and duke, each to the territories of their sovereign. As this attempt
had not occasioned any tumult in Florence, contrary to the rebels'
expectation, and the troops they had hired were in want of pay, terms
of peace were proposed, and easily arranged. The revolted Florentines,
thus deprived of hope, dispersed themselves in various places.
Diotisalvi Neroni withdrew to Ferrara, where he was received and
entertained by the Marquis Borso. Niccolo Soderini went to Ravenna,
where, upon a small pension allowed by the Venetians, he grew old and
died. He was considered a just and brave man, but over-cautious and
slow to determine, a circumstance which occasioned him, when
Gonfalonier of Justice, to lose the opportunity of victory which he
would have gladly recovered when too late.
Upon the restoration of peace, those who remained victorious in
Florence, as if unable to convince themselves they had conquered,
unless they oppressed not merely their enemies, but all whom they
suspected, prevailed upon Bardo Altoviti, then Gonfalonier of Justice,
to deprive many of the honors of government, and to banish several
more. They exercised their power so inconsiderately, and conducted
themselves in such an arbitrary manner, that it seemed as if fortune
and the Almighty had given the city up to them for a prey. Piero knew
little of these things, and was unable to remedy even the little he
knew, on account of his infirmities; his body being so contracted that
he could use no faculty but that of speech. All he could do was to
admonish the leading men, and beg they would conduct themselves with
greater moderation, and not by their violence effect their country's
ruin. In order to divert the city, he resolved to celebrate the
marriage of his son Lorenzo with Clarice degli Orsini with great
splendor; and it was accordingly solemnized with all the display
suitable to the exalted rank of the parties. Feasts, dancing, and
antique representations occupied many days; at the conclusion of
which, to exhibit the grandeur of the house of Medici and of the
government, two military spectacles were presented, one performed by
men on horseback, who went through the evolutions of a field
engagement, and the other representing the storming of a town;
everything being conducted with admirable order and the greatest
imaginable brilliancy.
During these transactions in Florence, the rest of Italy, though at
peace, was filled with apprehension of the power of the Turks, who
continued to attack the Christians, and had taken Negropont, to the
great disgrace and injury of the Christian name. About this time died
Borso, marquis of Ferrara, who was succeeded by his brother Ercole.
Gismondo da Rimini, the inveterate enemy of the church also expired,
and his natural brother Roberto, who was afterward one of the best
generals of Italy, succeeded him. Pope Paul died, and was succeeded by
Sixtus IV. previously called Francesco da Savona, a man of the very
lowest origin, who by his talents had become general of the order of
St. Francis, and afterward cardinal. He was the first who began to
show how far a pope might go, and how much that which was previously
regarded as sinful lost its iniquity when committed by a pontiff.
Among others of his family were Piero and Girolamo, who, according to
universal belief, were his sons, though he designated them by terms
reflecting less scandal on his character. Piero being a priest, was
advanced to the dignity of a cardinal, with the title of St. Sixtus.
To Girolamo he gave the city of Furli, taken from Antonio Ordelaffi,
whose ancestors had held that territory for many generations. This
ambitious method of procedure made him more regarded by the princes of
Italy, and all sought to obtain his friendship. The duke of Milan gave
his natural daughter Caterina to Girolamo, with the city of Imola,
which he had taken from Taddeo degli Alidossi, as her portion. New
matrimonial alliances were formed between the duke and king Ferrando;
Elisabetta, daughter of Alfonso, the king's eldest son, being united
to Giovan Galeazzo, the eldest son of the duke.
Italy being at peace, the principal employment of her princes was to
watch each other, and strengthen their own influence by new alliances,
leagues, or friendships. But in the midst of this repose, Florence
endured great oppression from her principal citizens, and the
infirmities of Piero incapacitated him from restraining their
ambition. However, to relieve his conscience, and, if possible, to
make them ashamed of their conduct, he sent for them to his house, and
addressed them in the following words: "I never thought a time would
come when the behavior of my friends would compel me to esteem and
desire the society of my enemies, and wish that I had been defeated
rather than victorious; for I believed myself to be associated with
those who would set some bounds to their avarice, and who, after
having avenged themselves on their enemies, and lived in their country
with security and honor, would be satisfied. But now I find myself
greatly deceived, unacquainted with the ambition of mankind, and least
of all with yours; for, not satisfied with being masters of so great a
city, and possessing among yourselves those honors, dignities, and
emoluments which used to be divided among many citizens; not contented
with having shared among a few the property of your enemies, or with
being able to oppress all others with public burdens, while you
yourselves are exempt from them, and enjoy all the public offices of
profit you must still further load everyone with ill usage. You
plunder your neighbors of their wealth; you sell justice; you evade
the law; you oppress the timid and exalt the insolent. Nor is there,
throughout all Italy, so many and such shocking examples of violence
and avarice as in this city. Has our country fostered us only to be
her destroyer? Have we been victorious only to effect her ruin? Has
she honored us that we may overwhelm her with disgrace? Now, by that
faith which is binding upon all good men, I promise you, that if you
still conduct yourselves so as to make me regret my victory, I will
adopt such measures as shall cause you bitterly to repent of having
misused it." The reply of the citizens accorded with the time and
circumstances, but they did not forego their evil practices; so that,
in consequence, Piero sent for Agnolo Acciajuoli to come secretly to
Cafaggiolo, and discussed with him at great length the condition of
the city; and doubtless, had he not been prevented by death, he would
have called home the exiles as a check upon the rapine of the opposite
party. But these honorable designs were frustrated; for, sinking under
bodily infirmities and mental anguish, he expired in the fifty-third
year of his age. His goodness and virtue were not duly appreciated by
his country, principally from his having, until almost the close of
his life, been associated with Cosmo, and the few years he survived
being spent in civil discord and constant debility. Piero
was buried
in the church of St. Lorenzo, near his father, and his obsequies were
performed with all the pomp and solemnity due to his exalted station.
He left two sons, Lorenzo and Guiliano, whose extreme youth excited
alarm in the minds of thinking men, though each gave hopes of future
usefulness to the republic.
Among the principal citizens in the government of Florence, and very
superior to the rest, was Tommaso Soderini, whose prudence and
authority were well known not only at home, but throughout Italy.
After Piero's death, the whole city looked up to him; many citizens
waited upon him at his own house, as the head of the government, and
several princes addressed him by letter; but he, impartially
estimating his own fortune and that of the house of Medici, made no
reply to the princes' communications, and told the citizens, it was
not his house, but that of the Medici they ought to visit. To
demonstrate by his actions the sincerity and integrity of his advice
he assembled all the heads of noble families in the convent of St.
Antonio, whither he also brought Lorenzo and Guiliano de' Medici, and
in a long and serious speech upon the state of the city, the condition
of Italy, and the views of her princes, he assured them, that if they
wished to live in peace and unity in Florence, free both from internal
dissensions and foreign wars, it would be necessary to respect the
sons of Piero and support the reputation of their house; for men never
regret their continuance in a course sanctioned by custom while new
methods are soon adopted and as speedily set aside; and it has always
been found easier to maintain a power which by its continuance has
outlived envy, than to raise a new one, which innumerable unforeseen
causes may overthrow. When Tommaso had concluded, Lorenzo spoke, and,
though young, with such modesty and discretion that all present felt a
presentiment of his becoming what he afterward proved to be; and
before the citizens departed they swore to regard the youths as their
sons, and the brothers promised to look upon them as their parents.
After this, Lorenzo and Guiliano were honored as princes, and resolved
to be guided by the advice of Tommaso Soderini.
While profound tranquillity prevailed both at home and abroad, no wars
disturbing the general repose, there arose an unexpected disturbance,
which came like a presage of future evils. Among the ruined families
of the party of Luca Pitti, was that of the Nardi; for Salvestro and
his brothers, the heads of the house, were banished and afterward
declared rebels for having taken part in the war under Bartolommeo
Coglione. Bernardo, the brother of Salvestro, was young, prompt, and
bold, and on account of his poverty being unable to alleviate the
sorrows of exile, while the peace extinguished all hopes of his return
to the city, he determined to attempt some means of rekindling the
war; for a trifling commencement often produces great results, and men
more readily prosecute what is already begun than originate new
enterprises. Bernardo had many acquaintances at Prato, and still more
in the district of Pistoia, particularly among the Palandra, a family
which, though rustic, was very numerous, and, like the rest of the
Pistolesi, brought up to slaughter and war. These he knew to be
discontented, on account of the Florentine magistrates having
endeavored, perhaps too severely, to check their partiality for
inveterate feuds and consequence bloodshed. He was also aware that the
people of Prato considered themselves injured by the pride and avarice
of their governors, and that some were ill disposed toward Florence;
therefore all things considered, he hoped to be able to kindle a fire
in Tuscany (should Prato rebel) which would be fostered by so many,
that those who might wish to extinguish it would fail in the attempt.
He communicated his ideas to Diotisalvi Neroni, and asked him, in case
they should succeed in taking possession of Prato, what assistance
might be expected from the princes of Italy, by his means? Diotisalvi
considered the enterprise as imminently dangerous, and almost
impracticable; but since it presented a fresh chance of attaining his
object, at the risk of others, he advised him to proceed, and promised
certain assistance from Bologna and Ferrara, if he could retain Prato
not less than fifteen days. Bernardo, whom this promise inspired with
a lively hope of success, proceeded secretly to Prato, and
communicated with those most disposed to favor him, among whom were
the Palandra; and having arranged the time and plan, informed
Diotisalvi of what had been done.
CHAPTER V
Bernardo takes possession of Prato, but is not assisted by the
inhabitants--He is taken, and the tumult appeased--Corruption of
Florence--The duke of Milan in Florence--The church of Santo
Spirito destroyed by fire--The rebellion of Volterra, and the
cause of it--Volterra reduced to obedience by force, in accordance
with the advice of Lorenzo de' Medici--Volterra pillaged.
Cesare Petrucci held the office of Provost of Prato for the Florentine
people, at this period. It is customary with governors of towns,
similarly situated, to keep the keys of the gates near their persons;
and whenever, in peaceful times, they are required by any of the
inhabitants, for entrance or exit, they are usually allowed to be
taken. Bernardo was aware of this custom, and about daybreak,
presented himself at the gate which looks toward Pistoia, accompanied
by the Palandra and about one hundred persons, all armed. Their
confederates within the town also armed themselves, and one of them
asked the governor for the keys, alleging, as a pretext, that some one
from the country wished to enter. The governor not entertaining the
slightest suspicion, sent a servant with them. When at a convenient
distance, they were taken by the conspirators, who, opening the gates,
introduced Bernardo and his followers. They divided themselves into
two parties, one of which, led by Salvestro, an inhabitant of Prato,
took possession of the citadel; the other following Bernardo, seized
the palace, and placed Cesare with all his family in the custody of
some of their number. They then raised the cry of liberty, and
proceeded through the town. It was now day, and many of the
inhabitants hearing the disturbance, ran to the piazza where, learning
that the fortress and the palace were taken and the governor with all
his people made prisoners, they were utterly astonished, and could not
imagine how it had occurred. The eight citizens, possessing the
supreme authority, assembled in their palace to consider what was best
to be done. In the meantime, Bernardo and his followers, on going
round the town, found no encouragement, and being told that the Eight
had assembled, went and declared the nature of their enterprise, which
he said was to deliver the country from slavery, reminding them how
glorious it would be for those who took arms to effect such an
honorable obje
ct, for they would thus obtain permanent repose and
everlasting fame. He called to recollection their ancient liberty and
present condition, and assured them of certain assistance, if they
would only, for a few days, aid in resisting the forces the
Florentines might send against them. He said he had friends in
Florence who would join them as soon as they found the inhabitants
resolved to support him. His speech did not produce the desired effect
upon the Eight, who replied that they knew not whether Florence was
free or enslaved, for that was a matter which they were not called
upon to decide; but this they knew very well, that for their own part,
they desired no other liberty than to obey the magistrates who
governed Florence, from whom they had never received any injury
sufficient to make them desire a change. They therefore advised him to
set the governor at liberty, clear the place of his people, and, as
quickly as possible, withdraw from the danger he had so rashly
incurred. Bernardo was not daunted by these words, but determined to
try whether fear could influence the people of Prato, since entreaties
produced so little effect. In order to terrify them, he determined to
put Cesare to death, and having brought him out of prison, ordered him
to be hanged at the windows of the palace. He was already led to the
spot with a halter around his neck, when seeing Bernardo giving
directions to hasten his end, he turned to him, and said: "Bernardo,
you put me to death, thinking that the people of Prato will follow
you; but the direct contrary will result; for the respect they have
for the rectors which the Florentine people send here is so great,
that as soon as they witness the injury inflicted upon me, they will
conceive such a disgust against you as will inevitably effect your
ruin. Therefore, it is not by my death, but by the preservation of my
life, that you can attain the object you have in view; for if I
deliver your commands, they will be much more readily obeyed, and
following your directions, we shall soon attain the completion of your
design." Bernardo, whose mind was not fertile in expedients, thought
the advice good, and commanded Cesare, on being conducted to a veranda
which looked upon the piazza, to order the people of Prato to obey
him, and having done which, Cesare was led back to prison.
The weakness of the conspirators was obvious; and many Florentines
residing in the town, assembled together, among whom, Giorgio Ginori,
a knight of Rhodes, took arms first against them, and attacked
Bernardo, who traversed the piazza, alternately entreating and
threatening those who refused to obey him, and being surrounded by
Giorgio's followers, he was wounded and made prisoner. This being
done, it was easy to set the governor at liberty and subdue the rest,
who being few, and divided into several parties, were nearly all
either secured or slain. An exaggerated report of these transactions
reached Florence, it being told there that Prato was taken, the
governor and his friends put to death, and the place filled with the
enemy; and that Pistoia was also in arms, and most of the citizens in
the conspiracy. In consequence of this alarming account, the palace as
quickly filled with citizens, who consulted with the Signory what
course ought to be adopted. At this time, Roberto da San Severino, one
of the most distinguished generals of this period, was at Florence,
and it was therefore determined to send him, with what forces could be
collected, to Prato, with orders that he should approach the place,
particularly observe what was going on, and provide such remedies as
the necessity of the case and his own prudence should suggest. Roberto
had scarcely passed the fortress of Campi, when he was met by a
messenger from the governor, who informed him that Bernardo was taken,
his followers either dispersed or slain, and everything restored to
order. He consequently returned to Florence, whither Bernardo was
shortly after conveyed, and when questioned by the magistracy