AGAZZARI, FILIPPO degli. – Augustinian friar of Siena, of the noble A. family, born in 1339, died on 30 Oct. 1422. Having overcome his parents' opposition, at the age of fifteen (1353) he donned the habit of the Hermits of St Augustine in the convent of Lecceto near Siena, where he was guided by the blessed Nicola Tini dei Marescotti. A summons from the general, Fr. Gregorio da Rimini, on a visit to Lecceto (1357), rekindled his fervour. From 1398 until his death, he served as prior.
His life was eminently edifying and laborious; he copied many books for the benefit of his brethren. He is commonly called Blessed. Of his many writings, there remain the *Assempi* (Exempla), of which two autograph manuscripts are preserved in the municipal library of Siena (1st ed. by F. C. Carpellini, Siena 1864). These consist of 62 tales, composed in the lively vernacular of the Sienese people, reflecting their customs with sober and dramatic touches. Their purpose is to correct the prevailing vices of the time, particularly gambling and usury among men (almost all the usurers in the *Assempi* die in despair), and vanity and deceit among women. The marvellous, at times terrifying, holds sway, familiar to the lively popular faith of the 14th century; the devil figures prominently as tempter and executioner.
AGAZZ
Agauno – Reliquary casket offered by Theoderic (8th century). Treasure of the Abbey.
Agauno – Sardonyx vessel with Merovingian enamels. Treasure of the Abbey.