There is a Gentle Thought
By Dante Alighieri
There is a gentle thought that often springs
to life in me, because it speaks of you.
Its reasoning about love’s so sweet and true,
the heart is conquered, and accepts these things.
‘Who is this’ the mind enquires of the heart,
‘who comes here to seduce our intellect?
Is his power so great we must reject
every other intellectual art?
The heart replies ‘O, meditative mind
this is love’s messenger and newly sent
to bring me all Love’s words and desires.
His life, and all the strength that he can find,
from her sweet eyes are mercifully lent,
who feels compassion for our inner fires.’
Durante degli Alighieri, simply called Dante (c. 1265–1321), was a major Italian poet of the Middle Ages. His brilliant and poignant poem The Divine Comedy is widely considered the greatest literary work composed in the Italian language and a masterpiece of world literature. It has inspired generations of writers and other artists with its beautiful language and moving love story.
From his writings, Dante also provided a fascinating insight into the beliefs of people during the times of medieval Europe. He died around the age of 56, September 14, 1321.