Alma criada para amar ardente,
A tudo corre, que lhe dá contento,
21 Se despertada do prazer se sente.
“Do que é real o vosso entendimento
Colhe imagens que em modo tal desprega,
24 Que alma pra elas sente atraimento.
“Se alma, enlevada, ao seu pendor se entrega,
Esse efeito é amor, própria natura,
27 Em que o prazer novo liame emprega.
“E, como o fogo se ala para a altura
Por sua forma, que a elevar-se tende
30 Ao foco, onde o elemento seu mais dura,
Assim pelo desejo a alma se acende,
Ação espiritual que não se aquieta,
33 Se não consegue a posse, que pretende.

"Speak," said my Master, "and be not afraid Of speaking, but speak out, and say to him What he demands with such solicitude." Whence I: "Thou peradventure marvellest, O antique spirit, at the smile I gave; But I will have more wonder seize upon thee. This one, who guides on high these eyes of mine, Is that Virgilius, from whom thou didst learn To sing aloud of men and of the Gods. If other cause thou to my smile imputedst, Abandon it as false, and trust it was Those words which thou hast spoken concerning him." Already he was stooping to embrace My Teacher's feet; but he said to him: "Brother, Do not; for shade thou art, and shade beholdest." And he uprising: "Now canst thou the sum Of love which warms me to thee comprehend, When this our vanity I disremember, Treating a shadow as substantial thing."

THROUGH ME THE WAY INTO THE SUFFERING CITY, THROUGH ME THE WAY TO THE ETERNAL PAIN, THROUGH ME THE WAY THAT RUNS AMONG THE LOST. JUSTICE URGED ON MY HIGH ARTIFICER; MY MAKER WAS DIVINE AUTHORITY, THE HIGHEST WISDOM, AND THE PRIMAL LOVE. BEFORE ME NOTHING BUT ETERNAL THINGS WERE MADE, AND I ENDURE ETERNALLY. ABANDON EVERY HOPE, WHO ENTER HERE.