Dal ciel discese. <br /> <br />From heaven his spirit came, and robed in clay <br />The realms of justice and of mercy trod, <br />Then rose a living man to gaze on God, <br />That he might make the truth as clear as day. <br />For that pure star that brightened with his ray <br />The undeserving nest where I was born, <br />The whole wide world would be a prize to scorn; <br />None but his Maker can due guerdon pay. <br />I speak of Dante, whose high work remains <br />Unknown, unhonoured by that thankless brood, <br />Who only to just men deny their wage. <br />Were I but he! Born for like lingering pains, <br />Against his exile coupled with his good <br />I'd gladly change the world's best heritage!<br /><br />Michelangelo Buonarroti<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/i-on-dante-alighieri/
