_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), where he and Beatrice behold consecutive moving wreaths, each composed of twelve blessed spirits who while on earth were noted as teachers of divinity and philosophy.

One of these singing, revolving wreaths encompasses our travellers, until one of its members, St.Thomas Aquinas, ceases his ineffable song long enough to present his companions and explain their titles to immortal glory.
_Canto XI._ St.Thomas Aquinas, in his conversation with Dante, relates the life of St.Francis of Assisi, dwelling particularly upon his noble character, and describing how, after becoming wedded to Poverty, he founded the order of the Franciscans, received the stigmata, and died in odor of sanctity, leaving worthy disciples and emulators, such as St.Dominic, to continue and further the good work he had begun.

He adds that many of the saint's followers are represented in the innumerable glowing wreaths which people the heaven of the Sun.
_Canto XII._ Still encompassed by one rainbow circle after another, Dante is told by St.Buonaventura of Dominic's inestimable services to mankind, and hears about his fervent zeal and deep faith.
_Canto XIII._ While Dante and Beatrice gaze with awe and admiration upon the circles of light which revolve through all the signs of the zodiac, St.Thomas Aquinas solves sundry of Dante's doubts, and cautions him never to accede to any proposition without having duly weighed it.
"Let not the people be too swift to judge; As one who reckons on the blades in field, Or e'er the crop be ripe.