llows, he has not only raised himself beyond all the anxieties of
want, but has also been consummately extolled and prized by all other
men.

This was the case in the time of our fathers with the Florentine Cecca,
into whose hands there came many highly honourable works in his day; and
in these he acquitted himself so well, toiling in the service of his
country with economy and with great satisfaction to his fellow-citizens,
that his ingenious and industrious labours have made him famous and
illustrious among the number of distinguished and renowned craftsmen.
It is said that in his youth Cecca was a very good carpenter, and that
he had concentrated all his powers on seeking to solve the difficulties
connected with engines, and how to make machines for assaulting walls in
war--scaling-ladders for climbing into cities, battering-rams for
breaching fortifications, defences for protecting soldiers in the
attack, and everything that could injure his enemies and assist his
friends--wherefore, being a person of the greatest utility to his
country, he well deserved the permanent provision that the Signoria of
Florence gave him. For this reason, when there was no war going on, he
would go through the whole territory inspecting the fortresses and the
walls of cities and townships, and, if any were weak, he would provide
them with designs for ramparts and everything else that was wanting.

It is said that the Clouds which were borne in procession throughout
Florence on the festival of S. John--things truly most ingenious and
beautiful--were invented by Cecca, who was much employed in such matters
at that time, when the city was greatly given to holding festivals. In
truth, although such festivals and representations have now fallen
almost entirely out of use, they were very beautiful spectacles, and
they were celebrated not only by the Companies, or rather,
Confraternities, but also in the private houses of gentlemen, who were
wont to form certain associations and societies, and to meet together at
certain times to make merry; and among them there were ever many courtly
craftsmen, who, besides being fanciful and amusing, served to make the
preparations for such festivals. Among others, four most solemn public
spectacles took place almost every year, one for each quarter of the
city, with the exception of that of S. Giovanni, for the festival of
which a most solemn procession was held, as will be told. The quarter of
S. Maria Nov