Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, ed. Poems of Places: An Anthology in 31 Volumes.
Italy: Vols. XI–XIII. 1876–79.

Ravenna

Dante

By Giovanni Boccaccio (1313–1375)

Translated by Francis C. Gray

DANTE am I,—Minerva’s son, who knew

With skill and genius (though in style obscure)

And elegance maternal to mature

My toil, a miracle to mortal view.

Through realms tartarean and celestial flew

My lofty fancy, swift-winged and secure;

And ever shall my noble work endure,

Fit to be read of men, and angels too.

Florence my earthly mother’s glorious name;

Step-dame to me,—whom from her side she thrust,

Her duteous son: bear slanderous tongues the blame;

Ravenna housed my exile, holds my dust;

My spirit is with Him from whom it came,—

A Parent envy cannot make unjust.