Chapter IX: Canto II: , First

HEAVEN OF THE MOON

BEATRICE
LIFTS DANTE
FROM THE EARTH

THE CEASELESS INNATE THIRSTING OF THE SOUL
BORE US TO GOD’S OWN DWELLING ...

* * * * *

I LOOKED ON BEATRICE--AND SHE ON HEAVEN;

* * * * *

“AS TO THE HAMMER FROM THE ARTIST’S BLOW,
SO, THAT SAME HEAVEN WITH STARS RESPLENDENT DIGHT
RECEIVES ITS IMPRESS FROM THE MIND PROFOUND
THAT ROLLS IT EVER THROUGH THE FIELDS OF LIGHT.

* * * * *

THUS DOTH INTELLIGENCE WITH GOODNESS FILL
THE ORBS OF HEAVEN; THOUGH MULTIPLIED, THE SAME;
ON ITS OWN UNITY REVOLVING STILL.

* * * * *

SHINES THROUGH EACH ORB THE INFLUENCE DIVERSELY,
SWAYED BY THE JOYOUS NATURE WHENCE IT STREAMS,
LIKE GLADNESS THROUGH THE PUPIL OF THE EYE.
HENCE IS DERIVED THE DIFFERENCE THAT WE MARK
’TWIXT STAR AND STAR ...”
]

“HER BEAUTY RAINETH
LITTLE FLAMES OF
FIRE FULL OF
A SPIRIT

THAT INSPIRES LOVE AND IN
OUR NATURE QUICKENS
ALL GOOD
THOUGHTS”

PARADISO