opinion how the business ought to be managed. I consider it necessary
that he should be made a Protonotary and be seen in that dress
for at least a month; for none of us would venture to suggest that
from a layman he should at once be promoted to so high a position.
But I should not let him take any holy orders until what he desires
has been accomplished, so that if difficulties arise he may be at
liberty to return to his usual dress, a thing I have seen done quite
justifiably by others. His position would not be that of a full
Cardinal; _videlicet_ he would only have four or six chaplains in
his train, and eight equerries to precede him. Because, although we
are sure to do much more for him, here humility is much prized. _In
reliquis_, between Messer Gentile [Bishop of Arezzo] and myself,
for I shall regard him as my son, he shall be so advised as to gain
universal commendation. I see no difficulty, if his Holiness lives,
to his attaining the highest honour, for I can promise for more than
one [vote]. Have no uneasiness about the cardinals who have just been
made, as it will be necessary soon to create others for the Emperor
and King Ferdinand, for Rome and for you Florentines, if you desire
it; it had been arranged to await Pentecost for their nominations,
but certain reasons, as you will have heard, induced greater haste.
In short, Lorenzo, examine well my advice and that of others who are
better informed, which I think you will have received: _et tandem_ put
your trust in God as to what path to pursue. Take a courageous course,
and tell me what you wish done. It would, however, be well beforehand
to inform the Duke of Milan, _et quidem pro forma_, in order that he
should not say No to what you desire; if you are in doubt ask for his
real opinion. For my own satisfaction I have not contented myself
with writing to Giovanni [Tornabuoni], but have scrawled these lines.
I am fond of you, and I love you, not your position or your riches.
Charity bids me say everything openly, and attribute everything to
her. _Dominus Deus sit in corde vestro, et dirigat gressus vestros
in semitam rectam._ That He should do this increase your donations
to pious works and cause special prayers to be made, for in truth
the affair is not a light one, or of small importance, and all in
my judgment depends on His clemency. _Bene Valete._--Rome, May 15,
1473.[179]
This letter is inserted to show how all in trouble or distress turned
for help to Madonna Lucrezia, knowing her kindly disposition, and the
great influence she had over her son Lorenzo.
The Syndic and Ancients of Galatea _to_ Lucrezia de’ Medici
_Magnifica ac generosa domina nostra singularissima_,--Your
Magnificence is aware how attached and bound to your house our
community has always been and will be as long as life lasts. This
encourages us to turn to you in our necessities and troubles, and also
in those of any of our friends who have need to have recourse to Your
Magnificence who has always been kind to us and helped us. We hope
now more than ever in you on account of the great faith we all have
in your house; for could you but know you would find the name of your
family written in the hearts of big and little of our community. Now
Magnificent Madonna, after such long and tedious words, we come to
implore aid from Your Magnificence. It is several months since one
Ser Michele, a priest, was seized by the Lords of Vazoca, they say
for coining money, and after suffering much torture he was put in the
Stinche,[180] thus it may be conceived that he has been sufficiently
punished for his sins. Here live some relations of his, honourable
men, who are desirous for the honour of the world to liberate him from
such misery, and we, agreeing with him, come to beg Your Magnificence
to ask them [the Lords of Vazoca] to allow him to be released from
this wretchedness so that he should not die in such infamy. Your
Magnificence would be doing a most kind act to this community for
which we shall be ever grateful. We commend him strongly to you, and
also we commend ourselves, offering to Your Magnificence your ever
ready and most faithful servants the Syndic General _Vexillifori et
Antiani_ of the Commune of Galatea.--Ex Galatea, 23rd August 1473.[181]
Fra Cristofano d’Antonio di Mast ... _to_ Lucrezia de’ Medici
Illustrious Matron and Lady,--I have not written before, because I
know that my news will have reached you in other letters. Nevertheless
the more good one hears of one’s family the more contented and happy
one is; let us thank God heartily with words and acts, as S. Paul says
to the Ephesians in the epistle we shall read on Sunday morning.
To begin with, Mona Contessina is well. Giuliano is as usual. I have
often been to see Mona Bianca[182] who is well, and her children
have been for three days with Mona Contessina to her great delight.
Lucrezia still has a little eczema, otherwise she is well, and is well
cared for by Mona Nanna and she ...[183]; little Lucrezia is obedient,
like the wise little person she is. Piero has a fine colour and is
happy and full of spirits, by the grace of God; he often comes to the
side door calling you all, saying Granny, Papa, and Mamma, so that
you would laugh if you were here. Maddalena is also well and every
day when I return from the house of the Tornabuoni I go to stay a
little with her, and to the wet nurse I say, “Now go, walk a little;”
so that she may amuse herself and take some exercise, and thus keep
in good health and have better milk. She is very pleased, and thanks
me saying, “I shall pray to God for you.” Of a truth she serves you
faithfully and well. Mona Nannina’s[184] Cosimino is well but will
not read, saying, “I did not come into the country to read.” This
displeases Mona Contessina. In November we will make up for lost time.
Galasso[185] comes to read with me every morning, and then I go,
for love of the children, back with him. He gives me much trouble,
although it does not seem great to me, because I do it willingly for
the love of God, and for love of Lorenzo, Mona Clarice, and you,
for you know I am yours. I have even for the honour of God made him
learn by heart little by little the Salve Regina, and part of the
introit and of the psalter. Sister Magante has gone to another world,
_requiescat in pace_. I know that you must have many petitioners,
but when any little thing like this of small value falls in, think
of me, you know my need, and that you would have a faithful servant.
All your relations are well. Mona Bartolomea and Mona Francesca often
go to see Mona Contessina and the children. The men are well also.
All commend themselves to you. I commend myself to you, to Lorenzo,
to Mona Clarice, and to Mona Nannina. No more. Christ guard you from
ill.--September 25, 1473.
Your Cristofano d’Antonio di Mast ...
Priest....[186]
Matteo Franco _to_ Lorenzo de’ Medici[187]
Lorenzo mine,--Have mercy. God well knows how and in what attitude
I write to you. A chopping-board on my bed, whereon lies my paper,
my arm bare with the sleeve rolled up, I am as a dead man laden
with bricks, with a head like a big onion on an arid heap of
cappelline,[188] I seem to be all east wind. With trembling voice and
hands I write, Signor mine, because the sacristan of Or San Michele
has just come to my bedside to tell me that the priest of my little
church, which Your Magnificence promised me, is dead; it is at Empoli
and worth twelve or fifteen florins a month, and there are no duties.
Now being vacant, Lorenzo my life and hope, I throw myself into your
arms. I know not what to say. I have but my own mother-wit and my
tongue. Do not judge of me for the love of God by my writing, but
by my affection, my need, and the straits in which I find myself. I
commend myself to you as heartily as I can and will not again molest
you. No more, in haste, I am sweating as though I were harnessed to a
waggon. God keep you in health and prosperity, and inspire you to do
what is best for the salvation of my soul.--April 1, 1474.
Your Matteo Franco.
Not most faithful servant, for as yet there is nothing in which I can
be faithful.[189]
Giuliano de’ Medici _from Pisa to his mother_ Lucrezia
The Lady Lucretia de Medici most dear to me,--So that you should know
something about us since our departure we send you word that, thanks
be to God, we have arrived safely, and are all very well. We are in
the midst of a thousand fine doings here, of which you shall hear more
by word of mouth when we return. Yesterday we had dinner with our
rector, which was magnificent, and he played the pedant. To-day is the
ball, and to-morrow I shall go my own way, for there is much to see;
it is a beautiful place. Till now we have not had a moment without
entertainments, which are given in our honour.
We have no more to say; if you want anything from here let us
know.--Pisa, May 16, 1474.
Jul. Med.[190]
Bertoldo di Giovanni _to_ Lorenzo de’ Medici
Magnificent Lorenzo, &c.,--This moment I have thrown away burin,
chisel, compasses, square, wax, modelling tools, architecture,
perspective, have given four kicks to that bull, and have sent back
the clay to the potter, because hideous pots had been made for me,
and because I perceive that the peppered dishes of our knight of
Prato, Messer Luca Calvanese, are more esteemed by Count Girolamo
than all other talents, sciences, or arts, they having obtained for
him knighthood. Now the art of cooking is not inborn in Luca, but has
been obtained by him in a piggish way solely out of my book, and I
believe the cleanest dish he ever prepared was at Monte Guffoni, when
he gave you two plates full of beccafichi[191] cooked by hand. So I
have determined to abandon all other arts and to take to cooking, and
therefore pray Your Magnificence to recommend me to the head steward,
who is over the cooks, in order that I may get back my book. I hope
that in a short time Messer Luca of the Pepper will not be able to
hold a sieve. I would to God I had been brought up under Cibacca[192]
instead of under Donatello, for seeing how times go, before I had made
two giacomini[193] or two jellies, the Count would have created me
Prior of Pisa. And I say if they make him head of the giants, or of
something else which had better not be mentioned, you are the better
judge, I being a pupil of Donato. But above all, before Messer Luca
has taken possession of it, I beg you to get me back my cookery book.
Once I have it in my hands trust me to put him, his pepper-pot, his
wantons and his title, into a pie covered with pepper, without passing
them through a sieve, and then I will make so many pills of it. May
God send all that court to the devil. I pray Him that I may see the
Pope, the Count, and Messer Luca suffocated in a vat full of pepper,
and you, beware of their treachery. From the castle of S. Anthony in
the Wilderness.--[No date.] From your servant
Bertoldo.[194]
In 1475 everything was peaceful in Italy. Lorenzo was able to give his
attention to the reconstruction of the University of Pisa, in which
town he spent some months, to devote himself to poetry and philosophy,
and often to indulge in his love of outdoor sports. Niccolò Roberti,
Duke Borso d’Este’s ambassador to Florence, wrote to his master in
January:
Most illustrious Lord,--There is no news to send save that near Pisa,
where Lorenzo is enjoying much sport with the King’s [Ferrante of
Naples] hawkers, two of the falcons sent to him by H.M. have been
lost, and they are the two best. Your Excellency must not wonder at my
sending such news, because here little else is talked about. Idleness
is so universal in Italy that if things do not change there will be
more to write of battles between birds and dogs than of armies and
gallant deeds.--January 22, 1474 (1475).
In this same year was held Giuliano de’ Medici’s magnificent and costly
tournament, which would however be forgotten had not Poliziano written
his immortal _Stanze per la Giostra del Magnifico Giuliano di Piero
de’ Medici_, “a masterpiece,” writes Symonds, “which blent the ancient
and the modern world in a work of art glowing with Italian fancy....
Each stanza of _La Giostra_ is a mimic world of beauty, art, and
scholarship; a painting where the object stands before us modelled with
relief of light and shade in finely modulated lines....”[195]
Agnolo Poliziano _at Pisa to_ Clarice de’ Medici
_Magnifica Domina mea_,--I did not write yesterday to Your
Magnificence because Lorenzo sent me to Lucca. I have just come back
and take up my pen to keep faith with you. Lorenzo is well and in good
spirits. Yesterday as there was but little wind he went hawking; but
they had not much luck because the young falcon belonging to Pilato,
called the Mantuan, was lost. This morning they went out again, but
the wind was not favourable, nevertheless we saw some fine flights,
and Maestro Giorgio flew his Peregrine falcon which came back to
the lure most obediently.[196] Lorenzo is quite in love with it. Of
a truth he is not wrong, for Maestro Giorgio says he never saw a
handsomer or a better, and declares he will make of him the finest
falcon in the world. While we were in the fields Pilato came back from
the river with his lost falcon, so Lorenzo was doubly pleased. If I
knew what to write I should be glad: but I can only give you news
of his hawking as we do nought else in the fore- and the afternoon.
This evening I hear that on Monday Lorenzo intends to hunt roe deer
and then to return at once to Florence. Please God we may find you
well and with a boy in your arms.[197] I commend myself to Your
Magnificence.--In Pisa, December 1, 1475. Make my excuses to Madonna
Lucrezia if I have not written to her, but I have nought to say save
what I write to you. Commend me to her. Your servant,
Agnolo da Montepulciano.[198]
Agnolo Poliziano _to_ Clarice de’ Medici
_Magnifica Domina mea_,--Yesterday after leaving Florence we came as
far as San Miniato [al Tedesco], singing all the way, and occasionally
talking of holy things so as not to forget Lent. At Lastra [a Signa]
we drank _zappolino_, which tasted much better than I had been told.
Lorenzo is brilliant and makes the whole company gay: yesterday I
counted twenty-six horses of those who are with him. When we reached
San Miniato yester evening we began to read a little of S. Augustine,
then the reading resolved itself into music, and looking at and
instructing a certain well-known dancer who is here. Lorenzo is just
going to Mass. I will finish another time.--At San Miniato, April 8
(1476). Servitor.
Your Agnolo.[199]
Clarice de’ Medici _to her husband_ Lorenzo _at Florence_
By the bearer we send you seventeen partridges which your falconers
took to-day. I should have been glad had you come to enjoy them with
us; we have expected you until the third hour [an hour before sunset]
for the last three evenings. I was astonished you did not come and
fear something extraordinary must have happened to keep you. I beg
that if it is so you will let me know, for surely it is in any case
better we should be together than one in France and the other in
Lombardy. I expect you at all events to-morrow and pray if it is
possible that we should not await you in vain. The children are well
and so are all the rest of the family. I commend myself to you, and
beg you to come and to bring Madonna Lucrezia.--Cafaggiuolo, August
20, 1476.
Lucrezia de’ Medici, _from Bagno a Morba, to her son_ Lorenzo
By the grace of God we have arrived safely and well at Bagno a Morba,
I trust He will keep you the same. Of the riding horses we have kept
here the ambling palfrey and the chestnut as best suited to this
place. So have patience if we have not sent back the palfrey as you
desired: none of the others stood the journey well, and it seemed best
to me to keep these so that should anything happen we should not be
forced to go afoot. But if you want him, tell me, and send us another
horse instead. They shall be well looked after here. Of the honours
paid us and the amusing things that have happened you shall hear in
my next, as the bearer of this has one foot in the stirrup. To begin
with, the rooms are like those of an alchemist [_i.e._ small, dark,
and hot] and the bugs are as big as capons. Lionardo and Sano can
testify to this, they were the first to begin the hunt. _Valete._ In
haste.--On the 10th day of May 1477.
L. de Medicis, at Bagno a Morba.[200]
This letter was dictated to some secretary, and the handwriting is
plain enough. Whenever Lucrezia dictates evidently the writer did not
think it respectful to use _thou_, which she always uses when writing
with her own hand.
Lucrezia de’ Medici, _from Bagno a Morba, to her son_ Lorenzo _at Pisa_
_Salutem_, &c. I send you sixteen flasks of good old Greek wine:
eight of Poggibonsi, marked with ink: and eight of Colle. To us they
seem good, you must however choose, and four _torte besse_ (cakes
made at Siena). I do this because I think that with the arrival of
the Madama[201] you may need them, although I doubt not you have
made every provision. Yet as I had these and they seemed to me good
I send them, for I think they may please you. Do not let the carrier
return here empty. Oranges, biscuits, and _marino_[202] would be met
with banners flying. No more at present. I am well and hope for good
results from the baths. God be thanked, may He keep you well. In
haste.--On the 23rd day of May 1477.
Your Lucrezia de’ Medici
at Bagno a Morba.[203]
Lucrezia de’ Medici (_Lorenzo’s daughter, born 1470_) _to her
grandmother_ Lucrezia _at Bagno a Morba_
Magnificent Grandmother mine,--Let me know how you are and when you
began your baths. It seems to me a thousand years since you left, and
every day I say a Pater noster and an Ave Maria for your return well
and happy. Send me that basket of roses you promised. We are all well
here, all we children with Mona Clarice. Mona Bartolomea and all her
family are here too, tell Leonardo that they are well and commend me
to him. We often go up to your little spring, and there we talk of
you. Lorenzo has gone to Pisa, may God accompany him, he will come
back to us soon.
I pray you to be careful and of good cheer for love of me, so that you
may return well and bright, it seems a thousand years to me. If I can
do aught for you here, command me.--Written on May 24, 1477. No more.
May Christ guard you.
Your Lucrezia de’ Medici, Careggi.[204]
Agnolo Poliziano _to_ Lucrezia de’ Medici _at Bagno a Morba_
_Magnifica Domina mea honoranda_,--the family are all well. Lorenzo
has informed us of the honours paid to Madama of Ferrara at Pisa, so
I do not repeat what no doubt you have heard from others. She left
evidently well pleased.
There is again talk about the affairs at Milan and the Lord Ruberto
[Count of San Severino]. You will have heard how he went to Milan with
Messer Obietto, and it appears the Illustrious Madonna Duchess heard
of some understanding between them. Donato del Conte, who was also in
the secret, was sent for and imprisoned. Upon which it seems the Lord
Ruberto took arms with his followers and attempted to raise the city
together with some of the Duke’s brothers. Then seeing there was no
hope he fled, and with him went Messer Obietto, who they say to-day
has been taken; of the Lord Ruberto there is as yet no news. The
Duke’s brothers have implored the Duchess to forgive them, alleging
as an excuse that they feared for their lives. The Lord Ottaviano is
reported to have been drowned while flying from his pursuers. There
is also the affair of Messer Antonio Ridolfo, who was attacked by
some soldiers of Pietra Santa and Melia on his way from the Riviera
of Genoa. After a skirmish of several miles his mounted crossbow-men
showed good fight and wounded and killed those soldiers with great
honour to themselves, and Messer Antonio arrived here safe and sound.
Your Piero and Lucrezia and the other children are well and commend
themselves to Your Magnificence. I have not been able to write to
you because I am at Careggi, and therefore have no means of sending
letters. Madonna Clarice, Bianca and Nannina, and all our people are
well. I commend myself to Your Magnificence.--Florence, the last day
of May 1477. Your Magnificence’s servant,
Angelus Pol.[205]
Lucrezia de’ Medici, _from Bagno a Morba, to her son_ Lorenzo
_Salvus sis, mi suavissime filii_,--To-day I have received a letter
in thy name which has caused me much rejoicing, particularly as thou
sayest thou art well and also the others. I am delighted to hear of
the marriage arranged between Cosimino Rucellai[206] and the daughter
of the Marquess Gabbrielle. Quite an unexpected piece of news. Coming
from so good a source it must be good; and having been settled by
so excellent a person, excellent. We are celebrating it with great
rejoicings, and so are all the people of the Bagni. To so fortunate
and good a beginning may God grant a joyous and happy ending, _et
suffit_. By the grace of God I am well and have nearly finished my
baths. I have decided, if it pleases God, to leave this on the 21st,
that is Saturday week, and to stay the night with Madonna Tita, widow
of Messer Antonio Cortesi, at San Gemignano. She has been with me here
for several days and entreated me to do this; then she sent her son,
who left this morning, to settle about the visit. So because of her
entreaties, and because she is a widow, I have been forced to promise
without awaiting thy assent. We shall go quietly and stay little, and
on Monday the eve of S. John [23rd June] we shall be at home. I do
not see my way to come before, as I am still weak from the effects
of the baths. But should any necessity arise for me to come sooner,
let me know and I will leave all. Send the horses, if it suits thee,
to arrive here on the 19th, so that they can rest on the 20th, and as
I have said, we start early on the 21st. Seven horses must be sent,
nought else is wanted. May Christ keep you all. I commend myself to
thee.--In haste on the 8th day of June 1477.
Thy Lucrezia.
I have given orders to Maso of Fiesole for the donkeys and mules he is
to send.[207]
Lucrezia de’ Medici _to her son_ Lorenzo, _from Bagno a Morba_
_Karissime filii salutem_, &c.,--To-day the 18th the horses have
arrived, two days before the time; I suppose by the over-zeal of
whoever was charged to send them. It does not matter, although there
is a dearth of stabling, straw, and oats, but we have sent them where
they will be well cared for and fed until we leave as I said on
the 21st. I cannot leave before as I am very weak and have not yet
finished my baths. But to keep my word and be with thee on S. John’s
day I shall leave, although if I remained another eight days it would
be more necessary than superfluous. However now it is settled. We
shall not be at Florence before Monday for the reasons already given.
So that if thou hast sent the horses before the time fixed in order
that I might be home earlier, forgive me: if I had received a letter
from thee urging me to return I should have left at once without
considering my own convenience and well-being. Nought else. I commend
myself to thee and pray God to keep thee well and happy. Salute the
family and tell them I shall be at home on the vigil of S. John, if it
pleases God, for I never expected to live so long. In haste, in haste,
on the 18th day [of June] 1477.
Thy Lucrezia at Bagno a Morba.[208]
Piero Malegonnelle (_Vicar of Pomerance_) _to_ Lucrezia de’ Medici
Honoured as a Mother,--Being here at Bagno a Morba, and hearing that
what I always desired has been accomplished,[209] it is only my duty
to congratulate you, not so much because of your satisfaction, as for
the good of what otherwise would never have risen again to its ancient
reputation. May God be pleased to give you grace to enjoy it for a
long, long time. There is the same quantity of water in the baths as
before, but with the new cistern we have made there will be more and
of a better quality, as Riccio, the bearer of this letter, can fully
explain when he sees you. Riccio and his brother understand such
works, as you know. I recommend them to you most heartily in case you
need their services here.
As the one necessary thing is to try and conduct as much water as
possible to the baths, having to remain near here this winter, which
I take to be the best time for searching for the springs, if you send
an efficient and able man I offer, as is my bounden duty, to aid him
in every way. It only remains for me to place myself at your disposal
and to commend myself to you. May the Almighty keep you in health and
happiness.--Bagno a Morba, on the 16th day of September 1477. Your
servant,
Piero Malegonnelle.[210]
Piero Malegonnelle (_Vicar of Pomerance_) _to_ Lucrezia de’ Medici