f the palace, loudly called the people to
arms; and presently the courtyards were filled with armed men, and the
Colleagues granted to threats, what they had refused to entreaty. The
Capitani di Parte had at the same time drawn together a great number of
citizens to their hall to consult upon the means of defending themselves
against the orders of the Signors, but when they heard the tumult that
was raised, and were informed of the course the Councils had adopted,
each took refuge in his own house.

Let no one, when raising popular commotions, imagine he can afterward
control them at his pleasure, or restrain them from proceeding to the
commission of violence. Salvestro intended to enact his law, and compose
the city; but it happened otherwise; for the feelings of all had
become so excited, that they shut up the shops; the citizens fortified
themselves in their houses; many conveyed their valuable property into
the churches and monasteries, and everyone seemed to apprehend something
terrible at hand. The companies of the Arts met, and each appointed
an additional officer or Syndic; upon which the Priors summoned their
Colleagues and these Syndics, and consulted a whole day how the city
might be appeased with satisfaction to the different parties; but much
difference of opinion prevailed, and no conclusion was come to. On the
following day the Arts brought forth their banners, which the Signory
understanding, and being apprehensive of evil, called the Council
together to consider what course to adopt. But scarcely were they
met, when the uproar recommenced, and soon the ensigns of the Arts,
surrounded by vast numbers of armed men, occupied the courts. Upon this
the Council, to give the Arts and the people hope of redress, and free
themselves as much as possible from the charge of causing the mischief,
gave a general power, which in Florence is called _Balia_, to the
Signors, the Colleagues, the Eight, the Capitani di Parte, and to the
Syndics of the Arts, to reform the government of the city, for the
common benefit of all. While this was being arranged, a few of the
ensigns of the Arts and some of the mob, desirous of avenging themselves
for the recent injuries they had received from the Guelphs, separated
themselves from the rest, and sacked and burnt the house of Lapo da
Castiglionchio, who, when he learned the proceedings of the Signory
against the Guelphs, and saw the people in arms, having no other
resource but conc