Commentary Inf XXI 100-105

Dante's fears are justified; only Malacoda's intervention prevents the bullying devils from assaulting him with their hooks. Malacoda holds back Scarmiglione, encouraging him to await a more propitious moment for his attack. Scarmiglione is the first of the ten devils to be named. He is apparently not included in the squad of ten put under Barbariccia's control -- see C.Inf.XXI.118-123.