Though the houses were full of riches, these would scarce suffice to buy bread for those who remained alive.

The Doge and some of his Council passed laws to lighten the misery of the people, but soon few heeded these laws which none were left to enforce.

The vagabonds and evil-minded men who began by robbing the deserted houses of jewels, money and plate, ended by searching them for food and casting aside their treasures as worthless dross.

It was even said that some of them did worse things, things not to be named, since in its extremities nature knows no shame.

Only if bread and meat were scarce, wine remained in plenty.