Most Rev. Cardinal de’ Medici [Giovanni, Lorenzo’s second son] left
for Rome. Last Saturday he received the hat in a certain abbey, called
the Abbey of Fiesole, and then in his Cardinal’s robes, accompanied
by us ambassadors, many bishops, and a large number of citizens, made
a triumphal entry into the city. Dismounting at the palace of the
Signoria he paid them a visit. He mounted again and we accompanied him
to his father’s house. Next day, with the same following he went to S.
Liberata [the cathedral] to hear mass, which was celebrated by eight
bishops with great solemnity, and at which the Illustrious Signoria
assisted. At the close the Cardinal took leave of the Signoria in
the church and accompanied by us went to his father’s house where a
magnificent banquet was prepared, at which we ambassadors assisted
(having been previously invited) and sixty of the principal citizens
of this State. The house was most richly adorned. Before we rose from
table a great number of chiselled silver vases were presented to the
Cardinal on behalf of the Signoria. A stupendous sight, for the vases
were large and well ornamented. They were valued at 10,000 ducats or
more, which may well be, as they weighed more than 1000 pounds. We
ambassadors then went with His Illustrious Reverence to his room and
rich and handsome silver vases were brought by the various Communes,
and the Jews of the city, but His Lordship would not accept them and
gave them back to the donors with fair words of thanks. Likewise
he accepted nothing from any citizen save from his relations, who
gave him splendid gifts. The Magnificent Lorenzo, though in pain,
came into the hall where we were dining to see the Cardinal and us
ambassadors, and has begun to ride again, although often seized with
pain....--Florence, March 13, 1492.[399]
Lorenzo de’ Medici _to his son_, Cardinal Giovanni, _at Rome, in March
1492_
Messer Giovanni,--You are much beholden to our Lord God, as we all
are for your sake, as besides many benefits and honours our house has
received from Him it has pleased Him to bestow on you the highest
dignity our family has yet enjoyed. Great as this is it is much
enhanced by circumstances, particularly your youth and our condition.
Therefore my first recommendation is that you endeavour to be grateful
to our Lord God, remembering every hour that it is not by your own
merits or solicitude that you have attained the Cardinalate, but by
the grace of God. Show your gratitude to Him by leading a saintly,
exemplary, and honest life. You are the more bound to do this because
during your youth you have shown a disposition which gives hope of
good fruit. It would be indeed most shameful, contrary to your duty,
and to my expectations if at a time when others generally acquire more
reason and a better understanding of life, you should forget the good
precepts learned as a boy. It is incumbent on you to try and lighten
the burden of the dignity you have attained by leading a pure life
and persevering in the studies suitable to your profession. I was
greatly pleased last year to learn that without being reminded by any
one you had been several times to confession and to communion, for
I conceive there is no better way of obtaining the grace of God than
by habituating oneself to persevere in these duties. This seems to
me the best advice I can begin with. I know, as you are now going to
Rome, that sink of all iniquities, that you will find some difficulty
in following it, as bad examples are always catching, and inciters to
vice will not be wanting. Your promotion to the Cardinalate, as you
may imagine, at your age and for the other reasons already mentioned,
will be viewed with great envy, and those who were not able to prevent
your attaining this dignity will endeavour, little by little, to
diminish it by lowering you in public estimation and causing you to
slide into the same ditch into which they have themselves fallen,
counting on success because of your youth. You must be all the firmer
in your stand against these difficulties, as at present one sees such
a lack of virtue in the College. I recollect however to have known
a good many learned and good men in the College, leading exemplary
lives. It will be well that you should follow their example, for by so
doing you will be the more known and esteemed as being different from
the others. It is imperative above all things that you should avoid as
you would Scylla and Charybdis the reputation of being a hypocrite and
of evil fame. Be not ostentatious, and have a care to avoid anything
offensive in conduct and in conversation, without affecting austerity
or severity. These are things you will in time understand and practise
better, I conceive, than I can write them. You know how important is
the position and the example of a Cardinal, and that the world would
be far better if the Cardinals were what they ought to be, for then
there would always be a good Pope, from whom emanates, one may say,
peace for all Christians. Make every effort therefore to be this, if
others had done so we might hope for universal good. Nothing is more
difficult than to hold converse with men of various characters, and
in this I can ill advise you; only recollect when with the Cardinals
and other men of rank to try and be charitable and respectful in your
conversation, weighing your reasons well without being influenced by
the passions of others; for many desiring what they cannot attain turn
reason into abuse. Satisfy your conscience therefore by taking care
that your conversation with every man should be devoid of offence.
This seems to me a general rule most applicable in your case, for
should passion by chance make an enemy, as his enmity would have no
reasonable cause he may sometimes return with more ease to the old
friendship. It will be better I think on this, your first visit to
Rome, to use your ears more than your tongue. To-day I have given you
entirely to our Lord God and to Holy Church; it is therefore essential
that you become a good ecclesiastic, cherishing the honour and the
State of Holy Church and of the Apostolic See above aught else in
this world, and devoting yourself entirely to their interests. While
doing this it will not be difficult for you to aid the city and our
house, for the city being united to the Church you will represent
the solid chain, and our house is part of the city. Although it is
impossible to foresee what may happen I think it is likely that a way
will be found to save, as the proverb says, the goat and the cabbages,
always keeping steadfastly to your above-mentioned duty of setting the
interests of the Church above all else. You are the youngest Cardinal,
not only of the College, but the youngest that has hitherto been made,
it is therefore most necessary that where you have to compete with
the others you should be the most eager and the humblest, and avoid
making others wait for you in Chapel, in Consistory, or in Deputation.
You will soon learn who has a good or an evil reputation. With the
latter avoid any great intimacy, not only on your own account, but
for the sake of public opinion; converse in a general way with all.
I advise you on feast-days to be rather below than above moderation,
and would rather see a well-appointed stable and a well-ordered and
cleanly household than magnificence and pomp. Let your life be regular
and reduce your expenses gradually in the future, for the retinue and
the master being both new at first it will be difficult. Jewels and
silken stuffs must be used sparingly by one in your position. Rather
have a few good antiques and fine books, and well-bred and learned
attendants, than many of them. Ask people to your own house oftener
than you accept invitations to theirs, but do both sparingly. Eat
plain food and take much exercise, for those who wear your habit, if
not careful, easily contract maladies. The rank of Cardinal is as
secure as it is great, men therefore often become negligent; they
conceive they have done enough and that without exertion they can
preserve their position. This is often prejudicial to character and
to life, and a thing against which you must guard; rather trust too
little than too much in others. One rule I recommend to you above all
others, and that is to get up betimes; besides being good for health
one can meditate over and arrange all the business of the following
day, and in your position, having to say the office, to study, to give
audiences &c. you will find it most useful. Another thing absolutely
necessary to one in your station is to reflect, particularly at this,
the commencement of your career, in the evening on all you have to do
next day, so that an unforeseen event may not come upon you unawares.
As to speaking in the Consistory, I think it would be more seemly
and becoming if you refer all that comes before you to His Holiness,
alleging that as you are young and inexperienced you consider it
your duty to submit everything to the most learned judgment of His
Holiness. You will probably be asked to intercede in various matters
with our Holy Father. Be cautious however at the beginning to ask as
few favours as possible and not to bother him; the disposition of
the Pope is to be grateful to those who do not break his ears. Bear
this in mind in order not to annoy him. When you see him, talk about
amusing things, and if you have to beg, do it with all humility and
modesty. This will please him and be in accordance with his nature.
Keep well.--Florence.[400]
Cardinal Giovanni de’ Medici _to his father_ Lorenzo Magnifico Viro
Laurentio de Medici Pater optimo
_Salvus sis_,--In case ...[401] (I) did not tell you of some things.
On Friday morning I was given a public reception and went accompanied
by all the Cardinals, nearly the whole court, and very heavy rain,
from S.M. del Popolo to the palace and from the palace to Campo di
Fiore. Our Holy Father received me most graciously: I hardly spoke
to him. The following day the ambassadors waited on our Holy Father;
their audience was most satisfactory. The Pope desired to hear me the
day after, which is to-day. I have been, and His Holiness spoke as
lovingly as was possible to me, and reminded me, and advised me, to do
something when I visited these Cardinals, and I have begun to do so
with those to whom as yet I have paid visits. Another time I will tell
you who they are. All professed the greatest goodwill towards you. Of
former things I know that you have been told. Of myself I have nought
to say save that I will try hard to do you honour. _De me proloqui
ulterius, nefas._ The news that you are so much better has been a
great joy to me and I have no other wish than to hear this often. For
this I send thanks to Ser Piero [Leoni, the doctor]. I commend myself
to you. No more at present.--Rome, March 25, 1492.
Jo. Filius.[402]
In a letter to Jacopo Antiquario, Poliziano describes the malady from
which Lorenzo had been suffering and then continues:
... The day before his death, being at his villa of Careggi, he grew
so weak that all hope of his recovery vanished. Perceiving this,
like a wise man he called for the confessor to purge himself of past
sins. This same confessor told me afterwards that he marvelled to see
with what courage and constancy Lorenzo prepared himself for death;
how well he ordered all things pertaining thereunto, and with what
faith and religious feeling he reflected on the world to come. Towards
midnight while he was quietly meditating he was informed that the
priest bearing the Holy Sacrament had arrived. Rousing himself he
exclaimed, “It shall never be said that my Lord who created and saved
me shall come to me--in my room--raise me, I beg of you, raise me
quickly so that I may go and meet Him.” Saying this he raised himself
as well as he could and, supported by his servants, advanced to meet
the priest in the outer room. There crying he knelt down.
Poliziano gives a long prayer recited by Lorenzo and then continues:
These and other things he said sobbing, while all around cried
bitterly. At length the priest ordered that he should be raised from
the ground and carried to his bed, in order to receive the Viaticum in
more comfort. For some time he resisted, but at last out of respect
for the priest he consented. In bed repeating almost the same prayer,
with much gravity and devotion he received the body and blood of
Christ. Then he devoted himself to consoling his son Piero, for the
others were not there, and exhorted him to bear this law of necessity
with courage, feeling sure that the aid of Heaven would be vouchsafed
to him, as it had been to himself in many and divers occasions, if
he only acted wisely. Meanwhile your Lazarus, the doctor from Pavia,
arrived, most learned as it seemed to me, but summoned too late to be
of any use. Yet to do something he ordered various precious stones to
be pounded together in a mortar for I know not what kind of medicine.
Lorenzo thereupon asked the servants what the doctor was doing in
his room and what he was preparing, and when I answered that he was
composing a remedy to comfort his intestines he recognised my voice,
and looking kindly as is his wont: “Oh Angiolo,” he said, “art thou
here?” and raising his languid arms took both my hands and pressed
them tightly. I could not stifle my sobs or stay my tears though I
tried to hide them by turning my face away. But he showed no emotion
and continued to press my hands between his. When he saw that I could
not speak for crying, quite naturally he loosened my hands, and I ran
into the adjoining room where I could give free vent to my grief and
to my tears. Then drying my eyes I returned, and as soon as he saw me
he called me to him and asked what Pico della Mirandola was doing. I
replied that Pico had remained in town fearing to molest him with his
presence. “And I,” said Lorenzo, “but for the fear that the journey
here might be irksome to him would be most glad to see him and speak
to him for the last time before I leave you all.” I asked if I should
send for him. “Certainly, and with all speed,” answered he. This I
did, and Pico came and sat by the bed, whilst I leaned against his
knees in order to hear the languid voice of my lord for the last time.
With what goodness, with what courtesy, I may say with what caresses,
Lorenzo received him. First he asked his pardon for thus disturbing
him, begging him to regard it as a sign of the friendship--the
love--he bore him, assuring him that he died more willingly after
seeing so dear a friend. Then introducing, as was his wont, pleasant
and familiar sayings, he joked also with us. “I wish,” he said to
Pico, “that death had spared me until your library had been complete.”
Pico had hardly left the room when Fra Girolamo [Savonarola] of
Ferrara, a man celebrated for his doctrine and his sanctity and an
excellent preacher, came in. To his exhortations to remain firm in his
faith and to live in future, if God granted him life, free from crime,
or if God so willed it to receive death willingly, Lorenzo answered
that he was firm in his religion, that his life would always be guided
by it, and that nothing could be sweeter to him than death, if such
was the divine will. Fra Girolamo then turned to go when Lorenzo said:
“Oh Father, before going deign to give me thy benediction.” Bowing
his head, immersed in piety and religion he repeated the words and
the prayers of the friar, without paying any attention to the grief
now openly shown of his attendants. It seemed that all, save Lorenzo,
were going to die, so calm was he. He gave no signs of anxiety or
of sorrow; even in that supreme moment he showed his usual strength
of mind and his fortitude. The doctors who stood round, not to seem
idle, worried him with their remedies and assistance. He submitted to
everything they suggested, not because he thought it would save him,
but in order not to offend any one, even in death. To the last he had
such mastery over himself that he joked about his own death. Thus
when given something to eat and asked how he liked it he replied: “As
well as a dying man can like anything.” He embraced us all tenderly
and humbly asked pardon if during his illness he had caused annoyance
to any one. Then disposing himself to receive extreme unction he
commended his soul to God. The Gospel containing the Passion of Christ
was then read and he showed that he understood by moving his lips, or
raising his languid eyes, or sometimes moving his fingers. Gazing upon
a silver crucifix inlaid with precious stones and kissing it from time
to time, he expired....--Fiesole, May 18, 1492.[403]
This is Poliziano’s account of the last hours of Lorenzo. The
authority for the following by Fra Pacifico Cinozzi, is Fra Silvestro,
the adherent of Savonarola who went to the stake with him, and who
professed to have heard it from the lips of his master. To say the
least it would be unusual for a dying man who had already confessed
and received the Viaticum to wish to make a second confession, and to
receive absolution from another priest. Again, had Savonarola left
Careggi as described by Fra Pacifico, Lorenzo’s body would hardly
have been carried to S. Marco before the funeral and the burial in S.
Lorenzo.
“Now it pleased God that Lorenzo fell ill, and becoming worse and
nigh unto death he sent for the said Father Fra Ieronimo, using these
very words: ‘Go for the Father Fra Ieronimo, for I have never found
one save him who was an honest friar.’ Thus going to Careggi, where
Lorenzo was, he entered and after a few words Lorenzo said he desired
to make his confession. Fra Ieronimo answered he was willing, but
before hearing the confession he wished to mention three things, if
these were acceded to no doubt whatever his salvation was assured.
Lorenzo replied he was willing and would do what was asked. The Father
said: ‘Lorenzo, it is needful for you to have great faith,’ and he
answered: ‘Father, that I have.’ Fra Ieronimo then added the second:
‘Also it is needful that you restore what has been wrongfully taken.’
After reflecting for a while he answered: ‘Father, I will do so, or
I will cause my heirs to do it if I cannot.’ The Father then said:
‘It is needful for you to give back to the Republic the liberty of
the city, and to see that she returns to her ancient state.’ To these
words he gave no reply. Thus the said Father departed without further
confession, and not long after Lorenzo died. These words I heard from
Fra Silvestro who died together with Fra Ieronimo; and I believe he
knew and heard them from Father Fra Ieronimo.”[404]
Popular opinion in Florence at the time certainly seems to favour
Poliziano’s account. Bartolommeo Cerretani, who noted events carefully
in his chronicle, wrote on April 7, 1492: “About the fifth hour
Lorenzo received the Sacraments.” A few days later Benedetto Dei
wrote the following letter to his uncle, who was an adherent of the
Medici and often went to foreign lands on their commercial business.
Curious readers will find the discrepancies between the two narratives
discussed in Creighton’s _History of the Papacy_, Villari’s _Life and
Times of Savonarola_, and Horsburgh’s _Lorenzo the Magnificent_.
Bartolommeo Dei _to his uncle_ Benedetto Dei, _with Machiavelli in
Ferrara_
Dearest Uncle,--On Saturday last the 7th I wrote in answer to your
letter giving you full accounts of our private affairs, of the
house, and of everything, which I conclude you received. Giannotto
was too busy to write, and probably will not even have time to-day,
being so occupied with that business you know of; it is in danger in
consequence of the sad event of which you have heard. I did not write
to you before on account of the universal grief and tribulation, so
that not only writing but even thinking about it was difficult. It is
true that on Saturday I wrote you word that the Magnificent Lorenzo
was at Careggi for change of air, not well, and in pain it was said.
In the evening after my letter had gone it was reported that he had
a slight fainting fit, but no one was alarmed, chiefly because of
that accursed Maestro Piero Leoni of Spoleto, who to the very last
insisted that he could not die of that malady. On Saturday arrived the
doctor from Milan, who at once saw that he had been wrongly treated,
and prepared many remedies, but it was too late. He ought to have had
cold things and he was given hot. Finally on Sunday, after the fourth
hour of night, according to the will of Him who rules the world, he
quitted this life in the flower of his age, and most assuredly far too
soon, to the great and bitter sorrow of the whole city; and with every
reason, for no doubt we have lost the splendour not only of Tuscany
but of all Italy. Every day we shall learn more what we have lost. As
yet it cannot be calculated, but time will show.
The other terrible event is the insane death of Maestro Piero Leoni,
who when he saw his lying science had deceived him, which some say
was allied to necromancy, went out of his mind, and was taken to the
house of the Martelli near by, that is to say at S. Gervasio, where he
was well treated, and passed the night full of melancholy and without
speaking or answering any one. In the early morning he called for a
towel and washed his face at a well, and asked a peasant how deep the
water was. He was left leaning against the edge, and a short time
afterwards a woman went to draw water, and found him head downwards in
the well; half of his body was above water. She gave the alarm, and
then was seen the miserable end of a man of such erudition who had
used his science ill.
This created a great stir among the people who were already much
troubled by what had happened. But when it was proved that madness
alone had impelled the deed accusations made by idle tongues ceased,
and people said it served him right that he should have taken his own
life. There was no bruise or hurt on the handsome body, and to those
who saw, it was a sad spectacle. For a day it lay there by the well,
and was then buried in a field like those who elect to die thus.
On Monday evening at one of the clock [an hour after sundown] the body
of Lorenzo was borne by the Company of the Magi into the sacristy of
S. Lorenzo in the coffin wherein it had been brought from Careggi the
night before, with many torches and tapers. The next day, that is
Tuesday, the 10th, the funeral took place without much pomp, as had
always been the custom of their ancestors, without banners. There were
but three Orders of friars and one of priests; in truth, great pomp
could not be shown, for the greatest splendour would have been small
for such a man. But wonderful was the number of citizens and nobles,
in long black robes touching the ground, who came to do him honour;
it was a fine spectacle, and touching to see such manifest signs of
sadness and of sorrow.
The visits to Piero have been many of the whole city, and by common
accord all agree in maintaining him in the position of his father.
As a commencement a motion was carried by acclamation in the Council
which is to be published on Monday, declaring that Piero is to be one
of the Seventy in his father’s place, and is eligible for all offices,
the Council of Eight, the Twelve procurators, the Accopiatori, the
Operai of the Palace, and so on, which the Magnificent Lorenzo filled
or might have filled, and this notwithstanding his being under age. It
was a great thing and carried unanimously, and all united together to
do him honour with the hope that he will be a worthy heir of all his
father’s virtues.
Lorenzo lived forty-three years three months and six days, having been
born on January 2, 1448.[405] He died so nobly and with such patience,
understanding, and reverence towards God, as the most religious man
and divine soul could show; with such holy words on his lips that he
seemed another S. Jerome. God be merciful to him.--Florence, April 14,
1492. Your servant,
Bartolommeo Dei.[406]
Lorenzo was buried by the side of his brother Giuliano under the
sarcophagus fashioned by Verrocchio for Cosimo and Piero in the Old
Sacristy of S. Lorenzo, but in 1559 the coffins were removed and
placed in a vault under the statue of the Madonna by Michelangelo in
the New Sacristy. No epitaph, not even his name, marks the spot where
the Magnificent Lorenzo lies. King Ferrante’s words when he heard of
his death were prophetic: “This man has lived long enough for his own
immortal fame, but not for Italy. God grant that now he is dead men may
not attempt that which they dared not do while he was alive.”
FOOTNOTES:
[150] _Renaissance in Italy_, J. A. Symonds, ii. 232. Smith, Elder &
Co., London, 1897.