Proem.The Philosophic Flight.

Poi che spiegate.              Now that these wings to speed my wish ascend,                      The more I feel vast air beneath my feet,                      The more toward boundless air on pinions fleet,                      Spurning the earth, soaring to heaven, I tend:              Nor makes them stoop their flight the direful end                      Of Daedal's son; but upward still they beat:--                      What life the while with my life can compete,                      Though dead to earth at last I shall descend?              My own heart's voice in the void air I hear:                      Where wilt thou bear me, O rash man? Recall                      Thy daring will! This boldness waits on fear!              Dread not, I answer, that tremendous fall:                      Strike through the clouds, and smile when death is near,                      If death so glorious be our doom at all!