First and foremost was the petulant and variable temper of a democracy, so well described by Plato, and so ably analyzed by Machiavelli.

The want of agreement among the versatile Florentines, fertile in plans but incapable of concerted action, was a chief source of political debility.

Varchi and Segni both relate how, in spite of wealth, ability, and formidable forces, the Florentine exiles under the guidance of Filippo Strozzi (1533-37) became the laughing-stock of Italy through their irresolution.

The Venetian ambassadors agree in representing the burghers of Florence as timid from excess of intellectual mobility.

And Dante, whose insight into national characteristics was of the keenest, has described in ever-memorable lines the temperament of his fickle city (_Purg._ vi.