Who has read this book?

Desire, etymology:
From Middle English desiren, from Old French desirer, desirrer, from Latin dēsīderō (“to long for, desire, feel the want of, miss, regret”), apparently from de- + sidus (in the phrase de sidere, "from the stars") in connection with astrological hopes.

The Triumph Of Christianity Over Paganism.
Gustave Doré

When Philosophy had spoken this speech she began to sing again, and these were her words:

He who would have full power must first strive to get power over his own mind, and not be unduly subject to his vice, and he must put away from him undue cares, and cease to bewail his misery. Though he rule the earth from east to west, that is, from India to the south-east of the earth, even to the island we call Thule (that is to the north-west of this earth, where in summer there is no night, and in winter no day), yet hath he none the more power if he have no power over his own thoughts, and be not on his guard against those vices we have before spoken of.

Saint Boëthius, The Consolation of Philosophy

Knight at the Crossroads - 1882 - Viktor Vasnetsov

Again therefore, Jesus spoke to them, saying: I am the light of the world. He that followeth me walketh not in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

—John 8:12

God speed! - 1900 - Edmund Blair Leighton

Io era tra color che son sospesi,
e donna mi chiamò beata e bella,
tal che di comandare io la richiesi.

I was among those souls who are suspended;
a lady called to me, so blessed, so lovely
that I implored to serve at her command.

Inferno II 52-54 — Dante

Hic et nunc.