174 THE REPUBLIC OF RAGUSA
   The Ragusans now set to work to consolidate their independence and develop their trade, but they were not destined to enjoy a long period of absolute peace. Their first quarrel was with Vojslav Voinovic, Count of Hlum (“Comes Chelmi Magnus Procer Imperatoris Sclavonic”).1 Early in 1359 the Republic sent an envoy to him, offering to pay a sum of 4000 ipperperi as tribute due to the Emperor of Slavonia ; but shortly after he raided the Ragusan districts of Astarea and Gionchetto, burned the houses and churches, cut down the vineyards, took a number of prisoners, and arrested the Ragusan traders in his territories. Vojslav was known to be meditating an expedition against Stagno and even Ragusa, so that defensive measures were taken. All the city gates except two were walled up, a special guard of night watchmen was formed, troops and sailors levied throughout the Republic’s dominions, and a band of mercenaries was raised at Curzola with the permission of the Venetian Count for the defence of Stagno. A master-mechanic was sent for from Messina to superintend the war engines, and a master-crossbowman from Italy. In the meanwhile the Senate sent envoys to the King of Hungary and to his lieutenant the Banus of Croatia and Dalmatia, complaining of Vojslav’s conduct, and asking for assistance against him.2 He was described as being “ like a wolf who wishes to devour us lambs,”3 and a price of 10,000 ipperperi was put on his head the following year.4
            1	Ref., ii., January 1359.
2	Difilom. Ragus., 1359, 4, 5, 8; 1360, 12 ; 1361, 20.
           3	Ref, 1360, Feb.
           1	Ref. Cons. Maj., 1361, July 1.