We read of King Conrad [97] that when he was a boy he enjoyed the
company of twelve boys of his 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.
And therefore, we are told, King Conrad took great heed not to act
wrongly, for of pity them.