PURGATORIO, Episode 214. The Climax Of Virgil In COMEDY: PURGATORIO, Canto XXVII, Lines 124 - 142

We have come to the climax of Virgil's in COMEDY: the apex of his character, the moment when he is what he should have been all along, a poignant and fitting summit for this most difficult figure in the poem.

We stand with Virgil, Statius, and our pilgrim at the top of the final staircase on Mount Purgatory and take our first steps into the Garden of Eden with the pilgrim who is ready to continue on his own, with crown and miter in hand, thanks all to Virgil, the best guide he could have had.

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The segments for this episode of WALKING WITH DANTE:

[02:11] My English translation of PURGATORIO, Canto XXVII, lines 124 - 142. If you'd like to read along or continue the conversation with me, scroll down this page.

[04:45] The climax of Virgil's natural talent and learned skill for the soul's journey across the known universe.

[14:19] Our first glimpse at the top of Mount Purgatory beyond the stairs.

[17:50] The entrance to the Garden of Eden--and a theological problem about Satan.

[21:27] The pilgrim, with crown and miter from Virgil.

[30:24] Rereading the passage: PURGATORIO, Canto XXVII, lines 124 - 142.

My English translation of PURGATORIO, Canto XXVII, Lines 124 – 142

When all of the quickly-climbed stairs were beneath us

And we were on the topmost step,

Virgil fixed his eyes on me

And said, “You’ve seen

The temporal fire and the eternal fire, son, and now you’ve come to a place

Beyond which I on my own can discern nothing else.

“I’ve pulled you here with ingenuity and craft.

From now on, take your pleasure as your guide.

You are past the steep way, past the crafty way.

“Look at the sun that’s resplendent on your forehead.

Look at the grasses, the flowers, and the little trees

Which the ground can produce here on its own.

“Among this happy vegetation, you can sit down

Or move about at will, until the beautiful eyes arrive

That once in tears made me come to you.

“Don’t hold out any longer for a word or signal from me.

Your ability to make your own choices is free, upright, and healthy.

It’s now unworthy to act in any way except by your own discernment.

I crown and miter you over yourself.”