[105]. See The Catholic World for February, 1874, where we have proved that all efficient cause is infinitely more perfect and of an infinitely better nature than any of its effects (“The Principles of Real Being,” p. 584).
[106]. Proverbs, cap. viii.
[107]. A building in the Munich cemetery to which all are taken immediately after death—no exception, save for the royal family.
[108]. Words by Jean Paul.
“And as ’tis not for tongue to tell,
For love knows naught of time or space,
So diving down my eyes’ deep well,
Find graven on my heart thy face.”
[109]. “Who took the shape of that sweet bird.” Reference is here made to the story of Procne, wife of Tereus, King of Thrace, and sister of Philomela. To revenge herself on her husband, Procne murdered their child, Itys, cut him into pieces, and served up the flesh to the father. Tereus, discovering the truth, pursued and was on the point of overtaking her when, at her prayer, she was changed by the gods into a nightingale, and her sister Philomela into a swallow, according to Probus, Libanius, and Strabo.—Purg. ix. 15.
[110]. This is Haman, who was hanged upon the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai, as we read in the Book of Esther; but Dante’s word is crocifisse.