From her full readily may one be taught
How soon love’s flame in woman dies away
If sight or touch full oft relume it not.
The chanticleer upon Gallura’s shield
Had graced her sepulchre with fairer show
Than will that viper, which to battle-field
Marshals the men of Milan.” With such glow
He uttered this as in his face revealed
The heart’s just passion smouldering yet below.
Still that sole part of heaven I fondly eyed
Where the stars move, even as a wheel doth move
More slowly next the axle. Said my Guide:
“Son, what dost thou so gaze at there above?”
“Up there! at yon three torches,” I replied,
“Whose splendor makes this pole here all ablaze.”
And he to me: “The four clear stars that rose
This morn before thee have abased their rays,
And these have mounted in the place of those.”
While thus he spake, Sordello to his side