or death of Cosmo. Many wished him to be banished, others to be put
to death, and several were silent, either from compassion toward him
or for fear of the rest, so that these differences prevented them from
coming to any conclusion.

There is an apartment in the tower of the palace which occupies the
whole of one floor, and is called the Alberghettino, in which Cosmo was
confined, under the charge of Federigo Malavolti. In this place, hearing
the assembly of the Councils, the noise of arms which proceeded from the
piazza, and the frequent ringing of the bell to assemble the Balia, he
was greatly apprehensive for his safety, but still more less his private
enemies should cause him to be put to death in some unusual manner.
He scarcely took any food, so that in four days he ate only a small
quantity of bread, Federigo, observing his anxiety, said to him, "Cosmo,
you are afraid of being poisoned, and are evidently hastening your end
with hunger. You wrong me if you think I would be a party to such an
atrocious act. I do not imagine your life to be in much danger, since
you have so many friends both within the palace and without; but if you
should eventually lose it, be assured they will use some other medium
than myself for that purpose, for I will never imbue my hands in the
blood of any, still less in yours, who never injured me; therefore cheer
up, take some food, and preserve your life for your friends and your
country. And that you may do so with greater assurance, I will partake
of your meals with you." These words were of great relief to Cosmo, who,
with tears in his eyes, embraced and kissed Federigo, earnestly thanking
him for so kind and affectionate conduct, and promising, if ever the
opportunity were given him, he would not be ungrateful.

CHAPTER VII

Cosmo is banished to Padua--Rinaldo degli Albizzi attempts to
restore the nobility--New disturbances occasioned by Rinaldo degli
Albizzi--Rinaldo takes arms against the Signory--His designs are
disconcerted--Pope Eugenius in Florence--He endeavors to reconcile the
parties--Cosmo is recalled--Rinaldo and his party banished--Glorious
return of Cosmo.

Cosmo in some degree recovered his spirits, and while the citizens
were disputing about him, Federigo, by way of recreation, brought an
acquaintance of the Gonfalonier to take supper with him, an amusing and
facetious person, whose name was Il Farnagaccio. The repast being nearly
over, Cosmo, who thought he