ed it with jealousy, for they perceived all the former
feelings of the city revived. Niccolo da Uzzano did not fail to acquaint
the other citizens with the matter, explaining to them how dangerous it
was to aggrandize one who possessed so much influence; that it was easy
to remedy an evil at its commencement, but exceedingly difficult after
having allowed it to gather strength; and that Giovanni possessed
several qualities far surpassing those of Salvestro. The associates of
Niccolo were uninfluenced by his remarks; for they were jealous of his
reputation, and desired to exalt some person, by means of whom he might
be humbled.

This was the state of Florence, in which opposing feelings began to
be observable, when Filippo Visconti, second son of Giovanni Galeazzo,
having, by the death of his brother, become master of all Lombardy, and
thinking he might undertake almost anything, greatly desired to recover
Genoa, which enjoyed freedom under the Dogiate of Tommaso da Campo
Fregoso. He did not think it advisable to attempt this, or any other
enterprise, till he had renewed amicable relations with the Florentines,
and made his good understanding with them known; but with the aid of
their reputation he trusted he should attain his wishes. He therefore
sent ambassadors to Florence to signify his desires. Many citizens were
opposed to his design, but did not wish to interrupt the peace with
Milan, which had now continued for many years. They were fully aware of
the advantages he would derive from a war with Genoa, and the little use
it would be to Florence. Many others were inclined to accede to it, but
would set a limit to his proceedings, which, if he were to exceed, all
would perceive his base design, and thus they might, when the treaty was
broken, more justifiably make war against him. The question having been
strongly debated, an amicable arrangement was at length effected, by
which Filippo engaged not to interfere with anything on the Florentine
side of the rivers Magra and Panaro.

Soon after the treaty was concluded, the duke took possession of
Brescia, and shortly afterward of Genoa, contrary to the expectation
of those who had advocated peace; for they thought Brescia would be
defended by the Venetians, and Genoa would be able to defend herself.
And as in the treaty which Filippo made with the Doge of Genoa, he had
acquired Serezana and other places situated on this side the Magra, upon
condition that, if he wished