Michael Angelo
remained in Rome about this against his will; and having arranged affairs
returned to Florence, principally because he anticipated the ruin that a
little while afterwards came upon Rome.
XLI. In the meantime the House of Medici was driven out of Florence by the
opposing faction, because they had taken more authority to themselves than
could be suffered in a free city that ruled herself by her Republic. As
the Signoria did not expect that the Pope would do anything to forego his
family's authority they expected certain war, and turned their minds to
the fortifications of their city, and appointed Michael Angelo
Commissary-General for that work. He then, accepting this preferment,
besides many other preparations carried out by him on every side of the
city, encircled with strong fortifications the hill of San Miniato, that
stands above the city and overlooks the surrounding plain. If the enemy
took this hill nothing could prevent him becoming master of the city also.
This fort was judged to be the saving of the country, and very dangerous
to the enemy; being, as I have said, of high elevation, it menaced the
hosts of their antagonists, especially from the bell-tower of the church,
where two pieces of artillery were placed, which continually did great
damage to the besiegers. Michael Angelo, notwithstanding that he had made
provision beforehand for whatever might occur, posted himself upon the
hill. After about six months the soldiers began to grumble amongst
themselves of I know not what treachery; Michael Angelo partly knowing
about this himself, and partly by the warnings of certain captains, his
friends, betook himself to the Signoria and discovered to them what he had
heard and seen, showing them in what danger the city stood, saying that
there was yet time to provide against the danger, if they would.
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