it to action. Two men in humble life, talking together near the
Porta Nuova of the calamities of the city, their own misery, and the
means that might be adopted for their relief, others beginning to
congregate, there was soon collected a large crowd; in consequence of
it a report was spread that the neighborhood of Porta Nuova had risen
against the government. Upon this, all the lower orders, who only waited
for an example, assembled in arms, and chose Gasparre da Vicomercato to
be their leader. They then proceeded to the place where the magistrates
were assembled, and attacked them so impetuously that all who did not
escape by flight were slain: among the number, as being considered a
principal cause of the famine, and gratified at their distress, fell
Lionardo Veniero, the Venetian ambassador. Having thus almost become
masters of the city, they considered what course was next to be adopted
to escape from the horrors surrounding them, and to procure peace. A
feeling universally prevailed, that as they could not preserve their own
liberty, they ought to submit to a prince who could defend them. Some
proposed King Alfonso, some the duke of Savoy, and others the king
of France, but none mentioned the count, so great was the general
indignation against him. However, disagreeing with the rest, Gasparre da
Vicomercato proposed him, and explained in detail that if they desired
relief from war, no other plan was open, since the people of Milan
required a certain and immediate peace, and not a distant hope
of succor. He apologized for the count's proceedings, accused the
Venetians, and all the powers of Italy, of which some from ambition and
others from avarice were averse to their possessing freedom. Having to
dispose of their liberty, it would be preferable, he said, to obey one
who knew and could defend them; so that, by their servitude they might
obtain peace, and not bring upon themselves greater evils and more
dangerous wars. He was listened to with the most profound attention;
and, having concluded his harangue, it was unanimously resolved by the
assembly, that the count should be called in, and Gasparre was appointed
to wait upon him and signify their desire. By the people's command he
conveyed the pleasing and happy intelligence to the count, who heard
it with the utmost satisfaction, and entered Milan as prince on the
twenty-sixth of February, 1450, where he was received with the greatest
possible joy by those who, onl