The Divine Comedy by Dante, Illustrated, Paradise, Complete. Dante Alighieri

Renew'd the strain. Then parting from the rest

       One near us drew, and sole began: "We all

       Are ready at thy pleasure, well dispos'd

       To do thee gentle service. We are they,

       To whom thou in the world erewhile didst Sing

       'O ye! whose intellectual ministry

       Moves the third heaven!' and in one orb we roll,

       One motion, one impulse, with those who rule

       Princedoms in heaven; yet are of love so full,

       That to please thee 't will be as sweet to rest."

       After mine eyes had with meek reverence

       Sought the celestial guide, and were by her

       Assur'd, they turn'd again unto the light

       Who had so largely promis'd, and with voice

       That bare the lively pressure of my zeal,

       "Tell who ye are," I cried. Forthwith it grew

       In size and splendour, through augmented joy;

       And thus it answer'd: "A short date below

       The world possess'd me. Had the time been more,

       Much evil, that will come, had never chanc'd.

       My gladness hides thee from me, which doth shine

       Around, and shroud me, as an animal

       In its own silk unswath'd. Thou lov'dst me well,

       And had'st good cause; for had my sojourning

       Been longer on the earth, the love I bare thee

       Had put forth more than blossoms. The left bank,

       That Rhone, when he hath mix'd with Sorga, laves."

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