v. 30. This first star.] the moon
v. 46. E’en as the truth.] Like a truth that does not need demonstration, but is self-evident.”
v. 52. Cain.] Compare Hell, Canto XX. 123. And Note
v. 65. Number1ess lights.] The fixed stars, which differ both in bulk and splendor.
v. 71. Save one.] “Except that principle of rarity and denseness which thou hast assigned.” By “formal principles, “principj formali, are meant constituent or essential causes.” Milton, in imitation of this passage, introduces the angel arguing with Adam respecting the causes of the spots on the moon.
But, as a late French translator of the Paradise well remarks, his reasoning is physical; that of Dante partly metaphysical and partly theologic.
v. 111. Within the heaven.] According to our Poet’s system, there are ten heavens; the seven planets, the eighth spheres containing the fixed stars, the primum mobile, and the empyrean.
v. 143. The virtue mingled.] Virg. Aen. 1. vi 724. Principio coelum, &c.
CANTO III
v. 16. Delusion.] “An error the contrary to that of Narcissus, because he mistook a shadow for a substance, I a substance for a shadow.”