and another he who, flying through the air, lost his son. The revolving nature, which is the seal of the mortal wax, performs its art well, but does not distinguish one inn from another.[12] Hence it happens that Esau differs in seed from Jacob, and Quirinus comes from so mean a father that he is ascribed to Mars. The generated nature would always make its path like its progenitors, if the divine foresight did not conquer. Now that which was behind thee is before thee, but that thou mayest know that I have joy in thee, I wish that thou cloak thee with a corollary.[13] Nature, if she find fortune discordant with herself, like every other seed out of its region, always makes bad result. And if the world down there would fix attention on the foundation which nature lays, following that, it would have its people good. But ye wrest to religion one who shall be born to gird on the sword, and ye make a king of one who is for preaching; wherefore your track is out of the road.” [1] Is seen in the mind of God. [2] My own joy is the dearer in that thou seest that it is more grateful to me because known by thee. [3] The providence of God is fulfilled through the influences of the Heavens acting upon the natures subject to them. [4] That is, together with the good ends for which they are created and ordained. [5] Defect in the subordinate Intelligences would imply defect in God, which is impossible. [6] It is impossible that the order of nature should fail, that order being the design of God in creation. [7] That is, united with other men in society. [8] Because man is by nature a social animal, and cannot attain his true end except as a member of a community. [9] Society cannot exist without diversity in the functions of its members. [10] Aristotle, “the master of human reason, who treats of this in many places, for instance in his Ethics, i. 7, where he speaks of man as “by nature social,” so that his end is accomplished only in society. [11] Human dispositions, the roots of human works, must be diverse in order to produce diverse effects. [12] The spheres pour down their various influences without discrimination in the choice of the individual upon whom they fall. Hence sons may differ in their dispositions from their fathers. [13] This additional statement completes the instruction, as a cloak completes the clothing of a body. CANTO IX. The Heaven of Venus.—Conversation of Dante with Cunizza da Romano,—With Folco of Marseilles.—Rahab.—Avarice of the Papal Court. After thy Charles, O beautiful Clemence,[1] had enlightened me, he told to me of the treasons which his seed must suffer. But he said, “Be silent, and let the years revolve:” so that I can tell nothing, save that just lament shall follow on your wrongs.[2] [1] The widow of Charles Martel. [2] Those who have done the wrong shall justly lament therefor.