That fame, which doeth honor to your house, Proclaims its Signors and proclaims its land, So that he knows of them who ne’er was there. And, as I hope for heaven, I swear to you Your honored family in naught abates The glory of the purse and of the sword. It is so privileged by use and nature, That though a guilty head misguide the world, 671 Sole it goes right, and scorns the evil way.” And he: “Now go; for the sun shall not lie Seven times upon the pillow which the Ram 672 With all his four feet covers and bestrides, Before that such a courteous opinion Shall in the middle of thy head be nailed 673 With greater nails than of another’s speech, Unless the course of justice standeth still.” 674
Dante’s dream of the eagle—The gate of Purgatory.