But tell me, those within the fat lagoon, 150 Whom the wind drives, and whom the rain doth beat, 151 And who encounter with such bitter tongues, 152 Wherefore are they inside of the red city Not punished, if God has them in his wrath, And if he has not, wherefore in such fashion?” And unto me he said: “Why wanders so Thine intellect from that which it is wont? Or, sooth, thy mind where is it elsewhere looking? Hast thou no recollection of those words With which thine Ethics thoroughly discusses 153 The dispositions three, that Heaven abides not⁠— Incontinence, and Malice, and insane Bestiality? and how Incontinence Less God offendeth, and less blame attracts? If thou regardest this conclusion well, And to thy mind recallest who they are That up outside are undergoing penance, Clearly wilt thou perceive why from these felons They separated are, and why less wroth

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