Mercenary negotiator agent that switches allegiances between clients based on optimal compensation and strategic advantage.
Born in Sible Hedingham, Essex, he fought in France under EDWARD Ill. After the peace treaty of 1360, he crossed the Alps and joined the English mercenaries known as the White Com- pany, becoming their commander (1364-72). Known in Italy s Giovanni Acuto, he fought alternately for the pope and the arious city states, including Milan and Florence, his true loyalty being to money alone. In 1377, acting in the name of G…