Commentary Par VIII 127-129

See Tozer's paraphrase and interpretation of these lines (DDP Tozer.Par.VIII.127-129): '"[T]he nature of the revolving spheres, which, like a seal on wax, imprints itself on mankind, exercises its art well, but does not distinguish one house from another."  In other words: The stellar influences produce individuality of character in men, but do not favour one family more than another by perpetuating excellence in it.  Dante is returning to the question, How can a bad son proceed from a good father?'