Pagina 9 de 1118

Their mustachios were long, and curled at the extremities; the

margin of their doublets confined by a belt of polished leather,

from which were suspended, by hooks, two pistols; a little

powder-horn hung like a locket on the breast; on the right-hand

side of the wide and ample breeches was a pocket, out of which

projected the handle of a knife, and on the other side they bore

a long sword, of which the great hollow hilt was formed of bright

plates of brass, combined into a cypher: by these characteristics

they were, at a glance, recognised as individuals of the class of

bravoes.

This species, now entirely extinct, flourished greatly at that

time in Lombardy. For those who have no knowledge of it, the

following are a few authentic records, that may suffice to impart

an idea of its principal characteristics, of the vigorous efforts

made to extirpate it, and of its obstinate and rank vitality.