Open your mind to what I shall disclose, and hold it fast within you; he who hears, but does not hold what he has heard, learns nothing. Beatrice - Canto V 40-42

A mighty flame followeth a tiny spark.

Worldly fame is but a breath of wind that blows now this way, and now that, and changes name as it changes direction.

As flowerlets drooped and puckered in the night turn up to the returning sun and spread their petals wide on his new warmth and light-just so my wilted spirits rose again and such a heat of zeal surged through my veins that I was born anew.

To get back up to the shining world from there My guide and I went into that hidden tunnel, And Following its path, we took no care To rest, but climbed: he first, then I-so far, through a round aperture I saw appear Some of the beautiful things that Heaven bears, Where we came forth, and once more saw the stars.

Because there is no man who can be true and just judge of himself, so much will self-love deceive him.

The customs and fashions of men change like leaves on the bough, some of which go and others come.