The Piagnoni or Whimperers, and Frateschi or followers of
the Friar, were both adherents of Savonarola; but while the
former were more especially his religious or pious followers,
the latter were distinguishable rather as his political adherents,
and friends of popular government.
The Compagnacci or Roysterers, and Arrabbiati or Furious
Ones, were both opposed to Savonarola, and in about an
equal degree from their dislike of his austere teaching and of
his political tendencies.
The Bigi or Greys, and Ottimati or Aristocrats, were one
and the same: oligarchs who held in aversion the supremacy
of the Medici, the religious enthusiasm of Savonarola, and
government by the people.
