The Iron Kingdom Database

Paradiso, The
John Ciardi

Number of quotes: 10

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Book ID: 260 Page: 24

Section: 2E5

Canto I: THE EARTHLY PARADISE

O good Apollo, for this last task, I pray

you make me such a vessel of your powers

as you deem worthy to be crowned with bay. 15

One peak of cleft Parnassus heretofore

has served my need, now must I summon both

on entering the arena one time more. 18

Enter my breast, I pray you, and there breathe

as high a strain as conquered Marsyas

that time you drew his body from its sheath. 21

O power divine, but lend to my high strain

so much as will make clear even the shadow

of that High Kingdom stamped upon my brain, 24

and you shall see me come to your dear grove

to crown myself with those green leaves which you

and my high theme shall make me worthy of. 27

Quote ID: 6522

Time Periods: 07

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Book ID: 260 Page: 35

Section: 2E5

Canto II: ENTRANCE INTO THE SPHERE OF THE MOON

My course is set for an uncharted sea.

Minerva fills my sail. Apollo steers.

And nine new Muses point the Pole for me. 9

Quote ID: 6523

Time Periods: 07

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Book ID: 260 Page: 55

Section: 2E6

Canto IV: THE PLACE OF THE BLESSED

So Holy Church shows you in mortal guise

the images of Gabriel and Michael,

and of the other who gave back Tobit’s eyes. 48

Quote ID: 6524

Time Periods: 07

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Book ID: 260 Page: 72

Section: 2E1

Canto VI: MERCURY

that you may see with how much right men go

against the sacred standard when they plot

its subornation or its overthrow. 33

Pastor John notes: John’s note: Rome’s eagle

You know what heroes bled to consecrate

its holy destiny from that first hour

when Pallas died to give it its first state. 36

Quote ID: 6525

Time Periods: ?

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Book ID: 260 Page: 75

Section: 2E1

Canto VI: THE SEEKERS OF HONOR JUSTINIAN

Many a father’s sinfulness has sealed

his children’s doom: let him not think his lilies

will take the place of God’s bird on his shield. 111

Pastor John notes: John’s note: Roman Eagle

Quote ID: 6526

Time Periods: ?

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Book ID: 260 Page: 165

Section: 2E5

Canto XIV: THE THIRD GARLAND THE WARRIORS OF GOD

Nor had the flame of sacrifice in my breast

burned out, when a good omen let me know

my prayer had been received by the Most Blessed; 93

for with such splendor, in such a ruby glow,

within two rays, there shone so great a glory

I cried, “O Helios that arrays them so!” 96

Pastor John notes: John’s note: = Apollo

Quote ID: 6527

Time Periods: 07

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Book ID: 260 Page: 175

Section: 3A4B

Canto XV: WARRIORS OF GOD CACCIAGUIDA ON FLORENCE

I served with Conrad in the Holy Land,

and my valor so advanced me in his favor

that I was knighted in his noble band. 141

Quote ID: 6528

Time Periods: 7

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Book ID: 260 Page: 217

Section: 2E6

Canto XIX: THE JUST RULERS THE EAGLE SPEAKS

And this explains why the first Prideful Power, [*John’s note: the devil*]

highest of creatures, because he would not wait

the power of the ripening sun, fell green and sour. 48

Quote ID: 6529

Time Periods: 07

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Book ID: 260 Page: 219

Section: 2E1

Canto XIX: THE JUST RULERS BAD KINGS DENOUNCED

Those blazing glories of the Holy Ghost

stopped, still formed in the sign that spread the honor

of Rome across the world, to its last coast, 102

Pastor John notes: John’s note: the Roman eagle

Quote ID: 6530

Time Periods: ?

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Book ID: 260 Page: 269

Section: 2C

Canto XXIV: THE TRIUMPHANT ST. PETER

Continuing: “Father, as it was set down

by the pen of your dear brother, who, with you,

set Rome on the road that leads to glory’s crown, 63

Quote ID: 6531

Time Periods: 7

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End of quotes