A Devil of a Man (13) - Chapter and Verse

Mercenaries in Tuscany, years 1363/1364

The White Company,
employed by Pisa,
captured Lignine
and went on to Incisa.

They were on their way
to do battle with Florence 
expecting to be met
with brutal violence.

Sterz was doing well
yet, through a volte-face, 
he ceased to be a leader;
Hawkwood took his place.

For the German captain 
it was most unfortunate
to be downgraded
and become a subordinate.

The Pisans said 'Welcome'
(in Ialian benvenuto)
to the new condottiere
named Giovanni Acuto.

He was a man in a hurry
- but not a daredevil -
called for his ruthlessness
'the spawn of the devil'.

His first stint in charge
did not meet the objective.
Marching in deep snow
was not very effective.

Seizing the town of Vinci
under the cover of darkness,
which was the usual tactic,
was the only success.

Due to inclement weather
he had to admit defeat
and. losing men and horses,
was forced to retreat.

For the frustrated soldier
to wait for the spring
before resuming hostilities
was the sensible thing.

© Luigi Pagano 2024