Pagina 860 di 1118

Whilst within these wretched walls, grief, fear, anguish, and

rage prevailed, in the Tribunal of Provision, shame,

astonishment, and irresolution were equally apparent. They

consulted, and now listened to the advice of the Tribunal of

Health: finding they could do no better than to undo what they

had done, at so much expense and trouble, they opened the doors

of the lazaretto, and released all who were well enough to leave

it. The city was thus again filled with its former cries, but

feebler, and more interrupted; the sick were transported to Santa

Maria della Stella, which was then the hospital for the poor, and

the greater part perished there.

However, the fields began to yield the harvest so long desired,

and the troops of peasants left the city for their long prayed

for and accustomed labours. The ingenious and inexhaustible

charity of the good Frederick still exerted itself; he made a

present of a giulio[35] and a sickle to each peasant, who

solicited it at the palace.