even separate letters—to express an image, to spell a name, or as used in some popular proverb.[112] He employs without scruple, and often with marvellous force of description, any recollection that occurs to him, however homely, of everyday life;—the old tailor threading his needle with trouble (Inf. 15);—the cook's assistant watching over the boiling broth (Inf. 21);—the hurried or impatient horse-groom using his curry-comb (Inf. 29);—or the common sights of the street or the chamber—the wet wood sputtering on the hearth:
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Come d'un stizzo verde che arso sia Dall'un de' capi, che dall'altro geme E cigola per vento che va via;—Inf. 13.[113] |
the paper changing colour when about to catch fire:
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Come procede innanzi dall'ardore Per lo papiro suso un color bruno Che non è nero ancora, e 'l bianco muore:—Inf. 25.[114] |
the steaming of the hand when bathed, in winter:
Fuman come man bagnata il verno:—
or the ways and appearances of animals—ants meeting on their path:
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Lì veggio d'ogni parte farsi presta Ciascun'ombra, e baciarsi una con una Senza restar, contente a breve festa: Così per entro loro schiera bruna S'ammusa l'una con l'altra formica, Forse a spiar lor via e lor fortuna;—Purg. 26.[115] |
the snail drawing in its horns (Inf. 25);—the hog shut out of its sty, and trying to gore with its tusks (Inf. 30);—the dogs' misery in summer (Inf. 17);—the frogs jumping on to the bank before the water-snake (Inf. 9);—or showing their heads above water: