• From “Paradise Lost,” Book XI.
    THUS they, in lowliest plight, repentant stood
    Praying; for from the mercy-seat above
    Prevenient grace descending had removed
    The stony from their hearts, and made new flesh
    Regenerate grow instead; that sighs now breathed
    Unutterable; which the spirit of prayer
    Inspired, and winged for Heaven with speedier...

  • Translated by Henry Francis Cary
    Selections from “The Divine Comedy”
    Paradise: Canto VII.
                        WHAT I have heard,
    Is plain, thou say’st: but wherefore God this way
    For our redemption chose, eludes my search.
      “Brother! no eye of man not perfected,
    Nor fully ripened in the flame of love,
    May fathom this decree. It is a...