Commentary Purg XXVI 31-36

This remarkable simile, a rare medieval manifestation of a moment of fraternal affection between heterosexuals and homosexuals, is striking.  The passage probably reflects Paul's admonition in Romans 16:16: 'Greet one another with a holy kiss,' as was suggested by Scartazzini (DDP Scartazzini.Purg.XXVI.32).  For the ants, see Virgil's memorable simile in Aeneid IV.402-407.  Aeneas's men, preparing their ships for departure from Carthage, are described as follows: 'Just so do ants, when winter's on their mind, pillage great stores of grain and fill their houses to the beams.  Over the fields moves a black column, carrying their spoil through the grass along their narrow path; some heave the huge seeds upon their shoulders, some shape up the columns, rebuking their delay.  All the path fairly shines with labor.'