iately sent to Florence to see the young man, and procure of Cosmo
and Neri permission to return with him to Bologna. The reputed father
of Santi was dead, and he lived under the protection of his uncle, whose
name was Antonio da Cascese. Antonio was rich, childless, and a friend
of Neri, to whom the matter becoming known, he thought it ought neither
to be despised nor too hastily accepted; and that it would be best
for Santi and those who had been sent from Bologna, to confer in the
presence of Cosmo. They were accordingly introduced, and Santi was not
merely honored but adored by them, so greatly were they influenced by
the spirit of party. However, nothing was done at the time, except that
Cosmo, taking Santi apart, spoke to him thus: "No one can better advise
you in this matter than yourself; for you have to take that course
to which your own mind prompts you. If you be the son of Ercole
Bentivoglio, you will naturally aspire to those pursuits which are
proper to your family and worthy of your father; but if you be the son
of Agnolo da Cascese, you will remain in Florence, and basely spend the
remainder of your days in some branch of the woolen trade." These words
greatly influenced the youth, who, though he had at first almost refused
to adopt such a course, said, he would submit himself wholly to what
Cosmo and Neri should determine. They, assenting to the request of the
Bolognese, provided suitable apparel, horses, and servants; and in a
few days he was escorted by a numerous cavalcade to Bologna, where the
guardianship of Annibale's son and of the city were placed in his hands.
He conducted himself so prudently, that although all his ancestors had
been slain by their enemies, he lived in peace and died respected by
everyone.

After the death of Niccolo Piccinino and the peace of La Marca, Filippo
wishing to procure a leader of his forces, secretly negotiated with
Ciarpellone, one of the principal captains of Count Francesco, and
arrangements having been made, Ciarpellone asked permission to go to
Milan to take possession of certain castles which had been given him by
Filippo during the late wars. The count suspecting what was in progress,
in order to prevent the duke from accommodating himself at his expense,
caused Ciarpellone to be arrested, and soon afterward put to death;
alleging that he had been detected plotting against him. Filippo was
highly annoyed and indignant, which the Venetians and the Florentines