t wish for it at present, neither did he; but this
did not satisfy them; for he perceived that they thought it impossible
to remain in Florence while he was there. It was entirely beyond all
his anticipations that his own or his father's friends should think
themselves unsafe with him in Florence, having always shown himself
quiet and peaceable. He then addressed himself to Diotisalvi and his
brothers, who were present, reminding them with grave indignation, of
the benefits they had received from Cosmo, the confidence he had reposed
in them and their subsequent ingratitude; and his words so strongly
excited some present, that had he not interfered, they would certainly
have torn the Neroni to pieces on the spot. He concluded by saying, that
he should approve of any determination of themselves and the Signory;
and that for his own part, he only desired peace and safety. After this,
many things were discussed, but nothing determined, excepting generally,
that it was necessary to reform the administration of the city and
government.

The Gonfalon of Justice was then in the hands of Bernardo Lotti, a man
not in the confidence of Piero, who was therefore disinclined to attempt
aught while he was in office; but no inconvenience would result from the
delay, as his magistracy was on the point of expiring. Upon the election
of Signors for the months of September and October, 1466, Roberto Lioni
was appointed to the supreme magistracy, and as soon as he assumed its
duties, every requisite arrangement having been previously made, the
people were called to the piazza, and a new Balia created, wholly in
favor of Piero, who soon afterward filled all the offices of government
according to his own pleasure. These transactions alarmed the leaders of
the opposite faction, and Agnolo Acciajuoli fled to Naples, Diotisalvi
Neroni and Niccolo Soderini to Venice. Luca Pitti remained in Florence,
trusting to his new relationship and the promises of Piero. The refugees
were declared rebels, and all the family of the Neroni were dispersed.
Giovanni di Neroni, then archbishop of Florence, to avoid a greater
evil, became a voluntary exile at Rome, and to many other citizens
who fled, various places of banishment were appointed. Nor was this
considered sufficient; for it was ordered that the citizens should go
in solemn procession to thank God for the preservation of the government
and the reunion of the city, during the performance of which, some w