The Allegory of Good and Bad Government
Adam Zagajewski
Good government, Buon Governo, and the good judge — we see how Siena thrives under the just ruler. Peace reigns over all, revealed. The peasants work serenely, grapes swell with pride, a wedding party dances in the street. But bad government sets out to torment justice, who bears the lovely name Iustitia, it lies, it sows Discord, it delights in Wickedness and Deceit; it ends by hiring assassins. The town empties, fields cease to bear fruit, houses burn. Still, after seven centuries, just look, (compare the two frescoes) Evil is pale, barely legible while Good compels our gaze with its rich colors. Only seven hundred years of waiting.
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