Commentary Inf III 64-69

The second descriptive passage that indicates the condition of these sinners continues the contrapasso (see [Inf XXVIII 142]). Now we see that these beings, who lacked all inner stimulation, are stung (stimolati) by noxious insects. Their tears mix with the blood drawn by these wounds only to serve as food for worms. Dante's personal hatred for those who, unlike him, never made their true feelings or opinions known irradiates this canto. There is not a single detail that falls short of the condition of eternal insult.