Now this alludes to Purg. c.2, v.106, and ‘the milder shades of Purgatory’[Purgatory’] when compared to those of Hell, seem to show that Milton had read both.
Add to this that Milton knew Italian thoroughly, that he had passed some time at Florence, where Dante was never forgotten, and that Galileo, and still more Dati, were intimate friends of his. Now, Galileo and Dati were great admirers of Dante, and placed him in the highest rank of poets.
I cannot, therefore, doubt that Milton was thoroughly conversant with Dante’s poetry, and admired him. How far he was influenced by his poetry in his compositions, would require a long critical essay; the more difficult to draw up satisfactorily, the more is the originality of a great poet like Milton in appropriating other poet’s ideas.
Believe me, &c.,
A. Panizzi.”
Whatever may have been the ultimate settlement of this friendly discussion, Panizzi’s estimate of Sir George’s talents and abilities may be accurately gathered from the next letter we quote, which asks him to become a candidate for a vacant Trusteeship of the British Museum.
“British Museum, August 16, 1856.
“My dear Sir George,
The Dean of Westminster is dead: he was one of our Trustees. We want as his successor an M.P. who will help us when not in office, who is pretty safe of his seat, and whose pursuits render him fit for the place. Now, without any ceremony, you are the man we want, and I mean to do what little I can to bring your name before the electors. There can be no difficulty, as the Government necessarily get elected whom they please. I want no answer from you, except if you decidedly object: in which case I want you only to write the word no. I hope, however, you will accept ‘la candidature,’ as the French say. I think Cureton ought to be elected Dean. He is one of the most eminent Oriental scholars in the world, as you know—and certainly the most eminent in England.
Believe me, &c.,