The Athenians and Florentines felt the superior stability of the Spartan and Venetian forms of government, just as a French theorist might idealize the English constitution.
The essential element of the Governo Misto, which Florence had lost beyond the possibility of regaining it, was a body of hereditary and patriotic patricians.

This gave its strength to Venice; and this is that which hitherto has distinguished the English nation.
[3] Compare _Ricordi Politici e Civili_, No.clxxxix., for a lament of this kind over the decrepitude of kingdoms, almost sublime in its stoicism.
The _Istoria Fiorentina_ is a succinct narrative of the events of Italian History, especially as they concerned Florence, between the years 1378 and 1509.

In other words it relates the vicissitudes of the Republic under the Medici, and the administration of the Gonfalonier Soderini.

This masterpiece of historical narration sets forth with brevity and frankness the whole series of events which are rhetorically and cautiously unfolded in the Istoria d' Italia.

Most noticeable are the characters of Lorenzo de' Medici (cap.