Dante's Doubt and the Three Ladies Benedight

As night falls, Dante hesitates, questioning his own worthiness for the journey. He recalls that Aeneas and Paul were granted such a voyage for the salvation of Rome and the Faith, but he is neither Aeneas nor Paul, and fears his coming may be ill-advised. Virgil rebukes his cowardice, explaining that three blessed Ladies in Heaven have interceded for him. The Virgin Mary, moved by compassion, asked Lucia to aid Dante, and Lucia in turn went to Beatrice, who descended to Limbo to beg Virgil's help. Beatrice's shining eyes and angelic voice moved Virgil to come swiftly. Hearing this, Dante's courage returns like flowers that close at night and open with the sun. He declares one will unites them, and they enter on the deep and savage way. This episode establishes the theological framework of the journey: it is not Dante's own merit but divine grace, mediated by the Virgin, Lucia, and Beatrice, that makes the journey possible.