pp.
53, 54, 114) the various motives of tyrannicide are discussed, and it is concluded that _pochissimi sono stati quelli che si siano mossi meramente per amore della liberta della sua patria, a' quali si conviene suprema laude_.[1] Donato Giannotti (Opere, vol.i.p.

341) bids the conspirator consider whether the mere destruction of the despot will suffice to restore his city to true liberty and good government--a caution by which Lorenzino de' Medici in his assassination of Duke Alessandro might have profited; for he killed one tyrant in order only to make room for another.

Lorenzino's own Apology (Varchi, vol.iii.

pp.
283-295) is an important document, as showing that the murderer of a despot counted on the sympathy of honorable men.

So, too, is the verdict of Boscolo's confessor (Arch.Stor.