Dante Alighieri

Midway upon the road of our life I found myself within a dark wood, for the right way had been missed.

But thou, why returnest thou to so great annoy? Why dost thou not ascend the delectable mountain which is the source and cause of every joy?

Thou art my master and my author; thou alone art he from whom I took the fair style that hath done me honor.

Then was the fear a little quieted which in the lake of my heart had lasted through the night that I passed so piteously.

She shows all men how long love’s fire will burn
within a woman’s heart when sight and touch
do not rekindle it at every

She shows all men how long love’s fire will burn
within a woman’s heart when sight and touch
do not rekindle it at every turn

“So may the lamp that leads to what you seek
find oil enough,” he said, “in your own will
to light your way to the enameled peak

Then opening the sacred portals wide:
“Enter. But first be warned: do not look back
or you will find yourself once more outside.”

If you are moved to see good or pursue it,
but with a lax love, it is on this ledge—
after a proper penance—you will rue it

85-87. SLOTH: The central sin (there are three deadly sins below it and three above it) is Acedia (from L. accidia, from Gr. roots meaning “not caring”) or Sloth. Sloth, however, must not be understood as physical laziness or slovenliness but as torpor of the soul which, loving the good, does not pursue it actively enough