Canto XI
While the Poets pause for a little on the brink of the descent to the Seventh Circle, Virgil explains to Dante the arrangement of Hell.
Canto XII
At the point where the sheer precipice leading down to the Seventh Circle is made negotiable by a pile of tumbled rock, Virgil and Dante are faced by the Minotaur. A taunt from Virgil throws him into a fit of blind fury, and while he is thrashing wildly about, the poets slip past him. Virgil tells Dante how the rocks were dislodged by the earthquake which took place at the hour of Christ's descent into Limbo. At the foot of the cliff they come to Phlegethon, the river of boiling blood, in which the Violent against their Neighbors are immersed, and whose banks are guarded by Centaurs. At Virgil's request, Chiron, the chief Centaur, sends Nessus to guide them to the ford and carry Dante over on his back. On his way, Nessus points out a number of notable tyrants and robbers.
Happy Independence Day, everyone. I wonder how many more times this will be celebrated before the U.S. finally breaks up. I think we're in fingers & toes number at the moment . . . maybe just fingers.
If you live in a place that is relatively sane, enjoy your fireworks show. God be with you, and God bless America
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