CANTO XXIV, ARGUMENT, St. Peter examines Dante concerning Faith. "O YE, elected to the banquet high Of the ever blessed Lamb, whence ye obtain Regard his inexhaustible desires, And with a little dew assuage them ;-ye Drink ever of the fount to which he aspires." Thus Beatrice-anon these spirits came Around us in a circle, joyfully, Darting, like comets, each a living flame. P 1 7 And like to wheels such as a clock supply, So turning that the first scarce seems to move, Appear'd endued with motion swift or slow. That fancy faileth to record the sound: May words essay to paint such colours bright. "O holy sister, thy impassion'd prayer, And love, impell'd by fond devotedness, Have drawn me down from yonder mansion fair." Thus to my Lady did that flame elect, Soon as around her it had ceased to move, Its voice in answer to her words direct. "O holy Light, to whom our Lord," she said, 13 19 25 31 Question him more or less, as pleaseth thee, Concerning Faith-that faith by which of old To thee, who dost that heavenly Glass behold, It's power, and what by faith may be obtain'd." Nor speaks, until the master doth propose The question they are to contend upon; So I with reasons arm'd me, to prepare (While she was speaking, and I silent heard) For such a theme and such a questioner. 37 43 49 "Good Christian, what is Faith, to me make known :" Straightway I raised my forehead at the word, Unto the Light whence issued such a tone ; Then turn'd to Beatrice, who on me bent So satisfied a look as said: "Let flow The streams within thy secret bosom pent." "O may that Grace which bids me now confess Before so great a Captain, power bestow, That I may worthily my thoughts express : 55 Father," I added, "as of old was taught By thy dear brother's pen unerring, (who 61 Rome through thy means to pure religion brought)— Faith is the substance of things hoped for, and The evidence of things not yet in view: "Thou comprehendest rightly," then I heard, 67 "If to thy reason it appeareth clear, Why such a definition be preferr'd." I answer'd him: "The mighty mysteries, Are so conceal'd on earth from mortal eyes, That they exist but in belief alone, On which our hope is so entirely founded, 73 That faith and substance are accounted one. To this belief all righteousness we trace; On this alone our reasonings must be grounded; Hence faith instead of argument hath place." Then heard I: "If, as understood by thee, Were understood all knowledge gain'd on earth, Then would be found no room for sophistry." Thus breathed the spirit, warm'd with love and joy; Then added: "Of this coin is proved the worth, Both as regards the weight and the alloy. 79 But is it in thy purse?" "Yes," I replied, 85 All things that in its impress are descried." And hath convinced me with a strength so full, Each other demonstration weak and dull." Then he "The Old and Latter Testament, : Which wrought conviction on thy faculties, What is the proof that they from God were sent?" "The works that follow'd, proof sufficient bear," I said: "and nature, to accomplish these, Ne'er heated iron, or anvil struck."-" Declare Who gives to thee assurance," was replied, "That these works had existence; sithence he Who would convince thee swears it-none beside." "If without miracles the world was brought To Christian faith," I said, "this one would be 91 97 103 |