Madonna Maria de’ Medici was at her father’s villa at Trebbio, but at once she despatched couriers to hasten her son’s return from Bologna, whither he had gone for study and for pleasure.  She invited Cibo and Guicciardini to meet him, and to take counsel with her concerning his claims on Florence.  Instructed by his astute mother, the young man paid great court to the two visitors, and charmed them exceedingly.  The Cardinal was at once converted to the Madonna’s views.  Both he and Messer Guicciardini were struck by Cosimo’s appearance—­tall, well-made, and good-looking, he had a manly carriage, and his assured yet courteous manner left nothing to be desired.

On the three councillors’ return to Florence, they were met by Senor Ferrante de Silva, Conte de Cifuentes, the Spanish ambassador, who was commanded by his master to support the candidature of Cosimo de’ Medici.

The Emperor, Charles V., moreover, sent Bernardino da Rieti as special envoy, to enforce his views upon the “Forty-eight,” and with him went a force of two thousand Spanish troops from Lerici—­where they were in garrison, partly with a view to overawe the Council, and partly for the protection of the widowed Duchess Margaret.  It was concurrently reported that the Emperor had another project in view, namely to marry his daughter to young Cosimo.  At any rate, Margaret was directed to remain in Florence and at the Medici Palace.

Conferences were held daily, both in the Medici Palace and in the Palazzo Vecchio.  To Francesco de’ Guicciardini was committed the duty of formally proposing Cosimo—­commonly called “Cosimonino”—­as Head of the State.  At once Palla de’ Rucellai rose in opposition, but his party in the Council was in the minority.  The deliberations were disturbed by the entrance of the French ambassador, who came to press upon their lordships’ attention the claims of little Duchess Caterina, Duke Lorenzo’s only legitimate child.  The proposition met with unanimous disapprobation, and fell to the ground.

Outside, in the Piazza, was a shouting, struggling crowd of citizens, something unusual was going on, and the cries of the people penetrated the windows of the Council Chamber—­“Evviva il figlio di Giovanni delle Bande Nere!” “Evviva il Cosimonino!” “Evviva Cosimo il Duca di Firenze!”

The Council rose at once, without coming to a decision, but each member of it understood the import of that cry, and each was quite ready to accept the popular verdict.  As they regained the street they saw a youthful cavalier, with a small mounted retinue, surrounded by an enthusiastic crowd of citizens.  They had ridden fast from the Mugello and were covered with dust.