ed with grief at seeing such depravity in the
multitude, and such perversity or fear in those who might either have
restrained or suppressed them. The Signory, too, were dismayed and
fearful for the safety of their country, finding themselves abandoned
by one of their associates, and without any aid or even advice; when, at
this moment of uncertainty as to what was about to happen, or what would
be best to be done, Tommaso Strozzi and Benedetto Alberti, either from
motives of ambition (being desirous of remaining masters of the palace),
or because they thought it the most advisable step, persuaded them to
give way to the popular impulse, and withdraw privately to their homes.
This advice, given by those who had been the leaders of the tumult,
although the others yielded, filled Alamanno Acciajuoli and Niccolo del
Bene, two of the Signors, with anger; and, reassuming a little vigor,
they said, that if the others would withdraw they could not help it, but
they would remain as long as they continued in office, if they did not
in the meantime lose their lives. These dissensions redoubled the fears
of the Signory and the rage of the people, so that the Gonfalonier,
disposed rather to conclude his magistracy in dishonor than in danger,
recommended himself to the care of Tommaso Strozzi, who withdrew him
from the palace and conducted him to his house. The other Signors were,
one after another, conveyed in the same manner, so that Alamanno and
Niccolo, not to appear more valiant than wise, seeing themselves left
alone, also retired, and the palace fell into the hands of the plebeians
and the Eight Commissioners of War, who had not yet laid down their
authority.

When the plebeians entered the palace, the standard of the Gonfalonier
of Justice was in the hands of Michael di Lando, a wool comber. This
man, barefoot, with scarcely anything upon him, and the rabble at his
heels, ascended the staircase, and, having entered the audience chamber
of the Signory, he stopped, and turning to the multitude said, "You see
this palace is now yours, and the city is in your power; what do you
think ought to be done?" To which they replied, they would have him for
their Gonfalonier and lord; and that he should govern them and the city
as he thought best. Michael accepted the command; and, as he was a cool
and sagacious man, more favored by nature than by fortune, he resolved
to compose the tumult, and restore peace to the city. To occupy the
mi