Count Ratepadius of Rome was of such a mild temperament that he issued an order proclaiming every criminal whether a thief, robber or murderer who had been imprisoned and led before a judge, to be set free. No one was permitted to object and those so judged should not have their inheritance reduced.
It then occurred that a knight named Plebens took to a wood, and robbed and murdered those who passed through it. As soon as the judge learned of this, he dispatched henchmen who captured the robber. When led before the judge, the judge said, “My friend, you know the law: speak three truths that no one can refute, or I will allow you to be hanged before I sit down to my next meal.”
“Pay heed,” said the knight, “as I will satisfy the law. The first truth is this: I have been a thief, robber and murderer my whole life.”
The judge spoke to the knight and all others present: “that is the truth.” The others agreed and said that Plebens would not have been brought there if he were not a criminal.
The robber continued, “The second truth I will give you, and that is that it is against my wish and will that I was brought here.”
“We all believe that,” replied the judge, “now, speak the third truth.”
“As a third I say,” said Plebens, “that I will never return here of free will if I once leave.”
“You have fulfilled the law and saved your life,” said the judge, “so go where you will and improve your lot.”
The knight left, changed his life’s direction and died in peace.