[Michelangelo Buonarotti, Dal ciel discese, e col mortal suo, poi, “Rime”, 16th century.]
From Heaven he came, a mortal then;
And Hell's just path and Mercy's highway trod,
Living, returned to look upon God,
And give all true light to us again:
A shining star, that with its brilliant rays
Illumed in evil times the nest where I was born.
As a reward fit for him, this wicked earth I scorn
God, his creator, him alone repays.
I speak of Dante; for, alas! ill known
His labors are, by that foul mob ingrate,
Whose honors fail but to the just alone.
Would I were he! for born to such a fate,
His bitter exile, and his courage shown,
I would not change for Earth's most happy state.
