DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.70303#0265
MASANlELLO, THE FISHERMAN OF NAPLES. 241
them., to be their defender and intercessor. He pro-
mised to obtain what they desired ; but finding himself
unable, after much labour and fatigue, to restrain their
licentiousness or quell their fury, he took the first op-
portunity of disengaging himself from the labyrinth of
that popular tumult.
After the retirement of the prince, the people finding
themselves without a head, called out for Masaniello to
be their leader and conductor; which charge he ac-
cepted. They appointed Genoino, a priest of approved
knowledge, temper, and abilities, to attend his person ;
and to him they added, for a companion; the aforenamed
famous Banditto Perrone, Masaniello, by his spirit,
good sense, and bravery, won the hearts of all the peo-
ple, insomuch that they became willing to transfer unto
him solemnly the supreme command, and to obey him
accordingly.
A stage was erected in the middle of the market-place,
where, cloathed in white, like a mariner, he with his
counsellors, gave public audience, received petitions;
and gave sentence in all cases both civil and criminal;
He had no less than 150,000 men under his command.
An incredible multitude of women also appeared with
arms of various sorts, like so many Amazons. A list was
made of above 60 persons, who had farmed the taxes, or
been some way concerned in the custom-houses; and,
as it was said, they had enriched themselves with the
blood of the people, and ought to be made examples to
future ages, an order was issued that their houses and
goods should be burnt; which was executed according-
ly, and with so much regularity, that no one was suf-
fered to carry away the smallest article. Many for steal-
ing but mere trifles from the flames were banged by the
public executioner in the market-place, by the command
of Masaniello.
Vol. H. h h Whils
them., to be their defender and intercessor. He pro-
mised to obtain what they desired ; but finding himself
unable, after much labour and fatigue, to restrain their
licentiousness or quell their fury, he took the first op-
portunity of disengaging himself from the labyrinth of
that popular tumult.
After the retirement of the prince, the people finding
themselves without a head, called out for Masaniello to
be their leader and conductor; which charge he ac-
cepted. They appointed Genoino, a priest of approved
knowledge, temper, and abilities, to attend his person ;
and to him they added, for a companion; the aforenamed
famous Banditto Perrone, Masaniello, by his spirit,
good sense, and bravery, won the hearts of all the peo-
ple, insomuch that they became willing to transfer unto
him solemnly the supreme command, and to obey him
accordingly.
A stage was erected in the middle of the market-place,
where, cloathed in white, like a mariner, he with his
counsellors, gave public audience, received petitions;
and gave sentence in all cases both civil and criminal;
He had no less than 150,000 men under his command.
An incredible multitude of women also appeared with
arms of various sorts, like so many Amazons. A list was
made of above 60 persons, who had farmed the taxes, or
been some way concerned in the custom-houses; and,
as it was said, they had enriched themselves with the
blood of the people, and ought to be made examples to
future ages, an order was issued that their houses and
goods should be burnt; which was executed according-
ly, and with so much regularity, that no one was suf-
fered to carry away the smallest article. Many for steal-
ing but mere trifles from the flames were banged by the
public executioner in the market-place, by the command
of Masaniello.
Vol. H. h h Whils