k
without ever being satisfied. When Dante expresses surprise because a
man only five years dead should already be so high up the mount of
Purgatory, Forese explains that his wife's constant prayers have
successively freed him from detention in the other circles. In return
Dante states why he is here and names his companions.

_Canto XXIV._ Escorting the three travellers on their way, Forese
inquires what has become of his sister, Piccarda, ere he points out
sundry spirits, with whom Dante converses, and who predict the coming
downfall of his political foes. But these spirits suddenly leave Dante
to dart toward trees, which tantalizingly withold their fruit from
their eager hands, while hidden voices loudly extol temperance.

_Canto XXV._ In single file the three poets continue their tramp,
commenting on what they have seen, and Statius expounds his theories
of life. Then they ascend to the seventh ledge, where glowing fires
purge mortals of all sensuality. Even as they toil toward this level,
an angel voice extols chastity, and Dante once more feels the light
touch which he now associates with the removal of one of the scars
made by the angel at the entrance of Purgatory. Arrived above, the
poets have to tread a narrow path between the roaring fires and the
abyss. So narrow is the way, that Virgil bids Dante beware or he will
be lost!

"Behoved us, one by one, along the side,
That border'd on the void, to pass; and I
Fear'd on one hand the fire, on the other fear'd
Headlong to fall: when thus the instructor warn'd:
'Strict rein must in this place direct the eyes.
A little swerving and the way is lost.'"

As all three warily proceed, Dante hears voices in the fiery furnace
alternately imploring the mercy of God and quoting examples of
chastity, such as Mary and Diana, and couples who proved chaste though
married.

_Canto XXVI._ As the poets move along the rim, Dante's shadow, cast
upon the roaring flames, causes such wonder to the victims undergoing
purification that one of them inquires who he may be. Just as Dante is
about to answer, his attention is attracted by hosts of shadows, who,
after exchanging hasty kisses, dash on, mentioning such famous
examples of dissoluteness as Pasiphae, and the men who caused the
destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Turning to his interlocutor, Dante
then explains how he came hither and expresses a hope he may soon be
received in bliss. The grateful spirit then g