shall increase
Whate'er, of light, gratuitous imparts
The Supreme Good; light, ministering aid,
The better to disclose his glory: whence,
The vision needs increasing, must increase
The fervor, which it kindles; and that too
The ray, that comes from it."

As he concludes his explanation, a chorus of spiritual voices chant
"Amen," and Solomon, directing Dante's glance upward, shows him how
the bright spirits of this sphere group themselves in the form of a
cross,--glowing with light and pulsing with music,--whereon "Christ
beamed," a sight none can hope to see save those who "take up their
cross and follow him."

_Cantos XV, XVI._ In the midst of the rapture caused by these sights
and sounds, Dante is amazed to recognize, in one of the angels which
continually shift places in the glowing cross, his ancestor
Cacciaguida, who assures him Florence proved happy as long as its
inhabitants led simple and virtuous lives, but rapidly degenerated and
became corrupt when covetousness, luxury, and pleasure took up their
abode within its walls.

_Canto XVII._ Encouraged by Beatrice, who stands at a short distance
to leave him more freedom, Dante begs his great ancestor to reveal
what is about to befall him, so that, forewarned, he may most wisely
meet his fate. In reply Cacciaguida tells him he will be exiled from
Florence, and compelled to associate with people who will turn against
him, only to rue this fact with shame later on. He adds Dante will
learn how bitter is the savor of other's bread and how hard to climb
another's stairs.

"Thou shalt leave each thing
Beloved most dearly: this is the first shaft
Shot from the bow of exile. Thou shalt prove
How salt the savor is of other's bread;
How hard the passage, to descend and climb
By other's stairs."

Then Cacciaguida goes on to state that Dante shall finally find refuge
in Lombardy, with Can Grande, and while there will compose the poems
depicting his memorable journey down through sin to the lowest pit and
upward through repentance to the realm of bliss.

"For this, there only have been shown to thee,
Throughout these orbs, the mountain, and the deep,
Spirit, whom fame hath note of. For the mind
Of him, who hears, is loath to acquiesce
And fix its faith, unless the instance brought
Be palpable, and proof apparent urge."

Seeing Dante's dismay at this prediction, Beatrice comforts him by a
smile, and, seeing he is again wrapped