“In my Book of Memory, in the early part where there is little to be read, there comes a chapter with the rubric: Incipit vita nova. It is my intention to copy into this little book the words I find written under that heading —- if not all of them, at least the essence of their meaning.”
Beatrice was eight years old and Dante, nine, the first time they set eyes on each other. Instantly, he felt an abiding connection with her, even though it was nine years after that before he finally saw her again, and she greeted him, her words entwining through his heart. Lovely Beatrice, who became Dante’s love, his obsession and his Muse. Never a conversation was had between them, only greetings, yet his life was filled with her presence, her goodness and grace, her being so angelic that she filled his heart until he wondered if it could contain her. All thoughts revolved around his beautiful Beatrice; she was his life and through her, his poetry gained a new vitality.