Castruccio returns to Cremona to hear Pepi Benedetto's request. (Page 238). Upon finding out that Pepi intends to hold the city hostage with outstanding debts, Castruccio is disgusted and leaves as soon as he can. Not long after, Pepi is killed during a fight within the city. This is sort of a bizarre piece, as Shelley again seems to be trying to squeeze out some last pieces of sympath for Castruccio, while also making a statement about tax collection.