Fiorentini (bestie fiesolane)

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The designation "bestie fiesolane" appears in the simile opened by Brunetto Latino in Inferno XV 73, in which the proverbially addressed wish to Dante is that the Fiorentini, compared to goats, should make fodder of one another. The notes to the passage clarify that by this expression is meant «those citizens descended from the rough Fiesolans, like goats or other animals», who may devour one another, given that the term strame also denotes fodder. The metaphor continues with the image of dung at the close of the tercet, in a crescendo of contempt toward Florence. It is a choral figure that collectively designates the Fiorentini, without singling out individual characters within the passage. The reference is limited to Inferno XV and its proverbial context, as indicated by the authorized critical notes.