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If it be the wish of Him in whom all things flourish that my life continue for a few years, I hope to
write of her (Beatrice) that which has never been written of any lady. -Dante on his inspiration for The
Divine ComedyThe glory of friendship is not the outstretched hand, nor the kindly smile, nor the joy of companionship; it is the
spiritual inspiration that comes to one when he discovers that someone else believes in him and is willing to trust him with
his friendship. --Ralph Waldo Emerson

XXXV



No more be griev'd at that which thou hast done:

Roses have thorns, and silver fountains mud:

Clouds and eclipses stain both moon and sun,

And loathsome canker lives in sweetest bud.

All men make faults, and even I in this,

Authorizing thy trespass with compare,

Myself corrupting, salving thy amiss,

Excusing thy sins more than thy sins are;

For to thy sensual fault I bring in sense,--

Thy adverse party is thy advocate,--

And 'gainst myself a lawful plea commence:

Such civil war is in my love and hate,

  That I an accessary needs must be,

  To that sweet thief which sourly robs from me.

 	--William Shakespeare