Page:A new and general biographical dictionary; containing an historical and critical account of the lives and writings of the most eminent persons in every nation v1.djvu/277

 A N E L L O. 241 to the ground, with all the books and accounts, nnd gooth and furniture. This being dune, every one (hut up his ihop; and, the numbers increaling, many thoufand people uniting themfelves, went to other parts of" the city, whue all the other toll-houfes were : them they plundered of all their writings and books, great quantities ct money, with many rich movcables; all which they threw into a gieat fne of ftraw, and burnt to afhes in the fbect-.. The- people, meet- ing with no refinance, a (fumed more boldnefs and made to- wards the palace of the viceroy. The firft militia of Maflk- niello, conlifUng of 2CCO bos, marched on, every one lifting up his cane with a piece of black cloth on the top, and whh doleful and loud cries excited the companion, and intreated, the afh'flance of their fellow citizens. Being come before the palace, they cried out amain, that they would not be freed of the fruit tax only, but of all others, efpecially that of corn. At lait they entered the palace and rifled it, notvvith- ftanding the refinance of the guards, whom they difarmed. The viceroy got into his coach to fecure himfelf within the church of St. Lewis ; but the people fpying him, Hopped the coach, and with naked fwords on each fide of it, threatened him, unlcfs he would take oft" the taxes. With fair promifes, and all affurances of redrefs, and by throwing money among the multitude, which they were greedy to pick up, he got at laft fafe into the church, and ordered the doors to be {hut. The people applied to the prince of Bifignano, who was much beloved by them, to be their defender and in- tcrceflbr. He promiled to obtain what they defired; buc finding himfelf unable, after much labour and fatigue, to re- ftrain their licentioufnefs or quell their fury, he took the firft opportunity of difengaging himfelf from the labyrinth of that popular tumult. After the retirement of the prince, the people, finding themfelves without a head, called out for MafFaniello to be their leader and conductor, which charge he accepted. They appointed Genoino, a prieft of approved knowledge, temper, and abilities, to attend his perfon ; and to him they added for a companion the aforenamed famous Bandito Per- rone. Maflaniello, by his fpirir, good fenfe, and bravery, won the hearts of all the people, infomuch that they became willing to transfer unto him folemnly the (uprcme command, and to obey him accordingly. A ftage was erected in the middle of the market place, where, clothed in white like a manner, he with his counfellors gave public audience, receiv- ed petitions, and gave letitence in all caufes both civil an>t VOL. I. R criminal.