Paradiso: Canto XXVII
Project Gutenberg EPUB3 edition
Dante Alighieri and Longfellow, Henry Wadsworth
O Covetousness, that mortals dost ingulf Beneath thee so, that no one hath the power Of drawing back his eyes from out thy waves!
Full fairly blossoms in mankind the will; But the uninterrupted rain converts Into abortive wildings the true plums.
Fidelity and innocence are found Only in children; afterwards they both Take flight or e’er the cheeks with down are covered.
One, while he prattles still, observes the fasts, Who, when his tongue is loosed, forthwith devours Whatever food under whatever moon;
Another, while he prattles, loves and listens Unto his mother, who when speech is perfect Forthwith desires to see her in her grave.
Even thus is swarthy made the skin so white In its first aspect of the daughter fair Of him who brings the morn, and leaves the night.
Thou, that it may not be a marvel to thee, Think that on earth there is no one who governs; Whence goes astray the human family.
Ere January be unwintered wholly By the centesimal on earth neglected, Shall these supernal circles roar so loud
The tempest that has been so long awaited Shall whirl the poops about where are the prows; So that the fleet shall run its course direct,
And the true fruit shall follow on the flower.”