I found myself within a forest dark, for the straightfoward pathway had been lost. Ah me! How hard a thing is to say, what was this forest savage, rough, and stern, which in the very thought renews the fear. So bitter is it, death is little more.
Dante AlighieriHope not ever to see heaven. I come to lead you to the other shore; into the eternal darkness; into fire and ice.
Dante AlighieriAll your renown is like the summer flower that blooms and dies; because the sunny glow which brings it forth, soon slays with parching power.
Dante AlighieriDo ye not comprehend that we are worms born to bring forth the angelic butterfly that flieth unto judgment without screen?
Dante AlighieriO you, who in some pretty boat, Eager to listen, have been following Behind my ship, that singing sails along Turn back to look again upon your own shores; Tempt not the deep, lest unawares, In losing me, you yourselves might be lost. The sea I sail has never yet been passed; Minerva breathes, and pilots me Apollo, And Muses nine point out to me the Bears. You other few who have neck uplifted Betimes to the bread of angels upon Which one lives and does not grow sated, Well may you launch your vessel Upon the deep sea.
Dante Alighieri