Between the east and west; and half the sky

Was roofed with clouds of rich emblazonry,

Dark purple at the zenith, which still grew

Down the steep west into a wondrous hue

Brighter than burning gold, even to the rent

Where the swift sun yet paused in his descent

Among the many folded hills—they were

Those famous Euganean hills, which bear,

As seen from Lido, through the harbour piles,

The likeness of a clump of peakèd isles—