P. L. b. xi. 477.
v. 45. Valdichiana.] The valley through which passes the river Chiana, bounded by Arezzo, Cortona, Montepulciano, and Chiusi. In the heat of autumn it was formerly rendered unwholesome by the stagnation of the water, but has since been drained by the Emperor Leopold II. The Chiana is mentioned as a remarkably sluggish stream, in the Paradise, Canto XIII. 21.
v. 47. Maremma’s pestilent fen.] See Note to Canto XXV. v. 18.
v. 58. In Aegina.] He alludes to the fable of the ants changed into Myrmidons. Ovid, Met. 1. vii.
v. 104. Arezzo was my dwelling.] Grifolino of Arezzo, who promised Albero, son of the Bishop of Sienna, that he would teach him the art of flying; and because be did not keep his promise, Albero prevailed on his father to have him burnt for a necromancer.
v. 117.
Was ever race
Light as Sienna’s?]
The same imputation is again cast on the Siennese, Purg. Canto
XIII. 141.
v. 121. Stricca.] This is said ironically. Stricca, Niccolo Salimbeni, Caccia of Asciano, and Abbagliato, or Meo de Folcacchieri, belonged to a company of prodigal and luxurious young men in Sienna, called the “brigata godereccia.” Niccolo was the inventor of a new manner of using cloves in cookery, not very well understood by the commentators, and which was termed the “costuma ricca.”
v. 125. In that garden.] Sienna.