Dal ciel discese. br br From heaven his spirit came, and robed in clay br The realms of justice and of mercy trod, br Then rose a living man to gaze on God, br That he might make the truth as clear as day. br For that pure star that brightened with his ray br The undeserving nest where I was born, br The whole wide world would be a prize to scorn; br None but his Maker can due guerdon pay. br I speak of Dante, whose high work remains br Unknown, unhonoured by that thankless brood, br Who only to just men deny their wage.