Beyond the sphere that widest orbit hath Passes the sigh which issues from my heart: A new Intelligence doth Love impart In tears to him, which guides his upward path. When at the place desired, his course he stays, A lady he beholds in honor dight, Who so doth shine that through her splendid light, The pilgrim spirit upon her doth gaze. He sees her such, that dark his words I find-- When he reports, his speech so subtle is Unto the grieving heart which makes him tell; But of that gentle one he speaks, I wis, Since oft he bringeth Beatrice to mind, So that, O ladies dear, I understand him well. VII THE HOPE TO SPEAK MORE WORTHILY OF HIS LADY After this, a wonderful vision appeared to me, in which I saw things which made me resolve to speak no more of the blessed one, until I could more worthily treat of her. And to attain to this, I study to the utmost of my power, as she truly knows. So that, if it shall please Him through whom all things live that my life be prolonged for some years, I hope to say of her what was never said of any woman. And then may it please him who is the Lord of Grace, that my soul may go to behold the glory of its lady, namely of that blessed Beatrice, who in glory looks upon the face of Him _qui est per omnia saecula benedictus_ [who is blessed forever]. The translations from the 'Convito' are made for 'A Library of the World's Best Literature' by Professor Norton THE CONVITO I THE CONSOLATION OF PHILOSOPHY