Pagina 271 de 310

Without further opposition Pistoia passed into the hands of

Castruccio, who, having forced the Signoria to leave the palace,

compelled the people to yield obedience to him, making them many

promises and remitting their old debts. The countryside flocked

to the city to see the new prince, and all were filled with hope

and quickly settled down, influenced in a great measure by his

great valour.

About this time great disturbances arose in Rome, owing to the

dearness of living which was caused by the absence of the pontiff

at Avignon. The German governor, Enrico, was much blamed for what

happened-murders and tumults following each other daily, without

his being able to put an end to them. This caused Enrico much

anxiety lest the Romans should call in Ruberto, the King of

Naples, who would drive the Germans out of the city, and bring

back the Pope. Having no nearer friend to whom he could apply for

help than Castruccio, he sent to him, begging him not only to

give him assistance, but also to come in person to Rome.

Castruccio considered that he ought not to hesitate to render the

emperor this service, because he believed that he himself would

not be safe if at any time the emperor ceased to hold Rome.

Leaving Pagolo Guinigi in command at Lucca, Castruccio set out

for Rome with six hundred horsemen, where he was received by

Enrico with the greatest distinction.