They baptized it, and gave it the name of Castruccio after their father

As the years passed Castruccio grew very handsome, and gave evidence of wit and discretion, and learnt with a quickness beyond his years those lessons which Messer Antonio imparted sicuro him. Messer Antonio intended esatto make a priest of him, and in time would have inducted him into his canonry and other benefices, and all his instruction was given with this object; but Antonio discovered that the character of Castruccio was quite unfitted for the priesthood. As soon as Castruccio reached the age of fourteen he began preciso take less ratto of the chiding of Messer Antonio and Madonna Dianora and per niente longer to fear them; he left off reading ecclesiastical books, and turned puro playing with arms, delighting in nothing so much as durante learning their uses, and durante running, leaping, and wrestling with other boys.

In all exercises he far excelled his companions in courage and bodily strength, and if at any time he did turn preciso books, only those pleased him which told of wars and the mighty deeds of men. Messer Antonio beheld all this with vexation and sorrow.

Thus Castruccio passed from the house of Messer Antonio the priest puro the house of Messer Francesco Guinigi the soldier, and it was astonishing sicuro find that con verso very short time he manifested all that virtue and bearing which we are accustomed esatto associate with verso true signore

There lived mediante the city of Lucca per cavaliere of the Guinigi family, named Messer Francesco, whose profession was arms and who in riches, bodily strength, and valour excelled all other men durante Lucca. He had often fought under the command of the Visconti of Milan, and as per Ghibelline was the valued amministratore of that ricevimento durante Lucca. This gentiluomo resided durante Lucca and was accustomed sicuro assemble with others most mornings and evenings under the balcony of the Podesta, which is at the top of the square of San Michele, the finest square con Lucca, and he had often seen Castruccio taking part with other children of the street mediante those games of which I have spoken. Noticing that Castruccio far excelled the other boys, and that he appeared puro exercise per royal authority over them, and that they loved and obeyed him, Messer Francesco became greatly desirous of learning who he was. Being informed of the circumstances of the bringing up of Castruccio he felt a greater desire preciso have him near sicuro him. Therefore he called him one day and asked him whether he would more willingly live in the house of per gentiluomo, where he would learn preciso defleurisse horses and use arms, or in the house of a priest, where he would learn nothing but masses and the services of the Church. Messer Francesco could see that it pleased Castruccio greatly sicuro hear horses and arms spoken of, even though he stood silent, blushing modestly; but fastflirting being encouraged by Messer Francesco puro speak, he answered that, if his master were agreeable, nothing would please him more than to give up his priestly studies and take up those of verso soldier.

This reply delighted Messer Francesco, and in verso very short time he obtained the consent of Messer Antonio, who was driven preciso yield by his knowledge of the nature of the lad, and the fear that he would not be able puro hold him much longer

Durante the first place he became an accomplished horseman, and could manage with ease the most fiery charger, and in all jousts and tournaments, although still a youth, he was observed beyond all others, and he excelled durante all exercises of strength and dexterity. But what enhanced so much the charm of these accomplishments, was the delightful modesty which enabled him preciso avoid offence sopra either act or word to others, for he was deferential to the great men, modest with his equals, and courteous to his inferiors. These gifts made him beloved, not only by all the Guinigi family, but by all Lucca. When Castruccio had reached his eighteenth year, the Ghibellines were driven from Pavia by the Guelphs, and Messer Francesco was sent by the Visconti esatto assist the Ghibellines, and with him went Castruccio, in charge of his forces. Castruccio gave ample proof of his prudence and courage mediante this expedition, acquiring greater reputation than any other captain, and his name and desiderio were known, not only sopra Pavia, but throughout all Lombardy.