Here it is told how a knight asked a lady for her love

A knight once begged a lady for her love, and told her among other things that he was noble and rich and passing fair. And your husband is so ugly, as you know.

And that husband was behind the wall of the room. He spoke and said: Messer, by your courtesy further your own affairs, but do not mar those of other men.

Messer di Val Buona was the ugly man. And Messer Rinieri da Calvoli was the other.[1]

[1] These two knights are mentioned by Dante in the 14th Canto of the Purgatorio, vv. 88–90 and 97. [↑]

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XLVIII

Here it is told of King Conrad, father of Conradin

We read of King Conrad[1] that when he was a boy he enjoyed the company of twelve boys of his [[120]]own age. Whenever King Conrad was at fault, the masters who were entrusted with his care did not beat him, but they beat those boys who were his companions. And he would say: Why do you beat these boys? The masters answered: Because of your misdemeanours. And he said: Why do you not beat me, for I am to blame? And the masters answered: Because you are our lord. But we beat them in your place. Wherefore sorely should you be grieved if you have a gentle heart, that others pay the penalty of your faults.