DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.6094#0098
SICILY AND MALTA. 75
that are supposed to inhabit mount y^Etna)
it has ever been found impracticable to ex-
tirpate the banditti; there being number-
less caverns and subterraneous passages in
that mountain, where no troops could pos-
sibly pursue them: That besides, as they
are known to be perfectly determined and
resolute, never failing to take a dreadful
revenge on all who have offended them,
the prince of Villa Franca has embraced it,
not only as the safest, but likewise as - the
wisest, and moll political scheme, to become
their declared patron and protector. And
such of them as think proper to leave their
mountains and forests, though perhaps
only for a time, are sure to meet with good
encouragement, and security in his service;
they enjoy the most unbounded confidence,
which, in no instance, they have ever yet
been found to make an improper or a dis-
honest use of. They are clothed in the
prince's livery, yellow and green, with
sdver lace; and wear likewise a badge of
8 their
that are supposed to inhabit mount y^Etna)
it has ever been found impracticable to ex-
tirpate the banditti; there being number-
less caverns and subterraneous passages in
that mountain, where no troops could pos-
sibly pursue them: That besides, as they
are known to be perfectly determined and
resolute, never failing to take a dreadful
revenge on all who have offended them,
the prince of Villa Franca has embraced it,
not only as the safest, but likewise as - the
wisest, and moll political scheme, to become
their declared patron and protector. And
such of them as think proper to leave their
mountains and forests, though perhaps
only for a time, are sure to meet with good
encouragement, and security in his service;
they enjoy the most unbounded confidence,
which, in no instance, they have ever yet
been found to make an improper or a dis-
honest use of. They are clothed in the
prince's livery, yellow and green, with
sdver lace; and wear likewise a badge of
8 their