ons, in the ruggedness of her mountains, in the
protection of the seas, which are her bulwarks. Who then shall set
foot upon her soil, except to find in it a yawning grave? Christ, who
preached liberty to mankind, who inspired you to effect this blessed
deliverance, now extends to you his almighty hand--if you will but act
like men in your own defence. Citizens, captains of the people, it is
my counsel that messengers be sent to all the other towns inviting
them to unite with us for the maintenance of the commonwealth, that by
force of arms, by daring, and by rapidity of action we should aid the
weak, determine the doubtful, and combat the froward. For this
purpose, let us divide into three bands which may simultaneously
traverse the whole island, then let a general parliament mature our
counsels, unite our views, and regulate the form of government; for I
call God to witness that Palermo aspires, not to dominion, but seeks
only liberty for all, and for herself the glory of being foremost in
peril."

"And the people of Corleone," replied Boniface, "will follow the
fortunes of this noble city--the fortress and ornament of Sicily.
Corleone sends hither three thousand of her warriors to conquer or to
die with you. But if our fate be to perish, let all those perish with
us who would take part with the stranger in the day of the deliverance
of Sicily. Thou, Roger, valiant in fight and sage in counsel, thou
hast spoken words of safety. Henceforward he who lingers is a traitor
to his country; let us arm ourselves and go forth."

"Forward, forward!" thundered the voice of the people in answer to his
words, and with marvellous celerity the messengers were despatched;
the forces assembled and sent forth in three divisions--one to the
left toward Cefalu, one to the right upon Calatafimi, and the third
toward the centre of the island, through Castro Giovanni. They
displayed the banner of the commonwealth with the keys of St. Peter
depicted around them, and their fame went before them, awakening hope
and desire in all hearts. Hence every city and town unhesitatingly
renounced its allegiance to Charles with a degree of unity which was
admirable--except in regard to the slaughter of the French.

They were hunted down in the mountains and forests, assaulted and
vanquished in the castles, and pursued with such fury that even to
those who had escaped from the hands of the Sicilians life became a
burden; and from the most impregnable f