nd strong positions of the valley,
assembled the men in the principal church, took them all prisoners, and
then caused his people to plunder and destroy the whole country, with
the greatest avarice and cruelty, making no distinction in favor of
consecrated places, and violating the women, both married and
single. These things being known in Florence, displeased not only the
magistracy, but the whole city.

CHAPTER V

The inhabitants of Seravezza appeal to the Signory--Complaints against
Rinaldo degli Albizzi--The commissaries changed--Filippo Brunelleschi
proposes to submerge the country about Lucca--Pagolo Guinigi asks
assistance of the duke of Milan--The duke sends Francesco Sforza--Pagolo
Guinigi expelled--The Florentines routed by the forces of the duke--The
acquisitions of the Lucchese after the victory--Conclusion of the war.

A few of the inhabitants of the valley of Seravezza, having escaped the
hands of the commissary, came to Florence and acquainted every one in
the streets with their miserable situation; and by the advice of those
who, either through indignation at his wickedness or from being of
the opposite party, wished to punish the commissary, they went to the
Council of Ten, and requested an audience. This being granted, one of
them spoke to the following effect: "We feel assured, magnificent lords,
that we shall find credit and compassion from the Signory, when you
learn how your commissary has taken possession of our country, and in
what manner he has treated us. Our valley, as the memorials of your
ancient houses abundantly testify, was always Guelphic, and has
often proved a secure retreat to your citizens when persecuted by the
Ghibellines. Our forefathers, and ourselves too, have always revered the
name of this noble republic as the leader and head of their party. While
the Lucchese were Guelphs we willingly submitted to their government;
but when enslaved by the tyrant, who forsook his old friends to join
the Ghibelline faction, we have obeyed him more through force than good
will. And God knows how often we have prayed, that we might have an
opportunity of showing our attachment to our ancient party. But how
blind are mankind in their wishes! That which we desired for our safety
has proved our destruction. As soon as we learned that your ensigns were
approaching, we hastened to meet your commissary, not as an enemy,
but as the representative of our ancient lords; placed our valley, our
pe