Outhne: Inferno Xvii

Virgil indicates the presence of Geryon

Virgil’s invitation and Geryon’s “docking”

description of Geryon

similes: Geryon compared to boat, beaver, scorpion

at the Circle’s rim the travelers find sinners

Virgil will parley while Dante visits these

Dante moves toward them without his guide

the weeping eyes and busy hands of the usurers

simile: dogs scratching themselves in summertime

usurers not recognizable except from their pouches

five are identified, three by their insignia

Virgil, mounted on Geryon, reassures Dante

simile: man with quartan fever at the sight of shade

Dante’s fear displaced by his own resultant shame

Dante mounts Geryon; Virgil’s ministrations

similes: boat and eel (for Geryon’s departure)

Dante’s fear: Phaeton and Icarus

the descent and Dante’s perceptions of it

simile: sullen falcon (for Geryon’s arrival)

Geryon, disburdened, flies up and away