ult, and allow me to retain this single house to
leave to the descendants of those from whom your fathers have received
innumerable benefits." To this Neri replied: "That his having expected
great results from men who were capable of doing only very little, had
led him to commit so great a fault against the republic of Florence;
that, every circumstance considered, he must surrender all those places
to the Florentines, as an enemy, which he was unwilling to hold as a
friend: that he had set such an example, as it would be most highly
impolitic to encourage; for, upon a change of fortune, it might injure
the republic, and it was not himself they feared, but his power while
lord of the Casentino. If, however, he could live as a prince in
Germany, the citizens would be very much gratified; and out of love
to those ancestors of whom he had spoken, they would be glad to assist
him." To this, the count, in great anger, replied: "He wished the
Florentines at a much greater distance." Attempting no longer to
preserve the least urbanity of demeanor, he ceded the place and all
its dependencies to the Florentines, and with his treasure, wife, and
children, took his departure, mourning the loss of a territory which his
forefathers had held during four hundred years. When all these victories
were known at Florence, the government and people were transported
with joy. Benedetto de' Medici, finding the report of Niccolo having
proceeded either to Rome or to La Marca, incorrect, returned with his
forces to Neri, and they proceeded together to Florence, where the
highest honors were decreed to them which it was customary with the city
to bestow upon her victorious citizens, and they were received by the
Signory, the Capitani di Parte, and the whole city, in triumphal pomp.

BOOK VI

CHAPTER I

Reflections on the object of war and the use of victory--Niccolo
reinforces his army--The duke of Milan endeavors to recover the services
of Count Francesco Sforza--Suspicions of the Venetians--They acquire
Ravenna--The Florentines purchase the Borgo San Sepolcro of the
pope--Piccinino makes an excursion during the winter--The count besieged
in his camp before Martinengo--The insolence of Niccolo Piccinino--The
duke in revenge makes peace with the league--Sforza assisted by the
Florentines.

Those who make war have always and very naturally designed to enrich
themselves and impoverish the enemy; neither is victory sought or
conquest