your
only salvation.'

"This reasoning, coupled with similar arguments from Lorenzo, seemed so
conclusive that our auditors agreed to our suggestions, and Michael di
Lando was chosen to command our organization. He was already head of the
wool-combers union, the largest and most powerful in the city,
supporting the plebs and the low class people.

"The second night thereafter was fixed upon to put our plans into
execution. We bound ourselves in mutual defense and to undertake to gain
possession of the republic.

"One of our men named, Simone, was arrested and, when put to the
torture, disclosed the plot. While he was being tortured, Nicolo Friano,
who was repairing the palace clock, saw it and heard a part of his
confession. He fled to our meeting place and reported what he had seen
and heard.

"Immediately we armed ourselves and, more than a thousand strong,
gathered in the square of S. Spirito, and so the revolution began.

"The signory issued orders that the gonfaloniers of the people and their
companies should assemble in the public square at daylight the next
morning, but less than a hundred men appeared under arms in support of
the government, while our forces had grown to more than three thousand.

"A body of the plebeians first assembled at San Pietro, but there was no
force to oppose them. Then other trade unions gathered in various
squares and market places, including the palace, or public square.

"They demanded from the signory that all prisoners be released, which
was done, and these immediately joined our ranks.

"We took the gonfalon of Justice from its bearer and under the authority
of that banner burned and looted many houses and killed many of our
enemies. Any member of our companies who desired to punish any private
enemy or satisfy his revenge had but to call out; 'Let us burn the house
of Luigi Poggi; he is an enemy of the people and unfriendly to our
order.' When leading the way he was followed by and had the assistance
of the whole assemblage.

"Many a plebeian in rags was knighted during this period, and many a
patrician was satisfied to lose all if he and his family but escaped
with their lives.

"By night of that first day our numbers had increased to more than six
thousand, and before the following morning we were in possession of all
the trade ensigns, were using their headquarters as barracks, and
practically controlled the city.

"The signory, assembling, asked our wishes. We