CANTO LII.
Reading edition
With the aid of his field glass, the explorer inspects the 14th section.
Prowling about a rock-bound region he discerns afar off, strange cat-like animals that on inquiry he learns are the transformed souls of those who left their cats to starve while they betook themselves to the country for a season of pleasure.
Although overcome by hunger, every eatable thing evades them or is snatched away by little imps that skip gleefully about with squeaks of merriment.
THE PENALTY FOR CAT-STARVING.