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After the famous sedition on St. Martin's day, it may be said

that abundance flowed into Milan, as if by enchantment. The shops

were well stored with bread, the price of which was no higher

than in the most fruitful years; those who, on that terrible day,

had howled through the streets, and committed every excess in

their power, had now reason to congratulate themselves. But, with

the cessation of their alarm, they had not resumed their

accustomed quiet; on the squares, and in the inns, there were

congratulations and boastings (although in an under tone) at

having hit on a mode of reducing the price of bread. However, in

the midst of these popular rejoicings, there reigned a vague

apprehension and presentiment that this happiness would be of

short duration. They besieged the bakers and vendors of flour

with the same pertinacity as during the period of the former

factitious and transient abundance, produced by the first tariff

of Antony Ferrer.