As soon as that majestic force, which had already pierced me once before I had outgrown my childhood, struck my eyes, I turned to my left with the c… - Dante Alighieri

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As soon as that majestic force,
which had already pierced me once
before I had outgrown my childhood, struck my eyes,

I turned to my left with the confidence
a child has running to his mamma
when he is afraid or in distress

to say to Virgil: 'Not a single drop of blood
remains in me that does not tremble — I know the signs of the ancient flame.'

But Virgil had departed, leaving us bereft:
Virgil, sweetest of fathers,
Virgil, to whom I gave myself for my salvation.

And not all our ancient mother lost
could save my cheeks, washed in the dew,
from being stained again with tears.