Men and manners of old Florence (1909) (14584906377)

Identifier: menmannersofoldf00biag (find matches)
Title: Men and manners of old Florence
Year: 1909 (1900s)
Authors: Biagi, Guido, 1855-1925
Subjects:
Publisher: Chicago, A. C. McClurg and co.
Contributing Library: The Library of Congress
Digitizing Sponsor: The Library of Congress



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n Siena and Florence,and fifty years afterwards a witness rememberedhaving seen the soldiers more intent upon theirdice than upon their arms. It is not to be supposed that the good folk ofolden days were not fond of a little amusement todistract their minds from the hardships of dailylife, the dangers to which they were constantlyexposed, the frequent brawls, and the fears of theworld to come. Even at the time when only thefirst walls existed, professional players and jesterswere well received and were always sure of ahearty welcome and a place at the well-spread table.Musicians and singers performed on the harp, viola,lyre, guitar, or on an instrument similar to the latter,called the rota^ and these airs, songs, and refrains, crudeat first, gradually acquired more grace of form andelegance of execution with the increasing refinementof art. This was seen later on when, in the fragrantMaytime of 1283, for the celebration of the Feastof St. John there was formed in the district of Santa
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H « FLORENCE WITHIN HER BOUNDARY 45 Felicita a company numbering over a thousand men,all dressed in white and led by one who was calledthe Lord of Love. The sole aim of this companywas the pursuit of pleasure ; they organised games,amusements, and dances in which ladies and knights,and even the lower people, took part; they paradedthe town blowing trumpets and other instrumentsin the joy of their hearts, and feasted together atbanquets, dinners and suppers. The descriptionmight almost fit one of those scenes which wereafterwards painted on the great chests wherein bridescarried their clothes to their new homes, sceneswhere, in the words of the poet Folgore of SanGeminiano, . . . spears shall split, and fruit go flying upIn merry counterchange for wreaths that drop From balconies and casements far above ;And tender damsels with young men and youthsShall kiss together on the cheeks and mouths ; And every day be glad with joyful love. ^ It was during this May in Florence that the youth-