Lo giorno se n'andava - Day was departing... Dante slows his deliberation as he prepares to enter the infernal realms for the first time: ... e io sol uno - and only I alone... -how lonely he felt! He has to say it three times! io, sol, uno... m'apparecchiava a sostener la guerra, sì del cammino e sì de la pietate.
Dante experiences a profound sense of loneliness as he prepares to embark on his journey into the inferno. The phrase "Day was departing" marks the transition into darkness, both literally and metaphorically. He emphasizes his solitude with the repeated words "io," "sol," and "uno," reflecting his internal struggle. This contemplation signifies the weight of the challenges ahead as he faces the fierce journey and the moral dilemmas it entails.
As Dante steels himself for the trials of the underworld, his reflections convey the gravity of his undertaking. His acknowledgment of isolation underscores the daunting nature of his quest, where he must confront not only the physical path but also the implications of pity and justice. The repetition serves to highlight his emotional turmoil and the seriousness of his mission, setting the tone for the journey that lies ahead.