Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, ed. Poems of Places: An Anthology in 31 Volumes.
Italy: Vols. XI–XIII. 1876–79. | | | | Ravenna | | Dante | | Giovanni Boccaccio (1313–1375) |
| | Translated by Francis C. Gray
DANTE am I,—Minerva’s son, who knew | |
| With skill and genius (though in style obscure) | |
| And elegance maternal to mature | |
| My toil, a miracle to mortal view. | |
| Through realms tartarean and celestial flew | 5 |
| My lofty fancy, swift-winged and secure; | |
| And ever shall my noble work endure, | |
| Fit to be read of men, and angels too. | |
| Florence my earthly mother’s glorious name; | |
| Step-dame to me,—whom from her side she thrust, | 10 |
| Her duteous son: bear slanderous tongues the blame; | |
| Ravenna housed my exile, holds my dust; | |
| My spirit is with Him from whom it came,— | |
| A Parent envy cannot make unjust. | | | | |
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