Dante ("Dante Alighieri")

Go forth and preach impostures to the world,
But give them truth to build on.

Go forth and preach impostures to the world,
But give them truth to build on.

So may heaven's grace clear away the foam from the conscience,
that the river of thy thoughts may roll read more

So may heaven's grace clear away the foam from the conscience,
that the river of thy thoughts may roll limpid thenceforth,
[It., Se toso grazia risolva le schiume
Di vostra conscienza, si che chiaro
Per essa scenda della mente il fiume.]

Perfection of means and confusion of ends seem to characterize
our age.

Perfection of means and confusion of ends seem to characterize
our age.

O faithful conscience, delicately pure, how doth a little failing
wound thee sore!
[It., O dignitosa coscienza e read more

O faithful conscience, delicately pure, how doth a little failing
wound thee sore!
[It., O dignitosa coscienza e netta,
Come t' e picciol fallo amaro morso.]

From little spark may burst a mighty flame.

From little spark may burst a mighty flame.