The Sonnets Of Tommaso Campanella - 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.