Curia, you'll take nothing if you don't start with the dative! And
another says, the Roman Curia cares not for a sheep without wool.' "And with such like, Hugo continues a considerable space.
"Hearing these things the cardinals were cut to the heart and gnashed their teeth at him. But they had not the hardihood to reply; for the fear of the Lord came over them and the hand of the Lord was with him. Yet they wondered that he spoke to them so boldly; and finally it seemed best to them to slip out and leave him, nor did they question him, saying, as the Athenians to Paul: 'We will hear thee again of this matter.'"[1]
Hugo's invective is outdone by Salimbene's closing scorn.
And now (to return to Salimbene's journey) here at Hyères in the year 1248 many notaries and judges, and physicians and other men of learning, were assembled to hear Brother Hugo speak of the Abbot Joachim's doctrines, and expound Holy Scripture, and predict the future. "And I was there to hear him; for long before I had been instructed in these teachings." But there came two Preaching friars, and abode at the Franciscan house, since the Dominicans had no convent at Hyères. One was Brother Peter of Apulia, a learned man and a great speaker. After dinner a brother asked him what he thought of Abbot Joachim. He answered: "I care as much for Joachim as for the fifth wheel of a coach."
Thereupon this brother hurried to Hugo's chamber, and exclaimed in the presence of all the notables there: "Here is a brother Preacher who does not believe that doctrine at all."
To whom Brother Hugo: "And what is it to me if he does not believe? Be it laid at his door; he will see it when trouble shall enlighten him. Yet call him to debate; let us hear of what he doubts."
So, called, he came, very unwillingly, because he held Joachim so cheaply, and besides thought there was no one in that house fit to dispute with him. When Brother Hugo saw him he said: "Art thou he who doubts the doctrine of Joachim?"
- ↑ From Novati, o.c. pp. 415, 416. Cf. pp. 97 sqq. of the Parma ed.
