Guaschi

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In the twenty-seventh canto of the Paradiso, the apostle Peter, at the close of his discourse, recalls the blood that was shed and that opened the way to the word, and points out in the Caorsini and the Guaschi those who are already preparing to drink of that blood, that is, to draw wealth and power from the sacred office founded with the apostolic martyrdom. The authorized note at canto XXVII specifies that by Guaschi reference is made in particular to Pope Clement V, already defined in canto XVII 82 as "'l Guasco," recalling his thirst for power that set him against Henry VII (cf. XVII 82 and XXX 142-4), and that the inhabitants of Gascony were known for their avarice (so Landino). The note also recalls that caorsino was in common opinion synonymous with usurer, in reference to Pope John XXII of Cahors.