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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at 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> <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> <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. + 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. <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. 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." <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. 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 /> 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. <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. + 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. <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. 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!<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 /> 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!"—"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. <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. 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." <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 /> 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." <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 /> 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."<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. 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." <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 /> 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!—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." <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. 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—did I summon up<br /> + Genius, art, practice—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. <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 /> 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—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."' <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 /> 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." <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. 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." <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. 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.<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 /> 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!"<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 /> 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. <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 /> 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." <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. 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." <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 /> "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.—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." <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 /> 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.<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. + 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.<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 /> 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. —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. + 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—'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?'—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." <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 /> 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. <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. 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.<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. 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.—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." <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? 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. <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 /> 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. <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. 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,"—"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,—<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. <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 /> 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. <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. 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. 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." <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 "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!" <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. 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.<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 /> 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." <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. 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." <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. 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—or ere thyself<br /> Mayst at the wedding + sup,—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." <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. 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,<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 /> "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. <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. 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—that settleth this estate<br /> In + love and in delight so absolute,<br /> That wish can dare no further—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. <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. 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. <br /> <br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +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 *** + +***** This file should be named 8799-h.htm or 8799-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.net/8/7/9/8799/ + +Produced by David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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