Bologna, at the head of a few mercenaries, and with them went Piero's
chancellor.

An enraged mob of citizens rushed pell-mell into the Via Larga, sacked
the Palazzo Medici, and scattered the treasures which Piero and Lorenzo
had gathered together. The streets were strewn with costly furniture,
carpets and tapestry, and priceless works of art were either burnt or
broken in pieces. It was not a question of looting but of destruction,
and for eighteen years the building was a mark for obscenities and
imprecations.

The French army marched through the humiliated city, and terror filled
the hearts of the people. Charles occupied a portion of the palace,
which the _Signoria_ hastily put into some sort of order, borrowing or
buying furniture and other articles for his use.

On their knees, an entirely new experience for the proud Florentines,
the _Signoria_ besought the Emperor's clemency. He took a high hand with
them, demanding a huge indemnity and threatening to command his trumpets
to sound for pillage. One man alone asserted his liberty, a man who
throughout Piero's short government had voiced the public
discontent--Piero de' Capponi--the most capable soldier Florence
possessed. Boldly and alone he faced the Conqueror and denounced his
demands. He tore in pieces the fatal document of Piero's capitulation,
flung the pieces in Charles' face, and defied him, saying, "If you sound
your trumpets we shall ring our bells!"

Charles was cowed, he signed a treaty of peace with honourable terms for
Florence, and left the city, after a stormy scene with Savonarola. "Take
heed," the latter said, "not to bring ruin on this city and upon thyself