Dante, Purgatory and Paradise
Matilda in the Earthly Paradise
Matilda moves along the bank singing, while Dante follows at an equal pace on the opposite side. The stream keeps them apart even as their movements form a shared approach to the visionary procession. Later Beatrice directs her to lead Dante to Eunoe and restore his fainting strength. Matilda provides the immediate guidance at the water before the journey turns towards the stars.
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In the sources
Principal account
LiteraryMatilda moves along the bank singing, while Dante follows at an equal pace on the opposite side. The stream keeps them apart even as their movements form a shared approach to the visionary procession.
Further detail
LiteraryLater Beatrice directs her to lead Dante to Eunoe and restore his fainting strength. Matilda provides the immediate guidance at the water before the journey turns towards the stars.
Context & interpretation
This entry follows Cary’s translation of Dante’s poem. The entry concerns the named guide in the garden; it does not decide the disputed historical identity sometimes attached to Matilda. Its people and places are presented within the literary vision, with the historical or theological subject distinguished from the role Dante assigns it.
Original passages
Source 1
Purgatory and Paradise: The Vision of Dante
called MatildaOpen this page in the book
Passage & edition details
Location recorded at citation review: Dante, Purgatory and Paradise; active reader leaf 175
Exact passage checked against active scan text and original-leaf mapping; scan line breaks normalised.
- Edition
- IMJ-0119-E001
- Reader page
- IMJ-0119-E001-P0175
- Original scan leaf
- 176
- Recorded leaf number
- 176
- Current Reader position
- 172
- Reader verification
- Source-preserving update confirmed
Source 2
Purgatory and Paradise: The Vision of Dante
Lead thither; and, as thou art wont, reviveOpen this page in the book
Passage & edition details
Location recorded at citation review: Dante, Purgatory and Paradise; active reader leaf 204
Exact passage checked against active scan text and original-leaf mapping; scan line breaks normalised.
- Edition
- IMJ-0119-E001
- Reader page
- IMJ-0119-E001-P0204
- Original scan leaf
- 205
- Recorded leaf number
- 205
- Current Reader position
- 201
- Reader verification
- Source-preserving update confirmed
Illustrations
Continue exploring
Literary & Visionary Figures ↗
Lethe in Dante’s Garden
The stream that removes remembrance of offence.
Same subject and traditionBeatrice, Dante’s Heavenly Guide
The woman whose recognition leads through confession towards the celestial journey.
Same subject and traditionBelacqua
The familiar spirit whose delayed repentance becomes a long wait beneath the rock.
Same subject and traditionBernard, Dante’s Final Guide
The elder who directs Dante’s last attention towards Mary and the ultimate vision.