Yet the history of Savonarola is not to be dissociated from that of the Italian Renaissance.

He more clearly than any other man discerned the moral and political situation of his country.

When all the states of Italy seemed sunk in peace and cradled in prosperity, he predicted war, and felt the imminence of overwhelming calamity.

The purification of customs which he preached was demanded by the flagrant vices of the Popes and by the wickedness of the tyrants.

The scourge which he prophesied did in fact descend upon Italy.