[193] “And this moon, because of her inferiority, is rightly called feminine.” ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2. MOVEMENTS OF THE SUN. Whatever the reason, Dante’s fifty-one references to the moon are in strong contrast to his allusions to the sun. These are four times as many, and they include warm expressions of admiration and delight, and beautiful epithets and similes. The sun is Titan with his chariot and horses,[194] he is a Mirror, a Car of Light, the Lantern of the World, the Prince of the Stars, the Father of all mortal life.[195] His beautiful form is admired, “la perfetta sua bella figura,”[196] and his intense brilliance often noted.[197] He is the guide that leads all aright,[198] to whom Virgil appeals:— ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [194] _Ecl._ ii. 1-4. [195] _Purg._ iv. 62, 63; _Purg._ iv. 59; and xxix. 117, 118; _Par._ i. 38; _Canz._ xix. 114; _Par._ xxii. 116. [196] “The perfection and beauty of his shape.” _Canz._ xix. 76. [197] _V. N._ xlii. 29; _Canz._ ix. 2; _Conv._ II. xiv. 126, 127; _Purg._ xvii. 52, 53; _Par._ i. 54; and x. 48, etc. [198] _Inf._ i. 17, 18. “O dolce Lume, a cui fidanza i’ entro Per lo nuovo cammin, tu ne conduci.”[199] [199] “O pleasant light, my confidence and hope! Conduct us thou,” he cried, “on this new way.” _Purg._ xiii. 16, 17. (_Carey_). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Under his rays the rose expands, the air is gladdened, mists are dispelled, snow melts, and all things are quickened into life.[200] Unlike the moon, the sun is the bringer of warmth and comfort, chasing away cold and darkness,[201] sunrise is the hour of renewed hope and confidence,[202] it strengthens our limbs, paralysed by the cold of night,[203] it is eagerly awaited through the darkness by the little bird on her nest;[204] and delicate flowers, bowed and closed during the cold night, rise upright on their stems and open as soon as the sun shines once more upon them.[205] The exquisite sunsets and sunrises of the _Purgatorio_ are favourite passages with all readers. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [200] _Par._ xxii. 55, 56; _Inf._ vii. 122; _De Mon._ II. i. 37-39; and _Par._ ii. 106-108; _Canz._ xi. 37; _Conv._ III. xii. 59, 60, etc. etc. [201] _Canz._ ix. 5. [202] _Inf._ i. 41-43. [203] _Purg._ xix. 10, 11. [204] _Par._ xxiii. 1-9. [205] _Inf._ ii. 127-129. ------------------------------------------------------------------------