Outhne: Inferno Xii

retrospect (the edge of the precipice at XI.1) and monstrous prospect (the Minotaur)

simile: the fallen rock along the Adige near Trent

the wrath of the Minotaur

Virgil to the Minotaur: Dante is not Theseus

simile: bull’s movements after receiving mortal blow

the Minotaur’s fury allows a quick descent

Virgil’s remarks on the cause of the fallen rock

the river of blood (Phlegethon)

the poet’s apostrophe of covetousness and wrath

hellscape with centaurs: Nessus, Chiron, Pholus; Nessus threatens and Virgil parries

Chiron’s surprise that Dante moves what he touches

Virgil explains his mission and asks for help

Chiron assigns Nessus the task of protecting them

following Nessus, Dante and Virgil observe tyrants: Alexander, Dionysius, Ezzelino, Opizzo

Virgil’s order to Dante: let Nessus take you

Nessus stops; Dante sees Guy de Montfort and others less deeply immersed in the river; they cross

Nessus: in the shallower part of the river are Attila, Pyrrhus, Sextus, the two Riniers

coda: Nessus crosses back over the river