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[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