s, who were apprehensive for their own city,
purchased Arezzo from those who held it for Louis. Charles, having
secured Puglia, went to take possession of Hungary, to which he was
heir, leaving, with his wife, his children Ladislaus and Giovanna, who
were yet infants. He took possession of Hungary, but was soon after
slain there.

As great rejoicings were made in Florence on account of this acquisition
as ever took place in any city for a real victory, which served to
exhibit the public and private wealth of the people, many families
endeavoring to vie with the state itself in displays of magnificence.
The Alberti surpassed all others; the tournaments and exhibitions made
by them were rather suitable for a sovereign prince than for any private
individuals. These things increased the envy with which the family was
regarded, and being joined with suspicions which the state entertained
of Benedetto, were the causes of his ruin. The rulers could not endure
him, for it appeared as if, at any moment, something might occur,
which, with the favor of his friends, would enable him to recover
his authority, and drive them out of the city. While in this state of
suspicion and jealousy, it happened that while he was Gonfalonier of the
Companies, his son-in-law, Filippo Magalotti, was drawn Gonfalonier of
Justice; and this circumstance increased the fears of the government,
for they thought it would strengthen Benedetto's influence, and place
the state in the greater peril. Anxious to provide a remedy, without
creating much disturbance, they induced Bese Magalotti, his relative and
enemy, to signify to the Signory that Filippo, not having attained the
age required for the exercise of that office, neither could nor ought to
hold it.

The question was examined by the signors, and part of them out of
hatred, others in order to avoid disunion among themselves, declared
Filippo ineligible to the dignity, and in his stead was drawn Bardo
Mancini, who was quite opposed to the plebeian interests, and an
inveterate foe of Benedetto. This man, having entered upon the duties
of his office, created a _Balia_ for the reformation of the state, which
banished Benedetto Alberti and admonished all the rest of his family
except Antonio. Before his departure, Benedetto called them together,
and observing their melancholy demeanor, said, "You see, my fathers, and
you the elders of our house, how fortune has ruined me and threatened
you. I am not surpr