The Divine Comedy

O'er better waves to speed her rapid courseThe 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 blotIs purg'd, and for ascent to Heaven prepares.Here, O ye hallow'd Nine! for in your trainI follow, here the deadened strain revive;Nor let Calliope refuse to soundA somewhat higher song, of that loud tone, Which when the wretched birds of chattering noteHad heard, they of forgiveness lost all hope.Sweet hue of eastern sapphire, that was spreadO'er the serene aspect of the pure air, High up as the first circle, to mine eyesUnwonted joy renew'd, soon as I 'scap'dForth 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 beneathThe Pisces' light, that in his escort came.To the right hand I turn'd, and fix'd my mindOn the' other pole attentive, where I sawFour stars ne'er seen before save by the kenOf our first parents. Heaven of their raysSeem'd joyous. O thou northern site, bereftIndeed, and widow'd, since of these depri