The works of the famous Nicholas Machiavel, citizen and secretary of Florence written originally in Italian, and from thence newly and faithfully translated into English.

THE LIFE OF CASTRVCCIO CASTRACANI OF LVCCA, Written by Nicolo Machiavelli and Dedicated to Zanobi Buonbelmonti and Luigi Alamani his particular Friends.

IT seems (most Excellent Friends) to those who consider it, very strange, that all, or the greatest part of them, who in this world have perform'd any thing extraordinary, and raised themselves above the pitch of their Contemporaries, have had their births and beginnings mean and obscure, or else infested and perplexed with all the difficulties that fortune could present. For all of them having been exposed to wild beasts when they were young, or being descended from base Parentage, and ashamed of their Extraction, they have declared themselves Sons of Iupiter, or some other Deity, of which sort the number being so great, and their story so well known, to repeat them would be both super∣fluous and troublesome. The reason I suppose to be, that fortune willing to demonstrate to the world, that 'tis not any ones prudence, but she that raises men to be great, begins to shew and exercise her power at a time in which prudence can pretend to no share in us; that all our successes may be acknowledged to her. Castruccio Castracani of Lucca was one of this sort, who in respect of the times in which he lived, and the place in which he was born, performed great things; for in his beginning he was neither more happy not more eminent than the rest, as you shall understand in my description of his life, which I have thought good to transmit to Posterity, having observed many things in it (both for virtue and event) of extraordinary example; and to you it seemed most proper to direct it, as persons more delighted with honourable and heroick actions, than any I know be∣sides.

I say then, the Family of the Castracani is reckoned among the most Illustrious Families in the City of Lucca, though at present (according to the fatality of all worldly things) it seems to be extinct. Out of this house there was born in former times one Antonio, who entring himself into Orders, was made a Canon of Saint Mitchel in Lucca, and in to∣ken of Honour called Messer Antoin: He had no kindred but one Sister, who was married long before to one Buonaccorso Cinami: Buonaccorso being dead, and she being a Widow, she lived with her Brother, with resolution to marry no more. Behind the house in which he dwelt, Master Anthony had a Vineyard, which bordering upon several Gardens, was ac∣cessible from several parts, and without much difficulty. It hapned that one morning about Sun-rise, Madam Dianora (for that was the Sisters name) walking out into the Vineyard to gather herbs for a Salad (as women frequently do), she heard a rusling under the leaves, and turning towards it, she fancyed it cryed; advancing up towards it, she saw the hands and face of a child, which tumbling up and down in the leaves, seemed to call for relief:

Madam Dianora, partly astonished, and partly afraid, took it up very tenderly, carried it home, wash'd it and having put it in clean clouts, she presented it to Master Antony, who understanding the case and seeing the Infant, was no less affected with wonder and com∣passion than his Sister before him. Debating with themselves what course was to be taken, it was concluded to bring it up, Anthony being a Priest, and she having no children. They christened it Castruccio, by the name of their Father, and look'd to it as carefully as it had been their own. Castruccio's graces encreased with his years, and his wit was so pregnant, they put him to nothing but he took it very well. Anthony designed him for a Priest, and to resign his Canonship and other Benefices one day, and according to that design he gave him education; but he could not find that Castruccio had inclination to that kind of life; on the contrary, he perceived his natural disposition tending quite another way.

In short, Castruccio was scarce 14 years old, but abating by little and little of his awe and respects to Antonio and Dianora, he began to neglect his Studies, to devote himself to Arms, and taking great delight in wrestling, and running, and such violent exercises, his mettle was so well suted with the strength of his body, that none of his companions were able to cope with him. He troubled himself very little with reading, unless it were such things as might instruct him for War, or acquaint him with the great actions of some eminent Commander, which did not only disquiet Antonio, but afflicted him.

There was at that time in Lucca a Gentleman called Francisco, of the House of the Guinigi a handsom man, very rich, and remarkable for many good qualities, which re∣commended him to one of the first ranks in the Town. He had born Arms all his life long, and for the most part under the Viscontis, Dukes of Milan. He had with them engaged for the Ghibilins, and the City of Lucca look'd upon him as the very life of their party. It was at the time when these two great Factions (the Guelfs and the Ghibilins) shared all Italy betwixt them, divided the Popes and the Emperors, engaged in their different interests the Inhabitants of the same Town, and the members of the same Family. Francisco ac∣companied usually by persons of Quality of his Cabal, walk'd often before the place of St. Michael, not far from the Palace of the Podestat or Governor. In that Market-place he tooke notice of Castruccio, who was often times playing there amongst his School-fellows and Comrades. He observed the youth always prescribed such sports to the rest, as he had cho∣sen on purpose to prepare him for the War. Francisco could easily perceived how much the agility of Castruccio advanced him above his Companions, and he as easily perceived that he assumed an authority over them, and that they on their part paid him a reverence, and such a one as was accompanied with kindness and zeal. Francisco took a great fancy to the boy, in∣quited what he was, and being informed by some who were by, he had a months mind to have him himself: calling him to him one day, he ask'd him if he did not prefer a Gentle∣mans Family, where he might learn to ride the great Horse, and exercise his Arms before the Cloister of a Church-man where he must spin out his days in idleness and melancholy. He no sooner mentioned Horses and Arms, but Castruccio was ready to have leap'd out of his skin; but recollecting himself, a sentiment of modesty kept him from answering, till the fine words of Francisco having given him more confidence, he told him, that if he had the liberty of choosing he had rather a thousand times be employed as a Gentleman, than in the way for which he was design'd. His resolution was so pleasing to Francisco, that not long after he made a visit to Antonio, and begg'd Castruccio of him, in so pressing, and yet so civil a manner, that Antonio finding it impossible to master the natural inclinations of the youth, delivered him to Francisco.

By this means Castruccio changed his Education, and 'tis not to be beleived with what easiness he improved in those exercises which are fit for a Gentleman to learn. It was to be admired with what address and vigor he mounted his horse, with what grace he ma∣naged his launce, and with what comeliness his sword; and this his dexterity distinguished him so highly from the croud of his companions, that it would have been imprudence in any one of them to have contended with him, either at the Barrieri or Iusts. To all these advantages he had an engaging way with him, that obliged where-ever he came; his actions and his words seemed premedtiate and studied, so careful, and so regular he was lest he should say or do any thing that might any ways offends. He carried himself always with respect to his superiors, with modesty to his equals, and with civility and complaisance to those who were beneath him; so that these good qualities did not only gain him the affe∣ction of Francisco's whole Family, but the love and esteem of the whole City of Lucca.

he was eighteen years old when the Faction of the Guelfs drove the Ghibilins out of Pania. Visconti Prince of Milan, a zealous Partizan of the Ghibilins, solicited Succours from Francisco Guinigi, who casting his eyes upon Castruccio, as the first mark of his affe∣ction, made him Lieutenant of a Company of Foot, and marched with him to Visconti.

The first Campania this new Lieutenant made, put him into such reputation, that he eclipsed the glory of all the rest who served in that War: He gave so great and so many testimonies both of his courage and conduct, that his fame was spread all over Lombardy. When also he came back to Lucca, and observed the Town had doubled the respect which they had for him before, he applyed himself to make new friendships, and to that purpose made use of all the courtesie and insinuation that is necessary in that case.

Not long after Francesco Guinigi fell sick, and finding himself near his end, having but one Son of about 13 years of age, called Pagolo, he sent for Castruccio, and committed the tuition of his Son, and the management of his Estate into his hands, and having gently remembred Castruccio that he was the Person who raised him, he begg'd that he would shew the same generosity towards Pagolo as he had done towards him; and if any thing was due to the bounty of the Father, to return it upon his Son. He fancied he discerned in the countenance of Castruccio all the marks and indications of a generous mind, and died with∣out being disturbed with the least suspicion of his ingratitude.

The trust, and his administration of so great an Estate made Castruccio more considera∣ble than before, but they created him likewise some enemies, and lessened the affection which some had had for him: for knowing him to be of an enterprizing spirit, many began to fancy his designs were tyrannical, and to oppress the liberty of his Country. The Signeur Giorgio Opizi (chief of the Guelfs Faction in Lucca) was the most to be appre∣hended of all those that accused Castruccio with that abominable ambition. Opizi was of opinion that the death of Francesco Guinigi, head of the adverse party, would leave him Master of the Town, but he quickly found that the single reputation o•• Castruccio would be a new impediment to his usurpation; so that thinking to rob him of the affections of the people, he spread false reports, and aspersed him where-ever he came. At first these calumniations troubled Castruccio but little, but at length they alarm'd him to the purpose; for he suspected that Opizi would not fail to set him at odds with the Lieutenant which Robert King of Naples had settled in Lucca and that if that Governor was his enemy, he should in a short time be turned out of the Town. And against so great danger, his pro∣vision was this.

The Town of Pisa was then under the Government of Huguccione de Fagivola, original∣ly of the Town of Arrezzo; being chosen Captain by the Pisans, he had made himself their Soveraign, and having given protection to certain Ghibilins who were banished from Lucca, Castruccio entred into secret intelligence by the privity of Huguccione, and being as∣sured of his assistance he resolved the poor Exiles should be restored. To this effect he agreed with his friends in Lucca, who were of his Counsel, and jealous as himself of the power of the Opizi. All necessary measures were taken by the Conspirators. Castruccio had the care of fortifying privately a Tower in the City, called the Tower of Honour. He furnished it with ammunition, in case he should be forced to defend it; and having ap∣pointed the night for the execution of their design, Huguccione failed not at the precise hour to be at the Rendezvous betwixt Lucca and the neighbouring Mountains. Upon a signal given to Castruccio he advanced towards the Gate of St. Peter, and set fire to the Anti∣port next the ••ields, whilst Castruccio broke down another on the other side of the Town. In the mean time his associates cryed out To your Arms, to excite the people to rise, and thereby put all things into confusion. Huguccione entred with his Troops, and having seized upon the Town, he caused all the Opizi to be murdered, and all the rest of their par∣ty which fell into their hands. The Governor, for the King of Naples was turned out, and the Government of the Town altered, as Huguccione directed, who, to compleat the de∣solations of Lucca, banished no less than a hundred of the best Families that belonged to it▪ The miserable Exiles fled part to Florence and part to Pistoia, two Towns of the Faction of the Guelfs, and for that reason enemies to Huguccione, and the prevailing party in Lucca.

The Florentines and whole Faction of the Guelfs, apprehending this great success would hazard to re-establish the power of the Ghibilins in Tuscany, they entred into consultation which way those Exiles might be restored. They set out a considerable Army, and encam∣ped at Monte Carlo to open themselves a passage to Lucca. Huguccione on his side drew the Lucca Troops together, and put them under the Command of Castruccio, and then joyning them with his own from Pisa, and reinforcing them with a Squadron of German Horse which he got out of Lombardy, he marched out to encounter the Florentines. Whereupon the Florentines quitted their Post at Monte Carlo and entrenching betwixt Monte-Catino and Pescia, Huguccione possessed himself of the quarter which they had left. Their Armies be∣ing within two miles distance one from the other, their Horse met daily and skirmished, and they had come certainly to a peremptory Battel, had not Huguccione fallen ill just in the

nick. His disposition forcing him from the Camp to look out for better accommodation in Monte-carlo, he left the Command of the Army to Castruccio, his retirement, which discouraged his own men, and made them think of protracting the Battel, animated the Florentines, but brought no great advantage to their affairs, In short, the Florentines perceiving their Enemies without a General, began to despise them, and Castruccio ob∣serving how much they were elated, endeavoured to augment it. He pretended great Con∣sternation, and to make his fear the more credible, he gave Orders that his Troops should be drawn up within the Lines, but with positive inhibition for any of them to go forth, though not a moment passed but the Florentines provoked them; but all to no purpose. Besides that, this pretended terror in Castruccio redoubled the rashness of the Enemy, and perfectly blinded them, he drew another advantage from it, which was to discover exactly the disposition of their Army and the Order of their March. When he had well observed them, and tempted their temerity as much as he thought fit, he resolved to fight them the next Bravado they made, and omitting nothing that might encourage his Soldiers, he assu∣red them of Victory if they followed his Commands. He had observed that the weakest and worst arm'd of their Soldiers were disposed still in their wings, and their best placed in the Body. Castruccio drew up in the same Order, but distributed his Soldiers quite contrary, for the worst and most unserviceable he placed in the Body and his best men in the wings, In this posture he drew out of the Trenches, and had scarce form'd his Battalia, before the Enemy appeared, and with his usual insolence. Castruccio Commanded that the Body should march slowly, but the two wings were to advance as fast as they could; so that when they came to engage, there was only the wings that could fight; for Castruccio's Body having lagged by Command, the Florentine Body had too far to march before they could charge them, so as they remained idle, being neither able to do any thing against the Main Body that was design'd to oppose them, nor sustain those who were engaged in the wings; so it hapned that the Florentine wings (composed of the refuse of their Soldiers) were easily broken by Castruccio's, which consisted of his best, and when the wings of the Enemy (which were drawn up before their Body; so as the whole Army was ranged in the figure of a half Moon) were routed, they turn'd tail, ran among their own Body which was marching behind them, and put all into Confusion.

The loss was very great to the Florentines, they left above 10000 men dead upon the place Their best Officers, and the bravest of the Guelfs perished there unfortunately, and to make the defeat the more lamentable, there were several Reformades which died there, of extraodinary quality. Among the rest, Piero Brother to Robert King of Naples; Carlo Nephew to the said King; Philip Lord of Tarentum, who were all come, in Gallantry, to make that Compania with the Florentines. But that which made all the more wonder∣ful was that Castruccio lost not above 300 men, though unhappily one of Hugucciones Sons were of that Number, his Name was Francesco, who sighting briskly at the head of the Voluntiers, for want of good Conduct, was slain at the very first charge. So eminent a Victory as this, must needs put Castruccio into a reputation beyond expression; but Hu∣guccione had like to have died, with meer jealousie, he foresaw that nothing of all this would redound to him, but the vain honour of commanding in chief, and that the real advan∣tage would all fall to his Lieutenant, so that to use him at that rate, was to rob him of his Soveraignty: whereupon, nettled exceedingly, in great envy of his Fortune, he resolved he should die. Whil'st he was in this black resolution, and attended nothing but some specious pretence to get Castruccio to him, and so draw him into his Net, it hapned that Agnolo Micheli (a Person of great alliance as any in Lucca, was murther'd by one who took Sanctuary in Castruccio's House, and was protected: Huguccione's Officers pursued, and demanded the Criminal; but Castruccio denyed them, and suffered him to escape. Hu∣guccione (who was then at Pisa) unwilling to lose so fair an opportunity to revenge him∣self, sent for one of his Sons called Nerli (whom he put before into possession of the Sove∣raignty of Lucca) commands him to repair thither with all speed, and get Castruccio to his house under pretence of supping with some of the most eminent in the Town; and private Orders were given for the making him away, Nerli lay'd his ambush for Castruccio very handsomly, for suspecting nothing, he came to the Feast, and was arrested before he went out of the Palace. But Nerli (being over circumspect, and imagining it might work some alteration in the Spirits of the People, if he killed him bluntly without any formality) writ to his Father to know how he should dispose of him. Huguccione, mad at his unsea∣sonable prudence, departed from Pisa at the head of 400 Horse, to go himself in person to dispatch Castruccio; but, Huguccione was scarce got to Bagni, before the Pisans revolted; cut his Deputies throat; and slew all his Family that were left behind; and that he might be sure they were in earnest, they chose the Conte de Guerardesc••, and made him their

Governor. Though he had news of this Rebellion before his arrival at Lucca, yet he thought it inconvenient to return; on the contrary, he made all the hast thither that he could, to be there (if possible) before the report, lest if the news got before him, it might have ill effect upon the Luccheses, and prevail with them to exclude him their City. But the Luccheses had heard it before, had such designs of their own, and the liberty of Ca∣struccio was the thing they were to pretend. Huguccione was admitted, but his presence was not sufficient to keep them in their duties: They began to assemble in parties, to whisper and speak slightly of him in private, then to murmur, then to tumultuate, and taking Arms by degrees, they came boldly, and demanded Castruccio should be enlarged, and this they did in so positive and audacious a manner, that Huguccione apprehending, the consequences, delivered him to them. Castruccio not contented with that, conceiving vaster designs than formerly, and egg'd on by an equal impulse of honour and revenge, he assem∣bled his friends, and taking the benefit of the favourable disposition of the People, he re∣solved to oppose himself against Huguccione, and forcing of him out of Lucca with all his party, Huguccione retired into Lombardy to the Lords of Scala where not long after he died very poor.

This was a happy turn for Castruccio, from the incommodities of a Prison, to the Supre∣macy of a Prince; and yet this was not enough. Finding himself accompanied by a great number of his Friends which encouraged him, and by the whole body of the people, which flattered his ambition, he caused himself to be chosen Captain General of all their Forces for a Twelve-month; and resolving to perform some Eminent action that might justifie their choice, he undertook the reduction of several places which had revolted from that City in favour of Huguccione. Having to this purpose entered into strict alliance with the City of Pisa, they sent him supplies, and he marched with them to besiege Serezane, But the place being very strong; before he could carry it, he was obliged to build a Fortress as near it as he could. This new Post in two months time, render'd him Master of the whole Country, and is the same Fort that at this day is called Serezanello, repaired since, and much enlarged by the Florentines. Supported by the credit of so glorious an exploit, he reduced Massa, Carrara, and Lavenza very easily: he seized likewise upon the whole Country of Lunigiana, and to secure his Communication with Lombardy, he took Pont Remoli by force, and drove out Anastasio Palavicini the Sovereign: So that full of glory he returned to Lucca, where the People thronged to meet him, and received him with all possible demonstrations of joy.

This was the happiest conjuncture for Castruccio in the world, for having been so discreet before to make his interest with the most considerable of the Luccheses, and among the rest with Poggio, Portico, Baccansachi, and Cecco Guinigi, the favour of these great men, con∣curring with the inclination of the people, and every thing else contributing to his happi∣ness, he was solemnly chosen their Soveraign Prince.

About this time Frederick de Baviere, King of the Romans passed out of Germany into Italy, to be crown'd Emperor there. Castruccio who had already wrought himself in some measure into his favour, put himself at the head of 500 Horse, and went to wait upon him, having left as his Deputy in Lucca, Pagolo Guinigi, his Pupil, whom he had treated all along, as he had been his own Son, in consideration of the benefits he had received from his Father. Frederick received Castruccio with much kindness, and having done him seve∣ral honours, and granted him many signal perogatives, he made him his Lieutenant in the whole province of Tuscany; besides all this, the Inhabitants of Pisa (at the same time mutining against their Governor Gerardesca, and driving him out of the Town) to defend themselves against his resentment, addressed to Frederick for protection, and he gave the Soveraignty of that Town to Castruccio. His choice was not unpleasing to the Inhabitants who knew not where to find a better support against the Faction of the Guelfs, and parti∣cularly against the attempts of the Florentine.

After this, Frederick return'd into Germany, having made a Lieutenant General of all Italy, and left him in Rome. There was not at that time either in Lombardy or Tuscany, any of the Ghibilins of the Emperor's party, but looked upon Castruccio as the true head of their Faction. Those who were banished their Country upon that score, fled to him for protection, and promised unanimously that if he could restore them to their Estates, they would serve him so effectually, that the Soveraignty of their Country should be the recom∣pence of his kindness. The chief of them were the Guidi, Scolari, Uberti, Gerozzi, Nar∣di, and Buomoccorsi, all Exiles of Florence: So that, flattered by their promises, and encouraged by the strength of his own force, he entertained a design of making himself Master of Tuscany, and to give more reputation to his affairs, he entred into a League with Matteo Visconti Prince of Milan. He put out a Proclamation afterwards, that all his

Subjects which were capable to bear Arms, should be ready at a certain warning to put themselves into Service; and for the better order of the Muster Rolls, by which his Militia was to be regulated, the City of Lucca having five Gates, he divided the whole Country into five parts, and disposed every Soldier under his officer with so much, exactness, that in a short time he could march with 20000 Men, besides what he could draw out of Pisa.

Whil'st he was fortifying himself with Soldiers and Friends; it fell out, that the Guelfs in Plaisansa having driven out the Ghibilins, and received considerable succours from Flo∣rence, and the King of Naples came thundering down upon the Territories of the Prince of Milan. The Prince desired Castruccio to give the Florentines diversion; to carry the War into their Country, to withdraw them from Lombardy, and thereby to put them upon the defensive, Castruccio desired no more, and fell with a flying Army into the Valley of Arno, took Fucechio and San-Miniato, and ravaged the Country so effectually, that the Florentines were constrained to call back their Troops out of Lombardy; but the necessity of another diversion called back Castruccio to the recovery of Lucca. In his absence, the Family of the Poggi, which had been always his friends, and contributed more to his Ele∣vation, than any of the rest; regreting that they had not been rewarded, according to the merits of their Services, conspired with several others of the Inhabitants to bring the City to revolt. They began the tumult one morning, and having put themselves in Arms, they killed the Chief Officer which Castruccio had established for the administration of justice. But whil'st they were disposing themselves to push on their Sedition, Stephano Poggio, an old Man, of a peaceable temper, and one who had not medled at all in the Conspiracy of his Relations, made use of the authority he had with them, caused them to lay down their Arms, and offered his intercession to Castruccio that they might obtain their demands. Upon the first notice of this Commotion, Castruccio drew a party out of his Army, and leaving the rest under the Command of Pagolo Guinigi, he marched with all diligence back to Lucca, where finding things quieter than he expected, he knew very well how to make his advan∣tage of so temperate a submission, and disposed his Troops and his Friends in all the Posts that might make him Master of the Town. Stephano Poggio, who thought in this juncture he had highly obliged Castruccio, came to make him a visit, and judged it unnecessary to beg any thing of him; all that he requested was, that he would pardon his Family, allow something to their ancient Services, and give some little Indulgence to the transports of their youth. Castruccio received him with much affection, and told him that he was more pleased to find those troubles appeased, than he had been offended at the news of their Commotion; and having pressed him to bring the Male-contents to him, he added, that he thank'd his stars for giving him such an opportunity of signalizing his Clemency. Upon Stephano's importunity, and Castruccio's promise, they came all to attend him; but Castruccio apprehending that this new Service of Stephano might some time or other be reproached to him again, he resolved to make a signal Example; and accordingly regula∣ting himself by the severe politicks of Usurpers who upon such nice and critical occasions make no bones to sacrifice the innocence of particular man, to the conservation of the multitude, he commanded that the Mutineers and Stephano with them should be conducted to Prison, and from thence to Execution.

Whil'st he was thus employed, the Florentines recovered San Miniato, and Castruccio holding it imprudence to keep in the Field, whil'st he was insecure in the Town, resolved to give some relaxation to his Arms: He endeavour'd privately to feel how the Florentines stood disposed to a Truce, and (the War having exhausted their Coffers) he found them so coming, that it was concluded for two years, upon condition that either party should retain what was then in their possession.

Castruccio being disintangled from his foreign Embarrasments, applyed himself wholly to his security at home, and under several pretences, to quit himself of all those who were likely to dispute his Soveraignty of Lucca, not sparing his Confiscations, and Proscriptions against the Exiles, nor the Executions of any who were under his hands. To excuse him∣self he gave out that he had had too much Experience already of the infidelity of those people, to trust them again; But a strong Citadel which erected in the City, was the true way to continue his Authority; and to give the more terror to the Citizens, he caused the houses of his adversaries to be demolished, and the Citadel to be built of their Materials. His peace with the Florentines, and his Fortifications at Lucca, employ'd him not so much, as to lessen his thoughts how he might make himself greater; being unwilling again to come to an open War, he entertained private correspondencies, both on one side and the other. He had an ardent desire to make himself Master of the Town of Pistoia, per∣suading himself it would give him footing in Florence; and in this prospect he held a secret Commerce of amity with the different parties, which were predominant in Pistoia. This

double intelligence was managed with that slyness and delicacy, that each of them believed they were particularly in his Confidence. It was a long time that these two opposite Cabals had divided, or rather distracted that City. The one called the Faction of the Bianchi, had Bastiano da Possente for its head; and the other called the Neri, was commanded by Iacopo de Gia. Each of them boyling with desire to supplant its competitor, repos'd much upon the promises of Castruccio: and these two Heads of the Factions who had long been suspected to one another, took Arms at length both at a time. Iacopo posted himself towards the Gate that goes to Florence, and Bastiano towards that which leads to Lucca. At first it was in debate severally by each of them, whether they should call in the Floren∣tines; but finding Castruccio more active, and his Forces better Soldiers, each of them sent privately to him to solicit his assistance: Castruccio carried it very demurely, and promised succour to both. He told Iacopo, that in person he would relieve him; and to Bastiano he sent word he would do it by Pagolo Guinigi his Lievtenant General, and the person of the world he loved best, for he regarded him as his Son. Having acquainted them both that they should expect their supplies about midnight, he agreed with Pagolo, and causing him to march with part of his Troops to joyn with Bastiano at one Gate, he with the rest ad∣vanced the common Road towards Iacopo. At both Gates they were admitted as Friends; but no sooner were they entered, but upon a signal given, Bastiano was killed on one side with all his chief friends, and Iacopo and his friends scaped no better on the other; the rest of their parties betaking to their heels, the whole Town was left at Castruccio's devotion. He came in person to reassure the Magistrates, and brought them out of the Palace whither they had fled to secure themselves; Having called the people together, the promised to cancel all the old debts, did many acts of Grace, lessened their imposts, and prevailed upon them to be obedient, by the force of his caresses, and new priviledges which he gave them. This profuseness of kindness, had coax'd likewise the Inhabitants of the Country, they came in great throngs to salute and recognize their new Prince, who sent them all home again in peace, all mightily taken with his Virtues, and possessed with hopes of his extra∣ordinary benefits.

There was about this time some Mutinies in Rome, by reason of the dearness of provi∣sions. The scarcity that was suffered, proceeded from the absence of the Popes, who kept then their Pontifical residence at Avignon, and it added much to the revolt, that the Ro∣mans could not endure to be governed by a German. This National animosity was the occasion of frequent Murthers, and perpetual disorder. Errico the Emperor's Lieutenant General found himself too weak to apply any remedy, and apprehended (not without cause) that the Romans had private intelligence with the King of Naples, that if their For∣ces should joyn, he should be forced out of Rome, and the Pope be restored. He concluded therefore his safest recourse would be to Castruccio; so that he sent to him for supplies, and begg'd of him that he would come along with them in person. Castruccio made no scruple of the Voyage, being equally transported to be able to do a meritorious piece of service to the Emperor, and put himself in a condition to be regarded at Rome, and look'd upon as the Moderator of their affairs whenever the Emperor should be absent. Leaving therefore the care of Lucca to the charge of Pagolo Guinigi, and contenting himself only with a Con∣voy of two hundred Horse, he came to Rome, and was received by Errico with all possible honour. His presence having received the Authority of the Emperor, he took a gentle way to pacifie the people. The first thing he did, was to provide plenty of all things, causing store of Corn to be brought thither from Pisa, to take off the pretence of their revolt: After which mingling very discreetly his favours and his chastisements, he reduced all the chief Citizens to their obedience to Errico; In acknowledgment of which Castruccio was made Senator of Rome, and several Honours conferred upon him with more than ordinary Cere∣mony. The day of his promotion, he came forth in a Habit sutable to his Dignity, but enriched with a delicate Embroidery, with two devices wrought in artificially, one before and the other behind; The first was before, and in these words, (as devout, as common) HE IS AS IT PLEASES GOD; and behind in these, AND SHALL BE WHAT GOD WILL HAVE HIM.

Whilst these things were in Transaction, the Florentines incensed that to the prejudice of their Truce, Castruccio had surprised the Town of Pistoia, resolved to recover it by force▪ and thought it not likely to be difficult, if they took the opportunity of his absence. Among the Fugitives from Pistoia who had saved themselves in Florence, there were two princi∣pally considerable, Cecchi, and Baldini. They were Men in Action, and had always retain'd a private correspondence with their Friends in Pistoia; and they managed all things so dex∣terously for a revolt, that they caused a good party of Florentines to enter one night into the Town, who restored them their liberty, with the destruction of all Castruccio's party

This news being brought to Rome, touched Castruccio to the quick, who taking leave of Errico, with large Journeys came directly to Lucca.

The Florentines had notice of his return, and resolved stoutly to begin the War upon him, that he might not have leisure to prepare; wherefore having obliged all that (like themselves) were favourers of the Guelfish Faction, to put themselves forward in some extraordinary manner, they raised a strong Army, and marched with all diligence to possess themselves first of the Valley of Nievole to facilitate their Communication with Pistoia; Castruccio on his side with what Forces he could get together, marched directly for Monte-Carlo, and having intelligence where the Enemy was encamped, and how numerous their Army, he judged the danger would be as great should he go and confront them in the plain of Pistoia, as to attend them in the Valley of Pescia. He concluded therefore to draw them (if he could) into the streights of Seravalle, for narrow passes, and rough and difficult ways were convenient for a small Army as his was, which consisted of not above 12000 Men, and would be a disadvantage to the Florentines, who were 40000 compleat. Where∣fore, though he was well enough satisfied of the Courage of his Army, and understood the worth of every common Soldier, yet he thought good to withdraw out of that Champagn Country, lest he should suffer himself to be overwhelmed with the multitudes of his Enemies.

Seravalle, is a Castle betwixt Pescia, and Pistoia, situate upon a hill which on that side puts a stop to the Valley of Nievole. This Castle stands not upon the Road, but is about two flight shot higher, and the passage down into the Valley, is rather strait than sleep, for the declension is very gradual to the place where the waters divide, and pass to discharge themselves into the Lake of Tucechio and that passage is so streight, that twenty Men in Front, take up the whole breadth. There it was that Castruccio designed to engage the Enemy, as well to give the advantage of the streight to the smallness of his own Army; as to keep them from being sensible of the vast numbers of the Florentines; and prevent the terror which they might inspire The Castle of Seravalle belong'd to the Signor Manfredi a German, who had made himself Lord of it, long before Castruccio had seized upon Pistoia, and kept it by common consent both of the Inhabitants of Pistoia and Lucca. Either because he kept his Neutrality very strictly with both, or because the Castle was so strong of it self it needed to fear neither. Castruccio knowing the importance of that place from the begin∣ning found a way to gain intelligence with a person who lived in the Castle. The night before the day of the Battel, by the ministry of this Man, Castruccio caused Four hundred of his Soldiers to enter, who cut the Throat of Manfredi, and seized on the Castle. Having secured so considerable a Post without noise, he endeavoured to persuade the Enemy that he would not stir from Monte-Carlo, thereby to draw them into his Clutches, and make them hast with all speed to gain the avenues to the Val de Nievole, and this plot of his jump'd exactly with the Florentine design. For they having no mind that Pistoia should be the Theatre of the War, and being willing to remove it into the Vale, they encamped above Seravalle, with intention to have passed the Streights the next day, not imagining in the least that the Castle was surprized. Castruccio having notice of their motion; about mid∣night drew his Army out of their quarters, and stole privately before break of day to the foot of Seravalle, The accident was odd, for as he marched up the Hill on one side, the Enemy marched up on the other: caused his Foot to advance by the way of the com∣mon Road, but he drew out a party of Four hundred Horse, and commanded them towards the left, on that side towards the Castle. There were Four hundred of the Enemies Horse, that were a Forlorn to their Army, and the whole Infantry followed them, but their Scouts were no sooner upon the top of the Hill, when on a sudden they fell foul upon the Troops of Castruccio. They were strangely surprized for knowing nothing of the taking of the Castle, they could not imagine the Enemy would come to meet them: Insomuch that before they had leisure to put themselves into a posture, they were constrained to engage tumul∣tuosly with those Troops which were drawn up in good Order, but they in confusion; Not but some of the Florentine Cavaliers behaved themselves gallantly, but the noise of so unexpected an Encounter, put them presently to a stand, and being defused in the Army, it put all into great disorder and fear. The Horse and the Foot fell foul upon one another, and both upon the baggage: Want of ground rendered the Experience of the Officers of no use, and the streightness of the pass, confounded all their Military cunning. The first Troops that Castruccio charged upon the top of the Hill, were immediately routed and the small resistance they made was not so much the defect of their courage, as the effect of the place, with the incommodity of which, and the strangeness of the surprize, they were constrained to give ground. There was no way left for them to run; on their Flanks the Mountains were inaccessable, their Enemies were in the Front, and their own Army in the

reer. In the mean time, as this first charge of Castruccio was not sufficient to stagger the enemies Battel, he drew out a party of Foot, and sent them to joyn with the Horse in the Castle of Seravalle: this body in reserve having possession of the Hills, and falling upon the flank of the Florentines, forced them to give ground, and yield to the wild incom∣modity of the place, and the violence and fierceness of the enemy. The Reer-guard ran, and having got into the plain that looks towards Pistoia, every man shifted as well as he could.

This defeat was bloody and great; among the multitude of prisoners, there were many of the principal Officers; among the rest three Noble Florentines, Bandino di Rossi, Fran∣cesco Brunilleschi and Giovanni della Tosa, without mentioning several considerable Tuscans, and many of the King of Naples his Subjects, who, by their Princes order, were in the ser∣vice of the Florentine. Upon the first tidings of their defeat, the Pistoians turned the Guelfs Faction out of Town, and came with their keys and presented them to Castruccio, who pursuing his Victory, carried Prato and all the Town in that plain, as well beyond as on this side the Arno: after which he encamped with his Army in the plain of Peretola, two miles from Florence, where he continued braving the City, and passed several days in the enjoyment of his good fortune, parting the spoil, and coining of mony, thereby exer∣cising with great ostentation a kind of Soveraign right over their Territory; and releasing something of the rigour of his discipline, he gave his Soldiers liberty to insult as they pleased over the conquered; and to make his triumph the more remarkable, nothing could serve the turn, but naked women must run Courses on horse-back under the very walls of the City. But this gallantry and ostentation entertained him but lightly, or rather served but as a colour to hide his greater designs; for in the mean time he found a way to corrupt Lu∣pacci, Frescobaldi, and some certain other Gentlemen in the Town, who were to have de∣livered him a Gate, and brought him into Florence in the night, had not their Conspiracy been discovered, and defeated afterward by the punishment of the accomplices.

This great Town being so streightned, and so long block'd up, that the Inhabitants seeing no other way of preserving their liberty, than by engagi••g it to the King of Naples, sent Embassadors to that Prince, and offered to throw themselves into his arms. It was not only for his honour to accept of their proffer, but for the general interest of the whole Fa∣ction of the Guelfs, which without that could subsist no longer in Tuscany. The terms be∣ing agreed, the treaty concluded, and the Florentines to pay him annually two hundred thousand Florens, he sent them four thousand Horse under the Command of Prince Carlo his Son.

During this negotiation an unexpected accident hapned, which put Castruccio into a cooler temper, and made him give the Florentines breath in spight of his teeth: there was a new Conspiracy against him at Pisa, not to be suppressed by his presence: Benedetto Lan∣franchi, one of the chief Citizens in the Town, was the author of it: Benedetto troubled to see his Country subject to the tyranny of a Lucchese, undertook to surprize the Citadel, force out the Garison, and cut the throats of all that were friends to Castruccio. But as in those kind of conjurations, if a small number be able to keep things secret, it is not suffici∣ent to put them in execution; and therefore whilst Lanfranchi was endeavouring to hook in more associates, he met with those who were false, and discovered all to Castruccio. Two Noble Florentines, Cecchi and Guidi, who were fled to Pisa, were suspected to be the Trai∣tors; and the suspicion of that perfidy left an ill stain upon their reputation; which way soever it was, Castruccio put Lanfranchi to death, banished his whole Family, and several of the chief Pisans were left shorter by the head.

This plot discovering to Castruccio that the fidelity of the Towns of Pistoia and Pisa would be always easily shaken; he put all things in practice that cunning or open force could suggest to keep them in their duties: but whilst his thoughts were upon the tenters about so important a care, the Florentines had some respite to recover their Senses, and ex∣pect the Neapolitan Succours, which being at length arrived under the Conduct of Prince Carlo, a general Counsel was held of the whole Faction of the Guelfs. Upon the resoluti∣on taken there, an Army was raised, the strongest that ever had been set out by that party, for it amounted to 30000 Foot; and 10000 Horse. When their Forces were ready, it was debated in the Counsel of War, whether they should begin with the Siege of Pistoia or Pisa. The latter carried it, for it was fancied the Conspiracy of the Pisans was so recent, that in probability it had left some seeds for a second revolt; besides, the Conquest of Pisa would bring Pistoia along with it.

This great Army opened their Campagn in the beginning of May 1328. Lastra, Signia, Monte Lugo and Empoli were taken immediately, and it advanced afterwards to besige San-Miniato. But Castruccio without discomposure, either by the greatness of their force, or

the swiftness of their progress, believed rather that the favourable instant was arrived in which fortune was to put into his hands the supreme authority of Tuscany; and therefore judging this effort of the enemy at Pisa would succeed no better than their designs at Sera∣valle, he came and entrenched at Fucechio with 20000 Foot, and 4000 Horse, having put 5000 Foot into Pisa under the Command of Pagolo Guinigi.

Fucechio is a Castle seated so advantagiously, that there is not a better Post in all the plain of Pisa; for it stands upon a little eminence equally distant from the two Rivers Arno and Gusciana. The place of their encampment could have been no where better chosen, for un∣less the enemy divided, and came upon them in two Bodies, (which must needs weaken them much,) they could not cut off the provisions which came to Castruccio both from Lucca and Pisa. To come and face them in their trenches, would be rashly to engage themselves be∣twixt his Army and Pagolo's. To turn towards Pisa, they must pass the River Arno, and leave the enemy upon their backs, which was an attempt as dangerous as the other. Ca∣struccio's design was to make them pitch upon the last, and to invite them the better to pass over the River; instead of bringing down his Line to the bank, (as he might very well have done,) he turned it off short towards the walls of Fucechio, not so much to shel∣ter himself under the said walls, but cunningly to leave the enemy such a space free, as might tempt them to pass the River. And in the whole art of War, there is nothing so subtil as the election of Posts and Encampments, and that was Castruccio's master∣piece.

The enemy having taken San. Miniato, consulted for some time whether they should fall upon Pisa, or Castruccio in his Camp: at length, all things well considered, it was conclu∣ded to march straight toward him. The River Arno was at that time so low, it was forda∣ble, but with trouble, for the Horse pass'd up to the saddle, and the Foot with proportion. At last on the 10th of Iune in the morning, the Florentines put themselves into Battalia, and began to pass the River with a party of their Horse, and a body of 10000 Foot. Ca∣struccio having deliberated all things, and provided for more than one Event, commanded a thousand Foot along the River, above the passage where the enemy appeared, and sent a thousand more to post themselves below it; and then advancing himself at the head of five thousand Foot and three thousand Horse, he came on couragiously against the enemy, as half of them were passed. The Florentine Foot, tired with the incommodity of their passage, and the weight of their Arms, advanced but faintly against him; and for their Horse, they that passed first had made the bottom so loose, and so slipperry, that there was no passage for those who were to follow: on the contrary, their Horses either stuck fast in the mud, or their legs came up, and they threw their Riders into the water, where many of them were drowned. So that the Florentines perceiving their attempt there was not like to succeed, recovered the bank, and marching a little higher, they searched for a better place: but where-ever they made their point, and endeavoured to go over, Castruccio opposed them with the Infantry he had drawn out, which being arm'd lightly with Targets and Darts, were every where immediately, charged the enemy both in the Front and the Flank, and setting up at the same time most hideous shouts, the Florentine Horse being frighted with noise, and wounded with Darts, either run back, or threw their Riders under their feet. As to the Florentines who had passed first, they maintained their ground with a great deal of Gallantry, and till then the loss was equal on both sides; for if Castruccio doubled his en∣deavours to force back the enemy into the River, the enemy was no less zealous to gain as much ground as might serve for drawing up their Army when it should get over. Both Generals were very busie in the encouragement of their Souldiers, both with exhortation and example. Castruccio, to vilifie the enemy, remonstrated to his Army, that they were the same people they had beat before at Seravalle; the Florentines represented to their Troops how infamous it would be for so numerous an Army as theirs to be worsted by a handful of men. But Castruccio, observing the Battel grew tedious, and his own men be∣gan to be as weary as the enemy, and that there were as many wounded and dead on the one side as the other, he caused another Body of five thousand Foot to advance; as soon as they were got up to reer of their companions, those who had been fighting all the while, and were then in the front, were commanded to open to the right and left, and wheel off into the reer, whilst the other advanced into the ground they had forsaken; but whilst this was in agitation, the Florentines gained something upon them, but they enjoyed it not long, for being to deal with fresh men, they were quickly disordered, and followed with that vigour, they threw themselves into the River. As to the Horse both of the one side and the other, no advantage was to be observed. Castruccio being sensible that in num∣ber his was much inferior to the enemy, had commanded his Troops to entertain their Horse with slight skirmishing, only to gain time; for believing his Foot able to beat the

enemies, he intended afterwards to joyn them with his Horse, and fall both together upon the Cavalry of the Florentines. The Florentines tried another passage above the first, thinking thereby to have flanck'd Castruccio afterwards; but the bank on the other side be∣ing bad, and defended by the enemies Foot, they were repulsed again, and in as great disor∣der as before. Then Castruccio came up to them, and charged them so smartly in all parts, that they were totally defeated; so that of so vast an Army, scarce a third part were saved, and several of their chief Officers taken. Prince Carlo saved himself at Empoli with Michael Falconi, and Thadeo Albizi, Commissaries General of the Florentine Army; one may easily imagine the plunder was great, and the slaughter no less. In short, accord∣ing to the exactest computation, there were slain on the Florentine side 20231 men; on the side of Castruccio but 1570.

Here it was that Fortune began to be weary of the great actions of Castruccio, and (in∣constant as she was) instead of giving him long life that might have crown'd his felicity as if she had been jealous of his glory, she interposed with the only obstacle that was able to interrupt the prosperity of so incomparable a man.

This Illustrious Hero tired with the fatigues of a Battel, as painful as glorious; coming out of the Fight with his imagination full of great things that might follow, and running over in his mind the probability of his good fortune, believing no hopes were left for the enemies loss, nor no bounds for his victory, he marched directly for the Gate of Fucchio. It having been always his principle to be first on horseback, and last that came out of the field, he rested there some time, not out of ostentation, but to thank and caress the Souldiers as they returned from the pursuit, and withal to be ready, in case the enemy should rally. Whilst he was standing there, covered with sweat, his heart panting, and out of breath, an unlucky cold wind came from the other side of the Arno, and with a pestiferous quality so affected his blood, that he fell immediately into the cold sit of an Ague: at first he neg∣lected it, though he found a general alteration, as believing himself sufficiently hardned against the injuries of the air; but this negligence was very pernicious. The next night his Fit increased, and his Fever was so violent, his Physitians gave him over.

The universal sadness of the Souldiers made his triumphant Troops look as melancholy as if they had been beaten. All his Officers stood about him with tears in their eyes, but having taken then particularly by the hand, and desired them to withdraw, he caused Pa∣golo Guinigi to be called, took him in his arms, and with a feeble but affectionate voice, he spake to him as follows. Had I imagined (dear Son) that fortune would have stop'd my course in the midst of the way that conducted me to Glory, and so soon interrupted the felicity of my Arms, I would have better enjoyed the fruit of my pains. 'Tis possible I should not have left your Territory so large, but I should have endeavoured to have left it more quiet, by creating fewer enemies to my self, and less envy to you. I should have contented my self (dear Son) with the Sovereignty of Lucca and Pisa, and instead of in∣tending the Conquest of Pistoia, and contracting the hatred of the Florentines by so many affronts, I should have endeavoured by all means possible to have gained their affection: by so doing, if I had not lengthened my days, I should have made them at least more happy, and left you more quiet and secure. But fortune (who will have the ordering of all humane affairs) gave me not so much judgement as was necessary to know her, nor so much time as was requisite to master her, You have heard (for every body has told you, and I never denied it) how I came into your Father's house, young, inconsiderable, with∣out hopes of advancement; in a word, in so mean a condition, that without his kind∣ness I could never have satisfied the ambition of my nature. Your Father brought me up with the same care and tenderness as if I had been his own, and I do acknowledg, if ever I gave any testimonies of Valour and Magnanimity, they were but the effects of those great examples which he set me, and the fair education I had from him, condu∣cted me to that height which, not only you, but all the World has admir'd. When he came to die, he committed to my care and faith both your person and interest; have I be∣traid his confidence in any thing? can you complain that my generosity has not been an∣swerable to his? my heart does not reproach me by any ingratitude. I have not only preserved to you the fortune of your Father; but to leave you the fruit of my labours and success, I have declined all overtures of Marriage, lest hapning to have children of my own, my natural affection for them should have destroyed my friendship for you; and lessened the acknowledgment which I owed to his bounty. It touches, it touches, dear Charge, when we speak of these things. You cannot comprehend the satisfaction I re∣ceive, to leave you Master of so puissant a State; nor can you imagine how it troubles me to leave it so unselted and perplexed. The City of Lucca is under your subjection, but be sure 'tis not pleased with its condition: Pisa likewise is yours, but you know the natu∣ral

inconstancy of that people. Though it has been often subdued, and passed from one servitude to another, yet it will always disdain to pay obedience to any native of Lucca, and have a care how you regulate your Politicks in relation to this jealousie, which is inse∣parable from persons of different Countries. The Town of Pistoia is a place that ought always to leave upon your spirit some suspition and umbrage of their fidelity. Besides, that it is divided within it self, the ill treatment which it has received from us will most sensibly excite it against our Family. But the worst of all is, the Florentines are your neighbours, and you know mortally offended, as having been worsted by me perpetually: but that is not sufficient to suppress them. They will be now overjoy'd and insult more upon the news of my death, than if they had conquered all Tuscany. As to the Succours, you are to expect I will not dissemble with you: you can hope for none but from the Emperor, or Princes of Milan, and you will be deceived if you expect any from them; they are either too slow, or too busie, or too remote. Depend not therefore upon any thing but your own Conduct, upon the memory of my Atchievements, and the consternation which my Victory has brought upon our enemy. It will be no little advantage to you if you can allure the Florentines to an accommodation, and their fear, without doubt, sufficiently inclines them. Let your comportment with them for the future be different from mine; and as I have always provoked them, and believed nothing could so much contribute to my happiness, as to deal with them as enemies, let it be your care to desire their amity, and found not your repose upon any thing so much as an alliance with them. Nothing in this life imports us so deep as the knowledg of our own tempers, and how to employ them; but this Science belongs most properly to those who would govern; and it is necessary for such to spin out their lives in the luxuries of peace, when they find themselves unfit for warlike executions: my advice therefore (dear Charge) is, that you would live in repose, and if you will make the advantage of the troubles of my life to sweeten your own, you will remember to follow it. Farewel, I am going, and with this double satisfaction, that as I have left you the possession of a large Empire, so I have left you such percepts as will secure it to you.

Castruccio ended this passionate discourse by griping Pagolo by the hand, who heard him all the while with tears in his eyes: and as the last instance of his gratitude, this great per∣son called for all the brave and faithful Officers of his Army, whether of Lucca, Pisa, or Pistoia, and having recommended to them the interests of Pagolo, he obliged them to an oath of Allegiance, and as soon as that oath was solemnly taken, the great Conqueror sur∣rendred his soul. Never was victorious Army so sad, never any Prince so lamented, nor any memory so venerable. His exequies were honourably celebrated, and his body buri∣ed in the Church of St. Francis in Lucca. Pagolo succeeded, but not with the virtue and fortune of his predecessor; for not long after he lost Pistoia, and then Pisa, and much ado he had to keep the Sovereignty of Lucca, yet that continued in his Family to the fourth Generation.

These great actions do sufficiently prove that Castruccio was not only a man rare in his own age, but would have been the same in any former. His stature was higher, and his proportions better than ordinary: his aspect was charming, and he had so much grace and goodness in his accost, that never man went unsatisfied from his conversation: his hair was inclining to red, and he wore it short above his ears: where-ever he went, snow, hail, or rain, let the weather be what it would, his head was always uncovered. He had all the qualities that make a man great: grateful to his friends, terrible to his enemies, just with his subjects, crafty with strangers, and where fraud would do the business, he never troubled himself to conquer by force. No man was more forward to encounter with danger, nor no man more careful to get off. He used to say that men ought to try all things, and be terrified at nothing; for it was clear God Almighty was a lover of Courage, because he made valiant men the Ministers of his judgments, and corrected the poor spirited by them. He had a strange presence of wit, and made his reparties with admirable quickness; he would rally very handsomly, sometimes he would be pleasant and innocent, and sometimes as bitter, and poinant. When occasion offered fairly, as he never spared any body, so he was never offended when he was bitten himself. We have some of his answers which he gave with much wit, and others of other peoples which he heard with as much patience.

He caused a Bird to be bought one day, and gave a Ducat for it; one of his acquain∣tance blaming him for giving so much: you (says Castruccio) would have given a penny for it your self? the other answering yes; then (says Castruccio) you would have paid dearer than I, for a Ducat is not so much with me.

Having a Flatterer about him who plagued him with perpetual requests, in great scorn

Castruccio spit upon his Clothes: The Flatterer reply'd wittily, a Fisherman to get a pitiful little fish, is dabbled up to the neck, and shall I be afraid of a little spittle, that am catching a Whale. Castruccio was pleased with his answer, and rewarded him for it.

A certain Hypocrite who loved his gut as well as he, reproached Castruccio one day, b•• the Luxury and Extravagance of his Table. If that were a sin (replyed Castruccio) the•••• would not be so much feasting upon Holy-days.

Passing one day thorow a street, where there lodged certain Women of but indifferen•• reputation, and seeing a young man come from them who blushed, had was in mighty con∣fusion that Castruccio had seen him; Friend, says Castruccio, You should not be ashamed when you come out, but when you go in.

He was always of an opinion that a Conqueror ought not to give too much liberty to his new Subjects, which upon a time he explained very subtilly to some who understood him; Having a knot given him that was very fast tyed, he was desired to undo it, and having tryed a good while to no purpose, My Friend (said he a loud) If a thing that is tyed can give me so much trouble, I shall be much worse when once it is loosed.

He was often troubled with the assiduities of a person who pretended to be a Philosopher, and was always molesting his Entertainments with his admonitions and Morals; Castruccio weary of his insolence at his Table, told him, You Philosophers are like Dogs, you never go any where but where you may have something to bite. The Philosopher replyed, No Sir, we are more like Physicians, and go only to those who have extraordinary need of us.

Passing one day from Pisa to Legorn by water, a great tempest arose on a sudden, and put Castruccio into some apprehension, which one of the Company observed, and told him by way of reproach, that he wondered such a man as Castruccio should be frighted, when he found no such passion in himself. Castruccio replyed, you have no reason Sir to be afraid; for every man values his life according to its worth.

One asked him one time what he should do to make himself esteem'd; he replyed, when you'r invited to a Feast, have a care you do not set a wooden Statute upon a joyn'd stool.

A fellow boasting to him one day how many Books he had read, Castruccio told him, It would have been more credit to have remembred half of them.

A great Drinker, who was a••ways debauching, used to value himself very much upon this score, That though his Belly was always full of Wine, he never was drunk. Castruccio told him, a Quart pot was the same.

A Friend of his seeing him engaged in a amour with a very pretty young Lass, blamed him very seriously that he suffered himself to be so taken by a Woman, you are deceived Sir, said he, she is taken by me.

One found fault with him exceedingly for being so delicate and so expensive in his dyet; You would not (said Castruccio) spend half so much in yours? and being answered no, Then (replyed Castruccio) you are a greater Miser, than I am an Epicure.

He was invited one evening to Supper bp Faddeo Bernardi, a Lucchese, a very rich and sumptuous Citizen; being arrived at the house, and conducted by Faddeo into a Room, ex∣ceedingly well hung, the Pavement of Mosaique work, wrought curiously into Flowers, and Leaves, and Branches, which yielded a most excellent verdure. Castruccio admir'd it exceedingly, and pretending to have occasion to spit, he turned about, this way and that way, and at last spit in Faddeo's face; Faddeo was much troubled, but Castruccio excused it, and told him, He thought he could have spit no where to have offended him less.

One asking very seriously how Caesar died? He answered as seriously, Would I might die like him.

One of his Courtiers having an ambition to regal him, made a Ball one night, and invited him to it; Castruccio came, entertained himself among the Ladies, and being in a good humour, fell a dancing and solacing among them, and doing some impertinencies which did not stand with the gravity of his rank: being admonished by one of his Friends that it would detract from his esteem; He told him, I thank you Sir for your caution, but he that is counted wise all day, will never be thought a fool at night.

One coming to him to beg a boon that Castruccio was unwilling to grant, Castruccio de∣clined him, and would not seem for to hear; whereupon the Petitioner threw himself upon the ground, and put his head to Castruccio's feet; Castruccio reproving him, the other replyed, You your self are the cause, you heard so little when I stood up, I had a mind to see whether your Ears were upon your Toes. Which answer got him more than he desired.

He was wont to say, The way to Hell was very easie, for Men went thither upon their backs, and could find it with their eyes shut.

Another desiring a favour of him, with a thousand impertinent and superfluous words: Hark you Friend, says Castruccio, when you would have any thing with me for the future, send another Man to beg it.

Another great talker having tired him with a tedious discourse, excused himself at last▪ and told him he was a fraid he had wearied him, No indeed Sir, reply'd Castruccio, for I did not mind one word that you said.

He used to Droll upon a person, who having been a handsom boy, prov'd as handsom a Man, His spight (said he) has been always against Married people: when he was a boy he debauched Men from their Wives, and now he debauches Women from their Husbands.

He saw an envious man laugh, and asked him, Do you laugh, said he, That things go well with your self, or ill with other people.

When he was under the Tutelage of Francesco Guinigi, one of his Comerades asking him merrily, what he should give him for a box at his Ear, Castruccio answered immediatly, a Helmet if you please.

He was forced to put a Citizen of Lucca to death, who formerly had been a great instru∣ment of his advancement; and being reproached by some body, for dealing so severely with an old friend; No, says he, you are mistaken, it was with a new foe.

Castruccio compared the prudence of those persons, who though they pretended to Marry, would never be brought to't, to the discretion of those people, who though they talk'd much of going to Sea, kept constantly at Land.

He used to say, he wondered much at one Custom among men: when they buy any thing curious, either of Christal or Glass, they sound it, and employ all their senses to be sure it be good; but in choosing of a Wife, they use nothing but their sight, as if she was taken only to be look'd upon.

He was of opinion that after his Death there would be a general alteration; and being asked when he came to die, how he would be buried, he replyed, With my face downward, for I am sure in a short time this Country will be turned topsie turvey, and then I shall be in the same posture with other men.

Whil'st he was in controversie with Huguccione, but had him in great veneration for his bravery and Conduct; being asked in discourse whether for the salvation of his Soul, he never had any thoughts of turning Monk, he answered no, for to him it seemed very strange if Frier Lazarone should go to Paradise, and Huguccione de Faggivola to Hell.

Being asked what time was most proper for a Man to Eat, to keep himself in health, he answered, The rich when they are hungry, and the poor when they can.

Seeing a Friend of his make use of his Servant to put up his Breeches, he told him, I hope e're long, you'l have one to feed you.

Seeing over the door of a certain person this Inscription in Latin, God keep this House from ill people; He cryed, Then the Master must never come in to't.

Passing by a little House with a great Gate, he said, If they have not a care, this House will run away thorow the Gate.

Being in discourse with the Ambassador of the King of Naples about the settlement of their Frontiers; upon some controversie betwixt them, the Ambassador ask'd him in a huff, Why then Sir you are not afraid of our King? Castruccio replyed gently, is your King a good a man, or a bad? being answered a Good; Why then, said Castruccio, would you have me afraid of a good man?

We might add many other answers of his, all full of weight, as well as wit; but these shall suffice. He dyed in the 44th year of his Age, and from the time he came first to ap∣pear in the world, in his good and his bad fortune he expressed always an equality and steddiness of spirit; and as he left several Monuments of his prosperity and good fortune behind him; so he was not ashamed to leave some memorials of his adversity: When he was delivered from Huguccione's imprisonment, he caused the Irons with which he was manacled, to be hung in the publickest place in his Palace, where they are to be seen to this day, being willing that posterity might know, that how fortunate soever he was in the main, he was not totally exempt from distress.

That which is still remarkable is, that having equalled the great actions of Scipio and Philip the Father of Alexander, he died as they did in the 44th. year of his Age, and doubtless he would have surpassed them both, had be found as favourable dispositions at Lucca, as one of them did in Macedon, and the other in Rome.