the other, and from the head to the foot of the cross." 66 Venturi. (115.) " As thick as motes i' th' sunbeam."-Chaucer. Multa minuta modis multis per inane videbis (125.) "These words are taken from a hymn sung by the Church in praise of Christ."-Venturi. Page 138. (Line 133.) By the "living seals of beauty" are meant all the created things that bear the divine stamp. They are here used in the first place, for the "higher heavens," into which Dante had ascended; and, in the second place, for the eyes of Beatrice." As the one had increased in brilliancy, so had the other. (138.) i.e. The smile of Beattrice." Piacer santo" is rendered "holy smile" from the expression used in the following canto, line 34, where Dante again turns his look on Beatrice, "Che dentro agli occhi suoi ardeva un riso tal." CANTO XV. ARGUMENT. In the planet Mars the poet meets with his ancestor Cacciaguida, who describes the simple manners of the Florentines in olden time. THAT will benevolent, which ever flows From heart wherein true charity abounds As selfish love a will malignant shows Now still'd the lyre of that melodious band, 1 And made the chords to cease their holy soundsThose chords relax'd or braced by Heav'n's right hand. How shall such spirits to a righteous prayer Ever be deaf-who that they might to me Well may he ever grieve, that for the love 7 As oft along the pure and tranquil sky A sudden fire by night is seen to dart, Attracting forcibly the heedless eye ;— E'en to the foot of that high cross, there shone (If our most honour'd Muse may be believed) 13 19 25% Who, like to thee, hath e'er such share received, For whom is open'd twice the gate of heaven?" So spake the light;-then as mine ear I bent, My looks I turn'd unto my Lady's face, For such a smile was glowing in her eyes, 31 Anon-all joyous both in look and speech- His thoughts above the aim of mortal man. Was, Affects not, thou has sated ;-thanks to her 37 43 49 55 From Him whence thought proceeds-the Primal One; As five, or six diverge from unity; And therefore thou my name dost not demand, Than any other of this joyful band: And what thou deem'st is true; for each one here Declare what wish, and what desire is thine, I turn'd to Beatrice, who heard before I spake to her, and smiled to me a sign, 61 67 Which made the wings of hope increase the more. Love, and the power to express it," I commenced, 73 "When ye beheld the First Equality, To each of you were equally dispensed; Whence ye derive your heat and brilliancy, 79 |