ns, were caused by the insolence and
tyrannical proceedings of the former; but finding that the plebeians had
soon become quite as insolent, he quickly separated himself from them;
and the injuries committed by them against the citizens were done wholly
without his consent. So that the same motives which made him join the
plebeians induced him to leave them.

Having gained Benedetto and the leaders of the trades to their side,
they provided themselves with arms and made Giorgio prisoner. Tommaso
fled. The next day Giorgio was beheaded; which struck so great a
terror into his party, that none ventured to express the slightest
disapprobation, but each seemed anxious to be foremost in defense of the
measure. On being led to execution, in the presence of that people who
only a short time before had idolized him, Giorgio complained of his
hard fortune, and the malignity of those citizens who, having done him
an undeserved injury, had compelled him to honor and support a mob,
possessing neither faith nor gratitude. Observing Benedetto Alberti
among those who had armed themselves for the preservation of order, he
said, "Do you, too, consent, Benedetto, that this injury shall be done
to me? Were I in your place and you in mine, I would take care that no
one should injure you. I tell you, however, this day is the end of my
troubles and the beginning of yours." He then blamed himself for having
confided too much in a people who may be excited and inflamed by every
word, motion, and breath of suspicion. With these complaints he died in
the midst of his armed enemies, delighted at his fall. Some of his most
intimate associates were also put to death, and their bodies dragged
about by the mob.

CHAPTER VI

Confusion and riots in the city--Reform of government in opposition to
the plebeians--Injuries done to those who favored the plebeians--Michael
di Lando banished--Benedetto Alberti hated by the Signory--Fears
excited by the coming of Louis of Anjou--The Florentines purchase
Arezzo--Benedetto Alberti becomes suspected and is banished--His
discourse upon leaving the city--Other citizens banished and
admonished--War with Giovanni Galeazzo, duke of Milan.

The death of Giorgio caused very great excitement; many took arms at
the execution in favor of the Signory and the Capitano; and many others,
either for ambition or as a means for their own safety, did the same.
The city was full of conflicting parties, who each had a partic