Canto IV. Dazed by what he has just seen and heard, Dante becomes conscious of his surroundings once more, only when the sun stands considerably higher, and when he has arrived at the foot of a rocky pathway, up which he painfully follows Virgil, helping himself with his hands as well as his feet.  Arrived at its top, both gaze wonderingly around them, and perceive by the position of the sun that they must be at the antipodes of Florence, where their journey began.  Panting with the exertions he has just made, Dante expresses some fear lest his strength may fail him, whereupon Virgil kindly assures him the way, so arduous at first, will become easier and easier the higher they ascend.

Just then a voice, addressing them, advises them to rest, and Dante, turning, perceives, among other spirits, a sitting figure, in whom he recognizes a friend noted for his laziness.  On questioning this spirit, Dante learns that this friend, Belacqua, instead of exerting himself to climb the mount of Purgatory, is idly waiting in hopes of being wafted upward by the prayers of some “heart which lives in grace.”  Such slothfulness irritates Virgil, who hurries Dante on, warning him the sun has already reached its meridian and night will all too soon overtake them.

Canto V. Heedless of the whispered comments behind him because he is opaque and not transparent like the other spirits, Dante follows Virgil, until they overtake a band of spirits chanting the Miserere.  These too seem surprised at Dante’s density, and, when assured he is alive, eagerly inquire whether he can give them any tidings of friends and families left on earth.  Although all present are sinners who died violent deaths, as they repented at the last minute they are not wholly excluded from hope of bliss.  Unable to recognize any of these, Dante nevertheless listens to their descriptions of their violent ends, and promises to enlighten their friends and kinsmen in regard to their fate.

Canto VI. Because Virgil moves on, Dante feels constrained to follow, although the spirits continue to pluck at his mantle, imploring him to hear what they have to say.  Touched by the sorrows of men of his own time or famous in history, Dante wistfully asks his guide whether prayers can ever change Heaven’s decrees, and learns that true love can work miracles, as he will perceive when he beholds Beatrice.  The hope of meeting his beloved face to face causes Dante to urge his guide to greater speed and almost gives wings to his feet.  Presently Virgil directs his companion’s attention to a spirit standing apart, in whom Dante recognizes the poet Sordello, who mourns because Mantua—­his native city as well as Virgil’s—­drifts in these political upheavals like a pilotless vessel in the midst of a storm.