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When Castruccio had reached his eighteenth year, the Ghibellines

were driven from Pavia by the Guelphs, and Messer Francesco was

sent by the Visconti to assist the Ghibellines, and with him went

Castruccio, in charge of his forces. Castruccio gave ample proof

of his prudence and courage in this expedition, acquiring greater

reputation than any other captain, and his name and fame were

known, not only in Pavia, but throughout all Lombardy.