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+The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Vision of 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 Vision of Paradise
+
+Author: Dante Alighieri
+
+Translator: Henry Francis Cary
+
+Illustrator: Gustave Doré
+
+Release Date: August 2, 2004 [eBook #8799]
+[Most recently updated: January 14, 2023]
+
+Language: English
+
+Produced by: David Widger
+
+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE VISION OF PARADISE ***
+
+
+
+
+THE VISION OF PARADISE
+
+BY DANTE ALIGHIERI
+
+ILLUSTRATED BY GUSTAVE DORÉ
+
+TRANSLATED BY
+THE REV. H. F. CARY, M.A.
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+PARADISE
+
+
+
+
+LIST OF CANTOS
+
+ Canto 1
+ Canto 2
+ Canto 3
+ Canto 4
+ Canto 5
+ Canto 6
+ Canto 7
+ Canto 8
+ Canto 9
+ Canto 10
+ Canto 11
+ Canto 12
+ Canto 13
+ Canto 14
+ Canto 15
+ Canto 16
+ Canto 17
+ Canto 18
+ Canto 19
+ Canto 20
+ Canto 21
+ Canto 22
+ Canto 23
+ Canto 24
+ Canto 25
+ Canto 26
+ Canto 27
+ Canto 28
+ Canto 29
+ Canto 30
+ Canto 31
+ Canto 32
+ Canto 33
+
+
+
+
+CANTO I
+
+
+His glory, by whose might all things are mov’d,
+Pierces the universe, and in one part
+Sheds more resplendence, elsewhere less. In heav’n,
+That largeliest of his light partakes, was I,
+Witness of things, which to relate again
+Surpasseth power of him who comes from thence;
+For that, so near approaching its desire
+Our intellect is to such depth absorb’d,
+That memory cannot follow. Nathless all,
+That in my thoughts I of that sacred realm
+Could store, shall now be matter of my song.
+
+Benign Apollo! this last labour aid,
+And make me such a vessel of thy worth,
+As thy own laurel claims of me belov’d.
+Thus far hath one of steep Parnassus’ brows
+Suffic’d me; henceforth there is need of both
+For my remaining enterprise Do thou
+Enter into my bosom, and there breathe
+So, as when Marsyas by thy hand was dragg’d
+Forth from his limbs unsheath’d. O power divine!
+If thou to me of shine impart so much,
+That of that happy realm the shadow’d form
+Trac’d in my thoughts I may set forth to view,
+Thou shalt behold me of thy favour’d tree
+Come to the foot, and crown myself with leaves;
+For to that honour thou, and my high theme
+Will fit me. If but seldom, mighty Sire!
+To grace his triumph gathers thence a wreath
+Caesar or bard (more shame for human wills
+Deprav’d) joy to the Delphic god must spring
+From the Pierian foliage, when one breast
+Is with such thirst inspir’d. From a small spark
+Great flame hath risen: after me perchance
+Others with better voice may pray, and gain
+From the Cirrhaean city answer kind.
+
+Through diver passages, the world’s bright lamp
+Rises to mortals, but through that which joins
+Four circles with the threefold cross, in best
+Course, and in happiest constellation set
+He comes, and to the worldly wax best gives
+Its temper and impression. Morning there,
+Here eve was by almost such passage made;
+And whiteness had o’erspread that hemisphere,
+Blackness the other part; when to the left
+I saw Beatrice turn’d, and on the sun
+Gazing, as never eagle fix’d his ken.
+As from the first a second beam is wont
+To issue, and reflected upwards rise,
+E’en as a pilgrim bent on his return,
+So of her act, that through the eyesight pass’d
+Into my fancy, mine was form’d; and straight,
+Beyond our mortal wont, I fix’d mine eyes
+Upon the sun. Much is allowed us there,
+That here exceeds our pow’r; thanks to the place
+Made for the dwelling of the human kind
+
+I suffer’d it not long, and yet so long
+That I beheld it bick’ring sparks around,
+As iron that comes boiling from the fire.
+And suddenly upon the day appear’d
+A day new-ris’n, as he, who hath the power,
+Had with another sun bedeck’d the sky.
+
+Her eyes fast fix’d on the eternal wheels,
+Beatrice stood unmov’d; and I with ken
+Fix’d upon her, from upward gaze remov’d
+At her aspect, such inwardly became
+As Glaucus, when he tasted of the herb,
+That made him peer among the ocean gods;
+Words may not tell of that transhuman change:
+And therefore let the example serve, though weak,
+For those whom grace hath better proof in store
+
+If I were only what thou didst create,
+Then newly, Love! by whom the heav’n is rul’d,
+Thou know’st, who by thy light didst bear me up.
+Whenas the wheel which thou dost ever guide,
+Desired Spirit! with its harmony
+Temper’d of thee and measur’d, charm’d mine ear,
+Then seem’d to me so much of heav’n to blaze
+With the sun’s flame, that rain or flood ne’er made
+A lake so broad. The newness of the sound,
+And that great light, inflam’d me with desire,
+Keener than e’er was felt, to know their cause.
+
+Whence she who saw me, clearly as myself,
+To calm my troubled mind, before I ask’d,
+Open’d her lips, and gracious thus began:
+“With false imagination thou thyself
+Mak’st dull, so that thou seest not the thing,
+Which thou hadst seen, had that been shaken off.
+Thou art not on the earth as thou believ’st;
+For light’ning scap’d from its own proper place
+Ne’er ran, as thou hast hither now return’d.”
+
+Although divested of my first-rais’d doubt,
+By those brief words, accompanied with smiles,
+Yet in new doubt was I entangled more,
+And said: “Already satisfied, I rest
+From admiration deep, but now admire
+How I above those lighter bodies rise.”
+
+Whence, after utt’rance of a piteous sigh,
+She tow’rds me bent her eyes, with such a look,
+As on her frenzied child a mother casts;
+Then thus began: “Among themselves all things
+Have order; and from hence the form, which makes
+The universe resemble God. In this
+The higher creatures see the printed steps
+Of that eternal worth, which is the end
+Whither the line is drawn. All natures lean,
+In this their order, diversely, some more,
+Some less approaching to their primal source.
+Thus they to different havens are mov’d on
+Through the vast sea of being, and each one
+With instinct giv’n, that bears it in its course;
+This to the lunar sphere directs the fire,
+This prompts the hearts of mortal animals,
+This the brute earth together knits, and binds.
+Nor only creatures, void of intellect,
+Are aim’d at by this bow; but even those,
+That have intelligence and love, are pierc’d.
+That Providence, who so well orders all,
+With her own light makes ever calm the heaven,
+In which the substance, that hath greatest speed,
+Is turn’d: and thither now, as to our seat
+Predestin’d, we are carried by the force
+Of that strong cord, that never looses dart,
+But at fair aim and glad. Yet is it true,
+That as ofttimes but ill accords the form
+To the design of art, through sluggishness
+Of unreplying matter, so this course
+Is sometimes quitted by the creature, who
+Hath power, directed thus, to bend elsewhere;
+As from a cloud the fire is seen to fall,
+From its original impulse warp’d, to earth,
+By vicious fondness. Thou no more admire
+Thy soaring, (if I rightly deem,) than lapse
+Of torrent downwards from a mountain’s height.
+There would in thee for wonder be more cause,
+If, free of hind’rance, thou hadst fix’d thyself
+Below, like fire unmoving on the earth.”
+
+So said, she turn’d toward the heav’n her face.
+
+
+
+
+CANTO II
+
+
+All ye, who in small bark have following sail’d,
+Eager to listen, on the advent’rous track
+Of my proud keel, that singing cuts its way,
+Backward return with speed, and your own shores
+Revisit, nor put out to open sea,
+Where losing me, perchance ye may remain
+Bewilder’d in deep maze. The way I pass
+Ne’er yet was run: Minerva breathes the gale,
+Apollo guides me, and another Nine
+To my rapt sight the arctic beams reveal.
+Ye other few, who have outstretch’d the neck.
+Timely for food of angels, on which here
+They live, yet never know satiety,
+Through the deep brine ye fearless may put out
+Your vessel, marking, well the furrow broad
+Before you in the wave, that on both sides
+Equal returns. Those, glorious, who pass’d o’er
+To Colchos, wonder’d not as ye will do,
+When they saw Jason following the plough.
+
+The increate perpetual thirst, that draws
+Toward the realm of God’s own form, bore us
+Swift almost as the heaven ye behold.
+
+Beatrice upward gaz’d, and I on her,
+And in such space as on the notch a dart
+Is plac’d, then loosen’d flies, I saw myself
+Arriv’d, where wond’rous thing engag’d my sight.
+Whence she, to whom no work of mine was hid,
+Turning to me, with aspect glad as fair,
+Bespake me: “Gratefully direct thy mind
+To God, through whom to this first star we come.”
+
+Me seem’d as if a cloud had cover’d us,
+Translucent, solid, firm, and polish’d bright,
+Like adamant, which the sun’s beam had smit
+Within itself the ever-during pearl
+Receiv’d us, as the wave a ray of light
+Receives, and rests unbroken. If I then
+Was of corporeal frame, and it transcend
+Our weaker thought, how one dimension thus
+Another could endure, which needs must be
+If body enter body, how much more
+Must the desire inflame us to behold
+That essence, which discovers by what means
+God and our nature join’d! There will be seen
+That which we hold through faith, not shown by proof,
+But in itself intelligibly plain,
+E’en as the truth that man at first believes.
+
+I answered: “Lady! I with thoughts devout,
+Such as I best can frame, give thanks to Him,
+Who hath remov’d me from the mortal world.
+But tell, I pray thee, whence the gloomy spots
+Upon this body, which below on earth
+Give rise to talk of Cain in fabling quaint?”
+
+She somewhat smil’d, then spake: “If mortals err
+In their opinion, when the key of sense
+Unlocks not, surely wonder’s weapon keen
+Ought not to pierce thee; since thou find’st, the wings
+Of reason to pursue the senses’ flight
+Are short. But what thy own thought is, declare.”
+
+Then I: “What various here above appears,
+Is caus’d, I deem, by bodies dense or rare.”
+
+She then resum’d: “Thou certainly wilt see
+In falsehood thy belief o’erwhelm’d, if well
+Thou listen to the arguments, which I
+Shall bring to face it. The eighth sphere displays
+Numberless lights, the which in kind and size
+May be remark’d of different aspects;
+If rare or dense of that were cause alone,
+One single virtue then would be in all,
+Alike distributed, or more, or less.
+Different virtues needs must be the fruits
+Of formal principles, and these, save one,
+Will by thy reasoning be destroy’d. Beside,
+If rarity were of that dusk the cause,
+Which thou inquirest, either in some part
+That planet must throughout be void, nor fed
+With its own matter; or, as bodies share
+Their fat and leanness, in like manner this
+Must in its volume change the leaves. The first,
+If it were true, had through the sun’s eclipse
+Been manifested, by transparency
+Of light, as through aught rare beside effus’d.
+But this is not. Therefore remains to see
+The other cause: and if the other fall,
+Erroneous so must prove what seem’d to thee.
+If not from side to side this rarity
+Pass through, there needs must be a limit, whence
+Its contrary no further lets it pass.
+And hence the beam, that from without proceeds,
+Must be pour’d back, as colour comes, through glass
+Reflected, which behind it lead conceals.
+Now wilt thou say, that there of murkier hue
+Than in the other part the ray is shown,
+By being thence refracted farther back.
+From this perplexity will free thee soon
+Experience, if thereof thou trial make,
+The fountain whence your arts derive their streame.
+Three mirrors shalt thou take, and two remove
+From thee alike, and more remote the third.
+Betwixt the former pair, shall meet thine eyes;
+Then turn’d toward them, cause behind thy back
+A light to stand, that on the three shall shine,
+And thus reflected come to thee from all.
+Though that beheld most distant do not stretch
+A space so ample, yet in brightness thou
+Will own it equaling the rest. But now,
+As under snow the ground, if the warm ray
+Smites it, remains dismantled of the hue
+And cold, that cover’d it before, so thee,
+Dismantled in thy mind, I will inform
+With light so lively, that the tremulous beam
+Shall quiver where it falls. Within the heaven,
+Where peace divine inhabits, circles round
+A body, in whose virtue dies the being
+Of all that it contains. The following heaven,
+That hath so many lights, this being divides,
+Through different essences, from it distinct,
+And yet contain’d within it. The other orbs
+Their separate distinctions variously
+Dispose, for their own seed and produce apt.
+Thus do these organs of the world proceed,
+As thou beholdest now, from step to step,
+Their influences from above deriving,
+And thence transmitting downwards. Mark me well,
+How through this passage to the truth I ford,
+The truth thou lov’st, that thou henceforth alone,
+May’st know to keep the shallows, safe, untold.
+
+“The virtue and motion of the sacred orbs,
+As mallet by the workman’s hand, must needs
+By blessed movers be inspir’d. This heaven,
+Made beauteous by so many luminaries,
+From the deep spirit, that moves its circling sphere,
+Its image takes an impress as a seal:
+And as the soul, that dwells within your dust,
+Through members different, yet together form’d,
+In different pow’rs resolves itself; e’en so
+The intellectual efficacy unfolds
+Its goodness multiplied throughout the stars;
+On its own unity revolving still.
+Different virtue compact different
+Makes with the precious body it enlivens,
+With which it knits, as life in you is knit.
+From its original nature full of joy,
+The virtue mingled through the body shines,
+As joy through pupil of the living eye.
+From hence proceeds, that which from light to light
+Seems different, and not from dense or rare.
+This is the formal cause, that generates
+Proportion’d to its power, the dusk or clear.”
+
+
+
+
+CANTO III
+
+
+That sun, which erst with love my bosom warm’d
+Had of fair truth unveil’d the sweet aspect,
+By proof of right, and of the false reproof;
+And I, to own myself convinc’d and free
+Of doubt, as much as needed, rais’d my head
+Erect for speech. But soon a sight appear’d,
+Which, so intent to mark it, held me fix’d,
+That of confession I no longer thought.
+
+As through translucent and smooth glass, or wave
+Clear and unmov’d, and flowing not so deep
+As that its bed is dark, the shape returns
+So faint of our impictur’d lineaments,
+That on white forehead set a pearl as strong
+Comes to the eye: such saw I many a face,
+All stretch’d to speak, from whence I straight conceiv’d
+Delusion opposite to that, which rais’d
+Between the man and fountain, amorous flame.
+
+Sudden, as I perceiv’d them, deeming these
+Reflected semblances to see of whom
+They were, I turn’d mine eyes, and nothing saw;
+Then turn’d them back, directed on the light
+Of my sweet guide, who smiling shot forth beams
+From her celestial eyes. “Wonder not thou,”
+She cry’d, “at this my smiling, when I see
+Thy childish judgment; since not yet on truth
+It rests the foot, but, as it still is wont,
+Makes thee fall back in unsound vacancy.
+True substances are these, which thou behold’st,
+Hither through failure of their vow exil’d.
+But speak thou with them; listen, and believe,
+That the true light, which fills them with desire,
+Permits not from its beams their feet to stray.”
+
+Straight to the shadow which for converse seem’d
+Most earnest, I addressed me, and began,
+As one by over-eagerness perplex’d:
+“O spirit, born for joy! who in the rays
+Of life eternal, of that sweetness know’st
+The flavour, which, not tasted, passes far
+All apprehension, me it well would please,
+If thou wouldst tell me of thy name, and this
+Your station here.” Whence she, with kindness prompt,
+And eyes glist’ning with smiles: “Our charity,
+To any wish by justice introduc’d,
+Bars not the door, no more than she above,
+Who would have all her court be like herself.
+I was a virgin sister in the earth;
+And if thy mind observe me well, this form,
+With such addition grac’d of loveliness,
+Will not conceal me long, but thou wilt know
+Piccarda, in the tardiest sphere thus plac’d,
+Here ’mid these other blessed also blest.
+Our hearts, whose high affections burn alone
+With pleasure, from the Holy Spirit conceiv’d,
+Admitted to his order dwell in joy.
+And this condition, which appears so low,
+Is for this cause assign’d us, that our vows
+Were in some part neglected and made void.”
+
+Whence I to her replied: “Something divine
+Beams in your countenance, wond’rous fair,
+From former knowledge quite transmuting you.
+Therefore to recollect was I so slow.
+But what thou sayst hath to my memory
+Given now such aid, that to retrace your forms
+Is easier. Yet inform me, ye, who here
+Are happy, long ye for a higher place
+More to behold, and more in love to dwell?”
+
+She with those other spirits gently smil’d,
+Then answer’d with such gladness, that she seem’d
+With love’s first flame to glow: “Brother! our will
+Is in composure settled by the power
+Of charity, who makes us will alone
+What we possess, and nought beyond desire;
+If we should wish to be exalted more,
+Then must our wishes jar with the high will
+Of him, who sets us here, which in these orbs
+Thou wilt confess not possible, if here
+To be in charity must needs befall,
+And if her nature well thou contemplate.
+Rather it is inherent in this state
+Of blessedness, to keep ourselves within
+The divine will, by which our wills with his
+Are one. So that as we from step to step
+Are plac’d throughout this kingdom, pleases all,
+E’en as our King, who in us plants his will;
+And in his will is our tranquillity;
+It is the mighty ocean, whither tends
+Whatever it creates and nature makes.”
+
+Then saw I clearly how each spot in heav’n
+Is Paradise, though with like gracious dew
+The supreme virtue show’r not over all.
+
+But as it chances, if one sort of food
+Hath satiated, and of another still
+The appetite remains, that this is ask’d,
+And thanks for that return’d; e’en so did I
+In word and motion, bent from her to learn
+What web it was, through which she had not drawn
+The shuttle to its point. She thus began:
+“Exalted worth and perfectness of life
+The Lady higher up enshrine in heaven,
+By whose pure laws upon your nether earth
+The robe and veil they wear, to that intent,
+That e’en till death they may keep watch or sleep
+With their great bridegroom, who accepts each vow,
+Which to his gracious pleasure love conforms.
+from the world, to follow her, when young
+Escap’d; and, in her vesture mantling me,
+Made promise of the way her sect enjoins.
+Thereafter men, for ill than good more apt,
+Forth snatch’d me from the pleasant cloister’s pale.
+God knows how after that my life was fram’d.
+This other splendid shape, which thou beholdst
+At my right side, burning with all the light
+Of this our orb, what of myself I tell
+May to herself apply. From her, like me
+A sister, with like violence were torn
+The saintly folds, that shaded her fair brows.
+E’en when she to the world again was brought
+In spite of her own will and better wont,
+Yet not for that the bosom’s inward veil
+Did she renounce. This is the luminary
+Of mighty Constance, who from that loud blast,
+Which blew the second over Suabia’s realm,
+That power produc’d, which was the third and last.”
+
+She ceas’d from further talk, and then began
+“Ave Maria” singing, and with that song
+Vanish’d, as heavy substance through deep wave.
+
+Mine eye, that far as it was capable,
+Pursued her, when in dimness she was lost,
+Turn’d to the mark where greater want impell’d,
+And bent on Beatrice all its gaze.
+But she as light’ning beam’d upon my looks:
+So that the sight sustain’d it not at first.
+Whence I to question her became less prompt.
+
+
+
+
+CANTO IV
+
+
+Between two kinds of food, both equally
+Remote and tempting, first a man might die
+Of hunger, ere he one could freely choose.
+E’en so would stand a lamb between the maw
+Of two fierce wolves, in dread of both alike:
+E’en so between two deer a dog would stand,
+Wherefore, if I was silent, fault nor praise
+I to myself impute, by equal doubts
+Held in suspense, since of necessity
+It happen’d. Silent was I, yet desire
+Was painted in my looks; and thus I spake
+My wish more earnestly than language could.
+
+As Daniel, when the haughty king he freed
+From ire, that spurr’d him on to deeds unjust
+And violent; so look’d Beatrice then.
+
+“Well I discern,” she thus her words address’d,
+“How contrary desires each way constrain thee,
+So that thy anxious thought is in itself
+Bound up and stifled, nor breathes freely forth.
+Thou arguest; if the good intent remain;
+What reason that another’s violence
+Should stint the measure of my fair desert?
+
+“Cause too thou findst for doubt, in that it seems,
+That spirits to the stars, as Plato deem’d,
+Return. These are the questions which thy will
+Urge equally; and therefore I the first
+Of that will treat which hath the more of gall.
+Of seraphim he who is most ensky’d,
+Moses and Samuel, and either John,
+Choose which thou wilt, nor even Mary’s self,
+Have not in any other heav’n their seats,
+Than have those spirits which so late thou saw’st;
+Nor more or fewer years exist; but all
+Make the first circle beauteous, diversely
+Partaking of sweet life, as more or less
+Afflation of eternal bliss pervades them.
+Here were they shown thee, not that fate assigns
+This for their sphere, but for a sign to thee
+Of that celestial furthest from the height.
+Thus needs, that ye may apprehend, we speak:
+Since from things sensible alone ye learn
+That, which digested rightly after turns
+To intellectual. For no other cause
+The scripture, condescending graciously
+To your perception, hands and feet to God
+Attributes, nor so means: and holy church
+Doth represent with human countenance
+Gabriel, and Michael, and him who made
+Tobias whole. Unlike what here thou seest,
+The judgment of Timaeus, who affirms
+Each soul restor’d to its particular star,
+Believing it to have been taken thence,
+When nature gave it to inform her mold:
+Since to appearance his intention is
+E’en what his words declare: or else to shun
+Derision, haply thus he hath disguis’d
+His true opinion. If his meaning be,
+That to the influencing of these orbs revert
+The honour and the blame in human acts,
+Perchance he doth not wholly miss the truth.
+This principle, not understood aright,
+Erewhile perverted well nigh all the world;
+So that it fell to fabled names of Jove,
+And Mercury, and Mars. That other doubt,
+Which moves thee, is less harmful; for it brings
+No peril of removing thee from me.
+
+“That, to the eye of man, our justice seems
+Unjust, is argument for faith, and not
+For heretic declension. To the end
+This truth may stand more clearly in your view,
+I will content thee even to thy wish
+
+“If violence be, when that which suffers, nought
+Consents to that which forceth, not for this
+These spirits stood exculpate. For the will,
+That will not, still survives unquench’d, and doth
+As nature doth in fire, tho’ violence
+Wrest it a thousand times; for, if it yield
+Or more or less, so far it follows force.
+And thus did these, whom they had power to seek
+The hallow’d place again. In them, had will
+Been perfect, such as once upon the bars
+Held Laurence firm, or wrought in Scaevola
+To his own hand remorseless, to the path,
+Whence they were drawn, their steps had hasten’d back,
+When liberty return’d: but in too few
+Resolve so steadfast dwells. And by these words
+If duly weigh’d, that argument is void,
+Which oft might have perplex’d thee still. But now
+Another question thwarts thee, which to solve
+Might try thy patience without better aid.
+I have, no doubt, instill’d into thy mind,
+That blessed spirit may not lie; since near
+The source of primal truth it dwells for aye:
+And thou might’st after of Piccarda learn
+That Constance held affection to the veil;
+So that she seems to contradict me here.
+Not seldom, brother, it hath chanc’d for men
+To do what they had gladly left undone,
+Yet to shun peril they have done amiss:
+E’en as Alcmaeon, at his father’s suit
+Slew his own mother, so made pitiless
+Not to lose pity. On this point bethink thee,
+That force and will are blended in such wise
+As not to make the’ offence excusable.
+Absolute will agrees not to the wrong,
+That inasmuch as there is fear of woe
+From non-compliance, it agrees. Of will
+Thus absolute Piccarda spake, and I
+Of th’ other; so that both have truly said.”
+
+Such was the flow of that pure rill, that well’d
+From forth the fountain of all truth; and such
+The rest, that to my wond’ring thoughts I found.
+
+“O thou of primal love the prime delight!
+Goddess!” I straight reply’d, “whose lively words
+Still shed new heat and vigour through my soul!
+Affection fails me to requite thy grace
+With equal sum of gratitude: be his
+To recompense, who sees and can reward thee.
+Well I discern, that by that truth alone
+Enlighten’d, beyond which no truth may roam,
+Our mind can satisfy her thirst to know:
+Therein she resteth, e’en as in his lair
+The wild beast, soon as she hath reach’d that bound,
+And she hath power to reach it; else desire
+Were given to no end. And thence doth doubt
+Spring, like a shoot, around the stock of truth;
+And it is nature which from height to height
+On to the summit prompts us. This invites,
+This doth assure me, lady, rev’rently
+To ask thee of other truth, that yet
+Is dark to me. I fain would know, if man
+By other works well done may so supply
+The failure of his vows, that in your scale
+They lack not weight.” I spake; and on me straight
+Beatrice look’d with eyes that shot forth sparks
+Of love celestial in such copious stream,
+That, virtue sinking in me overpower’d,
+I turn’d, and downward bent confus’d my sight.
+
+
+
+
+CANTO V
+
+
+“If beyond earthly wont, the flame of love
+Illume me, so that I o’ercome thy power
+Of vision, marvel not: but learn the cause
+In that perfection of the sight, which soon
+As apprehending, hasteneth on to reach
+The good it apprehends. I well discern,
+How in thine intellect already shines
+The light eternal, which to view alone
+Ne’er fails to kindle love; and if aught else
+Your love seduces, ’t is but that it shows
+Some ill-mark’d vestige of that primal beam.
+
+“This would’st thou know, if failure of the vow
+By other service may be so supplied,
+As from self-question to assure the soul.”
+
+Thus she her words, not heedless of my wish,
+Began; and thus, as one who breaks not off
+Discourse, continued in her saintly strain.
+“Supreme of gifts, which God creating gave
+Of his free bounty, sign most evident
+Of goodness, and in his account most priz’d,
+Was liberty of will, the boon wherewith
+All intellectual creatures, and them sole
+He hath endow’d. Hence now thou mayst infer
+Of what high worth the vow, which so is fram’d
+That when man offers, God well-pleas’d accepts;
+For in the compact between God and him,
+This treasure, such as I describe it to thee,
+He makes the victim, and of his own act.
+What compensation therefore may he find?
+If that, whereof thou hast oblation made,
+By using well thou think’st to consecrate,
+Thou would’st of theft do charitable deed.
+Thus I resolve thee of the greater point.
+
+“But forasmuch as holy church, herein
+Dispensing, seems to contradict the truth
+I have discover’d to thee, yet behooves
+Thou rest a little longer at the board,
+Ere the crude aliment, which thou hast taken,
+Digested fitly to nutrition turn.
+Open thy mind to what I now unfold,
+And give it inward keeping. Knowledge comes
+Of learning well retain’d, unfruitful else.
+
+“This sacrifice in essence of two things
+Consisteth; one is that, whereof ’t is made,
+The covenant the other. For the last,
+It ne’er is cancell’d if not kept: and hence
+I spake erewhile so strictly of its force.
+For this it was enjoin’d the Israelites,
+Though leave were giv’n them, as thou know’st, to change
+The offering, still to offer. Th’ other part,
+The matter and the substance of the vow,
+May well be such, to that without offence
+It may for other substance be exchang’d.
+But at his own discretion none may shift
+The burden on his shoulders, unreleas’d
+By either key, the yellow and the white.
+Nor deem of any change, as less than vain,
+If the last bond be not within the new
+Included, as the quatre in the six.
+No satisfaction therefore can be paid
+For what so precious in the balance weighs,
+That all in counterpoise must kick the beam.
+Take then no vow at random: ta’en, with faith
+Preserve it; yet not bent, as Jephthah once,
+Blindly to execute a rash resolve,
+Whom better it had suited to exclaim,
+‘I have done ill,’ than to redeem his pledge
+By doing worse or, not unlike to him
+In folly, that great leader of the Greeks:
+Whence, on the alter, Iphigenia mourn’d
+Her virgin beauty, and hath since made mourn
+Both wise and simple, even all, who hear
+Of so fell sacrifice. Be ye more staid,
+O Christians, not, like feather, by each wind
+Removable: nor think to cleanse ourselves
+In every water. Either testament,
+The old and new, is yours: and for your guide
+The shepherd of the church let this suffice
+To save you. When by evil lust entic’d,
+Remember ye be men, not senseless beasts;
+Nor let the Jew, who dwelleth in your streets,
+Hold you in mock’ry. Be not, as the lamb,
+That, fickle wanton, leaves its mother’s milk,
+To dally with itself in idle play.”
+
+Such were the words that Beatrice spake:
+These ended, to that region, where the world
+Is liveliest, full of fond desire she turn’d.
+
+Though mainly prompt new question to propose,
+Her silence and chang’d look did keep me dumb.
+And as the arrow, ere the cord is still,
+Leapeth unto its mark; so on we sped
+Into the second realm. There I beheld
+The dame, so joyous enter, that the orb
+Grew brighter at her smiles; and, if the star
+Were mov’d to gladness, what then was my cheer,
+Whom nature hath made apt for every change!
+
+As in a quiet and clear lake the fish,
+If aught approach them from without, do draw
+Towards it, deeming it their food; so drew
+Full more than thousand splendours towards us,
+And in each one was heard: “Lo! one arriv’d
+To multiply our loves!” and as each came
+The shadow, streaming forth effulgence new,
+Witness’d augmented joy. Here, reader! think,
+If thou didst miss the sequel of my tale,
+To know the rest how sorely thou wouldst crave;
+And thou shalt see what vehement desire
+Possess’d me, as soon as these had met my view,
+To know their state. “O born in happy hour!
+Thou to whom grace vouchsafes, or ere thy close
+Of fleshly warfare, to behold the thrones
+Of that eternal triumph, know to us
+The light communicated, which through heaven
+Expatiates without bound. Therefore, if aught
+Thou of our beams wouldst borrow for thine aid,
+Spare not; and of our radiance take thy fill.”
+
+Thus of those piteous spirits one bespake me;
+And Beatrice next: “Say on; and trust
+As unto gods!”—“How in the light supreme
+Thou harbour’st, and from thence the virtue bring’st,
+That, sparkling in thine eyes, denotes thy joy,
+l mark; but, who thou art, am still to seek;
+Or wherefore, worthy spirit! for thy lot
+This sphere assign’d, that oft from mortal ken
+Is veil’d by others’ beams.” I said, and turn’d
+Toward the lustre, that with greeting, kind
+Erewhile had hail’d me. Forthwith brighter far
+Than erst, it wax’d: and, as himself the sun
+Hides through excess of light, when his warm gaze
+Hath on the mantle of thick vapours prey’d;
+Within its proper ray the saintly shape
+Was, through increase of gladness, thus conceal’d;
+And, shrouded so in splendour answer’d me,
+E’en as the tenour of my song declares.
+
+
+
+
+CANTO VI
+
+
+“After that Constantine the eagle turn’d
+Against the motions of the heav’n, that roll’d
+Consenting with its course, when he of yore,
+Lavinia’s spouse, was leader of the flight,
+A hundred years twice told and more, his seat
+At Europe’s extreme point, the bird of Jove
+Held, near the mountains, whence he issued first.
+There, under shadow of his sacred plumes
+Swaying the world, till through successive hands
+To mine he came devolv’d. Caesar I was,
+And am Justinian; destin’d by the will
+Of that prime love, whose influence I feel,
+From vain excess to clear th’ encumber’d laws.
+Or ere that work engag’d me, I did hold
+Christ’s nature merely human, with such faith
+Contented. But the blessed Agapete,
+Who was chief shepherd, he with warning voice
+To the true faith recall’d me. I believ’d
+His words: and what he taught, now plainly see,
+As thou in every contradiction seest
+The true and false oppos’d. Soon as my feet
+Were to the church reclaim’d, to my great task,
+By inspiration of God’s grace impell’d,
+I gave me wholly, and consign’d mine arms
+To Belisarius, with whom heaven’s right hand
+Was link’d in such conjointment, ’t was a sign
+That I should rest. To thy first question thus
+I shape mine answer, which were ended here,
+But that its tendency doth prompt perforce
+To some addition; that thou well, mayst mark
+What reason on each side they have to plead,
+By whom that holiest banner is withstood,
+Both who pretend its power and who oppose.
+“Beginning from that hour, when Pallas died
+To give it rule, behold the valorous deeds
+Have made it worthy reverence. Not unknown
+To thee, how for three hundred years and more
+It dwelt in Alba, up to those fell lists
+Where for its sake were met the rival three;
+Nor aught unknown to thee, which it achiev’d
+Down to the Sabines’ wrong to Lucrece’ woe,
+With its sev’n kings conqu’ring the nation round;
+Nor all it wrought, by Roman worthies home
+’Gainst Brennus and th’ Epirot prince, and hosts
+Of single chiefs, or states in league combin’d
+Of social warfare; hence Torquatus stern,
+And Quintius nam’d of his neglected locks,
+The Decii, and the Fabii hence acquir’d
+Their fame, which I with duteous zeal embalm.
+By it the pride of Arab hordes was quell’d,
+When they led on by Hannibal o’erpass’d
+The Alpine rocks, whence glide thy currents, Po!
+Beneath its guidance, in their prime of days
+Scipio and Pompey triumph’d; and that hill,
+Under whose summit thou didst see the light,
+Rued its stern bearing. After, near the hour,
+When heav’n was minded that o’er all the world
+His own deep calm should brood, to Caesar’s hand
+Did Rome consign it; and what then it wrought
+From Var unto the Rhine, saw Isere’s flood,
+Saw Loire and Seine, and every vale, that fills
+The torrent Rhone. What after that it wrought,
+When from Ravenna it came forth, and leap’d
+The Rubicon, was of so bold a flight,
+That tongue nor pen may follow it. Tow’rds Spain
+It wheel’d its bands, then tow’rd Dyrrachium smote,
+And on Pharsalia with so fierce a plunge,
+E’en the warm Nile was conscious to the pang;
+Its native shores Antandros, and the streams
+Of Simois revisited, and there
+Where Hector lies; then ill for Ptolemy
+His pennons shook again; lightning thence fell
+On Juba; and the next upon your west,
+At sound of the Pompeian trump, return’d.
+
+“What following and in its next bearer’s gripe
+It wrought, is now by Cassius and Brutus
+Bark’d off in hell, and by Perugia’s sons
+And Modena’s was mourn’d. Hence weepeth still
+Sad Cleopatra, who, pursued by it,
+Took from the adder black and sudden death.
+With him it ran e’en to the Red Sea coast;
+With him compos’d the world to such a peace,
+That of his temple Janus barr’d the door.
+
+“But all the mighty standard yet had wrought,
+And was appointed to perform thereafter,
+Throughout the mortal kingdom which it sway’d,
+Falls in appearance dwindled and obscur’d,
+If one with steady eye and perfect thought
+On the third Caesar look; for to his hands,
+The living Justice, in whose breath I move,
+Committed glory, e’en into his hands,
+To execute the vengeance of its wrath.
+
+“Hear now and wonder at what next I tell.
+After with Titus it was sent to wreak
+Vengeance for vengeance of the ancient sin,
+And, when the Lombard tooth, with fangs impure,
+Did gore the bosom of the holy church,
+Under its wings victorious, Charlemagne
+Sped to her rescue. Judge then for thyself
+Of those, whom I erewhile accus’d to thee,
+What they are, and how grievous their offending,
+Who are the cause of all your ills. The one
+Against the universal ensign rears
+The yellow lilies, and with partial aim
+That to himself the other arrogates:
+So that ’t is hard to see which more offends.
+Be yours, ye Ghibellines, to veil your arts
+Beneath another standard: ill is this
+Follow’d of him, who severs it and justice:
+And let not with his Guelphs the new-crown’d Charles
+Assail it, but those talons hold in dread,
+Which from a lion of more lofty port
+Have rent the easing. Many a time ere now
+The sons have for the sire’s transgression wail’d;
+Nor let him trust the fond belief, that heav’n
+Will truck its armour for his lilied shield.
+
+“This little star is furnish’d with good spirits,
+Whose mortal lives were busied to that end,
+That honour and renown might wait on them:
+And, when desires thus err in their intention,
+True love must needs ascend with slacker beam.
+But it is part of our delight, to measure
+Our wages with the merit; and admire
+The close proportion. Hence doth heav’nly justice
+Temper so evenly affection in us,
+It ne’er can warp to any wrongfulness.
+Of diverse voices is sweet music made:
+So in our life the different degrees
+Render sweet harmony among these wheels.
+
+“Within the pearl, that now encloseth us,
+Shines Romeo’s light, whose goodly deed and fair
+Met ill acceptance. But the Provencals,
+That were his foes, have little cause for mirth.
+Ill shapes that man his course, who makes his wrong
+Of other’s worth. Four daughters were there born
+To Raymond Berenger, and every one
+Became a queen; and this for him did Romeo,
+Though of mean state and from a foreign land.
+Yet envious tongues incited him to ask
+A reckoning of that just one, who return’d
+Twelve fold to him for ten. Aged and poor
+He parted thence: and if the world did know
+The heart he had, begging his life by morsels,
+’T would deem the praise, it yields him, scantly dealt.”
+
+
+
+
+CANTO VII
+
+
+“Hosanna Sanctus Deus Sabaoth
+Superillustrans claritate tua
+Felices ignes horum malahoth!”
+Thus chanting saw I turn that substance bright
+With fourfold lustre to its orb again,
+Revolving; and the rest unto their dance
+With it mov’d also; and like swiftest sparks,
+In sudden distance from my sight were veil’d.
+
+Me doubt possess’d, and “Speak,” it whisper’d me,
+“Speak, speak unto thy lady, that she quench
+Thy thirst with drops of sweetness.” Yet blank awe,
+Which lords it o’er me, even at the sound
+Of Beatrice’s name, did bow me down
+As one in slumber held. Not long that mood
+Beatrice suffer’d: she, with such a smile,
+As might have made one blest amid the flames,
+Beaming upon me, thus her words began:
+“Thou in thy thought art pond’ring (as I deem),
+And what I deem is truth how just revenge
+Could be with justice punish’d: from which doubt
+I soon will free thee; so thou mark my words;
+For they of weighty matter shall possess thee.
+
+“That man, who was unborn, himself condemn’d,
+And, in himself, all, who since him have liv’d,
+His offspring: whence, below, the human kind
+Lay sick in grievous error many an age;
+Until it pleas’d the Word of God to come
+Amongst them down, to his own person joining
+The nature, from its Maker far estrang’d,
+By the mere act of his eternal love.
+Contemplate here the wonder I unfold.
+The nature with its Maker thus conjoin’d,
+Created first was blameless, pure and good;
+But through itself alone was driven forth
+From Paradise, because it had eschew’d
+The way of truth and life, to evil turn’d.
+Ne’er then was penalty so just as that
+Inflicted by the cross, if thou regard
+The nature in assumption doom’d: ne’er wrong
+So great, in reference to him, who took
+Such nature on him, and endur’d the doom.
+God therefore and the Jews one sentence pleased:
+So different effects flow’d from one act,
+And heav’n was open’d, though the earth did quake.
+Count it not hard henceforth, when thou dost hear
+That a just vengeance was by righteous court
+Justly reveng’d. But yet I see thy mind
+By thought on thought arising sore perplex’d,
+And with how vehement desire it asks
+Solution of the maze. What I have heard,
+Is plain, thou sayst: but wherefore God this way
+For our redemption chose, eludes my search.
+
+“Brother! no eye of man not perfected,
+Nor fully ripen’d in the flame of love,
+May fathom this decree. It is a mark,
+In sooth, much aim’d at, and but little kenn’d:
+And I will therefore show thee why such way
+Was worthiest. The celestial love, that spume
+All envying in its bounty, in itself
+With such effulgence blazeth, as sends forth
+All beauteous things eternal. What distils
+Immediate thence, no end of being knows,
+Bearing its seal immutably impress’d.
+Whatever thence immediate falls, is free,
+Free wholly, uncontrollable by power
+Of each thing new: by such conformity
+More grateful to its author, whose bright beams,
+Though all partake their shining, yet in those
+Are liveliest, which resemble him the most.
+These tokens of pre-eminence on man
+Largely bestow’d, if any of them fail,
+He needs must forfeit his nobility,
+No longer stainless. Sin alone is that,
+Which doth disfranchise him, and make unlike
+To the chief good; for that its light in him
+Is darken’d. And to dignity thus lost
+Is no return; unless, where guilt makes void,
+He for ill pleasure pay with equal pain.
+Your nature, which entirely in its seed
+Trangress’d, from these distinctions fell, no less
+Than from its state in Paradise; nor means
+Found of recovery (search all methods out
+As strickly as thou may) save one of these,
+The only fords were left through which to wade,
+Either that God had of his courtesy
+Releas’d him merely, or else man himself
+For his own folly by himself aton’d.
+
+“Fix now thine eye, intently as thou canst,
+On th’ everlasting counsel, and explore,
+Instructed by my words, the dread abyss.
+
+“Man in himself had ever lack’d the means
+Of satisfaction, for he could not stoop
+Obeying, in humility so low,
+As high he, disobeying, thought to soar:
+And for this reason he had vainly tried
+Out of his own sufficiency to pay
+The rigid satisfaction. Then behooved
+That God should by his own ways lead him back
+Unto the life, from whence he fell, restor’d:
+By both his ways, I mean, or one alone.
+But since the deed is ever priz’d the more,
+The more the doer’s good intent appears,
+Goodness celestial, whose broad signature
+Is on the universe, of all its ways
+To raise ye up, was fain to leave out none,
+Nor aught so vast or so magnificent,
+Either for him who gave or who receiv’d
+Between the last night and the primal day,
+Was or can be. For God more bounty show’d.
+Giving himself to make man capable
+Of his return to life, than had the terms
+Been mere and unconditional release.
+And for his justice, every method else
+Were all too scant, had not the Son of God
+Humbled himself to put on mortal flesh.
+
+“Now, to fulfil each wish of thine, remains
+I somewhat further to thy view unfold.
+That thou mayst see as clearly as myself.
+
+“I see, thou sayst, the air, the fire I see,
+The earth and water, and all things of them
+Compounded, to corruption turn, and soon
+Dissolve. Yet these were also things create,
+Because, if what were told me, had been true
+They from corruption had been therefore free.
+
+“The angels, O my brother! and this clime
+Wherein thou art, impassible and pure,
+I call created, as indeed they are
+In their whole being. But the elements,
+Which thou hast nam’d, and what of them is made,
+Are by created virtue’ inform’d: create
+Their substance, and create the’ informing virtue
+In these bright stars, that round them circling move
+The soul of every brute and of each plant,
+The ray and motion of the sacred lights,
+With complex potency attract and turn.
+But this our life the’ eternal good inspires
+Immediate, and enamours of itself;
+So that our wishes rest for ever here.
+
+“And hence thou mayst by inference conclude
+Our resurrection certain, if thy mind
+Consider how the human flesh was fram’d,
+When both our parents at the first were made.”
+
+
+
+
+CANTO VIII
+
+
+The world was in its day of peril dark
+Wont to believe the dotage of fond love
+From the fair Cyprian deity, who rolls
+In her third epicycle, shed on men
+By stream of potent radiance: therefore they
+Of elder time, in their old error blind,
+Not her alone with sacrifice ador’d
+And invocation, but like honours paid
+To Cupid and Dione, deem’d of them
+Her mother, and her son, him whom they feign’d
+To sit in Dido’s bosom: and from her,
+Whom I have sung preluding, borrow’d they
+The appellation of that star, which views,
+Now obvious and now averse, the sun.
+
+I was not ware that I was wafted up
+Into its orb; but the new loveliness
+That grac’d my lady, gave me ample proof
+That we had entered there. And as in flame
+A sparkle is distinct, or voice in voice
+Discern’d, when one its even tenour keeps,
+The other comes and goes; so in that light
+I other luminaries saw, that cours’d
+In circling motion rapid more or less,
+As their eternal phases each impels.
+
+Never was blast from vapour charged with cold,
+Whether invisible to eye or no,
+Descended with such speed, it had not seem’d
+To linger in dull tardiness, compar’d
+To those celestial lights, that tow’rds us came,
+Leaving the circuit of their joyous ring,
+Conducted by the lofty seraphim.
+And after them, who in the van appear’d,
+Such an hosanna sounded, as hath left
+Desire, ne’er since extinct in me, to hear
+Renew’d the strain. Then parting from the rest
+One near us drew, and sole began: “We all
+Are ready at thy pleasure, well dispos’d
+To do thee gentle service. We are they,
+To whom thou in the world erewhile didst Sing
+‘O ye! whose intellectual ministry
+Moves the third heaven!’ and in one orb we roll,
+One motion, one impulse, with those who rule
+Princedoms in heaven; yet are of love so full,
+That to please thee ’t will be as sweet to rest.”
+
+After mine eyes had with meek reverence
+Sought the celestial guide, and were by her
+Assur’d, they turn’d again unto the light
+Who had so largely promis’d, and with voice
+That bare the lively pressure of my zeal,
+“Tell who ye are,” I cried. Forthwith it grew
+In size and splendour, through augmented joy;
+And thus it answer’d: “A short date below
+The world possess’d me. Had the time been more,
+Much evil, that will come, had never chanc’d.
+My gladness hides thee from me, which doth shine
+Around, and shroud me, as an animal
+In its own silk unswath’d. Thou lov’dst me well,
+And had’st good cause; for had my sojourning
+Been longer on the earth, the love I bare thee
+Had put forth more than blossoms. The left bank,
+That Rhone, when he hath mix’d with Sorga, laves.”
+
+“In me its lord expected, and that horn
+Of fair Ausonia, with its boroughs old,
+Bari, and Croton, and Gaeta pil’d,
+From where the Trento disembogues his waves,
+With Verde mingled, to the salt sea-flood.
+Already on my temples beam’d the crown,
+Which gave me sov’reignty over the land
+By Danube wash’d, whenas he strays beyond
+The limits of his German shores. The realm,
+Where, on the gulf by stormy Eurus lash’d,
+Betwixt Pelorus and Pachynian heights,
+The beautiful Trinacria lies in gloom
+(Not through Typhaeus, but the vap’ry cloud
+Bituminous upsteam’d), THAT too did look
+To have its scepter wielded by a race
+Of monarchs, sprung through me from Charles and Rodolph;
+had not ill lording which doth spirit up
+The people ever, in Palermo rais’d
+The shout of ‘death,’ re-echo’d loud and long.
+Had but my brother’s foresight kenn’d as much,
+He had been warier that the greedy want
+Of Catalonia might not work his bale.
+And truly need there is, that he forecast,
+Or other for him, lest more freight be laid
+On his already over-laden bark.
+Nature in him, from bounty fall’n to thrift,
+Would ask the guard of braver arms, than such
+As only care to have their coffers fill’d.”
+
+“My liege, it doth enhance the joy thy words
+Infuse into me, mighty as it is,
+To think my gladness manifest to thee,
+As to myself, who own it, when thou lookst
+Into the source and limit of all good,
+There, where thou markest that which thou dost speak,
+Thence priz’d of me the more. Glad thou hast made me.
+Now make intelligent, clearing the doubt
+Thy speech hath raised in me; for much I muse,
+How bitter can spring up, when sweet is sown.”
+
+I thus inquiring; he forthwith replied:
+“If I have power to show one truth, soon that
+Shall face thee, which thy questioning declares
+Behind thee now conceal’d. The Good, that guides
+And blessed makes this realm, which thou dost mount,
+Ordains its providence to be the virtue
+In these great bodies: nor th’ all perfect Mind
+Upholds their nature merely, but in them
+Their energy to save: for nought, that lies
+Within the range of that unerring bow,
+But is as level with the destin’d aim,
+As ever mark to arrow’s point oppos’d.
+Were it not thus, these heavens, thou dost visit,
+Would their effect so work, it would not be
+Art, but destruction; and this may not chance,
+If th’ intellectual powers, that move these stars,
+Fail not, or who, first faulty made them fail.
+Wilt thou this truth more clearly evidenc’d?”
+
+To whom I thus: “It is enough: no fear,
+I see, lest nature in her part should tire.”
+
+He straight rejoin’d: “Say, were it worse for man,
+If he liv’d not in fellowship on earth?”
+
+“Yea,” answer’d I; “nor here a reason needs.”
+
+“And may that be, if different estates
+Grow not of different duties in your life?
+Consult your teacher, and he tells you ‘no’.”
+
+Thus did he come, deducing to this point,
+And then concluded: “For this cause behooves,
+The roots, from whence your operations come,
+Must differ. Therefore one is Solon born;
+Another, Xerxes; and Melchisidec
+A third; and he a fourth, whose airy voyage
+Cost him his son. In her circuitous course,
+Nature, that is the seal to mortal wax,
+Doth well her art, but no distinctions owns
+’Twixt one or other household. Hence befalls
+That Esau is so wide of Jacob: hence
+Quirinus of so base a father springs,
+He dates from Mars his lineage. Were it not
+That providence celestial overrul’d,
+Nature, in generation, must the path
+Trac’d by the generator, still pursue
+Unswervingly. Thus place I in thy sight
+That, which was late behind thee. But, in sign
+Of more affection for thee, ’t is my will
+Thou wear this corollary. Nature ever
+Finding discordant fortune, like all seed
+Out of its proper climate, thrives but ill.
+And were the world below content to mark
+And work on the foundation nature lays,
+It would not lack supply of excellence.
+But ye perversely to religion strain
+Him, who was born to gird on him the sword,
+And of the fluent phrasemen make your king;
+Therefore your steps have wander’d from the paths.”
+
+
+
+
+CANTO IX
+
+
+After solution of my doubt, thy Charles,
+O fair Clemenza, of the treachery spake
+That must befall his seed: but, “Tell it not,”
+Said he, “and let the destin’d years come round.”
+Nor may I tell thee more, save that the meed
+Of sorrow well-deserv’d shall quit your wrongs.
+
+And now the visage of that saintly light
+Was to the sun, that fills it, turn’d again,
+As to the good, whose plenitude of bliss
+Sufficeth all. O ye misguided souls!
+Infatuate, who from such a good estrange
+Your hearts, and bend your gaze on vanity,
+Alas for you!—And lo! toward me, next,
+Another of those splendent forms approach’d,
+That, by its outward bright’ning, testified
+The will it had to pleasure me. The eyes
+Of Beatrice, resting, as before,
+Firmly upon me, manifested forth
+Approval of my wish. “And O,” I cried,
+“Blest spirit! quickly be my will perform’d;
+And prove thou to me, that my inmost thoughts
+I can reflect on thee.” Thereat the light,
+That yet was new to me, from the recess,
+Where it before was singing, thus began,
+As one who joys in kindness: “In that part
+Of the deprav’d Italian land, which lies
+Between Rialto, and the fountain-springs
+Of Brenta and of Piava, there doth rise,
+But to no lofty eminence, a hill,
+From whence erewhile a firebrand did descend,
+That sorely sheet the region. From one root
+I and it sprang; my name on earth Cunizza:
+And here I glitter, for that by its light
+This star o’ercame me. Yet I naught repine,
+Nor grudge myself the cause of this my lot,
+Which haply vulgar hearts can scarce conceive.
+
+“This jewel, that is next me in our heaven,
+Lustrous and costly, great renown hath left,
+And not to perish, ere these hundred years
+Five times absolve their round. Consider thou,
+If to excel be worthy man’s endeavour,
+When such life may attend the first. Yet they
+Care not for this, the crowd that now are girt
+By Adice and Tagliamento, still
+Impenitent, tho’ scourg’d. The hour is near,
+When for their stubbornness at Padua’s marsh
+The water shall be chang’d, that laves Vicena
+And where Cagnano meets with Sile, one
+Lords it, and bears his head aloft, for whom
+The web is now a-warping. Feltro too
+Shall sorrow for its godless shepherd’s fault,
+Of so deep stain, that never, for the like,
+Was Malta’s bar unclos’d. Too large should be
+The skillet, that would hold Ferrara’s blood,
+And wearied he, who ounce by ounce would weight it,
+The which this priest, in show of party-zeal,
+Courteous will give; nor will the gift ill suit
+The country’s custom. We descry above,
+Mirrors, ye call them thrones, from which to us
+Reflected shine the judgments of our God:
+Whence these our sayings we avouch for good.”
+
+She ended, and appear’d on other thoughts
+Intent, re-ent’ring on the wheel she late
+Had left. That other joyance meanwhile wax’d
+A thing to marvel at, in splendour glowing,
+Like choicest ruby stricken by the sun,
+For, in that upper clime, effulgence comes
+Of gladness, as here laughter: and below,
+As the mind saddens, murkier grows the shade.
+
+“God seeth all: and in him is thy sight,”
+Said I, “blest Spirit! Therefore will of his
+Cannot to thee be dark. Why then delays
+Thy voice to satisfy my wish untold,
+That voice which joins the inexpressive song,
+Pastime of heav’n, the which those ardours sing,
+That cowl them with six shadowing wings outspread?
+I would not wait thy asking, wert thou known
+To me, as thoroughly I to thee am known.”
+
+He forthwith answ’ring, thus his words began:
+“The valley’ of waters, widest next to that
+Which doth the earth engarland, shapes its course,
+Between discordant shores, against the sun
+Inward so far, it makes meridian there,
+Where was before th’ horizon. Of that vale
+Dwelt I upon the shore, ’twixt Ebro’s stream
+And Macra’s, that divides with passage brief
+Genoan bounds from Tuscan. East and west
+Are nearly one to Begga and my land,
+Whose haven erst was with its own blood warm.
+Who knew my name were wont to call me Folco:
+And I did bear impression of this heav’n,
+That now bears mine: for not with fiercer flame
+Glow’d Belus’ daughter, injuring alike
+Sichaeus and Creusa, than did I,
+Long as it suited the unripen’d down
+That fledg’d my cheek: nor she of Rhodope,
+That was beguiled of Demophoon;
+Nor Jove’s son, when the charms of Iole
+Were shrin’d within his heart. And yet there hides
+No sorrowful repentance here, but mirth,
+Not for the fault (that doth not come to mind),
+But for the virtue, whose o’erruling sway
+And providence have wrought thus quaintly. Here
+The skill is look’d into, that fashioneth
+With such effectual working, and the good
+Discern’d, accruing to this upper world
+From that below. But fully to content
+Thy wishes, all that in this sphere have birth,
+Demands my further parle. Inquire thou wouldst,
+Who of this light is denizen, that here
+Beside me sparkles, as the sun-beam doth
+On the clear wave. Know then, the soul of Rahab
+Is in that gladsome harbour, to our tribe
+United, and the foremost rank assign’d.
+He to that heav’n, at which the shadow ends
+Of your sublunar world, was taken up,
+First, in Christ’s triumph, of all souls redeem’d:
+For well behoov’d, that, in some part of heav’n,
+She should remain a trophy, to declare
+The mighty contest won with either palm;
+For that she favour’d first the high exploit
+Of Joshua on the holy land, whereof
+The Pope recks little now. Thy city, plant
+Of him, that on his Maker turn’d the back,
+And of whose envying so much woe hath sprung,
+Engenders and expands the cursed flower,
+That hath made wander both the sheep and lambs,
+Turning the shepherd to a wolf. For this,
+The gospel and great teachers laid aside,
+The decretals, as their stuft margins show,
+Are the sole study. Pope and Cardinals,
+Intent on these, ne’er journey but in thought
+To Nazareth, where Gabriel op’d his wings.
+Yet it may chance, erelong, the Vatican,
+And other most selected parts of Rome,
+That were the grave of Peter’s soldiery,
+Shall be deliver’d from the adult’rous bond.”
+
+
+
+
+CANTO X
+
+
+Looking into his first-born with the love,
+Which breathes from both eternal, the first Might
+Ineffable, whence eye or mind
+Can roam, hath in such order all dispos’d,
+As none may see and fail to enjoy. Raise, then,
+O reader! to the lofty wheels, with me,
+Thy ken directed to the point, whereat
+One motion strikes on th’ other. There begin
+Thy wonder of the mighty Architect,
+Who loves his work so inwardly, his eye
+Doth ever watch it. See, how thence oblique
+Brancheth the circle, where the planets roll
+To pour their wished influence on the world;
+Whose path not bending thus, in heav’n above
+Much virtue would be lost, and here on earth,
+All power well nigh extinct: or, from direct
+Were its departure distant more or less,
+I’ th’ universal order, great defect
+Must, both in heav’n and here beneath, ensue.
+
+Now rest thee, reader! on thy bench, and muse
+Anticipative of the feast to come;
+So shall delight make thee not feel thy toil.
+Lo! I have set before thee, for thyself
+Feed now: the matter I indite, henceforth
+Demands entire my thought. Join’d with the part,
+Which late we told of, the great minister
+Of nature, that upon the world imprints
+The virtue of the heaven, and doles out
+Time for us with his beam, went circling on
+Along the spires, where each hour sooner comes;
+And I was with him, weetless of ascent,
+As one, who till arriv’d, weets not his coming.
+
+For Beatrice, she who passeth on
+So suddenly from good to better, time
+Counts not the act, oh then how great must needs
+Have been her brightness! What she was i’ th’ sun
+(Where I had enter’d), not through change of hue,
+But light transparent—did I summon up
+Genius, art, practice—I might not so speak,
+It should be e’er imagin’d: yet believ’d
+It may be, and the sight be justly crav’d.
+And if our fantasy fail of such height,
+What marvel, since no eye above the sun
+Hath ever travel’d? Such are they dwell here,
+Fourth family of the Omnipotent Sire,
+Who of his spirit and of his offspring shows;
+And holds them still enraptur’d with the view.
+And thus to me Beatrice: “Thank, oh thank,
+The Sun of angels, him, who by his grace
+To this perceptible hath lifted thee.”
+
+Never was heart in such devotion bound,
+And with complacency so absolute
+Dispos’d to render up itself to God,
+As mine was at those words: and so entire
+The love for Him, that held me, it eclips’d
+Beatrice in oblivion. Naught displeas’d
+Was she, but smil’d thereat so joyously,
+That of her laughing eyes the radiance brake
+And scatter’d my collected mind abroad.
+
+Then saw I a bright band, in liveliness
+Surpassing, who themselves did make the crown,
+And us their centre: yet more sweet in voice,
+Than in their visage beaming. Cinctur’d thus,
+Sometime Latona’s daughter we behold,
+When the impregnate air retains the thread,
+That weaves her zone. In the celestial court,
+Whence I return, are many jewels found,
+So dear and beautiful, they cannot brook
+Transporting from that realm: and of these lights
+Such was the song. Who doth not prune his wing
+To soar up thither, let him look from thence
+For tidings from the dumb. When, singing thus,
+Those burning suns that circled round us thrice,
+As nearest stars around the fixed pole,
+Then seem’d they like to ladies, from the dance
+Not ceasing, but suspense, in silent pause,
+List’ning, till they have caught the strain anew:
+Suspended so they stood: and, from within,
+Thus heard I one, who spake: “Since with its beam
+The grace, whence true love lighteth first his flame,
+That after doth increase by loving, shines
+So multiplied in thee, it leads thee up
+Along this ladder, down whose hallow’d steps
+None e’er descend, and mount them not again,
+Who from his phial should refuse thee wine
+To slake thy thirst, no less constrained were,
+Than water flowing not unto the sea.
+Thou fain wouldst hear, what plants are these, that bloom
+In the bright garland, which, admiring, girds
+This fair dame round, who strengthens thee for heav’n.
+I then was of the lambs, that Dominic
+Leads, for his saintly flock, along the way,
+Where well they thrive, not sworn with vanity.
+He, nearest on my right hand, brother was,
+And master to me: Albert of Cologne
+Is this: and of Aquinum, Thomas I.
+If thou of all the rest wouldst be assur’d,
+Let thine eye, waiting on the words I speak,
+In circuit journey round the blessed wreath.
+That next resplendence issues from the smile
+Of Gratian, who to either forum lent
+Such help, as favour wins in Paradise.
+The other, nearest, who adorns our quire,
+Was Peter, he that with the widow gave
+To holy church his treasure. The fifth light,
+Goodliest of all, is by such love inspired,
+That all your world craves tidings of its doom:
+Within, there is the lofty light, endow’d
+With sapience so profound, if truth be truth,
+That with a ken of such wide amplitude
+No second hath arisen. Next behold
+That taper’s radiance, to whose view was shown,
+Clearliest, the nature and the ministry
+Angelical, while yet in flesh it dwelt.
+In the other little light serenely smiles
+That pleader for the Christian temples, he
+Who did provide Augustin of his lore.
+Now, if thy mind’s eye pass from light to light,
+Upon my praises following, of the eighth
+Thy thirst is next. The saintly soul, that shows
+The world’s deceitfulness, to all who hear him,
+Is, with the sight of all the good, that is,
+Blest there. The limbs, whence it was driven, lie
+Down in Cieldauro, and from martyrdom
+And exile came it here. Lo! further on,
+Where flames the arduous Spirit of Isidore,
+Of Bede, and Richard, more than man, erewhile,
+In deep discernment. Lastly this, from whom
+Thy look on me reverteth, was the beam
+Of one, whose spirit, on high musings bent,
+Rebuk’d the ling’ring tardiness of death.
+It is the eternal light of Sigebert,
+Who ’scap’d not envy, when of truth he argued,
+Reading in the straw-litter’d street.” Forthwith,
+As clock, that calleth up the spouse of God
+To win her bridegroom’s love at matin’s hour,
+Each part of other fitly drawn and urg’d,
+Sends out a tinkling sound, of note so sweet,
+Affection springs in well-disposed breast;
+Thus saw I move the glorious wheel, thus heard
+Voice answ’ring voice, so musical and soft,
+It can be known but where day endless shines.
+
+
+
+
+CANTO XI
+
+
+O fond anxiety of mortal men!
+How vain and inconclusive arguments
+Are those, which make thee beat thy wings below
+For statues one, and one for aphorisms
+Was hunting; this the priesthood follow’d, that
+By force or sophistry aspir’d to rule;
+To rob another, and another sought
+By civil business wealth; one moiling lay
+Tangled in net of sensual delight,
+And one to witless indolence resign’d;
+What time from all these empty things escap’d,
+With Beatrice, I thus gloriously
+Was rais’d aloft, and made the guest of heav’n.
+
+They of the circle to that point, each one.
+Where erst it was, had turn’d; and steady glow’d,
+As candle in his socket. Then within
+The lustre, that erewhile bespake me, smiling
+With merer gladness, heard I thus begin:
+
+“E’en as his beam illumes me, so I look
+Into the eternal light, and clearly mark
+Thy thoughts, from whence they rise. Thou art in doubt,
+And wouldst, that I should bolt my words afresh
+In such plain open phrase, as may be smooth
+To thy perception, where I told thee late
+That ‘well they thrive;’ and that ‘no second such
+Hath risen,’ which no small distinction needs.
+
+“The providence, that governeth the world,
+In depth of counsel by created ken
+Unfathomable, to the end that she,
+Who with loud cries was ’spous’d in precious blood,
+Might keep her footing towards her well-belov’d,
+Safe in herself and constant unto him,
+Hath two ordain’d, who should on either hand
+In chief escort her: one seraphic all
+In fervency; for wisdom upon earth,
+The other splendour of cherubic light.
+I but of one will tell: he tells of both,
+Who one commendeth which of them so’er
+Be taken: for their deeds were to one end.
+
+“Between Tupino, and the wave, that falls
+From blest Ubaldo’s chosen hill, there hangs
+Rich slope of mountain high, whence heat and cold
+Are wafted through Perugia’s eastern gate:
+And Norcera with Gualdo, in its rear
+Mourn for their heavy yoke. Upon that side,
+Where it doth break its steepness most, arose
+A sun upon the world, as duly this
+From Ganges doth: therefore let none, who speak
+Of that place, say Ascesi; for its name
+Were lamely so deliver’d; but the East,
+To call things rightly, be it henceforth styl’d.
+He was not yet much distant from his rising,
+When his good influence ’gan to bless the earth.
+A dame to whom none openeth pleasure’s gate
+More than to death, was, ’gainst his father’s will,
+His stripling choice: and he did make her his,
+Before the Spiritual court, by nuptial bonds,
+And in his father’s sight: from day to day,
+Then lov’d her more devoutly. She, bereav’d
+Of her first husband, slighted and obscure,
+Thousand and hundred years and more, remain’d
+Without a single suitor, till he came.
+Nor aught avail’d, that, with Amyclas, she
+Was found unmov’d at rumour of his voice,
+Who shook the world: nor aught her constant boldness
+Whereby with Christ she mounted on the cross,
+When Mary stay’d beneath. But not to deal
+Thus closely with thee longer, take at large
+The rovers’ titles—Poverty and Francis.
+Their concord and glad looks, wonder and love,
+And sweet regard gave birth to holy thoughts,
+So much, that venerable Bernard first
+Did bare his feet, and, in pursuit of peace
+So heavenly, ran, yet deem’d his footing slow.
+O hidden riches! O prolific good!
+Egidius bares him next, and next Sylvester,
+And follow both the bridegroom; so the bride
+Can please them. Thenceforth goes he on his way,
+The father and the master, with his spouse,
+And with that family, whom now the cord
+Girt humbly: nor did abjectness of heart
+Weigh down his eyelids, for that he was son
+Of Pietro Bernardone, and by men
+In wond’rous sort despis’d. But royally
+His hard intention he to Innocent
+Set forth, and from him first receiv’d the seal
+On his religion. Then, when numerous flock’d
+The tribe of lowly ones, that trac’d HIS steps,
+Whose marvellous life deservedly were sung
+In heights empyreal, through Honorius’ hand
+A second crown, to deck their Guardian’s virtues,
+Was by the eternal Spirit inwreath’d: and when
+He had, through thirst of martyrdom, stood up
+In the proud Soldan’s presence, and there preach’d
+Christ and his followers; but found the race
+Unripen’d for conversion: back once more
+He hasted (not to intermit his toil),
+And reap’d Ausonian lands. On the hard rock,
+’Twixt Arno and the Tyber, he from Christ
+Took the last Signet, which his limbs two years
+Did carry. Then the season come, that he,
+Who to such good had destin’d him, was pleas’d
+T’ advance him to the meed, which he had earn’d
+By his self-humbling, to his brotherhood,
+As their just heritage, he gave in charge
+His dearest lady, and enjoin’d their love
+And faith to her: and, from her bosom, will’d
+His goodly spirit should move forth, returning
+To its appointed kingdom, nor would have
+His body laid upon another bier.
+
+“Think now of one, who were a fit colleague,
+To keep the bark of Peter in deep sea
+Helm’d to right point; and such our Patriarch was.
+Therefore who follow him, as he enjoins,
+Thou mayst be certain, take good lading in.
+But hunger of new viands tempts his flock,
+So that they needs into strange pastures wide
+Must spread them: and the more remote from him
+The stragglers wander, so much mole they come
+Home to the sheep-fold, destitute of milk.
+There are of them, in truth, who fear their harm,
+And to the shepherd cleave; but these so few,
+A little stuff may furnish out their cloaks.
+
+“Now, if my words be clear, if thou have ta’en
+Good heed, if that, which I have told, recall
+To mind, thy wish may be in part fulfill’d:
+For thou wilt see the point from whence they split,
+Nor miss of the reproof, which that implies,
+‘That well they thrive not sworn with vanity.’”
+
+
+
+
+CANTO XII
+
+
+Soon as its final word the blessed flame
+Had rais’d for utterance, straight the holy mill
+Began to wheel, nor yet had once revolv’d,
+Or ere another, circling, compass’d it,
+Motion to motion, song to song, conjoining,
+Song, that as much our muses doth excel,
+Our Sirens with their tuneful pipes, as ray
+Of primal splendour doth its faint reflex.
+
+As when, if Juno bid her handmaid forth,
+Two arches parallel, and trick’d alike,
+Span the thin cloud, the outer taking birth
+From that within (in manner of that voice
+Whom love did melt away, as sun the mist),
+And they who gaze, presageful call to mind
+The compact, made with Noah, of the world
+No more to be o’erflow’d; about us thus
+Of sempiternal roses, bending, wreath’d
+Those garlands twain, and to the innermost
+E’en thus th’ external answered. When the footing,
+And other great festivity, of song,
+And radiance, light with light accordant, each
+Jocund and blythe, had at their pleasure still’d
+(E’en as the eyes by quick volition mov’d,
+Are shut and rais’d together), from the heart
+Of one amongst the new lights mov’d a voice,
+That made me seem like needle to the star,
+In turning to its whereabout, and thus
+Began: “The love, that makes me beautiful,
+Prompts me to tell of th’ other guide, for whom
+Such good of mine is spoken. Where one is,
+The other worthily should also be;
+That as their warfare was alike, alike
+Should be their glory. Slow, and full of doubt,
+And with thin ranks, after its banner mov’d
+The army of Christ (which it so clearly cost
+To reappoint), when its imperial Head,
+Who reigneth ever, for the drooping host
+Did make provision, thorough grace alone,
+And not through its deserving. As thou heard’st,
+Two champions to the succour of his spouse
+He sent, who by their deeds and words might join
+Again his scatter’d people. In that clime,
+Where springs the pleasant west-wind to unfold
+The fresh leaves, with which Europe sees herself
+New-garmented; nor from those billows far,
+Beyond whose chiding, after weary course,
+The sun doth sometimes hide him, safe abides
+The happy Callaroga, under guard
+Of the great shield, wherein the lion lies
+Subjected and supreme. And there was born
+The loving million of the Christian faith,
+The hollow’d wrestler, gentle to his own,
+And to his enemies terrible. So replete
+His soul with lively virtue, that when first
+Created, even in the mother’s womb,
+It prophesied. When, at the sacred font,
+The spousals were complete ’twixt faith and him,
+Where pledge of mutual safety was exchang’d,
+The dame, who was his surety, in her sleep
+Beheld the wondrous fruit, that was from him
+And from his heirs to issue. And that such
+He might be construed, as indeed he was,
+She was inspir’d to name him of his owner,
+Whose he was wholly, and so call’d him Dominic.
+And I speak of him, as the labourer,
+Whom Christ in his own garden chose to be
+His help-mate. Messenger he seem’d, and friend
+Fast-knit to Christ; and the first love he show’d,
+Was after the first counsel that Christ gave.
+Many a time his nurse, at entering found
+That he had ris’n in silence, and was prostrate,
+As who should say, “My errand was for this.”
+O happy father! Felix rightly nam’d!
+O favour’d mother! rightly nam’d Joanna!
+If that do mean, as men interpret it.
+Not for the world’s sake, for which now they pore
+Upon Ostiense and Taddeo’s page,
+But for the real manna, soon he grew
+Mighty in learning, and did set himself
+To go about the vineyard, that soon turns
+To wan and wither’d, if not tended well:
+And from the see (whose bounty to the just
+And needy is gone by, not through its fault,
+But his who fills it basely, he besought,
+No dispensation for commuted wrong,
+Nor the first vacant fortune, nor the tenth),
+That to God’s paupers rightly appertain,
+But, ’gainst an erring and degenerate world,
+Licence to fight, in favour of that seed,
+From which the twice twelve cions gird thee round.
+Then, with sage doctrine and good will to help,
+Forth on his great apostleship he far’d,
+Like torrent bursting from a lofty vein;
+And, dashing ’gainst the stocks of heresy,
+Smote fiercest, where resistance was most stout.
+Thence many rivulets have since been turn’d,
+Over the garden Catholic to lead
+Their living waters, and have fed its plants.
+
+“If such one wheel of that two-yoked car,
+Wherein the holy church defended her,
+And rode triumphant through the civil broil.
+Thou canst not doubt its fellow’s excellence,
+Which Thomas, ere my coming, hath declar’d
+So courteously unto thee. But the track,
+Which its smooth fellies made, is now deserted:
+That mouldy mother is where late were lees.
+His family, that wont to trace his path,
+Turn backward, and invert their steps; erelong
+To rue the gathering in of their ill crop,
+When the rejected tares in vain shall ask
+Admittance to the barn. I question not
+But he, who search’d our volume, leaf by leaf,
+Might still find page with this inscription on’t,
+‘I am as I was wont.’ Yet such were not
+From Acquasparta nor Casale, whence
+Of those, who come to meddle with the text,
+One stretches and another cramps its rule.
+Bonaventura’s life in me behold,
+From Bagnororegio, one, who in discharge
+Of my great offices still laid aside
+All sinister aim. Illuminato here,
+And Agostino join me: two they were,
+Among the first of those barefooted meek ones,
+Who sought God’s friendship in the cord: with them
+Hugues of Saint Victor, Pietro Mangiadore,
+And he of Spain in his twelve volumes shining,
+Nathan the prophet, Metropolitan
+Chrysostom, and Anselmo, and, who deign’d
+To put his hand to the first art, Donatus.
+Raban is here: and at my side there shines
+Calabria’s abbot, Joachim, endow’d
+With soul prophetic. The bright courtesy
+Of friar Thomas, and his goodly lore,
+Have mov’d me to the blazon of a peer
+So worthy, and with me have mov’d this throng.”
+
+
+
+
+CANTO XIII
+
+
+Let him, who would conceive what now I saw,
+Imagine (and retain the image firm,
+As mountain rock, the whilst he hears me speak),
+Of stars fifteen, from midst the ethereal host
+Selected, that, with lively ray serene,
+O’ercome the massiest air: thereto imagine
+The wain, that, in the bosom of our sky,
+Spins ever on its axle night and day,
+With the bright summit of that horn which swells
+Due from the pole, round which the first wheel rolls,
+T’ have rang’d themselves in fashion of two signs
+In heav’n, such as Ariadne made,
+When death’s chill seized her; and that one of them
+Did compass in the other’s beam; and both
+In such sort whirl around, that each should tend
+With opposite motion and, conceiving thus,
+Of that true constellation, and the dance
+Twofold, that circled me, he shall attain
+As ’t were the shadow; for things there as much
+Surpass our usage, as the swiftest heav’n
+Is swifter than the Chiana. There was sung
+No Bacchus, and no Io Paean, but
+Three Persons in the Godhead, and in one
+Substance that nature and the human join’d.
+
+The song fulfill’d its measure; and to us
+Those saintly lights attended, happier made
+At each new minist’ring. Then silence brake,
+Amid th’ accordant sons of Deity,
+That luminary, in which the wondrous life
+Of the meek man of God was told to me;
+And thus it spake: “One ear o’ th’ harvest thresh’d,
+And its grain safely stor’d, sweet charity
+Invites me with the other to like toil.
+
+“Thou know’st, that in the bosom, whence the rib
+Was ta’en to fashion that fair cheek, whose taste
+All the world pays for, and in that, which pierc’d
+By the keen lance, both after and before
+Such satisfaction offer’d, as outweighs
+Each evil in the scale, whate’er of light
+To human nature is allow’d, must all
+Have by his virtue been infus’d, who form’d
+Both one and other: and thou thence admir’st
+In that I told thee, of beatitudes
+A second, there is none, to his enclos’d
+In the fifth radiance. Open now thine eyes
+To what I answer thee; and thou shalt see
+Thy deeming and my saying meet in truth,
+As centre in the round. That which dies not,
+And that which can die, are but each the beam
+Of that idea, which our Soverign Sire
+Engendereth loving; for that lively light,
+Which passeth from his brightness; not disjoin’d
+From him, nor from his love triune with them,
+Doth, through his bounty, congregate itself,
+Mirror’d, as ’t were in new existences,
+Itself unalterable and ever one.
+
+“Descending hence unto the lowest powers,
+Its energy so sinks, at last it makes
+But brief contingencies: for so I name
+Things generated, which the heav’nly orbs
+Moving, with seed or without seed, produce.
+Their wax, and that which molds it, differ much:
+And thence with lustre, more or less, it shows
+Th’ ideal stamp impress: so that one tree
+According to his kind, hath better fruit,
+And worse: and, at your birth, ye, mortal men,
+Are in your talents various. Were the wax
+Molded with nice exactness, and the heav’n
+In its disposing influence supreme,
+The lustre of the seal should be complete:
+But nature renders it imperfect ever,
+Resembling thus the artist in her work,
+Whose faultering hand is faithless to his skill.
+Howe’er, if love itself dispose, and mark
+The primal virtue, kindling with bright view,
+There all perfection is vouchsafed; and such
+The clay was made, accomplish’d with each gift,
+That life can teem with; such the burden fill’d
+The virgin’s bosom: so that I commend
+Thy judgment, that the human nature ne’er
+Was or can be, such as in them it was.
+
+“Did I advance no further than this point,
+‘How then had he no peer?’ thou might’st reply.
+But, that what now appears not, may appear
+Right plainly, ponder, who he was, and what
+(When he was bidden ‘Ask’), the motive sway’d
+To his requesting. I have spoken thus,
+That thou mayst see, he was a king, who ask’d
+For wisdom, to the end he might be king
+Sufficient: not the number to search out
+Of the celestial movers; or to know,
+If necessary with contingent e’er
+Have made necessity; or whether that
+Be granted, that first motion is; or if
+Of the mid circle can, by art, be made
+Triangle with each corner, blunt or sharp.
+
+“Whence, noting that, which I have said, and this,
+Thou kingly prudence and that ken mayst learn,
+At which the dart of my intention aims.
+And, marking clearly, that I told thee, ‘Risen,’
+Thou shalt discern it only hath respect
+To kings, of whom are many, and the good
+Are rare. With this distinction take my words;
+And they may well consist with that which thou
+Of the first human father dost believe,
+And of our well-beloved. And let this
+Henceforth be led unto thy feet, to make
+Thee slow in motion, as a weary man,
+Both to the ‘yea’ and to the ‘nay’ thou seest not.
+For he among the fools is down full low,
+Whose affirmation, or denial, is
+Without distinction, in each case alike
+Since it befalls, that in most instances
+Current opinion leads to false: and then
+Affection bends the judgment to her ply.
+
+“Much more than vainly doth he loose from shore,
+Since he returns not such as he set forth,
+Who fishes for the truth and wanteth skill.
+And open proofs of this unto the world
+Have been afforded in Parmenides,
+Melissus, Bryso, and the crowd beside,
+Who journey’d on, and knew not whither: so did
+Sabellius, Arius, and the other fools,
+Who, like to scymitars, reflected back
+The scripture-image, by distortion marr’d.
+
+“Let not the people be too swift to judge,
+As one who reckons on the blades in field,
+Or ere the crop be ripe. For I have seen
+The thorn frown rudely all the winter long
+And after bear the rose upon its top;
+And bark, that all the way across the sea
+Ran straight and speedy, perish at the last,
+E’en in the haven’s mouth seeing one steal,
+Another brine, his offering to the priest,
+Let not Dame Birtha and Sir Martin thence
+Into heav’n’s counsels deem that they can pry:
+For one of these may rise, the other fall.”
+
+
+
+
+CANTO XIV
+
+
+From centre to the circle, and so back
+From circle to the centre, water moves
+In the round chalice, even as the blow
+Impels it, inwardly, or from without.
+Such was the image glanc’d into my mind,
+As the great spirit of Aquinum ceas’d;
+And Beatrice after him her words
+Resum’d alternate: “Need there is (tho’ yet
+He tells it to you not in words, nor e’en
+In thought) that he should fathom to its depth
+Another mystery. Tell him, if the light,
+Wherewith your substance blooms, shall stay with you
+Eternally, as now: and, if it doth,
+How, when ye shall regain your visible forms,
+The sight may without harm endure the change,
+That also tell.” As those, who in a ring
+Tread the light measure, in their fitful mirth
+Raise loud the voice, and spring with gladder bound;
+Thus, at the hearing of that pious suit,
+The saintly circles in their tourneying
+And wond’rous note attested new delight.
+
+Whoso laments, that we must doff this garb
+Of frail mortality, thenceforth to live
+Immortally above, he hath not seen
+The sweet refreshing, of that heav’nly shower.
+
+Him, who lives ever, and for ever reigns
+In mystic union of the Three in One,
+Unbounded, bounding all, each spirit thrice
+Sang, with such melody, as but to hear
+For highest merit were an ample meed.
+And from the lesser orb the goodliest light,
+With gentle voice and mild, such as perhaps
+The angel’s once to Mary, thus replied:
+“Long as the joy of Paradise shall last,
+Our love shall shine around that raiment, bright,
+As fervent; fervent, as in vision blest;
+And that as far in blessedness exceeding,
+As it hath grave beyond its virtue great.
+Our shape, regarmented with glorious weeds
+Of saintly flesh, must, being thus entire,
+Show yet more gracious. Therefore shall increase,
+Whate’er of light, gratuitous, imparts
+The Supreme Good; light, ministering aid,
+The better disclose his glory: whence
+The vision needs increasing, much increase
+The fervour, which it kindles; and that too
+The ray, that comes from it. But as the greed
+Which gives out flame, yet it its whiteness shines
+More lively than that, and so preserves
+Its proper semblance; thus this circling sphere
+Of splendour, shall to view less radiant seem,
+Than shall our fleshly robe, which yonder earth
+Now covers. Nor will such excess of light
+O’erpower us, in corporeal organs made
+Firm, and susceptible of all delight.”
+
+So ready and so cordial an “Amen,”
+Followed from either choir, as plainly spoke
+Desire of their dead bodies; yet perchance
+Not for themselves, but for their kindred dear,
+Mothers and sires, and those whom best they lov’d,
+Ere they were made imperishable flame.
+
+And lo! forthwith there rose up round about
+A lustre over that already there,
+Of equal clearness, like the brightening up
+Of the horizon. As at an evening hour
+Of twilight, new appearances through heav’n
+Peer with faint glimmer, doubtfully descried;
+So there new substances, methought began
+To rise in view; and round the other twain
+Enwheeling, sweep their ampler circuit wide.
+
+O gentle glitter of eternal beam!
+With what a such whiteness did it flow,
+O’erpowering vision in me! But so fair,
+So passing lovely, Beatrice show’d,
+Mind cannot follow it, nor words express
+Her infinite sweetness. Thence mine eyes regain’d
+Power to look up, and I beheld myself,
+Sole with my lady, to more lofty bliss
+Translated: for the star, with warmer smile
+Impurpled, well denoted our ascent.
+
+With all the heart, and with that tongue which speaks
+The same in all, an holocaust I made
+To God, befitting the new grace vouchsaf’d.
+And from my bosom had not yet upsteam’d
+The fuming of that incense, when I knew
+The rite accepted. With such mighty sheen
+And mantling crimson, in two listed rays
+The splendours shot before me, that I cried,
+“God of Sabaoth! that does prank them thus!”
+
+As leads the galaxy from pole to pole,
+Distinguish’d into greater lights and less,
+Its pathway, which the wisest fail to spell;
+So thickly studded, in the depth of Mars,
+Those rays describ’d the venerable sign,
+That quadrants in the round conjoining frame.
+Here memory mocks the toil of genius. Christ
+Beam’d on that cross; and pattern fails me now.
+But whoso takes his cross, and follows Christ
+Will pardon me for that I leave untold,
+When in the flecker’d dawning he shall spy
+The glitterance of Christ. From horn to horn,
+And ’tween the summit and the base did move
+Lights, scintillating, as they met and pass’d.
+Thus oft are seen, with ever-changeful glance,
+Straight or athwart, now rapid and now slow,
+The atomies of bodies, long or short,
+To move along the sunbeam, whose slant line
+Checkers the shadow, interpos’d by art
+Against the noontide heat. And as the chime
+Of minstrel music, dulcimer, and help
+With many strings, a pleasant dining makes
+To him, who heareth not distinct the note;
+So from the lights, which there appear’d to me,
+Gather’d along the cross a melody,
+That, indistinctly heard, with ravishment
+Possess’d me. Yet I mark’d it was a hymn
+Of lofty praises; for there came to me
+“Arise and conquer,” as to one who hears
+And comprehends not. Me such ecstasy
+O’ercame, that never till that hour was thing
+That held me in so sweet imprisonment.
+
+Perhaps my saying over bold appears,
+Accounting less the pleasure of those eyes,
+Whereon to look fulfilleth all desire.
+But he, who is aware those living seals
+Of every beauty work with quicker force,
+The higher they are ris’n; and that there
+I had not turn’d me to them; he may well
+Excuse me that, whereof in my excuse
+I do accuse me, and may own my truth;
+That holy pleasure here not yet reveal’d,
+Which grows in transport as we mount aloof.
+
+
+
+
+CANTO XV
+
+
+True love, that ever shows itself as clear
+In kindness, as loose appetite in wrong,
+Silenced that lyre harmonious, and still’d
+The sacred chords, that are by heav’n’s right hand
+Unwound and tighten’d, flow to righteous prayers
+Should they not hearken, who, to give me will
+For praying, in accordance thus were mute?
+He hath in sooth good cause for endless grief,
+Who, for the love of thing that lasteth not,
+Despoils himself forever of that love.
+
+As oft along the still and pure serene,
+At nightfall, glides a sudden trail of fire,
+Attracting with involuntary heed
+The eye to follow it, erewhile at rest,
+And seems some star that shifted place in heav’n,
+Only that, whence it kindles, none is lost,
+And it is soon extinct; thus from the horn,
+That on the dexter of the cross extends,
+Down to its foot, one luminary ran
+From mid the cluster shone there; yet no gem
+Dropp’d from its foil; and through the beamy list
+Like flame in alabaster, glow’d its course.
+
+So forward stretch’d him (if of credence aught
+Our greater muse may claim) the pious ghost
+Of old Anchises, in the’ Elysian bower,
+When he perceiv’d his son. “O thou, my blood!
+O most exceeding grace divine! to whom,
+As now to thee, hath twice the heav’nly gate
+Been e’er unclos’d?” so spake the light; whence I
+Turn’d me toward him; then unto my dame
+My sight directed, and on either side
+Amazement waited me; for in her eyes
+Was lighted such a smile, I thought that mine
+Had div’d unto the bottom of my grace
+And of my bliss in Paradise. Forthwith
+To hearing and to sight grateful alike,
+The spirit to his proem added things
+I understood not, so profound he spake;
+Yet not of choice but through necessity
+Mysterious; for his high conception scar’d
+Beyond the mark of mortals. When the flight
+Of holy transport had so spent its rage,
+That nearer to the level of our thought
+The speech descended, the first sounds I heard
+Were, “Best he thou, Triunal Deity!
+That hast such favour in my seed vouchsaf’d!”
+Then follow’d: “No unpleasant thirst, tho’ long,
+Which took me reading in the sacred book,
+Whose leaves or white or dusky never change,
+Thou hast allay’d, my son, within this light,
+From whence my voice thou hear’st; more thanks to her.
+Who for such lofty mounting has with plumes
+Begirt thee. Thou dost deem thy thoughts to me
+From him transmitted, who is first of all,
+E’en as all numbers ray from unity;
+And therefore dost not ask me who I am,
+Or why to thee more joyous I appear,
+Than any other in this gladsome throng.
+The truth is as thou deem’st; for in this hue
+Both less and greater in that mirror look,
+In which thy thoughts, or ere thou think’st, are shown.
+But, that the love, which keeps me wakeful ever,
+Urging with sacred thirst of sweet desire,
+May be contended fully, let thy voice,
+Fearless, and frank and jocund, utter forth
+Thy will distinctly, utter forth the wish,
+Whereto my ready answer stands decreed.”
+
+I turn’d me to Beatrice; and she heard
+Ere I had spoken, smiling, an assent,
+That to my will gave wings; and I began
+“To each among your tribe, what time ye kenn’d
+The nature, in whom naught unequal dwells,
+Wisdom and love were in one measure dealt;
+For that they are so equal in the sun,
+From whence ye drew your radiance and your heat,
+As makes all likeness scant. But will and means,
+In mortals, for the cause ye well discern,
+With unlike wings are fledge. A mortal I
+Experience inequality like this,
+And therefore give no thanks, but in the heart,
+For thy paternal greeting. This howe’er
+I pray thee, living topaz! that ingemm’st
+This precious jewel, let me hear thy name.”
+
+“I am thy root, O leaf! whom to expect
+Even, hath pleas’d me:” thus the prompt reply
+Prefacing, next it added: “he, of whom
+Thy kindred appellation comes, and who,
+These hundred years and more, on its first ledge
+Hath circuited the mountain, was my son
+And thy great grandsire. Well befits, his long
+Endurance should be shorten’d by thy deeds.
+
+“Florence, within her ancient limit-mark,
+Which calls her still to matin prayers and noon,
+Was chaste and sober, and abode in peace.
+She had no armlets and no head-tires then,
+No purfled dames, no zone, that caught the eye
+More than the person did. Time was not yet,
+When at his daughter’s birth the sire grew pale.
+For fear the age and dowry should exceed
+On each side just proportion. House was none
+Void of its family; nor yet had come
+Hardanapalus, to exhibit feats
+Of chamber prowess. Montemalo yet
+O’er our suburban turret rose; as much
+To be surpass in fall, as in its rising.
+I saw Bellincione Berti walk abroad
+In leathern girdle and a clasp of bone;
+And, with no artful colouring on her cheeks,
+His lady leave the glass. The sons I saw
+Of Nerli and of Vecchio well content
+With unrob’d jerkin; and their good dames handling
+The spindle and the flax; O happy they!
+Each sure of burial in her native land,
+And none left desolate a-bed for France!
+One wak’d to tend the cradle, hushing it
+With sounds that lull’d the parent’s infancy:
+Another, with her maidens, drawing off
+The tresses from the distaff, lectur’d them
+Old tales of Troy and Fesole and Rome.
+A Salterello and Cianghella we
+Had held as strange a marvel, as ye would
+A Cincinnatus or Cornelia now.
+
+“In such compos’d and seemly fellowship,
+Such faithful and such fair equality,
+In so sweet household, Mary at my birth
+Bestow’d me, call’d on with loud cries; and there
+In your old baptistery, I was made
+Christian at once and Cacciaguida; as were
+My brethren, Eliseo and Moronto.
+
+“From Valdipado came to me my spouse,
+And hence thy surname grew. I follow’d then
+The Emperor Conrad; and his knighthood he
+Did gird on me; in such good part he took
+My valiant service. After him I went
+To testify against that evil law,
+Whose people, by the shepherd’s fault, possess
+Your right, usurping. There, by that foul crew
+Was I releas’d from the deceitful world,
+Whose base affection many a spirit soils,
+And from the martyrdom came to this peace.”
+
+
+
+
+CANTO XVI
+
+
+O slight respect of man’s nobility!
+I never shall account it marvelous,
+That our infirm affection here below
+Thou mov’st to boasting, when I could not choose,
+E’en in that region of unwarp’d desire,
+In heav’n itself, but make my vaunt in thee!
+Yet cloak thou art soon shorten’d, for that time,
+Unless thou be eked out from day to day,
+Goes round thee with his shears. Resuming then
+With greeting such, as Rome, was first to bear,
+But since hath disaccustom’d I began;
+And Beatrice, that a little space
+Was sever’d, smil’d reminding me of her,
+Whose cough embolden’d (as the story holds)
+To first offence the doubting Guenever.
+
+“You are my sire,” said I, “you give me heart
+Freely to speak my thought: above myself
+You raise me. Through so many streams with joy
+My soul is fill’d, that gladness wells from it;
+So that it bears the mighty tide, and bursts not
+Say then, my honour’d stem! what ancestors
+Where those you sprang from, and what years were mark’d
+In your first childhood? Tell me of the fold,
+That hath Saint John for guardian, what was then
+Its state, and who in it were highest seated?”
+
+As embers, at the breathing of the wind,
+Their flame enliven, so that light I saw
+Shine at my blandishments; and, as it grew
+More fair to look on, so with voice more sweet,
+Yet not in this our modern phrase, forthwith
+It answer’d: “From the day, when it was said
+‘Hail Virgin!’ to the throes, by which my mother,
+Who now is sainted, lighten’d her of me
+Whom she was heavy with, this fire had come,
+Five hundred fifty times and thrice, its beams
+To reilumine underneath the foot
+Of its own lion. They, of whom I sprang,
+And I, had there our birth-place, where the last
+Partition of our city first is reach’d
+By him, that runs her annual game. Thus much
+Suffice of my forefathers: who they were,
+And whence they hither came, more honourable
+It is to pass in silence than to tell.
+All those, who in that time were there from Mars
+Until the Baptist, fit to carry arms,
+Were but the fifth of them this day alive.
+But then the citizen’s blood, that now is mix’d
+From Campi and Certaldo and Fighine,
+Ran purely through the last mechanic’s veins.
+O how much better were it, that these people
+Were neighbours to you, and that at Galluzzo
+And at Trespiano, ye should have your bound’ry,
+Than to have them within, and bear the stench
+Of Aguglione’s hind, and Signa’s, him,
+That hath his eye already keen for bart’ring!
+Had not the people, which of all the world
+Degenerates most, been stepdame unto Caesar,
+But, as a mother, gracious to her son;
+Such one, as hath become a Florentine,
+And trades and traffics, had been turn’d adrift
+To Simifonte, where his grandsire ply’d
+The beggar’s craft. The Conti were possess’d
+Of Montemurlo still: the Cerchi still
+Were in Acone’s parish; nor had haply
+From Valdigrieve past the Buondelmonte.
+The city’s malady hath ever source
+In the confusion of its persons, as
+The body’s, in variety of food:
+And the blind bull falls with a steeper plunge,
+Than the blind lamb; and oftentimes one sword
+Doth more and better execution,
+Than five. Mark Luni, Urbisaglia mark,
+How they are gone, and after them how go
+Chiusi and Sinigaglia; and ’t will seem
+No longer new or strange to thee to hear,
+That families fail, when cities have their end.
+All things, that appertain t’ ye, like yourselves,
+Are mortal: but mortality in some
+Ye mark not, they endure so long, and you
+Pass by so suddenly. And as the moon
+Doth, by the rolling of her heav’nly sphere,
+Hide and reveal the strand unceasingly;
+So fortune deals with Florence. Hence admire not
+At what of them I tell thee, whose renown
+Time covers, the first Florentines. I saw
+The Ughi, Catilini and Filippi,
+The Alberichi, Greci and Ormanni,
+Now in their wane, illustrious citizens:
+And great as ancient, of Sannella him,
+With him of Arca saw, and Soldanieri
+And Ardinghi, and Bostichi. At the poop,
+That now is laden with new felony,
+So cumb’rous it may speedily sink the bark,
+The Ravignani sat, of whom is sprung
+The County Guido, and whoso hath since
+His title from the fam’d Bellincione ta’en.
+Fair governance was yet an art well priz’d
+By him of Pressa: Galigaio show’d
+The gilded hilt and pommel, in his house.
+The column, cloth’d with verrey, still was seen
+Unshaken: the Sacchetti still were great,
+Giouchi, Sifanti, Galli and Barucci,
+With them who blush to hear the bushel nam’d.
+Of the Calfucci still the branchy trunk
+Was in its strength: and to the curule chairs
+Sizii and Arigucci yet were drawn.
+How mighty them I saw, whom since their pride
+Hath undone! and in all her goodly deeds
+Florence was by the bullets of bright gold
+O’erflourish’d. Such the sires of those, who now,
+As surely as your church is vacant, flock
+Into her consistory, and at leisure
+There stall them and grow fat. The o’erweening brood,
+That plays the dragon after him that flees,
+But unto such, as turn and show the tooth,
+Ay or the purse, is gentle as a lamb,
+Was on its rise, but yet so slight esteem’d,
+That Ubertino of Donati grudg’d
+His father-in-law should yoke him to its tribe.
+Already Caponsacco had descended
+Into the mart from Fesole: and Giuda
+And Infangato were good citizens.
+A thing incredible I tell, tho’ true:
+The gateway, named from those of Pera, led
+Into the narrow circuit of your walls.
+Each one, who bears the sightly quarterings
+Of the great Baron (he whose name and worth
+The festival of Thomas still revives)
+His knighthood and his privilege retain’d;
+Albeit one, who borders them With gold,
+This day is mingled with the common herd.
+In Borgo yet the Gualterotti dwelt,
+And Importuni: well for its repose
+Had it still lack’d of newer neighbourhood.
+The house, from whence your tears have had their spring,
+Through the just anger that hath murder’d ye
+And put a period to your gladsome days,
+Was honour’d, it, and those consorted with it.
+O Buondelmonte! what ill counseling
+Prevail’d on thee to break the plighted bond
+Many, who now are weeping, would rejoice,
+Had God to Ema giv’n thee, the first time
+Thou near our city cam’st. But so was doom’d:
+On that maim’d stone set up to guard the bridge,
+At thy last peace, the victim, Florence! fell.
+With these and others like to them, I saw
+Florence in such assur’d tranquility,
+She had no cause at which to grieve: with these
+Saw her so glorious and so just, that ne’er
+The lily from the lance had hung reverse,
+Or through division been with vermeil dyed.”
+
+
+
+
+CANTO XVII
+
+
+Such as the youth, who came to Clymene
+To certify himself of that reproach,
+Which had been fasten’d on him, (he whose end
+Still makes the fathers chary to their sons),
+E’en such was I; nor unobserv’d was such
+Of Beatrice, and that saintly lamp,
+Who had erewhile for me his station mov’d;
+When thus by lady: “Give thy wish free vent,
+That it may issue, bearing true report
+Of the mind’s impress; not that aught thy words
+May to our knowledge add, but to the end,
+That thou mayst use thyself to own thy thirst
+And men may mingle for thee when they hear.”
+
+“O plant! from whence I spring! rever’d and lov’d!
+Who soar’st so high a pitch, thou seest as clear,
+As earthly thought determines two obtuse
+In one triangle not contain’d, so clear
+Dost see contingencies, ere in themselves
+Existent, looking at the point whereto
+All times are present, I, the whilst I scal’d
+With Virgil the soul purifying mount,
+And visited the nether world of woe,
+Touching my future destiny have heard
+Words grievous, though I feel me on all sides
+Well squar’d to fortune’s blows. Therefore my will
+Were satisfied to know the lot awaits me,
+The arrow, seen beforehand, slacks its flight.”
+
+So said I to the brightness, which erewhile
+To me had spoken, and my will declar’d,
+As Beatrice will’d, explicitly.
+Nor with oracular response obscure,
+Such, as or ere the Lamb of God was slain,
+Beguil’d the credulous nations; but, in terms
+Precise and unambiguous lore, replied
+The spirit of paternal love, enshrin’d,
+Yet in his smile apparent; and thus spake:
+“Contingency, unfolded not to view
+Upon the tablet of your mortal mold,
+Is all depictur’d in the’ eternal sight;
+But hence deriveth not necessity,
+More then the tall ship, hurried down the flood,
+Doth from the vision, that reflects the scene.
+From thence, as to the ear sweet harmony
+From organ comes, so comes before mine eye
+The time prepar’d for thee. Such as driv’n out
+From Athens, by his cruel stepdame’s wiles,
+Hippolytus departed, such must thou
+Depart from Florence. This they wish, and this
+Contrive, and will ere long effectuate, there,
+Where gainful merchandize is made of Christ,
+Throughout the livelong day. The common cry,
+Will, as ’t is ever wont, affix the blame
+Unto the party injur’d: but the truth
+Shall, in the vengeance it dispenseth, find
+A faithful witness. Thou shall leave each thing
+Belov’d most dearly: this is the first shaft
+Shot from the bow of exile. Thou shalt prove
+How salt the savour is of other’s bread,
+How hard the passage to descend and climb
+By other’s stairs, But that shall gall thee most
+Will be the worthless and vile company,
+With whom thou must be thrown into these straits.
+For all ungrateful, impious all and mad,
+Shall turn ’gainst thee: but in a little while
+Theirs and not thine shall be the crimson’d brow
+Their course shall so evince their brutishness
+T’ have ta’en thy stand apart shall well become thee.
+
+“First refuge thou must find, first place of rest,
+In the great Lombard’s courtesy, who bears
+Upon the ladder perch’d the sacred bird.
+He shall behold thee with such kind regard,
+That ’twixt ye two, the contrary to that
+Which falls ’twixt other men, the granting shall
+Forerun the asking. With him shalt thou see
+That mortal, who was at his birth impress
+So strongly from this star, that of his deeds
+The nations shall take note. His unripe age
+Yet holds him from observance; for these wheels
+Only nine years have compass him about.
+But, ere the Gascon practice on great Harry,
+Sparkles of virtue shall shoot forth in him,
+In equal scorn of labours and of gold.
+His bounty shall be spread abroad so widely,
+As not to let the tongues e’en of his foes
+Be idle in its praise. Look thou to him
+And his beneficence: for he shall cause
+Reversal of their lot to many people,
+Rich men and beggars interchanging fortunes.
+And thou shalt bear this written in thy soul
+Of him, but tell it not;” and things he told
+Incredible to those who witness them;
+Then added: “So interpret thou, my son,
+What hath been told thee.—Lo! the ambushment
+That a few circling seasons hide for thee!
+Yet envy not thy neighbours: time extends
+Thy span beyond their treason’s chastisement.”
+
+Soon, as the saintly spirit, by his silence,
+Had shown the web, which I had streteh’d for him
+Upon the warp, was woven, I began,
+As one, who in perplexity desires
+Counsel of other, wise, benign and friendly:
+“My father! well I mark how time spurs on
+Toward me, ready to inflict the blow,
+Which falls most heavily on him, who most
+Abandoned himself. Therefore ’t is good
+I should forecast, that driven from the place
+Most dear to me, I may not lose myself
+All others by my song. Down through the world
+Of infinite mourning, and along the mount
+From whose fair height my lady’s eyes did lift me,
+And after through this heav’n from light to light,
+Have I learnt that, which if I tell again,
+It may with many woefully disrelish;
+And, if I am a timid friend to truth,
+I fear my life may perish among those,
+To whom these days shall be of ancient date.”
+
+The brightness, where enclos’d the treasure smil’d,
+Which I had found there, first shone glisteningly,
+Like to a golden mirror in the sun;
+Next answer’d: “Conscience, dimm’d or by its own
+Or other’s shame, will feel thy saying sharp.
+Thou, notwithstanding, all deceit remov’d,
+See the whole vision be made manifest.
+And let them wince who have their withers wrung.
+What though, when tasted first, thy voice shall prove
+Unwelcome, on digestion it will turn
+To vital nourishment. The cry thou raisest,
+Shall, as the wind doth, smite the proudest summits;
+Which is of honour no light argument,
+For this there only have been shown to thee,
+Throughout these orbs, the mountain, and the deep,
+Spirits, whom fame hath note of. For the mind
+Of him, who hears, is loth to acquiesce
+And fix its faith, unless the instance brought
+Be palpable, and proof apparent urge.”
+
+
+
+
+CANTO XVIII
+
+
+Now in his word, sole, ruminating, joy’d
+That blessed spirit; and I fed on mine,
+Tempting the sweet with bitter: she meanwhile,
+Who led me unto God, admonish’d: “Muse
+On other thoughts: bethink thee, that near Him
+I dwell, who recompenseth every wrong.”
+
+At the sweet sounds of comfort straight I turn’d;
+And, in the saintly eyes what love was seen,
+I leave in silence here: nor through distrust
+Of my words only, but that to such bliss
+The mind remounts not without aid. Thus much
+Yet may I speak; that, as I gaz’d on her,
+Affection found no room for other wish.
+While the everlasting pleasure, that did full
+On Beatrice shine, with second view
+From her fair countenance my gladden’d soul
+Contented; vanquishing me with a beam
+Of her soft smile, she spake: “Turn thee, and list.
+These eyes are not thy only Paradise.”
+
+As here we sometimes in the looks may see
+Th’ affection mark’d, when that its sway hath ta’en
+The spirit wholly; thus the hallow’d light,
+To whom I turn’d, flashing, bewray’d its will
+To talk yet further with me, and began:
+“On this fifth lodgment of the tree, whose life
+Is from its top, whose fruit is ever fair
+And leaf unwith’ring, blessed spirits abide,
+That were below, ere they arriv’d in heav’n,
+So mighty in renown, as every muse
+Might grace her triumph with them. On the horns
+Look therefore of the cross: he, whom I name,
+Shall there enact, as doth in summer cloud
+Its nimble fire.” Along the cross I saw,
+At the repeated name of Joshua,
+A splendour gliding; nor, the word was said,
+Ere it was done: then, at the naming saw
+Of the great Maccabee, another move
+With whirling speed; and gladness was the scourge
+Unto that top. The next for Charlemagne
+And for the peer Orlando, two my gaze
+Pursued, intently, as the eye pursues
+A falcon flying. Last, along the cross,
+William, and Renard, and Duke Godfrey drew
+My ken, and Robert Guiscard. And the soul,
+Who spake with me among the other lights
+Did move away, and mix; and with the choir
+Of heav’nly songsters prov’d his tuneful skill.
+
+To Beatrice on my right l bent,
+Looking for intimation or by word
+Or act, what next behoov’d: and did descry
+Such mere effulgence in her eyes, such joy,
+It past all former wont. And, as by sense
+Of new delight, the man, who perseveres
+In good deeds doth perceive from day to day
+His virtue growing; I e’en thus perceiv’d
+Of my ascent, together with the heav’n
+The circuit widen’d, noting the increase
+Of beauty in that wonder. Like the change
+In a brief moment on some maiden’s cheek,
+Which from its fairness doth discharge the weight
+Of pudency, that stain’d it; such in her,
+And to mine eyes so sudden was the change,
+Through silvery whiteness of that temperate star,
+Whose sixth orb now enfolded us. I saw,
+Within that Jovial cresset, the clear sparks
+Of love, that reign’d there, fashion to my view
+Our language. And as birds, from river banks
+Arisen, now in round, now lengthen’d troop,
+Array them in their flight, greeting, as seems,
+Their new-found pastures; so, within the lights,
+The saintly creatures flying, sang, and made
+Now D. now I. now L. figur’d I’ th’ air.
+
+First, singing, to their notes they mov’d, then one
+Becoming of these signs, a little while
+Did rest them, and were mute. O nymph divine
+Of Pegasean race! whose souls, which thou
+Inspir’st, mak’st glorious and long-liv’d, as they
+Cities and realms by thee! thou with thyself
+Inform me; that I may set forth the shapes,
+As fancy doth present them. Be thy power
+Display’d in this brief song. The characters,
+Vocal and consonant, were five-fold seven.
+In order each, as they appear’d, I mark’d.
+Diligite Justitiam, the first,
+Both verb and noun all blazon’d; and the extreme
+Qui judicatis terram. In the M.
+Of the fifth word they held their station,
+Making the star seem silver streak’d with gold.
+And on the summit of the M. I saw
+Descending other lights, that rested there,
+Singing, methinks, their bliss and primal good.
+Then, as at shaking of a lighted brand,
+Sparkles innumerable on all sides
+Rise scatter’d, source of augury to th’ unwise;
+Thus more than thousand twinkling lustres hence
+Seem’d reascending, and a higher pitch
+Some mounting, and some less; e’en as the sun,
+Which kindleth them, decreed. And when each one
+Had settled in his place, the head and neck
+Then saw I of an eagle, lively
+Grav’d in that streaky fire. Who painteth there,
+Hath none to guide him; of himself he guides;
+And every line and texture of the nest
+Doth own from him the virtue, fashions it.
+The other bright beatitude, that seem’d
+Erewhile, with lilied crowning, well content
+To over-canopy the M. mov’d forth,
+Following gently the impress of the bird.
+
+Sweet star! what glorious and thick-studded gems
+Declar’d to me our justice on the earth
+To be the effluence of that heav’n, which thou,
+Thyself a costly jewel, dost inlay!
+Therefore I pray the Sovran Mind, from whom
+Thy motion and thy virtue are begun,
+That he would look from whence the fog doth rise,
+To vitiate thy beam: so that once more
+He may put forth his hand ’gainst such, as drive
+Their traffic in that sanctuary, whose walls
+With miracles and martyrdoms were built.
+
+Ye host of heaven! whose glory I survey l
+O beg ye grace for those, that are on earth
+All after ill example gone astray.
+War once had for its instrument the sword:
+But now ’t is made, taking the bread away
+Which the good Father locks from none. —And thou,
+That writes but to cancel, think, that they,
+Who for the vineyard, which thou wastest, died,
+Peter and Paul live yet, and mark thy doings.
+Thou hast good cause to cry, “My heart so cleaves
+To him, that liv’d in solitude remote,
+And from the wilds was dragg’d to martyrdom,
+I wist not of the fisherman nor Paul.”
+
+
+
+
+CANTO XIX
+
+
+Before my sight appear’d, with open wings,
+The beauteous image, in fruition sweet
+Gladdening the thronged spirits. Each did seem
+A little ruby, whereon so intense
+The sun-beam glow’d that to mine eyes it came
+In clear refraction. And that, which next
+Befalls me to portray, voice hath not utter’d,
+Nor hath ink written, nor in fantasy
+Was e’er conceiv’d. For I beheld and heard
+The beak discourse; and, what intention form’d
+Of many, singly as of one express,
+Beginning: “For that I was just and piteous,
+l am exalted to this height of glory,
+The which no wish exceeds: and there on earth
+Have I my memory left, e’en by the bad
+Commended, while they leave its course untrod.”
+
+Thus is one heat from many embers felt,
+As in that image many were the loves,
+And one the voice, that issued from them all.
+Whence I address them: “O perennial flowers
+Of gladness everlasting! that exhale
+In single breath your odours manifold!
+Breathe now; and let the hunger be appeas’d,
+That with great craving long hath held my soul,
+Finding no food on earth. This well I know,
+That if there be in heav’n a realm, that shows
+In faithful mirror the celestial Justice,
+Yours without veil reflects it. Ye discern
+The heed, wherewith I do prepare myself
+To hearken; ye the doubt that urges me
+With such inveterate craving.” Straight I saw,
+Like to a falcon issuing from the hood,
+That rears his head, and claps him with his wings,
+His beauty and his eagerness bewraying.
+So saw I move that stately sign, with praise
+Of grace divine inwoven and high song
+Of inexpressive joy. “He,” it began,
+“Who turn’d his compass on the world’s extreme,
+And in that space so variously hath wrought,
+Both openly, and in secret, in such wise
+Could not through all the universe display
+Impression of his glory, that the Word
+Of his omniscience should not still remain
+In infinite excess. In proof whereof,
+He first through pride supplanted, who was sum
+Of each created being, waited not
+For light celestial, and abortive fell.
+Whence needs each lesser nature is but scant
+Receptacle unto that Good, which knows
+No limit, measur’d by itself alone.
+Therefore your sight, of th’ omnipresent Mind
+A single beam, its origin must own
+Surpassing far its utmost potency.
+The ken, your world is gifted with, descends
+In th’ everlasting Justice as low down,
+As eye doth in the sea; which though it mark
+The bottom from the shore, in the wide main
+Discerns it not; and ne’ertheless it is,
+But hidden through its deepness. Light is none,
+Save that which cometh from the pure serene
+Of ne’er disturbed ether: for the rest,
+’Tis darkness all, or shadow of the flesh,
+Or else its poison. Here confess reveal’d
+That covert, which hath hidden from thy search
+The living justice, of the which thou mad’st
+Such frequent question; for thou saidst—‘A man
+Is born on Indus’ banks, and none is there
+Who speaks of Christ, nor who doth read nor write,
+And all his inclinations and his acts,
+As far as human reason sees, are good,
+And he offendeth not in word or deed.
+But unbaptiz’d he dies, and void of faith.
+Where is the justice that condemns him? where
+His blame, if he believeth not?’—What then,
+And who art thou, that on the stool wouldst sit
+To judge at distance of a thousand miles
+With the short-sighted vision of a span?
+To him, who subtilizes thus with me,
+There would assuredly be room for doubt
+Even to wonder, did not the safe word
+Of scripture hold supreme authority.
+
+“O animals of clay! O spirits gross I
+The primal will, that in itself is good,
+Hath from itself, the chief Good, ne’er been mov’d.
+Justice consists in consonance with it,
+Derivable by no created good,
+Whose very cause depends upon its beam.”
+
+As on her nest the stork, that turns about
+Unto her young, whom lately she hath fed,
+While they with upward eyes do look on her;
+So lifted I my gaze; and bending so
+The ever-blessed image wav’d its wings,
+Lab’ring with such deep counsel. Wheeling round
+It warbled, and did say: “As are my notes
+To thee, who understand’st them not, such is
+Th’ eternal judgment unto mortal ken.”
+
+Then still abiding in that ensign rang’d,
+Wherewith the Romans over-awed the world,
+Those burning splendours of the Holy Spirit
+Took up the strain; and thus it spake again:
+“None ever hath ascended to this realm,
+Who hath not a believer been in Christ,
+Either before or after the blest limbs
+Were nail’d upon the wood. But lo! of those
+Who call ‘Christ, Christ,’ there shall be many found,
+In judgment, further off from him by far,
+Than such, to whom his name was never known.
+Christians like these the Ethiop shall condemn:
+When that the two assemblages shall part;
+One rich eternally, the other poor.
+
+“What may the Persians say unto your kings,
+When they shall see that volume, in the which
+All their dispraise is written, spread to view?
+There amidst Albert’s works shall that be read,
+Which will give speedy motion to the pen,
+When Prague shall mourn her desolated realm.
+There shall be read the woe, that he doth work
+With his adulterate money on the Seine,
+Who by the tusk will perish: there be read
+The thirsting pride, that maketh fool alike
+The English and Scot, impatient of their bound.
+There shall be seen the Spaniard’s luxury,
+The delicate living there of the Bohemian,
+Who still to worth has been a willing stranger.
+The halter of Jerusalem shall see
+A unit for his virtue, for his vices
+No less a mark than million. He, who guards
+The isle of fire by old Anchises honour’d
+Shall find his avarice there and cowardice;
+And better to denote his littleness,
+The writing must be letters maim’d, that speak
+Much in a narrow space. All there shall know
+His uncle and his brother’s filthy doings,
+Who so renown’d a nation and two crowns
+Have bastardized. And they, of Portugal
+And Norway, there shall be expos’d with him
+Of Ratza, who hath counterfeited ill
+The coin of Venice. O blest Hungary!
+If thou no longer patiently abid’st
+Thy ill-entreating! and, O blest Navarre!
+If with thy mountainous girdle thou wouldst arm thee
+In earnest of that day, e’en now are heard
+Wailings and groans in Famagosta’s streets
+And Nicosia’s, grudging at their beast,
+Who keepeth even footing with the rest.”
+
+
+
+
+CANTO XX
+
+
+When, disappearing, from our hemisphere,
+The world’s enlightener vanishes, and day
+On all sides wasteth, suddenly the sky,
+Erewhile irradiate only with his beam,
+Is yet again unfolded, putting forth
+Innumerable lights wherein one shines.
+Of such vicissitude in heaven I thought,
+As the great sign, that marshaleth the world
+And the world’s leaders, in the blessed beak
+Was silent; for that all those living lights,
+Waxing in splendour, burst forth into songs,
+Such as from memory glide and fall away.
+
+Sweet love! that dost apparel thee in smiles,
+How lustrous was thy semblance in those sparkles,
+Which merely are from holy thoughts inspir’d!
+
+After the precious and bright beaming stones,
+That did ingem the sixth light, ceas’d the chiming
+Of their angelic bells; methought I heard
+The murmuring of a river, that doth fall
+From rock to rock transpicuous, making known
+The richness of his spring-head: and as sound
+Of cistern, at the fret-board, or of pipe,
+Is, at the wind-hole, modulate and tun’d;
+Thus up the neck, as it were hollow, rose
+That murmuring of the eagle, and forthwith
+Voice there assum’d, and thence along the beak
+Issued in form of words, such as my heart
+Did look for, on whose tables I inscrib’d them.
+
+“The part in me, that sees, and bears the sun,,
+In mortal eagles,” it began, “must now
+Be noted steadfastly: for of the fires,
+That figure me, those, glittering in mine eye,
+Are chief of all the greatest. This, that shines
+Midmost for pupil, was the same, who sang
+The Holy Spirit’s song, and bare about
+The ark from town to town; now doth he know
+The merit of his soul-impassion’d strains
+By their well-fitted guerdon. Of the five,
+That make the circle of the vision, he
+Who to the beak is nearest, comforted
+The widow for her son: now doth he know
+How dear he costeth not to follow Christ,
+Both from experience of this pleasant life,
+And of its opposite. He next, who follows
+In the circumference, for the over arch,
+By true repenting slack’d the pace of death:
+Now knoweth he, that the degrees of heav’n
+Alter not, when through pious prayer below
+Today’s is made tomorrow’s destiny.
+The other following, with the laws and me,
+To yield the shepherd room, pass’d o’er to Greece,
+From good intent producing evil fruit:
+Now knoweth he, how all the ill, deriv’d
+From his well doing, doth not helm him aught,
+Though it have brought destruction on the world.
+That, which thou seest in the under bow,
+Was William, whom that land bewails, which weeps
+For Charles and Frederick living: now he knows
+How well is lov’d in heav’n the righteous king,
+Which he betokens by his radiant seeming.
+Who in the erring world beneath would deem,
+That Trojan Ripheus in this round was set
+Fifth of the saintly splendours? now he knows
+Enough of that, which the world cannot see,
+The grace divine, albeit e’en his sight
+Reach not its utmost depth.” Like to the lark,
+That warbling in the air expatiates long,
+Then, trilling out his last sweet melody,
+Drops satiate with the sweetness; such appear’d
+That image stampt by the’ everlasting pleasure,
+Which fashions like itself all lovely things.
+
+I, though my doubting were as manifest,
+As is through glass the hue that mantles it,
+In silence waited not: for to my lips
+“What things are these?” involuntary rush’d,
+And forc’d a passage out: whereat I mark’d
+A sudden lightening and new revelry.
+The eye was kindled: and the blessed sign
+No more to keep me wond’ring and suspense,
+Replied: “I see that thou believ’st these things,
+Because I tell them, but discern’st not how;
+So that thy knowledge waits not on thy faith:
+As one who knows the name of thing by rote,
+But is a stranger to its properties,
+Till other’s tongue reveal them. Fervent love
+And lively hope with violence assail
+The kingdom of the heavens, and overcome
+The will of the Most high; not in such sort
+As man prevails o’er man; but conquers it,
+Because ’t is willing to be conquer’d, still,
+Though conquer’d, by its mercy conquering.
+
+“Those, in the eye who live the first and fifth,
+Cause thee to marvel, in that thou behold’st
+The region of the angels deck’d with them.
+They quitted not their bodies, as thou deem’st,
+Gentiles but Christians, in firm rooted faith,
+This of the feet in future to be pierc’d,
+That of feet nail’d already to the cross.
+One from the barrier of the dark abyss,
+Where never any with good will returns,
+Came back unto his bones. Of lively hope
+Such was the meed; of lively hope, that wing’d
+The prayers sent up to God for his release,
+And put power into them to bend his will.
+The glorious Spirit, of whom I speak to thee,
+A little while returning to the flesh,
+Believ’d in him, who had the means to help,
+And, in believing, nourish’d such a flame
+Of holy love, that at the second death
+He was made sharer in our gamesome mirth.
+The other, through the riches of that grace,
+Which from so deep a fountain doth distil,
+As never eye created saw its rising,
+Plac’d all his love below on just and right:
+Wherefore of grace God op’d in him the eye
+To the redemption of mankind to come;
+Wherein believing, he endur’d no more
+The filth of paganism, and for their ways
+Rebuk’d the stubborn nations. The three nymphs,
+Whom at the right wheel thou beheldst advancing,
+Were sponsors for him more than thousand years
+Before baptizing. O how far remov’d,
+Predestination! is thy root from such
+As see not the First cause entire: and ye,
+O mortal men! be wary how ye judge:
+For we, who see our Maker, know not yet
+The number of the chosen: and esteem
+Such scantiness of knowledge our delight:
+For all our good is in that primal good
+Concentrate, and God’s will and ours are one.”
+
+So, by that form divine, was giv’n to me
+Sweet medicine to clear and strengthen sight,
+And, as one handling skillfully the harp,
+Attendant on some skilful songster’s voice
+Bids the chords vibrate, and therein the song
+Acquires more pleasure; so, the whilst it spake,
+It doth remember me, that I beheld
+The pair of blessed luminaries move.
+Like the accordant twinkling of two eyes,
+Their beamy circlets, dancing to the sounds.
+
+
+
+
+CANTO XXI
+
+
+Again mine eyes were fix’d on Beatrice,
+And with mine eyes my soul, that in her looks
+Found all contentment. Yet no smile she wore
+And, “Did I smile,” quoth she, “thou wouldst be straight
+Like Semele when into ashes turn’d:
+For, mounting these eternal palace-stairs,
+My beauty, which the loftier it climbs,
+As thou hast noted, still doth kindle more,
+So shines, that, were no temp’ring interpos’d,
+Thy mortal puissance would from its rays
+Shrink, as the leaf doth from the thunderbolt.
+Into the seventh splendour are we wafted,
+That underneath the burning lion’s breast
+Beams, in this hour, commingled with his might,
+Thy mind be with thine eyes: and in them mirror’d
+The shape, which in this mirror shall be shown.”
+Whoso can deem, how fondly I had fed
+My sight upon her blissful countenance,
+May know, when to new thoughts I chang’d, what joy
+To do the bidding of my heav’nly guide:
+In equal balance poising either weight.
+
+Within the crystal, which records the name,
+(As its remoter circle girds the world)
+Of that lov’d monarch, in whose happy reign
+No ill had power to harm, I saw rear’d up,
+In colour like to sun-illumin’d gold.
+
+A ladder, which my ken pursued in vain,
+So lofty was the summit; down whose steps
+I saw the splendours in such multitude
+Descending, ev’ry light in heav’n, methought,
+Was shed thence. As the rooks, at dawn of day
+Bestirring them to dry their feathers chill,
+Some speed their way a-field, and homeward some,
+Returning, cross their flight, while some abide
+And wheel around their airy lodge; so seem’d
+That glitterance, wafted on alternate wing,
+As upon certain stair it met, and clash’d
+Its shining. And one ling’ring near us, wax’d
+So bright, that in my thought: said: “The love,
+Which this betokens me, admits no doubt.”
+
+Unwillingly from question I refrain,
+To her, by whom my silence and my speech
+Are order’d, looking for a sign: whence she,
+Who in the sight of Him, that seeth all,
+Saw wherefore I was silent, prompted me
+T’ indulge the fervent wish; and I began:
+“I am not worthy, of my own desert,
+That thou shouldst answer me; but for her sake,
+Who hath vouchsaf’d my asking, spirit blest!
+That in thy joy art shrouded! say the cause,
+Which bringeth thee so near: and wherefore, say,
+Doth the sweet symphony of Paradise
+Keep silence here, pervading with such sounds
+Of rapt devotion ev’ry lower sphere?”
+“Mortal art thou in hearing as in sight;”
+Was the reply: “and what forbade the smile
+Of Beatrice interrupts our song.
+Only to yield thee gladness of my voice,
+And of the light that vests me, I thus far
+Descend these hallow’d steps: not that more love
+Invites me; for lo! there aloft, as much
+Or more of love is witness’d in those flames:
+But such my lot by charity assign’d,
+That makes us ready servants, as thou seest,
+To execute the counsel of the Highest.
+“That in this court,” said I, “O sacred lamp!
+Love no compulsion needs, but follows free
+Th’ eternal Providence, I well discern:
+This harder find to deem, why of thy peers
+Thou only to this office wert foredoom’d.”
+I had not ended, when, like rapid mill,
+Upon its centre whirl’d the light; and then
+The love, that did inhabit there, replied:
+“Splendour eternal, piercing through these folds,
+Its virtue to my vision knits, and thus
+Supported, lifts me so above myself,
+That on the sov’ran essence, which it wells from,
+I have the power to gaze: and hence the joy,
+Wherewith I sparkle, equaling with my blaze
+The keenness of my sight. But not the soul,
+That is in heav’n most lustrous, nor the seraph
+That hath his eyes most fix’d on God, shall solve
+What thou hast ask’d: for in th’ abyss it lies
+Of th’ everlasting statute sunk so low,
+That no created ken may fathom it.
+And, to the mortal world when thou return’st,
+Be this reported; that none henceforth dare
+Direct his footsteps to so dread a bourn.
+The mind, that here is radiant, on the earth
+Is wrapt in mist. Look then if she may do,
+Below, what passeth her ability,
+When she is ta’en to heav’n.” By words like these
+Admonish’d, I the question urg’d no more;
+And of the spirit humbly sued alone
+T’ instruct me of its state. “’Twixt either shore
+Of Italy, nor distant from thy land,
+A stony ridge ariseth, in such sort,
+The thunder doth not lift his voice so high,
+They call it Catria: at whose foot a cell
+Is sacred to the lonely Eremite,
+For worship set apart and holy rites.”
+A third time thus it spake; then added: “There
+So firmly to God’s service I adher’d,
+That with no costlier viands than the juice
+Of olives, easily I pass’d the heats
+Of summer and the winter frosts, content
+In heav’n-ward musings. Rich were the returns
+And fertile, which that cloister once was us’d
+To render to these heavens: now ’t is fall’n
+Into a waste so empty, that ere long
+Detection must lay bare its vanity
+Pietro Damiano there was I yclept:
+Pietro the sinner, when before I dwelt
+Beside the Adriatic, in the house
+Of our blest Lady. Near upon my close
+Of mortal life, through much importuning
+I was constrain’d to wear the hat that still
+From bad to worse it shifted.—Cephas came;
+He came, who was the Holy Spirit’s vessel,
+Barefoot and lean, eating their bread, as chanc’d,
+At the first table. Modern Shepherd’s need
+Those who on either hand may prop and lead them,
+So burly are they grown: and from behind
+Others to hoist them. Down the palfrey’s sides
+Spread their broad mantles, so as both the beasts
+Are cover’d with one skin. O patience! thou
+That lookst on this and doth endure so long.”
+I at those accents saw the splendours down
+From step to step alight, and wheel, and wax,
+Each circuiting, more beautiful. Round this
+They came, and stay’d them; uttered them a shout
+So loud, it hath no likeness here: nor I
+Wist what it spake, so deaf’ning was the thunder.”
+
+
+
+
+CANTO XXII
+
+
+Astounded, to the guardian of my steps
+I turn’d me, like the chill, who always runs
+Thither for succour, where he trusteth most,
+And she was like the mother, who her son
+Beholding pale and breathless, with her voice
+Soothes him, and he is cheer’d; for thus she spake,
+Soothing me: “Know’st not thou, thou art in heav’n?
+And know’st not thou, whatever is in heav’n,
+Is holy, and that nothing there is done
+But is done zealously and well? Deem now,
+What change in thee the song, and what my smile
+had wrought, since thus the shout had pow’r to move thee.
+In which couldst thou have understood their prayers,
+The vengeance were already known to thee,
+Which thou must witness ere thy mortal hour,
+The sword of heav’n is not in haste to smite,
+Nor yet doth linger, save unto his seeming,
+Who in desire or fear doth look for it.
+But elsewhere now l bid thee turn thy view;
+So shalt thou many a famous spirit behold.”
+Mine eyes directing, as she will’d, I saw
+A hundred little spheres, that fairer grew
+By interchange of splendour. I remain’d,
+As one, who fearful of o’er-much presuming,
+Abates in him the keenness of desire,
+Nor dares to question, when amid those pearls,
+One largest and most lustrous onward drew,
+That it might yield contentment to my wish;
+And from within it these the sounds I heard.
+
+“If thou, like me, beheldst the charity
+That burns amongst us, what thy mind conceives,
+Were utter’d. But that, ere the lofty bound
+Thou reach, expectance may not weary thee,
+I will make answer even to the thought,
+Which thou hast such respect of. In old days,
+That mountain, at whose side Cassino rests,
+Was on its height frequented by a race
+Deceived and ill dispos’d: and I it was,
+Who thither carried first the name of Him,
+Who brought the soul-subliming truth to man.
+And such a speeding grace shone over me,
+That from their impious worship I reclaim’d
+The dwellers round about, who with the world
+Were in delusion lost. These other flames,
+The spirits of men contemplative, were all
+Enliven’d by that warmth, whose kindly force
+Gives birth to flowers and fruits of holiness.
+Here is Macarius; Romoaldo here:
+And here my brethren, who their steps refrain’d
+Within the cloisters, and held firm their heart.”
+
+I answ’ring, thus; “Thy gentle words and kind,
+And this the cheerful semblance, I behold
+Not unobservant, beaming in ye all,
+Have rais’d assurance in me, wakening it
+Full-blossom’d in my bosom, as a rose
+Before the sun, when the consummate flower
+Has spread to utmost amplitude. Of thee
+Therefore entreat I, father! to declare
+If I may gain such favour, as to gaze
+Upon thine image, by no covering veil’d.”
+
+“Brother!” he thus rejoin’d, “in the last sphere
+Expect completion of thy lofty aim,
+For there on each desire completion waits,
+And there on mine: where every aim is found
+Perfect, entire, and for fulfillment ripe.
+There all things are as they have ever been:
+For space is none to bound, nor pole divides,
+Our ladder reaches even to that clime,
+And so at giddy distance mocks thy view.
+Thither the Patriarch Jacob saw it stretch
+Its topmost round, when it appear’d to him
+With angels laden. But to mount it now
+None lifts his foot from earth: and hence my rule
+Is left a profitless stain upon the leaves;
+The walls, for abbey rear’d, turned into dens,
+The cowls to sacks choak’d up with musty meal.
+Foul usury doth not more lift itself
+Against God’s pleasure, than that fruit which makes
+The hearts of monks so wanton: for whate’er
+Is in the church’s keeping, all pertains.
+To such, as sue for heav’n’s sweet sake, and not
+To those who in respect of kindred claim,
+Or on more vile allowance. Mortal flesh
+Is grown so dainty, good beginnings last not
+From the oak’s birth, unto the acorn’s setting.
+His convent Peter founded without gold
+Or silver; I with pray’rs and fasting mine;
+And Francis his in meek humility.
+And if thou note the point, whence each proceeds,
+Then look what it hath err’d to, thou shalt find
+The white grown murky. Jordan was turn’d back;
+And a less wonder, then the refluent sea,
+May at God’s pleasure work amendment here.”
+
+So saying, to his assembly back he drew:
+And they together cluster’d into one,
+Then all roll’d upward like an eddying wind.
+
+The sweet dame beckon’d me to follow them:
+And, by that influence only, so prevail’d
+Over my nature, that no natural motion,
+Ascending or descending here below,
+Had, as I mounted, with my pennon vied.
+
+So, reader, as my hope is to return
+Unto the holy triumph, for the which
+I ofttimes wail my sins, and smite my breast,
+Thou hadst been longer drawing out and thrusting
+Thy finger in the fire, than I was, ere
+The sign, that followeth Taurus, I beheld,
+And enter’d its precinct. O glorious stars!
+O light impregnate with exceeding virtue!
+To whom whate’er of genius lifteth me
+Above the vulgar, grateful I refer;
+With ye the parent of all mortal life
+Arose and set, when I did first inhale
+The Tuscan air; and afterward, when grace
+Vouchsaf’d me entrance to the lofty wheel
+That in its orb impels ye, fate decreed
+My passage at your clime. To you my soul
+Devoutly sighs, for virtue even now
+To meet the hard emprize that draws me on.
+
+“Thou art so near the sum of blessedness,”
+Said Beatrice, “that behooves thy ken
+Be vigilant and clear. And, to this end,
+Or even thou advance thee further, hence
+Look downward, and contemplate, what a world
+Already stretched under our feet there lies:
+So as thy heart may, in its blithest mood,
+Present itself to the triumphal throng,
+Which through the’ etherial concave comes rejoicing.”
+
+I straight obey’d; and with mine eye return’d
+Through all the seven spheres, and saw this globe
+So pitiful of semblance, that perforce
+It moved my smiles: and him in truth I hold
+For wisest, who esteems it least: whose thoughts
+Elsewhere are fix’d, him worthiest call and best.
+I saw the daughter of Latona shine
+Without the shadow, whereof late I deem’d
+That dense and rare were cause. Here I sustain’d
+The visage, Hyperion! of thy sun;
+And mark’d, how near him with their circle, round
+Move Maia and Dione; here discern’d
+Jove’s tempering ’twixt his sire and son; and hence
+Their changes and their various aspects
+Distinctly scann’d. Nor might I not descry
+Of all the seven, how bulky each, how swift;
+Nor of their several distances not learn.
+This petty area (o’er the which we stride
+So fiercely), as along the eternal twins
+I wound my way, appear’d before me all,
+Forth from the havens stretch’d unto the hills.
+Then to the beauteous eyes mine eyes return’d.
+
+
+
+
+CANTO XXIII
+
+
+E’en as the bird, who midst the leafy bower
+Has, in her nest, sat darkling through the night,
+With her sweet brood, impatient to descry
+Their wished looks, and to bring home their food,
+In the fond quest unconscious of her toil:
+She, of the time prevenient, on the spray,
+That overhangs their couch, with wakeful gaze
+Expects the sun; nor ever, till the dawn,
+Removeth from the east her eager ken;
+So stood the dame erect, and bent her glance
+Wistfully on that region, where the sun
+Abateth most his speed; that, seeing her
+Suspense and wand’ring, I became as one,
+In whom desire is waken’d, and the hope
+Of somewhat new to come fills with delight.
+
+Short space ensued; I was not held, I say,
+Long in expectance, when I saw the heav’n
+Wax more and more resplendent; and, “Behold,”
+Cried Beatrice, “the triumphal hosts
+Of Christ, and all the harvest reap’d at length
+Of thy ascending up these spheres.” Meseem’d,
+That, while she spake her image all did burn,
+And in her eyes such fullness was of joy,
+And I am fain to pass unconstrued by.
+
+As in the calm full moon, when Trivia smiles,
+In peerless beauty, ’mid th’ eternal nympus,
+That paint through all its gulfs the blue profound
+In bright pre-eminence so saw I there,
+O’er million lamps a sun, from whom all drew
+Their radiance as from ours the starry train:
+And through the living light so lustrous glow’d
+The substance, that my ken endur’d it not.
+
+O Beatrice! sweet and precious guide!
+Who cheer’d me with her comfortable words!
+“Against the virtue, that o’erpow’reth thee,
+Avails not to resist. Here is the might,
+And here the wisdom, which did open lay
+The path, that had been yearned for so long,
+Betwixt the heav’n and earth.” Like to the fire,
+That, in a cloud imprison’d doth break out
+Expansive, so that from its womb enlarg’d,
+It falleth against nature to the ground;
+Thus in that heav’nly banqueting my soul
+Outgrew herself; and, in the transport lost.
+Holds now remembrance none of what she was.
+
+“Ope thou thine eyes, and mark me: thou hast seen
+Things, that empower thee to sustain my smile.”
+
+I was as one, when a forgotten dream
+Doth come across him, and he strives in vain
+To shape it in his fantasy again,
+Whenas that gracious boon was proffer’d me,
+Which never may be cancel’d from the book,
+Wherein the past is written. Now were all
+Those tongues to sound, that have on sweetest milk
+Of Polyhymnia and her sisters fed
+And fatten’d, not with all their help to boot,
+Unto the thousandth parcel of the truth,
+My song might shadow forth that saintly smile,
+flow merely in her saintly looks it wrought.
+And with such figuring of Paradise
+The sacred strain must leap, like one, that meets
+A sudden interruption to his road.
+But he, who thinks how ponderous the theme,
+And that ’t is lain upon a mortal shoulder,
+May pardon, if it tremble with the burden.
+The track, our ventrous keel must furrow, brooks
+No unribb’d pinnace, no self-sparing pilot.
+
+“Why doth my face,” said Beatrice, “thus
+Enamour thee, as that thou dost not turn
+Unto the beautiful garden, blossoming
+Beneath the rays of Christ? Here is the rose,
+Wherein the word divine was made incarnate;
+And here the lilies, by whose odour known
+The way of life was follow’d.” Prompt I heard
+Her bidding, and encounter once again
+The strife of aching vision. As erewhile,
+Through glance of sunlight, stream’d through broken cloud,
+Mine eyes a flower-besprinkled mead have seen,
+Though veil’d themselves in shade; so saw I there
+Legions of splendours, on whom burning rays
+Shed lightnings from above, yet saw I not
+The fountain whence they flow’d. O gracious virtue!
+Thou, whose broad stamp is on them, higher up
+Thou didst exalt thy glory to give room
+To my o’erlabour’d sight: when at the name
+Of that fair flower, whom duly I invoke
+Both morn and eve, my soul, with all her might
+Collected, on the goodliest ardour fix’d.
+And, as the bright dimensions of the star
+In heav’n excelling, as once here on earth
+Were, in my eyeballs lively portray’d,
+Lo! from within the sky a cresset fell,
+Circling in fashion of a diadem,
+And girt the star, and hov’ring round it wheel’d.
+
+Whatever melody sounds sweetest here,
+And draws the spirit most unto itself,
+Might seem a rent cloud when it grates the thunder,
+Compar’d unto the sounding of that lyre,
+Wherewith the goodliest sapphire, that inlays
+The floor of heav’n, was crown’d. “Angelic Love,
+I am, who thus with hov’ring flight enwheel
+The lofty rapture from that womb inspir’d,
+Where our desire did dwell: and round thee so,
+Lady of Heav’n! will hover; long as thou
+Thy Son shalt follow, and diviner joy
+Shall from thy presence gild the highest sphere.”
+
+Such close was to the circling melody:
+And, as it ended, all the other lights
+Took up the strain, and echoed Mary’s name.
+
+The robe, that with its regal folds enwraps
+The world, and with the nearer breath of God
+Doth burn and quiver, held so far retir’d
+Its inner hem and skirting over us,
+That yet no glimmer of its majesty
+Had stream’d unto me: therefore were mine eyes
+Unequal to pursue the crowned flame,
+That rose and sought its natal seed of fire;
+And like to babe, that stretches forth its arms
+For very eagerness towards the breast,
+After the milk is taken; so outstretch’d
+Their wavy summits all the fervent band,
+Through zealous love to Mary: then in view
+There halted, and “Regina Coeli” sang
+So sweetly, the delight hath left me never.
+
+O what o’erflowing plenty is up-pil’d
+In those rich-laden coffers, which below
+Sow’d the good seed, whose harvest now they keep.
+
+Here are the treasures tasted, that with tears
+Were in the Babylonian exile won,
+When gold had fail’d them. Here in synod high
+Of ancient council with the new conven’d,
+Under the Son of Mary and of God,
+Victorious he his mighty triumph holds,
+To whom the keys of glory were assign’d.
+
+
+
+
+CANTO XXIV
+
+
+“O ye! in chosen fellowship advanc’d
+To the great supper of the blessed Lamb,
+Whereon who feeds hath every wish fulfill’d!
+If to this man through God’s grace be vouchsaf’d
+Foretaste of that, which from your table falls,
+Or ever death his fated term prescribe;
+Be ye not heedless of his urgent will;
+But may some influence of your sacred dews
+Sprinkle him. Of the fount ye alway drink,
+Whence flows what most he craves.” Beatrice spake,
+And the rejoicing spirits, like to spheres
+On firm-set poles revolving, trail’d a blaze
+Of comet splendour; and as wheels, that wind
+Their circles in the horologe, so work
+The stated rounds, that to th’ observant eye
+The first seems still, and, as it flew, the last;
+E’en thus their carols weaving variously,
+They by the measure pac’d, or swift, or slow,
+Made me to rate the riches of their joy.
+
+From that, which I did note in beauty most
+Excelling, saw I issue forth a flame
+So bright, as none was left more goodly there.
+Round Beatrice thrice it wheel’d about,
+With so divine a song, that fancy’s ear
+Records it not; and the pen passeth on
+And leaves a blank: for that our mortal speech,
+Nor e’en the inward shaping of the brain,
+Hath colours fine enough to trace such folds.
+
+“O saintly sister mine! thy prayer devout
+Is with so vehement affection urg’d,
+Thou dost unbind me from that beauteous sphere.”
+
+Such were the accents towards my lady breath’d
+From that blest ardour, soon as it was stay’d:
+To whom she thus: “O everlasting light
+Of him, within whose mighty grasp our Lord
+Did leave the keys, which of this wondrous bliss
+He bare below! tent this man, as thou wilt,
+With lighter probe or deep, touching the faith,
+By the which thou didst on the billows walk.
+If he in love, in hope, and in belief,
+Be steadfast, is not hid from thee: for thou
+Hast there thy ken, where all things are beheld
+In liveliest portraiture. But since true faith
+Has peopled this fair realm with citizens,
+Meet is, that to exalt its glory more,
+Thou in his audience shouldst thereof discourse.”
+
+Like to the bachelor, who arms himself,
+And speaks not, till the master have propos’d
+The question, to approve, and not to end it;
+So I, in silence, arm’d me, while she spake,
+Summoning up each argument to aid;
+As was behooveful for such questioner,
+And such profession: “As good Christian ought,
+Declare thee, What is faith?” Whereat I rais’d
+My forehead to the light, whence this had breath’d,
+Then turn’d to Beatrice, and in her looks
+Approval met, that from their inmost fount
+I should unlock the waters. “May the grace,
+That giveth me the captain of the church
+For confessor,” said I, “vouchsafe to me
+Apt utterance for my thoughts!” then added: “Sire!
+E’en as set down by the unerring style
+Of thy dear brother, who with thee conspir’d
+To bring Rome in unto the way of life,
+Faith of things hop’d is substance, and the proof
+Of things not seen; and herein doth consist
+Methinks its essence,”—“Rightly hast thou deem’d,”
+Was answer’d: “if thou well discern, why first
+He hath defin’d it, substance, and then proof.”
+
+“The deep things,” I replied, “which here I scan
+Distinctly, are below from mortal eye
+So hidden, they have in belief alone
+Their being, on which credence hope sublime
+Is built; and therefore substance it intends.
+And inasmuch as we must needs infer
+From such belief our reasoning, all respect
+To other view excluded, hence of proof
+Th’ intention is deriv’d.” Forthwith I heard:
+“If thus, whate’er by learning men attain,
+Were understood, the sophist would want room
+To exercise his wit.” So breath’d the flame
+Of love: then added: “Current is the coin
+Thou utter’st, both in weight and in alloy.
+But tell me, if thou hast it in thy purse.”
+
+“Even so glittering and so round,” said I,
+“I not a whit misdoubt of its assay.”
+
+Next issued from the deep imbosom’d splendour:
+“Say, whence the costly jewel, on the which
+Is founded every virtue, came to thee.”
+“The flood,” I answer’d, “from the Spirit of God
+Rain’d down upon the ancient bond and new,—
+Here is the reas’ning, that convinceth me
+So feelingly, each argument beside
+Seems blunt and forceless in comparison.”
+Then heard I: “Wherefore holdest thou that each,
+The elder proposition and the new,
+Which so persuade thee, are the voice of heav’n?”
+
+“The works, that follow’d, evidence their truth;”
+I answer’d: “Nature did not make for these
+The iron hot, or on her anvil mould them.”
+“Who voucheth to thee of the works themselves,”
+Was the reply, “that they in very deed
+Are that they purport? None hath sworn so to thee.”
+
+“That all the world,” said I, “should have been turn’d
+To Christian, and no miracle been wrought,
+Would in itself be such a miracle,
+The rest were not an hundredth part so great.
+E’en thou wentst forth in poverty and hunger
+To set the goodly plant, that from the vine,
+It once was, now is grown unsightly bramble.”
+That ended, through the high celestial court
+Resounded all the spheres. “Praise we one God!”
+In song of most unearthly melody.
+And when that Worthy thus, from branch to branch,
+Examining, had led me, that we now
+Approach’d the topmost bough, he straight resum’d;
+“The grace, that holds sweet dalliance with thy soul,
+So far discreetly hath thy lips unclos’d
+That, whatsoe’er has past them, I commend.
+Behooves thee to express, what thou believ’st,
+The next, and whereon thy belief hath grown.”
+
+“O saintly sire and spirit!” I began,
+“Who seest that, which thou didst so believe,
+As to outstrip feet younger than thine own,
+Toward the sepulchre? thy will is here,
+That I the tenour of my creed unfold;
+And thou the cause of it hast likewise ask’d.
+And I reply: I in one God believe,
+One sole eternal Godhead, of whose love
+All heav’n is mov’d, himself unmov’d the while.
+Nor demonstration physical alone,
+Or more intelligential and abstruse,
+Persuades me to this faith; but from that truth
+It cometh to me rather, which is shed
+Through Moses, the rapt Prophets, and the Psalms.
+The Gospel, and that ye yourselves did write,
+When ye were gifted of the Holy Ghost.
+In three eternal Persons I believe,
+Essence threefold and one, mysterious league
+Of union absolute, which, many a time,
+The word of gospel lore upon my mind
+Imprints: and from this germ, this firstling spark,
+The lively flame dilates, and like heav’n’s star
+Doth glitter in me.” As the master hears,
+Well pleas’d, and then enfoldeth in his arms
+The servant, who hath joyful tidings brought,
+And having told the errand keeps his peace;
+Thus benediction uttering with song
+Soon as my peace I held, compass’d me thrice
+The apostolic radiance, whose behest
+Had op’d lips; so well their answer pleas’d.
+
+
+
+
+CANTO XXV
+
+
+If e’er the sacred poem that hath made
+Both heav’n and earth copartners in its toil,
+And with lean abstinence, through many a year,
+Faded my brow, be destin’d to prevail
+Over the cruelty, which bars me forth
+Of the fair sheep-fold, where a sleeping lamb
+The wolves set on and fain had worried me,
+With other voice and fleece of other grain
+I shall forthwith return, and, standing up
+At my baptismal font, shall claim the wreath
+Due to the poet’s temples: for I there
+First enter’d on the faith which maketh souls
+Acceptable to God: and, for its sake,
+Peter had then circled my forehead thus.
+
+Next from the squadron, whence had issued forth
+The first fruit of Christ’s vicars on the earth,
+Toward us mov’d a light, at view whereof
+My Lady, full of gladness, spake to me:
+“Lo! lo! behold the peer of mickle might,
+That makes Falicia throng’d with visitants!”
+
+As when the ring-dove by his mate alights,
+In circles each about the other wheels,
+And murmuring cooes his fondness; thus saw I
+One, of the other great and glorious prince,
+With kindly greeting hail’d, extolling both
+Their heavenly banqueting; but when an end
+Was to their gratulation, silent, each,
+Before me sat they down, so burning bright,
+I could not look upon them. Smiling then,
+Beatrice spake: “O life in glory shrin’d!”
+Who didst the largess of our kingly court
+Set down with faithful pen! let now thy voice
+Of hope the praises in this height resound.
+For thou, who figur’st them in shapes, as clear,
+As Jesus stood before thee, well can’st speak them.”
+
+“Lift up thy head, and be thou strong in trust:
+For that, which hither from the mortal world
+Arriveth, must be ripen’d in our beam.”
+
+Such cheering accents from the second flame
+Assur’d me; and mine eyes I lifted up
+Unto the mountains that had bow’d them late
+With over-heavy burden. “Sith our Liege
+Wills of his grace that thou, or ere thy death,
+In the most secret council, with his lords
+Shouldst be confronted, so that having view’d
+The glories of our court, thou mayst therewith
+Thyself, and all who hear, invigorate
+With hope, that leads to blissful end; declare,
+What is that hope, how it doth flourish in thee,
+And whence thou hadst it?” Thus proceeding still,
+The second light: and she, whose gentle love
+My soaring pennons in that lofty flight
+Escorted, thus preventing me, rejoin’d:
+Among her sons, not one more full of hope,
+Hath the church militant: so ’t is of him
+Recorded in the sun, whose liberal orb
+Enlighteneth all our tribe: and ere his term
+Of warfare, hence permitted he is come,
+From Egypt to Jerusalem, to see.
+The other points, both which thou hast inquir’d,
+Not for more knowledge, but that he may tell
+How dear thou holdst the virtue, these to him
+Leave I; for he may answer thee with ease,
+And without boasting, so God give him grace.”
+Like to the scholar, practis’d in his task,
+Who, willing to give proof of diligence,
+Seconds his teacher gladly, “Hope,” said I,
+“Is of the joy to come a sure expectance,
+Th’ effect of grace divine and merit preceding.
+This light from many a star visits my heart,
+But flow’d to me the first from him, who sang
+The songs of the Supreme, himself supreme
+Among his tuneful brethren. ‘Let all hope
+In thee,’ so speak his anthem, ‘who have known
+Thy name;’ and with my faith who know not that?
+From thee, the next, distilling from his spring,
+In thine epistle, fell on me the drops
+So plenteously, that I on others shower
+The influence of their dew.” Whileas I spake,
+A lamping, as of quick and vollied lightning,
+Within the bosom of that mighty sheen,
+Play’d tremulous; then forth these accents breath’d:
+“Love for the virtue which attended me
+E’en to the palm, and issuing from the field,
+Glows vigorous yet within me, and inspires
+To ask of thee, whom also it delights;
+What promise thou from hope in chief dost win.”
+
+“Both scriptures, new and ancient,” I reply’d;
+“Propose the mark (which even now I view)
+For souls belov’d of God. Isaias saith,
+
+‘That, in their own land, each one must be clad
+In twofold vesture; and their proper lands this delicious life.’
+In terms more full,
+And clearer far, thy brother hath set forth
+This revelation to us, where he tells
+Of the white raiment destin’d to the saints.”
+And, as the words were ending, from above,
+“They hope in thee,” first heard we cried: whereto
+Answer’d the carols all. Amidst them next,
+A light of so clear amplitude emerg’d,
+That winter’s month were but a single day,
+Were such a crystal in the Cancer’s sign.
+
+Like as a virgin riseth up, and goes,
+And enters on the mazes of the dance,
+Though gay, yet innocent of worse intent,
+Than to do fitting honour to the bride;
+So I beheld the new effulgence come
+Unto the other two, who in a ring
+Wheel’d, as became their rapture. In the dance
+And in the song it mingled. And the dame
+Held on them fix’d her looks: e’en as the spouse
+Silent and moveless. “This is he, who lay
+Upon the bosom of our pelican:
+This he, into whose keeping from the cross
+The mighty charge was given.” Thus she spake,
+Yet therefore naught the more remov’d her Sight
+From marking them, or ere her words began,
+Or when they clos’d. As he, who looks intent,
+And strives with searching ken, how he may see
+The sun in his eclipse, and, through desire
+Of seeing, loseth power of sight: so I
+Peer’d on that last resplendence, while I heard:
+“Why dazzlest thou thine eyes in seeking that,
+Which here abides not? Earth my body is,
+In earth: and shall be, with the rest, so long,
+As till our number equal the decree
+Of the Most High. The two that have ascended,
+In this our blessed cloister, shine alone
+With the two garments. So report below.”
+
+As when, for ease of labour, or to shun
+Suspected peril at a whistle’s breath,
+The oars, erewhile dash’d frequent in the wave,
+All rest; the flamy circle at that voice
+So rested, and the mingling sound was still,
+Which from the trinal band soft-breathing rose.
+I turn’d, but ah! how trembled in my thought,
+When, looking at my side again to see
+Beatrice, I descried her not, although
+Not distant, on the happy coast she stood.
+
+
+
+
+CANTO XXVI
+
+
+With dazzled eyes, whilst wond’ring I remain’d,
+Forth of the beamy flame which dazzled me,
+Issued a breath, that in attention mute
+Detain’d me; and these words it spake: “’T were well,
+That, long as till thy vision, on my form
+O’erspent, regain its virtue, with discourse
+Thou compensate the brief delay. Say then,
+Beginning, to what point thy soul aspires:”
+
+“And meanwhile rest assur’d, that sight in thee
+Is but o’erpowered a space, not wholly quench’d:
+Since thy fair guide and lovely, in her look
+Hath potency, the like to that which dwelt
+In Ananias’ hand.” I answering thus:
+“Be to mine eyes the remedy or late
+Or early, at her pleasure; for they were
+The gates, at which she enter’d, and did light
+Her never dying fire. My wishes here
+Are centered; in this palace is the weal,
+That Alpha and Omega, is to all
+The lessons love can read me.” Yet again
+The voice which had dispers’d my fear, when daz’d
+With that excess, to converse urg’d, and spake:
+“Behooves thee sift more narrowly thy terms,
+And say, who level’d at this scope thy bow.”
+
+“Philosophy,” said I, “hath arguments,
+And this place hath authority enough
+T’ imprint in me such love: for, of constraint,
+Good, inasmuch as we perceive the good,
+Kindles our love, and in degree the more,
+As it comprises more of goodness in ’t.
+The essence then, where such advantage is,
+That each good, found without it, is naught else
+But of his light the beam, must needs attract
+The soul of each one, loving, who the truth
+Discerns, on which this proof is built. Such truth
+Learn I from him, who shows me the first love
+Of all intelligential substances
+Eternal: from his voice I learn, whose word
+Is truth, that of himself to Moses saith,
+‘I will make all my good before thee pass.’
+Lastly from thee I learn, who chief proclaim’st,
+E’en at the outset of thy heralding,
+In mortal ears the mystery of heav’n.”
+
+“Through human wisdom, and th’ authority
+Therewith agreeing,” heard I answer’d, “keep
+The choicest of thy love for God. But say,
+If thou yet other cords within thee feel’st
+That draw thee towards him; so that thou report
+How many are the fangs, with which this love
+Is grappled to thy soul.” I did not miss,
+To what intent the eagle of our Lord
+Had pointed his demand; yea noted well
+Th’ avowal, which he led to; and resum’d:
+“All grappling bonds, that knit the heart to God,
+Confederate to make fast our clarity.
+The being of the world, and mine own being,
+The death which he endur’d that I should live,
+And that, which all the faithful hope, as I do,
+To the foremention’d lively knowledge join’d,
+Have from the sea of ill love sav’d my bark,
+And on the coast secur’d it of the right.
+As for the leaves, that in the garden bloom,
+My love for them is great, as is the good
+Dealt by th’ eternal hand, that tends them all.”
+
+I ended, and therewith a song most sweet
+Rang through the spheres; and “Holy, holy, holy,”
+Accordant with the rest my lady sang.
+And as a sleep is broken and dispers’d
+Through sharp encounter of the nimble light,
+With the eye’s spirit running forth to meet
+The ray, from membrane on to the membrane urg’d;
+And the upstartled wight loathes that he sees;
+So, at his sudden waking, he misdeems
+Of all around him, till assurance waits
+On better judgment: thus the saintly came
+Drove from before mine eyes the motes away,
+With the resplendence of her own, that cast
+Their brightness downward, thousand miles below.
+Whence I my vision, clearer shall before,
+Recover’d; and, well nigh astounded, ask’d
+Of a fourth light, that now with us I saw.
+
+And Beatrice: “The first diving soul,
+That ever the first virtue fram’d, admires
+Within these rays his Maker.” Like the leaf,
+That bows its lithe top till the blast is blown;
+By its own virtue rear’d then stands aloof;
+So I, the whilst she said, awe-stricken bow’d.
+Then eagerness to speak embolden’d me;
+And I began: “O fruit! that wast alone
+Mature, when first engender’d! Ancient father!
+That doubly seest in every wedded bride
+Thy daughter by affinity and blood!
+Devoutly as I may, I pray thee hold
+Converse with me: my will thou seest; and I,
+More speedily to hear thee, tell it not.”
+
+It chanceth oft some animal bewrays,
+Through the sleek cov’ring of his furry coat.
+The fondness, that stirs in him and conforms
+His outside seeming to the cheer within:
+And in like guise was Adam’s spirit mov’d
+To joyous mood, that through the covering shone,
+Transparent, when to pleasure me it spake:
+“No need thy will be told, which I untold
+Better discern, than thou whatever thing
+Thou holdst most certain: for that will I see
+In Him, who is truth’s mirror, and Himself
+Parhelion unto all things, and naught else
+To him. This wouldst thou hear; how long since God
+Plac’d me high garden, from whose hounds
+She led me up in this ladder, steep and long;
+What space endur’d my season of delight;
+Whence truly sprang the wrath that banish’d me;
+And what the language, which I spake and fram’d
+Not that I tasted of the tree, my son,
+Was in itself the cause of that exile,
+But only my transgressing of the mark
+Assign’d me. There, whence at thy lady’s hest
+The Mantuan mov’d him, still was I debarr’d
+This council, till the sun had made complete,
+Four thousand and three hundred rounds and twice,
+His annual journey; and, through every light
+In his broad pathway, saw I him return,
+Thousand save sev’nty times, the whilst I dwelt
+Upon the earth. The language I did use
+Was worn away, or ever Nimrod’s race
+Their unaccomplishable work began.
+For naught, that man inclines to, ere was lasting,
+Left by his reason free, and variable,
+As is the sky that sways him. That he speaks,
+Is nature’s prompting: whether thus or thus,
+She leaves to you, as ye do most affect it.
+Ere I descended into hell’s abyss,
+El was the name on earth of the Chief Good,
+Whose joy enfolds me: Eli then ’t was call’d
+And so beseemeth: for, in mortals, use
+Is as the leaf upon the bough; that goes,
+And other comes instead. Upon the mount
+Most high above the waters, all my life,
+Both innocent and guilty, did but reach
+From the first hour, to that which cometh next
+(As the sun changes quarter), to the sixth.”
+
+
+
+
+CANTO XXVII
+
+
+Then “Glory to the Father, to the Son,
+And to the Holy Spirit,” rang aloud
+Throughout all Paradise, that with the song
+My spirit reel’d, so passing sweet the strain:
+And what I saw was equal ecstasy;
+One universal smile it seem’d of all things,
+Joy past compare, gladness unutterable,
+Imperishable life of peace and love,
+Exhaustless riches and unmeasur’d bliss.
+
+Before mine eyes stood the four torches lit;
+And that, which first had come, began to wax
+In brightness, and in semblance such became,
+As Jove might be, if he and Mars were birds,
+And interchang’d their plumes. Silence ensued,
+Through the blest quire, by Him, who here appoints
+Vicissitude of ministry, enjoin’d;
+When thus I heard: “Wonder not, if my hue
+Be chang’d; for, while I speak, these shalt thou see
+All in like manner change with me. My place
+He who usurps on earth (my place, ay, mine,
+Which in the presence of the Son of God
+Is void), the same hath made my cemetery
+A common sewer of puddle and of blood:
+The more below his triumph, who from hence
+Malignant fell.” Such colour, as the sun,
+At eve or morning, paints an adverse cloud,
+Then saw I sprinkled over all the sky.
+And as th’ unblemish’d dame, who in herself
+Secure of censure, yet at bare report
+Of other’s failing, shrinks with maiden fear;
+So Beatrice in her semblance chang’d:
+And such eclipse in heav’n methinks was seen,
+When the Most Holy suffer’d. Then the words
+Proceeded, with voice, alter’d from itself
+So clean, the semblance did not alter more.
+“Not to this end was Christ’s spouse with my blood,
+With that of Linus, and of Cletus fed:
+That she might serve for purchase of base gold:
+But for the purchase of this happy life
+Did Sextus, Pius, and Callixtus bleed,
+And Urban, they, whose doom was not without
+Much weeping seal’d. No purpose was of our
+That on the right hand of our successors
+Part of the Christian people should be set,
+And part upon their left; nor that the keys,
+Which were vouchsaf’d me, should for ensign serve
+Unto the banners, that do levy war
+On the baptiz’d: nor I, for sigil-mark
+Set upon sold and lying privileges;
+Which makes me oft to bicker and turn red.
+In shepherd’s clothing greedy wolves below
+Range wide o’er all the pastures. Arm of God!
+Why longer sleepst thou? Caorsines and Gascona
+Prepare to quaff our blood. O good beginning
+To what a vile conclusion must thou stoop!
+But the high providence, which did defend
+Through Scipio the world’s glory unto Rome,
+Will not delay its succour: and thou, son,
+Who through thy mortal weight shall yet again
+Return below, open thy lips, nor hide
+What is by me not hidden.” As a Hood
+Of frozen vapours streams adown the air,
+What time the she-goat with her skiey horn
+Touches the sun; so saw I there stream wide
+The vapours, who with us had linger’d late
+And with glad triumph deck th’ ethereal cope.
+Onward my sight their semblances pursued;
+So far pursued, as till the space between
+From its reach sever’d them: whereat the guide
+Celestial, marking me no more intent
+On upward gazing, said, “Look down and see
+What circuit thou hast compass’d.” From the hour
+When I before had cast my view beneath,
+All the first region overpast I saw,
+Which from the midmost to the bound’ry winds;
+That onward thence from Gades I beheld
+The unwise passage of Laertes’ son,
+And hitherward the shore, where thou, Europa!
+Mad’st thee a joyful burden: and yet more
+Of this dim spot had seen, but that the sun,
+A constellation off and more, had ta’en
+His progress in the zodiac underneath.
+
+Then by the spirit, that doth never leave
+Its amorous dalliance with my lady’s looks,
+Back with redoubled ardour were mine eyes
+Led unto her: and from her radiant smiles,
+Whenas I turn’d me, pleasure so divine
+Did lighten on me, that whatever bait
+Or art or nature in the human flesh,
+Or in its limn’d resemblance, can combine
+Through greedy eyes to take the soul withal,
+Were to her beauty nothing. Its boon influence
+From the fair nest of Leda rapt me forth,
+And wafted on into the swiftest heav’n.
+
+What place for entrance Beatrice chose,
+I may not say, so uniform was all,
+Liveliest and loftiest. She my secret wish
+Divin’d; and with such gladness, that God’s love
+Seem’d from her visage shining, thus began:
+“Here is the goal, whence motion on his race
+Starts; motionless the centre, and the rest
+All mov’d around. Except the soul divine,
+Place in this heav’n is none, the soul divine,
+Wherein the love, which ruleth o’er its orb,
+Is kindled, and the virtue that it sheds;
+One circle, light and love, enclasping it,
+As this doth clasp the others; and to Him,
+Who draws the bound, its limit only known.
+Measur’d itself by none, it doth divide
+Motion to all, counted unto them forth,
+As by the fifth or half ye count forth ten.
+The vase, wherein time’s roots are plung’d, thou seest,
+Look elsewhere for the leaves. O mortal lust!
+That canst not lift thy head above the waves
+Which whelm and sink thee down! The will in man
+Bears goodly blossoms; but its ruddy promise
+Is, by the dripping of perpetual rain,
+Made mere abortion: faith and innocence
+Are met with but in babes, each taking leave
+Ere cheeks with down are sprinkled; he, that fasts,
+While yet a stammerer, with his tongue let loose
+Gluts every food alike in every moon.
+One yet a babbler, loves and listens to
+His mother; but no sooner hath free use
+Of speech, than he doth wish her in her grave.
+So suddenly doth the fair child of him,
+Whose welcome is the morn and eve his parting,
+To negro blackness change her virgin white.
+
+“Thou, to abate thy wonder, note that none
+Bears rule in earth, and its frail family
+Are therefore wand’rers. Yet before the date,
+When through the hundredth in his reck’ning drops
+Pale January must be shor’d aside
+From winter’s calendar, these heav’nly spheres
+Shall roar so loud, that fortune shall be fain
+To turn the poop, where she hath now the prow;
+So that the fleet run onward; and true fruit,
+Expected long, shall crown at last the bloom!”
+
+
+
+
+CANTO XXVIII
+
+
+So she who doth imparadise my soul,
+Had drawn the veil from off our pleasant life,
+And bar’d the truth of poor mortality;
+When lo! as one who, in a mirror, spies
+The shining of a flambeau at his back,
+Lit sudden ore he deem of its approach,
+And turneth to resolve him, if the glass
+Have told him true, and sees the record faithful
+As note is to its metre; even thus,
+I well remember, did befall to me,
+Looking upon the beauteous eyes, whence love
+Had made the leash to take me. As I turn’d;
+And that, which, in their circles, none who spies,
+Can miss of, in itself apparent, struck
+On mine; a point I saw, that darted light
+So sharp, no lid, unclosing, may bear up
+Against its keenness. The least star we view
+From hence, had seem’d a moon, set by its side,
+As star by side of star. And so far off,
+Perchance, as is the halo from the light
+Which paints it, when most dense the vapour spreads,
+There wheel’d about the point a circle of fire,
+More rapid than the motion, which first girds
+The world. Then, circle after circle, round
+Enring’d each other; till the seventh reach’d
+Circumference so ample, that its bow,
+Within the span of Juno’s messenger,
+lied scarce been held entire. Beyond the sev’nth,
+Follow’d yet other two. And every one,
+As more in number distant from the first,
+Was tardier in motion; and that glow’d
+With flame most pure, that to the sparkle’ of truth
+Was nearest, as partaking most, methinks,
+Of its reality. The guide belov’d
+Saw me in anxious thought suspense, and spake:
+“Heav’n, and all nature, hangs upon that point.
+The circle thereto most conjoin’d observe;
+And know, that by intenser love its course
+Is to this swiftness wing’d.” To whom I thus:
+“It were enough; nor should I further seek,
+Had I but witness’d order, in the world
+Appointed, such as in these wheels is seen.
+But in the sensible world such diff’rence is,
+That is each round shows more divinity,
+As each is wider from the centre. Hence,
+If in this wondrous and angelic temple,
+That hath for confine only light and love,
+My wish may have completion I must know,
+Wherefore such disagreement is between
+Th’ exemplar and its copy: for myself,
+Contemplating, I fail to pierce the cause.”
+
+“It is no marvel, if thy fingers foil’d
+Do leave the knot untied: so hard ’t is grown
+For want of tenting.” Thus she said: “But take,”
+She added, “if thou wish thy cure, my words,
+And entertain them subtly. Every orb
+Corporeal, doth proportion its extent
+Unto the virtue through its parts diffus’d.
+The greater blessedness preserves the more.
+The greater is the body (if all parts
+Share equally) the more is to preserve.
+Therefore the circle, whose swift course enwheels
+The universal frame answers to that,
+Which is supreme in knowledge and in love
+Thus by the virtue, not the seeming, breadth
+Of substance, measure, thou shalt see the heav’ns,
+Each to the’ intelligence that ruleth it,
+Greater to more, and smaller unto less,
+Suited in strict and wondrous harmony.”
+
+As when the sturdy north blows from his cheek
+A blast, that scours the sky, forthwith our air,
+Clear’d of the rack, that hung on it before,
+Glitters; and, With his beauties all unveil’d,
+The firmament looks forth serene, and smiles;
+Such was my cheer, when Beatrice drove
+With clear reply the shadows back, and truth
+Was manifested, as a star in heaven.
+And when the words were ended, not unlike
+To iron in the furnace, every cirque
+Ebullient shot forth scintillating fires:
+And every sparkle shivering to new blaze,
+In number did outmillion the account
+Reduplicate upon the chequer’d board.
+Then heard I echoing on from choir to choir,
+“Hosanna,” to the fixed point, that holds,
+And shall for ever hold them to their place,
+From everlasting, irremovable.
+
+Musing awhile I stood: and she, who saw
+by inward meditations, thus began:
+“In the first circles, they, whom thou beheldst,
+Are seraphim and cherubim. Thus swift
+Follow their hoops, in likeness to the point,
+Near as they can, approaching; and they can
+The more, the loftier their vision. Those,
+That round them fleet, gazing the Godhead next,
+Are thrones; in whom the first trine ends. And all
+Are blessed, even as their sight descends
+Deeper into the truth, wherein rest is
+For every mind. Thus happiness hath root
+In seeing, not in loving, which of sight
+Is aftergrowth. And of the seeing such
+The meed, as unto each in due degree
+Grace and good-will their measure have assign’d.
+The other trine, that with still opening buds
+In this eternal springtide blossom fair,
+Fearless of bruising from the nightly ram,
+Breathe up in warbled melodies threefold
+Hosannas blending ever, from the three
+Transmitted. hierarchy of gods, for aye
+Rejoicing, dominations first, next then
+Virtues, and powers the third. The next to whom
+Are princedoms and archangels, with glad round
+To tread their festal ring; and last the band
+Angelical, disporting in their sphere.
+All, as they circle in their orders, look
+Aloft, and downward with such sway prevail,
+That all with mutual impulse tend to God.
+These once a mortal view beheld. Desire
+In Dionysius so intently wrought,
+That he, as I have done rang’d them; and nam’d
+Their orders, marshal’d in his thought. From him
+Dissentient, one refus’d his sacred read.
+But soon as in this heav’n his doubting eyes
+Were open’d, Gregory at his error smil’d
+Nor marvel, that a denizen of earth
+Should scan such secret truth; for he had learnt
+Both this and much beside of these our orbs,
+From an eye-witness to heav’n’s mysteries.”
+
+
+
+
+CANTO XXIX
+
+
+No longer than what time Latona’s twins
+Cover’d of Libra and the fleecy star,
+Together both, girding the’ horizon hang,
+In even balance from the zenith pois’d,
+Till from that verge, each, changing hemisphere,
+Part the nice level; e’en so brief a space
+Did Beatrice’s silence hold. A smile
+Bat painted on her cheek; and her fix’d gaze
+Bent on the point, at which my vision fail’d:
+When thus her words resuming she began:
+“I speak, nor what thou wouldst inquire demand;
+For I have mark’d it, where all time and place
+Are present. Not for increase to himself
+Of good, which may not be increas’d, but forth
+To manifest his glory by its beams,
+Inhabiting his own eternity,
+Beyond time’s limit or what bound soe’er
+To circumscribe his being, as he will’d,
+Into new natures, like unto himself,
+Eternal Love unfolded. Nor before,
+As if in dull inaction torpid lay.
+For not in process of before or aft
+Upon these waters mov’d the Spirit of God.
+Simple and mix’d, both form and substance, forth
+To perfect being started, like three darts
+Shot from a bow three-corded. And as ray
+In crystal, glass, and amber, shines entire,
+E’en at the moment of its issuing; thus
+Did, from th’ eternal Sovran, beam entire
+His threefold operation, at one act
+Produc’d coeval. Yet in order each
+Created his due station knew: those highest,
+Who pure intelligence were made: mere power
+The lowest: in the midst, bound with strict league,
+Intelligence and power, unsever’d bond.
+Long tract of ages by the angels past,
+Ere the creating of another world,
+Describ’d on Jerome’s pages thou hast seen.
+But that what I disclose to thee is true,
+Those penmen, whom the Holy Spirit mov’d
+In many a passage of their sacred book
+Attest; as thou by diligent search shalt find
+And reason in some sort discerns the same,
+Who scarce would grant the heav’nly ministers
+Of their perfection void, so long a space.
+Thus when and where these spirits of love were made,
+Thou know’st, and how: and knowing hast allay’d
+Thy thirst, which from the triple question rose.
+Ere one had reckon’d twenty, e’en so soon
+Part of the angels fell: and in their fall
+Confusion to your elements ensued.
+The others kept their station: and this task,
+Whereon thou lookst, began with such delight,
+That they surcease not ever, day nor night,
+Their circling. Of that fatal lapse the cause
+Was the curst pride of him, whom thou hast seen
+Pent with the world’s incumbrance. Those, whom here
+Thou seest, were lowly to confess themselves
+Of his free bounty, who had made them apt
+For ministries so high: therefore their views
+Were by enlight’ning grace and their own merit
+Exalted; so that in their will confirm’d
+They stand, nor feel to fall. For do not doubt,
+But to receive the grace, which heav’n vouchsafes,
+Is meritorious, even as the soul
+With prompt affection welcometh the guest.
+Now, without further help, if with good heed
+My words thy mind have treasur’d, thou henceforth
+This consistory round about mayst scan,
+And gaze thy fill. But since thou hast on earth
+Heard vain disputers, reasoners in the schools,
+Canvas the’ angelic nature, and dispute
+Its powers of apprehension, memory, choice;
+Therefore, ’t is well thou take from me the truth,
+Pure and without disguise, which they below,
+Equivocating, darken and perplex.
+
+“Know thou, that, from the first, these substances,
+Rejoicing in the countenance of God,
+Have held unceasingly their view, intent
+Upon the glorious vision, from the which
+Naught absent is nor hid: where then no change
+Of newness with succession interrupts,
+Remembrance there needs none to gather up
+Divided thought and images remote
+
+“So that men, thus at variance with the truth
+Dream, though their eyes be open; reckless some
+Of error; others well aware they err,
+To whom more guilt and shame are justly due.
+Each the known track of sage philosophy
+Deserts, and has a byway of his own:
+So much the restless eagerness to shine
+And love of singularity prevail.
+Yet this, offensive as it is, provokes
+Heav’n’s anger less, than when the book of God
+Is forc’d to yield to man’s authority,
+Or from its straightness warp’d: no reck’ning made
+What blood the sowing of it in the world
+Has cost; what favour for himself he wins,
+Who meekly clings to it. The aim of all
+Is how to shine: e’en they, whose office is
+To preach the Gospel, let the gospel sleep,
+And pass their own inventions off instead.
+One tells, how at Christ’s suffering the wan moon
+Bent back her steps, and shadow’d o’er the sun
+With intervenient disk, as she withdrew:
+Another, how the light shrouded itself
+Within its tabernacle, and left dark
+The Spaniard and the Indian, with the Jew.
+Such fables Florence in her pulpit hears,
+Bandied about more frequent, than the names
+Of Bindi and of Lapi in her streets.
+The sheep, meanwhile, poor witless ones, return
+From pasture, fed with wind: and what avails
+For their excuse, they do not see their harm?
+Christ said not to his first conventicle,
+‘Go forth and preach impostures to the world,’
+But gave them truth to build on; and the sound
+Was mighty on their lips; nor needed they,
+Beside the gospel, other spear or shield,
+To aid them in their warfare for the faith.
+The preacher now provides himself with store
+Of jests and gibes; and, so there be no lack
+Of laughter, while he vents them, his big cowl
+Distends, and he has won the meed he sought:
+Could but the vulgar catch a glimpse the while
+Of that dark bird which nestles in his hood,
+They scarce would wait to hear the blessing said.
+Which now the dotards hold in such esteem,
+That every counterfeit, who spreads abroad
+The hands of holy promise, finds a throng
+Of credulous fools beneath. Saint Anthony
+Fattens with this his swine, and others worse
+Than swine, who diet at his lazy board,
+Paying with unstamp’d metal for their fare.
+
+“But (for we far have wander’d) let us seek
+The forward path again; so as the way
+Be shorten’d with the time. No mortal tongue
+Nor thought of man hath ever reach’d so far,
+That of these natures he might count the tribes.
+What Daniel of their thousands hath reveal’d
+With finite number infinite conceals.
+The fountain at whose source these drink their beams,
+With light supplies them in as many modes,
+As there are splendours, that it shines on: each
+According to the virtue it conceives,
+Differing in love and sweet affection.
+Look then how lofty and how huge in breadth
+The’ eternal might, which, broken and dispers’d
+Over such countless mirrors, yet remains
+Whole in itself and one, as at the first.”
+
+
+
+
+CANTO XXX
+
+
+Noon’s fervid hour perchance six thousand miles
+From hence is distant; and the shadowy cone
+Almost to level on our earth declines;
+When from the midmost of this blue abyss
+By turns some star is to our vision lost.
+And straightway as the handmaid of the sun
+Puts forth her radiant brow, all, light by light,
+Fade, and the spangled firmament shuts in,
+E’en to the loveliest of the glittering throng.
+Thus vanish’d gradually from my sight
+The triumph, which plays ever round the point,
+That overcame me, seeming (for it did)
+Engirt by that it girdeth. Wherefore love,
+With loss of other object, forc’d me bend
+Mine eyes on Beatrice once again.
+
+If all, that hitherto is told of her,
+Were in one praise concluded, ’t were too weak
+To furnish out this turn. Mine eyes did look
+On beauty, such, as I believe in sooth,
+Not merely to exceed our human, but,
+That save its Maker, none can to the full
+Enjoy it. At this point o’erpower’d I fail,
+Unequal to my theme, as never bard
+Of buskin or of sock hath fail’d before.
+For, as the sun doth to the feeblest sight,
+E’en so remembrance of that witching smile
+Hath dispossess my spirit of itself.
+Not from that day, when on this earth I first
+Beheld her charms, up to that view of them,
+Have I with song applausive ever ceas’d
+To follow, but not follow them no more;
+My course here bounded, as each artist’s is,
+When it doth touch the limit of his skill.
+
+She (such as I bequeath her to the bruit
+Of louder trump than mine, which hasteneth on,
+Urging its arduous matter to the close),
+Her words resum’d, in gesture and in voice
+Resembling one accustom’d to command:
+“Forth from the last corporeal are we come
+Into the heav’n, that is unbodied light,
+Light intellectual replete with love,
+Love of true happiness replete with joy,
+Joy, that transcends all sweetness of delight.
+Here shalt thou look on either mighty host
+Of Paradise; and one in that array,
+Which in the final judgment thou shalt see.”
+
+As when the lightning, in a sudden spleen
+Unfolded, dashes from the blinding eyes
+The visive spirits dazzled and bedimm’d;
+So, round about me, fulminating streams
+Of living radiance play’d, and left me swath’d
+And veil’d in dense impenetrable blaze.
+Such weal is in the love, that stills this heav’n;
+For its own flame the torch this fitting ever!
+
+No sooner to my list’ning ear had come
+The brief assurance, than I understood
+New virtue into me infus’d, and sight
+Kindled afresh, with vigour to sustain
+Excess of light, however pure. I look’d;
+And in the likeness of a river saw
+Light flowing, from whose amber-seeming waves
+Flash’d up effulgence, as they glided on
+’Twixt banks, on either side, painted with spring,
+Incredible how fair; and, from the tide,
+There ever and anon, outstarting, flew
+Sparkles instinct with life; and in the flow’rs
+Did set them, like to rubies chas’d in gold;
+Then, as if drunk with odors, plung’d again
+Into the wondrous flood; from which, as one
+Re’enter’d, still another rose. “The thirst
+Of knowledge high, whereby thou art inflam’d,
+To search the meaning of what here thou seest,
+The more it warms thee, pleases me the more.
+But first behooves thee of this water drink,
+Or ere that longing be allay’d.” So spake
+The day-star of mine eyes; then thus subjoin’d:
+“This stream, and these, forth issuing from its gulf,
+And diving back, a living topaz each,
+With all this laughter on its bloomy shores,
+Are but a preface, shadowy of the truth
+They emblem: not that, in themselves, the things
+Are crude; but on thy part is the defect,
+For that thy views not yet aspire so high.”
+Never did babe, that had outslept his wont,
+Rush, with such eager straining, to the milk,
+As I toward the water, bending me,
+To make the better mirrors of mine eyes
+In the refining wave; and, as the eaves
+Of mine eyelids did drink of it, forthwith
+Seem’d it unto me turn’d from length to round,
+Then as a troop of maskers, when they put
+Their vizors off, look other than before,
+The counterfeited semblance thrown aside;
+So into greater jubilee were chang’d
+Those flowers and sparkles, and distinct I saw
+Before me either court of heav’n displac’d.
+
+O prime enlightener! thou who crav’st me strength
+On the high triumph of thy realm to gaze!
+Grant virtue now to utter what I kenn’d,
+There is in heav’n a light, whose goodly shine
+Makes the Creator visible to all
+Created, that in seeing him alone
+Have peace; and in a circle spreads so far,
+That the circumference were too loose a zone
+To girdle in the sun. All is one beam,
+Reflected from the summit of the first,
+That moves, which being hence and vigour takes,
+And as some cliff, that from the bottom eyes
+Its image mirror’d in the crystal flood,
+As if t’ admire its brave appareling
+Of verdure and of flowers: so, round about,
+Eyeing the light, on more than million thrones,
+Stood, eminent, whatever from our earth
+Has to the skies return’d. How wide the leaves
+Extended to their utmost of this rose,
+Whose lowest step embosoms such a space
+Of ample radiance! Yet, nor amplitude
+Nor height impeded, but my view with ease
+Took in the full dimensions of that joy.
+Near or remote, what there avails, where God
+Immediate rules, and Nature, awed, suspends
+Her sway? Into the yellow of the rose
+Perennial, which in bright expansiveness,
+Lays forth its gradual blooming, redolent
+Of praises to the never-wint’ring sun,
+As one, who fain would speak yet holds his peace,
+Beatrice led me; and, “Behold,” she said,
+“This fair assemblage! stoles of snowy white
+How numberless! The city, where we dwell,
+Behold how vast! and these our seats so throng’d
+Few now are wanting here! In that proud stall,
+On which, the crown, already o’er its state
+Suspended, holds thine eyes—or ere thyself
+Mayst at the wedding sup,—shall rest the soul
+Of the great Harry, he who, by the world
+Augustas hail’d, to Italy must come,
+Before her day be ripe. But ye are sick,
+And in your tetchy wantonness as blind,
+As is the bantling, that of hunger dies,
+And drives away the nurse. Nor may it be,
+That he, who in the sacred forum sways,
+Openly or in secret, shall with him
+Accordant walk: Whom God will not endure
+I’ th’ holy office long; but thrust him down
+To Simon Magus, where Magna’s priest
+Will sink beneath him: such will be his meed.”
+
+
+
+
+CANTO XXXI
+
+
+In fashion, as a snow-white rose, lay then
+Before my view the saintly multitude,
+Which in his own blood Christ espous’d. Meanwhile
+That other host, that soar aloft to gaze
+And celebrate his glory, whom they love,
+Hover’d around; and, like a troop of bees,
+Amid the vernal sweets alighting now,
+Now, clustering, where their fragrant labour glows,
+Flew downward to the mighty flow’r, or rose
+From the redundant petals, streaming back
+Unto the steadfast dwelling of their joy.
+Faces had they of flame, and wings of gold;
+The rest was whiter than the driven snow.
+And as they flitted down into the flower,
+From range to range, fanning their plumy loins,
+Whisper’d the peace and ardour, which they won
+From that soft winnowing. Shadow none, the vast
+Interposition of such numerous flight
+Cast, from above, upon the flower, or view
+Obstructed aught. For, through the universe,
+Wherever merited, celestial light
+Glides freely, and no obstacle prevents.
+
+All there, who reign in safety and in bliss,
+Ages long past or new, on one sole mark
+Their love and vision fix’d. O trinal beam
+Of individual star, that charmst them thus,
+Vouchsafe one glance to gild our storm below!
+
+If the grim brood, from Arctic shores that roam’d,
+(Where helice, forever, as she wheels,
+Sparkles a mother’s fondness on her son)
+Stood in mute wonder ’mid the works of Rome,
+When to their view the Lateran arose
+In greatness more than earthly; I, who then
+From human to divine had past, from time
+Unto eternity, and out of Florence
+To justice and to truth, how might I choose
+But marvel too? ’Twixt gladness and amaze,
+In sooth no will had I to utter aught,
+Or hear. And, as a pilgrim, when he rests
+Within the temple of his vow, looks round
+In breathless awe, and hopes some time to tell
+Of all its goodly state: e’en so mine eyes
+Cours’d up and down along the living light,
+Now low, and now aloft, and now around,
+Visiting every step. Looks I beheld,
+Where charity in soft persuasion sat,
+Smiles from within and radiance from above,
+And in each gesture grace and honour high.
+
+So rov’d my ken, and its general form
+All Paradise survey’d: when round I turn’d
+With purpose of my lady to inquire
+Once more of things, that held my thought suspense,
+But answer found from other than I ween’d;
+For, Beatrice, when I thought to see,
+I saw instead a senior, at my side,
+Rob’d, as the rest, in glory. Joy benign
+Glow’d in his eye, and o’er his cheek diffus’d,
+With gestures such as spake a father’s love.
+And, “Whither is she vanish’d?” straight I ask’d.
+
+“By Beatrice summon’d,” he replied,
+“I come to aid thy wish. Looking aloft
+To the third circle from the highest, there
+Behold her on the throne, wherein her merit
+Hath plac’d her.” Answering not, mine eyes I rais’d,
+And saw her, where aloof she sat, her brow
+A wreath reflecting of eternal beams.
+Not from the centre of the sea so far
+Unto the region of the highest thunder,
+As was my ken from hers; and yet the form
+Came through that medium down, unmix’d and pure,
+
+“O Lady! thou in whom my hopes have rest!
+Who, for my safety, hast not scorn’d, in hell
+To leave the traces of thy footsteps mark’d!
+For all mine eyes have seen, I, to thy power
+And goodness, virtue owe and grace. Of slave,
+Thou hast to freedom brought me; and no means,
+For my deliverance apt, hast left untried.
+Thy liberal bounty still toward me keep.
+That, when my spirit, which thou madest whole,
+Is loosen’d from this body, it may find
+Favour with thee.” So I my suit preferr’d:
+And she, so distant, as appear’d, look’d down,
+And smil’d; then tow’rds th’ eternal fountain turn’d.
+
+And thus the senior, holy and rever’d:
+“That thou at length mayst happily conclude
+Thy voyage (to which end I was dispatch’d,
+By supplication mov’d and holy love)
+Let thy upsoaring vision range, at large,
+This garden through: for so, by ray divine
+Kindled, thy ken a higher flight shall mount;
+And from heav’n’s queen, whom fervent I adore,
+All gracious aid befriend us; for that I
+Am her own faithful Bernard.” Like a wight,
+Who haply from Croatia wends to see
+Our Veronica, and the while ’t is shown,
+Hangs over it with never-sated gaze,
+And, all that he hath heard revolving, saith
+Unto himself in thought: “And didst thou look
+E’en thus, O Jesus, my true Lord and God?
+And was this semblance thine?” So gaz’d I then
+Adoring; for the charity of him,
+Who musing, in the world that peace enjoy’d,
+Stood lively before me. “Child of grace!”
+Thus he began: “thou shalt not knowledge gain
+Of this glad being, if thine eyes are held
+Still in this depth below. But search around
+The circles, to the furthest, till thou spy
+Seated in state, the queen, that of this realm
+Is sovran.” Straight mine eyes I rais’d; and bright,
+As, at the birth of morn, the eastern clime
+Above th’ horizon, where the sun declines;
+To mine eyes, that upward, as from vale
+To mountain sped, at th’ extreme bound, a part
+Excell’d in lustre all the front oppos’d.
+And as the glow burns ruddiest o’er the wave,
+That waits the sloping beam, which Phaeton
+Ill knew to guide, and on each part the light
+Diminish’d fades, intensest in the midst;
+So burn’d the peaceful oriflame, and slack’d
+On every side the living flame decay’d.
+And in that midst their sportive pennons wav’d
+Thousands of angels; in resplendence each
+Distinct, and quaint adornment. At their glee
+And carol, smil’d the Lovely One of heav’n,
+That joy was in the eyes of all the blest.
+
+Had I a tongue in eloquence as rich,
+As is the colouring in fancy’s loom,
+’T were all too poor to utter the least part
+Of that enchantment. When he saw mine eyes
+Intent on her, that charm’d him, Bernard gaz’d
+With so exceeding fondness, as infus’d
+Ardour into my breast, unfelt before.
+
+
+
+
+CANTO XXXII
+
+
+Freely the sage, though wrapt in musings high,
+Assum’d the teacher’s part, and mild began:
+“The wound, that Mary clos’d, she open’d first,
+Who sits so beautiful at Mary’s feet.
+The third in order, underneath her, lo!
+Rachel with Beatrice. Sarah next,
+Judith, Rebecca, and the gleaner maid,
+Meek ancestress of him, who sang the songs
+Of sore repentance in his sorrowful mood.
+All, as I name them, down from deaf to leaf,
+Are in gradation throned on the rose.
+And from the seventh step, successively,
+Adown the breathing tresses of the flow’r
+Still doth the file of Hebrew dames proceed.
+For these are a partition wall, whereby
+The sacred stairs are sever’d, as the faith
+In Christ divides them. On this part, where blooms
+Each leaf in full maturity, are set
+Such as in Christ, or ere he came, believ’d.
+On th’ other, where an intersected space
+Yet shows the semicircle void, abide
+All they, who look’d to Christ already come.
+And as our Lady on her glorious stool,
+And they who on their stools beneath her sit,
+This way distinction make: e’en so on his,
+The mighty Baptist that way marks the line
+(He who endur’d the desert and the pains
+Of martyrdom, and for two years of hell,
+Yet still continued holy), and beneath,
+Augustin, Francis, Benedict, and the rest,
+Thus far from round to round. So heav’n’s decree
+Forecasts, this garden equally to fill.
+With faith in either view, past or to come,
+Learn too, that downward from the step, which cleaves
+Midway the twain compartments, none there are
+Who place obtain for merit of their own,
+But have through others’ merit been advanc’d,
+On set conditions: spirits all releas’d,
+Ere for themselves they had the power to choose.
+And, if thou mark and listen to them well,
+Their childish looks and voice declare as much.
+
+“Here, silent as thou art, I know thy doubt;
+And gladly will I loose the knot, wherein
+Thy subtle thoughts have bound thee. From this realm
+Excluded, chalice no entrance here may find,
+No more shall hunger, thirst, or sorrow can.
+A law immutable hath establish’d all;
+Nor is there aught thou seest, that doth not fit,
+Exactly, as the finger to the ring.
+It is not therefore without cause, that these,
+O’erspeedy comers to immortal life,
+Are different in their shares of excellence.
+Our Sovran Lord—that settleth this estate
+In love and in delight so absolute,
+That wish can dare no further—every soul,
+Created in his joyous sight to dwell,
+With grace at pleasure variously endows.
+And for a proof th’ effect may well suffice.
+And ’t is moreover most expressly mark’d
+In holy scripture, where the twins are said
+To, have struggled in the womb. Therefore, as grace
+Inweaves the coronet, so every brow
+Weareth its proper hue of orient light.
+And merely in respect to his prime gift,
+Not in reward of meritorious deed,
+Hath each his several degree assign’d.
+In early times with their own innocence
+More was not wanting, than the parents’ faith,
+To save them: those first ages past, behoov’d
+That circumcision in the males should imp
+The flight of innocent wings: but since the day
+Of grace hath come, without baptismal rites
+In Christ accomplish’d, innocence herself
+Must linger yet below. Now raise thy view
+Unto the visage most resembling Christ:
+For, in her splendour only, shalt thou win
+The pow’r to look on him.” Forthwith I saw
+Such floods of gladness on her visage shower’d,
+From holy spirits, winging that profound;
+That, whatsoever I had yet beheld,
+Had not so much suspended me with wonder,
+Or shown me such similitude of God.
+And he, who had to her descended, once,
+On earth, now hail’d in heav’n; and on pois’d wing.
+“Ave, Maria, Gratia Plena,” sang:
+To whose sweet anthem all the blissful court,
+From all parts answ’ring, rang: that holier joy
+Brooded the deep serene. “Father rever’d:
+Who deign’st, for me, to quit the pleasant place,
+Wherein thou sittest, by eternal lot!
+Say, who that angel is, that with such glee
+Beholds our queen, and so enamour’d glows
+Of her high beauty, that all fire he seems.”
+So I again resorted to the lore
+Of my wise teacher, he, whom Mary’s charms
+Embellish’d, as the sun the morning star;
+Who thus in answer spake: “In him are summ’d,
+Whatever of buxomness and free delight
+May be in Spirit, or in angel, met:
+And so beseems: for that he bare the palm
+Down unto Mary, when the Son of God
+Vouchsaf’d to clothe him in terrestrial weeds.
+Now let thine eyes wait heedful on my words,
+And note thou of this just and pious realm
+The chiefest nobles. Those, highest in bliss,
+The twain, on each hand next our empress thron’d,
+Are as it were two roots unto this rose.
+He to the left, the parent, whose rash taste
+Proves bitter to his seed; and, on the right,
+That ancient father of the holy church,
+Into whose keeping Christ did give the keys
+Of this sweet flow’r: near whom behold the seer,
+That, ere he died, saw all the grievous times
+Of the fair bride, who with the lance and nails
+Was won. And, near unto the other, rests
+The leader, under whom on manna fed
+Th’ ungrateful nation, fickle and perverse.
+On th’ other part, facing to Peter, lo!
+Where Anna sits, so well content to look
+On her lov’d daughter, that with moveless eye
+She chants the loud hosanna: while, oppos’d
+To the first father of your mortal kind,
+Is Lucia, at whose hest thy lady sped,
+When on the edge of ruin clos’d thine eye.
+
+“But (for the vision hasteneth so an end)
+Here break we off, as the good workman doth,
+That shapes the cloak according to the cloth:
+And to the primal love our ken shall rise;
+That thou mayst penetrate the brightness, far
+As sight can bear thee. Yet, alas! in sooth
+Beating thy pennons, thinking to advance,
+Thou backward fall’st. Grace then must first be gain’d;
+Her grace, whose might can help thee. Thou in prayer
+Seek her: and, with affection, whilst I sue,
+Attend, and yield me all thy heart.” He said,
+And thus the saintly orison began.
+
+
+
+
+CANTO XXXIII
+
+
+“O virgin mother, daughter of thy Son,
+Created beings all in lowliness
+Surpassing, as in height, above them all,
+Term by th’ eternal counsel pre-ordain’d,
+Ennobler of thy nature, so advanc’d
+In thee, that its great Maker did not scorn,
+Himself, in his own work enclos’d to dwell!
+For in thy womb rekindling shone the love
+Reveal’d, whose genial influence makes now
+This flower to germin in eternal peace!
+Here thou to us, of charity and love,
+Art, as the noon-day torch: and art, beneath,
+To mortal men, of hope a living spring.
+So mighty art thou, lady! and so great,
+That he who grace desireth, and comes not
+To thee for aidance, fain would have desire
+Fly without wings. Nor only him who asks,
+Thy bounty succours, but doth freely oft
+Forerun the asking. Whatsoe’er may be
+Of excellence in creature, pity mild,
+Relenting mercy, large munificence,
+Are all combin’d in thee. Here kneeleth one,
+Who of all spirits hath review’d the state,
+From the world’s lowest gap unto this height.
+Suppliant to thee he kneels, imploring grace
+For virtue, yet more high to lift his ken
+Toward the bliss supreme. And I, who ne’er
+Coveted sight, more fondly, for myself,
+Than now for him, my prayers to thee prefer,
+(And pray they be not scant) that thou wouldst drive
+Each cloud of his mortality away;
+That on the sovran pleasure he may gaze.
+This also I entreat of thee, O queen!
+Who canst do what thou wilt! that in him thou
+Wouldst after all he hath beheld, preserve
+Affection sound, and human passions quell.
+Lo! Where, with Beatrice, many a saint
+Stretch their clasp’d hands, in furtherance of my suit!”
+
+The eyes, that heav’n with love and awe regards,
+Fix’d on the suitor, witness’d, how benign
+She looks on pious pray’rs: then fasten’d they
+On th’ everlasting light, wherein no eye
+Of creature, as may well be thought, so far
+Can travel inward. I, meanwhile, who drew
+Near to the limit, where all wishes end,
+The ardour of my wish (for so behooved),
+Ended within me. Beck’ning smil’d the sage,
+That I should look aloft: but, ere he bade,
+Already of myself aloft I look’d;
+For visual strength, refining more and more,
+Bare me into the ray authentical
+Of sovran light. Thenceforward, what I saw,
+Was not for words to speak, nor memory’s self
+To stand against such outrage on her skill.
+As one, who from a dream awaken’d, straight,
+All he hath seen forgets; yet still retains
+Impression of the feeling in his dream;
+E’en such am I: for all the vision dies,
+As ’t were, away; and yet the sense of sweet,
+That sprang from it, still trickles in my heart.
+Thus in the sun-thaw is the snow unseal’d;
+Thus in the winds on flitting leaves was lost
+The Sybil’s sentence. O eternal beam!
+(Whose height what reach of mortal thought may soar?)
+Yield me again some little particle
+Of what thou then appearedst, give my tongue
+Power, but to leave one sparkle of thy glory,
+Unto the race to come, that shall not lose
+Thy triumph wholly, if thou waken aught
+Of memory in me, and endure to hear
+The record sound in this unequal strain.
+
+Such keenness from the living ray I met,
+That, if mine eyes had turn’d away, methinks,
+I had been lost; but, so embolden’d, on
+I pass’d, as I remember, till my view
+Hover’d the brink of dread infinitude.
+
+O grace! unenvying of thy boon! that gav’st
+Boldness to fix so earnestly my ken
+On th’ everlasting splendour, that I look’d,
+While sight was unconsum’d, and, in that depth,
+Saw in one volume clasp’d of love, whatever
+The universe unfolds; all properties
+Of substance and of accident, beheld,
+Compounded, yet one individual light
+The whole. And of such bond methinks I saw
+The universal form: for that whenever
+I do but speak of it, my soul dilates
+Beyond her proper self; and, till I speak,
+One moment seems a longer lethargy,
+Than five-and-twenty ages had appear’d
+To that emprize, that first made Neptune wonder
+At Argo’s shadow darkening on his flood.
+
+With fixed heed, suspense and motionless,
+Wond’ring I gaz’d; and admiration still
+Was kindled, as I gaz’d. It may not be,
+That one, who looks upon that light, can turn
+To other object, willingly, his view.
+For all the good, that will may covet, there
+Is summ’d; and all, elsewhere defective found,
+Complete. My tongue shall utter now, no more
+E’en what remembrance keeps, than could the babe’s
+That yet is moisten’d at his mother’s breast.
+Not that the semblance of the living light
+Was chang’d (that ever as at first remain’d)
+But that my vision quickening, in that sole
+Appearance, still new miracles descry’d,
+And toil’d me with the change. In that abyss
+Of radiance, clear and lofty, seem’d methought,
+Three orbs of triple hue clipt in one bound:
+And, from another, one reflected seem’d,
+As rainbow is from rainbow: and the third
+Seem’d fire, breath’d equally from both. Oh speech
+How feeble and how faint art thou, to give
+Conception birth! Yet this to what I saw
+Is less than little. Oh eternal light!
+Sole in thyself that dwellst; and of thyself
+Sole understood, past, present, or to come!
+Thou smiledst; on that circling, which in thee
+Seem’d as reflected splendour, while I mus’d;
+For I therein, methought, in its own hue
+Beheld our image painted: steadfastly
+I therefore por’d upon the view. As one
+Who vers’d in geometric lore, would fain
+Measure the circle; and, though pondering long
+And deeply, that beginning, which he needs,
+Finds not; e’en such was I, intent to scan
+The novel wonder, and trace out the form,
+How to the circle fitted, and therein
+How plac’d: but the flight was not for my wing;
+Had not a flash darted athwart my mind,
+And in the spleen unfolded what it sought.
+
+Here vigour fail’d the tow’ring fantasy:
+But yet the will roll’d onward, like a wheel
+In even motion, by the Love impell’d,
+That moves the sun in heav’n and all the stars.
+
+
+
+
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+<div style='text-align:center; font-size:1.2em; font-weight:bold'>The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Vision of Paradise, by Dante Alighieri</div>
+<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>
+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
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+</div>
+<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: The Vision of 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 Francis Cary</div>
+<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Illustrator: Gustave Doré</div>
+<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: August 2, 2004 [eBook #8799]<br />
+[Most recently updated: January 14, 2023]</div>
+<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Language: English</div>
+<div style='display:block; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Produced by: David Widger</div>
+<div style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE VISION OF PARADISE ***</div>
+
+<h1>THE VISION OF PARADISE</h1>
+
+<h2 class="no-break">BY DANTE ALIGHIERI</h2>
+
+<h3>ILLUSTRATED BY GUSTAVE DORÉ</h3>
+
+<h3>TRANSLATED BY<br/>
+THE REV. H. F. CARY, M.A.</h3>
+
+<hr />
+
+<div class="fig" style="width:65%;">
+<img src="images/cover.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="[Illustration]" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
+<a href="images/frontispiece.jpg">
+<img src="images/frontispiece.jpg" width="543" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+</div>
+
+<div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
+<a href="images/titlepage.jpg">
+<img src="images/titlepage.jpg" width="467" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2>PARADISE</h2>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2>LIST OF CANTOS</h2>
+
+<table summary="" style="">
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#cantoIII.1">Canto 1</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#cantoIII.2">Canto 2</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#cantoIII.3">Canto 3</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#cantoIII.4">Canto 4</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#cantoIII.5">Canto 5</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#cantoIII.6">Canto 6</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#cantoIII.7">Canto 7</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#cantoIII.8">Canto 8</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#cantoIII.9">Canto 9</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#cantoIII.10">Canto 10</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#cantoIII.11">Canto 11</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#cantoIII.12">Canto 12</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#cantoIII.13">Canto 13</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#cantoIII.14">Canto 14</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#cantoIII.15">Canto 15</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#cantoIII.16">Canto 16</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#cantoIII.17">Canto 17</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#cantoIII.18">Canto 18</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#cantoIII.19">Canto 19</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#cantoIII.20">Canto 20</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#cantoIII.21">Canto 21</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#cantoIII.22">Canto 22</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#cantoIII.23">Canto 23</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#cantoIII.24">Canto 24</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#cantoIII.25">Canto 25</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#cantoIII.26">Canto 26</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#cantoIII.27">Canto 27</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#cantoIII.28">Canto 28</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#cantoIII.29">Canto 29</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#cantoIII.30">Canto 30</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#cantoIII.31">Canto 31</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#cantoIII.32">Canto 32</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#cantoIII.33">Canto 33</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+</table>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="cantoIII.1"></a>CANTO I</h2>
+
+<p>
+His glory, by whose might all things are mov’d,<br/>
+Pierces the universe, and in one part<br/>
+Sheds more resplendence, elsewhere less. In heav’n,<br/>
+That largeliest of his light partakes, was I,<br/>
+Witness of things, which to relate again<br/>
+Surpasseth power of him who comes from thence;<br/>
+For that, so near approaching its desire<br/>
+Our intellect is to such depth absorb’d,<br/>
+That memory cannot follow. Nathless all,<br/>
+That in my thoughts I of that sacred realm<br/>
+Could store, shall now be matter of my song.<br/>
+<br/>
+Benign Apollo! this last labour aid,<br/>
+And make me such a vessel of thy worth,<br/>
+As thy own laurel claims of me belov’d.<br/>
+Thus far hath one of steep Parnassus’ brows<br/>
+Suffic’d me; henceforth there is need of both<br/>
+For my remaining enterprise Do thou<br/>
+Enter into my bosom, and there breathe<br/>
+So, as when Marsyas by thy hand was dragg’d<br/>
+Forth from his limbs unsheath’d. O power divine!<br/>
+If thou to me of shine impart so much,<br/>
+That of that happy realm the shadow’d form<br/>
+Trac’d in my thoughts I may set forth to view,<br/>
+Thou shalt behold me of thy favour’d tree<br/>
+Come to the foot, and crown myself with leaves;<br/>
+For to that honour thou, and my high theme<br/>
+Will fit me. If but seldom, mighty Sire!<br/>
+To grace his triumph gathers thence a wreath<br/>
+Caesar or bard (more shame for human wills<br/>
+Deprav’d) joy to the Delphic god must spring<br/>
+From the Pierian foliage, when one breast<br/>
+Is with such thirst inspir’d. From a small spark<br/>
+Great flame hath risen: after me perchance<br/>
+Others with better voice may pray, and gain<br/>
+From the Cirrhaean city answer kind.<br/>
+<br/>
+Through diver passages, the world’s bright lamp<br/>
+Rises to mortals, but through that which joins<br/>
+Four circles with the threefold cross, in best<br/>
+Course, and in happiest constellation set<br/>
+He comes, and to the worldly wax best gives<br/>
+Its temper and impression. Morning there,<br/>
+Here eve was by almost such passage made;<br/>
+And whiteness had o’erspread that hemisphere,<br/>
+Blackness the other part; when to the left<br/>
+I saw Beatrice turn’d, and on the sun<br/>
+Gazing, as never eagle fix’d his ken.<br/>
+As from the first a second beam is wont<br/>
+To issue, and reflected upwards rise,<br/>
+E’en as a pilgrim bent on his return,<br/>
+So of her act, that through the eyesight pass’d<br/>
+Into my fancy, mine was form’d; and straight,<br/>
+Beyond our mortal wont, I fix’d mine eyes<br/>
+Upon the sun. Much is allowed us there,<br/>
+That here exceeds our pow’r; thanks to the place<br/>
+Made for the dwelling of the human kind<br/>
+<br/>
+I suffer’d it not long, and yet so long<br/>
+That I beheld it bick’ring sparks around,<br/>
+As iron that comes boiling from the fire.<br/>
+And suddenly upon the day appear’d<br/>
+A day new-ris’n, as he, who hath the power,<br/>
+Had with another sun bedeck’d the sky.<br/>
+<br/>
+Her eyes fast fix’d on the eternal wheels,<br/>
+Beatrice stood unmov’d; and I with ken<br/>
+Fix’d upon her, from upward gaze remov’d<br/>
+At her aspect, such inwardly became<br/>
+As Glaucus, when he tasted of the herb,<br/>
+That made him peer among the ocean gods;<br/>
+Words may not tell of that transhuman change:<br/>
+And therefore let the example serve, though weak,<br/>
+For those whom grace hath better proof in store<br/>
+<br/>
+If I were only what thou didst create,<br/>
+Then newly, Love! by whom the heav’n is rul’d,<br/>
+Thou know’st, who by thy light didst bear me up.<br/>
+Whenas the wheel which thou dost ever guide,<br/>
+Desired Spirit! with its harmony<br/>
+Temper’d of thee and measur’d, charm’d mine ear,<br/>
+Then seem’d to me so much of heav’n to blaze<br/>
+With the sun’s flame, that rain or flood ne’er made<br/>
+A lake so broad. The newness of the sound,<br/>
+And that great light, inflam’d me with desire,<br/>
+Keener than e’er was felt, to know their cause.<br/>
+<br/>
+Whence she who saw me, clearly as myself,<br/>
+To calm my troubled mind, before I ask’d,<br/>
+Open’d her lips, and gracious thus began:<br/>
+“With false imagination thou thyself<br/>
+Mak’st dull, so that thou seest not the thing,<br/>
+Which thou hadst seen, had that been shaken off.<br/>
+Thou art not on the earth as thou believ’st;<br/>
+For light’ning scap’d from its own proper place<br/>
+Ne’er ran, as thou hast hither now return’d.”<br/>
+<br/>
+Although divested of my first-rais’d doubt,<br/>
+By those brief words, accompanied with smiles,<br/>
+Yet in new doubt was I entangled more,<br/>
+And said: “Already satisfied, I rest<br/>
+From admiration deep, but now admire<br/>
+How I above those lighter bodies rise.”<br/>
+<br/>
+Whence, after utt’rance of a piteous sigh,<br/>
+She tow’rds me bent her eyes, with such a look,<br/>
+As on her frenzied child a mother casts;<br/>
+Then thus began: “Among themselves all things<br/>
+Have order; and from hence the form, which makes<br/>
+The universe resemble God. In this<br/>
+The higher creatures see the printed steps<br/>
+Of that eternal worth, which is the end<br/>
+Whither the line is drawn. All natures lean,<br/>
+In this their order, diversely, some more,<br/>
+Some less approaching to their primal source.<br/>
+Thus they to different havens are mov’d on<br/>
+Through the vast sea of being, and each one<br/>
+With instinct giv’n, that bears it in its course;<br/>
+This to the lunar sphere directs the fire,<br/>
+This prompts the hearts of mortal animals,<br/>
+This the brute earth together knits, and binds.<br/>
+Nor only creatures, void of intellect,<br/>
+Are aim’d at by this bow; but even those,<br/>
+That have intelligence and love, are pierc’d.<br/>
+That Providence, who so well orders all,<br/>
+With her own light makes ever calm the heaven,<br/>
+In which the substance, that hath greatest speed,<br/>
+Is turn’d: and thither now, as to our seat<br/>
+Predestin’d, we are carried by the force<br/>
+Of that strong cord, that never looses dart,<br/>
+But at fair aim and glad. Yet is it true,<br/>
+That as ofttimes but ill accords the form<br/>
+To the design of art, through sluggishness<br/>
+Of unreplying matter, so this course<br/>
+Is sometimes quitted by the creature, who<br/>
+Hath power, directed thus, to bend elsewhere;<br/>
+As from a cloud the fire is seen to fall,<br/>
+From its original impulse warp’d, to earth,<br/>
+By vicious fondness. Thou no more admire<br/>
+Thy soaring, (if I rightly deem,) than lapse<br/>
+Of torrent downwards from a mountain’s height.<br/>
+There would in thee for wonder be more cause,<br/>
+If, free of hind’rance, thou hadst fix’d thyself<br/>
+Below, like fire unmoving on the earth.”<br/>
+<br/>
+So said, she turn’d toward the heav’n her face.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="cantoIII.2"></a>CANTO II</h2>
+
+<p>
+All ye, who in small bark have following sail’d,<br/>
+Eager to listen, on the advent’rous track<br/>
+Of my proud keel, that singing cuts its way,<br/>
+Backward return with speed, and your own shores<br/>
+Revisit, nor put out to open sea,<br/>
+Where losing me, perchance ye may remain<br/>
+Bewilder’d in deep maze. The way I pass<br/>
+Ne’er yet was run: Minerva breathes the gale,<br/>
+Apollo guides me, and another Nine<br/>
+To my rapt sight the arctic beams reveal.<br/>
+Ye other few, who have outstretch’d the neck.<br/>
+Timely for food of angels, on which here<br/>
+They live, yet never know satiety,<br/>
+Through the deep brine ye fearless may put out<br/>
+Your vessel, marking, well the furrow broad<br/>
+Before you in the wave, that on both sides<br/>
+Equal returns. Those, glorious, who pass’d o’er<br/>
+To Colchos, wonder’d not as ye will do,<br/>
+When they saw Jason following the plough.<br/>
+<br/>
+The increate perpetual thirst, that draws<br/>
+Toward the realm of God’s own form, bore us<br/>
+Swift almost as the heaven ye behold.<br/>
+<br/>
+Beatrice upward gaz’d, and I on her,<br/>
+And in such space as on the notch a dart<br/>
+Is plac’d, then loosen’d flies, I saw myself<br/>
+Arriv’d, where wond’rous thing engag’d my sight.<br/>
+Whence she, to whom no work of mine was hid,<br/>
+Turning to me, with aspect glad as fair,<br/>
+Bespake me: “Gratefully direct thy mind<br/>
+To God, through whom to this first star we come.”<br/>
+<br/>
+Me seem’d as if a cloud had cover’d us,<br/>
+Translucent, solid, firm, and polish’d bright,<br/>
+Like adamant, which the sun’s beam had smit<br/>
+Within itself the ever-during pearl<br/>
+Receiv’d us, as the wave a ray of light<br/>
+Receives, and rests unbroken. If I then<br/>
+Was of corporeal frame, and it transcend<br/>
+Our weaker thought, how one dimension thus<br/>
+Another could endure, which needs must be<br/>
+If body enter body, how much more<br/>
+Must the desire inflame us to behold<br/>
+That essence, which discovers by what means<br/>
+God and our nature join’d! There will be seen<br/>
+That which we hold through faith, not shown by proof,<br/>
+But in itself intelligibly plain,<br/>
+E’en as the truth that man at first believes.<br/>
+<br/>
+I answered: “Lady! I with thoughts devout,<br/>
+Such as I best can frame, give thanks to Him,<br/>
+Who hath remov’d me from the mortal world.<br/>
+But tell, I pray thee, whence the gloomy spots<br/>
+Upon this body, which below on earth<br/>
+Give rise to talk of Cain in fabling quaint?”<br/>
+<br/>
+She somewhat smil’d, then spake: “If mortals err<br/>
+In their opinion, when the key of sense<br/>
+Unlocks not, surely wonder’s weapon keen<br/>
+Ought not to pierce thee; since thou find’st, the wings<br/>
+Of reason to pursue the senses’ flight<br/>
+Are short. But what thy own thought is, declare.”<br/>
+<br/>
+Then I: “What various here above appears,<br/>
+Is caus’d, I deem, by bodies dense or rare.”<br/>
+<br/>
+She then resum’d: “Thou certainly wilt see<br/>
+In falsehood thy belief o’erwhelm’d, if well<br/>
+Thou listen to the arguments, which I<br/>
+Shall bring to face it. The eighth sphere displays<br/>
+Numberless lights, the which in kind and size<br/>
+May be remark’d of different aspects;<br/>
+If rare or dense of that were cause alone,<br/>
+One single virtue then would be in all,<br/>
+Alike distributed, or more, or less.<br/>
+Different virtues needs must be the fruits<br/>
+Of formal principles, and these, save one,<br/>
+Will by thy reasoning be destroy’d. Beside,<br/>
+If rarity were of that dusk the cause,<br/>
+Which thou inquirest, either in some part<br/>
+That planet must throughout be void, nor fed<br/>
+With its own matter; or, as bodies share<br/>
+Their fat and leanness, in like manner this<br/>
+Must in its volume change the leaves. The first,<br/>
+If it were true, had through the sun’s eclipse<br/>
+Been manifested, by transparency<br/>
+Of light, as through aught rare beside effus’d.<br/>
+But this is not. Therefore remains to see<br/>
+The other cause: and if the other fall,<br/>
+Erroneous so must prove what seem’d to thee.<br/>
+If not from side to side this rarity<br/>
+Pass through, there needs must be a limit, whence<br/>
+Its contrary no further lets it pass.<br/>
+And hence the beam, that from without proceeds,<br/>
+Must be pour’d back, as colour comes, through glass<br/>
+Reflected, which behind it lead conceals.<br/>
+Now wilt thou say, that there of murkier hue<br/>
+Than in the other part the ray is shown,<br/>
+By being thence refracted farther back.<br/>
+From this perplexity will free thee soon<br/>
+Experience, if thereof thou trial make,<br/>
+The fountain whence your arts derive their streame.<br/>
+Three mirrors shalt thou take, and two remove<br/>
+From thee alike, and more remote the third.<br/>
+Betwixt the former pair, shall meet thine eyes;<br/>
+Then turn’d toward them, cause behind thy back<br/>
+A light to stand, that on the three shall shine,<br/>
+And thus reflected come to thee from all.<br/>
+Though that beheld most distant do not stretch<br/>
+A space so ample, yet in brightness thou<br/>
+Will own it equaling the rest. But now,<br/>
+As under snow the ground, if the warm ray<br/>
+Smites it, remains dismantled of the hue<br/>
+And cold, that cover’d it before, so thee,<br/>
+Dismantled in thy mind, I will inform<br/>
+With light so lively, that the tremulous beam<br/>
+Shall quiver where it falls. Within the heaven,<br/>
+Where peace divine inhabits, circles round<br/>
+A body, in whose virtue dies the being<br/>
+Of all that it contains. The following heaven,<br/>
+That hath so many lights, this being divides,<br/>
+Through different essences, from it distinct,<br/>
+And yet contain’d within it. The other orbs<br/>
+Their separate distinctions variously<br/>
+Dispose, for their own seed and produce apt.<br/>
+Thus do these organs of the world proceed,<br/>
+As thou beholdest now, from step to step,<br/>
+Their influences from above deriving,<br/>
+And thence transmitting downwards. Mark me well,<br/>
+How through this passage to the truth I ford,<br/>
+The truth thou lov’st, that thou henceforth alone,<br/>
+May’st know to keep the shallows, safe, untold.<br/>
+<br/>
+“The virtue and motion of the sacred orbs,<br/>
+As mallet by the workman’s hand, must needs<br/>
+By blessed movers be inspir’d. This heaven,<br/>
+Made beauteous by so many luminaries,<br/>
+From the deep spirit, that moves its circling sphere,<br/>
+Its image takes an impress as a seal:<br/>
+And as the soul, that dwells within your dust,<br/>
+Through members different, yet together form’d,<br/>
+In different pow’rs resolves itself; e’en so<br/>
+The intellectual efficacy unfolds<br/>
+Its goodness multiplied throughout the stars;<br/>
+On its own unity revolving still.<br/>
+Different virtue compact different<br/>
+Makes with the precious body it enlivens,<br/>
+With which it knits, as life in you is knit.<br/>
+From its original nature full of joy,<br/>
+The virtue mingled through the body shines,<br/>
+As joy through pupil of the living eye.<br/>
+From hence proceeds, that which from light to light<br/>
+Seems different, and not from dense or rare.<br/>
+This is the formal cause, that generates<br/>
+Proportion’d to its power, the dusk or clear.”
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="cantoIII.3"></a>CANTO III</h2>
+
+<p>
+That sun, which erst with love my bosom warm’d<br/>
+Had of fair truth unveil’d the sweet aspect,<br/>
+By proof of right, and of the false reproof;<br/>
+And I, to own myself convinc’d and free<br/>
+Of doubt, as much as needed, rais’d my head<br/>
+Erect for speech. But soon a sight appear’d,<br/>
+Which, so intent to mark it, held me fix’d,<br/>
+That of confession I no longer thought.
+</p>
+
+<div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
+<a href="images/03-14.jpg">
+<img src="images/03-14.jpg" width="555" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+</div>
+
+<p>
+As through translucent and smooth glass, or wave<br/>
+Clear and unmov’d, and flowing not so deep<br/>
+As that its bed is dark, the shape returns<br/>
+So faint of our impictur’d lineaments,<br/>
+That on white forehead set a pearl as strong<br/>
+Comes to the eye: such saw I many a face,<br/>
+All stretch’d to speak, from whence I straight conceiv’d<br/>
+Delusion opposite to that, which rais’d<br/>
+Between the man and fountain, amorous flame.<br/>
+<br/>
+Sudden, as I perceiv’d them, deeming these<br/>
+Reflected semblances to see of whom<br/>
+They were, I turn’d mine eyes, and nothing saw;<br/>
+Then turn’d them back, directed on the light<br/>
+Of my sweet guide, who smiling shot forth beams<br/>
+From her celestial eyes. “Wonder not thou,”<br/>
+She cry’d, “at this my smiling, when I see<br/>
+Thy childish judgment; since not yet on truth<br/>
+It rests the foot, but, as it still is wont,<br/>
+Makes thee fall back in unsound vacancy.<br/>
+True substances are these, which thou behold’st,<br/>
+Hither through failure of their vow exil’d.<br/>
+But speak thou with them; listen, and believe,<br/>
+That the true light, which fills them with desire,<br/>
+Permits not from its beams their feet to stray.”<br/>
+<br/>
+Straight to the shadow which for converse seem’d<br/>
+Most earnest, I addressed me, and began,<br/>
+As one by over-eagerness perplex’d:<br/>
+“O spirit, born for joy! who in the rays<br/>
+Of life eternal, of that sweetness know’st<br/>
+The flavour, which, not tasted, passes far<br/>
+All apprehension, me it well would please,<br/>
+If thou wouldst tell me of thy name, and this<br/>
+Your station here.” Whence she, with kindness prompt,<br/>
+And eyes glist’ning with smiles: “Our charity,<br/>
+To any wish by justice introduc’d,<br/>
+Bars not the door, no more than she above,<br/>
+Who would have all her court be like herself.<br/>
+I was a virgin sister in the earth;<br/>
+And if thy mind observe me well, this form,<br/>
+With such addition grac’d of loveliness,<br/>
+Will not conceal me long, but thou wilt know<br/>
+Piccarda, in the tardiest sphere thus plac’d,<br/>
+Here ’mid these other blessed also blest.<br/>
+Our hearts, whose high affections burn alone<br/>
+With pleasure, from the Holy Spirit conceiv’d,<br/>
+Admitted to his order dwell in joy.<br/>
+And this condition, which appears so low,<br/>
+Is for this cause assign’d us, that our vows<br/>
+Were in some part neglected and made void.”<br/>
+<br/>
+Whence I to her replied: “Something divine<br/>
+Beams in your countenance, wond’rous fair,<br/>
+From former knowledge quite transmuting you.<br/>
+Therefore to recollect was I so slow.<br/>
+But what thou sayst hath to my memory<br/>
+Given now such aid, that to retrace your forms<br/>
+Is easier. Yet inform me, ye, who here<br/>
+Are happy, long ye for a higher place<br/>
+More to behold, and more in love to dwell?”<br/>
+<br/>
+She with those other spirits gently smil’d,<br/>
+Then answer’d with such gladness, that she seem’d<br/>
+With love’s first flame to glow: “Brother! our will<br/>
+Is in composure settled by the power<br/>
+Of charity, who makes us will alone<br/>
+What we possess, and nought beyond desire;<br/>
+If we should wish to be exalted more,<br/>
+Then must our wishes jar with the high will<br/>
+Of him, who sets us here, which in these orbs<br/>
+Thou wilt confess not possible, if here<br/>
+To be in charity must needs befall,<br/>
+And if her nature well thou contemplate.<br/>
+Rather it is inherent in this state<br/>
+Of blessedness, to keep ourselves within<br/>
+The divine will, by which our wills with his<br/>
+Are one. So that as we from step to step<br/>
+Are plac’d throughout this kingdom, pleases all,<br/>
+E’en as our King, who in us plants his will;<br/>
+And in his will is our tranquillity;<br/>
+It is the mighty ocean, whither tends<br/>
+Whatever it creates and nature makes.”<br/>
+<br/>
+Then saw I clearly how each spot in heav’n<br/>
+Is Paradise, though with like gracious dew<br/>
+The supreme virtue show’r not over all.<br/>
+<br/>
+But as it chances, if one sort of food<br/>
+Hath satiated, and of another still<br/>
+The appetite remains, that this is ask’d,<br/>
+And thanks for that return’d; e’en so did I<br/>
+In word and motion, bent from her to learn<br/>
+What web it was, through which she had not drawn<br/>
+The shuttle to its point. She thus began:<br/>
+“Exalted worth and perfectness of life<br/>
+The Lady higher up enshrine in heaven,<br/>
+By whose pure laws upon your nether earth<br/>
+The robe and veil they wear, to that intent,<br/>
+That e’en till death they may keep watch or sleep<br/>
+With their great bridegroom, who accepts each vow,<br/>
+Which to his gracious pleasure love conforms.<br/>
+from the world, to follow her, when young<br/>
+Escap’d; and, in her vesture mantling me,<br/>
+Made promise of the way her sect enjoins.<br/>
+Thereafter men, for ill than good more apt,<br/>
+Forth snatch’d me from the pleasant cloister’s pale.<br/>
+God knows how after that my life was fram’d.<br/>
+This other splendid shape, which thou beholdst<br/>
+At my right side, burning with all the light<br/>
+Of this our orb, what of myself I tell<br/>
+May to herself apply. From her, like me<br/>
+A sister, with like violence were torn<br/>
+The saintly folds, that shaded her fair brows.<br/>
+E’en when she to the world again was brought<br/>
+In spite of her own will and better wont,<br/>
+Yet not for that the bosom’s inward veil<br/>
+Did she renounce. This is the luminary<br/>
+Of mighty Constance, who from that loud blast,<br/>
+Which blew the second over Suabia’s realm,<br/>
+That power produc’d, which was the third and last.”<br/>
+<br/>
+She ceas’d from further talk, and then began<br/>
+“Ave Maria” singing, and with that song<br/>
+Vanish’d, as heavy substance through deep wave.<br/>
+<br/>
+Mine eye, that far as it was capable,<br/>
+Pursued her, when in dimness she was lost,<br/>
+Turn’d to the mark where greater want impell’d,<br/>
+And bent on Beatrice all its gaze.<br/>
+But she as light’ning beam’d upon my looks:<br/>
+So that the sight sustain’d it not at first.<br/>
+Whence I to question her became less prompt.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="cantoIII.4"></a>CANTO IV</h2>
+
+<p>
+Between two kinds of food, both equally<br/>
+Remote and tempting, first a man might die<br/>
+Of hunger, ere he one could freely choose.<br/>
+E’en so would stand a lamb between the maw<br/>
+Of two fierce wolves, in dread of both alike:<br/>
+E’en so between two deer a dog would stand,<br/>
+Wherefore, if I was silent, fault nor praise<br/>
+I to myself impute, by equal doubts<br/>
+Held in suspense, since of necessity<br/>
+It happen’d. Silent was I, yet desire<br/>
+Was painted in my looks; and thus I spake<br/>
+My wish more earnestly than language could.<br/>
+<br/>
+As Daniel, when the haughty king he freed<br/>
+From ire, that spurr’d him on to deeds unjust<br/>
+And violent; so look’d Beatrice then.<br/>
+<br/>
+“Well I discern,” she thus her words address’d,<br/>
+“How contrary desires each way constrain thee,<br/>
+So that thy anxious thought is in itself<br/>
+Bound up and stifled, nor breathes freely forth.<br/>
+Thou arguest; if the good intent remain;<br/>
+What reason that another’s violence<br/>
+Should stint the measure of my fair desert?<br/>
+<br/>
+“Cause too thou findst for doubt, in that it seems,<br/>
+That spirits to the stars, as Plato deem’d,<br/>
+Return. These are the questions which thy will<br/>
+Urge equally; and therefore I the first<br/>
+Of that will treat which hath the more of gall.<br/>
+Of seraphim he who is most ensky’d,<br/>
+Moses and Samuel, and either John,<br/>
+Choose which thou wilt, nor even Mary’s self,<br/>
+Have not in any other heav’n their seats,<br/>
+Than have those spirits which so late thou saw’st;<br/>
+Nor more or fewer years exist; but all<br/>
+Make the first circle beauteous, diversely<br/>
+Partaking of sweet life, as more or less<br/>
+Afflation of eternal bliss pervades them.<br/>
+Here were they shown thee, not that fate assigns<br/>
+This for their sphere, but for a sign to thee<br/>
+Of that celestial furthest from the height.<br/>
+Thus needs, that ye may apprehend, we speak:<br/>
+Since from things sensible alone ye learn<br/>
+That, which digested rightly after turns<br/>
+To intellectual. For no other cause<br/>
+The scripture, condescending graciously<br/>
+To your perception, hands and feet to God<br/>
+Attributes, nor so means: and holy church<br/>
+Doth represent with human countenance<br/>
+Gabriel, and Michael, and him who made<br/>
+Tobias whole. Unlike what here thou seest,<br/>
+The judgment of Timaeus, who affirms<br/>
+Each soul restor’d to its particular star,<br/>
+Believing it to have been taken thence,<br/>
+When nature gave it to inform her mold:<br/>
+Since to appearance his intention is<br/>
+E’en what his words declare: or else to shun<br/>
+Derision, haply thus he hath disguis’d<br/>
+His true opinion. If his meaning be,<br/>
+That to the influencing of these orbs revert<br/>
+The honour and the blame in human acts,<br/>
+Perchance he doth not wholly miss the truth.<br/>
+This principle, not understood aright,<br/>
+Erewhile perverted well nigh all the world;<br/>
+So that it fell to fabled names of Jove,<br/>
+And Mercury, and Mars. That other doubt,<br/>
+Which moves thee, is less harmful; for it brings<br/>
+No peril of removing thee from me.<br/>
+<br/>
+“That, to the eye of man, our justice seems<br/>
+Unjust, is argument for faith, and not<br/>
+For heretic declension. To the end<br/>
+This truth may stand more clearly in your view,<br/>
+I will content thee even to thy wish<br/>
+<br/>
+“If violence be, when that which suffers, nought<br/>
+Consents to that which forceth, not for this<br/>
+These spirits stood exculpate. For the will,<br/>
+That will not, still survives unquench’d, and doth<br/>
+As nature doth in fire, tho’ violence<br/>
+Wrest it a thousand times; for, if it yield<br/>
+Or more or less, so far it follows force.<br/>
+And thus did these, whom they had power to seek<br/>
+The hallow’d place again. In them, had will<br/>
+Been perfect, such as once upon the bars<br/>
+Held Laurence firm, or wrought in Scaevola<br/>
+To his own hand remorseless, to the path,<br/>
+Whence they were drawn, their steps had hasten’d back,<br/>
+When liberty return’d: but in too few<br/>
+Resolve so steadfast dwells. And by these words<br/>
+If duly weigh’d, that argument is void,<br/>
+Which oft might have perplex’d thee still. But now<br/>
+Another question thwarts thee, which to solve<br/>
+Might try thy patience without better aid.<br/>
+I have, no doubt, instill’d into thy mind,<br/>
+That blessed spirit may not lie; since near<br/>
+The source of primal truth it dwells for aye:<br/>
+And thou might’st after of Piccarda learn<br/>
+That Constance held affection to the veil;<br/>
+So that she seems to contradict me here.<br/>
+Not seldom, brother, it hath chanc’d for men<br/>
+To do what they had gladly left undone,<br/>
+Yet to shun peril they have done amiss:<br/>
+E’en as Alcmaeon, at his father’s suit<br/>
+Slew his own mother, so made pitiless<br/>
+Not to lose pity. On this point bethink thee,<br/>
+That force and will are blended in such wise<br/>
+As not to make the’ offence excusable.<br/>
+Absolute will agrees not to the wrong,<br/>
+That inasmuch as there is fear of woe<br/>
+From non-compliance, it agrees. Of will<br/>
+Thus absolute Piccarda spake, and I<br/>
+Of th’ other; so that both have truly said.”<br/>
+<br/>
+Such was the flow of that pure rill, that well’d<br/>
+From forth the fountain of all truth; and such<br/>
+The rest, that to my wond’ring thoughts I found.<br/>
+<br/>
+“O thou of primal love the prime delight!<br/>
+Goddess!” I straight reply’d, “whose lively words<br/>
+Still shed new heat and vigour through my soul!<br/>
+Affection fails me to requite thy grace<br/>
+With equal sum of gratitude: be his<br/>
+To recompense, who sees and can reward thee.<br/>
+Well I discern, that by that truth alone<br/>
+Enlighten’d, beyond which no truth may roam,<br/>
+Our mind can satisfy her thirst to know:<br/>
+Therein she resteth, e’en as in his lair<br/>
+The wild beast, soon as she hath reach’d that bound,<br/>
+And she hath power to reach it; else desire<br/>
+Were given to no end. And thence doth doubt<br/>
+Spring, like a shoot, around the stock of truth;<br/>
+And it is nature which from height to height<br/>
+On to the summit prompts us. This invites,<br/>
+This doth assure me, lady, rev’rently<br/>
+To ask thee of other truth, that yet<br/>
+Is dark to me. I fain would know, if man<br/>
+By other works well done may so supply<br/>
+The failure of his vows, that in your scale<br/>
+They lack not weight.” I spake; and on me straight<br/>
+Beatrice look’d with eyes that shot forth sparks<br/>
+Of love celestial in such copious stream,<br/>
+That, virtue sinking in me overpower’d,<br/>
+I turn’d, and downward bent confus’d my sight.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="cantoIII.5"></a>CANTO V</h2>
+
+<p>
+“If beyond earthly wont, the flame of love<br/>
+Illume me, so that I o’ercome thy power<br/>
+Of vision, marvel not: but learn the cause<br/>
+In that perfection of the sight, which soon<br/>
+As apprehending, hasteneth on to reach<br/>
+The good it apprehends. I well discern,<br/>
+How in thine intellect already shines<br/>
+The light eternal, which to view alone<br/>
+Ne’er fails to kindle love; and if aught else<br/>
+Your love seduces, ’t is but that it shows<br/>
+Some ill-mark’d vestige of that primal beam.<br/>
+<br/>
+“This would’st thou know, if failure of the vow<br/>
+By other service may be so supplied,<br/>
+As from self-question to assure the soul.”<br/>
+<br/>
+Thus she her words, not heedless of my wish,<br/>
+Began; and thus, as one who breaks not off<br/>
+Discourse, continued in her saintly strain.<br/>
+“Supreme of gifts, which God creating gave<br/>
+Of his free bounty, sign most evident<br/>
+Of goodness, and in his account most priz’d,<br/>
+Was liberty of will, the boon wherewith<br/>
+All intellectual creatures, and them sole<br/>
+He hath endow’d. Hence now thou mayst infer<br/>
+Of what high worth the vow, which so is fram’d<br/>
+That when man offers, God well-pleas’d accepts;<br/>
+For in the compact between God and him,<br/>
+This treasure, such as I describe it to thee,<br/>
+He makes the victim, and of his own act.<br/>
+What compensation therefore may he find?<br/>
+If that, whereof thou hast oblation made,<br/>
+By using well thou think’st to consecrate,<br/>
+Thou would’st of theft do charitable deed.<br/>
+Thus I resolve thee of the greater point.<br/>
+<br/>
+“But forasmuch as holy church, herein<br/>
+Dispensing, seems to contradict the truth<br/>
+I have discover’d to thee, yet behooves<br/>
+Thou rest a little longer at the board,<br/>
+Ere the crude aliment, which thou hast taken,<br/>
+Digested fitly to nutrition turn.<br/>
+Open thy mind to what I now unfold,<br/>
+And give it inward keeping. Knowledge comes<br/>
+Of learning well retain’d, unfruitful else.<br/>
+<br/>
+“This sacrifice in essence of two things<br/>
+Consisteth; one is that, whereof ’t is made,<br/>
+The covenant the other. For the last,<br/>
+It ne’er is cancell’d if not kept: and hence<br/>
+I spake erewhile so strictly of its force.<br/>
+For this it was enjoin’d the Israelites,<br/>
+Though leave were giv’n them, as thou know’st, to change<br/>
+The offering, still to offer. Th’ other part,<br/>
+The matter and the substance of the vow,<br/>
+May well be such, to that without offence<br/>
+It may for other substance be exchang’d.<br/>
+But at his own discretion none may shift<br/>
+The burden on his shoulders, unreleas’d<br/>
+By either key, the yellow and the white.<br/>
+Nor deem of any change, as less than vain,<br/>
+If the last bond be not within the new<br/>
+Included, as the quatre in the six.<br/>
+No satisfaction therefore can be paid<br/>
+For what so precious in the balance weighs,<br/>
+That all in counterpoise must kick the beam.<br/>
+Take then no vow at random: ta’en, with faith<br/>
+Preserve it; yet not bent, as Jephthah once,<br/>
+Blindly to execute a rash resolve,<br/>
+Whom better it had suited to exclaim,<br/>
+‘I have done ill,’ than to redeem his pledge<br/>
+By doing worse or, not unlike to him<br/>
+In folly, that great leader of the Greeks:<br/>
+Whence, on the alter, Iphigenia mourn’d<br/>
+Her virgin beauty, and hath since made mourn<br/>
+Both wise and simple, even all, who hear<br/>
+Of so fell sacrifice. Be ye more staid,<br/>
+O Christians, not, like feather, by each wind<br/>
+Removable: nor think to cleanse ourselves<br/>
+In every water. Either testament,<br/>
+The old and new, is yours: and for your guide<br/>
+The shepherd of the church let this suffice<br/>
+To save you. When by evil lust entic’d,<br/>
+Remember ye be men, not senseless beasts;<br/>
+Nor let the Jew, who dwelleth in your streets,<br/>
+Hold you in mock’ry. Be not, as the lamb,<br/>
+That, fickle wanton, leaves its mother’s milk,<br/>
+To dally with itself in idle play.”<br/>
+<br/>
+Such were the words that Beatrice spake:<br/>
+These ended, to that region, where the world<br/>
+Is liveliest, full of fond desire she turn’d.<br/>
+<br/>
+Though mainly prompt new question to propose,<br/>
+Her silence and chang’d look did keep me dumb.<br/>
+And as the arrow, ere the cord is still,<br/>
+Leapeth unto its mark; so on we sped<br/>
+Into the second realm. There I beheld<br/>
+The dame, so joyous enter, that the orb<br/>
+Grew brighter at her smiles; and, if the star<br/>
+Were mov’d to gladness, what then was my cheer,<br/>
+Whom nature hath made apt for every change!
+</p>
+
+<div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
+<a href="images/05-99.jpg">
+<img src="images/05-99.jpg" width="545" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+</div>
+
+<p>
+As in a quiet and clear lake the fish,<br/>
+If aught approach them from without, do draw<br/>
+Towards it, deeming it their food; so drew<br/>
+Full more than thousand splendours towards us,<br/>
+And in each one was heard: “Lo! one arriv’d<br/>
+To multiply our loves!” and as each came<br/>
+The shadow, streaming forth effulgence new,<br/>
+Witness’d augmented joy. Here, reader! think,<br/>
+If thou didst miss the sequel of my tale,<br/>
+To know the rest how sorely thou wouldst crave;<br/>
+And thou shalt see what vehement desire<br/>
+Possess’d me, as soon as these had met my view,<br/>
+To know their state. “O born in happy hour!<br/>
+Thou to whom grace vouchsafes, or ere thy close<br/>
+Of fleshly warfare, to behold the thrones<br/>
+Of that eternal triumph, know to us<br/>
+The light communicated, which through heaven<br/>
+Expatiates without bound. Therefore, if aught<br/>
+Thou of our beams wouldst borrow for thine aid,<br/>
+Spare not; and of our radiance take thy fill.”<br/>
+<br/>
+Thus of those piteous spirits one bespake me;<br/>
+And Beatrice next: “Say on; and trust<br/>
+As unto gods!”&mdash;“How in the light supreme<br/>
+Thou harbour’st, and from thence the virtue bring’st,<br/>
+That, sparkling in thine eyes, denotes thy joy,<br/>
+l mark; but, who thou art, am still to seek;<br/>
+Or wherefore, worthy spirit! for thy lot<br/>
+This sphere assign’d, that oft from mortal ken<br/>
+Is veil’d by others’ beams.” I said, and turn’d<br/>
+Toward the lustre, that with greeting, kind<br/>
+Erewhile had hail’d me. Forthwith brighter far<br/>
+Than erst, it wax’d: and, as himself the sun<br/>
+Hides through excess of light, when his warm gaze<br/>
+Hath on the mantle of thick vapours prey’d;<br/>
+Within its proper ray the saintly shape<br/>
+Was, through increase of gladness, thus conceal’d;<br/>
+And, shrouded so in splendour answer’d me,<br/>
+E’en as the tenour of my song declares.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="cantoIII.6"></a>CANTO VI</h2>
+
+<p>
+“After that Constantine the eagle turn’d<br/>
+Against the motions of the heav’n, that roll’d<br/>
+Consenting with its course, when he of yore,<br/>
+Lavinia’s spouse, was leader of the flight,<br/>
+A hundred years twice told and more, his seat<br/>
+At Europe’s extreme point, the bird of Jove<br/>
+Held, near the mountains, whence he issued first.<br/>
+There, under shadow of his sacred plumes<br/>
+Swaying the world, till through successive hands<br/>
+To mine he came devolv’d. Caesar I was,<br/>
+And am Justinian; destin’d by the will<br/>
+Of that prime love, whose influence I feel,<br/>
+From vain excess to clear th’ encumber’d laws.<br/>
+Or ere that work engag’d me, I did hold<br/>
+Christ’s nature merely human, with such faith<br/>
+Contented. But the blessed Agapete,<br/>
+Who was chief shepherd, he with warning voice<br/>
+To the true faith recall’d me. I believ’d<br/>
+His words: and what he taught, now plainly see,<br/>
+As thou in every contradiction seest<br/>
+The true and false oppos’d. Soon as my feet<br/>
+Were to the church reclaim’d, to my great task,<br/>
+By inspiration of God’s grace impell’d,<br/>
+I gave me wholly, and consign’d mine arms<br/>
+To Belisarius, with whom heaven’s right hand<br/>
+Was link’d in such conjointment, ’t was a sign<br/>
+That I should rest. To thy first question thus<br/>
+I shape mine answer, which were ended here,<br/>
+But that its tendency doth prompt perforce<br/>
+To some addition; that thou well, mayst mark<br/>
+What reason on each side they have to plead,<br/>
+By whom that holiest banner is withstood,<br/>
+Both who pretend its power and who oppose.<br/>
+“Beginning from that hour, when Pallas died<br/>
+To give it rule, behold the valorous deeds<br/>
+Have made it worthy reverence. Not unknown<br/>
+To thee, how for three hundred years and more<br/>
+It dwelt in Alba, up to those fell lists<br/>
+Where for its sake were met the rival three;<br/>
+Nor aught unknown to thee, which it achiev’d<br/>
+Down to the Sabines’ wrong to Lucrece’ woe,<br/>
+With its sev’n kings conqu’ring the nation round;<br/>
+Nor all it wrought, by Roman worthies home<br/>
+’Gainst Brennus and th’ Epirot prince, and hosts<br/>
+Of single chiefs, or states in league combin’d<br/>
+Of social warfare; hence Torquatus stern,<br/>
+And Quintius nam’d of his neglected locks,<br/>
+The Decii, and the Fabii hence acquir’d<br/>
+Their fame, which I with duteous zeal embalm.<br/>
+By it the pride of Arab hordes was quell’d,<br/>
+When they led on by Hannibal o’erpass’d<br/>
+The Alpine rocks, whence glide thy currents, Po!<br/>
+Beneath its guidance, in their prime of days<br/>
+Scipio and Pompey triumph’d; and that hill,<br/>
+Under whose summit thou didst see the light,<br/>
+Rued its stern bearing. After, near the hour,<br/>
+When heav’n was minded that o’er all the world<br/>
+His own deep calm should brood, to Caesar’s hand<br/>
+Did Rome consign it; and what then it wrought<br/>
+From Var unto the Rhine, saw Isere’s flood,<br/>
+Saw Loire and Seine, and every vale, that fills<br/>
+The torrent Rhone. What after that it wrought,<br/>
+When from Ravenna it came forth, and leap’d<br/>
+The Rubicon, was of so bold a flight,<br/>
+That tongue nor pen may follow it. Tow’rds Spain<br/>
+It wheel’d its bands, then tow’rd Dyrrachium smote,<br/>
+And on Pharsalia with so fierce a plunge,<br/>
+E’en the warm Nile was conscious to the pang;<br/>
+Its native shores Antandros, and the streams<br/>
+Of Simois revisited, and there<br/>
+Where Hector lies; then ill for Ptolemy<br/>
+His pennons shook again; lightning thence fell<br/>
+On Juba; and the next upon your west,<br/>
+At sound of the Pompeian trump, return’d.<br/>
+<br/>
+“What following and in its next bearer’s gripe<br/>
+It wrought, is now by Cassius and Brutus<br/>
+Bark’d off in hell, and by Perugia’s sons<br/>
+And Modena’s was mourn’d. Hence weepeth still<br/>
+Sad Cleopatra, who, pursued by it,<br/>
+Took from the adder black and sudden death.<br/>
+With him it ran e’en to the Red Sea coast;<br/>
+With him compos’d the world to such a peace,<br/>
+That of his temple Janus barr’d the door.<br/>
+<br/>
+“But all the mighty standard yet had wrought,<br/>
+And was appointed to perform thereafter,<br/>
+Throughout the mortal kingdom which it sway’d,<br/>
+Falls in appearance dwindled and obscur’d,<br/>
+If one with steady eye and perfect thought<br/>
+On the third Caesar look; for to his hands,<br/>
+The living Justice, in whose breath I move,<br/>
+Committed glory, e’en into his hands,<br/>
+To execute the vengeance of its wrath.<br/>
+<br/>
+“Hear now and wonder at what next I tell.<br/>
+After with Titus it was sent to wreak<br/>
+Vengeance for vengeance of the ancient sin,<br/>
+And, when the Lombard tooth, with fangs impure,<br/>
+Did gore the bosom of the holy church,<br/>
+Under its wings victorious, Charlemagne<br/>
+Sped to her rescue. Judge then for thyself<br/>
+Of those, whom I erewhile accus’d to thee,<br/>
+What they are, and how grievous their offending,<br/>
+Who are the cause of all your ills. The one<br/>
+Against the universal ensign rears<br/>
+The yellow lilies, and with partial aim<br/>
+That to himself the other arrogates:<br/>
+So that ’t is hard to see which more offends.<br/>
+Be yours, ye Ghibellines, to veil your arts<br/>
+Beneath another standard: ill is this<br/>
+Follow’d of him, who severs it and justice:<br/>
+And let not with his Guelphs the new-crown’d Charles<br/>
+Assail it, but those talons hold in dread,<br/>
+Which from a lion of more lofty port<br/>
+Have rent the easing. Many a time ere now<br/>
+The sons have for the sire’s transgression wail’d;<br/>
+Nor let him trust the fond belief, that heav’n<br/>
+Will truck its armour for his lilied shield.<br/>
+<br/>
+“This little star is furnish’d with good spirits,<br/>
+Whose mortal lives were busied to that end,<br/>
+That honour and renown might wait on them:<br/>
+And, when desires thus err in their intention,<br/>
+True love must needs ascend with slacker beam.<br/>
+But it is part of our delight, to measure<br/>
+Our wages with the merit; and admire<br/>
+The close proportion. Hence doth heav’nly justice<br/>
+Temper so evenly affection in us,<br/>
+It ne’er can warp to any wrongfulness.<br/>
+Of diverse voices is sweet music made:<br/>
+So in our life the different degrees<br/>
+Render sweet harmony among these wheels.<br/>
+<br/>
+“Within the pearl, that now encloseth us,<br/>
+Shines Romeo’s light, whose goodly deed and fair<br/>
+Met ill acceptance. But the Provencals,<br/>
+That were his foes, have little cause for mirth.<br/>
+Ill shapes that man his course, who makes his wrong<br/>
+Of other’s worth. Four daughters were there born<br/>
+To Raymond Berenger, and every one<br/>
+Became a queen; and this for him did Romeo,<br/>
+Though of mean state and from a foreign land.<br/>
+Yet envious tongues incited him to ask<br/>
+A reckoning of that just one, who return’d<br/>
+Twelve fold to him for ten. Aged and poor<br/>
+He parted thence: and if the world did know<br/>
+The heart he had, begging his life by morsels,<br/>
+’T would deem the praise, it yields him, scantly dealt.”
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="cantoIII.7"></a>CANTO VII</h2>
+
+<p>
+“Hosanna Sanctus Deus Sabaoth<br/>
+Superillustrans claritate tua<br/>
+Felices ignes horum malahoth!”<br/>
+Thus chanting saw I turn that substance bright<br/>
+With fourfold lustre to its orb again,<br/>
+Revolving; and the rest unto their dance<br/>
+With it mov’d also; and like swiftest sparks,<br/>
+In sudden distance from my sight were veil’d.<br/>
+<br/>
+Me doubt possess’d, and “Speak,” it whisper’d me,<br/>
+“Speak, speak unto thy lady, that she quench<br/>
+Thy thirst with drops of sweetness.” Yet blank awe,<br/>
+Which lords it o’er me, even at the sound<br/>
+Of Beatrice’s name, did bow me down<br/>
+As one in slumber held. Not long that mood<br/>
+Beatrice suffer’d: she, with such a smile,<br/>
+As might have made one blest amid the flames,<br/>
+Beaming upon me, thus her words began:<br/>
+“Thou in thy thought art pond’ring (as I deem),<br/>
+And what I deem is truth how just revenge<br/>
+Could be with justice punish’d: from which doubt<br/>
+I soon will free thee; so thou mark my words;<br/>
+For they of weighty matter shall possess thee.<br/>
+<br/>
+“That man, who was unborn, himself condemn’d,<br/>
+And, in himself, all, who since him have liv’d,<br/>
+His offspring: whence, below, the human kind<br/>
+Lay sick in grievous error many an age;<br/>
+Until it pleas’d the Word of God to come<br/>
+Amongst them down, to his own person joining<br/>
+The nature, from its Maker far estrang’d,<br/>
+By the mere act of his eternal love.<br/>
+Contemplate here the wonder I unfold.<br/>
+The nature with its Maker thus conjoin’d,<br/>
+Created first was blameless, pure and good;<br/>
+But through itself alone was driven forth<br/>
+From Paradise, because it had eschew’d<br/>
+The way of truth and life, to evil turn’d.<br/>
+Ne’er then was penalty so just as that<br/>
+Inflicted by the cross, if thou regard<br/>
+The nature in assumption doom’d: ne’er wrong<br/>
+So great, in reference to him, who took<br/>
+Such nature on him, and endur’d the doom.<br/>
+God therefore and the Jews one sentence pleased:<br/>
+So different effects flow’d from one act,<br/>
+And heav’n was open’d, though the earth did quake.<br/>
+Count it not hard henceforth, when thou dost hear<br/>
+That a just vengeance was by righteous court<br/>
+Justly reveng’d. But yet I see thy mind<br/>
+By thought on thought arising sore perplex’d,<br/>
+And with how vehement desire it asks<br/>
+Solution of the maze. What I have heard,<br/>
+Is plain, thou sayst: but wherefore God this way<br/>
+For our redemption chose, eludes my search.<br/>
+<br/>
+“Brother! no eye of man not perfected,<br/>
+Nor fully ripen’d in the flame of love,<br/>
+May fathom this decree. It is a mark,<br/>
+In sooth, much aim’d at, and but little kenn’d:<br/>
+And I will therefore show thee why such way<br/>
+Was worthiest. The celestial love, that spume<br/>
+All envying in its bounty, in itself<br/>
+With such effulgence blazeth, as sends forth<br/>
+All beauteous things eternal. What distils<br/>
+Immediate thence, no end of being knows,<br/>
+Bearing its seal immutably impress’d.<br/>
+Whatever thence immediate falls, is free,<br/>
+Free wholly, uncontrollable by power<br/>
+Of each thing new: by such conformity<br/>
+More grateful to its author, whose bright beams,<br/>
+Though all partake their shining, yet in those<br/>
+Are liveliest, which resemble him the most.<br/>
+These tokens of pre-eminence on man<br/>
+Largely bestow’d, if any of them fail,<br/>
+He needs must forfeit his nobility,<br/>
+No longer stainless. Sin alone is that,<br/>
+Which doth disfranchise him, and make unlike<br/>
+To the chief good; for that its light in him<br/>
+Is darken’d. And to dignity thus lost<br/>
+Is no return; unless, where guilt makes void,<br/>
+He for ill pleasure pay with equal pain.<br/>
+Your nature, which entirely in its seed<br/>
+Trangress’d, from these distinctions fell, no less<br/>
+Than from its state in Paradise; nor means<br/>
+Found of recovery (search all methods out<br/>
+As strickly as thou may) save one of these,<br/>
+The only fords were left through which to wade,<br/>
+Either that God had of his courtesy<br/>
+Releas’d him merely, or else man himself<br/>
+For his own folly by himself aton’d.<br/>
+<br/>
+“Fix now thine eye, intently as thou canst,<br/>
+On th’ everlasting counsel, and explore,<br/>
+Instructed by my words, the dread abyss.<br/>
+<br/>
+“Man in himself had ever lack’d the means<br/>
+Of satisfaction, for he could not stoop<br/>
+Obeying, in humility so low,<br/>
+As high he, disobeying, thought to soar:<br/>
+And for this reason he had vainly tried<br/>
+Out of his own sufficiency to pay<br/>
+The rigid satisfaction. Then behooved<br/>
+That God should by his own ways lead him back<br/>
+Unto the life, from whence he fell, restor’d:<br/>
+By both his ways, I mean, or one alone.<br/>
+But since the deed is ever priz’d the more,<br/>
+The more the doer’s good intent appears,<br/>
+Goodness celestial, whose broad signature<br/>
+Is on the universe, of all its ways<br/>
+To raise ye up, was fain to leave out none,<br/>
+Nor aught so vast or so magnificent,<br/>
+Either for him who gave or who receiv’d<br/>
+Between the last night and the primal day,<br/>
+Was or can be. For God more bounty show’d.<br/>
+Giving himself to make man capable<br/>
+Of his return to life, than had the terms<br/>
+Been mere and unconditional release.<br/>
+And for his justice, every method else<br/>
+Were all too scant, had not the Son of God<br/>
+Humbled himself to put on mortal flesh.<br/>
+<br/>
+“Now, to fulfil each wish of thine, remains<br/>
+I somewhat further to thy view unfold.<br/>
+That thou mayst see as clearly as myself.<br/>
+<br/>
+“I see, thou sayst, the air, the fire I see,<br/>
+The earth and water, and all things of them<br/>
+Compounded, to corruption turn, and soon<br/>
+Dissolve. Yet these were also things create,<br/>
+Because, if what were told me, had been true<br/>
+They from corruption had been therefore free.<br/>
+<br/>
+“The angels, O my brother! and this clime<br/>
+Wherein thou art, impassible and pure,<br/>
+I call created, as indeed they are<br/>
+In their whole being. But the elements,<br/>
+Which thou hast nam’d, and what of them is made,<br/>
+Are by created virtue’ inform’d: create<br/>
+Their substance, and create the’ informing virtue<br/>
+In these bright stars, that round them circling move<br/>
+The soul of every brute and of each plant,<br/>
+The ray and motion of the sacred lights,<br/>
+With complex potency attract and turn.<br/>
+But this our life the’ eternal good inspires<br/>
+Immediate, and enamours of itself;<br/>
+So that our wishes rest for ever here.<br/>
+<br/>
+“And hence thou mayst by inference conclude<br/>
+Our resurrection certain, if thy mind<br/>
+Consider how the human flesh was fram’d,<br/>
+When both our parents at the first were made.”
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="cantoIII.8"></a>CANTO VIII</h2>
+
+<p>
+The world was in its day of peril dark<br/>
+Wont to believe the dotage of fond love<br/>
+From the fair Cyprian deity, who rolls<br/>
+In her third epicycle, shed on men<br/>
+By stream of potent radiance: therefore they<br/>
+Of elder time, in their old error blind,<br/>
+Not her alone with sacrifice ador’d<br/>
+And invocation, but like honours paid<br/>
+To Cupid and Dione, deem’d of them<br/>
+Her mother, and her son, him whom they feign’d<br/>
+To sit in Dido’s bosom: and from her,<br/>
+Whom I have sung preluding, borrow’d they<br/>
+The appellation of that star, which views,<br/>
+Now obvious and now averse, the sun.<br/>
+<br/>
+I was not ware that I was wafted up<br/>
+Into its orb; but the new loveliness<br/>
+That grac’d my lady, gave me ample proof<br/>
+That we had entered there. And as in flame<br/>
+A sparkle is distinct, or voice in voice<br/>
+Discern’d, when one its even tenour keeps,<br/>
+The other comes and goes; so in that light<br/>
+I other luminaries saw, that cours’d<br/>
+In circling motion rapid more or less,<br/>
+As their eternal phases each impels.<br/>
+<br/>
+Never was blast from vapour charged with cold,<br/>
+Whether invisible to eye or no,<br/>
+Descended with such speed, it had not seem’d<br/>
+To linger in dull tardiness, compar’d<br/>
+To those celestial lights, that tow’rds us came,<br/>
+Leaving the circuit of their joyous ring,<br/>
+Conducted by the lofty seraphim.<br/>
+And after them, who in the van appear’d,<br/>
+Such an hosanna sounded, as hath left<br/>
+Desire, ne’er since extinct in me, to hear<br/>
+Renew’d the strain. Then parting from the rest<br/>
+One near us drew, and sole began: “We all<br/>
+Are ready at thy pleasure, well dispos’d<br/>
+To do thee gentle service. We are they,<br/>
+To whom thou in the world erewhile didst Sing<br/>
+‘O ye! whose intellectual ministry<br/>
+Moves the third heaven!’ and in one orb we roll,<br/>
+One motion, one impulse, with those who rule<br/>
+Princedoms in heaven; yet are of love so full,<br/>
+That to please thee ’t will be as sweet to rest.”<br/>
+<br/>
+After mine eyes had with meek reverence<br/>
+Sought the celestial guide, and were by her<br/>
+Assur’d, they turn’d again unto the light<br/>
+Who had so largely promis’d, and with voice<br/>
+That bare the lively pressure of my zeal,<br/>
+“Tell who ye are,” I cried. Forthwith it grew<br/>
+In size and splendour, through augmented joy;<br/>
+And thus it answer’d: “A short date below<br/>
+The world possess’d me. Had the time been more,<br/>
+Much evil, that will come, had never chanc’d.<br/>
+My gladness hides thee from me, which doth shine<br/>
+Around, and shroud me, as an animal<br/>
+In its own silk unswath’d. Thou lov’dst me well,<br/>
+And had’st good cause; for had my sojourning<br/>
+Been longer on the earth, the love I bare thee<br/>
+Had put forth more than blossoms. The left bank,<br/>
+That Rhone, when he hath mix’d with Sorga, laves.”
+</p>
+
+<div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
+<a href="images/08-60.jpg">
+<img src="images/08-60.jpg" width="530" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+</div>
+
+<p>
+“In me its lord expected, and that horn<br/>
+Of fair Ausonia, with its boroughs old,<br/>
+Bari, and Croton, and Gaeta pil’d,<br/>
+From where the Trento disembogues his waves,<br/>
+With Verde mingled, to the salt sea-flood.<br/>
+Already on my temples beam’d the crown,<br/>
+Which gave me sov’reignty over the land<br/>
+By Danube wash’d, whenas he strays beyond<br/>
+The limits of his German shores. The realm,<br/>
+Where, on the gulf by stormy Eurus lash’d,<br/>
+Betwixt Pelorus and Pachynian heights,<br/>
+The beautiful Trinacria lies in gloom<br/>
+(Not through Typhaeus, but the vap’ry cloud<br/>
+Bituminous upsteam’d), THAT too did look<br/>
+To have its scepter wielded by a race<br/>
+Of monarchs, sprung through me from Charles and Rodolph;<br/>
+had not ill lording which doth spirit up<br/>
+The people ever, in Palermo rais’d<br/>
+The shout of ‘death,’ re-echo’d loud and long.<br/>
+Had but my brother’s foresight kenn’d as much,<br/>
+He had been warier that the greedy want<br/>
+Of Catalonia might not work his bale.<br/>
+And truly need there is, that he forecast,<br/>
+Or other for him, lest more freight be laid<br/>
+On his already over-laden bark.<br/>
+Nature in him, from bounty fall’n to thrift,<br/>
+Would ask the guard of braver arms, than such<br/>
+As only care to have their coffers fill’d.”<br/>
+<br/>
+“My liege, it doth enhance the joy thy words<br/>
+Infuse into me, mighty as it is,<br/>
+To think my gladness manifest to thee,<br/>
+As to myself, who own it, when thou lookst<br/>
+Into the source and limit of all good,<br/>
+There, where thou markest that which thou dost speak,<br/>
+Thence priz’d of me the more. Glad thou hast made me.<br/>
+Now make intelligent, clearing the doubt<br/>
+Thy speech hath raised in me; for much I muse,<br/>
+How bitter can spring up, when sweet is sown.”<br/>
+<br/>
+I thus inquiring; he forthwith replied:<br/>
+“If I have power to show one truth, soon that<br/>
+Shall face thee, which thy questioning declares<br/>
+Behind thee now conceal’d. The Good, that guides<br/>
+And blessed makes this realm, which thou dost mount,<br/>
+Ordains its providence to be the virtue<br/>
+In these great bodies: nor th’ all perfect Mind<br/>
+Upholds their nature merely, but in them<br/>
+Their energy to save: for nought, that lies<br/>
+Within the range of that unerring bow,<br/>
+But is as level with the destin’d aim,<br/>
+As ever mark to arrow’s point oppos’d.<br/>
+Were it not thus, these heavens, thou dost visit,<br/>
+Would their effect so work, it would not be<br/>
+Art, but destruction; and this may not chance,<br/>
+If th’ intellectual powers, that move these stars,<br/>
+Fail not, or who, first faulty made them fail.<br/>
+Wilt thou this truth more clearly evidenc’d?”<br/>
+<br/>
+To whom I thus: “It is enough: no fear,<br/>
+I see, lest nature in her part should tire.”<br/>
+<br/>
+He straight rejoin’d: “Say, were it worse for man,<br/>
+If he liv’d not in fellowship on earth?”<br/>
+<br/>
+“Yea,” answer’d I; “nor here a reason needs.”<br/>
+<br/>
+“And may that be, if different estates<br/>
+Grow not of different duties in your life?<br/>
+Consult your teacher, and he tells you ‘no’.”<br/>
+<br/>
+Thus did he come, deducing to this point,<br/>
+And then concluded: “For this cause behooves,<br/>
+The roots, from whence your operations come,<br/>
+Must differ. Therefore one is Solon born;<br/>
+Another, Xerxes; and Melchisidec<br/>
+A third; and he a fourth, whose airy voyage<br/>
+Cost him his son. In her circuitous course,<br/>
+Nature, that is the seal to mortal wax,<br/>
+Doth well her art, but no distinctions owns<br/>
+’Twixt one or other household. Hence befalls<br/>
+That Esau is so wide of Jacob: hence<br/>
+Quirinus of so base a father springs,<br/>
+He dates from Mars his lineage. Were it not<br/>
+That providence celestial overrul’d,<br/>
+Nature, in generation, must the path<br/>
+Trac’d by the generator, still pursue<br/>
+Unswervingly. Thus place I in thy sight<br/>
+That, which was late behind thee. But, in sign<br/>
+Of more affection for thee, ’t is my will<br/>
+Thou wear this corollary. Nature ever<br/>
+Finding discordant fortune, like all seed<br/>
+Out of its proper climate, thrives but ill.<br/>
+And were the world below content to mark<br/>
+And work on the foundation nature lays,<br/>
+It would not lack supply of excellence.<br/>
+But ye perversely to religion strain<br/>
+Him, who was born to gird on him the sword,<br/>
+And of the fluent phrasemen make your king;<br/>
+Therefore your steps have wander’d from the paths.”
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="cantoIII.9"></a>CANTO IX</h2>
+
+<p>
+After solution of my doubt, thy Charles,<br/>
+O fair Clemenza, of the treachery spake<br/>
+That must befall his seed: but, “Tell it not,”<br/>
+Said he, “and let the destin’d years come round.”<br/>
+Nor may I tell thee more, save that the meed<br/>
+Of sorrow well-deserv’d shall quit your wrongs.<br/>
+<br/>
+And now the visage of that saintly light<br/>
+Was to the sun, that fills it, turn’d again,<br/>
+As to the good, whose plenitude of bliss<br/>
+Sufficeth all. O ye misguided souls!<br/>
+Infatuate, who from such a good estrange<br/>
+Your hearts, and bend your gaze on vanity,<br/>
+Alas for you!&mdash;And lo! toward me, next,<br/>
+Another of those splendent forms approach’d,<br/>
+That, by its outward bright’ning, testified<br/>
+The will it had to pleasure me. The eyes<br/>
+Of Beatrice, resting, as before,<br/>
+Firmly upon me, manifested forth<br/>
+Approval of my wish. “And O,” I cried,<br/>
+“Blest spirit! quickly be my will perform’d;<br/>
+And prove thou to me, that my inmost thoughts<br/>
+I can reflect on thee.” Thereat the light,<br/>
+That yet was new to me, from the recess,<br/>
+Where it before was singing, thus began,<br/>
+As one who joys in kindness: “In that part<br/>
+Of the deprav’d Italian land, which lies<br/>
+Between Rialto, and the fountain-springs<br/>
+Of Brenta and of Piava, there doth rise,<br/>
+But to no lofty eminence, a hill,<br/>
+From whence erewhile a firebrand did descend,<br/>
+That sorely sheet the region. From one root<br/>
+I and it sprang; my name on earth Cunizza:<br/>
+And here I glitter, for that by its light<br/>
+This star o’ercame me. Yet I naught repine,<br/>
+Nor grudge myself the cause of this my lot,<br/>
+Which haply vulgar hearts can scarce conceive.<br/>
+<br/>
+“This jewel, that is next me in our heaven,<br/>
+Lustrous and costly, great renown hath left,<br/>
+And not to perish, ere these hundred years<br/>
+Five times absolve their round. Consider thou,<br/>
+If to excel be worthy man’s endeavour,<br/>
+When such life may attend the first. Yet they<br/>
+Care not for this, the crowd that now are girt<br/>
+By Adice and Tagliamento, still<br/>
+Impenitent, tho’ scourg’d. The hour is near,<br/>
+When for their stubbornness at Padua’s marsh<br/>
+The water shall be chang’d, that laves Vicena<br/>
+And where Cagnano meets with Sile, one<br/>
+Lords it, and bears his head aloft, for whom<br/>
+The web is now a-warping. Feltro too<br/>
+Shall sorrow for its godless shepherd’s fault,<br/>
+Of so deep stain, that never, for the like,<br/>
+Was Malta’s bar unclos’d. Too large should be<br/>
+The skillet, that would hold Ferrara’s blood,<br/>
+And wearied he, who ounce by ounce would weight it,<br/>
+The which this priest, in show of party-zeal,<br/>
+Courteous will give; nor will the gift ill suit<br/>
+The country’s custom. We descry above,<br/>
+Mirrors, ye call them thrones, from which to us<br/>
+Reflected shine the judgments of our God:<br/>
+Whence these our sayings we avouch for good.”<br/>
+<br/>
+She ended, and appear’d on other thoughts<br/>
+Intent, re-ent’ring on the wheel she late<br/>
+Had left. That other joyance meanwhile wax’d<br/>
+A thing to marvel at, in splendour glowing,<br/>
+Like choicest ruby stricken by the sun,<br/>
+For, in that upper clime, effulgence comes<br/>
+Of gladness, as here laughter: and below,<br/>
+As the mind saddens, murkier grows the shade.<br/>
+<br/>
+“God seeth all: and in him is thy sight,”<br/>
+Said I, “blest Spirit! Therefore will of his<br/>
+Cannot to thee be dark. Why then delays<br/>
+Thy voice to satisfy my wish untold,<br/>
+That voice which joins the inexpressive song,<br/>
+Pastime of heav’n, the which those ardours sing,<br/>
+That cowl them with six shadowing wings outspread?<br/>
+I would not wait thy asking, wert thou known<br/>
+To me, as thoroughly I to thee am known.”<br/>
+<br/>
+He forthwith answ’ring, thus his words began:<br/>
+“The valley’ of waters, widest next to that<br/>
+Which doth the earth engarland, shapes its course,<br/>
+Between discordant shores, against the sun<br/>
+Inward so far, it makes meridian there,<br/>
+Where was before th’ horizon. Of that vale<br/>
+Dwelt I upon the shore, ’twixt Ebro’s stream<br/>
+And Macra’s, that divides with passage brief<br/>
+Genoan bounds from Tuscan. East and west<br/>
+Are nearly one to Begga and my land,<br/>
+Whose haven erst was with its own blood warm.<br/>
+Who knew my name were wont to call me Folco:<br/>
+And I did bear impression of this heav’n,<br/>
+That now bears mine: for not with fiercer flame<br/>
+Glow’d Belus’ daughter, injuring alike<br/>
+Sichaeus and Creusa, than did I,<br/>
+Long as it suited the unripen’d down<br/>
+That fledg’d my cheek: nor she of Rhodope,<br/>
+That was beguiled of Demophoon;<br/>
+Nor Jove’s son, when the charms of Iole<br/>
+Were shrin’d within his heart. And yet there hides<br/>
+No sorrowful repentance here, but mirth,<br/>
+Not for the fault (that doth not come to mind),<br/>
+But for the virtue, whose o’erruling sway<br/>
+And providence have wrought thus quaintly. Here<br/>
+The skill is look’d into, that fashioneth<br/>
+With such effectual working, and the good<br/>
+Discern’d, accruing to this upper world<br/>
+From that below. But fully to content<br/>
+Thy wishes, all that in this sphere have birth,<br/>
+Demands my further parle. Inquire thou wouldst,<br/>
+Who of this light is denizen, that here<br/>
+Beside me sparkles, as the sun-beam doth<br/>
+On the clear wave. Know then, the soul of Rahab<br/>
+Is in that gladsome harbour, to our tribe<br/>
+United, and the foremost rank assign’d.<br/>
+He to that heav’n, at which the shadow ends<br/>
+Of your sublunar world, was taken up,<br/>
+First, in Christ’s triumph, of all souls redeem’d:<br/>
+For well behoov’d, that, in some part of heav’n,<br/>
+She should remain a trophy, to declare<br/>
+The mighty contest won with either palm;<br/>
+For that she favour’d first the high exploit<br/>
+Of Joshua on the holy land, whereof<br/>
+The Pope recks little now. Thy city, plant<br/>
+Of him, that on his Maker turn’d the back,<br/>
+And of whose envying so much woe hath sprung,<br/>
+Engenders and expands the cursed flower,<br/>
+That hath made wander both the sheep and lambs,<br/>
+Turning the shepherd to a wolf. For this,<br/>
+The gospel and great teachers laid aside,<br/>
+The decretals, as their stuft margins show,<br/>
+Are the sole study. Pope and Cardinals,<br/>
+Intent on these, ne’er journey but in thought<br/>
+To Nazareth, where Gabriel op’d his wings.<br/>
+Yet it may chance, erelong, the Vatican,<br/>
+And other most selected parts of Rome,<br/>
+That were the grave of Peter’s soldiery,<br/>
+Shall be deliver’d from the adult’rous bond.”
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="cantoIII.10"></a>CANTO X</h2>
+
+<p>
+Looking into his first-born with the love,<br/>
+Which breathes from both eternal, the first Might<br/>
+Ineffable, whence eye or mind<br/>
+Can roam, hath in such order all dispos’d,<br/>
+As none may see and fail to enjoy. Raise, then,<br/>
+O reader! to the lofty wheels, with me,<br/>
+Thy ken directed to the point, whereat<br/>
+One motion strikes on th’ other. There begin<br/>
+Thy wonder of the mighty Architect,<br/>
+Who loves his work so inwardly, his eye<br/>
+Doth ever watch it. See, how thence oblique<br/>
+Brancheth the circle, where the planets roll<br/>
+To pour their wished influence on the world;<br/>
+Whose path not bending thus, in heav’n above<br/>
+Much virtue would be lost, and here on earth,<br/>
+All power well nigh extinct: or, from direct<br/>
+Were its departure distant more or less,<br/>
+I’ th’ universal order, great defect<br/>
+Must, both in heav’n and here beneath, ensue.<br/>
+<br/>
+Now rest thee, reader! on thy bench, and muse<br/>
+Anticipative of the feast to come;<br/>
+So shall delight make thee not feel thy toil.<br/>
+Lo! I have set before thee, for thyself<br/>
+Feed now: the matter I indite, henceforth<br/>
+Demands entire my thought. Join’d with the part,<br/>
+Which late we told of, the great minister<br/>
+Of nature, that upon the world imprints<br/>
+The virtue of the heaven, and doles out<br/>
+Time for us with his beam, went circling on<br/>
+Along the spires, where each hour sooner comes;<br/>
+And I was with him, weetless of ascent,<br/>
+As one, who till arriv’d, weets not his coming.<br/>
+<br/>
+For Beatrice, she who passeth on<br/>
+So suddenly from good to better, time<br/>
+Counts not the act, oh then how great must needs<br/>
+Have been her brightness! What she was i’ th’ sun<br/>
+(Where I had enter’d), not through change of hue,<br/>
+But light transparent&mdash;did I summon up<br/>
+Genius, art, practice&mdash;I might not so speak,<br/>
+It should be e’er imagin’d: yet believ’d<br/>
+It may be, and the sight be justly crav’d.<br/>
+And if our fantasy fail of such height,<br/>
+What marvel, since no eye above the sun<br/>
+Hath ever travel’d? Such are they dwell here,<br/>
+Fourth family of the Omnipotent Sire,<br/>
+Who of his spirit and of his offspring shows;<br/>
+And holds them still enraptur’d with the view.<br/>
+And thus to me Beatrice: “Thank, oh thank,<br/>
+The Sun of angels, him, who by his grace<br/>
+To this perceptible hath lifted thee.”<br/>
+<br/>
+Never was heart in such devotion bound,<br/>
+And with complacency so absolute<br/>
+Dispos’d to render up itself to God,<br/>
+As mine was at those words: and so entire<br/>
+The love for Him, that held me, it eclips’d<br/>
+Beatrice in oblivion. Naught displeas’d<br/>
+Was she, but smil’d thereat so joyously,<br/>
+That of her laughing eyes the radiance brake<br/>
+And scatter’d my collected mind abroad.<br/>
+<br/>
+Then saw I a bright band, in liveliness<br/>
+Surpassing, who themselves did make the crown,<br/>
+And us their centre: yet more sweet in voice,<br/>
+Than in their visage beaming. Cinctur’d thus,<br/>
+Sometime Latona’s daughter we behold,<br/>
+When the impregnate air retains the thread,<br/>
+That weaves her zone. In the celestial court,<br/>
+Whence I return, are many jewels found,<br/>
+So dear and beautiful, they cannot brook<br/>
+Transporting from that realm: and of these lights<br/>
+Such was the song. Who doth not prune his wing<br/>
+To soar up thither, let him look from thence<br/>
+For tidings from the dumb. When, singing thus,<br/>
+Those burning suns that circled round us thrice,<br/>
+As nearest stars around the fixed pole,<br/>
+Then seem’d they like to ladies, from the dance<br/>
+Not ceasing, but suspense, in silent pause,<br/>
+List’ning, till they have caught the strain anew:<br/>
+Suspended so they stood: and, from within,<br/>
+Thus heard I one, who spake: “Since with its beam<br/>
+The grace, whence true love lighteth first his flame,<br/>
+That after doth increase by loving, shines<br/>
+So multiplied in thee, it leads thee up<br/>
+Along this ladder, down whose hallow’d steps<br/>
+None e’er descend, and mount them not again,<br/>
+Who from his phial should refuse thee wine<br/>
+To slake thy thirst, no less constrained were,<br/>
+Than water flowing not unto the sea.<br/>
+Thou fain wouldst hear, what plants are these, that bloom<br/>
+In the bright garland, which, admiring, girds<br/>
+This fair dame round, who strengthens thee for heav’n.<br/>
+I then was of the lambs, that Dominic<br/>
+Leads, for his saintly flock, along the way,<br/>
+Where well they thrive, not sworn with vanity.<br/>
+He, nearest on my right hand, brother was,<br/>
+And master to me: Albert of Cologne<br/>
+Is this: and of Aquinum, Thomas I.<br/>
+If thou of all the rest wouldst be assur’d,<br/>
+Let thine eye, waiting on the words I speak,<br/>
+In circuit journey round the blessed wreath.<br/>
+That next resplendence issues from the smile<br/>
+Of Gratian, who to either forum lent<br/>
+Such help, as favour wins in Paradise.<br/>
+The other, nearest, who adorns our quire,<br/>
+Was Peter, he that with the widow gave<br/>
+To holy church his treasure. The fifth light,<br/>
+Goodliest of all, is by such love inspired,<br/>
+That all your world craves tidings of its doom:<br/>
+Within, there is the lofty light, endow’d<br/>
+With sapience so profound, if truth be truth,<br/>
+That with a ken of such wide amplitude<br/>
+No second hath arisen. Next behold<br/>
+That taper’s radiance, to whose view was shown,<br/>
+Clearliest, the nature and the ministry<br/>
+Angelical, while yet in flesh it dwelt.<br/>
+In the other little light serenely smiles<br/>
+That pleader for the Christian temples, he<br/>
+Who did provide Augustin of his lore.<br/>
+Now, if thy mind’s eye pass from light to light,<br/>
+Upon my praises following, of the eighth<br/>
+Thy thirst is next. The saintly soul, that shows<br/>
+The world’s deceitfulness, to all who hear him,<br/>
+Is, with the sight of all the good, that is,<br/>
+Blest there. The limbs, whence it was driven, lie<br/>
+Down in Cieldauro, and from martyrdom<br/>
+And exile came it here. Lo! further on,<br/>
+Where flames the arduous Spirit of Isidore,<br/>
+Of Bede, and Richard, more than man, erewhile,<br/>
+In deep discernment. Lastly this, from whom<br/>
+Thy look on me reverteth, was the beam<br/>
+Of one, whose spirit, on high musings bent,<br/>
+Rebuk’d the ling’ring tardiness of death.<br/>
+It is the eternal light of Sigebert,<br/>
+Who ’scap’d not envy, when of truth he argued,<br/>
+Reading in the straw-litter’d street.” Forthwith,<br/>
+As clock, that calleth up the spouse of God<br/>
+To win her bridegroom’s love at matin’s hour,<br/>
+Each part of other fitly drawn and urg’d,<br/>
+Sends out a tinkling sound, of note so sweet,<br/>
+Affection springs in well-disposed breast;<br/>
+Thus saw I move the glorious wheel, thus heard<br/>
+Voice answ’ring voice, so musical and soft,<br/>
+It can be known but where day endless shines.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="cantoIII.11"></a>CANTO XI</h2>
+
+<p>
+O fond anxiety of mortal men!<br/>
+How vain and inconclusive arguments<br/>
+Are those, which make thee beat thy wings below<br/>
+For statues one, and one for aphorisms<br/>
+Was hunting; this the priesthood follow’d, that<br/>
+By force or sophistry aspir’d to rule;<br/>
+To rob another, and another sought<br/>
+By civil business wealth; one moiling lay<br/>
+Tangled in net of sensual delight,<br/>
+And one to witless indolence resign’d;<br/>
+What time from all these empty things escap’d,<br/>
+With Beatrice, I thus gloriously<br/>
+Was rais’d aloft, and made the guest of heav’n.<br/>
+<br/>
+They of the circle to that point, each one.<br/>
+Where erst it was, had turn’d; and steady glow’d,<br/>
+As candle in his socket. Then within<br/>
+The lustre, that erewhile bespake me, smiling<br/>
+With merer gladness, heard I thus begin:<br/>
+<br/>
+“E’en as his beam illumes me, so I look<br/>
+Into the eternal light, and clearly mark<br/>
+Thy thoughts, from whence they rise. Thou art in doubt,<br/>
+And wouldst, that I should bolt my words afresh<br/>
+In such plain open phrase, as may be smooth<br/>
+To thy perception, where I told thee late<br/>
+That ‘well they thrive;’ and that ‘no second such<br/>
+Hath risen,’ which no small distinction needs.<br/>
+<br/>
+“The providence, that governeth the world,<br/>
+In depth of counsel by created ken<br/>
+Unfathomable, to the end that she,<br/>
+Who with loud cries was ’spous’d in precious blood,<br/>
+Might keep her footing towards her well-belov’d,<br/>
+Safe in herself and constant unto him,<br/>
+Hath two ordain’d, who should on either hand<br/>
+In chief escort her: one seraphic all<br/>
+In fervency; for wisdom upon earth,<br/>
+The other splendour of cherubic light.<br/>
+I but of one will tell: he tells of both,<br/>
+Who one commendeth which of them so’er<br/>
+Be taken: for their deeds were to one end.<br/>
+<br/>
+“Between Tupino, and the wave, that falls<br/>
+From blest Ubaldo’s chosen hill, there hangs<br/>
+Rich slope of mountain high, whence heat and cold<br/>
+Are wafted through Perugia’s eastern gate:<br/>
+And Norcera with Gualdo, in its rear<br/>
+Mourn for their heavy yoke. Upon that side,<br/>
+Where it doth break its steepness most, arose<br/>
+A sun upon the world, as duly this<br/>
+From Ganges doth: therefore let none, who speak<br/>
+Of that place, say Ascesi; for its name<br/>
+Were lamely so deliver’d; but the East,<br/>
+To call things rightly, be it henceforth styl’d.<br/>
+He was not yet much distant from his rising,<br/>
+When his good influence ’gan to bless the earth.<br/>
+A dame to whom none openeth pleasure’s gate<br/>
+More than to death, was, ’gainst his father’s will,<br/>
+His stripling choice: and he did make her his,<br/>
+Before the Spiritual court, by nuptial bonds,<br/>
+And in his father’s sight: from day to day,<br/>
+Then lov’d her more devoutly. She, bereav’d<br/>
+Of her first husband, slighted and obscure,<br/>
+Thousand and hundred years and more, remain’d<br/>
+Without a single suitor, till he came.<br/>
+Nor aught avail’d, that, with Amyclas, she<br/>
+Was found unmov’d at rumour of his voice,<br/>
+Who shook the world: nor aught her constant boldness<br/>
+Whereby with Christ she mounted on the cross,<br/>
+When Mary stay’d beneath. But not to deal<br/>
+Thus closely with thee longer, take at large<br/>
+The rovers’ titles&mdash;Poverty and Francis.<br/>
+Their concord and glad looks, wonder and love,<br/>
+And sweet regard gave birth to holy thoughts,<br/>
+So much, that venerable Bernard first<br/>
+Did bare his feet, and, in pursuit of peace<br/>
+So heavenly, ran, yet deem’d his footing slow.<br/>
+O hidden riches! O prolific good!<br/>
+Egidius bares him next, and next Sylvester,<br/>
+And follow both the bridegroom; so the bride<br/>
+Can please them. Thenceforth goes he on his way,<br/>
+The father and the master, with his spouse,<br/>
+And with that family, whom now the cord<br/>
+Girt humbly: nor did abjectness of heart<br/>
+Weigh down his eyelids, for that he was son<br/>
+Of Pietro Bernardone, and by men<br/>
+In wond’rous sort despis’d. But royally<br/>
+His hard intention he to Innocent<br/>
+Set forth, and from him first receiv’d the seal<br/>
+On his religion. Then, when numerous flock’d<br/>
+The tribe of lowly ones, that trac’d HIS steps,<br/>
+Whose marvellous life deservedly were sung<br/>
+In heights empyreal, through Honorius’ hand<br/>
+A second crown, to deck their Guardian’s virtues,<br/>
+Was by the eternal Spirit inwreath’d: and when<br/>
+He had, through thirst of martyrdom, stood up<br/>
+In the proud Soldan’s presence, and there preach’d<br/>
+Christ and his followers; but found the race<br/>
+Unripen’d for conversion: back once more<br/>
+He hasted (not to intermit his toil),<br/>
+And reap’d Ausonian lands. On the hard rock,<br/>
+’Twixt Arno and the Tyber, he from Christ<br/>
+Took the last Signet, which his limbs two years<br/>
+Did carry. Then the season come, that he,<br/>
+Who to such good had destin’d him, was pleas’d<br/>
+T’ advance him to the meed, which he had earn’d<br/>
+By his self-humbling, to his brotherhood,<br/>
+As their just heritage, he gave in charge<br/>
+His dearest lady, and enjoin’d their love<br/>
+And faith to her: and, from her bosom, will’d<br/>
+His goodly spirit should move forth, returning<br/>
+To its appointed kingdom, nor would have<br/>
+His body laid upon another bier.<br/>
+<br/>
+“Think now of one, who were a fit colleague,<br/>
+To keep the bark of Peter in deep sea<br/>
+Helm’d to right point; and such our Patriarch was.<br/>
+Therefore who follow him, as he enjoins,<br/>
+Thou mayst be certain, take good lading in.<br/>
+But hunger of new viands tempts his flock,<br/>
+So that they needs into strange pastures wide<br/>
+Must spread them: and the more remote from him<br/>
+The stragglers wander, so much mole they come<br/>
+Home to the sheep-fold, destitute of milk.<br/>
+There are of them, in truth, who fear their harm,<br/>
+And to the shepherd cleave; but these so few,<br/>
+A little stuff may furnish out their cloaks.<br/>
+<br/>
+“Now, if my words be clear, if thou have ta’en<br/>
+Good heed, if that, which I have told, recall<br/>
+To mind, thy wish may be in part fulfill’d:<br/>
+For thou wilt see the point from whence they split,<br/>
+Nor miss of the reproof, which that implies,<br/>
+‘That well they thrive not sworn with vanity.’”
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="cantoIII.12"></a>CANTO XII</h2>
+
+<p>
+Soon as its final word the blessed flame<br/>
+Had rais’d for utterance, straight the holy mill<br/>
+Began to wheel, nor yet had once revolv’d,<br/>
+Or ere another, circling, compass’d it,<br/>
+Motion to motion, song to song, conjoining,<br/>
+Song, that as much our muses doth excel,<br/>
+Our Sirens with their tuneful pipes, as ray<br/>
+Of primal splendour doth its faint reflex.
+</p>
+
+<div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
+<a href="images/12-16.jpg">
+<img src="images/12-16.jpg" width="545" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+</div>
+
+<p>
+As when, if Juno bid her handmaid forth,<br/>
+Two arches parallel, and trick’d alike,<br/>
+Span the thin cloud, the outer taking birth<br/>
+From that within (in manner of that voice<br/>
+Whom love did melt away, as sun the mist),<br/>
+And they who gaze, presageful call to mind<br/>
+The compact, made with Noah, of the world<br/>
+No more to be o’erflow’d; about us thus<br/>
+Of sempiternal roses, bending, wreath’d<br/>
+Those garlands twain, and to the innermost<br/>
+E’en thus th’ external answered. When the footing,<br/>
+And other great festivity, of song,<br/>
+And radiance, light with light accordant, each<br/>
+Jocund and blythe, had at their pleasure still’d<br/>
+(E’en as the eyes by quick volition mov’d,<br/>
+Are shut and rais’d together), from the heart<br/>
+Of one amongst the new lights mov’d a voice,<br/>
+That made me seem like needle to the star,<br/>
+In turning to its whereabout, and thus<br/>
+Began: “The love, that makes me beautiful,<br/>
+Prompts me to tell of th’ other guide, for whom<br/>
+Such good of mine is spoken. Where one is,<br/>
+The other worthily should also be;<br/>
+That as their warfare was alike, alike<br/>
+Should be their glory. Slow, and full of doubt,<br/>
+And with thin ranks, after its banner mov’d<br/>
+The army of Christ (which it so clearly cost<br/>
+To reappoint), when its imperial Head,<br/>
+Who reigneth ever, for the drooping host<br/>
+Did make provision, thorough grace alone,<br/>
+And not through its deserving. As thou heard’st,<br/>
+Two champions to the succour of his spouse<br/>
+He sent, who by their deeds and words might join<br/>
+Again his scatter’d people. In that clime,<br/>
+Where springs the pleasant west-wind to unfold<br/>
+The fresh leaves, with which Europe sees herself<br/>
+New-garmented; nor from those billows far,<br/>
+Beyond whose chiding, after weary course,<br/>
+The sun doth sometimes hide him, safe abides<br/>
+The happy Callaroga, under guard<br/>
+Of the great shield, wherein the lion lies<br/>
+Subjected and supreme. And there was born<br/>
+The loving million of the Christian faith,<br/>
+The hollow’d wrestler, gentle to his own,<br/>
+And to his enemies terrible. So replete<br/>
+His soul with lively virtue, that when first<br/>
+Created, even in the mother’s womb,<br/>
+It prophesied. When, at the sacred font,<br/>
+The spousals were complete ’twixt faith and him,<br/>
+Where pledge of mutual safety was exchang’d,<br/>
+The dame, who was his surety, in her sleep<br/>
+Beheld the wondrous fruit, that was from him<br/>
+And from his heirs to issue. And that such<br/>
+He might be construed, as indeed he was,<br/>
+She was inspir’d to name him of his owner,<br/>
+Whose he was wholly, and so call’d him Dominic.<br/>
+And I speak of him, as the labourer,<br/>
+Whom Christ in his own garden chose to be<br/>
+His help-mate. Messenger he seem’d, and friend<br/>
+Fast-knit to Christ; and the first love he show’d,<br/>
+Was after the first counsel that Christ gave.<br/>
+Many a time his nurse, at entering found<br/>
+That he had ris’n in silence, and was prostrate,<br/>
+As who should say, “My errand was for this.”<br/>
+O happy father! Felix rightly nam’d!<br/>
+O favour’d mother! rightly nam’d Joanna!<br/>
+If that do mean, as men interpret it.<br/>
+Not for the world’s sake, for which now they pore<br/>
+Upon Ostiense and Taddeo’s page,<br/>
+But for the real manna, soon he grew<br/>
+Mighty in learning, and did set himself<br/>
+To go about the vineyard, that soon turns<br/>
+To wan and wither’d, if not tended well:<br/>
+And from the see (whose bounty to the just<br/>
+And needy is gone by, not through its fault,<br/>
+But his who fills it basely, he besought,<br/>
+No dispensation for commuted wrong,<br/>
+Nor the first vacant fortune, nor the tenth),<br/>
+That to God’s paupers rightly appertain,<br/>
+But, ’gainst an erring and degenerate world,<br/>
+Licence to fight, in favour of that seed,<br/>
+From which the twice twelve cions gird thee round.<br/>
+Then, with sage doctrine and good will to help,<br/>
+Forth on his great apostleship he far’d,<br/>
+Like torrent bursting from a lofty vein;<br/>
+And, dashing ’gainst the stocks of heresy,<br/>
+Smote fiercest, where resistance was most stout.<br/>
+Thence many rivulets have since been turn’d,<br/>
+Over the garden Catholic to lead<br/>
+Their living waters, and have fed its plants.<br/>
+<br/>
+“If such one wheel of that two-yoked car,<br/>
+Wherein the holy church defended her,<br/>
+And rode triumphant through the civil broil.<br/>
+Thou canst not doubt its fellow’s excellence,<br/>
+Which Thomas, ere my coming, hath declar’d<br/>
+So courteously unto thee. But the track,<br/>
+Which its smooth fellies made, is now deserted:<br/>
+That mouldy mother is where late were lees.<br/>
+His family, that wont to trace his path,<br/>
+Turn backward, and invert their steps; erelong<br/>
+To rue the gathering in of their ill crop,<br/>
+When the rejected tares in vain shall ask<br/>
+Admittance to the barn. I question not<br/>
+But he, who search’d our volume, leaf by leaf,<br/>
+Might still find page with this inscription on’t,<br/>
+‘I am as I was wont.’ Yet such were not<br/>
+From Acquasparta nor Casale, whence<br/>
+Of those, who come to meddle with the text,<br/>
+One stretches and another cramps its rule.<br/>
+Bonaventura’s life in me behold,<br/>
+From Bagnororegio, one, who in discharge<br/>
+Of my great offices still laid aside<br/>
+All sinister aim. Illuminato here,<br/>
+And Agostino join me: two they were,<br/>
+Among the first of those barefooted meek ones,<br/>
+Who sought God’s friendship in the cord: with them<br/>
+Hugues of Saint Victor, Pietro Mangiadore,<br/>
+And he of Spain in his twelve volumes shining,<br/>
+Nathan the prophet, Metropolitan<br/>
+Chrysostom, and Anselmo, and, who deign’d<br/>
+To put his hand to the first art, Donatus.<br/>
+Raban is here: and at my side there shines<br/>
+Calabria’s abbot, Joachim, endow’d<br/>
+With soul prophetic. The bright courtesy<br/>
+Of friar Thomas, and his goodly lore,<br/>
+Have mov’d me to the blazon of a peer<br/>
+So worthy, and with me have mov’d this throng.”
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="cantoIII.13"></a>CANTO XIII</h2>
+
+<p>
+Let him, who would conceive what now I saw,<br/>
+Imagine (and retain the image firm,<br/>
+As mountain rock, the whilst he hears me speak),<br/>
+Of stars fifteen, from midst the ethereal host<br/>
+Selected, that, with lively ray serene,<br/>
+O’ercome the massiest air: thereto imagine<br/>
+The wain, that, in the bosom of our sky,<br/>
+Spins ever on its axle night and day,<br/>
+With the bright summit of that horn which swells<br/>
+Due from the pole, round which the first wheel rolls,<br/>
+T’ have rang’d themselves in fashion of two signs<br/>
+In heav’n, such as Ariadne made,<br/>
+When death’s chill seized her; and that one of them<br/>
+Did compass in the other’s beam; and both<br/>
+In such sort whirl around, that each should tend<br/>
+With opposite motion and, conceiving thus,<br/>
+Of that true constellation, and the dance<br/>
+Twofold, that circled me, he shall attain<br/>
+As ’t were the shadow; for things there as much<br/>
+Surpass our usage, as the swiftest heav’n<br/>
+Is swifter than the Chiana. There was sung<br/>
+No Bacchus, and no Io Paean, but<br/>
+Three Persons in the Godhead, and in one<br/>
+Substance that nature and the human join’d.<br/>
+<br/>
+The song fulfill’d its measure; and to us<br/>
+Those saintly lights attended, happier made<br/>
+At each new minist’ring. Then silence brake,<br/>
+Amid th’ accordant sons of Deity,<br/>
+That luminary, in which the wondrous life<br/>
+Of the meek man of God was told to me;<br/>
+And thus it spake: “One ear o’ th’ harvest thresh’d,<br/>
+And its grain safely stor’d, sweet charity<br/>
+Invites me with the other to like toil.<br/>
+<br/>
+“Thou know’st, that in the bosom, whence the rib<br/>
+Was ta’en to fashion that fair cheek, whose taste<br/>
+All the world pays for, and in that, which pierc’d<br/>
+By the keen lance, both after and before<br/>
+Such satisfaction offer’d, as outweighs<br/>
+Each evil in the scale, whate’er of light<br/>
+To human nature is allow’d, must all<br/>
+Have by his virtue been infus’d, who form’d<br/>
+Both one and other: and thou thence admir’st<br/>
+In that I told thee, of beatitudes<br/>
+A second, there is none, to his enclos’d<br/>
+In the fifth radiance. Open now thine eyes<br/>
+To what I answer thee; and thou shalt see<br/>
+Thy deeming and my saying meet in truth,<br/>
+As centre in the round. That which dies not,<br/>
+And that which can die, are but each the beam<br/>
+Of that idea, which our Soverign Sire<br/>
+Engendereth loving; for that lively light,<br/>
+Which passeth from his brightness; not disjoin’d<br/>
+From him, nor from his love triune with them,<br/>
+Doth, through his bounty, congregate itself,<br/>
+Mirror’d, as ’t were in new existences,<br/>
+Itself unalterable and ever one.<br/>
+<br/>
+“Descending hence unto the lowest powers,<br/>
+Its energy so sinks, at last it makes<br/>
+But brief contingencies: for so I name<br/>
+Things generated, which the heav’nly orbs<br/>
+Moving, with seed or without seed, produce.<br/>
+Their wax, and that which molds it, differ much:<br/>
+And thence with lustre, more or less, it shows<br/>
+Th’ ideal stamp impress: so that one tree<br/>
+According to his kind, hath better fruit,<br/>
+And worse: and, at your birth, ye, mortal men,<br/>
+Are in your talents various. Were the wax<br/>
+Molded with nice exactness, and the heav’n<br/>
+In its disposing influence supreme,<br/>
+The lustre of the seal should be complete:<br/>
+But nature renders it imperfect ever,<br/>
+Resembling thus the artist in her work,<br/>
+Whose faultering hand is faithless to his skill.<br/>
+Howe’er, if love itself dispose, and mark<br/>
+The primal virtue, kindling with bright view,<br/>
+There all perfection is vouchsafed; and such<br/>
+The clay was made, accomplish’d with each gift,<br/>
+That life can teem with; such the burden fill’d<br/>
+The virgin’s bosom: so that I commend<br/>
+Thy judgment, that the human nature ne’er<br/>
+Was or can be, such as in them it was.<br/>
+<br/>
+“Did I advance no further than this point,<br/>
+‘How then had he no peer?’ thou might’st reply.<br/>
+But, that what now appears not, may appear<br/>
+Right plainly, ponder, who he was, and what<br/>
+(When he was bidden ‘Ask’), the motive sway’d<br/>
+To his requesting. I have spoken thus,<br/>
+That thou mayst see, he was a king, who ask’d<br/>
+For wisdom, to the end he might be king<br/>
+Sufficient: not the number to search out<br/>
+Of the celestial movers; or to know,<br/>
+If necessary with contingent e’er<br/>
+Have made necessity; or whether that<br/>
+Be granted, that first motion is; or if<br/>
+Of the mid circle can, by art, be made<br/>
+Triangle with each corner, blunt or sharp.<br/>
+<br/>
+“Whence, noting that, which I have said, and this,<br/>
+Thou kingly prudence and that ken mayst learn,<br/>
+At which the dart of my intention aims.<br/>
+And, marking clearly, that I told thee, ‘Risen,’<br/>
+Thou shalt discern it only hath respect<br/>
+To kings, of whom are many, and the good<br/>
+Are rare. With this distinction take my words;<br/>
+And they may well consist with that which thou<br/>
+Of the first human father dost believe,<br/>
+And of our well-beloved. And let this<br/>
+Henceforth be led unto thy feet, to make<br/>
+Thee slow in motion, as a weary man,<br/>
+Both to the ‘yea’ and to the ‘nay’ thou seest not.<br/>
+For he among the fools is down full low,<br/>
+Whose affirmation, or denial, is<br/>
+Without distinction, in each case alike<br/>
+Since it befalls, that in most instances<br/>
+Current opinion leads to false: and then<br/>
+Affection bends the judgment to her ply.<br/>
+<br/>
+“Much more than vainly doth he loose from shore,<br/>
+Since he returns not such as he set forth,<br/>
+Who fishes for the truth and wanteth skill.<br/>
+And open proofs of this unto the world<br/>
+Have been afforded in Parmenides,<br/>
+Melissus, Bryso, and the crowd beside,<br/>
+Who journey’d on, and knew not whither: so did<br/>
+Sabellius, Arius, and the other fools,<br/>
+Who, like to scymitars, reflected back<br/>
+The scripture-image, by distortion marr’d.<br/>
+<br/>
+“Let not the people be too swift to judge,<br/>
+As one who reckons on the blades in field,<br/>
+Or ere the crop be ripe. For I have seen<br/>
+The thorn frown rudely all the winter long<br/>
+And after bear the rose upon its top;<br/>
+And bark, that all the way across the sea<br/>
+Ran straight and speedy, perish at the last,<br/>
+E’en in the haven’s mouth seeing one steal,<br/>
+Another brine, his offering to the priest,<br/>
+Let not Dame Birtha and Sir Martin thence<br/>
+Into heav’n’s counsels deem that they can pry:<br/>
+For one of these may rise, the other fall.”
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="cantoIII.14"></a>CANTO XIV</h2>
+
+<p>
+From centre to the circle, and so back<br/>
+From circle to the centre, water moves<br/>
+In the round chalice, even as the blow<br/>
+Impels it, inwardly, or from without.<br/>
+Such was the image glanc’d into my mind,<br/>
+As the great spirit of Aquinum ceas’d;<br/>
+And Beatrice after him her words<br/>
+Resum’d alternate: “Need there is (tho’ yet<br/>
+He tells it to you not in words, nor e’en<br/>
+In thought) that he should fathom to its depth<br/>
+Another mystery. Tell him, if the light,<br/>
+Wherewith your substance blooms, shall stay with you<br/>
+Eternally, as now: and, if it doth,<br/>
+How, when ye shall regain your visible forms,<br/>
+The sight may without harm endure the change,<br/>
+That also tell.” As those, who in a ring<br/>
+Tread the light measure, in their fitful mirth<br/>
+Raise loud the voice, and spring with gladder bound;<br/>
+Thus, at the hearing of that pious suit,<br/>
+The saintly circles in their tourneying<br/>
+And wond’rous note attested new delight.<br/>
+<br/>
+Whoso laments, that we must doff this garb<br/>
+Of frail mortality, thenceforth to live<br/>
+Immortally above, he hath not seen<br/>
+The sweet refreshing, of that heav’nly shower.<br/>
+<br/>
+Him, who lives ever, and for ever reigns<br/>
+In mystic union of the Three in One,<br/>
+Unbounded, bounding all, each spirit thrice<br/>
+Sang, with such melody, as but to hear<br/>
+For highest merit were an ample meed.<br/>
+And from the lesser orb the goodliest light,<br/>
+With gentle voice and mild, such as perhaps<br/>
+The angel’s once to Mary, thus replied:<br/>
+“Long as the joy of Paradise shall last,<br/>
+Our love shall shine around that raiment, bright,<br/>
+As fervent; fervent, as in vision blest;<br/>
+And that as far in blessedness exceeding,<br/>
+As it hath grave beyond its virtue great.<br/>
+Our shape, regarmented with glorious weeds<br/>
+Of saintly flesh, must, being thus entire,<br/>
+Show yet more gracious. Therefore shall increase,<br/>
+Whate’er of light, gratuitous, imparts<br/>
+The Supreme Good; light, ministering aid,<br/>
+The better disclose his glory: whence<br/>
+The vision needs increasing, much increase<br/>
+The fervour, which it kindles; and that too<br/>
+The ray, that comes from it. But as the greed<br/>
+Which gives out flame, yet it its whiteness shines<br/>
+More lively than that, and so preserves<br/>
+Its proper semblance; thus this circling sphere<br/>
+Of splendour, shall to view less radiant seem,<br/>
+Than shall our fleshly robe, which yonder earth<br/>
+Now covers. Nor will such excess of light<br/>
+O’erpower us, in corporeal organs made<br/>
+Firm, and susceptible of all delight.”<br/>
+<br/>
+So ready and so cordial an “Amen,”<br/>
+Followed from either choir, as plainly spoke<br/>
+Desire of their dead bodies; yet perchance<br/>
+Not for themselves, but for their kindred dear,<br/>
+Mothers and sires, and those whom best they lov’d,<br/>
+Ere they were made imperishable flame.<br/>
+<br/>
+And lo! forthwith there rose up round about<br/>
+A lustre over that already there,<br/>
+Of equal clearness, like the brightening up<br/>
+Of the horizon. As at an evening hour<br/>
+Of twilight, new appearances through heav’n<br/>
+Peer with faint glimmer, doubtfully descried;<br/>
+So there new substances, methought began<br/>
+To rise in view; and round the other twain<br/>
+Enwheeling, sweep their ampler circuit wide.<br/>
+<br/>
+O gentle glitter of eternal beam!<br/>
+With what a such whiteness did it flow,<br/>
+O’erpowering vision in me! But so fair,<br/>
+So passing lovely, Beatrice show’d,<br/>
+Mind cannot follow it, nor words express<br/>
+Her infinite sweetness. Thence mine eyes regain’d<br/>
+Power to look up, and I beheld myself,<br/>
+Sole with my lady, to more lofty bliss<br/>
+Translated: for the star, with warmer smile<br/>
+Impurpled, well denoted our ascent.
+</p>
+
+<div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
+<a href="images/14-77.jpg">
+<img src="images/14-77.jpg" width="544" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+</div>
+
+<p>
+With all the heart, and with that tongue which speaks<br/>
+The same in all, an holocaust I made<br/>
+To God, befitting the new grace vouchsaf’d.<br/>
+And from my bosom had not yet upsteam’d<br/>
+The fuming of that incense, when I knew<br/>
+The rite accepted. With such mighty sheen<br/>
+And mantling crimson, in two listed rays<br/>
+The splendours shot before me, that I cried,<br/>
+“God of Sabaoth! that does prank them thus!”
+</p>
+
+<div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
+<a href="images/14-96.jpg">
+<img src="images/14-96.jpg" width="556" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+</div>
+
+<p>
+As leads the galaxy from pole to pole,<br/>
+Distinguish’d into greater lights and less,<br/>
+Its pathway, which the wisest fail to spell;<br/>
+So thickly studded, in the depth of Mars,<br/>
+Those rays describ’d the venerable sign,<br/>
+That quadrants in the round conjoining frame.<br/>
+Here memory mocks the toil of genius. Christ<br/>
+Beam’d on that cross; and pattern fails me now.<br/>
+But whoso takes his cross, and follows Christ<br/>
+Will pardon me for that I leave untold,<br/>
+When in the flecker’d dawning he shall spy<br/>
+The glitterance of Christ. From horn to horn,<br/>
+And ’tween the summit and the base did move<br/>
+Lights, scintillating, as they met and pass’d.<br/>
+Thus oft are seen, with ever-changeful glance,<br/>
+Straight or athwart, now rapid and now slow,<br/>
+The atomies of bodies, long or short,<br/>
+To move along the sunbeam, whose slant line<br/>
+Checkers the shadow, interpos’d by art<br/>
+Against the noontide heat. And as the chime<br/>
+Of minstrel music, dulcimer, and help<br/>
+With many strings, a pleasant dining makes<br/>
+To him, who heareth not distinct the note;<br/>
+So from the lights, which there appear’d to me,<br/>
+Gather’d along the cross a melody,<br/>
+That, indistinctly heard, with ravishment<br/>
+Possess’d me. Yet I mark’d it was a hymn<br/>
+Of lofty praises; for there came to me<br/>
+“Arise and conquer,” as to one who hears<br/>
+And comprehends not. Me such ecstasy<br/>
+O’ercame, that never till that hour was thing<br/>
+That held me in so sweet imprisonment.<br/>
+<br/>
+Perhaps my saying over bold appears,<br/>
+Accounting less the pleasure of those eyes,<br/>
+Whereon to look fulfilleth all desire.<br/>
+But he, who is aware those living seals<br/>
+Of every beauty work with quicker force,<br/>
+The higher they are ris’n; and that there<br/>
+I had not turn’d me to them; he may well<br/>
+Excuse me that, whereof in my excuse<br/>
+I do accuse me, and may own my truth;<br/>
+That holy pleasure here not yet reveal’d,<br/>
+Which grows in transport as we mount aloof.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="cantoIII.15"></a>CANTO XV</h2>
+
+<p>
+True love, that ever shows itself as clear<br/>
+In kindness, as loose appetite in wrong,<br/>
+Silenced that lyre harmonious, and still’d<br/>
+The sacred chords, that are by heav’n’s right hand<br/>
+Unwound and tighten’d, flow to righteous prayers<br/>
+Should they not hearken, who, to give me will<br/>
+For praying, in accordance thus were mute?<br/>
+He hath in sooth good cause for endless grief,<br/>
+Who, for the love of thing that lasteth not,<br/>
+Despoils himself forever of that love.<br/>
+<br/>
+As oft along the still and pure serene,<br/>
+At nightfall, glides a sudden trail of fire,<br/>
+Attracting with involuntary heed<br/>
+The eye to follow it, erewhile at rest,<br/>
+And seems some star that shifted place in heav’n,<br/>
+Only that, whence it kindles, none is lost,<br/>
+And it is soon extinct; thus from the horn,<br/>
+That on the dexter of the cross extends,<br/>
+Down to its foot, one luminary ran<br/>
+From mid the cluster shone there; yet no gem<br/>
+Dropp’d from its foil; and through the beamy list<br/>
+Like flame in alabaster, glow’d its course.<br/>
+<br/>
+So forward stretch’d him (if of credence aught<br/>
+Our greater muse may claim) the pious ghost<br/>
+Of old Anchises, in the’ Elysian bower,<br/>
+When he perceiv’d his son. “O thou, my blood!<br/>
+O most exceeding grace divine! to whom,<br/>
+As now to thee, hath twice the heav’nly gate<br/>
+Been e’er unclos’d?” so spake the light; whence I<br/>
+Turn’d me toward him; then unto my dame<br/>
+My sight directed, and on either side<br/>
+Amazement waited me; for in her eyes<br/>
+Was lighted such a smile, I thought that mine<br/>
+Had div’d unto the bottom of my grace<br/>
+And of my bliss in Paradise. Forthwith<br/>
+To hearing and to sight grateful alike,<br/>
+The spirit to his proem added things<br/>
+I understood not, so profound he spake;<br/>
+Yet not of choice but through necessity<br/>
+Mysterious; for his high conception scar’d<br/>
+Beyond the mark of mortals. When the flight<br/>
+Of holy transport had so spent its rage,<br/>
+That nearer to the level of our thought<br/>
+The speech descended, the first sounds I heard<br/>
+Were, “Best he thou, Triunal Deity!<br/>
+That hast such favour in my seed vouchsaf’d!”<br/>
+Then follow’d: “No unpleasant thirst, tho’ long,<br/>
+Which took me reading in the sacred book,<br/>
+Whose leaves or white or dusky never change,<br/>
+Thou hast allay’d, my son, within this light,<br/>
+From whence my voice thou hear’st; more thanks to her.<br/>
+Who for such lofty mounting has with plumes<br/>
+Begirt thee. Thou dost deem thy thoughts to me<br/>
+From him transmitted, who is first of all,<br/>
+E’en as all numbers ray from unity;<br/>
+And therefore dost not ask me who I am,<br/>
+Or why to thee more joyous I appear,<br/>
+Than any other in this gladsome throng.<br/>
+The truth is as thou deem’st; for in this hue<br/>
+Both less and greater in that mirror look,<br/>
+In which thy thoughts, or ere thou think’st, are shown.<br/>
+But, that the love, which keeps me wakeful ever,<br/>
+Urging with sacred thirst of sweet desire,<br/>
+May be contended fully, let thy voice,<br/>
+Fearless, and frank and jocund, utter forth<br/>
+Thy will distinctly, utter forth the wish,<br/>
+Whereto my ready answer stands decreed.”<br/>
+<br/>
+I turn’d me to Beatrice; and she heard<br/>
+Ere I had spoken, smiling, an assent,<br/>
+That to my will gave wings; and I began<br/>
+“To each among your tribe, what time ye kenn’d<br/>
+The nature, in whom naught unequal dwells,<br/>
+Wisdom and love were in one measure dealt;<br/>
+For that they are so equal in the sun,<br/>
+From whence ye drew your radiance and your heat,<br/>
+As makes all likeness scant. But will and means,<br/>
+In mortals, for the cause ye well discern,<br/>
+With unlike wings are fledge. A mortal I<br/>
+Experience inequality like this,<br/>
+And therefore give no thanks, but in the heart,<br/>
+For thy paternal greeting. This howe’er<br/>
+I pray thee, living topaz! that ingemm’st<br/>
+This precious jewel, let me hear thy name.”<br/>
+<br/>
+“I am thy root, O leaf! whom to expect<br/>
+Even, hath pleas’d me:” thus the prompt reply<br/>
+Prefacing, next it added: “he, of whom<br/>
+Thy kindred appellation comes, and who,<br/>
+These hundred years and more, on its first ledge<br/>
+Hath circuited the mountain, was my son<br/>
+And thy great grandsire. Well befits, his long<br/>
+Endurance should be shorten’d by thy deeds.<br/>
+<br/>
+“Florence, within her ancient limit-mark,<br/>
+Which calls her still to matin prayers and noon,<br/>
+Was chaste and sober, and abode in peace.<br/>
+She had no armlets and no head-tires then,<br/>
+No purfled dames, no zone, that caught the eye<br/>
+More than the person did. Time was not yet,<br/>
+When at his daughter’s birth the sire grew pale.<br/>
+For fear the age and dowry should exceed<br/>
+On each side just proportion. House was none<br/>
+Void of its family; nor yet had come<br/>
+Hardanapalus, to exhibit feats<br/>
+Of chamber prowess. Montemalo yet<br/>
+O’er our suburban turret rose; as much<br/>
+To be surpass in fall, as in its rising.<br/>
+I saw Bellincione Berti walk abroad<br/>
+In leathern girdle and a clasp of bone;<br/>
+And, with no artful colouring on her cheeks,<br/>
+His lady leave the glass. The sons I saw<br/>
+Of Nerli and of Vecchio well content<br/>
+With unrob’d jerkin; and their good dames handling<br/>
+The spindle and the flax; O happy they!<br/>
+Each sure of burial in her native land,<br/>
+And none left desolate a-bed for France!<br/>
+One wak’d to tend the cradle, hushing it<br/>
+With sounds that lull’d the parent’s infancy:<br/>
+Another, with her maidens, drawing off<br/>
+The tresses from the distaff, lectur’d them<br/>
+Old tales of Troy and Fesole and Rome.<br/>
+A Salterello and Cianghella we<br/>
+Had held as strange a marvel, as ye would<br/>
+A Cincinnatus or Cornelia now.<br/>
+<br/>
+“In such compos’d and seemly fellowship,<br/>
+Such faithful and such fair equality,<br/>
+In so sweet household, Mary at my birth<br/>
+Bestow’d me, call’d on with loud cries; and there<br/>
+In your old baptistery, I was made<br/>
+Christian at once and Cacciaguida; as were<br/>
+My brethren, Eliseo and Moronto.<br/>
+<br/>
+“From Valdipado came to me my spouse,<br/>
+And hence thy surname grew. I follow’d then<br/>
+The Emperor Conrad; and his knighthood he<br/>
+Did gird on me; in such good part he took<br/>
+My valiant service. After him I went<br/>
+To testify against that evil law,<br/>
+Whose people, by the shepherd’s fault, possess<br/>
+Your right, usurping. There, by that foul crew<br/>
+Was I releas’d from the deceitful world,<br/>
+Whose base affection many a spirit soils,<br/>
+And from the martyrdom came to this peace.”
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="cantoIII.16"></a>CANTO XVI</h2>
+
+<p>
+O slight respect of man’s nobility!<br/>
+I never shall account it marvelous,<br/>
+That our infirm affection here below<br/>
+Thou mov’st to boasting, when I could not choose,<br/>
+E’en in that region of unwarp’d desire,<br/>
+In heav’n itself, but make my vaunt in thee!<br/>
+Yet cloak thou art soon shorten’d, for that time,<br/>
+Unless thou be eked out from day to day,<br/>
+Goes round thee with his shears. Resuming then<br/>
+With greeting such, as Rome, was first to bear,<br/>
+But since hath disaccustom’d I began;<br/>
+And Beatrice, that a little space<br/>
+Was sever’d, smil’d reminding me of her,<br/>
+Whose cough embolden’d (as the story holds)<br/>
+To first offence the doubting Guenever.<br/>
+<br/>
+“You are my sire,” said I, “you give me heart<br/>
+Freely to speak my thought: above myself<br/>
+You raise me. Through so many streams with joy<br/>
+My soul is fill’d, that gladness wells from it;<br/>
+So that it bears the mighty tide, and bursts not<br/>
+Say then, my honour’d stem! what ancestors<br/>
+Where those you sprang from, and what years were mark’d<br/>
+In your first childhood? Tell me of the fold,<br/>
+That hath Saint John for guardian, what was then<br/>
+Its state, and who in it were highest seated?”<br/>
+<br/>
+As embers, at the breathing of the wind,<br/>
+Their flame enliven, so that light I saw<br/>
+Shine at my blandishments; and, as it grew<br/>
+More fair to look on, so with voice more sweet,<br/>
+Yet not in this our modern phrase, forthwith<br/>
+It answer’d: “From the day, when it was said<br/>
+‘Hail Virgin!’ to the throes, by which my mother,<br/>
+Who now is sainted, lighten’d her of me<br/>
+Whom she was heavy with, this fire had come,<br/>
+Five hundred fifty times and thrice, its beams<br/>
+To reilumine underneath the foot<br/>
+Of its own lion. They, of whom I sprang,<br/>
+And I, had there our birth-place, where the last<br/>
+Partition of our city first is reach’d<br/>
+By him, that runs her annual game. Thus much<br/>
+Suffice of my forefathers: who they were,<br/>
+And whence they hither came, more honourable<br/>
+It is to pass in silence than to tell.<br/>
+All those, who in that time were there from Mars<br/>
+Until the Baptist, fit to carry arms,<br/>
+Were but the fifth of them this day alive.<br/>
+But then the citizen’s blood, that now is mix’d<br/>
+From Campi and Certaldo and Fighine,<br/>
+Ran purely through the last mechanic’s veins.<br/>
+O how much better were it, that these people<br/>
+Were neighbours to you, and that at Galluzzo<br/>
+And at Trespiano, ye should have your bound’ry,<br/>
+Than to have them within, and bear the stench<br/>
+Of Aguglione’s hind, and Signa’s, him,<br/>
+That hath his eye already keen for bart’ring!<br/>
+Had not the people, which of all the world<br/>
+Degenerates most, been stepdame unto Caesar,<br/>
+But, as a mother, gracious to her son;<br/>
+Such one, as hath become a Florentine,<br/>
+And trades and traffics, had been turn’d adrift<br/>
+To Simifonte, where his grandsire ply’d<br/>
+The beggar’s craft. The Conti were possess’d<br/>
+Of Montemurlo still: the Cerchi still<br/>
+Were in Acone’s parish; nor had haply<br/>
+From Valdigrieve past the Buondelmonte.<br/>
+The city’s malady hath ever source<br/>
+In the confusion of its persons, as<br/>
+The body’s, in variety of food:<br/>
+And the blind bull falls with a steeper plunge,<br/>
+Than the blind lamb; and oftentimes one sword<br/>
+Doth more and better execution,<br/>
+Than five. Mark Luni, Urbisaglia mark,<br/>
+How they are gone, and after them how go<br/>
+Chiusi and Sinigaglia; and ’t will seem<br/>
+No longer new or strange to thee to hear,<br/>
+That families fail, when cities have their end.<br/>
+All things, that appertain t’ ye, like yourselves,<br/>
+Are mortal: but mortality in some<br/>
+Ye mark not, they endure so long, and you<br/>
+Pass by so suddenly. And as the moon<br/>
+Doth, by the rolling of her heav’nly sphere,<br/>
+Hide and reveal the strand unceasingly;<br/>
+So fortune deals with Florence. Hence admire not<br/>
+At what of them I tell thee, whose renown<br/>
+Time covers, the first Florentines. I saw<br/>
+The Ughi, Catilini and Filippi,<br/>
+The Alberichi, Greci and Ormanni,<br/>
+Now in their wane, illustrious citizens:<br/>
+And great as ancient, of Sannella him,<br/>
+With him of Arca saw, and Soldanieri<br/>
+And Ardinghi, and Bostichi. At the poop,<br/>
+That now is laden with new felony,<br/>
+So cumb’rous it may speedily sink the bark,<br/>
+The Ravignani sat, of whom is sprung<br/>
+The County Guido, and whoso hath since<br/>
+His title from the fam’d Bellincione ta’en.<br/>
+Fair governance was yet an art well priz’d<br/>
+By him of Pressa: Galigaio show’d<br/>
+The gilded hilt and pommel, in his house.<br/>
+The column, cloth’d with verrey, still was seen<br/>
+Unshaken: the Sacchetti still were great,<br/>
+Giouchi, Sifanti, Galli and Barucci,<br/>
+With them who blush to hear the bushel nam’d.<br/>
+Of the Calfucci still the branchy trunk<br/>
+Was in its strength: and to the curule chairs<br/>
+Sizii and Arigucci yet were drawn.<br/>
+How mighty them I saw, whom since their pride<br/>
+Hath undone! and in all her goodly deeds<br/>
+Florence was by the bullets of bright gold<br/>
+O’erflourish’d. Such the sires of those, who now,<br/>
+As surely as your church is vacant, flock<br/>
+Into her consistory, and at leisure<br/>
+There stall them and grow fat. The o’erweening brood,<br/>
+That plays the dragon after him that flees,<br/>
+But unto such, as turn and show the tooth,<br/>
+Ay or the purse, is gentle as a lamb,<br/>
+Was on its rise, but yet so slight esteem’d,<br/>
+That Ubertino of Donati grudg’d<br/>
+His father-in-law should yoke him to its tribe.<br/>
+Already Caponsacco had descended<br/>
+Into the mart from Fesole: and Giuda<br/>
+And Infangato were good citizens.<br/>
+A thing incredible I tell, tho’ true:<br/>
+The gateway, named from those of Pera, led<br/>
+Into the narrow circuit of your walls.<br/>
+Each one, who bears the sightly quarterings<br/>
+Of the great Baron (he whose name and worth<br/>
+The festival of Thomas still revives)<br/>
+His knighthood and his privilege retain’d;<br/>
+Albeit one, who borders them With gold,<br/>
+This day is mingled with the common herd.<br/>
+In Borgo yet the Gualterotti dwelt,<br/>
+And Importuni: well for its repose<br/>
+Had it still lack’d of newer neighbourhood.<br/>
+The house, from whence your tears have had their spring,<br/>
+Through the just anger that hath murder’d ye<br/>
+And put a period to your gladsome days,<br/>
+Was honour’d, it, and those consorted with it.<br/>
+O Buondelmonte! what ill counseling<br/>
+Prevail’d on thee to break the plighted bond<br/>
+Many, who now are weeping, would rejoice,<br/>
+Had God to Ema giv’n thee, the first time<br/>
+Thou near our city cam’st. But so was doom’d:<br/>
+On that maim’d stone set up to guard the bridge,<br/>
+At thy last peace, the victim, Florence! fell.<br/>
+With these and others like to them, I saw<br/>
+Florence in such assur’d tranquility,<br/>
+She had no cause at which to grieve: with these<br/>
+Saw her so glorious and so just, that ne’er<br/>
+The lily from the lance had hung reverse,<br/>
+Or through division been with vermeil dyed.”
+</p>
+
+<div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
+<a href="images/16-143.jpg">
+<img src="images/16-143.jpg" width="571" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+</div>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="cantoIII.17"></a>CANTO XVII</h2>
+
+<p>
+Such as the youth, who came to Clymene<br/>
+To certify himself of that reproach,<br/>
+Which had been fasten’d on him, (he whose end<br/>
+Still makes the fathers chary to their sons),<br/>
+E’en such was I; nor unobserv’d was such<br/>
+Of Beatrice, and that saintly lamp,<br/>
+Who had erewhile for me his station mov’d;<br/>
+When thus by lady: “Give thy wish free vent,<br/>
+That it may issue, bearing true report<br/>
+Of the mind’s impress; not that aught thy words<br/>
+May to our knowledge add, but to the end,<br/>
+That thou mayst use thyself to own thy thirst<br/>
+And men may mingle for thee when they hear.”<br/>
+<br/>
+“O plant! from whence I spring! rever’d and lov’d!<br/>
+Who soar’st so high a pitch, thou seest as clear,<br/>
+As earthly thought determines two obtuse<br/>
+In one triangle not contain’d, so clear<br/>
+Dost see contingencies, ere in themselves<br/>
+Existent, looking at the point whereto<br/>
+All times are present, I, the whilst I scal’d<br/>
+With Virgil the soul purifying mount,<br/>
+And visited the nether world of woe,<br/>
+Touching my future destiny have heard<br/>
+Words grievous, though I feel me on all sides<br/>
+Well squar’d to fortune’s blows. Therefore my will<br/>
+Were satisfied to know the lot awaits me,<br/>
+The arrow, seen beforehand, slacks its flight.”<br/>
+<br/>
+So said I to the brightness, which erewhile<br/>
+To me had spoken, and my will declar’d,<br/>
+As Beatrice will’d, explicitly.<br/>
+Nor with oracular response obscure,<br/>
+Such, as or ere the Lamb of God was slain,<br/>
+Beguil’d the credulous nations; but, in terms<br/>
+Precise and unambiguous lore, replied<br/>
+The spirit of paternal love, enshrin’d,<br/>
+Yet in his smile apparent; and thus spake:<br/>
+“Contingency, unfolded not to view<br/>
+Upon the tablet of your mortal mold,<br/>
+Is all depictur’d in the’ eternal sight;<br/>
+But hence deriveth not necessity,<br/>
+More then the tall ship, hurried down the flood,<br/>
+Doth from the vision, that reflects the scene.<br/>
+From thence, as to the ear sweet harmony<br/>
+From organ comes, so comes before mine eye<br/>
+The time prepar’d for thee. Such as driv’n out<br/>
+From Athens, by his cruel stepdame’s wiles,<br/>
+Hippolytus departed, such must thou<br/>
+Depart from Florence. This they wish, and this<br/>
+Contrive, and will ere long effectuate, there,<br/>
+Where gainful merchandize is made of Christ,<br/>
+Throughout the livelong day. The common cry,<br/>
+Will, as ’t is ever wont, affix the blame<br/>
+Unto the party injur’d: but the truth<br/>
+Shall, in the vengeance it dispenseth, find<br/>
+A faithful witness. Thou shall leave each thing<br/>
+Belov’d most dearly: this is the first shaft<br/>
+Shot from the bow of exile. Thou shalt prove<br/>
+How salt the savour is of other’s bread,<br/>
+How hard the passage to descend and climb<br/>
+By other’s stairs, But that shall gall thee most<br/>
+Will be the worthless and vile company,<br/>
+With whom thou must be thrown into these straits.<br/>
+For all ungrateful, impious all and mad,<br/>
+Shall turn ’gainst thee: but in a little while<br/>
+Theirs and not thine shall be the crimson’d brow<br/>
+Their course shall so evince their brutishness<br/>
+T’ have ta’en thy stand apart shall well become thee.<br/>
+<br/>
+“First refuge thou must find, first place of rest,<br/>
+In the great Lombard’s courtesy, who bears<br/>
+Upon the ladder perch’d the sacred bird.<br/>
+He shall behold thee with such kind regard,<br/>
+That ’twixt ye two, the contrary to that<br/>
+Which falls ’twixt other men, the granting shall<br/>
+Forerun the asking. With him shalt thou see<br/>
+That mortal, who was at his birth impress<br/>
+So strongly from this star, that of his deeds<br/>
+The nations shall take note. His unripe age<br/>
+Yet holds him from observance; for these wheels<br/>
+Only nine years have compass him about.<br/>
+But, ere the Gascon practice on great Harry,<br/>
+Sparkles of virtue shall shoot forth in him,<br/>
+In equal scorn of labours and of gold.<br/>
+His bounty shall be spread abroad so widely,<br/>
+As not to let the tongues e’en of his foes<br/>
+Be idle in its praise. Look thou to him<br/>
+And his beneficence: for he shall cause<br/>
+Reversal of their lot to many people,<br/>
+Rich men and beggars interchanging fortunes.<br/>
+And thou shalt bear this written in thy soul<br/>
+Of him, but tell it not;” and things he told<br/>
+Incredible to those who witness them;<br/>
+Then added: “So interpret thou, my son,<br/>
+What hath been told thee.&mdash;Lo! the ambushment<br/>
+That a few circling seasons hide for thee!<br/>
+Yet envy not thy neighbours: time extends<br/>
+Thy span beyond their treason’s chastisement.”<br/>
+<br/>
+Soon, as the saintly spirit, by his silence,<br/>
+Had shown the web, which I had streteh’d for him<br/>
+Upon the warp, was woven, I began,<br/>
+As one, who in perplexity desires<br/>
+Counsel of other, wise, benign and friendly:<br/>
+“My father! well I mark how time spurs on<br/>
+Toward me, ready to inflict the blow,<br/>
+Which falls most heavily on him, who most<br/>
+Abandoned himself. Therefore ’t is good<br/>
+I should forecast, that driven from the place<br/>
+Most dear to me, I may not lose myself<br/>
+All others by my song. Down through the world<br/>
+Of infinite mourning, and along the mount<br/>
+From whose fair height my lady’s eyes did lift me,<br/>
+And after through this heav’n from light to light,<br/>
+Have I learnt that, which if I tell again,<br/>
+It may with many woefully disrelish;<br/>
+And, if I am a timid friend to truth,<br/>
+I fear my life may perish among those,<br/>
+To whom these days shall be of ancient date.”<br/>
+<br/>
+The brightness, where enclos’d the treasure smil’d,<br/>
+Which I had found there, first shone glisteningly,<br/>
+Like to a golden mirror in the sun;<br/>
+Next answer’d: “Conscience, dimm’d or by its own<br/>
+Or other’s shame, will feel thy saying sharp.<br/>
+Thou, notwithstanding, all deceit remov’d,<br/>
+See the whole vision be made manifest.<br/>
+And let them wince who have their withers wrung.<br/>
+What though, when tasted first, thy voice shall prove<br/>
+Unwelcome, on digestion it will turn<br/>
+To vital nourishment. The cry thou raisest,<br/>
+Shall, as the wind doth, smite the proudest summits;<br/>
+Which is of honour no light argument,<br/>
+For this there only have been shown to thee,<br/>
+Throughout these orbs, the mountain, and the deep,<br/>
+Spirits, whom fame hath note of. For the mind<br/>
+Of him, who hears, is loth to acquiesce<br/>
+And fix its faith, unless the instance brought<br/>
+Be palpable, and proof apparent urge.”
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="cantoIII.18"></a>CANTO XVIII</h2>
+
+<p>
+Now in his word, sole, ruminating, joy’d<br/>
+That blessed spirit; and I fed on mine,<br/>
+Tempting the sweet with bitter: she meanwhile,<br/>
+Who led me unto God, admonish’d: “Muse<br/>
+On other thoughts: bethink thee, that near Him<br/>
+I dwell, who recompenseth every wrong.”<br/>
+<br/>
+At the sweet sounds of comfort straight I turn’d;<br/>
+And, in the saintly eyes what love was seen,<br/>
+I leave in silence here: nor through distrust<br/>
+Of my words only, but that to such bliss<br/>
+The mind remounts not without aid. Thus much<br/>
+Yet may I speak; that, as I gaz’d on her,<br/>
+Affection found no room for other wish.<br/>
+While the everlasting pleasure, that did full<br/>
+On Beatrice shine, with second view<br/>
+From her fair countenance my gladden’d soul<br/>
+Contented; vanquishing me with a beam<br/>
+Of her soft smile, she spake: “Turn thee, and list.<br/>
+These eyes are not thy only Paradise.”<br/>
+<br/>
+As here we sometimes in the looks may see<br/>
+Th’ affection mark’d, when that its sway hath ta’en<br/>
+The spirit wholly; thus the hallow’d light,<br/>
+To whom I turn’d, flashing, bewray’d its will<br/>
+To talk yet further with me, and began:<br/>
+“On this fifth lodgment of the tree, whose life<br/>
+Is from its top, whose fruit is ever fair<br/>
+And leaf unwith’ring, blessed spirits abide,<br/>
+That were below, ere they arriv’d in heav’n,<br/>
+So mighty in renown, as every muse<br/>
+Might grace her triumph with them. On the horns<br/>
+Look therefore of the cross: he, whom I name,<br/>
+Shall there enact, as doth in summer cloud<br/>
+Its nimble fire.” Along the cross I saw,<br/>
+At the repeated name of Joshua,<br/>
+A splendour gliding; nor, the word was said,<br/>
+Ere it was done: then, at the naming saw<br/>
+Of the great Maccabee, another move<br/>
+With whirling speed; and gladness was the scourge<br/>
+Unto that top. The next for Charlemagne<br/>
+And for the peer Orlando, two my gaze<br/>
+Pursued, intently, as the eye pursues<br/>
+A falcon flying. Last, along the cross,<br/>
+William, and Renard, and Duke Godfrey drew<br/>
+My ken, and Robert Guiscard. And the soul,<br/>
+Who spake with me among the other lights<br/>
+Did move away, and mix; and with the choir<br/>
+Of heav’nly songsters prov’d his tuneful skill.<br/>
+<br/>
+To Beatrice on my right l bent,<br/>
+Looking for intimation or by word<br/>
+Or act, what next behoov’d: and did descry<br/>
+Such mere effulgence in her eyes, such joy,<br/>
+It past all former wont. And, as by sense<br/>
+Of new delight, the man, who perseveres<br/>
+In good deeds doth perceive from day to day<br/>
+His virtue growing; I e’en thus perceiv’d<br/>
+Of my ascent, together with the heav’n<br/>
+The circuit widen’d, noting the increase<br/>
+Of beauty in that wonder. Like the change<br/>
+In a brief moment on some maiden’s cheek,<br/>
+Which from its fairness doth discharge the weight<br/>
+Of pudency, that stain’d it; such in her,<br/>
+And to mine eyes so sudden was the change,<br/>
+Through silvery whiteness of that temperate star,<br/>
+Whose sixth orb now enfolded us. I saw,<br/>
+Within that Jovial cresset, the clear sparks<br/>
+Of love, that reign’d there, fashion to my view<br/>
+Our language. And as birds, from river banks<br/>
+Arisen, now in round, now lengthen’d troop,<br/>
+Array them in their flight, greeting, as seems,<br/>
+Their new-found pastures; so, within the lights,<br/>
+The saintly creatures flying, sang, and made<br/>
+Now D. now I. now L. figur’d I’ th’ air.
+</p>
+
+<div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
+<a href="images/18-70.jpg">
+<img src="images/18-70.jpg" width="551" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+</div>
+
+<p>
+First, singing, to their notes they mov’d, then one<br/>
+Becoming of these signs, a little while<br/>
+Did rest them, and were mute. O nymph divine<br/>
+Of Pegasean race! whose souls, which thou<br/>
+Inspir’st, mak’st glorious and long-liv’d, as they<br/>
+Cities and realms by thee! thou with thyself<br/>
+Inform me; that I may set forth the shapes,<br/>
+As fancy doth present them. Be thy power<br/>
+Display’d in this brief song. The characters,<br/>
+Vocal and consonant, were five-fold seven.<br/>
+In order each, as they appear’d, I mark’d.<br/>
+Diligite Justitiam, the first,<br/>
+Both verb and noun all blazon’d; and the extreme<br/>
+Qui judicatis terram. In the M.<br/>
+Of the fifth word they held their station,<br/>
+Making the star seem silver streak’d with gold.<br/>
+And on the summit of the M. I saw<br/>
+Descending other lights, that rested there,<br/>
+Singing, methinks, their bliss and primal good.<br/>
+Then, as at shaking of a lighted brand,<br/>
+Sparkles innumerable on all sides<br/>
+Rise scatter’d, source of augury to th’ unwise;<br/>
+Thus more than thousand twinkling lustres hence<br/>
+Seem’d reascending, and a higher pitch<br/>
+Some mounting, and some less; e’en as the sun,<br/>
+Which kindleth them, decreed. And when each one<br/>
+Had settled in his place, the head and neck<br/>
+Then saw I of an eagle, lively<br/>
+Grav’d in that streaky fire. Who painteth there,<br/>
+Hath none to guide him; of himself he guides;<br/>
+And every line and texture of the nest<br/>
+Doth own from him the virtue, fashions it.<br/>
+The other bright beatitude, that seem’d<br/>
+Erewhile, with lilied crowning, well content<br/>
+To over-canopy the M. mov’d forth,<br/>
+Following gently the impress of the bird.<br/>
+<br/>
+Sweet star! what glorious and thick-studded gems<br/>
+Declar’d to me our justice on the earth<br/>
+To be the effluence of that heav’n, which thou,<br/>
+Thyself a costly jewel, dost inlay!<br/>
+Therefore I pray the Sovran Mind, from whom<br/>
+Thy motion and thy virtue are begun,<br/>
+That he would look from whence the fog doth rise,<br/>
+To vitiate thy beam: so that once more<br/>
+He may put forth his hand ’gainst such, as drive<br/>
+Their traffic in that sanctuary, whose walls<br/>
+With miracles and martyrdoms were built.
+</p>
+
+<div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
+<a href="images/18-120.jpg">
+<img src="images/18-120.jpg" width="549" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+</div>
+
+<p>
+Ye host of heaven! whose glory I survey l<br/>
+O beg ye grace for those, that are on earth<br/>
+All after ill example gone astray.<br/>
+War once had for its instrument the sword:<br/>
+But now ’t is made, taking the bread away<br/>
+Which the good Father locks from none. &mdash;And thou,<br/>
+That writes but to cancel, think, that they,<br/>
+Who for the vineyard, which thou wastest, died,<br/>
+Peter and Paul live yet, and mark thy doings.<br/>
+Thou hast good cause to cry, “My heart so cleaves<br/>
+To him, that liv’d in solitude remote,<br/>
+And from the wilds was dragg’d to martyrdom,<br/>
+I wist not of the fisherman nor Paul.”
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="cantoIII.19"></a>CANTO XIX</h2>
+
+<div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
+<a href="images/19-1.jpg">
+<img src="images/19-1.jpg" width="547" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+</div>
+
+<p>
+Before my sight appear’d, with open wings,<br/>
+The beauteous image, in fruition sweet<br/>
+Gladdening the thronged spirits. Each did seem<br/>
+A little ruby, whereon so intense<br/>
+The sun-beam glow’d that to mine eyes it came<br/>
+In clear refraction. And that, which next<br/>
+Befalls me to portray, voice hath not utter’d,<br/>
+Nor hath ink written, nor in fantasy<br/>
+Was e’er conceiv’d. For I beheld and heard<br/>
+The beak discourse; and, what intention form’d<br/>
+Of many, singly as of one express,<br/>
+Beginning: “For that I was just and piteous,<br/>
+l am exalted to this height of glory,<br/>
+The which no wish exceeds: and there on earth<br/>
+Have I my memory left, e’en by the bad<br/>
+Commended, while they leave its course untrod.”<br/>
+<br/>
+Thus is one heat from many embers felt,<br/>
+As in that image many were the loves,<br/>
+And one the voice, that issued from them all.<br/>
+Whence I address them: “O perennial flowers<br/>
+Of gladness everlasting! that exhale<br/>
+In single breath your odours manifold!<br/>
+Breathe now; and let the hunger be appeas’d,<br/>
+That with great craving long hath held my soul,<br/>
+Finding no food on earth. This well I know,<br/>
+That if there be in heav’n a realm, that shows<br/>
+In faithful mirror the celestial Justice,<br/>
+Yours without veil reflects it. Ye discern<br/>
+The heed, wherewith I do prepare myself<br/>
+To hearken; ye the doubt that urges me<br/>
+With such inveterate craving.” Straight I saw,<br/>
+Like to a falcon issuing from the hood,<br/>
+That rears his head, and claps him with his wings,<br/>
+His beauty and his eagerness bewraying.<br/>
+So saw I move that stately sign, with praise<br/>
+Of grace divine inwoven and high song<br/>
+Of inexpressive joy. “He,” it began,<br/>
+“Who turn’d his compass on the world’s extreme,<br/>
+And in that space so variously hath wrought,<br/>
+Both openly, and in secret, in such wise<br/>
+Could not through all the universe display<br/>
+Impression of his glory, that the Word<br/>
+Of his omniscience should not still remain<br/>
+In infinite excess. In proof whereof,<br/>
+He first through pride supplanted, who was sum<br/>
+Of each created being, waited not<br/>
+For light celestial, and abortive fell.<br/>
+Whence needs each lesser nature is but scant<br/>
+Receptacle unto that Good, which knows<br/>
+No limit, measur’d by itself alone.<br/>
+Therefore your sight, of th’ omnipresent Mind<br/>
+A single beam, its origin must own<br/>
+Surpassing far its utmost potency.<br/>
+The ken, your world is gifted with, descends<br/>
+In th’ everlasting Justice as low down,<br/>
+As eye doth in the sea; which though it mark<br/>
+The bottom from the shore, in the wide main<br/>
+Discerns it not; and ne’ertheless it is,<br/>
+But hidden through its deepness. Light is none,<br/>
+Save that which cometh from the pure serene<br/>
+Of ne’er disturbed ether: for the rest,<br/>
+’Tis darkness all, or shadow of the flesh,<br/>
+Or else its poison. Here confess reveal’d<br/>
+That covert, which hath hidden from thy search<br/>
+The living justice, of the which thou mad’st<br/>
+Such frequent question; for thou saidst&mdash;‘A man<br/>
+Is born on Indus’ banks, and none is there<br/>
+Who speaks of Christ, nor who doth read nor write,<br/>
+And all his inclinations and his acts,<br/>
+As far as human reason sees, are good,<br/>
+And he offendeth not in word or deed.<br/>
+But unbaptiz’d he dies, and void of faith.<br/>
+Where is the justice that condemns him? where<br/>
+His blame, if he believeth not?’&mdash;What then,<br/>
+And who art thou, that on the stool wouldst sit<br/>
+To judge at distance of a thousand miles<br/>
+With the short-sighted vision of a span?<br/>
+To him, who subtilizes thus with me,<br/>
+There would assuredly be room for doubt<br/>
+Even to wonder, did not the safe word<br/>
+Of scripture hold supreme authority.<br/>
+<br/>
+“O animals of clay! O spirits gross I<br/>
+The primal will, that in itself is good,<br/>
+Hath from itself, the chief Good, ne’er been mov’d.<br/>
+Justice consists in consonance with it,<br/>
+Derivable by no created good,<br/>
+Whose very cause depends upon its beam.”<br/>
+<br/>
+As on her nest the stork, that turns about<br/>
+Unto her young, whom lately she hath fed,<br/>
+While they with upward eyes do look on her;<br/>
+So lifted I my gaze; and bending so<br/>
+The ever-blessed image wav’d its wings,<br/>
+Lab’ring with such deep counsel. Wheeling round<br/>
+It warbled, and did say: “As are my notes<br/>
+To thee, who understand’st them not, such is<br/>
+Th’ eternal judgment unto mortal ken.”<br/>
+<br/>
+Then still abiding in that ensign rang’d,<br/>
+Wherewith the Romans over-awed the world,<br/>
+Those burning splendours of the Holy Spirit<br/>
+Took up the strain; and thus it spake again:<br/>
+“None ever hath ascended to this realm,<br/>
+Who hath not a believer been in Christ,<br/>
+Either before or after the blest limbs<br/>
+Were nail’d upon the wood. But lo! of those<br/>
+Who call ‘Christ, Christ,’ there shall be many found,<br/>
+In judgment, further off from him by far,<br/>
+Than such, to whom his name was never known.<br/>
+Christians like these the Ethiop shall condemn:<br/>
+When that the two assemblages shall part;<br/>
+One rich eternally, the other poor.<br/>
+<br/>
+“What may the Persians say unto your kings,<br/>
+When they shall see that volume, in the which<br/>
+All their dispraise is written, spread to view?<br/>
+There amidst Albert’s works shall that be read,<br/>
+Which will give speedy motion to the pen,<br/>
+When Prague shall mourn her desolated realm.<br/>
+There shall be read the woe, that he doth work<br/>
+With his adulterate money on the Seine,<br/>
+Who by the tusk will perish: there be read<br/>
+The thirsting pride, that maketh fool alike<br/>
+The English and Scot, impatient of their bound.<br/>
+There shall be seen the Spaniard’s luxury,<br/>
+The delicate living there of the Bohemian,<br/>
+Who still to worth has been a willing stranger.<br/>
+The halter of Jerusalem shall see<br/>
+A unit for his virtue, for his vices<br/>
+No less a mark than million. He, who guards<br/>
+The isle of fire by old Anchises honour’d<br/>
+Shall find his avarice there and cowardice;<br/>
+And better to denote his littleness,<br/>
+The writing must be letters maim’d, that speak<br/>
+Much in a narrow space. All there shall know<br/>
+His uncle and his brother’s filthy doings,<br/>
+Who so renown’d a nation and two crowns<br/>
+Have bastardized. And they, of Portugal<br/>
+And Norway, there shall be expos’d with him<br/>
+Of Ratza, who hath counterfeited ill<br/>
+The coin of Venice. O blest Hungary!<br/>
+If thou no longer patiently abid’st<br/>
+Thy ill-entreating! and, O blest Navarre!<br/>
+If with thy mountainous girdle thou wouldst arm thee<br/>
+In earnest of that day, e’en now are heard<br/>
+Wailings and groans in Famagosta’s streets<br/>
+And Nicosia’s, grudging at their beast,<br/>
+Who keepeth even footing with the rest.”
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="cantoIII.20"></a>CANTO XX</h2>
+
+<p>
+When, disappearing, from our hemisphere,<br/>
+The world’s enlightener vanishes, and day<br/>
+On all sides wasteth, suddenly the sky,<br/>
+Erewhile irradiate only with his beam,<br/>
+Is yet again unfolded, putting forth<br/>
+Innumerable lights wherein one shines.<br/>
+Of such vicissitude in heaven I thought,<br/>
+As the great sign, that marshaleth the world<br/>
+And the world’s leaders, in the blessed beak<br/>
+Was silent; for that all those living lights,<br/>
+Waxing in splendour, burst forth into songs,<br/>
+Such as from memory glide and fall away.
+</p>
+
+<div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
+<a href="images/20-10.jpg">
+<img src="images/20-10.jpg" width="512" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+</div>
+
+<p>
+Sweet love! that dost apparel thee in smiles,<br/>
+How lustrous was thy semblance in those sparkles,<br/>
+Which merely are from holy thoughts inspir’d!<br/>
+<br/>
+After the precious and bright beaming stones,<br/>
+That did ingem the sixth light, ceas’d the chiming<br/>
+Of their angelic bells; methought I heard<br/>
+The murmuring of a river, that doth fall<br/>
+From rock to rock transpicuous, making known<br/>
+The richness of his spring-head: and as sound<br/>
+Of cistern, at the fret-board, or of pipe,<br/>
+Is, at the wind-hole, modulate and tun’d;<br/>
+Thus up the neck, as it were hollow, rose<br/>
+That murmuring of the eagle, and forthwith<br/>
+Voice there assum’d, and thence along the beak<br/>
+Issued in form of words, such as my heart<br/>
+Did look for, on whose tables I inscrib’d them.<br/>
+<br/>
+“The part in me, that sees, and bears the sun,,<br/>
+In mortal eagles,” it began, “must now<br/>
+Be noted steadfastly: for of the fires,<br/>
+That figure me, those, glittering in mine eye,<br/>
+Are chief of all the greatest. This, that shines<br/>
+Midmost for pupil, was the same, who sang<br/>
+The Holy Spirit’s song, and bare about<br/>
+The ark from town to town; now doth he know<br/>
+The merit of his soul-impassion’d strains<br/>
+By their well-fitted guerdon. Of the five,<br/>
+That make the circle of the vision, he<br/>
+Who to the beak is nearest, comforted<br/>
+The widow for her son: now doth he know<br/>
+How dear he costeth not to follow Christ,<br/>
+Both from experience of this pleasant life,<br/>
+And of its opposite. He next, who follows<br/>
+In the circumference, for the over arch,<br/>
+By true repenting slack’d the pace of death:<br/>
+Now knoweth he, that the degrees of heav’n<br/>
+Alter not, when through pious prayer below<br/>
+Today’s is made tomorrow’s destiny.<br/>
+The other following, with the laws and me,<br/>
+To yield the shepherd room, pass’d o’er to Greece,<br/>
+From good intent producing evil fruit:<br/>
+Now knoweth he, how all the ill, deriv’d<br/>
+From his well doing, doth not helm him aught,<br/>
+Though it have brought destruction on the world.<br/>
+That, which thou seest in the under bow,<br/>
+Was William, whom that land bewails, which weeps<br/>
+For Charles and Frederick living: now he knows<br/>
+How well is lov’d in heav’n the righteous king,<br/>
+Which he betokens by his radiant seeming.<br/>
+Who in the erring world beneath would deem,<br/>
+That Trojan Ripheus in this round was set<br/>
+Fifth of the saintly splendours? now he knows<br/>
+Enough of that, which the world cannot see,<br/>
+The grace divine, albeit e’en his sight<br/>
+Reach not its utmost depth.” Like to the lark,<br/>
+That warbling in the air expatiates long,<br/>
+Then, trilling out his last sweet melody,<br/>
+Drops satiate with the sweetness; such appear’d<br/>
+That image stampt by the’ everlasting pleasure,<br/>
+Which fashions like itself all lovely things.<br/>
+<br/>
+I, though my doubting were as manifest,<br/>
+As is through glass the hue that mantles it,<br/>
+In silence waited not: for to my lips<br/>
+“What things are these?” involuntary rush’d,<br/>
+And forc’d a passage out: whereat I mark’d<br/>
+A sudden lightening and new revelry.<br/>
+The eye was kindled: and the blessed sign<br/>
+No more to keep me wond’ring and suspense,<br/>
+Replied: “I see that thou believ’st these things,<br/>
+Because I tell them, but discern’st not how;<br/>
+So that thy knowledge waits not on thy faith:<br/>
+As one who knows the name of thing by rote,<br/>
+But is a stranger to its properties,<br/>
+Till other’s tongue reveal them. Fervent love<br/>
+And lively hope with violence assail<br/>
+The kingdom of the heavens, and overcome<br/>
+The will of the Most high; not in such sort<br/>
+As man prevails o’er man; but conquers it,<br/>
+Because ’t is willing to be conquer’d, still,<br/>
+Though conquer’d, by its mercy conquering.<br/>
+<br/>
+“Those, in the eye who live the first and fifth,<br/>
+Cause thee to marvel, in that thou behold’st<br/>
+The region of the angels deck’d with them.<br/>
+They quitted not their bodies, as thou deem’st,<br/>
+Gentiles but Christians, in firm rooted faith,<br/>
+This of the feet in future to be pierc’d,<br/>
+That of feet nail’d already to the cross.<br/>
+One from the barrier of the dark abyss,<br/>
+Where never any with good will returns,<br/>
+Came back unto his bones. Of lively hope<br/>
+Such was the meed; of lively hope, that wing’d<br/>
+The prayers sent up to God for his release,<br/>
+And put power into them to bend his will.<br/>
+The glorious Spirit, of whom I speak to thee,<br/>
+A little while returning to the flesh,<br/>
+Believ’d in him, who had the means to help,<br/>
+And, in believing, nourish’d such a flame<br/>
+Of holy love, that at the second death<br/>
+He was made sharer in our gamesome mirth.<br/>
+The other, through the riches of that grace,<br/>
+Which from so deep a fountain doth distil,<br/>
+As never eye created saw its rising,<br/>
+Plac’d all his love below on just and right:<br/>
+Wherefore of grace God op’d in him the eye<br/>
+To the redemption of mankind to come;<br/>
+Wherein believing, he endur’d no more<br/>
+The filth of paganism, and for their ways<br/>
+Rebuk’d the stubborn nations. The three nymphs,<br/>
+Whom at the right wheel thou beheldst advancing,<br/>
+Were sponsors for him more than thousand years<br/>
+Before baptizing. O how far remov’d,<br/>
+Predestination! is thy root from such<br/>
+As see not the First cause entire: and ye,<br/>
+O mortal men! be wary how ye judge:<br/>
+For we, who see our Maker, know not yet<br/>
+The number of the chosen: and esteem<br/>
+Such scantiness of knowledge our delight:<br/>
+For all our good is in that primal good<br/>
+Concentrate, and God’s will and ours are one.”<br/>
+<br/>
+So, by that form divine, was giv’n to me<br/>
+Sweet medicine to clear and strengthen sight,<br/>
+And, as one handling skillfully the harp,<br/>
+Attendant on some skilful songster’s voice<br/>
+Bids the chords vibrate, and therein the song<br/>
+Acquires more pleasure; so, the whilst it spake,<br/>
+It doth remember me, that I beheld<br/>
+The pair of blessed luminaries move.<br/>
+Like the accordant twinkling of two eyes,<br/>
+Their beamy circlets, dancing to the sounds.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="cantoIII.21"></a>CANTO XXI</h2>
+
+<div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
+<a href="images/21-1.jpg">
+<img src="images/21-1.jpg" width="538" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+</div>
+
+<p>
+Again mine eyes were fix’d on Beatrice,<br/>
+And with mine eyes my soul, that in her looks<br/>
+Found all contentment. Yet no smile she wore<br/>
+And, “Did I smile,” quoth she, “thou wouldst be straight<br/>
+Like Semele when into ashes turn’d:<br/>
+For, mounting these eternal palace-stairs,<br/>
+My beauty, which the loftier it climbs,<br/>
+As thou hast noted, still doth kindle more,<br/>
+So shines, that, were no temp’ring interpos’d,<br/>
+Thy mortal puissance would from its rays<br/>
+Shrink, as the leaf doth from the thunderbolt.<br/>
+Into the seventh splendour are we wafted,<br/>
+That underneath the burning lion’s breast<br/>
+Beams, in this hour, commingled with his might,<br/>
+Thy mind be with thine eyes: and in them mirror’d<br/>
+The shape, which in this mirror shall be shown.”<br/>
+Whoso can deem, how fondly I had fed<br/>
+My sight upon her blissful countenance,<br/>
+May know, when to new thoughts I chang’d, what joy<br/>
+To do the bidding of my heav’nly guide:<br/>
+In equal balance poising either weight.<br/>
+<br/>
+Within the crystal, which records the name,<br/>
+(As its remoter circle girds the world)<br/>
+Of that lov’d monarch, in whose happy reign<br/>
+No ill had power to harm, I saw rear’d up,<br/>
+In colour like to sun-illumin’d gold.
+</p>
+
+<div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
+<a href="images/21-28.jpg">
+<img src="images/21-28.jpg" width="529" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+</div>
+
+<p>
+A ladder, which my ken pursued in vain,<br/>
+So lofty was the summit; down whose steps<br/>
+I saw the splendours in such multitude<br/>
+Descending, ev’ry light in heav’n, methought,<br/>
+Was shed thence. As the rooks, at dawn of day<br/>
+Bestirring them to dry their feathers chill,<br/>
+Some speed their way a-field, and homeward some,<br/>
+Returning, cross their flight, while some abide<br/>
+And wheel around their airy lodge; so seem’d<br/>
+That glitterance, wafted on alternate wing,<br/>
+As upon certain stair it met, and clash’d<br/>
+Its shining. And one ling’ring near us, wax’d<br/>
+So bright, that in my thought: said: “The love,<br/>
+Which this betokens me, admits no doubt.”<br/>
+<br/>
+Unwillingly from question I refrain,<br/>
+To her, by whom my silence and my speech<br/>
+Are order’d, looking for a sign: whence she,<br/>
+Who in the sight of Him, that seeth all,<br/>
+Saw wherefore I was silent, prompted me<br/>
+T’ indulge the fervent wish; and I began:<br/>
+“I am not worthy, of my own desert,<br/>
+That thou shouldst answer me; but for her sake,<br/>
+Who hath vouchsaf’d my asking, spirit blest!<br/>
+That in thy joy art shrouded! say the cause,<br/>
+Which bringeth thee so near: and wherefore, say,<br/>
+Doth the sweet symphony of Paradise<br/>
+Keep silence here, pervading with such sounds<br/>
+Of rapt devotion ev’ry lower sphere?”<br/>
+“Mortal art thou in hearing as in sight;”<br/>
+Was the reply: “and what forbade the smile<br/>
+Of Beatrice interrupts our song.<br/>
+Only to yield thee gladness of my voice,<br/>
+And of the light that vests me, I thus far<br/>
+Descend these hallow’d steps: not that more love<br/>
+Invites me; for lo! there aloft, as much<br/>
+Or more of love is witness’d in those flames:<br/>
+But such my lot by charity assign’d,<br/>
+That makes us ready servants, as thou seest,<br/>
+To execute the counsel of the Highest.<br/>
+“That in this court,” said I, “O sacred lamp!<br/>
+Love no compulsion needs, but follows free<br/>
+Th’ eternal Providence, I well discern:<br/>
+This harder find to deem, why of thy peers<br/>
+Thou only to this office wert foredoom’d.”<br/>
+I had not ended, when, like rapid mill,<br/>
+Upon its centre whirl’d the light; and then<br/>
+The love, that did inhabit there, replied:<br/>
+“Splendour eternal, piercing through these folds,<br/>
+Its virtue to my vision knits, and thus<br/>
+Supported, lifts me so above myself,<br/>
+That on the sov’ran essence, which it wells from,<br/>
+I have the power to gaze: and hence the joy,<br/>
+Wherewith I sparkle, equaling with my blaze<br/>
+The keenness of my sight. But not the soul,<br/>
+That is in heav’n most lustrous, nor the seraph<br/>
+That hath his eyes most fix’d on God, shall solve<br/>
+What thou hast ask’d: for in th’ abyss it lies<br/>
+Of th’ everlasting statute sunk so low,<br/>
+That no created ken may fathom it.<br/>
+And, to the mortal world when thou return’st,<br/>
+Be this reported; that none henceforth dare<br/>
+Direct his footsteps to so dread a bourn.<br/>
+The mind, that here is radiant, on the earth<br/>
+Is wrapt in mist. Look then if she may do,<br/>
+Below, what passeth her ability,<br/>
+When she is ta’en to heav’n.” By words like these<br/>
+Admonish’d, I the question urg’d no more;<br/>
+And of the spirit humbly sued alone<br/>
+T’ instruct me of its state. “’Twixt either shore<br/>
+Of Italy, nor distant from thy land,<br/>
+A stony ridge ariseth, in such sort,<br/>
+The thunder doth not lift his voice so high,<br/>
+They call it Catria: at whose foot a cell<br/>
+Is sacred to the lonely Eremite,<br/>
+For worship set apart and holy rites.”<br/>
+A third time thus it spake; then added: “There<br/>
+So firmly to God’s service I adher’d,<br/>
+That with no costlier viands than the juice<br/>
+Of olives, easily I pass’d the heats<br/>
+Of summer and the winter frosts, content<br/>
+In heav’n-ward musings. Rich were the returns<br/>
+And fertile, which that cloister once was us’d<br/>
+To render to these heavens: now ’t is fall’n<br/>
+Into a waste so empty, that ere long<br/>
+Detection must lay bare its vanity<br/>
+Pietro Damiano there was I yclept:<br/>
+Pietro the sinner, when before I dwelt<br/>
+Beside the Adriatic, in the house<br/>
+Of our blest Lady. Near upon my close<br/>
+Of mortal life, through much importuning<br/>
+I was constrain’d to wear the hat that still<br/>
+From bad to worse it shifted.&mdash;Cephas came;<br/>
+He came, who was the Holy Spirit’s vessel,<br/>
+Barefoot and lean, eating their bread, as chanc’d,<br/>
+At the first table. Modern Shepherd’s need<br/>
+Those who on either hand may prop and lead them,<br/>
+So burly are they grown: and from behind<br/>
+Others to hoist them. Down the palfrey’s sides<br/>
+Spread their broad mantles, so as both the beasts<br/>
+Are cover’d with one skin. O patience! thou<br/>
+That lookst on this and doth endure so long.”<br/>
+I at those accents saw the splendours down<br/>
+From step to step alight, and wheel, and wax,<br/>
+Each circuiting, more beautiful. Round this<br/>
+They came, and stay’d them; uttered them a shout<br/>
+So loud, it hath no likeness here: nor I<br/>
+Wist what it spake, so deaf’ning was the thunder.”
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="cantoIII.22"></a>CANTO XXII</h2>
+
+<p>
+Astounded, to the guardian of my steps<br/>
+I turn’d me, like the chill, who always runs<br/>
+Thither for succour, where he trusteth most,<br/>
+And she was like the mother, who her son<br/>
+Beholding pale and breathless, with her voice<br/>
+Soothes him, and he is cheer’d; for thus she spake,<br/>
+Soothing me: “Know’st not thou, thou art in heav’n?<br/>
+And know’st not thou, whatever is in heav’n,<br/>
+Is holy, and that nothing there is done<br/>
+But is done zealously and well? Deem now,<br/>
+What change in thee the song, and what my smile<br/>
+had wrought, since thus the shout had pow’r to move thee.<br/>
+In which couldst thou have understood their prayers,<br/>
+The vengeance were already known to thee,<br/>
+Which thou must witness ere thy mortal hour,<br/>
+The sword of heav’n is not in haste to smite,<br/>
+Nor yet doth linger, save unto his seeming,<br/>
+Who in desire or fear doth look for it.<br/>
+But elsewhere now l bid thee turn thy view;<br/>
+So shalt thou many a famous spirit behold.”<br/>
+Mine eyes directing, as she will’d, I saw<br/>
+A hundred little spheres, that fairer grew<br/>
+By interchange of splendour. I remain’d,<br/>
+As one, who fearful of o’er-much presuming,<br/>
+Abates in him the keenness of desire,<br/>
+Nor dares to question, when amid those pearls,<br/>
+One largest and most lustrous onward drew,<br/>
+That it might yield contentment to my wish;<br/>
+And from within it these the sounds I heard.<br/>
+<br/>
+“If thou, like me, beheldst the charity<br/>
+That burns amongst us, what thy mind conceives,<br/>
+Were utter’d. But that, ere the lofty bound<br/>
+Thou reach, expectance may not weary thee,<br/>
+I will make answer even to the thought,<br/>
+Which thou hast such respect of. In old days,<br/>
+That mountain, at whose side Cassino rests,<br/>
+Was on its height frequented by a race<br/>
+Deceived and ill dispos’d: and I it was,<br/>
+Who thither carried first the name of Him,<br/>
+Who brought the soul-subliming truth to man.<br/>
+And such a speeding grace shone over me,<br/>
+That from their impious worship I reclaim’d<br/>
+The dwellers round about, who with the world<br/>
+Were in delusion lost. These other flames,<br/>
+The spirits of men contemplative, were all<br/>
+Enliven’d by that warmth, whose kindly force<br/>
+Gives birth to flowers and fruits of holiness.<br/>
+Here is Macarius; Romoaldo here:<br/>
+And here my brethren, who their steps refrain’d<br/>
+Within the cloisters, and held firm their heart.”<br/>
+<br/>
+I answ’ring, thus; “Thy gentle words and kind,<br/>
+And this the cheerful semblance, I behold<br/>
+Not unobservant, beaming in ye all,<br/>
+Have rais’d assurance in me, wakening it<br/>
+Full-blossom’d in my bosom, as a rose<br/>
+Before the sun, when the consummate flower<br/>
+Has spread to utmost amplitude. Of thee<br/>
+Therefore entreat I, father! to declare<br/>
+If I may gain such favour, as to gaze<br/>
+Upon thine image, by no covering veil’d.”<br/>
+<br/>
+“Brother!” he thus rejoin’d, “in the last sphere<br/>
+Expect completion of thy lofty aim,<br/>
+For there on each desire completion waits,<br/>
+And there on mine: where every aim is found<br/>
+Perfect, entire, and for fulfillment ripe.<br/>
+There all things are as they have ever been:<br/>
+For space is none to bound, nor pole divides,<br/>
+Our ladder reaches even to that clime,<br/>
+And so at giddy distance mocks thy view.<br/>
+Thither the Patriarch Jacob saw it stretch<br/>
+Its topmost round, when it appear’d to him<br/>
+With angels laden. But to mount it now<br/>
+None lifts his foot from earth: and hence my rule<br/>
+Is left a profitless stain upon the leaves;<br/>
+The walls, for abbey rear’d, turned into dens,<br/>
+The cowls to sacks choak’d up with musty meal.<br/>
+Foul usury doth not more lift itself<br/>
+Against God’s pleasure, than that fruit which makes<br/>
+The hearts of monks so wanton: for whate’er<br/>
+Is in the church’s keeping, all pertains.<br/>
+To such, as sue for heav’n’s sweet sake, and not<br/>
+To those who in respect of kindred claim,<br/>
+Or on more vile allowance. Mortal flesh<br/>
+Is grown so dainty, good beginnings last not<br/>
+From the oak’s birth, unto the acorn’s setting.<br/>
+His convent Peter founded without gold<br/>
+Or silver; I with pray’rs and fasting mine;<br/>
+And Francis his in meek humility.<br/>
+And if thou note the point, whence each proceeds,<br/>
+Then look what it hath err’d to, thou shalt find<br/>
+The white grown murky. Jordan was turn’d back;<br/>
+And a less wonder, then the refluent sea,<br/>
+May at God’s pleasure work amendment here.”<br/>
+<br/>
+So saying, to his assembly back he drew:<br/>
+And they together cluster’d into one,<br/>
+Then all roll’d upward like an eddying wind.<br/>
+<br/>
+The sweet dame beckon’d me to follow them:<br/>
+And, by that influence only, so prevail’d<br/>
+Over my nature, that no natural motion,<br/>
+Ascending or descending here below,<br/>
+Had, as I mounted, with my pennon vied.<br/>
+<br/>
+So, reader, as my hope is to return<br/>
+Unto the holy triumph, for the which<br/>
+I ofttimes wail my sins, and smite my breast,<br/>
+Thou hadst been longer drawing out and thrusting<br/>
+Thy finger in the fire, than I was, ere<br/>
+The sign, that followeth Taurus, I beheld,<br/>
+And enter’d its precinct. O glorious stars!<br/>
+O light impregnate with exceeding virtue!<br/>
+To whom whate’er of genius lifteth me<br/>
+Above the vulgar, grateful I refer;<br/>
+With ye the parent of all mortal life<br/>
+Arose and set, when I did first inhale<br/>
+The Tuscan air; and afterward, when grace<br/>
+Vouchsaf’d me entrance to the lofty wheel<br/>
+That in its orb impels ye, fate decreed<br/>
+My passage at your clime. To you my soul<br/>
+Devoutly sighs, for virtue even now<br/>
+To meet the hard emprize that draws me on.<br/>
+<br/>
+“Thou art so near the sum of blessedness,”<br/>
+Said Beatrice, “that behooves thy ken<br/>
+Be vigilant and clear. And, to this end,<br/>
+Or even thou advance thee further, hence<br/>
+Look downward, and contemplate, what a world<br/>
+Already stretched under our feet there lies:<br/>
+So as thy heart may, in its blithest mood,<br/>
+Present itself to the triumphal throng,<br/>
+Which through the’ etherial concave comes rejoicing.”<br/>
+<br/>
+I straight obey’d; and with mine eye return’d<br/>
+Through all the seven spheres, and saw this globe<br/>
+So pitiful of semblance, that perforce<br/>
+It moved my smiles: and him in truth I hold<br/>
+For wisest, who esteems it least: whose thoughts<br/>
+Elsewhere are fix’d, him worthiest call and best.<br/>
+I saw the daughter of Latona shine<br/>
+Without the shadow, whereof late I deem’d<br/>
+That dense and rare were cause. Here I sustain’d<br/>
+The visage, Hyperion! of thy sun;<br/>
+And mark’d, how near him with their circle, round<br/>
+Move Maia and Dione; here discern’d<br/>
+Jove’s tempering ’twixt his sire and son; and hence<br/>
+Their changes and their various aspects<br/>
+Distinctly scann’d. Nor might I not descry<br/>
+Of all the seven, how bulky each, how swift;<br/>
+Nor of their several distances not learn.<br/>
+This petty area (o’er the which we stride<br/>
+So fiercely), as along the eternal twins<br/>
+I wound my way, appear’d before me all,<br/>
+Forth from the havens stretch’d unto the hills.<br/>
+Then to the beauteous eyes mine eyes return’d.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="cantoIII.23"></a>CANTO XXIII</h2>
+
+<p>
+E’en as the bird, who midst the leafy bower<br/>
+Has, in her nest, sat darkling through the night,<br/>
+With her sweet brood, impatient to descry<br/>
+Their wished looks, and to bring home their food,<br/>
+In the fond quest unconscious of her toil:<br/>
+She, of the time prevenient, on the spray,<br/>
+That overhangs their couch, with wakeful gaze<br/>
+Expects the sun; nor ever, till the dawn,<br/>
+Removeth from the east her eager ken;<br/>
+So stood the dame erect, and bent her glance<br/>
+Wistfully on that region, where the sun<br/>
+Abateth most his speed; that, seeing her<br/>
+Suspense and wand’ring, I became as one,<br/>
+In whom desire is waken’d, and the hope<br/>
+Of somewhat new to come fills with delight.<br/>
+<br/>
+Short space ensued; I was not held, I say,<br/>
+Long in expectance, when I saw the heav’n<br/>
+Wax more and more resplendent; and, “Behold,”<br/>
+Cried Beatrice, “the triumphal hosts<br/>
+Of Christ, and all the harvest reap’d at length<br/>
+Of thy ascending up these spheres.” Meseem’d,<br/>
+That, while she spake her image all did burn,<br/>
+And in her eyes such fullness was of joy,<br/>
+And I am fain to pass unconstrued by.<br/>
+<br/>
+As in the calm full moon, when Trivia smiles,<br/>
+In peerless beauty, ’mid th’ eternal nympus,<br/>
+That paint through all its gulfs the blue profound<br/>
+In bright pre-eminence so saw I there,<br/>
+O’er million lamps a sun, from whom all drew<br/>
+Their radiance as from ours the starry train:<br/>
+And through the living light so lustrous glow’d<br/>
+The substance, that my ken endur’d it not.<br/>
+<br/>
+O Beatrice! sweet and precious guide!<br/>
+Who cheer’d me with her comfortable words!<br/>
+“Against the virtue, that o’erpow’reth thee,<br/>
+Avails not to resist. Here is the might,<br/>
+And here the wisdom, which did open lay<br/>
+The path, that had been yearned for so long,<br/>
+Betwixt the heav’n and earth.” Like to the fire,<br/>
+That, in a cloud imprison’d doth break out<br/>
+Expansive, so that from its womb enlarg’d,<br/>
+It falleth against nature to the ground;<br/>
+Thus in that heav’nly banqueting my soul<br/>
+Outgrew herself; and, in the transport lost.<br/>
+Holds now remembrance none of what she was.<br/>
+<br/>
+“Ope thou thine eyes, and mark me: thou hast seen<br/>
+Things, that empower thee to sustain my smile.”<br/>
+<br/>
+I was as one, when a forgotten dream<br/>
+Doth come across him, and he strives in vain<br/>
+To shape it in his fantasy again,<br/>
+Whenas that gracious boon was proffer’d me,<br/>
+Which never may be cancel’d from the book,<br/>
+Wherein the past is written. Now were all<br/>
+Those tongues to sound, that have on sweetest milk<br/>
+Of Polyhymnia and her sisters fed<br/>
+And fatten’d, not with all their help to boot,<br/>
+Unto the thousandth parcel of the truth,<br/>
+My song might shadow forth that saintly smile,<br/>
+flow merely in her saintly looks it wrought.<br/>
+And with such figuring of Paradise<br/>
+The sacred strain must leap, like one, that meets<br/>
+A sudden interruption to his road.<br/>
+But he, who thinks how ponderous the theme,<br/>
+And that ’t is lain upon a mortal shoulder,<br/>
+May pardon, if it tremble with the burden.<br/>
+The track, our ventrous keel must furrow, brooks<br/>
+No unribb’d pinnace, no self-sparing pilot.<br/>
+<br/>
+“Why doth my face,” said Beatrice, “thus<br/>
+Enamour thee, as that thou dost not turn<br/>
+Unto the beautiful garden, blossoming<br/>
+Beneath the rays of Christ? Here is the rose,<br/>
+Wherein the word divine was made incarnate;<br/>
+And here the lilies, by whose odour known<br/>
+The way of life was follow’d.” Prompt I heard<br/>
+Her bidding, and encounter once again<br/>
+The strife of aching vision. As erewhile,<br/>
+Through glance of sunlight, stream’d through broken cloud,<br/>
+Mine eyes a flower-besprinkled mead have seen,<br/>
+Though veil’d themselves in shade; so saw I there<br/>
+Legions of splendours, on whom burning rays<br/>
+Shed lightnings from above, yet saw I not<br/>
+The fountain whence they flow’d. O gracious virtue!<br/>
+Thou, whose broad stamp is on them, higher up<br/>
+Thou didst exalt thy glory to give room<br/>
+To my o’erlabour’d sight: when at the name<br/>
+Of that fair flower, whom duly I invoke<br/>
+Both morn and eve, my soul, with all her might<br/>
+Collected, on the goodliest ardour fix’d.<br/>
+And, as the bright dimensions of the star<br/>
+In heav’n excelling, as once here on earth<br/>
+Were, in my eyeballs lively portray’d,<br/>
+Lo! from within the sky a cresset fell,<br/>
+Circling in fashion of a diadem,<br/>
+And girt the star, and hov’ring round it wheel’d.<br/>
+<br/>
+Whatever melody sounds sweetest here,<br/>
+And draws the spirit most unto itself,<br/>
+Might seem a rent cloud when it grates the thunder,<br/>
+Compar’d unto the sounding of that lyre,<br/>
+Wherewith the goodliest sapphire, that inlays<br/>
+The floor of heav’n, was crown’d. “Angelic Love,<br/>
+I am, who thus with hov’ring flight enwheel<br/>
+The lofty rapture from that womb inspir’d,<br/>
+Where our desire did dwell: and round thee so,<br/>
+Lady of Heav’n! will hover; long as thou<br/>
+Thy Son shalt follow, and diviner joy<br/>
+Shall from thy presence gild the highest sphere.”<br/>
+<br/>
+Such close was to the circling melody:<br/>
+And, as it ended, all the other lights<br/>
+Took up the strain, and echoed Mary’s name.<br/>
+<br/>
+The robe, that with its regal folds enwraps<br/>
+The world, and with the nearer breath of God<br/>
+Doth burn and quiver, held so far retir’d<br/>
+Its inner hem and skirting over us,<br/>
+That yet no glimmer of its majesty<br/>
+Had stream’d unto me: therefore were mine eyes<br/>
+Unequal to pursue the crowned flame,<br/>
+That rose and sought its natal seed of fire;<br/>
+And like to babe, that stretches forth its arms<br/>
+For very eagerness towards the breast,<br/>
+After the milk is taken; so outstretch’d<br/>
+Their wavy summits all the fervent band,<br/>
+Through zealous love to Mary: then in view<br/>
+There halted, and “Regina Coeli” sang<br/>
+So sweetly, the delight hath left me never.<br/>
+<br/>
+O what o’erflowing plenty is up-pil’d<br/>
+In those rich-laden coffers, which below<br/>
+Sow’d the good seed, whose harvest now they keep.<br/>
+<br/>
+Here are the treasures tasted, that with tears<br/>
+Were in the Babylonian exile won,<br/>
+When gold had fail’d them. Here in synod high<br/>
+Of ancient council with the new conven’d,<br/>
+Under the Son of Mary and of God,<br/>
+Victorious he his mighty triumph holds,<br/>
+To whom the keys of glory were assign’d.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="cantoIII.24"></a>CANTO XXIV</h2>
+
+<p>
+“O ye! in chosen fellowship advanc’d<br/>
+To the great supper of the blessed Lamb,<br/>
+Whereon who feeds hath every wish fulfill’d!<br/>
+If to this man through God’s grace be vouchsaf’d<br/>
+Foretaste of that, which from your table falls,<br/>
+Or ever death his fated term prescribe;<br/>
+Be ye not heedless of his urgent will;<br/>
+But may some influence of your sacred dews<br/>
+Sprinkle him. Of the fount ye alway drink,<br/>
+Whence flows what most he craves.” Beatrice spake,<br/>
+And the rejoicing spirits, like to spheres<br/>
+On firm-set poles revolving, trail’d a blaze<br/>
+Of comet splendour; and as wheels, that wind<br/>
+Their circles in the horologe, so work<br/>
+The stated rounds, that to th’ observant eye<br/>
+The first seems still, and, as it flew, the last;<br/>
+E’en thus their carols weaving variously,<br/>
+They by the measure pac’d, or swift, or slow,<br/>
+Made me to rate the riches of their joy.<br/>
+<br/>
+From that, which I did note in beauty most<br/>
+Excelling, saw I issue forth a flame<br/>
+So bright, as none was left more goodly there.<br/>
+Round Beatrice thrice it wheel’d about,<br/>
+With so divine a song, that fancy’s ear<br/>
+Records it not; and the pen passeth on<br/>
+And leaves a blank: for that our mortal speech,<br/>
+Nor e’en the inward shaping of the brain,<br/>
+Hath colours fine enough to trace such folds.<br/>
+<br/>
+“O saintly sister mine! thy prayer devout<br/>
+Is with so vehement affection urg’d,<br/>
+Thou dost unbind me from that beauteous sphere.”<br/>
+<br/>
+Such were the accents towards my lady breath’d<br/>
+From that blest ardour, soon as it was stay’d:<br/>
+To whom she thus: “O everlasting light<br/>
+Of him, within whose mighty grasp our Lord<br/>
+Did leave the keys, which of this wondrous bliss<br/>
+He bare below! tent this man, as thou wilt,<br/>
+With lighter probe or deep, touching the faith,<br/>
+By the which thou didst on the billows walk.<br/>
+If he in love, in hope, and in belief,<br/>
+Be steadfast, is not hid from thee: for thou<br/>
+Hast there thy ken, where all things are beheld<br/>
+In liveliest portraiture. But since true faith<br/>
+Has peopled this fair realm with citizens,<br/>
+Meet is, that to exalt its glory more,<br/>
+Thou in his audience shouldst thereof discourse.”<br/>
+<br/>
+Like to the bachelor, who arms himself,<br/>
+And speaks not, till the master have propos’d<br/>
+The question, to approve, and not to end it;<br/>
+So I, in silence, arm’d me, while she spake,<br/>
+Summoning up each argument to aid;<br/>
+As was behooveful for such questioner,<br/>
+And such profession: “As good Christian ought,<br/>
+Declare thee, What is faith?” Whereat I rais’d<br/>
+My forehead to the light, whence this had breath’d,<br/>
+Then turn’d to Beatrice, and in her looks<br/>
+Approval met, that from their inmost fount<br/>
+I should unlock the waters. “May the grace,<br/>
+That giveth me the captain of the church<br/>
+For confessor,” said I, “vouchsafe to me<br/>
+Apt utterance for my thoughts!” then added: “Sire!<br/>
+E’en as set down by the unerring style<br/>
+Of thy dear brother, who with thee conspir’d<br/>
+To bring Rome in unto the way of life,<br/>
+Faith of things hop’d is substance, and the proof<br/>
+Of things not seen; and herein doth consist<br/>
+Methinks its essence,”&mdash;“Rightly hast thou deem’d,”<br/>
+Was answer’d: “if thou well discern, why first<br/>
+He hath defin’d it, substance, and then proof.”<br/>
+<br/>
+“The deep things,” I replied, “which here I scan<br/>
+Distinctly, are below from mortal eye<br/>
+So hidden, they have in belief alone<br/>
+Their being, on which credence hope sublime<br/>
+Is built; and therefore substance it intends.<br/>
+And inasmuch as we must needs infer<br/>
+From such belief our reasoning, all respect<br/>
+To other view excluded, hence of proof<br/>
+Th’ intention is deriv’d.” Forthwith I heard:<br/>
+“If thus, whate’er by learning men attain,<br/>
+Were understood, the sophist would want room<br/>
+To exercise his wit.” So breath’d the flame<br/>
+Of love: then added: “Current is the coin<br/>
+Thou utter’st, both in weight and in alloy.<br/>
+But tell me, if thou hast it in thy purse.”<br/>
+<br/>
+“Even so glittering and so round,” said I,<br/>
+“I not a whit misdoubt of its assay.”<br/>
+<br/>
+Next issued from the deep imbosom’d splendour:<br/>
+“Say, whence the costly jewel, on the which<br/>
+Is founded every virtue, came to thee.”<br/>
+“The flood,” I answer’d, “from the Spirit of God<br/>
+Rain’d down upon the ancient bond and new,&mdash;<br/>
+Here is the reas’ning, that convinceth me<br/>
+So feelingly, each argument beside<br/>
+Seems blunt and forceless in comparison.”<br/>
+Then heard I: “Wherefore holdest thou that each,<br/>
+The elder proposition and the new,<br/>
+Which so persuade thee, are the voice of heav’n?”<br/>
+<br/>
+“The works, that follow’d, evidence their truth;”<br/>
+I answer’d: “Nature did not make for these<br/>
+The iron hot, or on her anvil mould them.”<br/>
+“Who voucheth to thee of the works themselves,”<br/>
+Was the reply, “that they in very deed<br/>
+Are that they purport? None hath sworn so to thee.”<br/>
+<br/>
+“That all the world,” said I, “should have been turn’d<br/>
+To Christian, and no miracle been wrought,<br/>
+Would in itself be such a miracle,<br/>
+The rest were not an hundredth part so great.<br/>
+E’en thou wentst forth in poverty and hunger<br/>
+To set the goodly plant, that from the vine,<br/>
+It once was, now is grown unsightly bramble.”<br/>
+That ended, through the high celestial court<br/>
+Resounded all the spheres. “Praise we one God!”<br/>
+In song of most unearthly melody.<br/>
+And when that Worthy thus, from branch to branch,<br/>
+Examining, had led me, that we now<br/>
+Approach’d the topmost bough, he straight resum’d;<br/>
+“The grace, that holds sweet dalliance with thy soul,<br/>
+So far discreetly hath thy lips unclos’d<br/>
+That, whatsoe’er has past them, I commend.<br/>
+Behooves thee to express, what thou believ’st,<br/>
+The next, and whereon thy belief hath grown.”<br/>
+<br/>
+“O saintly sire and spirit!” I began,<br/>
+“Who seest that, which thou didst so believe,<br/>
+As to outstrip feet younger than thine own,<br/>
+Toward the sepulchre? thy will is here,<br/>
+That I the tenour of my creed unfold;<br/>
+And thou the cause of it hast likewise ask’d.<br/>
+And I reply: I in one God believe,<br/>
+One sole eternal Godhead, of whose love<br/>
+All heav’n is mov’d, himself unmov’d the while.<br/>
+Nor demonstration physical alone,<br/>
+Or more intelligential and abstruse,<br/>
+Persuades me to this faith; but from that truth<br/>
+It cometh to me rather, which is shed<br/>
+Through Moses, the rapt Prophets, and the Psalms.<br/>
+The Gospel, and that ye yourselves did write,<br/>
+When ye were gifted of the Holy Ghost.<br/>
+In three eternal Persons I believe,<br/>
+Essence threefold and one, mysterious league<br/>
+Of union absolute, which, many a time,<br/>
+The word of gospel lore upon my mind<br/>
+Imprints: and from this germ, this firstling spark,<br/>
+The lively flame dilates, and like heav’n’s star<br/>
+Doth glitter in me.” As the master hears,<br/>
+Well pleas’d, and then enfoldeth in his arms<br/>
+The servant, who hath joyful tidings brought,<br/>
+And having told the errand keeps his peace;<br/>
+Thus benediction uttering with song<br/>
+Soon as my peace I held, compass’d me thrice<br/>
+The apostolic radiance, whose behest<br/>
+Had op’d lips; so well their answer pleas’d.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="cantoIII.25"></a>CANTO XXV</h2>
+
+<p>
+If e’er the sacred poem that hath made<br/>
+Both heav’n and earth copartners in its toil,<br/>
+And with lean abstinence, through many a year,<br/>
+Faded my brow, be destin’d to prevail<br/>
+Over the cruelty, which bars me forth<br/>
+Of the fair sheep-fold, where a sleeping lamb<br/>
+The wolves set on and fain had worried me,<br/>
+With other voice and fleece of other grain<br/>
+I shall forthwith return, and, standing up<br/>
+At my baptismal font, shall claim the wreath<br/>
+Due to the poet’s temples: for I there<br/>
+First enter’d on the faith which maketh souls<br/>
+Acceptable to God: and, for its sake,<br/>
+Peter had then circled my forehead thus.<br/>
+<br/>
+Next from the squadron, whence had issued forth<br/>
+The first fruit of Christ’s vicars on the earth,<br/>
+Toward us mov’d a light, at view whereof<br/>
+My Lady, full of gladness, spake to me:<br/>
+“Lo! lo! behold the peer of mickle might,<br/>
+That makes Falicia throng’d with visitants!”<br/>
+<br/>
+As when the ring-dove by his mate alights,<br/>
+In circles each about the other wheels,<br/>
+And murmuring cooes his fondness; thus saw I<br/>
+One, of the other great and glorious prince,<br/>
+With kindly greeting hail’d, extolling both<br/>
+Their heavenly banqueting; but when an end<br/>
+Was to their gratulation, silent, each,<br/>
+Before me sat they down, so burning bright,<br/>
+I could not look upon them. Smiling then,<br/>
+Beatrice spake: “O life in glory shrin’d!”<br/>
+Who didst the largess of our kingly court<br/>
+Set down with faithful pen! let now thy voice<br/>
+Of hope the praises in this height resound.<br/>
+For thou, who figur’st them in shapes, as clear,<br/>
+As Jesus stood before thee, well can’st speak them.”<br/>
+<br/>
+“Lift up thy head, and be thou strong in trust:<br/>
+For that, which hither from the mortal world<br/>
+Arriveth, must be ripen’d in our beam.”<br/>
+<br/>
+Such cheering accents from the second flame<br/>
+Assur’d me; and mine eyes I lifted up<br/>
+Unto the mountains that had bow’d them late<br/>
+With over-heavy burden. “Sith our Liege<br/>
+Wills of his grace that thou, or ere thy death,<br/>
+In the most secret council, with his lords<br/>
+Shouldst be confronted, so that having view’d<br/>
+The glories of our court, thou mayst therewith<br/>
+Thyself, and all who hear, invigorate<br/>
+With hope, that leads to blissful end; declare,<br/>
+What is that hope, how it doth flourish in thee,<br/>
+And whence thou hadst it?” Thus proceeding still,<br/>
+The second light: and she, whose gentle love<br/>
+My soaring pennons in that lofty flight<br/>
+Escorted, thus preventing me, rejoin’d:<br/>
+Among her sons, not one more full of hope,<br/>
+Hath the church militant: so ’t is of him<br/>
+Recorded in the sun, whose liberal orb<br/>
+Enlighteneth all our tribe: and ere his term<br/>
+Of warfare, hence permitted he is come,<br/>
+From Egypt to Jerusalem, to see.<br/>
+The other points, both which thou hast inquir’d,<br/>
+Not for more knowledge, but that he may tell<br/>
+How dear thou holdst the virtue, these to him<br/>
+Leave I; for he may answer thee with ease,<br/>
+And without boasting, so God give him grace.”<br/>
+Like to the scholar, practis’d in his task,<br/>
+Who, willing to give proof of diligence,<br/>
+Seconds his teacher gladly, “Hope,” said I,<br/>
+“Is of the joy to come a sure expectance,<br/>
+Th’ effect of grace divine and merit preceding.<br/>
+This light from many a star visits my heart,<br/>
+But flow’d to me the first from him, who sang<br/>
+The songs of the Supreme, himself supreme<br/>
+Among his tuneful brethren. ‘Let all hope<br/>
+In thee,’ so speak his anthem, ‘who have known<br/>
+Thy name;’ and with my faith who know not that?<br/>
+From thee, the next, distilling from his spring,<br/>
+In thine epistle, fell on me the drops<br/>
+So plenteously, that I on others shower<br/>
+The influence of their dew.” Whileas I spake,<br/>
+A lamping, as of quick and vollied lightning,<br/>
+Within the bosom of that mighty sheen,<br/>
+Play’d tremulous; then forth these accents breath’d:<br/>
+“Love for the virtue which attended me<br/>
+E’en to the palm, and issuing from the field,<br/>
+Glows vigorous yet within me, and inspires<br/>
+To ask of thee, whom also it delights;<br/>
+What promise thou from hope in chief dost win.”<br/>
+<br/>
+“Both scriptures, new and ancient,” I reply’d;<br/>
+“Propose the mark (which even now I view)<br/>
+For souls belov’d of God. Isaias saith,<br/>
+<br/>
+‘That, in their own land, each one must be clad<br/>
+In twofold vesture; and their proper lands this delicious life.’<br/>
+In terms more full,<br/>
+And clearer far, thy brother hath set forth<br/>
+This revelation to us, where he tells<br/>
+Of the white raiment destin’d to the saints.”<br/>
+And, as the words were ending, from above,<br/>
+“They hope in thee,” first heard we cried: whereto<br/>
+Answer’d the carols all. Amidst them next,<br/>
+A light of so clear amplitude emerg’d,<br/>
+That winter’s month were but a single day,<br/>
+Were such a crystal in the Cancer’s sign.<br/>
+<br/>
+Like as a virgin riseth up, and goes,<br/>
+And enters on the mazes of the dance,<br/>
+Though gay, yet innocent of worse intent,<br/>
+Than to do fitting honour to the bride;<br/>
+So I beheld the new effulgence come<br/>
+Unto the other two, who in a ring<br/>
+Wheel’d, as became their rapture. In the dance<br/>
+And in the song it mingled. And the dame<br/>
+Held on them fix’d her looks: e’en as the spouse<br/>
+Silent and moveless. “This is he, who lay<br/>
+Upon the bosom of our pelican:<br/>
+This he, into whose keeping from the cross<br/>
+The mighty charge was given.” Thus she spake,<br/>
+Yet therefore naught the more remov’d her Sight<br/>
+From marking them, or ere her words began,<br/>
+Or when they clos’d. As he, who looks intent,<br/>
+And strives with searching ken, how he may see<br/>
+The sun in his eclipse, and, through desire<br/>
+Of seeing, loseth power of sight: so I<br/>
+Peer’d on that last resplendence, while I heard:<br/>
+“Why dazzlest thou thine eyes in seeking that,<br/>
+Which here abides not? Earth my body is,<br/>
+In earth: and shall be, with the rest, so long,<br/>
+As till our number equal the decree<br/>
+Of the Most High. The two that have ascended,<br/>
+In this our blessed cloister, shine alone<br/>
+With the two garments. So report below.”<br/>
+<br/>
+As when, for ease of labour, or to shun<br/>
+Suspected peril at a whistle’s breath,<br/>
+The oars, erewhile dash’d frequent in the wave,<br/>
+All rest; the flamy circle at that voice<br/>
+So rested, and the mingling sound was still,<br/>
+Which from the trinal band soft-breathing rose.<br/>
+I turn’d, but ah! how trembled in my thought,<br/>
+When, looking at my side again to see<br/>
+Beatrice, I descried her not, although<br/>
+Not distant, on the happy coast she stood.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="cantoIII.26"></a>CANTO XXVI</h2>
+
+<p>
+With dazzled eyes, whilst wond’ring I remain’d,<br/>
+Forth of the beamy flame which dazzled me,<br/>
+Issued a breath, that in attention mute<br/>
+Detain’d me; and these words it spake: “’T were well,<br/>
+That, long as till thy vision, on my form<br/>
+O’erspent, regain its virtue, with discourse<br/>
+Thou compensate the brief delay. Say then,<br/>
+Beginning, to what point thy soul aspires:”
+</p>
+
+<div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
+<a href="images/26-7.jpg">
+<img src="images/26-7.jpg" width="517" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+</div>
+
+<p>
+“And meanwhile rest assur’d, that sight in thee<br/>
+Is but o’erpowered a space, not wholly quench’d:<br/>
+Since thy fair guide and lovely, in her look<br/>
+Hath potency, the like to that which dwelt<br/>
+In Ananias’ hand.” I answering thus:<br/>
+“Be to mine eyes the remedy or late<br/>
+Or early, at her pleasure; for they were<br/>
+The gates, at which she enter’d, and did light<br/>
+Her never dying fire. My wishes here<br/>
+Are centered; in this palace is the weal,<br/>
+That Alpha and Omega, is to all<br/>
+The lessons love can read me.” Yet again<br/>
+The voice which had dispers’d my fear, when daz’d<br/>
+With that excess, to converse urg’d, and spake:<br/>
+“Behooves thee sift more narrowly thy terms,<br/>
+And say, who level’d at this scope thy bow.”<br/>
+<br/>
+“Philosophy,” said I, “hath arguments,<br/>
+And this place hath authority enough<br/>
+T’ imprint in me such love: for, of constraint,<br/>
+Good, inasmuch as we perceive the good,<br/>
+Kindles our love, and in degree the more,<br/>
+As it comprises more of goodness in ’t.<br/>
+The essence then, where such advantage is,<br/>
+That each good, found without it, is naught else<br/>
+But of his light the beam, must needs attract<br/>
+The soul of each one, loving, who the truth<br/>
+Discerns, on which this proof is built. Such truth<br/>
+Learn I from him, who shows me the first love<br/>
+Of all intelligential substances<br/>
+Eternal: from his voice I learn, whose word<br/>
+Is truth, that of himself to Moses saith,<br/>
+‘I will make all my good before thee pass.’<br/>
+Lastly from thee I learn, who chief proclaim’st,<br/>
+E’en at the outset of thy heralding,<br/>
+In mortal ears the mystery of heav’n.”<br/>
+<br/>
+“Through human wisdom, and th’ authority<br/>
+Therewith agreeing,” heard I answer’d, “keep<br/>
+The choicest of thy love for God. But say,<br/>
+If thou yet other cords within thee feel’st<br/>
+That draw thee towards him; so that thou report<br/>
+How many are the fangs, with which this love<br/>
+Is grappled to thy soul.” I did not miss,<br/>
+To what intent the eagle of our Lord<br/>
+Had pointed his demand; yea noted well<br/>
+Th’ avowal, which he led to; and resum’d:<br/>
+“All grappling bonds, that knit the heart to God,<br/>
+Confederate to make fast our clarity.<br/>
+The being of the world, and mine own being,<br/>
+The death which he endur’d that I should live,<br/>
+And that, which all the faithful hope, as I do,<br/>
+To the foremention’d lively knowledge join’d,<br/>
+Have from the sea of ill love sav’d my bark,<br/>
+And on the coast secur’d it of the right.<br/>
+As for the leaves, that in the garden bloom,<br/>
+My love for them is great, as is the good<br/>
+Dealt by th’ eternal hand, that tends them all.”<br/>
+<br/>
+I ended, and therewith a song most sweet<br/>
+Rang through the spheres; and “Holy, holy, holy,”<br/>
+Accordant with the rest my lady sang.<br/>
+And as a sleep is broken and dispers’d<br/>
+Through sharp encounter of the nimble light,<br/>
+With the eye’s spirit running forth to meet<br/>
+The ray, from membrane on to the membrane urg’d;<br/>
+And the upstartled wight loathes that he sees;<br/>
+So, at his sudden waking, he misdeems<br/>
+Of all around him, till assurance waits<br/>
+On better judgment: thus the saintly came<br/>
+Drove from before mine eyes the motes away,<br/>
+With the resplendence of her own, that cast<br/>
+Their brightness downward, thousand miles below.<br/>
+Whence I my vision, clearer shall before,<br/>
+Recover’d; and, well nigh astounded, ask’d<br/>
+Of a fourth light, that now with us I saw.<br/>
+<br/>
+And Beatrice: “The first diving soul,<br/>
+That ever the first virtue fram’d, admires<br/>
+Within these rays his Maker.” Like the leaf,<br/>
+That bows its lithe top till the blast is blown;<br/>
+By its own virtue rear’d then stands aloof;<br/>
+So I, the whilst she said, awe-stricken bow’d.<br/>
+Then eagerness to speak embolden’d me;<br/>
+And I began: “O fruit! that wast alone<br/>
+Mature, when first engender’d! Ancient father!<br/>
+That doubly seest in every wedded bride<br/>
+Thy daughter by affinity and blood!<br/>
+Devoutly as I may, I pray thee hold<br/>
+Converse with me: my will thou seest; and I,<br/>
+More speedily to hear thee, tell it not.”<br/>
+<br/>
+It chanceth oft some animal bewrays,<br/>
+Through the sleek cov’ring of his furry coat.<br/>
+The fondness, that stirs in him and conforms<br/>
+His outside seeming to the cheer within:<br/>
+And in like guise was Adam’s spirit mov’d<br/>
+To joyous mood, that through the covering shone,<br/>
+Transparent, when to pleasure me it spake:<br/>
+“No need thy will be told, which I untold<br/>
+Better discern, than thou whatever thing<br/>
+Thou holdst most certain: for that will I see<br/>
+In Him, who is truth’s mirror, and Himself<br/>
+Parhelion unto all things, and naught else<br/>
+To him. This wouldst thou hear; how long since God<br/>
+Plac’d me high garden, from whose hounds<br/>
+She led me up in this ladder, steep and long;<br/>
+What space endur’d my season of delight;<br/>
+Whence truly sprang the wrath that banish’d me;<br/>
+And what the language, which I spake and fram’d<br/>
+Not that I tasted of the tree, my son,<br/>
+Was in itself the cause of that exile,<br/>
+But only my transgressing of the mark<br/>
+Assign’d me. There, whence at thy lady’s hest<br/>
+The Mantuan mov’d him, still was I debarr’d<br/>
+This council, till the sun had made complete,<br/>
+Four thousand and three hundred rounds and twice,<br/>
+His annual journey; and, through every light<br/>
+In his broad pathway, saw I him return,<br/>
+Thousand save sev’nty times, the whilst I dwelt<br/>
+Upon the earth. The language I did use<br/>
+Was worn away, or ever Nimrod’s race<br/>
+Their unaccomplishable work began.<br/>
+For naught, that man inclines to, ere was lasting,<br/>
+Left by his reason free, and variable,<br/>
+As is the sky that sways him. That he speaks,<br/>
+Is nature’s prompting: whether thus or thus,<br/>
+She leaves to you, as ye do most affect it.<br/>
+Ere I descended into hell’s abyss,<br/>
+El was the name on earth of the Chief Good,<br/>
+Whose joy enfolds me: Eli then ’t was call’d<br/>
+And so beseemeth: for, in mortals, use<br/>
+Is as the leaf upon the bough; that goes,<br/>
+And other comes instead. Upon the mount<br/>
+Most high above the waters, all my life,<br/>
+Both innocent and guilty, did but reach<br/>
+From the first hour, to that which cometh next<br/>
+(As the sun changes quarter), to the sixth.”
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="cantoIII.27"></a>CANTO XXVII</h2>
+
+<div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
+<a href="images/27-1.jpg">
+<img src="images/27-1.jpg" width="511" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+</div>
+
+<p>
+Then “Glory to the Father, to the Son,<br/>
+And to the Holy Spirit,” rang aloud<br/>
+Throughout all Paradise, that with the song<br/>
+My spirit reel’d, so passing sweet the strain:<br/>
+And what I saw was equal ecstasy;<br/>
+One universal smile it seem’d of all things,<br/>
+Joy past compare, gladness unutterable,<br/>
+Imperishable life of peace and love,<br/>
+Exhaustless riches and unmeasur’d bliss.<br/>
+<br/>
+Before mine eyes stood the four torches lit;<br/>
+And that, which first had come, began to wax<br/>
+In brightness, and in semblance such became,<br/>
+As Jove might be, if he and Mars were birds,<br/>
+And interchang’d their plumes. Silence ensued,<br/>
+Through the blest quire, by Him, who here appoints<br/>
+Vicissitude of ministry, enjoin’d;<br/>
+When thus I heard: “Wonder not, if my hue<br/>
+Be chang’d; for, while I speak, these shalt thou see<br/>
+All in like manner change with me. My place<br/>
+He who usurps on earth (my place, ay, mine,<br/>
+Which in the presence of the Son of God<br/>
+Is void), the same hath made my cemetery<br/>
+A common sewer of puddle and of blood:<br/>
+The more below his triumph, who from hence<br/>
+Malignant fell.” Such colour, as the sun,<br/>
+At eve or morning, paints an adverse cloud,<br/>
+Then saw I sprinkled over all the sky.<br/>
+And as th’ unblemish’d dame, who in herself<br/>
+Secure of censure, yet at bare report<br/>
+Of other’s failing, shrinks with maiden fear;<br/>
+So Beatrice in her semblance chang’d:<br/>
+And such eclipse in heav’n methinks was seen,<br/>
+When the Most Holy suffer’d. Then the words<br/>
+Proceeded, with voice, alter’d from itself<br/>
+So clean, the semblance did not alter more.<br/>
+“Not to this end was Christ’s spouse with my blood,<br/>
+With that of Linus, and of Cletus fed:<br/>
+That she might serve for purchase of base gold:<br/>
+But for the purchase of this happy life<br/>
+Did Sextus, Pius, and Callixtus bleed,<br/>
+And Urban, they, whose doom was not without<br/>
+Much weeping seal’d. No purpose was of our<br/>
+That on the right hand of our successors<br/>
+Part of the Christian people should be set,<br/>
+And part upon their left; nor that the keys,<br/>
+Which were vouchsaf’d me, should for ensign serve<br/>
+Unto the banners, that do levy war<br/>
+On the baptiz’d: nor I, for sigil-mark<br/>
+Set upon sold and lying privileges;<br/>
+Which makes me oft to bicker and turn red.<br/>
+In shepherd’s clothing greedy wolves below<br/>
+Range wide o’er all the pastures. Arm of God!<br/>
+Why longer sleepst thou? Caorsines and Gascona<br/>
+Prepare to quaff our blood. O good beginning<br/>
+To what a vile conclusion must thou stoop!<br/>
+But the high providence, which did defend<br/>
+Through Scipio the world’s glory unto Rome,<br/>
+Will not delay its succour: and thou, son,<br/>
+Who through thy mortal weight shall yet again<br/>
+Return below, open thy lips, nor hide<br/>
+What is by me not hidden.” As a Hood<br/>
+Of frozen vapours streams adown the air,<br/>
+What time the she-goat with her skiey horn<br/>
+Touches the sun; so saw I there stream wide<br/>
+The vapours, who with us had linger’d late<br/>
+And with glad triumph deck th’ ethereal cope.<br/>
+Onward my sight their semblances pursued;<br/>
+So far pursued, as till the space between<br/>
+From its reach sever’d them: whereat the guide<br/>
+Celestial, marking me no more intent<br/>
+On upward gazing, said, “Look down and see<br/>
+What circuit thou hast compass’d.” From the hour<br/>
+When I before had cast my view beneath,<br/>
+All the first region overpast I saw,<br/>
+Which from the midmost to the bound’ry winds;<br/>
+That onward thence from Gades I beheld<br/>
+The unwise passage of Laertes’ son,<br/>
+And hitherward the shore, where thou, Europa!<br/>
+Mad’st thee a joyful burden: and yet more<br/>
+Of this dim spot had seen, but that the sun,<br/>
+A constellation off and more, had ta’en<br/>
+His progress in the zodiac underneath.<br/>
+<br/>
+Then by the spirit, that doth never leave<br/>
+Its amorous dalliance with my lady’s looks,<br/>
+Back with redoubled ardour were mine eyes<br/>
+Led unto her: and from her radiant smiles,<br/>
+Whenas I turn’d me, pleasure so divine<br/>
+Did lighten on me, that whatever bait<br/>
+Or art or nature in the human flesh,<br/>
+Or in its limn’d resemblance, can combine<br/>
+Through greedy eyes to take the soul withal,<br/>
+Were to her beauty nothing. Its boon influence<br/>
+From the fair nest of Leda rapt me forth,<br/>
+And wafted on into the swiftest heav’n.<br/>
+<br/>
+What place for entrance Beatrice chose,<br/>
+I may not say, so uniform was all,<br/>
+Liveliest and loftiest. She my secret wish<br/>
+Divin’d; and with such gladness, that God’s love<br/>
+Seem’d from her visage shining, thus began:<br/>
+“Here is the goal, whence motion on his race<br/>
+Starts; motionless the centre, and the rest<br/>
+All mov’d around. Except the soul divine,<br/>
+Place in this heav’n is none, the soul divine,<br/>
+Wherein the love, which ruleth o’er its orb,<br/>
+Is kindled, and the virtue that it sheds;<br/>
+One circle, light and love, enclasping it,<br/>
+As this doth clasp the others; and to Him,<br/>
+Who draws the bound, its limit only known.<br/>
+Measur’d itself by none, it doth divide<br/>
+Motion to all, counted unto them forth,<br/>
+As by the fifth or half ye count forth ten.<br/>
+The vase, wherein time’s roots are plung’d, thou seest,<br/>
+Look elsewhere for the leaves. O mortal lust!<br/>
+That canst not lift thy head above the waves<br/>
+Which whelm and sink thee down! The will in man<br/>
+Bears goodly blossoms; but its ruddy promise<br/>
+Is, by the dripping of perpetual rain,<br/>
+Made mere abortion: faith and innocence<br/>
+Are met with but in babes, each taking leave<br/>
+Ere cheeks with down are sprinkled; he, that fasts,<br/>
+While yet a stammerer, with his tongue let loose<br/>
+Gluts every food alike in every moon.<br/>
+One yet a babbler, loves and listens to<br/>
+His mother; but no sooner hath free use<br/>
+Of speech, than he doth wish her in her grave.<br/>
+So suddenly doth the fair child of him,<br/>
+Whose welcome is the morn and eve his parting,<br/>
+To negro blackness change her virgin white.<br/>
+<br/>
+“Thou, to abate thy wonder, note that none<br/>
+Bears rule in earth, and its frail family<br/>
+Are therefore wand’rers. Yet before the date,<br/>
+When through the hundredth in his reck’ning drops<br/>
+Pale January must be shor’d aside<br/>
+From winter’s calendar, these heav’nly spheres<br/>
+Shall roar so loud, that fortune shall be fain<br/>
+To turn the poop, where she hath now the prow;<br/>
+So that the fleet run onward; and true fruit,<br/>
+Expected long, shall crown at last the bloom!”
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="cantoIII.28"></a>CANTO XXVIII</h2>
+
+<p>
+So she who doth imparadise my soul,<br/>
+Had drawn the veil from off our pleasant life,<br/>
+And bar’d the truth of poor mortality;<br/>
+When lo! as one who, in a mirror, spies<br/>
+The shining of a flambeau at his back,<br/>
+Lit sudden ore he deem of its approach,<br/>
+And turneth to resolve him, if the glass<br/>
+Have told him true, and sees the record faithful<br/>
+As note is to its metre; even thus,<br/>
+I well remember, did befall to me,<br/>
+Looking upon the beauteous eyes, whence love<br/>
+Had made the leash to take me. As I turn’d;<br/>
+And that, which, in their circles, none who spies,<br/>
+Can miss of, in itself apparent, struck<br/>
+On mine; a point I saw, that darted light<br/>
+So sharp, no lid, unclosing, may bear up<br/>
+Against its keenness. The least star we view<br/>
+From hence, had seem’d a moon, set by its side,<br/>
+As star by side of star. And so far off,<br/>
+Perchance, as is the halo from the light<br/>
+Which paints it, when most dense the vapour spreads,<br/>
+There wheel’d about the point a circle of fire,<br/>
+More rapid than the motion, which first girds<br/>
+The world. Then, circle after circle, round<br/>
+Enring’d each other; till the seventh reach’d<br/>
+Circumference so ample, that its bow,<br/>
+Within the span of Juno’s messenger,<br/>
+lied scarce been held entire. Beyond the sev’nth,<br/>
+Follow’d yet other two. And every one,<br/>
+As more in number distant from the first,<br/>
+Was tardier in motion; and that glow’d<br/>
+With flame most pure, that to the sparkle’ of truth<br/>
+Was nearest, as partaking most, methinks,<br/>
+Of its reality. The guide belov’d<br/>
+Saw me in anxious thought suspense, and spake:<br/>
+“Heav’n, and all nature, hangs upon that point.<br/>
+The circle thereto most conjoin’d observe;<br/>
+And know, that by intenser love its course<br/>
+Is to this swiftness wing’d.” To whom I thus:<br/>
+“It were enough; nor should I further seek,<br/>
+Had I but witness’d order, in the world<br/>
+Appointed, such as in these wheels is seen.<br/>
+But in the sensible world such diff’rence is,<br/>
+That is each round shows more divinity,<br/>
+As each is wider from the centre. Hence,<br/>
+If in this wondrous and angelic temple,<br/>
+That hath for confine only light and love,<br/>
+My wish may have completion I must know,<br/>
+Wherefore such disagreement is between<br/>
+Th’ exemplar and its copy: for myself,<br/>
+Contemplating, I fail to pierce the cause.”<br/>
+<br/>
+“It is no marvel, if thy fingers foil’d<br/>
+Do leave the knot untied: so hard ’t is grown<br/>
+For want of tenting.” Thus she said: “But take,”<br/>
+She added, “if thou wish thy cure, my words,<br/>
+And entertain them subtly. Every orb<br/>
+Corporeal, doth proportion its extent<br/>
+Unto the virtue through its parts diffus’d.<br/>
+The greater blessedness preserves the more.<br/>
+The greater is the body (if all parts<br/>
+Share equally) the more is to preserve.<br/>
+Therefore the circle, whose swift course enwheels<br/>
+The universal frame answers to that,<br/>
+Which is supreme in knowledge and in love<br/>
+Thus by the virtue, not the seeming, breadth<br/>
+Of substance, measure, thou shalt see the heav’ns,<br/>
+Each to the’ intelligence that ruleth it,<br/>
+Greater to more, and smaller unto less,<br/>
+Suited in strict and wondrous harmony.”<br/>
+<br/>
+As when the sturdy north blows from his cheek<br/>
+A blast, that scours the sky, forthwith our air,<br/>
+Clear’d of the rack, that hung on it before,<br/>
+Glitters; and, With his beauties all unveil’d,<br/>
+The firmament looks forth serene, and smiles;<br/>
+Such was my cheer, when Beatrice drove<br/>
+With clear reply the shadows back, and truth<br/>
+Was manifested, as a star in heaven.<br/>
+And when the words were ended, not unlike<br/>
+To iron in the furnace, every cirque<br/>
+Ebullient shot forth scintillating fires:<br/>
+And every sparkle shivering to new blaze,<br/>
+In number did outmillion the account<br/>
+Reduplicate upon the chequer’d board.<br/>
+Then heard I echoing on from choir to choir,<br/>
+“Hosanna,” to the fixed point, that holds,<br/>
+And shall for ever hold them to their place,<br/>
+From everlasting, irremovable.
+</p>
+
+<div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
+<a href="images/28-80.jpg">
+<img src="images/28-80.jpg" width="547" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+</div>
+
+<p>
+Musing awhile I stood: and she, who saw<br/>
+by inward meditations, thus began:<br/>
+“In the first circles, they, whom thou beheldst,<br/>
+Are seraphim and cherubim. Thus swift<br/>
+Follow their hoops, in likeness to the point,<br/>
+Near as they can, approaching; and they can<br/>
+The more, the loftier their vision. Those,<br/>
+That round them fleet, gazing the Godhead next,<br/>
+Are thrones; in whom the first trine ends. And all<br/>
+Are blessed, even as their sight descends<br/>
+Deeper into the truth, wherein rest is<br/>
+For every mind. Thus happiness hath root<br/>
+In seeing, not in loving, which of sight<br/>
+Is aftergrowth. And of the seeing such<br/>
+The meed, as unto each in due degree<br/>
+Grace and good-will their measure have assign’d.<br/>
+The other trine, that with still opening buds<br/>
+In this eternal springtide blossom fair,<br/>
+Fearless of bruising from the nightly ram,<br/>
+Breathe up in warbled melodies threefold<br/>
+Hosannas blending ever, from the three<br/>
+Transmitted. hierarchy of gods, for aye<br/>
+Rejoicing, dominations first, next then<br/>
+Virtues, and powers the third. The next to whom<br/>
+Are princedoms and archangels, with glad round<br/>
+To tread their festal ring; and last the band<br/>
+Angelical, disporting in their sphere.<br/>
+All, as they circle in their orders, look<br/>
+Aloft, and downward with such sway prevail,<br/>
+That all with mutual impulse tend to God.<br/>
+These once a mortal view beheld. Desire<br/>
+In Dionysius so intently wrought,<br/>
+That he, as I have done rang’d them; and nam’d<br/>
+Their orders, marshal’d in his thought. From him<br/>
+Dissentient, one refus’d his sacred read.<br/>
+But soon as in this heav’n his doubting eyes<br/>
+Were open’d, Gregory at his error smil’d<br/>
+Nor marvel, that a denizen of earth<br/>
+Should scan such secret truth; for he had learnt<br/>
+Both this and much beside of these our orbs,<br/>
+From an eye-witness to heav’n’s mysteries.”
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="cantoIII.29"></a>CANTO XXIX</h2>
+
+<p>
+No longer than what time Latona’s twins<br/>
+Cover’d of Libra and the fleecy star,<br/>
+Together both, girding the’ horizon hang,<br/>
+In even balance from the zenith pois’d,<br/>
+Till from that verge, each, changing hemisphere,<br/>
+Part the nice level; e’en so brief a space<br/>
+Did Beatrice’s silence hold. A smile<br/>
+Bat painted on her cheek; and her fix’d gaze<br/>
+Bent on the point, at which my vision fail’d:<br/>
+When thus her words resuming she began:<br/>
+“I speak, nor what thou wouldst inquire demand;<br/>
+For I have mark’d it, where all time and place<br/>
+Are present. Not for increase to himself<br/>
+Of good, which may not be increas’d, but forth<br/>
+To manifest his glory by its beams,<br/>
+Inhabiting his own eternity,<br/>
+Beyond time’s limit or what bound soe’er<br/>
+To circumscribe his being, as he will’d,<br/>
+Into new natures, like unto himself,<br/>
+Eternal Love unfolded. Nor before,<br/>
+As if in dull inaction torpid lay.<br/>
+For not in process of before or aft<br/>
+Upon these waters mov’d the Spirit of God.<br/>
+Simple and mix’d, both form and substance, forth<br/>
+To perfect being started, like three darts<br/>
+Shot from a bow three-corded. And as ray<br/>
+In crystal, glass, and amber, shines entire,<br/>
+E’en at the moment of its issuing; thus<br/>
+Did, from th’ eternal Sovran, beam entire<br/>
+His threefold operation, at one act<br/>
+Produc’d coeval. Yet in order each<br/>
+Created his due station knew: those highest,<br/>
+Who pure intelligence were made: mere power<br/>
+The lowest: in the midst, bound with strict league,<br/>
+Intelligence and power, unsever’d bond.<br/>
+Long tract of ages by the angels past,<br/>
+Ere the creating of another world,<br/>
+Describ’d on Jerome’s pages thou hast seen.<br/>
+But that what I disclose to thee is true,<br/>
+Those penmen, whom the Holy Spirit mov’d<br/>
+In many a passage of their sacred book<br/>
+Attest; as thou by diligent search shalt find<br/>
+And reason in some sort discerns the same,<br/>
+Who scarce would grant the heav’nly ministers<br/>
+Of their perfection void, so long a space.<br/>
+Thus when and where these spirits of love were made,<br/>
+Thou know’st, and how: and knowing hast allay’d<br/>
+Thy thirst, which from the triple question rose.<br/>
+Ere one had reckon’d twenty, e’en so soon<br/>
+Part of the angels fell: and in their fall<br/>
+Confusion to your elements ensued.<br/>
+The others kept their station: and this task,<br/>
+Whereon thou lookst, began with such delight,<br/>
+That they surcease not ever, day nor night,<br/>
+Their circling. Of that fatal lapse the cause<br/>
+Was the curst pride of him, whom thou hast seen<br/>
+Pent with the world’s incumbrance. Those, whom here<br/>
+Thou seest, were lowly to confess themselves<br/>
+Of his free bounty, who had made them apt<br/>
+For ministries so high: therefore their views<br/>
+Were by enlight’ning grace and their own merit<br/>
+Exalted; so that in their will confirm’d<br/>
+They stand, nor feel to fall. For do not doubt,<br/>
+But to receive the grace, which heav’n vouchsafes,<br/>
+Is meritorious, even as the soul<br/>
+With prompt affection welcometh the guest.<br/>
+Now, without further help, if with good heed<br/>
+My words thy mind have treasur’d, thou henceforth<br/>
+This consistory round about mayst scan,<br/>
+And gaze thy fill. But since thou hast on earth<br/>
+Heard vain disputers, reasoners in the schools,<br/>
+Canvas the’ angelic nature, and dispute<br/>
+Its powers of apprehension, memory, choice;<br/>
+Therefore, ’t is well thou take from me the truth,<br/>
+Pure and without disguise, which they below,<br/>
+Equivocating, darken and perplex.<br/>
+<br/>
+“Know thou, that, from the first, these substances,<br/>
+Rejoicing in the countenance of God,<br/>
+Have held unceasingly their view, intent<br/>
+Upon the glorious vision, from the which<br/>
+Naught absent is nor hid: where then no change<br/>
+Of newness with succession interrupts,<br/>
+Remembrance there needs none to gather up<br/>
+Divided thought and images remote<br/>
+<br/>
+“So that men, thus at variance with the truth<br/>
+Dream, though their eyes be open; reckless some<br/>
+Of error; others well aware they err,<br/>
+To whom more guilt and shame are justly due.<br/>
+Each the known track of sage philosophy<br/>
+Deserts, and has a byway of his own:<br/>
+So much the restless eagerness to shine<br/>
+And love of singularity prevail.<br/>
+Yet this, offensive as it is, provokes<br/>
+Heav’n’s anger less, than when the book of God<br/>
+Is forc’d to yield to man’s authority,<br/>
+Or from its straightness warp’d: no reck’ning made<br/>
+What blood the sowing of it in the world<br/>
+Has cost; what favour for himself he wins,<br/>
+Who meekly clings to it. The aim of all<br/>
+Is how to shine: e’en they, whose office is<br/>
+To preach the Gospel, let the gospel sleep,<br/>
+And pass their own inventions off instead.<br/>
+One tells, how at Christ’s suffering the wan moon<br/>
+Bent back her steps, and shadow’d o’er the sun<br/>
+With intervenient disk, as she withdrew:<br/>
+Another, how the light shrouded itself<br/>
+Within its tabernacle, and left dark<br/>
+The Spaniard and the Indian, with the Jew.<br/>
+Such fables Florence in her pulpit hears,<br/>
+Bandied about more frequent, than the names<br/>
+Of Bindi and of Lapi in her streets.<br/>
+The sheep, meanwhile, poor witless ones, return<br/>
+From pasture, fed with wind: and what avails<br/>
+For their excuse, they do not see their harm?<br/>
+Christ said not to his first conventicle,<br/>
+‘Go forth and preach impostures to the world,’<br/>
+But gave them truth to build on; and the sound<br/>
+Was mighty on their lips; nor needed they,<br/>
+Beside the gospel, other spear or shield,<br/>
+To aid them in their warfare for the faith.<br/>
+The preacher now provides himself with store<br/>
+Of jests and gibes; and, so there be no lack<br/>
+Of laughter, while he vents them, his big cowl<br/>
+Distends, and he has won the meed he sought:<br/>
+Could but the vulgar catch a glimpse the while<br/>
+Of that dark bird which nestles in his hood,<br/>
+They scarce would wait to hear the blessing said.<br/>
+Which now the dotards hold in such esteem,<br/>
+That every counterfeit, who spreads abroad<br/>
+The hands of holy promise, finds a throng<br/>
+Of credulous fools beneath. Saint Anthony<br/>
+Fattens with this his swine, and others worse<br/>
+Than swine, who diet at his lazy board,<br/>
+Paying with unstamp’d metal for their fare.<br/>
+<br/>
+“But (for we far have wander’d) let us seek<br/>
+The forward path again; so as the way<br/>
+Be shorten’d with the time. No mortal tongue<br/>
+Nor thought of man hath ever reach’d so far,<br/>
+That of these natures he might count the tribes.<br/>
+What Daniel of their thousands hath reveal’d<br/>
+With finite number infinite conceals.<br/>
+The fountain at whose source these drink their beams,<br/>
+With light supplies them in as many modes,<br/>
+As there are splendours, that it shines on: each<br/>
+According to the virtue it conceives,<br/>
+Differing in love and sweet affection.<br/>
+Look then how lofty and how huge in breadth<br/>
+The’ eternal might, which, broken and dispers’d<br/>
+Over such countless mirrors, yet remains<br/>
+Whole in itself and one, as at the first.”
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="cantoIII.30"></a>CANTO XXX</h2>
+
+<p>
+Noon’s fervid hour perchance six thousand miles<br/>
+From hence is distant; and the shadowy cone<br/>
+Almost to level on our earth declines;<br/>
+When from the midmost of this blue abyss<br/>
+By turns some star is to our vision lost.<br/>
+And straightway as the handmaid of the sun<br/>
+Puts forth her radiant brow, all, light by light,<br/>
+Fade, and the spangled firmament shuts in,<br/>
+E’en to the loveliest of the glittering throng.<br/>
+Thus vanish’d gradually from my sight<br/>
+The triumph, which plays ever round the point,<br/>
+That overcame me, seeming (for it did)<br/>
+Engirt by that it girdeth. Wherefore love,<br/>
+With loss of other object, forc’d me bend<br/>
+Mine eyes on Beatrice once again.<br/>
+<br/>
+If all, that hitherto is told of her,<br/>
+Were in one praise concluded, ’t were too weak<br/>
+To furnish out this turn. Mine eyes did look<br/>
+On beauty, such, as I believe in sooth,<br/>
+Not merely to exceed our human, but,<br/>
+That save its Maker, none can to the full<br/>
+Enjoy it. At this point o’erpower’d I fail,<br/>
+Unequal to my theme, as never bard<br/>
+Of buskin or of sock hath fail’d before.<br/>
+For, as the sun doth to the feeblest sight,<br/>
+E’en so remembrance of that witching smile<br/>
+Hath dispossess my spirit of itself.<br/>
+Not from that day, when on this earth I first<br/>
+Beheld her charms, up to that view of them,<br/>
+Have I with song applausive ever ceas’d<br/>
+To follow, but not follow them no more;<br/>
+My course here bounded, as each artist’s is,<br/>
+When it doth touch the limit of his skill.<br/>
+<br/>
+She (such as I bequeath her to the bruit<br/>
+Of louder trump than mine, which hasteneth on,<br/>
+Urging its arduous matter to the close),<br/>
+Her words resum’d, in gesture and in voice<br/>
+Resembling one accustom’d to command:<br/>
+“Forth from the last corporeal are we come<br/>
+Into the heav’n, that is unbodied light,<br/>
+Light intellectual replete with love,<br/>
+Love of true happiness replete with joy,<br/>
+Joy, that transcends all sweetness of delight.<br/>
+Here shalt thou look on either mighty host<br/>
+Of Paradise; and one in that array,<br/>
+Which in the final judgment thou shalt see.”<br/>
+<br/>
+As when the lightning, in a sudden spleen<br/>
+Unfolded, dashes from the blinding eyes<br/>
+The visive spirits dazzled and bedimm’d;<br/>
+So, round about me, fulminating streams<br/>
+Of living radiance play’d, and left me swath’d<br/>
+And veil’d in dense impenetrable blaze.<br/>
+Such weal is in the love, that stills this heav’n;<br/>
+For its own flame the torch this fitting ever!<br/>
+<br/>
+No sooner to my list’ning ear had come<br/>
+The brief assurance, than I understood<br/>
+New virtue into me infus’d, and sight<br/>
+Kindled afresh, with vigour to sustain<br/>
+Excess of light, however pure. I look’d;<br/>
+And in the likeness of a river saw<br/>
+Light flowing, from whose amber-seeming waves<br/>
+Flash’d up effulgence, as they glided on<br/>
+’Twixt banks, on either side, painted with spring,<br/>
+Incredible how fair; and, from the tide,<br/>
+There ever and anon, outstarting, flew<br/>
+Sparkles instinct with life; and in the flow’rs<br/>
+Did set them, like to rubies chas’d in gold;<br/>
+Then, as if drunk with odors, plung’d again<br/>
+Into the wondrous flood; from which, as one<br/>
+Re’enter’d, still another rose. “The thirst<br/>
+Of knowledge high, whereby thou art inflam’d,<br/>
+To search the meaning of what here thou seest,<br/>
+The more it warms thee, pleases me the more.<br/>
+But first behooves thee of this water drink,<br/>
+Or ere that longing be allay’d.” So spake<br/>
+The day-star of mine eyes; then thus subjoin’d:<br/>
+“This stream, and these, forth issuing from its gulf,<br/>
+And diving back, a living topaz each,<br/>
+With all this laughter on its bloomy shores,<br/>
+Are but a preface, shadowy of the truth<br/>
+They emblem: not that, in themselves, the things<br/>
+Are crude; but on thy part is the defect,<br/>
+For that thy views not yet aspire so high.”<br/>
+Never did babe, that had outslept his wont,<br/>
+Rush, with such eager straining, to the milk,<br/>
+As I toward the water, bending me,<br/>
+To make the better mirrors of mine eyes<br/>
+In the refining wave; and, as the eaves<br/>
+Of mine eyelids did drink of it, forthwith<br/>
+Seem’d it unto me turn’d from length to round,<br/>
+Then as a troop of maskers, when they put<br/>
+Their vizors off, look other than before,<br/>
+The counterfeited semblance thrown aside;<br/>
+So into greater jubilee were chang’d<br/>
+Those flowers and sparkles, and distinct I saw<br/>
+Before me either court of heav’n displac’d.<br/>
+<br/>
+O prime enlightener! thou who crav’st me strength<br/>
+On the high triumph of thy realm to gaze!<br/>
+Grant virtue now to utter what I kenn’d,<br/>
+There is in heav’n a light, whose goodly shine<br/>
+Makes the Creator visible to all<br/>
+Created, that in seeing him alone<br/>
+Have peace; and in a circle spreads so far,<br/>
+That the circumference were too loose a zone<br/>
+To girdle in the sun. All is one beam,<br/>
+Reflected from the summit of the first,<br/>
+That moves, which being hence and vigour takes,<br/>
+And as some cliff, that from the bottom eyes<br/>
+Its image mirror’d in the crystal flood,<br/>
+As if t’ admire its brave appareling<br/>
+Of verdure and of flowers: so, round about,<br/>
+Eyeing the light, on more than million thrones,<br/>
+Stood, eminent, whatever from our earth<br/>
+Has to the skies return’d. How wide the leaves<br/>
+Extended to their utmost of this rose,<br/>
+Whose lowest step embosoms such a space<br/>
+Of ample radiance! Yet, nor amplitude<br/>
+Nor height impeded, but my view with ease<br/>
+Took in the full dimensions of that joy.<br/>
+Near or remote, what there avails, where God<br/>
+Immediate rules, and Nature, awed, suspends<br/>
+Her sway? Into the yellow of the rose<br/>
+Perennial, which in bright expansiveness,<br/>
+Lays forth its gradual blooming, redolent<br/>
+Of praises to the never-wint’ring sun,<br/>
+As one, who fain would speak yet holds his peace,<br/>
+Beatrice led me; and, “Behold,” she said,<br/>
+“This fair assemblage! stoles of snowy white<br/>
+How numberless! The city, where we dwell,<br/>
+Behold how vast! and these our seats so throng’d<br/>
+Few now are wanting here! In that proud stall,<br/>
+On which, the crown, already o’er its state<br/>
+Suspended, holds thine eyes&mdash;or ere thyself<br/>
+Mayst at the wedding sup,&mdash;shall rest the soul<br/>
+Of the great Harry, he who, by the world<br/>
+Augustas hail’d, to Italy must come,<br/>
+Before her day be ripe. But ye are sick,<br/>
+And in your tetchy wantonness as blind,<br/>
+As is the bantling, that of hunger dies,<br/>
+And drives away the nurse. Nor may it be,<br/>
+That he, who in the sacred forum sways,<br/>
+Openly or in secret, shall with him<br/>
+Accordant walk: Whom God will not endure<br/>
+I’ th’ holy office long; but thrust him down<br/>
+To Simon Magus, where Magna’s priest<br/>
+Will sink beneath him: such will be his meed.”
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="cantoIII.31"></a>CANTO XXXI</h2>
+
+<div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
+<a href="images/31-1.jpg">
+<img src="images/31-1.jpg" width="541" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+</div>
+
+<p>
+In fashion, as a snow-white rose, lay then<br/>
+Before my view the saintly multitude,<br/>
+Which in his own blood Christ espous’d. Meanwhile<br/>
+That other host, that soar aloft to gaze<br/>
+And celebrate his glory, whom they love,<br/>
+Hover’d around; and, like a troop of bees,<br/>
+Amid the vernal sweets alighting now,<br/>
+Now, clustering, where their fragrant labour glows,<br/>
+Flew downward to the mighty flow’r, or rose<br/>
+From the redundant petals, streaming back<br/>
+Unto the steadfast dwelling of their joy.<br/>
+Faces had they of flame, and wings of gold;<br/>
+The rest was whiter than the driven snow.<br/>
+And as they flitted down into the flower,<br/>
+From range to range, fanning their plumy loins,<br/>
+Whisper’d the peace and ardour, which they won<br/>
+From that soft winnowing. Shadow none, the vast<br/>
+Interposition of such numerous flight<br/>
+Cast, from above, upon the flower, or view<br/>
+Obstructed aught. For, through the universe,<br/>
+Wherever merited, celestial light<br/>
+Glides freely, and no obstacle prevents.<br/>
+<br/>
+All there, who reign in safety and in bliss,<br/>
+Ages long past or new, on one sole mark<br/>
+Their love and vision fix’d. O trinal beam<br/>
+Of individual star, that charmst them thus,<br/>
+Vouchsafe one glance to gild our storm below!<br/>
+<br/>
+If the grim brood, from Arctic shores that roam’d,<br/>
+(Where helice, forever, as she wheels,<br/>
+Sparkles a mother’s fondness on her son)<br/>
+Stood in mute wonder ’mid the works of Rome,<br/>
+When to their view the Lateran arose<br/>
+In greatness more than earthly; I, who then<br/>
+From human to divine had past, from time<br/>
+Unto eternity, and out of Florence<br/>
+To justice and to truth, how might I choose<br/>
+But marvel too? ’Twixt gladness and amaze,<br/>
+In sooth no will had I to utter aught,<br/>
+Or hear. And, as a pilgrim, when he rests<br/>
+Within the temple of his vow, looks round<br/>
+In breathless awe, and hopes some time to tell<br/>
+Of all its goodly state: e’en so mine eyes<br/>
+Cours’d up and down along the living light,<br/>
+Now low, and now aloft, and now around,<br/>
+Visiting every step. Looks I beheld,<br/>
+Where charity in soft persuasion sat,<br/>
+Smiles from within and radiance from above,<br/>
+And in each gesture grace and honour high.<br/>
+<br/>
+So rov’d my ken, and its general form<br/>
+All Paradise survey’d: when round I turn’d<br/>
+With purpose of my lady to inquire<br/>
+Once more of things, that held my thought suspense,<br/>
+But answer found from other than I ween’d;<br/>
+For, Beatrice, when I thought to see,<br/>
+I saw instead a senior, at my side,<br/>
+Rob’d, as the rest, in glory. Joy benign<br/>
+Glow’d in his eye, and o’er his cheek diffus’d,<br/>
+With gestures such as spake a father’s love.<br/>
+And, “Whither is she vanish’d?” straight I ask’d.<br/>
+<br/>
+“By Beatrice summon’d,” he replied,<br/>
+“I come to aid thy wish. Looking aloft<br/>
+To the third circle from the highest, there<br/>
+Behold her on the throne, wherein her merit<br/>
+Hath plac’d her.” Answering not, mine eyes I rais’d,<br/>
+And saw her, where aloof she sat, her brow<br/>
+A wreath reflecting of eternal beams.<br/>
+Not from the centre of the sea so far<br/>
+Unto the region of the highest thunder,<br/>
+As was my ken from hers; and yet the form<br/>
+Came through that medium down, unmix’d and pure,
+</p>
+
+<div class="fig" style="width:100%;">
+<a href="images/31-64.jpg">
+<img src="images/31-64.jpg" width="549" height="600" alt="" /></a>
+</div>
+
+<p>
+“O Lady! thou in whom my hopes have rest!<br/>
+Who, for my safety, hast not scorn’d, in hell<br/>
+To leave the traces of thy footsteps mark’d!<br/>
+For all mine eyes have seen, I, to thy power<br/>
+And goodness, virtue owe and grace. Of slave,<br/>
+Thou hast to freedom brought me; and no means,<br/>
+For my deliverance apt, hast left untried.<br/>
+Thy liberal bounty still toward me keep.<br/>
+That, when my spirit, which thou madest whole,<br/>
+Is loosen’d from this body, it may find<br/>
+Favour with thee.” So I my suit preferr’d:<br/>
+And she, so distant, as appear’d, look’d down,<br/>
+And smil’d; then tow’rds th’ eternal fountain turn’d.<br/>
+<br/>
+And thus the senior, holy and rever’d:<br/>
+“That thou at length mayst happily conclude<br/>
+Thy voyage (to which end I was dispatch’d,<br/>
+By supplication mov’d and holy love)<br/>
+Let thy upsoaring vision range, at large,<br/>
+This garden through: for so, by ray divine<br/>
+Kindled, thy ken a higher flight shall mount;<br/>
+And from heav’n’s queen, whom fervent I adore,<br/>
+All gracious aid befriend us; for that I<br/>
+Am her own faithful Bernard.” Like a wight,<br/>
+Who haply from Croatia wends to see<br/>
+Our Veronica, and the while ’t is shown,<br/>
+Hangs over it with never-sated gaze,<br/>
+And, all that he hath heard revolving, saith<br/>
+Unto himself in thought: “And didst thou look<br/>
+E’en thus, O Jesus, my true Lord and God?<br/>
+And was this semblance thine?” So gaz’d I then<br/>
+Adoring; for the charity of him,<br/>
+Who musing, in the world that peace enjoy’d,<br/>
+Stood lively before me. “Child of grace!”<br/>
+Thus he began: “thou shalt not knowledge gain<br/>
+Of this glad being, if thine eyes are held<br/>
+Still in this depth below. But search around<br/>
+The circles, to the furthest, till thou spy<br/>
+Seated in state, the queen, that of this realm<br/>
+Is sovran.” Straight mine eyes I rais’d; and bright,<br/>
+As, at the birth of morn, the eastern clime<br/>
+Above th’ horizon, where the sun declines;<br/>
+To mine eyes, that upward, as from vale<br/>
+To mountain sped, at th’ extreme bound, a part<br/>
+Excell’d in lustre all the front oppos’d.<br/>
+And as the glow burns ruddiest o’er the wave,<br/>
+That waits the sloping beam, which Phaeton<br/>
+Ill knew to guide, and on each part the light<br/>
+Diminish’d fades, intensest in the midst;<br/>
+So burn’d the peaceful oriflame, and slack’d<br/>
+On every side the living flame decay’d.<br/>
+And in that midst their sportive pennons wav’d<br/>
+Thousands of angels; in resplendence each<br/>
+Distinct, and quaint adornment. At their glee<br/>
+And carol, smil’d the Lovely One of heav’n,<br/>
+That joy was in the eyes of all the blest.<br/>
+<br/>
+Had I a tongue in eloquence as rich,<br/>
+As is the colouring in fancy’s loom,<br/>
+’T were all too poor to utter the least part<br/>
+Of that enchantment. When he saw mine eyes<br/>
+Intent on her, that charm’d him, Bernard gaz’d<br/>
+With so exceeding fondness, as infus’d<br/>
+Ardour into my breast, unfelt before.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="cantoIII.32"></a>CANTO XXXII</h2>
+
+<p>
+Freely the sage, though wrapt in musings high,<br/>
+Assum’d the teacher’s part, and mild began:<br/>
+“The wound, that Mary clos’d, she open’d first,<br/>
+Who sits so beautiful at Mary’s feet.<br/>
+The third in order, underneath her, lo!<br/>
+Rachel with Beatrice. Sarah next,<br/>
+Judith, Rebecca, and the gleaner maid,<br/>
+Meek ancestress of him, who sang the songs<br/>
+Of sore repentance in his sorrowful mood.<br/>
+All, as I name them, down from deaf to leaf,<br/>
+Are in gradation throned on the rose.<br/>
+And from the seventh step, successively,<br/>
+Adown the breathing tresses of the flow’r<br/>
+Still doth the file of Hebrew dames proceed.<br/>
+For these are a partition wall, whereby<br/>
+The sacred stairs are sever’d, as the faith<br/>
+In Christ divides them. On this part, where blooms<br/>
+Each leaf in full maturity, are set<br/>
+Such as in Christ, or ere he came, believ’d.<br/>
+On th’ other, where an intersected space<br/>
+Yet shows the semicircle void, abide<br/>
+All they, who look’d to Christ already come.<br/>
+And as our Lady on her glorious stool,<br/>
+And they who on their stools beneath her sit,<br/>
+This way distinction make: e’en so on his,<br/>
+The mighty Baptist that way marks the line<br/>
+(He who endur’d the desert and the pains<br/>
+Of martyrdom, and for two years of hell,<br/>
+Yet still continued holy), and beneath,<br/>
+Augustin, Francis, Benedict, and the rest,<br/>
+Thus far from round to round. So heav’n’s decree<br/>
+Forecasts, this garden equally to fill.<br/>
+With faith in either view, past or to come,<br/>
+Learn too, that downward from the step, which cleaves<br/>
+Midway the twain compartments, none there are<br/>
+Who place obtain for merit of their own,<br/>
+But have through others’ merit been advanc’d,<br/>
+On set conditions: spirits all releas’d,<br/>
+Ere for themselves they had the power to choose.<br/>
+And, if thou mark and listen to them well,<br/>
+Their childish looks and voice declare as much.<br/>
+<br/>
+“Here, silent as thou art, I know thy doubt;<br/>
+And gladly will I loose the knot, wherein<br/>
+Thy subtle thoughts have bound thee. From this realm<br/>
+Excluded, chalice no entrance here may find,<br/>
+No more shall hunger, thirst, or sorrow can.<br/>
+A law immutable hath establish’d all;<br/>
+Nor is there aught thou seest, that doth not fit,<br/>
+Exactly, as the finger to the ring.<br/>
+It is not therefore without cause, that these,<br/>
+O’erspeedy comers to immortal life,<br/>
+Are different in their shares of excellence.<br/>
+Our Sovran Lord&mdash;that settleth this estate<br/>
+In love and in delight so absolute,<br/>
+That wish can dare no further&mdash;every soul,<br/>
+Created in his joyous sight to dwell,<br/>
+With grace at pleasure variously endows.<br/>
+And for a proof th’ effect may well suffice.<br/>
+And ’t is moreover most expressly mark’d<br/>
+In holy scripture, where the twins are said<br/>
+To, have struggled in the womb. Therefore, as grace<br/>
+Inweaves the coronet, so every brow<br/>
+Weareth its proper hue of orient light.<br/>
+And merely in respect to his prime gift,<br/>
+Not in reward of meritorious deed,<br/>
+Hath each his several degree assign’d.<br/>
+In early times with their own innocence<br/>
+More was not wanting, than the parents’ faith,<br/>
+To save them: those first ages past, behoov’d<br/>
+That circumcision in the males should imp<br/>
+The flight of innocent wings: but since the day<br/>
+Of grace hath come, without baptismal rites<br/>
+In Christ accomplish’d, innocence herself<br/>
+Must linger yet below. Now raise thy view<br/>
+Unto the visage most resembling Christ:<br/>
+For, in her splendour only, shalt thou win<br/>
+The pow’r to look on him.” Forthwith I saw<br/>
+Such floods of gladness on her visage shower’d,<br/>
+From holy spirits, winging that profound;<br/>
+That, whatsoever I had yet beheld,<br/>
+Had not so much suspended me with wonder,<br/>
+Or shown me such similitude of God.<br/>
+And he, who had to her descended, once,<br/>
+On earth, now hail’d in heav’n; and on pois’d wing.<br/>
+“Ave, Maria, Gratia Plena,” sang:<br/>
+To whose sweet anthem all the blissful court,<br/>
+From all parts answ’ring, rang: that holier joy<br/>
+Brooded the deep serene. “Father rever’d:<br/>
+Who deign’st, for me, to quit the pleasant place,<br/>
+Wherein thou sittest, by eternal lot!<br/>
+Say, who that angel is, that with such glee<br/>
+Beholds our queen, and so enamour’d glows<br/>
+Of her high beauty, that all fire he seems.”<br/>
+So I again resorted to the lore<br/>
+Of my wise teacher, he, whom Mary’s charms<br/>
+Embellish’d, as the sun the morning star;<br/>
+Who thus in answer spake: “In him are summ’d,<br/>
+Whatever of buxomness and free delight<br/>
+May be in Spirit, or in angel, met:<br/>
+And so beseems: for that he bare the palm<br/>
+Down unto Mary, when the Son of God<br/>
+Vouchsaf’d to clothe him in terrestrial weeds.<br/>
+Now let thine eyes wait heedful on my words,<br/>
+And note thou of this just and pious realm<br/>
+The chiefest nobles. Those, highest in bliss,<br/>
+The twain, on each hand next our empress thron’d,<br/>
+Are as it were two roots unto this rose.<br/>
+He to the left, the parent, whose rash taste<br/>
+Proves bitter to his seed; and, on the right,<br/>
+That ancient father of the holy church,<br/>
+Into whose keeping Christ did give the keys<br/>
+Of this sweet flow’r: near whom behold the seer,<br/>
+That, ere he died, saw all the grievous times<br/>
+Of the fair bride, who with the lance and nails<br/>
+Was won. And, near unto the other, rests<br/>
+The leader, under whom on manna fed<br/>
+Th’ ungrateful nation, fickle and perverse.<br/>
+On th’ other part, facing to Peter, lo!<br/>
+Where Anna sits, so well content to look<br/>
+On her lov’d daughter, that with moveless eye<br/>
+She chants the loud hosanna: while, oppos’d<br/>
+To the first father of your mortal kind,<br/>
+Is Lucia, at whose hest thy lady sped,<br/>
+When on the edge of ruin clos’d thine eye.<br/>
+<br/>
+“But (for the vision hasteneth so an end)<br/>
+Here break we off, as the good workman doth,<br/>
+That shapes the cloak according to the cloth:<br/>
+And to the primal love our ken shall rise;<br/>
+That thou mayst penetrate the brightness, far<br/>
+As sight can bear thee. Yet, alas! in sooth<br/>
+Beating thy pennons, thinking to advance,<br/>
+Thou backward fall’st. Grace then must first be gain’d;<br/>
+Her grace, whose might can help thee. Thou in prayer<br/>
+Seek her: and, with affection, whilst I sue,<br/>
+Attend, and yield me all thy heart.” He said,<br/>
+And thus the saintly orison began.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="cantoIII.33"></a>CANTO XXXIII</h2>
+
+<p>
+“O virgin mother, daughter of thy Son,<br/>
+Created beings all in lowliness<br/>
+Surpassing, as in height, above them all,<br/>
+Term by th’ eternal counsel pre-ordain’d,<br/>
+Ennobler of thy nature, so advanc’d<br/>
+In thee, that its great Maker did not scorn,<br/>
+Himself, in his own work enclos’d to dwell!<br/>
+For in thy womb rekindling shone the love<br/>
+Reveal’d, whose genial influence makes now<br/>
+This flower to germin in eternal peace!<br/>
+Here thou to us, of charity and love,<br/>
+Art, as the noon-day torch: and art, beneath,<br/>
+To mortal men, of hope a living spring.<br/>
+So mighty art thou, lady! and so great,<br/>
+That he who grace desireth, and comes not<br/>
+To thee for aidance, fain would have desire<br/>
+Fly without wings. Nor only him who asks,<br/>
+Thy bounty succours, but doth freely oft<br/>
+Forerun the asking. Whatsoe’er may be<br/>
+Of excellence in creature, pity mild,<br/>
+Relenting mercy, large munificence,<br/>
+Are all combin’d in thee. Here kneeleth one,<br/>
+Who of all spirits hath review’d the state,<br/>
+From the world’s lowest gap unto this height.<br/>
+Suppliant to thee he kneels, imploring grace<br/>
+For virtue, yet more high to lift his ken<br/>
+Toward the bliss supreme. And I, who ne’er<br/>
+Coveted sight, more fondly, for myself,<br/>
+Than now for him, my prayers to thee prefer,<br/>
+(And pray they be not scant) that thou wouldst drive<br/>
+Each cloud of his mortality away;<br/>
+That on the sovran pleasure he may gaze.<br/>
+This also I entreat of thee, O queen!<br/>
+Who canst do what thou wilt! that in him thou<br/>
+Wouldst after all he hath beheld, preserve<br/>
+Affection sound, and human passions quell.<br/>
+Lo! Where, with Beatrice, many a saint<br/>
+Stretch their clasp’d hands, in furtherance of my suit!”<br/>
+<br/>
+The eyes, that heav’n with love and awe regards,<br/>
+Fix’d on the suitor, witness’d, how benign<br/>
+She looks on pious pray’rs: then fasten’d they<br/>
+On th’ everlasting light, wherein no eye<br/>
+Of creature, as may well be thought, so far<br/>
+Can travel inward. I, meanwhile, who drew<br/>
+Near to the limit, where all wishes end,<br/>
+The ardour of my wish (for so behooved),<br/>
+Ended within me. Beck’ning smil’d the sage,<br/>
+That I should look aloft: but, ere he bade,<br/>
+Already of myself aloft I look’d;<br/>
+For visual strength, refining more and more,<br/>
+Bare me into the ray authentical<br/>
+Of sovran light. Thenceforward, what I saw,<br/>
+Was not for words to speak, nor memory’s self<br/>
+To stand against such outrage on her skill.<br/>
+As one, who from a dream awaken’d, straight,<br/>
+All he hath seen forgets; yet still retains<br/>
+Impression of the feeling in his dream;<br/>
+E’en such am I: for all the vision dies,<br/>
+As ’t were, away; and yet the sense of sweet,<br/>
+That sprang from it, still trickles in my heart.<br/>
+Thus in the sun-thaw is the snow unseal’d;<br/>
+Thus in the winds on flitting leaves was lost<br/>
+The Sybil’s sentence. O eternal beam!<br/>
+(Whose height what reach of mortal thought may soar?)<br/>
+Yield me again some little particle<br/>
+Of what thou then appearedst, give my tongue<br/>
+Power, but to leave one sparkle of thy glory,<br/>
+Unto the race to come, that shall not lose<br/>
+Thy triumph wholly, if thou waken aught<br/>
+Of memory in me, and endure to hear<br/>
+The record sound in this unequal strain.<br/>
+<br/>
+Such keenness from the living ray I met,<br/>
+That, if mine eyes had turn’d away, methinks,<br/>
+I had been lost; but, so embolden’d, on<br/>
+I pass’d, as I remember, till my view<br/>
+Hover’d the brink of dread infinitude.<br/>
+<br/>
+O grace! unenvying of thy boon! that gav’st<br/>
+Boldness to fix so earnestly my ken<br/>
+On th’ everlasting splendour, that I look’d,<br/>
+While sight was unconsum’d, and, in that depth,<br/>
+Saw in one volume clasp’d of love, whatever<br/>
+The universe unfolds; all properties<br/>
+Of substance and of accident, beheld,<br/>
+Compounded, yet one individual light<br/>
+The whole. And of such bond methinks I saw<br/>
+The universal form: for that whenever<br/>
+I do but speak of it, my soul dilates<br/>
+Beyond her proper self; and, till I speak,<br/>
+One moment seems a longer lethargy,<br/>
+Than five-and-twenty ages had appear’d<br/>
+To that emprize, that first made Neptune wonder<br/>
+At Argo’s shadow darkening on his flood.<br/>
+<br/>
+With fixed heed, suspense and motionless,<br/>
+Wond’ring I gaz’d; and admiration still<br/>
+Was kindled, as I gaz’d. It may not be,<br/>
+That one, who looks upon that light, can turn<br/>
+To other object, willingly, his view.<br/>
+For all the good, that will may covet, there<br/>
+Is summ’d; and all, elsewhere defective found,<br/>
+Complete. My tongue shall utter now, no more<br/>
+E’en what remembrance keeps, than could the babe’s<br/>
+That yet is moisten’d at his mother’s breast.<br/>
+Not that the semblance of the living light<br/>
+Was chang’d (that ever as at first remain’d)<br/>
+But that my vision quickening, in that sole<br/>
+Appearance, still new miracles descry’d,<br/>
+And toil’d me with the change. In that abyss<br/>
+Of radiance, clear and lofty, seem’d methought,<br/>
+Three orbs of triple hue clipt in one bound:<br/>
+And, from another, one reflected seem’d,<br/>
+As rainbow is from rainbow: and the third<br/>
+Seem’d fire, breath’d equally from both. Oh speech<br/>
+How feeble and how faint art thou, to give<br/>
+Conception birth! Yet this to what I saw<br/>
+Is less than little. Oh eternal light!<br/>
+Sole in thyself that dwellst; and of thyself<br/>
+Sole understood, past, present, or to come!<br/>
+Thou smiledst; on that circling, which in thee<br/>
+Seem’d as reflected splendour, while I mus’d;<br/>
+For I therein, methought, in its own hue<br/>
+Beheld our image painted: steadfastly<br/>
+I therefore por’d upon the view. As one<br/>
+Who vers’d in geometric lore, would fain<br/>
+Measure the circle; and, though pondering long<br/>
+And deeply, that beginning, which he needs,<br/>
+Finds not; e’en such was I, intent to scan<br/>
+The novel wonder, and trace out the form,<br/>
+How to the circle fitted, and therein<br/>
+How plac’d: but the flight was not for my wing;<br/>
+Had not a flash darted athwart my mind,<br/>
+And in the spleen unfolded what it sought.<br/>
+<br/>
+Here vigour fail’d the tow’ring fantasy:<br/>
+But yet the will roll’d onward, like a wheel<br/>
+In even motion, by the Love impell’d,<br/>
+That moves the sun in heav’n and all the stars.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
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+Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for
+eBook #8799 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/8799)
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+Project Gutenberg's The Vision of Paradise, Complete, by Dante Alighieri
+Translated By The Rev. H. F. Cary, Illustrated by Gustave Dore
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere 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
+
+
+Title: The Vision of Paradise, Complete
+       Translated By The Rev. H. F. Cary, Illustrated by Gustave Dore
+
+Author: Dante Alighieri
+
+Release Date: August 2, 2004 [EBook #8799]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE VISION OF PARADISE, COMPLETE ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by David Widger
+
+
+
+
+
+THE VISION
+
+OF
+
+HELL, PURGATORY, AND PARADISE
+
+BY
+
+DANTE ALIGHIERI
+
+
+
+
+
+
+PARADISE
+
+Complete
+
+
+
+TRANSLATED BY
+
+THE REV. H. F. CARY, M.A.
+
+
+
+PARADISE
+
+
+
+LIST OF CANTOS
+Canto 1
+Canto 2
+Canto 3
+Canto 4
+Canto 5
+Canto 6
+Canto 7
+Canto 8
+Canto 9
+Canto 10
+Canto 11
+Canto 12
+Canto 13
+Canto 14
+Canto 15
+Canto 16
+Canto 17
+Canto 18
+Canto 19
+Canto 20
+Canto 21
+Canto 22
+Canto 23
+Canto 24
+Canto 25
+Canto 26
+Canto 27
+Canto 28
+Canto 29
+Canto 30
+Canto 31
+Canto 32
+Canto 33
+
+
+
+
+CANTO I
+
+His glory, by whose might all things are mov'd,
+Pierces the universe, and in one part
+Sheds more resplendence, elsewhere less.  In heav'n,
+That largeliest of his light partakes, was I,
+Witness of things, which to relate again
+Surpasseth power of him who comes from thence;
+For that, so near approaching its desire
+Our intellect is to such depth absorb'd,
+That memory cannot follow.  Nathless all,
+That in my thoughts I of that sacred realm
+Could store, shall now be matter of my song.
+
+Benign Apollo! this last labour aid,
+And make me such a vessel of thy worth,
+As thy own laurel claims of me belov'd.
+Thus far hath one of steep Parnassus' brows
+Suffic'd me; henceforth there is need of both
+For my remaining enterprise Do thou
+Enter into my bosom, and there breathe
+So, as when Marsyas by thy hand was dragg'd
+Forth from his limbs unsheath'd.  O power divine!
+If thou to me of shine impart so much,
+That of that happy realm the shadow'd form
+Trac'd in my thoughts I may set forth to view,
+Thou shalt behold me of thy favour'd tree
+Come to the foot, and crown myself with leaves;
+For to that honour thou, and my high theme
+Will fit me.  If but seldom, mighty Sire!
+To grace his triumph gathers thence a wreath
+Caesar or bard (more shame for human wills
+Deprav'd) joy to the Delphic god must spring
+From the Pierian foliage, when one breast
+Is with such thirst inspir'd.  From a small spark
+Great flame hath risen: after me perchance
+Others with better voice may pray, and gain
+From the Cirrhaean city answer kind.
+
+Through diver passages, the world's bright lamp
+Rises to mortals, but through that which joins
+Four circles with the threefold cross, in best
+Course, and in happiest constellation set
+He comes, and to the worldly wax best gives
+Its temper and impression.  Morning there,
+Here eve was by almost such passage made;
+And whiteness had o'erspread that hemisphere,
+Blackness the other part; when to the left
+I saw Beatrice turn'd, and on the sun
+Gazing, as never eagle fix'd his ken.
+As from the first a second beam is wont
+To issue, and reflected upwards rise,
+E'en as a pilgrim bent on his return,
+So of her act, that through the eyesight pass'd
+Into my fancy, mine was form'd; and straight,
+Beyond our mortal wont, I fix'd mine eyes
+Upon the sun.  Much is allowed us there,
+That here exceeds our pow'r; thanks to the place
+Made for the dwelling of the human kind
+
+I suffer'd it not long, and yet so long
+That I beheld it bick'ring sparks around,
+As iron that comes boiling from the fire.
+And suddenly upon the day appear'd
+A day new-ris'n, as he, who hath the power,
+Had with another sun bedeck'd the sky.
+
+Her eyes fast fix'd on the eternal wheels,
+Beatrice stood unmov'd; and I with ken
+Fix'd upon her, from upward gaze remov'd
+At her aspect, such inwardly became
+As Glaucus, when he tasted of the herb,
+That made him peer among the ocean gods;
+Words may not tell of that transhuman change:
+And therefore let the example serve, though weak,
+For those whom grace hath better proof in store
+
+If I were only what thou didst create,
+Then newly, Love! by whom the heav'n is rul'd,
+Thou know'st, who by thy light didst bear me up.
+Whenas the wheel which thou dost ever guide,
+Desired Spirit! with its harmony
+Temper'd of thee and measur'd, charm'd mine ear,
+Then seem'd to me so much of heav'n to blaze
+With the sun's flame, that rain or flood ne'er made
+A lake so broad.  The newness of the sound,
+And that great light, inflam'd me with desire,
+Keener than e'er was felt, to know their cause.
+
+Whence she who saw me, clearly as myself,
+To calm my troubled mind, before I ask'd,
+Open'd her lips, and gracious thus began:
+"With false imagination thou thyself
+Mak'st dull, so that thou seest not the thing,
+Which thou hadst seen, had that been shaken off.
+Thou art not on the earth as thou believ'st;
+For light'ning scap'd from its own proper place
+Ne'er ran, as thou hast hither now return'd."
+
+Although divested of my first-rais'd doubt,
+By those brief words, accompanied with smiles,
+Yet in new doubt was I entangled more,
+And said: "Already satisfied, I rest
+From admiration deep, but now admire
+How I above those lighter bodies rise."
+
+Whence, after utt'rance of a piteous sigh,
+She tow'rds me bent her eyes, with such a look,
+As on her frenzied child a mother casts;
+Then thus began: "Among themselves all things
+Have order; and from hence the form, which makes
+The universe resemble God.  In this
+The higher creatures see the printed steps
+Of that eternal worth, which is the end
+Whither the line is drawn.  All natures lean,
+In this their order, diversely, some more,
+Some less approaching to their primal source.
+Thus they to different havens are mov'd on
+Through the vast sea of being, and each one
+With instinct giv'n, that bears it in its course;
+This to the lunar sphere directs the fire,
+This prompts the hearts of mortal animals,
+This the brute earth together knits, and binds.
+Nor only creatures, void of intellect,
+Are aim'd at by this bow; but even those,
+That have intelligence and love, are pierc'd.
+That Providence, who so well orders all,
+With her own light makes ever calm the heaven,
+In which the substance, that hath greatest speed,
+Is turn'd: and thither now, as to our seat
+Predestin'd, we are carried by the force
+Of that strong cord, that never looses dart,
+But at fair aim and glad.  Yet is it true,
+That as ofttimes but ill accords the form
+To the design of art, through sluggishness
+Of unreplying matter, so this course
+Is sometimes quitted by the creature, who
+Hath power, directed thus, to bend elsewhere;
+As from a cloud the fire is seen to fall,
+From its original impulse warp'd, to earth,
+By vicious fondness.  Thou no more admire
+Thy soaring, (if I rightly deem,) than lapse
+Of torrent downwards from a mountain's height.
+There would in thee for wonder be more cause,
+If, free of hind'rance, thou hadst fix'd thyself
+Below, like fire unmoving on the earth."
+
+So said, she turn'd toward the heav'n her face.
+
+
+
+
+CANTO II
+
+All ye, who in small bark have following sail'd,
+Eager to listen, on the advent'rous track
+Of my proud keel, that singing cuts its way,
+Backward return with speed, and your own shores
+Revisit, nor put out to open sea,
+Where losing me, perchance ye may remain
+Bewilder'd in deep maze.  The way I pass
+Ne'er yet was run: Minerva breathes the gale,
+Apollo guides me, and another Nine
+To my rapt sight the arctic beams reveal.
+Ye other few, who have outstretch'd the neck.
+Timely for food of angels, on which here
+They live, yet never know satiety,
+Through the deep brine ye fearless may put out
+Your vessel, marking, well the furrow broad
+Before you in the wave, that on both sides
+Equal returns.  Those, glorious, who pass'd o'er
+To Colchos, wonder'd not as ye will do,
+When they saw Jason following the plough.
+
+The increate perpetual thirst, that draws
+Toward the realm of God's own form, bore us
+Swift almost as the heaven ye behold.
+
+Beatrice upward gaz'd, and I on her,
+And in such space as on the notch a dart
+Is plac'd, then loosen'd flies, I saw myself
+Arriv'd, where wond'rous thing engag'd my sight.
+Whence she, to whom no work of mine was hid,
+Turning to me, with aspect glad as fair,
+Bespake me: "Gratefully direct thy mind
+To God, through whom to this first star we come."
+
+Me seem'd as if a cloud had cover'd us,
+Translucent, solid, firm, and polish'd bright,
+Like adamant, which the sun's beam had smit
+Within itself the ever-during pearl
+Receiv'd us, as the wave a ray of light
+Receives, and rests unbroken.  If I then
+Was of corporeal frame, and it transcend
+Our weaker thought, how one dimension thus
+Another could endure, which needs must be
+If body enter body, how much more
+Must the desire inflame us to behold
+That essence, which discovers by what means
+God and our nature join'd!  There will be seen
+That which we hold through faith, not shown by proof,
+But in itself intelligibly plain,
+E'en as the truth that man at first believes.
+
+I answered: "Lady! I with thoughts devout,
+Such as I best can frame, give thanks to Him,
+Who hath remov'd me from the mortal world.
+But tell, I pray thee, whence the gloomy spots
+Upon this body, which below on earth
+Give rise to talk of Cain in fabling quaint?"
+
+She somewhat smil'd, then spake: "If mortals err
+In their opinion, when the key of sense
+Unlocks not, surely wonder's weapon keen
+Ought not to pierce thee; since thou find'st, the wings
+Of reason to pursue the senses' flight
+Are short.  But what thy own thought is, declare."
+
+Then I: "What various here above appears,
+Is caus'd, I deem, by bodies dense or rare."
+
+She then resum'd: "Thou certainly wilt see
+In falsehood thy belief o'erwhelm'd, if well
+Thou listen to the arguments, which I
+Shall bring to face it.  The eighth sphere displays
+Numberless lights, the which in kind and size
+May be remark'd of different aspects;
+If rare or dense of that were cause alone,
+One single virtue then would be in all,
+Alike distributed, or more, or less.
+Different virtues needs must be the fruits
+Of formal principles, and these, save one,
+Will by thy reasoning be destroy'd.  Beside,
+If rarity were of that dusk the cause,
+Which thou inquirest, either in some part
+That planet must throughout be void, nor fed
+With its own matter; or, as bodies share
+Their fat and leanness, in like manner this
+Must in its volume change the leaves.  The first,
+If it were true, had through the sun's eclipse
+Been manifested, by transparency
+Of light, as through aught rare beside effus'd.
+But this is not.  Therefore remains to see
+The other cause: and if the other fall,
+Erroneous so must prove what seem'd to thee.
+If not from side to side this rarity
+Pass through, there needs must be a limit, whence
+Its contrary no further lets it pass.
+And hence the beam, that from without proceeds,
+Must be pour'd back, as colour comes, through glass
+Reflected, which behind it lead conceals.
+Now wilt thou say, that there of murkier hue
+Than in the other part the ray is shown,
+By being thence refracted farther back.
+From this perplexity will free thee soon
+Experience, if thereof thou trial make,
+The fountain whence your arts derive their streame.
+Three mirrors shalt thou take, and two remove
+From thee alike, and more remote the third.
+Betwixt the former pair, shall meet thine eyes;
+Then turn'd toward them, cause behind thy back
+A light to stand, that on the three shall shine,
+And thus reflected come to thee from all.
+Though that beheld most distant do not stretch
+A space so ample, yet in brightness thou
+Will own it equaling the rest.  But now,
+As under snow the ground, if the warm ray
+Smites it, remains dismantled of the hue
+And cold, that cover'd it before, so thee,
+Dismantled in thy mind, I will inform
+With light so lively, that the tremulous beam
+Shall quiver where it falls.  Within the heaven,
+Where peace divine inhabits, circles round
+A body, in whose virtue dies the being
+Of all that it contains.  The following heaven,
+That hath so many lights, this being divides,
+Through  different essences, from it distinct,
+And yet contain'd within it.  The other orbs
+Their separate distinctions variously
+Dispose, for their own seed and produce apt.
+Thus do these organs of the world proceed,
+As thou beholdest now, from step to step,
+Their influences from above deriving,
+And thence transmitting downwards.  Mark me well,
+How through this passage to the truth I ford,
+The truth thou lov'st, that thou henceforth alone,
+May'st know to keep the shallows, safe, untold.
+
+"The virtue and motion of the sacred orbs,
+As mallet by the workman's hand, must needs
+By blessed movers be inspir'd.  This heaven,
+Made beauteous by so many luminaries,
+From the deep spirit, that moves its circling sphere,
+Its image takes an impress as a seal:
+And as the soul, that dwells within your dust,
+Through members different, yet together form'd,
+In different pow'rs resolves itself; e'en so
+The intellectual efficacy unfolds
+Its goodness multiplied throughout the stars;
+On its own unity revolving still.
+Different virtue compact different
+Makes with the precious body it enlivens,
+With which it knits, as life in you is knit.
+From its original nature full of joy,
+The virtue mingled through the body shines,
+As joy through pupil of the living eye.
+From hence proceeds, that which from light to light
+Seems different, and not from dense or rare.
+This is the formal cause, that generates
+Proportion'd to its power, the dusk or clear."
+
+
+
+
+CANTO III
+
+That sun, which erst with love my bosom warm'd
+Had of fair truth unveil'd the sweet aspect,
+By proof of right, and of the false reproof;
+And I, to own myself convinc'd and free
+Of doubt, as much as needed, rais'd my head
+Erect for speech.  But soon a sight appear'd,
+Which, so intent to mark it, held me fix'd,
+That of confession I no longer thought.
+
+As through translucent and smooth glass, or wave
+Clear and unmov'd, and flowing not so deep
+As that its bed is dark, the shape returns
+So faint of our impictur'd lineaments,
+That on white forehead set a pearl as strong
+Comes to the eye: such saw I many a face,
+All stretch'd to speak, from whence I straight conceiv'd
+Delusion opposite to that, which rais'd
+Between the man and fountain, amorous flame.
+
+Sudden, as I perceiv'd them, deeming these
+Reflected semblances to see of whom
+They were, I turn'd mine eyes, and nothing saw;
+Then turn'd them back, directed on the light
+Of my sweet guide, who smiling shot forth beams
+From her celestial eyes.  "Wonder not thou,"
+She cry'd, "at this my smiling, when I see
+Thy childish judgment; since not yet on truth
+It rests the foot, but, as it still is wont,
+Makes thee fall back in unsound vacancy.
+True substances are these, which thou behold'st,
+Hither through failure of their vow exil'd.
+But speak thou with them; listen, and believe,
+That the true light, which fills them with desire,
+Permits not from its beams their feet to stray."
+
+Straight to the shadow which for converse seem'd
+Most earnest, I addressed me, and began,
+As one by over-eagerness perplex'd:
+"O spirit, born for joy! who in the rays
+Of life eternal, of that sweetness know'st
+The flavour, which, not tasted, passes far
+All apprehension, me it well would please,
+If thou wouldst tell me of thy name, and this
+Your station here." Whence she, with kindness prompt,
+And eyes glist'ning with smiles: "Our charity,
+To any wish by justice introduc'd,
+Bars not the door, no more than she above,
+Who would have all her court be like herself.
+I was a virgin sister in the earth;
+And if thy mind observe me well, this form,
+With such addition grac'd of loveliness,
+Will not conceal me long, but thou wilt know
+Piccarda, in the tardiest sphere thus plac'd,
+Here 'mid these other blessed also blest.
+Our hearts, whose high affections burn alone
+With pleasure, from the Holy Spirit conceiv'd,
+Admitted to his order dwell in joy.
+And this condition, which appears so low,
+Is for this cause assign'd us, that our vows
+Were in some part neglected and made void."
+
+Whence I to her replied: "Something divine
+Beams in your countenance, wond'rous fair,
+From former knowledge quite transmuting you.
+Therefore to recollect was I so slow.
+But what thou sayst hath to my memory
+Given now such aid, that to retrace your forms
+Is easier.  Yet inform me, ye, who here
+Are happy, long ye for a higher place
+More to behold, and more in love to dwell?"
+
+She with those other spirits gently smil'd,
+Then answer'd with such gladness, that she seem'd
+With love's first flame to glow: "Brother! our will
+Is in composure settled by the power
+Of charity, who makes us will alone
+What we possess, and nought beyond desire;
+If we should wish to be exalted more,
+Then must our wishes jar with the high will
+Of him, who sets us here, which in these orbs
+Thou wilt confess not possible, if here
+To be in charity must needs befall,
+And if her nature well thou contemplate.
+Rather it is inherent in this state
+Of blessedness, to keep ourselves within
+The divine will, by which our wills with his
+Are one.  So that as we from step to step
+Are plac'd throughout this kingdom, pleases all,
+E'en as our King, who in us plants his will;
+And in his will is our tranquillity;
+It is the mighty ocean, whither tends
+Whatever it creates and nature makes."
+
+Then saw I clearly how each spot in heav'n
+Is Paradise, though with like gracious dew
+The supreme virtue show'r not over all.
+
+But as it chances, if one sort of food
+Hath satiated, and of another still
+The appetite remains, that this is ask'd,
+And thanks for that return'd; e'en so did I
+In word and motion, bent from her to learn
+What web it was, through which she had not drawn
+The shuttle to its point.  She thus began:
+"Exalted worth and perfectness of life
+The Lady higher up enshrine in heaven,
+By whose pure laws upon your nether earth
+The robe and veil they wear, to that intent,
+That e'en till death they may keep watch or sleep
+With their great bridegroom, who accepts each vow,
+Which to his gracious pleasure love conforms.
+from the world, to follow her, when young
+Escap'd; and, in her vesture mantling me,
+Made promise of the way her sect enjoins.
+Thereafter men, for ill than good more apt,
+Forth snatch'd me from the pleasant cloister's pale.
+God knows how after that my life was fram'd.
+This other splendid shape, which thou beholdst
+At my right side, burning with all the light
+Of this our orb, what of myself I tell
+May to herself apply.  From her, like me
+A sister, with like violence were torn
+The saintly folds, that shaded her fair brows.
+E'en when she to the world again was brought
+In spite of her own will and better wont,
+Yet not for that the bosom's inward veil
+Did she renounce.  This is the luminary
+Of mighty Constance, who from that loud blast,
+Which blew the second over Suabia's realm,
+That power produc'd, which was the third and last."
+
+She ceas'd from further talk, and then began
+"Ave Maria" singing, and with that song
+Vanish'd, as heavy substance through deep wave.
+
+Mine eye, that far as it was capable,
+Pursued her, when in dimness she was lost,
+Turn'd to the mark where greater want impell'd,
+And bent on Beatrice all its gaze.
+But she as light'ning beam'd upon my looks:
+So that the sight sustain'd it not at first.
+Whence I to question her became less prompt.
+
+
+
+
+CANTO IV
+
+Between two kinds of food, both equally
+Remote and tempting, first a man might die
+Of hunger, ere he one could freely choose.
+E'en so would stand a lamb between the maw
+Of two fierce wolves, in dread of both alike:
+E'en so between two deer a dog would stand,
+Wherefore, if I was silent, fault nor praise
+I to myself impute, by equal doubts
+Held in suspense, since of necessity
+It happen'd.  Silent was I, yet desire
+Was painted in my looks; and thus I spake
+My wish more earnestly than language could.
+
+As Daniel, when the haughty king he freed
+From ire, that spurr'd him on to deeds unjust
+And violent; so look'd Beatrice then.
+
+"Well I discern," she thus her words address'd,
+"How contrary desires each way constrain thee,
+So that thy anxious thought is in itself
+Bound up and stifled, nor breathes freely forth.
+Thou arguest; if the good intent remain;
+What reason that another's violence
+Should stint the measure of my fair desert?
+
+"Cause too thou findst for doubt, in that it seems,
+That spirits to the stars, as Plato deem'd,
+Return.  These are the questions which thy will
+Urge equally; and therefore I the first
+Of that will treat which hath the more of gall.
+Of seraphim he who is most ensky'd,
+Moses and Samuel, and either John,
+Choose which thou wilt, nor even Mary's self,
+Have not in any other heav'n their seats,
+Than have those spirits which so late thou saw'st;
+Nor more or fewer years exist; but all
+Make the first circle beauteous, diversely
+Partaking of sweet life, as more or less
+Afflation of eternal bliss pervades them.
+Here were they shown thee, not that fate assigns
+This for their sphere, but for a sign to thee
+Of that celestial furthest from the height.
+Thus needs, that ye may apprehend, we speak:
+Since from things sensible alone ye learn
+That, which digested rightly after turns
+To intellectual.  For no other cause
+The scripture, condescending graciously
+To your perception, hands and feet to God
+Attributes, nor so means: and holy church
+Doth represent with human countenance
+Gabriel, and Michael, and him who made
+Tobias whole.  Unlike what here thou seest,
+The judgment of Timaeus, who affirms
+Each soul restor'd to its particular star,
+Believing it to have been taken thence,
+When nature gave it to inform her mold:
+Since to appearance his intention is
+E'en what his words declare: or else to shun
+Derision, haply thus he hath disguis'd
+His true opinion.  If his meaning be,
+That to the influencing of these orbs revert
+The honour and the blame in human acts,
+Perchance he doth not wholly miss the truth.
+This principle, not understood aright,
+Erewhile perverted well nigh all the world;
+So that it fell to fabled names of Jove,
+And Mercury, and Mars.  That other doubt,
+Which moves thee, is less harmful; for it brings
+No peril of removing thee from me.
+
+"That, to the eye of man, our justice seems
+Unjust, is argument for faith, and not
+For heretic declension.  To the end
+This truth may stand more clearly in your view,
+I will content thee even to thy wish
+
+"If violence be, when that which suffers, nought
+Consents to that which forceth, not for this
+These spirits stood exculpate.  For the will,
+That will not, still survives unquench'd, and doth
+As nature doth in fire, tho' violence
+Wrest it a thousand times; for, if it yield
+Or more or less, so far it follows force.
+And thus did these, whom they had power to seek
+The hallow'd place again.  In them, had will
+Been perfect, such as once upon the bars
+Held Laurence firm, or wrought in Scaevola
+To his own hand remorseless, to the path,
+Whence they were drawn, their steps had hasten'd back,
+When liberty return'd: but in too few
+Resolve so steadfast dwells.  And by these words
+If duly weigh'd, that argument is void,
+Which oft might have perplex'd thee still.  But now
+Another question thwarts thee, which to solve
+Might try thy patience without better aid.
+I have, no doubt, instill'd into thy mind,
+That blessed spirit may not lie; since near
+The source of primal truth it dwells for aye:
+And thou might'st after of Piccarda learn
+That Constance held affection to the veil;
+So that she seems to contradict me here.
+Not seldom, brother, it hath chanc'd for men
+To do what they had gladly left undone,
+Yet to shun peril they have done amiss:
+E'en as Alcmaeon, at his father's suit
+Slew his own mother, so made pitiless
+Not to lose pity.  On this point bethink thee,
+That force and will are blended in such wise
+As not to make the' offence excusable.
+Absolute will agrees not to the wrong,
+That inasmuch as there is fear of woe
+From non-compliance, it agrees.  Of will
+Thus absolute Piccarda spake, and I
+Of th' other; so that both have truly said."
+
+Such was the flow of that pure rill, that well'd
+From forth the fountain of all truth; and such
+The rest, that to my wond'ring thoughts I found.
+
+"O thou of primal love the prime delight!
+Goddess!"  I straight reply'd, "whose lively words
+Still shed new heat and vigour through my soul!
+Affection fails me to requite thy grace
+With equal sum of gratitude: be his
+To recompense, who sees and can reward thee.
+Well I discern, that by that truth alone
+Enlighten'd, beyond which no truth may roam,
+Our mind can satisfy her thirst to know:
+Therein she resteth, e'en as in his lair
+The wild beast, soon as she hath reach'd that bound,
+And she hath power to reach it; else desire
+Were given to no end.  And thence doth doubt
+Spring, like a shoot, around the stock of truth;
+And it is nature which from height to height
+On to the summit prompts us.  This invites,
+This doth assure me, lady, rev'rently
+To ask thee of other truth, that yet
+Is dark to me.  I fain would know, if man
+By other works well done may so supply
+The failure of his vows, that in your scale
+They lack not weight."  I spake; and on me straight
+Beatrice look'd with eyes that shot forth sparks
+Of love celestial in such copious stream,
+That, virtue sinking in me overpower'd,
+I turn'd, and downward bent confus'd my sight.
+
+
+
+
+CANTO V
+
+"If beyond earthly wont, the flame of love
+Illume me, so that I o'ercome thy power
+Of vision, marvel not: but learn the cause
+In that perfection of the sight, which soon
+As apprehending, hasteneth on to reach
+The good it apprehends.  I well discern,
+How in thine intellect already shines
+The light eternal, which to view alone
+Ne'er fails to kindle love; and if aught else
+Your love seduces, 't is but that it shows
+Some ill-mark'd vestige of that primal beam.
+
+"This would'st thou know, if failure of the vow
+By other service may be so supplied,
+As from self-question to assure the soul."
+
+Thus she her words, not heedless of my wish,
+Began; and thus, as one who breaks not off
+Discourse, continued in her saintly strain.
+"Supreme of gifts, which God creating gave
+Of his free bounty, sign most evident
+Of goodness, and in his account most priz'd,
+Was liberty of will, the boon wherewith
+All intellectual creatures, and them sole
+He hath endow'd.  Hence now thou mayst infer
+Of what high worth the vow, which so is fram'd
+That when man offers, God well-pleas'd accepts;
+For in the compact between God and him,
+This treasure, such as I describe it to thee,
+He makes the victim, and of his own act.
+What compensation therefore may he find?
+If that, whereof thou hast oblation made,
+By using well thou think'st to consecrate,
+Thou would'st of theft do charitable deed.
+Thus I resolve thee of the greater point.
+
+"But forasmuch as holy church, herein
+Dispensing, seems to contradict the truth
+I have discover'd to thee, yet behooves
+Thou rest a little longer at the board,
+Ere the crude aliment, which thou hast taken,
+Digested fitly to nutrition turn.
+Open thy mind to what I now unfold,
+And give it inward keeping.  Knowledge comes
+Of learning well retain'd, unfruitful else.
+
+"This sacrifice in essence of two things
+Consisteth; one is that, whereof 't is made,
+The covenant the other.  For the last,
+It ne'er is cancell'd if not kept: and hence
+I spake erewhile so strictly of its force.
+For this it was enjoin'd the Israelites,
+Though leave were giv'n them, as thou know'st, to change
+The offering, still to offer.  Th' other part,
+The matter and the substance of the vow,
+May well be such, to that without offence
+It may for other substance be exchang'd.
+But at his own discretion none may shift
+The burden on his shoulders, unreleas'd
+By either key, the yellow and the white.
+Nor deem of any change, as less than vain,
+If the last bond be not within the new
+Included, as the quatre in the six.
+No satisfaction therefore can be paid
+For what so precious in the balance weighs,
+That all in counterpoise must kick the beam.
+Take then no vow at random: ta'en, with faith
+Preserve it; yet not bent, as Jephthah once,
+Blindly to execute a rash resolve,
+Whom better it had suited to exclaim,
+'I have done ill,' than to redeem his pledge
+By doing worse or, not unlike to him
+In folly, that great leader of the Greeks:
+Whence, on the alter, Iphigenia mourn'd
+Her virgin beauty, and hath since made mourn
+Both wise and simple, even all, who hear
+Of so fell sacrifice.  Be ye more staid,
+O Christians, not, like feather, by each wind
+Removable: nor think to cleanse ourselves
+In every water.  Either testament,
+The old and new, is yours: and for your guide
+The shepherd of the church let this suffice
+To save you.  When by evil lust entic'd,
+Remember ye be men, not senseless beasts;
+Nor let the Jew, who dwelleth in your streets,
+Hold you in mock'ry.  Be not, as the lamb,
+That, fickle wanton, leaves its mother's milk,
+To dally with itself in idle play."
+
+Such were the words that Beatrice spake:
+These ended, to that region, where the world
+Is liveliest, full of fond desire she turn'd.
+
+Though mainly prompt new question to propose,
+Her silence and chang'd look did keep me dumb.
+And as the arrow, ere the cord is still,
+Leapeth unto its mark; so on we sped
+Into the second realm.  There I beheld
+The dame, so joyous enter, that the orb
+Grew brighter at her smiles; and, if the star
+Were mov'd to gladness, what then was my cheer,
+Whom nature hath made apt for every change!
+
+As in a quiet and clear lake the fish,
+If aught approach them from without, do draw
+Towards it, deeming it their food; so drew
+Full more than thousand splendours towards us,
+And in each one was heard: "Lo! one arriv'd
+To multiply our loves!" and as each came
+The shadow, streaming forth effulgence new,
+Witness'd augmented joy.  Here, reader! think,
+If thou didst miss the sequel of my tale,
+To know the rest how sorely thou wouldst crave;
+And thou shalt see what vehement desire
+Possess'd me, as soon as these had met my view,
+To know their state.  "O born in happy hour!
+Thou to whom grace vouchsafes, or ere thy close
+Of fleshly warfare, to behold the thrones
+Of that eternal triumph, know to us
+The light communicated, which through heaven
+Expatiates without bound.  Therefore, if aught
+Thou of our beams wouldst borrow for thine aid,
+Spare not; and of our radiance take thy fill."
+
+Thus of those piteous spirits one bespake me;
+And Beatrice next: "Say on; and trust
+As unto gods!"--"How in the light supreme
+Thou harbour'st, and from thence the virtue bring'st,
+That, sparkling in thine eyes, denotes thy joy,
+I mark; but, who thou art, am still to seek;
+Or wherefore, worthy spirit! for thy lot
+This sphere assign'd, that oft from mortal ken
+Is veil'd by others' beams."  I said, and turn'd
+Toward the lustre, that with greeting, kind
+Erewhile had hail'd me.  Forthwith brighter far
+Than erst, it wax'd: and, as himself the sun
+Hides through excess of light, when his warm gaze
+Hath on the mantle of thick vapours prey'd;
+Within its proper ray the saintly shape
+Was, through increase of gladness, thus conceal'd;
+And, shrouded so in splendour answer'd me,
+E'en as the tenour of my song declares.
+
+
+
+
+CANTO VI
+
+"After that Constantine the eagle turn'd
+Against the motions of the heav'n, that roll'd
+Consenting with its course, when he of yore,
+Lavinia's spouse, was leader of the flight,
+A hundred years twice told and more, his seat
+At Europe's extreme point, the bird of Jove
+Held, near the mountains, whence he issued first.
+There, under shadow of his sacred plumes
+Swaying the world, till through successive hands
+To mine he came devolv'd.  Caesar I was,
+And am Justinian; destin'd by the will
+Of that prime love, whose influence I feel,
+From vain excess to clear th' encumber'd laws.
+Or ere that work engag'd me, I did hold
+Christ's nature merely human, with such faith
+Contented.  But the blessed Agapete,
+Who was chief shepherd, he with warning voice
+To the true faith recall'd me.  I believ'd
+His words: and what he taught, now plainly see,
+As thou in every contradiction seest
+The true and false oppos'd.  Soon as my feet
+Were to the church reclaim'd, to my great task,
+By inspiration of God's grace impell'd,
+I gave me wholly, and consign'd mine arms
+To Belisarius, with whom heaven's right hand
+Was link'd in such conjointment, 't was a sign
+That I should rest.  To thy first question thus
+I shape mine answer, which were ended here,
+But that its tendency doth prompt perforce
+To some addition; that thou well, mayst mark
+What reason on each side they have to plead,
+By whom that holiest banner is withstood,
+Both who pretend its power and who oppose.
+
+"Beginning from that hour, when Pallas died
+To give it rule, behold the valorous deeds
+Have made it worthy reverence.  Not unknown
+To thee, how for three hundred years and more
+It dwelt in Alba, up to those fell lists
+Where for its sake were met the rival three;
+Nor aught unknown to thee, which it achiev'd
+Down to the Sabines' wrong to Lucrece' woe,
+With its sev'n kings conqu'ring the nation round;
+Nor all it wrought, by Roman worthies home
+'Gainst Brennus and th' Epirot prince, and hosts
+Of single chiefs, or states in league combin'd
+Of social warfare; hence Torquatus stern,
+And Quintius nam'd of his neglected locks,
+The Decii, and the Fabii hence acquir'd
+Their fame, which I with duteous zeal embalm.
+By it the pride of Arab hordes was quell'd,
+When they led on by Hannibal o'erpass'd
+The Alpine rocks, whence glide thy currents, Po!
+Beneath its guidance, in their prime of days
+Scipio and Pompey triumph'd; and that hill,
+Under whose summit thou didst see the light,
+Rued its stern bearing.  After, near the hour,
+When heav'n was minded that o'er all the world
+His own deep calm should brood, to Caesar's hand
+Did Rome consign it; and what then it wrought
+From Var unto the Rhine, saw Isere's flood,
+Saw Loire and Seine, and every vale, that fills
+The torrent Rhone.  What after that it wrought,
+When from Ravenna it came forth, and leap'd
+The Rubicon, was of so bold a flight,
+That tongue nor pen may follow it.  Tow'rds Spain
+It wheel'd its bands, then tow'rd Dyrrachium smote,
+And on Pharsalia with so fierce a plunge,
+E'en the warm Nile was conscious to the pang;
+Its native shores Antandros, and the streams
+Of Simois revisited, and there
+Where Hector lies; then ill for Ptolemy
+His pennons shook again; lightning thence fell
+On Juba; and the next upon your west,
+At sound of the Pompeian trump, return'd.
+
+"What following and in its next bearer's gripe
+It wrought, is now by Cassius and Brutus
+Bark'd off in hell, and by Perugia's sons
+And Modena's was mourn'd.  Hence weepeth still
+Sad Cleopatra, who, pursued by it,
+Took from the adder black and sudden death.
+With him it ran e'en to the Red Sea coast;
+With him compos'd the world to such a peace,
+That of his temple Janus barr'd the door.
+
+"But all the mighty standard yet had wrought,
+And was appointed to perform thereafter,
+Throughout the mortal kingdom which it sway'd,
+Falls in appearance dwindled and obscur'd,
+If one with steady eye and perfect thought
+On the third Caesar look; for to his hands,
+The living Justice, in whose breath I move,
+Committed glory, e'en into his hands,
+To execute the vengeance of its wrath.
+
+"Hear now and wonder at what next I tell.
+After with Titus it was sent to wreak
+Vengeance for vengeance of the ancient sin,
+And, when the Lombard tooth, with fangs impure,
+Did gore the bosom of the holy church,
+Under its wings victorious, Charlemagne
+Sped to her rescue.  Judge then for thyself
+Of those, whom I erewhile accus'd to thee,
+What they are, and how grievous their offending,
+Who are the cause of all your ills.  The one
+Against the universal ensign rears
+The yellow lilies, and with partial aim
+That to himself the other arrogates:
+So that 't is hard to see which more offends.
+Be yours, ye Ghibellines, to veil your arts
+Beneath another standard: ill is this
+Follow'd of him, who severs it and justice:
+And let not with his Guelphs the new-crown'd Charles
+Assail it, but those talons hold in dread,
+Which from a lion of more lofty port
+Have rent the easing.  Many a time ere now
+The sons have for the sire's transgression wail'd;
+Nor let him trust the fond belief, that heav'n
+Will truck its armour for his lilied shield.
+
+"This little star is furnish'd with good spirits,
+Whose mortal lives were busied to that end,
+That honour and renown might wait on them:
+And, when desires thus err in their intention,
+True love must needs ascend with slacker beam.
+But it is part of our delight, to measure
+Our wages with the merit; and admire
+The close proportion.  Hence doth heav'nly justice
+Temper so evenly affection in us,
+It ne'er can warp to any wrongfulness.
+Of diverse voices is sweet music made:
+So in our life the different degrees
+Render sweet harmony among these wheels.
+
+"Within the pearl, that now encloseth us,
+Shines Romeo's light, whose goodly deed and fair
+Met ill acceptance.  But the Provencals,
+That were his foes, have little cause for mirth.
+Ill shapes that man his course, who makes his wrong
+Of other's worth.  Four daughters were there born
+To Raymond Berenger, and every one
+Became a queen; and this for him did Romeo,
+Though of mean state and from a foreign land.
+Yet envious tongues incited him to ask
+A reckoning of that just one, who return'd
+Twelve fold to him for ten.  Aged and poor
+He parted thence: and if the world did know
+The heart he had, begging his life by morsels,
+'T would deem the praise, it yields him, scantly dealt."
+
+
+
+
+CANTO VII
+
+"Hosanna Sanctus Deus Sabaoth
+Superillustrans claritate tua
+Felices ignes horum malahoth!"
+Thus chanting saw I turn that substance bright
+With fourfold lustre to its orb again,
+Revolving; and the rest unto their dance
+With it mov'd also; and like swiftest sparks,
+In sudden distance from my sight were veil'd.
+
+Me doubt possess'd, and "Speak," it whisper'd me,
+"Speak, speak unto thy lady, that she quench
+Thy thirst with drops of sweetness."  Yet blank awe,
+Which lords it o'er me, even at the sound
+Of Beatrice's name, did bow me down
+As one in slumber held.  Not long that mood
+Beatrice suffer'd: she, with such a smile,
+As might have made one blest amid the flames,
+Beaming upon me, thus her words began:
+"Thou in thy thought art pond'ring (as I deem),
+And what I deem is truth how just revenge
+Could be with justice punish'd: from which doubt
+I soon will free thee; so thou mark my words;
+For they of weighty matter shall possess thee.
+
+"That man, who was unborn, himself condemn'd,
+And, in himself, all, who since him have liv'd,
+His offspring: whence, below, the human kind
+Lay sick in grievous error many an age;
+Until it pleas'd the Word of God to come
+Amongst them down, to his own person joining
+The nature, from its Maker far estrang'd,
+By the mere act of his eternal love.
+Contemplate here the wonder I unfold.
+The nature with its Maker thus conjoin'd,
+Created first was blameless, pure and good;
+But through itself alone was driven forth
+From Paradise, because it had eschew'd
+The way of truth and life, to evil turn'd.
+Ne'er then was penalty so just as that
+Inflicted by the cross, if thou regard
+The nature in assumption doom'd: ne'er wrong
+So great, in reference to him, who took
+Such nature on him, and endur'd the doom.
+God therefore and the Jews one sentence pleased:
+So different effects flow'd from one act,
+And heav'n was open'd, though the earth did quake.
+Count it not hard henceforth, when thou dost hear
+That a just vengeance was by righteous court
+Justly reveng'd.  But yet I see thy mind
+By thought on thought arising sore perplex'd,
+And with how vehement desire it asks
+Solution of the maze.  What I have heard,
+Is plain, thou sayst: but wherefore God this way
+For our redemption chose, eludes my search.
+
+"Brother! no eye of man not perfected,
+Nor fully ripen'd in the flame of love,
+May fathom this decree.  It is a mark,
+In sooth, much aim'd at, and but little kenn'd:
+And I will therefore show thee why such way
+Was worthiest.  The celestial love, that spume
+All envying in its bounty, in itself
+With such effulgence blazeth, as sends forth
+All beauteous things eternal.  What distils
+Immediate thence, no end of being knows,
+Bearing its seal immutably impress'd.
+Whatever thence immediate falls, is free,
+Free wholly, uncontrollable by power
+Of each thing new: by such conformity
+More grateful to its author, whose bright beams,
+Though all partake their shining, yet in those
+Are liveliest, which resemble him the most.
+These tokens of pre-eminence on man
+Largely bestow'd, if any of them fail,
+He needs must forfeit his nobility,
+No longer stainless.  Sin alone is that,
+Which doth disfranchise him, and make unlike
+To the chief good; for that its light in him
+Is darken'd.  And to dignity thus lost
+Is no return; unless, where guilt makes void,
+He for ill pleasure pay with equal pain.
+Your nature, which entirely in its seed
+Trangress'd, from these distinctions fell, no less
+Than from its state in Paradise; nor means
+Found of recovery (search all methods out
+As strickly as thou may) save one of these,
+The only fords were left through which to wade,
+Either that God had of his courtesy
+Releas'd him merely, or else man himself
+For his own folly by himself aton'd.
+
+"Fix now thine eye, intently as thou canst,
+On th' everlasting counsel, and explore,
+Instructed by my words, the dread abyss.
+
+"Man in himself had ever lack'd the means
+Of satisfaction, for he could not stoop
+Obeying, in humility so low,
+As high he, disobeying, thought to soar:
+And for this reason he had vainly tried
+Out of his own sufficiency to pay
+The rigid satisfaction.  Then behooved
+That God should by his own ways lead him back
+Unto the life, from whence he fell, restor'd:
+By both his ways, I mean, or one alone.
+But since the deed is ever priz'd the more,
+The more the doer's good intent appears,
+Goodness celestial, whose broad signature
+Is on the universe, of all its ways
+To raise ye up, was fain to leave out none,
+Nor aught so vast or so magnificent,
+Either for him who gave or who receiv'd
+Between the last night and the primal day,
+Was or can be.  For God more bounty show'd.
+Giving himself to make man capable
+Of his return to life, than had the terms
+Been mere and unconditional release.
+And for his justice, every method else
+Were all too scant, had not the Son of God
+Humbled himself to put on mortal flesh.
+
+"Now, to fulfil each wish of thine, remains
+I somewhat further to thy view unfold.
+That thou mayst see as clearly as myself.
+
+"I see, thou sayst, the air, the fire I see,
+The earth and water, and all things of them
+Compounded, to corruption turn, and soon
+Dissolve.  Yet these were also things create,
+Because, if what were told me, had been true
+They from corruption had been therefore free.
+
+"The angels, O my brother! and this clime
+Wherein thou art, impassible and pure,
+I call created, as indeed they are
+In their whole being.  But the elements,
+Which thou hast nam'd, and what of them is made,
+Are by created virtue' inform'd: create
+Their substance, and create the' informing virtue
+In these bright stars, that round them circling move
+The soul of every brute and of each plant,
+The ray and motion of the sacred lights,
+With complex potency attract and turn.
+But this our life the' eternal good inspires
+Immediate, and enamours of itself;
+So that our wishes rest for ever here.
+
+"And hence thou mayst by inference conclude
+Our resurrection certain, if thy mind
+Consider how the human flesh was fram'd,
+When both our parents at the first were made."
+
+
+
+
+CANTO VIII
+
+The world was in its day of peril dark
+Wont to believe the dotage of fond love
+From the fair Cyprian deity, who rolls
+In her third epicycle, shed on men
+By stream of potent radiance: therefore they
+Of elder time, in their old error blind,
+Not her alone with sacrifice ador'd
+And invocation, but like honours paid
+To Cupid and Dione, deem'd of them
+Her mother, and her son, him whom they feign'd
+To sit in Dido's bosom: and from her,
+Whom I have sung preluding, borrow'd they
+The appellation of that star, which views,
+Now obvious and now averse, the sun.
+
+I was not ware that I was wafted up
+Into  its orb; but the new loveliness
+That grac'd my lady, gave me ample proof
+That we had entered there.  And as in flame
+A sparkle is distinct, or voice in voice
+Discern'd, when one its even tenour keeps,
+The other comes and goes; so in that light
+I other luminaries saw, that cours'd
+In circling motion, rapid more or less,
+As their eternal phases each impels.
+
+Never was blast from vapour charged with cold,
+Whether invisible to eye or no,
+Descended with such speed, it had not seem'd
+To linger in dull tardiness, compar'd
+To those celestial lights, that tow'rds us came,
+Leaving the circuit of their joyous ring,
+Conducted by the lofty seraphim.
+And after them, who in the van appear'd,
+Such an hosanna sounded, as hath left
+Desire, ne'er since extinct in me, to hear
+Renew'd the strain.  Then parting from the rest
+One near us drew, and sole began: "We all
+Are ready at thy pleasure, well dispos'd
+To do thee gentle service.  We are they,
+To whom thou in the world erewhile didst Sing
+'O ye! whose intellectual ministry
+Moves the third heaven!' and in one orb we roll,
+One motion, one impulse, with those who rule
+Princedoms in heaven; yet are of love so full,
+That to please thee 't will be as sweet to rest."
+
+After mine eyes had with meek reverence
+Sought the celestial guide, and were by her
+Assur'd, they turn'd again unto the light
+Who had so largely promis'd, and with voice
+That bare the lively pressure of my zeal,
+"Tell who ye are," I cried.  Forthwith it grew
+In size and splendour, through augmented joy;
+And thus it answer'd: "A short date below
+The world possess'd me.  Had the time been more,
+Much evil, that will come, had never chanc'd.
+My gladness hides thee from me, which doth shine
+Around, and shroud me, as an animal
+In its own silk unswath'd.  Thou lov'dst me well,
+And had'st good cause; for had my sojourning
+Been longer on the earth, the love I bare thee
+Had put forth more than blossoms.  The left bank,
+That Rhone, when he hath mix'd with Sorga, laves.
+
+"In me its lord expected, and that horn
+Of fair Ausonia, with its boroughs old,
+Bari, and Croton, and Gaeta pil'd,
+From where the Trento disembogues his waves,
+With Verde mingled, to the salt sea-flood.
+Already on my temples beam'd the crown,
+Which gave me sov'reignty over the land
+By Danube wash'd, whenas he strays beyond
+The limits of his German shores.  The realm,
+Where, on the gulf by stormy Eurus lash'd,
+Betwixt Pelorus and Pachynian heights,
+The beautiful Trinacria lies in gloom
+(Not through Typhaeus, but the vap'ry cloud
+Bituminous upsteam'd), THAT too did look
+To have its scepter wielded by a race
+Of monarchs, sprung through me from Charles and Rodolph;
+had not ill lording which doth spirit up
+The people ever, in Palermo rais'd
+The shout of 'death,' re-echo'd loud and long.
+Had but my brother's foresight kenn'd as much,
+He had been warier that the greedy want
+Of Catalonia might not work his bale.
+And truly need there is, that he forecast,
+Or other for him, lest more freight be laid
+On his already over-laden bark.
+Nature in him, from bounty fall'n to thrift,
+Would ask the  guard of braver arms, than such
+As only care to have their coffers fill'd."
+
+"My liege, it doth enhance the joy thy words
+Infuse into me, mighty as it is,
+To think my gladness manifest to thee,
+As to myself, who own it, when thou lookst
+Into the source and limit of all good,
+There, where thou markest that which thou dost speak,
+Thence priz'd of me the more.  Glad thou hast made me.
+Now make intelligent, clearing the doubt
+Thy speech hath raised in me; for much I muse,
+How bitter can spring up, when sweet is sown."
+
+I thus inquiring; he forthwith replied:
+"If I have power to show one truth, soon that
+Shall face thee, which thy questioning declares
+Behind thee now conceal'd.  The Good, that guides
+And blessed makes this realm, which thou dost mount,
+Ordains its providence to be the virtue
+In these great bodies: nor th' all perfect Mind
+Upholds their nature merely, but in them
+Their energy to save: for nought, that lies
+Within the range of that unerring bow,
+But is as level with the destin'd aim,
+As ever mark to arrow's point oppos'd.
+Were it not thus, these heavens, thou dost visit,
+Would their effect so work, it would not be
+Art, but destruction; and this may not chance,
+If th' intellectual powers, that move these stars,
+Fail not, or who, first faulty made them fail.
+Wilt thou this truth more clearly evidenc'd?"
+
+To whom I thus: "It is enough: no fear,
+I see, lest nature in her part should tire."
+
+He straight rejoin'd: "Say, were it worse for man,
+If he liv'd not in fellowship on earth?"
+
+"Yea," answer'd I; "nor here a reason needs."
+
+"And may that be, if different estates
+Grow not of different duties in your life?
+Consult your teacher, and he tells you 'no."'
+
+Thus did he come, deducing to this point,
+And then concluded: "For this cause behooves,
+The roots, from whence your operations come,
+Must differ.  Therefore one is Solon born;
+Another, Xerxes; and Melchisidec
+A third; and he a fourth, whose airy voyage
+Cost him his son.  In her circuitous course,
+Nature, that is the seal to mortal wax,
+Doth well her art, but no distinctions owns
+'Twixt one or other household.  Hence befalls
+That Esau is so wide of Jacob: hence
+Quirinus of so base a father springs,
+He dates from Mars his lineage.  Were it not
+That providence celestial overrul'd,
+Nature, in generation, must the path
+Trac'd by the generator, still pursue
+Unswervingly.  Thus place I in thy sight
+That, which was late behind thee.  But, in sign
+Of more affection for thee, 't is my will
+Thou wear this corollary.  Nature ever
+Finding discordant fortune, like all seed
+Out of its proper climate, thrives but ill.
+And were the world below content to mark
+And work on the foundation nature lays,
+It would not lack supply of excellence.
+But ye perversely to religion strain
+Him, who was born to gird on him the sword,
+And of the fluent phrasemen make your king;
+Therefore your steps have wander'd from the paths."
+
+
+
+
+CANTO IX
+
+After solution of my doubt, thy Charles,
+O fair Clemenza, of the treachery spake
+That must befall his seed: but, "Tell it not,"
+Said he, "and let the destin'd years come round."
+Nor may I tell thee more, save that the meed
+Of sorrow well-deserv'd shall quit your wrongs.
+
+And now the visage of that saintly light
+Was to the sun, that fills it, turn'd again,
+As to the good, whose plenitude of bliss
+Sufficeth all.  O ye misguided souls!
+Infatuate, who from such a good estrange
+Your hearts, and bend your gaze on vanity,
+Alas for you!--And lo! toward me, next,
+Another of those splendent forms approach'd,
+That, by its outward bright'ning, testified
+The will it had to pleasure me.  The eyes
+Of Beatrice, resting, as before,
+Firmly upon me, manifested forth
+Approval of my wish.  "And O," I cried,
+"Blest spirit! quickly be my will perform'd;
+And prove thou to me, that my inmost thoughts
+I can reflect on thee."  Thereat the light,
+That yet was new to me, from the recess,
+Where it before was singing, thus began,
+As one who joys in kindness: "In that part
+Of the deprav'd Italian land, which lies
+Between Rialto, and the fountain-springs
+Of Brenta and of Piava, there doth rise,
+But to no lofty eminence, a hill,
+From whence erewhile a firebrand did descend,
+That sorely sheet the region.  From one root
+I and it sprang; my name on earth Cunizza:
+And here I glitter, for that by its light
+This star o'ercame me.  Yet I naught repine,
+Nor grudge myself the cause of this my lot,
+Which haply vulgar hearts can scarce conceive.
+
+"This jewel, that is next me in our heaven,
+Lustrous and costly, great renown hath left,
+And not to perish, ere these hundred years
+Five times absolve their round.  Consider thou,
+If to excel be worthy man's endeavour,
+When such life may attend the first.  Yet they
+Care not for this, the crowd that now are girt
+By Adice and Tagliamento, still
+Impenitent, tho' scourg'd.  The hour is near,
+When for their stubbornness at Padua's marsh
+The water shall be chang'd, that laves Vicena
+And where Cagnano meets with Sile, one
+Lords it, and bears his head aloft, for whom
+The web is now a-warping.  Feltro too
+Shall sorrow for its godless shepherd's fault,
+Of so deep stain, that never, for the like,
+Was Malta's bar unclos'd.  Too large should be
+The skillet, that would hold Ferrara's blood,
+And wearied he, who ounce by ounce would weight it,
+The which this priest, in show of party-zeal,
+Courteous will give; nor will the gift ill suit
+The country's custom.  We descry above,
+Mirrors, ye call them thrones, from which to us
+Reflected shine the judgments of our God:
+Whence these our sayings we avouch for good."
+
+She ended, and appear'd on other thoughts
+Intent, re-ent'ring on the wheel she late
+Had left.  That other joyance meanwhile wax'd
+A thing to marvel at, in splendour glowing,
+Like choicest ruby stricken by the sun,
+For, in that upper clime, effulgence comes
+Of gladness, as here laughter: and below,
+As the mind saddens, murkier grows the shade.
+
+"God seeth all: and in him is thy sight,"
+Said I, "blest Spirit!  Therefore will of his
+Cannot to thee be dark.  Why then delays
+Thy voice to satisfy my wish untold,
+That voice which joins the inexpressive song,
+Pastime of heav'n, the which those ardours sing,
+That cowl them with six shadowing wings outspread?
+I would not wait thy asking, wert thou known
+To me, as thoroughly I to thee am known."
+
+He forthwith answ'ring, thus his words began:
+"The valley' of waters, widest next to that
+Which doth the earth engarland, shapes its course,
+Between discordant shores, against the sun
+Inward so far, it makes meridian there,
+Where was before th' horizon.  Of that vale
+Dwelt I upon the shore, 'twixt Ebro's stream
+And Macra's, that divides with passage brief
+Genoan bounds from Tuscan.  East and west
+Are nearly one to Begga and my land,
+Whose haven erst was with its own blood warm.
+Who knew my name were wont to call me Folco:
+And I did bear impression of this heav'n,
+That now bears mine: for not with fiercer flame
+Glow'd Belus' daughter, injuring alike
+Sichaeus and Creusa, than did I,
+Long as it suited the unripen'd down
+That fledg'd my cheek: nor she of Rhodope,
+That was beguiled of Demophoon;
+Nor Jove's son, when the charms of Iole
+Were shrin'd within his heart.  And yet there hides
+No sorrowful repentance here, but mirth,
+Not for the fault (that doth not come to mind),
+But for the virtue, whose o'erruling sway
+And providence have wrought thus quaintly.  Here
+The skill is look'd into, that fashioneth
+With such effectual working, and the good
+Discern'd, accruing to this upper world
+From that below.  But fully to content
+Thy wishes, all that in this sphere have birth,
+Demands my further parle.  Inquire thou wouldst,
+Who of this light is denizen, that here
+Beside me sparkles, as the sun-beam doth
+On the clear wave.  Know then, the soul of Rahab
+Is in that gladsome harbour, to our tribe
+United, and the foremost rank assign'd.
+He to that heav'n, at which the shadow ends
+Of your sublunar world, was taken up,
+First, in Christ's triumph, of all souls redeem'd:
+For well behoov'd, that, in some part of heav'n,
+She should remain a trophy, to declare
+The mighty contest won with either palm;
+For that she favour'd first the high exploit
+Of Joshua on the holy land, whereof
+The Pope recks little now.  Thy city, plant
+Of him, that on his Maker turn'd the back,
+And of whose envying so much woe hath sprung,
+Engenders and expands the cursed flower,
+That hath made wander both the sheep and lambs,
+Turning the shepherd to a wolf.  For this,
+The gospel and great teachers laid aside,
+The decretals, as their stuft margins show,
+Are the sole study.  Pope and Cardinals,
+Intent on these, ne'er journey but in thought
+To Nazareth, where Gabriel op'd his wings.
+Yet it may chance, erelong, the Vatican,
+And other most selected parts of Rome,
+That were the grave of Peter's soldiery,
+Shall be deliver'd from the adult'rous bond."
+
+
+
+
+CANTO X
+
+Looking into his first-born with the love,
+Which breathes from both eternal, the first Might
+Ineffable, whence eye or mind
+Can roam, hath in such order all dispos'd,
+As none may see and fail to enjoy.  Raise, then,
+O reader! to the lofty wheels, with me,
+Thy ken directed to the point, whereat
+One motion strikes on th' other.  There begin
+Thy wonder of the mighty Architect,
+Who loves his work so inwardly, his eye
+Doth ever watch it.  See, how thence oblique
+Brancheth the circle, where the planets roll
+To pour their wished influence on the world;
+Whose path not bending thus, in heav'n above
+Much virtue would be lost, and here on earth,
+All power well nigh extinct: or, from direct
+Were its departure distant more or less,
+I' th' universal order, great defect
+Must, both in heav'n and here beneath, ensue.
+
+Now rest thee, reader! on thy bench, and muse
+Anticipative of the feast to come;
+So shall delight make thee not feel thy toil.
+Lo! I have set before thee, for thyself
+Feed now: the matter I indite, henceforth
+Demands entire my thought.  Join'd with the part,
+Which late we told of, the great minister
+Of nature, that upon the world imprints
+The virtue of the heaven, and doles out
+Time for us with his beam, went circling on
+Along the spires, where each hour sooner comes;
+And I was with him, weetless of ascent,
+As one, who till arriv'd, weets not his coming.
+
+For Beatrice, she who passeth on
+So suddenly from good to better, time
+Counts not the act, oh then how great must needs
+Have been her brightness!  What she was i' th' sun
+(Where I had enter'd), not through change of hue,
+But light transparent--did I summon up
+Genius, art, practice--I might not so speak,
+It should be e'er imagin'd: yet believ'd
+It may be, and the sight be justly crav'd.
+And if our fantasy fail of such height,
+What marvel, since no eye above the sun
+Hath ever travel'd?  Such are they dwell here,
+Fourth family of the Omnipotent Sire,
+Who of his spirit and of his offspring shows;
+And holds them still enraptur'd with the view.
+And thus to me Beatrice: "Thank, oh thank,
+The Sun of angels, him, who by his grace
+To this perceptible hath lifted thee."
+
+Never was heart in such devotion bound,
+And with complacency so absolute
+Dispos'd to render up itself to God,
+As mine was at those words: and so entire
+The love for Him, that held me, it eclips'd
+Beatrice in oblivion.  Naught displeas'd
+Was she, but smil'd thereat so joyously,
+That of her laughing eyes the radiance brake
+And scatter'd my collected mind abroad.
+
+Then saw I a bright band, in liveliness
+Surpassing, who themselves did make the crown,
+And us their centre: yet more sweet in voice,
+Than in their visage beaming.  Cinctur'd thus,
+Sometime Latona's daughter we behold,
+When the impregnate air retains the thread,
+That weaves her zone.  In the celestial court,
+Whence I return, are many jewels found,
+So dear and beautiful, they cannot brook
+Transporting from that realm: and of these lights
+Such was the song.  Who doth not prune his wing
+To soar up thither, let him look from thence
+For tidings from the dumb.  When, singing thus,
+Those burning suns that circled round us thrice,
+As nearest stars around the fixed pole,
+Then seem'd they like to ladies, from the dance
+Not ceasing, but suspense, in silent pause,
+List'ning, till they have caught the strain anew:
+Suspended so they stood: and, from within,
+Thus heard I one, who spake: "Since with its beam
+The grace, whence true love lighteth first his flame,
+That after doth increase by loving, shines
+So multiplied in thee, it leads thee up
+Along this ladder, down whose hallow'd steps
+None e'er descend, and mount them not again,
+Who from his phial should refuse thee wine
+To slake thy thirst, no less constrained were,
+Than water flowing not unto the sea.
+Thou fain wouldst hear, what plants are these, that bloom
+In the bright garland, which, admiring, girds
+This fair dame round, who strengthens thee for heav'n.
+I then was of the lambs, that Dominic
+Leads, for his saintly flock, along the way,
+Where well they thrive, not sworn with vanity.
+He, nearest on my right hand, brother was,
+And master to me: Albert of Cologne
+Is this: and of Aquinum, Thomas I.
+If thou of all the rest wouldst be assur'd,
+Let thine eye, waiting on the words I speak,
+In circuit journey round the blessed wreath.
+That next resplendence issues from the smile
+Of Gratian, who to either forum lent
+Such help, as favour wins in Paradise.
+The other, nearest, who adorns our quire,
+Was Peter, he that with the widow gave
+To holy church his treasure.  The fifth light,
+Goodliest of all, is by such love inspired,
+That all your world craves tidings of its doom:
+Within, there is the lofty light, endow'd
+With sapience so profound, if truth be truth,
+That with a ken of such wide amplitude
+No second hath arisen.  Next behold
+That taper's radiance, to whose view was shown,
+Clearliest, the nature and the ministry
+Angelical, while yet in flesh it dwelt.
+In the other little light serenely smiles
+That pleader for the Christian temples, he
+Who did provide Augustin of his lore.
+Now, if thy mind's eye pass from light to light,
+Upon my praises following, of the eighth
+Thy thirst is next.  The saintly soul, that shows
+The world's deceitfulness, to all who hear him,
+Is, with the sight of all the good, that is,
+Blest there.  The limbs, whence it was driven, lie
+Down in Cieldauro, and from martyrdom
+And exile came it here.  Lo! further on,
+Where flames the arduous Spirit of Isidore,
+Of Bede, and Richard, more than man, erewhile,
+In deep discernment.  Lastly this, from whom
+Thy look on me reverteth, was the beam
+Of one, whose spirit, on high musings bent,
+Rebuk'd the ling'ring tardiness of death.
+It is the eternal light of Sigebert,
+Who 'scap'd not envy, when of truth he argued,
+Reading in the straw-litter'd street."  Forthwith,
+As clock, that calleth up the spouse of God
+To win her bridegroom's love at matin's hour,
+Each part of other fitly drawn and urg'd,
+Sends out a tinkling sound, of note so sweet,
+Affection springs in well-disposed breast;
+Thus saw I move the glorious wheel, thus heard
+Voice answ'ring voice, so musical and soft,
+It can be known but where day endless shines.
+
+
+
+
+CANTO XI
+
+O fond anxiety of mortal men!
+How vain and inconclusive arguments
+Are those, which make thee beat thy wings below
+For statues one, and one for aphorisms
+Was hunting; this the priesthood follow'd, that
+By force or sophistry aspir'd to rule;
+To rob another, and another sought
+By civil business wealth; one moiling lay
+Tangled in net of sensual delight,
+And one to witless indolence resign'd;
+What time from all these empty things escap'd,
+With Beatrice, I thus gloriously
+Was rais'd aloft, and made the guest of heav'n.
+
+They of the circle to that point, each one.
+Where erst it was, had turn'd; and steady glow'd,
+As candle in his socket.  Then within
+The lustre, that erewhile bespake me, smiling
+With merer gladness, heard I thus begin:
+
+"E'en as his beam illumes me, so I look
+Into the eternal light, and clearly mark
+Thy thoughts, from whence they rise.  Thou art in doubt,
+And wouldst, that I should bolt my words afresh
+In such plain open phrase, as may be smooth
+To thy perception, where I told thee late
+That 'well they thrive;' and that 'no second such
+Hath risen,' which no small distinction needs.
+
+"The providence, that governeth the world,
+In depth of counsel by created ken
+Unfathomable, to the end that she,
+Who with loud cries was 'spous'd in precious blood,
+Might keep her footing towards her well-belov'd,
+Safe in herself and constant unto him,
+Hath two ordain'd, who should on either hand
+In chief escort her: one seraphic all
+In fervency; for wisdom upon earth,
+The other splendour of cherubic light.
+I but of one will tell: he tells of both,
+Who one commendeth which of them so'er
+Be taken: for their deeds were to one end.
+
+"Between Tupino, and the wave, that falls
+From blest Ubaldo's chosen hill, there hangs
+Rich slope of mountain high, whence heat and cold
+Are wafted through Perugia's eastern gate:
+And Norcera with Gualdo, in its rear
+Mourn for their heavy yoke.  Upon that side,
+Where it doth break its steepness most, arose
+A sun upon the world, as duly this
+From Ganges doth: therefore let none, who speak
+Of that place, say Ascesi; for its name
+Were lamely so deliver'd; but the East,
+To call things rightly, be it henceforth styl'd.
+He was not yet much distant from his rising,
+When his good influence 'gan to bless the earth.
+A dame to whom none openeth pleasure's gate
+More than to death, was, 'gainst his father's will,
+His stripling choice: and he did make her his,
+Before the Spiritual court, by nuptial bonds,
+And in his father's sight: from day to day,
+Then lov'd her more devoutly.  She, bereav'd
+Of her first husband, slighted and obscure,
+Thousand and hundred years and more, remain'd
+Without a single suitor, till he came.
+Nor aught avail'd, that, with Amyclas, she
+Was found unmov'd at rumour of his voice,
+Who shook the world: nor aught her constant boldness
+Whereby with Christ she mounted on the cross,
+When Mary stay'd beneath.  But not to deal
+Thus closely with thee longer, take at large
+The rovers' titles--Poverty and Francis.
+Their concord and glad looks, wonder and love,
+And sweet regard gave birth to holy thoughts,
+So much, that venerable Bernard first
+Did bare his feet, and, in pursuit of peace
+So heavenly, ran, yet deem'd his footing slow.
+O hidden riches!  O prolific good!
+Egidius bares him next, and next Sylvester,
+And follow both the bridegroom; so the bride
+Can please them.  Thenceforth goes he on his way,
+The father and the master, with his spouse,
+And with that family, whom now the cord
+Girt humbly: nor did abjectness of heart
+Weigh down his eyelids, for that he was son
+Of Pietro Bernardone, and by men
+In wond'rous sort despis'd.  But royally
+His hard intention he to Innocent
+Set forth, and from him first receiv'd the seal
+On his religion.  Then, when numerous flock'd
+The tribe of lowly ones, that trac'd HIS steps,
+Whose marvellous life deservedly were sung
+In heights empyreal, through Honorius' hand
+A second crown, to deck their Guardian's virtues,
+Was by the eternal Spirit inwreath'd: and when
+He had, through thirst of martyrdom, stood up
+In the proud Soldan's presence, and there preach'd
+Christ and his followers; but found the race
+Unripen'd for conversion: back once more
+He hasted (not to intermit his toil),
+And reap'd Ausonian lands.  On the hard rock,
+'Twixt Arno and the Tyber, he from Christ
+Took the last Signet, which his limbs two years
+Did carry.  Then the season come, that he,
+Who to such good had destin'd him, was pleas'd
+T' advance him to the meed, which he had earn'd
+By his self-humbling, to his brotherhood,
+As their just heritage, he gave in charge
+His dearest lady, and enjoin'd their love
+And faith to her: and, from her bosom, will'd
+His goodly spirit should move forth, returning
+To its appointed kingdom, nor would have
+His body laid upon another bier.
+
+"Think now of one, who were a fit colleague,
+To keep the bark of Peter in deep sea
+Helm'd to right point; and such our Patriarch was.
+Therefore who follow him, as he enjoins,
+Thou mayst be certain, take good lading in.
+But hunger of new viands tempts his flock,
+So that they needs into strange pastures wide
+Must spread them: and the more remote from him
+The stragglers wander, so much mole they come
+Home to the sheep-fold, destitute of milk.
+There are of them, in truth, who fear their harm,
+And to the shepherd cleave; but these so few,
+A little stuff may furnish out their cloaks.
+
+"Now, if my words be clear, if thou have ta'en
+Good heed, if that, which I have told, recall
+To mind, thy wish may be in part fulfill'd:
+For thou wilt see the point from whence they split,
+Nor miss of the reproof, which that implies,
+'That well they thrive not sworn with vanity."'
+
+
+
+
+CANTO XII
+
+Soon as its final word the blessed flame
+Had rais'd for utterance, straight the holy mill
+Began to wheel, nor yet had once revolv'd,
+Or ere another, circling, compass'd it,
+Motion to motion, song to song, conjoining,
+Song, that as much our muses doth excel,
+Our Sirens with their tuneful pipes, as ray
+Of primal splendour doth its faint reflex.
+
+As when, if Juno bid her handmaid forth,
+Two arches parallel, and trick'd alike,
+Span the thin cloud, the outer taking birth
+From that within (in manner of that voice
+Whom love did melt away, as sun the mist),
+And they who gaze, presageful call to mind
+The compact, made with Noah, of the world
+No more to be o'erflow'd; about us thus
+Of sempiternal roses, bending, wreath'd
+Those garlands twain, and to the innermost
+E'en thus th' external answered.  When the footing,
+And other great festivity, of song,
+And radiance, light with light accordant, each
+Jocund and blythe, had at their pleasure still'd
+(E'en as the eyes by quick volition mov'd,
+Are shut and rais'd together), from the heart
+Of one amongst the new lights mov'd a voice,
+That made me seem like needle to the star,
+In turning to its whereabout, and thus
+Began: "The love, that makes me beautiful,
+Prompts me to tell of th' other guide, for whom
+Such good of mine is spoken.  Where one is,
+The other worthily should also be;
+That as their warfare was alike, alike
+Should be their glory.  Slow, and full of doubt,
+And with thin ranks, after its banner mov'd
+The army of Christ (which it so clearly cost
+To reappoint), when its imperial Head,
+Who reigneth ever, for the drooping host
+Did make provision, thorough grace alone,
+And not through its deserving.  As thou heard'st,
+Two champions to the succour of his spouse
+He sent, who by their deeds and words might join
+Again his scatter'd people.  In that clime,
+Where springs the pleasant west-wind to unfold
+The fresh leaves, with which Europe sees herself
+New-garmented; nor from those billows far,
+Beyond whose chiding, after weary course,
+The sun doth sometimes hide him, safe abides
+The happy Callaroga, under guard
+Of the great shield, wherein the lion lies
+Subjected and supreme.  And there was born
+The loving million of the Christian faith,
+The hollow'd wrestler, gentle to his own,
+And to his enemies terrible.  So replete
+His soul with lively virtue, that when first
+Created, even in the mother's womb,
+It prophesied.  When, at the sacred font,
+The spousals were complete 'twixt faith and him,
+Where pledge of mutual safety was exchang'd,
+The dame, who was his surety, in her sleep
+Beheld the wondrous fruit, that was from him
+And from his heirs to issue.  And that such
+He might be construed, as indeed he was,
+She was inspir'd to name him of his owner,
+Whose he was wholly, and so call'd him Dominic.
+And I speak of him, as the labourer,
+Whom Christ in his own garden chose to be
+His help-mate.  Messenger he seem'd, and friend
+Fast-knit to Christ; and the first love he show'd,
+Was after the first counsel that Christ gave.
+Many a time his nurse, at entering found
+That he had ris'n in silence, and was prostrate,
+As who should say, "My errand was for this."
+O happy father!  Felix rightly nam'd!
+O favour'd mother! rightly nam'd Joanna!
+If that do mean, as men interpret it.
+Not for the world's sake, for which now they pore
+Upon Ostiense and Taddeo's page,
+But for the real manna, soon he grew
+Mighty in learning, and did set himself
+To go about the vineyard, that soon turns
+To wan and wither'd, if not tended well:
+And from the see (whose bounty to the just
+And needy is gone by, not through its fault,
+But his who fills it basely, he besought,
+No dispensation for commuted wrong,
+Nor the first vacant fortune, nor the tenth),
+That to God's paupers rightly appertain,
+But, 'gainst an erring and degenerate world,
+Licence to fight, in favour of that seed,
+From which the twice twelve cions gird thee round.
+Then, with sage doctrine and good will to help,
+Forth on his great apostleship he far'd,
+Like torrent bursting from a lofty vein;
+And, dashing 'gainst the stocks of heresy,
+Smote fiercest, where resistance was most stout.
+Thence many rivulets have since been turn'd,
+Over the garden Catholic to lead
+Their living waters, and have fed its plants.
+
+"If such one wheel of that two-yoked car,
+Wherein the holy church defended her,
+And rode triumphant through the civil broil.
+Thou canst not doubt its fellow's excellence,
+Which Thomas, ere my coming, hath declar'd
+So courteously unto thee.  But the track,
+Which its smooth fellies made, is now deserted:
+That mouldy mother is where late were lees.
+His family, that wont to trace his path,
+Turn backward, and invert their steps; erelong
+To rue the gathering in of their ill crop,
+When the rejected tares in vain shall ask
+Admittance to the barn.  I question not
+But he, who search'd our volume, leaf by leaf,
+Might still find page with this inscription on't,
+'I am as I was wont.'  Yet such were not
+From Acquasparta nor Casale, whence
+Of those, who come to meddle with the text,
+One stretches and another cramps its rule.
+Bonaventura's life in me behold,
+From Bagnororegio, one, who in discharge
+Of my great offices still laid aside
+All sinister aim.  Illuminato here,
+And Agostino join me: two they were,
+Among the first of those barefooted meek ones,
+Who sought God's friendship in the cord: with them
+Hugues of Saint Victor, Pietro Mangiadore,
+And he of Spain in his twelve volumes shining,
+Nathan the prophet, Metropolitan
+Chrysostom, and Anselmo, and, who deign'd
+To put his hand to the first art, Donatus.
+Raban is here: and at my side there shines
+Calabria's abbot, Joachim, endow'd
+With soul prophetic.  The bright courtesy
+Of friar Thomas, and his goodly lore,
+Have mov'd me to the blazon of a peer
+So worthy, and with me have mov'd this throng."
+
+
+
+
+CANTO XIII
+
+Let him, who would conceive what now I saw,
+Imagine (and retain the image firm,
+As mountain rock, the whilst he hears me speak),
+Of stars fifteen, from midst the ethereal host
+Selected, that, with lively ray serene,
+O'ercome the massiest air: thereto imagine
+The wain, that, in the bosom of our sky,
+Spins ever on its axle night and day,
+With the bright summit of that horn which swells
+Due from the pole, round which the first wheel rolls,
+T' have rang'd themselves in fashion of two signs
+In heav'n, such as Ariadne made,
+When death's chill seized her; and that one of them
+Did compass in the other's beam; and both
+In such sort whirl around, that each should tend
+With opposite motion and, conceiving thus,
+Of that true constellation, and the dance
+Twofold, that circled me, he shall attain
+As 't were the shadow; for things there as much
+Surpass our usage, as the swiftest heav'n
+Is swifter than the Chiana.  There was sung
+No Bacchus, and no Io Paean, but
+Three Persons in the Godhead, and in one
+Substance that nature and the human join'd.
+
+The song fulfill'd its measure; and to us
+Those saintly lights attended, happier made
+At each new minist'ring.  Then silence brake,
+Amid th' accordant sons of Deity,
+That luminary, in which the wondrous life
+Of the meek man of God was told to me;
+And thus it spake: "One ear o' th' harvest thresh'd,
+And its grain safely stor'd, sweet charity
+Invites me with the other to like toil.
+
+"Thou know'st, that in the bosom, whence the rib
+Was ta'en to fashion that fair cheek, whose taste
+All the world pays for, and in that, which pierc'd
+By the keen lance, both after and before
+Such satisfaction offer'd, as outweighs
+Each evil in the scale, whate'er of light
+To human nature is allow'd, must all
+Have by his virtue been infus'd, who form'd
+Both one and other: and thou thence admir'st
+In that I told thee, of beatitudes
+A second, there is none, to his enclos'd
+In the fifth radiance.  Open now thine eyes
+To what I answer thee; and thou shalt see
+Thy deeming and my saying meet in truth,
+As centre in the round.  That which dies not,
+And that which can die, are but each the beam
+Of that idea, which our Soverign Sire
+Engendereth loving; for that lively light,
+Which passeth from his brightness; not disjoin'd
+From him, nor from his love triune with them,
+Doth, through his bounty, congregate itself,
+Mirror'd, as 't were in new existences,
+Itself unalterable and ever one.
+
+"Descending hence unto the lowest powers,
+Its energy so sinks, at last it makes
+But brief contingencies: for so I name
+Things generated, which the heav'nly orbs
+Moving, with seed or without seed, produce.
+Their wax, and that which molds it, differ much:
+And thence with lustre, more or less, it shows
+Th' ideal stamp impress: so that one tree
+According to his kind, hath better fruit,
+And worse: and, at your birth, ye, mortal men,
+Are in your talents various.  Were the wax
+Molded with nice exactness, and the heav'n
+In its disposing influence supreme,
+The lustre of the seal should be complete:
+But nature renders it imperfect ever,
+Resembling thus the artist in her work,
+Whose faultering hand is faithless to his skill.
+Howe'er, if love itself dispose, and mark
+The primal virtue, kindling with bright view,
+There all perfection is vouchsafed; and such
+The clay was made, accomplish'd with each gift,
+That life can teem with; such the burden fill'd
+The virgin's bosom: so that I commend
+Thy judgment, that the human nature ne'er
+Was or can be, such as in them it was.
+
+"Did I advance no further than this point,
+'How then had he no peer?'  thou might'st reply.
+But, that what now appears not, may appear
+Right plainly, ponder, who he was, and what
+(When he was bidden 'Ask' ), the motive sway'd
+To his requesting.  I have spoken thus,
+That thou mayst see, he was a king, who ask'd
+For wisdom, to the end he might be king
+Sufficient: not the number to search out
+Of the celestial movers; or to know,
+If necessary with contingent e'er
+Have made necessity; or whether that
+Be granted, that first motion is; or if
+Of the mid circle can, by art, be made
+Triangle with each corner, blunt or sharp.
+
+"Whence, noting that, which I have said, and this,
+Thou kingly prudence and that ken mayst learn,
+At which the dart of my intention aims.
+And, marking clearly, that I told thee, 'Risen,'
+Thou shalt discern it only hath respect
+To kings, of whom are many, and the good
+Are rare.  With this distinction take my words;
+And they may well consist with that which thou
+Of the first human father dost believe,
+And of our well-beloved.  And let this
+Henceforth be led unto thy feet, to make
+Thee slow in motion, as a weary man,
+Both to the 'yea' and to the 'nay' thou seest not.
+For he among the fools is down full low,
+Whose affirmation, or denial, is
+Without distinction, in each case alike
+Since it befalls, that in most instances
+Current opinion leads to false: and then
+Affection bends the judgment to her ply.
+
+"Much more than vainly doth he loose from shore,
+Since he returns not such as he set forth,
+Who fishes for the truth and wanteth skill.
+And open proofs of this unto the world
+Have been afforded in Parmenides,
+Melissus, Bryso, and the crowd beside,
+Who journey'd on, and knew not whither: so did
+Sabellius, Arius, and the other fools,
+Who, like to scymitars, reflected back
+The scripture-image, by distortion marr'd.
+
+"Let not the people be too swift to judge,
+As one who reckons on the blades in field,
+Or ere the crop be ripe.  For I have seen
+The thorn frown rudely all the winter long
+And after bear the rose upon its top;
+And bark, that all the way across the sea
+Ran straight and speedy, perish at the last,
+E'en in the haven's mouth seeing one steal,
+Another brine, his offering to the priest,
+Let not Dame Birtha and Sir Martin thence
+Into heav'n's counsels deem that they can pry:
+For one of these may rise, the other fall."
+
+
+
+
+CANTO XIV
+
+From centre to the circle, and so back
+From circle to the centre, water moves
+In the round chalice, even as the blow
+Impels it, inwardly, or from without.
+Such was the image glanc'd into my mind,
+As the great spirit of Aquinum ceas'd;
+And Beatrice after him her words
+Resum'd alternate: "Need there is (tho' yet
+He tells it to you not in words, nor e'en
+In thought) that he should fathom to its depth
+Another mystery.  Tell him, if the light,
+Wherewith your substance blooms, shall stay with you
+Eternally, as now: and, if it doth,
+How, when ye shall regain your visible forms,
+The sight may without harm endure the change,
+That also tell."  As those, who in a ring
+Tread the light measure, in their fitful mirth
+Raise loud the voice, and spring with gladder bound;
+Thus, at the hearing of that pious suit,
+The saintly circles in their tourneying
+And wond'rous note attested new delight.
+
+Whoso laments, that we must doff this garb
+Of frail mortality, thenceforth to live
+Immortally above, he hath not seen
+The sweet refreshing, of that heav'nly shower.
+
+Him, who lives ever, and for ever reigns
+In mystic union of the Three in One,
+Unbounded, bounding all, each spirit thrice
+Sang, with such melody, as but to hear
+For highest merit were an ample meed.
+And from the lesser orb the goodliest light,
+With gentle voice and mild, such as perhaps
+The angel's once to Mary, thus replied:
+"Long as the joy of Paradise shall last,
+Our love shall shine around that raiment, bright,
+As fervent; fervent, as in vision blest;
+And that as far in blessedness exceeding,
+As it hath grave beyond its virtue great.
+Our shape, regarmented with glorious weeds
+Of saintly flesh, must, being thus entire,
+Show yet more gracious.  Therefore shall increase,
+Whate'er of light, gratuitous, imparts
+The Supreme Good; light, ministering aid,
+The better disclose his glory: whence
+The vision needs increasing, much increase
+The fervour, which it kindles; and that too
+The ray, that comes from it.  But as the greed
+Which gives out flame, yet it its whiteness shines
+More lively than that, and so preserves
+Its proper semblance; thus this circling sphere
+Of splendour, shall to view less radiant seem,
+Than shall our fleshly robe, which yonder earth
+Now covers.  Nor will such excess of light
+O'erpower us, in corporeal organs made
+Firm, and susceptible of all delight."
+
+So ready and so cordial an "Amen,"
+Followed from either choir, as plainly spoke
+Desire of their dead bodies; yet perchance
+Not for themselves, but for their kindred dear,
+Mothers and sires, and those whom best they lov'd,
+Ere they were made imperishable flame.
+
+And lo! forthwith there rose up round about
+A lustre over that already there,
+Of equal clearness, like the brightening up
+Of the horizon.  As at an evening hour
+Of twilight, new appearances through heav'n
+Peer with faint glimmer, doubtfully descried;
+So there new substances, methought began
+To rise in view; and round the other twain
+Enwheeling, sweep their ampler circuit wide.
+
+O gentle glitter of eternal beam!
+With what a such whiteness did it flow,
+O'erpowering vision in me!  But so fair,
+So passing lovely, Beatrice show'd,
+Mind cannot follow it, nor words express
+Her infinite sweetness.  Thence mine eyes regain'd
+Power to look up, and I beheld myself,
+Sole with my lady, to more lofty bliss
+Translated: for the star, with warmer smile
+Impurpled, well denoted our ascent.
+
+With all the heart, and with that tongue which speaks
+The same in all, an holocaust I made
+To God, befitting the new grace vouchsaf'd.
+And from my bosom had not yet upsteam'd
+The fuming of that incense, when I knew
+The rite accepted.  With such mighty sheen
+And mantling crimson, in two listed rays
+The splendours shot before me, that I cried,
+"God of Sabaoth! that does prank them thus!"
+
+As leads the galaxy from pole to pole,
+Distinguish'd into greater lights and less,
+Its pathway, which the wisest fail to spell;
+So thickly studded, in the depth of Mars,
+Those rays describ'd the venerable sign,
+That quadrants in the round conjoining frame.
+Here memory mocks the toil of genius.  Christ
+Beam'd on that cross; and pattern fails me now.
+But whoso takes his cross, and follows Christ
+Will pardon me for that I leave untold,
+When in the flecker'd dawning he shall spy
+The glitterance of Christ.  From horn to horn,
+And 'tween the summit and the base did move
+Lights, scintillating, as they met and pass'd.
+Thus oft are seen, with ever-changeful glance,
+Straight or athwart, now rapid and now slow,
+The atomies of bodies, long or short,
+To move along the sunbeam, whose slant line
+Checkers the shadow, interpos'd by art
+Against the noontide heat.  And as the chime
+Of minstrel music, dulcimer, and help
+With many strings, a pleasant dining makes
+To him, who heareth not distinct the note;
+So from the lights, which there appear'd to me,
+Gather'd along the cross a melody,
+That, indistinctly heard, with ravishment
+Possess'd me.  Yet I mark'd it was a hymn
+Of lofty praises; for there came to me
+"Arise and conquer," as to one who hears
+And comprehends not.  Me such ecstasy
+O'ercame, that never till that hour was thing
+That held me in so sweet imprisonment.
+
+Perhaps my saying over bold appears,
+Accounting less the pleasure of those eyes,
+Whereon to look fulfilleth all desire.
+But he, who is aware those living seals
+Of every beauty work with quicker force,
+The higher they are ris'n; and that there
+I had not turn'd me to them; he may well
+Excuse me that, whereof in my excuse
+I do accuse me, and may own my truth;
+That holy pleasure here not yet reveal'd,
+Which grows in transport as we mount aloof.
+
+
+
+
+CANTO XV
+
+True love, that ever shows itself as clear
+In kindness, as loose appetite in wrong,
+Silenced that lyre harmonious, and still'd
+The sacred chords, that are by heav'n's right hand
+Unwound and tighten'd, flow to righteous prayers
+Should they not hearken, who, to give me will
+For praying, in accordance thus were mute?
+He hath in sooth good cause for endless grief,
+Who, for the love of thing that lasteth not,
+Despoils himself forever of that love.
+
+As oft along the still and pure serene,
+At nightfall, glides a sudden trail of fire,
+Attracting with involuntary heed
+The eye to follow it, erewhile at rest,
+And seems some star that shifted place in heav'n,
+Only that, whence it kindles, none is lost,
+And it is soon extinct; thus from the horn,
+That on the dexter of the cross extends,
+Down to its foot, one luminary ran
+From mid the cluster shone there; yet no gem
+Dropp'd from its foil; and through the beamy list
+Like flame in alabaster, glow'd its course.
+
+So forward stretch'd him (if of credence aught
+Our greater muse may claim) the pious ghost
+Of old Anchises, in the' Elysian bower,
+When he perceiv'd his son.  "O thou, my blood!
+O most exceeding grace divine! to whom,
+As now to thee, hath twice the heav'nly gate
+Been e'er unclos'd?" so spake the light; whence I
+Turn'd me toward him; then unto my dame
+My sight directed, and on either side
+Amazement waited me; for in her eyes
+Was lighted such a smile, I thought that mine
+Had div'd unto the bottom of my grace
+And of my bliss in Paradise.  Forthwith
+To hearing and to sight grateful alike,
+The spirit to his proem added things
+I understood not, so profound he spake;
+Yet not of choice but through necessity
+Mysterious; for his high conception scar'd
+Beyond the mark of mortals.  When the flight
+Of holy transport had so spent its rage,
+That nearer to the level of our thought
+The speech descended, the first sounds I heard
+Were, "Best he thou, Triunal Deity!
+That hast such favour in my seed vouchsaf'd!"
+Then follow'd: "No unpleasant thirst, tho' long,
+Which took me reading in the sacred book,
+Whose leaves or white or dusky never change,
+Thou hast allay'd, my son, within this light,
+From whence my voice thou hear'st; more thanks to her.
+Who for such lofty mounting has with plumes
+Begirt thee.  Thou dost deem thy thoughts to me
+From him transmitted, who is first of all,
+E'en as all numbers ray from unity;
+And therefore dost not ask me who I am,
+Or why to thee more joyous I appear,
+Than any other in this gladsome throng.
+The truth is as thou deem'st; for in this hue
+Both less and greater in that mirror look,
+In which thy thoughts, or ere thou think'st, are shown.
+But, that the love, which keeps me wakeful ever,
+Urging with sacred thirst of sweet desire,
+May be contended fully, let thy voice,
+Fearless, and frank and jocund, utter forth
+Thy will distinctly, utter forth the wish,
+Whereto my ready answer stands decreed."
+
+I turn'd me to Beatrice; and she heard
+Ere I had spoken, smiling, an assent,
+That to my will gave wings; and I began
+"To each among your tribe, what time ye kenn'd
+The nature, in whom naught unequal dwells,
+Wisdom and love were in one measure dealt;
+For that they are so equal in the sun,
+From whence ye drew your radiance and your heat,
+As makes all likeness scant.  But will and means,
+In mortals, for the cause ye well discern,
+With unlike wings are fledge.  A mortal I
+Experience inequality like this,
+And therefore give no thanks, but in the heart,
+For thy paternal greeting.  This howe'er
+I pray thee, living topaz! that ingemm'st
+This precious jewel, let me hear thy name."
+
+"I am thy root, O leaf! whom to expect
+Even, hath pleas'd me:" thus the prompt reply
+Prefacing, next it added; "he, of whom
+Thy kindred appellation comes, and who,
+These hundred years and more, on its first ledge
+Hath circuited the mountain, was my son
+And thy great grandsire.  Well befits, his long
+Endurance should be shorten'd by thy deeds.
+
+"Florence, within her ancient limit-mark,
+Which calls her still to matin prayers and noon,
+Was chaste and sober, and abode in peace.
+She had no armlets and no head-tires then,
+No purfled dames, no zone, that caught the eye
+More than the person did.  Time was not yet,
+When at his daughter's birth the sire grew pale.
+For fear the age and dowry should exceed
+On each side just proportion.  House was none
+Void of its family; nor yet had come
+Hardanapalus, to exhibit feats
+Of chamber prowess.  Montemalo yet
+O'er our suburban turret rose; as much
+To be surpass in fall, as in its rising.
+I saw Bellincione Berti walk abroad
+In leathern girdle and a clasp of bone;
+And, with no artful colouring on her cheeks,
+His lady leave the glass.  The sons I saw
+Of Nerli and of Vecchio well content
+With unrob'd jerkin; and their good dames handling
+The spindle and the flax; O happy they!
+Each sure of burial in her native land,
+And none left desolate a-bed for France!
+One wak'd to tend the cradle, hushing it
+With sounds that lull'd the parent's infancy:
+Another, with her maidens, drawing off
+The tresses from the distaff, lectur'd them
+Old tales of Troy and Fesole and Rome.
+A Salterello and Cianghella we
+Had held as strange a marvel, as ye would
+A Cincinnatus or Cornelia now.
+
+"In such compos'd and seemly fellowship,
+Such faithful and such fair equality,
+In so sweet household, Mary at my birth
+Bestow'd me, call'd on with loud cries; and there
+In your old baptistery, I was made
+Christian at once and Cacciaguida; as were
+My brethren, Eliseo and Moronto.
+
+"From Valdipado came to me my spouse,
+And hence thy surname grew.  I follow'd then
+The Emperor Conrad; and his knighthood he
+Did gird on me; in such good part he took
+My valiant service.  After him I went
+To testify against that evil law,
+Whose people, by the shepherd's fault, possess
+Your right, usurping.  There, by that foul crew
+Was I releas'd from the deceitful world,
+Whose base affection many a spirit soils,
+And from the martyrdom came to this peace."
+
+
+
+
+CANTO XVI
+
+O slight respect of man's nobility!
+I never shall account it marvelous,
+That our infirm affection here below
+Thou mov'st to boasting, when I could not choose,
+E'en in that region of unwarp'd desire,
+In heav'n itself, but make my vaunt in thee!
+Yet cloak thou art soon shorten'd, for that time,
+Unless thou be eked out from day to day,
+Goes round thee with his shears.  Resuming then
+With greeting such, as Rome, was first to bear,
+But since hath disaccustom'd I began;
+And Beatrice, that a little space
+Was sever'd, smil'd reminding me of her,
+Whose cough embolden'd (as the story holds)
+To first offence the doubting Guenever.
+
+"You are my sire," said I, "you give me heart
+Freely to speak my thought: above myself
+You raise me.  Through so many streams with joy
+My soul is fill'd, that gladness wells from it;
+So that it bears the mighty tide, and bursts not
+Say then, my honour'd stem! what ancestors
+Where those you sprang from, and what years were mark'd
+In your first childhood?  Tell me of the fold,
+That hath Saint John for guardian, what was then
+Its state, and who in it were highest seated?"
+
+As embers, at the breathing of the wind,
+Their flame enliven, so that light I saw
+Shine at my blandishments; and, as it grew
+More fair to look on, so with voice more sweet,
+Yet not in this our modern phrase, forthwith
+It answer'd: "From the day, when it was said
+'Hail Virgin!' to the throes, by which my mother,
+Who now is sainted, lighten'd her of me
+Whom she was heavy with, this fire had come,
+Five hundred fifty times and thrice, its beams
+To reilumine underneath the foot
+Of its own lion.  They, of whom I sprang,
+And I, had there our birth-place, where the last
+Partition of our city first is reach'd
+By him, that runs her annual game.  Thus much
+Suffice of my forefathers: who they were,
+And whence they hither came, more honourable
+It is to pass in silence than to tell.
+All those, who in that time were there from Mars
+Until the Baptist, fit to carry arms,
+Were but the fifth of them this day alive.
+But then the citizen's blood, that now is mix'd
+From Campi and Certaldo and Fighine,
+Ran purely through the last mechanic's veins.
+O how much better were it, that these people
+Were neighbours to you, and that at Galluzzo
+And at Trespiano, ye should have your bound'ry,
+Than to have them within, and bear the stench
+Of Aguglione's hind, and Signa's, him,
+That hath his eye already keen for bart'ring!
+Had not the people, which of all the world
+Degenerates most, been stepdame unto Caesar,
+But, as a mother, gracious to her son;
+Such one, as hath become a Florentine,
+And trades and traffics, had been turn'd adrift
+To Simifonte, where his grandsire ply'd
+The beggar's craft.  The Conti were possess'd
+Of Montemurlo still: the Cerchi still
+Were in Acone's parish; nor had haply
+From Valdigrieve past the Buondelmonte.
+The city's malady hath ever source
+In the confusion of its persons, as
+The body's, in variety of food:
+And the blind bull falls with a steeper plunge,
+Than the blind lamb; and oftentimes one sword
+Doth more and better execution,
+Than five.  Mark Luni, Urbisaglia mark,
+How they are gone, and after them how go
+Chiusi and Sinigaglia; and 't will seem
+No longer new or strange to thee to hear,
+That families fail, when cities have their end.
+All things, that appertain t' ye, like yourselves,
+Are mortal: but mortality in some
+Ye mark not, they endure so long, and you
+Pass by so suddenly.  And as the moon
+Doth, by the rolling of her heav'nly sphere,
+Hide and reveal the strand unceasingly;
+So fortune deals with Florence.  Hence admire not
+At what of them I tell thee, whose renown
+Time covers, the first Florentines.  I saw
+The Ughi, Catilini and Filippi,
+The Alberichi, Greci and Ormanni,
+Now in their wane, illustrious citizens:
+And great as ancient, of Sannella him,
+With him of Arca saw, and Soldanieri
+And Ardinghi, and Bostichi.  At the poop,
+That now is laden with new felony,
+So cumb'rous it may speedily sink the bark,
+The Ravignani sat, of whom is sprung
+The County Guido, and whoso hath since
+His title from the fam'd Bellincione ta'en.
+Fair governance was yet an art well priz'd
+By him of Pressa: Galigaio show'd
+The gilded hilt and pommel, in his house.
+The column, cloth'd with verrey, still was seen
+Unshaken: the Sacchetti still were great,
+Giouchi, Sifanti, Galli and Barucci,
+With them who blush to hear the bushel nam'd.
+Of the Calfucci still the branchy trunk
+Was in its strength: and to the curule chairs
+Sizii and Arigucci yet were drawn.
+How mighty them I saw, whom since their pride
+Hath undone! and in all her goodly deeds
+Florence was by the bullets of bright gold
+O'erflourish'd.  Such the sires of those, who now,
+As surely as your church is vacant, flock
+Into her consistory, and at leisure
+There stall them and grow fat.  The o'erweening brood,
+That plays the dragon after him that flees,
+But unto such, as turn and show the tooth,
+Ay or the purse, is gentle as a lamb,
+Was on its rise, but yet so slight esteem'd,
+That Ubertino of Donati grudg'd
+His father-in-law should yoke him to its tribe.
+Already Caponsacco had descended
+Into the mart from Fesole: and Giuda
+And Infangato were good citizens.
+A thing incredible I tell, tho' true:
+The gateway, named from those of Pera, led
+Into the narrow circuit of your walls.
+Each one, who bears the sightly quarterings
+Of the great Baron (he whose name and worth
+The festival of Thomas still revives)
+His knighthood and his privilege retain'd;
+Albeit one, who borders them With gold,
+This day is mingled with the common herd.
+In Borgo yet the Gualterotti dwelt,
+And Importuni: well for its repose
+Had it still lack'd of newer neighbourhood.
+The house, from whence your tears have had their spring,
+Through the just anger that hath murder'd ye
+And put a period to your gladsome days,
+Was honour'd, it, and those consorted with it.
+O Buondelmonte! what ill counseling
+Prevail'd on thee to break the plighted bond
+Many, who now are weeping, would rejoice,
+Had God to Ema giv'n thee, the first time
+Thou near our city cam'st.  But so was doom'd:
+On that maim'd stone set up to guard the bridge,
+At thy last peace, the victim, Florence! fell.
+With these and others like to them, I saw
+Florence in such assur'd tranquility,
+She had no cause at which to grieve: with these
+Saw her so glorious and so just, that ne'er
+The lily from the lance had hung reverse,
+Or through division been with vermeil dyed."
+
+
+
+
+CANTO XVII
+
+Such as the youth, who came to Clymene
+To certify himself of that reproach,
+Which had been fasten'd on him, (he whose end
+Still makes the fathers chary to their sons),
+E'en such was I; nor unobserv'd was such
+Of Beatrice, and that saintly lamp,
+Who had erewhile for me his station mov'd;
+When thus by lady: "Give thy wish free vent,
+That it may issue, bearing true report
+Of the mind's impress; not that aught thy words
+May to our knowledge add, but to the end,
+That thou mayst use thyself to own thy thirst
+And men may mingle for thee when they hear."
+
+"O plant! from whence I spring! rever'd and lov'd!
+Who soar'st so high a pitch, thou seest as clear,
+As earthly thought determines two obtuse
+In one triangle not contain'd, so clear
+Dost see contingencies, ere in themselves
+Existent, looking at the point whereto
+All times are present, I, the whilst I scal'd
+With Virgil the soul purifying mount,
+And visited the nether world of woe,
+Touching my future destiny have heard
+Words grievous, though I feel me on all sides
+Well squar'd to fortune's blows.  Therefore my will
+Were satisfied to know the lot awaits me,
+The arrow, seen beforehand, slacks its flight."
+
+So said I to the brightness, which erewhile
+To me had spoken, and my will declar'd,
+As Beatrice will'd, explicitly.
+Nor with oracular response obscure,
+Such, as or ere the Lamb of God was slain,
+Beguil'd the credulous nations; but, in terms
+Precise and unambiguous lore, replied
+The spirit of paternal love, enshrin'd,
+Yet in his smile apparent; and thus spake:
+"Contingency, unfolded not to view
+Upon the tablet of your mortal mold,
+Is all depictur'd in the' eternal sight;
+But hence deriveth not necessity,
+More then the tall ship, hurried down the flood,
+Doth from the vision, that reflects the scene.
+From thence, as to the ear sweet harmony
+From organ comes, so comes before mine eye
+The time prepar'd for thee.  Such as driv'n out
+From Athens, by his cruel stepdame's wiles,
+Hippolytus departed, such must thou
+Depart from Florence.  This they wish, and this
+Contrive, and will ere long effectuate, there,
+Where gainful merchandize is made of Christ,
+Throughout the livelong day.  The common cry,
+Will, as 't is ever wont, affix the blame
+Unto the party injur'd: but the truth
+Shall, in the vengeance it dispenseth, find
+A faithful witness.  Thou shall leave each thing
+Belov'd most dearly: this is the first shaft
+Shot from the bow of exile.  Thou shalt prove
+How salt the savour is of other's bread,
+How hard the passage to descend and climb
+By other's stairs, But that shall gall thee most
+Will be the worthless and vile company,
+With whom thou must be thrown into these straits.
+For all ungrateful, impious all and mad,
+Shall turn 'gainst thee: but in a little while
+Theirs and not thine shall be the crimson'd brow
+Their course shall so evince their brutishness
+T' have ta'en thy stand apart shall well become thee.
+
+"First refuge thou must find, first place of rest,
+In the great Lombard's courtesy, who bears
+Upon the ladder perch'd the sacred bird.
+He shall behold thee with such kind regard,
+That 'twixt ye two, the contrary to that
+Which falls 'twixt other men, the granting shall
+Forerun the asking.  With him shalt thou see
+That mortal, who was at his birth impress
+So strongly from this star, that of his deeds
+The nations shall take note.  His unripe age
+Yet holds him from observance; for these wheels
+Only nine years have compass him about.
+But, ere the Gascon practice on great Harry,
+Sparkles of virtue shall shoot forth in him,
+In equal scorn of labours and of gold.
+His bounty shall be spread abroad so widely,
+As not to let the tongues e'en of his foes
+Be idle in its praise.  Look thou to him
+And his beneficence: for he shall cause
+Reversal of their lot to many people,
+Rich men and beggars interchanging fortunes.
+And thou shalt bear this written in thy soul
+Of him, but tell it not;" and things he told
+Incredible to those who witness them;
+Then added: "So interpret thou, my son,
+What hath been told thee.--Lo! the ambushment
+That a few circling seasons hide for thee!
+Yet envy not thy neighbours: time extends
+Thy span beyond their treason's chastisement."
+
+Soon, as the saintly spirit, by his silence,
+Had shown the web, which I had streteh'd for him
+Upon the warp, was woven, I began,
+As one, who in perplexity desires
+Counsel of other, wise, benign and friendly:
+"My father! well I mark how time spurs on
+Toward me, ready to inflict the blow,
+Which falls most heavily on him, who most
+Abandoned himself.  Therefore 't is good
+I should forecast, that driven from the place
+Most dear to me, I may not lose myself
+All others by my song.  Down through the world
+Of infinite mourning, and along the mount
+From whose fair height my lady's eyes did lift me,
+And after through this heav'n from light to light,
+Have I learnt that, which if I tell again,
+It may with many woefully disrelish;
+And, if I am a timid friend to truth,
+I fear my life may perish among those,
+To whom these days shall be of ancient date."
+
+The brightness, where enclos'd the treasure smil'd,
+Which I had found there, first shone glisteningly,
+Like to a golden mirror in the sun;
+Next answer'd: "Conscience, dimm'd or by its own
+Or other's shame, will feel thy saying sharp.
+Thou, notwithstanding, all deceit remov'd,
+See the whole vision be made manifest.
+And let them wince who have their withers wrung.
+What though, when tasted first, thy voice shall prove
+Unwelcome, on digestion it will turn
+To vital nourishment.  The cry thou raisest,
+Shall, as the wind doth, smite the proudest summits;
+Which is of honour no light argument,
+For this there only have been shown to thee,
+Throughout these orbs, the mountain, and the deep,
+Spirits, whom fame hath note of.  For the mind
+Of him, who hears, is loth to acquiesce
+And fix its faith, unless the instance brought
+Be palpable, and proof apparent urge."
+
+
+
+
+CANTO XVIII
+
+CANTO XVIII
+
+Now in his word, sole, ruminating, joy'd
+That blessed spirit; and I fed on mine,
+Tempting the sweet with bitter: she meanwhile,
+Who led me unto God, admonish'd: "Muse
+On other thoughts: bethink thee, that near Him
+I dwell, who recompenseth every wrong."
+
+At the sweet sounds of comfort straight I turn'd;
+And, in the saintly eyes what love was seen,
+I leave in silence here: nor through distrust
+Of my words only, but that to such bliss
+The mind remounts not without aid.  Thus much
+Yet may I speak; that, as I gaz'd on her,
+Affection found no room for other wish.
+While the everlasting pleasure, that did full
+On Beatrice shine, with second view
+From her fair countenance my gladden'd soul
+Contented; vanquishing me with a beam
+Of her soft smile, she spake: "Turn thee, and list.
+These eyes are not thy only Paradise."
+
+As here we sometimes in the looks may see
+Th' affection mark'd, when that its sway hath ta'en
+The spirit wholly; thus the hallow'd light,
+To whom I turn'd, flashing, bewray'd its will
+To talk yet further with me, and began:
+"On this fifth lodgment of the tree, whose life
+Is from its top, whose fruit is ever fair
+And leaf unwith'ring, blessed spirits abide,
+That were below, ere they arriv'd in heav'n,
+So mighty in renown, as every muse
+Might grace her triumph with them.  On the horns
+Look therefore of the cross: he, whom I name,
+Shall there enact, as doth in summer cloud
+Its nimble fire."  Along the cross I saw,
+At the repeated name of Joshua,
+A splendour gliding; nor, the word was said,
+Ere it was done: then, at the naming saw
+Of the great Maccabee, another move
+With whirling speed; and gladness was the scourge
+Unto that top.  The next for Charlemagne
+And for the peer Orlando, two my gaze
+Pursued, intently, as the eye pursues
+A falcon flying.  Last, along the cross,
+William, and Renard, and Duke Godfrey drew
+My ken, and Robert Guiscard.  And the soul,
+Who spake with me among the other lights
+Did move away, and mix; and with the choir
+Of heav'nly songsters prov'd his tuneful skill.
+
+To Beatrice on my right l bent,
+Looking for intimation or by word
+Or act, what next behoov'd; and did descry
+Such mere effulgence in her eyes, such joy,
+It past all former wont.  And, as by sense
+Of new delight, the man, who perseveres
+In good deeds doth perceive from day to day
+His virtue growing; I e'en thus perceiv'd
+Of my ascent, together with the heav'n
+The circuit widen'd, noting the increase
+Of beauty in that wonder.  Like the change
+In a brief moment on some maiden's cheek,
+Which from its fairness doth discharge the weight
+Of pudency, that stain'd it; such in her,
+And to mine eyes so sudden was the change,
+Through silvery whiteness of that temperate star,
+Whose sixth orb now enfolded us.  I saw,
+Within that Jovial cresset, the clear sparks
+Of love, that reign'd there, fashion to my view
+Our language.  And as birds, from river banks
+Arisen, now in round, now lengthen'd troop,
+Array them in their flight, greeting, as seems,
+Their new-found pastures; so, within the lights,
+The saintly creatures flying, sang, and made
+Now D. now I. now L. figur'd I' th' air.
+
+First, singing, to their notes they mov'd, then one
+Becoming of these signs, a little while
+Did rest them, and were mute.  O nymph divine
+Of Pegasean race! whose souls, which thou
+Inspir'st, mak'st glorious and long-liv'd, as they
+Cities and realms by thee! thou with thyself
+Inform me; that I may set forth the shapes,
+As fancy doth present them.  Be thy power
+Display'd in this brief song.  The characters,
+Vocal and consonant, were five-fold seven.
+In order each, as they appear'd, I mark'd.
+Diligite Justitiam, the first,
+Both verb and noun all blazon'd; and the extreme
+Qui judicatis terram.  In the M.
+Of the fifth word they held their station,
+Making the star seem silver streak'd with gold.
+And on the summit of the M. I saw
+Descending other lights, that rested there,
+Singing, methinks, their bliss and primal good.
+Then, as at shaking of a lighted brand,
+Sparkles innumerable on all sides
+Rise scatter'd, source of augury to th' unwise;
+Thus more than thousand twinkling lustres hence
+Seem'd reascending, and a higher pitch
+Some mounting, and some less; e'en as the sun,
+Which kindleth them, decreed.  And when each one
+Had settled in his place, the head and neck
+Then saw I of an eagle, lively
+Grav'd in that streaky fire.  Who painteth there,
+Hath none to guide him; of himself he guides;
+And every line and texture of the nest
+Doth own from him the virtue, fashions it.
+The other bright beatitude, that seem'd
+Erewhile, with lilied crowning, well content
+To over-canopy the M. mov'd forth,
+Following gently the impress of the bird.
+
+ Sweet star! what glorious and thick-studded gems
+Declar'd to me our justice on the earth
+To be the effluence of that heav'n, which thou,
+Thyself a costly jewel, dost inlay!
+Therefore I pray the Sovran Mind, from whom
+Thy motion and thy virtue are begun,
+That he would look from whence the fog doth rise,
+To vitiate thy beam: so that once more
+He may put forth his hand 'gainst such, as drive
+Their traffic in that sanctuary, whose walls
+With miracles and martyrdoms were built.
+
+Ye host of heaven! whose glory I survey!
+O beg ye grace for those, that are on earth
+All after ill example gone astray.
+War once had for its instrument the sword:
+But now 't is made, taking the bread away
+Which the good Father locks from none.  --And thou,
+That writes but to cancel, think, that they,
+Who for the vineyard, which thou wastest, died,
+Peter and Paul live yet, and mark thy doings.
+Thou hast good cause to cry, "My heart so cleaves
+To him, that liv'd in solitude remote,
+And from the wilds was dragg'd to martyrdom,
+I wist not of the fisherman nor Paul."
+
+
+
+
+CANTO XIX
+
+Before my sight appear'd, with open wings,
+The beauteous image, in fruition sweet
+Gladdening the thronged spirits.  Each did seem
+A little ruby, whereon so intense
+The sun-beam glow'd that to mine eyes it came
+In clear refraction.  And that, which next
+Befalls me to portray, voice hath not utter'd,
+Nor hath ink written, nor in fantasy
+Was e'er conceiv'd.  For I beheld and heard
+The beak discourse; and, what intention form'd
+Of many, singly as of one express,
+Beginning: "For that I was just and piteous,
+l am exalted to this height of glory,
+The which no wish exceeds: and there on earth
+Have I my memory left, e'en by the bad
+Commended, while they leave its course untrod."
+
+Thus is one heat from many embers felt,
+As in that image many were the loves,
+And one the voice, that issued from them all.
+Whence I address them: "O perennial flowers
+Of gladness everlasting! that exhale
+In single breath your odours manifold!
+Breathe now; and let the hunger be appeas'd,
+That with great craving long hath held my soul,
+Finding no food on earth.  This well I know,
+That if there be in heav'n a realm, that shows
+In faithful mirror the celestial Justice,
+Yours without veil reflects it.  Ye discern
+The heed, wherewith I do prepare myself
+To hearken; ye the doubt that urges me
+With such inveterate craving."  Straight I saw,
+Like to a falcon issuing from the hood,
+That rears his head, and claps him with his wings,
+His beauty and his eagerness bewraying.
+So saw I move that stately sign, with praise
+Of grace divine inwoven and high song
+Of inexpressive joy.  "He," it began,
+"Who turn'd his compass on the world's extreme,
+And in that space so variously hath wrought,
+Both openly, and in secret, in such wise
+Could not through all the universe display
+Impression of his glory, that the Word
+Of his omniscience should not still remain
+In infinite excess.  In proof whereof,
+He first through pride supplanted, who was sum
+Of each created being, waited not
+For light celestial, and abortive fell.
+Whence needs each lesser nature is but scant
+Receptacle unto that Good, which knows
+No limit, measur'd by itself alone.
+Therefore your sight, of th' omnipresent Mind
+A single beam, its origin must own
+Surpassing far its utmost potency.
+The ken, your world is gifted with, descends
+In th' everlasting Justice as low down,
+As eye doth in the sea; which though it mark
+The bottom from the shore, in the wide main
+Discerns it not; and ne'ertheless it is,
+But hidden through its deepness.  Light is none,
+Save that which cometh from the pure serene
+Of ne'er disturbed ether: for the rest,
+'Tis darkness all, or shadow of the flesh,
+Or else its poison.  Here confess reveal'd
+That covert, which hath hidden from thy search
+The living justice, of the which thou mad'st
+Such frequent question; for thou saidst--'A man
+Is born on Indus' banks, and none is there
+Who speaks of Christ, nor who doth read nor write,
+And all his inclinations and his acts,
+As far as human reason sees, are good,
+And he offendeth not in word or deed.
+But unbaptiz'd he dies, and void of faith.
+Where is the justice that condemns him?  where
+His blame, if he believeth not?'--What then,
+And who art thou, that on the stool wouldst sit
+To judge at distance of a thousand miles
+With the short-sighted vision of a span?
+To him, who subtilizes thus with me,
+There would assuredly be room for doubt
+Even to wonder, did not the safe word
+Of scripture hold supreme authority.
+
+"O animals of clay!  O spirits gross I
+The primal will, that in itself is good,
+Hath from itself, the chief Good, ne'er been mov'd.
+Justice consists in consonance with it,
+Derivable by no created good,
+Whose very cause depends upon its beam."
+
+As on her nest the stork, that turns about
+Unto her young, whom lately she hath fed,
+While they with upward eyes do look on her;
+So lifted I my gaze; and bending so
+The ever-blessed image wav'd its wings,
+Lab'ring with such deep counsel.  Wheeling round
+It warbled, and did say: "As are my notes
+To thee, who understand'st them not, such is
+Th' eternal judgment unto mortal ken."
+
+Then still abiding in that ensign rang'd,
+Wherewith the Romans over-awed the world,
+Those burning splendours of the Holy Spirit
+Took up the strain; and thus it spake again:
+"None ever hath ascended to this realm,
+Who hath not a believer been in Christ,
+Either before or after the blest limbs
+Were nail'd upon the wood.  But lo! of those
+Who call 'Christ, Christ,' there shall be many found,
+ In judgment, further off from him by far,
+Than such, to whom his name was never known.
+Christians like these the Ethiop shall condemn:
+When that the two assemblages shall part;
+One rich eternally, the other poor.
+
+"What may the Persians say unto your kings,
+When they shall see that volume, in the which
+All their dispraise is written, spread to view?
+There amidst Albert's works shall that be read,
+Which will give speedy motion to the pen,
+When Prague shall mourn her desolated realm.
+There shall be read the woe, that he doth work
+With his adulterate money on the Seine,
+Who by the tusk will perish: there be read
+The thirsting pride, that maketh fool alike
+The English and Scot, impatient of their bound.
+There shall be seen the Spaniard's luxury,
+The delicate living there of the Bohemian,
+Who still to worth has been a willing stranger.
+The halter of Jerusalem shall see
+A unit for his virtue, for his vices
+No less a mark than million.  He, who guards
+The isle of fire by old Anchises honour'd
+Shall find his avarice there and cowardice;
+And better to denote his littleness,
+The writing must be letters maim'd, that speak
+Much in a narrow space.  All there shall know
+His uncle and his brother's filthy doings,
+Who so renown'd a nation and two crowns
+Have bastardized.  And they, of Portugal
+And Norway, there shall be expos'd with him
+Of Ratza, who hath counterfeited ill
+The coin of Venice.  O blest Hungary!
+If thou no longer patiently abid'st
+Thy ill-entreating! and, O blest Navarre!
+If with thy mountainous girdle thou wouldst arm thee
+In earnest of that day, e'en now are heard
+Wailings and groans in Famagosta's streets
+And Nicosia's, grudging at their beast,
+Who keepeth even footing with the rest."
+
+
+
+
+CANTO XX
+
+When, disappearing, from our hemisphere,
+The world's enlightener vanishes, and day
+On all sides wasteth, suddenly the sky,
+Erewhile irradiate only with his beam,
+Is yet again unfolded, putting forth
+Innumerable lights wherein one shines.
+Of such vicissitude in heaven I thought,
+As the great sign, that marshaleth the world
+And the world's leaders, in the blessed beak
+Was silent; for that all those living lights,
+Waxing in splendour, burst forth into songs,
+Such as from memory glide and fall away.
+
+Sweet love! that dost apparel thee in smiles,
+How lustrous was thy semblance in those sparkles,
+Which merely are from holy thoughts inspir'd!
+
+After the precious and bright beaming stones,
+That did ingem the sixth light, ceas'd the chiming
+Of their angelic bells; methought I heard
+The murmuring of a river, that doth fall
+From rock to rock transpicuous, making known
+The richness of his spring-head: and as sound
+Of cistern, at the fret-board, or of pipe,
+Is, at the wind-hole, modulate and tun'd;
+Thus up the neck, as it were hollow, rose
+That murmuring of the eagle, and forthwith
+Voice there assum'd, and thence along the beak
+Issued in form of words, such as my heart
+Did look for, on whose tables I inscrib'd them.
+
+"The part in me, that sees, and bears the sun,,
+In mortal eagles," it began, "must now
+Be noted steadfastly: for of the fires,
+That figure me, those, glittering in mine eye,
+Are chief of all the greatest.  This, that shines
+Midmost for pupil, was the same, who sang
+The Holy Spirit's song, and bare about
+The ark from town to town; now doth he know
+The merit of his soul-impassion'd strains
+By their well-fitted guerdon.  Of the five,
+That make the circle of the vision, he
+Who to the beak is nearest, comforted
+The widow for her son: now doth he know
+How dear he costeth not to follow Christ,
+Both from experience of this pleasant life,
+And of its opposite.  He next, who follows
+In the circumference, for the over arch,
+By true repenting slack'd the pace of death:
+Now knoweth he, that the degrees of heav'n
+Alter not, when through pious prayer below
+Today's is made tomorrow's destiny.
+The other following, with the laws and me,
+To yield the shepherd room, pass'd o'er to Greece,
+From good intent producing evil fruit:
+Now knoweth he, how all the ill, deriv'd
+From his well doing, doth not helm him aught,
+Though it have brought destruction on the world.
+That, which thou seest in the under bow,
+Was William, whom that land bewails, which weeps
+For Charles and Frederick living: now he knows
+How well is lov'd in heav'n the righteous king,
+Which he betokens by his radiant seeming.
+Who in the erring world beneath would deem,
+That Trojan Ripheus in this round was set
+Fifth of the saintly splendours?  now he knows
+Enough of that, which the world cannot see,
+The grace divine, albeit e'en his sight
+Reach not its utmost depth."  Like to the lark,
+That warbling in the air expatiates long,
+Then, trilling out his last sweet melody,
+Drops satiate with the sweetness; such appear'd
+That image stampt by the' everlasting pleasure,
+Which fashions like itself all lovely things.
+
+I, though my doubting were as manifest,
+As is through glass the hue that mantles it,
+In silence waited not: for to my lips
+"What things are these?"  involuntary rush'd,
+And forc'd a passage out: whereat I mark'd
+A sudden lightening and new revelry.
+The eye was kindled: and the blessed sign
+No more to keep me wond'ring and suspense,
+Replied: "I see that thou believ'st these things,
+Because I tell them, but discern'st not how;
+So that thy knowledge waits not on thy faith:
+As one who knows the name of thing by rote,
+But is a stranger to its properties,
+Till other's tongue reveal them.  Fervent love
+And lively hope with violence assail
+The kingdom of the heavens, and overcome
+The will of the Most high; not in such sort
+As man prevails o'er man; but conquers it,
+Because 't is willing to be conquer'd, still,
+Though conquer'd, by its mercy conquering.
+
+"Those, in the eye who live the first and fifth,
+Cause thee to marvel, in that thou behold'st
+The region of the angels deck'd with them.
+They quitted not their bodies, as thou deem'st,
+Gentiles but Christians, in firm rooted faith,
+This of the feet in future to be pierc'd,
+That of feet nail'd already to the cross.
+One from the barrier of the dark abyss,
+Where never any with good will returns,
+Came back unto his bones.  Of lively hope
+Such was the meed; of lively hope, that wing'd
+The prayers sent up to God for his release,
+And put power into them to bend his will.
+The glorious Spirit, of whom I speak to thee,
+A little while returning to the flesh,
+Believ'd in him, who had the means to help,
+And, in believing, nourish'd such a flame
+Of holy love, that at the second death
+He was made sharer in our gamesome mirth.
+The other, through the riches of that grace,
+Which from so deep a fountain doth distil,
+As never eye created saw its rising,
+Plac'd all his love below on just and right:
+Wherefore of grace God op'd in him the eye
+To the redemption of mankind to come;
+Wherein believing, he endur'd no more
+The filth of paganism, and for their ways
+Rebuk'd the stubborn nations.  The three nymphs,
+Whom at the right wheel thou beheldst advancing,
+Were sponsors for him more than thousand years
+Before baptizing.  O how far remov'd,
+Predestination! is thy root from such
+As see not the First cause entire: and ye,
+O mortal men! be wary how ye judge:
+For we, who see our Maker, know not yet
+The number of the chosen: and esteem
+Such scantiness of knowledge our delight:
+For all our good is in that primal good
+Concentrate, and God's will and ours are one."
+
+So, by that form divine, was giv'n to me
+Sweet medicine to clear and strengthen sight,
+And, as one handling skillfully the harp,
+Attendant on some skilful songster's voice
+Bids the chords vibrate, and therein the song
+Acquires more pleasure; so, the whilst it spake,
+It doth remember me, that I beheld
+The pair of blessed luminaries move.
+Like the accordant twinkling of two eyes,
+Their beamy circlets, dancing to the sounds.
+
+
+
+
+CANTO XXI
+
+Again mine eyes were fix'd on Beatrice,
+And with mine eyes my soul, that in her looks
+Found all contentment.  Yet no smile she wore
+And, "Did I smile," quoth she, "thou wouldst be straight
+Like Semele when into ashes turn'd:
+For, mounting these eternal palace-stairs,
+My beauty, which the loftier it climbs,
+As thou hast noted, still doth kindle more,
+So shines, that, were no temp'ring interpos'd,
+Thy mortal puissance would from its rays
+Shrink, as the leaf doth from the thunderbolt.
+Into the seventh splendour are we wafted,
+That underneath the burning lion's breast
+Beams, in this hour, commingled with his might,
+Thy mind be with thine eyes: and in them mirror'd
+The shape, which in this mirror shall be shown."
+Whoso can deem, how fondly I had fed
+My sight upon her blissful countenance,
+May know, when to new thoughts I chang'd, what joy
+To do the bidding of my heav'nly guide:
+In equal balance poising either weight.
+
+Within the crystal, which records the name,
+(As its remoter circle girds the world)
+Of that lov'd monarch, in whose happy reign
+No ill had power to harm, I saw rear'd up,
+In colour like to sun-illumin'd gold.
+
+A ladder, which my ken pursued in vain,
+So lofty was the summit; down whose steps
+I saw the splendours in such multitude
+Descending, ev'ry light in heav'n, methought,
+Was shed thence.  As the rooks, at dawn of day
+Bestirring them to dry their feathers chill,
+Some speed their way a-field, and homeward some,
+Returning, cross their flight, while some abide
+And wheel around their airy lodge; so seem'd
+That glitterance, wafted on alternate wing,
+As upon certain stair it met, and clash'd
+Its shining. And one ling'ring near us, wax'd
+So bright, that in my thought: said: "The love,
+Which this betokens me, admits no doubt."
+
+Unwillingly from question I refrain,
+To her, by whom my silence and my speech
+Are order'd, looking for a sign: whence she,
+Who in the sight of Him, that seeth all,
+Saw wherefore I was silent, prompted me
+T' indulge the fervent wish; and I began:
+"I am not worthy, of my own desert,
+That thou shouldst answer me; but for her sake,
+Who hath vouchsaf'd my asking, spirit blest!
+That in thy joy art shrouded! say the cause,
+Which bringeth thee so near: and wherefore, say,
+Doth the sweet symphony of Paradise
+Keep silence here, pervading with such sounds
+Of rapt devotion ev'ry lower sphere?"
+"Mortal art thou in hearing as in sight;"
+Was the reply: "and what forbade the smile
+Of Beatrice interrupts our song.
+Only to yield thee gladness of my voice,
+And of the light that vests me, I thus far
+Descend these hallow'd steps: not that more love
+Invites me; for lo! there aloft, as much
+Or more of love is witness'd in those flames:
+But such my lot by charity assign'd,
+That makes us ready servants, as thou seest,
+To execute the counsel of the Highest."
+"That in this court," said I, "O sacred lamp!
+Love no compulsion needs, but follows free
+Th' eternal Providence, I well discern:
+This harder find to deem, why of thy peers
+Thou only to this office wert foredoom'd."
+I had not ended, when, like rapid mill,
+Upon its centre whirl'd the light; and then
+The love, that did inhabit there, replied:
+"Splendour eternal, piercing through these folds,
+Its virtue to my vision knits, and thus
+Supported, lifts me so above myself,
+That on the sov'ran essence, which it wells from,
+I have the power to gaze: and hence the joy,
+Wherewith I sparkle, equaling with my blaze
+The keenness of my sight.  But not the soul,
+That is in heav'n most lustrous, nor the seraph
+That hath his eyes most fix'd on God, shall solve
+What thou hast ask'd: for in th' abyss it lies
+Of th' everlasting statute sunk so low,
+That no created ken may fathom it.
+And, to the mortal world when thou return'st,
+Be this reported; that none henceforth dare
+Direct his footsteps to so dread a bourn.
+The mind, that here is radiant, on the earth
+Is wrapt in mist.  Look then if she may do,
+Below, what passeth her ability,
+When she is ta'en to heav'n."  By words like these
+Admonish'd, I the question urg'd no more;
+And of the spirit humbly sued alone
+T' instruct me of its state.  "'Twixt either shore
+Of Italy, nor distant from thy land,
+A stony ridge ariseth, in such sort,
+The thunder doth not lift his voice so high,
+They call it Catria: at whose foot a cell
+Is sacred to the lonely Eremite,
+For worship set apart and holy rites."
+A third time thus it spake; then added: "There
+So firmly to God's service I adher'd,
+That with no costlier viands than the juice
+Of olives, easily I pass'd the heats
+Of summer and the winter frosts, content
+In heav'n-ward musings.  Rich were the returns
+And fertile, which that cloister once was us'd
+To render to these heavens: now 't is fall'n
+Into a waste so empty, that ere long
+Detection must lay bare its vanity
+Pietro Damiano there was I yclept:
+Pietro the sinner, when before I dwelt
+Beside the Adriatic, in the house
+Of our blest Lady.  Near upon my close
+Of mortal life, through much importuning
+I was constrain'd to wear the hat that still
+From bad to worse it shifted.--Cephas came;
+He came, who was the Holy Spirit's vessel,
+Barefoot and lean, eating their bread, as chanc'd,
+At the first table.  Modern Shepherd's need
+Those who on either hand may prop and lead them,
+So burly are they grown: and from behind
+Others to hoist them.  Down the palfrey's sides
+Spread their broad mantles, so as both the beasts
+Are cover'd with one skin.  O patience! thou
+That lookst on this and doth endure so long."
+I at those accents saw the splendours down
+From step to step alight, and wheel, and wax,
+Each circuiting, more beautiful.  Round this
+They came, and stay'd them; uttered them a shout
+So loud, it hath no likeness here: nor I
+Wist what it spake, so deaf'ning was the thunder.
+
+
+
+
+CANTO XXII
+
+Astounded, to the guardian of my steps
+I turn'd me, like the chill, who always runs
+Thither for succour, where he trusteth most,
+And she was like the mother, who her son
+Beholding pale and breathless, with her voice
+Soothes him, and he is cheer'd; for thus she spake,
+Soothing me: "Know'st not thou, thou art in heav'n?
+And know'st not thou, whatever is in heav'n,
+Is holy, and that nothing there is done
+But is done zealously and well?  Deem now,
+What change in thee the song, and what my smile
+had wrought, since thus the shout had pow'r to move thee.
+In which couldst thou have understood their prayers,
+The vengeance were already known to thee,
+Which thou must witness ere thy mortal hour,
+The sword of heav'n is not in haste to smite,
+Nor yet doth linger, save unto his seeming,
+Who in desire or fear doth look for it.
+But elsewhere now l bid thee turn thy view;
+So shalt thou many a famous spirit behold."
+Mine eyes directing, as she will'd, I saw
+A hundred little spheres, that fairer grew
+By interchange of splendour.  I remain'd,
+As one, who fearful of o'er-much presuming,
+Abates in him the keenness of desire,
+Nor dares to question, when amid those pearls,
+One largest and most lustrous onward drew,
+That it might yield contentment to my wish;
+And from within it these the sounds I heard.
+
+"If thou, like me, beheldst the charity
+That burns amongst us, what thy mind conceives,
+Were utter'd.  But that, ere the lofty bound
+Thou reach, expectance may not weary thee,
+I will make answer even to the thought,
+Which thou hast such respect of.  In old days,
+That mountain, at whose side Cassino rests,
+Was on its height frequented by a race
+Deceived and ill dispos'd: and I it was,
+Who thither carried first the name of Him,
+Who brought the soul-subliming truth to man.
+And such a speeding grace shone over me,
+That from their impious worship I reclaim'd
+The dwellers round about, who with the world
+Were in delusion lost.  These other flames,
+The spirits of men contemplative, were all
+Enliven'd by that warmth, whose kindly force
+Gives birth to flowers and fruits of holiness.
+Here is Macarius; Romoaldo here:
+And here my brethren, who their steps refrain'd
+Within the cloisters, and held firm their heart."
+
+I answ'ring, thus; "Thy gentle words and kind,
+And this the cheerful semblance, I behold
+Not unobservant, beaming in ye all,
+Have rais'd assurance in me, wakening it
+Full-blossom'd in my bosom, as a rose
+Before the sun, when the consummate flower
+Has spread to utmost amplitude.  Of thee
+Therefore entreat I, father! to declare
+If I may gain such favour, as to gaze
+Upon thine image, by no covering veil'd."
+
+"Brother!"  he thus rejoin'd, "in the last sphere
+Expect completion of thy lofty aim,
+For there on each desire completion waits,
+And there on mine: where every aim is found
+Perfect, entire, and for fulfillment ripe.
+There all things are as they have ever been:
+For space is none to bound, nor pole divides,
+Our ladder reaches even to that clime,
+And so at giddy distance mocks thy view.
+Thither the Patriarch Jacob saw it stretch
+Its topmost round, when it appear'd to him
+With angels laden.  But to mount it now
+None lifts his foot from earth: and hence my rule
+Is left a profitless stain upon the leaves;
+The walls, for abbey rear'd, turned into dens,
+The cowls to sacks choak'd up with musty meal.
+Foul usury doth not more lift itself
+Against God's pleasure, than that fruit which makes
+The hearts of monks so wanton: for whate'er
+Is in the church's keeping, all pertains.
+To such, as sue for heav'n's sweet sake, and not
+To those who in respect of kindred claim,
+Or on more vile allowance.  Mortal flesh
+Is grown so dainty, good beginnings last not
+From the oak's birth, unto the acorn's setting.
+His convent Peter founded without gold
+Or silver; I with pray'rs and fasting mine;
+And Francis his in meek humility.
+And if thou note the point, whence each proceeds,
+Then look what it hath err'd to, thou shalt find
+The white grown murky.  Jordan was turn'd back;
+And a less wonder, then the refluent sea,
+May at God's pleasure work amendment here."
+
+So saying, to his assembly back he drew:
+And they together cluster'd into one,
+Then all roll'd upward like an eddying wind.
+
+The sweet dame beckon'd me to follow them:
+And, by that influence only, so prevail'd
+Over my nature, that no natural motion,
+Ascending or descending here below,
+Had, as I mounted, with my pennon vied.
+
+So, reader, as my hope is to return
+Unto the holy triumph, for the which
+I ofttimes wail my sins, and smite my breast,
+Thou hadst been longer drawing out and thrusting
+Thy finger in the fire, than I was, ere
+The sign, that followeth Taurus, I beheld,
+And enter'd its precinct.  O glorious stars!
+O light impregnate with exceeding virtue!
+To whom whate'er of genius lifteth me
+Above the vulgar, grateful I refer;
+With ye the parent of all mortal life
+Arose and set, when I did first inhale
+The Tuscan air; and afterward, when grace
+Vouchsaf'd me entrance to the lofty wheel
+That in its orb impels ye, fate decreed
+My passage at your clime.  To you my soul
+Devoutly sighs, for virtue even now
+To meet the hard emprize that draws me on.
+
+"Thou art so near the sum of blessedness,"
+Said Beatrice, "that behooves thy ken
+Be vigilant and clear.  And, to this end,
+Or even thou advance thee further, hence
+Look downward, and contemplate, what a world
+Already stretched under our feet there lies:
+So as thy heart may, in its blithest mood,
+Present itself to the triumphal throng,
+Which through the' etherial concave comes rejoicing."
+
+I straight obey'd; and with mine eye return'd
+Through all the seven spheres, and saw this globe
+So pitiful of semblance, that perforce
+It moved my smiles: and him in truth I hold
+For wisest, who esteems it least: whose thoughts
+Elsewhere are fix'd, him worthiest call and best.
+I saw the daughter of Latona shine
+Without the shadow, whereof late I deem'd
+That dense and rare were cause.  Here I sustain'd
+The visage, Hyperion! of thy sun;
+And mark'd, how near him with their circle, round
+Move Maia and Dione; here discern'd
+Jove's tempering 'twixt his sire and son; and hence
+Their changes and their various aspects
+Distinctly scann'd.  Nor might I not descry
+Of all the seven, how bulky each, how swift;
+Nor of their several distances not learn.
+This petty area (o'er the which we stride
+So fiercely), as along the eternal twins
+I wound my way, appear'd before me all,
+Forth from the havens stretch'd unto the hills.
+Then to the beauteous eyes mine eyes return'd.
+
+
+
+
+CANTO XXIII
+
+E'en as the bird, who midst the leafy bower
+Has, in her nest, sat darkling through the night,
+With her sweet brood, impatient to descry
+Their wished looks, and to bring home their food,
+In the fond quest unconscious of her toil:
+She, of the time prevenient, on the spray,
+That overhangs their couch, with wakeful gaze
+Expects the sun; nor ever, till the dawn,
+Removeth from the east her eager ken;
+So stood the dame erect, and bent her glance
+Wistfully on that region, where the sun
+Abateth most his speed; that, seeing her
+Suspense and wand'ring, I became as one,
+In whom desire is waken'd, and the hope
+Of somewhat new to come fills with delight.
+
+Short space ensued; I was not held, I say,
+Long in expectance, when I saw the heav'n
+Wax more and more resplendent; and, "Behold,"
+Cried Beatrice, "the triumphal hosts
+Of Christ, and all the harvest reap'd at length
+Of thy ascending up these spheres."  Meseem'd,
+That, while she spake her image all did burn,
+And in her eyes such fullness was of joy,
+And I am fain to pass unconstrued by.
+
+As in the calm full moon, when Trivia smiles,
+In peerless beauty, 'mid th' eternal nympus,
+That paint through all its gulfs the blue profound
+In bright pre-eminence so saw I there,
+O'er million lamps a sun, from whom all drew
+Their radiance as from ours the starry train:
+And through the living light so lustrous glow'd
+The substance, that my ken endur'd it not.
+
+O Beatrice! sweet and precious guide!
+Who cheer'd me with her comfortable words!
+"Against the virtue, that o'erpow'reth thee,
+Avails not to resist.  Here is the might,
+And here the wisdom, which did open lay
+The path, that had been yearned for so long,
+Betwixt the heav'n and earth."  Like to the fire,
+That, in a cloud imprison'd doth break out
+Expansive, so that from its womb enlarg'd,
+It falleth against nature to the ground;
+Thus in that heav'nly banqueting my soul
+Outgrew herself; and, in the transport lost.
+Holds now remembrance none of what she was.
+
+"Ope thou thine eyes, and mark me: thou hast seen
+Things, that empower thee to sustain my smile."
+
+I was as one, when a forgotten dream
+Doth come across him, and he strives in vain
+To shape it in his fantasy again,
+Whenas that gracious boon was proffer'd me,
+Which never may be cancel'd from the book,
+Wherein the past is written.  Now were all
+Those tongues to sound, that have on sweetest milk
+Of Polyhymnia and her sisters fed
+And fatten'd, not with all their help to boot,
+Unto the thousandth parcel of the truth,
+My song might shadow forth that saintly smile,
+flow merely in her saintly looks it wrought.
+And with such figuring of Paradise
+The sacred strain must leap, like one, that meets
+A sudden interruption to his road.
+But he, who thinks how ponderous the theme,
+And that 't is lain upon a mortal shoulder,
+May pardon, if it tremble with the burden.
+The track, our ventrous keel must furrow, brooks
+No unribb'd pinnace, no self-sparing pilot.
+
+"Why doth my face," said Beatrice, "thus
+Enamour thee, as that thou dost not turn
+Unto the beautiful garden, blossoming
+Beneath the rays of Christ?  Here is the rose,
+Wherein the word divine was made incarnate;
+And here the lilies, by whose odour known
+The way of life was follow'd."  Prompt I heard
+Her bidding, and encounter once again
+The strife of aching vision.  As erewhile,
+Through glance of sunlight, stream'd through broken cloud,
+Mine eyes a flower-besprinkled mead have seen,
+Though veil'd themselves in shade; so saw I there
+Legions of splendours, on whom burning rays
+Shed lightnings from above, yet saw I not
+The fountain whence they flow'd.  O gracious virtue!
+Thou, whose broad stamp is on them, higher up
+Thou didst exalt thy glory to give room
+To my o'erlabour'd sight: when at the name
+Of that fair flower, whom duly I invoke
+Both morn and eve, my soul, with all her might
+Collected, on the goodliest ardour fix'd.
+And, as the bright dimensions of the star
+In heav'n excelling, as once here on earth
+Were, in my eyeballs lively portray'd,
+Lo! from within the sky a cresset fell,
+Circling in fashion of a diadem,
+And girt the star, and hov'ring round it wheel'd.
+
+Whatever melody sounds sweetest here,
+And draws the spirit most unto itself,
+Might seem a rent cloud when it grates the thunder,
+Compar'd unto the sounding of that lyre,
+Wherewith the goodliest sapphire, that inlays
+The floor of heav'n, was crown'd. "Angelic Love
+I am, who thus with hov'ring flight enwheel
+The lofty rapture from that womb inspir'd,
+Where our desire did dwell: and round thee so,
+Lady of Heav'n! will hover; long as thou
+Thy Son shalt follow, and diviner joy
+Shall from thy presence gild the highest sphere."
+
+Such close was to the circling melody:
+And, as it ended, all the other lights
+Took up the strain, and echoed Mary's name.
+
+The robe, that with its regal folds enwraps
+The world, and with the nearer breath of God
+Doth burn and quiver, held so far retir'd
+Its inner hem and skirting over us,
+That yet no glimmer of its majesty
+Had stream'd unto me: therefore were mine eyes
+Unequal to pursue the crowned flame,
+That rose and sought its natal seed of fire;
+And like to babe, that stretches forth its arms
+For very eagerness towards the breast,
+After the milk is taken; so outstretch'd
+Their wavy summits all the fervent band,
+Through zealous love to Mary: then in view
+There halted, and "Regina Coeli" sang
+So sweetly, the delight hath left me never.
+
+O what o'erflowing plenty is up-pil'd
+In those rich-laden coffers, which below
+Sow'd the good seed, whose harvest now they keep.
+
+Here are the treasures tasted, that with tears
+Were in the Babylonian exile won,
+When gold had fail'd them.  Here in synod high
+Of ancient council with the new conven'd,
+Under the Son of Mary and of God,
+Victorious he his mighty triumph holds,
+To whom the keys of glory were assign'd.
+
+
+
+
+CANTO XXIV
+
+"O ye! in chosen fellowship advanc'd
+To the great supper of the blessed Lamb,
+Whereon who feeds hath every wish fulfill'd!
+If to this man through God's grace be vouchsaf'd
+Foretaste of that, which from your table falls,
+Or ever death his fated term prescribe;
+Be ye not heedless of his urgent will;
+But may some influence of your sacred dews
+Sprinkle him.  Of the fount ye alway drink,
+Whence flows what most he craves."  Beatrice spake,
+And the rejoicing spirits, like to spheres
+On firm-set poles revolving, trail'd a blaze
+Of comet splendour; and as wheels, that wind
+Their circles in the horologe, so work
+The stated rounds, that to th' observant eye
+The first seems still, and, as it flew, the last;
+E'en thus their carols weaving variously,
+They by the measure pac'd, or swift, or slow,
+Made me to rate the riches of their joy.
+
+From that, which I did note in beauty most
+Excelling, saw I issue forth a flame
+So bright, as none was left more goodly there.
+Round Beatrice thrice it wheel'd about,
+With so divine a song, that fancy's ear
+Records it not; and the pen passeth on
+And leaves a blank: for that our mortal speech,
+Nor e'en the inward shaping of the brain,
+Hath colours fine enough to trace such folds.
+
+"O saintly sister mine! thy prayer devout
+Is with so vehement affection urg'd,
+Thou dost unbind me from that beauteous sphere."
+
+Such were the accents towards my lady breath'd
+From that blest ardour, soon as it was stay'd:
+To whom she thus: "O everlasting light
+Of him, within whose mighty grasp our Lord
+Did leave the keys, which of this wondrous bliss
+He bare below! tent this man, as thou wilt,
+With lighter probe or deep, touching the faith,
+By the which thou didst on the billows walk.
+If he in love, in hope, and in belief,
+Be steadfast, is not hid from thee: for thou
+Hast there thy ken, where all things are beheld
+In liveliest portraiture.  But since true faith
+Has peopled this fair realm with citizens,
+Meet is, that to exalt its glory more,
+Thou in his audience shouldst thereof discourse."
+
+Like to the bachelor, who arms himself,
+And speaks not, till the master have propos'd
+The question, to approve, and not to end it;
+So I, in silence, arm'd me, while she spake,
+Summoning up each argument to aid;
+As was behooveful for such questioner,
+And such profession: "As good Christian ought,
+Declare thee, What is faith?"  Whereat I rais'd
+My forehead to the light, whence this had breath'd,
+Then turn'd to Beatrice, and in her looks
+Approval met, that from their inmost fount
+I should unlock the waters.  "May the grace,
+That giveth me the captain of the church
+For confessor," said I, "vouchsafe to me
+Apt utterance for my thoughts!" then added: "Sire!
+E'en as set down by the unerring style
+Of thy dear brother, who with thee conspir'd
+To bring Rome in unto the way of life,
+Faith of things hop'd is substance, and the proof
+Of things not seen; and herein doth consist
+Methinks its essence,"--"Rightly hast thou deem'd,"
+Was answer'd: "if thou well discern, why first
+He hath defin'd it, substance, and then proof."
+
+"The deep things," I replied, "which here I scan
+Distinctly, are below from mortal eye
+So hidden, they have in belief alone
+Their being, on which credence hope sublime
+Is built; and therefore substance it intends.
+And inasmuch as we must needs infer
+From such belief our reasoning, all respect
+To other view excluded, hence of proof
+Th' intention is deriv'd."  Forthwith I heard:
+"If thus, whate'er by learning men attain,
+Were understood, the sophist would want room
+To exercise his wit."  So breath'd the flame
+Of love: then added: "Current is the coin
+Thou utter'st, both in weight and in alloy.
+But tell me, if thou hast it in thy purse."
+
+"Even so glittering and so round," said I,
+"I not a whit misdoubt of its assay."
+
+Next issued from the deep imbosom'd splendour:
+"Say, whence the costly jewel, on the which
+Is founded every virtue, came to thee."
+"The flood," I answer'd, "from the Spirit of God
+Rain'd down upon the ancient bond and new,--
+Here is the reas'ning, that convinceth me
+So feelingly, each argument beside
+Seems blunt and forceless in comparison."
+Then heard I: "Wherefore holdest thou that each,
+The elder proposition and the new,
+Which so persuade thee, are the voice of heav'n?"
+
+"The works, that follow'd, evidence their truth;"
+I answer'd: "Nature did not make for these
+The iron hot, or on her anvil mould them."
+"Who voucheth to thee of the works themselves,"
+Was the reply, "that they in very deed
+Are that they purport?  None hath sworn so to thee."
+
+"That all the world," said I, "should have been turn'd
+To Christian, and no miracle been wrought,
+Would in itself be such a miracle,
+The rest were not an hundredth part so great.
+E'en thou wentst forth in poverty and hunger
+To set the goodly plant, that from the vine,
+It once was, now is grown unsightly bramble."
+That ended, through the high celestial court
+Resounded all the spheres.  "Praise we one God!"
+In song of most unearthly melody.
+And when that Worthy thus, from branch to branch,
+Examining, had led me, that we now
+Approach'd the topmost bough, he straight resum'd;
+"The grace, that holds sweet dalliance with thy soul,
+So far discreetly hath thy lips unclos'd
+That, whatsoe'er has past them, I commend.
+Behooves thee to express, what thou believ'st,
+The next, and whereon thy belief hath grown."
+
+"O saintly sire and spirit!" I began,
+"Who seest that, which thou didst so believe,
+As to outstrip feet younger than thine own,
+Toward the sepulchre?  thy will is here,
+That I the tenour of my creed unfold;
+And thou the cause of it hast likewise ask'd.
+And I reply: I in one God believe,
+One sole eternal Godhead, of whose love
+All heav'n is mov'd, himself unmov'd the while.
+Nor demonstration physical alone,
+Or more intelligential and abstruse,
+Persuades me to this faith; but from that truth
+It cometh to me rather, which is shed
+Through Moses, the rapt Prophets, and the Psalms.
+The Gospel, and that ye yourselves did write,
+When ye were gifted of the Holy Ghost.
+In three eternal Persons I believe,
+Essence threefold and one, mysterious league
+Of union absolute, which, many a time,
+The word of gospel lore upon my mind
+Imprints: and from this germ, this firstling spark,
+The lively flame dilates, and like heav'n's star
+Doth glitter in me."  As the master hears,
+Well pleas'd, and then enfoldeth in his arms
+The servant, who hath joyful tidings brought,
+And having told the errand keeps his peace;
+Thus benediction uttering with song
+Soon as my peace I held, compass'd me thrice
+The apostolic radiance, whose behest
+Had op'd lips; so well their answer pleas'd.
+
+
+
+
+CANTO XXV
+
+If e'er the sacred poem that hath made
+Both heav'n and earth copartners in its toil,
+And with lean abstinence, through many a year,
+Faded my brow, be destin'd to prevail
+Over the cruelty, which bars me forth
+Of the fair sheep-fold, where a sleeping lamb
+The wolves set on and fain had worried me,
+With other voice and fleece of other grain
+I shall forthwith return, and, standing up
+At my baptismal font, shall claim the wreath
+Due to the poet's temples: for I there
+First enter'd on the faith which maketh souls
+Acceptable to God: and, for its sake,
+Peter had then circled my forehead thus.
+
+Next from the squadron, whence had issued forth
+The first fruit of Christ's vicars on the earth,
+Toward us mov'd a light, at view whereof
+My Lady, full of gladness, spake to me:
+"Lo! lo! behold the peer of mickle might,
+That makes Falicia throng'd with visitants!"
+
+As when the ring-dove by his mate alights,
+In circles each about the other wheels,
+And murmuring cooes his fondness; thus saw I
+One, of the other great and glorious prince,
+With kindly greeting hail'd, extolling both
+Their heavenly banqueting; but when an end
+Was to their gratulation, silent, each,
+Before me sat they down, so burning bright,
+I could not look upon them.  Smiling then,
+Beatrice spake: "O life in glory shrin'd!"
+Who didst the largess of our kingly court
+Set down with faithful pen! let now thy voice
+Of hope the praises in this height resound.
+For thou, who figur'st them in shapes, as clear,
+As Jesus stood before thee, well can'st speak them."
+
+"Lift up thy head, and be thou strong in trust:
+For that, which hither from the mortal world
+Arriveth, must be ripen'd in our beam."
+
+Such cheering accents from the second flame
+Assur'd me; and mine eyes I lifted up
+Unto the mountains that had bow'd them late
+With over-heavy burden.  "Sith our Liege
+Wills of his grace that thou, or ere thy death,
+In the most secret council, with his lords
+Shouldst be confronted, so that having view'd
+The glories of our court, thou mayst therewith
+Thyself, and all who hear, invigorate
+With hope, that leads to blissful end; declare,
+What is that hope, how it doth flourish in thee,
+And whence thou hadst it?"  Thus proceeding still,
+The second light: and she, whose gentle love
+My soaring pennons in that lofty flight
+Escorted, thus preventing me, rejoin'd:
+Among her sons, not one more full of hope,
+Hath the church militant: so 't is of him
+Recorded in the sun, whose liberal orb
+Enlighteneth all our tribe: and ere his term
+Of warfare, hence permitted he is come,
+From Egypt to Jerusalem, to see.
+The other points, both which thou hast inquir'd,
+Not for more knowledge, but that he may tell
+How dear thou holdst the virtue, these to him
+Leave I; for he may answer thee with ease,
+And without boasting, so God give him grace."
+Like to the scholar, practis'd in his task,
+Who, willing to give proof of diligence,
+Seconds his teacher gladly, "Hope," said I,
+"Is of the joy to come a sure expectance,
+Th' effect of grace divine and merit preceding.
+This light from many a star visits my heart,
+But flow'd to me the first from him, who sang
+The songs of the Supreme, himself supreme
+Among his tuneful brethren.  'Let all hope
+In thee,' so speak his anthem, 'who have known
+Thy name;' and with my faith who know not that?
+From thee, the next, distilling from his spring,
+In thine epistle, fell on me the drops
+So plenteously, that I on others shower
+The influence of their dew."  Whileas I spake,
+A lamping, as of quick and vollied lightning,
+Within the bosom of that mighty sheen,
+Play'd tremulous; then forth these accents breath'd:
+"Love for the virtue which attended me
+E'en to the palm, and issuing from the field,
+Glows vigorous yet within me, and inspires
+To ask of thee, whom also it delights;
+What promise thou from hope in chief dost win."
+
+"Both scriptures, new and ancient," I reply'd;
+"Propose the mark (which even now I view)
+For souls belov'd of God. Isaias saith,
+That, in their own land, each one must be clad
+In twofold vesture; and their proper lands this delicious life.
+In terms more full,
+And clearer far, thy brother hath set forth
+This revelation to us, where he tells
+Of the white raiment destin'd to the saints."
+And, as the words were ending, from above,
+"They hope in thee," first heard we cried: whereto
+Answer'd the carols all.  Amidst them next,
+A light of so clear amplitude emerg'd,
+That winter's month were but a single day,
+Were such a crystal in the Cancer's sign.
+
+Like as a virgin riseth up, and goes,
+And enters on the mazes of the dance,
+Though gay, yet innocent of worse intent,
+Than to do fitting honour to the bride;
+So I beheld the new effulgence come
+Unto the other two, who in a ring
+Wheel'd, as became their rapture.  In the dance
+And in the song it mingled.  And the dame
+Held on them fix'd her looks: e'en as the spouse
+Silent and moveless.  "This is he, who lay
+Upon the bosom of our pelican:
+This he, into whose keeping from the cross
+The mighty charge was given."  Thus she spake,
+Yet therefore naught the more remov'd her Sight
+From marking them, or ere her words began,
+Or when they clos'd.  As he, who looks intent,
+And strives with searching ken, how he may see
+The sun in his eclipse, and, through desire
+Of seeing, loseth power of sight: so I
+Peer'd on that last resplendence, while I heard:
+"Why dazzlest thou thine eyes in seeking that,
+Which here abides not?  Earth my body is,
+In earth: and shall be, with the rest, so long,
+As till our number equal the decree
+Of the Most High.  The two that have ascended,
+In this our blessed cloister, shine alone
+With the two garments.  So report below."
+
+As when, for ease of labour, or to shun
+Suspected peril at a whistle's breath,
+The oars, erewhile dash'd frequent in the wave,
+All rest; the flamy circle at that voice
+So rested, and the mingling sound was still,
+Which from the trinal band soft-breathing rose.
+I turn'd, but ah! how trembled in my thought,
+When, looking at my side again to see
+Beatrice, I descried her not, although
+Not distant, on the happy coast she stood.
+
+
+
+
+CANTO XXVI
+
+With dazzled eyes, whilst wond'ring I remain'd,
+Forth of the beamy flame which dazzled me,
+Issued a breath, that in attention mute
+Detain'd me; and these words it spake: "'T were well,
+That, long as till thy vision, on my form
+O'erspent, regain its virtue, with discourse
+Thou compensate the brief delay.  Say then,
+Beginning, to what point thy soul aspires:
+
+"And meanwhile rest assur'd, that sight in thee
+Is but o'erpowered a space, not wholly quench'd:
+Since thy fair guide and lovely, in her look
+Hath potency, the like to that which dwelt
+In Ananias' hand." I answering thus:
+"Be to mine eyes the remedy or late
+Or early, at her pleasure; for they were
+The gates, at which she enter'd, and did light
+Her never dying fire.  My wishes here
+Are centered; in this palace is the weal,
+That Alpha and Omega, is to all
+The lessons love can read me."  Yet again
+The voice which had dispers'd my fear, when daz'd
+With that excess, to converse urg'd, and spake:
+"Behooves thee sift more narrowly thy terms,
+And say, who level'd at this scope thy bow."
+
+"Philosophy," said I, ''hath arguments,
+And this place hath authority enough
+'T' imprint in me such love: for, of constraint,
+Good, inasmuch as we perceive the good,
+Kindles our love, and in degree the more,
+As it comprises more of goodness in 't.
+The essence then, where such advantage is,
+That each good, found without it, is naught else
+But of his light the beam, must needs attract
+The soul of each one, loving, who the truth
+Discerns, on which this proof is built.  Such truth
+Learn I from him, who shows me the first love
+Of all intelligential substances
+Eternal: from his voice I learn, whose word
+Is truth, that of himself to Moses saith,
+'I will make all my good before thee pass.'
+Lastly from thee I learn, who chief proclaim'st,
+E'en at the outset of thy heralding,
+In mortal ears the mystery of heav'n."
+
+"Through human wisdom, and th' authority
+Therewith agreeing," heard I answer'd, "keep
+The choicest of thy love for God.  But say,
+If thou yet other cords within thee feel'st
+That draw thee towards him; so that thou report
+How many are the fangs, with which this love
+Is grappled to thy soul."  I did not miss,
+To what intent the eagle of our Lord
+Had pointed his demand; yea noted well
+Th' avowal, which he led to; and resum'd:
+"All grappling bonds, that knit the heart to God,
+Confederate to make fast our clarity.
+The being of the world, and mine own being,
+The death which he endur'd that I should live,
+And that, which all the faithful hope, as I do,
+To the foremention'd lively knowledge join'd,
+Have from the sea of ill love sav'd my bark,
+And on the coast secur'd it of the right.
+As for the leaves, that in the garden bloom,
+My love for them is great, as is the good
+Dealt by th' eternal hand, that tends them all."
+
+I ended, and therewith a song most sweet
+Rang through the spheres; and "Holy, holy, holy,"
+Accordant with the rest my lady sang.
+And as a sleep is broken and dispers'd
+Through sharp encounter of the nimble light,
+With the eye's spirit running forth to meet
+The ray, from membrane on to the membrane urg'd;
+And the upstartled wight loathes that he sees;
+So, at his sudden waking, he misdeems
+Of all around him, till assurance waits
+On better judgment: thus the saintly came
+Drove from before mine eyes the motes away,
+With the resplendence of her own, that cast
+Their brightness downward, thousand miles below.
+Whence I my vision, clearer shall before,
+Recover'd; and, well nigh astounded, ask'd
+Of a fourth light, that now with us I saw.
+
+And Beatrice: "The first diving soul,
+That ever the first virtue fram'd, admires
+Within these rays his Maker."  Like the leaf,
+That bows its lithe top till the blast is blown;
+By its own virtue rear'd then stands aloof;
+So I, the whilst she said, awe-stricken bow'd.
+Then eagerness to speak embolden'd me;
+And I began: "O fruit! that wast alone
+Mature, when first engender'd!  Ancient father!
+That doubly seest in every wedded bride
+Thy daughter by affinity and blood!
+Devoutly as I may, I pray thee hold
+Converse with me: my will thou seest; and I,
+More speedily to hear thee, tell it not."
+
+It chanceth oft some animal bewrays,
+Through the sleek cov'ring of his furry coat.
+The fondness, that stirs in him and conforms
+His outside seeming to the cheer within:
+And in like guise was Adam's spirit mov'd
+To joyous mood, that through the covering shone,
+Transparent, when to pleasure me it spake:
+"No need thy will be told, which I untold
+Better discern, than thou whatever thing
+Thou holdst most certain: for that will I see
+In Him, who is truth's mirror, and Himself
+Parhelion unto all things, and naught else
+To him.  This wouldst thou hear; how long since God
+Plac'd me high garden, from whose hounds
+She led me up in this ladder, steep and long;
+What space endur'd my season of delight;
+Whence truly sprang the wrath that banish'd me;
+And what the language, which I spake and fram'd
+Not that I tasted of the tree, my son,
+Was in itself the cause of that exile,
+But only my transgressing of the mark
+Assign'd me.  There, whence at thy lady's hest
+The Mantuan mov'd him, still was I debarr'd
+This council, till the sun had made complete,
+Four thousand and three hundred rounds and twice,
+His annual journey; and, through every light
+In his broad pathway, saw I him return,
+Thousand save sev'nty times, the whilst I dwelt
+Upon the earth.  The language I did use
+Was worn away, or ever Nimrod's race
+Their unaccomplishable work began.
+For naught, that man inclines to, ere was lasting,
+Left by his reason free, and variable,
+As is the sky that sways him.  That he speaks,
+Is nature's prompting: whether thus or thus,
+She leaves to you, as ye do most affect it.
+Ere I descended into hell's abyss,
+El was the name on earth of the Chief Good,
+Whose joy enfolds me: Eli then 't was call'd
+And so beseemeth: for, in mortals, use
+Is as the leaf upon the bough; that goes,
+And other comes instead.  Upon the mount
+Most high above the waters, all my life,
+Both innocent and guilty, did but reach
+From the first hour, to that which cometh next
+(As the sun changes quarter), to the sixth."
+
+
+
+
+CANTO XXVII
+
+Then  "Glory to the Father, to the Son,
+And to the Holy Spirit," rang aloud
+Throughout all Paradise, that with the song
+My spirit reel'd, so passing sweet the strain:
+And what I saw was equal ecstasy;
+One universal smile it seem'd of all things,
+Joy past compare, gladness unutterable,
+Imperishable life of peace and love,
+Exhaustless riches and unmeasur'd bliss.
+
+Before mine eyes stood the four torches lit;
+And that, which first had come, began to wax
+In brightness, and in semblance such became,
+As Jove might be, if he and Mars were birds,
+And interchang'd their plumes.  Silence ensued,
+Through the blest quire, by Him, who here appoints
+Vicissitude of ministry, enjoin'd;
+When thus I heard: "Wonder not, if my hue
+Be chang'd; for, while I speak, these shalt thou see
+All in like manner change with me.  My place
+He who usurps on earth (my place, ay, mine,
+Which in the presence of the Son of God
+Is void), the same hath made my cemetery
+A common sewer of puddle and of blood:
+The more below his triumph, who from hence
+Malignant fell."  Such colour, as the sun,
+At eve or morning, paints an adverse cloud,
+Then saw I sprinkled over all the sky.
+And as th' unblemish'd dame, who in herself
+Secure of censure, yet at bare report
+Of other's failing, shrinks with maiden fear;
+So Beatrice in her semblance chang'd:
+And such eclipse in heav'n methinks was seen,
+When the Most Holy suffer'd.  Then the words
+Proceeded, with voice, alter'd from itself
+So clean, the semblance did not alter more.
+"Not to this end was Christ's spouse with my blood,
+With that of Linus, and of Cletus fed:
+That she might serve for purchase of base gold:
+But for the purchase of this happy life
+Did Sextus, Pius, and Callixtus bleed,
+And Urban, they, whose doom was not without
+Much weeping seal'd.  No purpose was of our
+That on the right hand of our successors
+Part of the Christian people should be set,
+And part upon their left; nor that the keys,
+Which were vouchsaf'd me, should for ensign serve
+Unto the banners, that do levy war
+On the baptiz'd: nor I, for sigil-mark
+Set upon sold and lying privileges;
+Which makes me oft to bicker and turn red.
+In shepherd's clothing greedy wolves below
+Range wide o'er all the pastures.  Arm of God!
+Why longer sleepst thou?  Caorsines and Gascona
+Prepare to quaff our blood.  O good beginning
+To what a vile conclusion must thou stoop!
+But the high providence, which did defend
+Through Scipio the world's glory unto Rome,
+Will not delay its succour: and thou, son,
+Who through thy mortal weight shall yet again
+Return below, open thy lips, nor hide
+What is by me not hidden."  As a Hood
+Of frozen vapours streams adown the air,
+What time the she-goat with her skiey horn
+Touches the sun; so saw I there stream wide
+The vapours, who with us had linger'd late
+And with glad triumph deck th' ethereal cope.
+Onward my sight their semblances pursued;
+So far pursued, as till the space between
+From its reach sever'd them: whereat the guide
+Celestial, marking me no more intent
+On upward gazing, said, "Look down and see
+What circuit thou hast compass'd."  From the hour
+When I before had cast my view beneath,
+All the first region overpast I saw,
+Which from the midmost to the bound'ry winds;
+That onward thence from Gades I beheld
+The unwise passage of Laertes' son,
+And hitherward the shore, where thou, Europa!
+Mad'st thee a joyful burden: and yet more
+Of this dim spot had seen, but that the sun,
+A constellation off and more, had ta'en
+His progress in the zodiac underneath.
+
+Then by the spirit, that doth never leave
+Its amorous dalliance with my lady's looks,
+Back with redoubled ardour were mine eyes
+Led unto her: and from her radiant smiles,
+Whenas I turn'd me, pleasure so divine
+Did lighten on me, that whatever bait
+Or art or nature in the human flesh,
+Or in its limn'd resemblance, can combine
+Through greedy eyes to take the soul withal,
+Were to her beauty nothing.  Its boon influence
+From the fair nest of Leda rapt me forth,
+And wafted on into the swiftest heav'n.
+
+What place for entrance Beatrice chose,
+I may not say, so uniform was all,
+Liveliest and loftiest.  She my secret wish
+Divin'd; and with such gladness, that God's love
+Seem'd from her visage shining, thus began:
+"Here is the goal, whence motion on his race
+Starts; motionless the centre, and the rest
+All mov'd around.  Except the soul divine,
+Place in this heav'n is none, the soul divine,
+Wherein the love, which ruleth o'er its orb,
+Is kindled, and the virtue that it sheds;
+One circle, light and love, enclasping it,
+As this doth clasp the others; and to Him,
+Who draws the bound, its limit only known.
+Measur'd itself by none, it doth divide
+Motion to all, counted unto them forth,
+As by the fifth or half ye count forth ten.
+The vase, wherein time's roots are plung'd, thou seest,
+Look elsewhere for the leaves.  O mortal lust!
+That canst not lift thy head above the waves
+Which whelm and sink thee down!  The will in man
+Bears goodly blossoms; but its ruddy promise
+Is, by the dripping of perpetual rain,
+Made mere abortion: faith and innocence
+Are met with but in babes, each taking leave
+Ere cheeks with down are sprinkled; he, that fasts,
+While yet a stammerer, with his tongue let loose
+Gluts every food alike in every moon.
+One yet a babbler, loves and listens to
+His mother; but no sooner hath free use
+Of speech, than he doth wish her in her grave.
+So suddenly doth the fair child of him,
+Whose welcome is the morn and eve his parting,
+To negro blackness change her virgin white.
+
+"Thou, to abate thy wonder, note that none
+Bears rule in earth, and its frail family
+Are therefore wand'rers.  Yet before the date,
+When through the hundredth in his reck'ning drops
+Pale January must be shor'd aside
+From winter's calendar, these heav'nly spheres
+Shall roar so loud, that fortune shall be fain
+To turn the poop, where she hath now the prow;
+So that the fleet run onward; and true fruit,
+Expected long, shall crown at last the bloom!"
+
+
+
+
+CANTO XXVII
+
+So she who doth imparadise my soul,
+Had drawn the veil from off our pleasant life,
+And bar'd the truth of poor mortality;
+When lo! as one who, in a mirror, spies
+The shining of a flambeau at his back,
+Lit sudden ore he deem of its approach,
+And turneth to resolve him, if the glass
+Have told him true, and sees the record faithful
+As note is to its metre; even thus,
+I well remember, did befall to me,
+Looking upon the beauteous eyes, whence love
+Had made the leash to take me.  As I turn'd;
+And that, which, in their circles, none who spies,
+Can miss of, in itself apparent, struck
+On mine; a point I saw, that darted light
+So sharp, no lid, unclosing, may bear up
+Against its keenness.  The least star we view
+From hence, had seem'd a moon, set by its side,
+As star by side of star.  And so far off,
+Perchance, as is the halo from the light
+Which paints it, when most dense the vapour spreads,
+There wheel'd about the point a circle of fire,
+More rapid than the motion, which first girds
+The world.  Then, circle after circle, round
+Enring'd each other; till the seventh reach'd
+Circumference so ample, that its bow,
+Within the span of Juno's messenger,
+lied scarce been held entire. Beyond the sev'nth,
+Follow'd yet other two.  And every one,
+As more in number distant from the first,
+Was tardier in motion; and that glow'd
+With flame most pure, that to the sparkle' of truth
+Was nearest, as partaking most, methinks,
+Of its reality.  The guide belov'd
+Saw me in anxious thought suspense, and spake:
+"Heav'n, and all nature, hangs upon that point.
+The circle thereto most conjoin'd observe;
+And know, that by intenser love its course
+Is to this swiftness wing'd."  To whom I thus:
+"It were enough; nor should I further seek,
+Had I but witness'd order, in the world
+Appointed, such as in these wheels is seen.
+But in the sensible world such diff'rence is,
+That is each round shows more divinity,
+As each is wider from the centre.  Hence,
+If in this wondrous and angelic temple,
+That hath for confine only light and love,
+My wish may have completion I must know,
+Wherefore such disagreement is between
+Th' exemplar and its copy: for myself,
+Contemplating, I fail to pierce the cause."
+
+"It is no marvel, if thy fingers foil'd
+Do leave the knot untied: so hard 't is grown
+For want of tenting."  Thus she said: "But take,"
+She added, "if thou wish thy cure, my words,
+And entertain them subtly.  Every orb
+Corporeal, doth proportion its extent
+Unto the virtue through its parts diffus'd.
+The greater blessedness preserves the more.
+The greater is the body (if all parts
+Share equally) the more is to preserve.
+Therefore the circle, whose swift course enwheels
+The universal frame answers to that,
+Which is supreme in knowledge and in love
+Thus by the virtue, not the seeming, breadth
+Of substance, measure, thou shalt see the heav'ns,
+Each to the' intelligence that ruleth it,
+Greater to more, and smaller unto less,
+Suited in strict and wondrous harmony."
+
+As when the sturdy north blows from his cheek
+A blast, that scours the sky, forthwith our air,
+Clear'd of the rack, that hung on it before,
+Glitters; and, With his beauties all unveil'd,
+The firmament looks forth serene, and smiles;
+Such was my cheer, when Beatrice drove
+With clear reply the shadows back, and truth
+Was manifested, as a star in heaven.
+And when the words were ended, not unlike
+To iron in the furnace, every cirque
+Ebullient shot forth scintillating fires:
+And every sparkle shivering to new blaze,
+In number did outmillion the account
+Reduplicate upon the chequer'd board.
+Then heard I echoing on from choir to choir,
+"Hosanna," to the fixed point, that holds,
+And shall for ever hold them to their place,
+From everlasting, irremovable.
+
+Musing awhile I stood: and she, who saw
+by inward meditations, thus began:
+"In the first circles, they, whom thou beheldst,
+Are seraphim and cherubim.  Thus swift
+Follow their hoops, in likeness to the point,
+Near as they can, approaching; and they can
+The more, the loftier their vision.  Those,
+That round them fleet, gazing the Godhead next,
+Are thrones; in whom the first trine ends.  And all
+Are blessed, even as their sight descends
+Deeper into the truth, wherein rest is
+For every mind.  Thus happiness hath root
+In seeing, not in  loving, which of sight
+Is aftergrowth.  And of the seeing such
+The meed, as unto each in due degree
+Grace and good-will their measure have assign'd.
+The other trine, that with still opening buds
+In this eternal springtide blossom fair,
+Fearless of bruising from the nightly ram,
+Breathe up in warbled melodies threefold
+Hosannas blending ever, from the three
+Transmitted. hierarchy of gods, for aye
+Rejoicing, dominations first, next then
+Virtues, and powers the third.  The next to whom
+Are princedoms and archangels, with glad round
+To tread their festal ring; and last the band
+Angelical, disporting in their sphere.
+All, as they circle in their orders, look
+Aloft, and downward with such sway prevail,
+That all with mutual impulse tend to God.
+These once a mortal view beheld.  Desire
+In Dionysius so intently wrought,
+That he, as I have done rang'd them; and nam'd
+Their orders, marshal'd in his thought.  From him
+Dissentient, one refus'd his sacred read.
+But soon as in this heav'n his doubting eyes
+Were open'd, Gregory at his error smil'd
+Nor marvel, that a denizen of earth
+Should scan such secret truth; for he had learnt
+Both this and much beside of these our orbs,
+From an eye-witness to heav'n's mysteries."
+
+
+
+
+CANTO XXIX
+
+No longer than what time Latona's twins
+Cover'd of Libra and the fleecy star,
+Together both, girding the' horizon hang,
+In even balance from the zenith pois'd,
+Till from that verge, each, changing hemisphere,
+Part the nice level; e'en so brief a space
+Did Beatrice's silence hold.  A smile
+Bat painted on her cheek; and her fix'd gaze
+Bent on the point, at which my vision fail'd:
+When thus her words resuming she began:
+"I speak, nor what thou wouldst inquire demand;
+For I have mark'd it, where all time and place
+Are present.  Not for increase to himself
+Of good, which may not be increas'd, but forth
+To manifest his glory by its beams,
+Inhabiting his own eternity,
+Beyond time's limit or what bound soe'er
+To circumscribe his being, as he will'd,
+Into new natures, like unto himself,
+Eternal Love unfolded.  Nor before,
+As if in dull inaction torpid lay.
+For not in process of before or aft
+Upon these waters mov'd the Spirit of God.
+Simple and mix'd, both form and substance, forth
+To perfect being started, like three darts
+Shot from a bow three-corded.  And as ray
+In crystal, glass, and amber, shines entire,
+E'en at the moment of its issuing; thus
+Did, from th' eternal Sovran, beam entire
+His threefold operation, at one act
+Produc'd coeval.  Yet in order each
+Created his due station knew: those highest,
+Who pure intelligence were made: mere power
+The lowest: in the midst, bound with strict league,
+Intelligence and power, unsever'd bond.
+Long tract of ages by the angels past,
+Ere the creating of another world,
+Describ'd on Jerome's pages thou hast seen.
+But that what I disclose to thee is true,
+Those penmen, whom the Holy Spirit mov'd
+In many a passage of their sacred book
+Attest; as thou by diligent search shalt find
+And reason in some sort discerns the same,
+Who scarce would grant the heav'nly ministers
+Of their perfection void, so long a space.
+Thus when and where these spirits of love were made,
+Thou know'st, and how: and knowing hast allay'd
+Thy thirst, which from the triple question rose.
+Ere one had reckon'd twenty, e'en so soon
+Part of the angels fell: and in their fall
+Confusion to your elements ensued.
+The others kept their station: and this task,
+Whereon thou lookst, began with such delight,
+That they surcease not ever, day nor night,
+Their circling.  Of that fatal lapse the cause
+Was the curst pride of him, whom thou hast seen
+Pent with the world's incumbrance.  Those, whom here
+Thou seest, were lowly to confess themselves
+Of his free bounty, who had made them apt
+For ministries so high: therefore their views
+Were by enlight'ning grace and their own merit
+Exalted; so that in their will confirm'd
+They stand, nor feel to fall.  For do not doubt,
+But to receive the grace, which heav'n vouchsafes,
+Is meritorious, even as the soul
+With prompt affection welcometh the guest.
+Now, without further help, if with good heed
+My words thy mind have treasur'd, thou henceforth
+This consistory round about mayst scan,
+And gaze thy fill.  But since thou hast on earth
+Heard vain disputers, reasoners in the schools,
+Canvas the' angelic nature, and dispute
+Its powers of apprehension, memory, choice;
+Therefore, 't is well thou take from me the truth,
+Pure and without disguise, which they below,
+Equivocating, darken and perplex.
+
+"Know thou, that, from the first, these substances,
+Rejoicing in the countenance of God,
+Have held unceasingly their view, intent
+Upon the glorious vision, from the which
+Naught absent is nor hid: where then no change
+Of newness with succession interrupts,
+Remembrance there needs none to gather up
+Divided thought and images remote
+
+"So that men, thus at variance with the truth
+Dream, though their eyes be open; reckless some
+Of error; others well aware they err,
+To whom more guilt and shame are justly due.
+Each the known track of sage philosophy
+Deserts, and has a byway of his own:
+So much the restless eagerness to shine
+And love of singularity prevail.
+Yet this, offensive as it is, provokes
+Heav'n's anger less, than when the book of God
+Is forc'd to yield to man's authority,
+Or from its straightness warp'd: no reck'ning made
+What blood the sowing of it in the world
+Has cost; what favour for himself he wins,
+Who meekly clings to it.  The aim of all
+Is how to shine: e'en they, whose office is
+To preach the Gospel, let the gospel sleep,
+And pass their own inventions off instead.
+One tells, how at Christ's suffering the wan moon
+Bent back her steps, and shadow'd o'er the sun
+With intervenient disk, as she withdrew:
+Another, how the light shrouded itself
+Within its tabernacle, and left dark
+The Spaniard and the Indian, with the Jew.
+Such fables Florence in her pulpit hears,
+Bandied about more frequent, than the names
+Of Bindi and of Lapi in her streets.
+The sheep, meanwhile, poor witless ones, return
+From pasture, fed with wind: and what avails
+For their excuse, they do not see their harm?
+Christ said not to his first conventicle,
+'Go forth and preach impostures to the world,'
+But gave them truth to build on; and the sound
+Was mighty on their lips; nor needed they,
+Beside the gospel, other spear or shield,
+To aid them in their warfare for the faith.
+The preacher now provides himself with store
+Of jests and gibes; and, so there be no lack
+Of laughter, while he vents them, his big cowl
+Distends, and he has won the meed he sought:
+Could but the vulgar catch a glimpse the while
+Of that dark bird which nestles in his hood,
+They scarce would wait to hear the blessing said.
+Which now the dotards hold in such esteem,
+That every counterfeit, who spreads abroad
+The hands of holy promise, finds a throng
+Of credulous fools beneath.  Saint Anthony
+Fattens with this his swine, and others worse
+Than swine, who diet at his lazy board,
+Paying with unstamp'd metal for their fare.
+
+"But (for we far have wander'd) let us seek
+The forward path again; so as the way
+Be shorten'd with the time.  No mortal tongue
+Nor thought of man hath ever reach'd so far,
+That of these natures he might count the tribes.
+What Daniel of their thousands hath reveal'd
+With finite number infinite conceals.
+The fountain at whose source these drink their beams,
+With light supplies them in as many modes,
+As there are splendours, that it shines on: each
+According to the virtue it conceives,
+Differing in love and sweet affection.
+Look then how lofty and how huge in breadth
+The' eternal might, which, broken and dispers'd
+Over such countless mirrors, yet remains
+Whole in itself and one, as at the first."
+
+
+
+
+CANTO XXX
+
+Noon's fervid hour perchance six thousand miles
+From hence is distant; and the shadowy cone
+Almost to level on our earth declines;
+When from the midmost of this blue abyss
+By turns some star is to our vision lost.
+And straightway as the handmaid of the sun
+Puts forth her radiant brow, all, light by light,
+Fade, and the spangled firmament shuts in,
+E'en to the loveliest of the glittering throng.
+Thus vanish'd gradually from my sight
+The triumph, which plays ever round the point,
+That overcame me, seeming (for it did)
+Engirt by that it girdeth.  Wherefore love,
+With loss of other object, forc'd me bend
+Mine eyes on Beatrice once again.
+
+If all, that hitherto is told of her,
+Were in one praise concluded, 't were too weak
+To furnish out this turn.  Mine eyes did look
+On beauty, such, as I believe in sooth,
+Not merely to exceed our human, but,
+That save its Maker, none can to the full
+Enjoy it.  At this point o'erpower'd I fail,
+Unequal to my theme, as never bard
+Of buskin or of sock hath fail'd before.
+For, as the sun doth to the feeblest sight,
+E'en so remembrance of that witching smile
+Hath dispossess my spirit of itself.
+Not from that day, when on this earth I first
+Beheld her charms, up to that view of them,
+Have I with song applausive ever ceas'd
+To follow, but not follow them no more;
+My course here bounded, as each artist's is,
+When it doth touch the limit of his skill.
+
+She (such as I bequeath her to the bruit
+Of louder trump than mine, which hasteneth on,
+Urging its arduous matter to the close),
+Her words resum'd, in gesture and in voice
+Resembling one accustom'd to command:
+"Forth from the last corporeal are we come
+Into the heav'n, that is unbodied light,
+Light intellectual replete with love,
+Love of true happiness replete with joy,
+Joy, that transcends all sweetness of delight.
+Here shalt thou look on either mighty host
+Of Paradise; and one in that array,
+Which in the final judgment thou shalt see."
+
+As when the lightning, in a sudden spleen
+Unfolded, dashes from the blinding eyes
+The visive spirits dazzled and bedimm'd;
+So, round about me, fulminating streams
+Of living radiance play'd, and left me swath'd
+And veil'd in dense impenetrable blaze.
+Such weal is in the love, that stills this heav'n;
+For its own flame the torch this fitting ever!
+
+No sooner to my list'ning ear had come
+The brief assurance, than I understood
+New virtue into me infus'd, and sight
+Kindled afresh, with vigour to sustain
+Excess of light, however pure.  I look'd;
+And in the likeness of a river saw
+Light flowing, from whose amber-seeming waves
+Flash'd up effulgence, as they glided on
+'Twixt banks, on either side, painted with spring,
+Incredible how fair; and, from the tide,
+There ever and anon, outstarting, flew
+Sparkles instinct with life; and in the flow'rs
+Did set them, like to rubies chas'd in gold;
+Then, as if drunk with odors, plung'd again
+Into the wondrous flood; from which, as one
+Re'enter'd, still another rose.  "The thirst
+Of knowledge high, whereby thou art inflam'd,
+To search the meaning of what here thou seest,
+The more it warms thee, pleases me the more.
+But first behooves thee of this water drink,
+Or ere that longing be allay'd."  So spake
+The day-star of mine eyes; then thus subjoin'd:
+"This stream, and these, forth issuing from its gulf,
+And diving back, a living topaz each,
+With all this laughter on its bloomy shores,
+Are but a preface, shadowy of the truth
+They emblem: not that, in themselves, the things
+Are crude; but on thy part is the defect,
+For that thy views not yet aspire so high."
+Never did babe, that had outslept his wont,
+Rush, with such eager straining, to the milk,
+As I toward the water, bending me,
+To make the better mirrors of mine eyes
+In the refining wave; and, as the eaves
+Of mine eyelids did drink of it, forthwith
+Seem'd it unto me turn'd from length to round,
+Then as a troop of maskers, when they put
+Their vizors off, look other than before,
+The counterfeited semblance thrown aside;
+So into greater jubilee were chang'd
+Those flowers and sparkles, and distinct I saw
+Before me either court of heav'n displac'd.
+
+O prime enlightener! thou who crav'st me strength
+On the high triumph of thy realm to gaze!
+Grant virtue now to utter what I kenn'd,
+    There is in heav'n a light, whose goodly shine
+Makes the Creator visible to all
+Created, that in seeing him alone
+Have peace; and in a circle spreads so far,
+That the circumference were too loose a zone
+To girdle in the sun.  All is one beam,
+Reflected from the summit of the first,
+That moves, which being hence and vigour takes,
+And as some cliff, that from the bottom eyes
+Its image mirror'd in the crystal flood,
+As if 't admire its brave appareling
+Of verdure and of flowers: so, round about,
+Eyeing the light, on more than million thrones,
+Stood, eminent, whatever from our earth
+Has to the skies return'd.  How wide the leaves
+Extended to their utmost of this rose,
+Whose lowest step embosoms such a space
+Of ample radiance!  Yet, nor amplitude
+Nor height impeded, but my view with ease
+Took in the full dimensions of that joy.
+Near or remote, what there avails, where God
+Immediate rules, and Nature, awed, suspends
+Her sway?  Into the yellow of the rose
+Perennial, which in bright expansiveness,
+Lays forth its gradual blooming, redolent
+Of praises to the never-wint'ring sun,
+As one, who fain would speak yet holds his peace,
+Beatrice led me; and, "Behold," she said,
+"This fair assemblage! stoles of snowy white
+How numberless!  The city, where we dwell,
+Behold how vast! and these our seats so throng'd
+Few now are wanting here!  In that proud stall,
+On which, the crown, already o'er its state
+Suspended, holds thine eyes--or ere thyself
+Mayst at the wedding sup,--shall rest the soul
+Of the great Harry, he who, by the world
+Augustas hail'd, to Italy must come,
+Before her day be ripe.  But ye are sick,
+And in your tetchy wantonness as blind,
+As is the bantling, that of hunger dies,
+And drives away the nurse.  Nor may it be,
+That he, who in the sacred forum sways,
+Openly or in secret, shall with him
+Accordant walk: Whom God will not endure
+I' th' holy office long; but thrust him down
+To Simon Magus, where Magna's priest
+Will sink beneath him: such will be his meed."
+
+
+
+
+CANTO XXXI
+
+In fashion, as a snow-white rose, lay then
+Before my view the saintly multitude,
+Which in his own blood Christ espous'd.  Meanwhile
+That other host, that soar aloft to gaze
+And celebrate his glory, whom they love,
+Hover'd around; and, like a troop of bees,
+Amid the vernal sweets alighting now,
+Now, clustering, where their fragrant labour glows,
+Flew downward to the mighty flow'r, or rose
+From the redundant petals, streaming back
+Unto the steadfast dwelling of their joy.
+Faces had they of flame, and wings of gold;
+The rest was whiter than the driven snow.
+And as they flitted down into the flower,
+From range to range, fanning their plumy loins,
+Whisper'd the peace and ardour, which they won
+From that soft winnowing.  Shadow none, the vast
+Interposition of such numerous flight
+Cast, from above, upon the flower, or view
+Obstructed aught.  For, through the universe,
+Wherever merited, celestial light
+Glides freely, and no obstacle prevents.
+
+All there, who reign in safety and in bliss,
+Ages long past or new, on one sole mark
+Their love and vision fix'd.  O trinal beam
+Of individual star, that charmst them thus,
+Vouchsafe one glance to gild our storm below!
+
+If the grim brood, from Arctic shores that roam'd,
+(Where helice, forever, as she wheels,
+Sparkles a mother's fondness on her son)
+Stood in mute wonder 'mid the works of Rome,
+When to their view the Lateran arose
+In greatness more than earthly; I, who then
+From human to divine had past, from time
+Unto eternity, and out of Florence
+To justice and to truth, how might I choose
+But marvel too?  'Twixt gladness and amaze,
+In sooth no will had I to utter aught,
+Or hear.  And, as a pilgrim, when he rests
+Within the temple of his vow, looks round
+In breathless awe, and hopes some time to tell
+Of all its goodly state: e'en so mine eyes
+Cours'd up and down along the living light,
+Now low, and now aloft, and now around,
+Visiting every step.  Looks I beheld,
+Where charity in soft persuasion sat,
+Smiles from within and radiance from above,
+And in each gesture grace and honour high.
+
+So rov'd my ken, and its general form
+All Paradise survey'd: when round I turn'd
+With purpose of my lady to inquire
+Once more of things, that held my thought suspense,
+But answer found from other than I ween'd;
+For, Beatrice, when I thought to see,
+I saw instead a senior, at my side,
+ Rob'd, as the rest, in glory.  Joy benign
+Glow'd in his eye, and o'er his cheek diffus'd,
+With gestures such as spake a father's love.
+And, "Whither is she vanish'd?"  straight I ask'd.
+
+"By Beatrice summon'd," he replied,
+"I come to aid thy wish.  Looking aloft
+To the third circle from the highest, there
+Behold her on the throne, wherein her merit
+Hath plac'd her."  Answering not, mine eyes I rais'd,
+And saw her, where aloof she sat, her brow
+A wreath reflecting of eternal beams.
+Not from the centre of the sea so far
+Unto the region of the highest thunder,
+As was my ken from hers; and yet the form
+Came through that medium down, unmix'd and pure,
+
+"O Lady! thou in whom my hopes have rest!
+Who, for my safety, hast not scorn'd, in hell
+To leave the traces of thy footsteps mark'd!
+For all mine eyes have seen, I, to thy power
+And goodness, virtue owe and grace.  Of slave,
+Thou hast to freedom brought me; and no means,
+For my deliverance apt, hast left untried.
+Thy liberal bounty still toward me keep.
+That, when my spirit, which thou madest whole,
+Is loosen'd from this body, it may find
+Favour with thee."  So I my suit preferr'd:
+And she, so distant, as appear'd, look'd down,
+And smil'd; then tow'rds th' eternal fountain turn'd.
+
+And thus the senior, holy and rever'd:
+"That thou at length mayst happily conclude
+Thy voyage (to which end I was dispatch'd,
+By supplication mov'd and holy love)
+Let thy upsoaring vision range, at large,
+This garden through: for so, by ray divine
+Kindled, thy ken a higher flight shall mount;
+And from heav'n's queen, whom fervent I adore,
+All gracious aid befriend us; for that I
+Am her own faithful Bernard."  Like a wight,
+Who haply from Croatia wends to see
+Our Veronica, and the while 't is shown,
+Hangs over it with never-sated gaze,
+And, all that he hath heard revolving, saith
+Unto himself in thought: "And didst thou look
+E'en thus, O Jesus, my true Lord and God?
+And was this semblance thine?"  So gaz'd I then
+Adoring; for the charity of him,
+Who musing, in the world that peace enjoy'd,
+Stood lively before me.  "Child of grace!"
+Thus he began: "thou shalt not knowledge gain
+Of this glad being, if thine eyes are held
+Still in this depth below.  But search around
+The circles, to the furthest, till thou spy
+Seated in state, the queen, that of this realm
+Is sovran."  Straight mine eyes I rais'd; and bright,
+As, at the birth of morn, the eastern clime
+Above th' horizon, where the sun declines;
+To mine eyes, that upward, as from vale
+To mountain sped, at th' extreme bound, a part
+Excell'd in lustre all the front oppos'd.
+And as the glow burns ruddiest o'er the wave,
+That waits the sloping beam, which Phaeton
+Ill knew to guide, and on each part the light
+Diminish'd fades, intensest in the midst;
+So burn'd the peaceful oriflame, and slack'd
+On every side the living flame decay'd.
+And in that midst their sportive pennons wav'd
+Thousands of angels; in resplendence each
+Distinct, and quaint adornment. At their glee
+And carol, smil'd the Lovely One of heav'n,
+That joy was in the eyes of all the blest.
+
+Had I a tongue in eloquence as rich,
+As is the colouring in fancy's loom,
+'T were all too poor to utter the least part
+Of that enchantment.  When he saw mine eyes
+Intent on her, that charm'd him, Bernard gaz'd
+With so exceeding fondness, as infus'd
+Ardour into my breast, unfelt before.
+
+
+
+
+CANTO XXXII
+
+Freely the sage, though wrapt in musings high,
+Assum'd the teacher's part, and mild began:
+"The wound, that Mary clos'd, she open'd first,
+Who sits so beautiful at Mary's feet.
+The third in order, underneath her, lo!
+Rachel with Beatrice. Sarah next,
+Judith, Rebecca, and the gleaner maid,
+Meek ancestress of him, who sang the songs
+Of sore repentance in his sorrowful mood.
+All, as I name them, down from deaf to leaf,
+Are in gradation throned on the rose.
+And from the seventh step, successively,
+Adown the breathing tresses of the flow'r
+Still doth the file of Hebrew dames proceed.
+For these are a partition wall, whereby
+The sacred stairs are sever'd, as the faith
+In Christ divides them.  On this part, where blooms
+Each leaf in full maturity, are set
+Such as in Christ, or ere he came, believ'd.
+On th' other, where an intersected space
+Yet shows the semicircle void, abide
+All they, who look'd to Christ already come.
+And as our Lady on her glorious stool,
+And they who on their stools beneath her sit,
+This way distinction make: e'en so on his,
+The mighty Baptist that way marks the line
+(He who endur'd the desert and the pains
+Of martyrdom, and for two years of hell,
+Yet still continued holy), and beneath,
+Augustin, Francis, Benedict, and the rest,
+Thus far from round to round.  So heav'n's decree
+Forecasts, this garden equally to fill.
+With faith in either view, past or to come,
+Learn too, that downward from the step, which cleaves
+Midway the twain compartments, none there are
+Who place obtain for merit of their own,
+But have through others' merit been advanc'd,
+On set conditions: spirits all releas'd,
+Ere for themselves they had the power to choose.
+And, if thou mark and listen to them well,
+Their childish looks and voice declare as much.
+
+"Here, silent as thou art, I know thy doubt;
+And gladly will I loose the knot, wherein
+Thy subtle thoughts have bound thee.  From this realm
+Excluded, chalice no entrance here may find,
+No more shall hunger, thirst, or sorrow can.
+A law immutable hath establish'd all;
+Nor is there aught thou seest, that doth not fit,
+Exactly, as the finger to the ring.
+It is not therefore without cause, that these,
+O'erspeedy comers to immortal life,
+Are different in their shares of excellence.
+Our Sovran Lord--that settleth this estate
+In love and in delight so absolute,
+That wish can dare no further--every soul,
+Created in his joyous sight to dwell,
+With grace at pleasure variously endows.
+And for a proof th' effect may well suffice.
+And 't is moreover most expressly mark'd
+In holy scripture, where the twins are said
+To, have struggled in the womb.  Therefore, as grace
+Inweaves the coronet, so every brow
+Weareth its proper hue of orient light.
+And merely in respect to his prime gift,
+Not in reward of meritorious deed,
+Hath each his several degree assign'd.
+In early times with their own innocence
+More was not wanting, than the parents' faith,
+To save them: those first ages past, behoov'd
+That circumcision in the males should imp
+The flight of innocent wings: but since the day
+Of grace hath come, without baptismal rites
+In Christ accomplish'd, innocence herself
+Must linger yet below.  Now raise thy view
+Unto the visage most resembling Christ:
+For, in her splendour only, shalt thou win
+The pow'r to look on him."  Forthwith I saw
+Such floods of gladness on her visage shower'd,
+From holy spirits, winging that profound;
+That, whatsoever I had yet beheld,
+Had not so much suspended me with wonder,
+Or shown me such similitude of God.
+And he, who had to her descended, once,
+On earth, now hail'd in heav'n; and on pois'd wing.
+"Ave, Maria, Gratia Plena," sang:
+To whose sweet anthem all the blissful court,
+From all parts answ'ring, rang: that holier joy
+Brooded the deep serene.  "Father rever'd:
+Who deign'st, for me, to quit the pleasant place,
+Wherein thou sittest, by eternal lot!
+Say, who that angel is, that with such glee
+Beholds our queen, and so enamour'd glows
+Of her high beauty, that all fire he seems."
+So I again resorted to the lore
+Of my wise teacher, he, whom Mary's charms
+Embellish'd, as the sun the morning star;
+Who thus in answer spake: "In him are summ'd,
+Whatever of buxomness and free delight
+May be in Spirit, or in angel, met:
+And so beseems: for that he bare the palm
+Down unto Mary, when the Son of God
+Vouchsaf'd to clothe him in terrestrial weeds.
+Now let thine eyes wait heedful on my words,
+And note thou of this just and pious realm
+The chiefest nobles.  Those, highest in bliss,
+The twain, on each hand next our empress thron'd,
+Are as it were two roots unto this rose.
+He to the left, the parent, whose rash taste
+Proves bitter to his seed; and, on the right,
+That ancient father of the holy church,
+Into whose keeping Christ did give the keys
+Of this sweet flow'r: near whom behold the seer,
+That, ere he died, saw all the grievous times
+Of the fair bride, who with the lance and nails
+Was won.  And, near unto the other, rests
+The leader, under whom on manna fed
+Th' ungrateful nation, fickle and perverse.
+On th' other part, facing to Peter, lo!
+Where Anna sits, so well content to look
+On her lov'd daughter, that with moveless eye
+She chants the loud hosanna: while, oppos'd
+To the first father of your mortal kind,
+Is Lucia, at whose hest thy lady sped,
+When on the edge of ruin clos'd thine eye.
+
+"But (for the vision hasteneth so an end)
+Here break we off, as the good workman doth,
+That shapes the cloak according to the cloth:
+And to the primal love our ken shall rise;
+That thou mayst penetrate the brightness, far
+As sight can bear thee.  Yet, alas! in sooth
+Beating thy pennons, thinking to advance,
+Thou backward fall'st.  Grace then must first be gain'd;
+Her grace, whose might can help thee.  Thou in prayer
+Seek her: and, with affection, whilst I sue,
+Attend, and yield me all thy heart."  He said,
+And thus the saintly orison began.
+
+
+
+
+CANTO XXXIII
+
+"O virgin mother, daughter of thy Son,
+Created beings all in lowliness
+Surpassing, as in height, above them all,
+Term by th' eternal counsel pre-ordain'd,
+Ennobler of thy nature, so advanc'd
+In thee, that its great Maker did not scorn,
+Himself, in his own work enclos'd to dwell!
+For in thy womb rekindling shone the love
+Reveal'd, whose genial influence makes now
+This flower to germin in eternal peace!
+Here thou to us, of charity and love,
+Art, as the noon-day torch: and art, beneath,
+To mortal men, of hope a living spring.
+So mighty art thou, lady! and so great,
+That he who grace desireth, and comes not
+To thee for aidance, fain would have desire
+Fly without wings.  Nor only him who asks,
+Thy bounty succours, but doth freely oft
+Forerun the asking.  Whatsoe'er may be
+Of excellence in creature, pity mild,
+Relenting mercy, large munificence,
+Are all combin'd in thee.  Here kneeleth one,
+Who of all spirits hath review'd the state,
+From the world's lowest gap unto this height.
+Suppliant to thee he kneels, imploring grace
+For virtue, yet more high to lift his ken
+Toward the bliss supreme.  And I, who ne'er
+Coveted sight, more fondly, for myself,
+Than now for him, my prayers to thee prefer,
+(And pray they be not scant) that thou wouldst drive
+Each cloud of his mortality away;
+That on the sovran pleasure he may gaze.
+This also I entreat of thee, O queen!
+Who canst do what thou wilt! that in him thou
+Wouldst after all he hath beheld, preserve
+Affection sound, and human passions quell.
+Lo!  Where, with Beatrice, many a saint
+Stretch their clasp'd hands, in furtherance of my suit!"
+
+The eyes, that heav'n with love and awe regards,
+Fix'd on the suitor, witness'd, how benign
+She looks on pious pray'rs: then fasten'd they
+On th' everlasting light, wherein no eye
+Of creature, as may well be thought, so far
+Can travel inward.  I, meanwhile, who drew
+Near to the limit, where all wishes end,
+The ardour of my wish (for so behooved),
+Ended within me. Beck'ning smil'd the sage,
+That I should look aloft: but, ere he bade,
+Already of myself aloft I look'd;
+For visual strength, refining more and more,
+Bare me into the ray authentical
+Of sovran light.  Thenceforward, what I saw,
+Was not for words to speak, nor memory's self
+To stand against such outrage on her skill.
+As one, who from a dream awaken'd, straight,
+All he hath seen forgets; yet still retains
+Impression of the feeling in his dream;
+E'en such am I: for all the vision dies,
+As 't were, away; and yet the sense of sweet,
+That sprang from it, still trickles in my heart.
+Thus in the sun-thaw is the snow unseal'd;
+Thus in the winds on flitting leaves was lost
+The Sybil's sentence.  O eternal beam!
+(Whose height what reach of mortal thought may soar?)
+Yield me again some little particle
+Of what thou then appearedst, give my tongue
+Power, but to leave one sparkle of thy glory,
+Unto the race to come, that shall not lose
+Thy triumph wholly, if thou waken aught
+Of memory in me, and endure to hear
+The record sound in this unequal strain.
+
+Such keenness from the living ray I met,
+That, if mine eyes had turn'd away, methinks,
+I had been lost; but, so embolden'd, on
+I pass'd, as I remember, till my view
+Hover'd the brink of dread infinitude.
+
+O grace! unenvying of thy boon! that gav'st
+Boldness to fix so earnestly my ken
+On th' everlasting splendour, that I look'd,
+While sight was unconsum'd, and, in that depth,
+Saw in one volume clasp'd of love, whatever
+The universe unfolds; all properties
+Of substance and of accident, beheld,
+Compounded, yet one individual light
+The whole.  And of such bond methinks I saw
+The universal form: for that whenever
+I do but speak of it, my soul dilates
+Beyond her proper self; and, till I speak,
+One moment seems a longer lethargy,
+Than five-and-twenty ages had appear'd
+To that emprize, that first made Neptune wonder
+At Argo's shadow darkening on his flood.
+
+With fixed heed, suspense and motionless,
+Wond'ring I gaz'd; and admiration still
+Was kindled, as I gaz'd.  It may not be,
+That one, who looks upon that light, can turn
+To other object, willingly, his view.
+For all the good, that will may covet, there
+Is summ'd; and all, elsewhere defective found,
+Complete.  My tongue shall utter now, no more
+E'en what remembrance keeps, than could the babe's
+That yet is moisten'd at his mother's breast.
+Not that the semblance of the living light
+Was chang'd (that ever as at first remain'd)
+But that my vision quickening, in that sole
+Appearance, still new miracles descry'd,
+And toil'd me with the change.  In that abyss
+Of radiance, clear and lofty, seem'd methought,
+Three orbs of triple hue clipt in one bound:
+And, from another, one reflected seem'd,
+As rainbow is from rainbow: and the third
+Seem'd fire, breath'd equally from both.  Oh speech
+How feeble and how faint art thou, to give
+Conception birth!  Yet this to what I saw
+Is less than little.  Oh eternal light!
+Sole in thyself that dwellst; and of thyself
+Sole understood, past, present, or to come!
+Thou smiledst; on that circling, which in thee
+Seem'd as reflected splendour, while I mus'd;
+For I therein, methought, in its own hue
+Beheld our image painted: steadfastly
+I therefore por'd upon the view.  As one
+Who vers'd in geometric lore, would fain
+Measure the circle; and, though pondering long
+And deeply, that beginning, which he needs,
+Finds not; e'en such was I, intent to scan
+The novel wonder, and trace out the form,
+How to the circle fitted, and therein
+How plac'd: but the flight was not for my wing;
+Had not a flash darted athwart my mind,
+And in the spleen unfolded what it sought.
+
+Here vigour fail'd the tow'ring fantasy:
+But yet the will roll'd onward, like a wheel
+In even motion, by the Love impell'd,
+That moves the sun in heav'n and all the stars.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Vision of Paradise, Complete
+by Dante Alighieri, Translated By The Rev. H. F. Cary,
+Illustrated by Gustave Dore
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+<!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">
+  <head>
+    <title>
+      Dante's Paradise
+    </title>
+    <style type="text/css">
+    <!--
+    body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify}
+    P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; }
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+    p.pfirst, p.noindent {text-indent: 0}
+    span.dropcap         { float: left; margin: 0 0.1em 0 0; line-height: 1 }
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+  </head>
+  <body>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+
+Project Gutenberg's The Vision of Paradise, Complete, by Dante Alighieri
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere 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.net
+
+
+Title: The Vision of Paradise, Complete
+
+Author: Dante Alighieri
+
+Release Date: August 2, 2004 [EBook #8799]
+Last Updated: October 20, 2012
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE VISION OF PARADISE, COMPLETE ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by David Widger
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+    <div class="mynote">
+      <i><a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/files/8799/old/orig8799-h/main.htm">
+      LINK TO THE ORIGINAL HTML FILE: This Ebook Has Been Reformatted For Better
+      Appearance In Mobile Viewers Such As Kindles And Others. The Original
+      Format, Which The Editor Believes Has A More Attractive Appearance For
+      Laptops And Other Computers, May Be Viewed By Clicking On This Box.</a></i>
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <h1>
+      PARADISE
+    </h1>
+    <h3>
+      From:
+    </h3>
+    <h2>
+      THE VISION
+    </h2>
+    <h2>
+      OF
+    </h2>
+    <h2>
+      HELL, PURGATORY, AND PARADISE
+    </h2>
+    <h2>
+      BY
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      <br />
+    </p>
+    <h2>
+      DANTE ALIGHIERI
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <h1>
+      ILLUSTRATED BY GUSTAVE DORE
+    </h1>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <h3>
+      TRANSLATED BY
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      <br />
+    </p>
+    <h2>
+      THE REV. H. F. CARY, M.A.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br /> <a href="images/cover.jpg">ENLARGE TO FULL SIZE</a>
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:80%;">
+      <img alt="coverth.jpg (42K)" src="images/coverth.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br /> <a href="images/frontispiece.jpg">ENLARGE TO FULL
+      SIZE</a>
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:80%;">
+      <img alt="front2.jpg (41K)" src="images/front2.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br /> <a href="images/titlepage.jpg">ENLARGE TO FULL SIZE</a>
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:80%;">
+      <img alt="title2.jpg (21K)" src="images/title2.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <h1>
+      PARADISE
+    </h1>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <h2>
+      LIST OF CANTOS
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      <a href="#link1">Canto 1</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link2">Canto 2</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link3">Canto 3</a><br /><br />
+      <a href="#link4">Canto 4</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link5">Canto 5</a><br /><br />
+      <a href="#link6">Canto 6</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link7">Canto 7</a><br /><br />
+      <a href="#link8">Canto 8</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link9">Canto 9</a><br /><br />
+      <a href="#link10">Canto 10</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link11">Canto 11</a><br /><br />
+      <a href="#link12">Canto 12</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link13">Canto 13</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link14">Canto 14</a><br /><br />
+      <a href="#link15">Canto 15</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link16">Canto 16</a><br /><br />
+      <a href="#link17">Canto 17</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link18">Canto 18</a><br /><br />
+      <a href="#link19">Canto 19</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link20">Canto 20</a><br /><br />
+      <a href="#link21">Canto 21</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link22">Canto 22</a><br /><br />
+      <a href="#link23">Canto 23</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link24">Canto 24</a><br /><br />
+      <a href="#link25">Canto 25</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link26">Canto 26</a><br /><br />
+      <a href="#link27">Canto 27</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link28">Canto 28</a><br /><br />
+      <a href="#link29">Canto 29</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link30">Canto 30</a><br /><br />
+      <a href="#link31">Canto 31</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link32">Canto 32</a><br /><br />
+      <a href="#link33">Canto 33</a><br /><br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> <a
+      name="link1" id="link1"></a>
+    </p>
+    <h2>
+      CANTO I
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      <br /> His glory, by whose might all things are mov'd,<br /> Pierces the
+      universe, and in one part<br /> Sheds more resplendence, elsewhere less.
+      &nbsp;In heav'n,<br /> That largeliest of his light partakes, was I,<br />
+      Witness of things, which to relate again<br /> Surpasseth power of him who
+      comes from thence;<br /> For that, so near approaching its desire<br /> Our
+      intellect is to such depth absorb'd,<br /> That memory cannot follow.
+      &nbsp;Nathless all,<br /> That in my thoughts I of that sacred realm<br />
+      Could store, shall now be matter of my song.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Benign
+      Apollo! this last labour aid,<br /> And make me such a vessel of thy worth,<br />
+      As thy own laurel claims of me belov'd.<br /> Thus far hath one of steep
+      Parnassus' brows<br /> Suffic'd me; henceforth there is need of both<br />
+      For my remaining enterprise Do thou<br /> Enter into my bosom, and there
+      breathe<br /> So, as when Marsyas by thy hand was dragg'd<br /> Forth from
+      his limbs unsheath'd. &nbsp;O power divine!<br /> If thou to me of shine
+      impart so much,<br /> That of that happy realm the shadow'd form<br />
+      Trac'd in my thoughts I may set forth to view,<br /> Thou shalt behold me
+      of thy favour'd tree<br /> Come to the foot, and crown myself with leaves;<br />
+      For to that honour thou, and my high theme<br /> Will fit me. &nbsp;If but
+      seldom, mighty Sire!<br /> To grace his triumph gathers thence a wreath<br />
+      Caesar or bard (more shame for human wills<br /> Deprav'd) joy to the
+      Delphic god must spring<br /> From the Pierian foliage, when one breast<br />
+      Is with such thirst inspir'd. &nbsp;From a small spark<br /> Great flame
+      hath risen: after me perchance<br /> Others with better voice may pray, and
+      gain<br /> From the Cirrhaean city answer kind.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Through
+      diver passages, the world's bright lamp<br /> Rises to mortals, but through
+      that which joins<br /> Four circles with the threefold cross, in best<br />
+      Course, and in happiest constellation set<br /> He comes, and to the
+      worldly wax best gives<br /> Its temper and impression. &nbsp;Morning
+      there,<br /> Here eve was by almost such passage made;<br /> And whiteness
+      had o'erspread that hemisphere,<br /> Blackness the other part; when to the
+      left<br /> I saw Beatrice turn'd, and on the sun<br /> Gazing, as never
+      eagle fix'd his ken.<br /> As from the first a second beam is wont<br /> To
+      issue, and reflected upwards rise,<br /> E'en as a pilgrim bent on his
+      return,<br /> So of her act, that through the eyesight pass'd<br /> Into my
+      fancy, mine was form'd; and straight,<br /> Beyond our mortal wont, I fix'd
+      mine eyes<br /> Upon the sun. &nbsp;Much is allowed us there,<br /> That
+      here exceeds our pow'r; thanks to the place<br /> Made for the dwelling of
+      the human kind<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I suffer'd it not
+      long, and yet so long<br /> That I beheld it bick'ring sparks around,<br />
+      As iron that comes boiling from the fire.<br /> And suddenly upon the day
+      appear'd<br /> A day new-ris'n, as he, who hath the power,<br /> Had with
+      another sun bedeck'd the sky.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Her
+      eyes fast fix'd on the eternal wheels,<br /> Beatrice stood unmov'd; and I
+      with ken<br /> Fix'd upon her, from upward gaze remov'd<br /> At her aspect,
+      such inwardly became<br /> As Glaucus, when he tasted of the herb,<br />
+      That made him peer among the ocean gods;<br /> Words may not tell of that
+      transhuman change:<br /> And therefore let the example serve, though weak,<br />
+      For those whom grace hath better proof in store<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If
+      I were only what thou didst create,<br /> Then newly, Love! by whom the
+      heav'n is rul'd,<br /> Thou know'st, who by thy light didst bear me up.<br />
+      Whenas the wheel which thou dost ever guide,<br /> Desired Spirit! with its
+      harmony<br /> Temper'd of thee and measur'd, charm'd mine ear,<br /> Then
+      seem'd to me so much of heav'n to blaze<br /> With the sun's flame, that
+      rain or flood ne'er made<br /> A lake so broad. &nbsp;The newness of the
+      sound,<br /> And that great light, inflam'd me with desire,<br /> Keener
+      than e'er was felt, to know their cause.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Whence
+      she who saw me, clearly as myself,<br /> To calm my troubled mind, before I
+      ask'd,<br /> Open'd her lips, and gracious thus began:<br /> "With false
+      imagination thou thyself<br /> Mak'st dull, so that thou seest not the
+      thing,<br /> Which thou hadst seen, had that been shaken off.<br /> Thou art
+      not on the earth as thou believ'st;<br /> For light'ning scap'd from its
+      own proper place<br /> Ne'er ran, as thou hast hither now return'd."<br />
+      <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Although divested of my first-rais'd
+      doubt,<br /> By those brief words, accompanied with smiles,<br /> Yet in new
+      doubt was I entangled more,<br /> And said: "Already satisfied, I rest<br />
+      From admiration deep, but now admire<br /> How I above those lighter bodies
+      rise."<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Whence, after utt'rance of
+      a piteous sigh,<br /> She tow'rds me bent her eyes, with such a look,<br />
+      As on her frenzied child a mother casts;<br /> Then thus began: "Among
+      themselves all things<br /> Have order; and from hence the form, which
+      makes<br /> The universe resemble God. &nbsp;In this<br /> The higher
+      creatures see the printed steps<br /> Of that eternal worth, which is the
+      end<br /> Whither the line is drawn. &nbsp;All natures lean,<br /> In this
+      their order, diversely, some more,<br /> Some less approaching to their
+      primal source.<br /> Thus they to different havens are mov'd on<br />
+      Through the vast sea of being, and each one<br /> With instinct giv'n, that
+      bears it in its course;<br /> This to the lunar sphere directs the fire,<br />
+      This prompts the hearts of mortal animals,<br /> This the brute earth
+      together knits, and binds.<br /> Nor only creatures, void of intellect,<br />
+      Are aim'd at by this bow; but even those,<br /> That have intelligence and
+      love, are pierc'd.<br /> That Providence, who so well orders all,<br /> With
+      her own light makes ever calm the heaven,<br /> In which the substance,
+      that hath greatest speed,<br /> Is turn'd: and thither now, as to our seat<br />
+      Predestin'd, we are carried by the force<br /> Of that strong cord, that
+      never looses dart,<br /> But at fair aim and glad. &nbsp;Yet is it true,<br />
+      That as ofttimes but ill accords the form<br /> To the design of art,
+      through sluggishness<br /> Of unreplying matter, so this course<br /> Is
+      sometimes quitted by the creature, who<br /> Hath power, directed thus, to
+      bend elsewhere;<br /> As from a cloud the fire is seen to fall,<br /> From
+      its original impulse warp'd, to earth,<br /> By vicious fondness. &nbsp;Thou
+      no more admire<br /> Thy soaring, (if I rightly deem,) than lapse<br /> Of
+      torrent downwards from a mountain's height.<br /> There would in thee for
+      wonder be more cause,<br /> If, free of hind'rance, thou hadst fix'd
+      thyself<br /> Below, like fire unmoving on the earth."<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;So
+      said, she turn'd toward the heav'n her face. <br /><br /> <a name="link2"
+      id="link2"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <h2>
+      CANTO II
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      <br /> All ye, who in small bark have following sail'd,<br /> Eager to
+      listen, on the advent'rous track<br /> Of my proud keel, that singing cuts
+      its way,<br /> Backward return with speed, and your own shores<br />
+      Revisit, nor put out to open sea,<br /> Where losing me, perchance ye may
+      remain<br /> Bewilder'd in deep maze. &nbsp;The way I pass<br /> Ne'er yet
+      was run: Minerva breathes the gale,<br /> Apollo guides me, and another
+      Nine<br /> To my rapt sight the arctic beams reveal.<br /> Ye other few, who
+      have outstretch'd the neck.<br /> Timely for food of angels, on which here<br />
+      They live, yet never know satiety,<br /> Through the deep brine ye fearless
+      may put out<br /> Your vessel, marking, well the furrow broad<br /> Before
+      you in the wave, that on both sides<br /> Equal returns. &nbsp;Those,
+      glorious, who pass'd o'er<br /> To Colchos, wonder'd not as ye will do,<br />
+      When they saw Jason following the plough.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
+      increate perpetual thirst, that draws<br /> Toward the realm of God's own
+      form, bore us<br /> Swift almost as the heaven ye behold.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Beatrice
+      upward gaz'd, and I on her,<br /> And in such space as on the notch a dart<br />
+      Is plac'd, then loosen'd flies, I saw myself<br /> Arriv'd, where wond'rous
+      thing engag'd my sight.<br /> Whence she, to whom no work of mine was hid,<br />
+      Turning to me, with aspect glad as fair,<br /> Bespake me: "Gratefully
+      direct thy mind<br /> To God, through whom to this first star we come."<br />
+      <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Me seem'd as if a cloud had cover'd us,<br />
+      Translucent, solid, firm, and polish'd bright,<br /> Like adamant, which
+      the sun's beam had smit<br /> Within itself the ever-during pearl<br />
+      Receiv'd us, as the wave a ray of light<br /> Receives, and rests unbroken.
+      &nbsp;If I then<br /> Was of corporeal frame, and it transcend<br /> Our
+      weaker thought, how one dimension thus<br /> Another could endure, which
+      needs must be<br /> If body enter body, how much more<br /> Must the desire
+      inflame us to behold<br /> That essence, which discovers by what means<br />
+      God and our nature join'd! &nbsp;There will be seen<br /> That which we
+      hold through faith, not shown by proof,<br /> But in itself intelligibly
+      plain,<br /> E'en as the truth that man at first believes.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I
+      answered: "Lady! I with thoughts devout,<br /> Such as I best can frame,
+      give thanks to Him,<br /> Who hath remov'd me from the mortal world.<br />
+      But tell, I pray thee, whence the gloomy spots<br /> Upon this body, which
+      below on earth<br /> Give rise to talk of Cain in fabling quaint?"<br />
+      <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She somewhat smil'd, then spake: "If
+      mortals err<br /> In their opinion, when the key of sense<br /> Unlocks not,
+      surely wonder's weapon keen<br /> Ought not to pierce thee; since thou
+      find'st, the wings<br /> Of reason to pursue the senses' flight<br /> Are
+      short. &nbsp;But what thy own thought is, declare."<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then
+      I: "What various here above appears,<br /> Is caus'd, I deem, by bodies
+      dense or rare."<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She then resum'd:
+      "Thou certainly wilt see<br /> In falsehood thy belief o'erwhelm'd, if well<br />
+      Thou listen to the arguments, which I<br /> Shall bring to face it. &nbsp;The
+      eighth sphere displays<br /> Numberless lights, the which in kind and size<br />
+      May be remark'd of different aspects;<br /> If rare or dense of that were
+      cause alone,<br /> One single virtue then would be in all,<br /> Alike
+      distributed, or more, or less.<br /> Different virtues needs must be the
+      fruits<br /> Of formal principles, and these, save one,<br /> Will by thy
+      reasoning be destroy'd. &nbsp;Beside,<br /> If rarity were of that dusk the
+      cause,<br /> Which thou inquirest, either in some part<br /> That planet
+      must throughout be void, nor fed<br /> With its own matter; or, as bodies
+      share<br /> Their fat and leanness, in like manner this<br /> Must in its
+      volume change the leaves. &nbsp;The first,<br /> If it were true, had
+      through the sun's eclipse<br /> Been manifested, by transparency<br /> Of
+      light, as through aught rare beside effus'd.<br /> But this is not. &nbsp;Therefore
+      remains to see<br /> The other cause: and if the other fall,<br /> Erroneous
+      so must prove what seem'd to thee.<br /> If not from side to side this
+      rarity<br /> Pass through, there needs must be a limit, whence<br /> Its
+      contrary no further lets it pass.<br /> And hence the beam, that from
+      without proceeds,<br /> Must be pour'd back, as colour comes, through glass<br />
+      Reflected, which behind it lead conceals.<br /> Now wilt thou say, that
+      there of murkier hue<br /> Than in the other part the ray is shown,<br /> By
+      being thence refracted farther back.<br /> From this perplexity will free
+      thee soon<br /> Experience, if thereof thou trial make,<br /> The fountain
+      whence your arts derive their streame.<br /> Three mirrors shalt thou take,
+      and two remove<br /> From thee alike, and more remote the third.<br />
+      Betwixt the former pair, shall meet thine eyes;<br /> Then turn'd toward
+      them, cause behind thy back<br /> A light to stand, that on the three shall
+      shine,<br /> And thus reflected come to thee from all.<br /> Though that
+      beheld most distant do not stretch<br /> A space so ample, yet in
+      brightness thou<br /> Will own it equaling the rest. &nbsp;But now,<br /> As
+      under snow the ground, if the warm ray<br /> Smites it, remains dismantled
+      of the hue<br /> And cold, that cover'd it before, so thee,<br /> Dismantled
+      in thy mind, I will inform<br /> With light so lively, that the tremulous
+      beam<br /> Shall quiver where it falls. &nbsp;Within the heaven,<br /> Where
+      peace divine inhabits, circles round<br /> A body, in whose virtue dies the
+      being<br /> Of all that it contains. &nbsp;The following heaven,<br /> That
+      hath so many lights, this being divides,<br /> Through &nbsp;different
+      essences, from it distinct,<br /> And yet contain'd within it. &nbsp;The
+      other orbs<br /> Their separate distinctions variously<br /> Dispose, for
+      their own seed and produce apt.<br /> Thus do these organs of the world
+      proceed,<br /> As thou beholdest now, from step to step,<br /> Their
+      influences from above deriving,<br /> And thence transmitting downwards.
+      &nbsp;Mark me well,<br /> How through this passage to the truth I ford,<br />
+      The truth thou lov'st, that thou henceforth alone,<br /> May'st know to
+      keep the shallows, safe, untold.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"The
+      virtue and motion of the sacred orbs,<br /> As mallet by the workman's
+      hand, must needs<br /> By blessed movers be inspir'd. &nbsp;This heaven,<br />
+      Made beauteous by so many luminaries,<br /> From the deep spirit, that
+      moves its circling sphere,<br /> Its image takes an impress as a seal:<br />
+      And as the soul, that dwells within your dust,<br /> Through members
+      different, yet together form'd,<br /> In different pow'rs resolves itself;
+      e'en so<br /> The intellectual efficacy unfolds<br /> Its goodness
+      multiplied throughout the stars;<br /> On its own unity revolving still.<br />
+      Different virtue compact different<br /> Makes with the precious body it
+      enlivens,<br /> With which it knits, as life in you is knit.<br /> From its
+      original nature full of joy,<br /> The virtue mingled through the body
+      shines,<br /> As joy through pupil of the living eye.<br /> From hence
+      proceeds, that which from light to light<br /> Seems different, and not
+      from dense or rare.<br /> This is the formal cause, that generates<br />
+      Proportion'd to its power, the dusk or clear." <br /><br /> <a name="link3"
+      id="link3"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <h2>
+      CANTO III
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      <br /> That sun, which erst with love my bosom warm'd<br /> Had of fair
+      truth unveil'd the sweet aspect,<br /> By proof of right, and of the false
+      reproof;<br /> And I, to own myself convinc'd and free<br /> Of doubt, as
+      much as needed, rais'd my head<br /> Erect for speech. &nbsp;But soon a
+      sight appear'd,<br /> Which, so intent to mark it, held me fix'd,<br /> That
+      of confession I no longer thought.<br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> <a
+      href="images/03-14.jpg">ENLARGE TO FULL SIZE</a>
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:80%;">
+      <img alt="03-14th.jpg (32K)" src="images/03-14th.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As through
+      translucent and smooth glass, or wave<br /> Clear and unmov'd, and flowing
+      not so deep<br /> As that its bed is dark, the shape returns<br /> So faint
+      of our impictur'd lineaments,<br /> That on white forehead set a pearl as
+      strong<br /> Comes to the eye: such saw I many a face,<br /> All stretch'd
+      to speak, from whence I straight conceiv'd<br /> Delusion opposite to that,
+      which rais'd<br /> Between the man and fountain, amorous flame.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sudden,
+      as I perceiv'd them, deeming these<br /> Reflected semblances to see of
+      whom<br /> They were, I turn'd mine eyes, and nothing saw;<br /> Then turn'd
+      them back, directed on the light<br /> Of my sweet guide, who smiling shot
+      forth beams<br /> From her celestial eyes. &nbsp;"Wonder not thou,"<br />
+      She cry'd, "at this my smiling, when I see<br /> Thy childish judgment;
+      since not yet on truth<br /> It rests the foot, but, as it still is wont,<br />
+      Makes thee fall back in unsound vacancy.<br /> True substances are these,
+      which thou behold'st,<br /> Hither through failure of their vow exil'd.<br />
+      But speak thou with them; listen, and believe,<br /> That the true light,
+      which fills them with desire,<br /> Permits not from its beams their feet
+      to stray."<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Straight to the shadow
+      which for converse seem'd<br /> Most earnest, I addressed me, and began,<br />
+      As one by over-eagerness perplex'd:<br /> "O spirit, born for joy! who in
+      the rays<br /> Of life eternal, of that sweetness know'st<br /> The flavour,
+      which, not tasted, passes far<br /> All apprehension, me it well would
+      please,<br /> If thou wouldst tell me of thy name, and this<br /> Your
+      station here." Whence she, with kindness prompt,<br /> And eyes glist'ning
+      with smiles: "Our charity,<br /> To any wish by justice introduc'd,<br />
+      Bars not the door, no more than she above,<br /> Who would have all her
+      court be like herself.<br /> I was a virgin sister in the earth;<br /> And
+      if thy mind observe me well, this form,<br /> With such addition grac'd of
+      loveliness,<br /> Will not conceal me long, but thou wilt know<br />
+      Piccarda, in the tardiest sphere thus plac'd,<br /> Here 'mid these other
+      blessed also blest.<br /> Our hearts, whose high affections burn alone<br />
+      With pleasure, from the Holy Spirit conceiv'd,<br /> Admitted to his order
+      dwell in joy.<br /> And this condition, which appears so low,<br /> Is for
+      this cause assign'd us, that our vows<br /> Were in some part neglected and
+      made void."<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Whence I to her
+      replied: "Something divine<br /> Beams in your countenance, wond'rous fair,<br />
+      From former knowledge quite transmuting you.<br /> Therefore to recollect
+      was I so slow.<br /> But what thou sayst hath to my memory<br /> Given now
+      such aid, that to retrace your forms<br /> Is easier. &nbsp;Yet inform me,
+      ye, who here<br /> Are happy, long ye for a higher place<br /> More to
+      behold, and more in love to dwell?"<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She
+      with those other spirits gently smil'd,<br /> Then answer'd with such
+      gladness, that she seem'd<br /> With love's first flame to glow: "Brother!
+      our will<br /> Is in composure settled by the power<br /> Of charity, who
+      makes us will alone<br /> What we possess, and nought beyond desire;<br />
+      If we should wish to be exalted more,<br /> Then must our wishes jar with
+      the high will<br /> Of him, who sets us here, which in these orbs<br /> Thou
+      wilt confess not possible, if here<br /> To be in charity must needs
+      befall,<br /> And if her nature well thou contemplate.<br /> Rather it is
+      inherent in this state<br /> Of blessedness, to keep ourselves within<br />
+      The divine will, by which our wills with his<br /> Are one. &nbsp;So that
+      as we from step to step<br /> Are plac'd throughout this kingdom, pleases
+      all,<br /> E'en as our King, who in us plants his will;<br /> And in his
+      will is our tranquillity;<br /> It is the mighty ocean, whither tends<br />
+      Whatever it creates and nature makes."<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then
+      saw I clearly how each spot in heav'n<br /> Is Paradise, though with like
+      gracious dew<br /> The supreme virtue show'r not over all.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But
+      as it chances, if one sort of food<br /> Hath satiated, and of another
+      still<br /> The appetite remains, that this is ask'd,<br /> And thanks for
+      that return'd; e'en so did I<br /> In word and motion, bent from her to
+      learn<br /> What web it was, through which she had not drawn<br /> The
+      shuttle to its point. &nbsp;She thus began:<br /> "Exalted worth and
+      perfectness of life<br /> The Lady higher up enshrine in heaven,<br /> By
+      whose pure laws upon your nether earth<br /> The robe and veil they wear,
+      to that intent,<br /> That e'en till death they may keep watch or sleep<br />
+      With their great bridegroom, who accepts each vow,<br /> Which to his
+      gracious pleasure love conforms.<br /> from the world, to follow her, when
+      young<br /> Escap'd; and, in her vesture mantling me,<br /> Made promise of
+      the way her sect enjoins.<br /> Thereafter men, for ill than good more apt,<br />
+      Forth snatch'd me from the pleasant cloister's pale.<br /> God knows how
+      after that my life was fram'd.<br /> This other splendid shape, which thou
+      beholdst<br /> At my right side, burning with all the light<br /> Of this
+      our orb, what of myself I tell<br /> May to herself apply. &nbsp;From her,
+      like me<br /> A sister, with like violence were torn<br /> The saintly
+      folds, that shaded her fair brows.<br /> E'en when she to the world again
+      was brought<br /> In spite of her own will and better wont,<br /> Yet not
+      for that the bosom's inward veil<br /> Did she renounce. &nbsp;This is the
+      luminary<br /> Of mighty Constance, who from that loud blast,<br /> Which
+      blew the second over Suabia's realm,<br /> That power produc'd, which was
+      the third and last."<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She ceas'd
+      from further talk, and then began<br /> "Ave Maria" singing, and with that
+      song<br /> Vanish'd, as heavy substance through deep wave.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mine
+      eye, that far as it was capable,<br /> Pursued her, when in dimness she was
+      lost,<br /> Turn'd to the mark where greater want impell'd,<br /> And bent
+      on Beatrice all its gaze.<br /> But she as light'ning beam'd upon my looks:<br />
+      So that the sight sustain'd it not at first.<br /> Whence I to question her
+      became less prompt. <br /><br /> <a name="link4" id="link4"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <h2>
+      CANTO IV
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      <br /> Between two kinds of food, both equally<br /> Remote and tempting,
+      first a man might die<br /> Of hunger, ere he one could freely choose.<br />
+      E'en so would stand a lamb between the maw<br /> Of two fierce wolves, in
+      dread of both alike:<br /> E'en so between two deer a dog would stand,<br />
+      Wherefore, if I was silent, fault nor praise<br /> I to myself impute, by
+      equal doubts<br /> Held in suspense, since of necessity<br /> It happen'd.
+      &nbsp;Silent was I, yet desire<br /> Was painted in my looks; and thus I
+      spake<br /> My wish more earnestly than language could.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As
+      Daniel, when the haughty king he freed<br /> From ire, that spurr'd him on
+      to deeds unjust<br /> And violent; so look'd Beatrice then.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Well
+      I discern," she thus her words address'd,<br /> "How contrary desires each
+      way constrain thee,<br /> So that thy anxious thought is in itself<br />
+      Bound up and stifled, nor breathes freely forth.<br /> Thou arguest; if the
+      good intent remain;<br /> What reason that another's violence<br /> Should
+      stint the measure of my fair desert?<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Cause
+      too thou findst for doubt, in that it seems,<br /> That spirits to the
+      stars, as Plato deem'd,<br /> Return. &nbsp;These are the questions which
+      thy will<br /> Urge equally; and therefore I the first<br /> Of that will
+      treat which hath the more of gall.<br /> Of seraphim he who is most
+      ensky'd,<br /> Moses and Samuel, and either John,<br /> Choose which thou
+      wilt, nor even Mary's self,<br /> Have not in any other heav'n their seats,<br />
+      Than have those spirits which so late thou saw'st;<br /> Nor more or fewer
+      years exist; but all<br /> Make the first circle beauteous, diversely<br />
+      Partaking of sweet life, as more or less<br /> Afflation of eternal bliss
+      pervades them.<br /> Here were they shown thee, not that fate assigns<br />
+      This for their sphere, but for a sign to thee<br /> Of that celestial
+      furthest from the height.<br /> Thus needs, that ye may apprehend, we
+      speak:<br /> Since from things sensible alone ye learn<br /> That, which
+      digested rightly after turns<br /> To intellectual. &nbsp;For no other
+      cause<br /> The scripture, condescending graciously<br /> To your
+      perception, hands and feet to God<br /> Attributes, nor so means: and holy
+      church<br /> Doth represent with human countenance<br /> Gabriel, and
+      Michael, and him who made<br /> Tobias whole. &nbsp;Unlike what here thou
+      seest,<br /> The judgment of Timaeus, who affirms<br /> Each soul restor'd
+      to its particular star,<br /> Believing it to have been taken thence,<br />
+      When nature gave it to inform her mold:<br /> Since to appearance his
+      intention is<br /> E'en what his words declare: or else to shun<br />
+      Derision, haply thus he hath disguis'd<br /> His true opinion. &nbsp;If his
+      meaning be,<br /> That to the influencing of these orbs revert<br /> The
+      honour and the blame in human acts,<br /> Perchance he doth not wholly miss
+      the truth.<br /> This principle, not understood aright,<br /> Erewhile
+      perverted well nigh all the world;<br /> So that it fell to fabled names of
+      Jove,<br /> And Mercury, and Mars. &nbsp;That other doubt,<br /> Which moves
+      thee, is less harmful; for it brings<br /> No peril of removing thee from
+      me.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"That, to the eye of man, our
+      justice seems<br /> Unjust, is argument for faith, and not<br /> For heretic
+      declension. &nbsp;To the end<br /> This truth may stand more clearly in
+      your view,<br /> I will content thee even to thy wish<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"If
+      violence be, when that which suffers, nought<br /> Consents to that which
+      forceth, not for this<br /> These spirits stood exculpate. &nbsp;For the
+      will,<br /> That will not, still survives unquench'd, and doth<br /> As
+      nature doth in fire, tho' violence<br /> Wrest it a thousand times; for, if
+      it yield<br /> Or more or less, so far it follows force.<br /> And thus did
+      these, whom they had power to seek<br /> The hallow'd place again. &nbsp;In
+      them, had will<br /> Been perfect, such as once upon the bars<br /> Held
+      Laurence firm, or wrought in Scaevola<br /> To his own hand remorseless, to
+      the path,<br /> Whence they were drawn, their steps had hasten'd back,<br />
+      When liberty return'd: but in too few<br /> Resolve so steadfast dwells.
+      &nbsp;And by these words<br /> If duly weigh'd, that argument is void,<br />
+      Which oft might have perplex'd thee still. &nbsp;But now<br /> Another
+      question thwarts thee, which to solve<br /> Might try thy patience without
+      better aid.<br /> I have, no doubt, instill'd into thy mind,<br /> That
+      blessed spirit may not lie; since near<br /> The source of primal truth it
+      dwells for aye:<br /> And thou might'st after of Piccarda learn<br /> That
+      Constance held affection to the veil;<br /> So that she seems to contradict
+      me here.<br /> Not seldom, brother, it hath chanc'd for men<br /> To do what
+      they had gladly left undone,<br /> Yet to shun peril they have done amiss:<br />
+      E'en as Alcmaeon, at his father's suit<br /> Slew his own mother, so made
+      pitiless<br /> Not to lose pity. &nbsp;On this point bethink thee,<br />
+      That force and will are blended in such wise<br /> As not to make the'
+      offence excusable.<br /> Absolute will agrees not to the wrong,<br /> That
+      inasmuch as there is fear of woe<br /> From non-compliance, it agrees.
+      &nbsp;Of will<br /> Thus absolute Piccarda spake, and I<br /> Of th' other;
+      so that both have truly said."<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Such
+      was the flow of that pure rill, that well'd<br /> From forth the fountain
+      of all truth; and such<br /> The rest, that to my wond'ring thoughts I
+      found.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"O thou of primal
+      love the prime delight!<br /> Goddess!" &nbsp;I straight reply'd, "whose
+      lively words<br /> Still shed new heat and vigour through my soul!<br />
+      Affection fails me to requite thy grace<br /> With equal sum of gratitude:
+      be his<br /> To recompense, who sees and can reward thee.<br /> Well I
+      discern, that by that truth alone<br /> Enlighten'd, beyond which no truth
+      may roam,<br /> Our mind can satisfy her thirst to know:<br /> Therein she
+      resteth, e'en as in his lair<br /> The wild beast, soon as she hath reach'd
+      that bound,<br /> And she hath power to reach it; else desire<br /> Were
+      given to no end. &nbsp;And thence doth doubt<br /> Spring, like a shoot,
+      around the stock of truth;<br /> And it is nature which from height to
+      height<br /> On to the summit prompts us. &nbsp;This invites,<br /> This
+      doth assure me, lady, rev'rently<br /> To ask thee of other truth, that yet<br />
+      Is dark to me. &nbsp;I fain would know, if man<br /> By other works well
+      done may so supply<br /> The failure of his vows, that in your scale<br />
+      They lack not weight." &nbsp;I spake; and on me straight<br /> Beatrice
+      look'd with eyes that shot forth sparks<br /> Of love celestial in such
+      copious stream,<br /> That, virtue sinking in me overpower'd,<br /> I
+      turn'd, and downward bent confus'd my sight. <br /><br /> <a name="link5"
+      id="link5"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <h2>
+      CANTO V
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      <br /> "If beyond earthly wont, the flame of love<br /> Illume me, so that I
+      o'ercome thy power<br /> Of vision, marvel not: but learn the cause<br /> In
+      that perfection of the sight, which soon<br /> As apprehending, hasteneth
+      on to reach<br /> The good it apprehends. &nbsp;I well discern,<br /> How in
+      thine intellect already shines<br /> The light eternal, which to view alone<br />
+      Ne'er fails to kindle love; and if aught else<br /> Your love seduces, 't
+      is but that it shows<br /> Some ill-mark'd vestige of that primal beam.<br />
+      <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"This would'st thou know, if failure of
+      the vow<br /> By other service may be so supplied,<br /> As from
+      self-question to assure the soul."<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Thus
+      she her words, not heedless of my wish,<br /> Began; and thus, as one who
+      breaks not off<br /> Discourse, continued in her saintly strain.<br />
+      "Supreme of gifts, which God creating gave<br /> Of his free bounty, sign
+      most evident<br /> Of goodness, and in his account most priz'd,<br /> Was
+      liberty of will, the boon wherewith<br /> All intellectual creatures, and
+      them sole<br /> He hath endow'd. &nbsp;Hence now thou mayst infer<br /> Of
+      what high worth the vow, which so is fram'd<br /> That when man offers, God
+      well-pleas'd accepts;<br /> For in the compact between God and him,<br />
+      This treasure, such as I describe it to thee,<br /> He makes the victim,
+      and of his own act.<br /> What compensation therefore may he find?<br /> If
+      that, whereof thou hast oblation made,<br /> By using well thou think'st to
+      consecrate,<br /> Thou would'st of theft do charitable deed.<br /> Thus I
+      resolve thee of the greater point.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"But
+      forasmuch as holy church, herein<br /> Dispensing, seems to contradict the
+      truth<br /> I have discover'd to thee, yet behooves<br /> Thou rest a little
+      longer at the board,<br /> Ere the crude aliment, which thou hast taken,<br />
+      Digested fitly to nutrition turn.<br /> Open thy mind to what I now unfold,<br />
+      And give it inward keeping. &nbsp;Knowledge comes<br /> Of learning well
+      retain'd, unfruitful else.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"This
+      sacrifice in essence of two things<br /> Consisteth; one is that, whereof
+      't is made,<br /> The covenant the other. &nbsp;For the last,<br /> It ne'er
+      is cancell'd if not kept: and hence<br /> I spake erewhile so strictly of
+      its force.<br /> For this it was enjoin'd the Israelites,<br /> Though leave
+      were giv'n them, as thou know'st, to change<br /> The offering, still to
+      offer. &nbsp;Th' other part,<br /> The matter and the substance of the vow,<br />
+      May well be such, to that without offence<br /> It may for other substance
+      be exchang'd.<br /> But at his own discretion none may shift<br /> The
+      burden on his shoulders, unreleas'd<br /> By either key, the yellow and the
+      white.<br /> Nor deem of any change, as less than vain,<br /> If the last
+      bond be not within the new<br /> Included, as the quatre in the six.<br />
+      No satisfaction therefore can be paid<br /> For what so precious in the
+      balance weighs,<br /> That all in counterpoise must kick the beam.<br />
+      Take then no vow at random: ta'en, with faith<br /> Preserve it; yet not
+      bent, as Jephthah once,<br /> Blindly to execute a rash resolve,<br /> Whom
+      better it had suited to exclaim,<br /> 'I have done ill,' than to redeem
+      his pledge<br /> By doing worse or, not unlike to him<br /> In folly, that
+      great leader of the Greeks:<br /> Whence, on the alter, Iphigenia mourn'd<br />
+      Her virgin beauty, and hath since made mourn<br /> Both wise and simple,
+      even all, who hear<br /> Of so fell sacrifice. &nbsp;Be ye more staid,<br />
+      O Christians, not, like feather, by each wind<br /> Removable: nor think to
+      cleanse ourselves<br /> In every water. &nbsp;Either testament,<br /> The
+      old and new, is yours: and for your guide<br /> The shepherd of the church
+      let this suffice<br /> To save you. &nbsp;When by evil lust entic'd,<br />
+      Remember ye be men, not senseless beasts;<br /> Nor let the Jew, who
+      dwelleth in your streets,<br /> Hold you in mock'ry. &nbsp;Be not, as the
+      lamb,<br /> That, fickle wanton, leaves its mother's milk,<br /> To dally
+      with itself in idle play."<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Such
+      were the words that Beatrice spake:<br /> These ended, to that region,
+      where the world<br /> Is liveliest, full of fond desire she turn'd.<br />
+      <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Though mainly prompt new question to
+      propose,<br /> Her silence and chang'd look did keep me dumb.<br /> And as
+      the arrow, ere the cord is still,<br /> Leapeth unto its mark; so on we
+      sped<br /> Into the second realm. &nbsp;There I beheld<br /> The dame, so
+      joyous enter, that the orb<br /> Grew brighter at her smiles; and, if the
+      star<br /> Were mov'd to gladness, what then was my cheer,<br /> Whom nature
+      hath made apt for every change!<br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> <a
+      href="images/05-99.jpg">ENLARGE TO FULL SIZE</a>
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:80%;">
+      <img alt="05-99th.jpg (38K)" src="images/05-99th.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As in a quiet and
+      clear lake the fish,<br /> If aught approach them from without, do draw<br />
+      Towards it, deeming it their food; so drew<br /> Full more than thousand
+      splendours towards us,<br /> And in each one was heard: "Lo! one arriv'd<br />
+      To multiply our loves!" and as each came<br /> The shadow, streaming forth
+      effulgence new,<br /> Witness'd augmented joy. &nbsp;Here, reader! think,<br />
+      If thou didst miss the sequel of my tale,<br /> To know the rest how sorely
+      thou wouldst crave;<br /> And thou shalt see what vehement desire<br />
+      Possess'd me, as soon as these had met my view,<br /> To know their state.
+      &nbsp;"O born in happy hour!<br /> Thou to whom grace vouchsafes, or ere
+      thy close<br /> Of fleshly warfare, to behold the thrones<br /> Of that
+      eternal triumph, know to us<br /> The light communicated, which through
+      heaven<br /> Expatiates without bound. &nbsp;Therefore, if aught<br /> Thou
+      of our beams wouldst borrow for thine aid,<br /> Spare not; and of our
+      radiance take thy fill."<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Thus of
+      those piteous spirits one bespake me;<br /> And Beatrice next: "Say on; and
+      trust<br /> As unto gods!"&mdash;"How in the light supreme<br /> Thou
+      harbour'st, and from thence the virtue bring'st,<br /> That, sparkling in
+      thine eyes, denotes thy joy,<br /> l mark; but, who thou art, am still to
+      seek;<br /> Or wherefore, worthy spirit! for thy lot<br /> This sphere
+      assign'd, that oft from mortal ken<br /> Is veil'd by others' beams."
+      &nbsp;I said, and turn'd<br /> Toward the lustre, that with greeting, kind<br />
+      Erewhile had hail'd me. &nbsp;Forthwith brighter far<br /> Than erst, it
+      wax'd: and, as himself the sun<br /> Hides through excess of light, when
+      his warm gaze<br /> Hath on the mantle of thick vapours prey'd;<br /> Within
+      its proper ray the saintly shape<br /> Was, through increase of gladness,
+      thus conceal'd;<br /> And, shrouded so in splendour answer'd me,<br /> E'en
+      as the tenour of my song declares. <br /><br /> <a name="link6" id="link6"></a>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <h2>
+      CANTO VI
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      <br /> "After that Constantine the eagle turn'd<br /> Against the motions of
+      the heav'n, that roll'd<br /> Consenting with its course, when he of yore,<br />
+      Lavinia's spouse, was leader of the flight,<br /> A hundred years twice
+      told and more, his seat<br /> At Europe's extreme point, the bird of Jove<br />
+      Held, near the mountains, whence he issued first.<br /> There, under shadow
+      of his sacred plumes<br /> Swaying the world, till through successive hands<br />
+      To mine he came devolv'd. &nbsp;Caesar I was,<br /> And am Justinian;
+      destin'd by the will<br /> Of that prime love, whose influence I feel,<br />
+      From vain excess to clear th' encumber'd laws.<br /> Or ere that work
+      engag'd me, I did hold<br /> Christ's nature merely human, with such faith<br />
+      Contented. &nbsp;But the blessed Agapete,<br /> Who was chief shepherd, he
+      with warning voice<br /> To the true faith recall'd me. &nbsp;I believ'd<br />
+      His words: and what he taught, now plainly see,<br /> As thou in every
+      contradiction seest<br /> The true and false oppos'd. &nbsp;Soon as my feet<br />
+      Were to the church reclaim'd, to my great task,<br /> By inspiration of
+      God's grace impell'd,<br /> I gave me wholly, and consign'd mine arms<br />
+      To Belisarius, with whom heaven's right hand<br /> Was link'd in such
+      conjointment, 't was a sign<br /> That I should rest. &nbsp;To thy first
+      question thus<br /> I shape mine answer, which were ended here,<br /> But
+      that its tendency doth prompt perforce<br /> To some addition; that thou
+      well, mayst mark<br /> What reason on each side they have to plead,<br /> By
+      whom that holiest banner is withstood,<br /> Both who pretend its power and
+      who oppose.<br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Beginning from that hour, when
+      Pallas died<br /> To give it rule, behold the valorous deeds<br /> Have made
+      it worthy reverence. &nbsp;Not unknown<br /> To thee, how for three hundred
+      years and more<br /> It dwelt in Alba, up to those fell lists<br /> Where
+      for its sake were met the rival three;<br /> Nor aught unknown to thee,
+      which it achiev'd<br /> Down to the Sabines' wrong to Lucrece' woe,<br />
+      With its sev'n kings conqu'ring the nation round;<br /> Nor all it wrought,
+      by Roman worthies home<br /> 'Gainst Brennus and th' Epirot prince, and
+      hosts<br /> Of single chiefs, or states in league combin'd<br /> Of social
+      warfare; hence Torquatus stern,<br /> And Quintius nam'd of his neglected
+      locks,<br /> The Decii, and the Fabii hence acquir'd<br /> Their fame, which
+      I with duteous zeal embalm.<br /> By it the pride of Arab hordes was
+      quell'd,<br /> When they led on by Hannibal o'erpass'd<br /> The Alpine
+      rocks, whence glide thy currents, Po!<br /> Beneath its guidance, in their
+      prime of days<br /> Scipio and Pompey triumph'd; and that hill,<br /> Under
+      whose summit thou didst see the light,<br /> Rued its stern bearing. &nbsp;After,
+      near the hour,<br /> When heav'n was minded that o'er all the world<br />
+      His own deep calm should brood, to Caesar's hand<br /> Did Rome consign it;
+      and what then it wrought<br /> From Var unto the Rhine, saw Isere's flood,<br />
+      Saw Loire and Seine, and every vale, that fills<br /> The torrent Rhone.
+      &nbsp;What after that it wrought,<br /> When from Ravenna it came forth,
+      and leap'd<br /> The Rubicon, was of so bold a flight,<br /> That tongue nor
+      pen may follow it. &nbsp;Tow'rds Spain<br /> It wheel'd its bands, then
+      tow'rd Dyrrachium smote,<br /> And on Pharsalia with so fierce a plunge,<br />
+      E'en the warm Nile was conscious to the pang;<br /> Its native shores
+      Antandros, and the streams<br /> Of Simois revisited, and there<br /> Where
+      Hector lies; then ill for Ptolemy<br /> His pennons shook again; lightning
+      thence fell<br /> On Juba; and the next upon your west,<br /> At sound of
+      the Pompeian trump, return'd.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"What
+      following and in its next bearer's gripe<br /> It wrought, is now by
+      Cassius and Brutus<br /> Bark'd off in hell, and by Perugia's sons<br /> And
+      Modena's was mourn'd. &nbsp;Hence weepeth still<br /> Sad Cleopatra, who,
+      pursued by it,<br /> Took from the adder black and sudden death.<br /> With
+      him it ran e'en to the Red Sea coast;<br /> With him compos'd the world to
+      such a peace,<br /> That of his temple Janus barr'd the door.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"But
+      all the mighty standard yet had wrought,<br /> And was appointed to perform
+      thereafter,<br /> Throughout the mortal kingdom which it sway'd,<br /> Falls
+      in appearance dwindled and obscur'd,<br /> If one with steady eye and
+      perfect thought<br /> On the third Caesar look; for to his hands,<br /> The
+      living Justice, in whose breath I move,<br /> Committed glory, e'en into
+      his hands,<br /> To execute the vengeance of its wrath.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Hear
+      now and wonder at what next I tell.<br /> After with Titus it was sent to
+      wreak<br /> Vengeance for vengeance of the ancient sin,<br /> And, when the
+      Lombard tooth, with fangs impure,<br /> Did gore the bosom of the holy
+      church,<br /> Under its wings victorious, Charlemagne<br /> Sped to her
+      rescue. &nbsp;Judge then for thyself<br /> Of those, whom I erewhile
+      accus'd to thee,<br /> What they are, and how grievous their offending,<br />
+      Who are the cause of all your ills. &nbsp;The one<br /> Against the
+      universal ensign rears<br /> The yellow lilies, and with partial aim<br />
+      That to himself the other arrogates:<br /> So that 't is hard to see which
+      more offends.<br /> Be yours, ye Ghibellines, to veil your arts<br />
+      Beneath another standard: ill is this<br /> Follow'd of him, who severs it
+      and justice:<br /> And let not with his Guelphs the new-crown'd Charles<br />
+      Assail it, but those talons hold in dread,<br /> Which from a lion of more
+      lofty port<br /> Have rent the easing. &nbsp;Many a time ere now<br /> The
+      sons have for the sire's transgression wail'd;<br /> Nor let him trust the
+      fond belief, that heav'n<br /> Will truck its armour for his lilied shield.<br />
+      <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"This little star is furnish'd with
+      good spirits,<br /> Whose mortal lives were busied to that end,<br /> That
+      honour and renown might wait on them:<br /> And, when desires thus err in
+      their intention,<br /> True love must needs ascend with slacker beam.<br />
+      But it is part of our delight, to measure<br /> Our wages with the merit;
+      and admire<br /> The close proportion. &nbsp;Hence doth heav'nly justice<br />
+      Temper so evenly affection in us,<br /> It ne'er can warp to any
+      wrongfulness.<br /> Of diverse voices is sweet music made:<br /> So in our
+      life the different degrees<br /> Render sweet harmony among these wheels.<br />
+      <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Within the pearl, that now encloseth
+      us,<br /> Shines Romeo's light, whose goodly deed and fair<br /> Met ill
+      acceptance. &nbsp;But the Provencals,<br /> That were his foes, have little
+      cause for mirth.<br /> Ill shapes that man his course, who makes his wrong<br />
+      Of other's worth. &nbsp;Four daughters were there born<br /> To Raymond
+      Berenger, and every one<br /> Became a queen; and this for him did Romeo,<br />
+      Though of mean state and from a foreign land.<br /> Yet envious tongues
+      incited him to ask<br /> A reckoning of that just one, who return'd<br />
+      Twelve fold to him for ten. &nbsp;Aged and poor<br /> He parted thence: and
+      if the world did know<br /> The heart he had, begging his life by morsels,<br />
+      'T would deem the praise, it yields him, scantly dealt." <br /><br /> <a
+      name="link7" id="link7"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <h2>
+      CANTO VII
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      <br /> "Hosanna Sanctus Deus Sabaoth<br /> Superillustrans claritate tua<br />
+      Felices ignes horum malahoth!"<br /> Thus chanting saw I turn that
+      substance bright<br /> With fourfold lustre to its orb again,<br />
+      Revolving; and the rest unto their dance<br /> With it mov'd also; and like
+      swiftest sparks,<br /> In sudden distance from my sight were veil'd.<br />
+      <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Me doubt possess'd, and "Speak," it
+      whisper'd me,<br /> "Speak, speak unto thy lady, that she quench<br /> Thy
+      thirst with drops of sweetness." &nbsp;Yet blank awe,<br /> Which lords it
+      o'er me, even at the sound<br /> Of Beatrice's name, did bow me down<br />
+      As one in slumber held. &nbsp;Not long that mood<br /> Beatrice suffer'd:
+      she, with such a smile,<br /> As might have made one blest amid the flames,<br />
+      Beaming upon me, thus her words began:<br /> "Thou in thy thought art
+      pond'ring (as I deem),<br /> And what I deem is truth how just revenge<br />
+      Could be with justice punish'd: from which doubt<br /> I soon will free
+      thee; so thou mark my words;<br /> For they of weighty matter shall possess
+      thee.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"That man, who was unborn,
+      himself condemn'd,<br /> And, in himself, all, who since him have liv'd,<br />
+      His offspring: whence, below, the human kind<br /> Lay sick in grievous
+      error many an age;<br /> Until it pleas'd the Word of God to come<br />
+      Amongst them down, to his own person joining<br /> The nature, from its
+      Maker far estrang'd,<br /> By the mere act of his eternal love.<br />
+      Contemplate here the wonder I unfold.<br /> The nature with its Maker thus
+      conjoin'd,<br /> Created first was blameless, pure and good;<br /> But
+      through itself alone was driven forth<br /> From Paradise, because it had
+      eschew'd<br /> The way of truth and life, to evil turn'd.<br /> Ne'er then
+      was penalty so just as that<br /> Inflicted by the cross, if thou regard<br />
+      The nature in assumption doom'd: ne'er wrong<br /> So great, in reference
+      to him, who took<br /> Such nature on him, and endur'd the doom.<br /> God
+      therefore and the Jews one sentence pleased:<br /> So different effects
+      flow'd from one act,<br /> And heav'n was open'd, though the earth did
+      quake.<br /> Count it not hard henceforth, when thou dost hear<br /> That a
+      just vengeance was by righteous court<br /> Justly reveng'd. &nbsp;But yet
+      I see thy mind<br /> By thought on thought arising sore perplex'd,<br /> And
+      with how vehement desire it asks<br /> Solution of the maze. &nbsp;What I
+      have heard,<br /> Is plain, thou sayst: but wherefore God this way<br /> For
+      our redemption chose, eludes my search.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Brother!
+      no eye of man not perfected,<br /> Nor fully ripen'd in the flame of love,<br />
+      May fathom this decree. &nbsp;It is a mark,<br /> In sooth, much aim'd at,
+      and but little kenn'd:<br /> And I will therefore show thee why such way<br />
+      Was worthiest. &nbsp;The celestial love, that spume<br /> All envying in
+      its bounty, in itself<br /> With such effulgence blazeth, as sends forth<br />
+      All beauteous things eternal. &nbsp;What distils<br /> Immediate thence, no
+      end of being knows,<br /> Bearing its seal immutably impress'd.<br />
+      Whatever thence immediate falls, is free,<br /> Free wholly, uncontrollable
+      by power<br /> Of each thing new: by such conformity<br /> More grateful to
+      its author, whose bright beams,<br /> Though all partake their shining, yet
+      in those<br /> Are liveliest, which resemble him the most.<br /> These
+      tokens of pre-eminence on man<br /> Largely bestow'd, if any of them fail,<br />
+      He needs must forfeit his nobility,<br /> No longer stainless. &nbsp;Sin
+      alone is that,<br /> Which doth disfranchise him, and make unlike<br /> To
+      the chief good; for that its light in him<br /> Is darken'd. &nbsp;And to
+      dignity thus lost<br /> Is no return; unless, where guilt makes void,<br />
+      He for ill pleasure pay with equal pain.<br /> Your nature, which entirely
+      in its seed<br /> Trangress'd, from these distinctions fell, no less<br />
+      Than from its state in Paradise; nor means<br /> Found of recovery (search
+      all methods out<br /> As strickly as thou may) save one of these,<br /> The
+      only fords were left through which to wade,<br /> Either that God had of
+      his courtesy<br /> Releas'd him merely, or else man himself<br /> For his
+      own folly by himself aton'd.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Fix
+      now thine eye, intently as thou canst,<br /> On th' everlasting counsel,
+      and explore,<br /> Instructed by my words, the dread abyss.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Man
+      in himself had ever lack'd the means<br /> Of satisfaction, for he could
+      not stoop<br /> Obeying, in humility so low,<br /> As high he, disobeying,
+      thought to soar:<br /> And for this reason he had vainly tried<br /> Out of
+      his own sufficiency to pay<br /> The rigid satisfaction. &nbsp;Then
+      behooved<br /> That God should by his own ways lead him back<br /> Unto the
+      life, from whence he fell, restor'd:<br /> By both his ways, I mean, or one
+      alone.<br /> But since the deed is ever priz'd the more,<br /> The more the
+      doer's good intent appears,<br /> Goodness celestial, whose broad signature<br />
+      Is on the universe, of all its ways<br /> To raise ye up, was fain to leave
+      out none,<br /> Nor aught so vast or so magnificent,<br /> Either for him
+      who gave or who receiv'd<br /> Between the last night and the primal day,<br />
+      Was or can be. &nbsp;For God more bounty show'd.<br /> Giving himself to
+      make man capable<br /> Of his return to life, than had the terms<br /> Been
+      mere and unconditional release.<br /> And for his justice, every method
+      else<br /> Were all too scant, had not the Son of God<br /> Humbled himself
+      to put on mortal flesh.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Now, to
+      fulfil each wish of thine, remains<br /> I somewhat further to thy view
+      unfold.<br /> That thou mayst see as clearly as myself.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I
+      see, thou sayst, the air, the fire I see,<br /> The earth and water, and
+      all things of them<br /> Compounded, to corruption turn, and soon<br />
+      Dissolve. &nbsp;Yet these were also things create,<br /> Because, if what
+      were told me, had been true<br /> They from corruption had been therefore
+      free.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"The angels, O my brother!
+      and this clime<br /> Wherein thou art, impassible and pure,<br /> I call
+      created, as indeed they are<br /> In their whole being. &nbsp;But the
+      elements,<br /> Which thou hast nam'd, and what of them is made,<br /> Are
+      by created virtue' inform'd: create<br /> Their substance, and create the'
+      informing virtue<br /> In these bright stars, that round them circling move<br />
+      The soul of every brute and of each plant,<br /> The ray and motion of the
+      sacred lights,<br /> With complex potency attract and turn.<br /> But this
+      our life the' eternal good inspires<br /> Immediate, and enamours of
+      itself;<br /> So that our wishes rest for ever here.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"And
+      hence thou mayst by inference conclude<br /> Our resurrection certain, if
+      thy mind<br /> Consider how the human flesh was fram'd,<br /> When both our
+      parents at the first were made." <br /><br /> <a name="link8" id="link8"></a>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <h2>
+      CANTO VIII
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      <br /> The world was in its day of peril dark<br /> Wont to believe the
+      dotage of fond love<br /> From the fair Cyprian deity, who rolls<br /> In
+      her third epicycle, shed on men<br /> By stream of potent radiance:
+      therefore they<br /> Of elder time, in their old error blind,<br /> Not her
+      alone with sacrifice ador'd<br /> And invocation, but like honours paid<br />
+      To Cupid and Dione, deem'd of them<br /> Her mother, and her son, him whom
+      they feign'd<br /> To sit in Dido's bosom: and from her,<br /> Whom I have
+      sung preluding, borrow'd they<br /> The appellation of that star, which
+      views,<br /> Now obvious and now averse, the sun.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I
+      was not ware that I was wafted up<br /> Into &nbsp;its orb; but the new
+      loveliness<br /> That grac'd my lady, gave me ample proof<br /> That we had
+      entered there. &nbsp;And as in flame<br /> A sparkle is distinct, or voice
+      in voice<br /> Discern'd, when one its even tenour keeps,<br /> The other
+      comes and goes; so in that light<br /> I other luminaries saw, that cours'd<br />
+      In circling motion rapid more or less,<br /> As their eternal phases each
+      impels.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Never was blast from
+      vapour charged with cold,<br /> Whether invisible to eye or no,<br />
+      Descended with such speed, it had not seem'd<br /> To linger in dull
+      tardiness, compar'd<br /> To those celestial lights, that tow'rds us came,<br />
+      Leaving the circuit of their joyous ring,<br /> Conducted by the lofty
+      seraphim.<br /> And after them, who in the van appear'd,<br /> Such an
+      hosanna sounded, as hath left<br /> Desire, ne'er since extinct in me, to
+      hear<br /> Renew'd the strain. &nbsp;Then parting from the rest<br /> One
+      near us drew, and sole began: "We all<br /> Are ready at thy pleasure, well
+      dispos'd<br /> To do thee gentle service. &nbsp;We are they,<br /> To whom
+      thou in the world erewhile didst Sing<br /> 'O ye! whose intellectual
+      ministry<br /> Moves the third heaven!' and in one orb we roll,<br /> One
+      motion, one impulse, with those who rule<br /> Princedoms in heaven; yet
+      are of love so full,<br /> That to please thee 't will be as sweet to
+      rest."<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;After mine eyes had with
+      meek reverence<br /> Sought the celestial guide, and were by her<br />
+      Assur'd, they turn'd again unto the light<br /> Who had so largely
+      promis'd, and with voice<br /> That bare the lively pressure of my zeal,<br />
+      "Tell who ye are," I cried. &nbsp;Forthwith it grew<br /> In size and
+      splendour, through augmented joy;<br /> And thus it answer'd: "A short date
+      below<br /> The world possess'd me. &nbsp;Had the time been more,<br /> Much
+      evil, that will come, had never chanc'd.<br /> My gladness hides thee from
+      me, which doth shine<br /> Around, and shroud me, as an animal<br /> In its
+      own silk unswath'd. &nbsp;Thou lov'dst me well,<br /> And had'st good
+      cause; for had my sojourning<br /> Been longer on the earth, the love I
+      bare thee<br /> Had put forth more than blossoms. &nbsp;The left bank,<br />
+      That Rhone, when he hath mix'd with Sorga, laves."<br /> <br /><br /><br /><br />
+      <a href="images/08-60.jpg">ENLARGE TO FULL SIZE</a>
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:80%;">
+      <img alt="08-60th.jpg (32K)" src="images/08-60th.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br /> "In me its lord expected, and that horn<br /> Of fair
+      Ausonia, with its boroughs old,<br /> Bari, and Croton, and Gaeta pil'd,<br />
+      From where the Trento disembogues his waves,<br /> With Verde mingled, to
+      the salt sea-flood.<br /> Already on my temples beam'd the crown,<br />
+      Which gave me sov'reignty over the land<br /> By Danube wash'd, whenas he
+      strays beyond<br /> The limits of his German shores. &nbsp;The realm,<br />
+      Where, on the gulf by stormy Eurus lash'd,<br /> Betwixt Pelorus and
+      Pachynian heights,<br /> The beautiful Trinacria lies in gloom<br /> (Not
+      through Typhaeus, but the vap'ry cloud<br /> Bituminous upsteam'd), THAT
+      too did look<br /> To have its scepter wielded by a race<br /> Of monarchs,
+      sprung through me from Charles and Rodolph;<br /> had not ill lording which
+      doth spirit up<br /> The people ever, in Palermo rais'd<br /> The shout of
+      'death,' re-echo'd loud and long.<br /> Had but my brother's foresight
+      kenn'd as much,<br /> He had been warier that the greedy want<br /> Of
+      Catalonia might not work his bale.<br /> And truly need there is, that he
+      forecast,<br /> Or other for him, lest more freight be laid<br /> On his
+      already over-laden bark.<br /> Nature in him, from bounty fall'n to thrift,<br />
+      Would ask the &nbsp;guard of braver arms, than such<br /> As only care to
+      have their coffers fill'd."<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"My
+      liege, it doth enhance the joy thy words<br /> Infuse into me, mighty as it
+      is,<br /> To think my gladness manifest to thee,<br /> As to myself, who own
+      it, when thou lookst<br /> Into the source and limit of all good,<br />
+      There, where thou markest that which thou dost speak,<br /> Thence priz'd
+      of me the more. &nbsp;Glad thou hast made me.<br /> Now make intelligent,
+      clearing the doubt<br /> Thy speech hath raised in me; for much I muse,<br />
+      How bitter can spring up, when sweet is sown."<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I
+      thus inquiring; he forthwith replied:<br /> "If I have power to show one
+      truth, soon that<br /> Shall face thee, which thy questioning declares<br />
+      Behind thee now conceal'd. &nbsp;The Good, that guides<br /> And blessed
+      makes this realm, which thou dost mount,<br /> Ordains its providence to be
+      the virtue<br /> In these great bodies: nor th' all perfect Mind<br />
+      Upholds their nature merely, but in them<br /> Their energy to save: for
+      nought, that lies<br /> Within the range of that unerring bow,<br /> But is
+      as level with the destin'd aim,<br /> As ever mark to arrow's point
+      oppos'd.<br /> Were it not thus, these heavens, thou dost visit,<br /> Would
+      their effect so work, it would not be<br /> Art, but destruction; and this
+      may not chance,<br /> If th' intellectual powers, that move these stars,<br />
+      Fail not, or who, first faulty made them fail.<br /> Wilt thou this truth
+      more clearly evidenc'd?"<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To whom I
+      thus: "It is enough: no fear,<br /> I see, lest nature in her part should
+      tire."<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He straight rejoin'd: "Say,
+      were it worse for man,<br /> If he liv'd not in fellowship on earth?"<br />
+      <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Yea," answer'd I; "nor here a reason
+      needs."<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"And may that be, if
+      different estates<br /> Grow not of different duties in your life?<br />
+      Consult your teacher, and he tells you 'no."'<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Thus
+      did he come, deducing to this point,<br /> And then concluded: "For this
+      cause behooves,<br /> The roots, from whence your operations come,<br />
+      Must differ. &nbsp;Therefore one is Solon born;<br /> Another, Xerxes; and
+      Melchisidec<br /> A third; and he a fourth, whose airy voyage<br /> Cost him
+      his son. &nbsp;In her circuitous course,<br /> Nature, that is the seal to
+      mortal wax,<br /> Doth well her art, but no distinctions owns<br /> 'Twixt
+      one or other household. &nbsp;Hence befalls<br /> That Esau is so wide of
+      Jacob: hence<br /> Quirinus of so base a father springs,<br /> He dates from
+      Mars his lineage. &nbsp;Were it not<br /> That providence celestial
+      overrul'd,<br /> Nature, in generation, must the path<br /> Trac'd by the
+      generator, still pursue<br /> Unswervingly. &nbsp;Thus place I in thy sight<br />
+      That, which was late behind thee. &nbsp;But, in sign<br /> Of more
+      affection for thee, 't is my will<br /> Thou wear this corollary. &nbsp;Nature
+      ever<br /> Finding discordant fortune, like all seed<br /> Out of its proper
+      climate, thrives but ill.<br /> And were the world below content to mark<br />
+      And work on the foundation nature lays,<br /> It would not lack supply of
+      excellence.<br /> But ye perversely to religion strain<br /> Him, who was
+      born to gird on him the sword,<br /> And of the fluent phrasemen make your
+      king;<br /> Therefore your steps have wander'd from the paths." <br /><br />
+      <a name="link9" id="link9"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <h2>
+      CANTO IX
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      <br /> After solution of my doubt, thy Charles,<br /> O fair Clemenza, of
+      the treachery spake<br /> That must befall his seed: but, "Tell it not,"<br />
+      Said he, "and let the destin'd years come round."<br /> Nor may I tell thee
+      more, save that the meed<br /> Of sorrow well-deserv'd shall quit your
+      wrongs.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And now the visage of that
+      saintly light<br /> Was to the sun, that fills it, turn'd again,<br /> As to
+      the good, whose plenitude of bliss<br /> Sufficeth all. &nbsp;O ye
+      misguided souls!<br /> Infatuate, who from such a good estrange<br /> Your
+      hearts, and bend your gaze on vanity,<br /> Alas for you!&mdash;And lo!
+      toward me, next,<br /> Another of those splendent forms approach'd,<br />
+      That, by its outward bright'ning, testified<br /> The will it had to
+      pleasure me. &nbsp;The eyes<br /> Of Beatrice, resting, as before,<br />
+      Firmly upon me, manifested forth<br /> Approval of my wish. &nbsp;"And O,"
+      I cried,<br /> "Blest spirit! quickly be my will perform'd;<br /> And prove
+      thou to me, that my inmost thoughts<br /> I can reflect on thee." &nbsp;Thereat
+      the light,<br /> That yet was new to me, from the recess,<br /> Where it
+      before was singing, thus began,<br /> As one who joys in kindness: "In that
+      part<br /> Of the deprav'd Italian land, which lies<br /> Between Rialto,
+      and the fountain-springs<br /> Of Brenta and of Piava, there doth rise,<br />
+      But to no lofty eminence, a hill,<br /> From whence erewhile a firebrand
+      did descend,<br /> That sorely sheet the region. &nbsp;From one root<br /> I
+      and it sprang; my name on earth Cunizza:<br /> And here I glitter, for that
+      by its light<br /> This star o'ercame me. &nbsp;Yet I naught repine,<br />
+      Nor grudge myself the cause of this my lot,<br /> Which haply vulgar hearts
+      can scarce conceive.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"This jewel,
+      that is next me in our heaven,<br /> Lustrous and costly, great renown hath
+      left,<br /> And not to perish, ere these hundred years<br /> Five times
+      absolve their round. &nbsp;Consider thou,<br /> If to excel be worthy man's
+      endeavour,<br /> When such life may attend the first. &nbsp;Yet they<br />
+      Care not for this, the crowd that now are girt<br /> By Adice and
+      Tagliamento, still<br /> Impenitent, tho' scourg'd. &nbsp;The hour is near,<br />
+      When for their stubbornness at Padua's marsh<br /> The water shall be
+      chang'd, that laves Vicena<br /> And where Cagnano meets with Sile, one<br />
+      Lords it, and bears his head aloft, for whom<br /> The web is now
+      a-warping. &nbsp;Feltro too<br /> Shall sorrow for its godless shepherd's
+      fault,<br /> Of so deep stain, that never, for the like,<br /> Was Malta's
+      bar unclos'd. &nbsp;Too large should be<br /> The skillet, that would hold
+      Ferrara's blood,<br /> And wearied he, who ounce by ounce would weight it,<br />
+      The which this priest, in show of party-zeal,<br /> Courteous will give;
+      nor will the gift ill suit<br /> The country's custom. &nbsp;We descry
+      above,<br /> Mirrors, ye call them thrones, from which to us<br /> Reflected
+      shine the judgments of our God:<br /> Whence these our sayings we avouch
+      for good."<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She ended, and appear'd
+      on other thoughts<br /> Intent, re-ent'ring on the wheel she late<br /> Had
+      left. &nbsp;That other joyance meanwhile wax'd<br /> A thing to marvel at,
+      in splendour glowing,<br /> Like choicest ruby stricken by the sun,<br />
+      For, in that upper clime, effulgence comes<br /> Of gladness, as here
+      laughter: and below,<br /> As the mind saddens, murkier grows the shade.<br />
+      <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"God seeth all: and in him is thy
+      sight,"<br /> Said I, "blest Spirit! &nbsp;Therefore will of his<br />
+      Cannot to thee be dark. &nbsp;Why then delays<br /> Thy voice to satisfy my
+      wish untold,<br /> That voice which joins the inexpressive song,<br />
+      Pastime of heav'n, the which those ardours sing,<br /> That cowl them with
+      six shadowing wings outspread?<br /> I would not wait thy asking, wert thou
+      known<br /> To me, as thoroughly I to thee am known."<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He
+      forthwith answ'ring, thus his words began:<br /> "The valley' of waters,
+      widest next to that<br /> Which doth the earth engarland, shapes its
+      course,<br /> Between discordant shores, against the sun<br /> Inward so
+      far, it makes meridian there,<br /> Where was before th' horizon. &nbsp;Of
+      that vale<br /> Dwelt I upon the shore, 'twixt Ebro's stream<br /> And
+      Macra's, that divides with passage brief<br /> Genoan bounds from Tuscan.
+      &nbsp;East and west<br /> Are nearly one to Begga and my land,<br /> Whose
+      haven erst was with its own blood warm.<br /> Who knew my name were wont to
+      call me Folco:<br /> And I did bear impression of this heav'n,<br /> That
+      now bears mine: for not with fiercer flame<br /> Glow'd Belus' daughter,
+      injuring alike<br /> Sichaeus and Creusa, than did I,<br /> Long as it
+      suited the unripen'd down<br /> That fledg'd my cheek: nor she of Rhodope,<br />
+      That was beguiled of Demophoon;<br /> Nor Jove's son, when the charms of
+      Iole<br /> Were shrin'd within his heart. &nbsp;And yet there hides<br /> No
+      sorrowful repentance here, but mirth,<br /> Not for the fault (that doth
+      not come to mind),<br /> But for the virtue, whose o'erruling sway<br /> And
+      providence have wrought thus quaintly. &nbsp;Here<br /> The skill is look'd
+      into, that fashioneth<br /> With such effectual working, and the good<br />
+      Discern'd, accruing to this upper world<br /> From that below. &nbsp;But
+      fully to content<br /> Thy wishes, all that in this sphere have birth,<br />
+      Demands my further parle. &nbsp;Inquire thou wouldst,<br /> Who of this
+      light is denizen, that here<br /> Beside me sparkles, as the sun-beam doth<br />
+      On the clear wave. &nbsp;Know then, the soul of Rahab<br /> Is in that
+      gladsome harbour, to our tribe<br /> United, and the foremost rank
+      assign'd.<br /> He to that heav'n, at which the shadow ends<br /> Of your
+      sublunar world, was taken up,<br /> First, in Christ's triumph, of all
+      souls redeem'd:<br /> For well behoov'd, that, in some part of heav'n,<br />
+      She should remain a trophy, to declare<br /> The mighty contest won with
+      either palm;<br /> For that she favour'd first the high exploit<br /> Of
+      Joshua on the holy land, whereof<br /> The Pope recks little now. &nbsp;Thy
+      city, plant<br /> Of him, that on his Maker turn'd the back,<br /> And of
+      whose envying so much woe hath sprung,<br /> Engenders and expands the
+      cursed flower,<br /> That hath made wander both the sheep and lambs,<br />
+      Turning the shepherd to a wolf. &nbsp;For this,<br /> The gospel and great
+      teachers laid aside,<br /> The decretals, as their stuft margins show,<br />
+      Are the sole study. &nbsp;Pope and Cardinals,<br /> Intent on these, ne'er
+      journey but in thought<br /> To Nazareth, where Gabriel op'd his wings.<br />
+      Yet it may chance, erelong, the Vatican,<br /> And other most selected
+      parts of Rome,<br /> That were the grave of Peter's soldiery,<br /> Shall be
+      deliver'd from the adult'rous bond." <br /><br /> <a name="link10"
+      id="link10"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <h2>
+      CANTO X
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      <br /> Looking into his first-born with the love,<br /> Which breathes from
+      both eternal, the first Might<br /> Ineffable, whence eye or mind<br /> Can
+      roam, hath in such order all dispos'd,<br /> As none may see and fail to
+      enjoy. &nbsp;Raise, then,<br /> O reader! to the lofty wheels, with me,<br />
+      Thy ken directed to the point, whereat<br /> One motion strikes on th'
+      other. &nbsp;There begin<br /> Thy wonder of the mighty Architect,<br /> Who
+      loves his work so inwardly, his eye<br /> Doth ever watch it. &nbsp;See,
+      how thence oblique<br /> Brancheth the circle, where the planets roll<br />
+      To pour their wished influence on the world;<br /> Whose path not bending
+      thus, in heav'n above<br /> Much virtue would be lost, and here on earth,<br />
+      All power well nigh extinct: or, from direct<br /> Were its departure
+      distant more or less,<br /> I' th' universal order, great defect<br /> Must,
+      both in heav'n and here beneath, ensue.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Now
+      rest thee, reader! on thy bench, and muse<br /> Anticipative of the feast
+      to come;<br /> So shall delight make thee not feel thy toil.<br /> Lo! I
+      have set before thee, for thyself<br /> Feed now: the matter I indite,
+      henceforth<br /> Demands entire my thought. &nbsp;Join'd with the part,<br />
+      Which late we told of, the great minister<br /> Of nature, that upon the
+      world imprints<br /> The virtue of the heaven, and doles out<br /> Time for
+      us with his beam, went circling on<br /> Along the spires, where each hour
+      sooner comes;<br /> And I was with him, weetless of ascent,<br /> As one,
+      who till arriv'd, weets not his coming.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For
+      Beatrice, she who passeth on<br /> So suddenly from good to better, time<br />
+      Counts not the act, oh then how great must needs<br /> Have been her
+      brightness! &nbsp;What she was i' th' sun<br /> (Where I had enter'd), not
+      through change of hue,<br /> But light transparent&mdash;did I summon up<br />
+      Genius, art, practice&mdash;I might not so speak,<br /> It should be e'er
+      imagin'd: yet believ'd<br /> It may be, and the sight be justly crav'd.<br />
+      And if our fantasy fail of such height,<br /> What marvel, since no eye
+      above the sun<br /> Hath ever travel'd? &nbsp;Such are they dwell here,<br />
+      Fourth family of the Omnipotent Sire,<br /> Who of his spirit and of his
+      offspring shows;<br /> And holds them still enraptur'd with the view.<br />
+      And thus to me Beatrice: "Thank, oh thank,<br /> The Sun of angels, him,
+      who by his grace<br /> To this perceptible hath lifted thee."<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Never
+      was heart in such devotion bound,<br /> And with complacency so absolute<br />
+      Dispos'd to render up itself to God,<br /> As mine was at those words: and
+      so entire<br /> The love for Him, that held me, it eclips'd<br /> Beatrice
+      in oblivion. &nbsp;Naught displeas'd<br /> Was she, but smil'd thereat so
+      joyously,<br /> That of her laughing eyes the radiance brake<br /> And
+      scatter'd my collected mind abroad.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then
+      saw I a bright band, in liveliness<br /> Surpassing, who themselves did
+      make the crown,<br /> And us their centre: yet more sweet in voice,<br />
+      Than in their visage beaming. &nbsp;Cinctur'd thus,<br /> Sometime Latona's
+      daughter we behold,<br /> When the impregnate air retains the thread,<br />
+      That weaves her zone. &nbsp;In the celestial court,<br /> Whence I return,
+      are many jewels found,<br /> So dear and beautiful, they cannot brook<br />
+      Transporting from that realm: and of these lights<br /> Such was the song.
+      &nbsp;Who doth not prune his wing<br /> To soar up thither, let him look
+      from thence<br /> For tidings from the dumb. &nbsp;When, singing thus,<br />
+      Those burning suns that circled round us thrice,<br /> As nearest stars
+      around the fixed pole,<br /> Then seem'd they like to ladies, from the
+      dance<br /> Not ceasing, but suspense, in silent pause,<br /> List'ning,
+      till they have caught the strain anew:<br /> Suspended so they stood: and,
+      from within,<br /> Thus heard I one, who spake: "Since with its beam<br />
+      The grace, whence true love lighteth first his flame,<br /> That after doth
+      increase by loving, shines<br /> So multiplied in thee, it leads thee up<br />
+      Along this ladder, down whose hallow'd steps<br /> None e'er descend, and
+      mount them not again,<br /> Who from his phial should refuse thee wine<br />
+      To slake thy thirst, no less constrained were,<br /> Than water flowing not
+      unto the sea.<br /> Thou fain wouldst hear, what plants are these, that
+      bloom<br /> In the bright garland, which, admiring, girds<br /> This fair
+      dame round, who strengthens thee for heav'n.<br /> I then was of the lambs,
+      that Dominic<br /> Leads, for his saintly flock, along the way,<br /> Where
+      well they thrive, not sworn with vanity.<br /> He, nearest on my right
+      hand, brother was,<br /> And master to me: Albert of Cologne<br /> Is this:
+      and of Aquinum, Thomas I.<br /> If thou of all the rest wouldst be assur'd,<br />
+      Let thine eye, waiting on the words I speak,<br /> In circuit journey round
+      the blessed wreath.<br /> That next resplendence issues from the smile<br />
+      Of Gratian, who to either forum lent<br /> Such help, as favour wins in
+      Paradise.<br /> The other, nearest, who adorns our quire,<br /> Was Peter,
+      he that with the widow gave<br /> To holy church his treasure. &nbsp;The
+      fifth light,<br /> Goodliest of all, is by such love inspired,<br /> That
+      all your world craves tidings of its doom:<br /> Within, there is the lofty
+      light, endow'd<br /> With sapience so profound, if truth be truth,<br />
+      That with a ken of such wide amplitude<br /> No second hath arisen. &nbsp;Next
+      behold<br /> That taper's radiance, to whose view was shown,<br />
+      Clearliest, the nature and the ministry<br /> Angelical, while yet in flesh
+      it dwelt.<br /> In the other little light serenely smiles<br /> That pleader
+      for the Christian temples, he<br /> Who did provide Augustin of his lore.<br />
+      Now, if thy mind's eye pass from light to light,<br /> Upon my praises
+      following, of the eighth<br /> Thy thirst is next. &nbsp;The saintly soul,
+      that shows<br /> The world's deceitfulness, to all who hear him,<br /> Is,
+      with the sight of all the good, that is,<br /> Blest there. &nbsp;The
+      limbs, whence it was driven, lie<br /> Down in Cieldauro, and from
+      martyrdom<br /> And exile came it here. &nbsp;Lo! further on,<br /> Where
+      flames the arduous Spirit of Isidore,<br /> Of Bede, and Richard, more than
+      man, erewhile,<br /> In deep discernment. &nbsp;Lastly this, from whom<br />
+      Thy look on me reverteth, was the beam<br /> Of one, whose spirit, on high
+      musings bent,<br /> Rebuk'd the ling'ring tardiness of death.<br /> It is
+      the eternal light of Sigebert,<br /> Who 'scap'd not envy, when of truth he
+      argued,<br /> Reading in the straw-litter'd street." &nbsp;Forthwith,<br />
+      As clock, that calleth up the spouse of God<br /> To win her bridegroom's
+      love at matin's hour,<br /> Each part of other fitly drawn and urg'd,<br />
+      Sends out a tinkling sound, of note so sweet,<br /> Affection springs in
+      well-disposed breast;<br /> Thus saw I move the glorious wheel, thus heard<br />
+      Voice answ'ring voice, so musical and soft,<br /> It can be known but where
+      day endless shines. <br /><br /> <a name="link11" id="link11"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <h2>
+      CANTO XI
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      <br /> O fond anxiety of mortal men!<br /> How vain and inconclusive
+      arguments<br /> Are those, which make thee beat thy wings below<br /> For
+      statues one, and one for aphorisms<br /> Was hunting; this the priesthood
+      follow'd, that<br /> By force or sophistry aspir'd to rule;<br /> To rob
+      another, and another sought<br /> By civil business wealth; one moiling lay<br />
+      Tangled in net of sensual delight,<br /> And one to witless indolence
+      resign'd;<br /> What time from all these empty things escap'd,<br /> With
+      Beatrice, I thus gloriously<br /> Was rais'd aloft, and made the guest of
+      heav'n.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;They of the circle to that
+      point, each one.<br /> Where erst it was, had turn'd; and steady glow'd,<br />
+      As candle in his socket. &nbsp;Then within<br /> The lustre, that erewhile
+      bespake me, smiling<br /> With merer gladness, heard I thus begin:<br />
+      <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"E'en as his beam illumes me, so I look<br />
+      Into the eternal light, and clearly mark<br /> Thy thoughts, from whence
+      they rise. &nbsp;Thou art in doubt,<br /> And wouldst, that I should bolt
+      my words afresh<br /> In such plain open phrase, as may be smooth<br /> To
+      thy perception, where I told thee late<br /> That 'well they thrive;' and
+      that 'no second such<br /> Hath risen,' which no small distinction needs.<br />
+      <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"The providence, that governeth the
+      world,<br /> In depth of counsel by created ken<br /> Unfathomable, to the
+      end that she,<br /> Who with loud cries was 'spous'd in precious blood,<br />
+      Might keep her footing towards her well-belov'd,<br /> Safe in herself and
+      constant unto him,<br /> Hath two ordain'd, who should on either hand<br />
+      In chief escort her: one seraphic all<br /> In fervency; for wisdom upon
+      earth,<br /> The other splendour of cherubic light.<br /> I but of one will
+      tell: he tells of both,<br /> Who one commendeth which of them so'er<br />
+      Be taken: for their deeds were to one end.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Between
+      Tupino, and the wave, that falls<br /> From blest Ubaldo's chosen hill,
+      there hangs<br /> Rich slope of mountain high, whence heat and cold<br />
+      Are wafted through Perugia's eastern gate:<br /> And Norcera with Gualdo,
+      in its rear<br /> Mourn for their heavy yoke. &nbsp;Upon that side,<br />
+      Where it doth break its steepness most, arose<br /> A sun upon the world,
+      as duly this<br /> From Ganges doth: therefore let none, who speak<br /> Of
+      that place, say Ascesi; for its name<br /> Were lamely so deliver'd; but
+      the East,<br /> To call things rightly, be it henceforth styl'd.<br /> He
+      was not yet much distant from his rising,<br /> When his good influence
+      'gan to bless the earth.<br /> A dame to whom none openeth pleasure's gate<br />
+      More than to death, was, 'gainst his father's will,<br /> His stripling
+      choice: and he did make her his,<br /> Before the Spiritual court, by
+      nuptial bonds,<br /> And in his father's sight: from day to day,<br /> Then
+      lov'd her more devoutly. &nbsp;She, bereav'd<br /> Of her first husband,
+      slighted and obscure,<br /> Thousand and hundred years and more, remain'd<br />
+      Without a single suitor, till he came.<br /> Nor aught avail'd, that, with
+      Amyclas, she<br /> Was found unmov'd at rumour of his voice,<br /> Who shook
+      the world: nor aught her constant boldness<br /> Whereby with Christ she
+      mounted on the cross,<br /> When Mary stay'd beneath. &nbsp;But not to deal<br />
+      Thus closely with thee longer, take at large<br /> The rovers' titles&mdash;Poverty
+      and Francis.<br /> Their concord and glad looks, wonder and love,<br /> And
+      sweet regard gave birth to holy thoughts,<br /> So much, that venerable
+      Bernard first<br /> Did bare his feet, and, in pursuit of peace<br /> So
+      heavenly, ran, yet deem'd his footing slow.<br /> O hidden riches! &nbsp;O
+      prolific good!<br /> Egidius bares him next, and next Sylvester,<br /> And
+      follow both the bridegroom; so the bride<br /> Can please them. &nbsp;Thenceforth
+      goes he on his way,<br /> The father and the master, with his spouse,<br />
+      And with that family, whom now the cord<br /> Girt humbly: nor did
+      abjectness of heart<br /> Weigh down his eyelids, for that he was son<br />
+      Of Pietro Bernardone, and by men<br /> In wond'rous sort despis'd. &nbsp;But
+      royally<br /> His hard intention he to Innocent<br /> Set forth, and from
+      him first receiv'd the seal<br /> On his religion. &nbsp;Then, when
+      numerous flock'd<br /> The tribe of lowly ones, that trac'd HIS steps,<br />
+      Whose marvellous life deservedly were sung<br /> In heights empyreal,
+      through Honorius' hand<br /> A second crown, to deck their Guardian's
+      virtues,<br /> Was by the eternal Spirit inwreath'd: and when<br /> He had,
+      through thirst of martyrdom, stood up<br /> In the proud Soldan's presence,
+      and there preach'd<br /> Christ and his followers; but found the race<br />
+      Unripen'd for conversion: back once more<br /> He hasted (not to intermit
+      his toil),<br /> And reap'd Ausonian lands. &nbsp;On the hard rock,<br />
+      'Twixt Arno and the Tyber, he from Christ<br /> Took the last Signet, which
+      his limbs two years<br /> Did carry. &nbsp;Then the season come, that he,<br />
+      Who to such good had destin'd him, was pleas'd<br /> T' advance him to the
+      meed, which he had earn'd<br /> By his self-humbling, to his brotherhood,<br />
+      As their just heritage, he gave in charge<br /> His dearest lady, and
+      enjoin'd their love<br /> And faith to her: and, from her bosom, will'd<br />
+      His goodly spirit should move forth, returning<br /> To its appointed
+      kingdom, nor would have<br /> His body laid upon another bier.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Think
+      now of one, who were a fit colleague,<br /> To keep the bark of Peter in
+      deep sea<br /> Helm'd to right point; and such our Patriarch was.<br />
+      Therefore who follow him, as he enjoins,<br /> Thou mayst be certain, take
+      good lading in.<br /> But hunger of new viands tempts his flock,<br /> So
+      that they needs into strange pastures wide<br /> Must spread them: and the
+      more remote from him<br /> The stragglers wander, so much mole they come<br />
+      Home to the sheep-fold, destitute of milk.<br /> There are of them, in
+      truth, who fear their harm,<br /> And to the shepherd cleave; but these so
+      few,<br /> A little stuff may furnish out their cloaks.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Now,
+      if my words be clear, if thou have ta'en<br /> Good heed, if that, which I
+      have told, recall<br /> To mind, thy wish may be in part fulfill'd:<br />
+      For thou wilt see the point from whence they split,<br /> Nor miss of the
+      reproof, which that implies,<br /> 'That well they thrive not sworn with
+      vanity."' <br /><br /> <a name="link12" id="link12"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <h2>
+      CANTO XII
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      <br /> Soon as its final word the blessed flame<br /> Had rais'd for
+      utterance, straight the holy mill<br /> Began to wheel, nor yet had once
+      revolv'd,<br /> Or ere another, circling, compass'd it,<br /> Motion to
+      motion, song to song, conjoining,<br /> Song, that as much our muses doth
+      excel,<br /> Our Sirens with their tuneful pipes, as ray<br /> Of primal
+      splendour doth its faint reflex.<br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> <a
+      href="images/12-16.jpg">ENLARGE TO FULL SIZE</a>
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:80%;">
+      <img alt="12-16th.jpg (37K)" src="images/12-16th.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As when, if Juno
+      bid her handmaid forth,<br /> Two arches parallel, and trick'd alike,<br />
+      Span the thin cloud, the outer taking birth<br /> From that within (in
+      manner of that voice<br /> Whom love did melt away, as sun the mist),<br />
+      And they who gaze, presageful call to mind<br /> The compact, made with
+      Noah, of the world<br /> No more to be o'erflow'd; about us thus<br /> Of
+      sempiternal roses, bending, wreath'd<br /> Those garlands twain, and to the
+      innermost<br /> E'en thus th' external answered. &nbsp;When the footing,<br />
+      And other great festivity, of song,<br /> And radiance, light with light
+      accordant, each<br /> Jocund and blythe, had at their pleasure still'd<br />
+      (E'en as the eyes by quick volition mov'd,<br /> Are shut and rais'd
+      together), from the heart<br /> Of one amongst the new lights mov'd a
+      voice,<br /> That made me seem like needle to the star,<br /> In turning to
+      its whereabout, and thus<br /> Began: "The love, that makes me beautiful,<br />
+      Prompts me to tell of th' other guide, for whom<br /> Such good of mine is
+      spoken. &nbsp;Where one is,<br /> The other worthily should also be;<br />
+      That as their warfare was alike, alike<br /> Should be their glory. &nbsp;Slow,
+      and full of doubt,<br /> And with thin ranks, after its banner mov'd<br />
+      The army of Christ (which it so clearly cost<br /> To reappoint), when its
+      imperial Head,<br /> Who reigneth ever, for the drooping host<br /> Did make
+      provision, thorough grace alone,<br /> And not through its deserving.
+      &nbsp;As thou heard'st,<br /> Two champions to the succour of his spouse<br />
+      He sent, who by their deeds and words might join<br /> Again his scatter'd
+      people. &nbsp;In that clime,<br /> Where springs the pleasant west-wind to
+      unfold<br /> The fresh leaves, with which Europe sees herself<br />
+      New-garmented; nor from those billows far,<br /> Beyond whose chiding,
+      after weary course,<br /> The sun doth sometimes hide him, safe abides<br />
+      The happy Callaroga, under guard<br /> Of the great shield, wherein the
+      lion lies<br /> Subjected and supreme. &nbsp;And there was born<br /> The
+      loving million of the Christian faith,<br /> The hollow'd wrestler, gentle
+      to his own,<br /> And to his enemies terrible. &nbsp;So replete<br /> His
+      soul with lively virtue, that when first<br /> Created, even in the
+      mother's womb,<br /> It prophesied. &nbsp;When, at the sacred font,<br />
+      The spousals were complete 'twixt faith and him,<br /> Where pledge of
+      mutual safety was exchang'd,<br /> The dame, who was his surety, in her
+      sleep<br /> Beheld the wondrous fruit, that was from him<br /> And from his
+      heirs to issue. &nbsp;And that such<br /> He might be construed, as indeed
+      he was,<br /> She was inspir'd to name him of his owner,<br /> Whose he was
+      wholly, and so call'd him Dominic.<br /> And I speak of him, as the
+      labourer,<br /> Whom Christ in his own garden chose to be<br /> His
+      help-mate. &nbsp;Messenger he seem'd, and friend<br /> Fast-knit to Christ;
+      and the first love he show'd,<br /> Was after the first counsel that Christ
+      gave.<br /> Many a time his nurse, at entering found<br /> That he had ris'n
+      in silence, and was prostrate,<br /> As who should say, "My errand was for
+      this."<br /> O happy father! &nbsp;Felix rightly nam'd!<br /> O favour'd
+      mother! rightly nam'd Joanna!<br /> If that do mean, as men interpret it.<br />
+      Not for the world's sake, for which now they pore<br /> Upon Ostiense and
+      Taddeo's page,<br /> But for the real manna, soon he grew<br /> Mighty in
+      learning, and did set himself<br /> To go about the vineyard, that soon
+      turns<br /> To wan and wither'd, if not tended well:<br /> And from the see
+      (whose bounty to the just<br /> And needy is gone by, not through its
+      fault,<br /> But his who fills it basely, he besought,<br /> No dispensation
+      for commuted wrong,<br /> Nor the first vacant fortune, nor the tenth),<br />
+      That to God's paupers rightly appertain,<br /> But, 'gainst an erring and
+      degenerate world,<br /> Licence to fight, in favour of that seed,<br /> From
+      which the twice twelve cions gird thee round.<br /> Then, with sage
+      doctrine and good will to help,<br /> Forth on his great apostleship he
+      far'd,<br /> Like torrent bursting from a lofty vein;<br /> And, dashing
+      'gainst the stocks of heresy,<br /> Smote fiercest, where resistance was
+      most stout.<br /> Thence many rivulets have since been turn'd,<br /> Over
+      the garden Catholic to lead<br /> Their living waters, and have fed its
+      plants.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"If such one wheel of that
+      two-yoked car,<br /> Wherein the holy church defended her,<br /> And rode
+      triumphant through the civil broil.<br /> Thou canst not doubt its fellow's
+      excellence,<br /> Which Thomas, ere my coming, hath declar'd<br /> So
+      courteously unto thee. &nbsp;But the track,<br /> Which its smooth fellies
+      made, is now deserted:<br /> That mouldy mother is where late were lees.<br />
+      His family, that wont to trace his path,<br /> Turn backward, and invert
+      their steps; erelong<br /> To rue the gathering in of their ill crop,<br />
+      When the rejected tares in vain shall ask<br /> Admittance to the barn.
+      &nbsp;I question not<br /> But he, who search'd our volume, leaf by leaf,<br />
+      Might still find page with this inscription on't,<br /> 'I am as I was
+      wont.' &nbsp;Yet such were not<br /> From Acquasparta nor Casale, whence<br />
+      Of those, who come to meddle with the text,<br /> One stretches and another
+      cramps its rule.<br /> Bonaventura's life in me behold,<br /> From
+      Bagnororegio, one, who in discharge<br /> Of my great offices still laid
+      aside<br /> All sinister aim. &nbsp;Illuminato here,<br /> And Agostino join
+      me: two they were,<br /> Among the first of those barefooted meek ones,<br />
+      Who sought God's friendship in the cord: with them<br /> Hugues of Saint
+      Victor, Pietro Mangiadore,<br /> And he of Spain in his twelve volumes
+      shining,<br /> Nathan the prophet, Metropolitan<br /> Chrysostom, and
+      Anselmo, and, who deign'd<br /> To put his hand to the first art, Donatus.<br />
+      Raban is here: and at my side there shines<br /> Calabria's abbot, Joachim,
+      endow'd<br /> With soul prophetic. &nbsp;The bright courtesy<br /> Of friar
+      Thomas, and his goodly lore,<br /> Have mov'd me to the blazon of a peer<br />
+      So worthy, and with me have mov'd this throng." <br /><br /> <a name="link13"
+      id="link13"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <h2>
+      CANTO XIII
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      <br /> Let him, who would conceive what now I saw,<br /> Imagine (and retain
+      the image firm,<br /> As mountain rock, the whilst he hears me speak),<br />
+      Of stars fifteen, from midst the ethereal host<br /> Selected, that, with
+      lively ray serene,<br /> O'ercome the massiest air: thereto imagine<br />
+      The wain, that, in the bosom of our sky,<br /> Spins ever on its axle night
+      and day,<br /> With the bright summit of that horn which swells<br /> Due
+      from the pole, round which the first wheel rolls,<br /> T' have rang'd
+      themselves in fashion of two signs<br /> In heav'n, such as Ariadne made,<br />
+      When death's chill seized her; and that one of them<br /> Did compass in
+      the other's beam; and both<br /> In such sort whirl around, that each
+      should tend<br /> With opposite motion and, conceiving thus,<br /> Of that
+      true constellation, and the dance<br /> Twofold, that circled me, he shall
+      attain<br /> As 't were the shadow; for things there as much<br /> Surpass
+      our usage, as the swiftest heav'n<br /> Is swifter than the Chiana. &nbsp;There
+      was sung<br /> No Bacchus, and no Io Paean, but<br /> Three Persons in the
+      Godhead, and in one<br /> Substance that nature and the human join'd.<br />
+      <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The song fulfill'd its measure; and to
+      us<br /> Those saintly lights attended, happier made<br /> At each new
+      minist'ring. &nbsp;Then silence brake,<br /> Amid th' accordant sons of
+      Deity,<br /> That luminary, in which the wondrous life<br /> Of the meek man
+      of God was told to me;<br /> And thus it spake: "One ear o' th' harvest
+      thresh'd,<br /> And its grain safely stor'd, sweet charity<br /> Invites me
+      with the other to like toil.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Thou
+      know'st, that in the bosom, whence the rib<br /> Was ta'en to fashion that
+      fair cheek, whose taste<br /> All the world pays for, and in that, which
+      pierc'd<br /> By the keen lance, both after and before<br /> Such
+      satisfaction offer'd, as outweighs<br /> Each evil in the scale, whate'er
+      of light<br /> To human nature is allow'd, must all<br /> Have by his virtue
+      been infus'd, who form'd<br /> Both one and other: and thou thence admir'st<br />
+      In that I told thee, of beatitudes<br /> A second, there is none, to his
+      enclos'd<br /> In the fifth radiance. &nbsp;Open now thine eyes<br /> To
+      what I answer thee; and thou shalt see<br /> Thy deeming and my saying meet
+      in truth,<br /> As centre in the round. &nbsp;That which dies not,<br /> And
+      that which can die, are but each the beam<br /> Of that idea, which our
+      Soverign Sire<br /> Engendereth loving; for that lively light,<br /> Which
+      passeth from his brightness; not disjoin'd<br /> From him, nor from his
+      love triune with them,<br /> Doth, through his bounty, congregate itself,<br />
+      Mirror'd, as 't were in new existences,<br /> Itself unalterable and ever
+      one.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Descending hence unto the
+      lowest powers,<br /> Its energy so sinks, at last it makes<br /> But brief
+      contingencies: for so I name<br /> Things generated, which the heav'nly
+      orbs<br /> Moving, with seed or without seed, produce.<br /> Their wax, and
+      that which molds it, differ much:<br /> And thence with lustre, more or
+      less, it shows<br /> Th' ideal stamp impress: so that one tree<br />
+      According to his kind, hath better fruit,<br /> And worse: and, at your
+      birth, ye, mortal men,<br /> Are in your talents various. &nbsp;Were the
+      wax<br /> Molded with nice exactness, and the heav'n<br /> In its disposing
+      influence supreme,<br /> The lustre of the seal should be complete:<br />
+      But nature renders it imperfect ever,<br /> Resembling thus the artist in
+      her work,<br /> Whose faultering hand is faithless to his skill.<br />
+      Howe'er, if love itself dispose, and mark<br /> The primal virtue, kindling
+      with bright view,<br /> There all perfection is vouchsafed; and such<br />
+      The clay was made, accomplish'd with each gift,<br /> That life can teem
+      with; such the burden fill'd<br /> The virgin's bosom: so that I commend<br />
+      Thy judgment, that the human nature ne'er<br /> Was or can be, such as in
+      them it was.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Did I advance no
+      further than this point,<br /> 'How then had he no peer?' &nbsp;thou
+      might'st reply.<br /> But, that what now appears not, may appear<br /> Right
+      plainly, ponder, who he was, and what<br /> (When he was bidden 'Ask' ),
+      the motive sway'd<br /> To his requesting. &nbsp;I have spoken thus,<br />
+      That thou mayst see, he was a king, who ask'd<br /> For wisdom, to the end
+      he might be king<br /> Sufficient: not the number to search out<br /> Of the
+      celestial movers; or to know,<br /> If necessary with contingent e'er<br />
+      Have made necessity; or whether that<br /> Be granted, that first motion
+      is; or if<br /> Of the mid circle can, by art, be made<br /> Triangle with
+      each corner, blunt or sharp.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Whence,
+      noting that, which I have said, and this,<br /> Thou kingly prudence and
+      that ken mayst learn,<br /> At which the dart of my intention aims.<br />
+      And, marking clearly, that I told thee, 'Risen,'<br /> Thou shalt discern
+      it only hath respect<br /> To kings, of whom are many, and the good<br />
+      Are rare. &nbsp;With this distinction take my words;<br /> And they may
+      well consist with that which thou<br /> Of the first human father dost
+      believe,<br /> And of our well-beloved. &nbsp;And let this<br /> Henceforth
+      be led unto thy feet, to make<br /> Thee slow in motion, as a weary man,<br />
+      Both to the 'yea' and to the 'nay' thou seest not.<br /> For he among the
+      fools is down full low,<br /> Whose affirmation, or denial, is<br /> Without
+      distinction, in each case alike<br /> Since it befalls, that in most
+      instances<br /> Current opinion leads to false: and then<br /> Affection
+      bends the judgment to her ply.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Much
+      more than vainly doth he loose from shore,<br /> Since he returns not such
+      as he set forth,<br /> Who fishes for the truth and wanteth skill.<br /> And
+      open proofs of this unto the world<br /> Have been afforded in Parmenides,<br />
+      Melissus, Bryso, and the crowd beside,<br /> Who journey'd on, and knew not
+      whither: so did<br /> Sabellius, Arius, and the other fools,<br /> Who, like
+      to scymitars, reflected back<br /> The scripture-image, by distortion
+      marr'd.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Let not the people be too
+      swift to judge,<br /> As one who reckons on the blades in field,<br /> Or
+      ere the crop be ripe. &nbsp;For I have seen<br /> The thorn frown rudely
+      all the winter long<br /> And after bear the rose upon its top;<br /> And
+      bark, that all the way across the sea<br /> Ran straight and speedy, perish
+      at the last,<br /> E'en in the haven's mouth seeing one steal,<br /> Another
+      brine, his offering to the priest,<br /> Let not Dame Birtha and Sir Martin
+      thence<br /> Into heav'n's counsels deem that they can pry:<br /> For one of
+      these may rise, the other fall." <br /><br /> <a name="link14" id="link14"></a>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <h2>
+      CANTO XIV
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      <br /> From centre to the circle, and so back<br /> From circle to the
+      centre, water moves<br /> In the round chalice, even as the blow<br />
+      Impels it, inwardly, or from without.<br /> Such was the image glanc'd into
+      my mind,<br /> As the great spirit of Aquinum ceas'd;<br /> And Beatrice
+      after him her words<br /> Resum'd alternate: "Need there is (tho' yet<br />
+      He tells it to you not in words, nor e'en<br /> In thought) that he should
+      fathom to its depth<br /> Another mystery. &nbsp;Tell him, if the light,<br />
+      Wherewith your substance blooms, shall stay with you<br /> Eternally, as
+      now: and, if it doth,<br /> How, when ye shall regain your visible forms,<br />
+      The sight may without harm endure the change,<br /> That also tell." &nbsp;As
+      those, who in a ring<br /> Tread the light measure, in their fitful mirth<br />
+      Raise loud the voice, and spring with gladder bound;<br /> Thus, at the
+      hearing of that pious suit,<br /> The saintly circles in their tourneying<br />
+      And wond'rous note attested new delight.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Whoso
+      laments, that we must doff this garb<br /> Of frail mortality, thenceforth
+      to live<br /> Immortally above, he hath not seen<br /> The sweet refreshing,
+      of that heav'nly shower.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Him, who
+      lives ever, and for ever reigns<br /> In mystic union of the Three in One,<br />
+      Unbounded, bounding all, each spirit thrice<br /> Sang, with such melody,
+      as but to hear<br /> For highest merit were an ample meed.<br /> And from
+      the lesser orb the goodliest light,<br /> With gentle voice and mild, such
+      as perhaps<br /> The angel's once to Mary, thus replied:<br /> "Long as the
+      joy of Paradise shall last,<br /> Our love shall shine around that raiment,
+      bright,<br /> As fervent; fervent, as in vision blest;<br /> And that as far
+      in blessedness exceeding,<br /> As it hath grave beyond its virtue great.<br />
+      Our shape, regarmented with glorious weeds<br /> Of saintly flesh, must,
+      being thus entire,<br /> Show yet more gracious. &nbsp;Therefore shall
+      increase,<br /> Whate'er of light, gratuitous, imparts<br /> The Supreme
+      Good; light, ministering aid,<br /> The better disclose his glory: whence<br />
+      The vision needs increasing, much increase<br /> The fervour, which it
+      kindles; and that too<br /> The ray, that comes from it. &nbsp;But as the
+      greed<br /> Which gives out flame, yet it its whiteness shines<br /> More
+      lively than that, and so preserves<br /> Its proper semblance; thus this
+      circling sphere<br /> Of splendour, shall to view less radiant seem,<br />
+      Than shall our fleshly robe, which yonder earth<br /> Now covers. &nbsp;Nor
+      will such excess of light<br /> O'erpower us, in corporeal organs made<br />
+      Firm, and susceptible of all delight."<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;So
+      ready and so cordial an "Amen,"<br /> Followed from either choir, as
+      plainly spoke<br /> Desire of their dead bodies; yet perchance<br /> Not for
+      themselves, but for their kindred dear,<br /> Mothers and sires, and those
+      whom best they lov'd,<br /> Ere they were made imperishable flame.<br />
+      <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And lo! forthwith there rose up round
+      about<br /> A lustre over that already there,<br /> Of equal clearness, like
+      the brightening up<br /> Of the horizon. &nbsp;As at an evening hour<br />
+      Of twilight, new appearances through heav'n<br /> Peer with faint glimmer,
+      doubtfully descried;<br /> So there new substances, methought began<br /> To
+      rise in view; and round the other twain<br /> Enwheeling, sweep their
+      ampler circuit wide.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;O gentle
+      glitter of eternal beam!<br /> With what a such whiteness did it flow,<br />
+      O'erpowering vision in me! &nbsp;But so fair,<br /> So passing lovely,
+      Beatrice show'd,<br /> Mind cannot follow it, nor words express<br /> Her
+      infinite sweetness. &nbsp;Thence mine eyes regain'd<br /> Power to look up,
+      and I beheld myself,<br /> Sole with my lady, to more lofty bliss<br />
+      Translated: for the star, with warmer smile<br /> Impurpled, well denoted
+      our ascent.<br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> <a href="images/14-77.jpg">ENLARGE
+      TO FULL SIZE</a>
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:80%;">
+      <img alt="14-77th.jpg (33K)" src="images/14-77th.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With all the
+      heart, and with that tongue which speaks<br /> The same in all, an
+      holocaust I made<br /> To God, befitting the new grace vouchsaf'd.<br /> And
+      from my bosom had not yet upsteam'd<br /> The fuming of that incense, when
+      I knew<br /> The rite accepted. &nbsp;With such mighty sheen<br /> And
+      mantling crimson, in two listed rays<br /> The splendours shot before me,
+      that I cried,<br /> "God of Sabaoth! that does prank them thus!"<br /> <br /><br /><br /><br />
+      <a href="images/14-96.jpg">ENLARGE TO FULL SIZE</a>
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:80%;">
+      <img alt="14-96th.jpg (38K)" src="images/14-96th.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As leads the
+      galaxy from pole to pole,<br /> Distinguish'd into greater lights and less,<br />
+      Its pathway, which the wisest fail to spell;<br /> So thickly studded, in
+      the depth of Mars,<br /> Those rays describ'd the venerable sign,<br /> That
+      quadrants in the round conjoining frame.<br /> Here memory mocks the toil
+      of genius. &nbsp;Christ<br /> Beam'd on that cross; and pattern fails me
+      now.<br /> But whoso takes his cross, and follows Christ<br /> Will pardon
+      me for that I leave untold,<br /> When in the flecker'd dawning he shall
+      spy<br /> The glitterance of Christ. &nbsp;From horn to horn,<br /> And
+      'tween the summit and the base did move<br /> Lights, scintillating, as
+      they met and pass'd.<br /> Thus oft are seen, with ever-changeful glance,<br />
+      Straight or athwart, now rapid and now slow,<br /> The atomies of bodies,
+      long or short,<br /> To move along the sunbeam, whose slant line<br />
+      Checkers the shadow, interpos'd by art<br /> Against the noontide heat.
+      &nbsp;And as the chime<br /> Of minstrel music, dulcimer, and help<br />
+      With many strings, a pleasant dining makes<br /> To him, who heareth not
+      distinct the note;<br /> So from the lights, which there appear'd to me,<br />
+      Gather'd along the cross a melody,<br /> That, indistinctly heard, with
+      ravishment<br /> Possess'd me. &nbsp;Yet I mark'd it was a hymn<br /> Of
+      lofty praises; for there came to me<br /> "Arise and conquer," as to one
+      who hears<br /> And comprehends not. &nbsp;Me such ecstasy<br /> O'ercame,
+      that never till that hour was thing<br /> That held me in so sweet
+      imprisonment.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Perhaps my saying
+      over bold appears,<br /> Accounting less the pleasure of those eyes,<br />
+      Whereon to look fulfilleth all desire.<br /> But he, who is aware those
+      living seals<br /> Of every beauty work with quicker force,<br /> The higher
+      they are ris'n; and that there<br /> I had not turn'd me to them; he may
+      well<br /> Excuse me that, whereof in my excuse<br /> I do accuse me, and
+      may own my truth;<br /> That holy pleasure here not yet reveal'd,<br />
+      Which grows in transport as we mount aloof. <br /><br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br />
+      <a name="link15" id="link15"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <h2>
+      CANTO XV
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      <br /> True love, that ever shows itself as clear<br /> In kindness, as
+      loose appetite in wrong,<br /> Silenced that lyre harmonious, and still'd<br />
+      The sacred chords, that are by heav'n's right hand<br /> Unwound and
+      tighten'd, flow to righteous prayers<br /> Should they not hearken, who, to
+      give me will<br /> For praying, in accordance thus were mute?<br /> He hath
+      in sooth good cause for endless grief,<br /> Who, for the love of thing
+      that lasteth not,<br /> Despoils himself forever of that love.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As
+      oft along the still and pure serene,<br /> At nightfall, glides a sudden
+      trail of fire,<br /> Attracting with involuntary heed<br /> The eye to
+      follow it, erewhile at rest,<br /> And seems some star that shifted place
+      in heav'n,<br /> Only that, whence it kindles, none is lost,<br /> And it is
+      soon extinct; thus from the horn,<br /> That on the dexter of the cross
+      extends,<br /> Down to its foot, one luminary ran<br /> From mid the cluster
+      shone there; yet no gem<br /> Dropp'd from its foil; and through the beamy
+      list<br /> Like flame in alabaster, glow'd its course.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;So
+      forward stretch'd him (if of credence aught<br /> Our greater muse may
+      claim) the pious ghost<br /> Of old Anchises, in the' Elysian bower,<br />
+      When he perceiv'd his son. &nbsp;"O thou, my blood!<br /> O most exceeding
+      grace divine! to whom,<br /> As now to thee, hath twice the heav'nly gate<br />
+      Been e'er unclos'd?" so spake the light; whence I<br /> Turn'd me toward
+      him; then unto my dame<br /> My sight directed, and on either side<br />
+      Amazement waited me; for in her eyes<br /> Was lighted such a smile, I
+      thought that mine<br /> Had div'd unto the bottom of my grace<br /> And of
+      my bliss in Paradise. &nbsp;Forthwith<br /> To hearing and to sight
+      grateful alike,<br /> The spirit to his proem added things<br /> I
+      understood not, so profound he spake;<br /> Yet not of choice but through
+      necessity<br /> Mysterious; for his high conception scar'd<br /> Beyond the
+      mark of mortals. &nbsp;When the flight<br /> Of holy transport had so spent
+      its rage,<br /> That nearer to the level of our thought<br /> The speech
+      descended, the first sounds I heard<br /> Were, "Best he thou, Triunal
+      Deity!<br /> That hast such favour in my seed vouchsaf'd!"<br /> Then
+      follow'd: "No unpleasant thirst, tho' long,<br /> Which took me reading in
+      the sacred book,<br /> Whose leaves or white or dusky never change,<br />
+      Thou hast allay'd, my son, within this light,<br /> From whence my voice
+      thou hear'st; more thanks to her.<br /> Who for such lofty mounting has
+      with plumes<br /> Begirt thee. &nbsp;Thou dost deem thy thoughts to me<br />
+      From him transmitted, who is first of all,<br /> E'en as all numbers ray
+      from unity;<br /> And therefore dost not ask me who I am,<br /> Or why to
+      thee more joyous I appear,<br /> Than any other in this gladsome throng.<br />
+      The truth is as thou deem'st; for in this hue<br /> Both less and greater
+      in that mirror look,<br /> In which thy thoughts, or ere thou think'st, are
+      shown.<br /> But, that the love, which keeps me wakeful ever,<br /> Urging
+      with sacred thirst of sweet desire,<br /> May be contended fully, let thy
+      voice,<br /> Fearless, and frank and jocund, utter forth<br /> Thy will
+      distinctly, utter forth the wish,<br /> Whereto my ready answer stands
+      decreed."<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I turn'd me to Beatrice;
+      and she heard<br /> Ere I had spoken, smiling, an assent,<br /> That to my
+      will gave wings; and I began<br /> "To each among your tribe, what time ye
+      kenn'd<br /> The nature, in whom naught unequal dwells,<br /> Wisdom and
+      love were in one measure dealt;<br /> For that they are so equal in the
+      sun,<br /> From whence ye drew your radiance and your heat,<br /> As makes
+      all likeness scant. &nbsp;But will and means,<br /> In mortals, for the
+      cause ye well discern,<br /> With unlike wings are fledge. &nbsp;A mortal I<br />
+      Experience inequality like this,<br /> And therefore give no thanks, but in
+      the heart,<br /> For thy paternal greeting. &nbsp;This howe'er<br /> I pray
+      thee, living topaz! that ingemm'st<br /> This precious jewel, let me hear
+      thy name."<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I am thy root, O leaf!
+      whom to expect<br /> Even, hath pleas'd me:" &nbsp;thus the prompt reply<br />
+      Prefacing, next it added: "he, of whom<br /> Thy kindred appellation comes,
+      and who,<br /> These hundred years and more, on its first ledge<br /> Hath
+      circuited the mountain, was my son<br /> And thy great grandsire. &nbsp;Well
+      befits, his long<br /> Endurance should be shorten'd by thy deeds.<br />
+      <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Florence, within her ancient
+      limit-mark,<br /> Which calls her still to matin prayers and noon,<br /> Was
+      chaste and sober, and abode in peace.<br /> She had no armlets and no
+      head-tires then,<br /> No purfled dames, no zone, that caught the eye<br />
+      More than the person did. &nbsp;Time was not yet,<br /> When at his
+      daughter's birth the sire grew pale.<br /> For fear the age and dowry
+      should exceed<br /> On each side just proportion. &nbsp;House was none<br />
+      Void of its family; nor yet had come<br /> Hardanapalus, to exhibit feats<br />
+      Of chamber prowess. &nbsp;Montemalo yet<br /> O'er our suburban turret
+      rose; as much<br /> To be surpass in fall, as in its rising.<br /> I saw
+      Bellincione Berti walk abroad<br /> In leathern girdle and a clasp of bone;<br />
+      And, with no artful colouring on her cheeks,<br /> His lady leave the
+      glass. &nbsp;The sons I saw<br /> Of Nerli and of Vecchio well content<br />
+      With unrob'd jerkin; and their good dames handling<br /> The spindle and
+      the flax; O happy they!<br /> Each sure of burial in her native land,<br />
+      And none left desolate a-bed for France!<br /> One wak'd to tend the
+      cradle, hushing it<br /> With sounds that lull'd the parent's infancy:<br />
+      Another, with her maidens, drawing off<br /> The tresses from the distaff,
+      lectur'd them<br /> Old tales of Troy and Fesole and Rome.<br /> A
+      Salterello and Cianghella we<br /> Had held as strange a marvel, as ye
+      would<br /> A Cincinnatus or Cornelia now.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"In
+      such compos'd and seemly fellowship,<br /> Such faithful and such fair
+      equality,<br /> In so sweet household, Mary at my birth<br /> Bestow'd me,
+      call'd on with loud cries; and there<br /> In your old baptistery, I was
+      made<br /> Christian at once and Cacciaguida; as were<br /> My brethren,
+      Eliseo and Moronto.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"From
+      Valdipado came to me my spouse,<br /> And hence thy surname grew. &nbsp;I
+      follow'd then<br /> The Emperor Conrad; and his knighthood he<br /> Did gird
+      on me; in such good part he took<br /> My valiant service. &nbsp;After him
+      I went<br /> To testify against that evil law,<br /> Whose people, by the
+      shepherd's fault, possess<br /> Your right, usurping. &nbsp;There, by that
+      foul crew<br /> Was I releas'd from the deceitful world,<br /> Whose base
+      affection many a spirit soils,<br /> And from the martyrdom came to this
+      peace." <br /><br /> <a name="link16" id="link16"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <h2>
+      CANTO XVI
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      <br /> O slight respect of man's nobility!<br /> I never shall account it
+      marvelous,<br /> That our infirm affection here below<br /> Thou mov'st to
+      boasting, when I could not choose,<br /> E'en in that region of unwarp'd
+      desire,<br /> In heav'n itself, but make my vaunt in thee!<br /> Yet cloak
+      thou art soon shorten'd, for that time,<br /> Unless thou be eked out from
+      day to day,<br /> Goes round thee with his shears. &nbsp;Resuming then<br />
+      With greeting such, as Rome, was first to bear,<br /> But since hath
+      disaccustom'd I began;<br /> And Beatrice, that a little space<br /> Was
+      sever'd, smil'd reminding me of her,<br /> Whose cough embolden'd (as the
+      story holds)<br /> To first offence the doubting Guenever.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You
+      are my sire," said I, "you give me heart<br /> Freely to speak my thought:
+      above myself<br /> You raise me. &nbsp;Through so many streams with joy<br />
+      My soul is fill'd, that gladness wells from it;<br /> So that it bears the
+      mighty tide, and bursts not<br /> Say then, my honour'd stem! what
+      ancestors<br /> Where those you sprang from, and what years were mark'd<br />
+      In your first childhood? &nbsp;Tell me of the fold,<br /> That hath Saint
+      John for guardian, what was then<br /> Its state, and who in it were
+      highest seated?"<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As embers, at the
+      breathing of the wind,<br /> Their flame enliven, so that light I saw<br />
+      Shine at my blandishments; and, as it grew<br /> More fair to look on, so
+      with voice more sweet,<br /> Yet not in this our modern phrase, forthwith<br />
+      It answer'd: "From the day, when it was said<br /> 'Hail Virgin!' to the
+      throes, by which my mother,<br /> Who now is sainted, lighten'd her of me<br />
+      Whom she was heavy with, this fire had come,<br /> Five hundred fifty times
+      and thrice, its beams<br /> To reilumine underneath the foot<br /> Of its
+      own lion. &nbsp;They, of whom I sprang,<br /> And I, had there our
+      birth-place, where the last<br /> Partition of our city first is reach'd<br />
+      By him, that runs her annual game. &nbsp;Thus much<br /> Suffice of my
+      forefathers: who they were,<br /> And whence they hither came, more
+      honourable<br /> It is to pass in silence than to tell.<br /> All those, who
+      in that time were there from Mars<br /> Until the Baptist, fit to carry
+      arms,<br /> Were but the fifth of them this day alive.<br /> But then the
+      citizen's blood, that now is mix'd<br /> From Campi and Certaldo and
+      Fighine,<br /> Ran purely through the last mechanic's veins.<br /> O how
+      much better were it, that these people<br /> Were neighbours to you, and
+      that at Galluzzo<br /> And at Trespiano, ye should have your bound'ry,<br />
+      Than to have them within, and bear the stench<br /> Of Aguglione's hind,
+      and Signa's, him,<br /> That hath his eye already keen for bart'ring!<br />
+      Had not the people, which of all the world<br /> Degenerates most, been
+      stepdame unto Caesar,<br /> But, as a mother, gracious to her son;<br />
+      Such one, as hath become a Florentine,<br /> And trades and traffics, had
+      been turn'd adrift<br /> To Simifonte, where his grandsire ply'd<br /> The
+      beggar's craft. &nbsp;The Conti were possess'd<br /> Of Montemurlo still:
+      the Cerchi still<br /> Were in Acone's parish; nor had haply<br /> From
+      Valdigrieve past the Buondelmonte.<br /> The city's malady hath ever source<br />
+      In the confusion of its persons, as<br /> The body's, in variety of food:<br />
+      And the blind bull falls with a steeper plunge,<br /> Than the blind lamb;
+      and oftentimes one sword<br /> Doth more and better execution,<br /> Than
+      five. &nbsp;Mark Luni, Urbisaglia mark,<br /> How they are gone, and after
+      them how go<br /> Chiusi and Sinigaglia; and 't will seem<br /> No longer
+      new or strange to thee to hear,<br /> That families fail, when cities have
+      their end.<br /> All things, that appertain t' ye, like yourselves,<br />
+      Are mortal: but mortality in some<br /> Ye mark not, they endure so long,
+      and you<br /> Pass by so suddenly. &nbsp;And as the moon<br /> Doth, by the
+      rolling of her heav'nly sphere,<br /> Hide and reveal the strand
+      unceasingly;<br /> So fortune deals with Florence. &nbsp;Hence admire not<br />
+      At what of them I tell thee, whose renown<br /> Time covers, the first
+      Florentines. &nbsp;I saw<br /> The Ughi, Catilini and Filippi,<br /> The
+      Alberichi, Greci and Ormanni,<br /> Now in their wane, illustrious
+      citizens:<br /> And great as ancient, of Sannella him,<br /> With him of
+      Arca saw, and Soldanieri<br /> And Ardinghi, and Bostichi. &nbsp;At the
+      poop,<br /> That now is laden with new felony,<br /> So cumb'rous it may
+      speedily sink the bark,<br /> The Ravignani sat, of whom is sprung<br /> The
+      County Guido, and whoso hath since<br /> His title from the fam'd
+      Bellincione ta'en.<br /> Fair governance was yet an art well priz'd<br /> By
+      him of Pressa: Galigaio show'd<br /> The gilded hilt and pommel, in his
+      house.<br /> The column, cloth'd with verrey, still was seen<br /> Unshaken:
+      the Sacchetti still were great,<br /> Giouchi, Sifanti, Galli and Barucci,<br />
+      With them who blush to hear the bushel nam'd.<br /> Of the Calfucci still
+      the branchy trunk<br /> Was in its strength: and to the curule chairs<br />
+      Sizii and Arigucci yet were drawn.<br /> How mighty them I saw, whom since
+      their pride<br /> Hath undone! and in all her goodly deeds<br /> Florence
+      was by the bullets of bright gold<br /> O'erflourish'd. &nbsp;Such the
+      sires of those, who now,<br /> As surely as your church is vacant, flock<br />
+      Into her consistory, and at leisure<br /> There stall them and grow fat.
+      &nbsp;The o'erweening brood,<br /> That plays the dragon after him that
+      flees,<br /> But unto such, as turn and show the tooth,<br /> Ay or the
+      purse, is gentle as a lamb,<br /> Was on its rise, but yet so slight
+      esteem'd,<br /> That Ubertino of Donati grudg'd<br /> His father-in-law
+      should yoke him to its tribe.<br /> Already Caponsacco had descended<br />
+      Into the mart from Fesole: and Giuda<br /> And Infangato were good
+      citizens.<br /> A thing incredible I tell, tho' true:<br /> The gateway,
+      named from those of Pera, led<br /> Into the narrow circuit of your walls.<br />
+      Each one, who bears the sightly quarterings<br /> Of the great Baron (he
+      whose name and worth<br /> The festival of Thomas still revives)<br /> His
+      knighthood and his privilege retain'd;<br /> Albeit one, who borders them
+      With gold,<br /> This day is mingled with the common herd.<br /> In Borgo
+      yet the Gualterotti dwelt,<br /> And Importuni: well for its repose<br />
+      Had it still lack'd of newer neighbourhood.<br /> The house, from whence
+      your tears have had their spring,<br /> Through the just anger that hath
+      murder'd ye<br /> And put a period to your gladsome days,<br /> Was
+      honour'd, it, and those consorted with it.<br /> O Buondelmonte! what ill
+      counseling<br /> Prevail'd on thee to break the plighted bond<br /> Many,
+      who now are weeping, would rejoice,<br /> Had God to Ema giv'n thee, the
+      first time<br /> Thou near our city cam'st. &nbsp;But so was doom'd:<br />
+      On that maim'd stone set up to guard the bridge,<br /> At thy last peace,
+      the victim, Florence! fell.<br /> With these and others like to them, I saw<br />
+      Florence in such assur'd tranquility,<br /> She had no cause at which to
+      grieve: with these<br /> Saw her so glorious and so just, that ne'er<br />
+      The lily from the lance had hung reverse,<br /> Or through division been
+      with vermeil dyed." <br /><br /><br /><br /> <a href="images/16-143.jpg">ENLARGE
+      TO FULL SIZE</a>
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:80%;">
+      <img alt="16-143th.jpg (28K)" src="images/16-143th.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br /> <a name="link17" id="link17"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <h2>
+      CANTO XVII
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      <br /> Such as the youth, who came to Clymene<br /> To certify himself of
+      that reproach,<br /> Which had been fasten'd on him, (he whose end<br />
+      Still makes the fathers chary to their sons),<br /> E'en such was I; nor
+      unobserv'd was such<br /> Of Beatrice, and that saintly lamp,<br /> Who had
+      erewhile for me his station mov'd;<br /> When thus by lady: "Give thy wish
+      free vent,<br /> That it may issue, bearing true report<br /> Of the mind's
+      impress; not that aught thy words<br /> May to our knowledge add, but to
+      the end,<br /> That thou mayst use thyself to own thy thirst<br /> And men
+      may mingle for thee when they hear."<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"O
+      plant! from whence I spring! rever'd and lov'd!<br /> Who soar'st so high a
+      pitch, thou seest as clear,<br /> As earthly thought determines two obtuse<br />
+      In one triangle not contain'd, so clear<br /> Dost see contingencies, ere
+      in themselves<br /> Existent, looking at the point whereto<br /> All times
+      are present, I, the whilst I scal'd<br /> With Virgil the soul purifying
+      mount,<br /> And visited the nether world of woe,<br /> Touching my future
+      destiny have heard<br /> Words grievous, though I feel me on all sides<br />
+      Well squar'd to fortune's blows. &nbsp;Therefore my will<br /> Were
+      satisfied to know the lot awaits me,<br /> The arrow, seen beforehand,
+      slacks its flight."<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;So said I to
+      the brightness, which erewhile<br /> To me had spoken, and my will
+      declar'd,<br /> As Beatrice will'd, explicitly.<br /> Nor with oracular
+      response obscure,<br /> Such, as or ere the Lamb of God was slain,<br />
+      Beguil'd the credulous nations; but, in terms<br /> Precise and unambiguous
+      lore, replied<br /> The spirit of paternal love, enshrin'd,<br /> Yet in his
+      smile apparent; and thus spake:<br /> "Contingency, unfolded not to view<br />
+      Upon the tablet of your mortal mold,<br /> Is all depictur'd in the'
+      eternal sight;<br /> But hence deriveth not necessity,<br /> More then the
+      tall ship, hurried down the flood,<br /> Doth from the vision, that
+      reflects the scene.<br /> From thence, as to the ear sweet harmony<br />
+      From organ comes, so comes before mine eye<br /> The time prepar'd for
+      thee. &nbsp;Such as driv'n out<br /> From Athens, by his cruel stepdame's
+      wiles,<br /> Hippolytus departed, such must thou<br /> Depart from Florence.
+      &nbsp;This they wish, and this<br /> Contrive, and will ere long
+      effectuate, there,<br /> Where gainful merchandize is made of Christ,<br />
+      Throughout the livelong day. &nbsp;The common cry,<br /> Will, as 't is
+      ever wont, affix the blame<br /> Unto the party injur'd: but the truth<br />
+      Shall, in the vengeance it dispenseth, find<br /> A faithful witness.
+      &nbsp;Thou shall leave each thing<br /> Belov'd most dearly: this is the
+      first shaft<br /> Shot from the bow of exile. &nbsp;Thou shalt prove<br />
+      How salt the savour is of other's bread,<br /> How hard the passage to
+      descend and climb<br /> By other's stairs, But that shall gall thee most<br />
+      Will be the worthless and vile company,<br /> With whom thou must be thrown
+      into these straits.<br /> For all ungrateful, impious all and mad,<br />
+      Shall turn 'gainst thee: but in a little while<br /> Theirs and not thine
+      shall be the crimson'd brow<br /> Their course shall so evince their
+      brutishness<br /> T' have ta'en thy stand apart shall well become thee.<br />
+      <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"First refuge thou must find, first
+      place of rest,<br /> In the great Lombard's courtesy, who bears<br /> Upon
+      the ladder perch'd the sacred bird.<br /> He shall behold thee with such
+      kind regard,<br /> That 'twixt ye two, the contrary to that<br /> Which
+      falls 'twixt other men, the granting shall<br /> Forerun the asking. &nbsp;With
+      him shalt thou see<br /> That mortal, who was at his birth impress<br /> So
+      strongly from this star, that of his deeds<br /> The nations shall take
+      note. &nbsp;His unripe age<br /> Yet holds him from observance; for these
+      wheels<br /> Only nine years have compass him about.<br /> But, ere the
+      Gascon practice on great Harry,<br /> Sparkles of virtue shall shoot forth
+      in him,<br /> In equal scorn of labours and of gold.<br /> His bounty shall
+      be spread abroad so widely,<br /> As not to let the tongues e'en of his
+      foes<br /> Be idle in its praise. &nbsp;Look thou to him<br /> And his
+      beneficence: for he shall cause<br /> Reversal of their lot to many people,<br />
+      Rich men and beggars interchanging fortunes.<br /> And thou shalt bear this
+      written in thy soul<br /> Of him, but tell it not;" and things he told<br />
+      Incredible to those who witness them;<br /> Then added: "So interpret thou,
+      my son,<br /> What hath been told thee.&mdash;Lo! the ambushment<br /> That
+      a few circling seasons hide for thee!<br /> Yet envy not thy neighbours:
+      time extends<br /> Thy span beyond their treason's chastisement."<br />
+      <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Soon, as the saintly spirit, by his
+      silence,<br /> Had shown the web, which I had streteh'd for him<br /> Upon
+      the warp, was woven, I began,<br /> As one, who in perplexity desires<br />
+      Counsel of other, wise, benign and friendly:<br /> "My father! well I mark
+      how time spurs on<br /> Toward me, ready to inflict the blow,<br /> Which
+      falls most heavily on him, who most<br /> Abandoned himself. &nbsp;Therefore
+      't is good<br /> I should forecast, that driven from the place<br /> Most
+      dear to me, I may not lose myself<br /> All others by my song. &nbsp;Down
+      through the world<br /> Of infinite mourning, and along the mount<br /> From
+      whose fair height my lady's eyes did lift me,<br /> And after through this
+      heav'n from light to light,<br /> Have I learnt that, which if I tell
+      again,<br /> It may with many woefully disrelish;<br /> And, if I am a timid
+      friend to truth,<br /> I fear my life may perish among those,<br /> To whom
+      these days shall be of ancient date."<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
+      brightness, where enclos'd the treasure smil'd,<br /> Which I had found
+      there, first shone glisteningly,<br /> Like to a golden mirror in the sun;<br />
+      Next answer'd: "Conscience, dimm'd or by its own<br /> Or other's shame,
+      will feel thy saying sharp.<br /> Thou, notwithstanding, all deceit
+      remov'd,<br /> See the whole vision be made manifest.<br /> And let them
+      wince who have their withers wrung.<br /> What though, when tasted first,
+      thy voice shall prove<br /> Unwelcome, on digestion it will turn<br /> To
+      vital nourishment. &nbsp;The cry thou raisest,<br /> Shall, as the wind
+      doth, smite the proudest summits;<br /> Which is of honour no light
+      argument,<br /> For this there only have been shown to thee,<br />
+      Throughout these orbs, the mountain, and the deep,<br /> Spirits, whom fame
+      hath note of. &nbsp;For the mind<br /> Of him, who hears, is loth to
+      acquiesce<br /> And fix its faith, unless the instance brought<br /> Be
+      palpable, and proof apparent urge." <br /><br /> <a name="link18" id="link18"></a>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <h2>
+      CANTO XVIII
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br /> CANTO XVIII Now in his word, sole, ruminating, joy'd<br /> That
+      blessed spirit; and I fed on mine,<br /> Tempting the sweet with bitter:
+      she meanwhile,<br /> Who led me unto God, admonish'd: "Muse<br /> On other
+      thoughts: bethink thee, that near Him<br /> I dwell, who recompenseth every
+      wrong."<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;At the sweet sounds of
+      comfort straight I turn'd;<br /> And, in the saintly eyes what love was
+      seen,<br /> I leave in silence here: nor through distrust<br /> Of my words
+      only, but that to such bliss<br /> The mind remounts not without aid.
+      &nbsp;Thus much<br /> Yet may I speak; that, as I gaz'd on her,<br />
+      Affection found no room for other wish.<br /> While the everlasting
+      pleasure, that did full<br /> On Beatrice shine, with second view<br /> From
+      her fair countenance my gladden'd soul<br /> Contented; vanquishing me with
+      a beam<br /> Of her soft smile, she spake: "Turn thee, and list.<br /> These
+      eyes are not thy only Paradise."<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As
+      here we sometimes in the looks may see<br /> Th' affection mark'd, when
+      that its sway hath ta'en<br /> The spirit wholly; thus the hallow'd light,<br />
+      To whom I turn'd, flashing, bewray'd its will<br /> To talk yet further
+      with me, and began:<br /> "On this fifth lodgment of the tree, whose life<br />
+      Is from its top, whose fruit is ever fair<br /> And leaf unwith'ring,
+      blessed spirits abide,<br /> That were below, ere they arriv'd in heav'n,<br />
+      So mighty in renown, as every muse<br /> Might grace her triumph with them.
+      &nbsp;On the horns<br /> Look therefore of the cross: he, whom I name,<br />
+      Shall there enact, as doth in summer cloud<br /> Its nimble fire." &nbsp;Along
+      the cross I saw,<br /> At the repeated name of Joshua,<br /> A splendour
+      gliding; nor, the word was said,<br /> Ere it was done: then, at the naming
+      saw<br /> Of the great Maccabee, another move<br /> With whirling speed; and
+      gladness was the scourge<br /> Unto that top. &nbsp;The next for
+      Charlemagne<br /> And for the peer Orlando, two my gaze<br /> Pursued,
+      intently, as the eye pursues<br /> A falcon flying. &nbsp;Last, along the
+      cross,<br /> William, and Renard, and Duke Godfrey drew<br /> My ken, and
+      Robert Guiscard. &nbsp;And the soul,<br /> Who spake with me among the
+      other lights<br /> Did move away, and mix; and with the choir<br /> Of
+      heav'nly songsters prov'd his tuneful skill.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To
+      Beatrice on my right l bent,<br /> Looking for intimation or by word<br />
+      Or act, what next behoov'd: and did descry<br /> Such mere effulgence in
+      her eyes, such joy,<br /> It past all former wont. &nbsp;And, as by sense<br />
+      Of new delight, the man, who perseveres<br /> In good deeds doth perceive
+      from day to day<br /> His virtue growing; I e'en thus perceiv'd<br /> Of my
+      ascent, together with the heav'n<br /> The circuit widen'd, noting the
+      increase<br /> Of beauty in that wonder. &nbsp;Like the change<br /> In a
+      brief moment on some maiden's cheek,<br /> Which from its fairness doth
+      discharge the weight<br /> Of pudency, that stain'd it; such in her,<br />
+      And to mine eyes so sudden was the change,<br /> Through silvery whiteness
+      of that temperate star,<br /> Whose sixth orb now enfolded us. &nbsp;I saw,<br />
+      Within that Jovial cresset, the clear sparks<br /> Of love, that reign'd
+      there, fashion to my view<br /> Our language. &nbsp;And as birds, from
+      river banks<br /> Arisen, now in round, now lengthen'd troop,<br /> Array
+      them in their flight, greeting, as seems,<br /> Their new-found pastures;
+      so, within the lights,<br /> The saintly creatures flying, sang, and made<br />
+      Now D. now I. now L. figur'd I' th' air.<br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> <a
+      href="images/18-70.jpg">ENLARGE TO FULL SIZE</a>
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:80%;">
+      <img alt="18-70th.jpg (35K)" src="images/18-70th.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br /> First, singing, to their notes they mov'd, then one<br />
+      Becoming of these signs, a little while<br /> Did rest them, and were mute.
+      &nbsp;O nymph divine<br /> Of Pegasean race! whose souls, which thou<br />
+      Inspir'st, mak'st glorious and long-liv'd, as they<br /> Cities and realms
+      by thee! thou with thyself<br /> Inform me; that I may set forth the
+      shapes,<br /> As fancy doth present them. &nbsp;Be thy power<br /> Display'd
+      in this brief song. &nbsp;The characters,<br /> Vocal and consonant, were
+      five-fold seven.<br /> In order each, as they appear'd, I mark'd.<br />
+      Diligite Justitiam, the first,<br /> Both verb and noun all blazon'd; and
+      the extreme<br /> Qui judicatis terram. &nbsp;In the M.<br /> Of the fifth
+      word they held their station,<br /> Making the star seem silver streak'd
+      with gold.<br /> And on the summit of the M. I saw<br /> Descending other
+      lights, that rested there,<br /> Singing, methinks, their bliss and primal
+      good.<br /> Then, as at shaking of a lighted brand,<br /> Sparkles
+      innumerable on all sides<br /> Rise scatter'd, source of augury to th'
+      unwise;<br /> Thus more than thousand twinkling lustres hence<br /> Seem'd
+      reascending, and a higher pitch<br /> Some mounting, and some less; e'en as
+      the sun,<br /> Which kindleth them, decreed. &nbsp;And when each one<br />
+      Had settled in his place, the head and neck<br /> Then saw I of an eagle,
+      lively<br /> Grav'd in that streaky fire. &nbsp;Who painteth there,<br />
+      Hath none to guide him; of himself he guides;<br /> And every line and
+      texture of the nest<br /> Doth own from him the virtue, fashions it.<br />
+      The other bright beatitude, that seem'd<br /> Erewhile, with lilied
+      crowning, well content<br /> To over-canopy the M. mov'd forth,<br />
+      Following gently the impress of the bird.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sweet
+      star! what glorious and thick-studded gems<br /> Declar'd to me our justice
+      on the earth<br /> To be the effluence of that heav'n, which thou,<br />
+      Thyself a costly jewel, dost inlay!<br /> Therefore I pray the Sovran Mind,
+      from whom<br /> Thy motion and thy virtue are begun,<br /> That he would
+      look from whence the fog doth rise,<br /> To vitiate thy beam: so that once
+      more<br /> He may put forth his hand 'gainst such, as drive<br /> Their
+      traffic in that sanctuary, whose walls<br /> With miracles and martyrdoms
+      were built.<br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> <a href="images/18-120.jpg">ENLARGE
+      TO FULL SIZE</a>
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:80%;">
+      <img alt="18-120th.jpg (29K)" src="images/18-120th.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ye host of heaven!
+      whose glory I survey l<br /> O beg ye grace for those, that are on earth<br />
+      All after ill example gone astray.<br /> War once had for its instrument
+      the sword:<br /> But now 't is made, taking the bread away<br /> Which the
+      good Father locks from none. &nbsp;&mdash;And thou,<br /> That writes but
+      to cancel, think, that they,<br /> Who for the vineyard, which thou
+      wastest, died,<br /> Peter and Paul live yet, and mark thy doings.<br />
+      Thou hast good cause to cry, "My heart so cleaves<br /> To him, that liv'd
+      in solitude remote,<br /> And from the wilds was dragg'd to martyrdom,<br />
+      I wist not of the fisherman nor Paul." <br /><br /> <a name="link19"
+      id="link19"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <h2>
+      CANTO XIX
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> <a href="images/19-1.jpg">ENLARGE TO FULL SIZE</a>
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:80%;">
+      <img alt="19-1th.jpg (29K)" src="images/19-1th.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br /> Before my sight appear'd, with open wings,<br /> The
+      beauteous image, in fruition sweet<br /> Gladdening the thronged spirits.
+      &nbsp;Each did seem<br /> A little ruby, whereon so intense<br /> The
+      sun-beam glow'd that to mine eyes it came<br /> In clear refraction. &nbsp;And
+      that, which next<br /> Befalls me to portray, voice hath not utter'd,<br />
+      Nor hath ink written, nor in fantasy<br /> Was e'er conceiv'd. &nbsp;For I
+      beheld and heard<br /> The beak discourse; and, what intention form'd<br />
+      Of many, singly as of one express,<br /> Beginning: "For that I was just
+      and piteous,<br /> l am exalted to this height of glory,<br /> The which no
+      wish exceeds: and there on earth<br /> Have I my memory left, e'en by the
+      bad<br /> Commended, while they leave its course untrod."<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Thus
+      is one heat from many embers felt,<br /> As in that image many were the
+      loves,<br /> And one the voice, that issued from them all.<br /> Whence I
+      address them: "O perennial flowers<br /> Of gladness everlasting! that
+      exhale<br /> In single breath your odours manifold!<br /> Breathe now; and
+      let the hunger be appeas'd,<br /> That with great craving long hath held my
+      soul,<br /> Finding no food on earth. &nbsp;This well I know,<br /> That if
+      there be in heav'n a realm, that shows<br /> In faithful mirror the
+      celestial Justice,<br /> Yours without veil reflects it. &nbsp;Ye discern<br />
+      The heed, wherewith I do prepare myself<br /> To hearken; ye the doubt that
+      urges me<br /> With such inveterate craving." &nbsp;Straight I saw,<br />
+      Like to a falcon issuing from the hood,<br /> That rears his head, and
+      claps him with his wings,<br /> His beauty and his eagerness bewraying.<br />
+      So saw I move that stately sign, with praise<br /> Of grace divine inwoven
+      and high song<br /> Of inexpressive joy. &nbsp;"He," it began,<br /> "Who
+      turn'd his compass on the world's extreme,<br /> And in that space so
+      variously hath wrought,<br /> Both openly, and in secret, in such wise<br />
+      Could not through all the universe display<br /> Impression of his glory,
+      that the Word<br /> Of his omniscience should not still remain<br /> In
+      infinite excess. &nbsp;In proof whereof,<br /> He first through pride
+      supplanted, who was sum<br /> Of each created being, waited not<br /> For
+      light celestial, and abortive fell.<br /> Whence needs each lesser nature
+      is but scant<br /> Receptacle unto that Good, which knows<br /> No limit,
+      measur'd by itself alone.<br /> Therefore your sight, of th' omnipresent
+      Mind<br /> A single beam, its origin must own<br /> Surpassing far its
+      utmost potency.<br /> The ken, your world is gifted with, descends<br /> In
+      th' everlasting Justice as low down,<br /> As eye doth in the sea; which
+      though it mark<br /> The bottom from the shore, in the wide main<br />
+      Discerns it not; and ne'ertheless it is,<br /> But hidden through its
+      deepness. &nbsp;Light is none,<br /> Save that which cometh from the pure
+      serene<br /> Of ne'er disturbed ether: for the rest,<br /> 'Tis darkness
+      all, or shadow of the flesh,<br /> Or else its poison. &nbsp;Here confess
+      reveal'd<br /> That covert, which hath hidden from thy search<br /> The
+      living justice, of the which thou mad'st<br /> Such frequent question; for
+      thou saidst&mdash;'A man<br /> Is born on Indus' banks, and none is there<br />
+      Who speaks of Christ, nor who doth read nor write,<br /> And all his
+      inclinations and his acts,<br /> As far as human reason sees, are good,<br />
+      And he offendeth not in word or deed.<br /> But unbaptiz'd he dies, and
+      void of faith.<br /> Where is the justice that condemns him? &nbsp;where<br />
+      His blame, if he believeth not?'&mdash;What then,<br /> And who art thou,
+      that on the stool wouldst sit<br /> To judge at distance of a thousand
+      miles<br /> With the short-sighted vision of a span?<br /> To him, who
+      subtilizes thus with me,<br /> There would assuredly be room for doubt<br />
+      Even to wonder, did not the safe word<br /> Of scripture hold supreme
+      authority.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"O animals of clay!
+      &nbsp;O spirits gross I<br /> The primal will, that in itself is good,<br />
+      Hath from itself, the chief Good, ne'er been mov'd.<br /> Justice consists
+      in consonance with it,<br /> Derivable by no created good,<br /> Whose very
+      cause depends upon its beam."<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As
+      on her nest the stork, that turns about<br /> Unto her young, whom lately
+      she hath fed,<br /> While they with upward eyes do look on her;<br /> So
+      lifted I my gaze; and bending so<br /> The ever-blessed image wav'd its
+      wings,<br /> Lab'ring with such deep counsel. &nbsp;Wheeling round<br /> It
+      warbled, and did say: "As are my notes<br /> To thee, who understand'st
+      them not, such is<br /> Th' eternal judgment unto mortal ken."<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then
+      still abiding in that ensign rang'd,<br /> Wherewith the Romans over-awed
+      the world,<br /> Those burning splendours of the Holy Spirit<br /> Took up
+      the strain; and thus it spake again:<br /> "None ever hath ascended to this
+      realm,<br /> Who hath not a believer been in Christ,<br /> Either before or
+      after the blest limbs<br /> Were nail'd upon the wood. &nbsp;But lo! of
+      those<br /> Who call 'Christ, Christ,' there shall be many found,<br />
+      &nbsp;In judgment, further off from him by far,<br /> Than such, to whom
+      his name was never known.<br /> Christians like these the Ethiop shall
+      condemn:<br /> When that the two assemblages shall part;<br /> One rich
+      eternally, the other poor.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"What
+      may the Persians say unto your kings,<br /> When they shall see that
+      volume, in the which<br /> All their dispraise is written, spread to view?<br />
+      There amidst Albert's works shall that be read,<br /> Which will give
+      speedy motion to the pen,<br /> When Prague shall mourn her desolated
+      realm.<br /> There shall be read the woe, that he doth work<br /> With his
+      adulterate money on the Seine,<br /> Who by the tusk will perish: there be
+      read<br /> The thirsting pride, that maketh fool alike<br /> The English and
+      Scot, impatient of their bound.<br /> There shall be seen the Spaniard's
+      luxury,<br /> The delicate living there of the Bohemian,<br /> Who still to
+      worth has been a willing stranger.<br /> The halter of Jerusalem shall see<br />
+      A unit for his virtue, for his vices<br /> No less a mark than million.
+      &nbsp;He, who guards<br /> The isle of fire by old Anchises honour'd<br />
+      Shall find his avarice there and cowardice;<br /> And better to denote his
+      littleness,<br /> The writing must be letters maim'd, that speak<br /> Much
+      in a narrow space. &nbsp;All there shall know<br /> His uncle and his
+      brother's filthy doings,<br /> Who so renown'd a nation and two crowns<br />
+      Have bastardized. &nbsp;And they, of Portugal<br /> And Norway, there shall
+      be expos'd with him<br /> Of Ratza, who hath counterfeited ill<br /> The
+      coin of Venice. &nbsp;O blest Hungary!<br /> If thou no longer patiently
+      abid'st<br /> Thy ill-entreating! and, O blest Navarre!<br /> If with thy
+      mountainous girdle thou wouldst arm thee<br /> In earnest of that day, e'en
+      now are heard<br /> Wailings and groans in Famagosta's streets<br /> And
+      Nicosia's, grudging at their beast,<br /> Who keepeth even footing with the
+      rest." <br /><br /> <a name="link20" id="link20"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <h2>
+      CANTO XX
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      <br /> When, disappearing, from our hemisphere,<br /> The world's
+      enlightener vanishes, and day<br /> On all sides wasteth, suddenly the sky,<br />
+      Erewhile irradiate only with his beam,<br /> Is yet again unfolded, putting
+      forth<br /> Innumerable lights wherein one shines.<br /> Of such vicissitude
+      in heaven I thought,<br /> As the great sign, that marshaleth the world<br />
+      And the world's leaders, in the blessed beak<br /> Was silent; for that all
+      those living lights,<br /> Waxing in splendour, burst forth into songs,<br />
+      Such as from memory glide and fall away.<br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> <a
+      href="images/20-10.jpg">ENLARGE TO FULL SIZE</a>
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:80%;">
+      <img alt="20-10th.jpg (34K)" src="images/20-10th.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sweet love! that
+      dost apparel thee in smiles,<br /> How lustrous was thy semblance in those
+      sparkles,<br /> Which merely are from holy thoughts inspir'd!<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;After
+      the precious and bright beaming stones,<br /> That did ingem the sixth
+      light, ceas'd the chiming<br /> Of their angelic bells; methought I heard<br />
+      The murmuring of a river, that doth fall<br /> From rock to rock
+      transpicuous, making known<br /> The richness of his spring-head: and as
+      sound<br /> Of cistern, at the fret-board, or of pipe,<br /> Is, at the
+      wind-hole, modulate and tun'd;<br /> Thus up the neck, as it were hollow,
+      rose<br /> That murmuring of the eagle, and forthwith<br /> Voice there
+      assum'd, and thence along the beak<br /> Issued in form of words, such as
+      my heart<br /> Did look for, on whose tables I inscrib'd them.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"The
+      part in me, that sees, and bears the sun,,<br /> In mortal eagles," it
+      began, "must now<br /> Be noted steadfastly: for of the fires,<br /> That
+      figure me, those, glittering in mine eye,<br /> Are chief of all the
+      greatest. &nbsp;This, that shines<br /> Midmost for pupil, was the same,
+      who sang<br /> The Holy Spirit's song, and bare about<br /> The ark from
+      town to town; now doth he know<br /> The merit of his soul-impassion'd
+      strains<br /> By their well-fitted guerdon. &nbsp;Of the five,<br /> That
+      make the circle of the vision, he<br /> Who to the beak is nearest,
+      comforted<br /> The widow for her son: now doth he know<br /> How dear he
+      costeth not to follow Christ,<br /> Both from experience of this pleasant
+      life,<br /> And of its opposite. &nbsp;He next, who follows<br /> In the
+      circumference, for the over arch,<br /> By true repenting slack'd the pace
+      of death:<br /> Now knoweth he, that the degrees of heav'n<br /> Alter not,
+      when through pious prayer below<br /> Today's is made tomorrow's destiny.<br />
+      The other following, with the laws and me,<br /> To yield the shepherd
+      room, pass'd o'er to Greece,<br /> From good intent producing evil fruit:<br />
+      Now knoweth he, how all the ill, deriv'd<br /> From his well doing, doth
+      not helm him aught,<br /> Though it have brought destruction on the world.<br />
+      That, which thou seest in the under bow,<br /> Was William, whom that land
+      bewails, which weeps<br /> For Charles and Frederick living: now he knows<br />
+      How well is lov'd in heav'n the righteous king,<br /> Which he betokens by
+      his radiant seeming.<br /> Who in the erring world beneath would deem,<br />
+      That Trojan Ripheus in this round was set<br /> Fifth of the saintly
+      splendours? &nbsp;now he knows<br /> Enough of that, which the world cannot
+      see,<br /> The grace divine, albeit e'en his sight<br /> Reach not its
+      utmost depth." &nbsp;Like to the lark,<br /> That warbling in the air
+      expatiates long,<br /> Then, trilling out his last sweet melody,<br /> Drops
+      satiate with the sweetness; such appear'd<br /> That image stampt by the'
+      everlasting pleasure,<br /> Which fashions like itself all lovely things.<br />
+      <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I, though my doubting were as manifest,<br />
+      As is through glass the hue that mantles it,<br /> In silence waited not:
+      for to my lips<br /> "What things are these?" &nbsp;involuntary rush'd,<br />
+      And forc'd a passage out: whereat I mark'd<br /> A sudden lightening and
+      new revelry.<br /> The eye was kindled: and the blessed sign<br /> No more
+      to keep me wond'ring and suspense,<br /> Replied: "I see that thou
+      believ'st these things,<br /> Because I tell them, but discern'st not how;<br />
+      So that thy knowledge waits not on thy faith:<br /> As one who knows the
+      name of thing by rote,<br /> But is a stranger to its properties,<br /> Till
+      other's tongue reveal them. &nbsp;Fervent love<br /> And lively hope with
+      violence assail<br /> The kingdom of the heavens, and overcome<br /> The
+      will of the Most high; not in such sort<br /> As man prevails o'er man; but
+      conquers it,<br /> Because 't is willing to be conquer'd, still,<br />
+      Though conquer'd, by its mercy conquering.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Those,
+      in the eye who live the first and fifth,<br /> Cause thee to marvel, in
+      that thou behold'st<br /> The region of the angels deck'd with them.<br />
+      They quitted not their bodies, as thou deem'st,<br /> Gentiles but
+      Christians, in firm rooted faith,<br /> This of the feet in future to be
+      pierc'd,<br /> That of feet nail'd already to the cross.<br /> One from the
+      barrier of the dark abyss,<br /> Where never any with good will returns,<br />
+      Came back unto his bones. &nbsp;Of lively hope<br /> Such was the meed; of
+      lively hope, that wing'd<br /> The prayers sent up to God for his release,<br />
+      And put power into them to bend his will.<br /> The glorious Spirit, of
+      whom I speak to thee,<br /> A little while returning to the flesh,<br />
+      Believ'd in him, who had the means to help,<br /> And, in believing,
+      nourish'd such a flame<br /> Of holy love, that at the second death<br /> He
+      was made sharer in our gamesome mirth.<br /> The other, through the riches
+      of that grace,<br /> Which from so deep a fountain doth distil,<br /> As
+      never eye created saw its rising,<br /> Plac'd all his love below on just
+      and right:<br /> Wherefore of grace God op'd in him the eye<br /> To the
+      redemption of mankind to come;<br /> Wherein believing, he endur'd no more<br />
+      The filth of paganism, and for their ways<br /> Rebuk'd the stubborn
+      nations. &nbsp;The three nymphs,<br /> Whom at the right wheel thou
+      beheldst advancing,<br /> Were sponsors for him more than thousand years<br />
+      Before baptizing. &nbsp;O how far remov'd,<br /> Predestination! is thy
+      root from such<br /> As see not the First cause entire: and ye,<br /> O
+      mortal men! be wary how ye judge:<br /> For we, who see our Maker, know not
+      yet<br /> The number of the chosen: and esteem<br /> Such scantiness of
+      knowledge our delight:<br /> For all our good is in that primal good<br />
+      Concentrate, and God's will and ours are one."<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;So,
+      by that form divine, was giv'n to me<br /> Sweet medicine to clear and
+      strengthen sight,<br /> And, as one handling skillfully the harp,<br />
+      Attendant on some skilful songster's voice<br /> Bids the chords vibrate,
+      and therein the song<br /> Acquires more pleasure; so, the whilst it spake,<br />
+      It doth remember me, that I beheld<br /> The pair of blessed luminaries
+      move.<br /> Like the accordant twinkling of two eyes,<br /> Their beamy
+      circlets, dancing to the sounds. <br /><br /> <a name="link21" id="link21"></a>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <h2>
+      CANTO XXI
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> <a href="images/21-1.jpg">ENLARGE TO FULL SIZE</a>
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:80%;">
+      <img alt="21-1th.jpg (31K)" src="images/21-1th.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br /> Again mine eyes were fix'd on Beatrice,<br /> And with
+      mine eyes my soul, that in her looks<br /> Found all contentment. &nbsp;Yet
+      no smile she wore<br /> And, "Did I smile," quoth she, "thou wouldst be
+      straight<br /> Like Semele when into ashes turn'd:<br /> For, mounting these
+      eternal palace-stairs,<br /> My beauty, which the loftier it climbs,<br />
+      As thou hast noted, still doth kindle more,<br /> So shines, that, were no
+      temp'ring interpos'd,<br /> Thy mortal puissance would from its rays<br />
+      Shrink, as the leaf doth from the thunderbolt.<br /> Into the seventh
+      splendour are we wafted,<br /> That underneath the burning lion's breast<br />
+      Beams, in this hour, commingled with his might,<br /> Thy mind be with
+      thine eyes: and in them mirror'd<br /> The shape, which in this mirror
+      shall be shown."<br /> Whoso can deem, how fondly I had fed<br /> My sight
+      upon her blissful countenance,<br /> May know, when to new thoughts I
+      chang'd, what joy<br /> To do the bidding of my heav'nly guide:<br /> In
+      equal balance poising either weight.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Within
+      the crystal, which records the name,<br /> (As its remoter circle girds the
+      world)<br /> Of that lov'd monarch, in whose happy reign<br /> No ill had
+      power to harm, I saw rear'd up,<br /> In colour like to sun-illumin'd gold.<br />
+      <br /><br /><br /><br /> <a href="images/21-28.jpg">ENLARGE TO FULL SIZE</a>
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:80%;">
+      <img alt="21-28th.jpg (35K)" src="images/21-28th.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br /> A ladder, which my ken pursued in vain,<br /> So lofty
+      was the summit; down whose steps<br /> I saw the splendours in such
+      multitude<br /> Descending, ev'ry light in heav'n, methought,<br /> Was shed
+      thence. &nbsp;As the rooks, at dawn of day<br /> Bestirring them to dry
+      their feathers chill,<br /> Some speed their way a-field, and homeward
+      some,<br /> Returning, cross their flight, while some abide<br /> And wheel
+      around their airy lodge; so seem'd<br /> That glitterance, wafted on
+      alternate wing,<br /> As upon certain stair it met, and clash'd<br /> Its
+      shining. And one ling'ring near us, wax'd<br /> So bright, that in my
+      thought: said: "The love,<br /> Which this betokens me, admits no doubt."<br />
+      <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Unwillingly from question I refrain,<br />
+      To her, by whom my silence and my speech<br /> Are order'd, looking for a
+      sign: whence she,<br /> Who in the sight of Him, that seeth all,<br /> Saw
+      wherefore I was silent, prompted me<br /> T' indulge the fervent wish; and
+      I began:<br /> "I am not worthy, of my own desert,<br /> That thou shouldst
+      answer me; but for her sake,<br /> Who hath vouchsaf'd my asking, spirit
+      blest!<br /> That in thy joy art shrouded! say the cause,<br /> Which
+      bringeth thee so near: and wherefore, say,<br /> Doth the sweet symphony of
+      Paradise<br /> Keep silence here, pervading with such sounds<br /> Of rapt
+      devotion ev'ry lower sphere?"<br /> "Mortal art thou in hearing as in
+      sight;"<br /> Was the reply: "and what forbade the smile<br /> Of Beatrice
+      interrupts our song.<br /> Only to yield thee gladness of my voice,<br />
+      And of the light that vests me, I thus far<br /> Descend these hallow'd
+      steps: not that more love<br /> Invites me; for lo! there aloft, as much<br />
+      Or more of love is witness'd in those flames:<br /> But such my lot by
+      charity assign'd,<br /> That makes us ready servants, as thou seest,<br />
+      To execute the counsel of the Highest.<br /> "That in this court," said I,
+      "O sacred lamp!<br /> Love no compulsion needs, but follows free<br /> Th'
+      eternal Providence, I well discern:<br /> This harder find to deem, why of
+      thy peers<br /> Thou only to this office wert foredoom'd."<br /> I had not
+      ended, when, like rapid mill,<br /> Upon its centre whirl'd the light; and
+      then<br /> The love, that did inhabit there, replied:<br /> "Splendour
+      eternal, piercing through these folds,<br /> Its virtue to my vision knits,
+      and thus<br /> Supported, lifts me so above myself,<br /> That on the
+      sov'ran essence, which it wells from,<br /> I have the power to gaze: and
+      hence the joy,<br /> Wherewith I sparkle, equaling with my blaze<br /> The
+      keenness of my sight. &nbsp;But not the soul,<br /> That is in heav'n most
+      lustrous, nor the seraph<br /> That hath his eyes most fix'd on God, shall
+      solve<br /> What thou hast ask'd: for in th' abyss it lies<br /> Of th'
+      everlasting statute sunk so low,<br /> That no created ken may fathom it.<br />
+      And, to the mortal world when thou return'st,<br /> Be this reported; that
+      none henceforth dare<br /> Direct his footsteps to so dread a bourn.<br />
+      The mind, that here is radiant, on the earth<br /> Is wrapt in mist. &nbsp;Look
+      then if she may do,<br /> Below, what passeth her ability,<br /> When she is
+      ta'en to heav'n." &nbsp;By words like these<br /> Admonish'd, I the
+      question urg'd no more;<br /> And of the spirit humbly sued alone<br /> T'
+      instruct me of its state. &nbsp;"'Twixt either shore<br /> Of Italy, nor
+      distant from thy land,<br /> A stony ridge ariseth, in such sort,<br /> The
+      thunder doth not lift his voice so high,<br /> They call it Catria: at
+      whose foot a cell<br /> Is sacred to the lonely Eremite,<br /> For worship
+      set apart and holy rites."<br /> A third time thus it spake; then added:
+      "There<br /> So firmly to God's service I adher'd,<br /> That with no
+      costlier viands than the juice<br /> Of olives, easily I pass'd the heats<br />
+      Of summer and the winter frosts, content<br /> In heav'n-ward musings.
+      &nbsp;Rich were the returns<br /> And fertile, which that cloister once was
+      us'd<br /> To render to these heavens: now 't is fall'n<br /> Into a waste
+      so empty, that ere long<br /> Detection must lay bare its vanity<br />
+      Pietro Damiano there was I yclept:<br /> Pietro the sinner, when before I
+      dwelt<br /> Beside the Adriatic, in the house<br /> Of our blest Lady.
+      &nbsp;Near upon my close<br /> Of mortal life, through much importuning<br />
+      I was constrain'd to wear the hat that still<br /> From bad to worse it
+      shifted.&mdash;Cephas came;<br /> He came, who was the Holy Spirit's
+      vessel,<br /> Barefoot and lean, eating their bread, as chanc'd,<br /> At
+      the first table. &nbsp;Modern Shepherd's need<br /> Those who on either
+      hand may prop and lead them,<br /> So burly are they grown: and from behind<br />
+      Others to hoist them. &nbsp;Down the palfrey's sides<br /> Spread their
+      broad mantles, so as both the beasts<br /> Are cover'd with one skin.
+      &nbsp;O patience! thou<br /> That lookst on this and doth endure so long."<br />
+      I at those accents saw the splendours down<br /> From step to step alight,
+      and wheel, and wax,<br /> Each circuiting, more beautiful. &nbsp;Round this<br />
+      They came, and stay'd them; uttered them a shout<br /> So loud, it hath no
+      likeness here: nor I<br /> Wist what it spake, so deaf'ning was the
+      thunder." <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /><br /> <a name="link22"
+      id="link22"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <h2>
+      CANTO XXII
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      <br /> Astounded, to the guardian of my steps<br /> I turn'd me, like the
+      chill, who always runs<br /> Thither for succour, where he trusteth most,<br />
+      And she was like the mother, who her son<br /> Beholding pale and
+      breathless, with her voice<br /> Soothes him, and he is cheer'd; for thus
+      she spake,<br /> Soothing me: "Know'st not thou, thou art in heav'n?<br />
+      And know'st not thou, whatever is in heav'n,<br /> Is holy, and that
+      nothing there is done<br /> But is done zealously and well? &nbsp;Deem now,<br />
+      What change in thee the song, and what my smile<br /> had wrought, since
+      thus the shout had pow'r to move thee.<br /> In which couldst thou have
+      understood their prayers,<br /> The vengeance were already known to thee,<br />
+      Which thou must witness ere thy mortal hour,<br /> The sword of heav'n is
+      not in haste to smite,<br /> Nor yet doth linger, save unto his seeming,<br />
+      Who in desire or fear doth look for it.<br /> But elsewhere now l bid thee
+      turn thy view;<br /> So shalt thou many a famous spirit behold."<br /> Mine
+      eyes directing, as she will'd, I saw<br /> A hundred little spheres, that
+      fairer grew<br /> By interchange of splendour. &nbsp;I remain'd,<br /> As
+      one, who fearful of o'er-much presuming,<br /> Abates in him the keenness
+      of desire,<br /> Nor dares to question, when amid those pearls,<br /> One
+      largest and most lustrous onward drew,<br /> That it might yield
+      contentment to my wish;<br /> And from within it these the sounds I heard.<br />
+      <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"If thou, like me, beheldst the charity<br />
+      That burns amongst us, what thy mind conceives,<br /> Were utter'd. &nbsp;But
+      that, ere the lofty bound<br /> Thou reach, expectance may not weary thee,<br />
+      I will make answer even to the thought,<br /> Which thou hast such respect
+      of. &nbsp;In old days,<br /> That mountain, at whose side Cassino rests,<br />
+      Was on its height frequented by a race<br /> Deceived and ill dispos'd: and
+      I it was,<br /> Who thither carried first the name of Him,<br /> Who brought
+      the soul-subliming truth to man.<br /> And such a speeding grace shone over
+      me,<br /> That from their impious worship I reclaim'd<br /> The dwellers
+      round about, who with the world<br /> Were in delusion lost. &nbsp;These
+      other flames,<br /> The spirits of men contemplative, were all<br />
+      Enliven'd by that warmth, whose kindly force<br /> Gives birth to flowers
+      and fruits of holiness.<br /> Here is Macarius; Romoaldo here:<br /> And
+      here my brethren, who their steps refrain'd<br /> Within the cloisters, and
+      held firm their heart."<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I
+      answ'ring, thus; "Thy gentle words and kind,<br /> And this the cheerful
+      semblance, I behold<br /> Not unobservant, beaming in ye all,<br /> Have
+      rais'd assurance in me, wakening it<br /> Full-blossom'd in my bosom, as a
+      rose<br /> Before the sun, when the consummate flower<br /> Has spread to
+      utmost amplitude. &nbsp;Of thee<br /> Therefore entreat I, father! to
+      declare<br /> If I may gain such favour, as to gaze<br /> Upon thine image,
+      by no covering veil'd."<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Brother!"
+      &nbsp;he thus rejoin'd, "in the last sphere<br /> Expect completion of thy
+      lofty aim,<br /> For there on each desire completion waits,<br /> And there
+      on mine: where every aim is found<br /> Perfect, entire, and for
+      fulfillment ripe.<br /> There all things are as they have ever been:<br />
+      For space is none to bound, nor pole divides,<br /> Our ladder reaches even
+      to that clime,<br /> And so at giddy distance mocks thy view.<br /> Thither
+      the Patriarch Jacob saw it stretch<br /> Its topmost round, when it
+      appear'd to him<br /> With angels laden. &nbsp;But to mount it now<br />
+      None lifts his foot from earth: and hence my rule<br /> Is left a
+      profitless stain upon the leaves;<br /> The walls, for abbey rear'd, turned
+      into dens,<br /> The cowls to sacks choak'd up with musty meal.<br /> Foul
+      usury doth not more lift itself<br /> Against God's pleasure, than that
+      fruit which makes<br /> The hearts of monks so wanton: for whate'er<br /> Is
+      in the church's keeping, all pertains.<br /> To such, as sue for heav'n's
+      sweet sake, and not<br /> To those who in respect of kindred claim,<br /> Or
+      on more vile allowance. &nbsp;Mortal flesh<br /> Is grown so dainty, good
+      beginnings last not<br /> From the oak's birth, unto the acorn's setting.<br />
+      His convent Peter founded without gold<br /> Or silver; I with pray'rs and
+      fasting mine;<br /> And Francis his in meek humility.<br /> And if thou note
+      the point, whence each proceeds,<br /> Then look what it hath err'd to,
+      thou shalt find<br /> The white grown murky. &nbsp;Jordan was turn'd back;<br />
+      And a less wonder, then the refluent sea,<br /> May at God's pleasure work
+      amendment here."<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;So saying, to his
+      assembly back he drew:<br /> And they together cluster'd into one,<br />
+      Then all roll'd upward like an eddying wind.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
+      sweet dame beckon'd me to follow them:<br /> And, by that influence only,
+      so prevail'd<br /> Over my nature, that no natural motion,<br /> Ascending
+      or descending here below,<br /> Had, as I mounted, with my pennon vied.<br />
+      <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;So, reader, as my hope is to return<br />
+      Unto the holy triumph, for the which<br /> I ofttimes wail my sins, and
+      smite my breast,<br /> Thou hadst been longer drawing out and thrusting<br />
+      Thy finger in the fire, than I was, ere<br /> The sign, that followeth
+      Taurus, I beheld,<br /> And enter'd its precinct. &nbsp;O glorious stars!<br />
+      O light impregnate with exceeding virtue!<br /> To whom whate'er of genius
+      lifteth me<br /> Above the vulgar, grateful I refer;<br /> With ye the
+      parent of all mortal life<br /> Arose and set, when I did first inhale<br />
+      The Tuscan air; and afterward, when grace<br /> Vouchsaf'd me entrance to
+      the lofty wheel<br /> That in its orb impels ye, fate decreed<br /> My
+      passage at your clime. &nbsp;To you my soul<br /> Devoutly sighs, for
+      virtue even now<br /> To meet the hard emprize that draws me on.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Thou
+      art so near the sum of blessedness,"<br /> Said Beatrice, "that behooves
+      thy ken<br /> Be vigilant and clear. &nbsp;And, to this end,<br /> Or even
+      thou advance thee further, hence<br /> Look downward, and contemplate, what
+      a world<br /> Already stretched under our feet there lies:<br /> So as thy
+      heart may, in its blithest mood,<br /> Present itself to the triumphal
+      throng,<br /> Which through the' etherial concave comes rejoicing."<br />
+      <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I straight obey'd; and with mine eye
+      return'd<br /> Through all the seven spheres, and saw this globe<br /> So
+      pitiful of semblance, that perforce<br /> It moved my smiles: and him in
+      truth I hold<br /> For wisest, who esteems it least: whose thoughts<br />
+      Elsewhere are fix'd, him worthiest call and best.<br /> I saw the daughter
+      of Latona shine<br /> Without the shadow, whereof late I deem'd<br /> That
+      dense and rare were cause. &nbsp;Here I sustain'd<br /> The visage,
+      Hyperion! of thy sun;<br /> And mark'd, how near him with their circle,
+      round<br /> Move Maia and Dione; here discern'd<br /> Jove's tempering
+      'twixt his sire and son; and hence<br /> Their changes and their various
+      aspects<br /> Distinctly scann'd. &nbsp;Nor might I not descry<br /> Of all
+      the seven, how bulky each, how swift;<br /> Nor of their several distances
+      not learn.<br /> This petty area (o'er the which we stride<br /> So
+      fiercely), as along the eternal twins<br /> I wound my way, appear'd before
+      me all,<br /> Forth from the havens stretch'd unto the hills.<br /> Then to
+      the beauteous eyes mine eyes return'd. <br /><br /> <a name="link23"
+      id="link23"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <h2>
+      CANTO XXIII
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      <br /> E'en as the bird, who midst the leafy bower<br /> Has, in her nest,
+      sat darkling through the night,<br /> With her sweet brood, impatient to
+      descry<br /> Their wished looks, and to bring home their food,<br /> In the
+      fond quest unconscious of her toil:<br /> She, of the time prevenient, on
+      the spray,<br /> That overhangs their couch, with wakeful gaze<br /> Expects
+      the sun; nor ever, till the dawn,<br /> Removeth from the east her eager
+      ken;<br /> So stood the dame erect, and bent her glance<br /> Wistfully on
+      that region, where the sun<br /> Abateth most his speed; that, seeing her<br />
+      Suspense and wand'ring, I became as one,<br /> In whom desire is waken'd,
+      and the hope<br /> Of somewhat new to come fills with delight.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Short
+      space ensued; I was not held, I say,<br /> Long in expectance, when I saw
+      the heav'n<br /> Wax more and more resplendent; and, "Behold,"<br /> Cried
+      Beatrice, "the triumphal hosts<br /> Of Christ, and all the harvest reap'd
+      at length<br /> Of thy ascending up these spheres." &nbsp;Meseem'd,<br />
+      That, while she spake her image all did burn,<br /> And in her eyes such
+      fullness was of joy,<br /> And I am fain to pass unconstrued by.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As
+      in the calm full moon, when Trivia smiles,<br /> In peerless beauty, 'mid
+      th' eternal nympus,<br /> That paint through all its gulfs the blue
+      profound<br /> In bright pre-eminence so saw I there,<br /> O'er million
+      lamps a sun, from whom all drew<br /> Their radiance as from ours the
+      starry train:<br /> And through the living light so lustrous glow'd<br />
+      The substance, that my ken endur'd it not.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;O
+      Beatrice! sweet and precious guide!<br /> Who cheer'd me with her
+      comfortable words!<br /> "Against the virtue, that o'erpow'reth thee,<br />
+      Avails not to resist. &nbsp;Here is the might,<br /> And here the wisdom,
+      which did open lay<br /> The path, that had been yearned for so long,<br />
+      Betwixt the heav'n and earth." &nbsp;Like to the fire,<br /> That, in a
+      cloud imprison'd doth break out<br /> Expansive, so that from its womb
+      enlarg'd,<br /> It falleth against nature to the ground;<br /> Thus in that
+      heav'nly banqueting my soul<br /> Outgrew herself; and, in the transport
+      lost.<br /> Holds now remembrance none of what she was.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Ope
+      thou thine eyes, and mark me: thou hast seen<br /> Things, that empower
+      thee to sustain my smile."<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I was
+      as one, when a forgotten dream<br /> Doth come across him, and he strives
+      in vain<br /> To shape it in his fantasy again,<br /> Whenas that gracious
+      boon was proffer'd me,<br /> Which never may be cancel'd from the book,<br />
+      Wherein the past is written. &nbsp;Now were all<br /> Those tongues to
+      sound, that have on sweetest milk<br /> Of Polyhymnia and her sisters fed<br />
+      And fatten'd, not with all their help to boot,<br /> Unto the thousandth
+      parcel of the truth,<br /> My song might shadow forth that saintly smile,<br />
+      flow merely in her saintly looks it wrought.<br /> And with such figuring
+      of Paradise<br /> The sacred strain must leap, like one, that meets<br /> A
+      sudden interruption to his road.<br /> But he, who thinks how ponderous the
+      theme,<br /> And that 't is lain upon a mortal shoulder,<br /> May pardon,
+      if it tremble with the burden.<br /> The track, our ventrous keel must
+      furrow, brooks<br /> No unribb'd pinnace, no self-sparing pilot.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Why
+      doth my face," said Beatrice, "thus<br /> Enamour thee, as that thou dost
+      not turn<br /> Unto the beautiful garden, blossoming<br /> Beneath the rays
+      of Christ? &nbsp;Here is the rose,<br /> Wherein the word divine was made
+      incarnate;<br /> And here the lilies, by whose odour known<br /> The way of
+      life was follow'd." &nbsp;Prompt I heard<br /> Her bidding, and encounter
+      once again<br /> The strife of aching vision. &nbsp;As erewhile,<br />
+      Through glance of sunlight, stream'd through broken cloud,<br /> Mine eyes
+      a flower-besprinkled mead have seen,<br /> Though veil'd themselves in
+      shade; so saw I there<br /> Legions of splendours, on whom burning rays<br />
+      Shed lightnings from above, yet saw I not<br /> The fountain whence they
+      flow'd. &nbsp;O gracious virtue!<br /> Thou, whose broad stamp is on them,
+      higher up<br /> Thou didst exalt thy glory to give room<br /> To my
+      o'erlabour'd sight: when at the name<br /> Of that fair flower, whom duly I
+      invoke<br /> Both morn and eve, my soul, with all her might<br /> Collected,
+      on the goodliest ardour fix'd.<br /> And, as the bright dimensions of the
+      star<br /> In heav'n excelling, as once here on earth<br /> Were, in my
+      eyeballs lively portray'd,<br /> Lo! from within the sky a cresset fell,<br />
+      Circling in fashion of a diadem,<br /> And girt the star, and hov'ring
+      round it wheel'd.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Whatever melody
+      sounds sweetest here,<br /> And draws the spirit most unto itself,<br />
+      Might seem a rent cloud when it grates the thunder,<br /> Compar'd unto the
+      sounding of that lyre,<br /> Wherewith the goodliest sapphire, that inlays<br />
+      The floor of heav'n, was crown'd. "Angelic Love,<br /> I am, who thus with
+      hov'ring flight enwheel<br /> The lofty rapture from that womb inspir'd,<br />
+      Where our desire did dwell: and round thee so,<br /> Lady of Heav'n! will
+      hover; long as thou<br /> Thy Son shalt follow, and diviner joy<br /> Shall
+      from thy presence gild the highest sphere."<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Such
+      close was to the circling melody:<br /> And, as it ended, all the other
+      lights<br /> Took up the strain, and echoed Mary's name.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
+      robe, that with its regal folds enwraps<br /> The world, and with the
+      nearer breath of God<br /> Doth burn and quiver, held so far retir'd<br />
+      Its inner hem and skirting over us,<br /> That yet no glimmer of its
+      majesty<br /> Had stream'd unto me: therefore were mine eyes<br /> Unequal
+      to pursue the crowned flame,<br /> That rose and sought its natal seed of
+      fire;<br /> And like to babe, that stretches forth its arms<br /> For very
+      eagerness towards the breast,<br /> After the milk is taken; so
+      outstretch'd<br /> Their wavy summits all the fervent band,<br /> Through
+      zealous love to Mary: then in view<br /> There halted, and "Regina Coeli"
+      sang<br /> So sweetly, the delight hath left me never.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;O
+      what o'erflowing plenty is up-pil'd<br /> In those rich-laden coffers,
+      which below<br /> Sow'd the good seed, whose harvest now they keep.<br />
+      <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Here are the treasures tasted, that
+      with tears<br /> Were in the Babylonian exile won,<br /> When gold had
+      fail'd them. &nbsp;Here in synod high<br /> Of ancient council with the new
+      conven'd,<br /> Under the Son of Mary and of God,<br /> Victorious he his
+      mighty triumph holds,<br /> To whom the keys of glory were assign'd. <br /><br />
+      <a name="link24" id="link24"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <h2>
+      CANTO XXIV
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      <br /> "O ye! in chosen fellowship advanc'd<br /> To the great supper of the
+      blessed Lamb,<br /> Whereon who feeds hath every wish fulfill'd!<br /> If to
+      this man through God's grace be vouchsaf'd<br /> Foretaste of that, which
+      from your table falls,<br /> Or ever death his fated term prescribe;<br />
+      Be ye not heedless of his urgent will;<br /> But may some influence of your
+      sacred dews<br /> Sprinkle him. &nbsp;Of the fount ye alway drink,<br />
+      Whence flows what most he craves." &nbsp;Beatrice spake,<br /> And the
+      rejoicing spirits, like to spheres<br /> On firm-set poles revolving,
+      trail'd a blaze<br /> Of comet splendour; and as wheels, that wind<br />
+      Their circles in the horologe, so work<br /> The stated rounds, that to th'
+      observant eye<br /> The first seems still, and, as it flew, the last;<br />
+      E'en thus their carols weaving variously,<br /> They by the measure pac'd,
+      or swift, or slow,<br /> Made me to rate the riches of their joy.<br />
+      <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;From that, which I did note in beauty
+      most<br /> Excelling, saw I issue forth a flame<br /> So bright, as none was
+      left more goodly there.<br /> Round Beatrice thrice it wheel'd about,<br />
+      With so divine a song, that fancy's ear<br /> Records it not; and the pen
+      passeth on<br /> And leaves a blank: for that our mortal speech,<br /> Nor
+      e'en the inward shaping of the brain,<br /> Hath colours fine enough to
+      trace such folds.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"O saintly
+      sister mine! thy prayer devout<br /> Is with so vehement affection urg'd,<br />
+      Thou dost unbind me from that beauteous sphere."<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Such
+      were the accents towards my lady breath'd<br /> From that blest ardour,
+      soon as it was stay'd:<br /> To whom she thus: "O everlasting light<br /> Of
+      him, within whose mighty grasp our Lord<br /> Did leave the keys, which of
+      this wondrous bliss<br /> He bare below! tent this man, as thou wilt,<br />
+      With lighter probe or deep, touching the faith,<br /> By the which thou
+      didst on the billows walk.<br /> If he in love, in hope, and in belief,<br />
+      Be steadfast, is not hid from thee: for thou<br /> Hast there thy ken,
+      where all things are beheld<br /> In liveliest portraiture. &nbsp;But since
+      true faith<br /> Has peopled this fair realm with citizens,<br /> Meet is,
+      that to exalt its glory more,<br /> Thou in his audience shouldst thereof
+      discourse."<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Like to the bachelor,
+      who arms himself,<br /> And speaks not, till the master have propos'd<br />
+      The question, to approve, and not to end it;<br /> So I, in silence, arm'd
+      me, while she spake,<br /> Summoning up each argument to aid;<br /> As was
+      behooveful for such questioner,<br /> And such profession: "As good
+      Christian ought,<br /> Declare thee, What is faith?" &nbsp;Whereat I rais'd<br />
+      My forehead to the light, whence this had breath'd,<br /> Then turn'd to
+      Beatrice, and in her looks<br /> Approval met, that from their inmost fount<br />
+      I should unlock the waters. &nbsp;"May the grace,<br /> That giveth me the
+      captain of the church<br /> For confessor," said I, "vouchsafe to me<br />
+      Apt utterance for my thoughts!" then added: "Sire!<br /> E'en as set down
+      by the unerring style<br /> Of thy dear brother, who with thee conspir'd<br />
+      To bring Rome in unto the way of life,<br /> Faith of things hop'd is
+      substance, and the proof<br /> Of things not seen; and herein doth consist<br />
+      Methinks its essence,"&mdash;"Rightly hast thou deem'd,"<br /> Was
+      answer'd: "if thou well discern, why first<br /> He hath defin'd it,
+      substance, and then proof."<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"The
+      deep things," I replied, "which here I scan<br /> Distinctly, are below
+      from mortal eye<br /> So hidden, they have in belief alone<br /> Their
+      being, on which credence hope sublime<br /> Is built; and therefore
+      substance it intends.<br /> And inasmuch as we must needs infer<br /> From
+      such belief our reasoning, all respect<br /> To other view excluded, hence
+      of proof<br /> Th' intention is deriv'd." &nbsp;Forthwith I heard:<br /> "If
+      thus, whate'er by learning men attain,<br /> Were understood, the sophist
+      would want room<br /> To exercise his wit." &nbsp;So breath'd the flame<br />
+      Of love: then added: "Current is the coin<br /> Thou utter'st, both in
+      weight and in alloy.<br /> But tell me, if thou hast it in thy purse."<br />
+      <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Even so glittering and so round," said
+      I,<br /> "I not a whit misdoubt of its assay."<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Next
+      issued from the deep imbosom'd splendour:<br /> "Say, whence the costly
+      jewel, on the which<br /> Is founded every virtue, came to thee."<br /> "The
+      flood," I answer'd, "from the Spirit of God<br /> Rain'd down upon the
+      ancient bond and new,&mdash;<br /> Here is the reas'ning, that convinceth
+      me<br /> So feelingly, each argument beside<br /> Seems blunt and forceless
+      in comparison."<br /> Then heard I: "Wherefore holdest thou that each,<br />
+      The elder proposition and the new,<br /> Which so persuade thee, are the
+      voice of heav'n?"<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"The works, that
+      follow'd, evidence their truth;"<br /> I answer'd: "Nature did not make for
+      these<br /> The iron hot, or on her anvil mould them."<br /> "Who voucheth
+      to thee of the works themselves,"<br /> Was the reply, "that they in very
+      deed<br /> Are that they purport? &nbsp;None hath sworn so to thee."<br />
+      <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"That all the world," said I, "should
+      have been turn'd<br /> To Christian, and no miracle been wrought,<br />
+      Would in itself be such a miracle,<br /> The rest were not an hundredth
+      part so great.<br /> E'en thou wentst forth in poverty and hunger<br /> To
+      set the goodly plant, that from the vine,<br /> It once was, now is grown
+      unsightly bramble."<br /> That ended, through the high celestial court<br />
+      Resounded all the spheres. &nbsp;"Praise we one God!"<br /> In song of most
+      unearthly melody.<br /> And when that Worthy thus, from branch to branch,<br />
+      Examining, had led me, that we now<br /> Approach'd the topmost bough, he
+      straight resum'd;<br /> "The grace, that holds sweet dalliance with thy
+      soul,<br /> So far discreetly hath thy lips unclos'd<br /> That, whatsoe'er
+      has past them, I commend.<br /> Behooves thee to express, what thou
+      believ'st,<br /> The next, and whereon thy belief hath grown."<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"O
+      saintly sire and spirit!" &nbsp;I began,<br /> "Who seest that, which thou
+      didst so believe,<br /> As to outstrip feet younger than thine own,<br />
+      Toward the sepulchre? &nbsp;thy will is here,<br /> That I the tenour of my
+      creed unfold;<br /> And thou the cause of it hast likewise ask'd.<br /> And
+      I reply: I in one God believe,<br /> One sole eternal Godhead, of whose
+      love<br /> All heav'n is mov'd, himself unmov'd the while.<br /> Nor
+      demonstration physical alone,<br /> Or more intelligential and abstruse,<br />
+      Persuades me to this faith; but from that truth<br /> It cometh to me
+      rather, which is shed<br /> Through Moses, the rapt Prophets, and the
+      Psalms.<br /> The Gospel, and that ye yourselves did write,<br /> When ye
+      were gifted of the Holy Ghost.<br /> In three eternal Persons I believe,<br />
+      Essence threefold and one, mysterious league<br /> Of union absolute,
+      which, many a time,<br /> The word of gospel lore upon my mind<br />
+      Imprints: and from this germ, this firstling spark,<br /> The lively flame
+      dilates, and like heav'n's star<br /> Doth glitter in me." &nbsp;As the
+      master hears,<br /> Well pleas'd, and then enfoldeth in his arms<br /> The
+      servant, who hath joyful tidings brought,<br /> And having told the errand
+      keeps his peace;<br /> Thus benediction uttering with song<br /> Soon as my
+      peace I held, compass'd me thrice<br /> The apostolic radiance, whose
+      behest<br /> Had op'd lips; so well their answer pleas'd. <br /><br /> <a
+      name="link25" id="link25"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <h2>
+      CANTO XXV
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      <br /> If e'er the sacred poem that hath made<br /> Both heav'n and earth
+      copartners in its toil,<br /> And with lean abstinence, through many a
+      year,<br /> Faded my brow, be destin'd to prevail<br /> Over the cruelty,
+      which bars me forth<br /> Of the fair sheep-fold, where a sleeping lamb<br />
+      The wolves set on and fain had worried me,<br /> With other voice and
+      fleece of other grain<br /> I shall forthwith return, and, standing up<br />
+      At my baptismal font, shall claim the wreath<br /> Due to the poet's
+      temples: for I there<br /> First enter'd on the faith which maketh souls<br />
+      Acceptable to God: and, for its sake,<br /> Peter had then circled my
+      forehead thus.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Next from the
+      squadron, whence had issued forth<br /> The first fruit of Christ's vicars
+      on the earth,<br /> Toward us mov'd a light, at view whereof<br /> My Lady,
+      full of gladness, spake to me:<br /> "Lo! lo! behold the peer of mickle
+      might,<br /> That makes Falicia throng'd with visitants!"<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As
+      when the ring-dove by his mate alights,<br /> In circles each about the
+      other wheels,<br /> And murmuring cooes his fondness; thus saw I<br /> One,
+      of the other great and glorious prince,<br /> With kindly greeting hail'd,
+      extolling both<br /> Their heavenly banqueting; but when an end<br /> Was to
+      their gratulation, silent, each,<br /> Before me sat they down, so burning
+      bright,<br /> I could not look upon them. &nbsp;Smiling then,<br /> Beatrice
+      spake: "O life in glory shrin'd!"<br /> Who didst the largess of our kingly
+      court<br /> Set down with faithful pen! let now thy voice<br /> Of hope the
+      praises in this height resound.<br /> For thou, who figur'st them in
+      shapes, as clear,<br /> As Jesus stood before thee, well can'st speak
+      them."<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Lift up thy head, and be
+      thou strong in trust:<br /> For that, which hither from the mortal world<br />
+      Arriveth, must be ripen'd in our beam."<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Such
+      cheering accents from the second flame<br /> Assur'd me; and mine eyes I
+      lifted up<br /> Unto the mountains that had bow'd them late<br /> With
+      over-heavy burden. &nbsp;"Sith our Liege<br /> Wills of his grace that
+      thou, or ere thy death,<br /> In the most secret council, with his lords<br />
+      Shouldst be confronted, so that having view'd<br /> The glories of our
+      court, thou mayst therewith<br /> Thyself, and all who hear, invigorate<br />
+      With hope, that leads to blissful end; declare,<br /> What is that hope,
+      how it doth flourish in thee,<br /> And whence thou hadst it?" &nbsp;Thus
+      proceeding still,<br /> The second light: and she, whose gentle love<br />
+      My soaring pennons in that lofty flight<br /> Escorted, thus preventing me,
+      rejoin'd:<br /> Among her sons, not one more full of hope,<br /> Hath the
+      church militant: so 't is of him<br /> Recorded in the sun, whose liberal
+      orb<br /> Enlighteneth all our tribe: and ere his term<br /> Of warfare,
+      hence permitted he is come,<br /> From Egypt to Jerusalem, to see.<br /> The
+      other points, both which thou hast inquir'd,<br /> Not for more knowledge,
+      but that he may tell<br /> How dear thou holdst the virtue, these to him<br />
+      Leave I; for he may answer thee with ease,<br /> And without boasting, so
+      God give him grace."<br /> Like to the scholar, practis'd in his task,<br />
+      Who, willing to give proof of diligence,<br /> Seconds his teacher gladly,
+      "Hope," said I,<br /> "Is of the joy to come a sure expectance,<br /> Th'
+      effect of grace divine and merit preceding.<br /> This light from many a
+      star visits my heart,<br /> But flow'd to me the first from him, who sang<br />
+      The songs of the Supreme, himself supreme<br /> Among his tuneful brethren.
+      &nbsp;'Let all hope<br /> In thee,' so speak his anthem, 'who have known<br />
+      Thy name;' and with my faith who know not that?<br /> From thee, the next,
+      distilling from his spring,<br /> In thine epistle, fell on me the drops<br />
+      So plenteously, that I on others shower<br /> The influence of their dew."
+      &nbsp;Whileas I spake,<br /> A lamping, as of quick and vollied lightning,<br />
+      Within the bosom of that mighty sheen,<br /> Play'd tremulous; then forth
+      these accents breath'd:<br /> "Love for the virtue which attended me<br />
+      E'en to the palm, and issuing from the field,<br /> Glows vigorous yet
+      within me, and inspires<br /> To ask of thee, whom also it delights;<br />
+      What promise thou from hope in chief dost win."<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Both
+      scriptures, new and ancient," I reply'd;<br /> "Propose the mark (which
+      even now I view)<br /> For souls belov'd of God. Isaias saith,<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;'That,
+      in their own land, each one must be clad<br /> In twofold vesture; and
+      their proper lands this delicious life.'<br /> In terms more full,<br /> And
+      clearer far, thy brother hath set forth<br /> This revelation to us, where
+      he tells<br /> Of the white raiment destin'd to the saints."<br /> And, as
+      the words were ending, from above,<br /> "They hope in thee," first heard
+      we cried: whereto<br /> Answer'd the carols all. &nbsp;Amidst them next,<br />
+      A light of so clear amplitude emerg'd,<br /> That winter's month were but a
+      single day,<br /> Were such a crystal in the Cancer's sign.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Like
+      as a virgin riseth up, and goes,<br /> And enters on the mazes of the
+      dance,<br /> Though gay, yet innocent of worse intent,<br /> Than to do
+      fitting honour to the bride;<br /> So I beheld the new effulgence come<br />
+      Unto the other two, who in a ring<br /> Wheel'd, as became their rapture.
+      &nbsp;In the dance<br /> And in the song it mingled. &nbsp;And the dame<br />
+      Held on them fix'd her looks: e'en as the spouse<br /> Silent and moveless.
+      &nbsp;"This is he, who lay<br /> Upon the bosom of our pelican:<br /> This
+      he, into whose keeping from the cross<br /> The mighty charge was given."
+      &nbsp;Thus she spake,<br /> Yet therefore naught the more remov'd her Sight<br />
+      From marking them, or ere her words began,<br /> Or when they clos'd.
+      &nbsp;As he, who looks intent,<br /> And strives with searching ken, how he
+      may see<br /> The sun in his eclipse, and, through desire<br /> Of seeing,
+      loseth power of sight: so I<br /> Peer'd on that last resplendence, while I
+      heard:<br /> "Why dazzlest thou thine eyes in seeking that,<br /> Which here
+      abides not? &nbsp;Earth my body is,<br /> In earth: and shall be, with the
+      rest, so long,<br /> As till our number equal the decree<br /> Of the Most
+      High. &nbsp;The two that have ascended,<br /> In this our blessed cloister,
+      shine alone<br /> With the two garments. &nbsp;So report below."<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As
+      when, for ease of labour, or to shun<br /> Suspected peril at a whistle's
+      breath,<br /> The oars, erewhile dash'd frequent in the wave,<br /> All
+      rest; the flamy circle at that voice<br /> So rested, and the mingling
+      sound was still,<br /> Which from the trinal band soft-breathing rose.<br />
+      I turn'd, but ah! how trembled in my thought,<br /> When, looking at my
+      side again to see<br /> Beatrice, I descried her not, although<br /> Not
+      distant, on the happy coast she stood. <br /><br /> <a name="link26"
+      id="link26"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <h2>
+      CANTO XXVI
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      <br /> With dazzled eyes, whilst wond'ring I remain'd,<br /> Forth of the
+      beamy flame which dazzled me,<br /> Issued a breath, that in attention mute<br />
+      Detain'd me; and these words it spake: "'T were well,<br /> That, long as
+      till thy vision, on my form<br /> O'erspent, regain its virtue, with
+      discourse<br /> Thou compensate the brief delay. &nbsp;Say then,<br />
+      Beginning, to what point thy soul aspires:"<br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> <a
+      href="images/26-7.jpg">ENLARGE TO FULL SIZE</a>
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:80%;">
+      <img alt="26-7th.jpg (31K)" src="images/26-7th.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br /> "And meanwhile rest assur'd, that sight in thee<br />
+      Is but o'erpowered a space, not wholly quench'd:<br /> Since thy fair guide
+      and lovely, in her look<br /> Hath potency, the like to that which dwelt<br />
+      In Ananias' hand.'' I answering thus:<br /> "Be to mine eyes the remedy or
+      late<br /> Or early, at her pleasure; for they were<br /> The gates, at
+      which she enter'd, and did light<br /> Her never dying fire. &nbsp;My
+      wishes here<br /> Are centered; in this palace is the weal,<br /> That Alpha
+      and Omega, is to all<br /> The lessons love can read me." &nbsp;Yet again<br />
+      The voice which had dispers'd my fear, when daz'd<br /> With that excess,
+      to converse urg'd, and spake:<br /> "Behooves thee sift more narrowly thy
+      terms,<br /> And say, who level'd at this scope thy bow."<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Philosophy,"
+      said I, ''hath arguments,<br /> And this place hath authority enough<br />
+      'T' imprint in me such love: for, of constraint,<br /> Good, inasmuch as we
+      perceive the good,<br /> Kindles our love, and in degree the more,<br /> As
+      it comprises more of goodness in 't.<br /> The essence then, where such
+      advantage is,<br /> That each good, found without it, is naught else<br />
+      But of his light the beam, must needs attract<br /> The soul of each one,
+      loving, who the truth<br /> Discerns, on which this proof is built. &nbsp;Such
+      truth<br /> Learn I from him, who shows me the first love<br /> Of all
+      intelligential substances<br /> Eternal: from his voice I learn, whose word<br />
+      Is truth, that of himself to Moses saith,<br /> 'I will make all my good
+      before thee pass.'<br /> Lastly from thee I learn, who chief proclaim'st,<br />
+      E'en at the outset of thy heralding,<br /> In mortal ears the mystery of
+      heav'n."<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Through human wisdom,
+      and th' authority<br /> Therewith agreeing," heard I answer'd, "keep<br />
+      The choicest of thy love for God. &nbsp;But say,<br /> If thou yet other
+      cords within thee feel'st<br /> That draw thee towards him; so that thou
+      report<br /> How many are the fangs, with which this love<br /> Is grappled
+      to thy soul." &nbsp;I did not miss,<br /> To what intent the eagle of our
+      Lord<br /> Had pointed his demand; yea noted well<br /> Th' avowal, which he
+      led to; and resum'd:<br /> "All grappling bonds, that knit the heart to
+      God,<br /> Confederate to make fast our clarity.<br /> The being of the
+      world, and mine own being,<br /> The death which he endur'd that I should
+      live,<br /> And that, which all the faithful hope, as I do,<br /> To the
+      foremention'd lively knowledge join'd,<br /> Have from the sea of ill love
+      sav'd my bark,<br /> And on the coast secur'd it of the right.<br /> As for
+      the leaves, that in the garden bloom,<br /> My love for them is great, as
+      is the good<br /> Dealt by th' eternal hand, that tends them all."<br />
+      <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I ended, and therewith a song most
+      sweet<br /> Rang through the spheres; and "Holy, holy, holy,"<br />
+      Accordant with the rest my lady sang.<br /> And as a sleep is broken and
+      dispers'd<br /> Through sharp encounter of the nimble light,<br /> With the
+      eye's spirit running forth to meet<br /> The ray, from membrane on to the
+      membrane urg'd;<br /> And the upstartled wight loathes that he sees;<br />
+      So, at his sudden waking, he misdeems<br /> Of all around him, till
+      assurance waits<br /> On better judgment: thus the saintly came<br /> Drove
+      from before mine eyes the motes away,<br /> With the resplendence of her
+      own, that cast<br /> Their brightness downward, thousand miles below.<br />
+      Whence I my vision, clearer shall before,<br /> Recover'd; and, well nigh
+      astounded, ask'd<br /> Of a fourth light, that now with us I saw.<br />
+      <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And Beatrice: "The first diving soul,<br />
+      That ever the first virtue fram'd, admires<br /> Within these rays his
+      Maker." &nbsp;Like the leaf,<br /> That bows its lithe top till the blast
+      is blown;<br /> By its own virtue rear'd then stands aloof;<br /> So I, the
+      whilst she said, awe-stricken bow'd.<br /> Then eagerness to speak
+      embolden'd me;<br /> And I began: "O fruit! that wast alone<br /> Mature,
+      when first engender'd! &nbsp;Ancient father!<br /> That doubly seest in
+      every wedded bride<br /> Thy daughter by affinity and blood!<br /> Devoutly
+      as I may, I pray thee hold<br /> Converse with me: my will thou seest; and
+      I,<br /> More speedily to hear thee, tell it not."<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It
+      chanceth oft some animal bewrays,<br /> Through the sleek cov'ring of his
+      furry coat.<br /> The fondness, that stirs in him and conforms<br /> His
+      outside seeming to the cheer within:<br /> And in like guise was Adam's
+      spirit mov'd<br /> To joyous mood, that through the covering shone,<br />
+      Transparent, when to pleasure me it spake:<br /> "No need thy will be told,
+      which I untold<br /> Better discern, than thou whatever thing<br /> Thou
+      holdst most certain: for that will I see<br /> In Him, who is truth's
+      mirror, and Himself<br /> Parhelion unto all things, and naught else<br />
+      To him. &nbsp;This wouldst thou hear; how long since God<br /> Plac'd me
+      high garden, from whose hounds<br /> She led me up in this ladder, steep
+      and long;<br /> What space endur'd my season of delight;<br /> Whence truly
+      sprang the wrath that banish'd me;<br /> And what the language, which I
+      spake and fram'd<br /> Not that I tasted of the tree, my son,<br /> Was in
+      itself the cause of that exile,<br /> But only my transgressing of the mark<br />
+      Assign'd me. &nbsp;There, whence at thy lady's hest<br /> The Mantuan mov'd
+      him, still was I debarr'd<br /> This council, till the sun had made
+      complete,<br /> Four thousand and three hundred rounds and twice,<br /> His
+      annual journey; and, through every light<br /> In his broad pathway, saw I
+      him return,<br /> Thousand save sev'nty times, the whilst I dwelt<br /> Upon
+      the earth. &nbsp;The language I did use<br /> Was worn away, or ever
+      Nimrod's race<br /> Their unaccomplishable work began.<br /> For naught,
+      that man inclines to, ere was lasting,<br /> Left by his reason free, and
+      variable,<br /> As is the sky that sways him. &nbsp;That he speaks,<br /> Is
+      nature's prompting: whether thus or thus,<br /> She leaves to you, as ye do
+      most affect it.<br /> Ere I descended into hell's abyss,<br /> El was the
+      name on earth of the Chief Good,<br /> Whose joy enfolds me: Eli then 't
+      was call'd<br /> And so beseemeth: for, in mortals, use<br /> Is as the leaf
+      upon the bough; that goes,<br /> And other comes instead. &nbsp;Upon the
+      mount<br /> Most high above the waters, all my life,<br /> Both innocent and
+      guilty, did but reach<br /> From the first hour, to that which cometh next<br />
+      (As the sun changes quarter), to the sixth." <br /><br /> <a name="link27"
+      id="link27"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <h2>
+      CANTO XXVII
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br /> <a href="images/27-1.jpg">ENLARGE TO FULL SIZE</a>
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:80%;">
+      <img alt="27-1th.jpg (39K)" src="images/27-1th.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br /> Then &nbsp;"Glory to the Father, to the Son,<br /> And
+      to the Holy Spirit," rang aloud<br /> Throughout all Paradise, that with
+      the song<br /> My spirit reel'd, so passing sweet the strain:<br /> And what
+      I saw was equal ecstasy;<br /> One universal smile it seem'd of all things,<br />
+      Joy past compare, gladness unutterable,<br /> Imperishable life of peace
+      and love,<br /> Exhaustless riches and unmeasur'd bliss.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Before
+      mine eyes stood the four torches lit;<br /> And that, which first had come,
+      began to wax<br /> In brightness, and in semblance such became,<br /> As
+      Jove might be, if he and Mars were birds,<br /> And interchang'd their
+      plumes. &nbsp;Silence ensued,<br /> Through the blest quire, by Him, who
+      here appoints<br /> Vicissitude of ministry, enjoin'd;<br /> When thus I
+      heard: "Wonder not, if my hue<br /> Be chang'd; for, while I speak, these
+      shalt thou see<br /> All in like manner change with me. &nbsp;My place<br />
+      He who usurps on earth (my place, ay, mine,<br /> Which in the presence of
+      the Son of God<br /> Is void), the same hath made my cemetery<br /> A common
+      sewer of puddle and of blood:<br /> The more below his triumph, who from
+      hence<br /> Malignant fell." &nbsp;Such colour, as the sun,<br /> At eve or
+      morning, paints an adverse cloud,<br /> Then saw I sprinkled over all the
+      sky.<br /> And as th' unblemish'd dame, who in herself<br /> Secure of
+      censure, yet at bare report<br /> Of other's failing, shrinks with maiden
+      fear;<br /> So Beatrice in her semblance chang'd:<br /> And such eclipse in
+      heav'n methinks was seen,<br /> When the Most Holy suffer'd. &nbsp;Then the
+      words<br /> Proceeded, with voice, alter'd from itself<br /> So clean, the
+      semblance did not alter more.<br /> "Not to this end was Christ's spouse
+      with my blood,<br /> With that of Linus, and of Cletus fed:<br /> That she
+      might serve for purchase of base gold:<br /> But for the purchase of this
+      happy life<br /> Did Sextus, Pius, and Callixtus bleed,<br /> And Urban,
+      they, whose doom was not without<br /> Much weeping seal'd. &nbsp;No
+      purpose was of our<br /> That on the right hand of our successors<br /> Part
+      of the Christian people should be set,<br /> And part upon their left; nor
+      that the keys,<br /> Which were vouchsaf'd me, should for ensign serve<br />
+      Unto the banners, that do levy war<br /> On the baptiz'd: nor I, for
+      sigil-mark<br /> Set upon sold and lying privileges;<br /> Which makes me
+      oft to bicker and turn red.<br /> In shepherd's clothing greedy wolves
+      below<br /> Range wide o'er all the pastures. &nbsp;Arm of God!<br /> Why
+      longer sleepst thou? &nbsp;Caorsines and Gascona<br /> Prepare to quaff our
+      blood. &nbsp;O good beginning<br /> To what a vile conclusion must thou
+      stoop!<br /> But the high providence, which did defend<br /> Through Scipio
+      the world's glory unto Rome,<br /> Will not delay its succour: and thou,
+      son,<br /> Who through thy mortal weight shall yet again<br /> Return below,
+      open thy lips, nor hide<br /> What is by me not hidden." &nbsp;As a Hood<br />
+      Of frozen vapours streams adown the air,<br /> What time the she-goat with
+      her skiey horn<br /> Touches the sun; so saw I there stream wide<br /> The
+      vapours, who with us had linger'd late<br /> And with glad triumph deck th'
+      ethereal cope.<br /> Onward my sight their semblances pursued;<br /> So far
+      pursued, as till the space between<br /> From its reach sever'd them:
+      whereat the guide<br /> Celestial, marking me no more intent<br /> On upward
+      gazing, said, "Look down and see<br /> What circuit thou hast compass'd."
+      &nbsp;From the hour<br /> When I before had cast my view beneath,<br /> All
+      the first region overpast I saw,<br /> Which from the midmost to the
+      bound'ry winds;<br /> That onward thence from Gades I beheld<br /> The
+      unwise passage of Laertes' son,<br /> And hitherward the shore, where thou,
+      Europa!<br /> Mad'st thee a joyful burden: and yet more<br /> Of this dim
+      spot had seen, but that the sun,<br /> A constellation off and more, had
+      ta'en<br /> His progress in the zodiac underneath.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then
+      by the spirit, that doth never leave<br /> Its amorous dalliance with my
+      lady's looks,<br /> Back with redoubled ardour were mine eyes<br /> Led unto
+      her: and from her radiant smiles,<br /> Whenas I turn'd me, pleasure so
+      divine<br /> Did lighten on me, that whatever bait<br /> Or art or nature in
+      the human flesh,<br /> Or in its limn'd resemblance, can combine<br />
+      Through greedy eyes to take the soul withal,<br /> Were to her beauty
+      nothing. &nbsp;Its boon influence<br /> From the fair nest of Leda rapt me
+      forth,<br /> And wafted on into the swiftest heav'n.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;What
+      place for entrance Beatrice chose,<br /> I may not say, so uniform was all,<br />
+      Liveliest and loftiest. &nbsp;She my secret wish<br /> Divin'd; and with
+      such gladness, that God's love<br /> Seem'd from her visage shining, thus
+      began:<br /> "Here is the goal, whence motion on his race<br /> Starts;
+      motionless the centre, and the rest<br /> All mov'd around. &nbsp;Except
+      the soul divine,<br /> Place in this heav'n is none, the soul divine,<br />
+      Wherein the love, which ruleth o'er its orb,<br /> Is kindled, and the
+      virtue that it sheds;<br /> One circle, light and love, enclasping it,<br />
+      As this doth clasp the others; and to Him,<br /> Who draws the bound, its
+      limit only known.<br /> Measur'd itself by none, it doth divide<br /> Motion
+      to all, counted unto them forth,<br /> As by the fifth or half ye count
+      forth ten.<br /> The vase, wherein time's roots are plung'd, thou seest,<br />
+      Look elsewhere for the leaves. &nbsp;O mortal lust!<br /> That canst not
+      lift thy head above the waves<br /> Which whelm and sink thee down! &nbsp;The
+      will in man<br /> Bears goodly blossoms; but its ruddy promise<br /> Is, by
+      the dripping of perpetual rain,<br /> Made mere abortion: faith and
+      innocence<br /> Are met with but in babes, each taking leave<br /> Ere
+      cheeks with down are sprinkled; he, that fasts,<br /> While yet a
+      stammerer, with his tongue let loose<br /> Gluts every food alike in every
+      moon.<br /> One yet a babbler, loves and listens to<br /> His mother; but no
+      sooner hath free use<br /> Of speech, than he doth wish her in her grave.<br />
+      So suddenly doth the fair child of him,<br /> Whose welcome is the morn and
+      eve his parting,<br /> To negro blackness change her virgin white.<br />
+      <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Thou, to abate thy wonder, note that
+      none<br /> Bears rule in earth, and its frail family<br /> Are therefore
+      wand'rers. &nbsp;Yet before the date,<br /> When through the hundredth in
+      his reck'ning drops<br /> Pale January must be shor'd aside<br /> From
+      winter's calendar, these heav'nly spheres<br /> Shall roar so loud, that
+      fortune shall be fain<br /> To turn the poop, where she hath now the prow;<br />
+      So that the fleet run onward; and true fruit,<br /> Expected long, shall
+      crown at last the bloom!" <br /><br /> <a name="link28" id="link28"></a>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <h2>
+      CANTO XXVIII
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      <br /> So she who doth imparadise my soul,<br /> Had drawn the veil from off
+      our pleasant life,<br /> And bar'd the truth of poor mortality;<br /> When
+      lo! as one who, in a mirror, spies<br /> The shining of a flambeau at his
+      back,<br /> Lit sudden ore he deem of its approach,<br /> And turneth to
+      resolve him, if the glass<br /> Have told him true, and sees the record
+      faithful<br /> As note is to its metre; even thus,<br /> I well remember,
+      did befall to me,<br /> Looking upon the beauteous eyes, whence love<br />
+      Had made the leash to take me. &nbsp;As I turn'd;<br /> And that, which, in
+      their circles, none who spies,<br /> Can miss of, in itself apparent,
+      struck<br /> On mine; a point I saw, that darted light<br /> So sharp, no
+      lid, unclosing, may bear up<br /> Against its keenness. &nbsp;The least
+      star we view<br /> From hence, had seem'd a moon, set by its side,<br /> As
+      star by side of star. &nbsp;And so far off,<br /> Perchance, as is the halo
+      from the light<br /> Which paints it, when most dense the vapour spreads,<br />
+      There wheel'd about the point a circle of fire,<br /> More rapid than the
+      motion, which first girds<br /> The world. &nbsp;Then, circle after circle,
+      round<br /> Enring'd each other; till the seventh reach'd<br />
+      Circumference so ample, that its bow,<br /> Within the span of Juno's
+      messenger,<br /> lied scarce been held entire. Beyond the sev'nth,<br />
+      Follow'd yet other two. &nbsp;And every one,<br /> As more in number
+      distant from the first,<br /> Was tardier in motion; and that glow'd<br />
+      With flame most pure, that to the sparkle' of truth<br /> Was nearest, as
+      partaking most, methinks,<br /> Of its reality. &nbsp;The guide belov'd<br />
+      Saw me in anxious thought suspense, and spake:<br /> "Heav'n, and all
+      nature, hangs upon that point.<br /> The circle thereto most conjoin'd
+      observe;<br /> And know, that by intenser love its course<br /> Is to this
+      swiftness wing'd." &nbsp;To whom I thus:<br /> "It were enough; nor should
+      I further seek,<br /> Had I but witness'd order, in the world<br />
+      Appointed, such as in these wheels is seen.<br /> But in the sensible world
+      such diff'rence is,<br /> That is each round shows more divinity,<br /> As
+      each is wider from the centre. &nbsp;Hence,<br /> If in this wondrous and
+      angelic temple,<br /> That hath for confine only light and love,<br /> My
+      wish may have completion I must know,<br /> Wherefore such disagreement is
+      between<br /> Th' exemplar and its copy: for myself,<br /> Contemplating, I
+      fail to pierce the cause."<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"It is
+      no marvel, if thy fingers foil'd<br /> Do leave the knot untied: so hard 't
+      is grown<br /> For want of tenting." &nbsp;Thus she said: "But take,"<br />
+      She added, "if thou wish thy cure, my words,<br /> And entertain them
+      subtly. &nbsp;Every orb<br /> Corporeal, doth proportion its extent<br />
+      Unto the virtue through its parts diffus'd.<br /> The greater blessedness
+      preserves the more.<br /> The greater is the body (if all parts<br /> Share
+      equally) the more is to preserve.<br /> Therefore the circle, whose swift
+      course enwheels<br /> The universal frame answers to that,<br /> Which is
+      supreme in knowledge and in love<br /> Thus by the virtue, not the seeming,
+      breadth<br /> Of substance, measure, thou shalt see the heav'ns,<br /> Each
+      to the' intelligence that ruleth it,<br /> Greater to more, and smaller
+      unto less,<br /> Suited in strict and wondrous harmony."<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As
+      when the sturdy north blows from his cheek<br /> A blast, that scours the
+      sky, forthwith our air,<br /> Clear'd of the rack, that hung on it before,<br />
+      Glitters; and, With his beauties all unveil'd,<br /> The firmament looks
+      forth serene, and smiles;<br /> Such was my cheer, when Beatrice drove<br />
+      With clear reply the shadows back, and truth<br /> Was manifested, as a
+      star in heaven.<br /> And when the words were ended, not unlike<br /> To
+      iron in the furnace, every cirque<br /> Ebullient shot forth scintillating
+      fires:<br /> And every sparkle shivering to new blaze,<br /> In number did
+      outmillion the account<br /> Reduplicate upon the chequer'd board.<br />
+      Then heard I echoing on from choir to choir,<br /> "Hosanna," to the fixed
+      point, that holds,<br /> And shall for ever hold them to their place,<br />
+      From everlasting, irremovable.<br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> <a
+      href="images/28-80.jpg">ENLARGE TO FULL SIZE</a>
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:80%;">
+      <img alt="28-80th.jpg (35K)" src="images/28-80th.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Musing awhile I
+      stood: and she, who saw<br /> by inward meditations, thus began:<br /> "In
+      the first circles, they, whom thou beheldst,<br /> Are seraphim and
+      cherubim. &nbsp;Thus swift<br /> Follow their hoops, in likeness to the
+      point,<br /> Near as they can, approaching; and they can<br /> The more, the
+      loftier their vision. &nbsp;Those,<br /> That round them fleet, gazing the
+      Godhead next,<br /> Are thrones; in whom the first trine ends. &nbsp;And
+      all<br /> Are blessed, even as their sight descends<br /> Deeper into the
+      truth, wherein rest is<br /> For every mind. &nbsp;Thus happiness hath root<br />
+      In seeing, not in &nbsp;loving, which of sight<br /> Is aftergrowth. &nbsp;And
+      of the seeing such<br /> The meed, as unto each in due degree<br /> Grace
+      and good-will their measure have assign'd.<br /> The other trine, that with
+      still opening buds<br /> In this eternal springtide blossom fair,<br />
+      Fearless of bruising from the nightly ram,<br /> Breathe up in warbled
+      melodies threefold<br /> Hosannas blending ever, from the three<br />
+      Transmitted. hierarchy of gods, for aye<br /> Rejoicing, dominations first,
+      next then<br /> Virtues, and powers the third. &nbsp;The next to whom<br />
+      Are princedoms and archangels, with glad round<br /> To tread their festal
+      ring; and last the band<br /> Angelical, disporting in their sphere.<br />
+      All, as they circle in their orders, look<br /> Aloft, and downward with
+      such sway prevail,<br /> That all with mutual impulse tend to God.<br />
+      These once a mortal view beheld. &nbsp;Desire<br /> In Dionysius so
+      intently wrought,<br /> That he, as I have done rang'd them; and nam'd<br />
+      Their orders, marshal'd in his thought. &nbsp;From him<br /> Dissentient,
+      one refus'd his sacred read.<br /> But soon as in this heav'n his doubting
+      eyes<br /> Were open'd, Gregory at his error smil'd<br /> Nor marvel, that a
+      denizen of earth<br /> Should scan such secret truth; for he had learnt<br />
+      Both this and much beside of these our orbs,<br /> From an eye-witness to
+      heav'n's mysteries." <br /><br /> <a name="link29" id="link29"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <h2>
+      CANTO XXIX
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      <br /> No longer than what time Latona's twins<br /> Cover'd of Libra and
+      the fleecy star,<br /> Together both, girding the' horizon hang,<br /> In
+      even balance from the zenith pois'd,<br /> Till from that verge, each,
+      changing hemisphere,<br /> Part the nice level; e'en so brief a space<br />
+      Did Beatrice's silence hold. &nbsp;A smile<br /> Bat painted on her cheek;
+      and her fix'd gaze<br /> Bent on the point, at which my vision fail'd:<br />
+      When thus her words resuming she began:<br /> "I speak, nor what thou
+      wouldst inquire demand;<br /> For I have mark'd it, where all time and
+      place<br /> Are present. &nbsp;Not for increase to himself<br /> Of good,
+      which may not be increas'd, but forth<br /> To manifest his glory by its
+      beams,<br /> Inhabiting his own eternity,<br /> Beyond time's limit or what
+      bound soe'er<br /> To circumscribe his being, as he will'd,<br /> Into new
+      natures, like unto himself,<br /> Eternal Love unfolded. &nbsp;Nor before,<br />
+      As if in dull inaction torpid lay.<br /> For not in process of before or
+      aft<br /> Upon these waters mov'd the Spirit of God.<br /> Simple and mix'd,
+      both form and substance, forth<br /> To perfect being started, like three
+      darts<br /> Shot from a bow three-corded. &nbsp;And as ray<br /> In crystal,
+      glass, and amber, shines entire,<br /> E'en at the moment of its issuing;
+      thus<br /> Did, from th' eternal Sovran, beam entire<br /> His threefold
+      operation, at one act<br /> Produc'd coeval. &nbsp;Yet in order each<br />
+      Created his due station knew: those highest,<br /> Who pure intelligence
+      were made: mere power<br /> The lowest: in the midst, bound with strict
+      league,<br /> Intelligence and power, unsever'd bond.<br /> Long tract of
+      ages by the angels past,<br /> Ere the creating of another world,<br />
+      Describ'd on Jerome's pages thou hast seen.<br /> But that what I disclose
+      to thee is true,<br /> Those penmen, whom the Holy Spirit mov'd<br /> In
+      many a passage of their sacred book<br /> Attest; as thou by diligent
+      search shalt find<br /> And reason in some sort discerns the same,<br /> Who
+      scarce would grant the heav'nly ministers<br /> Of their perfection void,
+      so long a space.<br /> Thus when and where these spirits of love were made,<br />
+      Thou know'st, and how: and knowing hast allay'd<br /> Thy thirst, which
+      from the triple question rose.<br /> Ere one had reckon'd twenty, e'en so
+      soon<br /> Part of the angels fell: and in their fall<br /> Confusion to
+      your elements ensued.<br /> The others kept their station: and this task,<br />
+      Whereon thou lookst, began with such delight,<br /> That they surcease not
+      ever, day nor night,<br /> Their circling. &nbsp;Of that fatal lapse the
+      cause<br /> Was the curst pride of him, whom thou hast seen<br /> Pent with
+      the world's incumbrance. &nbsp;Those, whom here<br /> Thou seest, were
+      lowly to confess themselves<br /> Of his free bounty, who had made them apt<br />
+      For ministries so high: therefore their views<br /> Were by enlight'ning
+      grace and their own merit<br /> Exalted; so that in their will confirm'd<br />
+      They stand, nor feel to fall. &nbsp;For do not doubt,<br /> But to receive
+      the grace, which heav'n vouchsafes,<br /> Is meritorious, even as the soul<br />
+      With prompt affection welcometh the guest.<br /> Now, without further help,
+      if with good heed<br /> My words thy mind have treasur'd, thou henceforth<br />
+      This consistory round about mayst scan,<br /> And gaze thy fill. &nbsp;But
+      since thou hast on earth<br /> Heard vain disputers, reasoners in the
+      schools,<br /> Canvas the' angelic nature, and dispute<br /> Its powers of
+      apprehension, memory, choice;<br /> Therefore, 't is well thou take from me
+      the truth,<br /> Pure and without disguise, which they below,<br />
+      Equivocating, darken and perplex.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Know
+      thou, that, from the first, these substances,<br /> Rejoicing in the
+      countenance of God,<br /> Have held unceasingly their view, intent<br />
+      Upon the glorious vision, from the which<br /> Naught absent is nor hid:
+      where then no change<br /> Of newness with succession interrupts,<br />
+      Remembrance there needs none to gather up<br /> Divided thought and images
+      remote<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"So that men, thus at
+      variance with the truth<br /> Dream, though their eyes be open; reckless
+      some<br /> Of error; others well aware they err,<br /> To whom more guilt
+      and shame are justly due.<br /> Each the known track of sage philosophy<br />
+      Deserts, and has a byway of his own:<br /> So much the restless eagerness
+      to shine<br /> And love of singularity prevail.<br /> Yet this, offensive as
+      it is, provokes<br /> Heav'n's anger less, than when the book of God<br />
+      Is forc'd to yield to man's authority,<br /> Or from its straightness
+      warp'd: no reck'ning made<br /> What blood the sowing of it in the world<br />
+      Has cost; what favour for himself he wins,<br /> Who meekly clings to it.
+      &nbsp;The aim of all<br /> Is how to shine: e'en they, whose office is<br />
+      To preach the Gospel, let the gospel sleep,<br /> And pass their own
+      inventions off instead.<br /> One tells, how at Christ's suffering the wan
+      moon<br /> Bent back her steps, and shadow'd o'er the sun<br /> With
+      intervenient disk, as she withdrew:<br /> Another, how the light shrouded
+      itself<br /> Within its tabernacle, and left dark<br /> The Spaniard and the
+      Indian, with the Jew.<br /> Such fables Florence in her pulpit hears,<br />
+      Bandied about more frequent, than the names<br /> Of Bindi and of Lapi in
+      her streets.<br /> The sheep, meanwhile, poor witless ones, return<br />
+      From pasture, fed with wind: and what avails<br /> For their excuse, they
+      do not see their harm?<br /> Christ said not to his first conventicle,<br />
+      'Go forth and preach impostures to the world,'<br /> But gave them truth to
+      build on; and the sound<br /> Was mighty on their lips; nor needed they,<br />
+      Beside the gospel, other spear or shield,<br /> To aid them in their
+      warfare for the faith.<br /> The preacher now provides himself with store<br />
+      Of jests and gibes; and, so there be no lack<br /> Of laughter, while he
+      vents them, his big cowl<br /> Distends, and he has won the meed he sought:<br />
+      Could but the vulgar catch a glimpse the while<br /> Of that dark bird
+      which nestles in his hood,<br /> They scarce would wait to hear the
+      blessing said.<br /> Which now the dotards hold in such esteem,<br /> That
+      every counterfeit, who spreads abroad<br /> The hands of holy promise,
+      finds a throng<br /> Of credulous fools beneath. &nbsp;Saint Anthony<br />
+      Fattens with this his swine, and others worse<br /> Than swine, who diet at
+      his lazy board,<br /> Paying with unstamp'd metal for their fare.<br />
+      <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"But (for we far have wander'd) let us
+      seek<br /> The forward path again; so as the way<br /> Be shorten'd with the
+      time. &nbsp;No mortal tongue<br /> Nor thought of man hath ever reach'd so
+      far,<br /> That of these natures he might count the tribes.<br /> What
+      Daniel of their thousands hath reveal'd<br /> With finite number infinite
+      conceals.<br /> The fountain at whose source these drink their beams,<br />
+      With light supplies them in as many modes,<br /> As there are splendours,
+      that it shines on: each<br /> According to the virtue it conceives,<br />
+      Differing in love and sweet affection.<br /> Look then how lofty and how
+      huge in breadth<br /> The' eternal might, which, broken and dispers'd<br />
+      Over such countless mirrors, yet remains<br /> Whole in itself and one, as
+      at the first." <br /><br /> <a name="link30" id="link30"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <h2>
+      CANTO XXX
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      <br /> Noon's fervid hour perchance six thousand miles<br /> From hence is
+      distant; and the shadowy cone<br /> Almost to level on our earth declines;<br />
+      When from the midmost of this blue abyss<br /> By turns some star is to our
+      vision lost.<br /> And straightway as the handmaid of the sun<br /> Puts
+      forth her radiant brow, all, light by light,<br /> Fade, and the spangled
+      firmament shuts in,<br /> E'en to the loveliest of the glittering throng.<br />
+      Thus vanish'd gradually from my sight<br /> The triumph, which plays ever
+      round the point,<br /> That overcame me, seeming (for it did)<br /> Engirt
+      by that it girdeth. &nbsp;Wherefore love,<br /> With loss of other object,
+      forc'd me bend<br /> Mine eyes on Beatrice once again.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If
+      all, that hitherto is told of her,<br /> Were in one praise concluded, 't
+      were too weak<br /> To furnish out this turn. &nbsp;Mine eyes did look<br />
+      On beauty, such, as I believe in sooth,<br /> Not merely to exceed our
+      human, but,<br /> That save its Maker, none can to the full<br /> Enjoy it.
+      &nbsp;At this point o'erpower'd I fail,<br /> Unequal to my theme, as never
+      bard<br /> Of buskin or of sock hath fail'd before.<br /> For, as the sun
+      doth to the feeblest sight,<br /> E'en so remembrance of that witching
+      smile<br /> Hath dispossess my spirit of itself.<br /> Not from that day,
+      when on this earth I first<br /> Beheld her charms, up to that view of
+      them,<br /> Have I with song applausive ever ceas'd<br /> To follow, but not
+      follow them no more;<br /> My course here bounded, as each artist's is,<br />
+      When it doth touch the limit of his skill.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She
+      (such as I bequeath her to the bruit<br /> Of louder trump than mine, which
+      hasteneth on,<br /> Urging its arduous matter to the close),<br /> Her words
+      resum'd, in gesture and in voice<br /> Resembling one accustom'd to
+      command:<br /> "Forth from the last corporeal are we come<br /> Into the
+      heav'n, that is unbodied light,<br /> Light intellectual replete with love,<br />
+      Love of true happiness replete with joy,<br /> Joy, that transcends all
+      sweetness of delight.<br /> Here shalt thou look on either mighty host<br />
+      Of Paradise; and one in that array,<br /> Which in the final judgment thou
+      shalt see."<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As when the lightning,
+      in a sudden spleen<br /> Unfolded, dashes from the blinding eyes<br /> The
+      visive spirits dazzled and bedimm'd;<br /> So, round about me, fulminating
+      streams<br /> Of living radiance play'd, and left me swath'd<br /> And
+      veil'd in dense impenetrable blaze.<br /> Such weal is in the love, that
+      stills this heav'n;<br /> For its own flame the torch this fitting ever!<br />
+      <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No sooner to my list'ning ear had come<br />
+      The brief assurance, than I understood<br /> New virtue into me infus'd,
+      and sight<br /> Kindled afresh, with vigour to sustain<br /> Excess of
+      light, however pure. &nbsp;I look'd;<br /> And in the likeness of a river
+      saw<br /> Light flowing, from whose amber-seeming waves<br /> Flash'd up
+      effulgence, as they glided on<br /> 'Twixt banks, on either side, painted
+      with spring,<br /> Incredible how fair; and, from the tide,<br /> There ever
+      and anon, outstarting, flew<br /> Sparkles instinct with life; and in the
+      flow'rs<br /> Did set them, like to rubies chas'd in gold;<br /> Then, as if
+      drunk with odors, plung'd again<br /> Into the wondrous flood; from which,
+      as one<br /> Re'enter'd, still another rose. &nbsp;"The thirst<br /> Of
+      knowledge high, whereby thou art inflam'd,<br /> To search the meaning of
+      what here thou seest,<br /> The more it warms thee, pleases me the more.<br />
+      But first behooves thee of this water drink,<br /> Or ere that longing be
+      allay'd." &nbsp;So spake<br /> The day-star of mine eyes; then thus
+      subjoin'd:<br /> "This stream, and these, forth issuing from its gulf,<br />
+      And diving back, a living topaz each,<br /> With all this laughter on its
+      bloomy shores,<br /> Are but a preface, shadowy of the truth<br /> They
+      emblem: not that, in themselves, the things<br /> Are crude; but on thy
+      part is the defect,<br /> For that thy views not yet aspire so high."<br />
+      Never did babe, that had outslept his wont,<br /> Rush, with such eager
+      straining, to the milk,<br /> As I toward the water, bending me,<br /> To
+      make the better mirrors of mine eyes<br /> In the refining wave; and, as
+      the eaves<br /> Of mine eyelids did drink of it, forthwith<br /> Seem'd it
+      unto me turn'd from length to round,<br /> Then as a troop of maskers, when
+      they put<br /> Their vizors off, look other than before,<br /> The
+      counterfeited semblance thrown aside;<br /> So into greater jubilee were
+      chang'd<br /> Those flowers and sparkles, and distinct I saw<br /> Before me
+      either court of heav'n displac'd.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;O
+      prime enlightener! thou who crav'st me strength<br /> On the high triumph
+      of thy realm to gaze!<br /> Grant virtue now to utter what I kenn'd,<br />
+      &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There is in heav'n a light, whose goodly shine<br />
+      Makes the Creator visible to all<br /> Created, that in seeing him alone<br />
+      Have peace; and in a circle spreads so far,<br /> That the circumference
+      were too loose a zone<br /> To girdle in the sun. &nbsp;All is one beam,<br />
+      Reflected from the summit of the first,<br /> That moves, which being hence
+      and vigour takes,<br /> And as some cliff, that from the bottom eyes<br />
+      Its image mirror'd in the crystal flood,<br /> As if 't admire its brave
+      appareling<br /> Of verdure and of flowers: so, round about,<br /> Eyeing
+      the light, on more than million thrones,<br /> Stood, eminent, whatever
+      from our earth<br /> Has to the skies return'd. &nbsp;How wide the leaves<br />
+      Extended to their utmost of this rose,<br /> Whose lowest step embosoms
+      such a space<br /> Of ample radiance! &nbsp;Yet, nor amplitude<br /> Nor
+      height impeded, but my view with ease<br /> Took in the full dimensions of
+      that joy.<br /> Near or remote, what there avails, where God<br /> Immediate
+      rules, and Nature, awed, suspends<br /> Her sway? &nbsp;Into the yellow of
+      the rose<br /> Perennial, which in bright expansiveness,<br /> Lays forth
+      its gradual blooming, redolent<br /> Of praises to the never-wint'ring sun,<br />
+      As one, who fain would speak yet holds his peace,<br /> Beatrice led me;
+      and, "Behold," she said,<br /> "This fair assemblage! stoles of snowy white<br />
+      How numberless! &nbsp;The city, where we dwell,<br /> Behold how vast! and
+      these our seats so throng'd<br /> Few now are wanting here! &nbsp;In that
+      proud stall,<br /> On which, the crown, already o'er its state<br />
+      Suspended, holds thine eyes&mdash;or ere thyself<br /> Mayst at the wedding
+      sup,&mdash;shall rest the soul<br /> Of the great Harry, he who, by the
+      world<br /> Augustas hail'd, to Italy must come,<br /> Before her day be
+      ripe. &nbsp;But ye are sick,<br /> And in your tetchy wantonness as blind,<br />
+      As is the bantling, that of hunger dies,<br /> And drives away the nurse.
+      &nbsp;Nor may it be,<br /> That he, who in the sacred forum sways,<br />
+      Openly or in secret, shall with him<br /> Accordant walk: Whom God will not
+      endure<br /> I' th' holy office long; but thrust him down<br /> To Simon
+      Magus, where Magna's priest<br /> Will sink beneath him: such will be his
+      meed." <br /><br /> <a name="link31" id="link31"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <h2>
+      CANTO XXXI
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> <a href="images/31-1.jpg">ENLARGE TO FULL SIZE</a>
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:80%;">
+      <img alt="31-1th.jpg (51K)" src="images/31-1th.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br /> In fashion, as a snow-white rose, lay then<br />
+      Before my view the saintly multitude,<br /> Which in his own blood Christ
+      espous'd. &nbsp;Meanwhile<br /> That other host, that soar aloft to gaze<br />
+      And celebrate his glory, whom they love,<br /> Hover'd around; and, like a
+      troop of bees,<br /> Amid the vernal sweets alighting now,<br /> Now,
+      clustering, where their fragrant labour glows,<br /> Flew downward to the
+      mighty flow'r, or rose<br /> From the redundant petals, streaming back<br />
+      Unto the steadfast dwelling of their joy.<br /> Faces had they of flame,
+      and wings of gold;<br /> The rest was whiter than the driven snow.<br /> And
+      as they flitted down into the flower,<br /> From range to range, fanning
+      their plumy loins,<br /> Whisper'd the peace and ardour, which they won<br />
+      From that soft winnowing. &nbsp;Shadow none, the vast<br /> Interposition
+      of such numerous flight<br /> Cast, from above, upon the flower, or view<br />
+      Obstructed aught. &nbsp;For, through the universe,<br /> Wherever merited,
+      celestial light<br /> Glides freely, and no obstacle prevents.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All
+      there, who reign in safety and in bliss,<br /> Ages long past or new, on
+      one sole mark<br /> Their love and vision fix'd. &nbsp;O trinal beam<br />
+      Of individual star, that charmst them thus,<br /> Vouchsafe one glance to
+      gild our storm below!<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If the grim
+      brood, from Arctic shores that roam'd,<br /> (Where helice, forever, as she
+      wheels,<br /> Sparkles a mother's fondness on her son)<br /> Stood in mute
+      wonder 'mid the works of Rome,<br /> When to their view the Lateran arose<br />
+      In greatness more than earthly; I, who then<br /> From human to divine had
+      past, from time<br /> Unto eternity, and out of Florence<br /> To justice
+      and to truth, how might I choose<br /> But marvel too? &nbsp;'Twixt
+      gladness and amaze,<br /> In sooth no will had I to utter aught,<br /> Or
+      hear. &nbsp;And, as a pilgrim, when he rests<br /> Within the temple of his
+      vow, looks round<br /> In breathless awe, and hopes some time to tell<br />
+      Of all its goodly state: e'en so mine eyes<br /> Cours'd up and down along
+      the living light,<br /> Now low, and now aloft, and now around,<br />
+      Visiting every step. &nbsp;Looks I beheld,<br /> Where charity in soft
+      persuasion sat,<br /> Smiles from within and radiance from above,<br /> And
+      in each gesture grace and honour high.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;So
+      rov'd my ken, and its general form<br /> All Paradise survey'd: when round
+      I turn'd<br /> With purpose of my lady to inquire<br /> Once more of things,
+      that held my thought suspense,<br /> But answer found from other than I
+      ween'd;<br /> For, Beatrice, when I thought to see,<br /> I saw instead a
+      senior, at my side,<br /> &nbsp;Rob'd, as the rest, in glory. &nbsp;Joy
+      benign<br /> Glow'd in his eye, and o'er his cheek diffus'd,<br /> With
+      gestures such as spake a father's love.<br /> And, "Whither is she
+      vanish'd?" &nbsp;straight I ask'd.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"By
+      Beatrice summon'd," he replied,<br /> "I come to aid thy wish. &nbsp;Looking
+      aloft<br /> To the third circle from the highest, there<br /> Behold her on
+      the throne, wherein her merit<br /> Hath plac'd her." &nbsp;Answering not,
+      mine eyes I rais'd,<br /> And saw her, where aloof she sat, her brow<br /> A
+      wreath reflecting of eternal beams.<br /> Not from the centre of the sea so
+      far<br /> Unto the region of the highest thunder,<br /> As was my ken from
+      hers; and yet the form<br /> Came through that medium down, unmix'd and
+      pure,<br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> <a href="images/31-64.jpg">ENLARGE TO FULL
+      SIZE</a>
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:80%;">
+      <img alt="31-64th.jpg (43K)" src="images/31-64th.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"O Lady! thou in
+      whom my hopes have rest!<br /> Who, for my safety, hast not scorn'd, in
+      hell<br /> To leave the traces of thy footsteps mark'd!<br /> For all mine
+      eyes have seen, I, to thy power<br /> And goodness, virtue owe and grace.
+      &nbsp;Of slave,<br /> Thou hast to freedom brought me; and no means,<br />
+      For my deliverance apt, hast left untried.<br /> Thy liberal bounty still
+      toward me keep.<br /> That, when my spirit, which thou madest whole,<br />
+      Is loosen'd from this body, it may find<br /> Favour with thee." &nbsp;So I
+      my suit preferr'd:<br /> And she, so distant, as appear'd, look'd down,<br />
+      And smil'd; then tow'rds th' eternal fountain turn'd.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And
+      thus the senior, holy and rever'd:<br /> "That thou at length mayst happily
+      conclude<br /> Thy voyage (to which end I was dispatch'd,<br /> By
+      supplication mov'd and holy love)<br /> Let thy upsoaring vision range, at
+      large,<br /> This garden through: for so, by ray divine<br /> Kindled, thy
+      ken a higher flight shall mount;<br /> And from heav'n's queen, whom
+      fervent I adore,<br /> All gracious aid befriend us; for that I<br /> Am her
+      own faithful Bernard." &nbsp;Like a wight,<br /> Who haply from Croatia
+      wends to see<br /> Our Veronica, and the while 't is shown,<br /> Hangs over
+      it with never-sated gaze,<br /> And, all that he hath heard revolving,
+      saith<br /> Unto himself in thought: "And didst thou look<br /> E'en thus, O
+      Jesus, my true Lord and God?<br /> And was this semblance thine?" &nbsp;So
+      gaz'd I then<br /> Adoring; for the charity of him,<br /> Who musing, in the
+      world that peace enjoy'd,<br /> Stood lively before me. &nbsp;"Child of
+      grace!"<br /> Thus he began: "thou shalt not knowledge gain<br /> Of this
+      glad being, if thine eyes are held<br /> Still in this depth below. &nbsp;But
+      search around<br /> The circles, to the furthest, till thou spy<br /> Seated
+      in state, the queen, that of this realm<br /> Is sovran." &nbsp;Straight
+      mine eyes I rais'd; and bright,<br /> As, at the birth of morn, the eastern
+      clime<br /> Above th' horizon, where the sun declines;<br /> To mine eyes,
+      that upward, as from vale<br /> To mountain sped, at th' extreme bound, a
+      part<br /> Excell'd in lustre all the front oppos'd.<br /> And as the glow
+      burns ruddiest o'er the wave,<br /> That waits the sloping beam, which
+      Phaeton<br /> Ill knew to guide, and on each part the light<br /> Diminish'd
+      fades, intensest in the midst;<br /> So burn'd the peaceful oriflame, and
+      slack'd<br /> On every side the living flame decay'd.<br /> And in that
+      midst their sportive pennons wav'd<br /> Thousands of angels; in
+      resplendence each<br /> Distinct, and quaint adornment. At their glee<br />
+      And carol, smil'd the Lovely One of heav'n,<br /> That joy was in the eyes
+      of all the blest.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Had I a tongue
+      in eloquence as rich,<br /> As is the colouring in fancy's loom,<br /> 'T
+      were all too poor to utter the least part<br /> Of that enchantment. &nbsp;When
+      he saw mine eyes<br /> Intent on her, that charm'd him, Bernard gaz'd<br />
+      With so exceeding fondness, as infus'd<br /> Ardour into my breast, unfelt
+      before. <br /><br /> <a name="link32" id="link32"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <h2>
+      CANTO XXXII
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      <br /> Freely the sage, though wrapt in musings high,<br /> Assum'd the
+      teacher's part, and mild began:<br /> "The wound, that Mary clos'd, she
+      open'd first,<br /> Who sits so beautiful at Mary's feet.<br /> The third in
+      order, underneath her, lo!<br /> Rachel with Beatrice. Sarah next,<br />
+      Judith, Rebecca, and the gleaner maid,<br /> Meek ancestress of him, who
+      sang the songs<br /> Of sore repentance in his sorrowful mood.<br /> All, as
+      I name them, down from deaf to leaf,<br /> Are in gradation throned on the
+      rose.<br /> And from the seventh step, successively,<br /> Adown the
+      breathing tresses of the flow'r<br /> Still doth the file of Hebrew dames
+      proceed.<br /> For these are a partition wall, whereby<br /> The sacred
+      stairs are sever'd, as the faith<br /> In Christ divides them. &nbsp;On
+      this part, where blooms<br /> Each leaf in full maturity, are set<br /> Such
+      as in Christ, or ere he came, believ'd.<br /> On th' other, where an
+      intersected space<br /> Yet shows the semicircle void, abide<br /> All they,
+      who look'd to Christ already come.<br /> And as our Lady on her glorious
+      stool,<br /> And they who on their stools beneath her sit,<br /> This way
+      distinction make: e'en so on his,<br /> The mighty Baptist that way marks
+      the line<br /> (He who endur'd the desert and the pains<br /> Of martyrdom,
+      and for two years of hell,<br /> Yet still continued holy), and beneath,<br />
+      Augustin, Francis, Benedict, and the rest,<br /> Thus far from round to
+      round. &nbsp;So heav'n's decree<br /> Forecasts, this garden equally to
+      fill.<br /> With faith in either view, past or to come,<br /> Learn too,
+      that downward from the step, which cleaves<br /> Midway the twain
+      compartments, none there are<br /> Who place obtain for merit of their own,<br />
+      But have through others' merit been advanc'd,<br /> On set conditions:
+      spirits all releas'd,<br /> Ere for themselves they had the power to
+      choose.<br /> And, if thou mark and listen to them well,<br /> Their
+      childish looks and voice declare as much.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Here,
+      silent as thou art, I know thy doubt;<br /> And gladly will I loose the
+      knot, wherein<br /> Thy subtle thoughts have bound thee. &nbsp;From this
+      realm<br /> Excluded, chalice no entrance here may find,<br /> No more shall
+      hunger, thirst, or sorrow can.<br /> A law immutable hath establish'd all;<br />
+      Nor is there aught thou seest, that doth not fit,<br /> Exactly, as the
+      finger to the ring.<br /> It is not therefore without cause, that these,<br />
+      O'erspeedy comers to immortal life,<br /> Are different in their shares of
+      excellence.<br /> Our Sovran Lord&mdash;that settleth this estate<br /> In
+      love and in delight so absolute,<br /> That wish can dare no further&mdash;every
+      soul,<br /> Created in his joyous sight to dwell,<br /> With grace at
+      pleasure variously endows.<br /> And for a proof th' effect may well
+      suffice.<br /> And 't is moreover most expressly mark'd<br /> In holy
+      scripture, where the twins are said<br /> To, have struggled in the womb.
+      &nbsp;Therefore, as grace<br /> Inweaves the coronet, so every brow<br />
+      Weareth its proper hue of orient light.<br /> And merely in respect to his
+      prime gift,<br /> Not in reward of meritorious deed,<br /> Hath each his
+      several degree assign'd.<br /> In early times with their own innocence<br />
+      More was not wanting, than the parents' faith,<br /> To save them: those
+      first ages past, behoov'd<br /> That circumcision in the males should imp<br />
+      The flight of innocent wings: but since the day<br /> Of grace hath come,
+      without baptismal rites<br /> In Christ accomplish'd, innocence herself<br />
+      Must linger yet below. &nbsp;Now raise thy view<br /> Unto the visage most
+      resembling Christ:<br /> For, in her splendour only, shalt thou win<br />
+      The pow'r to look on him." &nbsp;Forthwith I saw<br /> Such floods of
+      gladness on her visage shower'd,<br /> From holy spirits, winging that
+      profound;<br /> That, whatsoever I had yet beheld,<br /> Had not so much
+      suspended me with wonder,<br /> Or shown me such similitude of God.<br />
+      And he, who had to her descended, once,<br /> On earth, now hail'd in
+      heav'n; and on pois'd wing.<br /> "Ave, Maria, Gratia Plena," sang:<br /> To
+      whose sweet anthem all the blissful court,<br /> From all parts answ'ring,
+      rang: that holier joy<br /> Brooded the deep serene. &nbsp;"Father rever'd:<br />
+      Who deign'st, for me, to quit the pleasant place,<br /> Wherein thou
+      sittest, by eternal lot!<br /> Say, who that angel is, that with such glee<br />
+      Beholds our queen, and so enamour'd glows<br /> Of her high beauty, that
+      all fire he seems."<br /> So I again resorted to the lore<br /> Of my wise
+      teacher, he, whom Mary's charms<br /> Embellish'd, as the sun the morning
+      star;<br /> Who thus in answer spake: "In him are summ'd,<br /> Whatever of
+      buxomness and free delight<br /> May be in Spirit, or in angel, met:<br />
+      And so beseems: for that he bare the palm<br /> Down unto Mary, when the
+      Son of God<br /> Vouchsaf'd to clothe him in terrestrial weeds.<br /> Now
+      let thine eyes wait heedful on my words,<br /> And note thou of this just
+      and pious realm<br /> The chiefest nobles. &nbsp;Those, highest in bliss,<br />
+      The twain, on each hand next our empress thron'd,<br /> Are as it were two
+      roots unto this rose.<br /> He to the left, the parent, whose rash taste<br />
+      Proves bitter to his seed; and, on the right,<br /> That ancient father of
+      the holy church,<br /> Into whose keeping Christ did give the keys<br /> Of
+      this sweet flow'r: near whom behold the seer,<br /> That, ere he died, saw
+      all the grievous times<br /> Of the fair bride, who with the lance and
+      nails<br /> Was won. &nbsp;And, near unto the other, rests<br /> The leader,
+      under whom on manna fed<br /> Th' ungrateful nation, fickle and perverse.<br />
+      On th' other part, facing to Peter, lo!<br /> Where Anna sits, so well
+      content to look<br /> On her lov'd daughter, that with moveless eye<br />
+      She chants the loud hosanna: while, oppos'd<br /> To the first father of
+      your mortal kind,<br /> Is Lucia, at whose hest thy lady sped,<br /> When on
+      the edge of ruin clos'd thine eye.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"But
+      (for the vision hasteneth so an end)<br /> Here break we off, as the good
+      workman doth,<br /> That shapes the cloak according to the cloth:<br /> And
+      to the primal love our ken shall rise;<br /> That thou mayst penetrate the
+      brightness, far<br /> As sight can bear thee. &nbsp;Yet, alas! in sooth<br />
+      Beating thy pennons, thinking to advance,<br /> Thou backward fall'st.
+      &nbsp;Grace then must first be gain'd;<br /> Her grace, whose might can
+      help thee. &nbsp;Thou in prayer<br /> Seek her: and, with affection, whilst
+      I sue,<br /> Attend, and yield me all thy heart." &nbsp;He said,<br /> And
+      thus the saintly orison began. <br /><br /> <a name="link33" id="link33"></a>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <h2>
+      CANTO XXXIII
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      <br /> "O virgin mother, daughter of thy Son,<br /> Created beings all in
+      lowliness<br /> Surpassing, as in height, above them all,<br /> Term by th'
+      eternal counsel pre-ordain'd,<br /> Ennobler of thy nature, so advanc'd<br />
+      In thee, that its great Maker did not scorn,<br /> Himself, in his own work
+      enclos'd to dwell!<br /> For in thy womb rekindling shone the love<br />
+      Reveal'd, whose genial influence makes now<br /> This flower to germin in
+      eternal peace!<br /> Here thou to us, of charity and love,<br /> Art, as the
+      noon-day torch: and art, beneath,<br /> To mortal men, of hope a living
+      spring.<br /> So mighty art thou, lady! and so great,<br /> That he who
+      grace desireth, and comes not<br /> To thee for aidance, fain would have
+      desire<br /> Fly without wings. &nbsp;Nor only him who asks,<br /> Thy
+      bounty succours, but doth freely oft<br /> Forerun the asking. &nbsp;Whatsoe'er
+      may be<br /> Of excellence in creature, pity mild,<br /> Relenting mercy,
+      large munificence,<br /> Are all combin'd in thee. &nbsp;Here kneeleth one,<br />
+      Who of all spirits hath review'd the state,<br /> From the world's lowest
+      gap unto this height.<br /> Suppliant to thee he kneels, imploring grace<br />
+      For virtue, yet more high to lift his ken<br /> Toward the bliss supreme.
+      &nbsp;And I, who ne'er<br /> Coveted sight, more fondly, for myself,<br />
+      Than now for him, my prayers to thee prefer,<br /> (And pray they be not
+      scant) that thou wouldst drive<br /> Each cloud of his mortality away;<br />
+      That on the sovran pleasure he may gaze.<br /> This also I entreat of thee,
+      O queen!<br /> Who canst do what thou wilt! that in him thou<br /> Wouldst
+      after all he hath beheld, preserve<br /> Affection sound, and human
+      passions quell.<br /> Lo! &nbsp;Where, with Beatrice, many a saint<br />
+      Stretch their clasp'd hands, in furtherance of my suit!"<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
+      eyes, that heav'n with love and awe regards,<br /> Fix'd on the suitor,
+      witness'd, how benign<br /> She looks on pious pray'rs: then fasten'd they<br />
+      On th' everlasting light, wherein no eye<br /> Of creature, as may well be
+      thought, so far<br /> Can travel inward. &nbsp;I, meanwhile, who drew<br />
+      Near to the limit, where all wishes end,<br /> The ardour of my wish (for
+      so behooved),<br /> Ended within me. Beck'ning smil'd the sage,<br /> That I
+      should look aloft: but, ere he bade,<br /> Already of myself aloft I
+      look'd;<br /> For visual strength, refining more and more,<br /> Bare me
+      into the ray authentical<br /> Of sovran light. &nbsp;Thenceforward, what I
+      saw,<br /> Was not for words to speak, nor memory's self<br /> To stand
+      against such outrage on her skill.<br /> As one, who from a dream awaken'd,
+      straight,<br /> All he hath seen forgets; yet still retains<br /> Impression
+      of the feeling in his dream;<br /> E'en such am I: for all the vision dies,<br />
+      As 't were, away; and yet the sense of sweet,<br /> That sprang from it,
+      still trickles in my heart.<br /> Thus in the sun-thaw is the snow
+      unseal'd;<br /> Thus in the winds on flitting leaves was lost<br /> The
+      Sybil's sentence. &nbsp;O eternal beam!<br /> (Whose height what reach of
+      mortal thought may soar?)<br /> Yield me again some little particle<br /> Of
+      what thou then appearedst, give my tongue<br /> Power, but to leave one
+      sparkle of thy glory,<br /> Unto the race to come, that shall not lose<br />
+      Thy triumph wholly, if thou waken aught<br /> Of memory in me, and endure
+      to hear<br /> The record sound in this unequal strain.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Such
+      keenness from the living ray I met,<br /> That, if mine eyes had turn'd
+      away, methinks,<br /> I had been lost; but, so embolden'd, on<br /> I
+      pass'd, as I remember, till my view<br /> Hover'd the brink of dread
+      infinitude.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;O grace! unenvying of
+      thy boon! that gav'st<br /> Boldness to fix so earnestly my ken<br /> On th'
+      everlasting splendour, that I look'd,<br /> While sight was unconsum'd,
+      and, in that depth,<br /> Saw in one volume clasp'd of love, whatever<br />
+      The universe unfolds; all properties<br /> Of substance and of accident,
+      beheld,<br /> Compounded, yet one individual light<br /> The whole. &nbsp;And
+      of such bond methinks I saw<br /> The universal form: for that whenever<br />
+      I do but speak of it, my soul dilates<br /> Beyond her proper self; and,
+      till I speak,<br /> One moment seems a longer lethargy,<br /> Than
+      five-and-twenty ages had appear'd<br /> To that emprize, that first made
+      Neptune wonder<br /> At Argo's shadow darkening on his flood.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With
+      fixed heed, suspense and motionless,<br /> Wond'ring I gaz'd; and
+      admiration still<br /> Was kindled, as I gaz'd. &nbsp;It may not be,<br />
+      That one, who looks upon that light, can turn<br /> To other object,
+      willingly, his view.<br /> For all the good, that will may covet, there<br />
+      Is summ'd; and all, elsewhere defective found,<br /> Complete. &nbsp;My
+      tongue shall utter now, no more<br /> E'en what remembrance keeps, than
+      could the babe's<br /> That yet is moisten'd at his mother's breast.<br />
+      Not that the semblance of the living light<br /> Was chang'd (that ever as
+      at first remain'd)<br /> But that my vision quickening, in that sole<br />
+      Appearance, still new miracles descry'd,<br /> And toil'd me with the
+      change. &nbsp;In that abyss<br /> Of radiance, clear and lofty, seem'd
+      methought,<br /> Three orbs of triple hue clipt in one bound:<br /> And,
+      from another, one reflected seem'd,<br /> As rainbow is from rainbow: and
+      the third<br /> Seem'd fire, breath'd equally from both. &nbsp;Oh speech<br />
+      How feeble and how faint art thou, to give<br /> Conception birth! &nbsp;Yet
+      this to what I saw<br /> Is less than little. &nbsp;Oh eternal light!<br />
+      Sole in thyself that dwellst; and of thyself<br /> Sole understood, past,
+      present, or to come!<br /> Thou smiledst; on that circling, which in thee<br />
+      Seem'd as reflected splendour, while I mus'd;<br /> For I therein,
+      methought, in its own hue<br /> Beheld our image painted: steadfastly<br />
+      I therefore por'd upon the view. &nbsp;As one<br /> Who vers'd in geometric
+      lore, would fain<br /> Measure the circle; and, though pondering long<br />
+      And deeply, that beginning, which he needs,<br /> Finds not; e'en such was
+      I, intent to scan<br /> The novel wonder, and trace out the form,<br /> How
+      to the circle fitted, and therein<br /> How plac'd: but the flight was not
+      for my wing;<br /> Had not a flash darted athwart my mind,<br /> And in the
+      spleen unfolded what it sought.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Here
+      vigour fail'd the tow'ring fantasy:<br /> But yet the will roll'd onward,
+      like a wheel<br /> In even motion, by the Love impell'd,<br /> That moves
+      the sun in heav'n and all the stars. <br /> <br />
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+
+
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+<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN">
+<html>
+<head>
+<title>Dante's Paradise, Complete</title>
+<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1">
+
+<style type="text/css">
+    <!--
+		body {background:#faebd7; margin:15%; text-align:justify}
+    P { text-indent:   1em;
+        margin-top:    .75em;
+        margin-bottom: .75em; }
+    H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; }
+    HR  { width: 33%; text-align: center; }
+		blockquote {font-size: 97%; }
+		table {font-size: 120%}
+		.figleft   {float: left;}
+    .figright  {float: right;}
+    .toc       { margin-left: 15%; margin-bottom: 0em;}
+    CENTER { padding: 10px;}
+		PRE    { font-family: Times; font-size: 97%; margin-left: 15%;}
+    // -->
+</style>
+
+</head>
+<body>
+
+<h2>THE VISION OF PARADISE, Complete
+<br>By Dante Alighieri, <br>Illustrated by Dore</h2>
+
+
+
+<center>
+<table summary="" cellPadding=6 border=4>
+<tr><td>
+
+&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="#contents"><b>List of Cantos</b></a>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>
+&nbsp;<a href="p1.htm"><b>Begin Part One</b></a>&nbsp;
+</td></tr>
+</table>
+</center>
+
+<pre>
+
+Project Gutenberg's The Vision of Paradise, Complete, by Dante Alighieri
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere 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.net
+
+
+Title: The Vision of Paradise, Complete
+
+Author: Dante Alighieri
+
+Release Date: August 2, 2004 [EBook #8799]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE VISION OF PARADISE, COMPLETE ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by David Widger
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+
+<center>
+<h1>THE VISION</h1><br>
+<h2>OF</h2><br>
+<h1>HELL, PURGATORY, AND PARADISE</h1><br>
+<h2>BY</h2><br>
+<h1>DANTE ALIGHIERI</h1>
+<br><br>
+
+
+<center>
+<table summary="" cellPadding=6 border=4>
+<tr><td>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://www.gutenberg.net/8/7/8/8789/8789-h/8789-h.htm"><b>HELL</b></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://www.gutenberg.net/8/7/9/8795/8795-h/8795-h.htm"><b>PURGATORY</b></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
+</td></tr>
+</table>
+</center>
+
+
+
+
+<br><br><br><br><br><br>
+<h2>PARADISE</h2>
+<h3>Complete</h3>
+<br><br><br>
+<h3>TRANSLATED BY</h3><br>
+<h2>THE REV. H. F. CARY, M.A.</h2>
+<br><br>
+<h4>Click on Any Image to Enlarge It</h4>
+
+<br><br><br><br>
+<a href="images/cover.jpg"><img alt="coverth.jpg (42K)" src="images/coverth.jpg" height="478" width="553"></a>
+<br><br><br><br>
+<a href="images/frontispiece.jpg"><img alt="front2.jpg (41K)" src="images/front2.jpg" height="477" width="431"></a>
+<br><br><br><br>
+<a href="images/titlepage.jpg"><img alt="title2.jpg (21K)" src="images/title2.jpg" height="535" width="416"></a>
+
+<br><br><br><br>
+<br><br><br><br>
+<h1>PARADISE</h1>
+</center>
+<br><br>
+<a name="contents"></a>
+<br><br>
+<center>
+<h2>LIST OF CANTOS</h2>
+</center>
+
+<center>
+<table summary="Contents">
+<tr><td>
+
+<a href="p1.htm#1">Canto 1</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br>
+<a href="p1.htm#2">Canto 2</a><br>
+<a href="p1.htm#3">Canto 3</a><br>
+<a href="p1.htm#4">Canto 4</a><br>
+<a href="p1.htm#5">Canto 5</a><br>
+<a href="p1.htm#6">Canto 6</a><br>
+<a href="p1.htm#7">Canto 7</a><br>
+<a href="p1.htm#8">Canto 8</a><br>
+<a href="p1.htm#9">Canto 9</a><br>
+<a href="p1.htm#10">Canto 10</a><br>
+<a href="p1.htm#11">Canto 11</a><br>
+</td>
+<td>
+<a href="p2.htm#12">Canto 12</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br>
+<a href="p2.htm#13">Canto 13</a><br>
+<a href="p2.htm#14">Canto 14</a><br>
+<a href="p2.htm#15">Canto 15</a><br>
+<a href="p2.htm#16">Canto 16</a><br>
+<a href="p2.htm#17">Canto 17</a><br>
+<a href="p2.htm#18">Canto 18</a><br>
+<a href="p2.htm#19">Canto 19</a><br>
+<a href="p2.htm#20">Canto 20</a><br>
+<a href="p2.htm#21">Canto 21</a><br>
+<a href="p2.htm#22">Canto 22</a><br>
+</td>
+<td>
+<a href="p3.htm#23">Canto 23</a><br>
+<a href="p3.htm#24">Canto 24</a><br>
+<a href="p3.htm#25">Canto 25</a><br>
+<a href="p3.htm#26">Canto 26</a><br>
+<a href="p3.htm#27">Canto 27</a><br>
+<a href="p3.htm#28">Canto 28</a><br>
+<a href="p3.htm#29">Canto 29</a><br>
+<a href="p3.htm#30">Canto 30</a><br>
+<a href="p3.htm#31">Canto 31</a><br>
+<a href="p3.htm#32">Canto 32</a><br>
+<a href="p3.htm#33">Canto 33</a><br>
+</td></tr>
+</table>
+</center>
+
+<br><br><br><br>
+<br><br><br><br>
+<br><br><br><br>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Vision of Paradise, Complete
+by Dante Alighieri
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+<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN">
+<html>
+<head>
+<title>Dante's Paradise, Complete</title>
+<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1">
+
+<style type="text/css">
+    <!--
+		body {background:#faebd7; margin:15%; text-align:justify}
+    P { text-indent:   1em;
+        margin-top:    .75em;
+        margin-bottom: .75em; }
+    H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; }
+    HR  { width: 33%; text-align: center; }
+		blockquote {font-size: 97%; }
+		table {font-size: 120%}
+		.figleft   {float: left;}
+    .figright  {float: right;}
+    .toc       { margin-left: 15%; margin-bottom: 0em;}
+    CENTER { padding: 10px;}
+		PRE    { font-family: Times; font-size: 97%; margin-left: 15%;}
+    // -->
+</style>
+
+</head>
+<body>
+
+<h2>THE VISION OF PARADISE, Complete
+<br>By Dante Alighieri, <br>Illustrated by Dore</h2>
+
+
+
+<center>
+<table summary="" cellPadding=6 border=4>
+<tr><td>
+
+&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="#contents"><b>List of Cantos</b></a>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>
+&nbsp;<a href="p1.htm"><b>Begin Part One</b></a>&nbsp;
+</td></tr>
+</table>
+</center>
+
+<pre>
+
+Project Gutenberg's The Vision of Paradise, Complete, by Dante Alighieri
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere 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.net
+
+
+Title: The Vision of Paradise, Complete
+
+Author: Dante Alighieri
+
+Release Date: August 2, 2004 [EBook #8799]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE VISION OF PARADISE, COMPLETE ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by David Widger
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+
+<center>
+<h1>THE VISION</h1><br>
+<h2>OF</h2><br>
+<h1>HELL, PURGATORY, AND PARADISE</h1><br>
+<h2>BY</h2><br>
+<h1>DANTE ALIGHIERI</h1>
+<br><br>
+
+
+<center>
+<table summary="" cellPadding=6 border=4>
+<tr><td>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://www.gutenberg.net/8/7/8/8789/8789-h/8789-h.htm"><b>HELL</b></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://www.gutenberg.net/8/7/9/8795/8795-h/8795-h.htm"><b>PURGATORY</b></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
+</td></tr>
+</table>
+</center>
+
+
+
+
+<br><br><br><br><br><br>
+<h2>PARADISE</h2>
+<h3>Complete</h3>
+<br><br><br>
+<h3>TRANSLATED BY</h3><br>
+<h2>THE REV. H. F. CARY, M.A.</h2>
+<br><br>
+<h4>Click on Any Image to Enlarge It</h4>
+
+<br><br><br><br>
+<a href="images/cover.jpg"><img alt="coverth.jpg (42K)" src="images/coverth.jpg" height="478" width="553"></a>
+<br><br><br><br>
+<a href="images/frontispiece.jpg"><img alt="front2.jpg (41K)" src="images/front2.jpg" height="477" width="431"></a>
+<br><br><br><br>
+<a href="images/titlepage.jpg"><img alt="title2.jpg (21K)" src="images/title2.jpg" height="535" width="416"></a>
+
+<br><br><br><br>
+<br><br><br><br>
+<h1>PARADISE</h1>
+</center>
+<br><br>
+<a name="contents"></a>
+<br><br>
+<center>
+<h2>LIST OF CANTOS</h2>
+</center>
+
+<center>
+<table summary="Contents">
+<tr><td>
+
+<a href="p1.htm#1">Canto 1</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br>
+<a href="p1.htm#2">Canto 2</a><br>
+<a href="p1.htm#3">Canto 3</a><br>
+<a href="p1.htm#4">Canto 4</a><br>
+<a href="p1.htm#5">Canto 5</a><br>
+<a href="p1.htm#6">Canto 6</a><br>
+<a href="p1.htm#7">Canto 7</a><br>
+<a href="p1.htm#8">Canto 8</a><br>
+<a href="p1.htm#9">Canto 9</a><br>
+<a href="p1.htm#10">Canto 10</a><br>
+<a href="p1.htm#11">Canto 11</a><br>
+</td>
+<td>
+<a href="p2.htm#12">Canto 12</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br>
+<a href="p2.htm#13">Canto 13</a><br>
+<a href="p2.htm#14">Canto 14</a><br>
+<a href="p2.htm#15">Canto 15</a><br>
+<a href="p2.htm#16">Canto 16</a><br>
+<a href="p2.htm#17">Canto 17</a><br>
+<a href="p2.htm#18">Canto 18</a><br>
+<a href="p2.htm#19">Canto 19</a><br>
+<a href="p2.htm#20">Canto 20</a><br>
+<a href="p2.htm#21">Canto 21</a><br>
+<a href="p2.htm#22">Canto 22</a><br>
+</td>
+<td>
+<a href="p3.htm#23">Canto 23</a><br>
+<a href="p3.htm#24">Canto 24</a><br>
+<a href="p3.htm#25">Canto 25</a><br>
+<a href="p3.htm#26">Canto 26</a><br>
+<a href="p3.htm#27">Canto 27</a><br>
+<a href="p3.htm#28">Canto 28</a><br>
+<a href="p3.htm#29">Canto 29</a><br>
+<a href="p3.htm#30">Canto 30</a><br>
+<a href="p3.htm#31">Canto 31</a><br>
+<a href="p3.htm#32">Canto 32</a><br>
+<a href="p3.htm#33">Canto 33</a><br>
+</td></tr>
+</table>
+</center>
+
+<br><br><br><br>
+<br><br><br><br>
+<br><br><br><br>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Vision of Paradise, Complete
+by Dante Alighieri
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE VISION OF PARADISE, COMPLETE ***
+
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+</pre>
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+</body>
+</html>
+
+
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+<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN">
+<html>
+<head>
+<title>Dante's Paradise, Part 1.</title>
+<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1">
+
+<style type="text/css">
+    <!--
+		body {background:#faebd7; margin:10%; text-align:justify}
+    P { text-indent:   1em;
+        margin-top:    .75em;
+        margin-bottom: .75em; }
+    H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; }
+    HR  { width: 33%; text-align: center; }
+		blockquote {font-size: 97%; }
+		table {font-size: 120%; }
+		.figleft   {float: left;}
+    .figright  {float: right;}
+    .toc       { margin-left: 15%; margin-bottom: 0em;}
+    CENTER { padding: 10px;}
+		PRE    { font-family: Times; font-size: 97%; margin-left: 15%;}
+    // -->
+</style>
+
+</head>
+<body>
+
+
+<center>
+<table summary="" cellPadding=4 border=3>
+<tr><td>
+ &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="p2.htm">Next Part</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
+</td><td>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="8799-h.htm">Main Index</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
+ </td></tr>
+</table>
+</center>
+<br><br>
+
+<br><br><br><br>
+
+
+
+<center>
+<h1>THE VISION</h1><br>
+<h2>OF</h2><br>
+<h1>HELL, PURGATORY, AND PARADISE</h1><br>
+<h2>BY</h2><br>
+<h1>DANTE ALIGHIERI</h1>
+<br><br><br>
+<br><br><br>
+<h2>PARADISE</h2>
+<h3>Part One</h3>
+<br><br><br>
+<h3>TRANSLATED BY</h3><br>
+<h2>THE REV. H. F. CARY, M.A.</h2>
+<br><br>
+<h4>Click on Any Image to Enlarge It</h4>
+
+<br><br><br><br>
+<a href="images/cover.jpg"><img alt="coverth.jpg (42K)" src="images/coverth.jpg" height="478" width="553"></a>
+<br><br><br><br>
+<a href="images/frontispiece.jpg"><img alt="front2.jpg (41K)" src="images/front2.jpg" height="477" width="431"></a>
+<br><br><br><br>
+<a href="images/titlepage.jpg"><img alt="title2.jpg (21K)" src="images/title2.jpg" height="535" width="416"></a>
+
+<br><br><br><br>
+<br><br><br><br>
+<h1>PARADISE</h1>
+</center>
+<br><br><br><br>
+<center>
+<h2>LIST OF CANTOS</h2>
+</center>
+
+<center>
+<table summary="Contents">
+<tr><td>
+
+
+
+
+
+<a href="#1">Canto 1</a><br>
+<a href="#2">Canto 2</a><br>
+<a href="#3">Canto 3</a><br>
+<a href="#4">Canto 4</a><br>
+<a href="#5">Canto 5</a><br>
+<a href="#6">Canto 6</a><br>
+<a href="#7">Canto 7</a><br>
+<a href="#8">Canto 8</a><br>
+<a href="#9">Canto 9</a><br>
+<a href="#10">Canto 10</a><br>
+<a href="#11">Canto 11</a><br>
+<a href="#12">Canto 12</a><br>
+<a href="#13">Canto 13</a><br>
+<a href="#14">Canto 14</a><br><br>
+
+
+
+
+</td></tr>
+</table>
+</center>
+<br><br><br><br>
+
+<center>
+<table summary="Paradise">
+<tr><td>
+
+
+
+
+<a name="1"></a>
+<h2>CANTO I</h2>
+<br>
+<p>His glory, by whose might all things are mov'd,<br>
+Pierces the universe, and in one part<br>
+Sheds more resplendence, elsewhere less. &nbsp;In heav'n,<br>
+That largeliest of his light partakes, was I,<br>
+Witness of things, which to relate again<br>
+Surpasseth power of him who comes from thence;<br>
+For that, so near approaching its desire<br>
+Our intellect is to such depth absorb'd,<br>
+That memory cannot follow. &nbsp;Nathless all,<br>
+That in my thoughts I of that sacred realm<br>
+Could store, shall now be matter of my song.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Benign Apollo! this last labour aid,<br>
+And make me such a vessel of thy worth,<br>
+As thy own laurel claims of me belov'd.<br>
+Thus far hath one of steep Parnassus' brows<br>
+Suffic'd me; henceforth there is need of both<br>
+For my remaining enterprise Do thou<br>
+Enter into my bosom, and there breathe<br>
+So, as when Marsyas by thy hand was dragg'd<br>
+Forth from his limbs unsheath'd. &nbsp;O power divine!<br>
+If thou to me of shine impart so much,<br>
+That of that happy realm the shadow'd form<br>
+Trac'd in my thoughts I may set forth to view,<br>
+Thou shalt behold me of thy favour'd tree<br>
+Come to the foot, and crown myself with leaves;<br>
+For to that honour thou, and my high theme<br>
+Will fit me. &nbsp;If but seldom, mighty Sire!<br>
+To grace his triumph gathers thence a wreath<br>
+Caesar or bard (more shame for human wills<br>
+Deprav'd) joy to the Delphic god must spring<br>
+From the Pierian foliage, when one breast<br>
+Is with such thirst inspir'd. &nbsp;From a small spark<br>
+Great flame hath risen: after me perchance<br>
+Others with better voice may pray, and gain<br>
+From the Cirrhaean city answer kind.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Through diver passages, the world's bright lamp<br>
+Rises to mortals, but through that which joins<br>
+Four circles with the threefold cross, in best<br>
+Course, and in happiest constellation set<br>
+He comes, and to the worldly wax best gives<br>
+Its temper and impression. &nbsp;Morning there,<br>
+Here eve was by almost such passage made;<br>
+And whiteness had o'erspread that hemisphere,<br>
+Blackness the other part; when to the left<br>
+I saw Beatrice turn'd, and on the sun<br>
+Gazing, as never eagle fix'd his ken.<br>
+As from the first a second beam is wont<br>
+To issue, and reflected upwards rise,<br>
+E'en as a pilgrim bent on his return,<br>
+So of her act, that through the eyesight pass'd<br>
+Into my fancy, mine was form'd; and straight,<br>
+Beyond our mortal wont, I fix'd mine eyes<br>
+Upon the sun. &nbsp;Much is allowed us there,<br>
+That here exceeds our pow'r; thanks to the place<br>
+Made for the dwelling of the human kind<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I suffer'd it not long, and yet so long<br>
+That I beheld it bick'ring sparks around,<br>
+As iron that comes boiling from the fire.<br>
+And suddenly upon the day appear'd<br>
+A day new-ris'n, as he, who hath the power,<br>
+Had with another sun bedeck'd the sky.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Her eyes fast fix'd on the eternal wheels,<br>
+Beatrice stood unmov'd; and I with ken<br>
+Fix'd upon her, from upward gaze remov'd<br>
+At her aspect, such inwardly became<br>
+As Glaucus, when he tasted of the herb,<br>
+That made him peer among the ocean gods;<br>
+Words may not tell of that transhuman change:<br>
+And therefore let the example serve, though weak,<br>
+For those whom grace hath better proof in store<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If I were only what thou didst create,<br>
+Then newly, Love! by whom the heav'n is rul'd,<br>
+Thou know'st, who by thy light didst bear me up.<br>
+Whenas the wheel which thou dost ever guide,<br>
+Desired Spirit! with its harmony<br>
+Temper'd of thee and measur'd, charm'd mine ear,<br>
+Then seem'd to me so much of heav'n to blaze<br>
+With the sun's flame, that rain or flood ne'er made<br>
+A lake so broad. &nbsp;The newness of the sound,<br>
+And that great light, inflam'd me with desire,<br>
+Keener than e'er was felt, to know their cause.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Whence she who saw me, clearly as myself,<br>
+To calm my troubled mind, before I ask'd,<br>
+Open'd her lips, and gracious thus began:<br>
+"With false imagination thou thyself<br>
+Mak'st dull, so that thou seest not the thing,<br>
+Which thou hadst seen, had that been shaken off.<br>
+Thou art not on the earth as thou believ'st;<br>
+For light'ning scap'd from its own proper place<br>
+Ne'er ran, as thou hast hither now return'd."<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Although divested of my first-rais'd doubt,<br>
+By those brief words, accompanied with smiles,<br>
+Yet in new doubt was I entangled more,<br>
+And said: "Already satisfied, I rest<br>
+From admiration deep, but now admire<br>
+How I above those lighter bodies rise."<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Whence, after utt'rance of a piteous sigh,<br>
+She tow'rds me bent her eyes, with such a look,<br>
+As on her frenzied child a mother casts;<br>
+Then thus began: "Among themselves all things<br>
+Have order; and from hence the form, which makes<br>
+The universe resemble God. &nbsp;In this<br>
+The higher creatures see the printed steps<br>
+Of that eternal worth, which is the end<br>
+Whither the line is drawn. &nbsp;All natures lean,<br>
+In this their order, diversely, some more,<br>
+Some less approaching to their primal source.<br>
+Thus they to different havens are mov'd on<br>
+Through the vast sea of being, and each one<br>
+With instinct giv'n, that bears it in its course;<br>
+This to the lunar sphere directs the fire,<br>
+This prompts the hearts of mortal animals,<br>
+This the brute earth together knits, and binds.<br>
+Nor only creatures, void of intellect,<br>
+Are aim'd at by this bow; but even those,<br>
+That have intelligence and love, are pierc'd.<br>
+That Providence, who so well orders all,<br>
+With her own light makes ever calm the heaven,<br>
+In which the substance, that hath greatest speed,<br>
+Is turn'd: and thither now, as to our seat<br>
+Predestin'd, we are carried by the force<br>
+Of that strong cord, that never looses dart,<br>
+But at fair aim and glad. &nbsp;Yet is it true,<br>
+That as ofttimes but ill accords the form<br>
+To the design of art, through sluggishness<br>
+Of unreplying matter, so this course<br>
+Is sometimes quitted by the creature, who<br>
+Hath power, directed thus, to bend elsewhere;<br>
+As from a cloud the fire is seen to fall,<br>
+From its original impulse warp'd, to earth,<br>
+By vicious fondness. &nbsp;Thou no more admire<br>
+Thy soaring, (if I rightly deem,) than lapse<br>
+Of torrent downwards from a mountain's height.<br>
+There would in thee for wonder be more cause,<br>
+If, free of hind'rance, thou hadst fix'd thyself<br>
+Below, like fire unmoving on the earth."<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;So said, she turn'd toward the heav'n her face.</p>
+
+<br><br>
+<a name="2"></a>
+<br><br>
+<h2>CANTO II</h2>
+<br>
+
+<p>All ye, who in small bark have following sail'd,<br>
+Eager to listen, on the advent'rous track<br>
+Of my proud keel, that singing cuts its way,<br>
+Backward return with speed, and your own shores<br>
+Revisit, nor put out to open sea,<br>
+Where losing me, perchance ye may remain<br>
+Bewilder'd in deep maze. &nbsp;The way I pass<br>
+Ne'er yet was run: Minerva breathes the gale,<br>
+Apollo guides me, and another Nine<br>
+To my rapt sight the arctic beams reveal.<br>
+Ye other few, who have outstretch'd the neck.<br>
+Timely for food of angels, on which here<br>
+They live, yet never know satiety,<br>
+Through the deep brine ye fearless may put out<br>
+Your vessel, marking, well the furrow broad<br>
+Before you in the wave, that on both sides<br>
+Equal returns. &nbsp;Those, glorious, who pass'd o'er<br>
+To Colchos, wonder'd not as ye will do,<br>
+When they saw Jason following the plough.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The increate perpetual thirst, that draws<br>
+Toward the realm of God's own form, bore us<br>
+Swift almost as the heaven ye behold.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Beatrice upward gaz'd, and I on her,<br>
+And in such space as on the notch a dart<br>
+Is plac'd, then loosen'd flies, I saw myself<br>
+Arriv'd, where wond'rous thing engag'd my sight.<br>
+Whence she, to whom no work of mine was hid,<br>
+Turning to me, with aspect glad as fair,<br>
+Bespake me: "Gratefully direct thy mind<br>
+To God, through whom to this first star we come."<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Me seem'd as if a cloud had cover'd us,<br>
+Translucent, solid, firm, and polish'd bright,<br>
+Like adamant, which the sun's beam had smit<br>
+Within itself the ever-during pearl<br>
+Receiv'd us, as the wave a ray of light<br>
+Receives, and rests unbroken. &nbsp;If I then<br>
+Was of corporeal frame, and it transcend<br>
+Our weaker thought, how one dimension thus<br>
+Another could endure, which needs must be<br>
+If body enter body, how much more<br>
+Must the desire inflame us to behold<br>
+That essence, which discovers by what means<br>
+God and our nature join'd! &nbsp;There will be seen<br>
+That which we hold through faith, not shown by proof,<br>
+But in itself intelligibly plain,<br>
+E'en as the truth that man at first believes.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I answered: "Lady! I with thoughts devout,<br>
+Such as I best can frame, give thanks to Him,<br>
+Who hath remov'd me from the mortal world.<br>
+But tell, I pray thee, whence the gloomy spots<br>
+Upon this body, which below on earth<br>
+Give rise to talk of Cain in fabling quaint?"<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She somewhat smil'd, then spake: "If mortals err<br>
+In their opinion, when the key of sense<br>
+Unlocks not, surely wonder's weapon keen<br>
+Ought not to pierce thee; since thou find'st, the wings<br>
+Of reason to pursue the senses' flight<br>
+Are short. &nbsp;But what thy own thought is, declare."<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then I: "What various here above appears,<br>
+Is caus'd, I deem, by bodies dense or rare."<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She then resum'd: "Thou certainly wilt see<br>
+In falsehood thy belief o'erwhelm'd, if well<br>
+Thou listen to the arguments, which I<br>
+Shall bring to face it. &nbsp;The eighth sphere displays<br>
+Numberless lights, the which in kind and size<br>
+May be remark'd of different aspects;<br>
+If rare or dense of that were cause alone,<br>
+One single virtue then would be in all,<br>
+Alike distributed, or more, or less.<br>
+Different virtues needs must be the fruits<br>
+Of formal principles, and these, save one,<br>
+Will by thy reasoning be destroy'd. &nbsp;Beside,<br>
+If rarity were of that dusk the cause,<br>
+Which thou inquirest, either in some part<br>
+That planet must throughout be void, nor fed<br>
+With its own matter; or, as bodies share<br>
+Their fat and leanness, in like manner this<br>
+Must in its volume change the leaves. &nbsp;The first,<br>
+If it were true, had through the sun's eclipse<br>
+Been manifested, by transparency<br>
+Of light, as through aught rare beside effus'd.<br>
+But this is not. &nbsp;Therefore remains to see<br>
+The other cause: and if the other fall,<br>
+Erroneous so must prove what seem'd to thee.<br>
+If not from side to side this rarity<br>
+Pass through, there needs must be a limit, whence<br>
+Its contrary no further lets it pass.<br>
+And hence the beam, that from without proceeds,<br>
+Must be pour'd back, as colour comes, through glass<br>
+Reflected, which behind it lead conceals.<br>
+Now wilt thou say, that there of murkier hue<br>
+Than in the other part the ray is shown,<br>
+By being thence refracted farther back.<br>
+From this perplexity will free thee soon<br>
+Experience, if thereof thou trial make,<br>
+The fountain whence your arts derive their streame.<br>
+Three mirrors shalt thou take, and two remove<br>
+From thee alike, and more remote the third.<br>
+Betwixt the former pair, shall meet thine eyes;<br>
+Then turn'd toward them, cause behind thy back<br>
+A light to stand, that on the three shall shine,<br>
+And thus reflected come to thee from all.<br>
+Though that beheld most distant do not stretch<br>
+A space so ample, yet in brightness thou<br>
+Will own it equaling the rest. &nbsp;But now,<br>
+As under snow the ground, if the warm ray<br>
+Smites it, remains dismantled of the hue<br>
+And cold, that cover'd it before, so thee,<br>
+Dismantled in thy mind, I will inform<br>
+With light so lively, that the tremulous beam<br>
+Shall quiver where it falls. &nbsp;Within the heaven,<br>
+Where peace divine inhabits, circles round<br>
+A body, in whose virtue dies the being<br>
+Of all that it contains. &nbsp;The following heaven,<br>
+That hath so many lights, this being divides,<br>
+Through &nbsp;different essences, from it distinct,<br>
+And yet contain'd within it. &nbsp;The other orbs<br>
+Their separate distinctions variously<br>
+Dispose, for their own seed and produce apt.<br>
+Thus do these organs of the world proceed,<br>
+As thou beholdest now, from step to step,<br>
+Their influences from above deriving,<br>
+And thence transmitting downwards. &nbsp;Mark me well,<br>
+How through this passage to the truth I ford,<br>
+The truth thou lov'st, that thou henceforth alone,<br>
+May'st know to keep the shallows, safe, untold.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"The virtue and motion of the sacred orbs,<br>
+As mallet by the workman's hand, must needs<br>
+By blessed movers be inspir'd. &nbsp;This heaven,<br>
+Made beauteous by so many luminaries,<br>
+From the deep spirit, that moves its circling sphere,<br>
+Its image takes an impress as a seal:<br>
+And as the soul, that dwells within your dust,<br>
+Through members different, yet together form'd,<br>
+In different pow'rs resolves itself; e'en so<br>
+The intellectual efficacy unfolds<br>
+Its goodness multiplied throughout the stars;<br>
+On its own unity revolving still.<br>
+Different virtue compact different<br>
+Makes with the precious body it enlivens,<br>
+With which it knits, as life in you is knit.<br>
+From its original nature full of joy,<br>
+The virtue mingled through the body shines,<br>
+As joy through pupil of the living eye.<br>
+From hence proceeds, that which from light to light<br>
+Seems different, and not from dense or rare.<br>
+This is the formal cause, that generates<br>
+Proportion'd to its power, the dusk or clear."</p>
+
+
+<br><br>
+<a name="3"></a>
+<br><br>
+<h2>CANTO III</h2>
+<br>
+
+<p>That sun, which erst with love my bosom warm'd<br>
+Had of fair truth unveil'd the sweet aspect,<br>
+By proof of right, and of the false reproof;<br>
+And I, to own myself convinc'd and free<br>
+Of doubt, as much as needed, rais'd my head<br>
+Erect for speech. &nbsp;But soon a sight appear'd,<br>
+Which, so intent to mark it, held me fix'd,<br>
+That of confession I no longer thought.<br>
+
+
+<br><br><br><br>
+<a href="images/03-14.jpg"><img alt="03-14th.jpg (32K)" src="images/03-14th.jpg" height="469" width="433"></a>
+<br><br><br><br>
+
+
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As through translucent and smooth glass, or wave<br>
+Clear and unmov'd, and flowing not so deep<br>
+As that its bed is dark, the shape returns<br>
+So faint of our impictur'd lineaments,<br>
+That on white forehead set a pearl as strong<br>
+Comes to the eye: such saw I many a face,<br>
+All stretch'd to speak, from whence I straight conceiv'd<br>
+Delusion opposite to that, which rais'd<br>
+Between the man and fountain, amorous flame.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sudden, as I perceiv'd them, deeming these<br>
+Reflected semblances to see of whom<br>
+They were, I turn'd mine eyes, and nothing saw;<br>
+Then turn'd them back, directed on the light<br>
+Of my sweet guide, who smiling shot forth beams<br>
+From her celestial eyes. &nbsp;"Wonder not thou,"<br>
+She cry'd, "at this my smiling, when I see<br>
+Thy childish judgment; since not yet on truth<br>
+It rests the foot, but, as it still is wont,<br>
+Makes thee fall back in unsound vacancy.<br>
+True substances are these, which thou behold'st,<br>
+Hither through failure of their vow exil'd.<br>
+But speak thou with them; listen, and believe,<br>
+That the true light, which fills them with desire,<br>
+Permits not from its beams their feet to stray."<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Straight to the shadow which for converse seem'd<br>
+Most earnest, I addressed me, and began,<br>
+As one by over-eagerness perplex'd:<br>
+"O spirit, born for joy! who in the rays<br>
+Of life eternal, of that sweetness know'st<br>
+The flavour, which, not tasted, passes far<br>
+All apprehension, me it well would please,<br>
+If thou wouldst tell me of thy name, and this<br>
+Your station here." Whence she, with kindness prompt,<br>
+And eyes glist'ning with smiles: "Our charity,<br>
+To any wish by justice introduc'd,<br>
+Bars not the door, no more than she above,<br>
+Who would have all her court be like herself.<br>
+I was a virgin sister in the earth;<br>
+And if thy mind observe me well, this form,<br>
+With such addition grac'd of loveliness,<br>
+Will not conceal me long, but thou wilt know<br>
+Piccarda, in the tardiest sphere thus plac'd,<br>
+Here 'mid these other blessed also blest.<br>
+Our hearts, whose high affections burn alone<br>
+With pleasure, from the Holy Spirit conceiv'd,<br>
+Admitted to his order dwell in joy.<br>
+And this condition, which appears so low,<br>
+Is for this cause assign'd us, that our vows<br>
+Were in some part neglected and made void."<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Whence I to her replied: "Something divine<br>
+Beams in your countenance, wond'rous fair,<br>
+From former knowledge quite transmuting you.<br>
+Therefore to recollect was I so slow.<br>
+But what thou sayst hath to my memory<br>
+Given now such aid, that to retrace your forms<br>
+Is easier. &nbsp;Yet inform me, ye, who here<br>
+Are happy, long ye for a higher place<br>
+More to behold, and more in love to dwell?"<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She with those other spirits gently smil'd,<br>
+Then answer'd with such gladness, that she seem'd<br>
+With love's first flame to glow: "Brother! our will<br>
+Is in composure settled by the power<br>
+Of charity, who makes us will alone<br>
+What we possess, and nought beyond desire;<br>
+If we should wish to be exalted more,<br>
+Then must our wishes jar with the high will<br>
+Of him, who sets us here, which in these orbs<br>
+Thou wilt confess not possible, if here<br>
+To be in charity must needs befall,<br>
+And if her nature well thou contemplate.<br>
+Rather it is inherent in this state<br>
+Of blessedness, to keep ourselves within<br>
+The divine will, by which our wills with his<br>
+Are one. &nbsp;So that as we from step to step<br>
+Are plac'd throughout this kingdom, pleases all,<br>
+E'en as our King, who in us plants his will;<br>
+And in his will is our tranquillity;<br>
+It is the mighty ocean, whither tends<br>
+Whatever it creates and nature makes."<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then saw I clearly how each spot in heav'n<br>
+Is Paradise, though with like gracious dew<br>
+The supreme virtue show'r not over all.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But as it chances, if one sort of food<br>
+Hath satiated, and of another still<br>
+The appetite remains, that this is ask'd,<br>
+And thanks for that return'd; e'en so did I<br>
+In word and motion, bent from her to learn<br>
+What web it was, through which she had not drawn<br>
+The shuttle to its point. &nbsp;She thus began:<br>
+"Exalted worth and perfectness of life<br>
+The Lady higher up enshrine in heaven,<br>
+By whose pure laws upon your nether earth<br>
+The robe and veil they wear, to that intent,<br>
+That e'en till death they may keep watch or sleep<br>
+With their great bridegroom, who accepts each vow,<br>
+Which to his gracious pleasure love conforms.<br>
+from the world, to follow her, when young<br>
+Escap'd; and, in her vesture mantling me,<br>
+Made promise of the way her sect enjoins.<br>
+Thereafter men, for ill than good more apt,<br>
+Forth snatch'd me from the pleasant cloister's pale.<br>
+God knows how after that my life was fram'd.<br>
+This other splendid shape, which thou beholdst<br>
+At my right side, burning with all the light<br>
+Of this our orb, what of myself I tell<br>
+May to herself apply. &nbsp;From her, like me<br>
+A sister, with like violence were torn<br>
+The saintly folds, that shaded her fair brows.<br>
+E'en when she to the world again was brought<br>
+In spite of her own will and better wont,<br>
+Yet not for that the bosom's inward veil<br>
+Did she renounce. &nbsp;This is the luminary<br>
+Of mighty Constance, who from that loud blast,<br>
+Which blew the second over Suabia's realm,<br>
+That power produc'd, which was the third and last."<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She ceas'd from further talk, and then began<br>
+"Ave Maria" singing, and with that song<br>
+Vanish'd, as heavy substance through deep wave.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mine eye, that far as it was capable,<br>
+Pursued her, when in dimness she was lost,<br>
+Turn'd to the mark where greater want impell'd,<br>
+And bent on Beatrice all its gaze.<br>
+But she as light'ning beam'd upon my looks:<br>
+So that the sight sustain'd it not at first.<br>
+Whence I to question her became less prompt.</p>
+
+
+
+<br><br>
+<a name="4"></a>
+<br><br>
+<h2>CANTO IV</h2>
+<br>
+
+<p>Between two kinds of food, both equally<br>
+Remote and tempting, first a man might die<br>
+Of hunger, ere he one could freely choose.<br>
+E'en so would stand a lamb between the maw<br>
+Of two fierce wolves, in dread of both alike:<br>
+E'en so between two deer a dog would stand,<br>
+Wherefore, if I was silent, fault nor praise<br>
+I to myself impute, by equal doubts<br>
+Held in suspense, since of necessity<br>
+It happen'd. &nbsp;Silent was I, yet desire<br>
+Was painted in my looks; and thus I spake<br>
+My wish more earnestly than language could.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As Daniel, when the haughty king he freed<br>
+From ire, that spurr'd him on to deeds unjust<br>
+And violent; so look'd Beatrice then.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Well I discern," she thus her words address'd,<br>
+"How contrary desires each way constrain thee,<br>
+So that thy anxious thought is in itself<br>
+Bound up and stifled, nor breathes freely forth.<br>
+Thou arguest; if the good intent remain;<br>
+What reason that another's violence<br>
+Should stint the measure of my fair desert?<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Cause too thou findst for doubt, in that it seems,<br>
+That spirits to the stars, as Plato deem'd,<br>
+Return. &nbsp;These are the questions which thy will<br>
+Urge equally; and therefore I the first<br>
+Of that will treat which hath the more of gall.<br>
+Of seraphim he who is most ensky'd,<br>
+Moses and Samuel, and either John,<br>
+Choose which thou wilt, nor even Mary's self,<br>
+Have not in any other heav'n their seats,<br>
+Than have those spirits which so late thou saw'st;<br>
+Nor more or fewer years exist; but all<br>
+Make the first circle beauteous, diversely<br>
+Partaking of sweet life, as more or less<br>
+Afflation of eternal bliss pervades them.<br>
+Here were they shown thee, not that fate assigns<br>
+This for their sphere, but for a sign to thee<br>
+Of that celestial furthest from the height.<br>
+Thus needs, that ye may apprehend, we speak:<br>
+Since from things sensible alone ye learn<br>
+That, which digested rightly after turns<br>
+To intellectual. &nbsp;For no other cause<br>
+The scripture, condescending graciously<br>
+To your perception, hands and feet to God<br>
+Attributes, nor so means: and holy church<br>
+Doth represent with human countenance<br>
+Gabriel, and Michael, and him who made<br>
+Tobias whole. &nbsp;Unlike what here thou seest,<br>
+The judgment of Timaeus, who affirms<br>
+Each soul restor'd to its particular star,<br>
+Believing it to have been taken thence,<br>
+When nature gave it to inform her mold:<br>
+Since to appearance his intention is<br>
+E'en what his words declare: or else to shun<br>
+Derision, haply thus he hath disguis'd<br>
+His true opinion. &nbsp;If his meaning be,<br>
+That to the influencing of these orbs revert<br>
+The honour and the blame in human acts,<br>
+Perchance he doth not wholly miss the truth.<br>
+This principle, not understood aright,<br>
+Erewhile perverted well nigh all the world;<br>
+So that it fell to fabled names of Jove,<br>
+And Mercury, and Mars. &nbsp;That other doubt,<br>
+Which moves thee, is less harmful; for it brings<br>
+No peril of removing thee from me.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"That, to the eye of man, our justice seems<br>
+Unjust, is argument for faith, and not<br>
+For heretic declension. &nbsp;To the end<br>
+This truth may stand more clearly in your view,<br>
+I will content thee even to thy wish<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"If violence be, when that which suffers, nought<br>
+Consents to that which forceth, not for this<br>
+These spirits stood exculpate. &nbsp;For the will,<br>
+That will not, still survives unquench'd, and doth<br>
+As nature doth in fire, tho' violence<br>
+Wrest it a thousand times; for, if it yield<br>
+Or more or less, so far it follows force.<br>
+And thus did these, whom they had power to seek<br>
+The hallow'd place again. &nbsp;In them, had will<br>
+Been perfect, such as once upon the bars<br>
+Held Laurence firm, or wrought in Scaevola<br>
+To his own hand remorseless, to the path,<br>
+Whence they were drawn, their steps had hasten'd back,<br>
+When liberty return'd: but in too few<br>
+Resolve so steadfast dwells. &nbsp;And by these words<br>
+If duly weigh'd, that argument is void,<br>
+Which oft might have perplex'd thee still. &nbsp;But now<br>
+Another question thwarts thee, which to solve<br>
+Might try thy patience without better aid.<br>
+I have, no doubt, instill'd into thy mind,<br>
+That blessed spirit may not lie; since near<br>
+The source of primal truth it dwells for aye:<br>
+And thou might'st after of Piccarda learn<br>
+That Constance held affection to the veil;<br>
+So that she seems to contradict me here.<br>
+Not seldom, brother, it hath chanc'd for men<br>
+To do what they had gladly left undone,<br>
+Yet to shun peril they have done amiss:<br>
+E'en as Alcmaeon, at his father's suit<br>
+Slew his own mother, so made pitiless<br>
+Not to lose pity. &nbsp;On this point bethink thee,<br>
+That force and will are blended in such wise<br>
+As not to make the' offence excusable.<br>
+Absolute will agrees not to the wrong,<br>
+That inasmuch as there is fear of woe<br>
+From non-compliance, it agrees. &nbsp;Of will<br>
+Thus absolute Piccarda spake, and I<br>
+Of th' other; so that both have truly said."<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Such was the flow of that pure rill, that well'd<br>
+From forth the fountain of all truth; and such<br>
+The rest, that to my wond'ring thoughts I found.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"O thou of primal love the prime delight!<br>
+Goddess!" &nbsp;I straight reply'd, "whose lively words<br>
+Still shed new heat and vigour through my soul!<br>
+Affection fails me to requite thy grace<br>
+With equal sum of gratitude: be his<br>
+To recompense, who sees and can reward thee.<br>
+Well I discern, that by that truth alone<br>
+Enlighten'd, beyond which no truth may roam,<br>
+Our mind can satisfy her thirst to know:<br>
+Therein she resteth, e'en as in his lair<br>
+The wild beast, soon as she hath reach'd that bound,<br>
+And she hath power to reach it; else desire<br>
+Were given to no end. &nbsp;And thence doth doubt<br>
+Spring, like a shoot, around the stock of truth;<br>
+And it is nature which from height to height<br>
+On to the summit prompts us. &nbsp;This invites,<br>
+This doth assure me, lady, rev'rently<br>
+To ask thee of other truth, that yet<br>
+Is dark to me. &nbsp;I fain would know, if man<br>
+By other works well done may so supply<br>
+The failure of his vows, that in your scale<br>
+They lack not weight." &nbsp;I spake; and on me straight<br>
+Beatrice look'd with eyes that shot forth sparks<br>
+Of love celestial in such copious stream,<br>
+That, virtue sinking in me overpower'd,<br>
+I turn'd, and downward bent confus'd my sight.</p>
+
+
+<br><br>
+<a name="5"></a>
+<br><br>
+<h2>CANTO V</h2>
+<br>
+
+<p>"If beyond earthly wont, the flame of love<br>
+Illume me, so that I o'ercome thy power<br>
+Of vision, marvel not: but learn the cause<br>
+In that perfection of the sight, which soon<br>
+As apprehending, hasteneth on to reach<br>
+The good it apprehends. &nbsp;I well discern,<br>
+How in thine intellect already shines<br>
+The light eternal, which to view alone<br>
+Ne'er fails to kindle love; and if aught else<br>
+Your love seduces, 't is but that it shows<br>
+Some ill-mark'd vestige of that primal beam.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"This would'st thou know, if failure of the vow<br>
+By other service may be so supplied,<br>
+As from self-question to assure the soul."<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Thus she her words, not heedless of my wish,<br>
+Began; and thus, as one who breaks not off<br>
+Discourse, continued in her saintly strain.<br>
+"Supreme of gifts, which God creating gave<br>
+Of his free bounty, sign most evident<br>
+Of goodness, and in his account most priz'd,<br>
+Was liberty of will, the boon wherewith<br>
+All intellectual creatures, and them sole<br>
+He hath endow'd. &nbsp;Hence now thou mayst infer<br>
+Of what high worth the vow, which so is fram'd<br>
+That when man offers, God well-pleas'd accepts;<br>
+For in the compact between God and him,<br>
+This treasure, such as I describe it to thee,<br>
+He makes the victim, and of his own act.<br>
+What compensation therefore may he find?<br>
+If that, whereof thou hast oblation made,<br>
+By using well thou think'st to consecrate,<br>
+Thou would'st of theft do charitable deed.<br>
+Thus I resolve thee of the greater point.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"But forasmuch as holy church, herein<br>
+Dispensing, seems to contradict the truth<br>
+I have discover'd to thee, yet behooves<br>
+Thou rest a little longer at the board,<br>
+Ere the crude aliment, which thou hast taken,<br>
+Digested fitly to nutrition turn.<br>
+Open thy mind to what I now unfold,<br>
+And give it inward keeping. &nbsp;Knowledge comes<br>
+Of learning well retain'd, unfruitful else.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"This sacrifice in essence of two things<br>
+Consisteth; one is that, whereof 't is made,<br>
+The covenant the other. &nbsp;For the last,<br>
+It ne'er is cancell'd if not kept: and hence<br>
+I spake erewhile so strictly of its force.<br>
+For this it was enjoin'd the Israelites,<br>
+Though leave were giv'n them, as thou know'st, to change<br>
+The offering, still to offer. &nbsp;Th' other part,<br>
+The matter and the substance of the vow,<br>
+May well be such, to that without offence<br>
+It may for other substance be exchang'd.<br>
+But at his own discretion none may shift<br>
+The burden on his shoulders, unreleas'd<br>
+By either key, the yellow and the white.<br>
+Nor deem of any change, as less than vain,<br>
+If the last bond be not within the new<br>
+Included, as the quatre in the six.<br>
+No satisfaction therefore can be paid<br>
+For what so precious in the balance weighs,<br>
+That all in counterpoise must kick the beam.<br>
+Take then no vow at random: ta'en, with faith<br>
+Preserve it; yet not bent, as Jephthah once,<br>
+Blindly to execute a rash resolve,<br>
+Whom better it had suited to exclaim,<br>
+'I have done ill,' than to redeem his pledge<br>
+By doing worse or, not unlike to him<br>
+In folly, that great leader of the Greeks:<br>
+Whence, on the alter, Iphigenia mourn'd<br>
+Her virgin beauty, and hath since made mourn<br>
+Both wise and simple, even all, who hear<br>
+Of so fell sacrifice. &nbsp;Be ye more staid,<br>
+O Christians, not, like feather, by each wind<br>
+Removable: nor think to cleanse ourselves<br>
+In every water. &nbsp;Either testament,<br>
+The old and new, is yours: and for your guide<br>
+The shepherd of the church let this suffice<br>
+To save you. &nbsp;When by evil lust entic'd,<br>
+Remember ye be men, not senseless beasts;<br>
+Nor let the Jew, who dwelleth in your streets,<br>
+Hold you in mock'ry. &nbsp;Be not, as the lamb,<br>
+That, fickle wanton, leaves its mother's milk,<br>
+To dally with itself in idle play."<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Such were the words that Beatrice spake:<br>
+These ended, to that region, where the world<br>
+Is liveliest, full of fond desire she turn'd.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Though mainly prompt new question to propose,<br>
+Her silence and chang'd look did keep me dumb.<br>
+And as the arrow, ere the cord is still,<br>
+Leapeth unto its mark; so on we sped<br>
+Into the second realm. &nbsp;There I beheld<br>
+The dame, so joyous enter, that the orb<br>
+Grew brighter at her smiles; and, if the star<br>
+Were mov'd to gladness, what then was my cheer,<br>
+Whom nature hath made apt for every change!<br>
+
+<br><br><br><br>
+<a href="images/05-99.jpg"><img alt="05-99th.jpg (38K)" src="images/05-99th.jpg" height="475" width="431"></a>
+<br><br><br><br>
+
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As in a quiet and clear lake the fish,<br>
+If aught approach them from without, do draw<br>
+Towards it, deeming it their food; so drew<br>
+Full more than thousand splendours towards us,<br>
+And in each one was heard: "Lo! one arriv'd<br>
+To multiply our loves!" and as each came<br>
+The shadow, streaming forth effulgence new,<br>
+Witness'd augmented joy. &nbsp;Here, reader! think,<br>
+If thou didst miss the sequel of my tale,<br>
+To know the rest how sorely thou wouldst crave;<br>
+And thou shalt see what vehement desire<br>
+Possess'd me, as soon as these had met my view,<br>
+To know their state. &nbsp;"O born in happy hour!<br>
+Thou to whom grace vouchsafes, or ere thy close<br>
+Of fleshly warfare, to behold the thrones<br>
+Of that eternal triumph, know to us<br>
+The light communicated, which through heaven<br>
+Expatiates without bound. &nbsp;Therefore, if aught<br>
+Thou of our beams wouldst borrow for thine aid,<br>
+Spare not; and of our radiance take thy fill."<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Thus of those piteous spirits one bespake me;<br>
+And Beatrice next: "Say on; and trust<br>
+As unto gods!"&mdash;"How in the light supreme<br>
+Thou harbour'st, and from thence the virtue bring'st,<br>
+That, sparkling in thine eyes, denotes thy joy,<br>
+l mark; but, who thou art, am still to seek;<br>
+Or wherefore, worthy spirit! for thy lot<br>
+This sphere assign'd, that oft from mortal ken<br>
+Is veil'd by others' beams." &nbsp;I said, and turn'd<br>
+Toward the lustre, that with greeting, kind<br>
+Erewhile had hail'd me. &nbsp;Forthwith brighter far<br>
+Than erst, it wax'd: and, as himself the sun<br>
+Hides through excess of light, when his warm gaze<br>
+Hath on the mantle of thick vapours prey'd;<br>
+Within its proper ray the saintly shape<br>
+Was, through increase of gladness, thus conceal'd;<br>
+And, shrouded so in splendour answer'd me,<br>
+E'en as the tenour of my song declares.</p>
+
+
+<br><br>
+<a name="6"></a>
+<br><br>
+<h2>CANTO VI</h2>
+<br>
+
+<p>"After that Constantine the eagle turn'd<br>
+Against the motions of the heav'n, that roll'd<br>
+Consenting with its course, when he of yore,<br>
+Lavinia's spouse, was leader of the flight,<br>
+A hundred years twice told and more, his seat<br>
+At Europe's extreme point, the bird of Jove<br>
+Held, near the mountains, whence he issued first.<br>
+There, under shadow of his sacred plumes<br>
+Swaying the world, till through successive hands<br>
+To mine he came devolv'd. &nbsp;Caesar I was,<br>
+And am Justinian; destin'd by the will<br>
+Of that prime love, whose influence I feel,<br>
+From vain excess to clear th' encumber'd laws.<br>
+Or ere that work engag'd me, I did hold<br>
+Christ's nature merely human, with such faith<br>
+Contented. &nbsp;But the blessed Agapete,<br>
+Who was chief shepherd, he with warning voice<br>
+To the true faith recall'd me. &nbsp;I believ'd<br>
+His words: and what he taught, now plainly see,<br>
+As thou in every contradiction seest<br>
+The true and false oppos'd. &nbsp;Soon as my feet<br>
+Were to the church reclaim'd, to my great task,<br>
+By inspiration of God's grace impell'd,<br>
+I gave me wholly, and consign'd mine arms<br>
+To Belisarius, with whom heaven's right hand<br>
+Was link'd in such conjointment, 't was a sign<br>
+That I should rest. &nbsp;To thy first question thus<br>
+I shape mine answer, which were ended here,<br>
+But that its tendency doth prompt perforce<br>
+To some addition; that thou well, mayst mark<br>
+What reason on each side they have to plead,<br>
+By whom that holiest banner is withstood,<br>
+Both who pretend its power and who oppose.<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Beginning from that hour, when Pallas died<br>
+To give it rule, behold the valorous deeds<br>
+Have made it worthy reverence. &nbsp;Not unknown<br>
+To thee, how for three hundred years and more<br>
+It dwelt in Alba, up to those fell lists<br>
+Where for its sake were met the rival three;<br>
+Nor aught unknown to thee, which it achiev'd<br>
+Down to the Sabines' wrong to Lucrece' woe,<br>
+With its sev'n kings conqu'ring the nation round;<br>
+Nor all it wrought, by Roman worthies home<br>
+'Gainst Brennus and th' Epirot prince, and hosts<br>
+Of single chiefs, or states in league combin'd<br>
+Of social warfare; hence Torquatus stern,<br>
+And Quintius nam'd of his neglected locks,<br>
+The Decii, and the Fabii hence acquir'd<br>
+Their fame, which I with duteous zeal embalm.<br>
+By it the pride of Arab hordes was quell'd,<br>
+When they led on by Hannibal o'erpass'd<br>
+The Alpine rocks, whence glide thy currents, Po!<br>
+Beneath its guidance, in their prime of days<br>
+Scipio and Pompey triumph'd; and that hill,<br>
+Under whose summit thou didst see the light,<br>
+Rued its stern bearing. &nbsp;After, near the hour,<br>
+When heav'n was minded that o'er all the world<br>
+His own deep calm should brood, to Caesar's hand<br>
+Did Rome consign it; and what then it wrought<br>
+From Var unto the Rhine, saw Isere's flood,<br>
+Saw Loire and Seine, and every vale, that fills<br>
+The torrent Rhone. &nbsp;What after that it wrought,<br>
+When from Ravenna it came forth, and leap'd<br>
+The Rubicon, was of so bold a flight,<br>
+That tongue nor pen may follow it. &nbsp;Tow'rds Spain<br>
+It wheel'd its bands, then tow'rd Dyrrachium smote,<br>
+And on Pharsalia with so fierce a plunge,<br>
+E'en the warm Nile was conscious to the pang;<br>
+Its native shores Antandros, and the streams<br>
+Of Simois revisited, and there<br>
+Where Hector lies; then ill for Ptolemy<br>
+His pennons shook again; lightning thence fell<br>
+On Juba; and the next upon your west,<br>
+At sound of the Pompeian trump, return'd.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"What following and in its next bearer's gripe<br>
+It wrought, is now by Cassius and Brutus<br>
+Bark'd off in hell, and by Perugia's sons<br>
+And Modena's was mourn'd. &nbsp;Hence weepeth still<br>
+Sad Cleopatra, who, pursued by it,<br>
+Took from the adder black and sudden death.<br>
+With him it ran e'en to the Red Sea coast;<br>
+With him compos'd the world to such a peace,<br>
+That of his temple Janus barr'd the door.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"But all the mighty standard yet had wrought,<br>
+And was appointed to perform thereafter,<br>
+Throughout the mortal kingdom which it sway'd,<br>
+Falls in appearance dwindled and obscur'd,<br>
+If one with steady eye and perfect thought<br>
+On the third Caesar look; for to his hands,<br>
+The living Justice, in whose breath I move,<br>
+Committed glory, e'en into his hands,<br>
+To execute the vengeance of its wrath.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Hear now and wonder at what next I tell.<br>
+After with Titus it was sent to wreak<br>
+Vengeance for vengeance of the ancient sin,<br>
+And, when the Lombard tooth, with fangs impure,<br>
+Did gore the bosom of the holy church,<br>
+Under its wings victorious, Charlemagne<br>
+Sped to her rescue. &nbsp;Judge then for thyself<br>
+Of those, whom I erewhile accus'd to thee,<br>
+What they are, and how grievous their offending,<br>
+Who are the cause of all your ills. &nbsp;The one<br>
+Against the universal ensign rears<br>
+The yellow lilies, and with partial aim<br>
+That to himself the other arrogates:<br>
+So that 't is hard to see which more offends.<br>
+Be yours, ye Ghibellines, to veil your arts<br>
+Beneath another standard: ill is this<br>
+Follow'd of him, who severs it and justice:<br>
+And let not with his Guelphs the new-crown'd Charles<br>
+Assail it, but those talons hold in dread,<br>
+Which from a lion of more lofty port<br>
+Have rent the easing. &nbsp;Many a time ere now<br>
+The sons have for the sire's transgression wail'd;<br>
+Nor let him trust the fond belief, that heav'n<br>
+Will truck its armour for his lilied shield.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"This little star is furnish'd with good spirits,<br>
+Whose mortal lives were busied to that end,<br>
+That honour and renown might wait on them:<br>
+And, when desires thus err in their intention,<br>
+True love must needs ascend with slacker beam.<br>
+But it is part of our delight, to measure<br>
+Our wages with the merit; and admire<br>
+The close proportion. &nbsp;Hence doth heav'nly justice<br>
+Temper so evenly affection in us,<br>
+It ne'er can warp to any wrongfulness.<br>
+Of diverse voices is sweet music made:<br>
+So in our life the different degrees<br>
+Render sweet harmony among these wheels.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Within the pearl, that now encloseth us,<br>
+Shines Romeo's light, whose goodly deed and fair<br>
+Met ill acceptance. &nbsp;But the Provencals,<br>
+That were his foes, have little cause for mirth.<br>
+Ill shapes that man his course, who makes his wrong<br>
+Of other's worth. &nbsp;Four daughters were there born<br>
+To Raymond Berenger, and every one<br>
+Became a queen; and this for him did Romeo,<br>
+Though of mean state and from a foreign land.<br>
+Yet envious tongues incited him to ask<br>
+A reckoning of that just one, who return'd<br>
+Twelve fold to him for ten. &nbsp;Aged and poor<br>
+He parted thence: and if the world did know<br>
+The heart he had, begging his life by morsels,<br>
+'T would deem the praise, it yields him, scantly dealt."</p>
+
+
+<br><br>
+<a name="7"></a>
+<br><br>
+<h2>CANTO VII</h2>
+<br>
+
+<p>"Hosanna Sanctus Deus Sabaoth<br>
+Superillustrans claritate tua<br>
+Felices ignes horum malahoth!"<br>
+Thus chanting saw I turn that substance bright<br>
+With fourfold lustre to its orb again,<br>
+Revolving; and the rest unto their dance<br>
+With it mov'd also; and like swiftest sparks,<br>
+In sudden distance from my sight were veil'd.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Me doubt possess'd, and "Speak," it whisper'd me,<br>
+"Speak, speak unto thy lady, that she quench<br>
+Thy thirst with drops of sweetness." &nbsp;Yet blank awe,<br>
+Which lords it o'er me, even at the sound<br>
+Of Beatrice's name, did bow me down<br>
+As one in slumber held. &nbsp;Not long that mood<br>
+Beatrice suffer'd: she, with such a smile,<br>
+As might have made one blest amid the flames,<br>
+Beaming upon me, thus her words began:<br>
+"Thou in thy thought art pond'ring (as I deem),<br>
+And what I deem is truth how just revenge<br>
+Could be with justice punish'd: from which doubt<br>
+I soon will free thee; so thou mark my words;<br>
+For they of weighty matter shall possess thee.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"That man, who was unborn, himself condemn'd,<br>
+And, in himself, all, who since him have liv'd,<br>
+His offspring: whence, below, the human kind<br>
+Lay sick in grievous error many an age;<br>
+Until it pleas'd the Word of God to come<br>
+Amongst them down, to his own person joining<br>
+The nature, from its Maker far estrang'd,<br>
+By the mere act of his eternal love.<br>
+Contemplate here the wonder I unfold.<br>
+The nature with its Maker thus conjoin'd,<br>
+Created first was blameless, pure and good;<br>
+But through itself alone was driven forth<br>
+From Paradise, because it had eschew'd<br>
+The way of truth and life, to evil turn'd.<br>
+Ne'er then was penalty so just as that<br>
+Inflicted by the cross, if thou regard<br>
+The nature in assumption doom'd: ne'er wrong<br>
+So great, in reference to him, who took<br>
+Such nature on him, and endur'd the doom.<br>
+God therefore and the Jews one sentence pleased:<br>
+So different effects flow'd from one act,<br>
+And heav'n was open'd, though the earth did quake.<br>
+Count it not hard henceforth, when thou dost hear<br>
+That a just vengeance was by righteous court<br>
+Justly reveng'd. &nbsp;But yet I see thy mind<br>
+By thought on thought arising sore perplex'd,<br>
+And with how vehement desire it asks<br>
+Solution of the maze. &nbsp;What I have heard,<br>
+Is plain, thou sayst: but wherefore God this way<br>
+For our redemption chose, eludes my search.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Brother! no eye of man not perfected,<br>
+Nor fully ripen'd in the flame of love,<br>
+May fathom this decree. &nbsp;It is a mark,<br>
+In sooth, much aim'd at, and but little kenn'd:<br>
+And I will therefore show thee why such way<br>
+Was worthiest. &nbsp;The celestial love, that spume<br>
+All envying in its bounty, in itself<br>
+With such effulgence blazeth, as sends forth<br>
+All beauteous things eternal. &nbsp;What distils<br>
+Immediate thence, no end of being knows,<br>
+Bearing its seal immutably impress'd.<br>
+Whatever thence immediate falls, is free,<br>
+Free wholly, uncontrollable by power<br>
+Of each thing new: by such conformity<br>
+More grateful to its author, whose bright beams,<br>
+Though all partake their shining, yet in those<br>
+Are liveliest, which resemble him the most.<br>
+These tokens of pre-eminence on man<br>
+Largely bestow'd, if any of them fail,<br>
+He needs must forfeit his nobility,<br>
+No longer stainless. &nbsp;Sin alone is that,<br>
+Which doth disfranchise him, and make unlike<br>
+To the chief good; for that its light in him<br>
+Is darken'd. &nbsp;And to dignity thus lost<br>
+Is no return; unless, where guilt makes void,<br>
+He for ill pleasure pay with equal pain.<br>
+Your nature, which entirely in its seed<br>
+Trangress'd, from these distinctions fell, no less<br>
+Than from its state in Paradise; nor means<br>
+Found of recovery (search all methods out<br>
+As strickly as thou may) save one of these,<br>
+The only fords were left through which to wade,<br>
+Either that God had of his courtesy<br>
+Releas'd him merely, or else man himself<br>
+For his own folly by himself aton'd.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Fix now thine eye, intently as thou canst,<br>
+On th' everlasting counsel, and explore,<br>
+Instructed by my words, the dread abyss.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Man in himself had ever lack'd the means<br>
+Of satisfaction, for he could not stoop<br>
+Obeying, in humility so low,<br>
+As high he, disobeying, thought to soar:<br>
+And for this reason he had vainly tried<br>
+Out of his own sufficiency to pay<br>
+The rigid satisfaction. &nbsp;Then behooved<br>
+That God should by his own ways lead him back<br>
+Unto the life, from whence he fell, restor'd:<br>
+By both his ways, I mean, or one alone.<br>
+But since the deed is ever priz'd the more,<br>
+The more the doer's good intent appears,<br>
+Goodness celestial, whose broad signature<br>
+Is on the universe, of all its ways<br>
+To raise ye up, was fain to leave out none,<br>
+Nor aught so vast or so magnificent,<br>
+Either for him who gave or who receiv'd<br>
+Between the last night and the primal day,<br>
+Was or can be. &nbsp;For God more bounty show'd.<br>
+Giving himself to make man capable<br>
+Of his return to life, than had the terms<br>
+Been mere and unconditional release.<br>
+And for his justice, every method else<br>
+Were all too scant, had not the Son of God<br>
+Humbled himself to put on mortal flesh.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Now, to fulfil each wish of thine, remains<br>
+I somewhat further to thy view unfold.<br>
+That thou mayst see as clearly as myself.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I see, thou sayst, the air, the fire I see,<br>
+The earth and water, and all things of them<br>
+Compounded, to corruption turn, and soon<br>
+Dissolve. &nbsp;Yet these were also things create,<br>
+Because, if what were told me, had been true<br>
+They from corruption had been therefore free.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"The angels, O my brother! and this clime<br>
+Wherein thou art, impassible and pure,<br>
+I call created, as indeed they are<br>
+In their whole being. &nbsp;But the elements,<br>
+Which thou hast nam'd, and what of them is made,<br>
+Are by created virtue' inform'd: create<br>
+Their substance, and create the' informing virtue<br>
+In these bright stars, that round them circling move<br>
+The soul of every brute and of each plant,<br>
+The ray and motion of the sacred lights,<br>
+With complex potency attract and turn.<br>
+But this our life the' eternal good inspires<br>
+Immediate, and enamours of itself;<br>
+So that our wishes rest for ever here.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"And hence thou mayst by inference conclude<br>
+Our resurrection certain, if thy mind<br>
+Consider how the human flesh was fram'd,<br>
+When both our parents at the first were made."</p>
+
+<br><br>
+<a name="8"></a>
+<br><br>
+<h2>CANTO VIII</h2>
+<br>
+
+<p>The world was in its day of peril dark<br>
+Wont to believe the dotage of fond love<br>
+From the fair Cyprian deity, who rolls<br>
+In her third epicycle, shed on men<br>
+By stream of potent radiance: therefore they<br>
+Of elder time, in their old error blind,<br>
+Not her alone with sacrifice ador'd<br>
+And invocation, but like honours paid<br>
+To Cupid and Dione, deem'd of them<br>
+Her mother, and her son, him whom they feign'd<br>
+To sit in Dido's bosom: and from her,<br>
+Whom I have sung preluding, borrow'd they<br>
+The appellation of that star, which views,<br>
+Now obvious and now averse, the sun.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I was not ware that I was wafted up<br>
+Into &nbsp;its orb; but the new loveliness<br>
+That grac'd my lady, gave me ample proof<br>
+That we had entered there. &nbsp;And as in flame<br>
+A sparkle is distinct, or voice in voice<br>
+Discern'd, when one its even tenour keeps,<br>
+The other comes and goes; so in that light<br>
+I other luminaries saw, that cours'd<br>
+In circling motion rapid more or less,<br>
+As their eternal phases each impels.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Never was blast from vapour charged with cold,<br>
+Whether invisible to eye or no,<br>
+Descended with such speed, it had not seem'd<br>
+To linger in dull tardiness, compar'd<br>
+To those celestial lights, that tow'rds us came,<br>
+Leaving the circuit of their joyous ring,<br>
+Conducted by the lofty seraphim.<br>
+And after them, who in the van appear'd,<br>
+Such an hosanna sounded, as hath left<br>
+Desire, ne'er since extinct in me, to hear<br>
+Renew'd the strain. &nbsp;Then parting from the rest<br>
+One near us drew, and sole began: "We all<br>
+Are ready at thy pleasure, well dispos'd<br>
+To do thee gentle service. &nbsp;We are they,<br>
+To whom thou in the world erewhile didst Sing<br>
+'O ye! whose intellectual ministry<br>
+Moves the third heaven!' and in one orb we roll,<br>
+One motion, one impulse, with those who rule<br>
+Princedoms in heaven; yet are of love so full,<br>
+That to please thee 't will be as sweet to rest."<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;After mine eyes had with meek reverence<br>
+Sought the celestial guide, and were by her<br>
+Assur'd, they turn'd again unto the light<br>
+Who had so largely promis'd, and with voice<br>
+That bare the lively pressure of my zeal,<br>
+"Tell who ye are," I cried. &nbsp;Forthwith it grew<br>
+In size and splendour, through augmented joy;<br>
+And thus it answer'd: "A short date below<br>
+The world possess'd me. &nbsp;Had the time been more,<br>
+Much evil, that will come, had never chanc'd.<br>
+My gladness hides thee from me, which doth shine<br>
+Around, and shroud me, as an animal<br>
+In its own silk unswath'd. &nbsp;Thou lov'dst me well,<br>
+And had'st good cause; for had my sojourning<br>
+Been longer on the earth, the love I bare thee<br>
+Had put forth more than blossoms. &nbsp;The left bank,<br>
+That Rhone, when he hath mix'd with Sorga, laves."<br>
+
+
+<br><br><br><br>
+<a href="images/08-60.jpg"><img alt="08-60th.jpg (32K)" src="images/08-60th.jpg" height="470" width="415"></a>
+<br><br><br><br>
+
+
+"In me its lord expected, and that horn<br>
+Of fair Ausonia, with its boroughs old,<br>
+Bari, and Croton, and Gaeta pil'd,<br>
+From where the Trento disembogues his waves,<br>
+With Verde mingled, to the salt sea-flood.<br>
+Already on my temples beam'd the crown,<br>
+Which gave me sov'reignty over the land<br>
+By Danube wash'd, whenas he strays beyond<br>
+The limits of his German shores. &nbsp;The realm,<br>
+Where, on the gulf by stormy Eurus lash'd,<br>
+Betwixt Pelorus and Pachynian heights,<br>
+The beautiful Trinacria lies in gloom<br>
+(Not through Typhaeus, but the vap'ry cloud<br>
+Bituminous upsteam'd), THAT too did look<br>
+To have its scepter wielded by a race<br>
+Of monarchs, sprung through me from Charles and Rodolph;<br>
+had not ill lording which doth spirit up<br>
+The people ever, in Palermo rais'd<br>
+The shout of 'death,' re-echo'd loud and long.<br>
+Had but my brother's foresight kenn'd as much,<br>
+He had been warier that the greedy want<br>
+Of Catalonia might not work his bale.<br>
+And truly need there is, that he forecast,<br>
+Or other for him, lest more freight be laid<br>
+On his already over-laden bark.<br>
+Nature in him, from bounty fall'n to thrift,<br>
+Would ask the &nbsp;guard of braver arms, than such<br>
+As only care to have their coffers fill'd."<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"My liege, it doth enhance the joy thy words<br>
+Infuse into me, mighty as it is,<br>
+To think my gladness manifest to thee,<br>
+As to myself, who own it, when thou lookst<br>
+Into the source and limit of all good,<br>
+There, where thou markest that which thou dost speak,<br>
+Thence priz'd of me the more. &nbsp;Glad thou hast made me.<br>
+Now make intelligent, clearing the doubt<br>
+Thy speech hath raised in me; for much I muse,<br>
+How bitter can spring up, when sweet is sown."<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I thus inquiring; he forthwith replied:<br>
+"If I have power to show one truth, soon that<br>
+Shall face thee, which thy questioning declares<br>
+Behind thee now conceal'd. &nbsp;The Good, that guides<br>
+And blessed makes this realm, which thou dost mount,<br>
+Ordains its providence to be the virtue<br>
+In these great bodies: nor th' all perfect Mind<br>
+Upholds their nature merely, but in them<br>
+Their energy to save: for nought, that lies<br>
+Within the range of that unerring bow,<br>
+But is as level with the destin'd aim,<br>
+As ever mark to arrow's point oppos'd.<br>
+Were it not thus, these heavens, thou dost visit,<br>
+Would their effect so work, it would not be<br>
+Art, but destruction; and this may not chance,<br>
+If th' intellectual powers, that move these stars,<br>
+Fail not, or who, first faulty made them fail.<br>
+Wilt thou this truth more clearly evidenc'd?"<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To whom I thus: "It is enough: no fear,<br>
+I see, lest nature in her part should tire."<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He straight rejoin'd: "Say, were it worse for man,<br>
+If he liv'd not in fellowship on earth?"<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Yea," answer'd I; "nor here a reason needs."<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"And may that be, if different estates<br>
+Grow not of different duties in your life?<br>
+Consult your teacher, and he tells you 'no."'<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Thus did he come, deducing to this point,<br>
+And then concluded: "For this cause behooves,<br>
+The roots, from whence your operations come,<br>
+Must differ. &nbsp;Therefore one is Solon born;<br>
+Another, Xerxes; and Melchisidec<br>
+A third; and he a fourth, whose airy voyage<br>
+Cost him his son. &nbsp;In her circuitous course,<br>
+Nature, that is the seal to mortal wax,<br>
+Doth well her art, but no distinctions owns<br>
+'Twixt one or other household. &nbsp;Hence befalls<br>
+That Esau is so wide of Jacob: hence<br>
+Quirinus of so base a father springs,<br>
+He dates from Mars his lineage. &nbsp;Were it not<br>
+That providence celestial overrul'd,<br>
+Nature, in generation, must the path<br>
+Trac'd by the generator, still pursue<br>
+Unswervingly. &nbsp;Thus place I in thy sight<br>
+That, which was late behind thee. &nbsp;But, in sign<br>
+Of more affection for thee, 't is my will<br>
+Thou wear this corollary. &nbsp;Nature ever<br>
+Finding discordant fortune, like all seed<br>
+Out of its proper climate, thrives but ill.<br>
+And were the world below content to mark<br>
+And work on the foundation nature lays,<br>
+It would not lack supply of excellence.<br>
+But ye perversely to religion strain<br>
+Him, who was born to gird on him the sword,<br>
+And of the fluent phrasemen make your king;<br>
+Therefore your steps have wander'd from the paths."</p>
+
+<br><br>
+<a name="9"></a>
+<br><br>
+<h2>CANTO IX</h2>
+<br>
+
+<p>After solution of my doubt, thy Charles,<br>
+O fair Clemenza, of the treachery spake<br>
+That must befall his seed: but, "Tell it not,"<br>
+Said he, "and let the destin'd years come round."<br>
+Nor may I tell thee more, save that the meed<br>
+Of sorrow well-deserv'd shall quit your wrongs.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And now the visage of that saintly light<br>
+Was to the sun, that fills it, turn'd again,<br>
+As to the good, whose plenitude of bliss<br>
+Sufficeth all. &nbsp;O ye misguided souls!<br>
+Infatuate, who from such a good estrange<br>
+Your hearts, and bend your gaze on vanity,<br>
+Alas for you!&mdash;And lo! toward me, next,<br>
+Another of those splendent forms approach'd,<br>
+That, by its outward bright'ning, testified<br>
+The will it had to pleasure me. &nbsp;The eyes<br>
+Of Beatrice, resting, as before,<br>
+Firmly upon me, manifested forth<br>
+Approval of my wish. &nbsp;"And O," I cried,<br>
+"Blest spirit! quickly be my will perform'd;<br>
+And prove thou to me, that my inmost thoughts<br>
+I can reflect on thee." &nbsp;Thereat the light,<br>
+That yet was new to me, from the recess,<br>
+Where it before was singing, thus began,<br>
+As one who joys in kindness: "In that part<br>
+Of the deprav'd Italian land, which lies<br>
+Between Rialto, and the fountain-springs<br>
+Of Brenta and of Piava, there doth rise,<br>
+But to no lofty eminence, a hill,<br>
+From whence erewhile a firebrand did descend,<br>
+That sorely sheet the region. &nbsp;From one root<br>
+I and it sprang; my name on earth Cunizza:<br>
+And here I glitter, for that by its light<br>
+This star o'ercame me. &nbsp;Yet I naught repine,<br>
+Nor grudge myself the cause of this my lot,<br>
+Which haply vulgar hearts can scarce conceive.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"This jewel, that is next me in our heaven,<br>
+Lustrous and costly, great renown hath left,<br>
+And not to perish, ere these hundred years<br>
+Five times absolve their round. &nbsp;Consider thou,<br>
+If to excel be worthy man's endeavour,<br>
+When such life may attend the first. &nbsp;Yet they<br>
+Care not for this, the crowd that now are girt<br>
+By Adice and Tagliamento, still<br>
+Impenitent, tho' scourg'd. &nbsp;The hour is near,<br>
+When for their stubbornness at Padua's marsh<br>
+The water shall be chang'd, that laves Vicena<br>
+And where Cagnano meets with Sile, one<br>
+Lords it, and bears his head aloft, for whom<br>
+The web is now a-warping. &nbsp;Feltro too<br>
+Shall sorrow for its godless shepherd's fault,<br>
+Of so deep stain, that never, for the like,<br>
+Was Malta's bar unclos'd. &nbsp;Too large should be<br>
+The skillet, that would hold Ferrara's blood,<br>
+And wearied he, who ounce by ounce would weight it,<br>
+The which this priest, in show of party-zeal,<br>
+Courteous will give; nor will the gift ill suit<br>
+The country's custom. &nbsp;We descry above,<br>
+Mirrors, ye call them thrones, from which to us<br>
+Reflected shine the judgments of our God:<br>
+Whence these our sayings we avouch for good."<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She ended, and appear'd on other thoughts<br>
+Intent, re-ent'ring on the wheel she late<br>
+Had left. &nbsp;That other joyance meanwhile wax'd<br>
+A thing to marvel at, in splendour glowing,<br>
+Like choicest ruby stricken by the sun,<br>
+For, in that upper clime, effulgence comes<br>
+Of gladness, as here laughter: and below,<br>
+As the mind saddens, murkier grows the shade.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"God seeth all: and in him is thy sight,"<br>
+Said I, "blest Spirit! &nbsp;Therefore will of his<br>
+Cannot to thee be dark. &nbsp;Why then delays<br>
+Thy voice to satisfy my wish untold,<br>
+That voice which joins the inexpressive song,<br>
+Pastime of heav'n, the which those ardours sing,<br>
+That cowl them with six shadowing wings outspread?<br>
+I would not wait thy asking, wert thou known<br>
+To me, as thoroughly I to thee am known."<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He forthwith answ'ring, thus his words began:<br>
+"The valley' of waters, widest next to that<br>
+Which doth the earth engarland, shapes its course,<br>
+Between discordant shores, against the sun<br>
+Inward so far, it makes meridian there,<br>
+Where was before th' horizon. &nbsp;Of that vale<br>
+Dwelt I upon the shore, 'twixt Ebro's stream<br>
+And Macra's, that divides with passage brief<br>
+Genoan bounds from Tuscan. &nbsp;East and west<br>
+Are nearly one to Begga and my land,<br>
+Whose haven erst was with its own blood warm.<br>
+Who knew my name were wont to call me Folco:<br>
+And I did bear impression of this heav'n,<br>
+That now bears mine: for not with fiercer flame<br>
+Glow'd Belus' daughter, injuring alike<br>
+Sichaeus and Creusa, than did I,<br>
+Long as it suited the unripen'd down<br>
+That fledg'd my cheek: nor she of Rhodope,<br>
+That was beguiled of Demophoon;<br>
+Nor Jove's son, when the charms of Iole<br>
+Were shrin'd within his heart. &nbsp;And yet there hides<br>
+No sorrowful repentance here, but mirth,<br>
+Not for the fault (that doth not come to mind),<br>
+But for the virtue, whose o'erruling sway<br>
+And providence have wrought thus quaintly. &nbsp;Here<br>
+The skill is look'd into, that fashioneth<br>
+With such effectual working, and the good<br>
+Discern'd, accruing to this upper world<br>
+From that below. &nbsp;But fully to content<br>
+Thy wishes, all that in this sphere have birth,<br>
+Demands my further parle. &nbsp;Inquire thou wouldst,<br>
+Who of this light is denizen, that here<br>
+Beside me sparkles, as the sun-beam doth<br>
+On the clear wave. &nbsp;Know then, the soul of Rahab<br>
+Is in that gladsome harbour, to our tribe<br>
+United, and the foremost rank assign'd.<br>
+He to that heav'n, at which the shadow ends<br>
+Of your sublunar world, was taken up,<br>
+First, in Christ's triumph, of all souls redeem'd:<br>
+For well behoov'd, that, in some part of heav'n,<br>
+She should remain a trophy, to declare<br>
+The mighty contest won with either palm;<br>
+For that she favour'd first the high exploit<br>
+Of Joshua on the holy land, whereof<br>
+The Pope recks little now. &nbsp;Thy city, plant<br>
+Of him, that on his Maker turn'd the back,<br>
+And of whose envying so much woe hath sprung,<br>
+Engenders and expands the cursed flower,<br>
+That hath made wander both the sheep and lambs,<br>
+Turning the shepherd to a wolf. &nbsp;For this,<br>
+The gospel and great teachers laid aside,<br>
+The decretals, as their stuft margins show,<br>
+Are the sole study. &nbsp;Pope and Cardinals,<br>
+Intent on these, ne'er journey but in thought<br>
+To Nazareth, where Gabriel op'd his wings.<br>
+Yet it may chance, erelong, the Vatican,<br>
+And other most selected parts of Rome,<br>
+That were the grave of Peter's soldiery,<br>
+Shall be deliver'd from the adult'rous bond."</p>
+
+<br><br>
+<a name="10"></a>
+<br><br>
+<h2>CANTO X</h2>
+<br>
+
+<p>Looking into his first-born with the love,<br>
+Which breathes from both eternal, the first Might<br>
+Ineffable, whence eye or mind<br>
+Can roam, hath in such order all dispos'd,<br>
+As none may see and fail to enjoy. &nbsp;Raise, then,<br>
+O reader! to the lofty wheels, with me,<br>
+Thy ken directed to the point, whereat<br>
+One motion strikes on th' other. &nbsp;There begin<br>
+Thy wonder of the mighty Architect,<br>
+Who loves his work so inwardly, his eye<br>
+Doth ever watch it. &nbsp;See, how thence oblique<br>
+Brancheth the circle, where the planets roll<br>
+To pour their wished influence on the world;<br>
+Whose path not bending thus, in heav'n above<br>
+Much virtue would be lost, and here on earth,<br>
+All power well nigh extinct: or, from direct<br>
+Were its departure distant more or less,<br>
+I' th' universal order, great defect<br>
+Must, both in heav'n and here beneath, ensue.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Now rest thee, reader! on thy bench, and muse<br>
+Anticipative of the feast to come;<br>
+So shall delight make thee not feel thy toil.<br>
+Lo! I have set before thee, for thyself<br>
+Feed now: the matter I indite, henceforth<br>
+Demands entire my thought. &nbsp;Join'd with the part,<br>
+Which late we told of, the great minister<br>
+Of nature, that upon the world imprints<br>
+The virtue of the heaven, and doles out<br>
+Time for us with his beam, went circling on<br>
+Along the spires, where each hour sooner comes;<br>
+And I was with him, weetless of ascent,<br>
+As one, who till arriv'd, weets not his coming.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For Beatrice, she who passeth on<br>
+So suddenly from good to better, time<br>
+Counts not the act, oh then how great must needs<br>
+Have been her brightness! &nbsp;What she was i' th' sun<br>
+(Where I had enter'd), not through change of hue,<br>
+But light transparent&mdash;did I summon up<br>
+Genius, art, practice&mdash;I might not so speak,<br>
+It should be e'er imagin'd: yet believ'd<br>
+It may be, and the sight be justly crav'd.<br>
+And if our fantasy fail of such height,<br>
+What marvel, since no eye above the sun<br>
+Hath ever travel'd? &nbsp;Such are they dwell here,<br>
+Fourth family of the Omnipotent Sire,<br>
+Who of his spirit and of his offspring shows;<br>
+And holds them still enraptur'd with the view.<br>
+And thus to me Beatrice: "Thank, oh thank,<br>
+The Sun of angels, him, who by his grace<br>
+To this perceptible hath lifted thee."<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Never was heart in such devotion bound,<br>
+And with complacency so absolute<br>
+Dispos'd to render up itself to God,<br>
+As mine was at those words: and so entire<br>
+The love for Him, that held me, it eclips'd<br>
+Beatrice in oblivion. &nbsp;Naught displeas'd<br>
+Was she, but smil'd thereat so joyously,<br>
+That of her laughing eyes the radiance brake<br>
+And scatter'd my collected mind abroad.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then saw I a bright band, in liveliness<br>
+Surpassing, who themselves did make the crown,<br>
+And us their centre: yet more sweet in voice,<br>
+Than in their visage beaming. &nbsp;Cinctur'd thus,<br>
+Sometime Latona's daughter we behold,<br>
+When the impregnate air retains the thread,<br>
+That weaves her zone. &nbsp;In the celestial court,<br>
+Whence I return, are many jewels found,<br>
+So dear and beautiful, they cannot brook<br>
+Transporting from that realm: and of these lights<br>
+Such was the song. &nbsp;Who doth not prune his wing<br>
+To soar up thither, let him look from thence<br>
+For tidings from the dumb. &nbsp;When, singing thus,<br>
+Those burning suns that circled round us thrice,<br>
+As nearest stars around the fixed pole,<br>
+Then seem'd they like to ladies, from the dance<br>
+Not ceasing, but suspense, in silent pause,<br>
+List'ning, till they have caught the strain anew:<br>
+Suspended so they stood: and, from within,<br>
+Thus heard I one, who spake: "Since with its beam<br>
+The grace, whence true love lighteth first his flame,<br>
+That after doth increase by loving, shines<br>
+So multiplied in thee, it leads thee up<br>
+Along this ladder, down whose hallow'd steps<br>
+None e'er descend, and mount them not again,<br>
+Who from his phial should refuse thee wine<br>
+To slake thy thirst, no less constrained were,<br>
+Than water flowing not unto the sea.<br>
+Thou fain wouldst hear, what plants are these, that bloom<br>
+In the bright garland, which, admiring, girds<br>
+This fair dame round, who strengthens thee for heav'n.<br>
+I then was of the lambs, that Dominic<br>
+Leads, for his saintly flock, along the way,<br>
+Where well they thrive, not sworn with vanity.<br>
+He, nearest on my right hand, brother was,<br>
+And master to me: Albert of Cologne<br>
+Is this: and of Aquinum, Thomas I.<br>
+If thou of all the rest wouldst be assur'd,<br>
+Let thine eye, waiting on the words I speak,<br>
+In circuit journey round the blessed wreath.<br>
+That next resplendence issues from the smile<br>
+Of Gratian, who to either forum lent<br>
+Such help, as favour wins in Paradise.<br>
+The other, nearest, who adorns our quire,<br>
+Was Peter, he that with the widow gave<br>
+To holy church his treasure. &nbsp;The fifth light,<br>
+Goodliest of all, is by such love inspired,<br>
+That all your world craves tidings of its doom:<br>
+Within, there is the lofty light, endow'd<br>
+With sapience so profound, if truth be truth,<br>
+That with a ken of such wide amplitude<br>
+No second hath arisen. &nbsp;Next behold<br>
+That taper's radiance, to whose view was shown,<br>
+Clearliest, the nature and the ministry<br>
+Angelical, while yet in flesh it dwelt.<br>
+In the other little light serenely smiles<br>
+That pleader for the Christian temples, he<br>
+Who did provide Augustin of his lore.<br>
+Now, if thy mind's eye pass from light to light,<br>
+Upon my praises following, of the eighth<br>
+Thy thirst is next. &nbsp;The saintly soul, that shows<br>
+The world's deceitfulness, to all who hear him,<br>
+Is, with the sight of all the good, that is,<br>
+Blest there. &nbsp;The limbs, whence it was driven, lie<br>
+Down in Cieldauro, and from martyrdom<br>
+And exile came it here. &nbsp;Lo! further on,<br>
+Where flames the arduous Spirit of Isidore,<br>
+Of Bede, and Richard, more than man, erewhile,<br>
+In deep discernment. &nbsp;Lastly this, from whom<br>
+Thy look on me reverteth, was the beam<br>
+Of one, whose spirit, on high musings bent,<br>
+Rebuk'd the ling'ring tardiness of death.<br>
+It is the eternal light of Sigebert,<br>
+Who 'scap'd not envy, when of truth he argued,<br>
+Reading in the straw-litter'd street." &nbsp;Forthwith,<br>
+As clock, that calleth up the spouse of God<br>
+To win her bridegroom's love at matin's hour,<br>
+Each part of other fitly drawn and urg'd,<br>
+Sends out a tinkling sound, of note so sweet,<br>
+Affection springs in well-disposed breast;<br>
+Thus saw I move the glorious wheel, thus heard<br>
+Voice answ'ring voice, so musical and soft,<br>
+It can be known but where day endless shines.</p>
+
+<br><br>
+<a name="11"></a>
+<br><br>
+<h2>CANTO XI</h2>
+<br>
+
+<p>O fond anxiety of mortal men!<br>
+How vain and inconclusive arguments<br>
+Are those, which make thee beat thy wings below<br>
+For statues one, and one for aphorisms<br>
+Was hunting; this the priesthood follow'd, that<br>
+By force or sophistry aspir'd to rule;<br>
+To rob another, and another sought<br>
+By civil business wealth; one moiling lay<br>
+Tangled in net of sensual delight,<br>
+And one to witless indolence resign'd;<br>
+What time from all these empty things escap'd,<br>
+With Beatrice, I thus gloriously<br>
+Was rais'd aloft, and made the guest of heav'n.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;They of the circle to that point, each one.<br>
+Where erst it was, had turn'd; and steady glow'd,<br>
+As candle in his socket. &nbsp;Then within<br>
+The lustre, that erewhile bespake me, smiling<br>
+With merer gladness, heard I thus begin:<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"E'en as his beam illumes me, so I look<br>
+Into the eternal light, and clearly mark<br>
+Thy thoughts, from whence they rise. &nbsp;Thou art in doubt,<br>
+And wouldst, that I should bolt my words afresh<br>
+In such plain open phrase, as may be smooth<br>
+To thy perception, where I told thee late<br>
+That 'well they thrive;' and that 'no second such<br>
+Hath risen,' which no small distinction needs.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"The providence, that governeth the world,<br>
+In depth of counsel by created ken<br>
+Unfathomable, to the end that she,<br>
+Who with loud cries was 'spous'd in precious blood,<br>
+Might keep her footing towards her well-belov'd,<br>
+Safe in herself and constant unto him,<br>
+Hath two ordain'd, who should on either hand<br>
+In chief escort her: one seraphic all<br>
+In fervency; for wisdom upon earth,<br>
+The other splendour of cherubic light.<br>
+I but of one will tell: he tells of both,<br>
+Who one commendeth which of them so'er<br>
+Be taken: for their deeds were to one end.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Between Tupino, and the wave, that falls<br>
+From blest Ubaldo's chosen hill, there hangs<br>
+Rich slope of mountain high, whence heat and cold<br>
+Are wafted through Perugia's eastern gate:<br>
+And Norcera with Gualdo, in its rear<br>
+Mourn for their heavy yoke. &nbsp;Upon that side,<br>
+Where it doth break its steepness most, arose<br>
+A sun upon the world, as duly this<br>
+From Ganges doth: therefore let none, who speak<br>
+Of that place, say Ascesi; for its name<br>
+Were lamely so deliver'd; but the East,<br>
+To call things rightly, be it henceforth styl'd.<br>
+He was not yet much distant from his rising,<br>
+When his good influence 'gan to bless the earth.<br>
+A dame to whom none openeth pleasure's gate<br>
+More than to death, was, 'gainst his father's will,<br>
+His stripling choice: and he did make her his,<br>
+Before the Spiritual court, by nuptial bonds,<br>
+And in his father's sight: from day to day,<br>
+Then lov'd her more devoutly. &nbsp;She, bereav'd<br>
+Of her first husband, slighted and obscure,<br>
+Thousand and hundred years and more, remain'd<br>
+Without a single suitor, till he came.<br>
+Nor aught avail'd, that, with Amyclas, she<br>
+Was found unmov'd at rumour of his voice,<br>
+Who shook the world: nor aught her constant boldness<br>
+Whereby with Christ she mounted on the cross,<br>
+When Mary stay'd beneath. &nbsp;But not to deal<br>
+Thus closely with thee longer, take at large<br>
+The rovers' titles&mdash;Poverty and Francis.<br>
+Their concord and glad looks, wonder and love,<br>
+And sweet regard gave birth to holy thoughts,<br>
+So much, that venerable Bernard first<br>
+Did bare his feet, and, in pursuit of peace<br>
+So heavenly, ran, yet deem'd his footing slow.<br>
+O hidden riches! &nbsp;O prolific good!<br>
+Egidius bares him next, and next Sylvester,<br>
+And follow both the bridegroom; so the bride<br>
+Can please them. &nbsp;Thenceforth goes he on his way,<br>
+The father and the master, with his spouse,<br>
+And with that family, whom now the cord<br>
+Girt humbly: nor did abjectness of heart<br>
+Weigh down his eyelids, for that he was son<br>
+Of Pietro Bernardone, and by men<br>
+In wond'rous sort despis'd. &nbsp;But royally<br>
+His hard intention he to Innocent<br>
+Set forth, and from him first receiv'd the seal<br>
+On his religion. &nbsp;Then, when numerous flock'd<br>
+The tribe of lowly ones, that trac'd HIS steps,<br>
+Whose marvellous life deservedly were sung<br>
+In heights empyreal, through Honorius' hand<br>
+A second crown, to deck their Guardian's virtues,<br>
+Was by the eternal Spirit inwreath'd: and when<br>
+He had, through thirst of martyrdom, stood up<br>
+In the proud Soldan's presence, and there preach'd<br>
+Christ and his followers; but found the race<br>
+Unripen'd for conversion: back once more<br>
+He hasted (not to intermit his toil),<br>
+And reap'd Ausonian lands. &nbsp;On the hard rock,<br>
+'Twixt Arno and the Tyber, he from Christ<br>
+Took the last Signet, which his limbs two years<br>
+Did carry. &nbsp;Then the season come, that he,<br>
+Who to such good had destin'd him, was pleas'd<br>
+T' advance him to the meed, which he had earn'd<br>
+By his self-humbling, to his brotherhood,<br>
+As their just heritage, he gave in charge<br>
+His dearest lady, and enjoin'd their love<br>
+And faith to her: and, from her bosom, will'd<br>
+His goodly spirit should move forth, returning<br>
+To its appointed kingdom, nor would have<br>
+His body laid upon another bier.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Think now of one, who were a fit colleague,<br>
+To keep the bark of Peter in deep sea<br>
+Helm'd to right point; and such our Patriarch was.<br>
+Therefore who follow him, as he enjoins,<br>
+Thou mayst be certain, take good lading in.<br>
+But hunger of new viands tempts his flock,<br>
+So that they needs into strange pastures wide<br>
+Must spread them: and the more remote from him<br>
+The stragglers wander, so much mole they come<br>
+Home to the sheep-fold, destitute of milk.<br>
+There are of them, in truth, who fear their harm,<br>
+And to the shepherd cleave; but these so few,<br>
+A little stuff may furnish out their cloaks.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Now, if my words be clear, if thou have ta'en<br>
+Good heed, if that, which I have told, recall<br>
+To mind, thy wish may be in part fulfill'd:<br>
+For thou wilt see the point from whence they split,<br>
+Nor miss of the reproof, which that implies,<br>
+'That well they thrive not sworn with vanity."'</p>
+
+<br><br>
+<a name="12"></a>
+<br><br>
+<h2>CANTO XII</h2>
+<br>
+
+<p>Soon as its final word the blessed flame<br>
+Had rais'd for utterance, straight the holy mill<br>
+Began to wheel, nor yet had once revolv'd,<br>
+Or ere another, circling, compass'd it,<br>
+Motion to motion, song to song, conjoining,<br>
+Song, that as much our muses doth excel,<br>
+Our Sirens with their tuneful pipes, as ray<br>
+Of primal splendour doth its faint reflex.<br>
+
+
+<br><br><br><br>
+<a href="images/12-16.jpg"><img alt="12-16th.jpg (37K)" src="images/12-16th.jpg" height="476" width="432"></a>
+<br><br><br><br>
+
+
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As when, if Juno bid her handmaid forth,<br>
+Two arches parallel, and trick'd alike,<br>
+Span the thin cloud, the outer taking birth<br>
+From that within (in manner of that voice<br>
+Whom love did melt away, as sun the mist),<br>
+And they who gaze, presageful call to mind<br>
+The compact, made with Noah, of the world<br>
+No more to be o'erflow'd; about us thus<br>
+Of sempiternal roses, bending, wreath'd<br>
+Those garlands twain, and to the innermost<br>
+E'en thus th' external answered. &nbsp;When the footing,<br>
+And other great festivity, of song,<br>
+And radiance, light with light accordant, each<br>
+Jocund and blythe, had at their pleasure still'd<br>
+(E'en as the eyes by quick volition mov'd,<br>
+Are shut and rais'd together), from the heart<br>
+Of one amongst the new lights mov'd a voice,<br>
+That made me seem like needle to the star,<br>
+In turning to its whereabout, and thus<br>
+Began: "The love, that makes me beautiful,<br>
+Prompts me to tell of th' other guide, for whom<br>
+Such good of mine is spoken. &nbsp;Where one is,<br>
+The other worthily should also be;<br>
+That as their warfare was alike, alike<br>
+Should be their glory. &nbsp;Slow, and full of doubt,<br>
+And with thin ranks, after its banner mov'd<br>
+The army of Christ (which it so clearly cost<br>
+To reappoint), when its imperial Head,<br>
+Who reigneth ever, for the drooping host<br>
+Did make provision, thorough grace alone,<br>
+And not through its deserving. &nbsp;As thou heard'st,<br>
+Two champions to the succour of his spouse<br>
+He sent, who by their deeds and words might join<br>
+Again his scatter'd people. &nbsp;In that clime,<br>
+Where springs the pleasant west-wind to unfold<br>
+The fresh leaves, with which Europe sees herself<br>
+New-garmented; nor from those billows far,<br>
+Beyond whose chiding, after weary course,<br>
+The sun doth sometimes hide him, safe abides<br>
+The happy Callaroga, under guard<br>
+Of the great shield, wherein the lion lies<br>
+Subjected and supreme. &nbsp;And there was born<br>
+The loving million of the Christian faith,<br>
+The hollow'd wrestler, gentle to his own,<br>
+And to his enemies terrible. &nbsp;So replete<br>
+His soul with lively virtue, that when first<br>
+Created, even in the mother's womb,<br>
+It prophesied. &nbsp;When, at the sacred font,<br>
+The spousals were complete 'twixt faith and him,<br>
+Where pledge of mutual safety was exchang'd,<br>
+The dame, who was his surety, in her sleep<br>
+Beheld the wondrous fruit, that was from him<br>
+And from his heirs to issue. &nbsp;And that such<br>
+He might be construed, as indeed he was,<br>
+She was inspir'd to name him of his owner,<br>
+Whose he was wholly, and so call'd him Dominic.<br>
+And I speak of him, as the labourer,<br>
+Whom Christ in his own garden chose to be<br>
+His help-mate. &nbsp;Messenger he seem'd, and friend<br>
+Fast-knit to Christ; and the first love he show'd,<br>
+Was after the first counsel that Christ gave.<br>
+Many a time his nurse, at entering found<br>
+That he had ris'n in silence, and was prostrate,<br>
+As who should say, "My errand was for this."<br>
+O happy father! &nbsp;Felix rightly nam'd!<br>
+O favour'd mother! rightly nam'd Joanna!<br>
+If that do mean, as men interpret it.<br>
+Not for the world's sake, for which now they pore<br>
+Upon Ostiense and Taddeo's page,<br>
+But for the real manna, soon he grew<br>
+Mighty in learning, and did set himself<br>
+To go about the vineyard, that soon turns<br>
+To wan and wither'd, if not tended well:<br>
+And from the see (whose bounty to the just<br>
+And needy is gone by, not through its fault,<br>
+But his who fills it basely, he besought,<br>
+No dispensation for commuted wrong,<br>
+Nor the first vacant fortune, nor the tenth),<br>
+That to God's paupers rightly appertain,<br>
+But, 'gainst an erring and degenerate world,<br>
+Licence to fight, in favour of that seed,<br>
+From which the twice twelve cions gird thee round.<br>
+Then, with sage doctrine and good will to help,<br>
+Forth on his great apostleship he far'd,<br>
+Like torrent bursting from a lofty vein;<br>
+And, dashing 'gainst the stocks of heresy,<br>
+Smote fiercest, where resistance was most stout.<br>
+Thence many rivulets have since been turn'd,<br>
+Over the garden Catholic to lead<br>
+Their living waters, and have fed its plants.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"If such one wheel of that two-yoked car,<br>
+Wherein the holy church defended her,<br>
+And rode triumphant through the civil broil.<br>
+Thou canst not doubt its fellow's excellence,<br>
+Which Thomas, ere my coming, hath declar'd<br>
+So courteously unto thee. &nbsp;But the track,<br>
+Which its smooth fellies made, is now deserted:<br>
+That mouldy mother is where late were lees.<br>
+His family, that wont to trace his path,<br>
+Turn backward, and invert their steps; erelong<br>
+To rue the gathering in of their ill crop,<br>
+When the rejected tares in vain shall ask<br>
+Admittance to the barn. &nbsp;I question not<br>
+But he, who search'd our volume, leaf by leaf,<br>
+Might still find page with this inscription on't,<br>
+'I am as I was wont.' &nbsp;Yet such were not<br>
+From Acquasparta nor Casale, whence<br>
+Of those, who come to meddle with the text,<br>
+One stretches and another cramps its rule.<br>
+Bonaventura's life in me behold,<br>
+From Bagnororegio, one, who in discharge<br>
+Of my great offices still laid aside<br>
+All sinister aim. &nbsp;Illuminato here,<br>
+And Agostino join me: two they were,<br>
+Among the first of those barefooted meek ones,<br>
+Who sought God's friendship in the cord: with them<br>
+Hugues of Saint Victor, Pietro Mangiadore,<br>
+And he of Spain in his twelve volumes shining,<br>
+Nathan the prophet, Metropolitan<br>
+Chrysostom, and Anselmo, and, who deign'd<br>
+To put his hand to the first art, Donatus.<br>
+Raban is here: and at my side there shines<br>
+Calabria's abbot, Joachim, endow'd<br>
+With soul prophetic. &nbsp;The bright courtesy<br>
+Of friar Thomas, and his goodly lore,<br>
+Have mov'd me to the blazon of a peer<br>
+So worthy, and with me have mov'd this throng."</p>
+
+<br><br>
+<a name="13"></a>
+<br><br>
+<h2>CANTO XIII</h2>
+<br>
+
+<p>Let him, who would conceive what now I saw,<br>
+Imagine (and retain the image firm,<br>
+As mountain rock, the whilst he hears me speak),<br>
+Of stars fifteen, from midst the ethereal host<br>
+Selected, that, with lively ray serene,<br>
+O'ercome the massiest air: thereto imagine<br>
+The wain, that, in the bosom of our sky,<br>
+Spins ever on its axle night and day,<br>
+With the bright summit of that horn which swells<br>
+Due from the pole, round which the first wheel rolls,<br>
+T' have rang'd themselves in fashion of two signs<br>
+In heav'n, such as Ariadne made,<br>
+When death's chill seized her; and that one of them<br>
+Did compass in the other's beam; and both<br>
+In such sort whirl around, that each should tend<br>
+With opposite motion and, conceiving thus,<br>
+Of that true constellation, and the dance<br>
+Twofold, that circled me, he shall attain<br>
+As 't were the shadow; for things there as much<br>
+Surpass our usage, as the swiftest heav'n<br>
+Is swifter than the Chiana. &nbsp;There was sung<br>
+No Bacchus, and no Io Paean, but<br>
+Three Persons in the Godhead, and in one<br>
+Substance that nature and the human join'd.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The song fulfill'd its measure; and to us<br>
+Those saintly lights attended, happier made<br>
+At each new minist'ring. &nbsp;Then silence brake,<br>
+Amid th' accordant sons of Deity,<br>
+That luminary, in which the wondrous life<br>
+Of the meek man of God was told to me;<br>
+And thus it spake: "One ear o' th' harvest thresh'd,<br>
+And its grain safely stor'd, sweet charity<br>
+Invites me with the other to like toil.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Thou know'st, that in the bosom, whence the rib<br>
+Was ta'en to fashion that fair cheek, whose taste<br>
+All the world pays for, and in that, which pierc'd<br>
+By the keen lance, both after and before<br>
+Such satisfaction offer'd, as outweighs<br>
+Each evil in the scale, whate'er of light<br>
+To human nature is allow'd, must all<br>
+Have by his virtue been infus'd, who form'd<br>
+Both one and other: and thou thence admir'st<br>
+In that I told thee, of beatitudes<br>
+A second, there is none, to his enclos'd<br>
+In the fifth radiance. &nbsp;Open now thine eyes<br>
+To what I answer thee; and thou shalt see<br>
+Thy deeming and my saying meet in truth,<br>
+As centre in the round. &nbsp;That which dies not,<br>
+And that which can die, are but each the beam<br>
+Of that idea, which our Soverign Sire<br>
+Engendereth loving; for that lively light,<br>
+Which passeth from his brightness; not disjoin'd<br>
+From him, nor from his love triune with them,<br>
+Doth, through his bounty, congregate itself,<br>
+Mirror'd, as 't were in new existences,<br>
+Itself unalterable and ever one.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Descending hence unto the lowest powers,<br>
+Its energy so sinks, at last it makes<br>
+But brief contingencies: for so I name<br>
+Things generated, which the heav'nly orbs<br>
+Moving, with seed or without seed, produce.<br>
+Their wax, and that which molds it, differ much:<br>
+And thence with lustre, more or less, it shows<br>
+Th' ideal stamp impress: so that one tree<br>
+According to his kind, hath better fruit,<br>
+And worse: and, at your birth, ye, mortal men,<br>
+Are in your talents various. &nbsp;Were the wax<br>
+Molded with nice exactness, and the heav'n<br>
+In its disposing influence supreme,<br>
+The lustre of the seal should be complete:<br>
+But nature renders it imperfect ever,<br>
+Resembling thus the artist in her work,<br>
+Whose faultering hand is faithless to his skill.<br>
+Howe'er, if love itself dispose, and mark<br>
+The primal virtue, kindling with bright view,<br>
+There all perfection is vouchsafed; and such<br>
+The clay was made, accomplish'd with each gift,<br>
+That life can teem with; such the burden fill'd<br>
+The virgin's bosom: so that I commend<br>
+Thy judgment, that the human nature ne'er<br>
+Was or can be, such as in them it was.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Did I advance no further than this point,<br>
+'How then had he no peer?' &nbsp;thou might'st reply.<br>
+But, that what now appears not, may appear<br>
+Right plainly, ponder, who he was, and what<br>
+(When he was bidden 'Ask' ), the motive sway'd<br>
+To his requesting. &nbsp;I have spoken thus,<br>
+That thou mayst see, he was a king, who ask'd<br>
+For wisdom, to the end he might be king<br>
+Sufficient: not the number to search out<br>
+Of the celestial movers; or to know,<br>
+If necessary with contingent e'er<br>
+Have made necessity; or whether that<br>
+Be granted, that first motion is; or if<br>
+Of the mid circle can, by art, be made<br>
+Triangle with each corner, blunt or sharp.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Whence, noting that, which I have said, and this,<br>
+Thou kingly prudence and that ken mayst learn,<br>
+At which the dart of my intention aims.<br>
+And, marking clearly, that I told thee, 'Risen,'<br>
+Thou shalt discern it only hath respect<br>
+To kings, of whom are many, and the good<br>
+Are rare. &nbsp;With this distinction take my words;<br>
+And they may well consist with that which thou<br>
+Of the first human father dost believe,<br>
+And of our well-beloved. &nbsp;And let this<br>
+Henceforth be led unto thy feet, to make<br>
+Thee slow in motion, as a weary man,<br>
+Both to the 'yea' and to the 'nay' thou seest not.<br>
+For he among the fools is down full low,<br>
+Whose affirmation, or denial, is<br>
+Without distinction, in each case alike<br>
+Since it befalls, that in most instances<br>
+Current opinion leads to false: and then<br>
+Affection bends the judgment to her ply.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Much more than vainly doth he loose from shore,<br>
+Since he returns not such as he set forth,<br>
+Who fishes for the truth and wanteth skill.<br>
+And open proofs of this unto the world<br>
+Have been afforded in Parmenides,<br>
+Melissus, Bryso, and the crowd beside,<br>
+Who journey'd on, and knew not whither: so did<br>
+Sabellius, Arius, and the other fools,<br>
+Who, like to scymitars, reflected back<br>
+The scripture-image, by distortion marr'd.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Let not the people be too swift to judge,<br>
+As one who reckons on the blades in field,<br>
+Or ere the crop be ripe. &nbsp;For I have seen<br>
+The thorn frown rudely all the winter long<br>
+And after bear the rose upon its top;<br>
+And bark, that all the way across the sea<br>
+Ran straight and speedy, perish at the last,<br>
+E'en in the haven's mouth seeing one steal,<br>
+Another brine, his offering to the priest,<br>
+Let not Dame Birtha and Sir Martin thence<br>
+Into heav'n's counsels deem that they can pry:<br>
+For one of these may rise, the other fall."</p>
+
+<br><br>
+<a name="14"></a>
+<br><br>
+<h2>CANTO XIV</h2>
+<br>
+
+<p>From centre to the circle, and so back<br>
+From circle to the centre, water moves<br>
+In the round chalice, even as the blow<br>
+Impels it, inwardly, or from without.<br>
+Such was the image glanc'd into my mind,<br>
+As the great spirit of Aquinum ceas'd;<br>
+And Beatrice after him her words<br>
+Resum'd alternate: "Need there is (tho' yet<br>
+He tells it to you not in words, nor e'en<br>
+In thought) that he should fathom to its depth<br>
+Another mystery. &nbsp;Tell him, if the light,<br>
+Wherewith your substance blooms, shall stay with you<br>
+Eternally, as now: and, if it doth,<br>
+How, when ye shall regain your visible forms,<br>
+The sight may without harm endure the change,<br>
+That also tell." &nbsp;As those, who in a ring<br>
+Tread the light measure, in their fitful mirth<br>
+Raise loud the voice, and spring with gladder bound;<br>
+Thus, at the hearing of that pious suit,<br>
+The saintly circles in their tourneying<br>
+And wond'rous note attested new delight.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Whoso laments, that we must doff this garb<br>
+Of frail mortality, thenceforth to live<br>
+Immortally above, he hath not seen<br>
+The sweet refreshing, of that heav'nly shower.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Him, who lives ever, and for ever reigns<br>
+In mystic union of the Three in One,<br>
+Unbounded, bounding all, each spirit thrice<br>
+Sang, with such melody, as but to hear<br>
+For highest merit were an ample meed.<br>
+And from the lesser orb the goodliest light,<br>
+With gentle voice and mild, such as perhaps<br>
+The angel's once to Mary, thus replied:<br>
+"Long as the joy of Paradise shall last,<br>
+Our love shall shine around that raiment, bright,<br>
+As fervent; fervent, as in vision blest;<br>
+And that as far in blessedness exceeding,<br>
+As it hath grave beyond its virtue great.<br>
+Our shape, regarmented with glorious weeds<br>
+Of saintly flesh, must, being thus entire,<br>
+Show yet more gracious. &nbsp;Therefore shall increase,<br>
+Whate'er of light, gratuitous, imparts<br>
+The Supreme Good; light, ministering aid,<br>
+The better disclose his glory: whence<br>
+The vision needs increasing, much increase<br>
+The fervour, which it kindles; and that too<br>
+The ray, that comes from it. &nbsp;But as the greed<br>
+Which gives out flame, yet it its whiteness shines<br>
+More lively than that, and so preserves<br>
+Its proper semblance; thus this circling sphere<br>
+Of splendour, shall to view less radiant seem,<br>
+Than shall our fleshly robe, which yonder earth<br>
+Now covers. &nbsp;Nor will such excess of light<br>
+O'erpower us, in corporeal organs made<br>
+Firm, and susceptible of all delight."<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;So ready and so cordial an "Amen,"<br>
+Followed from either choir, as plainly spoke<br>
+Desire of their dead bodies; yet perchance<br>
+Not for themselves, but for their kindred dear,<br>
+Mothers and sires, and those whom best they lov'd,<br>
+Ere they were made imperishable flame.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And lo! forthwith there rose up round about<br>
+A lustre over that already there,<br>
+Of equal clearness, like the brightening up<br>
+Of the horizon. &nbsp;As at an evening hour<br>
+Of twilight, new appearances through heav'n<br>
+Peer with faint glimmer, doubtfully descried;<br>
+So there new substances, methought began<br>
+To rise in view; and round the other twain<br>
+Enwheeling, sweep their ampler circuit wide.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;O gentle glitter of eternal beam!<br>
+With what a such whiteness did it flow,<br>
+O'erpowering vision in me! &nbsp;But so fair,<br>
+So passing lovely, Beatrice show'd,<br>
+Mind cannot follow it, nor words express<br>
+Her infinite sweetness. &nbsp;Thence mine eyes regain'd<br>
+Power to look up, and I beheld myself,<br>
+Sole with my lady, to more lofty bliss<br>
+Translated: for the star, with warmer smile<br>
+Impurpled, well denoted our ascent.<br>
+
+
+<br><br><br><br>
+<a href="images/14-77.jpg"><img alt="14-77th.jpg (33K)" src="images/14-77th.jpg" height="478" width="433"></a>
+<br><br><br><br>
+
+
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With all the heart, and with that tongue which speaks<br>
+The same in all, an holocaust I made<br>
+To God, befitting the new grace vouchsaf'd.<br>
+And from my bosom had not yet upsteam'd<br>
+The fuming of that incense, when I knew<br>
+The rite accepted. &nbsp;With such mighty sheen<br>
+And mantling crimson, in two listed rays<br>
+The splendours shot before me, that I cried,<br>
+"God of Sabaoth! that does prank them thus!"<br>
+
+
+<br><br><br><br>
+<a href="images/14-96.jpg"><img alt="14-96th.jpg (38K)" src="images/14-96th.jpg" height="475" width="439"></a>
+<br><br><br><br>
+
+
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As leads the galaxy from pole to pole,<br>
+Distinguish'd into greater lights and less,<br>
+Its pathway, which the wisest fail to spell;<br>
+So thickly studded, in the depth of Mars,<br>
+Those rays describ'd the venerable sign,<br>
+That quadrants in the round conjoining frame.<br>
+Here memory mocks the toil of genius. &nbsp;Christ<br>
+Beam'd on that cross; and pattern fails me now.<br>
+But whoso takes his cross, and follows Christ<br>
+Will pardon me for that I leave untold,<br>
+When in the flecker'd dawning he shall spy<br>
+The glitterance of Christ. &nbsp;From horn to horn,<br>
+And 'tween the summit and the base did move<br>
+Lights, scintillating, as they met and pass'd.<br>
+Thus oft are seen, with ever-changeful glance,<br>
+Straight or athwart, now rapid and now slow,<br>
+The atomies of bodies, long or short,<br>
+To move along the sunbeam, whose slant line<br>
+Checkers the shadow, interpos'd by art<br>
+Against the noontide heat. &nbsp;And as the chime<br>
+Of minstrel music, dulcimer, and help<br>
+With many strings, a pleasant dining makes<br>
+To him, who heareth not distinct the note;<br>
+So from the lights, which there appear'd to me,<br>
+Gather'd along the cross a melody,<br>
+That, indistinctly heard, with ravishment<br>
+Possess'd me. &nbsp;Yet I mark'd it was a hymn<br>
+Of lofty praises; for there came to me<br>
+"Arise and conquer," as to one who hears<br>
+And comprehends not. &nbsp;Me such ecstasy<br>
+O'ercame, that never till that hour was thing<br>
+That held me in so sweet imprisonment.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Perhaps my saying over bold appears,<br>
+Accounting less the pleasure of those eyes,<br>
+Whereon to look fulfilleth all desire.<br>
+But he, who is aware those living seals<br>
+Of every beauty work with quicker force,<br>
+The higher they are ris'n; and that there<br>
+I had not turn'd me to them; he may well<br>
+Excuse me that, whereof in my excuse<br>
+I do accuse me, and may own my truth;<br>
+That holy pleasure here not yet reveal'd,<br>
+Which grows in transport as we mount aloof.</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
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+
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+</td><td>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="p3.htm">Next Part</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
+ </td></tr>
+</table>
+</center>
+<br><br>
+
+
+<br><br>
+
+
+
+<center>
+<h1>THE VISION</h1><br>
+<h2>OF,</h2><br>
+<h1>HELL, PURGATORY, AND PARADISE</h1><br>
+<h2>BY</h2><br>
+<h1>DANTE ALIGHIERI</h1>
+<br><br><br>
+<br><br><br>
+<h2>PARADISE</h2>
+<h3>Part Two</h3>
+
+<br><br><br>
+<h3>TRANSLATED BY</h3><br>
+<h2>THE REV. H. F. CARY, M.A.</h2>
+<br><br>
+<h4>Click on Any Image to Enlarge It</h4>
+
+<br><br><br><br>
+<a href="images/cover.jpg"><img alt="coverth.jpg (42K)" src="images/coverth.jpg" height="478" width="553"></a>
+<br><br><br><br>
+<a href="images/frontispiece.jpg"><img alt="front2.jpg (41K)" src="images/front2.jpg" height="477" width="431"></a>
+<br><br><br><br>
+<a href="images/titlepage.jpg"><img alt="title2.jpg (21K)" src="images/title2.jpg" height="535" width="416"></a>
+
+<br><br><br><br>
+<br><br><br><br>
+<h1>PARADISE</h1>
+</center>
+<br><br><br><br>
+<center>
+<h2>LIST OF CANTOS</h2>
+</center>
+
+<center>
+<table summary="Contents">
+<tr><td>
+
+
+
+
+<a href="#15">Canto 15</a><br>
+<a href="#16">Canto 16</a><br>
+<a href="#17">Canto 17</a><br>
+<a href="#18">Canto 18</a><br>
+<a href="#19">Canto 19</a><br>
+<a href="#20">Canto 20</a><br>
+<a href="#21">Canto 21</a><br><br>
+
+
+
+
+
+</td></tr>
+</table>
+</center>
+<br><br><br><br>
+<center>
+<table summary="Paradise">
+<tr><td>
+
+
+
+<br><br>
+<a name="15"></a>
+<br><br>
+<h2>CANTO XV</h2>
+<br>
+
+<p>True love, that ever shows itself as clear<br>
+In kindness, as loose appetite in wrong,<br>
+Silenced that lyre harmonious, and still'd<br>
+The sacred chords, that are by heav'n's right hand<br>
+Unwound and tighten'd, flow to righteous prayers<br>
+Should they not hearken, who, to give me will<br>
+For praying, in accordance thus were mute?<br>
+He hath in sooth good cause for endless grief,<br>
+Who, for the love of thing that lasteth not,<br>
+Despoils himself forever of that love.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As oft along the still and pure serene,<br>
+At nightfall, glides a sudden trail of fire,<br>
+Attracting with involuntary heed<br>
+The eye to follow it, erewhile at rest,<br>
+And seems some star that shifted place in heav'n,<br>
+Only that, whence it kindles, none is lost,<br>
+And it is soon extinct; thus from the horn,<br>
+That on the dexter of the cross extends,<br>
+Down to its foot, one luminary ran<br>
+From mid the cluster shone there; yet no gem<br>
+Dropp'd from its foil; and through the beamy list<br>
+Like flame in alabaster, glow'd its course.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;So forward stretch'd him (if of credence aught<br>
+Our greater muse may claim) the pious ghost<br>
+Of old Anchises, in the' Elysian bower,<br>
+When he perceiv'd his son. &nbsp;"O thou, my blood!<br>
+O most exceeding grace divine! to whom,<br>
+As now to thee, hath twice the heav'nly gate<br>
+Been e'er unclos'd?" so spake the light; whence I<br>
+Turn'd me toward him; then unto my dame<br>
+My sight directed, and on either side<br>
+Amazement waited me; for in her eyes<br>
+Was lighted such a smile, I thought that mine<br>
+Had div'd unto the bottom of my grace<br>
+And of my bliss in Paradise. &nbsp;Forthwith<br>
+To hearing and to sight grateful alike,<br>
+The spirit to his proem added things<br>
+I understood not, so profound he spake;<br>
+Yet not of choice but through necessity<br>
+Mysterious; for his high conception scar'd<br>
+Beyond the mark of mortals. &nbsp;When the flight<br>
+Of holy transport had so spent its rage,<br>
+That nearer to the level of our thought<br>
+The speech descended, the first sounds I heard<br>
+Were, "Best he thou, Triunal Deity!<br>
+That hast such favour in my seed vouchsaf'd!"<br>
+Then follow'd: "No unpleasant thirst, tho' long,<br>
+Which took me reading in the sacred book,<br>
+Whose leaves or white or dusky never change,<br>
+Thou hast allay'd, my son, within this light,<br>
+From whence my voice thou hear'st; more thanks to her.<br>
+Who for such lofty mounting has with plumes<br>
+Begirt thee. &nbsp;Thou dost deem thy thoughts to me<br>
+From him transmitted, who is first of all,<br>
+E'en as all numbers ray from unity;<br>
+And therefore dost not ask me who I am,<br>
+Or why to thee more joyous I appear,<br>
+Than any other in this gladsome throng.<br>
+The truth is as thou deem'st; for in this hue<br>
+Both less and greater in that mirror look,<br>
+In which thy thoughts, or ere thou think'st, are shown.<br>
+But, that the love, which keeps me wakeful ever,<br>
+Urging with sacred thirst of sweet desire,<br>
+May be contended fully, let thy voice,<br>
+Fearless, and frank and jocund, utter forth<br>
+Thy will distinctly, utter forth the wish,<br>
+Whereto my ready answer stands decreed."<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I turn'd me to Beatrice; and she heard<br>
+Ere I had spoken, smiling, an assent,<br>
+That to my will gave wings; and I began<br>
+"To each among your tribe, what time ye kenn'd<br>
+The nature, in whom naught unequal dwells,<br>
+Wisdom and love were in one measure dealt;<br>
+For that they are so equal in the sun,<br>
+From whence ye drew your radiance and your heat,<br>
+As makes all likeness scant. &nbsp;But will and means,<br>
+In mortals, for the cause ye well discern,<br>
+With unlike wings are fledge. &nbsp;A mortal I<br>
+Experience inequality like this,<br>
+And therefore give no thanks, but in the heart,<br>
+For thy paternal greeting. &nbsp;This howe'er<br>
+I pray thee, living topaz! that ingemm'st<br>
+This precious jewel, let me hear thy name."<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I am thy root, O leaf! whom to expect<br>
+Even, hath pleas'd me:" &nbsp;thus the prompt reply<br>
+Prefacing, next it added: "he, of whom<br>
+Thy kindred appellation comes, and who,<br>
+These hundred years and more, on its first ledge<br>
+Hath circuited the mountain, was my son<br>
+And thy great grandsire. &nbsp;Well befits, his long<br>
+Endurance should be shorten'd by thy deeds.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Florence, within her ancient limit-mark,<br>
+Which calls her still to matin prayers and noon,<br>
+Was chaste and sober, and abode in peace.<br>
+She had no armlets and no head-tires then,<br>
+No purfled dames, no zone, that caught the eye<br>
+More than the person did. &nbsp;Time was not yet,<br>
+When at his daughter's birth the sire grew pale.<br>
+For fear the age and dowry should exceed<br>
+On each side just proportion. &nbsp;House was none<br>
+Void of its family; nor yet had come<br>
+Hardanapalus, to exhibit feats<br>
+Of chamber prowess. &nbsp;Montemalo yet<br>
+O'er our suburban turret rose; as much<br>
+To be surpass in fall, as in its rising.<br>
+I saw Bellincione Berti walk abroad<br>
+In leathern girdle and a clasp of bone;<br>
+And, with no artful colouring on her cheeks,<br>
+His lady leave the glass. &nbsp;The sons I saw<br>
+Of Nerli and of Vecchio well content<br>
+With unrob'd jerkin; and their good dames handling<br>
+The spindle and the flax; O happy they!<br>
+Each sure of burial in her native land,<br>
+And none left desolate a-bed for France!<br>
+One wak'd to tend the cradle, hushing it<br>
+With sounds that lull'd the parent's infancy:<br>
+Another, with her maidens, drawing off<br>
+The tresses from the distaff, lectur'd them<br>
+Old tales of Troy and Fesole and Rome.<br>
+A Salterello and Cianghella we<br>
+Had held as strange a marvel, as ye would<br>
+A Cincinnatus or Cornelia now.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"In such compos'd and seemly fellowship,<br>
+Such faithful and such fair equality,<br>
+In so sweet household, Mary at my birth<br>
+Bestow'd me, call'd on with loud cries; and there<br>
+In your old baptistery, I was made<br>
+Christian at once and Cacciaguida; as were<br>
+My brethren, Eliseo and Moronto.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"From Valdipado came to me my spouse,<br>
+And hence thy surname grew. &nbsp;I follow'd then<br>
+The Emperor Conrad; and his knighthood he<br>
+Did gird on me; in such good part he took<br>
+My valiant service. &nbsp;After him I went<br>
+To testify against that evil law,<br>
+Whose people, by the shepherd's fault, possess<br>
+Your right, usurping. &nbsp;There, by that foul crew<br>
+Was I releas'd from the deceitful world,<br>
+Whose base affection many a spirit soils,<br>
+And from the martyrdom came to this peace."</p>
+
+<br><br>
+<a name="16"></a>
+<br><br>
+<h2>CANTO XVI</h2>
+<br>
+
+<p>O slight respect of man's nobility!<br>
+I never shall account it marvelous,<br>
+That our infirm affection here below<br>
+Thou mov'st to boasting, when I could not choose,<br>
+E'en in that region of unwarp'd desire,<br>
+In heav'n itself, but make my vaunt in thee!<br>
+Yet cloak thou art soon shorten'd, for that time,<br>
+Unless thou be eked out from day to day,<br>
+Goes round thee with his shears. &nbsp;Resuming then<br>
+With greeting such, as Rome, was first to bear,<br>
+But since hath disaccustom'd I began;<br>
+And Beatrice, that a little space<br>
+Was sever'd, smil'd reminding me of her,<br>
+Whose cough embolden'd (as the story holds)<br>
+To first offence the doubting Guenever.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You are my sire," said I, "you give me heart<br>
+Freely to speak my thought: above myself<br>
+You raise me. &nbsp;Through so many streams with joy<br>
+My soul is fill'd, that gladness wells from it;<br>
+So that it bears the mighty tide, and bursts not<br>
+Say then, my honour'd stem! what ancestors<br>
+Where those you sprang from, and what years were mark'd<br>
+In your first childhood? &nbsp;Tell me of the fold,<br>
+That hath Saint John for guardian, what was then<br>
+Its state, and who in it were highest seated?"<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As embers, at the breathing of the wind,<br>
+Their flame enliven, so that light I saw<br>
+Shine at my blandishments; and, as it grew<br>
+More fair to look on, so with voice more sweet,<br>
+Yet not in this our modern phrase, forthwith<br>
+It answer'd: "From the day, when it was said<br>
+'Hail Virgin!' to the throes, by which my mother,<br>
+Who now is sainted, lighten'd her of me<br>
+Whom she was heavy with, this fire had come,<br>
+Five hundred fifty times and thrice, its beams<br>
+To reilumine underneath the foot<br>
+Of its own lion. &nbsp;They, of whom I sprang,<br>
+And I, had there our birth-place, where the last<br>
+Partition of our city first is reach'd<br>
+By him, that runs her annual game. &nbsp;Thus much<br>
+Suffice of my forefathers: who they were,<br>
+And whence they hither came, more honourable<br>
+It is to pass in silence than to tell.<br>
+All those, who in that time were there from Mars<br>
+Until the Baptist, fit to carry arms,<br>
+Were but the fifth of them this day alive.<br>
+But then the citizen's blood, that now is mix'd<br>
+From Campi and Certaldo and Fighine,<br>
+Ran purely through the last mechanic's veins.<br>
+O how much better were it, that these people<br>
+Were neighbours to you, and that at Galluzzo<br>
+And at Trespiano, ye should have your bound'ry,<br>
+Than to have them within, and bear the stench<br>
+Of Aguglione's hind, and Signa's, him,<br>
+That hath his eye already keen for bart'ring!<br>
+Had not the people, which of all the world<br>
+Degenerates most, been stepdame unto Caesar,<br>
+But, as a mother, gracious to her son;<br>
+Such one, as hath become a Florentine,<br>
+And trades and traffics, had been turn'd adrift<br>
+To Simifonte, where his grandsire ply'd<br>
+The beggar's craft. &nbsp;The Conti were possess'd<br>
+Of Montemurlo still: the Cerchi still<br>
+Were in Acone's parish; nor had haply<br>
+From Valdigrieve past the Buondelmonte.<br>
+The city's malady hath ever source<br>
+In the confusion of its persons, as<br>
+The body's, in variety of food:<br>
+And the blind bull falls with a steeper plunge,<br>
+Than the blind lamb; and oftentimes one sword<br>
+Doth more and better execution,<br>
+Than five. &nbsp;Mark Luni, Urbisaglia mark,<br>
+How they are gone, and after them how go<br>
+Chiusi and Sinigaglia; and 't will seem<br>
+No longer new or strange to thee to hear,<br>
+That families fail, when cities have their end.<br>
+All things, that appertain t' ye, like yourselves,<br>
+Are mortal: but mortality in some<br>
+Ye mark not, they endure so long, and you<br>
+Pass by so suddenly. &nbsp;And as the moon<br>
+Doth, by the rolling of her heav'nly sphere,<br>
+Hide and reveal the strand unceasingly;<br>
+So fortune deals with Florence. &nbsp;Hence admire not<br>
+At what of them I tell thee, whose renown<br>
+Time covers, the first Florentines. &nbsp;I saw<br>
+The Ughi, Catilini and Filippi,<br>
+The Alberichi, Greci and Ormanni,<br>
+Now in their wane, illustrious citizens:<br>
+And great as ancient, of Sannella him,<br>
+With him of Arca saw, and Soldanieri<br>
+And Ardinghi, and Bostichi. &nbsp;At the poop,<br>
+That now is laden with new felony,<br>
+So cumb'rous it may speedily sink the bark,<br>
+The Ravignani sat, of whom is sprung<br>
+The County Guido, and whoso hath since<br>
+His title from the fam'd Bellincione ta'en.<br>
+Fair governance was yet an art well priz'd<br>
+By him of Pressa: Galigaio show'd<br>
+The gilded hilt and pommel, in his house.<br>
+The column, cloth'd with verrey, still was seen<br>
+Unshaken: the Sacchetti still were great,<br>
+Giouchi, Sifanti, Galli and Barucci,<br>
+With them who blush to hear the bushel nam'd.<br>
+Of the Calfucci still the branchy trunk<br>
+Was in its strength: and to the curule chairs<br>
+Sizii and Arigucci yet were drawn.<br>
+How mighty them I saw, whom since their pride<br>
+Hath undone! and in all her goodly deeds<br>
+Florence was by the bullets of bright gold<br>
+O'erflourish'd. &nbsp;Such the sires of those, who now,<br>
+As surely as your church is vacant, flock<br>
+Into her consistory, and at leisure<br>
+There stall them and grow fat. &nbsp;The o'erweening brood,<br>
+That plays the dragon after him that flees,<br>
+But unto such, as turn and show the tooth,<br>
+Ay or the purse, is gentle as a lamb,<br>
+Was on its rise, but yet so slight esteem'd,<br>
+That Ubertino of Donati grudg'd<br>
+His father-in-law should yoke him to its tribe.<br>
+Already Caponsacco had descended<br>
+Into the mart from Fesole: and Giuda<br>
+And Infangato were good citizens.<br>
+A thing incredible I tell, tho' true:<br>
+The gateway, named from those of Pera, led<br>
+Into the narrow circuit of your walls.<br>
+Each one, who bears the sightly quarterings<br>
+Of the great Baron (he whose name and worth<br>
+The festival of Thomas still revives)<br>
+His knighthood and his privilege retain'd;<br>
+Albeit one, who borders them With gold,<br>
+This day is mingled with the common herd.<br>
+In Borgo yet the Gualterotti dwelt,<br>
+And Importuni: well for its repose<br>
+Had it still lack'd of newer neighbourhood.<br>
+The house, from whence your tears have had their spring,<br>
+Through the just anger that hath murder'd ye<br>
+And put a period to your gladsome days,<br>
+Was honour'd, it, and those consorted with it.<br>
+O Buondelmonte! what ill counseling<br>
+Prevail'd on thee to break the plighted bond<br>
+Many, who now are weeping, would rejoice,<br>
+Had God to Ema giv'n thee, the first time<br>
+Thou near our city cam'st. &nbsp;But so was doom'd:<br>
+On that maim'd stone set up to guard the bridge,<br>
+At thy last peace, the victim, Florence! fell.<br>
+With these and others like to them, I saw<br>
+Florence in such assur'd tranquility,<br>
+She had no cause at which to grieve: with these<br>
+Saw her so glorious and so just, that ne'er<br>
+The lily from the lance had hung reverse,<br>
+Or through division been with vermeil dyed."</p>
+
+
+<br><br><br><br>
+<a href="images/16-143.jpg"><img alt="16-143th.jpg (28K)" src="images/16-143th.jpg" height="455" width="432"></a>
+<br><br><br><br>
+
+
+<a name="17"></a>
+<br><br>
+<h2>CANTO XVII</h2>
+<br>
+
+<p>Such as the youth, who came to Clymene<br>
+To certify himself of that reproach,<br>
+Which had been fasten'd on him, (he whose end<br>
+Still makes the fathers chary to their sons),<br>
+E'en such was I; nor unobserv'd was such<br>
+Of Beatrice, and that saintly lamp,<br>
+Who had erewhile for me his station mov'd;<br>
+When thus by lady: "Give thy wish free vent,<br>
+That it may issue, bearing true report<br>
+Of the mind's impress; not that aught thy words<br>
+May to our knowledge add, but to the end,<br>
+That thou mayst use thyself to own thy thirst<br>
+And men may mingle for thee when they hear."<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"O plant! from whence I spring! rever'd and lov'd!<br>
+Who soar'st so high a pitch, thou seest as clear,<br>
+As earthly thought determines two obtuse<br>
+In one triangle not contain'd, so clear<br>
+Dost see contingencies, ere in themselves<br>
+Existent, looking at the point whereto<br>
+All times are present, I, the whilst I scal'd<br>
+With Virgil the soul purifying mount,<br>
+And visited the nether world of woe,<br>
+Touching my future destiny have heard<br>
+Words grievous, though I feel me on all sides<br>
+Well squar'd to fortune's blows. &nbsp;Therefore my will<br>
+Were satisfied to know the lot awaits me,<br>
+The arrow, seen beforehand, slacks its flight."<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;So said I to the brightness, which erewhile<br>
+To me had spoken, and my will declar'd,<br>
+As Beatrice will'd, explicitly.<br>
+Nor with oracular response obscure,<br>
+Such, as or ere the Lamb of God was slain,<br>
+Beguil'd the credulous nations; but, in terms<br>
+Precise and unambiguous lore, replied<br>
+The spirit of paternal love, enshrin'd,<br>
+Yet in his smile apparent; and thus spake:<br>
+"Contingency, unfolded not to view<br>
+Upon the tablet of your mortal mold,<br>
+Is all depictur'd in the' eternal sight;<br>
+But hence deriveth not necessity,<br>
+More then the tall ship, hurried down the flood,<br>
+Doth from the vision, that reflects the scene.<br>
+From thence, as to the ear sweet harmony<br>
+From organ comes, so comes before mine eye<br>
+The time prepar'd for thee. &nbsp;Such as driv'n out<br>
+From Athens, by his cruel stepdame's wiles,<br>
+Hippolytus departed, such must thou<br>
+Depart from Florence. &nbsp;This they wish, and this<br>
+Contrive, and will ere long effectuate, there,<br>
+Where gainful merchandize is made of Christ,<br>
+Throughout the livelong day. &nbsp;The common cry,<br>
+Will, as 't is ever wont, affix the blame<br>
+Unto the party injur'd: but the truth<br>
+Shall, in the vengeance it dispenseth, find<br>
+A faithful witness. &nbsp;Thou shall leave each thing<br>
+Belov'd most dearly: this is the first shaft<br>
+Shot from the bow of exile. &nbsp;Thou shalt prove<br>
+How salt the savour is of other's bread,<br>
+How hard the passage to descend and climb<br>
+By other's stairs, But that shall gall thee most<br>
+Will be the worthless and vile company,<br>
+With whom thou must be thrown into these straits.<br>
+For all ungrateful, impious all and mad,<br>
+Shall turn 'gainst thee: but in a little while<br>
+Theirs and not thine shall be the crimson'd brow<br>
+Their course shall so evince their brutishness<br>
+T' have ta'en thy stand apart shall well become thee.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"First refuge thou must find, first place of rest,<br>
+In the great Lombard's courtesy, who bears<br>
+Upon the ladder perch'd the sacred bird.<br>
+He shall behold thee with such kind regard,<br>
+That 'twixt ye two, the contrary to that<br>
+Which falls 'twixt other men, the granting shall<br>
+Forerun the asking. &nbsp;With him shalt thou see<br>
+That mortal, who was at his birth impress<br>
+So strongly from this star, that of his deeds<br>
+The nations shall take note. &nbsp;His unripe age<br>
+Yet holds him from observance; for these wheels<br>
+Only nine years have compass him about.<br>
+But, ere the Gascon practice on great Harry,<br>
+Sparkles of virtue shall shoot forth in him,<br>
+In equal scorn of labours and of gold.<br>
+His bounty shall be spread abroad so widely,<br>
+As not to let the tongues e'en of his foes<br>
+Be idle in its praise. &nbsp;Look thou to him<br>
+And his beneficence: for he shall cause<br>
+Reversal of their lot to many people,<br>
+Rich men and beggars interchanging fortunes.<br>
+And thou shalt bear this written in thy soul<br>
+Of him, but tell it not;" and things he told<br>
+Incredible to those who witness them;<br>
+Then added: "So interpret thou, my son,<br>
+What hath been told thee.&mdash;Lo! the ambushment<br>
+That a few circling seasons hide for thee!<br>
+Yet envy not thy neighbours: time extends<br>
+Thy span beyond their treason's chastisement."<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Soon, as the saintly spirit, by his silence,<br>
+Had shown the web, which I had streteh'd for him<br>
+Upon the warp, was woven, I began,<br>
+As one, who in perplexity desires<br>
+Counsel of other, wise, benign and friendly:<br>
+"My father! well I mark how time spurs on<br>
+Toward me, ready to inflict the blow,<br>
+Which falls most heavily on him, who most<br>
+Abandoned himself. &nbsp;Therefore 't is good<br>
+I should forecast, that driven from the place<br>
+Most dear to me, I may not lose myself<br>
+All others by my song. &nbsp;Down through the world<br>
+Of infinite mourning, and along the mount<br>
+From whose fair height my lady's eyes did lift me,<br>
+And after through this heav'n from light to light,<br>
+Have I learnt that, which if I tell again,<br>
+It may with many woefully disrelish;<br>
+And, if I am a timid friend to truth,<br>
+I fear my life may perish among those,<br>
+To whom these days shall be of ancient date."<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The brightness, where enclos'd the treasure smil'd,<br>
+Which I had found there, first shone glisteningly,<br>
+Like to a golden mirror in the sun;<br>
+Next answer'd: "Conscience, dimm'd or by its own<br>
+Or other's shame, will feel thy saying sharp.<br>
+Thou, notwithstanding, all deceit remov'd,<br>
+See the whole vision be made manifest.<br>
+And let them wince who have their withers wrung.<br>
+What though, when tasted first, thy voice shall prove<br>
+Unwelcome, on digestion it will turn<br>
+To vital nourishment. &nbsp;The cry thou raisest,<br>
+Shall, as the wind doth, smite the proudest summits;<br>
+Which is of honour no light argument,<br>
+For this there only have been shown to thee,<br>
+Throughout these orbs, the mountain, and the deep,<br>
+Spirits, whom fame hath note of. &nbsp;For the mind<br>
+Of him, who hears, is loth to acquiesce<br>
+And fix its faith, unless the instance brought<br>
+Be palpable, and proof apparent urge."</p>
+
+<br><br>
+<a name="18"></a>
+<br><br>
+<h2>CANTO XVIII</h2>
+<br>
+<p>
+<br>
+CANTO XVIII</p>
+
+<p>Now in his word, sole, ruminating, joy'd<br>
+That blessed spirit; and I fed on mine,<br>
+Tempting the sweet with bitter: she meanwhile,<br>
+Who led me unto God, admonish'd: "Muse<br>
+On other thoughts: bethink thee, that near Him<br>
+I dwell, who recompenseth every wrong."<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;At the sweet sounds of comfort straight I turn'd;<br>
+And, in the saintly eyes what love was seen,<br>
+I leave in silence here: nor through distrust<br>
+Of my words only, but that to such bliss<br>
+The mind remounts not without aid. &nbsp;Thus much<br>
+Yet may I speak; that, as I gaz'd on her,<br>
+Affection found no room for other wish.<br>
+While the everlasting pleasure, that did full<br>
+On Beatrice shine, with second view<br>
+From her fair countenance my gladden'd soul<br>
+Contented; vanquishing me with a beam<br>
+Of her soft smile, she spake: "Turn thee, and list.<br>
+These eyes are not thy only Paradise."<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As here we sometimes in the looks may see<br>
+Th' affection mark'd, when that its sway hath ta'en<br>
+The spirit wholly; thus the hallow'd light,<br>
+To whom I turn'd, flashing, bewray'd its will<br>
+To talk yet further with me, and began:<br>
+"On this fifth lodgment of the tree, whose life<br>
+Is from its top, whose fruit is ever fair<br>
+And leaf unwith'ring, blessed spirits abide,<br>
+That were below, ere they arriv'd in heav'n,<br>
+So mighty in renown, as every muse<br>
+Might grace her triumph with them. &nbsp;On the horns<br>
+Look therefore of the cross: he, whom I name,<br>
+Shall there enact, as doth in summer cloud<br>
+Its nimble fire." &nbsp;Along the cross I saw,<br>
+At the repeated name of Joshua,<br>
+A splendour gliding; nor, the word was said,<br>
+Ere it was done: then, at the naming saw<br>
+Of the great Maccabee, another move<br>
+With whirling speed; and gladness was the scourge<br>
+Unto that top. &nbsp;The next for Charlemagne<br>
+And for the peer Orlando, two my gaze<br>
+Pursued, intently, as the eye pursues<br>
+A falcon flying. &nbsp;Last, along the cross,<br>
+William, and Renard, and Duke Godfrey drew<br>
+My ken, and Robert Guiscard. &nbsp;And the soul,<br>
+Who spake with me among the other lights<br>
+Did move away, and mix; and with the choir<br>
+Of heav'nly songsters prov'd his tuneful skill.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To Beatrice on my right l bent,<br>
+Looking for intimation or by word<br>
+Or act, what next behoov'd: and did descry<br>
+Such mere effulgence in her eyes, such joy,<br>
+It past all former wont. &nbsp;And, as by sense<br>
+Of new delight, the man, who perseveres<br>
+In good deeds doth perceive from day to day<br>
+His virtue growing; I e'en thus perceiv'd<br>
+Of my ascent, together with the heav'n<br>
+The circuit widen'd, noting the increase<br>
+Of beauty in that wonder. &nbsp;Like the change<br>
+In a brief moment on some maiden's cheek,<br>
+Which from its fairness doth discharge the weight<br>
+Of pudency, that stain'd it; such in her,<br>
+And to mine eyes so sudden was the change,<br>
+Through silvery whiteness of that temperate star,<br>
+Whose sixth orb now enfolded us. &nbsp;I saw,<br>
+Within that Jovial cresset, the clear sparks<br>
+Of love, that reign'd there, fashion to my view<br>
+Our language. &nbsp;And as birds, from river banks<br>
+Arisen, now in round, now lengthen'd troop,<br>
+Array them in their flight, greeting, as seems,<br>
+Their new-found pastures; so, within the lights,<br>
+The saintly creatures flying, sang, and made<br>
+Now D. now I. now L. figur'd I' th' air.<br>
+
+
+<br><br><br><br>
+<a href="images/18-70.jpg"><img alt="18-70th.jpg (35K)" src="images/18-70th.jpg" height="476" width="437"></a>
+<br><br><br><br>
+
+
+First, singing, to their notes they mov'd, then one<br>
+Becoming of these signs, a little while<br>
+Did rest them, and were mute. &nbsp;O nymph divine<br>
+Of Pegasean race! whose souls, which thou<br>
+Inspir'st, mak'st glorious and long-liv'd, as they<br>
+Cities and realms by thee! thou with thyself<br>
+Inform me; that I may set forth the shapes,<br>
+As fancy doth present them. &nbsp;Be thy power<br>
+Display'd in this brief song. &nbsp;The characters,<br>
+Vocal and consonant, were five-fold seven.<br>
+In order each, as they appear'd, I mark'd.<br>
+Diligite Justitiam, the first,<br>
+Both verb and noun all blazon'd; and the extreme<br>
+Qui judicatis terram. &nbsp;In the M.<br>
+Of the fifth word they held their station,<br>
+Making the star seem silver streak'd with gold.<br>
+And on the summit of the M. I saw<br>
+Descending other lights, that rested there,<br>
+Singing, methinks, their bliss and primal good.<br>
+Then, as at shaking of a lighted brand,<br>
+Sparkles innumerable on all sides<br>
+Rise scatter'd, source of augury to th' unwise;<br>
+Thus more than thousand twinkling lustres hence<br>
+Seem'd reascending, and a higher pitch<br>
+Some mounting, and some less; e'en as the sun,<br>
+Which kindleth them, decreed. &nbsp;And when each one<br>
+Had settled in his place, the head and neck<br>
+Then saw I of an eagle, lively<br>
+Grav'd in that streaky fire. &nbsp;Who painteth there,<br>
+Hath none to guide him; of himself he guides;<br>
+And every line and texture of the nest<br>
+Doth own from him the virtue, fashions it.<br>
+The other bright beatitude, that seem'd<br>
+Erewhile, with lilied crowning, well content<br>
+To over-canopy the M. mov'd forth,<br>
+Following gently the impress of the bird.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sweet star! what glorious and thick-studded gems<br>
+Declar'd to me our justice on the earth<br>
+To be the effluence of that heav'n, which thou,<br>
+Thyself a costly jewel, dost inlay!<br>
+Therefore I pray the Sovran Mind, from whom<br>
+Thy motion and thy virtue are begun,<br>
+That he would look from whence the fog doth rise,<br>
+To vitiate thy beam: so that once more<br>
+He may put forth his hand 'gainst such, as drive<br>
+Their traffic in that sanctuary, whose walls<br>
+With miracles and martyrdoms were built.<br>
+
+
+<br><br><br><br>
+<a href="images/18-120.jpg"><img alt="18-120th.jpg (29K)" src="images/18-120th.jpg" height="475" width="435"></a>
+<br><br><br><br>
+
+
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ye host of heaven! whose glory I survey l<br>
+O beg ye grace for those, that are on earth<br>
+All after ill example gone astray.<br>
+War once had for its instrument the sword:<br>
+But now 't is made, taking the bread away<br>
+Which the good Father locks from none. &nbsp;&mdash;And thou,<br>
+That writes but to cancel, think, that they,<br>
+Who for the vineyard, which thou wastest, died,<br>
+Peter and Paul live yet, and mark thy doings.<br>
+Thou hast good cause to cry, "My heart so cleaves<br>
+To him, that liv'd in solitude remote,<br>
+And from the wilds was dragg'd to martyrdom,<br>
+I wist not of the fisherman nor Paul."</p>
+
+<br><br>
+<a name="19"></a>
+<br><br>
+<h2>CANTO XIX</h2>
+<br>
+
+<br><br><br><br>
+<a href="images/19-1.jpg"><img alt="19-1th.jpg (29K)" src="images/19-1th.jpg" height="476" width="433"></a>
+<br><br><br><br>
+
+
+<p>Before my sight appear'd, with open wings,<br>
+The beauteous image, in fruition sweet<br>
+Gladdening the thronged spirits. &nbsp;Each did seem<br>
+A little ruby, whereon so intense<br>
+The sun-beam glow'd that to mine eyes it came<br>
+In clear refraction. &nbsp;And that, which next<br>
+Befalls me to portray, voice hath not utter'd,<br>
+Nor hath ink written, nor in fantasy<br>
+Was e'er conceiv'd. &nbsp;For I beheld and heard<br>
+The beak discourse; and, what intention form'd<br>
+Of many, singly as of one express,<br>
+Beginning: "For that I was just and piteous,<br>
+l am exalted to this height of glory,<br>
+The which no wish exceeds: and there on earth<br>
+Have I my memory left, e'en by the bad<br>
+Commended, while they leave its course untrod."<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Thus is one heat from many embers felt,<br>
+As in that image many were the loves,<br>
+And one the voice, that issued from them all.<br>
+Whence I address them: "O perennial flowers<br>
+Of gladness everlasting! that exhale<br>
+In single breath your odours manifold!<br>
+Breathe now; and let the hunger be appeas'd,<br>
+That with great craving long hath held my soul,<br>
+Finding no food on earth. &nbsp;This well I know,<br>
+That if there be in heav'n a realm, that shows<br>
+In faithful mirror the celestial Justice,<br>
+Yours without veil reflects it. &nbsp;Ye discern<br>
+The heed, wherewith I do prepare myself<br>
+To hearken; ye the doubt that urges me<br>
+With such inveterate craving." &nbsp;Straight I saw,<br>
+Like to a falcon issuing from the hood,<br>
+That rears his head, and claps him with his wings,<br>
+His beauty and his eagerness bewraying.<br>
+So saw I move that stately sign, with praise<br>
+Of grace divine inwoven and high song<br>
+Of inexpressive joy. &nbsp;"He," it began,<br>
+"Who turn'd his compass on the world's extreme,<br>
+And in that space so variously hath wrought,<br>
+Both openly, and in secret, in such wise<br>
+Could not through all the universe display<br>
+Impression of his glory, that the Word<br>
+Of his omniscience should not still remain<br>
+In infinite excess. &nbsp;In proof whereof,<br>
+He first through pride supplanted, who was sum<br>
+Of each created being, waited not<br>
+For light celestial, and abortive fell.<br>
+Whence needs each lesser nature is but scant<br>
+Receptacle unto that Good, which knows<br>
+No limit, measur'd by itself alone.<br>
+Therefore your sight, of th' omnipresent Mind<br>
+A single beam, its origin must own<br>
+Surpassing far its utmost potency.<br>
+The ken, your world is gifted with, descends<br>
+In th' everlasting Justice as low down,<br>
+As eye doth in the sea; which though it mark<br>
+The bottom from the shore, in the wide main<br>
+Discerns it not; and ne'ertheless it is,<br>
+But hidden through its deepness. &nbsp;Light is none,<br>
+Save that which cometh from the pure serene<br>
+Of ne'er disturbed ether: for the rest,<br>
+'Tis darkness all, or shadow of the flesh,<br>
+Or else its poison. &nbsp;Here confess reveal'd<br>
+That covert, which hath hidden from thy search<br>
+The living justice, of the which thou mad'st<br>
+Such frequent question; for thou saidst&mdash;'A man<br>
+Is born on Indus' banks, and none is there<br>
+Who speaks of Christ, nor who doth read nor write,<br>
+And all his inclinations and his acts,<br>
+As far as human reason sees, are good,<br>
+And he offendeth not in word or deed.<br>
+But unbaptiz'd he dies, and void of faith.<br>
+Where is the justice that condemns him? &nbsp;where<br>
+His blame, if he believeth not?'&mdash;What then,<br>
+And who art thou, that on the stool wouldst sit<br>
+To judge at distance of a thousand miles<br>
+With the short-sighted vision of a span?<br>
+To him, who subtilizes thus with me,<br>
+There would assuredly be room for doubt<br>
+Even to wonder, did not the safe word<br>
+Of scripture hold supreme authority.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"O animals of clay! &nbsp;O spirits gross I<br>
+The primal will, that in itself is good,<br>
+Hath from itself, the chief Good, ne'er been mov'd.<br>
+Justice consists in consonance with it,<br>
+Derivable by no created good,<br>
+Whose very cause depends upon its beam."<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As on her nest the stork, that turns about<br>
+Unto her young, whom lately she hath fed,<br>
+While they with upward eyes do look on her;<br>
+So lifted I my gaze; and bending so<br>
+The ever-blessed image wav'd its wings,<br>
+Lab'ring with such deep counsel. &nbsp;Wheeling round<br>
+It warbled, and did say: "As are my notes<br>
+To thee, who understand'st them not, such is<br>
+Th' eternal judgment unto mortal ken."<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then still abiding in that ensign rang'd,<br>
+Wherewith the Romans over-awed the world,<br>
+Those burning splendours of the Holy Spirit<br>
+Took up the strain; and thus it spake again:<br>
+"None ever hath ascended to this realm,<br>
+Who hath not a believer been in Christ,<br>
+Either before or after the blest limbs<br>
+Were nail'd upon the wood. &nbsp;But lo! of those<br>
+Who call 'Christ, Christ,' there shall be many found,<br>
+&nbsp;In judgment, further off from him by far,<br>
+Than such, to whom his name was never known.<br>
+Christians like these the Ethiop shall condemn:<br>
+When that the two assemblages shall part;<br>
+One rich eternally, the other poor.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"What may the Persians say unto your kings,<br>
+When they shall see that volume, in the which<br>
+All their dispraise is written, spread to view?<br>
+There amidst Albert's works shall that be read,<br>
+Which will give speedy motion to the pen,<br>
+When Prague shall mourn her desolated realm.<br>
+There shall be read the woe, that he doth work<br>
+With his adulterate money on the Seine,<br>
+Who by the tusk will perish: there be read<br>
+The thirsting pride, that maketh fool alike<br>
+The English and Scot, impatient of their bound.<br>
+There shall be seen the Spaniard's luxury,<br>
+The delicate living there of the Bohemian,<br>
+Who still to worth has been a willing stranger.<br>
+The halter of Jerusalem shall see<br>
+A unit for his virtue, for his vices<br>
+No less a mark than million. &nbsp;He, who guards<br>
+The isle of fire by old Anchises honour'd<br>
+Shall find his avarice there and cowardice;<br>
+And better to denote his littleness,<br>
+The writing must be letters maim'd, that speak<br>
+Much in a narrow space. &nbsp;All there shall know<br>
+His uncle and his brother's filthy doings,<br>
+Who so renown'd a nation and two crowns<br>
+Have bastardized. &nbsp;And they, of Portugal<br>
+And Norway, there shall be expos'd with him<br>
+Of Ratza, who hath counterfeited ill<br>
+The coin of Venice. &nbsp;O blest Hungary!<br>
+If thou no longer patiently abid'st<br>
+Thy ill-entreating! and, O blest Navarre!<br>
+If with thy mountainous girdle thou wouldst arm thee<br>
+In earnest of that day, e'en now are heard<br>
+Wailings and groans in Famagosta's streets<br>
+And Nicosia's, grudging at their beast,<br>
+Who keepeth even footing with the rest."</p>
+
+<br><br>
+<a name="20"></a>
+<br><br>
+<h2>CANTO XX</h2>
+<br>
+
+<p>When, disappearing, from our hemisphere,<br>
+The world's enlightener vanishes, and day<br>
+On all sides wasteth, suddenly the sky,<br>
+Erewhile irradiate only with his beam,<br>
+Is yet again unfolded, putting forth<br>
+Innumerable lights wherein one shines.<br>
+Of such vicissitude in heaven I thought,<br>
+As the great sign, that marshaleth the world<br>
+And the world's leaders, in the blessed beak<br>
+Was silent; for that all those living lights,<br>
+Waxing in splendour, burst forth into songs,<br>
+Such as from memory glide and fall away.<br>
+
+
+<br><br><br><br>
+<a href="images/20-10.jpg"><img alt="20-10th.jpg (34K)" src="images/20-10th.jpg" height="477" width="406"></a>
+<br><br><br><br>
+
+
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sweet love! that dost apparel thee in smiles,<br>
+How lustrous was thy semblance in those sparkles,<br>
+Which merely are from holy thoughts inspir'd!<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;After the precious and bright beaming stones,<br>
+That did ingem the sixth light, ceas'd the chiming<br>
+Of their angelic bells; methought I heard<br>
+The murmuring of a river, that doth fall<br>
+From rock to rock transpicuous, making known<br>
+The richness of his spring-head: and as sound<br>
+Of cistern, at the fret-board, or of pipe,<br>
+Is, at the wind-hole, modulate and tun'd;<br>
+Thus up the neck, as it were hollow, rose<br>
+That murmuring of the eagle, and forthwith<br>
+Voice there assum'd, and thence along the beak<br>
+Issued in form of words, such as my heart<br>
+Did look for, on whose tables I inscrib'd them.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"The part in me, that sees, and bears the sun,,<br>
+In mortal eagles," it began, "must now<br>
+Be noted steadfastly: for of the fires,<br>
+That figure me, those, glittering in mine eye,<br>
+Are chief of all the greatest. &nbsp;This, that shines<br>
+Midmost for pupil, was the same, who sang<br>
+The Holy Spirit's song, and bare about<br>
+The ark from town to town; now doth he know<br>
+The merit of his soul-impassion'd strains<br>
+By their well-fitted guerdon. &nbsp;Of the five,<br>
+That make the circle of the vision, he<br>
+Who to the beak is nearest, comforted<br>
+The widow for her son: now doth he know<br>
+How dear he costeth not to follow Christ,<br>
+Both from experience of this pleasant life,<br>
+And of its opposite. &nbsp;He next, who follows<br>
+In the circumference, for the over arch,<br>
+By true repenting slack'd the pace of death:<br>
+Now knoweth he, that the degrees of heav'n<br>
+Alter not, when through pious prayer below<br>
+Today's is made tomorrow's destiny.<br>
+The other following, with the laws and me,<br>
+To yield the shepherd room, pass'd o'er to Greece,<br>
+From good intent producing evil fruit:<br>
+Now knoweth he, how all the ill, deriv'd<br>
+From his well doing, doth not helm him aught,<br>
+Though it have brought destruction on the world.<br>
+That, which thou seest in the under bow,<br>
+Was William, whom that land bewails, which weeps<br>
+For Charles and Frederick living: now he knows<br>
+How well is lov'd in heav'n the righteous king,<br>
+Which he betokens by his radiant seeming.<br>
+Who in the erring world beneath would deem,<br>
+That Trojan Ripheus in this round was set<br>
+Fifth of the saintly splendours? &nbsp;now he knows<br>
+Enough of that, which the world cannot see,<br>
+The grace divine, albeit e'en his sight<br>
+Reach not its utmost depth." &nbsp;Like to the lark,<br>
+That warbling in the air expatiates long,<br>
+Then, trilling out his last sweet melody,<br>
+Drops satiate with the sweetness; such appear'd<br>
+That image stampt by the' everlasting pleasure,<br>
+Which fashions like itself all lovely things.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I, though my doubting were as manifest,<br>
+As is through glass the hue that mantles it,<br>
+In silence waited not: for to my lips<br>
+"What things are these?" &nbsp;involuntary rush'd,<br>
+And forc'd a passage out: whereat I mark'd<br>
+A sudden lightening and new revelry.<br>
+The eye was kindled: and the blessed sign<br>
+No more to keep me wond'ring and suspense,<br>
+Replied: "I see that thou believ'st these things,<br>
+Because I tell them, but discern'st not how;<br>
+So that thy knowledge waits not on thy faith:<br>
+As one who knows the name of thing by rote,<br>
+But is a stranger to its properties,<br>
+Till other's tongue reveal them. &nbsp;Fervent love<br>
+And lively hope with violence assail<br>
+The kingdom of the heavens, and overcome<br>
+The will of the Most high; not in such sort<br>
+As man prevails o'er man; but conquers it,<br>
+Because 't is willing to be conquer'd, still,<br>
+Though conquer'd, by its mercy conquering.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Those, in the eye who live the first and fifth,<br>
+Cause thee to marvel, in that thou behold'st<br>
+The region of the angels deck'd with them.<br>
+They quitted not their bodies, as thou deem'st,<br>
+Gentiles but Christians, in firm rooted faith,<br>
+This of the feet in future to be pierc'd,<br>
+That of feet nail'd already to the cross.<br>
+One from the barrier of the dark abyss,<br>
+Where never any with good will returns,<br>
+Came back unto his bones. &nbsp;Of lively hope<br>
+Such was the meed; of lively hope, that wing'd<br>
+The prayers sent up to God for his release,<br>
+And put power into them to bend his will.<br>
+The glorious Spirit, of whom I speak to thee,<br>
+A little while returning to the flesh,<br>
+Believ'd in him, who had the means to help,<br>
+And, in believing, nourish'd such a flame<br>
+Of holy love, that at the second death<br>
+He was made sharer in our gamesome mirth.<br>
+The other, through the riches of that grace,<br>
+Which from so deep a fountain doth distil,<br>
+As never eye created saw its rising,<br>
+Plac'd all his love below on just and right:<br>
+Wherefore of grace God op'd in him the eye<br>
+To the redemption of mankind to come;<br>
+Wherein believing, he endur'd no more<br>
+The filth of paganism, and for their ways<br>
+Rebuk'd the stubborn nations. &nbsp;The three nymphs,<br>
+Whom at the right wheel thou beheldst advancing,<br>
+Were sponsors for him more than thousand years<br>
+Before baptizing. &nbsp;O how far remov'd,<br>
+Predestination! is thy root from such<br>
+As see not the First cause entire: and ye,<br>
+O mortal men! be wary how ye judge:<br>
+For we, who see our Maker, know not yet<br>
+The number of the chosen: and esteem<br>
+Such scantiness of knowledge our delight:<br>
+For all our good is in that primal good<br>
+Concentrate, and God's will and ours are one."<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;So, by that form divine, was giv'n to me<br>
+Sweet medicine to clear and strengthen sight,<br>
+And, as one handling skillfully the harp,<br>
+Attendant on some skilful songster's voice<br>
+Bids the chords vibrate, and therein the song<br>
+Acquires more pleasure; so, the whilst it spake,<br>
+It doth remember me, that I beheld<br>
+The pair of blessed luminaries move.<br>
+Like the accordant twinkling of two eyes,<br>
+Their beamy circlets, dancing to the sounds.</p>
+
+<br><br>
+<a name="21"></a>
+<br><br>
+<h2>CANTO XXI</h2>
+<br>
+
+<br><br><br><br>
+<a href="images/21-1.jpg"><img alt="21-1th.jpg (31K)" src="images/21-1th.jpg" height="476" width="426"></a>
+<br><br><br><br>
+
+
+<p>Again mine eyes were fix'd on Beatrice,<br>
+And with mine eyes my soul, that in her looks<br>
+Found all contentment. &nbsp;Yet no smile she wore<br>
+And, "Did I smile," quoth she, "thou wouldst be straight<br>
+Like Semele when into ashes turn'd:<br>
+For, mounting these eternal palace-stairs,<br>
+My beauty, which the loftier it climbs,<br>
+As thou hast noted, still doth kindle more,<br>
+So shines, that, were no temp'ring interpos'd,<br>
+Thy mortal puissance would from its rays<br>
+Shrink, as the leaf doth from the thunderbolt.<br>
+Into the seventh splendour are we wafted,<br>
+That underneath the burning lion's breast<br>
+Beams, in this hour, commingled with his might,<br>
+Thy mind be with thine eyes: and in them mirror'd<br>
+The shape, which in this mirror shall be shown."<br>
+Whoso can deem, how fondly I had fed<br>
+My sight upon her blissful countenance,<br>
+May know, when to new thoughts I chang'd, what joy<br>
+To do the bidding of my heav'nly guide:<br>
+In equal balance poising either weight.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Within the crystal, which records the name,<br>
+(As its remoter circle girds the world)<br>
+Of that lov'd monarch, in whose happy reign<br>
+No ill had power to harm, I saw rear'd up,<br>
+In colour like to sun-illumin'd gold.<br>
+
+
+<br><br><br><br>
+<a href="images/21-28.jpg"><img alt="21-28th.jpg (35K)" src="images/21-28th.jpg" height="467" width="412"></a>
+<br><br><br><br>
+
+
+A ladder, which my ken pursued in vain,<br>
+So lofty was the summit; down whose steps<br>
+I saw the splendours in such multitude<br>
+Descending, ev'ry light in heav'n, methought,<br>
+Was shed thence. &nbsp;As the rooks, at dawn of day<br>
+Bestirring them to dry their feathers chill,<br>
+Some speed their way a-field, and homeward some,<br>
+Returning, cross their flight, while some abide<br>
+And wheel around their airy lodge; so seem'd<br>
+That glitterance, wafted on alternate wing,<br>
+As upon certain stair it met, and clash'd<br>
+Its shining. And one ling'ring near us, wax'd<br>
+So bright, that in my thought: said: "The love,<br>
+Which this betokens me, admits no doubt."<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Unwillingly from question I refrain,<br>
+To her, by whom my silence and my speech<br>
+Are order'd, looking for a sign: whence she,<br>
+Who in the sight of Him, that seeth all,<br>
+Saw wherefore I was silent, prompted me<br>
+T' indulge the fervent wish; and I began:<br>
+"I am not worthy, of my own desert,<br>
+That thou shouldst answer me; but for her sake,<br>
+Who hath vouchsaf'd my asking, spirit blest!<br>
+That in thy joy art shrouded! say the cause,<br>
+Which bringeth thee so near: and wherefore, say,<br>
+Doth the sweet symphony of Paradise<br>
+Keep silence here, pervading with such sounds<br>
+Of rapt devotion ev'ry lower sphere?"<br>
+"Mortal art thou in hearing as in sight;"<br>
+Was the reply: "and what forbade the smile<br>
+Of Beatrice interrupts our song.<br>
+Only to yield thee gladness of my voice,<br>
+And of the light that vests me, I thus far<br>
+Descend these hallow'd steps: not that more love<br>
+Invites me; for lo! there aloft, as much<br>
+Or more of love is witness'd in those flames:<br>
+But such my lot by charity assign'd,<br>
+That makes us ready servants, as thou seest,<br>
+To execute the counsel of the Highest.<br>
+"That in this court," said I, "O sacred lamp!<br>
+Love no compulsion needs, but follows free<br>
+Th' eternal Providence, I well discern:<br>
+This harder find to deem, why of thy peers<br>
+Thou only to this office wert foredoom'd."<br>
+I had not ended, when, like rapid mill,<br>
+Upon its centre whirl'd the light; and then<br>
+The love, that did inhabit there, replied:<br>
+"Splendour eternal, piercing through these folds,<br>
+Its virtue to my vision knits, and thus<br>
+Supported, lifts me so above myself,<br>
+That on the sov'ran essence, which it wells from,<br>
+I have the power to gaze: and hence the joy,<br>
+Wherewith I sparkle, equaling with my blaze<br>
+The keenness of my sight. &nbsp;But not the soul,<br>
+That is in heav'n most lustrous, nor the seraph<br>
+That hath his eyes most fix'd on God, shall solve<br>
+What thou hast ask'd: for in th' abyss it lies<br>
+Of th' everlasting statute sunk so low,<br>
+That no created ken may fathom it.<br>
+And, to the mortal world when thou return'st,<br>
+Be this reported; that none henceforth dare<br>
+Direct his footsteps to so dread a bourn.<br>
+The mind, that here is radiant, on the earth<br>
+Is wrapt in mist. &nbsp;Look then if she may do,<br>
+Below, what passeth her ability,<br>
+When she is ta'en to heav'n." &nbsp;By words like these<br>
+Admonish'd, I the question urg'd no more;<br>
+And of the spirit humbly sued alone<br>
+T' instruct me of its state. &nbsp;"'Twixt either shore<br>
+Of Italy, nor distant from thy land,<br>
+A stony ridge ariseth, in such sort,<br>
+The thunder doth not lift his voice so high,<br>
+They call it Catria: at whose foot a cell<br>
+Is sacred to the lonely Eremite,<br>
+For worship set apart and holy rites."<br>
+A third time thus it spake; then added: "There<br>
+So firmly to God's service I adher'd,<br>
+That with no costlier viands than the juice<br>
+Of olives, easily I pass'd the heats<br>
+Of summer and the winter frosts, content<br>
+In heav'n-ward musings. &nbsp;Rich were the returns<br>
+And fertile, which that cloister once was us'd<br>
+To render to these heavens: now 't is fall'n<br>
+Into a waste so empty, that ere long<br>
+Detection must lay bare its vanity<br>
+Pietro Damiano there was I yclept:<br>
+Pietro the sinner, when before I dwelt<br>
+Beside the Adriatic, in the house<br>
+Of our blest Lady. &nbsp;Near upon my close<br>
+Of mortal life, through much importuning<br>
+I was constrain'd to wear the hat that still<br>
+From bad to worse it shifted.&mdash;Cephas came;<br>
+He came, who was the Holy Spirit's vessel,<br>
+Barefoot and lean, eating their bread, as chanc'd,<br>
+At the first table. &nbsp;Modern Shepherd's need<br>
+Those who on either hand may prop and lead them,<br>
+So burly are they grown: and from behind<br>
+Others to hoist them. &nbsp;Down the palfrey's sides<br>
+Spread their broad mantles, so as both the beasts<br>
+Are cover'd with one skin. &nbsp;O patience! thou<br>
+That lookst on this and doth endure so long."<br>
+I at those accents saw the splendours down<br>
+From step to step alight, and wheel, and wax,<br>
+Each circuiting, more beautiful. &nbsp;Round this<br>
+They came, and stay'd them; uttered them a shout<br>
+So loud, it hath no likeness here: nor I<br>
+Wist what it spake, so deaf'ning was the thunder."</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</td></tr>
+</table>
+</center>
+
+
+
+<br>
+<br>
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+ &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="p1.htm">Previous Part</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
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+</td><td>
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+ &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="p2.htm">Previous Part</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
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+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="8799-h.htm">Main Index</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
+ </td></tr>
+</table>
+</center>
+<br><br>
+
+<br><br><br><br>
+
+
+
+<center>
+<h1>THE VISION</h1><br>
+<h2>OF</h2><br>
+<h1>HELL, PURGATORY, AND PARADISE</h1><br>
+<h2>BY</h2><br>
+<h1>DANTE ALIGHIERI</h1>
+<br><br><br>
+<br><br><br>
+<h2>PARADISE</h2>
+<h3>Part Three</h3>
+<br><br><br>
+<h3>TRANSLATED BY</h3><br>
+<h2>THE REV. H. F. CARY, M.A.</h2>
+<br><br>
+<h4>Click on Any Image to Enlarge It</h4>
+
+<br><br><br><br>
+<a href="images/cover.jpg"><img alt="coverth.jpg (42K)" src="images/coverth.jpg" height="478" width="553"></a>
+<br><br><br><br>
+<a href="images/frontispiece.jpg"><img alt="front2.jpg (41K)" src="images/front2.jpg" height="477" width="431"></a>
+<br><br><br><br>
+<a href="images/titlepage.jpg"><img alt="title2.jpg (21K)" src="images/title2.jpg" height="535" width="416"></a>
+
+<br><br><br><br>
+<br><br><br><br>
+<h1>PARADISE</h1>
+</center>
+<br><br><br><br>
+<center>
+<h2>LIST OF CANTOS</h2>
+</center>
+
+<center>
+<table summary="Contents">
+<tr><td>
+
+
+<a href="#22">Canto 22</a><br>
+<a href="#23">Canto 23</a><br>
+<a href="#24">Canto 24</a><br>
+<a href="#25">Canto 25</a><br>
+<a href="#26">Canto 26</a><br>
+<a href="#27">Canto 27</a><br>
+<a href="#28">Canto 28</a><br>
+<a href="#29">Canto 29</a><br>
+<a href="#30">Canto 30</a><br>
+<a href="#31">Canto 31</a><br>
+<a href="#32">Canto 32</a><br>
+<a href="#33">Canto 33</a><br>
+
+
+
+
+</td></tr>
+</table>
+</center>
+<br><br><br><br>
+<center>
+<table summary="Paradise">
+<tr><td>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<br><br>
+<a name="22"></a>
+<br><br>
+<h2>CANTO XXII</h2>
+<br>
+
+<p>Astounded, to the guardian of my steps<br>
+I turn'd me, like the chill, who always runs<br>
+Thither for succour, where he trusteth most,<br>
+And she was like the mother, who her son<br>
+Beholding pale and breathless, with her voice<br>
+Soothes him, and he is cheer'd; for thus she spake,<br>
+Soothing me: "Know'st not thou, thou art in heav'n?<br>
+And know'st not thou, whatever is in heav'n,<br>
+Is holy, and that nothing there is done<br>
+But is done zealously and well? &nbsp;Deem now,<br>
+What change in thee the song, and what my smile<br>
+had wrought, since thus the shout had pow'r to move thee.<br>
+In which couldst thou have understood their prayers,<br>
+The vengeance were already known to thee,<br>
+Which thou must witness ere thy mortal hour,<br>
+The sword of heav'n is not in haste to smite,<br>
+Nor yet doth linger, save unto his seeming,<br>
+Who in desire or fear doth look for it.<br>
+But elsewhere now l bid thee turn thy view;<br>
+So shalt thou many a famous spirit behold."<br>
+Mine eyes directing, as she will'd, I saw<br>
+A hundred little spheres, that fairer grew<br>
+By interchange of splendour. &nbsp;I remain'd,<br>
+As one, who fearful of o'er-much presuming,<br>
+Abates in him the keenness of desire,<br>
+Nor dares to question, when amid those pearls,<br>
+One largest and most lustrous onward drew,<br>
+That it might yield contentment to my wish;<br>
+And from within it these the sounds I heard.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"If thou, like me, beheldst the charity<br>
+That burns amongst us, what thy mind conceives,<br>
+Were utter'd. &nbsp;But that, ere the lofty bound<br>
+Thou reach, expectance may not weary thee,<br>
+I will make answer even to the thought,<br>
+Which thou hast such respect of. &nbsp;In old days,<br>
+That mountain, at whose side Cassino rests,<br>
+Was on its height frequented by a race<br>
+Deceived and ill dispos'd: and I it was,<br>
+Who thither carried first the name of Him,<br>
+Who brought the soul-subliming truth to man.<br>
+And such a speeding grace shone over me,<br>
+That from their impious worship I reclaim'd<br>
+The dwellers round about, who with the world<br>
+Were in delusion lost. &nbsp;These other flames,<br>
+The spirits of men contemplative, were all<br>
+Enliven'd by that warmth, whose kindly force<br>
+Gives birth to flowers and fruits of holiness.<br>
+Here is Macarius; Romoaldo here:<br>
+And here my brethren, who their steps refrain'd<br>
+Within the cloisters, and held firm their heart."<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I answ'ring, thus; "Thy gentle words and kind,<br>
+And this the cheerful semblance, I behold<br>
+Not unobservant, beaming in ye all,<br>
+Have rais'd assurance in me, wakening it<br>
+Full-blossom'd in my bosom, as a rose<br>
+Before the sun, when the consummate flower<br>
+Has spread to utmost amplitude. &nbsp;Of thee<br>
+Therefore entreat I, father! to declare<br>
+If I may gain such favour, as to gaze<br>
+Upon thine image, by no covering veil'd."<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Brother!" &nbsp;he thus rejoin'd, "in the last sphere<br>
+Expect completion of thy lofty aim,<br>
+For there on each desire completion waits,<br>
+And there on mine: where every aim is found<br>
+Perfect, entire, and for fulfillment ripe.<br>
+There all things are as they have ever been:<br>
+For space is none to bound, nor pole divides,<br>
+Our ladder reaches even to that clime,<br>
+And so at giddy distance mocks thy view.<br>
+Thither the Patriarch Jacob saw it stretch<br>
+Its topmost round, when it appear'd to him<br>
+With angels laden. &nbsp;But to mount it now<br>
+None lifts his foot from earth: and hence my rule<br>
+Is left a profitless stain upon the leaves;<br>
+The walls, for abbey rear'd, turned into dens,<br>
+The cowls to sacks choak'd up with musty meal.<br>
+Foul usury doth not more lift itself<br>
+Against God's pleasure, than that fruit which makes<br>
+The hearts of monks so wanton: for whate'er<br>
+Is in the church's keeping, all pertains.<br>
+To such, as sue for heav'n's sweet sake, and not<br>
+To those who in respect of kindred claim,<br>
+Or on more vile allowance. &nbsp;Mortal flesh<br>
+Is grown so dainty, good beginnings last not<br>
+From the oak's birth, unto the acorn's setting.<br>
+His convent Peter founded without gold<br>
+Or silver; I with pray'rs and fasting mine;<br>
+And Francis his in meek humility.<br>
+And if thou note the point, whence each proceeds,<br>
+Then look what it hath err'd to, thou shalt find<br>
+The white grown murky. &nbsp;Jordan was turn'd back;<br>
+And a less wonder, then the refluent sea,<br>
+May at God's pleasure work amendment here."<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;So saying, to his assembly back he drew:<br>
+And they together cluster'd into one,<br>
+Then all roll'd upward like an eddying wind.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The sweet dame beckon'd me to follow them:<br>
+And, by that influence only, so prevail'd<br>
+Over my nature, that no natural motion,<br>
+Ascending or descending here below,<br>
+Had, as I mounted, with my pennon vied.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;So, reader, as my hope is to return<br>
+Unto the holy triumph, for the which<br>
+I ofttimes wail my sins, and smite my breast,<br>
+Thou hadst been longer drawing out and thrusting<br>
+Thy finger in the fire, than I was, ere<br>
+The sign, that followeth Taurus, I beheld,<br>
+And enter'd its precinct. &nbsp;O glorious stars!<br>
+O light impregnate with exceeding virtue!<br>
+To whom whate'er of genius lifteth me<br>
+Above the vulgar, grateful I refer;<br>
+With ye the parent of all mortal life<br>
+Arose and set, when I did first inhale<br>
+The Tuscan air; and afterward, when grace<br>
+Vouchsaf'd me entrance to the lofty wheel<br>
+That in its orb impels ye, fate decreed<br>
+My passage at your clime. &nbsp;To you my soul<br>
+Devoutly sighs, for virtue even now<br>
+To meet the hard emprize that draws me on.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Thou art so near the sum of blessedness,"<br>
+Said Beatrice, "that behooves thy ken<br>
+Be vigilant and clear. &nbsp;And, to this end,<br>
+Or even thou advance thee further, hence<br>
+Look downward, and contemplate, what a world<br>
+Already stretched under our feet there lies:<br>
+So as thy heart may, in its blithest mood,<br>
+Present itself to the triumphal throng,<br>
+Which through the' etherial concave comes rejoicing."<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I straight obey'd; and with mine eye return'd<br>
+Through all the seven spheres, and saw this globe<br>
+So pitiful of semblance, that perforce<br>
+It moved my smiles: and him in truth I hold<br>
+For wisest, who esteems it least: whose thoughts<br>
+Elsewhere are fix'd, him worthiest call and best.<br>
+I saw the daughter of Latona shine<br>
+Without the shadow, whereof late I deem'd<br>
+That dense and rare were cause. &nbsp;Here I sustain'd<br>
+The visage, Hyperion! of thy sun;<br>
+And mark'd, how near him with their circle, round<br>
+Move Maia and Dione; here discern'd<br>
+Jove's tempering 'twixt his sire and son; and hence<br>
+Their changes and their various aspects<br>
+Distinctly scann'd. &nbsp;Nor might I not descry<br>
+Of all the seven, how bulky each, how swift;<br>
+Nor of their several distances not learn.<br>
+This petty area (o'er the which we stride<br>
+So fiercely), as along the eternal twins<br>
+I wound my way, appear'd before me all,<br>
+Forth from the havens stretch'd unto the hills.<br>
+Then to the beauteous eyes mine eyes return'd.</p>
+
+<br><br>
+<a name="23"></a>
+<br><br>
+<h2>CANTO XXIII</h2>
+<br>
+
+<p>E'en as the bird, who midst the leafy bower<br>
+Has, in her nest, sat darkling through the night,<br>
+With her sweet brood, impatient to descry<br>
+Their wished looks, and to bring home their food,<br>
+In the fond quest unconscious of her toil:<br>
+She, of the time prevenient, on the spray,<br>
+That overhangs their couch, with wakeful gaze<br>
+Expects the sun; nor ever, till the dawn,<br>
+Removeth from the east her eager ken;<br>
+So stood the dame erect, and bent her glance<br>
+Wistfully on that region, where the sun<br>
+Abateth most his speed; that, seeing her<br>
+Suspense and wand'ring, I became as one,<br>
+In whom desire is waken'd, and the hope<br>
+Of somewhat new to come fills with delight.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Short space ensued; I was not held, I say,<br>
+Long in expectance, when I saw the heav'n<br>
+Wax more and more resplendent; and, "Behold,"<br>
+Cried Beatrice, "the triumphal hosts<br>
+Of Christ, and all the harvest reap'd at length<br>
+Of thy ascending up these spheres." &nbsp;Meseem'd,<br>
+That, while she spake her image all did burn,<br>
+And in her eyes such fullness was of joy,<br>
+And I am fain to pass unconstrued by.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As in the calm full moon, when Trivia smiles,<br>
+In peerless beauty, 'mid th' eternal nympus,<br>
+That paint through all its gulfs the blue profound<br>
+In bright pre-eminence so saw I there,<br>
+O'er million lamps a sun, from whom all drew<br>
+Their radiance as from ours the starry train:<br>
+And through the living light so lustrous glow'd<br>
+The substance, that my ken endur'd it not.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;O Beatrice! sweet and precious guide!<br>
+Who cheer'd me with her comfortable words!<br>
+"Against the virtue, that o'erpow'reth thee,<br>
+Avails not to resist. &nbsp;Here is the might,<br>
+And here the wisdom, which did open lay<br>
+The path, that had been yearned for so long,<br>
+Betwixt the heav'n and earth." &nbsp;Like to the fire,<br>
+That, in a cloud imprison'd doth break out<br>
+Expansive, so that from its womb enlarg'd,<br>
+It falleth against nature to the ground;<br>
+Thus in that heav'nly banqueting my soul<br>
+Outgrew herself; and, in the transport lost.<br>
+Holds now remembrance none of what she was.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Ope thou thine eyes, and mark me: thou hast seen<br>
+Things, that empower thee to sustain my smile."<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I was as one, when a forgotten dream<br>
+Doth come across him, and he strives in vain<br>
+To shape it in his fantasy again,<br>
+Whenas that gracious boon was proffer'd me,<br>
+Which never may be cancel'd from the book,<br>
+Wherein the past is written. &nbsp;Now were all<br>
+Those tongues to sound, that have on sweetest milk<br>
+Of Polyhymnia and her sisters fed<br>
+And fatten'd, not with all their help to boot,<br>
+Unto the thousandth parcel of the truth,<br>
+My song might shadow forth that saintly smile,<br>
+flow merely in her saintly looks it wrought.<br>
+And with such figuring of Paradise<br>
+The sacred strain must leap, like one, that meets<br>
+A sudden interruption to his road.<br>
+But he, who thinks how ponderous the theme,<br>
+And that 't is lain upon a mortal shoulder,<br>
+May pardon, if it tremble with the burden.<br>
+The track, our ventrous keel must furrow, brooks<br>
+No unribb'd pinnace, no self-sparing pilot.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Why doth my face," said Beatrice, "thus<br>
+Enamour thee, as that thou dost not turn<br>
+Unto the beautiful garden, blossoming<br>
+Beneath the rays of Christ? &nbsp;Here is the rose,<br>
+Wherein the word divine was made incarnate;<br>
+And here the lilies, by whose odour known<br>
+The way of life was follow'd." &nbsp;Prompt I heard<br>
+Her bidding, and encounter once again<br>
+The strife of aching vision. &nbsp;As erewhile,<br>
+Through glance of sunlight, stream'd through broken cloud,<br>
+Mine eyes a flower-besprinkled mead have seen,<br>
+Though veil'd themselves in shade; so saw I there<br>
+Legions of splendours, on whom burning rays<br>
+Shed lightnings from above, yet saw I not<br>
+The fountain whence they flow'd. &nbsp;O gracious virtue!<br>
+Thou, whose broad stamp is on them, higher up<br>
+Thou didst exalt thy glory to give room<br>
+To my o'erlabour'd sight: when at the name<br>
+Of that fair flower, whom duly I invoke<br>
+Both morn and eve, my soul, with all her might<br>
+Collected, on the goodliest ardour fix'd.<br>
+And, as the bright dimensions of the star<br>
+In heav'n excelling, as once here on earth<br>
+Were, in my eyeballs lively portray'd,<br>
+Lo! from within the sky a cresset fell,<br>
+Circling in fashion of a diadem,<br>
+And girt the star, and hov'ring round it wheel'd.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Whatever melody sounds sweetest here,<br>
+And draws the spirit most unto itself,<br>
+Might seem a rent cloud when it grates the thunder,<br>
+Compar'd unto the sounding of that lyre,<br>
+Wherewith the goodliest sapphire, that inlays<br>
+The floor of heav'n, was crown'd. "Angelic Love,<br>
+I am, who thus with hov'ring flight enwheel<br>
+The lofty rapture from that womb inspir'd,<br>
+Where our desire did dwell: and round thee so,<br>
+Lady of Heav'n! will hover; long as thou<br>
+Thy Son shalt follow, and diviner joy<br>
+Shall from thy presence gild the highest sphere."<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Such close was to the circling melody:<br>
+And, as it ended, all the other lights<br>
+Took up the strain, and echoed Mary's name.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The robe, that with its regal folds enwraps<br>
+The world, and with the nearer breath of God<br>
+Doth burn and quiver, held so far retir'd<br>
+Its inner hem and skirting over us,<br>
+That yet no glimmer of its majesty<br>
+Had stream'd unto me: therefore were mine eyes<br>
+Unequal to pursue the crowned flame,<br>
+That rose and sought its natal seed of fire;<br>
+And like to babe, that stretches forth its arms<br>
+For very eagerness towards the breast,<br>
+After the milk is taken; so outstretch'd<br>
+Their wavy summits all the fervent band,<br>
+Through zealous love to Mary: then in view<br>
+There halted, and "Regina Coeli" sang<br>
+So sweetly, the delight hath left me never.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;O what o'erflowing plenty is up-pil'd<br>
+In those rich-laden coffers, which below<br>
+Sow'd the good seed, whose harvest now they keep.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Here are the treasures tasted, that with tears<br>
+Were in the Babylonian exile won,<br>
+When gold had fail'd them. &nbsp;Here in synod high<br>
+Of ancient council with the new conven'd,<br>
+Under the Son of Mary and of God,<br>
+Victorious he his mighty triumph holds,<br>
+To whom the keys of glory were assign'd.</p>
+
+<br><br>
+<a name="24"></a>
+<br><br>
+<h2>CANTO XXIV</h2>
+<br>
+
+<p>"O ye! in chosen fellowship advanc'd<br>
+To the great supper of the blessed Lamb,<br>
+Whereon who feeds hath every wish fulfill'd!<br>
+If to this man through God's grace be vouchsaf'd<br>
+Foretaste of that, which from your table falls,<br>
+Or ever death his fated term prescribe;<br>
+Be ye not heedless of his urgent will;<br>
+But may some influence of your sacred dews<br>
+Sprinkle him. &nbsp;Of the fount ye alway drink,<br>
+Whence flows what most he craves." &nbsp;Beatrice spake,<br>
+And the rejoicing spirits, like to spheres<br>
+On firm-set poles revolving, trail'd a blaze<br>
+Of comet splendour; and as wheels, that wind<br>
+Their circles in the horologe, so work<br>
+The stated rounds, that to th' observant eye<br>
+The first seems still, and, as it flew, the last;<br>
+E'en thus their carols weaving variously,<br>
+They by the measure pac'd, or swift, or slow,<br>
+Made me to rate the riches of their joy.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;From that, which I did note in beauty most<br>
+Excelling, saw I issue forth a flame<br>
+So bright, as none was left more goodly there.<br>
+Round Beatrice thrice it wheel'd about,<br>
+With so divine a song, that fancy's ear<br>
+Records it not; and the pen passeth on<br>
+And leaves a blank: for that our mortal speech,<br>
+Nor e'en the inward shaping of the brain,<br>
+Hath colours fine enough to trace such folds.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"O saintly sister mine! thy prayer devout<br>
+Is with so vehement affection urg'd,<br>
+Thou dost unbind me from that beauteous sphere."<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Such were the accents towards my lady breath'd<br>
+From that blest ardour, soon as it was stay'd:<br>
+To whom she thus: "O everlasting light<br>
+Of him, within whose mighty grasp our Lord<br>
+Did leave the keys, which of this wondrous bliss<br>
+He bare below! tent this man, as thou wilt,<br>
+With lighter probe or deep, touching the faith,<br>
+By the which thou didst on the billows walk.<br>
+If he in love, in hope, and in belief,<br>
+Be steadfast, is not hid from thee: for thou<br>
+Hast there thy ken, where all things are beheld<br>
+In liveliest portraiture. &nbsp;But since true faith<br>
+Has peopled this fair realm with citizens,<br>
+Meet is, that to exalt its glory more,<br>
+Thou in his audience shouldst thereof discourse."<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Like to the bachelor, who arms himself,<br>
+And speaks not, till the master have propos'd<br>
+The question, to approve, and not to end it;<br>
+So I, in silence, arm'd me, while she spake,<br>
+Summoning up each argument to aid;<br>
+As was behooveful for such questioner,<br>
+And such profession: "As good Christian ought,<br>
+Declare thee, What is faith?" &nbsp;Whereat I rais'd<br>
+My forehead to the light, whence this had breath'd,<br>
+Then turn'd to Beatrice, and in her looks<br>
+Approval met, that from their inmost fount<br>
+I should unlock the waters. &nbsp;"May the grace,<br>
+That giveth me the captain of the church<br>
+For confessor," said I, "vouchsafe to me<br>
+Apt utterance for my thoughts!" then added: "Sire!<br>
+E'en as set down by the unerring style<br>
+Of thy dear brother, who with thee conspir'd<br>
+To bring Rome in unto the way of life,<br>
+Faith of things hop'd is substance, and the proof<br>
+Of things not seen; and herein doth consist<br>
+Methinks its essence,"&mdash;"Rightly hast thou deem'd,"<br>
+Was answer'd: "if thou well discern, why first<br>
+He hath defin'd it, substance, and then proof."<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"The deep things," I replied, "which here I scan<br>
+Distinctly, are below from mortal eye<br>
+So hidden, they have in belief alone<br>
+Their being, on which credence hope sublime<br>
+Is built; and therefore substance it intends.<br>
+And inasmuch as we must needs infer<br>
+From such belief our reasoning, all respect<br>
+To other view excluded, hence of proof<br>
+Th' intention is deriv'd." &nbsp;Forthwith I heard:<br>
+"If thus, whate'er by learning men attain,<br>
+Were understood, the sophist would want room<br>
+To exercise his wit." &nbsp;So breath'd the flame<br>
+Of love: then added: "Current is the coin<br>
+Thou utter'st, both in weight and in alloy.<br>
+But tell me, if thou hast it in thy purse."<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Even so glittering and so round," said I,<br>
+"I not a whit misdoubt of its assay."<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Next issued from the deep imbosom'd splendour:<br>
+"Say, whence the costly jewel, on the which<br>
+Is founded every virtue, came to thee."<br>
+"The flood," I answer'd, "from the Spirit of God<br>
+Rain'd down upon the ancient bond and new,&mdash;<br>
+Here is the reas'ning, that convinceth me<br>
+So feelingly, each argument beside<br>
+Seems blunt and forceless in comparison."<br>
+Then heard I: "Wherefore holdest thou that each,<br>
+The elder proposition and the new,<br>
+Which so persuade thee, are the voice of heav'n?"<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"The works, that follow'd, evidence their truth;"<br>
+I answer'd: "Nature did not make for these<br>
+The iron hot, or on her anvil mould them."<br>
+"Who voucheth to thee of the works themselves,"<br>
+Was the reply, "that they in very deed<br>
+Are that they purport? &nbsp;None hath sworn so to thee."<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"That all the world," said I, "should have been turn'd<br>
+To Christian, and no miracle been wrought,<br>
+Would in itself be such a miracle,<br>
+The rest were not an hundredth part so great.<br>
+E'en thou wentst forth in poverty and hunger<br>
+To set the goodly plant, that from the vine,<br>
+It once was, now is grown unsightly bramble."<br>
+That ended, through the high celestial court<br>
+Resounded all the spheres. &nbsp;"Praise we one God!"<br>
+In song of most unearthly melody.<br>
+And when that Worthy thus, from branch to branch,<br>
+Examining, had led me, that we now<br>
+Approach'd the topmost bough, he straight resum'd;<br>
+"The grace, that holds sweet dalliance with thy soul,<br>
+So far discreetly hath thy lips unclos'd<br>
+That, whatsoe'er has past them, I commend.<br>
+Behooves thee to express, what thou believ'st,<br>
+The next, and whereon thy belief hath grown."<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"O saintly sire and spirit!" &nbsp;I began,<br>
+"Who seest that, which thou didst so believe,<br>
+As to outstrip feet younger than thine own,<br>
+Toward the sepulchre? &nbsp;thy will is here,<br>
+That I the tenour of my creed unfold;<br>
+And thou the cause of it hast likewise ask'd.<br>
+And I reply: I in one God believe,<br>
+One sole eternal Godhead, of whose love<br>
+All heav'n is mov'd, himself unmov'd the while.<br>
+Nor demonstration physical alone,<br>
+Or more intelligential and abstruse,<br>
+Persuades me to this faith; but from that truth<br>
+It cometh to me rather, which is shed<br>
+Through Moses, the rapt Prophets, and the Psalms.<br>
+The Gospel, and that ye yourselves did write,<br>
+When ye were gifted of the Holy Ghost.<br>
+In three eternal Persons I believe,<br>
+Essence threefold and one, mysterious league<br>
+Of union absolute, which, many a time,<br>
+The word of gospel lore upon my mind<br>
+Imprints: and from this germ, this firstling spark,<br>
+The lively flame dilates, and like heav'n's star<br>
+Doth glitter in me." &nbsp;As the master hears,<br>
+Well pleas'd, and then enfoldeth in his arms<br>
+The servant, who hath joyful tidings brought,<br>
+And having told the errand keeps his peace;<br>
+Thus benediction uttering with song<br>
+Soon as my peace I held, compass'd me thrice<br>
+The apostolic radiance, whose behest<br>
+Had op'd lips; so well their answer pleas'd.</p>
+
+<br><br>
+<a name="25"></a>
+<br><br>
+<h2>CANTO XXV</h2>
+<br>
+
+
+<p>If e'er the sacred poem that hath made<br>
+Both heav'n and earth copartners in its toil,<br>
+And with lean abstinence, through many a year,<br>
+Faded my brow, be destin'd to prevail<br>
+Over the cruelty, which bars me forth<br>
+Of the fair sheep-fold, where a sleeping lamb<br>
+The wolves set on and fain had worried me,<br>
+With other voice and fleece of other grain<br>
+I shall forthwith return, and, standing up<br>
+At my baptismal font, shall claim the wreath<br>
+Due to the poet's temples: for I there<br>
+First enter'd on the faith which maketh souls<br>
+Acceptable to God: and, for its sake,<br>
+Peter had then circled my forehead thus.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Next from the squadron, whence had issued forth<br>
+The first fruit of Christ's vicars on the earth,<br>
+Toward us mov'd a light, at view whereof<br>
+My Lady, full of gladness, spake to me:<br>
+"Lo! lo! behold the peer of mickle might,<br>
+That makes Falicia throng'd with visitants!"<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As when the ring-dove by his mate alights,<br>
+In circles each about the other wheels,<br>
+And murmuring cooes his fondness; thus saw I<br>
+One, of the other great and glorious prince,<br>
+With kindly greeting hail'd, extolling both<br>
+Their heavenly banqueting; but when an end<br>
+Was to their gratulation, silent, each,<br>
+Before me sat they down, so burning bright,<br>
+I could not look upon them. &nbsp;Smiling then,<br>
+Beatrice spake: "O life in glory shrin'd!"<br>
+Who didst the largess of our kingly court<br>
+Set down with faithful pen! let now thy voice<br>
+Of hope the praises in this height resound.<br>
+For thou, who figur'st them in shapes, as clear,<br>
+As Jesus stood before thee, well can'st speak them."<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Lift up thy head, and be thou strong in trust:<br>
+For that, which hither from the mortal world<br>
+Arriveth, must be ripen'd in our beam."<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Such cheering accents from the second flame<br>
+Assur'd me; and mine eyes I lifted up<br>
+Unto the mountains that had bow'd them late<br>
+With over-heavy burden. &nbsp;"Sith our Liege<br>
+Wills of his grace that thou, or ere thy death,<br>
+In the most secret council, with his lords<br>
+Shouldst be confronted, so that having view'd<br>
+The glories of our court, thou mayst therewith<br>
+Thyself, and all who hear, invigorate<br>
+With hope, that leads to blissful end; declare,<br>
+What is that hope, how it doth flourish in thee,<br>
+And whence thou hadst it?" &nbsp;Thus proceeding still,<br>
+The second light: and she, whose gentle love<br>
+My soaring pennons in that lofty flight<br>
+Escorted, thus preventing me, rejoin'd:<br>
+Among her sons, not one more full of hope,<br>
+Hath the church militant: so 't is of him<br>
+Recorded in the sun, whose liberal orb<br>
+Enlighteneth all our tribe: and ere his term<br>
+Of warfare, hence permitted he is come,<br>
+From Egypt to Jerusalem, to see.<br>
+The other points, both which thou hast inquir'd,<br>
+Not for more knowledge, but that he may tell<br>
+How dear thou holdst the virtue, these to him<br>
+Leave I; for he may answer thee with ease,<br>
+And without boasting, so God give him grace."<br>
+Like to the scholar, practis'd in his task,<br>
+Who, willing to give proof of diligence,<br>
+Seconds his teacher gladly, "Hope," said I,<br>
+"Is of the joy to come a sure expectance,<br>
+Th' effect of grace divine and merit preceding.<br>
+This light from many a star visits my heart,<br>
+But flow'd to me the first from him, who sang<br>
+The songs of the Supreme, himself supreme<br>
+Among his tuneful brethren. &nbsp;'Let all hope<br>
+In thee,' so speak his anthem, 'who have known<br>
+Thy name;' and with my faith who know not that?<br>
+From thee, the next, distilling from his spring,<br>
+In thine epistle, fell on me the drops<br>
+So plenteously, that I on others shower<br>
+The influence of their dew." &nbsp;Whileas I spake,<br>
+A lamping, as of quick and vollied lightning,<br>
+Within the bosom of that mighty sheen,<br>
+Play'd tremulous; then forth these accents breath'd:<br>
+"Love for the virtue which attended me<br>
+E'en to the palm, and issuing from the field,<br>
+Glows vigorous yet within me, and inspires<br>
+To ask of thee, whom also it delights;<br>
+What promise thou from hope in chief dost win."<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Both scriptures, new and ancient," I reply'd;<br>
+"Propose the mark (which even now I view)<br>
+For souls belov'd of God. Isaias saith,<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;'That, in their own land, each one must be clad<br>
+In twofold vesture; and their proper lands this delicious life.'<br>
+In terms more full,<br>
+And clearer far, thy brother hath set forth<br>
+This revelation to us, where he tells<br>
+Of the white raiment destin'd to the saints."<br>
+And, as the words were ending, from above,<br>
+"They hope in thee," first heard we cried: whereto<br>
+Answer'd the carols all. &nbsp;Amidst them next,<br>
+A light of so clear amplitude emerg'd,<br>
+That winter's month were but a single day,<br>
+Were such a crystal in the Cancer's sign.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Like as a virgin riseth up, and goes,<br>
+And enters on the mazes of the dance,<br>
+Though gay, yet innocent of worse intent,<br>
+Than to do fitting honour to the bride;<br>
+So I beheld the new effulgence come<br>
+Unto the other two, who in a ring<br>
+Wheel'd, as became their rapture. &nbsp;In the dance<br>
+And in the song it mingled. &nbsp;And the dame<br>
+Held on them fix'd her looks: e'en as the spouse<br>
+Silent and moveless. &nbsp;"This is he, who lay<br>
+Upon the bosom of our pelican:<br>
+This he, into whose keeping from the cross<br>
+The mighty charge was given." &nbsp;Thus she spake,<br>
+Yet therefore naught the more remov'd her Sight<br>
+From marking them, or ere her words began,<br>
+Or when they clos'd. &nbsp;As he, who looks intent,<br>
+And strives with searching ken, how he may see<br>
+The sun in his eclipse, and, through desire<br>
+Of seeing, loseth power of sight: so I<br>
+Peer'd on that last resplendence, while I heard:<br>
+"Why dazzlest thou thine eyes in seeking that,<br>
+Which here abides not? &nbsp;Earth my body is,<br>
+In earth: and shall be, with the rest, so long,<br>
+As till our number equal the decree<br>
+Of the Most High. &nbsp;The two that have ascended,<br>
+In this our blessed cloister, shine alone<br>
+With the two garments. &nbsp;So report below."<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As when, for ease of labour, or to shun<br>
+Suspected peril at a whistle's breath,<br>
+The oars, erewhile dash'd frequent in the wave,<br>
+All rest; the flamy circle at that voice<br>
+So rested, and the mingling sound was still,<br>
+Which from the trinal band soft-breathing rose.<br>
+I turn'd, but ah! how trembled in my thought,<br>
+When, looking at my side again to see<br>
+Beatrice, I descried her not, although<br>
+Not distant, on the happy coast she stood.</p>
+
+<br><br>
+<a name="26"></a>
+<br><br>
+<h2>CANTO XXVI</h2>
+<br>
+
+<p>With dazzled eyes, whilst wond'ring I remain'd,<br>
+Forth of the beamy flame which dazzled me,<br>
+Issued a breath, that in attention mute<br>
+Detain'd me; and these words it spake: "'T were well,<br>
+That, long as till thy vision, on my form<br>
+O'erspent, regain its virtue, with discourse<br>
+Thou compensate the brief delay. &nbsp;Say then,<br>
+Beginning, to what point thy soul aspires:"<br>
+
+
+<br><br><br><br>
+<a href="images/26-7.jpg"><img alt="26-7th.jpg (31K)" src="images/26-7th.jpg" height="476" width="410"></a>
+<br><br><br><br>
+
+
+"And meanwhile rest assur'd, that sight in thee<br>
+Is but o'erpowered a space, not wholly quench'd:<br>
+Since thy fair guide and lovely, in her look<br>
+Hath potency, the like to that which dwelt<br>
+In Ananias' hand.'' I answering thus:<br>
+"Be to mine eyes the remedy or late<br>
+Or early, at her pleasure; for they were<br>
+The gates, at which she enter'd, and did light<br>
+Her never dying fire. &nbsp;My wishes here<br>
+Are centered; in this palace is the weal,<br>
+That Alpha and Omega, is to all<br>
+The lessons love can read me." &nbsp;Yet again<br>
+The voice which had dispers'd my fear, when daz'd<br>
+With that excess, to converse urg'd, and spake:<br>
+"Behooves thee sift more narrowly thy terms,<br>
+And say, who level'd at this scope thy bow."<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Philosophy," said I, ''hath arguments,<br>
+And this place hath authority enough<br>
+'T' imprint in me such love: for, of constraint,<br>
+Good, inasmuch as we perceive the good,<br>
+Kindles our love, and in degree the more,<br>
+As it comprises more of goodness in 't.<br>
+The essence then, where such advantage is,<br>
+That each good, found without it, is naught else<br>
+But of his light the beam, must needs attract<br>
+The soul of each one, loving, who the truth<br>
+Discerns, on which this proof is built. &nbsp;Such truth<br>
+Learn I from him, who shows me the first love<br>
+Of all intelligential substances<br>
+Eternal: from his voice I learn, whose word<br>
+Is truth, that of himself to Moses saith,<br>
+'I will make all my good before thee pass.'<br>
+Lastly from thee I learn, who chief proclaim'st,<br>
+E'en at the outset of thy heralding,<br>
+In mortal ears the mystery of heav'n."<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Through human wisdom, and th' authority<br>
+Therewith agreeing," heard I answer'd, "keep<br>
+The choicest of thy love for God. &nbsp;But say,<br>
+If thou yet other cords within thee feel'st<br>
+That draw thee towards him; so that thou report<br>
+How many are the fangs, with which this love<br>
+Is grappled to thy soul." &nbsp;I did not miss,<br>
+To what intent the eagle of our Lord<br>
+Had pointed his demand; yea noted well<br>
+Th' avowal, which he led to; and resum'd:<br>
+"All grappling bonds, that knit the heart to God,<br>
+Confederate to make fast our clarity.<br>
+The being of the world, and mine own being,<br>
+The death which he endur'd that I should live,<br>
+And that, which all the faithful hope, as I do,<br>
+To the foremention'd lively knowledge join'd,<br>
+Have from the sea of ill love sav'd my bark,<br>
+And on the coast secur'd it of the right.<br>
+As for the leaves, that in the garden bloom,<br>
+My love for them is great, as is the good<br>
+Dealt by th' eternal hand, that tends them all."<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I ended, and therewith a song most sweet<br>
+Rang through the spheres; and "Holy, holy, holy,"<br>
+Accordant with the rest my lady sang.<br>
+And as a sleep is broken and dispers'd<br>
+Through sharp encounter of the nimble light,<br>
+With the eye's spirit running forth to meet<br>
+The ray, from membrane on to the membrane urg'd;<br>
+And the upstartled wight loathes that he sees;<br>
+So, at his sudden waking, he misdeems<br>
+Of all around him, till assurance waits<br>
+On better judgment: thus the saintly came<br>
+Drove from before mine eyes the motes away,<br>
+With the resplendence of her own, that cast<br>
+Their brightness downward, thousand miles below.<br>
+Whence I my vision, clearer shall before,<br>
+Recover'd; and, well nigh astounded, ask'd<br>
+Of a fourth light, that now with us I saw.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And Beatrice: "The first diving soul,<br>
+That ever the first virtue fram'd, admires<br>
+Within these rays his Maker." &nbsp;Like the leaf,<br>
+That bows its lithe top till the blast is blown;<br>
+By its own virtue rear'd then stands aloof;<br>
+So I, the whilst she said, awe-stricken bow'd.<br>
+Then eagerness to speak embolden'd me;<br>
+And I began: "O fruit! that wast alone<br>
+Mature, when first engender'd! &nbsp;Ancient father!<br>
+That doubly seest in every wedded bride<br>
+Thy daughter by affinity and blood!<br>
+Devoutly as I may, I pray thee hold<br>
+Converse with me: my will thou seest; and I,<br>
+More speedily to hear thee, tell it not."<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It chanceth oft some animal bewrays,<br>
+Through the sleek cov'ring of his furry coat.<br>
+The fondness, that stirs in him and conforms<br>
+His outside seeming to the cheer within:<br>
+And in like guise was Adam's spirit mov'd<br>
+To joyous mood, that through the covering shone,<br>
+Transparent, when to pleasure me it spake:<br>
+"No need thy will be told, which I untold<br>
+Better discern, than thou whatever thing<br>
+Thou holdst most certain: for that will I see<br>
+In Him, who is truth's mirror, and Himself<br>
+Parhelion unto all things, and naught else<br>
+To him. &nbsp;This wouldst thou hear; how long since God<br>
+Plac'd me high garden, from whose hounds<br>
+She led me up in this ladder, steep and long;<br>
+What space endur'd my season of delight;<br>
+Whence truly sprang the wrath that banish'd me;<br>
+And what the language, which I spake and fram'd<br>
+Not that I tasted of the tree, my son,<br>
+Was in itself the cause of that exile,<br>
+But only my transgressing of the mark<br>
+Assign'd me. &nbsp;There, whence at thy lady's hest<br>
+The Mantuan mov'd him, still was I debarr'd<br>
+This council, till the sun had made complete,<br>
+Four thousand and three hundred rounds and twice,<br>
+His annual journey; and, through every light<br>
+In his broad pathway, saw I him return,<br>
+Thousand save sev'nty times, the whilst I dwelt<br>
+Upon the earth. &nbsp;The language I did use<br>
+Was worn away, or ever Nimrod's race<br>
+Their unaccomplishable work began.<br>
+For naught, that man inclines to, ere was lasting,<br>
+Left by his reason free, and variable,<br>
+As is the sky that sways him. &nbsp;That he speaks,<br>
+Is nature's prompting: whether thus or thus,<br>
+She leaves to you, as ye do most affect it.<br>
+Ere I descended into hell's abyss,<br>
+El was the name on earth of the Chief Good,<br>
+Whose joy enfolds me: Eli then 't was call'd<br>
+And so beseemeth: for, in mortals, use<br>
+Is as the leaf upon the bough; that goes,<br>
+And other comes instead. &nbsp;Upon the mount<br>
+Most high above the waters, all my life,<br>
+Both innocent and guilty, did but reach<br>
+From the first hour, to that which cometh next<br>
+(As the sun changes quarter), to the sixth."</p>
+
+<br><br>
+<a name="27"></a>
+<br><br>
+<h2>CANTO XXVII</h2>
+
+<br><br><br><br>
+<a href="images/27-1.jpg"><img alt="27-1th.jpg (39K)" src="images/27-1th.jpg" height="476" width="405"></a>
+<br><br><br><br>
+
+
+<p>Then &nbsp;"Glory to the Father, to the Son,<br>
+And to the Holy Spirit," rang aloud<br>
+Throughout all Paradise, that with the song<br>
+My spirit reel'd, so passing sweet the strain:<br>
+And what I saw was equal ecstasy;<br>
+One universal smile it seem'd of all things,<br>
+Joy past compare, gladness unutterable,<br>
+Imperishable life of peace and love,<br>
+Exhaustless riches and unmeasur'd bliss.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Before mine eyes stood the four torches lit;<br>
+And that, which first had come, began to wax<br>
+In brightness, and in semblance such became,<br>
+As Jove might be, if he and Mars were birds,<br>
+And interchang'd their plumes. &nbsp;Silence ensued,<br>
+Through the blest quire, by Him, who here appoints<br>
+Vicissitude of ministry, enjoin'd;<br>
+When thus I heard: "Wonder not, if my hue<br>
+Be chang'd; for, while I speak, these shalt thou see<br>
+All in like manner change with me. &nbsp;My place<br>
+He who usurps on earth (my place, ay, mine,<br>
+Which in the presence of the Son of God<br>
+Is void), the same hath made my cemetery<br>
+A common sewer of puddle and of blood:<br>
+The more below his triumph, who from hence<br>
+Malignant fell." &nbsp;Such colour, as the sun,<br>
+At eve or morning, paints an adverse cloud,<br>
+Then saw I sprinkled over all the sky.<br>
+And as th' unblemish'd dame, who in herself<br>
+Secure of censure, yet at bare report<br>
+Of other's failing, shrinks with maiden fear;<br>
+So Beatrice in her semblance chang'd:<br>
+And such eclipse in heav'n methinks was seen,<br>
+When the Most Holy suffer'd. &nbsp;Then the words<br>
+Proceeded, with voice, alter'd from itself<br>
+So clean, the semblance did not alter more.<br>
+"Not to this end was Christ's spouse with my blood,<br>
+With that of Linus, and of Cletus fed:<br>
+That she might serve for purchase of base gold:<br>
+But for the purchase of this happy life<br>
+Did Sextus, Pius, and Callixtus bleed,<br>
+And Urban, they, whose doom was not without<br>
+Much weeping seal'd. &nbsp;No purpose was of our<br>
+That on the right hand of our successors<br>
+Part of the Christian people should be set,<br>
+And part upon their left; nor that the keys,<br>
+Which were vouchsaf'd me, should for ensign serve<br>
+Unto the banners, that do levy war<br>
+On the baptiz'd: nor I, for sigil-mark<br>
+Set upon sold and lying privileges;<br>
+Which makes me oft to bicker and turn red.<br>
+In shepherd's clothing greedy wolves below<br>
+Range wide o'er all the pastures. &nbsp;Arm of God!<br>
+Why longer sleepst thou? &nbsp;Caorsines and Gascona<br>
+Prepare to quaff our blood. &nbsp;O good beginning<br>
+To what a vile conclusion must thou stoop!<br>
+But the high providence, which did defend<br>
+Through Scipio the world's glory unto Rome,<br>
+Will not delay its succour: and thou, son,<br>
+Who through thy mortal weight shall yet again<br>
+Return below, open thy lips, nor hide<br>
+What is by me not hidden." &nbsp;As a Hood<br>
+Of frozen vapours streams adown the air,<br>
+What time the she-goat with her skiey horn<br>
+Touches the sun; so saw I there stream wide<br>
+The vapours, who with us had linger'd late<br>
+And with glad triumph deck th' ethereal cope.<br>
+Onward my sight their semblances pursued;<br>
+So far pursued, as till the space between<br>
+From its reach sever'd them: whereat the guide<br>
+Celestial, marking me no more intent<br>
+On upward gazing, said, "Look down and see<br>
+What circuit thou hast compass'd." &nbsp;From the hour<br>
+When I before had cast my view beneath,<br>
+All the first region overpast I saw,<br>
+Which from the midmost to the bound'ry winds;<br>
+That onward thence from Gades I beheld<br>
+The unwise passage of Laertes' son,<br>
+And hitherward the shore, where thou, Europa!<br>
+Mad'st thee a joyful burden: and yet more<br>
+Of this dim spot had seen, but that the sun,<br>
+A constellation off and more, had ta'en<br>
+His progress in the zodiac underneath.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then by the spirit, that doth never leave<br>
+Its amorous dalliance with my lady's looks,<br>
+Back with redoubled ardour were mine eyes<br>
+Led unto her: and from her radiant smiles,<br>
+Whenas I turn'd me, pleasure so divine<br>
+Did lighten on me, that whatever bait<br>
+Or art or nature in the human flesh,<br>
+Or in its limn'd resemblance, can combine<br>
+Through greedy eyes to take the soul withal,<br>
+Were to her beauty nothing. &nbsp;Its boon influence<br>
+From the fair nest of Leda rapt me forth,<br>
+And wafted on into the swiftest heav'n.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;What place for entrance Beatrice chose,<br>
+I may not say, so uniform was all,<br>
+Liveliest and loftiest. &nbsp;She my secret wish<br>
+Divin'd; and with such gladness, that God's love<br>
+Seem'd from her visage shining, thus began:<br>
+"Here is the goal, whence motion on his race<br>
+Starts; motionless the centre, and the rest<br>
+All mov'd around. &nbsp;Except the soul divine,<br>
+Place in this heav'n is none, the soul divine,<br>
+Wherein the love, which ruleth o'er its orb,<br>
+Is kindled, and the virtue that it sheds;<br>
+One circle, light and love, enclasping it,<br>
+As this doth clasp the others; and to Him,<br>
+Who draws the bound, its limit only known.<br>
+Measur'd itself by none, it doth divide<br>
+Motion to all, counted unto them forth,<br>
+As by the fifth or half ye count forth ten.<br>
+The vase, wherein time's roots are plung'd, thou seest,<br>
+Look elsewhere for the leaves. &nbsp;O mortal lust!<br>
+That canst not lift thy head above the waves<br>
+Which whelm and sink thee down! &nbsp;The will in man<br>
+Bears goodly blossoms; but its ruddy promise<br>
+Is, by the dripping of perpetual rain,<br>
+Made mere abortion: faith and innocence<br>
+Are met with but in babes, each taking leave<br>
+Ere cheeks with down are sprinkled; he, that fasts,<br>
+While yet a stammerer, with his tongue let loose<br>
+Gluts every food alike in every moon.<br>
+One yet a babbler, loves and listens to<br>
+His mother; but no sooner hath free use<br>
+Of speech, than he doth wish her in her grave.<br>
+So suddenly doth the fair child of him,<br>
+Whose welcome is the morn and eve his parting,<br>
+To negro blackness change her virgin white.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Thou, to abate thy wonder, note that none<br>
+Bears rule in earth, and its frail family<br>
+Are therefore wand'rers. &nbsp;Yet before the date,<br>
+When through the hundredth in his reck'ning drops<br>
+Pale January must be shor'd aside<br>
+From winter's calendar, these heav'nly spheres<br>
+Shall roar so loud, that fortune shall be fain<br>
+To turn the poop, where she hath now the prow;<br>
+So that the fleet run onward; and true fruit,<br>
+Expected long, shall crown at last the bloom!"</p>
+
+<br><br>
+<a name="28"></a>
+<br><br>
+<h2>CANTO XXVIII</h2>
+<br>
+
+<p>So she who doth imparadise my soul,<br>
+Had drawn the veil from off our pleasant life,<br>
+And bar'd the truth of poor mortality;<br>
+When lo! as one who, in a mirror, spies<br>
+The shining of a flambeau at his back,<br>
+Lit sudden ore he deem of its approach,<br>
+And turneth to resolve him, if the glass<br>
+Have told him true, and sees the record faithful<br>
+As note is to its metre; even thus,<br>
+I well remember, did befall to me,<br>
+Looking upon the beauteous eyes, whence love<br>
+Had made the leash to take me. &nbsp;As I turn'd;<br>
+And that, which, in their circles, none who spies,<br>
+Can miss of, in itself apparent, struck<br>
+On mine; a point I saw, that darted light<br>
+So sharp, no lid, unclosing, may bear up<br>
+Against its keenness. &nbsp;The least star we view<br>
+From hence, had seem'd a moon, set by its side,<br>
+As star by side of star. &nbsp;And so far off,<br>
+Perchance, as is the halo from the light<br>
+Which paints it, when most dense the vapour spreads,<br>
+There wheel'd about the point a circle of fire,<br>
+More rapid than the motion, which first girds<br>
+The world. &nbsp;Then, circle after circle, round<br>
+Enring'd each other; till the seventh reach'd<br>
+Circumference so ample, that its bow,<br>
+Within the span of Juno's messenger,<br>
+lied scarce been held entire. Beyond the sev'nth,<br>
+Follow'd yet other two. &nbsp;And every one,<br>
+As more in number distant from the first,<br>
+Was tardier in motion; and that glow'd<br>
+With flame most pure, that to the sparkle' of truth<br>
+Was nearest, as partaking most, methinks,<br>
+Of its reality. &nbsp;The guide belov'd<br>
+Saw me in anxious thought suspense, and spake:<br>
+"Heav'n, and all nature, hangs upon that point.<br>
+The circle thereto most conjoin'd observe;<br>
+And know, that by intenser love its course<br>
+Is to this swiftness wing'd." &nbsp;To whom I thus:<br>
+"It were enough; nor should I further seek,<br>
+Had I but witness'd order, in the world<br>
+Appointed, such as in these wheels is seen.<br>
+But in the sensible world such diff'rence is,<br>
+That is each round shows more divinity,<br>
+As each is wider from the centre. &nbsp;Hence,<br>
+If in this wondrous and angelic temple,<br>
+That hath for confine only light and love,<br>
+My wish may have completion I must know,<br>
+Wherefore such disagreement is between<br>
+Th' exemplar and its copy: for myself,<br>
+Contemplating, I fail to pierce the cause."<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"It is no marvel, if thy fingers foil'd<br>
+Do leave the knot untied: so hard 't is grown<br>
+For want of tenting." &nbsp;Thus she said: "But take,"<br>
+She added, "if thou wish thy cure, my words,<br>
+And entertain them subtly. &nbsp;Every orb<br>
+Corporeal, doth proportion its extent<br>
+Unto the virtue through its parts diffus'd.<br>
+The greater blessedness preserves the more.<br>
+The greater is the body (if all parts<br>
+Share equally) the more is to preserve.<br>
+Therefore the circle, whose swift course enwheels<br>
+The universal frame answers to that,<br>
+Which is supreme in knowledge and in love<br>
+Thus by the virtue, not the seeming, breadth<br>
+Of substance, measure, thou shalt see the heav'ns,<br>
+Each to the' intelligence that ruleth it,<br>
+Greater to more, and smaller unto less,<br>
+Suited in strict and wondrous harmony."<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As when the sturdy north blows from his cheek<br>
+A blast, that scours the sky, forthwith our air,<br>
+Clear'd of the rack, that hung on it before,<br>
+Glitters; and, With his beauties all unveil'd,<br>
+The firmament looks forth serene, and smiles;<br>
+Such was my cheer, when Beatrice drove<br>
+With clear reply the shadows back, and truth<br>
+Was manifested, as a star in heaven.<br>
+And when the words were ended, not unlike<br>
+To iron in the furnace, every cirque<br>
+Ebullient shot forth scintillating fires:<br>
+And every sparkle shivering to new blaze,<br>
+In number did outmillion the account<br>
+Reduplicate upon the chequer'd board.<br>
+Then heard I echoing on from choir to choir,<br>
+"Hosanna," to the fixed point, that holds,<br>
+And shall for ever hold them to their place,<br>
+From everlasting, irremovable.<br>
+
+
+<br><br><br><br>
+<a href="images/28-80.jpg"><img alt="28-80th.jpg (35K)" src="images/28-80th.jpg" height="477" width="434"></a>
+<br><br><br><br>
+
+
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Musing awhile I stood: and she, who saw<br>
+by inward meditations, thus began:<br>
+"In the first circles, they, whom thou beheldst,<br>
+Are seraphim and cherubim. &nbsp;Thus swift<br>
+Follow their hoops, in likeness to the point,<br>
+Near as they can, approaching; and they can<br>
+The more, the loftier their vision. &nbsp;Those,<br>
+That round them fleet, gazing the Godhead next,<br>
+Are thrones; in whom the first trine ends. &nbsp;And all<br>
+Are blessed, even as their sight descends<br>
+Deeper into the truth, wherein rest is<br>
+For every mind. &nbsp;Thus happiness hath root<br>
+In seeing, not in &nbsp;loving, which of sight<br>
+Is aftergrowth. &nbsp;And of the seeing such<br>
+The meed, as unto each in due degree<br>
+Grace and good-will their measure have assign'd.<br>
+The other trine, that with still opening buds<br>
+In this eternal springtide blossom fair,<br>
+Fearless of bruising from the nightly ram,<br>
+Breathe up in warbled melodies threefold<br>
+Hosannas blending ever, from the three<br>
+Transmitted. hierarchy of gods, for aye<br>
+Rejoicing, dominations first, next then<br>
+Virtues, and powers the third. &nbsp;The next to whom<br>
+Are princedoms and archangels, with glad round<br>
+To tread their festal ring; and last the band<br>
+Angelical, disporting in their sphere.<br>
+All, as they circle in their orders, look<br>
+Aloft, and downward with such sway prevail,<br>
+That all with mutual impulse tend to God.<br>
+These once a mortal view beheld. &nbsp;Desire<br>
+In Dionysius so intently wrought,<br>
+That he, as I have done rang'd them; and nam'd<br>
+Their orders, marshal'd in his thought. &nbsp;From him<br>
+Dissentient, one refus'd his sacred read.<br>
+But soon as in this heav'n his doubting eyes<br>
+Were open'd, Gregory at his error smil'd<br>
+Nor marvel, that a denizen of earth<br>
+Should scan such secret truth; for he had learnt<br>
+Both this and much beside of these our orbs,<br>
+From an eye-witness to heav'n's mysteries."</p>
+
+<br><br>
+<a name="29"></a>
+<br><br>
+<h2>CANTO XXIX</h2>
+<br>
+
+<p>No longer than what time Latona's twins<br>
+Cover'd of Libra and the fleecy star,<br>
+Together both, girding the' horizon hang,<br>
+In even balance from the zenith pois'd,<br>
+Till from that verge, each, changing hemisphere,<br>
+Part the nice level; e'en so brief a space<br>
+Did Beatrice's silence hold. &nbsp;A smile<br>
+Bat painted on her cheek; and her fix'd gaze<br>
+Bent on the point, at which my vision fail'd:<br>
+When thus her words resuming she began:<br>
+"I speak, nor what thou wouldst inquire demand;<br>
+For I have mark'd it, where all time and place<br>
+Are present. &nbsp;Not for increase to himself<br>
+Of good, which may not be increas'd, but forth<br>
+To manifest his glory by its beams,<br>
+Inhabiting his own eternity,<br>
+Beyond time's limit or what bound soe'er<br>
+To circumscribe his being, as he will'd,<br>
+Into new natures, like unto himself,<br>
+Eternal Love unfolded. &nbsp;Nor before,<br>
+As if in dull inaction torpid lay.<br>
+For not in process of before or aft<br>
+Upon these waters mov'd the Spirit of God.<br>
+Simple and mix'd, both form and substance, forth<br>
+To perfect being started, like three darts<br>
+Shot from a bow three-corded. &nbsp;And as ray<br>
+In crystal, glass, and amber, shines entire,<br>
+E'en at the moment of its issuing; thus<br>
+Did, from th' eternal Sovran, beam entire<br>
+His threefold operation, at one act<br>
+Produc'd coeval. &nbsp;Yet in order each<br>
+Created his due station knew: those highest,<br>
+Who pure intelligence were made: mere power<br>
+The lowest: in the midst, bound with strict league,<br>
+Intelligence and power, unsever'd bond.<br>
+Long tract of ages by the angels past,<br>
+Ere the creating of another world,<br>
+Describ'd on Jerome's pages thou hast seen.<br>
+But that what I disclose to thee is true,<br>
+Those penmen, whom the Holy Spirit mov'd<br>
+In many a passage of their sacred book<br>
+Attest; as thou by diligent search shalt find<br>
+And reason in some sort discerns the same,<br>
+Who scarce would grant the heav'nly ministers<br>
+Of their perfection void, so long a space.<br>
+Thus when and where these spirits of love were made,<br>
+Thou know'st, and how: and knowing hast allay'd<br>
+Thy thirst, which from the triple question rose.<br>
+Ere one had reckon'd twenty, e'en so soon<br>
+Part of the angels fell: and in their fall<br>
+Confusion to your elements ensued.<br>
+The others kept their station: and this task,<br>
+Whereon thou lookst, began with such delight,<br>
+That they surcease not ever, day nor night,<br>
+Their circling. &nbsp;Of that fatal lapse the cause<br>
+Was the curst pride of him, whom thou hast seen<br>
+Pent with the world's incumbrance. &nbsp;Those, whom here<br>
+Thou seest, were lowly to confess themselves<br>
+Of his free bounty, who had made them apt<br>
+For ministries so high: therefore their views<br>
+Were by enlight'ning grace and their own merit<br>
+Exalted; so that in their will confirm'd<br>
+They stand, nor feel to fall. &nbsp;For do not doubt,<br>
+But to receive the grace, which heav'n vouchsafes,<br>
+Is meritorious, even as the soul<br>
+With prompt affection welcometh the guest.<br>
+Now, without further help, if with good heed<br>
+My words thy mind have treasur'd, thou henceforth<br>
+This consistory round about mayst scan,<br>
+And gaze thy fill. &nbsp;But since thou hast on earth<br>
+Heard vain disputers, reasoners in the schools,<br>
+Canvas the' angelic nature, and dispute<br>
+Its powers of apprehension, memory, choice;<br>
+Therefore, 't is well thou take from me the truth,<br>
+Pure and without disguise, which they below,<br>
+Equivocating, darken and perplex.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Know thou, that, from the first, these substances,<br>
+Rejoicing in the countenance of God,<br>
+Have held unceasingly their view, intent<br>
+Upon the glorious vision, from the which<br>
+Naught absent is nor hid: where then no change<br>
+Of newness with succession interrupts,<br>
+Remembrance there needs none to gather up<br>
+Divided thought and images remote<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"So that men, thus at variance with the truth<br>
+Dream, though their eyes be open; reckless some<br>
+Of error; others well aware they err,<br>
+To whom more guilt and shame are justly due.<br>
+Each the known track of sage philosophy<br>
+Deserts, and has a byway of his own:<br>
+So much the restless eagerness to shine<br>
+And love of singularity prevail.<br>
+Yet this, offensive as it is, provokes<br>
+Heav'n's anger less, than when the book of God<br>
+Is forc'd to yield to man's authority,<br>
+Or from its straightness warp'd: no reck'ning made<br>
+What blood the sowing of it in the world<br>
+Has cost; what favour for himself he wins,<br>
+Who meekly clings to it. &nbsp;The aim of all<br>
+Is how to shine: e'en they, whose office is<br>
+To preach the Gospel, let the gospel sleep,<br>
+And pass their own inventions off instead.<br>
+One tells, how at Christ's suffering the wan moon<br>
+Bent back her steps, and shadow'd o'er the sun<br>
+With intervenient disk, as she withdrew:<br>
+Another, how the light shrouded itself<br>
+Within its tabernacle, and left dark<br>
+The Spaniard and the Indian, with the Jew.<br>
+Such fables Florence in her pulpit hears,<br>
+Bandied about more frequent, than the names<br>
+Of Bindi and of Lapi in her streets.<br>
+The sheep, meanwhile, poor witless ones, return<br>
+From pasture, fed with wind: and what avails<br>
+For their excuse, they do not see their harm?<br>
+Christ said not to his first conventicle,<br>
+'Go forth and preach impostures to the world,'<br>
+But gave them truth to build on; and the sound<br>
+Was mighty on their lips; nor needed they,<br>
+Beside the gospel, other spear or shield,<br>
+To aid them in their warfare for the faith.<br>
+The preacher now provides himself with store<br>
+Of jests and gibes; and, so there be no lack<br>
+Of laughter, while he vents them, his big cowl<br>
+Distends, and he has won the meed he sought:<br>
+Could but the vulgar catch a glimpse the while<br>
+Of that dark bird which nestles in his hood,<br>
+They scarce would wait to hear the blessing said.<br>
+Which now the dotards hold in such esteem,<br>
+That every counterfeit, who spreads abroad<br>
+The hands of holy promise, finds a throng<br>
+Of credulous fools beneath. &nbsp;Saint Anthony<br>
+Fattens with this his swine, and others worse<br>
+Than swine, who diet at his lazy board,<br>
+Paying with unstamp'd metal for their fare.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"But (for we far have wander'd) let us seek<br>
+The forward path again; so as the way<br>
+Be shorten'd with the time. &nbsp;No mortal tongue<br>
+Nor thought of man hath ever reach'd so far,<br>
+That of these natures he might count the tribes.<br>
+What Daniel of their thousands hath reveal'd<br>
+With finite number infinite conceals.<br>
+The fountain at whose source these drink their beams,<br>
+With light supplies them in as many modes,<br>
+As there are splendours, that it shines on: each<br>
+According to the virtue it conceives,<br>
+Differing in love and sweet affection.<br>
+Look then how lofty and how huge in breadth<br>
+The' eternal might, which, broken and dispers'd<br>
+Over such countless mirrors, yet remains<br>
+Whole in itself and one, as at the first."</p>
+
+<br><br>
+<a name="30"></a>
+<br><br>
+<h2>CANTO XXX</h2>
+<br>
+
+<p>Noon's fervid hour perchance six thousand miles<br>
+From hence is distant; and the shadowy cone<br>
+Almost to level on our earth declines;<br>
+When from the midmost of this blue abyss<br>
+By turns some star is to our vision lost.<br>
+And straightway as the handmaid of the sun<br>
+Puts forth her radiant brow, all, light by light,<br>
+Fade, and the spangled firmament shuts in,<br>
+E'en to the loveliest of the glittering throng.<br>
+Thus vanish'd gradually from my sight<br>
+The triumph, which plays ever round the point,<br>
+That overcame me, seeming (for it did)<br>
+Engirt by that it girdeth. &nbsp;Wherefore love,<br>
+With loss of other object, forc'd me bend<br>
+Mine eyes on Beatrice once again.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If all, that hitherto is told of her,<br>
+Were in one praise concluded, 't were too weak<br>
+To furnish out this turn. &nbsp;Mine eyes did look<br>
+On beauty, such, as I believe in sooth,<br>
+Not merely to exceed our human, but,<br>
+That save its Maker, none can to the full<br>
+Enjoy it. &nbsp;At this point o'erpower'd I fail,<br>
+Unequal to my theme, as never bard<br>
+Of buskin or of sock hath fail'd before.<br>
+For, as the sun doth to the feeblest sight,<br>
+E'en so remembrance of that witching smile<br>
+Hath dispossess my spirit of itself.<br>
+Not from that day, when on this earth I first<br>
+Beheld her charms, up to that view of them,<br>
+Have I with song applausive ever ceas'd<br>
+To follow, but not follow them no more;<br>
+My course here bounded, as each artist's is,<br>
+When it doth touch the limit of his skill.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She (such as I bequeath her to the bruit<br>
+Of louder trump than mine, which hasteneth on,<br>
+Urging its arduous matter to the close),<br>
+Her words resum'd, in gesture and in voice<br>
+Resembling one accustom'd to command:<br>
+"Forth from the last corporeal are we come<br>
+Into the heav'n, that is unbodied light,<br>
+Light intellectual replete with love,<br>
+Love of true happiness replete with joy,<br>
+Joy, that transcends all sweetness of delight.<br>
+Here shalt thou look on either mighty host<br>
+Of Paradise; and one in that array,<br>
+Which in the final judgment thou shalt see."<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As when the lightning, in a sudden spleen<br>
+Unfolded, dashes from the blinding eyes<br>
+The visive spirits dazzled and bedimm'd;<br>
+So, round about me, fulminating streams<br>
+Of living radiance play'd, and left me swath'd<br>
+And veil'd in dense impenetrable blaze.<br>
+Such weal is in the love, that stills this heav'n;<br>
+For its own flame the torch this fitting ever!<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No sooner to my list'ning ear had come<br>
+The brief assurance, than I understood<br>
+New virtue into me infus'd, and sight<br>
+Kindled afresh, with vigour to sustain<br>
+Excess of light, however pure. &nbsp;I look'd;<br>
+And in the likeness of a river saw<br>
+Light flowing, from whose amber-seeming waves<br>
+Flash'd up effulgence, as they glided on<br>
+'Twixt banks, on either side, painted with spring,<br>
+Incredible how fair; and, from the tide,<br>
+There ever and anon, outstarting, flew<br>
+Sparkles instinct with life; and in the flow'rs<br>
+Did set them, like to rubies chas'd in gold;<br>
+Then, as if drunk with odors, plung'd again<br>
+Into the wondrous flood; from which, as one<br>
+Re'enter'd, still another rose. &nbsp;"The thirst<br>
+Of knowledge high, whereby thou art inflam'd,<br>
+To search the meaning of what here thou seest,<br>
+The more it warms thee, pleases me the more.<br>
+But first behooves thee of this water drink,<br>
+Or ere that longing be allay'd." &nbsp;So spake<br>
+The day-star of mine eyes; then thus subjoin'd:<br>
+"This stream, and these, forth issuing from its gulf,<br>
+And diving back, a living topaz each,<br>
+With all this laughter on its bloomy shores,<br>
+Are but a preface, shadowy of the truth<br>
+They emblem: not that, in themselves, the things<br>
+Are crude; but on thy part is the defect,<br>
+For that thy views not yet aspire so high."<br>
+Never did babe, that had outslept his wont,<br>
+Rush, with such eager straining, to the milk,<br>
+As I toward the water, bending me,<br>
+To make the better mirrors of mine eyes<br>
+In the refining wave; and, as the eaves<br>
+Of mine eyelids did drink of it, forthwith<br>
+Seem'd it unto me turn'd from length to round,<br>
+Then as a troop of maskers, when they put<br>
+Their vizors off, look other than before,<br>
+The counterfeited semblance thrown aside;<br>
+So into greater jubilee were chang'd<br>
+Those flowers and sparkles, and distinct I saw<br>
+Before me either court of heav'n displac'd.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;O prime enlightener! thou who crav'st me strength<br>
+On the high triumph of thy realm to gaze!<br>
+Grant virtue now to utter what I kenn'd,<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There is in heav'n a light, whose goodly shine<br>
+Makes the Creator visible to all<br>
+Created, that in seeing him alone<br>
+Have peace; and in a circle spreads so far,<br>
+That the circumference were too loose a zone<br>
+To girdle in the sun. &nbsp;All is one beam,<br>
+Reflected from the summit of the first,<br>
+That moves, which being hence and vigour takes,<br>
+And as some cliff, that from the bottom eyes<br>
+Its image mirror'd in the crystal flood,<br>
+As if 't admire its brave appareling<br>
+Of verdure and of flowers: so, round about,<br>
+Eyeing the light, on more than million thrones,<br>
+Stood, eminent, whatever from our earth<br>
+Has to the skies return'd. &nbsp;How wide the leaves<br>
+Extended to their utmost of this rose,<br>
+Whose lowest step embosoms such a space<br>
+Of ample radiance! &nbsp;Yet, nor amplitude<br>
+Nor height impeded, but my view with ease<br>
+Took in the full dimensions of that joy.<br>
+Near or remote, what there avails, where God<br>
+Immediate rules, and Nature, awed, suspends<br>
+Her sway? &nbsp;Into the yellow of the rose<br>
+Perennial, which in bright expansiveness,<br>
+Lays forth its gradual blooming, redolent<br>
+Of praises to the never-wint'ring sun,<br>
+As one, who fain would speak yet holds his peace,<br>
+Beatrice led me; and, "Behold," she said,<br>
+"This fair assemblage! stoles of snowy white<br>
+How numberless! &nbsp;The city, where we dwell,<br>
+Behold how vast! and these our seats so throng'd<br>
+Few now are wanting here! &nbsp;In that proud stall,<br>
+On which, the crown, already o'er its state<br>
+Suspended, holds thine eyes&mdash;or ere thyself<br>
+Mayst at the wedding sup,&mdash;shall rest the soul<br>
+Of the great Harry, he who, by the world<br>
+Augustas hail'd, to Italy must come,<br>
+Before her day be ripe. &nbsp;But ye are sick,<br>
+And in your tetchy wantonness as blind,<br>
+As is the bantling, that of hunger dies,<br>
+And drives away the nurse. &nbsp;Nor may it be,<br>
+That he, who in the sacred forum sways,<br>
+Openly or in secret, shall with him<br>
+Accordant walk: Whom God will not endure<br>
+I' th' holy office long; but thrust him down<br>
+To Simon Magus, where Magna's priest<br>
+Will sink beneath him: such will be his meed."</p>
+
+<br><br>
+<a name="31"></a>
+<br><br>
+<h2>CANTO XXXI</h2>
+<br>
+
+<br><br><br><br>
+<a href="images/31-1.jpg"><img alt="31-1th.jpg (51K)" src="images/31-1th.jpg" height="476" width="429"></a>
+<br><br><br><br>
+
+
+<p>In fashion, as a snow-white rose, lay then<br>
+Before my view the saintly multitude,<br>
+Which in his own blood Christ espous'd. &nbsp;Meanwhile<br>
+That other host, that soar aloft to gaze<br>
+And celebrate his glory, whom they love,<br>
+Hover'd around; and, like a troop of bees,<br>
+Amid the vernal sweets alighting now,<br>
+Now, clustering, where their fragrant labour glows,<br>
+Flew downward to the mighty flow'r, or rose<br>
+From the redundant petals, streaming back<br>
+Unto the steadfast dwelling of their joy.<br>
+Faces had they of flame, and wings of gold;<br>
+The rest was whiter than the driven snow.<br>
+And as they flitted down into the flower,<br>
+From range to range, fanning their plumy loins,<br>
+Whisper'd the peace and ardour, which they won<br>
+From that soft winnowing. &nbsp;Shadow none, the vast<br>
+Interposition of such numerous flight<br>
+Cast, from above, upon the flower, or view<br>
+Obstructed aught. &nbsp;For, through the universe,<br>
+Wherever merited, celestial light<br>
+Glides freely, and no obstacle prevents.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All there, who reign in safety and in bliss,<br>
+Ages long past or new, on one sole mark<br>
+Their love and vision fix'd. &nbsp;O trinal beam<br>
+Of individual star, that charmst them thus,<br>
+Vouchsafe one glance to gild our storm below!<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If the grim brood, from Arctic shores that roam'd,<br>
+(Where helice, forever, as she wheels,<br>
+Sparkles a mother's fondness on her son)<br>
+Stood in mute wonder 'mid the works of Rome,<br>
+When to their view the Lateran arose<br>
+In greatness more than earthly; I, who then<br>
+From human to divine had past, from time<br>
+Unto eternity, and out of Florence<br>
+To justice and to truth, how might I choose<br>
+But marvel too? &nbsp;'Twixt gladness and amaze,<br>
+In sooth no will had I to utter aught,<br>
+Or hear. &nbsp;And, as a pilgrim, when he rests<br>
+Within the temple of his vow, looks round<br>
+In breathless awe, and hopes some time to tell<br>
+Of all its goodly state: e'en so mine eyes<br>
+Cours'd up and down along the living light,<br>
+Now low, and now aloft, and now around,<br>
+Visiting every step. &nbsp;Looks I beheld,<br>
+Where charity in soft persuasion sat,<br>
+Smiles from within and radiance from above,<br>
+And in each gesture grace and honour high.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;So rov'd my ken, and its general form<br>
+All Paradise survey'd: when round I turn'd<br>
+With purpose of my lady to inquire<br>
+Once more of things, that held my thought suspense,<br>
+But answer found from other than I ween'd;<br>
+For, Beatrice, when I thought to see,<br>
+I saw instead a senior, at my side,<br>
+&nbsp;Rob'd, as the rest, in glory. &nbsp;Joy benign<br>
+Glow'd in his eye, and o'er his cheek diffus'd,<br>
+With gestures such as spake a father's love.<br>
+And, "Whither is she vanish'd?" &nbsp;straight I ask'd.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"By Beatrice summon'd," he replied,<br>
+"I come to aid thy wish. &nbsp;Looking aloft<br>
+To the third circle from the highest, there<br>
+Behold her on the throne, wherein her merit<br>
+Hath plac'd her." &nbsp;Answering not, mine eyes I rais'd,<br>
+And saw her, where aloof she sat, her brow<br>
+A wreath reflecting of eternal beams.<br>
+Not from the centre of the sea so far<br>
+Unto the region of the highest thunder,<br>
+As was my ken from hers; and yet the form<br>
+Came through that medium down, unmix'd and pure,<br>
+
+
+<br><br><br><br>
+<a href="images/31-64.jpg"><img alt="31-64th.jpg (43K)" src="images/31-64th.jpg" height="469" width="429"></a>
+<br><br><br><br>
+
+
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"O Lady! thou in whom my hopes have rest!<br>
+Who, for my safety, hast not scorn'd, in hell<br>
+To leave the traces of thy footsteps mark'd!<br>
+For all mine eyes have seen, I, to thy power<br>
+And goodness, virtue owe and grace. &nbsp;Of slave,<br>
+Thou hast to freedom brought me; and no means,<br>
+For my deliverance apt, hast left untried.<br>
+Thy liberal bounty still toward me keep.<br>
+That, when my spirit, which thou madest whole,<br>
+Is loosen'd from this body, it may find<br>
+Favour with thee." &nbsp;So I my suit preferr'd:<br>
+And she, so distant, as appear'd, look'd down,<br>
+And smil'd; then tow'rds th' eternal fountain turn'd.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And thus the senior, holy and rever'd:<br>
+"That thou at length mayst happily conclude<br>
+Thy voyage (to which end I was dispatch'd,<br>
+By supplication mov'd and holy love)<br>
+Let thy upsoaring vision range, at large,<br>
+This garden through: for so, by ray divine<br>
+Kindled, thy ken a higher flight shall mount;<br>
+And from heav'n's queen, whom fervent I adore,<br>
+All gracious aid befriend us; for that I<br>
+Am her own faithful Bernard." &nbsp;Like a wight,<br>
+Who haply from Croatia wends to see<br>
+Our Veronica, and the while 't is shown,<br>
+Hangs over it with never-sated gaze,<br>
+And, all that he hath heard revolving, saith<br>
+Unto himself in thought: "And didst thou look<br>
+E'en thus, O Jesus, my true Lord and God?<br>
+And was this semblance thine?" &nbsp;So gaz'd I then<br>
+Adoring; for the charity of him,<br>
+Who musing, in the world that peace enjoy'd,<br>
+Stood lively before me. &nbsp;"Child of grace!"<br>
+Thus he began: "thou shalt not knowledge gain<br>
+Of this glad being, if thine eyes are held<br>
+Still in this depth below. &nbsp;But search around<br>
+The circles, to the furthest, till thou spy<br>
+Seated in state, the queen, that of this realm<br>
+Is sovran." &nbsp;Straight mine eyes I rais'd; and bright,<br>
+As, at the birth of morn, the eastern clime<br>
+Above th' horizon, where the sun declines;<br>
+To mine eyes, that upward, as from vale<br>
+To mountain sped, at th' extreme bound, a part<br>
+Excell'd in lustre all the front oppos'd.<br>
+And as the glow burns ruddiest o'er the wave,<br>
+That waits the sloping beam, which Phaeton<br>
+Ill knew to guide, and on each part the light<br>
+Diminish'd fades, intensest in the midst;<br>
+So burn'd the peaceful oriflame, and slack'd<br>
+On every side the living flame decay'd.<br>
+And in that midst their sportive pennons wav'd<br>
+Thousands of angels; in resplendence each<br>
+Distinct, and quaint adornment. At their glee<br>
+And carol, smil'd the Lovely One of heav'n,<br>
+That joy was in the eyes of all the blest.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Had I a tongue in eloquence as rich,<br>
+As is the colouring in fancy's loom,<br>
+'T were all too poor to utter the least part<br>
+Of that enchantment. &nbsp;When he saw mine eyes<br>
+Intent on her, that charm'd him, Bernard gaz'd<br>
+With so exceeding fondness, as infus'd<br>
+Ardour into my breast, unfelt before.</p>
+
+<br><br>
+<a name="32"></a>
+<br><br>
+<h2>CANTO XXXII</h2>
+<br>
+
+<p>Freely the sage, though wrapt in musings high,<br>
+Assum'd the teacher's part, and mild began:<br>
+"The wound, that Mary clos'd, she open'd first,<br>
+Who sits so beautiful at Mary's feet.<br>
+The third in order, underneath her, lo!<br>
+Rachel with Beatrice. Sarah next,<br>
+Judith, Rebecca, and the gleaner maid,<br>
+Meek ancestress of him, who sang the songs<br>
+Of sore repentance in his sorrowful mood.<br>
+All, as I name them, down from deaf to leaf,<br>
+Are in gradation throned on the rose.<br>
+And from the seventh step, successively,<br>
+Adown the breathing tresses of the flow'r<br>
+Still doth the file of Hebrew dames proceed.<br>
+For these are a partition wall, whereby<br>
+The sacred stairs are sever'd, as the faith<br>
+In Christ divides them. &nbsp;On this part, where blooms<br>
+Each leaf in full maturity, are set<br>
+Such as in Christ, or ere he came, believ'd.<br>
+On th' other, where an intersected space<br>
+Yet shows the semicircle void, abide<br>
+All they, who look'd to Christ already come.<br>
+And as our Lady on her glorious stool,<br>
+And they who on their stools beneath her sit,<br>
+This way distinction make: e'en so on his,<br>
+The mighty Baptist that way marks the line<br>
+(He who endur'd the desert and the pains<br>
+Of martyrdom, and for two years of hell,<br>
+Yet still continued holy), and beneath,<br>
+Augustin, Francis, Benedict, and the rest,<br>
+Thus far from round to round. &nbsp;So heav'n's decree<br>
+Forecasts, this garden equally to fill.<br>
+With faith in either view, past or to come,<br>
+Learn too, that downward from the step, which cleaves<br>
+Midway the twain compartments, none there are<br>
+Who place obtain for merit of their own,<br>
+But have through others' merit been advanc'd,<br>
+On set conditions: spirits all releas'd,<br>
+Ere for themselves they had the power to choose.<br>
+And, if thou mark and listen to them well,<br>
+Their childish looks and voice declare as much.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Here, silent as thou art, I know thy doubt;<br>
+And gladly will I loose the knot, wherein<br>
+Thy subtle thoughts have bound thee. &nbsp;From this realm<br>
+Excluded, chalice no entrance here may find,<br>
+No more shall hunger, thirst, or sorrow can.<br>
+A law immutable hath establish'd all;<br>
+Nor is there aught thou seest, that doth not fit,<br>
+Exactly, as the finger to the ring.<br>
+It is not therefore without cause, that these,<br>
+O'erspeedy comers to immortal life,<br>
+Are different in their shares of excellence.<br>
+Our Sovran Lord&mdash;that settleth this estate<br>
+In love and in delight so absolute,<br>
+That wish can dare no further&mdash;every soul,<br>
+Created in his joyous sight to dwell,<br>
+With grace at pleasure variously endows.<br>
+And for a proof th' effect may well suffice.<br>
+And 't is moreover most expressly mark'd<br>
+In holy scripture, where the twins are said<br>
+To, have struggled in the womb. &nbsp;Therefore, as grace<br>
+Inweaves the coronet, so every brow<br>
+Weareth its proper hue of orient light.<br>
+And merely in respect to his prime gift,<br>
+Not in reward of meritorious deed,<br>
+Hath each his several degree assign'd.<br>
+In early times with their own innocence<br>
+More was not wanting, than the parents' faith,<br>
+To save them: those first ages past, behoov'd<br>
+That circumcision in the males should imp<br>
+The flight of innocent wings: but since the day<br>
+Of grace hath come, without baptismal rites<br>
+In Christ accomplish'd, innocence herself<br>
+Must linger yet below. &nbsp;Now raise thy view<br>
+Unto the visage most resembling Christ:<br>
+For, in her splendour only, shalt thou win<br>
+The pow'r to look on him." &nbsp;Forthwith I saw<br>
+Such floods of gladness on her visage shower'd,<br>
+From holy spirits, winging that profound;<br>
+That, whatsoever I had yet beheld,<br>
+Had not so much suspended me with wonder,<br>
+Or shown me such similitude of God.<br>
+And he, who had to her descended, once,<br>
+On earth, now hail'd in heav'n; and on pois'd wing.<br>
+"Ave, Maria, Gratia Plena," sang:<br>
+To whose sweet anthem all the blissful court,<br>
+From all parts answ'ring, rang: that holier joy<br>
+Brooded the deep serene. &nbsp;"Father rever'd:<br>
+Who deign'st, for me, to quit the pleasant place,<br>
+Wherein thou sittest, by eternal lot!<br>
+Say, who that angel is, that with such glee<br>
+Beholds our queen, and so enamour'd glows<br>
+Of her high beauty, that all fire he seems."<br>
+So I again resorted to the lore<br>
+Of my wise teacher, he, whom Mary's charms<br>
+Embellish'd, as the sun the morning star;<br>
+Who thus in answer spake: "In him are summ'd,<br>
+Whatever of buxomness and free delight<br>
+May be in Spirit, or in angel, met:<br>
+And so beseems: for that he bare the palm<br>
+Down unto Mary, when the Son of God<br>
+Vouchsaf'd to clothe him in terrestrial weeds.<br>
+Now let thine eyes wait heedful on my words,<br>
+And note thou of this just and pious realm<br>
+The chiefest nobles. &nbsp;Those, highest in bliss,<br>
+The twain, on each hand next our empress thron'd,<br>
+Are as it were two roots unto this rose.<br>
+He to the left, the parent, whose rash taste<br>
+Proves bitter to his seed; and, on the right,<br>
+That ancient father of the holy church,<br>
+Into whose keeping Christ did give the keys<br>
+Of this sweet flow'r: near whom behold the seer,<br>
+That, ere he died, saw all the grievous times<br>
+Of the fair bride, who with the lance and nails<br>
+Was won. &nbsp;And, near unto the other, rests<br>
+The leader, under whom on manna fed<br>
+Th' ungrateful nation, fickle and perverse.<br>
+On th' other part, facing to Peter, lo!<br>
+Where Anna sits, so well content to look<br>
+On her lov'd daughter, that with moveless eye<br>
+She chants the loud hosanna: while, oppos'd<br>
+To the first father of your mortal kind,<br>
+Is Lucia, at whose hest thy lady sped,<br>
+When on the edge of ruin clos'd thine eye.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"But (for the vision hasteneth so an end)<br>
+Here break we off, as the good workman doth,<br>
+That shapes the cloak according to the cloth:<br>
+And to the primal love our ken shall rise;<br>
+That thou mayst penetrate the brightness, far<br>
+As sight can bear thee. &nbsp;Yet, alas! in sooth<br>
+Beating thy pennons, thinking to advance,<br>
+Thou backward fall'st. &nbsp;Grace then must first be gain'd;<br>
+Her grace, whose might can help thee. &nbsp;Thou in prayer<br>
+Seek her: and, with affection, whilst I sue,<br>
+Attend, and yield me all thy heart." &nbsp;He said,<br>
+And thus the saintly orison began.</p>
+
+<br><br>
+<a name="33"></a>
+<br><br>
+<h2>CANTO XXXIII</h2>
+<br>
+
+<p>"O virgin mother, daughter of thy Son,<br>
+Created beings all in lowliness<br>
+Surpassing, as in height, above them all,<br>
+Term by th' eternal counsel pre-ordain'd,<br>
+Ennobler of thy nature, so advanc'd<br>
+In thee, that its great Maker did not scorn,<br>
+Himself, in his own work enclos'd to dwell!<br>
+For in thy womb rekindling shone the love<br>
+Reveal'd, whose genial influence makes now<br>
+This flower to germin in eternal peace!<br>
+Here thou to us, of charity and love,<br>
+Art, as the noon-day torch: and art, beneath,<br>
+To mortal men, of hope a living spring.<br>
+So mighty art thou, lady! and so great,<br>
+That he who grace desireth, and comes not<br>
+To thee for aidance, fain would have desire<br>
+Fly without wings. &nbsp;Nor only him who asks,<br>
+Thy bounty succours, but doth freely oft<br>
+Forerun the asking. &nbsp;Whatsoe'er may be<br>
+Of excellence in creature, pity mild,<br>
+Relenting mercy, large munificence,<br>
+Are all combin'd in thee. &nbsp;Here kneeleth one,<br>
+Who of all spirits hath review'd the state,<br>
+From the world's lowest gap unto this height.<br>
+Suppliant to thee he kneels, imploring grace<br>
+For virtue, yet more high to lift his ken<br>
+Toward the bliss supreme. &nbsp;And I, who ne'er<br>
+Coveted sight, more fondly, for myself,<br>
+Than now for him, my prayers to thee prefer,<br>
+(And pray they be not scant) that thou wouldst drive<br>
+Each cloud of his mortality away;<br>
+That on the sovran pleasure he may gaze.<br>
+This also I entreat of thee, O queen!<br>
+Who canst do what thou wilt! that in him thou<br>
+Wouldst after all he hath beheld, preserve<br>
+Affection sound, and human passions quell.<br>
+Lo! &nbsp;Where, with Beatrice, many a saint<br>
+Stretch their clasp'd hands, in furtherance of my suit!"<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The eyes, that heav'n with love and awe regards,<br>
+Fix'd on the suitor, witness'd, how benign<br>
+She looks on pious pray'rs: then fasten'd they<br>
+On th' everlasting light, wherein no eye<br>
+Of creature, as may well be thought, so far<br>
+Can travel inward. &nbsp;I, meanwhile, who drew<br>
+Near to the limit, where all wishes end,<br>
+The ardour of my wish (for so behooved),<br>
+Ended within me. Beck'ning smil'd the sage,<br>
+That I should look aloft: but, ere he bade,<br>
+Already of myself aloft I look'd;<br>
+For visual strength, refining more and more,<br>
+Bare me into the ray authentical<br>
+Of sovran light. &nbsp;Thenceforward, what I saw,<br>
+Was not for words to speak, nor memory's self<br>
+To stand against such outrage on her skill.<br>
+As one, who from a dream awaken'd, straight,<br>
+All he hath seen forgets; yet still retains<br>
+Impression of the feeling in his dream;<br>
+E'en such am I: for all the vision dies,<br>
+As 't were, away; and yet the sense of sweet,<br>
+That sprang from it, still trickles in my heart.<br>
+Thus in the sun-thaw is the snow unseal'd;<br>
+Thus in the winds on flitting leaves was lost<br>
+The Sybil's sentence. &nbsp;O eternal beam!<br>
+(Whose height what reach of mortal thought may soar?)<br>
+Yield me again some little particle<br>
+Of what thou then appearedst, give my tongue<br>
+Power, but to leave one sparkle of thy glory,<br>
+Unto the race to come, that shall not lose<br>
+Thy triumph wholly, if thou waken aught<br>
+Of memory in me, and endure to hear<br>
+The record sound in this unequal strain.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Such keenness from the living ray I met,<br>
+That, if mine eyes had turn'd away, methinks,<br>
+I had been lost; but, so embolden'd, on<br>
+I pass'd, as I remember, till my view<br>
+Hover'd the brink of dread infinitude.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;O grace! unenvying of thy boon! that gav'st<br>
+Boldness to fix so earnestly my ken<br>
+On th' everlasting splendour, that I look'd,<br>
+While sight was unconsum'd, and, in that depth,<br>
+Saw in one volume clasp'd of love, whatever<br>
+The universe unfolds; all properties<br>
+Of substance and of accident, beheld,<br>
+Compounded, yet one individual light<br>
+The whole. &nbsp;And of such bond methinks I saw<br>
+The universal form: for that whenever<br>
+I do but speak of it, my soul dilates<br>
+Beyond her proper self; and, till I speak,<br>
+One moment seems a longer lethargy,<br>
+Than five-and-twenty ages had appear'd<br>
+To that emprize, that first made Neptune wonder<br>
+At Argo's shadow darkening on his flood.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With fixed heed, suspense and motionless,<br>
+Wond'ring I gaz'd; and admiration still<br>
+Was kindled, as I gaz'd. &nbsp;It may not be,<br>
+That one, who looks upon that light, can turn<br>
+To other object, willingly, his view.<br>
+For all the good, that will may covet, there<br>
+Is summ'd; and all, elsewhere defective found,<br>
+Complete. &nbsp;My tongue shall utter now, no more<br>
+E'en what remembrance keeps, than could the babe's<br>
+That yet is moisten'd at his mother's breast.<br>
+Not that the semblance of the living light<br>
+Was chang'd (that ever as at first remain'd)<br>
+But that my vision quickening, in that sole<br>
+Appearance, still new miracles descry'd,<br>
+And toil'd me with the change. &nbsp;In that abyss<br>
+Of radiance, clear and lofty, seem'd methought,<br>
+Three orbs of triple hue clipt in one bound:<br>
+And, from another, one reflected seem'd,<br>
+As rainbow is from rainbow: and the third<br>
+Seem'd fire, breath'd equally from both. &nbsp;Oh speech<br>
+How feeble and how faint art thou, to give<br>
+Conception birth! &nbsp;Yet this to what I saw<br>
+Is less than little. &nbsp;Oh eternal light!<br>
+Sole in thyself that dwellst; and of thyself<br>
+Sole understood, past, present, or to come!<br>
+Thou smiledst; on that circling, which in thee<br>
+Seem'd as reflected splendour, while I mus'd;<br>
+For I therein, methought, in its own hue<br>
+Beheld our image painted: steadfastly<br>
+I therefore por'd upon the view. &nbsp;As one<br>
+Who vers'd in geometric lore, would fain<br>
+Measure the circle; and, though pondering long<br>
+And deeply, that beginning, which he needs,<br>
+Finds not; e'en such was I, intent to scan<br>
+The novel wonder, and trace out the form,<br>
+How to the circle fitted, and therein<br>
+How plac'd: but the flight was not for my wing;<br>
+Had not a flash darted athwart my mind,<br>
+And in the spleen unfolded what it sought.<br>
+<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Here vigour fail'd the tow'ring fantasy:<br>
+But yet the will roll'd onward, like a wheel<br>
+In even motion, by the Love impell'd,<br>
+That moves the sun in heav'n and all the stars.</p>
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