Commentary Par IX 106-108

A problematic passage.  We have followed Bosco/Reggio's reading of it (see DDP Bosco.Par.IX.106-108) in which a Florentine form of the verb torniare (to turn, as on a lathe) is seen as bringing the meaning into focus, as follows: 'Here, in Paradise, we contemplate the craft revealed in the creation that God's love makes beautiful; we also discern the goodness through which the heavens give form to the world below.'

For a lengthy and unapologetic negative response to Dante's saving of Folco, see the judgment of John S. Carroll (DDP Carroll.Par.IX.82-102), which concludes as follows: 'It certainly gives us a shock to find a noble spirit like Dante's so subdued to the colour and temper of its time that deeds which sink Ezzelino to perdition exalt Folco to Paradise, because done in the name of Christ and authority of His Vicar.'

For the other appearance of the phrase 'cotanto affetto,' see [Inf V 125], where it applies to carnal affections.  Folco's use of it now is very different, we may imagine, than it would have been in his flaming youth.