 Book 8, Chapter 6 of History of Florence by Machiavelli, Volume 2. History of Florence and of the Affairs of Italy by Niccolò Machiavelli, Volume 2, translated by an unknown translator. Book 8, Chapter 6. Affairs of the Pope. He is reconciled to Niccolò Vitelli. Discords between the Colonnese and the Orsini. Various events. The War of Sarazana. Genoa occupied by her Archbishop. Death of Sixtus IV. Innocent VIII. Elected. Agostino Fragoso gives Sarazana to the Bank of St. Giorgio. Account of the Bank of St. Giorgio. War with the Genoese for Sarazana. Tradigem of the Florentines to attack Pietrasanta. Difficulties and final surrender of Pietrasanta. The Lucchesi's clay claim to Pietrasanta. The city of Laquilla revolts against the king of Naples. War between him and the Pope. The Florentines take the king's party. Peace between the Pope and the king. During these events in Lombardy, the Pope sent Lorenzo to invest Città di Castello for the purposes of expelling Niccolò Vitelli, the place having been abandoned to him by the League, for the purpose of inducing the Pontiff to join them. During the siege, Niccolò's troops were led out against the Papal forces and routed them. Upon this, the Pope recalled the Count Girolamo from Lombardy with orders first to recruit his army at Rome, and then proceed against Città di Castello. But thinking afterward that it would be better to obtain Niccolò Vitello as his friend than to renew hostilities with him, an arrangement was entered into by which the latter retains Città di Castello, and the Pope pacified Lorenzo as well as he could. He was induced to both of these measures rather by his apprehension of fresh troubles than by his love of peace, for he perceived dissensions arising between the Colonesi and the Orsini. In the war between the king of Naples and the Pope, the former had taken the district of Tagliacotso from the Orsini and given it to the Colonesi, who had espoused his cause. On the establishment of peace, the Orsini demanded its restoration by virtue of the treaty. The Pope had frequently intimated to the Colonesi that it ought to be restored, but they, instead of complying with the entreaties of the Orsini or being influenced by the Pope's threats, renewed hostilities against the former. Upon this, the Pontiff, unable to endure their insolence, united his own forces with those of the Orsini, plundered the houses they possessed in Rome, slew or made prisoners all who defended them and seized most of their fortresses, so that when these troubles were composed it was rather by the complete subjugation of one party than from any desire for peace in the other. Nor were the affairs of Genoa or of Tuscany in repose, for the Florentines kept the Count Antonio de Marciano on the borders of Sarazana, and while the war continued in Lombardy, annoyed the people of Sarazana by inroads and light skirmishes. Battistino Fragoso, doge of Genoa, trusting to Pagolo Fragoso the archbishop, was taken prisoner with his wife and children by the latter, who assumed the sovereignty of the city. The Venetian fleet had attacked the kingdom of Naples, taken Gallipoli, and harassed the neighboring places. But upon the peace of Lombardy all tumults were hushed except those of Tuscany and Rome, for the Pope died in five days after its declaration, either in the natural course of things, or because of his grief for peace, to which he was always opposed, occasioned his end. Upon the decease of the Pontiff Rome was immediately in arms. The Count Girolamo withdrew his forces into the castle, and the Orsini feared the Colonnesey would avenge the injuries they had recently sustained. The Colonnesey demanded the restitution of their houses and castles, so that in a few days robberies, fires, and murders prevailed in several parts of the city. The Cardinals entreated the Count to give the castle into the hands of the college, withdraw his troops, and deliver Rome from the fear of his forces, and he, by way of ingratiating himself with the future Pontiff, obeyed, and returned to Imola. The Cardinals, being thus divested of their fears and the barrens hopeless of assistance in their quarrels, proceeded to create a new Pontiff, and after some discussion Giovanni Battista Cibo, a Genoese, Cardinal of Malfetta, was elected and took the name of Innocent VIII. By the mildness of his disposition, for he was peaceable and humane, he caused a cessation of hostilities, and for the present restored peace to Rome. The Florentines, after the pacification of Lombardi, could not remain quiet, for it appeared disgraceful that a private gentleman should deprive them of the fortress of Sarazana, and as it was allowed by the conditions of peace not only to demand lost places, but to make war upon any who should impede their restoration, they immediately provided men and money to undertake its recovery. Upon this, Agostino Fragoso, who had seized Sarazana, being unable to defend it, gave the fortress to the Bank of St. Giorgio. As we shall have frequent occasion to speak of St. Giorgio and the Genoese, it will not be improper, since Genoa is one of the principal cities of Italy, to give some account of the regulations and usages prevailing there. And the Genoese had made peace with the Venetians after the Great War many years ago. The Republic, being unable to satisfy the claims of those who had advanced large sums of money for its use, conceded to them the revenue of the dogano or custom house, so that each creditor should participate in the receipts in proportion to his claim, until the whole amount should be liquidated, and as a suitable place for their assembling, the palace over the dogano was assigned for their use. These creditors established a form of government among themselves, appointing a council of one hundred persons for the direction of their affairs, and a committee of eight who, as the executive body, should carry into effect the determinations of the council. Their credits were divided into shares, called Luoghi, and they took the title of the bank or company of St. Giorgio. Having thus arranged their government, the city fell into fresh difficulties and applied to send Giorgio for assistance, which, being wealthy and well-managed, was able to afford the required aid. On the other hand, as the city had at first conceded the customs, she next began to assign towns, castles, or territories as security for monies received, and this practice has proceeded to such a great length from the necessities of the state and the accommodation by the St. Giorgio, that the latter now has under its administration most of the towns and cities in the Genoese Dominion. These the bank governs and protects, and every year sends its deputies, appointed by vote, without any interference on the part of the Republic. Hence, the affections of the citizens are transferred from the government to the St. Giorgio on account of the tyranny of the former and the excellent regulations adopted by the latter. Hence also originate the frequent changes of the Republic, which is sometimes under a citizen and at other times governed by a stranger, for the magistracy and not the St. Giorgio changes the government. So when the Fragosi and the Adorni were in opposition, as the government of the Republic was the prize for which they strove, the greater part of the citizens withdrew and left it to the victor. The only interference of the Bank of St. Giorgio is when one party has obtained a superiority over the other, to bind the victor to the observance of its laws, which up to this time have not been changed. For as it possesses arms, money, and influence they could not be altered without incurring the imminent risk of a dangerous rebellion. This establishment presents an instance of what in all the republics, either described or imagined by philosophers, has never been thought of, exhibiting within the same community and among the same citizens liberty and tyranny, integrity and corruption, justice and injustice. For this establishment preserved in the city many ancient and venerable customs, and should it happen, as in time it easily that the St. Giorgio should have possession of the whole city, the republic will become more distinguished than that of Venice. Agostino Fragoso conceded Sarazana to the St. Giorgio, which readily accepted it, undertook its defense, put a fleet to sea, and sent forces to Pietro Santa to prevent all attempts of the Florentines, whose camp was in the immediate vicinity. The Florentines found it would be essentially necessary to gain possession of Pietro Santa, for without it the acquisition of Sarazana lost much of its value, being situated between the latter place and Pisa. But they could not, consistently with the treaty, besiege it, unless the people of Pietro Santa or its garrison were to impede their acquisition of Sarazana. To induce the enemy to do this, the Florentines sent from Pisa to the camp a quantity of provisions and military stores, accompanied by a very weak escort, that the people of Pietro Santa might have little cause for fear, and by the richness of the booty be tempted to the attack. The plan succeeded according to their expectation, for the inhabitants of Pietro Santa, attracted by the rich prize, took possession of it. This gave legitimate occasion to the Florentines to undertake operations against them. So, leaving Sarazana, they encamped before Pietro Santa, which was very populous, and made a gallant defense. The Florentines planted their artillery in the plane, and formed a rampart upon the hill, that they might also attack the place on that side. The talk about Guicciardini was commissary of the army, and while the siege of Pietro Santa was going on, the Genoese took and burned the fortress of Vada, and landing their forces plundered the surrounding country. Biongiani Gianfiliasi was sent against them, with a body of horse and foot, and checked their audacity, so that they pursued their depredations less boldly. The fleet continuing its efforts went to Livorno, and by pontoons and other means approached the new tower, laying their artillery upon it for several days, but being unable to make any impression, they withdrew. In the meantime, the Florentines proceeded slowly against Pietro Santa, and the enemy, taking courage, attacked and took their works upon the hill. This was affected with so much glory, and struck such a panic into the Florentines that they were almost ready to raise the siege, and actually retreated a distance of four miles, for their general thought that they would retire to winter quarters, it being now October, and make no further attempt till the return of spring. When the discomfiture was known at Florence, the government was filled with indignation, and to impart fresh vigor to the enterprise, and restore the reputation of their forces. They immediately appointed Antonio Pucci, and Bernardo Del Nere, commissaries, who, with vast sums of money, proceeded to the army, and intimated the heavy displeasure of the scenery, and of the whole city if they did not return to the walls. And what a disgrace, if so large an army, and so many generals, having only a small garrison to contend with, could not conquer so poor and weak a place. They explained the immediate and future advantages that would result from the acquisition, and spoke so forcibly upon the subject that all became anxious to renew the attack. They resolved in the first place to recover the rampart upon the hill, and here it was evident how greatly humanity, affability, and condescension influenced the minds of soldiers, for Antonio Pucci, by encouraging one and promising another, shaking hands with this man and embracing that, induced them to proceed to the charge with such impetuosity that they gained possession of the rampart in an instant. However, the victory was not unattended by misfortune, for Count Antonio de Marciano was killed by a cannon-shot. This success filled the town's people with so much terror that they began to make proposals for capitulation, and to invest the surrender with imposing solemnity Lorenzo de Medici came to the camp, when, after a few days, the fortress was given up. It being now winter, the leaders of the expedition thought it unadvisable to make any further effort until the return of spring, more particularly because the autumnal air had been so unhealthy that numbers were affected by it. Antonio Pucci and Biongiani Gianfiliasi were taken ill and died, to the great regret of all, so greatly had Antonio's conduct at Pietrasanta endeared him to the army. Upon the taking of Pietrasanta, the Lucchesi sent ambassadors to Florence to demand its surrender to their republic, on account of its having previously belonged to them, and because, as they alleged, it was in the conditions that places taken by either party were to be restored to their original possessors. The Florentines did not deny the articles, but replied that they did not know whether by the treaty between themselves and the Genoese, which was then under discussion, it would have to be given up or not, and therefore could not reply to that point at present. But in case of its restitution, it would first be necessary for the Lucchesi to reimburse them for the expenses they had incurred, and the injury they had suffered in the death of so many citizens, and that when this was satisfactorily arranged, they might entertain hopes of obtaining the place. The whole winter was consumed in negotiations between the Florentines and the Genoese, which, by the pope's intervention, were carried on at Rome. But not being concluded upon the return of Spring, the Florentines would have attacked Sarazana had they not been prevented by the illness of Lorenzo de Medici, and the war between the pope and King Ferrando, for Lorenzo was afflicted not only by the gout, which seemed hereditary in his family, but also by violent pains in the stomach, and was compelled to go to the baths for relief. The more important reason was furnished by the war of which this was the origin. The city of Laquilla, though subject to the kingdom of Naples, was, in a manner, free, and the Count de Montorio possessed great influence over it. The Duke of Calabria was upon the banks of the Toronto with his men-at-arms, under pretense of appeasing some disturbances among the peasantry, but really with the design of reducing Laquilla entirely under the king's authority, and sent for the Count de Montorio as if to consult him upon the business he pretended then to have in hand. The Count obeyed without the least suspicion, and on his arrival was made prisoner by the Duke and sent to Naples. When his circumstance became known at Laquilla, the anger of the inhabitants arose to the highest pitch, taking arms they killed Antonio Centinello, commissary for the king, and with him some inhabitants known partisans of his majesty. The Laculani, in order to have a defender in their rebellion, raised the banner of the church and sent envoys to the pope to submit their city and themselves to him, beseeching that he would defend them as his own subjects against the tyranny of the king. The Pontiff gladly undertook their defense, for he had both public and private reasons for hating that monarch, and Signore Roberto of San Severino, an enemy of the Duke of Milan, being disengaged, was appointed to take the command of his forces, and sent for with all speed to Rome. He entreated the friends and relatives of the Count de Montorio to withdraw their allegiance from the king, and induced the princes of Altimora, Salerno, and Bisignano to take arms against him. The king, finding himself so suddenly involved in war, had recourse to the Florentines and the Duke of Milan for assistance. The Florentines hesitated with regard to their own conduct, for they felt all the inconvenience of neglecting their own affairs to attend to those of others, and hostilities against the church seemed likely to involve much risk. However, being under the obligation of a league, they preferred their honor to convenience or security, engaged the Orsini, and sent all their own forces under the Count de Pictiliano toward Rome, to the assistance of the king. The latter divided his forces into two parts, one under the Duke of Calabria he sent toward Rome, which, being joined by the Florentines, opposed the army of the church. With the other under his own command, he attacked the barons, and the war was prosecuted with various success on both sides. At length, the king, being universally victorious, peace was concluded by the intervention of the ambassadors of the king of Spain in August 1486, to which the pope consented. For having found fortune opposed to him, he was not disposed to tempt it further. In his treaty all the powers of Italy were united, except the Genoese, who were omitted as rebels against the Republic of Milan, and unjust occupiers of territories belonging to the Florentines. On the peace being ratified, Roberto de San Severino, having been during the war a treacherous ally of the church, and by no means formidable to her enemies, left Rome. Being followed by the forces of the Duke and the Florentines, after passing Cessena, found them near him, and urging his flight, reached Ravenna with less than a hundred of horse. Of his forces part were received into the Duke's service, and part were plundered by the peasantry. The king, being reconciled with his barons, put to death Jacopo Coppolo and Antonello de Versa and their sons, for having during the war betrayed his secrets to the pope. CHAPTER VII. The pope becomes attached to the Florentines. The Genoese seize Sarazanello. They are routed by the Florentines. Sarazana surrenders. Genoa submits to the Duke of Milan. War between the Venetians and the Dutch. Asimo revolts from the church. Count Girolamo Riario, lord of Ferli, slain by a conspiracy. Galliato, lord of Faenza, is murdered by the treachery of his wife. The government of the city offered to the Florentines. Disturbances in Siena. Death of Lorenzo de' Medici. His eulogy. Establishment of his family. Estates bought by Lorenzo. His anxiety for the defense of Florence. His taste for arts and literature. The University of Pisa. The estimation of Lorenzo by other princes. The pope having observed in the course of the war how promptly and earnestly the Florentines adhered to their alliances, although he had previously been opposed to them from his attachment to the Genoese, and the assistance they had rendered to the king, now evinced a more amicable disposition, and received their ambassadors with greater favor than previously. Lorenzo de' Medici, being made acquainted with this change of feeling, encouraged it with the utmost solicitude, for he thought it would be of great advantage if, to the friendship of the king, he could add that of the pontiff. The pope had a son named Francesco, upon whom, designing to bestow estates and attach friends who might be useful to him after his own death, saw no safer connection in Italy than Lorenzo's, and therefore induced the latter to give him one of his daughters in marriage. Having formed this alliance, the pope desired the Genoese to concede Sarazana to the Florentines, insisting that they had no right to detain what Agostino had sold, nor was Agostino justified in making over to the bank of San Giorgio what was not his own. However, his holiness did not succeed with them, for the Genoese, during these transactions at Rome, armed several vessels, and unknown to the Florentines, landed three thousand foot, attacked Sarazanello, situated above Sarazana, plundered and burnt the town near it, and then, directing their artillery against the fortress, fired upon it with their utmost energy. This assault was new and unexpected by the Florentines, who immediately assembled their forces under Virginia Orsino at Pisa, and complained to the pope that while he was endeavoring to establish peace, the Genoese had renewed their attack upon them. They then sent Piero Corsini to Lucca, that by his presence he might keep the city faithful, and Pagol Antonio Soderini to Venice, to learn how that republic was disposed. They demanded assistance of the king and of senior Lodovico, but obtained it from neither, for the king expressed apprehensions of the Turkish fleet, and Lodovico made excuses, but sent no aid. Thus the Florentines, in their own wars, are almost always obliged to stand alone, and find no friends to assist them with the same readiness they practice toward others. Nor did they, on this desertion of their allies, it being nothing new to them, give way to despondency, for having assembled a large army under Jacopo Gricciardini and Pietro Vittori, they set it against the enemy, who had encamped upon the river Magra, at the same time pressing Sarazanello with mines and every species of attack. The commissaries being resolved to relieve the place, and engagement ensued, when the Genoese were routed and Lodovico Dolfiesco, with several other principal men, made prisoners. The Sarazanese were not so depressed at their defeat as to be willing to surrender, but obstinately prepared for their defense, while the Florentine commissaries proceeded with their operations, and instances of valor occurred on both sides. The siege being protracted by a variety of fortune, Lorenzo to Medici resolved to go to the camp, and on his arrival the troops acquired fresh courage, while that of the enemy seemed to fail. For perceiving the obstinacy of the Florentine's attack, and the delay of the Genoese in coming to their relief, they surrendered to Lorenzo, without asking conditions, and none were treated with severity except two or three who were leaders of the rebellion. During the siege Lodovico had sent troops to Petromoli, as if with an intention of assisting the Florentines, but having secret correspondence in Genoa, a party was raised there, who by the aid of these forces gave the city to the Duke of Milan. At this time the Dutch made war upon the Venetians, and Bocolino of Osima in the Marca caused that place to revolt from the Pope, and assumed the sovereignty. After a variety of fortune he was induced to restore the city to the Pontiff and come to Florence, where under the protection of Lorenzo to Medici, by whose advice he had been prevailed upon to submit, he lived long and respected. He afterward went to Milan, but did not experience such generous treatment, for Lodovico caused him to be put to death. The Venetians were routed by the Dutch, near the city of Trento, and Roberto de S. Severino, their captain, was slain. After this defeat the Venetians, with their usual good fortune, made peace with the Dutch, not as vanquished but as conquerors, so honorable were the terms they obtained. About this time there arose serious troubles in Romania. Lodorso, of Ferli, was a man of great authority in that city, and became suspected by the Count Girolamo, who often threatened him. He consequently, living under great apprehensions, was advised by his friends to provide for his own safety, by the immediate adoption of such a course as would relieve him from all further fear of the Count. Having considered the matter and resolved to attempt it, they fixed upon the market-day at Ferli, as most suitable for their purpose, for many of their friends being sure to come from the country, they might make use of their services without having to bring them expressly for the occasion. It was the month of May, when most Italians take supper by daylight. The conspirators thought the most convenient hour would be after the Count had finished his repast, for his household, being then at their meal, he would remain in the chamber almost alone. Having fixed upon the hour, Francesco went to the Count's residence, left his companions in the hall, proceeded to his apartment, and desired an attendant to say he wished for an interview. He was admitted, and after a few words of pretended communication slew him, and calling to his associates killed the attendant. The Governor of the place coming by accident to speak with the Count, and entering the apartment with a few of his people was also slain. After this slaughter and in the midst of a great tumult, the Count's body was thrown from the window, and with the cry of church and liberty they roused the people, who hated the avarice and cruelty of the Count, to arms, and having plundered his house made the Countess Caterina and her children prisoners. The Fortress alone had to be taken to bring the Enterprise to a successful issue, but the Castellan would not consent to its surrender. They begged the Countess would desire him to comply with their wish, which she promised to do, if they would allow her to go into the Fortress, leaving her children as security for the performance of her promise. The conspirators trusted her, and permitted her to enter, but as soon as she was within she threatened them with death and every kind of torture in revenge for the murder of her husband, and upon their menacing her with the death of her children she said she had the means of getting more. Finding they were not supported by the Pope, and that Lodovico Svorza, uncle to the Countess, had sent forces to her assistance, the conspirators became terrified, and taking with them whatever property they could carry off they fled to Sita di Castello. The Countess recovered the State, and avenged the death of her husband with the utmost cruelty. The Florentines, hearing of the Count's death, took occasion to recover the Fortress of Pian Caldolo, of which he had formerly deprived them, and on sending some forces captured it, but Seco, the famous engineer, lost his life during the siege. To this disturbance in Romania, another in that province, no less important, has to be added. Galiato, Lord of Faenza, had married the daughter of Giovanni Bentivogli, Prince of Bologna. She, either through jealousy or ill-treatment by her husband, or from the depravity of her own nature, hated him to such a degree, that she determined to deprive him of his possessions and his life, and pretending sickness she took to her bed, were having induced Galiato to visit her he was slain by assassins, whom she had concealed for that purpose in the apartment. She had acquainted her father with her design, and he hoped on his son-in-law's death to become Lord of Faenza. A great tumult arose as soon as the murder was known. The widow with an infant son fled into the Fortress, the people took up arms, Giovanni Bentivogli, with a condottiere of the Duke of Milan, named Bergamino, engaged for the occasion, entered Faenza with a considerable force, and Antonio Boscoli, the Florentine commissary, was also there. These leaders being together, and discoursing of the government of the place, the men of Valdilamona, who had risen unanimously upon learning what had occurred, attacked Giovanni and Bergamino, the latter of whom they slew, made the former prisoner, and raising the cry of Astoria and the Florentines, offered the city to the commissary. These events being known at Florence gave general offense, however they set Giovanni and his daughter at liberty, and by the universal desire of the people, took the city and Astore under their protection. After the principal differences of the greater powers were composed, during several years, tumults prevailed in Romagna, the Marca, and Siena, which as they are unimportant it will be needless to recount. When the Duke of Calabria, after the war of 1478, had left the country, the distractions of Siena became more frequent, and after many changes in which at first the plebeians and then the nobility were victorious, the latter at length maintained the superiority, and among them Pandolfo and Giacoppo Pricci obtained the greatest influence, so that the former being distinguished for prudence and the latter for resolution they became almost princes in the city. The Florentines, after the war of Sarazana, lived in great prosperity until 1492, when Lorenzo de Medici died, for he, having put a stop to the internal wars of Italy, and by his wisdom and authority established peace, turned his thoughts to the advancement of his own and the city's interests, and married Piero, his eldest son, to Alfonsina, daughter of the Cavalier Orsino. He caused Giovanni his second son to be raised to the dignity of Cardinal. This was the more remarkable from its being unprecedented, for he was only fourteen years of age when admitted to the college, and became the medium by which his family attained to the highest earthly glory. He was unable to make any particular provision for Giuliano, his third son, on account of his tender years, and the shortness of his own life. Of his daughters one married Giacopo Salviati, another Francesco Sibo, the third Piero Rodolfi, and the fourth, whom in order to keep his house united he had married to Giovanni de Medici, died. In his commercial affairs he was very unfortunate from the improper conduct of his agents, who in all their proceedings assumed the deportment of princes rather than of private persons, so that in many places much of his property was wasted, and he had to be relieved by his country with large sums of money. To avoid similar inconvenience he withdrew from mercantile pursuits, and invested his property in land and houses as being less liable to vicissitude. In the districts of Preto, Pisa, and the Val de Pesa he purchased extensively, and erected buildings which for magnificence and utility were quite a regal character. He next undertook the improvement of the city, and as many parts were unoccupied by buildings he caused new streets to be erected in them, of great beauty, and thus enlarged the accommodation of the inhabitants. To enjoy his power in security and repose and conquer or resist his enemies at a distance, in the direction of Bologna he fortified the castle of Ferenzuela, situated in the midst of the Apennines. Toward Siena he commenced the restoration and fortification of the Poggio Imperiale, and he shut out the enemy in the direction of Genoa, by the acquisition of Pietra Santa and Sarazana. For the greater safety of the city he kept in pay the Baglione, at Perugia, and the Vitelli, at Citta di Castillo, and held the government of Fianza wholly in his own power, all which greatly contributed to the repose and prosperity of Florence. In peaceful times he frequently entertained the people with feasts, and exhibitions of various events and triumphs of antiquity, his object being to keep the city abundantly supplied, the people united, and the nobility honoured. He was a great admirer of excellence in the arts, and a patron of literary men, of which Agnolo de Montepilciano, Cristofero Landini, and Demetrius Calcandilus, a Greek, may afford sufficient proofs. On this account Count Giovanni de Merandola, a man of almost supernatural genius, after visiting every court of Europe, induced by the magnificence of Lorenzo, established his abode at Florence. He took great delight in architecture, music, and poetry, many of his comments and poetical compositions still remaining. To facilitate the study of literature to the youth of Florence he opened a university at Pisa, which was conducted by the most distinguished men in Italy. For Mariano de Cinazzano, a friar of the Order of St. Augustine, and an excellent preacher, he built a monastery in the neighborhood of Florence. He enjoyed much favour both from fortune and from the Almighty. All his enterprises were brought to a prosperous termination, while his enemies were unfortunate. For besides the conspiracy of the Pazzi, an attempt was made to murder him in the Carmine by Baptiste Frescobaldi, and a similar one by Baldenetto di Pistoia, at his villa. But these persons, with their confederates, came to the end their crimes deserved. His skill, prudence, and fortune were acknowledged with admiration. Not only by the princes of Italy, but by those of distant countries, for Matthias, king of Hungary, gave him many proofs of his regard. The sultan sent ambassadors to him with valuable presence, and the Turkish emperor placed in his hands Bernardo Bandini, the murderer of his brother. These circumstances raised his fame throughout Italy, and his reputation for prudence constantly increased, for in council he was eloquent and acute, wise in determination, and prompt in resolute in execution. Nor can Vices be alleged against him to sully so many virtues, though he was fond of women, pleased with the company of facetious and satirical men, and amused with the games of the nursery, more than seemed consistent with so great a character, for he was frequently seen playing with his children, and partaking of their infantene sports, so that whoever considers this gravity and cheerfulness will find united in him dispositions which seem almost incompatible with each other. In his later years he was greatly afflicted. Besides the gout, he was troubled with excruciating pains in the stomach, of which he died in April 1492, in the forty-fourth year of his age. Nor was there ever in Florence, or even in Italy, one so celebrated for wisdom, or for whose loss such universal regret was felt. As from his death the greatest devastation would shortly ensue, the heavens gave many evident tokens of its approach. Among other signs the highest pinnacle of the church of Santa Reparata was struck with lightning, and a great part of it thrown down to the terror and amazement of everyone. The citizens and all the princes of Italy mourned for him, and sent their ambassadors to Florence, to condole with the city on the occasion, and the justice of their grief was shortly after apparent. For being deprived of his counsel, his survivors were unable either to satisfy or restrain the ambition of Lodovico Sporza, tutor to the Duke of Milan, and hence soon after the death of Lorenzo, those evil plans began to germinate, which in a little time ruined Italy, and continued to keep her in desolation. END OF BOOK VIII END OF HISTORY OF FLORENCE AND OF THE AFFAIRS OF ITALY by Niccolò Machiavelli.