Seite 250 von 310

Castruccio, having returned to Lucca in far higher estimation

than he left it, did not omit to use all the means in his power

to gain as many friends as he could, neglecting none of those

arts which are necessary for that purpose. About this time Messer

Francesco died, leaving a son thirteen years of age named Pagolo,

and having appointed Castruccio to be his son's tutor and

administrator of his estate. Before he died Francesco called

Castruccio to him, and prayed him to show Pagolo that goodwill

which he (Francesco) had always shown to HIM, and to render to

the son the gratitude which he had not been able to repay to the

father. Upon the death of Francesco, Castruccio became the

governor and tutor of Pagolo, which increased enormously his

power and position, and created a certain amount of envy against

him in Lucca in place of the former universal goodwill, for many

men suspected him of harbouring tyrannical intentions.