The Angel Boat and Casella

Dante and Virgil see a light approaching swiftly across the sea. It is an angel, the Celestial Pilot, who ferries souls to Purgatory in a small, swift vessel. The souls on board sing 'In exitu Israel de Aegypto.' The angel makes the sign of the cross, and the souls disembark. Among them, Dante recognizes his friend Casella, a musician. Dante tries to embrace him but his arms pass through the empty shade. Casella explains that he has been delayed by the angel but has now been received. At Dante's request, Casella sings 'Love, that within my mind discourses with me,' which soothes all present. Cato suddenly appears and rebukes them for lingering, urging them to run to the mountain to strip off the slough. This episode combines the joy of reunion with the urgency of the penitential journey.