Cantica 2

Chorus: Climbing up the mountain, seeking grace, In the realm of purgatory, we find our place. Step by step, we rise and pray, Through Dante’s journey, we find our way. Verse 1: Canto 1-3 By the sea, we land, under the stars so bright, Cato greets us, guardian of the night. We cleanse ourselves, as the dawn breaks, Through humility’s door, our journey takes. Manfred’s tale of redemption, wounds of past, We climb higher, where shades are cast. Belacqua sits in sloth, waiting long, We learn patience, with spirits strong. Verse 2: Canto 4-6 With Sordello, we find patriotic pride, Meeting the souls from far and wide. As we move to the valley, blessed hues, The spirits of the great, give us clues. In the valley, we meet the meek and pure, Their prayers for the living, their hearts endure. Dreaming of an eagle, to the gate we soar, Saint Lucia guides us, to Purgatory’s core. Chorus: Climbing up the mountain, seeking grace, In the realm of purgatory, we find our place. Step by step, we rise and pray, Through Dante’s journey, we find our way. Verse 3: Canto 7-10 Before Peter’s gate, three steps await, With angelic guards, we pass through fate. Penance for pride, with statues bold, Omberto’s tale of humility unfolds. In the terrace of envy, eyes sewn tight, Guido del Duca, reveals their plight. Voices call out, “Love your neighbor,” clear, These lessons in virtue, we hold dear. Verse 4: Canto 11-14 Wrath purged in blinding light, Marco the Lombard, offers sight. The stairway narrows, visions of night, Dante’s steps are guided by the light. Slothful souls rush, in fervent chase, Abbot of San Zeno, quickens pace. Avarice is purged with cries of woe, Hugh Capet’s tale, riches let go. Chorus: Climbing up the mountain, seeking grace, In the realm of purgatory, we find our place. Step by step, we rise and pray, Through Dante’s journey, we find our way. Verse 5: Canto 15-21 Meeting Statius, with joy profound, In the realm of gluttony, we are bound. Forese Donati, a friendship rekindled, In the purging fire, our sins are dwindled. Lustful flames, spirits call, Guided by Matelda, to the Eden’s hall. Virgil departs, Beatrice appears, Dante’s love and faith conquers fears. Verse 6: Canto 22-27 In the Earthly Paradise, visions unfold, With Matelda’s guidance, mysteries told. Beatrice leads, through trials and streams, To the heavenly realms, fulfilling dreams. Visions of church and empire’s fate, Dante’s penance near heaven’s gate. Matelda’s river of Lethe, memories cleanse, He drinks Eunoe, pure joy begins. Chorus: Climbing up the mountain, seeking grace, In the realm of purgatory, we find our place. Step by step, we rise and pray, Through Dante’s journey, we find our way. Outro: Canto 28-33 In Dante’s journey, through purgatory’s might, We learn to ascend, towards the light. From sin to salvation, we understand, The path to paradise, is close at hand. Outro: Canto 28-33 In Dante’s journey, through purgatory’s might, We learn to ascend, towards the light. From sin to salvation, we understand, The path to paradise, is close at hand. [Bass Solo] [Instrumental Celestial Heavenly Outro]