of the 9th, in which you deign to acquaint me of the promotion of
Messer Giovanni (to the Cardinalate). Having already heard of it
through our ambassador I wrote at once with my own hand to Your
Holiness, rather to confess my inability to give adequate thanks than
to demonstrate my gratitude; our Lord God can do that better than I.
For a long time Your Sanctity has had the disposal of myself and of
all I possess, so I can only add this great gift to the other benefits
bestowed on Messer Giovanni, whom I give to Your Holiness as a thing
belonging to Your Holiness. Whatever I have or shall have will always
be more Your Holiness’ than mine. As to keeping this affair secret I
should be much distressed if the knowledge of it had been made public
by me. But Your Holiness may rest assured that it was immediately
known in Rome, and then divulged by letters to people here, so that
every one came to congratulate me. I can affirm that the news was
not published by me, nor did I cause any demonstration of joy to
be made. In any case, whether by my fault or not, I am extremely
distressed that Your Holiness should have experienced any annoyance,
and can only promise in the future to carry out to the letter any
commands Your Holiness deigns to give me. I entreat Your Holiness to
make Your wishes known to me, of which I shall be the faithful and
diligent executor, not only in this, but in all things, for no one is
more bound to obey Your Holiness. I commend myself humbly at the Holy
Feet of Your Beatitude.--Florence, March 14, 1488 (1489). _Humilis
Servitor_,
Laurentius de Medicis.[370]
Manfredo di Manfredi (_a new Ferrarese Ambassador_) _to_ Duke Ercole
d’Este
... This evening about one of the night, the Magnificent Lorenzo and
the Illustrious Eight sent to tell me the good news that that blessed
Monte-acuto has been given up....--Florence, April 8, 1489.[371]
... The Count of Pitigliano will be dismissed because this Signoria
and the Magnificent Lorenzo are very irate at the obstinacy he has
shown about giving up Monte-acuto.... It seems that Jacopo Conti will
be named in his stead.... The Magnificent Lorenzo is a man who does
not waste many words, and tells his intentions to no one until he is
sure of obtaining what he wants. He never says four until he has it
safe in a sack....--Florence, April 25, 1489.[372]
Yesterday two men taken at Firenzuola were brought here, one named
Raimo da Gaeta, the other Vincenzo Ragonora; the report is that they
were going to the baths where the Magnificent Lorenzo now is, in
order to poison or murder him. It is said they were sent by H.M. the
King of Naples or by the Duke of Calabria, although it is affirmed
that they have been some time at Bologna. Some hold the report to be
unfounded and that these men came for another purpose. Nevertheless
they have been subjected to such a stringent examination that it has
raised suspicions among the ambassadors. They were examined by the
principal citizens, relations, and intimate friends of the Magnificent
Lorenzo.... This evening I hear that a horseman arrived from Messer
Giovanni Bentivoglio, and I have found out that he was sent to the
King’s ambassador by the said Messer Giovanni, who anxiously begs H.M.
to take steps for the release of these prisoners; the King has written
to say that about six months ago they were sent to him by the Duke of
Calabria with a request that they might be engaged in his army, and he
bids the ambassador to see that they are set free, being soldiers of
the Duke of Calabria and in his pay.--Florence, May 18, 1489.[373]
... Why these men were imprisoned and the results of their examination
have been kept so secret that no one can find out anything. But
Raimo da Gaeta has, they say, been tortured, so is in anguish and
despair....--Florence, May 29, 1489.[374]
Lorenzo de’ Medici _to_ Pope Innocent VIII.
My ambassador has written to tell me that at last by the kindness of
Your Holiness the contract of the alum works has been awarded to me,
for this I owe infinite thanks to Your Holiness who has thus added
another to the many obligations I already owe, and hope to enjoy in
the future from the liberality and kindness of Your Beatitude. I am
exceedingly grateful for and pleased by the paternal charity shown
to me every day by Your Holiness, and should be yet more happy did I
not hear that Your Holiness has been suffering from gout and slight
fever. Although the attack is not a severe one, still, depending
as I do on Your Holiness, and Your Holiness’ life being of such
importance, I cannot but feel uneasy even at a small indisposition,
particularly as these attacks come oftener than one could wish. Your
Holiness can rest assured that even as S. Francis by reason of his
stigmate felt the pain of the wounds of Jesus Christ, thus do I feel
every pain and ill suffered by Your Holiness in my own person and am
much molested thereby. Among other things the condition of our Ser
Francesco[375] touches me deeply, as well as that of other dependants
of Your Holiness, who by reason of the uprightness and honesty of Your
Beatitude may be said to be still fasting and to have had but a small
share of the great good fortune which our Lord God has so worthily
bestowed on Your Holiness. Should anything happen to Your Holiness,
_quod absit_, the sepulchre will open also for them. Although I feel
compassion for them all I am more moved by what ought to touch Your
Holiness more nearly than myself, and that is the sad condition of
poor Ser Francesco, who in the five years of the pontificate of Your
Holiness has never yet had anything he can call his own. Your Holiness
is the best judge of what support he enjoys in the Sacred College and
what office, dignity or means, he has to enable him to live, even
poorly. If Your Holiness studies the lives of other Popes you will see
that there are but few who during five years of pontifical rule, and
some in even less time, have not manifested their intention of acting
as a Pope, and have not shown the respect for honesty and uprightness
displayed by Your Holiness, which is justified before God and man.
But speaking as a devoted servant, this honesty might now be imputed
and attributed to another motive. Maybe I appear presumptuous, but
zeal and the duty I owe to Your Holiness so touch my conscience that
I must speak thus openly and remind Your Holiness that all men are
mortal, and that a Pope is what he wills to be; he cannot leave the
Papacy as a heritage and can only call his own the honours, the glory
and the benefits, he gives to his family. The prudence, experience
and long acquaintance Your Sanctity has of a court, will I am sure
without words from me, recall to Your Holiness what always happens to
the fortune and inheritance of popes, and seeing that Ser Francesco
and the others of Your Holiness’ family are as yet not to be envied
but rather merit compassion, Your Sanctity ought to follow the example
of Your Holiness’ predecessors and place them in such a position
that they should have no need of others, particularly as whatever is
bestowed on them does not diminish the substance of Your Holiness and
is not lost or thrown away. Briefly, with all humility, I entreat
Your Sanctity at last to begin and act as a Pope with regard to the
family of Your Holiness and not to trust so much in posterity and good
health, which can only retard the fulfilment of what Your Holiness
intends to do for them. Delay might perhaps prevent this being
accomplished. Especially do I recommend Your and my Ser Francesco and
the Lady Maddalena, who pray that God may grant Your Holiness a long
life in order that their affairs may be properly adjusted, and when
better arranged they will give thanks to God and to Your Holiness,
and have reason to remember and to bless the day when Your Sanctity
was called to the honours and dignity of the pontificate. It is time,
Holy Father, to liberate these Holy Fathers from limbo, so that it
may not happen to them as to the Jews who awaited the Messiah. I beg
Your Holiness’ pardon with all humility and reverence for this my
presumption only caused by reasons which I am sure Your Holiness will
appreciate, and I place myself humbly at Your most holy feet.--1489.
_Humilis Servitor_,
Laurentius de Medicis.[376]
A Manager of the Medici Bank _to the_ Duke Ercole d’Este
To the Illustrious Duke Ercole, &c.
According to the usual custom and rule we advise you that to-day the
Magnificent Lorenzo has lent Pope Innocent 100,000 ducats for a year;
one-third in cash, one-third in silk goods, and one-third in woollen
cloth. As surety he has two-tenths on the stipends of all newly
appointed priests, 70,000 ducats, and for the rest he will hold Città
di Castello until entirely repaid.
I give you another piece of news: Pope Innocent has given the
Magnificent Lorenzo 30,000 cántara of alum at 1 ducat the cántaro
as payment of what was owing to him by Pope Sixtus, the 40,000 he
received for the war, which is good news.--Florence, 1489. Your
servant and particular partisan,
B. Des. of the Medici Bank.[377]
It appears that Lorenzo’s share in the bank was one-half, the other
half belonged to various partners. The Duke of Ferrara wrote on the
20th December 1489 to Giuliano Gondi announcing that he had arranged
a marriage for his daughter Isabella with the Marquess of Mantua on
the 16th February 1490, and begged for a spinel ruby which was in pawn
for 4000 ducats with the Magnificent Lorenzo & Co. in order to wear it
during the festivities. He also wrote to Lorenzo asking that the ruby
might be sent, saying that he could not pay the money at that moment.
But Lorenzo answered that he could only promise for the half as the
other belonged to various merchants. So the Duke again wrote to Gondi
and asked him to go surety for him for 2000 ducats repayable in April
1492, guaranteed on the salt mines of Modena, &c. Lorenzo was also a
partner in the bank at Lyons with Francesco Sassetti and others, of
which the manager was Leonetto de’ Rossi, husband of Maria de’ Medici,
Lorenzo’s sister. Machiavelli’s statement that Lorenzo had nothing to
do with the bank is contradicted by the above letter.
Lorenzo de’ Medici _to_ Giovanni Lanfredini, _Florentine Ambassador at
Rome_
The Count della Mirandola is here leading a most saintly life, like a
monk. He has been and is now occupied in writing admirable theological
works: commentaries and Psalms; and other excellent books on theology.
He recites the ordinary priest’s office, observes all fasts and
absolute chastity: has but a small retinue and lives quite simply
with only what is necessary. To me he appears an example to other
men. He is anxious to be absolved from what little contumacy is still
attributed to him by the Holy Father and to have a Brief by which His
Holiness accepts him as a son and a good Christian, he persevering
in a Christian life. I greatly desire that this satisfaction should
be given to him, for there are few men I love better or esteem more.
I feel certain that he is a devout and faithful Christian, and his
conduct is such that the whole city would vouch for him. Do all you
can to obtain this Brief in such a form that it may content his
conscience. This would be not less agreeable to me than any one
of the many services you have rendered, and for which I am most
grateful.--June 19, 1489.[378]
Lorenzo de’ Medici, _from the Baths of Spedaletto_, _to his daughter_
Contessina
My dear little Contessina,--As I hear that every hour thou askest
after me, how I am, and when I am coming back, I write to tell thee
that thanks be to God I am very well, and have improved ever since
my departure. These continued baths suit me excellently. So that I
hope, if it pleases God, to return as full of health as ever I was.
I shall leave very soon and come back to see thee. Let me find
thee well and happy and meanwhile pray to God for me. Be very nice
to Alfonsina [Orsini, wife of Piero, Lorenzo’s eldest son] and keep
her company; tell her from me to take great care of the baby. I hear
that Monsignore [Giovanni] and the other children have gone away,
they have done ill to leave thee thus alone, but I shall be back
soon and stay with thee, and they can remain at the villa at their
pleasure.--Spedaletto on the last day of July, 1489.
Greet thy Piero and Niccolò and all the others from me when thou seest
them.[379]
Lorenzo de’ Medici _to_ Giovanni Lanfredini, _Florentine Ambassador at
Rome_
To my great vexation I hear how this work of Mirandola’s is abused,
and were I not sure that such persecution is dictated solely by envy
and malignity, by my faith, I should not mention it. The book has
been examined by all the most learned priests here, well-known men of
saintly life, and has been highly approved of by them as a Christian
and a marvellous work. I am not so bad a Christian as to remain silent
or to encourage him if I thought otherwise. I am certain that if he
recited the _Credo_ those spiteful men would say it was rank heresy.
If His Holiness had the intelligence to understand this and was not
too busy, I am sure these accusations would fall to the ground and
truth would prevail; but he is obliged to trust to others. This poor
man is unable to defend himself because they say his premises are
against His Holiness. If he had to contend with them only without the
authority of the Pope to back them I am sure he would soon silence
them. It is his misfortune to have to submit to the judgment of
ignorant and malicious men who use the Pope as a shield. I have
already told you that I believe all this is done with the intent to
drive him to despair and cause him to lose his head so that eventually
he should turn against the Pope; for believe me, Giovanni, he is
one who could commit either great evil or great good. His life and
character demonstrate this. If they drive him into another path I
shall lose little, as I know that wherever he may be he will always
bear me goodwill because of my great affection for him. I have never
been able to make you understand this; and without entering into
details, which I cannot do, I must tell you he has been sorely tempted
by something which might raise a great scandal, and I have always
stopped him. Latterly he has been leading a saintly life here, and his
mind is at rest. These devils with their persecutions will tempt him.
People place far too much faith in them. In short I can only grieve
over all this and beg you again to use all your cleverness in order to
arrange matters, for you have no idea how it vexes and irritates me.
If you knew how much, you would never rest until you have taken it off
my mind.--October 1489.[380]
Lorenzo de’ Medici _to_ Monseigneur d’Argenton (Philippe de Comines)
My illustrious Lord,--I have received a letter from Your Seigneury
by the same hand that takes this, and am extremely concerned at
the displeasure you express about the last account sent in by
Cosimo Saxetti [Sassetti, head of the Medici bank at Lyons] to Your
Seigneury. It would afflict me still more if I thought that this
might cause you to doubt my gratitude towards Your Seigneury, to
whom I am so much beholden in infinite ways, that I should indeed
deserve to be called a most ungrateful man if I did not repay you
the money I owe for the many benefits received from Your Seigneury
in adversity and in prosperity. But after a strict examination of
my conscience I can assure Your Seigneury that neither I nor any of
my house will ever forget this. If therefore anything Cosimo Saxetti
has said about Your Seigneury’s participation has given such an
impression I should be deeply grieved, as it would be the reverse
of the truth and of my intentions. I confess that for some time, as
Your Seigneury well knows, the losses of our bank at Lyons have been
so considerable that it has been impossible to conceal them, or to
avoid lamenting over them with those who, like Your Seigneury, have
been and are masters of what is mine. The aforesaid Cosimo has thus
perhaps annoyed Your Seigneury, but you may be certain that I would
never raise any question as to a statement of yours, either what you
now write or at any future time. Your Seigneury can freely dispose not
only of the entire sum which you mention as being a matter of dispute
between Your Seigneury and Cosimo, but of everything I possess as
though it belonged to you. You may therefore rest assured that all
will be arranged between Your Seigneury and myself so satisfactorily
that no question will ever arise, for I set greater store on the good
graces of Your Seigneury than on the largest sum of money in the
world.--December 11, 1489.[381]
[Illustration:
_Alinari_
LORENZO DI PIERO DE’ MEDICI, AND THREE MEMBERS OF THE SASSETI FAMILY.
_In the fresco by Domenico Ghirlandaio in the Church of S. Trinità,
Florence._]
The following letter from Vettori, Florentine ambassador at Naples, and
the one from Lorenzo to Lanfredini at Rome (p. 319) show what prudence
and patience the Magnificent exercised in mediating between the Pope
and the King of Naples. Ferrante broke every obligation of his treaty
with Innocent. He exterminated the rebel Barons with ferocity, he
murdered the Papal governor and garrison of Aquila, he bestowed the
Neapolitan benefices on unworthy men without heeding the remonstrances
of the Pope, he repudiated the tribute due to the Holy See. Innocent
was very angry. He declared the Kingdom to be forfeited for non-payment
of the tribute, he threatened an interdict and, what particularly
alarmed and displeased Lorenzo, talked about foreign intervention.
Against both Lorenzo warned him, at the same time supporting him in
resisting humiliating terms. Had Lodovico Sforza been trustworthy
Lorenzo’s task might have been easier, but he significantly remarks,
“I have expressed my opinion of the Lord Lodovico and have said what
I think of him.” At length, shortly before Lorenzo’s death, peace was
concluded, Ferrante consenting to pay the tribute on condition of the
investiture of his son and grandson.
Pietro Vettori, _Florentine Ambassador at Naples, to_ Lorenzo de’ Medici
Magnificent Lorenzo,--Since I wrote on the 2nd I have received yours
of February 29th, which arrived most opportunely as here they were
anxious, and suspected you had some secret understanding with the
Pope. As the King was not here I thought it better to communicate
your letter to H.E. the Duke [Alfonso of Calabria]. So yesterday I
went to Castel Nuovo and took Baccio with me, who had been summoned
here by the Duke. When he had read the letter I added that though you
knew the King and H.E. were convinced of the loyalty of ourselves and
of our city, yet it seemed to me that as these suspicions had arisen
you wished to set matters right, and that you were the same Lorenzo
you had ever been. H.E. answered he had no doubt of this. That he had
summoned Baccio in order to send him to you at Florence to inform
you of his feelings, as he liked to speak openly and desired others
to do so to him. That it was perfectly known all over Italy what
influence you had with the Pope and that the Florentine ambassador
_quodammodo_ governed at Rome. On the other hand the Pope showed great
animosity towards the Neapolitan State and had only summoned those
Spanish ambassadors in order to protest against H.M. the King and
then to publish the excommunications which were already ready. H.E.
is informed that last year and also two years ago everything was
being secretly prepared for this last blow. He appears to have some
other source of information than the usual ones. He added that his
chief occupation now was contradicting those who by word of mouth or
by letters from Rome told him that you are in league with the Pope,
and allow these things to happen, and that although neither he nor
the King believe this all Italy is convinced of it, to their great
detriment. The Pope’s behaviour shows that he is of the same opinion,
for if he thought that Milan and ourselves were what we ought to be he
would never attempt anything against this State. But one wounds him
here, another caresses him there, and between them all we, exclaimed
H.E., go to the devil. He said he would like to meet you and the Lord
Lodovico in one room and discuss matters, and did not think it would
be difficult to convince you that this our League must be united not
only in deeds but in demonstrations. That it was evident the Pope
did much for you, he had for instance made your son a cardinal at an
unheard-of age, and therefore it was thought that if you insisted
things would go differently. He then added that neither he nor the
King had heard anything about the troop of Jacopo Conti or the Count’s
dismissal, though Jacopo had written to him about this a month ago.
H.E. said it seemed as if you suspected him, though he would do all to
forward your projects. I replied it was true that the Pope showed some
regard for you and had acceded to your wishes as to the Cardinalate
and one or two other matters, but that it was possible your influence
did not extend to the affairs of H.M. the King, because although you
could do much you could not do all. Also that Your Magnificence had
been informed that H.E. had greatly encouraged the Count not to give
up Monte Agutolo, which was a blow aimed at you; so that if he heeded
not your honour and interest, he would find others do the same. He had
not yet been told of the Count’s dismissal or about Jacopo’s troop,
because they were connected together, and it was impossible to write
until affairs were settled. Owing to the disgraceful conduct of the
Count about Monte Agutolo you and all our citizens had determined
to dismiss him, and had not informed H.M. the King or H.E., as they
thought pressure might be brought to bear on them to retain him and
they did not wish to say no to H.E. I added that as H.E. loved you
he ought to be pleased if the Pope showed you any favour, because
he might be sure that if you had to choose between them you would
leave the Pope and follow H.E. That he was to consult with H.M. the
King as to the particular thing they wanted and that I was sure you
would always be ready to do anything honourable, but they must not
make vague complaints. Lorenzo does nothing because perhaps Their
Excellencies do not know exactly what they really want, or he could
not do what they desired. But that I was certain that any just and
honourable service he could render H.M. and H.E. he would do it. H.E.
replied that he would consult with H.M., and give me an answer. I see
he wants our ambassador and the ambassador of Milan to tell the Pope
that they will not tolerate any measures being taken against the King.
Then he added that he had sent a competent man to Barbary to acquire
one or two horses fit for racing, in order to send them to you; _et
alia non occurrunt_. I commend myself to you, may God grant you
felicity.--Naples, March 9, 1489 (1490).[382]
Lorenzo de’ Medici, _from Bagno San Filippo, to his son_ Piero
Piero,--Enclosed is a letter from Baccio; the bearer is the man of
whom he writes, who is passing through Florence. He seems to me clever
and one who loves to see antique things. I wish thee to show him all
those in the garden, and also what we have in the study; in short,
whatever seems best to thee, and thus to give him pleasure.--Bagno San
Filippo, May 9, 1490.[383]
Lorenzo de’ Medici _to the_ Commissaries of Pistoja
Magnificent Commissaries,--Two or three days ago I wrote to Your
Magnificences about the liberation of Bastiano di Nanni, imprisoned
by you and in danger of losing his life. And although I have not
had an answer, yet considering the contents of the enclosed letter
from Ser Andrea who lives in Siena with regard to our Republic, I
have determined to write again to beg you, not in a general way but
from my heart, no longer to delay in acceding to the request of the
Magnificent Signory Of Siena, to whom I am under such obligations that
if they do not obtain their desire great blame and dishonour will fall
on me. Your Magnificences are aware that when one embarks on such an
undertaking one spares no effort to accomplish it with honour. For the
love of God deliver me from this annoyance, which is considerable, and
set the aforesaid Bastiano free according to their wish, for their
character is such that either good or great evil will result. I do
not think you will wait for another communication from me, delay will
greatly diminish the trust the Sienese have in me.--San Filippo, May
21, 1490, at midday.
Laurentius de Medicis.[384]
Lorenzo de’ Medici _to_ Ser Andrea _at Siena_
Early this morning I had your letter telling me about Dormi and the
swelling which began in his body and then settled in his right knee,
and of the remedies applied by those farriers. You were right to
have the horse doctored at once, and to write fully to me. Wait until
the day of the race [the Palio at Siena], and if the farrier and the
jockey think the horse is not in a fit state to run, we forbid his
starting as it might do him harm, and indeed injure him permanently,
even if you think he could run. I leave it to you, who being on the
spot can judge better than I can here. I am not inclined to send
another horse, we are too near the day of the race, he would arrive
tired, and do us little honour.--Florence, July 28, 1490.
Laurentius de Medicis.[385]
Lorenzo de’ Medici _to_ Giovanni Lanfredini, _Florentine Ambassador at
Rome_