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yield by his knowledge of the nature of the lad, and the fear
that he would not be able to hold him much longer.
Thus Castruccio passed from the house of Messer Antonio
the priest to the house of Messer Francesco Guinigi the
soldier, and it was astonishing to find that in a very short
time he manifested all that virtue and bearing which we
are accustomed to associate with a true gentleman. In the
first place he became an accomplished horseman, and could
manage with ease the most fiery charger, and in all jousts
and tournaments, although still a youth, he was observed
beyond all others, and he excelled in all exercises of strength
and dexterity. But what enhanced so much the charm of
these accomplishments, was the delightful modesty which
enabled him to avoid offence in either act or word to others,
for he was deferential to the great men, modest with his
equals, and courteous to his inferiors. These gifts made him
beloved, not only by all the Guinigi family, but by all Lucca.
When Castruccio had reached his eighteenth year, the Ghibellines
were driven from Pavia by the Guelphs, and Messer
Francesco was sent by the Visconti to assist the Ghibellines,
and with him went Castruccio, in charge of his forces. Castruccio
gave ample proof of his prudence and courage in
this expedition, acquiring greater reputation than any other
captain, and his name and fame were known, not only in
Pavia, but throughout all Lombardy.
Castruccio, having returned to Lucca in far higher estimation
that he left it, did not omit to use all the means
in his power to gain as many friends as he could, neglecting
none of those arts which are necessary for that purpose.
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