The Divine Comedy, Volume 1, Hell

INTRODUCTION

AIDS TO THE STUDY OF THE DIVINE COMEDY

CANTO I. Dante, astray in a wood, reaches the foot of a hill which he begins to ascend; he is hindered by three beasts; he turns back and is met by Virgil, who proposes to guide him into the eternal world.

CANTO II. Dante, doubtful of his own powers, is discouraged at the outset.—Virgil cheers him by telling him that he...