very atrocity of the Vespers proved the salvation of Sicily, by
cutting off all possibility of compromise. On that same bloodstained
night of the 31st of March, the people of Palermo assembled in
parliament, and, divided between the triumph of vengeance and terror
at their own daring act, advanced still more decidedly in the path
they had chosen. They abolished monarchy, and resolved to establish a
commonwealth under the protection of the Church of Rome. They were
moved to this determination by deadly hatred against Charles and his
government, and the recollection of the stern rule of the Swabian
dynasty on the one hand, and, on the other, by grateful remembrance of
the liberty enjoyed in 1254; by the example of the Tuscan and Lombard
republics, and by the natural pride of a powerful city, which having
freed itself from a detested yoke confided in its own strength. The
name of the Church was added in order to disarm the wrath of the Pope,
to tempt his ambition, or to justify the rebellion under the pretext
that in driving out their more immediate but criminal ruler they
contemplated no infraction of loyalty to the suzerain from whom he
held his power. Roger Mastrangelo, Henry Barresi, and Niccoloso of
Ortoleva (knights), and Niccolo of Ebdemonia were proclaimed captains
of the people with five counsellors. By the glare of torchlight on the
bloody ground, amid the noise and throng of the armed multitude, and
with all the sublime pomp of tumult, the republican magistrates were
inaugurated. Trumpets and Moorish kettle-drums sounded, and thousands
upon thousands of voices uttered the joyous cry of "The Republic and
Liberty!" The ancient banner of the city--a golden eagle in a red
field--was unfolded to wave amid new glories; and in homage to the
Church the keys of St. Peter were quartered upon it.

At midnight, John of St. Remigio stayed his rapid flight at Vicari, a
castle thirty miles distant from the capital; where, knocking loudly
and hurriedly, he was with difficulty recognized by the garrison,
half-drunk from the celebration of the same festival which had bred so
fearful a slaughter in Palermo. Having admitted him, they were
transfixed with amazement at seeing their Justiciary at so
unreasonable an hour, unescorted, breathless, and covered with blood.
John refused all explanation at the time, but the next morning at
daybreak he called to arms all the French of the neighborhood--a
feudal militia well inured to warfare-