they claimed that alhassan was present when a prince was present who had been excessive in punishing some of the sinners. he spoke to him but he did not pay attention to his words and he frightened him but he did not learn from his warning. he said you are only hitting yourself so if you wish now do it less and if you wish do it more.
وقد زعموا أن الحسن حضر أميرا قد أفرط في عقوبة بعض المذنبين، فكلمه فلم يحفل بكلامه، وخوفه فلم يتعظ بزجره، فقال إنك إنما تضرب نفسك، فإن شءت الآن فأقل، وإن شئت فأكثر.