esage of future evils. Among the ruined families of
the party of Luca Pitti, was that of the Nardi; for Salvestro and his
brothers, the heads of the house, were banished and afterward declared
rebels for having taken part in the war under Bartolommeo Coglione.
Bernardo, the brother of Salvestro, was young, prompt, and bold, and on
account of his poverty being unable to alleviate the sorrows of exile,
while the peace extinguished all hopes of his return to the city, he
determined to attempt some means of rekindling the war; for a trifling
commencement often produces great results, and men more readily
prosecute what is already begun than originate new enterprises. Bernardo
had many acquaintances at Prato, and still more in the district of
Pistoia, particularly among the Palandra, a family which, though rustic,
was very numerous, and, like the rest of the Pistolesi, brought up to
slaughter and war. These he knew to be discontented, on account of the
Florentine magistrates having endeavored, perhaps too severely, to check
their partiality for inveterate feuds and consequence bloodshed. He was
also aware that the people of Prato considered themselves injured by the
pride and avarice of their governors, and that some were ill disposed
toward Florence; therefore all things considered, he hoped to be able to
kindle a fire in Tuscany (should Prato rebel) which would be fostered
by so many, that those who might wish to extinguish it would fail in the
attempt. He communicated his ideas to Diotisalvi Neroni, and asked
him, in case they should succeed in taking possession of Prato, what
assistance might be expected from the princes of Italy, by his means?
Diotisalvi considered the enterprise as imminently dangerous, and almost
impracticable; but since it presented a fresh chance of attaining his
object, at the risk of others, he advised him to proceed, and promised
certain assistance from Bologna and Ferrara, if he could retain Prato
not less than fifteen days. Bernardo, whom this promise inspired with
a lively hope of success, proceeded secretly to Prato, and communicated
with those most disposed to favor him, among whom were the Palandra; and
having arranged the time and plan, informed Diotisalvi of what had been
done.

CHAPTER V

Bernardo takes possession of Prato, but is not assisted by the
inhabitants--He is taken, and the tumult appeased--Corruption of
Florence--The duke of Milan in Florence--The church of Santo Spirito