History of Florence

Chapter 29

Cosmo de' Medici, his character and mode of proceedings--The

greatness of Cosmo excites the jealousy of the citizens--The

opinion of Niccolo da Uzzano--Scandalous divisions of the

Florentines--Death of Niccolo da Uzzano--Bernardo Guadagni,

Gonfalonier, adopts measures against Cosmo--Cosmo arrested in the

palace--He is apprehensive of attempts against his life.

During the war the malignant humors of the city were in constant

activity. Cosmo de' Medici, after the death of Giovanni, engaged more

earnestly in public affairs, and conducted himself with more zeal and

boldness in regard to his friends than his father had done, so that

those who rejoiced at Giovanni's death, finding what the son was

likely to become, perceived they had no cause for exultation. Cosmo

was one of the most