heir eyes seemed like a ring that's lost its gems; 31 ,od he who, in the face of man, would read ol\10 would here have recognized the M. Who-if he knew not how-would have believed 34 that longing born from odor of a tree,
I think this is the most physical description of the souls we see that aren't with bodies. Dante is very keen on reminding us that he's alive and it's interesting to have him turn the tables a bit in Purgatory.
Wh•• m.asrer of the brush or of the srylus che nrncsse l'om~ e • tnm chi" bad ~ porrny<d sceb musa. such outlines
I think that this is also a reference to the physical nature and cost that Dante is giving up and creating for the Comedy. It's definitely connected to his pride, turning to his sacrifice. It also reminds us of the corporeal aspect of both himself as an Author and a Character!
You would be cruel indeed if, thinking what 40 my heart foresaw, you don't already grieve; and if you don't weep now, when would you weep?
This quote reminds me of how Dante, the poet and author, must feel talking about and writing about Dante, the character... After all he knows the fate that will become of the written Dante, since the author already lived it!
erpent, one a fountain
Could this be another reference to the Christian mythology, whereas by the Garden of Eve and the Fountain of life is tempted and 'destroyed' by the Serpent, who Dante is enjoined to meet?
Love of our native city overcame me
The native city is Florence, Dante's beloved home, from which he was exiled. Dante's lament could be two-fold as author and as character, lamenting for the home he both lost and is about to lose...
Minos
Minos here is a reference to the Greek mythology 'King Minos,' the first King of Crete. It's interesting that he is chosen to judge the damn by use of his tail [which he didn't have in life] because in his life on Crete he would judge children and 'damn' them to be eaten by an actual Minotaur [which is maybe where the tail could have come from?]!