[CANTO XVII.]
Dante questions Cacciaguida as to his fortunes.—Cacciaguida replies, foretelling the exile of Dante, and the renown of his Poem.
[CANTO XVIII.]
The Spirits in the Cross of Mars.—Ascent to the Heaven of Jupiter.—Words shaped in light upon the planet by the Spirits.—Denunciation of the avarice of the Popes.
[CANTO XIX.]
The voice of the Eagle.—It speaks of the mysteries of Divine justice; of the necessity of Faith for salvation; of the sins of certain kings.
[CANTO XX.]
The Song of the Just.—Princes who have loved righteousness, in the eye of the Eagle.—Spirits, once Pagans, in bliss.—Faith and Salvation.—Predestination.
[CANTO XXI.]
Ascent to the Heaven of Saturn.—Spirits of those who had given themselves to devout contemplation.—The Golden Stairway.—St. Peter Damian.—Predestination.—The luxury of modern Prelates.
[CANTO XXII.]
Beatrice reassures Dante.—St. Benedict appears.—He tells of the founding of his Order, and of the falling away of its brethren. Beatrice and Dante ascend to the Starry Heaven.—The constellation of the Twins.—Sight of the Earth.
[CANTO XXIII.]
The Triumph of Christ.
[CANTO XXIV.]
St. Peter examines Dante concerning Faith, and approves his answer.
[CANTO XXV.]
St. James examines Dante concerning Hope.—St. John appears,with a brightness so dazzling as to deprive Dante, for the time, of sight.
[CANTO XXVI.]
St. John examines Dante concerning Love.—Dante's sight restored.—Adam appears, and answers questions put to him by Dante.