Nature, therefore, interferes to prevent this; and hence the variety we see in the same family;-a variety sadly lost sight of by parents in choosing professions for their children. (101.) The "natures" refer to mankind :—i. e. God not only originates the necessary variety in human dispositions and talents, but provides for their continuance.

Page 78. (Line 120.) The "master" is Aristotle.

Page 79. (Line 136.) i. e. “ I have now fulfilled the promise I made, line 96, and placed the truth clearly before you." (145.) "Before fixing on a point so very important, I would have you consult the nature of the boy himself. I do not mean by this that you should ask his opinion, because, at so early an age, a well-bred child naturally takes up what is suggested to him by his parents; but I think you should consider, with as much impartiality as a parent can, his temper, disposition, and qualities of mind. It is not enough that you think there is an opening for him in one profession rather than another; for it were better to sacrifice the fairest prospects of that kind than put a boy into a line of life for which he is not calculated....So years might wear away, and at last the youth starts off from his profession, and becomes an adventurer too late in life, and with the disadvantage, perhaps, of offended friends, and advanced age standing in the way of his future prospects.”—Walter Scott, Life, vol. iv. p. 379,

CANTO IX.

ARGUMENT.

CONTINUING in the planet Venus, Dante holds converse with several spirits-Cunizza-Folco-the Provençal Poet. He reproves the Pope for his neglect of the Holy Land.

As soon as thy loved sire, Clemenza fair,

Had clear'd my doubts, the evils he foretold

That his posterity were doom'd to bear.

"But hist, and let the years roll on," he said;
"Know this-(for more 'tis not for me to unfold)
Just retribution shall not be delay'd."

Now had the spirit of that light divine

Turn'd to the Sun, which fills it with content,

That Good Supreme, tow'rds all his works benign. Ah, miserable souls infatuate !

Whose thoughts on vanity are ever bent,—

Your hearts averted from a good so great!

1

7

And lo, another of those splendours, glowing

With joy unwonted, now approach'd in sight,
Desire to please me by its radiance showing.
The tranquil eyes of Beatrice, intent
Upon me as before, with fond delight,

Gave to my wish untold a kind assent.

13

"Ah! may my prayer, blest spirit, soon be brought 19 Unto its aim," I said; " and let me obtain Proof that on thee I may reflect my thought."

Whereat the Light that still to me was new,

Forth from the depth whence issued its late strain, Answer'd, like one that joys good deeds to do.

"Within that region of Italia's land

25

Depraved, 'twixt Venice and the source whence flow Brenta's and Piave's streams on either hand,

Rises a hill, nor rises to great height,

Whence erst a torch descending, fraught with woe, Assail'd the country with impetuous might: From the same root we both derived our birth—

My name Cunizza, here ordain'd to shine,

Since by this star was I o'ercome on earth.
But joyous I sustain my present lot ;

Nor for the faults that brought me here repine;
Although the vulgar comprehend it not.

31

This dear and shining Gem, that in our heaven

Is nearest me, behind it left a name

That shall not to forgetfulness be given

Five hundred years to come. Then bear in mind
How eagerly should man aspire to fame,

Since this first life another leaves behind.

Heeds not such argument the multitude "Twixt Adice and Tagliamento's tide;

Nor yet by suffering are their hearts subdued :
But with the blood of Padua—(lost are so

Her sons to duty) shall the stream beside
Vicenza soon with alter'd colour flow.
And where meet Sile and Cagnano-there
One domineereth with such lofty head,
That now for him preparing is a snare.
For her fell Pastor's fraud shall Feltro weep-
Fraud more detestable than ever led

37

43

49

The culprits unto Malta's dungeon keep. Large must the vessel be which should contain

55

Ferrara's blood; and wearied be the man

Who weigh'd it ounce by ounce; and yet for gain

This courteous Priest such presents will not spare,

Το

prove himself a zealous partizan ;

For gifts like these are customary there.

Above are mirrors, (Thrones ye term them) whence 60

God's judgments are reflected unto us,

So that our words fail not of evidence."
Ceasing to speak, she now the semblance bore
Of one engaged in somewhat else; and thus
Took on the wheel her station as before.
Known to me now, that other joyous Light
Array'd itself in robe of wondrous glow,
Like ruby with the sun's effulgence dight.
In those high realms is splendour born of gladness,
As smiles on earth; but in the abyss below

67

The outward form grows dark from inward sadness, “God seeth all, blest spirit: and in Him

Thy sight is quicken'd, so that his desires

66

Never," I said, can unto thee be dim:

Thy voice then, which delights the realm of heaven,

In concert tuned with those adoring Fires
To whom six wings are as a raiment given,

Why doth it not to my behest incline?

I should not wait thy question, did I scan

Thy thoughts as clearly as thou scannest mine." "Of all the vales wherein are waters pent,

The largest" (thus the happy soul began) "Except the sea that girds the continent,

73

79