liturgies of violence 523
figure 13.1. 17th century drawing of the center of the village of orgiano (Vicenza).
the house that belonged to Paolo orgiano is the second on the right, on the road
that crosses the village.
noticed, taking advantage of the darkness that had now enveloped the
village, they approached, slowly, carefully, eyeing the glowing windows.
fully armed, they clutched arquebuses in their hands. they were veterans
of similar operations, but their behavior demonstrated an almost entirely
new awareness. the man whom they had prudently sent ahead to assess
the situation had informed them that most of the approximately 20 guests
present that evening had already left, and the men found no opposition
when they broke in. Paolo orgiano was in bed with a woman and only
managed a few words of protest, so great was his surprise when faced
with those hard-faced men whose wrinkles seemed to have absorbed,
been ironed in by the violence that surrounded them. they had not
found any bravi present, although they knew them to be almost perma-
nently stationed in the palazzo. after securely tying the man’s hands they
seized weapons found during a thorough search. the news spread quickly
through the village, and many peasants immediately rushed to the scene
to help, not hiding their joy and surprise. they openly thanked the men,
exclaiming in unison that the arrested man was responsible for more acts
of violence and abuses than anyone could count.