The Florentines did not quail before the storm.  Their courage never failed.  They collected fresh stores and sent abundant provisions to the camp.  But the hatred of the Pope grew more intense, especially against Savonarola, who, however, had not returned to the pulpit, being actuated by a wish not to accentuate the situation.  For the general misery in Florence daily increased and the plague was extending its ravages.  The hospitals were full.  And the faction against Savonarola, named the Arrabbiati, seemed positively to regard the distress with glee, for these fanatics went about crying aloud, “At last we can all perceive how we have been deceived!  This is the happiness that the Friar predicted for Florence!” Moreover they proclaimed that now was the time to overthrow the Government.

But the Seigniory entreated Savonarola to come forth again from his retirement.  He entered the pulpit on October 28, but only to look on people whose faces were marked by distress and terror.  Yet his sermons administered such comfort to the citizens who in the majority still adhered to him, though the Arrabbiati mocked at his words.  Temporary relief was at hand, for suddenly, as if by a miracle, ships arrived from Marseilles bringing long-expected reinforcements and supplies of corn.  The people were frantic with joy and solemn thanksgivings were offered in the churches.

The Pope was now designing measures to entrap the Prior.  A new Vicar-General was appointed with power which would invest him with such authority over Savonarola that the latter would lose his independence.  But he displayed no disposition to yield to Rome.  On the contrary, he delivered in the Duomo those eight magnificent, fearless, and immortal sermons which intensified the bitter struggle with Rome, while for the time being they made the great Reformer’s name and authority again ascendant, and rendered the popular party once more master of the situation, notwithstanding the strategy of the Pope and the machinations of the factions.

VII.—­1497-1498

During Lent, 1497, Savonarola continued his course of sermons on Ezekiel, and in these discourses he said much that bore on the conflict with Rome, now daily growing more virulent.  He inveighed against the temporal wealth of the Church and launched many accusations against Rome.  The impression produced was the deeper because of the general presentiment in men’s minds of the coming uprising of Christendom against the abominations of Rome.

Savonarola now daily expected to be excommunicated and he was determined to defy the Pope.  The plague increased in Florence and the Seigniory prohibited preaching in the churches for a time, but Savonarola persisted in preaching on Ascension Day.  The factions were infuriated.  They denied the pulpit with filth and draped it with the skin of an ass, and threatened the life of the Prior.  His friends implored him not to preach at the risk of his life.  He refused to yield, but a fearful riot took place in the church which was talked of through all Italy.