The Pilgrimage Chapter Summary & Analysis - Chapter 4, Cruelty Summary

Chapter 4, Cruelty Summary

One afternoon while Petrus and Paulo rest in an olive grove an old man approaches them and tells the story of how love was murdered at a small church nearby. A young princess coming back from Compostela decided to give up everything and care for the sick and poor. The princess' brother came to bring her home, but when she refused he stabbed her out of desperation. As penance the duke was made to walk the road to Compostela and on his way back was filled with the same feeling that had overcome his sister. When the old man finishes, Petrus comments that the story is an example of the law of retribution. Petrus goes on to explain that the brother was "forced to continue the good works he had interrupted" because anyone who tries to destroy love must re-create it.

After several more days of walking the two men...
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