English

CANTO XXI.

Argument.

Saturn, the seventh heavenly sphere, where dwell the contemplative saints. — Mystic ladder — St. Peter Damian.

A LREADY now my gaze was bent once more
Towards my Dame, and with it all my heart,
Most wholly turn'd from every other lore.
And yet she did not smile; but said: " Thou wert
As Semeli, what time by the fierce might
Of splendour burnt, if I did here impart

CANTO XX.

Argument.

The eagle's eye, formed of good and just princes. — The legend of Trajan; and of Ripheus of Troy.

W HEN he who from the world doth chase all gloom
Descendeth from our hemisphere, and day
On every side doth its own light consume,
The sky, first lit but with the sunny ray,
In swiftest changing sparkles forth once more,
With many lamps, in all whose bright array

CANTO XIX.

Argument.

An eagle formed of many shining spirits discourses with Dante concerning the justice of God's judgments, and reproves the guilt of divers sovereigns of Christendom.

B EFORE me then appear'd, with wings outspread,
The lovely image which such deep delight
In sweet fruition o'er the spirits shed
Thus garlanded. Each seem'd a ruby bright,
Wherein the sunbeam burn'd so full and clear,

CANTO XVIII.

Argument.

Ascent into Jupiter, the heaven of sovereigns. — The spirits form letters of light, symbolising the justice of the Imperial sway.

R EJOICING only in thought's inward power,
That blessid spirit paused; and I did take
Like joy within me, temp'ring sweet with sour.
And she who led me unto God thus spake:
" To other musings pass, and think that I
Am near to Him who from all ill doth make

CANTO XVII.

Argument.

Cacciaguida predicts to Dante his exile from Florence, and hospitable reception at the court of the Scaligers.

L IKE him who came to Clymeni, to hear
If true the tale which was against him told,
(And still this story makes a father wear
Harsh semblance ofttimes to a son, too bold
In asking,) thus appear'd I to that lamp
Of sacred splendour, who with me to hold

CANTO XVI.

Argument.

Cacciaguida discourses concerning the noble families of Florence, and alludes to different events in its history.

O SMALL nobility of human birth,
If thou dost make men plume themselves on thee,
Below, where hearts are weak and little worth,
No thought of wonder thence shall rise in me;
For in my soul some pride thereof did stray,
In Heaven, where never ill desire may be.

CANTO XIV.

Argument.

The relative degrees of bliss before and after the resurrection. — Dante ascends into Mars, the fifth heavenly sphere; and there beholds a Cross of stars, form'd by the souls of those who have fought for the Faith.

F ROM verge to centre, from the central spot
To verge, within a vase doth move the tide,
Struck from within or from without. This thought
Full swiftly now within my brain did glide,

CANTO XIII.

Argument.

Two starry garlands of blessed spirits. — St. Thomas Aquinas solves some of Dante's doubts.

L ET him who well would understand my tale
Imagine, and the image still retain
(The while I speak) as rock that doth not fail,
Ten stars and five, which in the heavenly plain
From divers shores shine forth with light serene,
O'ercoming each dim cloud; let him the Wain

CANTO XII.

Argument.

St. Bonaventura relates to Dante the life of St Dominick.
As soon as that blest flame these words had said,
Thus ending his discourse, the holy throng
Round in its whirling measure swiftly sped;
Nor once in circuit had it pass'd along,
Before another did its wreath enclose,
And follow'd, step for step, and song for song;
A song that doth so far excel each muse,

CANTO XI.

Argument.

St. Thomas Aquinas narrates the life of St. Francis d'Assisi.

O MORTAL cares insensate, what small worth,
In sooth, doth all those syllogisms fill,
Which make you stoop your pinions to the earth!
One follow'd Law; one, the physician's skill;
One sought for sacerdotal power; and one
Would reign by sophistry, or deeds of ill;
One robb'd; one after merchandise did run;