Pagina 344 di 1118

Over the execution of these laws the people themselves watched,

and were determined to receive the benefit of them quickly. They

assembled in crowds before the bakers' houses to demand bread at

the price fixed; there was no remedy; the bakers were employed

night and day in supplying their wants, inasmuch as the people,

having a confused idea that the privilege would be transient,

ceased not to besiege their houses, in order to enjoy to the

utmost their temporary good fortune. The magistrates threatened

punishment-the multitude murmured at every delay of the bakers in

furnishing them. These remonstrated incessantly against the

iniquitous and insupportable weight of the burden imposed on

them; but Antonio Ferrer replied, that they had possessed great

advantages in times past, and now owed the public some

reparation.