ck. But first, according to custom, I would offer a few remarks
referring to the events about to be narrated, and observe, that those
who think a republic may be kept in perfect unity of purpose are greatly
deceived. True it is, that some divisions injure republics, while others
are beneficial to them. When accompanied by factions and parties they
are injurious; but when maintained without them they contribute to their
prosperity. The legislator of a republic, since it is impossible to
prevent the existence of dissensions, must at least take care to prevent
the growth of faction. It may therefore be observed, that citizens
acquire reputation and power in two ways; the one public, the other
private. Influence is acquired publicly by winning a battle, taking
possession of a territory, fulfilling the duties of an embassy with
care and prudence, or by giving wise counsel attended by a happy result.
Private methods are conferring benefits upon individuals, defending them
against the magistrates, supporting them with money, and raising them to
undeserved honors; or with public games and entertainments gaining the
affection of the populace. This mode of procedure produces parties and
cliques; and in proportion as influence thus acquired is injurious, so
is the former beneficial, if quite free from party spirit; because it is
founded upon the public good, and not upon private advantage. And though
it is impossible to prevent the existence of inveterate feuds, still
if they be without partisans to support them for their own individual
benefit, they do not injure a republic, but contribute to its welfare;
since none can attain distinction, but as he contributes to her good,
and each party prevents the other from infringing her liberties. The
dissensions of Florence were always accompanied by factions, and were
therefore always pernicious; and the dominant party only remained united
so long as its enemies held it in check. As soon as the strength of the
opposition was annihilated, the government, deprived of the restraining
influence of its adversaries, and being subject to no law, fell to
pieces. The party of Cosmo de' Medici gained the ascendant in 1434; but
the depressed party being very numerous, and composed of several very
influential persons, fear kept the former united, and restrained their
proceedings within the bounds of moderation, so that no violence was
committed by them, nor anything done calculated to excite popular
d