ice
they had just heard might be most consistent with good feeling, the
present would be found to be the safest. That it would therefore be
best, while the minds of men were yet excited against him, to effect
his destruction. It must be their plan to arm themselves, and engage the
assistance of the marquis of Ferrara, that they might not be destitute
of troops; and if a favorable Signory were drawn, they would be in
condition to make use of them. They therefore determined to wait the
formation of the new Signory, and be governed by circumstances.

Among the conspirators was Niccolo Fedini, who had acted as president of
their assemblies. He, being induced by most certain hopes, disclosed the
whole affair to Piero, and gave him a list of those who had subscribed
their names, and also of the conspirators. Piero was alarmed on
discovering the number and quality of those who were opposed to him; and
by the advice of his friends he resolved to take the signatures of those
who were inclined to favor him. Having employed one of his most
trusty confidants to carry his design into effect, he found so great a
disposition to change and instability, that many who had previously set
down their names among the number of his enemies, now subscribed them in
his favor.

CHAPTER III

Niccolo Soderini drawn Gonfalonier of Justice--Great hopes excited in
consequence--The two parties take arms--The fears of the Signory--Their
conduct with regard to Piero--Piero's reply to the Signory--Reform of
government in favor of Piero de' Medici--Dispersion of his enemies--Fall
of Lucca Pitti--Letter of Agnolo Acciajuoli to Piero de' Medici--Piero's
answer--Designs of the Florentine exiles--They induce the Venetians to
make war on Florence.

In the midst of these events, the time arrived for the renewal of
the supreme magistracy; and Niccolo Soderini was drawn Gonfalonier
of Justice. It was surprising to see by what a concourse, not only of
distinguished citizens, but also of the populace, he was accompanied to
the palace; and while on the way thither an olive wreath was placed upon
his head, to signify that upon him depended the safety and liberty
of the city. This, among many similar instances, serves to prove how
undesirable it is to enter upon office or power exciting inordinate
expectations; for, being unable to fulfil them (many looking for more
than it is possible to perform), shame and disappointment are the
ordinary results. Tommaso an