Commentary Par V 79-81

See Carroll's gloss on this tercet (contained in his treatment of seven tercets, DDP Carroll.Par.V.64-84): 'Dante appeals to Christians to be on their guard against the wicked greed which will tell them that the Old and the New Testament and the Shepherd of the Church are not sufficient to salvation, and induces them to take vows under promise of an easy absolution for the breaking of them.'