entines during most of their wars with the duke. Upon the
restoration of peace he was discharged; but when the affair of
Volterra took place, being encamped with his people at Fucecchio, the
commissaries availed themselves both of himself and his forces. Some
thought that while Rinaldo conducted the expedition along with him, he
persuaded him, under one pretext or another, to attack the Lucchese,
assuring him, that if he did so, the Florentines would consent to
undertake an expedition against them, and would appoint him to the
command. When Volterra was recovered, and Niccolo returned to his
quarters at Fucecchio, he, either at the persuasion of Rinaldo, or of
his own accord, in November, 1429, took possession of Ruoti and Compito,
castles belonging to the Lucchese, with three hundred cavalry and
as many infantry, and then descending into the plain, plundered the
inhabitants to a vast amount. The news of this incursion having
reached Florence, persons of all classes were seen gathered in parties
throughout the city discussing the matter, and nearly all were in favor
of an expedition against Lucca. Of the Grandees thus disposed, were the
Medici and their party, and with them also Rinaldo, either because he
thought the enterprise beneficial to the republic, or induced by his own
ambition and the expectation of being appointed to the command. Niccolo
da Uzzano and his party were opposed to the war. It seems hardly
credible that such contrary opinions should prevail, though at different
times, in the same men and the same city, upon the subject of war; for
the same citizens and people that, during the ten years of peace had
incessantly blamed the war undertaken against Duke Filippo, in defense
of liberty, now, after so much expense and trouble, with their utmost
energy, insisted on hostilities against Lucca, which, if successful,
would deprive that city of her liberty; while those who had been in
favor of a war with the duke, were opposed to the present; so much
more ready are the multitude to covet the possessions of others than to
preserve their own, and so much more easily are they led by the hope
of acquisition than by the fear of loss. The suggestions of the latter
appear incredible till they are verified; and the pleasing anticipations
of the former are cherished as facts, even while the advantages are very
problematical, or at best, remote. The people of Florence were inspired
with hope, by the acquisitions which Nicco