /> + As much as he has granted them of good.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +As soon as I had ceased, a song most sweet<br /> + Throughout the heaven resounded, and my Lady<br /> + Said with the others, “Holy, holy, holy!” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And as at some keen light one wakes from sleep<br /> + By reason of the visual spirit that runs<br /> + Unto the splendour passed from coat to coat, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And he who wakes abhorreth what he sees,<br /> + So all unconscious is his sudden waking,<br /> + Until the judgment cometh to his aid, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So from before mine eyes did Beatrice<br /> + Chase every mote with radiance of her own,<br /> + That cast its light a thousand miles and more. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Whence better after than before I saw,<br /> + And in a kind of wonderment I asked<br /> + About a fourth light that I saw with us. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And said my Lady: “There within those rays<br /> + Gazes upon its Maker the first soul<br /> + That ever the first virtue did create.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Even as the bough that downward bends its top<br /> + At transit of the wind, and then is lifted<br /> + By its own virtue, which inclines it upward, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Likewise did I, the while that she was speaking,<br /> + Being amazed, and then I was made bold<br /> + By a desire to speak wherewith I burned. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And I began: “O apple, that mature<br /> + Alone hast been produced, O ancient father,<br /> + To whom each wife is daughter and daughter-in-law, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Devoutly as I can I supplicate thee<br /> + That thou wouldst speak to me; thou seest my wish;<br /> + And I, to hear thee quickly, speak it not.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Sometimes an animal, when covered, struggles<br /> + So that his impulse needs must be apparent,<br /> + By reason of the wrappage following it; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And in like manner the primeval soul<br /> + Made clear to me athwart its covering<br /> + How jubilant it was to give me pleasure. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Then breathed: “Without thy uttering it to me,<br /> + Thine inclination better I discern<br /> + Than thou whatever thing is surest to thee; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +For I behold it in the truthful mirror,<br /> + That of Himself all things parhelion makes,<br /> + And none makes Him parhelion of itself. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thou fain wouldst hear how long ago God placed me<br /> + Within the lofty garden, where this Lady<br /> + Unto so long a stairway thee disposed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And how long to mine eyes it was a pleasure,<br /> + And of the great disdain the proper cause,<br /> + And the language that I used and that I made. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Now, son of mine, the tasting of the tree<br /> + Not in itself was cause of so great exile,<br /> + But solely the o’erstepping of the bounds. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +There, whence thy Lady moved Virgilius,<br /> + Four thousand and three hundred and two circuits<br /> + Made by the sun, this Council I desired; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And him I saw return to all the lights<br /> + Of his highway nine hundred times and thirty,<br /> + Whilst I upon the earth was tarrying. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The language that I spake was quite extinct<br /> + Before that in the work interminable<br /> + The people under Nimrod were employed; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +For nevermore result of reasoning<br /> + (Because of human pleasure that doth change,<br /> + Obedient to the heavens) was durable. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +A natural action is it that man speaks;<br /> + But whether thus or thus, doth nature leave<br /> + To your own art, as seemeth best to you. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Ere I descended to the infernal anguish,<br /> + ‘El’ was on earth the name of the Chief Good,<br /> + From whom comes all the joy that wraps me round +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +‘Eli’ he then was called, and that is proper,<br /> + Because the use of men is like a leaf<br /> + On bough, which goeth and another cometh. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Upon the mount that highest o’er the wave<br /> + Rises was I, in life or pure or sinful,<br /> + From the first hour to that which is the second, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +As the sun changes quadrant, to the sixth.” +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="CantoIII.XXVII"></a>Paradiso: Canto XXVII</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +“Glory be to the Father, to the Son,<br /> + And Holy Ghost!” all Paradise began,<br /> + So that the melody inebriate made me. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +What I beheld seemed unto me a smile<br /> + Of the universe; for my inebriation<br /> + Found entrance through the hearing and the sight. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +O joy! O gladness inexpressible!<br /> + O perfect life of love and peacefulness!<br /> + O riches without hankering secure! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Before mine eyes were standing the four torches<br /> + Enkindled, and the one that first had come<br /> + Began to make itself more luminous; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And even such in semblance it became<br /> + As Jupiter would become, if he and Mars<br /> + Were birds, and they should interchange their feathers. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +That Providence, which here distributeth<br /> + Season and service, in the blessed choir<br /> + Had silence upon every side imposed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +When I heard say: “If I my colour change,<br /> + Marvel not at it; for while I am speaking<br /> + Thou shalt behold all these their colour change. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +He who usurps upon the earth my place,<br /> + My place, my place, which vacant has become<br /> + Before the presence of the Son of God, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Has of my cemetery made a sewer<br /> + Of blood and stench, whereby the Perverse One,<br /> + Who fell from here, below there is appeased!” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +With the same colour which, through sun adverse,<br /> + Painteth the clouds at evening or at morn,<br /> + Beheld I then the whole of heaven suffused. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And as a modest woman, who abides<br /> + Sure of herself, and at another’s failing,<br /> + From listening only, timorous becomes, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Even thus did Beatrice change countenance;<br /> + And I believe in heaven was such eclipse,<br /> + When suffered the supreme Omnipotence; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thereafterward proceeded forth his words<br /> + With voice so much transmuted from itself,<br /> + The very countenance was not more changed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“The spouse of Christ has never nurtured been<br /> + On blood of mine, of Linus and of Cletus,<br /> + To be made use of in acquest of gold; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But in acquest of this delightful life<br /> + Sixtus and Pius, Urban and Calixtus,<br /> + After much lamentation, shed their blood. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Our purpose was not, that on the right hand<br /> + Of our successors should in part be seated<br /> + The Christian folk, in part upon the other; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Nor that the keys which were to me confided<br /> + Should e’er become the escutcheon on a banner,<br /> + That should wage war on those who are baptized; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Nor I be made the figure of a seal<br /> + To privileges venal and mendacious,<br /> + Whereat I often redden and flash with fire. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +In garb of shepherds the rapacious wolves<br /> + Are seen from here above o’er all the pastures!<br /> + O wrath of God, why dost thou slumber still? +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +To drink our blood the Caorsines and Gascons<br /> + Are making ready. O thou good beginning,<br /> + Unto how vile an end must thou needs fall! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But the high Providence, that with Scipio<br /> + At Rome the glory of the world defended,<br /> + Will speedily bring aid, as I conceive; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And thou, my son, who by thy mortal weight<br /> + Shalt down return again, open thy mouth;<br /> + What I conceal not, do not thou conceal.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +As with its frozen vapours downward falls<br /> + In flakes our atmosphere, what time the horn<br /> + Of the celestial Goat doth touch the sun, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Upward in such array saw I the ether<br /> + Become, and flaked with the triumphant vapours,<br /> + Which there together with us had remained. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +My sight was following up their semblances,<br /> + And followed till the medium, by excess,<br /> + The passing farther onward took from it; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Whereat the Lady, who beheld me freed<br /> + From gazing upward, said to me: “Cast down<br /> + Thy sight, and see how far thou art turned round.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Since the first time that I had downward looked,<br /> + I saw that I had moved through the whole arc<br /> + Which the first climate makes from midst to end; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So that I saw the mad track of Ulysses<br /> + Past Gades, and this side, well nigh the shore<br /> + Whereon became Europa a sweet burden. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And of this threshing-floor the site to me<br /> + Were more unveiled, but the sun was proceeding<br /> + Under my feet, a sign and more removed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +My mind enamoured, which is dallying<br /> + At all times with my Lady, to bring back<br /> + To her mine eyes was more than ever ardent. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And if or Art or Nature has made bait<br /> + To catch the eyes and so possess the mind,<br /> + In human flesh or in its portraiture, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +All joined together would appear as nought<br /> + To the divine delight which shone upon me<br /> + When to her smiling face I turned me round. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The virtue that her look endowed me with<br /> + From the fair nest of Leda tore me forth,<br /> + And up into the swiftest heaven impelled me. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Its parts exceeding full of life and lofty<br /> + Are all so uniform, I cannot say<br /> + Which Beatrice selected for my place. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But she, who was aware of my desire,<br /> + Began, the while she smiled so joyously<br /> + That God seemed in her countenance to rejoice: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“The nature of that motion, which keeps quiet<br /> + The centre and all the rest about it moves,<br /> + From hence begins as from its starting point. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And in this heaven there is no other Where<br /> + Than in the Mind Divine, wherein is kindled<br /> + The love that turns it, and the power it rains. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Within a circle light and love embrace it,<br /> + Even as this doth the others, and that precinct<br /> + He who encircles it alone controls. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Its motion is not by another meted,<br /> + But all the others measured are by this,<br /> + As ten is by the half and by the fifth. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And in what manner time in such a pot<br /> + May have its roots, and in the rest its leaves,<br /> + Now unto thee can manifest be made. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +O Covetousness, that mortals dost ingulf<br /> + Beneath thee so, that no one hath the power<br /> + Of drawing back his eyes from out thy waves! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Full fairly blossoms in mankind the will;<br /> + But the uninterrupted rain converts<br /> + Into abortive wildings the true plums. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Fidelity and innocence are found<br /> + Only in children; afterwards they both<br /> + Take flight or e’er the cheeks with down are covered. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +One, while he prattles still, observes the fasts,<br /> + Who, when his tongue is loosed, forthwith devours<br /> + Whatever food under whatever moon; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Another, while he prattles, loves and listens<br /> + Unto his mother, who when speech is perfect<br /> + Forthwith desires to see her in her grave. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Even thus is swarthy made the skin so white<br /> + In its first aspect of the daughter fair<br /> + Of him who brings the morn, and leaves the night. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thou, that it may not be a marvel to thee,<br /> + Think that on earth there is no one who governs;<br /> + Whence goes astray the human family. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Ere January be unwintered wholly<br /> + By the centesimal on earth neglected,<br /> + Shall these supernal circles roar so loud +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The tempest that has been so long awaited<br /> + Shall whirl the poops about where are the prows;<br /> + So that the fleet shall run its course direct, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And the true fruit shall follow on the flower.” +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="CantoIII.XXVIII"></a>Paradiso: Canto XXVIII</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +After the truth against the present life<br /> + Of miserable mortals was unfolded<br /> + By her who doth imparadise my mind, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +As in a looking-glass a taper’s flame<br /> + He sees who from behind is lighted by it,<br /> + Before he has it in his sight or thought, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And turns him round to see if so the glass<br /> + Tell him the truth, and sees that it accords<br /> + Therewith as doth a music with its metre, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +In similar wise my memory recollecteth<br /> + That I did, looking into those fair eyes,<br /> + Of which Love made the springes to ensnare me. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And as I turned me round, and mine were touched<br /> + By that which is apparent in that volume,<br /> + Whenever on its gyre we gaze intent, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +A point beheld I, that was raying out<br /> + Light so acute, the sight which it enkindles<br /> + Must close perforce before such great acuteness. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And whatsoever star seems smallest here<br /> + Would seem to be a moon, if placed beside it.<br /> + As one star with another star is placed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Perhaps at such a distance as appears<br /> + A halo cincturing the light that paints it,<br /> + When densest is the vapour that sustains it, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thus distant round the point a circle of fire<br /> + So swiftly whirled, that it would have surpassed<br /> + Whatever motion soonest girds the world; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And this was by another circumcinct,<br /> + That by a third, the third then by a fourth,<br /> + By a fifth the fourth, and then by a sixth the fifth; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The seventh followed thereupon in width<br /> + So ample now, that Juno’s messenger<br /> + Entire would be too narrow to contain it. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Even so the eighth and ninth; and every one<br /> + More slowly moved, according as it was<br /> + In number distant farther from the first. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And that one had its flame most crystalline<br /> + From which less distant was the stainless spark,<br /> + I think because more with its truth imbued. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +My Lady, who in my anxiety<br /> + Beheld me much perplexed, said: “From that point<br /> + Dependent is the heaven and nature all. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Behold that circle most conjoined to it,<br /> + And know thou, that its motion is so swift<br /> + Through burning love whereby it is spurred on.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And I to her: “If the world were arranged<br /> + In the order which I see in yonder wheels,<br /> + What’s set before me would have satisfied me; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But in the world of sense we can perceive<br /> + That evermore the circles are diviner<br /> + As they are from the centre more remote +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Wherefore if my desire is to be ended<br /> + In this miraculous and angelic temple,<br /> + That has for confines only love and light, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +To hear behoves me still how the example<br /> + And the exemplar go not in one fashion,<br /> + Since for myself in vain I contemplate it.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“If thine own fingers unto such a knot<br /> + Be insufficient, it is no great wonder,<br /> + So hard hath it become for want of trying.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +My Lady thus; then said she: “Do thou take<br /> + What I shall tell thee, if thou wouldst be sated,<br /> + And exercise on that thy subtlety. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The circles corporal are wide and narrow<br /> + According to the more or less of virtue<br /> + Which is distributed through all their parts. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The greater goodness works the greater weal,<br /> + The greater weal the greater body holds,<br /> + If perfect equally are all its parts. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Therefore this one which sweeps along with it<br /> + The universe sublime, doth correspond<br /> + Unto the circle which most loves and knows. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +On which account, if thou unto the virtue<br /> + Apply thy measure, not to the appearance<br /> + Of substances that unto thee seem round, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thou wilt behold a marvellous agreement,<br /> + Of more to greater, and of less to smaller,<br /> + In every heaven, with its Intelligence.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Even as remaineth splendid and serene<br /> + The hemisphere of air, when Boreas<br /> + Is blowing from that cheek where he is mildest, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Because is purified and resolved the rack<br /> + That erst disturbed it, till the welkin laughs<br /> + With all the beauties of its pageantry; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thus did I likewise, after that my Lady<br /> + Had me provided with her clear response,<br /> + And like a star in heaven the truth was seen. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And soon as to a stop her words had come,<br /> + Not otherwise does iron scintillate<br /> + When molten, than those circles scintillated. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Their coruscation all the sparks repeated,<br /> + And they so many were, their number makes<br /> + More millions than the doubling of the chess. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I heard them sing hosanna choir by choir<br /> + To the fixed point which holds them at the ‘Ubi,’<br /> + And ever will, where they have ever been. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And she, who saw the dubious meditations<br /> + Within my mind, “The primal circles,” said,<br /> + “Have shown thee Seraphim and Cherubim. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thus rapidly they follow their own bonds,<br /> + To be as like the point as most they can,<br /> + And can as far as they are high in vision. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Those other Loves, that round about them go,<br /> + Thrones of the countenance divine are called,<br /> + Because they terminate the primal Triad. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And thou shouldst know that they all have delight<br /> + As much as their own vision penetrates<br /> + The Truth, in which all intellect finds rest. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +From this it may be seen how blessedness<br /> + Is founded in the faculty which sees,<br /> + And not in that which loves, and follows next; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And of this seeing merit is the measure,<br /> + Which is brought forth by grace, and by good will;<br /> + Thus on from grade to grade doth it proceed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The second Triad, which is germinating<br /> + In such wise in this sempiternal spring,<br /> + That no nocturnal Aries despoils, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Perpetually hosanna warbles forth<br /> + With threefold melody, that sounds in three<br /> + Orders of joy, with which it is intrined. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The three Divine are in this hierarchy,<br /> + First the Dominions, and the Virtues next;<br /> + And the third order is that of the Powers. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Then in the dances twain penultimate<br /> + The Principalities and Archangels wheel;<br /> + The last is wholly of angelic sports. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +These orders upward all of them are gazing,<br /> + And downward so prevail, that unto God<br /> + They all attracted are and all attract. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And Dionysius with so great desire<br /> + To contemplate these Orders set himself,<br /> + He named them and distinguished them as I do. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But Gregory afterwards dissented from him;<br /> + Wherefore, as soon as he unclosed his eyes<br /> + Within this heaven, he at himself did smile. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And if so much of secret truth a mortal<br /> + Proffered on earth, I would not have thee marvel,<br /> + For he who saw it here revealed it to him, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +With much more of the truth about these circles.” +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="CantoIII.XXIX"></a>Paradiso: Canto XXIX</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +At what time both the children of Latona,<br /> + Surmounted by the Ram and by the Scales,<br /> + Together make a zone of the horizon, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +As long as from the time the zenith holds them<br /> + In equipoise, till from that girdle both<br /> + Changing their hemisphere disturb the balance, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So long, her face depicted with a smile,<br /> + Did Beatrice keep silence while she gazed<br /> + Fixedly at the point which had o’ercome me. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Then she began: “I say, and I ask not<br /> + What thou dost wish to hear, for I have seen it<br /> + Where centres every When and every ‘Ubi.’ +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Not to acquire some good unto himself,<br /> + Which is impossible, but that his splendour<br /> + In its resplendency may say, ‘Subsisto,’ +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +In his eternity outside of time,<br /> + Outside all other limits, as it pleased him,<br /> + Into new Loves the Eternal Love unfolded. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Nor as if torpid did he lie before;<br /> + For neither after nor before proceeded<br /> + The going forth of God upon these waters. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Matter and Form unmingled and conjoined<br /> + Came into being that had no defect,<br /> + E’en as three arrows from a three-stringed bow. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And as in glass, in amber, or in crystal<br /> + A sunbeam flashes so, that from its coming<br /> + To its full being is no interval, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So from its Lord did the triform effect<br /> + Ray forth into its being all together,<br /> + Without discrimination of beginning. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Order was con-created and constructed<br /> + In substances, and summit of the world<br /> + Were those wherein the pure act was produced. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Pure potentiality held the lowest part;<br /> + Midway bound potentiality with act<br /> + Such bond that it shall never be unbound. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Jerome has written unto you of angels<br /> + Created a long lapse of centuries<br /> + Or ever yet the other world was made; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But written is this truth in many places<br /> + By writers of the Holy Ghost, and thou<br /> + Shalt see it, if thou lookest well thereat. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And even reason seeth it somewhat,<br /> + For it would not concede that for so long<br /> + Could be the motors without their perfection. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Now dost thou know both where and when these Loves<br /> + Created were, and how; so that extinct<br /> + In thy desire already are three fires. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Nor could one reach, in counting, unto twenty<br /> + So swiftly, as a portion of these angels<br /> + Disturbed the subject of your elements. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The rest remained, and they began this art<br /> + Which thou discernest, with so great delight<br /> + That never from their circling do they cease. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The occasion of the fall was the accursed<br /> + Presumption of that One, whom thou hast seen<br /> + By all the burden of the world constrained. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Those whom thou here beholdest modest were<br /> + To recognise themselves as of that goodness<br /> + Which made them apt for so much understanding; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +On which account their vision was exalted<br /> + By the enlightening grace and their own merit,<br /> + So that they have a full and steadfast will. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I would not have thee doubt, but certain be,<br /> + ’Tis meritorious to receive this grace,<br /> + According as the affection opens to it. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Now round about in this consistory<br /> + Much mayst thou contemplate, if these my words<br /> + Be gathered up, without all further aid. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But since upon the earth, throughout your schools,<br /> + They teach that such is the angelic nature<br /> + That it doth hear, and recollect, and will, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +More will I say, that thou mayst see unmixed<br /> + The truth that is confounded there below,<br /> + Equivocating in such like prelections. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +These substances, since in God’s countenance<br /> + They jocund were, turned not away their sight<br /> + From that wherefrom not anything is hidden; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Hence they have not their vision intercepted<br /> + By object new, and hence they do not need<br /> + To recollect, through interrupted thought. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So that below, not sleeping, people dream,<br /> + Believing they speak truth, and not believing;<br /> + And in the last is greater sin and shame. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Below you do not journey by one path<br /> + Philosophising; so transporteth you<br /> + Love of appearance and the thought thereof. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And even this above here is endured<br /> + With less disdain, than when is set aside<br /> + The Holy Writ, or when it is distorted. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +They think not there how much of blood it costs<br /> + To sow it in the world, and how he pleases<br /> + Who in humility keeps close to it. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Each striveth for appearance, and doth make<br /> + His own inventions; and these treated are<br /> + By preachers, and the Evangel holds its peace. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +One sayeth that the moon did backward turn,<br /> + In the Passion of Christ, and interpose herself<br /> + So that the sunlight reached not down below; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And lies; for of its own accord the light<br /> + Hid itself; whence to Spaniards and to Indians,<br /> + As to the Jews, did such eclipse respond. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Florence has not so many Lapi and Bindi<br /> + As fables such as these, that every year<br /> + Are shouted from the pulpit back and forth, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +In such wise that the lambs, who do not know,<br /> + Come back from pasture fed upon the wind,<br /> + And not to see the harm doth not excuse them. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Christ did not to his first disciples say,<br /> + ‘Go forth, and to the world preach idle tales,’<br /> + But unto them a true foundation gave; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And this so loudly sounded from their lips,<br /> + That, in the warfare to enkindle Faith,<br /> + They made of the Evangel shields and lances. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Now men go forth with jests and drolleries<br /> + To preach, and if but well the people laugh,<br /> + The hood puffs out, and nothing more is asked. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But in the cowl there nestles such a bird,<br /> + That, if the common people were to see it,<br /> + They would perceive what pardons they confide in, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +For which so great on earth has grown the folly,<br /> + That, without proof of any testimony,<br /> + To each indulgence they would flock together. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +By this Saint Anthony his pig doth fatten,<br /> + And many others, who are worse than pigs,<br /> + Paying in money without mark of coinage. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But since we have digressed abundantly,<br /> + Turn back thine eyes forthwith to the right path,<br /> + So that the way be shortened with the time. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +This nature doth so multiply itself<br /> + In numbers, that there never yet was speech<br /> + Nor mortal fancy that can go so far. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And if thou notest that which is revealed<br /> + By Daniel, thou wilt see that in his thousands<br /> + Number determinate is kept concealed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The primal light, that all irradiates it,<br /> + By modes as many is received therein,<br /> + As are the splendours wherewith it is mated. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Hence, inasmuch as on the act conceptive<br /> + The affection followeth, of love the sweetness<br /> + Therein diversely fervid is or tepid. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The height behold now and the amplitude<br /> + Of the eternal power, since it hath made<br /> + Itself so many mirrors, where ’tis broken, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +One in itself remaining as before.” +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="CantoIII.XXX"></a>Paradiso: Canto XXX</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +Perchance six thousand miles remote from us<br /> + Is glowing the sixth hour, and now this world<br /> + Inclines its shadow almost to a level, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +When the mid-heaven begins to make itself<br /> + So deep to us, that here and there a star<br /> + Ceases to shine so far down as this depth, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And as advances bright exceedingly<br /> + The handmaid of the sun, the heaven is closed<br /> + Light after light to the most beautiful; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Not otherwise the Triumph, which for ever<br /> + Plays round about the point that vanquished me,<br /> + Seeming enclosed by what itself encloses, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Little by little from my vision faded;<br /> + Whereat to turn mine eyes on Beatrice<br /> + My seeing nothing and my love constrained me. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +If what has hitherto been said of her<br /> + Were all concluded in a single praise,<br /> + Scant would it be to serve the present turn. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Not only does the beauty I beheld<br /> + Transcend ourselves, but truly I believe<br /> + Its Maker only may enjoy it all. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Vanquished do I confess me by this passage<br /> + More than by problem of his theme was ever<br /> + O’ercome the comic or the tragic poet; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +For as the sun the sight that trembles most,<br /> + Even so the memory of that sweet smile<br /> + My mind depriveth of its very self. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +From the first day that I beheld her face<br /> + In this life, to the moment of this look,<br /> + The sequence of my song has ne’er been severed; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But now perforce this sequence must desist<br /> + From following her beauty with my verse,<br /> + As every artist at his uttermost. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Such as I leave her to a greater fame<br /> + Than any of my trumpet, which is bringing<br /> + Its arduous matter to a final close, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +With voice and gesture of a perfect leader<br /> + She recommenced: “We from the greatest body<br /> + Have issued to the heaven that is pure light; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Light intellectual replete with love,<br /> + Love of true good replete with ecstasy,<br /> + Ecstasy that transcendeth every sweetness. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Here shalt thou see the one host and the other<br /> + Of Paradise, and one in the same aspects<br /> + Which at the final judgment thou shalt see.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Even as a sudden lightning that disperses<br /> + The visual spirits, so that it deprives<br /> + The eye of impress from the strongest objects, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thus round about me flashed a living light,<br /> + And left me swathed around with such a veil<br /> + Of its effulgence, that I nothing saw. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“Ever the Love which quieteth this heaven<br /> + Welcomes into itself with such salute,<br /> + To make the candle ready for its flame.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +No sooner had within me these brief words<br /> + An entrance found, than I perceived myself<br /> + To be uplifted over my own power, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And I with vision new rekindled me,<br /> + Such that no light whatever is so pure<br /> + But that mine eyes were fortified against it. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And light I saw in fashion of a river<br /> + Fulvid with its effulgence, ’twixt two banks<br /> + Depicted with an admirable Spring. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Out of this river issued living sparks,<br /> + And on all sides sank down into the flowers,<br /> + Like unto rubies that are set in gold; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And then, as if inebriate with the odours,<br /> + They plunged again into the wondrous torrent,<br /> + And as one entered issued forth another. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“The high desire, that now inflames and moves thee<br /> + To have intelligence of what thou seest,<br /> + Pleaseth me all the more, the more it swells. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But of this water it behoves thee drink<br /> + Before so great a thirst in thee be slaked.”<br /> + Thus said to me the sunshine of mine eyes; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And added: “The river and the topazes<br /> + Going in and out, and the laughing of the herbage,<br /> + Are of their truth foreshadowing prefaces; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Not that these things are difficult in themselves,<br /> + But the deficiency is on thy side,<br /> + For yet thou hast not vision so exalted.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +There is no babe that leaps so suddenly<br /> + With face towards the milk, if he awake<br /> + Much later than his usual custom is, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +As I did, that I might make better mirrors<br /> + Still of mine eyes, down stooping to the wave<br /> + Which flows that we therein be better made. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And even as the penthouse of mine eyelids<br /> + Drank of it, it forthwith appeared to me<br /> + Out of its length to be transformed to round. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Then as a folk who have been under masks<br /> + Seem other than before, if they divest<br /> + The semblance not their own they disappeared in, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thus into greater pomp were changed for me<br /> + The flowerets and the sparks, so that I saw<br /> + Both of the Courts of Heaven made manifest. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +O splendour of God! by means of which I saw<br /> + The lofty triumph of the realm veracious,<br /> + Give me the power to say how it I saw! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +There is a light above, which visible<br /> + Makes the Creator unto every creature,<br /> + Who only in beholding Him has peace, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And it expands itself in circular form<br /> + To such extent, that its circumference<br /> + Would be too large a girdle for the sun. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The semblance of it is all made of rays<br /> + Reflected from the top of Primal Motion,<br /> + Which takes therefrom vitality and power. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And as a hill in water at its base<br /> + Mirrors itself, as if to see its beauty<br /> + When affluent most in verdure and in flowers, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So, ranged aloft all round about the light,<br /> + Mirrored I saw in more ranks than a thousand<br /> + All who above there have from us returned. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And if the lowest row collect within it<br /> + So great a light, how vast the amplitude<br /> + Is of this Rose in its extremest leaves! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +My vision in the vastness and the height<br /> + Lost not itself, but comprehended all<br /> + The quantity and quality of that gladness. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +There near and far nor add nor take away;<br /> + For there where God immediately doth govern,<br /> + The natural law in naught is relevant. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Into the yellow of the Rose Eternal<br /> + That spreads, and multiplies, and breathes an odour<br /> + Of praise unto the ever-vernal Sun, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +As one who silent is and fain would speak,<br /> + Me Beatrice drew on, and said: “Behold<br /> + Of the white stoles how vast the convent is! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Behold how vast the circuit of our city!<br /> + Behold our seats so filled to overflowing,<br /> + That here henceforward are few people wanting! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +On that great throne whereon thine eyes are fixed<br /> + For the crown’s sake already placed upon it,<br /> + Before thou suppest at this wedding feast +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Shall sit the soul (that is to be Augustus<br /> + On earth) of noble Henry, who shall come<br /> + To redress Italy ere she be ready. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Blind covetousness, that casts its spell upon you,<br /> + Has made you like unto the little child,<br /> + Who dies of hunger and drives off the nurse. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And in the sacred forum then shall be<br /> + A Prefect such, that openly or covert<br /> + On the same road he will not walk with him. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But long of God he will not be endured<br /> + In holy office; he shall be thrust down<br /> + Where Simon Magus is for his deserts, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And make him of Alagna lower go!” +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="CantoIII.XXXI"></a>Paradiso: Canto XXXI</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +In fashion then as of a snow-white rose<br /> + Displayed itself to me the saintly host,<br /> + Whom Christ in his own blood had made his bride, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But the other host, that flying sees and sings<br /> + The glory of Him who doth enamour it,<br /> + And the goodness that created it so noble, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Even as a swarm of bees, that sinks in flowers<br /> + One moment, and the next returns again<br /> + To where its labour is to sweetness turned, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Sank into the great flower, that is adorned<br /> + With leaves so many, and thence reascended<br /> + To where its love abideth evermore. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Their faces had they all of living flame,<br /> + And wings of gold, and all the rest so white<br /> + No snow unto that limit doth attain. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +From bench to bench, into the flower descending,<br /> + They carried something of the peace and ardour<br /> + Which by the fanning of their flanks they won. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Nor did the interposing ’twixt the flower<br /> + And what was o’er it of such plenitude<br /> + Of flying shapes impede the sight and splendour; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Because the light divine so penetrates<br /> + The universe, according to its merit,<br /> + That naught can be an obstacle against it. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +This realm secure and full of gladsomeness,<br /> + Crowded with ancient people and with modern,<br /> + Unto one mark had all its look and love. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +O Trinal Light, that in a single star<br /> + Sparkling upon their sight so satisfies them,<br /> + Look down upon our tempest here below! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +If the barbarians, coming from some region<br /> + That every day by Helice is covered,<br /> + Revolving with her son whom she delights in, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Beholding Rome and all her noble works,<br /> + Were wonder-struck, what time the Lateran<br /> + Above all mortal things was eminent,— +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I who to the divine had from the human,<br /> + From time unto eternity, had come,<br /> + From Florence to a people just and sane, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +With what amazement must I have been filled!<br /> + Truly between this and the joy, it was<br /> + My pleasure not to hear, and to be mute. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And as a pilgrim who delighteth him<br /> + In gazing round the temple of his vow,<br /> + And hopes some day to retell how it was, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So through the living light my way pursuing<br /> + Directed I mine eyes o’er all the ranks,<br /> + Now up, now down, and now all round about. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Faces I saw of charity persuasive,<br /> + Embellished by His light and their own smile,<br /> + And attitudes adorned with every grace. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The general form of Paradise already<br /> + My glance had comprehended as a whole,<br /> + In no part hitherto remaining fixed, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And round I turned me with rekindled wish<br /> + My Lady to interrogate of things<br /> + Concerning which my mind was in suspense. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +One thing I meant, another answered me;<br /> + I thought I should see Beatrice, and saw<br /> + An Old Man habited like the glorious people. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +O’erflowing was he in his eyes and cheeks<br /> + With joy benign, in attitude of pity<br /> + As to a tender father is becoming. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And “She, where is she?” instantly I said;<br /> + Whence he: “To put an end to thy desire,<br /> + Me Beatrice hath sent from mine own place. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And if thou lookest up to the third round<br /> + Of the first rank, again shalt thou behold her<br /> + Upon the throne her merits have assigned her.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Without reply I lifted up mine eyes,<br /> + And saw her, as she made herself a crown<br /> + Reflecting from herself the eternal rays. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Not from that region which the highest thunders<br /> + Is any mortal eye so far removed,<br /> + In whatsoever sea it deepest sinks, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +As there from Beatrice my sight; but this<br /> + Was nothing unto me; because her image<br /> + Descended not to me by medium blurred. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“O Lady, thou in whom my hope is strong,<br /> + And who for my salvation didst endure<br /> + In Hell to leave the imprint of thy feet, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Of whatsoever things I have beheld,<br /> + As coming from thy power and from thy goodness<br /> + I recognise the virtue and the grace. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thou from a slave hast brought me unto freedom,<br /> + By all those ways, by all the expedients,<br /> + Whereby thou hadst the power of doing it. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Preserve towards me thy magnificence,<br /> + So that this soul of mine, which thou hast healed,<br /> + Pleasing to thee be loosened from the body.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thus I implored; and she, so far away,<br /> + Smiled, as it seemed, and looked once more at me;<br /> + Then unto the eternal fountain turned. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And said the Old Man holy: “That thou mayst<br /> + Accomplish perfectly thy journeying,<br /> + Whereunto prayer and holy love have sent me, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Fly with thine eyes all round about this garden;<br /> + For seeing it will discipline thy sight<br /> + Farther to mount along the ray divine. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And she, the Queen of Heaven, for whom I burn<br /> + Wholly with love, will grant us every grace,<br /> + Because that I her faithful Bernard am.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +As he who peradventure from Croatia<br /> + Cometh to gaze at our Veronica,<br /> + Who through its ancient fame is never sated, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But says in thought, the while it is displayed,<br /> + “My Lord, Christ Jesus, God of very God,<br /> + Now was your semblance made like unto this?” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Even such was I while gazing at the living<br /> + Charity of the man, who in this world<br /> + By contemplation tasted of that peace. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“Thou son of grace, this jocund life,” began he,<br /> + “Will not be known to thee by keeping ever<br /> + Thine eyes below here on the lowest place; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But mark the circles to the most remote,<br /> + Until thou shalt behold enthroned the Queen<br /> + To whom this realm is subject and devoted.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I lifted up mine eyes, and as at morn<br /> + The oriental part of the horizon<br /> + Surpasses that wherein the sun goes down, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thus, as if going with mine eyes from vale<br /> + To mount, I saw a part in the remoteness<br /> + Surpass in splendour all the other front. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And even as there where we await the pole<br /> + That Phaeton drove badly, blazes more<br /> + The light, and is on either side diminished, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So likewise that pacific oriflamme<br /> + Gleamed brightest in the centre, and each side<br /> + In equal measure did the flame abate. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And at that centre, with their wings expanded,<br /> + More than a thousand jubilant Angels saw I,<br /> + Each differing in effulgence and in kind. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I saw there at their sports and at their songs<br /> + A beauty smiling, which the gladness was<br /> + Within the eyes of all the other saints; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And if I had in speaking as much wealth<br /> + As in imagining, I should not dare<br /> + To attempt the smallest part of its delight. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Bernard, as soon as he beheld mine eyes<br /> + Fixed and intent upon its fervid fervour,<br /> + His own with such affection turned to her +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +That it made mine more ardent to behold. +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="CantoIII.XXXII"></a>Paradiso: Canto XXXII</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +Absorbed in his delight, that contemplator<br /> + Assumed the willing office of a teacher,<br /> + And gave beginning to these holy words: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“The wound that Mary closed up and anointed,<br /> + She at her feet who is so beautiful,<br /> + She is the one who opened it and pierced it. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Within that order which the third seats make<br /> + Is seated Rachel, lower than the other,<br /> + With Beatrice, in manner as thou seest. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Sarah, Rebecca, Judith, and her who was<br /> + Ancestress of the Singer, who for dole<br /> + Of the misdeed said, ‘Miserere mei,’ +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Canst thou behold from seat to seat descending<br /> + Down in gradation, as with each one’s name<br /> + I through the Rose go down from leaf to leaf. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And downward from the seventh row, even as<br /> + Above the same, succeed the Hebrew women,<br /> + Dividing all the tresses of the flower; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Because, according to the view which Faith<br /> + In Christ had taken, these are the partition<br /> + By which the sacred stairways are divided. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Upon this side, where perfect is the flower<br /> + With each one of its petals, seated are<br /> + Those who believed in Christ who was to come. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Upon the other side, where intersected<br /> + With vacant spaces are the semicircles,<br /> + Are those who looked to Christ already come. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And as, upon this side, the glorious seat<br /> + Of the Lady of Heaven, and the other seats<br /> + Below it, such a great division make, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +So opposite doth that of the great John,<br /> + Who, ever holy, desert and martyrdom<br /> + Endured, and afterwards two years in Hell. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And under him thus to divide were chosen<br /> + Francis, and Benedict, and Augustine,<br /> + And down to us the rest from round to round. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Behold now the high providence divine;<br /> + For one and other aspect of the Faith<br /> + In equal measure shall this garden fill. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And know that downward from that rank which cleaves<br /> + Midway the sequence of the two divisions,<br /> + Not by their proper merit are they seated; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But by another’s under fixed conditions;<br /> + For these are spirits one and all assoiled<br /> + Before they any true election had. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Well canst thou recognise it in their faces,<br /> + And also in their voices puerile,<br /> + If thou regard them well and hearken to them. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Now doubtest thou, and doubting thou art silent;<br /> + But I will loosen for thee the strong bond<br /> + In which thy subtile fancies hold thee fast. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Within the amplitude of this domain<br /> + No casual point can possibly find place,<br /> + No more than sadness can, or thirst, or hunger; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +For by eternal law has been established<br /> + Whatever thou beholdest, so that closely<br /> + The ring is fitted to the finger here. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And therefore are these people, festinate<br /> + Unto true life, not ‘sine causa’ here<br /> + More and less excellent among themselves. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The King, by means of whom this realm reposes<br /> + In so great love and in so great delight<br /> + That no will ventureth to ask for more, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +In his own joyous aspect every mind<br /> + Creating, at his pleasure dowers with grace<br /> + Diversely; and let here the effect suffice. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And this is clearly and expressly noted<br /> + For you in Holy Scripture, in those twins<br /> + Who in their mother had their anger roused. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +According to the colour of the hair,<br /> + Therefore, with such a grace the light supreme<br /> + Consenteth that they worthily be crowned. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Without, then, any merit of their deeds,<br /> + Stationed are they in different gradations,<br /> + Differing only in their first acuteness. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +’Tis true that in the early centuries,<br /> + With innocence, to work out their salvation<br /> + Sufficient was the faith of parents only. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +After the earlier ages were completed,<br /> + Behoved it that the males by circumcision<br /> + Unto their innocent wings should virtue add; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But after that the time of grace had come<br /> + Without the baptism absolute of Christ,<br /> + Such innocence below there was retained. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Look now into the face that unto Christ<br /> + Hath most resemblance; for its brightness only<br /> + Is able to prepare thee to see Christ.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +On her did I behold so great a gladness<br /> + Rain down, borne onward in the holy minds<br /> + Created through that altitude to fly, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +That whatsoever I had seen before<br /> + Did not suspend me in such admiration,<br /> + Nor show me such similitude of God. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And the same Love that first descended there,<br /> + “Ave Maria, gratia plena,” singing,<br /> + In front of her his wings expanded wide. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Unto the canticle divine responded<br /> + From every part the court beatified,<br /> + So that each sight became serener for it. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +“O holy father, who for me endurest<br /> + To be below here, leaving the sweet place<br /> + In which thou sittest by eternal lot, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Who is the Angel that with so much joy<br /> + Into the eyes is looking of our Queen,<br /> + Enamoured so that he seems made of fire?” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thus I again recourse had to the teaching<br /> + Of that one who delighted him in Mary<br /> + As doth the star of morning in the sun. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And he to me: “Such gallantry and grace<br /> + As there can be in Angel and in soul,<br /> + All is in him; and thus we fain would have it; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Because he is the one who bore the palm<br /> + Down unto Mary, when the Son of God<br /> + To take our burden on himself decreed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But now come onward with thine eyes, as I<br /> + Speaking shall go, and note the great patricians<br /> + Of this most just and merciful of empires. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Those two that sit above there most enrapture<br /> + As being very near unto Augusta,<br /> + Are as it were the two roots of this Rose. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +He who upon the left is near her placed<br /> + The father is, by whose audacious taste<br /> + The human species so much bitter tastes. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Upon the right thou seest that ancient father<br /> + Of Holy Church, into whose keeping Christ<br /> + The keys committed of this lovely flower. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And he who all the evil days beheld,<br /> + Before his death, of her the beauteous bride<br /> + Who with the spear and with the nails was won, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Beside him sits, and by the other rests<br /> + That leader under whom on manna lived<br /> + The people ingrate, fickle, and stiff-necked. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Opposite Peter seest thou Anna seated,<br /> + So well content to look upon her daughter,<br /> + Her eyes she moves not while she sings Hosanna. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And opposite the eldest household father<br /> + Lucia sits, she who thy Lady moved<br /> + When to rush downward thou didst bend thy brows. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But since the moments of thy vision fly,<br /> + Here will we make full stop, as a good tailor<br /> + Who makes the gown according to his cloth, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And unto the first Love will turn our eyes,<br /> + That looking upon Him thou penetrate<br /> + As far as possible through his effulgence. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Truly, lest peradventure thou recede,<br /> + Moving thy wings believing to advance,<br /> + By prayer behoves it that grace be obtained; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Grace from that one who has the power to aid thee;<br /> + And thou shalt follow me with thy affection<br /> + That from my words thy heart turn not aside.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And he began this holy orison. +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="CantoIII.XXXIII"></a>Paradiso: Canto XXXIII</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +“Thou Virgin Mother, daughter of thy Son,<br /> + Humble and high beyond all other creature,<br /> + The limit fixed of the eternal counsel, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Thou art the one who such nobility<br /> + To human nature gave, that its Creator<br /> + Did not disdain to make himself its creature. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Within thy womb rekindled was the love,<br /> + By heat of which in the eternal peace<br /> + After such wise this flower has germinated. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Here unto us thou art a noonday torch<br /> + Of charity, and below there among mortals<br /> + Thou art the living fountain-head of hope. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Lady, thou art so great, and so prevailing,<br /> + That he who wishes grace, nor runs to thee,<br /> + His aspirations without wings would fly. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Not only thy benignity gives succour<br /> + To him who asketh it, but oftentimes<br /> + Forerunneth of its own accord the asking. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +In thee compassion is, in thee is pity,<br /> + In thee magnificence; in thee unites<br /> + Whate’er of goodness is in any creature. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Now doth this man, who from the lowest depth<br /> + Of the universe as far as here has seen<br /> + One after one the spiritual lives, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Supplicate thee through grace for so much power<br /> + That with his eyes he may uplift himself<br /> + Higher towards the uttermost salvation. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And I, who never burned for my own seeing<br /> + More than I do for his, all of my prayers<br /> + Proffer to thee, and pray they come not short, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +That thou wouldst scatter from him every cloud<br /> + Of his mortality so with thy prayers,<br /> + That the Chief Pleasure be to him displayed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Still farther do I pray thee, Queen, who canst<br /> + Whate’er thou wilt, that sound thou mayst preserve<br /> + After so great a vision his affections. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Let thy protection conquer human movements;<br /> + See Beatrice and all the blessed ones<br /> + My prayers to second clasp their hands to thee!” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The eyes beloved and revered of God,<br /> + Fastened upon the speaker, showed to us<br /> + How grateful unto her are prayers devout; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Then unto the Eternal Light they turned,<br /> + On which it is not credible could be<br /> + By any creature bent an eye so clear. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And I, who to the end of all desires<br /> + Was now approaching, even as I ought<br /> + The ardour of desire within me ended. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Bernard was beckoning unto me, and smiling,<br /> + That I should upward look; but I already<br /> + Was of my own accord such as he wished; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Because my sight, becoming purified,<br /> + Was entering more and more into the ray<br /> + Of the High Light which of itself is true. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +From that time forward what I saw was greater<br /> + Than our discourse, that to such vision yields,<br /> + And yields the memory unto such excess. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Even as he is who seeth in a dream,<br /> + And after dreaming the imprinted passion<br /> + Remains, and to his mind the rest returns not, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Even such am I, for almost utterly<br /> + Ceases my vision, and distilleth yet<br /> + Within my heart the sweetness born of it; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Even thus the snow is in the sun unsealed,<br /> + Even thus upon the wind in the light leaves<br /> + Were the soothsayings of the Sibyl lost. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +O Light Supreme, that dost so far uplift thee<br /> + From the conceits of mortals, to my mind<br /> + Of what thou didst appear re-lend a little, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And make my tongue of so great puissance,<br /> + That but a single sparkle of thy glory<br /> + It may bequeath unto the future people; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +For by returning to my memory somewhat,<br /> + And by a little sounding in these verses,<br /> + More of thy victory shall be conceived! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I think the keenness of the living ray<br /> + Which I endured would have bewildered me,<br /> + If but mine eyes had been averted from it; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And I remember that I was more bold<br /> + On this account to bear, so that I joined<br /> + My aspect with the Glory Infinite. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +O grace abundant, by which I presumed<br /> + To fix my sight upon the Light Eternal,<br /> + So that the seeing I consumed therein! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I saw that in its depth far down is lying<br /> + Bound up with love together in one volume,<br /> + What through the universe in leaves is scattered; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Substance, and accident, and their operations,<br /> + All interfused together in such wise<br /> + That what I speak of is one simple light. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The universal fashion of this knot<br /> + Methinks I saw, since more abundantly<br /> + In saying this I feel that I rejoice. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +One moment is more lethargy to me,<br /> + Than five and twenty centuries to the emprise<br /> + That startled Neptune with the shade of Argo! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +My mind in this wise wholly in suspense,<br /> + Steadfast, immovable, attentive gazed,<br /> + And evermore with gazing grew enkindled. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +In presence of that light one such becomes,<br /> + That to withdraw therefrom for other prospect<br /> + It is impossible he e’er consent; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Because the good, which object is of will,<br /> + Is gathered all in this, and out of it<br /> + That is defective which is perfect there. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Shorter henceforward will my language fall<br /> + Of what I yet remember, than an infant’s<br /> + Who still his tongue doth moisten at the breast. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Not because more than one unmingled semblance<br /> + Was in the living light on which I looked,<br /> + For it is always what it was before; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But through the sight, that fortified itself<br /> + In me by looking, one appearance only<br /> + To me was ever changing as I changed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Within the deep and luminous subsistence<br /> + Of the High Light appeared to me three circles,<br /> + Of threefold colour and of one dimension, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +And by the second seemed the first reflected<br /> + As Iris is by Iris, and the third<br /> + Seemed fire that equally from both is breathed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +O how all speech is feeble and falls short<br /> + Of my conceit, and this to what I saw<br /> + Is such, ’tis not enough to call it little! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +O Light Eterne, sole in thyself that dwellest,<br /> + Sole knowest thyself, and, known unto thyself<br /> + And knowing, lovest and smilest on thyself! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +That circulation, which being thus conceived<br /> + Appeared in thee as a reflected light,<br /> + When somewhat contemplated by mine eyes, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Within itself, of its own very colour<br /> + Seemed to me painted with our effigy,<br /> + Wherefore my sight was all absorbed therein. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +As the geometrician, who endeavours<br /> + To square the circle, and discovers not,<br /> + By taking thought, the principle he wants, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Even such was I at that new apparition;<br /> + I wished to see how the image to the circle<br /> + Conformed itself, and how it there finds place; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +But my own wings were not enough for this,<br /> + Had it not been that then my mind there smote<br /> + A flash of lightning, wherein came its wish. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Here vigour failed the lofty fantasy:<br /> + But now was turning my desire and will,<br /> + Even as a wheel that equally is moved, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +The Love which moves the sun and the other stars. +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="appendix"></a>APPENDIX</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +SIX SONNETS ON DANTE’S DIVINE COMEDY BY HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW<br /> +(1807-1882) +</p> + +<h3>I</h3> + +<p class="noindent"> +Oft have I seen at some cathedral door<br /> + A laborer, pausing in the dust and heat,<br /> + Lay down his burden, and with reverent feet<br /> + Enter, and cross himself, and on the floor<br /> +Kneel to repeat his paternoster o’er;<br /> + Far off the noises of the world retreat;<br /> + The loud vociferations of the street<br /> + Become an undistinguishable roar.<br /> +So, as I enter here from day to day,<br /> + And leave my burden at this minster gate,<br /> + Kneeling in prayer, and not ashamed to pray,<br /> +The tumult of the time disconsolate<br /> + To inarticulate murmurs dies away,<br /> + While the eternal ages watch and wait. +</p> + +<h3>II</h3> + +<p class="noindent"> +How strange the sculptures that adorn these towers!<br /> + This crowd of statues, in whose folded sleeves<br /> + Birds build their nests; while canopied with leaves<br /> + Parvis and portal bloom like trellised bowers,<br /> +And the vast minster seems a cross of flowers!<br /> + But fiends and dragons on the gargoyled eaves<br /> + Watch the dead Christ between the living thieves,<br /> + And, underneath, the traitor Judas lowers!<br /> +Ah! from what agonies of heart and brain,<br /> + What exultations trampling on despair,<br /> + What tenderness, what tears, what hate of wrong,<br /> +What passionate outcry of a soul in pain,<br /> + Uprose this poem of the earth and air,<br /> + This mediaeval miracle of song! +</p> + +<h3>III</h3> + +<p class="noindent"> +I enter, and I see thee in the gloom<br /> + Of the long aisles, O poet saturnine!<br /> + And strive to make my steps keep pace with thine.<br /> + The air is filled with some unknown perfume;<br /> +The congregation of the dead make room<br /> + For thee to pass; the votive tapers shine;<br /> + Like rooks that haunt Ravenna’s groves of pine,<br /> + The hovering echoes fly from tomb to tomb.<br /> +From the confessionals I hear arise<br /> + Rehearsals of forgotten tragedies,<br /> + And lamentations from the crypts below<br /> +And then a voice celestial that begins<br /> + With the pathetic words, “Although your sins<br /> + As scarlet be,” and ends with “as the snow.” +</p> + +<h3>IV</h3> + +<p class="noindent"> +With snow-white veil, and garments as of flame,<br /> + She stands before thee, who so long ago<br /> + Filled thy young heart with passion and the woe<br /> + From which thy song in all its splendors came;<br /> +And while with stern rebuke she speaks thy name,<br /> + The ice about thy heart melts as the snow<br /> + On mountain heights, and in swift overflow<br /> + Comes gushing from thy lips in sobs of shame.<br /> +Thou makest full confession; and a gleam<br /> + As of the dawn on some dark forest cast,<br /> + Seems on thy lifted forehead to increase;<br /> +Lethe and Eunoe—the remembered dream<br /> + And the forgotten sorrow—bring at last<br /> + That perfect pardon which is perfect peace. +</p> + +<h3>V</h3> + +<p class="noindent"> +I Lift mine eyes, and all the windows blaze<br /> + With forms of saints and holy men who died,<br /> + Here martyred and hereafter glorified;<br /> + And the great Rose upon its leaves displays<br /> +Christ’s Triumph, and the angelic roundelays,<br /> + With splendor upon splendor multiplied;<br /> + And Beatrice again at Dante’s side<br /> + No more rebukes, but smiles her words of praise.<br /> +And then the organ sounds, and unseen choirs<br /> + Sing the old Latin hymns of peace and love<br /> + And benedictions of the Holy Ghost;<br /> +And the melodious bells among the spires<br /> + O’er all the house-tops and through heaven above<br /> + Proclaim the elevation of the Host! +</p> + +<h3>VI</h3> + +<p class="noindent"> +O star of morning and of liberty!<br /> + O bringer of the light, whose splendor shines<br /> + Above the darkness of the Apennines,<br /> + Forerunner of the day that is to be!<br /> +The voices of the city and the sea,<br /> + The voices of the mountains and the pines,<br /> + Repeat thy song, till the familiar lines<br /> + Are footpaths for the thought of Italy!<br /> +Thy fame is blown abroad from all the heights,<br /> + Through all the nations; and a sound is heard,<br /> + As of a mighty wind, and men devout,<br /> +Strangers of Rome, and the new proselytes,<br /> + In their own language hear thy wondrous word,<br /> + And many are amazed and many doubt. +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div style='display:block;margin-top:4em'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE DIVINE COMEDY ***</div> +<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0;'>This file should be named 1003-h.htm or 1003-h.zip</div> +<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0;'>This and all associated files of various formats will be found in https://www.gutenberg.org/1/0/0/1003/</div> +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> +Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will +be renamed. +</div> + +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> +Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright +law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, +so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United +States without permission and without paying copyright +royalties. 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FOR PUBLIC DOMAIN ETEXTS*Ver.04.29.93*END* + + + + + +This etext was prepared by Dennis McCarthy, Atlanta, GA. + + + + + +THE DIVINE COMEDY + +OF DANTE ALIGHIERI +(1265-1321) + + +TRANSLATED BY +HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW +(1807-1882) + + + + +CANTICLE III: PARADISO + + + + +CREDITS + + +The base text for this edition has been provided by Digital Dante, a +project sponsored by Columbia University's Institute for Learning +Technologies. Specific thanks goes to Jennifer Hogan (Project +Editor/Director), Tanya Larkin (Assistant to Editor), Robert W. Cole +(Proofreader/Assistant Editor), and Jennifer Cook (Proofreader). + +The Digital Dante Project is a digital 'study space' for Dante studies and +scholarship. The project is multi-faceted and fluid by nature of the Web. +Digital Dante attempts to organize the information most significant for +students first engaging with Dante and scholars researching Dante. The +digital of Digital Dante incurs a new challenge to the student, the +scholar, and teacher, perusing the Web: to become proficient in the new +tools, e.g., Search, the Discussion Group, well enough to look beyond the +technology and delve into the content. For more information and access to +the project, please visit its web site at: +http://www.ilt.columbia.edu/projects/dante/ + +For this Project Gutenberg edition the e-text was rechecked. The editor +greatly thanks Dian McCarthy for her assistance in proofreading the +Paradiso. Also deserving praise are Herbert Fann for programming the text +editor "Desktop Tools/Edit" and the late August Dvorak for designing his +keyboard layout. Please refer to Project Gutenberg's e-text listings for +other editions or translations of 'The Divine Comedy.' Please refer to +the end of this file for supplemental materials. + +Dennis McCarthy, July 1997 +imprimatur@juno.com + + + + +CONTENTS + + +Paradiso + + I. The Ascent to the First Heaven. The Sphere of Fire. + II. The First Heaven, the Moon: Spirits who, having taken + Sacred Vows, were forced to violate them. The Lunar Spots. + III. Piccarda Donati and the Empress Constance. + IV. Questionings of the Soul and of Broken Vows. + V. Discourse of Beatrice on Vows and Compensations. + Ascent to the Second Heaven, Mercury: Spirits who for + the Love of Fame achieved great Deeds. + VI. Justinian. The Roman Eagle. The Empire. Romeo. + VII. Beatrice's Discourse of the Crucifixion, the Incarnation, + the Immortality of the Soul, and the Resurrection of the Body. + VIII. Ascent to the Third Heaven, Venus: Lovers. Charles Martel. + Discourse on diverse Natures. + IX. Cunizza da Romano, Folco of Marseilles, and Rahab. + Neglect of the Holy Land. + X. The Fourth Heaven, the Sun: Theologians and Fathers of + the Church. The First Circle. St. Thomas of Aquinas. + XI. St. Thomas recounts the Life of St. Francis. Lament over + the State of the Dominican Order. + XII. St. Buonaventura recounts the Life of St. Dominic. Lament + over the State of the Franciscan Order. The Second Circle. + XIII. Of the Wisdom of Solomon. St. Thomas reproaches + Dante's Judgement. + XIV. The Third Circle. Discourse on the Resurrection of the Flesh. + The Fifth Heaven, Mars: Martyrs and Crusaders who died fighting + for the true Faith. The Celestial Cross. + XV. Cacciaguida. Florence in the Olden Time. + XVI. Dante's Noble Ancestry. Cacciaguida's Discourse of + the Great Florentines. + XVII. Cacciaguida's Prophecy of Dante's Banishment. + XVIII. The Sixth Heaven, Jupiter: Righteous Kings and Rulers. + The Celestial Eagle. Dante's Invectives against + ecclesiastical Avarice. + XIX. The Eagle discourses of Salvation, Faith, and Virtue. + Condemnation of the vile Kings of A.D. 1300. + XX. The Eagle praises the Righteous Kings of old. + Benevolence of the Divine Will. + XXI. The Seventh Heaven, Saturn: The Contemplative. + The Celestial Stairway. St. Peter Damiano. His Invectives + against the Luxury of the Prelates. + XXII. St. Benedict. His Lamentation over the Corruption of Monks. + The Eighth Heaven, the Fixed Stars. + XXIII. The Triumph of Christ. The Virgin Mary. The Apostles. + Gabriel. + XXIV. The Radiant Wheel. St. Peter examines Dante on Faith. + XXV. The Laurel Crown. St. James examines Dante on Hope. + Dante's Blindness. + XXVI. St. John examines Dante on Charity. Dante's Sight. Adam. + XXVII. St. Peter's reproof of bad Popes. The Ascent to + the Ninth Heaven, the 'Primum Mobile.' +XXVIII. God and the Angelic Hierarchies. + XXIX. Beatrice's Discourse of the Creation of the Angels, + and of the Fall of Lucifer. Her Reproof of Foolish and + Avaricious Preachers. + XXX. The Tenth Heaven, or Empyrean. The River of Light. + The Two Courts of Heaven. The White Rose of Paradise. + The great Throne. + XXXI. The Glory of Paradise. Departure of Beatrice. St. Bernard. + XXXII. St. Bernard points out the Saints in the White Rose. +XXXIII. Prayer to the Virgin. The Threefold Circle of the Trinity. + Mystery of the Divine and Human Nature. + + + + +The Divine Comedy +translated by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow +(e-text courtesy ILT's Digital Dante Project) + +PARADISO + + + +Paradiso: Canto I + + +The glory of Him who moveth everything + Doth penetrate the universe, and shine + In one part more and in another less. + +Within that heaven which most his light receives + Was I, and things beheld which to repeat + Nor knows, nor can, who from above descends; + +Because in drawing near to its desire + Our intellect ingulphs itself so far, + That after it the memory cannot go. + +Truly whatever of the holy realm + I had the power to treasure in my mind + Shall now become the subject of my song. + +O good Apollo, for this last emprise + Make of me such a vessel of thy power + As giving the beloved laurel asks! + +One summit of Parnassus hitherto + Has been enough for me, but now with both + I needs must enter the arena left. + +Enter into my bosom, thou, and breathe + As at the time when Marsyas thou didst draw + Out of the scabbard of those limbs of his. + +O power divine, lend'st thou thyself to me + So that the shadow of the blessed realm + Stamped in my brain I can make manifest, + +Thou'lt see me come unto thy darling tree, + And crown myself thereafter with those leaves + Of which the theme and thou shall make me worthy. + +So seldom, Father, do we gather them + For triumph or of Caesar or of Poet, + (The fault and shame of human inclinations,) + +That the Peneian foliage should bring forth + Joy to the joyous Delphic deity, + When any one it makes to thirst for it. + +A little spark is followed by great flame; + Perchance with better voices after me + Shall prayer be made that Cyrrha may respond! + +To mortal men by passages diverse + Uprises the world's lamp; but by that one + Which circles four uniteth with three crosses, + +With better course and with a better star + Conjoined it issues, and the mundane wax + Tempers and stamps more after its own fashion. + +Almost that passage had made morning there + And evening here, and there was wholly white + That hemisphere, and black the other part, + +When Beatrice towards the left-hand side + I saw turned round, and gazing at the sun; + Never did eagle fasten so upon it! + +And even as a second ray is wont + To issue from the first and reascend, + Like to a pilgrim who would fain return, + +Thus of her action, through the eyes infused + In my imagination, mine I made, + And sunward fixed mine eyes beyond our wont. + +There much is lawful which is here unlawful + Unto our powers, by virtue of the place + Made for the human species as its own. + +Not long I bore it, nor so little while + But I beheld it sparkle round about + Like iron that comes molten from the fire; + +And suddenly it seemed that day to day + Was added, as if He who has the power + Had with another sun the heaven adorned. + +With eyes upon the everlasting wheels + Stood Beatrice all intent, and I, on her + Fixing my vision from above removed, + +Such at her aspect inwardly became + As Glaucus, tasting of the herb that made him + Peer of the other gods beneath the sea. + +To represent transhumanise in words + Impossible were; the example, then, suffice + Him for whom Grace the experience reserves. + +If I was merely what of me thou newly + Createdst, Love who governest the heaven, + Thou knowest, who didst lift me with thy light! + +When now the wheel, which thou dost make eternal + Desiring thee, made me attentive to it + By harmony thou dost modulate and measure, + +Then seemed to me so much of heaven enkindled + By the sun's flame, that neither rain nor river + E'er made a lake so widely spread abroad. + +The newness of the sound and the great light + Kindled in me a longing for their cause, + Never before with such acuteness felt; + +Whence she, who saw me as I saw myself, + To quiet in me my perturbed mind, + Opened her mouth, ere I did mine to ask, + +And she began: "Thou makest thyself so dull + With false imagining, that thou seest not + What thou wouldst see if thou hadst shaken it off. + +Thou art not upon earth, as thou believest; + But lightning, fleeing its appropriate site, + Ne'er ran as thou, who thitherward returnest." + +If of my former doubt I was divested + By these brief little words more smiled than spoken, + I in a new one was the more ensnared; + +And said: "Already did I rest content + From great amazement; but am now amazed + In what way I transcend these bodies light." + +Whereupon she, after a pitying sigh, + Her eyes directed tow'rds me with that look + A mother casts on a delirious child; + +And she began: "All things whate'er they be + Have order among themselves, and this is form, + That makes the universe resemble God. + +Here do the higher creatures see the footprints + Of the Eternal Power, which is the end + Whereto is made the law already mentioned. + +In the order that I speak of are inclined + All natures, by their destinies diverse, + More or less near unto their origin; + +Hence they move onward unto ports diverse + O'er the great sea of being; and each one + With instinct given it which bears it on. + +This bears away the fire towards the moon; + This is in mortal hearts the motive power + This binds together and unites the earth. + +Nor only the created things that are + Without intelligence this bow shoots forth, + But those that have both intellect and love. + +The Providence that regulates all this + Makes with its light the heaven forever quiet, + Wherein that turns which has the greatest haste. + +And thither now, as to a site decreed, + Bears us away the virtue of that cord + Which aims its arrows at a joyous mark. + +True is it, that as oftentimes the form + Accords not with the intention of the art, + Because in answering is matter deaf, + +So likewise from this course doth deviate + Sometimes the creature, who the power possesses, + Though thus impelled, to swerve some other way, + +(In the same wise as one may see the fire + Fall from a cloud,) if the first impetus + Earthward is wrested by some false delight. + +Thou shouldst not wonder more, if well I judge, + At thine ascent, than at a rivulet + From some high mount descending to the lowland. + +Marvel it would be in thee, if deprived + Of hindrance, thou wert seated down below, + As if on earth the living fire were quiet." + +Thereat she heavenward turned again her face. + + + +Paradiso: Canto II + + +O Ye, who in some pretty little boat, + Eager to listen, have been following + Behind my ship, that singing sails along, + +Turn back to look again upon your shores; + Do not put out to sea, lest peradventure, + In losing me, you might yourselves be lost. + +The sea I sail has never yet been passed; + Minerva breathes, and pilots me Apollo, + And Muses nine point out to me the Bears. + +Ye other few who have the neck uplifted + Betimes to th' bread of Angels upon which + One liveth here and grows not sated by it, + +Well may you launch upon the deep salt-sea + Your vessel, keeping still my wake before you + Upon the water that grows smooth again. + +Those glorious ones who unto Colchos passed + Were not so wonder-struck as you shall be, + When Jason they beheld a ploughman made! + +The con-created and perpetual thirst + For the realm deiform did bear us on, + As swift almost as ye the heavens behold. + +Upward gazed Beatrice, and I at her; + And in such space perchance as strikes a bolt + And flies, and from the notch unlocks itself, + +Arrived I saw me where a wondrous thing + Drew to itself my sight; and therefore she + From whom no care of mine could be concealed, + +Towards me turning, blithe as beautiful, + Said unto me: "Fix gratefully thy mind + On God, who unto the first star has brought us." + +It seemed to me a cloud encompassed us, + Luminous, dense, consolidate and bright + As adamant on which the sun is striking. + +Into itself did the eternal pearl + Receive us, even as water doth receive + A ray of light, remaining still unbroken. + +If I was body, (and we here conceive not + How one dimension tolerates another, + Which needs must be if body enter body,) + +More the desire should be enkindled in us + That essence to behold, wherein is seen + How God and our own nature were united. + +There will be seen what we receive by faith, + Not demonstrated, but self-evident + In guise of the first truth that man believes. + +I made reply: "Madonna, as devoutly + As most I can do I give thanks to Him + Who has removed me from the mortal world. + +But tell me what the dusky spots may be + Upon this body, which below on earth + Make people tell that fabulous tale of Cain?" + +Somewhat she smiled; and then, "If the opinion + Of mortals be erroneous," she said, + "Where'er the key of sense doth not unlock, + +Certes, the shafts of wonder should not pierce thee + Now, forasmuch as, following the senses, + Thou seest that the reason has short wings. + +But tell me what thou think'st of it thyself." + And I: "What seems to us up here diverse, + Is caused, I think, by bodies rare and dense." + +And she: "Right truly shalt thou see immersed + In error thy belief, if well thou hearest + The argument that I shall make against it. + +Lights many the eighth sphere displays to you + Which in their quality and quantity + May noted be of aspects different. + +If this were caused by rare and dense alone, + One only virtue would there be in all + Or more or less diffused, or equally. + +Virtues diverse must be perforce the fruits + Of formal principles; and these, save one, + Of course would by thy reasoning be destroyed. + +Besides, if rarity were of this dimness + The cause thou askest, either through and through + This planet thus attenuate were of matter, + +Or else, as in a body is apportioned + The fat and lean, so in like manner this + Would in its volume interchange the leaves. + +Were it the former, in the sun's eclipse + It would be manifest by the shining through + Of light, as through aught tenuous interfused. + +This is not so; hence we must scan the other, + And if it chance the other I demolish, + Then falsified will thy opinion be. + +But if this rarity go not through and through, + There needs must be a limit, beyond which + Its contrary prevents the further passing, + +And thence the foreign radiance is reflected, + Even as a colour cometh back from glass, + The which behind itself concealeth lead. + +Now thou wilt say the sunbeam shows itself + More dimly there than in the other parts, + By being there reflected farther back. + +From this reply experiment will free thee + If e'er thou try it, which is wont to be + The fountain to the rivers of your arts. + +Three mirrors shalt thou take, and two remove + Alike from thee, the other more remote + Between the former two shall meet thine eyes. + +Turned towards these, cause that behind thy back + Be placed a light, illuming the three mirrors + And coming back to thee by all reflected. + +Though in its quantity be not so ample + The image most remote, there shalt thou see + How it perforce is equally resplendent. + +Now, as beneath the touches of warm rays + Naked the subject of the snow remains + Both of its former colour and its cold, + +Thee thus remaining in thy intellect, + Will I inform with such a living light, + That it shall tremble in its aspect to thee. + +Within the heaven of the divine repose + Revolves a body, in whose virtue lies + The being of whatever it contains. + +The following heaven, that has so many eyes, + Divides this being by essences diverse, + Distinguished from it, and by it contained. + +The other spheres, by various differences, + All the distinctions which they have within them + Dispose unto their ends and their effects. + +Thus do these organs of the world proceed, + As thou perceivest now, from grade to grade; + Since from above they take, and act beneath. + +Observe me well, how through this place I come + Unto the truth thou wishest, that hereafter + Thou mayst alone know how to keep the ford + +The power and motion of the holy spheres, + As from the artisan the hammer's craft, + Forth from the blessed motors must proceed. + +The heaven, which lights so manifold make fair, + From the Intelligence profound, which turns it, + The image takes, and makes of it a seal. + +And even as the soul within your dust + Through members different and accommodated + To faculties diverse expands itself, + +So likewise this Intelligence diffuses + Its virtue multiplied among the stars. + Itself revolving on its unity. + +Virtue diverse doth a diverse alloyage + Make with the precious body that it quickens, + In which, as life in you, it is combined. + +From the glad nature whence it is derived, + The mingled virtue through the body shines, + Even as gladness through the living pupil. + +From this proceeds whate'er from light to light + Appeareth different, not from dense and rare: + This is the formal principle that produces, + +According to its goodness, dark and bright." + + + +Paradiso: Canto III + + +That Sun, which erst with love my bosom warmed, + Of beauteous truth had unto me discovered, + By proving and reproving, the sweet aspect. + +And, that I might confess myself convinced + And confident, so far as was befitting, + I lifted more erect my head to speak. + +But there appeared a vision, which withdrew me + So close to it, in order to be seen, + That my confession I remembered not. + +Such as through polished and transparent glass, + Or waters crystalline and undisturbed, + But not so deep as that their bed be lost, + +Come back again the outlines of our faces + So feeble, that a pearl on forehead white + Comes not less speedily unto our eyes; + +Such saw I many faces prompt to speak, + So that I ran in error opposite + To that which kindled love 'twixt man and fountain. + +As soon as I became aware of them, + Esteeming them as mirrored semblances, + To see of whom they were, mine eyes I turned, + +And nothing saw, and once more turned them forward + Direct into the light of my sweet Guide, + Who smiling kindled in her holy eyes. + +"Marvel thou not," she said to me, "because + I smile at this thy puerile conceit, + Since on the truth it trusts not yet its foot, + +But turns thee, as 'tis wont, on emptiness. + True substances are these which thou beholdest, + Here relegate for breaking of some vow. + +Therefore speak with them, listen and believe; + For the true light, which giveth peace to them, + Permits them not to turn from it their feet." + +And I unto the shade that seemed most wishful + To speak directed me, and I began, + As one whom too great eagerness bewilders: + +"O well-created spirit, who in the rays + Of life eternal dost the sweetness taste + Which being untasted ne'er is comprehended, + +Grateful 'twill be to me, if thou content me + Both with thy name and with your destiny." + Whereat she promptly and with laughing eyes: + +"Our charity doth never shut the doors + Against a just desire, except as one + Who wills that all her court be like herself. + +I was a virgin sister in the world; + And if thy mind doth contemplate me well, + The being more fair will not conceal me from thee, + +But thou shalt recognise I am Piccarda, + Who, stationed here among these other blessed, + Myself am blessed in the slowest sphere. + +All our affections, that alone inflamed + Are in the pleasure of the Holy Ghost, + Rejoice at being of his order formed; + +And this allotment, which appears so low, + Therefore is given us, because our vows + Have been neglected and in some part void." + +Whence I to her: "In your miraculous aspects + There shines I know not what of the divine, + Which doth transform you from our first conceptions. + +Therefore I was not swift in my remembrance; + But what thou tellest me now aids me so, + That the refiguring is easier to me. + +But tell me, ye who in this place are happy, + Are you desirous of a higher place, + To see more or to make yourselves more friends?" + +First with those other shades she smiled a little; + Thereafter answered me so full of gladness, + She seemed to burn in the first fire of love: + +"Brother, our will is quieted by virtue + Of charity, that makes us wish alone + For what we have, nor gives us thirst for more. + +If to be more exalted we aspired, + Discordant would our aspirations be + Unto the will of Him who here secludes us; + +Which thou shalt see finds no place in these circles, + If being in charity is needful here, + And if thou lookest well into its nature; + +Nay, 'tis essential to this blest existence + To keep itself within the will divine, + Whereby our very wishes are made one; + +So that, as we are station above station + Throughout this realm, to all the realm 'tis pleasing, + As to the King, who makes his will our will. + +And his will is our peace; this is the sea + To which is moving onward whatsoever + It doth create, and all that nature makes." + +Then it was clear to me how everywhere + In heaven is Paradise, although the grace + Of good supreme there rain not in one measure. + +But as it comes to pass, if one food sates, + And for another still remains the longing, + We ask for this, and that decline with thanks, + +E'en thus did I; with gesture and with word, + To learn from her what was the web wherein + She did not ply the shuttle to the end. + +"A perfect life and merit high in-heaven + A lady o'er us," said she, "by whose rule + Down in your world they vest and veil themselves, + +That until death they may both watch and sleep + Beside that Spouse who every vow accepts + Which charity conformeth to his pleasure. + +To follow her, in girlhood from the world + I fled, and in her habit shut myself, + And pledged me to the pathway of her sect. + +Then men accustomed unto evil more + Than unto good, from the sweet cloister tore me; + God knows what afterward my life became. + +This other splendour, which to thee reveals + Itself on my right side, and is enkindled + With all the illumination of our sphere, + +What of myself I say applies to her; + A nun was she, and likewise from her head + Was ta'en the shadow of the sacred wimple. + +But when she too was to the world returned + Against her wishes and against good usage, + Of the heart's veil she never was divested. + +Of great Costanza this is the effulgence, + Who from the second wind of Suabia + Brought forth the third and latest puissance." + +Thus unto me she spake, and then began + "Ave Maria" singing, and in singing + Vanished, as through deep water something heavy. + +My sight, that followed her as long a time + As it was possible, when it had lost her + Turned round unto the mark of more desire, + +And wholly unto Beatrice reverted; + But she such lightnings flashed into mine eyes, + That at the first my sight endured it not; + +And this in questioning more backward made me. + + + +Paradiso: Canto IV + + +Between two viands, equally removed + And tempting, a free man would die of hunger + Ere either he could bring unto his teeth. + +So would a lamb between the ravenings + Of two fierce wolves stand fearing both alike; + And so would stand a dog between two does. + +Hence, if I held my peace, myself I blame not, + Impelled in equal measure by my doubts, + Since it must be so, nor do I commend. + +I held my peace; but my desire was painted + Upon my face, and questioning with that + More fervent far than by articulate speech. + +Beatrice did as Daniel had done + Relieving Nebuchadnezzar from the wrath + Which rendered him unjustly merciless, + +And said: "Well see I how attracteth thee + One and the other wish, so that thy care + Binds itself so that forth it does not breathe. + +Thou arguest, if good will be permanent, + The violence of others, for what reason + Doth it decrease the measure of my merit? + +Again for doubting furnish thee occasion + Souls seeming to return unto the stars, + According to the sentiment of Plato. + +These are the questions which upon thy wish + Are thrusting equally; and therefore first + Will I treat that which hath the most of gall. + +He of the Seraphim most absorbed in God, + Moses, and Samuel, and whichever John + Thou mayst select, I say, and even Mary, + +Have not in any other heaven their seats, + Than have those spirits that just appeared to thee, + Nor of existence more or fewer years; + +But all make beautiful the primal circle, + And have sweet life in different degrees, + By feeling more or less the eternal breath. + +They showed themselves here, not because allotted + This sphere has been to them, but to give sign + Of the celestial which is least exalted. + +To speak thus is adapted to your mind, + Since only through the sense it apprehendeth + What then it worthy makes of intellect. + +On this account the Scripture condescends + Unto your faculties, and feet and hands + To God attributes, and means something else; + +And Holy Church under an aspect human + Gabriel and Michael represent to you, + And him who made Tobias whole again. + +That which Timaeus argues of the soul + Doth not resemble that which here is seen, + Because it seems that as he speaks he thinks. + +He says the soul unto its star returns, + Believing it to have been severed thence + Whenever nature gave it as a form. + +Perhaps his doctrine is of other guise + Than the words sound, and possibly may be + With meaning that is not to be derided. + +If he doth mean that to these wheels return + The honour of their influence and the blame, + Perhaps his bow doth hit upon some truth. + +This principle ill understood once warped + The whole world nearly, till it went astray + Invoking Jove and Mercury and Mars. + +The other doubt which doth disquiet thee + Less venom has, for its malevolence + Could never lead thee otherwhere from me. + +That as unjust our justice should appear + In eyes of mortals, is an argument + Of faith, and not of sin heretical. + +But still, that your perception may be able + To thoroughly penetrate this verity, + As thou desirest, I will satisfy thee. + +If it be violence when he who suffers + Co-operates not with him who uses force, + These souls were not on that account excused; + +For will is never quenched unless it will, + But operates as nature doth in fire + If violence a thousand times distort it. + +Hence, if it yieldeth more or less, it seconds + The force; and these have done so, having power + Of turning back unto the holy place. + +If their will had been perfect, like to that + Which Lawrence fast upon his gridiron held, + And Mutius made severe to his own hand, + +It would have urged them back along the road + Whence they were dragged, as soon as they were free; + But such a solid will is all too rare. + +And by these words, if thou hast gathered them + As thou shouldst do, the argument is refuted + That would have still annoyed thee many times. + +But now another passage runs across + Before thine eyes, and such that by thyself + Thou couldst not thread it ere thou wouldst be weary. + +I have for certain put into thy mind + That soul beatified could never lie, + For it is near the primal Truth, + +And then thou from Piccarda might'st have heard + Costanza kept affection for the veil, + So that she seemeth here to contradict me. + +Many times, brother, has it come to pass, + That, to escape from peril, with reluctance + That has been done it was not right to do, + +E'en as Alcmaeon (who, being by his father + Thereto entreated, his own mother slew) + Not to lose pity pitiless became. + +At this point I desire thee to remember + That force with will commingles, and they cause + That the offences cannot be excused. + +Will absolute consenteth not to evil; + But in so far consenteth as it fears, + If it refrain, to fall into more harm. + +Hence when Piccarda uses this expression, + She meaneth the will absolute, and I + The other, so that both of us speak truth." + +Such was the flowing of the holy river + That issued from the fount whence springs all truth; + This put to rest my wishes one and all. + +"O love of the first lover, O divine," + Said I forthwith, "whose speech inundates me + And warms me so, it more and more revives me, + +My own affection is not so profound + As to suffice in rendering grace for grace; + Let Him, who sees and can, thereto respond. + +Well I perceive that never sated is + Our intellect unless the Truth illume it, + Beyond which nothing true expands itself. + +It rests therein, as wild beast in his lair, + When it attains it; and it can attain it; + If not, then each desire would frustrate be. + +Therefore springs up, in fashion of a shoot, + Doubt at the foot of truth; and this is nature, + Which to the top from height to height impels us. + +This doth invite me, this assurance give me + With reverence, Lady, to inquire of you + Another truth, which is obscure to me. + +I wish to know if man can satisfy you + For broken vows with other good deeds, so + That in your balance they will not be light." + +Beatrice gazed upon me with her eyes + Full of the sparks of love, and so divine, + That, overcome my power, I turned my back + +And almost lost myself with eyes downcast. + + + +Paradiso: Canto V + + +"If in the heat of love I flame upon thee + Beyond the measure that on earth is seen, + So that the valour of thine eyes I vanquish, + +Marvel thou not thereat; for this proceeds + From perfect sight, which as it apprehends + To the good apprehended moves its feet. + +Well I perceive how is already shining + Into thine intellect the eternal light, + That only seen enkindles always love; + +And if some other thing your love seduce, + 'Tis nothing but a vestige of the same, + Ill understood, which there is shining through. + +Thou fain wouldst know if with another service + For broken vow can such return be made + As to secure the soul from further claim." + +This Canto thus did Beatrice begin; + And, as a man who breaks not off his speech, + Continued thus her holy argument: + +"The greatest gift that in his largess God + Creating made, and unto his own goodness + Nearest conformed, and that which he doth prize + +Most highly, is the freedom of the will, + Wherewith the creatures of intelligence + Both all and only were and are endowed. + +Now wilt thou see, if thence thou reasonest, + The high worth of a vow, if it he made + So that when thou consentest God consents: + +For, closing between God and man the compact, + A sacrifice is of this treasure made, + Such as I say, and made by its own act. + +What can be rendered then as compensation? + Think'st thou to make good use of what thou'st offered, + With gains ill gotten thou wouldst do good deed. + +Now art thou certain of the greater point; + But because Holy Church in this dispenses, + Which seems against the truth which I have shown thee, + +Behoves thee still to sit awhile at table, + Because the solid food which thou hast taken + Requireth further aid for thy digestion. + +Open thy mind to that which I reveal, + And fix it there within; for 'tis not knowledge, + The having heard without retaining it. + +In the essence of this sacrifice two things + Convene together; and the one is that + Of which 'tis made, the other is the agreement. + +This last for evermore is cancelled not + Unless complied with, and concerning this + With such precision has above been spoken. + +Therefore it was enjoined upon the Hebrews + To offer still, though sometimes what was offered + Might be commuted, as thou ought'st to know. + +The other, which is known to thee as matter, + May well indeed be such that one errs not + If it for other matter be exchanged. + +But let none shift the burden on his shoulder + At his arbitrament, without the turning + Both of the white and of the yellow key; + +And every permutation deem as foolish, + If in the substitute the thing relinquished, + As the four is in six, be not contained. + +Therefore whatever thing has so great weight + In value that it drags down every balance, + Cannot be satisfied with other spending. + +Let mortals never take a vow in jest; + Be faithful and not blind in doing that, + As Jephthah was in his first offering, + +Whom more beseemed to say, 'I have done wrong, + Than to do worse by keeping; and as foolish + Thou the great leader of the Greeks wilt find, + +Whence wept Iphigenia her fair face, + And made for her both wise and simple weep, + Who heard such kind of worship spoken of.' + +Christians, be ye more serious in your movements; + Be ye not like a feather at each wind, + And think not every water washes you. + +Ye have the Old and the New Testament, + And the Pastor of the Church who guideth you + Let this suffice you unto your salvation. + +If evil appetite cry aught else to you, + Be ye as men, and not as silly sheep, + So that the Jew among you may not mock you. + +Be ye not as the lamb that doth abandon + Its mother's milk, and frolicsome and simple + Combats at its own pleasure with itself." + +Thus Beatrice to me even as I write it; + Then all desireful turned herself again + To that part where the world is most alive. + +Her silence and her change of countenance + Silence imposed upon my eager mind, + That had already in advance new questions; + +And as an arrow that upon the mark + Strikes ere the bowstring quiet hath become, + So did we speed into the second realm. + +My Lady there so joyful I beheld, + As into the brightness of that heaven she entered, + More luminous thereat the planet grew; + +And if the star itself was changed and smiled, + What became I, who by my nature am + Exceeding mutable in every guise! + +As, in a fish-pond which is pure and tranquil, + The fishes draw to that which from without + Comes in such fashion that their food they deem it; + +So I beheld more than a thousand splendours + Drawing towards us, and in each was heard: + "Lo, this is she who shall increase our love." + +And as each one was coming unto us, + Full of beatitude the shade was seen, + By the effulgence clear that issued from it. + +Think, Reader, if what here is just beginning + No farther should proceed, how thou wouldst have + An agonizing need of knowing more; + +And of thyself thou'lt see how I from these + Was in desire of hearing their conditions, + As they unto mine eyes were manifest. + +"O thou well-born, unto whom Grace concedes + To see the thrones of the eternal triumph, + Or ever yet the warfare be abandoned + +With light that through the whole of heaven is spread + Kindled are we, and hence if thou desirest + To know of us, at thine own pleasure sate thee." + +Thus by some one among those holy spirits + Was spoken, and by Beatrice: "Speak, speak + Securely, and believe them even as Gods." + +"Well I perceive how thou dost nest thyself + In thine own light, and drawest it from thine eyes, + Because they coruscate when thou dost smile, + +But know not who thou art, nor why thou hast, + Spirit august, thy station in the sphere + That veils itself to men in alien rays." + +This said I in direction of the light + Which first had spoken to me; whence it became + By far more lucent than it was before. + +Even as the sun, that doth conceal himself + By too much light, when heat has worn away + The tempering influence of the vapours dense, + +By greater rapture thus concealed itself + In its own radiance the figure saintly, + And thus close, close enfolded answered me + +In fashion as the following Canto sings. + + + +Paradiso: Canto VI + + +"After that Constantine the eagle turned + Against the course of heaven, which it had followed + Behind the ancient who Lavinia took, + +Two hundred years and more the bird of God + In the extreme of Europe held itself, + Near to the mountains whence it issued first; + +And under shadow of the sacred plumes + It governed there the world from hand to hand, + And, changing thus, upon mine own alighted. + +Caesar I was, and am Justinian, + Who, by the will of primal Love I feel, + Took from the laws the useless and redundant; + +And ere unto the work I was attent, + One nature to exist in Christ, not more, + Believed, and with such faith was I contented. + +But blessed Agapetus, he who was + The supreme pastor, to the faith sincere + Pointed me out the way by words of his. + +Him I believed, and what was his assertion + I now see clearly, even as thou seest + Each contradiction to be false and true. + +As soon as with the Church I moved my feet, + God in his grace it pleased with this high task + To inspire me, and I gave me wholly to it, + +And to my Belisarius I commended + The arms, to which was heaven's right hand so joined + It was a signal that I should repose. + +Now here to the first question terminates + My answer; but the character thereof + Constrains me to continue with a sequel, + +In order that thou see with how great reason + Men move against the standard sacrosanct, + Both who appropriate and who oppose it. + +Behold how great a power has made it worthy + Of reverence, beginning from the hour + When Pallas died to give it sovereignty. + +Thou knowest it made in Alba its abode + Three hundred years and upward, till at last + The three to three fought for it yet again. + +Thou knowest what it achieved from Sabine wrong + Down to Lucretia's sorrow, in seven kings + O'ercoming round about the neighboring nations; + +Thou knowest what it achieved, borne by the Romans + Illustrious against Brennus, against Pyrrhus, + Against the other princes and confederates. + +Torquatus thence and Quinctius, who from locks + Unkempt was named, Decii and Fabii, + Received the fame I willingly embalm; + +It struck to earth the pride of the Arabians, + Who, following Hannibal, had passed across + The Alpine ridges, Po, from which thou glidest; + +Beneath it triumphed while they yet were young + Pompey and Scipio, and to the hill + Beneath which thou wast born it bitter seemed; + +Then, near unto the time when heaven had willed + To bring the whole world to its mood serene, + Did Caesar by the will of Rome assume it. + +What it achieved from Var unto the Rhine, + Isere beheld and Saone, beheld the Seine, + And every valley whence the Rhone is filled; + +What it achieved when it had left Ravenna, + And leaped the Rubicon, was such a flight + That neither tongue nor pen could follow it. + +Round towards Spain it wheeled its legions; then + Towards Durazzo, and Pharsalia smote + That to the calid Nile was felt the pain. + +Antandros and the Simois, whence it started, + It saw again, and there where Hector lies, + And ill for Ptolemy then roused itself. + +From thence it came like lightning upon Juba; + Then wheeled itself again into your West, + Where the Pompeian clarion it heard. + +From what it wrought with the next standard-bearer + Brutus and Cassius howl in Hell together, + And Modena and Perugia dolent were; + +Still doth the mournful Cleopatra weep + Because thereof, who, fleeing from before it, + Took from the adder sudden and black death. + +With him it ran even to the Red Sea shore; + With him it placed the world in so great peace, + That unto Janus was his temple closed. + +But what the standard that has made me speak + Achieved before, and after should achieve + Throughout the mortal realm that lies beneath it, + +Becometh in appearance mean and dim, + If in the hand of the third Caesar seen + With eye unclouded and affection pure, + +Because the living Justice that inspires me + Granted it, in the hand of him I speak of, + The glory of doing vengeance for its wrath. + +Now here attend to what I answer thee; + Later it ran with Titus to do vengeance + Upon the vengeance of the ancient sin. + +And when the tooth of Lombardy had bitten + The Holy Church, then underneath its wings + Did Charlemagne victorious succor her. + +Now hast thou power to judge of such as those + Whom I accused above, and of their crimes, + Which are the cause of all your miseries. + +To the public standard one the yellow lilies + Opposes, the other claims it for a party, + So that 'tis hard to see which sins the most. + +Let, let the Ghibellines ply their handicraft + Beneath some other standard; for this ever + Ill follows he who it and justice parts. + +And let not this new Charles e'er strike it down, + He and his Guelfs, but let him fear the talons + That from a nobler lion stripped the fell. + +Already oftentimes the sons have wept + The father's crime; and let him not believe + That God will change His scutcheon for the lilies. + +This little planet doth adorn itself + With the good spirits that have active been, + That fame and honour might come after them; + +And whensoever the desires mount thither, + Thus deviating, must perforce the rays + Of the true love less vividly mount upward. + +But in commensuration of our wages + With our desert is portion of our joy, + Because we see them neither less nor greater. + +Herein doth living Justice sweeten so + Affection in us, that for evermore + It cannot warp to any iniquity. + +Voices diverse make up sweet melodies; + So in this life of ours the seats diverse + Render sweet harmony among these spheres; + +And in the compass of this present pearl + Shineth the sheen of Romeo, of whom + The grand and beauteous work was ill rewarded. + +But the Provencals who against him wrought, + They have not laughed, and therefore ill goes he + Who makes his hurt of the good deeds of others. + +Four daughters, and each one of them a queen, + Had Raymond Berenger, and this for him + Did Romeo, a poor man and a pilgrim; + +And then malicious words incited him + To summon to a reckoning this just man, + Who rendered to him seven and five for ten. + +Then he departed poor and stricken in years, + And if the world could know the heart he had, + In begging bit by bit his livelihood, + +Though much it laud him, it would laud him more." + + + +Paradiso: Canto VII + + +"Osanna sanctus Deus Sabaoth, + Superillustrans claritate tua + Felices ignes horum malahoth!" + +In this wise, to his melody returning, + This substance, upon which a double light + Doubles itself, was seen by me to sing, + +And to their dance this and the others moved, + And in the manner of swift-hurrying sparks + Veiled themselves from me with a sudden distance. + +Doubting was I, and saying, "Tell her, tell her," + Within me, "tell her," saying, "tell my Lady," + Who slakes my thirst with her sweet effluences; + +And yet that reverence which doth lord it over + The whole of me only by B and ICE, + Bowed me again like unto one who drowses. + +Short while did Beatrice endure me thus; + And she began, lighting me with a smile + Such as would make one happy in the fire: + +"According to infallible advisement, + After what manner a just vengeance justly + Could be avenged has put thee upon thinking, + +But I will speedily thy mind unloose; + And do thou listen, for these words of mine + Of a great doctrine will a present make thee. + +By not enduring on the power that wills + Curb for his good, that man who ne'er was born, + Damning himself damned all his progeny; + +Whereby the human species down below + Lay sick for many centuries in great error, + Till to descend it pleased the Word of God + +To where the nature, which from its own Maker + Estranged itself, he joined to him in person + By the sole act of his eternal love. + +Now unto what is said direct thy sight; + This nature when united to its Maker, + Such as created, was sincere and good; + +But by itself alone was banished forth + From Paradise, because it turned aside + Out of the way of truth and of its life. + +Therefore the penalty the cross held out, + If measured by the nature thus assumed, + None ever yet with so great justice stung, + +And none was ever of so great injustice, + Considering who the Person was that suffered, + Within whom such a nature was contracted. + +From one act therefore issued things diverse; + To God and to the Jews one death was pleasing; + Earth trembled at it and the Heaven was opened. + +It should no longer now seem difficult + To thee, when it is said that a just vengeance + By a just court was afterward avenged. + +But now do I behold thy mind entangled + From thought to thought within a knot, from which + With great desire it waits to free itself. + +Thou sayest, 'Well discern I what I hear; + But it is hidden from me why God willed + For our redemption only this one mode.' + +Buried remaineth, brother, this decree + Unto the eyes of every one whose nature + Is in the flame of love not yet adult. + +Verily, inasmuch as at this mark + One gazes long and little is discerned, + Wherefore this mode was worthiest will I say. + +Goodness Divine, which from itself doth spurn + All envy, burning in itself so sparkles + That the eternal beauties it unfolds. + +Whate'er from this immediately distils + Has afterwards no end, for ne'er removed + Is its impression when it sets its seal. + +Whate'er from this immediately rains down + Is wholly free, because it is not subject + Unto the influences of novel things. + +The more conformed thereto, the more it pleases; + For the blest ardour that irradiates all things + In that most like itself is most vivacious. + +With all of these things has advantaged been + The human creature; and if one be wanting, + From his nobility he needs must fall. + +'Tis sin alone which doth disfranchise him, + And render him unlike the Good Supreme, + So that he little with its light is blanched, + +And to his dignity no more returns, + Unless he fill up where transgression empties + With righteous pains for criminal delights. + +Your nature when it sinned so utterly + In its own seed, out of these dignities + Even as out of Paradise was driven, + +Nor could itself recover, if thou notest + With nicest subtilty, by any way, + Except by passing one of these two fords: + +Either that God through clemency alone + Had pardon granted, or that man himself + Had satisfaction for his folly made. + +Fix now thine eye deep into the abyss + Of the eternal counsel, to my speech + As far as may be fastened steadfastly! + +Man in his limitations had not power + To satisfy, not having power to sink + In his humility obeying then, + +Far as he disobeying thought to rise; + And for this reason man has been from power + Of satisfying by himself excluded. + +Therefore it God behoved in his own ways + Man to restore unto his perfect life, + I say in one, or else in both of them. + +But since the action of the doer is + So much more grateful, as it more presents + The goodness of the heart from which it issues, + +Goodness Divine, that doth imprint the world, + Has been contented to proceed by each + And all its ways to lift you up again; + +Nor 'twixt the first day and the final night + Such high and such magnificent proceeding + By one or by the other was or shall be; + +For God more bounteous was himself to give + To make man able to uplift himself, + Than if he only of himself had pardoned; + +And all the other modes were insufficient + For justice, were it not the Son of God + Himself had humbled to become incarnate. + +Now, to fill fully each desire of thine, + Return I to elucidate one place, + In order that thou there mayst see as I do. + +Thou sayst: 'I see the air, I see the fire, + The water, and the earth, and all their mixtures + Come to corruption, and short while endure; + +And these things notwithstanding were created;' + Therefore if that which I have said were true, + They should have been secure against corruption. + +The Angels, brother, and the land sincere + In which thou art, created may be called + Just as they are in their entire existence; + +But all the elements which thou hast named, + And all those things which out of them are made, + By a created virtue are informed. + +Created was the matter which they have; + Created was the informing influence + Within these stars that round about them go. + +The soul of every brute and of the plants + By its potential temperament attracts + The ray and motion of the holy lights; + +But your own life immediately inspires + Supreme Beneficence, and enamours it + So with herself, it evermore desires her. + +And thou from this mayst argue furthermore + Your resurrection, if thou think again + How human flesh was fashioned at that time + +When the first parents both of them were made." + + + +Paradiso: Canto VIII + + +The world used in its peril to believe + That the fair Cypria delirious love + Rayed out, in the third epicycle turning; + +Wherefore not only unto her paid honour + Of sacrifices and of votive cry + The ancient nations in the ancient error, + +But both Dione honoured they and Cupid, + That as her mother, this one as her son, + And said that he had sat in Dido's lap; + +And they from her, whence I beginning take, + Took the denomination of the star + That woos the sun, now following, now in front. + +I was not ware of our ascending to it; + But of our being in it gave full faith + My Lady whom I saw more beauteous grow. + +And as within a flame a spark is seen, + And as within a voice a voice discerned, + When one is steadfast, and one comes and goes, + +Within that light beheld I other lamps + Move in a circle, speeding more and less, + Methinks in measure of their inward vision. + +From a cold cloud descended never winds, + Or visible or not, so rapidly + They would not laggard and impeded seem + +To any one who had those lights divine + Seen come towards us, leaving the gyration + Begun at first in the high Seraphim. + +And behind those that most in front appeared + Sounded "Osanna!" so that never since + To hear again was I without desire. + +Then unto us more nearly one approached, + And it alone began: "We all are ready + Unto thy pleasure, that thou joy in us. + +We turn around with the celestial Princes, + One gyre and one gyration and one thirst, + To whom thou in the world of old didst say, + +'Ye who, intelligent, the third heaven are moving;' + And are so full of love, to pleasure thee + A little quiet will not be less sweet." + +After these eyes of mine themselves had offered + Unto my Lady reverently, and she + Content and certain of herself had made them, + +Back to the light they turned, which so great promise + Made of itself, and "Say, who art thou?" was + My voice, imprinted with a great affection. + +O how and how much I beheld it grow + With the new joy that superadded was + Unto its joys, as soon as I had spoken! + +Thus changed, it said to me: "The world possessed me + Short time below; and, if it had been more, + Much evil will be which would not have been. + +My gladness keepeth me concealed from thee, + Which rayeth round about me, and doth hide me + Like as a creature swathed in its own silk. + +Much didst thou love me, and thou hadst good reason; + For had I been below, I should have shown thee + Somewhat beyond the foliage of my love. + +That left-hand margin, which doth bathe itself + In Rhone, when it is mingled with the Sorgue, + Me for its lord awaited in due time, + +And that horn of Ausonia, which is towned + With Bari, with Gaeta and Catona, + Whence Tronto and Verde in the sea disgorge. + +Already flashed upon my brow the crown + Of that dominion which the Danube waters + After the German borders it abandons; + +And beautiful Trinacria, that is murky + 'Twixt Pachino and Peloro, (on the gulf + Which greatest scath from Eurus doth receive,) + +Not through Typhoeus, but through nascent sulphur, + Would have awaited her own monarchs still, + Through me from Charles descended and from Rudolph, + +If evil lordship, that exasperates ever + The subject populations, had not moved + Palermo to the outcry of 'Death! death!' + +And if my brother could but this foresee, + The greedy poverty of Catalonia + Straight would he flee, that it might not molest him; + +For verily 'tis needful to provide, + Through him or other, so that on his bark + Already freighted no more freight be placed. + +His nature, which from liberal covetous + Descended, such a soldiery would need + As should not care for hoarding in a chest." + +"Because I do believe the lofty joy + Thy speech infuses into me, my Lord, + Where every good thing doth begin and end + +Thou seest as I see it, the more grateful + Is it to me; and this too hold I dear, + That gazing upon God thou dost discern it. + +Glad hast thou made me; so make clear to me, + Since speaking thou hast stirred me up to doubt, + How from sweet seed can bitter issue forth." + +This I to him; and he to me: "If I + Can show to thee a truth, to what thou askest + Thy face thou'lt hold as thou dost hold thy back. + +The Good which all the realm thou art ascending + Turns and contents, maketh its providence + To be a power within these bodies vast; + +And not alone the natures are foreseen + Within the mind that in itself is perfect, + But they together with their preservation. + +For whatsoever thing this bow shoots forth + Falls foreordained unto an end foreseen, + Even as a shaft directed to its mark. + +If that were not, the heaven which thou dost walk + Would in such manner its effects produce, + That they no longer would be arts, but ruins. + +This cannot be, if the Intelligences + That keep these stars in motion are not maimed, + And maimed the First that has not made them perfect. + +Wilt thou this truth have clearer made to thee?" + And I: "Not so; for 'tis impossible + That nature tire, I see, in what is needful." + +Whence he again: "Now say, would it be worse + For men on earth were they not citizens?" + "Yes," I replied; "and here I ask no reason." + +"And can they be so, if below they live not + Diversely unto offices diverse? + No, if your master writeth well for you." + +So came he with deductions to this point; + Then he concluded: "Therefore it behoves + The roots of your effects to be diverse. + +Hence one is Solon born, another Xerxes, + Another Melchisedec, and another he + Who, flying through the air, his son did lose. + +Revolving Nature, which a signet is + To mortal wax, doth practise well her art, + But not one inn distinguish from another; + +Thence happens it that Esau differeth + In seed from Jacob; and Quirinus comes + From sire so vile that he is given to Mars. + +A generated nature its own way + Would always make like its progenitors, + If Providence divine were not triumphant. + +Now that which was behind thee is before thee; + But that thou know that I with thee am pleased, + With a corollary will I mantle thee. + +Evermore nature, if it fortune find + Discordant to it, like each other seed + Out of its region, maketh evil thrift; + +And if the world below would fix its mind + On the foundation which is laid by nature, + Pursuing that, 'twould have the people good. + +But you unto religion wrench aside + Him who was born to gird him with the sword, + And make a king of him who is for sermons; + +Therefore your footsteps wander from the road." + + + +Paradiso: Canto IX + + +Beautiful Clemence, after that thy Charles + Had me enlightened, he narrated to me + The treacheries his seed should undergo; + +But said: "Be still and let the years roll round;" + So I can only say, that lamentation + Legitimate shall follow on your wrongs. + +And of that holy light the life already + Had to the Sun which fills it turned again, + As to that good which for each thing sufficeth. + +Ah, souls deceived, and creatures impious, + Who from such good do turn away your hearts, + Directing upon vanity your foreheads! + +And now, behold, another of those splendours + Approached me, and its will to pleasure me + It signified by brightening outwardly. + +The eyes of Beatrice, that fastened were + Upon me, as before, of dear assent + To my desire assurance gave to me. + +"Ah, bring swift compensation to my wish, + Thou blessed spirit," I said, "and give me proof + That what I think in thee I can reflect!" + +Whereat the light, that still was new to me, + Out of its depths, whence it before was singing, + As one delighted to do good, continued: + +"Within that region of the land depraved + Of Italy, that lies between Rialto + And fountain-heads of Brenta and of Piava, + +Rises a hill, and mounts not very high, + Wherefrom descended formerly a torch + That made upon that region great assault. + +Out of one root were born both I and it; + Cunizza was I called, and here I shine + Because the splendour of this star o'ercame me. + +But gladly to myself the cause I pardon + Of my allotment, and it does not grieve me; + Which would perhaps seem strong unto your vulgar. + +Of this so luculent and precious jewel, + Which of our heaven is nearest unto me, + Great fame remained; and ere it die away + +This hundredth year shall yet quintupled be. + See if man ought to make him excellent, + So that another life the first may leave! + +And thus thinks not the present multitude + Shut in by Adige and Tagliamento, + Nor yet for being scourged is penitent. + +But soon 'twill be that Padua in the marsh + Will change the water that Vicenza bathes, + Because the folk are stubborn against duty; + +And where the Sile and Cagnano join + One lordeth it, and goes with lofty head, + For catching whom e'en now the net is making. + +Feltro moreover of her impious pastor + Shall weep the crime, which shall so monstrous be + That for the like none ever entered Malta. + +Ample exceedingly would be the vat + That of the Ferrarese could hold the blood, + And weary who should weigh it ounce by ounce, + +Of which this courteous priest shall make a gift + To show himself a partisan; and such gifts + Will to the living of the land conform. + +Above us there are mirrors, Thrones you call them, + From which shines out on us God Judicant, + So that this utterance seems good to us." + +Here it was silent, and it had the semblance + Of being turned elsewhither, by the wheel + On which it entered as it was before. + +The other joy, already known to me, + Became a thing transplendent in my sight, + As a fine ruby smitten by the sun. + +Through joy effulgence is acquired above, + As here a smile; but down below, the shade + Outwardly darkens, as the mind is sad. + +"God seeth all things, and in Him, blest spirit, + Thy sight is," said I, "so that never will + Of his can possibly from thee be hidden; + +Thy voice, then, that for ever makes the heavens + Glad, with the singing of those holy fires + Which of their six wings make themselves a cowl, + +Wherefore does it not satisfy my longings? + Indeed, I would not wait thy questioning + If I in thee were as thou art in me." + +"The greatest of the valleys where the water + Expands itself," forthwith its words began, + "That sea excepted which the earth engarlands, + +Between discordant shores against the sun + Extends so far, that it meridian makes + Where it was wont before to make the horizon. + +I was a dweller on that valley's shore + 'Twixt Ebro and Magra that with journey short + Doth from the Tuscan part the Genoese. + +With the same sunset and same sunrise nearly + Sit Buggia and the city whence I was, + That with its blood once made the harbour hot. + +Folco that people called me unto whom + My name was known; and now with me this heaven + Imprints itself, as I did once with it; + +For more the daughter of Belus never burned, + Offending both Sichaeus and Creusa, + Than I, so long as it became my locks, + +Nor yet that Rodophean, who deluded + was by Demophoon, nor yet Alcides, + When Iole he in his heart had locked. + +Yet here is no repenting, but we smile, + Not at the fault, which comes not back to mind, + But at the power which ordered and foresaw. + +Here we behold the art that doth adorn + With such affection, and the good discover + Whereby the world above turns that below. + +But that thou wholly satisfied mayst bear + Thy wishes hence which in this sphere are born, + Still farther to proceed behoveth me. + +Thou fain wouldst know who is within this light + That here beside me thus is scintillating, + Even as a sunbeam in the limpid water. + +Then know thou, that within there is at rest + Rahab, and being to our order joined, + With her in its supremest grade 'tis sealed. + +Into this heaven, where ends the shadowy cone + Cast by your world, before all other souls + First of Christ's triumph was she taken up. + +Full meet it was to leave her in some heaven, + Even as a palm of the high victory + Which he acquired with one palm and the other, + +Because she favoured the first glorious deed + Of Joshua upon the Holy Land, + That little stirs the memory of the Pope. + +Thy city, which an offshoot is of him + Who first upon his Maker turned his back, + And whose ambition is so sorely wept, + +Brings forth and scatters the accursed flower + Which both the sheep and lambs hath led astray + Since it has turned the shepherd to a wolf. + +For this the Evangel and the mighty Doctors + Are derelict, and only the Decretals + So studied that it shows upon their margins. + +On this are Pope and Cardinals intent; + Their meditations reach not Nazareth, + There where his pinions Gabriel unfolded; + +But Vatican and the other parts elect + Of Rome, which have a cemetery been + Unto the soldiery that followed Peter + +Shall soon be free from this adultery." + + + +Paradiso: Canto X + + +Looking into his Son with all the Love + Which each of them eternally breathes forth, + The Primal and unutterable Power + +Whate'er before the mind or eye revolves + With so much order made, there can be none + Who this beholds without enjoying Him. + +Lift up then, Reader, to the lofty wheels + With me thy vision straight unto that part + Where the one motion on the other strikes, + +And there begin to contemplate with joy + That Master's art, who in himself so loves it + That never doth his eye depart therefrom. + +Behold how from that point goes branching off + The oblique circle, which conveys the planets, + To satisfy the world that calls upon them; + +And if their pathway were not thus inflected, + Much virtue in the heavens would be in vain, + And almost every power below here dead. + +If from the straight line distant more or less + Were the departure, much would wanting be + Above and underneath of mundane order. + +Remain now, Reader, still upon thy bench, + In thought pursuing that which is foretasted, + If thou wouldst jocund be instead of weary. + +I've set before thee; henceforth feed thyself, + For to itself diverteth all my care + That theme whereof I have been made the scribe. + +The greatest of the ministers of nature, + Who with the power of heaven the world imprints + And measures with his light the time for us, + +With that part which above is called to mind + Conjoined, along the spirals was revolving, + Where each time earlier he presents himself; + +And I was with him; but of the ascending + I was not conscious, saving as a man + Of a first thought is conscious ere it come; + +And Beatrice, she who is seen to pass + From good to better, and so suddenly + That not by time her action is expressed, + +How lucent in herself must she have been! + And what was in the sun, wherein I entered, + Apparent not by colour but by light, + +I, though I call on genius, art, and practice, + Cannot so tell that it could be imagined; + Believe one can, and let him long to see it. + +And if our fantasies too lowly are + For altitude so great, it is no marvel, + Since o'er the sun was never eye could go. + +Such in this place was the fourth family + Of the high Father, who forever sates it, + Showing how he breathes forth and how begets. + +And Beatrice began: "Give thanks, give thanks + Unto the Sun of Angels, who to this + Sensible one has raised thee by his grace!" + +Never was heart of mortal so disposed + To worship, nor to give itself to God + With all its gratitude was it so ready, + +As at those words did I myself become; + And all my love was so absorbed in Him, + That in oblivion Beatrice was eclipsed. + +Nor this displeased her; but she smiled at it + So that the splendour of her laughing eyes + My single mind on many things divided. + +Lights many saw I, vivid and triumphant, + Make us a centre and themselves a circle, + More sweet in voice than luminous in aspect. + +Thus girt about the daughter of Latona + We sometimes see, when pregnant is the air, + So that it holds the thread which makes her zone. + +Within the court of Heaven, whence I return, + Are many jewels found, so fair and precious + They cannot be transported from the realm; + +And of them was the singing of those lights. + Who takes not wings that he may fly up thither, + The tidings thence may from the dumb await! + +As soon as singing thus those burning suns + Had round about us whirled themselves three times, + Like unto stars neighbouring the steadfast poles, + +Ladies they seemed, not from the dance released, + But who stop short, in silence listening + Till they have gathered the new melody. + +And within one I heard beginning: "When + The radiance of grace, by which is kindled + True love, and which thereafter grows by loving, + +Within thee multiplied is so resplendent + That it conducts thee upward by that stair, + Where without reascending none descends, + +Who should deny the wine out of his vial + Unto thy thirst, in liberty were not + Except as water which descends not seaward. + +Fain wouldst thou know with what plants is enflowered + This garland that encircles with delight + The Lady fair who makes thee strong for heaven. + +Of the lambs was I of the holy flock + Which Dominic conducteth by a road + Where well one fattens if he strayeth not. + +He who is nearest to me on the right + My brother and master was; and he Albertus + Is of Cologne, I Thomas of Aquinum. + +If thou of all the others wouldst be certain, + Follow behind my speaking with thy sight + Upward along the blessed garland turning. + +That next effulgence issues from the smile + Of Gratian, who assisted both the courts + In such wise that it pleased in Paradise. + +The other which near by adorns our choir + That Peter was who, e'en as the poor widow, + Offered his treasure unto Holy Church. + +The fifth light, that among us is the fairest, + Breathes forth from such a love, that all the world + Below is greedy to learn tidings of it. + +Within it is the lofty mind, where knowledge + So deep was put, that, if the true be true, + To see so much there never rose a second. + +Thou seest next the lustre of that taper, + Which in the flesh below looked most within + The angelic nature and its ministry. + +Within that other little light is smiling + The advocate of the Christian centuries, + Out of whose rhetoric Augustine was furnished. + +Now if thou trainest thy mind's eye along + From light to light pursuant of my praise, + With thirst already of the eighth thou waitest. + +By seeing every good therein exults + The sainted soul, which the fallacious world + Makes manifest to him who listeneth well; + +The body whence 'twas hunted forth is lying + Down in Cieldauro, and from martyrdom + And banishment it came unto this peace. + +See farther onward flame the burning breath + Of Isidore, of Beda, and of Richard + Who was in contemplation more than man. + +This, whence to me returneth thy regard, + The light is of a spirit unto whom + In his grave meditations death seemed slow. + +It is the light eternal of Sigier, + Who, reading lectures in the Street of Straw, + Did syllogize invidious verities." + +Then, as a horologe that calleth us + What time the Bride of God is rising up + With matins to her Spouse that he may love her, + +Wherein one part the other draws and urges, + Ting! ting! resounding with so sweet a note, + That swells with love the spirit well disposed, + +Thus I beheld the glorious wheel move round, + And render voice to voice, in modulation + And sweetness that can not be comprehended, + +Excepting there where joy is made eternal. + + + +Paradiso: Canto XI + + +O Thou insensate care of mortal men, + How inconclusive are the syllogisms + That make thee beat thy wings in downward flight! + +One after laws and one to aphorisms + Was going, and one following the priesthood, + And one to reign by force or sophistry, + +And one in theft, and one in state affairs, + One in the pleasures of the flesh involved + Wearied himself, one gave himself to ease; + +When I, from all these things emancipate, + With Beatrice above there in the Heavens + With such exceeding glory was received! + +When each one had returned unto that point + Within the circle where it was before, + It stood as in a candlestick a candle; + +And from within the effulgence which at first + Had spoken unto me, I heard begin + Smiling while it more luminous became: + +"Even as I am kindled in its ray, + So, looking into the Eternal Light, + The occasion of thy thoughts I apprehend. + +Thou doubtest, and wouldst have me to resift + In language so extended and so open + My speech, that to thy sense it may be plain, + +Where just before I said, 'where well one fattens,' + And where I said, 'there never rose a second;' + And here 'tis needful we distinguish well. + +The Providence, which governeth the world + With counsel, wherein all created vision + Is vanquished ere it reach unto the bottom, + +(So that towards her own Beloved might go + The bride of Him who, uttering a loud cry, + Espoused her with his consecrated blood, + +Self-confident and unto Him more faithful,) + Two Princes did ordain in her behoof, + Which on this side and that might be her guide. + +The one was all seraphical in ardour; + The other by his wisdom upon earth + A splendour was of light cherubical. + +One will I speak of, for of both is spoken + In praising one, whichever may be taken, + Because unto one end their labours were. + +Between Tupino and the stream that falls + Down from the hill elect of blessed Ubald, + A fertile slope of lofty mountain hangs, + +From which Perugia feels the cold and heat + Through Porta Sole, and behind it weep + Gualdo and Nocera their grievous yoke. + +From out that slope, there where it breaketh most + Its steepness, rose upon the world a sun + As this one does sometimes from out the Ganges; + +Therefore let him who speaketh of that place, + Say not Ascesi, for he would say little, + But Orient, if he properly would speak. + +He was not yet far distant from his rising + Before he had begun to make the earth + Some comfort from his mighty virtue feel. + +For he in youth his father's wrath incurred + For certain Dame, to whom, as unto death, + The gate of pleasure no one doth unlock; + +And was before his spiritual court + 'Et coram patre' unto her united; + Then day by day more fervently he loved her. + +She, reft of her first husband, scorned, obscure, + One thousand and one hundred years and more, + Waited without a suitor till he came. + +Naught it availed to hear, that with Amyclas + Found her unmoved at sounding of his voice + He who struck terror into all the world; + +Naught it availed being constant and undaunted, + So that, when Mary still remained below, + She mounted up with Christ upon the cross. + +But that too darkly I may not proceed, + Francis and Poverty for these two lovers + Take thou henceforward in my speech diffuse. + +Their concord and their joyous semblances, + The love, the wonder, and the sweet regard, + They made to be the cause of holy thoughts; + +So much so that the venerable Bernard + First bared his feet, and after so great peace + Ran, and, in running, thought himself too slow. + +O wealth unknown! O veritable good! + Giles bares his feet, and bares his feet Sylvester + Behind the bridegroom, so doth please the bride! + +Then goes his way that father and that master, + He and his Lady and that family + Which now was girding on the humble cord; + +Nor cowardice of heart weighed down his brow + At being son of Peter Bernardone, + Nor for appearing marvellously scorned; + +But regally his hard determination + To Innocent he opened, and from him + Received the primal seal upon his Order. + +After the people mendicant increased + Behind this man, whose admirable life + Better in glory of the heavens were sung, + +Incoronated with a second crown + Was through Honorius by the Eternal Spirit + The holy purpose of this Archimandrite. + +And when he had, through thirst of martyrdom, + In the proud presence of the Sultan preached + Christ and the others who came after him, + +And, finding for conversion too unripe + The folk, and not to tarry there in vain, + Returned to fruit of the Italic grass, + +On the rude rock 'twixt Tiber and the Arno + From Christ did he receive the final seal, + Which during two whole years his members bore. + +When He, who chose him unto so much good, + Was pleased to draw him up to the reward + That he had merited by being lowly, + +Unto his friars, as to the rightful heirs, + His most dear Lady did he recommend, + And bade that they should love her faithfully; + +And from her bosom the illustrious soul + Wished to depart, returning to its realm, + And for its body wished no other bier. + +Think now what man was he, who was a fit + Companion over the high seas to keep + The bark of Peter to its proper bearings. + +And this man was our Patriarch; hence whoever + Doth follow him as he commands can see + That he is laden with good merchandise. + +But for new pasturage his flock has grown + So greedy, that it is impossible + They be not scattered over fields diverse; + +And in proportion as his sheep remote + And vagabond go farther off from him, + More void of milk return they to the fold. + +Verily some there are that fear a hurt, + And keep close to the shepherd; but so few, + That little cloth doth furnish forth their hoods. + +Now if my utterance be not indistinct, + If thine own hearing hath attentive been, + If thou recall to mind what I have said, + +In part contented shall thy wishes be; + For thou shalt see the plant that's chipped away, + And the rebuke that lieth in the words, + +'Where well one fattens, if he strayeth not.'" + + + +Paradiso: Canto XII + + +Soon as the blessed flame had taken up + The final word to give it utterance, + Began the holy millstone to revolve, + +And in its gyre had not turned wholly round, + Before another in a ring enclosed it, + And motion joined to motion, song to song; + +Song that as greatly doth transcend our Muses, + Our Sirens, in those dulcet clarions, + As primal splendour that which is reflected. + +And as are spanned athwart a tender cloud + Two rainbows parallel and like in colour, + When Juno to her handmaid gives command, + +(The one without born of the one within, + Like to the speaking of that vagrant one + Whom love consumed as doth the sun the vapours,) + +And make the people here, through covenant + God set with Noah, presageful of the world + That shall no more be covered with a flood, + +In such wise of those sempiternal roses + The garlands twain encompassed us about, + And thus the outer to the inner answered. + +After the dance, and other grand rejoicings, + Both of the singing, and the flaming forth + Effulgence with effulgence blithe and tender, + +Together, at once, with one accord had stopped, + (Even as the eyes, that, as volition moves them, + Must needs together shut and lift themselves,) + +Out of the heart of one of the new lights + There came a voice, that needle to the star + Made me appear in turning thitherward. + +And it began: "The love that makes me fair + Draws me to speak about the other leader, + By whom so well is spoken here of mine. + +'Tis right, where one is, to bring in the other, + That, as they were united in their warfare, + Together likewise may their glory shine. + +The soldiery of Christ, which it had cost + So dear to arm again, behind the standard + Moved slow and doubtful and in numbers few, + +When the Emperor who reigneth evermore + Provided for the host that was in peril, + Through grace alone and not that it was worthy; + +And, as was said, he to his Bride brought succour + With champions twain, at whose deed, at whose word + The straggling people were together drawn. + +Within that region where the sweet west wind + Rises to open the new leaves, wherewith + Europe is seen to clothe herself afresh, + +Not far off from the beating of the waves, + Behind which in his long career the sun + Sometimes conceals himself from every man, + +Is situate the fortunate Calahorra, + Under protection of the mighty shield + In which the Lion subject is and sovereign. + +Therein was born the amorous paramour + Of Christian Faith, the athlete consecrate, + Kind to his own and cruel to his foes; + +And when it was created was his mind + Replete with such a living energy, + That in his mother her it made prophetic. + +As soon as the espousals were complete + Between him and the Faith at holy font, + Where they with mutual safety dowered each other, + +The woman, who for him had given assent, + Saw in a dream the admirable fruit + That issue would from him and from his heirs; + +And that he might be construed as he was, + A spirit from this place went forth to name him + With His possessive whose he wholly was. + +Dominic was he called; and him I speak of + Even as of the husbandman whom Christ + Elected to his garden to assist him. + +Envoy and servant sooth he seemed of Christ, + For the first love made manifest in him + Was the first counsel that was given by Christ. + +Silent and wakeful many a time was he + Discovered by his nurse upon the ground, + As if he would have said, 'For this I came.' + +O thou his father, Felix verily! + O thou his mother, verily Joanna, + If this, interpreted, means as is said! + +Not for the world which people toil for now + In following Ostiense and Taddeo, + But through his longing after the true manna, + +He in short time became so great a teacher, + That he began to go about the vineyard, + Which fadeth soon, if faithless be the dresser; + +And of the See, (that once was more benignant + Unto the righteous poor, not through itself, + But him who sits there and degenerates,) + +Not to dispense or two or three for six, + Not any fortune of first vacancy, + 'Non decimas quae sunt pauperum Dei,' + +He asked for, but against the errant world + Permission to do battle for the seed, + Of which these four and twenty plants surround thee. + +Then with the doctrine and the will together, + With office apostolical he moved, + Like torrent which some lofty vein out-presses; + +And in among the shoots heretical + His impetus with greater fury smote, + Wherever the resistance was the greatest. + +Of him were made thereafter divers runnels, + Whereby the garden catholic is watered, + So that more living its plantations stand. + +If such the one wheel of the Biga was, + In which the Holy Church itself defended + And in the field its civic battle won, + +Truly full manifest should be to thee + The excellence of the other, unto whom + Thomas so courteous was before my coming. + +But still the orbit, which the highest part + Of its circumference made, is derelict, + So that the mould is where was once the crust. + +His family, that had straight forward moved + With feet upon his footprints, are turned round + So that they set the point upon the heel. + +And soon aware they will be of the harvest + Of this bad husbandry, when shall the tares + Complain the granary is taken from them. + +Yet say I, he who searcheth leaf by leaf + Our volume through, would still some page discover + Where he could read, 'I am as I am wont.' + +'Twill not be from Casal nor Acquasparta, + From whence come such unto the written word + That one avoids it, and the other narrows. + +Bonaventura of Bagnoregio's life + Am I, who always in great offices + Postponed considerations sinister. + +Here are Illuminato and Agostino, + Who of the first barefooted beggars were + That with the cord the friends of God became. + +Hugh of Saint Victor is among them here, + And Peter Mangiador, and Peter of Spain, + Who down below in volumes twelve is shining; + +Nathan the seer, and metropolitan + Chrysostom, and Anselmus, and Donatus + Who deigned to lay his hand to the first art; + +Here is Rabanus, and beside me here + Shines the Calabrian Abbot Joachim, + He with the spirit of prophecy endowed. + +To celebrate so great a paladin + Have moved me the impassioned courtesy + And the discreet discourses of Friar Thomas, + +And with me they have moved this company." + + + +Paradiso: Canto XIII + + +Let him imagine, who would well conceive + What now I saw, and let him while I speak + Retain the image as a steadfast rock, + +The fifteen stars, that in their divers regions + The sky enliven with a light so great + That it transcends all clusters of the air; + +Let him the Wain imagine unto which + Our vault of heaven sufficeth night and day, + So that in turning of its pole it fails not; + +Let him the mouth imagine of the horn + That in the point beginneth of the axis + Round about which the primal wheel revolves,-- + +To have fashioned of themselves two signs in heaven, + Like unto that which Minos' daughter made, + The moment when she felt the frost of death; + +And one to have its rays within the other, + And both to whirl themselves in such a manner + That one should forward go, the other backward; + +And he will have some shadowing forth of that + True constellation and the double dance + That circled round the point at which I was; + +Because it is as much beyond our wont, + As swifter than the motion of the Chiana + Moveth the heaven that all the rest outspeeds. + +There sang they neither Bacchus, nor Apollo, + But in the divine nature Persons three, + And in one person the divine and human. + +The singing and the dance fulfilled their measure, + And unto us those holy lights gave need, + Growing in happiness from care to care. + +Then broke the silence of those saints concordant + The light in which the admirable life + Of God's own mendicant was told to me, + +And said: "Now that one straw is trodden out + Now that its seed is garnered up already, + Sweet love invites me to thresh out the other. + +Into that bosom, thou believest, whence + Was drawn the rib to form the beauteous cheek + Whose taste to all the world is costing dear, + +And into that which, by the lance transfixed, + Before and since, such satisfaction made + That it weighs down the balance of all sin, + +Whate'er of light it has to human nature + Been lawful to possess was all infused + By the same power that both of them created; + +And hence at what I said above dost wonder, + When I narrated that no second had + The good which in the fifth light is enclosed. + +Now ope thine eyes to what I answer thee, + And thou shalt see thy creed and my discourse + Fit in the truth as centre in a circle. + +That which can die, and that which dieth not, + Are nothing but the splendour of the idea + Which by his love our Lord brings into being; + +Because that living Light, which from its fount + Effulgent flows, so that it disunites not + From Him nor from the Love in them intrined, + +Through its own goodness reunites its rays + In nine subsistences, as in a mirror, + Itself eternally remaining One. + +Thence it descends to the last potencies, + Downward from act to act becoming such + That only brief contingencies it makes; + +And these contingencies I hold to be + Things generated, which the heaven produces + By its own motion, with seed and without. + +Neither their wax, nor that which tempers it, + Remains immutable, and hence beneath + The ideal signet more and less shines through; + +Therefore it happens, that the selfsame tree + After its kind bears worse and better fruit, + And ye are born with characters diverse. + +If in perfection tempered were the wax, + And were the heaven in its supremest virtue, + The brilliance of the seal would all appear; + +But nature gives it evermore deficient, + In the like manner working as the artist, + Who has the skill of art and hand that trembles. + +If then the fervent Love, the Vision clear, + Of primal Virtue do dispose and seal, + Perfection absolute is there acquired. + +Thus was of old the earth created worthy + Of all and every animal perfection; + And thus the Virgin was impregnate made; + +So that thine own opinion I commend, + That human nature never yet has been, + Nor will be, what it was in those two persons. + +Now if no farther forth I should proceed, + 'Then in what way was he without a peer?' + Would be the first beginning of thy words. + +But, that may well appear what now appears not, + Think who he was, and what occasion moved him + To make request, when it was told him, 'Ask.' + +I've not so spoken that thou canst not see + Clearly he was a king who asked for wisdom, + That he might be sufficiently a king; + +'Twas not to know the number in which are + The motors here above, or if 'necesse' + With a contingent e'er 'necesse' make, + +'Non si est dare primum motum esse,' + Or if in semicircle can be made + Triangle so that it have no right angle. + +Whence, if thou notest this and what I said, + A regal prudence is that peerless seeing + In which the shaft of my intention strikes. + +And if on 'rose' thou turnest thy clear eyes, + Thou'lt see that it has reference alone + To kings who're many, and the good are rare. + +With this distinction take thou what I said, + And thus it can consist with thy belief + Of the first father and of our Delight. + +And lead shall this be always to thy feet, + To make thee, like a weary man, move slowly + Both to the Yes and No thou seest not; + +For very low among the fools is he + Who affirms without distinction, or denies, + As well in one as in the other case; + +Because it happens that full often bends + Current opinion in the false direction, + And then the feelings bind the intellect. + +Far more than uselessly he leaves the shore, + (Since he returneth not the same he went,) + Who fishes for the truth, and has no skill; + +And in the world proofs manifest thereof + Parmenides, Melissus, Brissus are, + And many who went on and knew not whither; + +Thus did Sabellius, Arius, and those fools + Who have been even as swords unto the Scriptures + In rendering distorted their straight faces. + +Nor yet shall people be too confident + In judging, even as he is who doth count + The corn in field or ever it be ripe. + +For I have seen all winter long the thorn + First show itself intractable and fierce, + And after bear the rose upon its top; + +And I have seen a ship direct and swift + Run o'er the sea throughout its course entire, + To perish at the harbour's mouth at last. + +Let not Dame Bertha nor Ser Martin think, + Seeing one steal, another offering make, + To see them in the arbitrament divine; + +For one may rise, and fall the other may." + + + +Paradiso: Canto XIV + + +From centre unto rim, from rim to centre, + In a round vase the water moves itself, + As from without 'tis struck or from within. + +Into my mind upon a sudden dropped + What I am saying, at the moment when + Silent became the glorious life of Thomas, + +Because of the resemblance that was born + Of his discourse and that of Beatrice, + Whom, after him, it pleased thus to begin: + +"This man has need (and does not tell you so, + Nor with the voice, nor even in his thought) + Of going to the root of one truth more. + +Declare unto him if the light wherewith + Blossoms your substance shall remain with you + Eternally the same that it is now; + +And if it do remain, say in what manner, + After ye are again made visible, + It can be that it injure not your sight." + +As by a greater gladness urged and drawn + They who are dancing in a ring sometimes + Uplift their voices and their motions quicken; + +So, at that orison devout and prompt, + The holy circles a new joy displayed + In their revolving and their wondrous song. + +Whoso lamenteth him that here we die + That we may live above, has never there + Seen the refreshment of the eternal rain. + +The One and Two and Three who ever liveth, + And reigneth ever in Three and Two and One, + Not circumscribed and all things circumscribing, + +Three several times was chanted by each one + Among those spirits, with such melody + That for all merit it were just reward; + +And, in the lustre most divine of all + The lesser ring, I heard a modest voice, + Such as perhaps the Angel's was to Mary, + +Answer: "As long as the festivity + Of Paradise shall be, so long our love + Shall radiate round about us such a vesture. + +Its brightness is proportioned to the ardour, + The ardour to the vision; and the vision + Equals what grace it has above its worth. + +When, glorious and sanctified, our flesh + Is reassumed, then shall our persons be + More pleasing by their being all complete; + +For will increase whate'er bestows on us + Of light gratuitous the Good Supreme, + Light which enables us to look on Him; + +Therefore the vision must perforce increase, + Increase the ardour which from that is kindled, + Increase the radiance which from this proceeds. + +But even as a coal that sends forth flame, + And by its vivid whiteness overpowers it + So that its own appearance it maintains, + +Thus the effulgence that surrounds us now + Shall be o'erpowered in aspect by the flesh, + Which still to-day the earth doth cover up; + +Nor can so great a splendour weary us, + For strong will be the organs of the body + To everything which hath the power to please us." + +So sudden and alert appeared to me + Both one and the other choir to say Amen, + That well they showed desire for their dead bodies; + +Nor sole for them perhaps, but for the mothers, + The fathers, and the rest who had been dear + Or ever they became eternal flames. + +And lo! all round about of equal brightness + Arose a lustre over what was there, + Like an horizon that is clearing up. + +And as at rise of early eve begin + Along the welkin new appearances, + So that the sight seems real and unreal, + +It seemed to me that new subsistences + Began there to be seen, and make a circle + Outside the other two circumferences. + +O very sparkling of the Holy Spirit, + How sudden and incandescent it became + Unto mine eyes, that vanquished bore it not! + +But Beatrice so beautiful and smiling + Appeared to me, that with the other sights + That followed not my memory I must leave her. + +Then to uplift themselves mine eyes resumed + The power, and I beheld myself translated + To higher salvation with my Lady only. + +Well was I ware that I was more uplifted + By the enkindled smiling of the star, + That seemed to me more ruddy than its wont. + +With all my heart, and in that dialect + Which is the same in all, such holocaust + To God I made as the new grace beseemed; + +And not yet from my bosom was exhausted + The ardour of sacrifice, before I knew + This offering was accepted and auspicious; + +For with so great a lustre and so red + Splendours appeared to me in twofold rays, + I said: "O Helios who dost so adorn them!" + +Even as distinct with less and greater lights + Glimmers between the two poles of the world + The Galaxy that maketh wise men doubt, + +Thus constellated in the depths of Mars, + Those rays described the venerable sign + That quadrants joining in a circle make. + +Here doth my memory overcome my genius; + For on that cross as levin gleamed forth Christ, + So that I cannot find ensample worthy; + +But he who takes his cross and follows Christ + Again will pardon me what I omit, + Seeing in that aurora lighten Christ. + +From horn to horn, and 'twixt the top and base, + Lights were in motion, brightly scintillating + As they together met and passed each other; + +Thus level and aslant and swift and slow + We here behold, renewing still the sight, + The particles of bodies long and short, + +Across the sunbeam move, wherewith is listed + Sometimes the shade, which for their own defence + People with cunning and with art contrive. + +And as a lute and harp, accordant strung + With many strings, a dulcet tinkling make + To him by whom the notes are not distinguished, + +So from the lights that there to me appeared + Upgathered through the cross a melody, + Which rapt me, not distinguishing the hymn. + +Well was I ware it was of lofty laud, + Because there came to me, "Arise and conquer!" + As unto him who hears and comprehends not. + +So much enamoured I became therewith, + That until then there was not anything + That e'er had fettered me with such sweet bonds. + +Perhaps my word appears somewhat too bold, + Postponing the delight of those fair eyes, + Into which gazing my desire has rest; + +But who bethinks him that the living seals + Of every beauty grow in power ascending, + And that I there had not turned round to those, + +Can me excuse, if I myself accuse + To excuse myself, and see that I speak truly: + For here the holy joy is not disclosed, + +Because ascending it becomes more pure. + + + +Paradiso: Canto XV + + +A will benign, in which reveals itself + Ever the love that righteously inspires, + As in the iniquitous, cupidity, + +Silence imposed upon that dulcet lyre, + And quieted the consecrated chords, + That Heaven's right hand doth tighten and relax. + +How unto just entreaties shall be deaf + Those substances, which, to give me desire + Of praying them, with one accord grew silent? + +'Tis well that without end he should lament, + Who for the love of thing that doth not last + Eternally despoils him of that love! + +As through the pure and tranquil evening air + There shoots from time to time a sudden fire, + Moving the eyes that steadfast were before, + +And seems to be a star that changeth place, + Except that in the part where it is kindled + Nothing is missed, and this endureth little; + +So from the horn that to the right extends + Unto that cross's foot there ran a star + Out of the constellation shining there; + +Nor was the gem dissevered from its ribbon, + But down the radiant fillet ran along, + So that fire seemed it behind alabaster. + +Thus piteous did Anchises' shade reach forward, + If any faith our greatest Muse deserve, + When in Elysium he his son perceived. + +"O sanguis meus, O superinfusa + Gratia Dei, sicut tibi, cui + Bis unquam Coeli janua reclusa?" + +Thus that effulgence; whence I gave it heed; + Then round unto my Lady turned my sight, + And on this side and that was stupefied; + +For in her eyes was burning such a smile + That with mine own methought I touched the bottom + Both of my grace and of my Paradise! + +Then, pleasant to the hearing and the sight, + The spirit joined to its beginning things + I understood not, so profound it spake; + +Nor did it hide itself from me by choice, + But by necessity; for its conception + Above the mark of mortals set itself. + +And when the bow of burning sympathy + Was so far slackened, that its speech descended + Towards the mark of our intelligence, + +The first thing that was understood by me + Was "Benedight be Thou, O Trine and One, + Who hast unto my seed so courteous been!" + +And it continued: "Hunger long and grateful, + Drawn from the reading of the mighty volume + Wherein is never changed the white nor dark, + +Thou hast appeased, my son, within this light + In which I speak to thee, by grace of her + Who to this lofty flight with plumage clothed thee. + +Thou thinkest that to me thy thought doth pass + From Him who is the first, as from the unit, + If that be known, ray out the five and six; + +And therefore who I am thou askest not, + And why I seem more joyous unto thee + Than any other of this gladsome crowd. + +Thou think'st the truth; because the small and great + Of this existence look into the mirror + Wherein, before thou think'st, thy thought thou showest. + +But that the sacred love, in which I watch + With sight perpetual, and which makes me thirst + With sweet desire, may better be fulfilled, + +Now let thy voice secure and frank and glad + Proclaim the wishes, the desire proclaim, + To which my answer is decreed already." + +To Beatrice I turned me, and she heard + Before I spake, and smiled to me a sign, + That made the wings of my desire increase; + +Then in this wise began I: "Love and knowledge, + When on you dawned the first Equality, + Of the same weight for each of you became; + +For in the Sun, which lighted you and burned + With heat and radiance, they so equal are, + That all similitudes are insufficient. + +But among mortals will and argument, + For reason that to you is manifest, + Diversely feathered in their pinions are. + +Whence I, who mortal am, feel in myself + This inequality; so give not thanks, + Save in my heart, for this paternal welcome. + +Truly do I entreat thee, living topaz! + Set in this precious jewel as a gem, + That thou wilt satisfy me with thy name." + +"O leaf of mine, in whom I pleasure took + E'en while awaiting, I was thine own root!" + Such a beginning he in answer made me. + +Then said to me: "That one from whom is named + Thy race, and who a hundred years and more + Has circled round the mount on the first cornice, + +A son of mine and thy great-grandsire was; + Well it behoves thee that the long fatigue + Thou shouldst for him make shorter with thy works. + +Florence, within the ancient boundary + From which she taketh still her tierce and nones, + Abode in quiet, temperate and chaste. + +No golden chain she had, nor coronal, + Nor ladies shod with sandal shoon, nor girdle + That caught the eye more than the person did. + +Not yet the daughter at her birth struck fear + Into the father, for the time and dower + Did not o'errun this side or that the measure. + +No houses had she void of families, + Not yet had thither come Sardanapalus + To show what in a chamber can be done; + +Not yet surpassed had Montemalo been + By your Uccellatojo, which surpassed + Shall in its downfall be as in its rise. + +Bellincion Berti saw I go begirt + With leather and with bone, and from the mirror + His dame depart without a painted face; + +And him of Nerli saw, and him of Vecchio, + Contented with their simple suits of buff + And with the spindle and the flax their dames. + +O fortunate women! and each one was certain + Of her own burial-place, and none as yet + For sake of France was in her bed deserted. + +One o'er the cradle kept her studious watch, + And in her lullaby the language used + That first delights the fathers and the mothers; + +Another, drawing tresses from her distaff, + Told o'er among her family the tales + Of Trojans and of Fesole and Rome. + +As great a marvel then would have been held + A Lapo Salterello, a Cianghella, + As Cincinnatus or Cornelia now. + +To such a quiet, such a beautiful + Life of the citizen, to such a safe + Community, and to so sweet an inn, + +Did Mary give me, with loud cries invoked, + And in your ancient Baptistery at once + Christian and Cacciaguida I became. + +Moronto was my brother, and Eliseo; + From Val di Pado came to me my wife, + And from that place thy surname was derived. + +I followed afterward the Emperor Conrad, + And he begirt me of his chivalry, + So much I pleased him with my noble deeds. + +I followed in his train against that law's + Iniquity, whose people doth usurp + Your just possession, through your Pastor's fault. + +There by that execrable race was I + Released from bonds of the fallacious world, + The love of which defileth many souls, + +And came from martyrdom unto this peace." + + + +Paradiso: Canto XVI + + +O thou our poor nobility of blood, + If thou dost make the people glory in thee + Down here where our affection languishes, + +A marvellous thing it ne'er will be to me; + For there where appetite is not perverted, + I say in Heaven, of thee I made a boast! + +Truly thou art a cloak that quickly shortens, + So that unless we piece thee day by day + Time goeth round about thee with his shears! + +With 'You,' which Rome was first to tolerate, + (Wherein her family less perseveres,) + Yet once again my words beginning made; + +Whence Beatrice, who stood somewhat apart, + Smiling, appeared like unto her who coughed + At the first failing writ of Guenever. + +And I began: "You are my ancestor, + You give to me all hardihood to speak, + You lift me so that I am more than I. + +So many rivulets with gladness fill + My mind, that of itself it makes a joy + Because it can endure this and not burst. + +Then tell me, my beloved root ancestral, + Who were your ancestors, and what the years + That in your boyhood chronicled themselves? + +Tell me about the sheepfold of Saint John, + How large it was, and who the people were + Within it worthy of the highest seats." + +As at the blowing of the winds a coal + Quickens to flame, so I beheld that light + Become resplendent at my blandishments. + +And as unto mine eyes it grew more fair, + With voice more sweet and tender, but not in + This modern dialect, it said to me: + +"From uttering of the 'Ave,' till the birth + In which my mother, who is now a saint, + Of me was lightened who had been her burden, + +Unto its Lion had this fire returned + Five hundred fifty times and thirty more, + To reinflame itself beneath his paw. + +My ancestors and I our birthplace had + Where first is found the last ward of the city + By him who runneth in your annual game. + +Suffice it of my elders to hear this; + But who they were, and whence they thither came, + Silence is more considerate than speech. + +All those who at that time were there between + Mars and the Baptist, fit for bearing arms, + Were a fifth part of those who now are living; + +But the community, that now is mixed + With Campi and Certaldo and Figghine, + Pure in the lowest artisan was seen. + +O how much better 'twere to have as neighbours + The folk of whom I speak, and at Galluzzo + And at Trespiano have your boundary, + +Than have them in the town, and bear the stench + Of Aguglione's churl, and him of Signa + Who has sharp eyes for trickery already. + +Had not the folk, which most of all the world + Degenerates, been a step-dame unto Caesar, + But as a mother to her son benignant, + +Some who turn Florentines, and trade and discount, + Would have gone back again to Simifonte + There where their grandsires went about as beggars. + +At Montemurlo still would be the Counts, + The Cerchi in the parish of Acone, + Perhaps in Valdigrieve the Buondelmonti. + +Ever the intermingling of the people + Has been the source of malady in cities, + As in the body food it surfeits on; + +And a blind bull more headlong plunges down + Than a blind lamb; and very often cuts + Better and more a single sword than five. + +If Luni thou regard, and Urbisaglia, + How they have passed away, and how are passing + Chiusi and Sinigaglia after them, + +To hear how races waste themselves away, + Will seem to thee no novel thing nor hard, + Seeing that even cities have an end. + +All things of yours have their mortality, + Even as yourselves; but it is hidden in some + That a long while endure, and lives are short; + +And as the turning of the lunar heaven + Covers and bares the shores without a pause, + In the like manner fortune does with Florence. + +Therefore should not appear a marvellous thing + What I shall say of the great Florentines + Of whom the fame is hidden in the Past. + +I saw the Ughi, saw the Catellini, + Filippi, Greci, Ormanni, and Alberichi, + Even in their fall illustrious citizens; + +And saw, as mighty as they ancient were, + With him of La Sannella him of Arca, + And Soldanier, Ardinghi, and Bostichi. + +Near to the gate that is at present laden + With a new felony of so much weight + That soon it shall be jetsam from the bark, + +The Ravignani were, from whom descended + The County Guido, and whoe'er the name + Of the great Bellincione since hath taken. + +He of La Pressa knew the art of ruling + Already, and already Galigajo + Had hilt and pommel gilded in his house. + +Mighty already was the Column Vair, + Sacchetti, Giuochi, Fifant, and Barucci, + And Galli, and they who for the bushel blush. + +The stock from which were the Calfucci born + Was great already, and already chosen + To curule chairs the Sizii and Arrigucci. + +O how beheld I those who are undone + By their own pride! and how the Balls of Gold + Florence enflowered in all their mighty deeds! + +So likewise did the ancestors of those + Who evermore, when vacant is your church, + Fatten by staying in consistory. + +The insolent race, that like a dragon follows + Whoever flees, and unto him that shows + His teeth or purse is gentle as a lamb, + +Already rising was, but from low people; + So that it pleased not Ubertin Donato + That his wife's father should make him their kin. + +Already had Caponsacco to the Market + From Fesole descended, and already + Giuda and Infangato were good burghers. + +I'll tell a thing incredible, but true; + One entered the small circuit by a gate + Which from the Della Pera took its name! + +Each one that bears the beautiful escutcheon + Of the great baron whose renown and name + The festival of Thomas keepeth fresh, + +Knighthood and privilege from him received; + Though with the populace unites himself + To-day the man who binds it with a border. + +Already were Gualterotti and Importuni; + And still more quiet would the Borgo be + If with new neighbours it remained unfed. + +The house from which is born your lamentation, + Through just disdain that death among you brought + And put an end unto your joyous life, + +Was honoured in itself and its companions. + O Buondelmonte, how in evil hour + Thou fled'st the bridal at another's promptings! + +Many would be rejoicing who are sad, + If God had thee surrendered to the Ema + The first time that thou camest to the city. + +But it behoved the mutilated stone + Which guards the bridge, that Florence should provide + A victim in her latest hour of peace. + +With all these families, and others with them, + Florence beheld I in so great repose, + That no occasion had she whence to weep; + +With all these families beheld so just + And glorious her people, that the lily + Never upon the spear was placed reversed, + +Nor by division was vermilion made." + + + +Paradiso: Canto XVII + + +As came to Clymene, to be made certain + Of that which he had heard against himself, + He who makes fathers chary still to children, + +Even such was I, and such was I perceived + By Beatrice and by the holy light + That first on my account had changed its place. + +Therefore my Lady said to me: "Send forth + The flame of thy desire, so that it issue + Imprinted well with the internal stamp; + +Not that our knowledge may be greater made + By speech of thine, but to accustom thee + To tell thy thirst, that we may give thee drink." + +"O my beloved tree, (that so dost lift thee, + That even as minds terrestrial perceive + No triangle containeth two obtuse, + +So thou beholdest the contingent things + Ere in themselves they are, fixing thine eyes + Upon the point in which all times are present,) + +While I was with Virgilius conjoined + Upon the mountain that the souls doth heal, + And when descending into the dead world, + +Were spoken to me of my future life + Some grievous words; although I feel myself + In sooth foursquare against the blows of chance. + +On this account my wish would be content + To hear what fortune is approaching me, + Because foreseen an arrow comes more slowly." + +Thus did I say unto that selfsame light + That unto me had spoken before; and even + As Beatrice willed was my own will confessed. + +Not in vague phrase, in which the foolish folk + Ensnared themselves of old, ere yet was slain + The Lamb of God who taketh sins away, + +But with clear words and unambiguous + Language responded that paternal love, + Hid and revealed by its own proper smile: + +"Contingency, that outside of the volume + Of your materiality extends not, + Is all depicted in the eternal aspect. + +Necessity however thence it takes not, + Except as from the eye, in which 'tis mirrored, + A ship that with the current down descends. + +From thence, e'en as there cometh to the ear + Sweet harmony from an organ, comes in sight + To me the time that is preparing for thee. + +As forth from Athens went Hippolytus, + By reason of his step-dame false and cruel, + So thou from Florence must perforce depart. + +Already this is willed, and this is sought for; + And soon it shall be done by him who thinks it, + Where every day the Christ is bought and sold. + +The blame shall follow the offended party + In outcry as is usual; but the vengeance + Shall witness to the truth that doth dispense it. + +Thou shalt abandon everything beloved + Most tenderly, and this the arrow is + Which first the bow of banishment shoots forth. + +Thou shalt have proof how savoureth of salt + The bread of others, and how hard a road + The going down and up another's stairs. + +And that which most shall weigh upon thy shoulders + Will be the bad and foolish company + With which into this valley thou shalt fall; + +For all ingrate, all mad and impious + Will they become against thee; but soon after + They, and not thou, shall have the forehead scarlet. + +Of their bestiality their own proceedings + Shall furnish proof; so 'twill be well for thee + A party to have made thee by thyself. + +Thine earliest refuge and thine earliest inn + Shall be the mighty Lombard's courtesy, + Who on the Ladder bears the holy bird, + +Who such benign regard shall have for thee + That 'twixt you twain, in doing and in asking, + That shall be first which is with others last. + +With him shalt thou see one who at his birth + Has by this star of strength been so impressed, + That notable shall his achievements be. + +Not yet the people are aware of him + Through his young age, since only nine years yet + Around about him have these wheels revolved. + +But ere the Gascon cheat the noble Henry, + Some sparkles of his virtue shall appear + In caring not for silver nor for toil. + +So recognized shall his magnificence + Become hereafter, that his enemies + Will not have power to keep mute tongues about it. + +On him rely, and on his benefits; + By him shall many people be transformed, + Changing condition rich and mendicant; + +And written in thy mind thou hence shalt bear + Of him, but shalt not say it"--and things said he + Incredible to those who shall be present. + +Then added: "Son, these are the commentaries + On what was said to thee; behold the snares + That are concealed behind few revolutions; + +Yet would I not thy neighbours thou shouldst envy, + Because thy life into the future reaches + Beyond the punishment of their perfidies." + +When by its silence showed that sainted soul + That it had finished putting in the woof + Into that web which I had given it warped, + +Began I, even as he who yearneth after, + Being in doubt, some counsel from a person + Who seeth, and uprightly wills, and loves: + +"Well see I, father mine, how spurreth on + The time towards me such a blow to deal me + As heaviest is to him who most gives way. + +Therefore with foresight it is well I arm me, + That, if the dearest place be taken from me, + I may not lose the others by my songs. + +Down through the world of infinite bitterness, + And o'er the mountain, from whose beauteous summit + The eyes of my own Lady lifted me, + +And afterward through heaven from light to light, + I have learned that which, if I tell again, + Will be a savour of strong herbs to many. + +And if I am a timid friend to truth, + I fear lest I may lose my life with those + Who will hereafter call this time the olden." + +The light in which was smiling my own treasure + Which there I had discovered, flashed at first + As in the sunshine doth a golden mirror; + +Then made reply: "A conscience overcast + Or with its own or with another's shame, + Will taste forsooth the tartness of thy word; + +But ne'ertheless, all falsehood laid aside, + Make manifest thy vision utterly, + And let them scratch wherever is the itch; + +For if thine utterance shall offensive be + At the first taste, a vital nutriment + 'Twill leave thereafter, when it is digested. + +This cry of thine shall do as doth the wind, + Which smiteth most the most exalted summits, + And that is no slight argument of honour. + +Therefore are shown to thee within these wheels, + Upon the mount and in the dolorous valley, + Only the souls that unto fame are known; + +Because the spirit of the hearer rests not, + Nor doth confirm its faith by an example + Which has the root of it unknown and hidden, + +Or other reason that is not apparent." + + + +Paradiso: Canto XVIII + + +Now was alone rejoicing in its word + That soul beatified, and I was tasting + My own, the bitter tempering with the sweet, + +And the Lady who to God was leading me + Said: "Change thy thought; consider that I am + Near unto Him who every wrong disburdens." + +Unto the loving accents of my comfort + I turned me round, and then what love I saw + Within those holy eyes I here relinquish; + +Not only that my language I distrust, + But that my mind cannot return so far + Above itself, unless another guide it. + +Thus much upon that point can I repeat, + That, her again beholding, my affection + From every other longing was released. + +While the eternal pleasure, which direct + Rayed upon Beatrice, from her fair face + Contented me with its reflected aspect, + +Conquering me with the radiance of a smile, + She said to me, "Turn thee about and listen; + Not in mine eyes alone is Paradise." + +Even as sometimes here do we behold + The affection in the look, if it be such + That all the soul is wrapt away by it, + +So, by the flaming of the effulgence holy + To which I turned, I recognized therein + The wish of speaking to me somewhat farther. + +And it began: "In this fifth resting-place + Upon the tree that liveth by its summit, + And aye bears fruit, and never loses leaf, + +Are blessed spirits that below, ere yet + They came to Heaven, were of such great renown + That every Muse therewith would affluent be. + +Therefore look thou upon the cross's horns; + He whom I now shall name will there enact + What doth within a cloud its own swift fire." + +I saw athwart the Cross a splendour drawn + By naming Joshua, (even as he did it,) + Nor noted I the word before the deed; + +And at the name of the great Maccabee + I saw another move itself revolving, + And gladness was the whip unto that top. + +Likewise for Charlemagne and for Orlando, + Two of them my regard attentive followed + As followeth the eye its falcon flying. + +William thereafterward, and Renouard, + And the Duke Godfrey, did attract my sight + Along upon that Cross, and Robert Guiscard. + +Then, moved and mingled with the other lights, + The soul that had addressed me showed how great + An artist 'twas among the heavenly singers. + +To my right side I turned myself around, + My duty to behold in Beatrice + Either by words or gesture signified; + +And so translucent I beheld her eyes, + So full of pleasure, that her countenance + Surpassed its other and its latest wont. + +And as, by feeling greater delectation, + A man in doing good from day to day + Becomes aware his virtue is increasing, + +So I became aware that my gyration + With heaven together had increased its arc, + That miracle beholding more adorned. + +And such as is the change, in little lapse + Of time, in a pale woman, when her face + Is from the load of bashfulness unladen, + +Such was it in mine eyes, when I had turned, + Caused by the whiteness of the temperate star, + The sixth, which to itself had gathered me. + +Within that Jovial torch did I behold + The sparkling of the love which was therein + Delineate our language to mine eyes. + +And even as birds uprisen from the shore, + As in congratulation o'er their food, + Make squadrons of themselves, now round, now long, + +So from within those lights the holy creatures + Sang flying to and fro, and in their figures + Made of themselves now D, now I, now L. + +First singing they to their own music moved; + Then one becoming of these characters, + A little while they rested and were silent. + +O divine Pegasea, thou who genius + Dost glorious make, and render it long-lived, + And this through thee the cities and the kingdoms, + +Illume me with thyself, that I may bring + Their figures out as I have them conceived! + Apparent be thy power in these brief verses! + +Themselves then they displayed in five times seven + Vowels and consonants; and I observed + The parts as they seemed spoken unto me. + +'Diligite justitiam,' these were + First verb and noun of all that was depicted; + 'Qui judicatis terram' were the last. + +Thereafter in the M of the fifth word + Remained they so arranged, that Jupiter + Seemed to be silver there with gold inlaid. + +And other lights I saw descend where was + The summit of the M, and pause there singing + The good, I think, that draws them to itself. + +Then, as in striking upon burning logs + Upward there fly innumerable sparks, + Whence fools are wont to look for auguries, + +More than a thousand lights seemed thence to rise, + And to ascend, some more, and others less, + Even as the Sun that lights them had allotted; + +And, each one being quiet in its place, + The head and neck beheld I of an eagle + Delineated by that inlaid fire. + +He who there paints has none to be his guide; + But Himself guides; and is from Him remembered + That virtue which is form unto the nest. + +The other beatitude, that contented seemed + At first to bloom a lily on the M, + By a slight motion followed out the imprint. + +O gentle star! what and how many gems + Did demonstrate to me, that all our justice + Effect is of that heaven which thou ingemmest! + +Wherefore I pray the Mind, in which begin + Thy motion and thy virtue, to regard + Whence comes the smoke that vitiates thy rays; + +So that a second time it now be wroth + With buying and with selling in the temple + Whose walls were built with signs and martyrdoms! + +O soldiery of heaven, whom I contemplate, + Implore for those who are upon the earth + All gone astray after the bad example! + +Once 'twas the custom to make war with swords; + But now 'tis made by taking here and there + The bread the pitying Father shuts from none. + +Yet thou, who writest but to cancel, think + That Peter and that Paul, who for this vineyard + Which thou art spoiling died, are still alive! + +Well canst thou say: "So steadfast my desire + Is unto him who willed to live alone, + And for a dance was led to martyrdom, + +That I know not the Fisherman nor Paul." + + + +Paradiso: Canto XIX + + +Appeared before me with its wings outspread + The beautiful image that in sweet fruition + Made jubilant the interwoven souls; + +Appeared a little ruby each, wherein + Ray of the sun was burning so enkindled + That each into mine eyes refracted it. + +And what it now behoves me to retrace + Nor voice has e'er reported, nor ink written, + Nor was by fantasy e'er comprehended; + +For speak I saw, and likewise heard, the beak, + And utter with its voice both 'I' and 'My,' + When in conception it was 'We' and 'Our.' + +And it began: "Being just and merciful + Am I exalted here unto that glory + Which cannot be exceeded by desire; + +And upon earth I left my memory + Such, that the evil-minded people there + Commend it, but continue not the story." + +So doth a single heat from many embers + Make itself felt, even as from many loves + Issued a single sound from out that image. + +Whence I thereafter: "O perpetual flowers + Of the eternal joy, that only one + Make me perceive your odours manifold, + +Exhaling, break within me the great fast + Which a long season has in hunger held me, + Not finding for it any food on earth. + +Well do I know, that if in heaven its mirror + Justice Divine another realm doth make, + Yours apprehends it not through any veil. + +You know how I attentively address me + To listen; and you know what is the doubt + That is in me so very old a fast." + +Even as a falcon, issuing from his hood, + Doth move his head, and with his wings applaud him, + Showing desire, and making himself fine, + +Saw I become that standard, which of lauds + Was interwoven of the grace divine, + With such songs as he knows who there rejoices. + +Then it began: "He who a compass turned + On the world's outer verge, and who within it + Devised so much occult and manifest, + +Could not the impress of his power so make + On all the universe, as that his Word + Should not remain in infinite excess. + +And this makes certain that the first proud being, + Who was the paragon of every creature, + By not awaiting light fell immature. + +And hence appears it, that each minor nature + Is scant receptacle unto that good + Which has no end, and by itself is measured. + +In consequence our vision, which perforce + Must be some ray of that intelligence + With which all things whatever are replete, + +Cannot in its own nature be so potent, + That it shall not its origin discern + Far beyond that which is apparent to it. + +Therefore into the justice sempiternal + The power of vision that your world receives, + As eye into the ocean, penetrates; + +Which, though it see the bottom near the shore, + Upon the deep perceives it not, and yet + 'Tis there, but it is hidden by the depth. + +There is no light but comes from the serene + That never is o'ercast, nay, it is darkness + Or shadow of the flesh, or else its poison. + +Amply to thee is opened now the cavern + Which has concealed from thee the living justice + Of which thou mad'st such frequent questioning. + +For saidst thou: 'Born a man is on the shore + Of Indus, and is none who there can speak + Of Christ, nor who can read, nor who can write; + +And all his inclinations and his actions + Are good, so far as human reason sees, + Without a sin in life or in discourse: + +He dieth unbaptised and without faith; + Where is this justice that condemneth him? + Where is his fault, if he do not believe?' + +Now who art thou, that on the bench wouldst sit + In judgment at a thousand miles away, + With the short vision of a single span? + +Truly to him who with me subtilizes, + If so the Scripture were not over you, + For doubting there were marvellous occasion. + +O animals terrene, O stolid minds, + The primal will, that in itself is good, + Ne'er from itself, the Good Supreme, has moved. + +So much is just as is accordant with it; + No good created draws it to itself, + But it, by raying forth, occasions that." + +Even as above her nest goes circling round + The stork when she has fed her little ones, + And he who has been fed looks up at her, + +So lifted I my brows, and even such + Became the blessed image, which its wings + Was moving, by so many counsels urged. + +Circling around it sang, and said: "As are + My notes to thee, who dost not comprehend them, + Such is the eternal judgment to you mortals." + +Those lucent splendours of the Holy Spirit + Grew quiet then, but still within the standard + That made the Romans reverend to the world. + +It recommenced: "Unto this kingdom never + Ascended one who had not faith in Christ, + Before or since he to the tree was nailed. + +But look thou, many crying are, 'Christ, Christ!' + Who at the judgment shall be far less near + To him than some shall be who knew not Christ. + +Such Christians shall the Ethiop condemn, + When the two companies shall be divided, + The one for ever rich, the other poor. + +What to your kings may not the Persians say, + When they that volume opened shall behold + In which are written down all their dispraises? + +There shall be seen, among the deeds of Albert, + That which ere long shall set the pen in motion, + For which the realm of Prague shall be deserted. + +There shall be seen the woe that on the Seine + He brings by falsifying of the coin, + Who by the blow of a wild boar shall die. + +There shall be seen the pride that causes thirst, + Which makes the Scot and Englishman so mad + That they within their boundaries cannot rest; + +Be seen the luxury and effeminate life + Of him of Spain, and the Bohemian, + Who valour never knew and never wished; + +Be seen the Cripple of Jerusalem, + His goodness represented by an I, + While the reverse an M shall represent; + +Be seen the avarice and poltroonery + Of him who guards the Island of the Fire, + Wherein Anchises finished his long life; + +And to declare how pitiful he is + Shall be his record in contracted letters + Which shall make note of much in little space. + +And shall appear to each one the foul deeds + Of uncle and of brother who a nation + So famous have dishonoured, and two crowns. + +And he of Portugal and he of Norway + Shall there be known, and he of Rascia too, + Who saw in evil hour the coin of Venice. + +O happy Hungary, if she let herself + Be wronged no farther! and Navarre the happy, + If with the hills that gird her she be armed! + +And each one may believe that now, as hansel + Thereof, do Nicosia and Famagosta + Lament and rage because of their own beast, + +Who from the others' flank departeth not." + + + +Paradiso: Canto XX + + +When he who all the world illuminates + Out of our hemisphere so far descends + That on all sides the daylight is consumed, + +The heaven, that erst by him alone was kindled, + Doth suddenly reveal itself again + By many lights, wherein is one resplendent. + +And came into my mind this act of heaven, + When the ensign of the world and of its leaders + Had silent in the blessed beak become; + +Because those living luminaries all, + By far more luminous, did songs begin + Lapsing and falling from my memory. + +O gentle Love, that with a smile dost cloak thee, + How ardent in those sparks didst thou appear, + That had the breath alone of holy thoughts! + +After the precious and pellucid crystals, + With which begemmed the sixth light I beheld, + Silence imposed on the angelic bells, + +I seemed to hear the murmuring of a river + That clear descendeth down from rock to rock, + Showing the affluence of its mountain-top. + +And as the sound upon the cithern's neck + Taketh its form, and as upon the vent + Of rustic pipe the wind that enters it, + +Even thus, relieved from the delay of waiting, + That murmuring of the eagle mounted up + Along its neck, as if it had been hollow. + +There it became a voice, and issued thence + From out its beak, in such a form of words + As the heart waited for wherein I wrote them. + +"The part in me which sees and bears the sun + In mortal eagles," it began to me, + "Now fixedly must needs be looked upon; + +For of the fires of which I make my figure, + Those whence the eye doth sparkle in my head + Of all their orders the supremest are. + +He who is shining in the midst as pupil + Was once the singer of the Holy Spirit, + Who bore the ark from city unto city; + +Now knoweth he the merit of his song, + In so far as effect of his own counsel, + By the reward which is commensurate. + +Of five, that make a circle for my brow, + He that approacheth nearest to my beak + Did the poor widow for her son console; + +Now knoweth he how dearly it doth cost + Not following Christ, by the experience + Of this sweet life and of its opposite. + +He who comes next in the circumference + Of which I speak, upon its highest arc, + Did death postpone by penitence sincere; + +Now knoweth he that the eternal judgment + Suffers no change, albeit worthy prayer + Maketh below to-morrow of to-day. + +The next who follows, with the laws and me, + Under the good intent that bore bad fruit + Became a Greek by ceding to the pastor; + +Now knoweth he how all the ill deduced + From his good action is not harmful to him, + Although the world thereby may be destroyed. + +And he, whom in the downward arc thou seest, + Guglielmo was, whom the same land deplores + That weepeth Charles and Frederick yet alive; + +Now knoweth he how heaven enamoured is + With a just king; and in the outward show + Of his effulgence he reveals it still. + +Who would believe, down in the errant world, + That e'er the Trojan Ripheus in this round + Could be the fifth one of the holy lights? + +Now knoweth he enough of what the world + Has not the power to see of grace divine, + Although his sight may not discern the bottom." + +Like as a lark that in the air expatiates, + First singing and then silent with content + Of the last sweetness that doth satisfy her, + +Such seemed to me the image of the imprint + Of the eternal pleasure, by whose will + Doth everything become the thing it is. + +And notwithstanding to my doubt I was + As glass is to the colour that invests it, + To wait the time in silence it endured not, + +But forth from out my mouth, "What things are these?" + Extorted with the force of its own weight; + Whereat I saw great joy of coruscation. + +Thereafterward with eye still more enkindled + The blessed standard made to me reply, + To keep me not in wonderment suspended: + +"I see that thou believest in these things + Because I say them, but thou seest not how; + So that, although believed in, they are hidden. + +Thou doest as he doth who a thing by name + Well apprehendeth, but its quiddity + Cannot perceive, unless another show it. + +'Regnum coelorum' suffereth violence + From fervent love, and from that living hope + That overcometh the Divine volition; + +Not in the guise that man o'ercometh man, + But conquers it because it will be conquered, + And conquered conquers by benignity. + +The first life of the eyebrow and the fifth + Cause thee astonishment, because with them + Thou seest the region of the angels painted. + +They passed not from their bodies, as thou thinkest, + Gentiles, but Christians in the steadfast faith + Of feet that were to suffer and had suffered. + +For one from Hell, where no one e'er turns back + Unto good will, returned unto his bones, + And that of living hope was the reward,-- + +Of living hope, that placed its efficacy + In prayers to God made to resuscitate him, + So that 'twere possible to move his will. + +The glorious soul concerning which I speak, + Returning to the flesh, where brief its stay, + Believed in Him who had the power to aid it; + +And, in believing, kindled to such fire + Of genuine love, that at the second death + Worthy it was to come unto this joy. + +The other one, through grace, that from so deep + A fountain wells that never hath the eye + Of any creature reached its primal wave, + +Set all his love below on righteousness; + Wherefore from grace to grace did God unclose + His eye to our redemption yet to be, + +Whence he believed therein, and suffered not + From that day forth the stench of paganism, + And he reproved therefor the folk perverse. + +Those Maidens three, whom at the right-hand wheel + Thou didst behold, were unto him for baptism + More than a thousand years before baptizing. + +O thou predestination, how remote + Thy root is from the aspect of all those + Who the First Cause do not behold entire! + +And you, O mortals! hold yourselves restrained + In judging; for ourselves, who look on God, + We do not know as yet all the elect; + +And sweet to us is such a deprivation, + Because our good in this good is made perfect, + That whatsoe'er God wills, we also will." + +After this manner by that shape divine, + To make clear in me my short-sightedness, + Was given to me a pleasant medicine; + +And as good singer a good lutanist + Accompanies with vibrations of the chords, + Whereby more pleasantness the song acquires, + +So, while it spake, do I remember me + That I beheld both of those blessed lights, + Even as the winking of the eyes concords, + +Moving unto the words their little flames. + + + +Paradiso: Canto XXI + + +Already on my Lady's face mine eyes + Again were fastened, and with these my mind, + And from all other purpose was withdrawn; + +And she smiled not; but "If I were to smile," + She unto me began, "thou wouldst become + Like Semele, when she was turned to ashes. + +Because my beauty, that along the stairs + Of the eternal palace more enkindles, + As thou hast seen, the farther we ascend, + +If it were tempered not, is so resplendent + That all thy mortal power in its effulgence + Would seem a leaflet that the thunder crushes. + +We are uplifted to the seventh splendour, + That underneath the burning Lion's breast + Now radiates downward mingled with his power. + +Fix in direction of thine eyes the mind, + And make of them a mirror for the figure + That in this mirror shall appear to thee." + +He who could know what was the pasturage + My sight had in that blessed countenance, + When I transferred me to another care, + +Would recognize how grateful was to me + Obedience unto my celestial escort, + By counterpoising one side with the other. + +Within the crystal which, around the world + Revolving, bears the name of its dear leader, + Under whom every wickedness lay dead, + +Coloured like gold, on which the sunshine gleams, + A stairway I beheld to such a height + Uplifted, that mine eye pursued it not. + +Likewise beheld I down the steps descending + So many splendours, that I thought each light + That in the heaven appears was there diffused. + +And as accordant with their natural custom + The rooks together at the break of day + Bestir themselves to warm their feathers cold; + +Then some of them fly off without return, + Others come back to where they started from, + And others, wheeling round, still keep at home; + +Such fashion it appeared to me was there + Within the sparkling that together came, + As soon as on a certain step it struck, + +And that which nearest unto us remained + Became so clear, that in my thought I said, + "Well I perceive the love thou showest me; + +But she, from whom I wait the how and when + Of speech and silence, standeth still; whence I + Against desire do well if I ask not." + +She thereupon, who saw my silentness + In the sight of Him who seeth everything, + Said unto me, "Let loose thy warm desire." + +And I began: "No merit of my own + Renders me worthy of response from thee; + But for her sake who granteth me the asking, + +Thou blessed life that dost remain concealed + In thy beatitude, make known to me + The cause which draweth thee so near my side; + +And tell me why is silent in this wheel + The dulcet symphony of Paradise, + That through the rest below sounds so devoutly." + +"Thou hast thy hearing mortal as thy sight," + It answer made to me; "they sing not here, + For the same cause that Beatrice has not smiled. + +Thus far adown the holy stairway's steps + Have I descended but to give thee welcome + With words, and with the light that mantles me; + +Nor did more love cause me to be more ready, + For love as much and more up there is burning, + As doth the flaming manifest to thee. + +But the high charity, that makes us servants + Prompt to the counsel which controls the world, + Allotteth here, even as thou dost observe." + +"I see full well," said I, "O sacred lamp! + How love unfettered in this court sufficeth + To follow the eternal Providence; + +But this is what seems hard for me to see, + Wherefore predestinate wast thou alone + Unto this office from among thy consorts." + +No sooner had I come to the last word, + Than of its middle made the light a centre, + Whirling itself about like a swift millstone. + +When answer made the love that was therein: + "On me directed is a light divine, + Piercing through this in which I am embosomed, + +Of which the virtue with my sight conjoined + Lifts me above myself so far, I see + The supreme essence from which this is drawn. + +Hence comes the joyfulness with which I flame, + For to my sight, as far as it is clear, + The clearness of the flame I equal make. + +But that soul in the heaven which is most pure, + That seraph which his eye on God most fixes, + Could this demand of thine not satisfy; + +Because so deeply sinks in the abyss + Of the eternal statute what thou askest, + From all created sight it is cut off. + +And to the mortal world, when thou returnest, + This carry back, that it may not presume + Longer tow'rd such a goal to move its feet. + +The mind, that shineth here, on earth doth smoke; + From this observe how can it do below + That which it cannot though the heaven assume it?" + +Such limit did its words prescribe to me, + The question I relinquished, and restricted + Myself to ask it humbly who it was. + +"Between two shores of Italy rise cliffs, + And not far distant from thy native place, + So high, the thunders far below them sound, + +And form a ridge that Catria is called, + 'Neath which is consecrate a hermitage + Wont to be dedicate to worship only." + +Thus unto me the third speech recommenced, + And then, continuing, it said: "Therein + Unto God's service I became so steadfast, + +That feeding only on the juice of olives + Lightly I passed away the heats and frosts, + Contented in my thoughts contemplative. + +That cloister used to render to these heavens + Abundantly, and now is empty grown, + So that perforce it soon must be revealed. + +I in that place was Peter Damiano; + And Peter the Sinner was I in the house + Of Our Lady on the Adriatic shore. + +Little of mortal life remained to me, + When I was called and dragged forth to the hat + Which shifteth evermore from bad to worse. + +Came Cephas, and the mighty Vessel came + Of the Holy Spirit, meagre and barefooted, + Taking the food of any hostelry. + +Now some one to support them on each side + The modern shepherds need, and some to lead them, + So heavy are they, and to hold their trains. + +They cover up their palfreys with their cloaks, + So that two beasts go underneath one skin; + O Patience, that dost tolerate so much!" + +At this voice saw I many little flames + From step to step descending and revolving, + And every revolution made them fairer. + +Round about this one came they and stood still, + And a cry uttered of so loud a sound, + It here could find no parallel, nor I + +Distinguished it, the thunder so o'ercame me. + + + +Paradiso: Canto XXII + + +Oppressed with stupor, I unto my guide + Turned like a little child who always runs + For refuge there where he confideth most; + +And she, even as a mother who straightway + Gives comfort to her pale and breathless boy + With voice whose wont it is to reassure him, + +Said to me: "Knowest thou not thou art in heaven, + And knowest thou not that heaven is holy all + And what is done here cometh from good zeal? + +After what wise the singing would have changed thee + And I by smiling, thou canst now imagine, + Since that the cry has startled thee so much, + +In which if thou hadst understood its prayers + Already would be known to thee the vengeance + Which thou shalt look upon before thou diest. + +The sword above here smiteth not in haste + Nor tardily, howe'er it seem to him + Who fearing or desiring waits for it. + +But turn thee round towards the others now, + For very illustrious spirits shalt thou see, + If thou thy sight directest as I say." + +As it seemed good to her mine eyes I turned, + And saw a hundred spherules that together + With mutual rays each other more embellished. + +I stood as one who in himself represses + The point of his desire, and ventures not + To question, he so feareth the too much. + +And now the largest and most luculent + Among those pearls came forward, that it might + Make my desire concerning it content. + +Within it then I heard: "If thou couldst see + Even as myself the charity that burns + Among us, thy conceits would be expressed; + +But, that by waiting thou mayst not come late + To the high end, I will make answer even + Unto the thought of which thou art so chary. + +That mountain on whose slope Cassino stands + Was frequented of old upon its summit + By a deluded folk and ill-disposed; + +And I am he who first up thither bore + The name of Him who brought upon the earth + The truth that so much sublimateth us. + +And such abundant grace upon me shone + That all the neighbouring towns I drew away + From the impious worship that seduced the world. + +These other fires, each one of them, were men + Contemplative, enkindled by that heat + Which maketh holy flowers and fruits spring up. + +Here is Macarius, here is Romualdus, + Here are my brethren, who within the cloisters + Their footsteps stayed and kept a steadfast heart." + +And I to him: "The affection which thou showest + Speaking with me, and the good countenance + Which I behold and note in all your ardours, + +In me have so my confidence dilated + As the sun doth the rose, when it becomes + As far unfolded as it hath the power. + +Therefore I pray, and thou assure me, father, + If I may so much grace receive, that I + May thee behold with countenance unveiled." + +He thereupon: "Brother, thy high desire + In the remotest sphere shall be fulfilled, + Where are fulfilled all others and my own. + +There perfect is, and ripened, and complete, + Every desire; within that one alone + Is every part where it has always been; + +For it is not in space, nor turns on poles, + And unto it our stairway reaches up, + Whence thus from out thy sight it steals away. + +Up to that height the Patriarch Jacob saw it + Extending its supernal part, what time + So thronged with angels it appeared to him. + +But to ascend it now no one uplifts + His feet from off the earth, and now my Rule + Below remaineth for mere waste of paper. + +The walls that used of old to be an Abbey + Are changed to dens of robbers, and the cowls + Are sacks filled full of miserable flour. + +But heavy usury is not taken up + So much against God's pleasure as that fruit + Which maketh so insane the heart of monks; + +For whatsoever hath the Church in keeping + Is for the folk that ask it in God's name, + Not for one's kindred or for something worse. + +The flesh of mortals is so very soft, + That good beginnings down below suffice not + From springing of the oak to bearing acorns. + +Peter began with neither gold nor silver, + And I with orison and abstinence, + And Francis with humility his convent. + +And if thou lookest at each one's beginning, + And then regardest whither he has run, + Thou shalt behold the white changed into brown. + +In verity the Jordan backward turned, + And the sea's fleeing, when God willed were more + A wonder to behold, than succour here." + +Thus unto me he said; and then withdrew + To his own band, and the band closed together; + Then like a whirlwind all was upward rapt. + +The gentle Lady urged me on behind them + Up o'er that stairway by a single sign, + So did her virtue overcome my nature; + +Nor here below, where one goes up and down + By natural law, was motion e'er so swift + That it could be compared unto my wing. + +Reader, as I may unto that devout + Triumph return, on whose account I often + For my transgressions weep and beat my breast,-- + +Thou hadst not thrust thy finger in the fire + And drawn it out again, before I saw + The sign that follows Taurus, and was in it. + +O glorious stars, O light impregnated + With mighty virtue, from which I acknowledge + All of my genius, whatsoe'er it be, + +With you was born, and hid himself with you, + He who is father of all mortal life, + When first I tasted of the Tuscan air; + +And then when grace was freely given to me + To enter the high wheel which turns you round, + Your region was allotted unto me. + +To you devoutly at this hour my soul + Is sighing, that it virtue may acquire + For the stern pass that draws it to itself. + +"Thou art so near unto the last salvation," + Thus Beatrice began, "thou oughtest now + To have thine eves unclouded and acute; + +And therefore, ere thou enter farther in, + Look down once more, and see how vast a world + Thou hast already put beneath thy feet; + +So that thy heart, as jocund as it may, + Present itself to the triumphant throng + That comes rejoicing through this rounded ether." + +I with my sight returned through one and all + The sevenfold spheres, and I beheld this globe + Such that I smiled at its ignoble semblance; + +And that opinion I approve as best + Which doth account it least; and he who thinks + Of something else may truly be called just. + +I saw the daughter of Latona shining + Without that shadow, which to me was cause + That once I had believed her rare and dense. + +The aspect of thy son, Hyperion, + Here I sustained, and saw how move themselves + Around and near him Maia and Dione. + +Thence there appeared the temperateness of Jove + 'Twixt son and father, and to me was clear + The change that of their whereabout they make; + +And all the seven made manifest to me + How great they are, and eke how swift they are, + And how they are in distant habitations. + +The threshing-floor that maketh us so proud, + To me revolving with the eternal Twins, + Was all apparent made from hill to harbour! + +Then to the beauteous eyes mine eyes I turned. + + + +Paradiso: Canto XXIII + + +Even as a bird, 'mid the beloved leaves, + Quiet upon the nest of her sweet brood + Throughout the night, that hideth all things from us, + +Who, that she may behold their longed-for looks + And find the food wherewith to nourish them, + In which, to her, grave labours grateful are, + +Anticipates the time on open spray + And with an ardent longing waits the sun, + Gazing intent as soon as breaks the dawn: + +Even thus my Lady standing was, erect + And vigilant, turned round towards the zone + Underneath which the sun displays less haste; + +So that beholding her distraught and wistful, + Such I became as he is who desiring + For something yearns, and hoping is appeased. + +But brief the space from one When to the other; + Of my awaiting, say I, and the seeing + The welkin grow resplendent more and more. + +And Beatrice exclaimed: "Behold the hosts + Of Christ's triumphal march, and all the fruit + Harvested by the rolling of these spheres!" + +It seemed to me her face was all aflame; + And eyes she had so full of ecstasy + That I must needs pass on without describing. + +As when in nights serene of the full moon + Smiles Trivia among the nymphs eternal + Who paint the firmament through all its gulfs, + +Saw I, above the myriads of lamps, + A Sun that one and all of them enkindled, + E'en as our own doth the supernal sights, + +And through the living light transparent shone + The lucent substance so intensely clear + Into my sight, that I sustained it not. + +O Beatrice, thou gentle guide and dear! + To me she said: "What overmasters thee + A virtue is from which naught shields itself. + +There are the wisdom and the omnipotence + That oped the thoroughfares 'twixt heaven and earth, + For which there erst had been so long a yearning." + +As fire from out a cloud unlocks itself, + Dilating so it finds not room therein, + And down, against its nature, falls to earth, + +So did my mind, among those aliments + Becoming larger, issue from itself, + And that which it became cannot remember. + +"Open thine eyes, and look at what I am: + Thou hast beheld such things, that strong enough + Hast thou become to tolerate my smile." + +I was as one who still retains the feeling + Of a forgotten vision, and endeavours + In vain to bring it back into his mind, + +When I this invitation heard, deserving + Of so much gratitude, it never fades + Out of the book that chronicles the past. + +If at this moment sounded all the tongues + That Polyhymnia and her sisters made + Most lubrical with their delicious milk, + +To aid me, to a thousandth of the truth + It would not reach, singing the holy smile + And how the holy aspect it illumed. + +And therefore, representing Paradise, + The sacred poem must perforce leap over, + Even as a man who finds his way cut off; + +But whoso thinketh of the ponderous theme, + And of the mortal shoulder laden with it, + Should blame it not, if under this it tremble. + +It is no passage for a little boat + This which goes cleaving the audacious prow, + Nor for a pilot who would spare himself. + +"Why doth my face so much enamour thee, + That to the garden fair thou turnest not, + Which under the rays of Christ is blossoming? + +There is the Rose in which the Word Divine + Became incarnate; there the lilies are + By whose perfume the good way was discovered." + +Thus Beatrice; and I, who to her counsels + Was wholly ready, once again betook me + Unto the battle of the feeble brows. + +As in the sunshine, that unsullied streams + Through fractured cloud, ere now a meadow of flowers + Mine eyes with shadow covered o'er have seen, + +So troops of splendours manifold I saw + Illumined from above with burning rays, + Beholding not the source of the effulgence. + +O power benignant that dost so imprint them! + Thou didst exalt thyself to give more scope + There to mine eyes, that were not strong enough. + +The name of that fair flower I e'er invoke + Morning and evening utterly enthralled + My soul to gaze upon the greater fire. + +And when in both mine eyes depicted were + The glory and greatness of the living star + Which there excelleth, as it here excelled, + +Athwart the heavens a little torch descended + Formed in a circle like a coronal, + And cinctured it, and whirled itself about it. + +Whatever melody most sweetly soundeth + On earth, and to itself most draws the soul, + Would seem a cloud that, rent asunder, thunders, + +Compared unto the sounding of that lyre + Wherewith was crowned the sapphire beautiful, + Which gives the clearest heaven its sapphire hue. + +"I am Angelic Love, that circle round + The joy sublime which breathes from out the womb + That was the hostelry of our Desire; + +And I shall circle, Lady of Heaven, while + Thou followest thy Son, and mak'st diviner + The sphere supreme, because thou enterest there." + +Thus did the circulated melody + Seal itself up; and all the other lights + Were making to resound the name of Mary. + +The regal mantle of the volumes all + Of that world, which most fervid is and living + With breath of God and with his works and ways, + +Extended over us its inner border, + So very distant, that the semblance of it + There where I was not yet appeared to me. + +Therefore mine eyes did not possess the power + Of following the incoronated flame, + Which mounted upward near to its own seed. + +And as a little child, that towards its mother + Stretches its arms, when it the milk has taken, + Through impulse kindled into outward flame, + +Each of those gleams of whiteness upward reached + So with its summit, that the deep affection + They had for Mary was revealed to me. + +Thereafter they remained there in my sight, + 'Regina coeli' singing with such sweetness, + That ne'er from me has the delight departed. + +O, what exuberance is garnered up + Within those richest coffers, which had been + Good husbandmen for sowing here below! + +There they enjoy and live upon the treasure + Which was acquired while weeping in the exile + Of Babylon, wherein the gold was left. + +There triumpheth, beneath the exalted Son + Of God and Mary, in his victory, + Both with the ancient council and the new, + +He who doth keep the keys of such a glory. + + + +Paradiso: Canto XXIV + + +"O company elect to the great supper + Of the Lamb benedight, who feedeth you + So that for ever full is your desire, + +If by the grace of God this man foretaste + Something of that which falleth from your table, + Or ever death prescribe to him the time, + +Direct your mind to his immense desire, + And him somewhat bedew; ye drinking are + For ever at the fount whence comes his thought." + +Thus Beatrice; and those souls beatified + Transformed themselves to spheres on steadfast poles, + Flaming intensely in the guise of comets. + +And as the wheels in works of horologes + Revolve so that the first to the beholder + Motionless seems, and the last one to fly, + +So in like manner did those carols, dancing + In different measure, of their affluence + Give me the gauge, as they were swift or slow. + +From that one which I noted of most beauty + Beheld I issue forth a fire so happy + That none it left there of a greater brightness; + +And around Beatrice three several times + It whirled itself with so divine a song, + My fantasy repeats it not to me; + +Therefore the pen skips, and I write it not, + Since our imagination for such folds, + Much more our speech, is of a tint too glaring. + +"O holy sister mine, who us implorest + With such devotion, by thine ardent love + Thou dost unbind me from that beautiful sphere!" + +Thereafter, having stopped, the blessed fire + Unto my Lady did direct its breath, + Which spake in fashion as I here have said. + +And she: "O light eterne of the great man + To whom our Lord delivered up the keys + He carried down of this miraculous joy, + +This one examine on points light and grave, + As good beseemeth thee, about the Faith + By means of which thou on the sea didst walk. + +If he love well, and hope well, and believe, + From thee 'tis hid not; for thou hast thy sight + There where depicted everything is seen. + +But since this kingdom has made citizens + By means of the true Faith, to glorify it + 'Tis well he have the chance to speak thereof." + +As baccalaureate arms himself, and speaks not + Until the master doth propose the question, + To argue it, and not to terminate it, + +So did I arm myself with every reason, + While she was speaking, that I might be ready + For such a questioner and such profession. + +"Say, thou good Christian; manifest thyself; + What is the Faith?" Whereat I raised my brow + Unto that light wherefrom was this breathed forth. + +Then turned I round to Beatrice, and she + Prompt signals made to me that I should pour + The water forth from my internal fountain. + +"May grace, that suffers me to make confession," + Began I, "to the great centurion, + Cause my conceptions all to be explicit!" + +And I continued: "As the truthful pen, + Father, of thy dear brother wrote of it, + Who put with thee Rome into the good way, + +Faith is the substance of the things we hope for, + And evidence of those that are not seen; + And this appears to me its quiddity." + +Then heard I: "Very rightly thou perceivest, + If well thou understandest why he placed it + With substances and then with evidences." + +And I thereafterward: "The things profound, + That here vouchsafe to me their apparition, + Unto all eyes below are so concealed, + +That they exist there only in belief, + Upon the which is founded the high hope, + And hence it takes the nature of a substance. + +And it behoveth us from this belief + To reason without having other sight, + And hence it has the nature of evidence." + +Then heard I: "If whatever is acquired + Below by doctrine were thus understood, + No sophist's subtlety would there find place." + +Thus was breathed forth from that enkindled love; + Then added: "Very well has been gone over + Already of this coin the alloy and weight; + +But tell me if thou hast it in thy purse?" + And I: "Yes, both so shining and so round + That in its stamp there is no peradventure." + +Thereafter issued from the light profound + That there resplendent was: "This precious jewel, + Upon the which is every virtue founded, + +Whence hadst thou it?" And I: "The large outpouring + Of Holy Spirit, which has been diffused + Upon the ancient parchments and the new, + +A syllogism is, which proved it to me + With such acuteness, that, compared therewith, + All demonstration seems to me obtuse." + +And then I heard: "The ancient and the new + Postulates, that to thee are so conclusive, + Why dost thou take them for the word divine?" + +And I: "The proofs, which show the truth to me, + Are the works subsequent, whereunto Nature + Ne'er heated iron yet, nor anvil beat." + +'Twas answered me: "Say, who assureth thee + That those works ever were? the thing itself + That must be proved, nought else to thee affirms it." + +"Were the world to Christianity converted," + I said, "withouten miracles, this one + Is such, the rest are not its hundredth part; + +Because that poor and fasting thou didst enter + Into the field to sow there the good plant, + Which was a vine and has become a thorn!" + +This being finished, the high, holy Court + Resounded through the spheres, "One God we praise!" + In melody that there above is chanted. + +And then that Baron, who from branch to branch, + Examining, had thus conducted me, + Till the extremest leaves we were approaching, + +Again began: "The Grace that dallying + Plays with thine intellect thy mouth has opened, + Up to this point, as it should opened be, + +So that I do approve what forth emerged; + But now thou must express what thou believest, + And whence to thy belief it was presented." + +"O holy father, spirit who beholdest + What thou believedst so that thou o'ercamest, + Towards the sepulchre, more youthful feet," + +Began I, "thou dost wish me in this place + The form to manifest of my prompt belief, + And likewise thou the cause thereof demandest. + +And I respond: In one God I believe, + Sole and eterne, who moveth all the heavens + With love and with desire, himself unmoved; + +And of such faith not only have I proofs + Physical and metaphysical, but gives them + Likewise the truth that from this place rains down + +Through Moses, through the Prophets and the Psalms, + Through the Evangel, and through you, who wrote + After the fiery Spirit sanctified you; + +In Persons three eterne believe, and these + One essence I believe, so one and trine + They bear conjunction both with 'sunt' and 'est.' + +With the profound condition and divine + Which now I touch upon, doth stamp my mind + Ofttimes the doctrine evangelical. + +This the beginning is, this is the spark + Which afterwards dilates to vivid flame, + And, like a star in heaven, is sparkling in me." + +Even as a lord who hears what pleaseth him + His servant straight embraces, gratulating + For the good news as soon as he is silent; + +So, giving me its benediction, singing, + Three times encircled me, when I was silent, + The apostolic light, at whose command + +I spoken had, in speaking I so pleased him. + + + +Paradiso: Canto XXV + + +If e'er it happen that the Poem Sacred, + To which both heaven and earth have set their hand, + So that it many a year hath made me lean, + +O'ercome the cruelty that bars me out + From the fair sheepfold, where a lamb I slumbered, + An enemy to the wolves that war upon it, + +With other voice forthwith, with other fleece + Poet will I return, and at my font + Baptismal will I take the laurel crown; + +Because into the Faith that maketh known + All souls to God there entered I, and then + Peter for her sake thus my brow encircled. + +Thereafterward towards us moved a light + Out of that band whence issued the first-fruits + Which of his vicars Christ behind him left, + +And then my Lady, full of ecstasy, + Said unto me: "Look, look! behold the Baron + For whom below Galicia is frequented." + +In the same way as, when a dove alights + Near his companion, both of them pour forth, + Circling about and murmuring, their affection, + +So one beheld I by the other grand + Prince glorified to be with welcome greeted, + Lauding the food that there above is eaten. + +But when their gratulations were complete, + Silently 'coram me' each one stood still, + So incandescent it o'ercame my sight. + +Smiling thereafterwards, said Beatrice: + "Illustrious life, by whom the benefactions + Of our Basilica have been described, + +Make Hope resound within this altitude; + Thou knowest as oft thou dost personify it + As Jesus to the three gave greater clearness."-- + +"Lift up thy head, and make thyself assured; + For what comes hither from the mortal world + Must needs be ripened in our radiance." + +This comfort came to me from the second fire; + Wherefore mine eyes I lifted to the hills, + Which bent them down before with too great weight. + +"Since, through his grace, our Emperor wills that thou + Shouldst find thee face to face, before thy death, + In the most secret chamber, with his Counts, + +So that, the truth beholden of this court, + Hope, which below there rightfully enamours, + Thereby thou strengthen in thyself and others, + +Say what it is, and how is flowering with it + Thy mind, and say from whence it came to thee." + Thus did the second light again continue. + +And the Compassionate, who piloted + The plumage of my wings in such high flight, + Did in reply anticipate me thus: + +"No child whatever the Church Militant + Of greater hope possesses, as is written + In that Sun which irradiates all our band; + +Therefore it is conceded him from Egypt + To come into Jerusalem to see, + Or ever yet his warfare be completed. + +The two remaining points, that not for knowledge + Have been demanded, but that he report + How much this virtue unto thee is pleasing, + +To him I leave; for hard he will not find them, + Nor of self-praise; and let him answer them; + And may the grace of God in this assist him!" + +As a disciple, who his teacher follows, + Ready and willing, where he is expert, + That his proficiency may be displayed, + +"Hope," said I, "is the certain expectation + Of future glory, which is the effect + Of grace divine and merit precedent. + +From many stars this light comes unto me; + But he instilled it first into my heart + Who was chief singer unto the chief captain. + +'Sperent in te,' in the high Theody + He sayeth, 'those who know thy name;' and who + Knoweth it not, if he my faith possess? + +Thou didst instil me, then, with his instilling + In the Epistle, so that I am full, + And upon others rain again your rain." + +While I was speaking, in the living bosom + Of that combustion quivered an effulgence, + Sudden and frequent, in the guise of lightning; + +Then breathed: "The love wherewith I am inflamed + Towards the virtue still which followed me + Unto the palm and issue of the field, + +Wills that I breathe to thee that thou delight + In her; and grateful to me is thy telling + Whatever things Hope promises to thee." + +And I: "The ancient Scriptures and the new + The mark establish, and this shows it me, + Of all the souls whom God hath made his friends. + +Isaiah saith, that each one garmented + In his own land shall be with twofold garments, + And his own land is this delightful life. + +Thy brother, too, far more explicitly, + There where he treateth of the robes of white, + This revelation manifests to us." + +And first, and near the ending of these words, + "Sperent in te" from over us was heard, + To which responsive answered all the carols. + +Thereafterward a light among them brightened, + So that, if Cancer one such crystal had, + Winter would have a month of one sole day. + +And as uprises, goes, and enters the dance + A winsome maiden, only to do honour + To the new bride, and not from any failing, + +Even thus did I behold the brightened splendour + Approach the two, who in a wheel revolved + As was beseeming to their ardent love. + +Into the song and music there it entered; + And fixed on them my Lady kept her look, + Even as a bride silent and motionless. + +"This is the one who lay upon the breast + Of him our Pelican; and this is he + To the great office from the cross elected." + +My Lady thus; but therefore none the more + Did move her sight from its attentive gaze + Before or afterward these words of hers. + +Even as a man who gazes, and endeavours + To see the eclipsing of the sun a little, + And who, by seeing, sightless doth become, + +So I became before that latest fire, + While it was said, "Why dost thou daze thyself + To see a thing which here hath no existence? + +Earth in the earth my body is, and shall be + With all the others there, until our number + With the eternal proposition tallies. + +With the two garments in the blessed cloister + Are the two lights alone that have ascended: + And this shalt thou take back into your world." + +And at this utterance the flaming circle + Grew quiet, with the dulcet intermingling + Of sound that by the trinal breath was made, + +As to escape from danger or fatigue + The oars that erst were in the water beaten + Are all suspended at a whistle's sound. + +Ah, how much in my mind was I disturbed, + When I turned round to look on Beatrice, + That her I could not see, although I was + +Close at her side and in the Happy World! + + + +Paradiso: Canto XXVI + + +While I was doubting for my vision quenched, + Out of the flame refulgent that had quenched it + Issued a breathing, that attentive made me, + +Saying: "While thou recoverest the sense + Of seeing which in me thou hast consumed, + 'Tis well that speaking thou shouldst compensate it. + +Begin then, and declare to what thy soul + Is aimed, and count it for a certainty, + Sight is in thee bewildered and not dead; + +Because the Lady, who through this divine + Region conducteth thee, has in her look + The power the hand of Ananias had." + +I said: "As pleaseth her, or soon or late + Let the cure come to eyes that portals were + When she with fire I ever burn with entered. + +The Good, that gives contentment to this Court, + The Alpha and Omega is of all + The writing that love reads me low or loud." + +The selfsame voice, that taken had from me + The terror of the sudden dazzlement, + To speak still farther put it in my thought; + +And said: "In verity with finer sieve + Behoveth thee to sift; thee it behoveth + To say who aimed thy bow at such a target." + +And I: "By philosophic arguments, + And by authority that hence descends, + Such love must needs imprint itself in me; + +For Good, so far as good, when comprehended + Doth straight enkindle love, and so much greater + As more of goodness in itself it holds; + +Then to that Essence (whose is such advantage + That every good which out of it is found + Is nothing but a ray of its own light) + +More than elsewhither must the mind be moved + Of every one, in loving, who discerns + The truth in which this evidence is founded. + +Such truth he to my intellect reveals + Who demonstrates to me the primal love + Of all the sempiternal substances. + +The voice reveals it of the truthful Author, + Who says to Moses, speaking of Himself, + 'I will make all my goodness pass before thee.' + +Thou too revealest it to me, beginning + The loud Evangel, that proclaims the secret + Of heaven to earth above all other edict." + +And I heard say: "By human intellect + And by authority concordant with it, + Of all thy loves reserve for God the highest. + +But say again if other cords thou feelest, + Draw thee towards Him, that thou mayst proclaim + With how many teeth this love is biting thee." + +The holy purpose of the Eagle of Christ + Not latent was, nay, rather I perceived + Whither he fain would my profession lead. + +Therefore I recommenced: "All of those bites + Which have the power to turn the heart to God + Unto my charity have been concurrent. + +The being of the world, and my own being, + The death which He endured that I may live, + And that which all the faithful hope, as I do, + +With the forementioned vivid consciousness + Have drawn me from the sea of love perverse, + And of the right have placed me on the shore. + +The leaves, wherewith embowered is all the garden + Of the Eternal Gardener, do I love + As much as he has granted them of good." + +As soon as I had ceased, a song most sweet + Throughout the heaven resounded, and my Lady + Said with the others, "Holy, holy, holy!" + +And as at some keen light one wakes from sleep + By reason of the visual spirit that runs + Unto the splendour passed from coat to coat, + +And he who wakes abhorreth what he sees, + So all unconscious is his sudden waking, + Until the judgment cometh to his aid, + +So from before mine eyes did Beatrice + Chase every mote with radiance of her own, + That cast its light a thousand miles and more. + +Whence better after than before I saw, + And in a kind of wonderment I asked + About a fourth light that I saw with us. + +And said my Lady: "There within those rays + Gazes upon its Maker the first soul + That ever the first virtue did create." + +Even as the bough that downward bends its top + At transit of the wind, and then is lifted + By its own virtue, which inclines it upward, + +Likewise did I, the while that she was speaking, + Being amazed, and then I was made bold + By a desire to speak wherewith I burned. + +And I began: "O apple, that mature + Alone hast been produced, O ancient father, + To whom each wife is daughter and daughter-in-law, + +Devoutly as I can I supplicate thee + That thou wouldst speak to me; thou seest my wish; + And I, to hear thee quickly, speak it not." + +Sometimes an animal, when covered, struggles + So that his impulse needs must be apparent, + By reason of the wrappage following it; + +And in like manner the primeval soul + Made clear to me athwart its covering + How jubilant it was to give me pleasure. + +Then breathed: "Without thy uttering it to me, + Thine inclination better I discern + Than thou whatever thing is surest to thee; + +For I behold it in the truthful mirror, + That of Himself all things parhelion makes, + And none makes Him parhelion of itself. + +Thou fain wouldst hear how long ago God placed me + Within the lofty garden, where this Lady + Unto so long a stairway thee disposed. + +And how long to mine eyes it was a pleasure, + And of the great disdain the proper cause, + And the language that I used and that I made. + +Now, son of mine, the tasting of the tree + Not in itself was cause of so great exile, + But solely the o'erstepping of the bounds. + +There, whence thy Lady moved Virgilius, + Four thousand and three hundred and two circuits + Made by the sun, this Council I desired; + +And him I saw return to all the lights + Of his highway nine hundred times and thirty, + Whilst I upon the earth was tarrying. + +The language that I spake was quite extinct + Before that in the work interminable + The people under Nimrod were employed; + +For nevermore result of reasoning + (Because of human pleasure that doth change, + Obedient to the heavens) was durable. + +A natural action is it that man speaks; + But whether thus or thus, doth nature leave + To your own art, as seemeth best to you. + +Ere I descended to the infernal anguish, + 'El' was on earth the name of the Chief Good, + From whom comes all the joy that wraps me round + +'Eli' he then was called, and that is proper, + Because the use of men is like a leaf + On bough, which goeth and another cometh. + +Upon the mount that highest o'er the wave + Rises was I, in life or pure or sinful, + From the first hour to that which is the second, + +As the sun changes quadrant, to the sixth." + + + +Paradiso: Canto XXVII + + +"Glory be to the Father, to the Son, + And Holy Ghost!" all Paradise began, + So that the melody inebriate made me. + +What I beheld seemed unto me a smile + Of the universe; for my inebriation + Found entrance through the hearing and the sight. + +O joy! O gladness inexpressible! + O perfect life of love and peacefulness! + O riches without hankering secure! + +Before mine eyes were standing the four torches + Enkindled, and the one that first had come + Began to make itself more luminous; + +And even such in semblance it became + As Jupiter would become, if he and Mars + Were birds, and they should interchange their feathers. + +That Providence, which here distributeth + Season and service, in the blessed choir + Had silence upon every side imposed. + +When I heard say: "If I my colour change, + Marvel not at it; for while I am speaking + Thou shalt behold all these their colour change. + +He who usurps upon the earth my place, + My place, my place, which vacant has become + Before the presence of the Son of God, + +Has of my cemetery made a sewer + Of blood and stench, whereby the Perverse One, + Who fell from here, below there is appeased!" + +With the same colour which, through sun adverse, + Painteth the clouds at evening or at morn, + Beheld I then the whole of heaven suffused. + +And as a modest woman, who abides + Sure of herself, and at another's failing, + From listening only, timorous becomes, + +Even thus did Beatrice change countenance; + And I believe in heaven was such eclipse, + When suffered the supreme Omnipotence; + +Thereafterward proceeded forth his words + With voice so much transmuted from itself, + The very countenance was not more changed. + +"The spouse of Christ has never nurtured been + On blood of mine, of Linus and of Cletus, + To be made use of in acquest of gold; + +But in acquest of this delightful life + Sixtus and Pius, Urban and Calixtus, + After much lamentation, shed their blood. + +Our purpose was not, that on the right hand + Of our successors should in part be seated + The Christian folk, in part upon the other; + +Nor that the keys which were to me confided + Should e'er become the escutcheon on a banner, + That should wage war on those who are baptized; + +Nor I be made the figure of a seal + To privileges venal and mendacious, + Whereat I often redden and flash with fire. + +In garb of shepherds the rapacious wolves + Are seen from here above o'er all the pastures! + O wrath of God, why dost thou slumber still? + +To drink our blood the Caorsines and Gascons + Are making ready. O thou good beginning, + Unto how vile an end must thou needs fall! + +But the high Providence, that with Scipio + At Rome the glory of the world defended, + Will speedily bring aid, as I conceive; + +And thou, my son, who by thy mortal weight + Shalt down return again, open thy mouth; + What I conceal not, do not thou conceal." + +As with its frozen vapours downward falls + In flakes our atmosphere, what time the horn + Of the celestial Goat doth touch the sun, + +Upward in such array saw I the ether + Become, and flaked with the triumphant vapours, + Which there together with us had remained. + +My sight was following up their semblances, + And followed till the medium, by excess, + The passing farther onward took from it; + +Whereat the Lady, who beheld me freed + From gazing upward, said to me: "Cast down + Thy sight, and see how far thou art turned round." + +Since the first time that I had downward looked, + I saw that I had moved through the whole arc + Which the first climate makes from midst to end; + +So that I saw the mad track of Ulysses + Past Gades, and this side, well nigh the shore + Whereon became Europa a sweet burden. + +And of this threshing-floor the site to me + Were more unveiled, but the sun was proceeding + Under my feet, a sign and more removed. + +My mind enamoured, which is dallying + At all times with my Lady, to bring back + To her mine eyes was more than ever ardent. + +And if or Art or Nature has made bait + To catch the eyes and so possess the mind, + In human flesh or in its portraiture, + +All joined together would appear as nought + To the divine delight which shone upon me + When to her smiling face I turned me round. + +The virtue that her look endowed me with + From the fair nest of Leda tore me forth, + And up into the swiftest heaven impelled me. + +Its parts exceeding full of life and lofty + Are all so uniform, I cannot say + Which Beatrice selected for my place. + +But she, who was aware of my desire, + Began, the while she smiled so joyously + That God seemed in her countenance to rejoice: + +"The nature of that motion, which keeps quiet + The centre and all the rest about it moves, + From hence begins as from its starting point. + +And in this heaven there is no other Where + Than in the Mind Divine, wherein is kindled + The love that turns it, and the power it rains. + +Within a circle light and love embrace it, + Even as this doth the others, and that precinct + He who encircles it alone controls. + +Its motion is not by another meted, + But all the others measured are by this, + As ten is by the half and by the fifth. + +And in what manner time in such a pot + May have its roots, and in the rest its leaves, + Now unto thee can manifest be made. + +O Covetousness, that mortals dost ingulf + Beneath thee so, that no one hath the power + Of drawing back his eyes from out thy waves! + +Full fairly blossoms in mankind the will; + But the uninterrupted rain converts + Into abortive wildings the true plums. + +Fidelity and innocence are found + Only in children; afterwards they both + Take flight or e'er the cheeks with down are covered. + +One, while he prattles still, observes the fasts, + Who, when his tongue is loosed, forthwith devours + Whatever food under whatever moon; + +Another, while he prattles, loves and listens + Unto his mother, who when speech is perfect + Forthwith desires to see her in her grave. + +Even thus is swarthy made the skin so white + In its first aspect of the daughter fair + Of him who brings the morn, and leaves the night. + +Thou, that it may not be a marvel to thee, + Think that on earth there is no one who governs; + Whence goes astray the human family. + +Ere January be unwintered wholly + By the centesimal on earth neglected, + Shall these supernal circles roar so loud + +The tempest that has been so long awaited + Shall whirl the poops about where are the prows; + So that the fleet shall run its course direct, + +And the true fruit shall follow on the flower." + + + +Paradiso: Canto XXVIII + + +After the truth against the present life + Of miserable mortals was unfolded + By her who doth imparadise my mind, + +As in a looking-glass a taper's flame + He sees who from behind is lighted by it, + Before he has it in his sight or thought, + +And turns him round to see if so the glass + Tell him the truth, and sees that it accords + Therewith as doth a music with its metre, + +In similar wise my memory recollecteth + That I did, looking into those fair eyes, + Of which Love made the springes to ensnare me. + +And as I turned me round, and mine were touched + By that which is apparent in that volume, + Whenever on its gyre we gaze intent, + +A point beheld I, that was raying out + Light so acute, the sight which it enkindles + Must close perforce before such great acuteness. + +And whatsoever star seems smallest here + Would seem to be a moon, if placed beside it. + As one star with another star is placed. + +Perhaps at such a distance as appears + A halo cincturing the light that paints it, + When densest is the vapour that sustains it, + +Thus distant round the point a circle of fire + So swiftly whirled, that it would have surpassed + Whatever motion soonest girds the world; + +And this was by another circumcinct, + That by a third, the third then by a fourth, + By a fifth the fourth, and then by a sixth the fifth; + +The seventh followed thereupon in width + So ample now, that Juno's messenger + Entire would be too narrow to contain it. + +Even so the eighth and ninth; and every one + More slowly moved, according as it was + In number distant farther from the first. + +And that one had its flame most crystalline + From which less distant was the stainless spark, + I think because more with its truth imbued. + +My Lady, who in my anxiety + Beheld me much perplexed, said: "From that point + Dependent is the heaven and nature all. + +Behold that circle most conjoined to it, + And know thou, that its motion is so swift + Through burning love whereby it is spurred on." + +And I to her: "If the world were arranged + In the order which I see in yonder wheels, + What's set before me would have satisfied me; + +But in the world of sense we can perceive + That evermore the circles are diviner + As they are from the centre more remote + +Wherefore if my desire is to be ended + In this miraculous and angelic temple, + That has for confines only love and light, + +To hear behoves me still how the example + And the exemplar go not in one fashion, + Since for myself in vain I contemplate it." + +"If thine own fingers unto such a knot + Be insufficient, it is no great wonder, + So hard hath it become for want of trying." + +My Lady thus; then said she: "Do thou take + What I shall tell thee, if thou wouldst be sated, + And exercise on that thy subtlety. + +The circles corporal are wide and narrow + According to the more or less of virtue + Which is distributed through all their parts. + +The greater goodness works the greater weal, + The greater weal the greater body holds, + If perfect equally are all its parts. + +Therefore this one which sweeps along with it + The universe sublime, doth correspond + Unto the circle which most loves and knows. + +On which account, if thou unto the virtue + Apply thy measure, not to the appearance + Of substances that unto thee seem round, + +Thou wilt behold a marvellous agreement, + Of more to greater, and of less to smaller, + In every heaven, with its Intelligence." + +Even as remaineth splendid and serene + The hemisphere of air, when Boreas + Is blowing from that cheek where he is mildest, + +Because is purified and resolved the rack + That erst disturbed it, till the welkin laughs + With all the beauties of its pageantry; + +Thus did I likewise, after that my Lady + Had me provided with her clear response, + And like a star in heaven the truth was seen. + +And soon as to a stop her words had come, + Not otherwise does iron scintillate + When molten, than those circles scintillated. + +Their coruscation all the sparks repeated, + And they so many were, their number makes + More millions than the doubling of the chess. + +I heard them sing hosanna choir by choir + To the fixed point which holds them at the 'Ubi,' + And ever will, where they have ever been. + +And she, who saw the dubious meditations + Within my mind, "The primal circles," said, + "Have shown thee Seraphim and Cherubim. + +Thus rapidly they follow their own bonds, + To be as like the point as most they can, + And can as far as they are high in vision. + +Those other Loves, that round about them go, + Thrones of the countenance divine are called, + Because they terminate the primal Triad. + +And thou shouldst know that they all have delight + As much as their own vision penetrates + The Truth, in which all intellect finds rest. + +From this it may be seen how blessedness + Is founded in the faculty which sees, + And not in that which loves, and follows next; + +And of this seeing merit is the measure, + Which is brought forth by grace, and by good will; + Thus on from grade to grade doth it proceed. + +The second Triad, which is germinating + In such wise in this sempiternal spring, + That no nocturnal Aries despoils, + +Perpetually hosanna warbles forth + With threefold melody, that sounds in three + Orders of joy, with which it is intrined. + +The three Divine are in this hierarchy, + First the Dominions, and the Virtues next; + And the third order is that of the Powers. + +Then in the dances twain penultimate + The Principalities and Archangels wheel; + The last is wholly of angelic sports. + +These orders upward all of them are gazing, + And downward so prevail, that unto God + They all attracted are and all attract. + +And Dionysius with so great desire + To contemplate these Orders set himself, + He named them and distinguished them as I do. + +But Gregory afterwards dissented from him; + Wherefore, as soon as he unclosed his eyes + Within this heaven, he at himself did smile. + +And if so much of secret truth a mortal + Proffered on earth, I would not have thee marvel, + For he who saw it here revealed it to him, + +With much more of the truth about these circles." + + + +Paradiso: Canto XXIX + + +At what time both the children of Latona, + Surmounted by the Ram and by the Scales, + Together make a zone of the horizon, + +As long as from the time the zenith holds them + In equipoise, till from that girdle both + Changing their hemisphere disturb the balance, + +So long, her face depicted with a smile, + Did Beatrice keep silence while she gazed + Fixedly at the point which had o'ercome me. + +Then she began: "I say, and I ask not + What thou dost wish to hear, for I have seen it + Where centres every When and every 'Ubi.' + +Not to acquire some good unto himself, + Which is impossible, but that his splendour + In its resplendency may say, 'Subsisto,' + +In his eternity outside of time, + Outside all other limits, as it pleased him, + Into new Loves the Eternal Love unfolded. + +Nor as if torpid did he lie before; + For neither after nor before proceeded + The going forth of God upon these waters. + +Matter and Form unmingled and conjoined + Came into being that had no defect, + E'en as three arrows from a three-stringed bow. + +And as in glass, in amber, or in crystal + A sunbeam flashes so, that from its coming + To its full being is no interval, + +So from its Lord did the triform effect + Ray forth into its being all together, + Without discrimination of beginning. + +Order was con-created and constructed + In substances, and summit of the world + Were those wherein the pure act was produced. + +Pure potentiality held the lowest part; + Midway bound potentiality with act + Such bond that it shall never be unbound. + +Jerome has written unto you of angels + Created a long lapse of centuries + Or ever yet the other world was made; + +But written is this truth in many places + By writers of the Holy Ghost, and thou + Shalt see it, if thou lookest well thereat. + +And even reason seeth it somewhat, + For it would not concede that for so long + Could be the motors without their perfection. + +Now dost thou know both where and when these Loves + Created were, and how; so that extinct + In thy desire already are three fires. + +Nor could one reach, in counting, unto twenty + So swiftly, as a portion of these angels + Disturbed the subject of your elements. + +The rest remained, and they began this art + Which thou discernest, with so great delight + That never from their circling do they cease. + +The occasion of the fall was the accursed + Presumption of that One, whom thou hast seen + By all the burden of the world constrained. + +Those whom thou here beholdest modest were + To recognise themselves as of that goodness + Which made them apt for so much understanding; + +On which account their vision was exalted + By the enlightening grace and their own merit, + So that they have a full and steadfast will. + +I would not have thee doubt, but certain be, + 'Tis meritorious to receive this grace, + According as the affection opens to it. + +Now round about in this consistory + Much mayst thou contemplate, if these my words + Be gathered up, without all further aid. + +But since upon the earth, throughout your schools, + They teach that such is the angelic nature + That it doth hear, and recollect, and will, + +More will I say, that thou mayst see unmixed + The truth that is confounded there below, + Equivocating in such like prelections. + +These substances, since in God's countenance + They jocund were, turned not away their sight + From that wherefrom not anything is hidden; + +Hence they have not their vision intercepted + By object new, and hence they do not need + To recollect, through interrupted thought. + +So that below, not sleeping, people dream, + Believing they speak truth, and not believing; + And in the last is greater sin and shame. + +Below you do not journey by one path + Philosophising; so transporteth you + Love of appearance and the thought thereof. + +And even this above here is endured + With less disdain, than when is set aside + The Holy Writ, or when it is distorted. + +They think not there how much of blood it costs + To sow it in the world, and how he pleases + Who in humility keeps close to it. + +Each striveth for appearance, and doth make + His own inventions; and these treated are + By preachers, and the Evangel holds its peace. + +One sayeth that the moon did backward turn, + In the Passion of Christ, and interpose herself + So that the sunlight reached not down below; + +And lies; for of its own accord the light + Hid itself; whence to Spaniards and to Indians, + As to the Jews, did such eclipse respond. + +Florence has not so many Lapi and Bindi + As fables such as these, that every year + Are shouted from the pulpit back and forth, + +In such wise that the lambs, who do not know, + Come back from pasture fed upon the wind, + And not to see the harm doth not excuse them. + +Christ did not to his first disciples say, + 'Go forth, and to the world preach idle tales,' + But unto them a true foundation gave; + +And this so loudly sounded from their lips, + That, in the warfare to enkindle Faith, + They made of the Evangel shields and lances. + +Now men go forth with jests and drolleries + To preach, and if but well the people laugh, + The hood puffs out, and nothing more is asked. + +But in the cowl there nestles such a bird, + That, if the common people were to see it, + They would perceive what pardons they confide in, + +For which so great on earth has grown the folly, + That, without proof of any testimony, + To each indulgence they would flock together. + +By this Saint Anthony his pig doth fatten, + And many others, who are worse than pigs, + Paying in money without mark of coinage. + +But since we have digressed abundantly, + Turn back thine eyes forthwith to the right path, + So that the way be shortened with the time. + +This nature doth so multiply itself + In numbers, that there never yet was speech + Nor mortal fancy that can go so far. + +And if thou notest that which is revealed + By Daniel, thou wilt see that in his thousands + Number determinate is kept concealed. + +The primal light, that all irradiates it, + By modes as many is received therein, + As are the splendours wherewith it is mated. + +Hence, inasmuch as on the act conceptive + The affection followeth, of love the sweetness + Therein diversely fervid is or tepid. + +The height behold now and the amplitude + Of the eternal power, since it hath made + Itself so many mirrors, where 'tis broken, + +One in itself remaining as before." + + + +Paradiso: Canto XXX + + +Perchance six thousand miles remote from us + Is glowing the sixth hour, and now this world + Inclines its shadow almost to a level, + +When the mid-heaven begins to make itself + So deep to us, that here and there a star + Ceases to shine so far down as this depth, + +And as advances bright exceedingly + The handmaid of the sun, the heaven is closed + Light after light to the most beautiful; + +Not otherwise the Triumph, which for ever + Plays round about the point that vanquished me, + Seeming enclosed by what itself encloses, + +Little by little from my vision faded; + Whereat to turn mine eyes on Beatrice + My seeing nothing and my love constrained me. + +If what has hitherto been said of her + Were all concluded in a single praise, + Scant would it be to serve the present turn. + +Not only does the beauty I beheld + Transcend ourselves, but truly I believe + Its Maker only may enjoy it all. + +Vanquished do I confess me by this passage + More than by problem of his theme was ever + O'ercome the comic or the tragic poet; + +For as the sun the sight that trembles most, + Even so the memory of that sweet smile + My mind depriveth of its very self. + +From the first day that I beheld her face + In this life, to the moment of this look, + The sequence of my song has ne'er been severed; + +But now perforce this sequence must desist + From following her beauty with my verse, + As every artist at his uttermost. + +Such as I leave her to a greater fame + Than any of my trumpet, which is bringing + Its arduous matter to a final close, + +With voice and gesture of a perfect leader + She recommenced: "We from the greatest body + Have issued to the heaven that is pure light; + +Light intellectual replete with love, + Love of true good replete with ecstasy, + Ecstasy that transcendeth every sweetness. + +Here shalt thou see the one host and the other + Of Paradise, and one in the same aspects + Which at the final judgment thou shalt see." + +Even as a sudden lightning that disperses + The visual spirits, so that it deprives + The eye of impress from the strongest objects, + +Thus round about me flashed a living light, + And left me swathed around with such a veil + Of its effulgence, that I nothing saw. + +"Ever the Love which quieteth this heaven + Welcomes into itself with such salute, + To make the candle ready for its flame." + +No sooner had within me these brief words + An entrance found, than I perceived myself + To be uplifted over my own power, + +And I with vision new rekindled me, + Such that no light whatever is so pure + But that mine eyes were fortified against it. + +And light I saw in fashion of a river + Fulvid with its effulgence, 'twixt two banks + Depicted with an admirable Spring. + +Out of this river issued living sparks, + And on all sides sank down into the flowers, + Like unto rubies that are set in gold; + +And then, as if inebriate with the odours, + They plunged again into the wondrous torrent, + And as one entered issued forth another. + +"The high desire, that now inflames and moves thee + To have intelligence of what thou seest, + Pleaseth me all the more, the more it swells. + +But of this water it behoves thee drink + Before so great a thirst in thee be slaked." + Thus said to me the sunshine of mine eyes; + +And added: "The river and the topazes + Going in and out, and the laughing of the herbage, + Are of their truth foreshadowing prefaces; + +Not that these things are difficult in themselves, + But the deficiency is on thy side, + For yet thou hast not vision so exalted." + +There is no babe that leaps so suddenly + With face towards the milk, if he awake + Much later than his usual custom is, + +As I did, that I might make better mirrors + Still of mine eyes, down stooping to the wave + Which flows that we therein be better made. + +And even as the penthouse of mine eyelids + Drank of it, it forthwith appeared to me + Out of its length to be transformed to round. + +Then as a folk who have been under masks + Seem other than before, if they divest + The semblance not their own they disappeared in, + +Thus into greater pomp were changed for me + The flowerets and the sparks, so that I saw + Both of the Courts of Heaven made manifest. + +O splendour of God! by means of which I saw + The lofty triumph of the realm veracious, + Give me the power to say how it I saw! + +There is a light above, which visible + Makes the Creator unto every creature, + Who only in beholding Him has peace, + +And it expands itself in circular form + To such extent, that its circumference + Would be too large a girdle for the sun. + +The semblance of it is all made of rays + Reflected from the top of Primal Motion, + Which takes therefrom vitality and power. + +And as a hill in water at its base + Mirrors itself, as if to see its beauty + When affluent most in verdure and in flowers, + +So, ranged aloft all round about the light, + Mirrored I saw in more ranks than a thousand + All who above there have from us returned. + +And if the lowest row collect within it + So great a light, how vast the amplitude + Is of this Rose in its extremest leaves! + +My vision in the vastness and the height + Lost not itself, but comprehended all + The quantity and quality of that gladness. + +There near and far nor add nor take away; + For there where God immediately doth govern, + The natural law in naught is relevant. + +Into the yellow of the Rose Eternal + That spreads, and multiplies, and breathes an odour + Of praise unto the ever-vernal Sun, + +As one who silent is and fain would speak, + Me Beatrice drew on, and said: "Behold + Of the white stoles how vast the convent is! + +Behold how vast the circuit of our city! + Behold our seats so filled to overflowing, + That here henceforward are few people wanting! + +On that great throne whereon thine eyes are fixed + For the crown's sake already placed upon it, + Before thou suppest at this wedding feast + +Shall sit the soul (that is to be Augustus + On earth) of noble Henry, who shall come + To redress Italy ere she be ready. + +Blind covetousness, that casts its spell upon you, + Has made you like unto the little child, + Who dies of hunger and drives off the nurse. + +And in the sacred forum then shall be + A Prefect such, that openly or covert + On the same road he will not walk with him. + +But long of God he will not be endured + In holy office; he shall be thrust down + Where Simon Magus is for his deserts, + +And make him of Alagna lower go!" + + + +Paradiso: Canto XXXI + + +In fashion then as of a snow-white rose + Displayed itself to me the saintly host, + Whom Christ in his own blood had made his bride, + +But the other host, that flying sees and sings + The glory of Him who doth enamour it, + And the goodness that created it so noble, + +Even as a swarm of bees, that sinks in flowers + One moment, and the next returns again + To where its labour is to sweetness turned, + +Sank into the great flower, that is adorned + With leaves so many, and thence reascended + To where its love abideth evermore. + +Their faces had they all of living flame, + And wings of gold, and all the rest so white + No snow unto that limit doth attain. + +From bench to bench, into the flower descending, + They carried something of the peace and ardour + Which by the fanning of their flanks they won. + +Nor did the interposing 'twixt the flower + And what was o'er it of such plenitude + Of flying shapes impede the sight and splendour; + +Because the light divine so penetrates + The universe, according to its merit, + That naught can be an obstacle against it. + +This realm secure and full of gladsomeness, + Crowded with ancient people and with modern, + Unto one mark had all its look and love. + +O Trinal Light, that in a single star + Sparkling upon their sight so satisfies them, + Look down upon our tempest here below! + +If the barbarians, coming from some region + That every day by Helice is covered, + Revolving with her son whom she delights in, + +Beholding Rome and all her noble works, + Were wonder-struck, what time the Lateran + Above all mortal things was eminent,-- + +I who to the divine had from the human, + From time unto eternity, had come, + From Florence to a people just and sane, + +With what amazement must I have been filled! + Truly between this and the joy, it was + My pleasure not to hear, and to be mute. + +And as a pilgrim who delighteth him + In gazing round the temple of his vow, + And hopes some day to retell how it was, + +So through the living light my way pursuing + Directed I mine eyes o'er all the ranks, + Now up, now down, and now all round about. + +Faces I saw of charity persuasive, + Embellished by His light and their own smile, + And attitudes adorned with every grace. + +The general form of Paradise already + My glance had comprehended as a whole, + In no part hitherto remaining fixed, + +And round I turned me with rekindled wish + My Lady to interrogate of things + Concerning which my mind was in suspense. + +One thing I meant, another answered me; + I thought I should see Beatrice, and saw + An Old Man habited like the glorious people. + +O'erflowing was he in his eyes and cheeks + With joy benign, in attitude of pity + As to a tender father is becoming. + +And "She, where is she?" instantly I said; + Whence he: "To put an end to thy desire, + Me Beatrice hath sent from mine own place. + +And if thou lookest up to the third round + Of the first rank, again shalt thou behold her + Upon the throne her merits have assigned her." + +Without reply I lifted up mine eyes, + And saw her, as she made herself a crown + Reflecting from herself the eternal rays. + +Not from that region which the highest thunders + Is any mortal eye so far removed, + In whatsoever sea it deepest sinks, + +As there from Beatrice my sight; but this + Was nothing unto me; because her image + Descended not to me by medium blurred. + +"O Lady, thou in whom my hope is strong, + And who for my salvation didst endure + In Hell to leave the imprint of thy feet, + +Of whatsoever things I have beheld, + As coming from thy power and from thy goodness + I recognise the virtue and the grace. + +Thou from a slave hast brought me unto freedom, + By all those ways, by all the expedients, + Whereby thou hadst the power of doing it. + +Preserve towards me thy magnificence, + So that this soul of mine, which thou hast healed, + Pleasing to thee be loosened from the body." + +Thus I implored; and she, so far away, + Smiled, as it seemed, and looked once more at me; + Then unto the eternal fountain turned. + +And said the Old Man holy: "That thou mayst + Accomplish perfectly thy journeying, + Whereunto prayer and holy love have sent me, + +Fly with thine eyes all round about this garden; + For seeing it will discipline thy sight + Farther to mount along the ray divine. + +And she, the Queen of Heaven, for whom I burn + Wholly with love, will grant us every grace, + Because that I her faithful Bernard am." + +As he who peradventure from Croatia + Cometh to gaze at our Veronica, + Who through its ancient fame is never sated, + +But says in thought, the while it is displayed, + "My Lord, Christ Jesus, God of very God, + Now was your semblance made like unto this?" + +Even such was I while gazing at the living + Charity of the man, who in this world + By contemplation tasted of that peace. + +"Thou son of grace, this jocund life," began he, + "Will not be known to thee by keeping ever + Thine eyes below here on the lowest place; + +But mark the circles to the most remote, + Until thou shalt behold enthroned the Queen + To whom this realm is subject and devoted." + +I lifted up mine eyes, and as at morn + The oriental part of the horizon + Surpasses that wherein the sun goes down, + +Thus, as if going with mine eyes from vale + To mount, I saw a part in the remoteness + Surpass in splendour all the other front. + +And even as there where we await the pole + That Phaeton drove badly, blazes more + The light, and is on either side diminished, + +So likewise that pacific oriflamme + Gleamed brightest in the centre, and each side + In equal measure did the flame abate. + +And at that centre, with their wings expanded, + More than a thousand jubilant Angels saw I, + Each differing in effulgence and in kind. + +I saw there at their sports and at their songs + A beauty smiling, which the gladness was + Within the eyes of all the other saints; + +And if I had in speaking as much wealth + As in imagining, I should not dare + To attempt the smallest part of its delight. + +Bernard, as soon as he beheld mine eyes + Fixed and intent upon its fervid fervour, + His own with such affection turned to her + +That it made mine more ardent to behold. + + + +Paradiso: Canto XXXII + + +Absorbed in his delight, that contemplator + Assumed the willing office of a teacher, + And gave beginning to these holy words: + +"The wound that Mary closed up and anointed, + She at her feet who is so beautiful, + She is the one who opened it and pierced it. + +Within that order which the third seats make + Is seated Rachel, lower than the other, + With Beatrice, in manner as thou seest. + +Sarah, Rebecca, Judith, and her who was + Ancestress of the Singer, who for dole + Of the misdeed said, 'Miserere mei,' + +Canst thou behold from seat to seat descending + Down in gradation, as with each one's name + I through the Rose go down from leaf to leaf. + +And downward from the seventh row, even as + Above the same, succeed the Hebrew women, + Dividing all the tresses of the flower; + +Because, according to the view which Faith + In Christ had taken, these are the partition + By which the sacred stairways are divided. + +Upon this side, where perfect is the flower + With each one of its petals, seated are + Those who believed in Christ who was to come. + +Upon the other side, where intersected + With vacant spaces are the semicircles, + Are those who looked to Christ already come. + +And as, upon this side, the glorious seat + Of the Lady of Heaven, and the other seats + Below it, such a great division make, + +So opposite doth that of the great John, + Who, ever holy, desert and martyrdom + Endured, and afterwards two years in Hell. + +And under him thus to divide were chosen + Francis, and Benedict, and Augustine, + And down to us the rest from round to round. + +Behold now the high providence divine; + For one and other aspect of the Faith + In equal measure shall this garden fill. + +And know that downward from that rank which cleaves + Midway the sequence of the two divisions, + Not by their proper merit are they seated; + +But by another's under fixed conditions; + For these are spirits one and all assoiled + Before they any true election had. + +Well canst thou recognise it in their faces, + And also in their voices puerile, + If thou regard them well and hearken to them. + +Now doubtest thou, and doubting thou art silent; + But I will loosen for thee the strong bond + In which thy subtile fancies hold thee fast. + +Within the amplitude of this domain + No casual point can possibly find place, + No more than sadness can, or thirst, or hunger; + +For by eternal law has been established + Whatever thou beholdest, so that closely + The ring is fitted to the finger here. + +And therefore are these people, festinate + Unto true life, not 'sine causa' here + More and less excellent among themselves. + +The King, by means of whom this realm reposes + In so great love and in so great delight + That no will ventureth to ask for more, + +In his own joyous aspect every mind + Creating, at his pleasure dowers with grace + Diversely; and let here the effect suffice. + +And this is clearly and expressly noted + For you in Holy Scripture, in those twins + Who in their mother had their anger roused. + +According to the colour of the hair, + Therefore, with such a grace the light supreme + Consenteth that they worthily be crowned. + +Without, then, any merit of their deeds, + Stationed are they in different gradations, + Differing only in their first acuteness. + +'Tis true that in the early centuries, + With innocence, to work out their salvation + Sufficient was the faith of parents only. + +After the earlier ages were completed, + Behoved it that the males by circumcision + Unto their innocent wings should virtue add; + +But after that the time of grace had come + Without the baptism absolute of Christ, + Such innocence below there was retained. + +Look now into the face that unto Christ + Hath most resemblance; for its brightness only + Is able to prepare thee to see Christ." + +On her did I behold so great a gladness + Rain down, borne onward in the holy minds + Created through that altitude to fly, + +That whatsoever I had seen before + Did not suspend me in such admiration, + Nor show me such similitude of God. + +And the same Love that first descended there, + "Ave Maria, gratia plena," singing, + In front of her his wings expanded wide. + +Unto the canticle divine responded + From every part the court beatified, + So that each sight became serener for it. + +"O holy father, who for me endurest + To be below here, leaving the sweet place + In which thou sittest by eternal lot, + +Who is the Angel that with so much joy + Into the eyes is looking of our Queen, + Enamoured so that he seems made of fire?" + +Thus I again recourse had to the teaching + Of that one who delighted him in Mary + As doth the star of morning in the sun. + +And he to me: "Such gallantry and grace + As there can be in Angel and in soul, + All is in him; and thus we fain would have it; + +Because he is the one who bore the palm + Down unto Mary, when the Son of God + To take our burden on himself decreed. + +But now come onward with thine eyes, as I + Speaking shall go, and note the great patricians + Of this most just and merciful of empires. + +Those two that sit above there most enrapture + As being very near unto Augusta, + Are as it were the two roots of this Rose. + +He who upon the left is near her placed + The father is, by whose audacious taste + The human species so much bitter tastes. + +Upon the right thou seest that ancient father + Of Holy Church, into whose keeping Christ + The keys committed of this lovely flower. + +And he who all the evil days beheld, + Before his death, of her the beauteous bride + Who with the spear and with the nails was won, + +Beside him sits, and by the other rests + That leader under whom on manna lived + The people ingrate, fickle, and stiff-necked. + +Opposite Peter seest thou Anna seated, + So well content to look upon her daughter, + Her eyes she moves not while she sings Hosanna. + +And opposite the eldest household father + Lucia sits, she who thy Lady moved + When to rush downward thou didst bend thy brows. + +But since the moments of thy vision fly, + Here will we make full stop, as a good tailor + Who makes the gown according to his cloth, + +And unto the first Love will turn our eyes, + That looking upon Him thou penetrate + As far as possible through his effulgence. + +Truly, lest peradventure thou recede, + Moving thy wings believing to advance, + By prayer behoves it that grace be obtained; + +Grace from that one who has the power to aid thee; + And thou shalt follow me with thy affection + That from my words thy heart turn not aside." + +And he began this holy orison. + + + +Paradiso: Canto XXXIII + + +"Thou Virgin Mother, daughter of thy Son, + Humble and high beyond all other creature, + The limit fixed of the eternal counsel, + +Thou art the one who such nobility + To human nature gave, that its Creator + Did not disdain to make himself its creature. + +Within thy womb rekindled was the love, + By heat of which in the eternal peace + After such wise this flower has germinated. + +Here unto us thou art a noonday torch + Of charity, and below there among mortals + Thou art the living fountain-head of hope. + +Lady, thou art so great, and so prevailing, + That he who wishes grace, nor runs to thee, + His aspirations without wings would fly. + +Not only thy benignity gives succour + To him who asketh it, but oftentimes + Forerunneth of its own accord the asking. + +In thee compassion is, in thee is pity, + In thee magnificence; in thee unites + Whate'er of goodness is in any creature. + +Now doth this man, who from the lowest depth + Of the universe as far as here has seen + One after one the spiritual lives, + +Supplicate thee through grace for so much power + That with his eyes he may uplift himself + Higher towards the uttermost salvation. + +And I, who never burned for my own seeing + More than I do for his, all of my prayers + Proffer to thee, and pray they come not short, + +That thou wouldst scatter from him every cloud + Of his mortality so with thy prayers, + That the Chief Pleasure be to him displayed. + +Still farther do I pray thee, Queen, who canst + Whate'er thou wilt, that sound thou mayst preserve + After so great a vision his affections. + +Let thy protection conquer human movements; + See Beatrice and all the blessed ones + My prayers to second clasp their hands to thee!" + +The eyes beloved and revered of God, + Fastened upon the speaker, showed to us + How grateful unto her are prayers devout; + +Then unto the Eternal Light they turned, + On which it is not credible could be + By any creature bent an eye so clear. + +And I, who to the end of all desires + Was now approaching, even as I ought + The ardour of desire within me ended. + +Bernard was beckoning unto me, and smiling, + That I should upward look; but I already + Was of my own accord such as he wished; + +Because my sight, becoming purified, + Was entering more and more into the ray + Of the High Light which of itself is true. + +From that time forward what I saw was greater + Than our discourse, that to such vision yields, + And yields the memory unto such excess. + +Even as he is who seeth in a dream, + And after dreaming the imprinted passion + Remains, and to his mind the rest returns not, + +Even such am I, for almost utterly + Ceases my vision, and distilleth yet + Within my heart the sweetness born of it; + +Even thus the snow is in the sun unsealed, + Even thus upon the wind in the light leaves + Were the soothsayings of the Sibyl lost. + +O Light Supreme, that dost so far uplift thee + From the conceits of mortals, to my mind + Of what thou didst appear re-lend a little, + +And make my tongue of so great puissance, + That but a single sparkle of thy glory + It may bequeath unto the future people; + +For by returning to my memory somewhat, + And by a little sounding in these verses, + More of thy victory shall be conceived! + +I think the keenness of the living ray + Which I endured would have bewildered me, + If but mine eyes had been averted from it; + +And I remember that I was more bold + On this account to bear, so that I joined + My aspect with the Glory Infinite. + +O grace abundant, by which I presumed + To fix my sight upon the Light Eternal, + So that the seeing I consumed therein! + +I saw that in its depth far down is lying + Bound up with love together in one volume, + What through the universe in leaves is scattered; + +Substance, and accident, and their operations, + All interfused together in such wise + That what I speak of is one simple light. + +The universal fashion of this knot + Methinks I saw, since more abundantly + In saying this I feel that I rejoice. + +One moment is more lethargy to me, + Than five and twenty centuries to the emprise + That startled Neptune with the shade of Argo! + +My mind in this wise wholly in suspense, + Steadfast, immovable, attentive gazed, + And evermore with gazing grew enkindled. + +In presence of that light one such becomes, + That to withdraw therefrom for other prospect + It is impossible he e'er consent; + +Because the good, which object is of will, + Is gathered all in this, and out of it + That is defective which is perfect there. + +Shorter henceforward will my language fall + Of what I yet remember, than an infant's + Who still his tongue doth moisten at the breast. + +Not because more than one unmingled semblance + Was in the living light on which I looked, + For it is always what it was before; + +But through the sight, that fortified itself + In me by looking, one appearance only + To me was ever changing as I changed. + +Within the deep and luminous subsistence + Of the High Light appeared to me three circles, + Of threefold colour and of one dimension, + +And by the second seemed the first reflected + As Iris is by Iris, and the third + Seemed fire that equally from both is breathed. + +O how all speech is feeble and falls short + Of my conceit, and this to what I saw + Is such, 'tis not enough to call it little! + +O Light Eterne, sole in thyself that dwellest, + Sole knowest thyself, and, known unto thyself + And knowing, lovest and smilest on thyself! + +That circulation, which being thus conceived + Appeared in thee as a reflected light, + When somewhat contemplated by mine eyes, + +Within itself, of its own very colour + Seemed to me painted with our effigy, + Wherefore my sight was all absorbed therein. + +As the geometrician, who endeavours + To square the circle, and discovers not, + By taking thought, the principle he wants, + +Even such was I at that new apparition; + I wished to see how the image to the circle + Conformed itself, and how it there finds place; + +But my own wings were not enough for this, + Had it not been that then my mind there smote + A flash of lightning, wherein came its wish. + +Here vigour failed the lofty fantasy: + But now was turning my desire and will, + Even as a wheel that equally is moved, + +The Love which moves the sun and the other stars. + + + + +APPENDIX + + +SIX SONNETS ON DANTE'S DIVINE COMEDY +BY HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW (1807-1882) + + +I + +Oft have I seen at some cathedral door + A laborer, pausing in the dust and heat, + Lay down his burden, and with reverent feet + Enter, and cross himself, and on the floor +Kneel to repeat his paternoster o'er; + Far off the noises of the world retreat; + The loud vociferations of the street + Become an undistinguishable roar. +So, as I enter here from day to day, + And leave my burden at this minster gate, + Kneeling in prayer, and not ashamed to pray, +The tumult of the time disconsolate + To inarticulate murmurs dies away, + While the eternal ages watch and wait. + + +II + +How strange the sculptures that adorn these towers! + This crowd of statues, in whose folded sleeves + Birds build their nests; while canopied with leaves + Parvis and portal bloom like trellised bowers, +And the vast minster seems a cross of flowers! + But fiends and dragons on the gargoyled eaves + Watch the dead Christ between the living thieves, + And, underneath, the traitor Judas lowers! +Ah! from what agonies of heart and brain, + What exultations trampling on despair, + What tenderness, what tears, what hate of wrong, +What passionate outcry of a soul in pain, + Uprose this poem of the earth and air, + This mediaeval miracle of song! + + +III + +I enter, and I see thee in the gloom + Of the long aisles, O poet saturnine! + And strive to make my steps keep pace with thine. + The air is filled with some unknown perfume; +The congregation of the dead make room + For thee to pass; the votive tapers shine; + Like rooks that haunt Ravenna's groves of pine, + The hovering echoes fly from tomb to tomb. +From the confessionals I hear arise + Rehearsals of forgotten tragedies, + And lamentations from the crypts below +And then a voice celestial that begins + With the pathetic words, "Although your sins + As scarlet be," and ends with "as the snow." + + +IV + +With snow-white veil, and garments as of flame, + She stands before thee, who so long ago + Filled thy young heart with passion and the woe + From which thy song in all its splendors came; +And while with stern rebuke she speaks thy name, + The ice about thy heart melts as the snow + On mountain heights, and in swift overflow + Comes gushing from thy lips in sobs of shame. +Thou makest full confession; and a gleam + As of the dawn on some dark forest cast, + Seems on thy lifted forehead to increase; +Lethe and Eunoe--the remembered dream + And the forgotten sorrow--bring at last + That perfect pardon which is perfect peace. + + +V + +I Lift mine eyes, and all the windows blaze + With forms of saints and holy men who died, + Here martyred and hereafter glorified; + And the great Rose upon its leaves displays +Christ's Triumph, and the angelic roundelays, + With splendor upon splendor multiplied; + And Beatrice again at Dante's side + No more rebukes, but smiles her words of praise. +And then the organ sounds, and unseen choirs + Sing the old Latin hymns of peace and love + And benedictions of the Holy Ghost; +And the melodious bells among the spires + O'er all the house-tops and through heaven above + Proclaim the elevation of the Host! + + +VI + +O star of morning and of liberty! + O bringer of the light, whose splendor shines + Above the darkness of the Apennines, + Forerunner of the day that is to be! +The voices of the city and the sea, + The voices of the mountains and the pines, + Repeat thy song, till the familiar lines + Are footpaths for the thought of Italy! +Thy fame is blown abroad from all the heights, + Through all the nations; and a sound is heard, + As of a mighty wind, and men devout, +Strangers of Rome, and the new proselytes, + In their own language hear thy wondrous word, + And many are amazed and many doubt. + + + + +POSTSCRIPT + + + 'Ich habe unter meinen Papieren ein Blatt gefunden, + wo ich die Baukunst eine erstarrte Musik nenne.' + (Johann Wolfgang Goethe, 1829 March 23) + +I found Dante in a bar. The Poet had indeed lost the True Way to be found +reduced to party chatter in a Capitol Hill basement, but I had found him at +last. I must have been drinking in the Dark Tavern of Error, for I did not +even realize I had begun the dolorous path followed by many since the +Poet's journey of A.D. 1300. Actually no one spoke a word about Dante or +his Divine Comedy, rather I heard a second-hand Goethe call architecture +"frozen music." Soon I took my second step through the gate to a people +lost; this time on a more respectable occasion--a lecture at the Catholic +University of America. Clio, the muse of history, must have been aiding +Prof. Schumacher that evening, because it sustained my full three-hour +attention, even after I had just presented an all-night project. There I +heard of a most astonishing Italian translation of 'la Divina Commedia' di +Dante Alighieri. An Italian architect, Giuseppi Terragni, had translated +the Comedy into the 'Danteum,' a projected stone and glass monument to Poet +and Poem near the Basilica of Maxentius in Rome. + +Do not look for the Danteum in the Eternal City. In true Dantean form, +politics stood in the way of its construction in 1938. Ironically this +literature-inspired building can itself most easily be found in book form. +Reading this book I remembered Goethe's quote about frozen music. Did +Terragni try to freeze Dante's medieval miracle of song? Certainly a +cold-poem seems artistically repulsive. Unflattering comparisons to the +lake of Cocytus spring to mind too. While I cannot read Italian, I can read +some German. After locating the original quotation I discovered that +'frozen' is a problematic (though common) translation of Goethe's original +'erstarrte.' The verb 'erstarren' more properly means 'to solidify' or 'to +stiffen.' This suggests a chemical reaction in which the art does not +necessarily chill in the transformation. Nor can simple thawing yield the +original work. Like a chemical reaction it requires an artistic catalyst, a +muse. Indeed the Danteum is not a physical translation of the Poem. +Terragni thought it inappropriate to translate the Comedy literally into a +non-literary work. The Danteum would not be a stage set, rather Terragni +generated his design from the Comedy's structure, not its finishes. + + The poem is divided into three canticles of thirty-three cantos + each, plus one extra in the first, the Inferno, making a total of + one hundred cantos. Each canto is composed of three-line tercets, + the first and third lines rhyme, the second line rhymes with the + beginning of the next tercet, establishing a kind of overlap, + reflected in the overlapping motif of the Danteum design. Dante's + realms are further subdivided: the Inferno is composed of nine + levels, the vestibule makes a tenth. Purgatory has seven + terraces, plus two ledges in an ante-purgatory; adding these to + the Earthly Paradise yields ten zones. Paradise is composed of + nine heavens; Empyrean makes the tenth. In the Inferno, sinners + are organized by three vices--Incontinence, Violence, and + Fraud--and further subdivided by the seven deadly sins. In + Purgatory, penance is ordered on the basis of three types of + natural love. Paradise is organized on the basis of three types + of Divine Love, and further subdivided according to the three + theological and four cardinal virtues. + (Thomas Schumacher, "The Danteum," + Princeton Architectural Press, 1993) + +By translating the structure, Terragni could then layer the literal and the +spiritual meanings of the Poem without allowing either to dominate. These +layers of meaning are native to the Divine Comedy as they are native to +much medieval literature, although modern readers and tourists may not be +so familiar with them. They are literal, allegorical, moral, and +anagogical. I offer you St. Thomas of Aquinas' definition of these last +three as they relate to Sacred Scripture: + + . . .this spiritual sense has a threefold division. . .so far as + the things of the Old Law signify the things of the New Law, + there is the allegorical sense; so far as the things done in + Christ, or so far as the things which signify Christ, are types + of what we ought to do, there is the moral sense. But so far as + they signify what relates to eternal glory, there is the + anagogical sense. (Summa Theologica I, 1, 10) + +Within the Danteum the Poet's meanings lurk in solid form. An example: the +Danteum design does have spaces literally associated with the Comedy--the +Dark Wood of Error, Inferno, Purgatorio, and the Paradiso--but these spaces +also relate among themselves spiritually. Dante often highlights a virtue +by first condemning its corruption. Within Dante's system Justice is the +greatest of the cardinal virtues; its corruption, Fraud, is the most +contemptible of vices. Because Dante saw the papacy as the most precious of +sacred institutions, corrupt popes figure prominently among the damned in +the Poet's Inferno. In the Danteum the materiality of the worldly Dark Wood +directly opposes the transcendence of the Paradiso. In the realm of error +every thought is lost and secular, while in heaven every soul's intent is +directed toward God. The shadowy Inferno of the Danteum mirrors the +Purgatorio's illuminated ascent to heaven. Purgatory embodies hope and +growth where hell chases its own dark inertia. Such is the cosmography +shared by Terragni and Dante. + +In this postscript I intend neither to fully examine the meaning nor the +plan of the Danteum, but rather to evince the power that art has acted as a +catalyst to other artists. The Danteum, a modern design inspired by a +medieval poem, is but one example. Dante's poem is filled with characters +epitomizing the full range of vices and virtues of human personalities. +Dante's characters come from his present and literature's past; they are +mythological, biblical, classical, ancient, and medieval. They, rather than +Calliope and her sisters, were Dante's muses. + +'La Divina Commedia' seems a natural candidate to complete Project +Gutenberg's first milleditio and to begin its second thousand e-texts. +Although distinctly medieval, its continuum of influence spans the +Renaissance and modernity. Terragni saw his place within the Comedy as +surely as Dante saw his own. We too fit within Dante's understanding of the +human condition; we differ less from our past than we might like to +believe. T. S. Eliot understood this when he wrote "Dante and Shakespeare +divide the modern world between them, there is no third." So now Dante +joins Shakespeare (e-text #100) in the Project Gutenberg collection. Two +works that influenced Dante are also part of the collection: The Bible +(#10) and Virgil's Aeneid (#227). Other major influences--St. Thomas of +Aquinas' Summa Theologica, The Metamorphoses of Ovid, and Aristotle's +Nicomachean Ethics--are available in electronic form at other Internet +sites. If one searches enough he may even find a computer rendering of the +Danteum on the Internet. By presenting this electronic text to Project +Gutenberg it is my hope that in will not rest in a computer unknown and +unread; it is my hope that artists will see themselves in the Divine Comedy +and be inspired, just as Dante ran the paths left by Virgil and St. Thomas +that led him to the stars. + +Dennis McCarthy, July 1997 +Atlanta, Georgia USA +imprimatur@juno.com + + + + +TECHNICAL NOTES + + +Text that was originally in italics has been placed within single +quotes ('italics'). Where italic text coincided with existing +quotation marks it was not given any additional markup. Extended +characters, used occasionally in the original, have been transcribed +into 7-bit ASCII. To view the italics and special characters please +refer to the HTML version of this e-text. + + + + + +End of The Project Gutenberg Etext of Dante's Paradise [Divine Comedy] +as translanted by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow + diff --git a/old/old/1003.zip b/old/old/1003.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..9f2649f --- /dev/null +++ b/old/old/1003.zip |