Through me the way into the suffering city,
Through me the way to the eternal pain,
Through me the way that runs among the lost.

Justice urged on my high artificer;
My maker was divine authority,
The highest wisdom, and the primal love.

Before me nothing but eternal things were made,
And I endure eternally.
Abandon every hope, ye who enter here.

These words their aspect was obscure I read
inscribed above a gateway, and I said
Master, their meaning is difficult for me.

And he to me, as one who comprehends.
Here one must leave behind all hesitation;
here every cowardice must meet its death.