he likeness of a river, saw
Light flowing, from whose amber-seeming waves
Flash'd up effulgence, as they glided on
'Twixt banks, on either side, painted with spring,
Incredible how fair; and, from the tide,
There, ever and anon outstarting, flew
Sparkles instinct with life; and in the flowers
Did set them, like to rubies chased in gold;
Then, as if drunk with odours, plunged again
Into the wondrous flood, from which, as one
Re-entered, still another rose.

His numerous comparisons conjure up whole scenes, perfect in truth to
Nature, and shewing a keen and widely ranging eye. For example:

Bellowing, there groaned
A noise, as of a sea in tempest torn
By warring winds.
(Inferno.)

O'er better waves to steer her rapid course
The light bark of my genius lifts the sail,
Well pleased to leave so cruel sea behind.
(Purgatorio.)

All ye, who in small bark have following sail'd,
Eager to listen on the adventurous track
Of my proud keel, that singing cuts her way.
(Paradiso.)

As sails full spread and bellying with the wind
Drop suddenly collapsed, if the mast split,
So to the ground down dropp'd the cruel fiend.
(Inferno.)

As, near upon the hour of dawn,
Through the thick vapours Mars with fiery beam
Glares down in west, over the ocean floor.
(Purgatorio.)

As 'fore the sun
That weighs our vision down, and veils his form
In light transcendent, thus my virtue fail'd
Unequal. (Purgatorio.)

As sunshine cheers
Limbs numb'd by nightly cold, e'en thus my look
Unloosed her tongue.

And now there came o'er the perturbed waves,
Loud crashing, terrible, a sound that made
Either shore tremble, as if of a wind
Impetuous, from conflicting vapours sprung,
That, 'gainst some forest driving all his might,
Plucks off the branches, beats them down, and hurls
Afar; then, onward pressing, proudly sweeps
His whirlwind rage, while beasts and shepherds fly.
(Inferno.)

As florets, by the frosty air of night
Bent down and closed, when day has blanch'd their leaves
Rise all unfolded on their spiry stems,
So was my fainting vigour new rest