peaceable and humane) he caused a cessation of hostilities, and
for the present restored peace to Rome.

The Florentines, after the pacification of Lombardy, could not remain
quiet; for it appeared disgraceful that a private gentleman should
deprive them of the fortress of Serezana; and as it was allowed by the
conditions of peace, not only to demand lost places, but to make war
upon any who should impede their restoration, they immediately provided
men and money to undertake its recovery. Upon this, Agostino Fregoso,
who had seized Serezana, being unable to defend it, gave the fortress to
the Bank of St. Giorgio. As we shall have frequent occasion to speak of
St. Giorgio and the Genoese, it will not be improper, since Genoa is
one of the principal cities of Italy, to give some account of the
regulations and usages prevailing there. When the Genoese had made peace
with the Venetians, after the great war, many years ago, the republic,
being unable to satisfy the claims of those who had advanced large sums
of money for its use, conceded to them the revenue of the Dogano or
customhouse, so that each creditor should participate in the receipts
in proportion to his claim, until the whole amount should be liquidated,
and as a suitable place for their assembling, the palace over the
Dogano was assigned for their use. These creditors established a form of
government among themselves, appointing a council of one hundred persons
for the direction of their affairs, and a committee of eight, who, as
the executive body, should carry into effect the determinations of the
council. Their credits were divided into shares, called _Luoghi_, and
they took the title of the Bank, or Company of St. Giorgio. Having thus
arranged their government, the city fell into fresh difficulties, and
applied to San Giorgio for assistance, which, being wealthy and well
managed, was able to afford the required aid. On the other hand, as the
city had at first conceded the customs, she next began to assign towns,
castles, or territories, as security for moneys received; and this
practice has proceeded to such a length, from the necessities of the
state, and the accommodation by the San Giorgio, that the latter now
has under its administration most of the towns and cities in the Genoese
dominion. These the Bank governs and protects, and every year sends its
deputies, appointed by vote, without any interference on the part of the
republic. Hence the affections