ised at this, neither ought you to be so, for it
always happens thus to those who among a multitude of the wicked, wish
to act rightly, and endeavor to sustain, what the many seek to destroy.
The love of my country made me take part with Salvestro de Medici and
afterward separated me from Giorgio Scali. The same cause compelled me
to detest those who now govern, who having none to punish them, will
allow no one to reprove their misdeeds. I am content that my banishment
should deliver them from the fears they entertain, not of me only, but
of all who they think perceives or is acquainted wit their tyrannical
and wicked proceedings; and they have aimed their first blow at me, in
order the more easily to oppress you. I do not grieve on my own account;
for those honors which my country bestowed upon me while free, she
cannot in her slavery take from me; and the recollection of my past
life will always give me greater pleasure than the pain imparted by the
sorrows of exile. I deeply regret that my country is left a prey to the
greediness and pride of the few who keep her in subjection. I grieve for
you; for I fear that the evils which this day cease to affect me, and
commence with you, will pursue you with even greater malevolence than
they have me. Comfort, then, each other; resolve to bear up against
every misfortune, and conduct yourselves in such a manner, that when
disasters befall you (and there will be many), every one may know they
have come upon you undeservedly." Not to give a worse impression of
his virtue abroad than he had done at home, he made a journey to the
sepulcher of Christ, and while upon his return, died at Rhodes. His
remains were brought to Florence, and interred with all possible honors,
by those who had persecuted him, when alive, with every species of
calumny and injustice.

The family of the Alberti was not the only injured party during these
troubles of the city; for many others were banished and admonished. Of
the former were Piero Benini, Matteo Alderotti, Giovanni and Francesco
del Bene, Giovanni Benci, Andrea Adimari, and with them many members of
the minor trades. Of the admonished were the Covini, Benini, Rinucci,
Formiconi, Corbizzi, Manelli, and Alderotti. It was customary to create
the Balia for a limited time; and when the citizens elected had effected
the purpose of their appointment, they resigned the office from motives
of good feeling and decency, although the time allowed might not