If Dandolo had lived a little longer, and continued his ethical theory of judging a cause by its success, he would have had a hint, from the disasters of Venice, that his own cause was not the most righteous.  The Genoese, having surprised the Venetians off the island of Sapienza, obtained one of the completest victories on record.  All the Venetian vessels, with the exception of one that escaped, were taken, together with their admiral.  It is believed that, if the victors had gone immediately to Venice, they might have taken the city, which was defenceless, and in a state of consternation; but the Genoese preferred returning home to announce their triumph, and to partake in the public joy.  About the time of the Doge’s death, another important public event took place in the death of John Visconti.  He had a carbuncle upon his forehead, just above the eyebrows, which he imprudently caused to be cut; and, on the very day of the operation, October 4th, 1354, he expired so suddenly as not to have time to receive the sacrament.

John Visconti had three nephews, Matteo, Galeazzo, and Barnabo.  They were his heirs, and took possession of his dominions in common, a few days after his death, without any dispute among themselves.  The day for their inauguration was fixed, such was the superstition of the times, by an astrologer; and on that day Petrarch was commissioned to make to the assembled people an address suited to the ceremony.  He was still in the midst of his harangue, when the astrologer declared with a loud voice that the moment for the ceremony was come, and that it would be dangerous to let it pass.  Petrarch, heartily as he despised the false science, immediately stopped his discourse.  The astrologer, somewhat disconcerted, replied that there was still a little time, and that the orator might continue to speak.  Petrarch answered that he had nothing more to say.  Whilst some laughed, and others were indignant at the interruption, the astrologer exclaimed “that the happy moment was come;” on which an old officer carried three white stakes, like the palisades of a town, and gave one to each of the brothers; and the ceremony was thus concluded.

The countries which the three brothers shared amongst them comprehended not only what was commonly called the Duchy, before the King of Sardinia acquired a great part of it, but the territories of Parma, Piacenza, Bologna, Lodi, Bobbio, Pontremoli, and many other places.

There was an entire dissimilarity among the brothers.  Matteo hated business, and was addicted to the grossest debaucheries.  Barnabo was a monster of tyranny and cruelty.  Petrarch, nevertheless, condescended to be godfather to one of Barnabo’s sons, and presented the child with a gilt cup.  He also composed a Latin poem, on the occasion of his godson being christened by the name of Marco, in which he passes in review all the great men who had borne that name.