A lively image of the Black Plague, and of the moral evil which followed in its train, will vividly represent itself to him who is acquainted with nature and the constitution of society.

Almost the only credible accounts of the manner of living, and of the ruin which occurred in private life during this pestilence, are from Italy; and these may enable us to form a just estimate of the general state of families in Europe, taking into consideration what is peculiar in the manners of each country.
"When the evil had become universal" (speaking of Florence), "the hearts of all the inhabitants were closed to feelings of humanity.

They fled from the sick and all that belonged to them, hoping by these means to save themselves.

Others shut themselves up in their houses, with their wives, their children and households, living on the most costly food, but carefully avoiding all excess.

None were allowed access to them; no intelligence of death or sickness was permitted to reach their ears; and they spent their time in singing and music, and other pastimes.