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† 2
Taken from the Heaven of the LILIES, original: "Gigli." The fleur-de-lis, the heraldic symbol of the French monarchy. the August Face
Decks with flowers the banks of the ITALIAN RHINE, original: "Italico Ren." Refers to the Reno river which flows through Bologna, Malvasia's home.
And though enclosed within a narrow field, The "narrow field" refers to the small physical dimensions of the portrait or medal.
It honors its triumphs with the hearts of at least a thousand souls.
Every eye being burdened with wonder,
It gives strength to triumphal Arches for the exalted Image,
And adores the trophies of every ancient century
Summarized within a single Circle.
Here the ARABIAN GEM original: "Arabica Gemma." A poetic term for the diamond, as the East was historically considered the source of precious stones. confuses its rays;
For Virtue, in a more noble reflection,
Diffuses flashes of light from the Royal Countenance:
Wherefore every heart, at such luminous excess,
If the one treasure hides the other greater one,
Consecrates itself to the greater Treasure. The poet suggests the King's inner virtue is a "greater treasure" than the physical diamonds surrounding the portrait.
To gemstone the noble labors original: "alti sudori," literally "high sweats," referring to the intense effort Malvasia put into writing his history of art. of Carlo,
With that Hand, which elsewhere brandishes the sword,
The FRENCH KING original: "FRANCO RE." Louis XIV. upon the BOLOGNESE original: "Felfinee." Felsina was the ancient Etruscan name for Bologna. shores
Scatters ample Treasures, gathered in Silver.
A single Ray, a single Flash of those Splendors,
Which the great Royal Gift, through deep paths,
Infuses into the breasts of others more than in their eyes,
Enlivens the hearts of the whole Universe.
No spirit is found, nor is there any thought,
That is not—without having any envious trouble—
Both satisfied and proud of Carlo's fortune.
Thus, while it happens that ENVY original: "Invidia." Personified Envy was the traditional enemy of the successful artist or scholar. dies,
A tiny World The portrait. animates an entire World,
And the Gem of one man is a Joy to all.