Lances of the Free!

Shouted by the full chorus of those desperate boon-companions, and
caught up and re-echoed from side to side, near and far, as the familiar
and well-known words of the burthen reached the ears of more distant
groups or stragglers, the effect of this fierce and licentious
minstrelsy was indescribable. It was impossible not to feel the zest
which that daring life imparted to its daring followers, and even the
gallant and stately Knight who listened to it, reproved himself for an
involuntary thrill of sympathy and pleasure.

He turned with some impatience and irritation to his companion, who had
taken a part in the chorus, and said, "Sir, to the ears of an Italian
noble, conscious of the miseries of his country, this ditty is not
welcome. I pray you, let us proceed."

"I humbly crave your pardon, Signor," said the Free Companion; "but
really so attractive is the life led by Free Lances, under Fra Moreale,
that sometimes we forget the--; but pardon me--we will on."

A few moments more, and bounding over a narrow circumvallation, the
party found themselves in a quarter, animated indeed, but of a wholly
different character of animation. Long lines of armed men were drawn up
on either side of a path, conducting to a large marquee, placed upon
a little hillock, surmounted by a blue flag, and up this path armed
soldiers were passing to and fro with great order, but with a pleased
and complacent expression upon their swarthy features. Some that
repaired to the marquee were bearing packets and bales upon their
shoulders--those that returned seemed to have got rid of their burthens,
but every now and then, impatiently opening their hands, appeared
counting and recounting to themselves the coins contained therein.

The Knight looked inquiringly at his companion.

"It is the marquee of the merchants," said the captain; "they have
free admission to the camp, and their property and persons are rigidly
respected. They purchase each soldier's share of the plunder at fair
prices, and either party is contented with the bargain."

"It seems, then, that there is some kind of rude justice observed
amongst you," said the Knight.

"Rude! Diavolo! Not a town in Italy but would be glad of such even
justice, and such impartial laws. Yonder lie the tents of the judges,
appointed to try all offences of soldier against soldier. To the right,
the tent with the golden ball contains the treasurer of the army. Fra
Moreale i