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xxvi The caprice of Fortune is illustrated by the histories of Nero, Emperor of Rome, Crœsus, King of Lydia, and the contemporary history of the destruction of Conradin and Manfred in Sicily by Charles of Anjou. The latter story is related under the allegory of a game at chess.

The Lover has complained in a former chapter of the freedom of speech used by Reason, who after a digression of several hundred lines now defends herself from the accusation.

The Lover once more declares himself the servant of Love, and says that if he were to submit himself to the dictates of Reason he must prove unfaithful to his master and to the Rose, which he is resolved shall never be, and tells her that if she pushes her argument further he shall take to flight.

For table of chapters and lines of the present version see the end of each volume.