| Quote #7 [Three sodomites]: "Stop, you who by your clothing seem to be |
Florence leaves its stamp so indelibly on its natives that Dante is recognized by his garb alone. One finds that Dante is not alone in his denunciation of Florence. Even sinners call it that "indecent country!"
| Quote #8 [Virgil]: Therefore, I charge you, if you ever hear |
In relating the story of Mantua’s true origins, Virgil attempts to cast off his reputation as a deceitful magician and stake his reputation on the truth of his words.
| Quote #9 [Virgil]: "Now you must cast aside your laziness," |
Virgil implies that fame must be won through hard labor. Only through honest work can one leave his mark on the world. Those afflicted with laziness may never gain fame and thus take the risk of being forgotten by the mortal world, just as "smoke on air" or "foam [on] water" remain visible for but a few moments before fading away.