O conscience, upright and stainless, how bitter a sting to thee is a little fault!

Remember tonight… for it is the beginning of always

There is no greater sorrow than to recall happiness in times of misery.

Within her presence, I had once been usedto feeling—trembling—wonder, dissolution;but that was long ago. Still, though my soul,now she was veiled, could not see her directly,by way of hidden force that she could move,I felt...

I felt for the tormented whirlwindsDamned for their carnal sinsCommitted when they let their passions rule their reason.

I wept not, so to stone within I grew.

High justice would in no way be debased if ardent love should cancel instantly the debts these penitents must satisfy.

All hope abandon, ye who enter here.

The wisest are the most annoyed at the loss of time.

Pride, envy, avarice – these are the sparks have set on fire the hearts of all men.

Come on, shake off the covers of this sloth, for sitting softly cushioned, or tucked in bed, is no way to win fame.

There is no greater sorrow than to recall our time of joy in wretchedness.

Small projects need much more help than great.

For certain he hath seen all perfectnessFor certain he hath seen all perfectness. Who among other ladies hath seen mine: They that go with her humbly should combine To thank their God for such peculiar...

Through me is the way to the city of woe. Through me is the way to sorrow eternal. Through me is the way to the lost below. Justice moved my architect supernal. I was constructed...

Mentre che la speranza ha fior del verde

A mighty flame followeth a tiny spark.

Here sighs and cries and shrieks of lamentation echoed throughout the starless air of Hell;at first these sounds resounding made me weep:tongues confused, a language strained in anguishwith cadences of anger, shrill outcriesand raucous groans...

When you are nearer, you will understand how much your eyesight is deceived by distance. Therefore, push yourself a little harder.

Nature is the art of God.

If you, free as you are of every weighthad stayed below, then that would be as strangeas living flame on earth remaining still.”And then she turned her gaze up toward the heavens.

And he began, “What chance or destinyhas brought you here before your final day?And who is he who leads your pilgrimage?””Up there in life beneath the quiet starsI lost my way,” I answered, “in a...

Thy soul is by vile fear assailed

All hope abandon, ye who enter here!

I am the way into the city of woe,I am the way into eternal pain,I am the way to go among the lost.Justice caused my high architect to move,Divine omnipotence created me,The highest wisdom, and...