Paradiso: Canto I
Project Gutenberg EPUB3 edition
Dante Alighieri and Longfellow, Henry Wadsworth
The Providence that regulates all this Makes with its light the heaven forever quiet, Wherein that turns which has the greatest haste.
And thither now, as to a site decreed, Bears us away the virtue of that cord Which aims its arrows at a joyous mark.
True is it, that as oftentimes the form Accords not with the intention of the art, Because in answering is matter deaf,
So likewise from this course doth deviate Sometimes the creature, who the power possesses, Though thus impelled, to swerve some other way,
(In the same wise as one may see the fire Fall from a cloud,) if the first impetus Earthward is wrested by some false delight.
Thou shouldst not wonder more, if well I judge, At thine ascent, than at a rivulet From some high mount descending to the lowland.
Marvel it would be in thee, if deprived Of hindrance, thou wert seated down below, As if on earth the living fire were quiet.”
Thereat she heavenward turned again her face.