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148 The Physick Garden.

6. The Garden of Simples may be rare; but we not understanding this Herb Language, hasted to the House of the Knights of St. Steven.

the Knights of S. Stephano.

7. This the only Order of Knighthood that I perceived in Florence; and it's very common. They wear a Red Cross of Satin upon their Cloaks, and profess to fight against the Turks. For this purpose they have here good House and Maintenance. Their Church is beautified without with a handsome Faciata of White Marble, and within with Turkish Ensigns and divers Lanterns of Capitanesse Gallies. In this House the Knights live in common, and are well maintained. In their Treasury they shew you a great Buckler all of Pearl and Diamonds, won in a battle against the Turks. Indeed Bucklers of Diamonds, do but shew our Enemies where we are, and what they may hope for by killing us. They have in their Cancellaria, a Catalogue of those Knights who have done notable Service against the Turks; which serves for a powerful exhortation to their Successors, to do, and die bravely. In fine, these Knights may marry if they will, and live in their own particular Houses, but many of them choose celibate, as more convenient for brave Souldiers; Wives and Children being the true impedimenta exercitus.

Heretofore, during the great disorders of the Guelfs and the Ghibelins, Anno 1282. This town was governed by Ugolin a proud Man, who ruled here despotically. This Man inviting one day all his Friends to great Feast; began in the midst of it to brag, that nothing was wanting to him: Yes (said one of his best Friends, because one who flattered him not)