In the middle of the journey of our life I came to myself within a dark wood where the straight way was lost.

Do not be afraid; our fate Cannot be taken from us; it is a gift.

The man who lies asleep will never waken fame.

Go right on and listen as thou goest.

A backward glance can often lift the heart.

Through me the way into the suffering city, Through me the way to the eternal pain, Through me the way that runs among the lost. Justice urged on my high artificer; My maker was divine authority, The highest wisdom, and the primal love. Before me nothing but eternal things were made, And I endure eternally. Abandon every hope, ye who enter here.

I presumed to fix my look on the eternal light so long that I consumed my sight thereon.