Heroes of Modern Europe

								

A great crowd assembled on the day appointed for the "ordeal" in the
early spring of 1498.  Balconies and roofs were black with human
figures, children clung to columns and statues in order that they might
not lose a glimpse of this rare spectacle.  Only a few followers of
Savonarola prayed and wept in the Piazza of San Marco as the chanting
procession of Domenicans appeared.  Fra Domenico walked last of all,
arrayed in a cope of red velvet to symbolize the martyr's flames.  He
did not fear to prove the strength of his belief, but walked erect and
bore the cross in triumph.  It was the {50} Franciscan brother whose
courage failed for he had never thought, perhaps, that any man would be
brave enough to reply to his awful challenge.
The crowd watched, feverishly expectant, but the hours passed and there
was no sign of Francesco da Puglia.  His brethren found fault with
Domenico's red cope and bade him change it.  They consulted, and came
at last to the conclusion that their own champion had found himself
unable to meet martyrdom.  At length it was announced that there would
be no ordeal--a thunderstorm had not caused one spectator to leave his
place in the Piazza, where there should be wrought a miracle.  It was
clear that the Prior's enemies had sought his death, for they showed a
furious passion of resentment.  Even the Piagnoni were troubled by
doubts of their prophet, who had refused to show his supernatural
powers and silence the Franciscans.  The monks were protected with
difficulty from the violence of the mob as they returned in the April
twilight to the Convent of San Marco.
There was the sound of vespers in the church when a noise of tramping
feet was heard and the fierce cry, "To San Marco!"  The monks rose from
their knees to shut the doors through which assailants were fast
pouring.  These soldiers of the Cross fought dauntlessly with any
weapon they could seize when they saw that their sacred dwelling was in
danger.
Savonarola called the Dominicans round him and led them to the altar,
where he knelt in prayer, commanding them to do likewise.  But some of
the white-robed brethren had youthful spirits and would not refrain
from fighting.  They rose and struggled to meet death, waving lighted
torches about the heads of their assailants.  A novice met naked swords
with a great {51} wooden cross he took to defend the choir from
sacrilege.  "Save Thy people, O God"; it was the refrain of the very
psalm they had been singing.  The place was dense with smoke, and the
noise of the strife was deafening.  A young monk died on the very altar
steps, and received the last Sacrament from Fra Domenico amid this
strange turmoil.
As soon as a pause came in the attack, Savonarola led the brethren to
the library.  He told them quietly that he was resolved to give himself
up to his enemies that there might be no further bloodshed.  He bade