But see, the sun speeds on his western path
To glad the nations with expected light.
Dante, two centuries before, put this language into the mouth of Ulysses:—
The broad Atlantic first my keel impressed,
I saw the sinking barriers of the west,
And boldly thus addressed my hardy crew:—
While yet your blood is warm, my gallant train,
Explore with me the perils of the main
And find new worlds unknown to mortal view.
Inferno, Canto 26.