out much
trouble; part of the conspirators were slain defending themselves;
the remainder were made prisoners and examined, but none were found
implicated in the affair except Baroccio and Piggiello Cavicciulli, who
were put to death with them.

Shortly after this event, another occurred of greater importance. The
Florentines were, as we have before remarked, at war with the duke of
Milan, who, finding that with merely open force he could not overcome
them, had recourse to secret practices, and with the assistance of the
exiles of whom Lombardy was full, he formed a plot to which many in the
city were accessory. It was resolved by the conspirators that most of
the emigrants, capable of bearing arms, should set out from the places
nearest Florence, enter the city by the river Arno, and with their
friends hasten to the residences of the chiefs of the government; and
having slain them, reform the republic according to their own will. Of
the conspirators within the city, was one of the Ricci named Samminiato;
and as it often happens in treacherous practices, few are insufficient
to effect the purpose of the plot, and among many secrecy cannot be
preserved, so while Samminiato was in quest of associates, he found an
accuser. He confided the affair to Salvestro Cavicciulli, whose wrongs
and those of his friends were thought sufficient to make him faithful;
but he, more influenced by immediate fear than the hope of future
vengeance, discovered the whole affair to the Signory, who, having
caused Samminiato to be taken, compelled him to tell all the particulars
of the matter. However, none of the conspirators were taken, except
Tommaso Davizi, who, coming from Bologna, and unaware of what had
occurred at Florence, was seized immediately upon his arrival. All the
others had fled immediately upon the apprehension of Samminiato.

Samminiato and Tommaso having been punished according to their deserts,
a Balia was formed of many citizens, which sought the delinquents, and
took measures for the security of the state. They declared six of the
family of the Ricci rebels; also, six of the Alberti; two of the Medici;
three of the Scali; two of the Strozzi; Bindo Altoviti, Bernado Adimari,
and many others of inferior quality. They admonished all the family
of the Alberti, the Ricci, and the Medici for ten years, except a few
individuals. Among the Alberti, not admonished, was Antonio, who was
thought to be quiet and peaceable. It happened