Letter I: To Cardinal Niccolò da Prato (1304)

In the spring of 1304, Pope Benedict XI sent the Cardinal Niccolò da Prato to Florence as peacemaker, to reconcile the factions and bring the exiles home. This letter, written in the name of the exiled White Guelfs and their captain, Alessandro da Romena, is generally thought to have been drafted by Dante, who was then among their leaders.

To the most reverend father in Christ, the Lord Niccolò, by divine mercy Cardinal Bishop of Ostia and Velletri, legate of the Apostolic See, appointed by the Holy Church as peacemaker in Tuscany, Romagna and the March of Treviso — his most devoted sons, Alessandro, captain, and the council and whole body of the White party of Florence, send their most devoted and eager commendation.

We have received your letter, most holy father, and the sweet counsel it contained; and we have been filled with a joy we can hardly express, like a man who, after long sickness, feels his strength return. For what else did we seek in our civil war, what did our white standards aim at, what did our swords and lances grow red for, but that those who in their rashness had torn apart the laws of the city should submit to the yoke of pious law and be compelled to keep the peace of their country? Our arrows, aimed at no other target, flew only for this; and if our purpose was frustrated, it was through the fault of others.

Now we yield, and lay down our arms, and promise to cease from every hostility, and submit ourselves wholly to your will, as sons to a father. We beg you only that, as you have begun to pour the sweet water of peace upon the parched soil of Florence, you will not cease until it is wholly refreshed.

The Cardinal's mission failed; he left Florence that June, laying the city under an interdict. The exiles were defeated in battle at La Lastra in July 1304, and Dante, by then, had broken with them.