|
Everything that exists tells us of its maker, that God's power, goodness rules all; this so men and women may tell the good from the bad, discern the valuable-- what all in Paradise effortlessly know. On earth the ordeal, and people can't change from within alone, need Christ's humble never-ending compassion--the cross's self-torture--to awaken. This trial, this transformation can wall up the proud-- it can at the same time melt chains digging into, bruising the soul, clear the heart of foolish desires, fill one with real hope of dawn's promise of everlasting peace. |
An image of the Italian text from Visconti's 1840 edition |
|
Notes: From V XI:170. See also B S1:11:90. MSs L (Tordi 36R) & V2 (Caruso f. 13V). Sestet said to allude to Michelangelo's Dying Slave. Key |
