PURGATORIO, Episode 102. Flattery Will Get You Irony: PURGATORIO, Canto XIII, Lines 73 - 93

Dante has finally come among the envious on the bare, bleak, blue-gray second terrace of Mount Purgatory. We've seen their condition: eyes stitched shut. Now for Dante's reaction. And Virgil's reaction to Dante's reaction. And Dante's ham-handed attempt to flatter someone to speak up.

Join me, Mark Scarbrough, as we approach on of the most significant and curious figures in all of COMEDY. Dante the pilgrim will call for her in this passage . . . and she'll make her appearance in the next passage/episode.

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Here are the segments for this episode of WALKING WITH DANTE:

[01:57] My English translation of the passage: PURGATORIO, Canto XIII, Lines 73 - 93. If you'd like to read along, print it off, or drop a comment to continue the conversation, please scroll down this page.

[04:05] Does Dante think he makes a social gaffe?

[07:40] Is Virgil irritated at Dante's reaction?

[09:48] Is this an allegorical passage or a naturalistic one? Are we being played?

[14:45] Is Dante's flattery misplaced?

[19:19] Is Dante's flattery predictive of the poem ahead?

[22:41] How much irony textures this passage?

[25:28] Rereading the passage: PURGATORIO, Canto XIII, lines 73 - 93.

And here’s my English translation of Purgatorio, Canto XIII, Lines 73 – 93

It seemed to me, while walking on, that I’d made some sort of transgression

In passing by them without then being seen by them.

That’s why I turned back around to my wise advisor.

He knew full well what my mute self wanted to say.

He didn’t, therefore, hold back to await my question

But said, “Speak. And cut it short. And be clear.”

Virgil was coming along a little behind me but on the side

Of the terrace where one would be able to fall right off,

Since it wasn’t engarlanded with any embankments.

On my other side were the devout

Shades, who through their horrid sutures

Eked out tears that bathed their cheeks.

I turned back to them and began, “O people secure

Of seeing the light on high,

The one that’s the only rationale for your desire,

So that grace may quickly rinse off the crud

On your conscience, and so that the river of your mind

May make a crystal clear descent through it,

Let me know if there’s an Italian spirit among you,

For it would be as both grace and charity to me.

And it’s probably best if I learn from that sort.”