English

CANTO XXXI.

Argument.

Description of the two hosts of Heaven. — Beatrice ascends to her throne, and sends St. Bernard to Dante.

T HUS in the semblance of a snow-white rose,
I there beheld the army of the Blest,
Whom Christ did with his precious blood espouse:
The while those others, who, withouten rest,
Still as they fly do ever see and sing
His glory who such love on them imprest,

CANTO XXX.

Argument.

Ascent to the Empyrean. — Dante sees the Angels, in the form of a river of light, flowing between flowery banks, of which each blossom is the soul of a saint. — Prophecy concerning the Emperor Henry VII.

T HE hour of noon sheds forth its sultry beam,
Perchance six thousand miles from us afar,
The while the shadow of our Earth doth seem
To lie bent downwards low, most like a bar

CANTO XXIX.

Argument.

Beatrice discourses concerning the creation and rebellion of the Angels; and reproves the preachers who occupy themselves only with vain and subtle questions.

W HEN both the children of Latona stand,
By Aries and Libra hid, and make
Of one horizon their encircling band,
Even for the space of time which it doth take
To free them from the equipoise, erewhile
Held by the zenith, ere its bonds they break,

CANTO XXVIII.

Argument.

Vision of the Divine Essence, surrounded by the celestial hierarchy.

W HEN , turning from the mournful life which lies
Within our mortal earth, I saw the bright
True joy in her, my spirit's paradise,
As in a mirror the reflected light
Ye see, if one a torch behind you bears,
Ere ye are 'ware of it by thought or sight,
And turn, to know if what the glass declares

CANTO XXVII.

Argument.

All the hosts of Heaven sing praises to the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. — Wrath of St Peter against those who usurp his place on earth — Dante ascends to the ninth celestial sphere. — Beatrice reproves the degeneracy of the age, and announces happier days to come.

N OW to the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,
In the sweet songs of Paradise, the while,
Was " Glory " sung by all the heavenly host.

CANTO XXVI.

Argument.

St. John examines Dante on the nature and ground of Heavenly Love. — The soul of Adam appears and discourses concerning his life in Paradise, his sojourn in Hades, and the first language of man.

T HE while I fear'd, because my sight was spent
By the refulgent flame which me did blind,
There came a breath which fixed my thoughts intent,
And said: " Till thou art strong once more to find

CANTO XXV.

Argument.

St. James examines Dante on the nature and ground of Hope.
I F e'er it chanceth that the Sacred Lay,
Wherein have aided me both earth and Heaven,
And which hath made me lean for many a day,
O'ercome the cruelty which forth hath driven
Me from the beauteous fold, within whose bourne,
Unfriendly to the wolves who fierce have striven,
Lamb-like I slept; then, sooth, shall I return

CANTO XXIV.

Argument.

St. Peter examines Dante on the nature and grounds of Faith.

" O CHOSEN company, who evermore
At the great Supper of the Lamb are fed,
And satisfied from his most bounteous store,
Since, by the grace of God, this man is led
To taste what from your table falls, though still
His mortal life not yet its course hath sped,
Look on his eager longing, and fulfil

CANTO XXIII.

Argument.

The triumph of Christ. — The Archangel Gabriel descends in the form of a flame to crown the Virgin Mary.

E VEN as the bird mid her belovid leaves,
Who hath reposed above her cherish'd brood,
During the darkness which from us bereaves
All power of sight; that she may find their food,
And on the much-lov'd aspect feast her eyes
Of those for whom seem sweet all labours rude,

CANTO XXII.

Argument.

Discourse with St. Benedict — Ascent into Gemini.

H EAVY with much amazement, to my guide
I turn'd me, even as doth a child afraid,
Who flees where he may evermore confide.
She, like a mother swiftly bringing aid
Unto her trembling babe by terror driven,
With soothing voice to me thus answerid:
" Dost thou not know that thou art now in Heaven?