And the Compassionate, who piloted
The plumage of my wings in such high flight,Did in reply anticipate me thus:
“No child whatever the Church MilitantOf greater hope possesses, as is writtenIn that Sun which irradiates all our band;
Therefore it is conceded him from EgyptTo come into Jerusalem to see,Or ever yet his warfare be completed.
The two remaining points, that not for knowledgeHave been demanded, but that he reportHow much this virtue unto thee is pleasing,
To him I leave; for hard he will not find them,Nor of self-praise; and let him answer them;And may the grace of God in this assist him!”
As a disciple, who his teacher follows,Ready and willing, where he is expert,That his proficiency may be displayed,
“Hope,” said I, “is the certain expectationOf future glory, which is the effectOf grace divine and merit precedent.
From many stars this light comes unto me;But he instilled it first into my heartWho was chief singer unto the chief captain.
‘Sperent in te,’ in the high TheodyHe sayeth, ‘those who know thy name;’ and whoKnoweth it not, if he my faith possess?
Thou didst instil me, then, with his instillingIn the Epistle, so that I am full,And upon others rain again your rain.”
While I was speaking, in the living bosomOf that combustion quivered an effulgence,Sudden and frequent, in the guise of lightning;
Then breathed: “The love wherewith I am inflamedTowards the virtue still which followed meUnto the palm and issue of the field,
Wills that I breathe to thee that thou delightIn her; and grateful to me is thy tellingWhatever things Hope promises to thee.”