By the assiduity and solicitations of Petrarch, the council of Naples were at last engaged in debating about the liberation of Colonna’s imprisoned friends; and the affair was nearly brought to a conclusion, when the approach of night obliged the members to separate before they came to a final decision.  The cause of this separation is a sad proof of Neapolitan barbarism at that period.  It will hardly, at this day, seem credible that, in the capital of so flourishing a kingdom, and the residence of a brilliant court, such savage licentiousness could have prevailed.  At night, all the streets of the city were beset by the young nobility, who were armed, and who attacked all passengers without distinction, so that even the members of the council could not venture to appear after a certain hour.  Neither the severity of parents, nor the authority of the magistrates, nor of Majesty itself, could prevent continual combats and assassinations.

“But can it be astonishing,” Petrarch remarks, “that such disgraceful scenes should pass in the night, when the Neapolitans celebrate, even in the face of day, games similar to those of the gladiators, and with more than barbarian cruelty?  Human blood is shed here with as little remorse as that of brute animals; and, while the people join madly in applause, sons expire in the very sight of their parents; and it is considered the utmost disgrace not to die with becoming fortitude, as if they were dying in the defence of their religion and country.  I myself, ignorant of these customs was once carried to the Carbonara, the destined place of butchery.  The Queen and her husband, Andrew, were present; the soldiery of Naples were present, and the people flocked thither in crowds.  I was kept in suspense by the appearance of so large and brilliant an assembly, and expected some spectacle worthy of my attention, when I suddenly heard a loud shout of applause, as for some joyous incident.  What was my surprise when I beheld a beautiful young man pierced through with a sword, and ready to expire at my feet!  Struck with horror, I put spurs to my horse, and fled from the barbarous sight, uttering execrations on the cruel spectators.

“This inhuman custom has been derived from their ancestors, and is now so sanctioned by inveterate habit, that their very licentiousness is dignified with the name of liberty.

“You will cease to wonder at the imprisonment of your friends in this city, where the death of a young man is considered as an innocent pastime.  As to myself, I will quit this inhuman country before three days are past, and hasten to you who can make all things agreeable to me except a sea-voyage.”

Petrarch at length brought his negotiations respecting the prisoners to a successful issue; and they were released by the express authority of Andrew.  Our poet’s presence being no longer necessary, he left Naples, in spite of the strong solicitations of his friends Barrilli and Barbato.  In answer to their request that he would remain, he said, “I am but a satellite, and follow the directions of a superior planet; quiet and repose are denied to me.”