Commentary Inf IX 89-90

The angel's opening of the barred gates with his verghetta ('wand') is almost surely, even if there is no sign of recognition in the commentary tradition, modeled on Mercury's similar opening of the gates of Herse's chamber with his verga, i.e., his caduceus (Ovid, Metam. II.819). See Hollander (Holl.1980.1), p. 181n., and Barsella (Bars.2003.1), p. 386.