Touched by the sorrows of men of his own time or famous in history, Dante wistfully asks his guide whether prayers can ever change Heaven's decrees, and learns that true love can work miracles, as he will perceive when he beholds Beatrice.

The hope of meeting his beloved face to face causes Dante to urge his guide to greater speed and almost gives wings to his feet.
Presently Virgil directs his companion's attention to a spirit standing apart, in whom Dante recognizes the poet Sordello, who mourns because Mantua--his native city as well as Virgil's--drifts in these political upheavals like a pilotless vessel in the midst of a storm.
_Canto VII._ Virgil now informs Sordello that he, Virgil, is debarred from all hope of heaven through lack of faith.

Thereupon Sordello reverently approaches him, calling him "Glory of Latium," and inquiring whence he comes.

Virgil explains how, led by heavenly influence, he left the dim limbo of ante-hell, passed through all the stages of the Inferno, and is now seeking the place "Where Purgatory its true beginning takes." Sordello rejoins that, while he will gladly serve as guide, the day is already so far gone that they had better spend the night in a neighboring dell.

He then leads Virgil and Dante to a hollow, where, resting upon fragrant flowers, they prepare to spend the night, with a company of spirits who chant "Salve Regina." Among these the new-comers recognize with surprise sundry renowned monarchs, whose doings are briefly described.
_Canto VIII._ Meantime the hour of rest has come, the hour described by the poet as-- Now was the hour that wakens fond desire In men at sea, and melts their thoughtful heart Who in the morn have bid sweet friends farewell, And pilgrim newly on his road with love Thrills, if he hear the vesper bell from far That seems to mourn for the expiring day.
Dante and Virgil then witness the evening devotions of these spirits, which conclude with a hymn so soft, so devout, that their senses are lost in ravishment.