"Those whose attitude toward material goods deviated from the appropriate mean are punished in the fourth circle. They include the avaricious, who hoarded possessions, and the prodigal, who squandered them. The two groups are guarded by Plutus, the Greek god of wealth. The two groups joust, using as weapons great weights which they push with their chests:

 

The contrast between these two groups leads Virgil to discourse on the nature of Fortune, who raises nations to greatness, and later plunges them into poverty as she shifts “those empty goods from nation unto nation, clan to clan.”  

Now canst thou, Son, behold the transient farce

Of goods that are committed unto Fortune,

For which the human race each other buffet;

Not all the gold that is beneath the moon,

Or ever hath been, of those toil-worn souls

Might purchase rest for one.

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Photos by Skip Murphy 8-25-10. All rights reserved. CA DRE lic 01423715