THE KING ENTERS THE TOWN OF PISA.--OTHERS OF HIS CAPTAINS ADVANCE AS
FAR AS FLORENCE.
The king left Lucca on the following morning, after hearing mass, to
dine at Primat, and in the evening entered Pisa, having been met by
the clergy, governor and chief inhabitants. It was doubtless here that
he received the truest marks of affection,--for the very children in
the streets as well as others of higher ranks, shouted out, 'Liberty
for ever!' They submitted themselves unreservedly to his will, for
they were greatly molested by the Florentines; and it was melancholy
to hear their complaints of them. The king assured them of his support
in maintaining their liberty, which gave greater joy than I can
describe,--and it need not be wondered at if, in consequence, the king
and his company were so magnificently feasted. The next morning, he
marched from Pisa, to dine at Pont Codere, and lodged at Empoli[134].
On the 11th of November, the king went to lie at Pont-de-Signe,
which is a very pleasant place, and tarried there five or six days,
because the Florentines had rebelled against Pietro de Medici, who had
delivered up to the king some strong places and castles. But so firm a
countenance was shown to the said Florentines, and the royal artillery
were so well prepared to march against Florence and such as were the
most active in rebellion, that they sent ambassadors to offer their
obedience to the king, to sue for pardon for their transgressions, and
to entreat that he would come to their town.