PARADISE
First Chant
The glory of him, who in motion sets all things,
Seeps through the fabric of the world, and shines
In one part more, to others less bright clings.
In the sky that more light from him aligns,
I stood, and saw what souls from there descended
Cannot retell, for ill our wit defines
Such things: 'cause near to where its wishes tended,
Our reason 's plunged in abyss so deep,
To oblivion vainly are things by mind contended.
What puny treasure in my wit I keep
Of the holy kingdom seen, shall henceforth make
Of my song the last object and most steep.
O good Apollo, for my fealty's sake
Convert me to such worthy vessel as
Thou demand, so thy laurel I can take.
Till here one top of the Parnassus has
Been enough; but I need now, for the fray
In front of me, to both of them address.
Into my breast now come, and thy breath lay
As when thou drew the wretched Marsia out
Of his limbs' sheath after he lost the day.
O divine virtue, should thou blow about
My head so, that a pale shade of the high
Kingdom engrav'd in me I paint without,
Thou shalt see me nearing thy dear wood; I
Shall then be crown'd of those most prized leaves
I 'll have deserv'd, such lofty attempt to try.
So seldom, father, such a crown man weaves
To honour in triumph poet or king
- Shameful guilt that the human will bereaves -,
That the Peneian frond should always bring
Joy to the Delphic god, whenever it
With thirst for laurel happens us to sting.
Fierce flame to come after small spark is fit:
Perchance behind my steps with better song
Others shall pray, from Cyrrha ...
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