The Honour of the Romagnols

Abstract

I. August 1302, in his castle of Benchiaro, within the Imolese mountains at the head of the Senio valley, Maghinardo da Susinana lay dying. With him were his daughters, Francesca and Albera, and the Bishop of Faenza and his chaplains, who had come hurrying at the news. In their presence he disposed of his property, and appointed heirs and executors. His horses were assigned, his servants recalled and recommended. His friends were remembered, the men at whose side he had fought in a lifetime of bloodshed: the Accarisi, the Zambrasi, the nobles of Andriano and Mongiardino, the degli Baroni, Ugolino de’ Medici, and those of his house, the Gilloti, the Mazi, Ugolino da Petrabuona, the Binielli, the Nordigli, the Tartagni, the Patarini, the Parentini, the Palmiroli, the Scoglantini, the Aghinolfi, the nobles of Fiagnano, of Laderchio, of Toranello, of Aguccano, the Sarucii of Casal Fiumanese, Arpino and the other nobles of Cantagallo, Filippo da Dozza, and all other ‘ nobiles et populares amicos ’ of Imola and Faenza. He urged that there should ever be peace between their houses, and that they should always hold in reverence and friendship the commune of Florence.

The men of these parts are passionatissim. — pay heed to every doubt here, lest you find yourself deceived.

Cardina. Angli. Grimoar.¹