Dante Alighieri (1265–1321)

Translated by Samuel Waddington

LO, throned upon my spirit’s loftiest height,

Here of true love discourse fair ladies twain;

And one, with honoured prudence in her train,

In valorous courtesy is richly dight:—

The other glistens with the golden light

Of smiles and winning grace, where beauties reign;

And I, of each enamoured, still remain

The slave of each, as Love asserts his might.

Beauty and Duty, these my spirit woo,

And urge their suit, doubting if loyal kiss

To both can e’er be given, and faithful prove:

Yet saith the fount of gentle speech and true,—

“Both may be thine!—Beauty, for dearest bliss;

But Duty, for good deeds, shall win thy love.”