Illustration by Salvador Dali
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An angel sends them forward through the fire to the last ascent, which leads to the terrestrial paradise, situated on the summit of the mountain. They have not proceeded many steps on their way upward, when the fall of night hinders them from going further; and our Poet, who has lain down with Virgil and Statius to rest, beholds in a dream two females, figuring the active and contemplative life. With the return of morning, they reach the height; and here Virgil gives Dante full liberty to use his own pleasure and judgement in the choice of his way till the shall meet with Beatrice.