overnor at liberty and subdue the rest, who being few, and divided into
several parties, were nearly all either secured or slain. An exaggerated
report of these transactions reached Florence, it being told there that
Prato was taken, the governor and his friends put to death, and the
place filled with the enemy; and that Pistoia was also in arms, and
most of the citizens in the conspiracy. In consequence of this alarming
account, the palace as quickly filled with citizens, who consulted with
the Signory what course ought to be adopted. At this time, Roberto da
San Severino, one of the most distinguished generals of this period,
was at Florence, and it was therefore determined to send him, with what
forces could be collected, to Prato, with orders that he should approach
the place, particularly observe what was going on, and provide such
remedies as the necessity of the case and his own prudence should
suggest. Roberto had scarcely passed the fortress of Campi, when he was
met by a messenger from the governor, who informed him that Bernardo was
taken, his followers either dispersed or slain, and everything restored
to order. He consequently returned to Florence, whither Bernardo was
shortly after conveyed, and when questioned by the magistracy concerning
the real motives of such a weak conspiracy, he said, he had undertaken
it, because, having resolved to die in Florence rather than live in
exile, he wished his death to be accompanied by some memorable action.

This disturbance having been raised and quelled almost at the same time,
the citizens returned to their accustomed mode of life, hoping to enjoy,
without anxiety, the state they had now established and confirmed. Hence
arose many of those evils which usually result from peace; for the youth
having become more dissolute than before, more extravagant in dress,
feasting, and other licentiousness, and being without employment, wasted
their time and means on gaming and women; their principal study being
how to appear splendid in apparel, and attain a crafty shrewdness in
discourse; he who could make the most poignant remark being considered
the wisest, and being most respected. These manners derived additional
encouragement from the followers of the duke of Milan, who, with his
duchess and the whole ducal court, as it was said, to fulfill a vow,
came to Florence, where he was received with all the pomp and respect
due to so great a prince, and one so intimately connected