further attempts, the more so from being assured that the count and Neri
were yet in their quarters, and he attacked Santa Maria in Castello and
Filetto, both which places he took. Still the Florentine forces would
not stir; not that the count entertained any fear, but because, out of
regard to the pope, who still labored to effect an accommodation, the
government of Florence had deferred giving their final consent to the
war. This course, which the Florentines adopted from prudence, was
considered by the enemy to be only the result of timidity, and with
increased boldness they led their forces up to Barga, which they
resolved to besiege. This new attack made the Florentines set aside
all other considerations, and resolve not only to relieve Barga, but
to invade the Lucchese territory. Accordingly the count proceeded in
pursuit of Niccolo, and coming up with him before Barga, an engagement
took place, in which Piccinino was overcome, and compelled to raise the
siege.

The Venetians considering the duke to have broken the peace, send Giovan
Francesco da Gonzaga, their captain, to Ghiaradadda, who, by severely
wasting the duke's territories, induced him to recall Niccolo Piccinino
from Tuscany. This circumstance, together with the victory obtained over
Niccolo, emboldened the Florentines to attempt the recovery of Lucca,
since the duke, whom alone they feared, was engaged with the Venetians,
and the Lucchese having received the enemy into their city, and allowed
him to attack them, would have no ground of complaint.



CHAPTER III

The Florentines go to war with Lucca--Discourse of a citizen of Lucca to