tility, and that those who break a peace may
expect war. The Signory appointed Cosmo de' Medici to reply to what had
been said by the Venetian ambassador, and in a long and excellent
speech he recounted the numerous advantages conferred by the city on the
Venetian republic; showed what an extent of dominion they had acquired
by the money, forces, and counsel of the Florentines, and reminded him
that, although the friendship had originated with the Florentines, they
had never given occasion of enmity; and as they desired peace, they
greatly rejoiced when the treaty was made, if it had been entered into
for the sake of peace, and not of war. True it was, he wondered much
at the remarks which had been made, seeing that such light and trivial
matters should give offense to so great a republic; but if they were
worthy of notice he must have it universally understood, that the
Florentines wished their country to be free and open to all; and that
the duke's character was such, that if he desired the friendship of
the marquis of Mantua, he had no need of anyone's favor or advice. He
therefore feared that these cavils were produced by some latent motive,
which it was not thought proper to disclose. Be this as it might,
they would freely declare to all, that in the same proportion as the
friendship of the Florentines was beneficial their enmity could be
destructive.

The matter was hushed up; and the ambassadors, on their departure,
appeared perfectly satisfied. But the league between the king and the
Venetians made the Florentines and the duke rather apprehend war than
hope for a long continuance of peace. They therefore entered into an
alliance, and at the same time the enmity of the Venetians transpired by
a treaty with the Siennese, and the expulsion of all Florentine subjects
from their cities and territories. Shortly after this, Alfonso did the
same, without any consideration of the peace made the year previous, and
not having even the shadow of an excuse. The Venetians attempted to
take Bologna, and having armed the emigrants, and united to them a
considerable force, introduced them into the city by night through one
of the common sewers. No sooner had they entered, than they raised a
cry, by which Santi Bentivogli, being awakened, was told that the whole
city was in possession of the rebels. But though many advised him
to escape, saying that he could not save the city by his stay, he
determined to confront the danger, and