Blessed are the merciful; for they shall obtain mercy.

Blessed are the merciful; for they shall obtain mercy.

A sentinel angel sitting high in glory
Heard this shrill wail ring out from Purgatory:
"Have mercy, read more

A sentinel angel sitting high in glory
Heard this shrill wail ring out from Purgatory:
"Have mercy, mighty angel, hear my story!"

Nothing emboldens sin so much as mercy.

Nothing emboldens sin so much as mercy.

They are immobile and voiceless,
and cannot ask for the mercy of water,
those trapped caged house plants.
In the read more

They are immobile and voiceless,
and cannot ask for the mercy of water,
those trapped caged house plants.
In the winter they feel no breeze
nor are they touched by a hand which frees.

With true friends . . . even water drunk together is sweet enough.

With true friends . . . even water drunk together is sweet enough.

It is wretched business to be digging a well just as thirst is
mastering you.
[Lat., Miserum est read more

It is wretched business to be digging a well just as thirst is
mastering you.
[Lat., Miserum est opus,
Igitur demum fodere puteum, ubi sitis fauces tedet.]

The mercy that was quick in us but late,
By your own counsel is suppressed and killed.
read more

The mercy that was quick in us but late,
By your own counsel is suppressed and killed.
You must not dare for shame to talk of mercy;
For your own reasons turn into your bosoms
As dogs upon their masters, worrying you.

Spare me through your mercy, do not punish me through your justice.

Spare me through your mercy, do not punish me through your justice.

The world turns softly
Not to spill its lakes and rivers,
The water is held in its read more

The world turns softly
Not to spill its lakes and rivers,
The water is held in its arms
And the sky is held in the water.
What is water,
That pours silver,
And can hold the sky?