These foreign troops remained at the disposal of the tyrants and superseded the national militia.

The people of Italy were reserved for taxation; the foreigners carried on the wars of the princes.

Nor was this policy otherwise than popular.

It relieved all classes from the conscription, leaving the burgher free to ply his trade, the peasant to till his fields, and disarming the nobles who were still rebellious and turbulent within the city walls.

The same custom gained ground among the Republics.