Sonnet On Approaching Italy Comments

Quite an impressive sonnet, using the visual sense to describe Italy, then a contrast in the last three lines. A reference of some kind to the pope.

And when from out the mountain's heart I came And saw the land for which my life had yearned, I laughed as one who some great prize had earned: And musing on the story of thy fame Beautiful poetry. Shows his deep yearning to visit Italy.

'' And saw the land for which my life had yearned, I laughed as one who some great prize had earned: '' expressing beautifully the desire of any great Artist to visit Italy and see its 'past glories'