[illustration] [royal blazon or coat of arms]

THE EIGHT BOOKE.

THE beginning of this Booke, placed amidst two conspiracies, the one in Milan alreadie declared, the other happened in Flo∣rence, and to be spoken of; it may be thought fit, that (according to my custome) I should somewhat saie, touching the quallitie of conspiracies, and of what importance they are. Which wil∣lingly I would do, had I not in other places discoursed there∣of, or that such a matter might be briefelie passed ouer. But see∣ing it requireth great consideration, and is alreadie spoken of, we will proceed, and tell how the Medici, hauing ouercome all enemies, that openly opposed them∣selues, being desirous their house alone might haue authoritie in the Cittie, it be∣houed them to oppresse all others that secretly practised against them. For so long as they contended against other families but with equall authoritie, the Cittizens enuying their greatnesse, might openly and without feare affront them. Bicause, the Magistrates being free, neither partie before losse of victorie, had any occasion to feare it selfe. But after the victorie, in the yeare 66. the State became so much in the hand and power of the Medici, as all men discontented, were inforced, either patiētly to abide the condition wherein they liued, or else by way of conspiracie, and secret practise, to amend their fortune. But sith cōspiracies are with difficultie performed, for the most part, they procure the ruine of the conspirators, and the greatnes of him against whome they be conspired. So that, a Prince by conspiracie assaulted, if he be not therein slaine, as was the Duke of Milan (which seldome hapneth) becommeth thereby the stronger, and being before good, becommeth euill. Bicause conspiracies do giue him occasion to feare, feare counsaileth him to seeke assurance, and in see∣king assurance, he doth iniure others, whereby he gaineth hatred, and many times procureth his own destruction. So as in cōclusion, treasons do sodeinly ouerthrow those who attempt them, and trouble him many times against whome they be attempted. Italy was (as hath bene before declared) diuided into two factions, the Pope and the King on the one side, and the Venetians, the Duke, and Floren∣tines on the other side. And albeit there was not betwixt them any warre mo∣ued, yet was there dailie occasion giuen thereof, and the Pope chiefelie in all his actions studied to offend the state of Florence. Philippo de Medici Archbishop of Pisa, then dying, the Pope, (contrarie to the will of the Senate of Florence) gaue that Bishopprick to Francesco Saluiati, whome hee knewe to bee enemie to the house of Medici.* But the Senate denying to deliuer possession there∣of, there followed great displeasure betwixt the Pope and the Medici. Besides that, the Pope did great fauours in Rome to the familie of Pazzi, and in euerie Page  196 acte, disfauoured the house of Medici. In those daies, the house of Pazzi liued aboue other the Florentine families, in most riches and glorie. The chiefe of them was called Giacopo, who for his riches and Nobilitie, was made Knight. He hauing no children but one onely daughter, had for heires diuerse nephews, sonnes of Piero and Antonio his brethren. The chiefe of whom were Guglielmo, Francesco, Rinato, and Giouanni. After them, Andrea, Nicholo, and Galeotto. Cosimo de Medici seeing their riches and nobilitie, gaue his neece Biancha in marriage to Guglielmo, hoping that alliance would make those houses more vnited, and remoue all occasion of displeasures and suspitions, which many times hapned betwixt them. Notwithstāding (so incertaine and fallible are the expectatiōs of men) the matter came otherwise to passe, for those that counselled Lorenzo, told him, it was perilous, and contrary to his authoritie, to suffer the Citizens to increase their riches and state: which was the cause that those degrees of honor were not graunted to Giacopo and his nephews, which (as other Citizens thought) they deserued. Hereof grew the first displeasure of the Pazzi, and the first feare of the Medici.* The increasing of the one, was cause that the other also increased: in so much as the Pazzi in all actions, whereat other Citizens did meete, were not to the Magistrates welcome. Also the officers of eight men, vpon a like oc∣casion (without such respect, as was wont to be borne towards the great Citizens) constrained Francesco de Pazzi being at Rome, to returne to Florence. Whereupon the Pazzi in all places with iniurious words, and full of offence complained: which do∣ings, caused others to suspect, & think thēselues to be iniured. Giouanni de Pazzi, had married the daughter of Giouanni Barromei a man of great riches, which riches after his death for want of sonnes, should come vnto her. Neuertheles, Carlo his nephew toke possession of part of those goods, and therby the matter being brought to triall and sute, an order was made, by vertue wherof, the wife of Giouanni de Pazzi was dis∣inherited, and the possessions giuen to Carlo: which iniurie, the Pazzi did altogither impute to the Medici. Of this matter, Giuliano de Medici did many times lament, and complaine to his brother Lorenzo, saying, he feared least they desiring too much, should lose all. But Lorenzo being full of youth and authoritie, would needs take all vpon him, and make euery man know, that all things were done by him. The Pazzi being noble and rich, could not indure so great iniuries, but deuised by what means they might procure reuenge. The first that moued speech against the Medici, was Francesco. He being of more courage and life then the others, determined to get that which he wanted, or lose that which he had. And bicause the gouernment of Flo∣rence was hatefull vnto him, he liued for the most part in Rome, and there (according to the custome of Florentine Merchants) occupied great summes of money. Being also of familier acquaintance with the Earle Girolamo, one of them often complained to the other of the Medici. In so much as after many consultations, they concluded, that to make the one of them assured of his lands, and the other of his Cittie, it was necessarie to alter the gouernment of Florence, which they thought could not be done,* without the death of Giuliano, and Lorenzo. They also supposed, that the Pope and the King, would easily thereto consent, if the facilitie of the en∣terprise were laid before them. They then thus minded, imparted all their intent to Francesco Saluiati, Archbishop of Pisa, who being ambitious, and lately iniu∣red by the Medici, willinglie condiscended. And examining among themselues what was to be done, they agreed (for the more speedie performing of the acti∣on) to drawe thereinto Giacopo de Pazzi, without whome, they thought no∣thing could be performed. It was then supposed good, that for this purpose Fran∣cesco de Pazzi should goe to Florence, and the Archbishop and the Earle remaine at Rome, to sollicite the Pope when need required. Francesco being come to Giacopo, Page  197 found him more respectiue, and hard to be perswaded, then they would haue him, and aduertising the same to Rome, it was thought fit to draw him with more autho∣ritie. Whereupon the Archbishop and the Earle opened all the matter to Giouanbat∣tista da Montesecco, one of the Popes Captaines. He being a man of warre well estee∣med, was also beholding to the Pope and the King. Neuerthelesse, he iudged the matter hard, full of danger and difficulties, which the Archbishop laboured to re∣moue, by telling him what aide the Pope and King would giue to the enterprise. Also he alleaged, that the Citizens of Florence did hate the Medici, and the Saluiati and Pazzi would help to kill them, which was the more easie to do, by reason they wal∣ked in the Cittie vnaccompanied, and without suspect. Therefore if Giuliano and Lo∣renzo were dead, the State might easily be changed. All which reasons, Giouanbat∣tista beleeued not, hearing many Florentines affirme the contrarie. While these matters were in consideration, it happened Carlo of Faenza fell so sick, as euerie man feared his death. It was then thought good to the Archbishop and the Earle, to take occasion to send Giouanbattista to Florence, and from thence to Romagna, vn∣der pretence to recouer certaine Townes, which the Lord of Faenza had taken from them. The Earle therfore commaunded Giouanbattista to speake with Lorenzo, and in his name desire counsell how the matters of Romagna might be handled: after to deale with Francesco de Pazzi, and then they togither, to perswade Giacopo di Pazzi to be of their mind. And bicause he should carrie with him the authoritie of the Pope, they procured him to speake with his holinesse, who offered to further the enterprise with all his power. Giouanbattista arriued at Florence, went vnto Lorenzo, of whome he was curteously receiued, and in all his demaunds wisely and friendly counselled. Whereof Giouanbattista meruailed, finding him an other man, then he was reported to be: for he perceiued him to be curteous, wise, and a friend to the Earle: notwithstanding he thought fit to talke with Francesco, but (he being gone to Lucca) communed with Giacopo, whome at the first he found farre from the matter, yet before they parted, with the authoritie of the Pope somewhat moued; and said to Giouanbattista, that he should goe into Romagna, and in the meane space Francesco would become home: and then more particulerly they would reason how all things should be handled. Giouanbattista went and returned, and still cōtinued to enterteine Lorenzo with his dissimuled busines for the Earle: and after conferred with Giacopo and Francesco de Pazzi, with whom he perswaded so farre, that they consented to the enterprise. Then they reasoned of the manner how to performe it, and Giacopo thought it vnpossible, both the brethren being in Florence, and therfore thought best to tarry til Lorenzo went to Rome, which was thought he would, and then to execute the matter. Francesco liked well that Lorenzo should goe to Rome, but if he did not go thither, yet either at some wedding in the Church, or at the time of some sport, they might be both slaine. And touching forreine aide, he thought the Pope might as∣semble forces, pretending the enterprise of the Castle of Montone, hauing iust occa∣sion to take it frō Carlo, bicause he had moued rebellion in the countries belonging to Siena and Perugia. Yet was nothing fully concluded, but that Francesco de Pazzi, and Giouanbattista should go to Rome, and there with the Earle and the Pope deter∣mine all things. This matter was againe practised in Rome, and in the end a resolu∣tion set downe (the enterprise of Montone being determined) that Ciouan Francesco da Tolentino the Popes souldier, should goe to Romagna, and Lorenzo di Castello to his countrey, and either of them with their men be readie to do, whatsoeuer by the Archbishop Saluiati, & Francesco de Pazzi should be cōmaunded: who, with Giouan∣battista de Montesecco should go to Florēce, and make prouisiō of all things for the ex∣ecution of the enterprise; whereunto the king Ferrando by his Embassador promised Page  198 some aide. The Archbishop, and Francesco de Pazzi arriued at Florence, perswaded vnto the conspiracie Giacopo di Poggio, a yong man well learned, but ambitious, & de∣lighting in change. They perswaded also the two Giacopi Saluiati, one was brother, the other nephew to the Archbishop. They perswaded likewise Barnardo Bandini, and Napolione (two valiant yong men borne in Fraunce) yet affectionat to the family of Pazzi. Of strangers (besides those we haue named) they perswaded Antonio di Volterra, and one other called Steffano, a Priest, who taught the latin toong to the daughter of Giacopo. Rinato de Pazzi, being a wise and graue man (and such a one as knew the inconuenients that followed like enterprises) would not consent to the conspiracie, but by all honest meanes he could, impeached the same. The Pope had in the Vniuersitie of Pisa, mainteined Raffaello de Riario (nephew to the Earle Girola∣mo) to learne the Cannon lawes, where he continued till the Pope aduanced him to the dignitie of Cardinall. The conspirators thought fit to bring this Cardinall to Flo∣rence, whose cōming, should couer the conspiracie, hoping to harbour in his house those conspirators, whom they had need of, and thereby take occasion to performe their intēt. The Cardinall being desired, came, and was by Giacopo de Pazzi receiued at Montughi his towne, neare vnto Florēce. The conspirators desired by his occasion to assemble Lorenzo and Giuliano, and so to kill them. They found meanes then that they should feast the Cardinall at their towne of Fiesole, whither Giuliano either by hap or purpose came not, so as that appointment failed. Then determined they to conuite them in Florence, whither of necessitie they must come, and so they tooke order to make the feast on Sund•y the 26. of Aprill 1478. The conspirators thus de∣termined to murther them at the feast, on Saterday night they met togither, to take order for the execution of the murther the next day. The day being come, Fran∣cesco was aduertised, that Giuliano would not be there. For which consideration, the conspirators met againe, and concluded, that it stood them vpon to bring the matter to execution, bicause it was impossible (being knowne to so many) but it would be reuealed, wherefore they determined to kill him in the Cathedrall Church of S. Re∣parata, where the Cardinall being, both the bretheren (according to their custome) would not faile to be. They ordered, that Giouanbattista should take in hand to kill Lorenzo, and Francesco de Pazzi, with Barnardo Bandini, should sley Giuliano. Giouan∣battista, refused to performe his charge, either bicause the curteous vsage of Lorenzo had mollified his mind, or else for some other occasion which moued him, said, he durst not commit so great a sinne in the Church, as to execute treason with sacrilege. Which conceit of Giouanbattista, was the first ruine of their enterprise; for the time drawing on, they were forced to commit that charge to Antonio of Volterra, and Steffano the Priest: two men, both for experiēce and nature, farre vnfit for that pur∣pose, bicause there is no action which requireth more resolution and constancie of mind, then this. And it behoueth him that should take such a matter in hand, to be a man accustomed to be present at the death of others. For it hath oft bene seene, that some men, vsed to armes and bloud, haue notwithstanding in like cases, let fall their courage. This determination set downe, they agreed that the time of the execution should be at the sacring time of Masse, and in the same instant, the Archbishop Salui∣ati, with Giacopo, should take possession of the publique Pallace, to the end that the Senators either by consent or force (so soone as the yong men were slaine) should fauour the conspirators. This course being agreed of, they went to the Temple, where they found the Cardinall, and Lorenzo de Medici. The Church was full of people, and the seruice begun, but Giuliano not come. Wherfore Francesco de Pazzi, with Barnardo (who had the charge of his death) went vnto his house, and there by intreatie and cunning, perswaded him to come to the Church. And truly it is a thing Page  199 worthy memorie, to know how so great hatred would be so couertly kept secret in the minds of Francesco & Barnardo. For both by the way going to the Church, and in the church, they enterteined Giuliano with pleasant speech and youthful daliance. Also Francesco vnder colour of familier and friendly curtesie, tooke Giuliano in his armes, to feele whether he had on anie armour or garment of defence. Giuliano and Lorenzo knew well inough they were not beloued of the Pazzi, and that they desi∣red to remoue them from their authoritie in the state: yet feared they not their own liues, supposing that whensoeuer the Pazzi would attempt anie enterprise against them, they would do it ciuilly and not by violence. Therefore not mistrusting anie such measure, they likewise feined themselues to be their friends. The murtherers thus prepared, those that were appointed for slaughter of Lorenzo, thrust in among the multitude: where they might stand without suspition. The others, togithers with Giuliano, being come to the Church, at the time appointed, Barnardo Bandini with a short dagger made for the purpose, stabbed Giuliano to the heart, who moo∣uing a step or two, fell to the ground: and vpon him went Francesco de Pazzi woun∣ding his bodie in many places so furiously, that he strake himselfe also a great wound in one of his owne legs. Antonio and Steffano assaulted Lorenzo, at whom they strake diuerse times, but hurt him onely a litle in the throate. For either their negligence, his resistance, or the helpe of those that stood by, saued him from further harme. So that the conspirators fled, and hid themselues. But being afterwards founde, they were shamefully put to death, and their bodies drawne through all the streetes of the Citie. Lorenzo ioyning with those friends he had about him, retired himselfe in∣to the vesterie of the Temple, and there shut vp the doores. Barnardo Bandini seeing Giuliano dead, slew also Francesco Nori a great friend to the Medici, either because hee hated him before, or because Francesco had gone about to saue Giuliano. Also not con∣tent with these two murthers, he went towards Lorenzo, hoping by his courage and quicknesse to supplie that, which others for their sloth and cowardice had left vn∣done. But Lorenzo being in the vestry, he could not performe his intent. In the midst of this great and terrible accident (which was such as made all men to feare, that the Church would haue fallen downe) the Cardinall retired to the altar, where he was with great difficultie by the Priests saued, till such time (as the tumult ceased) the Se∣nate could conuey him to his Pallace, and there till his deliuerie, with great feare he remained. At that time there were in Florence, certaine Citizens of Perugia, who by the factions, (enemies to their houses,) had bene banished. These Perugini being promised by the Pazzi to be restored to their country, were also of this conspiracie. Whereupon the Archbishop Saluiati, (who was gone to surprise the Pallace accom∣panied with Giacopo, the two other Saluiati, and other his friends and followers) be∣ing come thither, left certaine of them below, charging them, that so soone as they should heare anie noyse, to take possession of the gate, and he with the greater part of the Perugini went vp, where he found the Senate at dinner, and was presently let in by Cesare Petrucci Gonfaloniere di Giustitia. The Archbishop thus entred with a fewe, leauing the rest without, they of their owne accord went into the Chancery, where they shut themselues in. For the locke of that doore was by such deuise made, as neither within, nor without, could be but with the key opened. The Archbishop in the meane space being with the Gonfaloniere, pretending to speake with him of matters by the Popes commandement, began to vtter some speech fearefully, and as though he were amazed. In so much as the alteration of his countenance & words, wrought so great suspition in the Gonfaloniere, that sodeinly he thrust him out of the chamber: and seeing Giacopo there also, tooke him by the haire of the head, and deli∣uered him to the hands of the Serieants. The rest of the Senators perceiuing these Page  200 tumults: with those weapons which were next hand, assaulted the others which were come vp with the Archbishop. Part of them being shut vp, the rest were dis∣maid, all whom they sodeinly slew, or caused aliue to be cast out of the Pallace win∣dow. Of this number, the Archbishop with the other two, Saluiati and Giacopo de Poggio were hanged. The other conspirators which were left below, had wonne the gate from the guard, and gotten possession of all the lower roomes, so that the Citizens who resorted vnto the Pallace vpon this rumor, could neither with their counsell nor their force assist the Senators. In the meane space, Francesco de Pazzi, and Barnardo Bandini seeing Lorenzo escaped, and one of them in whom the chiefe hope of the enterprise depended, to be sore hurt, were therewith dismaied. Wher∣upon Barnardo hoping with that courage to escape, wherewith he had iniured the Medici, seeing the enterprise failed, fled away and saued himselfe. Francesco being come home to his house hurt, offered to mount on horsebacke (for the order was, that certaine armed men should be placed about the towne, and the people called to libertie and armes) but he could not: So deep was the wound, and so much bloud had he lost. Wherefore he put off all his cloathes, and laide himselfe naked in bed; desiring Giacopo that he would performe that which himselfe could not: albeit Giaco∣po were old, and vnpractised in such tumults, yet to make the last proofe of fortune, mounted on horsebacke, followed with a hundreth horsemen or thereabouts (who were laid readie for the like enterprise) and with those he went to the Market place of the Pallace, calling the people to aide him, and recouer their libertie. But the peo∣ple by the fortune and liberallitie of the Medici made deaffe, gaue no eare to helpe him, and the Florentines had so much forgotten their libertie, as he receiued no aun∣swere at all. Onely the Senators (who commaunded the highest place in the Pallace) saluted them with throwing downe of stones, and with threatenings by all wayes they could deuise, terrified them. Giacopo standing then doubtfull what to doo, was met by Giouanni Saristori his brother in lawe, who first reprooued him and the rest, for the troubles they had begun, and then perswaded him to returne to his house, saying that the welfare of the people, and the libertie, touched other Citizens aswel as him. Thus Giacopo voyd of all hope, seeing the Senators his enemies, Lorenzo aliue, Francesco hurt, and himselfe not followed of anie, determined to flee and saue his life, if possibly he could. For which purpose, with that companie which was with him in the Market place,* he went out of Florence towards Romagna. In the meane time all the Citie were in armes, and Lorenzo di Medici accompanied with many armed men, returned home to his house. The Pallace was recouered by the people, and all the conspirators taken and slaine. Also throughout the Citie, the name of Medici was proclaimed, and the members of the dead men, either carried vppon the pointes of swordes and launces, or drawne through the streets: moreouer euerie man, both by wordes and deeds, irefully and cruelly persecuted the Pazzi. Their houses were by the people taken, and Francesco (naked as he laie in bed) drawne out and brought to the Pallace, where he was hanged fast by the Archbishop and others his compani∣ons. But he would not in any wise, for any iniurie done vnto him by the way, or af∣ter, speak any word at all: but looked euery man earnestly in the face, and so without other lamentation tooke leaue of life. Guglielmo di Pazzi, brother in lawe to Lorenzo) by his owne innocencie and the help of his wife Bianca, saued himselfe in his house. There was no Citizen either armed or disarmed, but in that necessitie went vnto Lo∣renzo, offering him their seruice and substance. So great was the fortune and fauour, which that house, by his wisedom and liberallitie had gained. Rinato de Pazzi, when this chaunce happened, retired to his house in the countrey: where vnderstanding therof, he disguised himselfe and fled. Notwithstanding, being knowne by the way, Page  201 hee was taken and brought to Florence. Giacopo in passing the Alpes was also taken. For those mountaine people hearing what had happened in Florence, and seeing him fleeing, staied him, and brought him back to Florence. Neither could he intreat them to kill him by the way, although he earnestly desired them so to do. Giacopo and Ri∣nato were brought to their death, foure daies after this accident happened: & among so many murthers and executions done all those foure daies, by meanes whereof the streets were filled with dead men; yet was there no compassion taken of any, but onely of this Rinato; because he was accounted a wise man, honest, and free from that pride, whereof the rest of that house were noted. And to the end that this acti∣on might proceed for an extraordinarie example, Giacopo being buried among his auncestors, was (as a man excommunicate) taken vp, and by the haulter wherewith he was hanged, drawne naked throughout the Citie: and those that drew him, not voucthsauing him a graue, threw his bodie into the riuer of Arno. A rare example of fortune, to see a man of so great riches, and happie estate, to fall into so great infelici∣tie, and be ruined with so much crueltie. Some haue reported him, to be delighted in vices, and that he tooke great pleasure in gaiming and swearing, as one that was carelesse and desperate. These vices he couered with liberallitie and almes: for he largely releeued many poore men, and gaue mony to places of deuotion. This good also may be said of him, that the night before the Sunday appointed for the murther (to the end no friend should be partaker of his misfortune) hee paide all his debts, and deliuered all the merchandise he had of other mens to the propper owners, with marueilous care and diligence. Giouanbattista de Montesecco, after many examinati∣ons, was beheaded. Nappolione the Frenchman, scaped away, and by that meanes sa∣ued himselfe. Guglielmo de Pazzi, was banished, and his brother in lawes left aliue, were put in prison in the bottome of the Castle at Volterra. The tumults thus pacifi∣ed, and the conspirators punished, the funerall of Giuliano was celebrated with much lamentation of all Citizens: because there was in him so great liberallitie and curte∣sie, as might be wished in any man borne to like fortune. Of Giuliano there remained one sonne, who was borne a fewe moneths after his death, and was called Giulio: who became of that vertue and fortune, which at this present all the world know∣eth, and I will (when occasion shall be offered if God graunt me life) speake of him at large. Those souldiers which were conducted by Lorenzo da Castella in the vale of Teuere, and those which serued vnder Giouanfrancesco da Tolentino in Romagna, were ioyned togither to aide the Pazzi: and were comming towards Florence. But hea∣ring the enterprise was miscarried, they returned backe. And the alteration of the state not being brought to passe (as the Pope and King desired) they determined to do that by open warre, which by secret conspiracie they could not.* Then both the one and the other of them, with all possible speede, assembled their forces to assault the state of Florence: publishing that they required nothing of that Citie, but that it would remoue Lorenzo de Medici, whom among all the Florentines, they accounted their onely enemie. The King his souldiers, were alreadie passed Tronto, and the Popes forces, arriued in the countrey of Perugia. The Pope also intending to make the Florentines to taste of spirituall affliction, did excommunicate and curse them. The Florentines seeing so great forces comming against them, with great care pre∣pared for defence. And Lorenzo de Medici (because the warre was said to be made onely against him) desired before all other things, to assemble in the Pallace with the Senate all the principall Cittizens, to the number of three hundreth or more: vnto whom he spake as followeth.* I know not (right noble Lords and magnificent Citti∣zens) whether I ought lament or reioyce with you, for these matters lately happe∣ned. For when I consider with what fraud and despight I was assaulted, and my bro∣ther Page  202 slaine; I cannot but bee sorrie, and with all my heart and soule lament. Yet when I remember with what readinesse, what loue and vniuersall consent of all this Citie, my brothers death was reuenged and I defended, I must of force be glad, and greatly esteeme my selfe. For as experience hath now taught me to know, that I haue more enemies in the Cittie then I thought, so hath it enformed mee, that I had also more earnest and affectionate friends then I looked for. I am then to condole with you for the iniurie of others, and reioyce with you, for your owne merits: yet must my sorrow be the more, because the iniuries were rare, neuer seene, and not of vs deserued. Consider (right noble Cittizens) to what point frowarde fortune had brought our house, that among our friends, our kinsfolks, and in the Church, it was not assured. Such as stand in feare of their liues, were wont to resort to their friends for aide, and flee to their kinsfolk for succour: both whom we found readie armed to our destruction. Such as either mistrusted priuate or publique persecution, haue found refuge in Churches: but the same hauing saued others, hath bin made a place for our murder. For where murderers & theeues haue found refuge, the Medici haue met with ministers of their death. But God (who hitherto did neuer abandon our house) hath saued vs, and taken vpon him the defence of our iust cause. For what in∣iurie haue we done, that might of any man merit so great desire of reuenge? Truly we neuer offended priuately any of these, who haue prooued themselues so much our enemies. For if we had offended them, they should not haue had so great meane to offend vs. Or if they attribute to vs the publique iniuries (whereof I am not pri∣uie) they offend rather you then vs; rather this Pallace, and maiestie of gouernment then our house: seeming that for our cause you do vndeseruedly iniure them, and the rest of your Citizens, which is farre from all troth. For we, though we could, and you (though we would) did neuer consent they should be done. Whosoeuer doth looke well into the truth, shall finde, that our house hath bene by you, with so vni∣uersall consent, aduaunced for nothing more, then for that it hath studied to excell others in curtesie, liberallitie, and well dooing. If then we haue honoured straun∣gers, how haue we iniured our kinsfolke? If this motion proceeded of desire to go∣uerne (as it seemeth to do, by taking the Pallace and leading armed men to the Mar∣ket place) thereby appeareth, how euill, ambitious, and reprooueable it is. If it be done, for the mallice and enuie they beare to our authoritie, therein they offend you, not vs to whom you haue giuen it. For surely those authorities deserue hate, which men vsurpe, not those which with curtesie, liberallitie, and magnificence be gained. You know also that our house neuer ascended to any degree of greatnesse, but by order of this Pallace, and your vniuersall graunt. Cosimo my graundfather, re∣turned not from exile by force of armes or violence, but by your allowance and con∣sent. My father being aged and sicke, could not defend his authoritie against so ma∣ny enemies, but you with your authoritie did it. I my selfe after my fathers death (be∣ing as it were a childe) haue not mainteined the estimation of my house, but by your counsels and fauour. Neither could our house haue gouerned this common-weale, had you not ioyned, and doo ioyne in the gouernment thereof. I cannot therefore imagine, what cause of mallice they haue against vs, or what iust occasion to enuie vs. For sith their owne auncestors with their pride and couetise, haue lost those ho∣nours, why should they enuie vs, if by contrarie desert we haue gained them? But admit the iniuries done them by vs be great, and that they iustly desired our ruine, yet why should they offend this Pallace? Why make they league with the Pope and King against the libertie of this state? Or why do they disturbe the long peace of Italy? Hereof they haue no excuse at all, for they ought to offend those, who offen∣ded them; and not mixe priuate displeasures, with publique iniuries: which is the Page  203 reason that they being extirped, our miserie is the more. For by their meanes the Pope and King are comming towardes vs in armes: and that warre (they say) to be made onely against me and my house. Which would God were true, because then the remedie is readie and certain. For I am not so bad a Citizen, as to preferre my pri∣uate welfare, before your publique weldooing: but would willingly quench your fire, with my own destruction. Yet sith the iniuries which great men do, be alwaies couered with some pretence lesse dishonest, they haue chosen this quarell, to cloake their shamefull enterprise. But if it so be, that you beleeue the contrarie, I am in your hands to be holden, or let loose, as your selues shall thinke best. You are my fathers, you are my defenders, whatsoeuer you commaund, I obey and will performe. Nei∣ther will I euer refuse (if it shall please you) to end this warre with my bloud, which by the bloud of my brother hath bene begun. While Lorenzo thus spake, the Citti∣zens could not refraine weeping: and with such compassion as they heard him, he was by one of them, answered, saying; The Cittie did acknowledge to haue recei∣ued so much good of him and his, as hee might assure himselfe they would be no lesse readie to preserue his reputation and authoritie, then they had bene willing to reuenge his brothers death, and saue his life. And before he should lose either the one or the other, they would hazard the losse of their countrey. And to the end their deeds might be answerable to those words, they appointed a certain number of men to guard his person from domesticall treasons: and after tooke order for the warre, leuying both men and money by all meanes conuenient. Then by vertue of the league, they sent for aide to the Duke of Milan and the Venetians. And sith the Pope had shewed himselfe a wolfe and no shepheard, fearing to be deuoured, by all pos∣sible meanes they iustified their cause, letting all Italy know the treason practised a∣gainst their state: declaring the wickednesse of the Pope, and his iniustice; who be∣ing by indirect meanes aspired to the Papacie, would also with mallice exercise the same. For he had not onely first sent a Prelate of his to accompanie traytors, and cut-throates to commit murther in the Temple, euen in the time of diuine seruice, and at the instant of celebration of the Sacrament, (and so by the death of the Citizens to chaunge the gouernment, and sacke the Cittie at his pleasure) but had also excom∣municated them, and with his papall curses threatned and offended them. Not∣withstanding if God were iust, and that the iniuries of men were to him offensiue, it could not be, but that the actions of this Pope were to him displeasing, and would be content that men iniured (not hauing any other refuge) might resort vnto him. Wherefore the Florentines did not onely refuse to obey this excommunication,* but also the same notwithstanding, inforce their Priests to celebrate diuine seruice. They also assembled a Councell in Florence, wherunto all the Prelates of Toscana repaired, and appealed from the Pope to the next Councell. On the other side, the Pope wan∣ted not reasons to iustifie his cause: and therefore alleaged it was the office of a chief Bishop, to remoue tyrants, oppresse the wicked, and aduaunce the good. All which things, it behoued him by all waies to procure. For it was not the office of seculer Princes to imprison Cardinals, hang vp Bishops, to kill, cut in peeces, and drawe the Priests through the streets, murthering both guiltie and vnguiltie people, without respect. Notwithstanding all these quarrels and accusations, the Cardinall (whom the Florentines kept prisoner) was released, and sent home to the Pope: which was the cause that the Pope without respect, with all his and the Kings forces,* assailed them. And those two armies conducted by Alfonso, eldest sonne of Ferrando Duke of Calauria, and by Federigo Earle of Vrbino) entred Chianti, by leaue of the Sanesi (who fauoured the enemie) and surprized Radda with diuerse other Castles, and spoyled the countrey: which done, they encamped at Castellina. The Florentines seeing these Page  204 assaults, were much afraid, being without men, and slowly aided by friends. For al∣beit the Duke had sent a supplie, yet the Venetians denied they were bound to helpe them in priuate causes. And the warre being against priuate men they were not to aide them; because priuate quarrels are not publiquely to be defended. Wherefore the Florentines thought good by Embassadors to perswade the Venetians to a better opinion: and sent Tomaso Soderini vnto the Senate. In the meane space souldiers were enterteined, and Hercole Marquesse of Farrara appointed Generall. While this pre∣paration was in making, the enemy distressed Castellina, and the people there dispai∣ring of rescue, after fortie daies defence, yeelded. From thence the enemie marched towards Arezzo, and laid siege to Monte S. Souino. By this time the Florentine armie was readie, and being come within three miles, the enemie seemed therewith per∣plexed. For Federigo de Vrbino desired truce for a fewe daies: which was graunted with so great disaduauntage to the Florentines, that they who desired it, did much meruaile. For if that request had not bene obteined, they had bene forced to depart with shame. But hauing those daies to repaire them, in the ende of the truce, they tooke that Castle, before the faces of our men. Yet the winter at hand, the enemy to lodge himselfe with more commoditie, retired into the countrey of Siena. The Flo∣rentines likewise bestowed themselues, where with most commoditie they could. And the Marquesse of Farrara hauing litle profitted himselfe, and done lesse good to others,* returned to his owne. In those daies Genoua rebelled from the Duke vppon these considerations. After the death Galeazzo (hauing left his sonne yoong and vnfit to gouerne) their grew discention betwixt Lodouico, Octauiano, and Ascanio his vn∣cles, and the Ladie Bona his mother: for euerie of them, desired the tuition of the li∣tle Duke. In which contentions the Ladie Bona Duchesse (by counsell of Tomaso Soderini Embassador there for the Florentines, and Cecco Simonetti (who had bene Se∣cretarie to Galeazzo) gat the vpper hand. Whereupon the Sforzi fled from Milan. Octauiano flying, was drowned in the Riuer Adda: and the others, togither with Ro∣berto of Sanseuerino▪ were to sundrie places confined; for Roberto in those troubles had abandoned the Duches, and ioyned with them. After happened some tumults in Toscana, by which new accidents, those Princes hoping of new fortune, euerie of them attempted somewhat, whereby to returne to his country. The King Ferrando, who saw that the Florentines were in their necessitie, succoured onely by the state of Milan, to take also from them that aide, found meanes that the Duchesse should so be set a worke in her country, as of her, they could not be aided. And by Prospero A∣dorno, and the Lord Roberto (who were rebelled) found meanes to make Genoua re∣uolt from the Duke. Neuerthelesse the small Castle stood firme; wherunto the Du∣chesse sent great forces to recouer the Citie: but they were ouerthrowne. Then she seeing the daunger of her sonne and her selfe, by the continuance of that warre, To∣scana disordered, and the Florentines (in whom she onely hoped) afflicted, determi∣ned that sith she could not hold Genoua as subiect, she would recouer it as a friend. And agreed with Battistino Fregoso (enemie to Prospero Adorno,) to giue him the lit∣tle Castle, and make him Prince of Genoua, vpon condition, that he would driue out Prospero, and disfauour the Sforzi. According to this agreement, Battistino with the helpe of the Castle, and his faction, surprized Genoua, and according to the custome made himselfe Doge. The Sforzi then, and the Lord Roberto, being driuen out of Ge∣noua, went with their followers to Lunigiana. Thereupon the Pope and King seeing the troubles of Lombardy pacified, tooke occasion by those that were driuen from Genoua, to disturbe that part of Toscana which is towards Pisa. To the ende that the Florentines diuiding their forces should become weake: and tooke order that the winter now past, Roberto should goe with his forces from Lunigiana to assault the Page  205 countrey of Pisa. This Roberto then moued exceeding great tumult, surprizing and sacking many castles in that country, & spoiling hard to the wals of Pisa. At that time arriued in Florence Embassadors from the Emperor, the French King, and the King of Hungary: sent by those Princes to the Pope. They perswaded the Florentines also to send vnto him, promising to make some end of the war, and procure a good peace. The Florentines refused not to make this trial, and the rather that therby they should let the world know, they were desirous of peace. These Embassadors dispatched, re∣turned again without any thing done. Wherupō the Florētines, to honor themselues by the reputation of the French King (being by the Italians partly offended, & partly abandoned) sent vnto him Donato Acciaiuoli, a man well learned in the Greek & Latin toongs, & one whose ancestors had alwaies born office in the citie: but being on his way, at Milan he died. Then the state to reward his heires,* and honor the memory of him being dead, with publike expence honorably buried his bodie, aduancing his sons, and giuing portions of mony to his daughters marriages. In his place, they sent Embassador to the King, Guidantonio Vespucci, a man also learned in the Emperial and Papall lawes. The assault of Roberto vpon the country of Pisa, troubled much the Flo∣rentines, for being alreadie occupied in a great war towards Siena, they saw not how to make prouisiō for Pisa. But to hold the Lucchesi faithfull, and that they should not releeue the enemie with mony or victual, sent Embassador vnto them Piero Capponi: who was (by reason of the auncient hate which that citie beareth to the Florentines) receiued with so great suspition, as hee feared many times to haue bene populerly slaine. Insomuch as this iourney did rather breede occasion of new displeasure, then new friendship. The Florentines then reuoked the Marquesse of Farrara, enterteined the Marquesse of Mantoua, and with great sute, required of the Venetians to haue the Earle Carlo, sonne of Braccio, and Deifebo, sonne of the Earle Giacopo. Which request, after many cauillations, was by the Venetians graunted. For they hauing made truce with the Turke, had no colour to deny them, and were ashamed to break their pro∣mise made to the League. The Earles Carlo & Deifebo, came with a good number of men at armes, & ioyning to them all other the men of armes they could spare, frō the army which serued vnder the Marques of Farrara, against the Duke of Calauria, went towards Pisa to encounter Roberto: who with his men was neare to the riuer of Ser∣chio. And albeit he made shew to tarry for our mē, yet did he not, but retired into Lu∣nigiana, to those lodgings from whence he came, when he entred into the country of Pisa. After his departure, all those towns were recouered by the Earle Carlo, which the enimies had before taken in the country of Pisa. The Florentines deliuered of the enemy towards Pisa, caused all their forces to be brought betwixt Colle & S. Gimiano. But by reason of the Earle Carlo his cōming, there were in that camp both the folow∣ers, Sforza & Braccio: which was the occasiō that (moued with old enuy) they begā to mutiny: & was feared, that if they had bin long togither they would haue come to blows. It was therfore thought fit for eschuing a worse mischief, to diuide the sol∣diers, & send one part of thē into the country of Perugia, vnder the Earle Carlo: the o∣ther to stay at Piggibonzi, there to entrench themselues strong, & procure that the eni∣my shuld not enter the Florentines land. By this actiō they also hoped to cōstrain the enimies to diuide their forces: for they thought either that the Earle Carlo shuld sur∣prize Perugia, where they supposed he had many partakers, or that the Pope shuld be inforced to send great forces to defēd it. They practised moreouer (to bring the pope in more necessity) that Nicolo Vitelli (being come frō the city of Castello, where Lorē∣zo his enimy was chief) shuld with his mē approch the town, remoue his aduersary, & take it frō the pope. At the beginning it seemed as thogh fortune wold haue fauo∣red the Florētine attempts: bicause Earle Carlo proceded wel in the coūtry of Perugia. Page  206 Nicholo Vitelli also, although he entred into Castello, yet he and his were strongest in the field, and without any resistance, spoiled about the Citie at his pleasure. Likewise the forces left at Poggibonzi, went euery day to the walles of Siena. Notwithstanding all these hopes became vaine. First died the Earle Carlo in the chiefe hope of his vic∣torie: whose death had bettered the estate of the Florentines, if the victorie which grew thereof, had bene well vsed. For so soone as the Earles death was knowne, so∣deinly the Popes souldiers (who were altogither at Perugia) hoped to ouerthrow the Florentines: and comming forth into the field, lodged themselues vpon the lage, di∣stant three miles from the enemie. On the other side, Giacopo Guicciardini (who was Commissary of that camp) with the counsel of Roberto da Rimino (Chieftain after the death of the Earle Carlo) knowing the occasion of the enemies pride, determined to staie for them. So as, ioyning battle vppon that lage (where in old time Anniball gaue that memorable ouerthrow to the Romanes) the Popes forces were broken.* Which victory was in Florence receiued with commendation of the captaines, & comfort of all others. And the same had proued the honor & profit of the enterprise, if the disor∣ders which grew in the army at Poggibonzi had not vndone all. And thus the good successe of the one camp was vtterly marred by the other. For the souldiers of that ar∣my hauing gottē a bootie in the country of Siena, in the diuisiō therof, the Marques of Farrara & Mantoua fell in debate. Insomuch as they came to armes, either iniuring the other by all meanes they could. Whereby the Florentines finding they could no more imploy them togither, were pleased that the Marques of Farrara with his men should be discharged. That army thus weakned & left without a gouernor, procee∣ding in euery thing disorderly: the Duke of Calauria (who was with his camp near to Siena) tooke courage to approach, & so did. The Florentins seeing thēselues likely to be assailed, neither trusted to their force, nor their number, which was greater then the enemies, nor in their place where they were, being of great force: but without respect, euē at sight of the enemy, & the dust, fled; leauing the munitiō, the cariages & artillary. So beastly & cowardly were those camps, whē the charge or retire of one horse, might make the losse, or winning of an enterprise. This discōfit filled the kings souldiers with spoile, & the Florentines with feare. For their citie was not onely affli∣cted with war, but also with pestilence: which was so great, that all the Cittizens to shun death, were retired to their country houses. This ouerthrow was the more ter∣rible, because those Cittizens who had land in the vales of Pisa & Delsa, being come thither, (the ouerthrow performed) with all possible speed returned to Florence, lea∣ding with them not only their children & goods, but also their labourers. For euerie houre it was feared, the enemy would present himself before the citie. The officers for the war, seeing this disorder, commanded those forces which were victorious in the country of Perugia, to surcease their enterprise against the Perugini, & come to the vale of Delsa, to encounter the enemy there: who after the victory, did without resi∣stance spoile the country. And albeit they had so greatly distressed the citie of Perugia, as they might euerie houre looke for victorie, yet the Florentines resolued rather to defend their own, thē take from others. Thus that army remoued from the place of happy successe, was brought to S. Cassiano, a Castle distant frō Florence 8. miles: thin∣king they could not staie in any other place, till such time as the broken Camp were supplied. The enemies on the other side at Perugia being free by the departure of the Florentine souldiers, become audacious, did daily take great booties in the countries of Arezzo & Cortona: and the others who had victory vnder Alfonso Duke of Calau∣ria at Poggibonzi, got the possessiō first of Poggibonzi, & then of Vico, & sacked Certal∣do. Hauing won these towns, & cōmitted these spoils, they incamped before the castle of Colle, which in those daies was accounted a place of great strength, and the people Page  207 of that country, being faithfull to the Florentines, were of force sufficient to hold the enemie off, till the armie was assembled. The Florentines then hauing gathered all their forces at S. Cassiano, and the enemies furiously besieging Colle, determined to draw neare vnto them, to encourage their friendes to defend themselues: supposing also that the enimy wold offend with more respect, for hauing his aduersary at hād. This resolution set downe, they remoued the Campe from S. Casciano, and brought it to S. Giminiano, within fiue myles of Colle: from whence with light horses and other suddeine meanes, they daily molested the Dukes Camp. Notwithstanding, this supplie sufficed not those of Colle: for wanting necessarie prouision, on the thirteenth day of Nouember they yeelded, to the great griefe of the Florentines, and the ioy of the enemies: and chiefly of the Sanesi, who besides their hate to the Flo∣rentines, beare also priuate grudge to the Collegiani. By this time the winter was great, and the season vnfit for warre, so that the Pope and King (either because they would giue hope of peace, or that they desired to enioy the passed victorie quiet∣ly) offered to the Florentines truce for three moneths, and gaue them ten dayes re∣spite to make answere: which was presently accepted. But as a wounde when the bloud therein groweth colde, grieueth the bodie more, then when it was receiued, so this small rest, caused the Florentines to knowe the trauailes they had endured: and the Cittizens without respect accused one an other, of the errors committed in the last warre, for the charges in vaine spent, and the Impositions vniustly put vppon them. Which matters were not only spoken of among priuate men, but the same was also boldly propounded in the Councels. And one of them tooke courage, turning his face towards Lorenzo de Medici, sayd vnto him. This Citie is wearied, and refuseth to haue longer warre. It behoueth therefore that we deuise which way to make peace. Then Lorenzo knowing the necessitie, consul∣ted with those friends whom he knew most faithfull and wise, and concluded (first perceiuing the Venetians coldnesse and inconstancie, the Dukes infancy and trouble of ciuill warres) that it was necessarie with new friends to seeke new fortune. Yet stood they doubtfull whether they were best trust vnto the Pope, or the King. The matter being well examined, they preferred the Kings friendship as most stable and sure. Because the shortnesse of the Popes liues, the chaunge of their succession, the small feare which the Church hath of Pinces, and the fewe respects which it vseth in resolution, are the causes why a seculer Prince cannot assuredly trust vnto a Pope, nor safely passe one fortune with him. For whosoeuer is friend vnto the Pope in warres and daungers, shall be by him accompanied in the victorie, but in ad∣uersities left alone: because the Pope is by spirituall power and reputation,* suppor∣ted and defended. This resolution made, that to gaine the Kings friendship was best: they thought the same by no meane better procured, nor with more assurance, then by the presence of Lorenzo. For the more liberallitie were vsed to him, the more they thought he would forget former displeasures. Lorenzo determined vp∣pon this iourney, reaccommended the Citie and state vnto Tomaso Soderini, then Gonfaloniere di Giustitia, and in the beginning of December he departed from Flo∣rence: and being arriued at Pisa, wrote vnto the Senate the occasion of his departure; and the Senate to honor him, and that he might with more reputation conclude the peace with the King, made him Embassador for the people of Florence,* with full authoritie to proceed, as by his discretion should be thought good. In the meane time Roberto da San Seuerino, togither with Lodouico and Ascanio (for their third brother Octaniano Sforza was dead) assaulted againe the State of Milan, desi∣rous to winne the gouernment thereof. And hauing surprized Tortona, Milan also with the whole countrey was in armes. Then the Duchesse Bona was counselled to Page  208 admit the Sforzi into the State, and by that meane appease the ciuill discention. The chief of those Counsellors,* was Antonio Tassino of Farrara: who being bacely born, came to Milan, and was by the Duke Gale〈…〉o and the Duchesse receiued to serue in their chamber. He either for the bewtie of his person, or for some other secret ver∣tue, after the death of the Duke, aspired to so great fauour with the Duchesse, as almost alone hee gouerned the state: which greatly displeased Cecco, being a man both for learning and long experience excellent. So as he both to the Duchesse and others, laboured to decrease the credit of Tassino. Wherof Tassino being aware, to be reuenged, & haue ayd at hand to defend him from Cecco, perswaded the Duchesse to receiue home the Sforzi: which she did without making Cecco priuie. But Cecco af∣ter knowing thereof, saide vnto her; Madame, you haue made a resolution which will take my life from mee, and the state from you: As shortly after came to passe. For Cecco was by the Lodouico put to death: and Tassino, within a short space (being driuen out of the Duchie) the Duchesse tooke therat so great offence, that she went from Milan,* and renounced the gouernment of her sonne vnto Lodouico. Thus Lo∣douico become onely gouernour of Milan, was (as shall be declared) the occasion of the ruine of Italy. Lorenzo de Medici was now on his way towardes Naples, and the peace betwixt the enemies in communication: when beyond all expecta∣tion Lodouico Fregoso hauing practised with some Serezanaesi, by stealth entered with armed men into Serezana, taking possession of that Towne, and impriso∣ned those that gouerned then for the Florentines. This accident greatly offended the princes of the Florentine state, who thought the matter was brought to passe by direction of the king Ferrando. And complained to the Duke of Calauria (who was at the Campe before Siena) saying they were notwithstanding the truce, assaul∣ted with newe warre. He both by Letters, Embassages, and euerie other way, declared the same was done without the consent of his father. The Florentines neuenhelesse thought themselues in hard estate, wanting money; the chiefe of their Common-weale in the Kings hand: A new warre mooued by the Genouesi, and without friendes. For in the Venetians they trusted not: and feared leaste the gouernement of Milan was vnassured. Their onely hope was vppon that which Lorenzo de Medici was to conclude with the King. Lorenzo arriued at Naples by sea,* was there both by the King and all that Cittie, honourablie and with great expectation receiued. Because so great a warre being made onely to op∣presse him, his enemies thereby did make him more great. For being come to the Kings presence, hee debated with him the estate of Italy, the humors of prin∣ces and people thereof, and what might be hoped of the peace, and feared by the warre. Which the King hearing, grew into more admiration, to finde in him so noble a minde, so readie a wit, and so great a iudgement, then that he could endure so long a warre. In so much as the King doubled the honours before done vnto him, and beganne to deuise rather how hee might winne him for a friend, then continue him an enemie. Notwithstanding for diuerse causes hee enter∣teined him from December till Marche, not onelie to make the more triall of him, but also of his Cittie. For Lorenzo wanted not enemies in Florence, who desired that the King would haue holden him, and enterteined Giacopo Piccini∣no: and vnder colour of lamenting, they speake their mindes. Also in publique Councelles, they opposed their opinions against Lorenzo. By these deuises; It was bruted, that if the King woulde keepe Lorenzo long at Naples, the go∣uernment in Florence should be chaunged. Whiche was the onely cause that the King deferred his dispatch so long, hoping there might some tumult arise in Florence. But seeing that all thinges passed quietly, on the sixt day of March, in Page  209 the yeare 1479. he had leaue to depart, and before his departure was by the King so bountifully presented, & louingly vsed, that betwixt Lorenzo & the King their grew a perpetual amity, & preseruation of both their states. Thus Lorenzo returned to Flo∣rence with greater reputation & honor then he went thence, & was with so great ioy of the citie receiued, as his great vertues & new merits deserued: hauing put his own life in hazard to recouer peace to his country. For within two daies after his arriuall,* the treaty betwixt the common weale of Florence & the King was proclaimed, wher∣by they were both both bound to defend one the others country: & that the townes taken frō the Florentines in the war, shuld be by the King restored. And that the Paz∣zi imprisoned in the town of Volterra, shuld be deliuered. And that mony should be for a certaine time paide vnto the Duke of Calauria. This peace being published, did much offend the Pope & the Venetians, because the Pope thought he was litle estee∣med of the King, & the Venetians as litle regarded of the Florentines: who being their companions in the war, thought themselues il vsed, not to be partakers of the peace. This indignation vnderstood and beleeued at Florence, did sodeinly breed suspition in euerie man, that of the peace wold arise a greater war. Wherupon the Magistrates of the state, determined to restraine the gouernment, and that the affaires of most importance should be reduced into the hands of a lesse number: and so ordeined a Councell of 70. Citizens, with authoritie that they might proceed in matters of most importance. This new ordinance staied the minds of those that desired innouation, and to giue thereto countenance, first of all they accepted the peace, which Lorenzo had made with the King, and sent vnto the Pope Antonio Ridolphi, and Piero Nasi. Neuertheles Alfonso Duke of Calauria, did not remoue his army from Siena, saying he was staied by the discord of the citizens there, which was so great, that he being lodged without the citie was called in and made iudge of their differents. The Duke taking these occasions, punished many of those citizens in mony, imprisoning & ba∣nishing others, and some also were iudged to death. In so much as by this meanes he became suspected not only to the Sanesi, but the Florentines also mistrusted he would make himself Prince of that citie. Wherof they knew no remedy, cōsidering the new friendship of Florence with the King, & the enmitie of the Pope & King. Which su∣spition, not only in the people of Florence generally (who mistrustfully cōsider of all things) but in the chief gouernors of the state, appeared: euery man imagining, that our citie had neuer bin in so great danger to lose the liberty therof. But God who had euer a particuler care therof, caused an accident to happē vnlooked for, which made the King, the Pope, & the Venetians, to think of greater matters thē these of Toscana.* Mahumetto great Turk, was with a mighty army gone to the Isle of Rodi, & had many months assaulted it. But notwithstanding his forces were great, and his resolution to win the town greater, yet was the vertue of those that defended the same, greatest of all. For Mahumetto notwithstanding his furious assaults, was forced to depart with shame. Thus the Turk being departed frō Rodi, part of his army cōducted by Sacco∣metto Bascia, went towards Velona, & by the way, either for that he saw the enterprise easie, or because the Turk had so commanded, passed by the coast of Italy, & sodeinly set 4000. men on land, who assaulted the citie of Ottranto, tooke it, sacked it,* & slew all the inhabitants therof: which done, by all the best means he could; fortified both the citie, & the hauen. Thē sent he for horsmen, & with them he forraged, & spoiled the coūtry round about. The king seeing this assault, & knowing how great a prince had takē that enterprise in hād, sent vnto al places to signify the same, & desired aid of thē al, against the cōmon enimy. Also speedily reuoked the Duke of Calauria with his forces frō Siena. This assault, thogh it grieued the duke & the rest of Italy, yet did the same cōfort Florēce & Siena. One hoping therby to recouer liberty, th'other trusting Page  210 the rather to shun those perils, which made them to feare the losse of their libertie. Which opinion was encreased by the vnwilling departure, and lamentation of the Duke, at his going from Siena, accusing fortune, that she by an vnlooked for and vn∣reasonable accident, had taken frō him the dominion of Toscana. The selfsame chance did alter the Popes mind: for where before, he refused to giue audience to all Floren∣tines, he was now become so curteous, as he refused not to hear any that wold speak vnto him of the vniuersal peace. Whereupon the Florentines were aduertised, that if they would desire pardon of the Pope, they might obteine it. It was then thought good, not to omit this occasion: and 12. Embassadors were sent to the Pope, who being arriued at Rome, were by his holinesse before they had audience, enterteined with diuers practises. In the end it was betweene the parties concluded, how either of them should afterwards liue, & in what sort either of them both in peace and war, were to make contribution. After this conclusion, the Embassadors were admitted to present themselues at the Popes feete: and he sitting in the midst of his Cardinals, with exceeding great pomp,* receiued them. These Embassadors excused all matters passed, sometimes blaming necessitie, sometimes the euil disposition of others, some∣times the populer furie, and the iust offence thereof, saying they were most vnhap∣pie, being forced either to fight, or die. And because all things are endured to eschue death, they had suffred war, excommunicatiōs, & all other troubles, which the mat∣ters passed had brought with thē. And all to the end, that their common weale might auoyd bondage, which is the death of all free Cities. Neuertheles if any error or en∣forced fault were committed, they were ready to make satisfaction: euer hoping in his goodnes, (who following the examples of the almightie Redeemer) he would receiue them,* rather for his mercie, then their merits. To which excuses, the Pope answered with great pride and anger; reprouing them of all things done against the church; notwithstāding for Gods sake, he was pleased to grant them the pardō they desired: yet therwith affirming they were to obey him, & if they shal faile of obedi∣ence, their libertie which now should haue bin lost, shall then be iustly taken from thē. For they deserue libertie, who take in hand good actions, & not they that in euil enterprises employ themselues. Because libertie abused, offendeth it self and others. Also to esteem God litle, & the church lesse, is not the office of good mē, but of vain persons, enclined to euil. The correction of whō apperteineth not onely to Princes, but to euery christian: so as they were for matters passed to blame their own euil do∣ings, which was the first occasion of war, & by their worse doings it was norished. But all anger was now extinguished, rather by the goodnes of others, thē their own deserts. After publication of the peace, the Popes blessing was read. Whereunto his holinesse by word of mouth added, that if they would enioy the benifit of his bene∣diction, they should during the Turks war in the kingdom, maintein at their charge 15. gallies wel paid. The Embassadors complained much of this burdē imposed ouer and aboue the contract. Yet by no meanes they could make, or by any lamentation they vsed, the Pope would diminish any part of that penance. But the Embassadors being returned to Florence, the Senate for confirmation of this peace, sent Embassador to the Pope, Guidantonio Vespucci, who was lately ariued frō France. He by his wisdom brought all matters vnto reasonable termes, & obteined many fauours of the Pope, which was a token of greater reconciliatiō. The Florentines hauing ended their bu∣sines with the Pope, and Siena with themselues being deliuered from feare of the King by the departure of the Duke of Calauria, and the Turkes warre continuing, constrained the King to restore all the Castles which the Duke of Calauria at his de∣parture left in the handes of the Sanesi. Wherby that King hoped, that the Floren∣tines in so great necessitie would not shrincke from him, or by moouing of warre Page  211 against the Sanesi, impeach the aide which hee hoped of from the Pope and o∣ther Italian Princes. And therefore was content that the Castles should bee restored, and bound the Florentines by a new obligation. So as thereby we see, that force and necessitie, but not writings or obligations, do make Princes to obserue their faith. The Castles thus receiued, and the new confederacie made, Lorenzo di Medici recouered that reputation, which the warre first and after the peace (when the King was feared) had taken from him. For there wanted not those that openly slaundered him, and said, that for sauing himselfe, he had sould his countrey, and that by the warre they lost their townes, and by the peace they should lose their libertie. But the townes recouered an honorable peace made with the King, and the Cittie returned to the auncient reputation. For in Florence (a Cittie free of speech, and therein matters iudged by their successe, and not by counsell) the case was al∣tered, and Lorenzo commended to the skies, euerie man saying, that he with his wisedome had found meanes to recouer that by peace, which euill fortune had taken from them in warre: and that his counsell and iudgement, had preuailed more then the enemies armes, or their money. The assault of the Turks had de∣ferred that warre, which by offence of the Pope and Venetians would haue bene moued. But as the beginning of that assault was vnlooked for, and occasion of much good, so was the end thereof vnlooked for, and the cause of much euill: for Mahumetto great Turke, beyond all expectation died, and discord growing betwixt his sonnes, those Turks that were in Puglia, being abandoned of their Lord, by com∣position yeelded Ottranto to the King. This feare remoued, which held the Pope and Venetians firme, euery man doubted new tumults. On the one side, the Pope and the Venetians were in league, and with them the Genouesi, Sanesi,* and other lesse Potentates. On the other, were the Florentines, the King, and the Duke, with whome, the Bolognesi, and many other Lords ioyned. The Venetians desired to be∣come Lords of Farrara, supposing they had reasonable occasion to begin that en∣terprise, and certaine hope to performe it. The occasion was, bicause the Marquesse affirmed, he was no longer bound to receiue the Visdomine and their salte, bicause the contract was, that after seauentie yeares, the Cittie should be disburthened of those charges. The Venetians to the contrarie answered, that so long as he did hold the Polesine, so long he ought to receiue the Visdomine and the salte. But the Mar∣quesse not consenting thereto, the Venetians thought they had iust occasion to take armes, and time fit for the same, seeing the Pope much offended with the Florentines and the King, whose fauour they hoped the rather to haue, bicause the Earle Giro∣lamo being at Venice, was there receiued most honorablie: and the Venetians besto∣wed on him the title of a Gentleman of that state, which is the greatest token of honor, which they will, or can giue. They had also for preparation of the warres, imposed a new Subsidie, and chosen Roberto de Sanseuerino for their Generall: who being offended with Lodouico, Gouernour of Milan, was fled to Tortona, and there hauing made some tumults, went to Genoua; from thence he was called by the Ve∣netians, and made Chiefetaine of their armie. These preparations and new motions being knowne to those of the contrarie league, was the cause that they also prepa∣red for the warre. The Duke of Milan made Federigo Lord of Vrbino, his Generall, and the Florentines Costanzo de Pesaro. Also, to sound the disposition of the Pope, and to discouer whether the Venetians with his consent did make the warre against Farrara, the King Ferrando sent Alfonso Duke of Calauria, with his armie to the riuer of Tronto, and there desired leaue of the Pope to passe into Lombardy to aide the Marquesse, which was by the Pope vtterly denied. Whereupon, the King, and the Florentines, being resolued, thought to constraine him by force, so as thereby he Page  212 should either become their friend, or at the least, they would so trouble him, as he could not be able to aide the Venetians: for they were in the field, and had alreadie begun the warre with the Marquesse, spoyled his countreys, and besieged Figarolo, a Castle of much importance, for the countrey of that Prince. Thus the King and the Florentines determined to assaile the Pope. Alfonso Duke of Calauria spoiled the countrey towards Rome, and with aide of the Colonni, who were on his side (bi∣cause the Orsini were ioyned with the Pope) did great dammage to that countrey on the other side of Rome. The Florentines on the other side vnder Nicholo Vitelli, as∣saulted the Cittie of Castello, surprized it, and draue out Lorenzo, who kept that Castle for the Pope, and Nicholo remained a Prince thereof. By these actions, the Pope was greatlie distressed, bicause Rome within the Cittie was troubled with factions, and the countrey without spoiled by enemies. Notwithstanding, as a man of courage, he would not giue place to the enemie, but enterteined Roberto da Ri∣mino, and calling him to Rome, where all his men of warre were assembled, told him, how great honor he might win, if he could against the force of a King, deliuer the Church from those troubles wherewith it was occupied: and how great obliga∣tion he should thereby haue not onely of him, but also of all other Popes his suc∣cessors, and that both God and men would reacquite the same. Roberto first viewing the Popes men of armes, and other his preparations, perswaded him to make all the footmen he was able, which with all speed and diligence was performed. By this time the Duke of Calauria was neare vnto Rome, and spoiled the countrey euen to the walls of the Cittie, which offended the people so much, as many of them vo∣luntarily offered themselues to serue with Roberto, and recouer the libertie of Rome: who were all by that Lord thanked and receiued. The Duke hearing of these pre∣parations, retired a little from the Cittie, thinking, that if he were further off, Ro∣berto would not seeke him: and he also looked, that Federigo his brother, should come with fresh men, sent from the King their father. Roberto seeing himselfe equall with the Duke for men of armes, and in footmen aboue him, marched out of Rome without order, and lodged his Camp within two miles of the enemie. The Duke seeing his enemies at hand, not looking for them, thought it stood him vpon, either to fight or flee. Wherefore as constrained, and for not doing a thing vnworthie the sonne of a King, determined to fight, and turning his face to the enemy, either camp put their men in order, and brought them to battell, which continued from the morning till noone: and the same was performed with more vertue, then any had bene in Italy fiftie yeares before; for therein were slaine on both sides more then a thousand men,* and the end was glorious to the Church. For the great multitude of the Popes footmen, so much offended the Dukes horsemen, as they were forced to turne their backs: and the Dukes person had bene taken prisoner, had he not bene saued by many Turks, who were left at Ottranto, and serued vnder him. Roberto ha∣uing this victorie, returned to Rome with triumph: which he enioyed not long, for that by drinking of much water at the day of battell, he fell into a flixe, which with∣in fewe dayes brought him to death. His bodie was by the Pope, with great honor buried. The Pope hauing this victorie, sent the Earle presently towards the Cittie of Castello, to see that towne restored vnto Lorenzo; and besides to prooue, how the Cittie of Rimino was enclined. For after the death of Roberto, (who had onely one yong sonne, and the Cittie left to the gouernment of his mother) the Pope imagined it was easie for him to surprize it. And in deed it would haue so come to passe, had not that woman bene by the Florentines defended, who tooke her part with such forces, as the enemie could not worke his will, either against Castello, or Rimino. While these matters were a doing in Romagna and Rome, the Venetians had surprized Page  213 Figarolo, and with their men had passed the Riuer of Po, and in the Duke of Milan his campe, and the Marquesse also, there was disorder, bicause Federigo, Earle of Vrbino, being sick, caused himselfe to be carried to take phisick at Bologna, and there died: whereby the affaires of the Marquesse proceeded slowlie, and the Venetians hoped dailie more and more to surprize Farrara. On the other side, the King and the Florentines laboured to make the Pope of their side, which not brought to passe by armes, they threatned by a Generall Councell to make him yeeld, which Coun∣cell, was by the Emperours commaundement, appointed at Baselia: whereupon, by perswasion of the Emperours Embassador at Rome, and the chiefe Cardinals, who desired peace, the Pope was perswaded and constrained to allow of peace, and the vniting of Italy. Then the Pope for feare, and also for that he found the greatnesse of the Venetians to be the ruine of the Church and all Italy, resolued to come into the league, and sent his Nuncii to Naples,* where a league was concluded for fiue yeares, betwixt the Pope, the King, the Duke of Milan, and the Florentines, reser∣uing a place for the Venetians, if they were pleased to enter. This done, the Pope commaunded the Venetians to surcease the warre of Farrara, which they not onely refused to do, but also made the preparation greater: and hauing alreadie broken the Dukes and Marquesse forces at Argenta, they at Farrara were so neare distressed, as the Dukes forces were lodged in the Marquesse Park. Then the League thought good no longer to deferre the aiding of that Prince, and caused the Duke of Calauria with his and the Popes men to goe to Farrara. The Florentines likewise sent all their forces thither, and for the better ordering of the warre, the League appointed a Councell to be holden at Cremona, where the Popes Legat, the Earle Girolamo, the Duke of Calauria, the Lord Lodouico, Lorenzo de Medici, with many other Princes of Italy met. In this Councell, the Princes deuised the order of the future warre. And bicause they iudged that Farrara could not be better relieued any way, then by some braue assault, they ordered that Lodouico should begin a warre vpon the Ve∣netians, for the countreys belonging to the Duke of Milan. But thereunto that Lord would not consent, fearing to begin a warre which he could not end at his pleasure. Wherefore it was determined they should go with all their footmen to Farrara, and with foure thousand men of armes, and eight thousand footmen, assault the Ve∣netians, who had two thousand and two hundred men of armes, and sixe thousand footmen. And the League thought good first to assaile the nauie which the Vene∣tians had lying vpon the riuer of Po, and the same being assaulted, was broken at Bondeno, with the losse of two hundred vessels, and Antonio Iustiniano, the Prouedi∣tor of the nauie was taken. Then the Venetians, seeing all Italy vnited against them, to win some reputation, enterteined the Duke of the Rhene with two thousand men of armes. But hauing receiued this ouerthrow of their nauie, they sent this Duke with part of their armie to frunt the enemie, and commaunded Roberto de Sanseue∣rino, with the rest of their camp, to passe the riuer of Adda, and approching to Milan, to proclaime the name of the Duke, and of the Ladie Bona his mother: for by that meanes, they hoped to make some Innouation in the Cittie, supposing that the Lord Lodouico and his gouernment was hated. This assault at the beginning brought therewith some terror, and moued all the Cittie to take armes: but in the end, it wrought an effect contrarie to the Venetians expectation. Bicause Lodouico in re∣spect of this iniurie, was content to allow of that which before he would not. And therefore, leauing the Marquesse of Farrara to the defence of his owne countrey, he with foure thousand horse, and two thousand footmen, and the Duke of Calauria with twelue thousand horse, and fiue thousand footmen, entred the countrey of Pergamo, Brescia, and Verona, spoiling almost all the countrey belonging to those Page  214 three Citties, before the Venetians knew thereof, for the Lord Roberto with his soul∣diers, could scarcely defend that Cittie. On the other side, the Marquesse of Farrara had recouered a great part of his possessions, by meane whereof, the Duke of the Rhene who came against him, was not able to make head, hauing onely two thou∣sand horse, and one thousand footemen. Thus all that summer, in the yeare 1483. the League proceeded in their warres most prosperouslie. The next Spring being come (for in all the winter was nothing done) the armies were againe brought to the field, and the League, (to the end it might the more speedily oppresse the Vene∣tians) had ioined all the whole army togither: but if they had proceeded as they did the yeare before, they should assuredly haue taken from the Venetians, all the lands in Lombardy to them belonging: for they had not left vnto them, more then sixe thousand horse, and fiue thousand footmen. And on the other side, were twelue thousand horse, and sixe thousand footmen. Also the Duke of the Rhene hauing ended the yeare of his enterteinement, was returned home. Notwithstan∣ding (as it often happeneth) where diuerse Gouernours be of equall authoritie, there groweth diuision, and the enemie winneth victorie, so Federigo Gonzaga, Mar∣quesse of Mantoua, being dead (who with his authoritie continued the Duke of Calauria, and the Lord Lodouico vnited) betwixt them grew diuersitie of opinions, and ielousie. For Giouangaliazzo Duke of Milan being atteined to age, and abilitie to gouerne his owne state, and hauing also married the daughter of the Duke of Ca∣lauria, the Duke desired, that his sonne in lawe, and not Lodouico, might gouerne the state. This suspition of Lodouico being knowne to the Venetians, was made by them an occasion, supposing they might as they had euer done, recouer by peace, that which they had lost by warre: and secretly they practised a pacification betwixt them and Lodouico, which was concluded in August, the yeare 1484. That being knowne to the other confederates, displeased them much, chiefely when they knew, that all the townes taken from the Venetians should be restored, and they still to inioy also Rouigo, and Policene, which townes they had taken from the Marquesse of Farrara. And moreouer, that they should haue againe all those prerogatiues which in times passed they had. Euerie man then thought, they had made a warre with great charge, and as therein they had gained small honor, so in the end it was compounded with shame: bicause the townes taken, were restored, and the townes lost, were not recouered. Yet were the confederates forced to accept the peace, be∣ing wearie of charges, and fearing the ambition and defects of others, would make no more triall of their fortune. While in Lombardy matters were in this manner handled,* the Pope by meane of Lorenzo besieged the Cittie of Castello, to driue from thence Nicholo Vitelli, (who, to drawe the Pope into the league) had forsaken him. In this siege, those that within the towne were partarkers with Nicholo, came forth to fight with the enemies, and did vanquish them; whereupon, the Pope reuoked the Earle Girolamo from Lombardy, to repaire his force at Rome: that done, to returne to his enterprise. But afterwards, thinking it better to gaine the good will of Nicholo by peace, then to assaile him with a new warre, grew to agreement with him, and by all meanes reconciled him to Lorenzo his aduersarie: whereupon, he was allured rather by suspition of new tumults, then by the loue he bare his countrey. For be∣twixt the Colonnesi and Orsini, there appeared much displeasure: bicause the King of Naples in the warre betwixt him and the Pope, had taken from Orsini the Earledome of Tagliacozzo, and giuen it to the Colonnesi his followers. Afterwards, the peace being made betwixt the King and the Pope, the Orsini by vertue thereof demaun∣ded restitution. The Pope often signified to the Colonnesi, that they ought to make restitution, but they, neither at the intreatie of the Orsini, nor for the threatning of Page  215 the Pope, would agree thereunto, but still with iniuries, and spoiling of the Orsini, did displeasure them, which the Pope could not indure: and therefore assembled all his forces, and ioyning with them the Orsini, sacked all the houses of the Colonni in Rome, slaying and taking all those that made resistance,* and razing the most part of all their Castles: so that those tumults were ended not by peace, but by oppres∣sing one of the parties. Also Genoua and Toscana were somewhat disquieted, for the Florentines did keepe the Earle Antonio de Marciano with his souldiers, vpon the confines of Serezana, who during the warre of Lombardy, with foraging, and small skirmishes, molested the Serezanesi. And in Genoua, Battistino Fregoso Duke of that Cittie, trusting vnto Pagolo Frigoso Archbishop, was by him taken, with his wife and children, and the Archbishop made Duke. Likewise, the Venetian nauie had assaul∣ted the Kingdome, surprized Galipoli, and molested other places thereabouts. But the peace of Lombardy concluded, all tumults did cease, saue onely in Toscana and Rome: for the Pope within fiue daies after the peace was proclaimed, died: either bicause the end of his life was come, or for sorrow that a peace was made to his disaduantage. This Pope at his death left Italy in peace, though during his life he had alwaies therein made warre: and the Romanes presentlie after his departure tooke armes. The Earle Girolamo with his souldiers retired vnder the Castle, and the Orsini did feare, least the Colonnesi would be reuenged of the fresh iniuries done them. Then the Colonnesi demaunded againe their houses and Castles. Vpon these occasions, within few daies there followed many murthers, robberies, and bur∣nings in diuerse parts of the Cittie. But the Cardinals hauing perswaded the Earle to yeeld that Castle vnto the College, and returne home to his owne land, and also remoue his souldiers out of Rome, he being desirous to gratifie the next Pope, gaue vp the Castle to the College, and went himselfe vnto Imola. Whereupon the Car∣dinals deliuered of this feare, and the Barons out of hope to be aided by the Earle in their quarrels, went to the creation of a new Pope. After some disputation, and diuersitie of opinions, Giouanbattista Cibo, borne in Genoua, and Cardinall of Malfetta, was chosen Pope, by the name of Innocentio octauo. He through the curtesie of his nature (being a quiet and peaceable man) procured all armes to be laid downe, and for the present, pacified Rome. The Florentines after the peace, could not content themselues with rest, being perswaded it was shame, and dishonor, that a priuate Gentleman had taken from them the Castle of Serezana. And bicause the capitula∣tions were, that it was lawfull to demaund all things taken, and if they were not re∣stored, to make warre against the withholder, they resolued speedily to prepare money and men to performe that enterprise. Then Agostino Fregoso, who had sur∣prized Serezana, being perswaded that at his priuate charge he could not mainteine so great a warre, gaue that towne to S. George. And sithens we are to make mention diuerse times of S. George, and the Genouesi,* it seemeth not amisse to declare the orders and customes of that Cittie, being one of the principall states of Italy. The peace made betwixt the Genouesi and Venetians (after the greatest warre, that was seene in many yeares past) the State not being able to pay those Cittizens who had lent great summes of money, appointed their reuenues of the Dogana, to be paid vnto them, till such time as the principall debts were discharged. And for their meeting togi∣thers, they appointed the Pallace ouer the Dogana. These creditors among them∣selues ordeined a forme of gouernment, appointing a Councell of a hundred, and a Senate of eight Citizens, which officers as heads of the Cittie, might dispatch all affaires. The debts were diuided into parts, which they called Luoghi, and intituled the whole corporation of S. Georgeo. This gouernment thus established, euer hap∣ned new necessities, whereupon they resorted to S. George for new aide: who being Page  216 riche and well ordered, could easily serue their turnes. And the communaltie on the other side, hauing graūted the Dogana, began for pawne of the moneys, to giue their lands: yea, the matter went so farre (by reason of the common necessities and serui∣ces of S. George) that vnder gouernment thereof, the greater part of the Townes, Citties, and Lands of Genoua, doe now belong to S. George, who doth gouerne and defend them. Also euery yeare by publique suffrage, officers be appointed without any intermedling of the Communaltie. Hereof it proceedeth, that those Citizens haue no regard of the common profit, as a thing tirannized, and set their whole care vpon S. George, as well and equally gouerned: whereof do arise the easie and often alterations of the State, and that the people do otherwhiles yeeld their obedience to some of their owne Citizens, and sometimes to a Stranger: for not S. George, but the Communaltie doth alter in gouernment: which was the cause that whē the Adorni & Fregosi contending for the principallitie did fight, the communaltie only, and the greater part of the citizēs stood neutrall, and yeelded to the victorious. Nei∣ther doth the office of S. George other, then whensoeuer any man hath taken the go∣uernment, it sweareth him to obserue the lawes thereof, which to this day are not changed. For S. George hauing in possession the armes, the money, and the gouern∣ment, cannot without the danger of a certaine rebellion, be altered. A rare order surely, and not found by the Philosophers amōg their imagined or visible Cōmon-weales, to see within one circle, and among one number of Citizens, libertie, and tirannie, ciuill life, and corruption, iustice and licentiousnes: which order onely mainteineth that towne full of auncient and venerable customes. And if it should happen (which in time will assuredly come to passe) that S. George shall be owner of all the Citie, that State will be more notable, then the Venetian Common-weale. To this S. George, Agostino Fregoso gaue Serezana, who receiued it willingly, and ta∣king in hand the defence thereof, presently prepared a nauie by sea, and sent certaine forces to Pietrasanta, to impeach all those that resorted to the Florentine Camp, then neare vnto Serezana. On the other side, the Florentines desired to take Pietrasanta, as a towne needfull to be had for the winning of Serezana: for being betwixt it and Pisa, they could not besiege it so long as by the Pietrasantesi, or others therein, they were impeached in the siege of Serezana. To bring this enterprise to passe, they sent from Pisa to the Camp, a great quantitie of munition and victuall, slenderly garded: to the end that they of Pietrasanta should feare the lesse, and in hope of a good boo∣tie, to assault them. The matter was then followed according to expectation: For the souldiers in Pietrasanta,* seeing before their eyes so great a bootie, tooke it, which gaue the Florentines iust occasion to execute the enterprise: wherefore leauing Se∣rezana, they besieged Pietrasanta, which was well manned, and brauely defended. The Florentines hauing their artillerie in the plaine, made a bulwarke vpon the mountaine, hoping from thence to batter it. Giacopo Guicciardino was Commissarie of the Florentine forces. And while they besieged Pietrasanta, the nauie of Genoua tooke and burnt the fortresse of Vada: and setting some of their souldiers a land, spoiled the countrey thereabout. Against whome, Buongianni Gianfiliazzi, was sent with cer∣taine footmen, who partly stayed their pride, so as they durst no longer spoile at their pleasures. Yet the nauie continuing to molest the Florentines, went vnto Li∣uorno, and with certaine instruments, approched Torre Nuoua, battering it diuerse dayes with artillerie, but seeing nothing done to their aduantage, returned back with shame. In the meane space, Pietrasanta was coldly assaulted: whereupon, the ene∣mies tooke hart, assaulted the Bulwarke, and tooke it: which was so greatly to their reputation, and the Florentines feare, as they were readie to breake vp the Campe. In so much as they retired foure miles from the towne, and the officers of the Camp Page  217 thought good, that the moneth of October being come, it was time to lodge the army, and deferre that siege till the next Spring. This disorder being knowne in Florence, made the Magistrates much offended, and therefore to repaire the Camp in force and reputation, made choise of new Commissaries, Antonio Pucci, and Ber∣nardo del Nero, who with great summes of money went vnto the Camp, and decla∣red to the Captaines the indignation of the Senate and the people, and how great a shame it should be, vnlesse the army did againe returne to the siege: for it were an infamie, so great a Camp, to be repulsed by so small a guard, and so weake a towne. They also shewed the present and future commoditie that would insue of that victorie. Which perswasion, moued the souldiers to returne to the walls, and first of all to recouer the Bulwarke. For the performance whereof, they knowing how much curtesie, affabilitie, and good vsage might do to incourage the minds of men, Antonio Pucci, by comforting, promising, and imbracing the souldiers, procured the Bulwarke to be assaulted so furiously, as euen in a sodeine it was taken,* yet not without losse: for in that assault, the Earle Antonio de Marciano with a peece of artil∣lerie, was slaine. This victorie terrified those of the towne so much, as they began to offer composition: whereupon, to the end the conclusion might be made with the more reputation, Lorenzo di Medici thought good to come to the Camp, and within a few daies after his arriuall, the Castle was yeelded. The winter now come, the Captaines liked not to proceed further in the warre, but attend the Spring: and the rather, bicause the Autumne past, by meanes of euill aires, sicknes was brought into the Camp, wherewith many of the Captaines and leaders were diseased. A∣mong whome, Antonio Pucci, and Bongianni Gianfigliazzi, were not onely sick, but also dead, to the great griefe of all the army: so great was the honor and loue that Pucci had wonne in the exploite of Pietrasanta. After the taking of Pietrasanta, the Lucchesi sent Embassadors to Florence, to demaund that towne, as a thing belonging to their common-weale. For they alleaged, that among other things it was con∣tracted betwixt them, that the towne first wonne by any of them, should be resto∣red to the auncient owner. The Florentines directlie denied not that couenant, but answered, that they doubted whether in the peace made betwixt them and the Ge∣nouesi, it was meant the towne to be deliuered, and therefore they could not till then determine: and if it were restored, then the Lucchesi ought of necessitie to pay the charge, and make satisfaction, for the losse of so many great Citizens: which if they would do, they might hope to haue it againe. All that winter was spent, in the communication of this peace betwixt the Genouesi, and the Florentines. And by rea∣son the Pope was a doer therein, the matter was handled at Rome: but not being concluded, the Florentines would the next Spring haue assaulted Serezana, had they not bene by the sicknesse of Lorenzo di Medici, and the warre which grew betwixt the Pope, and the King Ferrando, impeached. For Lorenzo was not onely diseased of the gowt, which infirmitie, seemed to discend from his father, but was also so grieuouslie tormented with griefe of the stomack, that he went vnto the Bathes to be cured: but the warre was the chiefe occasion of his sicknesse, and the originall thereof. The Citie of Aquila was subiect to the King of Naples, yet the people therein liued as free. In this Citie, the Earle Montorio had great reputation.* The Duke of Calauria with his men of armes being neare vnto Tronto, pretending to pa∣cifie certaine tumults among the people of that countrey, and intending to reduce Aquila wholie vnder the Kings obedience, sent for the Earle Montorio, as though he would imploy him in those matters he made shew of. The Earle without suspi∣tion came, and was presently by the Duke sent to Naples prisoner. These newes being aduertised to Aquila, altered the minde of the Cittie, and the people po∣pulerly Page  218 tooke armes, and slewe Antonio Concinello, Commissarie for the King, and with him certaine other Citizens, who were knowne affectionate to the King. Also, to the end the Aquilani, might haue some friend to defend them in their re∣bellion, they displaied the Ensigne of the Church, and sent Embassadors to giue the Cittie to the Pope: desiring him, as his owne subiects, to defend them from the tyrannie of the King.* The Pope manfully tooke in hand their defence, as one that both for priuate and publique occasion hated the King. And Roberto da Sanseuerino, enemy to the State of Milan, hapning to be out of pay, the Pope enterteined him for Generall, and caused him with great expedition to come vnto Rome: and besides that, sollicited all the friends and kinsmen of the Earle Montorio, to become Rebels to the King; in so much as the Princes of Altemura, Salerno, & Bisignano, tooke armes against him. The King seeing himselfe by so sodeine a warre assaulted, prayed aide of the Florentines, and the Duke of Milan. The Florentines stood doubtfull what to do, bicause it seemed hard to leaue their owne enterprise for others: and to take armes against the Church, was perilous. Notwithstanding, being in league, they preferred fidelitie, before commoditie or perill, and enterteined the Orsini, and sent all their owne men towards Rome to the aide of the King, vnder conduct of the Earle of Pitigliano. Then the King made two camps, and sent the one towards Rome, vnder the Duke of Calauria, who with the Florentines should incounter the Popes army. The other camp himselfe did leade, and marched toward the Barons that re∣belled. This warre with variable fortune was mannaged, and at the end, the King in all places hauing aduantage,* by mediation of the Embassadors of Spayne, a peace was concluded in the moneth of August 1486. whereunto the Pope (being beaten with euill fortune, and loth to aduenture more) consented. Also, all the Potentates of Italy were included (onely the Genouesi, as rebels to the State of Milan, and vsur∣pers of the Florentines lands) were left out. Roberto da Sanseuerino, the peace made, hauing bene in this warre no faithfull friend to the Pope, and nothing terrible to the enemy, departed from Rome, as driuen out by the Pope: and being followed by the Dukes and Florentines souldiers, so soone as he had passed Cesena, seeing himselfe not followed, fled away, and with lesse then one hundred horse, came to Rauenna. Of the rest of his men, some were receiued by the Duke, and some by the countrey people, were cut in pieces. The King hauing made peace, and reconciled his Ba∣rons, put to death Giouanni Coppola, and Antonello de Anuersa, with his sonnes, and those which had in the warre reuealed his secrets vnto the Pope. By meanes of this warre, the Pope knew what readinesse and care the Florentines had to keepe friend∣ship: and therefore, albeit that for the loue of the Genouesi, and the aiding of the King, he before hated them, yet now he began to loue them, and shew more fauour vnto their Embassadors then he was wont. Which disposition knowne to Lorenzo de Medici, was by all honorable meanes increased: for he thought it much for his re∣putation, if to the fauour which the King bare him, he might also ioyne the Popes friendship. This Pope had one sonne called Francesco, and being desirous to honor him with lands and friends, wherewith he might after his death, mainteine him∣selfe, he knewe not any in Italy with whome he could more safely be matched, then with Lorenzo:* and therefore so handled the matter, that Lorenzo married a daughter of his vnto Francesco. This marriage being made, the Pope desired that the Genouesi might by composition deliuer Serezana to the Florentines: perswading them, that they should not hold that which Agostino had sold, nor Agostino could giue vnto S. George that, which was not his. Notwithstanding, this perswasion tooke no ef∣fect. But the Genouesi while these matters were practising at Rome, armed certaine of their Ships, and before the Florentines knew any thing thereof, set three thousand Page  219 footmen a land, and assaulted the Castle of Serezanello, neare vnto Serezana,* belon∣ging to the Florentines, spoyling and burning the Towne: which done, they planted their Artillarie against the Castle, and with all diligence battered the same. This new assault was vnlooked for of the Florentines, neuerthelesse presently they assaulted their forces at Pisa, vnder Virginio Orsino. They also complained vnto the Pope, that whilest he practised the peace, the Genouesi had begunne this warre. They sent like∣wise Piero Corcini to Lucca, to continue the amitie with that Citie: and Pagolantonio Soderini, was sent vnto Venice, to feele the disposition of that state. They praied aide also of the King, and of the Lord Lodouico Sforza: but failed thereof at both their handes. For the King saide hee feared the Turkes Nauie, and Lodouico vn∣der other cauillations deferred to send anie. Thus the Florentines (being for the most part left alone in their warres) did not finde anie so readie to helpe them, as they were readie to aide others. Neither were they dismaied being now abando∣ned by their confederates (which was no new thing) but assembling a great armie vnder Giacopo Guicciardini, and Piero Vittori, sent them against the enemie, who lodged one night vppon the Riuer Magra. In the meane time, Serezanello was straightly distressed by the enemie, who by vndermining and euerie other meanes, besieged it. In so much as our Commissaries marched towardes the reliefe thereof. Yet the enemie refused not to fight, but ioyning battle with the Commissaries, the Genouesi were ouerthrowne: and Lodouico Fiesco, with many other Captaines of the enemies were taken prisoners. This victory discouraged not so much the Serezanesi,* that they would therefore yeeld, but with more obstinacie they prepared for de∣fence: and the Florentine Commissaries still continued to offend them. In so much as that towne was both manfully assaulted, and stoutly defended. This siege continu∣ing long, caused Lorenzo di Medici to go himselfe into the field. He being come thi∣ther, greatly encouraged our souldiers, and discouraged the Serezanesi. For they see∣ing the resolution of the Florentines to distresse them, and the coldnesse of the Geno∣uesi to relieue them, freely, and without conditions, yeelded themselues to the Flo∣rentines hands. And were all receiued to mercie, excepting a fewe who had bin the authors of the rebellion. Lodouico during this siege, had sent his men of armes to Pon∣tremoli, seeming to haue aided vs. But hauing intelligence with some in Genoua, that faction tooke armes against those that gouerned, and with the aide of these forces, deliuered that Cittie to the Duke of Milan. At that time the Almanes had mooued a war against the Venetians, and Boccolino de Osimo in La Marca, caused the towne of Osi∣mo to rebell against the Pope, and made himselfe Prince thereof. He, after many acci∣dents, at the perswasion of Lorenzo di Medici, was contented to deliuer that Citie a∣gaine vnto the Pope, and went himselfe to Florence, where vnder the protection of Lorenzo, he liued long in great honour. After he went from thence to Milan, where not finding the like fidelitie, was by Lodouico put to death.* The Venetians as∣saulted by the Almanes, were neare vnto the Citie of Trento broken, and Roberto da Sanseuerino their Generall, slaine. After which losse, the Venetians (according to the order of their fortune) made peace with the Almanes, not as victored, but as victorious) so honourable was the conclusion for their state.* In those dayes also there happened in Romagna, tumults of great importance. Francesco de Orso of Furli, was a man of great authoritie in that Citie. He being suspected to the Earle Girolamo, was many times by the Earle threatned. Whereupon Francesco liuing in great feare, was perswaded by his friends and kinsmen, to preuent the mischief. And sith he fea∣red to be slaine by the Earle, was aduised to sley him first: and so by the death of an o∣ther, escape his owne daunger. This resolution made, hee appointed the time for performing the enterprise, the Market day at Furli: for many of his country friends Page  220 comming then thither, he thought to haue their aide without sending for them. This conspiracie hapned in the moneth of May, in which time (and all the sommer) the Italians do vse to sup by day-light. The conspirators thought the fittest instant to commit this murther, should be immediatly after supper, when all his familie were at meate, and he left almost alone in his chamber. Thus determined, and that houre appointed, Francesco went vnto the Earles house, and leauing his companions in the Hall, himselfe went vp to the Chamber, where the Earle was, and said to one of his men,* that he desired to speake with the Earle. Francesco being called in, enterteined the Earle awhile with some feined speech, and so sodeinly slew him. Then he called vnto him his companions, and slew also the Earles man. By chance the Captaine of the towne also came in the meane time to speake with the Earle, and being arriued in the Hall, followed with a fewe, was likewise slaine by those that came to murther the Earle. These murthers executed, the Earles bodie was cast out of the window: and the murtherers proclayming the Church and libertie, caused all the people to arme, who hated greatly the couetise and crueltie of the Earle. The conspirators hauing sacked the Earles houses, tooke the Countesse Caterina his wife, with all her children. Then remained onely the Castle (which being surprized) should happilie finish the enterprise. But thereunto the Captaine would not consent: Ne∣uerthelesse, this Countesse promised to deliuer it, if she were let loose to goe into the Castle, and for hostages of her promise, she left with the enemyes her children. The conspirators belieued her words, and gaue her leaue to depart. But so soone as she was within the Castle, she looked ouer the walls, and threatned the enemyes to be reuenged of her husbands death. Then they threatning to sley all her chil∣dren, answered, that she had meane to beget others. The conspirators dismaied, seeing they were not aided by the Pope, and hearing that the Lord Lodouico, Vnkle to the Countesse, did send men in her aide, taking vp all the goods they could carrie awaie, went vnto the Cittie of Castello, whereby the Countesse recouered her state, and reuenged her husbands death by all manner of cruelties.* The Florentines vn∣derstanding the Earles death, tooke occasion to repossesse the fortresse of Piancal∣doli, which the Earle had before taken from them: for sending thither their forces, they surprized it, and slew therein Ciecco, the famous Architetture. To this tumult of Romagna, followed one other of no lesse moment. Galeotto Lord of Faenza, tooke to wife the daughter of Giouan Bentiuogli, Prince of Bologna. She either for ielousie, or bicause her husband vsed her not well, either else through her owne euil nature, hated him so much, as she determined to take from him his principal∣litie and life. Then dissembling a sicknesse, laid her selfe in bed, and when Galeotto should come to visit her, she determined he should be by certaine men hidden in the Chamber, slaine. Of this intent, she had made her father priuie, who hoped by the death of his sonne in lawe, to become Lord of Faenza. The time destined for this murther being come, Galeotto repaired to his wiues Chamber, as he was woont, and hauing a little talked with her, the murtherers came foorth, and with∣out anie mercie,* there presentlie slew him. So soone as the murther was knowne, great tumults arose. His wife, with one little sonne, called Astore, fled to the Castle. The people tooke armes, and Giouan Bentiuogli, togither with a Cap∣taine of Milan, called Bergamino, prepared for the purpose, with many armed men entred into Faenza, where was also Antonio Bascoli, a Florentine Commissarie. All these leaders assembled, and reasoning of the gouernment of that towne. The men of the Vale of Lamona (who were come populerly to the rumor) assaulted Gio∣uanni, and Bergamino, sleying the one, and taking the other prisoner. Then they pro∣claymed the name of Astore, and the Florentines, reacommending the Cittie to the Page  221 Florentine Commisaries. This chance knowne at Florence, grieued euery man much: notwithstanding they caused Giouanni and his daughter to be set at libertie, and the tuition of Astore, by consent of the people was giuen vnto them. Besides these di∣uerse other tumults happened in Romagna, la Marca, and Siena: after the warres were compounded betwixt the greater Princes; which being of lesse importance, I iudge superfluous to report. True it is, that the troubles of Siena (after the departure of the Duke of Calauria in the yeare 88.) were more in number: and after many alterations, sometimes the people gouerned, and sometimes the nobilitie, but in the end, the no∣bilitie was victorious. Among whom, Pandolfo and Giacopo Petruccio, were of most authoritie. The one for his wisedom, the other for courage, became as Lords of that Citie. But the Florentines after the warre of Serezana, till the yeare 1492. (at which time Lorenzo de Medici died) did liue in great felicitie.* For Lorenzo hauing by his wis∣dome appeased the armes of Italy, endeuoured to make himselfe and his Citie great; and married his eldest sonne Piero to Alfonsina, the daughter of Cauallier Orsino: and Giouanni his second sonne, was aduanced to the dignitie of Cardinall. Which honor was the more notable, because at the time of his calling to that honour, he passed not the age of foureteene yeares: which was the way to make his house (as after it came to passe) to be exalted to the skies. For Giuliano his third sonne, by reason of his yong age, and the small time Lorenzo liued, he could not prouide anie extraordinarie for∣tune. Of his daughters he married one to Giacopo Saluiati, an other to Francesco Cibo; the third, to Piero Ridolfi: the fourth (whom he bestowed to hold his house vnited) was wedded to Giouan di Medici, but she died. In his other priuate affaires, and chiefly in marchandize he was verie infortunate.* For by the disorder of his ministers (who liued liker Princes, then priuate men) a great part of his substance in sundrie places was consumed: enforced thereby to borrow great summes of his countrey. After∣wards, not to runne in daunger of like fortune, leauing marchandize, he employed himselfe in the purchase of lands: as riches of more assurance. In the countries of Pi∣sa, Prato, and in the vale of Pesa, he compassed possessions both for profit and magni∣ficence of houses, more fit for a King then a priuate person. After that time, he enlar∣ged and bewtified his owne Cittie, to the end he might liue therein with the more quiet, and securitie. And therefore in many voide places hee built newe houses and streetes: whereby the Citie became more bewtifull and large. Also to the end hee might rest the more assured at home, and encounter his enemies farre of: towards Bologna in the midsts of the Alpes, he fortified the Castle of Firenzuola.* Towards Sie∣na, he began to reedifie Poggio Imperiale, and make it exceeding strong. Towardes Genoua by winning of Pietrasanta and Serezana, hee shut that passage vp against the enemies. Moreouer, by giuing pentions, and prouisions, he made friends, the Ba∣glioni in Perugia, the Vitelli in the Citie of Castello, and in Faenza, he had particuler gouernment. All which things were as Bulwarkes to defend Florence. In times of peace, he feasted the Citie, making many times triumphs, Iusts, and publike shewes. For his intent was to keepe the Citie plentifull, the people vnited, and the nobilitie in honour. He greatly esteemed men that excelled in any Art. He also fauoured lear∣ned men, as Agnolo da Montepulciano, Christofero Landini, and Demetrio Greco,* can beare witnesse. Insomuch as the Earle Giouanni de Mirandola (a man accounted almost diuine) forsaking all other parts of Europe, which hee had traueiled, moued by the magnificence of Lorenzo, setled his habitation in Florence. He maruellously delighted in Musick, Architecture and Poetry, as many of his owne verses, and Commentaries yet extant do testifie. Also to the end that the Florentine youth might be exercised in learning, he erected an Vniuersitie in Pisa, whither he brought the most excel∣lent men of all Italy. He likewise builded a Monastery neare vnto Florence, chiefly for Page  222 Friar Mariano da Chinazano, of the order of S. Austen, being accounted an excellent Preacher.* He was greatly loued both of God and fortune. All his enterprises had good successe, and his enemies misaduenture: for besides the Pazzi, Battista Fresco∣baldi, and Baldinotto practized to sley him: but either of them with others guiltie of the treason, were rewarded with the paines of their merit. This his manner of life, this his wisedome and fortune, caused the Princes not onely of Italy, but others fur∣ther of to know him: and with admiration to esteeme him. Mathia King of Hungary made many testimonies of the loue he bare him. The Soldan by his Embassadors and presents, did visit him. The great Turke deliuered to his hand Barnardo Bandini, that murthered his brother.* Which things made him highly honoured in Italy. And that reputation was daily by his owne wisedome encreased. For in discourse, he was eloquent, in councell wise, in execution quicke and couragious: neither was there in him any vices to blemish those vertues, although he were greatly delighted with loue of women, and tooke pleasure in iesting and taunting: and would also plaie at childrens games, vnseemly in so great a personage. For so much he pleasured in chil∣dren, that he was often seene to plaie with his sonnes, and litle daughters. But who∣soeuer would consider his lightnesse with his grauitie, should thinke there were in him two persons of diuerse composition, (as it were) by impossible coniunction coupled. In the last end of his life, he liued ful of sorrow, caused by extreme sicknes: for he was troubled with intollerable paines of the stomacke,* and died in Aprill the yeare 1492. and the three and fortie yeare of his age: neither was there anie man that died either in Florence, or elsewhere in Italy, so famous for his wisedome, or so much lamented of his countrey. In so much as the heauens made euident signes of great misaduentures that should follow. Amongst others, the Temple of Santa Re∣parata, was with so much furie striken by thunder, that the greater part of the steeple was throwne downe, to the admiration and terrour of all men. All the inhabitants of Florence, and all the Princes of Italy lamented his death, and made manifest shewe thereof. For there was not any of them, that sent not Embassadors to condole the death of Lorenzo. And for triall that they had iust cause to lament, the effect follow∣ing prooued. For Italy being depriued of his counsell, had not any man left therein, whose wisedome could preuent or bridle the ambition of Lo∣douico Sforza, Gouernour of the yoong Duke of Milan. Where∣fore, Lorenzo being dead, those euill seedes beganne to grow, which shortly after (wanting such a one to roote them out) did ruine, and yet doth ruine all Italy.