, he withdrew to a sort of voluntary exile at Gaeta, and being
there when the naval expedition was in preparation, and having conducted
himself with great bravery in the action, he thought he had again
merited so much of the duke's confidence as would obtain for him
permission to remain undisturbed at Genoa. But the duke still retained
his suspicions; for he could not believe that a vacillating defender of
his own country's liberty would be faithful to himself; and Francesco
Spinola resolved again to try his fortune, and if possible restore
freedom to his country, and honorable safety for himself; for he was
there was no probability of regaining the forfeited affection of
his fellow-citizens, but by resolving at his own peril to remedy the
misfortunes which he had been so instrumental in producing. Finding the
indignation against the duke universal, on account of the liberation
of the king, he thought the moment propitious for the execution of his
design. He communicated his ideas to some whom he knew to be similarly
inclined, and his arguments ensured their co-operation.

The great festival of St. John the Baptist being come, when Arismeno,
the new governor sent by the duke, was to enter Genoa, and he being
already arrived, accompanied by Opicino, the former governor, and many
Genoese citizens, Francesco Spinola thought further delay improper; and,
issuing from his house with those acquainted with his design, all armed,
they raised the cry of liberty. It was wonderful to see how eagerly the
citizens and people assembled at the word; so that those who for any
reason might be favorable to Filippo, not only had no time to arm, but
scarcely to consider the means of escape. Arismeno, with some Genoese,
fled to the fortress which was held for the duke, Opicino, thinking that
if he could reach the palace, where two thousand men were in arms, and
at his command, he might be able either to effect his own safety, or
induce his friends to defend themselves, took that direction; but before
he arrived at the piazza he was slain, his body divided into many pieces
and scattered about the city. The Genoese having placed the government
in the hands of free magistrates, in a few days recovered the castle,
and the other strongholds possessed by the duke, and delivered
themselves entirely from his yoke.

These transactions, though at first they had alarmed the princes of
Italy with the apprehension that the duke would become too powerful,