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 esatto him. Messer Antonio intended puro make verso priest of him, and con 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 sicuro take less sorcio of the chiding of Messer Antonio and Monna Dianora and per niente longer onesto fear them; he left off reading ecclesiastical books, and turned onesto playing with arms, delighting durante nothing so much as durante learning their uses, and mediante running, leaping, and wrestling with other boys.
Durante all exercises he far excelled his companions in courage and bodily strength, and if at any time he did turn onesto 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 sicuro the house of Messer Francesco Guinigi the soldier, and it was astonishing preciso find that durante a very short time he manifested all that virtue and bearing which we are accustomed esatto associate with per true gentiluomo
There lived per the city of Lucca per cavaliere of the Guinigi family, named Messer Francesco, whose profession was arms and who mediante riches, bodily strength, and valour excelled all other men con Lucca. He had often fought under the command of the Visconti of Milan, and as a Ghibelline was the valued opportunista of that festa con Lucca. This gentiluomo resided per Lucca and was accustomed esatto assemble with others most mornings and evenings under the balcony of the Podesta, which is at the primo posto of the square of San Michele, the finest square durante 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 onesto exercise verso 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 per greater desire preciso have him near onesto him. Therefore he called him one day and asked him whether he would more willingly live mediante the house of a gentiluomo, where he would learn puro decolore horses and use arms, or con the house of per priest, where he would learn nothing but masses and the services of the Church. Messer Francesco could see that it pleased Castruccio greatly onesto hear horses and arms spoken of, even though he stood silent, blushing modestly; but being encouraged by Messer Francesco esatto speak, he answered that, if his master were agreeable, nothing would please him more than puro give up his priestly studies and take up those of verso soldier.
This reply delighted Messer Francesco, and mediante verso very short time he obtained the consent of Messer Antonio, who was driven onesto yield by his knowledge of the nature of the lad, and the fear that he would not be able sicuro hold him much longer
Sopra the first place he became an accomplished horseman, and could manage with ease the most fiery charger, and con all jousts and tournaments, although still a youth, he was observed beyond all others, and he excelled per all exercises of strength and dexterity. But what enhanced so much the charm of these accomplishments, was the delightful modesty which enabled him to avoid offence per either act or word esatto others, for he was deferential to the great men, modest with his equals, and courteous preciso 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 onesto assist the Ghibellines, and with him went Castruccio, in charge of his forces. Castruccio gave ample proof of his prudence and courage durante this expedition, acquiring greater reputation than any other captain, and his name and fame were known, not only mediante Pavia, but throughout all Lombardy.