XIV.

_THE HUMAN COMEDY._

_Natura dal Signor._

Nature, by God directed, formed in space The universal comedy we see; Wherein each star, each man, each entity, Each living creature, hath its part and place:

And when the play is over, it shall be That God will judge with justice and with grace.-- Aping this art divine, the human race Plans for itself on earth a comedy:

It makes kings, priests, slaves, heroes for the eyes Of vulgar folk; and gives them masks to play Their several parts--not wisely, as we see;

For impious men too oft we canonise, And kill the saints; while spurious lords array Their hosts against the real nobility.