To whom to conquer in this pass is granted!”

My Master and myself in lonely mood

Still mounting, I considered as I went

How I might gather from his word some good,

And turned to him inquiringly: “What meant

That spirit of Romagna speaking so

Of partnership forbid?” He made reply:

“Of his own worst defect he now doth know

The torment; therefore, do not wonder why

Others he chides to make their penance less.