SUMMARY.

1. Defects in the government of republics: servitude and license.
—2. State of Florence, and resumption of the internal government of the city.
—3. Giovanni di Bicci de’ Medici restores the authority of his family in Florence (1420). — Filippo Visconti, Duke of Milan, tries to make terms with the Florentines, and concludes peace with them.
—4. Owing to the suspicions which the Duke’s bold enterprises in Italy excite in the minds of the Florentines, war breaks out (1424).
—5. Filippo seizes Furli.
—6. The Florentines are defeated near Furli by the Duke’s forces.
—7. In consequence of this defeat the people murmur against those who have advised the war, but being quieted by Rinaldo degli Albizzi they provide for the prosecution of the war.
—8. The new tax for the expenses of the war is the cause of disturbances.
—9. Rinaldo degli Albizzi advises the restoration of the nobles to the government.
—10. His advice is disapproved by Giovanni de’ Medici.
—11. He thereby gains in reputation with the masses, but is held in aversion by the party of Messer Rinaldo (1426).
—12. Gallantry of Biagio del Melano in defending the castle of Monte Petroso, and cowardice of Zanobi del Pino.
—13. The Florentines form a league with the Lord of Faenza and with the Venetians.
—14. Institution of the Catasto, under the advice chiefly of Giovanni de’ Medici; which causes discontent amongst the rich. The parties that originate in consequence (1427).
—15. Peace with the Duke of Milan.
—16. Death of Giovanni de’ Medici (1429).
—17. Revolt of the people of Volterra, which is however soon suppressed.
—18. Niccolo Fortebraccio, released from the conduct of the Florentine armies, assails the Lucchese.
—19. Deliberations on the war with Lucca.
—20. The Florentines appoint commissioners for the enterprise against Lucca, and agree with Fortebraccio to conduct the war in the pay of the republic, but that he must give up the places he has taken.
—21. Misgovernment of Seravezza by Astore Gianni.
—22. Arraignment of Rinaldo degli Albizzi.
—23. Filippo Brunelleschi proposes to inundate Lucca by damming up the Serchio, but does not succeed (1430).
—24. The troops of the Duke come to the aid of the Lucchese, and take some towns.
—25. Francesco Sforza causes the Lucchese to expel their Signori. The Florentines are defeated by the troops of the Duke.
—26. Cosimo de’ Medici. His character and method for achieving greatness (1433).
—27. His growing power excites the suspicion of many citizens, and especially of Niccolo da Uzano and his associates.
—28. Rinaldo degli Albizzi causes Bernardo Guadagni to be elected Gonfaloniere, and makes him

seize Cosimo and confine him in the palace.
—29. The Albizzi attempt to restore the nobles in the government, and take up arms against the Signoria.
—30. Proceedings of the new Signoria in favor of Cosimo.
—31. Pope Eugenius IV. in Florence constitutes himself the mediator for quieting the tumults.
—32. Cosimo is reclaimed, and Rinaldo with the whole party of the Albizzi is confined (1434). Glorious return of Cosimo to Florence.