in point, but did not agree upon the
time of carrying it into execution. It was in the month of April, in the
year 1378, when Lapo, thinking delay inadvisable, expressed his opinion,
that procrastination was in the highest degree perilous to themselves;
as in the next Signory, Salvestro de' Medici would very probably be
elected Gonfalonier, and they all knew he was opposed to their party.
Piero degli Albizzi, on the other hand, thought it better to defer,
since they would require forces, which could not be assembled without
exciting observation, and if they were discovered, they would incur
great risk. He thereupon judged it preferable to wait till the
approaching feast of St. John on which, being the most solemn festival
of the city, vast multitudes would be assembled, among whom they
might conceal whatever numbers they pleased. To obviate their fears of
Salvestro, he was to be ADMONISHED, and if this did not appear likely to
be effectual, they would "ADMONISH" one of the Colleague of his quarter,
and upon redrawing, as the ballot-boxes would be nearly empty, chance
would very likely occasion that either he or some associate of his
would be drawn, and he would thus be rendered incapable of sitting as
Gonfalonier. They therefore came to the conclusion proposed by Piero,
though Lapo consented reluctantly, considering the delay dangerous, and
that, as no opportunity can be in all respects suitable, he who waits
for the concurrence of every advantage, either never makes an attempt,
or, if induced to do so, is most frequently foiled. They "admonished"
the Colleague, but did not prevent the appointment of Salvestro, for the
design was discovered by the Eight, who took care to render all attempts
upon the drawing futile.

Salvestro Alammano de' Medici was therefore drawn Gonfalonier, and,
being one of the noblest popular families, he could not endure that the
people should be oppressed by a few powerful persons. Having resolved
to put an end to their insolence, and perceiving the middle classes
favorably disposed, and many of the highest of the people on his side,
he communicated his design to Benedetto Alberti, Tommaso Strozzi, and
Georgio Scali, who all promised their assistance. They, therefore,
secretly draw up a law which had for its object to revive the
restrictions upon the nobility, to retrench the authority of the
Capitani di Parte, and recall the _ammoniti_ to their dignity. In order
to attempt and obtain their ends