v. 124. Three maids.] The divine mercy, Lucia, and Beatrice.
v. 127. As florets.] This simile is well translated by Chaucer— But right as floures through the cold of night Iclosed, stoupen in her stalkes lowe, Redressen hem agen the sunne bright, And speden in her kinde course by rowe, &c. Troilus and Creseide, b.ii. It has been imitated by many others, among whom see Berni, Orl.Inn. Iib. 1. c. xii. st. 86. Marino, Adone, c. xvii. st. 63. and Sor. “Donna vestita di nero.” and Spenser’s Faery Queen, b.4. c. xii. st. 34. and b. 6 c. ii. st. 35.
CANTO III
v. 5. Power divine Supremest wisdom, and primeval love.] The three persons of the blessed Trinity. v. 9. all hope abandoned.] Lasciate ogni speranza voi ch’entrate. So Berni, Orl. Inn. lib. i. c. 8. st. 53. Lascia pur della vita ogni speranza.
v. 29. Like to the sand.]
Unnumber’d as the sands
Of Barca or Cyrene’s torrid soil
Levied to side with warring winds, and poise
Their lighter wings.
Milton, P. L. ii. 908.