Outhne: Inferno Ii

Dante, “alone” with Virgil, prepares for the journey

invocation (Muses, “lofty genius”); his worthy memory

Dante’s uncertainty as to his qualifications

simile: a man unwilling to do what he has resolved

Virgil: Dante is a coward

Virgil tells of his encounter with Beatrice in Limbo

Virgil will lead Dante; why is Beatrice not fearful?

Beatrice’s response: the saved are proof against hell

a lady in heaven (Mary), Lucy, and Beatrice all help

tears of Beatrice induce Virgil to begin at once

Virgil chides Dante for his cowardice

simile: flowers raised and opened by sun

Dante’s renewed vigor; debt to Beatrice and to Virgil

Dante has again embraced his first resolve

the two again set out