[323] “That most brilliant star, Venus.” Conv. II. iv. 88.
[324] “The brightness of her appearance, which is more lovely to behold than that of any other star.” Conv. II. xiv. 112, 113.
“Sweet colour of oriental sapphire, Which was gathering in the serene aspect Of the sky, pure even to the first circle, To my eyes restored delight, So soon as I had come forth from that dead air, Which had troubled eyes and breast. The fair planet that inspires love Was making all the orient smile, Veiling the Fishes which were in her train.”
Alternative rendering of the first three lines:—
“Sweet colour of oriental sapphire, Which was diffused over the tranquil scene, From mid-heaven even to the first circle.” Purg. i. 13-21.
[326] First, or prime, circle.
[327] Conv., II. iv. 1-3.
[328] Literally, “was assembling,” or “was being collected.”
[329] “From the middle.”