operty of their nearest neighbors, to see if Florentine wealth was
concealed among it. The dependent states were therefore ordered to
present a schedule of their property against a certain time. This was
extremely offensive to the people of Volterra, who sent to the Signory
to complain of it; but the officers, in great wrath, committed eighteen
of the complainants to prison. The Volterrani, however, out of regard
for their fellow-countrymen who were arrested, did not proceed to any
violence.

CHAPTER IV

Death of Giovanni de' Medici--His character--Insurrection of
Volterra--Volterra returns to her allegiance--Niccolo Fortebraccio
attacks the Lucchese--Diversity of opinion about the Lucchese
war--War with Lucca--Astore Gianni and Rinaldo degli Albizzi appointed
commissaries--Violence of Astorre Gianni.

About this time Giovanni de' Medici was taken ill, and finding his end
approach, called his sons Cosmo and Lorenzo to him, to give them his
last advice, and said, "I find I have nearly reached the term which
God and nature appointed at my birth, and I die content, knowing that
I leave you rich, healthy, and of such standing in society, that if you
pursue the same course that I have, you will live respected in Florence,
and in favor with everyone. Nothing cheers me so much at this moment, as
the recollection that I have never willfully offended anyone; but have
always used my utmost endeavors to confer benefits upon all. I would
have you do so too. With regard to state affairs, if you would live in
security, take just such a share as the laws and your countrymen think
proper to bestow, thus you will escape both danger and envy; for it
is not what is given to any individual, but what he has determined to
possess, that occasions odium. You will thus have a larger share than
those who endeavor to engross more than belongs to them; for they
thus usually lose their own, and before they lose it, live in constant
disquiet. By adopting this method, although among so many enemies, and
surrounded by so many conflicting interests, I have not only maintained
my reputation but increased my influence. If you pursue the same course,
you will be attended by the same good fortune; if otherwise, you may be
assured, your end will resemble that of those who in our own times have
brought ruin both upon themselves and their families." Soon after this
interview with his sons, Giovanni died, regretted by everyone, as his
many excellencies