Whether it was because of Guide's illness in his exile, or from what motive, we shall not know; but the sentence was lightened in the case of this Bianco, a circumstance which did not add to Dante's chances when the Neri, having plotted successfully with Charles of Valois, captured supreme power in Florence.

This was in the year 1301, Dante being absent from that city on an embassy to Rome to obtain help for the Bianchi.

He never came back; for the Neri plans succeeded; the Neri assumed control; and in January, 1302, he was formally fined and banished.

The nominal charge against him was of misappropriating funds while a prior; but that was merely a matter of form.

His real offence was in being one of the Bianchi, an enemy of the Neri, and a man of parts.
In the rest of Dante's life Florence had no part, except in his thoughts.