But they should lead us to be cautious in adopting the conclusions of Sismondi, who saw Italian greatness only in her free cities.

The obliteration of the parties beneath despotism was needed, under actual conditions, for that development of arts and industry which raised Italy to a first place among civilized nations.

Of the manners of the Despots, and of the demoralization they encouraged in the cities of their rule, enough will be said in the succeeding chapters, which set forth the social conditions of the Renaissance in Italy.

But attention should here be called to the general character of despotic authority, and to the influence the Despots exercised for the pacification of the country.

We are not justified by facts in assuming that had the free burghs continued independent, arts and literature would have risen to a greater height.