Hitherto Beatrice has directed her discourse to her attendant handmaidens around the chariot. Now she speaks directly to Dante. ↩

As in a castle or fortress. ↩

As one fascinated and enamored with them. ↩

The sword of justice is dulled by the wheel being turned against its edge. This is the usual interpretation; but a friend suggests that the allusion may be to the wheel of St. Catherine, which is studded with sword-blades. ↩

The grief which is the cause of your weeping. ↩

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