[3] The north-eastern promontory of Sicily.
[4] The people of the Casentino, the upper valley of the Arno.
[5] The Aretines.
[6] Turning westward.
[7] The wolves of Florence.
[8] The Pisans.
“I see thy grandson,[1] who becomes hunter of those wolves upon the bank of the fierce stream, and terrifies them all. He sells their flesh,[2] it being yet alive; then he slays them, like an old wild beast; many of life, himself of honor he deprives. Bloody he comes forth from the dismal wood;[3] he leaves it such, that from now for a thousand years, in its primal state it is not rewooded.” As at the announcement of grievous ills, the face of him who listens is disturbed, from whatsoever side the danger may assail him, so I saw the other soul, that was turned to hear, become disturbed and sad, when it had gathered to itself the words.
[1] Fulcieri da Calvoli, so named by Villani (viii. 69), “a fierce and cruel man,” was made podesta of Florence in 1302. He put to death many of the White Guelphs, and banished more of them.
[2] Bribed by the opposite party.
[3] Florence, spoiled and undone.