Outhne: Inferno Xix

the poet’s apostrophe: Simon Magus and followers

the bolgia observed from the bridge

apostrophe: God’s wisdom (seen in His three realms)

holes of punishment

simile: baptismal fonts in San Giovanni

allusion to something done by Dante in the Baptistry

the sinners’ kicking, burning feet

simile: flame licking an oily surface

Dante’s question, Virgil’s offer, Dante’s consent

descent to the bottom of the third bolgia

Dante, as confessor, questions Pope Nicholas III

Nicholas takes Dante for Pope Boniface VIII

Dante’s hesitation, Virgil’s urging, Dante’s consent

Nicholas’s reaction and self-identification

Nicholas’s prediction of the perfidy and death of Pope Clement V

the poet’s invective against simoniac popes

his apostrophe of the emperor Constantine

Nicholas responds with his feet

Virgil responds with his face and arms

ascent of the bank to the rim; Virgil sets Dante down

view of the next “valley”