my chance to meet with Lombardi."-Cary. It may be added, that the reading of "fuore" is used by Tasso in quoting the line (t. iv. p. 109, edit. di Firenze.) Compare also Ger. Lib. cxiii. st. 46. Rossetti prefers "fiori," flowers, as more suited to his theory; but it were indeed an "impotent conclusion". to say that the wind, after tearing down the branches of the forest, hurls away the flowers. Compare Virg. Georg. i. 328; Lucretius, i. 272 to 295, where the most magnificent description of a storm is given at length. Principio venti vis, &c.. Jeremy Taylor has a similar description." For so have I known the boisterous north wind..when it has been checked with the stiffness of a tower, or the united strength of a wood, it grew mighty, and dwelt there, and made the highest branches stoop, and make a smooth path for it on the top of all its glories.”—Holy Dying. (74.) This scum or smoke is the exhalation from the Stygian lake. (80.) The heavenly messenger or angel. Page 79. (Line 98.) Hercules made forcible entry into the infernal regions, and enchained Cerberus. (102.) Hence Milton describes his Angel: "On some great charge employ'd He seem'd, or fixed in cogitation deep." Par. Lost. ii. 628. CANTO X. ARGUMENT. AMID the tombs of the Heretics Dante converses with Farinata and Cavalcanti. The former predicts his exile from Florence. Now pass'd we onward by a path confined, That ran between the tombs and circling wall, The spirits in these sepulchres who lie May they be seen?—their lids, as I discern, E'en now are raised, and none to guard are nigh." "All will be fasten'd down," the bard replied, "When from Jehosaphat they shall return, Clothed in the bodies they have laid aside. 1 7 Here Epicurus hath his fiery tomb, And with him all his followers, who maintain Unless, dear guide, to shorten what I say ;- Thou art a native of that noble land, These accents burst; whereat I took my stand Still closer to my master's side, through fear. 13 19 25 And he exclaim'd: "Turn round; what would'st thou do? Lo Farinata!-upward from the waist His form behold, apparent to thy view." Already on his face my eyesight fell; And he uprear'd his forehead and his breast, 32 Tow'rds him, with prompt and animated hand, My guide among the tombs impell'd me on; And said "Speak clear, that he may understand." When nearer to the sepulchre I came, He gazed on me ;- -anon in haughty tone 37 Exclaim'd: "Who were thine ancestors?" Their name, Full anxious to obey did I avow; 66 66 And gladly told him who my fathers were : Whereat incensed he somewhat raised his brow ; So fierce," he said, "the hatred which they bare, That more than once their forces I dispersed.” 43 Though vanquish'd, still they fear'd not to return · 49 "An art thy friends as yet have fail'd to learn." He look'd around me, e'en as if he sought Another in my company to find; But, when he saw how futile was the thought, Weeping, he said: "If lofty genius be Of power to lead thee through this prison blindWhere is my son? why.comes he not with thee?” 55 I answer'd him: "I come not here alone : Both by his words, and his appropriate doom; Then on a sudden starting up-he cries, 61 67 "Had! didst thou tell me ?-has he ceased to live?- Doth heaven's sweet light no longer strike his eyes ?" When he observed a short delay ensue, Ere I an answer to his speech could give, Supine he fell, nor more appear'd in view. But that exalted spirit who had been 73 Cause of my lingering there, had neither turn'd His head, nor bow'd his neck, nor changed his mien; "And if," continuing his speech, he said, "The art thou speak'st of, they so ill have learn'd, That more torments me than this fiery bed. But the fair Lady, who here beareth sway, Not fifty times her silver face shall light, 79 Ere thou wilt know how much that art doth weigh. And mayst thou see the beauteous world again, Such cruel laws your people still retain." |