He also specially mentions the hour
"When Heaven was minded that o'er all the world his own deep calm
should brood," the troublous days of the empire, and the feud of the
Guelfs and Ghibellines, the two principal political factions of
Dante's time. Next he explains that Mercury is inhabited by "good
spirits whose mortal lives were busied to that end that honor and
renown might wait on them," and quotes in particular Raymond Berenger,
whose four daughters became queens.

_Canto VII._ After this speech Justinian vanishes with his angelic
companions, and Dante, duly encouraged, inquires of Beatrice how "just
revenge could be with justice punished!" She informs him that, as in
Adam all die through the power of sin, all can by faith live again
through Christ, thanks to God's goodness.

_Canto VIII._ Although unaware of the fact, Dante, whose eyes have
been fixed on Beatrice, has during her exposition been wafted up to
the third heaven, that of Venus (revolved by Princedoms). In the
planet of love--where Beatrice glows with increased beauty--are
innumerable souls "imperfect through excess of love," which are
grouped in constantly revolving circles. All at once one of these
luminous spirits approaches Dante, and, after expressing great
readiness to serve him, introduces himself as Charles Martel, King of
Hungary, brother of Robert of Naples. Thirsting for information, Dante
inquires of him "how bitter can spring when sweet is sown?" In a
lengthy disquisition in reply, this spirit mentions how children often
differ from their parents, quotes Esau and Jacob as marked examples
thereof, and adds that nature, guided by Providence, produces at will
a Solon, Xerxes, Melchisedec, or Daedalus. _Canto IX._ The next
spirit with whom Beatrice converses is the fair Cunizza, who like the
Magdalen "loved much," and therefor obtained pardon for her sins.
Before vanishing, she foretells coming political events, and
introduces the Provencal bard Folco, whose poems on love were to be
republished after five hundred years of oblivion. After relating his
life, this poet informs Dante the harlot Rahab was admitted to this
heaven in reward for saving Joshua's spies. This spirit concludes his
interview by censuring the present papal policy, declaring it far too
worldly, avaricious, and time-serving to find favor in heaven.

_Canto X._ Drawn upward this time by the attraction of the sun, Dante
finds himself in a dazzling sphere (revolved by Powers),