BANDITTI, from the Italian bandito, persons outlawed. This term being in Italy almost wholly appropriated to those troops of ruffians who infest the highways, and forming a distinct society of them selves, set the laws of their country at defiance, has become the general appellation of all similar gangs in whatever country. Almost all the countries on the continent are annoyed by banditti, who are so numerous, and united among themselves by so strict and inviolable laws, that no police can afford sufficient security against their depredations. In the eastern part of Sicily, called Val Demoni, especially, are so formidable, as to have almost the absolute com mand of the whole district. In the innumerable ca verns and subterraneous passages of Mount ./Etna, they are completely safe from the pursuit of troops; and as they are to the last degree determined and vindictive, the inhabitants, rather than venture to of fend them, submit, in silence, to their most violent outrages. . From these circumstances, their company has become so" numerous and powerful, that the prince of Villa Franca has been induced, from mo- • tives of policy, as well as from a regard to safety, to declare himself their patron and protector. Such of them as chose to leave their mountains and forests, meet with good encouragement and certain protec tion in his service ; and are treated with unlimited confidence, which they have never been known to abuse. They wear the prince's livery, and are dis
tinguished also by the badge of their order, which commands universal awe and respect.
In many circumstances, indeed, these banditti are more entitled to respect than the majority of their countrymen. Criminal as they are with regard to society in general, their notions of honour arc highly refined and romantic. Their promise is inviolable, and their friendship or protection, when once en gaged, may be relied on with unreserved confidence. Even magistrates have often been obliged to protect and court them ; and as those of their number, who are enlisted in the prince's service, are known and re spected by all the banditti in the island, the persons of those whom they take under their protection are always held sacred. Most travellers, therefore, en deavour to hire a couple of these heroes from town to town; and though their pay be high, it is more than saved by their care to secure their proteges from every kind of imposition. Indeed," says Mr Brydonc, " I think they impose upon every body except us; for they tax the bills according to their pleasure ; and such cheap ones I never paid before." See Brydone's Tour through Sicily and Malta, Lett. 4. and 5. (p..)