wise senators
conquered kingdoms and communes. Rome’s Eagle
37 flew through Europe, Africa, Asia,
forcing far-flung nations into one vaster,
longer-lasting state than in his brief life
40 the great Alexander could create.
The time arrived when Heaven wanted peace.
The Roman Eagle perched on Caesar’s fist,
43 none being fit to manage it but he.
No tongue, no pen does justice to his deeds,
quelling revolting principalities,
46 crossing the Rubicon, then putting down
the civil war in Gaul, Spain, Egypt, Greece.
Satan in Hell chews those who murdered him.
There Cleopatra weeps. She chose to die 49
by snakebite to escape the Eagle’s beak.
Augustus Caesar was its master next.
He spread the Empire to the Red Sea shore, 52
declared the Pax Romana everywhere,
and needed to support it by a tax,
so ordered men back to their place of birth 55
for registration. Thus in Bethlehem
our Prince of Peace was born. Now listen hard!
Tiberius was Caesar number three. 58
Under his reign the Eagle did one thing
upon a hill outside Jerusalem
that makes all other splendid Roman deeds 61
look small and dim when viewed by Christian eyes.
Here God’s wrath made the Eagle work for Him –
helped God Himself revenge Himself on God. 64
Later, when Titus reigned, Heaven ensured
vengeance on that revenge for ancient sin.
The Roman legions slew Hebrew hordes, 67
looted and burned Solomon’s synagogue,
made a whole ruin of Jerusalem.
Look forward now. When Whiggish Lombard crows 70
tried to peck out Pope Leo’s tongue, he found
protection in Emperor Charlemagne.
Rome’s bishop and Imperial Eagle then 73
were allies though apart, as they should be.
Look at the state of politics today!
76 Now ancient symbols of the common good
achieved by men whose fame is like my own
are used on flag and badge to foster hate
79 by greedy statesmen with short local aims.
The Roman Eagle and the Fleur de Lys
are trampled by a squabbling multitude.
82 We in this little star strove to do well,
but also strove for fame, so rose less far
than those whose virtues lacked all selfishness.
85 This we cannot regret, happy to know
good choirs all sound the more melodious
where diverse voices sing both high and low.
88 In this pearl also shines the light of one
not quite as grand as mighty emperors.
He worked as hard for goodness as did we
91 but won no great reward. His birth was low
and name was Romeo, and he became
an honest steward of Count Berenger –
94 served him so well, four daughters of the Count
got such rich dowries that they married kings.
Envy declared he filled his pockets too,
97 which was untrue. Dismissed, he had to beg.
Though he is famous, those who honour him
would do it much more if they understood,
100 how sore it is to beg your livelihood.”
7: Beatrice Explains
“To Heaven’s greatest height now praise our God 1
who gloriously brightens with His rays
good hearth-fires everywhere on holy days!”
So sang that bright soul, dancing as he sang, 4
that ruler who had striven to connect
justice on earth and Heaven’s government.
In happy play the other shining souls 7
danced with him too, until like shooting stars
they disappeared by being far away
and left me brooding in perplexity. 10
I well knew Beatrice could quell my doubts
so Tell her! Tell her! sounded in my head,
but reverence had overcome my tongue. 13
Parts of her name (be, is) still strike me dumb.
She did not leave me thus, for with a smile
that would have cheered a burning man she said, 16
“You do not see why justice should demand
vengeance upon revenge for ancient sin?
Listen and hear true doctrine straight from me. 19
Adam, the only man not born but made,
was given all good things men can enjoy
