sì m'accors'io che 'l mio girare intorno
col cielo insieme avea cresciuto l'arco,
veggendo quel miracol più addorno.

So I became aware that my dancing
with heaven had increased its arc,
that miracle becoming more brilliant.

To turn, turn will be our delight,
Till by turning, turning
we come 'round right

E come, per sentir più dilettanza
bene operando, l'uom di giorno in giorno
s'accorge che la sua virtute avanza,

And as, by tasting the delectable
in doing good, a man day by day
becomes aware his virtue is advancing,

Goodness is an acquired taste
subtle complex
sometimes bitter

another time sweet
each taste causing
the tongue to notice more

and want less

non perché nostra conoscenza cresca
per tuo parlare, ma perché t'ausi
a dir la sete, sì che l'uom ti mesca».

not so that our knowing might grow
from your speaking, but because
by claiming your thirst, you may know.

What I hide from others
I cannot fully know

Per che mia donna «Manda fuor la vampa
del tuo disio», mi disse, «sì ch'ella esca
segnata bene de la interna stampa;

Therefore my lady said to me: Display
the flame of your desire, that it may
be seen well-stamped with your internal seal

How is my flame maintained
is its fuel plenteous
is its draft clean

If I display my flame
will it roar brighter
or extinguish in a breeze

Ben supplico io a te, vivo topazio
che questa gioia preziosa ingemmi,
perché mi facci del tuo nome sazio».

Indeed I do beseech you, living topaz,
set in this precious jewel as a gem:
fulfill my longing-let me know your name.

What is the essence of beauty
What is the source of goodness
What is the character of truth

How can I know?

 né per elezion mi si nascose,
ma per necessità, ché 'l suo concetto
al segno d'i mortal si soprapuose.

Not that he chose to hide from me;
necessity compelled him; he conceived
beyond the mark a mortal mind can reach.

Hidden in plain site
the wisdom and love of God
patiently awaits our notice

Indi, a udire e a veder giocondo,
giunse lo spirto al suo principio cose,
ch'io non lo 'ntesi, sì parlò profondo;

Then to hear and see joy
that spirit joined to his first words things
that were too deep to for my understanding.

Joy is not understood
Joy is experienced
Joy unfolds