| Summary: | In the solemn tercets of Paradise, XIV, 85-96, while ascending from the sphere of the Sun to the sphere of Mars, Dante gives thanks to God by making a silent whole burnt-offering to Him. In truth, the text conceals a scriptural echo. In fact, it reminds us of St. Mark’s verses concerning the commandment to love God (Gospel Mk 12, 29-33). Actually, Dante contaminates these verses of St. Mark’s Gospel with a passage of the Ecclesiastes (Ecclesiastes, 35, 1-9). This passage presents a celebration of God’s satisfaction for the just’s sacrifice. Identifying the inner text, this article focuses on the meaning of Dante’s tercets: while entering the sphere of Mars, which – according to The Banquet – “desiccates and burns”, Dante perceives The Holy Spirit Love (Par. XIV, 67-78) and offers a whole burnt-offering to God, thus moving further to the sphere of Mars.
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