I wish that we had equal proof that he was admired for his excellencies.

But it is a remarkable corroboration of what has been said, that this great man seems to have been utterly unable to appreciate himself.

In his treatise "De Vulgari Eloquentia" he talks with satisfaction of what he has done for Italian literature, of the purity and correctness of his style.

"Cependant," says a favourite writer of mine,( Sismondi, Literature du Midi de l'Europe.) "il n'est ni pur, ni correct, mais il est createur." Considering the difficulties with which Dante had to struggle, we may perhaps be more inclined than the French critic to allow him this praise.

Still it is by no means his highest or most peculiar title to applause.