Virgil and Dante pass through Purgatory’s gate, Dante careful not to look back. After a long and difficult climb, they arrive at a ledge. Dante is exhausted, so he and Virgil pause to assess how to proceed. Beyond the ledge is a void. Alongside it rises a wall decorated with marble carvings so stunning that they would make Polyclite or even nature marvel. The carvings depict examples of humility.

The first one Dante notices shows the Annunciation. Virgil tells Dante to look beyond that first one, and Dante sees another that shows King David bringing the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem. He dances before it in humility while his wife Michal watches him disapprovingly. A third represents Roman Emperor Trajan. As he prepares to leave the city, he’s confronted by a woman with a murdered son. She asks him to stay behind to secure justice for her son. Though initially unwilling to put off his trip, he ultimately relents.

As Dante gazes at these scenes of humility, Virgil notices a crowd of souls. Expecting more beautiful scenes, Dante turns to look at them. He cautions readers not to dwell on “the

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