[1] Biagi’s version is a little more elaborate. The origin of the tale is to be found in the Pseudo-Turpino. See Gaspary, History of Italian Literature. [↑]
XIX
Of the great generosity and courtesy of the Young King
We read of the valour[1] of the Young King[2] in rivalry with his father through the offices of Beltram.[3] [[71]]
This Beltram boasted that he had more sense than anyone else. Whence many judgments came into being, some of which are written here.
Beltram plotted with the Young King that he should persuade his father to give him his share of inheritance. And so insistent was the son that he gained his request. And he gave all away to gentlefolk and to poor knights, so that nothing remained to him and he had no more to give away.
A court player asked him for a gift. He replied that he had given all away, but this only is left me,[4] a bad tooth, and my father has promised two thousand marks to whomsoever shall prevail on me to have it taken out. Go to my father and make him give you the marks, and I will draw the tooth from my mouth at your request.
The minstrel went to the father and had the marks, and the son drew out his tooth.
On another occasion it happened that he gave two hundred marks to a gentleman. The seneschal or treasurer took the marks, and laid a carpet in a room and placed the marks [[72]]beneath it, together with a bundle of cloth so that the whole should seem larger.