Guicciardini (_Op.

Ined._ vol.ii.p.

68) describes the use made of extraordinary taxation as a weapon of offense against his enemies, by Cosimo: 'uso le gravezze in luogo de' pugnali che communemente suole usare chi ha simili reggimenti nelle mani.' The Marchese Gino Capponi (_Arch.
Stor._ vol.i.pp.

315-20) analyzes the whole Medicean policy in a critique of great ability.
[2] Guicciardini (_Op.

Ined._ vol.ii.pp.