Commentary Purg XXIV 31-33

Marchese degli Orgogliosi of Forlì was Podestà of Faenza in 1296.  Embellishing an incident he probably first heard from his teacher, Benvenuto da Imola, John of Serravalle (DDP Serravalle.Purg.XXIV.31-33) recounts it this way: 'One day [Marchese] asked of his servant, "What do the people say of me?  What is my reputation among them?"  And the servant answered, "O my lord, they say that you are noble and wise," etc.  And so he spoke again to his servant, saying, "Now tell me the truth, what do they really say?"  In reply the servant said, "Since you wish it, I will tell you the truth; people say you are a great drinker of wine."  At which [Marchese] responded, "These people speak truthfully; but they really ought to add that I am always thirsty -- and that is a fact, for I thirst continually."'  Bonagiunta was also a lover of the grape, according to Benvenuto (DDP Benvenuto.Purg.XXIV.34-39), who characterized him as 'a deft contriver of rhymes and a ready imbiber of wines.'