The latter was aided by the good wishes of the nobles, through which party disputes made their way even into the girl's family.

The nobleman was preferred in the judgment of the mother, who was anxious that her daughter should have the most splendid match possible: the guardians, mindful of party even in that transaction, strove for the person of their own order.

As the matter could not be settled within the walls of the house, they proceeded to a court of justice.

On hearing the claim of the mother and of the guardians, the magistrate decides the right of marriage in conformity with the wish of the mother.

But violence was the more powerful.