citizens of the highest class, who with their vigilance would have kept
the populace in order, even if they had been discontented or desirous of
change. They also knew by the compact made in Lombardy what forces
Neri would bring with him, and expected the troops of the pope. These
prospects sustained their courage till the arrival of Neri di Gino, who,
on account of the disorders and fears of the city, determined to set out
immediately and check Niccolo. With the cavalry he possessed, and a body
of infantry raised entirely from the people, he recovered Remole from
the hands of the enemy, where having encamped, he put a stop to all
further depredations, and gave the inhabitants hopes of repelling
the enemy from the neighborhood. Niccolo finding that, although the
Florentines were without troops, no disturbance had arisen, and learning
what entire composure prevailed in the city, thought he was wasting
time, and resolved to undertake some other enterprise to induce them to
send forces after him, and give him a chance of coming to an engagement,
by means of which, if victorious, he trusted everything would succeed to
his wishes.

Francesco, Count di Poppi, was in the army of Niccolo, having deserted
the Florentines, with whom he was in league, when the enemy entered the
Mugello; and though with the intention of securing him as soon as they
had an idea of his design, they increased his appointments, and made him
commissary over all the places in his vicinity; still, so powerful is
the attachment to party, that no benefit or fear could eradicate the
affection he bore toward Rinaldo and the late government; so that as
soon as he knew Niccolo was at hand he joined him, and with the utmost
solicitude entreated him to leave the city and pass into the Casentino,
pointing out to him the strength of the country, and how easily he might
thence harass his enemies. Niccolo followed his advice, and arriving
in the Casentino, took Romena and Bibbiena, and then pitched his camp