ion both in the councils and throughout the city; the people
demanding the restitution of what they considered their due, and
the proprietors insisting upon their right to retain what they had
originally acquired, and what had been subsequently been confirmed
to them by the decision of the Florentines. In the midst of these
disturbances, a respectable citizen, named Il Pecorino, was killed,
together with several others, who had embraced the same side, whose
houses were also plundered and burned; and the fury of the mob rose to
such a height, that they were with difficulty restrained from putting
the Florentine rectors to death.

After the first outrage, the Volterrani immediately determined to send
ambassadors to Florence, who intimated, that if the Signory would allow
them their ancient privileges, the city would remain subject to them as
formerly. Many and various were the opinions concerning the reply to be
made. Tommaso Soderini advised that they should accept the submission
of the people of Volterra, upon any conditions with which they were
disposed to make it; for he considered it unreasonable and unwise to
kindle a flame so near home that it might burn their own dwelling; he
suspected the pope's ambition, and was apprehensive of the power of the
king; nor could he confide in the friendship either of the duke or the
Venetians, having no assurance of the sincerity of the latter, or the
valor of the former. He concluded by quoting that trite proverb, "Meglio
un magro accordo che una grassa vittoria."[*] On the other hand, Lorenzo
de' Medici, thinking this an opportunity for exhibiting his prudence
and wisdom, and being strenuously supported by those who envied the
influence of Tommaso Soderini, resolved to march against them, and
punish the arrogance of the people of Volterra with arms; declaring
that if they were not made a striking example, others would, without
the least fear or respect, upon every slight occasion, adopt a similar
course. The enterprise being resolved on, the Volterrani were told that
they could not demand the observance of conditions which they themselves
had broken, and therefore must either submit to the direction of the
Signory or expect war. With this answer they returned to their city, and
prepared for its defense; fortifying the place, and sending to all the
princes of Italy to request assistance, none of whom listened to them,
except the Siennese and the lord of Piombino, who gave them som