himself into family life, and took part in public affairs
in the government of the state. During these years
people would hardly have inquired any further with
whom the statesman and father of a family had been
in love in his young days. Then came his exile, and
the question was even less likely to be asked. Thus
the whole love story must have fallen into oblivion;
even though in 1290 guesses might have been made
at it. But now the poet published his Convito, and
then the Commedia, which quickly sprang into renown.
Then was kindled a lively interest in the question of
the identity of the lady whom he so glorified. But if
the secret had been so closely kept all these years,
who would now be able to discover it? Conjecture
was driven to fix itself on the name Beatrice. It was
assumed that this was her real name; inquiries were
made as to possible acquaintances or contemporaries
so named, and who was found in his near neighbor.
hood. " Beatrice Portinari, of course," said every
one; "it would be no other." And perhaps after
this fashion the tradition grew up.

Perhaps also in quite a different fashion. Who at
the present day can ascertain the truth with any secu-
rity? Just as the people of old could only conjecture
as to the true Beatrice, so can we only conjecture
with regard to the origin of the tradition regarding
her.

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