A markys whilom lord was of that lond,
As were his worthy eldres hym bifore;
And obeisant, ay redy to his hond,
Were alle his liges, bothe lasse and moore.
Thus in delit he lyveth, and hath doon yoore,
Biloved and drad, thurgh favour of Fortune,
Bothe of his lordes and of his commune.
– Geoffrey Chaucer
The Canterbury Tales, The Clerk’s Tale. We are introduced to Walter, Marquis of Saluzzo in Italy, who is both loved and feared by his lords and the common people over whom he rules. His loyal subjects of all ranks are ready to do what he commands.