[Still among souls, on the outside of Purgatory, who have delayed repentance, Dante, in this Canto, is conducted to those who had postponed spiritual duties from having been involved in state affairs. The persons introduced are the Emperor Rodolph, first of that Austrian house of Hapsburg, Ottocar, King of Bohemia, Philip III. of France, Henry of Navarre, Peter III. of Aragon, Charles I. of Naples, Henry III. of England, and the Marquis William of Monferrat. To know more of these men the curious reader must consult more volumes than we have space to mention in this magazine. He may spare much research, however, and find the most accessible information by turning to the interesting notes which Mr. Longfellow has appended to his translation.—TRANS.] THREE times and four these greetings, glad and free, Had been repeated, when Sordello’s shade Drew from embrace, and said: “Now, who are ye?” And thereupon my Guide this answer made: “Ere to this mountain those just souls, to whom Heavenward to climb was given, had guided been, My bones Octavian gathered to the tomb. Virgil I am, and for none other sin But want of faith was I from heaven shut out.” Like one who suddenly before him sees Something that wakes his wonder, whence, in doubt, He says, _It is not_; then believing, _’Tis!_ Sordello stood, then back to him without Lifting his eyelids, turned and clasped his knees. “O glory of the Latin race!” he cried, “Through whom to such a height our language rose, Oh! of my birthplace everlasting pride, What merit or grace on me thy sight bestows? Tell me, unless to hear thee is denied, Com’st thou from hell, or where hast thou repose?” VIRGIL. He to this answered: “Grace from heaven moved me, And leads me still: the circles every one Of sorrow’s kingdom have I trod to thee. My sight is barred from that supernal Sun, Whom I knew late, and thou desir’st to see, Not for I did, but for I left undone. A place below there is where no groans rise From torment, sad alone with want of light, Where the lament sounds not like moan, but sighs. The little innocents whom Death’s fell bite Snatched, ere their sin was purified, are there: And there I dwell with guiltless ones that still The three most holy virtues did not wear, Though all the rest they knew, and did fulfil. But if thou knowest, and may’st us apprise, Tell us how we most speedily may find Where Purgatory’s actual entrance lies.” SORDELLO.