Pagina 11 di 1118

But, in the following year, on the 12th of April, the said lord,

having perceived "that this city still continues to be filled

with bravoes, who have again resumed their former mode of life;

their manners unchanged, and their number undiminished," puts

forth another edict still more energetic and remarkable, in

which, among other regulations, he directs "that any person

whatsoever, whether of this city or from abroad, who shall, by

the testimony of two witnesses, be shown to be regarded and

commonly reputed as a bravo, even though no criminal act shall

have been proved against him, may, nevertheless, upon the sole

ground of his reputation, be condemned by the said judges to the

rack for examination; and although he make no confession of

guilt, he shall, notwithstanding, be sentenced to the galleys for

the said term of three years, solely for that he is regarded as,

and called a bravo, as above-mentioned;" and this "because His

Excellency is resolved to enforce obedience to his commands."