What is a Ruler For?
So when he saw that Ysengrin
Would not give up, being sure he'd win,
He tried to talk him out of it.
"Since it is clear, as you admit,
That Renard pursued Hersent with love,
I would say that he was guilty of
Something less than a mortal sin.
Love is the traitor, Ysengrin.
Renard is very brave and clever,
But for all my vassals I endeavor
To be sure that justice will prevail--
The law you appeal to shall not fail."
At Noble's side was a most respected
Camel from Lombardy, selected
By the Pope, who was his friend, to bring,
As legate, tribute sent to the king
From Constantinople. Now, to draw
On his understanding of the law,
The king said, "You've been to many places,
Counselor, perhaps you've heard of cases
Involving problems of this kind.
We would be glad, if you don't mind,
To have you, in your wisdom, decide
How justice can best be satisfied."
"Monsignore," he said, "audite!
In Decretalibus, libro tre,
De concordia officiales
Item matrimoniales
Quando sunt adulterante
Abscondito or in flagrante,
Primo: interrogazione!
If, to the accusazione
Responsio does not satisfy,
Ipso facto you reply:
Numquam criminalis sit!
And do unto him as you see fit.
Ergo ego te commendo
Sua fortuna confiscendo
Let Renard take his paenitentia
Mea culpa magna gratia;
Aut, pro bono, lapidation
Aut aflame him to damnation!
Res ipse loquitor,
Rex, what is a ruler for?