Note 717 — SECOND PART. The Astronomy of Dante. (continued 4)

“From that bright star which moveth on its way For ever at the Empyrean’s will, And between Mars and Saturn ruleth still, E’en as the expert astrologer doth say, She who inspires me with her beauty’s ray Doth subtle art of sovereignty distil; And he whose glory doth the fourth heaven fill Gives her the power my longing soul to sway. And that fair planet known as Mercury Colours her speech with all its virtue rare, And the first heaven its boon does not deny. She who the third heaven ruleth as her share Makes her heart full of utterance pure and free; So all the seven to perfect her agree.” Sonnet xxviii. (Plumptre).