Pagina 89 di 310

For whenever these factions have their cardinals they do not

remain quiet for long, because cardinals foster the factions in

Rome and out of it, and the barons are compelled to support them,

and thus from the ambitions of prelates arise disorders and

tumults among the barons. For these reasons his Holiness Pope

Leo[2] found the pontificate most powerful, and it is to be hoped

that, if others made it great in arms, he will make it still

greater and more venerated by his goodness and infinite other

virtues.

[2] Pope Leo X was the Cardinal de' Medici.

CHAPTER XII. HOW MANY KINDS OF SOLDIERY THERE ARE, AND CONCERNING

MERCENARIES