Canto XXIII. Dante is still dumbly staring at the mysterious tree when Virgil bids him follow, for they still have far to go.  They next meet weeping, hollow-eyed spirits, so emaciated that their bones start through their skin.  One of these recognizes Dante, who is aghast that his friend Forese should be in such a state and escorted by two skeleton spirits.  Forese replies that he and his companions are consumed by endless hunger and thirst, although they eat and drink without ever being satisfied.  When Dante expresses surprise because a man only five years dead should already be so high up the mount of Purgatory, Forese explains that his wife’s constant prayers have successively freed him from detention in the other circles.  In return Dante states why he is here and names his companions.

Canto XXIV. Escorting the three travellers on their way, Forese inquires what has become of his sister, Piccarda, ere he points out sundry spirits, with whom Dante converses, and who predict the coming downfall of his political foes.  But these spirits suddenly leave Dante to dart toward trees, which tantalizingly withold their fruit from their eager hands, while hidden voices loudly extol temperance.

Canto XXV. In single file the three poets continue their tramp, commenting on what they have seen, and Statius expounds his theories of life.  Then they ascend to the seventh ledge, where glowing fires purge mortals of all sensuality.  Even as they toil toward this level, an angel voice extols chastity, and Dante once more feels the light touch which he now associates with the removal of one of the scars made by the angel at the entrance of Purgatory.  Arrived above, the poets have to tread a narrow path between the roaring fires and the abyss.  So narrow is the way, that Virgil bids Dante beware or he will be lost!

       “Behoved us, one by one, along the side,
  That border’d on the void, to pass; and I
  Fear’d on one hand the fire, on the other fear’d
  Headlong to fall:  when thus the instructor warn’d: 
  ’Strict rein must in this place direct the eyes. 
  A little swerving and the way is lost.’”

As all three warily proceed, Dante hears voices in the fiery furnace alternately imploring the mercy of God and quoting examples of chastity, such as Mary and Diana, and couples who proved chaste though married.

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.