The Kalida venture. [volume] (Kalida, Ohio) 1841-1865, 1845-07-29
THE CONSPIRACY OF FIEsCo.

besides the reality of this event there is
something, however BRIEF in the conjugal part
of Fiesco's history which comes home to the
bosom of familiar life; nor is the trivial ac-
cident by which he died without its interest,
as a circumstance contradicting the histori-
cal grandeur of his attempt.]
GIOVANNI LoDovIco DI FIEsco was a
wealthy, powerful, and ambitious nobleman
of Genoa, which may be called the land of
political experiment, as there is scarcely any
form of government which it has not tried.
After emerging from the yoke of the Ro-
mans, the Lombards, and Charlemagne, il
has at different times been governed by
dukes, by counts, by consuls, podestas, cap
tains of the people, councils of twelve and
of twenty-four, and by doges; but in spite
of every precaution has alternately expert
enced the evils of family cabals, aristocratic
usurpation, and popular insunection.
Andrew Doria, name still mentioned in
Genoa with reverence, seemed atlength sent
by heaven to rescue his country from foreign
interference and domestic dssension. Ii
was during this short interval ofrepose (1s47)
that the subject of our present article en-
deavored to interrupt it, assisted by the in
trigues Of France and of Alexander Farnese,
who then governed Rome and the Church
as Pope Paul iii. Most conspiraces have
originated from the grievances of an oppress-
ed people, or the ruined fortunes of bold bad
men and desperate individuals But at the
moment of that insurrection which propose
to give short account Of, Genoa possessed
more real freedom, happiness, and peace,
than it had enjoyed for several centuries,
and Fiesco united in an extraordinary degree
the precious gifts of fortune, fame, person,
and understanding.
In the prime of life, for he had scarcely
reached his twenty-secend year, blessed with
the affections of wife whom he tenderly
loved, the beautiful, the virtuous, and tender
Eleanora, and enjoying the friendship of his
fellow-citizens, he was stimulated by ambi-
ton to aim at supreme power.
To effect this purpose he joined an ardor,
which no obstacle could resist, with deep
policy and premeditating coolness, which
baff1ed or did not excite suspicion. Having
secured men, arms, and galleys, and distri-
buted corn, and money under the pretence
of charitable donation, he embraced every
opportunity of displaying himself TO the peo-
pie III splendid attire, and mounted on horses
richly caparisonod, gaining the affections Of
all by gentle manners and graceful famili-
arity.
On these occasions, as he conversed with
the citizens he would sometimes lament the
pride and oppressive conduct of the mobiles,
and venture 10 hint that remedy was not
impossible; but, after short pause, recon-
mend patience and submission.
Fiesco continued to visit as usual the two
Dorias, Andrew and Jeanetin, treating them
on all occasions with marked attention and
respect.
To prevent any suspicion being excited
by exercising his vassals at his country-seat
he complained that he had been insulted by
the Duke of Placentia, when in fact that
prince had promised to assist him with two
thousand men, and he was able to muster the
same number himself AT the port and on
board the galleys he had also many depend
ants.
To account for several of mis- armed gal
leys entering the harbor, he proposed cruis-
ing against the Turks.
The fatal, the guilty secret had as yet
been communicated TO three persons only,
Calcagno, Sacco, and Verrina three of his
most confidential friends in this unwarranta-
Bile proceeding: the two first deliberate, eau
tons, but determined; the last naughty, fu-
rious, and bloody-minded; each Of them
considering the plot in which they were en-
gagged as means Of gratifying envy and
private revenge, more than the probability OF
its success, but all devoted to their leader by
strong personal attachment and considerable
pecuniary obligation. ~