How far these self-accusations of Dante were justified by facts, and how far they may be regarded as expressions of a sensitive and excited conscience, we have no means of determining. It is doubtless but simple justice to apply to him the words which he applies to Virgil, Canto III 8:⁠—

“O noble conscience, and without a stain,

How sharp a sting is trivial fault to thee!”

“O noble conscience, and without a stain, How sharp a sting is trivial fault to thee!”