_Canto XXVI._ As the poets move along the rim, Dante's shadow, cast
upon the roaring flames, causes such wonder to the victims undergoing
purification that one of them inquires who he may be. Just as Dante is
about to answer, his attention is attracted by hosts of shadows, who,
after exchanging hasty kisses, dash on, mentioning such famous
examples of dissoluteness as Pasiphae, and the men who caused the
destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Turning to his interlocutor, Dante
then explains how he came hither and expresses a hope he may soon be
received in bliss. The grateful spirit then gives his name, admits he
sang too freely of carnal love, and adds that Dante would surely
recognize many of his fellow-sufferers were he to point them out.
Then, bespeaking Dante's prayers, he plunges back into the fiery
element which is to make him fit for Paradise.

_Canto XXVII._ Just as the sun is about to set, an angel approaches
them, chanting "Blessed are the pure in heart," and bids them
fearlessly pass through the wall of fire which alone stands between
them and Paradise. Seeing Dante hang back timorously, Virgil reminds
him he will find Beatrice on the other side, whereupon our poet
plunges recklessly into the glowing furnace, where both his companions
precede him, and whence all three issue on an upward path. There they
make their couch on separate steps, and Dante gazes up at the stars
until he falls asleep and dreams of a lovely lady, culling flowers in
a meadow, singing she is Lea (the mediaeval type of active life), and
stating that her sister Rachel (the emblem of contemplative life)
spends the day gazing at herself in a mirror.

At dawn the pilgrims awake, and Virgil assures Dante before this day
ends his hunger for a sight of Beatrice will be appeased. This
prospect so lightens Dante's heart that he almost soars to the top of