Richard Hawkwood



fied with disorder, sought to incite violence by charging
that Michael di Lando in reformation of the government
had favored the higher or richer class citizens and neg-
lected his associates, who had placed him in power; a
charge which was not true. Whereupon many of them
took up arms and started fresh disorders.
   "They came before him a riotous multitude, demand-
ing many changes. He ordered them to lay down their
arms, stating that no concessions would be made to a
show of intimidation.
   "His answer but enraged them the more. They with-
drew and, assembling at Santa Maria Novella, appointed
eight leaders and prepared to storm the palace and make
good their demands. They then sent a delegation to the
signory, directing that they grant their demands.
   "This delegation was so arrogant and threatening
that Michael di Lando, losing his temper, drew his sword
and, after wounding several, had them cast into prison.
   "When this was reported, their organization marched
towards the palace. Michael, in the meantime gathering
his forces, started for their place of assemblage. The
opposing forces, traveling different streets, passed on
the way; the mob arriving at the palace about the
time that his forces reached their place of assemblage.
   "With his force, in which was the remnant of The
White Company, he returned to the palace, where a
fierce contest waged for its possession. Our opponents
were vanquished and driven beyond the city walls or
found safety by hiding within the city.
   "Order was restored and for the first time in manv
months the city was quiet. Michael gave to the city a
just and, for the time, a peaceful administration of three
years. While he rescued the city from the lowest ple-



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