This “modern Pilate” is Philip the Fair, and the allusion in the following lines is to the persecution and suppression of the Order of the Knights Templars, in 1307⁠—1312. See Milman, History of Latin Christianity , Book XII Ch. 2, and Villani, VIII 92, who says the act was committed per cupidigia di guadagnare , for love of gain; and says also:⁠—

“The king of France and his children had afterwards much shame and adversity, both on account of this sin and on account of the seizure of Pope Boniface.”