Strona 252 z 310

The Lord of Pisa at that time was Uguccione of the Faggiuola of

Arezzo, who being in the first place elected their captain

afterwards became their lord. There resided in Paris some exiled

Ghibellines from Lucca, with whom Castruccio held communications

with the object of effecting their restoration by the help of

Uguccione. Castruccio also brought into his plans friends from

Lucca who would not endure the authority of the Opizi. Having

fixed upon a plan to be followed, Castruccio cautiously fortified

the tower of the Onesti, filling it with supplies and munitions

of war, in order that it might stand a siege for a few days in

case of need. When the night came which had been agreed upon with

Uguccione, who had occupied the plain between the mountains and

Pisa with many men, the signal was given, and without being

observed Uguccione approached the gate of San Piero and set fire

to the portcullis.