In the fourth sphere of the sun spirits of such brilliance surrounds them that their lights are distinct from the light of the sun. Dancing and singing in their joy, the spirits from a circle, making Dante and his guide their centre. Because of the red glow of this planet Dante realises that he is on Mars, the fifth sphere. Two enormous bands of light form, upon which for a brief moment flashes the image of Christ, and within the transparent arms of this cross specks of souls, like dust in shafts of light, move in all directions as a hymn is sung in praise of Christ. From the rosy glow of the fifth sphere of Mars the traveller is transported to the silvery sixth sphere of Jupiter.
More lights descend to form an eagle.
The eagle appears to the Pilgrim with open wings and as if composed of countless sparkling rubies. The eagle tells the Pilgrim to watch its eye closely as it points out six famous souls who were champions of justice on earth. Beatrice and the Pilgrim have now reached the sphere of Saturn. Countless lights descend and circle about a golden ladder rising up beyond his sight. There they enter the constellation of Gemini.