CANTO I
O\'er better waves to speed her rapid course The light bark of my
genius lifts the sail, Well pleas\'d to leave so cruel sea behind; And of that
second region will I sing, In which the human spirit from sinful blot Is
purg\'d, and for ascent to Heaven prepares. Here, O ye hallow\'d Nine!
for in your train I follow, here the deadened strain revive; Nor let Calliope
refuse to sound A somewhat higher song, of that loud tone, Which when
the wretched birds of chattering note Had heard, they of forgiveness lost
all hope. Sweet hue of eastern sapphire, that was spread O\'er the serene
aspect of the pure air, High up as the first circle, to mine eyes Unwonted
joy renew\'d, soon as I \'scap\'d Forth from the atmosphere of deadly gloom,
That had mine eyes and bosom fill\'d with grief. The radiant planet, that to
love invites, Made all the orient laugh, and veil\'d beneath The Pisces\' light,
that in his escort came. To the right hand I turn\'d, and fix\'d my mind On
the\' other pole attentive, where I saw Four stars ne\'er seen before save by
the ken Of our first parents. Heaven of their rays Seem\'d joyous.