Very few realize how great a poet Dante must be considered even if only the effusions of his younger years were to be taken as the standard of his poetical ability. Some of his sonnets are as beautiful of their kind as are to be found in this form of poetry. His description of his lady-love is famous among sonnets of lovers and may only be compared with some of the Sonnets from the Portuguese in our own day, or with one or two of Camoens' original sonnets in the Portuguese, for lofty praise of the beloved in worthy numbers. After reading Dante's sonnets it is easy to understand how a half century later Petrarch was able to raise the sonnet form to an excellence that was never to be surpassed. With a beginning like this it is no wonder that the sonnet became so popular in Europe during the next three centuries, and that every young poet, {302} down to Shakespeare's time, had an attack of sonneteering just as he might have had an attack of the measles. The first one of a pair of sonnets that are considered supreme in their class deserves a place here as an example of Dante's poetic faculty in this form, for which he is so much less known than he ought to be. He sees completely fullest bliss abound Who among ladies sees my Lady's face; Those that with her do go are surely bound To give God thanks for such exceeding grace. And in her beauty such strange might is found. That envy finds in other hearts no place; So she makes them walk with her, clothed all round With love and faith and courteous gentleness. The sight of her makes all things lowly be; Nor of herself alone she gives delight. But each through her receiveth honor due. And in her acts is such great courtesy, That none can recollect that wondrous sight. Who sighs not for it in Love's sweetness true.