Note 300 — Chapter XVIII
Reading edition
Among the Oliveriana MSS. I found a statement that his return was reluctant, and against hope of success, and that it had been somewhat forced upon him, in consequence of the injudicious zeal of a priest, who, finding his seal in S. Leo, gave out that he was arrived, ordered rejoicings, and issued forged letters in his name. The apocryphal story is not supported by any authority that I have met with. From the instructions to Machiavelli, dated 5th of October, it appears that his return was anticipated before the surprise of S. Leo had taken place,—an event probably brought about in part by such rumours, tending
"Spargere voces In vulgum ambiguas, et quærere conscius arma."
Indeed, he had secretly applied to the Signory for pecuniary aid some days anterior to the rising in his duchy.