s conscience, and, if possible, to make them
ashamed of their conduct, he sent for them to his house, and addressed
them in the following words: "I never thought a time would come when the
behavior of my friends would compel me to esteem and desire the society
of my enemies, and wish that I had been defeated rather than victorious;
for I believed myself to be associated with those who would set some
bounds to their avarice, and who, after having avenged themselves on
their enemies, and lived in their country with security and honor, would
be satisfied. But now I find myself greatly deceived, unacquainted with
the ambition of mankind, and least of all with yours; for, not satisfied
with being masters of so great a city, and possessing among yourselves
those honors, dignities, and emoluments which used to be divided among
many citizens; not contented with having shared among a few the property
of your enemies, or with being able to oppress all others with public
burdens, while you yourselves are exempt from them, and enjoy all the
public offices of profit you must still further load everyone with ill
usage. You plunder your neighbors of their wealth; you sell justice;
you evade the law; you oppress the timid and exalt the insolent. Nor
is there, throughout all Italy, so many and such shocking examples of
violence and avarice as in this city. Has our country fostered us only
to be her destroyer? Have we been victorious only to effect her ruin?
Has she honored us that we may overwhelm her with disgrace? Now, by that
faith which is binding upon all good men, I promise you, that if you
still conduct yourselves so as to make me regret my victory, I will
adopt such measures as shall cause you bitterly to repent of having
misused it." The reply of the citizens accorded with the time and
circumstances, but they did not forego their evil practices; so that,
in consequence, Piero sent for Agnolo Acciajuoli to come secretly to
Cafaggiolo, and discussed with him at great length the condition of the
city; and doubtless, had he not been prevented by death, he would have
called home the exiles as a check upon the rapine of the opposite party.
But these honorable designs were frustrated; for, sinking under bodily
infirmities and mental anguish, he expired in the fifty-third year
of his age. His goodness and virtue were not duly appreciated by his
country, principally from his having, until almost the close of his
life, been associated with