So, too, point out to us, to the left or right,
the shortest way to go towards the stair.
If more than one, teach us the least steep slope.
For this man here who comes along with me,
burdened in being clothed with Adam's flesh,
is loathe to climb, despite the will to do.

Purgatorio, D. Alighieri,
Canto 11, lines 40-5