The foremost rider was a cavalier scarce twenty years, apparently, of age; clad simply, but elegantly, in the travelling dress of a Tuscan gentleman of that day. His vest, which was of the richest velvet, slashed and embroidered in the fashion of the time, was covered, on back and breast, by the strong "Jazeran," or scaled corslet, which was the armour then generally worn in Italy, and which, while it was less cumbrous than complete steel, was yet fully proof against the thrust either of lance or poniard. A belt of gold, four fingers broad, drawn tightly round the waist, and clasped by a jewel of price in front, marked the division between the bottom of the "Camiciuola," or upper garment, and the long breeches and stockings of woven silk,--the "Calzoni alla pantalona"--which, with yellow Morocco boots and massy spurs of gold, terminated the lower portion of the figure. And the broad "mantello" or cloak, of ample extent--on foot or horseback, still the constant equipment of every Italian gentleman--gathered plaidlike round the body, clinging upon the bridle shoulder, and passing under the right arm, so as to clothe the bust and loins, yet leave the sword-hand free--swelled with the damp and unwholesome "libeccio" which blew in the rider's face, and seemed to bring a death in every gust, as he lifted his strong horse, all dust and foaming--plunging with short springs, and gathered almost upon its haunches--down the last sharp pitch of hill which marked the boundary of the Apennines, and carried the traveller forward into the fair valley of the Arno.