ealment or flight, first took refuge in Santa Croce,
and afterward, being disguised as a monk, fled into the Casentino, where
he was often heard to blame himself for having consented to wait till
St. John's day, before they had made themselves sure of the government.
Piero degli Albizzi and Carlo Strozzi hid themselves upon the first
outbreak of the tumult, trusting that when it was over, by the interest
of their numerous friends and relations, they might remain safely in
Florence.

The house of Lapo being burnt, as mischief begins with difficulty but
easily increases, many other houses, either through public hatred, or
private malice, shared the same fate; and the rioters, that they might
have companions more eager than themselves to assist them in their work
of plunder, broke open the public prisons, and then sacked the monastery
of the Agnoli and the convent of S. Spirito, whither many citizens
had taken their most valuable goods for safety. Nor would the public
chambers have escaped these destroyers' hands, except out of reverence
for one of the Signors, who on horseback, and followed by many citizens
in arms, opposed the rage of the mob.

CHAPTER III

Contrary measures adopted by the magistrates to effect a
pacification--Luigi Guicciardini the Gonfalonier entreats the
magistrates of the Arts to endeavor to pacify the people--Serious riot
caused by the plebeians--The woolen Art--The plebeians assemble--The
speech of a seditious plebeian--Their resolution thereupon--The Signory
discover the designs of the plebeians--Measures adopted to counteract
them.

This popular fury being abated by the authority of the Signors and
the approach of night, on the following day, the Balia relieved the
admonished, on condition that they should not for three years be capable
of holding any magistracy. They annulled the laws made by the Guelphs to
the prejudice of the citizens; declared Lapo da Castiglionchio and his
companions, rebels, and with them many others, who were the objects of
universal detestation. After these resolutions, the new Signory were
drawn for, and Luigi Guicciardini appointed Gonfalonier, which gave hope
that the tumults would soon be appeased; for everyone thought them to be
peaceable men and lovers of order. Still the shops were not opened, nor
did the citizens lay down their arms, but continued to patrol the city
in great numbers; so that the Signory did not assume the magistracy with
the usual pomp, b