FIFTH BOOK.
DEVELOPMENT OF THE SUPREMACY OF THE MEDICI.
| CHAPTER I. | |
| CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGES IN FLORENCE. | |
| Position of Lorenzo de’ Medici—Public and Private Finance—ConstitutionalReform—General and Select Council—Council of Seventy and theirFunctions—Opinions of Contemporaries—Alessandro de’ Pazzi on Lorenzo’sFinancial Position—The Taxation—Progressive Change of the Constitution—TheMagistracy—Signories, Collegia, Councils—The Podestà and hisCourt—Magistracy of Eight—Guardians of the Law—The Council of Tenfor Peace and War—Capitani di Parte Guelfa—Officers of the Customs andof the Public Debt—Officers of Trade—Guilds and Philanthropic Institutions—NewConspiracy against Lorenzo de’ Medici—Re-capture of Otranto | [187] |
| CHAPTER II. | |
| THE WAR OF FERRARA. | |
| Dispute of Venice with Ferrara—The Allies of Both—Beginning of the Campaignat the Po—Preparations in Rome—Sixtus IV.’s Oppression—Proposalsto Louis XI.—Battle of Campomorto—Danger of Ferrara—BadManagement of the War—Threat of a General Council against Sixtus IV.—Lorenzode’ Medici’s Participation in the same—The changed Policy ofSixtus IV.—Sixtus IV.’s Agreement with his Adversaries—Lorenzo de’Medici as Florentine Plenipotentiary at the Peace Congress of Cremona—Oppositionof Venice and Continuation of the War—Ludovico il Moroand the Affairs of Milan—Lorenzo do’ Medici and Ludovico il Moro—Ludovicoil Moro on Milan Affairs—Ludovico’s Negotiation with Venice—ThePeace of Bagnolo—Unfavourable Conditions for Ferrara—Death ofPope Sixtus IV.—Confused State of Politics—Città di Castello and Siena—TheSarzana Controversy—Occupation of Pietrasanta | [197] |
| CHAPTER III. | |
| THE EARLY DAYS OF THE RULE OF INNOCENT VIII. LOUIS XI.AND FRANCE. | |
| State of Rome in the Last Days of Sixtus IV.—Girolamo Riario—Confusionon the Death of the Pope—Pope Innocent VIII.—The Cybò Family—Characterof Innocent VIII.—Congratulatory Embassies—FlorentineEmbassy—Piero de’ Medici—Lorenzo de’ Medici’s Advice to his Son—Lorenzoon his Relations with the Papal Chair—Latter Days of KingLouis XI.—His Connection with Florence—Louis XI. to Lorenzo de’Medici—The Ring of S. Zanobi—Extinction of the House of Anjou—Deathof Louis XI.—State of French Affairs after the King’s Death—Anneof Beaujeu Regent for her Brother Charles VIII.—Opposition ofthe Nobles—Anne de Beaujeu and Florence—Efforts of the French againstMaximilian of Austria at the Court of Innocent VIII.—Lorenzo’s Foresight—Refusalof the Pope | [213] |
| CHAPTER IV. | |
| POLITICAL TROUBLES. WAR OF THE BARONS. | |
| The Sarzana Dispute in Presence of Innocent VIII.—Lorenzo de’ Medici inconnection with Milan and Siena—Disturbances in Siena—PoliticalBalance—Political Situation of the Kingdom of Naples—Ferrante ofArragon—Alfonso of Arragon, Duke of Calabria—Alliance of the Barons—Captureof Aquila—Outbreak of the War of the Barons—The Barons,the King, and the Pope—Innocent VIII., Venice, and the Barons—NeapolitanAffairs and the People of Florence—Unsettled Position ofAffairs—Lorenzo de’ Medici in Favour of King Ferrante—Lorenzo’sCounsel to the Arragonese | [226] |
| CHAPTER V. | |
| EFFECTS OF THE WAR OF THE BARONS. FIGHTING ABOUTSARZANA. | |
| Florence and the Neapolitan Controversy—Archbishop Rinaldo Orsini—Beginningof the Conflict—Alfonso of Arragon in the Campagna—Alfonsoof Arragon in Pitigliano—Progress of the War—Battle at Campagnano—Differencesof Opinion in Rome—Proposals for a Treaty—Duke René ofLorraine—Peace between Innocent VIII. and Naples—Slight Satisfactionof the People of Florence—Roberto da Sanseverino King Ferrante and theBarons—Effect of the Barons’ War upon the Fortunes of Naples—Lorenzo’sDifficulties and Despondency—Connection with Naples and Ludovico ilMoro—Attack on Sarzana and Capture of the Town—Ludovico il Moroand Genoa | [243] |
| CHAPTER VI. | |
| LORENZO DE’ MEDICI AS MEDIATOR BETWEEN ROME AND NAPLES. | |
| Lorenzo de’ Medici and Innocent VIII.—Affair of Osimo—Boccalino de’Guzzoni—Surrender of Osimo—Boccalino in Florence—Boccalino’s End—Houseof Medici—Death of Madonna Lucrezia—Maddalena de’ Mediciand Franceschetto Cybò—Negotiations with King Ferrante concerningthe Marriage of Maddalena—Life and Character of Franceschetto Cybò—FreshBreach between Rome and Naples—Lorenzo de’ Medici’s Despondency—Negotiationsbetween Innocent VIII. and King Ferrante—Lorenzo’sOpinion on the Relation of the Pope to the King, and on the PoliticalSituation—Weakness of the Pope—Gian. Jac. Trivulzio in Florence—Missionof Jacopo Gherardi to Florence and Milan—Lorenzo’s Exhortationsto Prudence—Lorenzo’s Instructions for the Negotiation with Milan—ProposedBasis of Agreement—Illness of Lodovico il Moro | [260] |
| CHAPTER VII. | |
| FAMILY EVENTS. MARRIAGES AND DEATHS. | |
| Clarice and Maddalena de’ Medici in Rome—Maddalena’s Marriage Contractand Dowry—Lorenzo de’ Medici’s Opinion of his Son-in-Law—Connectionsof the Medici in Rome—Piero de’ Medici’s Journey to Rome, and hisMarriage—Alfonsina Orsini—Rejoicings in Florence on the Visit ofFranceschetto Cybò—Illness of Madonna Clarice—Maddalena Cybò inFlorence—Death of Clarice de’ Medici—Her Character—Lorenzo de’Medici on the Loss of his Wife—Maddalena Cybò’s Return to Rome—Deathof Ippolita Maria, Duchess of Calabria—The Marriage of GianGaleazzo Sforza—Piero de’ Medici in Milan | [278] |
| CHAPTER VIII. | |
| DISTURBANCE IN THE ROMAGNA. TUSCAN AND UMBRIANNEIGHBOURS. | |
| Girolamo Riario in Imola and Forlì—Death of Girolamo Riario—CatarinaRiario Sforza—Disturbances in Forlì—Forlì remains in the Possession ofthe Riarii—Dispute about Piancaldoli—Conflicting Interests in the Affairsof Romagna—Dissatisfaction against Milan—Faenza and the Manfredi—Murderof Galeotto Manfredi—Revolt in Faenza—Lorenzo de’ Mediciand Giovanni Bentivoglio, and the Disturbances in Faenza—CaterinaRiario Sforza—Unhappy State of Affairs in the Romagna—Lorenzo de’Medici and the Neighbouring States—Piombino and Siena—State ofParties in Siena—Lorenzo de’ Medici and Siena—Lorenzo de’ Medici andLucca—The Connection of Città di Castello and Perugia—FranceschettoCybò in Perugia—Lorenzo de’ Medici’s Opinion of Affairs in Perugia—Victoryof the Baglioni Faction in Perugia—Violence of the Factions—Affairsof Ascoli—The Papal Authority and the Jealousy of NeighbouringStates—The Orsini in connection with the Pope and Naples—GentilVirginio and Niccolò Orsini | [294] |
SIXTH BOOK.
LATER YEARS OF LORENZO DE’ MEDICI’S LIFE.
| CHAPTER I. | |
| FLORENTINE STATE AFFAIRS. MATTERS PUBLIC AND FINANCIALABOUT 1490. | |
| The Ruling Party and Old Enemies—Albizzi, Soderini, Pazzi—FrancescoGuicciardini’s Description of Florentine Affairs—Alessandro de’ Pazzi onthe Position of Lorenzo de’ Medici—Progressive Personal Authority—Supplicationsand Recommendations—Alessandro Farnese—Requests andCompliments of Foreign Princes—Friends and Dependants of the Medicis—GiovanniLanfredini—Lorenzo’s Behaviour towards his Dependants—TheGonfalonier Neri Cambi—Weakness of the Administration—Committeesfor the Choice of Magistrates and for Finance—Reform of theCoinage and Currency—Finance of the Medicis—Losses of the Banks—Employmentof Public Moneys—Institution for the Dowry of Daughters—Reductionof the Payments of the Institution—The Bank in Lyons, andPhilippe de Commines—Commines’ Last Letter to Lorenzo de’ Medici | [317] |
| CHAPTER II. | |
| LIFE IN FLORENCE. | |
| Benedetto Dei’s Comparison of Florence and Venice—Description of Florencein the latter Part of the Fifteenth Century—Industry and Trade—Intereston Money and Money-Lenders—Mode of Life of the HigherClasses—Splendour of Festivities—Benedetto Salutati’s Banquet at Naples—Lifein Florence—Town and Villa—Amusements—Athletic Exercises—Hunting—Plays—ReligiousRepresentations and Processions—The Potenzaand its Growth—Carnavals and Parades—Reaction against Carnavals—Historicaland Mythological Processions—Bartolommeo Benci’s CarnavalProcession—Buffoonery—Piovano Arlotto—The Fat Carpenter—Good andBad of the Social Condition—Benedetto Varchi’s Description of the Peopleof Florence—System of Family Life—Distinguished Women—Knighthood—Cavalieridi Popolo—The Embassies—Splendour of Embassies in theFifteenth Century | [338] |
| CHAPTER III. | |
| HOUSE AND FAMILY OF THE MEDICI. | |
| The Medici as Collectors and Art Patrons—Wealth of the House of Medici—Tradersand their Purchases—The Garden and Casino of San Marco—TheVillas of the Medici—Poggio a Cajano—Lorenzo de’ Medici’s Modeof Life—Meal-times—Grandeur and Simplicity—Visit of Count Eberhardof Würtemberg—Horses and Races—Hawking—Visits to Pisa—Agnanoand other Estates—Journeys to the Baths—The Baths of San Filippo andVignone—Love Affairs—Bartolommeo Nasi Benci—Embassies and Presentsof the Egyptian Sultan—Festal Reception of Travellers—Companionsand Friends at Home—Lorenzo de’ Medici in Confidential Intercourse—MusicalEntertainments—Antonio degli Organi—Music and Poetry—Pieroand Alfonsina Orsini de’ Medici—Lorenzo’s Daughters—HomelyAppearance—Lorenzo in Jest and in Earnest | [366] |
| CHAPTER IV. | |
| GIOVANNI DE’ MEDICI’S CARDINALSHIP. | |
| Innocent VIII. and Franceschetto Cybò—Lorenzo de’ Medici’s Intercession forFranceschetto—Giovanni de’ Medici and Church Benefices—The Abbeys ofPassignano and Monte Cassino—The Dignity of Cardinal—GiovanniLanfredini—Lorenzo’s Impatience at the Pope’s Hesitation—Giovanni de’Medici created Cardinal—Rejoicings in Florence—Lorenzo’s Thanksgiving—Impressionmade by the Nomination—Death of Giovanni Lanfredini—Canonisationof Archbishop Antoninus | [394] |
| CHAPTER V. | |
| ISSUE OF THE CONTEST BETWEEN INNOCENT VIII. ANDFERRANTE OF ARAGON. | |
| King Ferrante’s Behaviour towards the Pope—Niccolò Orsini as PapalCaptain-General—Lorenzo de’ Medici on the Quarrel between Pope andKing—Position of Milan and Venice—The Pope’s Proceedings against theKing—Lorenzo de’ Medici’s Proposals—The Pope on the Interference ofForeign Powers—Ferrante’s Opposition to an Alliance—French Propositionsto the Pope—Innocent VIII.’s Complaints of the King—InnocentVIII. and Foreign Countries—Giovanni Pentano on the Agreement of 1486—NeapolitanProposals for a Treaty—Peace between the Pope and Naples—FrenchAffairs—King Ferrante’s Family Troubles—Gian GaleazzoSforza and Ludovico il Moro—Breach between Alfonso of Arragon and ilMoro—Neapolitan Embassy to Milan | [408] |
| CHAPTER VI. | |
| OPPOSITION TENDENCIES. FRA GIROLAMO SAVONAROLA. | |
| Lorenzo de’ Medici and the Clergy—Girolamo Savonarola in his Youth—Savonarola’sfirst Residence in Florence—Fra Mariano of Genazzanoand the Monastery of San Gallo—Fra Mariano and Lorenzo de’ Medici—FraMariano as Preacher—Savonarola’s increasing Zeal for Teaching—Savonarolaas Preacher—Francesco Guicciardini on Savonarola’s Influence—ThePhilosophers and the Monks—Representations of the MediciCircle concerning Savonarola—Savonarola’s Excesses—Savonarola and FraMariano | [425] |
| CHAPTER VII. | |
| THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF GIOVANNI DE’ MEDICI’S CARDINALSHIP. | |
| Giovanni de’ Medici in Pisa—Delayed Publication of the Brief making himCardinal—Doubtful State of Health of Innocent VIII.—Publication of theBrief—Festival in the Abbey of Fiesole and in Florence—Giovanni de’Medici’s Journey to Rome—Reception in Rome—Lorenzo’s Letter to hisSon the Cardinal | [440] |
| CHAPTER VIII. | |
| DEATH OF LORENZO DE’ MEDICI. | |
| Lorenzo de’ Medici’s Illness—Remedy for his Sufferings—Changes betweenBetter and Worse—Lorenzo’s Intention of transferring his Affairs to hisSon Piero—Political Position—Moral and Religious Views—Lorenzo’sAdvice to his Son—Lorenzo with Angelo Poliziano and Pico—Savonarolaat the Death-bed—Death of Lorenzo de’ Medici—Prodigies and Obsequies—Decreeconcerning the Position of Piero de’ Medici—Roman Obsequies—KingFerrante on Lorenzo’s Death—Innocent VIII. and the House ofSforza—Entombment in San Lorenzo—Elegy by Angelo Poliziano | [453] |
| CONCLUSION. | |
| Lorenzo’s Characteristics—His Public Policy—His Tampering with the Constitution—HisFinancial System—Progress towards Monarchy—Lorenzo’s Son Piero—KingCharles VIII. in Florence—Fruits of Florentine Culture | [469] |