Heroes of Modern Europe

								

and copper are enough for us," were the words that met the
remonstrances of the other brethren.  "We do not want so much money."
No wonder that Lorenzo remembered the invincible honesty of this Prior
when he was convinced of the hollowness of the life he had led among a
court of flatterers!
The Prior's warnings were heard in Florence with an uneasy feeling that
their fulfilment might be nearer after Lorenzo died and was succeeded
by his son.  Piero dei Medici sent the preacher away from the city, for
he knew that men whispered among themselves that the Dominican had
foretold truly the death of Innocent and the parlous state of Florence
under the {45} new Pope, Alexander VI (Alexander Borgia).  He did not
like the predictions of evil for his own house of Medici, which had now
wielded supreme power in Florence for over sixty years.  It would go
hardly with him if the people were to rise against the tyranny his
fathers had established.
Piero's downfall was hastened by the news that a French army had
crossed the Alps under Charles VIII of France, who intended to take
Naples.  This invasion of Italy terrified the Florentines, for they had
become unwarlike since they gave themselves up to luxury and pleasure.
They dreaded the arrival of the French troops, which were famous
throughout Europe.  On these Charles relied to intimidate the citizens
of the rich states he visited on his way to enforce a claim transmitted
to him through Charles of Anjou.  Piero de Medici made concessions to
the invader without the knowledge of the people.  The Florentines
rebelled against the admission of soldiers within their walls as soon
as the advance guard arrived to mark with chalk the houses they would
choose for their quarters.  There were frantic cries of "Abbasso le
palle," "Down with the balls," in allusion to the three balls on the
Medici coat of arms.  Piero himself was disowned and driven from the
city.
All the enemies of the Medici were recalled, and the populace entreated
Savonarola to return and protect them in their hour of peril.  They had
heard him foretell the coming of one who should punish the wicked and
purge Italy of her sins.  Now their belief in the Prior's utterances
was confirmed.  They hastened to greet him as the saviour of their city.
Savonarola went on an embassy to Charles' camp and made better terms
than the Florentines had {46} expected.  Nevertheless, they had to
endure the procession of French troops through their town, and found it
difficult to get rid of Charles VIII, whose cupidity was aroused when
he beheld the wealth of Florence.  There was tumult in the streets,
where soldiers brawled with citizens and enraged their hosts by
insults.  The Italian blood was greatly roused when the invading
monarch threatened "to sound his trumpets" if his demands were not
granted.  "Then we will ring our bells," a bold citizen replied.  The
French King knew how quickly the town could change to a stronghold of