include the
restoration of the citizens. They, at his entreaty, spoke about the
matter to their associates, who replied, that it was improper to attempt
any innovation in which the advantage was doubtful and the danger
certain. Upon this, Donato, having in vain tried all other means he
could think of, excited with anger, gave them to understand that since
they would not allow the city to be governed with peaceful measures,
he would try what could be done with arms. These words gave so great
offense, that being communicated to the heads of the government, Donato
was summoned, and having appeared, the truth was proven by those to whom
he had intrusted the message, and he was banished to Barletta. Alamanno
and Antonio de' Medici were also banished, and all those of that
family, who were descended from Alamanno, with many who, although of
the inferior artificers, possessed influence with the plebeians. These
events took place two years after the reform of government effected by
Maso degli Albizzi.

At this time many discontented citizens were at home, and others
banished in the adjoining states. Of the latter there lived at Bologna
Picchio Cavicciulli, Tommaso de' Ricci, Antonio de' Medici, Benedetto
degli Spini, Antonio Girolami, Cristofano di Carlone, and two others
of the lowest order, all bold young men, and resolved upon returning to
their country at any hazard. These were secretly told by Piggiello and
Baroccio Cavicciulli, who, being admonished, lived in Florence, that
if they came to the city they should be concealed in their house; from
which they might afterward issue, slay Maso degli Albizzi, and call
the people to arms, who, full of discontent, would willingly arise,
particularly as they would be supported by the Ricci, Adimari, Medici,
Manelli, and many other families. Excited with these hopes, on the
fourth of August, 1397, they came to Florence, and having entered
unobserved according to their arrangement, they sent one of their party
to watch Maso, designing with his death to raise the people. Maso was
observed to leave his house and proceed to that of an apothecary, near
the church of San Pietro Maggiore, which he entered. The man who went
to watch him ran to give information to the other conspirators, who took
their arms and hastened to the house of the apothecary, but found
that Maso had gone. However, undaunted with the failure of their first
attempt, they proceeded to the Old Market, where they slew on