“Io vidi già nel cominciar del giorno
La parte oriental tutta rosata,
E l’altro ciel di bel sereno adorno.”
The following is Longfellow’s translation of 1839, made by the man of thirty-two:—
“Oft have I seen, at the approach of day,
The orient sky all stained with roseate hues,
And the other heaven with light serene adorned.”
The following is the later version, made by the man of sixty, after ample conference with friendly critics:—
“Ere now have I beheld, as day began,
The eastern hemisphere all tinged with rose,