# CHAPTER VI

CHAPTER VI

Affairs of the pope--He is reconciled to Niccolo Vitelli--Discords
between the Colonnesi and the Orsini--Various events--The war
of Serezana--Genoa occupied by her archbishop--Death of Sixtus
IV.--Innocent VIII. elected--Agostino Fregoso gives Serezana to the bank
of St. Giorgio--Account of the bank of St. Giorgio--War with the
Genoese for Serezana--Stratagem of the Florentines to attack Pietra
Santa--Difficulties and final surrender of Pietra Santa--The Lucchese
lay claim to Pietra Santa--The city of L'Aquila revolts against the king
of Naples--War between him and the pope--The Florentines take the king's
party--Peace between the pope and the king.

During these events in Lombardy, the pope sent Lorenzo to invest Citta
di Castello, for the purpose of expelling Niccolo Vitelli, the place
having been abandoned to him by the League, for the purpose of inducing
the pontiff to join them. During the siege, Niccolo's troops were
led out against the papal forces and routed them. Upon this the pope
recalled the Count Girolamo from Lombardy with orders first to recruit
his army at Rome, and then proceed against Citta di Castello. But
thinking afterward, that it would be better to obtain Niccolo Vitello
as his friend than to renew hostilities with him, an arrangement was
entered into by which the latter retained Citta di Castello, and the
pope pacified Lorenzo as well as he could. He was induced to both these
measures rather by his apprehension of fresh troubles than by his love
of peace, for he perceived dissensions arising between the Colonessi and
the Orsini.

In the war between the king of Naples and the pope, the former had
taken the district of Tagliacozzo from the Orsini, and given it to the
Colonnesi, who had espoused his cause. Upon the establishment of peace,
the Orsini demanded its restoration by virtue of the treaty. The pope
had frequently intimated to the Colonnesi that it ought to be restored;
but they, instead of complying with the entreaties of the Orsini, or
being influenced by the pope's threats, renewed hostilities against the
former. Upon this the pontiff, unable to endure their insolence, united
his own forces with those of the Orsini, plundered the houses they
possessed in Rome, slew or made prisoners all who defended them, and
seized most of their fortresses. So that when these troubles were
composed, it was rather by the complete subjugation of one party than
from any desire for peace in the other.

Nor were the affairs of Genoa or of Tuscany in repose, for the
Florentines kept the Count Antonio da Marciano on the borders of
Serezana; and while the war continued in Lombardy, annoyed the people
of Serezana by inroads and light skirmishes. Battistino Fregoso, doge of
Genoa, trusting to Pagolo Fregoso, the archbishop, was taken prisoner,
with his wife and children, by the latter, who assumed the sovereignty
of the city. The Venetian fleet had attacked the kingdom of Naples,
taken Gallipoli, and harassed the neighboring places. But upon the peace
of Lombardy, all tumults were hushed except those of Tuscany and Rome;
for the pope died in five days after its declaration, either in the
natural course of things, or because his grief for peace, to which he
was always opposed, occasioned his end.

Upon the decease of the pontiff, Rome was immediately in arms. The Count
Girolamo withdrew his forces into the castle; and the Orsini feared the
Colonnesi would avenge the injuries they had recently sustained. The
Colonnesi demanded the restitution of their houses and castles, so that
in a few days robberies, fires, and murders prevailed in several parts
of the city. The cardinals entreated the count to give the castle into
the hands of the college, withdraw his troops, and deliver Rome from
the fear of his forces, and he, by way of ingratiating himself with the
future pontiff obeyed, and retired to Imola. The cardinals, being thus
divested of their fears, and the barons hopeless of assistance in their
quarrels, proceeded to create a new pontiff, and after some discussion,
Giovanni Batista Cibo, a Genoese, cardinal of Malfetta, was elected, and
took the name of Innocent VIII. By the mildness of his disposition (for
he was peaceable and humane) he caused a cessation of hostilities, and
for the present restored peace to Rome.

The Florentines, after the pacification of Lombardy, could not remain
quiet; for it appeared disgraceful that a private gentleman should
deprive them of the fortress of Serezana; and as it was allowed by the
conditions of peace, not only to demand lost places, but to make war
upon any who should impede their restoration, they immediately provided
men and money to undertake its recovery. Upon this, Agostino Fregoso,
who had seized Serezana, being unable to defend it, gave the fortress to
the Bank of St. Giorgio. As we shall have frequent occasion to speak of
St. Giorgio and the Genoese, it will not be improper, since Genoa is
one of the principal cities of Italy, to give some account of the
regulations and usages prevailing there. When the Genoese had made peace
with the Venetians, after the great war, many years ago, the republic,
being unable to satisfy the claims of those who had advanced large sums
of money for its use, conceded to them the revenue of the Dogano or
customhouse, so that each creditor should participate in the receipts
in proportion to his claim, until the whole amount should be liquidated,
and as a suitable place for their assembling, the palace over the
Dogano was assigned for their use. These creditors established a form of
government among themselves, appointing a council of one hundred persons
for the direction of their affairs, and a committee of eight, who, as
the executive body, should carry into effect the determinations of the
council. Their credits were divided into shares, called _Luoghi_, and
they took the title of the Bank, or Company of St. Giorgio. Having thus
arranged their government, the city fell into fresh difficulties, and
applied to San Giorgio for assistance, which, being wealthy and well
managed, was able to afford the required aid. On the other hand, as the
city had at first conceded the customs, she next began to assign towns,
castles, or territories, as security for moneys received; and this
practice has proceeded to such a length, from the necessities of the
state, and the accommodation by the San Giorgio, that the latter now
has under its administration most of the towns and cities in the Genoese
dominion. These the Bank governs and protects, and every year sends its
deputies, appointed by vote, without any interference on the part of the
republic. Hence the affections of the citizens are transferred from the
government to the San Giorgio, on account of the tyranny of the
former, and the excellent regulations adopted by the latter. Hence also
originate the frequent changes of the republic, which is sometimes
under a citizen, and at other times governed by a stranger; for the
magistracy, and not the San Giorgio, changes the government. So when
the Fregosi and the Adorni were in opposition, as the government of the
republic was the prize for which they strove, the greater part of the
citizens withdrew and left it to the victor. The only interference of
the Bank of St. Giorgio is when one party has obtained a superiority
over the other, to bind the victor to the observance of its laws, which
up to this time have not been changed; for as it possesses arms, money,
and influence, they could not be altered without incurring the imminent
risk of a dangerous rebellion. This establishment presents an
instance of what in all the republics, either described or imagined
by philosophers, has never been thought of; exhibiting within the same
community, and among the same citizens, liberty and tyranny, integrity
and corruption, justice and injustice; for this establishment preserves
in the city many ancient and venerable customs; and should it happen (as
in time it easily may) that the San Giorgio should have possession of
the whole city, the republic will become more distinguished than that of
Venice.

Agostino Fregoso conceded Serezana to the San Giorgio, which readily
accepted it, undertook its defense, put a fleet to sea, and sent forces
to Pietra Santa to prevent all attempts of the Florentines, whose
camp was in the immediate vicinity. The Florentines found it would be
essentially necessary to gain possession of Pietra Santa, for without
it the acquisition of Serezana lost much of its value, being situated
between the latter place and Pisa; but they could not, consistently
with the treaty, besiege it, unless the people of Pietra Santa, or its
garrison, were to impede their acquisition of Serezana. To induce the
enemy to do this, the Florentines sent from Pisa to the camp a quantity
of provisions and military stores, accompanied by a very weak escort;
that the people of Pietra Santa might have little cause for fear, and by
the richness of the booty be tempted to the attack. The plan succeeded
according to their expectation; for the inhabitants of Pietra Santa,
attracted by the rich prize took possession of it.

This gave legitimate occasion to the Florentines to undertake operations
against them; so leaving Serezana they encamped before Pietra Santa,
which was very populous, and made a gallant defense. The Florentines
planted their artillery in the plain, and formed a rampart upon the
hill, that they might also attack the place on that side. Jacopo
Guicciardini was commissary of the army; and while the siege of Pietra
Santa was going on, the Genoese took and burned the fortress of Vada,
and, landing their forces, plundered the surrounding country. Biongianni
Gianfigliazzi was sent against them, with a body of horse and foot, and
checked their audacity, so that they pursued their depredations less
boldly. The fleet continuing its efforts went to Livorno, and by
pontoons and other means approached the new tower, playing their
artillery upon it for several days, but being unable to make any
impression they withdrew.

In the meantime the Florentines proceeded slowly against Pietra Santa,
and the enemy taking courage attacked and took their works upon the
hill. This was effected with so much glory, and struck such a panic into
the Florentines, that they were almost ready to raise the siege, and
actually retreated a distance of four miles; for their generals thought
that they would retire to winter quarters, it being now October, and
make no further attempt till the return of spring.

When the discomfiture was known at Florence, the government was filled
with indignation; and, to impart fresh vigor to the enterprise, and
restore the reputation of their forces, they immediately appointed
Antonio Pucci and Bernardo del Neri commissaries, who, with vast sums of
money, proceeded to the army, and intimated the heavy displeasure of the
Signory, and of the whole city, if they did not return to the walls; and
what a disgrace, if so large an army and so many generals, having only
a small garrison to contend with, could not conquer so poor and weak
a place. They explained the immediate and future advantages that would
result from the acquisition, and spoke so forcibly upon the subject,
that all became anxious to renew the attack. They resolved, in the first
place, to recover the rampart upon the hill; and here it was evident how
greatly humanity, affability, and condescension influence the minds of
soldiers; for Antonio Pucci, by encouraging one and promising another,
shaking hands with this man and embracing that, induced them to proceed
to the charge with such impetuosity, that they gained possession of
the rampart in an instant. However, the victory was not unattended by
misfortune, for Count Antonio da Marciano was killed by a cannon shot.
This success filled the townspeople with so much terror, that they began
to make proposals for capitulation; and to invest the surrender with
imposing solemnity, Lorenzo de' Medici came to the camp, when, after a
few days, the fortress was given up. It being now winter, the leaders of
the expedition thought it unadvisable to make any further effort until
the return of spring, more particularly because the autumnal air had
been so unhealthy that numbers were affected by it. Antonio Pucci and
Biongianni Gianfigliazzi were taken ill and died, to the great regret
of all, so greatly had Antonio's conduct at Pietra Santa endeared him to
the army.

Upon the taking of Pietra Santa, the Lucchese sent ambassadors to
Florence, to demand its surrender to their republic, on account of its
having previously belonged to them, and because, as they alleged, it was
in the conditions that places taken by either party were to be restored
to their original possessors. The Florentines did not deny the articles,
but replied that they did not know whether, by the treaty between
themselves and the Genoese, which was then under discussion, it would
have to be given up or not, and therefore could not reply to that point
at present; but in case of its restitution, it would first be necessary
for the Lucchese to reimburse them for the expenses they had incurred
and the injury they had suffered, in the death of so many citizens; and
that when this was satisfactorily arranged, they might entertain hopes
of obtaining the place.

The whole winter was consumed in negotiations between the Florentines
and Genoese, which, by the pope's intervention, were carried on at Rome;
but not being concluded upon the return of spring, the Florentines would
have attacked Serezana had they not been prevented by the illness of
Lorenzo de' Medici, and the war between the pope and King Ferrando; for
Lorenzo was afflicted not only by the gout, which seemed hereditary in
his family, but also by violent pains in the stomach, and was compelled
to go the baths for relief.

The more important reason was furnished by the war, of which this was
the origin. The city of L'Aquila, though subject to the kingdom of
Naples, was in a manner free; and the Count di Montorio possessed great
influence over it. The duke of Calabria was upon the banks of the Tronto
with his men-at-arms, under pretense of appeasing some disturbances
among the peasantry; but really with a design of reducing L'Aquila
entirely under the king's authority, and sent for the Count di Montorio,
as if to consult him upon the business he pretended then to have in
hand. The count obeyed without the least suspicion, and on his arrival
was made prisoner by the duke and sent to Naples. When this circumstance
became known at L'Aquila, the anger of the inhabitants arose to the
highest pitch; taking arms they killed Antonio Cencinello, commissary
for the king, and with him some inhabitants known partisans of his
majesty. The L'Aquilani, in order to have a defender in their rebellion,
raised the banner of the church, and sent envoys to the pope, to submit
their city and themselves to him, beseeching that he would defend them
as his own subjects against the tyranny of the king. The pontiff gladly
undertook their defense, for he had both public and private reasons for
hating that monarch; and Signor Roberto of San Severino, an enemy of the
duke of Milan, being disengaged, was appointed to take the command
of his forces, and sent for with all speed to Rome. He entreated
the friends and relatives of the Count di Montorio to withdraw their
allegiance from the king, and induced the princes of Altimura, Salerno,
and Bisignano to take arms against him. The king, finding himself so
suddenly involved in war, had recourse to the Florentines and the duke
of Milan for assistance. The Florentines hesitated with regard to their
own conduct, for they felt all the inconvenience of neglecting their own
affairs to attend to those of others, and hostilities against the church
seemed likely to involve much risk. However, being under the obligation
of a League, they preferred their honor to convenience or security,
engaged the Orsini, and sent all their own forces under the Count
di Pitigliano toward Rome, to the assistance of the king. The latter
divided his forces into two parts; one, under the duke of Calabria, he
sent toward Rome, which, being joined by the Florentines, opposed the
army of the church; with the other, under his own command, he attacked
the barons, and the war was prosecuted with various success on both
sides. At length, the king, being universally victorious, peace was
concluded by the intervention of the ambassadors of the king of Spain,
in August, 1486, to which the pope consented; for having found fortune
opposed to him he was not disposed to tempt it further. In this treaty
all the powers of Italy were united, except the Genoese, who were
omitted as rebels against the republic of Milan, and unjust occupiers of
territories belonging to the Florentines. Upon the peace being ratified,
Roberto da San Severino, having been during the war a treacherous ally
of the church, and by no means formidable to her enemies, left Rome;
being followed by the forces of the duke and the Florentines, after
passing Cesena, found them near him, and urging his flight reached
Ravenna with less than a hundred horse. Of his forces, part were
received into the duke's service, and part were plundered by the
peasantry. The king, being reconciled with his barons, put to death
Jacopo Coppola and Antonello d'Aversa and their sons, for having, during
the war, betrayed his secrets to the pope.