"Tell me, Father we share, since you are just,
why is it that your providence permits
that innocence by heavy chains is bound
and fraud dwells in the august courts of law?

Who gives strength to the arm that forcefully
offers such firm resistance to your laws,
and who makes piety, which loves them most,
groan at the feet of unjust conquerors?

We see that in their victory evil hands
wave their proud banners, and that virtue groans
at the triumphal mirth of unjust goals."

I was just saying this, when, with a laugh,
a nymph from heaven came and said to me:
"You fool, is earth the dwelling-place of souls?"