[31] In Tuscany the art of straw-plaiting is a very old one, dating from the thirteenth or fourteenth centuries. In the sixteenth it had attained great importance in Signa and the adjacent villages. Francesco Naldi and Domenico Michelacci, a Bolognese, were its chief promoters and the pioneers of foreign trade. It now exists chiefly in Fiesole, and though fallen off somewhat, is an important branch of industry.
[32] Cardinal Niccolò.
[33] Robert d’Anjou, Duke of Apulia. Prato came under his sway in 1313, and in 1326 passed to his son Charles of Calabria. In 1350 the city was sold to the Florentines for 17,500 gold florins. The statue no longer exists. Montaigne again mistakes the lilies of Florence for those of France.
[34] Poggio a Cajano. This villa was originally in possession of the Cancellieri family of Pistoia, with whom originated the factions of the Neri and Bianchi. It was rebuilt for Lorenzo dei Medici by Giuliano di San Gallo, and decorated by Andrea del Sarto and Pontormo for Leo X. It was the scene of the mysterious tragedy of Bianca Capello in 1587.
[35] Villani Chron., B. i. c. 5, 7, 30-38. According to Sallust, the battlefield lies some twelve miles from Pistoia, but a modern column with a commemorative inscription has been erected near the city.
[36] Brunetto Latini says (Tesoro, l. 37) that the place takes its name from the pestilence which broke out after Catiline’s defeat.
[37] Villani Chron., B. viii. 37.
[38] In Tuscany the theory of the communal magistracy was, that it should hold itself constantly at the service of the public. The priors were not allowed to go to their own houses except in cases of sickness. After midnight they might go out attended by one or other of their servants. They might not follow any trade or calling, or attend weddings or funerals, or take their meals apart. Neither Gonfaloniere nor priors might leave the city; they must remain all day long in the palace, where all games, except chess, were forbidden.
[39] Lucca was at this time in the Spanish interest. It remained an independent city until the French occupation in 1799. Fynes Moryson, writing about twelve years after Montaigne, says: “The citizens of Lucca are as afrayd of this great Duke ~of Florence$ as Partridges of a hawke, being compassed with his territories on all sydes.” Itinerary (Lond. 1903).
[40] That is, soldiers from other parts of Italy.