Perhaps the entrance into the port of a Palermitan galley, and the slaughter by her crew of a few French who had fallen into their hands, hastened the event.  It was the 28th of April when, from the midst of the tumultuous crowd, broke forth the cries of “Death to the French!  Death to those who side with them!” and the massacre commenced.  The victims, however, were but few, as the previous threatening aspect of the people had cleared the city of the greater number of the French.  Maniscalco meanwhile, with his confederates, hoisted the cross of Messina in the place of the detested banner of Anjou; for a brief space he was captain of the people, but owing either to his own modesty or to the influence of the more powerful citizens, which always prevailed in the industrial city of Messina, that same night, by their advice, he resigned the government to Baldwin Mussone, a noble returned but a few hours before, with Matthew and Baldwin de Riso, from the court of King Charles.  On the following day, the municipal council having been assembled in form, Mussone was hailed captain by the entire people; and calling on the sacred name of Christ, the republic was proclaimed, under the protection of the Church.  The gonfalon, or great banner of the city, was displayed with the utmost pomp.  The judges Raynald de Limogi and Nicoloso Saporito, the historian Bartholomew of Neocastro, and Peter Ansalone were elected as counsellors of the new government; and all the public officers, even to the executioners, were likewise elected—­as if to show that henceforward the sword of justice was to rule in place of disorder and violence.  But it was yet too soon for so complete a revolution.

On the 30th of April the galleys were recalled from Palermo, whither messengers of friendship and alliance were despatched in their stead.  Herbert, feeling himself no longer secure in the castle, had recourse to the old manoeuvre of fomenting divisions, but with no better success.  He despatched Matthew, a member of the family of Riso—­which from consciousness of guilt had allied itself with him—­to endeavor to gain over Baldwin Mussone.  Matthew accordingly sought him and in presence of all the other counsellors admonished him, using the arguments of a crooked policy, to reflect on the great power of the King, and that this insane tumult would deprive Messina of the advantages that would naturally accrue to her from the rebellion of Palermo.  What were the Palermitans to him that he should share their madness?  In what had Charles injured him or his city?  “How is it possible,” continued he, “that thou who wast but yesterday loyal to the King, a friend to us, and the companion of our journey, shouldst have secretly nourished such hatred in thy heart? and now, far from restraining the people from rushing to their ruin, shouldst spur them wildly on?  For thy own sake, for that of thy country, return to thy senses—­it is yet time.”