satisfy him, and withdrew with his forces beyond the Tronto.



CHAPTER II

Discords of Florence--Jealousy excited against Neri di Gino
Capponi--Baldaccio d'Anghiari murdered--Reform of government in favor
of the Medici--Enterprises of Sforza and Piccinino--Death of Niccolo
Piccinino--End of the war--Disturbances in Bologna--Annibale Bentivoglio
slain by Battista Canneschi, and the latter by the people--Santi,
supposed to be the son of Ercole Bentivoglio, is called to govern
the city of Bologna--Discourse of Cosmo de' Medici to him--Perfidious
designs of the duke of Milan against Sforza--General war in
Italy--Losses of the duke of Milan--The duke has recourse to the count,
who makes peace with him--Offers of the duke and the Venetians to the
count--The Venetians furtively deprive the count of Cremona.

While the affairs of Romagna proceeded thus, the city of Florence
was not tranquil. Among the citizens of highest reputation in the
government, was Neri di Gino Capponi, of whose influence Cosmo de'
Medici had more apprehension than any other; for to the great authority
which he possessed in the city was added his influence with the
soldiery. Having been often leader of the Florentine forces he had won
their affection by his courage and talents; and the remembrance of his
own and his father's victories (the latter having taken Pisa, and he
himself having overcome Niccolo Piccinino at Anghiari) caused him to
be beloved by many, and feared by those who were averse to having
associates in the government. Among the leaders of the Florentine army
was Baldaccio d'Anghiari, an excellent soldier, for in those times there