outskirts of Florence. He is living very quietly in a villa near
by, immersed in his studies. He desires at last to know what his
future is to be, for having obeyed His Holiness hitherto and being
decided to obey him implicitly in the future, he wishes to have some
indication that His Holiness accepts his obedience in the form of a
Brief, whereby the Pope acknowledges him as an obedient son and a
good Christian, which I believe him to be. Among other proofs of this
he has converted a young Jew who has been translating for him from
the Hebrew language, of which he is a perfect master, whom he has
persuaded to become a Christian. This is not the act of a heretic.
I much desire that for the honour of His Holiness and for my own
satisfaction this matter should be finished, and that the virtue and
goodness of the said Count Giovanni should have as great a weight
as the calumnies and suggestions of others. By nature he is devoted
to His Holiness and does not dwell on what is past. Once delivered
from this contumacy he will be the partisan and faithful servant of
His Holiness, who to my thinking will thereby gain much.--August 11,
1490.[386]
Lorenzo de’ Medici _to_ Giovanni Lanfredini, _Florentine Ambassador at
Rome_
By your letter of the 13th I understand that the Pope has taken
umbrage at the note presented by you, so do not proceed further with
it. Anything that vexes His Sanctity annoys me, and I should be very
sorry if he thought that any act or word of mine was not dictated
by a desire for the good of His Holiness. You can assure him that
I am always his servant and shall ever be. If I advised moderation
in these proceedings against the King [of Naples] I only did so for
the aforesaid reasons. As I wrote the other day, it seems to me
necessary that His Holiness should decide on following one of three
paths: either enforce his will by war against the King, or come to
some agreement, or, if an honourable agreement is not possible, to
temporise and wait for better times. The first would be the most
honourable, but I conceive dangerous and very costly; indeed I do not
think it possible unless the Neapolitan dynasty is changed. For this,
according to my views, three things are necessary: either Venice or
Milan must be a party to the enterprise, or the new ruler must be
strong and well supplied with men and money, or the Holy Father must
prepare to assert himself without stint of money or other things, to
carry the thing through. It is indispensable that the Pope and the
new ruler, whoever he may be, should be stronger than the King alone,
supposing always that Venice adheres and would prevent Milan from
helping the King. If they were understood with the Neapolitan Barons,
or other such small folk, so much the better. I may be mistaken as to
the first proposition when I dissuaded His Holiness from following
it, but the state of things does not seem to me propitious. Perhaps
I am not enough versed in all the secrets and therefore see and
anticipate wrongly. His Holiness must have some promises or hopes, for
the choice lies between Spain and France. Spain does not appear to me
strong enough, particularly as regards money. What reliance is to be
placed on France, seeing the French nature, I know not. Supposing she
changed her nature I should agree with our Holy Father that it would
be the best solution, for there would be less danger in augmenting the
power of one of the house of Lorraine than of Spain, for the Duke of
Lorraine is not King of France and we see by experience that the King
of Naples is far more influenced by Spain than the Duke of Lorraine is
by France. It is true the Kings of Naples and Spain are not friends,
and that whoever is King of Naples would work for his own hand. For
all these reasons, although there may be others I do not understand,
I cannot advise the Pope to undertake such an enterprise now; and
in that case it is unwise to exasperate the King with citations and
other threats. Even were His Holiness fully prepared to go forward I
think he ought to avoid the slightest sign of ill-will, in order not
to incur any danger from what the King might say or do. This danger
seems to me to exist, therefore he would do better to dissimulate
and make secret preparations, than to show anger before being ready
to strike, which would only give an opportunity to others to make
ready and to attack. So for every reason in the first proposition I
do not think it wise to cite the King. As to the second I may also be
mistaken, because conditions may have been proposed of which I am not
aware, and which may be rendered feasible by this very citation, if
the affair is matured and almost settled. In this case the assumption
of superiority may help to decide matters. But if there is nothing
more than I know the affair seems embittered and not at all easy of
solution; therefore such methods might lead to a scandal or even
to an open rupture, instead of to an agreement. The advantages of
temporising cannot, I think, be denied. There can be no doubt that
it is better to arrange matters, having due regard to the reputation
of His Holiness, than to tempt fortune; for you know better than I
do that the King can do much harm. But, as I said before, I do not
know enough about these matters so cannot say more. If the Pope has
good reasons for his fearless attitude let me know them to relieve my
mind, for though not of a timid nature I am far more anxious about
his affairs than about my own, because of the trust he reposes in
me. If His Holiness is satisfied, I have such faith in his prudence
and authority that I shall be tranquillised. But until I hear these
reasons I confess that I am uneasy. For the love of God let me know,
as I do not feel at all well. The Pope must not on any account imagine
that I think, do, or act, in any way against his interests, for the
benefits I have received from His Holiness, and those I hope for,
derive from his power and reputation. My opinion of the Lord Lodovico
I have expressed, and have said what I thought of him. My intentions
are loyal, and as I depend much on His Holiness I can only repeat that
if he can come to an honourable understanding with the King it would
be, I consider, better than war. If there is any difficulty about
this I would do my utmost to arrange matters to the Pope’s honour and
security; supposing always that the above-mentioned conditions, of
which I know nothing, and which would make it possible to act against
the King, are non-existent. If they do exist I am sure the King would
consent to honourable terms because he would understand what evil
might befall him otherwise. But all my suppositions are useless if
the Pope has secret information unknown to me. I do not think my
open speaking can offend His Holiness, for our fortunes are bound
up together. I wish to be allowed to say what I think, but will act
according to the wishes of our Holy Father. Thank him most heartily
for the loving and kindly reply about the Servite Order with regard
to Messer Giovanni. For all these things I am deeply indebted to His
Holiness. I am very glad you have been to Cervetri and S. Severa, and
most pleased that you were satisfied with the way Signor Francesco
(Cibò) treats his subjects. God knows his honour and well-being are
as dear to me as my own. I beg of you to do all you can to induce our
Holy Father to arrange this affair of S. Severa. You see yourself
the importance and the necessity of adding this property to that of
Cervetri. I should also like to know about the affair of Gallese in
order to reply to the friend who is coming here soon. It is urgent
that His Holiness should once for all arrange the affairs of Signor
Francesco so that I should not be daily worried about them, and that
we can live in peace and harmony. To speak plainly, Signor Francesco
has not the position the nephew of a Pope ought to have, and yet we
are now approaching the seventh year of the Pontificate. More regard
should be shown to the increasing family, which is a valid reason for
our Holy Father’s aid.--Florence, October 17, 1489.[387]
Lorenzo de’ Medici _to the_ King of England
Serene Majesty,--When this Signory writes to recommend one of their
citizens they have such hope and faith in the clemency and kindness of
Your Majesty, that neither do they doubt of their gracious reception
nor do I consider it necessary to intervene in their behalf. Yet, to
satisfy my conscience, being in duty bound to help the citizens of
this Republic, I cannot refrain from recommending with all reverence
and humility to Your Majesty Filippo del Vigna for the affair he will
explain. I assure Your Majesty that no greater token of interest
and clemency towards this city can be given than to accept the
aforesaid Filippo as a faithful servant, and to aid him to recover his
indemnity, and I, for my part, should be everlastingly grateful.
I commend myself humbly to Your Majesty.[388]
Agnolo Poliziano _to_ Lorenzo de’ Medici _in Florence_
Magnificent Patron,--My last letter was from Ferrara. In Padua I
found some good books, _i.e._ Simplicio, on the Sky; Alessandro, on
the Topica; Giovan Grammatico, on the Posteriora and the Syllogism; a
David on Aristotle; none of which we have in Florence. I also found
a Greek scribe in Padua and arranged with him at a ducat for every
fifteen pages.
Maestro Piero Leoni showed me his books: among them I found M. Manlio,
an old astronomer and poet, which I have brought with me to Venice
to compare with one I have bought; I have never seen a more ancient
book. _Similiter_ he possesses certain books of Galieno _de dogmate
Aristotelis et Hippocratis_ in Greek, of which he will give us a copy
in Padua, so we shall have gained something.
In Venice I have found some books of Archimedes and Eron,
mathematicians, which we have not got, and a Frunuto _de Deis_, and
other valuable things. So papa Janni[389] will have writing enough to
do for some time.
Niceno’s [Cardinal] library we were not able to see. Messer
Aldovrandini, the Duke of Ferrara’s ambassador, _in cujus domo
habitamus_, went to the Prince but was met with a blunt refusal.
He asked for Count Giovanni [Pico della Mirandola], not for me, as
I thought it better not to mention your name in the affair. Messer
Antonio Vinciguerra and Messer Antonio Pizamanno, one of the two
philosophers who came incognito to Florence to see the Count, and a
brother of Messer Zaccheria Barbaro, are engaged in trying to overcome
this obstinacy; everything possible will be tried. This is all I have
to say about books.
Messer Piero Leoni has been greatly persecuted in Padua and has no
patients either there or in Venice. Yet he is a good doctor and held
in high esteem. I have caused him to be sounded by the Count as to
coming to Tuscany, but I think it will be difficult. He does not like
Padua and the society does not please him, _ut ipse ait; negut tamen
se elle in Thusciam agere_.
Nicoletto would come to Pisa but wants a benefice, _hoc est_ one of
those canonries. His name stands high in Padua and his method is good;
but, _nisi fallor_, he is one of these odd fantastical men. He it was
who mentioned the benefice to me; so I warn you.
This morning I paid a visit to Messer Zaccheria Barbaro and assured
him of your affection &c.; he replied tearfully _et ut visum est_ from
his heart: all resolved itself into _in te uno spem esse_. _Ostendit
se nosse quantum tibi debeat_: so do what you intended, _ut favens ad
majora_. The Legate, who has returned from Rome, _et qui tecum locutus
est Florentiæ_, is not at all of their way of thinking, _ut ajunt_.
Messer Zaccheria showed me a very beautiful antique earthen vase which
was sent to him lately from Greece, and told me that if I thought you
would like it he would send it to you with two smaller ones. I said
it was just what Your Magnificence would admire _et tandem_ it will
be yours. To-morrow morning the box shall be made and I will send it
off. I do not think you have so fine a one _in eo genere_: it is about
three spans high and four wide.
The Count [Pico della Mirandola] has bad eyes and has not been out of
the house since he came to Venice.
_Item_ yester evening I paid a visit to the learned Cassandra Fidele
and greeted her in your name. She is no less wonderful, Lorenzo, in
the vulgar tongue than in Latin; most discreet, _et meis oculis etiam_
handsome. I came away astounded. To you she is most partial and talked
about you with such understanding _quasi te intus et in cute norit_.
One of these days she intends to go to Florence to see you, so prepare
to do her honour.
I have no more to say at present, save that your causing Greek books
to be copied and the favour you show to learned men sets you higher in
the esteem and honour of the world than any man has enjoyed for many
years. Other particulars I reserve for my return. I commend myself to
Your Magnificence. I have not yet used the letter of exchange as I
have had no need of it.--Venice, June 20, 1491.
The servant of Your Magnificence,
Angelus Politianus.[390]
Pier Filippo Pandolfini, _Florentine Ambassador at Rome, to_ Lorenzo
de’ Medici
Monsignor d’Arles told me yesterday morning that the Signoria of
Venice and all the Venetian gentlemen are very irate with us for
two things. First because, according to them, we tried through the
Soldan to prevent that journey of theirs. Secondly on account of the
agreement about wool from England, which they have so much at heart
that they could not be more angry and are decided to upset it at
any cost. They have ordered that all ships carrying wool to Pisa,
no matter to whom they belong, are to be prevented from loading in
Candia, Cyprus, or any other place where they have ports, and that no
ship of theirs is to touch at Porto Pisano. I do not know whether it
would be good to inform Tommaso Portinari so that he might tell the
King of England and explain to him the harm this decision will do to
H.M. and to his subjects, and that the Venetians want to be masters
and dictate laws to them.
Maestro Leoni was here this morning and tells me he is engaged at
Padua for two years certain and one year optional, at 2000 golden
pieces yearly; and he has accepted with the intention, if he is not
prevented, of practising medicine at Venice. He has taken this step
deliberately and left Pisa with this intent, but has been idle for
some time for his own justification. At Pisa he thought he was not
well treated by the authorities and told me much about it, and that he
was not regarded with the consideration he considers he had a right
to expect. You he praises highly and says that he perceives that
whatever good he experienced was solely through your influence and not
on account of his own merits. He intends to show what learning and
capabilities he possesses and to leave a name behind him. Wherever he
may be he affirms that he is ever yours.--July 1491.[391]
Piero Leoni _of Spoleto to_ Lorenzo de’ Medici
I have heard what has been ordered to Your Magnificence as to the
water and what the effect has been. First I must make an examination
and Your Magnificence will cease taking it. It will be better not
to wait until winter begins to lay in the usual provision, and Your
Magnificence can take first Morba for a week and then Villa for
another week. The less interval there is between the two the better.
During this time I will make a trial of the said water which has
arrived here in safety. I have not been able to do so on account of
being occupied with lectures until the first August: then I had to go
to Venice to pay my duty to the Doge and the Signoria. As soon as I
have settled the Venetian business I shall make a trial at Padua of
that water for a purpose of my own, for I need it, and according to
the effect obtained I shall see whether we have something different
from _arzente_[392] water; if I find it is different, as I think,
when I have tried it, I will see how to make it suit the case of
Your Magnificence. If it be _arzente_ water, we shall have unmasked
it, which will not be at all unpleasing to me. Your Magnificence can
take the Morba water without further advice, except when the wind is
northerly, for then it is of little or no use. Let us hope the weather
will soon be fine again and then Your Magnificence is to ride fast
and far after drinking the water when fasting, morning and evening.
Beware of cold and damp feet, of moonlight, and of the air at sunset,
and do not eat pears or swallow grape pips. I received Proculus, which
has given me the more pleasure that I have long wished to possess it,
and finding that it is as excellent as I supposed I shall have it
translated. When finished I will do as Your Magnificence says. I have
heard that Lascari found in Calabria a commentary by Proculus on the
Heraclitus of Plato. I beg Your Magnificence, when you know where this
commentary is, to try and get it, or to tell me so that I may try. It
must be valuable because the matter in itself is good and the author
is the most competent man there is in such things. No more at present.
I commend myself to Your Magnificence.--Padua, August 19, 1491.[393]
Matteo Franco _at Rome to_ Ser Piero Dovizi _at Florence_
Ser Piero, you know how long ago I told you of the want of order in
this house and how things went from bad to worse so that I gave up
fighting; and how a Florentine was like a Cross among devils. Also
I informed you of Madonna’s [Maddalena] tribulations with regard to
divers matters. But as I suspect you never read my letters to the
end, probably these things will be new to you. With this doubt and
also as a satisfaction to myself, I write, for I am bursting with
pent-up rage, and know not where to turn for advice or help. When I
see such coldness and want of care and affection for persons of far
more importance than Franco, I cease to trouble about my own affairs,
but about theirs I am in despair. No one, man or woman, ever comes to
this house, save once in a blue moon, to ask whether Madonna is alive
or dead. Let be that they grant her no authority, but they might ask
if she is alive. Ever since our return she has been shut up in the
house, save the two days spent at Cervetri, twice that she went to see
the Pope, and one evening when she supped at the bank. She is always
ailing and there does not seem to be a man living who takes interest
in her. Cursed be that milk-cheese, those curds, those pears, that
flask of trebbiano, that bundle of fennel and those medlars, that have
never, never been sent to her by you or by anybody. These Genoese with
the Pope have the most beautiful loggia and all the greatest marvels
of the world, let alone other things of more value. While she, poor
patient child, the daughter of such a man and so perfect and charming
in herself, is less esteemed than would be the daughter of an exile,
and as I well know there are always prevarications, excuses and
justifications, saying that notice must not be taken of small things
and that one day all of a sudden we shall hear the thunder and see
the lightning of some important event. We shall see, my Ser Piero,
but I have no faith in excuses, and the conclusion is that if you do
not help to keep this house things you do not expect will happen, for
which you will be sorry.
I have written all this, full of despair and anger, to others besides
yourself. The bad health of Madonna Maddalena and the thoughtless
behaviour of my Lord in keeping her up, for all this winter he has
gambled every night, supping at six or seven and coming to bed at
daylight, and she will not, and cannot, eat or sleep without him.
Thus she has lost sleep and appetite and has become as thin as a
lizard, as I told you. To the ambassador and Noferi and Ser Niccolò
and to Christ, I have told this every day and kept them informed. The
ambassador replies: “It is your business to write to Lorenzo, what can
I do in the matter? Write, and let me act.” And Noferi says: “I fear
this girl will not live long, and my Lord says and does &c., and they
ought to be warned at Florence, &c.” Ser Niccolò, whom I asked about
either summoning Maestro Piero Leoni or describing her symptoms to him
and sending him the prescriptions of the doctors here, for the girl
has great faith in Maestro Leoni as he treated her mother and herself
and knows her constitution, made me copy out all the recipes of the
doctors and said it would be well to write and that he would do so.
Then he got immersed in grand doings and all has come to nought. Poor
Franco runs here and runs there angered inside and out, and his heart
is bursting. The worst is that he has not enough authority or brains
to set things right.
Madonna’s illness is caused by sitting up too late at night, eating at
hours she is not used to, and remaining shut up in the house all day
without taking any exercise; then, like her mother, she is melancholy,
thin, and pensive, and takes every caprice and folly of her husband’s
to heart. She thinks and dreams of nought else, so great is her love
of him. She is slowly pining away and this seems to me the most
alarming symptom, for nothing she eats or drinks does her any good or
gives her any pleasure....
Ser Piero, I beg you as earnestly as I can to excuse me and with
clasped hands I entreat you to get me away from here. First because,
as I have told you several times, I cannot bear it any longer, and
then because I get small honour and less gain. I know what I say.
Madonna can do little for me and I can do even less for her in the
state to which they have reduced her. I always told you none but a
Franco would have endured this life. No more at present. Let us study
to find a remedy for what is more important, and see that this girl
should be served rather like the daughter of her father than the wife
of him she has married. Let the rest go as it will. I commend myself
to you.--Rome, January 16, 1492.
Your Franco.[394]
Lorenzo’s end was fast approaching. The following extracts from
Manfredi’s letters show how terribly he suffered, and with what
fortitude he bore extreme pain. From his last words to Filippo Valori
and Andrea Cambini, who accompanied the young Cardinal Giovanni to
Rome, “I entrust the youth of my son to you, you will not see me
again,” it is evident he knew death was near. But in the long letter to
his son at Rome he makes no allusion to his own health, as though he
did not wish to cloud the lad’s first entrance into life. It is full
of political wisdom, knowledge of the world, and fatherly foresight.
After Giovanni’s departure Lorenzo rallied a little, and on March 21st
was carried to Careggi, attended by his favourite sister Bianca, his
daughter Lucrezia, his eldest son Piero, and the faithful Poliziano.
Manfredo di Manfredi, _Ambassador from Ferrara to Florence, to the_
Duke Ercole d’Este
... The Magnificent Lorenzo has not been able to see any of
the ambassadors on account of his gout which gives him great
pain....--Florence, January 16, 1492.[395]
... Since several days the Magnificent Lorenzo is very ill and much
tormented with pain all over the body save in the head. His agony is
such that _est res miranda_ how he can live. It is true the doctors do
not think it is an _infirmitas ad mortem_, but he is very weak from
want of rest. May God restore him to his usual health, for it really
moves one’s compassion to hear the state he is in....--Florence,
February 11, 1492.[396]
... For three days the Magnificent Lorenzo has been in such pain that
no one could see him....--Florence, March 5, 1492.[397]
... Since two days the Magnificent Lorenzo is better though he still
has attacks of pain. It is thought that this perverse and very cold
weather affects him....--Florence, March 8, 1492.[398]