Commentary Par VIII 37

The first verse of the first canzone of the Convivio is cited here; that is beyond dispute.  But what to make of this self-citation is the cause of some dispute (for an overview, see C.Par.VIII.34-39).  The 'understanding' (intendendo) that Dante is attributing to the intelligence of the angelic host of the Thrones is said (Conv.II.v.18) to move the sphere of Venus by the power of their intellects.  That same condition would still seem to pertain, even if the 'movers' are now seen to be Principalities (and not Thrones).  See C.Par.XXVIII.130-135.