Lorenzo turned away, whipped and disappointed—the prophecies of impending doom had even touched his own stout heart. He was stricken with fever, and the extent of his fear is shown that in his extremity he sent for the Prior of Saint Mark's to come to his bedside.
Even there, Savonarola was not softened. Before granting absolution to the sick man, he demanded three things:
"First, you must repent and feel a true faith in God, who in His mercy alone can pardon."
Lorenzo assented.
"Second, you must give up your ill-gotten wealth to the people."
Lorenzo groaned, and finally reluctantly agreed.
"Third, you must restore to Florence her liberty."
Lorenzo groaned and moaned, and turned his face to the wall.
Savonarola grimly waited half an hour, but no sign coming from the stricken man, he silently went his way.
The next day Lorenzo the Magnificent, aged forty-two, died—died unabsolved.